bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hyomental distance measured by ultrasound for size selection of laryngeal mask airway in female patients: a randomized controlled study
Authors: wang xia , Tang Zhi-Hang , ma wuhua 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundOptimal size selection of classic laryngeal mask airway (LMA) remains a major challenge for anaesthesiologists. Because the body weight, current method to select LMA size, might not inconsistent with dimension of hypopharynx where LMA is positioned. Hyomental distance by ultrasound as an common parameter in upper airway may be considered a predictor of LMA size choice, that we conducted a randomized, controlled study to compare the efficacy of size selection between commonly recommended weight-based method and hyomental distance-based method.MethodsSeventy female patients undergoing breast cancer surgery were enrolled in our study and randomly assigned into either the hyomental distance group or weight group. The primary outcome was the correct rate of selection LMA without need for size adjustment or use of other devices. Secondary outcomes included injury rate, oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP), and insertion attempts.ResultsTwo participants were excluded from weight group due to tracheal intubation. The correct rate of LMA size-selected were significant difference of 77.14% and 51.51% in hyomental distance group and weight group, respectively(P=0.027). Five (14.29%) and 7 (21.21%) patients were injured in hyomental-distance group and weight group, respectively. Values of OLP in two groups were 22 (19-24) cmH2O and 22 (19.5-24) cmH2O, respectively. The insertion attempts were the same in both groups and no statistical differences were observed regarding these three outcomes. ConclusionThe hyomental distance-based method possessed a higher success rate for LMA-classic size selection than did the weight-based method, with the same excellent OLP value, low possibility of injury, and a low number of insertion attempts as weight-based method. Trial registration﻿Our study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900021123), registered 29 January 2019.
Arctigenin Exerts Neuroprotective Effect By Ameliorating Cortical Activities in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in Vivo
Authors: Wei Liangpeng , Xue Zhenyi , Lan Baihui , Yuan Shiyang , Li Yuanyuan , Guo Cunle , Zhang Rongxin , Ding Ran , Shen Hui 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease in the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by inflammatory cells invade into the brain and the spinal cord. Among a bulk of different MS models, the rodent model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is the most widely used and best understood. Arctigenin, a botanical extract from Arctium lappa, is reported to exhibit pharmacological properties including anti-inflammation and neuroprotection. However, the effects of Arctigenin on neural activity attacked by inflammation in MS are still unclear.Methods Female C57BL/6 mice were expressed by an ultra-sensitive protein calcium sensor GCamp6f in somatosensory cortex neurons through stereotaxic virus injection. Then we induced EAE model in mice with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) peptide (35-55) and used two-photon calcium imaging to chronically observe cortical activity in vivo throughout the disease progression. Besides, we performed whole-cell electrophysiological recording to determine the frequency of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor-mediated spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current (sEPSC) in cortical brain slices of preclinical EAE mice.ResultsHere we found added hyperactive cells, calcium influx, network connectivity and synchronization, mainly at preclinical stage of EAE model. Besides, more silent cells and decreased calcium influx and reduced network synchronization accompanied by a compensatory rise in functional connectivity were found at the remission stage. Arctigenin treatment not only restricted inordinate individually neural spiking, calcium influx and network activity at preclinical stage, but also restored neuronal activity and communication at remission stage. In addition, we confirmed that the frequency of AMPA receptor-sEPSC was also increased at preclinical stage and can be blunted by Arctigenin. Conclusions Our findings suggest that excitotoxicity resulted from calcium influx is involved in EAE at preclinical stage. Moreover, Arctigenin exerts neuroprotective effect by limiting hyperactivity at preclinical stage and ameliorates EAE symptoms, indicating Arctigenin could be a potential therapeutic drug for neuroprotection in MS-related neuropsychological disorders.
The Epidemiology and Genetics of Hyperuricemia and Gout Across Major Racial Groups: A literature Review and Population Genetics Secondary Data Analysis
Authors: Butler Faven , Alghubayshi Ali , Roman Youssef Malak 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundGout is an inflammatory condition caused by elevated serum urate (SU), a condition known as hyperuricemia (HU). Genetic variations, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), can alter the function of urate transporters, leading to differential HU and gout prevalence across different populations. In the United States (U.S.)., gout prevalence differentially affects certain racial groups. The objective of this proposed analysis is to compare the frequency of urate-related genetic risk alleles between Europeans (EUR) and the following major racial groups: Africans in Southwest U.S. (ASW), Han-Chinese (CHS), Japanese (JPT), and Mexican (MXL) from the 1000 Genomes Project. MethodsEnsembl genome browser of the 1000 Genomes Project was used to conduct cross-population allele frequency comparisons of 11 SNPs across 11 genes, physiologically involved and significantly associated with SU levels and gout risk. Gene/SNP pairs included: ABCG2 (rs2231142), SLC2A9 (rs734553), SLC17A1 (rs1183201), SLC16A9 (rs1171614), GCKR (rs1260326), SLC22A11 (rs2078267), SLC22A12 (rs505802), INHBC (rs3741414), RREB1 (rs675209), PDZK1 (rs12129861), and NRXN2 (rs478607). Allele frequencies were compared to EUR using Chi-Square or Fisher's Exact test, when appropriate. Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons was used, with p<0.005 for statistical significance. Risk alleles were defined as the allele that is associated with baseline or higher HU and gout risks. The cumulative HU or gout risk allele index of the 11 SNPs was estimated for each population. The prevalence of HU and gout in U.S. and non-US populations was evaluated using a literature review.ResultsCompared with EUR, the SNP frequencies of 7/11 in ASW, 9/11 in MXL, 9/11 JPT, and 11/11 CHS were significantly different. HU or gout risk allele indices were 5, 6, 9, and 11 in ASW, MXL, CHS, and JPT, respectively. Out of the 11 SNPs, the percentage of risk alleles in CHS and JPT was 100%. Compared to non-US populations, the prevalence of HU and gout appear to be higher in western world countries.ConclusionsCompared with EUR, CHS and JPT populations had the highest HU or gout risk allele frequencies, followed by MXL and ASW. These results suggest that individuals of Asian descent are at higher HU and gout risk, which may partly explain the 2.7-fold higher gout prevalence among Asians versus Caucasians in ambulatory care settings. Furthermore, gout remains a disease of developed countries with a marked global rising.
Prevalence of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis and its associated factors in a tertiary health care center, South-west Nigeria.
Authors: Ojewuyi Abiodun Ronke , Odeyemi Abiona Oluwadamilola , Odeyemi Abimbola Ololade , Olotu Amadin Aitua , Oladipo Tunde 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background Tuberculosis is a chronic disease with associated high morbidity and mortality. In recent decades, there has been an increase in resistance to drugs used in treatment of tuberculosis. This is a major stumbling block in the global fight against tuberculosis. This study was to demonstrate the current prevalence of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis and its associated predisposing factors in a Teaching Hospital in Nigeria.Methods This was a cross-sectional retrospective study involving 359 consecutive patients with bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis seen between January 2015 and December 2019. Ethical approval was obtained from relevant authority. Drug susceptibility testing was performed for rifampicin using GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay. Relevant information was obtained from the clinical records of the patients with use of a well-structured proforma. The data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0.Results There were a total of 359 patients out of which majority, 235 (65.5%) were males. The mean age was 39.78+16.31 (range 1 - 90 years). A larger percentage of the subjects were new cases of tuberculosis (n=312, 86.9%), 49(13.6%) were HIV positive. The overall prevalence of rifampicin resistance found was 2.5% (n=9/359). There was significant association between gender (p=0.005) and re-treatment (p=0.003). There was no significant association between rifampicin resistance and other factors including age and HIV.Conclusion Male gender and patients on re-treatment for tuberculosis are more at risk of developing resistance to rifampicin in our environment. There is a need to ensure compliance with all guidelines in the management of tuberculosis to prevent an increase in drug resistance.
Ethnobotanical survey in Tampolo forest (Fenoarivo Atsinanana, Madagascar)
Authors: Onjalalaina Guy Eric , Sattler Carole , Razafindravao Maelle B. , Wanga Vincent Okelo , Mkala Elijah Mbandi , Mwihaki John Karichu , Ramananirina Besoa M. R. , Jeannoda Vololoniaina H. , Hu Guang-Wan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background

Madagascar shelters over 14,000 plant species out of which 90% are endemic to the region. Some of the plants are very important for the socio-cultural and economic potential. Tampolo forest is one of the remnant littoral forests hinged on by the adjacent local communities for their daily livelihood. However, it has considerably shrunk due to anthropogenic activities forming forest patches. Thus, documenting the useful plants in and around the forest is important for understanding the ethnobotany in this area.
Methods

In this study, we 1) collected and identified useful plants utilized by local communities. Voucher specimens were collected following the information given by interviewees. 2) recorded the collection activities and the consumption methods through semi-structured interviews of the local inhabitants. 3) did a phytochemical screening to identify the active compounds and the potential healing metabolites of the medicinal plants.
Results

A total of 65 people between 25 to 75 years old were interviewed. Surveys recorded 123 species used as timber, food or medicine. Among them, 92 were forest species and 31 were ruderal species. Medicinal plants were mostly used to cure diarrhea, stomachache, and fever with leaves being the most used plant part. Phytochemical analyses of 20 endemic medicinal species showed the presence of compounds that could be responsible for the therapeutic effects of the plants.
Conclusions

Tampolo forest proves to be an important littoral forest highly utilized by the adjacent local communities due to the presence of high number of useful plants which are mostly endemic to the region. Hence, our investigation assessed the importance of these species in the locality and this can be used for further study on ecology, conservation and valorization of these species.
Toll-Like Receptor 2 Induced Senescence in Intervertebral Disc Cells of Patients with Back Pain can be Attenuated by o-Vanilin
Authors: Mannarino Matthew , Cherif Hosni , Li Li , Sheng Kai , Rabau Oded , Jarzem Peter , Weber Michael H. , Ouellet Jean A. , Haglund Lisbet 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Backgroud: There are an increased level of senescent cells and Toll Like Receptor-1 -2 -4 and -6 (TLR) expression in degenerating intervertebral discs (IVDs) from back pain patients. However, it is currently not known if the increase in expression of TLRs is related to the senescent cells or if it is a more general increase on all cells. It is also not known if TLR activation in IVD cells will induce cell senescence.Methods: Cells from non-degenerate human IVD were obtained from spine donors and cells from degenerate IVDs came from patients undergoing surgery for low back pain. Gene expression of TLR-1,2,4,6, senescence and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) markers was evaluated by RT-qPCR in isolated cells. Matrix synthesis was verified with safranin-O staining and Dimethyl-Methylene Blue Assay (DMMB) confirmed proteoglycan content. Protein expression of p16INK4a, SASP factors and TLR-2 was evaluated by immunocytochemistry (ICC) and/or by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: An increase in senescent cells was found following 48h induction with a TLR-2/6 agonist in cells from both non-degenerate and degenerating human IVDs. Higher levels of SASP factors, TLR-2 gene expression and protein expression was found following 48h induction with TLR-2/6 agonist. Treatment with o-Vanillin reduced the number of senescent cells, and increased matrix synthesis in IVD cells from back pain patients. Treatment with o-Vanillin after induction with TLR-2/6 agonist reduced gene and protein expression of SASP factors and TLR-2. Co-localized staining of p16INK4a and TLR-2 demonstrated that senescent cells have a high TLR-2 expression.Conclusions: Taken together our data demonstrate that activation of TLR-2/6 induce senescence and increase TLR-2 and SASP expression in cells from non-degenerate IVDs of organ donors without degeneration and backpain and in cells from degenerating human IVD of patients with disc degeneration and backpain. The senescent cells showed high TLR-2 expression suggesting a link between TLR activation and cell senescence in human IVD cells. The reduction in senescence, SASP and TLR-2 expression suggest o-Vanillin as a potential disease modifying drug for patients with disc degeneration and backpain.
Significant Association between Physical Performance and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Older Adults with Frailty in Rural Thailand
Authors: Sadjapong Uratcha , Yodkeeree Supachai , Sungkarat Somporn , Saoin Somphot , Siviroj Penprapa 
Published: January 2021

Background:
The etiology of frailty is complex and incompletely understood, and is associated with alterations in the immune system, resulting in chronic low-grade inflammation. However, few studies have explored the inflammatory biomarkers related to physical performance in the elderly.

Methods:
We evaluated the prevalence of frailty with a cross-sectional study among older adults in rural communities in Thailand (n = 457, mean age of 71.4 ± 5.8 years) with Fried’s frailty phenotype including five criteria: weight loss, exhaustion, slowness, weakness, and inactivity. The association between inflammatory biomarkers (serum interleukin-6, IL-6 and C-reactive protein, CRP levels) and physical performance (grip strength, walk times and VO2Max) was examined in frail participants (n=64).

Results:
The prevalence of frailty and pre-frailty in this population was 37.4% (95% CI, 32.9-42.0) and 54% (95% CI, 49.4-58.7). Multiple linear regression analysis found that serum IL-6 level was significantly elevated in frail older adults with low grip strength (beta = -0.348, SE= 0.155, p = 0.029). Serum CRP level was also elevated significantly in frail older adults with low grip strength (beta = -0.049, SE= 0.023, p = 0.04) and low VO2Max (beta = -0.047, SE= 0.019, p = 0.016) after adjustment for sex, age, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, and BMI.

Conclusion:
Our findings support a low level of grip strength as predictor of inflammatory biomarkers in older adults with frailty. Primary care practitioners could use frailty indicators and performance combined with serum biomarkers for early health risk detection in older adults.
The Effect of Varicose Veins on the Quality of Life of Adult Female Patients in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alghamdi Danya Ahmed , Al-Shehri Rahaf Hasan , Al-Qahtani Mona Faisal , A. Uzma Ali Mehmood 
Published: January 2021

Background:Cases of varicose veins are increasing globally. One of the most common risk factors for developing varicose veins is the female gender. Varicose veins not only affect one’s working ability but also reduce the quality of life. There is a lack of research that focuses on the effect of varicose veins on patients’ quality of life in Saudi Arabia.Objective:The aim of this study was to explore the quality of life of female Saudi Arabian patients with varicose veins.Methods:An analytical cross-sectional research study was conducted targeting women with varicose veins in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire containing two sections was distributed through social media. The first section was composed of items regarding demographic, occupational, and varicose vein-related risk factors. The second section included the items of the Chronic Venous Insufficiency Quality of Life Questionnaire (CIVIQ).Results:The study included 128 female patients aged 18 years or older, with 57 (44.5%) of them being between the ages of 45 and 54 years. Only body mass index (β = -0.304, t = -2.870, p = 0.005), frequent constipation (β = -0.258, t = -2.870, p = 0.009), and long rest periods during work (β = 0.517, t = 2.111, p = 0.037) were significant predictors of quality of life.Conclusion:Higher body mass index and frequent constipation were the main contributors to reduced quality of life among the participants, while a prolonged rest period during work was associated with a better quality of life.
Avaliação da Governança de TI da administração pública sob a ótica dos princípios da governança corporativa
Authors: Neto João Souza , De Carvalho Laura Estela Madeira 
Published: January 2021

Este estudo se propôs a verificar a avaliação da governança de TI que é realizada nas empresas da administração pública pelo Tribunal de Contas da União (TCU), sob a ótica dos princípios da transparência, da equidade, da prestação de contas e da responsabilidade corporativa. Esses princípios são definidos pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Governança Corporativa (IBGC) para reger os códigos de governança corporativa das organizações. Sendo a governança de TI parte da governança corporativa, buscou-se obter uma medida comum a ambas. Para realizar a análise, o estudo utiliza a fundamentação teórica que subsidia os itens do levantamento identificados pelo TCU como itens que avaliam a governança de TI. Para cada fundamentação, de cada item do levantamento, é feita uma análise qualitativa, na busca da identificação de conceitos que os associe com um ou mais princípios da governança corporativa definidos pelo IBGC. Os dados utilizados são os do levantamento realizado em 2018 pelo TCU e que resultaram no Índice Geral de Governança (iGG) de 2018 e, como parte desse, o iGovTI. Como resultado, foi possível elaborar um mapeamento dos itens de avaliação de governança de TI que geraram o iGovTI de 2018, por princípios de governança corporativa. O estudo identificou haver poucos itens de verificação no levantamento relativos ao iGovTI que se relacionam aos princípios de governança corporativa; e assim, conclui que pouco se avalia a governança de tecnologia sob a ótica dos princípios da governança corporativa definidos pelo IBGC.
Effects of eHealth-Based Multiple Health Behavior Change Interventions on Physical Activity, Healthy Diet, and Weight in People With Noncommunicable Diseases: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Duan Yanping , Shang Borui , Liang Wei , Du Gaohui , Yang Min , Rhodes Ryan E 
Published: January 2021

Background
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are associated with the burden of premature deaths and huge medical costs globally. There is an increasing number of studies combining a multiple health behavior change (MHBC) intervention paradigm with eHealth approaches to jointly promote weight-related health behaviors among people with NCD; yet, a comprehensive summary of these studies is lacking.

Objective
This review aims to meta-analyze the effectiveness and systematically summarize the characteristics of the relevant intervention studies for improving the outcomes of physical activity, healthy diet, and weight among people with NCD.

Methods
Following PRISMA guidelines, 4 electronic databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus) were systematically searched to identify eligible articles based on a series of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Article selection, quality assessment, and data extraction were independently performed by 2 authors. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for 3 intervention outcomes (physical activity, healthy diet, and weight), and subsequent subgroup analyses were performed for gender, age, intervention duration, channel, and theory. Calculations were conducted, and figures were produced in SPSS 22 and Review Manager 5.3.

Results
Of the 664 original hits generated by the systematic searches, 15 eligible studies with moderate to high quality were included. No potential publication bias was detected using statistical analyses. Studies varied in intervention channel, intensity, and content. The meta-analysis revealed that the eHealth MHBC interventions significantly promoted physical activity (SMD 0.85, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.47, P=.008) and healthy diet (SMD 0.78, 95% CI 0.13 to 1.43, P=.02), but did not contribute to a healthy weight status (SMD –0.13, 95% CI= –0.47 to 0.20, P=.43) among people with NCDs, compared to the control conditions. Results from subgroup analysis indicated that theory-based interventions achieved greater effect than nontheory-based interventions in promoting physical activity, and interventions with traditional approaches (SMS, telephone) were more effective than those with modern internet-based approaches in promoting healthy diet.

Conclusions
The results of this review indicates that eHealth MHBC interventions achieve preliminary success in promoting physical activity and healthy diet behaviors among people with NCD. Future studies could improve the intervention design to achieve better intervention effectiveness.

Trial Registration
PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42019118629; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=118629