bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is micropollutant-loaded powdered activated carbon from a wastewater treatment plant toxic to the bivalve Corbicula sp.?
Authors: Woermann Marion , Zimmermann Sonja , Sures Bernd
Published: November 2020

Background

In order to reduce emissions of micropollutants (MPs) via effluents of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), additional treatment steps are suggested and already deployed in selected WWTPs. Next to advanced oxidation processes, the application of powdered activated carbon (PAC) is considered a promising and suitable option as MP removal rates of 80% and more can be achieved. However, this method might also hold a drawback as a complete retention of PAC applied within the WWTP cannot always be guaranteed. Hence, small amounts of MP-loaded PAC can enter receiving waters with potentially negative consequences for aquatic organisms. The present study investigated possible effects of MP-loaded PAC from a WWTP as compared to unloaded, native PAC on the bivalveCorbicula sp. in a 10-week exposure experiment. The PAC types were administered in concentrations of 1, 10 and 100 mg/L in a semi-static sediment–water system.

Results

Molecular biomarker responses for xenobiotic metabolism (i.e., glutathione-S-transferase (GST)) and oxidative stress (i.e., catalase (CAT) activity and lipid peroxidation) were analyzed and in none of the treatments, significant differences to the control could be detected, except for the CAT activity in the 1 mg/L PACWWTPtreatment. Moreover, the filtration rate of individual bivalves was measured after 5 and 10 weeks of exposure and compared to the initial filtration rate with the result that the presence of PAC did not affect the filtration rate ofCorbicula sp. In summary, despite the selection of sensitive endpoints and a comparatively long exposure period, no significant effects were detected for unloaded and MP-loaded PAC even at the highest test concentration, which is far away from environmental relevance.

Conclusions

These results give an auspicious perspective for the application of PAC in WWTPs. Even when small PAC leakages from WWTPs occur, adverse effects for aquatic organisms appear to be neglectable based on our findings.
MHSNMF: multi-view hessian regularization based symmetric nonnegative matrix factorization for microbiome data analysis
Authors: Ma Yuanyuan , Zhao Junmin , Ma Yingjun
Published: November 2020

Background

With the rapid development of high-throughput technique, multiple heterogeneous omics data have been accumulated vastly (e.g., genomics, proteomics and metabolomics data). Integrating information from multiple sources or views is challenging to obtain a profound insight into the complicated relations among micro-organisms, nutrients and host environment. In this paper we propose a multi-view Hessian regularization based symmetric nonnegative matrix factorization algorithm (MHSNMF) for clustering heterogeneous microbiome data. Compared with many existing approaches, the advantages of MHSNMF lie in: (1) MHSNMF combines multiple Hessian regularization to leverage the high-order information from the same cohort of instances with multiple representations; (2) MHSNMF utilities the advantages of SNMF and naturally handles the complex relationship among microbiome samples; (3) uses the consensus matrix obtained by MHSNMF, we also design a novel approach to predict the classification of new microbiome samples.

Results

We conduct extensive experiments on two real-word datasets (Three-source dataset and Human Microbiome Plan dataset), the experimental results show that the proposed MHSNMF algorithm outperforms other baseline and state-of-the-art methods. Compared with other methods, MHSNMF achieves the best performance (accuracy: 95.28%, normalized mutual information: 91.79%) on microbiome data. It suggests the potential application of MHSNMF in microbiome data analysis.

Conclusions

Results show that the proposed MHSNMF algorithm can effectively combine the phylogenetic, transporter, and metabolic profiles into a unified paradigm to analyze the relationships among different microbiome samples. Furthermore, the proposed prediction method based on MHSNMF has been shown to be effective in judging the types of new microbiome samples.
Markov chain Monte Carlo for active module identification problem
Authors: Alexeev Nikita , Isomurodov Javlon , Sukhov Vladimir , Korotkevich Gennady , Sergushichev Alexey
Published: November 2020

Background

Integrative network methods are commonly used for interpretation of high-throughput experimental biological data: transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and others. One of the common approaches is finding a connected subnetwork of a global interaction network that best encompasses significant individual changes in the data and represents a so-called active module. Usually methods implementing this approach find a single subnetwork and thus solve a hard classification problem for vertices. This subnetwork inherently contains erroneous vertices, while no instrument is provided to estimate the confidence level of any particular vertex inclusion. To address this issue, in the current study we consider the active module problem as a soft classification problem.

Results

We propose a method to estimate probabilities of each vertex to belong to the active module based on Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) subnetwork sampling. As an example of the performance of our method on real data, we run it on two gene expression datasets. For the first many-replicate expression dataset we show that the proposed approach is consistent with an existing resampling-based method. On the second dataset the jackknife resampling method is inapplicable due to the small number of biological replicates, but the MCMC method can be run and shows high classification performance.

Conclusions

The proposed method allows to estimate the probability that an individual vertex belongs to the active module as well as the false discovery rate (FDR) for a given set of vertices. Given the estimated probabilities, it becomes possible to provide a connected subgraph in a consistent manner for any given FDR level: no vertex can disappear when the FDR level is relaxed. We show, on both simulated and real datasets, that the proposed method has good computational performance and high classification accuracy.
Compressed sensing improved iterative reconstruction-reprojection algorithm for electron tomography
Authors: Li Lun , Han Renmin , Zhang Zhaotian , Guo Tiande , Liu Zhiyong , Zhang Fa
Published: November 2020

Background

Electron tomography (ET) is an important technique for the study of complex biological structures and their functions. Electron tomography reconstructs the interior of a three-dimensional object from its projections at different orientations. However, due to the instrument limitation, the angular tilt range of the projections is limited within +70∘ to −70∘. The missing angle range is known as the missing wedge and will cause artifacts.

Results

In this paper, we proposed a novel algorithm, compressed sensing improved iterative reconstruction-reprojection (CSIIRR), which follows the schedule of improved iterative reconstruction-reprojection but further considers the sparsity of the biological ultra-structural content in specimen. The proposed algorithm keeps both the merits of the improved iterative reconstruction-reprojection (IIRR) and compressed sensing, resulting in an estimation of the electron tomography with faster execution speed and better reconstruction result. A comprehensive experiment has been carried out, in which CSIIRR was challenged on both simulated and real-world datasets as well as compared with a number of classical methods. The experimental results prove the effectiveness and efficiency of CSIIRR, and further show its advantages over the other methods.

Conclusions

The proposed algorithm has an obvious advance in the suppression of missing wedge effects and the restoration of missing information, which provides an option to the structural biologist for clear and accurate tomographic reconstruction.
Associations with kidney transplant survival and eGFR decline in children and young adults in the United Kingdom: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hamilton Alexander J. , Plumb Lucy A. , Casula Anna , Sinha Manish D.
Published: November 2020

Background

Although young adulthood is associated with transplant loss, many studies do not examine eGFR decline. We aimed to establish clinical risk factors to identify where early intervention might prevent subsequent adverse transplant outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study using UK Renal Registry and UK Transplant Registry data, including patients aged < 30 years transplanted 1998–2014. Associations with death-censored graft failure were investigated with multivariable Cox proportional hazards. Multivariable linear regression was used to establish associations with eGFR slope gradients calculated over the last 5 years of observation per individual.

Results

The cohort (n = 5121, of whom n = 371 received another transplant) was 61% male, 80% White and 36% had structural disease. Live donation occurred in 48%. There were 1371 graft failures and 145 deaths with a functioning graft over a 39,541-year risk period. Median follow-up was 7 years. Fifteen-year graft survival was 60.2% (95% CI 58.1, 62.3).

Risk associations observed in both graft loss and eGFR decline analyses included female sex, glomerular diseases, Black ethnicity and young adulthood (15–19-year and 20–24-year age groups, compared to 25–29 years). A higher initial eGFR was associated with less risk of graft loss but faster eGFR decline. For each additional 10 mL/min/1.73m2 initial eGFR, the hazard ratio for graft loss was 0.82 (95% CI 0.79, 0.86), p < 0.0001. However, compared to < 60 mL/min/1.73m2, higher initial eGFR was associated with faster eGFR decline (> 90 mL/min/1.73m2; − 3.55 mL/min/1.73m2/year (95% CI -4.37, − 2.72), p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

In conclusion, young adulthood is a key risk factor for transplant loss and eGFR decline for UK children and young adults. This study has an extended follow-up period and confirms common risk associations for graft loss and eGFR decline, including female sex, Black ethnicity and glomerular diseases. A higher initial eGFR was associated with less risk of graft loss but faster rate of eGFR decline. Identification of children at risk of faster rate of eGFR decline may enable early intervention to prolong graft survival.
A systematically collated library of prescribing safety indicators for people with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Smith Fiona , Hayward Samantha , Hole Barnaby , Kimpton George , Sluman Christine , Whiting Penny , Caskey Fergus
Published: November 2020

Background

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have high levels of co-morbidity and polypharmacy placing them at increased risk of prescribing-related harm. Tools for assessing prescribing safety in the general population using prescribing safety indicators (PSIs) have been established. However, people with CKD pose different prescribing challenges to people without kidney disease. Therefore, PSIs designed for use in the general population may not include all PSIs relevant to a CKD population.

The aim of this study was to systematically collate a library of PSIs relevant to people with CKD.

Methods

A systematic literature search identified papers reporting PSIs. CKD-specific PSIs were extracted and categorised by Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification codes. Duplicate PSIs were removed to create a final list of CKD-specific PSIs.

Results

Nine thousand, eight hundred fifty-two papers were identified by the systematic literature search, of which 511 proceeded to full text screening and 196 papers were identified as reporting PSIs. Following categorisation by ATC code and duplicate removal, 841 unique PSIs formed the final set of CKD-specific PSIs. The five ATC drug classes containing the largest proportion of CKD-specific PSIs were: Cardiovascular system (26%); Nervous system (13.4%); Blood and blood forming organs (12.4%); Alimentary and metabolism (12%); and Anti-infectives for systemic use (11.3%).

Conclusion

CKD-specific PSIs could be used alone or alongside general PSIs to assess the safety and quality of prescribing within a CKD population.
Parkinson’s disease: current assessment methods and wearable devices for evaluation of movement disorder motor symptoms - a patient and healthcare professional perspective
Authors: AlMahadin Ghayth , Lotfi Ahmad , Zysk Eva , Siena Francesco Luke , Carthy Marie Mc , Breedon Philip
Published: November 2020

Background

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common long-term chronic, progressive, neurodegenerative disease, affecting more than 10 million people worldwide. There has been a rising interest in wearable devices for evaluation of movement disorder diseases such as Parkinson’s disease due to the limitations in current clinic assessment methods such as Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and the Hoehn and Yahr (HY) scale. However, there are only a few commercial wearable devices available, which, in addition, have had very limited adoption and implementation. This inconsistency may be due to a lack of users’ perspectives in terms of device design and implementation. This study aims to identify the perspectives of healthcare professionals and patients linked to current assessment methods and to identify preferences, and requirements of wearable devices.

Methods

This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews followed by focus groups. Transcripts from sessions were analysed using an inductive thematic approach.

Results

It was noted that the well-known assessment process such as Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) was not used routinely in clinics since it is time consuming, subjective, inaccurate, infrequent and dependent on patients’ memories. Participants suggested that objective assessment methods are needed to increase the chance of effective treatment. The participants’ perspectives were positive toward using wearable devices, particularly if they were involved in early design stages. Patients emphasized that the devices should be comfortable, but they did not have any concerns regarding device visibility or data privacy transmitted over the internet when it comes to their health. In terms of wearing a monitor, the preferable part of the body for all participants was the wrist. Healthcare professionals stated a need for an economical solution that is easy to interpret. Some design aspects identified by patients included clasps, material choice, and form factor.

Conclusion

The study concluded that current assessment methods are limited. Patients’ and healthcare professionals’ involvement in wearable devices design process has a pivotal role in terms of ultimate user acceptance. This includes the provision of additional functions to the wearable device, such as fall detection and medication reminders, which could be attractive features for patients.
Psychosocial factors associated with postpartum psychological distress during the Covid-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ostacoli Luca , Cosma Stefano , Bevilacqua Federica , Berchialla Paola , Bovetti Marialuisa , Carosso Andrea Roberto , Malandrone Francesca , Carletto Sara , Benedetto Chiara
Published: November 2020

Background

Trauma, natural and man-made catastrophic events can be predictors of postpartum psychological distress. In a public health response due to coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak, the Italian government imposed a lockdown from March 9 to May 3. This extraordinary situation may have been challenging for maternal psychological health. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms in women giving birth during the Covid-19 pandemic and its associations with quarantine measures, obstetrical factors, and relational attachment style.

Methods

Women who gave birth in a high-volume obstetric/gynaecological medical centre located in an epidemic area during the Covid-19 pandemic (March 8 to June 15) were asked to complete an online survey about their childbirth experience and the perceived effect of the pandemic. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ) were administered to assess levels of postpartum depressive and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and relational style of attachment, respectively. Multivariate analysis was applied to identify associations between quarantine measures, childbirth experience, attachment style, and EPDS and IES-R scores.

Results

The survey was completed by 163 women (response rate 60.8%). The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 44.2% (EPDS cut-off score ≥ 11) and the PTSS rate was 42.9% (IES-R cut-off score ≥ 24). Dismissive and fearful avoidant attachment styles were significantly associated with the risk of depression and PTSS, respectively. Perceived pain during birth was a risk factor for postpartum depression. Perceived support provided by healthcare staff was a protective factor against depression and PTSS. Another protective factor against PTSS was quiet on the ward due to the absence of hospital visitors.

Conclusion

This study reports a high prevalence of postpartum depressive and PTSS in women who gave birth during the Covid-19 pandemic. Postnatal psychological distress seemed to be associated more with the prenatal experience and other individual factors than with the pandemic hospital restrictions. Early detection during pregnancy of an insecure attachment style is fundamental to provide targeted preventive and therapeutic psychological interventions.
The use and perception of support walkers for children with disabilities: a United Kingdom survey
Authors: George Ciaran , Levin Wendy , Ryan Jennifer M.
Published: November 2020

Background

Support walkers are a type of assistive device that may enable non-ambulant children with disabilities to walk independently and promote improvements in bowel function, bone mineral density (BMD), mobility, independence, participation and social function. However, there is little evidence to support these benefits and there is a lack of research describing the use of support walkers in clinical practice. This study aimed to examine the use of support walkers for children with disabilities in clinical practice.

Method

A survey was distributed via professional organisations, charities and schools associated with paediatric disabilities in the UK. Participants were recruited between January and March 2018. Populations of interest were those who prescribe support walkers to children with disabilities and those who work with children who use them.

Results

In total, 125 people were included in the analysis; 107 responders prescribed support walkers and 18 responders worked with children who used support walkers. The population of children who use support walkers ranged from 6 months to 18 years and included children with cerebral palsy, chromosomal abnormalities and other medical conditions. Use of these devices was also reported in schools, at home and in the community for varying lengths of time. Numerous perceived benefits were noted, most frequent of which were increases in physical activity and enjoyment. By comparison, fewer perceived problems were identified but centred on lack of space and difficulty with transfers.

Conclusions

This study provides insight into the use of support walkers in the UK, particularly surrounding current practices, which may help to improve consistency in clinical settings. Perceived benefits and problems may provide a basis for identification of appropriate outcome measures to monitor effectiveness. These results should also provide a basis for designing future studies to examine effectiveness of support walkers for paediatric disabilities.
Esophageal perforation following pedicle screw placement for the treatment of upper thoracic spinal tuberculosis: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Wang Yuhang , Hao Dingjun , Qian Lixiong , He Xin , Meng Yibin , Wang Biao
Published: November 2020

Background

The technique of posterior pedicle screw fixation has already been widely applied in the treatment of upper thoracic spinal tuberculosis. However, lesions of tuberculosis directly invade the vertebrae and surrounding soft tissues, which increases the risk of esophageal perforation induced by the posterior pedicle screw placement. Herein, we report the first case of esophageal perforation following pedicle screw placement in the upper thoracic spinal tuberculosis, and describe the underlying causes, as well as the treatment and prognosis.

Case presentation

A 48-year-old female patient with upper thoracic spinal tuberculosis presented sputum-like secretions from the wound after she was treated with one-stage operation through the posterolateral approach. Endoscopy was immediately conducted, which confirmed that the patient complicated with postoperative esophageal perforation caused by screws. CT scan showed that the right screw perforated the anterior cortex of the vertebrae and the esophagus at the T4 level. Fortunately, mediastinal infection was not observed. The T4 screw was removed, Vacuum Sealing Drainage (VSD) was performed, and jejunum catheterization was used for enteral nutrition. After continuous treatment with sensitive antibiotics for 2.5 months and 5 times of VSD aspiration, the infected wound recovered gradually. With 18-month follow-up, the esophagus healed well, without symptoms of dysphagia and stomach discomfort, and CT scan showed that T2–4 had complete osseous fusion without sequestrum.

Conclusion

Tuberculosis increases the risk of postoperative esophageal perforation in a certain degree for patients with upper thoracic tuberculosis. The damages to esophagus during the operation should be prevented. The screws with the length no more than 30 mm should be selected. Moreover, close monitoring after operation should be conducted to help the early identification, diagnosis and treatment, which could help preventing the adverse effects induced by the delayed diagnosis and treatment of esophageal perforation.
Do women who consult with naturopaths or herbalists have a healthy lifestyle?: a secondary analysis of the Australian longitudinal study on women’s health
Authors: Steel Amie , Tiveron Stefania , Reid Rebecca , Wardle Jon , Cramer Holger , Adams Jon , Sibbritt David , Lauche Romy
Published: November 2020

Background

Australians report consulting with a naturopaths or herbalists to improve their wellbeing, yet little is known about the associations between these consultations and the patients’ health behaviours. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the relationship between health behaviour and consultations with naturopaths or herbalists in three age cohorts of Australian women.

Methods

Women aged 19–25 years, 31–36 years, and 62–67 years from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH) were surveyed regarding smoking, alcohol or drug use, physical activity and dietary behaviour; and whether they consulted with naturopath/herbalists in the last 12 months. Associations were analysed using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

A total of 9151 (19–25 years), 8200 (31–36 years) and 11,344 (62–67 years) women were included in the analysis. Between 7.3 and 11.9% of women reported to have consulted with naturopaths/herbalists in the last 12 months. Women of all cohorts consulting with naturopath/herbalist were less likely to smoke (19-25 yrs.: Odds Ratio [OR] 0.61; 31–36 years: OR 0.58; 62–67 years: OR 0.29), more likely to report at least moderate levels of physical activity (19-25 yrs.: OR 1.41; 31–36 years: OR 1.34; 62–67 years: OR 1.34), and the use of vegetarian diets(19-25 yrs.: OR 1.40; 31–36 years: OR 1.77; 62–67 years: OR 2.28), compared to women not consulting with naturopaths/herbalists. Women consulting with naturopaths/herbalists however were also more likely to have used marijuana (19-25 yrs.: OR 1.18; 31–36 years: OR 1.42), or illicit drugs in the last 12 months (19-25 yrs.: OR 1.24; 31–36 years: OR 1.40).

Conclusions

Consultations with a naturopath or herbalist are associated with positive health behaviours that are protective of internationally important non-communicable diseases. Psychoactive drug use is also reported among women visiting a naturopath or herbalist. Further research is needed to understand the role naturopaths play in advising patients with regards to health and non-healthy behaviours.
What are the inpatient and day case costs following primary total hip replacement of patients treated for prosthetic joint infection: a matched cohort study using linked data from the National Joint Registry and Hospital Episode Statistics
Authors: Garfield Kirsty , Noble Sian , Lenguerrand Erik , Whitehouse Michael R. , Sayers Adrian , Reed Mike R. , Blom Ashley W.
Published: November 2020

Background

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total hip replacement (THR) surgery is a serious complication that negatively impacts patients’ lives and is financially burdensome for healthcare providers. As the number of THRs increases, so does this financial burden. This research estimates the economic burden with respect to inpatient and day case hospital admissions for patients receiving revision surgery for PJI following primary THR.

Methods

In this matched cohort study, the National Joint Registry for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man (NJR) was used to identify patients. Patients revised for PJI with a one- or two-stage revision following THR and patients not revised for PJI were matched on several characteristics using exact and radius matching. Hospital inpatient and day case healthcare records from the English Hospital Episode Statistics database were obtained for 5 years following the identified patient’s primary THR. UK national unit costs were applied to hospital admissions and the 5-year total cost was estimated. A two-part model (Probit and generalised linear model) was employed to estimate the incremental difference in costs between those revised and not revised for PJI.

Results

Between 2006 and 2009, 1914 revisions for PJI were identified in the NJR. The matching resulted in 422 patients revised for PJI and 1923 matches not revised for PJI who were included in the analysis. The average cost of inpatient and day case admissions in the 5 years following primary THR was approximately £42,000 for patients revised for PJI and £8000 for patients not revised for PJI. The difference in costs over the 5 years was £33,452 (95% CI £30,828 to £36,077;p < 0.00).

Conclusions

In the 5 years following primary THR, patients who develop PJI and have revision surgery cost approximately £33,000 (over 5-fold) more than patients not revised for PJI based on their hospital inpatient and day case admissions alone. The total burden of PJI is likely to be much higher when also considering outpatient, primary and community care costs. This highlights the need to find both ways to reduce the incidence of PJI following THR and cost-effective treatment strategies if PJI occurs.
Functioning of young patients with cerebral palsy: Rasch analysis of the pediatric evaluation of disability inventory computer adaptive test daily activity and mobility
Authors: Amaral Maíra Ferreira , Sampaio Rosana Ferreira , Coster Wendy Jane , Souza Mariana Peixoto , Mancini Marisa Cotta
Published: November 2020

Background

People with cerebral palsy experience limitations in performing activities of daily living. Rehabilitation practitioners seek valid instruments to measure changes in the performance of those activities. The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) is a new tool to assess functioning in children and youth with various health conditions. Its validity needs to be evaluated in a way that is consistent with the theoretical model on which it was based. We aimed to evaluate the fit of daily activity and mobility items and children with CP to the Rasch model and to compare the performance in daily activities and mobility of older children, adolescents, and young adults with CP based on manual function and gross motor function limitations.

Methods

Eighty-three parents of children and youth of 8–20 years old (mean age: 11.6) with different severity levels of cerebral palsy participated in this study. Ninety-one items of the PEDI-CAT Daily Activities and Mobility domains were analyzed through Rasch analysis to evaluate relative item difficulty and participant ability. Participants were described according to the Manual Ability (MACS) (level I: 21.7%; II: 32.5%; III: 24.1%; IV: 7.2% and V: 3.6%) and the Gross Motor Function (GMFCS) (level I: 37.3%; II: 26.5%; III: 6%; IV: 18.1%; and V: 7.2%) classification systems levels.

Results

Our data fit the Rasch Model. Parents had difficulty distinguishing some PEDI-CAT response categories. Participants from MACS and GMFCS levels IV and V showed lower ability to perform relatively more difficult items. There was a floor effect in both domains. Only 7.7% of the items presented differential item functioning when individuals with mild MACS and GMFCS levels (I, II) and moderate level (III) and individuals with moderate (III) and severe levels (IV, V) were compared.

Conclusions

PEDI-CAT daily activities and mobility domains are valid to evaluate children, adolescents and youth with CP of different severities, but the addition of items to these domains is recommended in order to address their floor effect.
A blood–brain barrier overview on structure, function, impairment, and biomarkers of integrity
Authors: Kadry Hossam , Noorani Behnam , Cucullo Luca
Published: November 2020

The blood–brain barrier is playing a critical role in controlling the influx and efflux of biological substances essential for the brain’s metabolic activity as well as neuronal function. Thus, the functional and structural integrity of the BBB is pivotal to maintain the homeostasis of the brain microenvironment. The different cells and structures contributing to developing this barrier are summarized along with the different functions that BBB plays at the brain–blood interface. We also explained the role of shear stress in maintaining BBB integrity. Furthermore, we elaborated on the clinical aspects that correlate between BBB disruption and different neurological and pathological conditions. Finally, we discussed several biomarkers that can help to assess the BBB permeability and integrity in-vitro or in-vivo and briefly explain their advantages and disadvantages.
Misinformation, chiropractic, and the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Axén Iben , Bergström Cecilia , Bronson Marc , Côté Pierre , Nim Casper Glissmann , Goncalves Guillaume , Hébert Jeffrey J. , Hertel Joakim Axel , Innes Stanley , Larsen Ole Kristoffer , Meyer Anne-Laure , O’Neill Søren , Perle Stephen M. , Weber Kenneth A. , Young Kenneth J. , Leboeuf-Yde Charlotte
Published: November 2020

Background

In March 2020, the World Health Organization elevated the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic to a pandemic and called for urgent and aggressive action worldwide. Public health experts have communicated clear and emphatic strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Hygiene rules and social distancing practices have been implemented by entire populations, including ‘stay-at-home’ orders in many countries. The long-term health and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic are not yet known.

Main text

During this time of crisis, some chiropractors made claims on social media that chiropractic treatment can prevent or impact COVID-19. The rationale for these claims is that spinal manipulation can impact the nervous system and thus improve immunity. These beliefs often stem from nineteenth-century chiropractic concepts. We are aware of no clinically relevant scientific evidence to support such statements.

We explored the internet and social media to collect examples of misinformation from Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand regarding the impact of chiropractic treatment on immune function. We discuss the potential harm resulting from these claims and explore the role of chiropractors, teaching institutions, accrediting agencies, and legislative bodies.

Conclusions

Members of the chiropractic profession share a collective responsibility to act in the best interests of patients and public health. We hope that all chiropractic stakeholders will view the COVID-19 pandemic as a call to action to eliminate the unethical and potentially dangerous claims made by chiropractors who practise outside the boundaries of scientific evidence.
A new method for functional analysis of plastid EMBRYO-DEFECTIVE PPR genes by efficiently constructing cosuppression lines in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chen Jingli , Zhu Haojie , Huang Jirong , Huang Weihua
Published: November 2020

Background

Pentatricopeptide-repeat proteins (PPRs) characterized by tandem arrays of a degenerate 35-amino-acid repeat (PPR motif) can bind a single strand RNA and regulate organelle gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, including RNA cleavage, splicing, editing and stability etc. PPRs are conserved in all eukaryotes and extremely expanded in higher plants. Many knockout mutants of PPR genes are embryonically lethal. These genes are named EMB PPRs and functional analysis of them is hindered by the difficulty in obtaining their knockout mutants.

Results

Here, we report a new method for functional analysis of plastid EMB PPRs by efficiently constructing their cosuppression lines in Arabidopsis. When we overexpressed a mutated full length or truncated coding sequence (CDS) of EMB PPRs, such as EMB2279, EMB2654 and EMB976 (all belong to the P family PPRs) in the wild-type (WT) background, a large portion of T1 plants displayed chlorosis phenotypes, which are similar to those of the weak allele mutants, knockdown lines or partially complementary lines. RT-PCR analysis showed that overexpression of the truncated EMB PPRs led to significant and specific downregulation of their corresponding endogenous mRNAs. However, when these EMB PPRs were overexpressed in the Post transcriptional Gene Silencing (PTGS) deficient mutant, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase 6 (rdr6), none of the T1 plants displayed chlorosis phenotypes. These results indicate that the chlorosis phenotype results from post transcriptional silencing of the corresponding endogenous gene (also known as sense cosuppression).

Conclusions

Overexpression of an appropriately truncated EMB PPR CDS in WT leads to gene silencing in a RDR6-dependent manner, and this method can be employed to study the unknown function of EMB PPR genes. By this method, we showed that EMB976 is required for splicing of chloroplast clpP1 intron 2 and ycf3 intron 1.
Factors associated with blood loss in ankylosing spondylitis patients with hip involvement undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty: a cross-sectional retrospective study of 243 patients
Authors: Li Liangliang , Fu Jun , Xu Chi , Guan Haitao , Ni Ming , Chai Wei , Hao Libo , Zhou Yonggang , Chen Jiying
Published: November 2020

Background

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) can cause considerable blood loss and perioperative transfusion in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. This study aimed to identify the factors related to blood loss in AS patients with hip involvement undergoing THA.

Methods

We analyzed 243 AS patients with advanced hip involvement undergoing primary THA from 2012 to 2017. Bilateral THA was performed by a one-stage operation during one general anesthesia session. The patients were divided into three groups according to the grade of blood loss, as determined by the Advanced Trauma Life Support hypovolemic shock classification system. Ordinal logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with blood loss in the patients.

Results

The proportion of patients who were male, underwent bilateral THA, had a hip range of motion (ROM) = 0°, had a BASRI-hip score of 4, underwent iliopsoas and adductor release, and underwent autologous or allogenic transfusion increased significantly with the grade of blood loss, while that of the patients who received tranexamic acid (TXA) decreased significantly (P < 0.05). The preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) level, hematocrit level, and operating time also increased significantly with the grade of blood loss (P < 0.05). The ordinal logistic regression results identified the factors related to blood loss during THA in AS patients with hip involvement to be the male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 3.287; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.022, 10.567), bilateral THA (OR = 13.896; 95% CI 4.950, 39.011), hip ROM = 0° (OR = 2.513; 95% CI 1.277, 4.946), an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) level (OR = 3.042; 95% CI 1.320, 7.014), an elevated preoperative Hb level (OR = 1.043; 95% CI 1.017, 1.070), a long operating time (OR = 1.009; 95% CI 1.003, 1.016), and the administration of TXA (OR = 0.252; 95% CI 0.134, 0.472).

Conclusions

The male sex, bilateral THA, a hip ROM = 0°, an elevated ESR level, a high preoperative Hb level, and a long operating time are risk factors associated with blood loss in AS patients with hip involvement undergoing THA, while the administration of TXA is a protective factor. These results might help determine the risk of bleeding in the perioperative assessment and develop more efficient blood management strategies for THA in AS patients with hip involvement.
Systemic elucidation on the potential bioactive compounds and hypoglycemic mechanism of Polygonum multiflorum based on network pharmacology
Authors: Song Yunfei , Yang Jianbo , Jing Wenguang , Wang Qi , Liu Yue , Cheng Xianlong , Ye Fei , Tian Jinying , Wei Feng , Ma Shuangcheng
Published: November 2020

Background

Diabetes is a complex metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, plaguing the whole world. However, the action mode of multi-component and multi-target for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) could be a promising treatment of diabetes mellitus. According to the previous research, the TCM of Polygonum multiflorum (PM) showed noteworthy hypoglycemic effect. Up to now, its hypoglycemic active ingredients and mechanism of action are not yet clear. In this study, network pharmacology was employed to elucidate the potential bioactive compounds and hypoglycemic mechanism of PM.

Methods

First, the compounds with good pharmacokinetic properties were screened from the self-established library of PM, and the targets of these compounds were predicted and collected through database. Relevant targets of diabetes were summarized by searching database. The intersection targets of compound-targets and disease-targets were obtained soon. Secondly, the interaction net between the compounds and the filtered targets was established. These key targets were enriched and analyzed by protein–protein interactions (PPI) analysis, molecular docking verification. Thirdly, the key genes were used to find the biologic pathway and explain the therapeutic mechanism by genome ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis. Lastly, the part of potential bioactive compounds were under enzyme activity inhibition tests.

Results

In this study, 29 hypoglycemic components and 63 hypoglycemic targets of PM were filtrated based on online network database. Then the component-target interaction network was constructed and five key components resveratrol, apigenin, kaempferol, quercetin and luteolin were further obtained. Sequential studies turned out, AKT1, EGFR, ESR1, PTGS2, MMP9, MAPK14, and KDR were the common key targets. Docking studies indicated that the bioactive compounds could stably bind the pockets of target proteins. There were 38 metabolic pathways, including regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, prolactin signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, estrogen signaling pathway, linoleic acid metabolism, Rap1 signaling pathway, arachidonic acid metabolism, and osteoclast differentiation closely connected with the hypoglycemic mechanism of PM. And the enzyme activity inhibition tests showed the bioactive ingredients have great hypoglycemic activity.

Conclusion

In summary, the study used systems pharmacology to elucidate the main hypoglycemic components and mechanism of PM. The work provided a scientific basis for the further hypoglycemic effect research of PM and its monomer components, but also provided a reference for the secondary development of PM.
Identification keys to the Anopheles mosquitoes of South America (Diptera: Culicidae). I. Introduction
Authors: Sallum Maria Anice Mureb , Obando Ranulfo González , Carrejo Nancy , Wilkerson Richard C.
Published: November 2020

Background

The worldwide genus Anopheles Meigen, 1918 is the only genus containing species evolved as vectors of human and simian malaria. Morbidity and mortality caused by Plasmodium Marchiafava & Celli, 1885 is tremendous, which has made these parasites and their vectors the objects of intense research aimed at mosquito identification, malaria control and elimination. DNA tools make the identification of Anopheles species both easier and more difficult. Easier in that putative species can nearly always be separated based on DNA data; more difficult in that attaching a scientific name to a species is often problematic because morphological characters are often difficult to interpret or even see; and DNA technology might not be available and affordable. Added to this are the many species that are either not yet recognized or are similar to, or identical with, named species. The first step in solving Anopheles identification problem is to attach a morphology-based formal or informal name to a specimen. These names are hypotheses to be tested with further morphological observations and/or DNA evidence. The overarching objective is to be able to communicate about a given species under study. In South America, morphological identification which is the first step in the above process is often difficult because of lack of taxonomic expertise and/or inadequate identification keys, written for local fauna, containing the most consequential species, or obviously, do not include species described subsequent to key publication.

Methods

Holotypes and paratypes and other specimens deposited in the Coleção Entomológica de Referência, Faculdade de Saúde Pública (FSP-USP), Museo de Entomología, Universidad del Valle (MUSENUV) and the US National Mosquito Collection, Smithsonian Institution (USNMC) were examined and employed to illustrate the identification keys for female, male and fourth-instar larvae of Anopheles.

Results

We presented, in four concurrent parts, introduction and three keys to aid the identification of South American Anopheles based on the morphology of the larvae, male genitalia and adult females, with the former two keys fully illustrated.

Conclusions

Taxonomic information and identification keys for species of the genus Anopheles are updated. The need for further morphology-based studies and description of new species are reinforced.
Facial cleanliness indicators by time of day: results of a cross-sectional trachoma prevalence survey in Senegal
Authors: Harding-Esch Emma M. , Holland Martin J. , Schémann Jean-François , Sissoko Mactar , Sarr Boubacar , Butcher Robert M. R. , Molina-Gonzalez Sandra , Andreasen Aura A. , Mabey David C. W. , Bailey Robin L.
Published: November 2020

Background

The World Health Organization-recommended strategy for trachoma elimination as a public health problem is known by the acronym “SAFE”, where “F” stands for facial cleanliness to reduce transmission of ocular Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Accurately and reliably measuring facial cleanliness is problematic. Various indicators for measuring an unclean face exist, however, the accuracy and reliability of these indicators is questionable and their relationship to face washing practices is poorly described.

Methods

Clean face indicator (ocular or nasal discharge, flies on the face, and dirt on the face), trachoma clinical sign, and ocular C. trachomatis infection data were collected for 1613 children aged 0–9 years in 12 Senegalese villages as part of a cross-sectional trachoma prevalence study. Time of examination was recorded to the nearest half hour. A risk factor questionnaire containing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) questions was administered to heads of compounds (households that shared a common doorway) and households (those who shared a common cooking pot).

Results

WASH access and use were high, with 1457/1613 (90.3%) children living in households with access to a primary water source within 30 min. Despite it being reported that 1610/1613 (99.8%) children had their face washed at awakening, > 75% (37/47) of children had at least one unclean face indicator at the first examination time-slot of the day. The proportion of children with facial cleanliness indicators differed depending on the time the child was examined. Dirt on the face was more common, and ocular discharge less common, in children examined after 11:00 h than in children examined at 10:30 h and 11:00 h.

Conclusions

Given the high reported WASH access and use, the proportion of children with an unclean face indicator should have been low at the beginning of the day. This was not observed, explained either by: the facial indicators not being reliable measures of face washing; eye discharge, nose discharge or dirt rapidly re-accumulated after face washing in children in this population at the time of fieldwork; and/or responder bias to the risk factor questionnaire. A high proportion of children had unclean face indicators throughout the day, with certain indicators varying by time of day. A reliable, standardised, practical measure of face washing is needed, that reflects hygiene behaviour rather than environmental or cultural factors.

Graphical Abstract
Inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase influence microbiota and metabolomic profile in pancreatic cancer xenograft mice
Authors: Adamberg Kaarel , Vilu Raivo , Pazienza Valerio
Published: November 2020

Objective

Despite recent advances in treatment options, pancreatic cancer remains the most deadly major cancer. Targeting metabolism represents an emerging anti-cancer strategy.

Results

Metagenomic 16S analysis was employed to explore the effect of Dichloroacetate (DCA) on the composition of the fecal microbiota and metabolomic profile was assessed on in vivo pancreatic cancer mouse xenograft model. Pancreatic cancer xenograft mice displayed a shift of microbiota’ profile as compared to control mice without DCA treatment and a significant decrease of the purine bases inosine xanthine together with their metabolically-related compound hypoxanthine were observed in the DCA treated group as compared to the control group. Two aminoacids methionine and aspartic acid resulted decreased and increased respectively. DCA affects tumor environment and studies are needed in order to understand whether DCA supplementation could be supportive as synergistic approach to enhance the efficacy of existing cancer treatments in pancreatic cancer patients.