bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies on the Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Diabetic Patients attending a Tertiary Health-care Facility South-west Nigeria.
Authors: NDAKO James A. , Owolabi Akinyomade O , Olisa Joseph A. , Akinwumi Jeremiah A. , Dojumo Victor T. , Olatinsu Oludolapo , Adebayo Blessing A.
Published: December 2019

Background:Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are two major public health problems associated with increasing complications and mortality rates worldwide. The objective of this study to evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in diabetic patients and to investigate the influence of several epidemiological and clinical factors on HCV infection. Method: A total number of one hundred and eighty diabetic patients were recruited for this study. Consented subjects made up of 71(39.4%) males and 109(60.56%) females were recruited for the study. While one-Hundred (100) Non-Diabetics (Controls) were recruited for this study. Structured questionnaires were administered to the consented participants to obtain relevant data. Sera samples were assayed for antibodies to HCV using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [Inteco Diagnostic Limited]. ELISA technique.Result: Overall prevalence of HCV infection among diabetes patients assayed was 13.3%. Out of which 8(11.3%) was obtained from the male subjects compared to 16 (14.7%) seropositivity recorded for the female subjects (P = 0.511; P > 0.05). Considering age distribution, Subjects aged 41-50 years recorded, 9 (22.5%) positivity (P= 0.238; P>0.05).Considering educational status of subjects screened, 22 (14.9%) positivity was rescored among subjects who have attained tertiary status of education.( P = 0.574;P>0.05).Risk factors considered showed that, 7 (18.9%) seropositive subject were alcoholic consumers(P value = 0.2621;P>0.05) while 5 (8.9%) recorded history of sharing sharp objects P= 0.2427;P>0.05).Conclusion: Our study shows a slightly higher prevalence of hepatitis C infection in type 2 diabetics. This call for urgent routine screening exercise among diabetic patients for HCV infection. This study also emphasizes the need for public enlightenment of the association between HCV infection and T2DM, to avert possible complications among diabetic patients. Keywords: HCV, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), Patients
Identification and characterization of differentially expressed genes in Caenorhabditis elegans in response to pathogenic and nonpathogenic Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Authors: Radeke Leah J , Herman Michael
Published: December 2019

Background: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an emerging nosocomial pathogen that causes infection in immunocompromised patients. S. maltophilia isolates are genetically diverse, contain diverse virulence factors, and are variably pathogenic within several host species. Members of the Stenotrophomonas genus are part of the native microbiome of C. elegans , being found in greater relative abundance within the worm than its environment, suggesting that these bacteria accumulate within C. elegans . Thus, study of the C. elegans-Stenotrophomonas interaction is of both medical and ecological significance. To identify host defense mechanisms, we analyzed the C. elegans transcriptomic response to S. maltophilia strains of varying pathogenicity: K279a, an avirulent clinical isolate, JCMS, a virulent strain isolated in association with soil nematodes near Manhattan, KS, and JV3, an even more virulent environmental isolate. Results: Overall, we found 145 genes that are commonly differentially expressed in response to pathogenic S. maltophilia strains, 89% of which are upregulated, with many even further upregulated in response to JV3 as compared to JCMS. There are many more JV3-specific differentially expressed genes (225, 11% upregulated) than JCMS-specific differentially expressed genes (14, 86% upregulated), suggesting JV3 has unique pathogenic mechanisms that could explain its increased virulence. We used connectivity within a gene network model to choose pathogen-specific and strain-specific differentially expressed candidate genes for functional analysis. Mutations in 13 of 22 candidate genes caused significant differences in C. elegans survival in response to at least one S. maltophilia strain, although not always the strain that induced differential expression, suggesting a dynamic response to varying levels of pathogenicity.
Conclusions: Variation in observed pathogenicity and differences in host transcriptional responses to S. maltophilia strains reveal that strain-specific mechanisms play important roles in S. maltophilia pathogenesis. Furthermore, utilizing bacteria closely related to strains found in C. elegans natural environment provides a more realistic interaction for understanding host-pathogen response.
The effect of the laparoscopic primary suture of the common bile duct in elderly patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Liu Jinheng , Wang Yanting , Liu Xubao , Yin Sineng
Published: December 2019

Background The surgery treatment strategies for elderly patients who were diagnosed as choledocholithiasis combined with cholecystolithiasis include laparoscopic choledocholithotomy with cholecystectomy and T-tube drainage or endoscopic sphincterotomy with nasobiliary drainage alone for those selected elderly patients without symptoms related to the gallbladder. However, long-term T-tube drainage will cause pain and life inconvenient. This study was designed to retrospective analysis the primary suture of the common bile duct and the T-tube drainage after laparoscopic choledochotomy to study the merits and demerits between primary suture and T-tube drainage in elderly patients. Methods Eighty-five patients were screened from January 2017 to January 2018. All patients were performed laparoscopic surgery, and an intraperitoneal drainage tube was left in all patients. Fifty-six cases were the primary suture group (n=56). Twenty-nine cases were the T-tube group (n=29). Preoperative baseline characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative characteristics of the two groups were compared. Results There were no differences in baseline characteristics in both groups (P＞0.05). Compared with the T-tube group, the postoperative total drainage volume on the first day [15(15, 58.75) vs 292(185, 360)] and patients of residual stones (0/56 vs 5/29) were fewer, and all drainage tube indwelling time [6(5,7) vs 84(82,86.5)] was shorter in the primary suture group(P﹤0.05). And there were statistically significant differences in postoperative total drainage volume on the first day [15(15, 58.75) vs 292(185, 360)], all drainage tube indwelling time [6(5, 7) vs 84(82, 86.5)], postoperative total bilirubin [22.15(13.475, 33) vs 31.3(20.6,57.3)] and residual stones (0/56 vs 5/29) between the two groups (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the other intraoperative and postoperative characteristics(P＞0.05). There were no pressure sores, postoperative pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, serious complications of heart, lung and brain and even death in both groups. Conclusions With accurate preoperative risk assessment and strict treatment of basic diseases for elderly patients, if the stones in the common bile duct were cleared in laparoscopic surgery, the primary suture in elderly patients is feasible, safe, and valid.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism and susceptibility to psoriasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ramezani Mazaher , Zavattaro Elisa , Sadeghi Masoud
Published: December 2019

Background : Psoriasis is a multifactorial disorder, impacted by both genetic and environmental factors. Herein, a meta-analysis assessed the association of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion ( ACE I/D) polymorphism and psoriasis susceptibility. Methods : A systematic search was used in databases of PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to January 2019 without language restriction. A dichotomous analysis was carried out by RevMan 5.3 using crude odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to investigate the association between ACE I/D polymorphisms and the risk of psoriasis. A funnel plot analysis was used by CMA 2.0 to estimate a significant existence of publication bias. Results : Out of 61 studies retrieved from the databases, 16 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled ORs for models of D vs. I, DD vs. II, ID vs. II, ID + DD vs. II, and DD vs. II + ID genotypes were 0.96 [95%CI: 0.82, 1.12; P=0.58], 0.99 [95%CI: 0.73, 1.36; P=0.96], 0.81 [95%CI: 0.72, 0.91; p: 0.0003], 0.91 [95%CI: 0.73, 1.13; P=0.40], and 1.05 [95%CI: 0.85, 1.30; P=0.68], respectively. A significant difference between ACE polymorphisms in patients with/without family history for the disease [OR=1.44; 95%CI: 1.24, 1.67; P<0.001] and also in patients mild/severe psoriasis [OR=0.70; 95%CI: 0.55, 0.88; P=0.002] was identified. Conclusion : The results of the meta-analysis showed that ACE I/D polymorphism may be associated with psoriasis susceptibility, while ID genotype seemed to have a protective role in Caucasian patients affected by psoriatic arthritis and in studies with hospital-based controls.
Computational MHC-I epitope predictor identifies 95% of experimentally mapped HIV-1 clade A and D epitopes in a Ugandan cohort.
Authors: Lule Daniel Bugembe , Ekii Andrew Obuku , Watera Christine , Ndembi Nicaise , Serwanga Jennifer , Kaleebu Pontiano , Pala Pietro
Published: December 2019

Background: Identifying immunogens that induce HIV-1-specific immune responses is a lengthy process that can benefit from computational methods, which predict T-cell epitopes for various HLA types.
Methods: We tested the performance of the NetMHCpan4.0 computational neural network in re-identifying 93 T-cell epitopes that had been previously independently mapped using the whole proteome IFN-g ELISPOT assays in 6 HLA class I typed Ugandan individuals infected with HIV-1 subtypes A1 and D. To provide a benchmark we compared the predictions for NetMHCpan4.0 to MHCflurry1.2.0 and NetCTL1.2.
Results: NetMHCpan4.0 performed best correctly predicting 88 of the 93 experimentally mapped epitopes for a set length of 9-mer and matched HLA class I alleles. Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) analysis gave an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.928. Setting NetMHCpan4.0 to predict 11-14mer length did not improve the prediction (37-79 of 93 peptides) with an inverse correlation between the number of predictions and length set. Late time point peptides were significantly stronger binders than early peptides (Wilcoxon signed rank test: p =0.0000005). MHCflurry1.2.0 similarly predicted all but 2 of the peptides that NetMHCpan4.0 predicted and NetCTL1.2 predicted only 14 of the 93 experimental peptides.
Conclusion: NetMHCpan4.0 class I epitope predictions covered 95% of the epitope responses identified in six HIV-1 infected individuals, and would have reduced the number of experimental confirmatory tests by >80%. Algorithmic epitope prediction in conjunction with HLA allele frequency information can cost-effectively assist immunogen design through minimizing the experimental effort.
Keywords: HIV-1, epitope mapping, T-cell, artificial neural network, in-silico , NetMHCpan4.0., MHCflurry1.2.0 and NetCTL1.2.
Transcriptome analysis of postharvest blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum ‘Duke’) in response to cold stress
Authors: Zhang Fan , Ji ShuJuan , Wei BaoDong , Cheng Shunchang , Hao Jia , Wang YaJuan , Wang SiYao , Zhou Qian
Published: December 2019

Background: Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) is a small berry with high economic value. Although cold storage can extend the storage time of blueberry to more than 60 days, it leads to chilling injury (CI) displayed as pedicle pits; and the samples of 0°C-30 days was the critical point of CI. However, little is known about the mechanism and the molecular basis response to cold stress in blueberry have not been explained definitely. Methods: To comprehensively reveal the CI mechanisms in response to cold stress, we performed high-throughput RNA Seq analysis to investigate the gene regulation network in 0d (control) and 30d chilled blueberry. At the same time, the pitting and decay rate, electrolyte leakage (EL), malondialdehyde (MDA) proline content and GSH content were also measured.Results: Two cDNA libraries from 0d (control) and 30d chilled samples were constructed and sequenced, generating a total of 35,060 unigenes with an N50 length of 1,348bp. Of these, 1852 were differentially expressed, with 1,167 upregulated and 685 downregulated. Forty-five cold-induced transcription factor (TF) families containing 1,023 TFs were identified. The DEGs indicated in biological processes such as stress responses; cell wall metabolism; abscisic acid, gibberellin, membrane lipid, energy metabolism, cellular components, and molecular functions were significantly responsed to cold storage. The transcriptional level of 40 DEGs were verified by qRT-PCR. Conclusions: The postharvest cold storage leads serious CI in blueberry, which substantially decreases the quality, storability and consumer acceptance. The MDA content, proline content, EL increased and the GSH content decreased in this chilled process. The biological processes such as stress responses, hormone metabolic processes were significantly affected by CI. Overall, the results obtained here are valuable for preventing CI under cold storage and could help to perfect the lack of the genetic information of non-model plant species.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices and the analysis of Risk Factors regarding Schistosomiasis Among Fishermen and Boatmen in Dongting Lake Basin, P.R. China
Authors: Guan Zhou , Dai Si-Min , Zhou Jie , Ren Xiao-Bing , Qin Zhi-Qiang , Li Yin-Long , Lv Shan , Li Shi-Zhu , Zhou Xiao-Nong , Xu Jing
Published: December 2019

Background: Fishermen and boatmen are a risk population for contracting schistosomiasis due to their high frequency of water contact in endemic areas of schistosomiasis in the People’s Republic of China (P. R. China). To develop specific interventions towards this population, our present study was designed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) towards schistosomiasis of fishermen and boatmen, and to identify the risk factors associated with schistosome infection using molecular technique in the selected area.

Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted in the Dongting Lake Basin of Yueyang County, Hunan Province, P. R. China. A total of 601 fishermen and boatmen were interviewed from October to November in 2017. Information regarding socio-demographic details and knowledge, attitude, and practices toward schistosomiasis were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Fecal samples of participants were collected and tested by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the risk factors related to the positive results of PCR.

Results: Of the 601 interviewed participants, over 90% of respondents knew of schistosomiasis and how the disease was contracted, the intermediate host of schistosomes and preventive methods. The majority of respondents had a positive attitude towards schistosomiasis prevention. However, only 6.66% (40/601) of respondents had installed a latrine on their boats, while 32.61% (196/601) of respondents defecated in the public toilets on shore. In addition, only 4.99% (30/601) respondents protected themselves while exposed to freshwater. The incidence of schistosomiasis, as determined by PCR, among fishermen and boatmen in Yueyang County was 13.81% (83/601). Age, years of performing the current job, number of times receiving treatment, and whether they were treated in recent three years were the main influencing factors of PCR results among this population.

Conclusions: Fishermen and boatmen are still at high risk of infection in China and gaps exist in knowledge, attitude and practices toward schistosomiasis in this population group. Chemotherapy, and health education encouraging behavior change in combination with other integrated approaches to decrease the transmission risk in environments should be improved.
Work place bullying: the characteristics of victims and perpetrators at a Middle Eastern health care facility
Authors: Al-Surimi Khaled , Omar Munirah Al , Alahmary Khalid , Salam Mahmoud
Published: December 2019

Background: Workplace Bullying (WPB) is any form of verbal, physical or sexual harassment that an employee endures by a person or a group. In health care settings, practitioners are occasionally victims of WPB. The aim of this study was to evaluate the various characteristics of WPB incidents at a multi-regional healthcare facility in a Middle Eastern country. Methods: A cross sectional study survey was conducted in 2018, distributing a self-administrated questionnaire via private electronic mails among fulltime healthcare practitioners in multi-regional hospitals. Eligible participants were 684 practitioners who have been exposed to a WPB incident in the past five years. Factors associated with either being a victim or perpetrators were analyzed, including their age, sex, marital status, level of education, nationality, years of experience, and job title Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 25, applying both descriptive and inferential statistical analysis as appropriate. Results: Majority of participants were females (89.2%), and 39.3% were <30 years old. Practitioners were nurses (49.1%), administrative staff (24.3%), physicians (14.6%), technicians (10.8%) and pharmacists (1.2%). WPB perpetrators were mainly patients (36.1%), their families/relatives (29.5%), other colleagues (27.2%) or their managers/supervisors (7.2%). The type of WPB incident was mainly a verbal abuse (98.1%), a physical harassment (11.8%) and sexual connotations (5.8%). WPB mainly occurred during day duties (80.3%) and at working stations/offices (52.6%). Higher-risk groups among nurses/allied health were mainly females, ≥30 years old, and expatriates. Among physicians and pharmacists, males, younger age groups, and locals were more prone to WPB. Nurses/allied heath were more likely to encounter WPB in offices/non-clinic areas, whereas physicians/pharmacists encountered them in patient rooms/clinics. Older practitioners (≥30 years) were mainly exposed to WPB by perpetrators who were employees, while younger practitioners encountered WPB by patients/relatives. Perpetrators who were employees committed WPB in offices/non-clinic areas, while patients/their relatives committed WPB in patient rooms/clinics. Conclusion: WPB might occur at anytime or anywhere within hospitals and by any person. This study shared the characteristics of WPB incidents that did occur in one setting and might occur in any other setting too. Analyzing the victim’s, the perpetrator’s and the setting’s characteristics provides a clear picture on the early warning signs that might predict a high-risk environment and alert hospital safety officers and hospital administration.
Building Effective Health Learning Organizational Culture: A National Study
Authors: Alonazi Wadi
Published: December 2019

BackgroundHospitals and healthcare institutions should be observant of the ever changing environment and be adaptive to learning practices. By adopting the steps and other components of organizational learning, hospitals and healthcare institutions can convert themselves into learning organizations and ultimately strengthen the overall healthcare system of the country. The study aimed to explore the influence of organizational learning dimensions on learning organization culture within a healthcare context.MethodIn 2019, a cross-sectional study was performed and data were collected from 1131 respondents from four categories of public learning hospitals in Saudi Arabia. A Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied through partial least square (PLS) to estimate the relationships between the various variables.Results Organizational learning including system connections (β= 0.227, P< 0.01) and embedded systems (β= 0.186, P<0.01) have major significant relationships in building effective learning organization culture, followed by continuous learning (β= 0.142, P<0.01) and empowerment (β= 0.130, P< 0.01). Finally, team learning and collaboration (β= 0.106, P<0.01) and dialogues and inquiry (β= 0.087, P<0.01) have the lowest effect on building health organization culture.Conclusion The findings concluded that intrinsic factors like learning, dialogue and inquiry, and teamwork, have an essential role in this study, yet the most central factors toward the development of learning organization culture were extrinsic factors including system connections and embedded systems. In other words, until knowledge-sharing is embedded in health organizational systems, organizations may not maintain a high level of learning.
Perceptions and Experiences of Frontline Health Managers and Providers on Accountability in a South African Health District
Authors: Mukinda Fidele Kanyimbu , Belle Sara Van , Schneider Helen
Published: December 2019

Objective This study explored and described accountability as perceived and experienced by frontline health managers and providers of maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) services in a South African health district.Methods This was a qualitative study involving in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of 58 frontline health managers and providers in the district office and in two sub-districts, examining the meanings of accountability and related lived experiences.Results Accountability was described by respondents as both an organisational mechanism of answerability and responsibility and an intrinsic professional virtue. Accountability relationships were understood to be multidirectional - upwards and downwards in hierarchies, outwards to patients and communities, and inwards to the “self”. The practice of accountability was challenged in organisational environments where impunity and unfair punishment existed alongside each other, where political connections constrained the ability to sanction and by climates of fear and blame. Accountability was enabled by open management styles, teamwork, good relationships between primary health care, hospital services and communities, investment in knowledge and skills development and responsive support systems. The interplay of these enablers and constraints varied across the facilities and sub-districts studied.Conclusions and Recommendations Providers and managers have well-established ideas about, and a language of, accountability. The lived reality of accountability by frontline managers and providers varies and is shaped by micro-configurations of enablers and constraints in local accountability ecosystems. Fairness, open leadership styles, teamwork and collaboration between primary health care and hospitals and community participation were seen as promoting accountability, enabling collective responsibility and a culture of learning rather than blame.
Biologically active peptides of meat and meat product proteins: a review. Part 1. General information about biologically active peptides of meat and meat products
Authors: Chernukha I. M. , Mashentseva N. G. , Afanasev D. A. , Vostrikova N. L.
Published: December 2019

Over many years, proteins and polypeptides have aroused scientific-practical interest due to multiple functions in the metabolic processes in the body upon vital activities. Biologically active substances of protein origin have wide application in different industries, including the food industry and medicine. At present, many studies are directed towards investigation of mechanisms of formation of such physiologically valuable food components as biologically active peptides and methods of their recovery from meat raw materials and meat products. A large part of literature data confirms that mechanisms of formation of such peptides are similar irrespective of methods of their generation. Their basis is enzymatic hydrolysis of muscle tissue proteins under the action of intracellular enzymes during autolysis, digestive enzymes of the human gastrointestinal tract or commercial enzyme preparations used in laboratories or in the industry. The method of culinary and/or technological processing also affects the process of biopeptide formation in meat products, namely, their recovery and availability.
Products of chemical reactions that occur during high-temperature heat treatment of the meat products
Authors: Utyanov D. A. , Kulikovskii A. V. , Vostrikova N. L. , Kuznetsova O. A.
Published: December 2019

Recently the actively active studies have begun devoted to the accumulation of «harmful» substances in food products, which are supposedly accumulated in the body of a person who often consumes these products. Meat, as a source of full-featured animal protein, is especially popular in this aspect. For the preparation of meat products various types of heat treatment are used, almost each of which will inevitably lead to the destruction of some of the chemical compounds originally present in the product, and the formation of completely new chemical compounds, which can often be harmful to the human body. During high-temperature heat treatment (mainly frying), some chemical reactions in meat products occur, which lead to the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAA) in it. Due to the great variety of raw meat and cooking recipes, during the heat treatment HAA’s of various classes are formed, each of them will be peculiar for the particular type of raw material or recipe components (with the exception of MeIQx and PhIP, which always form during frying). The more complete understanding of the HAA’s formation mechanism will help study the products of Maillard reactions and Strecker degradation. In this work we studied the formation of HAA’s as a result of the cyclization of creatine and the detaching of water (dehydration) from it during temperature exposure. The classification of the compounds formed as a result of these reactions is presented and the main classes of the HAA obtained in result are considered. The questions of the influence of various factors on amount of HAA formed, such as the fat content, the introduction of Fe2+, Fe3+, are raised. In the future it is necessary to conduct studies of the quantitative content of HAA in meat products to complement the already actively ongoing work on the study of xenobiotics consumed by humans with food, which will give a more comprehensive picture of the carcinogens content in food products.
AULAS DE ASTRONOMIA NO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL: UMA EXPERIÊNCIA VIVENCIADA NA ESCOLA NETINHA CASTELO NA CIDADE DE SOBRAL - CE.
Authors: Barbosa Sabrina Mara Lucas , Araujo Alexandre Marques
Published: December 2019

O presente artigo apresenta uma experiência voltada para o ensino de astronomia nos anos finais do Ensino fundamental, onde foi proposta a sua utilização como elemento motivador que desperta o interesse dos jovens pela ciência e sua curiosidade científica. Discutir sobre astronomia facilita o processo de ensino-aprendizagem da ciência, pois atrai a atenção e desperta o interesse nos alunos. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida em aulas preparatórias para as Olimpíadas de Astronomia e Física do Instituto Federal do Ceará - IFCE e também para a Olimpíada de Astronomia e Astronáutica - OBA, com alunos de 8º e 9° ano do ensino fundamental, da Escola Netinha Castelo na cidade de Sobral - CE. Foram aulas com abordagens teóricas acerca dos conceito básicos de astronomia, exibição de vídeos, aplicação de simulados e visita ao planetário de Sobral, que compõe o parque da luz, local importante para a astronomia como um todo, por ter sido palco de umas das maiores descobertas científicas da humanidade. Os resultados se mostraram satisfatórios e podem ser avaliados pelas respostas dos alunos no questionário, e pela evolução deles no decorrer das aulas, que demonstraram um aumento na sua curiosidade científica, comprovando assim que se motivaram a pesquisar e se aprofundar no conhecimento da astronomia.
FEEDBACK THAT AFFECTS FIRST YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTâ€™S LEARNING IN HIGH POWER DISTANCE & COLLECTIVISM CULTURE
Authors: Triastuti Ida Ayu , Rahayu Gandes Retno , Suhoyo Yoyo
Published: December 2019

Background: Constructive feedback is an essential component of learning for medical undergraduate. Communication culture of high-power distance and collectivism might have influence in shaping students' perception of the benefit of feedback.

Aim: This study is aimed to identify feedback characteristic which associated with students' perception of learning benefit, and further explored the mechanism feedback influence on students learning process.

Method: This is a mixed method study, with explanatory sequential approach. The setting is first-year medical undergraduate students at FK UKDW who enrolled in skill lab class (pulmonary physical examination). The first phase is a quantitative study using questionnaire on feedback characteristics and studentâ€™s perception of feedback benefits, further analysed with linear regression methods. The next phase is an interview study on selected students with semi-structured questions, and further analysed with thematic analysis.

Result: There are 82 students who returned the questionnaire. Quantitative analysis showed that feedback including comparison to standard (B=2,26; p = 0,003) and follow-up planning (B=3,47; p < 0,001) are associated with perceived benefit by students. Further interview of 11 students discovered that students have received clear and concise outline through the feedback process. On the other hand, the communication culture, poor execution of feedback process, and interconnectedness between each characteristic may influence the students' perception of benefits.

Conclusion: Feedback is beneficial for medical undergraduate students in high power distance and collectivist culture, specifically feedback with comparison to standard and follow-up planning.
Material Educativo Aumentado. Análisis de la Experiencia de Usuario.
Authors: Lovos Edith Noemi
Published: December 2019

En este artículo se presentan los resultados obtenidos a partir del análisis de la experiencia de usuario (UX) de un material educativo digital (MED) basado en realidad aumentada,. El mismo ha sido diseñado para abordar el tema célula en asignaturas de nivel universitario del área ciencias biológicas. Esta es una experiencia piloto, que busca conocer las percepciones de un grupo de docentes de la Universidad Nacional de Río Negro, en relación al MED, con la intención de poder incluirlo en una propuesta pedagógica con estudiantes de los primeros años, usando dispositivos móviles. Los resultados obtenidos presentan valores positivos no solo en relación a la calidad pragmática del MED, sino también sobre la calidad hedónica del mismo. Esto permitiría inferir que el MED evaluado resulta atractivo para los docentes, y con ello factible de llevarlo a la práctica docente
Seguridad y fiabilidad en la gestión de la información de los entornos personales de aprendizaje (PLE) en la Educación Superior
Authors: Ramírez-Mera Urith , Tur Gemma
Published: December 2019

La introducción de tecnologías digitales al proceso educativo permite una alfabetización digital gradual, que recientemente ha sido relacionada con el concepto de Entorno Personal de Aprendizaje (PLE por sus siglas en inglés). Así, este artículo busca explorar el PLE a partir del análisis de herramientas digitales y estrategias para el acceso a la información, incluyendo una perspectiva de uso seguro y fiable de la gestión del PLE. Para ello, se realizó una investigación cuantitativa, descriptiva y de corte transversal en una universidad latinoamericana en la que a través de un cuestionario se recogieron datos sobre gestión de información, así como el uso seguro de PLE relacionado con la protección, divulgación, selección y credibilidad de la información. Los resultados muestran que la alfabetización digital del alumno está en construcción, pues a pesar de que utiliza estrategias para gestionar su PLE, las habilidades para el acceso y divulgación segura y fiable de información son limitadas.
Clinical case of asymptomatic perforation of right ventricle during permanent pacemaker implantation
Authors: Verevetinov A. , Tarasyuk E. , Dorovskih I. , Vakhnenko J. , Nikitin V. , Urazova G. , Brueva O. , Basanova I. , Shkarban S.
Published: December 2019

The present paper discusses one of the serious complications of electrocardiostimulator implantation: electrode perforation of the right ventricle wall, a condition that can occur in both the early and late postoperative periods. The latter occurs less frequently, and the patient may be asymptomatic; this results in an adverse effect on the patient’s quality of life and disease prognosis. Knowledge about the symptoms of late perforation and algorithms to examine patients suspected to have this complication contributes to timely surgical intervention as well as prevention of heart failure progression and fatal outcomes. This paper describes a clinical case of right ventricular perforation 1.5 years after electrocardiostimulator implantation, wherein, despite the absence of pronounced clinical symptoms, the patient was successfully diagnosed with pacemaker testing, Holter diagnostics, echocardiography and computed tomography of thoracic organs. Myocardial damage was accompanied by small left-hand bone-diaphragm hydrotorax and hydropericardium. The risk factors of perforation in the present case were low body weight and age. In the course of the surgical operation performed with the exact observance of the chosen technique, the integrity of the myocardium of the right ventricle and the function of the electrocardiostimulator were restored. Thus, the life-threatening consequences of the described complication were prevented.Received 12 September 2019. Revised 20 December 2019. Accepted 23 December 2019.Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.
New Technological Approach for Glycyrrethic Acid Oral and Topical Administration
Authors: Pagano Cinzia , Perioli Luana , Calarco Paola , Di Michele Alessandro , Tiralti Maria C. , Ricci Maurizio
Published: December 2019

Background:

18β- glycyrrhetinic acid (Gly) is the major bioactive component of licorice roots and
rhizomes of the Glycyrrhiza glabra species. It shows many activities such as antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,
antimicrobial, and antifungal, however, its use in the health field is very limited due to the low water solubility.

Methods:

This paper deals with the development of a new technological approach for Gly dissolution rate enhancement.
It consists of Gly intercalation (guest) in the interlamellar spaces between the inorganic spaces (host)
of the anionic clays “hydrotalcites” (HTlc) to obtain hybrids MgAl-HTlc-Gly and ZnAl-HTlc-Gly. Gly can find
applications in both systemic and local therapies, thus advantages of the use of the hybrids in these two fields
were investigated.

Results:

Gly dissolution rate from hybrids in the intestinal environment, site in which it is preferentially absorbed,
resulted enhanced (ZnAl-HTlc-Gly > MgAl-HTlc-Gly) compared to the crystalline form, thereby, making them
suitable for oral administration as dry powder in hard capsules.

:

For a local therapy, bioadhesive, vaginal emulgels loaded with the hybrids were developed. These showed suitable
mucoadhesive property to the vaginal mucosa, necessary to prolong the residence time in the application site.
The emulgel containing ZnAl-HTlc-Gly showed a faster and higher release profile than that containing MgAl-
HTlc-Gly.

Conclusions:

The obtained results suggest that Gly intercalation into HTlc, especially in ZnAl-HTlc, allows to
enhance Gly dissolution when the hybrids are formulated both as oral or topical products.
Old and New Drugs for Treatment of Advanced Heart Failure
Authors: Buttá Carmelo , Roberto Marco , Tuttolomondo Antonino , Petrantoni Rossella , Miceli Giuseppe , Zappia Luca , Pinto Antonio
Published: December 2019

Background:

Advanced heart failure (HF) is a progressive disease with high mortality and limited
medical therapeutic options. Long-term mechanical circulatory support and heart transplantation remain goldstandard
treatments for these patients; however, access to these therapies is limited by the advanced age and multiple
comorbidities of affected patients, as well as by the limited number of organs available.

Methods:

Traditional and new drugs available for the treatment of advanced HF have been researched.

Results:

To date, the cornerstone for the treatment of patients with advanced HF remains water restriction, intravenous
loop diuretic therapy and inotropic support. However, many patients with advanced HF experience loop
diuretics resistance and alternative therapeutic strategies to overcome this problem have been developed, including
sequential nephron blockade or use of the hypertonic saline solution in combination with high-doses of furosemide.
As classic inotropes augment myocardial oxygen consumption, new promising drugs have been introduced,
including levosimendan, istaroxime and omecamtiv mecarbil. However, pharmacological agents still remain
mainly short-term or palliative options in patients with acute decompensation or excluded from mechanical
therapy.

Conclusions:

Traditional drugs, especially when administered in combination, and new medicaments represent
important therapeutic options in advanced HF. However, their impact on prognosis remains unclear. Large trials
are necessary to clarify their therapeutic potential and prognostic role in these fragile patients.
Postoperative Serum Albumin Decrease Independently Predicts Delirium in the Elderly Subjects after Total Joint Arthroplasty
Authors: Qi Jianmin , Liu Cheng , Chen Li'an , Chen Junping
Published: December 2019

Background:

Postoperative delirium (POD), a neurobehavioral syndrome induced by dysfunction of
neural activity, is a common and serious complication. This current study aimed to investigate independent predictors
for POD in elderly subjects after total joint arthroplasty (TJA).

Methods:

Eligible elderly patients (≥65 years) who underwent elective unilateral primary hip or knee arthroplasty
under epidural anesthesia from October 2016 to January 2019 were consecutively enrolled. POD was diagnosed
following the guidance of the 5th edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, (DSM V,
2013). The relative change in serum Alb (ΔAlb) was defined as the absolute value of (preoperative Alb value–
nadir value within postoperative day 2)/preoperative Alb ×100%. The predictive value of ΔAlb for POD was
evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression
analyses were used for evaluating risk factors for POD.

Results:

A total of 328 patients were enrolled in the analysis, of which 68 (20.7%, 68/328) patients developed
POD within postoperative 7 days. ΔAlb was an effective predictor for POD with an area under the curve (AUC)
of 0.821, a sensitivity of 76.15% and a specificity of 70.59%, respectively (P<0.001). Univariate and multivariate
logistic regression analyses indicated that ΔAlb was the only independent risk factor for POD (OR: 2.43, 95%CI:
1.17–4.86, P=0.015).

Conclusions:

ΔAlb was an independent risk factor for POD in elderly subjects after TJA.
Neuroblastoma: An Updated Review on Biology and Treatment
Authors: Mallepalli Suresh , Gupta Manoj Kumar , Vadde Ramakrishna
Published: December 2019

Background:

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the second leading extracranial solid tumors of early childhood and clinically characterized by the presence of round, small, monomorphic cells with excess nuclear pigmentation (hyperchromasia).Owing to a lack of definitive treatment against NB and less survival rate in high-risk patients, there is an urgent requirement to understand molecular mechanisms associated with NB in a better way, which in turn can be utilized for developing drugs towards the treatment of NB in human.

Objectives:

In this review, an approach was adopted to understand major risk factors, pathophysiology, the molecular mechanism associated with NB, and various therapeutic agents that can serve as drugs towards the treatment of NB in humans.

Conclusions:

Numerous genetic (e.g., MYCN amplification), perinatal, and gestational factors are responsible for developing NB. However, no definite environmental or parental exposures responsible for causing NB have been confirmed to date. Though intensive multimodal treatment approaches, namely, chemotherapy, surgery &radiation, may help in improving the survival rate in children, these approaches have several side effects and do not work efficiently in high-risk patients. However, recent studies suggested that numerous phytochemicals, namely, vincristine, and matrine have a minimal side effect in the human body and may serve as a therapeutic drug during the treatment of NB. Most of these phytochemicals work in a dose-dependent manner and hence must be prescribed very cautiously. The information discussed in the present review will be useful in the drug discovery process as well as treatment and prevention on NB in humans.
Assessment of Expression of Homeobox A5 in Endometrial Cancer on the mRNA and Protein Level
Authors: Dziobek Konrad , Oplawski Marcin , Zmarzły Nikola , Gabarek Beniamin O. , Kiełbasiński Robert , Kiełbasiński Kamil , Kieszkowski Przemysław , Talkowski Karol , Boroń Dariusz
Published: December 2019

Background:

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancer in the
developed countries and occurs mainly in postmenopausal women. Angiogenesis is important for cancer
formation as it provides nutrients for growing tumor mass. Most tumors do not show detectable
Homeobox A5 (HOXA5 level), suggesting its potential role as a cancer suppressor. It was demonstrated
that HOXA5 is involved in the progression of various types of cancer and the loss of its expression
correlates with higher pathological grade and poorer outcome.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to evaluate HOXA5 expression at transcriptome and protein levels.

Material and methods:

The study enrolled 45 women diagnosed with endometrial cancer and 15
without neoplastic changes. The histopathological examination allowed us to divide cancer tissue samples
according to the degree of histological differentiation: G1, 17; G2, 15; G3, 13. The expression of
the HOXA5 protein was determined by immunohistochemistry. Microarray and RT-qPCR techniques
were used to assess HOXA5 expression at the mRNA level.

Results:

The reaction to the HOXA5 protein was only visible in glandular cells in G1 endometrial cancer
and was lower compared to the control. In grades 2 and 3, reactions were noted at the limit of the
method’s sensitivity. In addition, reduced HOXA5 expression was observed at the transcriptome level.

Conclusion:

HOXA5 may become a potential complementary molecular marker, allowing early detection
of neoplastic changes in the endometrium. It also seems that detection of HOXA5 at the mRNA
and protein levels may be helpful in improving the accuracy of diagnosis and planning effective oncological
therapy.
Helicobacter pylori Reactivates Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 in Latently Infected Monocytes with Increased Expression of IL-1β and CXCL8
Authors: Natarajan Vidhya , Moar Preeti , Kaur Urvinder S. , Venkatesh Vimala , Kumar Abhishek , Chaturvedi Rupesh , Himanshu D. , Tandon Ravi
Published: December 2019

Background:

Helicobacter pylori are gram-negative bacteria, which colonize the human
stomach. More than 50% of the world’s population is infected by H. pylori. Based on the high prevalence
of H. pylori, it is very likely that HIV and H. pylori infection may coexist. However, the molecular
events that occur during HIV-H. pylori co-infection remain unclear. Latent HIV reservoirs are
the major obstacle in HIV cure despite effective therapy. Here, we explored the effect of H. pylori
stimulation on latently HIV-infected monocytic cell line U1.

Method:

High throughput RNA-Seq using Illumina platform was performed to analyse the change in
transcriptome between unstimulated and H. pylori-stimulated latently HIV-infected U1 cells. Transcriptome
analysis identified potential genes and pathways involved in the reversal of HIV latency using
bioinformatic tools that were validated by real-time PCR.

Results:

H. pylori stimulation increased the expression of HIV-1 Gag, both at transcription (p<0.001)
and protein level. H. pylori stimulation also increased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines
IL-1β, CXCL8 and CXCL10 (p<0.0001). Heat-killed H. pylori retained their ability to induce HIV
transcription. RNA-Seq analysis revealed 197 significantly upregulated and 101 significantly downregulated
genes in H. pylori-stimulated U1 cells. IL-1β and CXCL8 were found to be significantly upregulated
using transcriptome analysis, which was consistent with real-time PCR data.

Conclusion:

H. pylori reactivate HIV-1 in latently infected monocytes with the upregulation of IL-1β
and CXCL8, which are prominent cytokines involved in the majority of inflammatory pathways. Our results
warrant future in vivo studies elucidating the effect of H. pylori in HIV latency and pathogenesis.
Antibacterial and Anti-Biofilm Biosynthesised Silver and Gold Nanoparticles for Medical Applications: Mechanism of Action, Toxicity and Current Status
Authors: Abdalla Sundos Suleman Ismail , Katas Haliza , Azmi Fazren , Busra Mohd Fauzi Mh
Published: December 2019

Fast progress in nanoscience and nanotechnology has contributed to the way in which people diagnose, combat, and overcome various diseases differently from the conventional methods. Metal nanoparticles, mainly silver and gold nanoparticles (AgNPs and AuNPs, respectively), are currently developed for many applications in the medical and pharmaceutical area including as antibacterial, antibiofilm as well as anti-leshmanial agents, drug delivery systems, diagnostics tools, as well as being included in personal care products and cosmetics. In this review, the preparation of AgNPs and AuNPs using different methods is discussed, particularly the green or bio- synthesis method as well as common methods used for their physical and chemical characterization. In addition, the mechanisms of the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of AgNPs and AuNPs are discussed, along with the toxicity of both nanoparticles. The review will provide insight into the potential of biosynthesized AgNPs and AuNPs as antimicrobial nanomaterial agents for future use.