bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MCC950, the NLRP3 Inhibitor, Protects against Cartilage Degradation in a Mouse Model of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Ni Bowei , Pei Wenbin , Qu Yunkun , Zhang Rui , Chu Xiangyu , Wang Yingguang , Huang Xiaojian , You Hongbo
Published: November 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA), characterized by chronic systemic low‐level inflammation and cartilage degeneration, is a type of arthritis closely associated with aging. Inflammation and aging play a pivotal role in the occurrence and progression of OA. NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in many inflammatory and aging diseases, and NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 has anti‐inflammatory and antisenescence effects on some diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. In the present study, we found that NLRP3 protein was upregulated in human and mouse OA cartilage. Moreover, NLRP3 and Caspase1 expression induced by IL‐1β in chondrocytes was blocked by MCC950. In addition, MCC950 inhibited the expression of inflammatory mediators, matrix‐degrading enzymes, senescence marker protein P16 (INK4A), and β‐galactosidase, as well as excessive production of ROS. Meanwhile, MCC950 promoted autophagy‐related protein expression and autophagy flux under the inflammatory condition. However, autophagy inhibitor 3‐MA reversed anti‐inflammatory and anticatabolic effects of MCC950. In in vivo experiments, intra‐articular administration of MCC950 further showed its protective effect on cartilage degeneration. Bioinformatic analysis and in vitro experimental results revealed that MCC950 might play a protective role in cartilage by regulating Nrf2/HO‐1/NQO1, PI3k/Akt/mTOR, P38/MAPK, and JNK/MAPK pathways. In conclusion, our work demonstrated that NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 might serve as a promising strategy for OA treatment.
Bit‐Error Aware Lossless Image Compression with 2D‐Layer‐Block Coding
Authors: Chen Jungan , Jiang Jean , Guo Xinnian , Tan Lizhe
Published: November 2021

With IoT development, it becomes more popular that image data is transmitted via wireless communication systems. If bit errors occur during transmission, the recovered image will become useless. To solve this problem, a bit‐error aware lossless image compression based on bi‐level coding is proposed for gray image compression. But bi‐level coding has not considered the inherent statistical correlation in 2D context region. To resolve this shortage, a novel variable‐size 2D‐block extraction and encoding method with built‐in bi‐level coding for color image is developed to decrease the entropy of information and improve the compression ratio. A lossless color transformation from RGB to the YCrCb color space is used for the decorrelation of color components. Particularly, the layer‐extraction method is proposed to keep the Laplacian distribution of the data in 2D blocks which is suitable for bi‐level coding. In addition, optimization of 2D‐block start bits is used to improve the performance. To evaluate the performance of our proposed method, many experiments including the comparison with state‐of‐the‐art methods, the effects with different color space, etc. are conducted. The comparison experiments under a bit‐error environment show that the average compression rate of our method is better than bi‐level, Jpeg2000, WebP, FLIF, and L3C (deep learning method) with hamming code. Also, our method achieves the same image quality with the bi‐level method. Other experiments illustrate the positive effect of built‐in bi‐level encoding and encoding with zero‐mean values, which can maintain high image quality. At last, the results of the decrease of entropy and the procedure of our method are given and discussed.
Behcet’s Disease: An In-Depth Review about Pathogenesis, Gastrointestinal Manifestations, and Management
Authors: Nguyen Anthony , Upadhyay Shubhra , Javaid Muhammad Ali , Qureshi Abdul Moiz , Haseeb Shahan , Javed Nismat , Cormier Christopher , Farooq Asif , Sheikh Abu Baker
Published: November 2021

Background: Behcet’s disease (BD) is a complex inflammatory vascular disorder that follows a relapsing-remitting course with diverse clinical manifestations. The prevalence of the disease varies throughout the globe and targets different age-groups. There are many variations of BD; however, intestinal BD is not only more common but has many signs and symptoms. Summary: BD is a relapsing-remitting inflammatory vascular disorder with multiple system involvement, affecting vessels of all types and sizes that targets young adults. The etiology of BD is unknown but many factors including genetic mechanisms, vascular changes, hypercoagulability, and dysregulation of immune function are believed to be responsible. BD usually presents with signs and symptoms of ulcerative disease of the small intestine; endoscopy being consistent with the clinical manifestations. The mainstay of treatment depends upon the severity of the disease. Corticosteroids are recommended for severe forms of the disease and aminosalicylic acids are used in maintaining remission in mild to moderate forms of the disease. Key Messages: In this review, we have tried to summarize in the present review the clinical manifestations, differential diagnoses, and management of intestinal BD. Hopefully, this review will enable health policymakers to ponder over establishing clear endpoints for treatment, surveillance investigations, and creating robust algorithms.
Covid-19, saúde e vulnerabilidade socioespacial na cidade de Vitória/ ES
Authors: Jorge Liziane de Oliveira , Pessotti Luciene
Published: November 2021

O presente trabalho analisa o comportamento e as consequências do novo coronavírus (COVID-19) na cidade de Vitória/ES, a partir da disponibilidade de dados públicos abertos sobre a doença, com ênfase no conteúdo e granularidade, com extração de indicadores que permitem estabelecer uma correlação socioespacial da enfermidade por bairros. Objetiva avaliar o processo de disseminação da doença no território desde o estágio inicial, bem como, as comorbidades da população contaminada e sua correlação com a localização. O trabalho extrai diretamente da planilha de dados abertos os microdados desejados, submete ao tratamento estatístico, e procede à criação de mapas georreferenciados com cruzamentos de informações oriundas de outras bases de dados. Estes dados são fundamentais para compreender a relação socioespacial da doença, como renda, saneamento, zoneamento urbano e educação alimentar e nutrição. O trabalho comprova as consequências da vulnerabilidade diante da relação assimétrica de saúde que afeta a população infectada pelo novo coronavírus. As mortes se situam predominantemente em áreas precárias, afetam indivíduos pobres, com a saúde debilitada e que historicamente habitam as áreas informais de Vitória sem direito à cidade.
Abstract MP265: The Role Of Phosphodiesterase 10a In Tumor Growth And Doxorubicin-induced Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Chen Si , Chen Jiawei , Shi Hangchuan , Mickelsen Deanne , Yan Chen
Published: November 2021

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs), through the degradation of cyclic nucleotides, play critical roles in cardiovascular biology and disease. PDE10A is able to hydrolyze both cAMP and cGMP. Its high expression in medium spiny neurons of the human striatum has led to the development of several PDE10A inhibitors with the intent to treat various psychiatric/neurodegenerative disorders, such as schizophrenia and Huntington’s disease. Our previous study has reported the upregulation of PDE10A expression in failing hearts and demonstrated the protective effects of PDE10A deficiency/inhibition against cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and dysfunction in mouse models of heart failure. Doxorubicin (DOX) is an effective chemotherapeutic agent against a variety of cancers. While its therapeutic utility is limited by the development of dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. In the current study, we aim to determine the role of PDE10A in cancer and cardiotoxicity induced by DOX. We found that PDE10A inhibition or deficiency alleviated DOX-induced cardiotoxicity
in vivo
, as well as cardiac myocyte (CM) death and atrophy
in vitro
. In ovarian cancer cells, PDE10A inhibition induced cell death and reduced cell proliferation; as well as potentiated the effect of DOX on antagonizing cancer cells. Interestingly, in nude mice with ovarian cancer xenografts, PDE10A inhibition attenuated ovarian tumor growth while protected DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. RNAseq and bioinformatics analysis uncovered a number of PDE10A-regulated signaling pathways and cellular processes involved in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Mechanistic studies further revealed that PDE10A regulates CM death and atrophy via different mechanistic actions: regulating CM death via a cGMP-dependent while cAMP-independent mechanism; and regulating CM atrophy via a mechanism dependent on both cGMP and cAMP. Several PDE10A inhibitors have been tested in humans and successfully passed phase I clinical trials for safety. Thus, our findings suggest that PDE10A may be a safe “druggable” target for cancer therapy by simultaneously preventing DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and antagonizing tumor growth.
Outcome Prediction Models for Endovascular Treatment of Ischemic Stroke: Systematic Review and External Validation
Authors: Kremers Femke , Venema Esmee , Duvekot Martijne , Yo Lonneke , Bokkers Reinoud , Lycklama À. Nijeholt Geert , van Es Adriaan , van der Lugt Aad , Majoie Charles , Burke James , Roozenbeek Bob , Lingsma Hester , Dippel Diederik ,   on behalf of the MR CLEAN Registry Investigators
Published: November 2021

Background and Purpose:

Prediction models for outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke who will undergo endovascular treatment have been developed to improve patient management. The aim of the current study is to provide an overview of preintervention models for functional outcome after endovascular treatment and to validate these models with data from daily clinical practice.

Methods:

We systematically searched within Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, to include prediction models. Models identified from the search were validated in the MR CLEAN (Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands) registry, which includes all patients treated with endovascular treatment within 6.5 hours after stroke onset in the Netherlands between March 2014 and November 2017. Predictive performance was evaluated according to discrimination (area under the curve) and calibration (slope and intercept of the calibration curve). Good functional outcome was defined as a score of 0–2 or 0–3 on the modified Rankin Scale depending on the model.

Results:

After screening 3468 publications, 19 models were included in this validation. Variables included in the models mainly addressed clinical and imaging characteristics at baseline. In the validation cohort of 3156 patients, discriminative performance ranged from 0.61 (SPAN-100 [Stroke Prognostication Using Age and NIH Stroke Scale]) to 0.80 (MR PREDICTS). Best-calibrated models were THRIVE (The Totaled Health Risks in Vascular Events; intercept −0.06 [95% CI, −0.14 to 0.02]; slope 0.84 [95% CI, 0.75–0.95]), THRIVE-c (intercept 0.08 [95% CI, −0.02 to 0.17]; slope 0.71 [95% CI, 0.65–0.77]), Stroke Checkerboard score (intercept −0.05 [95% CI, −0.13 to 0.03]; slope 0.97 [95% CI, 0.88–1.08]), and MR PREDICTS (intercept 0.43 [95% CI, 0.33–0.52]; slope 0.93 [95% CI, 0.85–1.01]).

Conclusions:

The THRIVE-c score and MR PREDICTS both showed a good combination of discrimination and calibration and were, therefore, superior in predicting functional outcome for patients with ischemic stroke after endovascular treatment within 6.5 hours. Since models used different predictors and several models had relatively good predictive performance, the decision on which model to use in practice may also depend on simplicity of the model, data availability, and the comparability of the population and setting.
Psychological and Physiological Responses to Different Views through a Window in Apartment Complexes
Authors: Jeon Seong Min , Kang Minji , Kim Su Jin , Kim Yong Jin , Choi Hyo Bhin , Lee Juyoung
Published: November 2021

Background and objective With increasing land use intensity in urban areas, apartment buildings have been recognized as a typical type of urban residence. In this study, the impacts of different views through a window on health-related responses were investigated using psychological and physiological parameters. Methods Photos of three different types of views taken on low (2–12 m), middle (28–35 m), and high (over 54 m) floors of dense apartment building areas were used as visual stimuli. Twenty-two healthy adults participated in the indoor experiment. Semantic differential methods and profile of mood states were used as psychological tools. Autonomic nervous activity was evaluated using blood pressures, pulse rate and heart rate variability (HRV). Results Analytic data showed different characteristics of psychological and physiological outcomes in three different apartment views. In the analysis of psychological parameters, significantly negative responses to the views on middle floors were found in the subscales of tension-anxiety and anger-hostility, compared to low floors. Significantly positive scores in the subscale of vigor were found on low floors with abundance of vegetation and high floors with a view of the sky. A significantly increased value of HF was found on low floors (2,294.96 ± 169.79), compared to the middle(1,553.45 ± 84.66) and high (1,523.02 ± 70.49) floors. Despite the high scores in openness and vigor, high floor views showed significantly higher LF/HF values (1.83 ± 0.09), the indicator of the sympathetic nervous system, than low (1.30 ± 0.07) and middle floor views (1.34 ± 0.06), which might be related to the unconscious fear of heights. Conclusion Views from different heights in an apartment building can affect the psychological states of residents. Green space through the window may have a positive health outcome by reducing physiological stress.
Tocharian B agent nouns in -ntsa and their origin
Authors: Friis Louise S.
Published: November 2021

The agent noun suffix in -ntsa belongs to a complex of Tocharian B agent noun formations, similar in form, function, and inflection. Of these, two suffixes are widely believed to be related to -ntsa: the productive agent noun in -ñca and the lexicalised agent noun in -nta. The suffix -ntsa forms occupational titles to eleven verbs in Tocharian B and can be reconstructed for Proto-Tocharian through comparison with Tocharian A. In this paper, it is argued that the suffix originated in the feminine of the PIE active participle in *-nt. This is substantiated by the fact that several ntsa-nouns refer to primarily female professions, as well as the existence of the relic forms Bpreṃtsa ‘pregnant’ and Blāntsa ‘queen’. Furthermore, it is proposed that the masculine is reflected in the suffixes -ñca and -nta and that the disintegration of gendered inflection in the participle led to its development into several agent noun formations.
First records of the Oriental Eurhadina (Singhardina) robusta species group from China with descriptions of five new species (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae)
Authors: ZHOU JUAN , ZHANG YALIN , HUANG MIN
Published: November 2021

Five new species, Eurhadina (Singhardina) dissimilis, E. (S.) flatilis, E. (S.) fumosa, E. (S.) furca and E. (S.) immatura spp. nov., and two new records, E. (S.) krispinilla rec. nov., E. (S.) pookiewica rec. nov. of the leafhopper subgenus Eurhadina (Singhardina) Mahmood from China are described and illustrated and a key to all members of the E. (S.) robusta species group is provided.
Indo-Pacific Warming Induced by a Weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation
Authors: Sun Shantong , Thompson Andrew F. , Xie Shang-Ping , Long Shang-Min
Published: November 2021

The reorganization of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) is often associated with changes in Earth’s climate. These AMOC changes are communicated to the Indo-Pacific basins via wave processes and induce an overturning circulation anomaly that opposes the Atlantic changes on decadal to centennial time scales. We examine the role of this transient, interbasin overturning response, driven by an AMOC weakening, both in an ocean-only model with idealized geometry and in a coupled CO2 quadrupling experiment, in which the ocean warms on two distinct time scales: a fast decadal surface warming and a slow centennial subsurface warming. We show that the transient interbasin overturning produces a zonal heat redistribution between the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific basins. Following a weakened AMOC, an anomalous northward heat transport emerges in the Indo-Pacific, which substantially compensates for the Atlantic southward heat transport anomaly. This zonal heat redistribution manifests as a thermal interbasin seesaw between the high-latitude North Atlantic and the subsurface Indo-Pacific and helps to explain why Antarctic temperature records generally show more gradual changes than the Northern Hemisphere during the last glacial period. In the coupled CO2 quadrupling experiment, we find that the interbasin heat transport due to a weakened AMOC contributes substantially to the slow centennial subsurface warming in the Indo-Pacific, accounting for more than half of the heat content increase and sea level rise. Thus, our results suggest that the transient interbasin overturning circulation is a key component of the global ocean heat budget in a changing climate.
Break Events of the Western North Pacific Summer Monsoon during 1979–2018
Authors: Xu Ke , Lu Riyu
Published: November 2021

The monsoon break is a typical phenomenon representing the monsoon’s subseasonal variability, but our understanding of it is still limited for the western North Pacific (WNP) area. This study identifies all break events of the WNP summer monsoon (WNPSM) from 1979 to 2018. The statistical analysis suggests that break events occur from late June to late October and peak at the end of August. The occurrence frequency of break events decreases as the duration increases, with 74% of events persisting for 3–7 days and merely 26% lasting longer (8–15 days). During the break period, which is characterized by significant suppression of convection, there is an extensive anticyclonic anomaly in the lower troposphere, corresponding to a notable westward retreat of the monsoon trough and a southwestward shift of the subtropical high. Meanwhile, an anomalous cyclone and convergence in the upper troposphere are also conducive to inhibiting convection. The composite results indicate that both 10–25- and 30–60-day oscillations contribute to the break, with their dry phases explaining 49.6% and 37.5% of the original suppression of convection, respectively. Around the break, the phase alternation of the 10–25-day oscillation causes convection fluctuation, while the 30–60-day oscillation maintains a stable dry phase that favors the establishment and maintenance of the break. A further case-by-case diagnosis suggests that 46 (51) out of the 61 break events occur in dry phases of the 10–25-day (30–60-day) oscillation, whereas only 10 (4) events occur in wet phases, indicating that the phase of the two oscillations significantly modulates the occurrence of the monsoon break.
Preventive antibiotic therapy in acute stroke patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Westendorp Willeke F , Vermeij Jan-Dirk , Smith Craig J , Kishore Amit K , Hodsoll John , Kalra Lalit , Meisel Andreas , Chamorro Angel , Chang Jason J , Rezaei Yousef , Amiri-Nikpour Mohammad R , DeFalco Fabrizio A , Switzer Jeffrey A , Blacker David J , Dijkgraaf Marcel GW , Nederkoorn Paul J , van de Beek Diederik
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Infection after stroke is associated with unfavorable outcome. Randomized controlled studies did not show benefit of preventive antibiotics in stroke but lacked power for subgroup analyses. Aim of this study is to assess whether preventive antibiotic therapy after stroke improves functional outcome for specific patient groups in an individual patient data meta-analysis.

Patients and methods

We searched MEDLINE (1946–7 May 2021), Embase (1947–7 May 2021), CENTRAL (17th September 2021), trial registries, cross-checked references and contacted researchers for randomized controlled trials of preventive antibiotic therapy versus placebo or standard care in ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke patients. Meta-analysis was performed by a one-step and two-step approach. Primary outcome was functional outcome adjusted for age and stroke severity. Secondary outcomes were infections and mortality.

Results

4197 patients from nine trials were included. Preventive antibiotic therapy was not associated with a shift in functional outcome (mRS) at 3 months (OR1.13, 95%CI 0.98–1.31) or unfavorable functional outcome (mRS 3–6) (OR0.85, 95%CI 0.60–1.19). Preventive antibiotics did not improve functional outcome in pre-defined subgroups (age, stroke severity, timing and type of antibiotic therapy, pneumonia prediction scores, dysphagia, type of stroke, and type of trial). Preventive antibiotics reduced infections (276/2066 (13.4%) in the preventive antibiotic group vs. 417/2059 (20.3%) in the control group, OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.51–0.71, p < 0.001), but not pneumonia (191/2066 (9.2%) in the preventive antibiotic group vs. 205/2061 (9.9%) in the control group (OR 0.92 (0.75–1.14), p = 0.450).

Discussion and conclusion

Preventive antibiotic therapy did not benefit any subgroup of patients with acute stroke and currently cannot be recommended.
Cytotoxic, apoptotic, and genetic evaluations of Nigella sativa essential oil nanoemulsion against human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Abd-Rabou Ahmed A. , Edris Amr E.
Published: November 2021

Background

Phytochemicals and plant extracts are showing promising anticancer potentials. In the current study, the volatile faction (essential oil) of Nigella sativa seeds was evaluated against some hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The essential oil was extracted and characterized by chromatographic techniques to reveal its chemical composition, especially thymoquinone. Then, the oil was fabricated in two nanoemulsion formulations (F1 and F2), which differ in their composition of surfactants. The cytotoxicity and apoptotic activities of the essential oil and its nanoemulsions were evaluated in vitro against HepG2 and Huh-7 cell lines. Normal WI-38 cell line was also included in that evaluation to study the selectivity and safety of the different formulations on normal cells.

Results

Gas chromatographic analysis indicated that the essential oil is composed mainly of p-cymene (40.0%), thymoquinone (31.2%) and trans-α-thujene (12.8%). Particle size of the nanoemulsions ranged between 9.4 and 119.7 nm depending on the type of surfactant used in the formulation process. The pure essential oil and its two nanoemulsions (F1 and F2) showed dose-dependent antiproliferative activity against both HCC cells. This activity reached its highest cell inhibition in the case of nanoemulsion (F2) where the proliferation percentage was only 21.9% and 9.2% against HepG2 and Huh-7 cells, respectively. The same nanoemulsion (F2) also showed the lowest IC50 values (55.7 and 35.5 µg/ml) against both HepG2 and Huh-7 cells, respectively, compared to 100 µg/ml for the reference drug Doxorubicin. Flow cytometric analysis also confirmed that nanoemulsion (F2) has the highest apoptotic activity compared to nanoemulsion (F1) and the pure unformulated essential oil. Genetic expressions of pro-apoptotic (Bax) and the anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) gene markers evaluation revealed that nanoemulsion (F2) has better activity in upregulating (Bax) and down-regulate (Bcl-2) with the highest Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (69) was found against Huh-7 cells. All N. sativa nanoemulsions showed minimal cytotoxicity on the normal WI-38 cell, indicating wide safety margins due to selective properties.

Conclusion

Overall, the study revealed the potentials of N. sativa essential oil, after formulation in specially tailored nanoemulsion for application as potential adjuvant liver anticancer agent.

Graphical Abstract
Association of decreased triadin expression level with apoptosis of dopaminergic cells in Parkinson’s disease mouse model
Authors: Seo Min Hyung , Lim Sabina , Yeo Sujung
Published: November 2021

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) represent a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) of the midbrain. However, its cause remains unknown and Triadin (TRDN) function in the brain is also unknown. To examine the relationship between TRDN and PD, the expression levels of protein related to PD in TRDN knockdown status were studied in the SH-SY5Y cells. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed to examine the apoptosis effect on dopaminergic cells by decreased TRDN, and the levels of the proteins related to apoptosis were also confirmed.

Results

This study confirmed decreased TRDN expression level (P < 0.005) at the SN in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced PD mouse model and identified the functional features of TRDN. Our results showed a relationship between TRDN expression and PD in that reduced TRDN level induced PD-like characteristics. Interestingly, there was TRDN expression in the regions where dopaminergic cells are in the SN, and the expression patterns of TRDN and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) were similar. Decreased TRDN level also induced apoptotic characteristics and the Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis results showed that apoptosis increased (P < 0.05) as the TRDN small interfering RNA concentration increased. The cytotoxicity assay revealed that cell viability also decreased (P < 0.0005) in the same condition as that in the Fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis.

Conclusions

Decreased TRDN level could be related with the apoptotic death of dopaminergic cells at the SN in PD, and TRDN administration could give a positive effect on PD by reducing apoptotic cell death.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of coleorhiza development in japonica and Indica rice
Authors: Song Tao , Das Debatosh , Ye Neng-Hui , Wang Guan-Qun , Zhu Fu-Yuan , Chen Mo-Xian , Yang Feng , Zhang Jian-Hua
Published: November 2021

Background

Coleorhiza hairs, are sheath-like outgrowth organs in the seeds of Poaceae family that look like root hair but develop from the coleorhiza epidermal cells during seed imbibition. The major role of coleorhiza hair in seed germination involves facilitating water uptake and nutrient supply for seed germination. However, molecular basis of coleorhiza hair development and underlying genes and metabolic pathways during seed germination are largely unknown and need to be established.

Results

In this study, a comparative transcriptome analysis of coleorhiza hairs from japonica and indica rice suggested that DEGs in embryo samples from seeds with embryo in air (EIA) as compared to embryo from seeds completely covered by water (CBW) were enriched in water deprivation, abscisic acid (ABA) and auxin metabolism, carbohydrate catabolism and phosphorus metabolism in coleorhiza hairs in both cultivars. Up-regulation of key metabolic genes in ABA, auxin and dehydrin and aquaporin genes may help maintain the basic development of coleorhiza hair in japonica and indica in EIA samples during both early and late stages. Additionally, DEGs involved in glutathione metabolism and carbon metabolism are upregulated while DEGs involved in amino acid and nucleotide sugar metabolism are downregulated in EIA suggesting induction of oxidative stress-alleviating genes and less priority to primary metabolism.

Conclusions

Taken together, results in this study could provide novel aspects about the molecular signaling that could be involved in coleorhiza hair development in different types of rice cultivars during seed germination and may give some hints for breeders to improve seed germination efficiency under moderate drought conditions.
Anatomical dimensions of the lumbar dural sac predict the sensory block level of continuous epidural analgesia during labor
Authors: Xu Chen-yang , Liu Can , Jin Xiao-ju , Yang Fan , Xu Fang , Qian Wan-Di , Guo Wen-jun
Published: November 2021

Background

The anatomical dimensions of the lumbar dural sac determine the sensory block level of spinal anesthesia; however, whether they show the same predictive value during continuous epidural anesthesia (CEA) remains undetermined. We designed the present study to verify the efficacy of the anatomical dimensions of the lumbar dural sac in predicting the sensory block level during labor analgesia.

Methods

A total of 122 parturients with singleton pregnancies requesting labor analgesia were included in this study. The lumbar dural sac diameter (DSD), lumbar dural sac length (DSL), lumbar dural sac surface area (DSA), and lumbar dural sac volume (DSV) were measured with an ultrasound color Doppler diagnostic apparatus. CEA was performed at the L2-L3 interspace. After epidural cannulation, an electronic infusion pump containing 0.08% ropivacaine and sufentanil 0.4 μg/ml was connected. The sensory block level was determined with alcohol-soaked cotton, a cotton swab, and a pinprick. The analgesic efficacy of CEA was determined with a visual analog scale (VAS). The parturients were divided into two groups, “ideal analgesia” and “nonideal analgesia,” and the groups were compared by t test. Pearson’s correlation was performed to evaluate the association between the anatomical dimensions of the lumbar dural sac and sensory block level. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to create a model for predicting the sensory block level.

Results

In the ideal analgesia group, the height, DSL, DSA, DSV and DSD were significantly smaller, and the body mass index (BMI) was significantly larger (P < 0.05). In addition, the DSL demonstrated the strongest correlation with the peak level of pain block (r = − 0.816, P < 0.0001; Fig. 2A), temperature block (r = − 0.874, P < 0.0001; Fig. 3A) and tactile block (r = − 0.727, P < 0.0001; Fig. 4A). Finally, the multiple linear regression analysis revealed that DSL and BMI contributed to predicting the peak sensory block level.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study shows that the sensory block level of CEA is higher when the DSL, DSA, DSV and DSD of puerperae are lower. DSL and BMI can be treated as predictors of the peak sensory block level in CEA during labor analgesia.
Impact of functional capacity on change in self-rated health among older adults in a nine-year longitudinal study
Authors: Borim Flávia Silva Arbex , de Assumpção Daniela , Neri Anita Liberalesso , Batistoni Samila Sathler Tavares , Francisco Priscila Maria Stolses Bergamo , Yassuda Monica Sanches
Published: November 2021

The aims of the present study were to estimate the frequency of change in self-rated health (SRH) among community-dwelling older adults, between two measures taken at a 9-year interval; and determine factors associated with a decline and an improvement in SRH, in relation to aspects of physical/emotional health and subjective wellbeing. Data were derived from a community-based study on frailty among Brazilian elderly. Associations were investigated using Pearson’s chi-square test and relative risk ratios were estimated using multinomial logistic regression analysis. 39.3% of participants did not change their SRH at both assessment times, 21.7% rated it as worse and 39.0% rated it as better. The relative risk ratio of an improvement in SRH for individuals with disability in basic activities of daily living (ADLs) was lower than for individuals with independence in basic ADLs (IRR=0.22; IC95%: 0.08-0.63). Understanding the complex interactions between self-rated health and the dimensions that influence the improvement of health perception may shed light on key determinants of the wellbeing among older adults.
Late complications of biliopancreatic diversion in an older patient: a case report
Authors: Steenackers Nele , Brouwers Elien , Mertens Ann , Van Cleynenbreugel Simon , Lannoo Matthias , Flamaing Johan , Fagard Katleen
Published: November 2021

Background

In the mid-seventies, biliopancreatic diversion became popular as weight-loss surgery procedure. This bariatric procedure combines distal gastric resection and intestinal malabsorption, leading to greater weight loss and improvement of co-morbidities than other bariatric procedures. Nowadays, biliopancreatic diversion has become obsolete due to the high risk of nutritional complications. However, current patients with biliopancreatic diversions are aging. Consequently, geriatricians and general practitioners will encounter them more often and will be faced with the consequences of late complications.

Case presentation

A 74-year old female presented with weakness, recurrent falls, confusion, episodes of irresponsiveness, anorexia and weight loss. Her medical history included osteoporosis, herpes encephalitis 8 years prior and a biliopancreatic diversion (Scopinaro surgery) at age 52. Cerebral imaging showed herpes sequelae without major atrophy. Delirium was diagnosed with underlying nutritional deficiencies. Biochemical screening indicated vitamin A deficiency, vitamin E deficiency, zinc deficiency and severe hypoalbuminemia. While thiamin level and fasting blood glucose were normal. However, postprandial hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia was observed with concomitant signs of confusion and blurred consciousness. After initiating parenteral nutrition with additional micronutrient supplementation, a marked improvement was observed in cognitive and physical functioning.

Conclusions

Long-term effects of biliopancreatic diversion remain relatively underreported in older patients. However, the anatomical and physiological changes of the gastrointestinal tract can contribute to the development of metabolic and nutritional complications that may culminate in cognitive impairment, functional decline and delirium. Therefore, it is warranted to evaluate the presence of metabolic disturbances and nutritional complications in older patients after biliopancreatic diversion.
Biometric covariates and outcome in COVID-19 patients: are we looking close enough?
Authors: Sharafutdinov Konstantin , Fritsch Sebastian Johannes , Marx Gernot , Bickenbach Johannes , Schuppert Andreas
Published: November 2021

Background

The impact of biometric covariates on risk for adverse outcomes of COVID-19 disease was assessed by numerous observational studies on unstratified cohorts, which show great heterogeneity. However, multilevel evaluations to find possible complex, e.g. non-monotonic multi-variate patterns reflecting mutual interference of parameters are missing. We used a more detailed, computational analysis to investigate the influence of biometric differences on mortality and disease evolution among severely ill COVID-19 patients.

Methods

We analyzed a group of COVID-19 patients requiring Intensive care unit (ICU) treatment. For further analysis, the study group was segmented into six subgroups according to Body mass index (BMI) and age. To link the BMI/age derived subgroups with risk factors, we performed an enrichment analysis of diagnostic parameters and comorbidities. To suppress spurious patterns, multiple segmentations were analyzed and integrated into a consensus score for each analysis step.

Results

We analyzed 81 COVID-19 patients, of whom 67 required mechanical ventilation (MV). Mean mortality was 35.8%. We found a complex, non-monotonic interaction between age, BMI and mortality. A subcohort of patients with younger age and intermediate BMI exhibited a strongly reduced mortality risk (p < 0.001), while differences in all other groups were not significant. Univariate impacts of BMI or age on mortality were missing. Comparing MV with non-MV patients, we found an enrichment of baseline CRP, PCT and D-Dimers within the MV group, but not when comparing survivors vs. non-survivors within the MV patient group.

Conclusions

The aim of this study was to get a more detailed insight into the influence of biometric covariates on the outcome of COVID-19 patients with high degree of severity. We found that survival in MV is affected by complex interactions of covariates differing to the reported covariates, which are hidden in generic, non-stratified studies on risk factors. Hence, our study suggests that a detailed, multivariate pattern analysis on larger patient cohorts reflecting the specific disease stages might reveal more specific patterns of risk factors supporting individually adapted treatment strategies.
Differential impacts of ridesharing on alcohol-related crashes by socioeconomic municipalities: rate of technology adoption matters
Authors: Blazquez Carola , Laurent José Guillermo Cedeño , Nazif-Munoz José Ignacio
Published: November 2021

Background

An emergent group of studies have examined the extent under which ridesharing may decrease alcohol-related crashes in countries such as United States, United Kingdom, Brazil, and Chile. Virtually all existent studies have assumed that ridesharing is equally distributed across socioeconomic groups, potentially masking differences across them. We contribute to this literature by studying how socioeconomic status at the municipal level impacts Uber’s effect on alcohol-related crashes.

Methods

We use data provided by Chile’s Road Safety Commission considering all alcohol-related crashes, and fatal and severe alcohol-related injuries that occurred between January 2013 and September 2013 (before Uber) and January and September 2014 (with Uber) in Santiago. We first apply spatial autocorrelation techniques to examine the level of spatial dependence between the location of alcohol-related crashes with and without Uber. We then apply random-effects meta-analysis to obtain risk ratios of alcohol-related crashes by considering socioeconomic municipality differences before and after the introduction of Uber.

Results

In both analyses, we find that the first 9 months of Uber in Santiago is associated with significant rate ratio decreases (RR = 0.71 [95% Confidence Interval (C.I.) 0.56, 0.89]) in high socioeconomic municipalities in all alcohol-related crashes and null (RR = 1.10 [95% C.I. 0.97, 1.23]) increases in low socioeconomic municipalities. No concomitant associations were observed in fatal alcohol-related crashes regardless of the socioeconomic municipality group.

Conclusions

One interpretation for the decline in alcohol-related crashes in high socioeconomic municipalities is that Uber may be a substitute form of transport for those individuals who have access to credit cards, and thus, could afford to pay for this service at the time they have consumed alcohol. Slight increases of alcohol-related crashes in low socioeconomic municipalities should be studied further since this could be related to different phenomena such as increases in alcohol sales and consumption, less access to the provision of public transport services in these jurisdictions, or biases in police reports.
Parental support and monitoring as associated with adolescent alcohol and tobacco use by gender and age
Authors: Mills Rosalina , Mann Michael J. , Smith Megan L. , Kristjansson Alfgeir L.
Published: November 2021

Background

Parental support (PS) and parental monitoring (PM) are known protective factors against adolescent substance use (SU). However, little is known about whether PS and PM may affect SU outcomes differently by gender and age. This study examined the relationship between PS and PM and adolescent SU, specifically alcohol and tobacco use, stratified by gender and age group.

Methods

Middle and high school students (n = 2351, 48.5% Female) completed surveys of self-reported SU, perceived PS and PM, and socioeconomic background. Age group was defined dichotomously as grade 7–8 Middle school and grade 9–10 High school students. PS and PM were each measured using previously validated tools. SU was measured by lifetime and past 30 days cigarette/alcohol use. One-way ANOVA and binary logistic regression models were completed. Odds ratios and means were reported.

Results

PS and PM were significantly and negatively related to all outcome variables regardless of gender and age group. Mean differences in PS and PM were insignificant between age groups. Between genders, PM scores were significantly higher for girls (14.05) compared to boys (13.48) (p < 0.01). Odds Ratios of all four SU types (for alcohol and tobacco use) increased with higher age group, with ORs ranging from 1.45–2.61 (p < .05).

Conclusions

PS and PM were protective against SU for all participants, consistent with previous literature. Girls reported greater parental monitoring than boys, irrespective of age-group. While girls experienced higher levels of monitoring, they did not report lower SU than boys. This suggests that monitoring girls more closely than boys appears unnecessary in preventing adolescent SU. Finally, PS was a more significant factor in preventing SU for older adolescents (high school aged group) than for younger adolescents, irrespective of gender suggesting that PS may be more impactful and important as adolescents age. As children mature, particularly from middle school to high school, PS may play a larger role in preventing SU for older adolescents compared to younger ones.
Multilevel calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition in cervical ligamentum flavum: clinical characteristics and imaging features
Authors: Lu Yueh-Hsiu , Lin Hsi-Hsien , Chen Hsuan-Ying , Chou Po-Hsin , Wang Shih-Tien , Liu Chien-Lin , Chang Ming-Chau
Published: November 2021

Background

Involvement in cervical ligamentum flavum is a rare manifestation of the calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition disease. Only few cases of this condition have been reported. We revealed eighteen cases of CPPD in cervical ligamentum flavum that diagnosed at a single medical center. In our case series, clinical characteristics and magnetic resonance imaging findings of patients are described.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts and imaging studies of the eighteen patients with pseudogout attack of the cervical ligamentum flavum. In addition, we discussed the differences between this disease and ossification of ligamentum flavum in image manifestations.

Results

There were fourteen men and four women aged between 59 and 87 years. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension were the most common comorbidities. Myelopathy and neck pain were presented in most patients. C4–5 and C5–6 were attacked most frequently, and multiple- rather than single-level involvement could be observed in our series. “Acute on chronic phenomenon” was a specific magnetic resonance image finding in patients whose symptom durations were between 2 to 5 months. Compared to ossification of ligamentum flavum, calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition had different image signs, including morphology, side of the involved ligament, no continuity with the lamina, acute on chronic phenomenon, and presence of retro-odontoid mass.

Conclusions

Nodular calcifications in cervical ligamentum flavum raise highly suspicion for calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition and must be diagnosed by histological examination and polarized light microscopy. This disease is different from ossification of ligamentum flavum, and it could be recognized by specific image features.
Persistent hypercalcemia with similar familial Hypocalciuric hypercalcemia features: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zahedi Maryam , Hizomi Arani Reyhane , Rafati Maryam , Amouzegar Atieh , Hadaegh Farzad
Published: November 2021

Background

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) are the most important differential diagnosis of parathyroid hormone (PTH)-dependent hypercalcemia. The clinical features of FHH and PHPT can overlap in some cases. Therefore, these two diseases must be differentiated to prevent unnecessary parathyroidectomy. Here, we present a case that was not entirely matched with any of the known differential diagnoses of hypercalcemia.

Case presentation

A 19-year-old girl with no history of any disease presented with persistent hypercalcemia without any specific musculoskeletal complaint. We found persistent hypercalcemia in her routine laboratory data from 3 years ago; while no data was available during the childhood period. Her dietary calcium intake was normal. She did not mention any history of renal stone, bone fracture as well as family history of hypercalcemia. Biochemical features showed normal values of serum creatinine, high normal serum calcium (range, 10.3–11.3 mg/dL; (normal range: 8.8–10.4)), and non-suppressed PTH levels (range, 37.2–58.1 pg/mL; (normal range: 10–65)). Serum 25 OH vitamin D level at the first visit was 16.1 ng/mL that treated by vitamin D supplementation. Since then, all 25 OH vitamin D levels were in the acceptable range. After correction of vitamin D deficiency during the follow-up period the calcium creatinine clearance ratio(s) (CCCR) were calculated in the range of 0.009 to 0.014 (means below 1%). The clinical and laboratory data indicate more FHH rather than PHPT. Genetic studies were negative for the common genes associated with FHH (CASR, GNA11, and AP2S1 genes) and multiple endocrine neoplasia type1 (MEN1). On the other hand, no evidence of autoimmunity was found in her to support an autoimmune FHH-like syndrome. Hence, the case did not match completely to any diagnosis of FHH and PHPT, so we decided to follow her.

Conclusion

We presented a patient with FHH phenotype whose common genetic tests were negative. Further research is needed to ascertain other causes leading to similar manifestations.
How is patient activation related to healthcare service utilisation? Evidence from electronic patient records in England
Authors: Bu Feifei , Fancourt Daisy
Published: November 2021

Background

There is increasing awareness of the importance of patient activation (knowledge, skills, and confidence for managing one’s health and health care) among clinicians and policy makers, with emerging evidence showing higher levels of patient activation are associated with better health outcomes and experiences of health care. This study aimed to examine the association between patient activation and a wide range of specific types of healthcare service utilisation in England, including GP and non-GP primary care, elective and emergency hospital admissions, outpatient visits, and attendances at the Accident and Emergency department.

Methods

Data were derived from linked electronic patient records collected by primary and secondary healthcare providers in North West London between January 2016 and November 2019. Our analyses focused on adults (18+) with a valid Patient Activation Measure (PAM). After excluding patients with missing data, we had an analytical sample of 15,877 patients. Data were analysed using negative binomial regression and logistic regression models depending on the outcome variable.

Results

Patients had a mean activation score of 55.1 and a standard deviation (SD) of 17.7 (range: 0–100). They had an average of 5.4 GP visits (SD = 8.0), 26.8 non-GP visits (SD = 23.4) and 6.0 outpatient attendances (SD = 7.9) within a one-year follow-up. About 24.7% patients had at least one elective admission, 24.2% had one or more emergency admissions, and 42.3% had one or more A&E attendance within the follow-up. After accounting for a number of demographic and health factors, we found a linear (or proximately linear) association between patient activation and the number of GP visits, emergency admissions and A&E attendance, but a non-linear relationship between patient activation and the number of non-GP visits, the number of outpatient attendance and elective inpatient admission.

Conclusions

This study has provided strong empirical evidence from England linking patient activation with healthcare service utilisation. It suggests the value of supporting patient activation as a potential pathway to ease the burden of healthcare system.