bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of tolerability and acceptability of an alcohol-based hand rub according to a WHO protocol and using apparatus tests
Authors: Tarka Patryk , Gutkowska Katarzyna , Nitsch-Osuch Aneta 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
The effectiveness of alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHRs) depends substantially on their acceptability and tolerability. In this study, we assessed the acceptability and tolerability of a new ABHR (product EU 100.2018.02).

Methods
Among physicians, nurses, and cosmetologists who used the ABHR for 30 days, we assessed the product’s acceptability and tolerability according to a WHO protocol. Additionally, we used instrumental skin tests. Participants assessed the product’s color, smell, texture, irritation, drying effect, ease of use, speed of drying, and application, and they gave an overall evaluation. Moreover, they rated the tolerability, i.e. their skin condition, on the following dimensions: intactness, moisture content, sensation, and integrity of the skin. The tolerability was also assessed by an observer as follows: redness, scaliness, fissures, and overall score for the skin condition. Instrumental skin tests included transepidermal water loss, skin hydration, sebum secretion, and percentage of skin affected by discolorations. All assessments were made at baseline (visit 1), and 3–5 days (visit 2) and 30 days (visit 3) later.

Results
We enrolled 126 participants (110 [87%] women) with a mean age of 34.3 ± 11.65 years. Sixty-five participants (52%) were healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses), and 61 (48%) were cosmetologists. During visit 2 and visit 3, about 90% of participants gave responses complying with the WHO’s benchmark for acceptability and tolerability. Similarly, the ABHR met the WHO criteria for observer-assessed tolerability: on all visits, in more than 95% of participants, the observer gave scores complying with the WHO benchmark. Transepidermal water loss decreased from baseline to visit 3 (p < 0.001), whereas skin hydration, sebum secretion, and the percentage of skin affected by discolorations did not change significantly during the study (p ≥ 130).

Conclusions
The EU 100.2018.02 had both high acceptability and tolerability, meeting the WHO criteria. The WHO protocol proved useful in the analysis of acceptability and tolerability of ABHRs.
Association between polymorphism in CDKN2B-AS1 gene and its interaction with smoking on the risk of lung cancer in a Chinese population
Authors: Lv Xiaoting , Cui Zhigang , Li Hang , Li Juan , Yang Zitai , Bi Yanhong , Gao Min , Zhang Ziwei , Wang Shengli , Zhou Baosen , Yin Zhihua 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Long non-coding RNAs became the hot spots in the carcinogenesis of various tumors. This case-control study evaluated the association between the rs2151280 in lncRNA CDKN2B-AS1 and lung cancer risk.

Methods
This study included 507 lung cancer patients and 542 healthy individuals. Odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated by unconditional logistic regression analysis to evaluate the association between the rs2151280 and lung cancer risk.

Results
Compared with individuals carrying TT genotype, individuals carrying CC genotype of rs2151280 had a decreased risk of lung cancer (OR = 0.640, 95%CI = 0.421–0.972, P = 0.036). In the recessive model, rs2151280 CC genotype was observed to reduce the risk of lung cancer (OR = 0.684). C allele was associated with non-small cell lung cancer risk (OR = 0.674). The rs2151280 was significantly associated with lung adenocarcinoma risk (CCvsTT: OR = 0.567, 95%CI = 0.333–0.965, P = 0.037; CCvsTC+TT: OR = 0.543, 95%CI 0.330–0.893, P = 0.016, respectively). However, there was no significant association between rs2151280 and lung squamous cell carcinoma risk in five models. The quantitative analysis suggested that there were no significant interactions of rs2151280 with smoking exposure to lung cancer susceptibility.

Conclusions
This hospital-based case-control study suggested that CDKN2B-AS1 rs2151280 T>C was associated with the risk of lung cancer.
Perceived stigma and barriers to care in UK Armed Forces personnel and veterans with and without probable mental disorders
Authors: Williamson Victoria , Greenberg Neil , Stevelink Sharon A. M. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Previous studies have found that perceptions of mental health related stigma can negatively impact help-seeking, particularly in military samples. Moreover, perceptions of stigma and barriers to care can vary between individuals with different psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to examine whether perceptions of stigma and barriers to care differed in a UK military sample between those with and without a current likely mental health diagnosis.

Method
Structured telephone interviews were carried out with 1432 service personnel and veterans who reported recent subjective mental ill health in the last 3 years. Participants completed self-reported measures relating to perceived stigma, barriers to care and psychological wellbeing.

Results
Those meeting criteria for probable common mental disorders (CMD) and PTSD were significantly more likely to report concerns relating to perceived and internalised stigma and barriers to care compared to participants without a likely mental disorder. Compared to individuals with likely CMD and alcohol misuse, those with probable PTSD reported higher levels of stigma-related concerns and barriers to care – although this difference was not significantly different.

Conclusions
These results indicate that perceptions of stigma continue to exist in UK serving personnel and military veterans with current probable mental disorders. Efforts to address particular concerns (e.g. being seen as weak; difficulty accessing appointments) may be worthwhile and, ultimately, lead to improvements in military personnel and veteran wellbeing.
Modulation of RECK levels in Xenopus A6 cells: effects on MT1-MMP, MMP-2 and pERK levels
Authors: Willson Jessica A. , Bork Bradley S. , Muir Carlie A. , Damjanovski Sashko 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundMT1-MMP is a cell-surface enzyme whose regulation of pro-MMP-2 and ERK activation position it as a key facilitator of ECM remodelling and cell migration. These processes are modulated by endogenous MMP inhibitors, such as RECK, a GPI-anchored protein which has been shown to inhibit both MT1-MMP and MMP-2 activity. Our previous studies have revealed a link between MT1-MMP levels, and pro-MMP-2 and ERK activation in mammalian cells, as well as MT1-MMP and RECK co-localization inXenopusembryos. We here investigated how modulation of RECK would impact MT1-MMP and MMP-2 levels, as well as ERK signalling inXenopusA6 cells.ResultsWe used a Morpholino approach to knockdown RECK, plasmid transfection to overexpress RECK, and PI-PLC treatment to shed RECK from the cell surface ofXenopusA6 cells. RECK reduction did not alter pERK or MT1-MMP levels, nor MMP-2 activity as measured by zymography; thus RECK-knockdown cells maintained the ability to remodel the ECM. RECK overexpression and PI-PLC treatment both increased ECM remodelling potential through increased MT1-MMP protein and relative MMP-2 activation levels.ConclusionsRECK changes that reduce the ability of the cell to remodel the ECM (overexpression and cell surface shedding) are compensated for by increases in MT1-MMP, and MMP-2 levels as seen by zymography.
Acceptability, Feasibility and Preliminary Evaluation of a Novel, Personalised, Home-Based Physical Activity Intervention for Chronic Heart Failure (Active-at-Home-HF): a Pilot Study
Authors: Okwose Nduka C. , Avery Leah , O’Brien Nicola , Cassidy Sophie , Charman Sarah J. , Bailey Kristian , Velicki Lazar , Olivotto Iacopo , Brennan Paul , MacGowan Guy A. , Jakovljevic Djordje G. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Purpose
Less than 10% of heart failure patients in the UK participate in cardiac rehabilitation programmes. The present pilot study evaluated feasibility, acceptability and physiological effects of a novel, personalised, home-based physical activity intervention in chronic heart failure.

Methods
Twenty patients (68 ± 7 years old, 20% females) with stable chronic heart failure due to reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (31 ± 8 %) participated in a single-group, pilot study assessing the feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week personalised home-based physical activity intervention aiming to increase daily number of steps by 2000 from baseline (Active-at-Home-HF). Patients completed cardiopulmonary exercise testing with non-invasive gas exchange and haemodynamic measurements and quality of life questionnaire pre- and post-intervention. Patients were supported weekly via telephone and average weekly step count data collected using pedometers.

Results
Forty-three patients were screened and 20 recruited into the study. Seventeen patients (85%) completed the intervention, and 15 (75%) achieved the target step count. Average step count per day increased significantly from baseline to 3 weeks by 2546 (5108 ± 3064 to 7654 ± 3849, P = 0.03, n = 17) and was maintained until week 12 (9022 ± 3942). Following completion of the intervention, no adverse events were recorded and quality of life improved by 4 points (26 ± 18 vs. 22 ± 19). Peak exercise stroke volume increased by 19% (127 ± 34 vs. 151 ± 34 m/beat, P = 0.05), while cardiac index increased by 12% (6.8 ± 1.5 vs. 7.6 ± 2.0 L/min/m2, P = 0.19). Workload and oxygen consumption at anaerobic threshold also increased by 16% (49 ± 16 vs. 59 ± 14 watts, P = 0.01) and 10% (11.5 ± 2.9 vs. 12.8 ± 2.2 ml/kg/min, P = 0.39).

Conclusion
The Active-at-Home-HF intervention is feasible, acceptable and effective for increasing physical activity in CHF. It may lead to improvements in quality of life, exercise tolerance and haemodynamic function.

Trial Registration
www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT0367727. Retrospectively registered on 17 September 2018.
An iterative design process to develop a randomized feasibility study and inform recruitment of minority women after stillbirth
Authors: Huberty Jennifer , Green Jeni , Gold Katherine J. , Leiferman Jenn , Cacciatore Joanne 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Yearly, approximately 25,000 US women experience stillbirth and African American women have a 2.2 fold increased risk of stillbirth compared with white women. After stillbirth, women are subject to a sevenfold increased risk of post-traumatic stress compared with women after a live-birth. This paper presents findings from phase one of a National Institutes of Health funded, two-phase feasibility study to examine an online yoga intervention to reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress in mothers after stillbirth. An iterative design was used to (1) inform the development of the online yoga intervention and (2) inform recruitment strategies to enroll minority women into phase two.

Methods
Ten mothers (N = 5 stillbirth moms with no yoga experience, N = 5 nonstillbirth moms with yoga experience) participated in a series of online yoga videos (N = 30) and were assessed for self-compassion (SC) and emotional regulation (ER) before and after each video. An independent group of five minority women who had experienced stillbirth were interviewed about cultural barriers to recruitment and perceptions/opinions of yoga. A mean was calculated for SC and ER scores for each video at pre- and post-time points. The percent change of the mean difference between pre-post SC and ER scores were used to select videos for phase two. Videos with a negative change score or that had a 0% change on SC or ER were not used. A combination of deductive and inductive coding was used to organize the interview data, generate categories, and develop themes.

Results
Five of the 30 tested yoga videos were not used. An additional 12 videos were developed, filmed, and used in the prescription for phase two. Topics from interview findings included perceived benefits/barriers of and interest in yoga, preferred yoga environment, suggested recruitment methods, content of recruitment material, and recommended incentives.

Conclusions
Online yoga may be beneficial for improving emotional regulation and self-compassion, but further testing is needed. Additionally, minority women express interest in online yoga but suggest that researchers apply culturally specific strategies regarding methods, content of material, and incentives to recruit minority women into a study.
The antihyperlipidemic effect of alginate-free residue from sea tangle in hyperlipidemic rats
Authors: Yim Mi-Jin , Lee Jeong Min , Choi Grace , Cho Soon-Yeong , Lee Dae-Sung 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundIn order to assess the high value-added use of the alginate-free residue of sea tangle, an animal study was performed to evaluate the functional activities and key compounds present. In the animal study, sea tangle and the alginate-free residue demonstrated good anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-arteriosclerotic abilities.ResultsThe functional compounds in the alginate-free residue of the sea tangle were effectively extracted by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). The optimum extraction temperature and pressure were 40 °C and 6500 psi (M1) in the SFE, a better method in comparison to the conditions of 70 °C and 4500 psi (M2), respectively. The anti-atherosclerotic effects of the alginate-free residue of sea tangle (M1, M2) were investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats treated with poloxamer 407, Triton WR 1339, corn oil, and a high-fat diet. The M1 fraction reduced the serum lipid levels with greater efficacy than the M2 fraction. In the hyperlipidemic rats, treatment with M1 decreased the serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels when compared to the levels in normal rats.ConclusionOur results demonstrated that the alginate-free residue of sea tangle reduces serum TC, TG, and LDL-C. These results suggest that the alginate-free residue of sea tangle contains physiologically active components, such as fucosterol, that may exert beneficial effects in the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Building a functional national One Health platform: the case of Tanzania
Authors: Kitua Andrew Y. , Scribner Susan , Rasmuson Mark , Kambarage Dominic , Mghamba Janneth , Mwakapeje Elibariki R. , Chinyuka Harrison , Bernard Jubilate , Zimmerman Kate , Duale Sambe , Mutonga David 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
The USAID Preparedness and Response (P&R) project’s publication on Multisectoral Coordination that Works identified five dimensions most critical to creating effective and sustainable One Health platforms: political commitment, institutional structure, management and coordination capacity, technical and financial resources, and joint planning and implementation. This case study describes Tanzania experience in using these dimensions to establish a functional One Health platform. The main objective of this case study was to document the process of institutionalizing the One Health approach in Tanzania.

Methods
An analysis of the process used to establish and institutionalize the MCM in Tanzania through addressing the five dimensions mentioned above was conducted between August 2018 and January 2019. Progress activity reports, annual reports and minutes of meetings and consultations regarding the establishment of the Tanzania national One Health platform were examined. Relevant One Health publications were studied as reference material.

Results
This case study illustrates the time and level of effort required of multiple partners to build a functional multi-sectoral coordinating mechanism (MCM). Key facilitating factors were identified and the importance of involving policy and decision makers at all stages of the process to facilitate policy decisions and the institutionalization process was underscored. The need for molding the implementation process using lessons learnt along the way -- “sailing the ship as it was being built” -- is demonstrated.

Conclusions
Tanzania now has a functioning and institutionalized MCM with a sound institutional structure and capacity to prevent, detect early and respond to health events. The path to its establishment required the patient commitment of a core group of One Health champions and stakeholders along the way to examine carefully and iteratively how best to structure productive multisectoral coordination in the country. The five dimensions identified by the Preparedness and Response project may provide useful guidance to other countries working to establish functional MCM.
Efficacy of pre-emptive use of cyclooxyenase-2 inhibitors for total knee arthroplasty: a mini-review
Authors: Xu Jianda , Li Huan , Zheng Chong , Wang Bin , Shen Pengfei , Xie Zikang , Qu Yuxing 
Published: November 2019

AbstractTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) is regarded as the most effective surgery for patients with later-stage arthritis of the knee, but the postoperative pain management for functional improvement of the knew is still a challenging task. This review discusses the mechanism by which the selective cyclooxyenase-2 inhibitors, which reduce the peripheral and central sensitization, decrease pain after TKA. This review also covers the protocols, safety, efficacy, and progress of cyclooxyenase-2 inhibitors in pre-emptive analgesia.
Diversity of xerotolerant and xerophilic fungi in honey
Authors: Rodríguez-Andrade E. , Stchigel A. M. , Terrab A. , Guarro J. , Cano-Lira J. F. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractFungi can colonize most of the substrata on Earth. Honey, a sugary food produced by bees (and other insects) has been studied little in terms of its fungal diversity. We have surveyed and evaluated the presence of xerotolerant and xerophilic fungi in a set of honey bee samples collected from across Spain. From 84 samples, a total of 104 fungal strains were isolated, and morphologically and phylogenetically characterized. We identified 32 species distributed across 16 genera, most of them belonging to the ascomycetous generaAspergillus,Bettsia,Candida,Eremascus,Monascus,Oidiodendron,Penicillium,Skoua,TalaromycesandZygosaccharomyces. As a result of this survey, eight new taxa are proposed: i.e. the new familyHelicoarthrosporaceae,two new genera,HelicoarthrosporumandStrongyloarthrosporuminOnygenales; three new species ofEurotiales,Talaromyces affinitatimellis,T. basipetosporus, andT. brunneosporus; and two new species ofMyxotrichaceae, Oidiodendron mellicola,andSkoua asexualis.
Detection of high level aminoglycoside resistance genes among clinical isolates of Enterococcus species
Authors: Diab Manal , Salem Dalia , El-Shenawy Ahmed , El-Far Amira , Abdelghany Aya , Awad Alaa Reda , El Defrawy Inas , Shemis Mohamed 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Enterococci are intrinsically resistant to clinically achievable concentrations of aminoglycosides. However, high-level resistance to aminoglycosides (HLAR) is primarily due to the acquisition of genes encoding aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes (AMEs). Aminoglycosides along with cell wall inhibitors are given clinically for treating enterococcal infections. The current study was conducted to investigate the rate of HLAR and to determine aminoglycoside resistance encoding genes profile in enterococcal isolates from different clinical specimens.

Results
From 120 Enterococcus species, 50 (41.7%) enterococcal isolates were proven to have HLAR, 78% (39/50) have high-level gentamicin resistance (HLGR), and 74% (37/50) were high-level streptomycin-resistant (HLSR). HLGR isolates carried aminoglycoside modifying gene aac (6′)-Ie-aph (2′)-Ia in 26/39 (66.7%) of isolates, whereas 32/37 (86.5%) of HLSR carried aph (3′)-IIIa gene and were observed in E. faecalis, E. faecium, E. gallinarum, and E. casseliflavus. The aph (2′)-Ib, aph (2′)-Ic, and aph (2′)-Id that encode HLGR could not be detected.

Conclusions
The high detection rate of HLAR among the studied Enterococcus species and the coexistence of HLGR and HLSR strains provide crucial insights to the necessity of routine testing for HLAR in the microbiology lab. The main AME genes among HLGR and HLSR enterococci were aac (6′)-Ie-aph (2″)-Ia and aph (3′)-IIIa, respectively.
Apolipoprotein E and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 gene polymorphism in children with chronic renal insufficiency associated with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Moustafa Bahia Hassan , Badr Ahmed , Selim Abeer , Samy Rania , Gamal Nasser 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is considered a major cause of death in renal insufficiency (RI). Contributing genetic factors is a recent focus of research. This study aims to elucidate apolipoprotein E (APO-E) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) gene polymorphisms in RI children associated with CVD.MethodsWe studied 50 cases with chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with CVD, and 30 healthy controls. Study sample was grouped as one on conservative treatment, the second on hemodialysis and the third was posttransplant. PAI-1 and APO-E gene polymorphisms were investigated using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR) and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) respectively.Results4G4G and 4G5G were the most common PAI-1 polymorphism denoting high association of 4 G allele in renal insufficiency associated with CVD with absent link to dyslipidemia, echocardiography changes or thrombosis. E3E3 was the most common among APO-E polymorphism without relation to dyslipidemia or thrombosis. Dyslipidemia was significantly linked to thrombosis. The study confirmed the role of dyslipidemia and hemodialysis in promoting thrombosis.ConclusionAlthough PAI 4G Genotyping did not show significant association with echocardiography severity or thrombotic severity, yet genetic expression for high levels of PAI in plasma is expected in response to CRI factors known to trigger its release, in addition to those related to dialysis. APO-E3E3 genotyping showed a significant association with echocardiography severity as it enhances APO-A which contributes to CVD. The current study confirmed a significant association between dyslipidemia and CVD; however, the prevalent patterns 4G and E3E3 did not show a significant association with dyslipidemia. The genetic role for APO-A, B, O, or even other isomers for APO-E should be further studied as well.
Analysis of a proposed connection for the two-winding single-phase self-excited induction generator operating at constant voltage and frequency
Authors: Hanafy H. H. , Soufi Heba. M. , Saleh Amr A. , Eteiba Magdy B. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis paper introduces the steady-state and dynamic behaviors of a proposed connection for the two-winding single-phase self-excited induction generator (TWSPSEIG) equipped with an excitation capacitor and a compensation capacitor for operation at constant load voltage and frequency irrespective of the no-load or different load conditions. The performance equations at steady-state conditions are attained by applying loop impedance method via the exact equivalent circuit models of the TWSPSEIG based on the double revolving field theory. Keeping the values of the excitation capacitor and the compensation capacitor as unknowns, two second-order equations, for given values of generator parameters, prime mover speed, frequency and load impedance, are derived. These equations are solved using simple iterative method to calculate the optimum values of the two capacitors under the constraints that the load voltage and frequency are constant. The range of capacitor variations for variable load at variable prime mover speed is also calculated. The steady-state results are verified by developing the dynamic model of the proposed connection incorporating its nonlinearity behavior and various no-load and load conditions. The dynamic behavior of the proposed connection proves the capabilities of the proposed configuration and calculation method to maintain both the load voltage and frequency constants. A comparative study between the performances of the proposed connection and the traditional connection of the TWSPSEIG is presented to illustrate the merits of the proposed connection.