bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early life exposure to air pollution and incidence of childhood asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema
Authors: To Teresa , Zhu Jingqin , Stieb Dave , Gray Natasha , Fong Ivy , Pinault Lauren , Jerrett Michael , Robichaud Alain , Ménard Richard , van Donkelaar Aaron , Martin Randall V. , Hystad Perry , Brook Jeffrey R. , Dell Sharon
Published: December 2019

Rationale

There is growing evidence that air pollution may contribute to the development of childhood asthma and other allergic diseases. In this follow-up of the Toronto Child Health Evaluation Questionnaire (T-CHEQ) study, we examined associations between early life exposures to air pollution and incidence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema from birth through adolescence.

Methods

1286 T-CHEQ participants were followed from birth until outcome (March 31, 2016) or loss to follow-up, with a mean of 17 years of follow-up. Concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3) and particulate matter with a 50% cut-off aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 µm (PM2.5) from January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2012 were assigned to participants based on their postal codes at birth using ground observations, chemical/meteorological models, remote sensing and land-use regression models. Study outcomes included incidence of physician-diagnosed asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios per interquartile range of exposures and outcomes, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Hazard ratios of 1.17 (95% CI 1.05–1.31) for asthma and 1.07 (95% CI 0.99–1.15) for eczema were observed for total oxidants (O3and NO2) at birth. No significant increase in risk was found for PM2.5.

Conclusions

Exposures to oxidant air pollutants (O3and NO2) but not PM2.5were associated with an increased risk of incident asthma and eczema in children. This suggests that improving air quality may contribute to the prevention of asthma and other allergic disease in childhood and adolescence.
Genetic landscape of adult Langerhans cell histiocytosis with lung involvement
Authors: Jouenne Fanélie , Chevret Sylvie , Bugnet Emmanuelle , Clappier Emmanuelle , Lorillon Gwenaël , Meignin Véronique , Sadoux Aurélie , Cohen Shannon , Haziot Alain , How-Kit Alexandre , Kannengiesser Caroline , Lebbé Céleste , Gossot Dominique , Mourah Samia , Tazi Abdellatif
Published: December 2019

The clinical significance of theBRAFV600Emutation in adult Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), including pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH), is not well understood. Similarly, the spectrum of molecular alterations involved in adult LCH has not been fully delineated. To address these issues, we genotyped a large number of adult LCH biopsies and searched for an association of identified molecular alterations with clinical presentation and disease outcome.

Biopsies from 117 adult LCH patients, 83 with PLCH (median age 36.4 years, 56 females, 38 multisystem disease, 79 single system disease, 65 current smokers) were genotyped for theBRAFV600Emutation. In 69 cases, LCH lesions were also genotyped by whole-exome sequencing (WES) or targeted gene panel next-generation sequencing (NGS). Cox models were used to estimate the association of baseline characteristics with the hazard of LCH progression.

MAPK pathway alterations were detected in 59 out of 69 cases (86%) (BRAFV600Emutation: 36%,BRAFN486_P490deletion: 28%,MAP2K1mutations: 15%, isolatedNRASQ61mutations: 4%), whileKRASmutations were virtually absent in PLCH lesions. TheBRAFV600Emutation was not associated with LCH presentation at diagnosis, including smoking status and lung function, in PLCH patients.BRAFV600Estatus did not influence the risk of LCH progression over time.

Thus, MAPK alterations are present in most lesions from adult LCH patients, particularly in PLCH. Unlike reports in paediatric LCH,BRAFV600Egenotyping did not provide additional information on disease outcome. The search for alterations involved in the MAPK pathway, includingBRAFdeletions, is useful for guiding targeted treatment in selected patients with refractory progressive LCH.
Tailored Solid Polymer Electrolytes by Montmorillonite with High Ionic Conductivity for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhao Yingjian , Wang Yong
Published: December 2019

Polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have important significance for the development of next-generation rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. However, strong coordination between lithium ions and PEO chains results the ion conductivity usually lower than the expectation. In this study, sub-micron montmorillonite is incorporated into the PEO frames as Lewis base center which enables the lithium ions to escape the restraint of PEO chains. After involving montmorillonite (MMT) into the SPEs, the ionic conductivity of SPEs is 4.7 mS cm− 1at 70 °C which shows a comparable value with that of liquid electrolyte. As coupling with LiFePO4material, the battery delivers a high discharge capacity of 150.3 mAh g− 1and an excellent rate performance with a capacity of 111.8 mAh g− 1at 0.16 C and maintains 58.2 mAh g− 1at 0.8 C. This study suggests that the customized incorporation of Lewis base materials could offer a promising solution for achieving high-performance PEO-based solid-state electrolyte.
Oral exposure to lead for Japanese children and pregnant women, estimated using duplicate food portions and house dust analyses
Authors: Ohtsu Mayumi , Mise Nathan , Ikegami Akihiko , Mizuno Atsuko , Kobayashi Yayoi , Nakagi Yoshihiko , Nohara Keiko , Yoshida Takahiko , Kayama Fujio
Published: December 2019

Background

Lead is a toxic metal abundant in the environment. Consumption of food contaminated at low levels of lead, especially by small children and pregnant women, raises a health concern.

Methods

Duplicated food portions and drinking water were collected over 3 days from 88 children and 87 pregnant women in Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan. Participants were recruited in this study between January 2014 and October 2015. Dust was also collected from their homes. Lead concentrations were measured and consequent oral lead exposure levels were estimated for this population at high risk to environmental toxicants. Lead concentrations of peripheral and cord blood, taken from children and pregnant women, and were also analyzed.

Results

Lead concentrations in food, drinking water, and house dust were low in general. Oral lead exposure to lead was higher for children (Mean ± SEM; 5.21 ± 0.30 μg/kg BW/week) than in pregnant women (1.47 ± 0.13 μg/kg BW/week). Food and house dust were main sources of lead contamination, but the contribution of house dust widely varied. Means ± SEM of peripheral and cord blood lead concentrations were 0.69 ± 0.04 μg/dL and 0.54 ± 0.05 μg/dL, respectively for pregnant women and 1.30 ± 0.07 μg/dL (peripheral only) in children. We detect no correlation between smoking situations and blood lead concentration in pregnant women.

Conclusion

We conclude that oral lead exposure levels for Japanese children and pregnant women were generally low, with higher concentrations and exposure for children than for pregnant women. More efforts are necessary to clarify the sources of lead contamination and reduce lead exposure of the population at high risk even in Japan.
Phylogenetic signals in pest abundance and distribution range of spider mites
Authors: Jin Peng-Yu , Sun Jing-Tao , Hoffmann Ary , Guo Yan-Fei , Zhou Jin-Cheng , Zhu Yu-Xi , Chen Lei , Hong Xiao-Yue
Published: December 2019

Background

Attributes of pest species like host range are frequently reported as being evolutionarily constrained and showing phylogenetic signal. Because these attributes in turn could influence the abundance and impact of species, phylogenetic information could be useful in predicting the likely status of pests. In this study, we used regional (China) and global datasets to investigate phylogenetic patterns in occurrence patterns and host ranges of spider mites, which constitute a pest group of many cropping systems worldwide.

Results

We found significant phylogenetic signal in relative abundance and distribution range both at the regional and global scales. Relative abundance and range size of spider mites were positively correlated with host range, although these correlations became weaker after controlling for phylogeny.

Conclusions

The results suggest that pest impacts are evolutionarily constrained. Information that is easily obtainable – including the number of known hosts and phylogenetic position of the mites – could therefore be useful in predicting future pest risk of species.
Functional analysis of CfSnf1 in the development and pathogenicity of anthracnose fungus Colletotrichum fructicola on tea-oil tree
Authors: Zhang Shengpei , Guo Yuan , Li Sizheng , Zhou Guoying , Liu Junang , Xu Jianping , Li He
Published: December 2019

Background

Tea-oil tree (Camellia oleifera) is a unique edible-oil tree in China, and anthracnose occurs in wherever it is cultivated, causing great economic losses each year. We have previously identified the Ascomycete fungus Colletotrichum fructicola as the major pathogen of anthracnose in Ca.oleifera. The purpose of this study was to characterize the biological function of Snf1 protein, a key component of the AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) pathway, for the molecular pathogenic-mechanisms of C. fructicola.

Results

We characterized CfSnf1 as the homolog of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Snf1. Targeted CfSNF1 gene deletion revealed that CfSnf1 is involved in the utilization of specific carbon sources, conidiation, and stress responses. We further found that the ΔCfSnf1 mutant was not pathogenic to Ca.oleifera, resulting from its defect in appressorium formation. In addition, we provided evidence showing crosstalk between the AMPK and the cAMP/PKA pathways for the first time in filamentous fungi.

Conclusion

This study indicate that CfSnf1 is a critical factor in the development and pathogenicity of C. fructicola and, therefore, a potential fungicide target for anthracnose control.
The effect of tuberculosis on immune reconstitution among HIV patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy in Adigrat general hospital, eastern Tigrai, Ethiopia; 2019: a retrospective follow up study
Authors: Negash Hadush , Legese Haftom , Tefera Mebrahtu , Mardu Fitsum , Tesfay Kebede , Gebresilasie Senait , Fseha Berhane , Kahsay Tsega , Gebrewahd Aderajew , Berhe Brhane
Published: December 2019

Background

Ethiopia initiated antiretroviral therapy early in 2005. Managing and detecting antiretroviral treatment response is important to monitor the effectiveness of medication and possible drug switching for low immune reconstitution. There is less recovery of CD4+ T cells among human immunodeficiency virus patients infected with tuberculosis. Hence, we aimed to assess the effect of tuberculosis and other determinant factors of immunological response among human immunodeficiency virus patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy. A retrospective follow up study was conducted from October to July 2019. A total of 393 participants were enrolled. An interviewer based questionnaire was used for data collection. Patient charts were used to extract clinical data and follow up results of the CD4+ T cell. Current CD4+ T cell counts of patients were performed. STATA 13 software was used to analyze the data. Ap-value ≤0.05 was considered a statistically significant association.

Results

The mean age of study participants was 39.2 years (SD: + 12.2 years) with 8.32 mean years of follow up. The overall prevalence of immune reconstitution failure was 24.7% (97/393). Highest failure rate occurred within the first year of follow up time, 15.7 per 100 Person-year. Failure of CD4+ T cells reconstitution was higher among tuberculosis coinfected patients (48.8%) than mono-infected patients (13.7%). Living in an urban residence, baseline CD4+ T cell count ≤250 cells/mm3, poor treatment adherence and tuberculosis infection were significantly associated with the immunological failure.

Conclusions

There was a high rate of CD4+ T cells reconstitution failure among our study participants. Tuberculosis infection increased the rate of failure. Factors like low CD4+ T cell baseline count, poor adherence and urban residence were associated with the immunological failure. There should be strict monitoring of CD4+ T cell counts among individuals with tuberculosis coinfection.
Investigation of the accuracy of a noninvasive continuous blood pressure device in different age groups and its ability in detecting hypertension and hypotension: an observational study
Authors: Wang Ziwei , Chen Guizhen , Lu Kaizhi , Zhu Yuan , Chen Yan
Published: December 2019

Background

CNAP monitor is a continuous and noninvasive blood pressure (BP) measurement device that can be used in intraoperative monitoring. But whether its accuracy changes with age and its detectability of hypertension and hypotension are still unclear. This study was to investigate the agreement of CNAP and invasive arterial pressure (IAP) in different age groups, and the ability of CNAP to detect hypertension and hypotension.

Methods

This observational study enrolled 48 Chinese patients undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia, including 25 relatively old patients (age between 50 and 70) and 23 relatively young patients (age between 18 and 49). IAP was monitored at the radial artery and CNAP was applied on the opposite arm simultaneously. Paired BP data in the entire surgery were recorded, and analyzed with Bland Altman plot and Spearman correlation. The ratio of the hypertension and hypotension episodes detected by IAP and CNAP was analyzed using chi-square test.

Results

7990 valid paired BP data were analyzed, wherein 4186 data were from 25 relatively old patients, and the other data were from 23 relatively young patients. Bias (SD) for relatively old patients was: systolic BP (SBP): − 6.5 (18.6) mm Hg; diastolic BP (DBP): 9.3 (7.8) mmHg; and mean BP (MBP): 4.2 (9.5) mm Hg. Bias (SD) for relatively young patients was: SBP: − 6.2 (12.1) mm Hg; DBP: 10.6 (6.9) mmHg; and MBP: 4.8 (7.3) mm Hg. The correlation between CNAP and IAP was higher in MBP than those in SBP and DBP, and it decreased with the increase of age. Comparing to IAP, CNAP tended to miss reporting a high SBP, low DBP and low MBP, and misinform a low SBP, high DBP and high MBP.

Conclusion

CNAP showed acceptable agreement with IAP in MBP for all age groups, but reduced agreement with IAP in SBP and DBP, especially for relatively old patients. Ability of CNAP to detect hypertension and hypotension episodes was weaker than IAP. Therefore, CNAP monitor is suitable for young patients and hemodynamically stable surgery, but may not be recommended for old patients with arteriosclerosis and diabetes or surgeries expecting to have fluctuating blood pressure.
Development of a healthy ageing index in Latin American countries - a 10/66 dementia research group population-based study
Authors: Daskalopoulou Christina , Chua Kia-Chong , Koukounari Artemis , Caballero Francisco Félix , Prince Martin , Prina A. Matthew
Published: December 2019

Background

Our population is ageing and in 2050 more than one out of five people will be 60 years or older; 80% of whom will be living in a low-and-middle income country. Living longer does not entail living healthier; however, there is not a widely accepted measure of healthy ageing hampering policy and research. The World Health Organization defines healthy ageing as the process of developing and maintaining functional ability that will enable well-being in older age. We aimed to create a healthy ageing index (HAI) in a subset of six low-and-middle income countries, part of the 10/66 study, by using items of functional ability and intrinsic capacity.

Methods

The study sample included residents 65-years old and over (n = 12,865) from catchment area sites in Cuba, Dominican Republic, Peru, Venezuela, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Items were collected by interviewing participants or key informants between 2003 and 2010. Two-stage factor analysis was employed and we compared one-factor, second-order and bifactor models. The psychometric properties of the index, including reliability, replicability, unidimensionality and concurrent convergent validity as well as measurement invariance per ethnic group and gender were further examined in the best fit model.

Results

The bifactor model displayed superior model fit statistics supporting that a general factor underlies the various items but other subdomain factors are also needed. The HAI indicated excellent reliability (ω = 0.96, ωΗ = 0.84), replicability (H = 0.96), some support for unidimensionality (Explained Common Variance = 0.65) and some concurrent convergent validity with self-rated health. Scalar measurement invariance per ethnic group and gender was supported.

Conclusions

A HAI with excellent psychometric properties was created by using items of functional ability and intrinsic capacity in a subset of six low-and-middle income countries. Further research is needed to explore sub-population differences and to validate this index to other cultural settings.
Five-factor model personality traits and cognitive function in five domains in older adulthood
Authors: Sutin Angelina R. , Stephan Yannick , Luchetti Martina , Terracciano Antonio
Published: December 2019

Background

Five-factor model (FFM) personality traits have been associated consistently with risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Less is known about how these traits are associated with functioning in specific domains of cognitive function in older adulthood.

Methods

Participants (N = 2865) were drawn from the 2016 Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol sub-study of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Participants completed a battery of cognitive tasks that measured performance in five domains: Memory (eight tasks), speed-attention-executive (five tasks), visuospatial ability (three tasks), fluency (one task), and numeric reasoning (one task). Participants completed an FFM personality measure as part of the regular HRS assessment in either 2014 or 2016. Linear regression was used to examine the association between the traits and each cognitive task and composite scores for the five domains, controlling for age, sex, race, ethnicity, and education. We also tested whether the associations were moderated by these sociodemographic factors or mental status.

Results

Neuroticism was associated with worse performance on all of the cognitive tasks. Conscientiousness was associated with better performance across all five cognitive domains, although not necessarily with every task. Openness and Agreeableness were associated with better performance in all domains, except for numeric reasoning. Extraversion was associated with better speed-attention-executive and fluency. There was no robust evidence that the association between personality and cognition was moderated by sociodemographic characteristics or global cognitive function.

Conclusions

Personality traits have pervasive associations with functioning across five cognitive domains. Consistent with the literature on personality and risk of ADRD, Neuroticism and Conscientiousness were associated with cognitive performance in the expected direction in all domains. Extraversion was the only trait that showed domain-specific associations. The present research supports models of personality and health in the context of cognition and suggests that personality is associated with intermediate markers of cognitive health.
Correction to: Systematic review and meta-analysis of tick-borne disease risk factors in residential yards, neighborhoods, and beyond
Authors: Fischhoff Ilya R. , Bowden Sarah E. , Keesing Felicia , Ostfeld Richard S.
Published: December 2019

Following publication of the original article [1], one of the authors, Dr. Sarah E. Bowden reported that at the time of the study she wasn’t working for the Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329–4027, USA.
Initiation of antiretroviral therapy or antiretroviral prophylaxis in pregnant women living with HIV registered in five townships of Mandalay, Myanmar: A cross sectional study
Authors: Kyaw Khine Wut Yee , Mon Aye Aye , Phyo Khaing Hnin , Kyaw Nang Thu Thu , Kumar Ajay M. V. , Lwin Than Than , Aung Zaw Zaw , Aung Thet Ko , Oo Myo Minn , Htun Thurain , Ya Sai Soe Thu , Satyanarayana Srinath , Oo Htun Nyunt
Published: December 2019

Background

A series of interventions are required to prevent mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) starting from HIV testing of pregnant women, initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) or antiretroviral prophylaxis to HIV-positive pregnant women to providing HIV prophylaxis to newborn babies. Gaps in each step can significantly affect the effectiveness of PMTCT interventions. We aimed to determine the gap in initiation of ART/antiretroviral prophylaxis for pregnant women living with HIV, delay in initiation of ART/antiretroviral prophylaxis and factors associated with the delay.

Methods

This is a cross sectional study using routinely collected programme data from five health facilities providing PMTCT services located at Township Health Departments (THD) of Mandalay, Myanmar.

Results

There were 363 pregnant women living with HIV enrolled between January 2012 and December 2017. Sixty (16%) women were excluded from the study due to missing data on dates of HIV diagnosis. Of 303 (84%) women included in the study, 89/303 (29%) and 214/303 (71%) were diagnosed with HIV before and during current pregnancy respectively. Among 214 women, 180 (84%) women were started on ART by the censor date (31st March 2018). Among those who started ART, 109 (61%) women had a delay of starting ART > 2 weeks from diagnosis. Women residing in township 4 had a significantly higher risk of delay in initiation of ART/antiretroviral prophylaxis compared to women residing in township 1 [adjusted prevalence ratio 4.2 (95% confidence interval 1.2–14.8].

Conclusions

We found that one in four women living with HIV knew their HIV status before current pregnancy. Although the rate of ART/antiretroviral prophylaxis initiation was high among pregnant women living with HIV, there was a delay. Early initiation of ART/antiretroviral prophylaxis among newly HIV diagnosed pregnant women needs to be strengthened.
Alcohol use, pregnancy and associated risk factors: a pilot cross-sectional study of pregnant women attending prenatal care in an urban city
Authors: Moise Imelda K.
Published: December 2019

Background

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preventable alcohol-related developmental disability fetal alcohol syndrome. In Zambia, alcohol use and associated risk factors have not been investigated, and screening in prenatal care is nonexistent. This study determined individual correlates and the prevalence of alcohol use in pregnant women attending prenatal care at two health clinics in Lusaka, Zambia.

Methods

A study adopted a cross-sectional design and recruited 188 pregnant women after seeking their informed consent from July 19 to 31, 2017. Participants aged 18 or over completed the T-ACE (Tolerance, Annoyance, Cut Down and Eye Opener) screening tool and validated alcohol-screening questionnaires on self-reported alcohol use periconceptional and during conception period while at their regular prenatal visit. The T-ACE screening tool assessed the risk of alcohol dependence in four short questions. The questionnaires included demographic questions. Bivariate analyses were performed using the χ2 test for dichotomous variables and the t-test for continuous variables. Mixed-effects linear models were used to evaluate the effect of outcome variables with patient-level variables.

Results

About 40 (21.2%) pregnant women were identified by the T-ACE as at-risk for problem drinking during pregnancy. Except for regular prenatal care and distance, there was no difference in the demographic factors between pregnant women who scored < 2 on the T-ACE and those that scored > 2 points (all p’s > 0.05). A small proportional of women at both clinics reported binge drinking during the periconceptional period (12.7% vs. 3.2%,p = 0.003) and beyond periconception period. Excluding employed women, no significant relationships were observed between alcohol use and demographic factors.

Conclusion

Alcohol consumption is prevalent in the periconceptional period and during pregnancy in pregnant women attending prenatal care in Zambia. Findings underscore the need for targeted alcohol use screening and intervention for pregnant women.
Case report of ascending colon cancer and multiple jejunal GISTs in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)
Authors: Shang Liang , Fang Zhen , Liu Jin , Du Fengying , Jing Haiyan , Xu Yali , Dong Kangdi , Zhang Xiaoman , Wu Hao , Jing Changqing , Li Leping
Published: December 2019

Background

NF1(Neurofibromatosis type 1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder. Patients with NF1 have an increased risk of developing benign or malignant tumours, such as gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs). However, the coexistence of NF1, GIST and colon cancer is very rare, and few cases have been reported in the literature.

Case presentation

We admitted a case of a 64-year-old man with type 1 neurofibromatosis, GISTs, and ascending colon cancer. This case was characterized by café-au-lait macules, discrete cutaneous neurofibromas, nodular neurofibromas, multiple jejunal tumours, and ascending colon cancer. Laparoscopic exploration revealed ascending colon cancer and multiple jejunal tumours. Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy and local excision of the jejunal tumours were performed successfully. The pathological results confirmed moderate differentiated adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon with multiple jejunal GISTs (low risk, very low risk). Moreover, the immunohistochemistry results of multiple jejunal GISTs suggest that NF1 is positive. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) of colon cancer revealed mutations in more than 20 genes, including KRAS, PIK3CA, APC, SMAD4, etc. The results of whole-exome sequencing (WES) of jejunal GISTs revealed an NF1 mutation and no KIT or PDGFR gene mutation.

Conclusion

We report a rare case of simultaneous NF1, GIST and colon adenocarcinoma. For patients with NF1, benign and/or malignant tumours are often combined. Therefore, these patients should undergo regular physical examinations so that early detection and early treatment can be achieved.
Prognostic impact of platinum sensitivity in ovarian carcinoma patients with brain metastasis
Authors: da Costa Alexandre André Balieiro Anastácio , dos Santos Elizabeth Santana , Cotrim Deborah Porto , Pandolfi Natasha Carvalho , Cesca Marcelle Goldner , Mantoan Henrique , Sanches Solange Moraes , Ribeiro Adriana Regina Gonçalves , de Brot Louise , Bonvolim Graziele , Sanematsu Paulo Issamu , de Souza Ronaldo Pereira , Maya Joyce Maria Lisboa , de Souza Castro Fabrício , da Nogueira Silveira Lima João Paulo , Chen Michael Jenwel , Guimarães Andrea Paiva Gadelha , Baiocchi Glauco
Published: December 2019

Background

Brain metastasis (BM) is a rare event in ovarian cancer patients. The current prognostic scores that have been used for other tumors do not account for specific characteristics of ovarian cancer, such as platinum sensitivity.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study examined patients with ovarian carcinoma and BM who were treated at a single institution from January 2007 to December 2017. Clinical data on the diagnosis of BM and follow-up were collected. Cox regression was used to evaluate prognostic factors for overall survival (OS).

Results

Of 560 patients, 26 presented with BM. Eight patients were treated with surgery, 15 with whole-brain radiotherapy (RT), and 5 with stereotactic RT, and 4 patients received systemic treatment at the diagnosis of BM. The median OS was 10.8 months. The following factors were associated with OS: platinum-sensitive recurrence (HR 0.34, 95% CI 0.12–0.99; p = 0.049), higher number of previous treatment lines (HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.12–2.19; p = 0.008), ECOG performance status (HR 2.52, 95% CI 1.24–5.09; p = 0.010), and longer interval from initial diagnosis to BM (p = 0.025). Notably, the number of brain metastasis, the largest tumor size, and progression outside of the CNS were not related to survival. Platinum sensitivity was not associated with any of the classic prognostic factors in brain metastasis patients such as number or size of brain metastasis or disease progression outside the CNS strengthening the hypothesis of the importance of platinum sensitivity to the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients with BM.

Conclusions

The factors related to the biological behavior of the ovarian cancer such as platinum sensitivity at the time of BM diagnosis, fewer number of previous treatment lines and interval from initial diagnosis were associated with survival in ovarian cancer patients with BM, while factors that are usually related to survival in BM in other cancers were not associated with survival in this cohort of ovarian cancer patients. The small number of patients did not allow us to exclude the prognostic role of these former factors that were not associated with survival in the present cohort.
Adaptive capacity of 2- to 5-month-old infants to the flow, shape, and flexibility of different teats during bottle feeding: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lagarde M. L. J. , van Alfen N. , de Groot S. A. F. , Geurts A. C. H. , van den Engel-Hoek L.
Published: December 2019

Background

Nutritive sucking is a complex activity, the biomechanical components of which may vary in relation to respiratory phase, swallow-rate per minute, suck-swallow ratio, and swallow non-inspiratory flow (SNIF). Quantitative measurement of these components during nutritive sucking in healthy infants could help us to understand the complex development of sucking, swallowing, and breathing. This is important because the coordination between these components is often disturbed in infants with feeding difficulties. The aims of this study were to describe the biomechanical components of sucking and swallowing in healthy 2- to 5-month-old infants during bottle feeding, to assess whether infants adapt to the characteristics of two different teats, and to determine which independent variables influence the occurrence of SNIF.

Methods

Submental muscle activity, nasal airflow, and cervical auscultation were evaluated during bottle-feeding with two different teats.

Results

Sixteen term-born infants (6 boys) aged 2–5 months were included. All infants showed variable inhalation and exhalation after swallowing. The swallow rate per minute was significantly higher when infants fed with a higher flow teat (Philips Avent Natural 2.0™). Infants had suck:swallow ratios ranging from 1:1 to 4:1. A suck:swallow ratio of 1:1 occurred significantly more often when infants fed with a higher flow teat, whereas a suck:swallow ratio of 2:1 occurred significantly more often when infants fed with a low-flow teat (Philips Avent Classic+™). A suck:swallow ratio of 1:1 was negatively correlated with SNIF, whereas a suck:swallow ratio of 2:1 was positively correlated with SNIF.

Conclusion

Healthy infants aged 2–5 months can adapt to the flow, shape, and flexibility of different teats, showing a wide range of biomechanical and motor adaptations.
Association of Borderline Intellectual Functioning and Adverse Childhood Experience with adult psychiatric morbidity. Findings from a British birth cohort
Authors: Hassiotis Angela , Brown Emma , Harris James , Helm David , Munir Kerim , Salvador-Carulla Luis , Bertelli Marco , Baghdadli Amaria , Wieland Jannelien , Novell-Alsina Ramon , Cid Jordi , Vergés Laura , Martínez-Leal Rafael , Mutluer Tuba , Ismayilov Fuad , Emerson Eric
Published: December 2019

Background

To examine whether Borderline Intellectual Functioning (BIF) and Adverse Childhood Experiences independently predict adult psychiatric morbidity.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of longitudinal data derived from the 1970 British Birth Cohort Study to examine whether BIF and Adverse Childhood Experiences independently predict adult mental distress as measured by the Malaise Inventory. Factor analysis was used to derive a proxy measure of IQ from cognitive testing at age 10 or 5. Variables that could be indicators of exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences were identified and grouped into health related and socio-economic related adversity.

Results

Children with BIF were significantly more likely than their peers to have been exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences (BIF mean 5.90, non-BIF mean 3.19; Mann-Whitney z = 31.74,p < 0.001). As adults, participants with BIF were significantly more likely to score above the cut-off on the Malaise Inventory. We found statistically significant relationships between the number of socio-economic Adverse Childhood Experiences and poorer adult psychiatric morbidity (r range 0.104–0.141, allp < 001). At all ages the indirect mediating effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences were significantly related to adult psychiatric morbidity.

Conclusions

The relationship between BIF and adult psychiatric morbidity appears to be partially mediated by exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences. Where possible, targeting Adverse Childhood Experiences through early detection, prevention and interventions may improve psychiatric morbidity in this population group.
Impact of problematic mobile phone use and insufficient physical activity on depression symptoms: a college-based follow-up study
Authors: Xie Haibo , Tao Shuman , Zhang Yukun , Tao Fangbiao , Wu Xiaoyan
Published: December 2019

Background

Insufficient physical activity (IPA) and mobile phone dependence are common coexisting behaviors among college students. However, the impact of the synergies between the two behaviors on depression has yet to be validated. Therefore, this study evaluated independent and interactive associations of problematic mobile phone use (PMPU) and IPA with depression symptoms and increased depressive symptoms among Chinese college students.

Methods

In total, 2134 college students participated in this follow-up study, which was conducted between June 2014 (wave 1) and December 2014 (wave 2) at Anhui Medical University. The Self-rating Questionnaire for Adolescent Problematic Mobile Phone Use and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale were used to assess PMPU and depression symptoms, respectively. Physical activity (PA) was assessed with a reliable question from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Joint effects of PMPU and PA were calculated, and increased depressive symptoms were assessed. We used multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to evaluate associations between depression symptoms and PMPU, IPA, and the PMPU/IPA joint effect, estimated by binary logistic regression models.

Results

PMPU and high PMPU/IPA joint effect scores were significantly associated with depression symptoms in waves 1 (OR 7.36, 95% CI: 5.09, 10.66) and 2 (OR 3.74, 95% CI: 2.56, 5.48). IPA was significantly associated with depression symptoms in wave 1 (OR 1.40, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.79) but not wave 2 (OR 1.24, 95% CI: 0.95, 1.62). PMPU and high PMPU/IPA joint effect scores were also significantly associated with increased depressive symptoms (OR 2.36, 95% CI: 1.55, 3.60).

Conclusions

These results suggest that PMPU is an important factor for depression in college students, and IPA may be a synergistic factor.
Physical activity around the clock: objectively measured activity patterns in young children of the GECKO Drenthe cohort
Authors: Wiersma Rikstje , Lu Congchao , Hartman Esther , Corpeleijn Eva
Published: December 2019

Background

Given the widespread problem of physical inactivity, and the continued growth in prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity, promotion of regular physical activity (PA) among young people has become a public priority. A greater understanding of children’s PA patterns throughout the day is needed to effectively encourage children to be more physically active. Hence this study looking at the distribution of PA in young children throughout the day and its relevance to overweight.

Methods

Accelerometers (ActiGraph GT3X, weartime > 600 min/day, ≥3 days) were used to measure the PA of 958 children (aged 5.7 ± 0.8 years, 52% boys) enrolled in the GECKO Drenthe cohort. Levels of sedentary time (ST), light PA (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) were recorded throughout the day and analysed in segments (07:00–09:00, 09:00–12:00, 12:00–15:00, 15:00–18:00, 18:00–21:00). Body mass index was measured by Preventive Child Healthcare nurses and Cole’s (2012) definition of overweight was used. General linear mixed models, adjusted for age, sex and season, were used to analyse patterns of PA and ST throughout the day.

Results

Children were most sedentary in the early morning (07:00–09:00) and evening (18:00–21:00), and exhibited the most time spent engaged in LPA and MVPA in the afternoon (12:00–15:00) and late afternoon (15:00–18:00). The greatest inter-individual variation in ST, LPA and MVPA among the children occurred in the late afternoon and evening (approximately 40, 30 and 15 min difference per time segment between 25th and 75th percentile, respectively). The most active children (highest quartile of MVPA) were found to be more active and less sedentary throughout the entire day than the least active children (lowest quartile of MVPA). Furthermore, children with overweight were no less active than children without overweight.

Conclusions

At this young age, the relevance of different PA patterns to childhood overweight was minimal. Children were most active in the afternoon and late afternoon. To encourage PA in general, ST can be reduced and PA increased in the early morning and evening. Targeted PA interventions to specifically stimulate the least active children could take place in the late afternoon or evening.
Associations of mental disorders and neurotropic parasitic diseases: a meta-analysis in developing and emerging countries
Authors: Daré Labanté Outcha , Bruand Pierre-Emile , Gérard Daniel , Marin Benoît , Lameyre Valerie , Boumédiène Farid , Preux Pierre-Marie
Published: December 2019

Background

Although they are declining worldwide, neurotropic parasitic diseases are still common in developing and emerging countries. The aim of this study was to estimate the pooled prevalence and pooled association measures of comorbidities between mental disorders (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia) and neurotropic parasitic diseases (malaria, cysticercosis, toxoplasmosis, human African trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease, and human toxocariasis) in developing and emerging countries.

Methods

As the first meta-analysis on this topic, this study was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (N°CRD42017056521). The Medline, Embase, Lilacs, and Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology databases were used to search for articles without any restriction in language or date. We evaluated the quality of studies independently by two investigators using the Downs and Black assessment grid and pooled estimates using the random-effects method from CMA (Comprehensive Meta Analysis) Version 3.0.

Results

In total, 18 studies published between 1997 and 2016 met our inclusion criteria. We found that the prevalence of anxiety and depression in people suffering from Chagas disease and/or neurocysticercosis was 44.9% (95% CI, 34.4–55.9). In 16 pooled studies that included 1782 people with mental disorders and 1776 controls, toxoplasmosis and/or toxocariasis were associated with increased risk of schizophrenia and/or bipolar disorders (odds ratio = 2.3; 95% CI, 1.7–3.2). Finally, toxocariasis and/or toxoplasmosis were associated with an increased risk of the onset of schizophrenia (odds ratio = 2.4; 95% CI, 1.7–3.4).

Conclusion

Our pooled estimates show that the associations between diseases studied are relatively high in developing and emerging countries. This meta-analysis supports the hypothesis that toxoplasmosis could be the cause of schizophrenia. These findings could prove useful to researchers who want to further explore and understand the associations studied.
Data quality of drug-resistant tuberculosis and antiretroviral therapy electronic registers in South Africa
Authors: Jamieson Lise , Evans Denise , Berhanu Rebecca , Ismail Nazir , Aucock Samantha , Wallengren Kristina , Long Lawrence
Published: December 2019

Background

To assess the quality and completeness of treatment and outcome data in the electronic tuberculosis (TB) and antiretroviral treatment (ART) registers in drug-resistant (DR-) TB patients at three treatment facilities in South Africa.

Methods

We did a retrospective cohort study using routinely-collected data from DR-TB registers of rifampicin resistant adults (≥18 years old), on ART, initiating DR-TB treatment between January 2012 and December 2013. We linked patient information from the DR-TB register to the ART register using patient identifiers and an algorithm based on string edit distance and date of birth. We describe data gaps and discrepancies found.

Results

Overall, 2852 DR-TB patients met our inclusion criteria based on the DR-TB register data, and of these, 1685 (59%) could be matched to the ART registers. An additional 253 patients from the DR-TB registers were found in the ART registers, having initiated ART, despite the DR-TB register indicating that they were not on ART (or this data was missing). 11% of matched patients did not have TB treatment status recorded in the ART register despite being recorded as being on TB treatment in the DR-TB register, and 78% did not have an ART start date recorded in DR-TB register despite being on ART treatment as per the ART register. 11% of matched patients had a death recorded in one register but not the other, and of those with death recorded in both, 15% of dates differed by > 1 month.

Conclusions

The underreporting of death and the lack of ART or TB status in the electronic DR-TB and ART registers could negatively impact monitoring efforts by downplaying the state of the TB/HIV epidemic. Improved recording of these data sources, and data integration across systems, could improve the accuracy of reporting for the national HIV/ART and TB programs.
Papass clinical trial protocol: a multi-component school-based intervention study to increase acceptance and adherence to school feeding
Authors: Pinto Rafael Lavourinha , de Souza Bárbara da Silva Nalin , Antunes Anna Beatriz Souza , De Cnop Mara Lima , Sichieri Rosely , Cunha Diana Barbosa
Published: December 2019

Background

One of the largest school feeding programs in the world is the National School Feeding Program of Brazil. However, results from the 2012 National School Health Survey indicated that only 22.8% of 9th grade students in Brazilian public school system consumed school meals. The literature presents few studies aiming to promote healthy food consumption in the school environment from interventions, which found inconclusive results. Thus, this study aims to present a protocol to evaluate the effectiveness of multi-component school-level interventions to increase adherence and acceptance to school feeding.

Methods

School-based multi-component clinical trial with students from 4th-9h grade from 3 municipal schools of Sumidouro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2019. The study design will be parallel, with 3 arms: Control group (without intervention); Intervention group 1 (changes in school environment) and Intervention group 2 (changes in menu and school environment). Interventions in the environment will be based on the principles of choices architecture and, the modification in the dishes that make up the menus offered to the students, on the factors that contribute to poor adherence and acceptance to school feeding, identified by focus groups. Adherence to school feeding will be assessed through a specific question in the questionnaire directed to the frequency of consuming school meals in the week, applied by researchers in three moments. Acceptance will be assessed from the acceptability test application with dishes served to students during the year. Statistical analyses will be performed using generalized linear models, which will be used to assess the impact of the intervention, and will include 3 main variables: intervention, time and the intervention x time interaction.

Discussion

This study will investigate if the impact of the implementation of interventions in the environment and in the dishes served to students may increase adherence and acceptance to school feeding. Positive results could show the effect of implementing interventions throughout Sumidouro’s public school system, as well as throughout the country, aiming to improve the consumption of school meals.

Trial registration

Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials, RBR-7mf794. Date of registration: December 27, 2018.
Improvement and use of CRISPR/Cas9 to engineer a sperm-marking strain for the invasive fruit pest Drosophila suzukii
Authors: Ahmed Hassan M. M. , Hildebrand Luisa , Wimmer Ernst A.
Published: December 2019

Background

The invasive fruit pestDrosophila suzukiiwas reported for the first time in Europe and the USA in 2008 and has spread since then. The adoption of type II clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) as a tool for genome manipulation provides new ways to develop novel biotechnologically-based pest control approaches. Stage or tissue-specifically expressed genes are of particular importance in the field of insect biotechnology. The enhancer/promoter of the spermatogenesis-specificbeta-2-tubulin(β2t) gene was used to drive the expression of fluorescent proteins or effector molecules in testes of agricultural pests and disease vectors for sexing, monitoring, and reproductive biology studies. Here, we demonstrate an improvement to CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing inD. suzukiiand establish a sperm-marking system.

Results

To improve genome editing, we isolated and tested theD. suzukiiendogenous promoters of the small nuclear RNA geneU6to drive the expression of a guide RNA and theDs heat shock protein 70promoter to expressCas9. For comparison, we used recombinant Cas9 protein and in vitro transcribed gRNA as a preformed ribonucleoprotein. We demonstrate the homology-dependent repair (HDR)-based genome editing efficiency by applying a previously established transgenic line that expressesDsRedubiquitously as a target platform. In addition, we isolated theDs_β2tgene and used its promoter to drive the expression of a red fluorescence protein in the sperm. A transgenic sperm-marking strain was then established by the improved HDR-based genome editing.

Conclusion

The deployment of the endogenous promoters of theD. suzukii U6andhsp70genes to drive the expression ofgRNAandCas9, respectively, enabled the effective application of helper plasmid co-injections instead of preformed ribonucleoproteins used in previous reports for HDR-based genome editing. The sperm-marking system should help to monitor the success of pest control campaigns in the context of the Sterile Insect Technique and provides a tool for basic research in reproductive biology of this invasive pest. Furthermore, the promoter of theβ2tgene can be used in developing novel transgenic pest control approaches and the CRISPR/Cas9 system as an additional tool for the modification of previously established transgenes.