bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gastric cancer in autoimmune gastritis: A case‐control study from the German centers of the staR project on gastric cancer research
Authors: Weise Friederike , Vieth Michael , Reinhold Dirk , Haybaeck Johannes , Goni Elisabetta , Lippert Hans , Ridwelski Karsten , Lingohr Philipp , Schildberg Claus , Vassos Nikolaos , Kruschewski Martin , Krasniuk Iurii , Grimminger Peter P , Waidmann Oliver , Peitz Ulrich , Veits Lothar , Kreuser Nicole , Lang Hauke , Bruns Christiane , Moehler Markus , Lordick Florian , Gockel Ines , Schumacher Johannes , Malfertheiner Peter , Venerito Marino
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Patients with autoimmune gastritis (AIG) are reported to have an increased risk of developing gastric cancer (GC). In this study, we assess the characteristics and outcomes of GC patients with AIG in a multicenter case‐control study.

Methods

Between April 2013 and May 2017, patients with GC, including cancers of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) Siewert type II and III, were recruited. Patients with histological characteristics of AIG were identified and matched in a 1:2 fashion for age and gender to GC patients with no AIG. Presenting symptoms were documented using a self‐administered questionnaire.

Results

Histological assessment of gastric mucosa was available for 572/759 GC patients. Overall, 28 (4.9%) of GC patients had AIG (67 ± 9 years, female‐to‐male ratio 1.3:1). In patients with AIG, GC was more likely to be localized in the proximal (i.e. EGJ, fundus, corpus) stomach (odds ratio (OR) 2.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0–7.1). In GC patients with AIG, pernicious anemia was the leading clinical sign (OR 22.0, 95% CI 2.6–187.2), and the most common indication for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (OR 29.0, 95% CI 7.2–116.4). GC patients with AIG were more likely to present without distant metastases (OR 6.2, 95% CI 1.3–28.8) and to be treated with curative intention (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.0–9.0). The five‐year survival rates with 95% CI in GC patients with and with no AIG were 84.7% (83.8–85.6) and 53.5% (50.9–56.1), respectively (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.08–0.75, p  = 0.001).

Conclusions

Pernicious anemia leads to earlier diagnosis of GC in AIG patients and contributes significantly to a better clinical outcome.
Synthesis of Au/CdSe Janus Nanoparticles with Efficient Charge Transfer for Improving Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Liu Xiao-Dan , Chen Kai , Ma Song , Hao Zhong-Hua , Liang Shan , Zhou Li , Wang Qu-Quan
Published: November 2019

Metal-semiconductor heterostructures integrate multiply functionalities beyond those of their individual counterparts. Great efforts have been devoted to synthesize heterostructures with controlled morphologies for the applications ranging from photocatalysis to photonic nanodevices. Beyond the morphologies, the interface between two counterparts also significantly influences the performance of the heterostructures. Here, we synthesize Au/CdSe Janus nanostructures consisting of two half spheres of Au and CdSe separated by a flat and high-quality interface. Au/CdSe with other morphologies could also be prepared by adjusting the overgrowth conditions. The photocatalytic hydrogen generation of the Au/CdSe Janus nanospheres is measured to be 3.9 times higher than that of the controlled samples with CdSe half-shells overgrown on the Au nanospheres. The highly efficient charge transfer across the interface between Au and CdSe contributes to the improved photocatalytic performance. Our studies may find the applications in the design of heterostructures with highly efficient photocatalytic activity.
Genome-wide association study and genomic selection for soybean chlorophyll content associated with soybean cyst nematode tolerance
Authors: Ravelombola Waltram Second , Qin Jun , Shi Ainong , Nice Liana , Bao Yong , Lorenz Aaron , Orf James H. , Young Nevin D. , Chen Senyu
Published: November 2019

Background

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN),Heterodera glycinesIchinohe, has been one of the most devastating pathogens affecting soybean production. In the United States alone, SCN damage accounted for more than $1 billion loss annually. With a narrow genetic background of the currently available SCN-resistant commercial cultivars, high risk of resistance breakdown can occur. The objectives of this study were to conduct a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify QTL, SNP markers, and candidate genes associated with soybean leaf chlorophyll content tolerance to SCN infection, and to carry out a genomic selection (GS) study for the chlorophyll content tolerance.

Results

A total of 172 soybean genotypes were evaluated for the effect of SCN HG Type 1.2.3.5.6.7 (race 4) on soybean leaf chlorophyll. The soybean lines were genotyped using a total of 4089 filtered and high-quality SNPs. Results showed that (1) a large variation in SCN tolerance based on leaf chlorophyll content indices (CCI); (2) a total of 22, 14, and 16 SNPs associated with CCI of non-SCN-infected plants, SCN-infected plants, and reduction of CCI SCN, respectively; (3) a new locus of chlorophyll content tolerance to SCN mapped on chromosome 3; (4) candidate genes encoding for Leucine-rich repeat protein, plant hormone signaling molecules, and biomolecule transporters; and (5) an average GS accuracy ranging from 0.31 to 0.46 with all SNPs and varying from 0.55 to 0.76 when GWAS-derived SNP markers were used across five models. This study demonstrated the potential of using genome-wide selection to breed chlorophyll-content-tolerant soybean for managing SCN.

Conclusions

In this study, soybean accessions with higher CCI under SCN infestation, and molecular markers associated with chlorophyll content related to SCN were identified. In addition, a total of 15 candidate genes associated with chlorophyll content tolerance to SCN in soybean were also identified. These candidate genes will lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that control chlorophyll content tolerance to SCN in soybean. Genomic selection analysis of chlorophyll content tolerance to SCN showed that using significant SNPs obtained from GWAS could provide better GS accuracy.
The (cost) effectiveness of guided internet-based self-help CBT for dialysis patients with symptoms of depression: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Nadort Els , Schouten Robbert W. , Dekker Friedo W. , Honig Adriaan , van Oppen Patricia , Siegert Carl E. H.
Published: November 2019

Background

Only a minority of dialysis patients with depressive symptoms are diagnosed and receive treatment. Depressive symptoms are highly prevalent in this population and are associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Underlying factors for this undertreatment may be the lack of evidence for the safety and effectivity of antidepressant medication, the reluctance of patients to adhere to antidepressant medication, the lack of mental healthcare provision in somatic healthcare environments and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) related physical limitations that complicate face-to-face psychotherapy. Guided Internet-based self-help treatment has demonstrated to be effective for depressive symptoms in other chronic patient populations and may overcome these barriers. The aim of this study is to investigate the (cost) effectiveness of a guided Internet-based self-help intervention for symptoms of depression in dialysis patients.

Methods

This study is a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) that investigates the effectiveness of a 5-week Internet-based self-help Problem Solving Therapy (PST) for depressive symptoms in dialysis patients. Depressive symptoms will be measured using the Beck Depression Inventory – second edition (BDI-II), with a cut-off score of ≥10. We aim to include 206 dialysis patients with depressive symptoms who will be cluster randomized to the intervention or the Care as Usual (CAU) control group. Secondary outcomes will include anxiety symptoms, quality of life, economic costs and clinical outcomes, such as inflammatory factors and hair cortisol levels. Assessments will take place at baseline (T0), 2 weeks after intervention (T1) and 6 months (T2), 12 months (T3) and 18 months (T4) after intervention. The control group will be measured at the same time points. Analysis will be based on the intention-to-treat principle. Mixed models will be used to assess the changes within each condition between pre-treatment and post-treatment.

Discussion

If demonstrated to be (cost) effective, Internet-based PST will offer new possibilities to treat dialysis patients with depressive symptoms and to improve their quality of care.

Trial registration

Dutch Trial Register: Trial NL6648 (NTR6834) (prospectively registered 13th November 2017).
Closed reduction of severely displaced radial neck fractures in children
Authors: Qiao Fei , Jiang Fei
Published: November 2019

Background

Severely displaced radial neck fractures in skeletally immature children are rare and can be difficult to reduce. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results using our reduction maneuver.

Methods

From October 2011 to December 2015, 26 children with radial neck fractures(O’Brien type II, III and Judet type III, IV) were treated at our institute. All patients underwent percutaneous K-wire leverage and radial intramedullary pinning in an average surgery time of 35 mins (15–80 min). The injured arm was immobilized at the functional position with plaster for 4–6 weeks, evaluated clinically and radiologically. The Metaizeau classification and Mayo elbow performance score were used to evaluate the radiological and clinical results, respectively. Percutaneous K-wire leverage and radial intramedullary pinning were performed for 26 patients. No patients were treated with open reduction. Twenty four patients were followed up for a mean of 33 (range 12–53 months) months.

Results

There were 15 girls and 9 boys with ages ranging from 1.5 to 12 years and an average age of 7.2 years. Percutaneous K-wire leverage reduction and intramedullary pinning were successfully used in an average total surgery time of 35 mins (range 15–80 min). In total, 2 cases (O’Brien type III and Judet type IVb, angulation = 90°) needed the additional maneuver. Bone union was achieved in all patients within a mean time of 4.2 weeks. The clinical results were evaluated basing on the Mayo elbow performance score, and there were 23 excellent results and one good result. There were no refractures and no incidences of nonunion, suture infection, iatrogenic radial nerve injury, asymptomatic enlargements of the radial head or growth arrest in the proximal radial epiphysis.

Conclusion

Our modified percutaneous leverage technique with radial intramedullary fixation may be successfully used to avoid open reduction.
Vertebroplasty and vertebroplasty in combination with intermediate bilateral pedicle screw fixation for OF4 in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: a retrospective single-Centre cohort study
Authors: Zhong Weiyang , Liang Xinjie , Luo Xiaoji , Quan Zhengxue
Published: November 2019

Background

Although various studies have described the outcomes and complications of each treatment for OF 4 in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs), there is still no consensus on the optimal treatment regimen. This study aimed to investigate the clinical effect of OF 4 in patients with OVCFs treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) compared with PV in combination with intermediate bilateral pedicle screw fixation (IBPSF).

Methods

A total of 110 patients with OF 4 in OVCFs from January 2011 to December 2013 were reviewed retrospectively and divided into two groups (group A: PV, group B: PV + IBPSF). According to the guidelines of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma (DGOU), OF 4 consists of 3 fracture types. The clinical and radiographic assessments were observed preoperatively, postoperatively, and during follow-up.

Results

The patients were followed for an average of 60.50 ± 15.20 months (group A) and 58.20 ± 17.60 months (group B) without significant differences. No significant differences were found in BMD, BMI and cement volume between the two groups, but differences were found for operation time, blood loss, and hospitalization time. The VAS and ODI scores improved better significantly at the final follow-up in group B but not in group A. Compared with the preoperative values, the postoperative kyphosis angle and loss of fractured segment height significantly improved, but the difference between the groups was significant after 3 months postoperatively. The loss of angular correction and fractured segment height in group A were greater than those in group B. A total of 15 cases of cement leakage were observed in group A and 8 cases in group B, and no complications or revision surgeries were observed in either group. Thirteen new fractures occurred (11 in group A and 2 in group B), which was significant.

Conclusion

PV with IBPSF could provide effective restoration and maintenance of fractured segment height and segment alignment as well as a lower rate of complications of OF 4 in OVCFs.
Engagement, not personal characteristics, was associated with the seriousness of regulatory adjudication decisions about physicians: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Caballero Javier A. , Brown Steve P.
Published: November 2019

Background

Outcomes of processes questioning a physician’s ability to practise —e.g. disciplinary or regulatory— may strongly impact their career and provided care. However, it is unclear what factors relate systematically to such outcomes.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we investigate this via multivariate, step-wise, statistical modelling of all 1049 physicians referred for regulatory adjudication at the UK medical tribunal, from June 2012 to May 2017, within a population of 310,659. In order of increasing seriousness, outcomes were: no impairment (of ability to practise), impairment, suspension (of right to practise), or erasure (its loss). This gave adjusted odds ratios (OR) for: age, race, sex, whether physicians first qualified domestically or internationally, area of practice (e.g. GP, specialist), source of initial referral, allegation type, whether physicians attended their outcome hearing, and whether they were legally represented for it.

Results

There was no systematic association between the seriousness of outcomes and the age, race, sex, domestic/international qualification, or the area of practice of physicians (ORs p≥0.05), except for specialists who tended to receive outcomes milder than suspension or erasure. Crucially, an apparent relationship of outcomes to age (Kruskal-Wallis, p=0.009) or domestic/international qualification (χ2,p=0.014) disappeared once controlling for hearing attendance (ORs p≥0.05). Both non-attendance and lack of legal representation were consistently related to more serious outcomes (ORs [95% confidence intervals], 5.28 [3.89, 7.18] and 1.87 [1.34, 2.60], respectively, p<0.001).

Conclusions

All else equal, personal characteristics or first qualification place were unrelated to the seriousness of regulatory outcomes in the UK. Instead, engagement (attendance and legal representation), allegation type, and referral source were importantly associated to outcomes. All this may generalize to other countries and professions.
Resistant starch ameliorated insulin resistant in patients of type 2 diabetes with obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gao Chenlin , Rao Mingyue , Huang Wei , Wan Qin , Yan Pijun , Long Yang , Guo Man , Xu Youhua , Xu Yong
Published: November 2019

Background

Resistant starch (RS) is a starch that can be fermented by the microbial flora within gut lumen. Insulin resistance (IR) is a pathophysiological condition related to diabetes and obesity. RS could reduce blood glucose and ameliorate IR in animals, but its effect in human population is controversial.

Objective

The authors conducted a systematic literature review to evaluate the effect of RS diet supplement on ameliorating IR in patients with T2DM and simple obesity.

Methods

Databases that supplemented with RS in ameliorating IR in T2DM and simple obesity were queried for studies on or before August 15, 2018. Parameters including fasting insulin, fasting glucose, body mass index (BMI), homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) etc. were extracted from studies to systemically evaluate effects of RS.

Results

The database search yielded 14 parallel or crossover studies that met the inclusion criteria. The results indicated that there was no significant difference in the amelioration of BMI, HOMA-%S and HOMA-%B in T2DM patients between RS and the non-RS supplementation. However, the fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR in T2DM with obesity who supplemented RS were lower than control group, and the subgroup analysis according to the dose of RS supplementation was inconsistency. There was no significant difference between RS and non-RS supplements in patients with simple obesity.

Conclusion

RS supplementation can ameliorate IR in T2DM, especially for the patients of T2DM with obesity, but not in simple obesity.
“We don't get much of a voice about anything”: perspectives on photovoice among people who inject drugs
Authors: Drainoni Mari-Lynn , Childs Ellen , Biello Katie B. , Biancarelli Dea L. , Edeza Alberto , Salhaney Peter , Mimiaga Matthew J. , Bazzi Angela R.
Published: November 2019

Background

In the context of the current US opioid crisis, people who inject drugs (PWID) are increasingly researched, but their ability to tell their own stories may be limited. Photovoice is a participatory action research method that allows participants to use photography to directly depict their experiences.

Methods

We conducted interviews with PWID (n = 33) as part of a qualitative study on the health needs of PWID in the USA to explore interest and acceptability of photovoice as a potential research method and way to share their voices.

Results

Participants identified facilitators and barriers to participating in a future photovoice project. Facilitators included a chance to depict one’s unique experience, help others in need by sharing one’s own story, and photography being a more “comfortable” way to tell their stories than traditional research methods. Barriers included safety concerns, embarrassment, and ability to retain cameras. Participants also identified areas of sensitivity related to documenting drug use.

Conclusions

While we found broad acceptability of photovoice, barriers would need to be addressed and additional training and support for research staff and potential participants related to the ethics of public photography and engaging PWID in photovoice research would be required.
Mapping evidence of free maternal healthcare financing and quality of care in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic scoping review protocol
Authors: Ansu-Mensah Monica , Mohammed Tahiru , Udoh Roseline H. , Bawontuo Vitalis , Kuupiel Desmond
Published: November 2019

Background

Identifying and addressing research gaps on the implementation of free maternal healthcare financing policies and the quality of service delivery in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is essential in ensuring continuous patronage of the services by clients and sustainability of the policies to meet the intended goals. The proposed scoping review is aimed at mapping evidence on free maternal healthcare financing and quality of care in SSA.

Methods

Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, Levac and colleagues’ recommendations, and the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines will be used to guide the proposed study. A complete keyword search for relevant studies presenting evidence on free maternal healthcare financing and perceived quality of care among women in SSA will be performed in EBSCOhost, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and SCOPUS. Relevant grey literature from university repositories and international organisations such as WHO and government websites, and the reference lists of included studies will be additionally searched. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis: Extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) will be used to present the results of the proposed scoping review. NVivo version 11 software package will be employed to extract the relevant outcomes from the included studies using content thematic analysis. Quality appraisal of the included studies for this proposed study will be performed utilising the latest mixed methods appraisal tool.

Discussion

It is anticipated that the results of the proposed study will inform future research and reveal evidence-based information to address potential quality of care issues that may arise because of free maternal healthcare policy implementation in some SSA countries. The proposed study will also be useful to other SSA countries planning to implement free maternal health policy, as they will be able to draw useful lessons to guide them through the process.
TAM receptors, Phosphatidylserine, inflammation, and Cancer
Authors: Burstyn-Cohen Tal , Maimon Avi
Published: November 2019

The numerous and diverse biological roles of Phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) are featured in this special issue. This review will focus on PtdSer as a cofactor required for stimulating TYRO3, AXL and MERTK – comprising the TAM family of receptor tyrosine kinases by their ligands Protein S (PROS1) and growth-arrest-specific 6 (GAS6) in inflammation and cancer. As PtdSer binding to TAMs is a requirement for their activation, the biological repertoire of PtdSer is now recognized to be broadened to include functions performed by TAMs. These include key homeostatic roles necessary for preserving a healthy steady state in different tissues, controlling inflammation and further additional roles in diseased states and cancer. The impact of PtdSer on inflammation and cancer through TAM signaling is a highly dynamic field of research. This review will focus on PtdSer as a necessary component of the TAM receptor-ligand complex, and for maximal TAM signaling. In particular, interactions between tumor cells and their immediate environment - the tumor microenvironment (TME) are highlighted, as both cancer cells and TME express TAMs and secrete their ligands, providing a nexus for a multifold of cross-signaling pathways which affects both immune cells and inflammation as well as tumor cell biology and growth. Here, we will highlight the current and emerging knowledge on the implications of PtdSer on TAM signaling, inflammation and cancer.

Graphical Abstract
The role of hedgehog signaling in gastric cancer: molecular mechanisms, clinical potential, and perspective
Authors: Xu Yan , Song Shumei , Wang Zhenning , Ajani Jaffer A.
Published: November 2019

Patients with advanced gastric cancer usually have a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Overcoming this challenge requires novel targets and effective drugs. The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the development of the gastrointestinal tract and maintenance of the physiologic function of the stomach. Aberrantly activated Hh signaling is implicated in carcinogenesis as well as maintenance of cancer stem cells. Somatic mutations in the components of Hh signaling (PTCH1 and SMO) have been shown to be a major cause of basal cell carcinoma, and dozens of Hh inhibitors have been developed. To date, two inhibitors (GDC-0449 and LDE225) have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma. Here, we review the role of the Hh signaling in the carcinogenesis and progression of gastric cancer and summarize recent findings on Hh inhibitors in gastric cancer. Hedgehog signaling is often aberrantly activated and plays an important role during inflammation and carcinogenesis of gastric epithelial cells. Further study of the precise mechanisms of Hh signaling in this disease is needed for the validation of therapeutic targets and evaluation of the clinical utility of Hh inhibitors for gastric cancer.
The community-based prevention of diabetes (ComPoD) study: a randomised, waiting list controlled trial of a voluntary sector-led diabetes prevention programme
Authors: Smith Jane R. , Greaves Colin J. , Thompson Janice L. , Taylor Rod S. , Jones Matthew , Armstrong Rosy , Moorlock Sarah , Griffin Ann , Solomon-Moore Emma , Biddle Michele S. Y. , Price Lisa , Abraham Charles
Published: November 2019

Objective

This two-site randomised trial compared the effectiveness of a voluntary sector-led, community-based diabetes prevention programme to a waiting-list control group at 6 months, and included an observational follow-up of the intervention arm to 12 months.

Methods

Adults aged 18–75 years at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes due to elevated blood glucose and being overweight were recruited from primary care practices at two UK sites, with data collected in participants’ homes or community venues. Participants were randomised using an online central allocation service. The intervention, comprising the prototype “Living Well, Taking Control” (LWTC) programme, involved four weekly two-hour group sessions held in local community venues to promote changes in diet and physical activity, plus planned follow-up contacts at two, three, six, nine and 12 months alongside 5 hours of additional activities/classes. Waiting list controls received usual care for 6 months before accessing the programme. The primary outcome was weight loss at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure, physical activity, diet, health status and well-being. Only researchers conducting analyses were blinded.

Results

The target sample of 314 participants (157 each arm) was largely representative of local populations, including 44% men, 26% from ethnic minorities and 33% living in deprived areas. Primary outcome data were available for 285 (91%) participants (141 intervention, 144 control). Between baseline and 6 months, intervention participants on average lost more weight than controls (− 1.7 kg, 95% CI − 2.59 to − 0.85). Higher attendance was associated with greater weight loss (− 3.0 kg, 95% CI − 4.5 to − 1.5). The prototype LWTC programme more than doubled the proportion of participants losing > 5% of their body weight (21% intervention vs. 8% control, OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.36 to 5.90) and improved self-reported dietary behaviour and health status. There were no impacts on HbA1c, blood pressure, physical activity and well-being at 6 months and, amongst intervention participants, few further changes from six to 12-months (e.g. average weight re-gain 0.36 kg, 95% CI − 0.20 to 0.91). There were no serious adverse events but four exercise-related injuries were reported in the intervention arm.

Conclusions

This voluntary sector-led diabetes prevention programme reached a broad spectrum of the population and had modest effects on weight-related outcomes, but limited impacts on other diabetes risk factors.

Trial registration

Trial registration number: ISRCTN70221670, 5 September 2014

Funder (National Institute for Health Research School for Public Health Research) project reference number: SPHR-EXE-PES-COM.
Altering the availability of healthier vs. less healthy items in UK hospital vending machines: a multiple treatment reversal design
Authors: Pechey Rachel , Jenkins Holly , Cartwright Emma , Marteau Theresa M.
Published: November 2019

Background

Altering the availability of healthier or less-healthy products may increase healthier purchases, but evidence is currently limited. The current study aimed to investigate the impact of altering the absolute-and-relative availability of healthier and less-healthy products – i.e. simultaneously altering the number of options available and the proportion of healthier options – in hospital vending machines.

Methods

An adapted multiple treatment reversal design was used, altering products available in ten vending machines serving snack foods and/or cold drinks in one English hospital. Machines were randomised to one of two sequences for the seven 4-week study periods: ABCADEA or ADEABCA. In Condition A (study periods 1, 4 and 7) the proportions of healthier products were standardised across all machines, so that 25% of all snack slots and 75% of drink slots were healthier. In Condition B, 20% of vending machine slots were emptied by removing less-healthy products. In Condition C, the empty slots created in Condition B were filled with healthier products. Conditions D and E were operationalised in the same way as B and C, except healthier products were removed in D, and then less-healthy products added in E. Sales data were obtained from machine restocking records. Separate linear mixed models were conducted to examine the impact of altering availability on energy purchased (kcal) from (i) snacks or (ii) drinks each week, with random effects for vending machine.

Results

The energy purchased from drinks was reduced when the number of slots containing less-healthy drinks was decreased, compared to standardised levels (− 52.6%; 95%CI: − 69.3,-26.9). Findings were inconclusive for energy purchased from snacks when less-healthy snack slots were reduced (− 17.2%; 95%CI: − 47.4,30.5). Results for altering the number of slots for healthier drinks or snacks were similarly inconclusive, with no statistically significant impact on energy purchased.

Conclusions

Reducing the availability of less-healthy drinks could reduce the energy purchased from drinks in vending machines. Further studies are needed to establish whether any effects might be smaller for snacks, or found with higher baseline proportions of healthier options.
Downregulation of exosomal miR-192-5p and miR-204-5p in subjects with nonclassic apparent mineralocorticoid excess
Authors: Tapia-Castillo Alejandra , Guanzon Dominic , Palma Carlos , Lai Andrew , Barros Eric , Allende Fidel , Vecchiola Andrea , Fardella Carlos E. , Salomón Carlos , Carvajal Cristian A.
Published: November 2019

Background

The “nonclassic” apparent mineralocorticoid excess (NC-AME) has been identified in approximately 7% of general population. This phenotype is characterized by low plasma renin activity (PRA), high serum cortisol (F) to cortisone (E) ratio, low cortisone, high Fractional Excretion of potassium (FEK) and normal-elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP). An early detection and/or identification of novel biomarkers of this phenotype could avoid the progression or future complications leading to arterial hypertension. Isolation of extracellular vesicles, such as exosomes, in specific biofluids support the identification of tissue-specific RNA and miRNA, which may be useful as novel biomarkers. Our aim was to identify miRNAs within urinary exosomes associated to the NC-AME phenotype.

Methods

We perform a cross-sectional study in a primary care cohort of 127 Chilean subjects. We measured BP, serum cortisol, cortisone, aldosterone, PRA. According to the previous reported, a subgroup of subjects was classified as NC-AME (n = 10). Urinary exosomes were isolated and miRNA cargo was sequenced by Illumina-NextSeq-500.

Results

We found that NC-AME subjects had lower cortisone (p < 0.0001), higher F/E ratio (p < 0.0001), lower serum potassium (p = 0.009) and higher FEK 24 h (p = 0.03) than controls. We found miR-204-5p (fold-change = 0.115; p 0.001) and miR-192-5p (fold-change = 0.246; p 0.03) are both significantly downregulated in NC-AME. miR-192-5p expression was correlated with PRA (r = 0.45; p 0.028) and miR-204-5p expression with SBP (r = − 0.48, p 0.027) and F/E ratio (r = − 0.48; p 0.026).

Conclusions

These findings could support a potential role of these miRNAs as regulators and novel biomarkers of the NC-AME phenotype.
The effects of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid deprivation on the inflammatory gene response to lipopolysaccharide in the mouse hippocampus
Authors: Alashmali Shoug M. , Lin Lin , Trépanier Marc-Olivier , Cisbani Giulia , Bazinet Richard P.
Published: November 2019

Background

Neuroinflammation is thought to contribute to psychiatric and neurological disorders such as major depression and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). N-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and molecules derived from them, including linoleic acid- and arachidonic acid-derived lipid mediators, are known to have pro-inflammatory properties in the periphery; however, this has yet to be tested in the brain. Lowering the consumption of n-6 PUFA is associated with a decreased risk of depression and AD in human observational studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the inflammation-modulating effects of lowering dietary n-6 PUFA in the mouse hippocampus.

Methods

C57BL/6 male mice were fed either an n-6 PUFA deprived (2% of total fatty acids) or an n-6 PUFA adequate (23% of total fatty acids) diet from weaning to 12 weeks of age. Animals then underwent intracerebroventricular surgery, in which lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected into the left lateral ventricle of the brain. Hippocampi were collected at baseline and following LPS administration (1, 3, 7, and 14 days). A microarray (n = 3 per group) was used to identify candidate genes and results were validated by real-time PCR in a separate cohort of animals (n = 5–8 per group).

Results

Mice administered with LPS had significantly increased Gene Ontology categories associated with inflammation and immune responses. These effects were independent of changes in gene expression in any diet group. Results were validated for the effect of LPS treatment on astrocyte, cytokine, and chemokine markers, as well as some results of the diets on Ifrd2 and Mfsd2a expression.

Conclusions

LPS administration increases pro-inflammatory and lipid-metabolizing gene expression in the mouse hippocampus. An n-6 PUFA deprived diet modulated inflammatory gene expression by both increasing and decreasing inflammatory gene expression, without impairing the resolution of neuroinflammation following LPS administration.
Simpson’s Paradox is suppression, but Lord’s Paradox is neither: clarification of and correction to Tu, Gunnell, and Gilthorpe (2008)
Authors: Nickerson Carol A. , Brown Nicholas J. L.
Published: November 2019

Tu et al. (Emerg Themes Epidemiol 5:2, 2008. https://doi.org/10.1186/1742-7622-5-2) asserted that suppression, Simpson’s Paradox, and Lord’s Paradox are all the same phenomenon—the reversal paradox. In the reversal paradox, the association between an outcome variable and an explanatory (predictor) variable is reversed when another explanatory variable is added to the analysis. More specifically, Tu et al. (2008) purported to demonstrate that these three paradoxes are different manifestations of the same phenomenon, differently named depending on the scaling of the outcome variable, the explanatory variable, and the third variable. According to Tu et al. (2008), when all three variables are continuous, the phenomenon is called suppression; when all three variables are categorical, the phenomenon is called Simpson’s Paradox; and when the outcome variable and the third variable are continuous but the explanatory variable is categorical, the phenomenon is called Lord’s Paradox. We show that (a) the strong form of Simpson’s Paradox is equivalent to negative suppression for a $${2 \times 2 \times 2}$$2×2×2 contingency table, (b) the weak form of Simpson’s Paradox is equivalent to classical suppression for a $${2 \times 2 \times 2}$$2×2×2 contingency table, and (c) Lord’s Paradox is not the same phenomenon as suppression or Simpson’s Paradox.
Symptoms and yield loss caused by rice stripe mosaic virus
Authors: Chen Siping , Li Weilin , Huang Xiuqin , Chen Biao , Zhang Tong , Zhou Guohui
Published: November 2019

Background

Rice stripe mosaic virus (RSMV) is a tentative new Cytorhabdovirus species in family Rhabdoviridae transmitted by the leafhopper Recilia dorsalis. Although the virus was first detected in southern China in 2015, few studies have investigated rice symptoms and yield losses caused by RSMV infection.

Methods

In this study, we observed and systematically compared symptoms of three virally infected, representative varieties of indica, hybrid and japonica rice and determined the yield parameters of the artificially inoculated plants.

Results

The three RSMV-infected cultivated rice varieties exhibited slight dwarfing, striped mosaicism, stiff, crinkled or even twisted leaves, an increased number of tillers, delayed heading, cluster-shaped shortening of panicles and mostly unfilled grains. Slight differences in symptom occurrence time were observed under different environmental conditions. For example, mosaic symptoms appeared earlier and crinkling symptoms appeared later, with both symptoms later receding in some infected plants. Yield losses due to RSMV also differed among varieties. The most serious yield reduction was experienced by indica rice (cv. Meixiangzhan), followed by hybrid indica rice (cv. Wuyou 1179) and then japonica (cv. Nipponbare). Single panicle weight, seed setting rate and 1000-kernel weight were reduced in the three infected varieties compared with healthy plants—by 85.42, 94.85 and 31.56% in Meixiangzhan; 52.43, 53.06 and 25.65% in Wuyou 1179 and 25.53, 49.32 and 23.86% in Nipponbare, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings contribute basic data for field investigations, formulation of prevention and control strategies and further study of the pathogenesis of RSMV.
First evidence of a new simian adenovirus clustering with Human mastadenovirus F viruses
Authors: Lange Christian E. , Niama Fabien R. , Cameron Kenneth , Olson Sarah H. , Aime Nina Rock , Ondzie Alain , Bounga Gerard , Smith Brett R. , Pante Jasmine , Reed Patricia , Tamufe Ubald , Laudisoit Anne , Goldstein Tracey , Bagamboula MPassi Romain , Joly Damien O.
Published: November 2019

Background

Adenoviruses play an important role as human pathogens, though most infections are believed to be asymptomatic. The over 100 human adenovirus types are classified into seven species (A-G), some of which include simian adenoviruses. Recent findings have highlighted that simian adenoviruses have a zoonotic potential and that some human adenoviruses are likely the result of relatively recent spillover events.

Methods

In order to evaluate the risks associated with primates hunted and sold as bushmeat, multiple samples from 24 freshly killed monkeys were collected in the Republic of the Congo and tested for adenovirus DNA by PCRs targeting the conserved DNA polymerase and hexon genes.

Results

The DNA of a novel simian adenovirus was detected in a moustached monkey (Cercopithecus cephus) by the DNA polymerase PCR, but not by the hexon PCR. The 275 nucleotide amplicon was most closely related to members of the Human mastadenovirusF species (93% HAdV-40 and 89% HAdV-41 amino acid identity), rather than to other known simian adenoviruses.

Conclusions

The phylogenetic clustering with Human mastadenovirusF sequences suggests a common ancestor, more recent than the last common ancestor of humans and moustached monkeys. The findings increase concerns about the zoonotic potential of simian adenoviruses and highlight the need for more research and surveillance on the issue.
The effect of western diet on mice brain lipid composition
Authors: Pakiet Alicja , Jakubiak Agnieszka , Czumaj Aleksandra , Sledzinski Tomasz , Mika Adriana
Published: November 2019

Background

The appropriate fatty acids composition of brain lipids is critical for functioning of this organ. The alterations of brain fatty acids composition may lead to neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.

Methods

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of western diet containing high fat content on fatty acid composition of brain lipids. In this study we used mice fed high fat diet (HFD) for 19 weeks. Brain lipids were separated by SPE extraction and fatty acid composition in chow, mice serum, brain and other tissues was analyzed by GC-MS method.

Results

The body weight and adipose tissue weigh of mice after HFD increased significantly. The concentrations of most of fatty acids in serum of mice after HFD increased, due to their higher delivery from food. Unexpectedly the serum eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) concentration was lower in mice after HFD than in controls. Also the brain, and other tissue EPA content was lower. Among studied groups of brain lipids EPA was significantly decreased in phospholipids and sphingolipids.

Conclusions

Considering important role of brain EPA including maintaining of appropriate composition of cell membrane lipids and anti-inflammatory properties we conclude that decrease of brain EPA after western diet may result in impaired brain function.
Environmental influence on the choice of medicinal animals: a case study from northeastern Brazil
Authors: da Silva Policarpo Brito Iamara , Borges Anna Karolina Martins , de Faria Lopes Sérgio , Dias Thelma Lúcia Pereira , Alves Rômulo Romeu Nóbrega
Published: November 2019

Background

Animals from various taxonomic groups are commonly used in folk medicine, and their selection seems to be directly linked to their availability and accessibility. In the present study, we analyzed the use of animals as a source of folk medicines in a community in northeastern Brazil with access to aquatic and terrestrial animals. We hypothesize that the medicinal fauna is well represented by species of both habitat types.

Methods

For the collection of information, semi-structured questionnaires were applied to local residents.

Results

We recorded the use of 22 animals used as medicinal resources in the community, distributed among eight taxonomic categories, which are used to treat 38 types of diseases. Of the therapeutic animals, 14 species are terrestrial and 8 species can be considered aquatic occurring in marine or estuarine habitats.

Conclusions

Our data confirm the tendency of human communities to use affordable medicinal animals in local ecosystems. We also found that medicinal use represents a strategy of optimizing the use of resources and is related to the economic, historical, social, cultural, and ecological contexts in which the community is inserted.
Where tulips and crocuses are popular food snacks: Kurdish traditional foraging reveals traces of mobile pastoralism in Southern Iraqi Kurdistan
Authors: Pieroni Andrea , Zahir Hawre , Amin Hawraz Ibrahim M. , Sõukand Renata
Published: November 2019

Background

Iraqi Kurdistan is a special hotspot for bio-cultural diversity and for investigating patterns of traditional wild food plant foraging, considering that this area was the home of the first Neolithic communities and has been, over millennia, a crossroad of different civilizations and cultures. The aim of this ethnobotanical field study was to cross-culturally compare the wild food plants traditionally gathered by Kurdish Muslims and those gathered by the ancient Kurdish Kakai (Yarsan) religious group and to possibly better understand the human ecology behind these practices.

Methods

Twelve villages were visited and 123 study participants (55 Kakai and 68 Muslim Kurds) were interviewed on the specific topic of the wild food plants they currently gather and consume.

Results

The culinary use of 54 folk wild plant taxa (corresponding to 65 botanical taxa) and two folk wild mushroom taxa were documented. While Kakais and Muslims do share a majority of the quoted food plants and also their uses, among the plant ingredients exclusively and commonly quoted by Muslims non-weedy plants are slightly preponderant. Moreover, more than half of the overall recorded wild food plants are used raw as snacks, i.e. plant parts are consumed on the spot after their gathering and only sometimes do they enter into the domestic arena. Among them, it is worth mentioning the consumption of raw wild crocus corms, also still common in Turkish Kurdistan and that of wild tulip bulbs, which was documented to be popular until the beginning of the twentieth century in the Middle East. Comparison with other ethnobotanical field studies recently conducted among surrounding populations has shown that Kurds tend to gather and consume the largest number of non-weedy wild vegetables.

Conclusion

The collected data indicate robust traces of nomadic pastoralism in Kurdish traditional foraging. This finding confirms that studies on wild food plant gathering in the Fertile Crescent and Turco-Arabic-Iranic regions of the Middle East are crucial for understanding the possible evolution of wild food plant gathering through history within the post-Neolithic continuum between pastoralism and horticulturalism.
Depression negatively affects patient-reported knee functional outcome after intraarticular hyaluronic acid injection among geriatric patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Chen Yu-Pin , Huang Yu-Yun , Wu Yueh , Kuo Yi-Jie , Lin Chung-Ying
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Intraarticular hyaluronic acid injection (IAHA) is a popular treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA). This study investigates whether depression, anxiety, and pain affect self-reported knee function in geriatric OA people who have received IAHA.

Methods

Through convenience sampling, 102 geriatric patients (mean age = 70.91 ± 7.19; 28 males) with knee OA who had undergone IAHA participated in this study. All participants self-reported depression using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), anxiety using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), knee function using the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee evaluation form (IKDC), and pain severity using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). They completed the aforementioned questionnaires at baseline before injection and then again at 2-, 4-, and 6-month follow-ups.

Results

Depression was significantly associated with IKDC, WOMAC physical function subscale, and total WOMAC scores. Anxiety was only significantly associated with the WOMAC pain subscale score. Pain severity was significantly associated with IKDC, WOMAC stiffness subscale, WOMAC physical function subscale, and total WOMAC scores.

Conclusion

Given that depression negatively affected patient-reported knee function among geriatric OA patients who had undergone IAHA, further attention should be paid to the depressive status of this population.
Rare aneurysm of anterior mitral valve leaflet-a case report
Authors: Tariq Muhammad , Zahid Ibrahim , Sami Shahid
Published: November 2019

Background

Mitral valve aneurysm (MVA) is a saccular outpouching of the mitral leaflet which expands on systole and collapses during diastole. The case of MVA was first described in 1729 by Morand. It is one of the rare entities with a reported incidence of only 0.2–0.29% and no such case reported in Pakistan before.

Case presentation

A 51 year old female presented with dyspnea and chest pain for 3 months. Upon investigating, trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) revealed thickened anterior mitral valve leaflet with rolled up margins, forming an aneurysm, with severe mitral regurgitation. Subsequently, the valve was evaluated intra-operatively for repair but eventually had to be excised and then successfully replaced with a bioprosthetic valve.

Conclusions

TEE is an excellent technique to confirm the diagnosis of a mitral valve leaflet aneurysm, and depending upon the severity of the defect, valve repair can be attempted but replacement becomes the most suitable treatment modality, once repair is deemed impossible. We hereby report a rare case, where timely diagnosis, appropriate surgical intervention and regular post-operative follow up helped in achieving good prognosis of this rare entity.