bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A kinematic analysis of ionized extraplanar gas in the spiral galaxies NGC 3982 and NGC 4152
Authors: Li Anqi , Marasco Antonino , Fraternali Filippo , Trager Scott , Verheijen Marc A W
Published: April 2021

We present a kinematic study of ionized extraplanar gas in two low-inclination late-type galaxies (NGC 3982 and NGC 4152) using integral field spectroscopy data from the DiskMass H α sample. We first isolate the extraplanar gas emission by masking the H α flux from the regularly rotating disc. The extraplanar gas emission is then modelled in the 3D position–velocity domain using a parametric model described by three structural and four kinematic parameters. Best-fitting values for the model are determined via a Bayesian MCMC approach. The reliability and accuracy of our modelling method are carefully determined via tests using mock data. We detect ionized extraplanar gas in both galaxies, with scale heights $0.83^{+0.27}_{-0.40}\, \mathrm{kpc}$ (NGC 3982) and $1.87^{+0.43}_{-0.56}\, \mathrm{kpc}$ (NGC 4152) and flux fraction between the extraplanar gas and the regularly rotating gas within the disc of 27 and 15 per cent, respectively, consistent with previous determinations in other systems. We find lagging rotation of the ionized extraplanar gas in both galaxies, with vertical rotational gradients $-22.24^{+6.60}_{-13.13} \, \mathrm{km\, s^{-1}\, kpc^{-1}}$ and $-11.18^{+3.49}_{-4.06}\, \mathrm{km\, s^{-1}\, kpc^{-1}}$, respectively, and weak evidence for vertical and radial inflow in both galaxies. The above results are similar to the kinematics of the neutral extraplanar gas found in several galaxies, though this is the first time that 3D kinematic modelling of ionized extraplanar gas has been carried out. Our results are broadly consistent with a galactic fountain origin combined with gas accretion. However, a dynamical model is required to better understand the formation of ionized extraplanar gas.
The cold dust content of the nearby galaxies IC 5325, NGC 7496, NGC 7590, and NGC 7599
Authors: Singh Swapnil , Ashby M L N , Vig Sarita , Ghosh S K , Jarrett T , Crawford T M , Malkan Matthew A , Archipley M , Vieira J D
Published: April 2021

Star-forming galaxies are rich reservoirs of dust, both warm and cold. But the cold dust emission is faint alongside the relatively bright and ubiquitous warm dust emission. Recently, evidence for a very cold dust (VCD) component has also been revealed via millimetre/submillimetre (mm/sub-mm) photometry of some galaxies. This component, despite being the most massive of the three dust components in star-forming galaxies, is by virtue of its very low temperature, faint and hard to detect together with the relatively bright emission from warmer dust. Here, we analyse the dust content of a carefully selected sample of four galaxies detected by IRAS, WISE, and South Pole Telescope (SPT), whose spectral energy distributions (SEDs) were modelled to constrain their potential cold dust content. Low-frequency radio observations using the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) were carried out to segregate cold dust emission from non-thermal emission in mm/sub-mm wavebands. We also carried out AstroSat/Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) observations for some galaxies to constrain their SED at shorter wavelengths so as to enforce energy balance for the SED modelling. We constructed their SEDs across a vast wavelength range (extending from UV to radio frequencies) by assembling global photometry from GALEX FUV + NUV, UVIT, Johnson BRI, 2MASS, WISE, IRAC, IRAS, AKARI, ISO PHOT, Planck HFI, SPT, and GMRT. The SEDs were modelled with cigale to estimate their basic properties, in particular to constrain the masses of their total and VCD components. Although the galaxies’ dust masses are dominated by warmer dust, there are hints of VCD in two of the targets, NGC 7496 and NGC 7590.
In vivotargets ofSalmonellaFinO include a FinP-like small RNA controlling copy number of a cohabitating plasmid
Authors: El Mouali Youssef , Gerovac Milan , Mineikaitė Raminta , Vogel Jörg
Published: April 2021

FinO-domain proteins represent an emerging family of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) with diverse roles in bacterial post-transcriptional control and physiology. They exhibit an intriguing targeting spectrum, ranging from an assumed single RNA pair (FinP/traJ) for the plasmid-encoded FinO protein, to transcriptome-wide activity as documented for chromosomally encoded ProQ proteins. Thus, the shared FinO domain might bear an unusual plasticity enabling it to act either selectively or promiscuously on the same cellular RNA pool. One caveat to this model is that the full suite of in vivo targets of the assumedly highly selective FinO protein is unknown. Here, we have extensively profiled cellular transcripts associated with the virulence plasmid-encoded FinO in Salmonella enterica. While our analysis confirms the FinP sRNA of plasmid pSLT as the primary FinO target, we identify a second major ligand: the RepX sRNA of the unrelated antibiotic resistance plasmid pRSF1010. FinP and RepX are strikingly similar in length and structure, but not in primary sequence, and so may provide clues to understanding the high selectivity of FinO-RNA interactions. Moreover, we observe that the FinO RBP encoded on the Salmonella virulence plasmid controls the replication of a cohabitating antibiotic resistance plasmid, suggesting cross-regulation of plasmids on the RNA level.
Setting a Course for Preventing Hepatitis E in Low and Lower-Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review of Burden and Risk Factors
Authors: Koyuncu Aybüke , Mapemba Daniel , Ciglenecki Iza , Gurley Emily S , Azman Andrew S
Published: April 2021

Background

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is responsible for outbreaks of acute jaundice in Africa and Asia, many of which occur among displaced people or in crisis settings. Although an efficacious vaccine for HEV has been developed, we lack key epidemiologic data needed to understand how best to use the vaccine for hepatitis E control in endemic countries.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of articles published on hepatitis E in low-income and lower-middle-income countries in Africa and Asia. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases to identify articles with data on anti-HEV immunoglobulin (Ig)G seroprevalence, outbreaks of HEV, or risk factors for HEV infection, disease, or death, and all relevant data were extracted. Using these data we describe the evidence around temporal and geographical distribution of HEV transmission and burden. We estimated pooled age-specific seroprevalence and assessed the consistency in risk factor estimates.

Results

We extracted data from 148 studies. Studies assessing anti-HEV IgG antibodies used 18 different commercial assays. Most cases of hepatitis E during outbreaks were not confirmed. Risk factor data suggested an increased likelihood of current or recent HEV infection and disease associated with fecal-oral transmission of HEV, as well as exposures to blood and animals.

Conclusions

Heterogeneity in diagnostic assays used and exposure and outcome assessment methods hinder public health efforts to quantify burden of disease and evaluate interventions over time and space. Prevention tools such as vaccines are available, but they require a unified global strategy for hepatitis E control to justify widespread use.
Community Antibiotic Use at the Population Level During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Mamun Abdullah A , Saatchi Ariana , Xie Max , Lishman Hannah , Blondel-Hill Edith , Marra Fawziah , Patrick David M
Published: April 2021

Background

The objective of this study was to examine the aggregate rates of antibiotic use at the population level and compare these rates over time against historical averages to identify the effect of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the resulting control measures on community prescribing.

Methods

We collected antibiotic prescriptions and physician office visits from January 1, 2016, to July 21, 2020. We calculated monthly prescription rates stratified by sex, age group, profession, diagnosis type, and antibiotic class. We looked at monthly prescription rate as a moving average over time. Using the interrupted time series analysis method, we estimated the changes in prescription rates after March 2020.

Results

The moving average of overall monthly prescription rates during January–June 2020 was below the minimum of the historical years’ moving averages (2016–2019). We observed a >30% reduction in overall monthly prescription rates in April, May, and July of 2020 compared with the same months of 2019. We observed that overall monthly prescription rates experienced a significant level change of –12.79 (P < .001) during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic after March 2020, with the greatest level change being –18.02 among children 1–4 years of age (P < .001). We estimated an average –5.94 (P < .001) change in respiratory tract infection (RTI)–associated monthly prescription rates after March 2020. Overall prescription rates comparing January–July 2019 and their 2020 counterparts showed a decrease in monthly prescribing ranging from –1 to –5 for amoxicillin, amoxicillin and enzyme inhibitors, azithromycin, clarithromycin, and sulfamethoxazole.

Conclusions

In British Columbia, Canada, overall and RTI-specific monthly antibiotic prescription rates declined significantly during April–July 2020 compared with the same months in prepandemic years.
Cytomegalovirus Transmitted From Mother's Own Milk to a Growth-Restricted Extremely Preterm Infant
Authors: Work Benedicte Juul , Volder Christina , Fenger-Gron Jesper , Zachariassen Gitte
Published: April 2021

Background:

Mother's own milk (MOM) is considered the optimal nutrition for preterm infants. Unfortunately, MOM can contain human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), which can be transmitted to the infants. Postnatal HCMV infection in very preterm infants can lead to organ failure.

Clinical Findings:

In this case we report cholestasis possibly associated to HCMV transmitted through MOM in a very growth-restricted extremely preterm infant.

Primary Diagnosis:

The primary diagnosis is postnatal HCMV infection.

Interventions:

The infant was too preterm to be treated with antiviral medication. Instead, he was treated with a diet with no fresh MOM but only freeze-thawed MOM to reduce the viral load.

Outcomes:

Conjugated bilirubin values normalized after the infant was fed freeze-thawed MOM with a reduced viral load and formula.

Practice Recommendations:

The awareness of HCMV-positive mothers giving birth to extremely preterm infants should be increased. Feeding only freeze-thawed MOM or in combination with fresh MOM should be considered prophylactically to avoid transmission of high viral loads of HCMV to these vulnerable infants.
Coronal Alignment in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery
Authors: Zuckerman Scott L. , Cerpa Meghan , Lai Christopher S. , Lenke Lawrence G.
Published: April 2021

The major focus of realignment in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery has been on the sagittal plane, and less emphasis has been given to the coronal plane. In light of this overlooked area within ASD surgery, we aimed to refocus the narrative on coronal alignment in ASD surgery. The objectives of the current narrative review were to (1) define coronal alignment and discuss existing measurements; (2) report the incidence and prevalence of coronal malalignment (CM); (3) discuss the impact of CM on clinical outcomes; and (4) describe our preferred treatment algorithm of surgical correction of CM in ASD.
What's new in bone disease and fractures in HIV?
Authors: Alvarez-Barco Elena , Mallon Patrick W.G.
Published: April 2021

Purpose of review

People living with HIV (PWH) are at greater risk of low bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures compared to the general population. This narrative review summarises recent literature in the field, including the relative contribution of antiretroviral therapy and frailty to low BMD and fractures in PWH.

Recent findings

The body of evidence indicating less impact on BMD from the use of tenofovir alafenamide compared to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate continues to grow, although this has not yet translated into data supporting a reduction in fracture incidence. Frailty, common in PWH, is associated with both fractures and alterations in renal-bone metabolism, but is an area that is understudied in relation to interventions to reduce fracture risk in PWH.

Although a maturing field, research into interventions to reduce fracture incidence in PWH is lacking in both quantity and scope. Development of core outcome datasets for clinical trials along with trials focused on reducing or reversing frailty are required to guide improvements overall bone health outcomes in PWH.
Death and Dying in Prison: An Integrative Review of the Literature
Authors: Petreca Victor G.
Published: April 2021

Objective

The purpose of this integrative review was to synthesize and explore the qualitative research literature that describes the experience of being terminally ill while incarcerated, in order to inform future inquiry when it comes to the end-of-life (EOL) needs of incarcerated persons.

Background

Mass incarceration has been a major issue in the United States, with rates sharply increasing since the 1970s. In the past two decades, the number of older incarcerated persons has grown by 500%, highlighting the importance of EOL care and decisions among this demographic.

Methods

The search terms included prison OR incarceration AND “death and dying” OR “end of life.” Primary research articles were considered in the search parameters. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for qualitative research was coupled with ConQual to score the quality of the selected qualitative studies.

Results

Searches yielded 233 articles published after 2000. Following screening, 29 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, and 7 qualitative studies met criteria and were included in the review. The ConQual scores of the synthesized findings were determined to be either “low” or “moderate.”

Discussion

Five main categories were observed across the themes elicited by the studies: EOL services in prison, social contact and human interactions, thoughts of death and fear of dying, wishes and decision-making, and guilt and coping. Many of these themes may be considered by correctional nurses who provide supportive “good death” care for incarcerated persons who are dying.
Comparison of 2 shear wave elastography systems in reproducibility and accuracy using an elasticity phantom
Authors: Woo Jung Han , Ko Eun Young , Han Boo-Kyung
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to compare the accuracy and inter- and intra-observer reproducibility of the measured elasticity between 2 shear wave elastography systems. Three breast radiologists examined 8 targets of 4 different levels of stiffness (size: 11 mm, 4 mm) in an elasticity phantom (Customized 049A Elasticity QA Phantom, CIRS, Norfolk, VA, USA) using 2 different shear wave ultrasound elastography systems: SuperSonic Imagine (SSI) (SSI, Aix en Provence, France) and ShearScan (RS-80A, Samsung Medison, Seoul, Korea). Three radiologists performed ultrasound (US) elastography examinations for the phantom lesions using 2 equipment over a 1-week interval. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility and the accuracy of the measured elasticity were analyzed and compared between the 2 systems. The accuracy of shape was also analyzed by shape-matching between B-mode and elastography color image. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were used in statistical analysis. For measured elasticity, the intra-observer and inter-observer reproducibility were excellent in both SSI and ShearScan (0.994 and 0.998). The overall accuracy was excellent in both systems, but the accuracy in small lesions (4 mm target) was lower in SSI than ShearScan (0.780 vs 0.967). The accuracy of shape-matching on the elastography image was 59.0% and 81.4% in the SSI and ShearScan, respectively. In conclusion, the SSI and ShearScan showed excellent intra- and inter-observer reproducibility. The accuracy of the Young's modulus was high in both the SSI and ShearScan, but the SSI showed decreased accuracy in measurement of elasticity in small targets and poor shape-matching between the B-mode image and color-coded elastography image.
The efficacy of moxibustion and acupuncture therapy for ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Zhu Qingyuan , Chen Jun , Xiong Jun , Lu Lunbin , Zhu Siyuan , Zhong Zhiying , Tang Genhua , Zhou Xingchen , Guo Han
Published: April 2021

Background:

Ankylosing spondylitis is a complex and progressive autoimmune inflammatory disease with a worldwide prevalence ranging up to 0.9%. Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses of traditional Chinese medicine alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or moxibustion, have demonstrated the effectiveness of moxibustion and acupuncture in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. However, there is no relevant literature to comprehensively evaluate the evidence. The purpose of this overview is to synthesize and evaluate the reliability of evidence generated in the systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis of moxibustion and acupuncture as a primary or complementary therapy for patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Methods:

PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese VIP Information, Wanfang Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database were searched for systematic reviews and meta-analysis that review the efficacy of acupuncture or moxibustion as the primary treatment for patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis. The literature published before August 2020 will be selected. Additionally, the relevant SRs and meta-analyses that unpublished or ongoing will be searched in PROSPERO and INPLASY. The methodological guidelines for overviews will be used to review and extract data by 2 reviewers, and their will do it independently. Methodology quality will be analyzed by the assessment of multiple systematic reviews-2and the risk of bias by POBIS. For the included studies, we will adopt the following results as primary evaluation indicators: effective rate, visual analogue scale and bath AS disease activity index. Reviewers will assess the certainty of evidence by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

Results:

The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Conclusion:

This overview will provide comprehensive evidence of moxibustion and acupuncture for patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Internal medicine residency program director perceptions of USMLE Step 1 pass/fail scoring
Authors: Mun Frederick , Scott Alyssa R. , Cui David , Chisty Alia , Hennrikus William L. , Hennrikus Eileen F.
Published: April 2021

The United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 will transition to a pass/fail exam starting no earlier than January 2022. Internal medicine residency programs will need to adapt to these changes. The purpose of this study was to investigate:

A validated REDCap survey was sent to 548 program directors at active Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education internal medicine residency programs. Contact information from the American Medical Association's Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database was used.

The survey had 123 respondents (22.4%). Most internal medicine program directors do not support the pass/fail change. A greater importance will be placed on Step 2 Clinical Knowledge exam, personal knowledge of the applicant, clerkship grades, and audition electives. Allopathic students from less highly regarded medical schools, as well as osteopathic and international students, will be disadvantaged. About half believe that schools should adopt a graded pre-clinical curriculum (51.2%) and that there should be residency application caps (54.5%).

Internal medicine program directors mostly disagree with the pass/fail Step 1 transition. Residency programs will need to reevaluate how applicants are evaluated. Other factors, such as Step 2 Clinical Knowledge score, personal knowledge of the applicant, grades in clerkships, and audition rotations will now be emphasized more heavily.
The incidence and prognosis of thymic squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wu Jingyi , Wang Zhijun , Jing Caibao , Hu Yang , Yang Bing , Hu Yanping
Published: April 2021

Background:

Thymic carcinoma represents a rare type of malignant mediastinal tumor and has been the subject of controversy. Although independent prognostic factors related to thymic carcinoma have been investigated previously, few studies have focused specifically on the survival outcomes associated with thymic squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). This study aims at presenting a survival analysis in this rare malignant disease at population level.

Methods:

We extracted the data of 216 patients with TSCC recorded from 1973 to 2015 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database of the National Cancer Institute. The patients’ demographic features, clinical traits, and treatment factors were analyzed in order to identify prognostic factors, which correlate overall survival using the Kaplan–Meier method as well as a multivariate Cox regression model, for TSCC.

Results:

The majority of patients were male, Caucasian, married, and insured. Furthermore, 58.3%, 54.6%, and 59.7% of patients TSCC underwent surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy respectively. In a multivariate analysis, age of diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.022, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.003–1.040, P = .020), surgical treatment (HR: 0.282, 95% CI: 0.164–0.484, P = .000), and stage (regional vs distant HR: 0.532, 95% CI: 0.324–0.872, P = .013; localized vs distant HR: 0.297, 95% CI: 0.133–0.664, P = .003) correlated with increased overall survival, whereas adjuvant therapy, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, did not correlate with survival. Among surgically treated patients, age of diagnosis and stage were associated with better overall survival, while chemotherapy and radiotherapy did not contribute significantly to overall survival.

Conclusion:

Surgery, age of diagnosis, and stage were associated with better overall survival among TSCC.
Effects of continuous use of metformin on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Shen Chuanwen , Tan Shuying , Yang Jun
Published: April 2021

Background:

To our knowledge, no meta-analyses or reviews have investigated the efficacy and safety of metformin on cardiovascular outcomes after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We thus conduct a high-quality systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of metformin on cardiovascular outcomes after AMI in patients with T2DM.

Methods:

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we will search PUBMED, Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases through April, 2021. The study is structured to adhere to PRISMA guidelines (i.e., Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses). The literature search, data extraction, and quality assessments are conducted independently by 2 authors. Outcome measures include all-cause mortality; complications such as acute kidney injury, lactic acidosis, hospitalization for AMI or stroke, or death. Where disagreement in the collection of data occurs, this is resolved through discussion. Review Manager Software (v 5.3; Cochrane Collaboration) is used for the meta-analysis. Two independent reviewers will assess the risk of bias of the included studies at study level.

Results:

It is hypothesized that metformin use at the post-AMI is associated with decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and death in patients with T2DM.

Conclusions:

This study expects to provide credible and scientific evidence for the efficacy and safety of metformin on cardiovascular outcomes after AMI in patients with T2DM.

Registration number:

10.17605/OSF.IO/S3MBP.
Clinical study of combined application of indocyanine green and methylene blue for sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Chenguang , Li Yongtao , Wang Xiaowen , Zhang Mingshuai , Jiang Weihua , Ou Jianghua
Published: April 2021

Objective:

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of combined application of indocyanine green (ICG) and methylene blue (MB) for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in patients with early breast cancer.

Methods:

A total of 415 patients who underwent SLNB and axillary lymph node dissection were enrolled. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) was assessed in 197 patients with ICG and MB combination method, while, the other 218 patients were detected by MB method alone. During surgery, all SLNs were harvested for pathological examination. Then the detection rate and false negative rate of SLNs were comparatively analyzed between the 2 groups.

Results:

In the combined ICG and MB group, the detection rate of SLNs was 96.9%, significantly higher than that of MB group, which was 89.7% (P < .05). Similarly, in combined group, the average number of SLNs per patient was 3.0, much higher than that of MB group, which was 2.1 (P < .05). There was no statistically significant difference in false negative rate between combined group and MB alone group, which was 7.3% and 10.5%, respectively (P = .791).

Conclusion:

The combined application of ICG and MB for SLNB is much more effective than MB alone in detecting SLNs.
Prevalence and risk factors for obesity among elderly patients living with HIV/AIDS in a low-resource setting
Authors: Dakum Patrick , Avong Yohanna Kambai , Okuma James , Sorungbe Temilade , Jatau Bolajoko , Nedmbi Nicaise , Odutola Michael Kolawole , Abimiku Alash’le , Mensah Charles Olalekan , Kayode Gbenga Ayodele
Published: April 2021

Obesity is associated with detrimental changes in cardiovascular and metabolic parameters, including blood pressure, dyslipidemia, markers of systemic inflammation, and insulin resistance. In the elderly living with the human immunodeficiency virus (EPLHIV), and being treated with antiretroviral medications, the obesity complications escalate and expose the elderly to the risk of noncommunicable diseases. Given that over 3 million EPLHIV in sub-Sahara Africa, we assessed the prevalence of obesity and its associated factors among EPLHIV in a low-resource setting.

This was a cross sectional study of EPLHIV aged 50 years and older, being treated with antiretroviral medications from 2004 to 2018. HIV treatment data collected from multiple treatment sites were analyzed. Baseline characteristics of the participants were described, and multivariable relative risk model was applied to assess the associations between obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2) and the prespecified potential risk factors.

Of the 134,652 in HIV cohort, 19,566 (14.5%) were EPLHIV: 12,967 (66.3%) were normal weight (18.5 ≤ BMI < 25), 4548 (23.2%) were overweight (25 ≤ BMI < 30), while 2,051 (10.5%) were obese (BMI ≥30). The average age the normal weight (57.1; standard deviation 6.6) and the obese (56.5; standard deviation 5.5) was similar. We observed that being an employed (relative risk [RR] 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.48–2.00; P < .001), educated (RR 1.93; 95% CI 1.54–2.41; P < .001), and presence of hypertension (RR 1.78; 95% CI 1.44–2.20; P < .001), increased the risk of obesity. Also, being male (RR 0.38; 95% CI 0.33–0.44; P < .001), stages III/IV of the World Health Organization clinical stages of HIV (RR 0.58; 95% CI 0.50–0.68; P < .001), tenofovir-based regimen (RR 0.84; 95% CI 0.73–0.96, P < .001), and low CD4 count (RR 0.56; 95% CI 0.44–0.71; P < .001) were inversely associated with obesity.

This study demonstrates that multiple factors are driving obesity prevalence in EPLHIV. The study provides vital information for policy-makers and HIV program implementers in implementing targeted-interventions to address obesity in EPLHIV. Its findings would assist in the implementation of a one-stop-shop model for the management of HIV and other comorbid medical conditions in EPLHIV.
Risk factors of in-stent restenosis in patients with diabetes mellitus after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Li Suiping , Luo Chao , Chen Haimei
Published: April 2021

Background:

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has become one of the effective methods for the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD). However, it is easy to have in-stent restenosis (ISR), even cardiovascular events after PCI, which affects the therapeutic effects. The incidence of ISR in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients increased by 2 to 4 times. Early identification of the risk factors of ISR in DM patients after PCI may help clinical staff to prevent and intervene as soon as possible, so it is very important to improve the clinical outcomes of DM patients. Although scholars at home and abroad have studied and summarized the risk factors of ISR in DM patients after PCI, the conclusions are different. Therefore, in this study, meta-analysis was used to summarize the risk factors of ISR in DM patients after PCI, and to explore the characteristics of high-risk groups of ISR, thus providing reference for early identification and prevention of ISR.

Methods:

We will search related literature from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China Biology Medicine Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Wanfang Database. Eligible studies will be screened based on inclusion criteria. Meanwhile, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, publication bias assessment, subgroup analysis, and quality assessment will be performed. Review Manager Version 5.3 software will be applied for data analysis. Each process is independently conducted by 2 researchers. If there is any objection, it will be submitted to a third researcher for resolution.

Results:

We will disseminate the findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis via publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Conclusions:

The results of this analysis can be used to generate a risk prediction model and provide an intervention strategy for the occurrence of ISR in DM patients after PCI.

OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER:

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/WC87Y.
Early prediction models for extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli infection in emergency department
Authors: Zhou Yiwu , Zhang Shu
Published: April 2021

Background:

Resistance in gram-negative bacteria has gained great importance in recent decades and one reason is the rapid increase of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria as a growing problem worldwide. The increasing proportion of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) infections acquired in the emergency community is a new feature of ESBLs epidemiology. Early recognition of patients with extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli infection is important in the emergency department. To mitigate the burden on the healthcare system, while also providing the best possible care for patients, early recognition of the infection is needed.

Methods:

For the acquisition of required data of eligible prospective/retrospective cohort study or randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we will search for publications from PubMed, Web of science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Google scholar. Two independent reviewers will read the full English text of the articles, screened and selected carefully, removing duplication. Then we evaluate the quality and analyses data by Review Manager (V.5.4). Results data will be pooled and meta-analysis will be conducted if there's 2 eligible studies considered.

Results:

This systematic review and meta-analysis will evaluate the value of the early prediction models for Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing E coli infection in emergency department.

Conclusions:

This systematic review and meta-analysis will provide clinical evidence for predicting Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing E coli infection in emergency department, inform our understanding of the value of the predictive model in predicting Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing E coli infection in emergency department in the early stage. The conclusions drawn from this study may be beneficial to patients, clinicians, and health-related policy makers.

Study registration number:

INPLASY202130049.
The influence of fasting and caloric restriction on inflammation levels in humans
Authors: Zhou Rui-han , Wang Qian , Hu Xiao-min , Liu Mei , Zhang An-Ren
Published: April 2021

Background:

Fasting and caloric restriction have a potential means of anti-inflammatory, as they can decrease the level of systemic inflammation. Although encouraging results have been obtained in animal experiments, there is no consensus on whether these results are applicable to human. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to analyze the influence of fasting and caloric restriction on inflammation levels in humans.

Methods:

The systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The following eight databases will be searched:(The retrieval time is from the establishment of each database to December 2020): PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge infrastructure (CNKI), China Biology Medicine (CBM), Wan Fang Data, the Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP). Relevant data will be performed by Revman 5.3 software provided (Cochrane Collaboration) and Stata 14.0 statistical software.

Results:

The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Conclusions:

This systematic review will provide evidence to judge the effectiveness of fasting and calorie restriction in human subjects, so as to provide a sound basis for future research and lifestyle promotion.

INPLASY registration number:

INPLASY202130026
Navigation-guided percutaneous pelvic cementoplasty for metastatic bone pain
Authors: Lee Ji Hyeon , Kim In Young , Kim Young Don , Lee So Young , Jung Jin Yong
Published: April 2021

Rationale:

Percutaneous cementoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that can provide immediate pain relief and improve range of motion in patients with metastatic bone pain. Conventionally, this procedure is guided by computed tomography (CT). However, to minimize exposure to radiation, we performed percutaneous cementoplasty under the guidance of a navigation system.

Patient concerns:

A 60-year-old man presented with left hip pain for several months due to bone metastasis in the left ilium.

Diagnoses:

The patient was diagnosed with lung cancer and multiple bone metastases including ileum.

Interventions:

The puncture needle was placed under the guidance of a navigation system with pre-procedure CT images, and bone cement was injected into the osteolytic lesion in the left ilium.

Outcomes:

Bone cement placement was confirmed by post-procedure radiography, and its distribution was satisfactory. The patient's Karnofsky Performance Scale and Brief Pain Inventory scores showed improvement in pain and mobility without complications.

Lessons:

Percutaneous cementoplasty guided by a navigation system is a safer and more effective method with less radiation compared with conventional CT-guided methods.
Should Catatonia Be Conceptualized as a Pathological Response to Trauma?
Authors: Biles Trever R. , Anem Gautam , Youssef Nagy A.
Published: April 2021

Although catatonia is related to several medical conditions, catatonia as a response to trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is less clear. The aim of this review is to explore the small emerging body of preliminary evidence that suggests a possible correlation between psychological trauma and catatonia. Initial data suggests a correlation between episodes of intense fear associated with trauma and PTSD and some forms of catatonic responses. Although this relationship is still speculative to be causative, it can have important implications if confirmed. This is especially salient when it is examined alongside existing studies of the response to fear in animals and the phenomenon of tonic immobility, which bears a striking resemblance to catatonia in humans. If prospective studies further support the initial findings, it could change our conceptual understanding of the etiology of a subtype of catatonia substantially while pointing to likely targets of further research to understand the biological mechanisms that underlie the illness.
Circulating inflammatory biomarkers in adolescents: evidence of interactions between chronic pain and obesity
Authors: Hainsworth Keri R. , Simpson Pippa M. , Raff Hershel , Grayson Mitchell H. , Zhang Liyun , Weisman Steven J.
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

The negative effects of chronic pain and obesity are compounded in those with both conditions. Despite this, little research has focused on the pathophysiology in pediatric samples.

Objective:

To examine the effects of comorbid chronic pain and obesity on the concentration of circulating inflammatory biomarkers.

Methods:

We used a multiple-cohort observational design, with 4 groups defined by the presence or absence of obesity and chronic pain: healthy controls, chronic pain alone, obesity alone, as well as chronic pain and obesity. Biomarkers measured were leptin, adiponectin, leptin/adiponectin ratio (primary outcome), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 6, and C-reactive protein (CRP).

Results:

Data on 125 adolescents (13–17 years) were analyzed. In females, there was an interaction between chronic pain and obesity such that leptin and CRP were higher in the chronic pain and obesity group than in chronic pain or obesity alone. Within the chronic pain and obesity group, biomarkers were correlated with worsened pain attributes, and females reported worse pain than males. The highest levels of interleukin 6 and CRP were found in youth with elevated weight and functional disability. We conclude that in adolescents, chronic pain and obesity interact to cause dysregulation of the inflammatory system, and this effect is more pronounced in females.

Conclusion:

The augmented levels of inflammatory biomarkers are associated with pain and functional disability, and may be an early marker of future pain and disability.
Transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 depletion mediates mechanical allodynia through cellular signal alterations in small-fiber neuropathy
Authors: Chang Chin-Hong , Chang Ying-Shuang , Hsieh Yu-Lin
Published: April 2021

Transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1) is a polymodal nociceptor that monitors noxious thermal sensations. Few studies have addressed the role of TRPV1 in mechanical allodynia in small-fiber neuropathy (SFN) caused by sensory nerve damage. Accordingly, this article reviews the putative mechanisms of TRPV1 depletion that mediates mechanical allodynia in SFN. The intraepidermal nerve fibers (IENFs) degeneration and sensory neuronal injury are the primary characteristics of SFN. Intraepidermal nerve fibers are mainly C-polymodal nociceptors and Aδ-fibers, which mediated allodynic pain after neuronal sensitization. TRPV1 depletion by highly potent neurotoxins induces the upregulation of activating transcription factor 3 and IENFs degeneration which mimics SFN. TRPV1 is predominately expressed by the peptidergic than nonpeptidergic nociceptors, and these neurochemical discrepancies provided the basis of the distinct pathways of thermal analgesia and mechanical allodynia. The depletion of peptidergic nociceptors and their IENFs cause thermal analgesia and sensitized nonpeptidergic nociceptors respond to mechanical allodynia. These distinct pathways of noxious stimuli suggested determined by the neurochemical-dependent neurotrophin cognate receptors such as TrkA and Ret receptors. The neurogenic inflammation after TRPV1 depletion also sensitized Ret receptors which results in mechanical allodynia. The activation of spinal TRPV1(+) neurons may contribute to mechanical allodynia. Also, an imbalance in adenosinergic analgesic signaling in sensory neurons such as the downregulation of prostatic acid phosphatase and adenosine A1 receptors, which colocalized with TRPV1 as a membrane microdomain also correlated with the development of mechanical allodynia. Collectively, TRPV1 depletion–induced mechanical allodynia involves a complicated cascade of cellular signaling alterations.
Randomized, wait-list–controlled pilot study of app-delivered mindfulness for patients reporting chronic pain
Authors: Mascaro Jennifer S. , Singh Vinita , Wehrmeyer Kathryn , Scott Benjamin , Juan Justin , McKenzie-Brown Anne Marie , Lane Olabisi P. , Haack Carla
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Chronic pain creates economic burden and exerts profound individual and societal harm. Mobile application (app)-delivered mindfulness meditation may be an important approach to self-management of chronic pain.

Objectives:

We examined the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of app-delivered mindfulness meditation on pain cognition and daily functioning among patients reporting chronic pain.

Methods:

We used a longitudinal, randomized, and wait-list–controlled design (NCT03495726) to evaluate changes in self-reported pain severity, pain catastrophizing, and social and physical functioning among participants randomized to 6 weeks of app-delivered mindfulness meditation, compared with participants randomized to a wait-list control group.

Results:

Although most participants randomized to the mindfulness group used the app at least once, fewer than half adhered to the instructed program. Participants who did not use the app scored higher on the helplessness component of pain catastrophizing at the start of the study and were less likely to have completed 4 years of college. Participants who reported feeling pressured to enroll in the study were also less likely to adhere to the intervention. Compared with participants randomized to wait-list, those in the mindfulness group reported significant improvements in social functioning, even after controlling for pain severity. Participants randomized to the mindfulness intervention also reported significant improvements in helplessness. App usage was not significantly correlated with changes in social functioning or helplessness scores.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that app-delivered mindfulness meditation is beneficial to patients with chronic pain. Identifying characteristics of patients who were adherent highlights important considerations for clinical settings.
Supporting Discovery and Inquiry: A Canadian Hospital's Approach to Building Research and Innovation Capacity in Point-of-Care Health Professionals
Authors: Ruco Arlinda , Nichol Kathryn , Morassaei Sara , Bola Ruby , Di Prospero Lisa
Published: April 2021

Background and Objectives:

Building capacity for research and innovation among point-of-care health professionals can translate into positive outcomes from the organization, staff, and patient perspective. However, there is not a widely accepted framework in place across academic hospitals to guide this work and measure impact. This article outlines one Canadian hospital's approach and provides a blueprint with appropriate indicators as a starting point and guide for organizations looking to develop and implement a practice-based research and innovation strategy.

Methods:

An adapted framework was utilized to measure and track progress toward achievement of research and innovation strategic goals. The framework outlines key domains for research and capacity development and appropriate metrics. Data are reported from a 4-year period (2014-2018).

Results:

The evaluation of the practice-based research and innovation portfolio identified several important factors that contribute to the success of embedding this strategy across a large academic teaching institution. These include using a collaborative leadership model, leveraging linkages, partnerships, and collaborations, and recognizing the academic contributions of health professionals engaging in research and innovation.

Conclusions:

Engaging those who provide care directly to patients and families in research and innovation is critical to ensuring high-quality health outcomes and patient experience. Creative and innovative funding models, collaborative leadership, and partnerships with key stakeholders to support research and innovation are needed to ensure sustainability.
Antibodies: Friends, Foes, or Both? Lessons From COVID-19 for the Rheumatologist
Authors: Rodriguez Martin A. , Fuentes-Silva Yurilis J. , Vásquez Gloria
Published: April 2021

Antibodies are a fundamental tool to fight infections but are intrinsically built as a double-edged sword. One side recognizes the microbial antigen, and the other gives a call to arms to fight infection by recruiting immune cells and triggering inflammation. A balanced immune response must combine a potent neutralizing antibody and a swift disposal of the invading agent by innate immune cells with the least tissue damage possible. The longer the immune system takes to control the infection, the higher the possibility for a self-sustaining inflammatory process with potentially fatal consequences for the host. In addition to quantity, the quality of antibodies also matters, because posttranslational modifications altering the N-glycan composition in Fc fractions may help tilt the balance to the effector side, by modifying their affinity for Fc receptors in immune cells. The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a wealth of data bolstering our understanding of the rules governing the production of protective and nonprotective antibodies. Also, it has broadened our understanding of the role of viruses in triggering autoimmunity and inflammation, and widened our knowledge of the different mechanisms that can be activated by viral infection and lead to autoantibody production, inflammation, and progressive tissue damage. In addition, the COVID-19 infection has contributed a great deal to our comprehension of the role of antibodies in the causation of cytokine storms and systemic inflammatory response syndrome, also seen in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases.