bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant-based oral care product exhibits antibacterial effects on different stages of oral multispecies biofilm development in vitro
Authors: Kommerein Nadine , Weigel Almut Johanna , Stiesch Meike , Doll Katharina
Published: April 2021

Background

Excessive biofilm formation on surfaces in the oral cavity is amongst the main reasons for severe infection development like periodontitis and peri-implantitis. Mechanical biofilm removal as well as the use of adjuvant antiseptics supports the prevention of pathogenic biofilm formation. Recently, the antibacterial effect of the oral care product REPHA-OS®, based on medicinal plant extracts and essential oils, has been demonstrated on oral pathogens grown on agar plates. In the present study, the effectiveness of the product on medical relevant oral biofilm development should be demonstrated for the first time.

Methods

An established in vitro oral multispecies biofilm, composed of Streptococcus oralis, Actinomyces naeslundii, Veillonella dispar and Porphyromonas gingivalis, was used to analyze the antibacterial effect of different REPHA-OS® concentrations on planktonic bacteria, biofilm formation and mature biofilms. It was quantified using metabolic activity assays and live/dead fluorescence staining combined with three-dimensional confocal laser-scanning microscopy. Additionally, effects on species distribution inside the biofilm were assessed by means of quantitative real-time PCR.

Results

REPHA-OS® showed statistically significant antimicrobial effects on all stages of biofilm development: a minimal inhibitory concentration of 5% could be detected for both, for planktonic bacteria and for biofilm formation. Interestingly, only a slightly higher concentration of 10% was necessary to completely kill all bacteria in mature biofilms also. In contrast, an influence on the biofilm matrix or the species distribution could not be observed. The effect could be attributed to the herbal ingredients, not to the contained ethanol.

Conclusion

The strong antibacterial effect of REPHA-OS® on different stages of oral biofilm development strengthens its application as an alternative adjuvant in oral care therapies.
Improvement of SCD morbimortality in children: experience in a remote area of an African country
Authors: Mbiya Benoît Mukinayi , Kalombo Didier Kalenda , Mukendi Yannick Nkesu , Daubie Valery , Mpoyi John Kalenda , Biboyi Parola Mukendi , Disashi Ghislain Tumba , Gulbis Béatrice
Published: April 2021

Background

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a public health problem in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While reference sickle cell centers have been implemented in capital cities of African countries and have proven to be beneficial for SCD patients. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, they have never been set up in remote areas for families with low or very low sources of income.

Method

A cohort of 143 children with SCD aged 10 years old (IQR (interquartile range): 6–15 years) (sex ratio male/female = 1.3) were clinically followed for 12 months without any specific intervention aside from the management of acute events, and then for 12 months with a monthly medical visit, biological follow-up, and chemoprophylaxis (folic acid/penicillin), adequate fluids and malaria prevention.

Results

The median age of patients at the diagnosis of SCD was 2 years (IQR: 1–5). The implementation of standardized and regular follow-ups in a new sickle cell reference center in a remote city showed an increase in the annual mean hemoglobin level from 50 to 70 g/L (p = 0.001), and a decrease in the lymphocyte count and spleen size (p < 0.001). A significant decrease (p < 0.001) in the average annual number of hospitalizations and episodes of vaso-occlusive crises, blood transfusions, infections, and acute chest syndromes were also observed.

Conclusions

The creation of a sickle cell reference center and the regular follow-up of children with sickle cell disease are possible and applicable in the context of a remote city of an African country and represent simple and accessible measures that can reduce the morbimortality of children with sickle cell disease.
Cost-effectiveness modelling to optimise active screening strategy for gambiense human African trypanosomiasis in endemic areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Davis Christopher N. , Rock Kat S. , Antillón Marina , Miaka Erick Mwamba , Keeling Matt J.
Published: April 2021

Background

Gambiense human African trypanosomiasis (gHAT) has been brought under control recently with village-based active screening playing a major role in case reduction. In the approach to elimination, we investigate how to optimise active screening in villages in the Democratic Republic of Congo, such that the expenses of screening programmes can be efficiently allocated whilst continuing to avert morbidity and mortality.

Methods

We implement a cost-effectiveness analysis using a stochastic gHAT infection model for a range of active screening strategies and, in conjunction with a cost model, we calculate the net monetary benefit (NMB) of each strategy. We focus on the high-endemicity health zone of Kwamouth in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Results

High-coverage active screening strategies, occurring approximately annually, attain the highest NMB. For realistic screening at 55% coverage, annual screening is cost-effective at very low willingness-to-pay thresholds (20.4 per disability adjusted life year (DALY) averted), only marginally higher than biennial screening (14.6 per DALY averted). We find that, for strategies stopping after 1, 2 or 3 years of zero case reporting, the expected cost-benefits are very similar.

Conclusions

We highlight the current recommended strategy—annual screening with three years of zero case reporting before stopping active screening—is likely cost-effective, in addition to providing valuable information on whether transmission has been interrupted.
Oxytocin in bovine saliva: validation of two assays and changes in parturition and at weaning
Authors: López-Arjona Marina , Mainau Eva , Navarro Elena , Contreras-Aguilar María Dolores , Escribano Damián , Mateo Sandra V. , Manteca Xavier , Cerón José Joaquín , Martínez-Subiela Silvia
Published: April 2021

Background

The possible use of oxytocin in saliva as an indicator of positive emotions in bovine species has been poorly investigated. In the present study, two new assays (one using a monoclonal antibody and the other using a polyclonal antibody) for the measurement of oxytocin in bovine saliva were developed and validated. Also, the changes in oxytocin in saliva were explored in two different situations. One was around parturition, and for this purpose, saliva samples from 13 cows were collected at three different times: 7 days before the parturition, the day of parturition and 7 days after the parturition. The second situation was weaning and grouping of calves, and for this purpose, saliva from 25 calves was collected at three different times: 1 day before weaning, 2 days after weaning or milk withdrawal and 4 days after grouping calves.

Results

In cows, oxytocin concentrations showed an increase on the day of parturition with both assays, while in calves, oxytocin concentrations showed a decrease 4 days after the grouping.

Conclusions

The assays validated in this report could be used for the measurement of oxytocin in bovine saliva and detect changes in this analyte that can occur in different physiological or productive situations such as parturition and weaning.
Feedback activation of NF-KB signaling leads to adaptive resistance to EZH2 inhibitors in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Jin Mengyuan , Duan Jiachen , Liu Wei , Ji Jing , Liu Bin , Zhang Mingzhi
Published: April 2021

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common malignant tumor in developed countries, which has seriously threatened men’s lifestyle and quality of life. The up-regulation of EZH2 is associated with advanced PCa and poor prognosis, making it a promising therapeutic target. However, the EZH2 inhibitors-based treatment is basically ineffective against PCa, which limits its clinical application.

Methods

Microarray data (GSE107779) from LNCaP cells treated with either siRNA against EZH2 or a EZH2 inhibitor EPZ6438 was analyzed by Limma R package. Western blot, real-time PCR and luciferase reporter assays were used to determine the EZH2-SOX9-TNFRSF11A axis and the activity of NF-κB signaling in PCa cells. CCK-8 assay was used to determine the viability of PCa cells following various treatments.

Results

Genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of EZH2 leads to feedback activation of NF-κB signaling in PCa cells. EZH2-dependent SOX9 expression regulates the activation of NF-κB signaling. TNFRSF11A, also known as receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK), is a downstream target of SOX9 in PCa cells. SOX9 recognizes two putative SOX9 response elements in the promoter region of TNFRSF11A gene to drive TNFRSF11A expression and downstream NF-κB signaling activation. Suppression of the NF-κB signaling by either TNFRSF11A silencing or BAY11-7082 treatment rendered PCa cells to EZH2 inhibitors.

Conclusion

Collectively, our finding reveals a EZH2-SOX9-TNFRSF11A axis in the regulation of activity of NF-κB signaling in PCa cells and suggests that a combination of EZH2 inhibitors and BAY11-7082 would be an effective approach for the treatment of PCa patients in the future.
Retrospective evaluation of the effectiveness of indoor residual spray with pirimiphos‐methyl (Actellic) on malaria transmission in Zambia
Authors: Keating Joseph , Yukich Joshua O. , Miller John M. , Scates Sara , Hamainza Busiku , Eisele Thomas P. , Bennett Adam
Published: April 2021

Background

Widespread insecticide resistance to pyrethroids could thwart progress towards elimination. Recently, the World Health Organization has encouraged the use of non-pyrethroid insecticides to reduce the spread of insecticide resistance. An electronic tool for implementing and tracking coverage of IRS campaigns has recently been tested (mSpray), using satellite imagery to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the enumeration process. The purpose of this paper is to retrospectively analyse cross-sectional observational data to provide evidence of the epidemiological effectiveness of having introduced Actellic 300CS and the mSpray platform into IRS programmes across Zambia.

Methods

Health facility catchment areas in 40 high burden districts in 5 selected provinces were initially targeted for spraying. The mSpray platform was used in 7 districts in Luapula Province. An observational study design was used to assess the relationship between IRS exposure and confirmed malaria case incidence. A random effects Poisson model was used to quantify the effect of IRS (with and without use of the mSpray platform) on confirmed malaria case incidence over the period 2013–2017; analysis was restricted to the 4 provinces where IRS was conducted in each year 2014–2016.

Results

IRS was conducted in 283 health facility catchment areas from 2014 to 2016; 198 health facilities from the same provinces, that received no IRS during this period, served as a comparison. IRS appears to be associated with reduced confirmed malaria incidence; the incidence rate ratio (IRR) was lower in areas with IRS but without mSpray, compared to areas with no IRS (IRR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.84–0.98). Receiving IRS with mSpray significantly lowered confirmed case incidence (IRR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.66–0.86) compared to no IRS. IRS with mSpray resulted in lower incidence compared to IRS without mSpray (IRR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.72–0.95).

Conclusions

IRS using Actellic-CS appears to substantially reduce malaria incidence in Zambia. The use of the mSpray tool appears to improve the effectiveness of the IRS programme, possibly through improved population level coverage. The results of this study lend credence to the anecdotal evidence of the effectiveness of 3GIRS using Actellic, and the importance of exploring new platforms for improving effective population coverage of areas targeted for spraying.
Cord blood acrylamide levels and birth size, and interactions with genetic variants in acrylamide-metabolising genes
Authors: Hogervorst Janneke , Vesper Hubert W. , Madhloum Narjes , Gyselaers Wilfried , Nawrot Tim
Published: April 2021

Background

Up to now, 3 epidemiological studies have shown clear inverse associations between prenatal acrylamide exposure and birth size. In addition to studying the association between acrylamide and birth size, we investigated the interaction between acrylamide and polymorphisms in acrylamide-metabolising genes, with the aim of probing the causality of the inverse relationship between acrylamide and fetal growth.

Methods

We investigated the association between prenatal acrylamide exposure (acrylamide and glycidamide hemoglobin adduct levels (AA-Hb and GA-Hb) in cord blood) and birth weight, length and head circumference in 443 newborns of the ENVIRONAGE (ENVIRonmental influence ON AGEing in early life) birth cohort. In addition, we studied interaction with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CYP2E1, EPHX1 and GSTP1, using multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

Among all neonates, the body weight, length and head circumference of neonates in the highest quartile was − 101 g (95% CI: − 208, 7; p for trend = 0.12), − 0.13 cm (95% CI: − 0.62, 0.36; p for trend = 0.69) and − 0.41 cm (− 0.80, − 0.01; p for trend = 0.06) lower, respectively, compared to neonates in the lowest quartile of AA-Hb in cord blood, For GA-Hb, the corresponding effect estimates were − 222 g (95% CI: − 337, − 108; p for trend = 0.001), − 0.85 (95% CI: − 1.38, − 0.33; p for trend = 0.02) and − 0.55 (95% CI: − 0.98, − 0.11; p for trend = 0.01), respectively. The associations for GA-Hb were similar or stronger in newborns of non-smoking mothers. There was no statistically significant interaction between acrylamide exposure and the studied genetic variations but there was a trend of stronger inverse associations with birth weight and head circumference among newborns with homozygous wildtypes alleles for the CYP2E1 SNPS and with variant alleles for a GSTP1 SNP (rs1138272).

Conclusions

Prenatal dietary acrylamide exposure, specifically in the form of its metabolite glycidamide, was inversely associated with birth weight, length and head circumference. The interaction pattern with SNPs in CYP2E1, although not statistically significant, is an indication for the causality of this association. Other studies are needed to corroborate this finding.
Developmental exposure to DDT or DDE alters sympathetic innervation of brown adipose in adult female mice
Authors: vonderEmbse Annalise N. , Elmore Sarah E. , Jackson Kyle B. , Habecker Beth A. , Manz Katherine E. , Pennell Kurt D. , Lein Pamela J. , La Merrill Michele A.
Published: April 2021

Background

Exposure to the bioaccumulative pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolite dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) has been associated with increased risk of insulin resistance and obesity in humans and experimental animals. These effects appear to be mediated by reduced brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis, which is regulated by the sympathetic nervous system. Although the neurotoxicity of DDT is well-established, whether DDT alters sympathetic innervation of BAT is unknown. We hypothesized that perinatal exposure to DDT or DDE promotes thermogenic dysfunction by interfering with sympathetic regulation of BAT thermogenesis.

Methods

Pregnant C57BL/6 J mice were administered environmentally relevant concentrations of DDTs (p,p’-DDT and o,p’-DDT) or DDE (p,p’-DDE), 1.7 mg/kg and 1.31 mg/kg, respectively, from gestational day 11.5 to postnatal day 5 by oral gavage, and longitudinal body temperature was recorded in male and female offspring. At 4 months of age, metabolic parameters were measured in female offspring via indirect calorimetry with or without the β3 adrenergic receptor agonist, CL 316,243. Immunohistochemical and neurochemical analyses of sympathetic neurons innervating BAT were evaluated.

Results

We observed persistent thermogenic impairment in adult female, but not male, mice perinatally exposed to DDTs or p,p’-DDE. Perinatal DDTs exposure significantly impaired metabolism in adult female mice, an effect rescued by treatment with CL 316,243 immediately prior to calorimetry experiments. Neither DDTs nor p,p’-DDE significantly altered BAT morphology or the concentrations of norepinephrine and its metabolite DHPG in the BAT of DDTs-exposed mice. However, quantitative immunohistochemistry revealed a 20% decrease in sympathetic axons innervating BAT in adult female mice perinatally exposed to DDTs, but not p,p’-DDE, and 48 and 43% fewer synapses in stellate ganglia of mice exposed to either DDTs or p,p’-DDE, respectively, compared to control.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that perinatal exposure to DDTs or p,p’-DDE impairs thermogenesis by interfering with patterns of connectivity in sympathetic circuits that regulate BAT.

Graphical abstract
Nanotechnology: new opportunities for the development of patch‐clamps
Authors: Gao Jia , Liao Chunyang , Liu Sijin , Xia Tian , Jiang Guibin
Published: April 2021

The patch-clamp technique is one of the best approaches to investigate neural excitability. Impressive improvements towards the automation of the patch-clamp technique have been made, but obvious limitations and hurdles still exist, such as parallelization, volume displacement in vivo, and long-term recording. Nanotechnologies have provided opportunities to overcome these hurdles by applying electrical devices on the nanoscale. Electrodes based on nanowires, nanotubes, and nanoscale field-effect transistors (FETs) are confirmed to be robust and less invasive tools for intracellular electrophysiological recording. Research on the interface between the nanoelectrode and cell membrane aims to reduce the seal conductance and further improve the recording quality. Many novel recording approaches advance the parallelization, and precision with reduced invasiveness, thus improving the overall intracellular recording system. The combination of nanotechnology and the present intracellular recording framework is a revolutionary and promising orientation, potentially becoming the next generation electrophysiological recording technique and replacing the conventional patch-clamp technique. Here, this paper reviews the recent advances in intracellular electrophysiological recording techniques using nanotechnology, focusing on the design of noninvasive and greatly parallelized recording systems based on nanoelectronics.
Retraction Note to: Quality of life in endometrial cancer survivors: single institution experience in Slovakia
Authors: Lajtman Erik
Published: April 2021

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12955-021-01750-8
Does engagement with frontline health workers improve maternal and child healthcare utilisation and outcomes in India?
Authors: Rammohan Anu , Goli Srinivas , Saroj Shashi Kala , Jaleel C. P. Abdul
Published: April 2021

Background

Poor Maternal and Child Health (MCH) outcomes pose challenges to India’s ability to attain Goal-3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The government of India strengthened the existing network of frontline health workers (FHWs), under its National Rural Health Mission in 2005 and subsequent National Urban Health Mission in 2013 as a strategy to mitigate the shortage of skilled health workers and to provide affordable healthcare services. However, there is a lack of robust national-level empirical analysis on the role of maternal engagement with FHWs in influencing the level of maternal and child health care utilisation and child health outcomes in India.

Methods

Using data from the nationally representative Indian National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2015–2016, this paper aims to investigate the intensity of engagement of FHWs with married women of child-bearing age (15–49 years), its influence on utilisation of maternal and child healthcare services, and child health outcomes. Our empirical analyses use multivariate regression analyses, focusing on five maternal and child health indicators: antenatal care visits (ANC) (4 or > 4 times), institutional delivery, full-immunisation of children, postnatal care (PNC) (within 2 days of delivery), and child survival.

Results

Our analysis finds that maternal engagement with FHWs is statistically significant and a positive predictor of maternal and child health care utilisation, and child survival. Further, the level of engagement with FHWs is particularly important for women from economically poor households. Our robustness checks across sub-samples of women who delivered only in public health institutions and those from rural areas provides an additional confidence in our main results.

Conclusions

From a policy perspective, our findings highlight that strengthening the network of FHWs in the areas where they are in shortage which can help in further improving the utilisation of maternal and child healthcare services, and health outcomes. Also, the role of FHWs in the government health system needs to be enhanced by improving skills, working environment, and greater financial incentives.
Correction to: Effects of acute hypoxia on human adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase activity and lipolysis
Authors: Mahat Bimit , Chassé Étienne , Mauger Jean-François , Imbeault Pascal
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Paediatric non-infectious uveitis in Cape Town, South Africa: a retrospective review of disease characteristics and outcomes on immunomodulating treatment
Authors: Slamang Waheba , Tinley Christopher , Brice Nicola , Scott Christiaan
Published: April 2021

Background

Non-infectious uveitis is a well-reported cause of blindness in more developed countries, however data from sub-Saharan Africa is lacking. Here we aim to describe the diseases associated with paediatric non-infectious uveitis and the effect of currently available treatment in this setting.

Methods

A retrospective observational analysis of children with non-infectious uveitis from January 2010 to December 2017, attending the tertiary paediatric rheumatology and ophthalmology referral units in Cape Town was conducted. Statistical analysis utilising STATA13 software was performed with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Results

Twenty-nine children were identified: median age at first visit of 74 months (IQR 49–86 months), female to male ratio of 0.9:1, predominantly of mixed ancestry (72.4%). Juvenile idiopathic arthritis associated uveitis (JIAU) (48.3%), idiopathic uveitis (41.4%), sarcoidosis (6.9%) and Behcet’s disease (3.5%) were diagnosed. Chronic anterior uveitis (72.4%) was the most frequent finding. Fifty-five percent had complications at presentation and all children with idiopathic uveitis presented with cataracts.

Only 6.5% of the JIA cohort had JIAU. All JIA children had chronic anterior uveitis. There were no differences between JIA children with uveitis and those without uveitis, for sex (p = 0.68) and race (p = 0.58). Significantly, children with uveitis presented at an overall younger age (p = 0.008), had oligo-articular JIA (p = 0.01) and were antinuclear antibody positive (p < 0.001).

Children with idiopathic uveitis were predominantly male (66.6%) with chronic anterior uveitis (41.7%).

Nineteen children (65.5%) in the cohort had inactive disease on treatment at 12 months from diagnosis, which included 10 on topical corticosteroid therapy. At the last clinical visit 17 (58.6%) on standard initial therapy, 8 (27.6%) on tumour necrosis factor inhibitors and 2 on additional DMARDs were in remission. Five of these children still required topical corticosteroids. Surgery was performed in 41.4%, primarily in the idiopathic group. Visual acuity improved or was maintained on treatment.

Conclusion

Current practice seems to detect children with potentially sight-threatening disease but the high rate of complications and the low percentage of children with JIAU raises concerns of delayed healthcare intervention. Tumour necrosis factor inhibitors have improved outcomes in refractory cases in this cohort, however further studies are needed.
Early retention among pregnant women on ‘Option B + ’ in urban and rural Zimbabwe
Authors: Chimwaza Anesu N. , Tweya Hannock , Mugurungi Owen , Mushavi Angela , Mukungunugwa Solomon , Sithole Ngwarai , Nyakura Justice , Senkoro Mbazi , Owiti Philip , Ncube Ronald , Tapera Talent , Mandewo Winnie , Edwards Jeffrey K. , Mangombe Aveneni , Taramusi Isaac
Published: April 2021

Background

In 2013, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended Option B+ as a strategy to prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. In option B+ , lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) is offered to all HIV positive pregnant and breastfeeding women to reduce MTCT rate to less than or equal to 5%. Its success depends on retaining women on ART during pregnancy, delivery and breast-feeding period. There is limited data on early retention on ART among pregnant women in Zimbabwe. We therefore assessed early retention among women on Option B + from antenatal care (ANC) until 6 months post ANC booking and at delivery in Bulawayo city and Mazowe rural district of Zimbabwe.

Methods

We collected data for pregnant women booking for ANC between January and March 2018, comparing early retention among ART naïve women and those already on ART. The two cohorts were followed up for 6 months post ANC booking, and this was done in two districts. Data were collected from routine tools used at facility level which include ANC, delivery and ART registers. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to estimate retention probabilities at 1, 3 and 6 months post-delivery and for retention at delivery proportions were used. Poisson regression was used to investigate factors associated with non-retention at 6 months post ANC booking.

Results

A total of 388 women were included in the study with median age of 29 years (IQR: 25–34). Two-thirds booked in their second trimester. Retention at 3 and 6 months post ANC booking was 84% (95% CI 80–88) and 73% (95% CI 69–78) respectively. At delivery 81% (95% CI 76–84) were retained in care, 18% lost-to-follow-up and 1% transferred out. In this study we did not find marital status, gestation age, facility location, ART status at ANC booking, to be associated with loss to follow-up.

Conclusion

In this study, we found low retention at 3, 6 months and delivery, a threat to elimination of Mother-to-child Transmission of HIV in Zimbabwe. Our findings emphasize the need for enhanced interventions to improve early retention such as post-test counselling, patient tracing and visit reminders.
Assessment of biodiversity goods for the sustainable development of the chagra in an indigenous community of the Colombian Amazon: local values of crops
Authors: Garavito Giovanny , Clavijo Rafael , Luengas Pilar , Palacios Pablo , Arias María Helena
Published: April 2021

Background

The chagra is the agroforestry system adapted to the characteristics of the Amazon region. Recently, there has been a reported loss of biodiversity and traditional knowledge associated with the chagras. This paper characterizes the cultivators, exploring knowledge and expressed value perception in the context of the Amazonian chagra of an indigenous community; also, this prioritizes species, under the optics of commercial opportunity.

Methods

A semi-structured instrument was applied to 14 volunteers, asking about marketing preferences and use values of the species; later, a floristic inventory and prioritization workshop was developed.

Results

Sixty-two percent of the participants were 50 years or older at the time of the interview. Open conversations showed that traditional knowledge is a matter of practice; and is maintained mainly by the older "grandfathers". Thirty-eight species, belonging to 28 different families, were reported, showing considerable diversity. Seventy-nine percent of the participants consider the Leticia market and sales to tourists as the main marketing scenarios.

Conclusions

The Ziora-Amena community centralizes the handling of chagras in the community's older adults, who transmit their traditional knowledge to new generations through oral tradition. Indicators of preference, use, and abundance highlight the food species. The perception of the trade stakeholder encourages research and development of endemic species, with health properties or ingredients for industry, which represent an opportunity of high added value for the region.
Proportion and reasons for loss to follow-up in a cohort study of people who inject drugs to measure HIV and HCV incidence in Kerman, Iran
Authors: Mousavian Ghazal , Ghalekhani Nima , Tavakoli Fatemeh , McFarland Willi , Shahesmaeili Armita , Sharafi Heidar , Khezri Mehrdad , Mehmandoost Soheil , Zarei Jasem , Sharifi Hamid , Mirzazadeh Ali
Published: April 2021

Background

Understanding the reasons for loss to follow-up (LTFU) in cohort studies, especially among marginalized groups such as people who inject drugs (PWID), is needed to strengthen the rigor of efficacy trials for prevention and treatment interventions. We assessed the proportion and reasons for loss to follow-up in a recent cohort of PWID enrolled in the southeast of Iran.

Methods

Using respondent-driven sampling, we recruited 98 PWID age 18 years or older who reported injecting drugs in the past 6 months, and were negative for HIV and HCV at initial screening. Participants were followed at 6 week intervals, alternating a short six-week visit and long 12-week or quarterly visit to measure incidence of HIV and HCV. Methods to enhance retention included incentives for completing each visit, tracking people who missed the scheduled visits through their peer referral networks, engaged outreach teams to explore hotspots and residences, and photos. LTFU was defined as participants who missed their quarterly visits for two or more weeks.

Results

Mean (SD) age of participants was 39.7 years (SD 9.6). Of 98 enrolled, 50 participants (51.0%) were LTFU by missed their scheduled quarterly visits for 2 weeks or more. For those whose reasons for LTFU could be defined (46.0%, 23 of 50), main reasons were: forgetting the date of visit (43.5%, 10 of 23), being incarcerated (39.1%, 9 of 23), and moving out of the city (17.4%, 4 of 23).

Conclusion

This study highlighted the difficulty in retaining PWID in longitudinal studies. Despite having several retention strategies in place, over half of PWID were LTFU. The LTFU might be reduced by setting up more effective reminder systems, working closely with security systems, and online means to reach those who move outside the study area.
A step toward understanding the mechanism of action of audit and feedback: a qualitative study of implementation strategies
Authors: Springer Mellanie V. , Sales Anne E. , Islam Nishat , McBride A. Camille , Landis-Lewis Zach , Tupper Michael , Corches Casey L. , Robles Maria Cielito , Skolarus Lesli E.
Published: April 2021

Background

Audit and feedback (A&F) is a widely used implementation strategy. Understanding mechanisms of action of A&F increases the likelihood that the strategy will lead to implementation of an evidence-based practice. We therefore sought to understand one hospital’s experience selecting and implementing an A&F intervention, to determine the implementation strategies that were used by staff and to specify the mechanism of action of those implementation strategies using causal pathway models, with the ultimate goal of improving acute stroke treatment practices.

Methods

We selected an A&F strategy in a hospital, initially based on implementation determinants and staff consideration of their performance on acute stroke treatment measures. After 7 months of A&F, we conducted semi-structured interviews of hospital providers and administrative staff to understand how it contributed to implementing guideline-concordant acute stroke treatment (medication named tissue plasminogen activator). We coded the interviews to identify the implementation strategies that staff used following A&F and to assess their mechanisms of action.

Results

We identified five implementation strategies that staff used following the feedback intervention. These included (1) creating folders containing the acute stroke treatment protocol for the emergency department, (2) educating providers about the protocol for acute stroke, (3) obtaining computed tomography imaging of stroke patients immediately upon emergency department arrival, (4) increasing access to acute stroke medical treatment in the emergency department, and (5) providing additional staff support for implementation of the protocol in the emergency department. We identified enablement, training, and environmental restructuring as mechanisms of action through which the implementation strategies acted to improve guideline-concordant and timely acute stroke treatment.

Conclusions

A&F of a hospital’s acute stroke treatment practices generated additional implementation strategies that acted through various mechanisms of action. Future studies should focus on how initial implementation strategies can be amplified through internal mechanisms.
Delayed hospital admission for traumatic hip fractures during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Jarvis Stephanie , Salottolo Kristin , Madayag Robert , Pekarek Jennifer , Nwafo Nnamdi , Wessel Alexander , Duane Therese , Roberts Zachary , Lieser Mark , Corrigan Chad , Bar-Or David
Published: April 2021

Background

Concerns of contracting the highly contagious disease COVID-19 have led to a reluctance in seeking medical attention, which may contribute to delayed hospital arrival among traumatic patients. The study objective was to describe differences in time from injury to arrival for patients with traumatic hip fractures admitted during the pandemic to pre-pandemic patients.

Materials and methods

This retrospective cohort study at six level I trauma centers included patients with traumatic hip fractures. Patients with a non-fall mechanism and those who were transferred in were excluded. Patients admitted 16 March 2019–30 June 2019 were in the “pre-pandemic” group, patients were admitted 16 March 2020–30 June 2020 were in the “pandemic” group. The primary outcome was time from injury to arrival. Secondary outcomes were time from arrival to surgical intervention, hospital length of stay (HLOS), and mortality.

Results

There were 703 patients, 352 (50.1%) pre-pandemic and 351 (49.9%) during the pandemic. Overall, 66.5% were female and the median age was 82 years old. Patients were similar in age, race, gender, and injury severity score. The median time from injury to hospital arrival was statistically shorter for pre-pandemic patients when compared to pandemic patients, 79.5 (56, 194.5) min vs. 91 (59, 420), p = 0.04. The time from arrival to surgical intervention (p = 0.64) was statistically similar between groups. For both groups, the median HLOS was 5 days, p = 0.45. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher during the pandemic, 1.1% vs 3.4%, p = 0.04.

Conclusions

While time from injury to hospital arrival was statistically longer during the pandemic, the difference may not be clinically important. Time from arrival to surgical intervention remained similar, despite changes made to prevent COVID-19 transmission.
Correction to: Phenotypic characterization of X-linked hypophosphatemia in pediatric Spanish population
Authors:   RenalTubeGroup, Rodríguez-Rubio Enrique , Gil-Peña Helena , Chocron Sara , Madariaga Leire , de la Cerda-Ojeda Francisco , Fernández-Fernández Marta , de Lucas-Collantes Carmen , Gil Marta , Luis-Yanes María Isabel , Vergara Inés , González-Rodríguez Juan David , Ferrando Susana , Antón-Gamero Montserrat , Hidalgo-Barquero Marta Carrasco , Fernández-Escribano Angustias , Fernández-Maseda Mº Ángeles , Espinosa Laura , Oliet Aniana , Vicente Antonio , Ariceta Gema , Santos Fernando
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
The effect of antimicrobial treatment on mortality associated with urinary tract disease in mink kits (Neovison vison)
Authors: Mundbjerg Karin , Pedersen Peder Elbek , Hammer Anne Sofie
Published: April 2021

Mink urinary tract disease (MUTD) often presents as urolithiasis and/or cystitis and is known as an important cause of mortality in mink kits during the early growth season. Antimicrobial flock treatment has been routinely applied as preventive/therapeutic protocol on Danish mink farms with increased mortality associated with MUTD. The therapeutic effect of this treatment strategy has not previously been investigated. In this study, we applied controlled parallel group treatment trials to assess the effect of sulfadiazine/trimethoprim and amoxicillin treatment on mortality associated with MUTD in mink kits. On farm A, eight mink kits were diagnosed with MUTD post mortem in the treatment group (n = 1920, sulfadiazine/trimethoprim treatment: 30 mg/kg, q 24 h, P.O for 5 days) compared to 16 in the untreated control group (n = 1920). No significant difference in mortality associated with MUTD were found between  the treatment and the control group using the Fisher’s exact test (P = 0.15). Treatment group 2 (n = 1920, amoxicillin treatment: 14 mg/kg q 24 h, P.O for 5 days) and treatment group 3 (n = 2088, amoxicillin treatment: 7.5 mg/kg q 24 h, P.O for 5 days) were investigated on farm B. Eight and four mink kits were diagnosed with MUTD post mortem in group 2 and 3, respectively. No difference between occurrence of MUTD were found between the control group and treatment group 2 (P = 0.42) or treatment group 3 (P = 0.75). No significant difference between final body weights or weight gain were found between treatment and control weighing groups on farm A or B. In conclusion, antimicrobial treatment administered in the feed showed no significant effect on weight gain or mortality associated with MUTD on the farms included in this study.
Prescreening and treatment of aortic dissection through an analysis of infinite-dimension data
Authors: Qiu Peng , Li Yixuan , Liu Kai , Qin Jinbao , Ye Kaichuang , Chen Tao , Lu Xinwu
Published: April 2021

Background

Aortic dissection (AD) is one of the most catastrophic aortic diseases associated with a high mortality rate. In contrast to the advances in most cardiovascular diseases, both the incidence and in-hospital mortality rate of AD have experienced deviant increases over the past 20 years, highlighting the need for fresh prospects on the prescreening and in-hospital treatment strategies.

Methods

Through two cross-sectional studies, we adopt image recognition techniques to identify pre-disease aortic morphology for prior diagnoses; assuming that AD has occurred, we employ functional data analysis to determine the optimal timing for BP and HR interventions to offer the highest possible survival rate.

Results

Compared with the healthy control group, the aortic centerline is significantly more slumped for the AD group. Further, controlling patients’ blood pressure and heart rate according to the likelihood of adverse events can offer the highest possible survival probability.

Conclusions

The degree of slumpness is introduced to depict aortic morphological changes comprehensively. The morphology-based prediction model is associated with an improvement in the predictive accuracy of the prescreening of AD. The dynamic model reveals that blood pressure and heart rate variations have a strong predictive power for adverse events, confirming this model’s ability to improve AD management.
Prevalence of children born small for gestational age with short stature who qualify for growth hormone treatment
Authors: Tamaro Gianluca , Pizzul Mariagrazia , Gaeta Giuliana , Servello Raffaella , Trevisan Marina , Böhm Patricia , Materassi Paola Manera Ada , Macaluso Anna , Valentini Denis , Pellegrin Maria Chiara , Barbi Egidio , Tornese Gianluca
Published: April 2021

Background

Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is approved in Europe as a treatment for short children born small for gestational age (SGA) since 2003. However, no study evaluated the prevalence of SGA children with short stature who qualify for rhGH in Europe so far. This study aimed to investigate in an Italian population the prevalence of children born SGA, of short stature in children born SGA, and of SGA children who qualify for rhGH treatment at 4 years of age.

Methods

We conducted a population-based study on primary care pediatricians’ databases in Trieste, Italy. Data was collected on 3769 children born between 2004 and 2014. SGA was defined as birth weight and/or birth length ≤ − 2 SDS. Data on height and weight were registered at the closest well-being visit to 1, 2, 3, 4 years of age. Short stature was defined as height ≤ − 2 SDS. Short children born SGA who qualify for rhGH treatment were identified according to Note AIFA #39 criteria (age ≥ 4 years; height ≤ − 2.5 SDS; growth velocity < 50th percentile).

Results

Full data at birth were available for 3250 children. The SGA prevalence was 3.6% (0.8% SGA for weight, 2.2% SGA for length, 0.6% SGA for both weight and length). The prevalence of short stature among SGA children was 9% at 1 year of age, 6% at 2 years (significantly higher in preterm in the first 2 years), 4% at 3 years, 3% at 4 years (all born at term). At 4 years of age, median height SDS was − 0.52. One child born SGA was eligible for GH treatment (0.8% among SGA children).

Conclusions

The prevalence in a general pediatric population of children born SGA who qualify for GH treatment was 1:3250. Although the prevalence of SGA in our population was similar to previous studies, catch-up growth was recorded earlier in our sample compared to previous reports, and term babies had late catch-up. Height SDS of children born SGA at 4 years of age was lower than expected (− 0.52 SDS).
Oxidation of 1-propanol to propionic acid with hydrogen peroxide catalysed by heteropolyoxometalates
Authors: Liu Minxue , Yu Fengli , Yuan Bing , Xie Congxia , Yu Shitao
Published: April 2021

Background

Propionic acid as a very valuable chemical is in high demand, and it is industrially produced via the oxo-synthesis of ethylene or ethyl alcohol and via the oxidation of propionaldehyde with oxygen. It is urgent to discover a new preparation method for propionic acid via a green route. Recyclable amino-acid-based organic–inorganic heteropolyoxometalates were first used to high-efficiently catalyse the selective oxidation of 1-propanol to propionic acid with H2O2 as an oxidant.

Result

A series of amino-acid-based heteropoly catalysts using different types of amino acids and heteropoly acids were synthesized, and the experimental results showed proline-based heteropolyphosphatotungstate (ProH)3[PW12O40] exhibited excellent catalytic activity for the selective catalytic oxidation of 1-propanol to propionic acid owing to its high capacity as an oxygen transfer agent and suitable acidity. Under optimized reaction conditions, the conversion of 1-propanol and the selectivity of propionic acid reached 88% and 75%, respectively. Over four cycles, the conversion remained at >80%, and the selectivity was >60%. (ProH)3[PW12O40] was also used to catalyse the oxidations of 1-butanol, 1-pentanol, 1-hexanol, and benzyl alcohol. All the reactions had high conversions, with the corresponding acids being the primary oxidation product.

Conclusions

Proline-based heteropolyoxometalate (ProH)3[PW12O40] has been successfully used to catalyse the selective oxidation of primary alcohols to the corresponding carboxylic acids with H2O2 as the oxidant. The new developed catalytic oxidation system is mild, high-efficient, and reliable. This study provides a potential green route for the preparation propionic acid.
Transcriptome-based analysis of the effects of salicylic acid and high light on lipid and astaxanthin accumulation in Haematococcus pluvialis
Authors: Hu Qunju , Huang Danqiong , Li Anguo , Hu Zhangli , Gao Zhengquan , Yang Yongli , Wang Chaogang
Published: April 2021

Background

The unicellular alga Haematococcus pluvialis has achieved considerable interests for its capacity to accumulate large amounts of triacylglycerol and astaxanthin under various environmental stresses. To our knowledge, studies focusing on transcriptome research of H. pluvialis under exogenous hormones together with physical stresses are rare. In the present study, the change patterns at transcriptome level were analyzed to distinguish the multiple defensive systems of astaxanthin and fatty acid metabolism against exogenous salicylic acid and high light (SAHL) stresses.

Results

Based on RNA-seq data, a total of 112,463 unigenes and 61,191 genes were annotated in six databases, including NR, KEGG, Swiss-Prot, PFAM, COG and GO. Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in KEGG identified many transcripts that associated with the biosynthesis of primary and secondary metabolites, photosynthesis, and immune system responses. Furthermore, 705 unigenes predicted as putative transcription factors (TFs) were identified, and the most abundant TFs families were likely to be associated with the biosynthesis of astaxanthin and fatty acid in H. pluvialis upon exposure to SAHL stresses. Additionally, majority of the fifteen key genes involved in astaxanthin and fatty acid biosynthesis pathways presented the same expression pattern, resulting in increased accumulation of astaxanthin and fatty acids in single celled H. pluvialis, in which astaxanthin content increased from 0.56 ± 0.05 mg·L−1 at stage Control to 0.89 ± 0.12 mg·L−1 at stage SAHL_48. And positive correlations were observed among these studied genes by Pearson Correlation (PC) analysis, indicating the coordination between astaxanthin and fatty acid biosynthesis. In addition, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis also demonstrated that this coordination might be at transcriptional level.

Conclusion

The results in this study provided valuable information to illustrate the molecular mechanisms of coordinate relations between astaxanthin and fatty acid biosynthesis. And salicylic acid might play a role in self-protection processes of cells, helping adaption of H. pluvialis to high light stress.
Gut related inflammation and cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with CAD and type 2 diabetes: a sub-study of a randomized controlled trial on exercise training
Authors: Aune Susanne Kristine , Byrkjeland Rune , Solheim Svein , Arnesen Harald , Trøseid Marius , Awoyemi Ayodeji , Seljeflot Ingebjørg , Helseth Ragnhild
Published: April 2021

Aim

Gut leakage has been shown to associate with low-grade inflammation and lower cardiorespiratory fitness in diabetic subjects. We aimed to investigate whether gut leakage markers related to cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with both coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes, and whether these were affected by long-term exercise training.

Methods

Patients with angiographically verified coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 137) were randomized to either 12 months exercise intervention or conventional follow-up. A cardiopulmonary exercise test and fasting blood samples were obtained before and after intervention to assess VO2peak and the biomarkers soluble CD14, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein and intestinal fatty-acid binding protein as markers of gut leakage.

Results

114 patients completed the intervention satisfactory. VO2peak correlated inversely to sCD14 (r = − 0.248, p = 0.004) at baseline. Dividing sCD14 into quartiles (Q), VO2peak was significantly higher in Q1 vs. Q2–4 (p = 0.001), and patients in Q2-4 (sCD14 > 1300 ng/mL) had an OR of 2.9 (95% CI 1.2–7.0) of having VO2peak below median (< 23.8 ml/kg/min) at baseline. There were no statistically significant differences in changes in gut leakage markers between the two randomized groups (all p > 0.05) after 12 months.

Conclusions

Cardiorespiratory fitness related inversely to sCD14, suggesting physical capacity to be associated with gut leakage in patients with CAD and T2DM. Long-term exercise training did not affect circulating gut leakage markers in our population.

Trial registration NCT01232608, Registered 02 November 2010—Retrospectively registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01232608?term=NCT01232608&draw=2&rank=1