bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proportion of NAFLD patients with normal ALT value in overall NAFLD patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Xuefeng , Liu Shousheng , Zhang Jie , Dong Mengzhen , Wang Yifen , Wang Mengke , Xin Yongning
Published: January 2020

Background

ALT value is often used to reflect the hepatic inflammation and injury in NAFLD patients, but many studies proved that ALT values were normal in many NAFLD patients. The aim of this study was to identify the summarized proportion of NAFLD patients with normal ALT value in the overall NAFLD patients.

Methods

Electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid, and the Cochrane Library were searched for potential studies published from January 1, 2000 to September 30, 2019. Studies that have reported the number of NAFLD or NASH patients with normal and abnormal ALT value were included and analyzed. Abstracts, reviews, case reports, and letters were excluded.

Results

A total of 11 studies with 4084 patients were included for assessing the summarized proportion of NAFLD patients with normal ALT in overall NAFLD patients. As the results shown, the summarized proportion of NAFLD patients with normal ALT value in overall NAFLD patients was 25% (95%CI: 20–31%) which was calculated by the random-effects model. The summarized proportion of NASH patients with normal ALT value in overall NASH patients was 19% (95%CI: 13–27%). Subgroup analysis includes region, study type, diagnostic method, and group size were conducted to investigate the resource of heterogeneity in the summarized proportion of NAFLD and NASH patients with normal ALT value.

Conclusions

25% NAFLD patients and 19% NASH patients possess the normal ALT value in the clinical manifestation. The value of ALT in the clinical diagnosis of NAFLD and NASH remains need be further testified.
Associations between disease activity, social support and health-related quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases: the mediating role of psychological symptoms
Authors: Fu Hanlin , Kaminga Atipatsa Chiwanda , Peng Yan , Feng Tiejian , Wang Tingting , Wu Xiaobing , Yang Tubao
Published: January 2020

Background

Previous studies have indicated that disease activity, psychological symptoms and social support were associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD). However, it is unclear how disease activity, psychological symptoms and social support interact to affect HRQoL. The main purpose of this study was to examine the mediation effect of psychological symptoms in the relationship between disease activity, social support and HRQoL.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study, which collected data using convenience sampling, between December 2016 and March 2018, from the Third XiangyaHospital of Central South University in Changsha, China. An online self-administered questionnaire (including demographic and clinical information), Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, Disease Activity Indices scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Social Support Rating Scale, were administered to each participant. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlations were used to summarize data, whereas PROCESS analysis was performed to examine the pre-specified mediation effect.

Results

A total of 199 patients with IBD were included. Disease activity indices (DAI) and hospital anxiety and depression (HAD) were negatively correlated with HRQoL (β = − 3.37, − 2.54 respectively, P < 0.001), while social support was positively correlated with HRQoL (β = 1.38, P < 0.01). HAD partially mediated the negative relationship between DAI and HRQoL (β = − 0.83, P < 0.001) with the mediation effect ratio of 24.6%, and completely mediated the positive relationship between social support and HRQoL (β = 1.20, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Psychological symptoms acted as a mediator in the relationship between disease activity, social support and HRQoL. Interventions to improve HRQoL in patients with IBD should take into account the mediation effect of psychological symptoms.
Pain and recurrent falls in the older and oldest-old non-institutionalized population
Authors: Gálvez-Barrón César , Formiga Francesc , Miñarro Antonio , Macho Oscar , Narvaiza Leire , Dapena María Dolores , Pujol Ramon , Rodríguez-Molinero Alejandro
Published: January 2020

Background

Recurrent falls represent a priority in geriatric research. In this study we evaluated the influence of pain as a risk factor for recurrent falls (two or more in 1 year) in the older (65–79 years) and oldest-old (80 or more years) non-institutionalized population.

Methods

Prospective cohort study. 772 non-institutionalized individuals with ages of 65 years or older (with overrepresentation of people aged 80 years or older [n = 550]) were included through randomized and multistage sampling, stratified according to gender, geographic area and habitat size. Basal evaluation at participant’s home including pain evaluation by Face Pain Scale (FPS, range 0–6) and then telephonic contact every 3 months were performed until complete 12 months. Multivariate analysis by logistic regression (recurrent falls as outcome variable) for each age group (older and oldest-old group) were developed considering pain as a quantitative variable (according to FPS score). Models were adjusted for age, gender, balance, muscle strength, depressive symptoms, cognitive decline, number of drugs and number of drugs with risk of falls.

Results

114 (51.35%) and 286 (52%) participants of older and oldest-old group, respectively, reported pain; and recurrent falls occurred in 6.93% (n = 12) of the older group and 12.06% (n = 51) of the oldest-old group. In the older group, pain was associated with recurrent falls, with an associated odds ratio (OR) of 1.47 (95% CI 1.08–2.00; beta 0.3864) for each unit increase in pain intensity (thus, participants with the most severe pain [FPS 6] had OR of 10.16 regarding to participants without pain [FPS 0]). In the oldest-old group, pain was not associated with recurrent falls.

Conclusions

Pain, a potentially modifiable and highly prevalent symptom, is a risk factor for recurrent falls in the older people (65–79 years). However, we have not been able to demonstrate that this relationship is maintained in the oldest-old population (80 or more years).
Hemodynamic response to non-pneumatic anti-shock compression garments in patients with renal dysfunction
Authors: Marinovich R. , Li Z. , Tamasi T. , Quinn K. , Wong S. , McIntyre C. W.
Published: January 2020

Background

Patients with chronic kidney disease are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Chronic exposure to intermittent hemodialysis may be a source of added stress to the cardiovascular system; intradialytic hypotension is a common complication of hemodialysis, and repeated events may lead to hemodynamic stress and ischemic injuries. Administration of non-pneumatic compression stockings to the lower limbs has demonstrated hemodynamic stabilizing effects in other settings and may provide similar benefits in the kidney disease population. Therefore, we conducted this pilot study assessing the feasibility and tolerability of the application of non-pneumatic compression stockings to patients with kidney disease. We also assessed the changes in hemodynamic measurements following the application of the compression stockings to explore the biological feasibility of this being an effective intervention for intradialytic hypotension.

Methods

Fifteen individuals were enrolled in the study (5 healthy, 5 chronic kidney disease patients, and 5 dialysis patients). Outcomes including hemodynamic parameters such as cardiac output, peripheral vascular resistance, and blood pressure were measured using continuous pulse wave analysis. Changes in global longitudinal strain were measured via echocardiography. These outcome measurements were made before and after the application of compression stockings.

Results

All study participants tolerated the compression garments well and without complication. Hemodynamic response to lower body compression caused varying effects on cardiac output, mean arterial pressure and global longitudinal strain. Some individuals saw large improvements in hemodynamic parameters while in others the opposite effect was observed. No consistent response was elicited.

Conclusions

Application of compression stockings to patients with renal dysfunction is well-tolerated. However, significant variations in hemodynamic outcomes exist, and may be a barrier for larger scale trials without prior identification of specific patient characteristics indicating likely benefit from the application of external compression.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT02915627, Registration Date: Sept 27, 2016.
Cerebral arterial air embolism secondary to iatrogenic left atrial-esophageal fistula: a case report
Authors: Zhang Ping , Bian Yi
Published: January 2020

Background

Cerebral arterial air embolism is a life-threatening complication that can result in neurologic deficits or death. Sometimes it is iatrogenic, presented as a complication of invasive medical procedures. Here we describe a case of cerebral arterial air embolism secondary to iatrogenic left atrial-esophageal fistula, of which the diagnosis might be covered up by the complicated pathophysiologic changes.

Case presentation

A 68-year-old man presented with unconsciousness hours after aphasia and right hemiplegia, accompanied with hematemesis and fever. He had a history of atrial fibrillation, treated by radiofrequency catheter ablation 1 month ago. Brain CT displayed massive air embolism in left hemisphere, as well as right parietal lobe. Chest CT demonstrated a focus of air in the left atrium, which highly suggested an atrial-esophageal fistula. The patient received high flow (6 L/min) oxygen therapy. Intravenous antibiotics including imipenem and vancomycin were administered together with crystalloid rehydration. Supportive therapies were given including intubation, mechanical ventilation and vasopressor use. Because of the patient’s unstable condition and poor prognosis, surgical repair was considered but not pursued. The patient presented a very fast deterioration of cardiac function and circulatory failure, and finally died from cardiac arrest.

Conclusions

Clinicians must have a high index of suspicion for atrial-esophageal fistula for patients presenting with chest discomfort, new onset of stroke, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and development of sepsis as long as 50 days after the ablation for atrial fibrillation. Urgent CT can ultimately establish the diagnosis in most cases.
A suicide prevention strategy for youth presenting to the emergency department with suicide related behaviour: protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Korczak Daphne J. , Finkelstein Yaron , Barwick Melanie , Chaim Gloria , Cleverley Kristin , Henderson Joanna , Monga Suneeta , Moretti Myla E. , Willan Andrew , Szatmari Peter
Published: January 2020

Background

Suicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents in North America. Youth who present to the Emergency Department (ED) with acute suicidality are at increased risk for eventual death by suicide, thereby presenting an opportunity for secondary prevention of suicide. The current study evaluates the effectiveness of a standardized individual and family-based suicidal behaviour risk reduction intervention targeting adolescents at high-risk for suicide.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a manualized youth- and family- based suicide prevention strategy (SPS) as compared with case navigation (NAV) among adolescents aged 12 to 18 years of age who present to the ED with acute suicidal ideation (SI) or suicide risk behaviours (SRB). We will recruit 128 participants and compare psychiatric symptoms including SI/SRB, family communication, and functional impairment at baseline and follow-ups (post-intervention [6 weeks], 24 weeks). The primary outcome is change in suicidal ideation measured with the Suicide Ideation Questionnaire- Junior. SRBs are measured with the Suicide Behaviour Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes are change in depressive and anxious symptoms measured with semi-structured psychiatric interview and Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders; acute mental health crises measured by urgent medical (including ED) visits; family communication measured with Conflict Behaviour Questionnaire, functional impairment measured by Columbia Impairment Scale; cost effectiveness, and fidelity of implementation measured by audio recording and fidelity checklist.

Discussion

Results of this study will inform a larger multi-centre RCT that will include both community and academic hospitals in urban and rural settings. Study results will be shared at international psychiatry and emergency medicine meetings, in local rounds, and via publication in academic journals and clinician-oriented newsletters. If effective, the intervention may provide a brief, scalable, and transportable treatment program that may be implemented in a variety of settings, including those in which access to children’s mental health care services is challenging.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03488602, retrospectively registered April 4, 2018.
The importance of sex as a risk factor for hospital readmissions due to pulmonary diseases
Authors: Buja Alessandra , De Polo Anna , De Battisti Elisa , Sperotto Milena , Baldovin Tatjana , Cocchio Silvia , Furlan Patrizia , Saia Mario , Scapellato Maria Luisa , Viel Guido , Baldo Vincenzo , Bertoncello Chiara , Ebell Mark
Published: January 2020

Background

Pulmonary diseases are a common and costly cause of 30-day readmissions. Few studies have focused on the difference in risk for rehospitalization between men and women in older patients. In this study we analyzed the association between sex and the risk of readmission in a cohort of patients admitted to the hospital for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation and other major pulmonary diseases.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study based on administrative data collected in the Veneto Region in 2016. We included 14,869 hospital admissions among residents aged ≥65 years for diagnosis related groups (DRGs) of the most common disorders of the respiratory system: bronchitis and asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, respiratory failure, and COPD. Multilevel logistic regressions were performed to test the association between 30-day hospital readmission and sex, adjusting for confounding factors.

Results

For bronchitis and asthma, male patients had significantly higher odds of 30-day readmission than female patients (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 2.07; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11–3.87). The odds of readmission for men were also significantly higher for pneumonia (aOR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.13–1.72), for pulmonary edema and respiratory failure (aOR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.05–1.55), and for COPD (aOR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.00–1.81).

Conclusions

This study found that male sex is a major risk factors for readmission in patients aged more than 65 years with a primary pulmonary diagnosis. More studies are needed to understand the underlying determinants of this phenomena and to provide targets for future interventions.
Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice towards rabies and associated factors among household heads in Mekelle city, Ethiopia
Authors: Hagos Weldegerima Gebremedhin , Muchie Kindie Fentahun , Gebru Goyitom Gebremdehn , Mezgebe Gebreamlak Gebremariam , Reda Kebede Ambaye , Dachew Berihun Assefa
Published: January 2020

Background

Rabies has a worldwide distribution in continental regions of Africa, Asia and the Latin America. Globally, the case fatality rate is 100% once a clinical sign is developed. Poor public awareness towards rabies is one of the major obstacles in any prevention and control scheme of the diseases. The study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) about rabies and associated factors among household heads in Mekelle city, Northern Ethiopia, 2016.

Methods

A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2016 with a total of 633 study participants. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and entered to EPI-Info 3.5.4 and coded, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Bi variable and multivariable analysis was done to identify factors associated with knowledge, attitude and practice about rabies. Variables having p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant at 95%CI.

Results

Of 633 study participants, 357 (56.4%) were females and 239 (37.8%) were 18–35 years old. Among the study participants, 56.1% (95%CI = 52.2, 59.9), 56.2% (95%CI = 52.4, 60.1) and 61.3% (95%CI = 57.5, 65.1) had good level of knowledge, attitude and practice on the prevention and control of rabies respectively. Being female (AOR = 1.50, 95%CI = 1.05, 2.13), dog owner (AOR = 1.68, 95%CI = 1.17, 2.41) and participants who had training on rabies (AOR = 2.22, 95%CI = 1.53, 3.21) were found to have good knowledge. Married participants (AOR = 2.19, 95%CI = 1.16, 4.16), participants who owned dog (AOR = 2.64, 95%CI = 1.80, 3.86) and those encountered dog bite (AOR = 2.24, 95%CI = 1.23, 4.10) were found to have positive attitude towards rabies. Similarly, dog ownership (AOR = 11.85, 95%CI = 7.16, 19.6) was found to be associated with good practice.

Conclusion

This study showed that more than half of the respondents had good knowledge, attitude and practice about the prevention and control of rabies.
Implementation of pharmaceutical care for older adults in the brazilian public health system: a case study and realistic evaluation
Authors: Silva Barbara Barros , Fegadolli Claudia
Published: January 2020

Background

Pharmaceutical care services have been recognized as the most highly regarded professional pharmacy practice model that allows the identification, intervention, and resolution of drug related problems. This practice provides significant clinical outcomes and can reduce direct and indirect costs for health systems. However, its implementation can be complex and challenging, needing study experiences that aims at overcoming obstacles, especially in free and universal healthcare systems. The objective of this study is to evaluate the implementation of Ambulatory Care Pharmacy services for older adults at Paulista Institute of Geriatrics and Gerontology (IPGG), which is recognized in the city of São Paulo for offering pharmaceutical care services for over 10 years continuously. This initiative and process is independent of external academic interventions or educational institutions. It is hoped that the results may also contribute to advancing the implementation of pharmaceutical care service in similar health systems.

Design

This is a case study using multiple sources of data. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from institutional documents, by participant observation and interviews. Initial themes were identified by content analysis and analyzed under the context-mechanism-outcome configurations (CMO Configurations) in realistic evaluation.

Setting

Geriatrics and Gerontology Institute of São Paulo (known as IPGG).

Participants

Eleven health professionals and three pharmaceutical care service users.

Results

Three CMO configurations were identified and accepted: “Scenario Construction mediated by educational processes”, “Contribution to complex needs resolution”, and “Organizational Visibility”. The CMO (Context-Mechanism-Outcomes) configuration “Logistic activities discourage clinical pharmaceutical services implantation” was denied due to the influence of accepted CMOs.

Conclusions

Educational processes which value transdisciplinary knowledge exchanges provide resources required to overcome important obstacles present during pharmaceutical care implementation. Thus, providing and seeking knowledge to build and offer context-consistent clinical health services as well as fulfilling organizational environment requirements can be the key to implement pharmaceutical care service.
A pilot study on molecular diagnosis of Hapalotrema mistroides (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) infection in blood samples of live loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta
Authors: Marchiori Erica , Dotto Giorgia , Tessarin Cinzia , Santoro Mario , Affuso Andrea , Tarricone Luciano , Di Renzo Ludovica , Freggi Daniela , Spoto Vincenzoleo , Marcer Federica
Published: January 2020

Background

Parasites of the family Spirorchiidae cause disease and mortality in marine and freshwater turtles; two species, Hapalotrema mistroides and Neospirorchis sp., are reported in the resident population of loggerhead turtles of the Mediterranean Sea, with the first being the most widespread. In vivo diagnosis of spirorchidiasis can represent a challenge in guaranteeing prompt control and treatment of the disease and is currently limited to copromicroscopy.

The aim of this study was the development of a real time PCR assay with TaqMan probe for the detection of H. mistroides infection in the blood of live loggerhead turtles, Caretta caretta, hospitalized in rehabilitation centres. Its potential use for in vivo diagnosis is explored.

Results

The developed real time PCR successfully detected H. mistroides DNA from both positive controls and experimental blood samples of live loggerhead sea turtles, showing good specificity, sensitivity and good reaction efficiency. Two out of three turtles which had demonstrated positivity at copromicroscopy also tested positive to this blood assay; DNA of H. mistroides was detected within the blood of one sea turtle, which tested negative for copromicroscopy.

Conclusions

This study describes a specific and rapid molecular assay to detect H. mistroides infection from live sea turtles and highlights for the first time the presence of DNA of this species in turtle blood samples. Since this assay is able to detect low amounts of the parasitic free DNA in blood samples, its application could be helpful for in vivo diagnosis of H. mistroides infection as well as for epidemiological purposes.
Gender difference in suicidal ideation and related factors among rural elderly: a cross-sectional study in Shandong, China
Authors: Lu Lu , Xu Lingzhong , Luan Xiaorong , Sun Long , Li Jiajia , Qin Wenzhe , Zhang Jiao , Jing Xiang , Wang Yali , Xia Yu , Li Yaozu , Jiao An’an
Published: January 2020

Background

Suicide is a global public health problem which has significant negative influence on individuals, families and the society. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of suicidal ideation and related factors among elderly people in rural China, and further examine the gender differences of suicidal ideation.

Methods

Data were collected from the 2017 Survey of the Shandong Elderly Family Health Service, which was conducted by Shandong University. A total of 5514 elderly aged 60 and above from rural Shandong were included in this study. Binary logistic regression model was performed to examine the gender difference towards suicidal ideation, and to identify the influencing factors of suicidal ideation by gender among elderly.

Results

7.7% rural elderly reported suicidal ideation in the past 12 months in Shandong, China. The prevalence of suicidal ideation among females was significantly higher than that among males (P < 0.001). Education level, debts, stress of daily life, loneliness and psychological distress were significantly related to suicidal ideation in both males and females. Besides, negative life events and life satisfaction were found to be significantly associated with suicidal ideation in females but not in males.

Conclusions

There was a significant gender difference towards suicidal ideation among rural elderly in Shandong, China. So, gender difference should be considered when medical practitioners and public health workers seek to prevent and manage suicidal ideation among rural elderly, which will be important to develop strategies for coping with risk factors for suicidal ideation among males and females. In other words, more attention should be paid to females who had encountered negative life event or with lower life satisfaction.
Relationship between the timing of the first postpartum ovulation and antral follicle counts in Holstein cows
Authors: Furukawa Eri , Masaki Tomoyuki , Sakaguchi Kenichiro , Bo Min , Yanagawa Yojiro , Ueda Koichiro , Nagano Masashi
Published: January 2020

Background

The timing of the first postpartum ovulation is an important factor affecting the timing of estrous resumption in dairy cows. The first postpartum ovulation is delayed in cows producing large amounts of milk with an intensive negative energy balance. The antral follicle count (AFC) and serum anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations are known to be indicators of the ovarian reserve, which is the number and quality of follicles left in a pair of ovaries and known as an indicator of female fertility. Cows with higher AFC have been proven to show higher pregnancy rate and shorter calving to conception intervals; however, the relationship between the timing of the first postpartum ovulation and ovarian reserve remains unclear. Therefore, this study examined the relationships between postpartum follicular dynamics, the ovarian cycle, nutritional status, and ovarian reserve.

Methods

Transrectal ultrasonography was conducted from calving to 70–120 days in milk (DIM) in 26 cows to monitor AFC, follicular dynamics and the ovarian cycle. Body weight (BW) and milk yield were used as indicators of nutritional status.

Results

The first postpartum ovulation was significantly later in cows with low AFC (< 25) than in those with high AFC (≥25), while changes in BW from calving to the nadir and milk production were similar in both groups. The present results also suggested that cows with low AFC and a delayed first postpartum ovulation had a shorter first ovarian cycle after the first postpartum ovulation. The mean DIM of the first postpartum artificial insemination (AI) and days open (days from calving to AI with which pregnancy was achieved) were similar in high and low AFC groups.

Conclusions

The first postpartum ovulation was significantly earlier in cows with high AFC than in those with low AFC. The assumed reason for this result was higher sensitivity to luteinizing hormone and larger androstenedione and estradiol production in follicles in high AFC cows. Therefore, cows with high AFC may be more fertile than those with low AFC while their milk production increase and BW decrease; it means they are in negative energy balance.

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DENDRO: genetic heterogeneity profiling and subclone detection by single-cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Zhou Zilu , Xu Bihui , Minn Andy , Zhang Nancy R.
Published: January 2020

Although scRNA-seq is now ubiquitously adopted in studies of intratumor heterogeneity, detection of somatic mutations and inference of clonal membership from scRNA-seq is currently unreliable. We propose DENDRO, an analysis method for scRNA-seq data that clusters single cells into genetically distinct subclones and reconstructs the phylogenetic tree relating the subclones. DENDRO utilizes transcribed point mutations and accounts for technical noise and expression stochasticity. We benchmark DENDRO and demonstrate its application on simulation data and real data from three cancer types. In particular, on a mouse melanoma model in response to immunotherapy, DENDRO delineates the role of neoantigens in treatment response.
A study protocol for a randomised trial of adjunct computerised memory specificity training (c-MeST) for major depression in youth: targeting cognitive mechanisms to enhance usual care outcomes in mental health settings
Authors: Hallford D. J. , Carmichael A. M. , Austin D. W. , Takano K. , Raes F. , Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M.
Published: January 2020

Background

Youth depression is highly prevalent and is related to impairments in academic, social and behavioural functioning. Evidence-based treatments are available, but many young people do not respond or sufficiently recover with first-line options, and a significant proportion experience relapse. Consequently, there is clear scope to enhance intervention in this critical period of early-onset depression. Memory specificity training (MeST) is a low-intensity intervention for depression that targets reduced specificity when recalling memories of the past, a common cognitive vulnerability in depression. This randomised controlled trial will assess the efficacy of adding a computerised version of MeST (c-MeST) to usual care for youth depression.

Methods/design

Young people aged 15–25 years with a major depressive episode (MDE) will be recruited and randomised to have immediate access to the seven session online c-MeST program in addition to usual care, or to usual care and wait-list for c-MeST. The primary outcomes will be diagnostic status of an MDE and self-reported depressive symptoms assessed at baseline, 1-, 3- and 6-month intervals. Autobiographical memory specificity and other variables thought to contribute to the maintenance of reduced memory specificity and depression will be assessed as mediators of change.

Discussion

Online provision of c-MeST provides a simple, low-intensity option for targeting a cognitive vulnerability that predicts the persistence of depressive symptoms. If found to be efficacious as an adjunct to usual care for depressed youth, it could be suitable for broader roll-out, as c-MeST is highly accessible and implementation requires only minimal resources due to the online and automated nature of intervention.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12619000234112p. Registered on the 18 February 2019. All items from the WHO Trial Registration Data Set can be found within the protocol.

Protocol version

1.0
Native parasite affecting an introduced host in aquaculture: cardiac henneguyosis in the red seabream Pagrus major Temminck & Schlegel (Perciformes: Sparidae) caused by Henneguya aegea n. sp. (Myxosporea: Myxobolidae)
Authors: Katharios Pantelis , Varvarigos Panos , Keklikoglou Kleoniki , Ruetten Maja , Sojan Jerry , Akter Morgina , Cascarano Maria Chiara , Tsertou Maria Ioanna , Kokkari Constantina
Published: January 2020

Background

HenneguyaThélohan, 1892 (Myxobolidae) is one of the most species-rich genera of myxosporean parasites infecting fish. Although common in nature, there are few reports of these parasites causing important disease in aquaculture. In this paper, we describe a new species ofHenneguyainfectingPagrus major(Temminck & Schlegel), a fish host introduced to the Mediterranean Sea from Japan in the late 1980s.

Results

Large plasmodia of the parasite were found in the bulbus arteriosus and in the ventricle of the infected fish. Spores were found mainly in the kidney and heart and were accompanied by melanized macrophages or vascular intimal proliferation mixed with a mild non-suppurative response, respectively. Comparisons of morphometric data for spore and polar capsule length and width, suggest a unique combination of features in the newly described species. Molecular analysis, based on18SrDNA sequence of the parasite, followed by phylogenetic analysis, indicated that the parasite described here is a novel species ofHenneguya, clustered with the marine congeneric species.

Conclusions

Henneguya aegean. sp. infects in aquacultureP. major, a host introduced as eggs to the Mediterranean from Japan. Despite the high host specificity of the myxobolid parasites,H. aegean. sp. seems to be able to useP. majoras a host and propagate successfully, causing morbidity and mortality. This could result in spillback of the new species from high density cultured non-nativeP. majorto native fish hosts.
Recapitulation of gametic DNA methylation and its post-fertilization maintenance with reassembled DNA elements at the mouse Igf2/H19 locus
Authors: Matsuzaki Hitomi , Kuramochi Daichi , Okamura Eiichi , Hirakawa Katsuhiko , Ushiki Aki , Tanimoto Keiji
Published: January 2020

Background

Paternal allele-specific DNA methylation of theH19imprinting control region (ICR) regulates imprinted expression of theIgf2/H19genes. The molecular mechanism by which differential methylation of theH19ICR is established during gametogenesis and maintained after fertilization, however, is not fully understood. We previously showed that a 2.9-kbH19ICR fragment in transgenic mice was differentially methylated only after fertilization, demonstrating that two separable events, gametic and post-fertilization methylation, occur at theH19ICR. We then determined that CTCF/Sox-Oct motifs and the 478-bp sequence of theH19ICR are essential for maintaining its maternal hypomethylation status and for acquisition of paternal methylation, respectively, during the post-fertilization period.

Results

Using a series of 5′-truncatedH19ICR transgenes to dissect the 478-bp sequence, we identified a 118-bp region required for post-fertilization methylation activity. Deletion of the sequence from the paternal endogenousH19ICR caused loss of methylation after fertilization, indicating that methylation activity of the sequence is required to protect endogenousH19ICR from genome-wide reprogramming. We then reconstructed a synthetic DNA fragment in which the CTCF binding sites, Sox-Oct motifs, as well as the 118-bp sequence, were inserted into lambda DNA, and used it to replace the endogenousH19ICR. The fragment was methylated during spermatogenesis; moreover, its allele-specific methylation status was faithfully maintained after fertilization, and imprinted expression of the bothIgf2andH19genes was recapitulated.

Conclusions

Our results identified a 118-bp region within theH19ICR that is required for de novo DNA methylation of the paternally inheritedH19ICR during pre-implantation period. A lambda DNA-based artificial fragment that contains the 118-bp sequence, in addition to the previously identifiedciselements, could fully replace the function of theH19ICR in the mouse genome.
Occurrence of abscesses during treatment with pazopanib in metastatic renal cancer: a case report
Authors: Puliafito Ivana , Russo Alessio , Sciacca Dorotea , Puglisi Caterina , Giuffrida Dario
Published: January 2020

Background

Pazopanib is a multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of renal cancer and soft tissue sarcoma. Its use is commonly associated with a number of side effects, such as hemorrhagic diathesis, neutropenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, increased serum alanine aminotransferase, decreased serum glucose, increased serum bilirubin, decreased serum phosphate and magnesium, fatigue, hypertension, diarrhea, anorexia, proteinuria, and hypothyroidism. Abscesses of metastases caused by pazopanib administration are rarely reported in the literature.

Case presentation

We report a case of abscesses of lung metastases related to pazopanib in a patient with metastatic renal cancer. The patient was a 53-year-old Caucasian man who developed abscesses of lung metastases during the first 3 months of treatment with pazopanib. The abscesses resolved after 1 month by stopping pazopanib and administering adequate antibiotic therapy.

Conclusions

We conclude that abscesses of metastases could be a rare side effect occurring during treatment with pazopanib in patients with renal cancer.
SeXY chromosomes and the immune system: reflections after a comparative study
Authors: Meester Irene , Manilla-Muñoz Edgar , León-Cachón Rafael B. R. , Paniagua-Frausto Gustavo A. , Carrión-Alvarez Diego , Ruiz-Rodríguez C. Orelli , Rodríguez-Rangel Ximena , García-Martínez Joyce M.
Published: January 2020

Background

Sex bias in immune function has been contributed in part to a preponderance of immune system-related genes (ISRG) on the X-chromosome. We verified whether ISRG are more abundant on the X chromosome as compared to autosomal chromosomes and reflected on the impact of our findings.

Methods

Consulting freely accessible databases, we performed a comparative study consisting of three complementary strategies. First, among coding X/Y-linked genes, the abundance of ISRG was compared to the abundance of genes dedicated to other systems. Genes were assigned considering three criteria: disease, tissue expression, and function (DEF approach). In addition, we carried out two genome-wide approaches to compare the contribution of sex and autosomal chromosomes to immune genes defined by an elevated expression in lymphatic tissues (LTEEG approach) or annotation to an immune system process, GO:0002376 (GO approach).

Results

The X chromosome had less immune genes than the median of the autosomal chromosomes. Among X-linked genes, ISRG ranked fourth after the reproductive and nervous systems and genes dedicated to development, proliferation and apoptosis. On the Y chromosome, ISRG ranked second, and at the pseudoautosomal region (PAR) first. According to studies on the expression of X-linked genes in a variety of (mostly non-lymphatic) tissues, almost two-thirds of ISRG are expressed without sex bias, and the remaining ISRG presented female and male bias with similar frequency. Various epigenetic controllers, X-linkedMSL3and Y-linkedKDM5DandUTY,were preferentially expressed in leukocytes and deserve further attention for a possible role in sex biased expression or its neutralisation.

Conclusions

The X chromosome is not enriched for ISRG, though particular X-linked genes may be responsible for sex differences in certain immune responses. So far, there is insufficient information on sex-biased expression of X/Y-linked ISRG in leukocytes to draw general conclusions on the impact of X/Y-linked ISRG in immune function. More research on the regulation of the expression X-linked genes is required with attention to 1) femaleandmale mechanisms that may either augment or diminish sex biased expression and 2) tissue-specific expression studies.
A comparison of biofiltration performance based on bacteria and fungi for treating toluene vapors from airflow
Authors: Ghasemi Roohollah , Golbabaei Farideh , Rezaei Sasan , Pourmand Mohammad Reza , Nabizadeh Ramin , Jafari Mohammad Javad , masoorian Ensieh
Published: January 2020

With increasing concerns about industrial gas contaminants and the growing demand for durable and sustainable technologies, attentions have been gradually shifted to biological air pollution controls. The ability of Pseudomonas putida PTCC 1694 (bacteria) and Pleurotus ostreatus IRAN 1781C (fungus) to treat contaminated gas stream with toluene and its biological degradation was compared under similar operating conditions. For this purpose, a biofilter on the laboratory scale was designed and constructed and the tests were carried out in two stages. The first stage, bacterial testing, lasted 20 days and the second stage, fungal testing, lasted 16 days. Inlet loading rates (IL) for bacterial and fungal biofilters were 21.62 ± 6.04 and 26.24 ± 7.35 g/m3 h respectively. In general, fungal biofilter showed a higher elimination capacity (EC) than bacterial biofilter (18.1 ± 6.98 vs 13.7 ± 4.7 g/m3 h). However, the pressure drop in the fungal biofilter was higher than the bacterial biofilter (1.26 ± 0.3 vs 1 ± 0.3 mm water), which was probably due to the growth of the mycelium. Fungal biofiltration showed a better performance in the removal of toluene from the air stream.
Existence of solutions for a system of singular sum fractional q-differential equations via quantum calculus
Authors: Samei Mohammad Esmael
Published: January 2020

In this study, we discuss the existence of positive solutions for the system ofm-singular sum fractionalq-differential equations$$ \begin{gathered} D_{q}^{\alpha_{i}} x_{i} + g_{i} \bigl(t, x_{1}, \ldots, x_{m}, D_{q}^{\gamma _{1}} x_{1}, \ldots, D_{q}^{\gamma_{m}} x_{m} \bigr) \\ \quad{} +h_{i} \bigl(t, x_{1}, \ldots, x_{m}, D_{q}^{\gamma_{1}} x_{1}, \ldots, D_{q}^{\gamma_{m}} x_{m} \bigr)=0 \end{gathered} $$Dqαixi+gi(t,x1,…,xm,Dqγ1x1,…,Dqγmxm)+hi(t,x1,…,xm,Dqγ1x1,…,Dqγmxm)=0with boundary conditions$x_{i}(0) = x_{i}' (1) = 0$xi(0)=xi′(1)=0and$x_{i}^{(k)}(t) = 0$xi(k)(t)=0whenever$t=0$t=0, here$2\leq k \leq n-1$2≤k≤n−1, where$n= [\alpha_{i}]+ 1$n=[αi]+1,$\alpha_{i} \geq2$αi≥2,$\gamma_{i} \in(0,1)$γi∈(0,1),$D_{q}^{\alpha}$Dqαis the Caputo fractionalq-derivative of orderα, here$q \in(0,1)$q∈(0,1), function$g_{i}$giis of Carathéodory type,$h_{i}$hisatisfy the Lipschitz condition and$g_{i} (t , x_{1}, \ldots, x_{2m})$gi(t,x1,…,x2m)is singular at$t=0$t=0, for$1 \leq i \leq m$1≤i≤m. By means of Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem, the Arzelà-Ascoli theorem, Lebesgue dominated theorem and some norms, the existence of positive solutions is obtained. Also, we give an example to illustrate the primary effects.
The proteome of IVF-induced aberrant embryo-maternal crosstalk by implantation stage in ewes
Authors: Yang Qianying , Fu Wei , Wang Yue , Miao Kai , Zhao Haichao , Wang Rui , Guo Min , Wang Zhilong , Tian Jianhui , An Lei
Published: January 2020

Background

Implantation failure limits the success of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Well-organized embryo-maternal crosstalk is essential for successful implantation. Previous studies mainly focused on the aberrant development of in vitro fertilized (IVF) embryos. In contrast, the mechanism of IVF-induced aberrant embryo-maternal crosstalk is not well defined.

Results

In the present study, using ewes as the model, we profiled the proteome that features aberrant IVF embryo-maternal crosstalk following IVF-ET. By comparing in vivo (IVO) and IVF conceptuses, as well as matched endometrial caruncular (C) and intercaruncular (IC) areas, we filtered out 207, 295, and 403 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in each comparison. Proteome functional analysis showed that the IVF conceptuses were characterized by the increased abundance of energy metabolism and proliferation-related proteins, and the decreased abundance of methyl metabolism-related proteins. In addition, IVF endometrial C areas showed the decreased abundance of endometrial remodeling and redox homeostasis-related proteins; while IC areas displayed the aberrant abundance of protein homeostasis and extracellular matrix (ECM) interaction-related proteins. Based on these observations, we propose a model depicting the disrupted embryo-maternal crosstalk following IVF-ET: Aberrant energy metabolism and redox homeostasis of IVF embryos, might lead to an aberrant endometrial response to conceptus-derived pregnancy signals, thus impairing maternal receptivity. In turn, the suboptimal uterine environment might stimulate a compensation effect of the IVF conceptuses, which was revealed as enhanced energy metabolism and over-proliferation.

Conclusion

Systematic proteomic profiling provides insights to understand the mechanisms that underlie the aberrant IVF embryo-maternal crosstalk. This might be helpful to develop practical strategies to prevent implantation failure following IVF-ET.
Detection of bladder cancer using urinary cell‐free DNA and cellular DNA
Authors: Ou Zhenyu , Li Kai , Yang Ting , Dai Ying , Chandra Mohan , Ning Jun , Wang Yongli , Xu Ran , Gao Tangjie , Xie Yu , He Qing , Li Yuanwei , Lu Qin , Wang Long , Song Zhuo
Published: January 2020

Background

The present study sought to identify a panel of DNA markers for noninvasive diagnosis using cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) from urine supernatant or cellular DNA from urine sediments of hematuria patients. A panel of 48 bladder cancer‐specific genes was selected. A next‐generation sequencing‐based assay with a cfDNA barcode‐enabled single‐molecule test was employed. Mutation profiles of blood, urine, and tumor sample from 16 bladder cancer patients were compared. Next, urinary cellular DNA and cfDNA were prospectively collected from 125 patients (92 bladder cancer cases and 33 controls) and analyzed using the 48‐gene panel. The individual gene markers and combinations of markers were validated according to the pathology results. The mean areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUCs) obtained with the various modeling approaches were calculated and compared.

Results

This pilot study of 16 bladder cancer patients demonstrated that gene mutations in urine supernatant and sediments had better concordance with cancer tissue as compared with plasma. Logistic analyses suggested two powerful combinations of genes for genetic diagnostic modeling: five genes for urine supernatant (TERT, FGFR3, TP53, PIK3CA, and KRAS) and seven genes for urine sediments (TERT, FGFR3, TP53, HRAS, PIK3CA, KRAS, and ERBB2). The accuracy of the five‐gene panel and the seven‐gene panel in the validation cohort yielded AUCs of 0.94 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91–0.97] and 0.91 (95% CI 0.86–0.96), respectively. With the addition of age and gender, the diagnostic power of the urine supernatant five‐gene model and the urine sediment seven‐gene model improved as the revised AUCs were 0.9656 (95% CI 0.9368–0.9944) and 0.9587 (95% CI 0.9291–0.9883).

Conclusions

cfDNA from urine bears great diagnostic potential. A five‐gene panel for urine supernatant and a seven‐gene panel for urine sediments are promising options for identifying bladder cancer in hematuria patients.
Comprehensive approaches to addressing mental health needs and enhancing school security: a hybrid type II cluster randomized trial
Authors: Eisman Andria B. , Heinze Justin , Kilbourne Amy M. , Franzen Susan , Melde Christopher , McGarrell Edmund
Published: January 2020

Background

School safety is fundamental to fostering positive outcomes for children. Violence remains a critical public health issue with 8.1% of elementary and 21.8% of middle school students reporting daily or weekly bullying in 2015–16. Similarly, over half of lifetime mental health concerns become evident before age 14. Thus, elementary school is a key time for comprehensive school safety interventions. Yet, interventions are rarely delivered with fidelity in community settings. Evidence-based interventions must be complemented by implementation strategies to achieve desired public health outcomes.

Methods

We develop and test an intervention focused on promoting a positive school climate guided by a school-based 3-person leadership team (3-PLT) using a hybrid Type II design. The 3-PLT includes a School Resource Officer, (SRO), administrator and mental health services professional as a newly appointed climate specialist (CS). The interventions to be delivered include 1) Restorative justice, 2) Mental Health First Aid and 3) Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. The CS will lead the team and coordinate implementation through a process of interactive problem solving and supports, consistent with the implementation facilitation strategy. We will conduct a cluster randomized controlled trial with staged entry over two school years in Genesee County, Michigan (n = 20 elementary schools, with 10 participating per school year). We will use a combination of data sources including data collected by schools (e.g., discipline data), a student survey, and a teacher survey. We will also conduct a process evaluation and assess implementation and sustainability through focus groups with key stakeholders, teachers, and students. Finally, we will conduct a cost-benefit analysis.

Discussion

Results from both the behavioral outcome and implementation strategy evaluations are expected to have significant implications for school safety and student well-being. This study adopts a unique approach by integrating three evidence-based programs and incorporating implementation facilitation led by the CS as part of the 3-PLT to support intervention delivery and enhance public health impact among schools in disadvantaged communities with students at risk of poor health outcomes. This study aims to create a comprehensive, well-integrated model intervention that is sustainable and can be translated to similar high-risk settings.

Trial registration

Trial was retrospectively registered, registration ISRCTN1226421, May 16, 2019.