bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differences in Achilles tendon stiffness in people with gout: a pilot study
Authors: Otter Simon , Payne Catherine , Jones Anna-Marie , Webborn Nick , Watt Peter 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Gout has been associated with weaker foot/leg muscles and altered gait patterns. There is also evidence of on-going foot pain and an increased risk of tendinopathy, with the Achilles and patella tendons most frequently affected in gout. Additionally, the inflammation associated with gout may change tissue elasticity. Ultrasound imaging utilising shear wave elastography (SWE) offers a non-invasive method of quantifying changes in tendon stiffness. SWE findings have not previously been reported in individuals with gout. We sought to determine differences in Achilles tendon stiffness in people with gout compared to controls (non-gout).Methods: A cross sectional study comparing 24 people with gout and 26 age/sex-matched controls. Clinical and demographic data were collated, and US imaging used to determine tendon thickness, presence of gouty tophi and/or aggregates and levels of angiogenesis. Ten shear wave elastography (SWE) measures were taken along the centre of a longitudinal section of the mid-portion of each Achilles tendon. Prior to data collection, intra-observer error was good (0.75). Data were summarised using descriptive statistics and a repeated measures ANCOVA was used to compare SWE measures between the two groups for the left and right foot separately after accounting for Body Mass Index (BMI).Results: A small proportion of those with gout presented with intra-tendon aggregates and/or intra-tendon tophi in one or both tendons. There was no statistically significant difference in tendon thickness between groups. Neo-vascularity was present in a third of gout participants. SWE findings demonstrated significantly reduced tendon stiffness in those with gout compared to controls: right Achilles mdiff =1.04m/s (95% CI (0.38 to 1.7) p=0.003 and left Achilles mdiff = 0.7m/s (95% CI 0.09 to 1.32) p=0.025. No relationship between the presence of tophi and SWE values were detected. Conclusion: Subjects with chronic gout show significantly reduced Achilles tendon stiffness compared to non-gout controls. From a clinical standpoint, our findings were similar to SWE measurements in subjects with Achilles tendinopathy and who did not have gout.
Oral Lactobacillus strains reduce cytotoxicity and cytokine release from peripheral blood mononuclear cells exposed to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans subtypes in vitro.
Authors: Pahumunto Nuntiya , Basic Amina , Östberg Anna-Karin , Teanpaisan Rawee , Dahlen Gunnar 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: This study evaluated the effect of oral lactobacilli on the cytotoxicity and cytokine release from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) when exposed to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans subtypes in vitro. The supernatants and cell wall extracts (CWEs) of eight A. actinomycetemcomitans strains, representing different subtypes, and three Lactobacillus strains were used. The PBMCs from six blood donors were exposed to supernatants and CWEs of A. actinomycetemcomitans or Lactobacillus strains alone or combinations and untreated cells as control. The cytotoxicity was determined by trypan blue exclusion method and IL-1β secretion by ELISA. TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8 secretions were measured using Bioplex Multiplex Immunoassay. Results: Supernatants or CWEs from all bacterial strains showed cytotoxicity and IL-1β secretion and the subtypes of A. actinomycetemcomitans showed generally a significantly higher effect on PBMCs than that of the Lactobacillus strains. Two highly toxic A. actinomycetemcomitans strains (JP2 and JP2-like) induced a higher response than all other strains. When combined, Lactobacillus significantly reduced the toxicity and the IL-1β secretion induced by A. acinomycetemcomitans . The effect varied between the subtypes and the reduction was highest for the JP2 and JP2-like strains. The Lactobacillus paracasei strain SD1 had a higher reducing effect than the other Lactobacillus strains. This strain had a consistent reducing effect on all subtypes of A. actinomycetemcomitans cytotoxicity, and release of IL-1β , IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α from PBMCs of the blood donors. A strong and significant variation in cytokine release between the six blood donors was noticed. Conclusions: Lactobacillus spp. and L. paracasei SD1 in particular, showed a limited but statistically significant reducing interaction with A. actinomycetemcomitans toxicity and release of cytokines in vitro .
Correlation between bone turnover and metabolic markers with age and gender: a cross-sectional study of hospital information system data
Authors: Ju Shao , Zhou Shaosong , Qu Yuan , Liang Bibo , Yu Qing-Hong , Wu Jing 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Bone turnover and metabolic indicators are related to age and gender. Age and gender should be matched in subjects in disease control research of bone turnover and metabolism, but strict matching of gender and age increases the difficulty and cost of the research. Therefore, the aim of this study was to solve it is necessary to strictly match age and gender in clinical research in bone metabolism.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from the data were extracted from the HIS of ZhuJiang Hospital. Data relating to seven bone turnover and metabolic indicators from 1036 patients between January 2018 and October 2019 were analyzed.RESULTS: P1NP, β-CTx and 25(OH)D were significant different in individuals younger than 20 years of age. ALP was significantly higher in those under 20 years of age and lower at age 20-39 compared with other age groups. The concentrations of Ca and P were different among the groups aged 0-19, 20-39, and 40-59 years of age groups but exhibited no difference above 60 years of age. PTH expression was not dependent on age. P1NP, β-CTx and PTH concentrations were not significantly different between the genders within the same age group. ALP was significantly different between genders within the age range 20-59 years. Ca and 25(OH)D were significantly different between the genders for those older than 60. Serum P was significantly different in the two genders for those aged 40-79. Patients received both alfacalcidol and calcium treatment differently from the others in P1NP, β-CTx, Serum Ca, P and ALP.CONCLUSION: P1NP and β-CTx were highly correlated with age. If these two indictors require analysis in a case control study, the patients and controls should be strictly matched by age under 20 years. The demarcation point for ALP was 40 years of age. Ca and P were strongly recommended strict matching according to age in disease research. The difference in P1NP, β-CTx, 25(OH)D and ALP between genders depends on age differences. Medication history should be considered in bone turnover and metabolic clinical research.
Clinical outcomes of early gastric cardiac cancer treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection in patients with different indications
Authors: Fan Ting , Sun Qi , Cao Shouli , Fan Xiangshan , Huang Qin , Zhang Shu , Lv Ying , Zhang Xiaoqi , Ling Tingsheng , Wang Lei , Xu Guifang , Zou Xiaoping 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been accepted as a standard treatment for early gastric cardiac cancer (EGCC). Here, we investigate the clinical outcomes of the EGCC patients who underwent ESD in different indications. Methods: From January 2011 to October 2019, we enrolled 502 EGCC lesions from 495 patients which were resected by ESD at our center. We retrospectively analyzed the short-term and long-term clinical outcomes among different indication groups. Results: The number of the patients in the absolute indication (AI), expanded indication (EI) and beyond the expanded indication (BEI) groups was 265, 137 and 93, respectively. The en bloc resection rate was 100%, 100% and 98.9% ( P =0.185). The complete resection rate was 99.3%, 98.5% and 74.5%, respectively ( P <0.001). During a median follow-up of 48.1 months, the lymph node metastasis rate was 0%, 0% and 2.3% ( P <0.001). The distant metastasis rate was 0.4%, 0% and 2.3% ( P =0.150). The five-year disease-specific survival rate in the BEI group was 96.6% ( P =0.016), compared to 99.6% in the AI group and 100% in the EI group. Conclusion: The efficacy for ESD patients in EI group was almost equal to the AI group. Patients in the BEI group showed generally favorable clinical outcomes and needed to be carefully checked after ESD. ESD may be an optional treatment for patients unsuitable for gastrectomy.
Genome-wide analysis of the AREB/ABF gene lineage in land plants and functional analysis of TaABF3 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Fangfang , Mei Fangming , Zhang Yifang , Li Shumin , Kang Zhensheng , Mao Hude 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Previous studies have shown that ABFs (abscisic acid-responsive transcription factors) are important ABA-signaling components that participate in abiotic stress response. However, little is known about the function of ABFs in Triticum aestivum. In addition, although various ABFs have been identified in other species, the phylogenetic relationship between ABF transcription factors has not been systemically investigated in land plants. Results: In this study, we systemically collected ABFs from land plants and analyzed the phylogenetic relationship of these ABF genes. The ABF genes are present in all the land plants we investigated, including moss, lycophyte, monocots, and eudicots. Furthermore, these ABF genes are phylogenetically divided into seven subgroups, differentiations that are supported by variation in the gene structure, protein properties, and motif patterns. We further demonstrated that the expression of ABF genes varies among different tissues and developmental stages, and are induced by one or more environmental stresses. Furthermore, we found that three wheat ABFs (TaABF1, TaABF2, and TaABF3) were significantly induced by drought stress. Compared with wild-type (WT) plants, transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing TaABF3 displayed enhanced drought tolerance. Conclusions: These results provide important ground work for understanding the phylogenetic relationships between plant ABF genes. Our results also indicate that TaABFs may participate in regulating plant response to abiotic stresses.
Integrating transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of hormone pathways in Acer rubrum during developmental leaf senescence
Authors: Zhu Chen , Xiaoyu Lu , Junlan Gao , Yun Xuan , Ren Jie 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: To fully elucidate the roles and mechanisms of plant hormones in leaf senescence, we adopted an integrated analysis of both non-senescing and senescing leaves from red maple with transcriptome and metabolome data.Results: Transcription and metabolite profiles were generated through a combination of deep sequencing, third-generation sequencing data analysis, and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatograph Q extractive mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QE-MS), respectively. We investigated the accumulation of compounds and the expression of biosynthesis and signaling genes for eight hormones. The results revealed that ethylene and abscisic acid concentrations increased during the leaf senescence process, while the contents of cytokinin, auxin, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid continued to decrease. Correlation tests between the hormone content and transcriptional changes were analyzed, and in six pathways, genes closely linked with leaf senescence were identified.Conclusions: These results will enrich our understanding of the mechanisms of plant hormones that regulate leaf senescence in red maple, while establishing a foundation for the genetic modification of Acer in the future.
Components of antenatal care received by women in fishing communities on Lake Victoria, Uganda; a cross sectional survey
Authors: Ssetaala Ali , Nabawanuka Joan , Matovu Gideon , Nakiragga Nusula , Namugga Judith , Nalubega Phiona , Kaluuma Henry Lutalo , Chinyenze Kundai , Perehudoff Katrina , Michielsen Kristien , Bagaya Bernard , Price Matt , Kiwanuka Noah , Degomme Olivier 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Uganda has one of the highest maternal deaths at a ratio of 336 per 100,000 live births. As Uganda strives to achieve sustainable development goals, appropriate antenatal care is key to reduction of maternal mortality. We explored women’s reported receipt of seven of the Uganda guidelines components of antenatal care, and associated factors in hard to reach Lake Victoria island fishing communities of Kalangala district. Methods: A cross sectional survey among 486 consenting women aged 15-49 years, who were pregnant at any time in the past 6 months was conducted in 6 island fishing communities of Kalangala district, Uganda, during January-May 2018. Interviewer administered questionnaires, were used to collect data on socio-demographics and receipt of seven of the Uganda guidelines components of antenatal care. Regression modeling was used to determine factors associated with receipt of all seven components. Results: Over three fifths (65.0%) had at least one ANC visit during current or most recent pregnancy. Fewer than a quarter of women who reported attending care at least four times received all seven ANC components [(23.6%), P<0.05]. Women who reported receipt of ANC from the mainland were twice as likely to have received all seven components as those who received care from islands (aOR=1.8; 95% CI:0.9-3.7). Receipt of care from a doctor was associated with thrice likelihood of receiving all components relative to ANC by a midwife or nurse (aOR=3.2; 95% CI:1.1-9.1). Conclusions: We observed that the delivery of antenatal care components per Ugandan guidelines is poor in these communities. Cost effective endeavors to improve components of antenatal care received by women are urgently needed. Task shifting some components of ANC to community health workers may improve care in these island communities. Trial Registration: PACTR201903906459874 (Retrospectively registered).
LncRNA SNHG10 is downregulated in non-small cell lung cancer and predicts poor survival
Authors: Liang Meng , Wang Linlin , Cao Chuanhua , Song Shimao , wu feng 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: LncRNA SNHG10 has been reported to be an oncogenic lncRNA in liver cancer. However, its roles in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unknown. Methods: Tumor and paired non-tumor tissues were harvested from 62 NSCLC patients. RT-qPCR was used to detected the expression of SNHG10 and miR-21 in tissues. Overexpression experiments were used to evaluate the interaction between SNHG10 or miR-21 in NSCLC cells. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the cell proliferation. Results: We observed the expression of SNHG10 was down-regulated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared with that in non-tumor tissues. Moreover, we found that high expression levels of SNHG10 predicted favorable survival of NSCLC patients, and the expression of miR-21 were increased in NSCLC and inversely correlated with SNHG10 expression. In NSCLC cells, overexpression of SNHG10 resulted in increased miR-21 gene methylation and decreased miR-21 expression. Moreover, overexpression of SNHG10 attenuated the enhancing effect of miR-21 overexpression on cell proliferation. Conclusions: SNHG10 may involve in NSCLC cell proliferation by regulating the miR-21 gene methylation.
Effects of Unweighting on Gait Kinematics During Walking on a Lower-Body Positive Pressure Treadmill in Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis
Authors: Kataoka Yoshiaki , Shimizu Tomohiro , Takeda Ryo , Tadano Shigeru , Saito Yuki , Osuka Satoshi , Ishida Tomoya , Samukawa Mina , Irie Tohru , Takahashi Daisuke , Iwasaki Norimasa , Tohyama Harukazu 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a musculoskeletal condition that makes walking difficult due to pain induced by weight-bearing activity. Treadmills that support body weight reduce the load on the lower limbs, and those equipped with a lower-body positive pressure (LBPP) device, developed as a new method for unweighting, significantly reduce pain in patients with knee OA. However, the effects of unweighting on gait kinematics remain unclear in patients with hip OA. Therefore, we investigated the effects of unweighting on kinematics in patients with hip OA during walking on a treadmill equipped with an LBPP device.Methods: Fifteen women with hip OA and fifteen age-matched female controls wore a three-dimensional motion analysis system and walked at a self-selected speed on the LBPP treadmill. Data regarding hip pain using a numeric rating scale under three different unweighting conditions (100%, 75%, and 50% bodyweight) were collected. Three-dimensional peak joint angles during gait under each condition were calculated and compared.Results: In the hip OA group, numerical rating scores at the unweighted conditions were significantly decreased compared to the 100% bodyweight condition, and peak hip extension angle decreased compared to the healthy controls. In both groups, unweighting significantly decreased the peak hip and knee flexion angle and increased the peak ankle plantarflexion angle during walking.Conclusions: Although unweighting by LBPP decreased pain in the hip OA group, gait kinematics did not alter despite less load on the hip joint. Therefore, clinicians should consider the benefits of pain reduction, rather than the alternation of gait kinematics, when considering LBPP treadmill for patients with hip OA.
Patient Safety Culture In Primary And Home Care Services
Authors: Lousada Letícia , Dutra Francisco Clécio , Silva Beatriz , Oliveira Natália , Bastos Ismael , Vasconcelos Patrícia , de Carvalho Rhanna Emanuela Fontenele Lima 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Safety culture is still a poorly studied subject in primary care and home care, although these settings are considered gateways to access to healthcare. This study aims to evaluate safety culture in primary and home care settings.Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out with 147 professionals from nine districts covered by one home care program and six primary healthcare centres. The Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ) was used to evaluate the safety culture, in which scores ≥ 75 are indicative of a positive safety culture. Results: A total of 56 (86,1%) questionnaires returned from the home care professionals and 91 (86,6%) from the primary care professionals. The Job satisfaction domain was the best evaluated, achieving a score of 88.8 in home care and 75.1 in primary care. The achievement of high scores on Safety Climate, Job Satisfaction, Teamwork Climate, and Total SAQ was related to male gender, and time of professional experience of three to four years. Perception of management and Working conditions had the lowest scores, and this result was related with long time of experience.Conclusions: It is concluded that professionals working in home care gave higher scores for safety culture in their workplace than the primary care workers.
The Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Pilot RCT Part II: Diabetes Health Outcomes
Authors: Alshehri Mohammed , Alothman Shaima A. , Alenazi Aqeel M. , Rucker Jason L. , Phadnis Milind A. , Miles John M. , Siengsukon Catherine F. , Kluding Patricia M. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Previous studies have shown the negative impact of sleep disturbances, specifically insomnia symptoms, on glucose metabolism for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). People with insomnia symptoms are at risk of poor glycemic control and suboptimal diabetes self-care behavior (DSCB). Investigating the impact of a safe and effective intervention for individuals with T2D and insomnia symptoms on diabetes’ health outcomes is needed. Therefore, the aim of this exploratory study is to examine the effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) on glycemic control, DSCB, and fatigue. Methods: Twenty-eight participants with T2D and insomnia symptoms, after passing an eligibility criteria at a medical research center, were randomly assigned to CBT-I (n=14) or Health Education (HE; n=14). The CBT-I and HE groups received 6 weekly one-hour sessions. This Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) used a non-inferiority framework to test the effectiveness of CBT-I. Validated assessments were administered at baseline and post-intervention to assess glycemic control, DSCB, and fatigue. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was utilized to compare within-group changes from baseline to post-intervention. A Mann-Whitney test was utilized to measure the between-group differences. Linear regression was used to assess the association between the blood glucose level and the number of days in the CBT-I group. Results: The recruitment duration was from October 2018 to May 2019. A total of 13 participants completed the interventions in each group and are included in the final analysis. No adverse events, because of being a part of this RCT, were reported. CBT-I participants showed significantly greater improvement in glycemic control, DSCB, and fatigue. There was a significant association between the number of days in the CBT-I intervention with the blood glucose level before bedtime (B=-0.56, p=.009) and after awakening in the morning (B=-0.57, p=.007). Conclusions: This study demonstrated a clinically meaningful effect of CBT-I on glycemic control in people with T2D and insomnia symptoms. Also, CBT-I positively impacted daytime functioning, including DSCB and fatigue. Future research is needed to investigate the long-term effects of CBT-I on laboratory tests of glycemic control and to understand the underlying mechanisms of any improvements.Trial registration: Clinical Trials Registry (NCT03713996). Retrospectively registered on 22 October 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03713996
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) management in the community: how could primary care team contribute?
Authors: CHEN Catherine Xiao Rui , Leung Siu Hong , Li Yim Chu 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease commonly encountered in the primary care. This study aimed to audit COPD care at primary care clinics of Hong Kong and to work out improvement strategies. Method: All COPD patients aged 40 or above and had been followed up at 13 public primary care clinics of Kowloon Central Cluster (KCC), the Hospital Authority of Hong Kong, were included in this clinic audit. Evidence-based audit criteria and performance standards were established after thorough literature review. Phase 1 was from 01/04/2016 to 31/03/2017, with deficiencies identified, followed by one-year implementation phase with improvement strategies being executed. Phase 2 was from 01/04/2018 to 31/03/2019 with outcome of enhancement reviewed. Chi-square test and student’s t test were used to compare the significance of relevant changes noted. Results: 2,358 COPD cases were identified in phase 1. Among the 658 smokers, 332 (50.5%) had been referred to Smoking Counselling and Cessation and Service (SCCS) and 289 (43.9%) actually attended it. 991 cases (42%) received Seasonal Influenza Vaccine (SIV) and 938 (39.8%) received Pneumococcal Vaccine (PCV). 698 (29.6%) patients had spirometry done before and 423 cases (17.9%) had been admitted to hospital due to acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). With the concerted effort taken during the implementation phase, phase 2 data showed significance improvement in almost all criteria. There was a marked improvement in SIV and PCV coverage, spirometry performance rate and most important of all, a reduction in the AECOPD (n=294, 13.5%, P=0.000043). However, the SCCS referral rate and attendance rate among smokers remained stagnant (both P>0.05). Conclusion: COPD care at primary care clinics of KCC has been tremendously improved in most of the audit criteria via a systematic team approach, therefore reducing the burden to specialist and hospital.