bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Magnitude and Clinical characteristics of Sigmoid Volvulus
Authors: Awedew Atalel Fentahun , Amsalu Bedemariam Tadesse , Belay woldemariam Beka , Yalewu Dawit Zerihun 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Sigmoid volvulus is a major cause of mechanical large bowel obstruction in volvulus belt countries. The objective of this study to explore the magnitude and clinical characteristics of Sigmoid Volvulus Methods: Hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study employed in Debre Tabor general hospital Northcentral Ethiopia. A medical review conducted on the medical chart from Jan1, 2016 to Dec31, 2019. The collected data checked manually for completeness and consistency. The final data coded and entered to SPSS version 23 for data processing and analysis. Binary logistic regression used to measure the association of each covariate with the outcome variable. In addition, factors that have p=0.25 with the outcome variables were taken into a multivariable logistic regression analysis to control the potential confounders. The result of the final model expressed in terms of adjusted Odd Ratios (AOR) and 95% CI and statistical significance declared if the P-value is less than 0.05. Result: There were 124 patients with sigmoid volvulus admitted within four years of the study. During the study period, 408 patients with bowel obstructions were admitted, among Mechanical large bowel obstruction (MLBO) 135 (33.1%), Mechanical small bowel obstruction (MSBO) 251(61.5%), and Ileosigmoid knotting 22(5.4%). Our study showed that sigmoid volvulus accounted for 91.9% and 30.4% of Mechanical Large bowel obstruction and Bowel obstruction respectively. Most of the patients were male 97.6 %( N=121) and rural residents 91.1 %( N=113). The peak age was 56-65 years accounted for 29 % and 65.3 %( N=81) of patients were above age 50years. The age ranged from 19-88 years. The mean and median ages were 56.52± (SD=14.4) and 58.5± (IQR=17.75) respectively. The mean of hospital stay for elective admission was 10.98(SD±4.33) days and the median was 11 (IQR±5) days. The mean of hospital stay for emergency admission excluding death and leave against medical advice was 8.4(SD±4.1) days and median was 8 (IQR±2) days Conclusion: Primary resection and anastomosis was the common procedure for management of sigmoid volvulus. Mortality rate was 6.45% and higher in gangrenous sigmoid volvulus (14.6 % vs. 2.4%)
Knockdown of lincRNA PADNA promotes bupivacaine-induced neurotoxicity by miR-194/FBXW7 axis
Authors: Yuning Fan , Liang Chen , Tenghuan Wang , Zhenhua Nan , Gong Shengkai 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The aim of the study was to explore the function and mechanism of lincRNA PADNA in bupivacaine-induced neurotoxicity. Methods: Mouse DRG neurons were cultured in vitro and treated with bupivacaine to establish a neurotoxicity model. Caspase3 activity, cell viability, and TUNEL assays were analyzed to assess the role of lincRNA PADNA. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to determine the binding target of lincRNA PANDA. Results: The expression of lincRNA PADNA was significantly increased with increasing concentrations of bupivacaine. Functional analysis revealed that knockdown of lincRNA PADNA increased caspase3 activity and inhibited cell viability. Western blot analysis showed that knockdown of lincRNA PADNA promoted cleaved caspase3 levels. We also revealed that lincRNA PADNA may bind with miR-194. Knockdown of miR-194 rescued the function of lincRNA PADNA, suggesting that lincRNA PADNA may sponge miR-194. In addition, we provided new evidence that the lincRNA PADNA/miR-194/FBXW7 axis plays an important role in the neurotoxicity process. Conclusion: We performed comprehensive experiments to verify the function and mechanism of lincRNA PADNA in bupivacaine-induced neurotoxicity. Our study provides new evidence and clues for the prevention of neurotoxicity.
DeepGraphMolGen, a multi-objective, computational strategy for generating molecules with desirable properties: a graph convolution and reinforcement learning approach
Authors: Khemchandani Yash , O'Hagan Steve , Samanta Soumitra , Swainston Neil , Roberts Timothy J , Bollegala Danushka , Kell Douglas 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
We address the problem of generating novel molecules with desired interaction properties as a multi-objective optimization problem. Interaction binding models are learned from binding data using graph convolution networks (GCNs). Since the experimentally obtained property scores are recognised as having potentially gross errors, we adopted a robust loss for the model. Combinations of these terms, including drug likeness and synthetic accessibility, are then optimized using reinforcement learning based on a graph convolution policy approach. Some of the molecules generated, while legitimate chemically, can have excellent drug-likeness scores but appear unusual. We provide an example based on the binding potency of small molecules to dopamine transporters. We extend our method successfully to use a multi-objective reward function, in this case for generating novel molecules that bind with dopamine transporters but not with those for norepinephrine. Our method should be generally applicable to the generation in silico of molecules with desirable properties.
A Canadian-Wide Perspective on the Essential Conditions for Taking a Comprehensive School Health Approach
Authors: Neely Kacey C , Montemurro Genevieve R. , Storey Kate E. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The primary purpose of this research was to confirm whether the essential conditions for taking a Comprehensive School Health (CSH) approach held true in other contexts across Canada. The secondary purpose was to determine if the development of an evaluative tool or resource is needed to assess the implementation of the essential conditions. Methods: Data were generated through individual semi-structured interviews (n = 38) and small focus groups (n = 3) with 45 participants across Canada involved in implementing policies or programs which take a CSH approach. Interviews were subjected to content analysis. Results: There was positive support for the essential conditions and results indicated the essential conditions are relevant across Canada. Findings revealed the necessity for a new essential condition that reflected support and leadership from the school district and/or provincial/territorial governing bodies. Modifications to the description of each of the essential conditions were also suggested to provide clarity. Results also indicated that an evaluative tool that was concise, meaningful, and provided immediate feedback would be useful to school communities to establish readiness, assess, and improve ongoing implementation of CSH approaches. Conclusions: This research contributes to the evidence-base of CSH by providing school communities across Canada with a set of refined and understandable essential conditions that support successful implementation. Further, the development of an evaluation tool will support school health champions, researchers, and policymakers in the optimization and implementation of policies or programs which take a CSH approach, ultimately supporting healthier school communities across the country.
Population migration, spread of COVID-19, and epidemic prevention and control: empirical evidence from China
Authors: Hu Zhen , Wu Yuanyang , Yang Hualei , Lin Xie , Zhang Anqi , Lin Xueyu , Nie Yafeng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: This study applied the SEIR model to analyze and simulate the transmission mechanisms of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China. Methods: The population migration was embedded in the SEIR model to simulate and analyze the effects of the amount of population inflow on the number of confirmed cases. Based on numerical simulations, this study used statistical data for the empirical validation of its theoretical deductions and discussed how to improve the effectiveness of epidemic prevention and control considering population migration variables. Statistics regarding the numbers of infected people in various provinces were obtained from the epidemic-related data reported by China’s National Health Commission.Results: This study explored how the epidemic should be prevented and controlled from the perspective of population migration variables. It found that a combination of a susceptible population, an infected population, and transmission media was an important route affecting the number of infections and that the migration of a Hubei-related infected population played a key role in promoting epidemic spread. Epidemic prevention and control should focus on regions with better economic conditions than the epidemic region. Prevention and control efforts should focus on the more populated neighboring provinces having convenient transportation links with the epidemic region. To prevent and control epidemic spread, priority should be given to elucidating the destinations and directions of population migration from the domestic origin of infections, and then stemming population migration or human-to-human contact after such migration. Conclusions: This study enriched and expanded on simulations of the effects of population migration on the COVID-19 epidemic and China-based empirical studies while offering an epidemic evaluation and warning mechanism to prevent and control similar public health emergencies in the future.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Dynamic X-ray's correlations with Dynamic Electrophysiological Findings in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: a retrospective cohort study.
Authors: Yu Zhengran , Lin Kaiyuan , Chen Jiacheng , Chen Kuan-Hung , Chen Yuguang , Guo Wei , Dai Yuhu , Zou Xuenong , Peng Xinsheng 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Dynamic somatosensory evoked potentials (DSSEP) can be used to disclose abnormalities of ascending sensory pathways at dynamic positions and diagnose cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). However, radiographic tests including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and dynamic X-ray are used much more widely in the management of CSM. Our study aims to clarify the correlations between several radiographic parameters and the DSSEP results, and further determine their reliability with clinical data.Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 38 CSM patients with surgical intervention. DSSEP tests were performed before surgery. Amplitude ratios of DSSEP N13 and N20 waves at extension and flexion were calculated and recorded as N13_E, N20_E, N13_F, N20_F respectively. Baseline severity was evaluated with the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score and the Nurick grades. Prognosis was evaluated based on the 2-year recovery rate. Sagittal diameter and transverse areas of the cord and canal were measured and the Spinal cord/Canal Area Ratio were calculated. The compressive ratios at the compressed site (Compression_Ratio), central (Central_Ratio) and 1/4-lateral points (1/4-Lateral_Compression_Ratio), and intramedullary T2 hyperintensity patterns (Ax-CCM types) were also collected from MRI axial images. Dynamic X-rays were used to test for segmental instability of the cervical spine. The correlations between radiologic findings, DSSEP data, and clinical assessments were investigated.Results: We found that DSSEP N13_E and N13_F correlated with the Compression_Ratio, Central_Ratio, 1/4-Lateral_Compression_Ratio (Pearson, p<0.05) and Ax-CCM types (ANOVA, p<0.05) in MRI axial images and cervical segmental instability in dynamic X-ray (t-test, p<0.05). Apart from the 1/4-Lateral_Compression_Ratio, these radiographic parameters above also correlated with the baseline clinical assessments (Spearman or ANOVA or t-test, p<0.05) and postoperative recovery rate (Pearson or ANOVA or t-test, p<0.05).Conclusions: We found that the preoperative Compression_Ratio, Central_Ratio and 1/4-Lateral_Compression_Ratio in MRI and cervical segmental instability in dynamic X-ray could reflect the dynamic neural dysfunction of the spinal cord. Different Ax-CCM types corresponded to different DSSEP results at extension and flexion, suggesting divergent pathophysiology. These radiographic parameters could help evaluate disease severity and predict postoperative prognosis.Trial registration: The trial "动态诱发电位对脊髓型颈椎病诊断和预后评估(Dynamic Somatosensory Evoked Potentials for the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy)" was retrospectively registered on April 30th, 2020 and the registration number is "伦审[2020]151号".
Sex differences and Psychological Stress: Responses to the COVID-19 epidemic in China
Authors: Song Kangxing , Xu Rui , Stratton Terry D. , Kavcic Voyko , Luo Dan , Hou Fengsu , Bi Fengying , Jiao Rong , Yan Shiyan , Jiang Yang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
About 83000 COVID-19 patients were confirmed in China up to May 2020. Amid the well-documented threats to physical health, the effects of this public health crisis - and the varied efforts to contains its spread - have altered individuals’ “normal” daily functioning. This impact on social, psychological, and emotional well-being remain relatively unexplored – in particular, the ways in which Chinese men and women experience and respond to potential behavioral-related stressors.
Objective
To investigate gender differences in psychological stress, emotional reactions, and behavioral responses to COVID-19 and related threats among Chinese residents.
Methods
In late February (2020), an anonymous online questionnaire was disseminated via WeChat, a popular social media platform in China. The cross-sectional study design utilized a non-probabilistic “snowball” or convenience sampling of residents from various provinces and regions of China. Basic demographic characteristics (i.e., age and gender) – along with residential living arrangements and conditions – were measured along with psychological stress and emotional responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results
3088 questionnaires were received: 1749 females (56.6%) and 1339 males (43.4%). The mean level of stress, as measured by a visual analog scale, was 3.4 (SD = 2.4) - but differed significantly by sex. Besides sex, factors positively associated with stress included: age (≤ 45 years), employment (unsteady income, unemployed), risk infection population (exposed to COVID-19,completed medical observation), difficulties encountered (diseases, work/study, financial, mental), behaviors(higher desire for COVID-19 knowledge, more time spent on the COVID-19). “Protective” factors included frequently contact with colleagues, calmness, and psychological resilience. Males and females also differed significantly in adapting to current living/working status, coping with heating, and psychological support service needs.
Conclusion
Among Chinese, self-reported stress related to the COVID-19 epidemic were significantly related to sex, age, employment, resilience and coping styles. Future responses to such public health threats may wish to provide sex- and/or age-appropriate supports for psychological health and emotional well-being to those at greatest risk of experiencing stress.
Attitude towards ageing and perceived Health Status of Community-Dwelling Older Persons in a low resource setting: A rural-urban comparison
Authors: Cadmus Eniola Olubukola , Adebusoye Lawrence Adekunle , Owoaje Eme Theodora 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Ageing is a personal experience peculiar to each individual and is influenced by several demographic and social factors. Individuals, however, have different ways of coping with the challenges experienced during this process which affects their quality of life and health-related outcomes. Despite the increasing number of older persons in sub-Saharan Africa, there is limited information about their experience. This study examines the experience and attitude of older persons in Nigeria regarding the ageing processMethods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among older persons aged 60 years and above in a selected rural and an urban community in Oyo State, south-western Nigeria. Using a multistage sampling technique, data were collected with the aid of an interviewer-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. The Attitude to Ageing Questionnaire (AAQ) was used to measure participants' perception of ageing in three domains of psychosocial loss, physical changes and psychological growth. Data were analysed using Stata version 14 at a level of significance p<0.05. Results: A total of 1,180 participants (588 rural vs 592 urban) were recruited for the study. The mean age was 73.2 ±9.3 years. The majority (69.7%) were females and still working (50.5%) Overall, urban-dwelling participants had a better attitude to the ageing process in all the domains compared with rural-dwelling participants (psychological growth 32.5±3.4 vs 32.4±3.3, p=0.30; physical change 27.5±5.1 vs 26.9±5.0, p=0.03; and psychosocial loss 25.3±5.7 vs 25.0±5.3, p=0.60. The predictors for having a positive attitude to ageing especially among the urban-dwelling older persons were having a formal education, being employed and good self-rated health. While among the rural-dwelling older participants good self-rated health was the only predictor of having a positive attitude to ageing in the psychosocial loss and physical change domains. Conclusion: Older persons residing in urban communities had a better attitude to ageing process compared with their rural older counterparts. The common predictor of positive attitude to ageing in both groups was good self-rated health. This information can be used for the planning of targeted interventions and informing policy formation for improved provisions for community-dwelling older persons in Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African countries
Sodium butyrate protects against oxidative stress between obesity-prone and obesity-resistant rats induced by HFD through modulating Nrf2 pathway and mitochondrial function
Authors: Lu Yipin , Sun Yongjuan , Li Yingrui , Ma Shuhua , Zhang Kai , Tang xue , Yu Renqiang 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background

Sodium butyrate (NaB) is obtained by fermenting dietary fiber via intestinal microflora and has recently been shown to improve some antioxidant enzymes in vivo.
Methods

In this study, we investigated the antioxidant effects of Sodium butyrate on obesity rats induced by high-fed diet.
Results

NaB intervention could effectively reduce the body weight of rats in the obesity-prone(OP) and obesity-resistant(OR)group, and reduce insulin resistance, plasma lipid, protect the gastrocnemius muscle and pancreas from oxidative stress induced by high fat diet, upregulate T-AOC, antioxidant enzyme activity and GSH/GSSG ratio, reduce ROS level and MDA content. NaB may increase Pi3k, Nrf2, Nqo-1, Ho-1 and inhibit Gsk-3β mRNA expression by regulating Nrf2 antioxidant pathway to enhance tissue antioxidant capacity. At the same time, NaB intervention could significantly increase the expression of Glut4 and Irs-1 mRNA in gastrocnemius muscle of OP and OR rats, suppress the expression of Bax and Caspase 3, increase the mRNA expression of Pdx1, MafA and Bcl-2, and increase insulin secretion and muscle insulin sensitivity. The regulatory effect of NaB was correlated with its significantly increased activity of mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes, mitochondrial membrane potential, NADH/NAD+ ratio, acetyl-CoA and ATP production, Tfam and Pgc-1α expression and mitochondrial DNA copy number. In addition, 6% NaB intervention in OP rats, 4%NaB intervention in OR rats were more significant, indicating that there were dose effects of NaB intervention in different obesity phenotypes.
Conclusions

NaB activates the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway, enhances the expression level of downstream antioxidant genes, improves the antioxidant capacity of obese rat tissues, and at the same time promotes muscle protein synthesis, improves insulin sensitivity, and promotes glucose metabolism.
Differences of tensile strength in knot tying technique between orthopaedic surgical instructors and trainees
Authors: Harato Kengo , Yagi Mitsuru , Kaneda Kazuya , Iwama Yu , Masuda Akihiko , Kaneko Yosuke , Oya Akihito , Matsumura Noboru , Suzuki Taku , Nakayama Robert , Kobayashi Shu 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Knot tying technique is an extremely important basic skill for all surgeons. Clinically, knot slippage or suture breakage will lead to wound complications. Although some previous studies described the knot-tying technique of medical students or trainees, little information had been reported on the knot-tying technique of instructors. The objective of the preset study was to assess surgeons’ manual knot tying techniques and to investigate the differences of tensile strength in knot tying technique between surgical instructors and trainees.Methods: A total of 48 orthopaedic surgeons (postgraduate year: PGY 2-18) participated. Surgeons were requested to tie surgical knots manually using same suture material. They were divided into two groups based on each career; instructors and trainees. Although 4 open conventional knots with 4 throws were chosen and done with self-selected methods, knot tying practice to have the appropriate square knots was done as education only for trainees before the actual trial. The knots were placed over a 30 cm long custom made smooth polished surface with 2 cylindrical rods. All knots were tested for tensile strength using a tensiometer. The surgical loops were loaded until the knot slipped or the suture broke. The tensile strength of each individual knot was defined as the force (N) required to result in knot failure. Simultaneously, knot failure was evaluated based on knot slippage or suture rupture. In terms of tensile strength or knot failure, statistical comparison was performed between groups using two-tailed Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher exact probability test, respectively.Results: Twenty-four instructors (PGY6- PGY18) and 24 trainees (PGY2-PGY5) were enrolled. Tensile strength was significantly greater in trainees (83.0 ± 27.7N) than in instructors (49.9 ± 34.4N, P=0.0246). The ratio of slippage was significantly larger in instructors than in trainees (P<0.001). Knot slippage (31.8 ± 17.7N) was significantly worse than suture rupture (89.9 ± 22.2N, P<0.001) in tensile strength.Conclusions: Mean tensile strength of knots done by trainees after practice was judged to be greater than that done by instructors in the present study. Clinically, knot slippage can lead to wound dehiscence, compared to suture rupture.
LHH1, a Novel Antimicrobial Peptide with Anti-Cancer Activity Identified from Lactobacillus casei HZ1
Authors: He Junfang , Jin Duxin , Luo Xuegang , Zhang Tongcun 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides have been attracting increasing attention for their multiple beneficial effects. In present study, a novel AMP with a molecular weight of 1875.25 Da, was identified from the genome of Lactobacillus casei HZ1. The peptide, which was named as LHH1 was comprised of 16 amino acid residues, and its α-helix content was 95.34% when dissolved in 30 mM SDS. LHH1 exhibited a broad range of antimicrobial activities against gram-positive bacteria and fungus. It could effectively inhibit staphylococcus aureus with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 3.5 μM and showed a low hemolytic activity. The scanning electron microscope, confocal laser scanning microscope and flow cytometry results showed that LHH1 exerted its antibacterial activity by damaging the cell membrane of staphylococcus aureus. Meanwhile, LHH1 also exhibited anti-cancer activities against several cancer cells including MGC803, HCT116 and C666-1 cells, and one major action of its anti-cancer mechanism was breaking the cell membrane.