bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AMAFRICA, a patient-navigator program for accompanying lymphoma patients during chemotherapy in Ivory Coast: a prospective randomized study
Authors: Koffi K. G. , Silué D. A. , Laurent C. , Boidy K. , Koui S. , Compaci G. , Adeba Z. H. , Kamara I. , Botty R. P. , Bognini A. S. , Sanogo I. , Despas F. , Laurent G.
Published: December 2019

Background

Previous studies have indicated that accompanying socially underserved cancer patients through Patient Navigator (PN) or PN-derived procedures improves therapy management and reassurance. At the Cancer Institute of Toulouse-Oncopole (France), we have implemented AMA (Ambulatory Medical Assistance), a PN-based procedure adapted for malignant lymphoma (ML) patients under therapy. We found that AMA improves adherence to chemotherapy and safety. In low-middle income countries (LMIC), refusal and abandonment were documented as major adverse factors for cancer therapy. We reasoned that AMA could improve clinical management of ML patients in LMIC.

Methods

This study was set up in the Abidjan University Medical Center (Ivory Coast) in collaboration with Toulouse. One hundred African patients were randomly assigned to either an AMA or control group. Main criteria of judgment were refusal and abandonment of CHOP or ABVD chemotherapy.

Results

We found that AMA was feasible and had significant impact on refusal and abandonment. However, only one third of patients completed their therapy in both groups. No differences were noted in terms of complete response rate (CR) (16% based on intent-to-treat) and median overall survival (OS) (6 months). The main reason for refusal and abandonment was limitation of financial resources.

Conclusion

Altogether, this study showed that PN may reduce refusal and abandonment of treatment. However, due to insufficient health care coverage, its ultimate impact on OS remains limited.
Impact of sunflower seed oil versus mustard seed oil on skin barrier function in newborns: a community-based, cluster-randomized trial
Authors: Summers Aimee , Visscher Marty O. , Khatry Subarna K. , Sherchand Jeevan B. , LeClerq Steven C. , Katz Joanne , Tielsch James M. , Mullany Luke C.
Published: December 2019

Background

Natural vegetable oils are widely used for newborn massage in many low resource settings. Animal models indicated that sunflower seed oil (SSO) can accelerate skin barrier recovery following damage, while other oils, including mustard oil (MO), may cause further skin barrier damage. The objective was to compare the effects of two SSO and MO used for routine massage on skin integrity in premature and full-term neonates.

Methods

This community-based cluster randomized controlled trial included 995 neonates assigned to full body massage with sunflower seed oil (SSO, intervention) or mustard seed oil (MO, standard practice) from July 2012–May 2014 in Sarlahi, Nepal. Skin integrity measures were evaluated over 28 days, including skin condition (erythema, rash, dryness), skin surface pH, stratum corneum (SC) cohesion/protein concentration, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Overall means and rates of change in these skin measures were compared between oil groups using bivariate random-effects models.

Results

500 and 495 live born neonates received repeated massage with MO and SSO, respectively. Skin pH decreased more quickly for SSO than MO in the first week of life, with a difference in mean daily reductions of 0.02 (95% CI: 0.002–0.040). Erythema, rash and dryness increased (worsened) over days 1–14 then decreased by day 28, with no significant oil group differences. TEWL increased over time, with no significant oil group differences. Gestational age did not modify the effect; the slightly faster decrease in skin pH among SSO infants was similar in magnitude between term and preterm infants.

Conclusions

Oil type may contribute to differences in skin integrity when neonates are massaged regularly. The more rapid acid mantle development observed for SSO may be protective for neonates in lower resource settings.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01177111); registered August 6th, 2010.
Assessing the impacts of daily Cannabis versus alcohol and methamphetamines on young Australians in youth AOD treatment
Authors: Reichelt Amy C. , Collett James C. , Landmann Ora , Hallam Karen T.
Published: December 2019

Background

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit substance by Australian young people, including those engaged with youth alcohol and other drug (AOD) systems. While recreational cannabis use in young people may be a developmental activity for some, for others, this usage becomes regular and be associated with poorer long term outcomes. This study reports on the rates of cannabis use and co-existing psychosocial complexity factors in the Youth Needs Census (2013 and 2016) where workers report on all clients in the youth AOD system, a cohort considered highly vulnerable.

Methods

Data was examined for two rounds of data collection for the Youth Needs Census, including 823 youth AOD service engaged young people in 2016 and 1000 AOD service engaged young people in 2013, to identify usage rates, psychosocial outcomes, and changes over time.

Results

Daily use of cannabis alone significantly exceeded daily usage rates for methamphetamines, alcohol, and cannabis used alongside other substances. Daily cannabis use was significantly associated with mental health problems, employment problems, education problems, family problems, and housing problems. Daily cannabis use was associated with most psychosocial complexity factors to the same extent as daily methamphetamine use and daily alcohol use, with daily cannabis users only showing lower incidence of the drug-related harm measure. Notably, daily cannabis use also increased from 2013 (47.5%) to 2016 (54.2%).

Conclusions

It is imperative that the number of individuals using cannabis is considered alongside the severity of harm when assessing the social impact of this substance. Within cannabis users engaged with the youth AOD system, who often have high levels of psychosocial complexity, cannabis is used daily by a large proportion of these youths and may play a role in negatively impacting their lives.
Effectiveness of various communication strategies for improving childhood pneumonia case management: a community based behavioral open labeled trial in rural Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Awasthi Shally , Kumar Divas , Mishra Neha , Agarwal Monika , Pandey Chandra Mani
Published: December 2019

Background

Community acquired pneumonia is responsible for 16% of under 5 mortality in India, probably due to delayed recognition and qualified care seeking. Therefore these deaths could possibly be averted by creating community awareness and promoting care seeking from qualified physicians in the government system. The objective of study was to assess the effectiveness of facility-based and village-based behavior change communication interventions delivered to community using validated information, education and communication materials, along with infrastructural strengthening of health facilities, for change in care seeking from government system for community acquired pneumonia in rural Lucknow, India.

Method

Community based open labeled behavioral trial in 2 by 2 factorial design was conducted in eight rural blocks of Lucknow, northern India. Trained community health workers conducted Pneumonia Awareness Sessions once a month for the care givers of children using validated information, education and communication materials either at the villages or at government health facilities. Prior infrastructural strengthening of public health facilities was done to provide optimal care to cases. Pre packed pneumonia drug kits were provided which had amoxicillin, paracetamol and an instruction card on their use as well as pictorial representation of danger signs of pneumonia.

Results

Study lasted from October 2015 to September 2018. Adherence to conduct of facility-based intervention was 93.0% (279/300) and to village-based intervention was 73.4% (7638/10410). In village-based intervention there was 79.3% (p < 0.0001) increase from a baseline of 3.3% (14/420) and facility-based intervention 68.9% (p = 0.02) increase from a baseline of 5.35% (21/392) in cases of possible pneumonia treated at government health facilities.

Conclusion

Conduct of structured pneumonia awareness session using validated information, education and communication material at village level with infrastructural strengthening resulted in improved qualified care seeking from government facilities for community acquired pneumonia.

Trial registration

AEARCTR-0003137, retrospectively registered on 10/July/2018.
Ethnic disparity in pneumonia-specific mortality among children under 5 years of age in Sichuan Province of Western China from 2010 to 2017
Authors: Luo Min , Zhao Ziling , He Linkun , Su Bingzhong , Liu Weixin , Zhang Gang
Published: December 2019

Background

To reveal the ethnic disparity in the pneumonia-specific mortality rates of children under the age of 5 years (PU5MRs) and provide suggestions regarding priority interventions to reduce preventable under-five-years-of-age deaths.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Direct Report System of Maternal and Child Health in Sichuan. The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to assess the time trend. The Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test and Chi-square test were used to examine the differences in the PU5MRs among different groups.

Results

The PU5MRs in the minority and nonminority counties decreased by 53.7 and 42.3% from 2010 to 2017, respectively. The PU5MRs of the minority counties were 4.81 times higher than those of the nonminority counties in 2017. The proportion of pneumonia deaths to total deaths in Sichuan Province increased from 11.7% in 2010 to 15.5% in 2017. The pneumonia-specific mortality rates of children in the categories of 0–28 days, 29 days-11 months, and 12–59 months were reduced by 55.1, 38.8, and 65.5%, respectively, in the minority counties and by 35.5, 43.1, and 43.7%, respectively, in the nonminority counties.

Conclusions

PU5MRs declined in Sichuan, especially in the minority counties, while ethnic disparity still exists. Although the PU5MRs decreased more for the minority counties as a fraction of all mortality, the absolute number of such deaths were higher, and therefore more children in these counties continue to die from pneumonia than from the non-minority counties. Priority should be given to strategies for preventing and controlling child pneumonia, especially for postneonates, in the minority counties.
Evaluating differences in the clinical impact of a free online weight loss programme, a resource-intensive commercial weight loss programme and an active control condition: a parallel randomised controlled trial
Authors: Innes Aidan Q. , Thomson Greig , Cotter Mary , King James A. , Vollaard Niels B. J. , Kelly Benjamin M.
Published: December 2019

Background

Finding effective intervention strategies to combat rising obesity levels could significantly reduce the burden that obesity and associated non-communicable diseases places on both individuals and the National Health Service.

Methods

In this parallel randomised-controlled trial, 76 participants who are overweight or obese (50 female) were given free access to a fitness centre for the duration of the 12-week intervention and randomised to one of three interventions. The commercial intervention, the Healthy Weight Programme, (HWP,n = 25, 10/15 men/women) consisted of twelve 1-h nutrition coaching sessions with a nutritionist delivered as a mixture of group and 1 to 1 sessions. In addition, twice-weekly exercise sessions (24 in total) were delivered by personal trainers for 12 weeks. TheNHSintervention (n = 25, 8/17 men/women) consisted of following an entirely self-managed 12-week online NHS resource. TheGYMintervention (n = 26, 8/18 men/women) received no guidance or formal intervention. All participants were provided with a gym induction for safety and both the NHS and GYM participants were familiarised with ACSM physical activity guidelines by way of a hand-out.

Results

The overall follow-up rate was 83%. Body mass was significantly reduced at post-intervention in all groups (HWP:N = 18, − 5.17 ± 4.22 kg, NHS:N = 21–4.19 ± 5.49 kg; GYM:N = 24–1.17 ± 3.00 kg;p < 0.001) with greater reductions observed in HWP and NHS groups compared to GYM (p < 0.05). Out with body mass and BMI, there were no additional statistically significant time x intervention interaction effects.

Conclusions

This is the first study to evaluate the efficacy of both a free online NHS self-help weight-loss tool and a commercial weight loss programme that provides face-to-face nutritional support and supervised exercise. The findings suggest that both interventions are superior to an active control condition with regard to eliciting short-term weight-loss.

Trial registration

ISRCTN Registry -ISRCTN31489026. Prospectively registered: 27/07/16.
An arthroscopic repair technique for meniscal tear using a needle and suture: outside-in transfer all-inside repair
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Xiong Yan , Tang Xin , Li Qi , Zhang Zhong , Li Jian , Chen Gang
Published: December 2019

Background

At present, most repair techniques for meniscal tears fix the meniscus directly over the capsule. This changes the normal anatomy and biomechanics and limits the activity of the meniscus during motion. We introduce an arthroscopic repair technique by suturing the true meniscus tissue without the capsule and subcutaneous tissue.

Methods

After confirmation of a tear, a custom-designed meniscal repair needle first penetrates percutaneously, crossing the capsular portion and the torn meniscus, and exits from the femoral surface of one side of the torn meniscus. Then a No. 2 PDS suture is passed through the needle and retrieved through the arthroscopy portal. Next, the needle is withdrawn to the synovial margin of the meniscus and is reinserted, exiting the femoral surface of the other side of the torn meniscus. The suture is pulled out through the same portal with a grasper. Finally, arthroscopic knotting is performed.

Results

We had 149 cases of meniscal tears repaired with this outside-in transfer all-inside technique since July 2016.

Conclusions

It is a simple, minimally invasive, and economical procedure that is appropriate for most parts of the meniscus except the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus, and it can be used to fix torn meniscus tissue firmly while also preserving the inherent activity of the meniscus.
Development and applications of a monoclonal antibody against caprine interferon-gamma
Authors: Ma Wen-Tao , Liu Qi , Ning Meng-Xia , Qi Yu-Xu , Rehman Saad , Chen De-Kun
Published: December 2019

Background

Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is an important mediator of type I immune response and has antiviral, immunoregulatory and anti-tumor properties, plays a wide range of roles in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to obtain monoclonal antibody (mAb) against caprine IFN-γ by immunizing of BALB/c mice with the purified rIFN-γ.

Results

Recombinant caprine IFN-γ was expressed inEscherichia colistrain BL21 (DE3) and monoclonal antibodies against caprine IFN-γ were produced by immunizing of BALB/c mice with rIFN-γ. One hybridoma secreting mAb was screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) which was designated as 2C. MAb secreted by this cell line were analyzed through ELISA, western blot and application of the mAb was evaluated by immunofluorescence analysis using goat lip tissues infected with Orf virus. ELISA analysis revealed that mAb 2C can specifically recognize rIFN-γ protein and culture supernatant of goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated by concanavalin A (Con A) but cannot recognize the fusion tag protein of pET-32a. Western blot analysis showed that mAb 2C can specifically react with the purified 34.9 kDa rIFN-γ protein but does not react with the fusion tag protein of pET-32a. Immunofluorescence results demonstrated that mAb 2C can detect IFN-γ secreted in histopathological sites of goats infected with Orf virus.

Conclusions

A caprine IFN-γ-specific mAb was successfully developed in this study. Further analyses showed that the mAb can be used to detect IFN-γ expression level during contagious ecthyma in goats.
Improving clinical named entity recognition in Chinese using the graphical and phonetic feature
Authors: Wang Yifei , Ananiadou Sophia , Tsujii Jun’ichi
Published: December 2019

Background

Clinical Named Entity Recognition is to find the name of diseases, body parts and other related terms from the given text. Because Chinese language is quite different with English language, the machine cannot simply get the graphical and phonetic information form Chinese characters. The method for Chinese should be different from that for English. Chinese characters present abundant information with the graphical features, recent research on Chinese word embedding tries to use graphical information as subword. This paper uses both graphical and phonetic features to improve Chinese Clinical Named Entity Recognition based on the presence of phono-semantic characters.

Methods

This paper proposed three different embedding models and tested them on the annotated data. The data have been divided into two sections for exploring the effect of the proportion of phono-semantic characters.

Results

The model using primary radical and pinyin can improve Clinical Named Entity Recognition in Chinese and get the F-measure of 0.712. More phono-semantic characters does not give a better result.

Conclusions

The paper proves that the use of the combination of graphical and phonetic features can improve the Clinical Named Entity Recognition in Chinese.
MiRNA-disease interaction prediction based on kernel neighborhood similarity and multi-network bidirectional propagation
Authors: Ma Yingjun , He Tingting , Ge Leixin , Zhang Chenhao , Jiang Xingpeng
Published: December 2019

Background

Studies have shown that miRNAs are functionally associated with the development of many human diseases, but the roles of miRNAs in diseases and their underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully understood. The research on miRNA-disease interaction has received more and more attention. Compared with the complexity and high cost of biological experiments, computational methods can rapidly and efficiently predict the potential miRNA-disease interaction and can be used as a beneficial supplement to experimental methods.

Results

In this paper, we proposed a novel computational model of kernel neighborhood similarity and multi-network bidirectional propagation (KNMBP) for miRNA-disease interaction prediction, especially for new miRNAs and new diseases. First, we integrated multiple data sources of diseases and miRNAs, respectively, to construct a novel disease semantic similarity network and miRNA functional similarity network. Secondly, based on the modified miRNA-disease interactions, we use the kernel neighborhood similarity algorithm to calculate the disease kernel neighborhood similarity and the miRNA kernel neighborhood similarity. Finally, we utilize bidirectional propagation algorithm to predict the miRNA-disease interaction scores based on the integrated disease similarity network and miRNA similarity network. As a result, the AUC value of 5-fold cross validation for all interactions by KNMBP is 0.93126 based on the commonly used dataset, and the AUC values for all interactions, for all miRNAs, for all disease is 0.93795、0.86363、0.86937 based on another dataset extracted by ourselves, which are higher than other state-of-the-art methods. In addition, our model has good parameter robustness. The case study further demonstrated the predictive performance of the model for novel miRNA-disease interactions.

Conclusions

Our KNMBP algorithm efficiently integrates multiple omics data from miRNAs and diseases to stably and efficiently predict potential miRNA-disease interactions. It is anticipated that KNMBP would be a useful tool in biomedical research.
Correction to: Development and clinical applications of cancer immunotherapy against PD-1 signaling pathway
Authors: Wakabayashi Grace , Lee Yu-Ching , Luh Frank , Kuo Chun-Nan , Chang Wei-Chiao , Yen Yun
Published: December 2019

In the original publication of this article [1] the name of the fifth author is uncorrect. The correct name of the fifth author should be Wei-Chiao Chang rather than Wei-Chao Chang. The original publication has been corrected.
Incorporation of drug efflux inhibitor and chemotherapeutic agent into an inorganic/organic platform for the effective treatment of multidrug resistant breast cancer
Authors: Dong Yang , Liao Hongze , Yu Jian , Fu Hao , Zhao De , Gong Ke , Wang Qi , Duan Yourong
Published: December 2019

Background

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a pressing obstacle in clinical chemotherapy for breast cancer. Based on the fact that the drug efflux is an important factor in MDR, we designed a codelivery system to guide the drug efflux inhibitor verapamil (VRP) and the chemotherapeutic agent novantrone (NVT) synergistically into breast cancer cells to reverse MDR.

Results

This co-delivery system consists of following components: the active targeting peptide RGD, an inorganic calcium phosphate (CaP) shell and an organic inner core. VRP and NVT were loaded into CaP shell and phosphatidylserine polyethylene glycol (PS-PEG) core of nanoparticles (NPs) separately to obtain NVT- and VRP-loaded NPs (NV@CaP-RGD). These codelivered NPs allowed VRP to prevent the efflux of NVT from breast cancer cells by competitively combining with drug efflux pumps. Additionally, NV@CaP-RGD was effectively internalized into breast cancer cells by precise delivery through the effects of the active targeting peptides RGD and EPR. The pH-triggered profile of CaP was also able to assist the NPs to successfully escape from lysosomes, leading to a greatly increased effective intracellular drug concentration.

Conclusion

The concurrent administration of VRP and NVT by organic/inorganic NPs is a promising therapeutic approach to reverse MDR in breast cancer.
The relationship between government research funding and the cancer burden in South Korea: implications for prioritising health research
Authors: Jung Ye Lim , Yoo Hyoung Sun , Kim Eun Sun
Published: December 2019

Background

In this study, we aimed to assess health research funding allocation in South Korea by analysing the relationship between government funding and disease burden in South Korea, specifically focusing on cancers.

Methods

The relationship between research funding and the cancer burden, measured in disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), was analysed using a linear regression method over a 10-year interval. Funding information on 25 types of cancer was obtained from the National Science and Technology Information Service portal in South Korea. Measures of cancer burden were obtained from Global Burden of Disease studies. The funding predictions were derived from regression analysis and compared with actual funding allocations. In addition, we evaluated how the funding distribution reflected long-term changes in the burden and the burden specific to South Korea compared with global values.

Results

Korean funding in four periods, 2005–2007, 2008–2010, 2011–2013 and 2015–2017, were associated with the cancer burden in 2003, 2006, 2009 and 2013, respectively. For DALYs, the correlation coefficients were 0.79 and 0.82 in 2003 and 2013, respectively, which were higher than the values from other countries. However, the changes in DALYs (1990–2006) were not associated with the funding changes (from 2005 to 2007 to 2015–2017). In addition, the value differences between Korean and global DALYs were not associated with Korean government research funding.

Conclusions

Although research funding was associated with the cancer burden in South Korea during the last decade, the distribution of research funds did not appropriately reflect the changes in burden nor the differences between the South Korean and global burden levels. The policy-makers involved in health research budgeting should consider not only the absolute burden values for singular years but also the long-term changes in burden and the country-specific burden when they prioritise public research projects.
Comparative phosphorylation map of Dishevelled 3 links phospho-signatures to biological outputs
Authors: Hanáková Kateřina , Bernatík Ondřej , Kravec Marek , Micka Miroslav , Kumar Jitender , Harnoš Jakub , Ovesná Petra , Paclíková Petra , Rádsetoulal Matěj , Potěšil David , Tripsianes Konstantinos , Čajánek Lukáš , Zdráhal Zbyněk , Bryja Vítězslav
Published: December 2019

Background

Dishevelled (DVL) is an essential component of the Wnt signaling cascades. Function of DVL is controlled by phosphorylation but the molecular details are missing. DVL3 contains 131 serines and threonines whose phosphorylation generates complex barcodes underlying diverse DVL3 functions. In order to dissect the role of DVL phosphorylation we analyzed the phosphorylation of human DVL3 induced by previously reported (CK1ε, NEK2, PLK1, CK2α, RIPK4, PKCδ) and newly identified (TTBK2, Aurora A) DVL kinases.

Methods

Shotgun proteomics including TiO2enrichment of phosphorylated peptides followed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry on immunoprecipitates from HEK293T cells was used to identify and quantify phosphorylation of DVL3 protein induced by 8 kinases. Functional characterization was performed by in-cell analysis of phospho-mimicking/non-phosphorylatable DVL3 mutants and supported by FRET assays and NMR spectroscopy.

Results

We used quantitative mass spectrometry and calculated site occupancies and quantified phosphorylation of > 80 residues. Functional validation demonstrated the importance of CK1ε-induced phosphorylation of S268 and S311 for Wnt-3a-induced β-catenin activation. S630–643 cluster phosphorylation by CK1, NEK2 or TTBK2 is essential for even subcellular distribution of DVL3 when induced by CK1 and TTBK2 but not by NEK2. Further investigation showed that NEK2 utilizes a different mechanism to promote even localization of DVL3. NEK2 triggered phosphorylation of PDZ domain at S263 and S280 prevents binding of DVL C-terminus to PDZ and promotes an open conformation of DVL3 that is more prone to even subcellular localization.

Conclusions

We identify unique phosphorylation barcodes associated with DVL function. Our data provide an example of functional synergy between phosphorylation in structured domains and unstructured IDRs that together dictate the biological outcome.

Graphical abstract
Correction to: Individualized home-based exercise and nutrition interventions improve frailty in older adults: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hsieh Tsung-Jen , Su Shin-Chang , Chen Chun-Wei , Kang Yaw-Wen , Hu Ming-Hsia , Hsu Li-Lin , Wu Szu-Yun , Chen Likwang , Chang Hsing-Yi , Chuang Shao-Yuan , Pan Wen-Harn , Hsu Chih-Cheng
Published: December 2019

Following publication of the original article [1], the author reported that an abbreviation was incorrect in the original article;
Domestic violence related disclosure among women and girls in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bifftu Berhanu Boru , Dachew Berihun Assefa , Tiruneh Bewket Tadesse , Gezie Lemma Derseh , Guracho Yonas Deressa
Published: December 2019

Background

Domestic violence is common public health problem. Domestic violence related disclosure is an important first step in the process of prevention, control and treatments of domestic violence related adverse effect. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of domestic violence related disclosure and synthesize its associated factors.

Methods

We followed the PRISMA Guidelines to report the results of the finding. Databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Sciences were searched. The heterogeneity between studies was measured by the index of heterogeneity (I2 statistics) test. Funnel plots and Egger’s test were used to determine publication bias. Moreover, sensitivity analysis was carried out. To calculate the pooled prevalence, a random effects model was utilized.

Results

Twenty one eligible studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of domestic violence related non-disclosure was found to be 36.2% (95% CI, 31.8–40.5%). Considering violence as normal or not serious, shame, embarrassment and fear of disclosure related consequences were the common barriers for non-disclosure.

Conclusion

More than one third of women and girls were not disclosed their experience of domestic violence. The finding of this study suggests the need of evaluation and strengthening of the collaborative work among different sectors such as: policy-makers, service providers, administrative personnel and community leaders including the engagement of men partner. This study also suggests the needs of women empowerments against the traditional belief, attitude, and practice.
Robotic body weight support enables safe stair negotiation in compliance with basic locomotor principles
Authors: Bannwart M. , Rohland E. , Easthope C. A. , Rauter G. , Bolliger M.
Published: December 2019

Background

After a neurological injury, mobility focused rehabilitation programs intensively train walking on treadmills or overground. However, after discharge, quite a few patients are not able to independently negotiate stairs, a real-world task with high physical and psychological demands and a high injury risk. To decrease fall risk and improve patients’ capacity to navigate typical environments, early stair negotiation training can help restore competence and confidence in safe stair negotiation. One way to enable early training in a safe and permissive environment is to unload the patient with a body weight support system. We here investigated if unloaded stair negotiation complies with basic locomotor principles, in terms of enabling performance of a physiological movement pattern with minimal compensation.

Methods

Seventeen able-bodied participants were unloaded with 0–50% bodyweight during self-paced ascent and descent of a 4-tread staircase. Spatio-temporal parameters, joint ranges of motion, ground reaction forces and myoelectric activity in the main lower limb muscles of participants were compared between unloading levels. Likelihood ratio tests of separated linear mixed models of the investigated outcomes assessed if unloading affects the parameters in general. Subsequent post-hoc testing revealed which levels of unloading differed from unsupported stair negotiation.

Results

Unloading affected walking velocity, joint ranges of motion, vertical ground reaction force parameters and myoelectric activity in all investigated muscles for stair ascent and descent while step width and single support duration were only affected during ascent. A reduction with increasing levels of body weight support was seen in walking velocity (0.07–0.12 m/s), ranges of motion of the knee and hip (2–10°), vertical ground reaction force peaks (10–70%) and myoelectric activity (17–70%). An increase with unloading was only seen during ascent for ankle range of motion and tibialis anterior activity at substantial unloading.

Conclusions

Body weight support facilitates stair negotiation by providing safety and support against gravity. Although unloading effects are present in most parameters, up to 30% body weight support these changes are small, and no dysfunctional patterns are introduced. Body weight support therefore fulfills all the necessary requirements for early stair negotiation training.
People who inject drugs (PWID) and HIV/aids cases in Mexico City: 1987–2015
Authors: Romero Mendoza Martha , Meza-Mercado Denize , Martínez-Martínez Rosario , Magis-Rodríguez Carlos , Ortiz Castro Arturo , Medina-Mora Maria Elena
Published: December 2019

Background

The purpose of this study is to describe the characteristics of individuals who inject drugs, to explore use trends in the past 25 years, and to review the profile of users of various drugs, both legal and illegal, that have been used intravenously without medical prescription in Mexico City.

Methods

Information was drawn from the Drug Information Reporting System (SRID, 1987–2015) and data from the National Center for the Prevention and Control of HIV/aids (CENSIDA, 1983–2018). SRID is based on two 30-day cross-sectional evaluations carried out during June and November. It has served as an uninterrupted epidemiological surveillance system for 32 years, operating both in health and justice institutions in Mexico City and the metropolitan area. The timely identification of changes in use patterns is regarded as the most consistent tool to track the trajectory of the phenomenon. CENSIDA cases were analyzed based on the number of HIV and aids positive injectable drug users during the same period of time in Mexico City.

Results

Cocaine users represented the highest number of cases, with a total of N = 293. Back in 2000, the use of this substance showed a significant increase of up to 50%. In turn, heroine and opiates user trends by sex increased from being almost non-existent in 1987 to 13% in 1994. Results provide evidence of the changes in the number of users over the years, with the largest increases being recorded in 1996 (16.5%), 1999 (17%), and 2010 (13%).

Conclusions

The increase observed in the results coincides with domestic and world political situations that have caused an upturn in the use of some substances over the years. It is not far-fetched to think that in the coming years there will be an increase in the number of individuals who inject drugs due to the high production and availability of heroin in Mexico and the emergence of fentanyl use as indicated by ethnographic research in Mexico City and the deaths linked to its consumption. The latest reports, published in 2018, documented at least five cases of fentanyl users.
Correction to: Arthroscopic treatment of focal osteochondral lesions of the first metatarsophalangeal joint
Authors: Kuyucu Ersin , Mutlu Harun , Mutlu Serhat , Gülenç Baris , Erdil Mehmet
Published: December 2019

This article [2] was published twice [1] due to a production error. The original article [1] should be considered the version of record and used for citation purposes. The publisher apologizes to the authors and readers for the error and any inconvenience caused.
Evaluation of the efficacy of simplified nutritional instructions from physicians on dietary salt restriction for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus consuming excessive salt: protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ushigome Emi , Oyabu Chikako , Shiraishi Makoto , Kitagawa Nobuko , Kitae Aya , Iwai Keiko , Ushigome Hidetaka , Yokota Isao , Hamaguchi Masahide , Yamazaki Masahiro , Fukui Michiaki
Published: December 2019

Background

Hypertension is present in more than 50% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Dietary salt restriction is recommended for the management of high blood pressure. Instructions on dietary salt restriction, provided by a dietitian, have been shown to help patients reduce their salt intake. However, appointments for the dietitians in hospitals are often already fully booked, making it difficult for patients to receive instructions on the same day as the outpatient clinic visit.

Aim

The aim of this trial is to test a new intervention to assess whether guidance on dietary salt restriction provided by physicians during outpatient visits is effective in reducing salt intake in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who have an excessive salt intake.

Methods

In this unblinded randomized controlled trial (RCT), a total of 200 patients, male or female, aged between 20 and 90 years, who have type 2 diabetes mellitus and consume excessive salt will be randomly assigned to two groups: an intervention group and a control group. In addition to being given routine treatment, participants in the intervention group will be given individual guidance on restricting their dietary salt intake by a physician upon enrollment. The control group will only be given routine treatment. Participants will be followed up for 24 weeks. The primary outcome will be dietary salt intake, which will be assessed at baseline and at 8, 16, and 24 weeks. The secondary outcomes, including body weight, body mass index, hemoglobin A1c level, blood pressure, blood glucose level, serum lipid profile, and urinary albumin excretion level, will be assessed at baseline and at 8, 16, and 24 weeks.

Discussion

The results of this RCT have the potential to provide a simple and novel clinical approach to reduce salt intake among patients with type 2 diabetes, making regular visits to their physician, in outpatient facilities. This protocol will contribute to the literature because it describes a practical intervention that has not been tested previously, and it may serve as guidance to other researchers interested in testing similar interventions.

Trial registration

University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN), UMIN000028809. Registered retrospectively on 24 August 2017. http://www.umin.ac.jp.
In vitro and in vivo immunomodulatory properties of octyl-β-d-galactofuranoside during Leishmania donovani infection
Authors: Guegan Hélène , Ory Kevin , Belaz Sorya , Jan Aurélien , Dion Sarah , Legentil Laurent , Manuel Christelle , Lemiègre Loïc , Vives Thomas , Ferrières Vincent , Gangneux Jean-Pierre , Robert-Gangneux Florence
Published: December 2019

Background

The chemotherapeutic arsenal available to treat visceral leishmaniasis is currently limited, in view of many drawbacks such as high cost, toxicity or emerging resistance. New therapeutic strategies are particularly needed to improve the management and the outcome in immunosuppressed patients. The combination of an immunomodulatory drug to a conventional anti-Leishmania treatment is an emerging concept to reverse the immune bias from Th2 to Th1 response to boost healing and prevent relapses.

Methods

Here, immunostimulating and leishmanicidal properties of octyl-β-d-galactofuranose (Galf) were assessed in human monocyte-derived macrophages (HM) and in a murine model, after challenge with Leishmania donovani promastigotes. We recorded parasite loads and expression of various cytokines and immune effectors in HM and mouse organs (liver, spleen, bone marrow), following treatment with free (Galf) and liposomal (L-Galf) formulations.

Results

Both treatments significantly reduced parasite proliferation in HM, as well as liver parasite burden in vivo (Galf, P < 0.05). Consistent with in vitro results, we showed that Galf- and L-Galf-treated mice displayed an enhanced Th1 immune response, particularly in the spleen where pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-12 were significantly overexpressed compared to control group. The hepatic recruitment of myeloid cells was also favored by L-Galf treatment as evidenced by the five-fold increase of myeloperoxidase (MPO) induction, which was associated with a higher number of MPO-positive cells within granulomas. By contrast, the systemic level of various cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17A or IL-27 was drastically reduced at the end of treatment.

Conclusions

Overall, these results suggest that Galf could be tested as an adjuvant in combination with current anti-parasitic drugs, to restore an efficient immune response against infection in a model of immunosuppressed mice.
Herpes simplex virus and Cytomegalovirus reactivation among severe ARDS patients under veno-venous ECMO
Authors: Hraiech Sami , Bonnardel Eline , Guervilly Christophe , Fabre Cyprien , Loundou Anderson , Forel Jean-Marie , Adda Mélanie , Parzy Gabriel , Cavaille Guilhem , Coiffard Benjamin , Roch Antoine , Papazian Laurent
Published: December 2019

Background

Herpesviridae reactivation among non-immunocompromised critically ill patients is associated with impaired prognosis, especially during acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, little is known about herpes simplex virus (HSV) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation occurring in patients with severe ARDS under veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We tried to determine the frequency of Herpesviridae reactivation and its impact on patients’ prognosis during ECMO for severe ARDS.

Results

During a 5-year period, 123 non-immunocompromised patients with a severe ARDS requiring a veno-venous ECMO were included. Sixty-seven patients (54%) experienced HSV and/or CMV reactivation during ECMO course (20 viral co-infection, 40 HSV alone, and 7 CMV alone). HSV reactivation occurred earlier than CMV after the beginning of MV [(6–15) vs. 19 (13–29) days; p < 0.01] and after ECMO implementation [(2–8) vs. 14 (10–20) days; p < 0.01]. In univariate analysis, HSV/CMV reactivation was associated with a longer duration of mechanical ventilation [(22–52.5) vs. 17.5 (9–28) days; p < 0.01], a longer duration of ECMO [15 (10–22.5) vs. 9 (5–14) days; p < 0.01], and a prolonged ICU [29 (19.5–47.5) vs. 16 (9–30) days; p < 0.01] and hospital stay [44 (29–63.5) vs. 24 (11–43) days; p < 0.01] as compared to non-reactivated patients. However, in multivariate analysis, viral reactivation remained associated with prolonged MV only. When considered separately, both HSV and CMV reactivation were associated with a longer duration of MV as compared to non-reactivation patients [29 (19.5–41) and 28 (20.5–37), respectively, vs. 17.5 (9–28) days; p < 0.05]. Co-reactivation patients had a longer duration of MV [58.5 (38–72.3); p < 0.05] and ICU stay [51.5 (32.5–69) vs. 27.5 (17.75–35.5) and 29 (20–30.5), respectively] as compared to patients with HSV or CMV reactivation alone. In multivariate analysis, HSV reactivation remained independently associated with a longer duration of MV and hospital length of stay.

Conclusions

Herpesviridae reactivation is frequent among patients with severe ARDS under veno-venous ECMO and is associated with a longer duration of mechanical ventilation. The direct causative link between HSV and CMV reactivation and respiratory function worsening under ECMO remains to be confirmed.
Towards a sustainable distributed energy system in China: decision-making for strategies and policy implications
Authors: Lin Ruojue , Liu Yue , Man Yi , Ren Jingzheng
Published: December 2019

Background

The conflict between the Chinese fossil fuel-based economy and worsening environmental conditions requires further research to be carried out. Due to their clean, highly-efficient and flexible properties, distributed energy systems (DESs) have become a global research focus in the field of energy conservation. China, as the largest coal-fired energy user and highest power consumer in the world, has to conduct further research and apply the DESs to resolve the conflict. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of DES development in China as well as improvement suggestions for the development of DESs by use of scientific analysis.

Methods

The analysis of strengths-weaknesses-opportunities threats (SWOT) was adapted for the analysis of improvement strategies. The directions for how to improve the application of these strategies were selected by the prioritization method of analytic hierarchy processes (AHP) and evaluated by the best-worst method (BWM). The suggestions were provided according to the ranks figured out by AHP and BWM. Five enablers were selected from the respective economic, environmental, technological and social aspects for participating in this analysis.

Results

Resulting from the SWOT analysis, capital investment, technology development and regulation completeness are three aspects of strategies summarized as SO strategies, ST strategies, WO strategies and WT strategies. The research perspectives of DESs that are suggested for investment, technology development and regulation completeness are illustrated by AHP and BWM. The results show that the reduction of solid particle emissions, the improvement of generation reliability, the improvement of the production rate, the reduction of production costs, the improvement of on-site safety, the fulfilment of electricity demand, the reduction of noxious gas emissions as well as the improvement of energy efficiency need to be carried out for the sake of environmental protection and quality of DES generation in China.

Conclusions

There are high potentials for China to further develop and apply DES approaches. The direction of current development might be set to solve three problematic aspects, which are capital investment, technology development and regulation completeness.
LncRNA LINC00460 promotes the papillary thyroid cancer progression by regulating the LINC00460/miR-485-5p/Raf1 axis
Authors: Li Guangjun , Kong Qingli
Published: December 2019

Background

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common malignancy of all thyroid cancers. LncRNA LINC00460 has been proved to play roles in the oncogenesis and progression of various tumors, including papillary thyroid cancer. However, the potential molecular mechanism of LINC00460 in PTC is poorly investigated.

Results

LINC00460 was upregulated in PTC tissues and cells. Raf1 was upregulated in PTC tissues, but miR-485-5p was down-regulated. High LINC00460 expression was associated with poor prognosis. LINC00460 knockdown suppressed proliferation, migration, invation and EMT of PTC cells. Bioinformatics prediction revealed that LINC00460 had binding sites with miR-485-5p, which was validated by luciferase reporter assay. In addition, miR-485-5p was confirmed to directly target Raf1 3′-UTR. Moreover, LINC00460 promoted PTC progression by sponging miR-485-5p to elevate the expression of Raf1. Knockdown of LINC00460 restrained tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion

LINC00460 induced proliferation, migration, invation and EMT of PTC cells by regulating the LINC00460/miR-485-5p/Raf1 axis, which indicated that LINC00460 may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for PTC.
Successful treatment of hepatic lymphorrhea by percutaneous transhepatic lymphangiography followed by sclerotherapy using OK-432
Authors: Kojima Masayuki , Inoue Masanori , Yamamoto Seiichiro , Kanai Toshio , Nakatsuka Seishi , Nakagawa Motohito
Published: December 2019

Background

Conventional lymphangiography cannot detect leakage sites of hepatic lymphatic vessels. Percutaneous transhepatic lymphangiography can be used to visualize leakage sites, and once the leakage site has been confirmed, effective sclerotherapy can be performed.

Case presentation

A rare case of intractable hepatic lymphorrhea due to injury of the hepatoduodenal ligament following pancreaticoduodenectomy is reported. Drainage of massive ascites from the drainage tube continued after surgery. Percutaneous transhepatic lymphangiography visualized the intrahepatic lymphatic vessels and the leakage site at the hepatic hilum. An 8-Fr drainage catheter was inserted adjacent to the leakage point under fluoroscopic computed tomography guidance. Repeated sclerotherapy using intraperitoneal administration of OK-432 (picibanil) through the catheter was performed, which exposed the leakage site, and control of the ascites was finally achieved.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first successful case of detection of a leakage site using intrahepatic lymphangiography, followed by sclerotherapy using OK-432.