bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing national dementia plans and strategies in Europe – Is there a focus of care for people with dementia from a migration background?
Authors: Schmachtenberg Tim , Monsees Jessica , Hoffmann Wolfgang , Berg Neeltje van den , Stentzel Ulrike , Thyrian Jochen René 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: People with migration background and dementia are a vulnerable group. Providing care for this group is a public health challenge in Europe. An increasing number of countries are issuing national dementia plans, but a systematic overview of national dementia plans of European countries focusing on care for people with migration background is lacking. This study aims to illustrate how European countries identify the dementia-related needs of people with migration background and whether there are specific healthcare services for them at the national level.Methods: A qualitative analysis of national dementia plans of the EU and EFTA (European Free Trade Association) countries was carried out. Using the discourse analysis model according to Rainer Keller (2011), documents were systematically screened for their relation to migration via keyword and context analysis. The content of the migration-related sections was analysed using the methods of paraphrasing, memos, comments, and open coding.Results: Twenty-three of the 35 EU and ETFA countries have a national dementia plan, ten of these documents refer to migration and one country (Austria) has a national dementia plan with a chapter on migration. Eight national dementia plans identify the specific needs of people with migration background and dementia, and actions to care for this group are planned in nine countries. However, only Norway, Northern Ireland, and the Netherlands have specific healthcare services for people with migration background. Overall, the topic of migration plays a subordinate role in the national dementia plans of European countries.Conclusions: The current lack of migrant-specific healthcare services in almost all European countries may lead to denying the right to appropriate care to a growing population. The topic of migration must be given greater attention in national dementia plans. European countries should develop strategies with specific services that address the needs of people with migration background. To improve comparability at the European level, a common definition of migration is needed. Further studies should include country-specific problems related to dementia and migration.
NTP42, a novel antagonist of the thromboxane receptor, attenuates experimentally induced pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Mulvaney Eamon , Reid Helen , Bialesova Lucia , Bouchard Annie , Salvail Dany , Kinsella B. Therese 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
BackgroundNTP42 is a novel antagonist of the thromboxane prostanoid receptor (TP), currently in development for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is a devastating disease with multiple pathophysiological hallmarks including excessive pulmonary vasoconstriction, vascular remodelling, inflammation, fibrosis, in situ thrombosis and right ventricular hypertrophy. Signalling through the TP, thromboxane (TX) A2 is a potent vasoconstrictor and mediator of platelet aggregation. It is also a pro-mitogenic, pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic agent. Moreover, the TP also mediates the adverse actions of the isoprostane 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α, a free-radical-derived product of arachidonic acid produced in abundance during oxidative injury. Mechanistically, TP antagonists should treat most of the hallmarks of PAH, including inhibiting the excessive vasoconstriction and pulmonary artery remodelling, in situ thrombosis, inflammation and fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of NTP42 in the monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH rat model, alongside current standard-of-care drugs.MethodsPAH was induced by subcutaneous injection of 60 mg/kg MCT in male Wistar–Kyoto rats. Animals were assigned into groups: 1. ‘No MCT’; 2. ‘MCT Only’; 3. MCT + NTP42 (0.25 mg/kg BID); 4. MCT + Sildenafil (50 mg/kg BID), and 5. MCT + Selexipag (1 mg/kg BID), where 28-day drug treatment was initiated within 24 h post-MCT.ResultsFrom haemodynamic assessments, NTP42 reduced the MCT-induced PAH, including mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and right systolic ventricular pressure (RSVP), being at least comparable to the standard-of-care drugs Sildenafil or Selexipag in bringing about these effects. Moreover, NTP42 was superior to Sildenafil and Selexipag in significantly reducing pulmonary vascular remodelling, inflammatory mast cell infiltration and fibrosis in MCT-treated animals.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that NTP42 and antagonism of the TP signalling pathway have a relevant role in alleviating the pathophysiology of PAH, representing a novel therapeutic target with marked benefits over existing standard-of-care therapies.
The effect of CYP3A4 genetic variants on the susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the Hainan Han population
Authors: Shi Huifang , Xu Jianguang , Feng Qiong , Sun Juan , Yang Yixiu , Zhao Jie , Zhou Xiaoli , Niu Huan , He Ping , Liu Jianfang , Li Quanni , Ding Yipeng 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
PurposeGenetic polymorphisms act crucial role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) progression. This study was designed to investigate the correlation between CYP3A4 variants and COPD risk.MethodsWe carried out a case-control study of 821 individuals (313 patients and 508 healthy subjects) to identify the correlation of CYP3A4 SNPs with COPD risk in the Hainan Han population. The association was assessed by Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsOur study showed that rs4646437 polymorphism was related to an increased susceptibility to COPD (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.10-1.90, p = 0.008). Stratified analyses indicated that the rs4646437 polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased risk of COPD in males (OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.19-3.20, p = 0.008). However, rs4646440 played a protective role in females (OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.31-0.93, p = 0.024). The rs4646437 SNP was identified significantly improve the risk of COPD in smoking subjects (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.12-2.48, p = 0.011). While rs4646440 had a significantly lower susceptibility to COPD with non-smoking individuals (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.45-0.90, p = 0.010). Haplotype analysis revealed that Ars4646440Trs35564277 and Grs4646440Trs35564277 haplotypes of CYP3A4 were found to reduce the risk of COPD in non-smoking (OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.49-0.94, p = 0.024).ConclusionOur results would give some new understanding of the association between CYP3A4 gene and COPD in the Hainan Han population.
Pre-existing interstitial lung disease is associated with onset of nivolumab-induced pneumonitis in patients with solid tumors: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Yamaguchi Teppei , Shimizu Junichi , Hasegawa Takaaki , Horio Yoshitsugu , Inaba Yoshitaka , Hanai Nobuhiro , Muro Kei , Hida Toyoaki 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
BackgroundNivolumab, an anti-programmed death 1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody, has shown survival benefit in clinical trials of various malignant tumors. Nivolumab-induced pneumonitis is major immune-related adverse event (irAE) that is occasionally serious and life-threatening. The aim of this study was to examine the association between pre-existing interstitial lung disease (ILD) on chest computed tomography (CT) and nivolumab-induced pneumonitis among different types of solid tumors.MethodsWe retrospectively collected the clinical data of 311 patients who were diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), head and neck cancer (HNC), or gastric cancer (GC), and treated with nivolumab monotherapy. Patients who underwent chest CT immediately before starting nivolumab without previous thoracic radiotherapy or other immune checkpoint inhibitors were eligible. We collected baseline patient characteristics and assessed pre-existing ILD on baseline chest CT.ResultsFinally, 188 patients were included in the analysis: 96 patients with NSCLC, 43 patients with HNC, and 49 patients with GC. NSCLC patients had a significantly higher rate of pre-existing ILD compared with HNC/GC patients (P=0.047). Nivolumab-induced pneumonitis occurred in 11.7% (22 of 188), including 14.6% (14 of 96) of NSCLC, and 8.7% (8 of 92) of HNC/GC. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that pre-existing ILD (odds ratio, 5.92; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.07–18.54, P=0.0008) and male sex (odds ratio, 5.58; 95% CI, 1.01–104.40, P=0.049) significantly increased the risk of nivolumab-induced pneumonitis.ConclusionOur results indicated that pre-existing ILD and male sex are risk factors for nivolumab-induced pneumonitis in solid tumors.
Stem vacuole-targetted sucrose isomerase enhances sugar accumulation in sorghum
Authors: Liu Guoquan , Zhang Yan , Pan Yunrong , Davis Christopher Eric , Jing Hai-Chun , Wu Luguang , Godwin Ian D. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Sugar accumulation is critically important in determining sugar crop productivity. Sorghum, especially high biomass sweet sorghum has shown great potential for biofuel. However, improvement in sugar content has been stagnant among sugar crops for decades. In this study, sorghum was investigated as a C4 diploid model for more complicated genomes such as maize and sugarcane. To promote sugar accumulation in sorghum, the sucrose isomerase (SI) gene, driven by stem-specific promoters (A2 or LSG) with a signal peptide, was designed to target the stem vacuole in grain sorghum inbred line (Tx430) and sweet x grain hybrids (Rio x Tx430). Results: The study demonstrated that transgenic lines of grain sorghum, containing 50-60% isomaltulose, accumulated sevenfold (804 mmol/L) more total sugar than the control Tx430 did (118 mmol/L) in stalks. Subsequently, the best-engineered line (LSG9) was crossed with an elite sweet sorghum variety (Rio). The total sugar concentrations (over 800 mmol/L) measured by HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography), were significantly higher in both F1 and F2 progenies than the sweet sorghum Rio, representing a 57% and 69% increase respectively. Those total sugar contents in engineered sorghum lines are higher than in the field-grown sugarcane (normal range 600-700 mmol/L). Physiological characterization demonstrated that the superior progenies had notably increased rates of photosynthesis, sucrose transport, and sink strength. Conclusion: The genetic engineering approach has significantly enhanced total sugar concentration in grain sorghum and hybrids of (grain x sweet) sorghum. This research has put sorghum in the spotlight and frontier as a biofuel crop. More importantly, our results prove that the phenotype of high sugar accumulation is inheritable in the grain sorghum as well as hybrids. The massive increase in sugar accumulation would lead to enormous financial benefits for industrial and biofuel use. This study would have a substantial impact on renewable energy due to the supreme capacity of total sugar accumulation in sorghum.
Prevalence of plasmid-mediated AmpC beta-lactamases in Enterobacteria isolated from urban and rural folks in Uganda
Authors: Najjuka Christine Florence , Kateete David Patrick , Lodiongo Dennis K , Mambo Obede , Mocktar Chunderika , Kayondo William , Baluku Hannington , Kajumbula Henry M , Essack Sabiha Y , Joloba Moses L 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: AmpC beta-lactamases are associated with increased resistance to third-generation cephalosporins. Here, we describe plasmid-mediated AmpC beta-lactamase-producing enterobacteria isolated from urban and rural dwellers in Uganda. Methods: Stool and urine from 1,448 individuals attending outpatient clinics in Kampala and two rural districts in central Uganda (Kayunga and Mpigi) were processed for isolation of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella. Following antibiotic susceptibility testing, cefoxitin resistant isolates, and amoxicillin/clavulanate resistant but cefoxitin susceptible isolates, were tested for AmpC beta-lactamase production using the cefoxitin-cloxacillin double-disc synergy test. Carriage of plasmid-mediated AmpC beta-lactamase-encoding genes (pAmpC) and extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) encoding genes was determined by PCR. Results: Nine hundred and thirty E. coli and 55 Klebsiella were recovered from the cultured samples, yielding 985 isolates (one per participant) investigated. One hundred and twenty nine isolates (13.1%, 129/985) were AmpC beta-lactamase producers, of which 111 were molecularly characterized for pAmpC/ESBL gene carriage. pAmpC genes were detected in 60% (67/111) of the AmpC beta-lactamase producers; pAmpC genes were also detected in 18 AmpC beta-lactamase non-producers and in 13 isolates with reduced susceptibility to third-generation cephalosporins, yielding a total of 98 isolates that carried pAmpC genes. Overall, the prevalence of pAmpC genes in cefoxitin resistant and/or amoxicillin/clavulanate resistant E. coli and Klebsiella was 59% (93/157) and 26.1% (5/23), respectively. The overall prevalence of pAmpC-positive enterobacteria was 10% (98/985); 16.4% (45/274) in Kampala, 6.2% (25/406) Kayunga, and 9.2% (28/305) Mpigi. Ciprofloxacin use was associated with carriage of pAmpC-positive bacteria, while residing in rural districts was associated with protection from carriage of pAmpC-positive bacteria. Conclusion: pAmpC beta-lactamase producing enterobacteria are prevalent in urban and rural dwellers in Uganda, therefore, cefoxitn should be included during routine susceptibility testing in this setting.
Characterisation of "ESKAPE" Pathogens with Special Reference to Multidrug Resistance and Biofilm Production in a Nepalese Hospital
Authors: Pandey Rosy , Shrestha Angela , Mishra Shyam Kumar 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: “ESKAPE” is an acronym for group of organisms as Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus baumannii complex, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter spp. They are associated in causing life threatening infections. Global efforts on controlling multidrug resistant (MDR) organisms have been hampered by their rapid emergence, inadequate tests for rapid detection and their ability to escape the antibacterial drugs. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of ESKAPE pathogens with prime focus on biofilm production and antibiotic resistance. Methods: A total of 8756 clinical specimens were processed for the isolation and identification of ESKAPE pathogens following standard microbiological protocol. These isolates were subjected to antibiotic sensitivity test as per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Detection of resistance phenotypes, viz., extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase (ESBL), metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL), Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) was done by disk diffusion method and E- test method as applicable. The VRE isolates were subjected for detection of Van A and Van B genes. All the isolates were processed for biofilm detection by tube adherence method. Results: The percentage distribution of Staphylococcus aureus was 33.5%, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae 33.0%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 18.3%, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus baumannii complex 8.7%, Enterococcus faecium 5.6% and Enterobacter aerogenes 0.9%. MRSA was 57.6% and Vancomycin resistance among Enterococcus faecium was 20%. ESBL and MBL producing Klebsiella pneumoniae were 16.1%, and 8.1%, Acb complex 10.3% each and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 10.7% and 8.3% respectively. A total of 42.3% of isolates were biofilm producers. Linezolid was drug of choice for VRE isolates. Piperacillin- tazobactam was found to be effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter aerogenes; Ampicillin-sulbactam was the most effective drug against Acb complex excluding polymyxins. Van A gene was detected in all the VRE isolates. Conclusion: This study estimates the burden of the ESKAPE organisms and their antibiotic resistance pattern in a Nepalese hospital. The increasing percentages of drug resistance among these biofilm-producing pathogens pose great threat in medical setting. Surveillance targeting ESKAPE pathogens should be incorporated in infection control policy in Nepal.
Solidarity, Vulnerability and Mistrust: How Context, Information and Government Affect the Lives of Women in Times of Zika
Authors: Arias Ana Rosa Linde , Roura Maria , Siqueira Eduardo 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background and Objectives The public health response to Zika outbreak has mostly focused on epidemiological surveillance, vector control, and individual level preventative measures. This qualitative study employs a social-ecological framework to examine how macro (historical, legislative, political, socio-economic factors), meso (sources of information, social support, social mobilization) and micro level factors (individual actions, behavioral changes) interacted to influence the response and behavior of women with respect to Zika in different contexts. Methods A qualitative study was carried out. Women were recruited through the snowball sampling technique from various locations in Brazil, Puerto Rico, and the United States. They were of different nationalities and ethnicities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The data transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Women in this study deemed the information provided as insufficient, which led them to actively reach out and access a variety of media sources. Social networks played a vital role in sharing information but also resulted in the spread of hoaxes or rumors. Participants in our research perceived socio-economic inequities but focused on how to remedy their microenvironments. They did not engage in major social activities. Lack of trust in governments placed women in vulnerable situations by preventing them to follow the guidance of health authorities. These impacts were also a result of the response tactics of health and government administrations in their failed attempts to ensure the well-being of their countries’ populations. Conclusions Our findings call for a broad spectrum of public health interventions that go beyond individual level behavioral change campaigns, to more comprehensively address the broader meso and macro level factors that influence womens’ willingness and possibility to protect themselves.
An Outbreak of Acute Respiratory Illness at a Training Base in Beijing, China, Due to Human Adenovirus Type B55
Authors: Lu Guilan , Peng Xiaomin , Li Renqing , Liu Yimeng , Wu Zhanguo , Wang Xifeng , Zhang Daitao , Zhao Jiachen , Sun Ying , Zhang Li , Yang Peng , Wang Quanyi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: An outbreak of acute respiratory illness (ARI) occurred at a training base in Beijing. A total of 12 students were diagnosed with symptoms of ARI from August 26 to August 30, 2015. The cause of the ARI outbreak was investigated. Methods: In partnership with the local center for disease control, we conducted an epidemiological investigation on the outbreak, collecting a total of twelve pharyngeal swab specimens as well as patient demographic for the affected patients. We used multiplex real-time PCR to screen for sixteen common respiratory viruses in these samples. To isolate the causative virus, we inoculated Hep-2 cells with the human adenovirus (HAdV)-positive samples and then carried out sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the hexon, fiber and penton genes of the isolated adenoviruses. In addition, we analyzed the whole genome of one strain isolated from the index case to identify single-nucleotide substitutions. Results: We identified ten HAdV-positive students by multiplex real-time PCR. None of the students were co-infected with other viruses. We successfully isolated seven strains from the pharyngeal swab specimens. Genetic analysis showed that the coding sequences of the hexon, fiber, and penton genes obtained from those seven HAdV strains were identical, suggesting that they represented seven isolates of a single virus strain. One HAdV isolate obtained from the index case, BJDX-01-2015, was selected for whole genome analysis. From this isolate, we obtained a 34,774-nucleotide sequence. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the genome of BJDX-01-2015 clustered with HAdV-B55 and had 99.97% identity with human adenovirus 55 isolate HAdV-B/CHN/BJ01/2011/55 (GenBank accession no. JX491639). Conclusions: We identified HAdV-B55 as the culprit of the ARI outbreak. This was the first reported outbreak in Beijing due to HAdV-B55 virus. Continuous surveillance of respiratory adenoviruses is urgently needed for understanding the epidemiological and evolutionary features of HAdV-B55 and could also find value in an epidemiological modeling approach.
What is the optimal protocol for Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)? A Mini Review and A Retrospective Study to Evaluate Effective Factors Influencing Pregnancy after IUI
Authors: Li Qing , Herrero Belén , Zhu Mao-Ling , Lefebvre Josée , Buckett William 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Although it is well documented on the study of intrauterine insemination (IUI), the effectiveness of various factors on IUI treatment is inconsistent. The aim of this study is to investigate the various factors that influence IUI outcome and attempt to set up optimal protocol for IUI patients.
Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study including1948 cycles (843 couples) that performed IUI between January 2012 and December 2013 in a single centre. Various factors that may affect IUI outcome were analyzed using chi-square. Moreover, we conducted multiple logistic regression to evaluate the main factors on the effects of IUI outcome. In addition, follicle growth and endometrial development relevant to conception were also assessed among protocols.
Results: The clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) per cycle was 12.5% in the present study. Seven factors were identified to be associated significantly with CPR by multivariate logistic regression analysis: female age, type of infertility, ovarian stimulation protocol, preovulatory follicles, endometrial thickness, growing length of preovulatory follicle, post-washed total motile spermatozoa count (TMSC). Comparing with 11 days or less, more than 15 days for ovarian response and endometrial development before insemination induced a better success rate. Although ovarian stimulation with gonadotrophin or letrozole induced higher CPR when comparing to stimulation with clomiphene citrate or without stimulation, ovarian stimulation with letrozole was superior to gonadotrophin by its similar CPR to gonadotrophin but lower follicle number, without the risk of multiple pregnancy. Women younger than 41 years with elevated endometrial thickness inseminated with TMSC ≥ 4.0 million had better chance to obtain pregnancy. Number of treatment cycle was not a factor to affect CPR, with a stable CPR in the first four cycles.
Conclusions: We conclude that women no more than 41 years old are suitable to perform at least 4 cycles of IUI before proceeding to IVF. The optimized IUI treatment requires ovarian stimulation with letrozole to induce one/two follicles and fertilize with four or more million motile spermatozoa and an elevated endometrium on day 15 or after in the cycle.
Key words: infertility, intrauterine insemination, effective factors, clinical pregnancy rate.