bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk reduction of diarrhea and respiratory infections following a community health education program - a facility-based case-control study in rural parts of Kenya
Authors: Karinja Miriam , Schlienger Raymond , Pillai Goonaseelan Colin , Esterhuizen Tonya , Onyango Evance , Gitau Anthony , Ogutu Bernhards 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Diarrheal and acute respiratory infections remain a major cause of death in developing countries especially among children below 5 years of age. About 80% of all hospital attendances in Kenya can be attributed to preventable diseases and at least 50% of these preventable diseases are linked to poor sanitation. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a community-based health education program, called Familia Nawiri, in reducing the risk of diarrhea and respiratory infections among people living in three rural Kenyan communities.

Methods
Cases were defined as patients attending the health facility due to diarrhea or a respiratory infection while controls were patients attending the same health facility for a non-communicable disease defined as an event other than diarrhea, respiratory infection. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a logistic regression model to assess the risk of diarrheal or respiratory infection in association with exposure to the health education program.

Results
There were 324 cases and 308 controls recruited for the study with 57% of the cases and 59% of the controls being male. Overall, 13% of cases vs. 20% of control patients were exposed to the education program. Participants exposed to the program had 38% lower odds of diarrhea and respiratory infections compared to those not exposed to the program (adjusted OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.41–0.96). A similar risk reduction was observed for participants in the study who resided in areas with water improvement initiatives (adjusted OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.47–0.90). Variables in the adjusted model included water improvement projects in the area and toilet facilities.

Conclusion
Findings from this study suggest participants exposed to the education program and those residing in areas with water improvement initiatives have a reduced risk of having diarrhea or respiratory infection.
The dietary antioxidant quercetin reduces hallmarks of bleomycin-induced lung fibrogenesis in mice
Authors: Boots Agnes W. , Veith Carmen , Albrecht Catrin , Bartholome Roger , Drittij Marie-José , Claessen Sandra M. H. , Bast Aalt , Rosenbruch Martin , Jonkers Leonie , van Schooten Frederik-Jan , Schins Roel P. F. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, lethal disease of which the etiology is still not fully understood. Current treatment comprises two FDA-approved drugs that can slow down yet not stop or reverse the disease. As IPF pathology is associated with an altered redox balance, adding a redox modulating component to current therapy might exert beneficial effects. Quercetin is a dietary antioxidant with strong redox modulating capacities that is suggested to exert part of its antioxidative effects via activation of the redox-sensitive transcription factor Nrf2 that regulates endogenous antioxidant levels. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate if the dietary antioxidant quercetin can exert anti-fibrotic effects in a mouse model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrogenesis through Nrf2-dependent restoration of redox imbalance.

Methods
Homozygous Nrf2 deficient mice and their wildtype littermates were fed a control diet without or with 800 mg quercetin per kg diet from 7 days prior to a single 1 μg/2 μl per g BW bleomycin challenge until they were sacrificed 14 days afterwards. Lung tissue and plasma were collected to determine markers of fibrosis (expression of extracellular matrix genes and histopathology), inflammation (pulmonary gene expression and plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and keratinocyte chemoattrachtant (KC)), and redox balance (pulmonary gene expression of antioxidants and malondialdehyde-dG (MDA)- DNA adducts).

Results
Mice fed the enriched diet for 7 days prior to the bleomycin challenge had significantly enhanced plasma and pulmonary quercetin levels (11.08 ± 0.73 μM versus 7.05 ± 0.2 μM) combined with increased expression of Nrf2 and Nrf2-responsive genes compared to mice fed the control diet in lung tissue. Upon bleomycin treatment, quercetin-fed mice displayed reduced expression of collagen (COL1A2) and fibronectin (FN1) and a tendency of reduced inflammatory lesions (2.8 ± 0.7 versus 1.9 ± 0.8). These beneficial effects were accompanied by reduced pulmonary gene expression of TNFα and KC, but not their plasma levels, and enhanced Nrf2-induced pulmonary antioxidant defences. In Nrf2 deficient mice, no effect of the dietary antioxidant on either histology or inflammatory lesions was observed.

Conclusion
Quercetin exerts anti-fibrogenic and anti-inflammatory effects on bleomycin-induced pulmonary damage in mice possibly through modulation of the redox balance by inducing Nrf2. However, quercetin could not rescue the bleomycin-induced pulmonary damage indicating that quercetin alone cannot ameliorate the progression of IPF.
Worldwide clinical practices in perioperative antibiotic therapy for lung transplantation
Authors: Coiffard Benjamin , Prud’Homme Eloi , Hraiech Sami , Cassir Nadim , Le Pavec Jérôme , Kessler Romain , Meloni Federica , Leone Marc , Thomas Pascal Alexandre , Reynaud-Gaubert Martine , Papazian Laurent 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Infection is the most common cause of mortality within the first year after lung transplantation (LTx). The management of perioperative antibiotic therapy is a major issue, but little is known about worldwide practices.

Methods
We sent by email a survey dealing with 5 daily clinical vignettes concerning perioperative antibiotic therapy to 180 LTx centers around the world. The invitation and a weekly reminder were sent to lung transplant specialists for a single consensus answer per center during a 3-month period.

Results
We received a total of 99 responses from 24 countries, mostly from Western Europe (n = 46) and the USA (n = 34). Systematic screening for bronchial recipient colonization before LTx was mostly performed with sputum samples (72%), regardless of the underlying lung disease. In recipients without colonization, antibiotics with activity against gram-negative bacteria resistant strains (piperacillin / tazobactam, cefepime, ceftazidime, carbapenems) were reported in 72% of the centers, and antibiotics with activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (mainly vancomycin) were reported in 38% of the centers. For these recipients, the duration of antibiotics reported was 7 days (33%) or less (26%) or stopped when cultures of donor and recipients were reported negatives (12%). In recipients with previous colonization, antibiotics were adapted to the susceptibility of the most resistant strain and given for at least 14 days (67%).

Conclusion
Practices vary widely around the world, but resistant bacterial strains are mostly targeted even if no colonization occurs. The antibiotic duration reported was longer for colonized recipients.
Better pulmonary function is associated with greater handgrip strength in a healthy Chinese Han population
Authors: Chen Liangmei , Liu Xiaomin , Wang Qian , Jia Linpei , Song Kangkang , Nie Sasa , Zhang Yinping , Cao Dan , Zhao Delong , Li Zuoxiang , Dong Zheyi , Zheng Ying , Duan Shuwei , Sun Xuefeng , Feng Zhe , Cai Guangyan , Zhang Weiguang , Chen Xiangmei 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundHandgrip strength (HGS) has been widely studied in clinical and epidemiological settings, but the relationship between HGS and pulmonary function is still controversial. This study analysed pulmonary function and HGS stratified by sex and age in a healthy Chinese Han population, as well as the associations between HGS and pulmonary function parameters.MethodsHGS was measured by a Jamar dynamometer and pulmonary function was tested using a portable spirometer. Frequencies and variables are presented as percentages and means ± standard deviations, respectively. Chi-square tests were used for comparisons of categorical variables, and Student’s t-tests or Mann–Whitney U-tests were used for continuous variables. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to analyse the normally distributed variables, and Spearman correlation coefficients were used to analyse the non-normally distributed variables. Multivariate linear regression models were employed to explore the relationships between HGS and parameters of pulmonary function. The statistical significance was set atp < 0.01.ResultsCross-sectional data were available for 1519 subjects (59.0% females, 57.9 ± 13.3 years old). Males had higher average HGS than females (40.2 vs. 25.0 kg,p < 0.01), as well as better pulmonary function. Both HGS and pulmonary function parameters were significantly inversely correlated with age (r ≤ − 0.30,p < 0.01). The maximum value of vital capacity (VC max), forced expiratory volume in 3 s (FEV 3) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were strongly correlated with HGS among the pulmonary function indices (r = 0.72, 0.70 and 0.69, respectively,p < 0.001). In the multivariate linear regression analysis, HGS and height were positively correlated, while age and pulse pressure were negatively correlated with HGS. In males, the FVC, VC max and FEV3 increased by 0.02 L, 0.023 L and 0.03 L in per 1 kg increase in HGS, respectively. The HGS coefficients for females were smaller than those for males.ConclusionsBoth pulmonary function and HGS were inversely correlated with age, and better pulmonary function was associated with greater handgrip strength.
Laparoscopic Beger procedure for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis: a single-centre first experience
Authors: Cai He , Cai Yunqiang , Wang Xin , Peng Bing 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
The Beger procedure is a common surgical option in the management of the unremitting abdominal pain of chronic pancreatitis (CP). As an organ-sparing surgery, it might be a better choice than pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). However, it is rather challenging for surgeons to perform the Beger procedure laparoscopically, especially for patients with CP; indeed, it has rarely reported. Here, we describe the technique and results of our early experience in laparoscopic Beger procedure for the treatment of CP.

Case presentation
Five patients (1 male) with CP (alcohol induced, n = 3; idiopathic, n = 2) who underwent laparoscopic Beger procedure from May to October 2019 in West China Hospital were included in this study. The median pancreatic duct diameter was 6.8 (4 to 12) mm. The median operating time was 275 (150 to 305) minutes without conversion. Only one patient (20%) developed a grade B pancreatic fistula. One patient required re-operation for jejunal anastomotic bleeding on the first post-operative day. The median hospital stay was 11 (9 to 34) days. No patient experienced biliary fistula, gastroparesis, duodenal necrosis, or abdominal bleeding. The 90-day mortality rate was 0%. All the patients were pain free in the two months after the operation.

Conclusion
The laparoscopic Beger procedure is feasible and safe with good short-term results and some potential benefits in selected patients with chronic pancreatitis. Further study and longer follow-up are required.
The five primary prostaglandins stimulate contractions and phasic activity of the urinary bladder urothelium, lamina propria and detrusor
Authors: Stromberga Zane , Chess-Williams Russ , Moro Christian 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Inflammation is often associated with several bladder dysfunctions, including overactive bladder (OAB) and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/PBS). As such, inflammation of the bladder and the actions of inflammatory mediators may contribute to the development of urinary symptoms. This study assessed the actions of PGE2, PGF2, PGD2, TXA2, and PGI2 on urinary bladder urothelium with lamina propria (U&LP), and detrusor smooth muscle.

Methods
Studies were carried out using isolated tissue baths, where strips of porcine bladder U&LP or detrusor were exposed to varying concentrations of prostaglandin agonists (1 μM and 10 μM).

Results
All assessed prostaglandin agonists contracted both the U&LP and detrusor smooth muscle, with the rank order of contractile response effectiveness as: PGE2 > PGF2α > TXA2 > PGD2 > PGI2. In U&LP, treatment with PGE2 (10 μM) increased tonic contractions by 1.36 ± 0.09 g (n = 42, p < 0.001) and phasic contractions by 40.4 ± 9.6% (n = 42, p < 0.001). In response to PGF2α (10 μM), U&LP tonic contractions increased by 0.79 ± 0.06 g (n = 14, p < 0.001) and phasic activity by 13.3% ± 5.3% (n = 15, p < 0.05). In detrusor preparations, PGE2 (10 μM) increased tonic contractions by 1.32 ± 0.13 g (n = 38, p < 0.001) and PGF2α (10 μM) by 0.97 ± 0.14 g (n = 12, p < 0.001). Only 34% (n = 48) of all detrusor preparations exhibited spontaneous activity prior to the addition of any agonist at a frequency of 2.03 ± 0.12 cpm. In preparations that did not exhibit initial phasic activity, all of the prostaglandin agonists were capable of commencing phasic activity.

Conclusions
The urinary bladder U&LP and detrusor respond to a variety of prostaglandin agonists, with their activation resulting in direct contractions, as well as increases to spontaneous contractile activity. This study presents the prostaglandin receptor system as a potential therapeutic target for lower urinary tract dysfunction.
Ten years with biosimilar rhGH in clinical practice in Sweden – experience from the prospective PATRO children and adult studies
Authors: Lundberg Elena , Kriström Berit , Zouater Hichem , Deleskog Anna , Höybye Charlotte 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
In 2007, Omnitrope® was the first biosimilar recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) to be approved in Sweden for treatment in adults and children. Over 10 years’ safety and effectiveness data for biosimilar rhGH can now be presented.

Methods
PATRO Children and PATRO Adults are multicenter, longitudinal, observational, post-marketing surveillance studies. Eligible patients include children 0–18 years and adults receiving biosimilar rhGH treatment. Adverse events (AEs) are monitored for safety evaluation. Growth variables in children and metabolic data in adults are recorded for effectiveness evaluation.

Results
As of January 2019, data from 136 children (48% male) were reported from Swedish centers. Mean age in rhGH treatment-naïve patients at study entry (n = 114) was 7.5 years, with mean 3.6 years treatment duration. No severe AEs of diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, or malignancy were reported. The most frequently reported AE was nasopharyngitis (n = 16 patients). No clinically relevant anti-hGH or neutralizing antibodies were observed. The mean change from baseline in height standard deviation score (SDS) in naïve prepubertal GH deficiency patients was + 0.79 at 1 year, + 1.27 at 2 years, and + 1.55 at 3 years. Data from 293 adults (44% rhGH-naïve, 51% male) were included. Fatigue was the most frequently reported AE (n = 26 patients). The incidence of new neoplasms or existing neoplasm progression was 23.8 patients per 1000 patient-years. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was reported in four patients. At baseline in rhGH-naïve adults, mean (SD) body mass index (BMI) was 29.1 (5.6) kg/m2 and mean (SD) insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I SDS was − 3.0 (1.4). Mean daily dose increased from 0.1 mg at baseline to 0.3 mg after 4 years. IGF-I SDS normalized during the first year of treatment. Mean BMI and glucose were unchanged over 4 years, while low−/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio decreased.

Conclusions
For the first time, Swedish data from the PATRO Children and Adults studies are presented. The 10-year data suggest that biosimilar rhGH is well tolerated across pediatric and adult indications. Safety and effectiveness were similar to previous reports for other rhGH preparations. These results need to be confirmed in larger cohorts, highlighting the importance of long-term post-marketing studies.
Comparison of microbiomes in ulcerative and normal mucosa of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)-affected patients
Authors: Yang Zhongjun , Cui Qingyu , An Ran , Wang Juan , Song Xiaobo , Shen Yu , Wang Mingyu , Xu Hai 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the most common form of oral ulcerative disease, whose cause is still unknown. Researchers have found the association of many factors with the occurrence of RAS, and proposed oral bacterial infection could be a cause for this disease.

Methods
To investigate whether the occurrence of RAS is associated with oral bacterial infection, we performed high throughput sequencing analysis of bacterial samples collected from the normal oral mucosa and aphthous ulcers of 24 patients.

Results
Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Bacteriodetes were the most abundant phyla in the microbiomes analysed. The alpha diversities of the oral mucosa and aphthous ulcer microbiomes were similar, suggesting a similar richness and diversity. The NMDS analysis showed the oral mucosa and aphthous ulcer microbiomes are significantly different. This suggestion is further supported by Anosim, MRPP, and Adonis analyses. More detailed comparison of the two groups of microbiomes suggested that the occurrence of RAS is significantly associated with the increase of Escherichia coli and Alloprevotella, as well as the decrease of Streptococcus.

Conclusions
Considering E. coli is a very common intestinal bacterium, we propose that E. coli colonization could be a cause for RAS, and controlling E. coli colonization could help curing RAS.
Antimicrobial potential, phytochemical profile, cytotoxic and genotoxic screening of Sedum praealtum A. DC. (balsam)
Authors: Boriollo Marcelo Fabiano Gomes , Marques Milene Bueno , da Silva Thaísla Andrielle , da Silva Jeferson Júnior , Dias Reigson Alves , Silva Filho Thyago Henrique Neves , Melo Isadora Letícia Ribeiro , dos Santos Dias Carlos Tadeu , Bernardo Wagner Luís de Carvalho , de Mello Silva Oliveira Nelma , Peters Vera Maria , Höfling José Francisco , Spolidorio Denise Madalena Palomari 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundSedum praealtumhas been used for a long time in traditional medicine as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. Its beneficial effects have been known since ancient times, when Latinos used it to treat sore and swollen eyes. This research evaluated the antimicrobial potential, the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects, and some chromatographic profiles of the hydroethanolic extract of leaves, stems and roots ofS. praealtum.MethodsThe antimicrobial activities were carried out by broth microdilution and agar diffusion. In vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated by cell cultures ofAedes albopictusand the selectivity index (SI) was estimated: SI=CI50/MIC. Genotoxic and systemic toxic effects ofS. praealtumleaves were analyzed by micronucleus assay in mice bone marrow. Chromatographic profiles and mass spectra were investigated by GC-MS.ResultsGram-positive (B. subtilis,B. cereus,M. luteus,E. faecalisandS. aureus) and gram-negative (E. coli,E. aerogenes,S. marcescens,P. aeruginosa,P. mirabilisandS. typhimurium) bacteria exhibited MICs ranging from 12.5–50 and 0–50 mg/ml, respectively.Sedum praealtumshowed no efficacy againstM. tuberculosisandM. bovis. Cytotoxicity (CI50) ofS. praealtumwas 4.22 and 5.96 mg/ml for leaves and stems, respectively, while its roots showed no cytotoxicity. Micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) analyzes showed no differences between treatment doses (0.5–2 g/kg) and negative control (NaCl), but the PCE/NCE ratio (polychromatic erythrocyte/normochromatic erythrocyte) showed significant differences. Phytochemical screening identified thirteen compounds in the leaves, stems and roots ofS. praealtumpotentially associated with their biological activities.ConclusionsThis research comprises a first scientific study on genotoxicity, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial effects ofS. praealtum(Balsam), and it provides an initial theoretical foundation for its comprehensive use. Results showed antibacterial action ofS. praealtumagainst gram-positive bacteria and some gram-negative species (depending on the plant anatomical part), but ineffective antimycobacterial action. However,S. praealtumleaves and stems display potential cytotoxicity, contributing to the SI < 1 values. In addition,S. praealtumleaves exhibit no clastogenic and/or aneugenic effects, but it has systemic toxicity dose-independent.
The effect of aged garlic extract on the atherosclerotic process – a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Wlosinska Martiné , Nilsson Ann-Christin , Hlebowicz Joanna , Hauggaard Anders , Kjellin Maria , Fakhro Mohammed , Lindstedt Sandra 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
One of the most serious secondary manifestations of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is coronary atherosclerosis. This study aimed to evaluate whether aged garlic extract (AGE) can influence coronary artery calcification (CAC) and to predict the individual effect of AGE using a standard process for data mining (CRISP–DM).

Method
This was a single-center parallel randomized controlled study in a university hospital in Europe. Patients were randomized, in a double-blind manner, through a computer-generated randomization chart. Patients with a Framingham risk score ≥ 10 after CT scan (n = 104) were randomized to an intake of placebo or AGE (2400 mg daily) for 1 year.
Main outcome measures were changes in CAC score and secondary outcome measures changes in blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, blood lipids and inflammatory biomarkers.

Result
104 patients were randomized and 46 in the active group and 47 in the placebo group were analyzed. There was a significant (p < 0.05) change in CAC progression (OR: 2.95 [1.05–8.27]), blood glucose (OR: 3.1 [1.09–8.85]) and IL-6 (OR 2.56 [1.00–6.53]) in favor of the active group. There was also a significant (p = 0.027) decrease in systolic blood pressure in the AGE group, from a mean of 148 (SD: 19) mmHg at 0 months, to 140 (SD: 15) mmHg after 12 months. The AGE Algorithm, at a selected probability cut-off value of 0.5, the accuracy score for CAC progression was 80%, precision score of 79% and recall score 83%. The score for blood pressure was 74% (accuracy, precision and recall). There were no side-effects in either group.

Conclusions
AGE inhibits CAC progression, lowers IL–6, glucose levels and blood pressure in patients at increased risk of cardiovascular events in a European cohort. An algorithm was made and was used to predict with 80% precision which patient will have a significantly reduced CAC progression using AGE. The algorithm could also predict with a 74% precision which patient will have a significant blood pressure lowering effect pressure using AGE.

Trial registration
Clinical trials NCT03860350, retrospectively registered (1/32019).