bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic factors of severe community-acquired staphylococcal pneumonia in France
Authors: Gillet Yves , Tristan Anne , Rasigade Jean-Philippe , Saadatian-Elahi Mitra , Bouchiat Coralie , Bes Michele , Dumitrescu Oana , Leloire Marie , Dupieux Céline , Laurent Frédéric , Lina Gérard , Etienne Jerome , Vanhems Philippe , Argaud Laurent , Vandenesch Francois ,   the PVL pneumonia study group
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Staphylococcus aureuscauses severe forms of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), namely staphylococcal pleuropneumonia in young children and staphylococcal necrotising pneumonia in older patients. Methicillin resistance and the Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL) toxin, as well as less specific factors, have been associated with poor outcome in severe CAP, but their roles are unclear.

Methods

A prospective multicentre cohort study of severe staphylococcal CAP was conducted in 77 paediatric and adult intensive care units in France between January 2011 and December 2016. After age-clustering, risk factors for mortality, including pre-existing conditions, clinical presentation, laboratory features, strain genetic lineage, PVL, other virulence factors and methicillin resistance were assessed using univariate and multivariable Cox and LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) regressions.

Results

Out of 163 included patients, aged 1 month to 87 years, 85 (52.1%) had PVL-positive CAP; there were 20 (12.3%) patients aged <3 years (hereafter “toddlers”), among whom 19 (95%) had PVL-positive CAP. The features of PVL-positive CAP in toddlers matched with the historical description of staphylococcal pleuropneumonia, with a lower mortality (three (15%) out of 19) compared to PVL-positive CAP in older patients (31 (47%) out of 66). Mortality in older patients was predicted by PVL-positivity (hazard ratio (HR) 1.81, 95% CI 1.03–3.17) and methicillin resistance (HR 2.37, 95% CI 1.29–4.34) independently fromS. aureuslineages and the presence of other determinants of virulence.

Conclusion

PVL was associated with staphylococcal pleuropneumonia in toddlers and was a risk factor for mortality in older patients with severe CAP, independently of methicillin resistance,S. aureusgenetic background and other virulence factors.
A systematic review of the diagnostic accuracy of volatile organic compounds in airway diseases and their relation to markers of type-2 inflammation
Authors: Ibrahim Wadah , Natarajan Sushiladevi , Wilde Michael , Cordell Rebecca , Monks Paul S. , Greening Neil , Brightling Christopher E. , Evans Rachael , Siddiqui Salman
Published: April 2021

Background

Asthma and COPD continue to cause considerable diagnostic and treatment stratification challenges. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been proposed as feasible diagnostic and monitoring biomarkers in airway diseases.

Aims

To 1) conduct a systematic review evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of VOCs in diagnosing airway diseases; 2) understand the relationship between reported VOCs and biomarkers of type-2 inflammation; 3) assess the standardisation of reporting according to STARD and TRIPOD criteria; 4) review current methods of breath sampling and analysis.

Methods

A PRISMA-oriented systematic search was conducted (January 1997 to December 2020). Search terms included: “asthma”, “volatile organic compound(s)”, “VOC” and “COPD”. Two independent reviewers examined the extracted titles against review objectives.

Results

44 full-text papers were included; 40/44 studies were cross-sectional and four studies were interventional in design; 17/44 studies used sensor-array technologies (e.g.eNose). Cross-study comparison was not possible across identified studies due to the heterogeneity in design. The commonest airway diseases differentiating VOCs belonged to carbonyl-containing classes (i.e.aldehydes, esters and ketones) and hydrocarbons (i.e.alkanes and alkenes). Although individual markers that are associated with clinical biomarkers of type-2 inflammation were recognised (i.e.ethane and 3,7-dimethylnonane for asthma and α-methylstyrene and decane for COPD), these were not consistently identified across studies. Only 3/44 reported following STARD or TRIPOD criteria for diagnostic accuracy and multivariate reporting, respectively.

Conclusions

Breath VOCs show promise as diagnostic biomarkers of airway diseases and for type-2 inflammation profiling. However, future studies should focus on transparent reporting of diagnostic accuracy and multivariate models and continue to focus on chemical identification of volatile metabolites.
Reference programme: diagnosis and treatment of headache disorders and facial pain. Danish Headache Society, 3rd edition, 2020
Authors: Schytz Henrik W. , Amin Faisal M. , Jensen Rigmor H. , Carlsen Louise , Maarbjerg Stine , Lund Nunu , Aegidius Karen , Thomsen Lise L. , Bach Flemming W. , Beier Dagmar , Johansen Hanne , Hansen Jakob M. , Kasch Helge , Munksgaard Signe B. , Poulsen Lars , Sørensen Per Schmidt , Schmidt-Hansen Peter T. , Cvetkovic Vlasta V. , Ashina Messoud , Bendtsen Lars
Published: April 2021

Headache and facial pain are among the most common, disabling and costly diseases in Europe, which demands for high quality health care on all levels within the health system. The role of the Danish Headache Society is to educate and advocate for the needs of patients with headache and facial pain. Therefore, the Danish Headache Society has launched a third version of the guideline for the diagnosis, organization and treatment of the most common types of headaches and facial pain in Denmark. The second edition was published in Danish in 2010 and has been a great success, but as new knowledge and treatments have emerged it was timely to revise the guideline. The recommendations for the primary headaches and facial pain are largely in accordance with the European guidelines produced by the European Academy of Neurology. The guideline should be used a practical tool for use in daily clinical practice for primary care physicians, neurologists with a common interest in headache, as well as other health-care professionals treating headache patients. The guideline first describes how to examine and diagnose the headache patient and how headache treatment is organized in Denmark. This description is followed by sections on the characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of each of the most common primary and secondary headache disorders and trigeminal neuralgia. The guideline includes many tables to facilitate a quick overview. Finally, the particular challenges regarding migraine and female hormones as well as headache in children are addressed.
Synthesis of Polyaniline Coating on the Modified Fiber Ball and Application for Cr(VI) Removal
Authors: Ma Xiao Li , Fei Guang Tao , Xu Shao Hui
Published: April 2021

In this study, polyaniline (PANI) is prepared by means of chemical oxidization polymerization and directly loaded on the modified fiber ball (m-FB) to obtain macroscale polyaniline/modified fiber ball (PANI/m-FB) composite, and then its removal ability of Cr(VI) is investigated. The effects of different parameters such as contact time, pH value and initial concentration on Cr(VI) removal efficiency are discussed. The experimental results illustrate that the favorable pH value is 5.0 and the maximum removal capacity is measured to be 293.13 mg g−1. Besides, PANI/m-FB composites can be regenerated and reused after being treated with strong acid. The kinetic study indicates that the adsorption procedure is mainly controlled by chemical adsorption. More importantly, the macroscale of composites can avoid secondary pollution efficiently. Benefiting from the low cost, easy preparation in large scale, environmentally friendly, excellent recycling performance as well as high removal ability, PANI/m-FB composites exhibit a potential possibility to remove Cr(VI) from industrial waste water.

Graphic Abstract

The polyaniline (PANI) was coated on modified fiber ball (m-FB) to remove Cr(VI) in waste water, and this kind of PANI/m-FB composites can avoid secondary pollution efficiently due to its macrostructure. Furthermore, the removal capacity can reach to 291.13 mg/g and can be multiple reused.
The rumen eukaryotome is a source of novel antimicrobial peptides with therapeutic potential
Authors: Onime Lucy A. , Oyama Linda B. , Thomas Benjamin J. , Gani Jurnorain , Alexander Peter , Waddams Kate E. , Cookson Alan , Fernandez-Fuentes Narcis , Creevey Christopher J. , Huws Sharon A.
Published: April 2021

Background

The rise of microbial antibiotic resistance is a leading threat to the health of the human population. As such, finding new approaches to tackle these microbes, including development of novel antibiotics is vital.

Results

In this study, we mined a rumen eukaryotic metatranscriptomic library for novel Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) using computational approaches and thereafter characterised the therapeutic potential of the AMPs. We identified a total of 208 potentially novel AMPs from the ruminal eukaryotome, and characterised one of those, namely Lubelisin. Lubelisin (GIVAWFWRLAR) is an α-helical peptide, 11 amino acid long with theoretical molecular weight of 1373.76 D. In the presence of Lubelisin, strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) USA300 and EMRSA-15 were killed within 30 min of exposure with ≥103 and 104 CFU/mL reduction in viable cells respectively. Cytotoxicity of Lubelisin against both human and sheep erythrocytes was low resulting in a therapeutic index of 0.43. Membrane permeabilisation assays using propidium iodide alongside transmission electron microscopy revealed that cytoplasmic membrane damage may contribute to the antimicrobial activities of Lubelisin.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that the rumen eukaryotome is a viable source for the discovery of antimicrobial molecules for the treatment of bacterial infections and further development of these may provide part of the potential solution to the ongoing problem of antimicrobial resistance. The role of these AMPs in the ecological warfare within the rumen is also currently unknown.
Association of TGFB -509C>T promoter polymorphism with primary angle closure glaucoma in a North Indian Punjabi cohort
Authors: Thakur Nanamika , Pandey Rajeev Kumar , Mannan Rashim , Pruthi Archna , Mehrotra Sanjana
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) is an important candidate gene implicated in glaucoma pathogenesis because it affects retinal ganglionic cell survival. The present study assessed the genetic association of -509C > T variant in the TGFB promoter region with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) in a North Indian Punjabi population.

Method

A total of 867 subjects (307 POAG, 133 PACG cases and 427 controls) were recruited from the targeted population. Genotyping was done by PCR-RFLP method and the data was analyzed using PLINK software (v1.07). Logistic regression under different genetic models was applied and genotype phenotype correlation was assessed by one-way ANOVA.

Result

A statistically significant difference in the frequency of heterozygotes among PACG cases (53.16%) and controls (30.07%) (p = 0.0002) was observed. Genetic model analysis revealed that mutant “TT” genotype conferred 2-fold risk towards PACG development under recessive model (p = 0.0019) while dominant model and co-dominant model provided 0.62 and 0.37 fold protection against PACG (p = 0.025 and p = 0.0001, respectively). Data segregation based on sex revealed a strong protective effect of heterozygous ‘CT’ genotype against progression of PACG among females (p = 0.002, OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.19–0.70), but conferred 2.14-fold risk among female POAG subjects (p = 0.013).

Conclusion

The study revealed a strong genetic association of -509C > T variant in TGFB with PACG in females. There is a need to replicate the results in a larger PACG cohort in other populations and further assess the contribution of sex specific factors in modifying genetic susceptibility to PACG.
Why market orientation matters for agriculture and fishery workers? Unravelling the association between households’ occupational background and caloric deprivation in India
Authors: Smita  , Rajpal Sunil , Lu Shiau-Yun , Joe William
Published: April 2021

Background

Developmental policies in low- and middle-income countries pose immense potential within the agriculture sectors to escalate economic growth and development. Almost one-half of the workforces continue to be engaged in agriculture and allied activities with a relatively lower economic contribution than those employed in other sectors. Hence, realizing such potential however requires tremendous scaling up of skill development activities in the sector. Investing in skill development of workers engaged in agricultural and allied activities can potentially display notable value additions, income generation and therefore reductions in widespread deprivations in the form of food insecurity and undernutrition. Further with the direct link between nutrition and productivity, economic gains, it is further imperative to impart market exposure among subsistence and unskilled workers. This study therefore empirically investigates the association between households’ primary occupation and caloric deprivation in India. In particular, in a multivariate and multilevel framework, we identified how closely primary occupation of households explain the variation in caloric deprivation in India.

Methods

Drawing upon data from 68th round (2011–12) of nationally representative cross-sectional Household Consumer Expenditure Survey (HCES) of National Sample Survey (NSS), Government of India, we examined the association between occupational backgrounds of households and caloric deprivation (average caloric consumption as well as low calorie intake) among Indian households.

Results

Evidences show that agricultural and fishery labor households have lowest calorie intake (2086 kcal) across all the occupational groups. However, market oriented skilled agricultural and fishery workers’ (2261 kcal – rural, 2165 kcal - urban) have higher calorie intakes than those belonging to subsistence agricultural (2165 kcal – rural, 2149 kcal - urban). Further, the multilevel logistic regression estimates suggest that in rural areas, households engaged in skilled agricultural and fishery works have significantly (at 5% level) lower odds ratio (OR: 0.72, with 95% CI: 0.63; 0.82) of having insufficient calorie intake compared to the unskilled agricultural and fishery laborer households. Estimates from variance partitioning based on multilevel logistic regression models suggest that the households’ occupational group accounts for 7 to 14% of total variation in calorie consumption.

Conclusion

These insights when combined with the occupation-specific random-effects suggest that investing in skill development of agricultural and fishery workers may have immense potential to strengthen their nutritional status and to reduce deprivation levels.
The prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine use in the general population of Babol, North of Iran, 2018
Authors: Moeini Reihaneh , Mozaffarpur Seyyed Ali , Mojahedi Morteza , Nasrolahpour Shirvani Seyed Davoud , Gorji Narjes , Saghebi Roshanak , Abolhassani Shahreza Farid , Shirafkan Hoda
Published: April 2021

Background

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) have recently become more popular and accepted worldwide. One principal step to identify the status and organize strategies of CAM is evaluating the manner and the prevalence of its usage among people. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of CAM modalities usage by the people of Babol, a central city in the North of Iran, in 2018.

Methods

Using the original International CAM Questionnaire (I-CAM-Q), a questionnaire was redesigned in Persian (Farsi) with some changes such as adding special modalities in Iran and its validity and reliability were assessed. Six hundred households were evaluated using a cluster sampling method in 2018 spring by 12 trained interviewers.

Results

Finally, 1770 questionnaires were correctly completed. A total of 110 participants (6.21% of the completed questionnaires) had visited CAM therapists in the last year, 109 persons (6.15%) had received prescriptions from physicians and paramedics to use CAM, and a total of 1032 people (58.30%) used herbs and herbal medicines in the last 12 months. Also, 1265 individuals (71.46%) had used CAM throughout their lives. The most popular methods were herbal medicine (65.76%), Persian Medicine (13.78%), water therapy (10.45%) and music therapy (8.36%). The use of CAM was more popular among women.

Conclusions

The general use of CAM in Babol was similar to other studies, but there were fewer visits by CAM therapists and less frequent adoption of common methods including homeopathy, acupuncture, and energy therapy. It was found that CAM was mostly used for non-serious diseases such as cold and transient gastrointestinal disorders, a pattern that is different from other studies in this field.
Process evaluation of the ACTION programme: a strategy for implementing person‐centred communication in home care
Authors: Gustafsson Tanja , Sundler Annelie J , Lindberg Elisabeth , Karlsson Pernilla , Söderholm Hanna Maurin
Published: April 2021

Background

There is currently a strong emphasis on person-centred care (PCC) and communication; however, little research has been conducted on how to implement person-centred communication in home care settings. Therefore, the ACTION (A person-centred CommunicaTION) programme, which is a web-based education programme focusing on person-centred communication developed for nurse assistants (NAs) providing home care for older persons, was implemented. This paper reports on the process evaluation conducted with the aim to describe and evaluate the implementation of the ACTION programme.

Methods

A descriptive design with a mixed method approach was used. Twenty-seven NAs from two units in Sweden were recruited, and 23 of them were offered the educational intervention. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from multiple sources before, during and after the implementation. Quantitative data were used to analyse demographics, attendance and participation, while qualitative data were used to evaluate experiences of the implementation and contextual factors influencing the implementation.

Results

The evaluation showed a high degree of NA participation in the first five education modules, and a decrease in the three remaining modules. Overall, the NAs perceived the web format to be easy to use and appreciated the flexibility and accessibility. The content was described as important. Challenges included time constraints; the heavy workload; and a lack of interaction, space and equipment to complete the programme.

Conclusions

The results suggest that web-based education seems to be an appropriate strategy in home care settings; however, areas for improvement were identified. Our findings show that participants appreciated the web-based learning format in terms of accessibility and flexibility, as well as the face-to-face group discussions. The critical importance of organizational support and available resources are highlighted, such as management involvement and local facilitation. In addition, the findings report on the implementation challenges specific to the dynamic home care context.

Trial registration

This intervention was implemented with nursing assistants, and the evaluation only involved nursing staff. Patients were not part of this study. According to the ICMJE, registration was not necessary ().
Field infection of a gilt and its litter demonstrates vertical transmission and effect on reproductive failure caused by porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3)
Authors: Vargas-Bermúdez Diana S. , Vargas-Pinto Mayra A. , Mogollón José Darío , Jaime Jairo
Published: April 2021

Background

PCV3 is a member of the Circovirus family, associated with disease and mortality in pigs. It is not clear whether PCV3 putatively causes clinical symptoms and disease. In the present case, we reported a gilt infected with PCV3 associated with reproductive failures, vertical transmission, tissue lesions, viral replication by in situ hybridization, and the hypothesis that some strains of PCV3 clade one are associated with reproductive failures at the field level.

Case presentation

In May 2019, a pig farm in Colombia reported increased reproductive failures, and the presence of PCV3 in gilts and sows was established in a single form or coinfections, mainly with PCV2 and PPV7. Ten sows with a single infection with PCV3 were found, and one gilt with a pre-farrowing serum viral load above 103 was studied. This gilt was followed up during the pre-farrowing, farrowing period and on her litter for 6 weeks. During dystocic farrowing, a mummy and ten piglets were released, including two weak-born piglets. The highest viral loads for PCV3 were found in the mummy and the placenta. In the weak-born piglets, there were viral loads both in serum and in tissues, mainly in the mesenteric ganglia and lung. Replication of PCV3 in these tissues was demonstrated by in situ hybridizations. PCV3 was also found in the precolostrum sera of piglets and colostrum, showing vertical transmission. The viral load in piglets decreased gradually until week six of life. The viral genome’s complete sequencing was made from the mummy, and its analysis classified it as PCV3 clade one.

Conclusions

This report confirms that PCV3 can cause disease at the field level, and putatively, in this case, we find the generation of reproductive failures. The ability of PCV3 to cause disease as a putative pathogen may be associated with the viral load present in the pig and the strain that is affecting the farm. For this case, we found that viral loads above 103 (4.93 log genomic copies / mL) in the gilt were associated with clinical manifestation and that some PCV3 strains belonging to clade one are more associated with the reproductive presentation.
Helicobacter canis bacteraemia in a rheumatoid arthritis patient treated with tofacitinib: case report and literature review
Authors: Mihevc Matic , Koren Krajnc Metka , Bombek Ihan Maja , Holc Iztok
Published: April 2021

Background

Non-Helicobacter pylori species (NHPS) are newly emerging bacteria that naturally inhabit birds and mammals apart from humans and rarely cause diseases in humans. In recent years, a rise in the number of cases associated with NHPS infections in humans has been observed. Among them, infections with Helicobacter (H.) canis are sporadic and challenging to recognise clinically. To date, ten cases of H. canis infections in mainly immunocompromised humans have been reported in the literature. Transmission pathway is most likely zoonotic via the faecal-oral route during close contacts with dogs and cats or may result from a contaminated sheep milk intake. No clear guidelines for successful antibiotic regimen are known. Important additional risk factor for infection might be biologic agents and Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other conditions. Herein we present the first case of H. canis bacteraemia in a RA patient treated with novel JAKi tofacitinib.

Case presentation

A 65-year-old female patient with RA and rituximab-induced hypogammaglobulinemia treated with tofacitinib, methotrexate, and methylprednisolone came to a planned visit in our outpatient rheumatology clinic. She presented with a history of back pain that significantly worsened 2 days before visit. She had numbness and tingling sensation in both legs and muscle weakness. Neurological examination was within a normal range. The patient was afebrile, had no chills, and was haemodynamically stable. She was in close contact with her pet dogs. Laboratory examination showed increased markers of inflammation. She was found to have H. canis bacteraemia with underlying multilevel degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. Identification of H. canis was performed by MALDI-TOF MS and 16 S rRNA gene sequence analysis of isolate from subcultured positive aerobic blood culture bottles. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed low minimum inhibitory concentrations to amoxicillin-clavulanate, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, meropenem, and gentamicin. She was treated with combined antibiotic regimen (ceftriaxone, doxycycline) for 14 days, which resulted in total remission of the infection.

Conclusions

Clinicians should recognise H. canis infection risk in patients with recent pet exposure and predisposing factors such as immunodeficiency disorders or diseases that demand immunosuppressive drug therapy. A minimum of two weeks of antibiotic therapy is suggested.
The phospholipase D inhibitor FIPI potently blocks EGF-induced calcium signaling in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Stricker Helena M. , Rommerswinkel Nadine , Keil Silvia , Gnoth Sandina A. , Niggemann Bernd , Dittmar Thomas
Published: April 2021

Background

Phosphotyrosine kinase (PTK)-mediated phospholipase C-γ1 (PLC-γ1) signaling plays a crucial role in the release of the universal second messenger calcium from intracellular stores, which is mandatory for several cellular processes, including cell migration. However, PLC-γ1 could also be activated in a PTK-independent manner by phospholipase D (PLD)-derived phosphatidic acid (PA). Because both higher PLD expression levels and PLD activity have also been associated with breast cancer cell invasion and migration, we wondered whether there might be a link between PLD and PLC-γ1, which was investigated in this study.

Materials

MDA-MB-468-NEO (EGFR positive) and MDA-MB-468-HER2 (EGFR and HER2 positive) human breast cancer cells were used in this study. The migratory behavior of the cells in the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and the PLD inhibitor 5-fluoro-2-indolyl-des-chlorohalopemide (FIPI) was analyzed using the 3D collagen matrix migration assay. Changes in cytosolic calcium levels in the presence of EGF, FIPI and Sig-1R agonists and antagonists as well as in PLD1 siRNA knockdown cells were determined by flow cytometry. Western blot analyses were performed to determine the basal expression levels and phosphorylation patterns of EGFR, HER2, AKT, MAPKp42/44, PLC-γ1 and Sig-1R.

Results

The EGF-induced migration of MDA-MB-468-NEO and MDA-MB-468-HER2 cells was significantly impaired by FIPI. Likewise, FIPI also significantly abolished EGF-induced calcium release in both cell lines. However, neither the expression levels nor the phosphorylation patterns of EGFR, HER2, AKT, MAPKp42/44and PLC-γ1 were markedly changed by FIPI. Knockdown of PLD1 expression by siRNA also significantly impaired EGF-induced calcium release in both cell lines. Targeting Sig-1R, which interacts with IP3R, with the antagonist BD1047 also abrogated EGF-induced calcium release. However, EGF-induced calcium release was also impaired if cells were treated with the Sig-1R agonists PRE084 and PPBP maleate.

Conclusion

In summary, blocking PLD activity with the specific inhibitor FIPI or knocking down PDL1 expression by siRNA significantly impaired EGF-induced calcium release in MDA-MB-468-NEO and MDA-MB-468-HER2 cells, likely indicating a connection between PLD activity and PLC-γ1-mediated calcium signaling. However, how PLD activity interferes with the release of calcium from intracellular stores remains unclear.
Genetic variability of human papillomavirus type 39 based on E6, E7 and L1 genes in Southwest China
Authors: He Jiaoyu , Li Tianjun , Wang Youliang , Song Zhilin , Li Qiufu , Liu Yiran , Cui Yanru , Ma Siyu , Deng Junhang , Wei Xia , Ding Xianping
Published: April 2021

Background

Human papillomavirus type 39 associated with genital intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive cancers, has a high prevalence in Southwest China. HPV E6, E7 are two main papillomavirus oncoproteins, closely relate to the function of HPV immortalization, cell transformation, and carcinogenesis. L1 is the major capsid protein, can reflect the replication status of the virus in cells and the progression of cervical lesions. The purpose of this study is to reveal the prevalence of HPV 39 and the genetic polymorphisms of HPV39 based onE6, E7andL1gene in southwest China.

Methods

Cell samples were collected by cervical scraped for HPV detecting and typing, and HPV39 positive samples were selected out. ImportantE6, E7andL1genes of HPV39 were sequenced and analyzed for the study of HPV39 genetic polymorphisms. Phylogenetic trees were constructed by Maximum-likelihood and Kimura 2-parameters methods in Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis version 6.0. The selection pressures ofE6, E7andL1genes were estimated by Datamonkey web server. The secondary and three-dimensional structure of HPV39 E6, E7 proteins were created by sopma server and SWISS-MODEL software.

Results

344 HPV39 positive samples were selected from 5718 HPV positive cell samples. Among HPV39E6-E7sequences, 20 single nucleotide mutations were detected, including 10 non-synonymous and 10 synonymous mutations; 26 single nucleotide mutations were detected in HPV39L1sequences, including 7 non-synonymous and 19 synonymous mutations respectively. 11 novel variants of HPV39E6-E7(5 inE6and 6 inE7) and 14 novel variants of HPV39L1were identified in this study. A-branch was the most frequent HPV39 lineage in southwest China during our investigation. Selective pressure analysis showed that codon sites 26, 87, 151 inE6and 75, 180, 222, 272, 284, 346, 356 inL1were positively selected sites, as well as codon sites 45, 138, 309, 381 were negative selection sites inL1gene,E7has neither positive selection sites nor negative selection sites. A certain degree of secondary and three-dimensional structure dislocation was existed due to the non-synonymous mutations.

Conclusions

Amino acid substitution affected the secondary and three-dimensional structure of HPV39, and resulting in the differences of carcinogenic potential and biological functions as well as the immune response due to the antigen epitopes difference, the antigen epitopes with stronger adaptability in Southwest will be screened out based on the above research results for the later vaccine development. And gene polymorphism of HPV39 in Southwest China may improve the effectiveness of clinical test and vaccine design, specifically for women in Southwest China.
Can psychological flexibility and prosociality mitigate illness perceptions toward COVID-19 on mental health? A cross-sectional study among Hong Kong adults
Authors: Chong Yuen Yu , Chien Wai Tong , Cheng Ho Yu , Kassianos Angelos P. , Gloster Andrew T. , Karekla Maria
Published: April 2021

Background

The negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on public mental health can be persistent and substantial over a long period of time, but little is known regarding what psychological factors or processes can buffer such impact. The present study aimed to examine the mediating roles of coping, psychological flexibility and prosociality in the impacts of perceived illness threats toward COVID-19 on mental health.

Method

Five-hundred and fourteen Hong Kong citizens (18 years or above) completed an online survey to measure illness perceptions toward COVID-19, coping, psychological flexibility, prosociality, and mental health, together with their socio-demographic variables. Structural equation modelling was used to explore the explanatory model that was the best-fit to illustrate the relationships between these constructs.

Results

Serial mediation structural equation model showed that only psychological flexibility (unstandardised beta coefficient, β = − 0.12, 95% CI [− 0.20, − 0.02], p = 0.031) and prosociality (unstandardised β = 0.04, 95% CI [0.01, 0.08], p = 0.001) fully mediated the relationship between illness perceptions toward COVID-19 and mental health. In addition, psychological flexibility exerted a direct effect on prosociality (standardised β = 0.22, 95% CI [0.12, 0.32], p < 0.001). This best-fit model explained 62% of the variance of mental health.

Conclusions

Fostering psychological flexibility and prosocial behaviour may play significant roles in mitigating the adverse effects of COVID-19 and its perceived threats on public mental health.
Prevalence of psychiatric diagnosis and related psychopathological symptoms among patients with COVID-19 during the second wave of the pandemic
Authors: Zhang Zhiyang , Feng Yi , Song Rui , Yang Di , Duan Xuefei
Published: April 2021

Background

The possibility of psychopathological symptoms and related risk factors among normal persons and patients infected during the outbreak of COVID-19 has been widely investigated. The mental health outcomes of the second wave of the pandemic remain unclear, especially those of patients with an infection. Thus, this study aims to explore the prevalence of and related risk factors associated with psychopathological symptoms among patients infected with COVID-19 during the second wave.

Method

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in five isolated wards of a designated hospital in Beijing, China, from July 1 to July 15, 2020. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was conducted to assess psychiatric disorders, and a series of scales were used to measure self-reported psychopathological symptoms and psychosomatic factors. Multivariate regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors associated with psychopathological symptoms.

Results

Among 119 participants with infections, the prevalence of generalized anxiety symptoms (51.3%), depressive symptoms (41.2%), and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS)/posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (33.6%) was observed. Loneliness, hope, coping strategies, and history of mental disorders were the shared risk or protective factors across several psychopathological symptoms. The perceived impact of COVID-19 is the specific risk factor associated with state anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions

The prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSS/PTSD is high among patients with infections during the second wave of the pandemic in Beijing. Clinical doctors must realize that these patients will probably experience depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and PTSS/PTSD, as well as some neuropsychiatric syndromes. Specific mental health care is urgently required to help patients manage the virus during the second wave of the pandemic.
Application value of combination therapy of periodontal curettage and root planing on moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Bian Yonghuan , Liu Changhao , Fu Zhaojiang
Published: April 2021

Background

Our study attempted to observe the value of periodontal curettage combined with root planing on moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

There involved 72 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis who were diagnosed and treated in our hospital from January 2019 to December 2019. The patients enrolled were randomly divided into four groups using a computer-generated table: root planing and periodontal curettage combined group (n = 18), root planning group (n = 18), periodontal curettage group (n = 18) and cleansing group (n = 18). Blood glucose, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), attachment loss (AL), serum levels of inflammatory factors (Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha [TNF- α] and hypersensitive C-reactive protein [hs-CRP]) were observed before and after treatment. The collecting dates were analyzed by the chi-square χ 2 test, repeated measurement analysis of variance, or t-test according to different data types and research objectives.

Results

Before treatment, there was no significant difference in PI, GI, PD and AL among the four groups (P> 0.05), while after 3-month treatment, the levels of PI, GI, PD and AL in the combined group were lower than those in the root planing group, periodontal curettage group and cleansing group, with both root planing group and periodontal curettage group significantly lower than cleansing group (P< 0.05). The fasting blood glucose, 2-h postprandial blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin in the combined group, root planing group, periodontal curettage group and cleansing group were significantly lower than those before treatment (P < 0.05). Before treatment, there was no significant difference in TNF- α and hs-CRP among the four groups (P> 0.05), but the levels of TNF- α and hs-CRP in the four groups decreased significantly after 3-month treatment (P< 0.05). The levels of TNF- α and hs-CRP in the combined group were lower than those in the root planing group, periodontal curettage group and cleansing group, and those in the root planing group and periodontal curettage group were significantly lower than those in the cleansing group (P< 0.05).

Conclusion

The combination therapy of periodontal curettage and root planing exerted beneficial effects on moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, which holds the potential to maintain the level of blood glucose and improve the quality of life of the patients.
Osteonecrosis of the hip: is there a difference in the survivorship of total hip arthroplasty with or without previous vascular iliac bone grafting?
Authors: Chau Wai-Wang , Ng Jonathan Patrick , Lau Hiu-Woo , Ong Michael Tim-Yun , Chung Kwong-Yin , Ho Kevin Ki-Wai
Published: April 2021

Background

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a debilitating condition. Vascularized iliac bone graft (VIBG) is a joint-preserving surgery to improve blood supply to the avascular portion of the femoral head which may delay secondary osteoarthritis and total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, whether VIBG will affect the subsequent THA survivorship and outcomes are still uncertain.

Methods

Implant survivorship and clinical outcomes were compared between 27 patients who had undergone prior VIBG and 242 patients who had only undergone THA for ONFH. Baseline characteristics and the postoperative Harris Hip Score (HHS) were also recorded and compared between the two groups. Implant survivorship was determined using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

Results

The overall implant survival for all patients who had a primary diagnosis of ONFH and eventually underwent THA was 92.9%. There was no significant difference in the implant survivorship between the group who directly received THA (survivorship of 93%) and the group which failed VIBG and was subsequently converted to THA (survivorship of 91.9%) (p = 0.71). In addition, higher THA revision rates were associated with smokers and drinkers.

Conclusions

VIBG may be a reasonable option as a “buy-time” procedure for ONFH. Even if conversion to THA is eventually required, patients may be reassured that the overall survivorship and clinical outcomes may not be compromised. Patients are recommended to give up smoking and binge drinking prior to THA to increase implant survival rate.
The burden of mental disorder in Sierra Leone: a retrospective observational evaluation of programmatic data from the roll out of decentralised nurse-led mental health units
Authors: Hopwood Helen , Sevalie Stephen , Herman Moshi Optat , Harris Dawn , Collet Katharine , Bah Abdulai Jawo , Beynon Fenella
Published: April 2021

Background

In sub-Saharan Africa the treatment gap for mental disorders is high. In 2009, 98.0% of people with mental illness in Sierra Leone were not receiving treatment, partly due to the absence of public psychiatric facilities outside the capital. In response, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation rolled out nurse-led mental health units (MHU) to every district. This study aims to retrospectively evaluate the uptake of these services by examining the pathways to care, diagnosis, management, and treatment gap, to provide insight into the functioning of these units and the potential burden of mental health disorders in Sierra Leone.

Methods

We evaluated the roll out of MHU using summary data from all units between 1 st January 2015 and 1 st January 2017, to establish the burden of diagnoses among service users, pathways to care, treatments provided, and treatment gaps. Negative binomial regressions examine bivariate relationships between diagnoses, treatments, and medication inaccessibility with demographics (age and sex), location (Freetown vs the rest and Ebola endemic regions vs the rest) and year.

Results

We collected data from 15 MHU covering 13 districts in 24 months. There were 2401 referrals. The largest age category was 25–34 (23.4%). The prominent diagnoses were epilepsy (43.5%, associated with children) and psychosis (17.5%, associated with males). Reported depression (8.6%) and suicide attempts (33 patients) were low. Ebola endemic regions reported higher rates of grief, trauma, and medically unexplained symptoms. In 24.7% of cases where medication was required, it was not accessible.

Conclusions

Nurse-led MHU can have a modest effect on the treatment gap in resource constrained environments such as Sierra Leone, particularly in epilepsy and psychosis.
Adherence to a standardized infection reduction bundle decreases surgical site infections after colon surgery: a retrospective cohort study on 526 patients
Authors: Guerrero Marlon A. , Anderson Brandie , Carr Gordon , Snyder Kara L. , Boyle Patrick , Ugwu Sharon A. , Davis Melissa , Bohnenkamp Susan K. , Nfonsam Valentine , Riall Taylor S.
Published: April 2021

Background

Colon surgical site infections (SSI) are detrimental to patient safety and wellbeing. To achieve clinical excellence, our hospital set to improve patient safety for those undergoing colon surgery. Our goal was to implement a perioperative SSI prevention bundle for all colon surgeries to reduce colon surgery SSI rates.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study evaluated the impact of implementing a perioperative SSI prevention bundle in patients undergoing colon surgery at Banner University Medical Center - Tucson. We compared SSI rates between the Pre- (1/1/2016 to 12/31/2016) and post-bundle (1/1/2017 to 12/31/2017) cohorts using a chi-square test.

Results

In total, we included 526 consecutive patients undergoing colon surgery in our study cohort; 277 pre-bundle and 249 post-bundle implementation. The unadjusted SSI rates were 8.7 % and 1.2 %, pre- and post-bundle, respectively. Our CMS reportable standard infection rate decreased by 85.4 % from 3.08 to 0.45 after implementing our SSI prevention bundle.

Conclusions

Implementing a standardized colon SSI prevention bundle reduces the overall 30-day colon SSI rates and national standardized infection rates. We recommend implementing colon SSI reduction bundles to optimize patient safety and minimize colon surgical site infections.
FASTER and SCOTT&EVA trainings for adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tebartz van Elst Ludger , Fangmeier Thomas , Schaller Ulrich Max , Hennig Oliver , Kieser Meinhard , Koelkebeck Katja , Kuepper Charlotte , Roessner Veit , Wildgruber Dirk , Dziobek Isabel
Published: April 2021

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental condition with a prevalence rate above 1%, characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction; restrictive, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities; and a preference for sameness and routines. The majority of adult ASD patients suffer from comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. Therapy options for adult ASD patients are lacking, with presently no available evidence-based interventions in Germany. Recently, two interventions to improve social responsiveness have been published. FASTER (“Freiburger Asperger-Spezifische Therapie für ERwachsene” = Freiburg Asperger-specific therapy for adults) is a manualized group psychotherapy program including three modules on psychoeducation, stress regulation management, and non-verbal and verbal social communication training with videotaped tasks. SCOTT&EVA (“Social Cognition Training Tool”, and its enhancement “Emotionen Verstehen und Ausdruecken” = understanding and expressing emotions) is a computer-based training program to enhance social cognition including video and audio material of emotional expressions and complex real-life social situations. Initial studies for both programs have shown good feasibility and efficacy.

Methods

Three hundred sixty adult participants with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will take part in a randomized controlled three-armed multi-center trial to prove the efficacy of manualized group psychotherapy and a manualized computer-based training program. Both interventions will be compared with a treatment as usual (TAU) group, aiming to establish evidence-based psychotherapy approaches for adult individuals with ASD. The primary outcome is evaluated by parents, spouses, or others who have sufficient insight into the respective participant’s social communication and interaction, and will be measured with the Social Responsiveness Scale. First, each of both interventions will be compared to TAU. If at least one of the differences is significant, both interventions will be compared against each other. The primary outcome will be measured at baseline (T0) and 4 months after baseline (T1).

Discussion

The trial is the first to validate psychiatric therapeutic and training interventions for adult ASD patients in Germany. A trial is needed because the prevalence of ASD in adulthood without intellectual disability is high, and no evidence-based intervention can be offered in Germany.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trial Register DRKS00017817. Registered on 20 April 2020.
Skull fracture and epidural hematoma caused by use of a Mayfield skull clamp in an adult patient with chronic hemodialysis: a case report
Authors: Furuya Takeo , Yamazaki Masashi , Nemoto Tetsuharu , Okawa Akihiko , Ohtori Seiji
Published: April 2021

Background

Mayfield skull clamps are widely used and indispensable in current neurosurgery. Complications such as skull fractures or intracranial hematoma from using a Mayfield skull clamp have largely been reported in the pediatric population, are likely related to the relative thinness of the skull, such as in patients with hydrocephalus, and are extremely rare in adults. Here, we report a case of skull fracture and epidural hematoma caused by a Mayfield skull clamp used for posterior decompression surgery in an adult patient with chronic hemodialysis.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old Asian male patient with a history of dialysis-dependent chronic renal failure over 36 years suffered from severe cervical myelopathy. Neurological examination and radiographic images revealed cervical spondylotic myelopathy due to dialysis-related spondyloarthropathy. Laminoplasty was planned on patient consent. A Mayfield skull clamp was applied with the patient supine. Torque was applied to the screws with gentle care, but there was no resistance and it was not easy to reach the standard 60 lb (267 N) to 80 lb (356 N). Because a skull fracture was suspected, we canceled the surgery. Emergency head computed tomography showed depressed skull fractures underlying the single-pin sites with an associated epidural hematoma. The fractures and epidural hematoma were treated conservatively, and spontaneous resolution of the hematoma was confirmed. Cervical laminoplasty was performed successfully using a mask-type head holder on the subsequent day.

Conclusions

As a precaution for fractures and epidural hematoma in neurosurgical patients with bone fragility or a thin skull, use of a mask-type fixing device or halo ring is recommended.