bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case report: lateral axillary-profunda femoris artery bypass for acute lower limb ischemia due to thrombosis after bilateral axillofemoral bypass
Authors: She Kang , Zhang Xiansheng , Yin Jie , Cheng Gong , Chen Xiangrong , Zhang Yufei
Published: July 2020

Introduction

We treated a patient with late-stage unilateral bypass thrombosis after bilateral axillary-femoral bypass with lateral axillary-profunda femoris artery (LAx-PF) bypass.

Case presentation

A 64-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital for acute left lower limb ischemia. Six years ago, he underwent bilateral axillary-femoral bypass due to Leriche syndrome. On emergency admission, thrombosis of the left bypass vessel was identified. Blood flow could not be restored due to failure to restore patency of the proximal and distal anastomosis of the left bypass vessel during surgery. We performed LAx-PF bypass surgery to successfully rescue the limb, which was on the verge of necrosis.

Conclusion

If thrombectomy cannot restore blood flow in the previous axillary-femoral bypass, LAx-PF bypass is an easy procedure to rescue the ischemic limb.
Reliability and validity of the Japanese translation of the Eating Disorders Quality of Life (ED-QOL) scale for Japanese healthy female university undergraduate students and patients with eating disorders
Authors: Yoneda Ryo , Otani Makoto , Hiraide Maiko , Horie Takeshi , Mitsui Tomoyo , Yoshida Toshiyuki , Komaki Gen , Yoshiuchi Kazuhiro
Published: July 2020

Background

The Eating Disorder Quality of Life (ED-QOL) scale is a 25-item self-report measure that assesses health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of eating-disorder patients. Although the ED-QOL is one of the most widely used questionnaires in many countries, no prior research has addressed the psychometric properties of the Japanese translation of the ED-QOL. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess its reliability and validity.

Methods

A total of 99 Japanese female eating disorder patients and 469 female healthy university undergraduate students completed the Japanese translation of the ED-QOL in addition to the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26) and Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2). The patient group consisted of 37 patients with anorexia nervosa restricting type (AN-R), 35 patients with binge-eating/purge type (AN-BP), and 27 patients with bulimia nervosa (BN). We performed confirmatory factor analyses on the ED-QOL subscales both for Japanese eating disorder patients and for healthy university undergraduate students. Reliability was assessed using internal consistency indicated by Cronbach alpha coefficients and convergent validity was assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficients. To assess group differences between the eating disorder patients and healthy university undergraduate students, Student’s t-tests were conducted.

Results

The CFA showed that the CFI was .90 and RMSEA was .084 (90% confidence interval = .079–.088). The internal consistency of the ED-QOL varied from good to excellent. The EAT-26 total score and three subscales and the EDI-2 subscales had significant correlations with the ED-QOL global QOL score and four subscales. There were no significant correlations between the EDI-2 subscale “Body Dissatisfaction” and the ED-QOL subscales “Physical/Cognitive” and “Work/School”. Eating disorder patients scored significantly higher than healthy university undergraduate students on all ED-QOL subscales and the global QOL score.

Conclusions

Based on this study, the Japanese translation of the ED-QOL can be regarded as reliable, valid, and functional for female eating-disorder patients and female healthy university undergraduate students.
Distinct phenotypes of cancer cells on tissue matrix gel
Authors: Ruud Kelsey F. , Hiscox William C. , Yu Ilhan , Chen Roland K. , Li Weimin
Published: July 2020

Background

Breast cancer cells invading the connective tissues outside the mammary lobule or duct immerse in a reservoir of extracellular matrix (ECM) that is structurally and biochemically distinct from that of their site of origin. The ECM is a spatial network of matrix proteins, which not only provide physical support but also serve as bioactive ligands to the cells. It becomes evident that the dimensional, mechanical, structural, and biochemical properties of ECM are all essential mediators of many cellular functions. To better understand breast cancer development and cancer cell biology in native tissue environment, various tissue-mimicking culture models such as hydrogel have been developed. Collagen I (Col I) and Matrigel are the most common hydrogels used in cancer research and have opened opportunities for addressing biological questions beyond the two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures. Yet, it remains unclear whether these broadly used hydrogels can recapitulate the environmental properties of tissue ECM, and whether breast cancer cells grown on CoI I or Matrigel display similar phenotypes as they would on their native ECM.

Methods

We investigated mammary epithelial cell phenotypes and metabolic profiles on animal breast ECM-derived tissue matrix gel (TMG), Col I, and Matrigel. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), fluorescence microscopy, acini formation assay, differentiation experiments, spatial migration/invasion assays, proliferation assay, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were used to examine biological phenotypes and metabolic changes. Student’sttest was applied for statistical analyses.

Results

Our data showed that under a similar physiological stiffness, the three types of hydrogels exhibited distinct microstructures. Breast cancer cells grown on TMG displayed quite different morphologies, surface receptor expression, differentiation status, migration and invasion, and metabolic profiles compared to those cultured on Col I and Matrigel. Depleting lactate produced by glycolytic metabolism of cancer cells abolished the cell proliferation promoted by the non-tissue-specific hydrogel.

Conclusion

The full ECM protein-based hydrogel system may serve as a biologically relevant model system to study tissue- and disease-specific pathological questions. This work provides insights into tissue matrix regulation of cancer cell biomarker expression and identification of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of human cancers based on tissue-specific disease modeling.
Understanding sand fly sampling methods: sticky traps are attraction-based and not interceptive sampling tools of Phlebotomus orientalis
Authors: Elnaiem Dia-Eldin , Khogali Altayeb , Alsharif Bashir , Dakein Osman , Jibreel Tayseer , Hassan Mohamed , Edries Hassan H. , Elhadi Hanan , Elnur Bakri , Osman Omran F. , Boer Margriet den , Alvar Jorge , Khalid Noteila M.
Published: July 2020

Background

Sticky traps are generally viewed as interceptive sand fly sampling methods; although no previous experimental evidence has supported this assumption. In this study, we tested this assumption experimentally forPhlebotomus orientalis, the principal vector of visceral leishmaniasis in East Africa, and propose an explanation for the highly male-biased collection of sticky traps.

Methods

A number of field experiments were carried out in March–June 2016–2019, in Gedarif state, eastern Sudan. In the first experiment, we compared numbers ofP. orientaliscaught on sticky traps made of black, red, transparent, white, yellow, green and blue A4 size papers set simultaneously at different lunar light conditions. In the second and third experiments, we compared numbers ofP. orientaliscaptured on sticky traps placed side-by-side horizontally or vertically on the ground, or horizontally on a 15 cm height stool. We also witnessed mating behaviour of sand flies following their landing on un-sticky papers placed on the ground.

Results

Phlebotomus orientalisshowed significant attraction to white, yellow and transparent traps, with negligible numbers caught on the black and the red traps. Similarly, significantly higher numbers ofP. orientaliswere attracted to the horizontal traps, resulting in an 8-fold increase in sand fly trapping efficacy as compared to the vertical traps. Placing the traps on the stools resulted in significant reduction in this attraction. In contrast to the sticky traps that captured only very few females; we found that when male sand flies land on un-sticky white paper they successfully lure females and copulate with them.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that, forP. orientalis, sticky traps are more attractant-based than interception-based sampling tools. Further, our findings support the notion that males of this sand fly species likely utilize the bright surface of the trap papers to perform mating rituals that attract the females for copulation. However, pre-mature death in the sticky oil hampers the completion of these rituals, and thus results in failure to attract the females. These findings inform our understanding ofP. orientalisbehaviour and have important implications for optimization of sticky trap design for vector surveillance purposes.
Efficacy of a low dose fipronil bait against blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) larvae feeding on white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) under laboratory conditions
Authors: Poché David M. , Franckowiak Gregory , Clarke Tyler , Tseveenjav Batchimeg , Polyakova Larisa , Poché Richard M.
Published: July 2020

Background

Lyme disease is the most prevalent vector-borne disease in the USA with cases continuing to increase. Current control measures have not been shown to be impactful, and therefore alternatives are needed. Treating pathogen reservoirs with low dose systemic acaricides in endemic areas may provide a useful tool for disrupting the cycle of the vector and pathogen. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a 0.005% fipronil bait, presented orally to white-footed mice, in controlling blacklegged tick larvae (larvae).

Methods

Sixty mice were assigned to 3 treatment groups and three untreated control groups. All individually housed mice in treatment groups were exposed to 0.005% fipronil bait for 48 hours. Larvae were manually applied to mice within feeding capsules at one of three timepoints: Day 1, Day 9 and Day 15 post-exposure. For 4-days post-tick attachment, replete larvae were collected from water moats underneath each cage and attached larvae were observed by microscopy. Plasma from 4 treated mice at Day-1, Day 13 and Day 19, and 4 control mice (n = 16) was collected to obtain fipronil plasma concentrations (CP).

Results

Fipronil bait did not appear to produce neophobia in mice, as the amount of bait eaten at 24- and 48-hours exposure did not differ significantly. The 48-hour fipronil bait exposure prevented 100% of larvae from feeding to repletion at Day 1, Day 9 and Day 15 post-treatment. Within the treatment groups, all larvae observable within the capsules expired and were prevented from detaching by Day 4. In contrast, within the control groups a total of 502 replete larvae were collected from moats and 348 larvae observable within the capsules successfully detached. CP averaged 948.9, 101.2 and 79.4 ng/ml for mice euthanized at Day 1, Day 9 and Day 15, respectively. No fipronil was detected in control mice.

Conclusions

We provide early indication that low dose fipronil bait, orally presented to white-footed mice, can effectively control blacklegged tick larvae. Future research should modify the exposure duration and post-exposure tick attachment timepoints to simulate various field scenarios under which successful efficacy might be obtained. Low dose fipronil bait could provide a cost-effective, practical means of controlling blacklegged ticks and other arthropod vectors.
Identification of protective peptides of Fasciola hepatica-derived cathepsin L1 (FhCL1) in vaccinated sheep by a linear B-cell epitope mapping approach
Authors: Buffoni Leandro , Garza-Cuartero Laura , Pérez-Caballero Raúl , Zafra Rafael , Javier Martínez-Moreno F. , Molina-Hernández Verónica , Pérez José , Martínez-Moreno Álvaro , Mulcahy Grace
Published: July 2020

Background

Fasciolosis is one of the most important parasitic diseases of livestock. The need for better control strategies gave rise to the identification of various vaccine candidates. The recombinant form of a member of the cysteine protease family, cathepsin L1 ofFasciola hepatica(FhCL1) has been a vaccine target for the past few decades since it has been shown to behave as an immunodominant antigen. However, when FhCL1 was used as vaccine, it has been observed to elicit significant protection in some trials, whereas no protection was provided in others.

Methods

In order to improve vaccine development strategy, we conducted a linear B-cell epitope mapping of FhCL1 in sheep vaccinated with FhCL1, FhHDM, FhLAP and FhPrx plus Montanide and with significant reduction of the fluke burden, sheep vaccinated with FhCL1, FhHDM, FhLAP and FhPrx plus aluminium hydroxide and with non-significant reduction of the fluke burden, and in unvaccinated-infected sheep.

Results

Our study showed that the pattern and dynamic of peptide recognition varied noticeably between both vaccinated groups, and that the regions 55–63 and 77–84, which are within the propeptide, and regions 102–114 and 265–273 of FhCL1 were specifically recognised only by vaccinated sheep with significant reduction of the fluke burden. In addition, these animals also showed significant production of specific IgG2, whereas a scarce non-significant production was observed in animals vaccinated with Aluminium hydroxide and no production was detected in infected control animals.

Conclusions

We have identified 42 residues of FhCL1 that contributed to protective immunity against infection withF. hepaticain sheep. Our results provide indications in relation to key aspects of the immune response. Given the variable outcomes of vaccination trials conducted in ruminants to date, this study adds new insights to improve strategies of vaccine development.
Disease-specific factors associated with cardiovascular events in patients with Takayasu arteritis
Authors: Kwon Oh Chan , Park Jung Hwan , Park Yong-Beom , Park Min-Chan
Published: July 2020

Background

To identify disease-specific factors associated with cardiovascular events in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TAK).

Methods

Patients with TAK who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria for the classification of TAK and were followed up between 2006 and 2019 were included. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors and TAK disease-specific factors at the index date and incident cardiovascular events during the follow-up were retrospectively assessed. To estimate the risk of cardiovascular events according to TAK disease-specific factors, Cox regression analysis with adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors was performed.

Results

Of the total 207 patients with TAK, cardiovascular events occurred in 41 (19.8%) patients. Compared with patients who did not develop cardiovascular events, patients who developed cardiovascular events were older (38.5 ± 13.4 years vs. 43.6 ± 11.8 years, p = 0.028), more commonly had diabetes mellitus (6.6% vs. 19.5%, p = 0.029), had lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (57.3 ± 17.1 mg/dl vs. 51.2 ± 15.7 mg/dl, p = 0.040), more commonly had type V vascular involvement (33.1% vs. 63.4%, p 0.001), and less commonly received methotrexate (65.1% vs. 43.9%, p = 0.013). In Cox regression analysis, type V vascular involvement was significantly associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events (adjusted HR 2.852, 95% CI 1.474–5.518, p = 0.002), whereas the use of methotrexate was associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular events (adjusted HR 0.515, 95% CI 0.268–0.993, p = 0.047).

Conclusion

Type V vascular involvement was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events, while the use of methotrexate was associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular events, in patients with TAK.
Assessing what matters most to patients with or at risk for Alzheimer’s and care partners: a qualitative study evaluating symptoms, impacts, and outcomes
Authors: DiBenedetti Dana B. , Slota Christina , Wronski Samantha L. , Vradenburg George , Comer Meryl , Callahan Leigh F. , Winfield John , Rubino Ivana , Krasa Holly B. , Hartry Ann , Wieberg Dan , Kremer Ian N. , Lappin Debra , Martin Allison D. , Frangiosa Terry , Biggar Virginia , Hauber Brett
Published: July 2020

Background

The What Matters Most (WMM) study was initiated to evaluate symptoms, AD-related impacts, treatment-related needs, preferences, and priorities among individuals with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and their care partners. The objective of this qualitative study phase was to identify a comprehensive set of concepts of interest that are meaningful to individuals across the AD continuum.

Methods

Interviews were conducted with 60 clinically referred individuals and care partners across 5 AD stages (n = 12 each): group 1 (non-clinically impaired individuals with AD pathology), group 2 (individuals with mild cognitive impairment and AD pathology), group 3 (individuals with mild AD), group 4 (individuals with moderate AD and their care partners), and group 5 (care partners of individuals with severe AD). Interviews were conducted by experienced interviewers, audio-recorded, and transcribed. Dominant trends were identified in each interview and compared across subsequent interviews to generate themes or patterns in descriptions of AD symptoms, impacts, and desired treatment outcomes.

Results

All participants endorsed current issues related to memory; nearly all participants (n = 55; 92%) across the five groups endorsed symptoms related to communication and language. Groups 1–3 reported an impact on mood/emotions (n = 23; 64%) and a decrease in social activities or outgoingness (n = 17; 47%). Current and future concerns reported by the overall sample included memory (n = 48; 80%), dependence (n = 40; 67%), and “other” concerns (n = 33; 55.0%) (e.g., uncertainty about the future, burdening others). The most desired AD treatment outcomes were improvement or restoration of memory (n = 40; 67%) and stopping AD progression (n = 35; 58.3%). Group-level differences were observed in the symptoms, impacts, and desired treatment outcomes among patients and care partners across the AD continuum.

Conclusions

Cognitive functioning issues—particularly in memory and communication—are present even in preclinical and early-stage AD, including among those without a formal AD diagnosis. While the impacts of AD vary across the disease-severity spectrum, improved memory and disease modification were treatment outcomes considered most important to participants across all 5 AD stages. Neuropsychological assessments traditionally used in AD clinical trials may not evaluate the often-subtle concepts that are important to patients and care partners. Results from this study will inform the second phase of the WMM project—a quantitative study to elicit the relative importance of these concepts of interest to people at risk for and living with AD and their care partners.
Exposure to Toxocara spp. and Ascaris lumbricoides infections and risk of allergic rhinitis in children
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Iraj , Darvish Sorena , Riahi Seyed Mohammad , Moghaddam Solmaz Alizadeh , Pournasrollah Mohammad , Mohammadnia-Afrozi Mousa , Rostami Ali
Published: July 2020

Background

Substantial experimental studies suggest a role for helminthes infections in the pathogenesis of allergies, but epidemiologic data have been inconsistent. Unlike to asthma, the association between helminthes infection and allergic rhinitis (AR) has been poorly studied. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the association between exposure to Ascaris and Toxocara infections and AR.

Methods

We did an age- and gender-matched case–control study of 81 children with physician-confirmed AR and 101 control subjects in a referral hospital for pediatric diseases in northern Iran. Exposure to Ascaris and Toxocara infections was evaluated by anti-A. lumbricoides- and anti-Toxocara- IgG antibodies using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Associations were determined using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Ascaris seropositivity was higher in children with rhinitis than in controls (12.34 vs. 3.96%). Ascaris seropositivity was positively associated with AR in univariate analysis (OR, 3.42; 95% CI 1.03–11.3; P value = 0.035), but this association was not significant after adjustment for potential confounders (OR, 1.85; 95% CI 0.42–8.18). Also Toxocara seropositivity was higher in children with AR than in healthy subjects (3.7% vs. 0.99), indicating non-significant association with AR in both univariate (OR, 3.84; 95% CI 0.39–37.7) and multivariate analyses (OR, 0.8; 95% CI 0.04–15.44).

Conclusion

Our results revealed that AR is not associated with seropositivity to Ascaris and Toxocara infections in general; however, a higher seropositivity rate was found for both parasites in children with AR. More studies with longitudinal design and larger sample size are needed to elucidate this association.
Parathyroid hormone (1-34) promotes the effects of 3D printed scaffold-seeded bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on meniscus regeneration
Authors: Zhao Wen , Zou Tong , Cui Hao , Lv Yangou , Gao Dengke , Ruan Chenmei , Zhang Xia , Zhang Yihua
Published: July 2020

Background

Cell-based tissue engineering represents a promising management for meniscus repair and regeneration. The present study aimed to investigate whether the injection of parathyroid hormone (PTH) (1-34) could promote the regeneration and chondroprotection of 3D printed scaffold seeded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in a canine total meniscal meniscectomy model.

Methods

3D printed poly(e-caprolactone) scaffold seeded with BMSCs was cultured in vitro, and the effects of in vitro culture time on cell growth and matrix synthesis of the BMSCs–scaffold construct were evaluated by microscopic observation and cartilage matrix content detection at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. After that, the tissue-engineered meniscus based on BMSCs–scaffold cultured for the appropriate culture time was selected for in vivo implantation. Sixteen dogs were randomly divided into four groups: PTH + BMSCs–scaffold, BMSCs–scaffold, total meniscectomy, and sham operation. The regeneration of the implanted tissue and the degeneration of articular cartilage were assessed by gross, histological, and immunohistochemical analysis at 12 weeks postoperatively.

Results

In vitro study showed that the glycosaminoglycan (GAG)/DNA ratio and the expression of collagen type II (Col2) were significantly higher on day 21 as compared to the other time points. In vivo study showed that, compared with the BMSCs–scaffold group, the PTH + BMSCs–scaffold group showed better regeneration of the implanted tissue and greater similarity to native meniscus concerning gross appearance, cell composition, and cartilage extracellular matrix deposition. This group also showed less expression of terminal differentiation markers of BMSC chondrogenesis as well as lower cartilage degeneration with less damage on the knee cartilage surface, higher expression of Col2, and lower expression of degeneration markers.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that PTH (1-34) promotes the regenerative and chondroprotective effects of the BMSCs–3D printed meniscal scaffold in a canine model, and thus, their combination could be a promising strategy for meniscus tissue engineering.
Chronic arsenic exposure induces the time-dependent modulation of inflammation and immunosuppression in spleen
Authors: Yan Nan , Xu Guowei , Zhang Chenchen , Liu Xuping , Li Xin , Sun Lin , Wang Da , Duan Xiaoxu , Li Bing
Published: July 2020

Background

Arsenic exposure has become a matter of worldwide concern, which is associated with immune-related diseases. However, little is known about its effect on inflammatory immune-related homeostasis. The purpose of our study was to understand the potential tuning of above responses exerted by chronic arsenic exposure.

Methods

Kunming mice were treated with 25 and 50 mg/L sodium arsenite for 1, 3 and 12 months via drinking water. At different endpoints of arsenic exposure, all animals and the whole spleen of the mice were weighed. The total arsenic levels of spleen were determined by the HPLC-HG-AFS method. Splenic NF-κB, MAPK and NRF2 protein levels by treatment of 25 mg/L NaAsO2 for 1, 3 and 12 months and 25 mg/L and 50 mg/L NaAsO2 for 12 months were assessed by western blot. Total RNA of spleen was isolated and relative mRNA levels of Foxp3, Il-10, Tnf-α, Il-6, Ifn-γ, Il-1β and Il-12 were measured by real-time PCR.

Results

Our results shown that NF-κB were continuously activated with treatment of 25 mg/L arsenic from 1, 3 to 12 months and 50 mg/L arsenic for 12 months. The transcription factor Foxp3 increased at 1 month but decreased at 3 and 12 months no matter 25 or 50 mg/L arsenic exposure. However, cytokine Il-10 always showed increased trend in mice treated with 25 or 50 mg/L arsenic for 1, 3 and 12 months. The transcriptional profiles of Tnf-α, Il-1β, Il-6, Ifn-γ and Il-12 revealed transient elevation at 1 and 3 months but shown significant decrease at 12 months on the whole. In addition, the sustained activation of inflammatory MAPK and anti-oxidative Nrf2 signaling pathways were observed in mice exposed to arsenic for 1, 3 and 12 months.

Conclusion

In summary, our experiment in vivo suggested chronic arsenic exposure induces the time-dependent modulation of the inflammation and immunosuppression in spleen, which may be related to the activation of Tregs induced by MAPK/NF-κB as well as the increased transcription level of Foxp3 and Il-10.
Simplified Constitutive and Damage Plasticity Models for UHPFRC with Different Types of Fiber
Authors: Hashim Doaa Talib , Hejazi Farzad , Lei Voo Yen
Published: July 2020

In this study, several simplified constitutive models and a damage plasticity model for ultra-high performance fiber reinforced concrete(UHPFRC)material with micro and hooked ends steel fibers, Bekaert Dramix 5D steel fiber, and Forta-Ferro synthetic fiber had been developed. Later, these constitutive and damage plasticity models were applied as analytical model to numerically simulate the concrete members with different fibers, and to evaluate the behavior of the concrete sections. The constitutive models for UHPFRC of three mix designs were obtained experimentally by conducting uniaxial compression and tensile tests on both cylinder and dog-bone specimens. Next, a comparison was made among the three mix designs based on the outcomes retrieved from uniaxial compression and tensile stress–strain. These results were validated by numerically analyzing three hollow circular columns via finite element method. The numerical results revealed that the proposed material model possessed appropriate tensile strain-hardening behavior and uniaxial compression strengths of UHPFRC with different types of fiber. The lateral resistance responses of the tested hollow sections, which were obtained by using developed constitutive and damage plasticity models, displayed exceptional agreement with the experimental outcomes.
“Universal test and treat” program reduced TB incidence by 75% among a cohort of adults taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Gurage zone, South Ethiopia
Authors: Girum Tadele , Yasin Fedila , Dessu Samuel , Zeleke Bereket , Geremew Mulugeta
Published: July 2020

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in peoples living with HIV and at least 25% of deaths are attributed to TB. Many countries implement the Universal Test and Treat (UTT) program for HIV, which is believed to reduce the incidence of TB. However, there are limited studies that evaluate the impact of UTT on TB incidence. Therefore, by recruiting a cohort of ART users in the “UTT” and “differed treatment” programs, we aim to measure the effect of the UTT program on TB incidence.

Objective

To measure the effect of “UTT” program on TB incidence among a cohort of adults taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Gurage Zone, South Ethiopia.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted through record review over 5 years (2014–2019) in public health facilities in Gurage Zone. Three hundred eighty-four records were randomly selected and reviewed using a standardized structured checklist. Data was entered using Epi Info™ Version 7 and analyzed by STATA. A generalized linear model with binomial link function was fitted to measure the adjusted incidence density/incidence rate ratio and to identify predictors of incidence difference between the two programs.

Results

During the follow up period, 39 incident TB cases were identified with an overall incidence rate of 4.79/100 person-year (PY). TB incidence was significantly lower in the UTT cohort (IR = 2.10/100 PY) in comparison to the differed program cohort (IR = 6.23/100 PY). The adjusted incidence rate ratio (AIRR) of TB among patients enrolled in the UTT program was; 0.25 (95% CI = 0.08–0.70). Thus, there was a reduction of TB incidence by 75% in the UTT program compared to differed program. In addition, IPT (isoniazid preventive therapy) use (AIRR = 0.35 (95% CI = 0.22–0.48)), WHO Stage I and II (AIRR = 0.70 (95% CI = 0.61–0.94)) and higher base line CD4 count (AIRR = 0.96 (95% CI = .94–0.99)) significantly reduced the incidence of TB. However, treatment failure increase the incidence (AIRR = 5.8 (95% CI = 1.93–8.46)).

Conclusion

TB incidence was significantly reduced by 75% after UTT. Therefore, intervention to further reduce the incidence has to focus on strengthening UTT program and IPT.
Correction to: Changes in the sugars, amino acids and organic acids of postharvest sperminetreated immature vegetable soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) as determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Song Jiangfeng , Wu Gang , Li Tao , Liu Chunquan , Li Dajing
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
A study of efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid versus iodopovidone in pleurodesis via pigtail catheter in management of recurrent pleural effusion
Authors: Abd El Zaher Ayman H. , El Dib Ayman S.
Published: July 2020

Background

Researches to detect the ideal agent for pleurodesis are still continuous; iodopovidone is one of the best agents for pleurodesis that are commonly used. Tranexamic acid is also considered by many authors as a safe, cheap, and effective agent for pleurodesis.

Results

Group I (patients subjected to pleurodesis using tranexamic acid) had a higher complete response with a success rate 88% compared with 76% for group II (patients subjected to pleurodesis using iodopovidone) at the end of the study in 12 weeks. Complications were nearly equal in both groups. Chest pain, hypotension, and fever were the most common reported complications.

Conclusions

Tranexamic acid and iodopovidone were found to be effective alternative agents for pleurodesis with low cost and minimal complications.
Memory First Aid: remote memory service and webinar-based dementia training for non-medical graduates in Nepal, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka
Authors: Jha Arun , Williams Shehan , Singh Bhaweshwar , Pradhan Prabhat , Bhatt Khem Raj , Afridi Muhammad Iqbal , Tomar Rahul , Mukhopadhaya Kaushik
Published: July 2020

The prevalence of dementia is rising in low-resource countries, where specialist memory services are almost non-existent. The COVID-19 pandemic has created opportunities for innovative remote healthcare. Research shows a lack of dementia literacy and help-seeking behaviour for memory-related problems among older adults in South Asian countries. This paper proposes a remote memory service model and virtual dementia training in South Asian countries, called Memory First Aid (MFA). MFA offers help to a person experiencing memory difficulties until appropriate professional help is received. The MFA course is a 12-h webinar-based package consisting of four weekly modules. It covers dementia awareness and clinical features. The aim is to develop a non-medical workforce able to screen and assess older people with suspected dementia.
Treatment Options for Gonadotroph Tumors: Current State and Perspectives
Authors: Ilie Mirela Diana , Raverot Gérald
Published: July 2020

Context

Gonadotroph tumors represent approximatively one-third of anterior pituitary tumors, but despite their frequency, no medical treatment is currently recommended for them. This would be greatly needed because following surgery, which is the first-line treatment, a significant percentage of gonadotroph tumors regrow.

Evidence Acquisition

We performed PubMed searches in March 2020 using the term “gonadotroph” in combination with 36 different keywords related to dopamine type 2 receptor agonists, somatostatin receptor (SST) ligands, temozolomide, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), immunotherapy, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-targeted therapy, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Articles resulting from these searches, as well as relevant references cited by these articles were reviewed.

Evidence Synthesis

SST2 analogs have demonstrated only very limited antitumor effect, while high-dose cabergoline has been more effective in preventing tumor regrowth, but still in only a minority of cases. In the setting of an aggressive gonadotroph tumor, temozolomide is the recommended medical treatment, but has demonstrated also only limited efficacy. Still, its efficacy has been so far better than that of PRRT. No case of a gonadotroph tumor treated with pasireotide, VEGFR-targeted therapy, mTOR inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, or immune checkpoint inhibitors is reported in literature.

Conclusions

Gonadotroph tumors need better phenotyping in terms of both tumor cells and associated tumor microenvironment to improve their treatment. Until formal recommendations will be available, we provide the readers with our suggested approach for the management of gonadotroph tumors, management that should be discussed within multidisciplinary teams.
Estradiol, Progesterone, Immunomodulation, and COVID-19 Outcomes
Authors: Mauvais-Jarvis Franck , Klein Sabra L , Levin Ellis R
Published: July 2020

Severe outcomes and death from the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) appear to be characterized by an exaggerated immune response with hypercytokinemia leading to inflammatory infiltration of the lungs and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes is consistently lower in women than men worldwide, suggesting that female biological sex is instrumental in protection. This mini-review discusses the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory actions of high physiological concentrations of the steroids 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4). We review how E2 and P4 favor a state of decreased innate immune inflammatory response while enhancing immune tolerance and antibody production. We discuss how the combination of E2 and P4 may improve the immune dysregulation that leads to the COVID-19 cytokine storm. It is intended to stimulate novel consideration of the biological forces that are protective in women compared to men, and to therapeutically harness these factors to mitigate COVID-19 morbidity and mortality.
Neurobiology and Neuroprotective Benefits of Sleep
Authors: Schneider Logan
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article outlines the neurocircuitry underlying sleep-wake and circadian physiology with a focus on the fundamental roles that sleep and circadian health play in optimal neurologic function.

RECENT FINDINGS

The foundation of sleep and wake promotion is laid primarily by the “fast-acting” neurotransmitters: γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) for sleep and glutamate for wake. External to these primary systems are a host of modulatory systems that are characterized by two flip-flop switches of mutually inhibitory neurotransmitter systems that facilitate transitions between wake and sleep as well as non–rapid eye movement (non-REM) and REM sleep. Additional mechanisms are in place to help coordinate the sleep-wake states with environmental, metabolic, and behavioral demands. The complexity of the evolutionarily preserved sleep-wake and circadian systems, the proportion of the day dedicated to the natural sleeping period, as well as the neurocognitive dysfunction and neurodegeneration caused by deficient sleep highlight the importance of defining, assessing, and optimizing the sleep health of our patients and ourselves.

Exciting discoveries continue to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of sleep and wake state coordination, reinforcing fundamental healthy practices and paving the way for new interventions that preserve and promote optimal neurologic health.
Laudon’s Garden
Authors: Jovanović Miloš
Published: July 2020

This article traces how processes of physical displacement (and its corollary, re-emplacement) have emerged during multiple periods and in distant locales associated with the history and legacy of the Habsburg Empire. It focuses on an eighteenth-century Turkish garden made from Field Marshal Gideon Ernst von Laudon’s spoils of war on the outskirts of Vienna. Utilizing Anthony Vidler’s concept of “warped space,” the article explores Laudon’s garden as an exemplary form of imperial space. It then proceeds to argue that imperial capitalism continued to produce warped spaces based on processes of displacement and dispossession, using the example of the short-lived Austro-Hungarian concession in Tianjin. In doing so, the article argues for an understanding of imperial subjectivity that takes into account the built space of empire.
Real Estate Questions
Authors: Sell Zach
Published: July 2020

Historians of the United States have often described slavery as guided by the chattel principle. Yet in Black Reconstruction, W. E. B. Du Bois wrote, “No matter how degraded the factory hand, he is not real estate.” This article builds upon Du Bois’s description of slavery’s real estate basis and considers real estate as central to both slavery and territorial expansion in the nineteenth-century United States. Real estate formed the basis of slaveholder family stability and also enabled the intergenerational transfer of wealth. The article also considers the continuing influence of real estate after black emancipation. Real estate enabled post-slavery black dispossession and also facilitated the continuation of the United States as a settler empire.
Directional hearing in insects: biophysical, physiological and ecological challenges
Authors: Römer Heiner
Published: July 2020

Sound localisation is a fundamental attribute of the way that animals perceive their external world. It enables them to locate mates or prey, determine the direction from which a predator is approaching and initiate adaptive behaviours. Evidence from different biological disciplines that has accumulated over the last two decades indicates how small insects with body sizes much smaller than the wavelength of the sound of interest achieve a localisation performance that is similar to that of mammals. This Review starts by describing the distinction between tympanal ears (as in grasshoppers, crickets, cicadas, moths or mantids) and ﬂagellar ears (specifically antennae in mosquitoes and fruit flies). The challenges faced by insects when receiving directional cues differ depending on whether they have tympanal or flagellar years, because the latter respond to the particle velocity component (a vector quantity) of the sound ﬁeld, whereas the former respond to the pressure component (a scalar quantity). Insects have evolved sophisticated biophysical solutions to meet these challenges, which provide binaural cues for directional hearing. The physiological challenge is to reliably encode these cues in the neuronal activity of the afferent auditory system, a non-trivial problem in particular for those insect systems composed of only few nerve cells which exhibit a considerable amount of intrinsic and extrinsic response variability. To provide an integrative view of directional hearing, I complement the description of these biophysical and physiological solutions by presenting findings on localisation in real-world situations, including evidence for localisation in the vertical plane.
Variation in the response to exercise stimulation in Drosophila: marathon runner versus sprinter genotypes
Authors: Riddle Nicole C.
Published: July 2020

Animals’ behaviors vary in response to their environment, both biotic and abiotic. These behavioral responses have significant impacts on animal survival and fitness, and thus, many behavioral responses are at least partially under genetic control. In Drosophila for example, genes impacting aggression, courtship behavior, circadian rhythms, and sleep have been identified. Animal activity also is influenced strongly by genetics. My lab previously has used the Drosophila melanogaster Genetics Reference Panel (DGRP) to investigate activity levels and identified over 100 genes linked to activity. Here, I re-examine these data to determine if Drosophila strains differ in their response to rotational exercise stimulation, not simply in the amount of activity, but in activity patterns and timing of activity. Specifically, I asked if there are fly strains exhibiting either a “marathoner” pattern of activity, i.e. remaining active throughout the two-hour exercise period, or a “sprinter” pattern, i.e. carrying out most of the activity early in the exercise period. The DGRP strains examined differ significantly in how much activity is carried out at the beginning of the exercise period, and this pattern is influenced by both sex and genotype. Interestingly, there is no clear link between the activity response pattern and lifespan of the animals. Using GWASs, I identify ten high confidence candidate genes that control to which degree Drosophila exercise behaviors fit a marathoner or sprinter activity pattern. This finding suggests that, similar to other aspects of locomotor behavior, timing of activity patterns in response to exercise stimulation is under genetic control.
Total Synthesis and Structure–Activity Relationship Studies of Phelligridins C and D, and Phellifuropyranone A
Authors: Ohyoshi Takayuki , Mitsugi Keisuke , Ichimura Fumitaka , Higuma Tatsuya , Yoshida Masahito , Kigoshi Hideo
Published: July 2020

α-Pyrone polyphenols, phelligridins C and D (meshimakobnols B and A), and phellifuropyranone A, isolated from a Japanese mushroom, are growth inhibitors of cancer cells. Herein, we report full details of the total synthesis of phelligridins C and D. The key reactions of the synthetic pathways were Pd catalyzed cross-coupling and aldol-type condensation. This strategy also enabled the total synthesis of phellifuropyranone A and artificial analogs of phelligridins. Subsequent biological evaluation of these compounds clarified that the whole skeleton of phelligridin C and the catechol group of the left hand side are essential for the cytotoxicity.
Clinical study of different doses of atorvastatin combined with febuxostat in patients with gout and carotid atherosclerosis
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Xu Ming-hua , Wei Feng-ju , Shang Li-na
Published: July 2020

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of atorvastatin combined with febuxostat in the treatment of gout patients with carotid atherosclerosis and to observe the effects on serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, carotid plaques, and the adverse reactions.

Methods: Seventy patients with gout and carotid atherosclerosis admitted to Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University from January 2014 to June 2017 were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group. The treatment group received oral febuxostat 40 mg/day combined with atorvastatin 40 mg/day. The control group was given 40 mg/day febuxostat combined with 20 mg/day atorvastatin for 90 days. The effects of treatment on TNF-α, IL-1β, and CRP levels and carotid plaques of the patients were observed.

Results: After 90 days of treatment, serum TNF-α, IL-1β, and CRP levels, as well as HUA and total cholesterol (TC), decreased in both groups after treatment. There were significant differences observed (p < 0.05). The carotid artery plaques in the two groups were significantly smaller after treatment (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in adverse reactions between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Double doses of atorvastatin combined with febuxostat can effectively reduce uric acid to improve the inflammatory state in patients and reduce carotid plaques without increasing the incidence of adverse reactions.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.2945

How to cite this:Zhang Z, Xu MH, Wei FJ, Shang LN. Clinical study of different doses of atorvastatin combined with febuxostat in patients with gout and carotid atherosclerosis. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(6):1334-1338. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.6.2945

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Obesity and mental health
Authors: Dąbrowska Justyna , Wójcik Magdalena , Samek Ilona , Jańczyk Magdalena , Bator Damian , Milanowska Joanna
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Obesity is definied as having an excess of body weight caused by a chronic caloric imbalance with more calories being consumed than expended each day. There are over 2.1 billion individuals with obesity around the world. Body mass index (BMI), which is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared, is used to identify individuals with obesity. For adults, a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m2 is defined as overweight and a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher is defined as obese.The aim of the study: The purpose of this systemic review was to collect and analyse current and new information on obesity, its impact on mental health and vice versa.Material and method: Standard criteria were used to review the literature data. The search of articles in the PubMed database was carried out using the following keywords: obesity, mental health, diet, depression, anxiety.Description of the state of knowledge: There are numerous studies about obesity and other factors. Obesity can be the cause of depression, often due to stigma and discrimination, however depression could be also a reason of development of obesity. There was found bidirectional relationship – obesity increased the risk of depression by 55% and depression increased the risk of obesity by 58%. Studies show that anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be associated with obesity and considered as its risk factor. Another disorders, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) may also cause obesity.Summary: Obesity has complicated and multifactorial etiology. Discovered dependencies and conducted research will allow to find new therapeutic paths and isolate people at risk. However more research is needed to fully understand problem  of obesity and all its dependencies.
Remote learning tool as method of students' assesment in discipline "Dermatology. Venerology"
Authors: Hulei Liliia Omelyanivna , Malkovych Nataliia Mykolaivna
Published: July 2020

In recent months, medical education has changed dramatically and many medical educational institutions all over the world have been started to expand modern training methods, for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Purpose of the research was to evaluate the foreign students' knowledge of the medical faculty №3, in fourth year education and prepare them for taking successfully the final module control in the discipline "Dermatology. Venereology" in the Bukovinian State Medical University (Chernivtsi,Ukraine) by using the contemporary learning tool Classmarker.