bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of contextual factors on quality of primary care in children with asthma
Authors: Ingemansson Maria , Jonsson Marina , Henriksson Peter , Hedlin Gunilla , Kull Inger , Wikström Jonsson Eva , Krakau Ingvar , Kiessling Anna 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveAsthma is a common chronic disease among children, quality assurance is thus important. Adherence to pre‐specified quality indicators of practice guidelines could be used to assess the quality of asthma care. The aim was to estimate which contextual factors that had an influence on the primary health care centres (PHCs) adherence to the quality indicators as stated in the practice guidelines.MethodA pragmatic cross‐sectional study was performed comprising 14 PHCs in Sweden. Included contextual factors were socio‐demographic characteristics, organizational characteristics, and indicators regarding engagement in asthma care. Documentation on adherence to the quality indicators was retrieved from the medical health care records. Quality indicators included documentation of history of allergy and risk factors, diagnostics and patient support performed, and pharmacological treatment. To score adherence, a composite quality indicator (CQI) was computed for each PHC. A multivariable regression analysis was performed by orthogonal projection to latent structures (OPLS). By this analysis, the relationship between the result variable (CQI) and 26 pre‐specified contextual factors was assessed.ResultsThere was a wide variation of CQI between the PHCs. The OPLS analysis identified that 10 of the contextual factors influenced CQI. The most pronounced influences were found in more time scheduled for asthma care, a lower age‐limit for performing spirometry, a lower duty‐grade for general practitioners, and a higher activity at asthma educational seminars. We found no influence of socio‐demographic contextual factors.ConclusionWe found that some of the contextual factors at the PHCs influenced the quality of performed care. Evidence‐based care in paediatric asthma may thus be presumed to be facilitated by allocating time, by improving interprofessional collaboration, and by creating structures and opportunities for commitment to asthma care.
Retracted: Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in different types of raw milk and traditional dairy product samples
Authors: Alipour Mahtab , Rahimi Ebrahim , Shakerian Amir 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe current investigation was done to examine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in raw milk and traditional dairy samples. Eight‐hundred and eighty samples were collected and subjected to DNA extraction and nested PCR for detection of T. gondii B1 and N. caninum Nc5 genes. Seventy out of 880 (7.95%) and 80 out of 880 (10%) samples were positive for T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively. Simultaneous prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum in studied samples was 4.20%. Prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum in raw milk and traditional dairy samples were 6% and 10.60% and 10.52% and 9.21%, respectively. Traditional cheese and butter (15.00%) had the highest prevalence of T. gondii. Raw bovine (24.00%) had the highest prevalence of N. caninum. Boost prevalence of parasites in samples revealed an important public health threat regarding the consumption of raw milk and traditional dairy.Practical applicationsDue to the high consumption rate of milk and dairy products, they should have a high microbial quality. Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are two closely related protozoa with considerable zoonotic importance regarding the consumption of raw milk and traditional dairy products. The current research represents that raw milk and traditional dairy samples may be the sources of T. gondii and N. caninum transmission into the human population.
Clinical and pathological features of combined hepatocellular–cholangiocarcinoma compared with other liver cancers
Authors: Wakizaka Kazuki , Yokoo Hideki , Kamiyama Toshiya , Ohira Masafumi , Kato Koichi , Fujii Yuki , Sugiyama Ko , Okada Naoki , Ohata Takanori , Nagatsu Akihisa , Shimada Shingo , Orimo Tatsuya , Kamachi Hirofumi , Taketomi Akinobu 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackground and AimCombined hepatocellular–cholangiocarcinoma (CHC) is a primary liver cancer containing both hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) elements. Its reported clinicopathological features and prognoses have varied because of its low prevalence. This study aimed to clarify these aspects of CHC.MethodsWe enrolled 28 patients with CHC, 1050 with HCC, and 100 with ICC and compared the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of CHC with HCC and ICC. We also analyzed prognostic factors, recurrence patterns, and management in CHC patients.ResultsThe incidences of hepatitis B virus and high α‐fetoprotein and protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonists‐II levels were significantly higher among CHC compared with ICC patients. Multiple tumors were more frequent in CHC compared with the other groups, while vascular invasion and lymph node metastasis were more frequent in the CHC than the HCC group. The 5‐year overall survival and disease‐free survival rates for CHC were 25.1% and 22.6%, respectively. Overall survival was significantly lower than for HCC (P < 0.001) but not ICC (P = 0.152), while disease‐free survival was significantly lower than for HCC and ICC (P = 0.008 and P = 0.005, respectively). Multivariate analysis identified carcinoembryonic antigen levels and tumor size as independent predictors in patients with CHC.ConclusionsThe clinical features of CHC, including sex, hepatitis B virus infection, α‐fetoprotein, and protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonists‐II levels, were similar to HCC, while its prognosis and pathological features, including vascular invasion and lymph node metastasis, were similar to ICC. Carcinoembryonic antigen levels and tumor size were independent prognostic factors in patients with CHC.
Resource use and cost of annual health checks in primary care for people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Panca M. , Buszewicz M. , Strydom A. , Hassiotis A. , Welch C. A. , Hunter R. M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe annual health check (AHC) programme, as part of a Directed Enhanced Service, offers an incentive to general practitioners in England to conduct health checks for people with intellectual disabilities (IDs). The aim of this analysis was to estimate the impact on health care costs of AHCs in primary care to the National Health Service in England by comparing adults with ID who did or did not have AHCs using data obtained from The Health Improvement Network.MethodsTwo hundred eight records of people with ID from The Health Improvement Network database were analysed. Baseline health care resource use was captured at the time the first AHC was recorded (i.e. index date), or the earliest date after 1 April 2008 for those without an AHC. We examined the volume of resource use and associated costs that occurred at the time AHCs were performed, as well as before and after the index date. We then estimated the impact of AHCs on health care costs.ResultsThe average cost of AHC was estimated at £142.57 (95%CI £135.41 to £149.74). Primary, community and secondary health care costs increased significantly after the index date in the no AHC group owing to higher increase in resource utilisation. Regression analysis showed that the expected health care cost for those who have an AHC is 56% higher than for those who did not have an AHC. Age and gender were also associated with increase in expected health care cost.ConclusionThe level of resource utilisation increased in both (AHC and no AHC) groups after the index date. Although the level of resource use before index date was lower in the no AHC group, it increased after the index date up to almost reaching the level of resource utilisation in the AHC group. Further research is needed to explore if the AHCs are effective in reducing health inequalities.
Direct 3D Printing of Flexible Nasal Prosthesis: Optimized Digital Workflow from Scan to Fit
Authors: Nuseir Amjad , Hatamleh Muhanad Moh'd , Alnazzawi Ahmad , Al‐Rabab'ah Mohammad , Kamel Belal , Jaradat Esraa 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA maxillofacial prosthesis is a successful treatment modality to restore missing facial parts. Digital technologies and 3D printing are employed in constructing facial prostheses such as ears; however, their application is still partial, and final prostheses are usually manufactured conventionally using stone molds. This report aims to introduce a complete digital workflow to construct a nasal prosthesis and compare it to the conventional workflow of a patient requiring a nasal prosthesis. A computer tomography scan showing the defect was exported to specialized software to create 3D reconstructions of the patient's face and underlying bone. The nose was digitally designed restoring facial esthetics, anatomy, shape, and skin color. Different skin tones were digitally matched to skin tissues adjacent to the defect area using the Spectromatch system. The design was 3D printed in flexible and colorful material at 16 μm resolution using a 3D printer. External color pigmentations were applied to the nose for optimum esthetics, and the prosthetic nose was sealed in silicone and left to heat polymerize for 15 minutes. The prosthetic nose was retained in place using biomedical adhesive, and the patient was pleased with it. This report proposes a complete digital workflow to directly design and fabricate a prosthetic nose of acceptable esthetics. Such a workflow can lead to enhanced prosthesis reproducibility and acceptability and may become an effective treatment option for treatment of patients with facial defects.
Effects of methionine on muscle protein synthesis and degradation pathways in broilers
Authors: Zeitz Johanna O. , Mohrmann Sarah , Käding Stella C. , Devlikamov Murat , Niewalda Ines , Whelan Rose , Helmbrecht Ariane , Eder Klaus 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis study investigated the hypothesis that supplementation of methionine (Met) to broiler diets increases muscle growth due to regulation of molecular pathways related to protein synthesis and degradation depending on the Met source. Day‐old male Cobb‐500 broilers (n = 240) were phase‐fed three different wheat–soya bean meal‐based basal diets during days 1–10, 11–21 and 22–35. Basal diets (Met‐ group, Met + Cys concentration 15% below NRC recommendations) were supplemented with 0.10% or 0.40% Met either as DL‐Met (DLM) or DL‐2‐hydroxy‐4‐(methylthio) butanoic acid (DL‐HMTBA) (equimolar comparison). Breast muscle weights were lower in the Met‐ group compared to all Met‐supplemented groups and were lower in broilers supplemented with 0.10% of DL‐HMTBA compared to the other groups fed Met‐supplemented diets. However, the expression of genes or relative phosphorylation and thus activation state of proteins involved in the somatotropic axis, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway of protein synthesis, the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway (UPP) and autophagy–lysosomal pathway of protein degradation, the GCN2/eIF2a pathway involved in the inhibition of protein synthesis and in the myostatin–Smad2/3 pathway involved in myogenesis were not affected by Met source. Feeding diets with suboptimum Met + Cys concentrations, however, decreased expression of GHR and IGF1 in liver and muscle and increased that of MURF1 involved in the UPP in the broiler's muscle at day 10 and 21, while that of FOXO and atrogin‐1 and FOXO phosphorylation remained unaffected. Additionally, suboptimum dietary Met concentrations increased expression of the autophagy‐related genes ATG5 and BECN1 at day 35. Met supplementation neither affected gene expression nor phosphorylation of proteins involved in the GNC2/eIF2a and mTOR pathways. These data indicate that protein synthesis was not affected on the molecular level, while protein degradation was marginally affected by dietary Met dosage.
A review and illustrated description of Musca crassirostris, one of the most neglected haematophagous livestock flies
Authors: Desquesnes M. , Onju S. , Chalermwong P. , Jittapalapong S. , Masmeatathip R. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTabanids, stomoxyine flies, hippoboscids and tsetse flies are the most well‐known brachyceran biting flies of livestock. Only a few other higher Diptera have developed the unique mouthparts required for blood feeding. These neglected blood feeders can also have direct effects on hosts through blood loss, and are likely to contribute to the transmission of pathogens. Musca crassirostris (Diptera: Muscidae) is one of the most abundant of the muscid flies with this haematophagous lifestyle; it is widespread in the Palaearctic, Afrotropical and Oriental regions. The present study reviews and summarizes the biology and morphology of this species, and its potential for impact on animals and humans. The study also provides a fully illustrated description of the fly to facilitate its identification, and reviews information on abundance, with a focus on recent trapping surveys in Thailand. When sampled using traps designed for other biting flies, M. crassirostris appears to be four and 45 times more abundant than stomoxyines and tabanids, respectively. High numbers of M. crassirostris in the vicinity of livestock have also been associated with outbreaks of disease, such as that of a fatal plague in bovine farms in Egypt. This calls for a reconsideration of its potential impacts on livestock economics and health, and thus the development of suitable control methods.
Probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome: Where are we?
Authors: Barbara Giovanni , Cremon Cesare , Azpiroz Fernando 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe have only recently begun to understand how alterations of the intestinal microbial ecosystem lead to the disruption of host‐microbial interactions and are associated with diseases, including functional gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Although we are still far from understanding the human microbiome, gut microbiota is already a therapeutic target. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host and may represent a therapeutic option for diseases characterized by dysbiosis such as IBS. Meta‐analyses suggest that probiotics provide a therapeutic gain over placebo on global symptoms with a high safety profile in IBS patients. However, the mechanisms by which they provide benefit in IBS remain virtually unknown. In this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, BIO‐25, a multispecies probiotic, did not significantly modify the composition of the fecal microbiota, but interestingly, patients with specific basal features of the intestinal microbial ecosystem improved with treatment. Based on these data, it is tantalizing to speculate that microbiota composition serves as a predictor of the response to probiotic intervention. This mini‐review addresses unresolved issues related to mechanisms through which probiotics may exert their beneficial effects, the biological, as well as clinical predictors of favorable outcomes in IBS and finally considers possible new directions for future studies.
Low glycaemic index diets as an intervention for obesity: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zafar M. I. , Mills K. E. , Zheng J. , Peng M. M. , Ye X. , Chen L. L. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryObjectivesLow glycaemic index (GI) diets may aid in weight loss by reducing postprandial blood glucose excursions, leading to more stable blood glucose concentrations and therefore a reduction in hunger. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing low GI diets with other diet types.MethodsWe included 101 studies involving 109 study arms and 8,527 participants. We meta‐analysed the studies using a random‐effects model and conducted subgroup analyses and meta‐regression based on control diet, blood glucose control, baseline BMI and dietary GI.ResultsLow GI diets resulted in small but significant improvements in body weight, BMI, LDL and total cholesterol overall, although no individual control diet was significantly different from low GI diets. Studies in people with normal blood glucose who achieved a difference in GI of 20 points or more resulted in a larger reduction in body weight (SMD = −0.26; 95% CIs [−0.43, −0.09]), and total cholesterol (SMD = −0.24; 95% CIs [−0.42, −0.05]) than studies that only achieved a smaller reduction in GI.ConclusionsLow GI diets, especially diets achieving a substantial decrease in GI, were moderately effective in lowering body weight. However, efforts should be made to increase compliance with low GI diets, in order for them to be effective in people with overweight and obesity.
Right atrial position of a return electrode for bipolar ablation of the left posterosuperior process ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Futyma Piotr , Głuszczyk Ryszard , Futyma Marian , Kułakowski Piotr 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIntroductionRadiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation (RFCA) of ventricular tachycardia (VT) is an effective method of treatment. However, when arrhythmia has ischemic etiology and originates from the posterosuperior process (PSP) of the left ventricular (LV) base, ablation performed with conventional unipolar energy sources may be challenging or impossible.Method and resultA 67‐year‐old male after six unsuccessful RFCA for highly symptomatic VT originating from PSP of LV base underwent successful RFCA using multiple bipolar RF applications delivered between two electrodes located at LV endocardium and adjacent right atrial sites.ConclusionThis case report shows that bipolar RFCA can be used for safe and successful treatment of VT originating from deep PSP of LV base.
Effect of antenatal azithromycin for Ureaplasma spp. on neonatal outcome at ≤30 weeks' gestational age
Authors: Kim Sung‐Ha , Chun Jiyoung , Ko Keun‐Hyeok , Sung Tae‐Jung 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundUreaplasma spp. in the maternal genitourinary tract has come to attention as a cause of preterm labor, spontaneous abortion, chorioamnionitis and adverse outcomes. A few controversies, however, still remain, namely, whether it should be treated aggressively or not. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of maternal azithromycin (AZ) treatment for Ureaplasma colonization on neonatal morbidities including bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).MethodsA retrospective case–control study of preterm babies delivered at ≤30 weeks of gestational age (GA) from 2012 to 2016 was conducted. Infants whose mothers had confirmed Ureaplasma colonization and treatment with AZ (m‐AZ, cases) were matched by GA to control subjects whose mothers did not have Ureaplasma colonization. A subgroup analysis (nUU(+), infants with neonatal respiratory Ureaplasma colonization; nUU(–), infants without colonization) was also performed.ResultsFifty‐five control subjects were matched to 110 m‐AZ subjects. The incidence of preterm premature rupture of membranes (P = 0.003) and of moderate–severe BPD (P = 0.010) was significantly higher in the m‐AZ group. On subgroup analysis with post‐hoc analysis (m‐AZ + nUU(+) [I, n = 55] vs m‐AZ + nUU(–) [II, n = 55] vs controls [n = 55]), the incidence of moderate–severe BPD was significantly different: 26% (I) vs 22% (II) vs 7% (controls), P = 0.033.ConclusionsMaternal Ureaplasma colonization was associated with moderate–severe BPD despite the use of AZ treatment. In addition, if the neonatal respiratory tract was colonized, then moderate–severe BPD developed even with maternal AZ treatment. Hence, selective antenatal and postnatal treatment of Ureaplasma colonization would be needed to control BPD development.
Influence of idebenone on ram semen quality stored at 4°C
Authors: Eslami Mohsen , Jahan‐Roshan Navid , Farrokhi‐Ardabili Farhad 
Published: November 2018

ContentsThe current study was designed to investigate the effect of idebenone (Id), an antioxidant on ram semen quality. Semen samples were collected, pooled and diluted in a Tris‐based extender supplemented with 0, 1, 2, 4 and 8 µM idebenone. Computer‐assisted sperm analysis was used to evaluate spermatozoa kinematics. Sperm viability and membrane functionality were assessed respectively, by eosin‐nigrosin staining and HOS test. Biochemical assays were carried out to measure different metabolites in spermatozoa and medium at 0, 24, 48 and 72 hr. Total and forward progressive motility were greater in 1, 2 and 4 µM idebenone treated groups compared to control at 24, 48 and 72 hr time points (p < 0.05). Semen supplementation with Id significantly increased viability and functionality of spermatozoa membrane during storage (p < 0.05). Lower amounts of lipid hydroperoxides in medium and spermatozoa were observed in Id‐treated groups compared to control one at 24 and 48 hr of storage (p < 0.05). Medium and spermatozoa amounts of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide were less in Id 4 µM group compared to the control at 72 hr (p < 0.05). Total antioxidant capacity values and superoxide dismutase activity of spermatozoa and medium were greater in 2 and 4 µM idebenone treated groups in comparison with the control at 72 hr (p < 0.05). Results of the current study indicated that ram semen supplementation with Id at 4 µM level improved quality by ameliorating nitrosative and peroxidative stress, hence could be considered as an antioxidant additive during storage at 4°C.
Machine Learning Methods as a Tool for Predicting Risk of Illness Applying Next‐Generation Sequencing Data
Authors: Njage Patrick Murigu Kamau , Henri Clementine , Leekitcharoenphon Pimlapas , Mistou Michel‐Yves , Hendriksen Rene S. , Hald Tine 
Published: November 2018

AbstractNext‐generation sequencing (NGS) data present an untapped potential to improve microbial risk assessment (MRA) through increased specificity and redefinition of the hazard. Most of the MRA models do not account for differences in survivability and virulence among strains. The potential of machine learning algorithms for predicting the risk/health burden at the population level while inputting large and complex NGS data was explored with Listeria monocytogenes as a case study. Listeria data consisted of a percentage similarity matrix from genome assemblies of 38 and 207 strains of clinical and food origin, respectively. Basic Local Alignment (BLAST) was used to align the assemblies against a database of 136 virulence and stress resistance genes. The outcome variable was frequency of illness, which is the percentage of reported cases associated with each strain. These frequency data were discretized into seven ordinal outcome categories and used for supervised machine learning and model selection from five ensemble algorithms. There was no significant difference in accuracy between the models, and support vector machine with linear kernel was chosen for further inference (accuracy of 89% [95% CI: 68%, 97%]). The virulence genes FAM002725, FAM002728, FAM002729, InlF, InlJ, Inlk, IisY, IisD, IisX, IisH, IisB, lmo2026, and FAM003296 were important predictors of higher frequency of illness. InlF was uniquely truncated in the sequence type 121 strains. Most important risk predictor genes occurred at highest prevalence among strains from ready‐to‐eat, dairy, and composite foods. We foresee that the findings and approaches described offer the potential for rethinking the current approaches in MRA.