bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrahigh-activity immune inducer from Endophytic Fungi induces tobacco resistance to virus by SA pathway and RNA silencing
Authors: Peng Chune , Zhang Ailing , Wang Qingbin , Song Yunzhi , Zhang Min , Ding Xinhua , Li Yang , Geng Quanzheng , Zhu Changxiang
Published: April 2020

Background

Plant viruses cause severe economic losses in agricultural production. An ultrahigh activity plant immune inducer (i.e., ZhiNengCong, ZNC) was extracted from endophytic fungi, and it could promote plant growth and enhance resistance to bacteria. However, the antiviral function has not been studied. Our study aims to evaluate the antiviral molecular mechanisms of ZNC in tobacco.

Results

Here, we usedPotato X virus(PVX), wild-type tobacco andNahGtransgenic tobacco as materials to study the resistance of ZNC to virus. ZNC exhibited a high activity in enhancing resistance to viruses and showed optimal use concentration at 100–150 ng/mL. ZNC also induced reactive oxygen species accumulation, increased salicylic acid (SA) content by upregulating the expression of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) gene and activated SA signaling pathway. We generated transcriptome profiles from ZNC-treated seedlings using RNA sequencing. The first GO term in biological process was positive regulation of post-transcriptional gene silencing, and the subsequent results showed that ZNC promoted RNA silencing. ZNC-sprayed wild-type leaves showed decreased infection areas, whereas ZNC failed to induce a protective effect against PVX inNahGleaves.

Conclusion

All results indicate that ZNC is an ultrahigh-activity immune inducer, and it could enhance tobacco resistance to PVX at low concentration by positively regulating the RNA silencing via SA pathway. The antiviral mechanism of ZNC was first revealed in this study, and this study provides a new antiviral bioagent.
BioMonitor 2 in-office setting insertion safety and feasibility evaluation with device functionality assessment: results from the prospective cohort BioInsight study
Authors: Awad Khaled , Weiss Raul , Yunus Asim , Bittrick Jon M. , Nekkanti Rajasekhar , Houmsse Mahmoud , Okabe Toshimasa , Adamson Teagan , Miller Crystal , Alawwa Abdul K.
Published: April 2020

Background

Insertable cardiac monitors are utilized for the diagnosis of arrhythmias and traditionally have been inserted within hospitals. Recent code updates allow for reimbursement of office-based insertions; however, there is limited information regarding the resources and processes required to support in-office insertions. We sought to determine the safety and feasibility of in-office insertion of the BioMonitor 2 and better understand in-office procedures, including patient selection, pre-insertion protocols, resource availability, and staff support.

Methods

Patients meeting an indication for a rhythm monitor were prospectively enrolled into this single-arm, non-randomized trial. All patients underwent insertion in an office setting. Two follow-up visits at days 7 and 90 were required. Information on adverse events, device performance, office site preparations, and resource utilization were collected.

Results

Eighty-two patients were enrolled at six sites. Insertion was successful in all 77 patients with an attempt. Oral anticoagulation was stopped in 20.8% of patients and continued through insertion in 23.4%, while prophylactic antibiotics were infrequently utilized (37.7% of study participants). On average, the procedure required a surgeon plus two support staff and 35 min in an office room to complete the 8.4 min insertion procedure. The mean R-wave amplitude was 0.77 mV at insertion and 0.67 mV at 90-days with low noise burden (2.7%). There were no procedure related complications. Two adverse events were reported (event rate 2.7% [95% CI 0.3, 9.5%]).

Conclusions

In-office insertion of the BioMonitor 2 is safe and feasible. Devices performed well with high R-wave amplitudes and low noise burden. These results further support shifting cardiac monitor insertions to office-based locations.

Trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02756338. Registered 29 April 2016.
Susceptible gene polymorphism in patients with three-vessel coronary artery disease
Authors: Liu Ru , Song Lei , Jiang Lin , Tang Xiaofang , Xu Lianjun , Gao Zhan , Zhao Xueyan , Xu Jingjing , Gao Runlin , Yuan Jinqing
Published: April 2020

Background

Data of susceptible gene polymorphisms related to progression of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with three-vessel disease (TVD) is limited in China. This case-control study aimed to analyze the differences of variant carrier frequencies between cases and controls, and to explain the possible genetic effects on the progression of TVD.

Methods

A total of 8943 TVD patients were consecutively enrolled. Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) included all-cause death, acute myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, readmission and stroke. Patients with 1-year MACCE in this cohort were selected as MACCE group. Blood samples from MACCE group and non-CAD control groups were collected, and a deoxyribonucleic acid library was created. A total of 34 tag or hot single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in six genes including CDKN2B-AS1, ADAMTS7, ABO, ADAMTS13, IL-18, and PECAM1 were analyzed by a SNPscan™ multi-genotyping kit. Carrier frequencies of each SNP were compared between the two groups using dominant, recessive and codominant allele model, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression model was established.

Results

Variant allele frequencies of rs10757274, rs1333042, rs1333049, rs4977574, rs9632884, rs1063192 and rs3217986 on CDKN2B-AS1 gene showed significant differences between the two groups in at least one allele model. Variant allele frequency of rs3217986 was not statistically significant after adjusting for the false discovery rate using Benjamini-Hochberg procedure (Q > 0.05). Variant allele frequencies of rs1333049, rs10757274, rs4977574 on CDKN2B-AS1 gene were significantly higher in MACCE group in all dominant, recessive and codominant models. Rs1055432 on ADAMTS13 and rs8176694 on ABO gene showed threshold significance between the two groups. After multivariable adjustment, G mutant homozygous rs9632884 (GG vs. GC + CC) (OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.09–0.65; P = 0.005) on CDKN2B-AS1 gene were independent protective factor of MACCE in recessive model.

Conclusions

In patients with TVD in China, variant alleles on CDKN2B-AS1 gene may form part of the genetic basis of coronary atherosclerosis progression, promoting or suppressing ischemic events.
Physical activity benefits of attending a senior center depend largely on age and gender: a study using GPS and accelerometry data
Authors: Marquet Oriol , Maciejewska Monika , Delclòs-Alió Xavier , Vich Guillem , Schipperijn Jasper , Miralles-Guasch Carme
Published: April 2020

Background

Senior centers offer important opportunities for physical activity and social interaction. Seniors who visit a senior center regularly can gain physical activity from transportation and from specific activities offered within the senior center. However, there is very little knowledge regarding the specific physical activity gains obtained from regular visits to senior centers, and no effort has been made to use device-based measures of physical activity to test the potential physical activity benefits of attending a senior center.

Methods

To fill this gap, the present study examined the physical activity patterns of 227 seniors living in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area in Spain. Using GPS and Accelerometer 7-day tracking data, and GIS measures we assessed the light physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) benefits of attending the senior center on a weekly and daily basis.

Results

Seniors who attended a senior center at least once a week did not accumulate significantly more daily physical activity (211.6 min; 95% CI 196.6; 226.6) than seniors without any visit 215.9 min; 95% CI 202.7; 229). However, on a day-to-day basis, it was found that visiting a senior center had positive effects in physical activity and was associated with less sedentary time among younger participants in general (− 18.2 daily min 95% CI − 33.2;-3.3 p = 0.016) and among older female participants in particular (− 19.7 daily min 95% CI -21.06;-18.5 p = 0.011).

Conclusions

The benefits of attending senior centers in terms of physical activity should not be viewed as universal, but rather as contingent to the demographics of the user, and the type of activity that the visit is replacing.
Characteristics of Clostridium difficile isolates and the burden of hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile infection in a tertiary teaching hospital in Chongqing, Southwest China
Authors: Dai Wei , Yang Tianxiang , Yan Li , Niu Siqiang , Zhang Chuanming , Sun Jide , Wang Zhu , Xia Yun
Published: April 2020

Background

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), especially hospital-acquired Clostridium difficile infection (HA-CDI), continues to be a public health problem and has aroused great concern worldwide for years. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical and epidemiological features of HA-CDI and the characteristics of C.difficile isolates in Chongqing, Southwest China.

Methods

A case-control study was performed to identify the clinical incidence and risk factors of HA-CDI. C. difficile isolates were characterised by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) ribotyping, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), toxin gene detection and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Results

Of the 175 suspicious patients, a total of 122 patients with antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) were included in the study; among them, 38 had HA-CDI. The incidence of AAD and HA-CDI was 0.58 and 0.18 per 1000 patient admissions, respectively. Chronic renal disease and cephalosporin use were independent risk factors for HA-CDI. Fifty-five strains were assigned into 16 sequence types (STs) and 15 ribotypes (RTs). ST2/RT449 (8, 14.5%) was the predominant genotype. Of the 38 toxigenic isolates, A + B + CDT- isolates accounted for most (34, 89.5%) and 1 A + B + CDT+ isolate emerged. No isolate was resistant to vancomycin, metronidazole or tigecycline, with A-B-CDT- being more resistant than A + B + CDT-.

Conclusions

Different genotypes of C. difficile strains were witnessed in Chongqing, which hinted at the necessary surveillance of HA-CDI. Adequate awareness of patients at high risk of HA-CDI acquisition is advocated and cautious adoption of cephalosporins should be highlighted.
A descriptive epidemiological study of the incidence of newly diagnosed Lyme disease cases in a UK primary care cohort, 1998–2016
Authors: Tulloch John S. P. , Christley Robert M. , Radford Alan D. , Warner Jenny C. , Beadsworth Mike B. J. , Beeching Nick J. , Vivancos Roberto
Published: April 2020

Background

Primary care is likely to see the highest number of Lyme disease patients. Despite this, there is limited published data regarding Lyme disease patients accessing primary care in the UK. We aim to describe trends in the incidence of a new diagnosis, and demographics of patients identified in a primary care electronic health database.

Methods

A descriptive epidemiological study of Lyme disease coded patients in UK primary care. 3725 patients coded for Lyme disease during 1998–2016 were identified within The Health Improvement Network (THIN). Incidence rates and the demographics of cases identified were described. Poisson regression was used to analyse socio-demographic characteristics of the cases.

Results

There was an increase in annual crude incidence rates, peaking in 2015 at 5.47 (95% CI 4.85–6.14) cases per 100,000 population per year. Multivariable analysis showed there were significant differences in the ages of those affected, incidence of a new diagnosis rose as deprivation levels improved, and that there was a higher incidence of cases living in rural areas compared to urban areas. There was no significant difference between sexes for the UK. Cases were significantly more likely to identify with being white compared to the national population.

Conclusions

An increasing incidence of patients newly coded with Lyme disease related Read codes was identified using data from a UK national primary care database. By comparing these incidence figures with national laboratory-confirmed surveillance data, a multiplication factor of 2.35 (95%CI 1.81–2.88) can be calculated in order to estimate the annual number of cases seen in primary care. The significant socio-demographic variables associated with a Lyme disease diagnosis likely reflect a complex interplay of socio-economic issues, which needs to be further explored. Future work is needed to examine the treatment and management of patients within this database.
Factors associated with provision of smoking cessation support to pregnant women – a cross-sectional survey of midwives in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Passey Megan E. , Longman Jo M. , Adams Catherine , Johnston Jennifer J. , Simms Jessica , Rolfe Margaret
Published: April 2020

Background

Smoking is the most important preventable cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes, but provision of smoking cessation support (SCS) to pregnant women is poor. We examined the association between midwives’ implementation of SCS (5As – Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange follow-up) and reported barriers/enablers to implementation.

Methods

On-line anonymous survey of midwives providing antenatal care in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, assessing provision of the 5As and barriers/enablers to their implementation, using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Factor analyses identified constructs underlying the 5As; and barriers/enablers. Multivariate general linear models examined relationships between the barrier/enabler factors and the 5As factors.

Results

Of 750 midwives invited, 150 (20%) participated. Respondents more commonly reported Asking and Assessing than Advising, Assisting, or Arranging follow-up (e.g. 77% always Ask smoking status; 17% always Arrange follow-up). Three 5As factors were identified– ‘Helping’, ‘Assessing quitting’ and ‘Assessing dependence’. Responses to barrier/enabler items showed greater knowledge, skills, intentions, and confidence with Assessment than Assisting; endorsement for SCS as a priority and part of midwives’ professional role; and gaps in training and organisational support for SCS. Nine barrier/enabler factors were identified. Of these, the factors of ‘Capability’(knowledge, skills, confidence); ‘Work Environment’ (service has resources, capacity, champions and values SCS) and ‘Personal priority’ (part of role and a priority) predicted ‘Helping’.

Conclusion

The TDF enabled systematic identification of barriers to providing SCS, and the multivariate models identified key contributors to poor implementation. Combined with qualitative data, these results have been mapped to intervention components to develop a comprehensive intervention to improve SCS.
The circular RNA CDR1as regulate cell proliferation via TMED2 and TMED10
Authors: Yang Xue , Li Siting , Wu Ying , Ge Feng , Chen Ying , Xiong Qian
Published: April 2020

Background

Circular RNAs (CircRNAs) are biologically active RNAs. CDR1as is one such circRNA previously reported to be a microRNA-7 (miR-7) sponge, thereby regulating associated gene expression. The specific underlying molecular mechanisms of CDR1as biology, however, remain largely unknown.

Methods

We performed CDR1as knockdown in order to explore its function in cell proliferation, migration, the cell cycle, and tumorigenesis. We further employed quantitative proteomic analyses and associated bioinformatics strategies to globally assess CDR1as-regulated proteins (CRPs). Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were used to validate the proteomic results. We additionally investigated a specific link between TMED2, TMED10, and miR-7 via a dual-luciferase reporter system, and generated CDR1as knockout cell lines via CRISPR/Cas9 editing.

Results

We identified 353 proteins dysregulated upon CDR1as knockdown in 293 T cells. These CRPs were found to interact with one another and to play key roles in certain cellular pathways. Two such proteins, TMED2 and TMED10, were found to specifically contribute to the influence of CDR1as on cell proliferation. CDR1as may regulate these two TMED proteins through miR-7 sponging. We were able to further confirm these results using both CRISPRi cell lines and nude mouse models.

Conclusion

This study suggested that CDR1as may regulate cell proliferation via serving as a miR-7 sponge, thereby regulating TMED2 and TMED10 expression. These results are an invaluable template for future streamlined studies of circRNAs.
Early origins of allergy and asthma (ARIES): study protocol for a prospective prenatal birth cohort in Chile
Authors: Hernández Caroll D. , Casanello Paola , Harris Paul R. , Castro-Rodríguez José A. , Iturriaga Carolina , Perez-Mateluna Guillermo , Farías Marcelo , Urzúa Marcela , Hernandez Cherie , Serrano Carolina , Sandoval Mauricio , Hoyos-Bachiloglu Rodrigo , Uauy Ricardo , Borzutzky Arturo
Published: April 2020

Background

Growing evidence shows that atopic dermatitis (AD), food allergy (FA), allergic rhinitis, and asthma are largely determined during the first 1000 days (time elapsed from conception to the 2nd birthday). The ARIES birth cohort aims to determine prenatal and perinatal conditions, as well as genetic and epigenetic factors, that participate in the early setting of immune responses, and the role of these in the later determination of the risk of allergic diseases and asthma in the offspring.

Methods

We have designed a birth cohort of 250 families with prenatal recruitment (~ 14 weeks). We will genotype relevant allergy/asthma-associated variants in trios and will perform immunophenotyping and evaluation of allergy biomarkers in cord blood. At 1 and 2 years of age we will assess if infants have developed allergic sensitization, AD, FA, as well as biomarkers of asthma including the asthma predictive index. We will also evaluate how maternal conditions modify immune programming through epigenetic modifications and will then depict newborn epigenetic cues of allergy/asthma risk. Next, we will assess composition/diversity of maternal gut, placenta, breastmilk and infant gut microbiome and their association with immunophenotype and biomarkers at birth, and clinical outcomes at age 1 and 2. Finally, we plan to assess how environmental exposures (perinatal outdoor and indoor pollution, allergens and endotoxin) affect the incidence of allergic sensitization, AD, FA, and risk of asthma.

Discussion

The in-depth study of the ARIES birth cohort shall provide crucial information to understand the rising incidence of allergies and asthma in developing countries, and hopefully provide cues on how to prevent and treat these diseases.

Trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov NCT04186949, retrospectively registered on December 5, 2019.
Reliability, validity and cut-off score of the Chinese version of the panic disorder severity scale self-report form in patients with panic disorder
Authors: Liu Xitong , Xu Tingting , Chen Dandan , Yang Chen , Wang Pei , Huang Xiao , Cheng Wenhong , Shen Yuan , Liu Qiang , Wang Zhen
Published: April 2020

Background

Panic disorder (PD) is often undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or untreated in non-psychiatric clinical settings. Therefore, a cost-effective, accurate and easy-to-administer instrument for PD assessment is still needed. For that reason, the self-report version of the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS-SR) has been developed and suggested to be a reliable and useful tool in clinical and research settings. The current study aims to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the PDSS-SR and determine the cut-off score of the PDSS-SR.

Methods

A total of 133 patients with PD in Shanghai were assessed by the PDSS-SR, PDSS and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA). Moreover, 117 patients with non-PD anxiety and 51 healthy subjects also completed the PDSS-SR to construct a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve with the scores of PD patients.

Results

The internal consistency (Cronbach’s α) of the PDSS-SR was 0.72–0.80, and the interrater correlation coefficient was 0.78. The results of principal component analysis and varimax rotation indicated that the PDSS-SR had a two-factor structure, with all seven items having salient loadings. The cut-off score was 4, which was associated with high sensitivity (96.03%) and specificity (61.31%).

Conclusions

The findings demonstrate that these items and the total score of the PDSS-SR have acceptable reliability and validity in patients with PD and that the PDSS-SR can be used by general doctors for clinical screening in China.
Searching for new community engagement approaches in the Netherlands: a realist qualitative study
Authors: De Weger E. , Van Vooren N. J. E. , Drewes H. W. , Luijkx K. G. , Baan C. A.
Published: April 2020

Background

Community engagement is increasingly seen as key to improving healthcare systems and to increasing communities’ involvement in the shaping of their own communities. This paper describes how ‘community engagement’ (CE) is understood and being operationalised in the Dutch healthcare system by investigating the CE approaches being implemented in six different regions and by examining engaged citizens’ and professionals’ experiences of those CE approaches.

Methods

For this realist study, interviews and focus groups were held with citizens (16) and professionals (42) involved in CE approaches in the six regions. Additionally, CE-related activities were observed to supplement interview data.

Results

This study shows that citizens and professionals defined and experienced CE differently and that they differed in who they felt had ownership of CE. The CE approaches implemented in community-led initiatives and organisationally-led initiatives varied accordingly. Furthermore, both citizens and professionals were searching for meaningful ways for citizens to have more control over healthcare in their own communities.

Conclusion

CE can be improved by, first of all, developing a shared and overarching vision of what CE should look like, establishing clear roles and remits for organisations and communities, and taking active measures to ensure CE is more inclusive and representative of harder-to-reach groups. At the same time, to help ensure such shared visions do not further entrench power imbalances between citizens and professionals, professionals require training in successful CE approaches.
The association of family structure with health behavior, mental health, and perceived academic achievement among adolescents: a 2018 Korean nationally representative survey
Authors: Park Hanul , Lee Kang-Sook
Published: April 2020

Background

Adolescence is a period during which physical, social, and mental abilities are rapidly developed, and during this time the family environment plays an important role. Differences in health behaviors, mental health, and academic achievement by family structure may affect future families, income, and employment. The purpose of the study was to investigate the association of family structure with health behaviors, mental health, and academic achievement in Korean adolescents.

Method

Data from the 2018 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey were analyzed. The study sample was comprised of 59,096 adolescents. Logistic regression, t-tests, and a variance analysis of a complex sample general linear model were used to examine the association of family structure with health behaviors, mental health, and academic achievement. The significance level was set at P < 0.05.

Results

Non-intact families (single-mother families, single-father families, and restructured families) had significantly higher odds of smoking a cigarette, drinking a sip of alcohol, internet use, physical activity, and sexual experience, and mental health issues such as depression, suicidal ideation, perceived stress, and poor perceived health status than intact families (two-parent families). Also, non-intact families were significantly related to low perceived academic achievement compared to intact ones.

Conclusion

This study showed that family structure is a significant factor in adolescent health behavior, mental health, and perceived academic achievement. Adolescents who experience a transition in their family structure may be more vulnerable to health risks and exhibit lower academic achievement than those in an intact family.
Structured reporting has the potential to reduce reporting times of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry exams
Authors: Kim Su Hwan , Sobez Lara M. , Spiro Judith E. , Curta Adrian , Ceelen Felix , Kampmann Eric , Goepfert Martin , Bodensohn Raphael , Meinel Felix G. , Sommer Wieland H. , Sommer Nora N. , Galiè Franziska
Published: April 2020

Background

In recent years, structured reporting has been shown to be beneficial with regard to report completeness and clinical decision-making as compared to free-text reports (FTR). However, the impact of structured reporting on reporting efficiency has not been thoroughly evaluted yet. The aim of this study was to compare reporting times and report quality of structured reports (SR) to conventional free-text reports of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry exams (DXA).

Methods

FTRs and SRs of DXA were retrospectively generated by 2 radiology residents and 2 final-year medical students. Time was measured from the first view of the exam until the report was saved. A random sample of DXA reports was selected and sent to 2 referring physicians for further evaluation of report quality.

Results

A total of 104 DXA reports (both FTRs and SRs) were generated and 48 randomly selected reports were evaluated by referring physicians. Reporting times were shorter for SRs in both radiology residents and medical students with median reporting times of 2.7 min (residents: 2.7, medical students: 2.7) for SRs and 6.1 min (residents: 5.0, medical students: 7.5) for FTRs. Information extraction was perceived to be significantly easier from SRs vs FTRs (P <  0.001). SRs were rated to answer the clinical question significantly better than FTRs (P <  0.007). Overall report quality was rated significantly higher for SRs compared to FTRs (P <  0.001) with 96% of SRs vs 79% of FTRs receiving high or very high-quality ratings. All readers except for one resident preferred structured reporting over free-text reporting and both referring clinicians preferred SRs over FTRs for DXA.

Conclusions

Template-based structured reporting of DXA might lead to shorter reporting times and increased report quality.
Cement leakage following percutaneous kyphoplasty in a patient after a posterior lumbar fusion: a case report
Authors: Li Ziquan , Yu Keyi , Chang Xiao , Cai Siyi , Gao Jun , Wang Yipeng
Published: April 2020

Background

Percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) has become an important minimally invasive surgical technique for fracture stabilization and pain relief in patients with vertebral compression fractures. However, intraspinal cement leakage following PKP is a serious postoperative complication that can lead to morbidity and mortality.

Case presentation

We describe an uncommon case of epidural leakage of bone cement in an 81-year-old woman who underwent posterior lumbar decompression and fusion from L3–5 4 years prior and had an unremarkable postoperative course. The patient was admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital with complaints of muscle weakness and severe low back pain radiating to the left thigh 1 week after PKP of L5 due to an acute osteoporotic compression fracture. Computed tomographic imaging revealed massive leakage of cement into the spinal canal at L5-S1, and therefore, surgical decompression and removal of epidural cement were performed carefully without causing a dural tear. She improved remarkably and no neurologic deterioration was observed in the postoperative period during the one-year follow-up.

Conclusions

We present the rare reported case, to our knowledge, of epidural cement leakage after PKP at the segment of internal fixation and discuss the most likely etiologies and preventive measures for this condition.
Clinical and radiographic evaluation of the Periodontium with biologic width invasion
Authors: Carvalho Bruna Almeida Silva , Duarte César Augusto Barroso , Silva Jaciara Fagundes , Batista Walter Winícius da Silva , Douglas-de-Oliveira Dhelfeson Willya , de Oliveira Evandro Silveira , Soares Luana de Goés , Galvão Endi Lanza , Rocha-Gomes Gabriela , Glória José Cristiano Ramos , Gonçalves Patrícia Furtado , Flecha Olga Dumont
Published: April 2020

Background

The biologic width is defined as the coronal dimension to the alveolar bone that is occupied by healthy gingival tissue. The objective of the present study was to correlate radiographic findings of biologic width invasion with the periodontium status.

Methods

It were included 14 patients with restored teeth with biological width invasion, on the proximal sites, observed clinically and radiographically. 122 proximal sites were evaluated, 61 in the test group (biological width invasion) and 61 in the control group (adequate biological width). Smokers and patients presenting periodontal disease or restorations with contact in eccentric movements, horizontal over-contour or secondary caries were excluded from the sample. The invasion of the biologic width was diagnosed when the distance from the gingival margin of restoration to the bony crest was less than 3 mm. Intrabony defect and bone crest level, as well as, their vertical and horizontal components were radiographically evaluated when present. Plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, gingival recession height, keratinized gingival height and thickness, and clinical attachment level were clinically evaluated. Data were subjected to Spearman’s Correlation and Wilcoxon’s test.

Result

The most prevalent tooth with biological width invasion was the first molar. There was a statistically significant correlation between the bone crest (p < 0.001), vertical (p < 0.001) and horizontal (p = 0.001) components. In the test group, there was a statistically significant correlation between bleeding on probing (p < 0.001; r = 0.618) and width of gingival recession (p = 0.030; r = − 0.602) with the intraosseous component; and between keratinized gingival height and bone level (p = 0.037; r = − 0.267). In the control group, there was a correlation between plaque index (p = 0.027; r = − 0.283) with bone level and correlation between keratinized gingival thickness and bone level (p = 0.034; r = − 0.273) and intrabony component (p = 0.042; r = 0.226).

Conclusion

A statistically significant relationship was found between bleeding on probing and gingival recession in patients who presented intrabony defects due to the invasion of biological width, which may be also related to the thickness of the keratinized gingiva.
Association between type 1 diabetes and female sexual dysfunction
Authors: Zamponi Virginia , Mazzilli Rossella , Bitterman Olimpia , Olana Soraya , Iorio Cristina , Festa Camilla , Giuliani Chiara , Mazzilli Fernando , Napoli Angela
Published: April 2020

Background

This study aims to evaluate: 1) the prevalence of Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) in women affected by type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and the control group; 2) the correlation between duration of DM, HbA1C levels and sexual life quality; 3) the relationship between different methods of insulin administration and sexual life quality; 4) the correlation between FSD and diabetes complications.

Methods

We selected 33 women with type 1 DM and 39 healthy women as controls. Each participant underwent a detailed medical history and physical examination and completed the 6-item Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire (FSFI-6). In patients affected by type 1 DM, the different methods of insulin administration (Multi Drug Injection - MDI or Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion - CSII) and the presence of DM complications were also investigated.

Results

The prevalence of FSD (total score ≤ 19) was significantly higher in the type 1 DM group than in the control group (12/33, 36.4% and 2/39, 5.2%, respectively; p = 0.010). No statistically significant differences were found regarding FSD according to the presence of complications, method of insulin administration or previous pregnancies.

Conclusions

This study underlined that FSD is higher in women affected by type 1 DM than in healthy controls. This could be due to the diabetic neuropathy/angiopathy and the type of insulin administration. Therefore, it is important to investigate FSD in diabetic women, as well as erectile dysfunction in diabetic men.
Stakeholders’ perceptions and experiences of the National Health Service diabetes prevention programme in England: qualitative study with service users, intervention providers and deliverers, commissioners and referrers
Authors: Rodrigues Angela M. , Haste Anna , Penn Linda , Bell Ruth , Summerbell Carolyn , White Martin , Adamson Ashley J. , Sniehotta Falko F.
Published: April 2020

Background

The National Health Service diabetes prevention programme in England, (NHS DPP) aims to identify people at high risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and offer them a face-to-face, group-based, behaviour change intervention for at least 9 months. The NHS DPP was rolled out in phases. We aimed to elicit stakeholders’ perceptions and experiences of the factors influencing implementation of, and participation in, the programme during the development phase.

Methods

Individual, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 50 purposively sampled stakeholders: service users (n = 20); programme commissioners (n = 7); referrers (n = 8); and intervention deliverers (n = 15). Topic guides were structured using a pragmatic, theory-informed approach. Analysis employed the framework method.

Results

We identified factors that influenced participation: Risk communication at referral - stakeholders identified point of referral as a window of opportunity to offer brief advice, to provide an understanding of T2D risk and information about the programme; Perceived impact of the NHS DPP - service users highlighted the positive perceived impact on their behaviour change, the peer support provided by participating in the programme, the option to involve a relative, and the ‘knock on’ effect on others. Service users also voiced disappointment when blood test results still identified them at high risk after the programme; and Behavioural maintenance - participants highlighted the challenges linked to behavioural maintenance (e.g. discontinuation of active support). Factors influencing implementations were also identified: Case finding – stakeholders suggested that using community involvement to identify service users could increase reach and ensure that the workload was not solely on GP practices; Adaptability: intervention deliverers acknowledged the need to tailor advice to service users’ preferences and needs; Accountability – the need to acknowledge who was responsible for what at different stages of the NHS DPP pathway; and Fidelity – stakeholders described procedures involved in monitoring service users’ satisfaction, outcome data collection and quality assurance assessments.

Conclusions

The NHS DPP offers an evidence-informed behavioural intervention for T2D prevention. Better risk communication specification could ensure consistency at the referral stage and improve participation in the NHS DPP intervention. Cultural adaptations and outreach strategies could ensure the NHS DPP contributes to reducing health inequalities.
“Invisible” visual impairments. A qualitative study of stroke survivors` experience of vision symptoms, health services and impact of visual impairments
Authors: Falkenberg Helle K. , Mathisen Torgeir S. , Ormstad Heidi , Eilertsen Grethe
Published: April 2020

Background

Visual impairments (VIs) have a negative impact on life and affect up to 60% of stroke survivors. Despite this, VIs are often overlooked. This paper explores how persons with VIs experience vision care within stroke health services and how VIs impact everyday life the first 3 months post stroke.

Methods

Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 stroke survivors 3 months post stroke, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

The main theme, “Invisible” visual impairments, represents how participants experience VIs as an unknown and difficult symptom of stroke and that the lack of attention and appropriate visual care leads to uncertainty about the future. VIs were highlighted as a main factor hindering the participants living life as before. The lack of acknowledgement, information, and systematic vision rehabilitation leads to feelings of being unsupported in the process of coping with VIs.

Conclusion

VIs are unknown symptoms pre stroke and sequelas after stroke that significantly affect everyday life. VIs and vision rehabilitation needs more attention through all phases of stroke health services. We request a greater awareness of VIs as a presenting symptom of stroke, and that visual symptoms should be included in stroke awareness campaigns. Further, we suggest increased competence and standardized evidence-based clinical pathways for VIs to advance all stroke health services including rehabilitation in order to improve outcomes and adaptation to future life for stroke survivors with VIs.
Heterogeneity in the uptake, attendance, and outcomes in a clinical trial of a total diet replacement weight loss programme
Authors: Astbury Nerys M. , Tudor Kate , Aveyard Paul , Jebb Susan A.
Published: April 2020

Background

Trials have shown total diet replacement (TDR) programmes are safe and effective for weight loss in primary care. However, it is not clear whether participant characteristics affect uptake, attendance, or effectiveness of the programme.

Methods

We used data from 272 trial participants who were invited to participate in a clinical weight loss trial via a letter from their GP. We used a Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel analysis to assess whether accepting an invitation to participate in the trial differed by gender, age, BMI, social deprivation, and the presence of a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes or hypertension. We used mixed generalised linear modelling to examine whether participants’ age, gender, or social deprivation based on area of residence were associated with weight change at 12 months.

Results

Men were less likely to enrol than women (RR 0.59 [95% CI 0.47, 0.74]), and people from the middle and highest BMI tertile were more likely to enrol than those from the lowest tertile (RR 2.88 [95% CI 1.97, 4.22] and RR 4.38 [95% CI 3.05, 6.07], respectively). Patients from practices located in most deprived and intermediate deprived tertiles were more likely to enrol compared with those in the least deprived tertile (RR 1.84 [95% CI 1.81, 2.59] and RR 1.68 [95% CI 1.18, 2.85], respectively). There was no evidence that age or a pre-existing diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (RR 1.10 [95% CI 0.81, 1.50]) or hypertension (RR 0.81 [95% CI 0.62, 1.04]) affected enrolment. In the TDR group, 13% of participants were low engagers, 8% engaged with the weight loss phase only, and 79% engaged in both weight loss and weight maintenance phases of the programme. Those who engaged in the entire programme lost most weight. Subgroup analyses suggested that older participants and those with a higher baseline BMI lost more weight at 1 year than their comparators.

Conclusion

Despite some heterogeneity in the uptake and outcomes of the programme, if the results of this trial are replicated in routine practice, there is no evidence that TDR weight loss programmes would increase inequity.

Trial registration

The DROPLET trial was prospectively registered on ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN75092026).
Sustained-release voriconazole-thermogel for subconjunctival injection in horses: ocular toxicity and in-vivo studies
Authors: Mora-Pereira Mariano , Abarca Eva M. , Duran Sue , Ravis William , McMullen Richard J. , Fischer Britta M. , Lee Yann-Huei Phillip , Wooldridge Anne A.
Published: April 2020

Background

Keratomycosis is a relatively common, sight threatening condition in horses, where treatment is often prolonged and costly. Subconjunctival (SCo) injections offer less resistance to drug diffusion than the topical route, resulting in better penetration to the ocular anterior segment. Voriconazole, a second generation triazole antifungal, is effective against common fungal organisms causing keratomycosis. If combined with a thermogel biomaterial, voriconazole can be easily injected in the SCo space to provide sustained drug release. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the drug concentrations in the anterior segment and clinical effects after SCo injections of voriconazole-containing thermogel: poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide-b-ethylene glycol-b-DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA-PEG-PLGA) in healthy equine eyes.

Results

Voriconazole aqueous humor (AH) and tear concentrations were compared between 6 horses, receiving 1% voriconazole applied topically (0.2 mL, q4h) (Vori-Top) or 1.7% voriconazole-thermogel (0.3 mL) injected SCo (Vori-Gel). For the Vori-Gel group, voriconazole concentrations were measured in AH and tears at day 2 and then weekly for 23 days, and at day 2 only for the Vori-Top group. Ocular inflammation was assessed weekly (Vori-Gel) using the modified Hackett-McDonald scoring system. Ocular tissue concentrations of voriconazole following SCo 1.7% voriconazole-thermogel (0.3 mL) injections were evaluated post euthanasia in 6 additional horses at 3 different time points. Three horses received bilateral injections at 2 h (n = 3, right eye (OD)) and 48 h (n = 3, left eye (OS)) prior to euthanasia, and 3 horses were injected unilaterally (OS), 7 days prior to euthanasia. Voriconazole-thermogel was easily injected and well tolerated in all cases, with no major adverse effects. On day 2, drug concentrations in tears were higher in the Vori-Top, but not statistically different from Vori-Gel groups. For the Vori-Gel group, voriconazole was non-quantifiable in the AH at any time point. Total voriconazole concentrations in the cornea were above 0.5 μg/g (the target minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for Aspergillus sp.) for up to 48 h; however, concentrations were below this MIC at 7 days post treatment.

Conclusions

Voriconazole-thermogel was easily and safely administered to horses, and provided 48 h of sustained release of voriconazole into the cornea. This drug delivery system warrants further clinical evaluation.
Different expression levels of interleukin-35 in asthma phenotypes
Authors: Li Wei , Gao Ruihan , Xin Tong , Gao Peng
Published: April 2020

Background

Interleukin (IL)-35 is a newly discovered inhibitory cytokine which is produced by regulatory B and T lymphocytes and belongs to the IL-12 family. It plays a suppressive role in human inflammatory diseases; however, its role in asthma phenotypes is unclear. Our study focuses on the sputum IL-35 level in patients and investigates different airway inflammation capacities of sputum IL-35 in patients with different asthma phenotypes.

Objective

We aimed to determine the sputum IL-35 levels in asthmatic patients with clinical remission phenotypes and control subjects and to investigate possible correlations among lung function, age, sex, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and smoking history in these phenotypes.

Methods

Sputum samples were collected from patients with clinical asthma remission (n = 89, 37 males, age 52.24 ± 13.32 years) and a healthy control group (n = 19, 9 males, age 44.58 ± 16.3 years). All subjects underwent sputum induction. Induced sputum was assessed for inflammatory cell count, and sputum levels of IL-35 and other cytokines were measured by ELISA and Cytometric Bead Array, respectively.

Results

Sputum IL-35 (median (q1, q3)) levels showed no significant difference between asthma patients (4.89 ng/mL (2.97, 22.75)) and healthy controls (6.01 ng/mL (4.09, 30.47)). However, the sputum IL-35 level was significantly reduced in patients with eosinophilic asthma (EA) (3.95 ng/mL (2.80, 11.00)) compared to patients with neutrophilic asthma (NA) (40.59 ng/mL (20.59, 65.06), p = 0.002), paucigranulocytic asthma (PA) (6.25 ng/mL (3.10, 24.60), p = 0.012), and mixed granulocytic asthma (MA) (22.54 ng/mL (2.58, 52.45), p = 0.026). IL-35 levels in sputum showed a positive correlation with sputum neutrophil cells and a negative correlation with FeNO, FEV1% predicted, and FVC predicted. Furthermore, sputum IL-35 had a significant positive association with Th1-related factors and a negative correlation with Th2-related factors.

Conclusions

Sputum IL-35 is likely involved in different pathophysiological mechanisms of NA and EA and exerts different effects in asthma phenotypes.
Gut microbial dysbiosis in individuals with Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Mendez Roberto , Watane Arjun , Farhangi Monika , Cavuoto Kara M. , Leith Tom , Budree Shrish , Galor Anat , Banerjee Santanu
Published: April 2020

Background

Autoimmune diseases have been associated with changes in the gut microbiome. In this study, the gut microbiome was evaluated in individuals with dry eye and bacterial compositions were correlated to dry eye (DE) measures. We prospectively included 13 individuals with who met full criteria for Sjögren’s (SDE) and 8 individuals with features of Sjögren’s but who did not meet full criteria (NDE) for a total of 21 cases as compared to 21 healthy controls. Stool was analyzed by 16S pyrosequencing, and associations between bacterial classes and DE symptoms and signs were examined.

Results

Results showed that Firmicutes was the dominant phylum in the gut, comprising 40–60% of all phyla. On a phyla level, subjects with DE (SDE and NDE) had depletion of Firmicutes (1.1-fold) and an expansion of Proteobacteria (3.0-fold), Actinobacteria (1.7-fold), and Bacteroidetes (1.3-fold) compared to controls. Shannon’s diversity index showed no differences between groups with respect to the numbers of different operational taxonomic units (OTUs) encountered (diversity) and the instances these unique OTUs were sampled (evenness). On the other hand, Faith’s phylogenetic diversity showed increased diversity in cases vs controls, which reached significance when comparing SDE and controls (13.57 ± 0.89 and 10.96 ± 0.76, p = 0.02). Using Principle Co-ordinate Analysis, qualitative differences in microbial composition were noted with differential clustering of cases and controls. Dimensionality reduction and clustering of complex microbial data further showed differences between the three groups, with regard to microbial composition, association and clustering. Finally, differences in certain classes of bacteria were associated with DE symptoms and signs.

Conclusions

In conclusion, individuals with DE had gut microbiome alterations as compared to healthy controls. Certain classes of bacteria were associated with DE measures.
LNK promotes the growth and metastasis of triple negative breast cancer via activating JAK/STAT3 and ERK1/2 pathway
Authors: Lv Jianxin , Yu Wei , Zhang Yanan , Cao Xinhua , Han Lifei , Hu Haolin , Wang Chenfei
Published: April 2020

Background

LNK adaptor protein is a crucial regulator of normal hematopoiesis, which down-regulates activated tyrosine kinases at the cell surface resulting in an antitumor effect. To date, little studies have examined activities of LNK in solid tumors except ovarian cancer.

Methods

Clinical tissue chips were obtained from 16 clinical patients after surgery. Western blotting assay and quantitative real time PCR was performed to measure the expression of LNK. We investigate the in vivo and vitro effect of LNK in Triple Negative Breast Cancer by using cell proliferation、migration assays and an in vivo murine xenograft model. Western blotting assay was performed to investigate the mechanism of LNK in triple negative breast cancer.

Results

We found that the levels of LNK expression were elevated in high grade triple-negative breast cancer through Clinical tissue chips. Remarkably, overexpression of LNK can promote breast cancer cell proliferation and migration in vivo and vitro, while silencing of LNK show the opposite phenomenon. We also found that LNK can promote breast cancer cell to proliferate and migrate via activating JAK/STAT3 and ERK1/2 pathway.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the adaptor protein LNK acts as a positive signal transduction modulator in TNBC.