bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction models and nomograms for 10‐year risk of end‐stage renal disease in Chinese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in primary care
Authors: Dong Weinan , Wan Eric Yuk Fai , Fong Daniel Yee Tak , Kwok Ruby Lai Ping , Chao David Vai Kiong , Tan Kathryn Choon Beng , Hui Eric Ming Tung , Tsui Wendy Wing Sze , Chan King Hong , Fung Colman Siu Cheung , Lam Cindy Lo Kuen
Published: December 2020

Aims

To develop and validate 10‐year risk prediction models, nomograms and charts for end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in primary care, in order to guide individualized treatment.

Materials and Methods

This was a 10‐year population‐based observational cohort study. A total of 141 516 Chinese T2DM patients without history of cardiovascular disease or ESRD who were managed in public primary care clinics in 2008 were included and followed up until December 2017. Two‐thirds of these patients were randomly selected to develop sex‐specific ESRD risk prediction models using Cox regressions. The validity and accuracy of the models were tested on the remaining third of patients using Harrell's C‐index. We selected variables based on their clinical and statistical importance to construct the nomograms and charts.

Results

The median follow‐up period was 9.75 years. The cumulative incidence of ESRD was 6.0% (men: 6.1%, women: 5.9%). Age, diabetes duration, systolic blood pressure (SBP), SBP variability, diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), HbA1c variability, urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were significant predictors for both sexes. Smoking and total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio were additional significant predictors for men and women, respectively. The models showed Harrell's C‐statistics of 0.889/0.889 (women/men). Age, eGFR, UACR, SBP and HbA1c were selected for both sexes to develop nomograms and charts.

Conclusions

Using routinely available variables, the 10‐year ESRD risk of Chinese T2DM patients in primary care can be predicted with approximately 90% accuracy. We have developed different tools to facilitate routine ESRD risk prediction in primary care, so that individualized care can be provided to prevent or delay ESRD in T2DM patients.
Echocardiographic diagnosis of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction: Impact of coronary artery disease
Authors: Sharifov Oleg F. , Murphy John M. , Perry Gilbert J. , Tallaj Jose , Denney Thomas S. , Prabhu Sumanth D. , Gupta Himanshu , Lloyd Steven G.
Published: December 2020

Background

In 2016, the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) released guidelines for identifying left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (DD), but its ability to detect early hemodynamic abnormalities is not well established, especially in the setting of subclinical coronary artery disease (CAD). We hypothesize that the accuracy of ASE categorization of early LVDD is affected by knowledge of whether CAD history is present.

Methods

We studied 34 patients (age 62 ± 7 years) with NYHA class I to II symptoms and with transthoracic echocardiography without findings suggesting myocardial disease (all with preserved LV ejection fraction), who underwent cardiac catheterization with high‐fidelity LV pressure measurement. Echocardiographic images were evaluated for LVDD using ASE algorithm without and with knowledge of CAD history and angiography findings. CAD was considered as having DD for the algorithm.

Results

CAD was identified in 22 patients at catheterization (65%). Using ASE guidelines without including history of CAD or angiographic results, 29 patients were DD−, 3 were DD+ (all grade II), and 2 were indeterminate. Inclusion of CAD history recategorized 59% (n = 20) patients to DD+ (all grade I) from DD− (P < .0001). Nineteen of the recategorized patients (95%) had increased isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT). The addition of echocardiographic IVRT improved discrimination between DD− and DD+, when the presence of CAD is unknown.

Conclusions

2016‐ASE algorithm reasonably accurately identifies early LVDD at rest as reflected by LV catheterization when CAD is disclosed, but without knowledge of the presence of CAD, it underdiagnoses DD+ grade I. The addition of IVRT may improve early LVDD diagnostics.
Phasic modulation of visual representations during sustained attention
Authors: van Es Mats W. J. , Marshall Tom R. , Spaak Eelke , Jensen Ole , Schoffelen Jan‐Mathijs
Published: December 2020

Sustained attention has long been thought to benefit perception in a continuous fashion, but recent evidence suggests that it affects perception in a discrete, rhythmic way. Periodic fluctuations in behavioral performance over time, and modulations of behavioral performance by the phase of spontaneous oscillatory brain activity point to an attentional sampling rate in the theta or alpha frequency range. We investigated whether such discrete sampling by attention is reflected in periodic fluctuations in the decodability of visual stimulus orientation from magnetoencephalographic (MEG) brain signals. In this exploratory study, human subjects attended one of the two grating stimuli, while MEG was being recorded. We assessed the strength of the visual representation of the attended stimulus using a support vector machine (SVM) to decode the orientation of the grating (clockwise vs. counterclockwise) from the MEG signal. We tested whether decoder performance depended on the theta/alpha phase of local brain activity. While the phase of ongoing activity in the visual cortex did not modulate decoding performance, theta/alpha phase of activity in the frontal eye fields and parietal cortex, contralateral to the attended stimulus did modulate decoding performance. These findings suggest that phasic modulations of visual stimulus representations in the brain are caused by frequency‐specific top‐down activity in the frontoparietal attention network, though the behavioral relevance of these effects could not be established.
Mitochondrial DNA haplogroups affect physical performances in Han older adults: an 8‐year follow‐up prospective cohort study
Authors: Yang Chuan‐Wei , Li Chia‐Ing , Chang Jan‐Gowth , Liu Chiu‐Shong , Lin Chih‐Hsueh , Lin Wen‐Yuan , Li Tsai‐Chung , Lin Cheng‐Chieh
Published: December 2020

Aim

The objective of this study was to explore the association between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroups and physical performances in Han older adults.

Methods

This study was an 8‐year follow‐up prospective cohort study. A total of 104 Han older adults completed the measurements of the 6‐min walk test, grip strength and mitochondrial DNA sequencing. The mtDNA haplogroups were classified by using HaploGrep2 software. We used the mixed model to analyze the longitudinal effect of mtDNA haplogroups on physical performance tests among three waves of data.

Results

The mean age at wave 3 among men and women were 78.3 and 77.2 years, respectively. The overall proportions of mtDNA haplogroups in this study population was 26.9% F, 21.2% M, 15.4% R, 14.4% D, 8.7% B and others. After adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index and exercise, the interaction of mtDNA haplogroup M and waves significantly affected the 6‐min walk distance. Notably, the adjusted mean of the 6‐min walk distance among the group of mtDNA haplogroup M was significantly lower than other haplogroups at wave 3. The adjusted mean of grip strength among the group of mtDNA haplogroup R was significantly higher than other haplogroups at wave 3.

Conclusions

This finding suggests that mtDNA haplogroups might have effects on the 6‐min walk test and grip strength in Han older adults, although studies of the physical performance of older adults with larger sample sizes are necessary to further substantiate these findings. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 166–171.
Antioxidant effects of gallic acid alkyl esters of various chain lengths in oyster during frying process
Authors: Li Ao , Zhao Man‐Tong , Yin Fa‐Wen , Zhang Min , Liu Hui‐Lin , Zhou Da‐Yong , Shahidi Fereidoon
Published: December 2020

The antioxidant effects of gallic acid (GA) and its alkyl esters including methyl gallate, ethyl gallate, propyl gallate, butyl gallate (GA‐C4), octyl gallate, lauryl gallate, hexadecyl gallate and octadecyl gallate in frying oil (soybean oil) and oyster during frying were investigated. Rancimat induction period (RIP) assay indicated GA and its alkyl esters effectively improved the oxidative stability of soybean oil according to the ‘polar paradox’; that is, the antioxidant effects of the polyphenols decreased in lipid system with the increasing of hydrophobicity. Results also indicated that GA and its alkyl esters all effectively retarded lipid oxidation in oyster tissue according to parameters including RIP, peroxide value and electron spin resonance assays. Moreover, the antioxidant efficiency in oyster increased with the alkyl chain length until GA‐C4, and thereafter, the antioxidant effects decreased, similar to the ‘cut‐off effect’. This study provides basic data for improving the oxidative stability of seafood during frying.
Impact of exogenous salicylic acid treatment on the cell wall metabolism and ripening process in postharvest tomato fruit stored at ambient temperature
Authors: Kumar Naresh , Tokas Jayanti , Raghavendra Midathala , Singal Hari R.
Published: December 2020

Tomato is a climacteric fruit susceptible to rapid softening and ripening after harvest. In this study, the changes of physicochemical characters, cell wall‐degrading enzymes, cell wall compositions and ethylene production of ‘Hisar Arun’ and ‘BSS‐488’ tomato fruits were investigated under the influence of salicylic acid treatment. Salicylic acid treatment effectively delayed firmness decline and increase in PLW, TSS and lycopene content. The treated fruits maintained the integrity of cell wall composition by delay in increase in activities of cell wall‐degrading enzymes (pectin methylesterase, polygalacturonase and cellulose) and cell wall components (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and pectin) decline. Moreover, salicylic acid treatments significantly suppress expression level of ethylene‐producing genes (ACO1 and ACS2) and inhibited ethylene production during storage. Overall, the salicylic acid‐induced delay in the ripening process occurs via the strong inhibition of ethylene biosynthesis, lowered cell wall‐degrading enzyme activities and slowed cell wall degradation.
The influence of oxygen vacancies on piezoelectricity in samarium‐doped Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐PbTiO3 ceramics
Authors: Li Yang , Borbely Marcell , Bell Andrew
Published: December 2020

A study of 0.71Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐0.29PbTiO3 shows that, when it is doped with 2.5% Sm on the A‐site, in addition to an almost threefold increase in piezoelectric charge coefficient and dielectric permittivity, there is a 2 order of magnitude reduction in conductivity, attributed to a decrease in oxygen vacancy concentration. An analysis of the nonlinearity of permittivity with respect to field amplitude shows that both the reversible and irreversible contributions increase significantly with Sm‐doping, with simple models showing that these changes are consistent with a reduction in the concentration of dipolar defects that can inhibit both polarization rotation and domain wall translation. Contrary to the argument that doping increases heterogeneity, there is little change in the diffuseness of the peak in permittivity as a function temperature, whilst there is a 15% increase in spontaneous polarization with Sm addition. Through comparison of the Rayleigh law parameters with those published for other piezoelectric materials, it is concluded that a significant contribution to the observed increase in piezoelectric performance due to Sm‐doping of PMN‐PT is similar in origin to that seen in soft, donor‐doped PZT and other conventional piezoelectric ceramics.
Computerized dynamic testing of children's potential for reasoning by analogy: The role of executive functioning
Authors: Vogelaar Bart , Veerbeek Jochanan , Splinter Suzanne E. , Resing Wilma C. M.
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to investigate children's potential for reasoning by analogy utilizing a newly‐developed computerized dynamic test, and the potential differential influence of executive functions (cognitive flexibility, attention, and planning) on static and dynamic measures of analogical reasoning. Participants included 64 children (mean age = 7.55). The study employed a two‐session experimental test‐training‐test design. Based on randomized blocking, half of the children received a graduated prompts training between pre‐test and post‐test, and the other half did not. Trained children improved more than control children in both their accuracy scores and number of accurately applied transformations from pre‐test to post‐test. It was further found that cognitive flexibility, attention and planning, is associated with successful solving of analogies. Training children in analogical reasoning seemed to reduce the effect of executive functions. It was also found that that children who were more cognitively flexible needed more prompts during the training.
Optimal combinations of systolic and diastolic blood pressure in Korea: A nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Choi Won‐Jun , Lee Hye‐Sun , Hong Jung Hwa , Chang Hyuk‐Jae , Lee Ji‐Won
Published: December 2020

We investigated the optimal combinations of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels for lowest mortality in participants not taking hypertensive medication at the study baseline using nationwide representative databases. Survival rates and hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using Kaplan‐Meier curves and multivariable Cox regression analyses. The discriminatory ability for clinical outcomes was assessed by Harrell's C‐index analysis. A survival spline curve was presented, and Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis was performed. SBP ≥ 140 group and DBP ≥ 90 group had the highest risk of mortality. Within SBP < 120, the HR (95% CIs) for all‐cause mortality (ACM) was the lowest for DBP 70‐79. Within SBP 120‐139, the HR (95% CIs) for ACM was significantly lower for DBP 70‐79. Within SBP ≥ 140, the HR (95% CIs) for ACM was significantly lower for DBP 80‐89. Conversely, within SBP ≥ 140, DBP < 70 showed the highest risk for ACM. Similar relationships were observed when survival spline curves and CART analysis were used. The combination of SBP and DBP discriminated better than SBP or DBP alone for mortality. The effect of DBP on mortality varies according to the SBP range. It is more effective to evaluate the effect of SBP and DBP jointly for clinical outcomes.
Head adaptation for sound production and feeding strategy in dolphins (Odontoceti: Delphinida)
Authors: Frainer Guilherme , Huggenberger Stefan , Moreno Ignacio B. , Plön Stephanie , Galatius Anders
Published: December 2020

Head morphology in toothed whales evolved under selective pressures on feeding strategy and sound production. The postnatal development of the skull (n = 207) and mandible (n = 219) of six Delphinida species which differ in feeding strategy but exhibit similar sound emission patterns, including two narrow‐band high‐frequency species, were investigated through 3D morphometrics. Morphological changes throughout ontogeny were demonstrated based on the main source of variation (i.e., prediction lines) and the common allometric component. Multivariate trajectory analysis with pairwise comparisons between all species was performed to evaluate specific differences on the postnatal development of skulls and mandibles. Changes in the rostrum formation contributed to the variation (skull: 49%; mandible: 90%) of the entire data set and might not only reflect the feeding strategy adopted by each lineage but also represents an adaptation for sound production and reception. As an important structure for directionality of sound emissions, this may increase directionality in raptorial feeders. Phylogenetic generalized least squares analyses indicated that shape of the anterior portion of the skull is strongly dependent on phylogeny and might not only reflect feeding mode, but also morphological adaptations for sound production, particularly in raptorial species. Thus, postnatal development seems to represent a crucial stage for biosonar maturation in some raptorial species such as Pontoporia blainvillei and Sousa plumbea. The ontogeny of their main tool for navigation and hunting might reflect their natural history peculiarities and thus potentially define their main vulnerabilities to anthropogenic changes in the environment.
The same but different: setal arrays of anoles and geckos indicate alternative approaches to achieving similar adhesive effectiveness
Authors: Garner Austin M. , Wilson Michael C. , Wright Caitlin , Russell Anthony P. , Niewiarowski Peter H. , Dhinojwala Ali
Published: December 2020

The functional morphology of squamate fibrillar adhesive systems has been extensively investigated and has indirectly and directly influenced the design of synthetic counterparts. Not surprisingly, the structure and geometry of exemplar fibrils (setae) have been the subject of the bulk of the attention in such research, although variation in setal morphology along the length of subdigital adhesive pads has been implicated to be important in the effective functioning of these systems. Adhesive setal field configuration has been described for several geckos, but that of the convergent Anolis lizards, comprised of morphologically simpler fibrils, remains largely unexplored. Here, we examine setal morphology along the proximodistal axis of the digits of Anolis equestris and compare our findings to those for a model gecko, Gekko gecko. Consistent with previous work, we found that the setae of A. equestris are generally thinner, shorter, and present at higher densities than those of G. gecko and terminate in a single spatulate tip. Contrastingly, the setae of G. gecko are hierarchically branched in structure and carry hundreds of spatulate tips. Although the splitting of contacts into multiple smaller tips is predicted to increase the adhesive performance of a fiber compared to an unbranched one, we posited that the adhesive performance of G. gecko and A. equestris would be relatively similar when the configuration of the setal fields of each was accounted for. We found that, as in geckos, setal morphology of A. equestris follows a predictable pattern along the proximodistal axis of the pad, although there are several critical differences in the configuration of the setal fields of these two groups. Most notably, the pattern of variation in setal length of A. equestris is effectively opposite to that exhibited by G. gecko. This difference in clinal variation mirrors the difference in the direction in which the setal fields of anoles and geckos are peeled from the substrate, consistent with the hypothesis that biomechanical factors are the chief determinants of these patterns of variation. Future empirical work, however, is needed to validate this. Our findings set the stage for future comparative studies investigating the functional morphology of these convergent adhesive apparatuses. Such investigations will lead to an enhanced understanding of the interactions between form, function, and environment of fibril‐based biological adhesive systems.
The effect of acute morphine on sleep in male patients suffering from sleep apnea: Is there a genetic effect? An RCT Study
Authors: Rowsell Luke , Wu Justin Guang‐Ao , Yee Brendon J. , Wong Keith K.H. , Sivam Sheila , Somogyi Andrew A. , Grunstein Ronald R. , Wang David
Published: December 2020

Questionnaire‐based studies have suggested genetic differences in sleep symptoms in chronic opioid users. The present study aims to investigate if there is a genetic effect on sleep architecture and quantitative electroencephalogram (EEG) in response to acute morphine. Under a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover design, 68 men with obstructive sleep apnea undertook two overnight polysomnographic studies conducted at least 1 week apart. Each night they received either 40 mg of controlled‐release morphine or placebo. Sleep architecture and quantitative EEG were compared between conditions. Blood was sampled before sleep and on the next morning for genotyping and pharmacokinetic analyses. We analysed three candidate genes (OPRM1 [rs1799971, 118 A > G], ABCB1[rs1045642, 3435 C > T] and HTR3B [rs7103572 C > T]). We found that morphine decreased slow wave sleep and rapid eye movement sleep and increased stage 2 sleep. Those effects were less in subjects with HTR3B CT/TT than in those with CC genotype. Similarly, sleep onset latency was shortened in the ABCB1 CC subgroup compared with the CT/TT subgroup. Total sleep time was significantly increased in ABCB1 CC but not in CT/TT subjects. Sleep apnea and plasma morphine and metabolite concentration were not confounding factors for these genetic differences in sleep. With morphine, patients had significantly more active/unstable EEG (lower delta/alpha ratio) during sleep. No genetic effects on quantitative EEG were detected. In summary, we identified two genes (HTR3B and ABCB1) with significant variation in the sleep architecture response to morphine. Morphine caused a more active/unstable EEG during sleep. Our findings may have relevance for a personalized medicine approach to targeted morphine therapy.
Thioredoxin deficiency exacerbates vascular dysfunction during diet‐induced obesity in small mesenteric artery in mice
Authors: Dunn Shannon , Hilgers Robert H. , Das Kumuda C.
Published: December 2020

Objective

Thioredoxin (Trx) is a small cellular redox protein with established antioxidant and disulfide reductase properties. We hypothesized that Trx deficiency in mice would cause increased oxidative stress with consequent redox imbalance that would exacerbate obesity‐induced vascular dysfunction.

Methods

Non‐transgenic (NT, C57BL/6) and dominant‐negative Trx (dnTrx‐Tg, low levels of redox‐active protein) mice were either fed a normal diet (NC) or high fat diet plus sucrose (HFS) diet for 4 months (3‐month HFD+ 1‐month HFS). Weight gain, glucose tolerance test (GTT), insulin tolerance test (ITT), and other metabolic parameters were performed following NC or HFS diet. Arterial structural remodeling and functional parameters were assessed by myography.

Results

Our study found that dnTrx mice with lower levels of active Trx exacerbated myogenic tone, inward arterial remodeling, arterial stiffening, phenylephrine‐induced contraction, and endothelial dysfunction of MA. Additionally, FeTMPyP, a peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst, acutely decreased myogenic tone and contraction and normalized endothelial function in MA from dnTrx‐Tg mice on HFS via increasing nitric oxide (NO)‐mediated relaxation.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that deficiency of active Trx exacerbates MA contractile and relaxing properties during diet‐induced obesity demonstrating that loss of redox balance in obesity is a key mechanism of vascular endothelial dysfunction.
A new telestroke network system in northern area of Okayama prefecture
Authors: Sasaki Ryo , Yamashita Toru , Omote Yoshio , Takemoto Mami , Hishikawa Nozomi , Yunoki Taijun , Kobayashi Kazuki , Sawata Takashi , Sato Yuki , Kubota Junichi , Mizobuchi Masayuki , Hayashi Takashi , Abe Koji
Published: December 2020

Background

Telestroke network can provide rapid access to specialized treatment and improves on‐site management of acute stroke patients through the “hub‐and‐spoke” model. In the northern part of Okayama Prefecture, there has been a regional gap of stroke care due to the shortage of stroke specialists and facilities. In addition, due to the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), it is required to reduce the unnecessary contact with stroke patients from other hospitals.

Aim

We organized a novel cost‐free telestroke network with an image and video sharing for neurological diseases in the northern part of Okayama Prefecture to improve the stroke management in the area.

Method

We prepared the tablet device on which Skype® application was installed for each hospital and recruited the patients who visited or hospitalized in the spoke hospitals and were suspected to have some neurological diseases from April 2019 to May 2020. The patient's clinical data were recorded and analyzed.

Results

During the study period, 5 patients were recruited including the cases with the initial diagnosis of stroke or brain tumor. Among them, 2 cases were transferred to the hub hospital, 2 cases were transferred to other hospitals, and 1 case was treated on site under specialist's advice.

Conclusion

The new telestroke network system may be beneficial for acute stroke management and reducing the unnecessary patient's transfer in the rural area, especially under coexistence with COVID‐19.
Effects of Pergularia tomentosa active fraction on the oogenesis of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria: ovarian biochemical composition, and effects on the ecdysteroid pathway
Authors: Miladi Meriam , Abdellaoui Khemais , Marchal Elisabeth , Lenaerts Cynthia , Ben Hamouda Amel , M'saad Guerfali Meriem , Ben Halima Kamel Monia , Vanden Broeck Jozef
Published: December 2020

Fractionation of the methanolic extract of Pergularia tomentosa, using column chromatography, resulted in the separation of 10 fractions and only the active one (that gave mortality >70%) was kept and denoted the active fraction (AFPt). Adult female Schistocerca gregaria were treated with two concentrations of AFPt, 0.24% and 0.96%, to investigate the effect on the female reproductive potential. Both concentrations of AFPt significantly increased the duration between adult emergence and first oviposition, as well as affected fecundity and fertility. Furthermore, the effects of AFPt on vitellogenesis and ecdysteroid titres were examined. Biochemical analyses revealed a significant decrease in protein, lipid and carbohydrate contents in ovaries. This study also showed that AFPt induced a significant decrease in the ovarian ecdysteroids levels, as well as the haemolymph ecdysteroid titres. The transcript levels of the ecdysteroid synthesis enzymes Spook and Shadow were significantly decreased when treated with the highest concentration of AFPt, while transcript levels of the ecdysteroid synthesis enzymes Phantom and Disembodied increased significantly in animals treated with AFPt. Treatment with AFPt also resulted in a significantly higher transcript level of both the ecdysone receptor (EcR) and its partner ultraspiracle/retinoid‐X‐receptor (USP/RXR).
How are qualitative methods used in implementation science research? A scoping review protocol
Authors: Hagaman Ashley , Rhodes Elizabeth C. , Nyhan Kate , Katague Marina , Schwartz Anna , Spiegelman Donna
Published: December 2020

Objective:

This systematic scoping review will describe the use of qualitative methods in implementation research in health.

Introduction:

Implementation science is an expanding field of study that investigates the integration of evidence-based practices into real world settings. Qualitative methods are useful for providing an in-depth understanding of implementation strategies and outcomes from the perspectives of stakeholders such as policy makers, health practitioners, and individuals targeted by health interventions. Qualitative research methods are increasingly used in implementation research. A synthesis of the applications of qualitative methods is lacking, although it is critical for understanding how qualitative methods have been used to date and identifying areas for improvement.

Inclusion criteria:

The review will include implementation research studies that collect primary data using one or more qualitative methods, alone or with quantitative methods. Studies must assess implementation research issues in health but will not be restricted by the type of setting, health issue, or country of origin.

Methods:

The search for relevant studies will be restricted to articles published in English from 2006 to the present that are found in 46 prominent medical and public health journals that publish research in implementation science. Multiple reviewers will screen articles to identify those that meet the inclusion criteria. Data extraction will involve a structured and systematic method with categories for descriptive characteristics of studies, health topics, qualitative methods for data collection and analysis, implementation science outcomes and issues explored, and implementation science frameworks applied.
Serious adverse events following lumbar spine mobilization or manipulation and potential associated factors: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Funabashi Martha , French Simon D. , Kranenburg H.A. (Rik) , Hebert Jeffrey J.
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

The objectives of this review are to describe the serious adverse events reported in the literature following lumbopelvic mobilization and manipulation, and identify patient, provider, and/or treatment factors that may be associated with serious adverse events after these interventions.

Introduction:

Spinal mobilization and manipulation are types of conservative care commonly used to treat people with low back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions of the lumbar spine and pelvis. Although most adverse events following these interventions are benign and transient, serious adverse events have been reported mostly following spinal manipulative therapy. Given the significant impact serious adverse events can have on patients’ lives, identifying factors that may be associated with serious adverse events following spinal mobilization and manipulation of the low back and pelvis would allow for a more specific pre-treatment screening, potentially reducing the occurrence of serious adverse events following these popular interventions and contributing to a safer treatment delivery.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider interventional and observational studies that report serious adverse events following lumbopelvic spinal mobilization or manipulation experienced by people of any age. Examples of serious adverse events include disc herniation, cauda equina syndrome, and vertebral fracture.

Methods:

MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PubMed, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews/Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Index to Chiropractic Literature (ICL) databases will be searched as well as OpenGrey and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts of identified references as well as the full text of identified studies, and extract data following a standardized data extraction form. Data will be summarized, categorized, and a comprehensive narrative summary will be presented.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42019122339
Support for informal carers of older people in the transition to residential aged care: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Chow Bill , Camões-Costa Vera
Published: December 2020

Objective:

This review aims to identify support delivered to informal carers of older people making the transition into residential aged care, and to examine which specific outcome measures were used in the evaluation of the support provided.

Introduction:

Little support is provided to informal carers of newly admitted aged care residents, both during the admission process and in the subsequent months. Mapping of the support delivered to informal carers of those admitted to a residential aged care facility is needed.

Inclusion criteria:

We will include any form of support (eg, financial, psychological, social) provided to informal carers of people making the transition to residential aged care, from the time a decision is made to proceed with admission, up to 12 months post-admission.

Methods:

We will search peer-reviewed literature in English from 2000 to the present from key databases (ie, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, JBI Evidence Synthesis, PsycINFO, Embase, and Scopus). Additionally, gray literature will be searched through databases (eg, Google, Google Scholar, BASE, OpenGrey, Grey Literature Report, Informit, MedlinePlus, MedNar, Medscape), government websites, and websites of national organizations that provide support for the care of older people. We will use the JBI approach for search strategy, study selection, and data extraction, and will descriptively map the results using a textual narrative synthesis approach.
Measurement properties of all versions of the Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL) 2.0: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Win Aye Su Su , Thein May Khin , Tun Khin Sanda , Myint Thida Win
Published: December 2020

Objective:

The aim of this review is to critically appraise and summarize the quality of the measurement properties of all versions of the Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL) version 2.0.

Introduction:

The Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale version 2.0 was developed as a comprehensive measure in assessing the quality of life of stroke survivors. The shortened version and cross-culturally translated versions are further developed in different countries. A systematic review will clarify the levels of reliability and validity of all versions.

Inclusion criteria:

The population of interest for this review will include adult stroke survivors of either sex diagnosed with a stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) who have no other comorbidities affecting their quality of life. The SS-QOL version 2.0 will be the specific instrument of interest, and the quality of life of stroke survivors will be the construct of interest in this review. The measures of reliability, validity, and responsiveness will be assessed as outcomes. Only the studies evaluating the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of all versions of the SS-QOL 2.0 will be included in the review.

Methods:

A literature search will be conducted for published studies in MEDLINE and Embase, and unpublished data in Google Scholar and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. After a three-step search strategy, study selection will be done by two reviewers independently. Then, the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) methodology will be applied for assessment of methodological quality, data extraction, and synthesis.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42020211727
Corrected and Republished from: A Nonfunctional Opsonic Antibody Response Frequently Occurs after Pneumococcal Pneumonia and Is Associated with Invasive Disease
Authors: Uddén Fabian , Ahl Jonas , Littorin Nils , Strålin Kristoffer , Athlin Simon , Riesbeck Kristian
Published: December 2020

Numerous reports on the dynamics of antipneumococcal immunity in relation to immunization with pneumococcal vaccines and on the prevalence of naturally acquired immunity in various populations have been published. In contrast, studies on the dynamics of the humoral immune response triggered by pneumococcal infection are scarce.
Aerobic exercise improves postprandial inflammatory and hemostatic markers after a high-fat meal: a randomized crossover study
Authors: Teixeira Bruno Costa , Krüger Renata Lopes , Farinha Juliano Boufleur , Boeno Franccesco Pinto , Macedo Rodrigo Cauduro Oliveira , Fonseca Gabriel Alves , Bandinelli Eliane , Duarte Marta Maria Medeiros Frescura , Reischak-Oliveira Alvaro
Published: December 2020

Exercise intensity modulates postprandial lipemia. However, its effect on hemostatic and pro- and anti-inflammatory markers in the postprandial state is still unknown. Eleven young males performed a 2-day trial on different conditions: (i) REST: rest for 45 min; (ii) MIE: moderate-intensity exercise; and (iii) HIE: heavy-intensity exercise. Experimental conditions were performed in the evening. On the following morning, blood samples were taken in the fasted state (0 h) and at 1, 3, and 5 h after the consumption of a high-fat meal (HFM). Interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels were higher in the HIE vs. MIE trial at 0 and 1 h (p < 0.033) and IL-10 incremental area under the curve (iAUC) was greater in the MIE (p = 0.027) and HIE (p = 0.045) trials vs. REST. Lower levels of anti-coagulation factor VII (FVII) were observed at 1 h in the MIE condition vs. REST (p = 0.043). In comparison with REST, MIE improved hemostatic (FVII) and anti-inflammatory markers (IL-10 iAUC) whereas HIE enhanced IL-10 in the postprandial state. Regardless of the exercise intensity, aerobic exercise mitigates the deleterious consequences of an HFM.

Novelty: Prior aerobic exercise at moderate-intensity attenuates next day’s postprandial FVII and IL-10 levels whereas exercise performed at heavy-intensity increases IL-10 levels. Moderate-intensity exercise may be more beneficial to improve hemostatic (FVII) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) responses while heavy-intensity exercise may improve anti-inflammatory (IL-10) levels only.
Implementation of the ATLAS-EXOT-2018-030 analysis in the MadAnalysis 5 framework (W′ boson into a lepton and a neutrino; 139 fb−1)
Authors: Park Kyungmin , Min Ui , Lee Soo Jin , Jun Won
Published: December 2020

We present the MadAnalysis 5 implementation of the heavily charged gauge boson search to recast the analysis of its decay into one charged lepton and missing transverse momentum. Signal events describing [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]) at [Formula: see text] TeV in the sequential standard model are generated by the MadGraph5_aMC@NLO at leading order. The corresponding signal cross-sections for both electron and muon channels vary from 195 fb to 0.238 fb depending on the pole mass of the [Formula: see text] boson in the range of 2 TeV to 6 TeV. We validate our implementation by comparing the transverse mass distributions of our signal prediction to those of the ATLAS analysis for an integrated luminosity of 139 fb[Formula: see text].
Anti-plane fracture problem of three nano-cracks emanating from a magnetoelectrically permeable regular triangle nano-hole in magnetoelectroelastic materials
Authors: Yang Dongsheng , Liu Guanting
Published: December 2020

Based on the Gurtin–Murdoch surface/interface model and complex potential theory, by constructing a new conformal mapping, the anti-plane fracture problem of three nano-cracks emanating from a magnetoelectrically permeable triangle nano-hole in magnetoelectroelastic materials with surface effect is studied. The exact solutions of the stress intensity factor, the electric displacement intensity factor, the magnetic induction intensity factor, and the energy release rate are obtained under the boundary conditions of magnetoelectrically permeable and impermeable. The numerical examples show the influence of surface effect on the stress intensity factor, the electric displacement intensity factor, the magnetic induction intensity factor, and the energy release rate under two different boundary conditions. It can be seen that the surface effect leads to the coupling of stress, electric and magnetic field, and with the increase of cavity size, the influence of surface effect begins to decrease until it tends to classical elasticity theory.
Soy Protein: Molecular Structure Revisited and Recent Advances in Processing Technologies
Authors: Sui Xiaonan , Zhang Tianyi , Jiang Lianzhou
Published: December 2020

Rising health concerns and increasing obesity levels in human society have led some consumers to cut back on animal protein consumption and switch to plant-based proteins as an alternative. Soy protein is a versatile protein supplement and contains well-balanced amino acids, making it comparable to animal protein. With sufficient processing and modification, the quality of soy protein can be improved above that of animal-derived proteins, if desired. The modern food industry is undergoing a dynamic change, with advanced processing technologies that can produce a multitude of foods and ingredients with functional properties from soy proteins, providing consumers with a wide variety of foods. This review highlights recent progress in soy protein processing technologies. Using the current literature, the processing-induced structural changes in soy protein are also explored. Furthermore, the molecular structure of soy protein, particularly the crystal structures of β-conglycinin and glycinin, is comprehensively revisited.
Influence of Alanine Transaminase Levels on Alpha‐Fetoprotein for Predicting Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Hepatitis B Infection
Authors: Chen Jiahao , Wu Manli , Gong Jiao , Liu Zhihuan , He Guowei , Zhu Huiqing , Li Zhaoxia , Hu Bo
Published: December 2020

Purpose. To investigate the influence of alanine transaminase (ALT) on the accuracy of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) for detecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods. This retrospective study recruited 799 patients with HCC, cirrhosis, and chronic hepatitis due to hepatitis B infection and healthy adults between July 2017 and January 2019. Comparisons of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) for detecting HCC in different ALT levels were calculated. Results. Serum ALT and gamma‐glutamyl transferase levels were significantly associated with elevated AFP in patients without HCC. The AUC of AFP was higher in patients with ALT ≤ 2 upper limit of normal (ULN) than in patients with ALT > 2 ULN (0.806 vs. 0.611, P < 0.001). Nevertheless, there were no significant differences in the AUCs of AFP/(ALT × aspartate aminotransferase (AST)) in patients with ALT ≤ 2 ULN and with ALT > 2 ULN (0.745 vs. 0.769, P = 0.68). AFP/(ALT × AST) was better than AFP in patients with ALT > 2 ULN for detecting HCC (P < 0.001). Conclusions. Higher ALT levels might impair the accuracy of AFP for diagnosing HCC. AFP tests showed better accuracy in patients with ALT ≤ 2 ULN whereas the AFP/(ALT × AST) ratio was recommended in patients with elevated ALT levels.
Gandouling Tablets Inhibit Excessive Mitophagy in Toxic Milk (TX) Model Mouse of Wilson Disease via Pink1/Parkin Pathway
Authors: Zhang Jing , Tang Lu-Lu , Li Liang-Yong , Cui Shen-Wei , Jin Shan , Chen Huai-Zhen , Yang Wen-Ming , Xie Dao-Jun , Yu Gu-Ran
Published: December 2020

Objective. Gandouling (GDL) tablet is a Chinese patent medicine approved by the National Medical Product Administration, which is used to treat Wilson disease (WD) in China. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of GDL on mitophagy in the hippocampus in the toxic milk (TX) mouse model of WD. Methods. Mice were randomly divided into the following four groups: control, Wilson (model group), D‐penicillamine (DPA), and GDL groups. The animal behaviors were evaluated by the water maze experiment, traction test, and pole test. Transmission electron microscopy was used for the detection of mitochondrion structure. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed for the analysis of the changes in liver function. Colocalization of mitophagy‐related proteins was detected by fluorescence microscopy. Western blotting (WB) and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) were conducted for the detection of protein expression and mRNA levels, respectively. Results. Significant reduction in neurological impairments was observed in the WD model group. All of these results were significantly reversed by GDL intervention. Compared with the levels in the Wilson group, the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), and albumin (ALB) changed obviously. Colocalization between mitophagy‐related proteins pink1, parkin, and mitochondria was changed significantly. The mitophagy‐related mRNA (pink1, parkin, and LC3II) and protein expression levels (pink1, parkin, and the rate of LC3II/LC3I) were decreased significantly, while p62 was remarkably increased after GDL intervention. Conclusion. Our findings indicated that the neuroprotective mechanism of GDL may occur via the inhibition of excessive mitophagy through the regulation of the pink1/parkin pathway in the TX mouse brain of WD.
Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia in a Sudanese Patient
Authors: Elawad Omer Ali Mohamed Ahmed , Albashir Ahmed Abdalazim Dafallah , Mirghani Ahmed Mohammed Mahgoub , Elawad Ahmed Ali Mohamed Ahmed , Mohamed Osman Eltieb Elbasheer
Published: December 2020

Background. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) also known as Osler–Weber–Rendu syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder, which results in vascular dysplasia affecting mainly visceral and mucocutaneous organs. Case Presentation. A 65-year-old woman with a 12-year history of recurrent spontaneous epistaxis presented with shortness of breath, easy fatigability, and bilateral lower limb edema. Her family history was significant for definite hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia in first-degree relatives. During the previous 15 days, she has experienced three episodes of recurrent nasal bleeding. She has a background of chronic mitral regurgitation. Physical examination revealed telangiectases in her tongue, lower lip, and hand in addition to signs of congestive heart failure. The patient met 3\4 Curacao criteria and had a definite HHT. Her laboratory workup revealed a hemoglobin count of 5.4 g/dl. Echocardiography revealed a left systolic ejection fraction of 51% with left atrial dilatation and severe mitral regurgitation. Chest X-ray showed features of cardiomegaly and pulmonary edema. The abdominal ultrasonography showed enlarged liver size with homogenous texture and congested hepatic veins without features of hepatic AVMs. She was treated with intravenous frusemide, iron supplement, tranexamic acid, blood transfusion, and nasal packing. Conclusions. HTT usually passes unnoticed in Sudan. The rarity of HHT, difficulties in affording diagnostic imaging studies, and low clinical suspicion among doctors are important contributing factors. Anemia resulting from recurrent epistaxis might have an influential role in precipitating acute heart failure in those with chronic rheumatic valvular disease.
[Retracted] Analysis of Age and Prevention Strategy on Outcome after Cerebral Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Chu Xiuli , Zhang Jianlin , Zhang Bin , Zhao Yuwu
Published: December 2020

Object. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) mainly affects middle‐aged individuals. However, the association between age or prevention strategy with the functional outcome remains poorly investigated. Method. We identified adult CVST patients in our centers. Functional outcome and prevention strategy were extracted from medical records. Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤ 1 is considered a good functional outcome. Results. A total of 113 patients were identified. The most common presenting symptoms were headache (86.72%) and nausea/vomiting (56.63%); the top two identified risk factors were local head/neck infection (27.43%) and pregnancy/puerperal period (19.47%). The medical encounter lag time was 0.04 d‐120 d. Four enrolled patients were diagnosed as CVST again, and the interval time was 3‐8 years from the first time. Thrombus was most frequently seen at superior sagittal sinus (53.10%) and sigmoid sinus (50.44%). 94 (83.19%) of the patients had good outcomes. In the acute phase, 91 (80.53%) patients received low molecular weight heparin, 29 (25.66%) took aspirin, 7 (6.19%) patients were put on low molecular weight heparin and aspirin together. During our follow up (6‐24 m), there were 10 (8.85%) patients who suffered from thrombotic event recurrence. For the patients > 40 years old, they tended to suffer from neurological deficit (25.00%) and stupor/coma (16.67%) (p > 0.05), with a higher rate of hemorrhage (20.83%) and death (4.16%) when compared with the younger patients (10.77% and 1.53%, separately) (p > 0.05). Conclusion. Functional outcome after CVST appears good. For the patients over 40‐year‐old, neurological deficit and altered consciousness were more common, accompanied by a higher rate of hemorrhage and mortality. The recurrent rate of CVST was low, longer‐term follow up needed. The prevention strategy after CVST was uncertain, further studies needed.