bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain and breastfeeding outcomes: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Martin Hayley , Thevenet-Morrison Kelly , Dozier Ann
Published: August 2020

Background

It is well established that mothers with above-normal pre-pregnancy BMI are at increased risk of breastfeeding cessation; however, the impact of pregnancy weight-gain (PWG) is less well-defined. Excess PWG may alter the hormonal preparation of breast tissue for lactation, increase the risk of complications that negatively impact breastfeeding (e.g. Cesarean-section, gestational diabetes), and may make effective latch more difficult to achieve.

Methods

Our objective was to determine the impact of PWG and pre-pregnancy BMI on the risk of breastfeeding cessation utilizing the Institute of Medicine’s 2009 recommendations. Cox proportional hazards models were utilized to estimate the risk of cessation of exclusive breastfeeding, and cessation of any breastfeeding among women who initiated exclusive and any breastfeeding, respectively, in a cross sectional sample of survey respondents from a New York county (N = 1207). PWG category was interacted with pre-pregnancy BMI (3 levels of pre-pregnancy BMI, 3 levels of PWG). Confounders of the relationship of interest were evaluated using directed acyclic graphs and bivariate analyses; variables not on the proposed causal pathway and associated with the exposure and outcome were included in multivariate models. Results: After adjustment, women of normal and obese pre-pregnancy BMI with greater-than-recommended PWG had 1.39 (1.03–1.86) and 1.48 (1.06–2.07) times the risk of any breastfeeding cessation within the first 3 months postpartum compared to women with normal pre-pregnancy BMI who gained within PWG recommendations. Overweight women with greater-than-recommended PWG were at increased risk of cessation, although not significantly (aHR [95% CI]: 1.29 [0.95–1.75]). No significant relationship was observed for exclusive breastfeeding cessation.

Conclusions

Pre-pregnancy BMI and PWG may be modifiable risk factors for early breastfeeding cessation. Understanding the mechanism behind this risk should be ascertained by additional studies aimed at understanding the physiological, social, logistical (positioning) and other issues that may lead to early breastfeeding cessation.
Survival predictors of metastatic angiosarcomas: a surveillance, epidemiology, and end results program population-based retrospective study
Authors: Ren Shihong , Wang Yucheng , Wang Zhan , Shao Jinxiang , Ye Zhaoming
Published: August 2020

Background

Angiosarcomas (AS) have poor prognosis and often metastasize to distant sites. The potential predictors of metastatic angiosarcomas (MAS) have not been extensively investigated. The main objective of this study was to identify survival predictors of MAS.

Methods

Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) datasets were used to identify patients with MAS from 2010 to 2016. Risk predictors were determined with the aid of Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression model analyses.

Results

A total of 284 MAS patients met the study entry criteria. Among these, 121 patients (42.6%) were diagnosed with metastasis in bone, 26 in brain (9.2%), 86 in liver (30.3%) and 171 in lung (60.2%). Overall, 96 patients (33.8%) had two or more metastatic sites. The 1- and 3-year overall survival (OS) rates were 20.8 and 3.8% while 1- and 3-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates were 22.0 and 5.2%, respectively. Cox regression analysis revealed chemotherapy, radiation treatment (RT) and tumor size ≤10 cm as independent favorable predictors of OS. In terms of CSS, tumor grade IV, tumor size > 10 cm and absence of chemotherapy were independent adverse predictors. Surgery did not prolong survival outcomes (both OS and CSS) in the current cohort.

Conclusion

MAS is associated with extremely poor survival. Chemotherapy, RT, and tumor size are independent predictors of OS. Chemotherapy and tumor size are independent prognostic factors of CSS. Chemotherapy is therefore recommended as the preferred treatment option for MAS patients.
Pro-cathepsin D as a diagnostic marker in differentiating malignant from benign pleural effusion: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Choi Hayoung , Ko Yousang , Lee Chang Youl
Published: August 2020

Background

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) causes substantial symptomatic burden in advanced malignancy. Although pleural fluid cytology is a commonly accepted gold standard of diagnosis, its low diagnostic yield is a challenge for clinicians. The aim of this study was to determine whether pro-cathepsin D can serve as a novel biomarker to discriminate between MPE and benign pleural effusion (BPE).

Methods

This study included 81 consecutive patients with exudative pleural effusions who had underwent thoracentesis or pleural biopsy. Pleural fluid and serum were collected as a standard procedure for all individuals at the same time. The level of pro-cathepsin D was measured by the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.

Results

Though there were no significant differences in plasma pro-cathepsin D between the two groups, the level of pleural fluid pro-cathepsin D was significantly higher in the MPE group than the BPE group (0.651 versus 0.590 pg/mL,P = 0.034). The discriminative power of pleural fluid pro-cathepsin D for diagnosing MPE was moderate, with 81% sensitivity and 53% specificity at a pro-cathepsin D cut-off ≥0.596 pg/mL (area under the curve: 0.656). Positive and negative predictive values for MPE were 38 and 89%, respectively, with pro-cathepsin D cut-off value (> 0.596 pg/mL).

Conclusions

The level of pleural fluid pro-cathepsin D was found to be significantly higher in MPE than in BPE. Although results of this study could not support the sole use of pleural fluid pro-cathepsin D to diagnose MPE, pleural fluid pro-cathepsin D can be added to pre-existing diagnostic methods for ruling-in or ruling-out MPE.
A predictive nomogram for lymph node metastasis of incidental gallbladder cancer: a SEER population-based study
Authors: Yang Yingnan , Tu Zhuolong , Cai Huajie , Hu Bingren , Ye Chentao , Tu Jinfu
Published: August 2020

Background

Existing imaging techniques have a low ability to detect lymph node metastasis (LNM) of gallbladder cancer (GBC). Gallbladder removal by laparoscopic cholecystectomy can provide pathological information regarding the tumor itself for incidental gallbladder cancer (IGBC). The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with LNM of IGBC and to establish a nomogram to improve the ability to predict the risk of LNM for IGBC.

Methods

A total of 796 patients diagnosed with stage T1/2 GBC between 2004 and 2015 who underwent surgery and lymph node evaluation were enrolled in this study. We randomly divided the dataset into a training set (70%) and a validation set (30%). A logistic regression model was used to construct the nomogram in the training set and then was verified in the validation set. Nomogram performance was quantified with respect to discrimination and calibration.

Results

The rates of LNM in T1a, T1b and T2 patients were 7, 11.1 and 44.3%, respectively. Tumor diameter, T stage, and tumor differentiation were independent factors affecting LNM. The C-index and AUC of the training set were 0.718 (95% CI, 0.676–0.760) and 0.702 (95% CI, 0.659–0.702), respectively, demonstrating good prediction performance. The calibration curves showed perfect agreement between the nomogram predictions and actual observations. Decision curve analysis showed that the LNM nomogram was clinically useful when the risk was decided at a possibility threshold of 2–63%. The C-index and AUC of the validation set were 0.73 (95% CI: 0.665–0.795) and 0.692 (95% CI: 0.625–0.759), respectively.

Conclusion

The nomogram established in this study has good prediction ability. For patients with IGBC requiring re-resection, the model can effectively predict the risk of LNM and make up for the inaccuracy of imaging.
Intrapersonal predictors of weight bias internalization among elementary school children: a prospective analysis
Authors: Gmeiner Michaela Silvia , Warschburger Petra
Published: August 2020

Background

Weight-related stigmatization is a widespread problem. Particularly the internalization of weight-related stereotypes and prejudices (weight bias internalization, WBI) is related to mental and physical health impairments. To date, little is known about the risk factors of WBI. Previous studies are mainly cross-sectional and based on adult samples. As childhood is a sensitive period for the development of a healthy self-concept, we examined predictors of WBI in children.

Methods

The final sample included 1,463 schoolchildren (6–11 years, 51.7% female) who took part in a prospective study consisting of three measurement waves. The first two waves delivered data on objective weight status and self-reported weight-related teasing, body dissatisfaction, relevance of one’s own figure, self-esteem and depressive symptoms; WBI was measured during the third wave. To examine predictors of WBI, we ran hierarchical regression analyses and exploratory mediation analyses.

Results

Lower parental education level, higher child weight status, female gender, experience of teasing, higher body dissatisfaction, higher figure-relevance, and higher depression scores were found to be predictive for higher WBI scores. Body dissatisfaction (only for girls) and the relevance of one’s own figure (both genders) mediated the association between self-esteem and WBI; no weight-related differences were observed.

Conclusions

Our study offers longitudinal evidence for variables that enable the identification of children who are at risk for WBI. Thus, the findings deliver starting points for interventions aimed at the prevention of adverse health developments that come along with WBI.
Publisher Correction to: Temporal dynamics in total excess mortality and COVID-19 deaths in Italian cities
Authors: Michelozzi Paola , de’Donato Francesca , Scortichini Matteo , Pezzotti Patrizio , Stafoggia Massimo , De Sario Manuela , Costa Giuseppe , Noccioli Fiammetta , Riccardo Flavia , Bella Antonino , Demaria Moreno , Rossi Pasqualino , Brusaferro Silvio , Rezza Giovanni , Davoli Marina
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Psychosocial Syndemic of suicidal ideation: a cross-sectional study among sexually transmitted infection patients in Shanghai, China
Authors: Wang Suping , Ni Yang , Gong Ruijie , Shi Yuan , Cai Yong , Ma Jin
Published: August 2020

Background

Patients with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) experience difficulties with stability and trust in long-term relationships and have poor mental health, factors that may lead to suicidal ideation. We sought to verify whether psychosocial health problems among patients with STIs were associated with these patients’ suicidal ideation and to examine the syndemic effect of multiple psychosocial problems on suicidal ideation.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of 519 STI patients at the Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital. Demographic, psychosocial, and suicidal ideation information about the participants was collected by questionnaire. Logistic regressions were performed to detect the association between demographic variables and suicidal ideation, as well as each individual psychosocial variable and suicidal ideation, and to verify the syndemic effect of psychosocial factors.

Results

Of the participants, 25.0% (130/519) reported having suicidal ideation. In univariable analysis, low self-esteem, loneliness, depression, entrapment, defeat, and unsatisfied interpersonal needs were associated with suicidal ideation. Multivariable analysis found depression (odds ratio [OR]: 4.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3–7.2) and entrapment (OR: 2.1; 95%CI: 1.1–4.1) each had a more significant relation with suicidal ideation than the other psychosocial problems examined. STI patients who experienced two or more psychosocial health problems had approximately fourfold odds of suicide ideation (adjusted OR [AOR]: 4.2; 95%CI: 2.6–6.8) compared with those in the non-syndemic group, especially in the high-level (five or more psychosocial problems) group (AOR: 7.0; 95%CI: 3.9–12.5).

Conclusions

The study found the participants had a high rate of suicidal ideation and suffered from severe psychosocial problems. These results show a syndemic effect of psychosocial problems on increasing the odds of suicidal ideation. Our findings suggest an urgent need for efforts to prevent suicidal ideation among STI patients toward improving the social and health conditions of this population.
Demographic and health-related factors associated with reduced work functioning in people with moderate medically unexplained physical symptoms: a cross-sectional study
Authors: van Tilburg Mark L. , van Westrienen Paula Elisabeth , Pisters Martijn F.
Published: August 2020

Background

Medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) are a leading cause of reduced work functioning. It is not known which factors are associated with reduced work functioning in people with moderate MUPS. Insight in these factors can contribute to prevention of reduced work functioning, associated work-related costs and in MUPS becoming chronic. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify which demographic and health-related factors are associated with reduced work functioning, operationalized as impaired work performance and absenteeism, in people with moderate MUPS.

Methods

Data of 104 participants from an ongoing study on people with moderate MUPS were used in this cross-sectional study. Ten independent variables were measured at baseline to determine their association with reduced work functioning: severity of psychosocial symptoms (four domains, measured with the Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire), physical health (RAND 36-Item Health Survey), moderate or vigorous physical activity (Activ8 activity monitor), age, sex, education level and duration of complaints. Two separate multivariable linear regression analyses were performed with backward stepwise selection, for both impaired work performance and absenteeism.

Results

Absenteeism rate rose with 2.5 and 0.6% for every increased point on the Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire for domain ‘depression’ (B = 0.025, SE = 0.009, p = .006) and domain ‘somatization’ (B = 0.006, SE = 0.003, p = .086), respectively. An R2 value of 0.118 was found. Impaired work performance rate rose with 0.2 and 0.5% for every increased point on the Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire for domain ‘distress’ (B = 0.002, SE = 0.001, p = .084) and domain ‘somatization’ (B = 0.005, SE = 0.001, p < .001), respectively. An R2 value of 0.252 was found.

Conclusions

Severity of distress, probability of a depressive disorder and probability of somatization are positively associated with higher rates of reduced work functioning in people with moderate MUPS. To prevent long-term absenteeism and highly impaired work performance severity of psychosocial symptoms seem to play a significant role. However, because of the low percentage of explained variance, additional research is necessary to gain insight in other factors that might explain the variance in reduced work functioning even better.
Poverty and food insecurity of older adults living in social housing in Ontario: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Pirrie Melissa , Harrison Leila , Angeles Ricardo , Marzanek Francine , Ziesmann Andrea , Agarwal Gina
Published: August 2020

Background

Poverty and food insecurity have been linked to poor health and morbidity, especially in older adults. Housing is recognized as a social determinant of health, and very little is known about subjective poverty and food insecurity in the marginalized population of older adults living in subsidized social housing. We sought to understand poverty and food insecurity, as well as the risk factors associated with both outcomes, in older adults living in social housing in Ontario.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study using data collected from the Community Paramedicine at Clinic (CP@clinic) program. A total of 806 adult participants residing in designated seniors’ or mixed family-seniors’ social housing buildings attended CP@clinic within 14 communities across Ontario, Canada.

Results

The proportion of older adults reporting poverty and food insecurity were 14.9 and 5.1%, respectively. Statistically significant risk factors associated with poverty were being a smoker (AOR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.23–4.62), self-reporting feeling extremely anxious and/or depressed (AOR = 3.39, 95% CI: 1.34–8.62), and being food insecure (AOR = 23.52, 95% CI: 8.75–63.22). Statistically significant risk factors associated with food insecurity were being underweight (AOR = 19.79, 95% CI: 1.91–204.80) and self-reporting experiencing poverty (AOR = 23.87, 95% CI: 8.78–64.90). In those who self-reported being food secure, the dietary habits reported were consistent with a poor diet.

Conclusion

The poverty rate was lower than expected which could be related to the surrounding environment and perceptions around wealth. Food insecurity was approximately twice that of the general population of older adults in Canada, which could be related to inaccessibility and increased barriers to healthy foods. For those who reported being food secure, dietary habits were considered poor. While social housing may function as a financial benefit and reduce perceived poverty, future interventions are needed to improve the quality of diet consumed by this vulnerable population.
Value of multidetector computed tomography angiography before bronchial artery embolization in hemoptysis management and early recurrence prediction: a prospective study
Authors: Le Huu Y , Le Van Nam , Pham Ngoc Hung , Phung Anh Tuan , Nguyen Thanh Tung , Do Quyet
Published: August 2020

Background

Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography is a useful examination to detect the source of the bleeding in patients with hemoptysis. The aim of the study was to prospectively evaluate the role and clinical efficacy of MDCT angiography before bronchial artery embolization (BAE) for the management of hemoptysis, and to investigate the predictors of early recurrence.

Methods

It is a double-center study which included 57 hemoptysis patients undergoing MDCT angiography prior to BAE from August 2019 to July 2020. A prospective analysis of culprit arteries detected by MDCT angiography allowed an evaluation of the role of this technique. A follow-up was done to assess the efficacy of BAE with preprocedural MDCT angiography and to explore the risk factors of early recurrent hemoptysis.

Results

The accuracy of MDCT angiography in the identification of culprit arteries was as high as 97.5%. The average number of total culprit arteries per patient was 2.75 ± 1.73. Among which, the average numbers of culprit ectopic bronchial arteries (BAs) and non-bronchial systemic arteries (NBSAs) per patient were 0.21 ± 0.41 and 1.04 ± 1.57, respectively. The immediate clinical success rate, total hemoptysis recurrence rate, and early hemoptysis recurrence rate of BAE following MDCT angiography were 94.7, 18.5, 16.7%, respectively. Aspergilloma (HR = 6.63, 95% CI: 1.31–33.60, p = 0.022) was associated with an increase in the risk of early recurrence.

Conclusions

MDCT angiography should be performed before BAE for the management of hemoptysis. Aspergilloma was an independent predictor for early recurrence.
Challenges and opportunities confronting female-headed households in Iran: a qualitative study
Authors: Yoosefi Lebni Javad , Mohammadi Gharehghani Mohammad Ali , Soofizad Goli , khosravi Bahar , ziapour Arash , Irandoost Seyed Fahim
Published: August 2020

Background

Female-headed households are one of the most vulnerable groups of society that confront many problems and challenges. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the challenges and opportunities confronting female-headed households in Iran.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted among female-headed households in Kermanshah, West of Iran, in 2019. The data were collected through Semi-structured interviews with 26 female-headed households who were selected by purposeful and theoretical sampling. Data analysis was done through conventional qualitative content analysis, and the software MAXQDA-12 was used for the management of data. The four criteria of Goba and Lincon, including credibility, confirmability, dependability, and transferability, were observed to evaluate the quality of research results.

Results

After analyzing the data, 4 main categories and 13 subcategories were obtained as follows: individual problems (role overload, role conflict, end of love, psychological problems), intra-family problems (declined independence, intra-family tension, poverty reproduction and family disability), social problems (stigma of being unattended, social insecurity, social isolation, social exclusion), positive outcomes (positive self-concept, social maturity).

Conclusion

Female-headed households face many challenges that can become a big threat or an opportunity. Therefore, their health improvement can be achieved through training and helping them to adapt to new and multifaceted roles, providing more economic support and helping them raise their social status.
Honeybee products and edible insect powders improve locomotive and learning abilities of Ubiquilin-knockdown Drosophila
Authors: Phokasem Patcharin , Jantrapirom Salinee , Karinchai Jirarat , Yoshida Hideki , Yamaguchi Masamitsu , Chantawannakul Panuwan
Published: August 2020

Background

Mutations in the humanUbiquilin 2gene are associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with or without frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the fatal neurodegenerative disease that progressively affected neuronal cells in both brain and spinal cord. There is currently no effective therapy for these diseases. Over the last decade, researchers have focused on the potential use of natural products especially in neurodegenerative studies. Insect products have been used as traditional medicines, however, scientific information is still lacking. Fruit fly is recently used as a model organism to investigate degenerative diseases related to the nervous system because it has a short life span and produces a large number of offspring.

Methods

The present study investigated the effects of honeybee products and edible insect powders on the locomotive and learning abilities, neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) structure, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in larval brains ofUbiquilin-knockdownDrosophila.

Results

dUbqnknockdown flies showed defects in locomotive and learning abilities accompanied with structural defects in NMJs. The results obtained revealed that the recovery of locomotive defects was significantly greater indUbqnknockdown flies fed with coffee honey fromApis cerana(1% v/v) orApis dorsatamelittin (0.5 μg/ml) or wasp powder (2 mg/ml) than that of in untreateddUbqnknockdown flies. Furthermore,dUbqnknockdown flies fed with coffee honey showed the partial rescue of structural defects in NMJs, improved learning ability, and reduced the accumulation of ROS caused bydUbqndepletion in the brain over the untreated group.

Conclusion

These results suggest that coffee honey fromApis ceranacontains a neuroprotective agent that will contribute to the development of a novel treatment for ALS/FTD.
Understanding the stakeholders’ preferences on a mobile application to reduce door to balloon time in the management of ST-elevated myocardial infarction patients – a qualitative study
Authors: Alkamel Nour , Jamal Amr , Alnobani Omar , Househ Mowafa , Zakaria Nasriah , Qawasmeh Mohammad , Tharkar Shabana
Published: August 2020

Background

ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a critical and time-sensitive emergency. The survival depends on prompt initiation of treatment requiring high precision and multi-level coordination between healthcare staff. The use of a mobile application may facilitate prompt management and shorten the door-to-balloon time by capturing information at the point of care and provide immediate feedback to all healthcare staff involved in STEMI management.

The objective of the present study has two primary components: (i) to explore the suggestions and opinions of stakeholders in the development of a novel mobile app for code activation in management of STEMI patients (ii) to find out the healthcare workers’ expectations including facilitating steps and challenges in the activation process of the proposed mobile app.

Methods

Unstructured interviews were conducted with key informants (n = 2) to identify all stakeholders, who also helped in developing the interview protocol and prototype designs. In-depth, semi-structured, open-ended, face to face interviews were conducted on 22 stakeholders involved in managing STEMI patients. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using ATLAS.ti 8 software, allowing themes and subthemes to emerge.

Results

The 22 participants included in the study were cardiology physicians (n = 3), emergency consultants (n = 4), emergency room (ER) senior nurses (n = 10), and cardiac catheterization lab staff (n = 5). The main themes identified during analysis were workflow and the App. The themes identified from the interviews surrounding the App were: 1) facilitating ideas 2) management steps needed 3) features 4) preferred code activation method 5) steps of integration 6) possible benefits of the App 7) barriers and 8) possible solutions to the suggested barriers. Most of the interviewed stakeholders expressed their acceptance after viewing the proposed mobile app prototype.

Conclusion

The study identified the mandatory features and the management steps needed from the stakeholder’s perspectives. The steps for integrating the current paper-based workflow with the suggested mobile app were identified. The expected benefits of the App may include improved and faster management, accuracy, better communication, and improvement in data quality. Moreover, the possible barriers might comprise of doubtful acceptability, device-related issues, and time and data-related challenges.
Examining inequality in utilisation of health management services for the elderly in rural Henan China
Authors: Wu Huan , Liu Yaqing
Published: August 2020

Background

The health management plays an important role in improving the quality of life of the elderly and relieving the pressure of health resource consumption. This study aims to assess the income-related inequality in utilisation of health management services (HMS) for the elderly and the contribution of the related factors to inequality in rural Henan China.

Methods

The data from 2015 Henan Rural Residents Health Survey with 1403 elderly people as the final sample were used for analysis. The concentration index (CI) was used to measure inequality in HMS utilisation for the elderly (no HMS, health assessment, physical examination, auxiliary examination, and health guidance). The decomposition of CI was adopted to explain the contribution of various determinants to inequality in HMS utilisation for the elderly.

Results

No HMS utilisation was disproportionately concentrated among the poor (CI = − 0.0730, p = 0.0155), utilisation of physical and auxiliary examination was disproportionately concentrated among the rich (CI = 0.0575, p = 0.0448; CI = 0.0811, p = 0.0044). In addition, the pro-poor effects of health assessment and guidance utilisation were not statistically significant (CI = − 0.0173, p = 0.4617; CI = − 0.0213, p = 0.3900). The results of CI decomposition revealed that household income and family size made positive contributions to inequality while social medical insurance, gender, marital status, and age made negative contributions to inequality. The improved service satisfaction with village clinics could reduce inequality in HMS utilisation, while the improved service satisfaction with township hospitals could increase inequality in HMS utilisation.

Conclusions

Although HMS for the elderly is provided free of charge, its accessibility remains pro-rich due to various factors. Policy makers should adopt effective interventions to resolve the contradiction between these factors and the utilisation of HMS, and redress inequality in the utilisation of HMS.
LncRNA SNHG6 enhances the radioresistance and promotes the growth of cervical cancer cells by sponging miR-485-3p
Authors: Liu Jin , Liu Xiaojiao , Li Rong
Published: August 2020

Background

Cervical cancer (CC) is the one of most common malignant gynecological tumors, which is characterized with the high mortality and recurrence rate. Previous studies have elucidated the oncogenic role of small nucleolar RNA host gene 6 (SNHG6) in some types of human cancers, whereas it is unclear whether it functions as an oncogene in CC. This study was aimed at unveiling the role of SNHG6 in CC.

Methods

qRT-PCR analysis was implemented to evaluate the expression levels of SNHG6, miR-485-3p and STYX in CC cells. RNA pull down assay and luciferase reporter assay were conducted to verify the interaction between miR-485-3p and SNHG6 or STYX. Functional assays, such as colony formation assay, JC-1 assay and TUNEL assay were applied to detect the biological behaviors of CC cells. The resistance of CC cells to radiation was evaluated by colony formation assay.

Results

SNHG6 was expressed at a high level in CC cells. Silenced SNHG6 suppressed cell proliferation but promoted cell apoptosis. Additionally, silenced SNHG6 could sensitize CC cells to radiation treatment. miR-485-3p could bind to both SNHG6 and STYX. Knockdown of miR-485-3p or overexpression of STYX could abolish the effects of SNHG6 silencing on CC cell growth.

Conclusions

LncRNA SNHG6 enhances the radioresistance of CC cells and promotes CC cell growth by sponging miR-485-3p to release STYX.
Potassium intake, skeletal muscle mass, and effect modification by sex: data from the 2008–2011 KNHANES
Authors: Lee Yu-Ji , Lee Mirae , Wi Yu Mi , Cho Seong , Kim Sung Rok
Published: August 2020

Background

A loss of muscle mass may be influenced by multiple factors. Insulin sensitivity and metabolic acidosis are associated with muscle wasting and may be improved with potassium intake. This study evaluated the association between dietary potassium intake and skeletal muscle mass.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study with data obtained from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) (2008–2011). Participant’s daily food intake was assessed using a 24-h recall method. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was calculated as the sum of muscle mass in both arms and legs, measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) was calculated as ASM divided by height2(kg/m2). Low muscle mass was defined as a SMI < 7.0 kg/m2for men and < 5.4 kg/m2for women.

Results

Data from 16,558 participants (age ≥ 19 years) were analyzed. Participants were categorized into quintiles according to their potassium intake. Sex-specific differences were found in the association between potassium intake and muscle mass (PInteraction < 0.001). In men, higher potassium intake was associated with lower odds for low muscle mass; the fully adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 0.78 (0.60–1.03), 0.71 (0.54–0.93), 0.68 (0.51–0.90), and 0.71 (0.51–0.98) for the top four quintiles (referenced against the lowest quintile), respectively. However, this association was attenuated in women after adjusting for total energy intake. Higher potassium intakes were also associated with a greater SMI.

Conclusions

Higher dietary potassium intake decreased the odds of low muscle mass in men but not in women.
Involving systems thinking and implementation science in pharmacists’ emerging role to facilitate the safe and appropriate use of traditional and complementary medicines
Authors: Harnett Joanna E. , Desselle Shane P. , Hu Hao , Ung Carolina Oi Lam
Published: August 2020

The use of traditional and complementary medicines (TM/CMs) has become an increasingly popular part of healthcare and self-care practices across the world. While the benefits and risks of many TM/CMs are yet to be fully evaluated, their prevalent use without consistent oversight has not been fully addressed by the public health sector. Pharmacists play an integral role in contributing to public health. Discussion about integrating TM/CMs into the professional practice of the pharmacist began over two decades ago. Nevertheless, TM/CMs are predominantly managed as “retail products” and are not integrated into pharmaceutical care and practice. While some isolated measures towards integration have been proposed, there remains no consensus on how to deliver pharmaceutical care in a coordinated, systematic manner. Systems thinking approaches are needed to formulate and implement strategies that change pharmacists’ practice related to TM/CMs. Such approaches will ultimately reduce risk, optimize patient care, and result in better health outcomes.
The association between recreational screen time and cancer risk: findings from the UK Biobank, a large prospective cohort study
Authors: Hunter Ruth F. , Murray Jennifer M. , Coleman Helen G.
Published: August 2020

Background

Evidence is suggestive of sedentary behaviour being associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer, but the evidence base is too limited to draw any conclusions for other cancers. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between recreational screen time and site-specific cancer risk.

Methods

We analysed data from the prospective UK Biobank cohort study. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between daily recreational screen time (including television (TV) viewing time, computer use time and total screen time) and site-specific cancer risk. Partition models and isotemporal substitution models investigated the impact of substituting recreational screen time with physical activity.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 7.6 years, 28,992 incident cancers were identified among 470,578 adults. A 1-h increase in daily TV viewing time was associated with higher risks of oropharyngeal, oesophago-gastric and colon cancer in fully adjusted models. Participants who reported ≤1, compared with 1- ≤ 3, hours/day of TV viewing time had lower risks of lung, breast, and oesophago-gastric cancer. Findings were inconsistent for daily recreational computer use and daily total recreational screen time. The majority of observed associations were small, and were attenuated after excluding cancers diagnosed within the first two years of follow-up, except for oesophago-gastric and colon cancers (HR 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.10; and HR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.07 per 1-h increase in daily TV viewing time, respectively). However, isotemporal substitution models showed reduced risk of some site-specific (oropharyngeal, lung, breast and colorectal) cancers when replacing 1-h/day of TV viewing with 1-h of moderate-intensity physical activity or walking.

Conclusions

Our findings show that daily recreational screen time, particularly TV viewing, was associated with small increased risks of oesophago-gastric and colon cancer. Replacing 1-h/day of TV viewing with 1-h of moderate-intensity physical activity or walking was associated with lower risk of oropharyngeal, lung, breast and colorectal cancers. Further research from other large prospective cohort studies is required, while mechanistic research is warranted to enhance the biological plausibility of these findings.
Cutaneous impact location: a new tool to predict intracranial lesion among the elderly with mild traumatic brain injury?
Authors: Dubucs Xavier , Balen Frederic , Schmidt Eric , Houles Mathieu , Charpentier Sandrine , Houze-Cerfon Charles-Henri , Lauque Dominique
Published: August 2020

Background

Mild traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of arrivals to emergency department due to trauma in the 65-year-old population and over. Recent studies conducted in ED suggested a low intracranial lesion prevalence. The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence and risk factors of intracranial lesion in older patients admitted to emergency department for mild traumatic brain injury by reporting in the emergency department the precise anamnesis of injury and clinical findings.

Methods

Patients of 65 years old and over admitted in emergency department were prospectively included in this monocentric study. The primary outcome was the prevalence of intracranial lesion threw neuroimaging.

Results

Between January and June 2019, 365 patients were included and 66.8% were women. Mean age was 86.5 years old (SD = 8.5). Ground-level fall was the most common cause of mild traumatic brain injury and occurred in 335 patients (91.8%). Overall, 26 out of 365 (7.2%) patients had an intracranial lesion. Compared with cutaneous frontal impact (medium risk group), the relative risk of intracranial lesion was 2.54 (95% CI 1.20 to 5.42) for patients with temporoparietal or occipital impact (high risk group) and 0.12 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.93) for patients with facial impact or no cutaneous impact (low risk group). There was not statistical increase in risk of intracranial injury with patients receiving antiplatelets (RR = 1.43; 95% CI 0.68 to 2.99) or anticoagulants (RR = 0.98; 95% CI 0.45 to 2.14).

Conclusion

Among patients of 65 years old and over, the prevalence of intracranial lesion after a mild traumatic brain injury was similar to the younger adult population. The cutaneous impact location on clinical examination at the emergency department may identify older patients with low, medium and high risk for intracranial lesion.
The importance of airway and lung microbiome in the critically ill
Authors: Martin-Loeches Ignacio , Dickson Robert , Torres Antoni , Hanberger Håkan , Lipman Jeffrey , Antonelli Massimo , de Pascale Gennaro , Bozza Fernando , Vincent Jean Louis , Murthy Srinivas , Bauer Michael , Marshall John , Cilloniz Catia , Bos Lieuwe D.
Published: August 2020

During critical illness, there are a multitude of forces such as antibiotic use, mechanical ventilation, diet changes and inflammatory responses that could bring the microbiome out of balance. This so-called dysbiosis of the microbiome seems to be involved in immunological responses and may influence outcomes even in individuals who are not as vulnerable as a critically ill ICU population. It is therefore probable that dysbiosis of the microbiome is a consequence of critical illness and may, subsequently, shape an inadequate response to these circumstances.

Bronchoscopic studies have revealed that the carina represents the densest site of bacterial DNA along healthy airways, with a tapering density with further bifurcations. This likely reflects the influence of micro-aspiration as the primary route of microbial immigration in healthy adults. Though bacterial DNA density grows extremely sparse at smaller airways, bacterial signal is still consistently detectable in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, likely reflecting the fact that lavage via a wedged bronchoscope samples an enormous surface area of small airways and alveoli. The dogma of lung sterility also violated numerous observations that long predated culture-independent microbiology.

The body’s resident microbial consortia (gut and/or respiratory microbiota) affect normal host inflammatory and immune response mechanisms. Disruptions in these host-pathogen interactions have been associated with infection and altered innate immunity.

In this narrative review, we will focus on the rationale and current evidence for a pathogenic role of the lung microbiome in the exacerbation of complications of critical illness, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome and ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Efficacy of tailored second-line therapy of Helicobacter pylori eradication in patients with clarithromycin-based treatment failure: a multicenter prospective study
Authors: Kong Siya , Huang Keting , Wang Jun , Wang Xiaoyong , Yang Ningmin , Dong Yu , Zhuang Ya , Dang Yini , Zhang Guoxin , Ye Feng
Published: August 2020

Background

After the failure of clarithromycin- and bismuth-based quadruple therapy (CBQT), levofloxacin- and bismuth-based quadruple therapy (LBQT) is recommended for Helicobacter pylori eradication. We compared the efficacies of second-line tailored bismuth-based quadruple therapy (TBQT) and empirical LBQT.

Methods

Patients with CBQT failure were randomly assigned to receive TBQT or LBQT for 14 days. All patients underwent endoscopy for culture-based antibiotic susceptibility testing. Patients in the TBQT group exhibiting levofloxacin susceptibility were randomized to receive amoxicillin, levofloxacin, esomeprazole, and colloidal bismuth pectin (ALEB) or amoxicillin, furazolidone, esomeprazole, and colloidal bismuth pectin (AFEB) for 14 days; patients with levofloxacin resistance received AFEB.

Results

From May 2016 to June 2019, 364 subjects were enrolled. Eradication rates were significantly higher in the TBQT group (n = 182) than in the LBQT group (n = 182) according to both intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis (89.6% vs. 64.8%, P < 0.001) and per protocol (PP) analysis (91.1% vs. 67.8%, P < 0.001). Among patients in the TBQT group with levofloxacin susceptibility, eradication rates were similar in the ALEB (n = 51) and AFEB (n = 50) subgroups according to both the ITT (86.3% vs. 90.0%, P = 0.56) and PP (88.0% vs. 90.0%, P = 0.75) analyses. Isolated clarithromycin and levofloxacin resistance rates were 57.7% and 44.5%, respectively. The total clarithromycin and levofloxacin resistance rate in strains with dual or triple resistance was 35.7%.

Conclusions

TBQT was more effective than LBQT as a second-line strategy after CBQT failure. In the absence of antibiotic susceptibility testing, AFEB therapy might be used as a rescue therapy to eradicate H. pylori and avoid levofloxacin resistance.

Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (www.chictr.org.cn): ChiCTR1900027743.
Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin values alone and combined with Prognostic Index predict septic AKI, DIC, and shock: a pilot study
Authors: Shimoyama Yuichiro , Umegaki Osamu , Kadono Noriko , Minami Toshiaki
Published: August 2020

Objective

Sepsis is a syndrome involving life-threatening organ dysfunction. The present study aimed to determine whether septic AKI, ARDS, DIC, and shock can be predicted more readily by combining uNGAL values and inflammation-based prognostic scores, over the use of uNGAL values alone.

Results

ROC curve analyses yielded the following cut-off values: AKI: 438.5 (ng/ml) for uNGAL at Day 1 (AUC, 0.8), 476.9 (ng/ml) for uNGAL at Day 2 (AUC, 0.86), 123.8 (ng/ml) for uNGAL at Day 3 (AUC, 0.81), 133.6 (ng/ml) for uNGAL at Day 4 (AUC, 0.78), 1.0 for iNS NGAL-NLR (AUC, 0.75), 2.0 for iNS NGAL-PI (AUC, 0.77), DIC; 648.5 (ng/ml) for uNGAL at Day 1 (AUC, 0.77); shock; 123.8 (ng/ml) for uNGAL at Day 3 (AUC, 0.71) and 9 for SOFA (AUC, 0.71). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed iNS NGAL-PI to be a significant independent predictor of AKI (OR, 20.62; 95% CI, 1.03–412.3; p = 0.048).
Combined therapy with adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells and meglumine antimoniate controls lesion development and parasite load in murine cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania amazonensis
Authors: Ramos Tadeu Diniz , Silva Johnatas Dutra , da Fonseca-Martins Alessandra Marcia , da Silveira Pratti Juliana Elena , Firmino-Cruz Luan , Maciel-Oliveira Diogo , Dos-Santos Julio Souza , Tenorio João Ivo Nunes , de Araujo Almair Ferreira , Freire-de-Lima Célio Geraldo , Diaz Bruno Lourenço , Cruz Fernanda Ferreira , Rocco Patricia Rieken Macedo , de Matos Guedes Herbert Leonel
Published: August 2020

Background

Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease caused byLeishmaniaspp. One of its characteristics is an imbalance of host immune responses to foster parasite survival. In this setting, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) may be a viable therapeutic alternative, given their well-established immunomodulatory potential. In this study, we compared the effects of therapy with bone marrow (BM)- and adipose tissue (AD)-derived MSCs in leishmaniasis caused byLeishmania amazonensisin C57BL/6 mice. After determining the most effective MSC source, we then combined these cells with meglumine antimoniate (a pentavalent antimonial commonly used for the treatment of leishmaniasis) to treat the infected mice.

Methods

In vitro, co-culture of AD-MSCs and BM-MSCs withLeishmania amazonensis-infected macrophages was performed to understand the influence of both MSC sources in infected cells. In vivo, infected C57BL/6 mice were treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), AD-MSCs and BM-MSCs, and then meglumine antimoniate was combined with MSCs from the most effective source.

Results

In vitro, co-culture ofLeishmania amazonensis-infected macrophages with BM-MSCs, compared to AD-MSCs, led to a higher parasite load and lower production of nitric oxide. Fibroblasts grown in conditioned medium from co-cultures with AD-MSCs promoted faster wound healing. Despite a non-significant difference in the production of vascular endothelial growth factor, we observed higher production of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin (IL)-10 in the co-culture with AD-MSCs. In vivo, treatment of infected mice with BM-MSCs did not lead to disease control; however, the use of AD-MSCs was associated with partial control of lesion development, without significant differences in the parasite load. AD-MSCs combined with meglumine antimoniate reduced lesion size and parasite load when compared to PBS and AD-MSC groups. At the infection site, we detected a small production of IL-10, but we were unable to detect production of either IL-4 or interferon-γ, indicating resolution of infection without effect on the percentage of regulatory T cells.

Conclusion

Combination treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis with AD-MSCs and meglumine antimoniate may be a viable alternative.
UWSNs positioning technology based on iterative optimization and data position correction
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Qin Danyang , Zhao Min , Guo Ruolin , Berhane Teklu Merhawit
Published: August 2020

Underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs) have played an increasingly important role in the fields of ocean exploration, underwater environment monitoring, underwater navigation target tracking, terrain-assisted navigation, and so on. However, UWSNs are a dynamic network, which are unlike terrestrial wireless sensor networks, and the complexity of underwater environment poses many challenges for the positioning of sensor nodes. Aiming at the difficulty of location update, this paper proposes a UWSN positioning technology based on iterative optimization and data position correction (IO-DPC). Firstly, particle swarm optimization technology is used to perform the rough positioning stage of sensor nodes, and iterative optimization is performed for many times. Then, data position correction work is carried out, and a scheme is designed for correcting underwater sensor data position when base station receives the data packet. An underwater ocean current model is established, and IO-DPC technology is simulated in various underwater simulation environments. Experimental results show that IO-DPC technology has higher positioning accuracy than other traditional technologies.