bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protective effects of Oxya chinensis sinuosa Mishchenko against ultraviolet B-induced photodamage in hairless mice
Authors: Im A-Rang , Park InWha , Ji Kon-Young , Lee Joo Young , Kim Ki Mo , Na MinKyun , Chae Sungwook 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Edible insects, including Oxya chinensis sinuosa Mishchenko (Oc), which is consumed as food in Asia, are considered as a human food shortage alternative, and also as a preventive measure against environmental destruction. Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation, which causes skin photodamage, is considered as an extrinsic skin aging factor. It reduces skin hydration, and increases wrinkle formation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory cytokine expression. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the anti-aging effects of an ethanol extract of Oc (Oc.Ex).

Methods
A UVB-irradiated hairless mouse model was used to examine relevant changes in skin hydration, wrinkle formation, and skin epidermal thickness. Also, antioxidant markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were analyzed, and Oc. Ex skin protective effects against UVB irradiation-induced photoaging were examined by determining the levels of skin hydration factors.

Results
Oc.Ex improved epidermal barrier dysfunctions such as increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and capacitance reduction in UVB-irradiated mice. It upregulated skin hydration-related markers, including hyaluronic acid (HA), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, and pro-collagen, in UVB-irradiated mice, compared with the vehicle control group. It also reduced UVB-induced wrinkle formation, collagen degradation, and epidermal thickness. Additionally, it remarkably suppressed the increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and restored the activity of SOD and CAT in UVB-irradiated mice, compared with the vehicle control group. Furthermore, Oc. Ex treatment downregulated the production of inflammatory cytokines and phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathway activated by UVB irradiation.

Conclusion
This study revealed that Oc. Ex reduced skin thickness and the degradation of collagen fibers by increasing hydration markers and collagen-regulating factors in the skin of UVB-irradiated mice. It also inhibited UVB-induced antioxidant enzyme activity and inflammatory cytokine expression via MAPK signaling downregulation, suggesting that it prevents UVB-induced skin damage and photoaging, and has potential for clinical development in skin disease treatment.
Distribution and retention trends of physician-scientists in Japan: a longitudinal study
Authors: Ishikawa Masatoshi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundPhysician Scientists (PSs) play a significant role in medical science because of their clinical practice and research expertise. Although it is important to analyze the distribution and retention trends in the number of PSs in Japan, research on this topic has been insufficient. Thus, the purpose of this study is to analyze PSs distribution and retention trends, identify factors related to their retention, and consider the policy implications.MethodI analyzed individual data from 1996 to 2016 from a national census survey that had been administered by the national government of Japan every 2 years. The number of PSs in 1996 and 2016 were 4930 (2.1% of all physicians) and 5212 (1.6%), respectively. I conducted a descriptive analysis and identified retention trends. I then used a multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify the factors related to the retention of PSs.ResultsBetween 1996 and 2016, the total number of PSs in Japan increased by 6%. The number of PSs aged 39 years or younger decreased by 48%, while those aged between 55 and 69 increased by 91%, indicating a notable decrease in the number of PSs under the age of 39. From 2014 to 2016, the annual retention rate of PSs was estimated to be 75.5%, which represented a low and stable rate compared to other physicians over the study period. The odds of continuing to practice as a PS were significantly higher for those who have between 15 to 29 years of experience after qualification as a physician.ConclusionThis study indicates that it is likely for the total number of PSs to decrease in the future. Although the Japanese government has implemented various measures to retain PSs, these have not been effective. Possible new interventions to address this problem include increasing the knowledge of medical students and younger physicians of the role of PSs and the benefits of a career as a PS, providing specific career paths for PSs, securing specific positions for PSs, and increasing the compensation for PSs.
Field study of a web service for stimulating the positive side of stress: entrepreneurs’ experiences and design implications
Authors: Heikkilä Päivi , Mattila Elina , Ainasoja Mari 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Digital services have been found promising in managing different aspects of health, also stress. We developed a web service for cultivating the positive side of stress based on the stress experiences of entrepreneurs. In this paper, we present a field study conducted to evaluate the user acceptance and the user experience of the developed service.

Methods
Twenty-two participants, working as entrepreneurs or having an entrepreneurial-type job description, used the web service for 6 weeks. User experiences were collected from all participants with electronic questionnaires, and 10 participants were interviewed to gain deeper understanding and to formulate design implications. In addition, usage logs of the web service were analysed to assess how actively the participants used the service and a pre and post questionnaires on stress and work engagement were conducted to evaluate the preliminary effectiveness of the service.

Results
The usage activity of the service was relatively low, on average, the service was used on 3 days and a total of 101 min. During the usage period, the participants’ negative stress measured by the perceived stress scale decreased and their self-reported positive stress experiences had increased. The participants considered the positive perspective to stress useful. In the Eustress Toolbox service, the users appreciated especially the off-line and reflection exercises, as well as the quotations from peers, but the design should have supported more active triggering to use the service.

Conclusions
Based on user experience, we propose four design implications: Integrate the service into the daily hassle of entrepreneurs, Provide personal guidance while maintaining a possibility to explore, Recognise the user’s progress and accomplishments in a meaningful way and Support implicit learning from peer entrepreneurs.

Trial registration
ISRCTN14739582, Sept 3 2019, retrospectively registered.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of community and primary-care-based hepatitis C testing and treatment services that employ direct acting antiviral drug treatments
Authors: Radley Andrew , Robinson Emma , Aspinall Esther J. , Angus Kathryn , Tan Lex , Dillon John F. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Direct Acting Antiviral (DAAs) drugs have a much lower burden of treatment and monitoring requirements than regimens containing interferon and ribavirin, and a much higher efficacy in treating hepatitis C (HCV). These characteristics mean that initiating treatment and obtaining a virological cure (Sustained Viral response, SVR) on completion of treatment, in non-specialist environments should be feasible. We investigated the English-language literature evaluating community and primary care-based pathways using DAAs to treat HCV infection.

Methods
Databases (Cinahl; Embase; Medline; PsycINFO; PubMed) were searched for studies of treatment with DAAs in non-specialist settings to achieve SVR. Relevant studies were identified including those containing a comparison between a community and specialist services where available. A narrative synthesis and linked meta-analysis were performed on suitable studies with a strength of evidence assessment (GRADE).

Results
Seventeen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria: five from Australia; two from Canada; two from UK and eight from USA. Seven studies demonstrated use of DAAs in primary care environments; four studies evaluated integrated systems linking specialists with primary care providers; three studies evaluated services in locations providing care to people who inject drugs; two studies evaluated delivery in pharmacies; and one evaluated delivery through telemedicine. Sixteen studies recorded treatment uptake. Patient numbers varied from around 60 participants with pathway studies to several thousand in two large database studies. Most studies recruited less than 500 patients. Five studies reported reduced SVR rates from an intention-to-treat analysis perspective because of loss to follow-up before the final confirmatory SVR test. GRADE assessments were made for uptake of HCV treatment (medium); completion of HCV treatment (low) and achievement of SVR at 12 weeks (medium).

Conclusion
Services sited in community settings are feasible and can deliver increased uptake of treatment. Such clinics are able to demonstrate similar SVR rates to published studies and real-world clinics in secondary care. Stronger study designs are needed to confirm the precision of effect size seen in current studies. Prospero: CRD42017069873.
Investigation on Brucella infection in farm animals in Saham, Sultanate of Oman with reference to human brucellosis outbreak
Authors: ElTahir Yasmin , Al-Farsi Anfal , Al-Marzooqi Waleed , Al-Toobi Alghalya , M. Gaafar Osman , Jay Maryne , Corde Yannick , Bose Shekar , Al-Hamrashdi Abeer , Al-Kharousi Kaadhia , Rajamony Sunil , Asi Muhammed Nadeem , Al-Saqri Nasseb , AlBusaidi Rudaina , I Elshafie Elshafie , H. Johnson Eugene 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
The objective of this study was to investigate Brucella infection in farm animals in Saham, Oman, with reference to a survey carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries (MAF) for Brucellosis during the period of May to July 2016 in Saham, following an outbreak of human brucellosis. We wanted to apply different serological, bacteriological and molecular tests in a time frame (phase 1, 2 & 3) with reference to the pivotal time of a human brucellosis outbreak to ascertain the status of the disease in Saham area where the MAF survey was conducted. Blood samples were collected from farm animals and sera were screened in parallel for Brucella antibodies using different serological tests.

Results
Using the RBT test, phase 1 sera showed seropositivity in sheep at 2.6%, (95% CI: 0.5–13.5%), in camel (5.9%, 1.1–27.0%), but not in sera from goats and cattle (0%). Using I-ELISA, seropositivity in goat was 3.1% (0.6–15.8%), with no positive sheep and cattle. Using c-ELISA for camel we found a seropositivity of 5.9% (1.1–27.0%). Furthermore, CFT seropositivity in goats was 21.9% (CI: 11.3–38.9), cattle and sheep sera were negative and camel was 5.9% (1.1–27.0%).
In phase 2, the seropositivity in goats was 1.9% (1.4–2.6%), sheep 4.5% (3.5–5.8%), cattle 1.1%, (0.5–2.3%) and camels 18.2% (5.1–47.7%),
Phase 3 sera were collected 6 months after the human brucellosis outbreak. With RBT, the seropositivity in goats was 3% (1.0–8.5%), sheep 2% (0.6–7.1%) cattle 1% (0.2–5.5%). With I-ELISA, goats & camels were negative, sheep were 3% (1.0–8.5%) and cattle 1% (0.2–5.5%).
Moreover, B. melitensis was isolated from a bronchial lymph node of the RBT and I-ELISA seropositive cow and confirmed by Multiplex PCR and biochemical tests.

Conclusion
Using a retrospective study analysis of animal sera and following up after a human brucellosis outbreak, the present study showed a slight decrease in seropositivity of infected animals after the MAF implemented test and slaughter policy. The most interesting finding in this study was the isolation, identification and molecular characterization of Brucella melitensis in a cow (spillover), which is not a preferential host for Brucella melitensis.
Human iPSC banking: barriers and opportunities
Authors: Huang Ching-Ying , Liu Chun-Lin , Ting Chien-Yu , Chiu Yueh-Ting , Cheng Yu-Che , Nicholson Martin W. , Hsieh Patrick C. H. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The introduction of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has opened up the potential for personalized cell therapies and ushered in new opportunities for regenerative medicine, disease modeling, iPSC-based drug discovery and toxicity assessment. Over the past 10 years, several initiatives have been established that aim to collect and generate a large amount of human iPSCs for scientific research purposes. In this review, we compare the construction and operation strategy of some iPSC banks as well as their ongoing development. We also introduce the technical challenges and offer future perspectives pertaining to the establishment and management of iPSC banks.
Reported Māori consumer experiences of health systems and programs in qualitative research: a systematic review with meta-synthesis
Authors: Palmer Suetonia C. , Gray Harriet , Huria Tania , Lacey Cameron , Beckert Lutz , Pitama Suzanne G. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundPersistent inequities in health experiences and outcomes are observed for Māori compared to non-Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand. We conceptualised factors associated with Māori consumer experiences of health programs and services and characterise how the recommendations arising from qualitative research inform strategies to address inequities.MethodsIn this systematic review, electronic literature searching was conducted in February 2018. Qualitative studies reporting Māori consumer experiences of health services and programs in Aotearoa New Zealand were eligible. Māori consumer experiences of health services were mapped to the WHO Commission of Social Determinants of Health (CSDH) conceptual framework on health inequities as related to: (i) the socioeconomic and political context; (ii) socioeconomic positioning; or (iii) intermediary factors that increase exposure to health-compromising conditions. Recommendations to improve consumer experiences were mapped to the CSDH framework for tackling social determinants of health inequities as policy directions on: (i) unequal consequences of illness (individual interaction); (ii) risks of exposure to health-damaging factors (community); (iii) exposures to health-damaging factors (public policies); and (iv) mitigating effects of socioeconomic and political stratification (environment).ResultsFifty-four studies were included. Māori consumer experiences mapped to social determinants of health inequities were most frequently related to direct interactions with health services and programs, particularly patient-clinician interactions (communication, relationships) and cultural competencies of clinicians and the system. Key recommendations by researchers mapped to potential strategies to address inequity were identified at all levels of the political, social and health system from individual interactions, community change, and broader public and system-level strategies. Recommendations were predominantly focused on actions to reduce risks of exposure to health-damaging factors including health literacy interventions, increased resources in cultural competencies and Māori capacity in health service development and workforce.ConclusionsMāori consumer experiences of health services and programs are an important informer of variables that impact health inequity. Strategies to tackle health inequities informed by Māori consumer experiences can be drawn from existing empirical research. Future qualitative exploration of how socioeconomic, political and public policies influence Māori consumer experiences of health services and programs could inform a broader range of structural policies to address health inequities.
Factors predicting recurrence after curative resection for rectal cancer: a 16-year study
Authors: Farhat Waad , Azzaza Mohamed , Mizouni Abdelkader , Ammar Houssem , ben Ltaifa Mahdi , Lagha Sami , Kahloul Mohamed , Gupta Rahul , Mabrouk Mohamed Ben , Ali Ali Ben 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
The recurrence after curative surgery of the rectal adenocarcinoma is a serious complication, considered as a failure of the therapeutic strategy. The aim of this study was to identify the different prognostic factors affecting the recurrence of adenocarcinoma of the rectum.

Methods
A retrospective analysis of patients operated for adenocarcinoma of the rectum between January 2000 and December 2015 was conducted. The study of the recurrence rate and prognostic factors was performed through the Kaplan Meier survival curve and the Cox regression analysis.

Results
During the study period, 188 patients underwent curative surgery for rectal adenocarcinoma, among which 53 had a recurrence. The recurrence rate was 44.6% at 5 years. The multivariate analysis identified four parameters independently associated with the risk of recurrence after curative surgery: a distal margin ≤ 2 cm (HR = 6.8, 95% CI 2.7–16.6, 6), extracapsular invasion of lymph node metastasis (HR = 4.4, 95% CI 1.3–14), tumor stenosis (HR = 4.3, 95% CI 1.2–15.2), and parietal invasion (pT3/T4 disease) (HR = 3, 95% CI 1.1–9.4).

Conclusion
The determination of the prognostic factors affecting the recurrence of rectal adenocarcinoma after curative surgery allows us to define the high-risk patients for recurrence.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03899870. Registered on 2 February 2019, retrospectively registered.
The National Village Health Guide Scheme in India: lessons four decades later for community health worker programs today and tomorrow
Authors: Strodel Rachel J. , Perry Henry B. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundBased in part on the success of India’s early community health worker (CHW) programs, the Government of India launched in 1977 a national CHW scheme—the Village Health Guides (VHGs)—to provide preventive, promotive, and basic curative care to rural populations. Although this program had promising origins in smaller demonstration projects, it failed to deliver the hoped-for impact at scale and was abandoned. Based on extensive evidence and experience, the World Health Organization and the World Health Assembly have strongly endorsed the value of national CHW programs and their integration into national health systems. Surprisingly, given the scale and importance of the VHG program and its pioneering nature as a national CHW program, little has been published describing this experience. This article is the second in a series that focuses on critical issues that face the effectiveness of large-scale CHW programs.Case presentationSeveral systemic factors emerge as main contributors to the failure of the VHG Scheme, namely, a lack of support from the formal health sector, an overly hasty implementation of the scheme, and poor communication between the government and health centers about the role of the VHGs. The remuneration structure and the VHG selection process were at the root of the program’s shortcomings at the implementation level.ConclusionNational CHW schemes are an increasingly important tool for achieving universal health coverage and ending maternal and child deaths by 2030. Although the VHG Scheme was initiated over 40 years ago, the lessons described in this case highlight important considerations to help both current and future large-scale CHW programs avoid the same pitfalls.
NDP-MSH binding melanocortin-1 receptor ameliorates neuroinflammation and BBB disruption through CREB/Nr4a1/NF-κB pathway after intracerebral hemorrhage in mice
Authors: Wu Xuan , Fu Siming , Liu Yun , Luo Hansheng , Li Feng , Wang Yiying , Gao Meng , Cheng Yuan , Xie Zongyi 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption are two vital mechanisms of secondary brain injury following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Recently, melanocortin-1 receptor (Mc1r) activation by Nle4-D-Phe7-α-MSH (NDP-MSH) was shown to play a neuroprotective role in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model. This study aimed to investigate whether NDP-MSH could alleviate neuroinflammation and BBB disruption after experimental ICH, as well as the potential mechanisms of its neuroprotective roles.

Methods
Two hundred and eighteen male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to autologous blood-injection ICH model. NDP-MSH, an agonist of Mc1r, was administered intraperitoneally injected at 1 h after ICH insult. To further explore the related protective mechanisms, Mc1r small interfering RNA (Mc1r siRNA) and nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (Nr4a1) siRNA were administered via intracerebroventricular (i.c.v) injection before ICH induction. Neurological test, BBB permeability, brain water content, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot analysis were implemented.

Results
The Expression of Mc1r was significantly increased after ICH. Mc1r was mainly expressed in microglia, astrocytes, and endothelial cells following ICH. Treatment with NDP-MSH remarkably improved neurological function and reduced BBB disruption, brain water content, and the number of microglia in the peri-hematoma tissue after ICH. Meanwhile, the administration of NDP-MSH significantly reduced the expression of p-NF-κB p65, IL-1β, TNF-α, and MMP-9 and increased the expression of p-CREB, Nr4a1, ZO-1, occludin, and Lama5. Inversely, the knockdown of Mc1r or Nr4a1 abolished the neuroprotective effects of NDP-MSH.

Conclusions
Taken together, NDP-MSH binding Mc1r attenuated neuroinflammation and BBB disruption and improved neurological deficits, at least in part through CREB/Nr4a1/NF-κB pathway after ICH.
Tumor necrosis factor-α-induced protein 8-like 2 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells is associated with the disease progression of chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Liu Yi , Jin Jia , Ji Jian , Gao Xi-Mei , Fan Yu-Chen 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced protein 8-like 2 (TIPE2) is a novel target and molecule in the negative regulation of immune homeostasis. The present study aimed to investigate the dynamic expression of TIPE2 mRNA during the progression of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

Methods
A total of 193 patients with chronic HBV infection were retrospectively recruited into this cross-sectional study, including 97 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 55 with liver cirrhosis and 41 with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). TIPE2 mRNA was determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results
The expression of TIPE2 levels in patients with HCC was significantly decreased compared with expression in patients with liver cirrhosis, CHB and healthy controls (P < 0.05); meanwhile, the TIPE2 mRNA levels in patients with CHB and liver cirrhosis were significantly increased compared with levels in healthy controls (P < 0.01). In liver cirrhosis, the TIPE2 mRNA level in the decompensated state was significantly higher than that in the compensated state (P < 0.05). In HCC patients, TIPE2 mRNA was significantly associated with venous invasion, tumor size and tumor node metastasis stage. Furthermore, the optimal cutoff of 0.78 for the level of TIPE2 mRNA has a sensitivity of 97.56% and a specificity of 88.16% for discriminating HCC from patients with CHB and liver cirrhosis.

Conclusions
TIPE2 mRNA was associated with various stages of chronic HBV infection, ranging from CHB to liver cirrhosis and HCC. Furthermore, TIPE2 mRNA with an optional cutoff value of 0.78 might serve as a promising biomarker to discriminate HBV-associated HCC from CHB and LC patients.