bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidative stress and gut-derived lipopolysaccharides in children affected by paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections
Authors: Loffredo Lorenzo , Spalice Alberto , Salvatori Francesca , De Castro Giovanna , Guido Cristiana Alessia , Zicari Anna Maria , Ciacci Paolo , Battaglia Simona , Brindisi Giulia , Ettorre Evaristo , Nocella Cristina , Salvatori Guglielmo , Duse Marzia , Violi Francesco , Carnevale Roberto
Published: March 2020

Background

Paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections syndrome (PANDAS) identifies patients with acute onset of obsessive-compulsive and tic disorders. The objective of this study was to evaluate serum NOX2 levels, as well as 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of PANDAS patients.

Methods

In this study we wanted to compare serum levels of soluble NOX2-dp (sNOX-2-dp), iso-PGF2α and LPS in 60 consecutive subjects, including 30 children affected by PANDAS and 30 controls (CT) matched for age and gender. Serum zonulin was used as intestinal permeability assay.

Results

Compared with CT, PANDAS children had increased serum levels of sNOX-2-dp, 8-iso-PGF2α and LPS. Bivariate analysis showed that serum sNOX2-dp was significantly correlated with LPS (Rs = 0.359;p = 0.005), zonulin (Rs = 0.444;p < 0.001) and 8-iso-PGF2α (Rs = 0.704;p < 0.001). Serum LPS significantly correlated with zonulin (Rs = 0.610;p < 0.001), and 8-iso-PGF2α (Rs = 0.591;p = 0.001). Finally, a multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum 8-iso-PGF2α and zonulin were the only independent variables associated with sNOX2-dp (R2 = 68%).

Conclusion

This study shows that children affected by PANDAS have high circulating levels of sNOX2-dp, isoprostanes and of LPS that could be involved in the process of neuroinflammation.
Desire to delay the first childbirth among young, married women in India: a cross-sectional study based on national survey data
Authors: Ibarra-Nava Ismael , Choudhry Vikas , Agardh Anette
Published: March 2020

Background

Young women in India continue to face diverse challenges that threaten their health and wellbeing. The reproductive health and rights of newly married women, who are often expected to begin childbearing soon after marriage, are often neglected. The present study aims to understand some of the factors associated with the desire to delay the first childbirth in young, married women in India.

Methods

The study utilised the data from the most recent National Family Health Survey 2015–16 in India. Our study sample was restricted to married women who were 15–24 years of age and who had never been pregnant at the time of the survey. Chi-squared tests, independent t-tests and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to measure associations between multiple independent factors and the reported preferred waiting time for the first childbirth.

Results

Among never pregnant, married women aged 15–24, 21.49% reported a preferred waiting time for their first childbirth of 2 years or more. Belonging to an other backward class, or OBC, (ORadjusted 1.55, 95%CI 1.14–2.10), having completed higher education (ORadjusted 2.04, 95%CI 1.11–3.76), marrying after the age of 18 (ORadjusted 1.57, 95%CI 1.10–2.24), a husband’s higher education level (ORadjusted 2.42, 95%CI 1.27–4.64), a younger husband (ORadjusted 0.75, 95%CI 0.66–0.84) and non-exposure to physical violence (ORadjusted 1.84, 95%CI 1.09–3.11) were significantly associated with a longer preferred waiting time for the first childbirth.

Conclusion

Intimate partner violence and partner characteristics play a role in the childbearing intentions of young women after marriage. Delaying the first childbirth could improve women’s educational and economic opportunities, their health, and the health of their future and properly planned children. To achieve this, it is crucial to promote and respect women’s right to decide who and when to marry, when to have children, and to promote relationships free of gender-based violence.
Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy for the treatment of lateral recess stenosis secondary occurred the discal fungus infection
Authors: Fan Yunpeng , Xie Tao , Pang Yao , Zhu Liulong , Zhou Shaobo
Published: March 2020

Background

This is a case of lateral recess stenosis secondary occurred the discal fungus infection treated with percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED). There has been no relevant reports before.

Case presentation

A 49-year-old patient who had taken itraconazole for 13 months for lateral recess stenosis secondary occurred the discal fungus infection complained of gradually worsening radiating pain and numbness in the back and inguinal and inner thigh region of right side. In order to relieve the radiating neuralgia and reduce the damage to spinal stability, the minimally invasive PTED was performed.The patient’s prognosis was assessed using Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

During the follow-up, the patient’s ODI and VAS scores were decreased significantly. The radiating pain in the inguinal and inner thigh region of right side were significantly alleviated and the discomfort caused by lower back instability was improved by plaster vest.

Discussion and conclusion

PTED not only avoids further damage to the stability of the lumbar spine, but also effectively relieves the symptoms of leg neuroradialgia caused by lateral recess stenosis secondary occurred the discal fungus infection.
Oral health problems among palliative and terminally ill patients: an integrated systematic review
Authors: Venkatasalu Munikumar Ramasamy , Murang Zaidah Rizidah , Ramasamy Divya Thirumalai Rajam , Dhaliwal Jagjit Singh
Published: March 2020

Background

High incidence of treatable oral conditions has been reported among palliative patients. However, a large proportion of palliative patients lose their ability to communicate their sufferings. Therefore, it may lead to under-reporting of oral conditions among these patients. This review systematically synthesized the published evidence on the presence of oral conditions among palliative patients, the impact, management, and challenges in treating these conditions.

Methods

An integrative review was undertaken with defined search strategy from five databases and manual search through key journals and reference list. Studies which focused on oral conditions of palliative patients and published between years 2000 to 2017 were included.

Results

Xerostomia, oral candidiasis and dysphagia were the three most common oral conditions among palliative patients, followed by mucositis, orofacial pain, taste change and ulceration. We also found social and functional impact of having certain oral conditions among these patients. In terms of management, complementary therapies such as acupuncture has been used but not well explored. The lack of knowledge among healthcare providers also posed as a challenge in treating oral conditions among palliative patients.

Conclusions

This review is first in its kind to systematically synthesize the published evidence regarding the impact, management and challenges in managing oral conditions among palliative patients. Although there is still lack of study investigating palliative oral care among specific group of patients such as patients with dementia, geriatric or pediatric advanced cancer patients, this review has however provided baseline knowledge that may guide health care professionals in palliative settings.
Randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of absorbable collagen sponge after extraction of impacted mandibular third molar: split-mouth design
Authors: Kim Jin-Woo , Seong Tae-Whan , Cho Sura , Kim Sun-Jong
Published: March 2020

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of absorbable collagen sponge insertion in tooth extraction sites for socket healing of the impacted mandibular third molar.

Methods

Thirty-six patients with bilateral mandibular impacted third molars based on Pell-Gregory and Winter classification were included in this study. This study was a randomized clinical trial utilizing a split-mouth design with one side assigned as collagen sponge insertion and the other side assigned as the control. Post-operative clinical complications, periodontal integrities, and radiographic outcomes were assessed at 1, 2, and 14-weeks post operatively.

Results

Five patients were excluded during the follow-up period due to loss of follow-up. The study was conducted on 31 patients in total. The mean VAS score of collagen sponge insertion side at 1 week post operation was 1.42 ± 1.26, which was significantly lower than the control side (P < 0.05). The mean probing depth of collagen sponge insertion side at 2-week post operation was 5.55 ± 2.28 mm, which was significantly lower than the control side (7.13 ± 1.86; P < 0.05). Other various measurements including radiographic outcomes showed no significant group differences.

Conclusions

Placement of collagen sponge after extraction of mandibular impacted third molar reduced early stage post-operative complications and enhanced initial healing of soft tissues and periodontal defects.

Trial registration

This study was retrospectively registered at the WHO ICTRP platform and Clinical Research Information Service, KCT0003363. Registered 21 Sep 2018.
Burnout syndrome, extracurricular activities and social support among Brazilian internship medical students: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Fontana Maria Carolina Pedro , Generoso Igor Prado , Sizilio Alexandre , Bivanco-Lima Danielle
Published: March 2020

Background

Burnout syndrome (BS) is highly prevalent among medical students and is associated with lower empathy and worsening of medical students ́ mental health. The aim of our study was to identify prevalence of BS during internship and its association with self-rated social support and participation in extracurricular activities in one medical school in Brazil.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2015, with 121 medical students on internship (56% response rate). They were evaluated using the Maslach Burnout Inventory – Human Services (MBI) and assessed about socio demographic data, social support and extracurricular activities.

Results

The overall BS prevalence was 57.5% among medical interns. High emotional exhaustion was present in 33.1% (N = 38) of interns, high depersonalization was observed in 45.7% (N = 58) and 36.2% of participants (N = 46) had low personal accomplishment. Individuals with participation in community services had lower frequency of depersonalization (prevalence ratio 0.61 CI95% 0.42–0.88). BS was not associated with different types of extracurricular activities and no association was found among BS and the behaviour of seeking social support.

Conclusions

We found high prevalence of BS in medical interns, however the behaviour of seeking social support had no association with BS. The interns participating in community activities had lower frequency of high depersonalization.
A blended learning training programme for health information providers to enhance implementation of the Guideline Evidence-based Health Information: development and qualitative pilot study
Authors: Hinneburg Jana , Lühnen Julia , Steckelberg Anke , Berger-Höger Birte
Published: March 2020

Background

TheGuideline Evidence-based Health Informationwas published in 2017 and addresses health information providers. The long-term goal of the guideline is to improve the quality of health information. Evidence-based health information represents a prerequisite for informed decision-making. Health information providers lack competences in evidence-based medicine. Therefore, our aim was to develop and pilot-test a blended learning training programme for health information providers to enhance application of the guideline.

Methods

Development:

We developed the training programme according to the Medical Research Council guidance for developing and evaluating complex interventions. The training programme was planned on the basis of problem-based learning. It aims to impart competences in evidence-based medicine. Furthermore, it comprises the application of criteria for evidence-based health information.

Pilot testing:

We conducted a qualitative pilot study focusing on the acceptability and feasibility of the training programme. Health information providers were recruited and in-house training sessions were offered.

Feasibility and acceptability were explored by structured class observations and in semi-structured focus group interviews with the participants after the training sessions. The transcripts and documentations were analysed using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring. The training was revised iteratively according to the results.

Results

We conducted two training courses with 17 participants between November 2018 and March 2019. The adequacy of the training for the target group was identified as a major issue. There was significant heterogeneity concerning previous knowledge. Some wished to delve deeper while others seemed to be overwhelmed. In general, the work tasks were understandable. However, the participants asked for a more detailed theoretical introduction in advance. The practical relevance of the evidence-based medicine contents was rated rather low compared to the content about evidence-based health information. Based on these results, we revised the programme.

Conclusions

Overall, the training proved to be feasible for implementation. Meeting the needs of all the participants was a challenge, since they were heterogeneous. Not all of them will be able or intend to implement the training contents into their working routine to the full extent. The implementation will be evaluated in a randomised controlled trial.
Dishonesty and research misconduct within the medical profession
Authors: Rahman Habib , Ankier Stephen
Published: March 2020

While there has been much discussion of how the scientific establishment’s culture can engender research misconduct and scientific irreproducibility, this has been discussed much less frequently with respect to the medical profession. Here the authors posit that a lack of self-criticism, an encouragement of novel scientific research generated by the recruitment policies of the UK Royal Training Colleges along with insufficient training in the sciences are core reasons as to why research misconduct and dishonesty prevail within the medical community. Furthermore, the UK General Medical Council’s own data demonstrates a historic inattentiveness to the ease with which doctors can engage in research misconduct. Suggestions are made as to how these issues can be investigated and alternative incentives for career advancement are adumbrated.
A deep learning-based method for drug-target interaction prediction based on long short-term memory neural network
Authors: Wang Yan-Bin , You Zhu-Hong , Yang Shan , Yi Hai-Cheng , Chen Zhan-Heng , Zheng Kai
Published: March 2020

Background

The key to modern drug discovery is to find, identify and prepare drug molecular targets. However, due to the influence of throughput, precision and cost, traditional experimental methods are difficult to be widely used to infer these potential Drug-Target Interactions (DTIs). Therefore, it is urgent to develop effective computational methods to validate the interaction between drugs and target.

Methods

We developed a deep learning-based model for DTIs prediction. The proteins evolutionary features are extracted via Position Specific Scoring Matrix (PSSM) and Legendre Moment (LM) and associated with drugs molecular substructure fingerprints to form feature vectors of drug-target pairs. Then we utilized the Sparse Principal Component Analysis (SPCA) to compress the features of drugs and proteins into a uniform vector space. Lastly, the deep long short-term memory (DeepLSTM) was constructed for carrying out prediction.

Results

A significant improvement in DTIs prediction performance can be observed on experimental results, with AUC of 0.9951, 0.9705, 0.9951, 0.9206, respectively, on four classes important drug-target datasets. Further experiments preliminary proves that the proposed characterization scheme has great advantage on feature expression and recognition. We also have shown that the proposed method can work well with small dataset.

Conclusion

The results demonstration that the proposed approach has a great advantage over state-of-the-art drug-target predictor. To the best of our knowledge, this study first tests the potential of deep learning method with memory and Turing completeness in DTIs prediction.
Overcoming language barriers in paramedic care: a study protocol of the interventional trial ‘DICTUM rescue’ evaluating an app designed to improve communication between paramedics and foreign-language patients
Authors: Noack Eva Maria , Kleinert Evelyn , Müller Frank
Published: March 2020

Background

It is essential for medical treatment that patients and medical staff can communicate about acute complaints, pre-existing conditions, and the treatment procedure. Misunderstandings can have far-reaching consequences, particularly in time-critical emergencies, which require rapid assessments and decision-making and in which interpreters are rarely available.

In this study, we aim to develop a digital communication tool that is to help paramedics communicate with patients who speak hardly any or no German, to monitor its implementation, and to investigate its effect on communication between foreign-language patients and staff. Furthermore, a large amount of data on patients that are cared for in emergency medical services in Germany are collected for the first time.

Methods

To consider the complex situations of paramedic care and to meet paramedics’ demands, we use an action-oriented research approach to develop the tool. We include the staff of the participating emergency medical service stations and software designers in our approach. The tool is then used and evaluated within an open interventional, non-randomised study with two control groups. Control group 1 (German-speaking patients) and control group 2 (non-German-speaking patients treated without the tool) are recruited starting from the first study phase. In the second study phase, an intervention group is additionally recruited, i.e. non-German-speaking patients with whom the tool is used.

The primary outcome of the clinical trial is improved communication with non-German-speaking patients in emergencies by means of the communication tool. The secondary outcome is an improved quality and quantity of the collected information. We exploratively observe on-scene times, demands for emergency physicians, and the usage of the intervention. By recording patients’ clinical parameters, we consider the severity of the health restrictions.

Discussion

Our study is an innovative research project in paramedic healthcare comprising the development of a digital communication tool to overcome language barriers in emergency medical services and investigating its usability, acceptance, and effect on communication, in short, its usefulness and value for paramedic care. Additonally, we expect to gain comprehensive information on rescue operations.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register,DRKS00016719, registered 08 February 2019, World Health Organization Trial Registration Data Set,http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=DRKS00016719
HIV-exposed infant follow-up in Mozambique: formative research findings for the design of a cluster randomized controlled trial to improve testing and ART initiation
Authors: Vieira Lúcia , Mahumane Arlete Miloque , Napua Manuel , Chale Falume , Manuel João Luís , Cowan Jessica Greenberg , Sherr Kenneth , Chapman Rachel R. , Pfeiffer James T.
Published: March 2020

Background

Early infant diagnosis (EID) of HIV-exposed and initiation of HIV-positive infants on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) requires a well-coordinated cascade of care. Loss-to-follow-up (LTFU) can occur at multiple steps and effective EID is impeded by human resource constraints, difficulty with patient tracking, and long waiting periods. The objective of this research was to conduct formative research to guide the development of an intervention to improve the pediatric HIV care cascade in central Mozambique. The study was conducted in Manica and Sofala Provinces where the adult HIV burden is higher than the national average. The research focused on 3 large clinics in each province, along the highly populated Beira corridor.

Methods

The research was conducted in 2014 over 3 months at six facilities and consisted of 1) patient flow mapping and collection of health systems data from postpartum, child-at-risk, and ART service registries, 2) measurement of clinic waiting times, and 3) patient and health worker focus groups.

Results

HIV testing and ART initiation coverage for mothers tends to be high, but EID and pediatric ART initiation are hampered by lack of patient tracking, long waiting times, and inadequate counseling to navigate the care cascade. About 76% of HIV-positive infants were LTFU and did not initiate ART.

Conclusions

Effective interventions to reduce LTFU in EID and improve pediatric ART initiation should focus on patient tracking, active follow-up of defaulting patients, reduction in EID turn-around times for PCR results, and initiation of ART by nurses in child-at-risk services.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered, ISRCTN67747315, July 24, 2019.
Assessing quality of newborn care at district facilities in Malawi
Authors: Kawaza Kondwani , Kinshella Mai-Lei Woo , Hiwa Tamanda , Njirammadzi Jenala , Banda Mwai , Vidler Marianne , Newberry Laura , Nyondo-Mipando Alinane Linda , Dube Queen , Molyneux Elizabeth , Goldfarb David M.
Published: March 2020

Background

Malawi is celebrated as one of the few countries in sub-Saharan Africa to meet the Millennium Development Goal of reducing under-5 mortality by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015. However, within this age range neonatal mortality rates are the slowest to decline, even though rates of facility births are increasing. Examining the quality of neonatal care at district-level facilities where most deliveries occur is warranted.

Objective

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the quality of neonatal care in three district hospitals and one primary health centre in southern Malawi as well as to report the limitations and lessons learned on using the WHO integrated quality of care assessment tool.

Methods

These facility assessments were part of the “Integrating a neonatal healthcare package for Malawi” project, a part of the Innovating for Maternal and Child Health in Africa (IMCHA) initiative. The WHO integrated quality of care assessment tool was used to assess quality of care and availability and quantity of supplies and resources. The modules on infrastructure, neonatal care and labour and delivery were included. Facility assessments were administered in November 2017 and aspects of care were scored on a Likert scale from one to five (a score of 5 indicating compliance with WHO standards of care; one as lowest indicating inadequate care).

Results

The continuum of labour, delivery and neonatal care were assessed to identify areas that required improvements to meet standards of care. Critical areas for improvements included infection control (mean score 2.9), equipment, supplies and setup for newborn care in the labor ward (2.3), in the surgical theater (3.3), and nursery (3.4 nursery facilities, 3.0 supplies and equipment), as well as for management of sick newborns (3.2), monitoring and follow-up (3.6). Only one of the 12 domains, laboratory, met the standards of care with only minor improvements needed (4.0).

Conclusion

The WHO integrated quality of care assessment tool is a validated tool that can shed light on the complex quality of care challenges faced by district-level health facilities. The results reveal that the quality of care needs improvement, particularly for sick and vulnerable newborns.
Dental home care in dogs - a questionnaire study among Swedish dog owners, veterinarians and veterinary nurses
Authors: Enlund Karolina Brunius , Brunius Carl , Hanson Jeanette , Hagman Ragnvi , Höglund Odd Viking , Gustås Pia , Pettersson Ann
Published: March 2020

Background

Periodontal disease remains one of the dog’s most common health issues, even though it is largely preventable by tooth brushing. Implementation of daily tooth brushing would not only improve animal welfare, but also reduce veterinary costs for the owner. There is a paucity of studies investigating attitudes, opinions and practices of dog owners, veterinarians, and veterinary nurses regarding preventative dental home care in dogs. The objective of this study was to investigate these parameters in Sweden, thereby providing a basis for improved prophylactic strategies.

Methods

Validated questionnaire surveys were distributed to all Swedish dog owners (n = 209,263), veterinarians (n = 3657) and veterinary nurses (n = 1650) with e-mail addresses in the national registry. The response rates were 32% for dog owners and veterinarians, and 38% for veterinary nurses. The survey questions concerned attitudes, opinions and practices regarding dental home care, including whether dog owners received information concerning dental home care or not, and if this information resulted in implementation.

Results

Attitudes, opinions and practices regarding dental home care are presented for Swedish dog owners, veterinarians, and veterinary nurses. A fundamental finding was that the absolute majority of Swedish dog owners do not perform adequate prophylactic dental home care. Considerable discrepancies were identified in the opinions of veterinary health practitioners and dog owners regarding attitudes towards dental home care and conveying of information. Several areas for improvement in the communication between dog owners and veterinary health practitioners concerning dental home care were identified.

Conclusion

Our results illustrates the need for validated methods to increase dog owner compliance with dental home care recommendations. We also see a need of further education, regarding canine dental home care, among veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and dog owners. The results from this unique study constitute an important foundation for future development of prophylactic strategies, with the ultimate goal to improve dental health, and thereby animal welfare, in dogs.
Assessment of the ptxD gene as a growth and selective marker in Trichoderma atroviride using Pccg6, a novel constitutive promoter
Authors: Carreras-Villaseñor Nohemí , Rico-Ruiz José Guillermo , Chávez Montes Ricardo A. , Yong-Villalobos Lenin , López-Hernández José Fabricio , Martínez-Hernández Pedro , Herrera-Estrella Luis , Herrera-Estrella Alfredo , López-Arredondo Damar
Published: March 2020

Background

Trichoderma species are among the most effective cell factories to produce recombinant proteins, whose productivity relies on the molecular toolkit and promoters available for the expression of the target protein. Although inducible promoter systems have been developed for producing recombinant proteins in Trichoderma, constitutive promoters are often a desirable alternative. Constitutive promoters are simple to use, do not require external stimuli or chemical inducers to be activated, and lead to purer enzyme preparations. Moreover, most of the promoters for homologous and heterologous expression reported in Trichoderma have been commonly evaluated by directly assessing production of industrial enzymes, requiring optimization of laborious protocols.

Results

Here we report the identification of Pccg6, a novel Trichoderma atroviride constitutive promoter, that has similar transcriptional strength as that of the commonly used pki1 promoter. Pccg6 displayed conserved arrangements of transcription factor binding sites between promoter sequences of Trichoderma ccg6 orthologues genes, potentially involved in their regulatory properties. The predicted ccg6-encoded protein potentially belongs to the SPE1/SPI1 protein family and shares high identity with CCG6 orthologue sequences from other fungal species including Trichoderma reesei, Trichoderma virens, Trichoderma asperellum, and to a lesser extent to that of Neurospora crassa. We also report the use of the Pccg6 promoter to drive the expression of PTXD, a phosphite oxidoreductase of bacterial origin, which allowed T. atroviride to utilize phosphite as a sole source of phosphorus. We propose ptxD as a growth reporter gene that allows real-time comparison of the functionality of different promoters by monitoring growth of Trichoderma transgenic lines and enzymatic activity of PTXD. Finally, we show that constitutive expression of ptxD provided T. atroviride a competitive advantage to outgrow bacterial contaminants when supplied with phosphite as a sole source of phosphorus.

Conclusions

A new constitutive promoter, ccg6, for expression of homologous and heterologous proteins has been identified and tested in T. atroviride to express PTXD, which resulted in an effective and visible phenotype to evaluate transcriptional activity of sequence promoters. Use of PTXD as a growth marker holds great potential for assessing activity of other promoters and for biotechnological applications as a contamination control system.
Genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum and genetic profile in children affected by uncomplicated malaria in Cameroon
Authors: Metoh Theresia Njuabe , Chen Jun-Hu , Fon-Gah Philip , Zhou Xia , Moyou-Somo Roger , Zhou Xiao-Nong
Published: March 2020

Background

Malaria is a major public health problem in Cameroon. The study of the genetic diversity within parasite population is essential for understanding the mechanism underlying malaria pathology and to determine parasite clones profile in an infection, for proper malaria control strategies. The objective of this study was to perform a molecular characterization of highly polymorphic genetic markers ofPlasmodium falciparum, and to determine allelic distribution with their influencing factors valuable to investigate malaria transmission dynamics in Cameroon.

Methods

A total of 350P. falciparumclinical isolates were characterized by genotyping block 2 ofmsp-1, block 3 ofmsp-2, and region II ofglurpgene using nested PCR and DNA sequencing between 2012 and 2013.

Results

A total of 5 different genotypes with fragment sizes ranging from 597 to 817 bp were recorded for GLURP. Overall, 16 MSP-1 genotypes, including K1, MAD20 and RO33 were identified, ranging from 153 to 335 bp. A peculiarity about this study is the RO33 monomorphic pattern revealed among thePfmsp-1allelic type. Again, this study identified 27 differentPfmsp-2genotypes, ranging from 140 to 568 bp in size, including 15 belonging to the 3D7-type and 12 to the FC27 allelic families. The analysis of the MSP-1 and MSP-2 peptides indicates that the region of the alignment corresponding K1 polymorphism had the highest similarity in the MSP1and MSP2 clade followed by MAD20 with 93% to 100% homology. Therefore, population structure ofP. falciparumisolates is identical to that of other areas in Africa, suggesting that vaccine developed with K1 and MAD20 ofPfmsp1allelic variant could be protective for Africa children but these findings requires further genetic and immunological investigations. The multiplicity of infection (MOI) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) forPfmsp-2loci (3.82), as compare withPfmsp-1(2.51) and heterozygotes ranged from 0.55 forPfmsp-1to 0.96 forPfmsp-2.

Conclusion

High genetic diversity and allelic frequencies inP. falciparumisolates indicate a persisting high level of transmission. This study advocate for an intensification of the malaria control strategies in Cameroon.

Trial registrationThis study was approved by Cameroon National Ethics Committee. It is a randomized controlled trial retrospectively registered in NIH U.S. National Library of Medicine, ClinicalTrials.gov on the 28/11/2016 athttps://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02974348with the registration number NCT02974348
CircLONP2 enhances colorectal carcinoma invasion and metastasis through modulating the maturation and exosomal dissemination of microRNA-17
Authors: Han Kai , Wang Feng-Wei , Cao Chen-Hui , Ling Han , Chen Jie-Wei , Chen Ri-Xin , Feng Zi-Hao , Luo Jie , Jin Xiao-Han , Duan Jin-Ling , Li Shu-Man , Ma Ning-Fang , Yun Jing-Ping , Guan Xin-Yuan , Pan Zhi-Zhong , Lan Ping , Xu Rui-Hua , Xie Dan
Published: March 2020

Background

Metastasis causes the vast majority of colorectal carcinoma (CRC)-related deaths. However, little is known about the specific traits and underlying mechanisms of metastasis-initiating cells in primary CRC. And whether or not circular RNAs (circRNAs) take part in this particular event remain not adequately stated yet.

Methods

A screening method based on Transwell assay was first applied to build CRC subgroups with different metastatic potential. High throughput RNA sequencing was used to find out novel metastatic drivers in CRC metastasis-initiating step. A series of in vitro and in vivo assays were further applied to elucidate the functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of circRNAs in CRC metastasis.

Results

A circRNA consisting of exon 8–11 of LONP2, termed as circLONP2, was upregulated in metastasis-initiating CRC subgroups. Aberrant higher expression of circLONP2 was observed in primary CRC tissues with established metastasis, and along the invasive margin in metastatic site. High expression of circLONP2 predicted unfavorable overall survival. Functional studies revealed that circLONP2 could enhance the invasiveness of CRC cells in vitro, and targeting circLONP2 through anti-sense oligonucleotide (ASO) dramatically reduced the penetrance of metastasis to foreign organs in vivo. Mechanically, circLONP2 directly interacted with and promoted the processing of primary microRNA-17 (pri-miR-17), through recruiting DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 8 (DGCR8) and Drosha complex in DDX1-dependent manner. Meanwhile, upregulated mature miR-17-5p could be assembled into exosomes and internalized by neighboring cells to enhance their aggressiveness.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that circLONP2 acts as key metastasis-initiating molecule during CRC progression through modulating the intracellular maturation and intercellular transfer of miR-17, resulting in dissemination of metastasis-initiating ability in primary site and acceleration of metastasis formation in foreign organs. circLONP2 could serve as an effective prognostic predictor and/or novel anti-metastasis therapeutic target in CRC treatment.
Nylon-6/chitosan core/shell antimicrobial nanofibers for the prevention of mesh-associated surgical site infection
Authors: Keirouz Antonios , Radacsi Norbert , Ren Qun , Dommann Alex , Beldi Guido , Maniura-Weber Katharina , Rossi René M. , Fortunato Giuseppino
Published: March 2020

The state-of-the-art hernia meshes, used in hospitals for hernia repair, are predominantly polymeric textile-based constructs that present high mechanical strength, but lack antimicrobial properties. Consequently, preventing bacterial colonization of implanted prosthetic meshes is of major clinical relevance for patients undergoing hernia repair. In this study, the co-axial electrospinning technique was investigated for the development of a novel mechanically stable structure incorporating dual drug release antimicrobial action. Core/shell structured nanofibers were developed, consisting of Nylon-6 in the core, to provide the appropriate mechanical stability, and Chitosan/Polyethylene oxide in the shell to provide bacteriostatic action. The core/shell structure consisted of a binary antimicrobial system incorporating 5-chloro-8-quinolinol in the chitosan shell, with the sustained release of Poly(hexanide) from the Nylon-6 core of the fibers. Homogeneous nanofibers with a "beads-in-fiber" architecture were observed by TEM, and validated by FTIR and XPS. The composite nanofibrous meshes significantly advance the stress–strain responses in comparison to the counterpart single-polymer electrospun meshes. The antimicrobial effectiveness was evaluated in vitro against two of the most commonly occurring pathogenic bacteria; S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, in surgical site infections. This study illustrates how the tailoring of core/shell nanofibers can be of interest for the development of active antimicrobial surfaces.
A new integrated approach for adolescent health and well-being: the AVATAR project
Authors: Mastorci Francesca , Bastiani Luca , Trivellini Gabriele , Doveri Cristina , Vassalle Cristina , Pingitore Alessandro
Published: March 2020

Background

Limited number of studies examined the relationship between factors (lifestyle, social, emotional, cognitive) affecting adolescents’ health and well-being. The aims of this study were to identify the more important variables of the different components affecting adolescents’ health [lifestyle habits (LH); emotional status (ES); social context (SC); and cognitive abilities (CA)], and explore the relationship between the aforementioned components.

Methods

Data were collected between 2017 and 2018 from 756 eligible students, recruited from 5 Italian junior high school, by using KIDSCREEN-52 and cognitive processing using the Stroop Test. School engagement was estimated through questions concerning the scholastic achievement.

Results

Of 756 adolescents, 395 were boys with a mean (SD) age of 12.19 (0.81) years. Compared to International T-value of reference group for KIDSCREEN-52, autonomy, bullying, psychological well-being and mood were lower than the reference groups, while self-perception score was higher. For LH, the most important predictor was autonomy (p < .0001). The most important aspects in the SC were the relationship with the parents (p < .0001), and the adolescent’s relationships with peers (p < .0001). For ES, mood variables had the greatest contribution (p < .0001). The School performance related to Language & Literature (p < .0001) was the most important predictor in the CA latent variable. LH was positively associated with SC (p < .0001), ES (p < .0001), and CA (p < .0001). SC was positively associated with ES (p < .0001) and with CA (p < .0001).

Conclusions

This study suggests the importance of an integrated approach to characterize adolescents’ health and well-being. The approach suggested here may highlight additive synergistic effects of the various components in health and well-being assessment that may not be considered with a late approach and focused only on single factors.
Prioritising health research in KwaZulu-Natal: has the research conducted met the research needs?
Authors: Khumalo G. , Desai R. , Xaba X. , Moshabela M. , Essack S. , Lutge E.
Published: March 2020

Background

The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Health Act of 2009 mandates the Provincial Health Research and Ethics Committee to develop health research priorities for the province. During 2013, the KZN Department of Health embarked on a research prioritisation process for the province. Priority research questions were generated by an inclusive process, in which a variety of stakeholders in health research in the province were engaged. The aim of this study was to determine whether research conducted at public health facilities in KZN between 01 January 2014 and 31 March 2017 met the research priorities of the province developed through the provincial research prioritisation process of 2013.

Methods

This was a mixed methods study. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to categorise priority research questions generated in the priority-setting process and the titles of research projects conducted after that process into themes. Quantitative analysis was used to determine the correlation between themes of the priority questions, and those of the research projects conducted after the prioritisation exercise. Statistical Package for Social Science version 25 was used to analyse the data.

Results

In 72% of thematic areas, there were disproportionately more priority questions than there were research projects conducted. There is thus a large disjuncture between the priorities developed through the provincial research prioritisation process of 2013 and the research projects conducted after that process in terms of major research areas.

Conclusions

Ensuring that research conducted responds to priority questions raised is important because it ensures that research responds to locally important issues and to the concerns of local actors. Local health managers, communities and researchers should work together to ensure that the research conducted in their areas respond to the research priorities of those areas. Health Research Committees and local ethics committees can play important roles in facilitating the responsiveness to research priorities.
Optimization of small RNA library preparation protocol from human urinary exosomes
Authors: Olivares Dolores , Perez-Hernandez Javier , Perez-Gil Daniel , Chaves Felipe J. , Redon Josep , Cortes Raquel
Published: March 2020

Background

Sequencing of miRNAs isolated from exosomes has great potential to identify novel disease biomarkers, but exosomes have low amount of RNA, hindering adequate analysis and quantification. Here, we have assessed several steps in developing an optimized small RNA (sRNA) library preparation protocol for next-generation sequencing (NGS) miRNA analysis from urinary exosomes.

Methods

A total of 24 urinary exosome samples from donors were included in this study. RNA was extracted by column-based methods. The quality of extracted RNA was assessed by spectrophotometric quantification and Bioanalyzer software analysis. All libraries were prepared using the CleanTag small RNA library preparation protocol and the effect of our additional modifications on adapter-dimer presence, sequencing data and tagged small RNA library population was also analyzed.

Results

Our results show that good quality sequencing libraries can be prepared following our optimized small RNA library preparation protocol from urinary exosomes. When the size selection by gel purification step was included within the workflow, adapter-dimer was totally removed from cDNA libraries. Furthermore, the inclusion of this modification step within small RNA library protocol augmented the small RNA mapped reads, with an especially significant 37% increase in miRNA reads, and the gel purification step made no difference to the tagged miRNA population.

Conclusions

This study provides researchers with an optimized small RNA library preparation workflow for next generation sequencing based exosome-associated miRNA analysis that yields a high amount of miRNA mapped reads without skewing the tagged miRNA population significantly.
Trehalose itself plays a critical role on lipid metabolism: Trehalose increases jejunum cytoplasmic lipid droplets which negatively correlated with mesenteric adipocyte size in both HFD-fed trehalase KO and WT mice
Authors: Arai Chikako , Suyama Aki , Arai Shigeyuki , Arai Norie , Yoshizane Chiyo , Koya-Miyata Satomi , Mizote Akiko , Endo Shin , Ariyasu Toshio , Mitsuzumi Hitoshi , Ushio Shimpei
Published: March 2020

Background

Trehalose is a functional disaccharide that has anti-metabolic activities such as suppression of adipocyte hypertrophy in mice and alleviation of impaired glucose tolerance in humans. Trehalase hydrolyzes trehalose in the small intestine into two glucose molecules. In this study, we investigated whether trehalose can suppress adipocyte hypertrophy in mice in the presence or absence of trehalase.

Methods

Trehalase knockout (KO) mice and wild-type (WT) mice were fed a high fat diet (HFD) and administered water with 0.3% (w/v) or without trehalose for 8 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, mesenteric adipose tissues and the small intestine were collected and the adipocyte size and proportion of cytoplasmic lipid droplets (CLDs, %) in jejunum epithelium were measured by image analysis.

Results

Trehalose treatment was associated with suppressed adipocyte hypertrophy in both trehalase KO and WT mice. The rate of CLDs in the jejunal epithelium was increased in both trehalase KO and WT mice given water containing trehalose relative to untreated control mice. There was a negative correlation between jejunal epithelial lipid droplet volume and mesenteric adipocyte size. Chylomicron-TG tended to be decreased in both trehalose-treated trehalase KO and WT mice. Addition of trehalose to differentiated Caco-2 cells in vitro increased intracytoplasmic lipid droplets and decreased secretion of the chylomicron marker ApoB-48. Moreover, the jejunal epithelium containing lipid droplets falled into the intestinal lumen, and triglyceride (TG) levels in feces tended to be higher in the KO/HFD/Tre group than in the KO/HFD/Water group. Since then, the accumulation of CLDs has been reported to suppress CM secretion, and along with our results, the effect of trehalose to increase jejunum CLDs may induce suppression of adipocyte hypertrophy.

Conclusions

The suppression of adipocyte hypertrophy in the presence and absence of trehalase indicates that trehalose mediates effects prior to being hydrolyzed into glucose. In both trehalase KO and WT mice, trehalose treatment increased the rate of CLDs in jejunal epithelium, reduced chylomicron migration from the intestinal epithelium to the periphery, and suppressed adipocyte hypertrophy. Thus, trehalose ingestion could prevent metabolic syndrome by trapping fat droplets in the intestinal epithelium and suppressing rapid increases in chylomicrons.
Changes in quality of life and its associated factors among illicit drug users in Vietnamese mountainous provinces: a 12-month follow-up study
Authors: Tran Bach Xuan , Moir Mackenzie , Nguyen Tam Minh Thi , Do Ha Ngoc , Vu Giang Thu , Dang Anh Kim , Ha Giang Hai , Nguyen Trang Huyen Thi , Vuong Hoang Quan , Ho Tung Manh , Van Dam Nhue , Vuong Trang Thu , Latkin Carl A. , Ho Cyrus S. H. , Ho Roger C. M.
Published: March 2020

Background

Sustainability of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) program involves regularly assessing its impact on health and social outcomes of drug users in different settings, particularly in disadvantaged areas. In this study, we evaluated the change in quality of life (QoL), and identified associated factors amongst drug users over the course of 12-month MMT in Vietnamese mountainous provinces.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal study among patients from 6 MMT clinics in three mountainous provinces of Vietnam. At baseline, we screened 300 participants and after a 12-month treatment, 244 participants remained to involve in the study. World Health Organization Quality of Life short form instrument (WHOQOL-BREF) was used to measure the QoL of patients. The magnitude of the changes was extrapolated.

Results

There were significant changes in all four dimensions of quality of life measured by WHOQoL-BREF between baseline and 12 months with the effect size ranged from 0.21 to 0.24. Increased age, being workers compared to unemployment and having health problems or comorbidities were positively related to reduced scores of QoL.

Conclusions

To conclude, we observed a significant increase in the QoL level regarding physical, psychological, social relationships and environmental aspects among people who used drug after 12 months of MMT. Findings from this study emphasize the role of continuously receiving MMT treatment among people using drugs to enhance their QoL.