bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship of depressive symptoms with arterial stiffness and carotid atherosclerotic burden in the Corinthia study
Authors: Oikonomou E , Vogiatzi G , Lazaros G , Tsalamandris S , Goliopoulou A , Mystakidou V , Theofilis P , Christoforatou E , Chasikidis C , Tousoulis D
Published: February 2020

Background

It has been long hypothesized that emotional factors and depression may play role in the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the association between depression, arterial stiffness and atheromatic burden in carotid arteries.

Design and methods

Corinthia study is a cross-sectional epidemiological study conducted in subjects aged 40–99 years, inhabitants of the homonym region of Greece. Intima media thickness (IMT) was measured in the left and right common carotid artery, carotid bulb and internal carotid artery. The average of the measurements (mean IMT) and the maximum IMT were determined as the representative value of carotid atherosclerosis burden. Pulse wave velocity was used to evaluate arterial stiffness. The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale was used to evaluate depressive symptoms in subjects <65 years and the Geriatric Depression Scale in those >65 years.

Results

In this analysis, we included data from 1510 participants. In older subjects (i.e. >65 years), maximum IMT was significantly increased in subjects with depression compared to those without (1.57 ± 0.97 mm vs. 1.74 ± 1.05 mm, P = 0.04). Similarly, the prevalence of atheromatic plaques was higher in subjects with depression (46% vs. 34%, P = 0.005). In the younger subgroup (<65years), there was no difference in mean and maximum IMT. Pulse wave velocity was found higher in the presence of depression (8.35 ± 2.36m/s vs. 7.88 ± 1.77m/s, P = 0.007). No differences emerged for the rest of the variables assessed in the individual subgroups.

Conclusions

There is an age-dependent association between depression, arterial stiffness and carotid atheromatic burden highlighting the interplay between cardiovascular diseases and emotional status.
Quantifying and predicting the effect of anti-TNF therapy on axSpA-related fatigue: results from the BSRBR-AS registry and meta-analysis
Authors: Shim Joanna , Dean Linda E , Karabayas Maira , Jones Gareth T , Macfarlane Gary J , Basu Neil
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Effective management of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA)-related fatigue is a major unmet clinical need. Anti-TNF therapy may reduce fatigue levels, although any effect has yet to be definitively quantified and predictors of any such improvements are unknown.

Methods

The British Society of Rheumatology Register in Axial Spondyloarthritis (BSRBR-AS) prospectively recruited axSpA patients across the UK. Changes in fatigue levels (measured using the Chalder Fatigue Scale) >1 year were compared between those starting anti-TNF therapy at the time of recruitment and those not. Differences between treatment groups were adjusted using propensity score matching. Results were meta-analysed with the extant literature to calculate pooled estimates. Then, among those BSRBR-AS anti-TNF commencers with clinically relevant fatigue, baseline predictors of response were investigated.

Results

Of the 998 BSRBR-AS recruits with complete fatigue data, 310 were anti-TNF commencers. At 1-year follow-up, the former group reported a mean fatigue change of −2.6 (95% CI −4.1, −1.9) points while the latter reported a mean worsening of fatigue by 0.2 points. Following propensity score adjustment, those commencing anti-TNF therapy reduced fatigue by 3.0 points compared with those not. Of those with significant fatigue and commencing anti-TNF, poor sleep quality at baseline predicted fatigue improvement. In the meta-analysis, including 1109 subjects, treatment with anti-TNF therapy resulted in a significant improvement in fatigue [Standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.36, 95% CI 0.15, 1.56].

Conclusion

Anti-TNF therapy results in a significant but modest reduction in fatigue amongst axSpA patients, with those reporting poor sleep quality most likely to report improvement. Effective management will likely require additional approaches.
CHARACTERIZATION OF TWO CT SYSTEMS USING A CHANNELIZED HOTELLING OBSERVER AND NPS METRIC
Authors: Ortenzia O , D’Alessio A , Noferini L , Ghetti C
Published: February 2020

We investigated the performances of two computed tomography (CT) systems produced by the same manufacturers (Somatom Flash and Edge Siemens) with different detector technologies (Ultrafast Ceramic and Stellar) and different generation of iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithms (SAFIRE and ADMIRE).

A homemade phantom was scanned and the images were reconstructed with filtered back-projection (FBP) and IR algorithms. In terms of image quality, the performances of the systems were checked using the low-contrast detectability, evaluated by a Channelized Hotelling Observer (CHO), and the noise power spectrum (NPS).

The analysis with CHO showed the best performance of Edge respect to Flash system for both FBP and IR algorithms. This better behavior, which reaches 20%, has been ascribed to the Stellar detector. From the NPS analysis, the noise reduction due to Stellar detector was 57%, moreover ADMIRE algorithm preserves a more traditional CT image texture appearance versus SAFIRE due to a lower NPS peak shift.
Evaluating the environmental impact of selected chemical de-icers
Authors: Li Xiang , Van Aken Benoit , Mckenzie Erica , Zhang Huichun , Abboud Bechara , Davenport William
Published: February 2020

In this study, the environmental impacts of six commercial chloride-based de-icer products, including Rock Salt and Salt Brine, were evaluated. The nutrients, oxygen demand, heavy metal concentration, corrosion and toxicity of all six de-icers were analysed. With an assumed 500-fold dilution, the test results were compared to the public water-quality criteria. The results show that the selected chemical de-icers have little chance of severely damaging the environment and ecosystem under a normal dilution scenario. However, attention needs to be paid to small water bodies and sensitive receiving water.
Using Consensus Testing to Enhance Genomic Understanding and Teamwork in Doctoral Advanced Practice Nursing Students
Authors: McCurry Mary K. , Rudd-Arieta Margaret , Viveiros Jennifer
Published: February 2020

Nurse educators are challenged to develop effective strategies to teach genomic content, increase communication skills, and encourage teamwork among doctoral advanced practice nursing students. Consensus testing is a collaborative learning strategy where students work together in small groups using communication and teamwork to solve problems. This descriptive survey study evaluated consensus testing as a strategy to increase doctoral students’ understanding of genomic content and provide practical experience with teamwork and collaboration in a blended course. Findings from 38 doctoral students indicated that understanding of genomic content increased as students gained practical experience with strategies for collaboration, effective teamwork, and leadership skills.
Drug Enforcement Agency 2014 Hydrocodone Rescheduling Rule and Opioid Dispensing after Surgery
Authors: Neuman Mark D. , Hennessy Sean , Small Dylan S. , Newcomb Craig , Gaskins Lakisha , Brensinger Colleen M. , Wijeysundera Duminda N. , Bateman Brian T. , Wunsch Hannah
Published: February 2020

Background

In 2014, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency reclassified hydrocodone from Schedule III to Schedule II of the Controlled Substances Act, resulting in new restrictions on refills. The authors hypothesized that hydrocodone rescheduling led to decreases in total opioid dispensing within 30 days of surgery and reduced new long-term opioid dispensing among surgical patients.

Methods

The authors studied privately insured, opioid-naïve adults undergoing 10 general or orthopedic surgeries between 2011 and 2015. The authors conducted a differences-in-differences analysis that compared overall opioid dispensing before versus after the rescheduling rule for patients treated by surgeons who frequently prescribed hydrocodone before rescheduling (i.e., patients who were functionally exposed to rescheduling’s impact) while adjusting for secular trends via a comparison group of patients treated by surgeons who rarely prescribed hydrocodone (i.e., unexposed patients). The primary outcome was any filled opioid prescription between 90 and 180 days after surgery; secondary outcomes included the 30-day refill rate and the amount of opioids dispensed initially and at 30 days postoperatively.

Results

The sample included 65,136 patients. The percentage of patients filling a prescription beyond 90 days was similar after versus before rescheduling (absolute risk difference, −1.1%; 95% CI, −2.3% to 0.1%; P = 0.084). The authors estimated the rescheduling rule to be associated with a 45.4-mg oral morphine equivalent increase (difference-in-differences estimate; 95% CI, 34.2–56.7 mg; P < 0.001) in initial opioid dispensing, a 4.1% absolute decrease (95% CI, −5.5% to −2.7%; P < 0.001) in refills within 30 days, and a 37.7-mg oral morphine equivalent increase (95% CI, 20.6–54.8 mg; P = 0.008) in opioids dispensed within 30 days.

Conclusions

Among patients treated by surgeons who frequently prescribed hydrocodone before the Drug Enforcement Agency 2014 hydrocodone rescheduling rule, rescheduling did not impact long-term opioid receipt, although it was associated with an increase in opioid dispensing within 30 days of surgery.

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Synaptic Dynamics of the Feed-forward Inhibitory Circuitry Gating Mechanical Allodynia in Mice
Authors: Wang Qun , Zhang Xiao , He Xiaolan , Du Shibin , Jiang Zhenhua , Liu Peng , Qi Lu , Liang Chen , Gu Nan , Lu Yan
Published: February 2020

Background

The authors’ previous studies have found that spinal protein kinase C γ expressing neurons are involved in the feed-forward inhibitory circuit gating mechanical allodynia in the superficial dorsal horn. The authors hypothesize that nerve injury enhances the excitability of spinal protein kinase C γ expressing interneurons due to disinhibition of the feed-forward inhibitory circuit, and enables Aβ primary inputs to activate spinal protein kinase C γ expressing interneurons.

Methods

Prkcg-P2A-tdTomato mice were constructed using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated nuclease 9 technology, and were used to analyze the electrophysiologic properties of spinal protein kinase C γ expressing neurons in both normal conditions and pathologic conditions induced by chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve. Patch-clamp whole cell recordings were used to identify the nature of the dynamic synaptic drive to protein kinase C γ expressing neurons.

Results

Aβ fiber stimulation evoked a biphasic synaptic response in 42% (31 of 73) of protein kinase C γ expressing neurons. The inhibitory components of the biphasic synaptic response were blocked by both strychnine and bicuculline in 57% (16 of 28) of neurons. Toll-like receptor 5 immunoreactive fibers made close contact with protein kinase C γ expressing neurons. After nerve injury, the percentage of neurons double-labeled for c-fos and Prkcg-P2A-tdTomato in animals walking on a rotarod was significantly higher than that in the nerve injury animals (4.1% vs. 9.9%, 22 of 539 vs. 54 of 548,P < 0.001). Aβ fiber stimulation evoked burst action potentials in 25.8% (8 of 31) of protein kinase C γ expressing neurons in control animals, while the proportion increased to 51.1% (23 of 45) in nerve injury animals (P = 0.027).

Conclusions

The Prkcg-P2A-tdTomato mice the authors constructed provide a useful tool for further analysis on how the spinal allodynia gate works. The current study indicated that nerve injury enhanced the excitability of spinal protein kinase C γ expressing interneurons due to disinhibition of the feed-forward inhibitory circuit, and enabled Aβ primary inputs to activate spinal protein kinase C γ expressing interneurons.

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Prophylactic Intrathecal Morphine and Prevention of Post–Dural Puncture Headache
Authors: Peralta Feyce M. , Wong Cynthia A. , Higgins Nicole , Toledo Paloma , Jones Mary Jane , McCarthy Robert J.
Published: February 2020

Background

Prophylactic epidural morphine administration after unintentional dural puncture with a large-bore needle has been shown to decrease the incidence of post–dural puncture headache. The authors hypothesized that prophylactic administration of intrathecal morphine would decrease the incidence of post–dural puncture headache and/or need for epidural blood patch after unintentional dural puncture.

Methods

Parturients with an intrathecal catheter in situ after unintentional dural puncture with a 17-g Tuohy needle during intended epidural catheter placement for labor analgesia were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind trial. After delivery, subjects were randomized to receive intrathecal morphine 150 µg or normal saline. The primary outcome was the incidence of post–dural puncture headache. Secondary outcomes included onset, duration, and severity of post–dural puncture headache, the presence of cranial nerve symptoms and the type of treatment the patient received.

Results

Sixty-one women were included in the study. The incidence of post–dural puncture headache was 21 of 27 (78%) in the intrathecal morphine group and 27 of 34 (79%) in the intrathecal saline group (difference, −1%; 95% CI, −25% to 24%). There were no differences between groups in the onset, duration, or severity of headache, or presence of cranial nerve symptoms. Epidural blood patch was administered to 10 of 27 (37%) of subjects in the intrathecal morphine and 11 of 21 (52%) of the intrathecal saline group (difference 15%; 95% CI, −18% to 48%).

Conclusions

The present findings suggest that a single prophylactic intrathecal morphine dose of 150 µg administered shortly after delivery does not decrease the incidence or severity of post–dural puncture headache after unintentional dural puncture. This study does not support the clinical usefulness of prophylactic intrathecal morphine after an unintentional dural puncture.

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Cervical cancer survivors’ attitudes and understanding of menopause and hormone therapy
Authors: Cotangco Katherine , Class Quetzal A. , Johnson Timothy P. , Kothari Rajul
Published: February 2020

Objective:

We designed a survey study to assess the presence and severity of climacteric symptoms, in addition to better understand patients’ knowledge and understanding of hormone therapy (HT).

Methods:

We administered a 23-question survey during a patient's clinic visit or over the phone. Study enrollment spanned from March, 2019 to May, 2019. The primary outcomes were severity of menopausal symptoms and willingness to try HT, calculated as a summarized overall score. Chi-square and logistic regression were used for analysis.

Results:

Our response rate was 38% (n = 34). Our participants were diverse—67% women were black and 21% women were Hispanic. Stage 1 and 2 disease was reported in 32% and 41% of women. Also, 82% and 94% of women reported ever receiving any chemotherapy or radiation therapy. There was no association between willingness to try HT for relief of menopausal symptoms and income (χ2 [1, 29] = 0.56, P = 0.81) or education level (χ2 [1, 29] = 2.78, P = 0.10). The most common climacteric symptoms experienced were hot flushes (85%) and decreased libido (77%). Neither symptom severity (odds ratio [OR] 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89-1.94) nor concern for side effects (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.82-1.36) of HT significantly predicted willingness to try HT.

Conclusions:

Menopausal symptoms were prevalent in this population. Our data indicate that women are experiencing climacteric symptoms, but are overall unmotivated to address symptoms using HT. Factors such as symptom severity, fear of side effects, income level, or education level were not associated with acceptability of HT for premature menopause.
Longest Ongoing Support (13 Years) with Magnetically Levitated Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Potapov Evgenij V. , Kaufmann Friedrich , Müller Markus , Mulzer Johanna , Falk Volkmar
Published: February 2020

Implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is an established treatment in end-stage heart failure. The longevity of LVAD support systems remains uncertain to a great extent because patients usually undergo transplantation, are weaned or die while on support before the maximum service life of these pumps is reached. We report about the hitherto longest published and still ongoing LVAD support of a 65 year old patient who received an Incor LVAD (Berlin Heart, Berlin, Germany, produced 2002–2018) 13 years ago. After pump exchange due to driveline damage, the patients were discharged home.
The Superiorly Based Partial Rectus Abdominis and External Oblique Flap for Lower Pole Coverage in Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Lam Quoc (Tai Khoa) , Nowicki Jake , Crittenden Tamara , Howes Benjamin H.L. , Dean Nicola R.
Published: February 2020

Background

This study evaluated health related quality of life and morbidity in patients who had a superiorly based partial rectus abdominis and external oblique (SPREO) flap for lower pole coverage as a component of 2-stage prosthetic breast reconstruction.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of patients undergoing immediate and delayed 2-stage breast reconstruction including a SPREO flap for lower pole coverage was conducted. The BREAST-Q and a study-specific questionnaire were used to determine outcomes after this procedure. BREAST-Q questionnaires were completed preoperatively and postoperatively and compared with normative values.

Results

BREAST-Q questionnaires were completed by 27 women. The mean patient age was 54.3 ± 9.6 years. Mean BREAST-Q scores improved significantly between preoperative and postoperative time points in Satisfaction with Breasts (preoperative 43.2 ± 26.9, postoperative 66.2 ± 19.5, P = 0.001) and Psychosocial Wellbeing (preoperative 59.4 ± 16.4 postoperative 75.5 ± 19.4, P = 0.002). Mean scores were not significantly different in the domains Physical Wellbeing Chest, Physical Wellbeing Abdomen and Sexual Wellbeing. Postoperative BREAST-Q scores were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than previously published normative scores in Satisfaction with Breasts.

Conclusions

This study reports the use of the SPREO flap for lower pole coverage in 2-stage prosthetic breast reconstruction and demonstrates that it may be a useful addition to the existing repertoire of flaps used in breast reconstruction.
Surgical Management of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Patients Related to Dental Implants
Authors: Nisi Marco , Izzetti Rossana , Gennai Stefano , Bellini Pierantonio , Graziani Filippo , Gabriele Mario
Published: February 2020

Objectives:

The aim of the present study is to report a case series of patients with peri-implant medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), in particular describing the onset of the condition and surgical treatment outcome.

Material and Methods:

Fifteen consecutive patients with clinical diagnosis of peri-implant MRONJ were retrospectively included in the study. The sample was stratified on the base of oral, pharmacological, and general health variables. The number of affected implants was recorded in all patients, and MRONJ staging applied. Surgical treatment was performed with a standardized operative protocol, involving implant removal, sequestrectomy, debridement of soft tissue, and bone curettage. Follow-up evaluating surgical outcome was performed at twelve months after surgery.

Results:

in our study sample, patients were almost equally distributed in terms of underlying diseases in osteoporotic and oncologic patients. All MRONJ lesions were symptomatic, and in 6 patients bone exposure was detected. 40 implants in total were evaluated, with MRONJ being present around 29 implants. 12 patients were diagnosed with Stage III MRONJ, and 3 patients with Stage II MRONJ. Surgical treatment leads to complete healing in 86.7% of cases, with 100% success for maxillary MRONJ.

Conclusions:

Surgical treatment seems to have a positive impact on MRONJ treatment also in cases of peri-implant involvement. However, monitoring and prevention are fundamental in patients under pharmacological treatment with anti-resorptive/antiangiogenic drugs, as peri-implant MRONJ can develop also in absence of specific traumatic events.
Internet society, internet addiction, and pathological social withdrawal: the chicken and egg dilemma for internet addiction and hikikomori
Authors: Kato Takahiro A. , Shinfuku Naotaka , Tateno Masaru
Published: February 2020

Purpose of review

Internet society has made our daily life more convenient, while its negative consequences especially internet, smartphone, and gaming addiction are emerging. At the same time, the phenomenon of pathological social withdrawal called ‘hikikomori’ has been increasingly highlighted as a problematic behavior in Japan. Now hikikomori is becoming a global mental health issue. The interaction between internet society, internet addiction, and hikikomori has not been well clarified.

Recent findings

A case vignette survey among psychiatrists suggested that hikikomori cases could be comorbid with internet addiction. In reality, hikikomori cases with internet addiction have been reported internationally. A recent survey among college/university students in Japan has indicated positive interactions between internet addiction, smartphone addiction, gaming internet disorder, and hikikomori-tendencies.

The cause of hikikomori has not been well understood, and the emergence of internet may be one of the important contributing factors for the occurrence of hikikomori. Whether pathological social withdrawal creates internet addiction, or internet overuse creates hikikomori remains unclear. Both possibilities exist, and we herein propose the conceptual model of these hypothetical interactions. Clarifying the mechanisms of both conditions will help to solve these crucial issues for contemporary urban societies.
A Peptide-based Magnetic Chemiluminescence Enzyme Immunoassay for Serological Diagnosis of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Cai Xue-fei , Chen Juan , Hu Jie-li , Long Quan-xin , Deng Hai-jun , Fan Kai , Liao Pu , Liu Bei-zhong , Wu Gui-cheng , Chen Yao-kai , Li Zhi-jie , Wang Kun , Zhang Xiao-li , Tian Wen-guang , Xiang Jiang-lin , Du Hong-xin , Wang Jing , Hu Yuan , Tang Ni , Lin Yong , Ren Ji-hua , Huang Lu-yi , Wei Jie , Gan Chun-yang , Chen Yan-meng , Gao Qing-zhu , Chen A-mei , He Chang-long , Wang Dao-Xin , Hu Peng , Zhou Fa-Chun , Huang Ai-long , Liu Ping , Wang De-qiang
Published: February 2020

A respiratory illness has been spreading rapidly in China, since its outbreak in Wuhan city, Hubei province in December 2019. The illness was caused by a novel coronavirus, named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Clinical manifestations related to SARS-CoV-2 infection ranged from no symptom to fatal pneumonia. World Health Organization (WHO) named the diseases associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection as COVID-19. Real time RT-PCR is the only laboratory test available till now to confirm the infection. However, the accuracy of real time RT-PCR depends on many factors, including sampling location and of methods, quality of RNA extraction and training of operators etc.. Variations in these factors might significantly lower the sensitivity of the detection. We developed a peptide-based luminescent immunoassay to detect IgG and IgM. Cut-off value of this assay was determined by the detection of 200 healthy sera and 167 sera from patients infected with other pathogens than SARS-CoV-2. To evaluate the performance of this assay, we detected IgG and IgM in the 276 sera from confirmed patients. The positive rate of IgG and IgM were 71.4% (197/276) and 57.2% (158/276) respectively. By combining with real time RT-PCR detection, this assay might help to enhance the accuracy of diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Applying chemical reaction transition theory to predict the latent transmission dynamics of coronavirus outbreak in China
Authors: Xu Peng
Published: February 2020

The recent outbreak of the Covid-19 suggests a rather long latent phase that precludes public health officials to predict the pandemic transmission on time. Here we apply mass action laws and chemical transition theory to propose a kinetic model that accounts for viral transmission dynamics at the latent phase. This model is useful for authorities to make early preventions and control measurements that stop the spread of a deadly new virus.
Deep learning Enables Accurate Diagnosis of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) with CT images
Authors: Ying Song , Zheng Shuangjia , Li Liang , Zhang Xiang , Zhang Xiaodong , Huang Ziwang , Chen Jianwen , Zhao Huiying , Wang Ruixuan , Chong Yutian , Shen Jun , Zha Yunfei , Yang Yuedong
Published: February 2020

Background

A novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has emerged recently as an acute respiratory syndrome. The outbreak was originally reported in Wuhan, China, but has subsequently been spread world-widely. As the COVID-19 continues to spread rapidly across the world, computed tomography (CT) has become essentially important for fast diagnoses. Thus, it is urgent to develop an accurate computer-aided method to assist clinicians to identify COVID-19-infected patients by CT images.

Materials and Methods

We collected chest CT scans of 88 patients diagnosed with the COVID-19 from hospitals of two provinces in China, 101 patients infected with bacteria pneumonia, and 86 healthy persons for comparison and modeling. Based on the collected dataset, a deep learning-based CT diagnosis system (DeepPneumonia) was developed to identify patients with COVID-19.

Results

The experimental results showed that our model can accurately identify the COVID-19 patients from others with an excellent AUC of 0.99 and recall (sensitivity) of 0.93. In addition, our model was capable of discriminating the COVID-19 infected patients and bacteria pneumonia-infected patients with an AUC of 0.95, recall (sensitivity) of 0.96. Moreover, our model could localize the main lesion features, especially the ground-glass opacity (GGO) that is of great help to assist doctors in diagnosis. The diagnosis for a patient could be finished in 30 seconds, and the implementation on Tianhe-2 supercompueter enables a parallel executions of thousands of tasks simultaneously. An online server is available for online diagnoses with CT images byhttp://biomed.nscc-gz.cn/server/Ncov2019.

Conclusions

The established models can achieve a rapid and accurate identification of COVID-19 in human samples, thereby allowing identification of patients.
Fasting alters the gut microbiome with sustained blood pressure and body weight reduction in metabolic syndrome patients
Authors: Balogh András , Bartolomaeus Hendrik , Löber Ulrike , Avery Ellen G. , Steckhan Nico , Markó Lajos , Wilck Nicola , Hamad Ibrahim , Šušnjar Urša , Mähler Anja , Hohmann Christoph , Cramer Holger , Dobos Gustav , Lesker Till Robin , Strowig Till , Dechend Ralf , Bzdok Danilo , Kleinewietfeld Markus , Michalsen Andreas , Müller Dominik N. , Forslund Sofia K.
Published: February 2020

Periods of fasting and refeeding may reduce cardiometabolic risk elevated by Western diet. We show that in hypertensive metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients (n=35), a 5-day fast followed by a modified DASH diet (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP), antihypertensive medication need, and body-mass index (BMI) at three months post intervention compared to a modified DASH diet alone (n=36). Fasting altered the gut microbiome, impacting bacterial taxa and gene modules associated with short-chain fatty acid production. Cross-system analyses revealed a positive correlation of circulating mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, non-classical monocytes and CD4+ effector T cells with SBP. Furthermore, regulatory T cells (Tregs) positively correlated with BMI and weight. Machine learning could predict sustained SBP-responsiveness within the fasting group from baseline immunome data, identifying CD8+ effector T cells, Th17 cells and Tregs as important contributors to the model. The high-resolution multi-omics data highlights fasting as a promising non-pharmacological intervention in MetS.
Dermal trypanosomes in suspected and confirmed cases of gambiense Human African Trypanosomiasis
Authors: Camara Mariame , M’mah Soumah Alseny , Ilbouldo Hamidou , Travaillé Christelle , Clucas Caroline , Cooper Anneli , Swar Nono-Raymond Kuispond , Camara Oumou , Sadissou Ibrahim , Alvarez Estefania Calvo , Crouzols Aline , Bart Jean-Mathieu , Jamonneau Vincent , Camara Mamadou , MacLeod Annette , Bucheton Bruno , Rotureau Brice
Published: February 2020

Background

The diagnosis of Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) typically involves two steps: a serological screen, followed by the detection of living trypanosome parasites in the blood or lymph node aspirate. Live parasites can, however, remain undetected in some seropositive individuals, who we hypothesize are infected with Trypanosoma brucei gambiense parasites in their extravascular dermis.

Methods and findings

To test this hypothesis, we conducted a prospective observational cohort study in the gambiense HAT (gHAT) focus of Forecariah, in the Republic of Guinea. 5,417 subjects in this disease foci underwent serological screening for gHAT. Of these individuals, 66 were enrolled into our study, of whom 40 were seronegative, 8 were seropositive but unconfirmed, and 18 confirmed gHAT cases. Enrolled individuals underwent a dermatological examination, and had blood samples and skin biopsies taken and examined for trypanosomes by molecular and immuno-histological methods. In confirmed cases, dermatological symptoms were significantly more frequent, relative to seronegative controls. T. b. gambiense parasites were present in the blood of all confirmed cases but not in unconfirmed seropositive individuals. However, trypanosomes were detected in the dermis of all unconfirmed seropositive individuals and confirmed cases. After 6 and 20 months of treatment, dermal trypanosome numbers in skin biopsies of confirmed cases progressively reduced.

Conclusions

Our results thus highlight the skin as a potential reservoir for trypanosomes, with implications for our understanding of this disease’s epidemiology in the context of its planned elimination and highlighting the skin as a novel target for gHAT diagnostics.
COVID-19 in hemodialysis (HD) patients: Report from one HD center in Wuhan, China
Authors: Ma Yiqiong , Diao Bo , Lv Xifeng , Liang Wei , Zhu Jili , Liu Lei , Zhang Sihao , Shen Bo , Wang Huiming
Published: February 2020

Importance

The outbreak of highly contagious COVID-19 has posed a serious threat to human health, especially for those with underlying diseases. However, Impacts of COVID-19 epidemic on HD center and HD patients have not been reported.

Objective

To summery an outbreak of COVID-19 epidemic in HD center.

Design, Setting, and Participants

We reviewed the epidemic course from the first laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19 infection on January 14 to the control of the epidemic on March 12 in the HD center of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. Total 230 HD patients and 33 medical staff were included in this study

Exposures

COVID-19.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics and outcomes data were collected and analyzed. 19 COVID-19 HD patients, 19 non-COVID-19 HD patients and 19 healthy volunteers were enrolled for further study about the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on host immune responses.

Results

42 out of 230 HD patients (18.26%) and 4 out of 33 medical staffs (12.12%) were diagnosed with COVID-19 from the outbreak to March 12, 2020. 13 HD patients (5.65%), including 10 COVID-19 diagnosed, died during the epidemic. Only 2 deaths of the COVID-19 HD patients were associated with pneumonia/lung failure. Except 3 patients were admitted to ICU for severe condition (8.11%), including 2 dead, most COVID-19 diagnosed patients presented mild or none-respiratory symptoms. Multiple lymphocyte populations in HD patients were significantly decreased. HD patients with COVID-19 even displayed more remarkable reduction of serum inflammatory cytokines than other COVID-19 patients.

Conclusions and Relevance

HD patients are the highly susceptible population and HD centers are high risk area during the outbreak of COVID-19 epidemic. HD Patients with COVID-19 are mostly clinical mild and unlikely progress to severe pneumonia due to the impaired cellular immune function and incapability of mounting cytokines storm. More attention should be paid to prevent cardiovascular events, which may be the collateral impacts of COVID-19 epidemic on HD patients.
Mycobacterium tuberculosisRv3194c efficiently facilitates mycobacterial-lung epithelial interaction through its HA-binding site
Authors: Zhao Dongyue , Xu Chen , Lin Danfeng
Published: February 2020

Mycobacterium tuberculosisadhesins are surface-exposed molecules that mediate pathogen-host interaction, a fundamental step towards host infection. Here we show that serine protease (Rv3194c) promotes mycobacterial infection to lung epithelial through its hyaluronic acid (HA)-binding site. Both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and surface plasmon resonance analysis revealed that Rv3194c bound to HA. Utilizing synthetic peptides, we next defined HA-binding site of 20 amino acids from 91 to 110 of Rv3194c (P91-110). Immunofluorescence assay and an FACScan showed that Rv3194c was interacted with A549 cells (human lung epithelial cells), and its interaction was abolished by the addition of hyaluronidase or P91-110. Experimental infectionin Vitrorevealed that Rv3194c participates in attachment of recombinantMycobacterium smegmatis(Rv3194c/MS) to A549 cells, and P91-110 treatment of A549 cells almost inhibited Rv3194c/MS-A549 cells interaction. To providein vivoevidence, we constructed a reporter strain ofM. smegmatisexpressed a derivative of the firefly luciferase that is shifted to red (FFlucRT) in combination with Rv3194c (Rv3194c+FFlucRT/MS) to infect the rodents and monitor the progression of the disease. Using bioluminescence imaging and bacterial counts in lung tissue confirmed that Rv3194c dramatically enhanced the persistence ofM. smegmatis. In addition, treatment of intratracheal Rv3194c+FFlucRT/MS-infected mice with P91-110 significantly suppressed the growth of Rv3194c+FFlucRT/MSin vivo. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Rv3194c was identified as a HA-binding adhesin, and P91-110 as anti-adhesion agents has potential for therapeutic and prophylactic interventions in mycobacterial infection.
Effects of breeding history and crop management on the root architecture of wheat
Authors: Fradgley N. , Evans G. , Biernaskie J.M. , Cockram J. , Marr E.C. , Oliver A. G. , Ober E. , Jones H.
Published: February 2020

Aims

Selection for optimal root system architecture (RSA) is important to ensure genetic gains in the sustainable production of wheat (Triticum aestivumL.). Here we examine the idea that past wheat breeding has led to changes in RSA and that future breeding efforts can focus directly on root traits to improve adaptation to a target environment.

Methods

We conducted three field trials using diverse wheat varieties, including modern and historic UK varieties and non-UK landraces, tested under contrasting tillage regimes (non-inversion tillage versus conventional ploughing) or different seeding rates (standard rate versus high rate). We used field excavation, washing and measurement of root crowns (‘shovelomics’) to characterise RSA traits, including: numbers of seminal, crown and nodal roots per plant, and crown root growth angle.

Results

We found large differences among genotypes for all root traits. Modern varieties generally had fewer roots per plant than historic varieties. There were fewer crown roots and root angles were wider, on average, under shallow non-inversion tillage compared with conventional ploughing. Crown root numbers per plant also tended to be smaller at a high seeding rate compared with the standard rate. There were significant genotype-by-year, genotype-by-tillage and genotype-by-seeding-rate interactions for many root traits.

Conclusions

Smaller root systems is likely to be a result of past selection and may have facilitated historical yield increases by reducing below-ground competition within the crop. The effects of crop management practices on RSA depend on genotype, suggesting that future breeding could select for improved RSA traits in resource-efficient farming systems.
The transcription factor Hhex cooperates with the corepressor Tle3 to promote memory B cell development
Authors: Laidlaw Brian J. , Duan Lihui , Xu Ying , Vazquez Sara E. , Cyster Jason G.
Published: February 2020

Memory B cells (MBCs) are essential for long-lived humoral immunity. However, the transcription factors (TFs) involved in MBC differentiation are poorly defined. Here, by single cell RNAseq analysis, we identified a population of germinal center (GC) B cells in the process of differentiating into MBCs. Using an inducible Crispr/Cas9 screening approach we identified the hematopoietically-expressed homeobox gene Hhex as a transcription factor regulating MBC differentiation. The co-repressor Tle3 was also identified in the screen and was found to interact with Hhex. Bcl6 directly repressedHhexin GC B cells. Reciprocally, Hhex-deficient MBCs exhibited derepressedBcl6and reduced expression of Bcl6-repressedBcl2. Overexpression of Bcl2 was able to rescue MBC differentiation in Hhex-deficient cells. We also identified Ski as an Hhex-induced transcription factor involved in MBC differentiation. These findings establish an important role for Hhex-Tle3 in regulating the transcriptional circuitry governing MBC differentiation.
Extracting transparency: the process of regulating disclosures for the resources industry
Authors: Cortese Corinne , Andrew Jane
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Multinational resource companies (MRCs) are under pressure to become responsible corporate citizens. In particular, stakeholders are demanding more information about the deals these companies negotiate with the host governments of resource-rich nations, and there is general agreement about the need for industry commitment to transparency and the benefits that a mandatory disclosure regime would bring. This paper examines the production of one attempt to regulate disclosures related to payments between MRCs and the governments of nations with resource wealth: Section 1504 of the Dodd–Frank Act.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on Boltanski and Thévenot's (2006) Sociology of Worth, the authors examine the comment letters of participants in this process with a view to revealing how stakeholder groups produce justifications to promote their positions vis-à-vis transparency to regulators.

Findings

The authors show how justifications were mobilised by various constituents in an effort to shape the definition of transparency and the regulatory architecture that governs disclosure practices. In this case, the collective recognition of desirability of transparency enabled the SEC to suture together the views of constituents to create a shared understanding of the role of the common good as it relates to transparency.

Originality/value

This paper explores an alternative approach to the consideration of comment letters advanced during the process of disclosure-related rule-making. The authors show how a sophisticated regulator may be able to draw together elements stemming from different constituents in a way that appeals to a shared sense of the “common good” in order to produce Final Rules.
Reframing organizational change from a processual perspective
Authors: Guiette Alain , Vandenbempt Koen
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This article aims at reframing organizational change from a processual perspective to transcend the polarized tensions between planned and emergent approaches to change and to better align with the lived reality of practitioners. It informs the field of learning and development with fresh insights on how to broaden sensemaking repertoires of managers and employees in realizing organizational change.

Design/methodology/approach

To understand how change agents conceptualize organizational change at a conceptual level, this article relies on Heidegger’s three modes of being-in-the-world to identify three dominant conceptualizations of organizational change and subsequently theorizes on corresponding phenomenological qualities of sensemaking.

Findings

This article develops a theoretical scaffolding that posits the emergence of organizational change as dialectic process of three different conceptualizations of change, i.e. wayfinding logic, managerialistic logic and reflexive logic, that translate into three different phenomenological qualities of sensemaking, i.e. absorbed sensemaking, detached sensemaking and mindful sensemaking, respectively.

Practical implications

A processual reframing of organizational change informs learning and development scholars and practitioners in at least three ways: raising awareness of and probing underlying managerial assumptions of what change is and how change should be managed, training managers and employees to deal with sensemaking processes to effectively realize organizational change, and actively assist in developing a broader sensemaking repertoire to deal with the equivocality associated organizational change.

Originality/value

This processual reframing contributes to the sensemaking literature on organizational change by reframing change as a dialectic process of different underlying assumptions of change agents, and different qualities of sensemaking of change. It pinpoints to concrete actions that learning and development professionals can initiate to contribute to more effective change management practices.
MBA education: new insights on enablers of managerial performance
Authors: Chatterjee Debmallya , Poovathingal James
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Several authors have proposed various factors/enablers that enhance managerial performance of MBA students. However, there is little research on how to prioritise these enablers or how each enabler in the system of enablers influences each other. This paper aims to address this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper integrates the interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and Multiplication Appliquée á un Classement (MICMAC) techniques to arrive at the conclusions.

Findings

The “help achieve” power of each enabler, determined by ISM, is limited or accentuated by its “driving power and its dependence” determined by MICMAC. Out of the 14 enablers used in the study, this paper identifies five enablers that can enhance the performance of MBA students.

Research limitations/implications

When ISM and MICMAC are integrated, one can arrive at a better way to prioritise enablers in a system of enablers.

Practical implications

The implication of the study findings is that all stakeholders can now systematically prioritise the enablers that can lead to performance and also save resources during the process. A related implication is that this method can be used in a wide variety of situations.

Originality/value

This paper highlights how an integrated use of ISM-MICMAC can improve decision-making and resource optimisation.
From defining to measuring productivity: a coherent leadership strategy for effectiveness
Authors: Sookdeo Barnes
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This viewpoint aims to alert managers to the necessity of measuring productivity, gauging their performance and determining efficiency levels, as a coherent leadership strategy for organizational effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

This viewpoint is prepared by an independent writer who aims to add to the ongoing debate on the necessity for productivity measurement to ensure organizational effectiveness.

Findings

There is an old adage: “What you cannot measure, you cannot manage”. This viewpoint reports on the relationship between productivity measurement, skills development and competitiveness as a coherent strategy for effectiveness.

Practical implications

This viewpoint provides strategic insights and practical thinking to encourage managers to utilize resources to the optimal and to ensure the effectiveness of their organizations.

Originality/value

The viewpoint saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
Nitrogen mustard gel‐induced inflammation triggers lymphomatoid papulosis in patients with mycosis fungoides
Authors: Trager Megan H. , Chen Cynthia , Husain Sameera , Geskin Larisa J.
Published: February 2020

Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is a paraneoplastic primary cutaneous CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD) that has been associated with malignant lymphomas, most commonly mycosis fungoides (MF). We observed 10 patients with MF who developed severe inflammation after using nitrogen‐mustard (NM) gel from 1 to 8 months and who developed LyP. We hypothesized that NM gel produced local inflammation, which induced CD30 expression in malignant T cells in situ leading to the appearance of LyP papules. The high frequency of induction of LyP lesions in patients with severe inflammation while on treatment with NM gel suggests an association between inflammatory stimuli and development of LyP. Our observation provides insight into the pathogenesis of CD30+ LPD.
Oleanolic acid alleviates oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s disease by regulating stanniocalcin‐1 and uncoupling protein‐2 signalling
Authors: Guo Qiang , He Jianbo , Zhang Heng , Yao Li , Li Huiqi
Published: February 2020

Oxidative stress is thought to play an important role in the occurrence and development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and antioxidants may delay or even treat AD. Oleanolic acid (OA) exhibits antioxidant properties against many diseases. However, its effects on oxidative stress in AD remain unclear. Here, we explored the role and mechanism of action of OA in N2a/APP695swe cells exposed to oxidative stress. The cells were incubated with different concentrations of OA (0, 5, 8, 10, 15, and 25 μmol/L) for 24 hours. Higher concentrations of OA (10, 15, and 25 μmol/L) significantly suppressed the apoptosis, caspase‐3 activity, reactive oxygen species level, and β amyloid (Aβ) content and increased the viability of these cells. OA (10 μmol/L) also increased the expression of stanniocalcin‐1 (STC‐1) and uncoupling protein‐2 (UCP2) in N2a/APP695swe cells. STC‐1 interference markedly reversed the effect of OA on UCP2, indicating that OA may regulate UCP2 expression in N2a/APP695swe cells via STC‐1. Moreover, UCP2 inhibition significantly reversed the OA‐mediated effects on cell viability, caspase‐3 activity, reactive oxygen species, and Aβ level. Thus, OA regulates UCP2 expression via STC‐1 to alleviate oxidative stress and Aβ level in N2a/APP695swe cells.