bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Congenital growth hormone deficiency associated with hip dysplasia and Legg‐Calve‐Perthes disease
Authors: Lamback Elisa B. , Chiarini Stella , Roposch Andreas , Dattani Mehul T.
Published: November 2020

Objective

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is usually treated with recombinant human GH (rhGH), and this has been rarely associated with hip disorders. We analysed the clinical data of patients with congenital GHD receiving rhGH who had associated hip dysplasia or Legg‐Calve‐Perthes disease (LCPD), with a view to determining whether the hip dysplasia was associated with the underlying disease or with rhGH treatment.

Design

We performed a retrospective analysis of paediatric and adolescent patients seen between 1992–2018 with congenital GHD and hip disorders. Data were collected through a review of the patients’ medical records and included demographics, clinical and imaging data, and the time frame between the onset of the symptoms related to the hip disorders and the onset of GH treatment.

Results

Of the 13 patients with hip disorders, hip dysplasia was present in ten patients and LCPD in three. Hip dysplasia was diagnosed before rhGH was initiated in 50% of cases. These patients had bilateral hip dysplasia and isolated GHD. LCPD was diagnosed in one patient before rhGH was commenced and did not progress. In two patients, LCPD was diagnosed after rhGH was started and did temporarily progress in one of them, but rhGH was not discontinued because LCPD did not seem to be related to rhGH treatment.

Conclusions

This study suggests that hip dysplasia could be a manifestation of an underlying GHD. Additionally, rhGH treatment may not necessarily be causative of LCPD.
Understanding dispersion of copper phthalocyanine alpha blue pigment in polyethylene masterbatch with the use of wax
Authors: Yücetürk Mert , Seydibeyoğlu Mehmet Özgür
Published: November 2020

Coloured plastics and polymers are widely used in packaging and consumer goods. Despite their critical roles, there is limited literature on detailed analysis of effective pigment dispersion in polymer matrices for masterbatch applications. In this study, detailed research was conducted on pigment dispersion using different wax materials and their performances in polyethylene masterbatches were compared. During the study, it was first found that the presence of salt crystals plays a critical role in dispersion in one of the tested pigments. Using a laser particle size device, it was shown that homogeneous particle size distribution is another critical parameter for proper pigment distribution. Although filter testing is a common method in industrial applications, there is very limited information in the academic literature. The filter test method was used to examine the effects of different polyethylene waxes on pigment dispersion. The best filter pressure values were obtained in masterbatches made with micronised wax. It was also observed that the improved dispersion increased the mechanical properties of the masterbatch. The masterbatch colours were measured with a sphere spectrophotometer and it was observed that uniform pigment distribution increased the colour strengths. Similar results were also seen in polyethylene films produced by the blown film process.
EGR1‐mediated linc01503 promotes cell cycle progression and tumorigenesis in gastric cancer
Authors: Ma Zhonghua , Gao Xiangyu , Shuai You , Wu Xiaolong , Yan Yan , Xing Xiaofang , Ji Jiafu
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key mediators in various malignancies. Linc01503 was previously elucidated to promote gastric cancer (GC) cell invasion. However, the upstream mechanism of linc01503 and its involvement in GC cell cycle, apoptosis and tumorigenesis still remain unclear.

Materials and Methods

Bioinformatics analysis and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) assays were implicated to detect linc01503 level in GC. The role of linc01503 was detected by in vitro functional assays and in vivo xenograft tumour models. The association between linc01503 and its upstream effector was identified by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. The mechanistic model of linc01503 was clarified using subcellular separation, fluorescence in situ hybridization, RNA‐sequencing, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and ChIP assays.

Results

Linc01503 was remarkably elevated in GC and tightly linked with the overall survival of patients with GC. The key transcription factor early growth response protein 1 (EGR1) critically activated the transcription of linc01503. Functionally, linc01503 knockdown resulted in the activation of apoptosis and G1/G0 phase arrest in GC. Mechanistically, linc01503 interacted with histone modification enzyme enhancer of zeste 2 (EZH2) and lysine (K)‐specific demethylase 1A (LSD1), thereby mediating the transcriptional silencing of dual‐specificity phosphatase 5 (DUSP5) and cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A) in GC.

Conclusions

EGR1‐activated linc01503 could epigenetically silence DUSP5/CDKN1A expression to mediate cell cycle progression and tumorigenesis, implicating it as a prospective target for GC therapeutics.
General requirements for stem cells
Authors: Hao Jie , Ma Aijin , Wang Lei , Cao Jiani , Chen Si , Wang Liu , Fu Boqiang , Zhou Jiaxi , Pei Xuetao , Zhang Yu , Xiang Peng , Hu Shijun , Li Qiyuan , Zhang Yong , Xia Yingjie , Zhu Huanxin , Stacey Glyn , Zhou Qi , Zhao Tongbiao
Published: November 2020

The standard ‘General requirements for stem cells’ is the first set of general guidelines for stem cell research and production in China, jointly drafted and agreed upon by experts from the Chinese Society for Stem Cell Research. This standard specifies the classification, ethical requirements, quality requirements, quality control requirements, detection control requirements and waste disposal requirements of stem cells, which is applicable to stem cell research and production. It was firstly released by the Chinese Society for Cell Biology on 1 August 2017 and was further revised on 30 April 2020. We hope that publication of these guidelines will promote institutional establishment, acceptance, and execution of proper protocols, and accelerate the international standardization of stem cells for clinical development and therapeutic applications.
Artificial intelligence and its impact on quality improvement in upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy
Authors: Sinonquel Pieter , Eelbode Tom , Bossuyt Peter , Maes Frederik , Bisschops Raf
Published: November 2020

Artificial intelligence (AI) and its application in medicine has grown large interest. Within gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, the field of colonoscopy and polyp detection is the most investigated, however, upper GI follows the lead. Since endoscopy is performed by humans, it is inherently an imperfect procedure. Computer‐aided diagnosis may improve its quality by helping prevent missing lesions and supporting optical diagnosis for those detected. An entire evolution in AI systems has been established in the last decades, resulting in optimization of the diagnostic performance with lower variability and matching or even outperformance of expert endoscopists. This shows a great potential for future quality improvement of endoscopy, given the outstanding diagnostic features of AI. With this narrative review, we highlight the potential benefit of AI to improve overall quality in daily endoscopy and describe the most recent developments for characterization and diagnosis as well as the recent conditions for regulatory approval.
The COVID‐19 crisis: A public choice view
Authors: Zweifel Peter
Published: November 2020

Many observers have been puzzled by the sight of otherwise freedom‐loving citizens consenting to the stripping of their civil rights and the massive budgetary expansion of their governments in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Conversely, governments who ‘kept their cool’ such as those of Brazil and Sweden were heavily criticised by the Western media. Adopting James Buchanan's contractarian approach, this article seeks to model how the interplay between citizens and their government is affected by a health crisis. Citizens' increased willingness to pay for improved control of risks is found to play a major role.
Usefulness of relative apical longitudinal strain index to predict positive 99mTc‐labeled pyrophosphate scintigraphy findings in advanced‐age patients with suspected transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy
Authors: Usuku Hiroki , Takashio Seiji , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Kinoshita Yui , Nishi Masato , Oike Fumi , Marume Kyohei , Hirakawa Kyoko , Tabata Noriaki , Oda Seitaro , Misumi Yohei , Ueda Mitsuharu , Kawano Hiroaki , Kaikita Koichi , Matsushita Kenichi , Ando Yukio , Matsui Hirotaka , Tsujita Kenichi
Published: November 2020

Background

We previously reported that a high score (2 or 3 points) according to the Kumamoto criteria, a combination of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT) ≥0.308 ng/mL, the length of QRS ≥ 120 ms in electrocardiogram, and left ventricular (LV) posterior wall thickness ≥ 13.6 mm, increases the pretest probability of 99mTc‐labeled pyrophosphate (99mTc‐PYP) scintigraphy in patients with suspected transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR‐CM). However, some patients with a low score (0 or 1 point) show positive findings on 99mTc‐PYP scintigraphy. Therefore, we evaluated the usefulness of additional examinations, including echocardiographic assessment of myocardial strain, to raise the pretest probability of 99mTc‐PYP scintigraphy for these patients.

Methods and Results

We examined 109 consecutive patients aged ≥70 years with low scores according to the Kumamoto criteria who underwent 99mTc‐PYP scintigraphy. Nineteen patients (17%) had positive 99mTc‐PYP scintigraphy findings. The relative apical longitudinal strain (LS) index (apical LS/ basal LS + mid LS) (RapLSI) was significantly higher in patients with positive than negative 99mTc‐PYP scintigraphy findings (1.04 ± 0.37 vs 0.70 ± 0.28, P < .01). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that a high RapLSI (≥1.04) was significantly associated with 99mTc‐PYP positivity (odds ratio, 14.14; 95% confidence interval, 3.36‐59.47; P < .01). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the diagnostic model using the RapLSI for identification of 99mTc‐PYP positivity were 53%, 94%, and 87%, respectively.

Conclusions

A high RapLSI can raise the pretest probability of 99mTc‐PYP scintigraphy in patients with a low score according to the Kumamoto criteria. The RapLSI can assist clinicians in determining strategies for these patients.
Scarlet fever and nineteenth‐century mortality trends: a reply to Romola Davenport
Authors: Szreter Simon , Mooney Graham
Published: November 2020

Romola Davenport's recent article is presented as a significant revision of the interpretation of the reasons for rising and then falling urban mortality in Britain in the nineteenth century put forward by Szreter and Mooney, which emphasized the importance of the politics of public health. Davenport's claims that mortality patternsc. 1830–70 were driven by a synchronized rise and fall of scarlet fever across Europe and North America, as well as in rural locations in Britain, are based on frail and inconclusive forms of evidence. The epidemiological evidence presented by Davenport in fact indicates a chronologically lagging—not leading—role for scarlet fever in contributing to the rise in urban death rates before 1850 and the subsequent fall in urban mortality afterc. 1870 in Britain.
Slippery liquid‐infused porous surfaces: The effect of oil on the water repellence of hydrophobic and superhydrophobic soils
Authors: McCerery Rebecca , Woodward John , McHale Glen , Winter Kate , Armstrong Steven , Orme Bethany V.
Published: November 2020

Soil wettability is important for understanding a wide range of earth system processes, from agricultural productivity to debris flows and sediment fan formation. However, there is limited research considering how soil–water interactions, where the soil grains are naturally hydrophobic, might change in the presence of oil from natural hydrocarbon leakage or oil spills. Here we show how slippery liquid‐infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) apply to hydrophobic soils, by physical modelling of surfaces of different grain sizes and examining their interactions with water before and after impregnation with silicone oil. Using contact and sliding angle measurements and laser scanning fluorescence confocal microscopy, we demonstrate that soil SLIPS can be created with thick oil layers and thin conformal oil layers on median grain sizes of 231 μm and 32 μm, respectively. Until now, SLIPS have only been observed in human‐made materials and biological surfaces. The mechanisms reported here demonstrate that SLIPS can occur in natural granular materials, providing a new mechanism for water‐shedding in soil and sediment systems. Furthermore, the water‐shedding properties may be long lasting as conformal oil layers are stabilized by capillary forces. These results have important implications for understanding soil physics and mechanics where oil is present in a soil, and for agricultural hydrophobicity on shallow slopes.

Highlights

We model oil contamination on a hydrophobic model soil as a mechanism for creating SLIPS.

Soil SLIPS have implications for water‐shedding, oil spill remediation and earth processes.

Our model soils exhibit extreme water‐shedding, illustrated by low water droplet sliding angles.

This is the first physical modelling observation of SLIPS arising from hydrophobic soil.
Longitudinal measurement of cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament light in anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor encephalitis
Authors: Macher Stefan , Zrzavy Tobias , Höftberger Romana , Altmann Patrick , Pataraia Ekatarina , Zimprich Fritz , Berger Thomas , Rommer Paulus
Published: November 2020

Background and purpose

Biomarkers reflecting the course of patients suffering from anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor encephalitis (anti‐NMDARE) are urgently needed. Neurofilament light chains (NfL) have been studied as potential markers for neuroaxonal injury mainly in neuroinflammatory diseases, but so far there have been only in a few small reports on anti‐NMDARE. We aimed to compare the longitudinal course of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)‐NfL levels and anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (anti‐NMDAR) antibodies with clinical parameters in six patients with anti‐NMDARE.

Methods

Longitudinal measurement of CSF‐NfL levels and CSF anti‐NMDAR antibodies in six patients suffering from anti‐NMDARE was performed.

Results

The major finding of this study is that most of our patients showed highly elevated NfL, with peak levels considerably delayed to clinical nadir. High NfL levels were associated with hippocampal atrophy but not with tumors detected. Furthermore, we did not find a clear relationship between NfL levels, CSF antibody titer, and CSF inflammatory markers.

Conclusions

CSF‐NfL levels do not predict short‐term outcome but rather are associated with intensive care unit stay and extreme delta brushes. However, high CSF‐NFL levels were associated with long‐term outcome. Our data suggest early aggressive immunotherapy to avoid primary and secondary neuroaxonal damage.
Haematogenous septic arthritis, physitis and osteomyelitis in foals: A tutorial review on pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Part 2
Authors: Lindegaard C. , van Galen G. , Aarsvold S. , Berg L. , Verwilghen D.
Published: November 2020

Haematogenous septic arthritis, physitis and osteomyelitis are manifestations of a potentially debilitating or even life‐threatening disease entity encountered in all types of foals from neonates to approximately 7 months of age. Correct and complete diagnosis and successful treatment requires collaboration across specialties; medicine, anaesthesia, diagnostic imaging, surgery, and rehabilitation. However, in order to succeed it is important that all specialties have an overall knowledge of all aspects of the disease complex. Therefore, the aim of this review is to give an overview of aetiology, presenting complaints, clinical findings, diagnostic imaging, treatment, rehabilitation and prognosis.
Clinical relevance of the relaxant effects of roflumilast on human bronchus: potentiation by a long‐acting beta‐2‐agonist
Authors: Salvator Hélène , Naline Emmanuel , Brollo Marion , Tenor Hermann , Grassin‐Delyle Stanislas , Devillier Philippe
Published: November 2020

Roflumilast is an oral, add‐on option for treating patients with severe COPD and frequent exacerbations despite optimal therapy with inhaled drugs. The present study focused on whether this phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor and its active metabolite roflumilast N‐oxide affect the tone of human bronchial rings. We also investigated the interactions between roflumilast, roflumilast N‐oxide and the long‐acting β2‐agonist formoterol with regard to the relaxation of isolated human bronchial rings at basal tone or pre‐contracted with histamine. Our results demonstrated for the first time that at a clinically relevant concentration (1 nm), roflumilast N‐oxide and roflumilast induce a weak relaxation of the isolated human bronchus either at resting tone (22% and 16%, respectively) or even weaker on pre‐contracted bronchus with histamine (7% and 5%, respectively). In addition, the combination of formoterol with roflumilast or roflumilast N‐oxide is more potent than each component alone for relaxing pre‐contracted isolated bronchi ‐ the apparent pD2 of formoterol was significantly reduced for the threshold concentration of 1 nm of the phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors by a factor of 2.4 for roflumilast N‐oxide and 1.9 for roflumilast. The full inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4 activity is achieved at 100 nm but this high concentration only caused partial relaxations of the human bronchi. At a clinically relevant concentration, these oral phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors are not effective direct bronchodilators but could enhance the efficacy of inhaled long‐acting β2‐agonists.
Bafilomycin A1 enhances NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human monocytes independent of lysosomal acidification
Authors: Yu Shi , Green Jack , Wellens Rose , Lopez‐Castejon Gloria , Brough David
Published: November 2020

The release of interleukin (IL)‐1β from primary human monocytes in response to extracellular LPS occurs through the NACHT, LRR and PYD domains‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. In primary monocytes, in response to LPS, NLRP3 inflammasome activation is characterized by an independence of K+ efflux and ASC speck formation and has been termed the ‘alternative’ pathway. Here, we report that pharmacological inhibition of V‐ATPase with bafilomycin A1 exacerbated LPS‐induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in primary human monocytes. Inhibition of V‐ATPase in the presence of extracellular LPS led to NLRP3‐dependent, K+ efflux‐independent, ASC oligomerization and caspase‐1 activation. Although V‐ATPases are required for lysosomal acidification, we found that acidic lysosomal pH and protease activity were dispensable for this altered response, suggesting that V‐ATPase inhibition triggered alternative signalling events. Therefore, V‐ATPases may serve additional roles during NLRP3 inflammasome activation in primary human monocytes.
Sex‐dependent effects of anHnrnph1mutation on fentanyl addiction‐relevant behaviors but not antinociception in mice
Authors: Bryant Camron D. , Healy Aidan F. , Ruan Qiu T. , Coehlo Michal A. , Lustig Elijah , Yazdani Neema , Luttik Kimberly P. , Tran Tori , Swancy Isaiah , Brewin Lindsey W. , Chen Melanie M. , Szumlinski Karen K.
Published: November 2020

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and opioid‐related deaths remain a major public health concern in the United States. Both environmental and genetic factors influence risk for OUD. We previously identifiedHnrnph1as a quantitative trait gene underlying the stimulant, rewarding, and reinforcing properties of methamphetamine. Prior work shows that hnRNP H1, the RNA‐binding protein encoded byHnrnph1,post‐transcriptionally regulatesOprm1(mu opioid receptor gene)—the primary molecular target for the therapeutic and addictive properties of opioids. Because genetic variants can exert pleiotropic effects on behaviors induced by multiple drugs of abuse, in the current study, we tested the hypothesis thatHnrnph1mutants would show reduced behavioral sensitivity to the mu opioid receptor agonist fentanyl.Hnrnph1mutants showed reduced sensitivity to fentanyl‐induced locomotor activity, along with a female‐specific reduction in, and a male‐specific induction of, locomotor sensitization following three, daily injections (0.2 mg/kg, i.p.).Hnrnph1mutants also required a higher dose of fentanyl to exhibit opioid reward as measured via conditioned place preference (CPP). MaleHnrnph1mutants showed reduced fentanyl reinforcement.Hnrnph1mutants also showed reduced sucrose motivation, suggesting a reward deficit. No genotypic differences were observed in baseline thermal nociception, fentanyl‐induced antinociception, physical or negative affective signs of opioid dependence, or in sensorimotor gating. In the context of our prior work, these findings suggest thatHnrnph1dysfunction exerts a selective role in reducing the addiction liability to drugs of abuse (opioids and psychostimulants), which could provide new biological pathways to improve their therapeutic profiles.
Global responses of fine root biomass and traits to plant species mixtures in terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Peng Sai , Chen Han Y. H.
Published: November 2020

Aim

Fine root traits underpin terrestrial ecosystem functioning. Despite ongoing plant diversity loss due to anthropogenic activities, our understanding of the effects of plant diversity on fine root traits remains elusive. We addressed: (a) Do fine roots modify their traits in response to species mixtures? (b) Do these responses change with the species richness in mixtures, stand age, and soil depth? (c) Do plant‐mixture induced responses of root traits differ across terrestrial ecosystems?

Location

Global.

Time period

Publication years: 1985–2019.

Major taxa studied

Plants.

Methods

We conducted a global meta‐analysis of 852 paired observations from 103 published studies to assess the effects of species mixtures on fine root biomass and traits (including root/shoot ratio, community‐weighted mean rooting depth, root length density, specific root length, mean root diameter and root nitrogen content).

Results

We found that the effects of species mixtures were highly dependent on species richness in mixtures, stand age, and soil depth. The positive effects of species mixtures on root biomass increased with species richness, soil depth, and mean annual temperature. Species mixture effects on root length density shifted from negative to positive with increasing stand age and soil depth and with decreased temperatures. The effects of species mixtures on specific root length shifted from positive to negative with increasing species richness and soil depth, and from negative to positive with increasing stand age.

Main conclusions

Our meta‐analysis highlights that the community‐level consequences of changes in plant diversity on fine root traits are not consistent, and that predicting these consequences requires taking into account the extent of changes in plant species richness, stand age, soil depth investigated, background climates, and importantly, particular fine root traits.
Characteristics of urinary tract infections in older patients in a tertiary hospital in Greece
Authors: Ioannou Petros , Plexousaki Myrto , Dimogerontas Konstantinos , Aftzi Vasileia , Drougkaki Maria , Konidaki Myrto , Paschalidis Konstantinos , Maraki Sofia , Kofteridis Diamantis P
Published: November 2020

Aims

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are commonly encountered. They are more commonly caused by Enterobacteriaceae, while antimicrobial resistance is an emerging problem in their management, with extended‐spectrum‐β‐lactamase (ESBL) producing Gram‐negative bacteria and multidrug‐resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa being increasingly common. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiology and outcomes of UTIs in patients admitted in a tertiary hospital, which mostly admits geriatric patients, and compare the effects of antimicrobial resistance on patient outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted at a University Hospital in Crete, Greece. Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of patients with a UTI were recorded.

Results

During the 3‐year period of the study, 204 UTIs were recorded. Mean age was 83.3 years and 38.7% were male. The most common isolated pathogens were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis and Enterococcus faecalis. Among all patients with UTI, 15.7% had an infection from ESBL, MDR, extensively drug‐resistant or vancomycin‐resistant enterococci pathogens. Recent antimicrobial use or hospitalization, dementia, bedridden state and sex were independently associated with mortality, while being a nursing home resident was independently associated with a higher possibility of infection from ESBL, MDR, extensively drug‐resistant or vancomycin‐resistant enterococci pathogens. Infection by such a resistant pathogen led to increased duration of hospitalization but not to increased mortality.

Conclusions

Alarming antimicrobial resistance rates were noted in patients with UTIs, and this led to longer duration of hospitalization even though it did not have an impact on mortality, which was otherwise higher than in other studies. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 1228–1233.
Out‐of‐pocket payments by end‐stage kidney disease patients on regular hemodialysis: Cost of illness analysis, experience from Sudan
Authors: Yousif Aisha Osman , Idris Almutaz Khalfalla Mohammed , Awad Mousnad Mohammed , El‐Samani El‐Fatih Z.
Published: November 2020

Introduction

In Sudan, the number of end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) is growing. Patients and their families incur a high out‐of‐pocket expenditure (OOPE), given that HD treatment is expensive. There are limited data about OOP spending on HD in the country. This study aims to explore patients' OOP expense on direct medical and nonmedical goods and services and to which extent they can be predicted from sociodemographic characteristics, health insurance status, comorbidity, and accommodation change.

Methods

This is descriptive a cross‐sectional study conducted in Ibn Sina Hospital. One hundred and thirty patients undergo regular HD were randomly selected.

Findings

Among the study participants (130), the median of the overall total OOP (direct medical and direct nonmedical) spending per patients per year was found to be US$ 3859.1 (interquartile range [IQR]: 2298.1–6261.1). As for the medians OOP expenditure on direct medical and nonmedical costs, they were found to be US$ 2327.6 (IQR: 1421.5–3804.8) and US$ 1096 (IQR: 715.2–2345.2), respectively. The direct medical expenditure (355,586 US$) accounted for 60% of the overall total expenses.

Discussion

Medications and investigations were the primary drivers of direct medical spending. Higher OOPE rates were found among those with one or more of these factors; uninsured patients, patient with comorbidity, female gender, and over 40 years aged. The multivariate analysis showed that the significant predictors of direct medical expenditure were health insurance and comorbid conditions, where as the predictors for direct nonmedical expenditure were accommodation change and gender. This study results in a better understanding of OOP spending on direct medical and nonmedical services and its associated predictors among HD patients within the context of Sudan. Further research is needed in this area.
The impact of the Christmas holiday effect on interdialytic weight gain in hemodialysis patients: A multicenter observational retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zimbudzi Edward , Kerr Peter G.
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The 3‐day interdialytic interval (IDI) is associated with high interdialytic weight gain (IDWG), but little is known about the effect of public or religious holidays on IDWG. Consequently, we evaluated the impact of the “Christmas holiday effect” on IDWG of hemodialysis patients.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of adult hemodialysis patients (over 18 years) was conducted across five dialysis units in Australia. Demographic and clinical data were collected from electronic medical records. IDWG was established for three time points; regular 3‐day IDI, 2‐day IDI preceding the Christmas holiday and a 3‐day IDI that included the Christmas holiday. Paired t‐tests and logistic regression were used to compare differences in mean IDWG before and after the Christmas holiday and to examine factors associated with high IDWG, respectively.

Findings

Two hundred and fifty‐two patients, 69% of whom were male, with mean (SD) age of 65.4 ± 15.3 years, were studied. Most had end‐stage kidney disease due to diabetes (44%), and they had been on hemodialysis for a median of 25.5 (IQR, 60–10) months. There was a significant increase in absolute IDWG (MD 0.21 kg, 95% CI −0.07 to 0.36; P = 0.004) and relative IDWG (MD 0.3%, 95% CI 0.10‐0.40; P = 0.01) after the holiday 3‐day IDI compared with the regular 3‐day IDI. Older age (OR 0.12; 95% CI 0.02‐0.55) and a unit increase in hemoglobin (OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.89‐0.99) were associated with lower odds of high relative IDWG while speaking a language other than English increased the odds for high relative IDWG (OR 5.03; 95% CI 1.12‐22.65).

Conclusion

Absolute and relative IDWG increased significantly after the Christmas holiday. Individualizing dialysis needs may improve outcomes for these patients.
Innate and adaptive γδ T cells: How, when, and why
Authors: Papadopoulou Maria , Sanchez Sanchez Guillem , Vermijlen David
Published: November 2020

γδ T cells comprise the third cell lineage of lymphocytes that use, like αβ T cells and B cells, V(D)J gene rearrangement with the potential to generate a highly diverse T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire. There is no obvious conservation of γδ T cell subsets (based on TCR repertoire and/or function) between mice and human, leading to the notion that human and mouse γδ T cells are highly different. In this review, we focus on human γδ T cells, building on recent studies using high‐throughput sequencing to analyze the TCR repertoire in various settings. We make then the comparison with mouse γδ T cell subsets highlighting the similarities and differences and describe the remarkable changes during lifespan of innate and adaptive γδ T cells. Finally, we propose mechanisms contributing to the generation of innate versus adaptive γδ T cells. We conclude that key elements related to the generation of the γδ TCR repertoire and γδ T cell activation/development are conserved between human and mice, highlighting the similarities between these two species.
‘Anyone can have a mental illness’: A qualitative inquiry of pre‐registration nursing students’ experiences of traditional mental health clinical placements
Authors: Foster Kim , Giandinoto Jo‐Ann , Furness Trentham , Blanco Anthony , Withers Elaine , Alexander Louise
Published: November 2020

Nurses play a crucial role in mental healthcare provision. Like many countries, Australian nursing students are educated in comprehensive pre‐registration programmes which include mental health clinical placements. Placements play a vital role in students’ education, providing the opportunity to engage with consumers and develop mental health nursing knowledge and skills. There is limited knowledge of student perspectives on traditional placements in contemporary recovery‐oriented mental health services. This interpretive qualitative inquiry aimed to explore nursing students’ experience of traditional mental health clinical placement and how it influenced their practice and their understandings of recovery from mental illness. Data were collected from focus groups with n = 31 nursing students in a large metropolitan public mental health service. Thematic analysis resulted in three themes of experience: humanizing people with mental illness; learning about recovery; and shifting perspectives on mental health nursing. Through a positive placement experience where they felt supported and included by staff, students came to see consumers as people rather than diagnoses, developed greater understanding of mental health nursing work and were more likely to consider mental health nursing as a career choice. Peer‐support workers were an important influence on students’ understandings of recovery and have a key role to play in educating students on placement. Students need to be prepared and supported by university and clinical staff to deal with vicarious trauma that may occur on placement. Mental health placements play a crucial role in attracting students into the field, and it is imperative they remain part of comprehensive pre‐registration education.
RETRACTED: SLC1A3 promotes gastric cancer progression via the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway
Authors: Xu Liyi , Chen Jiamin , Jia Litao , Chen Xiao , Awaleh Moumin Faycal , Cai Jianting
Published: November 2020

Gastric cancer is a major cause of mortality worldwide. The glutamate/aspartate transporter SLC1A3 has been implicated in tumour metabolism and progression, but the roles of SLC1A3 in gastric cancer remain unclear. We used bioinformatics approaches to analyse the expression of SLC1A3 and its role in gastric cancer. The expression levels of SLC1A3 were examined using RT‐qPCR and Western bolting. SLC1A3 overexpressing and knock‐down cell lines were constructed, and the cell viability was evaluated. Glucose consumption, lactate excretion and ATP levels were determined. The roles of SLC1A3 in tumour growth were evaluated using a xenograft tumour growth model. SLC1A3 was found to be overexpressed in gastric cancer, and this overexpression was associated with poor prognosis. In vitro and in vivo assays showed that SLC1A3 affected glucose metabolism and promoted gastric cancer growth. GSEA analysis suggested that SLC1A3 was positively associated with the up‐regulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. SLC1A3 overexpression activated the PI3K/AKT pathway and up‐regulated GLUT1, HK II and LDHA expression. The PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002 prevented SLC1A3‐induced glucose metabolism and cell proliferation. Our findings indicate that SLC1A3 promotes gastric cancer progression via the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. SLC1A3 is therefore a potential therapeutic target in gastric cancer.
TFE3‐PD‐L1 axis is pivotal for sunitinib resistance in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Guo Xudong , Li Ruxia , Bai Qiulei , Jiang Shaobo , Wang Hanbo
Published: November 2020

The microphthalmia of bHLH‐LZ transcription factor (MiT/TFE) family chromosomal translocation or overexpression is linked with a poor prognosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) with elevated recurrence and drug resistance, but the molecular mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we investigated whether the resistance to sunitinib (Sun), the standard treatment for metastatic ccRCC, is due to up‐regulation of programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) by the transcription factor E3 (TFE3). In this study, we propose that TFE3 but not TFEB is essential for tumour survival which was associated with the poorer survival of cancer patients. We also found a positive correlation between TFE3 and PD‐L1 expression in ccRCC cells and tissues. Sun treatment led to enhanced TFE3 nuclear translocation and PD‐L1 expression. Finally, we observed the therapeutic benefit of Sun plus PD‐L1 inhibition which enhanced CD8+ cytolytic activity and thus tumour suppression in a xenografted mouse model. These data revealed that TFE3 is a potent tumour promoting gene and it mediates resistance to Sun by induction of PD‐L1 in ccRCC. Our data provide a strong rationale to apply Sun and PD‐L1 inhibition jointly as a novel immunotherapeutic approach for ccRCC treatment.
Correlation between LncRNA‐LINC00659 and clinical prognosis in gastric cancer and study on its biological mechanism
Authors: Sheng Yongjia , Han Chenyang , Yang Yi , Wang Jin , Gu Yanling , Li Wenyan , Guo Li
Published: November 2020

Non‐coding RNAs play important roles in tumorigenesis and tumour progression. In previous screening, lncRNA‐LINC00659 (LINC00659) is highly expressed in gastric cancer; however, its role in gastric cancer has not been illustrated yet. In this study, the expression of LINC00659 was detected in cancer tissues and paracancerous tissues of patients with gastric cancer. As a result, LINC00659 expression was increased in gastric cancer tissues, which was closely associated with tumour stage and lymph node metastasis, but was not correlated with age, gender and tissue differentiation. Survival curve analysis showed that patients with low expression of LINC00659 harboured higher overall survival. In vitro, the level of LINC00659 was increased in gastric cancer cells. Afterwards, the expression of LINC00659 was down‐regulated in SGC‐7901 and BGC‐823 cells by plasmid‐mediated si‐LINC00659 transfection. Consequently, the cell invasion ability was weakened, the cell cycle was inhibited, and cell viability was also suppressed. Luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA pull‐down assay showed that LINC00659 could bind to the transcription factor SUZ12, indicating that SUZ12 was a regulatory gene of LINC00659. The overexpression of SUZ12 could resist the roles of si‐LINC00659. In this study, we found that LINC00659 was highly expressed in gastric cancer, which might be related to the regulation of cell proliferation and promotion of cell invasion. Transcription factor, SUZ12, was a regulator of LINC00659. Additionally, LINC00659 could regulate cell cycle and invasion of gastric cancer by promoting the expression of SUZ12.
Development and cathodic iontophoretic permeation evaluation of liquid crystalline systems provided of retinoic acid microparticles
Authors: Monteiro e Silva Silas Arandas , Ricci Leonardi Gislaine
Published: November 2020

Background

The intracellular form of action of retinoids requires these agents to reach deeper layers of the skin with viable cells to ensure therapeutic efficiency. However, studies on swine skin models show that some retinoids have low skin permeability. Thus, the association of innovative formulations with technological strategies involving physical permeation promoters can be employed to increase the permeability of this active, ensuring a targeting effect of the active.

Aims

In this study, it was proposed the development and evaluation of the release and permeation profile of liquid crystalline systems with retinoic acid polymeric microparticles under passive or iontophoretic diffusional conditions.

Methods

For this study, release, permeation, and diffusional characterization assays were employed using the Franz diffusion cell model, associating or not the cathodic iontophoresis.

Results

Retinoic acid was considered stable in front of the electric current of 0.5mA/cm2, because it did not show significant degradation (with maintenance from 96.03% to 98.57%), indicating the viability of such agents to be applied with iontophoresis. Controlled release profile was evidenced for microencapsulated systems. Comparatively, formulations F1, F3, and F5 presented a significantly higher RA release profile when compared to formulations with retinoic acid microencapsulated. A significant increase was observed in the absolute amount of RA retained in the skin with cathodic iontophoresis in all proposed formulations (P < .01). The increase was up to two times in relation to the passive condition.

Conclusions

The combination of iontophoresis technique with application of retinoic acid and microencapsulated retinoic acid allows the penetration of the active ingredient to deeper layers of the skin.
Structural equation modeling to detect predictors of breast self‐examination behavior: Implications for intervention planning
Authors: Ju Nianting , Liao Shengkai , Zheng Suge , Hua Tiantian , Zhang Shunhua
Published: November 2020

Aim

Breast cancer is the most frequent malignant tumor among Chinese women. Breast self‐examination (BSE) is a simple, effective method for early detection of screening and it is essential for the prevention and control of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to create a hypothetical model to determine the factors influencing women's BSE behavior in Eastern China.

Methods

A survey was conducted using an online questionnaire and targeting 1200 women aged 18–70 years in Eastern China. Collected data were analyzed using ibm spss 25.0 and amos 24.0 software.

Results

The final model showed a desirable fitness to sample data. A direct positive relationship exists between knowledge on risk factors and BSE. A direct positive association was found between positive attitudes and BSE, while negative attitudes have a direct negative impact on BSE. Objective factors not only had a significant direct impact on BSE, but also directly affected the positive attitudes. Positive attitudes play an intermediary role between objective factors and BSE.

Conclusion

Knowledge on risk factors about breast cancer, attitudes toward BSE and objective factors are new predictors which may influence BSE by using the structural equation modeling method.
Estimating the prevalence of untreated caries in permanent teeth from the DMF index and lifetime caries prevalence
Authors: Madera Meisser , Bernabé Eduardo
Published: November 2020

Aim

To derive formulas to estimate the prevalence of untreated dental caries in permanent teeth based on the DMF index and lifetime caries prevalence.

Methods

Data from participants, aged 5 years or older, in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2016 were analyzed. Dental caries was assessed at surface level with the Radike criteria, which matches the case definition of the Global Burden of Disease study. Participants' data were aggregated into 438 groups, based on survey strata and 5‐year age brackets, to produce population estimates for the prevalence of untreated caries (DT > 0), DMFT, DMFS, DT, DS, and lifetime caries prevalence (DMFT>0). Conversion formulas were derived using fractional polynomials to characterize the association of each caries indicator with the prevalence of untreated caries.

Results

The mean prevalence of untreated caries was 23.5 percent (SD: 12.9 percent, range: 1.0–72.3 percent). After adjustment for age, the prevalence of untreated caries was correlated with DMFT (r = 0.23), DMFS (r = 0.25), DT (r = 0.74), DS (r = 0.65) and lifetime caries prevalence (r = 0.18). Using fractional polynomial models adjusted for categorical age, the prevalence of untreated caries at population level could be estimated from DMFT with power 1 (linear form), DMFS with power 0.5, DT with power 0.5, DS with powers (0.5; 1) and lifetime caries prevalence with power 1.

Conclusion

The prevalence of untreated caries in permanent teeth can be estimated from the DMF index and lifetime caries prevalence. These conversion formulas can facilitate the inclusion of more studies in estimation of the global burden of untreated caries in permanent teeth.
The financing need for expanding paid maternity leave to support breastfeeding in the informal sector in the Philippines
Authors: Ulep Valerie Gilbert , Zambrano Paul , Datu‐Sanguyo Janice , Vilar‐Compte Mireya , Belismelis Graciela Ma Teruel , Pérez‐Escamilla Rafael , Carroll Grace J. , Mathisen Roger
Published: November 2020

In low‐ and middle‐income countries, almost three‐fourths of women in the labour force lack maternity protection. In the Philippines, current laws do not guarantee paid maternity leave to workers in the informal economy. A non‐contributory maternity cash transfer to informal sector workers could be used to promote social equity and economic productivity and could provide health benefits by helping mothers meet their breastfeeding goals. The objective of the study is to provide a realistic cost estimate and to assess the financial feasibility of implementing a publicly financed, non‐contributory maternity cash transfer programme to the informal sector in the Philippines. Using a costing framework developed in Mexico, the study estimated the annual cost of a maternity cash transfer programme. The methodology estimated the unit cost of the programme, the incremental coverage of maternity leave and expected number of enrollees. Different unit and incremental costs assumptions were used to provide a range of scenarios. Administrative costs for running the programme were included in the analysis. The annual financing need of implementing maternity cash transfer programme in the Philippines ranges from a minimum scenario of USD42 million (14‐week maternity cash transfer) to a more ideal scenario of USD309 million (26‐week maternity cash transfer). The latter is financially feasible as it is equivalent to less than 0.1% of the country's gross domestic product substantially lower than the share cost of not breastfeeding (0.7%). The annual cost of the programme is only 10% of the total cost of the largest conditional cash transfer programme.
Practical approach for the diagnosis of disorders associated with antibodies against neuronal surface proteins
Authors: Hara Makoto , Nakajima Hideto , Kamei Satoshi
Published: November 2020

Since the discovery of a series of antineuronal surface antibodies (NSAs), diagnostic approach to antibody‐mediated encephalitis, and other disorders has undergone a “paradigm shift.” Currently, over ten specific NSAs, whose antigens include synaptic proteins (eg, anti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor) and proteins expressed on the neuronal surface (eg, dipeptidyl‐peptidase‐like protein 6), have been reported. Noble diagnostic implementations that preserve the conformation of the target epitope for NSA detection were developed to optimize the tests' sensitivity and specificity. NSAs can be detected through the following three techniques: tissue‐based assay (TBA) with rodent brain sections, cell‐based assay (CBA), and assays for rodent primary cultured neurons. TBA is a robust screening test that can identify most of the NSAs but cannot confirm specific antibodies. Meanwhile, CBA can confirm the specific antigen of NSAs, thereby suitable for the screening of positive patients. Assays with cultured neurons are also available not only for antibody screening but also for immunoprecipitation to identify an unknown antibody and analyze the antibody effects. Examining the distinctive syndrome caused by NSAs facilitates proper and rapid autoantibody detection, and combining different assays using cerebrospinal fluid minimizes misinterpretation of the tests. The up‐to‐date diagnostic algorithm for NSA‐associated autoimmunity recommends that the diagnostic process of autoantibodies involves screening by TBA/cultured neurons and confirmation by CBA sequentially. Intensive immunosuppressive therapies can be considered when the results of screening assays or confirming tests for NSAs are positive.