bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Instrumental and affective communication with patients with limited health literacy in the palliative phase of cancer or COPD
Authors: Noordman Janneke , Schulze Lotte , Roodbeen Ruud , Boland Gudule , van Vliet Liesbeth M. , van den Muijsenbergh Maria , van Dulmen Sandra
Published: October 2020

Background

Patients have a ‘need to know’ (instrumental need) and a ‘need to feel known’ (affective need). During consultations with patients with limited health literacy (LHL) in the palliative phase of their disease, both the instrumental and the affective communication skills of healthcare providers are important. The study aims to explore instrumental and affective communication between care providers and LHL patients in the palliative phase of COPD or cancer.

Methods

In 2018, consultations between LHL patients in the palliative phase of cancer or COPD and their healthcare providers were video-recorded in four hospitals in the Netherlands. As there was no observation algorithm available for this setting, several items were created to parameterize healthcare providers’ instrumental communication (seven items: understanding, patient priorities, medical status, treatment options, treatment consequences, prognosis, and information about emotional distress) and affective communication (six items: hope, support, reassurance, empathy, appreciation, and emotional coping). The degree of each item was recorded for each consultation, with relevant segments of the observation selected and transcribed to support the items.

Results

Consultations between 17 care providers and 39 patients were video-recorded and analyzed. Care providers primarily used instrumental communication, most often by giving information about treatment options and assessing patients’ care priorities. Care providers assessed patients’ understanding of their disease less often. The patients’ prognosis was not mentioned in half the consultations. Within the affective domain, the care providers did provide support for their patients; providing hope, reassurance, empathy, and appreciation and discussing emotional coping were observed less often.

Conclusions

Care providers used mostly instrumental communication, especially treatment information, in consultations with LHL patients in the palliative phase of cancer or COPD. Most care providers did not check if the patient understood the information, which is rather crucial, especially given patients’ limited level of health literacy. Healthcare providers did provide support for patients, but other expressions of affective communication by care providers were less common. To adapt the communication to LHL patients in palliative care, care providers could be less wordy and reduce the amount of information, use ‘teach-back’ techniques and pay more attention to affective communication.
Oral herbal medicine for women with intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnancy: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wang Ruiting , Cheng Nuo , Peng Rongyan , Yu Zeyu , Nan Mengdie , Cao Huijuan
Published: October 2020

Background

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a pregnancy complication whose range has been calculated to be between 0.01 and 15.6% all around the world. We wanted to systematically evaluate the effect and safety of oral herbal medicine on treatment for ICP.

Methods

Details of the methods could be found in the registered protocol on PROSPERO (CRD42018096013). Trials assessing the effectiveness of herbal medicine for ICP were searched from seven electronic databases from inception to 28th February 2020. RevMan 5.3 software was used to perform all statistical analysis. Meta-analysis, additional analysis, Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA) and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) were conducted if data permitted.

Results

Totally 43 randomized controlled trials with 3556 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed potential good adjunctive effect of herbal medicine on decreasing the pruritus scores (MD -0.58, 95% CI − 0.79 to − 0.36), the serum TBA scores (MD − 3.99 μmol/L, 95% CI − 4.24 to − 3.74) on the basis with Ursodesoxycholic acid. Compared to the medicine alone, significantly lower incidence of fetal distress (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.51), asphyxia neonatorum (RR 0.35, 95%CI 0.25 to 0.49), cesarean section (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.85), postpartum hemorrhage (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.72) were observed in the combination group. But the comparison between herbal medicine and medicine showed inconsistent results among trials. Insufficient information could be used to evaluate the safety of herbal medicine for ICP.

Conclusion

This review found the current evidence may support the effectiveness of combination of herbal medicine and conventional medicine for decreasing the maternal pruritus scores, the serum TBA, and the number of fetal distress, or asphyxia neonatorum events related to this condition (which was supported by TSA results). Since there were obvious statistical and clinical heterogeneity among trials, and the methodological quality of the included studies was poor, the level of the evidence could only be defined as “very low” according to the GRADE criteria. Further high quality studies are still needed to testify the effectiveness and safety of herbal medicine for ICP.
Isatis root polysaccharide promotes maturation and secretory function of monocyte-derived dendritic cells
Authors: Wang Xuebing , Chen Zewen , Chen Tong , Li Xiao , Huang Shucheng , Wang Hao , Tong Chao , Liu Fang
Published: October 2020

Background

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is an animal virus that is globally responsible for the high economic losses in the swine industry. Isatis root is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that possesses immune-enhancing and antiviral properties. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of the active component of the isatis root polysaccharide (IRPS) extract on immature dendritic cells remain elusive.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the molecular changes in primary porcine peripheral blood monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs) during PRV infection, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, we studied the effect of IRPS on PRV-infected DCs.

Results

The results showed that IRPS stimulated the maturation of MoDCs, induced IL-12 secretion, and downregulated IL-6 expression.

Conclusions

Collectively, these results suggest that IRPS is a promising candidate for promoting maturation of DCs and enhancing their secretory potential after PRV infection.
Establishing a national high fidelity cadaveric emergency urology simulation course to increase trainee preparedness for independent on-call practice: a prospective observational study
Authors: Bullock Nicholas , Ellul Thomas , Biers Suzanne , Armitage James , Cashman Sophia , Narahari Krishna , Tatarov Oleg , Fenn Neil , Bose Pradeep , Featherstone Jonathan , Hughes Owen
Published: October 2020

Background

Whilst competence in the management of a wide range of urological emergencies is a requirement for certification in urology, many conditions are uncommon and exposure during training may be limited. This prospective observational study sought to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a standardised cadaveric emergency urology simulation course aimed at improving operative confidence and competence prior to independent on-call practice in the United Kingdom.

Methods

A two-day cadaveric emergency urology simulation course supported by the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) was implemented at two pilot centres. All delegates that undertook one of the initial series of courses were invited to complete online pre- and post-course questionnaires relating to prior operative experience, documented competence and perceived confidence in being able to perform specific emergency procedures independently. Primary outcome was a self-reported ‘confidence score’ selected from a linear numeric scale ranging from 1 (not at all confident to perform a given procedure independently) to 10 (fully confident). Statistical analysis was undertaken using SPSS Statistics for Mac Version 25 and the paired student’s t-test used to compare mean pre- and post-course scores.

Results

One hundred and four delegates undertook the course during the study period. Of these, 85 (81.7%) completed the pre-course survey and 67 (64.4%) completed the post-course survey, with 61 (58.7%) completing both. The greatest proportion of respondents were Speciality Trainees in Urology of ST5 level or higher (equivalent of Resident/Fellows with 4 or more years of surgical training; n = 31, 36.5%). Delegates reported variable pre-course exposure, with most experience reported in loin approach to the kidney (median 10) and least in exploration and packing of a transurethral resection cavity and emergency nephrectomy (median 0). Following course completion, a statistically significant increase in confidence score was observed for each procedure, with the greatest increases seen for shunt for priapism (4.87 to 8.80, p < 0.001), ureteric reimplantation (3.52 to 7.33, p < 0.001) and primary ureteric anastomosis (3.90 to 7.49, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

A standardised high fidelity cadaveric simulation course is feasible and significantly improves the confidence of trainees in performing a wide range of emergency procedures to which exposure is currently limited.
Group antenatal care (Pregnancy Circles) for diverse and disadvantaged women: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial with integral process and economic evaluations
Authors: Wiggins Meg , Sawtell Mary , Wiseman Octavia , McCourt Christine , Eldridge Sandra , Hunter Rachael , Bordea Ekaterina , Mustard Connor , Hanafiah Ainul , Hatherall Bethan , Holmes Vivian , Mehay Anita , Robinson Helliner , Salisbury Cathryn , Sweeney Lorna , Mondeh Kade , Harden Angela
Published: October 2020

Background

Group antenatal care has been successfully implemented around the world with suggestions of improved outcomes, including for disadvantaged groups, but it has not been formally tested in the UK in the context of the NHS. To address this the REACH Pregnancy Circles intervention was developed and a randomised controlled trial (RCT), based on a pilot study, is in progress.

Methods

The RCT is a pragmatic, two-arm, individually randomised, parallel group RCT designed to test clinical and cost-effectiveness of REACH Pregnancy Circles compared with standard care. Recruitment will be through NHS services. The sample size is 1732 (866 randomised to the intervention and 866 to standard care). The primary outcome measure is a ‘healthy baby’ composite measured at 1 month postnatal using routine maternity data. Secondary outcome measures will be assessed using participant questionnaires completed at recruitment (baseline), 35 weeks gestation (follow-up 1) and 3 months postnatal (follow-up 2). An integrated process evaluation, to include exploration of fidelity, will be conducted using mixed methods. Analyses will be on an intention to treat as allocated basis. The primary analysis will compare the number of babies born “healthy” in the control and intervention arms and provide an odds ratio. A cost-effectiveness analysis will compare the incremental cost per Quality Adjusted Life Years and per additional ‘healthy and positive birth’ of the intervention with standard care. Qualitative data will be analysed thematically.

Discussion

This multi-site randomised trial in England is planned to be the largest trial of group antenatal care in the world to date; as well as the first rigorous test within the NHS of this maternity service change. It has a recruitment focus on ethnically, culturally and linguistically diverse and disadvantaged participants, including non-English speakers.

Trial registration

Trial registration; ISRCTN, ISRCTN91977441. Registered 11 February 2019 - retrospectively registered. The current protocol is Version 4; 28/01/2020.
The awareness, visibility and support for young carers across Europe: a Delphi study
Authors: Nap Henk Herman , Hoefman Renske , de Jong Nynke , Lovink Lieke , Glimmerveen Ludo , Lewis Feylyn , Santini Sara , D’Amen Barbara , Socci Marco , Boccaletti Licia , Casu Giulia , Manattini Alessandra , Brolin Rosita , Sirk Karina , Hlebec Valentina , Rakar Tatjana , Hudobivnik Tjasa , Leu Agnes , Berger Fabian , Magnusson Lennart , Hanson Elizabeth
Published: October 2020

Background

Across Europe, young carers (YCs) and their need for support receive limited attention in the media, policy and empirical research, even though, similar to adult carers, they also provide care to ill family members. The Delphi study, a qualitative research methodology, which provides the focus for this article, had the overall aim of exploring existing successful strategies to support YCs. Compared to YCs, even less is known about adolescent young carers (AYCs), a group that is in a critical life transition phase. The study forms part of an EU Horizon 2020 funded research project on AYCs aged 15–17 years old.

Methods

A two-round Delphi study was conducted with 66 experts on YCs from 10 European countries. Topics included: (i) visibility and awareness-raising of YCs at local, regional, and national levels, (ii) current interventions to support YCs, and (iii) future strategies to support YCs.

Results

Experts reported a lack of visibility and awareness about YCs in general, and AYCs in particular. Although awareness is slowly increasing in most countries, with the UK ranked highest, experts acknowledged that it remains challenging to identify YCs in many countries. Furthermore, the level and type of support available for YCs differs, with most countries mainly offering support on a local level. Diverse views were expressed regarding future strategies to support YCs. Experts highlighted the importance of specific legislation to formalise the rights of YCs, and the issue of whether young people should be safeguarded from caregiving or if this should be considered part of regular family life. They also emphasised the relevance of available integrated support services for YCs, including schools, family, health and social care.

Conclusions

In most European countries, there is a lack of awareness and visibility on YCs. Identification of YCs is a crucial first step and there is need for a common definition of YCs, together with greater opportunities for young adults to identify themselves as YCs.
Engaging with faith groups to prevent VAWG in conflict-affected communities: results from two community surveys in the DRC
Authors: Le Roux Elisabet , Corboz Julienne , Scott Nigel , Sandilands Maggie , Lele Uwezo Baghuma , Bezzolato Elena , Jewkes Rachel
Published: October 2020

Background

An evaluation was conducted of a three-year intervention focused on violence against women and girls (VAWG) and implemented in the conflict-affected north-east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a country with high rates of VAWG. The intervention addressed VAWG, and especially sexual violence, by specifically engaging with communities of faith and their leaders.

Methods

Two community surveys were conducted, one before and one after the intervention, in three health areas in Ituri Province in the DRC. At both baseline and endline, data was collected from male and female members of randomly selected households in 15 villages (five per health area) in which the intervention was being implemented. At baseline the sample comprised 751 respondents (387 women, 364 men) and at endline 1198 respondents (601 women, 597 men). Questionnaires were interviewer-administered, with sensitive questions related to experience or perpetration of violence self-completed by participants.

Results

The study showed significantly more equitable gender attitudes and less tolerance for IPV at endline. Positive attitude change was not limited to those actively engaged within faith communities, with a positive shift across the entire community in terms of gender attitudes, rape myths and rape stigma scores, regardless of level of faith engagement. There was a significant decline in all aspects of IPV in the communities who experienced the intervention. While the experience and perpetration of IPV reported at endline did not track with exposure to the intervention, it is plausible that in a context where social norm change was sought, the impact of the intervention on those exposed could have had an impact on the behaviour of the unexposed.

Conclusion

This intervention was premised on the assumption that faith leaders and faith communities are a key entry point into an entire community, able to influence an entire community. Research has affirmed this assumption and engaging with faith leaders and faith communities can thus be a strategic intervention strategy. While we are confident of the link between the social norms change and faith engagement and project exposure, the link between IPV reduction and faith engagement and project exposure needs more research.
Effects of immune challenge on expression of life-history and immune trait expression in sexually reproducing metazoans—a meta-analysis
Authors: Nystrand M. , Dowling D. K.
Published: October 2020

Background

Life-history theory predicts a trade-off between investment into immune defence and other fitness-related traits. Accordingly, individuals are expected to upregulate their immune response when subjected to immune challenge. However, this is predicted to come at the expense of investment into a range of other traits that are costly to maintain, such as growth, reproduction and survival. Currently, it remains unclear whether the magnitude of such costs, and trade-offs involving immune investment and other traits, manifests consistently across species and sexes. To address this, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate how changes in sex, ontogenetic stage and environmental factors shape phenotypic trait expression following an immune challenge.

Results

We explored the effects of immune challenge on three types of traits across sexually reproducing metazoans: life-history, morphological and proximate immune traits (235 effect sizes, 53 studies, 37 species [21 invertebrates vs. 16 vertebrates]). We report a general negative effect of immune challenge on survival and reproduction, a positive effect on immune trait expression, but no effect on morphology or development time. The negative effects of immune challenge on reproductive traits and survival were larger in females than males. We also report a pronounced effect of the immune treatment agent used (e.g. whether the treatment involved a live pathogen or not) on the host response to immune challenge, and find an effect of mating status on the host response in invertebrates.

Conclusion

These results suggest that costs associated with immune deployment following an immune challenge are context-dependent and differ consistently in their magnitude across the sexes of diverse taxonomic lineages. We synthesise and discuss the outcomes in the context of evolutionary theory on sex differences in life-history and highlight the need for future studies to carefully consider the design of experiments aimed at disentangling the costs of immune deployment.
Epidemiology of epizootic lymphangitis of carthorses in northern Ethiopia using conventional diagnostic methods and nested polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Hadush Birhanu , Michaelay Molla , Menghistu Habtamu Taddele , Abebe Nigus , Genzebu Abreha Tesfaye , Bitsue Habtom Kiros , Afera Berihun , Duguma Bojia E. , Gugsa Getachew , Ameni Gobena
Published: October 2020

Background

Epizootic lymphangitis (EL), caused by Histoplasma capsulatum variety farciminosum (HCF) is a contagious, chronic disease of equines, characterized by development of nodular lesions in the lymph nodes, lymphatic vessels and skin. It is one of the most important diseases of equines in Ethiopia, causing significant economic loss, particularly in the livelihood of carthorse owners. To date there is neither effective diagnostic nor control measure implemented in the country. Furthermore, there is a shortage of data on the epidemiology of the disease in different regions of this country. The aim of this study was to investigate epidemiology of EL in northern Ethiopia, using the conventional methods as well as nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

The presence of HCF genetic material was confirmed in 44% (84/191) of the carthorses. Subclinical infection was observed in 18.2% (22/121) of the apparently healthy carthorses. Considering the nested PCR as a gold standard, sensitivity and specificity of clinical examination were 74% and 92.5%, respectively, while the area under the ROC curve (AUR) was 0.83 (95% confidence interval, 0.77, 0.896). Moreover, a moderate (k = 0.675) agreement observed between the nested PCR and clinical examination.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated widespread occurrence of EL in northern Ethiopia, and the advantage of the nested PCR in detecting infection of HCF, even before the clinical symptoms became apparent.
Impact of amount of straw on pig and pen hygiene in partly slatted flooring systems
Authors: Wallgren Torun , Lundeheim Nils , Gunnarsson Stefan
Published: October 2020

Background

Straw is a beneficial enrichment material for pigs, shown to improve welfare through reducing tail biting. Straw has previously been identified as one of the means of how to raise pigs without tail docking, through improving natural exploratory behaviour. Straw has however been linked to poor pen hygiene, making farmers reluctant to use straw and has largely not been implemented in commercial farming worldwide. Straw is a beneficial enrichment material for pigs, shown to improve welfare and reduce abnormal behaviour such as tail biting.

Results

This study investigates the impact of straw on pig and pen hygiene in pens with partly slatted floor in three grower and four finishing pig batches on five commercial farms (2329 pigs, 211 pens) in Sweden which were providing straw daily. Each batch was divided into two treatments; Control: 50-600 g straw/pen/day based on the farm normal straw ration; and Extra straw; (=doubled Control ration). The pens were scored based on cleanliness of the pigs, solid and slatted pen floor every second week. The pig and pen hygiene were mostly scored as clean in both treatments, overall around 1% of the observations were considered dirty/soiled.

Conclusions

As very few pens or pigs were considered dirty, it was concluded that straw provision is possible without risking poor pig and pen hygiene. Few observations in this study were considered dirty regardless of amount of straw that was provided, and had likely to do with other factors in the production rather than straw ration. These results implies that straw could be used in partly slatted pens in order to improve pig environment but more research is needed to quantify the impact of other external factors related to climate (e.g. temperature, humidity, velocity).
Immunoinformatics and analysis of antigen distribution of Ureaplasma diversum strains isolated from different Brazilian states
Authors: Santos Junior Manoel Neres , Santos Ronaldo Silva , Neves Wanderson Souza , Fernandes Janaina Marinho , de Brito Guimarães Bruna Carolina , Barbosa Maysa Santos , Silva Lucas Santana Coelho , Gomes Camila Pacheco , Rezende Izadora Souza , Oliveira Caline Novaes Teixeira , de Macêdo Neres Nayara Silva , Campos Guilherme Barreto , Bastos Bruno Lopes , Timenetsky Jorge , Marques Lucas Miranda
Published: October 2020

Background

Ureaplasma diversumhas numerous virulence factors that contribute to pathogenesis in cattle, including Lipid-associated membrane proteins (LAMPs). Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate in silico important characteristics for immunobiological applications and for heterologous expression of 36 LAMPs ofU. diversum(UdLAMPs) and, also, to verify by conventional PCR the distribution of these antigens in strains of Brazilian states (Bahia, Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Mato Grosso do Sul). The Manatee database was used to obtain the gene and peptide sequences of the antigens. Similarity and identity studies were performed using BLASTp and direct antigenicity was evaluated by the VaxiJen v2.0 server. Epitope prediction for B lymphocytes was performed on the BepiPred v2.0 and CBTOPE v1.0 servers. NetBoLApan v1.0 was used to predict CD8+T lymphocyte epitopes. Subcellular location and presence of transmembrane regions were verified by the software PSORTb v3.0.2 and TMHMM v2.2 respectively. SignalP v5.0, SecretomeP v2.0, and DOLOP servers were used to predict the extracellular excretion signal. Physico-chemical properties were evaluated by the web-software ProtParam, Solpro, and Protein-sol.

Results

In silico analysis revealed that many UdLAMPs have desirable properties for immunobiological applications and heterologous expression. The proteins gudiv_61, gudiv_103, gudiv_517, and gudiv_681 were most promising. Strains from the 4 states were PCR positive for antigens predicted with immunogenic and/or with good characteristics for expression in a heterologous system.

Conclusion

These works contribute to a better understanding of the immunobiological properties of the UdLAMPs and provide a profile of the distribution of these antigens in different Brazilian states.
Association between omentin-1 and major cardiovascular events after lower extremity endovascular revascularization in diabetic patients: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Biscetti Federico , Nardella Elisabetta , Rando Maria Margherita , Cecchini Andrea Leonardo , Angelini Flavia , Cina Alessandro , Iezzi Roberto , Filipponi Marco , Santoliquido Angelo , Pitocco Dario , Landolfi Raffaele , Flex Andrea
Published: October 2020

Background

Cardiovascular complications represent the major cause of morbidity and mortality of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. In particular, peripheral artery disease (PAD) represents a frequent T2DM vascular complication and a risk factor for the development of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Among adipokines, omentin-1 serum levels are reduced in T2DM patients with PAD and are inversely related to disease severity.

Objective

To study the relationship between omentin-1 levels, at baseline, with outcomes after endovascular procedures in T2DM patients with PAD and chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI).

Research design and methods

We enrolled for our prospective non-randomized study, 207 T2DM patients with PAD and CLTI, requiring revascularization. Omentin-1 serum levels were collected before revascularization and patients incidence outcomes were evaluated at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months.

Results

Omentin-1 was reduced in patients with more severe disease (27.24 ± 4.83 vs 30.82 ± 5.48 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Overall, 84 MACE and 96 major adverse limb events (MALE) occurred during the 12-month follow-up. We observed that omentin-1 levels were lower in patients with MACE (26.02 ± 4.05 vs 31.33 ± 5.29 ng/mL, p < 0.001) and MALE (26.67 ± 4.21 vs 31.34 ± 5.54 ng/mL, p < 0.001). The association between omentin-1, MACE and MALE remained significant after adjusting for major risk factors in a multivariate analysis. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve using omentin-1 levels predicted incidence events (area under the curve = 0.80).

Conclusions

We demonstrated that reduced omentin-1 levels, at baseline, are related with worse vascular outcomes in T2DM patients with PAD and CLTI undergoing an endovascular procedure.
Interleukin-35 promotes progression of prostate cancer and inhibits anti-tumour immunity
Authors: Zhu Jialin , Wang Yan , Li Dai , Zhang Haonan , Guo Zhi , Yang Xueling
Published: October 2020

Background

Interleukin-35 (IL-35) has been reported to play an important role in the progression of cancers. The role of IL-35 in prostate cancer (PCA) is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of IL-35 on PCA and its immunoregulatory effect on PCA.

Methods

The protein and mRNA expression of IL-35 in PCA cells was detected by western blot and RT-PCR. The invasion and migration of cells were detected using transwell and wound‐healing assays. A CCK-8 assay was conducted to observe cell proliferation. In vivo, IL-35 plasma concentration was test by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The role of IL-35 in tumour cell proliferation and angiogenesis of mice was detected by immunohistochemical stains. The mouse survival and tumour volumes were calculated, and lung metastasis rate was detected by HE staining. The modulatory effects of IL-35 on myeloid-derived inhibitory cells (MDSCs), regulatory T cells (Tregs), CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells from PCA mice were investigated by immunohistochemical stains and flow cytometry.

Results

High levels of IL-35 significantly promoted the migration, invasion and cell proliferation of PCA cells in vitro. IL-35 was associated with tumour growth, metastasis and poor prognosis in PCA mice. Additionally, high levels of IL-35 significantly increased the proportions of MDSCs and Tregs and decreased the proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the spleen, blood and tumour microenvironment. The IL-35 neutralizing antibody played the opposite role.

Conclusions

IL-35 contributed to the progression of PCA through promoting cell proliferation and tumour angiogenesis. IL-35 might limit the anti-tumour immune response by upregulating the proportions of Tregs and MDSCs and by reducing the proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. IL-35 might serve as a novel therapeutic target for PCA.
Retraction Note to: Circular RNA ABCB10 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by increasing HMG20A expression by sponging miR-670-3p
Authors: Fu Yu , Cai Limin , Lei Xuexue , Wang Dunwei
Published: October 2020

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12935-020-01586-0.
Uncomplicated falciparum malaria among schoolchildren in Bajil district of Hodeidah governorate, west of Yemen: association with anaemia and underweight
Authors: Alwajeeh Talal S. , Abdul-Ghani Rashad , Allam Amal F. , Farag Hoda F. , Khalil Safia S. M. , Shehab Amel Y. , El-Sayad Mona H. , Alharbi Raed A. , Almalki Shaia S. R. , Azazy Ahmed A.
Published: October 2020

Background

Malaria, malnutrition and anaemia are major public health problems in Yemen, with Hodeidah being the most malaria-afflicted governorate. To address the lack of relevant studies, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum and its relation to nutritional status and haematological indices among schoolchildren in Bajil district of Hodeidah governorate, west of Yemen.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 schoolchildren selected randomly from four schools in Bajil district. Data about demographic characteristics, risk factors and anthropometric measurements of age, height and weight were collected. Duplicate thick and thin blood films were prepared, stained with Giemsa and examined microscopically for malaria parasites. The density of P. falciparum asexual stages was estimated on thick films. EDTA-blood samples were examined for the haematological indices of haemoglobin (Hb) and blood cell counts.

Results

Plasmodium falciparum was prevalent among 8.0% (32/400) of schoolchildren with a mean parasite density of 244.3 ± 299.3/µL of blood and most infections showing low-level parasitaemia, whereas Plasmodium vivax was detected in one child (0.25%). Residing near water collections was a significant independent predictor of falciparum malaria [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.6, 95.0% CI 1.20–5.72; p = 0.016] in schoolchildren. Mild anaemia was prevalent among more than half of P. falciparum-infected schoolchildren and significantly associated with falciparum malaria (AOR = 5.8, 95.0% CI 2.39–14.17; p < 0.001), with a mean Hb concentration of 10.7 ± 1.0 g/dL. Although the mean values of the total white blood cells, monocytes and platelets were significantly lower in infected than non-infected schoolchildren, they were within normal ranges. More than half of the children were malnourished, with stunting (39.3%) and underweight (36.0%) being the most prevalent forms of malnutrition; 6.3% of children were wasted. Underweight (AOR = 5.3, 95.0% CI 2.09–13.62; p < 0.001) but not stunting or wasting, was a significant predictor of falciparum malaria among schoolchildren.

Conclusion

Asymptomatic falciparum malaria is prevalent among schoolchildren in Bajil district of Hodeidah Governorate, with predominance of low parasitaemic infections and significant association with mild anaemia and underweight. Residence near water collection is a significant predictor of infection with falciparum malaria among schoolchildren. Further studies among children with severe malaria and those with high parasite densities are recommended.
The association between animal flesh foods consumption and semen parameters among infertile Iranian men: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ghiasvand Reza , Marvast Laleh Dehghan , Shariatpanahi Seyyed Payam , Pourmasoumi Makan , Clark Cain C. T. , Haeri Farahnaz
Published: October 2020

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated the association between dietary patterns and semen quality indicators, but research on the possible association between animal flesh foods consumption and semen quality is limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the association between animal flesh foods consumption with semen quality.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 400 newly-identified (< 6 months) infertile men, as diagnosed by an andrologist, were recruited into the study. Dietary intake was assessed by using a semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. The total meat consumption was defined as the sum of red meat, poultry, fresh fish, canned fish, processed meats, and organ meats in the diet. A linear mixed model was used to assess the relationship between meat consumption and semen quality indicators of participants.

Results

Consumption of canned fish was inversely related to sperm immotility. Compared with the men in the lowest quartile of canned fish intake, those in the highest quartile had a lower sperm immotility [lowest quartile: 52.5%; (95% CI: 47–57) vs 47.4%; (95% CI: 43–51) P-trend = 0.026]. Similarly, a trend toward an inverse significant association between fresh fish intake and sperm immotility was observed (P-trend = 0.074). In contrast, fresh and canned fish intake was unrelated to other outcomes of sperm quality (P-trend > 0.05). No association was found between consumption of processed red meat, red meat, poultry, and organ meat, and semen quality indicators (P-trend > 0.05).

Conclusions

We found that consumption of canned fish is associated with a lower percentage of immotile sperm, whilst a high consumption of fresh fish increased the percentage of immotile sperm in Iranian infertile men. Further studies are recommended in this regard.
Effect of intermittent versus continuous calorie restriction on body weight and cardiometabolic risk markers in subjects with overweight or obesity and mild-to-moderate hypertriglyceridemia: a randomized trial
Authors: Maroofi Mahsa , Nasrollahzadeh Javad
Published: October 2020

Background

Intermittent calorie restriction (ICR) is a novel method of dietary restriction for body weight control with the potential to improve obesity-related cardiometabolic markers, but the impact of this diet on subjects with hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) remains unknown.

Methods

Eighty-eight subjects with overweight or obesity and mild-to-moderate HTG were randomized to the continuous calorie restriction (CCR) group, or ICR group (a very low-calorie diet during 3 days of the week) for 8 weeks (44 patients in each group). Body composition, plasma lipids, glucose, insulin, adiponectin, and liver enzymes were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed.

Results

The body weight decreased in both groups (4.07 ± 1.83 kg in the CCR group and 4.57 ± 2.21 kg in the ICR group) with no significant difference between the groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the reduced amount of fat mass, fat-free mass, and waist circumference. Both groups achieved a significant reduction in plasma triglycerides after 8 weeks (by 15.6 and 6.3% in ICR and CCR groups, respectively) with no difference between treatment groups. HOMA-IR improved significantly in ICR compared to the CCR group (P = 0.03). Plasma glucose, insulin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, liver enzyme, and adiponectin were not different between the two groups.

Conclusions

The results of this short-term study suggest that three-days a week of the ICR is comparable to a CCR diet for the reduction of triglycerides level in patients with HTG and in the short-term it appears to be more effective than continuous dieting in improving insulin resistance. However, longer-term studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Trial registration

Trial registration number:NCT04143971.
Which behaviour change techniques are effective to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour in adults: a factorial randomized trial of an e- and m-health intervention
Authors: Schroé Helene , Van Dyck Delfien , De Paepe Annick , Poppe Louise , Loh Wen Wei , Verloigne Maïté , Loeys Tom , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse , Crombez Geert
Published: October 2020

Background

E- and m-health interventions are promising to change health behaviour. Many of these interventions use a large variety of behaviour change techniques (BCTs), but it’s not known which BCTs or which combination of BCTs contribute to their efficacy. Therefore, this experimental study investigated the efficacy of three BCTs (i.e. action planning, coping planning and self-monitoring) and their combinations on physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) against a background set of other BCTs.

Methods

In a 2 (action planning: present vs absent) × 2 (coping planning: present vs absent) × 2 (self-monitoring: present vs absent) factorial trial, 473 adults from the general population used the self-regulation based e- and m-health intervention ‘MyPlan2.0’ for five weeks. All combinations of BCTs were considered, resulting in eight groups. Participants selected their preferred target behaviour, either PA (n = 335, age = 35.8, 28.1% men) or SB (n = 138, age = 37.8, 37.7% men), and were then randomly allocated to the experimental groups. Levels of PA (MVPA in minutes/week) or SB (total sedentary time in hours/day) were assessed at baseline and post-intervention using self-reported questionnaires. Linear mixed-effect models were fitted to assess the impact of the different combinations of the BCTs on PA and SB.

Results

First, overall efficacy of each BCT was examined. The delivery of self-monitoring increased PA (t = 2.735, p = 0.007) and reduced SB (t = − 2.573, p = 0.012) compared with no delivery of self-monitoring. Also, the delivery of coping planning increased PA (t = 2.302, p = 0.022) compared with no delivery of coping planning. Second, we investigated to what extent adding BCTs increased efficacy. Using the combination of the three BCTs was most effective to increase PA (x2 = 8849, p = 0.003) whereas the combination of action planning and self-monitoring was most effective to decrease SB (x2 = 3.918, p = 0.048). To increase PA, action planning was always more effective in combination with coping planning (x2 = 5.590, p = 0.014; x2 = 17.722, p < 0.001; x2 = 4.552, p = 0.033) compared with using action planning without coping planning. Of note, the use of action planning alone reduced PA compared with using coping planning alone (x2 = 4.389, p = 0.031) and self-monitoring alone (x2 = 8.858, p = 003), respectively.

Conclusions

This study provides indications that different (combinations of) BCTs may be effective to promote PA and reduce SB. More experimental research to investigate the effectiveness of BCTs is needed, which can contribute to improved design and more effective e- and m-health interventions in the future.

Trial registration

This study was preregistered as a clinical trial (ID number: NCT03274271). Release date: 20 October 2017.
A possible link to uracil DNA glycosylase in the synergistic action of HDAC inhibitors and thymidylate synthase inhibitors
Authors: Showler Meredith S. , Weiser Brian P.
Published: October 2020

It is well established that thymidylate synthase inhibitors can cause cellular toxicity through uracil DNA glycosylase (UNG2)-dependent pathways. Additionally, thymidylate synthase inhibitors and HDAC inhibitors are known to act synergistically in a variety of cancer types. A recent article from J. Transl. Med. links these together by demonstrating widespread depletion of UNG2 levels across a variety of cell lines treated with HDAC inhibitors. Recent findings suggest that UNG2 depletion by HDAC inhibitors would likely be an effective method to sensitize cells to thymidylate synthase inhibitors. This is particularly important for cancer types that are typically resistant to thymidylate synthase inhibitors, such as cells that are deficient in p53 activity.
Changes in lipid composition associated with electronic cigarette use
Authors: Middlekauff Holly R. , William Kevin J. , Su Baolong , Haptonstall Kacey , Araujo Jesus A. , Wu Xiaohui , Kim Jason , Sallam Tamer
Published: October 2020

Background

Electronic cigarette use is on the rise despite a number of reports linking electronic cigarettes with adverse health outcomes. Recent studies have suggested that alterations in lipid signaling may be one mechanism by which electronic cigarettes contribute to lung pulmonary function. Vitamin E acetate, for example, is synthetic form of Vitamin E transported via lipids, found to be associated with electronic cigarette associated lung injury. Lipids are absolutely critical for normal lung physiology and perturbations in a number of lipid pathways have been associated with respiratory illness. Is it conceivable that electronic cigarette use even in seemingly healthy cohorts are associated with alterations in lipid pathways?

Methods

To investigate quantitative alterations in the plasma lipidome associated with electronic cigarette use in healthy we obtained plasma samples from 119 male and female participants with who were either: (1) chronic tobacco cigarette (TC) smokers (> 12 months of self-reported TC use), (2) chronic Electronic cigarette (EC) users (> 12 months of self-reported EC use), or (3) non-users. We measured quantitative lipid species across different lipid sub-classes from plasma samples using the Sciex Lipidyzer.

Results

We found that male and female tobacco and electronic cigarette users had distinct lipidome signatures across a number of lipid species although the vast majority of lipids were unchanged when compared to non-users. Intriguingly, we found that female but not male electronic cigarette users had lower levels of plasmalogens, critical glycerophospholipids secreted by alveoli and required for normal surfactant function.

Conclusions

In summary, our study does not reveal striking changes associated with electronic cigarette use but we observed sex-specific changes in lipids known to be critical for lung function.
Molecular patterns from a human gut-derived Lactobacillus strain suppress pathogenic infiltration of leukocytes into the central nervous system
Authors: Sanchez John Michael S. , Doty Daniel J. , DePaula-Silva Ana Beatriz , Brown D. Garrett , Bell Rickesha , Klag Kendra A. , Truong Amanda , Libbey Jane E. , Round June L. , Fujinami Robert S.
Published: October 2020

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease that affects 2.5 million people worldwide. Growing evidence suggests that perturbation of the gut microbiota, the dense collection of microorganisms that colonize the gastrointestinal tract, plays a functional role in MS. Indeed, specific gut-resident bacteria are altered in patients with MS compared to healthy individuals, and colonization of gnotobiotic mice with MS-associated microbiota exacerbates preclinical models of MS. However, defining the molecular mechanisms by which gut commensals can remotely affect the neuroinflammatory process remains a critical gap in the field.

Methods

We utilized monophasic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in C57BL/6J mice and relapse-remitting EAE in SJL/J mice to test the effects of the products from a human gut-derived commensal strain of Lactobacillus paracasei (Lb).

Results

We report that Lb can ameliorate preclinical murine models of MS with both prophylactic and therapeutic administrations. Lb ameliorates disease through a Toll-like receptor 2-dependent mechanism via its microbe-associated molecular patterns that can be detected in the systemic circulation, are sufficient to downregulate chemokine production, and can reduce immune cell infiltration into the central nervous system (CNS). In addition, alterations in the gut microbiota mediated by Lb-associated molecular patterns are sufficient to provide partial protection against neuroinflammatory diseases.

Conclusions

Local Lb modulation of the gut microbiota and the shedding of Lb-associated molecular patterns into the circulation may be important physiological signals to prevent aberrant peripheral immune cell infiltration into the CNS and have relevance to the development of new therapeutic strategies for MS.
Astrocytes from cortex and striatum show differential responses to mitochondrial toxin and BDNF: implications for protection of striatal neurons expressing mutant huntingtin
Authors: Saba Julieta , López Couselo Federico , Turati Juan , Carniglia Lila , Durand Daniela , de Laurentiis Andrea , Lasaga Mercedes , Caruso Carla
Published: October 2020

Background

Evidence shows significant heterogeneity in astrocyte gene expression and function. We previously demonstrated that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exerts protective effects on whole brain primary cultured rat astrocytes treated with 3-nitropropionic acid (3NP), a mitochondrial toxin widely used as an in vitro model of Huntington’s disease (HD). Therefore, we now investigated 3NP and BDNF effects on astrocytes from two areas involved in HD: the striatum and the entire cortex, and their involvement in neuron survival.

Methods

We prepared primary cultured rat cortical or striatal astrocytes and treated them with BDNF and/or 3NP for 24 h. In these cells, we assessed expression of astrocyte markers, BDNF receptor, and glutamate transporters, and cytokine release. We prepared astrocyte-conditioned medium (ACM) from cortical and striatal astrocytes and tested its effect on a cellular model of HD.

Results

BDNF protected astrocytes from 3NP-induced death, increased expression of its own receptor, and activation of ERK in both cortical and striatal astrocytes. However, BDNF modulated glutamate transporter expression differently by increasing GLT1 and GLAST expression in cortical astrocytes but only GLT1 expression in striatal astrocytes. Striatal astrocytes released higher amounts of tumor necrosis factor-α than cortical astrocytes in response to 3NP but BDNF decreased this effect in both populations. 3NP decreased transforming growth factor-β release only in cortical astrocytes, whereas BDNF treatment increased its release only in striatal astrocytes. Finally, we evaluated ACM effect on a cellular model of HD: the rat striatal neuron cell line ST14A expressing mutant human huntingtin (Q120) or in ST14A cells expressing normal human huntingtin (Q15). Neither striatal nor cortical ACM modified the viability of Q15 cells. Only ACM from striatal astrocytes treated with BDNF and ACM from 3NP + BDNF-treated striatal astrocytes protected Q120 cells, whereas ACM from cortical astrocytes did not.

Conclusions

Data suggest that cortical and striatal astrocytes respond differently to mitochondrial toxin 3NP and BDNF. Moreover, striatal astrocytes secrete soluble neuroprotective factors in response to BDNF that selectively protect neurons expressing mutant huntingtin implicating that BDNF modulation of striatal astrocyte function has therapeutic potential against neurodegeneration.

Graphical abstract