bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of clean birthing practices in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review
Authors: Esteves Mills Joanna , Flynn Erin , Cumming Oliver , Dreibelbis Robert
Published: May 2020

Background

Infection is a leading cause of maternal and newborn mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Clean birthing practices are fundamental to infection prevention efforts, but these are inadequate in LMIC. This scoping study reviews the literature on studies that describe determinants of clean birthing practices of healthcare workers or mothers during the perinatal period in LMIC.

Methods

We reviewed literature published between January 2000 and February 2018 providing information on behaviour change interventions, behaviours or behavioural determinants during the perinatal period in LMIC. Following a multi-stage screening process, we extracted key data manually from studies. We mapped identified determinants according to the COM-B behavioural framework, which posits that behaviour is shaped by three categories of determinants – capability, opportunity and motivation.

Results

Seventy-eight studies were included in the review: 47 observational studies and 31 studies evaluating an intervention. 51% had a household or community focus, 28% had a healthcare facility focus and 21% focused on both. We identified 31 determinants of clean birthing practices. Determinants related to clean birthing practices as a generalised set of behaviours featured in 50 studies; determinants related specifically to one or more of six predefined behaviours – commonly referred to as “the six cleans” – featured in 31 studies. Determinants of hand hygiene (n = 13) and clean cord care (n = 11) were most commonly reported. Reported determinants across all studies clustered around psychological capability (knowledge) and physical opportunity (access to resources). However, greater heterogeneity in reported behavioural determinants was found across studies investigating specific clean birthing practices compared to those studying clean birthing as a generalised set of behaviours.

Conclusions

Efforts to combine clean birthing practices into a single suite of behaviours – such as the “six cleans”– may simplify policy and advocacy efforts. However, each clean practice has a unique set of determinants and understanding what drives or hinders the adoption of these individual practices is critical to designing more effective interventions to improve hygiene behaviours and neonatal and maternal health outcomes in LMIC. Current understanding in this regard remains limited. More theory-grounded formative research is required to understand motivators and social influences across different contexts.
Septoplasty versus non-surgical management for nasal obstruction in adults with a deviated septum: economic evaluation alongside a randomized controlled trial
Authors: van Egmond M. M. H. T. , Grutters J. P. C. , Hannink G. , van Heerbeek N. , Rovers M. M.
Published: May 2020

Background

For years, the benefits of septoplasty have been questioned. Due to the scarce and inconclusive literature, several National Health Service (NHS) Clinical Commissioning Groups in England decided to add septal surgery to their list of restricted procedures with low clinical value. Recently, evidence was obtained that septoplasty is actually more effective than non-surgical management for nasal obstruction in adults with a deviated septum. However, the relation between costs and effects of septoplasty remains unknown.

Methods

We conducted an economic evaluation alongside an open, multicenter, pragmatic randomized controlled trial in two tertiary and 16 secondary referral hospitals in the Netherlands. Adults with nasal obstruction and a deviated septum were randomized to (1) septoplasty with or without concurrent turbinate surgery or (2) non-surgical management consisting of (a combination of) medical treatment and watchful waiting. Analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis. Single imputation nested in the bootstrap percentile method (using 5000 bootstrap replications) was performed to assess the effect of missing data. After 12 and 24 months, we assessed the incremental costs per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained from a healthcare and a societal perspective.

Results

A total of 203 adults were randomly assigned to septoplasty (N = 102) or non-surgical management (N = 101). After 12 months, the mean cost difference between septoplasty and non-surgical management using a healthcare or societal perspective was €1181 (95%CI €1038 to €1323) or €2192 per patient (95%CI €1714 to €2670), respectively. The mean QALY difference was 0.03 per patient (95%CI − 0.01 to 0.07). Incremental costs per QALY gained from a healthcare or societal perspective were €41,763 or €77,525, respectively. After 24 months, the mean cost difference between the two groups using a healthcare or societal perspective decreased to €936 (95%CI €719 to €1153) or €1671 per patient (95%CI €952 to €2390), respectively. The mean QALY difference increased to 0.05 per patient (95%CI − 0.03 to 0.14). Incremental costs per QALY gained from a healthcare or societal perspective became €17,374 or €31,024, respectively. Analyses of imputed data did not alter our findings.

Conclusions

Depending on the selected perspective, cost-effectiveness threshold, and time horizon, septoplasty has the potential to be cost-effective. Despite considerable uncertainty, septoplasty seems to be cost-effective from a healthcare perspective, after 24 months against a threshold of €20,000 per QALY. From a societal perspective, septoplasty is not yet cost-effective after 24 months, but it comes closer to the cost-effectiveness threshold as time passes by.

Trial registration

Nederlands Trial Register, NTR3868 (https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/3698). Prospectively registered on February 21, 2013.
Heme metabolism genes Downregulated in COPD Cachexia
Authors: Wilson Ava C. , Kumar Preeti L. , Lee Sool , Parker Margaret M. , Arora Itika , Morrow Jarrett D. , Wouters Emiel F. M. , Casaburi Richard , Rennard Stephen I. , Lomas David A. , Agusti Alvar , Tal-Singer Ruth , Dransfield Mark T. , Wells J. Michael , Bhatt Surya P. , Washko George , Thannickal Victor J. , Tiwari Hemant K. , Hersh Craig P. , Castaldi Peter J. , Silverman Edwin K. , McDonald Merry-Lynn N.
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Cachexia contributes to increased mortality and reduced quality of life in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and may be associated with underlying gene expression changes. Our goal was to identify differential gene expression signatures associated with COPD cachexia in current and former smokers.

Methods

We analyzed whole-blood gene expression data from participants with COPD in a discovery cohort (COPDGene, N = 400) and assessed replication (ECLIPSE, N = 114). To approximate the consensus definition using available criteria, cachexia was defined as weight-loss > 5% in the past 12 months or low body mass index (BMI) (< 20 kg/m2) and 1/3 criteria: decreased muscle strength (six-minute walk distance < 350 m), anemia (hemoglobin < 12 g/dl), and low fat-free mass index (FFMI) (< 15 kg/m2 among women and < 17 kg/m2 among men) in COPDGene. In ECLIPSE, cachexia was defined as weight-loss > 5% in the past 12 months or low BMI and 3/5 criteria: decreased muscle strength, anorexia, abnormal biochemistry (anemia or high c-reactive protein (> 5 mg/l)), fatigue, and low FFMI. Differential gene expression was assessed between cachectic and non-cachectic subjects, adjusting for age, sex, white blood cell counts, and technical covariates. Gene set enrichment analysis was performed using MSigDB.

Results

The prevalence of COPD cachexia was 13.7% in COPDGene and 7.9% in ECLIPSE. Fourteen genes were differentially downregulated in cachectic versus non-cachectic COPD patients in COPDGene (FDR < 0.05) and ECLIPSE (FDR < 0.05).

Discussion

Several replicated genes regulating heme metabolism were downregulated among participants with COPD cachexia. Impaired heme biosynthesis may contribute to cachexia development through free-iron buildup and oxidative tissue damage.
Inhibition of carrageenan-induced dental inflammatory responses owing to decreased TRPV1 activity by Dexmedetomidine
Authors: Lv Gang , Zhu Guanhua , Xu Maohua , Gao Xingping , Xiao Qingfeng
Published: May 2020

Background

Dexmedetomidine (Dex) is a highly selective agonist of the α2 adrenergic receptor and a common sedative; however, its anti-inflammatory effect has been studied. In this study, the inhibitory effect of Dex on inflammation in dental pulp cells was assessed. For this, the effect of Dex on inflammation induced by carrageenan (Car) in human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) was evaluated. Car incubation induced a robust inflammatory response in hDPCs as well as activation of PKA–STAT3 and PKC–nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways.

Results

Dex reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, the phosphorylation of PKA, PKC, STAT3, and NF-κB as well as the nuclear accumulation of STAT3 and NF-κB were significantly increased in Dex-treated Car-induced hDPCs. Western blotting results also showed that the phosphorylation level of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) was downregulated as a result of Dex treatment. Furthermore, we found that administration of the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin (Cap) reversed the effects of Dex on proinflammatory cytokines; however, the expression and activation of PKA–STAT3 and PKC–NF-κB signals were not altered owing to Cap administration.

Conclusions

These results indicate that Dex plays a defensive role in dental pulp inflammation by regulating the TRPV1 channel and can be used as a potential target for human dental pulp inflammation intervention.
Modelling disease course in amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis: pseudo-longitudinal insights from cross-sectional health-related quality of life data
Authors: Prell Tino , Gaur Nayana , Steinbach Robert , Witte Otto W. , Grosskreutz Julian
Published: May 2020

Background

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder with limited robust disease-modifying therapies presently available. While several treatments are aimed at improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL), longitudinal data on how QoL changes across the disease course are rare.

Objectives

To explore longitudinal changes in emotional well-being and HRQoL in ALS.

Methods

Of the 161 subjects initially recruited, 39 received 2 subsequent follow-up assessments at 6 and 12 months after baseline. The ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) was used to assess physical impairment. HRQoL was assessed using the ALS Assessment Questionnaire (ALSAQ-40). The D50 disease progression model was applied to explore longitudinal changes in HRQoL.

Results

Patients were primarily in the early semi-stable and early progressive model-derived disease phases. Non-linear correlation analyses showed that the ALSAQ-40 summary index and emotional well-being subdomain behaved differently across disease phases, indicating that the response shift occurs early in disease. Both the ALSFRS-R and ALSAQ-40 significantly declined at 6- and 12-monthly follow-ups.

Conclusion

ALSAQ-40 summary index and emotional well-being change comparably over both actual time and model-derived phases, indicating that the D50 model enables pseudo-longitudinal interpretations of cross-sectional data in ALS.
Transcultural adaptation and validation of a Korean version of the Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire for children
Authors: Cho Seong Hee , Chung Chin Youb , Park Moon Seok , Lee Kyoung Min , Sung Ki Hyuk
Published: May 2020

Background

The purpose of this study was to translate and transculturally adapt the original English version of the Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire (OAFQ) into a Korean version, and to evaluate its psychometric properties.

Methods

A Korean OAFQ for children was developed according to established guidelines. To test validity, 169 consecutive patients with foot and ankle problems and their caregivers each completed the OAFQ. The children also completed a Korean version of the KIDSCREEN-52 health related quality of life questionnaire (KIDSCREEN-52 HRQOL). To validate the Korean version of the OAFQ, reliability (child–parent agreement and internal consistency), feasibility (floor and ceiling effects), and construct validity were evaluated, and factor analysis was performed.

Results

In terms of reliability, Cronbach’s α values were > 0.7 in all subscales of the OAFQ (0.765 to 0.901). Child–parent agreement was confirmed by high intraclass correlation coefficients for all subscales (0.791 to 0.863). In terms of construct validity, there were moderate correlations between the subscales of the OAFQ and the subscales of the KIDSCREEN-52 HRQOL. Factor analysis revealed a three-component solution for both the child/adolescent and parent-proxy version, by combining the school and play, and footwear items into one subscale. In terms of feasibility, no floor effects were found for all subscales. However, ceiling effects were observed for the school and play, and emotional subscales for child/adolescent and parent-proxy versions.

Conclusions

The OAFQ was successfully translated and transculturally adapted into the Korean language; the Korean version of the OAFQ represents a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating children’s foot or ankle problems. However, factor analysis suggested the use of a three-subscale questionnaire.
Domestication of aromatic medicinal plants in Mexico: Agastache (Lamiaceae)—an ethnobotanical, morpho-physiological, and phytochemical analysis
Authors: Carrillo-Galván Guadalupe , Bye Robert , Eguiarte Luis E. , Cristians Sol , Pérez-López Pablo , Vergara-Silva Francisco , Luna-Cavazos Mario
Published: May 2020

Background

Most reports of domesticated plants that involve a domestication gradient or inter-specific hybridization in Mexico have focused on those used as food. This study provides knowledge about these processes in two aromatic medicinal plants,Agastache mexicana(Lamiaceae) andA. m.subsp.xolocotziana, widely used in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments and for their sedative effect. Different populations ofA.mexicanaalong a gradient of domestication are found in the foothills of the Popocatepetl volcano of central Mexico, while in this same area the subsp.xolocotzianagrows only in the cultivation, possibly a product of hybridization betweenA.mexicanaandAgastache palmeri. This study links ethnobotanical, morpho-physiological, and phytochemical evidence to document the domestication of both taxa as well as elucidates the possible hybrid origin of the subsp.xolocotziana.

Method

We analyze three groups of data derived from (1) 80 semi-structured interviews aimed at documenting the selection criteria related to the use and management ofA.mexicana; (2) a cultivation experiment under homogeneous conditions, evaluating 21 floral, vegetative, and seed characters (that were important according to ethnobotanical information) in 97 plants corresponding to 13 populations of the taxa under study; and (3) the chemical profiles of the essential oils of these plants by means of a thin-layer chromatography.

Results

By linking the three types of evidence, two evolutionary processes are distinguished: (1)A.mexicanaoccurs in the encouraged-cultivated phases of the domestication gradient and (2)A.m.subsp.xolocotzianamay have originated through inbreeding depression or hybridization. These two cultivated plants show a domestication syndrome based upon organoleptic differentiation due to their dissimilar phytochemical composition and gigantism in flowers, seeds, and rhizomes (the last enhancing their asexual reproductive capacity). In addition to this,A.mexicanaexhibits more intense floral pigmentation and foliar gigantism while subsp.xolocotzianapresents floral albinism and partial seed sterility.

Conclusion

Two divergent evolutionary processes are reported for the domestication ofA.mexicanaas a result of the intensification of its use and management. The selection processes of these plants have resulted in alternation of the organoleptic properties based upon the divergence of the phytochemical composition. Also, gigantism has been selected in culturally preferred plant parts and in correlated structures. The preceding characteristics reinforce the joint use of these plants in infusion in Mexican traditionalmedicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases and for their sedative effects.
Commercialisation and commodification of breastfeeding: video diaries by first-time mothers
Authors: Taylor Alison M. , Alexander Jo , van Teijlingen Edwin , Ryan Kath M.
Published: May 2020

Abstracts

Background

Many of aspects of our lives became increasingly commercialised in post-modern society. Although breastfeeding is perhaps a late comer to this process in recent years, it too has seen significant commercialisation facilitated by social media and our obsession with celebrity culture. This paper explores how the commercialisation and commodification of breastfeeding impacts mothers’ experiences of breastfeeding.

Methods

In a qualitative study, five mothers in the United Kingdom recorded their real-time breastfeeding experiences in video diaries. Using a multi-modal method of analysis, incorporating both visual and audio data, a thematic approach was applied.

Findings

Women preparing for breastfeeding are exposed to increasing commercialisation. When things do not go to plan, women are even more exposed to commercial solutions. The impact of online marketing strategies fuelled their need for paraphernalia so that their dependence on such items became important aspects of their parenting and breastfeeding experiences.

Conclusions

The audio-visual data demonstrated the extent to which “essential” paraphernalia was used, offering new insights into how advertising influenced mothers’ need for specialist equipment and services. Observing mothers in their video diaries, provided valuable insights into their parenting styles and how this affected their breastfeeding experience.
An optimized histological proceeding to study the female gametophyte development in grapevine
Authors: Moreno-Sanz P. , D’Amato E. , Nebish A. , Costantini L. , Grando M. S.
Published: May 2020

Background

Reproductive success in seed plants depends on a healthy fruit and seed set. Normal seed development in the angiosperms requires the production of functional female gametophytes. This is particularly evident in seedless cultivars where defects during megagametophyte’s developmental processes have been observed through cytohistological analysis. Several protocols for embryo sac histological analyses in grapevine are reported in literature, mainly based on resin- or paraffin-embedding approaches. However their description is not always fully exhaustive and sometimes they consist of long and laborious steps. The use of different stains is also documented, some of them, such as hematoxylin, requiring long oxidation periods of the dye-solution before using it (from 2 to 6 months) and/or with a differentiation step not easy to handle. Paraffin-embedding associated to examination with light microscope is the simplest methodology, and with less requirements in terms of expertise and costs, achieving a satisfactory resolution for basic histological observations. Safranin O and fast green FCF is an easy staining combination that has been applied in embryological studies of several plant species.

Results

Here we describe in detail a paraffin-embedding method for the examination of grapevine ovules at different phenological stages. The histological sample preparation process takes 1 day and a half. Sections of 5 µm thickness can be obtained and good contrast is achieved with the safranin O and fast green FCF staining combination. The method allows the observation of megasporogenesis and megagametogenesis events in the different phenological stages examined.

Conclusions

The histological sample preparation process proposed here can be used as a routine procedure to obtain embedded ovaries or microscope slides that would require further steps for examination. We suggest the tested staining combination as a simple and viable technique for basic screenings about the presence in grapevine of a normally and fully developed ovule with embryo sac cells, which is therefore potentially functional.
Risk factors for esophagitis after hypofractionated palliative (chemo) radiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Nieder Carsten , Imingen Kristian S. , Mannsåker Bård , Yobuta Rosalba , Haukland Ellinor
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Esophagitis influences quality of life and might cause treatment interruption and hospitalization. Previous studies of risk factors focused on curative treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which often involves concomitant chemoradiation (CRT). Given the uncertainty around extrapolation of dose constraints, we analyzed risk factors in patients treated with hypofractionated palliative regimens.

Patients and methods

A retrospective review of 106 patients treated with palliative radiotherapy or CRT between 2009 and 2017 was performed. Inclusion criteria: prescribed total dose 30–54 Gy, dose per fraction 2.5–4 Gy, esophageal dose > 1 Gy. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed in 97 eligible patients to identify predictive factors for acute esophagitis grade ≥ 1 (CTCAE 5.0).

Results

Forty percent of patients were treated with 15 fractions of 2.8 Gy (42 Gy) and 28% also received chemotherapy according to the CONRAD study regimen (induction and concomitant Carboplatin/Vinorelbine) published by the Norwegian Lung Cancer Group. Thirty-four percent were treated with 10 fractions of 3 Gy. Stage IV NSCLC was present in 47%. Esophagus Dmax was 39 Gy (population median) and Dmean 15 Gy. Overall 31% of patients developed esophagitis (26% grade 2–3, no grade 4–5). Several dosimetric parameters correlated with the risk of esophagitis (Dmax, Dmean, D5cc, V20, V30, V35, V40). Dmax outperformed other dosimetric variables in multivariate analysis. Furthermore, concomitant chemotherapy significantly increased the risk of esophagitis, while oral steroid medication reduced it. In patients with Dmax ≥40 Gy a reduced Dmean (≤20 Gy) was beneficial.

Conclusion

In order to reduce esophagitis after hypofractionated palliative treatment lower doses than those recommended in curative NSCLC settings are preferable. Besides esophageal dose, CRT is the main risk factor for esophagitis. Additional work is needed to confirm that steroids are able to modify the risk (or to rule out confounding effects of baseline variables not included in our database).
Niosomes of active Fumaria officinalis phytochemicals: antidiabetic, antineuropathic, anti-inflammatory, and possible mechanisms of action
Authors: Raafat Karim M. , El-Zahaby Sally A.
Published: May 2020

Background

Fumaria officinalis (F. officinalis, FO) has been used in many inflammatory and painful-ailments. The main aim of this work is to perform an in-depth bio-guided phytochemical investigation of F. officinalis by identifying its main-active ingredients. Optimizing pharmacokinetics via niosomal-preparation will also be done to enhance their in vivo antineuropathic and anti-inflammatory potentials, and to explore their possible-mechanism of actions.

Methods

Bio-guided phytochemical-investigations including fractionation, isolation, chromatographic-standardization, and identification of the most active compound(s) were done. Optimized niosomal formulations of F. officinalis most active compound(s) were prepared and characterized. An in vivo biological-evaluation was done exploring acute, subchronic, and chronic alloxan-induced diabetes and diabetic-neuropathy, and carrageenan-induced acute inflammatory-pain and chronic-inflammatory edema.

Results

In-vivo bio-guided fractionation and chromatographic phytochemical-analysis showed that the alkaloid-rich fraction (ARF) is the most-active fraction. ARF contained two major alkaloids; Stylopine 48.3%, and Sanguinarine 51.6%. In-vitro optimization, analytical, and in vivo biological-investigations showed that the optimized-niosome, Nio-2, was the most optimized niosomal formulation. Nio-2 had particle size 96.56 ± 1.87 nm and worked by improving the pharmacokinetic-properties of ARF developing adequate entrapment-efficiency, rapid-degradation, and acceptable stability in simulated GI conditions. FO, ARF, and Nio 2 were the most potent antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory compounds. The reduction of the pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6), and elevation the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 levels and amelioration of the in vivo oxidative-stress might be the main-mechanism responsible for their antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities.

Conclusions

Fumaria officinalis most-active fraction was identified as ARF. This study offers an efficient and novel practical oral formulation ameliorating various inflammatory conditions and diabetic complications especially neuropathic-pain.
Cyclin-dependent kinases and CDK inhibitors in virus-associated cancers
Authors: Tavakolian Shaian , Goudarzi Hossein , Faghihloo Ebrahim
Published: May 2020

The role of several risk factors, such as pollution, consumption of alcohol, age, sex and obesity in cancer progression is undeniable. Human malignancies are mainly characterized by deregulation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) and cyclin inhibitor kinases (CIK) activities. Viruses express some onco-proteins which could interfere with CDK and CIKs function, and induce some signals to replicate their genome into host’s cells. By reviewing some studies about the function of CDK and CIKs in cells infected with oncoviruses, such as HPV, HTLV, HERV, EBV, KSHV, HBV and HCV, we reviewed the mechanisms of different onco-proteins which could deregulate the cell cycle proteins.
Health status of rescued people by the NGO Open Arms in response to the refugee crisis in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Cañardo Guillermo , Gálvez Jesús , Jiménez Juanfe , Serre Núria , Molina Israel , Bocanegra Cristina
Published: May 2020

Background

The migration over the Mediterranean has become one of the deadliest sea voyages in last few years. The NGO Open Arms works in the area since 2015, with the objectives of protecting and reporting human rights at sea. This paper aims to give an overview on characteristics and health conditions of rescued people by the NGO in the Central Mediterranean.

Methods

A descriptive retrospective population study was conducted, including people who were rescued from distress at sea by the NGO Open Arms from 1st July 2016 to 31st December 2018.

Results

In this period of time 22,234 people were rescued from sea. Among them 2234 (22.7%) were minors, and 177 (0.8%) pregnant women. The most frequent countries of origin were Nigeria (1278–13.1%), Eritrea (1215–12.3%) and Bangladesh (981–9.9%). Among all people rescued, 4516 (20.3%) reported symptoms. Scabies was the most frequent pathology, being suspected in 1817 (8.2%) people. Other infectious diseases were diagnosed in 91 (0.4%). Thirty-five (0.16%) patients suffered some complication from their chronic diseases. Acute injuries due to trauma, burns, aggressions, and bullet or bladed weapon wound were reported in 135 (0.6%) cases. Seventy-four corpses were recovered.

Conclusions

Main diagnoses on board were directly related to the precarious living conditions through migratory route, violence and complications of chronic diseases due to lack of care. The large number of people rescued highlights the catastrophic effect on migrants’ health of European policies, which overlap the desire to restrict migratory movements on the humanitarian and health issues. An integrated information system and a coordinated response are basic to improve the situation in the area.
Time-dependent changes in FT4 and FT3 levels measured using mass spectrometry after an acute ingestion of excess levothyroxine in a case with hypothyroidism
Authors: Ito Yuko , Suzuki Satoru , Matsumoto Yoshiko , Ohkouchi Chiyo , Suzuki Satoshi , Iwadate Manabu , Midorikawa Sanae , Yokoya Susumu , Suzuki Shinichi , Shimura Hiroki
Published: May 2020

Background

Thyrotoxicosis is common disorder among endocrine dysfunctions. It is not rare that the free thyroid hormone level exceeds the measurement range of immunoassay. Such extreme high concentration of free thyroid hormone is generally considered to be impossible to measure correctly because of changes in the balance between free hormones and binding proteins by dilution of serum. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), however, higher concentrations are able to be determined.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 21-year-old female with congenital hypothyroidism who had taken a total of 5 mg levothyroxine over three consecutive days following discontinuance of the medication for a month. Immunoassay performed 3 hours after the last ingestion showed that the patient’s free thyroxine (FT4) was over 100 pmol/L and her free triiodothyronine (FT3) was 24.5 pmol/L. With a temporary cessation of levothyroxine, the patient was kept for observation without any other medication. Two days after the last ingestion, FT4 was still over 100 pmol/L and FT3 was increased to 28.8 pmol/L. After an additional 4 days, both FT4 and FT3 levels decreased. Through this period, no thyrotoxic symptom or physical sign had appeared. We also measured FT4 and FT3 levels in her cryopreserved serum by ultrafiltration LC-MS/MS. Her FT4 level measured by ultrafiltration LC-MS/MS on the visiting day and 2 days later were 160.0 and 135.5 pmol/L, respectively, indicating that the toxic dose of levothyroxine was partly changed to T3 during the 2 days. The FT3/FT4 ratios were revealed to be low, accounting for the patient’s benign clinical course despite temporal toxic exposure to levothyroxine. It is implied that prior discontinuation of supplementary levothyroxine increases potential vacant binding sites for thyroid hormone as a buffer to prevent toxic T3 effect.

Conclusion

It was helpful to clarify the time dependent changes in free thyroid hormone levels by ultrafiltration LC-MS/MS in discussing the clinical course in this case. Though mass spectrometry has a disadvantage in speed for routine laboratory use, its accurate measurement, particularly of levels exceeding the measurable range of the immunoassay, provides valuable information for more appropriate management of extreme thyrotoxicosis.
Mimicking tumor hypoxia and tumor-immune interactions employing three-dimensional in vitro models
Authors: Bhattacharya Somshuvra , Calar Kristin , de la Puente Pilar
Published: May 2020

The heterogeneous tumor microenvironment (TME) is highly complex and not entirely understood. These complex configurations lead to the generation of oxygen-deprived conditions within the tumor niche, which modulate several intrinsic TME elements to promote immunosuppressive outcomes. Decoding these communications is necessary for designing effective therapeutic strategies that can effectively reduce tumor-associated chemotherapy resistance by employing the inherent potential of the immune system.

While classic two-dimensional in vitro research models reveal critical hypoxia-driven biochemical cues, three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models more accurately replicate the TME-immune manifestations. In this study, we review various 3D cell culture models currently being utilized to foster an oxygen-deprived TME, those that assess the dynamics associated with TME–immune cell penetrability within the tumor-like spatial structure, and discuss state of the art 3D systems that attempt recreating hypoxia-driven TME-immune outcomes. We also highlight the importance of integrating various hallmarks, which collectively might influence the functionality of these 3D models.

This review strives to supplement perspectives to the quickly-evolving discipline that endeavors to mimic tumor hypoxia and tumor-immune interactions using 3D in vitro models.
The extracellular volume status predicts body fluid response to SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin in diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Ohara Ken , Masuda Takahiro , Morinari Masato , Okada Mari , Miki Atsushi , Nakagawa Saki , Murakami Takuya , Oka Kentaro , Asakura Maki , Miyazawa Yasuharu , Maeshima Akito , Akimoto Tetsu , Saito Osamu , Nagata Daisuke
Published: May 2020

Background

Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are an antihyperglycemic drug with diuretic action. We recently reported that the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin ameliorates extracellular volume expansion with a mild increase in urine volume. However, the impact of the pretreatment extracellular volume status on the body fluid response to SGLT2 inhibitors remains unclear.

Methods

Thirty-six diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients were treated with dapagliflozin. The body fluid volume, including intracellular water (ICW), extracellular water (ECW) and total body water (TBW), were measured on baseline and day 7 using a bioimpedance analysis (BIA) device. The ECW/TBW and ECW were used as markers of the extracellular volume status. For a comparison, the extracellular volume status responses to loop diuretic furosemide (n = 16) and vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist tolvaptan (n = 13) were analyzed.

Results

The body weight, brain natriuretic peptide and body fluid parameters measured by a BIA (ICW, ECW, TBW, and ECW/TBW) were significantly decreased for 1 week after dapagliflozin administration. The change in the ECW/TBW in the high-ECW/TBW group (over the median value of 0.413) was significantly higher than in the low-ECW/TBW group (− 2.1 ± 0.4 vs. − 0.5 ± 0.4%,p = 0.006). Only with dapagliflozin treatment (not furosemide or tolvaptan treatment) was the baseline ECW/TBW significantly correlated with the changes in the ECW/TBW (r = − 0.590,p < 0.001) and ECW (r = − 0.374,p = 0.025).

Conclusions

The pretreatment extracellular volume status predicts the body fluid response to the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin in DKD patients. The diminished extracellular fluid reduction effect of dapagliflozin in patients without severe extracellular fluid retention may contribute to maintaining a suitable body fluid status.
A randomized controlled trial on the effects of oxymetazoline nasal spray after dacryocystorhinostomy among adult patients
Authors: Sosuan George Michael N. , Ranche Felice Katrina T. , Lagunzad John Kenneth D.
Published: May 2020

Objectives

The study aimed to determine the effect of oxymetazoline nasal spray on the patency of the fistula created after dacryocystorhinostomy, specifically: to compare the success of fistula formation with oxymetazoline versus placebo, and to compare the incidence of post-operative congestion, pain and bleeding with oxymetazoline versus placebo.

Results

The study was a single-center, randomized controlled, triple-masked study involving the patients of the Plastic-Lacrimal service of a national university hospital. Block randomization was done. Dacryocystorhinostomy was performed by a single-masked surgeon. The intervention group used oxymetazoline. The placebo group used sodium chloride. The data were collected by another masked investigator. The study showed no significant difference in terms of congestion, pain and epistaxis between the two groups at day 2 post-operation. The patency, presence of silicone tube, granuloma formation, and presence of bleeding on both day 2 and day 16 post-operation had no difference between the two groups. This study doesn’t support the use of oxymetazoline nasal spray after DCR, since it does not decrease the symptoms of congestion, pain and epistaxis after DCR. Aside from being an additional expense for patients, it also does not affect fistula formation and success rate of the surgery.

Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry: ACTRN12619001394134, Date registered 10/11/2019, Retrospectively Registered.
Autologous bone marrow-derived mononuclear cell therapy in three patients with severe asthma
Authors: Aguiar Fabio S. , Melo André S. , Araújo Ana Maria S. , Cardoso Alexandre P. , de Souza Sergio Augusto L. , Lopes-Pacheco Miquéias , Cruz Fernanda F. , Xisto Debora G. , Asensi Karina D. , Faccioli Lanuza , Salgado Anna Beatriz S. , Landesmann Maria Carolina P. P. , Goldenberg Regina C. S. , Gutfilen Bianca , Morales Marcelo M. , Rocco Patricia R. M. , Lapa e Silva Jose R.
Published: May 2020

Background

Despite recent advances in understanding its pathophysiology and development of novel therapies, asthma remains a serious public health issue worldwide. Combination therapy with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonists results in disease control for many patients, but those who exhibit severe asthma are often unresponsive to conventional treatment, experiencing worse quality of life, frequent exacerbations, and increasing healthcare costs. Bone marrow-derived mononuclear cell (BMMC) transplantation has been shown to reduce airway inflammation and remodeling and improve lung function in experimental models of allergic asthma.

Methods

This is a case series of three patients who presented severe asthma, unresponsive to conventional therapy and omalizumab. They received a single intravenous dose of autologous BMMCs (2 × 107) and were periodically evaluated for 1 year after the procedure. Endpoint assessments included physical examination, quality of life questionnaires, imaging (computed tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography, and ventilation/perfusion scan), lung function tests, and a 6-min walk test.

Results

All patients completed the follow-up protocol. No serious adverse events attributable to BMMC transplantation were observed during or after the procedure. Lung function remained stable throughout. A slight increase in ventilation of the right lung was observed on day 120 after BMMC transplantation in one patient. All three patients reported improvement in quality of life in the early post-procedure course.

Conclusions

This paper described for the first time the effects of BMMC therapy in patients with severe asthma, providing a basis for subsequent trials to assess the efficacy of this therapy.
MFsim—an open Java all-in-one rich-client simulation environment for mesoscopic simulation
Authors: van den Broek Karina , Daniel Mirco , Epple Matthias , Hein Jan-Mathis , Kuhn Hubert , Neumann Stefan , Truszkowski Andreas , Zielesny Achim
Published: May 2020

MFsim is an open Java all-in-one rich-client computing environment for mesoscopic simulation with Jdpd as its default simulation kernel for Molecular Fragment (Dissipative Particle) Dynamics. The new environment comprises the complete preparation-simulation–evaluation triad of a mesoscopic simulation task and especially enables biomolecular simulation tasks with peptides and proteins. Productive highlights are a SPICES molecular structure editor, a PDB-to-SPICES parser for particle-based peptide/protein representations, a support of polymer definitions, a compartment editor for complex simulation box start configurations, interactive and flexible simulation box views including analytics, simulation movie generation or animated diagrams. As an open project, MFsim allows for customized extensions for different fields of research.
Disclosing Main authors and Organisations collaborations in bioprinting through network maps analysis
Authors: García-García Leonardo Azael , Rodríguez-Salvador Marisela
Published: May 2020

Background

Scientific activity for 3D bioprinting has increased over the past years focusing mainly on fully functional biological constructs to overcome issues related to organ transplants. This research performs a scientometric analysis on bioprinting based on a competitive technology intelligence (CTI) cycle, which assesses scientific documents to establish the publication rate of science and technology in terms of institutions, patents or journals. Although analyses of publications can be observed in the literature, the identification of the most influential authors and affiliations has not been addressed. This study involves the analysis of authors and affiliations, and their interactions in a global framework. We use network collaboration maps and Betweenness Centrality (BC) to identify of the most prominent actors in bioprinting, enhancing the CTI analysis.

Results

2088 documents were retrieved from Scopus database from 2007 to 2017, disclosing an exponential growth with an average publication increase of 17.5% per year. A threshold of five articles with ten or more cites was established for authors, while the same number of articles but cited five or more times was set for affiliations. The author with more publications was Atala A. (36 papers and a BC = 370.9), followed by Khademhosseini A. (30 documents and a BC = 2104.7), and Mironov (30 documents and BC = 2754.9). In addition, a small correlation was observed between the number of collaborations and the number of publications. Furthermore, 1760 institutions with a median of 10 publications were found, but only 20 within the established threshold. 30% of the 20 institutions had an external collaboration, and institutions located in and close to the life science cluster in Massachusetts showed a strong cooperation. The institution with more publications was the Harvard Medical School, 61 publications, followed by the Brigham and Women’s hospital, 46 papers, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with 37 documents.

Conclusions

Network map analysis and BC allowed the identification of the most influential authors working on bioprinting and the collaboration between institutions was found limited. This analysis of authors and affiliations and their collaborations offer valuable information for the identification of potential associations for bioprinting researches and stakeholders.
Precise location of linear epitopes on the capsid surface of feline calicivirus recognized by neutralizing and non-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Cubillos-Zapata Carolina , Angulo Iván , Almanza Horacio , Borrego Belén , Zamora-Ceballos María , Castón José R. , Mena Ignacio , Blanco Esther , Bárcena Juan
Published: May 2020

We report the generation, characterization and epitope mapping of a panel of 26 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against the VP1 capsid protein of feline calicivirus (FCV). Two close but distinct linear epitopes were identified at the capsid outermost surface (P2 subdomain) of VP1, within the E5′HVR antigenic hypervariable region: one spanning amino acids 431-435 (PAGDY), highly conserved and recognized by non-neutralizing MAbs; and a second epitope spanning amino acids 445-451 (ITTANQY), highly variable and recognized by neutralizing MAbs. These antibodies might be valuable for diagnostic applications, as well as for further research in different aspects of the biology of FCV.
Target tracking algorithm combined part-based and redetection for UAV
Authors: He Qiusheng , Zhang Weifeng , Chen Wei , Xie Gang , Yao Yanxin
Published: May 2020

In the process of target tracking for UAV video images, the performance of the tracking algorithm declines or even the tracking fails due to target occlusion and scale variation. This paper proposes an improved target tracking algorithm based on the analysis of the tracking framework of the kernel correlation filter. First, four subblocks around the center of the target center are divided. A correlation filter fusing Histogram of Oriented Gradient (HOG) feature and Color Name (CN) feature tracks separately each target subblocks. According to the spatial structure characteristics in the subblocks, the center location and scale of the target are estimated. Secondly, the correct center location of target is determined by the global filter. Then, a tracking fault detection method is proposed. When tracking fails, the target redetection module which uses the normalized cross-correlation algorithm (NCC) to obtain the candidate target set in the re-detection area is started. Besides, this algorithm uses the global filter to obtain real target from the candidate set. In the meanwhile, this algorithm adjusts sectionally the learning rate of the classifiers according to detection results. Lastly, the performance of this algorithm is verified on the UAV123 dataset. The results show that compared with several mainstream methods, that of this algorithm is significantly improved when dealing with target scale variation and occlusion.
Stability result of a viscoelastic plate equation with past history and a logarithmic nonlinearity
Authors: Al-Mahdi Adel M.
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we are concerned with the decay rate of the solution of a viscoelastic plate equation with infinite memory and logarithmic nonlinearity. We establish an explicit and general decay rate results with imposing a minimal condition on the relaxation function. In fact, we assume that the relaxation function h satisfies $$ h^{\prime}(t)\le-\xi(t) H\bigl(h(t)\bigr),\quad t\geq0, $$h′(t)≤−ξ(t)H(h(t)),t≥0, where the functions ξ and H satisfy some conditions. Our proof is based on the multiplier method, convex properties, logarithmic inequalities, and some properties of integro-differential equations. Moreover, we drop the boundedness assumption on the history data, usually made in the literature. In fact, our results generalize, extend, and improve earlier results in the literature.
Monotonicity properties for a ratio of finite many gamma functions
Authors: Qi Feng , Lim Dongkyu
Published: May 2020

In the paper, the authors consider a ratio of finite many gamma functions and find its monotonicity properties such as complete monotonicity, the Bernstein function property, and logarithmically complete monotonicity.
A security event description of intelligent applications in edge-cloud environment
Authors: Li Qianmu , Yin Xiaochun , Meng Shunmei , Liu Yaozong , Ying Zijian
Published: May 2020

In traditional network environment, the attack topology of the network is usually obtained based on a graph traversal algorithm. It uses connection relationships to describe the process of the attack, thus completing the description of network security event. However, in the edge-cloud environment, the control logic and data forwarding of network devices are separated from each other. The control layer is responsible for the centralized management of network edge nodes. After acquiring the entire network topology, it can automatically generate a visualized network structure. This architecture extends traditional cloud computing architecture to the edge of the network, helping to handle some latency-sensitive service requirements, especially for most IoT applications. Therefore, security analysts can grasp the connection status of the devices on the entire network in the control domain. This network topology generation method based on the control layer information is directly and efficiently, which can greatly simplify the description of security events in the edge-cloud environment. At the same time, the separate structure also hides specific details of the underlying network device. Petri-net, as a formal description tool, can be used to describe such structure. Among existing security event description methods, the CORAS modeling tool has the advantages of graphical description, reusability and refinement description. And it also provides analysis guides to guide the operation steps. Based on the edge-cloud environment, this paper combines the advantages of CORAS modeling and analysis with Object-oriented Petri-net theory, and proposes a COP (CORAS-based Object-oriented Petri-net)-based Intelligent Applications security event description method. Experiments verify that this method is suitable for describing the complexity and dynamics of security events in edge cloud environment.