bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mortality risk prediction in lupus patients complicated with invasive infection in the emergency department: LUPHAS score
Authors: Wu Wanlong , Ma Jun , Zhou Yuhong , Tang Chao , Zhao Feng , Sun Fangfang , Xu Wenwen , Chen Jie , Ye Shuang , Chen Yi
Published: November 2019

Background:

Infection remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to establish a clinical prediction model for the 3-month all-cause mortality of invasive infection events in patients with SLE in the emergency department.

Methods:

SLE patients complicated with invasive infection admitted into the emergency department were included in this study. Patient’s demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics on admission were retrospectively collected as baseline data and compared between the deceased and the survivors. Independent predictors were identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis. A prediction model for all-cause mortality was established and evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results:

A total of 130 eligible patients were collected with a cumulative 38.5% 3-month mortality. Lymphocyte count <800/ul, urea >7.6mmol/l, maximum prednisone dose in the past ⩾60 mg/d, quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score, and age at baseline were independent predictors for all-cause mortality (LUPHAS). In contrast, a history of hydroxychloroquine use was protective. In a combined, odds ratio-weighted LUPHAS scoring system (score 3–22), patients were categorized to three groups: low-risk (score 3–9), medium-risk (score 10–15), and high-risk (score 16–22), with mortalities of 4.9% (2/41), 45.9% (28/61), and 78.3% (18/23) respectively. ROC curve analysis indicated that a LUPHAS score could effectively predict all-cause mortality [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.86, CI 95% 0.79–0.92]. In addition, LUPHAS score performed better than the qSOFA score alone (AUC = 0.69, CI 95% 0.59–0.78), or CURB-65 score (AUC = 0.69, CI 95% 0.59–0.80) in the subgroup of lung infections ( n = 108).

Conclusions:

Based on a large emergency cohort of lupus patients complicated with invasive infection, the LUPHAS score was established to predict the short-term all-cause mortality, which could be a promising applicable tool for risk stratification in clinical practice.
Evolving therapeutic goals in Crohn's disease management
Authors: Chateau Thomas , Peyrin‐Biroulet Laurent
Published: November 2019

The main objectives in Crohn's disease are to avoid disease complications and preserve the patient's quality of life. Early disease control and close monitoring with specific targets to reach might be the only way to change the disease course. In two decades, we have moved from clinical response to full remission (clinical and endoscopic remission) requiring a tight monitoring of both symptoms and objective signs of inflammation. This review summarizes the concepts of tight control and treat‐to‐target and their potential for disease modification.
Serum neurofilament light chain concentration in a phase 1/2 trial of autologous mesenchymal stem cell transplantation
Authors: Baldassari Laura E , Planchon Sarah M , Bermel Robert A , Nakamura Kunio , Fisher Elizabeth , Feng Jenny , Sakaie Ken E , Ontaneda Daniel , Cohen Jeffrey A
Published: November 2019

Background

Serum neurofilament light chain concentration is a proposed biomarker of axonal injury in multiple sclerosis. Mesenchymal stem cells have anti-inflammatory and repair-promoting activities, making them of interest for potential multiple sclerosis treatment.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess correlation of serum neurofilament light chain concentration and measures of multiple sclerosis disease activity/severity, longitudinal stability of serum neurofilament light chain concentration, and treatment effect of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on serum neurofilament light chain concentration.

Methods

Twenty-four multiple sclerosis patients underwent intravenous infusion of autologous mesenchymal stem cells. Clinical assessments, serum collection, and brain magnetic resonance imaging were performed at months –1, 0 (transplant), 1, 3, and 6. Matched control serum was collected once ( n = 10). Serum neurofilament light chain concentration was measured by single-molecule array. Serum neurofilament light chain concentration correlations with disease measures were analyzed by Spearman correlations and linear mixed effect models. Pre-post transplant serum neurofilament light chain concentration was compared by Wilcoxon signed rank testing.

Results

There were significant ( p<0.01) correlations between serum neurofilament light chain concentration and gadolinium-enhancing lesion number (rho = 0.55) and volume (rho = 0.65), and new/enlarging T2 lesions (rho = 0.65). Patients without disease activity had lower fluctuation in serum neurofilament light chain concentration ( p = 0.01). Mean pre- versus post-treatment serum neurofilament light chain concentration values were not significantly different.

Conclusions

Serum neurofilament light chain concentration correlated with magnetic resonance imaging measures of disease activity cross sectionally and longitudinally, and was stable in patients without disease activity. There was no clear treatment effect of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation on serum neurofilament light chain concentration.
Biotic analogies for self-organising cities
Authors: Narraway Claire L , Davis Oliver SP , Lowell Sally , Lythgoe Katrina A , Turner J Scott , Marshall Stephen
Published: November 2019

Nature has inspired generations of urban designers and planners in pursuit of harmonious and functional built environments. Research regarding self-organisation has encouraged urbanists to consider the role of bottom-up approaches in generating urban order. However, the extent to which self-organisation-inspired approaches draw directly from nature is not always clear. Here, we examined the biological basis of urban research, focusing on self-organisation. We conducted a systematic literature search of self-organisation in urban design and biology, mapped the relationship between key biological terms across the two fields and assessed the quality and validity of biological comparisons in the urban design literature. Finding deep inconsistencies in the mapping of central terms between the two fields, a preponderance for cross-level analogies and comparisons that spanned molecules to ecosystems, we developed a biotic framework to visualise the analogical space and elucidate areas where new inspiration may be sought.
Human MYD88L265P is insufficient by itself to drive neoplastic transformation in mature mouse B cells
Authors: Sewastianik Tomasz , Guerrera Maria Luisa , Adler Keith , Dennis Peter S. , Wright Kyle , Shanmugam Vignesh , Huang Ying , Tanton Helen , Jiang Meng , Kofides Amanda , Demos Maria G. , Dalgarno Audrey , Patel Neil A. , Nag Anwesha , Pinkus Geraldine S. , Yang Guang , Hunter Zachary R. , Jarolim Petr , Munshi Nikhil C. , Treon Steven P. , Carrasco Ruben D.
Published: November 2019

MYD88 L265P is the most common mutation in lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenström macroglobulinemia (LPL/WM) and one of the most frequent in poor-prognosis subtypes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Although inhibition of the mutated MYD88 pathway has an adverse impact on LPL/WM and DLBCL cell survival, its role in lymphoma initiation remains to be clarified. We show that in mice, human MYD88L265P promotes development of a non-clonal, low-grade B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder with several clinicopathologic features that resemble human LPL/WM, including expansion of lymphoplasmacytoid cells, increased serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentration, rouleaux formation, increased number of mast cells in the bone marrow, and proinflammatory signaling that progresses sporadically to clonal, high-grade DLBCL. Murine findings regarding differences in the pattern of MYD88 staining and immune infiltrates in the bone marrows of MYD88 wild-type (MYD88WT) and MYD88L265P mice are recapitulated in the human setting, which provides insight into LPL/WM pathogenesis. Furthermore, histologic transformation to DLBCL is associated with acquisition of secondary genetic lesions frequently seen in de novo human DLBCL as well as LPL/WM-transformed cases. These findings indicate that, although the MYD88L265P mutation might be indispensable for the LPL/WM phenotype, it is insufficient by itself to drive malignant transformation in B cells and relies on other, potentially targetable cooperating genetic events for full development of lymphoma.
Predictors of real-life mobility in community-dwelling older adults: an exploration based on a comprehensive framework for analyzing mobility
Authors: Giannouli Eleftheria , Fillekes Michelle Pasquale , Mellone Sabato , Weibel Robert , Bock Otmar , Zijlstra Wiebren
Published: November 2019

Background

Reduced mobility is associated with a plethora of adverse outcomes. To support older adults in maintaining their independence, it first is important to have deeper knowledge of factors that impact on their mobility. Based on a framework that encompasses demographical, environmental, physical, cognitive, psychological and social domains, this study explores predictors of different aspects of real-life mobility in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

Data were obtained in two study waves with a total sample ofn = 154. Real-life mobility (physical activity-based mobility and life-space mobility) was assessed over one week using smartphones. Active and gait time and number of steps were calculated from inertial sensor data, and life-space area, total distance, and action range were calculated from GPS data. Demographic measures included age, gender and education. Physical functioning was assessed based on measures of cardiovascular fitness, leg and handgrip strength, balance and gait function; cognitive functioning was assessed based on measures of attention and executive function. Psychological and social assessments included measures of self-efficacy, depression, rigidity, arousal, and loneliness, sociableness, perceived help availability, perceived ageism and social networks. Maximum temperature was used to assess weather conditions on monitoring days.

Results

Multiple regression analyses indicated just physical and psychological measures accounted for significant but rather low proportions of variance (5–30%) in real-life mobility. Strength measures were retained in most of the regression models. Cognitive and social measures did not remain as significant predictors in any of the models.

Conclusions

In older adults without mobility limitations, real-life mobility was associated primarily with measures of physical functioning. Psychological functioning also seemed to play a role for real-life mobility, though the associations were more pronounced for physical activity-based mobility than life-space mobility. Further factors should be assessed in order to achieve more conclusive results about predictors of real-life mobility in community-dwelling older adults.
Association between thigh muscle strength four years after partial meniscectomy and radiographic features of osteoarthritis 11 years later
Authors: Ericsson Ylva B. , Roos Ewa M. , Owman Henrik , Dahlberg Leif E.
Published: November 2019

Background

Meniscus injury and meniscectomy both entail increased risk of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Thigh muscle weakness is a suggested mediator of OA but there is little evidence of its importance for knee OA development after meniscectomy. This study aimed to examine the association between thigh muscle strength after partial meniscectomy in middle-aged subjects with a non-traumatic meniscal tear and later radiographic knee OA changes.

Methods

Thirty-four out of 45 participants in an exercise-trial underwent testing for isokinetic thigh muscle strength 4 years after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy and had radiographic examination 11 years later (15 years post-surgery, mean age at follow-up of 57 years (range 50–61)). Outcomes were grade of joint space narrowing and osteophyte score in the medial tibiofemoral compartment of the operated knee and the contralateral knee. We tested the association between muscle strength at baseline and the radiographic outcomes at follow-up using logistic regression analyses adjusted for sex and overweight.

Results

At follow-up, 33/34 subjects had joint space narrowing and 27/34 subjects had osteophytes in the operated knee, in the contralateral knee joint space narrowing was found in 23 subjects. In the operated knee baseline knee extensor and flexor strength were negatively associated with grade of joint space narrowing at follow-up (OR 0.972 and 0.956,p = 0.028 and 0.026, respectively) and also with osteophyte score (OR 0.968 and 0.931,p = 0.017 and 0.011, respectively). In the contralateral knee longitudinal associations between strength and radiographic OA features were similar, OR 0.949–0.972,p < 0.05.

Conclusion

The finding that stronger thigh muscles 4 years after meniscectomy were associated with less severe osteoarthritic changes in the medial tibiofemoral compartment of both the operated and contralateral knee 11 years later, may suggest that strong thigh muscles can help to preserve joint integrity in middle-aged subjects at risk of knee OA.
Calculation method to predict postoperative limb length in patients undergoing THA following developmental dysplasia of hips
Authors: Guo Renwen , Chen Jerry Yongqiang , Zhang Guoqiang , Zhou Yonggang , Chen Jiying , Chai Wei
Published: November 2019

Background

Limb length discrepancy (LLD) is one of the main cause of dissatisfaction after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The teardrop-lesser trochanter method can accurately predict and analyze LLD for healthy people. However, for patients with preoperative LLD, no method for predicting postoperative LLD is currently available, and these patients are highly susceptible to more severe LLD after THA. Accordingly, this study proposed a calculation method to predict postoperative limb length for these patients.

Methods

Eighty patients who underwent THA between May 2016 and October 2018 due to unilateral developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) were evaluated. Relevant parameters were measured from radiographs of full-length lower limbs, e.g. the distance between the rotation center of the hip and the midpoint of the tibial plafond and the distance between the point which was marked at the same height as the lesser trochanter on the anatomical long axis of the femur and the midpoint of the tibial plafond. Then, a mathematical model was established by simplifying the structure from the hip to the ankle. The relationship between the placement position of the prosthesis and the LLD value was calculated by Law of Sines and Iterative Calculation.

Results

The preoperatively predicted LLD values and the postoperatively measured LLD values were compared, yielding a mean absolute difference of 3.7 (range, 0.1 to 8.6) mm. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the two parameters exhibited strong reliability (ICC = 0.911, 95%CI, 0.795 to 0.955). The Bland-Altman plot also showed good conformity between the two parameters.

Conclusions

The proposed calculation method effectively predicted the postoperative LLD using preoperative parameters. Despite the complexity of the method, it can go a long way towards reducing the occurrence of severe postoperative LLD in DDH-THA.
Prolotherapy injections and physiotherapy used singly and in combination for lateral epicondylalgia: a single-blinded randomised clinical trial
Authors: Yelland Michael , Rabago David , Ryan Michael , Ng Shu-Kay , Vithanachchi Dinusha , Manickaraj Nagarajan , Bisset Leanne
Published: November 2019

Background

Lateral epicondylalgia (tennis elbow) is a common, debilitating and often treatment-resistant condition. Two treatments thought to address the pathology of lateral epicondylalgia are hypertonic glucose plus lignocaine injections (prolotherapy) and a physiotherapist guided manual therapy/exercise program (physiotherapy). This trial aimed to compare the short- and long-term clinical effectiveness, cost effectiveness, and safety of prolotherapy used singly and in combination with physiotherapy.

Methods

Using a single-blinded randomised clinical trial design, 120 participants with lateral epicondylalgia of at least 6 weeks’ duration were randomly assigned to prolotherapy (4 sessions, monthly intervals), physiotherapy (weekly for 4 sessions) or combined (prolotherapy+physiotherapy). The Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) and participant global impression of change scores were assessed by blinded evaluators at baseline, 6, 12, 26 and 52 weeks. Success rate was defined as the percentage of participants indicating elbow condition was either ‘much improved’ or ‘completely recovered.’ Analysis was by intention-to-treat.

Results

Eighty-eight percent completed the 12-month assessment. At 52 weeks, there were substantial, significant improvements compared with baseline status for all outcomes and groups, but no significant differences between groups. The physiotherapy group exhibited greater reductions in PRTEE at 12 weeks than the prolotherapy group (p = 0.014).

Conclusion

There were no significant differences amongst the Physiotherapy, Prolotherapy and Combined groups in PRTEE and global impression of change measures over the course of the 12-month trial.

Trial registration

ACTRN12612000993897.
Fibular strut allograft influences reduction and outcomes after locking plate fixation of comminuted proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Cui Xueliang , Chen Hui , Ma Binbin , Fan Wenbin , Li He
Published: November 2019

Background

Proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) are the third most commonly occurring fractures in elderly patients. Most of these fractures can be treated with conservative methods, but the optimal surgical treatment strategy for unstable fractures in elderly patients remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the radiological and clinical outcomes between locking compression plate (LCP) fixation and LCP fixation with fibular allograft implantation for the treatment of comminuted PHFs.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 60 patients (mean age, 72.75 years) with closed 3- or 4-part fractures, and a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Fracture reduction was quantitatively determined by humeral head height (HHH) and neck-shaft angle (NSA). The clinical outcome was evaluated by Constant-Murley score (CMS) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score.

Result

The average radiological changes were higher in the LCP group than in the locking plate with fibular allograft group (HHH of 4.16 mm vs 1.18 mm [p < 0.001] and NSA of 9.94° versus 3.12° [p < 0.001]) . The final average outcome scores were lower in the LCP group than in the FA group (CMS of 73.00 vs 78.96 [p = 0.024] and ASES score of 72.80 vs 78.64 [p = 0.022]). The FA group showed better forward elevation (p = 0.010) and abduction (p = 0.002); however, no significant differences were observed for shoulder external rotation or internal rotation. The number of complications was higher in the LCP group (28.57%) than in the FA group (1.2%) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

For comminuted PHFs in elderly patients, LCP fixation combined with a fibular allograft is reasonable option to ensure satisfactory radiological and clinical outcomes.

Trial registration

ZDYJLY(2018)New-9. Name of registry: IEC for clinical Research of Zhongda Hospital, Affiliated to Southeast University. Date of registration: 2018-05-17.
Back beliefs among elderly seeking health care due to back pain; psychometric properties of the Norwegian version of the back beliefs questionnaire
Authors: Tingulstad Alexander , Munk Rikke , Grotle Margreth , Vigdal Ørjan , Storheim Kjersti , Langhammer Birgitta
Published: November 2019

Background

The Back Beliefs Questionnaire (BBQ) is a 14-item patient-reported questionnaire that measures attitudes and beliefs about the consequences of back pain. The BBQ has recently been translated into Norwegian, but its psychometric properties have not yet been tested. The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability and construct validity of the BBQ when used on elderly patients with back pain.

Method

A prospective cohort study with a test-retest design among 116 elderly patients (> 55 years of age) seeking primary care for a new episode of back pain. Test-retest, standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC), internal consistency and construct validity by a priori hypotheses (Spearman’s- and Pearson correlation coefficient) were tested.

Results

A total of 116 patients, mean age (SD) 67.7 (8.3), were included and 63 patients responded to the test-retest assessment. The mean (SD) BBQ sum scores (range 9–45) were 29.8 (7.0) and 29.2 (6.7) for the test and retest respectively. The test-retest was acceptable with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.71 (95% CI, 0.54–0.82), SEM was 3.8 and MDC 10.5. Internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha was good (0.82) and acceptable construct validity was supported by the confirmation of 75% of the a priori hypotheses.

Conclusion

The Norwegian version of the BBQ demonstrated acceptable test-retest reliability and good construct validity and can be used to assess pessimistic beliefs in elderly patients with back pain.
Action research study on advance care planning for residents and their families in the long-term care facility
Authors: Lee Hsin-Tzu Sophie , Chen Ting-Ru , Yang Chia-Ling , Chiu Tai-Yuan , Hu Wen-Yu
Published: November 2019

Background

Research in Taiwan has indicated that advance care planning is rarely undertaken in long-term care facilities. The purpose of this study was to develop an advance care planning interview guideline and care model to facilitate the process of advance care planning for residents and their families in long-term care facilities.

Methods

This study follows an action research design. Cycles of planning, action, observation, and reflection were planned and modified based on the results of interviews with residents and their families as well as meetings with staff. To establish the interview guideline and care model through this action research study, residents and their families were interviewed separately. The researcher subsequently held meetings with staff members to evaluate the results and identify problems during each advance care planning process. This information was synthesised and used to modify the care model for implementation with the next resident–family pair. This process was performed a total of ten times.

Results

This study included residents (N = 10), their families (N = 20), and medical staff (N = 4) at a long-term care facility. The interviews and meetings were audio recorded, transcribed, and subjected to a simple thematic analysis together with the field notes and reflection logs. Four themes emerged from the data related to: opening the conversation with the interview guidelines about the life story of residents; continuing life stories to the quality of remaining years of the residents; gradually changing the topic to the end-of-life care issues; and concluding the conversation by explaining the content of advance directives and hospice care.

Conclusions

The advance care planning care model was implemented following logical thinking from a Chinese perspective. This consisted of opening, developing, changing, and concluding through the views of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. The research findings indicate that the model successfully facilitated the process of advance care planning for residents and their families.
Isolation, identification, and potential probiotic characterization of isolated lactic acid bacteria and in vitro investigation of the cytotoxicity, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities in fermented sausage
Authors: AlKalbani Nadia S. , Turner Mark S. , Ayyash Mutamed M.
Published: November 2019

Background

Probiotic bacteria can provide health benefits when delivered in functional foods. This study involved isolation of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from traditionally dried and salted anchovy fish and characterization of their survival in simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Promising strains were used to prepare fermented fish sausages which were then evaluated for cytotoxicity activity against two cancer cell-lines, antidiabetic activity as determined by α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition, and antioxidant and proteolytic activities in vitro, as compared to non-fermented control sausages.

Results

Out of 85 LAB obtained, 13 isolates with high tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal digestion were obtained, which were identified as Enterococcus spp. Four E. faecium strains, one E. faecalis, and one E. durans were used separately to make fermented fish sausages. The α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition from fish sausages fermented by Enterococcus spp. ranged from 29.2 to 68.7% and 23.9 to 41.4%, respectively, during 21 days of storage. The cytotoxicity activities against Caco2 and MCF-7 cells of fish sausages fermented with Enterococcus spp. ranged from 18.0 to 24% and 13.9 to 27.9%, respectively. Cytotoxicity activities correlated positively with proteolysis and antioxidant activities, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities, but negatively with the pH in fermented fish sausages. Strains also exhibited antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens and presented no significant concerns with regards to antibiotic resistance or virulence gene content.

Conclusions

Fish sausages fermented by potential probiotic isolates of Enterococcus spp. from dried fish had valuable health-promoting benefits compared with non-fermented control sausages.
Racial differences in distribution of fatty acids in prostate cancer and benign prostatic tissues
Authors: Zhou Xinchun , Mei Hao , Agee Joshua , Brown Timera , Mao Jinghe
Published: November 2019

Background

It remains controversial whether and which fatty acids are different between prostate cancer (PCa) and benign prostatic tissues (BPT) in association with occurrence, progression and racial disparity between African American (AA) and Caucasian American (CA) populations.

Methods

Total fatty acids (TFA) and free fatty acid (FFA) were determined on fresh frozen prostatic tissues including 26 PCa and 21 BPT from AA and CA patients by Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS), respectively.

Results

In all studied population, TFA in 8 out of 16 individual species, in total and in groups of saturated total fatty acid (STFA), mono-unsaturated total fatty acid (MUTFA), poly-unsaturated total fatty acid (PUTFA) and n-6 TFA were significantly higher in PCa than in BPT; FFA in 4 out of 10 individual species, in total and in groups of MUFFA, PUFFA, n-6 FFA and n-3 FFA were significantly higher in PCa than in BPT. The concentrations of most fatty acid parameters correlated with Gleason’s grade and clinical stage of PCa. As compared with CA men, AA men had higher concentrations of TFA, especially TFA with chains of 14–18 carbons than in BPT, and lower concentrations of TFA in PCa.

Conclusions

Increasing in prostatic fatty acids in the form of TFA and FFA correlated to occurrence, progression and racial disparity of PCa.
The role of p-Stat3 Y705 immunohistochemistry in glioblastoma prognosis
Authors: Susman Sergiu , Pîrlog Radu , Leucuța Daniel , Mitre Andrei Otto , Padurean Vlad Adrian , Melincovici Carmen , Moldovan Ioana , Crișan Doinița , Florian Stefan Ioan
Published: November 2019

Background

In spite of the multimodal treatment used today, glioblastoma is still the most aggressive and lethal cerebral tumour. To increase survival in these patients, novel therapeutic targets must be discovered. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3), a transcription factor that controls normal cell differentiation and survival is also involved in neoplastic celltransformation. In this study we evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of pY705-Stat3 in patients with primary glioblastoma and determined its prognostic role by correlating it with survival.

Methods

This retrospective study included 94 patients diagnosed with glioblastoma. We determined the localization, number of positive cells, and marker intensity for pY705-Stat3 in these patients with the use of immunohistochemistry. The prognostic role was determined by correlating pY705-Stat3 expression on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumour tissues with the patient’s survival in univariate and multivariate COX regressions.

Results

We found a statistically significant difference in survival between the patients with more than 20% pY705-Stat3 positive cells and those with less than 20% pY705-Stat3 positive cells (8.9 months median survival versus 13.7 months medial survival, p <  0.001). On multivariate analyses with the COX proportional hazards regression model including pY705-Stat3 expression, age and relapse status, pY705-Stat3 status was an independent prognostic factor in glioblastoma (P <  0.001).

Conclusion

The results obtained show that the immunohistochemical expression of pY705-Stat3 correlates with survival in glioblastoma. This study identifies Stat3 as a possible target for existing or new developed Stat3 inhibitors.
Spatiotemporal spread of sarcoptic mange in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Switzerland over more than 60 years: lessons learnt from comparative analysis of multiple surveillance tools
Authors: Pisano Simone Roberto Rolando , Zimmermann Fridolin , Rossi Luca , Capt Simon , Akdesir Ezgi , Bürki Roland , Kunz Florin , Origgi Francesco Carlo , Ryser-Degiorgis Marie-Pierre
Published: November 2019

Background

Sarcoptic mange is a contagious skin disease of wild and domestic mammals caused by the miteSarcoptes scabiei. Reports of sarcoptic mange in wildlife increased worldwide in the second half of the 20th century, especially since the 1990s. The aim of this study was to provide new insights into the epidemiology of mange by (i) documenting the emergence of sarcoptic mange in the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in the last decades in Switzerland; and (ii) describing its spatiotemporal spread combining data obtained through different surveillance methods.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of archived material together with prospective data collection delivered a large dataset from the 19th century to 2018. Methods included: (i) a review of historical literature; (ii) screening of necropsy reports from general health surveillance (1958–2018); (iii) screening of data on mange (1968–1992) collected during the sylvatic rabies eradication campaign; (iv) a questionnaire survey (<1980–2017) and (v) evaluation of camera-trap bycatch data (2005–2018).

Results

Sarcoptic mange in red foxes was reported as early as 1835 in Switzerland. The first case diagnosed in the framework of the general health surveillance was in 1959. Prior to 1980, sarcoptic mange occurred in non-adjacent surveillance districts scattered all over the country. During the period of the rabies epidemic (1970s-early 1990s), the percentage of foxes tested for rabies with sarcoptic mange significantly decreased in subregions with rabies, whereas it remained high in the few rabies-free subregions. Sarcoptic mange re-emerged in the mid-1990s and continuously spread during the 2000–2010s, to finally extend to the whole country in 2017. The yearly prevalence of mange in foxes estimated by camera-trapping ranged from 0.1–12%.

Conclusions

Sarcoptic mange has likely been endemic in Switzerland as well as in other European countries at least since the mid-19th century. The rabies epidemics seem to have influenced the pattern of spread of mange in several locations, revealing an interesting example of disease interaction in free-ranging wildlife populations. The combination of multiple surveillance tools to study the long-term dynamics of sarcoptic mange in red foxes in Switzerland proved to be a successful strategy, which underlined the usefulness of questionnaire surveys.
It’s the thought that counts: belief in suicide as an escape moderates the relationship between emotion dysregulation and suicidal ideation cross-sectionally and longitudinally
Authors: Al-Dajani Nadia , Uliaszek Amanda A. , Hamdullahpur Kevin
Published: November 2019

Background

Previous research has illustrated a relationship between emotion dysregulation and suicidal ideation, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. However, it is not yet understood how this relationship manifests. The aim of this study was to explore if two beliefs about suicide, (1) suicide as a way to escape from emotional pain and (2) suicide as a solution to a problem, moderate the relationship between emotion dysregulation and suicidal ideation.

Methods

One hundred one community participants completed questionnaires examining emotion dysregulation, suicidal ideation, and beliefs in the functions of suicide. Inclusion criteria were used to over-sample individuals within the community experiencing higher levels of suicidal ideation and emotion dysregulation. Hierarchical linear regressions with interaction terms were used to assess moderation effects. The moderating role of beliefs in the function of suicide was examined both cross-sectionally and longitudinally.

Results

Suicide as an escape significantly moderated the relationship between global emotion dysregulation and suicidal ideation cross-sectionally, while it moderated the relationship between a facet of emotion dysregulation and suicidal ideation longitudinally. Greater endorsement of this belief resulted in a stronger relationship between emotion dysregulation and suicidal ideation. The function of suicide as a solution to a problem did not moderate the emotion dysregulation-suicidal ideation relationship.

Conclusions

These findings underscore the importance of not only addressing emotion dysregulation but also addressing the underlying belief that suicide is an escape in individuals who experience both emotion dysregulation and suicidal ideation. Intervention efforts to address belief in suicide as an escape along with emotion dysregulation are delineated.
Common mental illness in people with sensory impairment: results from the 2014 adult psychiatric morbidity survey
Authors: Shoham Natalie , Lewis Gemma , McManus Sally , Cooper Claudia
Published: November 2019

Background

People with sensory impairments may be at increased risk of depression and anxiety but experience barriers to accessing treatment.

Aims

To investigate whether people with sensory impairment have more depressive and anxiety symptoms than people without, whether this is mediated by social functioning and whether they report greater non-treatment.

Method

We analysed data from the English 2014 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey using regression models, with the Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised (CIS-R) score as the primary outcome and self-reported hearing and vision impairment as exposures. A secondary outcome was self-reported receipt of mental health diagnosis and treatment. We used structural equation modelling to assess for mediation by social functioning.

Results

A total of 19.0% of people with hearing impairment, and 30.9% and 24.5% with distance and near visual impairments, respectively, had clinically significant psychological morbidity. Adjusted mean CIS-R score was 1.86 points higher in people with hearing impairment compared with those without (95% CI 1.30–2.42, P<0.001). People with distance and near vision impairment had mean CIS-R scores 3.61 (95% CI 2.58–4.63, P<0.001) and 2.74 (95% CI 2.12–3.37, P<0.001) points higher, respectively, than those without. Social functioning accounted for approximately 50% of these relationships between sensory impairment and psychological morbidity. We found no evidence of an increased treatment gap for people with sensory impairment.

Conclusions

Social functioning, a potentially modifiable target, may mediate an association between sensory impairment and depressive and anxiety symptoms.
Glycemic Measures and Risk of Mortality in Older Chinese: The Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study
Authors: Jiang Chao Qiang , Xu Lin , Lam Tai Hing , Jin Ya Li , Sen Zhang Wei , Zhu Feng , Thomas G Neil , Cheng Kar Keung
Published: November 2019

Context

China has the largest number of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the world. Data from previous studies have suggested that up to one-fifth of individuals with diabetes would be missed without an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). To date, there is little information on the mortality risk of these individuals.

Objective

We estimated the association of different indicators of hyperglycemia with mortality in the general Chinese population.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

China.

Participants

A total of 17 939 participants aged 50+ years.

Exposures

Previously diagnosed diabetes and newly detected diabetes defined by fasting glucose (≥7.0 mmol/L), 2-hour postload glucose (≥11.1 mmol/L), or hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c, ≥6.5%).

Main Outcomes Measures

Deaths from all-cause, cardiovascular disease, and cancer were identified by record linkage with death registration.

Results

During 7.8 (SD, 1.5) years’ follow-up, 1439 deaths were recorded. Of 3706 participants with T2DM, 2126 (57%) had known T2DM, 118 (3%) were identified by isolated elevated fasting glucose, 1022 (28%) had isolated elevated postload glucose, and 440 (12%) had both elevated fasting and postload glucose. Compared with normoglycemia, the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of all-cause mortality was 1.71 (1.46-2.00), 0.96 (0.47-1.93), 1.43 (1.15-1.78), and 1.82 (1.35-2.45) for the 4 groups, respectively. T2DM defined by elevated HbA1c was not significantly associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 0.81-1.69).

Conclusion

Individuals with isolated higher 2-h postload glucose had a higher risk of mortality by 43% than those with normoglycemia. Underuse of OGTT leads to substantial underdetection of individuals with a higher mortality risk and lost opportunities for early intervention.
Dietary and Pharmacological Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Health
Authors: Wu Huaizhu , Xu Lu , Ballantyne Christie M
Published: November 2019

Context

The effects of dietary intake of different fatty acids and pharmacological use of fatty acids, specifically long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs), on cardiovascular health and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) prevention have been examined in a large number of observational studies and clinical trials. This review summarizes recent data and discusses potential mechanisms.

Evidence acquisition

The review is based on the authors’ knowledge of the field supplemented by a PubMed search using the terms seafood, fish oil, saturated fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and ASCVD.

Evidence synthesis

We mainly discuss the recent clinical trials that examine the effects of different types of dietary fatty acids and pharmacological use of n-3 PUFA products on ASCVD prevention and the potential mechanisms.

Conclusions

While replacement of dietary saturated fat with unsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat in particular, or intake of LC n-3 PUFA–rich seafood has generally shown benefit for ASCVD prevention and is recommended for cardiovascular benefits, data on effects of n-3 PUFA products on ASCVD health are inconsistent. However, recent clinical trials support benefits of prescription EPA in ASCVD prevention. n-3 PUFAs may contribute to ASCVD prevention through multiple mechanisms, including lowering plasma triglyceride levels, anti-inflammatory effects, antithrombotic effects, and effects on endothelial function.
Calculated Non-HDL Cholesterol Includes Cholesterol in Larger Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins in Hypertriglyceridemia
Authors: Sun Cathy J , McCudden Christopher , Brisson Diane , Shaw Julie , Gaudet Daniel , Ooi Teik C
Published: November 2019

Context

Calculated non–high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (non-HDLC) should selectively include cholesterol from atherogenic lipoproteins to be a reliable risk marker of cardiovascular disease. In hypertriglyceridemia (HTG), there is increased abundance of larger and less atherogenic triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL), namely, larger very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), and chylomicrons.

Objective

We aim to demonstrate that serum triglyceride (TG) level has a substantial impact on non-HDLC’s ability to represent cholesterol from atherogenic lipoproteins, even though TG is not part of the calculation for non-HDLC.

Design

Analysis of lipid profile data

Settings

Lipid Clinic patient cohort, and Biochemistry Laboratory patient cohort

Patients or Other Participants

7,492 patients in the Lipid Clinic cohort with baseline lipid profiles documented prior to starting lipid-lowering medications and 156,311 lipid profiles from The Ottawa Hospital Biochemistry Laboratory cohort.

Intervention

None

Main Outcome Measure

Our modeling process includes derivation of TG-interval–specific lipoprotein composition factor (LCF) for TRL, which represents the mass ratio of cholesterol to TG in TRL. A high LCF indicates that the TRLs are mainly the cholesterol-rich atherogenic remnant lipoproteins. A low LCF indicates that the TRLs are mainly the TG-rich larger VLDL and chylomicrons.

Results

As serum TG increases, there is progressive decline in the LCF for TRL, which indicates that the calculated non-HDLC level reflects progressive inclusion of cholesterol from larger TRL. This is shown in both cohorts.

Conclusions

Calculated non-HDLC is influenced by TG level. As TG increases, non-HDLC gradually includes more cholesterol from larger TRL, which are less atherogenic than LDL and remnant lipoproteins.
Structural transition of replicable RNAs during in vitro evolution with Qβ replicase
Authors: Mizuuchi Ryo , Usui Kimihito , Ichihashi Norikazu
Published: November 2019

Single-stranded RNAs (ssRNAs) are utilized as genomes in some viruses and also in experimental models of ancient life-forms, owing to their simplicity. One of the largest problems for ssRNA replication is the formation of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), a dead-end product for ssRNA replication. A possible strategy to avoid dsRNA formation is to create strong intramolecular secondary structures of ssRNA. To design ssRNAs that efficiently replicate by Qβ replicase with minimum dsRNA formation, we previously proposed the “fewer unpaired GC rule.” According to this rule, ssRNAs that have fewer unpaired G and C bases in the secondary structure should efficiently replicate with less dsRNA formation. However, the validity of this rule still needs to be examined, especially for longer ssRNAs. Here, we analyze nine long ssRNAs that successively appeared during an in vitro evolution of replicable ssRNA by Qβ replicase and examine whether this rule can explain the structural transitions of the RNAs. We found that these ssRNAs improved their template abilities step-by-step with decreasing dsRNA formation as mutations accumulated. We then examine the secondary structures of all the RNAs by a chemical modification method. The analysis of the structures revealed that the probabilities of unpaired G and C bases tended to decrease gradually in the course of evolution. The decreases were caused by the local structural changes around the mutation sites in most of the cases. These results support the validity of the “fewer unpaired GC rule” to efficiently design replicable ssRNAs by Qβ replicase, useful for more complex ssRNA replication systems.
LncRNA-mediated regulation of SOX9 expression in basal subtype breast cancer cells
Authors: Tariq Aamira , Hao Qinyu , Sun Qinyu , Singh Deepak K. , Jadaliha Mahdieh , Zhang Yang , Chetlangia Neha , Ma Jian , Holton Sarah E. , Bhargava Rohit , Lal Ashish , Prasanth Supriya G. , Prasanth Kannanganattu V.
Published: November 2019

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive breast cancer (BC) subtypes with a poor prognosis and high recurrence rate. Recent studies have identified vital roles played by several lncRNAs (long noncoding RNAs) in BC pathobiology. Cell type-specific expression of lncRNAs and their potential role in regulating the expression of oncogenic and tumor suppressor genes have made them promising cancer drug targets. By performing a transcriptome screen in an isogenic TNBC/basal subtype BC progression cell line model, we recently reported ∼1800 lncRNAs that display aberrant expression during breast cancer progression. Mechanistic studies on one such nuclear-retained lncRNA, linc02095, reveal that it promotes breast cancer proliferation by facilitating the expression of oncogenic transcription factor, SOX9. Both linc02095 and SOX9 display coregulated expression in BC patients as well in basal subtype BC cell lines. Knockdown of linc02095 results in decreased BC cell proliferation, whereas its overexpression promotes cells proliferation. Linc02095-depleted cells display reduced expression of SOX9 concomitant with reduced RNA polymerase II occupancy at the SOX9 gene body as well as defective SOX9 mRNA export, implying that linc02095 positively regulates SOX9 transcription and mRNA export. Finally, we identify a positive feedback loop in BC cells that controls the expression of both linc02095 and SOX9. Thus, our results unearth tumor-promoting activities of a nuclear lncRNA linc02095 by facilitating the expression of key oncogenic transcription factor in BC.
Detection of diverse Wolbachia 16S rRNA sequences at low titers from malaria vectors in Kayin state, Myanmar
Authors: Sawasdichai Sunisa , Chaumeau Victor , Dah Tee , Kulabkeeree Thithiworada , Kajeechiwa Ladda , Phanaphadungtham Monthicha , Trakoolchengkaew Muesuwa , Kittiphanakun Praphan , Akararungrot Yanada , Oo Kyi , Delmas Gilles , White Nicholas J. , Nosten François H.
Published: November 2019

Background : Natural Wolbachia infections in malaria mosquitoes were recently reported in Africa, and negatively correlated with the development of Plasmodium falciparum in the vectors. The occurrence and effects of Wolbachia infections outside Africa have not been described and may have been underestimated.

Methods : Mosquitoes were collected by human-landing catch during May and June 2017 in ten villages in Kayin state, Myanmar. Closely related species of malaria vectors were identified with molecular assays. 16S rRNA Wolbachia DNA sequences were detected with quantitative real-time PCR.

Results: Low titer of Wolbachia DNA was detected in 13/370 samples in six malaria vector species. Sequences were diverse and different from those described in the African malaria mosquitoes.

Conclusion: The detection of Wolbachia DNA in malaria mosquitoes from Kayin state warrants further investigations to understand better the ecology and biology of Anopheles-Wolbachia interactions in Southeast Asia.
ПРОГНОЗ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ПРОГРАММ ПО ИМПОРТОЗАМЕЩЕНИЮ (НА ПРИМЕРЕ СТАНКОСТРОИТЕЛЬНЫХ ПРОИЗВОДСТВ)
Authors: Bekmurzaev Isa Dukvakhovich , Kurbanov Artur Khusainovich , Naruzhny Vyacheslav Evgenyevich
Published: November 2019

Реализация программ импортозамещения в России требует отбора оптимального варианта их проведения. Для этого необходима оценка предполагаемой эффективности различных вариантов с точки зрения национальной экономики. Однако проведение такой оценки затруднительно из-за сложности доступа к необходимой информации.Цель исследования: разработка и практическая проверка методики обоснования отбора оптимальной организационной структуры для развития импортозамещающих производствМетодология: анализ и синтез, экспертная оценкаПолученные результаты: на основе экспертных оценок показано, что оптимальным с точки зрения интегрального эффекта вариантов развития импортозамещающих производств в станкостроении является формирование государственно-частного партнерства, ориентированного на выпуск станков.