bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects Of Health Education On Spousal Knowledge And Participation In Birth Preparedness In Farafenni Regional Hospital, The Gambia: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Bah Haddy Tunkara , Adeyemo Florence O. , Okonofua Friday E. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe Gambia is a male-dominant society in which husbands decide when and where their wives seek care, yet they are not involved in maternal health care services. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to design and measure the effects of antenatal health education on spousal participation in birth preparedness in Farafenni and satellite villages.MethodsThe study used a quasi-experimental design, and the participants were 300 spouses of pregnant women attending their antenatal care booking at Farafenni Hospital. A multistage sampling method was used to select the study participants who were then equally distributed to the intervention and comparison groups. Pre-test data were collected from both groups. Thereafter, the intervention group was exposed to two health education sessions on obstetric danger signs and birth preparedness. The post-test data were collected immediately prior to discharge of the participants’ wives after institutional delivery or within two weeks post-delivery for those who did not accompany their wives to the health care institution, or whose wives delivered at home. IBM SPSS version 21 software was used to analyze the data.ResultsThe differences between the demographic characteristics of participants in the intervention and comparison groups were not statistically significant except for highest level of education achieved. After controlling for the demographic variables, the health education administered to the intervention group effectively increased knowledge on birth preparedness among them (F (1, 255) = 376.108, p < .001). Every unit increase in the intervention led to a unit increase in the spouses’ knowledge on birth preparedness (β = 0.789, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the participants in the intervention group had higher mean score (M = 4.4; SD = 0.8) on participation in birth preparedness than those in the comparison group (M = 0.9; SD = 0.8). The spouses in the intervention group were four times more likely to be prepared for the delivery of their wives after being exposed to the health education than those in the comparison group (F (1, 255) = 522.414, p < .001).ConclusionThe study provide evidence that educating men on maternal health care can improve their level of participation in birth preparedness.Name of Registry:Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (www.pactr.org)Registry Number:PACTR202004752273171.Date of Registration:19th April, 2020Retrospectively Registered
Non-active implantable device treating acid reflux with a new dynamic treatment approach: 1-year results
Authors: Bjelović Miloš , Harsányi László , Altorjay Áron , Kincses Zsolt , Forsell Peter 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND RefluxStop™ is an implantable, non-active, single use device to be used in the laparoscopic treatment of GERD. RefluxStop™ aims to block the movement of the LES up into the thorax and keep the angle of His in its original anatomically correct position. This new device restores normal anatomy, leaving the food passageway unaffected. METHODS In prospective, single arm, multicentric clinical investigation analyzing safety and effectiveness of the RefluxStop™ device to treat GERD, 50 subjects with chronic GERD had been included. They were operated using standardized surgical technique between December 2016 and September 2017 and followed up for one year (CE-mark investigation 6-months). Primary safety outcome was the prevalence of serious adverse events related to the device and primary effectiveness outcome reduction of GERD symptoms based on the GERD HRQL score. Secondary outcomes were the prevalence of the adverse events apart from serious, reduction of the total acid exposure time on 24-hour pH monitoring, reduction in average daily PPI dosage and subject satisfaction. RESULTS There were no serious adverse events related to the device. Average GERD-HRQL total score at 1 year improved 86% from baseline (p<0.001). 24-h pH monitoring compared to baseline showed a mean reduction percentage of overall time with pH<4 from 16.35% to 0.80% at the 6-month visit (p<0.001). At 1-year: No new cases of dysphagia were recorded, occurred in 2 subjects, both significantly reduced compared to baseline. Regular daily PPI use before surgery occurred in all 50 subjects. At the 1-year follow-up only 1 subject took regular daily PPIs due to too low placement of the device thereby prohibiting its function. None or minimal occasional episodes of regurgitation occurred in 97.8% of evaluable subjects. Gas bloating disappeared in 30 subjects and improved in 7 subjects. CONCLUSION The new principle of RefluxStop™ is safe and effective to treat GERD according to investigation results. At 1-year follow up visit, both the GERD-HRQL score and 24-h pH monitoring results indicate success for the new treatment principle. In addition, with the dynamic treatment for acid reflux, which avoids compressing the food passageway, prevalence of dysphagia and gas bloating are significantly reduced.
First metatarsophalangeal joint range of motion is associated with lower limb kinematics in individuals with first metatarsophalangeal joint osteoarthritis
Authors: Allan Jamie J , McClelland Jodie A , Munteanu Shannon E , Buldt Andrew K , Landorf Karl B , Roddy Edward , Auhl Maria , Menz Hylton 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (1st MTP joint OA) is a common and disabling condition that results in pain and limited joint range of motion. There is inconsistent evidence regarding the relationship between clinical measurement of 1st MTP joint maximum dorsiflexion and dynamic function of the joint during level walking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the association between passive non-weightbearing (NWB) 1st MTP joint maximum dorsiflexion and sagittal plane kinematics in individuals with radiographically confirmed 1st MTP joint OA. Methods Forty-eight individuals with radiographically confirmed 1st MTP joint OA (24 males and 24 females; mean age 57.8 years, standard deviation 10.5) underwent clinical measurement of passive NWB 1st MTP joint maximum dorsiflexion and gait analysis during level walking using a 10-camera infrared Vicon motion analysis system. Sagittal plane kinematics of the 1st MTP, ankle, knee, and hip joints were calculated. Associations between passive NWB 1st MTP joint maximum dorsiflexion and kinematic variables were explored using Pearson’s r correlation coefficients. Results Passive NWB 1st MTP joint maximum dorsiflexion was significantly associated with maximum 1st MTPJ dorsiflexion (r=0.486, p<0.001), ankle joint maximum plantarflexion (r=0.383, p=0.007), and ankle joint excursion (r=0.399, p=0.005) during gait. There were no significant associations between passive NWB 1st MTP joint maximum dorsiflexion and sagittal plane kinematics of the knee or hip joints. Conclusions These findings suggest that clinical measurement of 1st MTP joint maximum dorsiflexion provides useful insights into the dynamic function of the foot and ankle during the propulsive phase of gait in this population.
RNAi mediated silencing of Nanog expression suppresses the growth of human colorectal cancer stem cells
Authors: Zhang Chen , Zhao Yuanyuan , Yang Yongjing , Zhong Chunlian , Ji Tianju , Duan Jinyue , Wang Yi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world known for its poor recurrence-free prognosis. Previous studies have shown that it is closely linked with cancer stem cells (CSCs), which have self-renewal potential and the capacity to differentiate into diverse populations. Nanog is an important transcription factor that functions to maintain the self-renewal and proliferation of embryonic stem cells; however, many recent studies have shown that Nanog is also highly expressed in many cancer stem cells.Methods: To investigate whether Nanog plays a crucial role in maintaining the stemness of colorectal CSCs (CCSCs), RNA interference was used to downregulate Nanog expression in the CRC stem cell line, EpCAM+CD44+HCT-116. We examined the anti-tumor function of Nanog in vitro and in vivo, using small interfering RNA.Results: Our results revealed that the Nanog mRNA expression level in CCSCs was higher than that in HCT-116 cells. We found that the depletion of Nanog inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in EpCAM+CD44+HCT-116 cells. In addition, the invasive ability of EpCAM+CD44+HCT-116 cells was markedly restricted when Nanog was silenced by small interfering RNA. Furthermore, we found that the silencing of Nanog decreased tumor size and weight and improved the survival rate of tumor-bearing mice.Conclusions: In conclusion, these findings collectively demonstrate that Nanog, which is highly expressed in CRC stem cells, is a key factor in the development of tumor growth, and it may serve as a potential marker of prognosis and a novel and effective therapeutic target for the treatment of CRC.
Genome-wide association study of yield and related traits in common wheat under salt-stress conditions
Authors: Hu Pan , Zheng Qi , Luo Qiaoling , Teng Wan , Li Hongwei , Li Bin , Li Zhensheng 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Soil salinization is a major threat to wheat production. It is essential to understand the genetic basis of salt tolerance for breeding and selecting new salt-tolerant cultivars that have the potential to increase wheat yield.
Result
In this study, a panel of 191 wheat accessions was subjected to genome wide association study (GWAS) to identify SNP markers linked with adult-stage characters. The population was genotyped by Wheat660K SNP array and eight phenotype traits were investigated under low and high salinity environments for three consecutive years. A total of 389 SNPs representing 11 QTL were significantly associated with traits under different salt treatments, with the phenotypic explanation rate (R2) ranging from 9.14–50.45%. Of these, repetitive and pleiotropic loci on chromosomes 4A, 5A, 5B and 7A were significantly linked to yield and yield related traits under low salinity conditions. Spike length-related loci were mainly located on chromosomes 1B, 3B, 5B and 7A under different salt treatments. Two loci on chromosome 4D and 5A were related with plant height in low and high salinity environment, respectively. Three salt-tolerant related loci were confirmed to be important in two bi-parental populations. Distribution of favorable haplotypes indicated that superior haplotypes of pleiotropic loci on group-5 chromosomes were strongly selected and had potential for increasing wheat salt tolerance. A total of 14 KASP markers were developed for nine loci associating with yield and related traits to improve the selection efficiency of wheat salt-tolerance breeding.
Conclusion
Utilizing a Wheat660K SNPs chip, QTL for yield and its related traits were detected under salt treatment in a natural wheat population. Important salt-tolerant related loci were validated in RIL and DH populations. This study provided reliable molecular markers that could be crucial for marker-assisted selection in wheat salt tolerance breeding programs.
Comparing the differences in three measures of healthy life expectancy, effects of mortality, and proportions of unhealthy people according to prefectures in Japan: An Ecological study
Authors: TAIRA KAZUYA , Ogata Soshiro , Kamide Kei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Objective: An Ecological study using open data collected, compiled, and published in government statistics in Japan was conducted. The study aimed to verify the differences in these three measures of healthy life expectancy (HLE), namely disability-free life expectancy without activity limitation (DFLE-AL), life expectancy with self-perceived health (LE-SH), and disability-free life expectancy without care need (DFLE-CN), in relation to appropriate policymaking.Results: Using data from 47 prefectures in 2010, 2013, and 2016, the three types of HLE were extended over time. There were strong correlations between DFLE-AL and LE-SH (r = 0.69–0.83) as well as LE and DFLE-CN (r = 0.75–0.98) in both sexes. However, the other correlations were either weak or not significant. Regression analysis examining the association between the aging rate, mortality, the proportion of unhealthy people, and three types of HLE showed that the “subjective unhealthy rate” was significant (the standardized partial regression coefficients = -0.56– -0.34) in models with DFLE-AL and LE-SH as dependent variables. Therefore, DFLE-CN was suggested to be a different indicator from the other two HLEs. The “subjective unhealthy rate” had a significant influence on the prefectural DFLE-AL and LE-SH.
Relationship of chronic endometritis with chronic deciduitis in cases of miscarriage.
Authors: Kaku Shoji , Kubo Takuro , Kimura Fuminori , Nakamura Akiko , Kitazawa Jun , Morimune Aina , Takahashi Akimasa , Takebayashi Akie , Takashima Akiko , Kushima Ryoji , Murakami Takashi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The presence of chronic deciduitis (CD) was determined in patients diagnosed with or without chronic endometritis (CE) before pregnancy.Objective: To study the effect of CE on decidua in cases of miscarriage.Methods: Decidual tissue was obtained from the patients who miscarried at the first pregnancy within a year after the diagnosis of the presence or absence of CE. The number and distribution pattern of plasma cells stained with CD138 in decidual tissue in 10 high-power fields (HPFs) was examined. The prevalence of CD diagnosed with four different grade; grade 0, no plasma cell in 10 HPFs, thus Non-CD ;grade 1, rare single plasma cells; grade 2, rare clusters or more than 5 single cells total; and grade 3, many plasma cells with more than 5 clusters, were examined and compared between Non-CE and CE.Results: The incidence rate of CD of grade2+3 was significantly higher in CE than Non-CE (53.8%; 7/13 vs. 0%; 0/13, P<0.01). Presence of clusters or a number of plasma cells in 10 HPFs of decidua showed a sensitivity of 53.8%, a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 100%, and a negative predictive value of 68.4% for the diagnosis of CE.Conclusion: Presence of clusters of plasma cells or five or more of plasma cells in decidua was found in more than half of CE, but not found in Non-CE. When CD with cluster or five or more of plasma cells is confirmed histologically in miscarriage decidual tissue, the presence of CE before the pregnancy should be suspected.
A 31-bp Indel in the 5' UTR region of the GNB1L gene is significantly associated with body weight and carcass traits in chickens
Authors: Ren Tuanhui , Yang Ying , Lin Wujian , Li Wangyu , Xian Mingjian , Fu Rong , Zhang Zihao , Mo Guodong , Luo Wen , Zhang Xiquan 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
G-protein subunit beta 1 like (GNB1L) can encode a G-protein beta-subunit-like polypeptide, the chicken GNB1L gene is up-regulated in the breast muscle of high-feed efficiency chickens, and its expression is 1.52-fold that of low-feed efficiency chickens. However, there are no reports describing the effects of GNB1L gene Indel on the growth and carcass traits of chickens.
Results
This study identified a 31-bp Indel in 5' UTR of the GNB1L gene and elucidated the effect of this gene mutation on the growth and carcass traits in chickens. The results indicated that the 31-bp Indel was highly significant associations with body weight at 8 different stages, and also significantly correlated with daily gain of 0 to 4 weeks and 4 to 8 weeks. Similarly, the mutation was significantly associated with small intestine length, breast width, breast deep and breast muscle weight in carcass traits. Moreover, DD and ID are inferior genotypes for the growth and carcass traits of chickens.
Conclusions
In a word, these findings suggest that the 31-bp Indel of GNB1L gene is significantly affected body weight and carcass traits in chickens, and can serve as a potential molecular marker for chicken genetics and breeding programs.
Does exhalation while rising from the bed relieve motion-induced pain after abdominal surgery?
Authors: SAKAGAMI Hisao , Otomo Atsushi , Nakae Hideyuki , Nagatomi Ryoichi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: After abdominal surgery, patients may strongly complain of pain during exercise, especially during the motion of rising from the supine to a sitting position. The effect of exhalation on wound pain relief during the rising motion was examined.

Methods: Seventy-seven patients who had undergone open renal biopsy and 11 patients who had undergone inguinal hernia repair surgery were made to rise, and subsequently, after a break, were instructed to perform the rising motion while exhaling. The wound pain associated with the rising motion before and after the instruction to exhale was compared and examined.

Results: In patients who had undergone open renal biopsy or hernia repair, wound pain during the rising motion was significantly reduced when the rising motion was performed with exhalation, compared to the pain when they did not exhale while rising.

Conclusion: This study suggests that abdominal surgery wound pain is relieved when the rising motion from a supine to a sitting position is performed while exhaling.

Trial registration: This study was retrospectively registered at ISRCTN registry with study ID ISRCTN95502262.
A Tail of Two Pandas: Whole Genome K-mer Signature Analysis of the Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) and the Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
Authors: Cserhati Matyas 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is a riddle of morphology, making it hard to tell whether it is an ursid, a procyonid or a member of its own family. Previous genetic studies have given contradictory results as to its phylogenetic placement.Results: Therefore, a recently developed whole genome-based algorithm, the Whole Genome K-mer Signature algorithm was used to analyze the genomes of 28 species of Carnivora, including A. fulgens and several felid, ursid, mustelid, one mephitid species. This algorithm has the advantage of holistically using all the information in the genomes of these species. Being a genomics-based algorithm, it also reduces stochastic error to a minimum.The results show that A. fulgens is a member of the mustelid clade (p = 9·10-97). A. fulgens also separates from the mephitid Spilogala gracilis. The giant panda, Ailuropoda melanoleuca also clusters away from A. fulgens, together with other ursids (p = 1.2·10-62). This could be due to the geographic isolation of A. fulgens from other mustelid species.Conclusions: The main conclusion that we can draw from this study is that on a whole genome level A. fulgens belongs to the mustelid clade, and not an ursid or a mephitid. This despite the fact that previously some researchers classified A. fulgens and A. melanoleuca as relatives. Since the genotype determines the phenotype, molecular-based classification takes precedence over morphological classifications. This affirms the results of some previous studies, which studied smaller portions of the genome. This study is more substantial because it takes the whole genome into account.
Association between Prehospital Arterial Hypercapnia in Acute Heart Failure and Admission to Acute Care Units: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Fabre Mathias , Fehlmann Christophe A , Gartner Birgit , Zimmermann Catherine G , Rey Florian , Sarasin François , Suppan Laurent 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Acute Heart Failure (AHF) is a common condition that often manifests by acute respiratory distress and requires urgent medical evaluation and treatment. Arterial hypercapnia is common in AHF. It has been associated with a higher rate of intubation and non-invasive ventilation in the Emergency Room (ER), but its prognostic value has never been studied in the prehospital setting.
Methods

A retrospective study was performed on the charts of all patients taken care of by a physician-staffed prehospital mobile unit between June 2016 and September 2019 in Geneva. After approval by the ethics committee, charts were screened to identify all adult patients with a diagnosis of AHF. The main predictor was prehospital hypercapnia. The primary outcome was admission rate in an acute care unit (ACU, composite of intensive care or high-dependency units). Secondary outcomes were ER length of stay (LOS), orientation from ER (intensive care unit, high-dependency unit, general ward, discharge home), intubation rate at 24 hours, hospital LOS and hospital mortality.
Results

A total of 104 patients with a diagnosis of AHF were included. Hypercapnia was found in 59 (57%) patients and vital signs were more severely altered in this group. The overall ACU admission rate was 47%, with a statistically significant difference between hypercapnic and non-hypercapnic patients (58% vs 33% respectively, p = 0.014). ER LOS was shorter in hypercapnic patients (5.5 hours vs 8.9 hours, p = 0.008).
Conclusions

There is a significant association between prehospital arterial hypercapnia and acute care unit admission in AHF patients.
Specific shifts in the endocannabinoid system in hibernating brown bears
Authors: Boyer Christian , Cussonneau Laura , Brun Charlotte , Deval Christiane , de Barros Jean-Paul Pais , Chanon Stéphanie , Bernoud-Hubac Nathalie , Daira Patricia , Evans Alina L. , Arnemo Jon M. , Swenson Jon E. , Gauquelin-Koch Guillemette , Simon Chantal , Blanc Stéphane , Combaret Lydie , Bertile Fabrice , Lefai Etienne 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In small hibernators, global downregulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is involved in modulating neuronal signaling, feeding behavior, energy metabolism, and circannual rhythms, has been reported to possibly drive physiological adaptation to the hibernating state. We hypothesized that specific changes should occur in hibernating brown bears ( Ursus arctos ) due to specific features, including hibernation during half the year at only mild hypothermia while remaining physically inactive without drinking or eating, and the absence of arousal episodes although bears remain sensitive to external disturbances. We explored circulating lipids and the ECS in plasma and metabolically active tissues (muscle and adipose tissue), in free-ranging subadult Scandinavian brown bears when both active and hibernating. In winter bear serum, in addition to a 2-fold increase in total fatty acid concentration, we found significant changes in relative proportions of circulating fatty acids, such as a 2-fold increase in docosahexaenoic acid and a decrease in arachidonic acid. In adipose and muscle tissues of hibernating bears, we found lower concentrations of both two major ligands for endocannabinoid receptors, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide (AEA). Gene expression was reduced for enzymes that synthesize endocannabinoid compounds, whereas an increase was observed for catabolic enzymes. Reduction in ECS tone may promote mobilization of fat stores and favor carbohydrate metabolism in skeletal muscle of hibernating bears. Additionally, high circulating of the endocannabinoid-like compound N-oleoylethanolamide (OEA) in winter could favor lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation in peripheral tissues. We also speculated on a role of OEA in the maintenance of torpor (reduction in locomotion), while promoting the capacity of bears to sense stimuli from the environment.