bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between DRD2 and ANKK1 polymorphisms with the deficit syndrome in schizophrenia
Authors: Michalczyk Anna , Pełka-Wysiecka Justyna , Kucharska-Mazur Jolanta , Wroński Michał , Misiak Błażej , Samochowiec Jerzy 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
The clinical course of schizophrenia varies among patients and is difficult to predict. Some patient populations present persistent negative symptoms, referred to as the deficit syndrome. Compared to relatives of non-deficit schizophrenia patients, family members of this patient population are at an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to search for genetic underpinnings of the deficit syndrome in schizophrenia.

Methods
Three SNPs, i.e., rs1799732 and rs6276 located within DRD2, and rs1800497 within ANKK1, were identified in the DNA samples of 198 schizophrenia probands, including 103 patients with deficit (DS) and 95 patients with non-deficit schizophrenia (NDS). Results: No significant differences concerning any of the analyzed polymorphisms were found between DS and NDS patients. However, significant links were observed between family history of schizophrenia and the deficit syndrome, G/G genotype and rs6276 G allele. In a separate analysis, we identified significant differences in frequencies of rs6276 G allele between DS and NDS patients with family history of schizophrenia. No significant associations were found between DRD2 and ANKK1 SNPs and the age of onset or schizophrenia symptom severity.

Conclusions
The results of our preliminary study fail to provide evidence of associations between DRD2 and ANKK1 polymorphisms with the deficit syndrome or schizophrenia symptom severity, but suggest potential links between rs6276 in DRD2 and the deficit syndrome in patients with hereditary susceptibility to schizophrenia. However, further studies are necessary to confirm this observation.
Substance use disorders in Saudi Arabia: a scoping review
Authors: Saquib Nazmus , Rajab Ahmad Mamoun , Saquib Juliann , AlMazrou AbdulRahman 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundSubstance use disorders (SUD) are mental health conditions that arise from chronic drug use. There is an increased recognition of this problem in Saudi Arabia.ObjectiveConduct a comprehensive review of published literature on SUD to identify knowledge gaps and to guide future research.MethodsPubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched with suitable keywords for SUD publications up to June 10, 2019. Eligible studies (primary research conducted in Saudi Arabia) were organized into three broad domains: (1) risk (or protective) factors of SUD, (2) perspectives on drug use of people who use drugs, and (3) impact on family. The quality of the included studies was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.ResultsOf the 113 search records, 23 were eligible for analysis (19 cross-sectional and 4 case-control). All studies were conducted in clinical settings; all but two included males only. There were 4 studies about SUD risk factors, 6 studies about the perspectives of people who use drugs, and none about family impact. None of the cross-sectional studies (0%) and 25% of case-control studies were of good quality.ConclusionsThe available studies were few in number, weak in methodology, and poor in quality. Quantitative as well as qualitative studies about SUD are warranted in each domain and should represent both genders.
Surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm neonates weighing less than 1500g: a 9-year single center experience
Authors: Lee Jun Ho , Lee Hyun Ju , Park Hyun-Kyung , Ahn Ja-Hye , Kim Hee Sun , Jang Hyo Jun , Ro Sun Kyun , Kim Hyuck 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and outcomes of early surgical ligation in preterm neonates with hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (HSPDA) and to investigate predictors for surgical treatment after unsuccessful medical management.

Methods
Medical records from the neonatal intensive care unit of Hanyang University Seoul Hospital from January 2010 to December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. 233 preterm neonates weighing less than 1500g with HSPDA were enrolled in our study. Of these preterm neonates, 134 underwent surgical ligation and were subdivided into the early ligation group (n = 49; within 10 days of age) and the late ligation group (n = 85; after 10 days of age).

Results
The mean gestational age and birth weight were significantly lower in the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation group than in the Non-ligation group (p <  0.001). PDA ductal diameter > 2.0 mm (p <  0.001), low Apgar score at 5 min (p = 0.033), and chorioamnionitis (p = 0.037) were the predictors for receiving surgical treatment for PDA. Early ligation was significantly associated with a low incidence of culture-proven sepsis (p = 0.004), mechanical ventilator time > 4 weeks (p = 0.007), necrotizing enterocolitis stage (NEC) ≥ III (p = 0.022), and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) grade ≥ III (p = 0.035).

Conclusions
Early surgical ligation minimizes the adverse effects of HSPDA in predicted preterm neonates who subsequently require surgical treatment for PDA. This result suggests that in preterm neonates weighing less than 1500g with HSPDA that is unresponsive to medical treatment, delayed ductal closure should be avoided to reduce severe NEC, severe IVH, culture-proven sepsis, and facilitate earlier endotracheal extubation.
Experimental Investigation on the Force-Crack Quantification Model for HSRC Columns with Flexure–Shear and Shear Failure Modes
Authors: Chiu Cien-Kuo , Tandri Alexander Ivan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA total of six full-scale high strength reinforced concrete (HSRC) columns were tested under axial and cyclic lateral loading. The specified concrete compressive strength was 70 MPa and the specified yield strength was 685 MPa and 785 MPa for the longitudinal and transverse reinforcements, respectively. The main variables considered in the study are the transverse reinforcements ratio and axial load ratio. Although such HSRC columns have gradually transformed in use and scope, the damage assessment method is less understood. The main purpose of this study is to propose a damage assessment model for HSRC columns. An analytical backbone curve model for predicting force–deformation behavior of HSRC columns is described. Column stiffness is also measured from the experiment to obtain stiffness reduction factors that are necessary to calculate member deformation. Based on experiment results, a new limiting value of residual crack width is defined to determine damage level. This study uses specified residual crack width of 0.15 mm, 0.30 mm, and 1.00 mm in the damage assessment model. The new limiting value of residual crack width is also used to determine the performance points of structural members. Finally, a new drift ratio limit of each damage level is also proposed. Experiment results are presented and used to investigate the application of the proposed damage assessment model.
Analysing the quality of Swiss National Forest Inventory measurements of woody species richness
Authors: Traub Berthold , Wüest Rafael O. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Under ongoing climate and land-use change, biodiversity is continuously decreasing and monitoring biodiversity is becoming increasingly important. National Forest Inventory (NFI) programmes provide valuable time-series data on biodiversity and thus contribute to assessments of the state and trends in biodiversity, as well as ecosystem functioning. Data quality in this context is of paramount relevance, particularly for ensuring a meaningful interpretation of changes. The Swiss NFI revisits about 8%–10% of its sample plots regularly in repeat surveys to supervise the quality of fieldwork.

Methods
We analysed the relevance of observer bias with equivalence tests, examined data quality objectives defined by the Swiss NFI instructors, and calculated the pseudo-turnover (PT) of species composition, that is, the percentage of species not observed by both teams. Three attributes of woody species richness from the latest Swiss NFI cycles (3 and 4) were analysed: occurrence of small tree and shrub species (1) on the sample plot and (2) at the forest edge, and (3) main shrub and trees species in the upper storey.

Results
We found equivalent results between regular and repeat surveys for all attributes. Data quality, however, was significantly below expectations in all cases, that is, as much as 20%–30% below the expected data quality limit of 70%–80% (proportion of observations that should not deviate from a predefined threshold). PT values were about 10%–20%, and the PT of two out of three attributes decreased significantly in NFI4. This type of uncertainty – typically caused by a mixture of overlooking and misidentifying species – should be considered carefully when interpreting change figures on species richness estimates from NFI data.

Conclusions
Our results provide important information on the data quality achieved in Swiss NFIs in terms of the reproducibility of the collected data. The three applied approaches proved to be effective for evaluating the quality of plot-level species richness and composition data in forest inventories and other biodiversity monitoring programmes. As such, they could also be recommended for assessing the quality of biodiversity indices derived from monitoring data.
Breast Cancer in Jamaica: Trends From 2010 to 2014—Is Mortality Increasing?
Authors: Reid Sonya , Donaldson-Davis Kayon , Willie-Tyndale Douladel , Thompson Camelia , Wharfe Gilian , Gibson Tracey , Eldemire-Shearer Denise , James Kenneth 
Published: June 2020

PURPOSEThis study sought to provide a detailed analysis of breast cancer–specific mortality in Jamaica on the basis of reported deaths between 2010 and 2014.METHODSA cross-sectional study was done to analyze breast cancer–specific mortality data from the Registrar General’s Department, the statutory body responsible for registering all deaths across Jamaica.RESULTSA total of 1,634 breast cancer–related deaths were documented among Jamaican women between 2010 and 2014, which accounted for 24% of all female cancer deaths. The age-standardized breast cancer mortality rate increased from 21.8 per 100,000 in 2010 to 28 per 100,000 in 2014 for the total female population. The overall difference in breast cancer mortality rates between the 2014 and 2010 rates was not statistically significant ( P = .114). Analysis of the year-by-year trend reflected by the annual percentage of change did show, however, a statistically significant increasing trend in breast cancer mortality ( P = .028). Mortality rates varied by age, with statistically significant annual increases observed in the 35-44–, 65-74–, and ≥ 75-year age groups ( P = .04, .03, and .01, respectively).CONCLUSIONBreast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death among Jamaican women. Despite global advances in breast cancer screening and management, breast cancer remains a major public health challenge and represents a public health priority in Jamaica. The increasing breast cancer–specific mortality in Jamaica over the 5-year period contrasts with decreasing mortality rates among US women with breast cancer. This study highlights the critical need to address the implementation of a national organized breast cancer screening program in Jamaica and to focus future research efforts on the biology of breast cancer, especially among young Jamaican women.
Chaperone-mediated Autophagy Governs Progression of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma via PPARγ-SDF1/CXCR4 Signaling
Authors: Zhou Hong , Xie Xin , Chen Ying , Lin Yi , Cai Zhaogen , Ding Li , Wu Yijie , Peng Yongde , Tang Shanshan , Xu Huanbai 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Context
Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common endocrine malignancy. Chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA), 1 type of autophagy, is thought to promote or suppress cancer development in different cancer types. However, the effect of CMA on PTC development and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown.

Objective
To determine whether CMA plays implied critical roles in the development of PTC.

Design
We investigated the association between CMA and PTC development in PTC tissues and normal thyroid tissues by detecting the key protein of CMA, lysosome-associated membrane protein type 2A (LAMP2A), using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry, which were further validated in the TGCA dataset. The effect of CMA on PTC development was studied by cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis assays. The underlying mechanisms of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ)-stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1)/ C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) signaling were clarified by western blotting, quantitative PCR, and rescue experiments. Knockdown and tamoxifen were used to analyze the effect of estrogen receptor (ER) α on CMA.

Results
Our study confirmed that CMA, indicated by LAMP2A expression, was significantly increased in PTC tumor tissues and cell lines, and was associated with tumor size and lymph node metastasis of patients. Higher CMA in PTC promoted tumor cell proliferation and migration, thereby promoting tumor growth and metastasis. These effects of CMA on PTC were exerted by decreasing PPARγ protein expression to enhance SDF1 and CXCR4 expression. Furthermore, CMA was found positively regulated by ERα signaling in PTC.

Conclusion
Our investigation identified CMA regulated by ERα promoting PTC tumor progression that enhanced tumor cell proliferation and migration by targeting PPARγ-SDF1/CXCR4 signaling, representing a potential target for treatment of PTC.
Genetic Alterations in Pediatric Thyroid Cancer Using a Comprehensive Childhood Cancer Gene Panel
Authors: Alzahrani Ali S , Alswailem Meshael , Alswailem Anwar Ali , Al-Hindi Hindi , Goljan Ewa , Alsudairy Nourah , Abouelhoda Mohamed 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Context
Pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) differs from adult DTC in its underlying genetics and clinicopathological features. In this report, we studied these aspects in 48 cases of pediatric DTC.

Patients and Methods
We used the comprehensive Oncomine Childhood Cancer Gene panel on Ion Torrent next-generation sequencing platform. We included 48 patients (37 girls and 11 boys) with pediatric DTC (median age 17 years; range, 5-18 years) and studied the association between these genetic alterations and the clinicopathological features and outcome.

Results
Of 48 tumors, 33 (69%) had somatic genetic alterations that were mutually exclusive except in one tumor. BRAFV600E and RET-PTC1 were the most common, occurring in 9 different tumors (19%) each. RET-PTC3 and ETV6-NTRK3 were the next most common, with each occurring in 4 different tumors (8%). Other genetic alterations including EML4-NTRK1, EML4-ALK, NRAS, KRAS, PTEN, and CREBBP occurred once each. There were no differences between those who had mutations and those without mutations with respect to age, sex, tumor multifocality, extrathyroidal extension, vascular invasion, lymph node or distant metastasis, and American Thyroid Association response to therapy status at the last follow-up visits. Similarly, none of these factors was different between those with fusion genes vs single-point mutations vs no mutations.

Conclusions
In pediatric DTC, fusion genes are more common than single-point mutations. The most common genetic alterations are RET-PTC1, BRAFV600E, RET-PTC3, and ETV6-NTRK3. Other alterations occur rarely. Genetic alterations do not correlate with the clinicopathological features or the outcome.
Metabolic Effect of Breaking Up Prolonged Sitting with Stair Climbing Exercise Snacks
Authors: RAFIEI HOSSEIN , OMIDIAN KOSAR , MYETTE-CÔTÉ ÉTIENNE , LITTLE JONATHAN PETER 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT

Purpose
Prolonged sitting is associated with cardiometabolic complications. The study purpose was to investigate whether breaking up prolonged sitting with brief stair climbing exercise “snacks” could lower postprandial insulin, glucose, and free fatty acids responses.

Methods
In two separate randomized crossover studies, 12 young healthy-weight men (study 1) and 11 adults with overweight/obesity (OW; study 2) completed two experimental conditions: i) sedentary (SED; 9-h sitting) and ii) stair climbing snacks (SS; 8 × 15–30 s once per hour). The same high-glycemic index meals were consumed at 0, 3, and 6 h at each condition. The primary outcome was total insulin area under the curve (AUC) across 9 h.

Results
In healthy-weight men, there were no significant differences between SS and SED for total (9-h) insulin AUC (P = 0.24, d = 0.4), total glucose AUC (P = 0.17, d = 0.48), total nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) AUC (P = 0.22, d = 0.4), or total triglyceride AUC (P = 0.72). In adults with OW, total insulin AUC (−16.5%, P = 0.036, d = 0.94) and total NEFA AUC (−21%, P = 0.016, d = 1.2) were significantly lower in SS versus SED. No differences were found for total glucose and triglyceride AUC (all, P > 0.31) in participants with OW.

Conclusions
Breaking up 9 h of prolonged sitting with hourly brief stair climbing exercise snacks lowered postprandial insulin and NEFA levels in adults with overweight/obesity.
What problems make students struggle during their undergraduate medical education? A qualitative exploratory study
Authors: Aziz Anbreen , Mahboob Usman , Sethi Ahsan 
Published: June 2020

Objective: To explore problems faced by struggling undergraduate medical students and their impact on student’s academics.
Methods: A qualitative case study was carried out from March to August 2019. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of sixteen struggling students. The interview questions were validated and then piloted to ensure clarity. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Due to sensitive nature of the data, confidentiality and anonymity was ensured. Thematic analysis was employed to get meaning with in the data set. All authors ensured analytical triangulation by independently analyzing the data before developing consensus on the codes and themes.
Results: Eleven sub-themes under four major themes emerged from the transcripts. Participants were found to be struggling with emotional, academics and family related problems. Psychological distress was caused by factors such as fight with friends, one-sided love, and hard financial times. Time management, lack of attention and commitments at home were few of the other problems. Problems had an impact on students as they were demotivated, lost focus in their studies, could not perform good and few participants even failed in examinations.
Conclusions: Students were struggling more with emotional and family related problems and less with academics related problems. They were impacting student’s academics. The study site had a robust mentoring program however, struggling students need timely identification and more dedicated time to help them manage their problems. Stress relieving activities and counselling sessions may frequently be added, and academically underachieved students should also be given extra care, support, and guidance.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.5.2267
How to cite this:Aziz A, Mahboob U, Sethi A. What problems make students struggle during their undergraduate medical education? A qualitative exploratory study. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(5):1020-1024. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.5.2267
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Transient contrast induced neurotoxicity after coronary angiography: A contrast re-challenge case
Authors: Sadiq Muhammad Athar , Al Habsi Marwa Salim , Nadar Sunil Kumar , Shaikh Muhammad Mujtaba , BaOmar Hafidh Aqeel 
Published: June 2020

Contrast induced neurotoxicity (CIN) is a rare complication of cardiac catheterization and re-exposure to contrast medium carries the risk of recurrent CIN. We report a case of successful contrast re-challenge in a 60-year-old female patient who developed CIN after her first procedure of coronary angiography (CAG) which resulted in symptoms of disorientation, amnesia and cortical blindness. A non-contrast enhanced CT performed four hours after the CAG was normal, however, her MRI brain scan showed scattered tiny hyper intensities in posterior occipito-temporal and parietal regions suggesting CIN. Patient’s symptoms resolved completely after 72 hours. Two months later, because of persistent exertional angina, patient was successfully re-challenged with lesser amount of contrast medium with administration of hydrocortisone prior to procedure, and PCI to LAD was completed without recurrence of CIN.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.5.2688
How to cite this:Sadiq MA, Al Habsi MS, Nadar SK, Shaikh MM, BaOmar HA. Transient contrast induced neurotoxicity after coronary angiography: A contrast re-challenge case. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(5):1140-1142. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.5.2688
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Dimorfismo Sexual de Onchoscelis germari (Boheman) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Barreto Marliton Rocha , Rosado-Neto Germano Henrique 
Published: June 2020

Onchoscelis germari (Boheman) é uma espécie de gorgulho associada com Simarouba amara Aubl. (Simaroubaceae), popularmente conhecida como “caixeta”. Sessenta e três exemplares adultos foram coletados e examinados em laboratório para determinação do dimorfismo sexual. As seguintes diferenças morfológicas foram observadas e ilustradas: 1) rostro, nos machos, mais rugoso, com pontuação maior e mais densa, tricarenado dorsalmente nos 2/3 basais, e revestido por cerdas eretas semelhantes a escamas e que se estendem até perto do meio; rostro, na fêmea, mais liso, com pontuação fina e mais esparsa, apenas a carena mediana distinta, e com revestimento denso mais concentrado na base; 2) inserção da antena, nos machos, mais próxima do ápice; e nas fêmeas mais ou menos no meio do rostro; 3) sulco esternal, nos machos, mais raso e com suas margens laterais apenas indicadas ou ausentes no prosterno; nas fêmeas o sulco é mais profundo e as margens laterais mais acentuadas no prosterno; 4) último tergito abdominal visível e distinto nos machos, enquanto que nas fêmeas é encoberto pelo penúltimo tergito.
Sexual Dimorphism in Onchoscelis germari (Boheman) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Abstract. Onchoscelis germari (Boheman) is a weevil species associated with Simarouba amara Aubl (Simaroubaceae), commonly named “caixeta”. Sixty three specimens were collected and observed in laboratory for sexual dimorphism differences. The following morphological aspects were observed and illustrated: 1) rostrum of males more rough, coarse and with more dense punctures, tricarinate at the basal 2/3, and covered with erect scales from its base to near middle; rostrum of females smoother, with fine and sparse punctures, only the median longitudinal distinct, and only the base covered by erect scales; 2) males with antenna inserted near the apex of rostrum; and near the middle in females; 3) sternal channel of males flatter, with its lateral margins only indicated or absent in the prosternum; the sternal channel of the females deeper, with its lateral margins more prominent; 4) the eighth abdominal tergite of males visible and distinct; while in the females covered by the seventh abdominal tergite.