bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSI-40 Two mitochondrial lineages revealed in North American yak
Authors: Treffer Leah K , Rice Edward S , Fuller Anna M , Cutler Samuel , Petersen Jessica L
Published: November 2020

Domestic yak (Bos grunniens) are bovids native to the Asian Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Studies of Asian yak have revealed that introgression with domestic cattle has contributed to the evolution of the species. When imported to North America (NA), some hybridization with B. taurus did occur. The objective of this study was to use mitochondrial (mt) DNA sequence data to better understand the mtDNA origin of NA yak and their relationship to Asian yak and related species. The complete mtDNA sequence of 14 individuals (12 NA yak, 1 Tibetan yak, 1 Tibetan B. indicus) was generated and compared with sequences of similar species from GeneBank (B. indicus, B. grunniens (Chinese), B. taurus, B. gaurus, B. primigenius, B. frontalis, Bison bison, and Ovis aries). Individuals were aligned to the B. grunniens reference genome (ARS_UNL_BGru_maternal_1.0), which was also included in the analyses. The mtDNA genes were annotated using the ARS-UCD1.2 cattle sequence as a reference. Ten unique NA yak haplotypes were identified, which a haplotype network separated into two clusters. Variation among the NA haplotypes included 93 nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms. A maximum likelihood tree including all taxa was made using IQtree after the data were partitioned into twenty-two subgroups using PartitionFinder2. Notably, six NA yak haplotypes formed a clade with B. indicus; the other four haplotypes grouped with B. grunniens and fell as a sister clade to bison, gaur and gayal. These data demonstrate two mitochondrial origins of NA yak with genetic variation in protein coding genes. Although these data suggest yak introgression with B. indicus, it appears to date prior to importation into NA. In addition to contributing to our understanding of the species history, these results suggest the two major mtDNA haplotypes in NA yak may functionally differ. Characterization of the impact of these differences on cellular function is currently underway.
Understanding sex differences in psychosis through the exploration of hormonal contributions
Authors: Rubin Leah H.
Published: November 2020

Sex appears to modulate the risk, clinical presentation, and course of schizophrenia as well as other psychotic disorders. Sex differences in neuroendocrine and/or genetic factors may contribute to these sex differences as well as in social/emotional and cognitive functioning. The goal of this chapter is to better understand these sex differences through the exploration of hormonal contributions to this brain disorder. We specifically focus on sex steroid hormones (e.g., estrogen) as well as sexually dimorphic neurohormones—oxytocin and vasopressin.
Predictors of conversion to psychosis
Authors: Grazioplene Rachael G. , Cannon Tyrone D.
Published: November 2020

The prodromal phase of psychosis represents an opportunity to understand how psychosis develops, and research in this area has the potential to generate strategies for treatment and prevention. This chapter reviews findings from clinical high risk (CHR) and general population sampling research related to prediction of psychosis, discussing what has been learned from these two approaches as well as theoretical and practical pitfalls of each. Work conducted in the CHR paradigm has yielded practical tools for psychosis prediction as well as evidence that progressive loss of neuronal connectivity may underlie onset of full psychosis, but cases meeting criteria for a CHR syndrome represent a small fraction of new onsets of psychosis in the population. Population-based studies benefit from a broader ascertainment scheme but are limited in feasibility of in-depth or frequent assessments and follow-ups. The chapter concludes with a discussion of how to reconcile different approaches under a transdiagnostic framework.
DNA modifications in schizophrenia
Authors: Pishva Ehsan , Rutten Bart P. F.
Published: November 2020

Interplay between genetic and environmental factors plays a major role in shaping the neurodevelopmental origins of schizophrenia. Epigenetic processes act to dynamically control gene expression and are known to regulate key neurobiological and cognitive processes in the brain. Along with mediating the effects of environmental risk factors on the development of disease, epigenetic processes play a central role in the differentiation and development of the human brain. Therefore, investigating epigenetic variations associated with schizophrenia may shed new light on our understanding about the developmental and environmental origins of schizophrenia. DNA methylation is the best-characterized epigenetic modification, playing a role in regulating gene expression, alternative splicing and other transcriptional processes such as X-chromosome inactivation and genomic imprinting. This chapter discusses the evidence to support a role for DNA modifications in schizophrenia, and highlights the opportunities and challenges of ongoing studies.
Cognitive biomarkers of psychosis
Authors: Hill S. Kristian , Keefe Richard S. E. , Sweeney John A.
Published: November 2020

Historically, the cognitive dysfunction associated with psychotic disorders was thought to result from neuroleptic exposure and/or a late-stage disease processes brought on by the progressive “dementia praecox” effects. More recently, cognitive dysfunction has come into focus as a core feature of psychotic disorders based on the strong link between cognition and functional status, neurodevelopmental patterns of disrupted cognitive development, shared cognitive dysfunction across psychotic disorders, and familial patterns. Focusing on cognitive biomarkers could facilitate identification of intermediate cognitive phenotypes and corresponding treatment targets. Furthermore, cognitive abilities are stable longitudinally and can be assessed with more reliability and objectivity than clinical symptomatology. Thus, a greater emphasis on the emergence of cognitive abnormalities using reliable and objective cognitive biomarkers may allow for tracking of early disease processes. In this manner, cognitive biomarkers could facilitate intervening at an earlier stage of disease and neurodevelopment, when treatments are more likely to be effective.
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the etiology and treatment of schizophrenia
Authors: Moehle M. S. , Yohn S. E. , Conn P. J.
Published: November 2020

Although the etiology of schizophrenia is unclear, considerable neuroimaging, pharmacology, genetic, postmortem, and preclinical studies point to a key role for muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) in the pathophysiology and treatment of psychosis. Unlike currently available antipsychotics, which mostly provide symptomatic relief for positive symptoms of schizophrenia, mAChRs show immense potential in the treatment of all schizophrenia symptom domains, and could provide a major advance in the clinical treatment and prognosis of patients. Unfortunately, clinical use of drugs targeting mAChRs are limited, despite their utility, due to the side-effect profile of non-subtype-selective mAChR agents. However, recent major advances in the development of subtype-selective mAChR pharmacological agents as well as development of individual mAChR knockout mice have allowed for the roles of each mAChR in schizophrenia to begin to be elucidated, and have reinforced the clinical utility of especially the M1 and M4 mAChR subtypes in the treatment schizophrenia.
Genetic association of voltage-gated ion channels with psychotic disorders
Authors: Large Charles H.
Published: November 2020

A goal for the treatment of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, is to correct the function of neural circuits that have been implicated in the range of symptoms from altered sensory perception to impaired cognition. However, this goal is complicated by the absence of an obvious lesion, genetic mutation, or even a clear disease process. The brains of people with psychotic illness just appear to work differently. Dopamine receptor blocking strategies repress the more florid symptoms of psychosis, but appear to do little to influence the underlying dysfunction of brain circuits, and they do not improve the patient’s cognition. Voltage-gated ion channels (VGICs) are proteins that define neurons: they are required for all aspects of neural processing and signaling. Could modulation of these highly dynamic proteins be useful in the treatment of psychosis? This chapter reviews examples of VGICs that have been linked to psychosis and that may take us toward the goal of better treatments for these devastating disorders. This chapter covers specific examples of chloride, calcium, potassium and VGIC channel pathology associated with psychosis.
Cognitive and emotional processes in psychosis
Authors: Moritz Steffen , Lüdtke Thies , Gawęda Łukasz , Scheunemann Jakob , Balzan Ryan P.
Published: November 2020

This review brings together findings on the emotional processes and cognitive biases underlying psychosis, particularly delusions. A focus is set on two recent models of psychosis formation and maintenance. The model by Daniel Freeman and Philippa Garety has identified six causal mechanisms for persecutory delusions, four of which are emotional in nature. Another two-stage model, which partly overlaps with the first model, has been developed by our group and sees “liberal acceptance” at the core of psychosis; a number of biases and emotional factors are assumed that may explain why delusional ideas are often pervasive and chronic. Although researchers are still far away from understanding psychosis psychologically, the field has made much progress over the years, and based on a growing body of basic research, researchers have begun to develop treatments that improve positive symptoms beyond the effects of standard treatment. The chapter also highlights areas that warrant further research and unresolved issues.
Health in a connected world
Authors: Delespaul Philippe , van Zelst Catherine
Published: November 2020

This chapter is about a redesign of mental healthcare, as it evolves in a changing world. It focuses on digital transformations and their impact on social relationships, networks, and communities. It intends to demonstrate better responses to the needs of service users in society. It first defines terminologies to access the changing world and focus on how to understand health, recovery, and well-being in people with lived experience of psychosis. These central elements can be accessed or maintained using eHealth, including mHealth, virtual reality, and eCommunities. It also discuss strengths, challenges, and pitfalls in developing and applying innovative interventions in the context of daily life. It reviews these trends and how these relate to the therapeutic relationship in general, and the mental health practitioner’s role in particular.
Oxford Handbook of Trauma and Orthopaedic Nursing
Authors: Jester Rebecca , Santy Tomlinson Julie , Rogers Jean
Published: November 2020

The second edition of the Oxford Handbook of Orthopaedic and Trauma Nursing is an easily accessible, practical, and comprehensive guide to orthopaedic and trauma care. Principally aimed at nurses working in the specialty, it is also a useful guide for all healthcare practitioners and students. This edition provides new information about supporting people with a learning disability within orthopaedic and trauma care settings, virtual clinics, updated management and competencies, fast-track and enhanced recovery pathways, and a stronger emphasis on the health promotion role of nurses in the field. It is written in a readable note-based style with clear illustrations and comprehensive text. The Oxford Handbook of Orthopaedic
and Trauma Nursing brings together the authors’ many years of collective experience in one easy-to-use format the student and practitioner won’t want to be without.
The Complete Recovery Room Book
Authors: Craig Anne , Hatfield Anthea
Published: November 2020

New technologies are increasingly available for patient care but simple ‘tried and true’ old fashioned methods are still essential. The care that a patient receives in the first hours after surgery is crucial to minimizing the risk of complications such as heart attacks, pneumonia, and blood clots. As the patient awakes from their drug-induced coma, it takes time for them to metabolize and excrete drugs. They remain unable to care for themselves, and are at increased risk of harm. The recovery room staff must manage both comatose and physiologically unstable patients and deal with the immediate postoperative care of surgical patients. The sixth edition of this popular book, introducing a new author Dr Anne Craig, will provide nurses, surgeons and anaesthetists guidance on how to manage day-to-day problems and make difficult decisions. Previous editions of this book have established it as the definitive guide to setting-up, equipping, staffing, and administering an acute care unit. Basic science, physiology and pharmacology are fully explained. There are chapters on specific symptoms including pain and vomiting, and chapters devoted to the unique postoperative needs of individual types of surgery. This new edition brings this important text up to date and new drugs and techniques for monitoring are described. A new section looks ahead to the future development and design of recovery rooms and how they can contribute to patient well-being.
Evaluation of Potential Optical Radiation Hazards from LED Flashlights
Authors: Landry Robert J. , James Robert H. , Miller Sharon A. , Ilev Ilko K.
Published: November 2020

We performed optical radiation safety evaluations of LED flashlights to determine if they pose potential ocular hazards. Six commercially available flashlight samples were randomly selected from various vendors online. They were evaluated in accordance with specifications provided in the American National Standards Institute/Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (ANSI/IESNA) Standards RP 27.1 and RP 27.3. Four of the flashlights were found to have relatively high blue-light-weighted radiance values with short times (40 to 50 s) to reach the exposure limit specified in RP 27.1. These flashlights are in Risk Group 2 and present a moderate risk for retinal damage. Two of the flashlights are in Risk Group 1 and present a low risk for retinal damage. None of the flashlights present an ultraviolet (UV) radiation hazard or a retinal thermal hazard. Cautionary labeling on the packaging as required by RP 27.3 and on the flashlight handle is recommended for flashlights and on other handheld light sources that are in Risk Group 2 or Risk Group 3.
Tintelnotia destructans Keratitis: A Clinicopathological Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kaufmann Claude , Arnold Mihaela , Schipf Alexander , Bruderer Vera L. , Iselin Katja C.
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

To present the first clinicopathological report of Tintelnotia destructans keratitis, a filamentous fungus and as of yet uncommon virulent ocular pathogen.

Methods:

A 70-year-old man presented with an infectious keratitis featuring a stromal infiltrate with feathery borders and a viscous hypopyon. Despite initial improvement under a combined therapy with natamycin and voriconazole, a perforation in the further course required a penetrating keratoplasty. Cultures and the corneal lenticule were available for microscopic examination and antifungal susceptibility testing. The limited literature on the subject was reviewed.

Results:

Microscopic examination of cultures revealed hyphae and conidia being produced in globose fruiting bodies, a common characteristic of Tintelnotia sp. Histopathology showed short-branched hyphae that grew across the cornea regardless of the orientation of the collagen lamellae. Molecular methods identified the species T. destructans. The pattern of antifungal susceptibility included amphotericin B, ciclopirox, natamycin, posaconazole, voriconazole, and terbinafine. The postoperative clinical course was without complications.

Conclusions:

Although the clinical signs corresponded to the classic features of fungal keratitis, microscopic analysis revealed morphological characteristics of a fungal class that has shown little ophthalmological appearance so far. Data on T. destructans keratitis are highly limited in the literature, but all identified species shared sensitivity to terbinafine.
The Journey
Authors: Brewington Janice G.
Published: November 2020

Nurses have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to bring value and leadership to a myriad of boards throughout the United States, with nursing leadership critical to the transformation of complex health care systems. The 2011 Institute of Medicine Future of Nursing report calls on nurses to lead at all levels in systems as well as in board rooms. In 2014, the Nurses on Boards Coalition (NOBC) aligned its mission with this charge, creating a goal, as stated on its Web site, to “improve the health of communities and the nation through the service of nurses on boards and other bodies.” A specific goal of NOBC was to have 10 000 nurses on boards by 2020. Through a partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the America Association of Retired Persons, NOBC worked strategically to achieve its goal. The accomplishments of one of its work groups, Preparation and Support, are highlighted.
Does Age at Onset Affect the Clinical Presentation of Familial Mediterranean Fever in Children?
Authors: Gezgin Yildirim Deniz , Gönen Sevim , Fidan Kibriya , Söylemezoğlu Oğuz
Published: November 2020

Background/Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and demographic features and evaluate the phenotypic and genotypic differences of pediatric familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients according to their age at disease onset.

Methods

Records of 854 patients who were diagnosed with FMF between 2006 and 2017 were evaluated. Patients were divided into 2 subgroups according to their age at disease onset. Group 1 comprised FMF patients who had experienced their first attack at 2 years or younger (younger onset), and group 2 comprised FMF patients who had experienced their first attack at older than 2 years.

Results

There were 155 patients in group 1 and 699 patients in group 2. Delay in diagnosis, attack frequency, duration of attacks, fever, chest pain, erysipelas-like erythema, incidence of family history, anti–interleukin 1 therapy use, and M694V homozygous and M680I homozygous mutations were significantly higher in group 1, whereas arthralgia and abdominal pain were significantly higher in group 2. There were no significant differences in arthritis, amyloidosis, and protracted febrile myalgia between the groups. The colchicine dose at last visit and Pras activity score were higher in group 1.

Conclusions

It seems that FMF patients with a younger onset has a more severe disease course. They needed higher doses of colchicine to control the attacks. M694V and M680I homozygous mutations presented more frequently in younger-onset FMF patients. Increased awareness of physicians of the early presentation of FMF may prevent delays in FMF diagnosis.
Association of Core Muscle Endurance Times With Balance, Fatigue, Physical Activity Level, and Kyphosis Angle in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Sarac Devrim Can , Bayram Selin , Tore Nurten Gizem , Sari Fulden , Guler Aslihan Avanoglu , Tufan Abdurrahman , Oskay Deran
Published: November 2020

Background/Objective

Core muscle endurance (CME), which is the ability of sustaining the activity of trunk muscles, has been shown to be lower in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The aim was to investigate the possible relationship between CME times and balance, fatigue, physical activity (PA) level, and thoracic kyphosis angle.

Methods

Fifty-one patients with AS with a mean age of 41.0 years (interquartile range, 25/75 years; 29.0/51.0 years) were included in the study. Core muscle endurance times were assessed by using trunk extension, trunk flexion, and side bridge tests. Overall stability index, anteroposterior stability index, mediolateral stability index, and limits of stability were evaluated with the Biodex Balance System. Fatigue and PA levels were surveyed using Fatigue Severity Scale and International Physical Activity Questionnaire, respectively. Thoracic kyphosis angle was measured by using a digital inclinometer. Additionally, CME times were compared for “high-fatigue” versus “low-fatigue” and as “low PA” versus “moderate/high PA” groups. Spearman correlation coefficients and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Significant correlations were detected between overall stability index, anteroposterior stability index, Fatigue Severity Scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and all CME tests (p < 0.05) and between mediolateral stability index and side bridge test (p < 0.05). Limits of stability correlated only with side bridge test (p < 0.05). Core muscle endurance significantly differed between high-fatigue and low-fatigue groups (p < 0.05), except trunk flexor test (p > 0.05). No significant differences were observed between low PA and moderate/high PA groups (p > 0.05), except side bridge test (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Core muscle endurance times seem to be related to PA level, fatigue, and balance but not with thoracic kyphosis angle. Assessing CME in patients with AS might help in planning individualized exercise programs.
Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Chronic Widespread Pain in Chile
Authors: Durán Josefina , Zitko Pedro , Barrios Paola , Margozzini Paula
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) causes significant health loss worldwide. Given that cultural factors may affect pain processing, it is key to have more information regarding CMP epidemiology in Latin America. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of CMP and chronic widespread pain (CWP) in Chile.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional survey study. We used data recollected in the 2016–2017 Chilean National Health Survey, a nationwide household survey. Our study population included subjects older than 14 years living in urban and rural Chile. We defined CMP as nontraumatic pain with a duration of longer than 3 months. Chronic widespread pain was defined by the presence of CMP in 5 body regions. The association between CMP and CWP and potential risk factors was investigated through univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

After excluding subjects with missing information our final sample constituted 4045 subjects. Chronic musculoskeletal pain was present in 21.8% (95% confidence interval, 19.6%–24.1%) and CWP in 4.2% (95% confidence interval, 3.3%–5.1%). Significant risk factors in multivariate analysis were older age, female sex, lower educational level, and depressive symptoms. Factors associated with a reduced risk of CMP were not being married and moderate alcohol consumption.

Conclusions

One of 5 Chilean people has chronic pain, and 1 of 20 has CWP. Data regarding alcohol and pain have been controversial in previous studies; therefore, this decreased risk in moderate consumers should be further explored. Chronic widespread pain shared risk factors and protective factors with CMP but with a higher magnitude of association.
Nudix proteins affecting microbial pathogenesis
Authors: Kraszewska Elzbieta , Drabinska Joanna
Published: November 2020

Nudix proteins catalyse hydrolysis of pyrophosphate bonds in a variety of substrates and are ubiquitous in all domains of life. Their widespread presence and broad substrate specificity suggest that they have important cellular functions. In this review, we summarize the state of knowledge on microbial Nudix proteins involved in pathogenesis.
Alcohol Consumption is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Obese Patients with COVID-19: a Mendelian Randomization Study using UK Biobank
Authors: Fan Xiude , Liu Zhengwen , Poulsen Kyle L , Wu Xiaoqin , Miyata Tatsunori , Dasarathy Srinivasan , Rotroff Daniel M. , Nagy Laura E.
Published: November 2020

Background

Acute and chronic alcohol abuse have adverse impacts on both the innate and adaptive immune response, which may result in reduced resistance to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and promote the progression of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, there are no large population-based data evaluating potential causal associations between alcohol consumption and COVID-19.

Method

We conducted a Mendelian randomization study using data from UK Biobank to explore the association between alcohol consumption and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and serious clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. A total of 12,937 participants aged 50-83 who tested for SARS-CoV-2 between 16 March to 27 July 2020 (12.1% tested positive) were included in the analysis. The exposure factor was alcohol consumption. Main outcomes were SARS-CoV-2 positivity and death in COVID-19 patients. We generated weighted and unweighted allele scores using three genetic variants (rs1229984, rs1260326, and rs13107325) and applied the allele scores as the instrumental variables to assess the effect of alcohol consumption on outcomes. Analyses were conducted separately for white participates with and without obesity.

Results

Of the 12,937 participants, 4,496 were never or infrequent drinkers and 8,441 were frequent drinkers. (including 1,156 light drinkers, 3,795 moderate drinkers, and 3,490 heavy drinkers). Both logistic regression and Mendelian randomization analyses found no evidence that alcohol consumption was associated with risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in participants either with (OR=0.963, 95%CI 0.800-1.159; q =1.000) or without obesity (OR=0.891, 95%CI 0.755-1.053; q =.319). However, frequent drinking (HR=1.565, 95%CI 1.012-2.419; q =.079), especially heavy drinking (HR=2.071, 95%CI 1.235-3.472; q =.054), was associated with higher risk of death in patients with obesity and COVID-19, but not in patients without obesity. Notably, the risk of death in frequent drinkers with obesity increased slightly with the average amount of alcohol consumed weekly (HR=1.480, 95%CI 1.059-2.069; q =.099).

Conclusions

Our findings suggested alcohol consumption may had adverse effects on the progression of COVID-19 in white participants with obesity, but was not associate with susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
What do we know about smell and taste dysfunction by SARS-CoV-2. Predictive Value of the Venezuelan Olfactory test and RT-PCR analysis in viral infection diagnosis
Authors: Pieruzzini Rosalinda , Ayala-Grosso Carlos , de Jesus Navas Jose , Rodríguez Wilneg , Parra Nathalia , Luque Emily , Sánchez-Gago Aida , González Scarleth , Hagobian Alexandra , Grullón Angeline , Díaz Karen , Morales Mariano , De Jesús Melanie , Peña Sonia , Rodríguez Luis , Peña Luis L , Asaro Ana , Magris Magda
Published: November 2020

Background

Smell and taste disorders are reported very frequently and at an early stage in the evolution of the infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2. These symptoms could be sensitive and specific to establish the condition of the infection, and may suggest the flow of decisions as to further therapy. We asked whether smell and taste impairment are earlier and more sensitive symptoms than the RT-PCR molecular assays for SARS-CoV-2 detection.

Methodology

Subjects (N=275) with a probable COVID19 diagnosis were classified as follows: Symptomatic with chemosensory dysfunction, symptomatic without chemosensory dysfunction, and asymptomatic. Subjects received a general clinical and otorhinolaryngology examination. Evaluation of the chemosensory dysfunction was performed by means of the Venezuelan Olfactory Test and taste test. Nasal swabs and blood samples were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis (RT-PCR) and a rapid diagnostic test to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus and antiviral antibodies, respectively. Patients had access to molecular tests and smell and taste evaluations every 3 to 5 days until they recovered.

Results

Out of 44 patients that were positive for RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2: 45.83% had smell and taste disorders and COVID19 symptoms, 23.61% did not have smell or taste disorders, but had COVID19 symptoms, and 30.55% were asymptomatic. Mild hyposmia and hypogeusia account for the most frequent chemosensory disorders accompanying common SARS-CoV-2 symptoms. Time to recover from the chemosensory dysfunction ranges from 3 to 14 days, up to a maximum of 5 weeks, while RT-PCR becomes negative after 21 days and up to 35 days in some cases. The Venezuelan Olfactory Test and taste test has a 61.68% positive predictive value, 45.83% sensitivity, and 68.7% specificity for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusions

Smell and taste disorders are frequent symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but not a significant predictor of the disease, as compared to the molecular RT-PCR test.
Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels are associated with major depressive disorder
Authors: Proma Maliha Afrin , Daria Sohel , Islam Salsabil , Nahar Zabun , Ashraful Islam Sardar Mohammad , Bhuiyan Mohiuddin Ahmed , Islam Md. Rabiul
Published: November 2020

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a distressing condition characterized by persistent low mood, loss of interest in daily activities. Many biological, psycho-social, and genetic factors are thought to be involved with depression. The present study aimed to investigate the serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in MDD patients to explore its role in the development of depression. This case-control study recruited 114 MDD patients and 106 healthy controls (HCs) matched by age and gender. A specialized psychiatrist diagnosed the cases and evaluated the controls based on the diagnostic and statistical manual for mental disorders, 5th edition. The serum MCP-1 levels were quantified by commercially available enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay kits. The Hamilton depression rating scale (Ham-D) was applied to measure the severity of depression. We observed the decreased levels of serum MCP-1 in MDD patients compared to HCs. A significant negative correlation was obtained between serum MCP-1 levels and Ham-D scores. Also, female MDD patients with higher Ham-D scores exhibited lower serum MCP-1 levels. The receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated the good diagnostic value of MCP-1 with the area under the curve at 0.837. The depression-related alteration of serum MCP-1 may be more complicated than the current assumption and depends on the characteristics of the individual patients. Our study suggests that the serum MCP-1 levels might be involved in the pathophysiology and mechanism of MDD. The present findings, along with the diagnostic evaluation, might be used to assess the depression risk.
Predictors of QT Interval Prolongation in Critically-ill Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection Treated with Hydroxychloroquine
Authors: Scuotto Frederico , Marra Rogério , de Almeida Lilian Leite , Rita Soares Mariana Santa , Silva Gabriela Kurita , Paul Luiz Carlos , Fenelon Costa Guilherme Drummond , Cirenza Cláudio
Published: November 2020

Background

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been described as a potential treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, there are safety concerns regarding its QT interval and pro-arrhythmic effects.

Objective

This trial aimed to determine the predictors of QT interval prolongation and pro-arrhythmic effects in patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 infection and receiving HCQ.

Methods

We performed a retrospective observational study of 45 critically-ill patients hospitalized because of SARS-CoV-2 infection and treated with 800 mg of HCQ at day 1 and 400 mg on days 2–5. Clinical aspects and outcomes, basal and final corrected QT (QTc) interval, and the incidence of arrhythmias and arrhythmogenic death were observed. Independent predictors of QTc prolongation were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis. QT interval prolongation was considered substantial at final QTc ≥ 480 ms.

Results

The mean age was 60.9 ± 16.67 years and 28 (62.2%) patients were men. Basal QTc was 442 ± 28 ms, and the final QTc interval was 458 ± 34 ms, for a mean QTc interval variation of 15 ± 11 ms. There was no arrhythmogenic death. The need for hemodialysis remained a statistically significant predictor of QT interval enlargement (odds ratio, 10.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 – 102.18; p = 0.045).

Conclusions

HCQ promotes mild to moderate QT interval prolongation. The risk of QT interval prolongation is higher among patients with acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis.
Validated models for pre-test probability of stable coronary artery disease: a systematic review suggesting how to improve validation procedures
Authors: Mincarone Pierpaolo , Bodini Antonella , Tumolo Maria Rosaria , Vozzi Federico , Rocchiccioli Silvia , Pelosi Gualtiero , Caselli Chiara , Sabina Saverio , Leo Carlo Giacomo
Published: November 2020

An overuse of invasive and non-invasive anatomical testing for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) affects patients’ and healthcare professionals’ safety, and the sustainability of Healthcare Systems. Pre-test probability (PTP) models can be routinely used as gatekeeper for initial patient management. Although with different positions, international organizations clearly underline the need for more information on the various risk factors acting as modifier of the PTP.

This systematic review addresses validation of PTP models adopting variables available at the first-line assessment of a suspected stable CAD. A comprehensive search has been done in MEDLINE®, HealthSTAR, and Global Health databases.

Nearly all the models considered in the 27 analysed papers include age, sex, and chest pain symptoms. Other common risk factors are smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia. Only one model considers genetic profile. Reported AUCs range from 0.51 to 0.81. Relevant heterogeneity sources have been highlighted, such as the sample size, the presence of a PTP cut-off and the adoption of different definitions of CAD which can prevent comparisons of results. Very few papers address a complete validation, making then impossible to understand the reasons why the model does not show a good discrimination capability on a different data set.

We consequently recommend a more clear statement of endpoints, their consistent measurement both in the derivation and validation phases, more comprehensive validation analyses and the enhancement of threshold validations of PTP to assess the effects of PTP on clinical management.
Efficacy and safety of treating chronic nonspecific low back pain with radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT), rESWT combined with celecoxib and eperisone (C+E) or C+E alone: a prospective, randomized trial
Authors: Guo Xuejiao , Li Lin , Yan Zhe , Li Yunze , Peng Zhiyou , Yang Yixin , Zhang Yanfeng , Schmitz Christoph , Feng Zhiying
Published: November 2020

Background

To investigate whether respectively radial extracoporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) or a combination of rESWT, Celecoxib and Eperisone (rESWT+C+E) are superior in reducing pain in subjects with chronic nonspecific low back pain (cnsLBP) compared to C+E alone (a standard treatment of this condition in China).

Methods

140 subjects with cnsLBP were randomly allocated to rESWT (n=47), rESWT+C+E (n=45) or C+E alone (n=48) for four weeks. Outcome was evaluated using the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire and Patient Health Questionnaire 9, collected at one week (W1), W2, W3, W4 and W12 after beginning of the therapy.

Results

All scores showed a statistically significant improvement over time. The PSEQ and NRS scores showed a significant Time × Treatment effect. Subjects treated with rESWT had significantly lower mean NRS values than subjects treated with rESWT+C+E at W1 and W3, as well as than subjects treated with C+E alone at W3 and W4. No severe adverse events were observed.

Conclusion

rESWT may be superior to respectively rESWT+C+E or C+E alone in reducing pain in subjects with cnsLBP. Level of Evidence: Level I, prospective, randomized, active-controlled trial.
Are psychiatric disorders risk factors for COVID-19 susceptibility and severity? a two-sample, bidirectional, univariable and multivariable Mendelian Randomization study
Authors: Luykx Jurjen J. , Lin Bochao D.
Published: November 2020

Observational studies have suggested bidirectional associations between psychiatric disorders and COVID-19 phenotypes, but results of such studies are inconsistent. Mendelian Randomization (MR) may overcome limitations of observational studies, e.g. unmeasured confounding and uncertainties about cause and effect. We aimed to elucidate associations between neuropsychiatric disorders and COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. To that end, we applied a two-sample, bidirectional, univariable and multivariable MR design to genetic data from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of neuropsychiatric disorders and COVID-19 phenotypes (released on 20 Oct. 2020). In single-variable Generalized Summary MR analysis the most significant and only Bonferroni-corrected significant result was found for genetic liability to BIP-SCZ (a combined GWAS of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia as cases vs. controls) increasing risk of COVID-19 (OR = 1.17, 95% CI, 1.06-1.28). However, we found a significant, positive genetic correlation between BIP-SCZ and COVID-19 of 0.295 and could not confirm causal or horizontally pleiotropic effects using another method. No genetic liabilities to COVID-19 phenotypes increased risk of (neuro)psychiatric disorders. In multivariable MR using both neuropsychiatric and a range of other phenotypes, only genetic instruments of BMI remained causally associated with COVID-19. All sensitivity analyses confirmed the results. In conclusion, while genetic liability to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia combined slightly increased COVID-19 susceptibility in one univariable analysis, other MR and multivariable analyses could only confirm genetic underpinnings of BMI to be causally implicated in COVID-19 susceptibility. Thus, using MR we found no consistent proof of genetic liabilities to (neuro)psychiatric disorders contributing to COVID-19 liability or vice versa, which is in line with at least two observational studies. Previously reported positive associations between psychiatric disorders and COVID-19 by others may have resulted from statistical models incompletely capturing BMI as a continuous covariate.
The Effects of Psychosocial Stress on Memory and Cognitive Ability: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: McManus Elizabeth , Talmi Deborah , Haroon Hamied , Muhlert Nils
Published: November 2020

The impact of stress on cognitive abilities, such as memory, is well documented in animal studies but it is not yet clear how stress in human social interactions affects memory. This review systematically explored the evidence regarding the effects of psychosocial stress on memory and associated cognitive abilities. PubMed, PsycInfo and Web of Science databases were searched for studies assessing the effects of psychosocial stress on long-term memory or related cognitive functions. Fifty-one studies were identified and compared based on the timing of stress induction. No overall effect of psychosocial stress induction was seen on long-term or working memory regardless of whether stress induction occurred following encoding or before retrieval. Psychosocial stress had a moderate effect in studies comparing memory for emotional compared to neutral stimuli, but the direction of this effect varied across studies. Psychosocial stress decreased performance on executive function tasks. Our findings demonstrate that psychosocial stress may not have the clear effects on memory previously ascribed to it, suggesting potentially different mechanisms from physiological stressors.
Q-Connect: Reaching Rural Customers with Assam Mobile Theatre
Authors: Abhishek  , Dandotiya Gunjan
Published: November 2020

Dinesh Sibal, CEO of Q-Connect, was reading his mails on his laptop after returning back to his hotel room in Guwahati. He was in Guwahati for his regular monthly meeting with field team. One of the mails was from marketing manager of a leading consumer durables company dealing in kitchen utensils and appliances. The company wanted to use Q-Connect network to carry out demonstrations and sales of its products for its target customers in Assam. Sibal was pleased as this was the first instance of a company reaching out to him for using Q-Connect network. He wanted to share the good news with his colleague Gulancha Baruah with whom he had built this network.
Tradition & Taste: Exploring Consumers' Changing Attitude
Authors: Das Gopal , Abhishek  , Varshneya Geetika
Published: November 2020

This case depicts a managerial problem faced by Tradition and Trust, a traditional sweet and snack manufacturer, which is 100-year old family business manufacturing, retailing and exporting sweets, snacks and other confectionery products. Like other traditional sweet and snack manufactures, the company is facing the challenge of consumers' shift towards ‘healthy snacking’. Moreover, brands like Haldiram's and Bikanerwala are posing a tough competition to the traditional sweet manufacturing brands. In recent years, the brand has witnessed a decline in sales. In view of the challenges posed to brand, the Chief Marketing Officer, wants to understand the various factors influencing decline of sales and find ways to redesign the strategy for sustaining its current position in the market. The case is written to illustrate how six fundamental steps of conducting a marketing research can be used to address a given managerial problem.
GEF India Private Limited: 2010 Launching a New Brand of Edible Oil
Authors: Jain Abhinandan , Singh Vivek
Published: November 2020

In March 2010, Mr. Chandra Shekhara Reddy, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, was reviewing the launch plan for the first brand of cooking oil, Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil, of GEF. GEF was set up by a professional turned entrepreneur, in Andhra Pradesh in 2009. The case provides a brief profile of the entrepreneur and the overall business strategy including brand architecture. It describes the launch plan, particularly the key decisions of brand name, packaging, sales promotion and distribution. Data on household use and competing brands of oils in Andhra Pradesh, South India and entire India is also included.
Okhai-Centre for Empowerment: Refashioning the Lives of Rural Women
Authors: Verma Sanjay , Thakuria Shubhi
Published: November 2020

Okhai was the name attributed to the people of the Okhamandal region2 that covered the area from Dwarka to Okha town in the Gujarat state of India. Okhai-Centre for Empowerment (see Exhibit 1) was conceived by the Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development (TCSRD) (see Exhibit 2) in 2002 as an innovative social enterprise to empower women of Okhamandal by providing them opportunities to work and earn. In FY 2015, Okhai recorded revenue of nearly INR 10 million (see Exhibit 3 and Exhibit 4). The management team of Okhai now wanted to achieve a turnover of INR 1 billion by FY 2025. Was this target achievable? What could be the best strategy for Okhai to move to the next level? These were the key concerns of the leadership team at Okhai.
MakeMyTrip: 2013(A): Problem Definition for Redesigning the Home Page
Authors: Jain Abhinandan Kumar , Misra Kaveri
Published: November 2020

In early 2013, Mr. Deepak Kumar, Chairman and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip1 (MMT), summoned a meeting to discuss about redesigning the MMT Homepage2. It was a three-hour meeting at the Hindustan Conference Room at the company's head office in Gurgaon, India. Theis meeting was attended by key members of the homepage website redesign team comprising the CBO, Analytics head, User Experience (UX) head, Product head and the Tech head (CTO). As a pre-read for the meeting, Ajay Singh, Product Head, shared his findings3 that could help in defining the issues faced by visitors to the homepage of MMT.
Parsana Health Centre: Nurturing a Healthy Lifestyle
Authors: Thomas Sujo , Titus Nidhi , Suggala Sushmita , Sinha Piyush Kumar
Published: November 2020

Parsana Health Centre Private Limited, a part of the INR 4,500 crore1 fitness industry, was a fitness centre established at Ahmedabad (Gujarat) in India in December 2002, as an integral part of the organized players of the fitness industry. It had been relentlessly working towards creating and nurturing a healthy lifestyle for the people of Ahmedabad over the previous two eventful decades. Under the able guidance of skilled trainers and dieticians, the fitness enthusiast could enjoy state of the art gym facilities, in the upcoming mega city of Ahmedabad. Parsana Health Centre Private Limited enjoyed the first mover advantage in Ahmedabad and tapped the fitness club2 market through its 13 franchises opened in select vantage locations of the city. It was started by the Parsana brothers: Vijay and Dinesh. They strived hard to inculcate the fitness regime in people and attempted to interweave the benefits of fitness with their occupations. However, the road undertaken threw challenges at them – sometimes from people who failed to underline the importance of fitness in their daily schedule, and sometimes from other fitness brands which emerged as strong competitors. The emergence of many individual and branded fitness chains started making inroads into the busy streets of Ahmedabad and they too worked hard to pull out fitness enthusiasts to these social fitness centres by providing personal health counseling, rejuvenation, yoga, etc. Sustaining competitive advantage became a tough task.
Are Public Sector Monopolies Benign? The Case of Coal India Ltd
Authors: Mahapatra Diptiranjan , Dholakia Ravindra
Published: November 2020

With the establishment of Competition Commission of India (CCI), Competition law-class actions, especially with regards to abuse of dominance by monopolists, are slowly becoming unhappy realities with both government-owned as well as private companies. This case used Coal India Limited (CIL), a public monolith which was penalized recently by CCI, as a subject of analysis to delve deeper into various conceptual understandings related to public sector functioning, such as public versus private provisioning, natural versus designed monopoly, dominance versus abuse of dominance, corporate governance versus government mandated governance, and finally natural resource allocation.
Amplus Solar - The Sky is the Limit
Authors: Garg Amit , Medicherla Kiran , Jamar Arushi , Agrawal Shrey
Published: November 2020

Solar energy is on a rising trend internationally and in India. The government target of 100 GW solar capacity by 2022 from the present 12 GW is providing a major push for growth in India. However technological development and market competitiveness are pushing down the prices of solar power. The CEO of Amplus Solar has to deal with these challenges to ensure faster growth. He is analysing various options such as expanding the market to include customers who may not be as credit worthy, expanding to foreign geographies, diversification into providing energy efficiency and other services, and entering other markets such as Renewable Energy Certificates, carbon trading, etc.
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana Rural Road Construction Project Road No 216 (B)
Authors: Dutta Goutam
Published: November 2020

S. R. Pandey, Superintending Engineer (SE), Rural Roads Department, Bihar wanted to have a meeting of all the agencies involved, including his other engineers, the contractors to discuss his village road-making project in Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojona (PMGSY). This case discusses how the concept of work breakdown is used to subdivide all the activities of road-making into different sub activities (earthwork, bridgework, roadwork and other miscellaneous activities) in different levels.