bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medium-chain fatty acids accelerate incorporation of orally applied long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids into lung tissue
Authors: Beermann Christopher , Fussbroich Daniela , Schubert Ralf 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundLong-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) are discussed to resolve chronic inflammation in asthma and other lung diseases. This study aimed at accelerating the incorporation kinetic of orally applied LCPUFA into lung tissue by co-applying medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) which enhance the fat-metabolic rate.MethodsFemale C57BL/6 mice were orally supplemented with 700 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n3) (group size: n=16) or additionally with 300 mg coconut oil with 4.2 wt% MCFA of total fat per kg body weight per day (group size: n=16) for 28 days. The fatty acid profile alterations of lung tissues were monitored by fatty acid methylester-analysis with capillary gaschromatography-flame-ionization detection over 63 days.ResultsThe combined administration of EPA with MCFA increased its incorporation into the lung tissue up to day 28 (EPA 1.28 wt% ± 0,18; EPA and MCFA 1.83 wt% ± 0.17; Δ 0.55; p< 0.001 at day 28). But also its removal thereon was boosted compared to EPA supplementation alone (EPA 0.81 wt% ± 0.08; EPA and MCFA 0.58 wt% ± 0.06; Δ 0.23; p< 0.001 at day 31).ConclusionBased on the illustrated accelerating effects of MCFA on the incorporation and removal kinetics of dietary LCPUFA into lung tissue, the present study suggests a two-phase strategy for immune-regulative dietary LCPUFA-supplementation. At the very beginning supplementations should be accompanied with MCFA to support the LCPUFA-uptake, thereon MCFA should be omitted to stabilize the LCPUFA-status in the body.
Risk factor analysis and severity assessment of wound hematoma after anterior cervical spine surgery: A retrospective study
Authors: Zhou Kai , Quan Zhengxue , He Zhongyuan , Tang Ke 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

We aim to explore the risk factors independently associated with postoperative wound hematoma in patients who have undergone anterior cervical spine surgery.
Methods

The clinical data of patients with cervical spondylosis or cervical disc herniation who underwent anterior cervical spine surgery by the senior author from January 2011 to December 2017 were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to compare the hematoma group and the no-hematoma group to determine which factors were independently associated with hematoma formation in patients who need evacuation. The Mann-Whitney U test was conducted to compare the Neck Disability Index score in the two groups.
Results

A total of 678 patients met the criteria and underwent anterior cervical spine surgery. Thirteen patients undergone hematoma evacuation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that history of hypertension (p = 0.039 OR = 4.42 95% CI 1.08–18.07) and therapeutic heparin use (p = 0.020 OR = 4.58 95% CI 1.27–16.59) were independent risk factors for hematoma formation. The t-test showed no significant differences between the hematoma group and the no-hematoma group in terms of APTT or PT levels (p > 0.05). The Mann-Whitney U test indicated that there was no difference in NDI scores between the two groups(p > 0.05).
Conclusion

History of hypertension and therapeutic heparin use are risk factors for hematoma formation. Meticulous hemostasis, moderate muscle subtraction, and perioperative airway management are critical for avoiding hematoma development. The Neck Hematoma Scores can quickly determine the severity of a hematoma in the absence of radiographic image evidence.
Alleviation of Cholesterol Gallstones by Lactobacillus Targeting the Gut Microbiota Depends on Global Farnesoid X Receptor-Mediated Bile Acid Metabolism
Authors: Wan Xinjian , Ye Xin , Zhuang Qian , Dong Zhixia , Wang Xiaoxin , Shen Shuang , Wu Shan , Ning Min , Xia Jie , Wang Jingjing 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

Cholesterol gallstone (CGS) disease is characterized by an imbalance in bile acid (BA) metabolism and is closely associated with gut microbiota disorders. However, the role and mechanism by which probiotics targeting the gut microbiota attenuate CGS are still unknown. In this study, Lactobacillus reuteri CGMCC 17942 (LR) and L. plantarum CGMCC 14407 (LP) were individually administered to lithogenic diet (LD)-fed mice at a dosage of 109 CFU/day for 8 weeks.
Results

Both Lactobacillus strains significantly reduced LD-induced gallstones, hepatic steatosis, and hyperlipidemia. These strains modulated serum BA profiles, with significantly decreased conjugated primary BA taurine-β-muricholic acid (T-β-MCA), an FXR antagonist. At the molecular level, LR and LP increased Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) expression in the liver but not in the ileum, increased the levels of ileum and liver fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) and liver FGFR4, small heterodimer partner (SHP), and subsequently reduced cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily B polypeptide 1 (CYP7B1) to inhibit BA synthesis in the liver. At the same time, the two strains enhanced BA transport by increasing the levels of multidrug-resistance-associated protein homologs (MRP) 3/4, multidrug-resistance-associated protein homologs (MRP) 3/4, hepatic multidrug resistance protein (MDR2) and bile salt export pump (BSEP) mRNA in the liver. In addition, both LR and LP reduced LD-associated gut microbiota dysbiosis. LR increased the relative abundance of Muribaculaceae, while LP increased that of Akkermansia. The changed gut microbiota was significantly negatively correlated with the grade and incidence of gallstones, hyperlipidemia, the level of T-β-MCA in serum, or the gene expression levels of Fxr in liver. Furthermore, the protective effects of the two strains were abolished by a global but not intestinal-specific FXR antagonist.
Conclusions

Taken together, our results suggested that Lactobacillus might relieve gallstones through FXR-dependent regulation of BA synthesis and transport.
Development of a complex intervention to improve mobility and participation of older people with vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders in primary care: a mixed methods study
Authors: Regauer Verena , Seckler Eva , Grill Eva , Ippisch Richard , Jahn Klaus , Bauer Petra , Müller Martin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders (VDB) are common in older individuals and cause restrictions in mobility and participation. Due to a multifactorial aetiology, health care is often overutilitised, but many patients are also treated insufficiently in primary care. The purpose of this study was to develop a care pathway as a complex intervention to improve mobility and participation in older people with VDB in primary care.Methods: The development followed the UK Medical Research Council guidance using a mixed-methods design with individual and group interviews carried out with patients, physical therapists (PTs), general practitioners (GPs), nurses working in community care and a multi-professional expert panel to create a first draft of a care pathway (CPW) and an implementation strategy using the Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research and the Expert recommendations for Implementing Change. Subsequently, small expert groups modelling of specific components of CPW was carried out, with GPs, medical specialists and PTs. The Behaviour Change Wheel was applied to design the intervention´s behaviour change. To explicate theoretical assumptions, we adopted Kellogg´s Logic Model to consolidate the hypothesized chain of causes leading to patient-relevant outcomes.Results: Individual interviews with patients showed that VDB symptoms need to be taken more seriously by GPs. Patients demanded age-specific treatment offers, group sessions or a continuous mentoring by a PT. GPs required a specific guideline for diagnostics and treatment options adding psycho-social interventions. Specific assignment to and a standardized approach during physical therapy was desired by PTs. Nurses favoured a multi-professional documentation system. The structured three-day expert workshop resulted in a first draft of CPW and potential implementation strategies. Subsequent modelling resulted in a CPW with components and appropriate training materials for involved health professionals. A specific implementation strategy is now available.Conclusion: Mixed-methods design proved to be a suitable approach to develop a complex intervention and its implementation. We will subsequently test the intervention for its acceptability and feasibility in a feasibility study accompanied by a comprehensive process evaluation to inform a subsequent effectiveness trial.Trial Registration: The research project is registered in “Projektdatenbank Versorgungsforschung Deutschland” (Project-ID: VfD_MobilE-PHY_17_003910; date of registration: 30.11.2017).
Progress towards the 2020 Fast Track HIV/AIDS reduction targets across ages in Ethiopia as compared to neighboring countries using Global Burden of Diseases 2017 data
Authors: Mirkuzie Alemnesh H. , Ali Solomon , Abate Ebba , Worku Asnake , Misganaw Awoke 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.3, targets to eliminate HIV from being a public health threat by 2030. For better tracking of this target interim Fast Track milestones for 2020 and composite complementary measures have been indicated. This study measured the Fast Track progress in the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia across ages compared to neighboring countries.Methods: The National Data Management Center for health's research team at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute has analyzed the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2017 secondary data for the year 2010 to 2017 for Ethiopia and its neighbors. GBD 2017 data sources were census, demographic and a health survey, prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission, antiretroviral treatment programs, sentinel surveillance, and UNAIDS reports. Age-standardized and age-specific HIV/AIDS incidence, prevalence, mortality, Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), incidence:mortality ratio and incidence:prevalence ratio were calculated with corresponding 95% confidence intervals.Results: Ethiopia and neighboring countries recorded slow progress in reducing new HIV infection since 2010. Only Uganda would achieve the 75% target by 2020. Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda already achieved the 75% mortality reduction target set for 2020. The incidence: prevalence ratio for Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda were < 0.03, indicating the countries were on track to end HIV by 2030. Ethiopia had an incidence: mortality ratio <1 due to high mortality; while Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda had a ratio of >1 due to high incidence. The HIV incidence rate in Ethiopia was dropped by 76% among under 5 children in 2017 compared to 2010 and the country would likely to attain the 2020 national target, but far behind achieving the target among the 15-49 age group.Conclusions: Ethiopia and neighboring countries have made remarkable progress towards achieving the 75% HIV/AIDS mortality reduction target by 2020, although they progressed poorly in reducing HIV incidence. By recording an incidence:prevalence ratio benchmark of less than 0.03, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Uganda are well heading towards epidemic control. Nonetheless, the high HIV/AIDS mortality rate in Ethiopia for its incidence requires innovative strategies to reach out undiagnosed cases and to build institutional capacity for generating strong evidence to ensure sustainable epidemic control.
Averting expenditure on malaria: effects on labour productivity of maize farmers in Bunkpurugu-Nakpanduri District of Ghana
Authors: Mabe Franklin Nantui , Dafurika Thomas 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Malaria has been one of the commonest diseases during farming season, which affects farmers’ health resulting in a reduction in the number of days spent on the farm. As a result, farmers are regularly trying to avert malaria infection through preventive measures. Motivated by this argument, this study sought to determine the effects of malaria averting expenditure on labour productivity of maize farmers in Bunkpurugu-Nakpanduri District in the Northern Region of Ghana. Methods A cross-sectional primary data was collected from 194 maize farmers. Both descriptive and quantitative data analysis approaches were employed. Conditional Mixed Process was used to estimate the effects of malaria prevention expenditure on maize farmers’ labour productivity. Results The study revealed that maize farmers incurred an average expenditure of GHc284.6 to prevent malaria annually. The result shows that factors that affect maize farmers’ malaria prevention expenditure include off-farm income, household size, presence of bushes around houses, presence of pregnant women and number of household members in school. Meanwhile, quantity of fertilizer, seed, weedicides, farming experience, age, ownership of motorbike and averting expenditure are significant determinants of maize labour productivity. The study revealed that farmers who spend more money to avert malaria attack are more labour productive. Conclusions Therefore, this study recommends that Ministry of Health and Ministry of Food and Agriculture should collaborate and integrate health extension service on malaria in agricultural extension to educate farmers on the need to avert malaria. Farmers should be educated on malaria preventive strategies, such as clearing of bushes around houses, draining of stagnant water, sleeping in treated mosquito nets among others. Lastly, aside distribution of free mosquito nets to pregnant women, they should be subsidized and made available to all farmers for malaria prevention.
Drug resistance markers within an evolving efficacy of anti-malarial drugs in Cameroon: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Niba Peter Thelma Ngwa , Nji Akindeh M. , Evehe Marie-Solange , Ali Innocent M. , Netongo Palmer Masumbe , Ngwafor Randolph , Moyeh Marcel N. , Ngum Lesley Ngum , Ndum Oliva Ebie , Acho Fon Abongwa , Mbu'u Cyrille Mbanwi , Fosah Dorothy A. , Atogho-Tiedeu Barbara , Achonduh-Atijegbe Olivia , Djokam-Dadjeu Rosine , Chedjou Jean Paul Kengne , Bigoga Jude D. , Moukoko Carole Else Eboumbou , Ajua Anthony , Achidi Eric , Tallah Esther , Leke Rose G. F. , Tourgordi Alexis , Ringwald Pascal , Alifrangis Michael , Mbacham Wilfred F. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Cameroon remains a country faced with high malaria burden despite enormous efforts made in the control of the disease. The rapid development and dispersal of mutations associated with anti-malarial drug resistance influenced policy changes from the use of chloroquine, amodiaquine and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine to the adoption of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria. However, the impact of drug policy changes on the evolution of molecular markers of Plasmodium falciparum resistance in Cameroon has not been completely understood. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine the prevalence and distribution of P. falciparum drug resistance markers within an evolving efficacy of anti-malarial drugs in Cameroon from 1998 to present.Methods: The PRISMA, PRISMA-P and STREGA statements will be adopted in the quality assessments of studies to be included in this review. The electronic databases of Medline via Pubmed, EMBASE, Google Scholar and Science Direct will be searched by two independent researchers using different MeSH terms and Boolean operators (AND, OR). More so, unpublished data that will be sourced from academic libraries will also be extracted. Quantitative syntheses will be done using the “metaphor” and “meta” commands in the R statistical software package version 3.5.2. Heterogeneity will be assessed using the Cochran’s Q and I2 statistics. The random effects model will be used as standard in the determination of heterogeneity between studies. Discussion: The primary outcome of this review is to identify and describe molecular markers conferring drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum parasites that have been circulating for a period of over 20 years in Cameroon. This review will be able to pool data from previously published and unpublished studies on anti-malarial drug resistance gene mutations. This will provide evidence to support the continuous use of ACTs in the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. Furthermore, data generated from the study will be used as baseline information for the design and adoption of a robust anti-malarial drug resistance surveillance system nationwide which is inexistent. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020162620
Adaptive Immune Responses Mediated Age-related Plasmodium yoelii 17XL and 17XNL Infections in 4 and 8-week-old BALB/c Mice
Authors: Wang Qiu-bo , Du Yun-ting , Liu Fei , Sun Xiao-dan , Sun Xun , Chen Guang , Pang Wei , Cao Yaming 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Backgroud: It is important to expound the opposite clinical outcomes between children and adulthood for eradicate malaria. There remains unknown about the correlation between adaptive immune response and age-related in malaria.. Methods: 4 and 8-week-old mice were used to mimic children and adulthood, respectively. Parasitemia and the survival rate were monitored. The proportion and function of Th1 and Th2 cells were detected by FACS. The levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, total IgG, IgG1, IgG2a and Plasmodium yoelii MSP-1-specific IgG were measured by ELISA. Results: The adult group showed greater resistance to P. yoelii 17XL infection, with lower parasitemia. Compared with 4-week-old mice, the percentage of CD4+T-bet+IFN-γ+ Th1 cells as well as IFN-γ production were significantly increased on day 5 p.i. in the 8-week-old mice after P. yoelii 17XNL infection. The percentage of CD4+GATA3+IL-4+ Th2 cells and CD4+CXCR5+ Tfh cells, and IL-4 production in the 8-week-old mice significantly increased on day 5 and day 10 after P. yoelii 17XNL infection. Notably, the levels of total IgG, IgG1, IgG2a and P. yoelii MSP-1-specific IgG were also significantly increased in the 8-week-old mice. PD-1, a marker of exhaustion, was up-regulated on CD4+ or activated CD4+ T cells in the 8-week-old mice as compared to the 4-week-old group. Conclusions: Thus, we consider that enhanced cellular and humoral adaptive immunity might contribute to rapid clearance of malaria among adults, likely in a PD-1-dependent manner due to induction of CD4+ T cells exhaustion in P. yoelii 17XNL infected 8-week-old mice.
Impact of Doxycycline on COVID-19 Patients with Risk Factors: DYNAMIC, a Multi-Centre, Randomised, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial
Authors: Poinas Alexandra , Boutoille David , Vrignaud Florence , Nguyen Jean-Michel , Bonnet Fabrice , Rat Cédric , Garcia Gilles , Dompmartin Anne , Leccia Marie-Thérèse , Piroth Lionel , Maubec Eve , Gandon Pierre , Jobert Alexandra , Boinet Soizic , Cassecuel Julie , Flet Laurent , Khammari Amir , Dréno Brigitte 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The DYNAMIC study is based on three properties of tetracyclines. (1) Tetracyclines are known to chelate zinc from matrix metalloproteinases. It is possible their chelating activity may help inhibit COVID-19 infection by limiting its ability to replicate in the host. (2) As seen with dengue virus, tetracyclines may also be able to inhibit the replication of positive polarity single-stranded RNA viruses, such as COVID-19. (3) Tetracyclines are also modulators of innate immunity (anti-inflammatory activity), a property that has been used to treat inflammatory skin diseases for many years. They could therefore participate in limiting the cytokine storm induced by COVID-19. Moreover, the lipophilic nature of tetracyclines and their strong pulmonary penetration could allow them to inhibit viral replication at this level. Among the tetracyclines, doxycycline has three advantages: its long safety history (side effects are uncommon with no notable risks), its short treatment duration and its low cost.Methods: The trial will involve 330 patients who are positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection and have one or more risk factors for worsening the disease. These patients will be included in six hospitals covering the whole of France. For 14 days they will be given either 200mg of doxycycline a day or a placebo. Our hypothesis is a considerable reduction in the number of patients hospitalised due to COVID-19 thanks to the treatment of doxycycline.Discussion: This study could have an impact on general practitioners’ management of COVID-19 patients with risk factors prior to hospital admission. If kept at home under experimental treatment, these patients would help reduce the risk of spreading SARS-CoV-2 among the population. This treatment would therefore contribute to supporting the deconfinement strategy by blocking the viral infection early and reducing the infectious period.Trial Registration: On ClinicalTrials.gov, registration number NCT04371952, first published on 30 April 2020.
Climate change causes changes in biochemical markers of renal disease
Authors: Ephraim Richard Kobina Dadzie , Asamoah Christopher Amey , ABAKA-YAWSON ALBERT , Kwadzokpui Precious Kwablah , Adusei Samuel 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Climate change is a significant threat to the health of the Ghanaian people. Evidence abounds in Ghana that temperatures in all the ecological zones are rising, whereas rainfall levels have been generally reducing and patterns are increasingly becoming erratic. The study estimated the impact of climate variation between seasons on biochemical markers of renal disease.Methods: This study conveniently recruited 50 apparently healthy peasant farmers and hawkers at Wa in the Upper West Region of Ghana. A pre-study screening for hepatitis A and C, Diabetes mellitus, hypertension was done. Serum creatinine and urea levels were analyzed to rule out kidney preexisting renal disease . Baseline data was collected by estimating urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) as well as for hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) concentrations. Anthropometric data such as height, weight and blood pressure were measured by trained personnel. The study participants were closely followed and alerted deep in the dry season for the second sampling (urea, creatinine, hemoglobin, hematocrit, blood pressure, anthropometry)Results: This study recruited more males (58.82%) than females (41.15%), majority (52.92%) of which were aged 25-29 years with the youngest being 22 years and the eldest being 35 years. The study found body mass index (p<0.001), systolic blood pressure (p=0.019), creatinine (p<0.001), urea (p=0.013) and eGFR (p<0.001) to be significantly influenced by climate change. Stage 1 hypertension was predominant among the study participants during the dry season, 8 (15.69%) than was observed during the rainy season, 4 (7.84%) nonetheless the number of participants with normal BMI rose from 49.02% in the rainy season to 62.75% during the dry reason. Additionally, the study observed that the impact of climate change on systolic blood pressure and urea varied based on age and sex. Conclusion: This study revealed that climatic changes cause variations in various biochemical parameters used to assess renal function. Public health education on climatic changes and its implication including precautionary measures should be done among inhabitants of Wa and its environs to reduce its effect. Additionally, appropriate dietary patterns should also be advised to avoid the development of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and obesity that are known principal causes of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).