bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term sickness absence among young and middle-aged workers in Norway: the impact of a population-level intervention
Authors: Hanvold Therese N. , Kristensen Petter , Corbett Karina , Hasting Rachel L. , Mehlum Ingrid S. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
The study objective was to evaluate the impact of a population-level intervention (the IA Agreement) on the of one-year risk for long-term sickness absence spells (LSAS) among young and middle aged workers in Norway.

Methods
Using an observational design, we conducted a quasi-experimental study to analyse registry data on individual LSAS for all employed individuals in 2000 (n = 298,690) and 2005 (n = 352,618), born in Norway between 1976 and 1967. The intervention of interest was the tripartite agreement for a more inclusive working life (the IA Agreement). We estimated difference in pre-post differences (DID) in LSAS between individuals working in IA companies with the intervention and companies without, in 2000 and 2005. We used logistic regression models and present odds ratios (DID OR) with accompanying 95% CI. We stratified analyses by sex, industry and company size.

Results
We found no significant change in the overall risk of long-term sickness absence spells after implementing the intervention among young and middle aged workers. Stratified by sex, the intervention resulted in a slight decrease in LSAS risk among female workers (DID OR 0.93 (0.91–0.96)) while the intervention showed no impact among male workers (DID OR 1.01 (0.97–1.06)). We found that companies signing the IA Agreement were large (≥50 employees) and often within the manufacturing and health and social sectors. In large manufacturing companies, we found a reduction in LSAS, among workers both in companies with and without the intervention, resulting in no statistically significant impact of the IA intervention. In large health and social companies, we found an increase in LSAS among workers both in companies with and without the intervention. The increase was smaller among the workers in companies offering the IA intervention compared with workers in companies without, resulting in a positive impact of the IA intervention in the health and social industry. This impact was statistically significant only among female workers.

Conclusions
The results indicate that the impact of the IA Agreement on the risk of long-term sickness absence spells varies considerably depending on sex and industry. These findings suggest that reducing LSAS may warrant industry-specific interventions.
Is a differentiated care model needed for patients with TB? A cohort analysis of risk factors contributing to unfavourable outcomes among TB patients in two states in South India
Authors: Washington Reynold , Potty Rajaram Subramanian , Rajesham A. , Seenappa T. , Singarajipura Anil , Swamickan Reuben , Shah Amar , Prakash K. H. , Kar Arin , Kumaraswamy Karthikeyan , Prarthana B. S. , Maryala Bala Krishna , Sushma J. , Dasari Ramesh , Shetty Bharath , Panibatla Vikas , Mohan H. L. , Becker Marissa 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
TB is a preventable and treatable disease. Yet, successful treatment outcomes at desired levels are elusive in many national TB programs, including India. We aim to identify risk factors for unfavourable outcomes to TB treatment, in order to subsequently design a care model that would improve treatment outcomes among these at-risk patients.

Methods
We conducted a cohort analysis among TB patients who had been recently initiated on treatment. The study was part of the internal program evaluation of a USAID-THALI project, implemented in select towns/cities of Karnataka and Telangana, south India. Community Health Workers (CHWs) under the project, used a pre-designed tool to assess TB patients for potential risks of an unfavourable outcome. CHWs followed up this cohort of patients until treatment outcomes were declared. We extracted treatment outcomes from patient’s follow-up data and from the Nikshay portal. The specific cohort of patients included in our study were those whose risk was assessed during July and September, 2018, subsequent to conceptualisation, tool finalisation and CHW training. We used bivariate and multivariate logistic regression to assess each of the individual and combined risks against unfavourable outcomes; death alone, or death, lost to follow up and treatment failure, combined as ‘unfavourable outcome’.

Results
A significantly higher likelihood of death and experiencing unfavourable outcome was observed for individuals having more than one risk (AOR: 4.19; 95% CI: 2.47–7.11 for death; AOR 2.21; 95% CI: 1.56–3.12 for unfavourable outcome) or only one risk (AOR: 3.28; 95% CI: 2.11–5.10 for death; AOR 1.71; 95% CI: 1.29–2.26 for unfavourable outcome) as compared to TB patients with no identified risk. Male, a lower education status, an initial weight below the national median weight, co-existing HIV, previous history of treatment, drug-resistant TB, and regular alcohol use had significantly higher odds of death and unfavourable outcome, while age > 60 was only associated with higher odds of death.

Conclusion
A rapid risk assessment at treatment initiation can identify factors that are associated with unfavourable outcomes. TB programs could intensify care and support to these patients, in order to optimise treatment outcomes among TB patients.
MicroRNA-410-3p modulates chondrocyte apoptosis and inflammation by targeting high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in an osteoarthritis mouse model
Authors: Pan Hong , Dai Huming , Wang Linzhi , Lin Silong , Tao Yuefeng , Zheng Yi , Jiang Renyi , Fang Fan , Wu Yifan 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent type of arthritis, which commonly involves inflammation in the articular cartilage in OA pathogenesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play essential roles in the regulation and pathophysiology of various diseases including OA. MiR-410-3p has been demonstrated to mediate inflammatory pathways, however, the regulatory functions of miR-410-3p in OA remain largely unknown.

Methods
The regulations of miR-410-3p were investigated in OA. Mouse primary chondrocytes and mouse in vivo models were used. The expression levels of miR-410-3p and HMGB1 were measured by qPCR. The transcription activity of NF-κB was assessed by luciferase reporter assay. MTT assay was performed to assess cellular proliferation. Cell apoptosis was evaluated with the Fluorescein Isothiocyanate (FITC) Annexin V assay. Expression levels of proteins were determined by Western blot.

Results
The results demonstrated that miR-410-3p was markedly downregulated in articular cartilage tissues as well as in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated chondrocytes in OA mice. In addition, upregulation of miR-410-3p markedly inhibited LPS-induced apoptosis of chondrocytes. The results also demonstrated that the high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) was a target of miR-410-3p. LPS-induced upregulated expression of HMGB1 significantly suppressed expression of miR-410-3p. Furthermore, upregulation of miR-410-3p markedly inhibited HMGB1 expression, the nuclear factor (NF)-kB activity and pro-inflammatory cytokines production. Taken together, the results suggested that miR-410-3p targeted HMGB1 and modulated chondrocytes apoptosis and inflammation through the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Conclusions
These findings provide insights into the potential of miR-410-3p/ HMGB1 as therapeutic targets for OA treatment.
Transmitted drug resistance mutations and subtype diversity amongst HIV-1 sero-positive voluntary blood donors in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Obeng Billal Musah , Bonney Evelyn Yayra , Asamoah-Akuoko Lucy , Nii-Trebi Nicholas Israel , Mawuli Gifty , Abana Christopher Zaab-Yen , Sagoe Kwamena William Coleman 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundDetection of HIV-1 transmitted drug resistance (TDR) and subtype diversity (SD) are public health strategies to assess current HIV-1 regimen and ensure effective therapeutic outcomes of antiretroviral therapy (ART) among HIV-1 patients. Globally, limited data exist on TDR and SD among blood donors. In this study, drug resistance mutations (DRMs) and SD amongst HIV-1 sero-positive blood donors in Accra, Ghana were characterized.MethodsPurposive sampling method was used to collect 81 HIV sero-positive blood samples from the Southern Area Blood Center and confirmed by INNO-LIA as HIV-1 and/or HIV-2. Viral RNA was only extracted from plasma samples confirmed as HIV-1 positive. Complementary DNA (cDNA) was synthesized using the RNA as a template and subsequently amplified by nested PCR with specific primers. The expected products were verified, purified and sequenced. Neighbour-joining tree with the Kimura’s 2-parameter distances was generated with the RT sequences using Molecular Evolutionary Genetic Analysis version 6.0 (MEGA 6.0).ResultsOut of the 81 plasma samples, 60 (74%) were confirmed as HIV-1 sero-positive by INNO-LIA HIVI/II Score kit with no HIV-2 and dual HIV-1/2 infections. The remaining samples, 21 (26%) were confirmed as HIV sero-negative. Of the 60 confirmed positive samples, (32) 53% and (28) 47% were successfully amplified in the RT and PR genes respectively. Nucleotide sequencing of amplified samples revealed the presence of major drug resistance mutations in two (2) samples; E138A in one sample and another with K65R. HIV-1 Subtypes including subtypes A, B, CRF02_AG and CRF09_cpx were found.ConclusionThis study found major drug resistance mutations, E138A and K65R in the RT gene that confer high level resistance to most NNRTIs and NRTI respectively. CRF02_AG was most predominant, the recorded percentage of subtype B and the evolutionary relationship inferred by phylogenetic analysis may suggest possible subtype importation. However, a more prospective and detailed analysis is needed to establish this phenomenon. The data obtained would inform the selection of drugs for ART initiation to maximize therapeutic options in drug-naïve HIV-1 patients in Ghana.
COVID-19 therapeutics: how to sow confusion and break public trust during international public health emergencies
Authors: Singh Jerome Amir , Ravinetto Rafaella 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSince SARS-CoV2 was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, those tasked with the stewardship of public health at a global, regional, and local level—policymakers, politicians, scientists, drug regulators, health officials, professional associations, journal editors, publishers, and clinicians—have displayed rushed decisions and lapses in judgment in their handling of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine as potential COVID-19 therapeutics and prophylactics. These lapses merit noting as they hold lessons for how the guardians of medicines regulation and public health can inadvertently sow confusion and damage public trust.
Comparative genomics of Xanthomonas fragariae and Xanthomonas arboricola pv. fragariae reveals intra- and interspecies variations
Authors: Gétaz Michael , Blom Jochen , Smits Theo H. M. , Pothier Joël F. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe quarantine bacterium Xanthomonas fragariae causes angular leaf spots on strawberry. Its population structure was recently found to be divided into four (sub)groups resulting from two distinct main groups. Xanthomonas arboricola pv. fragariae causes bacterial leaf blight, but the bacterium has an unclear virulence status on strawberry. In this study, we use comparative genomics to provide an overview of the genomic variations of a set of 58 X. fragariae and five X. arboricola pv. fragariae genomes with a focus on virulence-related proteins. Structural differences within X. fragariae such as differential plasmid presence and large-scale genomic rearrangements were observed. On the other hand, the virulence-related protein repertoire was found to vary greatly at the interspecies level. In three out of five sequenced X. arboricola pv. fragariae strains, the major part of the Hrp type III secretion system was lacking. An inoculation test with strains from all four X. fragariae (sub)groups and X. arboricola pv. fragariae resulted in an interspecies difference in symptom induction since no symptoms were observed on the plants inoculated with X. arboricola pv. fragariae. Our analysis suggests that all X. fragariae (sub)groups are pathogenic on strawberry plants. On the other hand, the first genomic investigations of X. arboricola pv. fragariae revealed a potential lack of certain key virulence-related factors which may be related to the difficulties to reproduce symptoms on strawberry and could question the plant-host interaction of the pathovar.
Undernutrition and Pubertal Timing in Female Survivors of Medulloblastoma and Other Embryonal Tumors
Authors: Zhu Jia , Feldman Henry A , Chordas Christine , Wassner Ari J , Manley Peter E , Cohen Laurie E 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Context
Children with brain tumors may have pubertal onset at an inappropriately young chronologic age. Hypothalamic-pituitary irradiation ≥18Gy has been found to be a risk factor; age at irradiation is associated with pubertal timing. However, the underlying mechanisms are unknown.

Objective
To determine the impact of body mass index (BMI) and catch-up growth on pubertal timing in females treated for medulloblastoma and other embryonal tumors.

Design, Setting, and Patients
Retrospective cohort analysis of 90 female patients treated for medulloblastoma and other embryonal tumors at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Boston Children’s Hospital from 1996 to 2016. Eighteen individuals met inclusion criteria, with a mean ± SD follow-up period of 11.9 ± 3.4 years.

Main Outcome Measures
Multiple linear regression models for age at pubertal onset and bone age discrepancy from chronologic age at pubertal onset assessed the joint influences of age at irradiation, hypothalamic irradiation dose, undernutrition duration, BMI standard deviation score (SDS) at pubertal onset, and catch-up BMI SDS.

Results
The mean ± SD age of pubertal onset was 9.2 ± 1.3 years and hypothalamic radiation dose was 31.9 ± 9.9 Gy. There was a direct relationship between age at irradiation and age at pubertal onset (β = 0.323 ± 0.144 [standard error] year per year; P = 0.04) that was significantly attenuated after adjusting for BMI SDS at pubertal onset (P = 0.5) and catch-up BMI SDS (P = 0.08), suggesting that BMI is a mediator.

Conclusions
Both absolute and catch-up BMI SDS at pubertal onset are significant mediators of pubertal timing and bone age discrepancy in pediatric medulloblastoma and other embryonal tumors, and thus, are targetable risk factors to optimize pubertal timing.
Prospective Evaluation of Late-Night Salivary Cortisol and Cortisone by EIA and LC-MS/MS in Suspected Cushing Syndrome
Authors: Kannankeril Joshua , Carroll Ty , Findling James W , Javorsky Bradley , Gunsolus Ian L , Phillips Jonathan , Raff Hershel 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Context
Late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC) measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA-F) is a first-line screening test for Cushing syndrome (CS) with a reported sensitivity and specificity of &gt;90%. However, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, validated to measure salivary cortisol (LCMS-F) and cortisone (LCMS-E), has been proposed to be superior diagnostically.

Objective, Setting, and Main Outcome Measures
Prospectively evaluate the diagnostic performance of EIA-F, LCMS-F, and LCMS-E in 1453 consecutive late-night saliva samples from 705 patients with suspected CS.

Design
Patients grouped by the presence or absence of at least one elevated salivary steroid result and then subdivided by diagnosis.

Results
We identified 283 patients with at least one elevated salivary result; 45 had an established diagnosis of neoplastic hypercortisolism (CS) for which EIA-F had a very high sensitivity (97.5%). LCMS-F and LCMS-E had lower sensitivity but higher specificity than EIA-F. EIA-F had poor sensitivity (31.3%) for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-independent CS (5 patients with at least 1 and 11 without any elevated salivary result). In patients with Cushing disease (CD), most nonelevated LCMS-F results were in patients with persistent/recurrent CD; their EIA-F levels were lower than in patients with newly diagnosed CD.

Conclusions
Since the majority of patients with ≥1 elevated late-night salivary cortisol or cortisone result did not have CS, a single elevated level has poor specificity and positive predictive value. LNSC measured by EIA is a sensitive test for ACTH-dependent Cushing syndrome but not for ACTH-independent CS. We suggest that neither LCMS-F nor LCMS-E improves the sensitivity of late-night EIA-F for CS.
Biometric analysis of the foetal meconium pattern using T1 weighted 2D gradient echo MRI
Authors: Hyde Georgia , Fry Andrew , Raghavan Ashok , Whitby Elspeth 
Published: July 2020

Objectives: Foetal MRI is used to assess abnormalities after ultrasonography. Bowel anomalies are a significant cause of neonatal morbidity, however there are little data concerning its normal appearance on antenatal MRI. This study aims to investigate the pattern of meconium accumulation throughout gestation using its hyperintense appearance on T1 weighted scans and add to the current published data. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study in a tertiary referral clinical MRI centre. Foetal body MRI scans of varying gestational ages were obtained dating between October 2011 and March 2018. The bowel was visualised on T1 weighted images. The length of the meconium and the width of the meconium at the rectum, sigmoid colon, splenic flexure and hepatic flexure was measured. Presence or absence of meconium in the small bowel was noted. Inter- and intrarater reliability was assessed. Results: 181 foetal body scans were reviewed. 52 were excluded and 129 analysed. Visualisation of the meconium in the large bowel became increasingly proximal with later gestations, and small bowel visualisation was greater at earlier gestations. There was statistically significant strong (r = 0.6–0.8) or very strong (r = 0.8–1.0) positive correlation of length and width with increasing gestation. Interrater reliability was moderate to excellent (r = 0.4–1.0). Conclusion: This study provides new information regarding the pattern of meconium accumulation throughout gestation. With care, the results can be used in clinical practice to aid diagnosis of bowel pathology. Advances in knowledge: The findings of this study provide further information concerning the normal accumulation of foetal meconium on MR imaging, an area where current research is limited.
The application of a gamma distribution model to diffusion-weighted images of the orofacial region
Authors: Chikui Toru , Tokumori Kenji , Panyarak Wannakamon , Togao Osamu , Yamashita Yasuo , Kawano Shintaro , Kamitani Takeshi , Yoshiura Kazunori 
Published: July 2020

Objectives: This study evaluated the correlation among the diffusion-derived parameters obtained by monoexponential (ME), intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and γ distribution (GD) models and compared these parameters among representative orofacial tumours. Methods: Ninety-two patients who underwent 1.5 T MRI including diffusion-weighted imaging were included. The shape parameter (κ), scale parameter (θ), ratio of the intracellular diffusion (ƒ1), extracellular diffusion (ƒ2) and perfusion (ƒ3) were obtained by the GD model; the true diffusion coefficient (D) and perfusion fraction (f) were obtained by the IVIM model; and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was obtained by the ME model. Results: ƒ1 had a strongly negative correlation with the ADC (ρ = −0.993) and D (ρ = −0.926). A strong positive correlation between f and ƒ3 (ρ = 0.709) was found. Malignant lymphoma (ML) had the highest ƒ1, followed by squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), malignant salivary gland tumours, pleomorphic adenoma (Pleo) and angioma. Both the IVIM and GD models suggested the highest perfusion in angioma and the lowest perfusion in ML. The GD model demonstrated a high extracellular component in Pleo and revealed that the T4a+T4b SCC group had a lower ƒ2 than the T2+T3 SCC group, and poor to moderately differentiated SCC had a higher ƒ1 than highly differentiated SCC. Conclusions: Given the correlation among the diffusion-derived parameters, the GD model might be a good alternative to the IVIM model. Furthermore, the GD model’s parameters were useful for characterizing the pathological structure.
ESTRATÉGIAS MERCADOLÓGICAS PARA OBTENÇÃO DE VANTAGEM COMPETITIVA NO SETOR CALÇADISTA
Authors: Scalabrin Andrius Ivo , Frizon Jucelia Appio 
Published: July 2020

Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar quais ferramentas do composto de marketing varejista influenciam a percepção de vantagem competitiva, sob a ótica de clientes, e teve como foco as lojas de uma rede varejista de calçados na Região Sudoeste do Paraná. Por meio da abordagem quantitativa, utilizou-se da pesquisa de levantamento e amostragem não probabilística por tipicidade. O questionário estruturado foi elaborado com base nos estudos de Pelissari et al. (2011) e de Cerutti (2010). Por meio de análise de regressão, os resultados da pesquisa apontaram que os conjuntos de variáveis referentes às estratégias de marketing varejista, denominados construtos independentes, que exercem influência com significância estatística sobre o construto dependente Vantagem Competitiva, são Produto, Preço, Promoção e Ponto. Entretanto, a Presentação e Pessoal não exercem influência significativa, convergindo com resultados de outros estudos empíricos sobre a temática e predominando os 4 Ps básicos do composto de marketing.
Analysis of Eradication, Recurrence and Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and Interleukin-1β in paediatric patients with Helicobacter Pylori Infection-related Gastritis
Authors: Zhang Yuanda , Bi Binbin , Guo Xu , Zhang Shaohui 
Published: July 2020

Objective: To study whether the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-(OH)D3) and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) are correlated to the eradication and recurrence of helicobacter pylori (Hp) in paediatric patients with Hp infection-related gastritis.
Methods: A total of 142 paediatric patients with Hp infection-related gastritis from November 2017 to March 2018 in Baoding Children’s Hospital were selected as study subjectswere selected as study subjects and were followed up for one year. Paediatric patients were grouped and analyzed according to the effect of follow-up treatment and recurrence.
Results: The levels of 25-(OH) D3 in the non-eradication group were lower than those in the eradication group and the control group (F=27.087, P<0.05); the levels of IL-1β were higher than those in the eradication group and the control group (F=16.610, P<0.05). Recurrence during follow-up visits: The levels of 25-(OH) D3 in the recurrence group were lower than those in the non-recurrence group and the control group (F=33.837, P<0.05); the levels of IL-1β in the recurrence group were higher than those in the non-recurrence group and the control group (F=7.896, P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed the levels of 25-(OH) D3 and IL-1β in the eradication group and the non-eradication group were negatively correlated (r=-0.232, P<0.05); the levels of 25-(OH) D3 and IL-1β in the recurrence group and the non-recurrence group were negatively correlated (r=-0.225, P<0.05).
Conclusion: Relatively high levels of IL-1β may be correlated to the difficulty in eradicating the Hp infection in paediatric patients. Relatively low levels of 25-(OH) D3 may be correlated to the difficulty in eradicating the Hp infection and recurrence in paediatric patients.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.2292
How to cite this:Zhang Y, Bi B, Guo X, Zhang S. Analysis of Eradication, Recurrence and Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and Interleukin-1β in paediatric patients with Helicobacter Pylori Infection-related Gastritis. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(6):1377-1381. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.2292
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.