bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Club cell protein 16 in sera from trauma patients modulates neutrophil migration and functionality via CXCR1 and CXCR2
Authors: Xu Baolin , Janicova Andrea , Vollrath Jan Tilmann , Störmann Philipp , Martin Lukas , Marzi Ingo , Wutzler Sebastian , Hildebrand Frank , Ehnert Sabrina , Relja Borna 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundClub Cell protein (CC)16 correlates with lung injury and respiratory complications, which are in part triggered by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) in severely traumatized patients (TP). CC16 exerts anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, however, its influence on PMNL functions after trauma is unknown. Here, we evaluated whether CC16 present in sera from TP could modify the biological functions of PMNL.MethodsSera from 16 severely injured TP without pneumonia (no P,n = 8) or with pneumonia (P, n = 8) were collected at admission to emergency department (ED) and 1 day prior pneumonia and pre-incubated with or without anti-CC16 antibody for CC16 neutralization. Samples from the equal post-injury days in the corresponding no P group were used. Neutrophils were isolated from healthy volunteers (HV,n = 5) and incubated with 20% of the serum medium from TP, respectively. In PMNL, CD62L, CD11b/CD18 and CD31 expression, migratory capacity, phagocytosis rate, oxidative burst and apoptosis were investigated. In isolated PMNL, CXCR1 and CXCR2 were neutralized before stimulation with CC16, and oxidative burst, phagocytosis and apoptosis were analyzed in neutrophils and their subsets.ResultsSerum from the P group enhanced significantly PMNL migration compared to no P group, while CC16-neutralization further increased the migratory rate of PMNL in both groups. CC16-neutralization increased significantly the expression of CD62L in the P group at ED. Oxidative burst was significantly increased in the P group vs. no P during the study period. CC16 seemed to have no influence on oxidative burst and phagocytosis in TP. However, in a more controlled study design, CC16 induced a significant increase of oxidative burst and a decrease of apoptosis of CD16+granulocytes. These effects were markedly observed in mature CD16brightCD62Lbrightand immune suppressive CD16brightCD62Ldimneutrophils. In mature subset, CXCR1 and CXCR2 neutralization diminished CC16-induced effects.ConclusionsCC16 in sera from multiply traumatized patients, notably of those with pneumonia, has significant effects on PMNL. The results suggest an association of CC16 with CXCR1 and CXCR2. Our data suggest that CC16 reduces the migratory capacity of PMNL and thus modulates their function in patients with respiratory complications after trauma.
Outcomes of rapid response team implementation in tertiary private hospitals: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Al-Omari Awad , Al Mutair Abbas , Aljamaan Fadi 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Cardiopulmonary arrest may result in high mortality rate in hospitals where the rapid response team is not implemented. A rapid response system can recognize patients at high risk of cardiopulmonary arrest and provide the needed medical management to prevent further deterioration. The rapid response system has shown a dramatic reduction in mortality rate and cardiopulmonary arrest.

Objective
To evaluate the effectiveness of the rapid response team (RRT) implementation in reducing the mortality rate, number of cardiopulmonary arrests, and number of ICU admission.

Design
A pre- and post-rapid response team system implementation.

Setting
Four tertiary private hospitals in Saudi Arabia.

Patients
A total of 154,869 patients in the 3-year before rapid response system period (January 2010 to December 2012) and a total of 466,161 during the 2.5-year post-RRT implementation period (January 2014 to June 2016).

Results
Results indicated that ward nurses activated RRT more often than physicians (1104 activations [69%] vs. 499 activations [31%]), with cardiovascular and respiratory abnormalities being the most common triggers. Serious concern about the patient condition by the ward staff was the trigger for 181 (11.29%) activations. The RRT provided a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Most patients cared for by RRT were admitted to ICU 1103 (68.81%), and the rest 500 (31.19%) were managed in the ward. After the implementation of the RRT project, the hospital mortality rate dropped from 7.8 to 2.8 per 1000 hospital admission. Hospital cardiopulmonary arrest rate has dropped from 10.53 per 1000 hospital admissions to 2.58. Rapid response team implementation also facilitated end-of-life care discussions.

Conclusion
Implementation of the RRT project has shown a dramatic reduction in the total ICU admissions, average ICU occupancy rate, total hospital mortality, and total ICU mortality. These findings reinforce the evidence that RRT implementation is effective in reducing hospital mortality and cardiopulmonary arrest rates in addition to other outcomes related to healthcare quality.
Weighted single-step GWAS identified candidate genes associated with semen traits in a Duroc boar population
Authors: Gao Ning , Chen Yilong , Liu Xiaohong , Zhao Yunxiang , Zhu Lin , Liu Ali , Jiang Wei , Peng Xing , Zhang Conglin , Tang Zhenshuang , Li Xinyun , Chen Yaosheng 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn the pig production industry, artificial insemination (AI) plays an important role in enlarging the beneficial impact of elite boars. Understanding the genetic architecture and detecting genetic markers associated with semen traits can help in improving genetic selection for such traits and accelerate genetic progress. In this study, we utilized a weighted single-step genome-wide association study (wssGWAS) procedure to detect genetic regions and further candidate genes associated with semen traits in a Duroc boar population. Overall, the full pedigree consists of 5284 pigs (12 generations), of which 2693 boars have semen data (143,113 ejaculations) and 1733 pigs were genotyped with 50 K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array.ResultsResults show that the most significant genetic regions (0.4 Mb windows) explained approximately 2%~ 6% of the total genetic variances for the studied traits. Totally, the identified significant windows (windows explaining more than 1% of total genetic variances) explained 28.29, 35.31, 41.98, and 20.60% of genetic variances (not phenotypic variance) for number of sperm cells, sperm motility, sperm progressive motility, and total morphological abnormalities, respectively. Several genes that have been previously reported to be associated with mammal spermiogenesis, testes functioning, and male fertility were detected and treated as candidate genes for the traits of interest: Number of sperm cells,TDRD5,QSOX1,BLK,TIMP3,THRA,CSF3, andZPBP1; Sperm motility,PPP2R2B,NEK2,NDRG,ADAM7,SKP2, andRNASET2; Sperm progressive motility,SH2B1,BLK,LAMB1,VPS4A,SPAG9,LCN2, and DNM1; Total morphological abnormalities,GHR,SELENOP,SLC16A5,SLC9A3R1, andDNAI2.ConclusionsIn conclusion, candidate genes associated with Duroc boars’ semen traits, including the number of sperm cells, sperm motility, sperm progressive motility, and total morphological abnormalities, were identified using wssGWAS. KEGG and GO enrichment analysis indicate that the identified candidate genes were enriched in biological processes and functional terms may be involved into spermiogenesis, testes functioning, and male fertility.
The olfactory secretome varies according to season in female sheep and goat
Authors: Cann Paul , Chabi Malika , Delsart Aliénor , Le Danvic Chrystelle , Saliou Jean-Michel , Chasles Manon , Keller Matthieu , Nagnan-Le Meillour Patricia 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Small ungulates (sheep and goat) display a seasonal breeding, characterised by two successive periods, sexual activity (SA) and sexual rest (SR). Odours emitted by a sexually active male can reactivate the ovulatory cycle of anoestrus females. The plasticity of the olfactory system under these hormonal changes has never been explored at the peripheral level of odours reception. As it was shown in pig that the olfactory secretome (proteins secreted in the nasal mucus) could be modified under hormonal control, we monitored its composition in females of both species through several reproductive seasons, thanks to a non-invasive sampling of olfactory mucus. For this purpose, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-E), western-blot with specific antibodies, MALDI-TOF and high-resolution (nano-LC-MS/MS) mass spectrometry, RACE-PCR and molecular modelling were used.

Results
In both species the olfactory secretome is composed of isoforms of OBP-like proteins, generated by post-translational modifications, as phosphorylation, N-glycosylation and O-GlcNAcylation. Important changes were observed in the olfactory secretome between the sexual rest and the sexual activity periods, characterised in ewe by the specific expression of SAL-like proteins and the emergence of OBPs O-GlcNAcylation. In goat, the differences between SA and SR did not come from new proteins expression, but from different post-translational modifications, the main difference between the SA and SR secretome being the number of isoforms of each protein. Proteomics data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD014833.

Conclusion
Despite common behaviour, seasonal breeding, and genetic resources, the two species seem to adapt their olfactory equipment in SA by different modalities: the variation of olfactory secretome in ewe could correspond to a specialization to detect male odours only in SA, whereas in goat the stability of the olfactory secretome could indicate a constant capacity of odours detection suggesting that the hallmark of SA in goat might be the emission of specific odours by the sexually active male. In both species, the olfactory secretome is a phenotype reflecting the physiological status of females, and could be used by breeders to monitor their receptivity to the male effect.
Antibiotics prescription and guidelines adherence in elderly: impact of the comorbidities
Authors: Dylis Anthony , Boureau Anne Sophie , Coutant Audrey , Batard Eric , Javaudin François , Berrut Gilles , de Decker Laure , Chapelet Guillaume 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Although the interest of antibiotics is well known, antibiotics prescription is associated with side effect, especially in patients with multiples comorbidities. One way to reduce the incidence of side effects is to respect antibiotics prescriptions guidelines. Our objective was to investigated the factors associated with guidelines adherence in elderly patients with multiples comorbidities.

Methods
From October 2015 to December 2016, antibiotics prescription and guidelines adherence were analyzed in two post-acute care and rehabilitation services of a 2600-bed, university-affiliated center.

Results
One hundred and twenty-eight patients were included, fifty-nine (46%) patients had antibiotics prescription according to guidelines. In Multivariable logistic regression analysis, prescription of 2 antibiotics or more (OR = 0.168, 95% IC = 0.037–0.758, p < 0.05), 85 years of age and more (OR = 0.375, 95% IC = 0.151–0.931, p < 0.05) and the Charlson comorbidity index score (OR = 0.750, 95% IC = 0.572–0.984, p < 0.05) were negatively associated with antibiotics prescriptions according to guidelines.

Conclusions
High comorbidity in the elderly was negatively associated with the guidelines adherence of antibiotiсs prescriptions. These criteria should be considered to optimize antibiotics prescriptions in elderly patients.
Associations of BAFF rs2893321 polymorphisms with myasthenia gravis susceptibility
Authors: Deng Hui , Wang Jianjian , Kong Xiaotong , Zhang Huixue , Wang Tianfeng , Tian Wenqi , Yi Tingting , Wang Lihua 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune diseases characterized by fatigue and weakness of skeletal muscles. B-lymphocyte-activating factor (BAFF), an essential factor for B cell differentiation and development, is important in the progression of MG. The current study aimed to investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphism rs2893321 in BAFF with MG susceptibility in Chinese Han population.

Methods
One hundred forty-nine patients with MG and 148 healthy controls were recruited. Using improved multiple ligase detection reaction technology, the polymorphisms of rs2893321 between groups and among MG subgroups have been compared.

Results
A significant differences between the MG group and the healthy control group was observed. Additionally, rs2893321 was found to be associated with gender and age in patients with MG.

Conclusion
Genetic variations of rs2893321 in BAFF might be associated with susceptibility to MG in the Chinese Han population.
Predictors of weight loss outcomes in obesity care: results of the national ACTION study
Authors:   The ACTION Steering Group, Dhurandhar Nikhil V. , Kyle Theodore , Stevenin Boris , Tomaszewski Kenneth 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
A key objective of this study was to examine obesity care attitudes and behaviors of people with obesity (PwO) and determine independent factors associated with a self-reported sustained weight loss success outcome.

Methods
An online survey was conducted in 2015 among 3008 U.S. adult PwO (BMI > 30 through self-reported height and weight). Multivariate logistic models explained variation in weight loss success, defined as ≥ 10% weight loss in previous 3 years and maintained for > 1 year.

Results
Controlling for weight changes over time, we found significant associations between self-reported weight history and weight loss success. PwO who had personal motivation to lose weight, were willing to talk to a diabetes educator about their weight, who had their weight loss attempts recognized by a healthcare provider, and were diagnosed with “obesity” or “overweight” were more likely to report having success losing weight.

Conclusions
This study does not determine causality, but suggests motivation and engagement with PwO may impact weight loss, and presents a basis for assessing the mechanism involved. Determining such mechanisms may identify important targets to improve obesity treatment outcomes.

Trial registration
This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03223493, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03223493. Registered July 17, 2017 (retrospectively registered).
Smoking cessation with smartphone applications (SWAPP): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lüscher Janina , Berli Corina , Schwaninger Philipp , Scholz Urte 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundTobacco smoking remains one of the biggest public health threats. Smartphone apps offer new promising opportunities for supporting smoking cessation in real-time. The social context of smokers has, however, been neglected in smartphone apps promoting smoking cessation. This randomized controlled trial investigates the effectiveness of a smartphone app in which smokers quit smoking with the help of a social network member.MethodsThis protocol describes the design of a single-blind, two-arm, parallel-group, intensive longitudinal randomized controlled trial. Participants of this study are adult smokers who smoke at least one cigarette per day and intend to quit smoking at a self-set quit date. Blocking as means of group-balanced randomization is used to allocate participants to intervention or control conditions. Both intervention and control group use a smartphone-compatible device for measuring their daily smoking behavior objectively via exhaled carbon monoxide. In addition, the intervention group is instructed to use the SmokeFree Buddy app, a multicomponent app that also facilitates smoking-cessation specific social support from a buddy over a smartphone application. All participants fill out a baseline diary for three consecutive days and are invited to the lab for a background assessment. They subsequently participate in an end-of-day diary phase from 7 days before and until 20 days after a self-set quit date. Six months after the self-set quit date a follow-up diary for three consecutive days takes place. The primary outcome measures are daily self-reported and objectively-assessed smoking abstinence and secondary outcome measures are daily self-reported number of cigarettes smoked.DiscussionThis is the first study examining the effectiveness of a smoking cessation mobile intervention using the SmokeFree Buddy app compared to a control group in a real-life setting around a self-set quit date using a portable objective measure to assess smoking abstinence. Opportunities and challenges with running studies with smoking participants and certain design-related decisions are discussed.Trial registrationThis trial was prospectively registered on 04/04/2018 at ISRCTNregistry:ISRCTN11154315.
Psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Cancer attitude inventory
Authors: Khazaee-Pool Maryam , Shoghli Alireza , Pashaei Tahereh , Ponnet Koen 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
The Cancer Attitude inventory (CAI) was developed to measure attitudes toward cancer. The aim of the present study was to describe the development of the Persian version of the CAI and to evaluate its psychometric properties in an Iranian sample.

Methods
The forward–backward method was used to translate the CAI scale from English into Persian. After linguistic validation and a pilot check, a cross-sectional study was performed and psychometric properties of the Iranian version of the questionnaire were assessed.
The scale validation was conducted with a convenience sample of 820 laypeople. Construct validity was assessed through both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Internal consistency was assessed through Cronbach’s alpha analysis and test-retest analysis.

Results
Five factors were identified in CAI: isolation, helplessness, fear of consequence, belief of control and independence, and fear of death. The results achieved from the CFA displayed that the data fit the model: the relative chi-square (× 2/df) = 2.98 (p < .001), and the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = .07 (90% CI = .06—.07). All comparative indices of the model had scores greater than .80, demonstrating a good fit to the data. Cronbach’s Alpha and the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) were .97, which is well above the acceptable threshold.

Conclusions
The results indicate that the Persian version of the CAI is practical, reliable and valid. Consequently, the instrument could be used in plans to create positive attitudes about cancer control and treatment among Persian people.
Epidemiology and antibiotic susceptibility of Vibrio cholerae associated with the 2017 outbreak in Kasese district, Uganda
Authors: Iramiot Jacob Stanley , Rwego Innocent B. , Kansiime Catherine , Asiimwe Benon B. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Uganda is among the 51 countries where cholera outbreaks are common with epidemics occurring predominantly along the western border with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kampala city slums, Busia district which is a border town with Western Kenya, Mbale district and the Karamoja Sub-region. This report summarizes findings from the epidemiologic investigation, which aimed at identifying the mode of transmission and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the Vibrio cholerae isolated in Kasese district, Uganda.

Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out between 2017 and 2018 to describe the epidemiology of the cholera epidemic in Kasese district, Uganda. Rectal swabs were collected from 69 suspected case-persons and cultured on Thiosulphate-Citrate-Bile-Salts Sucrose (TCBS™; SEIKEN Japan) agar and incubated at 37 °C for 18–24 h. The isolates were serotyped with polyvalent 01 antiserum and monovalent serotype Inaba and Ogawa antisera (Denka Seiken, Tokyo, Japan) to determine which serotype was responsible for the outbreak. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar.
A list of discharged patients was obtained from the isolation units of Bwera hospital and Kagando hospital and the individuals were followed to the community where they live. Questionnaires were administered to a total of 75 participants who were either the cases or relatives to the case. GPS points of the homes of the cases and pictures of potential source infection were also taken and cases were mapped.

Results
A total of 222 cases were recorded in the Kasese District outbreak between the month of September 2017 and January 2018 with the case fatality rate (CFR) of 1.4%. Children below the age of 14 years contributed the biggest proportion of the cases (70%) and out of these, 33% were aged below 5 years. Culture isolated 69 V. cholerae 01 serotype Inaba from the total of 71 samples. Salmonella typhi was Isolated from the other two samples which were negative for V. cholerae. Antibiotic susceptibility using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was done on isolates from 69 participants and showed 100% resistance to Ampicillin and over 50% were resistant to trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole whereas gentamicin showed 100% susceptibility. Environmental assessment revealed rampant cases of open defecation.

Conclusion
Though we did not culture water to confirm contamination with Vibrio cholerae, we hypothesize that the cholera epidemic in Kasese 2017 was sparked off by consumption of contaminated water following the heavy floods that washed away latrines into water sources in Bwera, Isango and Nakiyumbu sub-counties. V. cholerae was also highly resistant to the commonly used antibiotics.
A novel mutation of the StAR gene with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and its association with heterochromia iridis: a case report
Authors: Splittstösser Vera , Schreiner Felix , Gohlke Bettina , Welzel Maik , Holterhus Paul-Martin , Woelfle Joachim 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
We report a novel mutation within the StAR gene, causing congenital adrenal hyperplasia, with the so far unreported association with heterochromia iridis.

Case presentation
In a now 15-year-old girl (born at 41 + 6 weeks of gestation) adrenal failure was diagnosed in the neonatal period based on the clinical picture with spontaneous hypoglycaemia, hyponatremia and an extremely elevated concentration of ACTH (3381 pmol/l; ref. level 1,1–10,1 pmol/l), elevated renin (836 ng/l; ref. level 5–308 ng/l), and a decreased concentration of aldosterone (410 pmol/l; ref. level 886–3540 pmol/l). In addition to hyperpigmented skin the patient exhibited sectorial heterochromia iridis. Sequence analysis of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) gene showed a novel homozygous mutation (c.652G > A (p.Ala218Thr), which was predicted in-silico to be possibly damaging. Under daily steroid substitution her electrolyte levels are balanced while she became obese. Puberty occurred spontaneously.

Conclusion
A novel mutation in the StAR gene was identified in a patient with severe adrenal hypoplasia and sectorial heterochromia iridis. We discuss a causal relationship between these two rare phenotypes, i.e. whether very high levels of ACTH and alpha-MSH during early development might have disturbed early differentiation and distribution of uveal melanocytes. If confirmed in additional cases, discolorization of the iris might be considered as an additional phenotypical feature in the differential diagnosis of congenital adrenal insufficiency.