bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parents Multi-layered Expectations when Requesting an Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment of their Young Child: an In-Depth Interview Study
Authors: Jacobs Delphine , Steyaert Jean , Dierickx Kris , Hens Kristien
Published: July 2020

Background Parents are valued stakeholders in research, clinical practice and policy development concerning autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, little is known about what drives and moves parents besides their obvious worries and help request when they ask for a diagnostic ASD assessment of their child. Methods Seventeen Flemish parents of 11 young children participated in a longitudinal study consisting of three in-depth interviews before and after their child’s diagnostic ASD assessment. Data were analysed in Nvivo 11 according to the procedures of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results In this paper we report the results of the first series of interviews which were conducted after parents had asked for an ASD assessment of their young child, and before this assessment started. The pre-assessment experiences of the parents were dominated by the anticipation of various implications of an ASD diagnosis, comprising both positive and negative expectations. The theme of positive expectations consisted of two equally prominent subthemes: treatment-related implications but also expectations pertaining to their psychological and relational experiences. Conclusions This study suggests important issues for clinicians to bear in mind during a consultation with parents who request an ASD assessment of their young child. We argue that attending to and communicating about parents’ expectations prior to their child’s ASD assessment may help clinicians to better understand parents’ requests for help, and to address their needs more effectively.
Functional glutamate transporters are expressed in the carotid chemoreceptor
Authors: Li Chaohong , Huang Lu , Jia Xianglei , Zhao Baosheng , Chen Lingyun , Liu Yuzhen
Published: July 2020

Background: The carotid body (CB) plays a critical role in cyclic intermittent hypoxia (CIH)-induced chemosensitivity; however, the underlying mechanism remains uncertain. We have demonstrated the presence of multiple inotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) in CB, and that CIH exposure alters the level of some iGluRs in CB. This result implicates glutamatergic signaling in the CB response to hypoxia. The glutamatergic neurotransmission is not only dependent on glutamate and glutamate receptors, but is also dependent on glutamate transporters, including vesicular glutamate transporters (VGluTs) and excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs). Here, we have further assessed the expression and distribution of VGluTs and EAATs in human and rat CB and the effect of CIH exposure on glutamate transporters expression.Methods: The mRNA of VGluTs and EAATs in the human CB were detected by RT-PCR. The protein expression of VGluTs and EAATs in the human and rat CB were detected by Western blot. The distribution of VGluT3, EAAT2 and EAAT3 were observed by immunohistochemistry staining and immunofluorescence staining. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to CIH (FIO2 10%-21%, 3 min/3 min for 8 hours per day) for 2 weeks. The Student’s t test was performed.Results: Here, we report on the presence of mRNAs for VGluT1-3 and EAAT1-3 in human CB, which is consistent with our previous results in rat CB. The proteins of VGluT1 and 3, EAAT2 and 3, but not VGluT2 and EAAT1, were detected with diverse levels in human and rat CB. Immunostaining showed that VGluT3, the major type of VGluTs in CB, was co-localized with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in type I cells. EAAT2 and EAAT3 were distributed not only in type I cells, but also in glial fibrillary acidic protein positive type II cells. Moreover, we found that exposure of SD rats to CIH enhanced the protein level of EAAT3 as well as TH, but attenuated the level of VGluT3 and EAAT2 in CB. Conclusions: Our study suggests that glutamate transporters are expressed in the CB, and that glutamate transporters may contribute to glutamatergic signaling-dependent carotid chemoreflex to CIH.
Echinococcosis control in China: Progress on humans and dogs population intervention
Authors: Yu Qing , Xiao Ning , Han Shuai , Tian Tian , Zhou Xiaonong
Published: July 2020

Background A national control program for echinococcosis has been in effect since 2005 in China. This program has applied a comprehensive strategy, and good control results have been achieved. The objective of this study is focusing on the effectiveness of the programme with two indices, including patients treatment and registered dogs deworming, in endemic areas of echincoccosis control over the period of 10 years (2004-2014) in China. Methods 10 provinces and autonomous regions of China were chosen for this study and a database was established that included demography at county and township levels, grouping available patients into those subjected to surgery and those receiving drug treatment after population screening. All statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel software and SPSS software and the results are shown as percentages with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Results The study showed that over this period, the coverage rate (the grant total average rate) of surgical patient (after surgical operation) treatment had increased with 32.4% and with 81.3% for medical treatment with albendazole. Meanwhile, it increased by 58.6% for the deworming of registered dog since 2007. The accumulated costs amounted to US$ 27.03 million after discount for patients and registered dog treatment, which is 1/4 (27.03/110.67) of the total accumulated financial inputs (US$ 110.67 million from the Chinese Government. Since the implementation of the national program, it has increased 57 times (1705.9/30.1=57) with respect to the annual financial inputs (costs) and 368 times (11,067.9/30.1=368) with respect to all accumulated financial inputs (costs). Conclusions As found through this study, it is suggested that more attention should be paid to controlling wild canines during the ongoing program period and sustainable follow-up evaluations are crucial for success and continued implementation of the national program, which will be necessary until the disease is under control and has been eliminated in all endemic areas of China.
Mechanical wear analysis helps understand a mechanism of failure in retrieved magnetically controlled growing rods: a retrieval study
Authors: Wei Jack Z. , Hothi Harry S. , Morganti Holly , Bergiers Sean , Gal Elisabetta Dal , Likcani Doris , Henckel Johann , Hart Alister J.
Published: July 2020

Background To assess the relationship between mechanical wear and the failure of the internal lengthening mechanism in retrieved MAGnetic Expansion Control (MAGEC) growing rods.
Methods This study included 34 MAGEC rods retrieved from 20 patients. The state of the internal mechanism and mechanical wear were assessed in all the rods using plain radiographs and visual inspection. Metrology was then performed to assess the topography and mechanical wear of the telescopic bars, using a Talyrond 365 (Taylor Hobson, Leicester, UK) roundness measuring machine.
Results Plain radiographs showed evidence of a broken internal mechanism in 29% of retrieved rods. Single-side wear marks were found in 97% of retrieved rods. Material loss was found to significantly increase in rods with a damaged internal mechanism (p<0.05) and rods with longer time in situ (r=0.692, p<0.05).
Conclusion We found an association between damage to the internal mechanism of the rods and (1) patterns of single-side longitudinal wear marks and (2) increased material loss. As the material loss was also found to increase over time of rod in situ, we emphasise the importance of early detection and revision of failed MAGEC rods in clinical practice.
Comparison of overall survival of gastric neoplasms containing neuroendocrine carcinoma components with gastric adenocarcinoma: a propensity score matching study
Authors: Chen Jiahui , Wang Anqiang , Ji Ke , Bu Zhaode , Ji Jiafu
Published: July 2020

Background Gastric neoplasms containing neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) components are rare malignancies with highly aggressive behavior and a poor prognosis and include pure NEC and mixed tumors containing NEC components. We aimed to investigate whether there is a distinct difference in overall survival (OS) between gastric neoplasms containing NEC components and gastric adenocarcinoma. Methods Surgically resected gastric neoplasms containing NEC components (n=180) and gastric adenocarcinomas (n=785) from January 2013 to December 2019 at Peking University Cancer Hospital were retrospectively analysed. Patients were categorized into a surgical group and a neoadjuvant group and adjusted using propensity score matching. In the two groups, gastric neoplasms containing NEC components were divided into pure NEC and mixed tumors with less than 30% (<30% G-HMiNEN), between 30% and 70% (G-HMiNEN) and more than 70% (>70% G-HMiNEN) neuroendocrine carcinoma components. OS was compared between these groups and the gastric adenocarcinoma group. Results The OS of gastric neoplasms containing neuroendocrine NEC components was poorer than that of gastric adenocarcinomas in the surgical group, regardless of whether the percentage of neuroendocrine cancer components was less than 30%, between 30% and 70%, more than 70% or 100%. Cox multivariable regression analysis suggested that tumor category (neoplasms containing NEC components or gastric adenocarcinoma) was an independent risk factor for prognosis. Interestingly, among patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy, the difference was not significant. Conclusions Gastric neoplasms containing any proportion of NEC components had poorer overall survival than gastric adenocarcinoma in patients treated with surgery directly, indicating a higher degree of malignancy than gastric adenocarcinoma. Among the patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy, the difference in overall survival was not significant, which was in sharp contrast with the results of the surgery group, suggesting that neoadjuvant therapy may have a good effect in the treatment of these neoplasms.
CircRNAs as Potential Biomarkers for the Clinicopathology and Prognosis of Glioma Patients:A Meta-analysis
Authors: Ding Xiangqian , Yang Luyao , Geng Xin , Zou Yanghong , Wang Zhigang , Li Yao , Qi Renli , Wang Wei , li jinghui , Yu Hualin
Published: July 2020

Background: An increasing number of studies have reported circular RNAs (circRNAs) as new potential biomarkers for the prognosis of gliomas. However, the overall prognostic value of circRNAs for glioma remains unclear. Therefore, this study is the first comprehensive evaluation of the clinicopathological and prognostic value of dysregulated circRNAs in the treatment of glioma patients. Methods: We systematically reviewed the online databases of PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library to identify studies that explored the relationship between circRNA expression and clinicopathological and prognostic factors in glioma through April 11, 2020. The quality of the included studies was evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) checklists. Clinicopathological features were assessed by pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and overall survival (OS) was assessed by hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs. Results: Twenty-four eligible studies, including 22 studies of clinicopathological features, 1 diagnostic study, and 18 studies of prognosis, that included a total of 1390 patients were ultimately included in this study. Meta-analysis showed that highly expressed oncogenic circRNAs were significantly related to poor clinicopathological features (age: P =0.026; tumor size: P≤0.001; tumor grade: P≤0.001; KPS: P =0.012) and worse overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.61-2.50, P≤0.001). Moreover, we found that highly expressed tumor-suppressor circRNAs were related to better clinicopathological features (gender: P =0.042; age: P =0.014; tumor size: P =0.022; tumor grade: P≤0.001) and longer OS (HR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.82-3.99, P≤0.001). Conclusions: In conclusion, there is a significant correlation between the dysregulated expression of circRNAs and the clinicopathology and prognosis of glioma patients.
Baseline factors identified for prediction of good responders in patients with end-stage diffuse coronary artery disease undergoing intracoronary CD34+ cell therapy
Authors: Sung Pei-Hsun , Chiang Hsin-Ju , Li Yi-Chen , Chiang John Y , Chu Chi-Hsiang , Shao Pei-Lin , Lee Fan-Yen , Lee Mel S. , Yip Hon-Kan
Published: July 2020

Background: Treating patients with end-stage diffuse coronary artery disease (EnD-CAD) unsuitable for coronary intervention remains a clinical challenge. They usually express refractory angina and have high risk for mortality. Although growing data have indicated cell therapy is an alternative solution to medical or invasive therapy, there are still lacking useful markers to predict whether heart function will improve in the EnD-CAD patients who underwent circulatory-derived CD34+ cell therapy. By utilizing the baseline variables and results from our previous phase I/II clinical trials, the aim of this study tried to elucidate the variables predictive of the “good response” to CD34+ cell therapy.Methods: This retrospective study included 38 patients in the phase I clinical trial (2011-2014), and 30 patients in the phase II clinical trial (2013-2017). These patients were categorized into “good responders” and “non-responders” according to their 1-year improvement of LVEF ≥7.0% or <7.0% after intracoronary CD34+ cell therapy. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed to identify potential independent predictors of good responder to cell therapy, followed by Hosmer–Lemeshow (H-L) test for goodness of fit and prediction power.Results: Among baseline data, multivariate analysis demonstrated that history of former smoker was independently predictive of good responders (p=0.006). On the other hand, male gender, the baseline Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina score ≥3 and grades of LV diastolic dysfunction ≥2 were significantly negative predictors of good responders (all p<0.01). After administration of subcutaneous granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), a higher post-G-CSF neutrophil count in addition to the above four baseline variables also played crucial roles in early prediction of good response to CD34+ cell therapy for EnD-CAD (all p<0.03). The H-L test displayed a good prediction power with sensitivity 83.3%, specificity 85.3% and accuracy 84.4%. Conclusions: Using the results of our phase I/II clinical trials, previous smoking habit, female sex, lower grades of angina score and diastolic dysfunction were identified to be independently predictive of “good response” to CD34+ cell therapy in the patients with EnD-CAD.Trial registration: This is a retrospective analysis based on the phase I (ISRCTN72853206) and II (ISRCTN26002902) clinical trials
A New Lc-Ms/Ms Method for Multiple Residues/Contaminants In Bovine Meat
Authors: Hajrulai-Musliu Zehra , Uzunov Risto , Jovanov Stefan , Jankuloski Dean , Stojkovski Velimir , Pendovski Lazo , Sasanya James Jacob
Published: July 2020

A multi-class and multi-residue/contaminant method for the determination of veterinary drug and pesticide residues and mycotoxins in bovine meat has been developed and validated. The veterinary drug residues/contaminants included antimicrobials, anabolic hormones, lactones, β-agonists, mycotoxins, and pesticides. Isotopic labeled internal standards were included to compensate residual matrix effects. The calibrators used in the method demonstrated linearity with the coefficient of correlation (R2) > 0.98. The decision limit (CCα) values were in the range from 0.067 to 2103.84 μg/kg, while the range for detection capability (CCβ) was from 0.083 to 2482.13 μg/kg. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were in the range from 0.059 to 291.36 μg/kg, and 0.081 to 328.13 μg/kg, respectively. The recovery of analytes ranged from 61.28 % to 116.20 %. The intra-day coefficient of variation (CV) was from 0.97 to 25.93 % and the inter-day CV was 2.30-34.04 %. The method has been used for the determination of 49 residues/contaminants in bovine meat.
miR-18a-5p promotes NPC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT by targeting SMAD2
Authors: Li Pengcheng , Xing Junhui , Jiang Jianwu , Tian Xinyu , Liu Xuemeng , Yao Rui , Wu Leiming , Liang Cui , Zhang Yanzhou , Liu Junqi
Published: July 2020

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common malignant tumor in the head and neck that is characterized by high local malignant invasion and distant metastasis. miR-18a-5p reportedly plays an important role in tumorigenesis and development. However, little is known about the mechanism underlying miR-18a-5p’s role in NPC.

Methods

Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-18a-5p in NPC tissues and cell lines. MTT assay and plate clone formation assay were used to detect the effect of miR-18a-5p on NPC cell proliferation. Wound healing assays and Transwell assays were used to detect the effect of miR-18a-5p on NPC cell invasion and migration. The expressions of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins N-cadherin, Vimentin, and E-cadherin were detected by Western blot. Bioinformatics and dual-luciferase reporter assay were used to detect the targeting interaction between miR-18a-5p and SMAD2. Xenotransplantation and metastasis model were used to detect the effect of miR-18a-5p on NPC growth and metastasis in vivo.

Results

miR-18a-5p was highly expressed in NPC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-18a-5p promoted NPC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT process, whereas inhibition of miR-18a-5p expression led to the opposite results. Results of dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that SMAD2 was the target gene of miR-18a-5p, and SMAD2 could reverse the effect of miR-18a-5p on NPC cell line. Xenotransplantation and metastasis model experiments in nude mice showed that miR-18a-5p promotes NPC growth and metastasis in vivo.

Conclusions

Targeting SMAD2 downregulated miR-18a-5p expression, thereby promoting NPC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT.
Characteristics of patients who access zero, one or multiple General Practices and reasons for their choices: a study in regional Australia
Authors: Glenister Kristen Maree , Guymer John , Bourke Lisa , Simmons David
Published: July 2020

Background:
Most Australians visit a General Practitioner annually and are free to choose their General Practitioner and/or practice on each occasion. A proportion of people visit multiple general practices, which can reduce continuity of care, a core value of general practice. Utilisation of multiple general practices is associated with metropolitan residence and younger age. However, it is unclear which factors are associated with utilisation of multiple general practices in rural areas, where there are often General Practitioner workforce shortages and higher proportions of patients who may benefit from continuity of care such as older people or those with chronic disease. The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of people in a rural Australian area who accessed multiple general practices in the previous year.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey assessed self-reported utilisation and perspective of general practice services, uses of multiple practices, associated reasons, lifestyle advice and screening services received in four regional Victorian towns. Households were randomly selected and residents aged 16 + were eligible to participate.
Results:
Compared with utilisation of a single general practice, multiple general practice attendance in the past year (14.3%) was associated with younger age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR 95% confidence interval) 0.98 per year (0.97–0.99), residence in the regional centre aOR 2.90(2.22–3.78), emergency department (ED) attendance in the last 12 months aOR 1.65(1.22–2.21) and no out of pocket costs aOR 1.36(1.04–1.79)). Reasons for multiple general practice attendance included availability of appointments, cost and access to specific services. Compared with multiple general practice attendance, those attending single practices reported more screening tests but similar frequency of lifestyle advice. People who accessed multiple practices were less likely to report very high satisfaction (51.7% vs 62.9% p < 0.001) or excellent degree of confidence in their doctor (42.0% vs 49.8% p = 0.006) than single practice attendees.
Conclusions:
Those attending single practices report higher satisfaction and confidence in their GP and were less likely to attend ED. Further studies are required to test whether increasing availability of appointments and reducing out-of-pocket expenses would increase single practice attendance and/or decrease healthcare costs overall.
Ticagrelor Monotherapy in Patients with Concomitant Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Kidney Disease: A post Hoc Analysis of The GLOBAL LEADERS Trial
Authors: Gao Chao , Tomaniak Mariusz , Takahashi Kuniaki , Kawashima Hideyuki , Wang Rutao , Hara Hironori , Ono Masafumi , Montalescot Gilles , Garg Scot , Haude Michael , Slagboom Ton , Vranckx Pascal , Valgimigli Marco , Windecker Stephan , Geuns Robert-Jan van , Hamm Christian , Steg Philippe Gabriel , Onuma Yoshinobu , Angiolillo Dominick , Serruys Patrick W.
Published: July 2020

Background: Patients with both diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are a subpopulation characterized by ultrahigh ischemic and bleeding risk after the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). There are limited data on the impact of ticagrelor monotherapy among these patients.Methods: In this post hoc analysis of the GLOBAL-LEADERS trial, the treatment effects of the experimental (one-month dual-antiplatelet therapy [DAPT] followed by 23-month ticagrelor monotherapy) versus the reference regimen (12-month DAPT followed by 12-month aspirin alone) were analyzed according to DM/CKD status. The primary endpoint was a composite endpoint of all-cause death or new Q-wave myocardial infarction at two-years. The patient-oriented composite endpoint (POCE) was defined as the composite of all-cause death, any stroke, site-reported MI and any revascularization, whereas net adverse clinical events (NACE) combined POCE with BARC type 3 or 5 bleeding events.Results: At two years, the DM+/CKD+ patients had significantly higher incidences of the primary endpoint (9.5% versus 3.1%, adjusted HR 2.16; 95%CI [1.66-2.80], p<0.001), BARC type 3 or 5 bleeding events, stroke, site-reported myocardial infraction, all revascularization, POCE, and NACE, compared with the DM-/CKD- patients. Among the DM+/CKD+ patients, after adjustment, there were no significant differences in the primary endpoints between the experimental and reference regimen. The experimental regimen was associated with lower rates of POCE (20.6% versus 25.9%, HR 0.74; 95%CI [0.55-0.99], p=0.043, ptrend=0.155) and NACE (22.7% versus 28.3%, HR 0.75; 95%CI [0.56-0.99], p=0.044, ptrend=0.310), mainly driven by a lower rate of all revascularization, as compared with the reference regimen. The landmark analysis showed that while the experimental and reference regimen had similar rates of all the clinical endpoints during the first year, the experimental regimen was associated with significantly lower rates of POCE (5.8% versus 11.0%, HR 0.49; 95%CI [0.29-0.82], p=0.007, ptrend=0.040) and NACE (5.8% versus 11.2%, HR 0.48; 95%CI [0.29-0.82], p=0.007, ptrend=0.013) in the second year.Conclusion: Among patients with both DM and CKD, ticagrelor monotherapy was not associated with lower rates of all-cause death or new Q-wave, or major bleeding complications; however, it was associated with lower rates of POCE and NACE. These findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01813435).
Epidemiology and Multidrug Resistance of Strongyle Nematodes in Ordos Merino Sheep
Authors: Eye Ledege , Wuen Jiya , He Xiuling , Buyin Buhe , Hai Ying , HASI Surong
Published: July 2020

Background: Regular whole-flock treatments and long-term repeated use of similar anthelmintics has led to the development of anthelmintic resistance and widespread epidemic of sheep nematodiasis. The current work was carried out to understand the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes in Ordos merino sheep and to evaluate the efficacy of currently used anthelmintics. Results: A total of 4014 fresh fecal samples were collected from sheep from March 2017 to April 2019 and fecal nematode eggs were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed for understanding the prevalence of sheep nematodiasis. The anthelmintic efficacy of currently used drugs was evaluated in naturally infected sheep. The gastrointestinal nematode infection was serious in Ordos merino sheep. The infection rates of nematodes in three consecutive years were 84.3%, 36.9%, and 42.3%, respectively. The Hemonchus contortus and Nematodirus sp. were the dominantly infected species with the infection rates of 84.3% and 65.6% in 2017. Moreover, these species were acquired highly resistance to the Ivermectin, Doramectin, Albendazole and Levamisole. The percentages of FERC were 6.9%, 1.7%, 3.5% and 79.0%, respectively, following single administration. However, Nitroxynil and Closantel showed a strong anthelmintic efficacy on popular dominant species Haemonchus contortus and some other nematodes, while almost no effect on Nematodirus sp. Conclusions: The prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes in Ordos merino sheep and their resistance to commonly used anthelmintics were comprehensively understood, and the high efficacy drugs on predominant species were screened out. The results will pay a good foundation for developing of reasonable drug use.
PCNA-associated Factor (KIAA0101/p15PAF) over expression and Gene Copy Number Alterations in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tissues
Authors: Tantiwetrueangdet Anchalee , Panvichian Ravat , Sornmayura Pattana , Leelaudomlipi Surasak
Published: July 2020

Background
PCNA-associated factor (KIAA0101/p15PAF) is a cell-cycle regulated oncoprotein that regulates DNA synthesis, maintenance of DNA methylation, and DNA-damage bypass, through the interaction with the human sliding clamp PCNA. KIAA0101 is overexpressed in various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, it remains unknown whether KIAA0101 gene amplification occurs and causally correlates with the KIAA0101 overexpression in HCC. This question is relevant to the development of the optimal test(s) for KIAA0101 and the strategies to target KIAA0101 in HCC.
Methods
In this study, we validated KIAA0101 mRNA expression levels by quantitative real-time PCR in 40 pairs of snap-frozen HCC and matched-non-cancerous tissues; we then evaluated KIAA0101 gene copy numbers by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) in 36 pairs of the tissues. Besides, KIAA0101 protein expression was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 81 pairs of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. We determined the correlation between KIAA0101 gene copy numbers and KIAA0101 RNA expression by Spearman correlation, and between KIAA0101 protein expression and other clinicopathological variables by Chi-square test.
Results
Our results confirmed KIAA0101 mRNA overexpression in HCC; KIAA0101 mRNA levels were significantly higher in HCC than in the matched-non-cancerous tissues (p < 0.0001). We found no amplification of KIAA0101 gene in HCC and no correlation between KIAA0101 gene copy numbers and KIAA0101 RNA expression. KIAA0101 protein was overexpressed in the majority of HCC tissues (77.8%) but was not be detectable in all of the matched-non-cancerous tissues. Significant correlations between the expression of KIAA0101 protein and p53 tumor suppressor protein, and Ki-67 proliferation marker protein were found (p = 0.002 and 0.017, respectively), but no correlations between the expression of KIAA0101 and age, tumor size, and expression of AFP and HBsAg.
Conclusions
KIAA0101 overexpression, at mRNA and protein levels, frequently occurs in HCC without concurrent KIAA0101 gene amplification. Significant correlations between the expression of KIAA0101 protein and p53 and Ki-67 proteins were observed in this study. Thus, detection of KIAA0101 mRNA/protein might be used, along with the detection of p53 and Ki-67 proteins, as potential biomarkers to select candidate patients for further studies of novel HCC treatment related to these targets.
Maternal Health Care Seeking Behavior of Nepalese Woman: A Perspective of Socio Ecological Model
Authors: Sharma Mohan Kumar , Khanal Shanti Prasad , Acharya Jib , Adhikari Ramesh , Bista Rabi , Adhikari Deep Bahadur , Kheral Suman
Published: July 2020

Background Nepal has a very high Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in the South Asian region partly owing to the low utilization of maternal health services. One of the leading causes for maternal death in the rural areas of Nepal is lack of awareness about mental health. The prominent objective of this study is to explore the influencing factors utilization of maternal health care service among Nepalese women.Methods This is a qualitative study performed in Kathmandu district at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, in Nepal. In-depth interviews (IDIs) were administrated with 18 women with recent delivery case (within seven days). Furthermore, five Key-informants interview (KIIs) with their husbands was conducted. The data was thematically analyzed using content analysis, where Social-Ecological Model (SEM) was applied as a theoretical framework to lead thematic content.Results Women's knowledge, perception, decision-making autonomy in interpersonal level, mother-in-law and husband's role in intrapersonal level, employment organization in institutional level, peer groups, and neighbors in community level, and safe-motherhood program in policy level were influencing factors to obey adequate Maternal Health Care Seeking Behavior (MHCSB). Also, negligence of women in MHC check-up, inadequate health facilities, health facilities without maternal requirement and non availability gynecologist were observed as a core barrier for utilization of MHCSB.Conclusions There were numerous causes for not utilizing MHCSB: inadequate health facilities, health facilities without maternal services, and unavailability of gynecologist especially in health facilities of rural areas in Nepal. More health facilities should be built especially in remote areas and adequately equipped with maternal health services, drugs, and specialist. Further, existing health facilities should be promoted with overall maternal health care requirement with its specialist. Free MHCS should cover the cost of items required for delivery in addition to ANC, PNC check-up and institutional delivery.
Routine Use of Immunosuppressants is Associated with Mortality in Hospitalised Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Myint Phyo K , Carter Ben , Barlow-Pay Fenella , Short Roxanna , Einarsson Alice G , Bruce Eilidh , McCarthy Kathryn , Verduri Alessia , Collins Jemima , Hesford James , Rickard Frances , Mitchell Emma , Halloway Mark , McGovern Aine , Vilches-Moraga Arturo , Braude Philip , Pearce Lyndsay , Stechman Michael , Price Angeline , Quinn Terence J , Clini Enrico , Moug Susan J , Hewitt Jonathan
Published: July 2020

Background: Whilst there is literature on impact of the SARS viruses in the severely immunosuppressed, and those who develop exaggerated immune response, less is known about the link between routine immunosuppressant use and outcome in COVID-19. Consequently, guidelines on their use vary depending on specific patient populations.Methods: The study population was drawn from the COPE Study (COVID-19 in Older People), a multicentre observational cohort study, carried out in UK and Italy. Data were collected between 27th February and 28th April 2020 by trained data collectors and included all unselected consecutive admissions with Covid-19. Load (name/number of medications) and dosage of immunosuppressant were collected along with other covariate data. The primary outcome was time-to-mortality from the date of admission (or) date of diagnosis, if diagnosis was five or more days after admission. Secondary outcomes were Day-14 mortality and time-to-discharge (length of stay). Data were analysed with mixed-effects, Cox proportional hazards and Logistic regression models using non-users of immunosuppressants as the reference group.Results: 1184 patients were eligible for inclusion. The median (IQR) age was 74(62-83), 676(57%) were male, and 299(25.3%) died in hospital (total person follow-up 15,540 days). Most patients exhibited at least one comorbidity, and 113(~10%) were on immunosuppressants. We found that any immunosuppressant use was associated with increased mortality: aHR 1.87,95%CI:1.30,2.69 (time to mortality) and aOR1.71,95%CI:1.01-2.88 (14-day mortality). There also appeared to be a dose-response relationship.Conclusion: Despite the possibility of indication bias, until further evidence emerges we recommend adhering to public health measures stringently, a low threshold to seek medical advice and close monitoring of worsening symptoms in those who take immunosuppressants routinely regardless of their indication.
Development and Validation of a Novel Nomogram to Predict Lymph Node Involvement in T1 Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma.
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Wei Li , Li Jiwei , Zhang Quan , Ma Zeheng
Published: July 2020

A total of 326 patients with T1 lung adenocarcinoma from March 2012 to April 2016 in our center were included. The relationship between LNI and different risk factors were accessed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Four significant risk factors identified by multivariate logistic regression were tumor diameter (OR = 2.175, 95%CI:1.277–3.072, p = 0.0045), lymph node swelling exist preoperative (OR = 6.144, 95%CI:6.947–14.059, p = 0.003), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (OR = 3.149, 95%CI:1.546–6.673, p = 0.003), CEA (OR = 4.375, 95%CI: 2.613–7.537, p = 0.00694). A nomogram was constructed by combing risk factors and validated with an internal set. The C-index of this nomogram was 0.875, which was validated by bootstrap method. At last we concluded that the novel nomogram showed the potential value of LNI prediction for lung adenocarcinoma.
Abnormal Regional Homogeneity and Its Relationship with Symptom Severity in Cervical Dystonia: A Rest State fMRI Study
Authors: Wei Shubao , Lu Chunhui , Chen Xiuqiong , Yang Lu , Wei Jing , Jiang Wenyan , Liu Yang , Li Huihui , Qin Yuhong , Lei Yiwu , Qin Chao , Hu Caiyou , Luo Shuguang
Published: July 2020

Background: Although several brain networks play important roles in cervical dystonia (CD) patients, regional homogeneity (ReHo) changes in CD patients have not been clarified. We investigated to explore ReHo in CD patients at rest and analyzed its correlations with symptom severity as measured by Tsui scale.Methods: A total of 19 CD patients and 21 gender-, age-, and education-matched healthy controls underwent fMRI scans at rest state. Data were analyzed by ReHo method.Results: Patients showed increased ReHo in the right cerebellum crus I and decreased ReHo in the right superior medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC). Moreover, the right precentral gyrus, right insula, and bilateral middle cingulate gyrus also showed increased ReHo values. A significantly positive correlation was observed between ReHo value in the right cerebellum crus I and symptom severity (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Our investigation suggested abnormal ReHo existed in brain regions of default mode network (i.e. the cerebellum and MPFC), the motor network (the right precentral gyrus) and imbic system (the right insula and bilateral middle cingulate gyrus) and further highlighted the significance of these networks in the pathophysiology of CD.
Analysis of MicroRNA Transcriptomes Insights into the miR-148a-3p Inducer of Rumen Development in Goats
Authors: Zhong Tao , Wang Cheng , Hu Jiangtao , Chen Xiaoyong , Niu Lili , Zhan Siyuan , Wang Linjie , Cao Jiaxue , Li Li , Zhang Hongping
Published: July 2020

Background: Rumen is an important digestive organ of ruminant. From fetal to adult stage, the morphology, structure and function of rumen have changed significantly. But the intrinsic genetic regulation is still limited. We previously reported a genome-wide expression profile of miRNAs in prenatal goat rumens. In the present study, we rejoined analyzed the transcriptomes of rumen miRNAs during prenatal (E60 and E135) and postnatal (D30 and D150) stages.Results: A total of 66 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified in the rumen tissues from D30 and D150 goats. Of these, 17 DEMs were consistently highly expressed in the rumens at the preweaning stages (E60, E135 and D30), while down-regulated at D150. Noteworthy, annotation analysis revealed that the target genes regulated by the DEMs were mainly enriched in MAPK signaling pathway, Jak-STAT signaling pathway and Ras signaling pathway. Interestingly, the expression of miR-148a-3p was significantly high in the embryonic stage and down-regulated at D150. The potential binding sites between miR-148a-3p and QKI were predicted by the TargetScan and verified by the dual luciferase report assay. The co-localization of miR-148a-3p and QKI was observed not in intestinal tracts but in rumen tissues by in situ hybridization. Moreover, the expression of miR-148a-3p in the epithelium was significantly higher than that in the other layers, suggesting that miR-148a-3p involve in the development of rumen epithelial cells by targeting QKI. Subsequently, miR-148a-3p inhibitor was found to induce the proliferation of GES-1 cells.Conclusions: Taken together, these results identified the DEMs involved in the development of rumen and provided an insight into the regulation mechanism of goat rumens during development.
Sociodemographic correlates of antenatal care visits in Nepal: Results from Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2016
Authors: Adhikari Mukesh , Chalise Binaya , Bista Bihungum , Pandey Achyut Raj , Upadhyaya Dipak Prasad
Published: July 2020

Background: Good quality antenatal care visits are crucial to reduce maternal mortality and improve overall maternal and neonatal health outcomes. A previous study on antenatal care visits analyzed the nationally representative data of 2011; however, no studies have been conducted recently in Nepal. Therefore, we analyzed the sociodemographic correlates of the frequency and quality of antenatal care among Nepalese women from the nationally representative data of 2016.Methods: We analyzed data obtained from the Nepal Demography Health Survey (2016) on antenatal care for 2761 women who had one or more births in the past three years. Our study defined 'good quality antenatal care' as at least a 75% score on a composite metric which was obtained by adding the weighted scores assigned to the twelve recommended components of antenatal care. We analyzed the factors associated with the frequency and quality of antenatal care by using multiple Poisson regression and multiple logistic regression.Results: While 70 % of the Nepalese women surveyed had at least four antenatal care visits, only 21 % of these women received good-quality antenatal care. We found that the educated women (APR: 1.12; CI: 1.05-1.19) and the women of rich wealth index (APR: 1.27; CI: 1.18-1.37) were more likely to receive a higher number of antenatal visits. In contrast, women living in rural areas (APR: 0.92; CI: 0.87-0.98), and those who had more than two children (APR: 0.88; CI: 0.83-0.93) were less likely to receive a higher number of antenatal visits. Regarding the quality of antenatal care, educated women (AOR: 1.51; CI: 1.09-2.08), women who had educated husbands (AOR: 2.11; CI: 1.38-3.22), women of rich wealth index (AOR: 1.58; CI: 1.13-2.20) and women who had intended pregnancy (APR: 1.69; CI: 1.23-2.34), were more likely to receive good-quality antenatal care.Conclusion: Due to a wide variation in the coverage of different components of antenatal care, concerned stakeholders could tailor the interventions by focusing on components with lower use. Because we found an association of myriad sociodemographic factors with the frequency and quality of antenatal care, targeted interventions are necessary.
Gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnancy increased erythropoietin level affecting differentiation potency of haematopoietic stem cell of umbilical cord blood
Authors: Nordin Fazlina , Idris Mohd Razif Mohd , Mahdy Zaleha Abdullah , Wahid S Fadilah Abd
Published: July 2020

Background The in utero environment has many factors that can support cell differentiation. Cytokines, chemokines and growth factors play big roles in haematopoietic mechanisms. Some diseases like gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) might affect the environment and haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) quality. The aim of this study is to investigate the adverse effects of GDM on umbilical cord blood (UCB) HSC in terms of differentiation potency including the UCB parameters used for banking and transplantation purposes. Methods UCB-HSC was isolated and further enriched using immuno-magnetic separation beads (MACS). The UCB-HSC were cultured in methylcellulose media to investigate the differentiation potency. The level of erythropoietin (EPO) and insulin in the UCB plasma was measured using enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA) technique. Results The UCB parameters; volume, total nucleated count (TNC) and total CD34+ cells were significantly reduced in the GDM group compared to the control group. The number of HSC progenitors’ colonies were significantly reduced in the GDM group except for progenitor BFU-E, which was significantly increased (GDM=94.19 ± 6.21, Control=73.61 ± 2.73, p=0.010 ). This data was associated with higher EPO level in GDM group. However, the insulin level in the GDM group was comparable to the Control group. Conclusion Our results suggest that the changes in the in utero environment due to abnormalities during pregnancy such as GDM affect the differentiation potency of UCB-HSC. These findings can be considered as an additional parameter for the inclusion and exclusion criteria for UCB banking, particularly for mothers with GDM.
Energy Management of a PV-SB HPGS Based on Model Predictive Control
Authors: Algabalawy Mostafa , Samir Nesreen M.
Published: July 2020

Background

Hybrid Power Generation Systems (HPGSs) always introduces the solutions for many problems of the power systems such as; poor power quality and the highly generation costs. Usually, these systems have high opportunity of utilizing the renewable sources, where they are installed so near to the customers. In some times, the customers whom have installed these systems, have the ability to purchase or sell the required or the surplus energy, respectively. Therefore, the concept of the energy management should be implemented in these situations, which means providing energy to the consumers while respecting the demand and optimizing the production cost. Supplying power has become more and more complex in a growing network. Several ways exist to adapt to the steadily increasing energy demand. The energy efficiency of the buildings/generators could be improved, or new electric supply units could be built. However, smarter techniques of managing the grid from the demand side receive an increasing attention by research and industry for a promising economic potential.
Methods

The proposed HPGS in this paper is the combination of the Photovoltaic (PV) and the Storage Battery (SB). The Demand Response (DR) is the main philosophy for the energy management for PV-SB HPGS, while the Model Predictive Control (MPC) is applied to control the energy from the HPGS to the smart home, which was incorporated with an electrical heater in each room. The DR strategy has also been applied using other control techniques, such as thermostat and Proportional-Integral (PI) controller, for the purpose of comparing between the techniques.
Results

Simulation results for the three controllers were implemented. A comparison between the results was carried out. to verify the proposed system, which proved the superiority of the MPC.
Conclusions

A smart method for optimizing the comfort temperature inside the rooms by using a MPC strategy with a PV panel and a battery was proposed. DR allowed benefits on both system operation and market efficiency. MPC evidenced to provide economic benefits with respect to other compared controllers.
Neuregulin-1 Inhibits CoCl2-Induced Excitatory Amino Acid Carrier 1 Overexpression and Oxidative Stress in SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Kim Han-Byeol , Yoo Ji-Young , Yoo Seung-Yeon , Lee Jun-Ho , Kim Hye-Sun , Baik Tai-Kyoung , Woo Ran-Sook
Published: July 2020

Excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1) is an important subtype of excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) and is the route for neuronal cysteine uptake. CoCl2 is not only a hypoxia-mimetic reagent but also an oxidative stress inducer. Here, we found that CoCl2 induced significant overexpression of EAAC1 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. We further demonstrated that pretreatment with NRG1 rescued the CoCl2-induced upregulation of EAAC1 and tau expression. Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) plays a protective role in the CoCl2-induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduction in antioxidative enzyme (SOD and Gpx) activity. Moreover, NRG1 attenuated CoCl2-induced apoptosis and cell death. NRG1 inhibited the CoCl2-induced release of cleaved caspase-3 and reduction in Bcl-XL. Our novel findings suggest that NRG1 may play a protective role in oxidative stress and hypoxia through the regulation of EAAC1.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Waste Tea Leaves
Authors: Rajput Darshana , Paul Samrat , Gupta Annika
Published: July 2020

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles has gained momentum since the demand to synthesize nanoparticles in an eco-friendly way has increased significantly. Here we report, economic and cost-effective biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using waste of tea leaves (Camelia sinesis). The aim of the study was to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles and to assess its potential applications such as antibacterial activity, plant growth induction and dye degradation. Standardization studies were done using UV- Spectroscopy to determine the optimum synthesis condition for synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The optimum conditions were found to be pH 6.0, ambient temperature condition and 5mM AgNO3 concentration. Characterization studies using UV-Visible Spectroscopy, TEM and AFM analysis show nanoscale range of the particles. The silver nanoparticles showed maximum antibacterial activity against K. pneumonia followed by E. coli and minimum activity against C. diptheriae. The nanoparticles showed significant effect on the growth of Vigna radiata seeds at 50% concentration of nanoparticles. The particles immobilized on cotton cloth showed antibacterial activity against Gram positive organisms. Dye degradation studies showed that the nanoparticles are able to degrade phenol red and blue textile dye effectively.