bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Posttraumatic stress disorder and psycho-social impairment following snakebite in Northeastern Nigeria
Authors: Habib Zaharaddeen G , Salihu Auwalu S , Hamza Muhammad , Yakasai Ahmad M , Iliyasu Garba , Yola Ibrahim M , Gudaji Mustafa I , Abubakar Saidu B , Habib Abdulrazaq G 
Published: March 2020

Background Snakebite is a major public health problem among impoverished rural populations causing considerable morbidity and mortality in West Africa. Despite the huge burden of snakebite in this region, psycho-social impairment following snakebite has not been evaluated. In this study, we assessed for features of posttraumatic stress disorder and psycho-social impairment among rural snakebite victims in Northeastern Nigeria. Methods Individuals with previous snakebite managed in our facility, defined as exposed to snakebite, and their matched relatives not exposed to snakebite were invited to participate in the study following community mobilization. A retrospective cohort study was conducted evaluating the presence of psycho-social functioning, posttraumatic stress disorder, quality of life, social disability, cognitive impairment, and psychological morbidity using standard tools administered by the investigators, trained nurses, and community health workers. Results The prevalence of features of posttraumatic stress disorder among those exposed to snakebite compared to those not exposed to snakebite was 43% and 28%, respectively (risk ratio = 1.53; 95% confidence interval: 1.04–2.24; p = 0.024). Subjects exposed to snakebite had significantly poorer quality of life score in the psychological and social domains (p < 0.05). Other psycho-social complications associated with snakebite were impaired family/school functioning and psychological morbidity. No difference in cognitive functioning was observed between the two groups. Conclusions Snakebite is complicated by features of posttraumatic stress disorder, poor quality of life, and psycho-social impairments in northeastern Nigeria. Detection, monitoring, and appropriate management interventions should be provided and made more accessible to snakebite victims to ameliorate mental and psychological impairment.
Longitudinal Effects of an Intergenerational mHealth Program for Older Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Rural Taiwan
Authors: Yu Kexin , Wu Shinyi , Lee Pey-Jiuan , Wu Du-An , Hsiao Hsin-Yi , Tseng Yi-Chuan , Wang Ying-Wei , Cheng Ching-Feng , Wang Yi-Hsuan , Lee Szu-Pei , Chi Iris 
Published: March 2020

Purpose The purpose of the study is to test the longitudinal efficacy of a mHealth intervention (Intergenerational Mobile Technology Opportunities Program, IMTOP) for older type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in rural Taiwan. Few mHealth programs targeted rural older adults and the longitudinal effects are unknown. Methods Ninety-seven T2DM patients aged 55+ were recruited from an outpatient in Hualien, Taiwan. The intervention comprised 8-week technology and diabetes self-management training and 4-week technical support. College student tutors facilitated T2DM patients to learn technology. Participants used a diabetes self-management app to track health behaviors. Outcomes measured at baseline and at 4 and 8 months including patient-reported self-care behaviors, T2DM symptoms, clinical outcomes, health resource utilization, and medical expenditure. Linear mixed-effect regressions of repeated measures were conducted for each outcome. Results At 4 months, improvements in self-care behaviors were reported in diet, exercise, smoking, and blood glucose testing. Patients paid less endocrinology clinic visits, spent less on endocrinology medications, and improvements in fasting blood glucose and total cholesterol were observed. At 8 months, the statistical significance of improvements in diet and smoking were maintained, and the averaged endocrinology clinic visits remained less than baseline. However, more frequent occurrence of diabetes symptoms were reported at both follow-ups. Conclusions: IMTOP had lasting effects on diet and decreased smoking behavior, clinic visits, and medication costs over 8 months. Self-monitoring through an app increased awareness and may explain the increased reporting of diabetes symptoms. IMTOP is a promising model for promoting T2DM self-management in rural areas.
Sirolimus and propranolol inhibit endothelial proliferation while detergent sclerosants induce endothelial activation, microparticle release and apoptosis in vitro
Authors: Connor David E. , Gerbelli Jessica , Chew An-Ning , Cooley-Andrade Osvaldo , Goonawardhana Dulani , Cheung Kelvin , Parsi Kurosh 
Published: March 2020

Objectives To investigate the effects of detergent sclerosants, sodium tetradecyl sulphate and polidocanol, on endothelial cell activation and microparticle release and the effects of detergent sclerosants, sirolimus and propranolol, on apoptosis in vitro. Methods Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells and murine haemangioendothelioma (EOMA) cell lines were incubated with different concentrations of sodium tetradecyl sulphate and polidocanol, as well as sirolimus and propranolol. Endothelial activation was assessed using flow cytometry for CD62e (E-Selectin), CD54 (ICAM-1), CD105 (endoglin), CD144 (VE-Cadherin), CD146 (MCAM) and the release of endothelial microparticles. Cell proliferation was assessed using [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium] and carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester assays. Apoptosis was assessed using flow cytometry for lactadherin/propidium iodide staining and for Caspase-3 expression. Results Sublytic concentrations of sodium tetradecyl sulphate and polidocanol (0.075%–0.3%) increased the expression of the activation markers CD62e and CD54. The expression of CD105 decreased in sclerosant treated cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Both sodium tetradecyl sulphate and polidocanol induced the release of endothelial microparticles. All agents inhibited cell proliferation. Sodium tetradecyl sulphate and polidocanol-induced apoptosis as evidenced by increased phosphatidylserine exposure and caspase-3 expression, whereas sirolimus and propranolol increased caspase-3 expression only. Conclusion Sublytic concentrations of detergent sclerosants induce endothelial activation and the release of endothelial microparticles. All agents were anti-proliferative in EOMA cell lines, with sodium tetradecyl sulphate and polidocanol inducing cellular apoptosis.
Clinical study on minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery for lumbar spondylolisthesis combined with severe narrowing of the intervertebral space
Authors: Wu Han , Gao Zhong-Wen , Zhao Dong-Xu , Li Long-Yun 
Published: March 2020

Objective To investigate the different clinical characteristics of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion on treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis combined with severe narrowing of the intervertebral space or simple grade II lumbar spondylolisthesis. Methods Thirty-eight patients were divided into groups A (16 cases combined with severe intervertebral space narrowing) or B (22 cases of simple grade II lumbar spondylolisthesis without intervertebral space narrowing). Differences in preoperative preparation, operation time, blood loss, tool selection, decompression, reduction, pedicle screw, cage size selection, and other aspects were compared. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were used to assess the effect of treatment. Results The operation time was significantly longer, blood loss was greater, the anatomical reduction rate was lower, and cage size was smaller in group A than in group B. Furthermore, special tools were required for treating the lumbar intervertebral space and the pedicle screws were different between the groups. JOA and VAS scores were similar between the groups Conclusions Cases of severe intervertebral space narrowing need to be fully released, with bilateral decompression, and special intervertebral processing tools need to be prepared. Long pedicle screws are conducive to connecting the rod and reducing slippage.
Effects and risks of 3.2-mm transparent corneal incision phacoemulsification for cataract after radial keratotomy
Authors: Wang Jin-da , Liu Xue , Zhang Jing-shang , Xiong Ying , Li Jing , Li Xiao-xia , Zhao Jing , You Qi-sheng , Huang Yao , Espina Mark , Jhanji Vishal , Wan Xiu-hua 
Published: March 2020

Objective This study was performed to analyze the visual outcomes and complications of phacoemulsification using a 3.2-mm transparent corneal incision in eyes with cataract after radial keratotomy (RK). Methods We retrospectively reviewed cases of lens phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation after RK. The main measurement results were postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), endothelial cell density, and complications. Results Overall, 19 eyes of 12 patients with 8 (n = 6), 12 (n = 7), and 16 (n = 6) RK cuts were included in the study. Intraoperative wound dehiscence occurred in two eyes with 16 RK cuts. Successful phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation was performed in all eyes. The mean BCVA at the last follow-up (0.19 ± 0.13 LogMAR) was significantly better than the preoperative BCVA (0.72 ± 0.54 LogMAR). However, there was a significant reduction in the corneal endothelial cell density after surgery (2384.0 ± 833.4/mm2 vs. 1716.95 ± 906.79/mm2). Conclusions Surgeons should be aware of the risk of wound dehiscence in patients who undergo phacoemulsification after RK. A small transparent corneal incision or scleral tunnel incision is recommended.
Clinical analysis of aortic dissection with sudden coma and paraplegia as the main symptoms
Authors: Zhang Dongwei , Lin Yinuo , Liu Yuehui , Zhang Xinhong , Jiang Caixia 
Published: March 2020

Objective This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with aortic dissection presenting with neurological symptoms as the initial symptoms. Methods Clinical characteristics, radiological abnormalities, and prognosis were analyzed in two female patients with aortic dissection. The main clinical symptoms were sudden coma and paraplegia. A detailed clinical examination was performed and computed tomography scans were evaluated. Results The initial symptoms of the patients involved the nervous system. Chest and abdominal computed tomography scans were performed to confirm the diagnosis of aortic dissection. Both patients died. Conclusion Patients who present with nervous system symptoms as the first symptoms of aortic dissection, which lead to misdiagnosis and missing the diagnosis, are rare. Improvement in the understanding of this disease is required to ensure that patients receive a timely diagnosis in the early stages.
Effects of propofol and sevoflurane on tumor killing activity of peripheral blood natural killer cells in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Ai Lili , Wang Hao 
Published: March 2020

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of propofol and sevoflurane on cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells in patients with gastric cancer. Methods Patients with gastric cancer were anesthetized by propofol or sevoflurane. Peripheral blood NK cells were isolated and co-cultured with BGC-823 gastric cancer cell culture supernatant, and the rate of apoptosis and effector molecules were analyzed by flow cytometry. Effects of propofol and sevoflurane on NK cell function and SMAD4 protein expression were investigated. Results Cytotoxicity of NK cells in patients with gastric cancer was inhibited before surgery, but it was enhanced in patients who were anesthetized by propofol compared with those who had sevoflurane. In vitro co-culture with BGC-823 cells significantly inhibited the cytotoxicity of NK cells, which was abolished by treatment of propofol or transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. SMAD4 protein expression in the NK cell nucleus was significantly downregulated by TGF-β1 treatment and BGC-823 supernatant co-culture, and this expression could be restored by propofol. Conclusions Cytotoxicity of NK cells in patients with gastric cancer is low, but it can be promoted by propofol. Propofol regulates cytotoxicity in NK cells by promoting SMAD4, thereby affecting cellular function.
MicroRNA-21 may be involved in the therapeutic effects of Galla chinensis ointment on keloid
Authors: Tang Zhiming , Ding Jicun , Zhai Xiaoxiang , Jing Mengqing , Guan Zhiqiang , Li Yongcong 
Published: March 2020

Objective Galla chinensis ointment can inhibit the proliferation of keloid fibroblasts and decrease keloid formation. We investigated whether Galla chinensis ointment inhibits keloid fibroblast proliferation through expression of microRNA-21, phosphorylated (p)-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K), chromosome 10 neutropenic protein phosphatase (PTEN), protein kinase B (p-Akt), and mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR). Methods A keloid mouse model and human keloid-derived fibroblasts were developed and treated with Galla chinensis. Immunohistochemistry, western blot, and reverse transcription-PCR were used to detect miR-21, PI3K, PTEN, Akt, and mTOR in keloid tissues. Results p-Akt and p-mTOR were highly expressed in the control group, PTEN was highly expressed in the treatment group, and p-PI3K was highly expressed in keloid tissue in both groups. Galla chinensis reduced miR-21 expression and increased PTEN mRNA expression in keloid fibroblasts compared with the control group, resulting in increased PTEN protein and decreased p-Akt and p-mTOR protein. Galla chinensis had no effect on p-PI3K. Conclusion Galla chinensis might inhibit proliferation of keloid fibroblasts by upregulating PTEN, thus inhibiting expression of miR-21 and downregulating p-Akt and p-mTOR expression. These results confirm the effect of Galla chinensis ointment on fibroblasts and suggest that it could be used to manage keloids clinically.
The combination of ulinastatin and 5-fluorouracil synergistically inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth
Authors: Hu Xueli , Ding Jie , Wang Ge , Zhang Xianming 
Published: March 2020

Objective Chemoresistance is a major problem during hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment; thus, finding novel chemosensitizers and elucidating the underlying mechanisms that contribute to chemoresistance in HCC is critical. Methods Cell viability assays were used to detect the combined effects of ulinastatin (UTI) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on the proliferation of HCC cells. RT-qPCR, western blot, sphere formation, and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) activity assays were used to examine UTI-mediated effects on HCC cell stemness and related mechanisms. Results We constructed 5-FU-resistant HCC cell lines and found that their stemness was higher than parental cells, as evidenced by increased sphere-formation ability, ALDH1 activity, and expression of stemness regulatory genes. While UTI had no effect on the viability of HCC cells, it significantly reduced the stemness of 5-FU-resistant HCC cells, which was determined by decreased sphere-formation capacity, ALDH1 activity, and expression of stemness-related genes. Furthermore, UTI attenuated 5-FU resistance in 5-FU-resistant HCC cells and enhanced the 5-FU sensitivity of parental cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that UTI suppressed the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which was responsible for the activity of UTI on the stemness of HCC cells. Conclusions UTI enhanced the 5-FU sensitivity of HCC cells by attenuating their stemness via inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
The effect of endometrial injury on reproductive outcomes of frozen–thawed embryo transfer cycles in women with one implantation failure
Authors: Chen Ting , Shi Hao , Fang Lan Lan , Su Ying Chun 
Published: March 2020

Objective Endometrial injury (EI) is a simple procedure that may improve endometrial receptivity. The purpose of our study was to investigate whether EI improves reproductive outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles in patients with one implantation failure. Methods The EI group comprised 258 selected patients, and the control group comprised 258 patients retrospectively matched by age, number of transferred embryos, and stage of transferred embryos. The EI group underwent EI in the proliferative phase of FET cycles, and the control group did not undergo EI. The primary outcome was clinical pregnancy rate. Results We detected significant differences between the EI and control groups in rates of biochemical pregnancy (5.0% vs. 10.1%), implantation (31.7% vs. 25.3%), clinical pregnancy (47.3% vs. 37.6%), and live birth (39.1% vs. 30.2%). Moreover, EI was found to be an independent factor that affected clinical pregnancy rate, as assessed by logistic regression analysis. Conclusion EI in the proliferative phase of FET cycles improves rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth in women with one implantation failure.
Listening and interpersonal communication skills as predictors of resilience in occupational therapy students: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Brown Ted , Yu Mong-lin , Etherington Jamie 
Published: March 2020

Introduction This study investigated whether listening and communication skills are predictive of occupational therapy students’ resilience. Method 135 third- and fourth-year undergraduate occupational therapy students (74% response rate) completed the Active-Empathetic Listening Scale, Listening Styles Profile – Revised, Interpersonal Communication Competence Scale, Resilience at University and Resilience Scale for Adults instruments. Linear regressions were completed with the Resilience at University and Resilience Scale for Adults subscales as the dependent variables and the Active-Empathetic Listening Scale, Listening Styles Profile – Revised and Interpersonal Communication Competence Scale subscales as the independent variables. Results Regression analysis identified significant predictors of students’ resilience. The Active-Empathetic Listening Scale: Sensing Listening accounted for 5% ( p =  .009) and 4.3% ( p =  .011) of the unique variance of Resilience at University: Find Your Calling and Living Authentically. Listening Styles Profile – Revised: Analytical Listening accounted for 4.4% ( p =  .022) and 2.7% ( p =  .038) of the unique variance of Resilience at University: Managing Stress and Maintaining Perspective. Interpersonal Communication Competence Scale: Self-Disclosure accounted for 6.7% ( p =  .003), 3.6% ( p =  .035) and 3.4% ( p =  .047) of the unique variance of Resilience Scale for Adults: Social Resources, Resilience at University: Maintaining Perspective and Resilience Scale for Adults: Planned Future. Interpersonal Communication Competence Scale: Social Relaxation accounted for 8.5% ( p =  .001) of the unique variance of Resilience Scale for Adults: Social Competence. Conclusion Components of listening and interpersonal communication were found to be significant predictors of resilience in occupational therapy students. Further investigation in this area of research is recommended.
Infection-Associated Opsoclonus: A Retrospective Case Record Analysis and Review of Literature
Authors: Saini Lokesh , Dhawan Sumeet R. , Madaan Priyanka , Suthar Renu , Saini Arushi Gahlot , Sahu Jitendra Kumar , Sankhyan Naveen 
Published: March 2020

Opsoclonus, an uncommon clinical sign, and is often described in the context of opsoclonus myoclonus ataxia syndrome (OMAS). OMAS may be paraneoplastic or postinfectious. However, opsoclonus with or without OMAS may occur in association with a wide gamut of infections. Infection-associated opsoclonus/OMAS (IAO) needs recognition as a separate entity, since it demands relatively brief immunosuppression, symptomatic treatment, and has a better outcome. Case records of children, who presented with opsoclonus to a tertiary-care teaching hospital of North India over a period of 1 year (2017-2018), were reviewed. Those with opsoclonus in the setting of an acute infection/febrile illness (symptomatic opsoclonus; IAO) were included. Of 15 children with opsoclonus, 6 children [median age: 42 months (range: 8 months to 7 years); 2 boys] had opsoclonus associated with an infective or febrile illness. Additional clinical findings in these children included myoclonus (n = 2), ataxia (n = 4) and behavioral abnormalities (n = 4). All these patients had an associated neurologic or nonneurologic illness- scrub typhus (n = 1), tuberculous meningitis (n = 1), mumps encephalitis (n = 1), brainstem encephalitis (n = 1), acute cerebellitis (n = 1), and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE, n = 1). Children with acute cerebellitis, brainstem encephalitis, and mumps encephalitis were treated with steroids while those with scrub typhus, tuberculosis, and SSPE were treated with antibiotics, antitubercular therapy, and Isoprinosine, respectively. None of them needed long-term maintenance immunotherapy. The evaluation for tumor was negative in all. Three of the 6 children are functionally normal at the last follow-up. Acute neuro infections may trigger opsoclonus. A careful analysis of clinical data and suitable investigations can help differentiate these children from those with OMAS. This distinction may avoid unwarranted long-term immunosuppression.
Impact of Expansion of PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program From 2 to 4 Residents
Authors: Brophy Alison , Bente Jessica , Sobolewski Kristine , DeStefano Doug , Costello Jennifer 
Published: March 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the benefits of postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residency program expansion on clinical outcomes, pharmacy services, educational outreach, costs, and preceptor time at a community teaching hospital. Methods: During academic years 2014 to 2016, two PGY1 resident positions existed, expanding to four PGY1 resident positions during 2016 to 2018. Quantitative analyses comparing the aforementioned periods evaluated clinical interventions, adverse drug events prevented, community and hospital educational programs provided, departmental costs, and documented preceptor hours as a result of program growth. The outcomes were assessed using descriptive statistics. Results: The mean number of documented clinical interventions completed by the resident classes with two residents was 2906 when compared to 5324 with four residents. The mean number of prevented adverse drug events was 56 during the years with two residents and 220 in the years with four residents. The number of community outreach programs increased from 2 to 18 per year. The number of resident lectures provided to allied health professionals increased from 11 to 16 sessions per year. The net economic impact associated with two residents in 2014 was +$4661 USD, while in 2017 the net impact was −$5262 USD. The mean preceptor hours spent per year related to residency activities with two residents was 1005 hours compared to 1109.5 hours with four residents. Conclusion: Through strategic modification, expansion of the PGY1 residency program led to increased documentation of clinical interventions, prevented adverse drug events, and educational programs provided with minimal change in preceptor burden.