bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mobile Health Vans to Make Medical Facilities Accessible to Far Flung Rural Communities in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat & Rajasthan, India
Authors: Marathe Shreeram , Rawal Avinash
Published: March 2020

Objective

To explain how Mobile Health Vans (MHVs) Program of Cairn Oil & Gas (Vedanta Ltd) has enabled communities living in remote villages of Gujarat and Rajasthan in India, to lead a healthy & happy life due to ease of accessibility to basic medical services at their door step.

Methods, Procedures & Process

The company has launched an ambitious program of Mobile Health Vans (MHVs). Ten MHVs which provide basic medical services were launched in the remote villages of Rajasthan (~ 146000 population) & Gujarat (~ 94000 population). Total 244 villages have been covered in these three states under MHV Program.

Three medical specialists have been appointed to support the Barmer District Hospital (Raj.) who have conducted ~44,000 OPDs (Out Patient Department), ~1980 surgeries and ~370 institutional deliveries last year. These MHVs cover all of these villages once in a week. These villages are sparsely populated and lack modern modes of transport and mobility.

In order to make the medical facilities more effective in Barmer (Raj.), the company has initiated a campaign called ‘Green Barmer, Clean Barmer’ which aims at creating awareness on ‘Health and Hygiene’ among people of Barmer. Under this campaign, company has provided 67 housekeeping staff; augmented the health services offered at Government District hospital by providing three specialist doctors (Gynecologist, ENT -Ear Nose & Throat Specialist and General Surgeon) and has operationalize two dysfunctional First Referral Units (FRUs) in the District of Barmer. These FRUs now cater to 24000 patients annually.

In Gujarat, PAHONCH (meaning OUTREACH in Hindi) Program is being implemented across 3 districts to improve access to nutrition and health entitlements of pregnant women, nursing mothers, young children (0-6 years), and ~7100 women & adolescent girls.

The company has partnered with private and public organizations to implement this program.

Results, Observations & Conclusion

These programs support in reducing preventable maternal & child deaths; and also address emergency accident cases to make significant progress towards achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the states. Barmer District Hospital has been ranked #1 amongst all district hospitals in the state of Rajasthan in a recent Patient Satisfaction Survey.

These programs also spread awareness regarding menstrual hygiene among young & adolescent girls thus preventing them from gynecological problems later in the life.

Novel / Additive Information

In the state of Andhra Pradesh, one Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Surasaniyanam village of East Godavari District has been supported with 11 medical staff for attending to emergency cases and providing immediate first-aid catering to a population of ~ 23,000 across five villages. Adding vocational training program for adolescents & youth towards improvement in their livelihood Develop adolescents & youths as a change agent among the community
Vaginal repaired cesarean section diverticulum is beneficial in women with two prior cesarean sections
Authors: Wang Yizhi , Li Jiarui , Wang Xipeng
Published: March 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vaginal repair in patients with cesarean section diverticulum (CSD) who had one or two previous cesarean sections (CSs).
Methods: From January 2012 to December 2014, 248 women with CSD underwent vaginal repair surgery in Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital. These included 193 women with one previous cesarean section and 55 women with two previous cesarean sections. Excision and suture of CSD was performed through a vaginal approach. The duration of menstruation, the length, width and depth of the CSD and thickness of the remaining muscular layer (TRM) were evaluated before and after surgery by transvaginal three-dimensional (3D) color Doppler ultrasound.
Results: A total of 221 (89.11%) women were followed-up for more than 3 months, and 168 (67.74%) women were followed-up for more than 6 months. There were significant differences in the average duration of menstruation (7.77±2.05 and 8.02±2.06 days VS 13.99±3.71 days), the average size of CSD (5.54*9.19*5.60 and 5.75*9.04*6.18 mm VS 7.99*12.43*6.62 mm) and the TRM (7.61±2.52 and 7.60±3.00 mm VS 2.51±1.02 mm) after surgery compared with those figures before surgery. The results of this study reveal that vaginal repair could shorten the duration of menstruation and improve anatomical defects (P< 0.05). Moreover, there was no significant difference in the effect of clinical repair between women with one or two previous cesarean sections (P> 0.05).
Conclusion: In CSD patients, the clinical effectiveness of vaginal repair was equivalent between women with one or two previous cesarean sections.
Enabling routine β-Thalassemia Prevention and Patient Management by Scalable, Combined Thalassemia and Hemochromatosis Mutation Analysis
Authors: Hashmi Ghazala , Qidwai Asim , Fernandes Kristopher , Seul Michael
Published: March 2020

Abstract:
Background : Beta (β)-thalassemia is one of the most common inherited disorders worldwide, with high prevalence in the Mediterranean, the Middle East and South Asia. Over the past 40 years, many countries have implemented awareness and prevention campaigns that have greatly reduced the incidence of affected child births. In contrast, much remains to be done in South-Asia. Thus, for Pakistan, current estimates of the number of children born with thalassemia are at ~7,000 per annum, with no sign of improvement. Although there is good agreement that intermarriage of carriers is a principal source of the high prevalence of the disorder, effective tools for screening and diagnosis on which to base prevention programs are not readily available.
Methods : Here, we present results for a novel “LeanSequencing” process to identify 18 β-thalassemia and related sickle cell anemia, and simultaneously a set of 3 hemochromatosis mutations in a multi-ethnic population of 274 pediatric and adolescent patients treated at Afzaal Memorial Thalassemia Foundation hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.
Results : We found substantial differences in the abundance of disease-causing mutations among the principal ethnic groups in our cohort. We also found the hemochromatosis mutation H63D C > G in 61 (or 22.1%) of our patients including 7 (or 2.6%) homozygotes.
Conclusions : To our knowledge, this is the first screen combining β-thalassemia and hemochromatosis mutations in a single test, so as to facilitate the early identification of patients who may be at increased potential risk for complications from iron overload and thereby to improve the prospective management of thalassemia patients.
Vitamin D Deficiency in Non-Autoimmune Hypothyroidism: A case-control study
Authors: Ahi Salma , Dehdar Mohammad Reza , Hatami Naser
Published: March 2020

Background: Although in many studies, the relationship between autoimmune hypothyroidism (Hashimoto) and Vitamin D deficiency was shown, no research has been performed on the role of vitamin D in non-autoimmune hypothyroidism.Methods: This was a case-control study in Endocrinology clinic of Jahrom (south of Iran). The patients with Hashimoto (n=633) and non-Hashimoto hypothyroidism (n=305), along with a control group (n=200) were evaluated. 25(OH) D level, T3 and T4 levels were studied and Anti TPO and Anti TG tests were performed. The results of vitamin D level were analyzed and interpreted using SPSS in terms of the cause of hypothyroidism (immune and non-immune).Results: The results of the study showed a significantly lower level of vitamin D in both immune and non-immune Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) in comparison to healthy controls (P<0.05). We observed a significant inverse correlation between the vitamin D and TGAb level (p=0.001, r=-0.261) and a direct correlation of vitamin D with TSH level (p=0.008, r=0.108) in Hashimoto thyroiditis patients.Conclusion: Finally, the results indicated that non-autoimmune hypothyroidism, as well as HT, is associated with vitamin D deficiency. The role of vitamin D deficiency in Hashimoto thyroiditis was thought to be in the association of higher autoantibody (TGAb) level; while, there should be further studies determining vitamin D deficiency's role in non-immune hypothyroidism.
Relationship between Night shift work, Eating Habits and BMI among Nurses in Lebanon
Authors: Samhat Zeinab , Attieh Randa , Sacre Yonna
Published: March 2020

Background:The objective of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the relationships between night shift work, eating habits and body mass index (BMI) among Lebanese nurses.Methods:A total of 307 nurses were randomly selected from five hospitals located in Beirut. Data about demographic and professional characteristics, anthropometric measures, dietary habits and intakes were collected through a validated questionnaire. To study the relationship between night shift work, eating habits and BMI, chi-square test, t-test and logistic regressions were used.Results:The majority of nurses (78. 2%) had irregular meals timing with a significant decrease in the number of complete meals consumed during the day and an increase in the number of snacks consumed during night (p<0. 05). The most consumed snacks during night shifts were sweets and potato chips. The findings highlighted that BMI and waist circumference significantly increased with the number of years of work (r=0.175; p<0.05) and the cumulative number of night shifts hours over the entire work history (r=0.135/p< 0. 05).Conclusion: Night shift work is positively associated with abnormal eating patterns and BMI among Lebanese nurses. However the increase in BMI is not related to eating habits.
Long noncoding RNA DPP10-AS1 promotes malignant processes through epigenetically activating its cognate gene DPP10 to predict poor prognosis in lung cancer patients
Authors: Tian Haihua , Pan Jinchang , Fang Shuai , Zhou Chengwei , Tian Hui , He Jinxian , Shen Weiyu , Meng Xiaodan , Jin Xiaofeng , Gong Zhaohui
Published: March 2020

Background: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play oncogenic or tumor-suppressive roles in various cancers. However, the epigenetic modification of lncRNA and its cognate sense gene in lung cancer remain largely unknown.Methods: qRT-PCR and Western blot were conducted to detect the expressions of DDP10-AS1 and DPP10 expression in lung cancer cell lines and tissues. The impact of DDP10-AS1 on DPP10 expression, cell growth, invasion, apoptosis and in vivo tumor growth were investigated in lung cancer cells by Western blot, rescue experiments, colony formation, flow cytometry and xenograft animal experiment. Results: A novel antisense lncRNA, DPP10-AS1, is found to be highly expressed in cancer tissues and the upregulation of DPP10-AS1 predicts poor prognosis in lung cancer patients. Notably, DPP10-AS1 promotes lung cancer cell growth, colony formation, cell cycle progression and represses apoptosis in lung cancer cells by upregulating DPP10 expression. Additionally, DPP10-AS1 facilitates lung tumor growth via upregulation of DPP10 protein in xenograft mouse model. Importantly, DPP10-AS1 positively regulates DPP10 gene expression and they are coordinately upregulated in lung cancer tissues. Mechanically, DPP10-AS1 associates with DPP10 mRNA but does not enhance DPP10 mRNA stability. Hypomethylation of DPP10-AS1 and DPP10 contributes to their coordinate upregulation in lung cancer.Conclusions: These findings indicate that the upregulated antisense lncRNA DPP10-AS1 promotes lung cancer malignant processes and facilitates tumorigenesis by epigenetically regulating its cognate sense gene DPP10, and DPP10-AS1 may act as a candidate prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target in lung cancer.
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Serious Mental Illness, and Delivery-Related Health Outcomes, United States, 2006-2015
Authors: McKee Kimberly Schmitt , Admon Lindsay K. , Winkelman Tyler N. A. , Muzik Maria , Hall Stephanie , Dalton Vanessa K. , Zivin Kara
Published: March 2020

Background: National estimates of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD) and serious mental illness (SMI) among delivering women over time, as well as associated outcomes and costs, are lacking. We examined the prevalence of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and serious mental illness, from 2006-2015 and associated risk of adverse obstetric outcomes, including severe maternal morbidity and mortality (SMMM), and delivery costs. We conducted a serial, cross-sectional analysis using National Inpatient Sample data. We estimated the prevalence of PMAD and SMI among delivering women as well as obstetric outcomes, healthcare utilization, and delivery costs using adjusted weighted logistic with predictive margins and generalized linear regression models, respectively.
Results : We identified an estimated 39,025,974 delivery hospitalizations from 2006-2015 in the U.S. PMAD increased from 18.4 (95% CI 16.4-20.0) to 40.4 (95% CI 39.3-41.6) per 1,000 deliveries. SMI also increased among delivering women over time, from 4.2 (95% CI 3.9-4.6) to 8.1 (95% CI 7.9-8.4) per 1,000 deliveries. Medicaid covered 72% (95% CI 71.2-72.9) of deliveries complicated by SMI compared to 44% (95% CI 43.1-45.0) and 43.5% (95% CI 42.5-44.5) among PMAD and all other deliveries, respectively. Women with PMAD and SMI experienced higher incidence of SMMM, and increased hospital transfers, lengths of stay, and delivery-related costs compared to other deliveries ( P <.001 for all).
Conclusion : Over the past decade, the prevalence of both PMAD and SMI among delivering women increased substantially across the United States, and affected women had more adverse obstetric outcomes and delivery-related costs compared to other deliveries.
The effect of information on prostate cancer screening decision process: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Charvin Maud , Launoy Guy , Berchi Célia
Published: March 2020

Background: Prostate cancer screening is controversial because of uncertainty about its benefits and risks. The aim of this survey was to reveal preferences of men concerning prostate cancer screening and to test the effect of an informative video on these preferences. Methods: A stated preferences questionnaire was sent by e-mail to men aged 50-75 with no history of prostate cancer. Half of them were randomly assigned to view an informative video. A discrete choice model was established to reveal men’s preferences for six prostate cancer screening characteristics: mortality by prostate cancer, number of false positive and false negative results, number of overdiagnosis, out-of-pocket costs and recommended frequency. Results: 1024 men representative of the French general population filled in the entire questionnaire. Each attribute gave the expected sign except for overdiagnosis. The video seemed to increase the intention to abstain from prostate cancer screening. Conclusions: The participants attached greater importance to a decrease in the number of false negatives and a reduction in prostate cancer mortality than to other risks such as the number of false positives and overdiagnosis. Further research is needed to help men make an informed choice regarding screening.
Increased Respiratory Morbidity in Individuals with Interstitial Lung Abnormalities
Authors: Hoyer Nils , Thomsen Laura H. , Wille Mathilde M.W. , Wilcke Torgny , Dirksen Asger , Pedersen Jesper H. , Saghir Zaigham , Ashraf Haseem , Shaker Saher B.
Published: March 2020

Background
Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) are common in participants of lung cancer screening trials and broad population-based cohorts. They are associated with increased mortality, but less is known about disease specific morbidity and healthcare utilisation in individuals with ILA.
Methods
We included all participants from the screening arm of the Danish Lung Cancer Screening Trial with available baseline CT scan data (n=1990) in this cohort study. The baseline scan was scored for the presence of ILA and patients were followed for up to 12 years. Data about all hospital admissions, primary healthcare visits and medicine prescriptions were collected from the Danish National Health Registries and used to determine the participants’ disease specific morbidity and healthcare utilisation using Cox proportional hazards models.
Results
The 332 (16.7%) participants with ILA were more likely to be diagnosed with one of several respiratory diseases, including interstitial lung disease (HR: 4.9, 95% CI: 1.8–13.3, p=0.008), COPD (HR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2–2.3, p = 0.01), pneumonia (HR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.4–2.7, p<0.001), lung cancer (HR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.8–4.0, p<0.001) and respiratory failure (HR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1–3.0, p=0.03) compared with participants without ILA. These findings were confirmed by increased hospital admission rates with these diagnoses and more frequent prescriptions for inhalation medicine and antibiotics in participants with ILA.
Conclusions
Individuals with ILA are more likely to receive a diagnosis and treatment for several respiratory diseases, including interstitial lung disease, COPD, pneumonia, lung cancer and respiratory failure during long-term follow-up.
The Understanding of Research Ethics at Health Sciences Schools in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tarboush Nafez Abu , Alkayed Zaid , Alzoubi Karem H. , Al-Delaimy Wael K.
Published: March 2020

Background: Research ethics is required for high-quality research that positively influences society. There is limited understanding of research ethics in Middle Eastern countries including Jordan. Here, we aim to investigate the level of understanding of research ethics principles among health sciences faculty members in Jordan.
Methods: This is a cross sectional study where faculty members from the University of Jordan were surveyed for their knowledge and, attitude of research ethics principles. The study was conducted in the period between July 2016 to July 2017 using a customized-design questionnaire involving demographic data and participants' contributions toward research, and assessment of participants' knowledge, belief and attitude towards research ethics. Different question-formats have been used including multiple-choice, yes or no, and a four point Likert-type questions. Obtained responses were tabulated according to gender, academic-rank, and knowledge about research ethics principles.
Results: The study had a response rate of 51%. Among the 137 participants of this study, most (96%) were involved in human and animal research, yet, only 2/3 had prior training in research ethics. Moreover, 91% believed that investigators should have training in research ethics and 87% believed that there should be a mandatory postgraduate course on that. The average correct scores for correct understanding of researchers towards research ethics was 62%. Yet, there were some misconceptions about the major ethical principles as only 43% identified them correctly. Additionally, the role of research ethics committees was not well understood by most of the respondents.
Conclusions: Although there is acceptable knowledge about research ethics, discrepancies in understanding in research ethics principles seems to exist. There is a large support for further training in responsible conduct of research by faculty in health sciences in Jordan. Thus, such training should be required by universities to address this knowledge gap in order to improve research quality and its impact on society.
A practical staging atlas to study embryonic development of Octopus vulgaris under controlled laboratory conditions
Authors: Deryckere Astrid , Styfhals Ruth , Vidal Erica AG , Almansa Eduardo , Seuntjens Eve
Published: March 2020

Background

Octopus vulgaris has been an iconic cephalopod species for neurobiology research as well as for cephalopod aquaculture. It is one of the most intelligent and well-studied invertebrates, possessing both long- and short-term memory and the striking ability to perform complex cognitive tasks. Nevertheless, how the common octopus developed these uncommon features remains enigmatic. O. vulgaris females spawn thousands of small eggs and remain with their clutch during their entire development, cleaning, venting and protecting the eggs. In fact, eggs incubated without females usually do not develop normally, mainly due to biological contamination (fungi, bacteria, etc.). This high level of parental care might have hampered laboratory research on the embryonic development of this intriguing cephalopod.
Results

Here, we present a completely parameter-controlled artificial seawater standalone egg incubation system that replaces maternal care and allows successful embryonic development of a small-egged octopus species until hatching in a laboratory environment. We also provide a practical and detailed staging atlas based on bright-field and light sheet fluorescence microscopy imaging for precise monitoring of embryonic development. The atlas has a comparative section to benchmark stages to the different scales published by Naef (1928), Arnold (1965) and Boletzky (2016). Finally, we provide methods to monitor health and wellbeing of embryos during organogenesis.
Conclusion

Besides introducing the study of O. vulgaris embryonic development to a wider community, this work can be a high-quality reference for comparative evolutionary developmental biology.
Brain and blood extraction for immunostaining, protein, and RNA measurements after long-term two photon imaging in mice﻿.
Authors: Ruiz-Uribe Nancy E. , Bracko Oliver
Published: March 2020

This protocol describes a method to extract brain tissue and whole blood samples to perform immunostaining, protein extraction for ELISA, western blot, or RNA extraction for qPCR after long-term in vivo imaging. This protocol is in particular useful to process and maintain valuable tissue samples, allowing for a broad spectrum of analysis and techniques without compromising the quality of the samples.
Ultrasonographic measurement of the diaphragm movement during cough and extubation outcomes
Authors: Norisue Yasuhiro , Santanda Takushi , Nabeshima Tadanori , Tomita Shizuka , Saito Shinjiro , Kataoka Jun , Fujimoto Yoshihisa , Tokuda Yasuharu , Homma Yosuke , Fujitani Shigeki
Published: March 2020

Background: A cough peak flow (CPF) of <60 L/min was significantly associated with increased risk of extubation failure after a successful spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). Passive cephalic excursion of the diaphragm (PCED), measured by ultrasonography during cough expiration, was reported to predict CPF in healthy adults. We hypothesized that PCED, diaphragm peak velocity, or both, during cough, as measured by ultrasonography, might predict CPF and extubation outcome in mechanically ventilated patients. This study attempted to identify associations of ultrasonographic indices of the diaphragm with simultaneously measured CPF and to investigate the predictive values of ultrasonographic indices for extubation outcomes after a successful SBT.Methods: Two hundred fifty-two (252) mechanically ventilated patients with a successful SBT were enrolled in the prospective cohort study. Right hemidiaphragm passive cephalic excursion and peak velocity were measured by ultrasonography during voluntary cough expiration with maximum effort. CPF was measured simultaneously with ultrasonographic measurements.Results: A multiple regression model adjusted for age and sex showed a significant association between PCED and CPF (P < 0.001, adjusted beta coefficient 11.4, 95% CI 8.88–14.0, adjusted R2 = 0.287) and between diaphragm peak velocity and CPF (P < 0.001, adjusted beta coefficient 1.71, 95% CI 1.91–2.24, adjusted R2 = 0.235). The areas under the curves of PCED, diaphragm peak velocity, and CPF for extubation failure were 0.791 (95% Cl 0.668–0.914), 0.587 (95% Cl 0.426–0.748), and 0.765 (95% Cl 0.609–0.922), respectively.Conclusions: PCED measured by ultrasonography significantly predicted CPF and extubation failure after a successful SBT.
Real-world effectiveness of Glasgow prognostic score and tumor biomarkers in predicting post-relapse survival in patients with recurrent cervical cancer after minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Guo Junhui , Wang Yuanyuan , Wang Xinxin , Zhou Shengli , Liu Peimin
Published: March 2020

Background Cervical cancer ranks the third most common malignancy of women worldwide, and recurrence of cervical cancer treatment is the major concern. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) and Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) were potential prognostic indicator for cervical cancer. However, none of these markers have been evaluated to predict post-relapse survival in recurrent cervical cancer after treatment based on real-world clinical data. Aim To evaluate biomarkers CEA, CA125, SCCA and Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) in predicting post-relapse survival in recurrent cervical cancer after treatment based on real-world clinical data. Results Among the 1607 patients, the majority of patients (75.5%) were non-smokers, and the majority of histologic type (68.3%) was squamous cell carcinoma. Except CEA, there were significant difference between different GPS groups in these markers. Areas under the curves (AUC) for GPS, CEA, CA125 and SCCA were 0.632, 0.617, 0.641 and 0.628, respectively. All clinicopathologic characteristics were significantly correlated with CA125. Higher levels of biomarkers and GPS had lower survival and GPS=2 and SCCA was an independent prognostic factor for survival (P=0.008 and P=0.010, respectively). Conclusions In real-world settings, GPS and tumor biomarkers, especially SCCA to independently predict post-recurrence survival in patients with recurrent cervical cancer.
CYPB upregulates and promotes cell proliferation in endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Liu Jing , Zuo Ying , Qu Gui-Mei , Song Xiao , Liu Zhong-Hui , Zhang Ting-Guo , Zheng Zhu-Hua , Wang Hong-Kun
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND The molecular pathogenesis of endometrial cancer is not yet completely understood, preventing the development of successful therapies. Here, we determine the effect of CYPB on the growth of endometrial cancer. METHODS In this study, we examined the expression of CYPB in endometrial cancer tissues using immunohistochemistry. CYPB silencing in the human cell line HEC-1-B was used to evaluate the role of CYPB in the malignant phenotype of endometrial tumor cells, while CCK-8 and colony formation assays were performed to assess its effect on tumor cell proliferation. Furthermore, microarray analysis was carried out to compare the global mRNA expression profile between the normal and CYPB-knockdown cell. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed to determine the potential function of different expressed genes related to CYPB. RESULTS We found that CYPB was upregulated in endometrial cancer, while cells with suppressed expression of CYPB exhibited markedly reduced migration. We identified 1536 differentially expressed genes (onefold change, p< 0.05), among which 652 genes were upregulated and 884 genes were downregulated, and most of them were enriched in cell cycle, glycosphingolipid biosynthesis, adherens junctions, and metabolism pathways. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study suggest that CYPB may serve as a novel regulator of endometrial cell proliferation, thus representing a novel target for gene-targeted endometrial therapy.
Combination Therapy of a Host Defense-Like Lytic Peptide and Continuous Low-Dose Doxorubicin Inhibits Tumor Growth in a Syngeneic Immunocompetent Murine Fibrosarcoma (BFS-1) Model
Authors: Suppelna Jan Philip , Harati Kamran , Rittig Andrea , Stricker Ingo , Lehnhardt Markus , Shai Yechiel , Kückelhaus Maximilian , Hirsch Tobias , Jacobsen Frank
Published: March 2020

Background: The concept of a multimodality therapy in the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas (STS) has been discussed with controversy. Surgical resection with clear margins and radiation therapy remain gold standard in STS therapy. It is still questionable whether a systemic therapy with chemotherapeutics has a positive impact on the overall survival rate especially in early stages of disease, because the therapeutic effect in the treatment of STS is limited by its toxicities and its low responding rates. Treatment options are rare. As a result the search for combination therapies by using low dose approaches is of high importance. Recent studies showed the therapeutic efficiency of a designer host defense-like lytic D,L- amino acid peptide [D]-K 3 H 3 L 9 . Therefore we tested a combination of this peptide with Doxorubicin on two different sarcoma cell lines in vitro and also in a syngeneic immunocompetent murine fibrosarcoma mouse model. Methods: In vitro the human synovial sarcoma cell line SW 982 and the murine fibrosarcoma cell line BFS-1 were exposed to the oncolytic peptide [D]-K 3 H 3 L 9 , to the Anthracycline Doxorubicin and to both agents simultaneously. In vivo the murine fibrosarcoma cell line BFS-1 was injected subcutaneously into the syngeneic mice. When the tumors engrafted the oncolytic designer peptide [D]-K 3 H 3 L 9 , Doxorubicin or a combination of both was administered thrice a week for a three weeks’ follow-up. Results: The combination treatment approach using an oncolytic designer host defense peptide and Doxorubicin inhibited the in vitro sarcoma cell proliferation significantly. The single therapies, either with local intratumoral application of [D]-K 3 H 3 L 9 or with intraperitoneal application of Doxorubicin in the syngeneic mouse model, inhibited at least the tumor progression. The combination of both substances revealed a significant inhibition of tumor growth and weight. Conclusion: The in vivo low dose combination schedule inhibited the tumor growth significantly. Histological analyses of the tumor sections revealed an antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effect. So, these results demonstrate the effectiveness of combined low-dose application forms with designer host defense-like lytic peptides and chemotherapeutics.
Ozone autohemotherapy elevates PPAR-γ expression to lower blood lipid in treatment for psoriasis
Authors: Lu Jianyun , Ding Shu , Tang Zhen , Tong Xiaoliang , Dou Jianhua , Gao Lihua , Zeng Jinrong
Published: March 2020

Background: Psoriasis is widely accepted as a metabolic syndrome with significantly abnormal lipid metabolism and high blood lipids keep patients in a persistent low level of inflammatory condition. Hyperlipidemia and associated inflammatory reaction are believed to be the major risk factors contributing to the onset and recurrence of psoriasis. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) can effectively control the blood lipid level and inhibit inflammatory reaction. Methods: Ozone autohemotherapy (OAHT) was applied to treat psoriatic patients. The psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score and blood lipid level were used to evaluate the efficacy. PPAR-γ expression level and correlation analysis were used to determine the OAHT target involving psoriasis. Results: We found that OAHT significantly decreased patients’ PASI scores and lipid blood level. Furthermore, we found that PPAR-γ expression in CD4+ T cells from patients with psoriasis was significantly lower than healthy controls, furtherly, we detected PPAR-γ expression upregulated after treatment compared with before treatment. There, we performed the correlation analysis on PPAR-γ level and patients’ PASI scores or lipid blood level. These results suggested OAHT might obviously improve patients’ PASI scores and decrease lipid blood level by regulating PPAR-γ expression. Conclusions: We found that OAHT can attenuate the condition of psoriatic patients and lower blood lipid by inducing PPAR-γ expression, suggesting that OAHT is effective in treating psoriasis and is worthy of further evaluations for its clinical applications.
Meningitis caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum mimicking tuberculous meningitis in an immunocompetent patient: a case report and literature review.
Authors: Lin Siran , Yang Qingluan , Wang Ting , Jia Wen , Chen Shu , Zhang Wenhong , shao lingyun
Published: March 2020

Background: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are a large group of microorganisms that mainly affect persons who have immune deficiency. Mycobacterium fortuitum is one of them, which usually cause soft tissue or pulmonary disease. Meningitis caused by M. fortuitum is extremely rare and is often confused with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) due to its low prevalence. Case presentation: A 35-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with a history of headache, followed by fever, chills, cough, and vomiting. The results of mycobacterial culture and TSPOT. TB of her cerebrospinal fluid were positive. Therefore, she was diagnosed with tuberculous meningitis and was given anti-tuberculous chemotherapy. During the observation, the CSF results were not significantly improved. Finally, hsp65 gene PCR revealed that the real pathogen was M. fortuitum. The treatment therapy was changed and the patient recovered after one-year combined chemotherapy. Conclusions: In this case we described a patient with M. fortuitum meningitis who was immunocompetent with no trauma or surgical history. The wrong diagnosis with TBM was made due to positive results of both blood and CSF TSPOT. TB . The pathological evidence and microbiological analysis of hsp65 gene PCR suggested the real pathogen to be M. fortuitum . The diagnostic accuracy of blood and CSF TSPOT. TB in case of TBM is moderate. Infections of NTM cannot be excluded when the patient does not respond to anti-tuberculous therapy and it is of great significance to do molecular identification for clinical isolates of mycobacterium.
Does preoperative dipyridamole-thallium scanning reduce 90-day cardiac complications and mortality in patients with femoral neck fractures undergoing hemiarthroplasty?
Authors: Liao Chin-Yi , Tan Timothy L. , Lu Yu-Der , Wu Cheng-Ta , Lee Mel S , Kuo Feng-Chih
Published: March 2020

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dipyridamole-thallium scanning on 90-day cardiac complications and mortality in patients with femoral neck fracture treated with hemiarthroplasty. Methods : Between 2008 and 2015, 844 consecutive patients undergoing cemented or cementless hemiarthroplasty were identified from the database of a single level-one medical center. One-hundred and thirteen patients (13.4%) underwent the dipyridamole-thallium scan test prior to surgery, and 731 patients (86.6%) did not. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, surgical variables, and duration to surgery were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression was performed, and a propensity-score-matched cohort was identified in order to determine whether dipyridamole-thallium scanning was associated with 90-day cardiac complications and mortality. Results: The incidence of 90-day cardiac complications was 19.47% in the thallium scan group and 11.58% in the non-thallium scan group ( p = 0.343) among 452 patients after propensity score-matching. The 90-day mortality rate was similar in the two groups (0.88% vs. 1.18%, p = 0.795). In the propensity score-matched patients, utilization of the dipyridamole-thallium scan was not associated with cardiac complications (matched cohort, adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75 to 2.33) or mortality (adjusted OR = 0.75; 95% CI 0.08 to 6.71) within 90 days. Risk factors for cardiac complications were an American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 3 (OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.44 to 7.08) and pre-existing cardiac comorbidities (OR 5.56, 95% CI 3.35 to 9.25). Discussion : Preoperative dipyridamole-thallium scanning was not associated with reductions in 90-day cardiac complications and mortality in patients with femoral neck fracture undergoing hemiarthroplasty. The necessity for dipyridamole-thallium scanning should be re-evaluated in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures, given that this increases the duration to surgery.
Therapeutic effect and mechanisms of intra-articular injections of microRNA-140-5p on early-stage osteoarthritis in rats
Authors: Si Hai-bo , Yang Ti-min , Chen Yang , Mao Rui-wen , Wu Li-ming , Liang Ming-wei , Liu Shu-yun , Zeng Yi , Shen Bin
Published: March 2020

Background MicroRNAs (miRs) have received extensive attention in osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis in recent years, and our previous study have confirmed that single intra-articular injection (IAJ) of miR-140-5p alleviates early-stage OA (EOA) progression in rats. This study aims to further investigate the effects of single IAJ of miR-140-5p on different stage OA and multiple IAJs of miR-140-5p on EOA, as well as the potential mechanisms. Methods Firstly, OA model was surgically induced in rats, 9 rats were treated with IAJ of Cy5-miR-140-5p at 1 week after surgery, and fluorescence distribution was measured. Then, 72 rats were treated with single IAJ of miR-140-5p at different time after surgery or multiple IAJs of miR-140-5p at 1 week after surgery, and OA progression were evaluated macroscopically and histologically. Finally, bioinformatics analyses were performed and the potential targets and molecular mechanisms of miR-140-5p were predicted. Results Strong fluorescence was observed in the chondrocytes and joint where Cy5-miR-140-5p was injected. Behavioural scores, chondrocyte numbers and cartilage thickness in cartilage were higher, while pathological scores were lower in the miR-140-5p group than in the control group. Specifically, the earlier a single IAJ of miR-140-5p, the better the therapeutic effect, and multiple IAJs exhibited better therapeutic effect than single IAJ on EOA. Bioinformatics analyses predicted 84 potential target genes of rno-miR-140-5p and revealed that these genes enrich in various biological processes and pathways. Conclusions IAJs of miR-140-5p effectively alleviate EOA progression by modulating various biological processes and pathways, and may be a promising therapeutics for EOA.
Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV in Iran: Situation Analysis of the Pilot Phase
Authors: Kazeroni Parvin Afsar , Gouya Mohammad Mehdi , Tira Mandana , Sargolzaiie Maryam , Eybpoosh Sana , Majdfar Zahra , Zareie Bushra , Ghaderi Ebrahim
Published: March 2020

Background The reproductive health and Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programs in Iran were integrated as a pilot project in September 2014.This study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation and situation analysis of the PMTCT programme in Iran.Methods Pilot phase of PMTCT was launched in early September 2014 in selected centers including 170 health centers and 40 hospitals affiliated to medical universities of 16 provinces of Iran. In each medical university, a researcher-made checklist was administered to all newly-diagnosed HIV-positive pregnant women by the AIDS expert. Data was analyzed using SPSS 19 software.Results Overall, 69.4% of eligible pregnant women were enrolled in the pilot phase. From 134 reactive cases, 76 (56.7%) were confirmed as HIV positive. In 10 (13.2%) of HIV positive pregnant women, consumption of ARV was irregular. Also, 82.5% had CD4 count more than 350 after treatment with an average of 55.5% increase in the number of CD4 in comparison to the baseline, and 84.8% had viral load suppression (<200 copies/ml). Counseling and testing was done for the husbands of 75% of the women, and resulted in the identification of 15 (39.5%) new HIV cases among husbands. of tested individuals, 23 (60.5%) males already knew their HIV status and were registered HIV patients. HIV was diagnosed in one (1.5%) newborn.Conclusion Implementation of rapid HIV testing and PMTCT in Iran is strength in the national HIV control program. To eliminate MTCT, it is necessary to understand and overcome barriers and challenges the program faced in the pilot phase.
The Inhibition of H1N1 influenza virus-induced apoptosis by functionalized Selenium nanoparticles with β-Thujaplicin through ROS-mediated P53 and AKT signaling pathways
Authors: Wang Changbing , Zhao Mingqi , Lin Zhengfang , Guo Min , Xu Tiantian , Tang Ying , Chen Yi , Hua Liang , Zhong Jiayu , Lin Tao , Lian Guangwan , Chen Huanhui , Zhu Bing , Li Yinghua
Published: March 2020

β-Thujaplicin possess a variety of biological activities. The use of modified biological nanoparticles (NPs) to develop novel anti-influenza drugs has increased in recent years. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) with antiviral has attracted increasing attention for biomedical intervention. Functionalized SeNPs by β-Thujaplicin (Se@TP) surface modified with superior antiviral were synthesized in this study. β-Thujaplicin decoration of SeNPs obviously inhibited H1N1 infection and were less toxicity. Se@TP could inhibit H1N1 from infecting Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells and block chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation. Se@TP obviously prevented MDCK cells from generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, Se@TP prevent lung injury in H1N1 infected mice through eosin staining and hematoxylin in vivo . Additionally, when treated with Se@TP, the DNA damage of lung tissues reduced substantially by TUNEL-DAPI test. Mechanistic investigation revealed that Se@TP inhibited H1N1 influenza virus from infecting MDCK cells through induction of apoptosis via suppression AKT and p53 signaling pathways through Immunohistochemical assay. Our results suggest that β-Thujaplicin modified SeNPs as carriers is an efficient way to achieve antiviral pharmaceutical candidate for H1N1 influenza.
Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles carrying doxorubicin and edelfosine combo for synergistic anticancer effect against drug-resistant Osteosarcoma
Authors: Yang Ping , Zhang Lian , Wang Tian , Liu Qi , Wang Jing , Wang Yaling , Tu Zhiquan , Lin Feng
Published: March 2020

In this study, we have prepared a novel folate receptor-targeted doxorubicin (DOX) and edelfosine (ET)-loaded lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticle to enhance the anticancer efficacy in osteosarcoma. The dual-drug loaded nanoparticles showed a nanosized morphology and physiological stability. The targeted nanoparticles showed enhanced cellular internalization and subcellular distribution in MG63 cancer cells compared to that of non-targeted nanoparticles. Among many ratios of DOX and ET, 1:1 ratiometric combinations of drugs were observed to be highly synergistic in killing the cancer cells. MTT assay and caspase-3/7 activity assay clearly showed the superior anticancer efficacy of DE-FPLN formulations in inducing the cancer cell death. In vitro results indicate that the co-administration of two drugs in a folic acid-targeted nanoparticle could potentially induce the apoptosis and cell death. In vivo results displayed the potency of tumor cell killing and significant suppression of tumor growth without any detectable side effects. The lipid polymer hybrid nanocarriers with multiple properties of high drug loading, sequential and ratiometric drug release, improved physiological stability, prolonged blood circulation, and tumor-specific targeting are promising for the delivery of multiple drugs in the treatment of osteosarcoma.
Smoking Cessation in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Smith Justin R , Woolley Torres , Brown Amy , Vangaveti Venkat , Chilkuri Madhavi
Published: March 2020

Background This study investigated the smoking behaviours and cessation rates of head and neck cancer patients and explored the barriers and facilitators to cessation. Methods A mixed methods sequential explanatory design was utilised. The quantitative data was collected through surveys prior to treatment commencement. The current smokers were followed up after treatment to determine their smoking status. One-on-one, semi-structured interviews were then conducted. Results A total of 64 participants were recruited. Participants who were current smokers were more likely to live in a rural location (p = 0.015), have lower education (p = 0.047), and report reduced social and family well-being (p = 0.005) when compared with those who were former or never smokers. The 7-day point prevalence cessation rate was 72% at 1-month follow-up and 67% at 3 months, while continuous smoking cessation was 54% at 1 month and 42% at 3 months. Participants who continued smoking were found to consume more alcohol (p = 0.032) and have higher psychological distress (p = 0.052). Qualitative analysis revealed 5 key themes associated with smoking cessation: the teachable moment of a cancer diagnosis and treatment, willpower and cessation aids, psychosocial environment, relationship with alcohol and marijuana, and health knowledge and beliefs surrounding smoking and cancer. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the majority of head and neck cancer patients are able to achieve smoking cessation, but relapses are common. Future cessation programs should be comprehensive, sustained and address co-morbid factors such as alcohol, marijuana and depression.
Circ_0002060 enhances doxorubicin resistance in osteosarcoma by regulating miR-198/ABCB1 axis
Authors: Liu Jun , Zhu Wenshuai , Ji Jianqin
Published: March 2020

Background Osteosarcoma (OS) is a common aggressive primary sarcoma of bone. Drug resistance is a huge obstacle to chemotherapy for cancer. This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of circ_0002060 in OS resistance to doxorubicin (DOX). Methods The levels of circ_0002060, miR-198 and ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or western blot assay. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to determine the relationship between circ_0002060 expression and overall survival. The half inhibition concentration (IC50) of doxorubicin was calculated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cell proliferation was assessed by colony formation assay. Cell apoptosis was monitored by flow cytometry. The levels of apoptosis-related proteins were measured by western blot assay. Xenograft assay was utilized to analyze the effect of circ_0002060 on DOX resistance in vivo . The interaction among circ_0002060, miR-198 and ABCB1 were confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation assay or RNA pull-down assay. Results Circ_0002060 and ABCB1 were up-regulated, while miR-198 was down-regulated in OS tissues and DOX-resistant OS cells. Circ_0002060 silence reduced DOX resistance in vitro and in vivo . Moreover, circ_0002060 enhanced DOX resistance via sponging miR-198. Besides, miR-198 decreased DOX resistance by binding to ABCB1. In addition, circ_0002060 sponged miR-198 to up-regulate ABCB1 expression. Conclusion Circ_0002060 enhanced doxorubicin resistance of OS by regulating miR-198/ABCB1 axis, which provides potential therapeutic targets for OS therapy.
Avian leukosis virus subgroup J infection influencing composition of gut microbiota within chicken
Authors: Chen Yuan , Ni Jiajia , Li Hongwei
Published: March 2020

Background: Avian leukosis virus (ALV) is one of the major causes of disease in poultry. Probiotics play a critical role in animal health maintenance. Studies have indicated that viral infection can alter the composition of chicken gut flora. We hypothesized that the ALV-J infection could alter Probiotics composition in chicken fecal bacterial microbiome. To test is, we performed high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing and evaluated gut flora proﬁles from the feces of ALV-J infected and healthy chickens. Results: Relative abundance at the phylum and species levels was calculated. The phylum Proteobacteria was expressed in higher abundance in ALV-J infected chickens than in healthy chickens. Additionally, the abundance of the opportunistic pathogen, Propionibacterium acnes, significantly increased in ALV-J infected chickens. Interestingly, ALV-J infection tended to be significantly decreased by the probiotics Lactobacillus helveticus and Lactobacillus reuteri. Conclusions: The study indicated ALV-J infection significantly altered the gut microbiota distribution in chickens. It also showed that ALV-J infection significantly influenced composition of the probiotics including Lactobacillus helveticus and Lactobacillus reuteri in chicken gut, which implied that to relieve avian leucosis subgroup J, microbiota-targeted therapies such as probiotic supplements are required.