bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomic analysis of dead end knockout testis reveals germ cell and gonadal somatic factors in Atlantic salmon
Authors: Kleppe Lene , Edvardsen Rolf Brudvik , Furmanek Tomasz , Andersson Eva , Skaftnesmo Kai Ove , Segafredo Frida Thyri , Wargelius Anna 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background Sustainability challenges are currently hampering an increase in salmon production. Using sterile salmon can solve problems with precocious puberty and genetic introgression from farmed escapees to wild populations. Recently sterile salmon was produced by knocking out the germ cell-specific dead end (dnd). Several approaches may be applied to inhibit Dnd function, including gene knockout, knockdown or immunization. Since it is challenging to develop a successful treatment against a gene product already existing in the body, alternative targets are being explored. Germ cells are surrounded by, and dependent on, gonadal somatic cells. Targeting genes essential for the survival of gonadal somatic cells may be good alternative targets for sterility treatments. Our aim was to identify and characterize novel germ cell and gonadal somatic factors in Atlantic salmon.Results We have for the first time analysed RNA-sequencing data from germ cell-free (GCF)/dnd knockout and wild type (WT) salmon testis and searched for genes preferentially expressed in either germ cells or gonadal somatic cells. To exclude genes with extra-gonadal expression, our dataset was merged with available multi-tissue transcriptome data. We identified 389 gonad specific genes, of which 194 were preferentially expressed within germ cells, and 11 were confined to gonadal somatic cells. Interestingly, 5 of the 11 gonadal somatic transcripts represented genes encoding secreted TGF-β factors; gsdf, inha, nodal and two bmp6-like genes, all representative vaccine targets. Of these, gsdf and inha had the highest transcript levels. Expression of gsdf and inha was further confirmed to be gonad specific, and their spatial expression was restricted to granulosa and Sertoli cells of the ovary and testis, respectively. Finally, we show that inha expression increases with puberty in both ovary and testis tissue, while gsdf expression does not change or decreases during puberty in ovary and testis tissue, respectively.Conclusions This study contributes with transcriptome data on salmon testis tissue with and without germ cells. We provide a list of novel and known germ cell- and gonad somatic specific transcripts, and show that the expression of two highly active gonadal somatic secreted TGF-β factors, gsdf and inha, are located within granulosa and Sertoli cells.
Qualitative exploration of the acceptability of a postnatal pelvic floor muscle training intervention to prevent urinary incontinence
Authors: Grant Aileen , Currie Sinead 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Childbirth is a major risk factor for urinary incontinence (UI). As a result, pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is commonly recommended during and after pregnancy to prevent the onset of UI. PFMT is often classed as a physical activity (PA) behaviour, hence PA guidelines for postnatal women encourage PFMT alongside aerobic activities. However, postnatal lifestyle interventions tend to overlook PFMT which can be detrimental to women’s health and future health risks, including urinary incontinence. This study aimed to explore perceptions and acceptability of a postnatal physical activity and PFMT intervention with postnatal women in Scotland.Methods We recruited women who had given birth within the last five years by displaying posters in health centres and community centres in Stirling and through Facebook. Data was gathered via online and face-to-face focus groups, which were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Analytic themes were initially organised under related concepts derived from the topic guide and thematic analysis conducted. Subsequent analysis was by the Framework technique.Results A total of seven online and face-to-face focus group discussions with 31 women identified there was a clear intention behaviour gap for engagement in PA with both psychological and logistical barriers identified such as motivation and childcare. This was distinct from PFMT where there was a feeling of helplessness around not knowing how to perform a correct PFMT contraction subsequently resulting in women not adhering to PFMT guidance. Women felt there was no accessible PFMT advice available through the NHS. Some participants had received PFMT advice after childbirth and spoke of the Squeezee app being useful in adhering to a PFMT regimen but they did require additional teaching on how to do correct contractions. There was need for clarity and practical support for PFMT in the postnatal period with an approved intervention incorporating an accessible app being suggested by participants.Conclusions Women would like to be trained on postnatal PFMT but face barriers to accessing adequate information and education on how to do a PFMT contraction. An intervention combining PFMT training and an app would be the most useful for their needs and circumstances.
Comparison of metamizole and paracetamol effects on colonic anastomosis and fibroblast activities in Wistar rats
Authors: Purnomo Eko , Nugrahaningsih Dwi Aris Agung , Agustriani Nunik , Gunadi . 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background : Leakage following colorectal anastomosis surgery causes various complications associated with high morbidity and mortality, especially in pediatric patients. It might be caused by the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as postoperative analgesics. This study aimed to compare the effect of metamizole and paracetamol on colonic anastomosis and fibroblast activities, including proliferation, migration, and collagen synthesis, in Wistar rats. Methods: Rats were divided into control, paracetamol and metamizole groups. The colonic anastomosis was evaluated by determining the integrity of the muscle layers, the formation of granulation tissue, and mucosal anastomosis. Fibroblast activities were analyzed by measuring the proliferation, migration, and collagen synthesis. Results: Metamizole caused more damage to muscle layer integrity, more inhibition of granulation tissue formation in the anastomosis area and lower mucosal anastomosis compared with paracetamol and control groups. Metamizole had a higher cytotoxic effect than paracetamol, which suppressed the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts. Furthermore, both drugs did not affect the synthesis of collagen. Conclusion: Metamizole shows worse effects on the integrity of muscle layers, inhibition of granulation tissue formation, mucosal anastomosis, fibroblast proliferation, and migration, but not collagen synthesis, than paracetamol in Wistar rat intestines following colonic anastomosis. These findings might indicate that paracetamol is safer than metamizole as analgesic following colonic anastomosis. Key Words: colonic anastomosis; fibroblast activities; metamizole; paracetamol; Wistar rat
Detection of endogenous and drug-modulated CYP3A activity in cells using LC-MS/MS﻿
Authors: Wright William C. , Yang Lei , Chen Taosheng 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Most currently-prescribed drugs are metabolized by the Cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) family. It is therefore critical to know whether drugs or compounds of interest inhibit these enzymes (primarily CYP3A4 and CYP3A5). Here, we describe an LC-MS/MS based method to measure CYP3A catalytic activity in cells. Our method allows for highly sensitive detection of drug-induced modulations in CYP3A activity, as well as endogenous (non-treated) activity. This is accomplished by exploiting the CYP3A-catalyzed hydroxylation of midazolam. We include DMSO and inhibitor controls to obtain a signal window capable of producing normalized dose-response curves. We also obtain tight error bars suitable for statistical interpretation, which highlights the reproducibility of the assay between replicates. While our method is performed in 384-well plates and is amenable to high-throughput screening – an optional plate freezing step allows for storage of samples before metabolite detection, making our protocol suitable for lower throughputs as well. We present a stepwise protocol starting from treatment of cells with a compound of interest to obtaining its IC50 value and determining CYP3A inhibition.
Development &amp; Validation of Attitude Toward Nutrition Counselling Questionnaire for use among Kuwaiti healthcare professionals
Authors: ALMughamis Nouf S , Alayoub Abdullah A. , Meraj Hafsa , Waqas Ahmed 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objective
This study aims to report the developmental processes and validation of Attitude Toward Nutrition Questionnaire in Arabic language.
Results
A total of 173 (response rate= 86.93%) participants responded to the survey. There were a total of 92 (53.2%) nutritionists and 81(46.8%) doctors/surgeons.Principal component analyses revealed followed by visualization of Cattell’s scree plot, suggested a four-factor solution for the 36-itemAttitude Toward Nutrition Counselling Questionnaire. Itwas found to have an acceptable validity. These four factors cumulatively explained 37.9% of the variance in the factor structure of the ATNQ. Cronbach’s alpha revealed an acceptable level of reliability for each subscale of the ATNQ. The first subscale named “Factual knowledge about nutrition” comprised of nine items. It yielded a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.78. The second subscale “knowledge about nutrition in morbidities” comprised of seven items and yielded a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.71. The third subscale “counselling of patients” comprised of 11 items and yielded a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.68. The fourth subscale comprising nine items yielded a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.64 and was named, “Dietary programs and supplementation”.
Keywords
Nutrition, Questionnaire, Scale, knowledge, Dietician, Arabic, Attitude
Current status of integrating oncology and palliative care in Japan: A nationwide survey
Authors: Uneno Yu , Sato Kazuki , Morita Tatsuya , Nishimura Mayumi , Ito Satoko , Mori Masanori , Shimizu Chikako , Horie Yoshiki , Hirakawa Mami , Nakajima Takako Eguchi , Tsuneto Satoru , Muto Manabu 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background:
Palliative care (PC) is increasingly recognized as essential for oncology care, and several academic societies strongly recommend integrating oncology and palliative care (IOP) in daily practice. Similarly, the Japanese government encouraged the implementation of IOP through the Cancer Control Act of 2007; however, its detailed progress remains unclear. Therefore, this cross-sectional nationwide survey was conducted to investigate the current status and hospital executive physicians’ perception of IOP.
Methods:
The questionnaire was developed based on IOP indicators with international consensus. It was distributed to executive physicians at all government-designated cancer hospitals (DCHs, n = 399) and matched non-DCHs (n = 478) in November 2017 and the results were compared.
Results:
In total, 269 (67.4%) DCHs and 259 (54.2%) non-DCHs responded. The number of PC resources in DCHs was significantly higher than those in non-DCHs (e.g., full-time PC physicians and nurses, 52.8% vs. 14.0%, p < 0.001; availability of outpatient PC service ≥3 days per week, 47.6% vs. 20.7%, p < 0.001). Routine symptom screening was more frequently performed in DCHs than in non-DCHs (65.1% vs. 34.7%, p < 0.001). Automatic trigger for PC referral availability was limited (e.g., referral using time trigger, 14.9% vs. 15.3%, p = 0.700). Education and research opportunities were seriously limited in both types of hospitals. Most executive physicians regarded IOP as beneficial for their patients (95.9% vs. 94.7%, p = 0.163) and were willing to facilitate an early referral to PC services (54.7% vs. 60.0%, p < 0.569); however, the majority faced challenges to increase the number of full-time PC staff, and <30% were planning to increase the staff members.
Conclusions:
This survey highlighted a considerable number of IOP indicators met, particularly in DCHs probably due to the government policy. Further efforts are needed to address the serious research/educational gaps.
The Prevalence of severe depression in Iranian older adult: A meta-analysis and meta-regression
Authors: Salari Nader , Mohammadi Masoud , Vaisi-Raygani Aliakbar , Abdi Alireza , Shohaimi Shamarina , Paveh Behnam Khaledi , Daneshkhah Alireza , Jalali Rostam 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in the older adult and one of the most common risk factors for suicide in the older adult. Studies show different and inconsistent prevalence rates in Iran. This study aims to determine the prevalence of severe depression in Iranian older adult through a meta-analysis approach.

Methods: The present meta-analysis was conducted between January 2000-August 2019. Articles related to the subject matter were obtained by searching Scopus, Sciencedirect, SID, magiran, Barakat Knowledge Network System, Medline (PubMed), and Google Scholar databases. The heterogeneity of the studies was evaluated using I 2 index and the data were analyzed in Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software.

Results : In a study of 3948 individuals aged 50-90 years, the overall prevalence of severe depression in Iranian older adult was 8.2% (95% CI: 4.14-6.3%) based on meta-analysis. Also, in order to investigate the effects of potential factors (sample size and year of study) on the heterogeneity of severe depression in Iranian older adult, meta-regression was used. It was reported that the prevalence of severe depression in Iranian older adult decreased with increasing sample size and increasing years of the study, which is significantly different (P<0.05).

Conclusion : Considering the high prevalence of severe depression in Iranian older adult, it is necessary for health policy makers to take effective control measures and periodic care for the older adult.
IgG antibody response against Anopheles salivary gland proteins in asymptomatic infections in Narino – Colombia.
Authors: Montiel Jehidys , Carbal Luisa Fernanda , Tobón-Castaño Alberto , Vásquez Gissella M. , Fisher Michael L. , Londono Berlin L. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background: The humoral immune response against Anopheles salivary glands proteins in the vertebrate host can reflect the intensity of exposure to Anopheles bites and the risk of Plasmodium infection. In Colombia, the identification of exposure biomarkers is necessary due to the several Anopheles species circulating. The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk of malaria infection by measuring antibody responses against salivary glands extracts from An. (Nys.) albimanus and An. (Nys.) darlingi and also against the gSG6-P1 peptide of An. gambiae in people residing in a malaria endemic area in the Colombian Pacific coast. Methods: We eluted dried blood spots samples to measure the IgG antibodies against salivary gland extracts of An. (Nys.) albimanus strains STECLA (STE) and Cartagena (CTG) and An. (Nys.) darlingi and the gSG6-P1 peptide by ELISA in uninfected people and microscopic and submicroscopic Plasmodium carriers from the Colombia Pacific Coast. A multiple linear mixed regression model, Spearman correlation, and Mann-Whitney U-test were used to analyze IgG data. Results: Significant differences in specific IgG levels were detected between infected and uninfected groups for salivary glands extracts from An. (Nys.) albimanus and for gSG6-P1, also IgG response to CTG and gSG6-P1 peptide were positively associated with the IgG response to P. falciparum in the mixed model. Conclusion: The CTG and STE An. (Nys.) albimanus salivary glands extracts are a potential source of new Anopheles salivary biomarkers to identify exposure to the main malaria vector and to calculate risk of disease in the Colombian Pacific coast. Also, the gSG6-P1 peptide has the potential to quantify human exposure to the subgenus Anopheles vectors in the same area.
Elevation of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate and C-reactive Protein Reflects Renal Interstitial Inflammation in Drug-Induced Acute Tubulointerstitial Nephritis
Authors: Zheng Xi-zi , Gu Yang-hui , Su Tao , Zhou Xu-jie , Huang Jun-wen , Sun Ping-ping , Jia Yan , Xu Da-min , Wang Su-xia , Liu Gang , Yang Li 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: A renal biopsy is needed to define active inflammatory infiltrate and guide therapeutic management in drug-induced acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (D-ATIN). However, factors like various contraindications, refused informed consent or limited technical support, would stop the process. It is thus of great importance to explore some approaches that could deduce the probable pathologic changes. Methods: 64 biopsy-proven D-ATIN patients were enrolled from a prospective cohort of ATIN in Peking University First Hosptial. Systemic inflammation score (SIS) was developed based on the levels of CRP and ESR at biopsy and patients were divided into high-SIS, median-SIS, and low-SIS groups. The demographic data, clinicopathologic features, and renal outcome were compared. Results: SIS correlated positively with inflammatory cell infiltration and inversely with interstitial fibrosis. The number of each kind of interstitial inflammatory cells increased significantly with the increase in SIS. The proportions of neutrophils and plasma cells were the highest in patients with high-SIS than the other two groups. Prednisone (30–40 mg/day) was prescribed in all the patients. High-SIS group tended to have more favorable renal restoration than the other two groups. By 12 months post-renal biopsy, decreased eGFR (<60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) was observed in 70.0% of medium-SIS patients, 33.3% of high-SIS patients, and 29.4% of low-SIS patients. Conclusion: SIS was positively correlated with active tubulointerstitial inflammation and therefore could help to aid therapeutic decisions in D-ATIN.
Disease Features Associated with a low Disease Impact in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis: Results of a Cross-Sectional Multicenter Study
Authors: Queiro Rubén , Cañete Juan D , Montoro María , Gómez Susana , Cábez Ana 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Patient reported outcomes measures, such as those provided by the the Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease (PsAID) questionnaire, have been found to be a reliable indicator of change during treatment, predictive of long-term outcomes, and the impact of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) on patients’ lives. The objective of the study was to describe demographic and clinical characteristics of PsA patients with a low disease impact and to analyze predictive factors for that state.Methods Post-hoc analysis of a cross-sectional multicenter study that included 223 consecutive patients. The Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease (PsAID) questionnaire was used to estimate disease impact. Patients with a PsAID < 4 were considered in low disease impact. Minimal Disease Activity (MDA) response and the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) were also assessed. The degree of agreement between the different outcomes was addressed by Cohen´s kappa index.Results One hundred and twenty-two (54.7%) patients reached a PsAID <4. Among them, 52.0% and 68.0% presented articular or skin remission, respectively. Almost 75% of patients were in MDA state and 85.2% presented a low disability state according to the HAQ. A moderate concordance between HAQ ≤ 0.5 and PsAID <4 (k=0.53), fair between MDA and PsAID <4 (k=0.36), and moderate between DAPSA remission and PsAID <4 (k= 0.46), was observed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patients with distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) disease (OR 0.40, 95%CI: 0.20-0.79, p=0.009), family history of PsA (OR 0.25, 95%CI: 0.09-0.72, p=0.010), and higher C-reactive protein (OR 0.92, 95%CI: 0.85-0.99, p=0.036) were significantly less likely to reach a PsAID < 4.Conclusions There is certain discrepancy between disease activity measures and a low impact of disease in PsA. Clinical features (DIP joint involvement), biologic activity, and genetic factors (familial history), seem to be associated with lower odds of reaching a low disease impact.
Joint modelling of longitudinal and time-to-event data: An illustration using CD4 count and mortality in a cohort of patients initiated on antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Mchunu Nobuhle Nokubonga , Mwambi Henry , Reddy Tarylee , Yende-Zuma Nonhlanhla , Naidoo Kogieleum 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Modelling of longitudinal biomarkers and time-to-event data are important to monitor disease progression. However, these two variables are traditionally analyzed separately or time-varying Cox models are used. The former strategy fails to recognize the shared random-effects from the two processes while the latter assumes that longitudinal biomarkers are exogenous covariates, resulting in inefficient or biased estimates for the time-to-event model. Therefore, we used joint modelling for longitudinal and time-to-event data to assess the effect of longitudinal CD4 count on mortality. Methods: We studied 4014 patients from the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) who initiated ART between June 2004 and August 2013. We used proportional hazards regression model to assess the effect of baseline characteristics (excluding CD4 count) on mortality, and linear mixed effect models to evaluate the effect of baseline characteristics on the CD4 count evolution over time. Thereafter, the two analytical approaches were amalgamated to form an advanced joint model for studying the effect of longitudinal CD4 count on mortality. To illustrate the virtues of the joint model, the results from the joint model were compared to those from the time-varying Cox model. Results: Using joint modelling, we found that lower CD4 count over time was associated with a 1.3-fold increase in the risk of death, (HR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.27-1.42). Whereas, results from the time-varying Cox model showed lower CD4 count over time was associated with a 1.2-fold increase in the risk of death, (HR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.12-1.23). Conclusions: Joint modelling enabled the assessment of the effect of longitudinal CD4 count on mortality while correcting for shared random effects between longitudinal and time-to-event models. In the era of universal test and treat, the evaluation of CD4 count is still crucial for guiding the initiation and discontinuation of opportunistic infections prophylaxis and assessment of late presenting patients. CD4 count can also be used when immunological failure is suspected as we have shown that it is associated with mortality. Keywords: Time-to-event data; longitudinal data; joint models; CD4 count; mortality; bias