bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
No gender difference in synaptic potentiation in the anterior cingulate cortex of adult mice
Authors: Liu Ren-Hao , Xue Man , Li Xu-Hui , Zhuo Min 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Gender differences in certain types of pain sensitivity and emotional responses have been previously reported. Synaptic plasticity is a key cellular mechanism for pain perception and emotional regulation, including long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). However, it is unclear whether there is a gender difference at synaptic level. Recent studies indicate that excitatory transmission and plasticity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) are critical in chronic pain and pain related emotional responses. In the present study, we used 64-channel multielectrode (MED64) system to record synaptic plasticity in the ACC of male and female adult mice. We found that there was no significant difference in theta-burst stimulation (TBS)-induced LTP between female and male mice. Furthermore, the recruitment of inactive channels was also not different. For LTD, we found that LTD was greater in slices of ACC in male mice than female mice. Our results demonstrate that LTP in the ACC does not show any gender-related difference.
Comparing the Effect of Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Opium Tincture on QTc Interval in Addicted Patients Undergoing Maintenance Therapy
Authors: Seyedi Malihe , Hojjat Seyyed Kaveh , Rezaeian Nahid , Khalili Mina Norouzi , Zadehbagheri Fatemeh , Asadian Sanaz , Bakhtiarpour Saeed , Hosseini Leila 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background : Methadone, buprenorphine, and opium tincture are effective in the treatment of opioid dependency. Currently, in Iran, these three drugs are used in the maintenance therapy program of opioids. On the other word, there are concerns about the incidence of secondary torsade de point (TdP) arrhythmia caused by the prolonged drug-dependent QTc interval. This cross-sectional study has been designed to evaluate and compare the effects of these three maintenance therapies on the QTc interval. Methods : The study population included 110 patients (85% male with the mean age of 51.66±13.34) who participated in an opioid maintenance therapy program for at least 6 months. These patients were assigned to three groups of maintenance therapy with methadone (n = 50), buprenorphine (n = 30) and opium tincture (n = 30). For each patient, a 12-lead ECG was acquired and interpreted. The QT interval was corrected based on the QTc = QT + 1/75 (heart rate - 60) formula. Results : The mean QTc interval was 408.51 ± 25.88 msec in the maintenance therapy group with methadone, 405.58 ± 20.8 msec with buprenorphine and 406.31 ± 16.9 with opium tincture. There was no significant difference between the three groups (P = 0.83). There was only one case with QTc more than 500 msec (511.25 msec) in the maintenance therapy group with methadone. Conclusions : Methadone, buprenorphine and opium tincture are safe drugs in terms of prolonging the QTc interval and are suitable candidates for maintenance therapy of opioid.
Early empirical antimicrobial therapy does not prevent sepsis development in critically ill surgical patients with suspected nosocomial infection: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Bassi Estêvão , Tomazini Bruno Martins , Carneiro Bárbara Vieira , Siqueira Amanda Rodrigues de Oliveira , Siqueira Sara Rodrigues de Oliveira , Guimarães Thais , Novo Fernando Ferreira da Costa , Utiyama Edivaldo Massazo , Pelosi Paolo , Malbouisson Luiz Marcelo Sá 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Early administration of antibiotics to septic shock patients decreases in-hospital mortality, but there is a lack of studies evaluating the role of early empirical antibiotics in surgical patients with suspected nosocomial infection without sepsis. Methods: Retrospective cohort of adult patients admitted to a surgical Intensive Care Unit in a tertiary hospital. We defined early empirical antibiotic group by the initiation of antibiotic therapy within 24h after infection’s suspicion, and conservative group by antibiotic therapy initiation 24 hours after infection’s suspicion or not prescribed within 14 days. The primary outcome was a composite of death, septic shock or sepsis within 14 days from the clinical suspicion of infection. Regression models were used to identify associations between factors and the primary outcome. Results: From 2007 patients admitted to intensive care unit, 341 surgical patients (71% trauma patients) with suspected nosocomial infection without sepsis and with no obvious source of infection were included in the cohort. Age, gender, traumatic brain injury, admission type (trauma vs. non-trauma), SAPS 3, SOFA, vasopressor use or rate of mechanical ventilation did not differ between early empirical antibiotic and conservative groups. In the conservative group, 57% of patients received antibiotics within 14 days. The composite primary outcome occurred in 41% of patients in the conservative group and 56% in the early empirical antimicrobial group, (p=0.007). The 14-day incidence of septic shock or mortality was similar in both groups. Multivariate analysis showed early antimicrobial therapy (OR 1.83 [95% CI 1.16-2.88] , p = 0.008), non-trauma admission (OR 2.32 [1.40-3.90], p = 0.001) and mechanical ventilation (OR 2.09 [1.31-3.35], p = 0.002) were associated with the primary outcome. Exploratory analysis including only patients with positive cultures also did not find any benefit of early empiric antibiotic therapy (OR 1.39 [0.78-2.49], p = 0.26) Conclusions: Early empiric antibiotic therapy does not decrease the incidence of sepsis, septic shock or death within 14 days in critically ill stable surgical patients with suspected infection but with no obvious source.
The Effect of Theory-lead Intervention for Knee Osteoarthritis in Older Adults: A Cluster Randomized Trial
Authors: Wang Limin , Chen Hongbo , Lu Han , Wang Yunlin , Liu Congying , Dong Xu , Chen Jieru , Liu Nan , Yu Fang , Wan Qiaoqin , Shang Shaomei 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common joint disease in people over 60 years old. Exercise therapy is one of the most effective non-pharmacological treatments for KOA, but low exercise adherence needs to be improved. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the transtheoretical model-lead home exercise intervention (TTM-HEI) program on exercise adherence, KOA symptoms and knee function in older adults with KOA. Methods: A two-arm, superiority, assessor-blinded, cluster randomized trial was conducted. Community-dwelling older adults with KOA were recruited from 14 community centers in Beijing, China via print and social media advertisements from April to October 2018. The intervention was a two-stage and 24-week transtheoretical model-based exercise program, and the control group underwent a same length but non-theory-based exercise program. Exercise adherence was measured by an 11-point numerical self-rating scale at weeks 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48 after the program started. KOA symptoms (pain intensity and joint stiffness) and knee function (lower limb muscle strength and balance) were measured at baseline, week 24, and week 48. Latent growth model (GLM), repeated measures ANOVA and independent t-test were the main statistical tests.Results: A total of 189 older adults (intervention group: n = 103, control group: n = 86) were enrolled. Differences of any outcome measures at baseline were not significant between groups. The growth rate of exercise adherence in the intervention group increased 2.175 units compared with the control group (unstandardized coefficient of slope on group B2 = 2.175, p < 0.001), and the intervention program maintained participants’ exercise adherence with 5.56 (SD = 1.00) compared with 3.16 (SD = 1.31) in the control group at week 48. In addition, TTM-HEI program showed significant effects on relieving KOA symptoms and improving knee function.Conclusion: The TTM-HEI could improve the participants’ exercise adherence, knee osteoarthritis symptoms and knee function over time.
Clinical, haematological and biochemical findings in tigers infected by Leishmania infantum
Authors: Cavalera Maria Alfonsa , Iatta Roberta , Laricchiuta Pietro , Passantino Giuseppe , Abramo Francesca , Roldan Jairo Alfonso Mendoza , Otranto Domenico , Zatelli Andrea 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background A large number of animal species are susceptible to Leishmania infantum (Kinetoplastida, Trypanosomatidae) in endemic areas, including domestic and wild felids such as tigers (Panthera tigris). Knowledge on the infection of this endangered species is still at its infancy, and therefore this study aims to identify clinical presentation and clinicopathological findings of tigers naturally infected by L. infantum. Results Tigers either L. infantum-positive (group A) or -negative (group B) were apparently healthy or presented visceral leishmaniasis unrelated conditions, except for one animal in which a large non-healing cutaneous lesion was observed. However, histological exam and immunohistochemistry carried out on the lesion excluded the presence of L. infantum amastigotes. Biochemical analysis showed that the average concentration of total proteins, globulins and haptoglobin were significantly higher (p<0.01, p=0.01 and p=0.02, respectively), while the albumin/globulin ratio significantly lower (p=0.05) in group A compared with group B. The biochemical alterations were partially confirmed by the serum protein electrophoresis results revealing a significant increase in the total protein value (p=0.01) and hypergammaglobulinemia (p=0.03) but an unmodified albumin/globulin ratio in group A.Conclusions In this study tigers infected by L. infantum have shown to be mainly asymptomatic. The absence of clinical signs may lead veterinarians to overlook leishmaniasis in animals kept in captivity. Therefore, diagnostic and screening tests as serology should be part of routinely surveillance programs to be performed on tigers in zoological gardens located in endemic areas. Though only few protein-related laboratory abnormalities were recorded in infected animals, they could provide diagnostic clues for a first suspicion of L. infantum infection in tigers. Indeed, considering the high risk of zoonotic transmission in heavily frequented environment as zoos, a prompt diagnosis of L. infantum infection is of pivotal importance.
Retraction of transporting bone segment during Ilizarov bone transport
Authors: Ma Yunhong , Ma Yun-hong , Yin Qu-dong , Wu Yong-wei , Wang Zong-nan , Sun Zhen-zhong , Gu San-jun , Rui Yong-jun , Han Xiao-fei 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objective To investigate the cause and relevant factors of retraction of transporting bone segment (TBS) after removal of its fixator during Ilizarov bone transport. Methods The clinical data of 37 cases with tibial bone defect treated by Ilizarov bone transport, in whom the TBSs were removed before mature of mineralization of the distraction callus and union of the docking site, were analyzed retrospectively. Bivariate correlation was used to analyze relationship between retraction distance of TBS and age, gender, disease course, length of bone defect, times of pre-operation, size of TBS, transport distance, cause of removal, timing and time interval of removal of TBS fixator. Risk factors with significant level were further identified using multivariate linear regression. Results Bivariate correlation analysis showed that the timing of removal was negatively correlated with the retraction distance, the time interval, cause of removal, transport distance and size of TBS were positively correlated with the transport distance(all p<0.05), whereas the age, gender, disease course, length of bone defect and times of pre-operation were not correlated with the transport distance(p>0.05). Multivariate linear regression analysis of the 5 risk factors showed that the timing of removal, transport distance and cause of removal were independent risk factors for the retraction distance (p<0.05), of which, the timing of removal had the greatest impact, followed by the transport distance and cause of removal. The transport distance and time interval were not significant for the retraction (p>0.05). Conclusion The TBS is subjected to distraction force from all the adherent soft tissues during Ilizarov bone transport, which has elastic properties and can make a retraction of TBS if its fixator is removed before mature of mineralization of the distraction callus and union of the docking site. The retraction distance is related to the TBS size, transport distance, timing and time interval of removal of TBS fixator. Importantly, the timing of removal and transport distance are the main factors for the retraction, especially the timing of removal had the greatest impact.
LncRNA MEG3 rs3087918 was associated with a decreased breast cancer risk in a Chinese population: a case-control study
Authors: Zheng Yi , Wang Meng , Wang Shuqian , Xu Peng , Deng Yujiao , Lin Shuai , Li Na , Liu Kang , Zhu Yuyao , Zhai Zhen , Wu Ying , Dai Zhi-Jun , Zhu Gaixia 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background LncRNA MEG3 expressed abnormally in various cancers including breast cancer, but no studies reported the correlation between MEG3 SNPs and breast cancer susceptibility. Methods This study is aimed to explore the association between three SNPs of MEG3 (rs3087918, rs7158663, rs11160608) and breast cancer. The study is a population-based case-control study including 434 breast cancer patients and 700 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed using Sequence MassArray technique. Function prediction of rs3087918 were based on RNAfold and lncRNASNP2 databases. Results Pooled analysis indicated that rs3087918 was related to a decreased risk of breast cancer (GG vs. TT: P = 0.042; GG vs. TT + TG: P = 0.046), especially for women aged 49 and above (GG vs. TT: P = 0.02). Comparison between case groups showed genotype GG and TG/GG of rs3087918 were correlated with her-2 receptor expression (GG vs. TT: P = 0.010; TG + GG vs. TT: P = 0.045). We didn’t find statistical significance for rs11160608, rs7158663 and breast cancer. Structure prediction based on RNAfold found rs3087918 may influence the secondary structure of MEG3. The results based on lncRNASNP2 indicated rs3087918 may gain the targets of hsa-miR-1203 to MEG3, while loss the target of hsa-miR-139-3p and hsa-miR-5091 to MEG3. Conclusions MEG3 rs3087918 was associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer. MEG3 haplotype TCG (SNP sequence: rs3087918, rs11160608, rs7158663) may increase the risk of breast cancer. And the protest effect of rs3087918 on breast cancer may owe to its effect on the structure and function of MEG3.
Experiences and views of different key stakeholders on the feasibility of treating cancer-related fatigue
Authors: Canella Claudia , Mikolasek Michael , Rostock Matthias , Guckenberger Matthias , Jenewein Josef , Linka Esther , Six Claudia , Stoll Sarah , Stupp Roger , Witt Claudia M. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Although cancer-related fatigue (CRF) has gained increased attention in the past decade, therapy remains a challenge. Treatment programs are more likely to be effective if the needs and interests of the persons involved are well represented. This can be achieved by stakeholder engagement. In this paper, different key stakeholders' experiences and views on the feasibility of treating CRF in the context of supportive care in hospital environments are analyzed. Method: In a qualitative study with the aim of developing an integrative treatment program for CRF, a total of 22 stakeholders (6 medical oncologists, 5 nurses, 9 patients, 1 patient family member, 1 representative of the Swiss Cancer League) were interviewed either in a face-to-face (n=12) or focus group setting (n=2). For data analyses, the method of qualitative content analysis was used. Results: The stakeholders referred to different barriers and facilitators when talking about the feasibility of treating CRF in the context of supportive care in hospital environments. These included assessment, reporting and information; treatability; attitude and mindset; infrastructure, time-management, costs and affordability; and integrative approach. Conclusions : Key factors of a feasible treatment approach to CRF are a coherent, cost effective integrative treatment program facilitated by an interdisciplinary team of health care providers. Furthermore, the treatment approach should be patient orientated, adopting an individualized approach. The major challenges of making the integrative treatment program feasible for CRF are resources and interprofessional collaboration.
Psychological, social, and motivational factors in the drug user care-seekers
Authors: Shahrabadi Sana , Jalali Amir , Jalali Rostam , Gholami Ali 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background In addition to the family and society’s support, the drug user plays a key role in the process of treatment and rehabilitation. Therefore, it is imperative to find the psychological, social, and motivational factors that can help them in the treatment process. The present study is an attempt to determine the relationship of psychological, social, and motivational factors and demographics of drug user care-seekers. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out. Psychological, Social, and Motivational Performance Questionnaire for drug users was first translated into Farsi and validated after securing a permission from the copyright holder of the tool. Participants were 250 drug user care-seekers under methadone therapy who were selected through convenient sampling. Before analyzing the collected data, validity and reliability of the tool were confirmed using confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses. Given the scale of demographical data, suitable statistics were used to analyze the relationship between demographical variables and psychological, social, and motivational factors. Results The results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses showed that out of 83 statements in the original questionnaire, 55 statements categorized into 11 aspects were usable for Iranian population. The results showed that gender, income, and marital status were effective in psychological performance of the drug users (P<0.05). However, education level, domicile, and type of drug and consumption did not have a significant relationship with social performance of the participants (p>0.05). There was a significant relationship between age, number of children, and history of using drug and psychological performance of the participants (P<0.01). The results showed that the demographics did not have a notable effect on the participants’ motivation for treatment; only marital status had a significant relationship with the participants’ readiness for treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion As the results showed, the demographical variables could affect physical, psychological, and motivational readiness in the participants.
Prevalence And Factors Associated With Substance Use Among Street Children In Jimma Town, Oromiya National Regional State, Ethiopia: A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ayenew Mengistu , Kabeta Teshome , Woldemichael Kifle 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Street children constitute a marginalized population in most urban centers of the world. According to UN sources there are up to 150 million street children in the world today. World Health Organization estimates that globally, 25- 90% of street children indulge in substance use. Research on street children and their substance use habits in Ethiopia, specifically in Jimma is limited.Objectives To assess the prevalence and factors associated with substance use among street children in Jimma town, EthiopiaMethods Cross sectional study was undertaken from March 1-31, 2019. Complete enumeration of study subjects was done and a total of 312 children of the street were included in the study. Bivariate logistic regression was carried out to select candidate for multivariable logistic regression analysis with p-value <0.25 at 95% confidence. Multi variable logistic regression was carried out with those candidate variables using backward method and association was declared with p value of <0.05 at 95% confidence level.Result Three hundred twelve street children with response rate of 96.2% were included in the study. The prevalence of substance use was 96(30.8%) with 95% CI [25-36.2]. Age>14 [AOR: 1.97 95%CI:1.00-3.889], attending grade 1-4th [AOR: 0.33 95%CI:0.151-0.737], attending grade 5th and above [AOR: 0.27 CI:0.093-0.756], child whose mother used substances [AOR: 7.78 95%CI:3.00-20.11], child didn’t know his maternal substance use status [AOR:5.1 95%CI: 2.19-11.81], child whose sibling use substance [AOR: 2.23 95%CI:1.254-5.63], best friend substance use[AOR: 11.01 95%CI:5.47-25.04] and staying 12-60 months on the street [AOR:3.00 95%CI:1.511-5.96] and staying >5 years on the street [AOR:4.6 95%CI:1.06-19.7] were significantly associated with substance use.Conclusion and recommendation The prevalence of substance use among street children in Jimma town was high. Mother and siblings have crucial role in determining substance use behavior of the children. Both governmental and non-governmental organizations working on children of the street should do intervention on Parents and friends since they are role models for the street children. Researchers should do more researches on these neglected groups of children.
Regret over the delay in childbearing decision negatively associates with life satisfaction among Japanese women and men seeking fertility treatment: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Adachi Tomoko , Endo Masayuki , Ohashi Kazutomo 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background Currently, in developed countries, more and more women and men intend to delay childbearing and, later in life, seek fertility treatment. Some women undergoing infertility treatment develop negative feelings (anxiety, depression and irritation) associated with low life satisfaction. We aimed to examine the association between infertility-related factors, including regret over the delay in childbearing decision and life satisfaction, among Japanese women and men seeking fertility treatment. Methods This cross-sectional study included 253 women and 196 men referred to fertility facilities in Japan from July to December 2018. Participants completed a questionnaire on infertility-related factors, regret over the delay in childbearing decision, life satisfaction and sociodemographic characteristics. Life satisfaction was measured with Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the degree of regret over delay in childbearing decision was measured using a seven-point Likert scale. Participants were divided into two groups based on the neutral point of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (20-point score). Answers from the groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U-test for continuous and ordinal variables and Chi-square tests for categorical variables. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between infertility-related factors and life satisfaction. Results Regrets over the delay in childbearing decision were significantly higher in the low life satisfaction group than the high life satisfaction group ( p = 0.010); it was also negatively associated with life satisfaction (adjusted Odds Ratio = 0.85, 95% confidence interval = 0.74-0.97, p = 0.020). Further, life satisfaction was positively associated with previous live birth (adjusted Odds Ratio = 2.84, 95% confidence interval = 1.38-5.85, p = 0.005). Conclusions To reduce their regret over their decision-making related to childbearing, women and men seeking fertility treatment should be cared for by health professionals. Moreover, reproductive-aged women and men need to make informed decision-making about the timing of childbearing to avoid, later in life, feelings of regret over delayed decisions, mainly because not regretting such an important aspect of life is crucial to allow people to live a satisfying life.