bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-inflammatory effect of piperine ameliorates insulin resistance in monosodium glutamate–treated obese mice
Authors: Liu Chaolong , Yuan Yanting , Zhou Ji , Hu Ruixin , Ji Lixia , Jiang Guohui
Published: March 2020

Background: Metabolic inflammation has been considered as an essential event in obesity-induced diabetes and insulin resistance. In obesity, an increasing number of macrophages recruited into visceral adipose tissues undergo significant M 1 -like polarization, secreting variable amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines and causing insulin resistance. Methods: In this study, we investigated the effect of piperine on adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance in monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced obese mice. The 6-month-old MSG mice were divided into three groups, which were treated with piperine (40 mg/kg/day), metformin (150 mg/kg/day) and vehicle for successive 10 weeks, respectively. Normal mice at the same age as the normal control. Results: Our results showed that the 10-week administration of piperine (40 mg/kg/d) not only significantly decreased the elevated fasting blood glucose, serum TC and TG levels, but also enhanced infusion rate in hyperglycemic clamp experiment and improved the oral glucose intolerance as well as abnormal insulin tolerance in adult MSG obese mice. Additionally, piperine significantly decreased the total and differential white blood cell (WBC) count and the serum level of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), pro-inflammatory cytokines such as galectin-3 (Gal-3), interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Furthermore, piperine clearly down-regulated the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the protein levels of CD11c and Gal-3 in adipose tissues. In addition, the in vitro study showed that piperine inhibited LPS- stimulated polarization of RAW 264.7 cells toward the M 1 phenotype. Conclusions: In summary, these findings demonstrated that piperine could significantly rectify glycolipid metabolism disorders, improve severe insulin resistance and ameliorates systemic metabolic inflammation in MSG obesity mice. Our study indicates that piperine, as a potential natural alkaloid, can be used in the treatment of obesity-associated diabetes by delaying the progression of obesity-induced insulin resistance. Keywords : Insulin resistance; Piperine; Chronic low-grade inflammation.
One-Bone Forearm Reconstruction and Distal Radioulnar Joint Fusion for Emergency One-stage Operation in Traumatic Major Bone Defect of Forearm
Authors: Wang Yapeng , Zhou Ming , Wu Yongwei , Ma Yunhong , Liu Jun , Rui Yongjun
Published: March 2020

Background: Major bone defects in forearm caused by severe trauma is a real challenge for orthopedic surgeons. This study aimed to evaluate the role of one-bone forearm (OBF) reconstruction combined with distal radioulnar joint fusion (DRUJF) as a rescue option under this difficult situation.Methods: In total, 18 patients with major bone defects in forearm caused by severe trauma were selected from 2003 to 2017 and followed up for 2 to 16 years. All patients were managed in the Emergency Department and received emergency one-stage OBF combined with DRUJF. In addition, patient demographics, surgical techniques, clinical outcomes and complications were collected from the medical records.Results: The mean age of patients was 41.5 years (ranging from 23 to 58 years), with 11 males and 7 females. The mean time to union was 5.8 months; 17 patients had complete union, and 1 patient had infection with nonunion requiring secondary procedures. According to the criteria of Chen, 3 patients had a grade-I functional outcome, 14 patients had a grade-II functional outcome, and 1 patient had a grade-III functional outcome. Based on the Peterson scoring system, the outcome was excellent for 3 patients, good for 13 patients, fair for 1 patient, and poor for 1 patient.Conclusion: OBF construction combined with DRUJF was an alternative surgical procedure as the emergency stage-one intervention for the treatment of traumatic major bone defects in forearm, which may be more functionally and cosmetically superior than forearm amputation.
Efficacy of adjuvant radiotherapy for treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma: a retrospective study and an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Jiawei , Zheng Ziye , Shen Jing , Lian Xin , Miao Zheng , Shen Jie , Zhang Fuquan
Published: March 2020

Background Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and highly aggressive malignancy. Surgical resection is the standard treatment for localized ACC, but the local recurrence remains high. Adjuvant radiation (ART) has been proposed as a means to reduce recurrence rates in ACC after surgery with conflicting results from nonrandomized studies. We performed a retrospective study and a meta-analysis to determine the impact of ART on survival outcomes. Methods A retrospective study of the adrenocortical cancer database in Peking Union Medical College was conducted. We selected postoperative ACC patients with or without ART. A meta-analysis is also performed to compare the outcomes between ART and only surgical resection in ACC patients. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0 and Stata 15.0 statistical software. Differences between two groups were compared using the log-rank test for retrospective analysis and estimated by calculating the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for meta-analysis. Results Of a total of 75 patients available in the database, 12 patients underwent postoperative ART and were matched one to one to patients with only surgical resection. There was no significant difference on overall survival between ART group and control group (log-rank P = 0.149). Locoregional recurrence was diagnosed in 2 of the ART group, and in 4 of the control group (P=0.64). A total of 238 participants were selected for the meta-analysis, of which 111 and 127 patients underwent ART after surgical resection and only surgical resection, respectively. Overall survival is significantly higher in ART group, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.41 (95% CI of 1.33, 4.38; P = 0.004). Besides, meta-analysis significantly favored ART for locoregional recurrence-free survival and disease-free survival, with an OR of 4.08 and 2.27, respectively. Conclusions Our results show that compared to only surgical resection, ART is an effective postoperative treatment for ACC.
Gallium-68 citrate PET/CT findings in an experimental model of acute appendicitis in rabbits
Authors: Gültekin Aziz , Uzunlu Osman , Uğur Ayşe , Demirkan Neşe , Avcı Esin , Yüksel Doğangün
Published: March 2020

Objective Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common abdominal surgical emergency worldwide. Several infection and inflammation imaging methods have been used in a limited number of cases. Gallium-68 ( 68 Ga) has recently been investigated as an infection and inflammation imaging agent. The aim of our study was to produce 68 Ga-citrate in an automated synthesis unit and perform 68 Ga-citrate PET/CT imaging in rabbits with experimentally induced AA. Furthermore, this study aimed to investigate and correlate PET/CT findings with those of histopathological and biochemical examinations.
Methods 68 Ga-citrate was synthesized using the cationic method in an automatic synthesis unit. Twelve rabbits of the New Zealand strain ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ) were divided into two groups. In the AA group (n = 6), the appendices of the rabbits were surgically ligated. In the sham group (n = 6), the abdomen was surgically opened and closed. All rabbits were imaged using 68 Ga-citrate PET/CT at 12, 24 and 36 h following the establishment of the experimental models, and at 36 h, all rabbits were appendectomised. Appendices were examined histopathologically and blood samples were drawn from all rabbits at the beginning and end of the experimental process. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and procalcitonin (Pct) levels were measured. PET/CT results were compared statistically with histopathological and biochemical references.
Results The labelling efficiency of 68 Ga-citrate was more than 98%. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 68 Ga-citrate PET/CT in AA were 100%, 83.3% and 81.7%, respectively. IL-6 and Pct levels at 36 h in the AA group were significantly higher than those in the sham group and at baseline (p < 0.05).
Conclusions 68 Ga-citrate was synthesized in an automatic synthesis unit for the first time, and 68 Ga-citrate uptake was shown using PET/CT in a histopathologically and biochemically confirmed experimental AA rabbit model.
Differences in the Diversity and Structure of the Gut Microbiome in Different Life Stages of the American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
Authors: Chen Zhiyu , Yang Bin , Ou Peiyu , Jin Xiaobao
Published: March 2020

Gut microbes play critical roles in host nutrition, physiology, and behavior. Periplaneta americana is a famous urban pest which is widely distributed in the tropics and subtropics, but very few information is available on the gut microbiome of Periplaneta americana, particularly in its different life stages. Here, we characterized the diversity and structure of gut microbiome in eggs, nymph and adult life stages of Periplaneta americana using high-throughput 16S rRNA genes sequencing. Both the results of Alpha- and Beta-diversity analysis showed the diversity and structure of gut microbiome were significant different among the eggs, nymph and adult stages. The result of species distribution showed the predominant phyla in three life stages were Bacteroidetes , Firmicutes and Proteobacteria , but the relative abundances of these bacteria were significant different among each life stage. 1,169 operational taxonomic units were shared by three stages, which indicating the gut microbiome may be inherited to offspring from parents of Periplaneta americana. According to the prediction of functional genes in metabolic pathways, most of them were distributed in the metabolic pathways of basic physiology such as nutrition, growth, development and immunity, etc. The relative abundances of functional genes in metabolic pathways were significant different among life stages of Periplaneta americana, indicating the gut microbiome might play an important role in the physiology across its different life stages. This study revealed the diversity and structure of gut microbiome in different life stages of Periplaneta americana, which may contribute to us to understand it’s physiology and behaviors.
Analysis of the expression and clinical significance of miR-382-5P in ovarian cancer based on biological information
Authors: wu peiyang , Li Li
Published: March 2020

Objective : To investigate the expression, potential function and clinical significance of miR-382-5P in ovarian cancer tissues . Results: The expression of miR-382-5P is tissue-specific. Four target gene prediction softwares including miRPathDB ,DIANA ,miRWalk and starBase simultaneously predicted 24 target genes (AHRR，ANKS1A，C15orf41，CABYR，CASP3，COBLL1，EEF2K，FBXO28，FGFR1OP，LRP12，MDM4，PAIP2，PARM1，PDE5A，PIAS2，SAR1B，SCD，SLC44A1，TIMM17A，TSPYL1，UBXN7， YES1，ZBTB37，ZNF587). Significant enrichment of target gene function in biological processes, cell composition and molecular functions, signal transduction pathways are significantly enriched in microRNAs in cancer , MAPK signaling pathway, Hepatitis B, FoxO signaling pathway, Non-small cell lung cancer, apoptosis, Colorectal cancer, Oxytocin signaling pathway. TCGA database data analysis did not indicate that there was a correlation between the expression of miR-382-5P and the clinicopathological parameters of ovarian cancer, but there was no significant difference (P>0.05). The results of QRT-PCR in 72 ovarian cancer clinical specimens showed that the expression of miR-382-5P was significantly increased in drug-resistant tissues (4.60±2.959) and significantly decreased in sensitive tissues (1.88±2.082). The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Analyzing the follow-up data of 72 patients with ovarian cancer in our hospital, we found that the expression level of miR-382-5P in ovarian cancer patients was correlated with the degree of drug resistance, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The expression level of miR-382-5P, drug resistance , recurrence and treatment response in patients with ovarian cancer were correlated with their overall survival (OS), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The expression level of miR-382-5P, drug resistance, treatment response, recurrence and residual lesion size in patients with ovarian cancer were correlated with their progression-free survival (PFS), the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Multidrug resistance is an independent risk factor affecting the prognosis of ovarian cancer, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) Conclusion ： After comprehensive analysis, it is found that miR-382-5P may become a new target for the treatment of multidrug resistant ovarian cancer. The signal pathways of MAPK, Fox-1,apoptosis and so on may be the main mechanism of miR-382-5P mediating the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer, and lay a certain foundation for the research of targeted miR-382-5P in the treatment of multidrug resistant ovarian cancer.
Topographic Influence On Landslides Characteristics And Implication For Risk Management In Upper Manafwa Catchment, Mt Elgon Uganda
Authors: Nakileza Bob Roga , Nedala Shafiq
Published: March 2020

This study aimed to characterize the topographic effect on landslides attributes and explore the implications on risk management in a tropical mountainous environment. A database was constructed based on landslide inventory from field surveys supplemented by desk research. The topographic parameters were derived from STRM DEM of a 30 m resolution for the study area. The analysis of the data was conducted in Arc GIS 10.5 environment. The relationship between landslides and topographic conditioning factors was analysed using the Frequency Ratio model. Results revealed that most landslides were distributed within the altitudinal range of 1500 to 1800m a.s.l. on moderately steep slopes (15 o -20 o ) in concave curvatures (hollows). Shallow slides mainly debris flows and debris slides were predominant. Most slope failures were initiated on mid to upper slope positions in either new or old scars. Some runout depositions of large slides ended in streams thus undermining water quality. The findings on topographic parameters have implications and yet landslide risk management by the local population was generally inadequate. Any efforts toward effective landslide risk management should prioritise greening the sensitive topographic hollows and old scars particularly on mid to upper slope positions.
Exploration on the clinical effect of different autotransfusion methods on patients with femoral shaft fracture surgery
Authors: Wang Huan , Yin Dan , Wang Jin-huo , Li Zhen-zhou , Xu Jia-ming , Zhang Zi-wei , Wang Xiao-Xiao , Kang Yi-Qun , Guo Jian-rong
Published: March 2020

Objective To explore the clinical effect of predeposit, salvage and hemodilution autotransfusion on patients with femoral shaft fractdure (FSF) surgery. Methods Selected FSF patients were randomly divided into 3 groups: intraoperative blood salvage autotransfusion group, preoperative hemodilution autohemotransfusion group and predeposit autotransfusion. After the operation for 5 days, body temperature, heart rate, blood platelet (PLT) and hemoglobin (Hb) of patients were determined; the concentrations of EPO and G-MSF in the 3 groups were calculated by ELISA assay; the content of CD14+ monocytes were calculated by FCM assay. The growth time and condition of the patient’s callus were determined at the 30th, 45th and 60th days after operation. Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between EP0, G-MSF, CD14+ mononuclear content, callus growth and autotransfusion methods. Results There were no statistically significant differences in body temperature and heart rate between the 3 groups ( P > 0.05 ). PLT and Hb in Predeposit group were markedly increased compared to that in Salvage group and Hemodilution group. The concentrations of EPO and G-MSF in Predeposit group were markedly increased compared to that in Salvage group and Hemodilution group. The content of CD14+ monocytes in Predeposit group was significantly higher compared to that in Salvage group and Hemodilution group. Predeposit autotransfusion promotes callus growth more quickly. The concentration of EP0 and G-MSF were positively correlated with callus growth in the three groups, and the content of CD14+ monocytes was not correlated in any of the three groups. Conclusion Predeposit autotransfusion promoted the recovery of FSF patients after operation more quickly compared to salvage autotransfusion and hemodilution autotransfusion.
The change of sagital balance after PKP for patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression
Authors: Li Jingkun , Zhang Kaining , Ren Yanjun , Wu Yingguang , Yang Yun , Wei Hong , Zou Debo
Published: March 2020

Purpose To detect the postoperative change in total spinal alignment in 0VCF patients after PKP. Methods A total of 130 patients with vertebral compression fracture was involved in this study. The entire spine radiographs of every patients were taken pre and postoperatively. The parameters including vertebral body height, pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), lumbar lordosis (LL), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), and spinosacral angle (SSA). All the parameters were compared before and after PKP. Results In the patients, the VAS score was decreased from 8.26±1.12 preoperative to 2.70±0.90 postoperative. And SVA decreased from 6.82±3.30 cm to 4.07±2.77cm. The change in sagittal balance is related to the recovery of vertebral body height. Conclusion PKP plays a role not only in improving the vertebral body height but also in rebuilding sagittal imbalance in the treatment of vertebral compression fracture.
Untargeted metabolomics reveals the effect of lovastatin on steroid-induced necrosis of the femoral head in rabbits
Authors: Ren Xiangnan , Shao Zixing , Fan Wu , Wang Zixuan , Chen Kaiyun , Yu Xuefeng
Published: March 2020

PURPOSE Lovastatin is an important medicine and it shows a significant effect against glucocorticoid-induced necrosis of the femoral head. This study aimed to investigate the effect of lovastatin on preventing necrosis of the femoral head of by serum metabolomics strategy. METHODS Adult healthy adult Japanese white rabbits were divided into three groups: control group, model group and drug group. The pathologic changes of femoral head were assessed with magnetic resonance imaging and microscope. Metabolomics based on UHPLC-MS/MS was used to analyze the collected serum sample. Data were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares-discriminate analysis (PLS-DA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). All potential metabolites were identified by comparing with HMDB database, metlin database, lipid maps and chemspider database. RESULTS 11 potential biomarkers were noted and identified as potential biomarkers. The change of biomarkers suggested that lovastatin on preventing necrosis of the femoral head may affect glycerophospholipid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, alpha-Linolenic acid metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism. CONCLUSION The study suggested that lovastatin could prevent the glucocorticoid-induced necrosis of the femoral head of rabbits. The possible reasons were closely associated with adjusting the lipid metabolism, inhibiting adipogenesis and delaying the osteocyte apoptosis.
Response rate and diagnostic accuracy of PET/CT during and after neo-adjuvant therapies in oesophageal adenocarcinoma: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Jeffries Jacqueline , Coles Bernadette , Bradley Kevin , Holborow Alex , Smyth Elizabeth , Spezi Emiliano , Foley Kieran
Published: March 2020

Background Oesophageal cancer is increasing in incidence and has a poor prognosis. Patients with potentially curable disease have a staging positron emission tomography (PET) examination combined with a computed tomography (CT) to assess loco-regional and distant disease. Although a small proportion of patients are suitable for attempted surgical resection, the majority will receive neo-adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy) before their operation. The current regimen prescribes all patients to complete the neo-adjuvant treatment prior to surgery, but some patients will not experience a beneficial response. A repeat PET/CT after one cycle of neo-adjuvant treatment may identify early response or non-response and could alter subsequent management. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to estimate the early and completion response rate defined by fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET, its diagnostic accuracy and explore associated factors. Methods Primary studies reporting response rates and diagnostic accuracy of PET/CT will be identified from MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scopus, Web of Science, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Peer-reviewed studies published from 2005 onwards will be included. Data will be extracted from selected studies and a meta-analysis using a random effects model will be attempted. Pooled early and completion response rates, and diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity), will be calculated from available data. Heterogeneity between studies, risk of bias and methodological quality will be assessed. Discussion This systematic review and meta-analysis will identify and synthesise evidence to determine early and completion response rates to neo-adjuvant treatment and the corresponding diagnostic accuracy of PET/CT. This strategy has the potential to identify patients that will not respond to the treatment and to offer this group an alternative pre-operative treatment or proceed directly to operation, thereby avoiding a delay in surgical resection and optimising patient outcomes.
Lung function variability in children and adolescents (LUV study): protocol for a prospective interventional trial in healthy individuals and patients with asthma
Authors: Frima Eirini Sofia , Theodorakopoulos Ilias , Gidaris Dimos , Karantaglis Nikolaos , Chatziparasidis Grigorios , Plotas Panagiotis , Anthracopoulos Michael B , Fouzas Sotirios
Published: March 2020

Background Variability analysis of peak expiratory flow (PEF) and forced expiratory volume at 1 s (FEV1) has been used in research to predict exacerbations in adult individuals with asthma. However, there is a paucity of data regarding PEF and FEV 1 variability in healthy or asthmatic children and adolescents. The objective of the present study is the assessment of PEF and FEV 1 variability in: a) healthy children and adolescents, to define the normal daily fluctuation of PEF and FEV 1 and the parameters that may influence it, and b) children and adolescents with asthma, to explore the differences from healthy subjects and reveal any specific variability changes prior to exacerbation.Methods The study will include 100 healthy children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years (assessment of normal PEF and FEV 1 variability) and 100 children and adolescents of the same age with diagnosed asthma (assessment of PEF and FEV 1 variability in asthmatics). PEF and FEV1 measurements will be performed using an ultra-portable spirometer (MIR Spirobank Smart) capable to smartphone connection. Measurements will be performed twice a day between 07:00-09:00 and 19:00-21:00 hours and will be dispatched via email to a central database for a period of 3 months. PEF and FEV1 variability will be assessed by detrended fluctuation and sample entropy analysis, aiming to define the normal pattern (healthy controls) and to detect and quantify any deviations (asthmatics). The anticipated duration of the study is 24 months.Discussion Healthy children and adolescents may present normal short- and long-term fluctuations in lung function; the pattern of this variability may be influenced by age, sex and environmental conditions. Significant lung function variability may also be present in children and adolescents with asthma, but the patterns may differ from those observed in healthy children and adolescents. Such data would improve our understanding regarding the chronobiology of asthma and permit the development of integrated tools for assessing the level of control and risk of future exacerbations.Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04163146. Registered on 14 November 2019
Trend Analysis of Climate variables, Stream flow and their Linkage at Modjo River Watershed, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Zena Kokeb , Adugna Tamene , Fufa Fekadu
Published: March 2020

Background: Trend and variability analysis of precipitation and stream flow series provides valuable information to understand hydrological changes associated with climate variability. In this study, annual and seasonal trends of precipitation and stream flow series and their relationship was investigated over the Modjo river watershed. The Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimator were used for trend analysis and evaluation of its magnitude respectively, with an approach that corrects the serial correlation. The Pearson correlation analysis was also applied to evaluate the relationships between river flow and precipitation series.Results: the mean and maximum stream flow series showed downward trends at the annual and kiremt time series, whereas no significant trend was observed for the minimum flow over the Modjo watershed. The study indicated that the mean annual and kiremt (monsoon) stream flow decreased significantly at a rate of 8.262 and 6.528 m3s-1per year respectively. In contrary to the river flow, there is no positive or negative trend in the annual and seasonal precipitation series although the tendency was towards increasing trends. It was evidenced that the annual, and kiremt season river flow series was affected abruptly since 2000, however for the same analysis period there was no evidence of changes in precipitation events, which is also not related significantly with the variability of river flow during the analysis period.Conclusions: the river flow decreased dramatically in the Modjo watershed during the analysis period (1981-2015), however it was not primarily associated significantly with climate variability (precipitation & temperature). The result suggests the need of considering the unplanned water extraction and the poor land use management practices to sustain and restore river flow trend observed in the watershed.
Identify key genes and pathways in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma via bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Luo Huatian , Chen Da-qiu , Pan Jing-jing , Wu Zhang-wei , Yang Can , Xu Hao-jie , Wang Yao-dong , Chen Shi
Published: March 2020

Background: Pancreatic cancer has many pathologic types, among which pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common one. Bioinformatics has become a very common tool for the selection of potentially pathogenic genes. Methods: Three data sets containing the gene expression profiles of PDAC were downloaded from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. The limma package of R language was utilized to explore the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). To analyze functions and signaling pathways, the Database Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) was used. To visualize the protein-protein interaction (PPI) of the DEGs ,Cytoscape was performed under the utilization of Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING). With the usage of the plug-in cytoHubba in cytoscape software, the hub genes were found out. To verify the expression levels of hub genes, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) was performed. Last but not least, UALCAN analysis online tool was implemented to analyze the overall survival. Results: The 376 DEGs were highly enriched in biological processes including signal transduction, apoptotic process and several pathways, mainly associated with Protein digestion and absorption and Pancreatic secretion pathway. The expression levels of nucleolar and spindle associated protein 1 (NUSAP1) and SHC binding and spindle associated 1 (SHCBP1) were discovered highly expressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tissues. NUSAP1 and SHCBP1 had a high correlation with prognosis. Conclusions: The findings of this bioinformatics analysis indicate that NUSAP1 and SHCBP1 may be key factors in the prognosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Perinatal oral exposure to low doses of bisphenol A, S or F impairs immune functions at intestinal and systemic levels in female offspring mice
Authors: Malaisé Yann , Lencina Corinne , Cartier Christel , Olier Maïwenn , Ménard Sandrine , GUZYLACK-PIRIOU Laurence
Published: March 2020

Background Bisphenol A (BPA), one of the highest-volume chemicals produced worldwide, has been identified as an endocrine disruptor. Many peer-reviewing studies have reported adverse effects of low dose BPA exposure, particularly during perinatal period (gestation and/or lactation). We previously demonstrated that perinatal oral exposure to BPA (via gavage of mothers during gestation and lactation) has long-term consequences on immune response and intestinal barrier functions. Due to its adverse effects on several developmental and physiological processes, BPA was removed from consumer products and replaced by chemical substitutes such as BPS or BPF, that are structurally similar and not well studied compare to BPA. Here, we aimed to compare perinatal oral exposure to these bisphenols (BPs) at two doses (5 and 50 μg/kg of body weight (BW)/day (d)) on immune response at intestinal and systemic levels in female offspring mice at adulthood (Post Natal Day PND70). Methods Pregnant female mice were orally exposed to BPA, BPS or BPF at 5 or 50 μg/kg BW/d from 15th day of gravidity to weaning of pups at PostNatal Day (PND) 21. Humoral and cellular immune responses of adult offspring (PND70) were analysed at intestinal and systemic levels. Results In female offspring, perinatal oral BP exposure led to adverse effects on intestinal and systemic immune response that were dependant of the BP nature (A, S or F) and dose of exposure. Stronger impacts were observed with BPS at the dose of 5µg/kg BW/d on inflammatory markers in feces associated with an increase of anti- E . coli IgG in plasma. BPA and BPF exposure induced prominent changes at low dose in offspring mice, in term of intestinal and systemic immune responses, provoking an intestinal and systemic Th1/Th17 inflammation. Conclusion These findings provide, for the first time, results of long-time consequences of BPA, S and F perinatal exposure by oral route on immune response in offspring mice. This work warns that it is mandatory to consider immune markers and dose exposure in risk assessment associated to new BPA’s alternatives.
Succeeding with prolonged usage of consumer-based activity trackers in clinical studies: A mixed method approach
Authors: Henriksen André , Sand Anne-Sofie , Deraas Trygve , Grimsgaard Sameline , Hartvigsen Gunnar , Hopstock Laila
Published: March 2020

Background: Physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for death and several non-communicable diseases. Despite this, more than one fourth of adults worldwide do not follow the World Health Organization physical activity (PA) guidelines. As part of a feasibility study to test a complex intervention for increasing PA, we included a consumer-based activity tracker as part of the intervention, and as a tool for measuring PA outcomes. The purpose of the present study was to identify elements that increases wear adherence when using a consumer-based activity tracker as part of a PA intervention. Methods: Sixteen people with obesity, aged 55-74 years, with sedentary lifestyle and elevated cardiovascular risk, were recruited to a 12-month feasibility study for a planned randomized controlled trial. Participants wore a Polar M430 activity tracker during a six-month intervention period and for six months of follow-up, to collect continuous PA data. We performed qualitative interviews mid-way in the intervention and six months after intervention end, to investigate how individual wear-time was linked to participant responses. Results: From one year of tracking, mean number of valid wear days were 293 (SD=86). Several technical issues arose due to the long recording period, especially related to loss of connection between participants’ activity tracker and smartphone. Some participants found it motivating to track progress and identify effective PA types, but most wore the Polar activity tracker because they were asked to. Participants’ major sources of annoyance were tracker inaccuracy and limited usage training. Furthermore, tracker complexity and appearance were frequently addressed. Conclusions: Adherence to wearing a consumer-based activity tracker was high. Results indicate that it is feasible to use a consumer-based activity tracker to measure PA over a longer period. Potential success factors for increased wear time includes adequate participant training on the activity tracker, allowing participant to choose between different activity tracker designs, and using trackers with accurate measurements. To identify accurate trackers, validation studies using available activity trackers in the target cohort may be needed. Trial registration: U.S. National Library of Medicine, Clinical Trial registry: NCT03807323; Registered 16 September 2019 – Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03807323
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy among children under five years in Jinja, Uganda, assessed using a combined measure
Authors: Ssanyu Jacquellyn Nambi , Nakafeero Mary , Nuwaha Fred
Published: March 2020

Background: Adherence to Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) is required to achieve HIV viral load suppression but children under five years in Jinja, Uganda, had been shown to have low HIV suppression rates. This study aimed to determine the level of ART non-adherence among these children and the associated factors. Methods: Data for the cross-sectional study was obtained from caregivers of 206 HIV positive children under five years attending health facilities in Jinja who had been on ART for at least three months. Non-adherence was measured using a Visual Analog Scale that assessed both dosing and timing non-adherence, and by determining the Proportion of Days Covered by the medication. A questionnaire administered to the caregivers was used to collect the data, together with medical record review. A child was only considered adherent if they had adherence greater than 95% on both measures. The data was analysed using Modified Poisson Regression, taking a p-value less than 0.05 as statistically significant. Results: Of the 206 children, 73.8% were older than 2 years, and 52.9% were female. Likewise, the majority of the caregivers were female (93.7%). According to the combined adherence measure, 51.5% of the children were categorized as non-adherent. School attendance, Prevalence Ratio (PR) = 1.32 (p = 0.024), receiving financial support from family, PR = 0.68 (p = 0.026) and satisfaction with the quality of service at the health facility, PR = 0.96 (p <0.001) were associated with non-adherence. Household food insecurity was also associated with non-adherence: PR = 1.63 (p = 0.007) for mild food insecurity, PR= 1.67 (p = 0.006) for moderate insecurity and PR = 1.59 (p = 0.006) for severe food insecurity. Conclusions: Children under five years in Jinja had a high level of ART non-adherence. It is important to engage schools to support adherence among children living with HIV. Addressing household food insecurity would also reduce the barriers to optimal adherence.
What Kinds of Advantages and Disadvantages May Merging Health Insurance Funds Bring About? A Qualitative Policy Analysis from Iran
Authors: Bazyar Mohammad , Yazdi-Feyzabadi Vahid , Rahimi Nouroddin , Rashidian Arash
Published: March 2020

Background In countries with health insurance system, the number, the size of insurance funds and the amount of risk distribution among them is a major concern. One possible solution to overcome problems resulting from fragmentation is combining risk pools together to create fewer and larger ones, ideally a single pool. This study aims to realize what kind of advantages and disadvantages merging health insurance funds together may bring about to the health insurance system in particular and health system in general. Methods In this qualitative study, nesting purposive sampling with maximum variation was used to obtain representativeness and rich data. Sixty face-to-face interviews were conducted. Documentary review was used as supplementary source of data collection. Content analysis using the ‘framework method’ was used to analyze the qualitative data. For assuring the quality of results, four trustworthiness criteria including credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability were used. Results The results of this study indicated that there are diverse positive and negative consequences for merging of health insurance funds in Iran which are categorized into seven categories including governance/stewardship, financing, population, benefit package, structure, operational procedures and interaction with providers. These themes are subdivided further into thirty-seven sub-categories which represent a wide range of different policy aspects which need close attention to deal with the merging of health insurance funds. Conclusions Implementation of merging health insurance schemes in Iran would be influenced by a wide range of potential merits and drawbacks, so to facilitate the process and lessen the opposition of opponents, policy makers should act as brokers taking into account the contextual factors and adopting tailored policies to maximize the benefits and minimize the potential drawbacks of consolidation in Iran.
National Policy of Comprehensive Women’s Health Care and Mortality in Menopause: Has Anything Changed?
Authors: Sorpreso Isabel Cristina Esposito , Figueiredo Francisco Winter dos Santos , Ramos José Lucas Souza , Zuchelo Lea Tami SuzuKi , Adami Fernando , Baracat Edmund Chada , Júnior José Maria Soares
Published: March 2020

Background: The National Policy of Comprehensive Women’s Health Care was implemented more than two decades ago, and the monitoring of potential benefits should be explored. Menopause is a period of life for which there are prevention and health promotion actions carried out by the government’s all-encompassing sole Unify Health System (UHS) and factored into Brazilian policies. It is thus our purpose to identify menopausal women’s main causes of death, as well as the mortality trend of such causes, especially after PNAISM implementation. Methods: This is an ecological study with secondary data analysis conducted by the Setor de Atenção Primária, Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo from 2018 to 2019. Data were retrieved from the Brazilian Health Department by accessing the mortality information system of the IT Department of SUS between 1996 and 2016, divided in two periods 1996 to 2004 and 2005 to 2006 according to implementation of the National Police. The data included the death records of Brazilian women aged 35 to 64 years who had a precise diagnosis (ICD-10). Trend and differences between periods were evaluated by linear regression. The significance level was set at 5%. Stata 11® (StataCorp, LCC) was used. Results: Menopausal women’s main causes of death were the circulatory system diseases (29.39%, 736,972 deaths), neoplasms (26.17%, 656,385 deaths), respiratory system diseases (7.29%, 182,812 deaths), endocrine (29.39%), nutritional, and metabolic (6.81%, 170,881 deaths) diseases, and external causes of morbidity and mortality (5.49%, 137,674 deaths). Implementation of PNAISM led to increasing reduction in mortality from circulatory system diseases (β=-0.58; 95% CI, -0.68 to -0.48; r²=0.93; p<0.001), but not to any significant changes in neoplasm mortalities (β=0.07; 95% CI, -0.01 to 0.15; r²=0.22; p=0.070). Conclusions: The leading causes of death among menopausal women are circulatory system diseases, neoplasms, respiratory system diseases, nutritional, metabolic, and endocrine diseases, and external causes of morbidity and mortality. The trend of mortality rates among menopausal women, following PNAISM implementation, was a decline in circulatory system diseases and in nutritional, metabolic, and endocrine diseases, with no changes for neoplasms and respiratory system diseases.
Determinants and risk factors of gastroenteritis in the general population, a web-based cohort between 2014 and 2017 in France
Authors: Ecollan Marie , Guerrisi Caroline , Souty Cécile , Rossignol Louise , Turbelin Clément , Hanslik Thomas , Colizza Vittoria , Blanchon Thierry
Published: March 2020

Background: Although it is rarely fatal in developed countries, acute gastroenteritis (AGE) still induces significant morbidity and economic costs. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with winter AGE in the general population. Methods: A prospective study was performed during winter seasons from 2014-2015 to 2016-2017. Participants filled an inclusion survey and reported weekly data on acute symptoms. Factors associated with having at least one AGE episode per winter season were analyzed using a conditional logistic regression model. Results: On average, 8.1% of participants declared at least one AGE episode during a winter season. People over 60 declared fewer AGE episodes (OR=0.76, 95% CI [0.64; 0.89]) compared to individuals between 15 and 60 years old, as well as children between 10 and 15 (OR=0.60 [0.37; 0.98]). Overweight (OR= 1.25 [1.07; 1.45]) and obese (OR= 1.47 [1.19; 1.81]) individuals, those having frequent cold (OR=1.63 [1.37; 1.94]) and those with at least one chronic condition (OR=1.35 [1.16; 1.58]) had more AGE episodes. Living alone was associated with a higher AGE episode rate (OR=1.31 [1.09; 1.59]), as well as having pets at home (OR=1.23 [1.08; 1.41]). Conclusions: Having a better knowledge of AGE determinants will be useful to adapt public health prevention messages.
Austerity policy and child health in European countries: a systematic literature review
Authors: Rajmil Luis , Hjern Anders , Spencer Nick , Taylor-Robinson David , Gunnlaugsson Geir , Raat Hein
Published: March 2020

Objectives : To analyse the impact of austerity measures taken by European governments as a response to the 2008 economic and financial crisis on social determinants and child health (SDCH), and child health outcomes (CHO). Methods : A systematic literature review was carried out in Medline (Ovid), Embase, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Sociological abstracts in the last 5 years from European countries. Studies aimed at analysing the Great Recession, governments’ responses to the crisis, and its impact on SDCH were included. A narrative synthesis of the results was carried out. The risk of bias was assessed using the STROBE and EPICURE tools. Results : Fourteen studies were included, most of them with a low to intermediate risk of bias (average score 72.1%). Government responses to the crisis varied, although there was general agreement that Greece, Spain, Ireland and the United Kingdom applied higher levels of austerity. High austerity periods, compared to pre-austerity periods were associated with increased material deprivation, child poverty rates, and low birth weight. Increasing child poverty subsequent to austerity measures was associated with deterioration of child health. High austerity was also related to poorer access and quality of services provided to disabled children. An annual reduction of 1% on public health expenditure was associated to 0.5% reduction on Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccination coverage in Italy.Conclusions : Countries that applied high level of austerity showed worse trends on SDCH and CHO. European governments must act urgently and reverse these austerity policy measures that are detrimental to family benefits and child protection.
Prevalence of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producing Bacteria (ESBL) in Patients presenting with Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) at a peri-Urban hospital, Uganda
Authors: Abubakar Mugaga , Josserine Nabuuma , Peruth Mubeezi , Duncan Onen , Byaruhanga Aggrey , Ampaire Lucas
Published: March 2020

Introduction Urinary tract infections remain one of the infections that are commonly diagnosed in Uganda with Enterobacteriaceae reported as the commonest uropathogens. Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae have emerged as significant pathogens responsible for most of these urinary tract infections throughout the world. This resistance often leads to therapeutic failures from multidrug resistant bacteria. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase producing bacteria (ESBLs) in patients presenting with Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) at Mbarara MunicipalCouncil Health Center IV, an urban hospital in Mbarara district, south western Uganda.Methods This was a Cross sectional study in which a total of 158 non repetitive midstream urine samples were obtained from 158 participants during months of June to August, 2018. Samples were cultured on conventional media (MacConkey agar and Cysteine Lysine Electrolyte Deficient agar) using a standard wire loop of capacity 0.05ml, incubated at 37 0 C for 24hrs. Only samples that showed significant growth (growth of pure colonies ≥105 cfu/ml) on primary culture were considered for further testing. The isolates were identified basing on the colony appearance, Gram stain and different conventional biochemical tests. Phenotypic expression of ESBLs production was detected using the double disc synergy test using Amoxicillin, Ceftazidime, Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid and Ceftazidime-Clavulanic acid.Results The results show that 23% of the 158 participants had Urinary Tract infection. The most common uropathogens isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (64%) and Escherichia coli (17%). Phenotypic ESBLs was seen in 27.8% (10/36) of the uropathogens and was commonly seen among Escherichia coli , 60% (6/10) isolates. Others included; Pseudomonas species (8%), Enterobacteraerogenes (1.3%), Citrobacterfruendii (0.6%) and coagulase negative staphylococcus (0.6%).Conclusion This study revealed a fairly high prevalence of ESBL producing organisms in Mbarara Municipal Council Health Center IV and high levels of resistance to third generation cephalosporins.