bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential impact of malaria control interventions on P. falciparum and P. vivax infections in young Papua New Guinean children
Authors: Ome-Kaius Maria , Kattenberg Johanna Helena , Zaloumis Sophie , Siba Matthew , Kiniboro Benson , Jally Shadrach , Razook Zahra , Mantila Daisy , Sui Desmond , Ginny Jason , Rosanas-Urgell Anna , Karl Stephan , Obadia Thomas , Barry Alyssa , Rogerson Stephen J. , Laman Moses , Tisch Daniel , Felger Ingrid , Kazura James W. , Mueller Ivo , Robinson Leanne J.
Published: December 2019

Introduction

As malaria transmission declines, understanding the differential impact of intensified control on Plasmodium falciparum relative to Plasmodium vivax and identifying key drivers of ongoing transmission is essential to guide future interventions.

Methods

Three longitudinal child cohorts were conducted in Papua New Guinea before (2006/2007), during (2008) and after scale-up of control interventions (2013). In each cohort, children aged 1–5 years were actively monitored for infection and illness. Incidence of malaria episodes, molecular force of blood-stage infections (molFOB) and population-averaged prevalence of infections were compared across the cohorts to investigate the impact of intensified control in young children and the key risk factors for malaria infection and illness in 2013.

Results

Between 2006 and 2008, P. falciparum infection prevalence, molFOB, and clinical malaria episodes reduced by 47%, 59% and 69%, respectively, and a further 49%, 29% and 75% from 2008 to 2013 (prevalence 41.6% to 22.1% to 11.2%; molFOB: 3.4 to 1.4 to 1.0 clones/child/year; clinical episodes incidence rate (IR) 2.6 to 0.8 to IR 0.2 episodes/child/year). P. vivax clinical episodes declined at rates comparable to P. falciparum between 2006, 2008 and 2013 (IR 2.5 to 1.1 to 0.2), while P. vivaxmolFOB (2006, 9.8; 2008, 12.1) and prevalence (2006, 59.6%; 2008, 65.0%) remained high in 2008. However, in 2013, P. vivaxmolFOB (1.2) and prevalence (19.7%) had also substantially declined. In 2013, 89% of P. falciparum and 93% of P. vivax infections were asymptomatic, 62% and 47%, respectively, were sub-microscopic. Area of residence was the major determinant of malaria infection and illness.

Conclusion

Intensified vector control and routine case management had a differential impact on rates of P. falciparum and P. vivax infections but not clinical malaria episodes in young children. This suggests comparable reductions in new mosquito-derived infections but a delayed impact on P. vivax relapsing infections due to a previously acquired reservoir of hypnozoites. This demonstrates the need to strengthen implementation of P. vivax radical cure to maximise impact of control in co-endemic areas. The high heterogeneity of malaria in 2013 highlights the importance of surveillance and targeted interventions to accelerate towards elimination.
Metformin use and cardiovascular outcomes after acute myocardial infarction in patients with type 2 diabetes: a cohort study
Authors: Bromage Daniel I. , Godec Tom R. , Pujades-Rodriguez Mar , Gonzalez-Izquierdo Arturo , Denaxas S. , Hemingway Harry , Yellon Derek M.
Published: December 2019

Background

The use of metformin after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been associated with reduced mortality in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, it is not known if it is acutely cardioprotective in patients taking metformin at the time of AMI. We compared patient outcomes according to metformin status at the time of admission for fatal and non-fatal AMI in a large cohort of patients in England.

Methods

This study used linked data from primary care, hospital admissions and death registry from 4.7 million inhabitants in England, as part of the CALIBER resource. The primary endpoint was a composite of acute myocardial infarction requiring hospitalisation, stroke and cardiovascular death. The secondary endpoints were heart failure (HF) hospitalisation and all-cause mortality.

Results

4,030 patients with T2DM and incident AMI recorded between January 1998 and October 2010 were included. At AMI admission, 63.9% of patients were receiving metformin and 36.1% another oral hypoglycaemic drug. Median follow-up was 343 (IQR: 1–1436) days. Adjusted analyses showed an increased hazard of the composite endpoint in metformin users compared to non-users (HR 1.09 [1.01–1.19]), but not of the secondary endpoints. The higher risk of the composite endpoint in metformin users was only observed in people taking metformin at AMI admission, whereas metformin use post-AMI was associated with a reduction in risk of all-cause mortality (0.76 [0.62–0.93], P = 0.009).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that metformin use at the time of first AMI is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death in patients with T2DM, while its use post-AMI might be beneficial. Further investigation in well-designed randomised controlled trials is indicated, especially in view of emerging evidence of cardioprotection from sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.
Molecular networks of FOXP family: dual biologic functions, interplay with other molecules and clinical implications in cancer progression
Authors: Kim Ju-Ha , Hwang Jisung , Jung Ji Hoon , Lee Hyo-Jung , Lee Dae Young , Kim Sung-Hoon
Published: December 2019

Though Forkhead box P (FOXP) transcription factors comprising of FOXP1, FOXP2, FOXP3 and FOXP4 are involved in the embryonic development, immune disorders and cancer progression, the underlying function of FOXP3 targeting CD4 + CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells and the dual roles of FOXP proteins as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor are unclear and controversial in cancers to date. Thus, the present review highlighted research history, dual roles of FOXP proteins as a tumor suppressor or an oncogene, their molecular networks with other proteins and noncoding RNAs, cellular immunotherapy targeting FOXP3, and clinical implications in cancer progression.
Emerging insights of tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance mechanisms in lung cancer targeted therapy
Authors: Lim Zuan-Fu , Ma Patrick C.
Published: December 2019

The biggest hurdle to targeted cancer therapy is the inevitable emergence of drug resistance. Tumor cells employ different mechanisms to resist the targeting agent. Most commonly inEGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer, secondary resistance mutations on the target kinase domain emerge to diminish the binding affinity of first- and second-generation inhibitors. Other alternative resistance mechanisms include activating complementary bypass pathways and phenotypic transformation. Sequential monotherapies promise to temporarily address the problem of acquired drug resistance, but evidently are limited by the tumor cells’ ability to adapt and evolve new resistance mechanisms to persist in the drug environment. Recent studies have nominated a model of drug resistance and tumor progression under targeted therapy as a result of a small subpopulation of cells being able to endure the drug (minimal residual disease cells) and eventually develop further mutations that allow them to regrow and become the dominant population in the therapy-resistant tumor. This subpopulation of cells appears to have developed through a subclonal event, resulting in driver mutations different from the driver mutation that is tumor-initiating in the most common ancestor. As such, an understanding of intratumoral heterogeneity—the driving force behind minimal residual disease—is vital for the identification of resistance drivers that results from branching evolution. Currently available methods allow for a more comprehensive and holistic analysis of tumor heterogeneity in that issues associated with spatial and temporal heterogeneity can now be properly addressed. This review provides some background regarding intratumoral heterogeneity and how it leads to incomplete molecular response to targeted therapies, and proposes the use of single-cell methods, sequential liquid biopsy, and multiregion sequencing to discover the link between intratumoral heterogeneity and early adaptive drug resistance. In summary, minimal residual disease as a result of intratumoral heterogeneity is the earliest form of acquired drug resistance. Emerging technologies such as liquid biopsy and single-cell methods allow for studying targetable drivers of minimal residual disease and contribute to preemptive combinatorial targeting of both drivers of the tumor and its minimal residual disease cells.
Initial therapy affects duration of diarrhoea in critically ill patients with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI)
Authors: Manthey Carolin F. , Dranova Darja , Christner Martin , Drolz Andreas , Kluge Stefan , Lohse Ansgar W. , Fuhrmann Valentin
Published: December 2019

Background

Critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) are at high risk for developing Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI). Risk factors predicting their mortality or standardized treatment recommendations have not been defined for this cohort. Our goal is to determine outcome and mortality associated risk factors for patients at the ICU with CDI by evaluating clinical characteristics and therapy regimens.

Methods

A retrospective single-centre cohort study. One hundred forty-four patients (0.4%) with CDI-associated diarrhoea were included (total 36.477 patients admitted to 12 ICUs from January 2010 to September 2015). Eight patients without specific antibiotic therapy were excluded, so 132 patients were analysed regarding mortality, associated risk factors and therapy regimens using univariate and multivariate regression.

Results

Twenty-eight-day mortality was high in patients diagnosed with CDI (27.3%) compared to non-infected ICU patients (9%). Patients with non CDI-related sepsis (n = 40/132; 30.3%) showed further increase in 28-day mortality (45%; p = 0.003). Initially, most patients were treated with a single CDI-specific agent (n = 120/132; 90.9%), either metronidazole (orally, 35.6%; or IV, 37.1%) or vancomycin (18.2%), or with a combination of antibiotics (n = 12/132; 9.1%). Patients treated with metronidazole IV showed significantly longer duration of diarrhoea > 5 days (p = 0.006). In a multivariate regression model, metronidazole IV as initial therapy was an independent risk factor for delayed clinical cure. Immunosuppressants (p = 0.007) during ICU stay lead to increased 28-day mortality.

Conclusion

Treatment of CDI with solely metronidazole IV leads to a prolonged disease course in critically ill patients.
An adaptive two-arm clinical trial using early endpoints to inform decision making: design for a study of sub-acromial spacers for repair of rotator cuff tendon tears
Authors: Parsons Nick , Stallard Nigel , Parsons Helen , Wells Philip , Underwood Martin , Mason James , Metcalfe Andrew
Published: December 2019

Background

There is widespread concern across the clinical and research communities that clinical trials, powered for patient-reported outcomes, testing new surgical procedures are often expensive and time-consuming, particularly when the new intervention is shown to be no better than the standard. Conventional (non-adaptive) randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are perceived as being particularly inefficient in this setting. Therefore, we have developed an adaptive group sequential design that allows early endpoints to inform decision making and show, through simulations and a worked example, that these designs are feasible and often preferable to conventional non-adaptive designs. The methodology is motivated by an ongoing clinical trial investigating a saline-filled balloon, inserted above the main joint of the shoulder at the end of arthroscopic debridement, for treatment of tears of rotor cuff tendons. This research question and setting is typical of many studies undertaken to assess new surgical procedures.

Methods

Test statistics are presented based on the setting of two early outcomes, and methods for estimation of sequential stopping boundaries are described. A framework for the implementation of simulations to evaluate design characteristics is also described.

Results

Simulations show that designs with one, two and three early looks are feasible and, with appropriately chosen futility stopping boundaries, have appealing design characteristics. A number of possible design options are described that have good power and a high probability of stopping for futility if there is no evidence of a treatment effect at early looks. A worked example, with code in R, provides a practical demonstration of how the design might work in a real study.

Conclusions

In summary, we show that adaptive designs are feasible and could work in practice. We describe the operating characteristics of the designs and provide guidelines for appropriate values for the stopping boundaries for the START:REACTS (Sub-acromial spacer for Tears Affecting Rotator cuff Tendons: a Randomised, Efficient, Adaptive Clinical Trial in Surgery) study.

Trial registration

ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN17825590. Registered on 5 March 2018.
Distinct patterns of complex rearrangements and a mutational signature of microhomeology are frequently observed in PLP1 copy number gain structural variants
Authors: Bahrambeigi Vahid , Song Xiaofei , Sperle Karen , Beck Christine R. , Hijazi Hadia , Grochowski Christopher M. , Gu Shen , Seeman Pavel , Woodward Karen J. , Carvalho Claudia M. B. , Hobson Grace M. , Lupski James R.
Published: December 2019

Background

We investigated the features of the genomic rearrangements in a cohort of 50 male individuals with proteolipid protein 1 (PLP1) copy number gain events who were ascertained with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD; MIM: 312080). We then compared our new data to previous structural variant mutagenesis studies involving the Xq22 region of the human genome. The aggregate data from 159 sequenced join-points (discontinuous sequences in the reference genome that are joined during the rearrangement process) were studied. Analysis of these data from 150 individuals enabled the spectrum and relative distribution of the underlying genomic mutational signatures to be delineated.

Methods

Genomic rearrangements in PMD individuals with PLP1 copy number gain events were investigated by high-density customized array or clinical chromosomal microarray analysis and breakpoint junction sequence analysis.

Results

High-density customized array showed that the majority of cases (33/50; ~ 66%) present with single duplications, although complex genomic rearrangements (CGRs) are also frequent (17/50; ~ 34%). Breakpoint mapping to nucleotide resolution revealed further previously unknown structural and sequence complexities, even in single duplications. Meta-analysis of all studied rearrangements that occur at the PLP1 locus showed that single duplications were found in ~ 54% of individuals and that, among all CGR cases, triplication flanked by duplications is the most frequent CGR array CGH pattern observed. Importantly, in ~ 32% of join-points, there is evidence for a mutational signature of microhomeology (highly similar yet imperfect sequence matches).

Conclusions

These data reveal a high frequency of CGRs at the PLP1 locus and support the assertion that replication-based mechanisms are prominent contributors to the formation of CGRs at Xq22. We propose that microhomeology can facilitate template switching, by stabilizing strand annealing of the primer using W-C base complementarity, and is a mutational signature for replicative repair.
The relationship between coffee intake, obstructive sleep apnea risk, and type 2 diabetes glycemic control, in Tabuk City, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: a case–control study
Authors: Elnour Mohammed Adam Ahmed , Saleh Abdulmoneim Ahmed , Kalantan Mowffaq Mohammed , Mirghani Hyder Osman
Published: December 2019

Objectives

The study aimed to assess the relationship between coffee intake, obstructive sleep apnea risk (OSA), and glycemic control among patients with diabetes mellitus.

Results

There were 110 patients with diabetes and 96 healthy control subjects (matched for age and sex) attending a diabetes center زinTabuk, Saudi Arabia during the period from June 2018–October 2019. Stop-Bang questionnaire was used to assess OSA risk, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale to investigate daytime sleepiness. OSA risk and daytime sleepiness were higher among patients with diabetes compared to controls (4.34 ± 1.61 vs. 2.86 ± 1.24, and 8.31 ± 4.40 vs. 6.39 ± 3.70 respectively, P < 0.5), while coffee consumption was not (4.64 ± 3.95 vs. 3.45 ± 3.06, P > 0.05). Women with diabetes were younger with short duration since the diagnosis of diabetes and consumed less coffee compared to men, P < 0.5. A negative correlation was found between coffee consumption and the duration of diabetes, while no correlation was found between coffee intake, the glycated hemoglobin, OSA risk, sex, and daytime sleepiness. Daytime sleepiness and OSA risk were commoners among patients with diabetes, they were not correlated with coffee consumption which was negatively correlated with the duration since diabetes diagnosis. Further larger multi-center studies investigating coffee intake among patients newly diagnosed with diabetes are recommended.
Comprehensive longitudinal study of epigenetic mutations in aging
Authors: Wang Yunzhang , Karlsson Robert , Jylhävä Juulia , Hedman Åsa K. , Almqvist Catarina , Karlsson Ida K. , Pedersen Nancy L. , Almgren Malin , Hägg Sara
Published: December 2019

Background

The role of DNA methylation in aging has been widely studied. However, epigenetic mutations, here defined as aberrant methylation levels compared to the distribution in a population, are less understood. Hence, we investigated longitudinal accumulation of epigenetic mutations, using 994 blood samples collected at up to five time points from 375 individuals in old ages.

Results

We verified earlier cross-sectional evidence on the increase of epigenetic mutations with age, and identified important contributing factors including sex, CD19+ B cells, genetic background, cancer diagnosis, and technical artifacts. We further classified epigenetic mutations into High/Low Methylation Outliers (HMO/LMO) according to their changes in methylation, and specifically studied methylation sites (CpGs) that were prone to mutate (frequently mutated CpGs). We validated four epigenetically mutated CpGs using pyrosequencing in 93 samples. Furthermore, by using twins, we concluded that the age-related accumulation of epigenetic mutations was not related to genetic factors, hence driven by stochastic or environmental effects.

Conclusions

Here we conducted a comprehensive study of epigenetic mutation and highlighted its important role in aging process and cancer development.
Impacts of florfenicol on the microbiota landscape and resistome as revealed by metagenomic analysis
Authors: Zeng Qifan , Liao Chao , Terhune Jeffery , Wang Luxin
Published: December 2019

Background

Drug-resistant fish pathogens can cause significant economic loss to fish farmers. Since 2012, florfenicol has become an approved drug for treating both septicemia and columnaris diseases in freshwater fish. Due to the limited drug options available for aquaculture, the impact of the therapeutical florfenicol treatment on the microbiota landscape as well as the resistome present in the aquaculture farm environment needs to be evaluated.

Results

Time-series metagenomic analyses were conducted to the aquatic microbiota present in the tank-based catfish production systems, in which catfish received standard therapeutic 10-day florfenicol treatment following the federal veterinary regulations. Results showed that the florfenicol treatment shifted the structure of the microbiota and reduced the biodiversity of it by acting as a strong stressor. Planctomycetes, Chloroflexi, and 13 other phyla were susceptible to the florfenicol treatment and their abundance was inhibited by the treatment. In contrast, the abundance of several bacteria belonging to the Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia phyla increased. These bacteria with increased abundance either harbor florfenicol-resistant genes (FRGs) or had beneficial mutations. The florfenicol treatment promoted the proliferation of florfenicol-resistant genes. The copy number of phenicol-specific resistance genes as well as multiple classes of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) exhibited strong correlations across different genetic exchange communities (p < 0.05), indicating the horizontal transfer of florfenicol-resistant genes among these bacterial species or genera. Florfenicol treatment also induced mutation-driven resistance. Significant changes in single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) allele frequencies were observed in membrane transporters, genes involved in recombination, and in genes with primary functions of a resistance phenotype.

Conclusions

The therapeutical level of florfenicol treatment significantly altered the microbiome and resistome present in catfish tanks. Both intra-population and inter-population horizontal ARG transfer was observed, with the intra-population transfer being more common. The oxazolidinone/phenicol-resistant gene optrA was the most prevalent transferred ARG. In addition to horizontal gene transfer, bacteria could also acquire florfenicol resistance by regulating the innate efflux systems via mutations. The observations made by this study are of great importance for guiding the strategic use of florfenicol, thus preventing the formation, persistence, and spreading of florfenicol-resistant bacteria and resistance genes in aquaculture.
Monitoring the Athlete Match Response: Can External Load Variables Predict Post-match Acute and Residual Fatigue in Soccer? A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis
Authors: Hader Karim , Rumpf Michael C. , Hertzog Maxime , Kilduff Liam P. , Girard Olivier , Silva Joao R.
Published: December 2019

Background

Monitoring athletes’ external load during a soccer match may be useful to predict post-match acute and residual fatigue. This estimation would allow individual adjustments to training programs to minimize injury risk, improve well-being, and restore players’ physical performance and inform the recovery process.

Methods

Using a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature, the aim is to determine which monitoring variables would be the strongest predictors of acute (immediately) and residual (up to 72 h) fatigue states in soccer. PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases were searched (until September 2018). Studies concurrently examining soccer match-related external load metrics and subjective and/or objective measures were selected to determine pooled correlations ($$ \overline{r} $$r¯) with confidence intervals (CI). The quality and strength of the findings of each study were evaluated to identify overall levels of evidence.

Results

Eleven studies were included (n = 165 athletes). Acute ($$ \overline{r} $$r¯ = 0.67; 95% CI = [0.40, 0.94]) and residual (24 h post-match, $$ \overline{r} $$r¯ = 0.54; 95% CI = [0.35, 0.65]) changes in muscle damage markers and countermovement jump peak power output (CMJPPO) were, with moderate to strong evidence, largely correlated with running distance above 5.5 m s−1. No other external load metric was largely correlated with both biochemical and neuromuscular markers. For every 100-m run above 5.5 m·s−1, CK activity measured 24 h post-match increased by 30% and CMJPPO decreased by 0.5%. Conversely, the total distance covered did not present any evidence of a clear relationship with any fatigue-related marker at any time-point.

Conclusions

Running distance above 5.5 m·s−1 represents the most sensitive monitoring variable characterizing biochemical and neuromuscular responses, at least when assessed during the initial 24 h (not at 48 h/72 h) post-match recovery period. In addition, total distance covered is not sensitive enough to inform decision-making during the fatigue monitoring process.
Utilization of long-acting and permanent contraceptive methods and associated factors among married women in Adama town, Central Ethiopia: community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Desalegn Markos , Belachew Ayele , Gizaw Muluken , Kejela Gemechu , Gudeta Robsan
Published: December 2019

Background

Long-acting and permanent contraceptive methods have clear advantages over short-acting methods of contraception that benefit both clients and health systems. Despite this importance, studies show that the proportion of women currently using long acting and permanent contraceptive methods are significantly lower than the proportion using short-acting methods.

Objective

The main aim of the study was to assess the level of utilization of long acting and permanent contraceptive methods and associated factors among married women in Adama town.

Methodology

Community Based Cross-Sectional Study was conducted in four kebeles of Adama town from April 15–30, 2015. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. The collected data was cleaned and entered using Epi info 3.5.3 and analyzed using statistical package for social science version 20.0. Factors associated with utilization of long acting and permanent contraceptive methods were identified using logistic regression model.

Result

In this study, the magnitude of long acting and permanent contraceptive methods was 20.9%. Implant, Intra-Uterine devices (IUDs) and tubal ligation accounted for 16.1, 4.6, and 0.2% respectively. Current use of long acting and permanent contraceptive methods was higher among women who had high knowledge (AOR = 5.26, 95% CI = 1.90–14.69), positive attitude (AOR = 3.25, 95% CI = 1.60–6.58) and women who had 3–4 children (AOR [95%CI] =2.3[1.14–4.63]) compared to those who had no child.

Conclusion

Current use of long acting and permanent contraceptive methods in Adama town was low. Level of knowledge, attitude about the methods, and number of children were factors affecting utilization of long acting and permanent contraceptive methods. Targeted Information Education Communication Intervention should be intensified to improve the utilization of these methods.
Ovulation rates in a stair-step protocol with Letrozole vs clomiphene citrate in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Thomas S. , Woo I. , Ho J. , Jones T. , Paulson R. , Chung K. , Bendikson K.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To compare ovulation rates between Letrozole and Clomiphene Citrate (CC) using a stair-step protocol to achieve ovulation induction in women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort of predominantly Hispanic PCOS women of reproductive age who completed ovulation induction (OI) comparing women who underwent Letrozole stair-step protocol to those who underwent OI with CC stair-step. All women had a diagnosis of PCOS based on the 2003 Rotterdam criteria. For both protocols, sequentially higher doses of Letrozole or CC were given 7 days after the last dose if no dominant follicles were seen on ultrasonography. The primary outcome was ovulation rate (determined by presence of a dominant follicle) between the two treatment groups. Secondary outcomes included time to ovulation, clinical pregnancy rates and side effects.

Results

49 PCOS patients completed a Letrozole stair-step cycle and 43 completed a CC stair-step cycle for OI. Overall, demographics were comparable between both groups. Ovulation rates with the Letrozole stair-step protocol were equivalent to CC stair-step protocol (96% vs 88%, p = 0.17). Although the mean time (days) to ovulation was shorter in the Letrozole group (19.5 vs 23.1, p = 0.027), the pregnancy rates were similar for both groups.

Conclusions

This is the first study to date that has compared the efficacy of the stair-step protocol in PCOS patients using Letrozole and CC. Both Letrozole and CC can be prescribed in a stair-step fashion. Letrozole stair-step was as efficacious as CC stair-step; patients achieved comparable rates of ovulation and clinical pregnancy. Time to ovulation was shorter in the Letrozole protocol.
A case of scalp avulsion with prolonged ischemic time: indocyanine green angiography can aid in predicting replant survival
Authors: Huang Xin , Wang Zhichao , Liu Caiyue , Gu Shuchen , Gao Yashan , Xu Xiangwen , Zan Tao
Published: December 2019

Background

Microsurgical replantation has become the most favorable treatment option for scalp avulsion. However, the accurate prediction of postoperative replant viability remains challenging.

Case presentation

In this article, we showed that (indocyanine green angiography, ICGA) can provide a much more precise prediction of replant necrosis than conventional clinical assessment in a rare case of complete scalp avulsion with prolonged ischemia time.

Conclusion

Clinical assessment of replant survival may be misleading in cases of complex tissue injuries and prolonged ischemic stress. This case provides insight into the promising utility of ICGA as an important adjuvant tool to better assess tissue perfusion and viability in scalp avulsion and possibly other types of replantation.
Histopathological and biochemical alterations in Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg 1867) as biomarkers of exposure to monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in oil impacted site
Authors: Doherty Funmilayo V. , Aneyo Idowu , Otitoloju Adebayo A.
Published: December 2019

Background

Monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are toxic compounds which are major components of petroleum products. This study was aimed at identifying histopathological alterations and changes in antioxidants defense systems inEudrilus eugeniae(earthworm) that can be used as good battery of biomarkers for early detection of pollution associated with hydrocarbons. The toxicological evaluations of benzene, toluene, xylene, and ethylbenzene (BTEX) were carried out againstE. eugeniae.Earthworm samples were collected around oil impacted and control sites. The effect of BTEX was investigated on oxidative stress markers ofE. eugeniae.

Results

Results showed that xylene (1.2 mg/kg) was the most toxic compound, followed by toluene (1.3 mg/kg), ethylbenzene (1.4 mg/kg), and benzene (1.9 mg/kg). The biochemical responses revealed an increase in malondialdehyde level and decrease in the level of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and glutathione-S-transferase inE. eugeniaecollected around the oil impacted area of Ijegun. The results from the laboratory studies were confirmed in the field studies. Significant histopathological alterations in the whole organisms were observed in both field and laboratory studies. The pathological findings include cellular and epidermal degeneration, and presence of pigment and inclusion bodies.

Conclusion

The results reflect the biological effects of hydrocarbon pollution, thus confirming the relevance of histopathological and antioxidant enzymes as biomarkers for detection of hydrocarbon pollution during environmental monitoring programs.
Phylogenetic characteristics of novel Bacillus weihenstephanensis and Pseudomonas sp. to desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria Forskål (Orthoptera: Acrididae)
Authors: Mashtoly Tamer A. , El-Zemaity Mohamed S. , Abolmaaty Assem , Abdelatef Gamal M. , Marzouk Ashraf A. , Reda Mohamed
Published: December 2019

Thirty bacterial isolates were isolated from the gut contents of diseased/dead locust. Their pathogenicity was tested against 4th instar nymphs of desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria Forskål (Orthoptera: Acrididae). Two isolates, designated DL2 and DL6, out of thirty showed the highest insecticidal activities against locust nymphs in preliminary bracketing. They were bioassayed via leaf dip and per os techniques and toxicity was determined using SAS program. The insecticidal activity of DL6 was more than DL2, whereas LC50’s values of 35 × 106 and 13 × 106 cfu’s/ml were determined for DL2 and DL6, respectively, after 48 h of leaf-dip treatment. However, LD50’s value of 53 × 106 and 26 × 106 cfu’s/ml was determined for DL2 and DL6, respectively, after 24 h of per os treatment. The relative potencies of DL6 to DL2 were (2.6 and 2.03) folds in leaf-dip and per os treatments, respectively. Biochemical characterization was conducted, using GEN III MicroPlate™ Biolog identification system and confirmed with molecular identification via 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Nucleotide sequencing of each was submitted to a gene bank and an accession number was generated for each isolate. Obtained bacterial strains DL2 and DL6 were identified as Bacillus weihenstephanensis (KY630645) and Pseudomonas sp. (KY630649), with a similarity of 100 and 75% to B. weihenstephanensis strain PHCDB9 (NR_024697) and Pseudomonas sp. strain DSM11821 (KF417541), respectively. The tested strains proved their potential to be bio-pesticide agents involved in controlling desert locust nymphs.

Graphical abstract
Differential responses of certain field pea and cowpea cultivars to root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita for commercial release
Authors: Youssef Mahmoud M. A. , El-Nagdi Wafaa M. A.
Published: December 2019

Background

Legumes are considered staple foods for many countries in different areas of the world. Cultivation of nematode-resistant newly introduced field pea and cowpea cultivars is an important, cheap, and economical way to reduce damaging the nematode population that comes from improper use of nematicides and pesticides.

Results

The cultivars of two examined crops were planted in pots inoculated with second-stage juveniles of M. incognita under screen house conditions. The results proved significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) among the tested cultivars regarding their responses to M. incognita. Host resistance/susceptibility was rated on the basis of potential reproduction index (PRI). Host reaction was based on average percent reduction potentials of plant growth and yield. The combination between host resistance/susceptibility and host reaction rates was used to give clear and accurate determination to these cultivars. According to the later scale, field pea cultivars were grouped into three categories of highly susceptible (Consessa), moderately susceptible (Diacole), and intolerant cultivars (Cerdon, Samantha and 337), while cowpea cultivars were grouped into two categories of highly susceptible (Kafr El-Sheikh) and susceptible cultivars (Dokki and 331).

Conclusions

None of the tested cowpea and field pea cultivars was found to be resistant or immune to root-knot nematode, M. incognita. Subsequently, plant growth and yield of the tested cultivars seemed to be severely damaged by root-knot nematode that might be attributed to less nutrient uptake by field pea and cowpea roots due to nematode infection. Planting of highly susceptible or susceptible cultivar in progression with resistant cultivars may help in limiting or reducing these defects. This is keeping management processes and production more economical. Further studies are needed to evaluate more cultivars/accessions against root-knot nematode.
Assessment of heavy metal pollution in soil and bottom sediment of Upper Egypt: comparison study
Authors: Abou El-Anwar Esmat Ahmed
Published: December 2019

Background

Aswan and Luxor Governorates are characterized by multifaceted activities such as cement, chemicals, fertilizers, detergents, nitrogen fertilizer factory at Aswan, the sugar and diary factory at Kom Ombo, and several other factories such as the sugar, pulp, paper, ferrosilicon, and phosphate factories at Edfu, urbanization and agriculture. In addition, there is a main sewage station which is used for irrigation of many crops. Assessing the pollution of soil and sediment with some heavy metals in these areas is the main aim of the current work.

Results

The average heavy metals content in the studied cultivated soils and Nile sediments are above the acceptable levels. Generally, Nile sediments and cultivated soils at Aswan and Luxor were unpolluted to moderately polluted with heavy metals. Pollution indices indicated that the studied Nile sediments were at considerably ecological risk from Cd (Er = 138.89) and Zn (Er = 140.52). In contrast, the cultivated soil was at very high ecological risk from Cd (Er = 295.24).

Conclusions

The current research revealed that the soil and sediments in the Upper Egypt are less polluted than Lower Egypt. Thus, the concentrations of toxic elements are increased from south to north direction in Egypt along the Nile River. The sources of the toxic metals may possibly be natural or anthropogenic in the studied area. The anthropogenic source is resulting from paper, pulp, ferrosilicon factories, and phosphate mining at Edfu. In addition, there are some polluting industries such as sand quarry, shale mining, and the nitrogen fertilizer factory at Aswan. On the other hand, the natural sources of toxic waste are the drains during the seasonal flash floods.
Correction to: Chitooligosaccharides from squid pen prepared using different enzymes: characteristics and the effect on quality of surimi gel during refrigerated storage
Authors: Singh Avtar , Benjakul Soottawat , Prodpran Thummanoon
Published: December 2019

In the original publication of this article [1], the author point out the ‘3.18–4.77 CFU/g’ in sentence ‘At day 10, all counts were in the range of 5.49–6.57 and 3.18–4.77 CFU/g sample for gels added without and with COS-L’ should be ‘3.18–4.77 log CFU/g’.
Phytochemical screening, metal concentration determination, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial evaluation of Drymaria diandra plant
Authors: Phuyal Ashish , Ojha Pawan Kumar , Guragain Biswash , Chaudhary Narendra Kumar
Published: December 2019

Background

Several phytochemical constitutes possess natural antioxidant activity and are in fact advantageous in reducing many oxidative stress related diseases. Drymaria diandra of Caryophyllaceae family is one such plant which exhibits various medicinal properties. The aim of the current study is to provide detailed exploration of phytochemical constitutes, metal concentration determination, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity of Drymaria diandra.

Results

Qualitative phytochemical analysis showed the presence of maximum number of metabolites in methanol-water (1:1) extract. The heavy and toxic metals such as As, Cd, Cr, and Pb were almost near to the detection limit. The concentration of Fe (19.64 mg/l) was highest followed by Mn (2.35 mg/l). The (IC50) value for methanol extract was found 195.61 which is greater than the standard Ascorbic acid. Antibacterial activity of methanol extract was found higher for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with 22-mm and 14-mm sized diameter of zone of inhibition respectively and methanol-water extract for Proteus vulgaris with 17-mm diameter of zone of inhibition.

Conclusion

The findings of the present study showed the presence of various valuable phytochemical constitutes responsible to give antibacterial and antioxidant potency. The presence of bio-metals and the absence of toxic metals further highlight the importance of plant as the source of food that bears medicinal properties.
Potential role of cinnamaldehyde and costunolide to counteract metabolic syndrome induced by excessive fructose consumption
Authors: Rashwan Ayat S. , El-Beltagy Marwa A. , Saleh Sherif Y. , Ibrahim Ibrahim A.
Published: December 2019

Background

One of the serious public health problems in the world is metabolic syndrome. It includes visceral obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and hypertension. As a contributor to almost all the classic signs of metabolic syndrome, fructose was the ideal choice. There are certain shortcomings with existing drugs for insulin-resistant treatment. Plants still represent the main source of most available medicines. Cinnamaldehyde (CNA) is an active principle of Cinnamomum zeylanicum. Costunolide (CE) is natural sesquiterpene lactones, which is the main bioactive constituent of Saussurea lappa. The main aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of the synthetic antidiabetic agent (metformin) in comparison with natural constituents (cinnamaldehyde, costunolide) after developing a reliable model for insulin resistance by using high fructose diet (HFD).

Results

It was found that HFD increased plasma glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, HbA1c, serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, ALT, AST, creatinine, and uric acid. Moreover, HFD decreased hepatic reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels. While oral administration of cinnamaldehyde and costunolide significantly decreased plasma glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, and increased level of hepatic reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity. Also, cinnamaldehyde and costunolide restored the altered plasma levels of ALT, AST, creatinine, and uric acid to normal.

Conclusions

The results of this experimental study showed that cinnamaldehyde and costunolide could be used as safe drugs for treating different abnormalities of metabolic syndrome.
Multi-Institutional Validation of Deep Learning for Pretreatment Identification of Extranodal Extension in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Kann Benjamin H. , Hicks Daniel F. , Payabvash Sam , Mahajan Amit , Du Justin , Gupta Vishal , Park Henry S. , Yu James B. , Yarbrough Wendell G. , Burtness Barbara A. , Husain Zain A. , Aneja Sanjay
Published: December 2019

PURPOSE

Extranodal extension (ENE) is a well-established poor prognosticator and an indication for adjuvant treatment escalation in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Identification of ENE on pretreatment imaging represents a diagnostic challenge that limits its clinical utility. We previously developed a deep learning algorithm that identifies ENE on pretreatment computed tomography (CT) imaging in patients with HNSCC. We sought to validate our algorithm performance for patients from a diverse set of institutions and compare its diagnostic ability to that of expert diagnosticians.

METHODS

We obtained preoperative, contrast-enhanced CT scans and corresponding pathology results from two external data sets of patients with HNSCC: an external institution and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) HNSCC imaging data. Lymph nodes were segmented and annotated as ENE-positive or ENE-negative on the basis of pathologic confirmation. Deep learning algorithm performance was evaluated and compared directly to two board-certified neuroradiologists.

RESULTS

A total of 200 lymph nodes were examined in the external validation data sets. For lymph nodes from the external institution, the algorithm achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.84 (83.1% accuracy), outperforming radiologists’ AUCs of 0.70 and 0.71 ( P = .02 and P = .01). Similarly, for lymph nodes from the TCGA, the algorithm achieved an AUC of 0.90 (88.6% accuracy), outperforming radiologist AUCs of 0.60 and 0.82 ( P < .0001 and P = .16). Radiologist diagnostic accuracy improved when receiving deep learning assistance.

CONCLUSION

Deep learning successfully identified ENE on pretreatment imaging across multiple institutions, exceeding the diagnostic ability of radiologists with specialized head and neck experience. Our findings suggest that deep learning has utility in the identification of ENE in patients with HNSCC and has the potential to be integrated into clinical decision making.
ПОДХОДЫ К ПРОФЕССИОНАЛИЗМУ ПРЕПОДАВАТЕЛЯ В ОТЕЧЕСТВЕННОЙ И ЗАРУБЕЖНОЙ ПРАКТИКЕ
Authors: Kozlova Olga Vladimirovna
Published: December 2019

В статье рассматриваются различные подходы к профессионализму преподавателя в отечественной и зарубежной литературе, а именно, нормативный, реальный, классический, практический и принципиальный. Приведена их характеристика, и сделаны выводы о содержании профессионализма современного педагога.
ОСОБЕННОСТИ НАУЧНОЙ РАБОТЫ СТУДЕНТОВ В ВУЗЕ
Authors: Preobrazhenskiy Andrey Petrovich , Choporov Oleg Nikolaevich
Published: December 2019

В данной статье обсуждаются особенности научной работы студентов при обучении в вузах. Показана роль науки при подготовке кадров. Рассмотрены характеристики мотивации молодых ученых.
Secciones y disecciones epistemológicas del discurso jurídico: un estudio desde la iusfilosofía crítica
Authors: Ana Dobratinich Héctor Gonzalo
Published: December 2019

Entender el derecho como una práctica social específica de carácter discursivonos permite analizarlo desde una óptica diferente, desde la cual pueden observarselas sutiles e intencionadas estructuras de su formación. Los tonos circunstanciales,las frases de poca importancia, las metáforas que embellecen, en definitiva,todos esos recursos que cualquier lector pasaría por alto en su ansiosa búsquedapor entender la finalidad del texto. El discurso jurídico está contaminado de todasestas indeterminaciones que pululan por sus enunciados, frases emotivas, conceptos vagos y el uso de figuras lingüísticas extraordinarias; de este modo, el derecho expresa y se resignifica mucho más allá de lo que puede leerse superficialmente en sus enunciados.Intertextualidad e interpretación serán dos aspectos importantes para poder analizar la conformación del fenómeno jurídico, así como también un tercer elemento, el ficcional, en donde el derecho se eclipsa bajo formas diferentes de las que su discurso parece hacer alusión. Esta dualidad contradictoria, lejos de ser considerada una falla que atenta contra su existencia, será un elemento fundamental para su constante estructuración, funcionamiento y reproducción.
Identidad y alteridad en libros de texto escolares: un estudio de caso sobre la representación de Al-Andalus
Authors: Rasskin-Gutman Irina , Brescó de Luna Ignacio
Published: December 2019

El nacionalismo, y la construcción social de la identidad nacional, implica una ideología de la primera persona del plural, donde no puede haber un nosotros sin un ellos. En este artículo se analizan las formas de producción de alteridad —entendida como la otra cara de la identidad— articuladas en la representación de Al-Andalus en un libro de texto de Ciencias Sociales, utilizado en un centro de enseñanza secundaria de la Comunidad de Madrid, España. Partiendo del concepto de ʻschematic narrative templatesʼ, el objetivo es examinar en qué medida la enseñanza de Al-Andalus sigue promoviendo una narrativa con fuerte arraigo en la memoria colectiva y el modo de entender la identidad española en unas aulas con estudiantes procedentes de diversos contextos nacionales y religiosos. Los resultados muestran cómo el término “Reconquista” sigue apareciendo, en ocasiones, como un hito en el relato, proyectando una cierta continuidad histórica entre los grupos de pobladores cristianos que lucharon contra los musulmanes y los españoles actuales. Por su parte, el pasado musulmán de la Península Ibérica sigue representándose en clave de alteridad, ya sea en términos negativos como “otro-exótico-amenazante” o positivos como “otro-exótico-admirable”. El artículo concluye con algunas reflexiones sobre la enseñanza de la historia en aulas cada vez más multiculturales.
Narrativas de mujeres activistas: participación y transformación entre lo personal y lo político
Authors: Gonzalez Maria Fernanda
Published: December 2019

Este trabajo presenta un aporte a la comprensión de la actuación activista desde la psicología cultural. Se elabora una aproximación teórica y empírica basada en los conceptos de actuación humana transformadora, compromiso moral y producción de narrativas biográficas en su dimensión política. Se presenta una investigación cualitativa en la que se estudian las narrativas de doce mujeres activistas por los derechos sexuales y reproductivos, en Entre Ríos, Argentina. Se realizó un análisis temático y dialógico de los temas, posicionamientos y emociones. Los resultados indican que en las narrativas se traman elementos personales-biográficos con otros de índole social o política. Los posicionamientos son fluidos entre el yo y el nosotras, mientras que las emociones y las valoraciones aparecen en relación con la propia participación activista y los procesos de transformación social. La interrelación entre los elementos teóricos y los resultados empíricos permite avanzar en una conceptualización de los activismos feministas desde la psicología cultural, con énfasis en los procesos de participación y de transformación en las dimensiones personales y sociopolíticas.