bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating MicroRNA-486 and MicroRNA-146a Serve as Potential Biomarkers of Sarcopenia in the Elderly
Authors: Liu Huang-Chun , Han Der‐Sheng , Hsu Chih-Chin , Wang Jong-Shyan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Age-related sarcopenia meaningfully increases the risks of functional limitations and mortality in the elderly. Although circulating microRNAs (c-miRNAs) are associated with aging-related cellular senescence and inflammation, the relationships between c-miRNAs and sarcopenia in the elderly remain unclear. This study investigates whether circulating myo-miRNAs and inflammation-related miRNAs are associated with sarcopenia in the elderly. Methods: This investigation recruited 77 eligible subjects (41 males and 36 females) from 597 community-dwelling older adults, and then divided into normal (n=24), dynapenic (loss of muscular function without mass, n=35), and sarcopenic groups (loss of muscular function with mass, n=18). Moreover, myo- (c-miRNA-133a and c-miRNA-486) and inflammation- (c-miRNA-21 and c-miRNA-146a) related miRNAs, as well as, inflammatory-related cytokine and peroxide levels in plasma were determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and ELISA, respectively. Results: Sarcopenic group exhibited lesser skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), handgrip strength, and gait speed, as well as, lower c-miR-486 and c-miR-146a levels, compared to those of normal and dynapenic groups. Moreover, c-miR-486 level was positively related to SMI (r=0.334, P=0.003), whereas c-miR-146a level was positively associated with SMI (r=0.240, P=0.035) and handgrip strength (r=0.253, P=0.027). In the receiver operating characteristic analysis for predicting sarcopenia, the area under the curve in c-miR-486 was 0.708 (95% confidence interval: 0.561-0.855, P=0.008) and c-miR-146a was 0.676 (95% CI: 0.551-0.801, P=0.024). However, no significant relationships were observed between SMI/handgrip strength/gait speed and plasma myeloperoxidase/interleukin-1𝛽/interleukin-6 levels. Conclusions: Myo-miRNA (c-miR-486) and inflammation-related miRNA (c-miR-146a) are superior to inflammatory peroxide/cytokines in plasma for serving as critical biomarkers of age-related sarcopenia.
Expression and Functional Identification of INPP4B in Gallbladder Cancer Patients and Gallbladder Cancer Cells
Authors: Wu Youliang , Meng Delong , Xu Xin , Bao Junjun , You Yexiang , Sun Yanjun , Li Yongxiang , Sun Dengqun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Purpose: Inositol polyphosphate 4-phosphatase type II (INPP4B) is a negative regulator of PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and plays a contradictory role in different types of cancers. However, its biological role in human gallbladder cancer (GBC) remain unclear. Here we aimed to investigate the expression, clinical significance and biological function of INPP4B in GBC clinical dates and GBC cell lines. Methods: The INPP4B protein expression levels in gallbladder cancer tissues and normal gallbladder tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the clinical significance of INPP4B was analyzed. Knockdown and overexpression of INPP4B on GBC-SD and SGC-996 cells were used to identify INPP4B function in vitro, using cell proliferation assay, clonogenic assay, apoptosis detection, cratch wound-healing assay and transwell assay.Results: INPP4B was up-regulated in human GBC tissues compared with normal gallbladder tissues, and was related to histopathological differentiation. Here, we observed that INPP4B was highly expressed in high-moderate differentiated compared to low-undifferentiated. Additionally, we found that INPP4B expression was not associated with overall survival in GBC patients and was not an independent prognostic factor. Furthermore, when we stratified the relationship between INPP4B expression and prognosis of GBC from histopathological differentiation, we found that INPP4B played a contradictory role in GBC progression at different degrees of differentiation. In addition, INPP4B knockdown inhibited tumorigenicity in vitro, and INPP4B overexpression induced tumorigenicity in vitro, which may play a role as an oncoprotein.Conclusions: These findings implicated that INPP4B may play a dual role in the prognosis of GBC with different degrees of differentiation, and might act as an oncogene in gallbladder cancer cells.
Sexual and Reproductive Health knowledge of Postgraduate Students at the University of Cape Town, in South Africa
Authors: Mwamba Bupe , Mayers Pat , Shea Jawaya 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundGlobally and in South Africa, university students’ knowledge of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is low. This study was conducted in response to the dearth of information about the sexual and reproductive health knowledge of postgraduate students. Research conducted to explore the SRH knowledge of undergraduate students suggests that the level of SRH knowledge among undergraduate students is low. The aim of this study was to determine the SRH knowledge of postgraduate students with regards to contraceptives, sexually transmitted illnesses (STI), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Pap smear and clinical breast examination at University of Cape Town (UCT), in South Africa. MethodA cross sectional survey design was utilized, using an adapted and pretested online questionnaire. All postgraduate students enrolled in the first semester of 2017 (9444) were invited to anonymously complete the online survey.ResultsFour hundred and six (406) students completed the online survey, of whom 293 were female and 107 males. The age range of respondents was between 18 years and 57 years, with the median age for both male and female respondents being 24 years. Six survey responses were excluded from the statistical analysis because of incomplete data. Post graduate students from the African continent comprised 90.75% of the respondents. Most respondents were white (51.50%) from both Africa and abroad. The results indicated that respondents knew about sexually transmitted infections, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) & acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Female respondents were more aware of breast examination, and the role of Papanicolaou smear (Pap smear) in SRH. Almost half of the respondents in this study (49%) stated that they had no need for more information about contraceptives. Lecturers were identified as one of the top five sources of information, which suggests that the university environment provides students with important SRH-related information.ConclusionMost postgraduate students had knowledge of sexual and reproductive health with regards to contraception, Pap smear, clinical breast examination, STIs, HIV and AIDS. Further research should focus on the relationship between SRH knowledge and usage among this population. As university lecturers were identified as an important source of information across faculties, the University should consider the incorporation of SRH education in the broader curriculum and as an integral component of student health services.
Users’ Experiences With an Interactive Evidence to Decision (iEtD) Framework: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Meneses-Echavez Jose Francisco , Rosenbaum Sarah , Rada Gabriel , Flottorp Signe , Moberg Jenny , Alonso-Coello Pablo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundEvidence to Decision (EtD) frameworks bring clarity, structure and transparency to health care decision making. The interactive Evidence to Decision (iEtD) tool, developed in the context of the DECIDE project and published by Epistemonikos, is a stand-alone online solution for producing and using EtD frameworks. Since its development, little is known about how organizations have been using the iEtD tool and what characterizes users’ experiences with it.MethodsThis study aimed to describe users’ experiences with the iEtD and identify main barriers and facilitators related to use. We contacted all users registered in the iEtD via email and invited people who identified themselves as having used the solution to a semi-structured interview. Audio recordings were transcribed, and one researcher conducted a content analysis of the interviews guided by a user experience framework. Two researchers checked the content independently for accuracy. ResultsOut of 860 people contacted, 81 people replied to our introductory email (response rate 9.4%). Twenty of these had used the tool in a real scenario and were invited to an interview. We interviewed all eight users that accepted this invitation (from six countries, four continents). ‘Guideline development’ was the iEtD use scenario they most commonly identified. Most participants reported an overall positive experience, without major difficulties navigating or using the different sections. They reported having used most of the EtD framework criteria. Participants reported tailoring their frameworks, for instance by adding or deleting criteria, translating to another language, or rewording headings. Several people preferred to produce a Word version rather than working online, due to the burden of completing the framework, or lack of experience with the tool. Some reported difficulties working with the exportable formats, as they needed considerable editing.ConclusionA very limited number of guideline developers have used the iEtD tool published by Epistemonikos since its development. Although users’ general experiences are positive, our work has identified some aspects of the tool that need improvement. Our findings could be also applied to development or improvement of other solutions for producing or using EtD frameworks.
Plasma Levels and Tissue Expression of Soluble TGFbrIII Receptor in Women With Early-stage Breast Cancer and in Healthy Women: a Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Grgurevic Lovorka , Novak Ruder , Trkulja Vladimir , Hrkac Stela , Salai Grgur , Bilandzic Josko , Hamzic Lejla Ferhatovic , Milas Ivan , Vucemilo Tiha , Balja Melita Peric , Bilic Karmen 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
BackgroundMammary carcinogenesis is partly regulated by the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling pathway. Its function in cancer progression and metastasis is highly dependent on disease stage, and it is likely modulated by the ratio of membrane-bound vs. soluble TGFβrIII (sTGFβrIII). In this prospective observational study, we assessed tissue expression and plasma levels of sTGFβrIII in healthy women, women with benign breast lesions and in early-stage breast cancer patients. MethodsIn a preliminary study, plasma sTGFβrIII levels were determined in 13 healthy women (age 19-40 years) at different phases of the ovarian cycle, and in 15 patients (age 35-75 years) at different times of the day. The main study assessed plasma concentrations of sTGFβrIII in : (i) 158 healthy women in whom breast lesions were excluded; (ii) 65 women with benign breast lesions; (iii) 147 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer classified as American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stages 0 to IIB. Completers provided blood samples before surgery and at 10-30 and 160-180 days after surgery. Plasma sTGFβrIII concentrations were determined using an indirect ELISA kit. Part of the removed tissues underwent immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and analysis of tissue TGFβrIII expression. ResultsThere appeared no relevant variations in plasma sTGFßrIII levels at different times of the day or different ovarian cycle phases. Before surgery, breast cancer patients had somewhat higher sTGFβrIII then healthy women, or those with benign breast lesions (by 14.5 and 26 ng/mL, respectively), with a tendency of larger differences at higher age. This correlated with lower expression of TGFβrIII in breast cancer vs. healthy tissue samples. At 160-180 days after surgery, plasma sTGFβrIII levels in breast cancer patients declined by 23-26 ng/mL. ConclusionsPlasma sTGFβrIII levels do not seem to relevantly vary during the day or the ovarian cycle. The coinciding higher plasma levels in newly diagnosed cancer patients then in healthy subjects and lower TGFβrIII expression in the malignant than in healthy breast tissue suggest ectodomain shedding as a source of circulating sTGFβrIII. Decline in plasma levels after tumor removal supports such a view.
Factors Influencing Post-icu Psychological Distress in Family Members of Critically Ill Patients: A Linear Mixed-effects Model
Authors: Naef Rahel , Felten Stefanie van , Ernst Jutta 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Adverse responses to critical illness, such as symptoms of depression, anxiety or posttraumatic stress, are relatively common among family members. The role of risk factors, however, remains insufficiently understood, but may be important to target those family members most in need for support. We therefore examined the association of patient-, family member- and care-related factors with post-ICU psychological distress in family members in a general population of critical ill patients.Methods: We conducted a prospective, single-centre observational study in a twelve-bed surgical ICU in a 900-bed University Hospital in Switzerland. Participants were family members of patients treated in ICU who completed the Family Satisfaction in ICU-24 Survey, the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, Impact of Event Scale-Revised-6, and a demographic form within the first three months of their close other’s ICU stay. Data were analysed using linear mixed-effects models, with depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress as outcome measures. Results: A total of 214 family members (53% return rate) returned a completed questionnaire. We found that higher levels of satisfaction were significantly associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress. There was no statistically significant association between family member characteristics and any measure of psychological distress. Among the included patient characteristics, younger patient age was associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety, and patient death was associated with higher levels of depression and posttraumatic stress.Conclusions: Our results suggest that satisfaction with ICU care is strongly associated with family well-being post-ICU. Family members of younger patients and of those who die seem to be most at risk for psychological distress, requiring specific support, whereas family member characteristics may have less relevance.
Bimetallic Fe-Ag arrays with extraordinary nonlinear refraction and nonlinear Faraday rotation at telecommunication wavelength (1550 nm)
Authors: Koirala Krishna Prasad , Garcia Hernando , Sandireddy Venkatanarayana Prasad , Kalyanaraman Ramki , Duscher Gerd 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
There is a pressing need to discover magneto-optical materials and devices with better performance and lower cost that operate at telecommunication wavelengths. Here we report the discovery of giant negative nonlinear refraction and nonlinear Faraday rotation at 1550 nm using an array of bimetallic Fe-Ag nanopyramids. This system exhibited a very large third order nonlinear refractive index (n2 = -2.32 cm2/GW) and nonlinear figure of merit (F = 2.3). The same system also exhibited an extraordinarily large magneto-optical susceptibility (χi4 = 6.5 × 10-12 esu) and photoinduced nonlinear Faraday rotation up to 2.5 radian/μm at a magnetic field of 0.5 T. The nonlinear response was dependent on the degree of overlap of the Fe nanopyramid on the Ag nanopyramid which influences the strength of plasmon induced dipoles on the Ag nanopyramid. This nanoscale system opens up a rich new set of possibilities in utilizing magneto-plasmonic materials to miniaturize future multifunctional devices at telecommunication wavelengths.
Economic Burden of Public Health Care Was Higher Than That of Hospitalization and Treatment Associated With COVID-19 in China
Authors: Liang Xiaohua , Xiao Lun , Yang Xue-Li , Zhong Xue-Fei , Zhang Peng , Tang Xian , Luo Ye-Tao , Gu Dong-Feng , Bi Yang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it is essential to evaluate the socioeconomic burden imposed on the Chinese health care system.Methods: We prospectively collected information from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the designated hospitals to determine the cost of public health care and hospitalization due to COVID-19. We estimated the resource use and direct medical costs per confirmed case and the costs associated with public health care per thousand people at the national level.Results: The average costs per case for specimen collection and nucleic acid testing (NAT) were $29.49 and $53.44, respectively, while the average cost of NAT for high-risk populations was $297.94 per capita. The average costs per thousand people for epidemiological surveys, disinfectant, health education and centralized isolation were $49.54, $247.01, $90.22 and $543.72, respectively. A single hospitalization for COVID-19 in China cost an average of $3,792.69 ($2,754.82-$5,393.76) in direct medical costs incurred only during hospitalization, while the total costs associated with hospitalization were estimated to have reached nearly $31,229.39 million in China as of 20 May 2020. The cost of public health care ($6.81 billion) was 20 times that of hospitalization.Conclusions: This study highlights the magnitude of resources needed to control the COVID-19 pandemic and treat COVID-19 cases. Public health measures implemented by the Chinese government have been valuable with regard to reducing the infection rate and may be cost-effective ways to control emerging infectious diseases.
Antithyroid Peroxidase Antibodies and Histopathological Outcomes in Egyptian Patients Subjected to Total Thyroidectomy for Nonmalignant Nodular Goiter
Authors: Salman Mohamed AbdAlla , Rabiee Ahmed , Salman Ahmed , Ftohy Tarek Elsayed 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objective: The study aimed to assess antithyroid antibodies in patients with benign thyroid masses and the effect of total thyroidectomy on the antibodies titers.Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective work of 112 cases managed with total thyroidectomy who have positive antithyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab), antithyroglobulin antibodies (Tg-Ab), or both. All patients were euthyroid before surgery. Thyroid function tests and thyroid antibodies levels were measured before and 6 and 12 months after surgery.Results: Histopathological evaluation revealed Hashimoto thyroiditis (47.3%), colloid nodules (22.3%), and lymphocytic thyroiditis (30.4%). All patients were TPO-Ab positive, while 96 patients (85.7%) were Tg-Ab positive before surgery. There was no considerable change in TPO-Ab and Tg-Ab after surgery (p = 0.817, and p=0.560, respectively). Also, there was no significant difference between the three histopathological diagnoses in the levels of TPO-Ab (p = 0.086) or Tg-Ab (p = 0.673). Conclusion: Antithyroid antibodies are not valuable markers for diagnosis or prognosis of benign thyroid diseases subjected to total thyroidectomy. We do not recommend their use beyond being a supportive evidence of the possibility of autoimmune nature of the disease if other criteria are confirmed.
Assessing The Impact of A Restrictive Opioid Prescribing Law in West Virginia
Authors: Sedney Cara L. , Khodaverdi Maryam , Pollini Robin , Dekeseredy Patricia , Wood Nathan , Haggerty Treah 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The Opioid Reduction Act (SB 273) took effect in West Virginia in June 2018. This legislation limited ongoing chronic opioid prescriptions to 30 days’ supply, and first-time opioid prescriptions to 7 days’ supply for surgeons and 3 days’ for emergency rooms and dentists. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of this legislation on reducing opioid prescriptions in West Virginia, with the goal of informing future similar policy efforts. Methods: Data were requested from the state Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) including overall number of opioid prescriptions, number of first-time opioid prescriptions, average daily morphine milligram equivalents (MME) and prescription duration (expressed as “day’s supply”) given to adults during the 64 week time periods before and after legislation enactment. Statistical analysis was done utilizing an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) interrupted time series analysis to assess impact of both legislation announcement and enactment while controlling secular trends and considering autocorrelation trends. Benzodiazepine prescriptions were utilized as a control.Results: Our analysis demonstrates a statistically significant decrease in overall state opioid prescribing as well as average daily MME associated with the date of the legislation’s enactment when considering serial correlation in the time series and accounting for pre-intervention trends. There was no such association found with benzodiazepine prescriptions.Conclusion: Results of the current study suggest that SB 273 was associated with an average 22.1% decrease of overall opioid prescriptions and a small overall decrease of average daily MME relative to the date of legislative implementation in West Virginia. There was, however, no association of the legislation on first-time opioid prescriptions or days’ supply of opioid medication, and all variables were trending downward prior to implementation of SB 273. The control demonstrated no relationship to the law.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Radial Artery Cannulation Guided by Modified Long Axis Ultrasound Versus Short Axis Ultrasound Versus Palpation
Authors: Wang Jiebo , Zhang Liangcheng , Zhao Zisong , Lai Zhongmeng , Huang Qijian , Su Jiansheng , Wu Guohua , Liu Junle , Weng Xianfeng 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Given the low first-pass success rate of the conventional short-axis (SAX) or long-axis (LAX) approach, ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation in adults with radial artery diameters less than 2.2 mm may still be challenging. In this study, we compare the efficacy of modified long-axis in-plane(M-LAIP) versus short-axis out-of-plane (SAOP) or conventional palpation(C-P) approaches for ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation.Methods: This was a prospective, randomized and controlled trial, conducted from 1 July 2018 to 24 November 2018. A total of 201 patients (age 18 to 85 years, the diameter of the radial artery less 2.2 mm) were included. All patients were randomized 1:1:1 to the M-LAIP, SAOP or conventional palpation (C-P) approach. The primary outcome was the cannulation success rate. Secondary outcomes included first location time and cannulation time, number of attempts. The Chi-square (χ2) test was used to compare categorical data between 3 groups.Results: The cannulation success rate was significantly higher in the M-LAIP group than in the SAOP or C-P groups (first success rate: 80.3% vs 53.8% or 33.8%; p < 0.001; total success rate: 93.9% vs 78.5% or 50.8%; p < 0.001). First location time (seconds) was significantly longer in the M-LAIP group (31(28-35[12-44])) than in the SAOP (15(14-17[10-21]); p < 0.001) and C-P groups (12(8-13.5 [6-37]). However, the cannulation time (seconds) in the M-LAIP group (29(24-45[16-313])) was significantly shorter than that in the SAOP (45(28.5-135.5[14-346]); p = 0.002) and the C-P groups (138(27-308[12-363]); p < 0.001). The number of attempts was lower in the M-LAIP group compared with SAOP or C-P group (1.29±0.63 vs 1.8±0.89 or 2.22±0.93, p < 0.001).Conclusions: The use of the M-LAIP approaches significantly improved the success rate of radial artery cannulation in adults with radial artery diameters less than 2.2 mm, compared with that achieved with the use of traditional short-axis out-of-plane approach.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov; No: ChiCTR-IOR-17011474; URL: http: // www. chictr.org. cn/index.aspx. Registered 24 June 2018.