bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated cervical cancer screening in Mayuge District Uganda (ASPIRE Mayuge): a pragmatic sequential cluster randomized trial protocol
Authors: Nakisige Carolyn , Trawin Jessica , Mitchell-Foster Sheona , Payne Beth A. , Rawat Angeli , Mithani Nadia , Amuge Cathy , Pedersen Heather , Orem Jackson , Smith Laurie , Ogilvie Gina
Published: January 2020

Background

Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable through vaccination and screening, yet remains one of the ‘gravest threats to women’s lives’ according to the World Health Organization. Specific high-risk subtypes of human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) are well-established as the primary cause of cervical cancer. Uganda has one of the highest cervical cancer incidence rates in the world (54.8 per 100,000) as a result of limited screening access and infrastructure. The integration of a self-collected cervical cancer screening program using HPV testing within existing community-based primary health care services could increase access to screening and reduce cervical cancer rates among Ugandan women.

Methods

Using a pragmatic, sequential, cluster randomized trial design; we will compare the effectiveness of two cervical cancer screening models for self-collected HPV testing: 1) community health worker recruitment (door-to-door); and 2) community health meetings. In Mayuge district, Uganda, 31 villages are randomized to one of two treatment arms. Due to the nature of this trial, blinding is not possible. Women are eligible to participate if they have no previous history of hysterectomy or treatment for cervical cancer or pre-cancer and are aged 25–49 years old. All participants receive an integrated package of cervical cancer screening and education. Samples are tested for HPV using GeneXpert point of care testing. All women who test positive for HR-HPV types are referred to a designated health centre for follow-up inspection by Visual Inspection with Acetic acid (VIA) and treatment with thermal ablation. The primary outcome for the trial is the number of women who attend follow-up for VIA screening at a designated Health Centre after a positive HR-HPV test out of all women screened per arm. Secondary outcomes include: cervical cancer screening knowledge; patient-reported experience measures for self-collected cervical cancer screening; and HPV incidence.

Discussion

Results from this study will inform the national scale-up of cervical cancer screening in Uganda, aligning with the World Health Organization’s target of achieving cervical cancer elimination through the pillar of increased HPV screening coverage.

Trial registration

ISRCTN,ISRCTN12767014. Registered 14 May 2019,10.1186/ISRCTN12767014;clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04000503; Registered 27 June 2019,https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04000503

Protocol version

January 8, 2020, version 1.
Association between convenience stores near schools and obesity among school-aged children in Beijing, China
Authors: Zhou Shuang , Cheng Yu , Cheng Lan , Wang Di , Li Qin , Liu Zheng , Wang Hai-Jun
Published: January 2020

Background

Food environments have rapidly changed over the past years in China and children have more access to unhealthy food in convenience stores near schools. Since the studies on the association between convenience stores near schools and obesity had inconsistent results and no similar study in China, we conducted a study on the association in Beijing of China, which will provide scientific evidence for the intervention of childhood obesity.

Methods

The study included 2201 students at grade 4 of 37 primary schools in Dongcheng or Miyun district of Beijing. The food environment data was acquired from AMAP, the free web-based geospatial service provider. The numbers of convenience stores were captured within the 800-m network buffer near schools using Geographic Information System. The weight and height of each student were measured by trained health professionals. Students’ dietary and physical behaviors and other information associated with obesity were collected with questionnaires for students and their parents. The generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was used to analyze the data.

Results

The average age of the students was 10.2 years (Standard Deviation (SD) = 0.33). The prevalence of obesity in students was 14.9%. The median number of convenience stores within the 800-m network buffer near schools was 24 in two districts. The number of convenience stores near each school varied from 5 to 67 (median: 25) in Dongcheng district and from 1 to 57 (median: 22) in Miyun district. After adjusting for the confounding factors at the family and individual levels, the association between convenience stores and childhood obesity was statistically significant. Additional ten convenience stores near schools were associated with an increased risk of obesity (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03,1.24, P = 0.011). Compared with less than 24 convenience stores near schools, the students with more than or equal to 24 convenience stores near schools had an increased risk of obesity (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.03, P = 0.013).

Conclusion

The students with more convenience stores near their schools had an increased risk of obesity. The findings provided evidence for developing public health policy to restrict the number of convenience stores near schools to prevent and control childhood obesity.
Gender differences in the impact of sleep duration on common mental disorders in school students
Authors: Agathão Beatriz Tosé , Lopes Claudia Souza , Cunha Diana Barbosa , Sichieri Rosely
Published: January 2020

Background

Common mental disorders (CMD) in children and adolescents can be initial and non-specific manifestations of more serious mental diseases and often persist into adulthood. Therefore, early detection is important, as is the identification of the factors that impact development. Insufficient sleep represents one of the most common and potentially remediable risks to mental health in children and adolescents for whom chronic sleep loss has become normal. This study aims to investigate the influence of sleep duration on CMD in schoolchildren and adolescents.

Methods

The data for this longitudinal study were derived from the community trial Parents, Students, Community Health Agents and Teachers for Healthy Eating (PAAPAS) in 2016 (N = 2743), with fifth and sixth graders from 18 public schools of Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. CMD were assessed by the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) at baseline and at a 9-month follow-up. Sleep duration was evaluated at baseline and was categorized as short, adequate or long according to age group. The effect of sleep duration on common mental disorders was analysed by sex using linear mixed-effects models.

Results

At baseline, the frequency of CMD was 33.2% and was higher in boys than in girls and higher among students with short sleep duration. There was an increase in the CMD score over time among girls with short sleep duration (p < 0.01). Among boys, a similar trajectory of the CMD score was observed in the subgroups with short and long sleep duration, but there was a significant reduction in the subgroup with long sleep duration (p = 0.05).

Conclusion

Changes in common mental disorder patterns differ according to sex, and short sleep duration seems to be problematic for students’ mental health. The promotion of health strategies that involve the family and school environment, such as later school hours, could help change this scenario.
Burden of male hardcore smokers and its characteristics among those eligible for lung cancer screening
Authors: Park Dong Won , Jang Ji-Yun , Park Tai Sun , Lee Hyun , Moon Ji-Yong , Kim Sang-Heon , Kim Tae-Hyung , Yoon Ho Joo , Kang Dae Ryong , Sohn Jang Won
Published: January 2020

Background

There are few data available about hardcore smokers and their behavioral characteristics among the lung cancer screening (LCS) population. The study investigated the burden of hardcore smokers within the LCS population, and determine the characteristics of hardcore smokers using nationally representative data in South Korea.

Methods

We used data from 2007 to 2012 from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. This study enrolled current male smokers aged 55–74 years. Among them, subjects eligible for LCS were defined as these populations with smoking histories of at least 30 PY. Hardcore smoking was defined as smoking >15 cigarettes per day, with no plan to quit, and having made no attempt to quit. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to estimate associations between hardcore smokers and various sociodemographic and other variables.

Results

The proportion of hardcore smokers among those who met LCS eligibility criteria decreased from 2007 to 2012 (from 39.07 to 29.47% of the population) but did not change significantly thereafter (P = 0.2770), and that proportion was consistently 10–15% higher than that of hardcore smokers among all male current smokers. The proportion without any plan to quit smoking decreased significantly from 54.35% in 2007 to 38.31% in 2012. However, the smokers who had made no intentional quit attempt in the prior year accounted for more than half of those eligible for LCS, and the proportion of such smokers did not change significantly during the study period (50.83% in 2007 and 51.03% in 2012). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that hardcore smokers were older (OR = 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.09) than non-hardcore smokers. Hardcore smokers exhibited higher proportion of depression (OR = 6.55, 95% CI 1.75–24.61) and experienced extreme stress more frequently (OR = 1.93, 95% CI 1.13–3.29). Smokers who did not receive smoking cessation education within the past year were significantly more likely to be hardcore smokers (OR = 4.15, 95% CI 1.30–13.22).

Conclusions

It is important to identify a subset of smokers unwilling or minimally motivated to quit within the context of lung cancer screening. Anti-smoking education should be enhanced to influence hardcore smokers’ behavior.
Diet, physical activity, and emotional health: what works, what doesn’t, and why we need integrated solutions for total worker health
Authors: Syed Iffath U. B.
Published: January 2020

Background

Current research advocates lifestyle factors to manage workers’ health issues, such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type II diabetes mellitus, among other things (World Health Organization (WHO) Obesity: preventing and managing the global epidemic, 2000; World Health Organization (WHO) Obesity and overweight, 2016), though little is known about employees’ lifestyle factors in high-stress, high turnover environments, such as in the long term care (LTC) sector.

Methods

Drawing on qualitative single-case study in Ontario, Canada, this paper investigates an under-researched area consisting of the health practices of health care workers from high-stress, high turnover environments. In particular, it identifies LTC worker’s mechanisms for maintaining physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.

Results

The findings suggest that while particular mechanisms were prevalent, such as through diet and exercise, they were often conducted in group settings or tied to emotional health, suggesting important social and mental health contexts to these behaviors. Furthermore, there were financial barriers that prevented workers from participating in these activities and achieving health benefits, suggesting that structurally, social determinants of health (SDoH), such as income and income distribution, are contextually important.

Conclusions

Accordingly, given that workplace health promotion and protection must be addressed at the individual, organizational, and structural levels, this study advocates integrated, total worker health (TWH) initiatives that consider social determinants of health approaches, recognizing the wider socio-economic impacts of workers’ health and wellbeing.
Linguistic-cultural validation of the oral health assessment tool (OHAT) for the Italian context
Authors: Finotto Stefano , Bertolini Giorgia , Camellini Riccarda , Fantelli Rita , Formisano Debora , Macchioni Maria Grazia , Mecugni Daniela
Published: January 2020

Background

The increase in the ageing population and the consequent establishment of a network of adequate structures to respond effectively to the welfare needs of institutionalized elderly people have stimulated the discussion by healthcare professionals on the subject of oral hygiene.

Literature data show that the same attention has not been paid to oral health care compared to other health needs. Many studies have demonstrated that oral health has a significant impact on the quality of life, especially for older people. Poor oral health also has a considerable role on the physical condition of the elderly because it affects their ability to eat, feed themselves, forcing them to have unbalanced diets. The consequence of this condition is dehydration, malnutrition and impairment of communication skills. The essential nursing activity for oral care is the assessment of the state of oral health, an activity that should be conducted by means of valid tools. To date there are no tools for assessing the health of the oral cavity validated for the Italian linguistic-cultural context. The aim of this study is to conduct a linguistic-cultural validation for the Italian context, of the original Australian version of the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) scale.

Methods

Study design: Linguistic-cultural validation and adaptation of a tool for the assessment of oral health. The Beaton and Sousa & Rojjanasrirat (2011) models were used to conduct the linguistic-cultural validation and adaptation process. This validation involved 368 inmates/patients aged over 65 years with cognitive deficit.

Results

The face validity was confirmed by a score for each item related to clarity equal to or greater than 80%. The content validity was confirmed by an content validity index for items (I-CVI) score equal to or greater than 0.8 for each item and an content validity index for scales (S-CVI) of 0.93 for the entire tool. For the reliability of the internal consistency the Cronbach alpha was calculated, which was found to be 0.82. The test-retest was calculated by means of the Pearson coefficient correlation which turned out to be 0.5.

Conclusions

The Italian version of the OHAT is a tool that can help to consider oral health at the same level as other health needs aimed at increasing the quality of nursing care provided. This tool can be used by nurses to assess the health of the oral cavity in elderly subjects also with cognitive deficit.
Feasibility and comparative analysis of Dirofilaria immitis microfilaria freezing and fixation for student instruction and assessment of clinical parasitology skills
Authors: Long Sidney A. , Rhinehart Jaylyn , Shrake Jessica , Marsh Antoinette E.
Published: January 2020

Background

Detection of D. immitis microfilaria (mf) is an important diagnostic skill in veterinary medicine and is critical to Day 1 veterinarians and technicians. Finding a supply of blood containing mf to teach the technique and formalin’s adverse environmental effects used in the diagnostic microscopic tests present a challenge.

Results

This study evaluated the use of cryopreserved and recently drawn mf-infected blood along with two fixative reagents, acetic acid or formalin for mf detection. The specific aims included determining if veterinary students could 1) detect cryopreserved mf added to fresh blood using routine diagnostic testing and 2) detect morphological differences in the mf. The 236 students were kept blind from the sample status. The ability of the students to identify mf and the mf morphology were compared for the samples and fixatives evaluated. The results demonstrate using a combination of cryopreservation and acetic acid for teaching microfilaria diagnostic techniques is fleasible; however, the quality of the mf morphology is less than optimal when compared to freshly acquired mf containing blood. Compared to reference values, the mf demonstrated a decrease in size with each additional variable evaluated.

Conclusion

A majority (98.3%) of the 236 students correctly identified the presence of mf. Teaching laboratories could utilize cryopreserved mf-spiked donor blood in lieu of freshly collected mf-containing blood from a naturally or experimentally infected dog. Substitution of less hazardous chemicals for the fixative can be used. Finally, the change in size measurements provides a mechanism to ensure students can correctly measure mf as students are required to do verifiable measurements and cannot copy reference values from a text book since the cryopreservation and fixation methods cause the mf to measure smaller than textbook reference values.
Choline supplementation prevents diet induced gut mucosa lipid accumulation in post-smolt Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)
Authors: Hansen Anne Kristine G. , Kortner Trond M. , Krasnov Aleksei , Björkhem Ingemar , Penn Michael , Krogdahl Åshild
Published: January 2020

Background

Various intestinal morphological alterations have been reported in cultured fish fed diets with high contents of plant ingredients. Since 2000, salmon farmers have reported symptoms indicating an intestinal problem, which we suggest calling lipid malabsorption syndrome (LMS), characterized by pale and foamy appearance of the enterocytes of the pyloric caeca, the result of lipid accumulation. The objective of the present study was to investigate if insufficient dietary choline may be a key component in development of the LMS.

Results

The results showed that Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), average weight 362 g, fed a plant based diet for 79 days developed signs of LMS. In fish fed a similar diet supplemented with 0.4% choline chloride no signs of LMS were seen. The relative weight of the pyloric caeca was 40% lower, reflecting 65% less triacylglycerol content and histologically normal gut mucosa. Choline supplementation further increased specific fish growth by 18%. The concomitant alterations in intestinal gene expression related to phosphatidylcholine synthesis (chk and pcyt1a), cholesterol transport (abcg5 and npc1l1), lipid metabolism and transport (mgat2a and fabp2) and lipoprotein formation (apoA1 and apoAIV) confirmed the importance of choline in lipid turnover in the intestine and its ability to prevent LMS. Another important observation was the apparent correlation between plin2 expression and degree of enterocyte hyper-vacuolation observed in the current study, which suggests that plin2 may serve as a marker for intestinal lipid accumulation and steatosis in fish. Future research should be conducted to strengthen the knowledge of choline’s critical role in lipid transport, phospholipid synthesis and lipoprotein secretion to improve formulations of plant based diets for larger fish and to prevent LMS.

Conclusions

Choline prevents excessive lipid accumulation in the proximal intestine and is essential for Atlantic salmon in seawater.
Acute tea tree oil intoxication in a pet cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus): a case report
Authors: Vetere Alessandro , Bertocchi Mara , Pelizzone Igor , Moggia Emanuele , Travaglino Chiara , Della Grotta Mariangela , Casali Silvia , Gerosa Sebastiano , Strada Laura , Filia Katia , Casalini Jacopo , Parmigiani Enrico , Di Ianni Francesco
Published: January 2020

Background

Phytotherapy is becoming a more and more common practice, not only for personal care but also for pet care. Nevertheless, we often have to deal with substances on which, in most cases, very little literature is available, even more so if the species of interest are the exotic ones. In particular, the essential oil from the Melaleuca leaves, because of its antinflammatory and antibacterial properties, is widely used and very little is known about its potential toxicity on pet birds. The present paper describes the first case of Tea tree oil intoxication in a pet bird.

Case presentation

A one-year-old, 80 g male cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) was presented for clinical examination due to a serious despondency episode after the application of 3 drops of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifoglia) directly on the cutis of its right wing. The subject was urgently hospitalized and blood tests were performed.Serum biochemical values showed severe liver damage and slight renal involvement, complete blood count (CBC) parameters indicated a moderate neutrophilia a moderate neutropenia. Warm subcutaneous fluids and vitamin (VIT) B12 were administered, and after 8 h of fluid therapy the clinical condition of the patient improved. The subject was discharged after 48 h of hospitalization, in stable conditions.

Conclusions

Toxicosis are relatively common in bird pets and a number of cases are reported in literature, concerning heavy metals intoxications and toxic plants ingestion. However, in literature there are no described cases regarding Melaleuca oil intoxication in pet birds, but it has been reported in humans (mainly by ingestion) as well as in dogs, cats and rats. We hope that this first case report can be an initial aid in the knowledge of this potential toxicosis and therefore in the clinical veterinary practice of pet birds.
The impact of different geometric assumption of mitral annulus on the assessment of mitral regurgitation volume by Doppler method
Authors: Wang Wugang , Wang Zhibin , Li Junfang , Gong Kun , Zhao Liang , Tang Guozhang , Fu Xiuxiu
Published: January 2020

Background

Mitral regurgitation volume (MRvol) by quantitative pulsed Doppler (QPD) method previously recommended suffers from geometric assumption error because of circular geometric assumption of mitral annulus (MA). Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different geometric assumption of MA on the assessment of MRvol by two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiographic QPD method.

Methods

This study included 88 patients with varying degrees of mitral regurgitation (MR). The MRvol was evaluated by QPD method using circular or ellipse geometric assumption of MA. MRvol derived from effective regurgitant orifice area by real time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) multiplied by MR velocity-time integral was used as reference method.

Results

Assumption of a circular geometry of MA, QPD-MAA4C and QPD-MAPLAX overestimated the MRvol by a mean difference of 10.4 ml (P < 0.0001) and 22.5 ml (P < 0.0001) compared with RT3DE. Assumption of an ellipse geometry of MA, there was no significant difference of MRvol (mean difference = 1.7 ml, P = 0.0844) between the QPD-MAA4C + A2C and the RT3DE.

Conclusions

Assuming that the MA was circular geometry previously recommended, the MRvol by QPD-MAA4C was overestimated compared with the reference method. However, assuming that the MA was ellipse geometry, the MRvol by the QPD-MAA4C + A2C has no significant difference with the reference method.
Knowledge mobilisation in practice: an evaluation of the Australian Prevention Partnership Centre
Authors: Haynes Abby , Rowbotham Samantha , Grunseit Anne , Bohn-Goldbaum Erika , Slaytor Emma , Wilson Andrew , Lee Karen , Davidson Seanna , Wutzke Sonia
Published: January 2020

Background

Cross-sector collaborative partnerships are a vital strategy in efforts to strengthen research-informed policy and practice and may be particularly effective at addressing the complex problems associated with chronic disease prevention. However, there is still a limited understanding of how such partnerships are implemented in practice and how their implementation contributes to outcomes. This paper explores the operationalisation and outcomes of knowledge mobilisation strategies within the Australian Prevention Partnership Centre — a research collaboration between policy-makers, practitioners and researchers.

Methods

The Centre’s programme model identifies six knowledge mobilisation strategies that are hypothesised to be essential for achieving its objectives. Using a mixed methods approach combining stakeholder interviews, surveys, participant feedback forms and routine process data over a 5-year period, we describe the structures, resources and activities used to operationalise these strategies and explore if and how they have contributed to proximal outcomes.

Results

Results showed that Centre-produced research, resources, tools and methods were impacting policy formation and funding. Policy-makers reported using new practical methodologies that were helping them to design, implement, evaluate and obtain funding for scaled-up policies and programmes, and co-creating compelling prevention narratives. Some strategies were better implemented and more impactful than others in supporting these outcomes, with variation in who they worked for. The activities used to effect engagement, capacity-building and partnership formation were mostly generating positive results, but co-production could be enhanced by greater shared decision-making. Considerably more work is needed to successfully operationalise knowledge integration and adaptive learning.

Conclusions

Describing how collaborative cross-sector research partnerships are operationalised in practice, and with what effects, can provide important insights into practical strategies for establishing and growing such partnerships and for maximising their contributions to policy. Findings suggest that the Centre has many strengths but could benefit from more inclusive and transparent governance and internal processes that facilitate dialogue about roles, expectations and co-production practices.
Virus goes viral: an educational kit for virology classes
Authors: de Souza Gabriel Augusto Pires , Queiroz Victória Fulgêncio , Lima Maurício Teixeira , de Sousa Reis Erik Vinicius , Coelho Luiz Felipe Leomil , Abrahão Jônatas Santos
Published: January 2020

Background

Viruses are the most numerous entities on Earth and have also been central to many episodes in the history of humankind. As the study of viruses progresses further and further, there are several limitations in transferring this knowledge to undergraduate and high school students. This deficiency is due to the difficulty in designing hands-on lessons that allow students to better absorb content, given limited financial resources and facilities, as well as the difficulty of exploiting viral particles, due to their small dimensions. The development of tools for teaching virology is important to encourage educators to expand on the covered topics and connect them to recent findings. Discoveries, such as giant DNA viruses, have provided an opportunity to explore aspects of viral particles in ways never seen before. Coupling these novel findings with techniques already explored by classical virology, including visualization of cytopathic effects on permissive cells, may represent a new way for teaching virology. This work aimed to develop a slide microscope kit that explores giant virus particles and some aspects of animal virus interaction with cell lines, with the goal of providing an innovative approach to virology teaching.

Methods

Slides were produced by staining, with crystal violet, purified giant viruses and BSC-40 and Vero cells infected with viruses of the genera Orthopoxvirus, Flavivirus, and Alphavirus. Slides with amoebae infected with different species of giant viruses and stained with hemacolor reagents were also produced.

Results

Staining of the giant viruses allowed better visualization of the viral particles, and this technique highlights the diversity in morphology and sizes among them. Hemacolor staining enabled visualization of viral factories in amoebae, and the staining of infected BSC-40 and Vero cell monolayers with crystal violet highlights plaque-forming units.

Conclusions

This kit was used in practical virology classes for the Biological Sciences course (UFMG, Brazil), and it will soon be made available at a low-cost for elementary school teachers in institutions that have microscopes. We hope this tool will foster an inspiring learning environment.
Cutaneous pilomatrical carcinosarcoma: a case report with molecular analysis and literature review
Authors: Luong Thi My Hanh , Akazawa Yuko , Mussazhanova Zhanna , Matsuda Katsuya , Ueki Nozomi , Miura Shiro , Hara Toshihide , Yokoyama Hiroko , Nakashima Masahiro
Published: January 2020

Background

Cutaneous pilomatrical carcinosarcoma (CS) is a very rare biphasic tumor composed of admixed epithelial and mesenchymal malignant cells, with limited information on its pathogenesis. We report a case of pilomatrical CS of the scalp with comparative immunohistochemical and molecular analysis together with a review of the literature.

Case presentation

A 74-year-old woman presented with a rapidly growing long-standing tumor of the scalp. The tumor was surgically resected. Histologically, the tumor was 25 mm in diameter, and was composed of carcinoma showing a clear pilomatrical differentiation and sarcoma with pleomorphic spindle cells and giant cells. Both epithelial and mesenchymal components shared focal cytoplasmic and/or nuclear accumulation of β-catenin based on immunohistochemical analysis, although a mutation of exon 3 of the CTNNB1 gene was not detected. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed gains of chromosomes 9p21, 3, and 7 in both the epithelial and sarcomatous components.

Conclusions

The current case demonstrated characteristic findings of pilomatricoma and further evidence of partial clonality between the carcinomatous and sarcomatous component, suggesting the possibility of malignant transformation of pilomatricoma. Rapid growth of a pilomatrical tumor should warrant the development of a malignant tumor, including CS.
Socialising over fruits and vegetables: the biocultural importance of an open-air market in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Franco F. Merlin , Chaw Li Ling , Bakar Nurzahidah , Abas Siti Noraqilah Haji
Published: January 2020

Background

Earth’s biocultural diversity comprising biological, cultural and linguistic diversities is being eroded quickly. Our ability to recognise and appreciate what is remaining is crucial for its survival. However, not all forms of diversity are appreciated equally and a growing trend in plant blindness indicates that humans ignore plants in the environment. In this context, open-air markets emerge as cultural spaces that bring people closer to each other, as well as with local biodiversity represented by fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey with 160 people visiting Tamu Kianggeh of Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. We randomly interviewed every fifth adult visitor (> 18 years) leaving the market on Fridays and Sundays continuously for a month, using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire had 18 questions related to demographic particulars, reasons for visiting the market, vendor preference, social networking and visits to open-air markets and supermarkets.

Results and discussion

People visit the market for the diversity of vegetables/fruits; local fruits and vegetables; socialising; cheap prices; ability to bargain; freshness of the products; convenience; medicinal plants; snacks; leisure etc. The ethnic diversity represented at the market comprised chiefly of Malay, Kedayan, Iban, Dusun, Tutong, Chinese communities and foreigners. Majority of the respondents chose ‘availability of a wide range of fruits and vegetables’ as the primary reason for the visit, followed by ‘availability of local fruits and vegetables’. Tamu Kianggeh sold larger number of fruits and vegetables (104 taxa, 26 natives, 2 endemics) compared to the nearest supermarket (85 taxa, 14 natives and 1 endemic). A significant number of respondents also reported that they had made friends at the market.

Conclusion

Tamu Kianggeh is a meeting ground for ethnic and biological diversities, a property that makes them important centres of biocultural diversity at the local level. Open-air markets such as Tamu Kianggeh bring people closer to a diverse range of vegetables and fruits. They also bring people closer to each other by serving as platforms for socialising. We propose that strategies developed to counter plant blindness should also consider the potential of open-air markets.
Radiological measurement of pelvic fractures using a pelvic deformity measurement software program
Authors: Zhang Shuwei , Zhang Gongzi , Peng Ye , Wang Xiang , Tang Peifu , Zhang Lihai
Published: January 2020

Background

It is difficult for the surgeon to measure pelvic displacement in the closed reduction operation for unstable pelvic fracture. We therefore developed a pelvic deformity measurement software program based on standardized radiographs. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the inter-observer reliability of the program for measuring specific fracture types on preoperative pelvic films and to assess the validity of the measurement software program by comparing it with a gold standard.

Methods

Twenty-five patients diagnosed with AO/OTA type B or C pelvic fractures with the unilateral pelvis fractured and dislocated were included in this study. Four separate observers repeatedly determined the translational and rotational patterns and outcomes using the software program and hand measurement, and calculated the displacement using computed tomography (CT) coupled with a three-dimensional (3D) CT model. The validity of the measurement software was calculated by assessing the consistency between the software measurements and the gold standard. Additionally, inter-observer reliability was assessed for the software. The software was also applied in preliminary clinical practice for closed reduction procedures.

Results

The overall inter-observer reliabilities of the software program, CT coupled with 3D reconstruction, and hand measurements were high, with kappa values of 0.956, 0.958, and 0.853, respectively. The software showed validity similar to that of CT coupled with 3D reconstruction (0.939 vs. 0.969), and better than that of hand measurement (0.939 vs. 0.858). A preliminary clinical application demonstrated that the software is effective for guiding closed reduction of pelvic fractures.

Conclusions

Our newly established pelvic deformity measurement program is a reliable and accurate tool for analyzing pelvic displacement patterns and can be used for guidance of closed reduction and planning of the reduction pathway.

Level of evidence

III
Ethanol extract of Ophiorrhiza pumila suppresses liver cancer cell proliferation and migration
Authors: Liu Hui , Liao Wanqin , Fan Lixia , Zheng Zhaoguang , Liu Dahai , Zhang Qing-Wen , Yang Anping , Liu Fang
Published: January 2020

Background

Ophiorrhiza pumila, belonging to the genus Ophiorrhiza (Rubiaceae), is distributed throughout tropical and subtropical Asia. In this study, we evaluated for the first time the anti-proliferation and anti-migration effects of ethanol extract of O. pumila (OPE) on HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells, and explored the related mechanism.

Methods

OPE was prepared by percolation with 95% ethanol and its main compounds were analyzed by HPLC-MS2. The anti-proliferation effect of OPE was evaluated by the CCK-8 assay and colony formation assay. Cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level were detected by flow cytometry. Migration and invasion abilities were detected by Transwell migration/invasion assays. The expression of correlated proteins was determined using western blotting.

Results

A total of 5 tentative compounds were identified from OPE, including pumiloside, deoxypumiloside, camptothecin, aknadinine, and β-stigmasterol. OPE displayed strong cytostatic effects on HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells. OPE induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest, increased apoptosis, and augmented ROS production in these cell lines. In addition, OPE possessed a significant inhibition on cell migration and invasion by reduction of MMP-9 and MMP-2 expression. Moreover, OPE significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of p65.

Conclusions

Our data showed that OPE suppresses liver cancer cell proliferation and migration, which is possibly involved with the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway.
Standards for reporting interventions in clinical trials of cupping (STRICTOC): extending the CONSORT statement
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Tian Ran , Lam Wai Ching , Duan Yuting , Liu Fan , Zhao Chen , Wu Taixiang , Shang Hongcai , Tang Xudong , Lyu Aiping , Bian Zhaoxiang
Published: January 2020

Background

The standards for reporting interventions in clinical trials of cupping (STRICTOC), in the form of a checklist and explanations for users, were designed to improve reporting of cupping trials, particularly the interventions, and thereby facilitating their interpretation and replication.

Methods

A group of clinical experts, methodologists, epidemiologists, and editors has developed this STRICTOC checklist through a comprehensive process, including registration of this guideline, literature review, solicitation of comments, consensus meeting, revision, and finalization.

Results

The STRICTOC checklist includes 6 items and 16 sub-items, namely cupping rationale, details of cupping, treatment regimen, other components of treatment, treatment provider background, and control or comparator interventions. Illustrative examples of each item are also provided.

Conclusions

It is intended that the STRICTOC, in conjunction with both the main Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) Statement and extension for nonpharmacologic treatment, will raise the reporting quality of clinical trials of cupping.

Trial registration We have registered this study on the Enhancing the Quality and Transparency of Health Research (EQUATOR) Network: http://www.equator-network.org/library/reporting-guidelines-under-development/reporting-guidelines-under-development-for-clinical-trials/#STRICTOC.
Allogeneic human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells for severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia in children: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (MSC-BPD trial)
Authors: Wu Xian , Xia Yunqiu , Zhou Ou , Song Yan , Zhang Xianhong , Tian Daiyin , Li Qubei , Shu Chang , Liu Enmei , Yuan Xiaoping , He Ling , Liu Chengjun , Li Jing , Liang Xiaohua , Yang Ke , Fu Zhou , Zou Lin , Bao Lei , Dai Jihong
Published: January 2020

Background

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a complex lung pathological lesion secondary to multiple factors and one of the most common chronic lung diseases. It has a poor prognosis, especially in preterm infants. However, effective therapies for this disease are lacking. Stem-cell therapy is a promising way to improve lung injury and abnormal alveolarization, and the human umbilical cord (hUC) is a good source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which have demonstrated efficacy in other diseases. We hypothesized that intravenously administered allogeneic hUC-MSCs are safe and effective for severe BPD.

Methods

The MSC-BPD trial is a randomized, single-center, open-label, dose-escalation, phase-II trial designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of hUC-MSCs in children with severe BPD. In this study, 72 patients will be enrolled and randomly divided into two intervention groups and one control group. Patients in the intervention groups will receive a low dose of hUC-MSCs (n = 24; 2.5 million cells/kg) or a high dose of hUC-MSCs (n = 24; 5 million cells/kg) in combination with traditional supportive treatments for BPD. The patients in the control group (n = 24) will be treated with traditional supportive treatments alone without hUC-MSCs. The primary outcome measures will be cumulative duration of oxygen therapy. Follow-up assessments will be performed at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post intervention, and the key outcome during follow-up will be changes on chest radiography. Statistical analyses will evaluate the efficacy of the hUC-MSC treatment.

Discussion

This will be the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravenously administered hUC-MSCs in children with severe BPD. Its results should provide a new evidence-based therapy for severe BPD.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03601416. Registered on 26 July 2018.
Efficacy and cost-utility of the eHealth self-management application 'Oncokompas', helping partners of patients with incurable cancer to identify their unmet supportive care needs and to take actions to meet their needs: a study protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Schuit Anouk S. , Holtmaat Karen , Hooghiemstra Nienke , Jansen Femke , Lissenberg-Witte Birgit I. , Coupé Veerle M. H. , Verdonck-de Leeuw Irma M.
Published: January 2020

Background

Incurable cancer does not only affect patients, it also affects the lives of their partners. Many partners take on caregiving responsibilities. The burden of these caregiving tasks are often associated with physical, psychological, and social difficulties and many partners have unmet supportive care needs. Oncokompas is an eHealth self-management application to support partners in finding and obtaining optimal supportive care, tailored to their quality of life and personal preferences. A randomized controlled trial will be carried out to determine the efficacy and cost-utility of Oncokompas.

Methods

A total of 136 adult partners of patients with incurable cancer will be included. Partners will be randomly assigned to the intervention group, which directly gets access to Oncokompas, or the waiting-list control group, which gets access to Oncokompas after three months. The primary outcome measure is caregiver burden. Secondary outcome measures comprise self-efficacy, health-related quality of life, and costs. Measures will be assessed at baseline, two weeks after randomization, and three months after the baseline measurement.

Discussion

This study will result in evidence on the efficacy and cost-utility of Oncokompas among partners of patients with incurable cancer, which might lead to implementation of Oncokompas as a health service for partners of patients with incurable cancer.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register, NTR 7636. Registered on 23 November 2018.
Operationalising kangaroo Mother care before stabilisation amongst low birth Weight Neonates in Africa (OMWaNA): protocol for a randomised controlled trial to examine mortality impact in Uganda
Authors: Medvedev Melissa M. , Tumukunde Victor , Mambule Ivan , Tann Cally J. , Waiswa Peter , Canter Ruth R. , Hansen Christian H. , Ekirapa-Kiracho Elizabeth , Katumba Kenneth , Pitt Catherine , Greco Giulia , Brotherton Helen , Elbourne Diana , Seeley Janet , Nyirenda Moffat , Allen Elizabeth , Lawn Joy E.
Published: January 2020

Background

There are 2.5 million neonatal deaths each year; the majority occur within 48 h of birth, before stabilisation. Evidence from 11 trials shows that kangaroo mother care (KMC) significantly reduces mortality in stabilised neonates; however, data on its effect among neonates before stabilisation are lacking. The OMWaNA trial aims to determine the effect of initiating KMC before stabilisation on mortality within seven days relative to standard care. Secondary objectives include exploring pathways for the intervention’s effects and assessing incremental costs and cost-effectiveness between arms.

Methods

We will conduct a four-centre, open-label, individually randomised, superiority trial in Uganda with two parallel groups: an intervention arm allocated to receive KMC and a control arm receiving standard care. We will enrol 2188 neonates (1094 per arm) for whom the indication for KMC is ‘uncertain’, defined as receiving ≥ 1 therapy (e.g. oxygen). Admitted singleton, twin and triplet neonates (triplet if demise before admission of ≥ 1 baby) weighing ≥ 700–≤ 2000 g and aged ≥ 1–< 48 h are eligible. Treatment allocation is random in a 1:1 ratio between groups, stratified by weight and recruitment site. The primary outcome is mortality within seven days. Secondary outcomes include mortality within 28 days, hypothermia prevalence at 24 h, time from randomisation to stabilisation or death, admission duration, time from randomisation to exclusive breastmilk feeding, readmission frequency, daily weight gain, infant–caregiver attachment and women’s wellbeing at 28 days. Primary analyses will be by intention-to-treat. Quantitative and qualitative data will be integrated in a process evaluation. Cost data will be collected and used in economic modelling.

Discussion

The OMWaNA trial aims to assess the effectiveness of KMC in reducing mortality among neonates before stabilisation, a vulnerable population for whom its benefits are uncertain. The trial will improve understanding of pathways underlying the intervention’s effects and will be among the first to rigorously compare the incremental cost and cost-effectiveness of KMC relative to standard care. The findings are expected to have broad applicability to hospitals in sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia, where three-quarters of global newborn deaths occur, as well as important policy and programme implications.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02811432. Registered on 23 June 2016.
Investigation of three enzymes and their roles in the embryonic development of parthenogenetic Haemaphysalis longicornis
Authors: Qiu Zhao-Xi , Li Yuan , Li Meng-Meng , Wang Wen-Ying , Zhang Tian-Tian , Liu Jing-Ze
Published: January 2020

Background

The tickHaemaphysalis longicornisexhibits two separate reproductive populations: bisexual and parthenogenetic, which have diploid and triploid karyotypes, respectively. The parthenogenetic population can undergo engorgement without copulation and produce viable female-only offspring with a longer incubation period than the bisexual population. Three enzymes, cathepsin B, cathepsin D and acid phosphatase, were found to be involved in vitellin degradation during the embryonic development of bisexualH. longicornis. However, the expression and activity profiles of these enzymes during the embryonic development of parthenogenetic ticks remain unknown. In the present study, the transcriptional expression profile, enzyme activity and roles in embryogenesis of the three enzymes during the embryonic development of parthenogeneticH. longicorniswere investigated.

Methods

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and fluorescence detection were used to analyze the dynamic changes in the three enzymes during embryogenesis. The roles of the three enzymes during embryogenesis were also explored using RNA interference (RNAi).

Results

The three enzymes were all expressed during embryonic development in parthenogeneticH. longicornis. The expression ofcathepsin Bwas highest on day 15, whereas that ofcathepsin Dwas highest on day 3 and the peak ofacid phosphataseexpression occurred on day 9. The activity of cathepsin B was highest on day 3 and lowest on day 5, then gradually increased and remained stable. Cathepsin D activity was highest on day 1 and showed a gradually decreasing trend, whereas acid phosphatase showed the opposite trend and reached a peak on day 23. RNA interference experiments in engorged female ticks revealed that there was no significant difference in the number of eggs laid, but the hatching rate of the eggs was significantly decreased.

Conclusion

The three enzymes all play important roles in embryonic development ofH. longicornis, but the expression patterns and changes in the activity of the enzymes in the bisexual and parthenogenetic populations are different. The results will help a better understanding of the similarities and differences underlying embryonic development in the bisexual and parthenogenetic populations and contribute to the future exploration of the development of the parthenogenetic population ofH. longicornis.
Correction to: Train-the-Trainers in hand hygiene: a standardized approach to guide education in infection prevention and control
Authors: Tartari Ermira , Fankhauser Carolina , Masson-Roy Sarah , Márquez-Villarreal Hilda , Moreno Inmaculada Fernández , Navas Ma Luisa Rodriguez , Sarabia Odet , Bellissimo-Rodrigues Fernando , Mezerville Marcela Hernández-de , Lee Yew Fong , Aelami Mohammad Hassan , Mehtar Shaheen , Agostinho Américo , Camilleri Liberato , Allegranzi Benedetta , Pires Daniela , Pittet Didier
Published: January 2020

The original article [1] contained a misspelling in author, Fernando Bellissimo-Rodrigues’s name which has since been corrected.