bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Casein phosphopeptide combined with fluoride enhances the inhibitory effect on initial adhesion of Streptococcus mutans to the saliva-coated hydroxyapatite disc
Authors: Wang Xiaodie , Liu Limin , Zhou Xiaoyan , Huo Yongbiao , Gao Jinlong , Gu Haijing 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Recent preventive strategies for dental caries focus on targeting the mechanisms underlying biofilm formation, including inhibiting bacterial adhesion. A promising approach to prevent bacterial adhesion is to modify the composition of acquired salivary pellicle. This in vitro study investigated the effect and possible underlying mechanism of pellicle modification by casein phosphopeptide (CPP) on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) initial adhesion, and the impact of fluoride on the efficacy of CPP. Methods: The salivary pellicle-coated hydroxyapatite (s-HA) discs were treated with phosphate buffered saline (blank control), heat-inactivated 2.5% CPP (negative control), 2.5% CPP (CPP) or 2.5% CPP supplemented with 900 ppm fluoride (CPP + F). After cultivation of S. mutans, the adherent bacteria were visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and quantitatively evaluated using the plate count method. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to evaluate the proportions of total and dead S. mutans. The concentrations of total, free, and bound calcium and fluoride in CPP and fluoride-doped CPP solutions were determined. The water contact angle and zeta potential of s-HA with and without modification were measured. The data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by a Turkey post hoc multiple comparison test.Results: Initial adhesion of S. mutans to s-HA was inhibited in response to pellicle modification by CPP and fluoride-doped CPP, and the latter was more efficient. CLSM analysis showed that the proportion of dead S. mutans did not differ between the groups. Water contact angle and zeta potential decreased after pellicle modification, and both were lowest in the CPP + F group. Conclusions: Pellicle modification by CPP inhibited S. mutans initial adhesion to s-HA, possibly by reducing hydrophobicity and negative charge on the s-HA surface, and incorporating fluoride into CPP enhanced its anti-adhesion effect.
Symptoms of ocular surface disease in construction workers: comparative study with office workers.
Authors: Hernandez-Llamas Sergio , Paz-Ramos Ana Karen , Marcos-González Patricio , Amparo Francisco , Garza Manuel 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Purpose: To investigate and contrast the prevalence of dry eye symptoms in construction workers and office workers using the OSDI questionnaire.Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted using the OSDI questionnaire to evaluate dry eye symptoms and associated risk factors. Sampled size calculation with a power of 80% and a 95% degree of confidence suggested the inclusion of 298 participants. Results: We studied 304 subjects (149 construction workers and 155 office workers). More than half (55%) of the participants presented dry eye symptoms (OSDI > 12). The average OSDI score was 21.30 ± 22.20 points, being lower in the group of construction workers (12.45±17.50) than in-office workers (28.51±22.99) (p <0.001). Considering participants who had moderate and severe symptoms (23 to 100 points in OSDI), office workers presented dry eye symptoms 4.15 times more frequently than construction workers (OR 4.15, 95% CI 2.52, 6.85). Women presented statistical evidence of higher OSDI scores than men (32.47 ± 23.72 vs. 14.87 ± 18.48, respectively). Conclusions: Construction workers have four times less risk of presenting dry eye symptoms than people working in the average office space highlighting the pernicious effects of some of the conditions in the office environment to the ocular surface.
Socio-demographic and Clinical Variables associated with the variation of CD4 Cell Count and Body Mass Index (BMI) for HIV Positive adults receiving HAART, a joint longitudinal data analysis
Authors: Tegegne Awoke Seyoum , Ndlovu Principal Ndlovu , Zewotir Temesgen Zewotir 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: The rate of prevalence of HIV among adults has been increasing in Sub-Sahara African countries over the last decade. Currently, an estimated number of 722, 248 people are living with HIV, 23, 000 people are newly infected with HIV and 11,000 people are died because of AIDS related illness. The objective of this study was to identify the most significant variables associated with the variation of CD4 cell count and body mass index (BMI) of HIV positive adults who initiated HAART at Felege Hiwot Teaching and Specialized Hospital, North-West Ethiopia. This study also aimed to compared the precision of parameter estimates conducted by separate and joint models.Methods: To analyze the long-term CD4 cells count and body mass index of HIV infected adults, a cohort longitudinal study of 792 HIV-infected patients was performed. A joint model was employed to identify the variables associated with the variation of CD4 cell count and body mass index of adults receiving treatment at Felege Hiwot Teaching and specialized Hospital. A random of 792 samples was taken among patients using individual charts in the hospital.Results: Among the main effects, Socio-demographic variables (Level of education, level of disclosure of the disease to persons living together and Marital status ), individuals factors(age, weight and gender), economic factors (ownership of cell phone, level of income), clinical factors (baseline CD4 cell count) retention (food and medication adherence, follow-up time/visit) significantly affected the variables of interests. Similarly, the interaction effects of follow-up times/visits * cell phone ownership, follow-up times/visits * gender, age * gender of patients significantly affected both response variables in current investigation.Conclusion: Socio-demographic, individual and Clinical variables had significant effect on CD4 cell count and BMI in HAART medication program. Follow-up time/visit in the HAART program had also direct and significant effect on the variables of interest. Older HIV patients should be targeted by appropriate public health actions, such as opportunistic screening and easier access to healthcare service. The patients should be advised to disclose the disease to get support from communities around them.
Calcium-dependent serine-threonine phosphatase, calcineurin inactivation mediated by baicalein attenuates prion protein-mediated neuronal cell damage
Authors: Hong Jeong-Min , Moon Ji-Hong , Park Sang-Youel 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Prion diseases are a group of fatal neurodegenerative disorders characterized by neuronal cell death. Calcineurin and autophagy mediate prion-induced neurodegeneration, suggesting that inhibition of calcineurin and autophagy could be a target for therapy. Baicalein has been reported to exert neuroprotective effects against calcium-dependent neuronal cell death. In this study, we investigated the effects of baicalein on the development of prion diseases. We found that baicalein treatment inhibits prion protein-induced apoptosis. Baicalein inhibited calcium up-regulation and protected the cells against prion peptide‑induced neuron cell death by calcineurin inactivation. Furthermore, baicalein increased p62 protein levels and decrease LC3-II protein levels indicating autophagic flux inhibition and baicalein inhibited prion protein-induced neurotoxicity through autophagy flux inhibition. Taken together, this study demonstrated that baicalein attenuated prion peptide-induced neurotoxicity via calcineurin inactivation and autophagic flux reduction, and also suggest that baicalein may be an effective therapeutic drug against neurodegenerative diseases, including prion diseases.
The relations between the level of Mu-opioid receptor (μORs) and postoperative analgesic use in patients undergoing septoplasty: A prospective randomized controlled trial.
Authors: GENCER MUZAFFER , Göçmen Ayşe Yeşim 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: In this study, the μ-Opioid receptor activity was examined before the septoplasty. We assessed preoperative μ-Opioid receptor activity association with postoperative pain level and second analgesic requirement in patients undergoing septoplasty.Methods: In our prospective study, 120 adult patients underwent septoplasty from June 2015 to January 2019 were randomly divided into preop 2 groups. The first group (n=60) was patients given tramadol (1-2 mgr/kg) for postop analgesia, and the second group (control group) (n=60) was initially performed only fentanyl (1 µg/ kg-i.v.) in the induction. The μ-Opioid receptors activities were investigated in preoperative blood samples and compared post-op pain level and requiring time for second analgesic agent. The visual analogue score(VAS) was used to evaluate the postoperative pain degree (0 no pain,10 worst pain). Patients' post op VAS scores were evaluated upon arrival to recovery room, and at 1st, 3rd, 7th, 10th, and 24th hours in postoperative period.Results: Demographic data and perioperative variables was similar in both study group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the receptor levels in both two groups and the mean receptor level was 200.94 pg/ml. While the highest receptor level was 489.92 pg/ ml, the lowest receptor level was 94.56 pg/ml. In patients who used tradomal, as the levels of μ-Opioid receptors increased, VAS scores of patients and second analgesic use decreased in post-operative period. Vas scores were lower in the tramadol group compared to the control group. Patients in Tramadol group needed second pain killer later than patients in the Control group.Conclusions: In this study, we revealed that postoperative pain level and second analgesic requirement decreased as μ-Opioid receptor levels increased in tramadol group.Trial registration: This trial was registered retrospectively (The ACTRN: ACTRN12619001652167, registration date: 26/11/2019).
GATA2 mutations in patients with non-tuberculous mycobacterial or fungal infections with unknown immunodeficiency in Brazil
Authors: Almeida Daniela Palheiro Mendes de , Andrade Francianne G. , Santos-Bueno Filipe V. dos , Freitas Dayvison F. Saraiva , Zancopé-Oliveira Rosely M. , Pombo-de-Oliveira Maria S. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and invasive fungal infections (IFI) may be considered opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients with GATA2 haplodeficiency. Sporadic or familial GATA2 mutations are associated with infection susceptibility, autoimmunity, and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This work aimed to investigate GATA2 status in patients with NTM and/or IFI with unknown causes for immunodeficiency . Methods A series of incident patients with NTM and/or IFI from the Division of Hematology of the Institute of Infectious Diseases-FIOCRUZ at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 2015 to 2018 were subject to GATA2 genotyping. Patients with HIV positivity or other immunodeficiencies were excluded. Results. Twenty-two patients and 9 of their relatives were enrolled. Seventeen patients had IFI, 4 NTM, and one patient present both infections. In 6 patients, the occurrence of malignant disease was found along with this infection, with MDS/AML (n =3) being the most frequent. The pathogenic T354M mutation was found in 4.5% (1/22) of patients and asymptomatic offspring (2/9). We also found the GATA2 polymorphisms rs2335052 and rs369850507 in 18.2% and 4.5%, respectively, and the rs11708606 intronic polymorphisms in 27.3% of cases. Conclusions GATA2 mutations are substantial findings in patients with NTM and/or IFI without known immunosuppression. As it can indicate a primary immunodeficiency and lead to cancers - particularly MDS and AML- the presentation with NTM or IFI should trigger GATA2 mutation testing. The carriers should receive genetic counseling, subsequent infection prevention measures , and surveillance for hematologic malignancies.
Mechanistic exploration of Cangfu Daotan Decoction for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome by transcriptome sequencing
Authors: Chen Chunyue , Jiang Xuejuan , Wang Chenye , Ding Caifei 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common and complex female endocrine disorder. The pathogenesis of PCOS is not fully elucidated. Cangfu Daotan Decoction is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine prescription widely used for PCOS patients.Methods In this study, we treated two PCOS patients with Cangfu Daotan Decoction (CDD) and both patients presented favorable responses to the treatment. We performed RNA-seq to explore the underlying molecular mechanism.Results After data analysis, we found 4 differential expressed genes including S1PR1 , which has been found to be involved in islet β-cell proliferation and cell apoptosis in diabetic mouse models. We also identified 28 differential expressed transcripts including NFATC2 , CD14 and FCGR3A , which are involved in many immune processes.Conclusions After GO enrichment analysis, we found that pathways including viral gene expression and immune response are involved in the efficacy of CDD treatment. Our study provides new evidence to better understand the pathogenesis of PCOS.
A multi-centre, pragmatic, three-arm, individually randomised, non-inferiority, open trial to compare Immediate Oral, Immediate Topical or Delayed Oral Antibiotics for Acute Otitis Media with Discharge in children: The Runny Ear Study (REST): Study protocol.
Authors: Curtis Kathryn , Moore Michael , Cabral Christie , Curcin Vasa , Horwood Jeremy , Morris Richard , Prasad Vibhore , Schilder Anne , Turner Nicholas , Wilkes Scott , Hay Alastair , Taylor Jodi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background

Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common painful infection in children, with around 2.8 million cases presenting to primary care in England and Wales annually. Nearly all children who present to their general practitioner (GP) with AOM or AOM with discharge (AOMd) are treated with oral antibiotics. These can cause side effects; contribute to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, and more rarely, allergic reactions. Alternative treatments, such as an antibiotic eardrops or “delayed” oral antibiotics, could be at least as effective and safe as immediate oral antibiotics for children with AOMd.

Methods

REST is a pragmatic, three-arm, individually randomised, non-inferiority trial being conducted in 50 GP practices across the UK. The study aims to recruit 399 children aged (≥12m and <16yrs) presenting to their GP with AOMd. Children will be randomised to one of three arms: immediate ciprofloxacin 0.3% eardrops; delayed oral amoxicillin (clarithromycin if penicillin allergic); or immediate oral amoxicillin (clarithromycin).

Recruitment, including eligibility screening, randomisation and data collection, are conducted using the innovative, TRANSFoRm electronic trial management platform. Integrated within the primary care electronic medical records it provides automatic eligibility checking, part-filling of e-CRFs, study workflow management and routine NHS follow up data collection. The primary outcome is time to resolution of all significant symptoms and will be collected by the parent using a Symptom Recovery Questionnaire (SRQ). Secondary outcomes, including cost-effectiveness, duration of moderately bad or worse symptoms and repeat AOMd episodes, will be collected at day 14 and at 3 months.

Discussion

It is unclear whether prescribing oral antibiotics to children with AoMd results in a reduction in symptoms or a shorter duration of illness. The REST trial will allow us to compare the non-inferiority of: immediate topical ciprofloxacin ear drops, or delayed oral amoxicillin (clarithromycin) against immediate oral amoxicillin (clarithromycin). We aim to recruit 399 patients from 175 practices in the UK. Using the Transform software to randomise participants to the trial will enable recruitment for a relatively uncommon condition.
Molecular etiology of hereditary deafness using next generation sequencing in northwest China
Authors: Wang Suyang , Li Shujuan , Ding Wenjuan , Liu Xiaowen , Zhu Yiming , Duan Lei , Xu Baicheng , Guo Yufen 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Objective: To analyze the molecular etiology of 92 hereditary deafness families and explore the genetic mechanism of newly identified genes in deafness heritability. Methods: We analyzed the medical history, audiology, imaging, and physical examination data of 92 probands and their family members. Probands were selected from the hereditary deafness database; they did not have any of the common genetic mutation sites. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples and next generation sequencing was performed on an Illumina platform, followed by co-segregation analysis of family members. The control group included the clinical data and blood samples from 207 normal hearing people. Results: Among the 92 samples, 30 homozygous variants were identified in 29 autosomal recessive hereditary deafness families, including 6 reported mutations and 26 novel mutations. Among them, MYO15A was the most frequently detected (6/92), followed by mutations in CDH23, OTOF, FGF3 (3/92 each), MYO7A, SLC26A4, MYO6 (2/92 each), BSND, CLDN14, DFNB59, ILDR1, LHFPL5, LRTOMT, TMPRSS3, TPRN, USH1C, and LOXHD1 (1/92 each). Conclusion: In patients with autosomal recessive deafness, the MYO15A, CDH23, OTOF, and FGF3 genes could be used as candidate genes for conventional genetic studies in northwest China.
“Two-colour capsules”: Self-management of health and the commonly used non-prescribed antibiotics amongst pharmacy customers
Authors: Torres Neusa F. , Solomon Vernon P. , Middleton Lyn E. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Treating a variety of moderate and severe infections affecting human health is now possible thanks to the utilization of antibiotics. This explains why antibiotics are amongst the most commercialized, prescribed and utilized drugs in the world. Nevertheless, the persistent inappropriate use of these precious drugs is growing, with non-prescription sales and practices of self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) undermining the global efforts to rationalize the use and contain the antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study aimed at identifying the commonly used antibiotics and the main health conditions leading to the practice of self-medication with antibiotics. Methods: Between October 2018 and March 2019 we conducted a qualitative study with 32 pharmacy customers and 17 pharmacists working in nine private pharmacies in Maputo city. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with customers while in-depth interviews were held with pharmacists. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded and analysed using latent content analysis. The COREQ (Tong, 2007) checklist for interviews and FGD was performed. Results: The frequent use of non-prescribed antibiotics (NPA) was admitted by 30 of the 32 customers while 15 of the 17 pharmacists admitted NPA dispensing. The commonly used NPA were amoxicillin, cotrimoxazole, azithromycin, metronidazole, amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, tetracycline, doxycycline and erythromycin. Those were used after participants self-diagnosed or self-perceived health conditions related to sore throat, fever, cough, vaginal discharge, eye problem, common flu, urinary infection, respiratory infection, wounds and toothaches. Conclusion: The self-management of illness, the need to save time and the therapeutic itineraries customers adopt, together with the suboptimal dispensing practices of pharmacists, enabled the growing practices of SMA among pharmacies customers. These paves the way to the utilization of antibiotics as a daily basis as an approach to self-manage health problems. Contextual interventions are needed to involve public health stakeholders, pharmacists and healthcare professionals to enlighten customers regarding the inappropriate use of antibiotics at all levels.
Economic evaluation of sacubitril/valsartan versus enalapril in the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: SANG Haiqiang , JIANG Yaohui , WANG Zhe , ZHENG Rujie 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: In 2020, sacubitril/valsartan(formerly LCZ696) will implement the new negotiated price of medical insurance in China, and the cost of treatment will be significantly reduced. The aim of study is to evaluate the economy of sacubitril/valsartan(SAC/VAL) compared with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) (enalapril) in the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in China.Method: A Markov model was developed to project clinical and economic outcomes of SAC/VAL versus enalapril for 64-year-old patients with HFrEF over 10 years from the Chinese medical and health system perspective. A cost-utility analysis was performed mostly based on data from the PARADIGM trial. Other transition probability, costs, and utilities were obtained from published literature and public databases. The primary outcome were total and incremental costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for SAC/VAL relative to enalapril. The model was verified the uncertainty using the sensitivity analysis furtherly.Results: Compared with enalapril, SAC/VAL cost more than enalapril (¥96532 vs. ¥34560) and was more cost-effective (4.6 QALYs vs. 4.3 QALYs), resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of ¥185720 per QALY gained for patients with HFrEF at a WTP threshold of ¥212676 per QALY. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated the robustness of the model, identifying the death on the SAC/VAL group as a significant drivers of the cost-effectiveness. At the national negotiation price (¥9.95 per 100mg), probability of SAC/VAL being cost-effective was about 53% at a WTP threshold of ¥212676 per QALY.Conclusion: SAC/VAL was associated with clinical benefit and may be cost-effective compared with an ACEI (the current standard of care) in patients with HFrEF.