bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transversus abdominis plane block with general anesthesia blunts the perioperative stress response in patients undergoing radical gastrectomy
Authors: Liu Ruizhu , Qin Haiyan , Wang Meng , Li Kai , Zhao Guoqing 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: Surgical stress induces the release of neuroendocrine mediators and cytokines during perioperative period, which may have adverse effects on cancer patients. While the surgical stress response can be affected by anesthetic technique. Therefore, we designed this study to assess whether subcostal transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block can affect perioperative neuroendocrine stress response, postoperative analgesia and postoperative recovery in patients undergoing radical gastrectomy under general anesthesia.
Methods: Sixty-five patients were recruited. Patients randomly received general anesthesia (control group), or general anesthesia combined with TAP block (40 mL of 0.375% ropivacaine) (TAP group). The primary outcome was neuroendocrine levels including norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), cortisol (Cor), glucose (Glu), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 during 48 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included pain score, hemodynamic variables and recovery characteristics.
Results: Data from 61 of 65 patients were analyzed. The levels of NE, E, Cor, and Glu were blunt by TAP block during perioperative period. The levels of IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly lower in TAP group than in control group. TAP block efficiently relieved postoperative acute pain up to 12 h postoperatively with more stable perioperative hemodynamics compared with control group.
Conclusions: Subcostal TAP block blunts perioperative stress response and provides efficient analgesia, with good hemodynamic stability and minimal adverse effects.
Transcriptomic analysis of α-synuclein knockdown after T3 spinal cord injury in rats
Authors: Zeng Hong , Yu Bao-fu , Liu Nan , Yang Yan-yan , Xing Hua-yi , Liu Xiao-xie , Zhou Mouwang 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Abstract

Background
Endogenous α-synuclein (α-Syn) is involved in many pathophysiological processes in the secondary injury stage after acute spinal cord injury (SCI), and the mechanism governing these functions has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. This research aims to characterize the effect of α-Syn knockdown on transcriptional levels after SCI and to determine the mechanisms underlying α-Syn activity based on RNA-seq.
Result
The establishment of a rat model of lentiviral vector-mediated knockdown of α-Syn in Sprague-Dawley rats with T3 spinal cord contusion (LV_SCI group). The results of the RNA-seq analysis showed that there were 337 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the SCI group and the LV_SCI group, and 153 DEGs specific to LV_SCI between the (SCI vs LV_SCI) and (SCI vs CON) comparisons . The top 20 biological transition terms were identified by Gene ontology (GO) analysis. The Kyoto Gene and Genomic Encyclopedia (KEGG) analysis showed that the LV_SCI group significantly upregulated the cholinergic synaptic & nicotine addiction and the neuroactive ligand receptor interaction signaling pathway. Enriched chord analysis analyzes key genes. Further cluster analysis, gene and protein interaction network analysis and RT-qPCR results showed that Chrm2 and Chrnb2 together significantly in both pathways. The proliferation of muscarinic cholinergic receptor subtype 2 (Chrm2) and nicotinic cholinergic receptor subtype β2 (Chrnb2), and the neurogenesis were elevated in the injury site of LV_SCI group by immunofluorescence. Further by subcellular localization, the LV_SCI group enhanced the expression of Chrnb2 at the cell membrane.
Conclusion
Knockdown of α-Syn after SCI enhance motor function and promote neurogenesis probably through enhancing cholinergic signaling pathways and neuroreceptor interactions. This study not only further clarifies the understanding of the mechanism of knockdown of α-Syn on SCI but also helps to guide the treatment strategy for SCI.
Horizontal gene transfer contributes to virulence and antibiotic resistance of Vibrio harveyi 345 based on complete genome sequence analysis
Authors: Deng Yiqin , Xu Haidong , Su Youlu , Liu Songlin , Xu Liwen , Guo Zhixun , Wu Jinjun , Cheng Changhong , Feng Juan 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT), which is affected by environmental pollution and climate change, promotes genetic communication, changing bacterial pathogenicity and drug resistance. However, few studies have been conducted on the effect of HGT on the high pathogenicity and drug resistance of the opportunistic pathogen Vibrio harveyi .Results

V. harveyi 345 that was multidrug resistant and infected Epinephelus oanceolutus was isolated from a diseased organism in Shenzhen, Southern China, an important and contaminated aquaculture area. Analysis of the entire genome sequence predicted 5,678 genes including 487 virulence genes contributing to bacterial pathogenesis and 25 antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) contributing to antimicrobial resistance. Five ARGs ( tetm , tetb , qnrs , dfra17 , and sul2 ) and one virulence gene (CU052_28670) on the pAQU-type plasmid p345-185, provided direct evidence for HGT. Comparative genome analysis of 31 V. harveyi strains indicated that 217 genes and 7 gene families, including a class C beta-lactamase gene, a virulence-associated protein D gene, and an OmpA family protein gene were specific to strain V. harveyi 345. These genes could contribute to HGT or be horizontally transferred from other bacteria to enhance the virulence or antibiotic resistance of 345. Mobile genetic elements in 71 genomic islands encoding virulence factors for three type III secretion proteins and 13 type VI secretion system proteins, and two incomplete prophage sequences were detected that could be HGT transfer tools. Evaluation of the complete genome of V. harveyi 345 and comparative genomics indicated genomic exchange, especially exchange of pathogenic genes and drug-resistance genes by HGT contributing to pathogenicity and drug resistance. Climate change and continued environmental deterioration are expected to accelerate the HGT of V. harveyi , increasing its pathogenicity and drug resistance.Conclusion

This study provides timely information for further analysis of V. harveyi pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance and developing pollution control measurements for coastal areas.
Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Radiologists in Saudi Arabia: A Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Shammari Malak Al , Hassan Ali , Dandan Omran Al , Qadeeb Mohammed Al , Bubshait Dalal 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background : Musculoskeletal disorders account for the majority of work-related illnesses resulting in a significant economic burden on society. Computer users are subject to unique repetitive strains, predisposing them to musculoskeletal symptoms. In the digitalized field of radiology, radiologists tend to spend long hours interpreting medical images on computers. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among radiologists in Saudi Arabia and to the factors that contribute to these symptoms.
Methods : An online survey was sent to radiologists practicing in hospitals in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The survey addressed demographic characteristics, workload, and workstation environments, and included an evaluation of musculoskeletal symptoms using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Results were analyzed descriptively using the Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis.
Results : The survey was completed by 198 participants (111 men and 87 women). Most participants were aged below 40 years. The proportions of radiology residents, specialists, and consultants who completed the survey were 40.9%, 27.3%, and 27.3%, respectively. Most participants spent 7-9 hours per day reviewing medical images. In total, 140 (70.7%) participants had experienced musculoskeletal symptoms in the week preceding the survey, whereas 176 (88.9%) participants reported having symptoms in the last 12 months preceding the survey. The normal daily activities of 15.2%, 14.6%, and 14.6% of survey participants were restricted in the last 12 months, due to neck, lower back, and shoulder pain respectively. Significant contributing factors for musculoskeletal symptoms included age, sex, number of hours spent reviewing medical images, and the type of medical images predominantly reviewed. A multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that radiologists who spent most of their time performing ultrasound scanning or reviewing computed tomography images were at higher risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms.
Conclusions : Musculoskeletal symptoms are common among radiologists. The high prevalence rate among our study participants indicates the need for preventive actions, such as increasing awareness of this issue among practicing radiologists, educating practitioners about the adverse effects of prolonged sitting, and providing training to ensure proper ergonomic practices.
Identification of quantitative trait loci for kernel traits in a wheat cultivar Chuannong16
Authors: Ma Jian , Zhang Han , Li Shuiqin , Zou Yaya , Li Ting , Liu Jiajun , Ding Puyang , Mu Yang , Tang Huaping , Deng Mei , Liu Yaxi , Jiang Qiantao , Chen Guoyue , Kang Houyang , Li Wei , Pu Zhien , Wei Yuming , Zheng Youliang , Lan Xiujin 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background

Kernel length (KL), kernel width (KW) and thousand-kernel weight (TKW) are key agronomic traits in wheat breeding. Chuannong16 (‘CN16’) is a commercial cultivar with significantly longer kernels that the line ‘20828’. To identify and characterize potential alleles from CN16 controlling KL, the previously developed recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the cross ‘20828’ × ‘CN16’ and the genetic map constructed by the Wheat55K SNP array and SSR markers were used to perform quantitative trait locus/loci (QTL) analyses for kernel traits.Results

A total of 11 putative QTL associated with kernel traits were identified and they were located on chromosomes 1A (2 QTL), 2B (2 QTL), 2D (3 QTL), 3D, 4A, 6A, and 7A, respectively. Among them, three major QTL, QKL.sicau-2D , QKW.sicau-2D and QTKW.sicau-2D , controlling KL, KW and TKW, respectively, were detected in three different environments. Respectively, they explained 10.88-18.85%, 17.21-21.49% and 10.01-23.20% of the phenotypic variance. Further, they were genetically mapped in the same interval on chromosome 2DS. A previously developed kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) marker KASP-AX-94721936 was integrated in the genetic map and QTL re-mapping finally located the three major QTL in a 1- cM region flanked by AX-111096297 and KASP-AX-94721936 . Another two co-located QTL intervals for KL and TKW were also identified. A few predicated genes involved in regulation of kernel growth and development were identified in the intervals of these identified QTL. Significant relationships between kernel traits and spikelet number per spike and anthesis date were detected and discussed.Conclusions

Three major and stably expressed QTL associated with KL, KW, and TKW were identified. A KASP marker tightly linked to these three major QTL was integrated. These findings provide information for subsequent fine mapping and cloning the three co-localized major QTL for kernel traits.
Prevalence and associated factors of visual impairment among adults at Debre Berhan Town, North Shewa, Ethiopia.
Authors: Assefa Natnael Lakachew , Admas Addisu , Adimasu Nebiyat 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Introduction Visual impairment refers to presenting distance visual acuity worse than 6/18 in either or both eyes. Globally 285 million (4.25%) people had visual impairment and among those 266.4 million were adults. It has become a global challenge that greatly affects the mobility, social participation and the quality of life of the people.Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of visual impairment among adults at Debre Berhan town.Methods and materials A community-based cross sectional study was conducted at Debre Berhan town. Data was collected by interview with pre-tested semi structured questionnaire and ocular examinations. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS version 20. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the determinant factors and p value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Result A total of 416 participants were involved in the study with a 98.6% response rate. The prevalence of visual impairment among adults was 16.8% (95% CI: 13.5%-20.2%). Age 40-60years (AOR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.22-7.58), age>64 years (AOR=12.18, 95%CI: 4.47-33.20), illiterate (AOR=3.02, 95% CI: 1.36-6.72), previous eye trauma (AOR=4.44, 95% CI: 1.64-12.04), family size >5 (AOR: 4.44, 95% CI: 1.43-13.75) and family history of eye problem (AOR=7.02, 95% CI: 1.95-25.22) had statistically significant association with visual impairment.Conclusion Prevalence of visual impairment among adults was found to be a significant public health problem. Older age, illiterate, previous eye trauma, large family size and family history eye problem were positively associated with visual impairment.
Home parenteral nutrition with an omega-3 fatty acid enriched MCT/LCT lipid emulsion in patients with chronic intestinal failure (the HOME study): Study protocol for a randomized, controlled, multicenter, international clinical trial
Authors: Klek Stanislaw , Chambrier Cecile , Cooper Sheldon C , Gabe Simon , Kunecki Marek , Pironi Loris , Rahman Farooq , Sobocki Jacek , Szczepanek Kinga , Wanten Geert , Lincke Nicole , Glotzbach Bernhard , Forbes Alastair 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is a life-preserving therapy for patients with chronic intestinal failure (CIF) indicated for patients who cannot achieve their nutritional requirements by enteral intake. Intravenous lipid emulsions (ILEs) are an essential component of HPN providing energy and essential fatty acids, but can become a risk factor for intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD). In HPN patients, major effort is taken in the prevention of IFALD. Novel ILEs containing a proportion of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) could be of benefit, but the data on the use of n-3 PUFA in HPN patients are still limited.Methods The HOME study is a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind, multicenter, international clinical trial conducted in European hospitals that treat HPN patients. A total of 160 patients (80 per group) will be randomly assigned to receive the n-3 PUFA enriched medium/long-chain triglyceride (MCT/LCT) ILE (Lipidem / Lipoplus ® 200 mg/ml, B. Braun Melsungen AG) or the MCT/LCT ILE (Lipofundin ® MCT/LCT / Medialipide ® 20%, B. Braun Melsungen AG) for a projected period of eight weeks. The primary endpoint is the combined change of liver function parameters (total bilirubin, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase) from baseline to final visit. Secondary objectives are the further evaluation of safety and tolerability as well as the efficacy of the ILEs.Discussion Currently, there are only very few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the use of ILEs in HPN, and there are very few data at all on the use of n-3 PUFAs. The aim of the HOME study is to demonstrate that the n-3 PUFA enriched ILE is safe and well tolerated especially with regard to liver function in patients requiring HPN. The study will provide data from a considerable number of CIF patients and thus contribute to broaden the present evidence on the use of ILEs in HPN.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03282955, registered on September 14, 2017
Maternal Health and Access to Healthcare among Migrant Workers Engaged in Informal Construction Work, Ahmedabad, India
Authors: Ravindranath Divya , Iannotti Lora 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background:A large proportion of migrant women in India are employed in the urban informal economy, which is often characterized by low wages, precarious work conditions, poor living conditions and lack of social security. Circumstances such as these have deep implications for the health and overall wellbeing of workers. Our paper focuses on the intersection of migration, informal work and maternal health among female workers in the construction sector. We specifically seek to understand women’s perception and experience of morbidity and examine their ability to seek and access maternal healthcare during pregnancy, childbirth and during the postpartum period.Methods:The field work for this study was undertaken in Ahmedabad, India. We recorded anthropometric measurements and conducted in depth interviews with our primary sample of female migrant workers. We also conducted two focus group discussions (FGDs) with male workers and reached out to other stakeholders.Results:Anthropometric measurements (N=55) suggested that a significant proportion of women (47%) suffered from low BMI (M= 18.36, SD= 1.7). Participants reported that physical ailments, diseases and illnesses were a constant feature of their lives. Women associated morbidity with poor work and living conditions, exposure to pollution and lack of safety measures during work. Women reported working until the last month of pregnancy and returned to work within few weeks of childbirth. Only 32% of the women (N=50) in our study sample had received two or more antenatal care check-ups, 64% had had an institutional delivery and 62% had received postpartum care within two days of childbirth. Women suggested that their access to seek healthcare services in the city was limited due to time constraints, inability to take break from work, irregular wage patterns and lack of familiarity with urban health systems. Pregnant women expressed desire to go to the village for childbirth and postpartum care as there was likely to be familial support for care. Conclusion: Our study finds that informal work conditions and migration have diverse and complex implications for women in need of maternal health care. Future policy needs to take into account particular and peculiar needs of migrant women to address their health needs.
Social Network Analysis for the Implementation of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in Iran
Authors: Khoshsabegheh Homa Yousefi , Ardalan Ali , Takian Amir Hossein , Hedayatifar Leila , Ostadtaghizadeh Abbas , Saeedi Behnam 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background: Over recent years, the exposure of people and assets to disasters has been faster than reducing vulnerability in all countries. As a result, new risks have been formed and losses due to disaster are progressively increasing. Suffering from significant losses in the aftermath of disasters every year, Iran is no exception. Governmental and non-governmental stakeholders are jointly responsible for managing the risks of disasters. Hence, appropriate, collaborative and timely interactions of involved organizations will play an important role in their operation, especially during disasters. Methods: In this study, we used the Social Network Analysis (SNA) to analyze the network of stakeholders in disaster risk management in Iran. Our review of literature, laws, and regulations of disaster risk management plus brainstorming identified a list of 85 stakeholders. We used the Delphi method among purposefully selected experts to score the relationship between the stakeholders. We then used the modularity optimization method to identify groups with greater interaction. Organizations with key-roles in the network and the ones in need of stronger relationships were identified through centrality measurements. Results: The density of this network was 0.75, which represented that not all the stakeholders were connected. Among all organizations identified, the National Disaster Management Organization and Civil Defense Organization showed higher influences considering their responsibilities. Conclusion: To provide a visual and tangible picture of the status and interrelationships among the stakeholders, this method identified groups with better interaction using community/cluster detection and modularity optimization methods. Understanding the current structure of the network and strengths and weaknesses of the interactions among stakeholders may help improve disaster risk management in Iran. Results of this research determine the role and importance of different organizations, their weakness, and strong points. Also, results help them to plan to strengthen their roles and solve their problems.
Health system challenges to hypertension and related non-communicable diseases prevention and treatment: perspectives from Ghanaian stakeholders
Authors: Laar Amos K. , Adler Alma J. , Kotoh Agnes M. , Legido-Quigley Helena , Lange Isabelle L. , Perel Pablo , Lamptey Peter 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background Hypertension, itself a cardiovascular condition, is a significant risk factor for other cardiovascular diseases. Hypertension is recognised as a major public health challenge in Ghana. Beginning in 2014, a collaborative team launched the community-based hypertension improvement program (ComHIP) in one health district in Ghana. The ComHIP project, a public-private partnership, tests a community-based model that engages the private sector and utilizes information and communication technology (ICT) to control hypertension. This paper, however, focuses on the various challenges associated with managing hypertension in Ghana, as reported by ComHIP stakeholders. Methods A total of 55 informants – comprising patients, health care professionals, licensed chemical sellers (LCS), national and sub-national policy makers – were purposively selected for interview and focus group discussions (FGDs). Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Where applicable, transcriptions were translated directly from local language to English. The data were then analysed using two-step thematic analysis. The protocol was approved by the two ethics review committees based in Ghana and the third, based in the United Kingdom. All participants were interviewed after informed consent. Results Our data have implications for the on-going implementation of ComHIP, especially the importance of policy maker buy-in, the benefits, as well as drawbacks of the program to different stakeholders. While our data show that the ComHIP initiative is acceptable to patients and healthcare providers – increasing providers’ knowledge on hypertension and patients’ awareness of same, there were implementation challenges identified by both patients and providers. Policy level challenges relate to task-sharing bottlenecks, which precluded nurses from prescribing or dispensing antihypertensives, and LCS from stocking same. Medication adherence, and the phenomenon of medical pluralism in Ghana, were identified challenges. The perspectives from the national level stakeholders enable elucidation of whole of health system challenges to ComHIP and therefore similarly designed future programmes. Conclusions This paper sheds important light on the patient/individual, and system level challenges to hypertension and related non-communicable disease prevention and treatment in Ghana. The data show that although the ComHIP initiative is acceptable to patients and healthcare providers, policy level task-sharing bottlenecks preclude optimal implementation of ComHIP.