bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Newborn hearing screening coverage and detection rates of hearing impairment across China from 2008-2016
Authors: Yuan Xuelian , Deng Kui , Zhu Jun , Xiang Liangcheng , Yao Yongna , Li Qi , Li Xiaohong , Liu Hanmin
Published: July 2020

Background

Newborn hearing screening (NHS) can reduce the economic and social burden of hearing impairment. To track the progress of the goal set by the National Program of Action for Child Development (NPACD) and to estimate the detection rates of hearing impairment, the present study examined NHS coverage in 2008–2010 and 2016 and the detection of hearing impairment across China in 2016.

Methods

Licensed medical institutions across China were surveyed in 2012 and 2018 by the National Center for Birth Defects Monitoring of China to collect data for the 2008–2010 period and for 2016 on live births, initial screening rates (total and referral), secondary screening rates (total and referral), and rates of hearing impairment diagnosis among infants who were referred in the secondary screening. To calculate universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) coverage, the number of newborns who received NHS within 4 weeks after birth was divided by the number of live births. The detection rate of hearing impairment was calculated by combining referral rates on primary and secondary screening with the rate of diagnosis.

Results

National UNHS coverage increased from 29.9% in 2008 to 86.5% in 2016, with different regions showing different increases. During this period, the number of provinces with UNHS coverage over 90.0% increased from 2 to 17, with UNHS coverage in 2016 being substantially higher in eastern provinces (93.1%) than in western provinces (79.4%). In 2016, the detection rate of hearing impairment across the country was 0.23% (95% CI 0.15–0.25%), and it varied from 0.17% in western provinces to 0.22% in central provinces and 0.28% in eastern provinces. The lowest rate was 0.02% in Heilongjiang Province and the highest rate was 0.63% in Hainan Province.

Conclusions

National UNHS coverage increased substantially from 2008 to 2016, although provinces and regions still showed differences. The detection rate of infant hearing impairment in China is comparable to that in other countries. A national individual-level information system is urgently needed in China to facilitate the integration of screening, diagnosis and treatment of infant hearing impairment, which may also lead to a more accurate estimate of the detection rate.
Healthcare retention and clinical outcomes among adolescents living with HIV after transition from pediatric to adult care: a systematic review
Authors: Ritchwood Tiarney D. , Malo Vincenzo , Jones Cameron , Metzger Isha W. , Atujuna Millicent , Marcus Rebecca , Conserve Donaldson F. , Handler Lara , Bekker Linda-Gail
Published: August 2020

Background

Adolescents living with HIV (ALWH) who transition from pediatric to adult care face several challenges that increase their risk of experiencing treatment interruptions and being lost to HIV care with resultant increased morbidity and mortality. To date, few studies have examined their outcomes post-healthcare transition (HCT), precluding the development and dissemination of evidence-based interventions aimed at retaining ALWH in HIV care both during and after HCT. We conducted a systematic review to synthesize the outcomes of ALWH post-HCT to provide suggestions for future directions.

Methods

We systematically searched several electronic databases through October 2019 using keywords for HIV, HCT and ALWH. We categorized studies by target population, country (i.e., upper-high income and low-middle income), study design (i.e., descriptive, mixed methods, quantitative), outcomes measured, and follow-up period.

Results

A total of 24 studies met inclusion criteria. Studies were categorized according to the following HCT outcomes: retention in HIV care post-HCT (n = 13), changes in CD4+ count and viral load post-HCT (n = 16), and mortality among ALWH post-HCT (n = 7). Most studies (n = 11) examining retention in HIV care indicated that more than 70% of ALWH were retained in care 1–2 years post-HCT while the remaining studies (n = 2) reported retention rates less than 55%. While studies indicated that CD4+ counts and viral loads tended to worsen during the first few years post-HCT, these differences were often not statistically significant. Among all ALWH who transitioned to adult care, a small proportion died within their first seven years post-HCT. Among qualitative studies, common themes included transition readiness (n = 6), provider-patient relationship in the adult clinic setting (n = 6), and concern about the adult clinic setting (n = 4).

Conclusions

Transition outcomes were poorest for ALWH with unsuppressed viremia pre-HCT, suggesting that this subgroup of ALWH may need greater support from their treatment teams and caregivers during and post-HCT to improve clinical outcomes.
Efficacy of benralizumab for patients with severe eosinophilic asthma: a retrospective, real-life study
Authors: Numata Takanori , Miyagawa Hanae , Nishioka Saiko , Okuda Keitaro , Utsumi Hirofumi , Hashimoto Mitsuo , Minagawa Shunsuke , Ishikawa Takeo , Hara Hiromichi , Araya Jun , Kuwano Kazuyoshi
Published: August 2020

Background

Benralizumab, an anti-interleukin-5 (IL-5) receptor α monoclonal antibody, significantly reduces the number of annual exacerbations and oral corticosteroid (OCS) maintenance doses for patients with severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA). However, few studies on the efficacy of this biologic in real life are available. The aim was to elucidate the efficacy of benralizumab by evaluating changes in clinical parameters after benralizumab treatment in patients with SEA.

Methods

From July 2018 to December 2019, 24 Japanese patients with SEA received benralizumab at Jikei University Hospital. We retrospectively evaluated the patients’ characteristics, parameters, numbers of exacerbations and maintenance OCS doses.

Results

Among the 24 patients, eleven patients had received mepolizumab treatment and were directly switched to benralizumab. The peripheral blood eosinophil and basophil counts significantly decreased after benralizumab treatment regardless of previous mepolizumab treatment. Pulmonary function, Asthma Control Test scores, the numbers of annual exacerbations and maintenance OCS doses in patients without previous mepolizumab treatment tended to improve without significant differences. Fourteen patients (58%) were responders according to the Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness (GETE) score. The proportion of GETE responders among patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) tended to be lower than that among patients without AERD (p = 0.085). After benralizumab treatment, the change in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s from baseline was 200 ml or greater in eight patients (33%), including three patients who were switched from mepolizumab.

Conclusion

Benralizumab treatment improved and controlled asthma symptoms based on the GETE score.
Developing an animal-assisted support program for healthcare employees
Authors: Etingen Bella , Martinez Rachael N. , Smith Bridget M. , Hogan Timothy P. , Miller Laura , Saban Karen L. , Irvin Dawn , Jankowski Becky , Weaver Frances M.
Published: August 2020

Background

Employee burnout and its associated consequences is a significant problem in the healthcare workforce. Workplace animal therapy programs offer a potential strategy for improving employee well-being; however, research on animal therapy programs for healthcare workers is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary impact of an animal-assisted support program to improve healthcare employee well-being.

Methods

In this mixed-methods pilot intervention study, we implemented an animal-assisted support program in a multidisciplinary healthcare clinic at a large VA hospital. The program included 20 sessions over 3 months, each approximately 1-h long. Real-time mood data were collected from participants immediately before and after each session. Participation rates were tracked in real time and self-reported at follow-up. Data on burnout and employee perceptions of the program were collected upon completion via a survey and semi-structured interviews. Differences in mood and burnout pre/post program participation were assessed with t-tests.

Results

Participation was high; about 51% of clinic employees (n = 39) participated in any given session, averaging participation in 9/20 sessions. Mood (on a scale of 1 = worst to 5 = best mood) significantly improved from immediately before employees interacted with therapy dogs (M = 2.9) to immediately after (M = 4.5) (p = 0.000). Employees reported significantly lower levels of patient-related burnout (e.g., how much exhaustion at work relates to interaction with patients) after (M = 18.0 vs. before, M = 40.0) participating (p = 0.002). Qualitative findings suggested that employees were highly satisfied with the program, noticed an improved clinic atmosphere, and experienced a reduction in stress and boost in mood.

Conclusions

Establishing an animal-assisted support program for employees in a busy healthcare clinic is feasible and acceptable. Our pilot data suggest that animal-assisted programs could be a means to boost mood and decrease facets of burnout among healthcare employees.
On the survival of 48 h Plasmodium vivax Aotus monkey-derived ex vivo cultures: the role of leucocytes filtration and chemically defined lipid concentrate media supplementation
Authors: Obaldía Nicanor , Nuñez Marlon
Published: August 2020

Background

Filtration of leukocytes (WBCs) is a standard practice of malaria ex vivo cultures. To date, few studies have considered the effect of filtration or the lack thereof on the survival ofPlasmodium vivaxex vivo cultures through one cycle of maturation. This study investigates the effect of WBC filtration and culture media supplementation on the survival of 48–72 h ex vivo cultures.

Methods

Using parasitaemia density, the study compares the survival of Plasmodipur®filtered, filter-retained or washed ex vivo cultures, maintained with McCoy’s5A medium supplemented with 25% serum alone or 20% in combination with 5% chemically defined lipid concentrate (CDLC), and in washed ex vivo cultures plus GlutaMAX™, benchmarked against IMDM™ or AIM-V™ media; also, assessed the survival of ex vivo cultures co-cultivated with human red blood cells (hRBCs).

Results

After 48 h of incubation a statistically significant difference was detected in the survival proportions of filtered and the filter-retained ex vivo cultures supplemented with serum plus CDLC (p = 0.0255), but not with serum alone (p = 0.1646). To corroborate these finding, parasitaemias of washed ex vivo cultures maintained with McCoy’s5A complete medium were benchmarked against IMDM™ or AIM-V™ media; again, a statistically significant difference was detected in the cultures supplemented with CDLC and GlutaMAX™ (p = 0.03), but not when supplemented with either alone; revealing a pattern of McCoy’s5A medium supplementation forAotus-derivedP. vivaxcultures as follows: serum < serum + GlutaMAX™ < serum + CDLC < serum + CDLC + GlutaMAX™; confirming a key role of CDLC in combination with GlutaMAX™ in the enhanced survival observed. Lastly, results showed that co-cultivation with malaria-naïve hRBCs improved the survival of ex vivo cultures.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that WBC filtration is not essential for the survival ofP. vivaxex vivo cultures. It also demonstrates that McCoy’s5A complete medium improves the survival ofAotus-derivedP. vivaxex vivo cultures, with no significant difference in survival compared to IMDM and AIM-V media. Finally, the study demonstrates that co-cultivation with hRBCs enhances the survival of ex vivo cultures. These findings are expected to help optimize seeding material for long-termP. vivaxin vitro culture.
Dietary pattern and nutrient intakes in association with non-communicable disease risk factors among Filipino adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Angeles-Agdeppa Imelda , Sun Ye , Tanda Keith V.
Published: August 2020

Background

This study evaluated the relationship between dietary quality and food patterns of Filipino adults and the rising prevalence of selected cardiometabolic non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study that examined the association of dietary pattern and NCDs using data collected in the 2013 National Nutrition Survey. A total of 19,914 adults aged 20 years and above were included in the analyses. The Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI-2010) was used to characterize the dietary quality, and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify dietary patterns specific to the study population. Logistic regression models were applied to assess the association between the dietary pattern scores and selected cardiometabolic NCD indices including diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and overweight and obesity with adjustment for potential confounders.

Results

The mean AHEI-2010 score was 19.7 for women and 18.9 for men out of a total possible score of 100. Three major dietary patterns were identified through PCA: 1) meat and sweetened beverages (MSB); 2) rice and fish (RF) and 3) fruit, vegetables and snack (FVS). After adjustment for potential confounding factors, the AHEI pattern was associated with higher odds of overweight/obesity [extreme-tertile odds ratio (OR) 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.21]. Subjects in the highest tertile of the MSB pattern had greater odds for overweight/obesity, diabetes, high total cholesterol, low HDL-cholesterol, high LDL-cholesterol, and high triglycerides (OR ranging 1.20 to 1.70, all p-value < 0.001). The RF pattern was associated with higher probability of overweight/obesity (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.08–1.32) high LDL-cholesterol (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.07–1.37), and less likelihood of diabetes (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77–0.98). The FVS pattern was associated with lower probability of overweight/obesity, diabetes, high triglycerides, and hypertension (OR ranging 0.85 to 0.90, all p-value < 0.05).

Conclusions

Diet quality of Filipino adults is extremely poor. MSB and RF patterns were associated with a higher risk of cardiometabolic NCD indices, while FVS pattern was associated to lower risks. Identifying healthy and detrimental dietary patterns in the local diet could be informative for future local-based dietary recommendation and area-specific intervention programs.
Association between diabetes mellitus and health-related quality of life among patients with chronic kidney disease: results from the Chinese Cohort Study of Chronic Kidney Disease (C-STRIDE)
Authors: Chen Li , Wang Jinwei , Huang Xiaoyan , Wang Fang , Liang Wei , He Yan , Liao Yumei , Zhang Luxia , Zhao Minghui , Xiong Zuying ,   on behalf of the C-STRIDE study group
Published: August 2020

Background

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been increasing in recent years in China. This study aimed to evaluate the association between DM and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with CKD.

Methods

In our study, participants with CKD stage 1 to 4 from 39 centers in China were screened and enrolled. The Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL™-36) questionnaire was used to assess HRQOL. Participants were divided into a diabetic group and a non-diabetic group. Demographic data, clinical data, and HRQOL scores were compared between the two groups. Multivariable robust regression was used to analyze the factors related to HRQOL in CKD patients.

Results

A population of 2742 CKD patients was included in this study. CKD patients with DM were older and had lower education level, longer treatment periods and a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease than CKD patients without DM (P < 0.05). HRQOL scores in the “symptoms and problems”, “effects of kidney disease”, and “SF-12 physical function” dimensions were significantly lower in the diabetic group than the non-diabetic group (86.88 ± 13.76 vs. 90.59 ± 10.75, 84.78 ± 14.86 vs. 87.28 ± 12.45, and 41.40 ± 9.77 vs. 45.40 ± 8.82, respectively, allP < 0.05). DM was negatively correlated with the symptoms and problems (regression coefficient for log transformed [175-score] = 0.010) and the SF-12 physical function dimension (regression coefficient = − 2.18) (allP < 0.05).

Conclusion

HRQOL of diabetic patients with CKD was worse than that of non-diabetic patients with CKD. DM was an independent and negative factor affecting HRQOL in patients with CKD.
Surveillance of important bacterial and parasitic infections in Danish wild boars (Sus scrofa)
Authors: Petersen Heidi Huus , Takeuchi-Storm Nao , Enemark Heidi Larsen , Nielsen Stine Thorsø , Larsen Gitte , Chriél Mariann
Published: August 2020

Background

Similar to the situation in other European countries, Danish wild boars may harbour a wide range of pathogens infectious to humans and domestic pigs. Although wild boars must be kept behind fences in Denmark, hunting and consumption of the meat may cause zoonotic transmission. Moreover, most infections of wild boars are transmissible to domestic pigs, which may have important economic consequences. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Danish wild boars were infected with bacteria and parasites transmissible to humans or domestic pigs: Brucella suis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Salmonella spp., Trichinella spp., lungworms and gastrointestinal parasites, especially Ascaris suum. This is the first study to investigate the prevalence of these important pathogens in Danish wild boars.

Results

Wild boars from eight enclosures were analysed over a 5-year period. All tested wild boars were negative for B. suis (n = 240), MRSA (n = 244), Salmonella spp. (n = 115) and Trichinella spp. (n = 232), while eight parasite genera were identified in the faeces (n = 254): Ascaris suum, Capillaria sp., Cystoisospora suis, Eimeria spp., Metastrongylus sp. (lungworm), Strongyloides ransomi, Trichuris suis and strongylid eggs, i.e. strongyles not identified to the genera. Eimeria spp. and Metastrongylus sp. had the highest prevalence (92.3 and 79.5%, respectively) and were identified in wild boars from all eight enclosures, while the remaining parasite genera were present more sporadically.

Conclusions

Wild boars from Denmark constitute a low risk of transmitting B. suis, MRSA, Salmonella spp. and Trichinella spp. to humans or domestic pigs, while economically important parasites transmissible to domestic pigs are highly prevalent in the wild boar population.
Detection of Leishmania infantum DNA and antibodies against Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. and Ehrlichia canis in a dog kennel in South-Central Romania
Authors: Cazan Cristina Daniela , Ionică Angela Monica , Matei Ioana Adriana , D’Amico Gianluca , Muñoz Clara , Berriatua Eduardo , Dumitrache Mirabela Oana
Published: August 2020

Canine vector-borne diseases are caused by pathogens transmitted by arthropods including ticks, mosquitoes and sand flies. Many canine vector-borne diseases are of zoonotic importance. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of vector-borne infections caused by Dirofilaria immitis, Ehrlichia canis, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Anaplasma spp. and Leishmania infantum in a dog kennel in Argeș County, Romania. Dog kennels are shelters for stray dogs with no officially registered owners that are gathered to be neutered and/or boarded for national/international adoptions by various public or private organizations. The international dog adoptions might represent a risk in the transmission of pathogens into new regions. In this context, a total number of 149 blood samples and 149 conjunctival swabs from asymptomatic kennel dogs were assessed using serology and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Antibodies against B. burgdorferi s.l. were detected in one dog (0.6%), anti-Anaplasma antibodies were found in five dogs (3.3%), while ten dogs (6.7%) tested positive for D. immitis antigen. Overall, 20.1% (30/149) of dogs were positive for L. infantum DNA. All samples were seronegative for anti-Leishmania antibodies. When adopting dogs from this region of Romania, owners should be aware of possible infection with especially L. infantum. The travel of infected dogs may introduce the infection to areas where leishmaniasis is not present.
GMM-Demux: sample demultiplexing, multiplet detection, experiment planning, and novel cell-type verification in single cell sequencing
Authors: Xin Hongyi , Lian Qiuyu , Jiang Yale , Luo Jiadi , Wang Xinjun , Erb Carla , Xu Zhongli , Zhang Xiaoyi , Heidrich-O’Hare Elisa , Yan Qi , Duerr Richard H. , Chen Kong , Chen Wei
Published: July 2020

Identifying and removing multiplets are essential to improving the scalability and the reliability of single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Multiplets create artificial cell types in the dataset. We propose a Gaussian mixture model-based multiplet identification method, GMM-Demux. GMM-Demux accurately identifies and removes multiplets through sample barcoding, including cell hashing and MULTI-seq. GMM-Demux uses a droplet formation model to authenticate putative cell types discovered from a scRNA-seq dataset. We generate two in-house cell-hashing datasets and compared GMM-Demux against three state-of-the-art sample barcoding classifiers. We show that GMM-Demux is stable and highly accurate and recognizes 9 multiplet-induced fake cell types in a PBMC dataset.
Dermatobia hominis in a dog imported from Brazil to Romania
Authors: Deak Georgiana , Ionică Angela Monica , Nădășan-Cozma Giulia , Mihalca Andrei Daniel
Published: July 2020

Background

Dermatobia hominis (Diptera: Oestridae: Cuterebrinae) is a parasite with an important zoonotic and economical impact in the cattle industry, distributed in Central and South America, inhabiting wooded areas along rivers and lowlands. It infests mammals including humans. Lately, there has been a growing trend for people to travel on holidays with their pet dog and also international trade of dogs has increased significantly in the last two decades. Hence, the risk of importation of exotic parasites, including agents of myiasis has increased. Dermatobia hominis has been commonly reported as an imported parasite to various countries, mostly as human cases and currently there are only two published cases of D. hominis imported with dogs to Europe. Herein, we report a case of D. hominis infestation in Romania in a dog recently imported from Brazil.

Methods

Larvae were manually extracted from nodules of a 4-month old non-neutered male, Fila Brasileiro in Arad, Romania. The larvae were morphologically identified, and one specimen was characterized molecularly by amplification and sequencing of a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1).

Results

All larvae were morphologically identified as L3 of Dermatobia hominis. The BLAST analysis revealed a 98.81% nucleotide similarity to two D. hominis isolates from Brazil. The sequence was deposited in the GenBank database under the accession number MT364820.

Conclusions

The travel history of dogs is an important part of the veterinary anamnesis questions and should be thoroughly conducted in the daily practice. Also, prior to and after the importation of dogs from tropical regions, a thorough check of the body surface to detect the presence of nodules is recommended.
Physical activity measured using wearable activity tracking devices associated with gout flares
Authors: Elmagboul Nada , Coburn Brian W. , Foster Jeffrey , Mudano Amy , Melnick Joshua , Bergman Debra , Yang Shuo , Chen Lang , Filby Cooper , Mikuls Ted R. , Curtis Jeffrey R. , Saag Kenneth
Published: August 2020

Objective

To determine the feasibility and validity of using wearable activity trackers to test associations between gout flares with physical activity and sleep.

Methods

Participants with physician-diagnosed gout, hyperuricemia (≥ 6.8 mg/dl), current smartphone use, and ≥ 2 self-reported flares in the previous 6 months were enrolled. Physical activity, heart rate, and sleep data were obtained from wearable activity trackers (Fitbit Charge HR2). Daily compliance was defined by the availability of sufficiently complete activity data at least 80% of the day. Associations of weekly gout flares with sleep and activity were measured by comparing flare-related values to average sleep and steps per day. We used mixed linear models to account for repeated observations.

Results

Forty-four participants enrolled; 33 met the criteria for minimal wear time and flare reporting, with activity tracker data available for 60.5% of all total study days. Mean ± SD age was 48.8 ± 14.9 years; 85% were men; 15% were black; 88% were on allopurinol or febuxostat, and 30% reported ≥ 6 flares in the prior 6 months. Activity trackers captured 204 (38%) person-weeks with flares and 340 (62%) person-weeks without flares. Mean ± SD daily step count was significantly lower (p < 0.0001) during weeks with gout flares (5900 ± 4071) than during non-flare periods (6972 ± 5214); sleep however did not differ.

Conclusion

The pattern of wear in this study illustrates reasonable feasibility of using such devices in future arthritis research. The use of these devices to passively measure changes in physical activity patterns may provide an estimate of gout flare occurrence and duration.

Trial registration

NCT, NCT02855437. Registered 4 August 2016
Correction to: Health economic evaluation of an internet intervention for depression (deprexis), a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gräfe Viola , Moritz Steffen , Greiner Wolfgang
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
The effects of bush control methods on encroaching woody plants in terms of die-off and survival in Borana rangelands, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Hare Malicha Loje , Xu Xinwen , Wang Yongdong , Gedda Abule Ibro
Published: July 2020

A study on the effect of bush control methods on encroaching woody species, namely Acacia drepanolobium, Acacia mellifera and Acacia reficiens was conducted for a 2 years’ time. A 3 ha of land was divided into two plots. Each replication with an area of 300 m × 50 m was again sub-divided into six plots (each 50 m × 50 m) to accommodate six treatments. Bush control treatments were assigned randomly to the plots and replicated two times across sites of similar topography. During the post-treatment period, responses of woody species to different treatments in terms of mortality and coppicing were monitored. Data was analysed using R software and Tukey’s studentized range tests for comparisons of means. The applied treatments significantly influenced (P < 0.05) encroaching woody species. The finding showed that five out of the six bush control treatments greatly promoted woody mortality, however with species-specific differences. The stem-burning, tree cutting with fire–browse combination, cutting and fire, cutting and browsing, and cutting treatments greatly increased species mortality compared to the control treatment. Responses due to treatment effect also varied significantly (P < 0.05) among encroaching woody species. Accordingly, mortality was higher in A. reficiens than in the other two species, indicating that A. reficiens is greatly susceptible to the applied treatments. The significant finding was that woody species exhibited greater mortality in response to selective cutting/thinning and post-management techniques. Post-thinning management measures would sustain savanna ecology, if implemented at certain intervals.
The frequency and inter-relationship of PD-L1 expression and tumour mutational burden across multiple types of advanced solid tumours in China
Authors: Chen Yanhui , Wang Yating , Luo Hongli , Meng Xue , Zhu Wei , Wang Di , Zeng Hui , Zhang Henghui
Published: August 2020

Background

PD-L1 expression and tumour mutational burden (TMB) are both associated with the responses of multiple tumours to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. However, their prevalence and correlations may differ in different types of advanced solid tumours.

Methods

PD-L1 expression, TMB, and PD-1+ Tils (tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes) infiltration and their relationships were assessed in 6668 advanced solid tumour specimens across 25 tumour types. CD8+ T cell infiltration was analysed in 347 NSCLC samples. The associations of these biomarkers with the therapeutic effect of PD-1 inhibitor were analysed in a cohort of NSCLC samples.

Results

PD-L1 expression levels and TMB in different tumour types varied widely and their relationship was not significantly correlated in most cancer types, with only a small association across all specimens (Spearman R = 0.059). PD-1+ Tils infiltration was positively correlated with PD-L1 expression across all samples (Spearman R = 0.3056). However, there is no such correlation between PD-1+ Tils infiltration and TMB. In NSCLC samples, CD8+ T cell infiltration was correlated with PD-1+ Tils infiltration and PD-L1 expression but not with TMB (Spearman R = 0.4117, 0.2045, and 0.0007, respectively). Patients in the CR/PR group (anti-PD-1 therapy) had higher levels of PD-L1 expression, TMB, PD-1+ Tils, and CD8+ T cell infiltration, and many patients in this group exhibited concomitantly elevated levels of multiple biomarkers.

Conclusions

Our results showed the PD-L1 expression status and TMB in various types of advanced solid tumours in Chinese patients and their relationships with PD-1+ Tils and CD8+ T cell infiltration, which may inform ICI treatment.
Effects of continuous renal replacement therapy with the AN69ST membrane for septic shock and sepsis-induced AKI in an infant: a case report with literature review of cytokine/mediator removal therapy in children
Authors: Nishizaki Naoto , Ueno Riko , Nagayama Yuki , Abe Hanako , Matsuda Akina , Mizutani Akira , Obinata Kaoru , Okazaki Tadaharu , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: August 2020

Background

Septic shock is a life-threatening condition and one of the most common causes of acute kidney injury (AKI). The acrylonitrile-co-methallyl sulfonate surface-treated (AN69ST) membrane used in severe sepsis was formally launched in Japan in 2014, as a non-renal indication. This membrane provides hemofiltration in dialysis and improves hemodynamics in patients with sepsis and hypercytokinemia. However, the clinical literature regarding continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) with the AN69ST membrane is very limited, especially in infants.

Case presentation

A 3-month-old female infant weighing 4.2 kg was hospitalized for septic shock and AKI secondary to necrotizing enterocolitis. Although she underwent palliative surgery, her vital signs did not recover from shock, and she developed reduced urine output. Her pediatric sequential organ failure assessment score was 10 points. Thus, we strongly suspected septic shock and sepsis-induced AKI, which were refractory to conservative treatment, and we decided to introduce CRRT with the AN69ST membrane for both renal replacement and anti-hypercytokinemic indications. After initiating CRRT for 72 h, her blood pressure increased sufficiently to maintain urine output, and improvements in the electrolyte abnormalities and metabolic acidosis were observed. Notably, her serum inflammatory cytokine levels decreased in parallel with improvement in her general condition. Despite successfully recovering from the AKI and being stable enough to allow discontinuing CRRT, she died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome 3 weeks after CRRT was discontinued.

Conclusions

CRRT may complement standard treatment in patients with sepsis-induced AKI to control the amplitude of the systemic inflammatory response regarding acute tissue and organ damage. We expect that CRRT with the AN69ST membrane will be recognized as an option for the treatment of septic shock and sepsis-induced AKI, even in infants.
Bibliometric analysis of global research output on antimicrobial resistance in the environment (2000–2019)
Authors: Sweileh Waleed M. , Moh’d Mansour Ahmad
Published: August 2020

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat that requires a “One Health” approach. Of the One Health triad, the environmental component is the most dynamic and most neglected. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to assess and analyze global research activity on AMR in the environment.

Methods

This was a bibliometric descriptive study of publications on AMR in the environment. Publications were retrieved using SciVerse Scopus for the study period from 2000 to 2019. The search query was developed using terms and phrases related to the topic. The retrieved publications were analyzed for specific bibliometric indicators including annual growth, citation analysis, key players, research output for each world regions, research themes, and occurrences of different drug classes of antimicrobials. Visualization maps including research collaboration were created using VOSviewer program. The Hirsch (h) index was used to assess scientific impact.

Results

There were 2611 research articles based on the implemented research query. The retrieved documents had an average of 22 citations per document and an h-index of 122. The annual number of publications showed a steep increase from 2011 to 2019. The major research themes in the field were (1) dissemination and abundance of antibiotic-resistant genes and (2) detection of bacterial strains or antibiotic residues in various environmental isolates. The bulk of the retrieved articles (n = 899; 34.4%) originated from the European region. China led with 598 (22.9%) documents. Four of the top 10 active institutions were in China. The top 10 active countries had relatively inadequate international research collaboration. The most commonly encountered antibiotic drug classes in the retrieved articles were penicillin/cephalosporin (n = 1152 occurrences). The most frequently encountered pathogen in the retrieved publications was E. coli (n = 666). The Science of the Total Environment journal was the most prolific journal with 139 (5.3%) publications.

Conclusion

Scientific literature on the AMR in the environment has witnessed a steep growth lately with a leading role of China and Chinese institutions. Data on AMR in the environment need to be collected from all world regions including the Eastern Mediterranean and African regions through research collaboration and funding of research in this field.
Restless Legs Syndrome and Other Common Sleep-Related Movement Disorders
Authors: Garcia-Malo Celia , Peralta Sofia Romero , Garcia-Borreguero Diego
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In this article, the different sleep-related movement disorders are discussed with special attention given to restless legs syndrome (RLS).

RECENT FINDINGS

The differential diagnosis of sleep-related movement disorders can often be challenging; therefore, it is essential to have accurate information to make a correct diagnosis. This article focuses on RLS, highlighting the change in the paradigm of initial treatment, the role played by iron (pathophysiologic and therapeutic), and how to approach possible complications occurring with long-term treatment.

RLS is one of the most common neurologic conditions, and it is common in clinical practice to find patients experiencing symptoms suggestive of RLS. Neurologists must be careful and thorough in the diagnosis, excluding RLS mimics. The decisions regarding which specific sleep-related movement disorder is present and how it should be treated are important because in certain cases, especially in RLS, adverse effects and long-term complications are frequently reported with the use of certain drugs.
Cytotrophoblast extracellular vesicles enhance decidual cell secretion of immune modulators via TNF-alpha
Authors: Taylor Sara K. , Houshdaran Sahar , Robinson Joshua F. , Gormley Matthew J. , Kwan Elaine Y. , Kapidzic Mirhan , Schilling Birgit , Giudice Linda C. , Fisher Susan J.
Published: August 2020

The placenta releases large quantities of extracellular vesicles (EVs) that likely facilitate communication between the embryo/fetus and the mother. We isolated EVs from second trimester human cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) by differential ultracentrifugation and characterized them by transmission electron microscopy, immunoblotting, and mass spectrometry. The 100,000 xg pellet was enriched for vesicles with a cup-like morphology typical of exosomes. They expressed markers specific to this vesicle type, CD9 and HRS, and the trophoblast proteins placental alkaline phosphatase and HLA-G. Global profiling by mass spectrometry showed that placental EVs were enriched for proteins that function in transport and viral processes. A cytokine array revealed that the CTB 100,000 xg pellet contained a significant amount of TNF-α. CTB EVs increased decidual stromal cell (dESF) transcription and secretion of NF-κB targets, including IL-8, as measured by qRT-PCR and cytokine array. A soluble form of the TNF-α receptor inhibited the ability of CTB 100,000 xg EVs to increase dESF secretion of IL-8. Overall, the data suggest that CTB EVs enhance decidual cell release of inflammatory cytokines, which we theorize is an important component of successful pregnancy.
The functional significance of panting as a mechanism of thermoregulation and its relationship to the critical thermal maxima in lizards
Authors: Loughran Caleb L. , Wolf Blair O.
Published: August 2020

Because most desert-dwelling lizards rely primarily on behavioral thermoregulation for the maintenance of active body temperatures, the effectiveness of panting as a thermoregulatory mechanism for evaporative cooling has not been widely explored. We measured changes in body temperature (Tb) with increasing air temperature (Ta) for seventeen species of lizards that range across New Mexico and Arizona and quantified the temperatures associated with the onset of panting, the capacity of individuals to depress Tb below Ta while panting and estimated the critical thermal maxima (CTmax) for each individual. We examined these variables as a function of phylogeny, body mass, and local acclimatization temperature. We found that many species can depress Tb 2-3°C below Ta while panting, and the capacity to do so appears to be a function of each species’ ecology and thermal environment, rather than phylogeny. Panting thresholds and CTmax’s are phylogenetically conserved within groups. Understanding the functional significance of panting and its potential importance as a thermoregulatory mechanism will improve our understanding of the potential for species’ persistence in an increasingly warmer world.
Surgical complications after Tenckoff catheter implant
Authors: Polski Paweł , Kusz Monika , Alzubedi Adam , Rudzki Grzegorz
Published: July 2020

Peritoneal dialysis is one of the three basic methods of renal replacement therapy. It allows the patient to perform dialysis at home while maintaining the basic principles of asepsis. It involves the permanent introduction of a dialysis catheter into the peritoneal cavity. Surgical procedure is not complicated, however, as any intervention may carry the risk of complications. Depending on the time of diagnosis, complications are divided into early, up to 30 days after surgery and late - over 30 days after surgery. This paper aims to present the most common surgical complications associated with Tenckoff catheter implantation.
The importance of chosen attributes of a digital postal service in shaping its quality in the opinion of customers at the age of 18-30
Authors: Kowalik Kamila
Published: July 2020

The purpose of the article is to present the importance of the chosen digital postal service’s attributes in shaping its quality in the opinion of young customers at the age of 18-30. The first part contains the theoretical framework of service quality, digital services, postal market and digital competences. Afterwards, the results of anonymous survey have been presented. The study has been conducted among fifty respondents at the indicated age and  it consisted of assessing the meaning of nine chosen quality factors on a Likert scale of 1-5. The results contributed to the formulations of conclusions on the validity of chosen determinants of the digital postal service quality for customers at the age of 18-30.
New directions in treatment of the ischemic stroke
Authors: Zaremba Bartłomiej , Gorecka Adrianna , Wysokińska Olga , Cholewa Krystian , Milanowska Joanna
Published: July 2020

Stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The cause is decrease or total blocking of blood perfusion in brain and fast recognition is essential to conduct proper treatment. Currently commonly used methods are thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy, which high efficacy is observed only if they are performed within a few hours of the first symptoms. Hence loads of people, who are diagnosed later, become unable to undergo effective treatment.In the study are presented pathogenesis, epidemiology, classification, diagnosis and current treatment of the disease, but the main aim of the study is to present the results of the reports on new treatments for ischemic stroke. The research method is a review of the available literature published in PubMed, UpToDate and Google scholar databases.In the study were reviewed new methods, which can be alternative for currently used ones. They are small molecules including fluoxetine, aripiprazole, L-DOPA, cholinergic and noradrenergic drugs, growth factors (HCG, EPO), monoclonal antibodies, allogenic stem cells, neurostimulators,  robotic therapy and telerehabilitation.They give hope for curing a larger number of patients and improving effects of rehabilitation after ischemic stroke. However most of the methods, which are presented in this study require the use of tests that will allow checking their safety and application.
The importance of follow-up and re-diagnosis of patients with demyelinating syndrome suspicion - a case study of a conversion from radiologically isolated syndrome to clinically definite multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kulczyński Marcin , Marciniec Michał , Sapko Klaudia , Muñoz-Niklitschek Esteban
Published: July 2020

Introduction. Radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) is a term to describe criteria of diagnosis for the individuals, who underwent brain MRI because of other reasons than multiple sclerosis (MS) suspicion, but turned out to have white matter lesions similar to those present in patients with diagnosed MS. RIS is a separate entity with the presence of MR detected lesions strongly suggestive of MS in patients with no neurological manifestations. Although RIS is not the first stage of MS in every individual, 30-45% of them will present clinical symptoms later. There is a consensus, that about 1/3 of RIS patients will convert to clinically definite MS (CDMS) within 5 years of follow-up. There are some significant predictors of conversion, such as: age (< 37 when diagnosed), male sex and presence of lesions in spinal cord.Case report. We describe a case of a 35-year-old female patient who was initially diagnosed with RIS after MRI performed due to migraine. After about year and a half of follow-up she presented first clinical manifestation (temporary left eye blindness) followed by second episode (in the second eye), a progression in MRI and appearance of oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid.Discussion. Among individuals with incidentally found lesions in MRI, only few happen to have white matter findings similar to demyelinating lesions in patients with CDMS. Non-specific MRI white matter lesions are much more often than than those fulfilling 2017 MAGNIMS criteria.There is more research needed to determine significant risk factors for conversion from RIS to CDMS. In RIS patients watchful neurological supervision is indispensable.
Management of blood infection caused by colonization of the vascular port with klebsiella variicola in case of patient treated with palliative chemotherapy
Authors: Kasperska Paulina , Nowicka Małgorzata , Oleksy Eliza , Ziółkowska Anna , Kędziora-Kornatowska Kornelia
Published: July 2020

Klebsiella variicola is a bacterial species that was originally identified as a mild endosymbiont in plants, it occurs in humans and cattle. It is a bacterium that has been discovered relatively recently and research on the broader understanding of the pathogen is still underway. Vascular catheters are very often used to receive chemotherapy by patients. The purpose of this work was to present the management of blood infection caused by colonization of the vascular port with klebsiella varicola. The material described can be used to conduct patient pharmacotherapy. Care for a patient with a vascular port should be developed. There is a need to conduct staff training on: proper care and use of the vascular port and Huber needle for pharmacotherapy. Huber needles could be standard material in the list of required equipment in hospital wards to improve patient care with a vascular port.
Variation in and Ecology of Aspen
Authors: Beetle Alan
Published: July 2020

Aspen is a key range plant on elk winter range. The suppression of normal stands characterizes Jackson Hole. This long term study focuses on both the autecology and the synecology of Populus tremuloides.
An Ecological Comparison of Two Stream Sections with and without Native Fish Populations, in Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Jacobi Gerald
Published: July 2020

This is a brief report of a reconnaissance survey of the benthic macroinvertebrate community above and below a natural barrier to fish movement on Raven Creek, a tributary of Pelican Creek in the Lake Yellowstone watershed. This project is part of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service program to evaluate differences in stream ecology with and without native fish populations. The Final Report is due June 30, 1978.
Progress Report on the History of Forest Fires in Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Levinson Richard , Marrs Ronald
Published: July 2020

This report discusses a research effort to determine the utility of remotely sensed data to delineate a forest fire history for Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Research was supported by the National Park Service and the Northern Rocky Mountain Parks Studies Cooperative Program. We are grateful for the cooperation and assistance given us by Dr. Don Despain and other personnel of the National Park Service who provided data and logistical support for this research. We also thank Dr. Dennis Knight and Mr. Bill Romme of the Department of Botany, University of Wyoming, for their assistance in gathering field data essential for evaluation of the remote sensing techniques.
Effects of Environmental Variables on some Physiological Responses of Microtus montanus under Natural Conditions
Authors: Pinter Aelita
Published: July 2020

Multiannual cycles in population density have been reported for a number of microtine rodents. However, factors that govern various phases of the cycle are poorly understood if not totally unknown. In other words, little is known to what degree environmental factors and physiological responses of the animals contribute to such cyclicity.
Vertebrate Paleontology in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Authors: Sutton John
Published: July 2020

Tertiary rocks are extensively exposed in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, covering a span of time from the Paleocene to the Pliocene. The most extensive deposits most commonly seen along Pilgrim Creek are those of the Colter Formation which is Miocene in age. At the base of the Colter Formation along the east fork of Pilgrim Creek is a small exposure of Oligocene rocks, the western-most deposit of this age known in Wyoming. This deposit has been the target of research for the past several seasons.