bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blueberries effects in experimental diet-induced prediabetes: a focus on renal impairment
Authors: Alves A , Preguiça I , Barbosa A , Vieira P , Martins D , Nunes S , Viana S , Reis F 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Introduction Benefits arising from blueberry (BB) consumption are well-described in type 2 diabetes evolution and inherent complications. Lending further support to this thesis, previous work from our group unequivocally demonstrates BB supplementation efficacy to manage prediabetic hepatic liver steatosis. Whether a similar effect also holds truth in early renal impairment is an unsolved issue.
Objectives To address blueberry juice (BJ) ability to exert renoprotective effects in experimental prediabetes.
Methodology Diet-induced prediabetes [high-sucrose (35% Hsu) and high-fat (60% HF)] was developed in adult male Wistar rats through the ingestion of HSu for 9 weeks supplemented by HF for another 14 weeks (HSuHF, n = 16). On W9, half of the former animals orally received BJ (25g/kg BW, HSuHF+BJ). Control animals (n = 8) received standard diet during the entire protocol. Functional [serum and urinary creatinine, uric acid, glucose; glomerular filtration rate (GFR)], structural [H&E and Oil Red O staining] and molecular [triglycerides content and inflammation (RT-qPCR, WB)] markers of renal injury were assessed along with metabolic profile.
Results Even though diet-induced glucose intolerance, insulin insensitivity and plasmatic hypertriglyceridemia were significantly ameliorated upon BJ treatment, this nutraceutical intervention was unable to halt or slow down renal lipidosis and glomerular crescent-like lesions apart from a slight amelioration of both GFR and IL-6 levels in HSuHF-treated rats.
Conclusion Unlike previous results clearly demonstrating the ability of BJ nutraceutical intervention to afford protection against metabolic impairment and hepatic steatosis evolution in experimentally diet-induced prediabetes, only a modest renoprotective effect was observed in functional and morphological renal endpoints. Future studies are warranted to dissect the divergent effects of BJ on early liver and kidney impairment.
Hydrotherapy in the evaluation of enzymatic antioxidants in an elderly population
Authors: Valado A , Fortes S , Morais M , Rosado J , Figueiredo JP , Barreira R , Caseiro A 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Introduction Oxidative stress is the imbalance between reactive species produced in the body during metabolic reactions and antioxidant agents that have the ability to neutralize or prevent the formation of these species. One of the effects of oxidative stress is the normal and physiological process of cell aging that arises from the accumulation of tissue damage caused by free radicals.
Objectives To assess whether the activity of enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) are influenced by the hydrotherapy sessions.
Methodology 37 subjects aged 60 years old and above, of both genders, were divided into two groups (experimental and control). The experimental group underwent 15 hydrotherapy sessions supervised by a physical therapist. Two peripheral venous blood samples were collected at two different times: T0, instant before the intervention and T1, instant after the last session. The activity of SOD, GPx and GR enzymes were determined, respectively, with the Ransod superoxide dismutase, Ransel glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase commercial kits, from Randox Laboratories Limited, United Kingdom. The assay was performed as described in the kits and the sample results were obtained by spectrophotometric reading.
Results SOD activity at T1 tended to decrease slightly compared to T0 (1437.64 ± 593.46 vs 1421.41 ± 705.39 U/g Hb). At T1, there was a statistically significant increase in GPx activity (48.14 ± 17.22 vs 57.72 ± 19.99 U/g Hb) and in GR activity (78.44 ± 21.26 vs 100.18 ± 30.85 U/L). Regarding gender, both genders tended to have higher values of GPx and GR at T1.
Conclusion According to the obtained results, we conclude that the practice of hydrotherapy presents as a positive stimulus in the antioxidant activity of aged individuals suggesting that a regular and moderate practice of exercise induces a higher quality of life.
Targeting TRIB2 expression with oral antidiabetic drugs to overcome tumour malignancy and drug-resistance
Authors: Sousa-Coelho A 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Introduction TRIB2 is one of three members of the Tribbles family, which interacts and activates the protein kinase AKT, associated to the suppression of FOXO in melanoma, which mediate insulin action on key functions involved in cell metabolism and growth. TRIB2, recently identified as a druggable protein, has been pointed as a cause of resistance to cancer therapies, and so, modulating its expression might be a suitable strategy to overcome tumour malignancy and drug-resistance. Members from the thiazolidinediones (TZDs) family of oral antidiabetic insulin-sensitizing drugs, available in clinical settings, have been previously reported to be effective in melanoma, however there are still controversial results.
Objectives Identifying new therapeutic strategies to overcome therapeutic resistance in TRIB2-positive cancers.
Methodology Analyses of TRIB2’s expression levels in different samples in response to TZDs, using GEO profiles available at public data repository with the following advanced search terms: TRIB2 [gene] AND Rosiglitazone OR Pioglitazone OR Troglitazone.
Results From a total of 15 independent studies, it was found that TRIB2 was up-regulated in Rosi-treated human dendritic cells, skeletal muscle from obese PCOS women treated with Pioglitazone, and liver from obese rats treated either with Pio or Troglitazone. By contrast, TRIB2 was down-regulated in white adipose tissue (WAT) from obese rats treated either with Pio or Troglitazone, in Rosi-treated mouse stromal vascular cells from inguinal WAT, and in PPARγ–overexpressed marrow mesenchymal stem cells treated with Rosiglitazone.
Conclusion Although TRIB2 expression was modulated by the different TZDs in certain samples, depending on the cellular context, it was either up- or down-regulated. While further studies are needed, especially in a malignancy environment, TZDs treatment of TRIB2-positive cancer does not seem to be a valuable therapeutic strategy and might be even counter-productive.
Correlation of static knee angle in kinematic and radiographic in medial knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Ferreira V , Machado L , Vilaça A , Xará-Leite F , Roriz P 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Introduction The hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle measured on a full-length weight bearing X-ray made in standing position is considered the gold standard to measure the knee static alignment. However, this method requires special equipment, involves significant radiation exposure and generates extra costs. The 3D motion capture can assess knee angles in a reliable and accurate way.
Objectives This study aimed to analyse the correlation between the HKA angle achieved in full-length X-ray and the in static knee kinematic analysis in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis (OA).
Methodology A descriptive study was design. Anterior-posterior full-limb radiographs were obtained using standard procedures in the same hospital. The HKA angle was measure by an experimental orthopaedic doctor. The kinematics were obtained using Visual3D software after 3D motion capture in two static positions: static comfortable position (Static-1) and a static standard position (Static-2). Kinematic data were filtered (6 Hz) and expressed in degrees (°). The knee joint was created by the distance between the distal end of the thigh and the proximal end of the shank. The angles lower than 180° were considered as varus alignment and those higher than 180° valgus alignment.
Results This study includes 36 patients (22 females; mean age 61,6 ± 8,4; weight 75,8 ± 12,7 kg, and height 161 ± 9,2 cm) with diagnosed medial knee OA Kellgren/Lawrence grade 2 (16 patients) or 3. The patients presented a mean of HKA of 176,2° ± 3,2 in X-ray; 182,1° ± 6,0 in Static-1 and 180,0° ± 5,6 in Static-2. A significant correlation was found between HKA angle and Static-1 (r = 0,525; p = 0,001) and between HKA angle and Static-2 (r = 0,556; p = 0,000).
Conclusion A moderate but significant correlation was found between X-ray and two measure of 3D motion capture in frontal knee angle. Clinically, 3D analysis may help health care professionals in a more practical way to identify the joint angles.
Anisometropia in the 5th and 6th school years
Authors: Nunes A F , Nunes A S , Monteiro P , Martins C R , Forte H 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Introduction Anisometropia is characterized by a refractive inter ocular difference greater than 1.00 dioptre (D). It is the main cause of amblyopia and loss of binocular vision. Its prevalence depends on several factors, being different values in different geographical areas of the world and in different age groups.
Objectives To estimate the frequency of anisometropia in children of the 2nd cycle of Basic Education.
Methodology A total of 519 children attending the 5th and 6th school years, from Covilhã schools, from urban and rural areas, aged between 9 and 14 years (10.8 ± 0.8 years) were enrolled in the study. The refractive error was measured with a paediatric auto refractometer (Plusoptix), without cycloplegic and in binocular conditions. Anisometropia was defined as the inter ocular difference in spherical equivalent or cylindrical, greater than 1.00 D and a separate analysis for values greater than 2.00 D.
Results The sample was symmetrically divided into genders (50.9% Male), between school grade (53% 5th year) and higher in urban areas (70.1%). The prevalence of anisometropia with cut-off points of 1.00 D and 2.00 D was 12.3% and 5.0%, respectively. There was a higher prevalence among males, in rural areas and in 6th grade. The Chi-square test (□2) shows that the difference is statistically significant only between years of schooling, with a higher prevalence in the 6th grade (p = 0.001).
Conclusion There was a slightly higher prevalence of spherical and cylindrical anisometropia (5% and 12.3%) than is reported in the literature (rates between 4.4% and 9.4%). The 6th school year presented rates significantly higher than the 5th year, which points out that anisometropia increases with age, as was also advocated by other authors. Visual screening programs in adolescence for the detection of anisometropia are fundamental, since their timely correction allows to safeguard the binocular vision.
AcGI1, a novel genomic island carrying antibiotic resistance integron In687 in multidrug resistant Achromobacter xylosoxidans in a teaching hospital in Thailand
Authors: Pongchaikul Pisut , Santanirand Pitak , Antonyuk Svetlana , Winstanley Craig , Darby Alistair C 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT
This study investigated the genetic basis of multidrug resistance in two strains of Achromobacter xylosoxidans isolated from patients attending a hospital in Thailand in 2012. These isolates were highly resistant to cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, co-trimoxazole and carbapenems. Whole genome sequencing revealed that the two isolates were not clonally related and identified a carbapenem resistance gene-habouring integron (In687), residing in a novel genomic island, AcGI1. This In687 shares 100% identical nucleotide sequence with ones found in Acinetobacter baumannii Aci 16, isolated from the same hospital in 2007. We report the first analysis of multidrug-resistant A. xylosoxidans isolated in Thailand, and the first example of this island in A. xylosoxidans. Our data support the idea that resistance has spread in Thailand via horizontal gene transfer between species and suggest the possibility of A. xylosoxidans may serve as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance, especially in hospital setting.
Clinical Characteristics and Factors Associated With Long-Term Viral Excretion in Patients With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection: a Single-Center 28-Day Study
Authors: Shi Ding , Wu Wenrui , Wang Qing , Xu Kaijin , Xie Jiaojiao , Wu Jingjing , Lv Longxian , Sheng Jifang , Guo Jing , Wang Kaicen , Fang Daiqiong , Li Yating , Li Lanjuan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundDespite the ongoing spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), knowledge about factors affecting prolonged viral excretion is limited.MethodsIn this study, we retrospectively collected data from 99 hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) between 19 January and 17 February 2020 in Zhejiang Province, China. We classified them into 2 groups based on whether the virus test results eventually became negative. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate factors associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) shedding.ResultsAmong 99 patients, 61 patients had SARS-CoV-2 clearance (virus-negative group), but 38 patients had sustained positive results (virus-positive group). The median duration of SARS-CoV-2 excretion was 15 (interquartile range, 12–19) days among the virus-negative patients. The shedding time was significantly increased if the fecal SARS-CoV-2 RNA test result was positive. Male sex (hazard ratio [HR], 0.58 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .35–.98]), immunoglobulin use (HR, 0.42 [95% CI, .24–.76]), APACHE II score (HR, 0.89 [95% CI, .84–.96]), and lymphocyte count (HR, 1.81 [95% CI, 1.05–3.1]) were independent factors associated with a prolonged duration of SARS-CoV-2 shedding. Antiviral therapy and corticosteroid treatment were not independent factors.ConclusionsSARS-CoV-2 RNA clearance time was associated with sex, disease severity, and lymphocyte function. The current antiviral protocol and low-to-moderate dosage of corticosteroid had little effect on the duration of viral excretion.
Subcutaneous administration of benzathine benzylpenicillin G has favourable pharmacokinetic characteristics for the prevention of rheumatic heart disease compared with intramuscular injection: a randomized, crossover, population pharmacokinetic study in healthy adult volunteers
Authors: Kado Joseph H , Salman Sam , Henderson Robert , Hand Robert , Wyber Rosemary , Page-Sharp Madhu , Batty Kevin , Carapetis Jonathan , Manning Laurens 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
Benzathine penicillin G has been used as monthly deep intramuscular (IM) injections since the 1950s for secondary prevention of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Injection frequency and pain are major programmatic barriers for adherence, prompting calls for development of better long-acting penicillin preparations to prevent RHD. We hypothesized that subcutaneous (SC) administration of benzathine penicillin G could delay penicillin absorption when compared with IM injections.

Methods
To compare the pharmacokinetic profile and tolerability of benzathine penicillin G according to different routes of administration, 15 healthy males participated in a randomized crossover study to receive benzathine penicillin G by either SC or IM routes, with a 10 week washout period before the second dose by the alternative route. Ultrasound guidance confirmed injection location. Penicillin concentrations and pain scores were measured for 6 weeks following injections.

Results
SC administration was well tolerated with no significant differences in pain scores. Following SC injection, the principal absorption half-life (95% CI) was 20.1 (16.3–29.5) days and 89.6% (87.1%–92.0%) of the drug was directed via this pathway compared with 10.2 (8.6–12.5) days and 71.3% (64.9%–77.4%) following IM administration. Lower peak and higher trough penicillin concentrations resulted following SC injection. Simulations demonstrated that SC infusion of higher doses of benzathine penicillin G could provide therapeutic penicillin concentrations for 3 months.

Conclusions
SC administration of benzathine penicillin G is safe and significantly delays penicillin absorption. High-dose benzathine penicillin G via the SC route would fulfil many product characteristics required for the next generation of longer-acting penicillins for use in RHD.
Population connectivity of the crab Gandalfus yunohana (Takeda, Hashimoto & Ohta, 2000) (Decapoda: Brachyura: Bythograeidae) from deep-sea hydrothermal vents in the northwestern Pacific
Authors: Watanabe Hiromi K , Chen Chong , Kojima Shigeaki , Kato Shogo , Yamamoto Hiroyuki 
Published: June 2020

AbstractGenetic connectivity provides a basis for evaluating the resilience of animal communities by elucidating gene flow and serves as a proxy for realized dispersal through planktonic larval dispersal, settlement, and reproductive success. Gandalfus yunohana (Takeda, Hashimoto & Ohta, 2000) is a brachyuran crab endemic to deep-sea hydrothermal vents in the northwestern Pacific. Although an iconic and often dominant species, the connectivity among its populations is yet to be examined. We obtained barcoding sequences of the mitochondrial COI gene of G. yunohana from four vent fields including two on the Izu Arc, one on the northern Mariana Arc, and one in the Okinawa Trough. Genetic diversity of populations on the Izu and northern Mariana arcs were similar and shared the dominant haplotypes, showing no genetic subdivision regardless of the habitat depth. The Okinawa Trough population, for which only one specimen was available, was not genetically different from specimens from the Izu/Mariana arc populations. Estimation of the number of immigrants among populations suggests that the migration from north to south is higher than in the reverse direction. Our results resonate with previous laboratory-culture experiments, suggesting a high dispersal capability for G. yunohana. Visual observations and sampling, however, suggest that G. yunohana is exceedingly rare in the Okinawa Trough. This perhaps results from a lack of sufficient larval supply from the Izu-Bonin-Mariana Arc vents, and there may not be a reproductive population in the Okinawa Trough.
Comparison of survival outcomes between laparoscopic and open surgery in patients with low-risk endometrial cancer
Authors: Togami Shinichi , Kawamura Toshihiko , Yanazume Shintaro , Kamio Masaki , Kobayashi Hiroaki 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate the feasibility, safety and surgical outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of low-risk endometrial cancer.

Methods
Of 155 patients with low-risk endometrial cancer, who were included in this retrospective study between May 2008 and March 2017, 82 and 73 underwent laparoscopic and open surgery, respectively. Clinicopathological and surgical data, recurrence-free survival and overall survival were analyzed.

Results
No statistically significant differences in median age, final pathological type, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage and lymphovascular space involvement were observed between the laparoscopic and open surgery groups. No procedure in the laparoscopic surgery group was converted to open surgery. The median follow-up period was 60 months, with oncologic recurrence identified in three cases (one lung carcinoma and two pelvic cavity carcinomas) in the laparoscopic surgery group. There was no significant between-group difference in 5-year recurrence-free survival (laparoscopic surgery group: 96.3%, open surgery group: 92.6%) and overall survival (laparoscopic surgery group: 100%, open surgery group: 95.4%).

Conclusions
Laparoscopic surgery is a feasible and safe treatment for endometrial cancer and should be considered as a standard treatment option for low-risk endometrial cancer.
Multidrug-Resistant Organisms from Ophthalmic Cultures: Antibiotic Resistance and Visual Acuity
Authors: Schulte Alexandra J , Agan Brian K , Wang Heuy-Ching , McGann Patrick T , Davies Brett W , Legault Gary L , Justin Grant A 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Introduction
There is a growing trend of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO). The goal of this study was to characterize MDRO at a single center from ophthalmic cultures to better understand how treatments were tailored and to assess effect on visual acuity.

Materials and Methods
The MDRO data were collected by the Multidrug-Resistant Organism Repository and Surveillance Network from the Brooke Army Medical Center clinical laboratory. Both patient- and isolate-specific data were collected and qualitatively analyzed. Primary outcome measures were organism and type of resistance, anatomic location of isolate, initial and final antibiotic choice, and visual acuity.

Results
Thirty-one bacterial culture samples were analyzed from 29 patients. Twenty-two (72%) were Gram-positive and all were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Nine (29%) were Gram-negative and of these five were Pseudomonas spp. Fourteen (45%) isolates were cultured from the cornea, nine (29%) from the lid, four (13%) from the conjunctiva, and four (13%) from other locations. The majority (66.6%) required adjustment of initial antibiotics following ocular culture results. Sixteen adult patients had recorded initial and final visual acuities. Fifteen of those 16 patients had stable or improved visual acuities following treatment of the infection, but five patients had a final visual acuity less than 20/200.

Conclusion
This study demonstrated a high frequency of corneal MDRO infections and specifically MRSA and Pseudomonas spp. isolates. Antibiotic treatments frequently required adjustment. Further prospective study of visual outcomes from ophthalmic MDRO cultures is needed.