bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gains in life expectancy in the Australian population due to reductions in smoking: comparisons between interventions targeting the population versus interventions in a specific high risk group
Authors: Mannan Haider
Published: September 2020

Background

Four decades of population-based tobacco control strategies have contributed to substantial reduction in smoking prevalence in Australia. However, smoking prevalence is still double in socially disadvantaged groups compared to those that are not. But not all tobacco control strategies successfully used in the general population is effective in specific high-risk population groups. Hence, an effective way to reduce smoking in high risk population groups may include targeting them specifically to identify and support smokers to quit. In this backdrop, we examined whether tobacco control interventions at the population-level are more effective in increasing life expectancy among Australians compared to interventions targeting a high risk group or a combination of the two when smoking prevalence is reduced to 10 and 0% respectively.

Methods

Using the risk percentiles approach, analyses were performed separately for men and women using data from various sources such as the 2014–15 National Health Survey linked to death registry, simulated data for high risk groups, and the Australian population and deaths data from the census. Indigenous status was simulated by preferentially assigning those who are indigenous to lower SES quintiles. The age-sex distribution of mental disorder status was simulated using its distribution from 2016 National Drug Strategy Household Survey with 25.9% of mentally ill being assigned to current smoking category and the rest to non-smoking category. The age-sex distribution of prisoners was simulated based on 2014 ABS Prisoners Australia survey with 74% of prisoners being assigned to current smoker category and the rest to non-smoker category. Homelessness status was simulated according to age, sex and indigenous status for 2011 census with all homeless being allocated to the lowest SES category. The age-sex distribution of total cholesterol level was simulated based on 2011–13 Australian Health Survey.

Results

The results showed that the combined approach for reducing smoking is most effective for improving life expectancy of Australians particularly for the socially disadvantaged and mentally ill groups both of which have high fraction of smokers in the population. For those who were mentally ill the gain in ALE due to reduction of smoking to 10% was 0.53 years for males and 0.36 years for females which were around 51 and 42% respectively of the maximal gains in ALE that could be achieved through complete cessation.

Conclusions

Targeting high-risk population groups having substantial fraction of smokers in the population can strongly complement the existing population-based smoking reduction strategies. As population and high risk approaches are both important, the national prevention policies should make judicious use of both to maximize health gain.
Clinical phenotypes and heath-related quality of life of COPD patients in a rural setting in Malaysia – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chai Chee-Shee , Mos Sumastika Bt , Ng Diana-Leh-Ching , Goh Greta-Miranda-Kim-Choo , Su Anselm-Ting , Ibrahim Muhammad Amin B. , Musa Aisya Natasya Bt , Tan Seng-Beng , Pang Yong-Kek , Liam Chong-Kin
Published: September 2020

Background

The Spanish chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) guideline phenotypes patients according to the exacerbation frequency and COPD subtypes. In this study, we compared the patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) according to their COPD phenotypes.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of COPD patients who attended the outpatient clinic of the Serian Divisional Hospital and Bau District Hospital from 23th January 2018 to 22th January 2019. The HRQoL was assessed using modified Medical Research Council (mMRC), COPD Assessment Test (CAT), and St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire for COPD (SGRQ-c).

Results

Of 185 patients, 108 (58.4%) were non-exacerbators (NON-AE), 51 (27.6%) were frequent exacerbators (AE), and the remaining 26 (14.1%) had asthma-COPD overlap (ACO). Of AE patients, 42 (82.4%) had chronic bronchitis and only 9 (17.6%) had emphysema. Of the 185 COPD patients, 65.9% had exposure to biomass fuel and 69.1% were ex- or current smokers.

The scores of mMRC, CAT, and SGRQ-c were significantly different between COPD phenotypes (p <  0.001). There were significantly more patients with mMRC 2–4 among AE (68.6%) (p <  0.001), compared to those with ACO (38.5%) and NON-AE (16.7%). AE patients had significantly higher total CAT (p = 0.003;p <  0.001) and SGRQ-c (bothp <  0.001) scores than those with ACO and NON-AE. Patients with ACO had significantly higher total CAT and SGRQ-c (bothp <  0.001) scores than those with NON-AE.

AE patients had significantly higher score in each item of CAT and component of SGRQ-c compared to those with NON-AE (allp <  0.001), and ACO [(p = 0.003–0.016;p = < 0.001–0.005) except CAT 1, 2 and 7. ACO patients had significantly higher score in each item of CAT and component of SGRQ-c (p = < 0.001–0.040;p <  0.001) except CAT 2 and activity components of SGRQ-c.

Conclusions

The HRQoL of COPD patients was significantly different across different COPD phenotypes. HRQoL was worst in AE, followed by ACO and NON-AE. This study supports phenotyping COPD patients based on their exacerbation frequency and COPD subtypes. The treatment of COPD should be personalised according to these two factors.
Absence of pain in subjects with advanced radiographic knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Son Kyeong Min , Hong Jeong Im , Kim Dong-Hyun , Jang Dae-Gyu , Crema Michel D. , Kim Hyun Ah
Published: September 2020

Background

To investigate the frequency of pain among subjects with advanced radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA) defined as Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grade 4 and clinical features associated with pain.

Methods

Subjects from the Hallym Aging Study (HAS), the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), and the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) were included. Participants were asked knee-specific questions regarding the presence of knee pain. Clinical characteristics associated with the presence of pain were evaluated with multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

The study population consisted of 504, 10,152 and 4796 subjects from HAS, KNHANES, and OAI, respectively. KL grade 4 OA was identified in 9.3, 7.6, and 11.5% of subjects, while pain was absent in 23.5, 31.2, and 5.9% of subjects in KL grade 4 knee OA, respectively. After multivariable analysis, female gender showed a significant association with pain in the KNHANES group, while in the OAI group, younger age did. Advanced knee OA patients without pain did not differ from non-OA subjects in most items of SF-12 in both Korean and OAI subjects. Total WOMAC score was not significantly different between non-OA and advanced knee OA subjects without pain in the OAI.

Conclusions

Our study showed that a considerable number of subjects with KL grade 4 OA did not report pain. In patients whose pain arises from causes other than structural damage of the joint, therapeutic decision based on knee X-ray would lead to suboptimal result. In addition, treatment options focusing solely on cartilage engineering, should be viewed with caution.
Dermatologists’ perceptions of suicidality in dermatological practice: a survey of prevalence estimates and attitudes in Austria
Authors: Pronizius Ekaterina , Voracek Martin
Published: September 2020

Background

Chronic illnesses belong to suicide risk factors. The goal of the current study was to estimate the rate of suicide-related behaviors in patients with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or acne from a third-person perspective (namely, Austrian dermatologists).

Methods

A link to a questionnaire specially developed for this study was emailed to 450 self-employed dermatologists in Austria, from which a total of 45 participated.

Results

Three dermatologists reported more than five patients with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or acne who committed suicide in 2017. Seven doctors treated between 1 and 10 such patients suffering from suicidal ideation. These results are suggestive for a low rate of suicidal ideations in Austrian dermatology ordinations. The majority of dermatologists in the sample (82%) knew that these patients are at higher suicide risk. 60% of participants also believed that it rather would not be a problem for them to recognize suicidal ideation. When facing patients in a suicide crisis, reported intervention steps were: referring them to a specialist in psychiatry, or having a conversation about it. In the sample, most challenging about suicide was lack of time and lack of knowledge. Dermatologists were also interested in cooperating with mental health professionals and in the implementation of new prevention strategies (e.g., suicide-related training programs). Analysis revealed that private specialists, as compared with contract physicians, had fewer patients, but spent more time with them. Yet, these differences did not appear to influence the quality of treatment they provided. Treatment quality was defined as the extent to which doctors tell their patients that additional psychological treatments could be helpful and asking them about their emotional state. Female gender and a professional background in psychology impacted positively on treatment quality.

Conclusions

Possible explanations for the low rate of suicidal ideations reported include the advanced Austrian health care system and dermatologists’ underestimation of the problem. Implications of the study are to promote cooperation between dermatologists and mental health professionals and to address patient suicidality from a first-person perspective (i.e., the patients).
Hydrogen isotopes reveal evidence of migration of Miniopterus schreibersii in Europe
Authors: Wright Patrick G. R. , Newton Jason , Agnelli Paolo , Budinski Ivana , Di Salvo Ivy , Flaquer Carles , Fulco Antonio , Georgiakakis Panagiotis , Martinoli Adriano , Mas Maria , Mazija Mirna , Mucedda Mauro , Papadatou Eleni , Petrov Boyan , Rodrigues Luisa , Mathews Fiona , Russo Danilo
Published: September 2020

Background

The Schreiber’s bat, Miniopterus schreibersii, is adapted to long-distance flight, yet long distance movements have only been recorded sporadically using capture-mark-recapture. In this study, we used the hydrogen isotopic composition of 208 wing and 335 fur specimens from across the species' European range to test the hypothesis that the species migrates over long distances.

Results

After obtaining the hydrogen isotopic composition (δ2H) of each sample, we performed geographic assignment tests by comparing the δ2H of samples with the δ2H of sampling sites. We found that 95 bats out of 325 showed evidence of long-distance movement, based on the analysis of either fur or wing samples. The eastern European part of the species range (Greece, Bulgaria and Serbia) had the highest numbers of bats that had moved. The assignment tests also helped identify possible migratory routes, such as movement between the Alps and the Balkans.

Conclusions

This is the first continental-scale study to provide evidence of migratory behaviour of M. schreibersii throughout its European range. The work highlights the need for further investigation of this behaviour to provide appropriate conservation strategies.
Repurposing existing drugs for COVID-19: an endocrinology perspective
Authors: Cadegiani Flavio A.
Published: September 2020

Background

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a multi-systemic infection caused by the novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), that has become a pandemic. Although its prevailing symptoms include anosmia, ageusia, dry couch, fever, shortness of brief, arthralgia, myalgia, and fatigue, regional and methodological assessments vary, leading to heterogeneous clinical descriptions of COVID-19. Aging, uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and exposure to androgens have been correlated with worse prognosis in COVID-19. Abnormalities in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) and the androgen-driven transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) have been elicited as key modulators of SARS-CoV-2.

Main text

While safe and effective therapies for COVID-19 lack, the current moment of pandemic urges for therapeutic options. Existing drugs should be preferred over novel ones for clinical testing due to four inherent characteristics: 1. Well-established long-term safety profile, known risks and contraindications; 2. More accurate predictions of clinical effects; 3. Familiarity of clinical management; and 4. Affordable costs for public health systems. In the context of the key modulators of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity, endocrine targets have become central as candidates for COVID-19.

The only endocrine or endocrine-related drug class with already existing emerging evidence for COVID-19 is the glucocorticoids, particularly for the use of dexamethasone for severely affected patients. Other drugs that are more likely to present clinical effects despite the lack of specific evidence for COVID-19 include anti-androgens (spironolactone, eplerenone, finasteride and dutasteride), statins, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), ACE inhibitors (ACEi), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), and direct TMPRSS-2 inhibitors (nafamostat and camostat). Several other candidates show less consistent plausibility. In common, except for dexamethasone, all candidates have no evidence for COVID-19, and clinical trials are needed.

Conclusion

While dexamethasone may reduce mortality in severely ill patients with COVID-19, in the absence of evidence of any specific drug for mild-to-moderate COVID-19, researchers should consider testing existing drugs due to their favorable safety, familiarity, and cost profile. However, except for dexamethasone in severe COVID-19, drug treatments for COVID-19 patients must be restricted to clinical research studies until efficacy has been extensively proven, with favorable outcomes in terms of reduction in hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, and death.
Obesity epidemic in urban Tanzania: a public health calamity in an already overwhelmed and fragmented health system
Authors: Pallangyo Pedro , Mkojera Zabella S. , Hemed Naairah R. , Swai Happiness J. , Misidai Nsajigwa , Mgopa Lucy , Bhalia Smita , Millinga Jalack , Mushi Theophil L. , Kabeya Lucia , Omar Aisha , Kaijage Alice , Mulashani Rydiness , Mosha Silvia , Mwapinga Faustina , Janabi Mohamed
Published: September 2020

Background

Worldwide, the epidemiological and demographic transitions have resulted in nutrition shift characterized by an increased consumption of high energy fast food products. In just over 3 decades, overweight and obesity rates have nearly tripled to currently affecting over a third of the global population. Notwithstanding the ever present under-nutrition burden, sub Saharan Africa (SSA) is witnessing a drastic escalation of overweight and obesity. We aimed to explore the prevalence and associated factors for obesity among residents of Dar es Salaam city in Tanzania.

Methods

Participants from this study were recruited in a community screening conducted during the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair. Sociodemographic and clinical data were gathered using a structured questionnaire during enrollment. Dietary habits and anthropometric measurements were assessed using standard methods. All statistical analyses utilized STATA v11.0 software. Pearson Chi square and Student’s T-test were used to compare categorical and continuous variables respectively. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess for factors associated with BMI ≥ 25. All tests were 2-sided and p < 0.05 was used to denote a statistical significance.

Results

A total of 6691 participants were enrolled. The mean age was 43.1 years and males constituted 54.2% of all participants. Over two-thirds of participants were alcohol consumers and 6.9% had a positive smoking history. 88.3% of participants were physically inactive, 4.7% had a history of diabetes mellitus and 18.1% were known to have elevated blood pressure. Overweight and obesity were observed in 34.8 and 32.4% of participants respectively. Among overweight and obese participants, 32.8% had a misperception of having a healthy weight. Age ≥ 40, female gender, a current working status, habitual breakfast skipping, poor water intake, high soft drink consumption, regular fast food intake, low vegetable and fruit consumption, alcohol consumption and hypertension were found to be independent associated factors for obesity.

Conclusion

Amidst the ever present undernutrition in SSA, a significant proportion of participants had excess body weight. Concomitantly, the rates of physical inactivity and unhealthy eating are disproportionately high in Dar es Salaam. In view of this, community-based and multilevel public health strategies to promote and maintain healthy eating and physical activity require an urgent step-up in urban Tanzania.
How can we improve knowledge and perceptions of menstruation? A mixed-methods research study
Authors: Moon Gayoung , Kim Inkyung , Kim Habhin , Choe Suwan , Jeon Soyeon , Cho Jeonghun , Hong Sujeong , Lee Jisan
Published: September 2020

Background

Traditionally, menstrual education has consisted of lectures directed toward women. The objective of this study was to design an innovative menstrual education (ME) program that reflects the needs of both young women and men, and verify its effectiveness.

Methods

A mixed-method design was used to determine the program needs and assess young adults’ knowledge and perceptions of menstruation and menstrual products. Focus group interviews were conducted with 14 young adults, and 150 young adults participated in an online survey. After developing the ME program, 10 young adults participated in a study to verify its effectiveness.

Results

Interview results showed young adults wanted more information about menstrual products. The online survey revealed significant differences in knowledge based on participants’ general characteristics and experience; exposure to menstruation and menstrual products positively impacted knowledge and perception. In addition, the results indicated young adults wanted ME content access via mobile and in-person modalities, designed for both genders, drawing on menstrual experts’ knowledge. Based on these results, a multi-experimental menstrual education (MEME) program was designed and included: hands-on exposure to 60 menstrual products, product demonstrations with a female perineal model, a YouTube video created by the researchers, a true-or-false quiz, and question-and-answer sessions with menstrual experts.

Conclusions

This study clarified the requirements of an innovative menstrual education program. It led to high satisfaction among participants, and improved knowledge and perceptions of menstruation and menstrual products. The online survey showed a correlation between the extent of received ME, and respondents’ perception of menstrual products. This implied that a MEME program could change perceptions when conducted systematically; by extension it could ameliorate menstruation challenges attributed to poverty. Future research could further verify the effectiveness of the MEME program, using a larger sample, and examine its suitability for incorporation into official ME curricula at universities and companies.

Trial registration

This trial was registered in a Clinical Research Information Service in Korea linked with the World Health Organization’s International Clinical Trial Registry Platform (WHO’s ICTRP) (no.KCT0004715), Registered 07 Feb 2020.
Factors associated with receipt of mammogram among caregivers: a comparison with non-caregivers
Authors: Kim Soo Young , Guo Yuqi , Won Chorong , Lee Hee Yun
Published: September 2020

Background

caregiving responsibilities significantly impact females’ decisions on adhering to preventive mammography. The purpose of this study is to examine (1) the levels of mammogram receipt, (2) the role of caregiving factors on the receipt of mammogram in caregiving group, and (3) the role of cancer beliefs on mammogram screening in caregivers and non-caregivers.

Methods

the 2017 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) provides samples of 1228 women aged 40 to 75 years old for this secondary analysis. By using Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, a binomial logistic regression model was used to analyze associations between mammography and socioeconomic factors, caregiving factors, and cancer belief factors.

Results

caregivers who provided more caregiving hours per week (OR = 0.749, 95% CI = 0.564–0.94) and caregivers who had the belief of rather not knowing the likelihood of getting cancer (OR = 0.673, 95% CI = 0.496–0.914) were less likely to use mammogram. However, caregivers who believed cancer is more common than heart disease (OR = 1.490, 95% CI = 1.302–2.151) were more likely to use a mammogram. Non-caregivers who worried about getting cancer (OR = 1.158, 95% CI = 0.793–1.691) were more likely to use mammogram, but non-caregivers who had the belief of rather not know the likelihood of getting cancer (OR = 0.825, 95% CI = 0.713–0.955) were less likely to use mammogram.

Conclusions

to support caregivers’ breast cancer prevention, caregiving-related policies based on caregiving hours should be developed. Particularly, effort to promote breast cancer screening education and care support among older primary caregivers will likely increase their adherence to preventive mammography uptake. The development of targeted cancer prevention interventions on specific cancer beliefs held by both groups are also urgently needed to promote mammography.
Barriers to obtaining reliable results from evaluations of teaching quality in undergraduate medical education
Authors: Zhang Zemiao , Wu Qi , Zhang Xinping , Xiong Juyang , Zhang Lan , Le Hong
Published: September 2020

Background

Medical education is characterized by numerous features that are different from other higher education programmes, and evaluations of teaching quality are an integral part of medical education. Although scholars have made extensive efforts to enhance the quality of teaching, various issues unrelated to teaching that interfere with the accuracy of evaluation results remain. The purpose of this study is to identify the barriers that prevent objective and reliable results from being obtained during the evaluation process.

Methods

This study used mixed methods (3 data sources) to collect opinions from different stakeholders. Based on purposive sampling, 16 experts familiar with teaching management and 12 s- and third-year students were invited to participate in interviews and discussions, respectively. Additionally, based on systematic random sampling, 74 teachers were invited to complete a questionnaire survey. All qualitative data were imported into NVivo software and analysed using thematic analysis in chronological order and based on grounded theory. Statistical analyses of the questionnaire results were conducted using SPSS software.

Results

Sixty-nine valid questionnaires (93.24%) were recovered. A total of 29 open codes were extracted, and 14 axial codes were summarized and divided into four selective codes: evaluation preparation, the index system, the operation process, and the consequences of evaluation. The main barriers to obtaining reliable evaluation results included inadequate attention, unreasonable weighting, poor teaching facilities, an index without pertinence and appropriate descriptions, bad time-points, incomplete information on the system, lagged feedback, and disappointing result application. Almost all participants suggested lowering the weight of students as subjects, with a weight of 50–60% being appropriate. Students showed dissatisfaction with evaluation software, and the participants disagreed over the definition of good teaching and the management of student attendance.

Conclusions

This study reveals the difficulties and problems in current evaluations of teaching in medical education. Collecting data from multiple stakeholders helps in better understanding the evaluation process. Educators need to be aware of various issues that may affect the final results when designing the evaluation system and interpreting the results. More research on solutions to these problems and the development of a reasonable evaluation system is warranted.
The role of 3D printed models in the teaching of human anatomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ye Zhen , Dun Aishe , Jiang Hanming , Nie Cuifang , Zhao Shulian , Wang Tao , Zhai Jing
Published: September 2020

Background

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an emerging technology widely used in medical education. However, its role in the teaching of human anatomy needs further evaluation.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, EBSCO, SpringerLink, and Nature databases were searched systematically for studies published from January 2011 to April 2020 in the English language. GRADEprofiler software was used to evaluate the quality of literature. In this study, a meta-analysis of continuous and binary data was conducted. Both descriptive and statistical analyses were used.

Results

Comparing the post-training tests in neuroanatomy, cardiac anatomy, and abdominal anatomy, the standardized mean difference (SMD) of the 3D group and the conventional group were 1.27, 0.37, and 2.01, respectively (p < 0.05). For 3D vs. cadaver and 3D vs. 2D, the SMD were 0.69 and 1.05, respectively (p < 0.05). For answering time, the SMD of the 3D group vs. conventional group was – 0.61 (P < 0.05). For 3D print usefulness, RR = 2.29(P < 0.05). Five of the six studies showed that satisfaction of the 3D group was higher than that of the conventional group. Two studies showed that accuracy of answering questions in the 3D group was higher than that in the conventional group.

Conclusions

Compared with students in the conventional group, those in the 3D printing group had advantages in accuracy and answering time. In the test of anatomical knowledge, the test results of students in the 3D group were not inferior (higher or equal) to those in the conventional group. The post-training test results of the 3D group were higher than those in the cadaver or 2D group. More students in the 3D printing group were satisfied with their learning compared with the conventional group. The results could be influenced by the quality of the randomized controlled trials. In a framework of ethical rigor, the application of the 3D printing model in human anatomy teaching is expected to grow further.
“If you are on duty, you may be afraid to come out to attend to a person”: fear of crime and security challenges in maternal acute care in Nigeria from a realist perspective
Authors: Etiaba Enyi , Manzano Ana , Agbawodikeizu Uju , Ogu Udochukwu , Ebenso Bassey , Uzochukwu Benjamin , Onwujekwe Obinna , Ezumah Nkoli , Mirzoev Tolib
Published: September 2020

Background

Maternal and Child Health is a global priority. Access and utilization of facility-based health services remain a challenge in low and middle-income countries. Evidence on barriers to providing and accessing services omits information on the role of security within facilities. This paper explores the role of security in the provision and use of maternal health services in primary healthcare facilities in Nigeria.

Methods

Study was carried out in Anambra state, Nigeria. Qualitative data were initially collected from 35 in-depth interviews and 24 focus groups with purposively identified key informants. Information gathered was used to build a programme theory that was tested with another round of interviews (17) and focus group (4) discussions. Data analysis and reporting were based on the Context-Mechanism-Outcome heuristic of Realist Evaluation methodology.

Results

The presence of a male security guard in the facility was the most important security factor that facilitated provision and uptake of services. Others include perimeter fencing, lighting and staff accommodation. Lack of these components constrained provision and use of services, by impacting on behaviour of staff and patients. Security concerns of facility staff who did not feel safe to let in people into unguarded facilities, mirrored those of pregnant women who did not utilize health facilities because of fear of not being let in and attended to by facility staff.

Conclusion

Health facility security should be key consideration in programme planning, to avert staff and women’s fear of crime which currently constrains provision and use of maternal healthcare at health facilities.
The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in Slovakia and in Finland: one law, two different practices?
Authors: Pavlikova Barbara , van Dijk Jitse P.
Published: September 2020

Background

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) was ratified in 2004 in Slovakia and in 2005 in Finland. The aim of this study was to compare the implementation of the FCTC in the national laws and policies regarding smoking in Finland and Slovakia.

Methods

In this case study the following areas are compared: the legal framework; the monitoring system and health promotion; treatment; and policies aimed at reducing tobacco consumption. We report on these in this order after a short historical introduction.

Results

The legal frameworks are similar in Slovakia and in Finland. Finland far exceeds the minimum legal requirements. Slovakian regulations reflect the FCTC requirements; however, social tolerance is very high. In Finland the monitoring system and health promotion are aimed more at tobacco consumption. Slovakia does not follow the surveillance plans recommended by WHO so strictly; often there are no current data available. No additional documents regarding the FCTC have been adopted in Slovakia. The financial contribution to treatment is very low. Slovakian tobacco control policy is more focused on repression than on prevention, in contrast to Finland. Smoking bans meet European standards. Excise duties rise regularly in both countries.

Conclusion

Implementation of the FCTC is at different levels in the compared countries. Finland has a clear plan for achieving the goal of a smoking-free country. Slovakia meets only the minimum standard required for fulfillment of its international obligations. Its policy should become more transparent by making more up-to-date data available.
Diagnostic reliability of clinical signs in cows with traumatic reticuloperitonitis and abomasal ulcers
Authors: Braun Ueli , Nuss Karl , Warislohner Sonja , Reif Christina , Oschlies Carina , Gerspach Christian
Published: September 2020

Background

Clinical signs of traumatic reticuloperitonitis and abomasal ulcer are often similar making the disorders difficult to differentiate. The goal of our study was to compare the frequency of individual clinical signs of cows with traumatic reticuloperitonitis and cows with abomasal ulcers and determine their diagnostic significance. The frequency of the findings “rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, demeanour, signs of colic, arched back, abdominal guarding, bruxism, scleral vessels, rumen motility, foreign body tests, percussion auscultation, swinging auscultation and faecal colour” of cows with traumatic reticuloperitonitis (TRP, n = 503) and cows with type 1 (U1, n = 94), type 2 (U2, n = 145), type 3 (U3, n = 60), type 4 (U4, n = 87) and type 5 (U5, n = 14) abomasal ulcer were compared, and the reliability indices “diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, positive and negative predictive values and positive likelihood ratio” were calculated. A total of 182 healthy cows served as controls (control group).

Results

None of the cows in the control group had colic, rumen atony or melena, 99% had no abnormalities in demeanor and appetite and did not have a rectal temperature of ≤38.6 or >  40.0 °C, a heart rate >  100 bpm or a respiratory rate >  55 breaths per min, and 95% did not have an arched back or bruxism. The control group was therefore ideal for comparative purposes. Many signs such as mild increase in rectal temperature, scleral congestion and positive foreign body test were non-diagnostic because they occurred in healthy as well as in ill cows. Likewise, differentiation of cows with TRP and abomasal ulcer was not possible based on single clinical variables; a detailed history and a comprehensive assessment of all clinical findings were required for this.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study serve as a guide for the veterinarian in the differentiation of cows with traumatic reticuloperitonitis and abomasal ulcer.
Phenotypic variability and population structure analysis of Tanzanian free-range local chickens
Authors: Mushi James R. , Chiwanga Gaspar H. , Amuzu-Aweh Esinam N. , Walugembe Muhammed , Max Robert A. , Lamont Susan J. , Kelly Terra R. , Mollel Esther L. , Msoffe Peter L. , Dekkers Jack , Gallardo Rodrigo , Zhou Huaijun , Muhairwa Amandus P.
Published: September 2020

Background

Free-range local chickens (FRLC) farming is an important activity in Tanzania, however, they have not been well-characterized. This study aimed to phenotypically characterize three Tanzanian FRLCs and to determine their population structure. A total of 389 mature breeder chickens (324 females and 65 males) from three popular Tanzanian FRLC ecotypes (Kuchi, Morogoro-medium and Ching’wekwe) were used for the phenotypic characterization. Progenies of these chickens were utilized to assess population structure. The ecotypes were collected from four geographical zones across Tanzania: Lake, Central, Northern and Coastal zones. Body weights and linear measurements were obtained from the mature breeders, including body, neck, shanks, wingspan, chest girth, and shank girth. Descriptive statistics were utilized to characterize the chickens. Correlations between the linear measurements and differences among the means of measured linear traits between ecotypes and between sexes were assessed. A total of 1399 progeny chicks were genotyped using a chicken 600 K high density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel for determination of population structure.

Results

The means for most traits were significantly higher in Kuchi relative to Ching’wekwe and Morogoro-medium. However, shank length and shank girth were similar between Kuchi and Morogoro-medium females. All traits were correlated with the exception of shank girth in Morogoro-medium. Admixture analyses revealed that Morogoro-medium and Ching’wekwe clustered together as one population, separate from Kuchi.

Conclusions

Phenotypic traits could be used to characterize FRLCs, however, there were variations in traits among individuals within ecotypes; therefore, complementary genomic methods should be considered to improve the characterization for selective breeding.
Epidemiological characterization of Mycobacterium caprae strains isolated from wildlife in the Bieszczady Mountains, on the border of Southeast Poland
Authors: Orłowska Blanka , Krajewska-Wędzina Monika , Augustynowicz-Kopeć Ewa , Kozińska Monika , Brzezińska Sylwia , Zabost Anna , Didkowska Anna , Welz Mirosław , Kaczor Stanisław , Żmuda Piotr , Anusz Krzysztof
Published: September 2020

Background

The majority of animal tuberculosis (TB) cases reported in wildlife in Poland over the past 20 years have concerned the European bison inhabiting the Bieszczady Mountains in Southeast Poland: an area running along the border of Southeast Poland. As no TB cases have been reported in domestic animals in this region since 2005, any occurrence of TB in the free-living animals inhabiting this area might pose a real threat to local livestock and result in the loss of disease-free status. The aim of the study was to describe the occurrence of tuberculosis in the wildlife of the Bieszczady Mountains and determine the microbiological and molecular characteristics of any cultured strains. Lymph node samples were collected for analysis from 274 free-living animals, including European bison, red foxes, badgers, red deer, wild boar and roe deer between 2011 and 2017. Löwenstein–Jensen and Stonebrink media were used for culture. Molecular identification of strains was performed based on hsp65 sequence analysis, the GenoType®MTBC (Hain Lifescience, Germany) test, spoligotyping and MIRU-VNTR analysis.

Results

Mycobacterium caprae was isolated from the lymph nodes of 21 out of 55 wild boar (38.2%; CI 95%: 26.5%, 51.4%) and one roe deer. Since 2014, no new TB cases have been reported in the Bieszczady European bison population.

Conclusions

The identification of TB in wild boar in the Bieszczady is an alarming phenomenon, which requires further investigation. The Bieszczady mountains are a precious, unique area, home to many protected species. However, it is also the only area in Poland where TB cases have been reported in free-living animals. The occurrence of TB in wild boar inhabiting this area might pose a real threat to local livestock and many of the protected species (for example European bison that can share feeding places with wild boar). Given this situation, ongoing monitoring of the prevalence of TB should be conducted, and protective measures should be considered.
Influence of bacterial organic selenium on blood parameters, immune response, selenium retention and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens
Authors: Dalia A. M. , Loh T. C. , Sazili A. Q. , Samsudin A. A.
Published: September 2020

Background

Several studies indicated that dietary organic selenium (Se) usually absorbed better than an inorganic source, with high retention and bioavailability. Dietary Se as an antioxidant element affects the immune system and hematological status in animals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of bacterial selenium as an organic source on hematology, immunity response, selenium retention, and gut morphology in broiler chickens.

Results

The present results revealed that supplementation of inorganic Se was associated with the lowest level of RBC, HB, and PCV with significant difference than ADS18-Se. In the starter stage, both T2 and T5 were associated with the significantly highest IgG level compared to the basal diet, while all supplemented groups showed higher IgM levels compared to the control group. In the finisher phase, all Se supplemented groups showed significant (P ˂ 0.05) increases in IgG, IgA, and IgM levels compared to T1. Birds fed bacterial-Se showed high intestinal villus height and better Se retention more than sodium selenite. The organic selenium of ADS18 had a superior action in improving Se retention compared to ADS1 and ADS2 bacterial Se.

Conclusions

Bacterial organic Se had a beneficial effect on the villus height of small intestine led to high Se absorption and retention. Thus, it caused a better effect of Se on hematological parameters and immunity response.
Exposure-weighted scoring for metabolic syndrome and the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Lee Eun Young , Han Kyungdo , Kim Da Hye , Park Yong-Moon , Kwon Hyuk-Sang , Yoon Kun-Ho , Kim Mee Kyoung , Lee Seung-Hwan
Published: September 2020

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) status changes over time, but few studies have investigated the relationship between the extent or duration of exposure to MetS and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We investigated the cumulative effects of MetS and its components on the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke.

Methods

From the Korean National Health Insurance database, 2,644,851 people who received annual health examinations from 2010 to 2013 were recruited. Exposure-weighted scores for MetS during this 4-year period were calculated in two ways: cumulative number of MetS diagnoses (MetS exposure score, range: 0–4) and the composite of its five components (MetS component exposure score, range: 0–20). The multivariable Cox proportional-hazards model was used to assess CVD risk according to the exposure-weighted scores for MetS.

Results

MetS was identified at least once in 37.6% and persistent MetS in 8.2% of subjects. During the follow-up (median, 4.4 years), 10,522 cases of MI (0.4%) and 10,524 cases of stoke (0.4%) occurred. The risk of MI and stroke increased gradually with increasing exposure scores of MetS and its components (each P for trend < 0.0001). The hazard ratio [(HR) (95% CI)] of MI and stroke were 5.27 (4.20–6.62) and 3.90 (3.09–4.93), respectively, in those with a score of 20 compared with those with a MetS component exposure score of 0. People fulfilling only two MetS components out of 20 already had 22% increased risk of MI, and those with three MetS components had 24% increased risk of stroke. These associations were consistent in the subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

A dose–response relationship between the cumulative exposure to metabolic disturbances and incident MI or stroke was evident. Even minimal exposure to MetS components was sufficient to increase the risk of CVD significantly, highlighting the importance of intensive risk management for the prevention of CVD.
Heterogeneity of antidiabetic treatment effect on the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: D’Andrea Elvira , Kesselheim Aaron S. , Franklin Jessica M. , Jung Emily H. , Hey Spencer Phillips , Patorno Elisabetta
Published: September 2020

Background

We explored whether clinically relevant baseline characteristics of patients with type 2 diabetes can modify the effect of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) or sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) on the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Methods

We investigated Medline and EMBASE through June 2019. We included randomized clinical trials reporting the effect of GLP-1 RA or SGLT-2i on MACE in subgroups of patients with type 2 diabetes, identified through key baseline factors: established cardiovascular disease; heart failure; chronic kidney disease; uncontrolled diabetes; duration of diabetes; hypertension; obesity; age; gender and race. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from trials were meta-analyzed using random-effects models.

Results

Ten trials enrolling 89,790 patients were included in the analyses. Subgroup meta-analyses showed a 14% risk reduction of MACE in patients with established cardiovascular disease [GLP1-RA: HR, 0.86 (95% CI, 0.80–0.93); SGLT-2i: 0.86 (0.80–0.93)], and no effect in at-risk patients without history of cardiovascular events [GLP1-RA: 0.94 (0.82–1.07); SGLT-2i: 1.00 (0.87–1.16)]. We observed a trend toward larger treatment benefits with SGLT-2i among patients with chronic kidney disease [0.82 (0.69–0.97)], and patients with uncontrolled diabetes for both GLP1-RA or SGLT-2i [GLP1-RA: 0.82 (0.71–0.95); SGLT-2i: 0.84 (0.75–0.95)]. Uncontrolled hypertension, obesity, gender, age and race did not appear to modify the effect of these drugs.

Conclusions

In this exploratory analysis, history of cardiovascular disease appeared to modify the treatment effect of SGLT2i or GLP1-RA on MACE. Chronic kidney disease and uncontrolled diabetes should be further investigated as potential effect modifiers.
MicroRNA-585 inhibits human glioma cell proliferation by directly targeting MDM2
Authors: Chen Wangsheng , Hong Lan , Hou Changlong , Wang Yibin , Wang Fei , Zhang Jianhua
Published: September 2020

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators for cancer cell proliferation. miR-585 has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of several types of cancer, however, little is known about its role in human glioma cells.

Methods

miR-585 levels in human glioma clinical samples and cell lines were examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. Cell proliferation was measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and EdU incorporation assays in vitro. For in vivo investigations, U251 cells were intracranially inoculated in BALB/c nude mice and xenografted tumors were visualized by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results

miR-585 expression is downregulated in human glioma tissues and cell lines compared with non-cancerous counterparts. Additionally, miR-585 overexpression inhibits and its knockdown promotes human glioma cell proliferation in vitro. Moreover, miR-585 overexpression also inhibits the growth of glioma xenografts in vivo, suggesting that miR-585 may act as a tumor suppressor to inhibit the proliferation of human glioma. Furthermore, miR-585 directly targets and decreases the expression of oncoprotein murine double minute 2 (MDM2). More importantly, the restoration of MDM2 via enforced overexpression markedly rescues miR-585 inhibitory effect on human glioma cell proliferation, thus demonstrating that targeting MDM2 is a critical mechanism by which miR-585 inhibits human glioma cell proliferation.

Conclusions

Our study unveils the anti-proliferative role of miR-585 in human glioma cells, and also implicates its potential application in clinical therapy.
Promotion of BZW2 by LINC00174 through miR-4500 inhibition enhances proliferation and apoptosis evasion in laryngeal papilloma
Authors: Liu Jiajia , Yang Tao , Zhang Ying , Wang Shuhui
Published: September 2020

Background

We aimed to explore the roles of basic leucine zipper and W2 domains (BZW) 2 in the human papillomavirus-infected laryngeal papillomatosis.

Methods

In the present study, BZW 2 knockdown and overexpressed cell lines were constructed. CCK-8 and colony formation assays were used to determine cell proliferation. Caspase-3 activity and nucleosomes fragmentation assays were used to determine cell apoptosis. qRT-PCR and Western blot were employed to evaluate the mRNA and protein levels of target genes, respectively. Luciferase and biotin-coupled miRNA pulldown assays were used to examine the interactions between mRNA and mRNA.

Results

We observed the levels of BZW2 were up-regulated in the laryngeal papilloma (LP) tissues as compared with adjacent tissues. The knockdown of BZW2 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis in the LP cells. Additionally, we identified the expressions of BZW2 negatively regulated by miR-4500. Luciferase and biotin-coupled miRNA pulldown assays demonstrated that LINC00174 competed with the BZW2 for binding with miR-4500. Moreover, the results showed that LINC00174/miR-4500/BZW2 axis regulated cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that the regulation of LINC00174/miR-4500/BZW2 axis might be used as an effective strategy for treatment of human papillomavirus-infected laryngeal papillomatosis.