bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Bibliometric Analysis of the Top Cited Articles in Sports and Exercise Medicine
Authors: Khatra Omeet , Shadgan Armita , Taunton Jack , Pakravan Amir , Shadgan Babak
Published: January 2021

Background:

Although citation analysis is common in many areas of medicine, there is a lack of similar research in sports and exercise medicine.

Purpose:

To identify and examine the characteristics of the 100 top cited articles in the field of sports and exercise medicine in an effort to determine what components make an article highly influential.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

The Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases were used to determine the 100 top cited articles from 46 journals in the field of sports and exercise medicine. Each of the 100 articles was then analyzed by 2 independent reviewers, and results were compared. Basic information was collected, including journal title, country of origin, and study type. Different categories were compared using descriptive statistics of counts or percentages.

Results:

The 100 top cited articles were published in 15 of the 46 identified sports and exercise medicine journals, with the most prolific being Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise (n = 49), American Journal of Sports Medicine (n = 18), and Sports Medicine (n = 7). In terms of country of origin, the top 3 contributors were the United States (n = 65), Canada (n = 9), and Sweden (n = 8). The most commonly researched anatomic areas were the knee (n = 15) and the brain (n = 3). Narrative reviews were the most common study type (n = 38), and only a single study on the 100 top cited articles list used a randomized controlled trial design. The most prevalent fields of study were exercise science (55% of articles) and well-being (16% of articles).

Conclusion:

Narrative reviews from the United States and published in English-language journals were the most likely to be highly cited. In addition, the knee was a common anatomic area of study on the top cited list of research in sports and exercise medicine
The PROMIS CAT Demonstrates Responsiveness in Patients After ACL Reconstruction Across Numerous Health Domains
Authors: Gulledge Caleb M. , Koolmees Dylan , Smith D. Grace , Pietroski Alexander , Franovic Sreten , Moutzouros Vasilios , Makhni Eric C.
Published: January 2021

Background:

The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) has emerged as a dynamic, efficient, and validated patient-reported outcome measure in the field of orthopaedics. However, the responsiveness, which is defined as the ability to detect changes in scores over time, of PROMIS computer adaptive tests (CATs) after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has not been well documented.

Purpose:

To investigate the responsiveness up to 1 year postoperatively of multiple PROMIS CAT domains in patients undergoing ACLR.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

All patients who underwent ACLR by 1 of 2 fellowship-trained sports medicine orthopaedic surgeons, with preoperative and at least 6 months postoperative visits, were included in this study. PROMIS CAT physical function (PF), pain interference (PI), and depression (D) scores from each visit were collected and analyzed. Preoperative patient-centric factors, including demographic factors and meniscal pathology, were analyzed for associations with improvements in PROMIS scores.

Results:

A total of 100 patients (62 male patients and 38 female patients; mean age, 27.6 ± 11.8 years) with an average follow-up of 338.5 ± 137.5 days were included in this study. Preoperative PF, PI, and D scores improved significantly from 38.5 ± 7.3, 60.3 ± 7.0, and 47.9 ± 9.1, respectively, to 53.6 ± 10.3, 48.1 ± 8.5, and 41.0 ± 9.9, respectively ( P < .001 for each domain). Lower preoperative PF scores, PI scores, and a lower body mass index (BMI) were predictive for greater improvements in PF. Higher preoperative PI scores and a lower BMI were predictors for greater improvements in PI. Meniscal pathology was not predictive of improvement in PROMIS scores.

Conclusion:

PROMIS CAT assessments of PF, PI, and D demonstrated responsiveness in patients undergoing ACLR up to 1 year. Worse preoperative PROMIS scores and a lower BMI were predictive of greater improvements in PROMIS scores.
Creditor rights, monetary policy, financial crisis, and trade credit
Authors: Cantero-Saiz María , Torre-Olmo Begoña , Sanfilippo-Azofra Sergio
Published: January 2021

This article analyses how creditor rights affect the trade credit channel of monetary policy. We also aim to test whether these effects were conditioned by the global financial crisis of 2008. Using a sample of 15,356 firms from 29 countries (2001–2017), we found that in normal times or in countries not very severely affected by the financial crisis, trade credit receivables increase during monetary restrictions. Moreover, this increase is less pronounced as creditor protection strengthens. In countries strongly affected by the financial crisis, however, trade credit receivables do not react or even decrease after monetary expansions, regardless of the degree of creditor protection. Furthermore, the results of trade credit payables and net trade credit are not conclusive.

JEL CLASSIFICATION: E52; K22; G32
Faculty Motivation for Pursuit of Entrepreneurial Mindset Professional Development
Authors: Jackson Alexandra , Mawson Cara , Bodnar Cheryl A.
Published: January 2021

Entrepreneurial mindset (EM) has recently been adapted and integrated into various engineering classes and programs globally. Studies have shown that this integration can be effective and lead to beneficial student outcomes. To ensure broader integration of EM, faculty need to be trained on this construct and how it can be implemented within class-based environments. This study examines faculty motivation to attend professional development opportunities focused on EM offered by the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN). Through this mixed methods study it was found that faculty are often motivated by the value the workshop holds for them personally and for their career, and its usefulness in their courses. They are also motivated by their personal interests and enjoyment of professional development opportunities. The faculty in our study indicated being enabled by the workshop content's relevance to their teaching, especially in terms of course development, and its effectiveness in helping them become better instructors. Depending on the circumstances, faculty were either enabled or dissuaded by the timing of the workshop and the available funding for them to attend. The results of this study can help future workshop designers tailor their workshops to meet the needs of engineering faculty both nationwide and globally.
Intravenous administration of Penicillin results in therapeutic intravitreal levels in chronic postoperative endophthalmitis
Authors: Thabet Chloe , Gottlieb Chloe C. C. , Hurley Bernard R. , Zhang Guijun , Sherazi Adeel , Angel Jonathan B.
Published: January 2021

Importance

The role of systemic antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial endophthalmitis remains controversial. While penicillin is a highly effective antibiotic against bacteria that frequently cause endophthalmitis, the ability of systemically administered Penicillin G to penetrate into the vitreous at adequate therapeutic concentrations has not been studied. Its role in the treatment of endophthalmitis, particularly for bacteria for which it is the antibiotic of choice, therefore remains unknown.

Objective

We sought to determine whether intravenous administration of Penicillin G leads to adequate therapeutic concentrations in the vitreous for the treatment of bacterial endophthalmitis.

Design and setting

This study was conducted in an ambulatory setting, at the Ottawa Hospital Eye Institute, a university-affiliated tertiary care center, where a 77-year old gentleman with chronic post-cataract surgery Actinomyces neuii endophathalmitis was treated with intravenous Penicillin G (4 × 106 units every 4 h) and intravitreal ampicillin (5000μg/0.1 m1).

Main outcomes and measures

Intravitreal concentration of Penicillin G and ampicillin were obtained at the time of intraocular lens removal, measured by high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results

The intravitreal concentration of penicillin and ampicillin was 3.5μg/ml and 0.3μg/ml, respectively. Both the concentration of penicillin and ampicillin were within the level of detection of their respective assays (penicillin 0.06-5μg/ml, ampicillin 0.12–2.5μg/ml).

Conclusion and relevance

This study shows that intravenous Penicillin G administered every four-hours allows for adequate intravitreal concentrations of penicillin. Future studies are required to determine if the results of this study translate into improved clinical outcomes.
A stack LSTM structure for decoding continuous force from local field potential signal of primary motor cortex (M1)
Authors: Kashefi Mehrdad , Daliri Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2021

Background

Brain Computer Interfaces (BCIs) translate the activity of the nervous system to a control signal which is interpretable for an external device. Using continuous motor BCIs, the user will be able to control a robotic arm or a disabled limb continuously. In addition to decoding the target position, accurate decoding of force amplitude is essential for designing BCI systems capable of performing fine movements like grasping. In this study, we proposed a stack Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network which was able to accurately predict the force amplitude applied by three freely moving rats using their Local Field Potential (LFP) signal.

Results

The performance of the network was compared with the Partial Least Square (PLS) method. The average coefficient of correlation (r) for three rats were 0.67 in PLS and 0.73 in LSTM based network and the coefficient of determination ($$R^{2}$$

R
2

) were 0.45 and 0.54 for PLS and LSTM based network, respectively. The network was able to accurately decode the force values without explicitly using time lags in the input features. Additionally, the proposed method was able to predict zero-force values very accurately due to benefiting from an output nonlinearity.

Conclusion

The proposed stack LSTM structure was able to predict applied force from the LFP signal accurately. In addition to higher accuracy, these results were achieved without explicitly using time lags in input features which can lead to more accurate and faster BCI systems.
Revealing biophysical properties of KfrA-type proteins as a novel class of cytoskeletal, coiled-coil plasmid-encoded proteins
Authors: Adamczyk M. , Lewicka E. , Szatkowska R. , Nieznanska H. , Ludwiczak J. , Jasiński M. , Dunin-Horkawicz S. , Sitkiewicz E. , Swiderska B. , Goch G. , Jagura-Burdzy G.
Published: January 2021

Background

DNA binding KfrA-type proteins of broad-host-range bacterial plasmids belonging to IncP-1 and IncU incompatibility groups are characterized by globular N-terminal head domains and long alpha-helical coiled-coil tails. They have been shown to act as transcriptional auto-regulators.

Results

This study was focused on two members of the growing family of KfrA-type proteins encoded by the broad-host-range plasmids, R751 of IncP-1β and RA3 of IncU groups. Comparative in vitro and in silico studies on KfrAR751 and KfrARA3 confirmed their similar biophysical properties despite low conservation of the amino acid sequences. They form a wide range of oligomeric forms in vitro and, in the presence of their cognate DNA binding sites, they polymerize into the higher order filaments visualized as “threads” by negative staining electron microscopy. The studies revealed also temperature-dependent changes in the coiled-coil segment of KfrA proteins that is involved in the stabilization of dimers required for DNA interactions.

Conclusion

KfrAR751 and KfrARA3 are structural homologues. We postulate that KfrA type proteins have moonlighting activity. They not only act as transcriptional auto-regulators but form cytoskeletal structures, which might facilitate plasmid DNA delivery and positioning in the cells before cell division, involving thermal energy.
Transcriptional and proteomic insights into phytotoxic activity of interspecific potato hybrids with low glycoalkaloid contents
Authors: Szajko Katarzyna , Ciekot Jarosław , Wasilewicz-Flis Iwona , Marczewski Waldemar , Sołtys-Kalina Dorota
Published: January 2021

Background

Glycoalkaloids are bioactive compounds that contribute to the defence response of plants against herbivore attack and during pathogenesis. Solanaceous plants, including cultivated and wild potato species, are sources of steroidal glycoalkaloids. Solanum plants differ in the content and composition of glycoalkaloids in organs. In wild and cultivated potato species, more than 50 steroidal glycoalkaloids were recognized. Steroidal glycoalkaloids are recognized as potential allelopathic/phytotoxic compounds that may modify the growth of target plants. There are limited data on the impact of the composition of glycoalkaloids on their phytotoxic potential.

Results

The presence of α-solasonine and α-solamargine in potato leaf extracts corresponded to the high phytotoxic potential of the extracts. Among the differentially expressed genes between potato leaf bulks with high and low phytotoxic potential, the most upregulated transcripts in sample of high phytotoxic potential were anthocyanin 5-aromatic acyltransferase-like and subtilisin-like protease SBT1.7-transcript variant X2. The most downregulated genes were carbonic anhydrase chloroplastic-like and miraculin-like. An analysis of differentially expressed proteins revealed that the most abundant group of proteins were those related to stress and defence, including glucan endo-1,3-beta-glucosidase acidic isoform, whose expression level was 47.96× higher in potato leaf extract with low phytotoxic.

Conclusions

The phytotoxic potential of potato leaf extract possessing low glycoalkaloid content is determined by the specific composition of these compounds in leaf extract, where α-solasonine and α-solamargine may play significant roles. Differentially expressed gene and protein profiles did not correspond to the glycoalkaloid biosynthesis pathway in the expression of phytotoxic potential. We cannot exclude the possibility that the phytotoxic potential is influenced by other compounds that act antagonistically or may diminish the glycoalkaloids effect.
Negative central venous to arterial lactate gradient in patients receiving vasopressors is associated with higher ICU 30-day mortality: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Qing , Liu Ye , Su Longxiang , Chai Wenzhao , Zhang Hongmin , Wang Xiaoting , Liu Dawei
Published: January 2021

Background

Serum lactate has long been used to evaluate hypoxia and predict prognosis in critically ill patients, however, discrepancy in lactate measurements between different sites have not been recognized as a useful tool for monitoring hypoxia and evaluating outcome.

Methods

Data were obtained from the clinical information system of the intensive care unit (ICU) in a tertiary academic hospital for 1582 ICU patients with vasoactive drug requirement and valid paired blood gas. The mortality rates were compared between patients with sustained negative venous to arterial lactate gradient (VALac) and the others using the Cox proportional hazard model. Predictive factors associated with negative VALac were searched.

Results

A sustained negative VALac was significantly associated with higher 30 day ICU mortality [Adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 2.31, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.07–4.99; p = 0.032. Propensity score- weighted HR: 2.57; 95% CI, 1.17–5.64; p = 0.010]. Arterial lactate in the first blood gas pair, 24-h arterial lactate clearance, use of epinephrine, mean positive end-expiratory pressure level, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation initiation showed statistically significant association with sustained negative VALac during the first 24 h.

Conclusion

The sustained negative VALac in the early stage of treatment may suggest additional information about tissue hypoxia than arterial lactate alone. Critical care physicians should pay more attention to the lactate discrepancy between different sites in their clinical practice.
Persistently higher serum sCD40L levels are associated with outcome in septic patients
Authors: Liang Yingjian , Zhu Chengrui , Sun Yini , Li Zhiliang , Wang Liang , Liu Yina , Li Xin , Ma Xiaochun
Published: January 2021

Background

Soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) exhibits proinflammatory and procoagulant effects. Recent data indicated that sCD40L plays a significant role in septic patients. The aim of the present study was to determine sCD40L changes in surgical patients without sepsis (SWS) and surgical sepsis patients (SS) during the first 3 days after intensive care unit (ICU) admission and to observe the association between sCD40L and mortality.

Methods

Time changes in sCD40L levels were assessed for 3 days after ICU admission in 49 patients with SS and compared with those in 19 SWS patients. Serum sCD40L concentration was detected by ELISA. Survival at 28 days served as the endpoint.

Results

SS had significantly higher sCD40L levels than SWS and control patients. We observed an association between sCD40L levels ≥1028.75 pg/mL at day 2 and 28-day mortality (odds ratio = 7.888; 95% confidence interval = 1.758 to 35.395; P = 0.007). We could not discover any significant differences in sex, presence of septic shock, site of infection, length of stay in the ICU, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, incidence of AKI, ARDS, or type of surgery between nonsurvivors and survivors.

Conclusions

Septic patients show persistently higher circulating sCD40L levels in the first 3 days after ICU admission, and serum sCD40L levels are associated with the mortality of patients with sepsis. Thus, serum sCD40L may be used as a reliable biomarker and therapeutic target in sepsis.
Natural killer cells, gamma delta T cells and classical monocytes are associated with systolic blood pressure in the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors: Delaney Joseph A. C. , Olson Nels C. , Sitlani Colleen M. , Fohner Alison E. , Huber Sally A. , Landay Alan L. , Heckbert Susan R. , Tracy Russell P. , Psaty Bruce M. , Feinstein Matt , Doyle Margaret F.
Published: January 2021

Background

Hypertension is a major source of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recent evidence from mouse models, genetic, and cross-sectional human studies suggest increased proportions of selected immune cell subsets may be associated with levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP).

Methods

We assayed immune cells from cryopreserved samples collected at the baseline examination (2000–2002) from 1195 participants from the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA). We used linear mixed models, with adjustment for age, sex, race/ethnicity, smoking, exercise, body mass index, education, diabetes, and cytomegalovirus titers, to estimate the associations between 30 immune cell subsets (4 of which were a priori hypotheses) and repeated measures of SBP (baseline and up to four follow-up measures) over 10 years. The analysis provides estimates of the association with blood pressure level.

Results

The mean age of the MESA participants at baseline was 64 ± 10 years and 53% were male. A one standard deviation (1-SD) increment in the proportion of γδ T cells was associated with 2.40 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34–3.42] higher average systolic blood pressure; and for natural killer cells, a 1-SD increment was associated with 1.88 mmHg (95% CI 0.82–2.94) higher average level of systolic blood pressure. A 1-SD increment in classical monocytes (CD14++CD16−) was associated with 2.01 mmHG (95% CI 0.79–3.24) lower average systolic blood pressure. There were no associations of CD4+T helper cell subsets with average systolic blood pressure.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the innate immune system plays a role in levels of SBP whereas there were no associations with adaptive immune cells.
Clinical experiences and predictors of success of treatment with vedolizumab in IBD patients: a cohort study
Authors: Mühl Laura , Becker Emily , Müller Tanja M. , Atreya Raja , Atreya Imke , Neurath Markus F. , Zundler Sebastian
Published: January 2021

Background

Vedolizumab has become a standard treatment for the inflammatory bowel diseases ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). However, there is an ongoing debate on the ideal individual treatment algorithms and means to predict treatment response are not routinely established.

Aims

We aimed to describe our experiences with vedolizumab at a large German tertiary referral center and to identify clinical predictors of success of vedolizumab treatment.

Methods

We performed a retrospective single-center cohort study employing univariable and multivariable analyses as well as Kaplan–Meier analyses of persistence on treatment.

Results

36% and 35% of the patients with UC and CD, respectively, reached clinical remission after 17 weeks. Patients with lower clinical disease activity were more likely to achieve remission. The median persistence on treatment was 33 months for UC and 29 months for CD.

Conclusion

Our study confirms that vedolizumab is an efficient option for the treatment of UC and CD. Clinical parameters of disease activity may help to predict the success of treatment.
Protocol for a multi-site, cluster‐randomized, phase III, comparative clinical trial of geriatric assessment of older patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer: the ENSURE-GA study
Authors: Tsubata Yukari , Shinomiya Shun , Inoue Koji , Ishikawa Nobuhisa , Saito Ryota , Nakashima Kazuhisa , Hotta Katsuyuki , Hamada Akinobu , Nagashima Fumio , Ando Yuichi , Morita Satoshi , Kobayashi Kunihiko , Isobe Takeshi
Published: January 2021

Background

In Japan, approximately half of all lung cancer patients are aged > 75 years, and the proportion of older patients is increasing. In older patients, it is necessary to consider comorbidities and concomitant drug use to ensure optimal cancer treatment; however, geriatric assessment (GA) is not widely performed. We plan to conduct a study (ENSURE-GA) of GA in older lung cancer patients to determine whether GA with intervention improves patient satisfaction with their treatment.

Methods

The study will be a phase III comparative clinical trial with a cluster-randomized design, and it will be conducted at 81 sites distributed throughout Japan. Approximately 1000 lung cancer patients aged ≥ 75 years will be enrolled in the study. All participants will undergo a standardized GA before starting treatment (using an iPad). At the intervention sites, the GA results and intervention method recommended on the basis of the GA results will be returned as an instant report to guide the physician’s choice of intervention. At the control sites, the physician will decide on interventions based on standard practice. All participants will complete a patient satisfaction survey before treatment initiation (after the GA) and 3 months later.

Discussion

The purpose of the ENSURE-GA study is to evaluate whether GA with interventions improves patient satisfaction with treatment outcomes. The study may lead to the increased use of GA and improved treatment of cancer in older adults. The results will also be used to prepare guidelines for treating older cancer patients and will provide a foundation for the development of a standardized geriatric oncology system.

Trial registration

The study has been registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network database (no. UMIN000037590). The registration date is August 4, 2019, and the protocol version is 2.0. (https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000042853.)
Antifungal stewardship in a tertiary care paediatric hospital: the PROAFUNGI study
Authors: Mendoza-Palomar Natalia , Garcia-Palop Beatriz , Melendo Susana , Martín Maria Teresa , Renedo-Miró Berta , Soler-Palacin Pere , Fernández-Polo Aurora
Published: January 2021

Background

The increasing use of antifungal drugs (AF) in children and the concern for related adverse events and costs has led to the development of specific AF stewardship programmes (AFS). Studies in adult patients have shown improvements in AF prescription and usage after implementation, but paediatric data are scant. The aim of this PROAFUNGI study was to describe the use and appropriateness of AF in a high complexity paediatric centre.

Methods

Observational, prospective, single-centre, modified point-prevalence study (11 surveys, July–October 2018), including paediatric (< 18 years) patients receiving at least one systemic AF. Prescriptions were evaluated by the AFS team.

Results

The study included 119 prescriptions in 55 patients (53% males, median age 8.7 years [IQR 2.4–13.8]). The main underlying condition was cancer (45.5% of patients; HSCT in 60% of them); and the first indication for AF was prophylaxis (75 prescriptions, 63.2%). Liposomal amphotericin B was used most commonly (46% prescriptions), mainly as prophylaxis (75%). Among the 219 evaluations, 195 (89%) were considered optimal. The reason for non-optimal prescriptions was mostly lack of indication (14/24), especially in critical patients with ventricular assist devices. The use of AF without paediatric approval accounted for 8/24 inappropriate prescriptions.

Conclusions

A high rate of AF appropriateness was found for the children’s hospital as a whole, in relation with a well-established AFS. Nonetheless, the identification of specific areas of improvement should guide future actions of the AFS team, which will focus mainly on prophylaxis in critically ill patients receiving circulatory assistance and the use of non-approved drugs in children.
Polymorphism rs368234815 of interferon lambda 4 gene and spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus in haemodialysis patients: a case-control study
Authors: Grzegorzewska Alicja E. , Mostowska Adrianna , Świderska Monika K. , Marcinkowski Wojciech , Stolarek Ireneusz , Figlerowicz Marek , Jagodziński Paweł P.
Published: January 2021

Background

In non-uremic subjects,IFNL4rs368234815 predicts HCV clearance. We investigated whether rs368234815 is associated with spontaneous HCV clearance in haemodialysis patients and whether it is a stronger predictor of HCV resolution than theIFNLpolymorphisms already associated with HCV clearance in dialysis subjects. We also evaluated an association of rs368234815 with patients` survival and alterations in transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) caused byIFNLpolymorphisms.

Methods

Among 161 haemodialysis patients with positive anti-HCV antibodies, 68 (42.2%) spontaneously resolved HCV infection, whereas 93 remained HCV RNA positive. Patients were tested for nearIFNL3rs12980275,IFNL3rs4803217,IFNL4rs12979860,IFNL4rs368234815, and nearIFNL4rs8099917.IFNL4rs368234815 polymorphism (TT/TT, ΔG/TT, ΔG/ΔG) was genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis; otherIFNLpolymorphisms - by high resolution melting curve analysis. We used the Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test for survival analysis. In silico analysis included the use of ENCODE TFBS ChIP-seq data, HOCOMOCO, JASPAR CORE, and CIS-BP databases, and FIMO software.

Results

The probability (OR, 95%CI, P) of spontaneous HCV clearance for rs368234815 TT/TT patients was higher than for the ΔG allele carriers (2.63, 1.38–5.04, 0.003). This probability for other major homozygotes varied between 2.80, 1.45–5.43, 0.002 for rs12980275 and 2.44, 1.27–4.69, 0.007 for rs12979860. In the additive model, rs368234815 TT/TT was the strongest predictor of HCV clearance (6.38, 1.69–24.2, 0.003). Survival analysis suggested an association of the ΔG allele with mortality due to neoplasms (log-rankP = 0.005). The rs368234815 ∆G allele caused TFBS removal for PLAGL1.

Conclusions

In haemodialysis patients, the association of rs368234815 with the spontaneous HCV clearance is better than that documented for otherIFNL3/IFNL4polymorphisms only in the additive mode of inheritance. However, identifying the homozygosity in the variant ∆G allele of rs368234815 means a more potent prediction of persistent HCV infection in haemodialysis subjects that we observe in the case of the variant homozygosity of other testedIFNL3/IFNL4polymorphisms. Removal of PLAGL1 TFBS in subjects harbouring the rs368234815 ∆G allele may contribute to cancer susceptibility. The association of rs368234815 with cancer-related mortality needs further studies in HCV-exposed subjects.
Scalp eschar and neck lymphadenopathy by Rickettsia slovaca after Dermacentor marginatus tick bite case report: multidisciplinary approach to a tick-borne disease
Authors: Barlozzari Giulia , Romiti Federico , Zini Maurizio , Magliano Adele , De Liberato Claudio , Corrias Franco , Capponi Guglielmo , Galli Luisa , Scarpulla Manuela , Montagnani Carlotta
Published: January 2021

Background

Scalp Eschar and Neck LymphAdenopathy after Tick bite is a zoonotic non-pathogen-specific disease most commonly due to Rickettsia slovaca and Rickettsia raoultii. Diagnosis is mostly based only on epidemiological and clinical findings, without serological or molecular corroboration.

We presented a clinical case in which diagnosis was supported by entomological identification and by R. slovaca DNA amplifications from the tick vector.

Case presentation

A 6-year-old child presented with asthenia, scalp eschar and supraclavicular and lateral-cervical lymphadenopathy. Scalp Eschar and Neck LymphAdenopathy After Tick bite syndrome following a Dermacentor marginatus bite was diagnosed. Serological test on serum revealed an IgG titer of 1:1024 against spotted fever group rickettsiae, polymerase chain reaction assays on tick identified Rickettsia slovaca. Patient was successfully treated with doxycycline for 10 days.

Conclusions

A multidisciplinary approach including epidemiological information, clinical evaluations, entomological identification and molecular investigations on tick, enabled proper diagnosis and therapy.
Incidence, healthcare-seeking behaviours, antibiotic use and natural history of common infection syndromes in England: results from the Bug Watch community cohort study
Authors:   on behalf of the PASS research group, Smith Catherine M. , Shallcross Laura J. , Dutey-Magni Peter , Conolly Anne , Fuller Christopher , Hill Suzanne , Jhass Arnoupe , Marcheselli Franziska , Michie Susan , Mindell Jennifer S. , Ridd Matthew J. , Tsakos Georgios , Hayward Andrew C. , Fragaszy Ellen B.
Published: January 2021

Background

Better information on the typical course and management of acute common infections in the community could inform antibiotic stewardship campaigns. We aimed to investigate the incidence, management, and natural history of a range of infection syndromes (respiratory, gastrointestinal, mouth/dental, skin/soft tissue, urinary tract, and eye).

Methods

Bug Watch was an online prospective community cohort study of the general population in England (2018–2019) with weekly symptom reporting for 6 months. We combined symptom reports into infection syndromes, calculated incidence rates, described the proportion leading to healthcare-seeking behaviours and antibiotic use, and estimated duration and severity.

Results

The cohort comprised 873 individuals with 23,111 person-weeks follow-up. The mean age was 54 years and 528 (60%) were female. We identified 1422 infection syndromes, comprising 40,590 symptom reports. The incidence of respiratory tract infection syndromes was two per person year; for all other categories it was less than one. 194/1422 (14%) syndromes led to GP (or dentist) consultation and 136/1422 (10%) to antibiotic use. Symptoms usually resolved within a week and the third day was the most severe.

Conclusions

Most people reported managing their symptoms without medical consultation. Interventions encouraging safe self-management across a range of acute infection syndromes could decrease pressure on primary healthcare services and support targets for reducing antibiotic prescribing.
Gestation and COVID-19: clinical and microbiological observational study (Gesta-COVID19)
Authors:   On behalf of the Gesta-COVID19 Collaboration Group, Suy Anna , Garcia-Ruiz Itziar , Carbonell Melchor , Garcia-Manau Pablo , Rodo Carlota , Maiz Nerea , Sulleiro Elena , Anton Andres , Esperalba Juliana , Fernández-Hidalgo Nuria , Frick Marie Antoinette , Camba Fatima , Pumarola Tomas , Carreras Elena
Published: January 2021

Background

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a novel disease which has been having a worldwide affect since December 2019. Evidence regarding the effects of SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy is conflicting. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 has been demonstrated in biological samples during pregnancy (placenta, umbilical cord or amniotic fluid); however, maternal and fetal effects of the virus are not well known.

Methods

Descriptive, multicentre, longitudinal, observational study in eight tertiary care hospitals throughout Spain, that are referral centres for pregnant women with COVID-19. All pregnant women with positive SARS-CoV-2 real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction during their pregnancy or 14 days preconception and newborns born to mothers infected with SARS-CoV-2 will be included. They will continue to be followed up until 4 weeks after delivery. The aim of the study is to investigate both the effect of COVID-19 on the pregnancy, and the effect of the pregnancy status with the evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 disease. Other samples (faeces, urine, serum, amniotic fluid, cord and peripheral blood, placenta and breastmilk) will be collected in order to analyse whether or not there is a risk of vertical transmission and to describe the behaviour of the virus in other fluids. Neonates will be followed until 6 months after delivery to establish the rate of neonatal transmission. We aim to include 150 pregnant women and their babies. Ethics approval will be obtained from all the participating centres.

Discussion

There is little information known about COVID-19 and its unknown effects on pregnancy. This study will collect a large number of samples in pregnant women which will allow us to demonstrate the behaviour of the virus in pregnancy and postpartum in a representative cohort of the Spanish population.
Does chemotherapy or radiotherapy affect the postoperative complication in breast cancer patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction with tissue expander?
Authors: Jung Sung Mi , Jeon Byung-Joon , Woo Jinsun , Ryu Jai Min , Lee Se Kyung , Chae Byung-Joo , Yu Jonghan , Kim Seok Won , Nam Seok Jin , Pyon Jai-Kyong , Mun Goo-Hyun , Bang Sa Ik , Lee Jeong Eon
Published: January 2021

Background

Immediate breast reconstruction with tissue expander in breast cancer patients who were expected to receive adjuvant therapy, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, has been a topic of debate. Postoperative complications from tissue expander procedures can delay the timing of adjuvant treatment and subsequently increase the probability of recurrence. The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on postoperative complications in patients who underwent immediate reconstruction (IR) using tissue expander.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 1081 breast cancer patients who underwent mastectomy and IR using tissue expander insertion between 2012 and 2017 in Samsung Medical Center. The patients were divided into two groups based on complications (complication group vs. no complication group). Complication group was regarded to have surgical removal or conservative treatment based on clinical findings such as infection, capsular contracture, seroma, hematoma, rupture, malposition, tissue viability, or cosmetic problem. The complication group had 59 patients (5.5%) and the no complication group had 1022 patients (94.5%).

Results

In univariate analysis, adjuvant radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy were significantly associated with postoperative complications. In multivariate analysis, however, only higher pathologic N stage was significantly associated with postoperative complications (p < 0.001). Chemotherapy (p = 0.775) or radiotherapy (p = 0.825) were not risk factors for postoperative complications.

Conclusions

IR with tissue expander after mastectomy may be a treatment option even when the patients are expected to receive adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy. These results will aid patients who are concerned about the complications of IR caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy determine whether or not to have IR.

Trial registration

Patients were selected and registered retrospectively, and medical records were evaluated.
Prevalence and predictors of ocular complications among children undergoing nephrotic syndrome treatment in a resource-limited setting
Authors: Nakubulwa Faith , Lusobya Rebecca Claire , Batte Anthony , Ssuna Bashir , Nakanjako Damalie , Nakiyingi Lydia , Nalukenge Caroline , Sebabi Francis Onen , Mulinde Ben , Otiti-Sengeri Juliet
Published: January 2021

Background

Nephrotic syndrome is the most common glomerulopathy among children aged 2–18 years and high dose corticosteroids are the backbone of its management. Potentially blinding ocular complications often result from nephrotic syndrome and/or its treatment. We conducted a study to determine the prevalence and predictors of ocular complications among children undergoing nephrotic syndrome treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted for three [3] months at the pediatric renal unit of Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH). Data from a consecutive sample of 100 children was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, entered into Epi-data 4.4.2 and exported to STATA 14 for analysis at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels. A robust Poisson regression model was used to identify predictors of ocular complications.

Results

Out of 100 patients examined, 80(80%) had ocular complications. The median age was 10 (IQR: 7–12) and 52 (52%) were girls. The most frequent complications were hypertrichosis and refractive errors in 71% (95%CI 61.1–79.6) and 56% (95%CI 45.7–65.9) of the patients respectively. Age above 10 years was the predictor for ocular complications with a RR = 1.37 (95%CI:1.14–1.64)p = 0.001.

Conclusions

We found a high prevalence of ocular complications among children with nephrotic syndrome in this tertiary hospital. The predictor of ocular complications was age greater than 10 years. We recommend that all children with nephrotic syndrome undergo a baseline ocular examination prior to commencement of treatment and be reviewed periodically by an ophthalmologist.
Correction to: First observation of secondary childhood glaucoma in Coffin-Siris syndrome: a case report and literature review
Authors: Diel Heidi , Ding Can , Grehn Franz , Chronopoulos Panagiotis , Bartsch Oliver , Hoffmann Esther M.
Published: January 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Acceptability and appropriateness of a novel parent-staff co-leadership model for childhood obesity prevention in Head Start: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Beckerman-Hsu Jacob P. , Gago Cristina , Aftosmes-Tobio Alyssa , Jurkowski Janine M. , Lansburg Kindra , Leonard Jessie , Torrico Merieka , Haneuse Sebastien , Subramanian S. V. , Kenney Erica L. , Davison Kirsten K.
Published: January 2021

Background

Peer leadership can be an effective strategy for implementing health programs, benefiting both program participants and peer leaders. To realize such benefits, the peer leader role must be appropriate for the community context. Also, peer leaders must find their role acceptable (i.e., satisfactory) to ensure their successful recruitment and retention. To date, parent peer leaders have seldom been part of early childhood obesity prevention efforts. Moreover, parents at Head Start preschools have rarely been engaged as peer leaders. The aim of this study is to evaluate the appropriateness and acceptability of an innovative model for engaging parents as peer leaders for this novel content area (early childhood obesity prevention) and setting (Head Start).

Methods

Parents Connect for Healthy Living (PConnect) is a 10-session parent program being implemented in Head Start preschools as part of the Communities for Healthy Living early childhood obesity prevention trial. PConnect is co-led by a parent peer facilitator who is paired with a Head Start staff facilitator. In the spring of 2019, 10 PConnect facilitators participated in a semi-structured interview about their experience. Interview transcripts were analyzed by two coders using an inductive-deductive hybrid analysis. Themes were identified and member-checked with two interviewees.

Results

Themes identified applied equally to parent and staff facilitators. Acceptability was high because PConnect facilitators were able to learn and teach, establish meaningful relationships, and positively impact the parents participating in their groups, although facilitators did express frustration when low attendance limited their reach. Appropriateness was also high, as PConnect provided adequate structure and support without being overly rigid, and facilitators were able to overcome most challenges they encountered.

Conclusions

The PConnect co-facilitation model was highly acceptable and appropriate for both the parent facilitators (peer leaders) and the staff facilitators. Including parents as peer leaders aligns to Head Start’s emphasis on parent engagement, making it a strong candidate for sustained implementation in Head Start. The insights gained about the drivers of peer leadership appropriateness and acceptability in this particular context may be used to inform the design and implementation of peer-led health programs elsewhere.

Trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03334669 (7–11-17).
Facilitating participation in cardiovascular preventive initiatives among people with diabetes: a qualitative study
Authors: Dahl Marie , Søndergaard Susanne Friis , Diederichsen Axel , Pouwer Frans , Pedersen Susanne S. , Søndergaard Jens , Lindholt Jes
Published: January 2021

Background

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The DIAbetic CArdioVAscular Screening and intervention trial (DIACAVAS) was designed to clarify whether advanced imaging for subclinical atherosclerosis combined with medical treatment is an effective strategy to develop individualised treatment algorithms for Danish men and women with T2D aged 40–60. But in the DIACAVAS pilot study, the uptake was only 41%. Consequently, we explored how people experienced living with T2D to understand how to improve the uptake in initiatives targeting the prevention of CVD.

Methods

We used semi-structured interviews to obtain information on how the respondents experienced having T2D. For supplementary information, we used structured interviews on e.g. socioeconomic factors. From April to October 2019, 17 participants aged 40–60 years were recruited from general practices and diabetes outpatient clinics in Denmark. Several levels of analysis were involved consistent with inductive content analysis.

Results

The participants’ experiences of living with T2D fell along two continuums, from an emotional to a cognitive expression and from reactive to proactive disease management. This led to identification of four archetypal characteristics: (I) powerlessness, (II) empowerment, (III) health literacy, and (IV) self-efficacy. These characteristics indicated the importance of using different approaches to facilitate participation in cardiovascular preventive initiatives. Additionally, findings inspired us to develop a model for facilitating participation in future preventive initiatives.

Conclusion

Encouraging people with T2D to participate in cardiovascular preventive initiatives may necessitate a tailored invitation strategy. We propose a model for an invitational process that takes into consideration invitees’ characteristics, including powerlessness, empowerment, health literacy and self-efficacy. This model may enhance participation in such initiatives. However, participation is a general concern, not only in relation to cardiovascular prevention. Our proposed model may be applicable in preventive services for people with T2D in general.
Activity in nature mediates a park prescription intervention’s effects on physical activity, park use and quality of life: a mixed-methods process evaluation
Authors: Petrunoff Nicholas , Yao Jiali , Sia Angelia , Ng Alwyn , Ramiah Anbumalar , Wong Michael , Han Jane , Tai Bee Choo , Uijtdewilligen Léonie , Müller-Riemenschneider Falk
Published: January 2021

Background

This process evaluation explored the implementation and mechanisms of impact of a Park Prescription Intervention trial (PPI), including the effects of hypothesised mediators (motivation, social support, recreational physical activity [PA], park use and park PA) on trial outcomes.

Methods

Participants from the community were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 80) or control (n = 80) group. The intervention included baseline counselling, a prescription of exercise in parks, materials, three-month follow-up counselling and 26 weekly group exercise sessions in parks. Process evaluation indicators were assessed at three- and six-months. Implementation indicators included participation rates in intervention components and survey questions plus focus group discussions (FGDs) to understand which components participants valued. FGDs further assessed barriers and facilitators to intervention participation. To explore mechanisms of impact, linear regression was used to compare objectively measured PA between quantiles of group exercise participation. Structural equation modelling (SEM) explored hypothesised mediation of the significant intervention effects. Framework analysis was conducted for FGDs.

Results

Participants were middle-aged (mean 51, SD ± 6.3 years), predominantly female (79%) and of Chinese ethnicity (81%). All intervention participants received baseline counselling, the park prescription and materials, whilst 94% received the follow-up counselling. Mean minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA/week (95% CI) differed by group exercise participation (p = 0.018): 0% participation (n = 18) 128.3 (69.3, 187.2) minutes, > 0–35.9% participation (n = 18) 100.3 (36.9, 163.6) minutes, > 35.9–67.9% participation (n = 17) 50.5 (− 4.9, 105.9) minutes and > 67.9% participation (n = 18) 177.4 (122.0, 232.8) minutes. Park PA at three-months had significant mediating effects (95% CI) on recreational PA 26.50 (6.65, 49.37) minutes/week, park use 185.38 (45.40, 353.74) minutes/month, park PA/month 165.48 (33.14, 334.16) minutes and psychological quality of life score 1.25 (0.19, 2.69) at six-months. Prioritising time with family and preferences for unstructured activities were barriers to intervention participation. Human interaction via follow-up or group exercise were facilitators.

Conclusion

This process evaluation showed park PA consistently mediated effects of the PPI, suggesting activity in parks was a mechanism of its effects. To optimise effectiveness, participants’ preference for prioritising time with family through family involvement and tailoring the intervention to participants’ preferences for structured or unstructured PA could be considered in future studies.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02615392, 26 November 2015.