bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of extended infusion of β-lactam antibiotics for the treatment of febrile neutropenia in haematologic patients: protocol for a randomised, multicentre, open-label, superiority clinical trial (BEATLE)
Authors: Laporte-Amargos Julia , Gudiol Carlota , Arnan Montserrat , Puerta-Alcalde Pedro , Carmona-Torre Francisco , Huguet Maria , Albasanz-Puig Adaia , Parody Rocío , Garcia-Vidal Carolina , Pozo José Luis del , Batlle Montserrat , Tebé Cristian , Rigo-Bonnin Raül , Muñoz Carme , Padullés Ariadna , Tubau Fe , Videla Sebastià , Sureda Anna , Carratalà Jordi
Published: April 2020

Background
Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a very common complication in patients with haematological malignancies and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Broad-spectrum antipseudomonal β-lactam antibiotics (BLA) are routinely used for the treatment of cancer patients with FN. However, the clinical efficacy of BLA may be diminished in these patients because they present with pathophysiological variations that compromise the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of these antibiotics. Optimized administration of BLA in prolonged infusions has demonstrated better clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. However, there is a paucity of data on the usefulness of this strategy in patients with FN.
The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that the administration of BLA would be clinically more effective by extended infusion (EI) than by intermittent infusion (II) in haematologic patients with FN.
Methods
A randomised, multicentre, open-label, superiority clinical trial will be performed. Patients with haematological malignancies undergoing chemotherapy or haematopoietic stem cell transplant and who have FN and receive empirical antibiotic therapy with cefepime, piperacillin-tazobactam or meropenem will be randomised (1:1) to receive the antibiotic by EI (during half the time of the dosing interval) in the study group, or by II (30 minutes) in the control group.
The primary endpoint will be clinical efficacy, defined as defervescence without modifying the antibiotic treatment administered within the first 5 days of therapy. The primary endpoint will be analysed in the intention-to-treat population. The secondary endpoints will be pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) target achievement, bacteraemia clearance, decrease in C-reactive protein, overall (30-day) case-fatality rate, adverse events and development of a population PK model of the BLA studied.
Discussion
Data on the usefulness of BLA administration in patients with FN are scant. Only three clinical studies addressing this issue have been published thus far, with contradictory results. Moreover, these studies had some methodological flaws that limit the interpretation of their findings. If this randomised, multicentre, phase IV, open-label, superiority clinical trial validates the hypothesis that the administration of BLA is clinically more effective by EI than by II in haematologic patients with FN, then the daily routine management of these high-risk patients could be changed to improve their outcomes.
Use of digital periodontal software to compare periodontal treatment outcomes in a practice-based research network (PBRN) – a proof of concept
Authors: Peikert Stefanie Anna , Mittelhamm Felix , Frisch Eberhard , Vach Kirstin , Ratka-Krüger Petra , Woelber Johan Peter
Published: April 2020

Background: The aim of this non-interventional, observationalstudy was to develop and evaluate a digital procedure to access, extract and analyse recorded clinical data in practices to assess periodontal treatment outcomes. Methods: Participating periodontists were former or active postgraduate students of a master’s course in periodontics in Freiburg who routinely used a digital periodontal diagnostic program. All available stored periodontal patient charts were extracted, anonymized and digitally sent to the study centre. Results: In this study, data were collected from6401 patients from 9 different practices. Information such as probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), mobility, furcation and gingival attachment for 153163 teeth at first visit were successfully transferred to the study centre. During the observational period, which was from 2.08 years to 18.35 yearson average,only 2.8% of all teeth were lost. The number of visits was significantly negatively correlated withBOP (p<0.0001),and the number of BOP-positive sites was significantlycorrelated withdeeper PDs (p<0.001). Conclusion: The presented procedure was able to gather a large amount of practice-based periodontal data, and thus this study may support practice-based research networks. The data indicatethat systematic and supportive periodontal therapy is successful on a practice-based level. Trial registration: The study was internationally registered on 4 January 2017 in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS 00011448). https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00011448
The transtheoretical model is an effective for weight management intervention: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: de Freitas Patrícia Pinheiro , de Menezes Mariana Carvalho , Santos Luana Caroline dos , Pimenta Adriano Marçal , Ferreira Adaliene Versiani Matos , Lopes Aline Cristine
Published: April 2020

Background: Given the current worldwide epidemic of obesity, there is a demand for interventions with higher impact, such as those carried out in the primary health care (PHC) setting. Here we evaluate the effect of intervention performed according to the stages of change of the transtheoretical model (TTM) for weight management. Methods: This randomized controlled trial in Brazilian PHC offered free physical exercise and nutrition education. The participants were women aged 20 years or older who were obese or overweight in PHC service. The intervention group (IG, n = 51) received the same orientation as the comparison group (CG, n = 35) plus individual health counseling based on the TTM aimed at weight loss, which lasted 6 months. The outcome measures were anthropometric, food, and nutrient profiles. Inflammatory parameters were evaluated in a random subsample. The inter-group and intra-group differences were evaluated, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) used to assess intervention effectiveness, using intention-to-treat analysis. Results: There was a difference between groups of -1.4 kg (CI95%: -2.5; -0.3) in body weight after the intervention. About 97% of women in the IG reported benefits of the intervention and presented positive changes in diet, biochemical markers, and anthropometry. The IG showed better body mass index, resistine, and blood glucose results compared to the CG during follow-up. Conclusion: The individualized TTM-based intervention, combined with usual care, was an effective strategy in PHC. These results should encourage the use of interdisciplinary practices; nevertheless, research to identify additional strategies is needed to address barriers to weight maintenance among obese low-income women.Trial registration: The trial is registered with Brazilian clinical trials under the code: RBR-8t7ssv, Registration date: 12/12/2017 (retrospectively registered). URL: http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-8t7ssv/
Digital versus analogue chest drainage system in patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mooren Kris , Ruigrok Dieuwertje , Kunst Peter W.A. , Blacha Marielle M.J. , Tomlow Ben , Herbrink Jacobine W. , Japenga Eva J. , Boersma Wim , Bresser Paul , Lee Ivo van der
Published: April 2020

Background: Patients with a primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) who are treated with chest tube drainage are traditionally connected to an analogue chest drainage system, containing a water seal and using a visual method of monitoring air leakage. Electronic systems with continuous digital monitoring of air leakage provide better insight into actual air leakage and changes in leakage over time, which may lead to a shorter length of hospital stay.Methods: We performed a randomized controlled trial comparing the digital with analogue system, with the aim of demonstrating that use of a digital drainage system in PSP leads to a shorter hospital stay.Results: In 102 patients enrolled with PSP we found no differences in total duration of chest tube drainage and hospital stay between the groups. However, in a post-hoc analysis, excluding 19 patients needing surgery due to prolonged air leakage, hospital stay was significantly shorter in the digital group (median 1 days, IQR 1-5 days) compared to the analogue group (median 3 days, IQR 2-5 days) (p 0.014). Treatment failure occurred in 3 patients in both groups; the rate of recurrence within 12 weeks was not significantly different between groups (16% in the digital group versus 8% in the analogue group, p 0.339).Conclusion: Length of hospital stay was not shorter in patients with PSP when applying a digital drainage system compared to an analogue drainage system. However, in the large subgroup of uncomplicated PSP, a significant reduction in duration of drainage and hospital stay was demonstrated with digital drainage. These findings suggest that digital drainage may be a practical alternative to manual aspiration in the management of PSP. Trial registration: https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/4022. Registered 22 September 2013 - Retrospectively registered, Trial NL4022 (NTR4195)
Autologous bone marrow-derived mononuclear cell therapy in three patients with severe asthma
Authors: Aguiar Fabio S. , Melo André S. , Araújo Ana Maria Silva , Cardoso Alexandre Pinto , de Souza Sergio A. Lopes , Lopes-Pacheco Miquéias , Cruz Fernanda F. , Xisto Debora G. , Asensi Karina D. , Faccioli Lanuza , Salgado Anna Beatriz S. , Landesmann Maria Carolina P. P. , Goldenberg Regina C. dos S. , Gutfilen Bianca , Morales Marcelo M. , Rocco Patricia Rieken Macêdo , Silva Jose Roberto Lapa e
Published: April 2020

Background: Despite recent advances in understanding its pathophysiology and development of novel therapies, asthma remains a serious public health issue worldwide. Combination therapy with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonists results in disease control for many patients, but those who exhibit severe asthma are often unresponsive to conventional treatment, experiencing worse quality of life, frequent exacerbations, and increasing healthcare costs. Bone marrow-derived mononuclear cell (BMMC) transplantation has been shown to reduce airway inflammation and remodeling and improve lung function in experimental models of allergic asthma. Methods: This is a case series of three patients who presented severe asthma, unresponsive to conventional therapy and omalizumab. They received a single intravenous dose of autologous BMMCs (2×107) and were periodically evaluated for 1 year after the procedure. Endpoint assessments included physical examination; quality of life questionnaires; imaging (computed tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography, and ventilation/perfusion scan); lung function tests; and a 6-min walk test.Results: All patients completed the follow-up protocol. No serious adverse events attributable to BMMC transplantation were observed during or after the procedure. Lung function remained stable throughout. A slight increase in ventilation of the right lung was observed on day 120 after BMMC transplantation in one patient. All three patients reported improvement in quality of life in the early post-procedure course. Conclusions: This paper described for the first time the effects of BMMC therapy in patients with severe asthma, providing a basis for subsequent trials to assess the efficacy of this therapy.
Machine Vision-enabled Yak Weight Estimation on Edge Devices
Authors: zhang yu_an , Sun Zijie , Zhang Chen , Yin Shujun , Wang Wenzhi , Song Deren , Zhao Minghao
Published: April 2020

In the field of stock farming, body dimensions and weight of a yak may reasonably reveal its growing characters, productivity and genetic characteristics. However, it is arduous for the herdsman to manually measure the body and dimension of yaks. Fortunately, with the development of mobile computing and edge devices, it is preferable and possible for the herdsman to estimate the yaks weight and size with handheld devices (e.g., mobile phones).
This paper aims at providing machine visual-based yak body height and weight estimate method for edge devices. In our method, to begin with a foreground image of the yak is extracted; and measuring point identification is carried out to identify measuring points of the yak. Then, a ratio of its body dimensions is acquired. Both body dimensions and weight of the yak are acquired through comparison with relevant data. 25 yaks in different age groups were randomly selected from a herd to perform experiments. As indicated by corresponding experimental results, the foreground extraction approach has the potential to generate split images with good boundaries. As for the measuring point identification method selected for the yak, it features preferable accuracy and stability. For example, estimated values of its standing height, body length, chest depth, hipcross height and body weight, average errors between the measured values and them are proven to be 1.95%, 3.11%, 4.91%,3.35% and 7.79% respectively. By contrast to the traditional measuring approaches, the proposed method may improve measurement efficiency and reduce stimulation caused by manual measurement to the yak.
Comparison between percutaneous vertebroplasty and percutaneous kyphoplasty in the treatment of posterior wall rupture and osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures-Case - based retrospective study
Authors: Gou Yong-sheng , Hu Yue , Li Hai-bo , fu Bo-lin , Che Zheng
Published: April 2020

Background: Percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) or percutaneous vertebral plasty (PVP) has been widely applied in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (osteoporotic vertebral compression will fracture, OVCF) because of its minimally invasive and effective. To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of percutaneous vertebroplasty versus percutaneous kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with posterior wall broken. Methods: 82 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture with posterior wall broken were divided into PVP group(group A) and PKP group(group B)．The operation time, perspective times, bone cement volume injected. cement leakage, hospitalization expenses, preoperative visual analog score(VAS) and Oswestry disability index(ODI), restoration height of vertebral, the vertebrae height loss and new fracture of adjacent vertebra were evaluated during the follow-up. Results: The PVP group incurred significantly shorter operation time(40.37 ±8.26 min) and less perspective times (22.23 ±3.79 times)than the PKP group(46.74 ±9.58 min and 27.96 ±5.71 times respectively)( P<0.05). The PVP group incurred significantly less expenses than the PKP group(P<0.05). The VAS scores and ODI at 1 day and 6 months post-operation were significantly lower than pre-operation in both groups(P<0.05). Conclusion: Both PVP and PKP Can obtain satisfactory clinical efficacy for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with posterior wall broken,but the former may have advantages of less expenses,shorter operation time. Trial registration: This retrospective study was approved by the ethics committee of the first people's hospital of shuangliu district, Chengdu, Moreover, this study was also registered in the Chinese clinical trial registry with the registration number of ChiCTR1900028176.
Hippocampal interleukin-33 mediates neuroinflammation induced cognitive impairments
Authors: Reverchon Flora , de Concini Vidian , Larrigaldie Vanessa , Benmerzoug Sulayman , Togbé Dieudonnée , Ryffel Bernhard , Quesniaux Valérie , Menuet Arnaud
Published: April 2020

BackgroundInterleukin (IL)-33 is expressed in healthy brain and plays a pivotal role in several neuropathologies, as protective or contributing to the development of cerebral diseases associated with cognitive impairments. However, the role of IL-33 in the brain is poorly understood, raising the question of its involvement in immunoregulatory mechanisms.MethodsWe induced a local IL-33 release by intra-hippocampal injection of recombinant mouse IL-33 (rmIL-33) into C57BL/6J (WT) and IL-1ab deficient mice. Chronic minocycline administration was done and cognitive functions were examined trough short- and long-term memory assays. Hippocampal inflammatory responses were investigated by RT-qPCR. The microglia activation was assessed using immunohistological staining and Fluorescence-activated cell sorting. ResultsWe showed that IL-33 administration in mice led to a long-term memory defect associated with an increase of inflammatory markers in hippocampus while, minocycline administration limited the inflammatory response. Quantitative assessment of glial cell activation in situ was performed and demonstrated an increase of proximal intersections per radius in each part of hippocampus. Moreover, rmIL-33 significantly promoted the outgrowth of microglial processes. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting performed on isolated microglia, revealed an overexpression of IL-1β, 48h post-rmIL-33 administration. This microglial reactivity was closely related to the onset of cognitive disturbance. Finally, we demonstrated that IL-1ab deficient mice were resistant to cognitive disorders after intra-hippocampal IL-33 injection. ConclusionThus, hippocampal IL-33 induced an inflammatory state, including IL-1β overexpression by microglia cells, being causative of the cognitive impairment. These results highlight the pathological role for IL-33 in the central nervous system, independently of a specific neuropathological model.
Clinical efficacy and radiographic K-Rod stabilization for the treatment of multilevel degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Fu Chaohua , Chen Tianju , Yang Yuhao , Yang Hua , Diao Maohui , Zhang Guowei , Ji Zhisheng , Lin Hongsheng
Published: April 2020

Background: This study compares the use of radiographic K-Rod dynamic stabilization to the rigid system for the treatment of multisegmental degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (MDLSS).Methods: A total of 40 patients with MDLSS who underwent surgical treatment using the K-Rod (n=25) and rigid systems (n=15) from March 2013 to March 2017 were assessed. The mean follow-up period was 29.1 months. JOA, ODI, VAS and modified Macnab were assessed. Radiographic evaluations included lumbar lordosis angle, ISR value, operative and proximal adjacent ROM. Changes in intervertebral disc signal were classified according to Pfirrmann grade and UCLA system. Results: JOA, ODI and VAS changed significantly after the operation to comparable levels between the groups. However, the lumbar lordosis significantly decreased at final follow-up between both groups. The ROM of the proximal adjacent segment increased at final follow-up, but the number of fixed segment ROMs in the K-Rod group were significantly lower at the final follow-up than observed prior to the operation. In both groups, the ISR of the proximal adjacent segment decreased, most notably in the rigid group. The ISR of the non-fusion fixed segments in the K-Rod group increased post-operation and during final follow-up. The levels of adjacent segment degeneration were higher in the rigid group vs. the K-Rod group according to modified Pfirrmann grading and the UCLA system. Conclusions: Compared with the rigid system for treatment of MDLSS, dynamic K-Rod stabilization achieves improved radiographic outcomes and improves the mobility of the stabilized segments, minimizing the influence on the proximal adjacent segment.
Effects of Unweighting on Gait Kinematics During Walking on a Lower-Body Positive Pressure Treadmill in Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis
Authors: Kataoka Yoshiaki , Shimizu Tomohiro , Takeda Ryo , Tadano Shigeru , Saito Yuki , Osuka Satoshi , Ishida Tomoya , Samukawa Mina , Irie Tohru , Takahashi Daisuke , Iwasaki Norimasa , Tohyama Harukazu
Published: April 2020

Background: Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a musculoskeletal condition that makes walking difficult due to pain induced by weight-bearing activity. Treadmills that support body weight reduce the load on the lower limbs, and those equipped with a lower-body positive pressure (LBPP) device, developed as a new method for unweighting, significantly reduce pain in patients with knee OA. However, the effects of unweighting on gait kinematics remain unclear in patients with hip OA. Therefore, we investigated the effects of unweighting on kinematics in patients with hip OA during walking on a treadmill equipped with an LBPP device.Methods: Fifteen women with hip OA and fifteen age-matched female controls wore a three-dimensional motion analysis system and walked at a comfortable speed on the LBPP treadmill. Data regarding hip pain using a numeric rating scale under three different unweighting conditions (100%, 75%, and 50% bodyweight) were collected. Sagittal plane lower-limb kinematics under each condition were calculated and compared.Results: In the hip OA group, numerical rating scores at the unweighted condition were significantly decreased compared to the 100% bodyweight condition, and sagittal kinematics in the hip and knee joints significantly decreased compared to the healthy controls. In both groups, unweighting significantly decreased the peak hip flexion angle and increased the peak ankle plantarflexion angle during walking.Conclusions: Although unweighting by LBPP decreased pain in the hip OA group, gait kinematics did not improve despite less load on the hip joint. Therefore, clinicians should consider the benefits of pain reduction, rather than improved gait, when considering LBPP treadmill for patients with hip OA.
The short-term effectiveness of precise safety decompression via two-time percutaneous lumbar foraminoplasty (TPLF) and percutaneous endoscopic lumbar decompression (PELD) for lumbar lateral spinal canal (LLSC) stenosis
Authors: Wang Yu , Deng Mingyan , Wu Hao , Wu Ye , Guo Chuan , Zhang Dongfeng , Kong Qingquan
Published: April 2020

Purpose This prospective study reports a new technique: precise safety decompression via two-time percutaneous lumbar foraminoplasty (TPLF) and percutaneous endoscopic lumbar decompression (PELD) for lumbar lateral spinal canal (LLSC) stenosis, and short-term clinical outcomes.Methods 69 patients with single-level LLSC stenosis simultaneously occurred in both zone 1 and 2 who underwent TPLF-PELD from November 2018 to April 2019 were prospectively analyzed. Clinical outcomes were evaluated according to preoperative, 3 months postoperatively and last follow-up via leg pain/low back pain (LBP) visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores and the Macnab criteria. The postoperative MRI and CT were used to confirm the complete decompression and flexion-extension X-Ray in last follow-up were used to observe lumbar stability.Results All patients successfully underwent TPLF-PELD and the stenosis was completely decompressed confirmed by post-operative MRI and CT. The mean follow-up duration was 13 months (range, 8-17 months). The mean preoperative leg pain VAS score is 7.05±1.04 (range 5-9), which decreased to 1.03±0.79(range 0-3) at third month postoperatively and to 0.75±0.63 (range 0-2) by the last follow-up visit. The mean preoperative ODI was 69.8±9.05 (range, 52-85), which decreased to 20.3±5.52 (range, 10-35) at the third month postoperatively and to 19.6±5.21 (range, 10-34) by the last follow-up visit. The satisfactory (excellent or good) results were 94.2%. There was 1 patients with aggravated symptoms which relieved after open surgery. 2 patients with dural tear and 2 patients with postoperative LBP. No recurrence and segmental instability was observed in the last follow-up.Conclusion TPLF-PELD could be a good alternative option for the treatment of LLSC stenosis patients whose stenotic region occurred in both zone 1 and 2.
Long non-coding RNA MIR4300HG polymorphisms are associated with postoperative nausea and vomiting: a genome-wide association study
Authors: Sugino Shigekazu , Konno Daisuke , Kawai Yosuke , Nagasaki Masao , Endo Yasuhiro , Hayase Tomo , Yamazaki-Higuchi Misako , Kumeta Yukihiro , Tachibana Shunsuke , Saito Katsuhiko , Suzuki Jun , Kido Kanta , Kurosawa Nahoko , Namiki Akiyoshi , Yamauchi Masanori
Published: April 2020

Background: Genetic factors such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) play a key role in the development of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). However, previous findings are not widely applicable to different populations because of population-specific genetic variation. We developed a Japanese-specific DNA microarray for high-throughput genotyping. The aim of the current study is to identify causal SNPs associated with PONV on a genome-wide scale using this microarray in a sample of Japanese surgical patients. Methods: Genomic DNA was obtained from 256 surgical patients. We first determined associations between 659,636 SNPs and the incidence of PONV 24hrs after surgery in a limited sample of 24 female patients using the microarray. After imputation of genotypes at 24,330,529 SNPs, 78 SNPs were found to be associated with the incidence of PONV. We chose 4 of the 78 SNPs to focus on by in silico functional annotation. Finally, we genotyped these 4 candidate SNPs in 255 patients using real-time PCR to verify association with the incidence of PONV. Results: The T > C variant of rs11232965 in the long non-coding RNA MIR4300HG was significantly associated with reduced incidence of PONV among genotypes and between alleles (p = 0.01 and 0.007). Conclusions: We identified a novel causal SNP (rs11232965) in the long non-coding RNA MIR4300HG that is associated with PONV. The rs11232965-SNP variant (T > C) is protective against the incidence of PONV. Trial registration: This study was registered at the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (Identifier: UMIN000022903, date of registration: June 27th, 2016, retrospectively registered, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000026392).
Leveraging Family Dynamics to Increase the Effectiveness of Incentives for Physical Activity: The FIT-FAM Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Finkelstein Eric , Lim Robyn Su May , Ward Dianne Stanton , Evenson Kelly R.
Published: April 2020

Background In Singapore, 37% of adults are insufficiently active despite widespread opportunities for physical activity (PA). Research shows that PA can be increased by use of group-based extrinsic incentives. This study evaluates whether a novel incentive design linking children’s incentives to both their own and their parent’s PA (measured via pedometers) can increase parents’ PA without compromising children’s PA. Methods We conducted a two-arm, parallel, open-labelled randomized controlled trial where parent-child dyads were randomly assigned to either (1) rewards to the child contingent on child’s PA (child-based) or (2) rewards to the child contingent on both child’s and parent’s PA (family-based). Parents had to be English-speaking, computer-literate, non-pregnant, full-time employees, aged 25–65 years, and with a participating child aged 7–11 years. Parent-child dyads were randomized within strata (self-reported low vs high weekly PA) into study arms in a 1:1 ratio. Participants were given pedometers to assess daily steps. The primary outcome was the between-arm difference in the change from baseline in parent’s mean steps/day measured by accelerometry at months 6 and 12. Results 159 and 157 parent-child dyads were randomized to the child-based or family-based arms, respectively, and all with outcomes evaluated an intent-to-treat perspective. At month 6, there was a statistically significant 613 steps/day (95% CI: 54–1171) differential in favour of family-based parents. At month 12, the differential was reduced to 369 steps/day (95% CI: -88–1114) and no longer statistically significant. Conclusions Our findings provide evidence that family-based incentive strategies have the potential to improve outcomes at no additional cost but also indicate that more research is needed to identify strategies that encourage long-term behavior change for both parents and children.
Upregulated Expression of LncRNA Nicotinamide Nucleotide Transhydrogenase Antisense RNA 1 is Correlated with Unfavorable Clinical Outcomes in Cancers
Authors: Zhang Chenghao , Ren Xiaolei , Liu Zhongyue , Tu Chao
Published: April 2020

Background: The nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase antisense RNA 1 (NNT-AS1) is a long non-coding RNA aberrantly expressed in human malignancies. We aimed to analyze available data to evaluate the correlation between NNT-AS1 expression and cancer prognosis.Methods: Literature retrieval was performed by systematic searching related databases from inception to April 2, 2020. Studies regarding correlation between NNT-AS1 expression, survival outcomes and clinical characteristics of cancer patients were collected and pooled to calculate the the hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).Results: Ten studies comprising 690 patients were included. Overexpression of NNT-AS1 had a significant association with unfavorable overall survival (OS) (HR=2.08, 95% CI: 1.84-2.36, P<0.001). Stratified analysis showed that tumor type, sample size, follow-up months, and survival analysis approach did not change the predictive value of NNT-AS1 on OS. Furthermore, elevated NNT-AS1 level had significant association with distant metastasis (DM) (OR=2.45, 95% CI: 1.39-4.30), lymph node metastasis (LNM) (OR=3.92, 95% CI: 1.35-11.41), TNM stage (OR=4.25, 95% CI: 1.71-10.56), and vascular invasion (OR=3.98, 95% CI: 2.06-7.71), but was not associated with age and gender. The TCGA dataset showed the NNT-AS1 expression was strongly associated with poor OS, but not disease-free survival.Conclusions: high expression of NNT-AS1 could predict unfavorable survival and clinicopathologic outcomes, indicating NNT-AS1 may serve as a novel biomarker for prognosis and therapeutic target for patients.
The effectiveness of multi-component interventions targeting physical activity or sedentary behaviour amongst office workers: a 3-arm cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Nooijen Carla F. J. , Blom Victoria , Ekblom Örjan , Heiland Emerald G. , Larisch Lisa-Marie , Bojsen-Møller Emil , Ekblom Maria M. , Kallings Lena V
Published: April 2020

Background: Interventions to increase physical activity or reduce sedentary behaviour within the workplace setting have shown mixed effects. This cluster randomised controlled trial assessed whether multi-component interventions, focusing on changes at the individual, environmental, and organisational levels, either increased physical activity or reduced sedentary behaviour, compared to a passive control group.Methods: Teams of office-workers from two companies participated in two interventions (iPA: targeting physical activity; iSED: targeting sedentary behaviour), or a waiting list control group. Exclusion criteria was a very high physical activity level. Randomisation was done on a cluster level, and groups were randomly allocated (1:1) with stratification for company and cluster size Personnel involved in data collection and processing were blinded for group allocation. Both interventions included five sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy counselling for 6-months. iPA included counselling focused on physical activity, access to a gym, and encouragement to exercise and go for lunch walks. iSED included counselling on sedentary behaviour and encouragement to reduce sitting and increase engagement in standing- and walking-meetings. At baseline and the 6-month mark accelerometers were worn on the hip and thigh for 7 days. The primary outcomes were group differences in time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (%MVPA) and in sedentary behaviour (%), analysed for those with complete data using Bayesian multilevel modelling.Results: 263 office-workers (73% women, mean age 42±9 years, education 15±2 years) in 23 cluster teams were randomised (iPA n=84, 8 clusters; iSED n=87, 7 clusters; C n=92, 7 clusters). No significant group differences (posterior mean ratios: 95% credible interval) were found after the intervention for %MVPA or for %Sedentary. %MVPA: iPA vs C (0·04: -0·80 – 0·82); iSED vs C (0·47: -0·41 – 1·32); iPA vs iSED (0·43: -0·42 – 1·27). %Sedentary: iPA vs C (1·16: -1·66 – 4·02); iSED vs C (-0·44: -3·50 – 2·64); iPA vs iSED (-1·60: -4·72 – 1·47).Conclusions: The multi-component interventions focusing on either physical activity or sedentary behaviour were unsuccessful at increasing device-measured physical activity or reducing sedentary behaviour compared to control.Trial registration: ISRCTN92968402
Herd-level risk factors for chronic pleuritis in finishing pigs: a case-control study
Authors: Hälli Outi , Haimi-Hakala Minna , Oliviero Claudio , Heinonen Mari
Published: April 2020

Background Chronic pleuritis is a common finding in slaughtered pigs in post-mortem meat inspection. The prevalence of pleuritis has been increasing during the last decade also in Finland. The aim of this prospective case-control study was to search for environmental, infectious and management-related herd-level risk factors for pleuritis in the slaughterhouse. Altogether 46 Finnish pig herds, including 25 control (low pleuritis prevalence in meat inspection) and 21 case (high pleuritis) herds, were enrolled in the study and visited during the tenth week of the rearing period of finishing pigs. Herd personnel were asked about basic herd information, management and environmental factors. Selected pigs were examined clinically, environmental parameters were measured and 15 blood samples per herd were taken during herd visits. Antibodies against Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia serotype 2 (APP2) and ApxIV toxin and swine influenza virus were measured. After the slaughter of study pigs, meat inspection results of the batch were gathered from slaughterhouses. Multivariate logistic regression models were built to identify possible risk factors for a herd to be a case herd ( i.e. having high pleuritis values).Results Finishing herd type, herd size and APP2 seropositivity were observed to act as risk factors. In addition to these, general herd-level factors, flank biting and high APP2 antibody prevalence of the herd tended to be associated with the risk of the herd being a case herd. None of the other clinical signs of pigs, management-related factors or environmental measurements were associated with herd status.Conclusions As previously known, in endemic and subclinical infections such as APP, herd and management-related factors are important in building up infection pressure, but single risk factors seem to be difficult to identify. However, as flank biting was more common in high pleuritis herds, part of disease susceptibility is likely mediated via stress.
The clinical, immunological and genetic features of 12 Chinese patients with STAT3 mutation
Authors: Lin Li , Wang Ying , Sun Bijun , Liu Luyao , Ying Wenjing , Wang Wenjie , Zhou Qinhua , Hou Jia , Yao Haili , Sun Jinqiao , Wang Xiaochuan
Published: April 2020

Background: Loss-of-function (LOF) mutation in signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was one of the causes of the hyper immunoglobulin E (IgE) syndrome (HIES), while gain-of-function mutation (GOF) in STAT3 leads to immune dysregulation diseases. We retrospectively report 11 LOF STAT3 patients and 1 GOF STAT3 patient and illustrate their onset age, common clinical symptoms, immunologic and molecular manifestation.

Methods: 12 patients were enrolled in our study. Serum immunoglobulins, lymphocyte subset detection and whole-exome sequencing were performed.

Results: The median onset age of STAT3-deficient patients was 1.89 years. Eczema, recurrent respiratory infection, apparent fever, abscesses and Staphylococcus aureus infection was the classical manifestation. Elevated serum IgE level is not entirely unanimous with high eosinophils counts. Moderate viral DNA was also measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We noticed that c. 1144C>T was the most common spot, followed by c.1311C>A. Additionally, c.1311C>A and c. 1826G>C are two novel mutations. Eight patients obtained a notable improvement after received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).

Conclusion: We believe IVIG may help reduce the opportunity of infection in STAT3-deficient patients. Significant variance at onset age probably is a great challenge for clinicians and urgently needs early diagnosis and treatment.
The role of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and the ratios between different subsets serve as prognostic factors in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Jie , Tian Shu , Sun Ji , Zhang Jiahao , Lin Lan , hu chunyan
Published: April 2020

Background: Cancer cells induce the infiltration of various immune cells located or distributed in different sites and playing multiple roles, which have recently been proposed to predict clinical outcomes. We therefore studied the prognostic significance based on the presence of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and the ratios between different types of immune cells in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC).Methods: We retrospectively analysed 132 consecutive patients diagnosed with HPSCC in 2013-2017. Tumoral parenchyma were immunohistochemically counted manually for the number of CD8, CD4 and Foxp3. The ratios of CD8/Foxp3 and CD4/CD8 were calculated for each specimen, and analyzed with respect to patient clinicopathologic variables and prognosis. Results: HPSCC patients with high levels of TILs showed evidently correlations with well differentiated tumors (P < 0.05). Increased Foxp3+ TIL is also significantly associated with Stage and T stage (P =0.048 and P= 0.046, respectively). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that high CD8 and FoxP3 infiltration correlated with favorable overall survival (OS, P = 0.019 and P = 0.001), disease-free survival (DFS, P = 0.045 and P = 0.028) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS, P = 0.034 and P = 0.009), respectively, but only FoxP3 displayed prognostic significance for DMFS in multivariate analysis (MVA). In lymphocyte ratios analysis, CD8/FoxP3 appeared to play a pivotal role, patients with high CD8/FoxP3 ratio had a superior 3-year DFS and DMFS compared with the low value of this parameter in both univariate analysis (UVA) and MVA (P = 0.015 and P=0.001). Meanwhile, high CD4/CD8 ratio had significantly better DFS and local relapse-free survival (LRFS) in UVA, and exhibited an independent prognostic factor for improved LRFS in MVA (P = 0.040).Conclusion: Although high TILs were determined to be prognostically significant in HPSCC, the ratios of these subsets may be more informative. Particularly, higher ratio of CD8/Foxp3 accurately predict prognosis for improved DFS and DMFS, and increment of CD4/CD8 ratio was an independent predictor for favorable LRFS.
Intervention fidelity and its determinants of focused antenatal care package implementation, in South Wollo, Northeast Ethiopia.
Authors: Tessema Asressie Molla , Gebeyehu Abebaw , Mekonnen Solomon , Alemu Kassahun , Tigabu Zemene
Published: April 2020

Introduction Evidences show that intervention packages at home-community setting are found to reduce neonatal mortality significantly. But millions of neonates are still dying by preventable causes with the implementation of these effective interventions. This might be due to evidence-practice gap. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the intervention fidelity and factors influencing focused antenatal care package. Methods Cross-sectional study design was employed in this study. In the selected kebeles’, a total of 898 mothers who gave birth within six months before data collection, ten health posts with their health extension workers were employed. Interview-administered, self-administered and facility audit checklist were used for collecting data from all mothers, health extension workers and health posts respectively. Mothers were asked whether or not the required level of care were provided to them. Health extension workers & health posts were assessed for the competency and organizational drivers. Multilevel linear regression model were used to identify the possible moderating factors at individual and organizational level for intervention fidelity. Result The overall weighted average focused antenatal care package intervention fidelity was 49.78% (95% CI: 47.73 – 51.83). The weighted average focused antenatal care package intervention fidelity by health extension workers was 62.02% (95% CI: 59.71 – 64.32) and skilled providers were 56.57% (95% CI: 53.94 – 59.19). The overall antenatal care coverage were 83.7% (95% CI: 81.28 – 86.12) with 34.97% (95% CI: of 31.56 – 38.39) of mothers received at least four antenatal visit and 6.12% (95% CI: 4.40-7.83) of them received all the recommended components of focused antenatal care. Previous maternal problem, paternal education and implementation of supportive/facilitation strategy were significant facilitators for focused antenatal care package intervention fidelity. Conclusion In this study, focused antenatal care package intervention fidelity was low. This implies that the stagnation of neonatal mortality reduction might be partly due to the low focused antenatal care packages intervention fidelity. Paternal education and implementation of supportive/facilitation strategies were statistically significant facilitators of focused antenatal care intervention package fidelity. Therefore, improvement of implementation of facilitation strategy is recommended.
Expected values and predictive model for black seed (Plaseolus vulgaris L.) production
Authors: Carvalho Ivan Ricardo , Szareski Vinícius Jardel , Ferreira Luiz Leonardo , Demari Gustavo Henrique , Silva José Antonio Gonzalez da , Barbosa Mauricio Horbach , Rosa Tiago Corazza da , Cavalcante Jerffeson Araujo , Matter Ester Mafalda , Magano Devid Araujo , Souza Velci Queiróz de
Published: April 2020

The objective of this work was to determine the tendencies of expected values, linear associations, and to define which traits compose the best predictive model for mass of seeds per plant of black and pinto bean genotypes from different regions of Rio Grande do Sul. The experiments were conducted in the agricultural years of (2015-2017). The expected values are increased as function of the segregating generation of F2, F3, F4 for first pod insertion height and plant height. Furthermore, black commercial group determines superiority for number of seeds per plant, while pinto genotypes are closely related to increments of mass of seeds per plant. Linear associations are specific to germplasm origin, commercial group and segregating generations of bean genotypes regarding traits of agronomic interest. The predictive model created to increase mass of seeds per plant is specific for germplasm origins and commercial group of beans. Seed yield of pinto genotypes is maximized by plant height and number of seeds per plant. For genotypes of black commercial group, this increase is achieved through plant height, number of pods and seeds per plant in F3 and F4 segregating generations.
In vitro evaluation of anticaries, antimycobacterial, antileishmanial and cytotoxic activities of essential oils from Eremanthus erythropappus and of α-bisabolol, their major sesquiterpene
Authors: Fernandes Cassia Cristina , Andrade Priscila Mileide de , Santos Tainá Caroline Lucena dos , Santiago Mariana Brentini , Crotti Antônio Eduardo Miller , Martins Carlos Henrique Gomes , Magalhães Lizandra Guidi , Miranda Mayker Lazaro Dantas
Published: April 2020

Interest in researches into medicinal plants and therapeutic effects of essential oils (EOs) on humans has increased over the last few years. Eremanthus erythropappus, known as candeia, is a Brazilian aromatic herbaceous plant whose α-bisabolol-rich oil has been used in several cosmetic preparations. This paper reports in vitro anticaries, antimycobacterial, antileishmanial and cytotoxic activities of EOs from E. erythropappus leaves (EL-EO) and stalks (ES-EO), besides α-bisabolol, their main sesquiterpene. EL-EO and ES-EO were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. α-Bisabolol, cis-α-bisabolene and β-bisabolene were identified as their major constituents. Antibacterial activity of EOs was evaluated against eight standard strains of pathogens from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) by determining minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) with the use of the microdilution method. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans, S. mitis, S. sanguinis, S. sobrinus, S. salivarius, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. avium and M. kansasii. EL-EO, ES-EO and α-bisabolol exhibited high leishmanicidal activity against promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis; IC50 values were 9.22 µg/mL, 6.00 µg/mL and 3.12 µg/mL, respectively. The 50% cytotoxic concentrations (CC50) of EL-EO, ES-EO and α-bisabolol against mouse peritoneal macrophages were 24.65 µg/mL, 8.87 µg/mL and 1021.00 µg/mL, respectively. These results suggest that EOs from E. erythropappus seem to be very promising for the development of new bactericidal and leishmanicidal agents.
Extracts of Rhodiola rosea L. and Scutellaria galericulata L. in functional dairy products
Authors: Zaushintsena Alexandra , Bruhachev Evgeny , Belashova Olga , Asyakina Lyudmila , Kurbanova Marina , Vesnina Anna , Fotina Natalya
Published: April 2020

Introduction. Modern scientific research into the biochemical composition and medicinal value of plants makes it possible to use them as functional ingredients in food technology. The research objective was to test rose root (Rhodiola rosea L.) and scullcap (Scutellaria galericulata L.) for biologically active substances and their potential use in functional dairy products.

Study objects and methods. The research featured biologically active substances (BAS) obtained from rose root and scullcap that grow in mountain areas or on rock outcrops along Siberian rivers. The BAS content was determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The biologically active substances were screened and identified using HPLC, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and infra-red identification (IR). The new functional products were based on whey and cottage cheese made from processed whole milk.

Results and discussion. The analysis of Rhodiola rosea rhizomes and roots showed the following BAS content (mg/g): rosavin – 16.9, salidroside – 14.3, rosin – 5.04, rosarin – 2.01, and methyl gallate – 6.8. The roots of Scutellaria galericulata had the following BAS content (mg/g): scutellarein – 22.27, baicalin – 34.37, baicalein – 16.30, apigenin – 18.80, chrysin – 6.50, luteolin – 5.40, and vogonin – 3.60. Whey served as a basis for a new functional whey drink fortified with BAS isolated from Rhodiola rosea 100 mL of the drink included 50 mL of whey, 20 mL of apple juice, 0.1 mL of rose root concentrate, 3 g of sugar, 0.5 g of apple pectin, 04 g of citric acid, and 30 mL of ionized water. The content of phytochemical elements ranged from 0.11 ± 0.001 to 0.49 ± 0.08 mg/100 g. Cottage cheese served as a basis for another dairy product fortified with BAS obtained from Scutellaria galericulata. The formulation included 81 g of cottage cheese, 10 mL of cherry jam, 9 g of sugar, and 0.025 mL of scullcap concentrate. The content of biologically active substances in the finished product varied from 0.09 ± 0.02 for luteolin to 0.48 ± 0.11 for baicalin. The whey drink fortified with the BAS extracted from Rhodiola rosea and the cottage cheese product fortified with the BAS isolated from Scutellaria galericulata satisfied 40–45% and 55–60% of the reference daily intake for phenolic compounds, respectively. The obtained data made it possible to recommend the new functional foods for commercial production.

Conclusion. A set of experiments was performed to isolate biologically active substances from Rhodiola rosea and Scutellaria galericulata. The research developed and tested formulations of two new functional products based on whey and cottage cheese.