bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diaphragmatic ultrasound findings correlate with dyspnea, exercise tolerance, health-related quality of life and lung function in patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease
Authors: Santana Pauliane Vieira , Cardenas Leticia Zumpano , de Albuquerque André Luis Pereira , de Carvalho Carlos Roberto Ribeiro , Caruso Pedro
Published: October 2019

Background

Fibrotic interstitial lung disease (FILD) patients are typically dyspneic and exercise-intolerant with consequent impairment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Respiratory muscle dysfunction is among the underlying mechanisms of dyspnea and exercise intolerance in FILD but may be difficult to diagnose. Using ultrasound, we compared diaphragmatic mobility and thickening in FILD cases and healthy controls and correlated these findings with dyspnea, exercise tolerance, HRQoL and lung function.

Methods

We measured diaphragmatic mobility and thickness during quiet (QB) and deep breathing (DB) and calculated thickening fraction (TF) in 30 FILD cases and 30 healthy controls. We correlated FILD cases’ diaphragmatic findings with dyspnea, exercise tolerance (six-minute walk test), lung function and HRQoL (St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire).

Results

Diaphragmatic mobility was similar between groups during QB but was lower in FILD cases during DB when compared to healthy controls (3.99 cm vs 7.02 cm; p <  0.01). FILD cases showed higher diaphragm thickness during QB but TF was lower in FILD when compared to healthy controls (70% vs 188%, p <  0.01). During DB, diaphragmatic mobility and thickness correlated with lung function, exercise tolerance and HRQoL, but inversely correlated with dyspnea. Most FILD cases (70%) presented reduced TF, and these patients had higher dyspnea and exercise desaturation, lower HRQoL and lung function.

Conclusion

Compared to healthy controls, FILD cases present with lower diaphragmatic mobility and thickening during DB that correlate to increased dyspnea, decreased exercise tolerance, worse HRQoL and worse lung function. FILD cases with reduced diaphragmatic thickening are more dyspneic and exercise-intolerant, have lower HRQoL and lung function.
Nutritional status of tuberculosis patients, a comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Feleke Berhanu Elfu , Feleke Teferi Elfu , Biadglegne Fantahun
Published: October 2019

Background

Each year, more than 13.7 million people became an active case of tuberculosis and more than 1.5 million cases of TB patient will die. The association between TB and malnutrition is bi-directional, TB leads the patient to malnutrition, and malnutrition increases the risk of developing active TB by 6 to 10 times. Improving the nutrition of individual greatly reduces tuberculosis. The aims of this study were to assess the nutritional status and determinants of underweight among TB patients.

Methods

A comparative cross-sectional study design was implemented. The sample size was calculated using 95% CI, 90% power, the prevalence of malnutrition in TB patients 50%,

TB patients to TB free resident ratio of 3, the design effect of 2 and a 5% non-response rate. Systematic random sampling was used to select TB patients and simple random sampling technique was used to select TB free residents. The data were collected from July 2015–May 2018. The data were collected by interviewing the patient, measuring anthropometric indicators and collecting the stool and blood samples. The data were entered into the computer using Epi-info software and analyzed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics were used to find the proportion of malnutrition. Binary logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of malnutrition.

Results

A total of 5045 study participants (1681 TB patients and 3364 TB free residents) were included giving for the response rate of 93.1%. The prevalence of underweight among TB patients was 57.17% (95% CI: 54.80, − 59.54%) and 88.52% of TB patients were anemic. The prevalence of malnutrition (underweight) among TB free residents was 23.37% (95% CI: 21.93–24.80). The nutritional status of TB patients was determined by site of infection AOR: 0.68 [0.49–0.94], sex of the patient AOR: 0.39 [0.25–0.56], residence AOR: 3.84 [2.74–5.54], intestinal parasite infection AOR: 7 [5.2–9.95], problematic alcohol use AOR: 1.52 [1.17–2.13].

Conclusion

High proportions of TB patients were malnourished. TB patients were highly susceptible to malnutrition and even a very distal reason for malnutrition in the community became a proximal cause for TB patients.
Electrical conductivity-based contrast imaging for characterizing prostatic tissues: in vivo animal feasibility study
Authors: Cho Yong Soo , Hur Young Hoe , Seon Hyun Ju , Kim Jin Woong , Kim Hyung Joong
Published: October 2019

Background

Electrical conductivity-based magnetic resonance (MR) imaging may provide unique information on tissue condition because its contrast originates from the concentration and mobility of ions in the cellular space. We imaged the conductivity of normal canine prostate in vivo and evaluated tissue contrast in terms of both the conductivity distribution and anatomical significance.

Methods

Five healthy laboratory beagles were used. After clipping the pelvis hair, we attached electrodes and placed each dog inside the bore of an MRI scanner. During MR scanning, we injected imaging currents into two mutually orthogonal directions between two pairs of electrodes. A multi spin echo pulse sequence was used to obtain the MR magnitude and magnetic flux density images. The projected current density algorithm was used to reconstruct the conductivity image.

Results

Conductivity images showed unique contrast depending on the prostatic tissues. From the conductivity distribution, conductivity was highest in the center area and lower in the order of the middle and outer areas of prostatic tissues. The middle and outer areas were, respectively, 11.2 and 25.5% lower than the center area. Considering anatomical significance, conductivity was highest in the central zone and lower in the order of the transitional and peripheral zones in all prostates. The transitional and peripheral zones were, respectively, 7.5 and 17.8% lower than the central zone.

Conclusions

Current conductivity-based MR imaging can differentiate prostatic tissues without using any contrast media or additional MR scans. The electrical conductivity images with unique contrast to tissue condition can provide a prior information on tissues in situ to be used for human imaging.
How to help researchers in palliative care improve responsiveness to migrants and other underrepresented populations: developing and testing a self-assessment instrument
Authors: Torensma M. , Onwuteaka-Philipsen B. D. , Strackee K. L. , Oosterveld-Vlug M. G. , de Voogd X. , Willems D. L. , Suurmond J. L.
Published: October 2019

Background

European migrant populations are aging and will increasingly be in need of palliative and end of life care. However, migrant patients are often underrepresented in palliative care research populations. This poses a number of drawbacks, such as the inability to generalize findings or check the appropriateness of care innovations amongst migrant patients. The aim of this study was to develop a self-assessment instrument to help palliative care researchers assess and find ways to improve their projects’ diversity responsiveness in light of the aging migrant population, and determine whether in addition to older migrants other groups should be included in the instrument’s focus.

Methods

After developing a concept instrument based on the standards for equity in healthcare for migrants and other vulnerable groups, literature review and interviews with palliative care researchers, we conducted a Delphi study to establish the content of the self-assessment instrument and used think aloud methods in a study involving seven projects for usability testing of the self-assessment instrument.

Results

A Delphi panel of 22 experts responded to a questionnaire consisting of 3 items concerning the target group and 30 items on diversity responsiveness measures. Using an a priori set consensus rate of 75% to include items in the self-assessment instrument, experts reached consensus on 25 out of 30 items on diversity responsiveness measures. Findings furthermore indicate that underserved groups in palliative care other than migrant patients should be included in the instrument’s focus. This was stressed by both the experts involved in the Delphi study and the researchers engaged in usability testing. Usability testing additionally provided insights into learnability, error-rate, satisfaction and applicability of the instrument, which were used to revise the self-assessment instrument.

Conclusions

The final self-assessment instrument includes a list of 23 diversity responsiveness measures to be taken at varying stages of a project, and targets all groups at risk of being underrepresented. This instrument can be used in palliative care research to assess diversity responsiveness of projects and instigate action for improvement.
Secnidazole for treatment of bacterial vaginosis: a systematic review
Authors: Abd El Aziz Mohamed A. , Sharifipour Foruzan , Abedi Parvin , Jahanfar Shayesteh , Judge Helen Marie
Published: October 2019

Background

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is one of the common vaginal infections among childbearing women. The usual treatment for BV is metronidazole; hence 30% of women have recurrence within 60 to 90 days after treatment. There are some studies which assessed the effect of secnidazole on BV. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effectiveness of secnidazole for treatment of BV.

Methods

The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science (all databases from inception till October 28, 2018) were searched. Primary outcomes were clinical cure rate and microbiologic cure rate and the secondary outcomes were adverse events. Data was extracted from eligible studies by two review authors individually and analyzed by RevMan 5.3.

Results

Our search found six trials involving 1528 participants. Treatment with 2 g secnidazole could significantly reduce the risk of BV in patients with three or less episodes of BV in the last year by OR: 7.54 (95% CI, 3.89–14.60, p < 0.00001) and in patients with four or more episodes of BV in the last year (OR: 4.74, 95% CI: 1.51–14.84, p = 0.0.008). Secnidazole (2 g) could significantly increase the microbiologic cure rate in women with 3 or less episodes of BV in the last year (OR: 7.63, 95% CI: 2.30–25.33, p = 0.0009) but not in the women with 4 or more episodes of BV in the last year (OR: 20.17, 95% CI: 1.06–382.45, p = 0.05). The clinical cure rate, microbiological effect and the therapeutic cure rate of 2 g secnidazole was significantly more than that of 1 g secnidazole.

The results showed that the clinical cure rate of 2 g secnidazole was not different from the following medications: metronidazole (500 mg bid for 5 days), secnidazole plus vaginal metronidazole, 2 g single dose of oral metronidazole and 2 g secnidazole plus vaginal ornidazole.

Conclusion

This review showed that 2 g and 1 g secnidazole were better than placebo, however, 2 g secnidazole was more effective than 1 g. Secnidazole 2 g was not different from metronidazole (500 mg bid for 5 days), or from secnidazole plus vaginal metronidazole, or 2 g single dose of oral metronidazole or from 2 g secnidazole plus vaginal ornidazole.
Investigation of anti-cancer and migrastatic properties of novel curcumin derivatives on breast and ovarian cancer cell lines
Authors: Koroth Jinsha , Nirgude Snehal , Tiwari Shweta , Gopalakrishnan Vidya , Mahadeva Raghunandan , Kumar Sujeet , Karki Subhas S. , Choudhary Bibha
Published: October 2019

Background

Curcumin is known for its multitude of medicinal properties, including anti-cancer and migrastatic activity. Efforts to overcome poor bioavailability, stability, and side effects associated with the higher dose of curcumin has led to the development of newer derivatives of curcumin. Thus, the focus of this study is to screen novel curcumin derivatives, namely ST03 and ST08, which have not been reported before, for their cytotoxicity and migrastatic property on cancer cells.

Methods

Anti-cancer activity of ST03 and ST08 was carried out using standard cytotoxicity assays viz., LDH, MTT, and Trypan blue on both solid and liquid cancer types. Flow cytometric assays and western blotting was used to investigate the cell death mechanisms. Transwell migration assay was carried out to check for migrastatic properties of the compounds.

Results

Both the compounds, ST03 and ST08, showed ~ 100 fold higher potency on liquid and solid tumour cell lines compared to its parent compound curcumin. They induced cytotoxicity by activating the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in the breast (MDA-MB-231) and ovarian cancer cell lines (PA-1) bearing metastatic and stem cell properties, respectively. Moreover, ST08 also showed inhibition on breast cancer cell migration by inhibiting MMP1 (matrix metalloproteinase 1).

Conclusion

Both ST03 and ST08 exhibit anti-cancer activity at nanomolar concentration. They induce cell death by activating the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Also, they inhibit migration of the cancer cells by inhibiting MMP1 in breast cancer cells.
Heavy metal content of herbal health supplement products in Dubai – UAE: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Abdulla Naseem Mohammed , Adam Balazs , Blair Iain , Oulhaj Abderrahim
Published: October 2019

Background

Lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, and arsenic intoxication have been associated with the use of health supplement (HS) products. The aim of this study is to estimate the concentration of heavy metals in HS products that are on sale in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, premises and to compare estimated daily metal intake with regulatory standards.

Methods

Dubai-area premises selling HS products were identified by searching the Dubai Municipality database to identify all pharmacies, para-pharmacies and nutrition and healthcare shops. A total of 859 premises were identified in the Deira and Bur-Dubai areas. Data collection was performed between September 1 and December 12, 2016. During that period, all premises that had been identified within Dubai were visited and samples for laboratory testing were collected.

Results

A total of 200 HS products were tested for lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium and arsenic. High proportion of samples were found to contain metals less than the limits of the detection (LOD) of the method. It was found that 93% of products contained Arsenic (As) < LOD, 94.5% of lead (Pb) < LOD, 100% of Cadmium (Cd) < LOD, 99% of Mercury (Hg) < LOD and 23.5% of Chromium (Cr) < LOD. Using the single imputation method to account for LOD, estimates for the average daily intake of lead was 0.88 μg compared to the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 20 μg, daily intake of mercury was 0.09 μg (TDI = 20 μg), daily intake of cadmium was 0.83 μg (TDI = 6 μg) while for arsenic it was 0.92 μg compared to the tolerable daily intake of 10 μg. The average daily intake of chromium was 7.57 μg with no internationally established TDI. Assuming users followed the manufacturers’ instructions, daily intake of arsenic, lead and mercury would not exceed TDI for any of the 200 products. However, the daily intake of cadmium exceeded or approximated the TDI for three products.

Conclusions

In this study we found low levels of metals in the products that were available for sale in Dubai. With few exceptions, if the products were used according to the suppliers’ instructions, average daily intake of heavy metals will be well below the recommended tolerable daily intakes.
Medical student selection criteria and junior doctor workplace performance
Authors: Sladek Ruth M. , Burdeniuk Christine , Jones Alison , Forsyth Kevin , Bond Malcolm J.
Published: October 2019

Background

Medical school selection decisions have consequences beyond graduation. With generally low attrition rates, most medical students become junior doctors. Universities are therefore not just selecting students into a medical course; they are choosing the future medical workforce. Understanding the relationship between selection criteria and outcomes beyond the successful completion of a medical degree may inform approaches to student selection.

Methods

A retrospective data matching study was conducted involving 39 interns employed by a South Australian local health network in 2017 who had originally entered Flinders University’s medical school through a graduate pathway. Student selection data were matched with internship workplace performance scores (measured by supervising consultants’ reports across five clinical rotations using a standardised assessment). Correlational analyses then examined associations between these two sets of variables.

Results

An overall selection rank (equal thirds of weighted Grade Point Average from a prior degree, a panel interview, and a national selection test) was moderately associated with all performance measures, accounting for up to 25% of variance. Both weighted Grade Point Average and the interview had multiple and mostly moderate correlations with performance. An increasing number of years taken to complete the course was associated with poorer workplace performance across multiple outcome measures (moderate to strong negative associations with 31 to 62% of shared variance), as was age to a lesser extent (7 to 14%). The national selection test contributed a single and small relationship accounting for 5% of variance with one outcome measure.

Conclusions

Selection into medicine is a critical assessment given that most students become doctors. This study found multiple associations between selection scores and junior doctor workplace performance measures in the internship year, with weighted Grade Point Average from a prior degree and an interview appearing more important than the national selection test. Future collaborative research should map desired workplace performance outcomes to initial student selection and explore the impact of changes to selection which focus on assessment of these domains. The association between slower course progression and poorer workplace performance should also be examined.
Perception of the learning environment among the students in a nursing college in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Erina , Mehta Ram Sharan , Mandal Gayanand , Chaudhary Kriti , Pradhan Nirmala
Published: October 2019

Background

Learning environment is an important base for learning processes of students and for preferences of future workplaces. It is considered as an essential factor in determining the success of an effective curriculum and the students’ academic achievements. This study attempts to assess the perception of learning environment among the nursing students.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to conduct the study among 122 nursing students studying at B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Science. Data were collected following total enumerative sampling method using a self-administered questionnaire. Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) inventory tool was used to assess the perception of learning environment. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation) was used to describe the demographic and other related variables. One way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to find out the difference in the overall scale score and its subscales across the selected socio-demographic variables (age, ethnicity, residence, year of enrollment) of the respondents.

Results

The mean age of the students was 21 ± 1.46 years. Majority of the students were from Province no. 1 (57.4%) and largely from Sunsari district (25.4%). First year students were found to be more satisfied (68.23%) with the educational environment (136.45 ± 16.93) compared to student of other years. Academic self-perception (21.94 ± 3.42) was the highest scoring subscale (68.57%) while the social self-perception (16.43 ± 2.96) was the lowest (58.66%). The overall DREEM score (131.25 ± 15.82 out of 200) indicated that perception of learning environment among the students was positive. Despite overall positive perception, students perceived that the teachers were authoritative and there is lack of good support system for the students at the time of stress. The total DREEM score varied significantly between the years of enrollment (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The current study showed positive perception of learning environment which varied significantly according to the year of enrollment. However improvements are required across all the five domains for the high quality educational environment. Future qualitative studies are recommended to confirm and to have in-depth understanding of this finding.
Measuring implementation: development of the implementation process assessment tool (IPAT)
Authors: Hartveit M. , Hovlid E. , Nordin M. H. A. , Øvretveit J. , Bond G. R. , Biringer E. , Assmus J. , Mariniusson G. H. , Ruud T.
Published: October 2019

Background

Implementation science comprises a large set of theories suggesting interacting factors at different organisational levels. Development of literature syntheses and frameworks for implementation have contributed to comprehensive descriptions of implementation. However, corresponding instruments for measuring these comprehensive descriptions are currently lacking. The present study aimed to develop an instrument measuring care providers’ perceptions of an implementation effort, and to explore the instrument’s psychometric properties.

Methods

Based on existing implementation literature, a questionnaire was designed with items on individual and team factors and on stages of change in an implementation process. The instrument was tested in a Norwegian study on implementation of evidence based practices for psychosis. Item analysis, factor structure, and internal consistency at baseline were examined.

Results

The 27-item Implementation Process Assessment Tool (IPAT) revealed large variation between mean score of the items. The total scale scores were widely dispersed across respondents. Internal consistency for the total scale was high (Cronbach’s alpha: .962), and all but one item contributed positively to the construct. The results indicated four underlying constructs: individual stages for behavioural change, individual activities and perceived support, collective readiness and support, and individual perceptions of the intervention.

Conclusions

The IPAT appears to be a feasible instrument for investigating the implementation process from the perspective of those making the change. It can enable examination of the relative importance of factors thought to be essential for implementation outcomes. It may also provide ongoing feedback for leaders tailoring support for teams to improve implementation. However, further research is needed to detect the instrument’s properties later in the implementation process and in different contexts.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov code NCT03271242 (retrospective registered September 5, 2017).
The effect of a pharmaceutical transitional care program on rehospitalisations in internal medicine patients: an interrupted-time-series study
Authors: Karapinar-Çarkıt Fatma , Borgsteede Sander D. , Janssen Marjo J. A. , Mak Marlies , Yildirim Nimet , Siegert Carl E. H. , Mol Peter G. M. , Egberts Toine C. G. , van den Bemt Patricia M. L. A.
Published: October 2019

Background

Medication errors at transition of care can adversely affect patient safety. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of a transitional pharmaceutical care program on unplanned rehospitalisations.

Methods

An interrupted-time-series study was performed, including patients from the Internal Medicine department using at least one prescription drug. The program consisted of medication reconciliation, patient counselling at discharge, and communication to healthcare providers in primary care. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with an unplanned rehospitalisation within six months post-discharge. Secondary outcomes were drug-related hospital visits, drug-related problems (DRPs), adherence, believes about medication, and patient satisfaction. Interrupted time series analysis was used for the primary outcome and descriptive statistics were performed for the secondary outcomes.

Results

In total 706 patients were included. At 6 months, the change in trend for unplanned rehospitalisations between usual care and the program group was non-significant (− 0.2, 95% CI -4.9;4.6). There was no significant difference for drug-related visits although visits due to medication reconciliation problems occurred less often (4 usual care versus 1 intervention). Interventions to prevent DRPs were present for all patients in the intervention group (mean: 10 interventions/patient). No effect was seen on adherence and beliefs about medication. Patients were significantly more satisfied with discharge counselling (68.9% usual care vs 87.1% program).

Conclusions

The transitional pharmaceutical care program showed no effect on unplanned rehospitalisations. This lack of effect is probably because the reason for rehospitalisations are multifactorial while the transitional care program focused on medication. There were less hospital visits due to medication reconciliation problems, but further large scale studies are needed due to the small number of drug-related visits. (Dutch trial register: NTR1519).
Molecular epidemiology of respiratory viruses in commercial chicken flocks in Pakistan from 2014 through to 2016
Authors: Umar Sajid , Teillaud Angélique , Aslam Hassan Bin , Guerin Jean-Luc , Ducatez Mariette F.
Published: October 2019

Background

Viral diseases are a matter of great concern for poultry farmers in Pakistan. Multiple common viral respiratory diseases (CVRDs) cause huge economic losses in the poultry industry. The prevalence of CVRDs in many countries, including Pakistan, is not clearly understood.

Results

Incidences of 5 chicken respiratory viruses: avian influenza virus (AIV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV/AAVV-1), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) and infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) were assessed on commercial Pakistani farms with respiratory problems from 2014 through to 2016. While AIV and AAVV-1 were frequently detected (16 to 17% of farms), IBV and aMPV were rarely detected (in 3 to 5% of farms) and ILTV was not detected. We characterized H9 AIV of the G1 lineage, genotype VII AAVV-1, GI-13 IBV, and type B aMPV strains with very little genetic variability in the 2-year study period. Co-infections with AIV and AAVV-1 were common and wild type AAVV-1 was detected despite the use of vaccines. Control measures to limit the virus burden in chicken flocks are discussed.

Conclusions

Our data shows that AIV (H9), AAVV-1, IBV and aMPV are prevalent in commercial poultry in Pakistan. Further studies are necessary to assess circulating strains, economic losses caused by infections and coinfections of these pathogens, and the costs and benefits of countermeasures. Furthermore, veterinarians and farmers should be informed of the pathogens circulating in the field and hence advised on the use of vaccines.
Laboratory diagnostics, phylogenetic analysis and clinical outcome of a subcutaneous Mycoleptodiscus indicus infection in an immunocompetent cat
Authors: Maboni Grazieli , Krimer Paula , Baptista Rodrigo , Lorton Ana , Anderson Christina , Sanchez Susan
Published: October 2019

Background

Mycoleptodiscus indicus is a dematiaceous hyphomycete fungus found on plant leaves. It has been rarely reported as a cause of human or animal disease, possibly because it is difficult to culture and identify from clinical specimens. Infections are presumably acquired by traumatic implantation.

Case presentation

An 8-year-old non-immunosuppressed cat from Georgia, USA, presented with a left front leg swelling without lameness. Cytology from a fine needle aspirate revealed pyogranulomatous inflammation with both cytoplasmic and extracellular fungal elements. There were septate hyphae with irregularly sized segments, non-staining uneven walls, and rounded yeast-like forms from which longer hyphae arose in a hub-and-spoke pattern. A mold was isolated on agar from a fine needle aspirate collected 1 week later and identified as M. indicus by morphology, DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The cat recovered completely and uneventfully with antifungal treatment.

Conclusions

We report a previously undescribed presentation of M. indicus causing a subcutaneous infection in a cat with successful antifungal treatment. In this study we highlight the potential of M. indicus to infect immunocompetent animals, and the veterinary medical community should be aware of its unusual but characteristic clinical, microbiological and cytologic presentation.
Enterovirus A71: virulence, antigenicity, and genetic evolution over the years
Authors: Huang Sheng-Wen , Cheng Dayna , Wang Jen-Ren
Published: October 2019

As a neurotropic virus, enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) emerge and remerge in the Asia-Pacific region since the 1990s, and has continuously been a threat to global public health, especially in children. Annually, EV-A71 results in hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) and occasionally causes severe neurological disease. Here we reviewed the global epidemiology and genotypic evolution of EV-A71 since 1997. The natural selection, mutation and recombination events observed in the genetic evolution were described. In addition, we have updated the antigenicity and virulence determinants that are known to date. Understanding EV-A71 epidemiology, genetic evolution, antigenicity, and virulence determinants can expand our insights of EV-A71 pathogenesis, which may benefit us in the future.
Biomass and lipid induction strategies in microalgae for biofuel production and other applications
Authors: Alishah Aratboni Hossein , Rafiei Nahid , Garcia-Granados Raul , Alemzadeh Abbas , Morones-Ramírez José Rubén
Published: October 2019

The use of fossil fuels has been strongly related to critical problems currently affecting society, such as: global warming, global greenhouse effects and pollution. These problems have affected the homeostasis of living organisms worldwide at an alarming rate. Due to this, it is imperative to look for alternatives to the use of fossil fuels and one of the relevant substitutes are biofuels. There are different types of biofuels (categories and generations) that have been previously explored, but recently, the use of microalgae has been strongly considered for the production of biofuels since they present a series of advantages over other biofuel production sources: (a) they don’t need arable land to grow and therefore do not compete with food crops (like biofuels produced from corn, sugar cane and other plants) and; (b) they exhibit rapid biomass production containing high oil contents, at least 15 to 20 times higher than land based oleaginous crops. Hence, these unicellular photosynthetic microorganisms have received great attention from researches to use them in the large-scale production of biofuels. However, one disadvantage of using microalgae is the high economic cost due to the low-yields of lipid content in the microalgae biomass. Thus, development of different methods to enhance microalgae biomass, as well as lipid content in the microalgae cells, would lead to the development of a sustainable low-cost process to produce biofuels. Within the last 10 years, many studies have reported different methods and strategies to induce lipid production to obtain higher lipid accumulation in the biomass of microalgae cells; however, there is not a comprehensive review in the literature that highlights, compares and discusses these strategies. Here, we review these strategies which include modulating light intensity in cultures, controlling and varying CO2 levels and temperature, inducing nutrient starvation in the culture, the implementation of stress by incorporating heavy metal or inducing a high salinity condition, and the use of metabolic and genetic engineering techniques coupled with nanotechnology.
Inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway underlies inhibitory role of microRNA-129-5p in epithelial–mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis of prostate cancer by targeting ZIC2
Authors: Jiang Zhenming , Zhang Yuxi , Chen Xi , Wu Pingeng , Chen Dong
Published: October 2019

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common disease that often occurs among older men and a frequent cause of malignancy associated death in this group. microRNA (miR)-129-5p has been identified as an essential regulator with a significant role in the prognosis of PC. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate roles of miR-129-5p in PCa.

Methods

Microarray analysis was conducted to identify PCa-related genes. The expression of miR-129-5p and ZIC2 in PCa tissues was investigated. To understand the role of miR-129-5p and ZIC2 in PCa, DU145 cells were transfected with mimic or inhibitor of miR-129-5p, or si-ZIC2 and the expression of Wnt, β-catenin, E-cadherin, vimentin, N-cadherin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and CD31, as well as the extent of β-catenin phosphorylation was determined. In addition, cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, apoptosis and tumorigenesis were detected.

Results

miR-129-5p was poorly expressed and ZIC2 was highly expressed in PCa tissues. Down-regulation of ZIC2 or overexpression of miR-129-5p reduced the expression of ZIC2, Wnt, β-catenin, N-cadherin, vimentin, and β-catenin phosphorylation but increased the expression of E-cadherin. Importantly, miR-129-5p overexpression significantly reduced cell migration, invasion, angiogenesis and tumorigenesis while increasing cell apoptosis.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study indicated that overexpression of miR-129-5p or silencing of ZIC2 could inhibit epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis in PCa through blockage of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Long non-coding RNA HOTAIR functions as a competitive endogenous RNA to regulate PRAF2 expression by sponging miR-326 in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yu Guo-Jun , Sun Yong , Zhang Da-Wei , Zhang Peng
Published: October 2019

Background

LncRNAs may exert a regulatory effect in tumorigenesis. Although the expression of lncRNA HOTAIR has been confirmed to be notably elevated in the tissues of CSCC, its biological mechanism in CSCC is still unknown.

Methods

HOTAIR expression level in CSCC cell lines was monitored via qRT-PCR. Then CCK-8 assay, Transwell assay and EdU assay were adopted to detect cell migration and proliferation. Meanwhile, through bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter gene detection, a new target of HOTAIR was identified. Additionally, Western blotting and RIP analysis were adopted to discuss the possible mechanism.

Results

HOTAIR expression in CSCC cell lines exhibited an obvious elevation. Cell function analysis revealed that HOTAIR overexpression remarkably facilitated CSCC cell migration, proliferation and EMT process, which were impeded by down-regulation of HOTAIR. Furthermore, HOTAIR competitively bound to miR-326, so as to positively modulate miR-326 expression.

Conclusions

These results present that HOTAIR, as a ceRNA, regulates PRAF2 expression by competitive binding to miR-326 during CSCC.
Cost-comparison analysis of a multiplatform tumour profiling service to guide advanced cancer treatment
Authors: Spizzo Gilbert , Siebert Uwe , Gastl Guenther , Voss Andreas , Schuster Klaus , Leonard Robert , Seeber Andreas
Published: October 2019

Background

Tumor profiling is increasingly used in advanced cancer patients to define treatment options, especially in refractory cases where no standard treatment is available. Caris Molecular Intelligence (CMI) is a multiplatform tumor profiling service that is comprehensive of next-generation sequencing (NGS) of DNA and RNA, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridisation (FISH). The aim of this study is to compare costs of CMI-guided treatment with prior or planned treatment options in correlation with outcome results.

Methods

Retrospective data from five clinical trials were collected to define the treatment decision prior to the receipt of the CMI report (n = 137 patients). A systematic review of treatment data from 11 clinical studies of CMI (n = 385 patients) allowed a comparison of planned vs actual (n = 137) and prior vs actual (n = 229) treatment costs.

Results

Treatment plan was changed in 88% of CMI-profiled cases. The actual CMI guided treatment cost per cycle was £995 in 385 treated patients. Planned treatment costs were comparable to actual treatment costs (£979 vs £945; p = 0.7123) and prior treatment costs were not significantly different to profiling-guided treatments (£892 vs £850; p = 0.631).

Conclusions

Caris Molecular Intelligence guided treatment cost per cycle was in the range of prior or planned treatment cost/cycle. Due to beneficial overall survival the additional cost of performing CMI’s multiplatform testing to the treatment costs seems to be cost-effective.
Inhibition of the key metabolic pathways, glycolysis and lipogenesis, of oral cancer by bitter melon extract
Authors: Sur Subhayan , Nakanishi Hiroshi , Flaveny Colin , Ippolito Joseph E. , McHowat Jane , Ford David A. , Ray Ratna B.
Published: October 2019

Background

Metabolic reprogramming is one of the hallmarks of cancer which favours rapid energy production, biosynthetic capabilities and therapy resistance. In our previous study, we showed bitter melon extract (BME) prevents carcinogen induced mouse oral cancer. RNA sequence analysis from mouse tongue revealed a significant modulation in “Metabolic Process” by altering glycolysis and lipid metabolic pathways in BME fed group as compared to cancer group. In present study, we evaluated the effect of BME on glycolysis and lipid metabolism pathways in human oral cancer cells.

Methods

Cal27 and JHU022 cells were treated with BME. RNA and protein expression were analysed for modulation of glycolytic and lipogenesis genes by quantitative real-time PCR, western blot analyses and immunofluorescence. Lactate and pyruvate level was determined by GC/MS. Extracellular acidification and glycolytic rate were measured using the Seahorse XF analyser. Shotgun lipidomics in Cal27 and JHU022 cell lines following BME treatment was performed by ESI/ MS. ROS was measured by FACS.

Results

Treatment with BME on oral cancer cell lines significantly reduced mRNA and protein expression levels of key glycolytic genes SLC2A1 (GLUT-1), PFKP, LDHA, PKM and PDK3. Pyruvate and lactate levels and glycolysis rate were reduced in oral cancer cells following BME treatment. In lipogenesis pathway, we observed a significant reduction of genes involves in fatty acid biogenesis, ACLY, ACC1 and FASN, at the mRNA and protein levels following BME treatment. Further, BME treatment significantly reduced phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and plasmenylethanolamine, and reduced iPLA2 activity. Additionally, BME treatment inhibited lipid raft marker flotillin expression and altered its subcellular localization. ER-stress associated CHOP expression and generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species were induced by BME, which facilitated apoptosis.

Conclusion

Our study revealed that bitter melon extract inhibits glycolysis and lipid metabolism and induces ER and oxidative stress-mediated cell death in oral cancer. Thus, BME-mediated metabolic reprogramming of oral cancer cells will have important preventive and therapeutic implications along with conventional therapies.

Graphical abstract
Roles of phosphatidylserine exposed on the viral envelope and cell membrane in HIV-1 replication
Authors: Chua Bernadette Anne , Ngo Jamie Ann , Situ Kathy , Morizono Kouki
Published: October 2019

Phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) is usually present only in the inner leaf of the lipid bilayers of the cell membrane, but is exposed on the outer leaf when cells are activated and/or die. Exposure of PtdSer has physiological functions. For example, the PtdSer exposed on dead cells can serve as “eat-me signals” for phagocytes to clear dead cells by phagocytosis, which prevents autoimmune reactions and inflammation. HIV-1 induces PtdSer exposure on infected and target cells and it also exposes PtdSer on its envelope. Recent studies showed that PtdSer exposed on the HIV-1 envelope and infected and target cells can facilitate or inhibit multiple steps of HIV-1 replication.

At the virus binding and entry steps, interaction of the envelope PtdSer and the host’s PtdSer-binding molecules can enhance HIV-1 infection of cells by facilitating virus attachment. At the virus budding step, HIV-1 can be trapped on the cell surface by one family of PtdSer-binding receptors, T-cell immunoglobulin mucin domain proteins (TIM)-1, 3, and 4 expressed on virus producer cells. Although this trapping can inhibit release of HIV-1, one of the HIV-1 accessory gene products, Negative Factor (Nef), can counteract virus trapping by TIM family receptors (TIMs) by inducing the internalization of these receptors. HIV-1 infection can induce exposure of PtdSer on infected cells by inducing cell death. A soluble PtdSer-binding protein in serum, protein S, bridges PtdSer exposed on HIV-1-infected cells and a receptor tyrosine kinase, Mer, expressed on macrophages and mediate phagocytic clearance of HIV-1 infected cells. HIV-1 can also induce exposure of PtdSer on target cells at the virus binding step. Binding of HIV-1 envelope proteins to its receptor (CD4) and co-receptors (CXCR4 or CCR5) elicit signals that induce PtdSer exposure on target cells by activating TMEM16F, a phospholipid scramblase. PtdSer exposed on target cells enhances HIV-1 infection by facilitating fusion between the viral envelope and target cell membrane. Because various other phospholipid channels mediating PtdSer exposure have recently been identified, it will be of interest to examine how HIV-1 actively interacts with these molecules to manipulate PtdSer exposure levels on cells and viral envelope to support its replication.
Correction to: A bibliometric analysis of scientific production in the field of lingual orthodontics
Authors: Tarazona-Alvarez Beatriz , Lucas-Dominguez Rut , Paredes-Gallardo Vanessa , Alonso-Arroyo Adolfo , Vidal-Infer Antonio
Published: October 2019

Following publication of the original article [1], the author informed
Application of 3D printed osteotomy guide plate-assisted total knee arthroplasty in treatment of valgus knee deformity
Authors: Shen Zhimin , Wang Hong , Duan Yiqiang , Wang Jian , Wang Fengyan
Published: October 2019

Introduction

To analyze the application of 3D printed osteotomy guide plate-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for valgus knee deformity.

Methods

The clinical data of 20 patients with valgus knee deformity admitted to our hospital from April 2012 to April 2017 were collected and analyzed. According to the treatment method, these patients were divided into two groups: 3D printed osteotomy guide plate-assisted TKA (combined treatment group,n = 10) and TKA (treatment group,n = 10). The operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative mean femorotibial angle (MFTA), and Knee Society Score (KSS) of the two groups were statistically analyzed.

Results

Compared with the treatment group, the operation time was significantly shorter (P < 0.05), the intraoperative blood loss and postoperative MFTA were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the clinical and functional scores were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the combined treatment group.

Conclusion

3D printed osteotomy guide plate-assisted TKA for valgus knee deformity is more effective than TKA alone.
Correction to: Mitral regurgitation detected during the intraoperative period after atrial septal defect closure: a case report
Authors: Jun Joo Hyun , Kang Min-Kyung , Hyeon Joon-Sang , Choi Eunha , Kim Youngrok , Kim Ki Seok , Chung Mi Hwa , Jun In-Jung
Published: October 2019

The original article [1] contained a typo in author, Joo Hyun Jun’s name. This has now been corrected.
Agreement between results of meta-analyses from case reports and clinical studies, regarding efficacy and safety of idursulfase therapy in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS-II). A new tool for evidence-based medicine in rare diseases
Authors: Sampayo-Cordero Miguel , Miguel-Huguet Bernat , Pardo-Mateos Almudena , Malfettone Andrea , Pérez-García José , Llombart-Cussac Antonio , Cortés Javier , Moltó-Abad Marc , Muñoz-Delgado Cecilia , Pérez-Quintana Marta , Pérez-López Jordi
Published: October 2019

Background

A preliminary exploratory study shows solid agreement between the results of case reports and clinical study meta-analyses in mucopolysaccharidosis Type I (MPS-I) adult patients. The aim of the present study is to confirm previous results in another patient population, suffering from mucopolysaccharidosis Type II (MPS-II).

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of case reports published by April 2018 was conducted for MPS-II patients treated with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). The study is reported in accordance with PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines (PROSPERO database code CRD42018093408). The assessed population and outcomes were the same as previously analyzed in a meta-analysis of MPS-II clinical studies. The primary endpoint was the percent of clinical cases showing improvement in efficacy outcome, or no harm in safety outcome after ERT initiation. A restrictive procedure to aggregate case reports, by selecting standardized and well-defined outcomes, was proposed. Different sensitivity analyses were able to evaluate the robustness of results.

Results

Every outcome classified as “acceptable evidence group” in our case report meta-analysis had been graded as “moderate strength of evidence” in the aforementioned meta-analysis of clinical studies. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive-negative predictive values for results of both meta-analyses reached 100%, and were deemed equivalent.

Conclusions

Aggregating case reports quantitatively, rather than analyzing them qualitatively, may improve conclusions in rare diseases and personalized medicine. Additionally, we propose some methods to evaluate publication bias and heterogeneity of the included studies in a meta-analysis of case reports.