bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and perceptions of infant massage in India: study from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh states
Authors: Chaturvedi Sarika , Randive Bharat , Pathak Ashish , Agarkhedkar Sharad , Tillu Girish , Darmstadt Gary L. , Patwardhan Bhushan
Published: November 2020

Background

Knowledge of the prevailing infant care practices and their effects is important to inform practice and public programs. Infant massage is a traditional practice in India but remains less studied. This study was conducted to study the prevalence and perceptions of infant massage practices in two states of India.

Methods

A total of 1497 caretakers of children under 18 months of age were interviewed in a cross-sectional study at immunisation units of medical schools in Maharashtra (MH) and Madhya Pradesh (MP) states and through home visits in villages in MH during March through August 2018.

Results

Infant massage was a prevalent practice (93.8% [95%CI: 92.4,94.9]) in both study states – 97.9%[95%CI:96.9,98.8] in MH and 85.3%[95%CI: 81.9,88.3] in MP – and the prevalence did not vary between male (94.5%) and female (93.5%) infants (p = 0.44). Massage was mostly initiated in the first week of life (82%); it is widely viewed as a traditional practice. It was common to massage the baby once daily (77%), before bathing (77%), and after feeding (57%). Massage was mostly conducted using oils (97%). In MH, preferred oils were a sesame oil-based proprietary traditional medicine oil (36%) and coconut oil (18%) while olive (29%) and mustard (20%) oils were most popular in MP. Commonly reported application techniques included gentle massage with minimal pressure, pressing (30%) and manually stretching certain joints (60%). Commonly reported perceived benefits of infant massage included increased bone strength, better sleep and growth, while no harm was perceived (95%).

Conclusion

Infant oil massage is a highly prevalent traditional practice in MH and MP. Clear guidance on the use of massage, choice of oil, and techniques for application is required to optimize benefits and minimize risks of this popular traditional practice.
A novel construct of anhedonia revealed in a Chinese sample via the Revised Physical and Social Anhedonia Scales
Authors: Wu Qiongqiong , He Jiayue , Fang Shulin , Zhang Panwen , Luo Xingwei , Zhang Jianghua , Xiong Yan , Luo Fusheng , Wang Xiaosheng , Yao Shuqiao , Wang Xiang
Published: November 2020

Background

Anhedonia is a core clinical symptom of mental disorders. The Revised Physical Anhedonia Scale (RPAS) and the Revised Social Anhedonia Scale (RSAS) have been applied in clinical and non-clinical samples since 1980s. However, the construct of a unified RPAS&RSAS for comprehensive measurement of anhedonia has never been explored. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to examine the factor structure of the unified RPAS&RSAS among undergraduates and clinical patients.

Methods

A total of 3435 undergraduates from two universities and 294 clinical patients with mental disorders had completed the Chinese version of the RPAS and the RSAS. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were each conducted to reveal the constructs of the RPAS and the RSAS. CFA was used to evaluate first- and second-order models for the unified RPAS&RSAS in undergraduates and clinical patients. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the RPAS and the RSAS were also evaluated.

Results

EFA and CFA indicated 2-factor structures for RPAS and RSAS, with the factors being defined as anticipatory anhedonia and consummatory anhedonia. The second-order model of the unified RPAS&RSAS in the undergraduates and clinical patients both had satisfactory fit index values (Undergraduate sample: CFI = 0.901, TLI = 0.899, RMSEA = 0.055, SRMR = 0.086; Clinical sample: CFI = 0.922, TLI = 0.911, RMSEA = 0.052, SRMR = 0.078). The psychometric robustness of the RPAS&RSAS were confirmed by high internal consistency and test-retest reliability values.

Conclusions

The unified RPAS&RSAS with a second-order structure was confirmed in both undergraduates and clinical samples in Chinese. The construct of anhedonia was refreshed as covering physical and social domains, and each of them includes both anticipatory and consummatory components.
A laparoscopic study investigating 3D vs 2D imaging systems using a pelvitrainer model with experts, non-experts, and students
Authors: Zwimpfer Tibor Andrea , Lacher Dominik , Fellmann-Fischer Bernhard , Mueller Michael
Published: November 2020

Background

Vision is an essential element of laparoscopic surgery that defines the outcome of an operation in regards to time, mistakes and precision. A 3-dimensional (3D) perspective may improve vision during an operation. Therefore, this study was designed to compare 3D versus 2-dimensional (2D) perspectives using a pelvitrainer model.

Methods

Fifty candidates were divided into 3 categories based on different experience levels. The candidates were randomised into two groups, with each group performing the same 4 standardised tasks. Group A approached the tasks first with 3D high definition and in a second turn with 2D high definition. Group B carried out the tasks with the systems in reverse order. Task completion time and the number of mistakes made for each task were recorded. After completing the tasks, participants answered questions concerning the two systems.

Results

Group A was, on average, 20% faster at all four tasks and made approximately 18% fewer mistakes in two of the tasks in comparison to group B. The experts significantly benefited from the 3D system in terms of accuracy compared to non-experts and students. The students demonstrated a significantly greater benefit from the 3D system when performing non-linear, continuous movements. Loss of concentration occurred at the same rate for subjects using the 2D and 3D systems. Nausea and dizziness were reported only when working with the 3D system. 91% found the 3D system advantageous for accomplishing the tasks.

Conclusions

Irrespective of experience level, 3D laparoscopy shows advantages in saving time, increasing accuracy and reducing mistakes. These benefits were also accompanied by subjective advantages that were noted by the participants. However, the more complex the task, the less significant the benefit of the 3D system and some people feel handicapped by the eyewear.
Dental maturity in children with celiac disease: a case–control study
Authors: Alamoudi Najlaa M. , Alsadat Farah A. , El-Housseiny Azza A. , Felemban Osama M. , Al Tuwirqi Amani A. , Mosli Rana H. , Saadah Omar I.
Published: November 2020

Background

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-related enteropathy triggered by gluten ingestion in susceptible individuals. Oral manifestations of CD have been frequently described, although reports on dental maturity (DM) are scant. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of DM in CD patients and to test for possible predictors.

Methods

This is a case–control study of children with CD and healthy controls between 2017 and 2020. A panoramic radiograph and comprehensive oral examination were performed for each participant. Dental age (DA) was measured according to Demirjian’s method and DM was calculated by subtracting the chronological age (CA) from the DA. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the DM between CD patients and controls, and a multivariate analysis was utilized to look for predictors of DM.

Results

Two-hundred and eight participants (104 children with CD, and 104 healthy controls) were incorporated. The mean age for CD patients was 10.67 ± 2.40 years, and 10.69 ± 2.37 years for healthy controls (P = 0.971). CD patients had a higher prevalence of delayed DM than controls (62.5% vs. 3%, respectively). They also had a greater delay in DM than controls (− 7.94 ± 10.94 vs. 6.99 ± 8.77,P < 0.001). A multivariate analysis identified age between 6 and 7 years (β ± SE = 16.21 ± 2.58,P < 0.001), as the only predictor for DM.

Conclusions

CD patients had a greater prevalence of delayed DM than controls. No predictors for DM could be found, except young age.
Risk scores for predicting early antiretroviral therapy mortality in sub-Saharan Africa to inform who needs intensification of care: a derivation and external validation cohort study
Authors: Auld Andrew F. , Fielding Katherine , Agizew Tefera , Maida Alice , Mathoma Anikie , Boyd Rosanna , Date Anand , Pals Sherri L. , Bicego George , Liu Yuliang , Shiraishi Ray W. , Ehrenkranz Peter , Serumola Christopher , Mathebula Unami , Alexander Heather , Charalambous Salome , Emerson Courtney , Rankgoane-Pono Goabaone , Pono Pontsho , Finlay Alyssa , Shepherd James C. , Holmes Charles , Ellerbrock Tedd V. , Grant Alison D.
Published: November 2020

Background

Clinical scores to determine early (6-month) antiretroviral therapy (ART) mortality risk have not been developed for sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), home to 70% of people living with HIV. In the absence of validated scores, WHO eligibility criteria (EC) for ART care intensification are CD4 < 200/μL or WHO stage III/IV.

Methods

We used Botswana XPRES trial data for adult ART enrollees to develop CD4-independent and CD4-dependent multivariable prognostic models for 6-month mortality. Scores were derived by rescaling coefficients. Scores were developed using the first 50% of XPRES ART enrollees, and their accuracy validated internally and externally using South African TB Fast Track (TBFT) trial data. Predictive accuracy was compared between scores and WHO EC.

Results

Among 5553 XPRES enrollees, 2838 were included in the derivation dataset; 68% were female and 83 (3%) died by 6 months. Among 1077 TBFT ART enrollees, 55% were female and 6% died by 6 months. Factors predictive of 6-month mortality in the derivation dataset atp < 0.01 and selected for the CD4-independent score included male gender (2 points), ≥ 1 WHO tuberculosis symptom (2 points), WHO stage III/IV (2 points), severe anemia (hemoglobin < 8 g/dL) (3 points), and temperature > 37.5 °C (2 points). The same variables plus CD4 < 200/μL (1 point) were included in the CD4-dependent score. Among XPRES enrollees, a CD4-independent score of ≥ 4 would provide 86% sensitivity and 66% specificity, whereas WHO EC would provide 83% sensitivity and 58% specificity. If WHO stage alone was used, sensitivity was 48% and specificity 89%. Among TBFT enrollees, the CD4-independent score of ≥ 4 would provide 95% sensitivity and 27% specificity, whereas WHO EC would provide 100% sensitivity but 0% specificity. Accuracy was similar between CD4-independent and CD4-dependent scores. Categorizing CD4-independent scores into low (< 4), moderate (4–6), and high risk (≥ 7) gave 6-month mortality of 1%, 4%, and 17% for XPRES and 1%, 5%, and 30% for TBFT enrollees.

Conclusions

Sensitivity of the CD4-independent score was nearly twice that of WHO stage in predicting 6-month mortality and could be used in settings lacking CD4 testing to inform ART care intensification. The CD4-dependent score improved specificity versus WHO EC. Both scores should be considered for scale-up in SSA.
“Peruvian balsam”: an example of transoceanic transfer of medicinal knowledge
Authors: Schottenhammer Angela
Published: November 2020

Background

Connections between China and the new Spanish colonies in America are known for an exchange of silver for silks and porcelains. That also medicinal drugs and medicinal knowledge crossed the Pacific Ocean is hardly known or discussed.Myroxylon balsamum(L.) Harms var.pereirae(Royle) Harms (“New World“ or “Peruvian balsam“) is a botanical balsam that has a long history of medicinal use, particularly as antiseptic and for wound healing. Except for a Chinese article discussing the reception of balsam in China and Japan, no scientific studies on its impact in China and Japan and the channels of transfer from the Americas to Asia exist.

Methods

Description: (1) This section provides a general introduction intoCommiphora gileadensis(“Old World” balsam) as a medicinal category and discusses the specific medicinal properties ofMyroxylon balsamum(L.) Harms var.pereirae(Royle) Harms. The section “Historical research and uses” provides a brief survey on some historical analyses of balsam. Aim, design, setting: (2) Applying a comparative textual and archaeological analysis the article critically examines Chinese and Japanese sources (texts, maps) to show (i) what Chinese and Japanese scholars knew about balsam, (ii) where and how it was used, and (iii) to identify reasons why the “digestion” of knowledge on balsam as a medicinal developed so differently in China and Japan.

Results and discussion

This chapter discusses the introduction of “Peruvian balsam” into, its uses as a medicinal as well as its scholarly reception in early modern China and Japan and introduces the channels of transmission from Spanish America to Asia. It is shown thatMyroxylon balsamum(L.) Harms var.pereirae(Royle) Harms was partly a highly valued substance imported from the Americas into China and Japan. But the history of the reception of medicinal knowledge on Peruvian balsam was significantly different in China and Japan.

Conclusions

In Japan, the knowledge onMyroxylon balsamumwas continuously updated, especially through mediation of Dutch physicians; Japanese scholars, doctors and pharmacists possessed a solid knowledge on this balsam, its origin and its medicinal uses. In China, on the contrary, there was no further “digestion” or development of the knowledge on eitherMyroxylon balsamum(L.) Harms var.pereirae(Royle) Harms orCommiphora gileadensis. By the late nineteenth century, related medicinal and even geographic knowledge had mostly been lost. The interest in “balsam” in late Qing scholarship was pure encyclopaedic and philosophic.
Research trends and hotspots of high tibial osteotomy in two decades (from 2001 to 2020): a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Zhang Haitao , Fan Yinuo , Wang Rui , Feng Wenjun , Chen Jinlun , Deng Peng , Qi Xinyu , Ye Pengcheng , Li Yijin , Li Jiahao , Zeng Jianchun , Zeng Yirong
Published: November 2020

Background

The purpose of this study is to comprehensively analyze the global application trend of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and identify promising research hotspots of HTO based on bibliometrics and visual analysis.

Methods

Publications (articles and reviews) related to HTO from 2001 to 2020 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database (WOSCC). The country, institution, year, author, journal, average citations per item, H index, title, abstract, keywords of publication, and the top 10 cited articles were extracted and analyzed in detail. The VOSviewer software was used to analyze theco-occurrence of keywords to predict the hotspots of HTO.

Results

A total of 1883 articles were included. In the past 20 years, the number of HTO articles has shown an increasing trend in general. The top 3 countries (the USA, Germany, and South Korea) accounted for 49.547% of all articles published. The USA has the largest number of publications. The University of Western Ontario is the largest contributor. The Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology Arthroscopy is the most influential journal. Professors Saito T and Imhoff AB are the leading scholars who made great achievements in the HTO field. The research direction can be divided into the following 5 clusters: "prognosis and outcome", "HTO combined with cartilage restoration techniques", "animal experimental research", "study on bone union and plate fixation at osteotomy", and "surgical technique research".

Conclusion

In terms of the trend of previous years, an increasing number of literatures related to HTO will be published in the future. The USA is a world leader in the field of HTO. South Korea presented great potential in this area. HTO combined with cartilage restoration techniques, postoperative prognosis and outcome, and surgical technique research may be the future hotspots in the field of HTO research.
Mechanisms of hyperprogressive disease after immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: what we (don’t) know
Authors: Camelliti Simone , Le Noci Valentino , Bianchi Francesca , Moscheni Claudia , Arnaboldi Francesca , Gagliano Nicoletta , Balsari Andrea , Garassino Marina Chiara , Tagliabue Elda , Sfondrini Lucia , Sommariva Michele
Published: November 2020

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have made a breakthrough in the treatment of different types of tumors, leading to improvement in survival, even in patients with advanced cancers. Despite the good clinical results, a certain percentage of patients do not respond to this kind of immunotherapy. In addition, in a fraction of nonresponder patients, which can vary from 4 to 29% according to different studies, a paradoxical boost in tumor growth after ICI administration was observed: a completely unpredictable novel pattern of cancer progression defined as hyperprogressive disease. Since this clinical phenomenon has only been recently described, a universally accepted clinical definition is lacking, and major efforts have been made to uncover the biological bases underlying hyperprogressive disease. The lines of research pursued so far have focused their attention on the study of the immune tumor microenvironment or on the analysis of intrinsic genomic characteristics of cancer cells producing data that allowed us to formulate several hypotheses to explain this detrimental effect related to ICI therapy. The aim of this review is to summarize the most important works that, to date, provide important insights that are useful in understanding the mechanistic causes of hyperprogressive disease.
Does landscape context affect pollination-related functional diversity and richness of understory flowers in forest fragments of Atlantic Rainforest in southeastern Brazil?
Authors: de Lima Karoline Baptista , Ferreira Patrícia Alves , Groppo Milton , Goldenberg Renato , Pansarin Emerson Ricardo , Barreto Roxana Cardoso , Coelho Guilherme Peres , Barros-Souza Yago , Boscolo Danilo
Published: November 2020

Background

How landscape modifications affect functional diversity of floral characteristics pertinent to pollinators is poorly known. Flowers possess functional traits that sometimes coevolved with pollinators, crucial for the maintenance of both pollinator and plant communities. We evaluated how richness and functional diversity of available understory flowers respond to forest cover and landscape heterogeneity in a multiscale analysis. Plants in bloom were sampled from 25 landscapes in the understory of Atlantic Forest fragments in Brazil. Species were classified into functional groups regarding flower characteristics relevant to pollination. Landscape heterogeneity and forest cover were measured in buffers ranging from 200 to 2000 m from sampling units and their correlation with plant richness and functional diversity was assessed using generalized linear models and further model selection through Akaike’s second-order information criterion.

Results

Plants’ richness and functional diversity were affected negatively by forest cover. The former responded to forest cover at a regional scale while the latter responded at a local scale. Higher landscape heterogeneity increased richness and functional diversity.

Conclusions

Our results showed that forest cover and landscape heterogeneity are important to support biodiversity related to pollination, mostly due to the availability of diversified resources and nesting sites associated to different land-uses for pollinators and flowering plant communities. These findings should highlight, along with forest cover, landscape heterogeneity as an environmental management priority in rural tropical areas for mitigating the loss of plant biodiversity and enhancing ecosystem functioning.
Gut health, stress, and immunity in neonatal dairy calves: the host side of host-pathogen interactions
Authors: Osorio Johan. S.
Published: November 2020

The cumulative evidence that perinatal events have long-lasting ripple effects through the life of livestock animals should impact future nutritional and management recommendations at the farm level. The implications of fetal programming due to malnutrition, including neonatal survival and lower birth weights, have been characterized, particularly during early and mid-gestation, when placental and early fetal stages are being developed. The accelerated fetal growth during late pregnancy has been known for some time, while the impact of maternal stressors during this time on fetal development and by extent its postnatal repercussions on health and performance are still being defined. Maternal stressors during late pregnancy cannot only influence colostrogenesis but also compromise adequate intestinal development in the fetus, thus, that further limits the newborn’s ability to absorb nutrients, bioactive compounds, and immunity (i.e., immunoglobulins, cytokines, and immune cells) from colostrum. These negative effects set the newborn calf to a challenging start in life by compromising passive immunity and intestinal maturation needed to establish a mature postnatal mucosal immune system while needing to digest and absorb nutrients in milk or milk replacer. Besides the dense-nutrient content and immunity in colostrum, it contains bioactive compounds such as growth factors, hormones, and cholesterol as well as molecular signals or instructions [e.g., microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs)] transferred from mother to offspring with the aim to influence postnatal gut maturation. The recent change in paradigm regarding prenatal materno-fetal microbiota inoculation and likely the presence of microbiota in the developing fetus intestine needs to be addressed in future research in ruminants. There still much to know on what prenatal or postnatal factors may predispose neonates to become susceptible to enteropathogens (e.g., enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli), causing diarrhea. From the host-side of this host-pathogen interaction, molecular data such as fecal RNA could, over time, help fill those gaps in knowledge. In addition, merging this novel fecal RNA approach with more established microbiome techniques can provide a more holistic picture of an enteropathogenesis and potentially uncover control points that can be addressed through management or nutrition at the farm level to minimize preweaning morbidity and mortality.
Treatment of glioblastoma multiforme with “classic” 4:1 ketogenic diet total meal replacement
Authors: Klein Pavel , Tyrlikova Ivana , Zuccoli Giulio , Tyrlik Adam , Maroon Joseph C.
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Glioblastoma (GBM) has poor survival with standard treatment. Experimental data suggest potential for metabolic treatment with low carbohydrate ketogenic diet (KD). Few human studies of KD in GBM have been done, limited by difficulty and variability of the diet, compliance, and feasibility issues. We have developed a novel KD approach of total meal replacement (TMR) program using standardized recipes with ready-made meals. This pilot study evaluated feasibility, safety, tolerability, and efficacy of GBM treatment using TMR program with “classic” 4:1 KD.

Method

GBM patients were treated in an open-label study for 6 months with 4:1 [fat]:[protein + carbohydrate] ratio by weight, 10 g CH/day, 1600 kcal/day TMR. Patients were either newly diagnosed (group 1) and treated adjunctively to radiation and temozolomide or had recurrent GBM (group 2). Patients checked blood glucose and blood and urine ketone levels twice daily and had regular MRIs. Primary outcome measures included retention, treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), and TEAE-related discontinuation. Secondary outcome measures were survival time from treatment initiation and time to MRI progression.

Results

Recruitment was slow, resulting in early termination of the study. Eight patients participated, 4 in group 1 and 4 in group 2. Five (62.5%) subjects completed the 6 months of treatment, 4/4 subjects in group 1 and 1/4 in group 2. Three subjects stopped KD early: 2 (25%) because of GBM progression and one (12.5%) because of diet restrictiveness. Four subjects, all group 1, continued KD on their own, three until shortly before death, for total of 26, 19.3, and 7 months, one ongoing. The diet was well tolerated. TEAEs, all mild and transient, included weight loss and hunger (n = 6) which resolved with caloric increase, nausea (n = 2), dizziness (n = 2), fatigue, and constipation (n = 1 each). No one discontinued KD because of TEAEs. Seven patients died. For these, mean (range) survival time from diet initiation was 20 months for group 1 (9.5–27) and 12.8 months for group 2 (6.3–19.9). Mean survival time from diagnosis was 21.8 months for group 1 (11–29.2) and 25.4 months for group 2 ( 13.9–38.7). One patient with recurrent GBM and progression on bevacizumab experienced a remarkable symptom reversal, tumor shrinkage, and edema resolution 6–8 weeks after KD initiation and survival for 20 months after starting KD.

Conclusion

Treatment of GBM patients with 4:1 KD using total meal replacement program with standardized recipes was well tolerated. The small sample size limits efficacy conclusions.

Trial registration

NCT01865162 registered 30 May 2013, and NCT02302235 registered 26 November 2014, https://clinicaltrials.gov/
Soluble and insoluble dipeptide repeat protein measurements in C9orf72-frontotemporal dementia brains show regional differential solubility and correlation of poly-GR with clinical severity
Authors: Quaegebeur Annelies , Glaria Idoia , Lashley Tammaryn , Isaacs Adrian M.
Published: November 2020

A C9orf72 repeat expansion is the most common genetic cause of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. One of the suggested pathomechanisms is toxicity from dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs), which are generated via unconventional translation of sense and antisense repeat transcripts with poly-GA, poly-GP and poly-GR being the most abundant dipeptide proteins. Animal and cellular studies highlight a neurotoxic role of poly-GR and poly-PR and to a lesser degree of poly-GA. Human post-mortem studies in contrast have been much less clear on a potential role of DPR toxicity but have largely focused on immunohistochemical methods to detect aggregated DPR inclusions. This study uses protein fractionation and sensitive immunoassays to quantify not only insoluble but also soluble poly-GA, poly-GP and poly-GR concentrations in brain homogenates of FTD patients with C9orf72 mutation across four brain regions. We show that soluble DPRs are less abundant in clinically affected areas (i.e. frontal and temporal cortices). In contrast, the cerebellum not only shows the largest DPR load but also the highest relative DPR solubility. Finally, poly-GR levels and poly-GP solubility correlate with clinical severity. These findings provide the first cross-comparison of soluble and insoluble forms of all sense DPRs and shed light on the distribution and role of soluble DPRs in the etiopathogenesis of human C9orf72-FTD.
PINK1/PARKIN signalling in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation
Authors: Quinn Peter M. J. , Moreira Paula I. , Ambrósio António Francisco , Alves C. Henrique
Published: November 2020

Mutations in the PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) and Parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase (PARKIN) genes are associated with familial forms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). PINK1, a protein kinase, and PARKIN, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, control the specific elimination of dysfunctional or superfluous mitochondria, thus fine-tuning mitochondrial network and preserving energy metabolism. PINK1 regulates PARKIN translocation in impaired mitochondria and drives their removal via selective autophagy, a process known as mitophagy. As knowledge obtained using different PINK1 and PARKIN transgenic animal models is being gathered, growing evidence supports the contribution of mitophagy impairment to several human pathologies, including PD and Alzheimer’s diseases (AD). Therefore, therapeutic interventions aiming to modulate PINK1/PARKIN signalling might have the potential to treat these diseases. In this review, we will start by discussing how the interplay of PINK1 and PARKIN signalling helps mediate mitochondrial physiology. We will continue by debating the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and Parkinson’s diseases, as well as eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma, and the causative factors leading to PINK1/PARKIN-mediated neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. Finally, we will discuss PINK1/PARKIN gene augmentation possibilities with a particular focus on AD, PD and glaucoma.
A new method for correcting temperature log profiles in low-enthalpy plays
Authors: Schumacher Sandra , Moeck Inga
Published: November 2020

Temperature logs recorded shortly after drilling operations can be the only temperature information from deep wells. However, these measurements are still influenced by the thermal disturbance caused by drilling and therefore do not represent true rock temperatures. The magnitude of the thermal disturbance is dependent on many factors such as drilling time, logging procedure or mud temperature. However, often old well reports lack this crucial information so that conventional corrections on temperature logs cannot be performed. This impedes the re-evaluation of well data for new exploration purposes, e.g. for geothermal resources. This study presents a new method to correct log temperatures in low-enthalpy play types which only requires a knowledge of the final depth of the well as an input parameter. The method was developed and verified using existing well data from an intracratonic sedimentary basin, the eastern part of the North German Basin. It can be transferred to other basins with little or no adjustment.
Towards a symbiotic relationship between big data, artificial intelligence, and hospital pharmacy
Authors: Del Rio-Bermudez Carlos , Medrano Ignacio H. , Yebes Laura , Poveda Jose Luis
Published: November 2020

The digitalization of health and medicine and the growing availability of electronic health records (EHRs) has encouraged healthcare professionals and clinical researchers to adopt cutting-edge methodologies in the realms of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics to exploit existing large medical databases. In Hospital and Health System pharmacies, the application of natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning to access and analyze the unstructured, free-text information captured in millions of EHRs (e.g., medication safety, patients’ medication history, adverse drug reactions, interactions, medication errors, therapeutic outcomes, and pharmacokinetic consultations) may become an essential tool to improve patient care and perform real-time evaluations of the efficacy, safety, and comparative effectiveness of available drugs. This approach has an enormous potential to support share-risk agreements and guide decision-making in pharmacy and therapeutics (P&T) Committees.
Cognitive testing of a survey instrument for self-assessed menstrual cycle characteristics and androgen excess
Authors: Mahalingaiah Shruthi , Cosenza Carol , Cheng J. Jojo , Rodriguez Erika , Aschengrau Ann
Published: November 2020

Background

In large population-based studies, there is a lack of existing survey instruments designed to ascertain menstrual cycle characteristics and androgen excess status including hirsutism, alopecia, and acne. Our objective was to cognitively test a survey instrument for self-assessed menstrual cycle characteristics androgen excess.

Methods

Questions to assess menstrual characteristics and health were designed using existing surveys and clinical experience. Pictorial self-assessment tools for androgen excess were also developed with an experienced medical illustrator to include the modified Ferrimen-Galway, acne and androgenic alopecia. These were combined into an online survey instrument using REDCap. Of the 219 questions, 120 were selected for cognitive testing to assess question comprehension in a population representative of the future study population.

Results

Cognitive testing identified questions and concepts not easily comprehended, recalled, or had problematic response choices. Comprehension examples included simplifying the definition for polycystic ovary syndrome and revising questions on historic menstrual regularity and bleeding duration. Recall and answer formation examples include issues with recalling waist size, beverage consumption, and interpretation of questions using symbols (> or <). The survey was revised based on feedback and subsequently used in the Ovulation and Menstruation (OM) Health Pilot study.

Conclusion

We present a cognitively tested, novel survey instrument to assess menstrual cycle characteristics and androgen excess.
The phytochemical and pharmacological screening of three crude extracts of Desmodium canum (strong back)
Authors: Alexander-Lindo Ruby Lisa , Porter Roy Barrington Reynolds , Nwokocha Chuckwuemeka Rapheal , Lattibeaudiere Kemmoy Godfrey
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Desmodium canum (Strong Back) is deemed a versatile traditional medicine, where it is used to treat diabetes, hypertension, asthma and erectile dysfunction.

Aim

To identify the various phytochemicals present within extracts of D. canum, their antioxidant capabilities and their effects on blood glucose levels, haemodynamic parameters and testosterone levels in healthy Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats.

Method

Crude extracts were obtained using hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. These were analysed for various phytochemicals and their antioxidant potential assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The extracts were investigated for hypoglycaemic potential using the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), where extracts were administered intravenously (50 mg/kg BW) to fasted rats and their blood glucose readings monitored at 30 min intervals. The hypotensive effect of the extracts were also investigated where rats were administered intravenously at 50 mg/kg BW. These haemodynamic parameters were monitored using the CODA 6 machine at 5 min intervals for a total of 20 min. Additionally, the effect on testosterone level was investigated in male rats where extracts were administered daily by oral gavage. Serum testosterone levels were then determined using an ELISA kit.

Results

The different extracts showed varying phytochemical and pharmacological properties. The methanol extract showed antioxidant capabilities, while the ethyl acetate extract showed significant hypoglycaemic and hypotensive effects when compared with the control. The hexane extract showed significant activity in increasing the testosterone when compared with the control.

Conclusion

D. canum extracts showed significant pharmacological activities in normal Sprague- Dawley rats.
Mental health and access to care among refugee mothers relocated to San Diego: a comparative study of Iraqi and Somali refugee communities
Authors: Bruno William Jude , Tringale Kathryn Ries , Al-Delaimy Wael K.
Published: November 2020

Background

Mental illness is common amongst refugees and can differ depending on cultural background, experiences, and access to care. Given significant risk factors including high rates of exposure to sexual violence and different barriers to seeking adequate health care, refugee mothers are uniquely at risk.

Methods

In 2012–2013, surveys were administered to a convenience sample of Somali and systematic random sample of Iraqi refugee mothers to identify differences in mental health between the populations. The Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-25) identified respondents with major depression and emotional distress. We used multivariable logistic regression to compare these populations and identify variables associated with mental illness.

Results

198 Somali and 219 Iraqi women were included. Most Iraqis (60.27%) had not seen a mental health provider while most Somalis (62.63%) had. On average, Iraqis scored 0.34 points higher (worse) on the HSCL-25 compared to Somalis (95% CI, 0.22–0.46; P < 0.001). Iraqis were more likely to have major depression (OR = 2.62, 95% CI 1.50–4.57, P = 0.001). On multivariable analysis accounting for the country of origin, those who saw a mental health provider were less likely to have major depression or emotional distress (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.22–0.82, P = 0.011; OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.22–0.85, P = 0.015, respectively).

Discussion

Iraqi refugee mothers were more likely to have depression compared to Somalis. Refugee mothers who saw a mental health provider were less likely to have depression or emotional distress. These results suggest the cultural background and access to health services among refugee mothers’ impact on mental health.
Quality of life among patients seeking treatment for substance use disorder, as measured with the EQ-5D-3L
Authors: Rand Kim , Arnevik Espen Ajo , Walderhaug Espen
Published: November 2020

Purpose

There is a need to assess the quality of treatment for Substance Use Disorder (SUD), and document SUD patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The study aims to describe Norwegian SUD patients’ HRQoL as measured by EQ-5D, compared to a general population sample, and discuss the potential usefulness of the EQ-5D to monitor HRQoL for SUD patients.

Methods

One hundred seventy eight SUD patients (66.3% male) were administered the EQ-5D-3L at treatment start. Patients and general population samples were compared in terms of reported EQ-5D-3L health states, problems by dimension, UK index values, and EQ VAS scores. We investigated specific drug dependence, mental health disorders, sex, age, and education as predictors of EQ-5D-3L values and EQ VAS scores. Anxiety/depression dimension scores were compared to Hopkins symptom Checklist (HSCL-25) scores.

Results

91.6% of the patient sample reported problems on the EQ-5D-3L, with 29.8% reporting extreme problem, compared to 39.8% and 3.0% in the general population sample. Mean index (EQ VAS) score among SUD patients was .59 (59.9) compared to .90 (84.1) in the general population. Regression analyses identified phobic anxiety and cocaine dependence as statistically significant predictors of higher EQ-5D-3L index scores.

Conclusion

SUD patients report substantially reduced HRQoL, as measured using the EQ-5D-3L. The most frequently reported problems were for the anxiety/depression, pain/discomfort, and usual activities dimensions. The EQ-5D may be a useful and practical instrument for monitoring HRQoL in SUD patients.
Symptom burden and health-related quality of life impacts of smoldering multiple myeloma: the patient perspective
Authors: Jean-Baptiste Milenka , Gries Katharine S. , Lenderking William R. , Fastenau John
Published: November 2020

Background

Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is an early form of multiple myeloma (MM). SMM is typically considered asymptomatic, and research on how it affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is limited. This study assessed the symptoms and HRQoL of patients with SMM and those who progressed from SMM to MM and evaluated the content validity of two patient-reported outcome instruments (EORTC QLQ-C30 and nine items from the EORTC QLQ-MY20) for use in SMM clinical trials. To address these objectives, concept elicitation and cognitive interviews were conducted with SMM patients and recently diagnosed MM patients.

Results

Fifteen adult SMM and six adult MM participants with a prior SMM diagnosis were interviewed. On average, SMM study participants were 61 years old (46.0–78.0), 11 (73%) were female, and diagnosed 2.6 (±2.0) years ago. Each participant had experienced at least one symptom, most commonly tiredness/fatigue, weakness, and pain. The most common HRQoL impacts were emotional and physical. SMM study participants demonstrated good understanding of both the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-MY20 subscales and found them relevant to their SMM health state. The average age of MM participants was 53 years old (39.0–62.0); 5 (83%) were female and diagnosed 1.9 years ago (±2.1). MM participants most commonly reported tiredness, weakness, constipation, shortness of breath, and dry mouth as occurring when they progressed from SMM to MM.

Conclusions

Although previously described as asymptomatic, these SMM participants reported experiencing symptoms that affected their lives. Additionally, the EORTC subscales measured symptoms SMM patients experienced. The participants with MM reported that the symptom burden and HRQoL impacts increased when diagnosed with MM. These findings suggest the need for increased surveillance of symptoms within the SMM population and further suggest that the EORTC subscales can be used to assess symptoms and impacts in both the SMM and MM populations.
The impact of achieving a sustained virological response with direct-acting antivirals on serum autotaxin levels in chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Saleh Shereen Abou Bakr , Abdelwahab Khaled Mohamed , Mady Asmaa Mady , Mohamed Ghada Abdelrahman
Published: November 2020

Background

Autotaxin (ATX) is an emerging biomarker for liver fibrosis. Achievement of sustained virological response (SVR) by direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) results in hepatic fibrosis regression in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. In this context, the clinical implications of ATX have not yet been well-defined. In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of achieving SVR with DAA therapy on serum ATX levels and whether these levels can reflect the regression of hepatic fibrosis in CHC patients. We evaluated serum ATX levels at baseline and 12 weeks post-DAA therapy in 48 CHC patients. We compared ATX with FIB4 score and AST-to-Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) as regards the detection of grade F3–4 fibrosis.

Results

Serum ATX levels were significantly declined in 47 patients after the achievement of SVR12 (p < 0.001). The diagnostic ability of ATX for the detection of grade F3–4 fibrosis was inferior to FIB4 and APRI scores at baseline and SVR12.

Conclusion

Achievement of SVR with DAA therapy causes a significant decline in serum autotaxin concentrations, suggesting early regression of hepatic fibrosis in CHC patients. However, its diagnostic capability for routine patient monitoring and follow-up is still under debate.
Placental Inositol Reduced in Gestational Diabetes as Glucose Alters Inositol Transporters and IMPA1 Enzyme Expression
Authors: Pillai Reshma A , Islam Mohammed O , Selvam Preben , Sharma Neha , Chu Anne H Y , Watkins Oliver C , Godfrey Keith M , Lewis Rohan M , Chan Shiao Y
Published: November 2020

Context

Perturbed inositol physiology in insulin-resistant conditions has led to proposals of inositol supplementation for gestational diabetes (GDM) prevention, but placental inositol biology is poorly understood.

Objective

Investigate associations of maternal glycemia with placental inositol content, determine glucose effects on placental expression of inositol enzymes and transporters, and examine relations with birthweight.

Design and Participants

Case-control study of placentae from term singleton pregnancies (GDM n = 24, non-GDM n = 26), and culture of another 9 placentae in different concentrations of glucose and myo-inositol for 48 hours.

Main Outcome Measures

Placental inositol was quantified by the Megazyme assay. Relative expression of enzymes involved in myo-inositol metabolism and plasma membrane inositol transport was determined by quantitative RT-PCR and immunoblotting. Linear regression analyses were adjusted for maternal age, body mass index, ethnicity, gestational age, and sex.

Results

Placental inositol content was 17% lower in GDM compared with non-GDM. Higher maternal mid-gestation glycemia were associated with lower placental inositol. Increasing fasting glycemia was associated with lower protein levels of the myo-inositol synthesis enzyme, IMPA1, and the inositol transporters, SLC5A11 and SLC2A13, the expression of which also correlated with placental inositol content. In vitro, higher glucose concentrations reduced IMPA1 and SLC5A11 mRNA expression. Increasing fasting glycemia positively associated with customized birthweight percentile as expected in cases with low placental inositol, but this association was attenuated with high placental inositol.

Conclusion

Glycemia-induced dysregulation of placental inositol synthesis and transport may be implicated in reduced placental inositol content in GDM, and this may in turn be permissive to accelerated fetal growth.
Recruitment of BAF to the nuclear envelope couples the LINC complex to endoreplication
Authors: Unnikannan C. P. , Reuveny Adriana , Grunberg Dvorah , Volk Talila
Published: November 2020

DNA endoreplication has been implicated as a cell strategy to grow in size and in tissue injury. Here, we demonstrate that barrier to autointegration factor (BAF), represses endoreplication in Drosophila myofibers. We show that BAF localization at the nuclear envelope was eliminated either in mutants of the Linker of Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton (LINC) complex, in which the LEM-domain protein Otefin was similarly excluded, or after disruption of the nucleus-sarcomere connections. Furthermore, BAF localization at the nuclear envelope required the activity of the BAF kinase VRK1/Ball, and consistently non-phosphorytable BAF-GFP was excluded from the nuclear envelope. Importantly, removal of BAF from the nuclear envelope correlated with increased DNA content in the myonuclei. E2F1, a key regulator of endoreplication was found to overlap BAF localization at the myonuclear envelope, and BAF removal from the nuclear envelope resulted with increased E2F1 levels in the nucleoplasm, and subsequent elevated DNA content. We suggest that LINC-dependent, and phospho-sensitive attachment of BAF to the nuclear envelope, through its binding to Otefin, tethers E2F1 to the nuclear envelope thus inhibiting its accumulation at the nucleoplasm.
The Stereocontrolled Total Synthesis of Polyketide Natural Products: A Thirty-Year Journey
Authors: Stockdale Tegan P , Lam Nelson Y S , Anketell Matthew J , Paterson Ian
Published: November 2020

The diverse and complex structures of polyketide natural products have stimulated the imagination of synthetic chemists for decades. Captivated by their often impressive biological activities and their dazzling array of stereochemically-rich motifs, we have been motivated to achieve their efficient and stereocontrolled total synthesis. This review captures snapshots from our thirty-year foray into the total synthesis of 18 polyketide natural products, detailing the unique challenges, discoveries and revelations made en route to eventual success. Notably, crucial to each of these campaigns was the judicious application of highly selective aldol reactions to iteratively configure the densely oxygenated stereoclusters that characterise this fascinating class of bioactive natural products.
Exploring and Adapting the Molecular Selectivity of Artificial Metalloenzymes
Authors: Vong Kenward , Nasibullin Igor , Tanaka Katsunori
Published: November 2020

In recent years, artificial metalloenzymes (ArMs) have become a major research interest in the field of biocatalysis. With the ability to facilitate new-to-nature reactions, researchers have generally prepared them either through intensive protein engineering studies or through the introduction of abiotic transition metals. The aim of this review will be to summarize the major types of ArMs that have been recently developed, as well as to highlight their general reaction scope. A point of emphasis will also be made to discuss the promising ways that the molecular selectivity of ArMs can be applied to in areas of pharmaceutical synthesis, diagnostics, and drug therapy.