bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying infectious disease forecasting to public health: a path forward using influenza forecasting examples
Authors: Lutz Chelsea S. , Huynh Mimi P. , Schroeder Monica , Anyatonwu Sophia , Dahlgren F. Scott , Danyluk Gregory , Fernandez Danielle , Greene Sharon K. , Kipshidze Nodar , Liu Leann , Mgbere Osaro , McHugh Lisa A. , Myers Jennifer F. , Siniscalchi Alan , Sullivan Amy D. , West Nicole , Johansson Michael A. , Biggerstaff Matthew
Published: December 2019

Background

Infectious disease forecasting aims to predict characteristics of both seasonal epidemics and future pandemics. Accurate and timely infectious disease forecasts could aid public health responses by informing key preparation and mitigation efforts.

Main body

For forecasts to be fully integrated into public health decision-making, federal, state, and local officials must understand how forecasts were made, how to interpret forecasts, and how well the forecasts have performed in the past. Since the 2013–14 influenza season, the Influenza Division at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has hosted collaborative challenges to forecast the timing, intensity, and short-term trajectory of influenza-like illness in the United States. Additional efforts to advance forecasting science have included influenza initiatives focused on state-level and hospitalization forecasts, as well as other infectious diseases. Using CDC influenza forecasting challenges as an example, this paper provides an overview of infectious disease forecasting; applications of forecasting to public health; and current work to develop best practices for forecast methodology, applications, and communication.

Conclusions

These efforts, along with other infectious disease forecasting initiatives, can foster the continued advancement of forecasting science.
Sustaining the implementation of alcohol management practices by community sports clubs: a randomised control trial
Authors: McFadyen Tameka , Wolfenden Luke , Kingsland Melanie , Tindall Jennifer , Sherker Shauna , Heaton Rachael , Gillham Karen , Clinton-McHarg Tara , Lecathelinais Christophe , Rowland Bosco , Wiggers John
Published: December 2019

Background

Risky alcohol consumption is responsible for a variety of chronic and acute harms. Individuals involved in organised sport have been identified as one population group who consume risky amounts of alcohol both at the elite and the non-elite level. ‘Good Sports’, an alcohol management intervention focused on the community sports setting has been successful in addressing risky alcohol use and alcohol-related harm amongst players and sports fans. Sustaining such implementation effects is a common challenge across a variety of community settings. The primary aim of this trial was to assess the effectiveness of a web-based program in sustaining the implementation of best-practice alcohol management practices by community football clubs, relative to usual program care (i.e. control clubs).

Methods

Non-elite, community football clubs in the Australian states of New South Wales and Victoria, that were participating in an alcohol management program (Good Sports) were recruited for the study. Consenting clubs were randomised into intervention (N = 92) or control (N = 96) groups. A web-based sustainability intervention was delivered to intervention clubs over three consecutive Australian winter sports seasons (April–September 2015–2017). The intervention was designed to support continued (sustained) implementation of alcohol management practices at clubs consistent with the program. Control group clubs received usual support from the national Good Sports Program. Primary outcome data was collected through observational audits of club venues and grounds.

Results

A total of 92 intervention clubs (574 members) and 96 control clubs (612 members) were included in the final analysis. At follow-up, sustained implementation of alcohol management practices was high in both groups and there was no significant difference between intervention or control clubs at follow-up for both the proportion of clubs implementing 10 or more practices (OR 0.53, 95%CI 0.04–7.2; p = 0.63) or for the mean number of practices being implemented (mean difference 0.10, 95%CI -0.23-0.42; p = 0.55). There were also no significant differences between groups on measures of alcohol consumption by club members.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that sustained implementation of alcohol management practices was high, and similar, between clubs receiving web-based implementation support or usual program support.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12614000746639. Prospectively registered 14/7/2014.
Returning to work after sickness absence due to common mental disorders: study design and baseline findings from an 18 months mixed methods follow-up study in Germany
Authors: Sikora Alexandra , Schneider Gundolf , Stegmann Ralf , Wegewitz Uta
Published: December 2019

Background

With nearly 30 % of the general population experiencing one mental disorder in 12 months, common mental disorders (CMDs) are highly prevalent in Germany and mainly affect the workforce. Therefore, the processes of successfully returning to work (RTW) and achieving a sustainable RTW (SRTW) are important not only for recovery but the prevention of negative consequences like job loss or disability retirement. While factors influencing and predicting the time until RTW are well-investigated in other countries, research on determinants of RTW and SRTW has received little attention in Germany. Consequently, this study aims to investigate the RTW and SRTW processes due to CMDs from the employees´ perspective in Germany.

Methods

This prospective cohort study uses a convergent parallel mixed methods design with a quantitative sample and qualitative sub-sample. Two hundred eighty-six participants of the quantitative study and a sub-sample of 32 participants of the qualitative study were included. The primary outcome of the quantitative study is the time until RTW and full RTW. The secondary outcome is the sustainability of RTW. The following measures will be used to cover work-, RTW- and health-related factors: working time, duration of sickness absences, functional ability, work ability, RTW self-efficacy, social support, work-privacy conflict, job satisfaction, job crafting and depressive symptoms. Quantitative and qualitative data will be integrated at the end.

Discussion

The paper provides an overview on study design, recruitment, sample characteristics and baseline findings of an 18 months mixed methods follow-up study in Germany. This study will provide evidence of (S)RTW processes and its influencing factors due to CMDs in Germany and therefore contribute to further improvement of its (S)RTW practices.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register (ID: DRKS00010903, July 28, 2017, retrospectively registered).
Evaluation of the influenza sentinel surveillance system in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 2012–2015
Authors: Babakazo Pélagie , Kabamba-Tshilobo Joelle , Wemakoy Emile Okitolonda , Lubula Léopold , Manya Léonie Kitoko , Ilunga Benoit Kebela , Disasuani Wally , Nkwembe Edith , Kavunga-Membo Hugo , Changachanga Jean-Claude , Muhemedi Saleh , Tamfum Jean-Jacques Muyembe , Tempia Stefano
Published: December 2019

Background

The World Health Organization recommends periodic evaluations of influenza surveillance systems to identify areas for improvement and provide evidence of data reliability for policymaking. However, data about the performance of established influenza surveillance systems are limited in Africa, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Methods

We used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to evaluate the performance of the influenza sentinel surveillance system (ISSS) in DRC during 2012–2015. The performance of the system was evaluated using eight surveillance attributes: (i) data quality and completeness for key variables, (ii) timeliness, (iii) representativeness, (iv) flexibility, (v) simplicity, (vi) acceptability, (vii) stability and (viii) utility. For each attribute, specific indicators were developed and described using quantitative and qualitative methods. Scores for each indicator were as follows: < 60% weak performance; 60–79% moderate performance; ≥80% good performance.

Results

During 2012–2015, we enrolled and tested 4339 patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) and 2869 patients with severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) from 11 sentinel sites situated in 5 of 11 provinces. Influenza viruses were detected in 446 (10.3%) samples from patients with ILI and in 151 (5.5%) samples from patients with SARI with higher detection during December–May. Data quality and completeness was > 90% for all evaluated indicators. Other strengths of the system were timeliness, simplicity, stability and utility that scored > 70% each. Representativeness, flexibility and acceptability had moderate performance. It was reported that the ISSS contributed to: (i) a better understanding of the epidemiology, circulating patterns and proportional contribution of influenza virus among patients with ILI or SARI; (ii) acquisition of new key competences related to influenza surveillance and diagnosis; and (iii) continuous education of surveillance staff and clinicians at sentinel sites about influenza. However, due to limited resources no actions were undertaken to mitigate the impact of seasonal influenza epidemics.

Conclusions

The system performed overall satisfactorily and provided reliable and timely data about influenza circulation in DRC. The simplicity of the system contributed to its stability. A better use of the available data could be made to inform and promote prevention interventions especially among the most vulnerable groups.
Conservative treatment for urinary fistula following ileal conduit urinary diversion: a simple method
Authors: Ye Yun-lin , Liang Hai-tao , Tan Lei , Zheng Xia , Xiong Dan , Xiao Kang-hua , Qin Zi-ke
Published: December 2019

Background

The presence of urinary fistula after ileal conduit urinary diversion is a challenging complication, and this study investigated the role of the intra-conduit negative pressure system (NPS) in the presence of urinary fistula following ileal conduit (IC) urinary diversion as a conservative treatment.

Methods

Using the intra-conduit NPS, a minor drainage tube was placed within a silicon tube to suck urine from the conduit with consistent negative pressure. Patients with urinary fistula following IC from August 2012 to July 2017 were recorded, and the clinical characteristics and outcome were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The intra-conduit NPS was used as a primarily conservative treatment for 13 patients who suffered from urinary fistula and presented with a large amount of abdominal/pelvic drainage without other significant morbidities. The median age was 60 years old (42–74 years), and 7patients were male. The median duration between the IC operation and the presence of urinary fistula was 15 days (2–28 days), and elevated creatinine levels were detected in the abdominal/pelvic drainage with a median level of 2114 μmol/L (636–388 μmol/L). A significant decrease in abdominal/pelvic drainage was identified in 12 patients. The median time that the NPS was used was 9 days (7–11 days). The other patient did not show any improvements after 2 days of observation and then underwent open surgery. With ureteral stenting, 2 abdominal drainage tubes and the intra-conduit NPS were placed during operation, no urine leakage was observed in the abdominal/pelvic field, and the patient was cured in 9 days. With a median follow-up of 22 months, no fistula recurrence or hydronephrosis was detected.

Conclusion

The intra-conduit negative pressure system is a feasible and promising way to cure urinary fistula following ileal conduit urinary diversion. Because this procedure is a mini-invasive and simple approach, it might represent an alternative in selected patients.
How is patient-centred care conceptualized in women’s health: a scoping review
Authors: Gagliardi Anna R. , Nyhof Bryanna B. , Dunn Sheila , Grace Sherry L. , Green Courtney , Stewart Donna E. , Wright Frances C.
Published: December 2019

Background

Gendered disparities in health care delivery and outcomes are an international problem. Patient-centred care (PCC) improves patient and health system outcomes, and is widely advocated to reduce inequities. The purpose of this study was to review published research for frameworks of patient-centred care for women (PCCW) that could serve as the basis for quality improvement.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, and Joanna Briggs index for English-language quantitative or qualitative studies published from 2008 to 2018 that included at least 50% women aged 18 years or greater and employed or generated a PCCW framework. Findings were analyzed using a 6-domain PCC framework, and reported using summary statistics and narrative descriptions.

Results

A total of 9267 studies were identified, 6670 were unique, 6610 titles were excluded upon title/abstract screening, and 11 were deemed eligible from among 60 full-text articles reviewed. None were based on or generated a PCCW framework, included solely women, or analyzed or reported findings by gender. All studies explored or described PCC components through qualitative research or surveys. None of the studies addressed all 6 domains of an established PCC framework; however, additional PCC elements emerged in 9 of 11 studies including timely responses, flexible scheduling, and humanized management, meaning tailoring communication and treatment to individual needs and preferences. There were no differences in PCC domains between studies comprised primarily of women and other studies.

Conclusions

Given the paucity of research on PCCW, primary research is needed to generate knowledge about PCCW processes, facilitators, challenges, interventions and impacts, which may give rise to a PCCW framework that could be used to plan, deliver, evaluate and improve PCCW.
Alkaloid extract of Corydalis yanhusuo inhibits angiogenesis via targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor signaling
Authors: Wan Li , Zhao Yang , Zhang Qun , Gao Guangyi , Zhang Shanlan , Gao Yong , Chen Xiaofei , Qian Xiaoping
Published: December 2019

Background

Corydalis yanhusuo W.T. Wang (YHS) is a well-known Chinese flowering herbal plant commonly used for centuries in functional food and traditional Chinese medicine. In the present study, we have identified and characterized a novel inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) with low toxicity, alkaloid extract of YHS, which suppressed angiogenesis that plays a fundamental role in a wide spectrum of physiological functions and pathological processes.

Methods

Proliferative ability of human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) was assessed using MTT assay and Ki67 immunofluorescence staining. Migration ability of HUVECs was evaluated by wound healing and transwell assays. In vitro angiogenesis was tested by spheroid sprouting and tube formation assays. In vivo vascularization was examined using Matrigel plug and chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) models. Protein expression and phosphorylation levels of VEGFR2, AKT, ERK and STAT3 were determined by Western blot assay.

Results

We demonstrated that alkaloid extract of YHS significantly inhibited a variety of VEGF-induced angiogenesis processes including proliferation, migration, sprouting, and tube formation of HUVECs. Moreover, alkaloid extract of YHS contributed to reduced in vivo neo-vessel formation in Matrigel plugs of mice and CAM models. Further mechanistic studies revealed that alkaloid extract of YHS suppressed VEGF-induced signaling pathway as evaluated by diminished phosphorylation of VEGFR2 and subsequently attenuated its downstream regulators including phospho-ERK1/2, phospho-AKT and phospho-STAT3 levels in HUVECs.

Conclusion

Collectively, these preclinical findings indicate that alkaloid extract of YHS remarkably limits angiogenesis and may serve as a promising anti-angiogenic drug candidate.
Advancing the understanding of research during medical education through collaborative learning: the Collaboration of Practitioners and Researchers Seminar Series
Authors: Yin Charles , Moszcyznski Alexander J. , Blom Jessica N. , Johnson Tristan P. E. , Jones Douglas L.
Published: December 2019

Background

The Collaboration of Practitioners and Researchers Seminar Series is student-led program comprised of seminars delivered jointly by medical and graduate students on a topic in medicine of mutual interest to an audience of both medical and graduate students.

Methods

Following its inaugural year in 2016–2017, we evaluated changes in attendees’ perceived understanding of translational research through an electronic survey and semi-structured interviews with attendees.

Results

Study participants rated their understanding of translational research and comfort with interacting with students from the other program higher following attending seminars. Participants believed that the seminars helped in breaking barriers between medical and graduate students.

Conclusions

We conclude that this seminar series positively impacted attendees’ understanding of translational research and attitudes towards collaboration between medical and graduate students. We believe that similar initiatives may be of value in fostering new opportunities for collaboration between medical and graduate students at other institutions.
The importance of herbal medicine use in the German health-care system: prevalence, usage pattern, and influencing factors
Authors: Welz Alexandra N. , Emberger-Klein Agnes , Menrad Klaus
Published: December 2019

Background

Prevalence rates for herbal medicine (HM) have been increasing worldwide. However, little is known about prevalence, user characteristics, usage pattern and factors influencing HM usage for the general German population.

Methods

A nationwide online survey on HM usage was conducted in Germany. The 2906 participants were categorised into three groups: the ones who used HM in the last 12 months, the ones who did not use HM in the last 12 months but in their lifetime, and the ones who did not use HM until now. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics, Chi Square tests and binary hierarchical logistic regression analyses.

Results

Prevalence rates of HM were found to be very high for the general German population. Self-medication appeared as a common praxis, when at the same time HM users responded that they do not inform their physician about it, rate their knowledge about HM as somewhat poor, and use the internet as the most frequent source of information. The HM user in the last 12 months was found to include people that were more likely female, highly educated, privately insured, employed, and engaged in a more health-oriented lifestyle. While certain sociodemographic- and health-related variables influence HM usage vs. non-usage, they explain variance only to a limited extent. For distinguishing the user in the last 12 months vs. the less recent user who did not use HM in the last 12 months, ratings on different reasons for HM usage were found to perform better as predictors than sociodemographic- and health-related variables.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that HM usage plays an essential role in the German health-care system. Furthermore, the HM usage pattern may be potentially harmful for patients, as it included self-medication, little knowledge on interaction- and side-effects of HM, and a lack of communication with physicians about the usage. Moreover, prediction of HM usage in the previous year is impacted by variables beyond conventional sociodemographic- and health-related ones. In view of the high prevalence rates of HM in Germany, medical as well as health service providers should be aware of these issues.
Correction to: A systematic review on hospital inefficiency in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: sources and solutions
Authors: Ravaghi Hamid , Afshari Mahnaz , Isfahani Parvaneh , Bélorgeot Victoria D.
Published: December 2019

In the original publication of this article [1], one author’s name needs to be revised from Pavaneh Isfahani to Parvaneh Isfahani.
Transcriptome resilience predicts thermotolerance in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Jovic Katharina , Grilli Jacopo , Sterken Mark G. , Snoek Basten L. , Riksen Joost A. G. , Allesina Stefano , Kammenga Jan E.
Published: December 2019

Background

The detrimental effects of a short bout of stress can persist and potentially turn lethal, long after the return to normal conditions. Thermotolerance, which is the capacity of an organism to withstand relatively extreme temperatures, is influenced by the response during stress exposure, as well as the recovery process afterwards. While heat-shock response mechanisms have been studied intensively, predicting thermal tolerance remains a challenge.

Results

Here, we use the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to measure transcriptional resilience to heat stress and predict thermotolerance. Using principal component analysis in combination with genome-wide gene expression profiles collected in three high-resolution time series during control, heat stress, and recovery conditions, we infer a quantitative scale capturing the extent of stress-induced transcriptome dynamics in a single value. This scale provides a basis for evaluating transcriptome resilience, defined here as the ability to depart from stress-expression dynamics during recovery. Independent replication across multiple highly divergent genotypes reveals that the transcriptional resilience parameter measured after a spike in temperature is quantitatively linked to long-term survival after heat stress.

Conclusion

Our findings imply that thermotolerance is an intrinsic property that pre-determines long-term outcome of stress and can be predicted by the transcriptional resilience parameter. Inferring the transcriptional resilience parameters of higher organisms could aid in evaluating rehabilitation strategies after stresses such as disease and trauma.
Genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum isolates from patients with uncomplicated and severe malaria based on msp-1 and msp-2 genes in Gublak, North West Ethiopia
Authors: Mohammed Hussein , Hassen Kedir , Assefa Ashenafi , Mekete Kalkidan , Tadesse Gemechu , Taye Girum , Commons Robert J.
Published: December 2019

Background

Malaria infection can present with a wide variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Plasmodium falciparum isolates in uncomplicated and severe malaria infections may have different parasite genetic profiles. This study was conducted to assess differences in genetic diversity and allelic frequencies in P. falciparum isolates according to malaria severity and age of patients in the Gublack area, northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

Cross-sectional health facility-based study conducted in Gublak, Ethiopia between July, 2017 and October, 2017. Symptomatic P. falciparum malaria patients with microscopically-confirmed infection were enrolled. Parasite DNA was extracted from filter paper blood spots and the polymorphic regions of the msp-1 and msp-2 genes were genotyped using allele-specific nested-PCR with fragment analysis by gel electrophoresis.

Results

A total of 118 patients were enrolled including 95 (80.5%) with uncomplicated infection and 23 (19.5%) with severe disease. In msp-1, the K1 allelic family was similarly prevalent in uncomplicated 42 (44.2%) and severe disease 12 (52.2%). In msp-2, FC27 was detected in 55 (57.9%) of uncomplicated infections and IC/3D7 in 14 (60.9%) of severe infections. 76 (64.4%) of the 118 isolates contained multiple genotypes; 56 (58.9%) in uncomplicated infections and 19 (82.6%) in severe infections. The overall of multiplicity of infection was 2.2 (95% CI 1.98–2.42) with 1.4 (95% CI 1.23–1.55) and 1.7 (95% CI 1.49–1.86) for msp-1 and msp-2, respectively. Multiplicity of infection was significantly higher in severe than uncomplicated infections (3.0 (95% CI 2.61–3.47) versus 2.0 (95% CI 1.83–2.23), respectively, p = 0.001). There was no difference in multiplicity of infection across age groups (p = 0.104).

Conclusion

Patients with severe malaria were more likely to have multiclonal infections. Further studies are needed to describe the association between P. falciparum genotypes and malaria severity in different malaria transmission areas.
Factors associated with utilization of LLINs among women of child-bearing age in Igabi, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Babalola Obafemi J. , Sambo Mohammed N. , Idris Suleiman H. , Ajayi Ike-Oluwapo O. , Ajumobi Olufemi , Nguku Patrick
Published: December 2019

Background

The long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) are effective against prevention of malaria and its utilization has been proven to save lives. Despite the mass distribution of LLIN, Nigeria remains the country with the highest malaria burden in Africa. The awareness of LLIN in Nigeria is high, but the utilization is low. The aim of this work is to describe factors associated with the utilization of LLIN among women of child-bearing age (WCBA) in Igabi, Kaduna, Nigeria.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 630 WCBA selected using a multi-stage sampling at 63 randomly selected villages in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Trained female data collectors administered pre-tested structured questionnaires adapted from the Malaria Indicator Survey. Information collected were demographic profile, knowledge of LLIN as a preventive strategy for malaria, and LLIN ownership and utilization. LLIN utilization was assessed by identifying household members that slept under the hanged LLIN the night before the survey. Questions on the awareness of LLIN, ability to define what it is, use of LLIN, what differentiates LLIN from other bed nets, and duration of use before replacement, were scored and categorized as good, average and poor knowledge of LLIN.

Results

A total of 629 WCBA was sampled, their mean age (± SD) was 29.3 (± 6.2) years, 22.0% were pregnant, 40.5% had no formal education, 41.1% were employed, and 47.7% lived in rural communities. Awareness and good knowledge about LLINs for the prevention of malaria was 96.0% and 24.0%, respectively. The proportion of women who slept under a LLIN the night before the survey (utilization) was 70.0% and slightly higher (74.0%) among pregnant WCBA. Women who lived in rural communities were more likely to utilize LLINs compared to their urban counterparts (OR 3.4; 95% CI 2.3–4.9). Younger women (aged < 30 years) were less likely to utilize LLINs compared to the older women (OR 0.7; 95% CI 0.5–0.9).

Conclusions

The knowledge of LLIN among WCBA was poor, but LLIN utilization was moderate. Living in rural communities and older WCBA were significant characteristics associated with LLIN utilization. Strategies that will improve the utilization of LLIN among the young and urban WCBA should be the focus of the Malaria Elimination Programme (MEP).
Social capital is associated with lower mosquito vector indices: secondary analysis from a cluster randomised controlled trial of community mobilisation for dengue prevention in Mexico
Authors: Alvarado-Castro Víctor , Paredes-Solís Sergio , Nava-Aguilera Elizabeth , Morales-Pérez Arcadio , Flores-Moreno Miguel , Legorreta-Soberanis José , Jaimes-Néstor Esmeralda , Cockcroft Anne , Andersson Neil
Published: December 2019

Background

Control of the Aedes aegypti mosquito is central to reducing the risk of dengue, zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Randomised controlled trials, including the Camino Verde trial in Mexico and Nicaragua, demonstrate the convincing impact of community mobilisation interventions on vector indices. These interventions might work through building social capital but little is known about the relationship between social capital and vector indices.

Methods

A secondary analysis used data collected from 45 intervention clusters and 45 control clusters in the impact survey of the Mexican arm of the Camino Verde cluster randomised controlled trial. Factor analysis combined responses to questions about aspects of social capital to create a social capital index with four constructs, their weighted averages then combined into a single scale. We categorised households as having high or low social capital based on their score on this scale. We examined associations between social capital and larval and pupal vector indices, taking account of the effects of other variables in a multivariate analysis. We report associations as odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

The four social capital constructs were involvement, participation, investment, and communication. Among the 10,112 households, those in rural communities were much more likely to have a high social capital score (OR 4.51, 95% CIca 3.26–6.26). Households in intervention sites had higher social capital, although the association was not significant at the 5% level. Households with high social capital were more likely to be negative for larvae or pupae (OR 1.38, 95% CIca 1.12–1.69) and for pupae specifically (OR 1.37, 95% CIca 1.08–1.74). There was interaction between intervention status and social capital; in multivariate analysis, a combined variable of intervention/high social capital remained associated with larvae or pupae (ORa l.56, 95% CIca 1.19–2.04) and with pupae specifically (ORa 1.65, 95% CIca 1.20–2.28).

Conclusion

This is the first report of an association of high social capital with low vector indices. Our findings support the idea that the Camino Verde community mobilisation intervention worked partly through an interaction with social capital. Understanding such interactions may help to maximise the impact of future community mobilisation interventions.
TRIM30 modulates Interleukin-22-regulated papillary thyroid Cancer cell migration and invasion by targeting Sox17 for K48-linked Polyubiquitination
Authors: Li Wei , Li Fen , Lei Weiwei , Tao Zezhang
Published: December 2019

Background

Interleukin-22 (IL-22) belongs to the IL-10 cytokine family and is mainly produced by activated Th1 cells. Although IL-22 expression is reported to be elevated in many cancers, and increased IL-22 expression correlates with tumor progression and poor prognosis, little is known about the role of IL-22 in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). We previously demonstrated that IL-22 promotes PTC cell migration and invasion through the microRNA-595/Sox17 axis.

Methods

We used qRT-PCR and western blot to determine TRIM30, Sox17 and β-catenin expression in PTC cells. Knockdown and overexpression were performed to detect the role of TRIM30/Sox17/β-catenin axis on the migration and invasion PTC cells. Co-IP were used to determine the interaction between TRIM30 and Sox17.

Findings

In this study, we demonstrated that IL-22 triggered tripartite-motif protein 30 (TRIM30) association with Sox17, thereby mediating K48-linked polyubiquitination of Sox17. We then demonstrated that TRIM30 was a positive regulator of IL-22-regulated migration and invasion of PTC cells. We also found that IL-22 induced the transcriptional activity of β-catenin and translocation of β-catenin from cytosol to the nucleus. Upon investigating the mechanisms behind this event, we found that IL-22 disrupted Sox17/β-catenin interactions by inducing TRIM30/Sox17 interactions, leading to promotion of β-catenin-dependent signaling. The analysis of hundreds of clinical specimens revealed that IL-22, TRIM30 and β-catenin levels were upregulated in PTC tissues compared with normal thyroid, and that their expression levels were closely correlated. Taken together, under the influence of IL-22, by sequestration of Sox17, TRIM30 promotes β-catenin-dependent signaling that promotes PTC cell proliferation.
The immunoregulation of mesenchymal stem cells plays a critical role in improving the prognosis of liver transplantation
Authors: Hu Chenxia , Li Lanjuan
Published: December 2019

The liver is supplied by a dual blood supply, including the portal venous system and the hepatic arterial system; thus, the liver organ is exposed to multiple gut microbial products, metabolic products, and toxins; is sensitive to extraneous pathogens; and can develop liver failure, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after short-term or long-term injury. Although liver transplantation (LT) serves as the only effective treatment for patients with end-stage liver diseases, it is not very popular because of the complications and low survival rates. Although the liver is generally termed an immune and tolerogenic organ with adaptive systems consisting of humoral immunity and cell-mediated immunity, a high rejection rate is still the main complication in patients with LT. Growing evidence has shown that mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) transplantation could serve as an effective immunomodulatory strategy to induce tolerance in various immune-related disorders. MSCs are reported to inhibit the immune response from innate immune cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer cells (NK cells), and natural killer T (NKT) cells, and that from adaptive immune cells, including T cells, B cells and other liver-specific immune cells, for the generation of a tolerogenic microenvironment. In this review, we summarized the relationship between LT and immunoregulation, and we focused on how to improve the effects of MSC transplantation to improve the prognosis of LT. Only after exhaustive clarification of the potential immunoregulatory mechanisms of MSCs in vitro and in vivo can we implement MSC protocols in routine clinical practice to improve LT outcome.
Association between sow and piglet blood hemoglobin concentrations and stillbirth risk
Authors: Bhattarai Sheeva , Framstad Tore , Nielsen Jens Peter
Published: December 2019

Previous studies have indicated that high piglet blood hemoglobin concentration (HbC) at birth lead to better performance later in life. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the association between sow and piglet blood HbC at farrowing. A secondary objective was to investigate the relationship between sow HbC and probability of stillbirths. Farrowings were observed in 22 sows in a Danish commercial herd. Maternal blood HbC was measured 1–3 days before farrowing using a HemoCue 201 + Hb device. Similarly, HbC was measured from 144 offspring piglets before colostrum intake. Total number of born piglets per litter and parity of the sow were recorded and stillborn piglets were identified using a lung flotation technique. The association between HbC in sows and piglets was determined using a linear mixed model. The relationship between sow HbC and probability of stillbirths was determined using a generalized linear model. The mean HbC of the sows and piglets were 106.9 ± 12.2 and 124.4 ± 19.9 g/L, respectively. A tendency towards a positive association between HbC of the piglets and HbC of the sow around farrowing was found (P = 0.058). Additionally, the probability of stillbirths was negatively associated with the sow HbC (P = 0.021). These results indicate that HbC in newborn piglets may be increased by increasing the sow HbC. Furthermore, stillbirth rates might be reduced by increasing the HbC of the sow.
Incidence and mortality of multiple myeloma in China, 2006–2016: an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016
Authors:   Union for China Lymphoma Investigators of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology, Liu Jiangmei ,   Union for China Leukemia Investigators of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology, Liu Weiping , Mi Lan , Zeng Xinying , Cai Cai , Ma Jun , Wang Lijun
Published: December 2019

Background

The accurate information about burden of multiple myeloma (MM) at national and provincial level remains unknown in China.

Methods

Following the general analytical strategy used in GBD 2016, the age-, sex-, and province-specific incidence and mortality in China were analyzed. Trends in the incidence and mortality from 2006 to 2016 were evaluated.

Results

It was estimated that there were 16,500 new cases and 10,300 deaths of multiple myeloma in China in 2016. The age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) and mortality rates (ASMR) per 100,000 population were 1.03 (95% UI, 0.88–1.17) and 0.67 (95% UI, 0.59–0.77) in 2016. Males had higher incidence and mortality rates than females in all age groups. An upward trend with age in incidence and mortality was observed. Higher incidence and mortality rates clustered in the developed provinces. The incidence of MM in China increased significantly from 2006 to 2016, while the mortality increased from 2006 to 2014, and remained stable from 2014 to 2016.

Conclusion

The burden of MM showed a heterogeneous pattern in China, which highlighted the need of tailored disease prevention and control strategies in both national and provincial levels.
Arsenic sulfide induces RAG1-dependent DNA damage for cell killing by inhibiting NFATc3 in gastric cancer cells
Authors: Kang Ting , Ge Maolin , Wang Ruiheng , Tan Zhen , Zhang Xiuli , Zhu Chuanying , Liu Han , Chen Siyu
Published: December 2019

Background

Arsenic sulfide was found to have potential anti-cancer activities, especially in gastric cancer. However, the underlying mechanism need to be further explored. This study was aimed to investigate the mechanism of arsenic compounds on gastric cancer.

Methods

Gastric cancer cell lines were infected with lentiviral vector carrying shNFATc3 and/or treated with arsenic sulfide. MTT assay were performed to assess cell growth. Flow cytometer assays were used to detect cell cycle and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level of gastric cancer cells. Western blot was carried out to detect nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 3 (NFATc3), cell cycle markers, DNA damage pathway protein expression as well as other protein expression in gastric cancer cell lines. The expression of recombination activating gene 1 (RAG1) in gastric cancer cell lines was determined by RNA-sequencing analyses and Real-Time qPCR. The effect of NFATc3 on RAG1 were determined by CHIP-qPCR assay. The effect of arsenic sulfide on AGS cells was evaluated in vivo.

Results

We show that arsenic sulfide as well as knockdown of NFATc3 resulted in increased double-strand DNA damage in gastric cancer cells by increasing the expression of RAG1, an endonuclease essential for immunoglobulin V(D) J recombination. Overexpression of NFATc3 blocked the expression of RAG1 expression and DNA damage induced by arsenic sulfide. Arsenic sulfide induced cellular oxidative stress to redistribute NFATc3, thereby inhibiting its transcriptional function, which can be reversed by N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). We show that NFATc3 targets the promoter of RAG1 for transcriptional inhibition. We further showed that NFATc3 upregulation and RAG1 downregulation significantly associated with poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. Our in vivo experiments further confirmed that arsenic sulfide exerted cytotoxic activity against gastric cancer cells through inhibiting NFATc3 to activate RAG1 pathway.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that arsenic sulfide targets NFATc3 to induce double strand DNA break (DSB) for cell killing through activating RAG1 expression. Our results link arsenic compound to the regulation of DNA damage control and RAG1 expression as a mechanism for its cytotoxic effect.
Long non-coding RNA PAXIP1-AS1 facilitates cell invasion and angiogenesis of glioma by recruiting transcription factor ETS1 to upregulate KIF14 expression
Authors: Xu Haiyang , Zhao Guifang , Zhang Yu , Jiang Hong , Wang Weiyao , Zhao Donghai , Yu Hongquan , Qi Ling
Published: December 2019

Background

Gliomas are common life-threatening cancers, mainly due to their aggressive nature and frequent invasiveness and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as promising molecular targets. Therefore, we explored the regulatory mechanisms underlying the putative involvement of the lncRNA PAX-interacting protein 1- antisense RNA1/ETS proto-oncogene 1/kinesin family member 14 (PAXIP1-AS1/ETS1/KIF14) axis in glioma cell invasion and angiogenesis.

Methods

Firstly, we identified differentially expressed lncRNA PAXIP1-AS1 as associated with glioma based on bioinformatic data. Then, validation experiments were conducted to confirm a high expression level of lncRNA PAXIP1-AS1 in glioma tissues and cells, accompanied by upregulated KIF14. We further examined the binding between lncRNA PAXIP1-AS1, KIF14 promoter activity, and transcription factor ETS1. Next, overexpression vectors and shRNAs were delivered to alter the expression of lncRNA PAXIP1-AS1, KIF14, and ETS1 to analyze their effects on glioma progression in vivo and in vitro.

Results

LncRNA PAXIP1-AS1 was mainly distributed in the nucleus of glioma cells. LncRNA PAXIP1-AS1 could upregulate the KIF14 promoter activity by recruiting transcription factor ETS1. Overexpression of lncRNA PAXIP1-AS1 enhanced migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in glioma by recruiting the transcription factor ETS1 to upregulate the expression of KIF14, which was further confirmed by accelerated tumor growth in nude mice.

Conclusions

The key findings of this study highlighted the potential of the lncRNA PAXIP1-AS1/ETS1/KIF14 axis as a therapeutic target for glioma treatment, due to its role in controlling the migration and invasion of glioma cells and its angiogenesis.
Impact of early intravenous amiodarone administration on neurological outcome in refractory ventricular fibrillation: retrospective analysis of prospectively collected prehospital data
Authors: Lee Dong Keon , Kim Yu Jin , Kim Giwoon , Lee Choung Ah. , Moon Hyung Jun , Oh Jaehoon , Yang Hae Chul , Choi Han Joo , Oh Young Taeck , Park Seung Min
Published: December 2019

Background

The 2015 AHA guidelines recommend that amiodarone should be used for patients with refractory ventricular fibrillation (RVF). However, the optimal time interval between the incoming call and amiodarone administration (call-to-amiodarone administration interval) in RVF patients has not been investigated. We hypothesized that the time elapsed until amiodarone administration could affect the neurological outcome at hospital discharge in patients with RVF.

Methods and results

This study is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. One hundred thirty-four patients were enrolled. In univariate logistic regression, the probability of a good neurological outcome at hospital discharge decreased as the time elapsed until amiodarone administration increased (OR 0.89 [95% CI = 0.80–0.99]). In multivariate logistic regression, the patients who were administered amiodarone in less than 20 min showed higher rates of prehospital ROSC, survival at hospital arrival, any ROSC, survival at admission, survival to discharge, and good CPC at hospital discharge. The call-to-amiodarone administration interval of ≤20 min (OR 6.92, 95% CI 1.72–27.80) was the independent factor affecting the neurological outcome at hospital discharge.

Conclusion

Early amiodarone administration (≤ 20 min) showed better neurological outcome at hospital discharge for OHCA patients who showed initial ventricular fibrillation and subsequent RVF.
Psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular diseases during the diagnostic workup of potential breast cancer: a population-based cohort study in Skåne, Sweden
Authors: Shen Qing , Jöud Anna , Schelin Maria E. C. , Sjölander Arvid , Cao Yang , Sparén Pär , Fall Katja , Czene Kamila , Valdimarsdóttir Unnur , Fang Fang
Published: December 2019

Background

An increasing number of women are evaluated for potential breast cancer and may experience mental distress during evaluation. We aim to assess the risks of psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular diseases during the diagnostic workup of potential breast cancer.

Methods

All women with a new diagnosis of unspecified lump in breast (N = 15,714), benign tumor or breast cancer in situ (N = 4435), or breast cancer (N = 8512) during 2005–2014 in Skåne, Sweden, were considered as exposed to a breast diagnostic workup. We used multivariable Poisson regression to compare rates of psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular diseases during the 6 weeks before the date of diagnosis of these women with the corresponding rates of women not undergoing such workup. The commonest waiting time for breast cancer patients was 6 weeks during the study period. A within-individual comparison was performed to control for potential unmeasured time-stationary confounders.

Results

Compared to the reference, we found a higher rate of psychiatric disorders during the 6 weeks before diagnosis of benign tumor or breast cancer in situ (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1 to 1.5) and breast cancer (IRR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2 to 1.6). A higher rate was also noted for cardiovascular diseases (IRR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.6 for benign tumor or breast cancer in situ, and IRR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.8 to 2.0 for breast cancer). The rate increases for breast cancer were greater comparing a diagnostic workup due to symptoms to a workup due to screening. Little rate increase of neither psychiatric disorders nor cardiovascular diseases was noted during the 6 weeks before the diagnosis of unspecified lump in breast. The within-individual comparison largely confirmed these findings.

Conclusions

Women with benign and malignant breast tumor had increased rates of psychiatric disorders and cardiovascular diseases during the waiting for a final diagnosis.
Statistical analysis plan for the Dex-CSDH trial: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a 2-week course of dexamethasone for adult patients with a symptomatic chronic subdural haematoma
Authors: Allison Annabel , Edlmann Ellie , Kolias Angelos G. , Davis-Wilkie Carol , Mee Harry , Thelin Eric P. , Turner Carole , Hutchinson Peter J. , Bond Simon
Published: December 2019

Background

The incidence of chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is increasing. Although surgery remains the mainstay of management for symptomatic patients, uncertainty remains regarding the role of steroids. Hence, the Dex-CSDH trial was launched in the UK in 2015 aiming to determine whether, compared to placebo, dexamethasone can improve the 6-month functional outcome of patients with symptomatic CSDH by reducing the rate of surgical intervention and recurrence rate.

Methods and design

Dex-CSDH is a multi-centre, pragmatic, parallel group, double-blind, randomised trial assessing the clinical utility of a 2-week course of dexamethasone following a CSDH. Seven hundred fifty patients were randomised to either dexamethasone or placebo. The primary outcome is the modified Rankin Scale at 6 months which is dichotomised to favourable (a score of 0–3) versus unfavourable (a score of 4–6).

Conclusions

This paper and the accompanying additional material describe the statistical analysis plan for the trial.

Trial registration

ISRCTN, ISRCTN80782810. Registered on 7 November 2014. http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN80782810. EudraCT, 2014-004948-35. Registered on 20 March 2015.