bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applicability of health promoting lifestyle profile-II for postmenopausal women in Sri Lanka; a validation study
Authors: Rathnayake Nirmala , Alwis Gayani , Lenora Janaka , Lekamwasam Sarath
Published: May 2020

Background and objective

Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II (HPLP-II), developed in the West, evaluates 52 health promoting behaviors (HPB) under six subscales. In this study we evaluated the applicability of HPLP-II to assess the HPB of postmenopausal women (PMW) conversant in the Sinhala language in Sri Lanka.

Methods

The Sinhala version of HPLP-II was adapted following standard methodology of cross cultural adaptation. It included forward and backward translations, review by an expert group, focus group discussion and pre-testing. It was self-administered among randomly selected healthy, Sinhalese, community-dwelling PMW (n = 245, aged 55.9 ± 3.4 years), along with the Short Form 36 (SF-36) survey. The Sinhala version of HPLP-II was re-administered among a subsample (n = 105) after two weeks of first administration. Psychometric properties - reliability and validity, were evaluated.

Results

In the Sinhala version of HPLP-II, both internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.98) and test-retest reliability (intra class correlation / ICC = 0.98, 95%CI = 0.97–0.99) were high. Structural validity assessment with Factor analysis using Principal Component Analysis extracted seven factors explaining 80.65% cumulative variance with few exceptions from the original version. Health responsibility (HR) and spiritual growth (SG) subscales of HPLP-II and physical and psychological health dimensions scores of SF-36 scores correlated significantly (r > 0.63,p < 0.001) ensuring strong concurrent validity.

Conclusions

The Sinhala version of HPLP-II adapted by us is a tool with high reliability and validity.
Relationship of different intensities of physical activity and quality of life in postmenopausal women
Authors: Felipe Juliana , Viezel Juliana , Reis Andréa Dias , da Costa Barros Emili Amice , de Paulo Thais Reis Silva , Neves Lucas Melo , Júnior Ismael Forte Freitas
Published: May 2020

Background

It is known that the elderly population remains most of the time in light activity. Physical activity plays a key role in the primary prevention of chronic diseases to mitigate various deleterious effects of aging and improve quality of life. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether the time that postmenopausal women remain in light activities during the day are related to better quality of life and compare these results with the quality of life of those who remain longer in moderate intensity and vigorous activity.

Methods

This is a cross sectional study there were evaluated 102 women, aged 50 to 79 years, all postmenopausal. Physical activity was measured by triaxial accelerometers. The quality of life was assessed using a Brazilian validated version of the SF-36 questionnaire. The sample was divided in three groups (G1, G2 and G3) according to tercile of time spent per week on light, moderate and moderate+vigorous physical activity. The comparisons between groups were made by ANOVA One Way, and the relationship between variables were made through the Spearman’s correlation coefficient, and the significance was set at 5%.

Results

We found that the amount of time of light physical activity shows a higher correlation values compared to the moderate and moderate+vigorous physical activity (p < 0,05) and presented significant correlation in all domains of quality of life. Vigorous physical activity did not presented significant correlation in all domains of quality of life.

Conclusion

Our data suggests that light intensity physical activity presented influence on the quality of life of postmenopausal women.

Trial registration

(NCT02804308). Registered on 17 june 2016 (retrospectively registred).
Retrospective analysis of 98 cases of maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma and therapeutic exploration
Authors: Wang Yu , Yang Rong , Zhao Minghui , Guo Wenyu , Zhang Lun , Zhang Wenchao , Wang Xudong
Published: May 2020

Background

Maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma (MSSCC) is a relatively rare head and neck cancer with poorly defined prognosis, and the present study aimed to investigate the outcomes for MSSCC according to different treatments.

Methods

Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital pathology database was reviewed from 2007 to 2017, and 98 patients with pathologically confirmed MSSCC were enrolled. Retrospective analysis and follow-up were performed for each patient. Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors was performed using Cox’s regression model.

Results

For all the 98 cases of MSSCC, the 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 31.0% and 29.3%, respectively. Among 98 patient, 33 patients were treated with systemic treatment (NON-SUR), 19 patients underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy followed by surgery (CT/RT+SUR), 38 patients received surgery followed by chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (SUR+RT/CT), and 8 patients were performed surgery alone (SUR).The OS rate for each group was 27.3%, 57.9%, 30.6% and 37.5%, respectively, while the DFS was 21.2%, 36.8%, 31.6% and 25.0%, respectively. The OS rate of CT/RT+SUR was significantly higher than that of NON-SUR and SUR+CT/RT groups (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that smoking, low differentiation, and advanced T stage were independent risk factors for OS, while low differentiation and advanced N stage for DFS.

Conclusions

Surgery-based treatment is still the first-line therapeutic strategy for MSSCC. And neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery is highly recommended for MSSCC patients, especially those with advanced tumors or requesting high quality of life.
Nomograms to predict 2-year overall survival and advanced schistosomiasis-specific survival after discharge: a competing risk analysis
Authors: Li Guo , Lian Lifei , Huang Shanshan , Miao Jinfeng , Cao Huan , Zuo Chengchao , Liu Xiaoyan , Zhu Zhou
Published: May 2020

Background

The prognosis of patients with advanced schistosomiasis is poor. Pre-existing prognosis studies did not differentiate the causes of the deaths. The objectives were to evaluate the 2-year overall survival (OS) and advanced schistosomiasis-specific survival (ASS) in patients with advanced schistosomiasis after discharge through competing risk analysis and to build predictive nomograms.

Methods

Data was extracted from a previously constructed database from Hubei province. Patients were enrolled from September 2014 to January 2015, with follow up to January 2017. OS and ASS were primary outcome measures. Nomograms for estimating 2-year OS and ASS rates after discharge were established based on univariate and multivariate Cox regression model and Fine and Gray’s model. Their predictive performances were evaluated using C-index and validated in both internal and external validation cohorts.

Results

The training cohort included 1487 patients with advanced schistosomiasis. Two-year mortality rate of the training cohort was 8.27% (123/1487). Competing events accounted for 26.83% (33/123). Older age, splemomegaly clinical classification, abnormal serum DBil, AST, ALP and positive HBsAg were significantly associated with 2-year OS. Older age, splemomegaly clinical classification, abnormal serum AST, ALP and positive HBsAg were significantly associated with 2-year ASS. The established nomograms were well calibrated, and had good discriminative ability, with a C-index of 0.813 (95% CI 0.803–0.823) for 2-year OS prediction and 0.834 (95% CI 0.824–0.844) for 2-year ASS prediction. Their predictive performances were well validated in both internal and external validation cohorts.

Conclusion

The effective predictors of 2-year OS and ASS were discovered through competing risk analysis. The nomograms could be used as convenient predictive tools in clinical practice to guide follow-up and aid accurate prognostic assessment.
High-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation improves functional recovery by inhibiting neurotoxic polarization of astrocytes in ischemic rats
Authors: Hong Ye , Liu Qian , Peng Mengna , Bai Maosheng , Li Juanji , Sun Rui , Guo Hongquan , Xu Pengfei , Xie Yi , Li Yunzi , Liu Ling , Du Juan , Liu Xinfeng , Yang Bin , Xu Gelin
Published: May 2020

Background

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive treatment for ischemic stroke. Astrocytes regulation has been suggested as one mechanism for rTMS effectiveness. But how rTMS regulates astrocytes remains largely undetermined. There were neurotoxic and neuroprotective phenotypes of astrocytes (also denoted as classically and alternatively activated astrocytes or A1 and A2 astrocytes) pertaining to pro- or anti-inflammatory gene expression. Pro-inflammatory or neurotoxic polarized astrocytes were induced during cerebral ischemic stroke. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of rTMS on astrocytic polarization during cerebral ischemic/reperfusion injury.

Methods

Three rTMS protocols were applied to primary astrocytes under normal and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) conditions. Cell survival, proliferation, and phenotypic changes were assessed after 2-day treatment. Astrocytes culture medium (ACM) from control, OGD/R, and OGD/R + rTMS groups were mixed with neuronal medium to culture neurons for 48 h and 7 days, in order to explore the influence on neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity. In vivo, rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and received posterior orbital intravenous injection of ACM collected from different groups at reperfusion, and at 3 days post reperfusion. The apoptosis in the ischemic penumbra, infarct volumes, and the modified Neurological Severity Score (mNSS) were evaluated at 1 week after reperfusion, and cognitive functions were evaluated using the Morris Water Maze (MWM) tests. Finally, the 10 Hz rTMS was directly applied to MCAO rats to verify the rTMS effects on astrocytic polarization.

Results

Among these three frequencies, the 10 Hz protocol exerted the greatest potential to modulate astrocytic polarization after OGD/R injury. Classically activated and A1 markers were significantly inhibited by rTMS treatment. In OGD/R model, the concentration of pro-inflammatory mediator TNF-α decreased from 57.7 to 23.0 рg/mL, while anti-inflammatory mediator IL-10 increased from 99.0 to 555.1 рg/mL in the ACM after rTMS treatment. The ACM collected from rTMS-treated astrocytes significantly alleviated neuronal apoptosis induced by OGD/R injury, and promoted neuronal plasticity. In MCAO rat model, the ACM collected from rTMS treatment decreased neuronal apoptosis and infarct volumes, and improved cognitive functions. The neurotoxic astrocytes were simultaneously inhibited after rTMS treatment.

Conclusion

Inhibition of neurotoxic astrocytic polarization is a potential mechanism for the effectiveness of high-frequency rTMS in cerebral ischemic stroke.
IRE1α inhibition attenuates neuronal pyroptosis via miR-125/NLRP1 pathway in a neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy rat model
Authors: Huang Juan , Lu Weitian , Doycheva Desislava Met , Gamdzyk Marcin , Hu Xiao , Liu Rui , Zhang John H. , Tang Jiping
Published: May 2020

Background

Inhibition of inositol-requiring enzyme-1 alpha (IRE1α), one of the sensor signaling proteins associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, has been shown to alleviate brain injury and improve neurological behavior in a neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) rat model. However, there is no information about the role of IRE1α inhibitor as well as its molecular mechanisms in preventing neuronal pyroptosis induced by NLRP1 (NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing 1) inflammasome. In the present study, we hypothesized that IRE1α can degrade microRNA-125-b-2-3p (miR-125-b-2-3p) and activate NLRP1/caspased-1 pathway, and subsequently promote neuronal pyroptosis in HIE rat model.

Methods

Ten-day old unsexed rat pups were subjected to hypoxia-ischemia (HI) injury, and the inhibitor of IRE1α, STF083010, was administered intranasally at 1 h after HI induction. AntimiR-125 or NLRP1 activation CRISPR was administered by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v) injection at 24 h before HI induction. Immunofluorescence staining, western blot analysis, reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), brain infarct volume measurement, neurological function tests, and Fluoro-Jade C staining were performed.

Results

Endogenous phosphorylated IRE1α (p-IRE1α), NLRP1, cleaved caspase-1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) were increased and miR-125-b-2-3p was decreased in HIE rat model. STF083010 administration significantly upregulated the expression of miR-125-b-2-3p, reduced the infarct volume, improved neurobehavioral outcomes and downregulated the protein expression of NLRP1, cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18. The protective effects of STF083010 were reversed by antimiR-125 or NLRP1 activation CRISPR.

Conclusions

IRE1α inhibitor, STF083010, reduced neuronal pyroptosis at least in part via miR-125/NLRP1/caspase-1 signaling pathway after HI.

Graphical Abstract
Arsenic trioxide ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in C57BL/6 mice by inducing CD4+ T cell apoptosis
Authors: An Ke , Xue Meng-Jiao , Zhong Jia-Ying , Yu Sheng-Nan , Lan Tian-Shu , Qi Zhong-Quan , Xia Jun-Jie
Published: May 2020

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system characterized by severe white matter demyelination. Because of its complex pathogenesis, there is no definite cure for MS. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an ideal animal model for the study of MS. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is an ancient Chinese medicine used for its therapeutic properties with several autoimmune diseases. It is also used to inhibit acute immune rejection due to its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. However, it is unclear whether ATO has a therapeutic effect on EAE, and the underlying mechanisms have not yet been clearly elucidated. In this study, we attempted to assess whether ATO could be used to ameliorate EAE in mice.

Methods

ATO (0.5 mg/kg/day) was administered intraperitoneally to EAE mice 10 days post-immunization for 8 days. On day 22 post-immunization, the spinal cord, spleen, and blood were collected to analyze demyelination, inflammation, microglia activation, and the proportion of CD4+T cells. In vitro, for mechanistic studies, CD4+T cells were sorted from the spleen of naïve C57BL/6 mice and treated with ATO and then used for an apoptosis assay, JC-1 staining, imaging under a transmission electron microscope, and western blotting.

Results

ATO delayed the onset of EAE and alleviated the severity of EAE in mice. Treatment with ATO also attenuated demyelination, alleviated inflammation, reduced microglia activation, and decreased the expression levels of IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in EAE mice. Moreover, the number and proportion of CD4+T cells in the spinal cord, spleen, and peripheral blood were reduced in ATO-treated EAE mice. Finally, ATO induced CD4+T cell apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, the administration of ATO had no adverse effect on the heart, liver, or kidney function, nor did it induce apoptosis in the spinal cord.

Conclusions

Overall, our findings indicated that ATO plays a protective role in the initiation and progression of EAE and has the potential to be a novel drug in the treatment of MS.
Beyond will: the empowerment conditions needed to abandon female genital mutilation in Conakry (Guinea), a focused ethnography
Authors: Doucet Marie-Hélène , Delamou Alexandre , Manet Hawa , Groleau Danielle
Published: May 2020

Background

Female genital mutilation (FGM) can give rise to immediate and long-term health problems for girls/women. Numerous studies have identified the sociocultural determinants of this tradition, but so far, in a national context where FGM is highly practiced, virtually none have focused on people refusing to have their daughters cut. We therefore aimed to understand the sociocultural dynamics underlying the non-practice of FGM in Guinea, a country which has one of the most prevalent rates of this practice in the world. This research explored the demographic and sociocultural profiles of Guineans who do not practice FGM, as well as their non-practice experience in a context of high FGM prevalence and social pressure.

Methods

We used a “focused ethnography” methodology and conducted semi-structured individual interviews with 30 women and men from different generations (young adults, parents, grandparents) living in Conakry, Guinea.

Results

We found that participants 1) do not disclose their non-practicing status in the same way, and 2) have different experiences with social pressure. A typology was created to describe participants as per their various profiles and experiences, which we named as: 1) the “activists”, 2) the “discrete”, 3) the “courageous”, 4) the “strategists”.

Discussion

Wantingto stop practicing FGM is not enough. The main empowering conditions allowing peopleto enact their decisionnot to have their daughters undergo FGM are: benefiting from social support (positive social capital), or being financially independent from the traditional solidarity network (sufficient economic capital). We therefore recommend finding ways to increase women’s/families’ empowerment to enact their decision not to practice FGM, mainly by: 1) providing them with new sources of social support, and 2) supporting them to gain more financial independence, including through schooling and improved access to better-paid employment.

Conclusions

This study was the first to explore the experience of people who do not practice FGM in a context of high FGM prevalence and social pressure. The results and recommendations of this research can inform strategies for FGM abandonment and therefore contribute to improving or developing intervention strategies that promote the health and well-being of girls and women.
Maternal satisfaction towards childbirth Service in Public Health Facilities at Adama town, Ethiopia
Authors: Tadele Meron , Bikila Dereje , Fite Robera Olana , Obsa Mohammed Suleiman
Published: May 2020

Background

Maternal satisfaction towards childbirth service is related to the quality of care. Promotion of patient satisfaction is essential for preventing patient anxiety, promoting treatment adherence, preventing disease, and health promotion. This study was aimed at assessing the satisfaction and associated factors among mothers who visit public health facilities in Adama town for childbirth service.

Methods

An institution based cross-sectional study design was conducted at public health facilities in Adama town from June 01 to June 30, 2018. Four hundred seventy-seven mothers were selected using a systematic random sampling method. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to identify predictors of maternal satisfaction towards childbirth service by consideringp-value less than 0.05.

Results

The study revealed that 357 (74.8%) were satisfied with the services. Factors which showed a significant association with satisfaction were 25–34 age group (AOR; 2.026, 95%CI:1.056,3.887), no formal education (AOR;2.810, 95%CI;1.085,7.278), planned childbirth (AOR; 1.823,95%CI;1.024,3.246), wait time of less than 1 h (AOR;11.620,95%CI;3.619,37.309) and wait time of one to 2 h (AOR;19.620, 95%CI;2.349,68.500).

Conclusion

Three-quarters of the mothers were satisfied with childbirth services. Age, educational status, reason for visit and wait time were found to have a significant association with maternal satisfaction of childbirth services.
A new lower limb portable exoskeleton for gait assistance in neurological patients: a proof of concept study
Authors: Puyuelo-Quintana G. , Cano-de-la-Cuerda R. , Plaza-Flores A. , Garces-Castellote E. , Sanz-Merodio D. , Goñi-Arana A. , Marín-Ojea J. , García-Armada E.
Published: May 2020

Background

Few portable exoskeletons following the assist-as-needed concept have been developed for patients with neurological disorders. Thus, the main objectives of this proof-of-concept study were 1) to explore the safety and feasibility of an exoskeleton for gait rehabilitation in stroke and multiple sclerosis patients, 2) to test different algorithms for gait assistance and measure the resulting gait changes and 3) to evaluate the user’s perception of the device.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted. Five patients were recruited (4 patients with stroke and 1 with multiple sclerosis). A robotic, one-degree-of-freedom, portable lower limb exoskeleton known as the Marsi Active Knee (MAK) was designed. Three control modes (the Zero Force Control mode, Mode 1 and Mode 3) were implemented. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were measured by the 10-m walking test (10MWT), the Gait Assessment and Intervention Tool (G.A.I.T.) and Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (gait subscale) before and after the trials. A modified QUEST 2.0 questionnaire was administered to determine each participant’s opinion about the exoskeleton. The data acquired by the MAK sensors were normalized to a gait cycle, and adverse effects were recorded.

Results

The MAK exoskeleton was used successfully without any adverse effects. Better outcomes were obtained in the 10MWT and G.A.I.T. when Mode 3 was applied compared with not wearing the device at all. In 2 participants, Mode 3 worsened the results. Additionally, Mode 3 seemed to improve the 10MWT and G.A.I.T. outcomes to a greater extent than Mode 1. The overall score for the user perception of the device was 2.8 ± 0.4 95% CI.

Conclusions

The MAK exoskeleton seems to afford positive preliminary results regarding safety, feasibility, and user acceptance. The efficacy of the MAK should be studied in future studies, and more advanced improvements in safety must be implemented.
HSC70 is required for infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) infection in DF-1 cells
Authors: Chen Chunbo , Qin Ying , Qian Kun , Shao Hongxia , Ye Jianqiang , Qin Aijian
Published: May 2020

Background

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is a highly contagious infectious disease that causes severe immunosuppression and damage to the bursa of Fabricius in chickens. Several proteins involved in IBD virus (IBDV) infection, such as surface immunoglobulin M, integrin, annexin A2 and chicken heat shock protein 90, have been identified. However, the main protein that plays key roles in virus infection has not yet been confirmed.

Methods

DF-1 cell line was transfected with the pcDNA-VP2 plasmid and analyzed by immunofluorescence assay. The proteins reacted with VP2 of IBDV in DF-1 cells were pulldown with the monoclonal antibody and identified by mass spectrometry. Heat shock cognate protein 70 (HSC70), one of these proteins, was selected to be investigated in the function in IBDV infection by specific antibody and its inhibitor.

Results

The DF-1 cell line was transfected with the pcDNA-VP2 plasmid, and expression of IBDV VP2 in DF-1 cells was confirmed by immunofluorescence assays. Heat shock cognate protein 70 (HSC70) was one of the proteins identified by coimmunoprecipitation using a monoclonal antibody (2H11) against VP2 and mass spectrometry analysis. IBDV infection in DF-1 cells was strongly inhibited by both an anti-HSC70 antibody and a HSC70 inhibitor (VER155008).

Conclusion

These results suggest that HSC70 may be an essential factor for IBDV infection.
Global Health diplomacy for noncommunicable diseases prevention and control: a systematic review
Authors: Afshari Mahnaz , Ahmadi Teymourlouy Ahmad , Asadi-Lari Mohsen , Maleki Mohammadreza
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are one of the main challenges of healthcare systems around the world. In addition to the technical level, it requires political negotiations and solutions, such as global health diplomacy (GHD), which involves the participation of a wide range of actors and stakeholders and innovative international health partnerships. This review aimed to draw lessons for strengthening linkages with a wide range of actors and stakeholders from the GHD literature for NCDs, and how policymakers and political leaders can effectively use international health partnerships to beat NCDs.

Methods

This research was a systematic review of the literature on GHD for NCDs. All relevant articles published in English were identified by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases, Google and Google Scholar search engines, and the reference lists of identified articles as well as a number of special journals. 30 articles that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed using content analysis in MAXQDA 10. The Global Health Diplomacy Pyramid and Blouin and Dubé’s (2010) analytical framework for examining negotiations were used to classify the data.

Findings

30 articles have been published on GHD for NCDs. Five key themes, i.e. the specific problem requiring global collective action, key actors, their interests in the problem, potential negotiation process, and potential scenarios for collective action and 46 sub-themes were identified. Moreover, given the importance of collaboration on NCDs in the international arena, actors were categorized into three groups based on the GHD Pyramid: (1) core diplomacy, (2) multi-stakeholder diplomacy, and (3) informal diplomacy.

Conclusion

Development and adoption of a global policy to tackle the rise in NCDs in developed and developing countries require policymakers and political leaders that participate in GHD. Successful developments in global health policy depend on the performance of and respectful relationships among the stakeholders, and global health diplomats need to understand the complexities of the institutional structures and functional relationships of the international institutions involved in health.
Effects of six month personalized endurance training on work ability in middle-aged sedentary women: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Stenner Hedwig T. , Eigendorf Julian , Kerling Arno , Kueck Momme , Hanke Alexander A. , Boyen Johanna , Nelius Anne-Katrin , Melk Anette , Boethig Dietmar , Bara Christoph , Hilfiker Andres , Berliner Dominik , Bauersachs Johann , Hilfiker-Kleiner Denise , Eberhard Jörg , Stiesch Meike , Schippert Cordula , Haverich Axel , Tegtbur Uwe , Haufe Sven
Published: May 2020

Background

To test the effects of guided endurance training on work ability in middle-aged female hospital workers of various occupations.

Methods

We randomized 265 healthy, sedentary, middle-aged women (45–65 years) to an endurance training group (EG 210 min/week) or a wait-list control group (CG). At baseline and at 6-month follow-up, we assessed work ability (Work Ability Index [WAI]), physical activity (Freiburger activity questionnaire) and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) by cardiopulmonary exercise testing. To examine the influence of baseline work ability, participants were divided into poor-moderate (WAI 1, 7–36 points, n = 83), good (WAI 2, 37–43 points, n = 136) and excellent (WAI 3, 44–49 points, n = 46) WAI subgroups.

Results

Cardiorespiratory fitness improved significantly after 6 months in the EG but not in the CG. The WAI total score increased significantly in the EG (38.3 ± 5.0 to 39.8 ± 4.9 points) but not in the CG (39.4 ± 4.7 to 39.3 ± 4.9 points), with a significant difference between groups (p < 0.01). In the EG, only the poor-moderate subgroup (WAI 1, 33.0 ± 2.9 to 36.6 ± 4.8 points, p < 0.05) increased the WAI total score, with this increase being significantly higher compared to the good (WAI 2, 40.2 ± 2.1 to, 40.4 ± 3.7 points) and excellent (WAI 3, 45.6 ± 1.5 to 45.7 ± 1.8 points) subgroup.

Conclusions

A 6-month guided exercise training intervention significantly increases cardiorespiratory fitness with concomitant improvements in work ability in middle-aged previously sedentary hospital employees. Women with low baseline work ability seem to particularly benefit from the intervention, which implies that similar interventions may be particularly beneficial for this group of individuals.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trails Register Identifier: DRKS00005159. Registered 25 September 2013.
An economical Nanopore sequencing assay for human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping
Authors: Chan Wai Sing , Chan Tsun Leung , Au Chun Hang , Leung Chin Pang , To Man Yan , Ng Man Kin , Leung Sau Man , Chan May Kwok Mei , Ma Edmond Shiu Kwan , Tang Bone Siu Fai
Published: May 2020

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing has been employed by several European countries to augment cytology-based cervical screening programs. A number of research groups have demonstrated potential utility of next-generation sequencing (NGS) for HPV genotyping, with comparable performance and broader detection spectrum than current gold standards. Nevertheless, most of these NGS platforms may not be the best choice for medium sample throughput and laboratories with less resources and space. In light of this, we developed a Nanopore sequencing assay for HPV genotyping and compared its performance with cobas HPV Test and Roche Linear Array HPV Genotyping Test (LA).

Methods

Two hundred and one cervicovaginal swabs were routinely tested for Papanicolaou smear, cobas HPV Test and LA. Residual DNA was used for Nanopore protocol after routine testing. Briefly, HPV L1 region was amplified using PGMY and MGP primers, and PCR-positive specimens were sequenced on MinION flow cells (R9.4.1). Data generated in first 2 h were aligned with reference sequences from Papillomavirus Episteme database for genotyping.

Results

Nanopore detected 96 HPV-positive (47.76%) and 95 HPV-negative (47.26%) specimens, with 10 lacking β-globin band and not further analyzed (4.98%). Substantial agreement was achieved with cobas HPV Test and LA (κ: 0.83–0.93). In particular, Nanopore appeared to be more sensitive than cobas HPV Test for HPV 52 (n = 7). For LA, Nanopore revealed higher concordance for high-risk (κ: 0.93) than non-high risk types (κ: 0.83), and with similar high-risk positivity in each cytology grading. Nanopore also provided better resolution for HPV 52 in 3 specimens co-infected with HPV 33 or 58, and for HPV 87 which was identified as HPV 84 by LA. Interestingly, Nanopore identified 5 additional HPV types, with an unexpected high incidence of HPV 90 (n = 12) which was reported in North America and Belgium but not in Hong Kong.

Conclusions

We developed a Nanopore workflow for HPV genotyping which was economical (about USD 50.77 per patient specimen for 24-plex runs), and with comparable or better performance than 2 reference methods in the market. Future prospective study with larger sample size is warranted to further evaluate test performance and streamline the protocol.
Genetics of blood malignancies among Iranian population: an overview
Authors: Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid , Zangouei Amir Sadra , Hosseinirad Seyed Mohammad , Mojarrad Majid , Moghbeli Meysam
Published: May 2020

Background

Blood malignancies are among the leading causes of cancer related deaths in the world. Different environmental and genetic risk factors are involved in progression of blood malignancies. It has been shown that the lifestyle changes have affected the epidemiological patterns of these malignancies. Hematologic cancers are the 5th common cancer among Iranian population. It has been observed that there is a rising trend of blood malignancies incidences during the recent decades. Therefore, it is required to design novel diagnostic methods for the early detection of such malignancies in this population.

Main body

In present review we have summarized all of the significant genes which have been reported among Iranian patients with blood malignancies. The reported genes were categorized based on their cell and molecular functions to clarify the molecular biology and genetics of blood malignancies among Iranian patients.

Conclusion

It was observed that the epigenetic and immune response factors were the most frequent molecular processes associated with progression of blood malignancies among Iranian population. This review paves the way of introducing a population based panel of genetic markers for the early detection of blood malignancies in this population.
Clinical parameters predictive for sphincter-preserving surgery and prognostic outcome in patients with locally advanced low rectal cancer
Authors: Partl Richard , Magyar Marton , Hassler Eva , Langsenlehner Tanja , Kapp Karin Sigrid
Published: May 2020

Background

Although controversial, there are data suggesting that clinical parameters can predict the probability of sphincter preserving procedures in rectal cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between clinical parameters and the sphincter-preserving surgery rate in patients who had undergone neoadjuvant combination therapy for advanced low rectal cancer.

Methods

In this single center study, the charts of 540 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who had been treated with induction chemotherapy-and/or neoadjuvant concomitant radiochemotherapy (nRCT) over an 11-year period were reviewed in order to identify patients with rectal cancer ≤6 cm from the anal verge, who had received the prescribed nRCT only. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify pretreatment patient- and tumor associated parameters correlating with sphincter preservation. Survival rates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analyses.

Results

Two hundred eighty of the 540 patients met the selection criteria. Of the 280 patients included in the study, 158 (56.4%) underwent sphincter-preserving surgery. One hundred sixty-four of 280 patients (58.6%) had a downsizing of the primary tumor (ypT < cT) and 39 (23.8%) of these showed a complete histopathological response (ypT0 ypN0). In univariate analysis, age prior to treatment, Karnofsky performance status, clinical T-size, relative lymphocyte value, CRP value, and interval between nRCT and surgery, were significantly associated with sphincter-preserving surgery. In multivariate analysis, age (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.05, CI95%: 1.02–1.09, p = 0.003), relative lymphocyte value (HR = 0.94, CI95%: 0.89–0.99, p = 0.029), and interval between nRCT and surgery (HR = 2.39, CI95%: 1.17–4.88, p = 0.016) remained as independent predictive parameters.

Conclusions

These clinical parameters can be considered in the prognostication of sphincter-preserving surgery in case of low rectal adenocarcinoma. More future research is required in this area.
Effects of ginsenosides on bone remodelling for novel drug applications: a review
Authors: Yang Nan , Liu Dingkun , Zhang Xiao , Li Jianing , Wang Mi , Xu Tongtong , Liu Zhihui
Published: May 2020

Background

Ginsenosides are pharmacologically active compounds that are often extracted from the Panax plant for their medicinal properties. Ginsenosides have multiple effects, including antitumor effects which have been widely studied. In recent years, studies have found that ginsenosides promote proliferation and osteogenesis of osteoblast-related cells, as well as inhibit the activity of osteoclasts.

Main body

We briefly introduces the molecules and BMP, WNT, and RANKL signalling pathways involved in bone formation and bone resorption. Next, recent studies on the mechanism of action of ginsenosides in bone remodelling are reviewed from three perspectives: the effects on proliferation of osteoblast-related cells, effects on osteogenesis and effects on osteoclasts. To expedite the development of drugs containing ginsenosides, we summarize the multiple beneficial roles of various types of ginsenosides in bone remodelling; including the promotion of bone formation, inhibition of bone resorption, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Conclusion

Many ginsenosides can promote bone formation and inhibit bone resorption, such as Rb1, Rb2 and Re. Ginsenosides have the potential to be new drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis, promote fracture healing and are strong candidates for cytokines in the tissue-engineered bone. This review provides a theoretical basis for clinical drug applications and proposes several future directions for exploring the beneficial role of ginseng compounds in bone remodelling.
Growth charts for Thai children with Prader-Willi syndrome aged 0–18 years
Authors: Mongkollarp Nantiya , Tim-Aroon Thipwimol , Okascharoen Chusak , Wichajarn Khunton , Phosuwattanakul Jeeraparn , Chongviriyaphan Nalinee , Wattanasirichaigoon Duangrurdee
Published: May 2020

Background

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a multisystem genetic disorder, which has a typical eating behavior and growth pattern. In the infancy period, children with PWS have low body weight followed by hyperphagia in later childhood. Disease-specific growth charts have been recommended for monitoring PWS patients. Previous literature demonstrated growth differences among individuals with PWS of different ethnicity.

Methods

A retrospective multicenter study was performed in PWS patients from different areas of Thailand included collaboration with the Thai PWS support group during 2000–2017. Baseline characteristics and anthropometric data were reviewed. Both growth hormone and non-growth hormone received patients were included, but the data after receiving GH were excluded before curve construction. Growth charts for Thai PWS compared to the 50th normative centile were constructed using Generalized Least Squares (GLS) methods. Curve smoothing was performed by Fractional Polynomials and Exponential Transformation.

Result

One hundred and thirteen patients with genetically confirmed PWS (55 males and 58 females) were enrolled. Fifty percent of patients were diagnosed less than 6 months of age. We developed growth charts for non-growth hormone treated Thai children with PWS aged between 0 and 18 years. A growth pattern was similar to other ethnicities while there were some differences. Mean birth weight of PWS patients was less than that of typical newborns. Mean adult height at 18 years of age in Thai children with PWS was lower than that in American children, but taller than Japanese. Mean weight of Thai PWS males at 18 years of age was more than those from other countries.

Conclusion

This study is the first to document PWS-specific growth charts in Southeast Asian population. These growth charts will be useful in improving the quality of patient care and in evaluating the impact of growth hormone treatment in the future.
Genotype characteristics and immunological indicator evaluation of 311 hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis cases in China
Authors: Zhang Jia , Sun Yuan , Shi Xiaodong , Zhang Rui , Wang Yini , Xiao Juan , Cao Jing , Gao Zhuo , Wang Jingshi , Wu Lin , Wei Wei , Wang Zhao
Published: May 2020

Background

Primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (pHLH) is a genetic disorder that is classically diagnosed by genetic testing. Secondary HLH (sHLH) is usually caused by infections, malignancies, or autoimmune disorders, but may display some mutations or polymorphisms. Rapid immunological assays examining natural killer (NK) cell activity, degranulation function (CD107a), and protein expression related to genetic deficiencies have been recommended for early pHLH identification.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 311 HLH patients from a Chinese population was performed to evaluate the potential correlations between genetic testing and rapid immunological assays; genotyping characteristics, age of onset, and etiology were examined.

Results

Among the 128 (128/311) patients who were positive in the genetic screening, the most frequently detected mutant gene was UNC13D (29%), followed by LYST (21%), PRF1 (17%), and STXBP2 (10%). Among pHLH patients (n = 39), the majority (67%) had PRF1 and UNC13D defects. FHL-2 was predominant (12/27, 44%) in patients aged under 18, while FHL-3 was the most common (6/12, 50%) in adults. Differences in genetic variant types and etiological components were noted in HLH patients based on the age of onset. NK cell activity and CD107a were observed to show a consistent trend (Ptrend < 0.001) when grouping patients according to the severity of the genetic variant type. Moreover, NK cell activity was generally consistent within a certain range of ΔCD107a values (Ptrend < 0.001). The PPV for bi-allelic degranulation gene mutations in patients with CD107a < 5% was 38.9% (7/18), while the PPV in patients with CD107a ≤10% was 16.7% (13/78). The PPV for pHLH was 41.4% (29/70) with NK cell activity ≤13%. To further evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of NK cell activity assay in pHLH, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated and showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.872, and the optimal cutoff value was determined to be 13.425% with a sensitivity of 84.21% and specificity of 80.67% when the corresponding Youden index was maximized. Flow cytometry screening for deficient proteins, including perforin, SAP, and XIAP, showed a relatively high sensitivity (83.33–93.33%). The positive predictive values (PPVs) of perforin and XIAP were relatively low (20.83–26.92%), but the negative predictive values (NPVs) for all three were excellent (all > 98%).

Conclusions

Various immunological indicators have different clinical prediction and application values for the diagnosis of pHLH. The degree of reduction of immunological indicators also needs attention, and choosing appropriate cutoff value may be of important significance in guiding clinical judgment for pHLH.
High risk genotype distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) according to age groups in Iranian asymptomatic men
Authors: Davarmanesh Mehrdad , Jazayeri Seyed Mohammad , Dezfulian Mehrouz , Gharavi Mohammad Javad
Published: May 2020

Background

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted viruses worldwide. HPV infection in men is a serious clinical issue as they could be considered as a reservoir for inadvertently transmitting infection to women. Moreover, genital HPV infection could be a source for anogenital cancers in men.

Methods

This cross sectional study was conducted from January 2017 to December 2018. Four hundred fifteen asymptomatic men who were visited by specialists, referred to Nilou laboratory in terms of high risk (HR) HPV test testing. HR-HPV genotypes were detected using an approved assay which could discover HPV 16, HPV 18 and a pool of other high risk HPV genotypes as well as 16+ other HR and 18 + other HR (as multiple genotypes). SPSS software was used for statistical analysis.

Results

The mean age was 33 ± 8.14 years. Specimens were referred to the laboratory by urologists, (n = 132, 32%, 95%CI: 25.0–39.4), dermatologists, (n = 104, 25, 95% CI: 19.1–30.9), gynecologists, (n = 75, 18, 95%CI: 13.3–29.3) and other specialists (n = 104, 25, 95% CI:19.1–30.9). The overall prevalence of other HR HPV, HPV16, HPV18 and multiple genotypes were 54.2% (45/83), 25.3% (21/83), 3.6% (3/83) and 16.8% (14/83), respectively. The frequency of HR-HPV, HPV16 and HPV18 genotypes was the highest among 30–40 years old.

Conclusion

The prevalence of HR-HPV infection among Iranian asymptomatic males was relatively high. Investigation on HPV infection in men as reservoir and transmission vehicle of HPV in addition to screening in women will improve the national public health provisions and will contribute to the application of infection control measurements at a national level.
Internalized stigma among patients with mood disorders in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional facility-based study
Authors: Tesfaye Elias , Worku Benyam , Girma Eshetu , Agenagnew Liyew
Published: May 2020

Background

Information on the degree of internalized stigma experienced by patients with mood disorders in Ethiopia is limited. This study attempted to assess the levels of internalized stigma and factors associated with it in patients with mood disorders who were on follow-up as an outpatient in a Psychiatry clinic at Saint Paul’s Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study employed, and a consecutive sampling technique was used to get study participants (235 cases with mood disorders). Internalized stigma of mental illness scale used to assess stigma of study subjects. The collected data were cleaned, checked for completeness, coded and entered into Epi-data version 3.1 data entry software and exported to SPSS version 20 statistical software for analysis. Univariate linear regression analysis was done to see the association between dependent and independent variables at P-value < 0.25 and multivariate linear regression analysis was done to identify predictor variables at P-value < 0.05.

Results

Nearly one-third (31.5%) of the patients had moderate or high levels of internalized stigma, and more than half (54.9%) of the respondents had moderate or high stigma resistance and self-esteem score of (67.2%). About a quarter (27.7%) had moderate to high levels of discrimination experience and a similar proportion (26.4%) had moderate to severe or extreme disability. Females had significantly higher internalized stigma (std. β = .169 with P < 0.01) than men. Adherence to medication was significantly correlated with lower internalized stigma (std. β = − .212 with P < 0.01).

Conclusions

These findings suggested that moderate to high internalized stigma occurred among approximately 1 in 3 people with a mood disorder in the urban city of Ethiopia. So, working on adherence to medication, self-esteem of patients and psycho-education about stigma is crucial to reducing the internalized stigma of people with a mood disorder and special attention should give to female patients.
Advances in the application of gold nanoparticles in bone tissue engineering
Authors: Li Hongru , Pan Su , Xia Peng , Chang Yuxin , Fu Chuan , Kong Weijian , Yu Ziyuan , Wang Kai , Yang Xiaoyu , Qi Zhiping
Published: May 2020

The materials used in bone tissue engineering (BTE) have been advancing with each passing day. With the continuous development of nanomedicine, gold nanoparticles (GNPs), which are easy to be synthesized and functionalized, have attracted increasing attention. Recent years have witnessed this amazing material, i.e., GNPs characterized with large surface area to volume ratio, biocompatibility, medical imaging property, hypotoxicity, translocation into the cells, high reactivity, and other properties, perform distinct functions in BTE. However, the low stability of GNPs in the biotic environment makes them in the requirements of modification or recombination before being used. After being combined with the advantages of other materials, the structures of GNPs have exhibited great potential in stem cells, scaffolds, delivery systems, medical imaging, and other aspects. This review will focus on the advances in the application of GNPs after modification or recombination with other materials to BTE.