bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Vitamin D Concentration with Subjective Health Complaints in Children and Adolescents: The CASPIAN-V Study
Authors: Namazi Nazli , Qorbani Mostafa , Shafiee Gita , Ahmadian Mohammad Hossein , Motlagh Mohammad Esmail , Ebrahimi Mehdi , Asayesh Hamid , Kelishadi Roya , Heshmat Ramin
Published: August 2020

Background: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is recognized as a pandemic across the world. Identification, any association between VDD and subjective health complaints (SHC), can be helpful to realize critical mechanisms and improve psychological and somatic symptoms. However, studies are limited. The purpose of the present study was to examine the associations between VDD and SHC in children and adolescents. Study design: cross-sectional studyMethods: In this national study, 2594 Iranian children and adolescents aged 8 to 18 years were included. Data on SHC, anthropometric indices, physical activity, and serum levels of vitamin D were collected. Logistic regression models (crude, adjusted) were applied to examine any links between VDD and SHC. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA software version 11. P-values< 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.Results: Among SHC, irritability (40.9%) and feeling anxiety (33.7%) were the most prevalent ones. Multiple complaints in students with VDD was 2.5 times greater than those with sufficient vitamin D concentrations (p<0.001). Compare to the reference group, the strongest association was found between vitamin D status and difficulties in getting to sleep (OR: 2.5, 95%CI: 1.18, 3.53, p<0.001).Conclusion: Serum levels of vitamin D in approximately 70% of Iranian children and adolescents were lower than 30 ng/mL. However, no significant differences were found between gender groups. In addition, there were significant associations between vitamin D status and the most somatic and psychological symptoms, particularly for getting to sleep. It seems national interventional programs for vitamin D supplementation or food fortifications can be helpful.
Markedly Increased Small Dense Low-Density Lipoprotein During Acute Phase in Childhood and Adolescent Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Sugimoto Keisuke , Miyazaki Kohei , Enya Takuji , Miyazawa Tomoki , Morimoto Yuichi , Ohshima Rina , Takemura Tsukasa , Okada Mitsuru
Published: August 2020

Background: Hyperlipidemia is an important characteristic feature of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (NS) in children. This study was conducted to examine the lipid profiles, including small dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL-C), in childhood-onset NS.Methods: This retrospective study enrolled patients diagnosed with initial-onset NS in childhood and adolescence. Study parameters included lipid profiles. The “alternative LDL window” comprises the number and sizes of LDL particles estimated according to non-HDL-C and TG levels.Results: A total of 39 patients were enrolled who exhibited markedly increased lipid abnormalities, including TC, TG, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C levels (TC, 409.7 TC, TG, and sizes of LDL particles estimated as non-HDL-C, 332.3). Of the 39 patients, 32 (82%) were categorized in the area of hyper-TG/-non-HDL levels, which is considered as sdLDL. A positive correlation was found between non-HDL-C and TC (r = 0.96, P < 0.001), TG (r = 0.38, P = 0.018), LDL-C (r = 0.84, P < 0.001), TC/HDL (r = 0.53, P < 0.001), and atherogenic index of plasma (r = 0.42, P = 0.008).Conclusions: Our study demonstrated markedly increased lipid profiles during the acute phase of NS. Evaluation of lipid profiles using the “alternative LDL window” may help understand the state of hyperlipidemia in NS.
Understanding the Impact of Public Health Advice on Paediatric Healthcare Use During COVID-19: A Cross-sectional Survey of Parents
Authors: Nicholson Emma , McDonnell Thérése , Conlon Ciara , Barrett Michael , Cummins Fergal , Hensey Conor , McAuliffe Eilish
Published: August 2020

Background Hospital avoidance during the COVID-19 pandemic has been reported with a significant decrease in attendance at emergency departments among paediatric populations with potential increased morbidity and mortality outcomes. The present study sought to understand parents’ experiences of healthcare during the initial public health stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods A cross-sectional survey of parents of children under the age of 16 (N = 1044). The survey collected demographic information to profile parents and children, capture relevant health information such as pre-existing conditions and/or chronic illness or disability, and health service usage during the pandemic. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and regression analyses were used to determine the factors that influenced avoidance and hesitancy. Results23% of parents stated that they were much more hesitant to access health services upon implementation of the initial public health restrictions. Parents with a higher perception of risk of their children contracting COVID-19 (χ2 (3) =33.8618, p< 0.000), and stronger levels of concern regarding the effects of COVID-19 (χ2 (3) =23.9189, p< 0.000) were more likely to be hesitant. Stress also appeared to be a factor in hesitancy with higher than normal stress levels significantly associated with hesitancy (RRR= 2.31, CI: 1.54 - 3.47), while those with severe/extremely severe stress were over three times more likely to be hesitant (RRR:3.37, CI:1.81 - 6.27). Approximately one third of the sample required healthcare for their children during the public health restrictions to delay the spread of COVID-19, however, one in five of these parents avoided accessing such healthcare when needed. Of those that required healthcare, parents who avoided were more likely to report that the services were needed more by others (χ2 (1) 20.3470, p<0.000). Those who felt that the government advice was to stay away from health services were 1.7 times more likely to be much more hesitant (RRR:1.71, CI; 1.10 – 2.67).ConclusionThe misinterpretation of government public health advice, stress and the perception of risk each contributed to parental avoidance of or hesitancy to utilize healthcare services during the public health measures imposed to combat COVID-19.
Metformin May Block the Way Breast Cancer Metastasis: A Meta-analysis and Mechanism Review
Authors: Yang Ming , Wang Yueyuan , Zhang Zhihao , Peng Jingyu , Xie Xiao , Wei Xue
Published: August 2020

Background

Metformin, which is cheap and easy to get, is a first-line anti-hyperglycemia drug. Recently, its anti-tumor effect has been revealed. Here we performed a meta-analysis to summarize previous studies and a narrative review to gather the mechanisms involved in the potential relationship.
Methods

We searched related articles in database of Pubmed, EMbase, Web of science, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the Wanfang and Sinomed and obtained 8 clinic trials that investigated the connection between metformin and breast cancer metastasis, containing 2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 6 retrospective cohort studies. We evaluated each retrospective cohort study by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), while RCT by Chcorane Risk of Bias tool. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs), risk ratios (RRs) and we calculated associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with a random-effect, generic inverse variance method. We also collected the possible mechanisms of cancer metastasis inhibition from metformin.
Results

A total of 8 studies containing 13919 breast cancer patients without distant metastasis before they got anticancer treatment. The result showed that adjuvant metformin in treatment of local breast cancer facilitated to suppress metastasis (HR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.57–0.82, p < 0.0001, I2 = 0%), and the result was consistent with the subgroup of breast cancer patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (HR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.57–0.82, p < 0.0001, I2 = 0%).
Conclusion

The meta-analysis suggested metformin might repress the metastasis and be benefit to distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) when added to systemic breast cancer therapy, supporting anti-tumor effects of metformin on breast cancer.
Treatment of COVID-19 patients suspected with gut microbiota dysbiosis with washed microbiota transplantation: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: He Xing-Xiang , Wu Li-Hao , Ye Zhi-Ning , Peng Ping , Xie Wen-Rui , Xu Jia-Ting , Zhang Xue-Yuan , Xia Harry Hua-Xiang
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is often accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms, which is related to gut microbiota dysbiosis (GMD). Whether washed microbiota transplantation (WMT) is effective in COVID-19 patients suspected with GMD by restoring gut microbiota is unknown. This study is designed to explore the efficacy and safety of WMT in COVID-19 patients suspected with GMD.METHODS: COVID-19 patients suspected with GMD will be randomly divided to receive routine treatment (group A) or receive routine treatment and WMT (group B). The frequency of WMT will be once a day for three consecutive days. Nucleic acid test, imaging examination, and tests related to organ functions, homeostasis, inflammatory response, intestinal barrier function and immunity will be performed at admission, 1, and 2 weeks after treatment and on the day of discharge. The clinical efficacy and safety of WMT in COVD-19 suspected with GMD and the effects of WMT on the organ function, homeostasis, inflammatory response, intestinal barrier function and immunity of the patients will be evaluated. The primary outcome will be the clinical efficacy, as reflected by the SARS-Cov-2 infection status, gastrointestinal symptoms and the recovery of the disease. The secondary outcomes will be the effects of WMT on the organ function, homeostasis, inflammatory response, intestinal barrier function and immunity of the patients, as well as occurrence of adverse events during WMT.DISCUSSION: In the proposed protocol, WMT is expected to be efficacious and safe for the treatment of COVID-19 patients suspected with GMD, and the therapeutic effect is expected to be associated with the improvement of intestinal barrier function, inflammatory response and immunity. Findings from this study may open up a new way for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 suspected with GMD.TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry – URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx. Registration number: ChiCTR2000032737. Registered 9 May 2020.
Differences of Retinal Nerve Fibre Distributions Between High Myopes and Emmetropes – A Population Based Study
Authors: Wong Ka Wai Jasper , Abdullah Bukhari Mohammad , Lai Jimmy Shiu Ming , Wong Ian Yat Hin
Published: August 2020

Background
Diagnosing glaucoma in patients with high myopia is still a challenge despite the rapid develop of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the past 2 decades. One of the reasons was the different geographic anatomies of the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) among the high myopes and the emmetropes. This often resulted in errors when RNFL thicknesses were analysed. As diagnosis of glaucoma relied on the detection of focal RNFL thinning in OCT, this could lead to wrong diagnosis. This study aimed to compare the distributions of superotemporal and inferotemporal retinal nerve fibre bundles among these 2 groups of population.
Methods
Retrospective case-control study. Myopic group comprised subjects with a spherical equivalent of ≤-6D and axial length ≥ 26 mm, whereas non-myopic control group consisted of subjects with a spherical equivalent of 0 ± 0.5D and axial length 24 ± 0.5 mm. Cirumpapillary OCT images were retrieved from all subjects and the distances between the peaks of the 2 retinal nerve fibre bundles was measured.
Results
One-hundred-thirty-four highly myopic eyes from 74 subjects were included in the myopic group and 188 non-myopic eyes from 94 subjects were recruited as control group. The mean inter-peak distance of the myopic group 8.89 ± 1.00 mm and that of the non-myopic group was 6.81 ± 0.61 mm. The mean inter-peak distance was significantly larger in the myopic group (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions
Retinal nerve fibres arranged differently in high myopes with a tendency of more temporally arranged superotemporal and inferotemporal retinal nerve fibre bundles. Direct comparison of RNFL thickness with built-in normative database made by most of the OCT machines might lead to false positive diagnoses of glaucoma in patients with high myopia.
Long-term renal function and mortality after radical cystectomy and ileal conduit formation.
Authors: Chevarria Julio , Ebad Chaudhry A. , Hamill Mairead , Constandache Catalin , Cowhig Cliona , O’Shea Hazel , Deady Sandra , Little Dilly M , Conlon Peter J.
Published: August 2020

Background.

Treatment for bladder cancer includes radical cystectomy (RC) and urinary diversion, RC is associated with long-term morbidity, renal function deterioration and mortality. Our aim was to identify risk factors associated with postoperative long-term renal function decline and mortality.
Methods.

Retrospective study in patients with RC and urinary diversion in Beaumont Hospital from 1996 to 2016. We include patients who had assessment for at least two years post procedure and confirmed live status. We assessed the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) preoperatively, at first and second year, renal function decline > 10 ml/min/1.73 m2, start dialysis and mortality. Logistic regression analyses were applied to assess risk factors associated, a significant p-value < 0.05 was considered.
Results.

We included 264 patients, with median age 68.3 years, 73,7% males, main diagnose was bladder cancer 93.3%, TNM stages were grouped in T ≥ 2 75.9%, N ≥ 1 47.6% and M1 28%. The median eGFR preoperative was 65.8 ml/min/1.73 m2 and after 2 years 58.2 ml/min/1.73 m2 (p:0.009), 5.6% required chronic dialysis and 32.8% had a decrease > 10 ml/min/1.73 m2. Risk factors associated with ESKD included age (HR:1.13, CI95% 1.05–1.22), preoperative eGFR (HR:1.04, CI95% 1.01–1.07). Overall mortality was 43.2%, 75.9% at 5 and 10 years respectively, risk factors were age (HR:1.1, CI95% 1.04–1.18), preoperative eGFR (HR:1.03, CI95% 1.01–1.06) and male gender (HR:14.8, CI95% 1.1–192).
Conclusions.

Patients with RC have risk of progressive renal function deterioration and high mortality and the main risk factors associated were age, sex, and preoperative eGFR. Regular monitoring of renal function will permit early diagnosis and treatment.
Sarcopenia is an independent predictor of hospitalization in chronic kidney disease outpatients
Authors: Jeong Hye Yun , Yang Taeyoung , Lee Hyeyeon , Ahn Wooyeol , Kim Jun Chul , Kim JinKwon , Lee Yu Ho , Lee Soonchul , Lim Ha Jeong , Bae Jinkun , Lee Soyoung
Published: August 2020

Background/AimsPatients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience much more marked and earlier muscle wasting than subjects who do not have chronic illnesses. However, a few studies that have examined sarcopenia have been reported in CKD patients. We investigated the prevalence of sarcopenia in predialysis and dialysis outpatients with CKD and explored its relationship with the clinical outcomes.MethodsSarcopenia was defined as reduced muscle strength accompanied by decreased adjusted appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM), while those patients who exhibited only one of these characteristics were categorized as presarcopenic patients. ASM was measured by bioimpedence analysis, and muscle strength was evaluated by handgrips. ASM was adjusted by weight (ASM/wt). Patients were prospectively followed for up to 2 years.ResultsOne hundred seventy-nine patients were recruited (114 male and 65 female patients who were classified into 103 predialysis patients and 76 dialysis patients, with 44.7% having diabetes). Their mean age was 60.6 ± 13.5 years old. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 9.5%, while 55.9% of the patients were categorized as presarcopenic. The ASM/wt index showed significant correlations with age, handgrip strength, HOMA-IR and frailty scores. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models demonstrated that the risk of hospitalization was significantly higher for patients with presarcopenia [hazard ratio (HR), 2.48; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.180–5.230], and the risk of hospitalization was much higher for patients with sarcopenia than for patients in the nonsarcopenic group (HR, 9.11; 95% CI, 2.295–25.182)ConclusionsSarcopenia and presarcopenia, which were defined using the ASM/wt index and handgrip strength, predicted a poorer, hospitalization-free survival in CKD patients.
Perception, Experiences, Risks, and Effects of Sexual Harassment Among Women Working in Hospitality Workplaces of Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Worke Mulugeta Dile , Debelew Gurmesa Tura , Koricha Zewdie Birhanu
Published: August 2020

Background: Sexual harassment is a public health problem that depends on gender, context, and perceivers ideology. Though it grasped attention worldwide, the perception, experience, risk, and effects of sexual harassment on victims are still uncertain. Mainly, in hospitality workplaces, women employees are disproportionately victims of sexual harassment. However, the issue is at an early stage in low and middle-income countries and Ethiopia in particular. Thus, this study was aimed to explore the perception, experience, perceived risks, and effects of sexual harassment against women working in the hospitality workplaces.Methods: We conducted an exploratory qualitative study from January 1 to August 30, 2019. Data were collected from women employees, managers, cashiers, and customers. We applied a semi-structured focus group and in-depth interview discussion guides. Women employees were selected using the snowball method, and we recruited the key informants purposefully until the data theoretically saturated. Key informants who were supposed to give adequate information to study objectives were selected. The selection process of the key informants was based on their responsibility concerning women working in hospitality workplaces. Data were analyzed via the thematic analysis approach with the help of ATLAS ti version 8.4.24 software package. Results: Forty-five women, five managers, four cashiers, and four customers were included in the study. Perceptions, experiences, perceived risk factors, and consequences of workplace sexual harassment were identified. The majority of the participants lack awareness about workplace sexual harassment. The experiences were verbal, physical, visual, and gender-related forms of sexual harassment. The perceived risk factors of sexual harassment were organization related, customer-related, and victim-related. The consequences were work-related, health-related, and financial and family undermining.Conclusions: Sexual harassment is poorly understood but widely experienced by women working in hospitality workplaces. It was also caused by multiple factors and affected both organizations and individuals. Awareness creation campaigns, pre-service education, and in-service training, prevention, and rehabilitation of the victims are needed. Likewise, organizational policies and strategies should have to be developed and implemented.
Allelopathy of Wheat and Faba Bean Extracts in an Intercropping System
Authors: Guo Yuting , Lv Jiaxing , Dong Yan , Dong Kun
Published: August 2020

Background

We intensively studied faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) intercropping and found that this type of intercropping can effectively control the occurrence of faba bean wilt under field conditions. We conducted hydroponic experiments to explore the role of plant extracts in process of soil-borne diseases and the mechanism of disease control of faba bean and wheat intercropping. In this experiment, three concentration gradients of faba bean and wheat stems and leaves and root extracts were added to study the effects of faba bean and wheat extracts on faba bean growth, root physiological resistance and the growth of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fabae (FOF).
Result

Faba bean extracts significantly inhibited the growth of faba bean seedlings and the activity of root defense enzymes and significantly stimulated the growth of FOF at high concentrations. Compared with the treatment with faba bean extracts, wheat extracts significantly enhanced the growth of faba bean seedlings, increased the activity of defense enzymes and inhibited the growth of FOF.
Conclusions

Based on these results, we believe that wheat extract can effectively alleviate the autotoxicity of faba beans and also control the occurrence of faba bean wilt in the field. This provides a theoretical basis for practical intercropping to reduce the harm of faba bean wilt.
Transplantation of Autologous Fat, Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) Cell and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for Cell Therapy of Atrophic Acne Scars: Clinical Evaluation and Biometric Assessment
Authors: Nilforoushzadeh Mohammad Ali , Heidari-Kharaji Maryam , Alavi Shiva , Mahmoudbeyk Mona , Nouri Maryam , Peyrovan Aisan , Zare Sona
Published: August 2020

Background: Scarring is an unfortunate result of acne, because it causes psychological and cosmetic problems to patients. Unluckily no single treatment is suitable; using multiple methods may have better result. autologous fat and stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells and their secretory factors can and enhance angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, and migration of fibroblasts therefore regenerate hurt tissues. Also, other treatments for acne scarring, like platelet rich plasma (PRP), induce the scare improvement. The aim of the study was to verify the effectiveness of transplantation of autologous fat, SVF cells and PRP as cell therapy technique on atrophic acne scars. Methods: This study included 9 adult patients with atrophic acne scars on the face. All patients received transplantation of autologous fat, stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells and PRP. The treatment outcome was measured by biometric assessment (Visioface 1000 D, Colorimeter, multi probe adapter Cutometer, Tewameter, Mexameter, and skin ultrasound imaging system), also patients’ satisfaction was evaluated. The patients were followed 6 months after treatment. Results: A significant improvement in the skin pores, spots, skin lightness and melanin content of the skin, skin elasticity and TEWL after 6 months of treatment. Also denser skin layers were observed both in the epidermis and dermis. Furthermore, 66.6 % of the patients showed well satisfied after treatment. Conclusion: Briefly, transplantation of autologous fat, SVF cells and PRP is an effective cell therapy for atrophic acne scars.
Self-referral of Chinese patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and treatment decision-making: A qualitative study
Authors: Gao Ya jing , Shan Yan , Zhou Yue , Jiang Ting ting , Li Xue , Jiang Xinxin , Cai Li , Xu Sa , Chang Tian ying , Wang Hong
Published: August 2020

Background: Chinese patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, especially rural patients possibly occur self-referral behavior and then treatment decisions followed. It is unclear the relationship between self-referral and treatment decision-making. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore HCPs and patient with advanced CKD perceptions of self-referral and treatment decision making. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 22 patients with advanced kidney disease and 8 health care professionals. Interviews were conducted and analyzed thematically until reaching thematic saturation. Results: We identified three themes reflected: 1) self-referral decision making (self-referral motive, barrier to self-referral, seeking for self-referral information); 2) the views and experience of self-referral care (facilitating shared decision making, imposing psychological pressure, feeling about self-referral communication, challenge to staff-patient relationship); 3) treatment decision making (decisional awareness and roles, cost-benefit trade-off and redicision). Conclusions: Our study identified that organizational and demographic factors, self-referral motives worked together at the self-referral decision-making and treatment decision-making when advanced CKD patients facing with healthcare facilities and treatment options. Those findings suggest stakeholders should accelerate the popularization of peritoneal dialysis technology and establish the CKD screening and management systems. For self-referral patients with advanced CKD, our results suggest specialized dialysis transition care to improve quality of communication and soothe patients’ negative emotion.
Effect of Dietary Curcumin on the Growth Performance, Serum Antioxidation and Meat Quality of Ducks (Anas Platyrhynchos)
Authors: Jin Sanjun , Yang Hao , Liu Fangju , Diao Xinping , Pang Qian , Liu Ruiqi , Wang Min , Wang Yingjie , Liu Mengru , Zhou Xin , Shan Anshan , Feng Xingjun
Published: August 2020

Background: With increasing of duck meat among consumers, the demand for growth performance and the meat quality health of ducks in increasing. Dietary curcumin altered the growth performance and meat quality. However, study on the effect of dietary curcumin on the growth performance, serum antioxidation and meat quality of ducks. This study invested effects of dietary curcumin given to ducks on the growth performance, antioxidation capacity in plasma, meat quality, lipid oxidation and the concentration of volatile compounds in duck breast muscle. A total of 600 healthy ducks with similar body weight were randomly allotted into 4 groups with 10 replicates per group and 15 ducks per replicate. Ducks were fed experimental diets which the curcumin supplemental levels were 0, 300, 400 and 500 mg curcumin/kg basic fed, respectively. The experiment lasted for 10 weeks. Results: Results showed that dietary supplementation of curcumin at levels 300, 400 and 500 mg/kg dietary (P < 0.05) improved the average final body weight. The ducks fed the basal diet without curcumin supplementation had the lowest FI (P > 0.05) and highest FCR (P > 0.05) among all ducks. Feeding ducks on diets supplemented with curcumin at each level significantly increased (P < 0.05) plasma activity of T-SOD and GSH-Px, and significantly reduced plasma MDA concentration compared to the control group. The dietary curcumin significantly increased the growth performance and the antioxidation capacity in plasma of ducks. Dietary curcumin improved the meat quality of ducks by significantly increasing pH45, pH24 (P < 0.05) and color of duck meat (P < 0.05), and significantly decreasing cooking loss (P < 0.05), shear force (P < 0.05), and the lipid oxidation of duck meat. 56 volatile compounds were identified and quantified. Interestingly, cantharidin among volatile compounds was firstly found in duck muscle, and only existed in the group of 500 mg curcumin/kg diet. Conclusions: In conclusion, the supplementation of duck diets with curcumin at 300, 400, and 500 mg/kg diet improved growth performance, antioxidant status and meat quality of ducks. The cantharidin was firstly found in duck breast muscle when the dietary curcumin inclusion of 500 mg/kg.
Comparison Between Less Invasive Surfactant Administration (LISA) and Intubation-Surfactant-Extubation (InSurE) in Preterm Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Yang Sungmin , Kim Yong Hyuk , Lee Byoung Kook
Published: August 2020

Background: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is an important morbidity caused by neonatal lung injury due to mechanical ventilator use. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is leading cause of mechanical ventilation in preterm infants. Surfactant was administrated through the endotracheal tube for management of RDS, which compels invasive mechanical ventilation. Recently, Intubation-SURfactant administration-Extubation (INSURE) and Less-invasive surfactant administration (LISA) have been introduced to avoid invasive mechanical ventilation. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of LISA and INSURE.Methods: This single-center, retrospective study enrolled 47 newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the Wonju Severance Christian’s Hospital between January 1, 2017 and August 31, 2019, above a gestational age of 25 weeks, and required surfactant. The patient were divided into the LISA group and the INSURE group, and compared capillary gas analysis, oxygen saturation index (OSI), and morbidities.Results: The LISA group and the INSURE group included 34 and 13 newborns respectively. Demographic feature and OSI showed no significant differences between two groups. In the LISA group, pCO2 decreased over 1 hour(57.49±9.43mmHg), 2 hours(53.07±9.25mmHg, p=0.04) and 6 hours (46.50±8.53mmHg, p=0.01). pCO2 of the INSURE group decreased steeper within 2 hours (49.55±8.96mmHg to 39.56±6.20mmHg) in the INSURE group, however, the trend was not significant (p = 0.06). There were no significant differences in morbidities. Discussion: LISA and INSURE showed no significant differences in OSI and morbidities. Although LISA decreases pCO2 more slowly than INSURE, the difference is not statistical significant. LISA and INSURE are equally effective modalities for surfactant administration.
Association of Triglyceride-glucose Index and the Risk of Incident Diabetes: a Secondary Analysis Based on a Chinese Cohort Study
Authors: Li Xiaoli , Li Guilong , Cheng Tiantian , Liu Jing , Song Guangyao , Ma Huijuan
Published: August 2020

BackgroundTriglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) has been regarded as a reliable alternative marker of insulin resistance. However, study on the relationship between TyG index and incident diabetes remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the association between TyG index and incident diabetes in a large cohort of Chinese population.MethodsThe present study was a retrospective cohort study using healthy screening programme data in China. A total of 201,298 subjects free of baseline diabetes were included who received a health check with all medical records from 2010 to 2016. TyG index was calculated as Ln[fasting triglyceride level (mg/dl) x fasting plasma glucose (mg/dl)/2]. Diagnosis of diabetes was based on fasting plasma glucose ≥ 7.00 mmol/L and/or self-reported diabetes. Cox proportion-hazard model was used to assess the relationship between TyG index at baseline and the risk of incident diabetes. It should be noted that the data was uploaded to the DATADRYAD website, and we only used this data for secondary analysis.ResultsDuring a mean follow-up of 3.12 years of 201,298 individuals aged ≥ 20 years old, 3389 subjects developed diabetes. After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, serum creatinine, smoking, drinking and family history of diabetes, multivariate cox hazards regression analysis indicated that TyG index was positive correlation with the risk of developing diabetes in Chinese population (HR, 3.34; 95% CI, 3.11 to 3.60). The risk of incident diabetes increased with increasing TyG index. Subjects with TyG index in the fourth quartile were 6.26 times more likely to develop diabetes than the lowest quartile (P trend < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed the stronger association was observed in the population with age < 40, BMI (≥ 18.5, < 24 kg/m2), SBP < 140 mmHg or females (all P for interaction < 0.0001).Conclusions TyG index was independently correlated with the increased risk of diabetes in Chinese adults, suggesting that TyG index may be a useful marker for identifying individuals at high risk of developing diabetes.
Empowering Researchers and Knowledge-Producing Organizations for Evidence-Informed Health Policy Making: Interventions in the Iranian Health System
Authors: Doshmangir leila , Mostafavi Hakimeh , Majdzadeh Reza
Published: August 2020

Background: Providing appropriate information to policymakers by strengthening evidence-based capacity is a key factor in the development of evidence-based policy making (EIPM). This study aims to examine the necessary interventions in the Iranian health system for empowering researchers and knowledge-producing organizations to strengthen EIPM.Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using interviews and document review. The views and experiences of enterviewees were extracted through semi-structured interviews. Purposive sampling was used and continued until data saturation. Thematic framework analysis and MAXQDA 12 software were used for data analysis.Results: Necessary interventions for empowering researchers and knowledge-producing organizations were categorized into health system interventions, community-based interventions, organization interventions, and individual interventions.Conclusion: Incompatibility of health policy decisions with scientific evidence derived from research highlights the importance of creating a common language among health policymakers and researchers. In this regard, developing scientific and practical interventions, educating health researchers on knowledge translation, and using mechanisms and networks for effective interaction will be constructive.
German Translation, Cultural Adaption and Validation of the Unidimensional Self-efficacy Scale for Multiple Sclerosis Using Rasch Analysis
Authors: Seebacher Barbara , Mills Roger , Reindl Markus , Zamarian Laura , Kircher Simone , Brenneis Christian , Ehling Rainer , Deisenhammer Florian
Published: August 2020

Background

Self-efficacy refers to people’s beliefs in their ability to perform relevant activities to achieve personal goals. In people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), self-efficacy has been shown to significantly impact health-related behaviour. So far, a validated German language self-efficacy scale for PwMS is missing. Therefore, the aims his study were to translate the Unidimensional Self-Efficacy Scale for Multiple Sclerosis (USE-MS) into German, establish face and content validity and cultural adaption of the German version for PwMS in Austria. Further aims were to validate the German USE-MS (USE-MS-G) in PwMS using Rasch analysis.
Methods

Formal permission to translate and validate the USE-MS was received from the scale developers. Following guidelines for translation and validation of questionnaires and applying Bandura’s concept of self-efficacy, the USE-MS was forward-backward translated, and content and face validity established. Cultural adaption for Austria was performed using cognitive interviews of 30 PwMS. The validation by Rasch analysis, of the final USE-MS-G involved 309 PwMS with minimal to severe disability using scales for resilience, general self-efficacy, anxiety and depression, MS fatigue and health-related quality of life. Re-test was conducted within 14–21 days after the initial test. Data were also pooled with an historic English dataset.
Results

Using a bi-factor solution, excellent external and construct validity, internal consistency, person separation reliability, test-retest reliability and fit to the Rasch model was demonstrated. The USE-MS-G was shown to be unidimensional, well-targeted and free from differential item functioning. Pooling of the English and German datasets confirmed equivalence of the two language versions.
Conclusion

The USE-MS-G is a robust, valid and reliable scale to assess self-efficacy in PwMS. Rasch model fit given, an interval scale transformation table is available for clinical settings and research.
Trial registration:

ISRCTN Registry; ISRCTN14843579; prospectively registered on 02. 01. 2019; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN14843579
Different recovery from respiratory failure and functional changes after lung cancer surgery depending on the extent of resection, the influence of COPD
Authors: Pezzuto Aldo , Marinucci Beatrice Trabalza , Pagliuca Alessandra , Salvucci Claudia , Guerrieri Giulio , D’Ascanio Michela , Ricci Alberto , Ciccozzi Massimo , Rendina Erino Angelo
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUNDLung cancer is recognized to be the main cause of cancer death worldwide and it is closely associated with cigarette smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Only about 15% of patients affected by lung cancer are suitable for surgery and the clinical postoperative outcomes are variable.We aim to investigate the variables that affect post-surgery complications .METHODS A sample of 65 COPD patients who underwent surgery for lung cancer was retrospectively studied about respiratory function and arterial gasanalysis .Data were collected before and after surgery.A subgroups comparative analysis was performed between group who underwent lobectomy vs group who underwent sub-lobar resection represented by either wedge or segmentectomy.RESULTSThe overall data were: mean age 71.5, hospitalization time 7.8 days, pack-year 34, body mass index (BMI) 25.4, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) assessment test (CAT) mean value was 16.5, forced expiratory one second volume (FEV1) at baseline 1.6 l corresponding to 73.6% of predicted.The mean age was 71.5, males/females rate 35/30The prevalent stage was IA and prevalent histotype was adenocarcinoma.Among the variables affecting the long lasting oxygen therapy (24 hours a day) only the type of surgery along with presence of COPD showed a significant impact.The relationship between the type of surgery and the lasting of oxygen therapy after surgery showed that lobectomy was 90% more likely to be associated with long lasting oxygen therapy than sub-lobar resection (p<0.0005). Abnormal CAT questionnaire > 10 was also associated with greater risk of long lasting daily oxygen therapy(p<0.04).The subgroups were comparable for age and pack-year , and for PaO2, FEV 1 and FVC at baseline. A significant difference was observed in terms of hospitalization time (p<0.03) that was longer in group of lobectomy and PaO2 post-surgery (p<0.04).Changes between pre and post surgery about the main functional parameters FEV1 and FVC revealed a greater reduction of the above in the group who underwent lobectomy (p<0.001) compared with group treated with sub-lobar resection.The recovery from lung failure was higher in group with sublobar resection at 3 month check.CONCLUSIONSAll patients affected by lung cancer who undergo surgery report lung failure of different intensity depending on the type of surgery.COPD itself could influence the outcome, too. A greater negative variations of functional parameters after surgery is found in group who undergo lobectomy.
Impact of biochar on the metabolic networks of a PHE-degrading microbial community and its influencing mechanism on soil biogeochemical cycles
Authors: Li Dapeng , Li Xianyue , Song Qiuying , Wang Qiquan , Jiang Xinxin , Tang Long , Gao Yang , Zhao Xinyue , Zang Hailian , Zhao Wei , Li Chunyan , Hou Ning
Published: August 2020

Background: Straw pyrolysis into biochar are beneficial for resource recovery and soil improvement. However, little is known about how biochar influences polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) metabolic pathways and biogeochemical cycles in PAH-contaminated agricultural soil. Here we assessed the influence of biochar and bacterial inoculant on the soil physicochemical properties, the microorganisms involved in the metabolism of PAH and C, N, P and S cycling.Results: The addition of biochar and bacterial inoculant improved soil fertility and crop nutrition. The community metabolism of phenanthrene was revealed by modeling a gene network based on shotgun metagenomes. Biochar addition in soil promoted the abundance of various phenanthrene-degrading microorganisms involved in multiple steps of phenanthrene catabolism, thereby promoting phenanthrene degradation. Meanwhile, biochar addition increased nitrate reduction and degradation of relatively easily decomposable organic carbon, including cellulose, but it also inhibited lignin and chitin degradation and C and N fixation, while the addition of bacterial inoculant partially mitigated biochar’s inhibitory effects in element cycle and inhibited N2O emission, which alleviated the greenhouse effect.Conclusions: When bioremediating PAH-contaminated soil, recommendation is to use biochar combined with functional microorganism. This work contributes to expand the current knowledge of the treatment of contaminated soil and provide some empirical evidence for the treatment of contaminated soil by biochar and bacterial inoculant.
Explore the mechanism of Shengma-Gegen drug pair on hepatitis B virus based on network pharmacology
Authors: Zhang Guozhe , Chen Chunmiao , Qin Yiyu , Ji Jianwei
Published: August 2020

Background

Sheng-Ma-Ge-Gen-Tang (SMGGT; 升麻葛根汤) is a famous prescription of traditional Chinese medicine used against measles of children for many hundreds of years. And its anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) activity has been justified in clinical, however, the function substances and the mechanisms have not been studied yet.
Methods

The latent active compounds of Cimicifugae Rhizoma (Shengma)-Radix Puerariae (Gegen) drug pair were searched, and excavated their related targets. Then seek the targets of HBV through three network databases. The drug-disease targets of protein-protein interaction (PPI) data was carried out. The drug-disease targets were enriched by gene ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Subsequently, anti-HepG2.2.15 cytotoxicity and anti-HBV experiments were performed on the aqueous and ethanol extracts of Shengma-Gegen in vitro to test and verify their anti-HBV activities.
Results

GO enrichment indicated biological processes (cellular response to lipid, cellular response to organic cyclic compound, etc.), cellular components (vesicle lumen, cytoplasmic vesicle lumen, etc.) and molecular function (kinase binding, steroid binding, etc.). Many cancer-related pathways were enriched in KEGG pathway analysis. Also got some virus and bacteria diseases. A KEGG-targets network showed that RAF1, CCND1, BCL2, and EGFR might be the core targets. Cytotoxicity of Shengma and Gegen to HepG2.2.15 are in proportion to their concentrations. Shengma and Gegen aqueous and ethanol extracts exhibited a curtain extant anti-HBV-DNA activity.
Conclusions

Shengma-Gegen showed not only anti-HBV activity but also anti-tumor and anti-viral activities, which need to be tested in the future.
Prevalence and Determinants of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy/Foot Syndrome in a rural population of North India
Authors: Bashar MD Abu
Published: August 2020

Background Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a common and troublesome complication in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), contributes to a higher risk of diabetic foot ulcer and lower limb amputation. These situations can negatively impact the quality of life of affected individuals.Objectives The study aimed to assess prevalence of DPN in patients of type 2 DM from rural North India and associated risk factors. Methods A facility based cross sectional study was carried out among type 2 diabetic patients attending NCD clinic of a secondary care hospital in rural North India. A questionnaire which included socio-demographic details, clinical and laboratory parameters, and the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) for detecting peripheral neuropathy, was administered to 100 consecutive patients. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 was used for entering and analyzing data. Bivariate analysis was performed for determining the factors significantly associated with presence of DPN. Results The prevalence of DPN was 42.0%. Male gender, advancing age(≥60 years), longer duration of diabetes (>10 years ), smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, uncontrolled blood pressure, poor A glycaemic control and altered lipid profile were found to be significantly associated with the presence of DPN. Conclusion Prevalence of DPN among type 2 diabetics from rural north India is alarmingly high. There is need of essential screening of all diabetic patients by their primary care provider for early detection of DPN particularly in rural India.
Proteoglycan remodeling is accelerated in women with angina pectoris and diffuse myocardial fibrosis: the iPOWER Study
Authors: Mygind Naja Dam , Nielsen Signe Holm , Michelsen Marie Mide , Pena Adam , Bechsgaard Daria Frestad , Suhrs Elena , Bove Kira Bang , Genovese Federica , Nielsen Henning Bay , Karsdal Morten , Vejlstrup Niels , Prescott Eva , Kastrup Jens
Published: August 2020

Background

Women with angina and no obstructive coronary artery disease have an unfavourable prognosis, possibly due to coronary microvascular disease and diffuse myocardial fibrosis. In diffuse myocardial fibrosis myocardial extracellular matrix proteins, including the proteoglycans biglycan and versican are actively remodeled by matrix metalloproteinase. We investigated MMP-mediated degradation of biglycan and versican in women with possible DMF assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance T1 mapping.
Methods

Seventy-one women with angina pectoris and a coronary angiogram with no significant obstructive coronary artery disease (< 50% stenosis) were included. Asymptomatic age-matched women served as controls (n = 32). Matrix metalloproteinase 12 generated neo-epitope fragment of versican (VCANM) and MMP-9 generated fragment of biglycan (BGM) were measured in serum by specific competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). T1 mapping was performed by cardiac magnetic resonance with gadolinium (0.1 mmol/kg) using a look-locker pulse sequencing measuring T1 and extracellular volume.
Results

Both BGM and VCANM levels were higher in symptomatic women compared with controls; 31.4 ng/mL vs. 16.4 ng/mL (p < 0.001) and 2.1 ng/mL vs. 1.8 ng/mL (p < 0.001), respectively. Both BGM and VCANM were moderately correlated to global extracellular volume (r2 = 0.38, p < 0.001 and r2 = 0.26, p = 0.015 respectively).
Conclusion

Turnover of BGM and VCANM was increased in symptomatic women compared to asymptomatic women and associated to extracellular volume, supporting a link between angina with no obstructive coronary artery disease and fibrotic cardiac remodeling. The examined biomarkers may prove to be suitable for monitoring active extracellular matrix remodeling.