bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Femoro-patellar overstuffing in total knee replacement: assessment of functional implications
Authors: Abcha Oussama , Ammar Ameni , Daghfous Mohamed Samir
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

Patellofemoral overstuffing is the situation in which the antero-posterior size of the patella and / or femur is increased after total knee arthroplasty. There is a debate in the literature as to whether or not patellofemoral joint overstuffing has a clinically significant effect on post-operative outcomes.

Objectives:

Our goal was to determine the influence of femoro-patellar overstuffing on the functional outcome of total knee arthroplasty.

Methods:

It was a retrospective study of 50 total knee arthtroplasty without Patellar resurfacing, with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. We retrospectively collected epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary data. We performed our measurements on standard knee X-ray preoperatively and postoperatively according to the Beldman method. We calculated trochlear overstuffing, condylar overstuffing and distal femoral overstuffing which is primary endpoint. We have considered significant femoropatellar overstuffing when it is more than 15%. We evaluated the functional repercussions of femoro-patellar overstuffing at follow-up, on pain, mobility and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index functional score (WOMAC).

Results:

This study shows that an increase in anterior femoral offset, posterior condylar offset and distal femroal diameter are associated with worse patient reported pain and function after total knee arthroplasty. Both Condylar and distal femoral overstuffing were statistically significant with all scores (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

we found that the overstuffed knees after total knee arthoplasty were more painful, stiffer and with lower physical function. Surgeon could take more care during the anterior and posterior femoral resection in order that the offset is not increased following implant insertion.
Failures and Complications with MPFL reconstruction: Our experience in 215 patients
Authors: Setia Piyush , Kotwal Rahul , Chandratreya Amit
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

Chronic lateral patellar instability is one of the commonly seen clinical conditions encountered by knee surgeons. Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction has become mainstay treatment over the last three decades. Upto 26% complication rates have been reported in literature with MPFL reconstruction. The purpose of this study is to analyse failure rates, complications of surgery for PF instability and to identify the predictive factors for failure.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed of all 215 (234 knees) patients who had undergone MPFL reconstruction between October 2007 and August 2018. All the cases with any postoperative complications or failures were included. A failure was defined by a postoperative patellar dislocation or surgical revision for recurrent patellar instability or anterior knee pain not resolving with conservative methods. Other complications such as stiffness, infection, neurological deficit and deep vein thrombosis were also included. Lysholm, Kujala, Tegner and radiographic features, such as trochlear dysplasia according to Dejour classification, patellar height with the Caton-Deschamps index (CDI), tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance were analysed pre and post operatively.

Results:

Ten patients (4.27%) had a revision of MPFL reconstruction, seven patients (3%) had removal of their metal work. Post-operative stiffness was in only three patients (1.28%) and required manipulation under anesthesia. Six patients (2.56%) had patellofemoral replacement over time while three patients had arthroscopic debridement for cartilage related pathology. There was also one case each of femoral nerve palsy(related to the nerve block), post-operative deep infection, deep vein thrombosis?.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, this is the only study recording the failures and complications of MPFL reconstruction on a large patient database. Age above 30, obesity, cartilage lesions, hyperlaxity and female gender are predictors of a poor subjective outcome. Identifying the potential risk factors preoperatively can prevent future complications.
Tension Pneumocephalus: A Rare Complication Following Skull Base Surgery
Authors: Whisonant Cees , Shahriari Shawhin , Kuhn Joseph , Harrison Joshua , Borah Gregory , Shetty Anil
Published: July 2021

Tension pneumocephalus (TP) is a rare complication following skull base surgery with potentially deadly consequences if not recognized and treated quickly. Characterized by the presence of air with a pressure gradient inside of the intracranial vault capable of causing mass effect, TP can result in altered mental status, seizures, or even death. We present the case of a 52-year-old male with recurrent hemangiopericytoma who underwent tumor resection and reconstruction complicated by tension pneumocephalus. It was determined to be caused by a failure of the drain site closure in the setting of a lumbar drain, thus resulting in an “inverted soda bottle” effect leading to TP. We review the reported cases of TP in skull base surgery and highlight the importance of ensuring drain site closure in order to prevent the development of tension pneumocephalus after skull base surgery.
A statistical measure for the skewness of X chromosome inactivation for quantitative traits and its application to the MCTFR data
Authors: Li Bao-Hui , Yu Wen-Yi , Zhou Ji-Yuan
Published: July 2021

Background

X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is that one of two chromosomes in mammalian females is silenced during early development of embryos. There has been a statistical measure for the degree of the skewness of XCI for qualitative traits. However, no method is available for such task at quantitative trait loci.

Results

In this article, we extend the existing statistical measure for the skewness of XCI for qualitative traits, and the likelihood ratio, Fieller’s and delta methods for constructing the corresponding confidence intervals, and make them accommodate quantitative traits. The proposed measure is a ratio of two linear regression coefficients when association exists. Noting that XCI may cause variance heterogeneity of the traits across different genotypes in females, we obtain the point estimate and confidence intervals of the measure by incorporating such information. The hypothesis testing of the proposed methods is also investigated. We conduct extensive simulation studies to assess the performance of the proposed methods. Simulation results demonstrate that the median of the point estimates of the measure is very close to the pre-specified true value. The likelihood ratio and Fieller’s methods control the size well, and have the similar test power and accurate coverage probability, which perform better than the delta method. So far, we are not aware of any association study for the X-chromosomal loci in the Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research data. So, we apply our proposed methods to these data for their practical use and find that only the rs792959 locus, which is simultaneously associated with the illicit drug composite score and behavioral disinhibition composite score, may undergo XCI skewing. However, this needs to be confirmed by molecular genetics.

Conclusions

We recommend the Fieller’s method in practical use because it is a non-iterative procedure and has the similar performance to the likelihood ratio method.
Urinary tract infection by a rare pathogen Cedecea neteri in a pregnant female with Polyhydramnios: rare case report from UAE
Authors: Ahmad Hafiz , Masroor Talat , Parmar Satyam A. , Panigrahi Debadatta
Published: July 2021

Background

Cedecea neteriis a gram-negative, oxidase-negative bacillus, a rare pathogen. Few reports are emerging globally about its antimicrobial resistance pattern especially in immunocompromised individuals with comorbidities.

Case presentation

In this paper, we report the first case ofC. netericausing urinary tract infection in a pregnant woman at a specialty care hospital in the Northern Emirates of Ras al Khaimah, UAE.

Discussion and conclusion

C. neteriis a rare and unusual pathogen, unlike routine gram-negative urinary tract pathogens from the family ofEnterobacteriaceaeand therefore may be missed or misidentified by routine laboratories using conventional microbiology identification techniques. Hence,Cedeceainfections may be under-reported. Physicians and microbiology technicians must be aware of such a rare pathogen, as most of the isolates are multi-drug-resistant and require combined antibiotic treatment with beta-lactamase inhibitors and hence pose a treatment challenge especially in immunocompromised patients with comorbidities. In recent years, it has been reported as an emerging opportunistic pathogen.
Ivermectin to prevent hospitalizations in patients with COVID-19 (IVERCOR-COVID19) a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Vallejos Julio , Zoni Rodrigo , Bangher María , Villamandos Silvina , Bobadilla Angelina , Plano Fabian , Campias Claudia , Chaparro Campias Evangelina , Medina Maria Fernanda , Achinelli Fernando , Guglielmone Hector Andres , Ojeda Jorge , Farizano Salazar Diego , Andino Gerardo , Kawerin Pablo , Dellamea Silvana , Aquino Antonia Cristina , Flores Victor , Martemucci Carolina N. , Martinez Silvina Maria , Segovia Juan Emanuel , Reynoso Paola Itati , Sosa Noelia Carolina , Robledo Mariana Elizabeth , Guarrochena Joaquina Maria , Vernengo Maria Mercedes , Ruiz Diaz Natalia , Meza Elba , Aguirre María Gabriela
Published: July 2021

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) has changed our lives. The scientific community has been investigating re-purposed treatments to prevent disease progression in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients.

Objective

To determine whether ivermectin treatment can prevent hospitalization in individuals with early COVID-19.

Design, setting and participants: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted in non-hospitalized individuals with COVID-19 in Corrientes, Argentina. Patients with SARS-CoV-2 positive nasal swabs were contacted within 48 h by telephone to invite them to participate. The trial randomized 501 patients between August 19th 2020 and February 22nd 2021.

Intervention

Patients were randomized to ivermectin (N = 250) or placebo (N = 251) arms in a staggered dose, according to the patient’s weight, for 2 days.

Main outcomes and measures

The efficacy of ivermectin to prevent hospitalizations was evaluated as primary outcome. We evaluated secondary outcomes in relationship to safety and other efficacy end points.

Results

The mean age was 42 years (SD ± 15.5) and the median time since symptom onset to the inclusion was 4 days [interquartile range 3–6]. The primary outcome of hospitalization was met in 14/250 (5.6%) individuals in ivermectin group and 21/251 (8.4%) in placebo group (odds ratio 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.32–1.31; p = 0.227). Time to hospitalization was not statistically different between groups. The mean time from study enrollment to invasive mechanical ventilatory support (MVS) was 5.25 days (SD ± 1.71) in ivermectin group and 10 days (SD ± 2) in placebo group, (p = 0.019). There were no statistically significant differences in the other secondary outcomes including polymerase chain reaction test negativity and safety outcomes.

Limitations

Low percentage of hospitalization events, dose of ivermectin and not including only high-risk population.

Conclusion

Ivermectin had no significant effect on preventing hospitalization of patients with COVID-19. Patients who received ivermectin required invasive MVS earlier in their treatment. No significant differences were observed in any of the other secondary outcomes.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04529525.
Comprehensive analysis of diabetic nephropathy expression profile based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis algorithm
Authors: Gholaminejad Alieh , Fathalipour Mohammad , Roointan Amir
Published: July 2021

Background

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the major complication of diabetes mellitus, and leading cause of end-stage renal disease. The underlying molecular mechanism of DN is not yet completely clear. The aim of this study was to analyze a DN microarray dataset using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) algorithm for better understanding of DN pathogenesis and exploring key genes in the disease progression.

Methods

The identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in DN dataset GSE47183 were introduced to WGCNA algorithm to construct co-expression modules. STRING database was used for construction of Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks of the genes in all modules and the hub genes were identified considering both the degree centrality in the PPI networks and the ranked lists of weighted networks. Gene ontology and Reactome pathway enrichment analyses were performed on each module to understand their involvement in the biological processes and pathways. Following validation of the hub genes in another DN dataset (GSE96804), their up-stream regulators, including microRNAs and transcription factors were predicted and a regulatory network comprising of all these molecules was constructed.

Results

After normalization and analysis of the dataset, 2475 significant DEGs were identified and clustered into six different co-expression modules by WGCNA algorithm. Then, DEGs of each module were subjected to functional enrichment analyses and PPI network constructions. Metabolic processes, cell cycle control, and apoptosis were among the top enriched terms. In the next step, 23 hub genes were identified among the modules in genes and five of them, including FN1, SLC2A2, FABP1, EHHADH and PIPOX were validated in another DN dataset. In the regulatory network, FN1 was the most affected hub gene and mir-27a and REAL were recognized as two main upstream-regulators of the hub genes.

Conclusions

The identified hub genes from the hearts of co-expression modules could widen our understanding of the DN development and might be of targets of future investigations, exploring their therapeutic potentials for treatment of this complicated disease.
When birth is not as expected: a systematic review of the impact of a mismatch between expectations and experiences
Authors: Webb Rebecca , Ayers Susan , Bogaerts Annick , Jeličić Ljiljana , Pawlicka Paulina , Van Haeken Sarah , Uddin Nazihah , Xuereb Rita Borg , Kolesnikova Natalija ,   COST action CA18211:DEVoTION team, Ayers Susan , Bogaerts Annick , Xuereb Rita Borg , Jeličić Ljiljana , Pawlicka Paulina , Soares Isabel , Sovilj Mirjana , Ventura Stef Savona
Published: July 2021

Background

Pregnancy and childbirth are significant events in women’s lives and most women have expectations or plans for how they hope their labour and birth will go. It is possible that strong expectations about labour and birth lead to dissatisfaction or other negative outcomes if these expectations are not met, but it is not clear if this is the case. The aim was therefore to synthesise prospective studies in order to understand whether unmet birth expectations are associated with adverse outcomes for women, their partners and their infants.

Method

Searches were carried out in Academic Search Complete; CINAHL; Medline; PsycINFO, PsychArticles, PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science. Forward and backward searches were also completed. Studies were included if they reported prospective empirical research that examined the association between a mismatch in birth expectations/experience and postnatal outcomes in women, their children and/or their partners. Data were synthesised qualitatively using a narrative approach where study characteristics, context and methodological quality were extracted and summarised and then the differences and similarities among studies were used to draw conclusions.

Results

Eleven quantitative studies were identified for inclusion from nine countries. A mismatch between birth expectations and experiences was associated with reduced birth satisfaction. Three studies found a link between a mismatch and the development of postnatal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The evidence was inconsistent for postnatal depression, and fear of childbirth. Only one study looked at physical outcomes in the form of health-related quality of life.

Conclusions

A mismatch between birth expectations and experiences is associated with birth satisfaction and it may increase the risk of developing postnatal PTSD. However, it is not clear whether a mismatch is associated with other postnatal mental health conditions. Further prospective research is needed to examine gaps in knowledge and provide standardised methods of measuring childbirth expectations-experiences mismatch. To ensure women’s expectations are met, and therefore experience a satisfying birth experience, maternity providers should provide sensitive care, which acknowledges women’s needs and preferences, is based on open and clear communication, is delivered as early in pregnancy as possible, and enables women to make their own decisions about care.

Trial registration

Protocol registration: PROSPERO CRD42020191081.
Mental health consequences of long-term stays in refugee camps: preliminary evidence from Moria
Authors: van de Wiel Willemine , Castillo-Laborde Carla , Francisco Urzúa I. , Fish Michelle , Scholte Willem F.
Published: July 2021

Background

Ever since the implementation of the EU-Turkey deal, most refugees that enter Greece via sea are confined to the island on which they arrive until their asylum claims are adjudicated, where they generally reside in camps. Some of these camps have detention-like characteristics and dire living conditions, such as Moria camp on the island of Lesbos, Greece. Aid-organizations have stated that the situation in camp Moria deteriorates the mental health of its inhabitants and there is qualitative evidence to support this. This study explores the quantitative relationship between the incidence of acute mental health crises and the length of stay in the camp.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using routinely collected data on 856 consultations of 634 different patients during 90 nights at an emergency clinic in Moria camp. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore whether the length of stay in the camp was predictive of the occurrence of an acute mental health crisis.

Results

Of the 634 patients, the majority were men (59·3%), the average age was 23·2 years [0–71], and 24·3% was < 18 years. 25·5% (n = 218) of consultations were related to mental health problems; 17·0% (n = 37) of these met the study’s case definition of an acute mental health crisis. Such crises were positively associated with the length of stay in the camp (p = 0·011); the odds ratio of a mental health crisis increases with 1·03 for every 10% increase in days of residence in the camp. This is notable when considering the average length of stay in the camp is 71 days.

Conclusion

This study offers quantitative support for the notion that the adverse conditions in Moria camp deteriorate the mental health of its inhabitants as suggested in qualitative research. Although this study does not provide evidence of causality, it is likely that the poor and unsafe living conditions, challenging refugee determination procedures, and a lack of mental health services in the camp are significant contributing factors. We urgently call for Europe’s policymakers to honour the ‘51 Geneva refugee convention and terminate the neglectful situation on the Greek archipelago.
Mortality in homeless people enrolled in the French housing first randomized controlled trial: a secondary outcome analysis of predictors and causes of death
Authors: Tinland Aurélie , Loubiere Sandrine , Cantiello Matthieu , Boucekine Mohamed , Girard Vincent , Taylor Owen , Auquier Pascal
Published: July 2021

Background

Homeless people face large excess mortality in comparison with the general population, but little is known about the effect of housing interventions like Housing First (HF) on their mortality.

Aims of the study

1) to explore 2-years mortality among homeless people with severe mental illness (SMI) included in French HF randomized controlled trial (RCT). 2) To examine causes of death among homeless participants.

Methods

For 703 participants of HF RCT: 353 in experimental group (HF) and 350 in control group (Treatment As Usual - TAU), any proof of life or death and causes of death were collected with a thorough retrospective investigation among relatives, institutions and administrative databases. Data collection took place from March to June 2017.

Results

4.8% (n = 34) of the study participants died over the study period. Mean age of death was 40.9 (+/− 11.4) years. The overall 2-years mortality rate was 0.065 in the HF group (n = 23) versus 0.034 in the TAU group (n = 11). Mortality was associated with medications for opioid use disorder in multivariate Cox analysis (HR: 2.37, 95%CI 1.15–5.04, p = 0.025). Those in HF group seem to be more at risk of death compared to TAU group, mainly during the first 6 months of being housed, although the difference did not reach significance (HR: 0.49, 95%CI 0.24–1.01, p = 0.054). Violent deaths occurred in 52.2% of HF group’s deaths versus 18.2% of TAU group’s deaths, this excess being explained by 34.8% (n = 8) deaths by overdoses in HF group versus none in TAU group.

Limitations

1) 8.7% (n = 2) people in HF group died before HF intervention but were analyzed in intention-to-treat. 2) No proof of life or death has been found for only 0.6% in HF group (n = 2) but for 9.5% people in TAU group (n = 33) that could be anonymous deaths. 3) Undetermined causes represented 8.7% of deaths in HF group versus 36.4% in TAU group. 4) The small number of events (deaths) in the study population is a limitation for statistical analysis.

Conclusions

Due to important limitations, we cannot conclude on HF effect on mortality, but our results nevertheless confirm that the vulnerability of long-term homeless people with SMI persists after accessing independent housing. Earlier intervention in the pathways of homelessness should be considered, alongside active specific support for addictions.

Trial registration

Ethics Committee Sud Mediterrannée V n° 11.050: trial number 2011-A00668–33: 28/07/2011. Clinicaltrials ID NCT01570712: 4/4/2012.
The mediating role of unhealthy behavior in the relationship between shift work and perceived health
Authors: Proper Karin I. , Jaarsma Eva , Robroek Suzan J. W. , Schram Jolinda L. D. , Boshuizen Hendriek , Picavet H. Susan J. , Verschuren W. M. Monique , van Oostrom Sandra H.
Published: July 2021

Background

Little is known about the relationship between shift work and perceived health, including potential underlying mechanisms such as unhealthy behaviors. The aim of this study was to investigate whether unhealthy behaviors mediate the relationship between shift work and perceived mental and physical health, taking into account potential differences by level of education.

Methods

Data from 1633 workers participating in the Doetinchem Cohort Study during 1995–2016 were used. Being engaged in shift work was determined at 1 year preceding the assessment of health behaviors. Mental and physical health were assessed after 5 years of follow-up by the 5-item Mental Health Inventory and the physical functioning scale of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey. Smoking, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, and overweight were considered as potential mediators and education was treated as moderator. Moderated mediation analyses using generalized estimated equations were performed.

Results

Shift work was not statistically significantly related to either mental or physical health. Despite this, statistically significant mediation effects of smoking (Beta − 0.09; 95% Confidence Interval − 0.20 - -0.01, respectively B -0.09; 95%CI -0.21 - -0.01) and physical inactivity (B 0.11; 95%CI 0.03–0.23, respectively B 0.08; 95%CI 0.01–0.18) were found in the relationship between shift work and mental or physical health. Direct and indirect effects outweighed each other in the relationship between shift work and mental health, since the direction of these effects was opposite. The relationship between shift work, unhealthy behavior, and health was not different by educational level.

Conclusion

Shift workers did not report lower mental or physical health than non-shift workers. Though mediation effects of unhealthy behavior were observed in the relationship between shift work and perceived health, these small effects had minor public health relevance.
Social isolation, inflammation, and cancer mortality from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey - a study of 3,360 women
Authors: Koh-Bell Alexander , Chan Joshua , Mann Amandeep K. , Kapp Daniel S.
Published: July 2021

Background

This study evaluates the role of social isolation on inflammation and cancer mortality among women.

Methods

Data were abstracted from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1988 to 1994. The Social Network Index was used to assess participants’ degree of social isolation. C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels were included as markers of inflammation. We used the National Death Index to identify causes and dates of mortality. Chi-square and multivariable Cox regressions were employed for statistical analyses.

Results

Of 3360 women (median age: 54 years), the most isolated, very isolated, somewhat isolated, and not isolated comprised 14.5, 30.2, 37.1, and 18.2% of the sample, respectively. The most isolated participants were more likely to have low income (56.8% vs 12.2%, p < 0.001), have fewer years of education (40.8% vs 12.3%; p < 0.001), have low physical activity (27.3% vs 14.7%; p < 0.003), be obese (32.5% vs 24.4%; p = 0.02), and be current smokers (34.2% vs 10.3%; p < 0.001) compared to the not isolated ones. Mean fibrinogen levels increased with degree of social isolation (p = 0.003), but C-reactive protein showed no association (p = 0.52). Kaplan-Meier estimates indicated higher cancer mortality rates among participants with elevated fibrinogen levels, though not with statistical significance (p = 0.08). Furthermore, there was no association between social isolation and cancer mortality (p = 0.54). On multivariate analysis, obesity (HR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.11–2.18), higher education (HR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.01–1.83), and smoking (HR = 4.42, 95% CI: 2.84–6.88) were independent predictors for cancer mortality, while high physical activity predicted for lower mortality from cancer (HR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.51–0.87). However, social isolation was not a predictor.

Conclusion

Social isolation among women was associated with an increased level of fibrinogen, but not associated with cancer mortality. The relationship between inflammation and cancer mortality warrants further investigation.
Late initiation and low utilization of postnatal care services among women in the rural setting in Northwest Tanzania: a community-based study using a mixed method approach
Authors: Konje Eveline T. , Hatfield Jennifer , Sauve Reg , Kuhn Susan , Magoma Moke , Dewey Deborah
Published: July 2021

Background

Maternal and newborn mortality is high immediately after childbirth and up to 42 days postnatally despite the availability of interventions. Postnatal care is crucial in preventing mortality and improving the health of women and newborns. This prospective cohort study investigated the initiation and utilization of postnatal care at health facilities and explored users’ and providers’ perspectives on utilization of postnatal care services.

Methods

A sequential explanatory mixed method was used involving women who were followed from the 3rd trimester of pregnancy to 3–4 months postnatally in Northwest, Tanzania. From January to December 2018, a door-to-door survey was conducted 3–4 months postnatally among 1385 of these women. A convenience sample of women and community health workers participated in focus group discussions, and traditional birth attendants and nurses participated in key informant interviews to complement quantitative data. Data analyses were conducted using STATA version 13 and NVIVO version 12.

Study findings

Approximately, one half of participants attended postnatal care within 42 days after delivery. Postnatal care seeking within 48 h after delivery was reported by 14.6 % of the participants. Women who attended antenatal care at least four times, delivered at health facilities or experienced delivery-related complications were more likely to seek postnatal care. Limited knowledge on the postnatal care services and obstetric complications after childbirth, and not being scheduled for postnatal care by health providers negatively influenced services uptake. Overwhelming workload and shortages of supplies were reported to hinder the provision of postnatal care services.

Conclusions

Utilization of postnatal care services remains low in this setting as a result of a number of disparate and complex factors that influence women’s choices. Provision of effective postnatal care is hindered by lack of supplies, staffing, and inadequate infrastructure. To ensure accessibility and availability of quality services in this setting, both demand and supply sides factors need to be addressed.
Roles of noncoding RNAs in preeclampsia
Authors: Sun Ningxia , Qin Shiting , Zhang Lu , Liu Shiguo
Published: July 2021

Preeclampsia (PE) is an idiopathic disease that occurs during pregnancy. It comprises multiple organ and system damage, and can seriously threaten the safety of the mother and infant throughout the perinatal period. As the pathogenesis of PE is unclear, there are few specific remedies. Currently, the only way to eliminate the clinical symptoms is to terminate the pregnancy. Although noncoding RNA (ncRNA) was once thought to be the “junk” of gene transcription, it is now known to be widely involved in pathological and physiological processes, including pregnancy-related disorders. Moreover, there is growing evidence that the unbalanced expression of specific ncRNA is involved in the pathogenesis of PE. In the present review, we summarize the expression patterns of ncRNAs, i.e., microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), and the functional mechanisms by which they affect the development of PE, and examine the clinical significance of ncRNAs as biomarkers for the diagnosis of PE. We also discuss the contributions made by genetic polymorphisms and epigenetic ncRNA regulation to PE. In the present review, we wish to explore and reinforce the clinical value of ncRNAs as noninvasive biomarkers of PE.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of a multiple health behaviour change intervention in people aged between 45 and 75 years: a cluster randomized controlled trial in primary care (EIRA study)
Authors: Aznar-Lou Ignacio , Zabaleta-Del-Olmo Edurne , Casajuana-Closas Marc , Sánchez-Viñas Alba , Parody-Rúa Elizabeth , Bolíbar Bonaventura , Iracheta-Todó Montserrat , Bulilete Oana , López-Jiménez Tomàs , Pombo-Ramos Haizea , Martín Miguel María Victoria , Magallón-Botaya Rosa , Maderuelo-Fernández Jose Ángel , Motrico Emma , Bellón Juan , Martí-Lluch Ruth , Rubio-Valera Maria , Serrano-Blanco Antoni
Published: July 2021

Background

Multiple health behaviour change (MHBC) interventions that promote healthy lifestyles may be an efficient approach in the prevention or treatment of chronic diseases in primary care. This study aims to evaluate the cost-utility and cost-effectiveness of the health promotion EIRA intervention in terms of MHBC and cardiovascular reduction.

Methods

An economic evaluation alongside a 12-month cluster-randomised (1:1) controlled trial conducted between 2017 and 2018 in 25 primary healthcare centres from seven Spanish regions. The study took societal and healthcare provider perspectives. Patients included were between 45 and 75 years old and had any two of these three behaviours: smoking, insufficient physical activity or low adherence to Mediterranean dietary pattern. Intervention duration was 12 months and combined three action levels (individual, group and community). MHBC, defined as a change in at least two health risk behaviours, and cardiovascular risk (expressed in % points) were the outcomes used to calculate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER). Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were estimated and used to calculate incremental cost-utility ratios (ICUR). Missing data was imputed and bootstrapping with 1000 replications was used to handle uncertainty in the modelling results.

Results

The study included 3062 participants. Intervention costs were €295 higher than usual care costs. Five per-cent additional patients in the intervention group did a MHBC compared to usual care patients. Differences in QALYS or cardiovascular risk between-group were close to 0 (-0.01 and 0.17 respectively). The ICER was €5,598 per extra health behaviour change in one patient and €1,727 per one-point reduction in cardiovascular risk from a societal perspective. The cost-utility analysis showed that the intervention increased costs and has no effect, in terms of QALYs, compared to usual care from a societal perspective. Cost-utility planes showed high uncertainty surrounding the ICUR. Sensitivity analysis showed results in line with the main analysis.

Conclusion

The efficiency of EIRA intervention cannot be fully established and its recommendation should be conditioned by results on medium-long term effects.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03136211. Registered 02 May 2017 – Retrospectively registered
SETD7-mediated monomethylation is enriched on soluble Tau in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Bichmann Maria , Prat Oriol Nuria , Ercan-Herbst Ebru , Schöndorf David C. , Gomez Ramos Borja , Schwärzler Vera , Neu Marie , Schlüter Annabelle , Wang Xue , Jin Liang , Hu Chenqi , Tian Yu , Ried Janina S. , Haberkant Per , Gasparini Laura , Ehrnhoefer Dagmar E.
Published: July 2021

Background

Human tauopathies including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are characterized by alterations in the post-translational modification (PTM) pattern of Tau, which parallel the formation of insoluble Tau aggregates, neuronal dysfunction and degeneration. While PTMs on aggregated Tau have been studied in detail, much less is known about the modification patterns of soluble Tau. Furthermore, PTMs other than phosphorylation have only come into focus recently and are still understudied. Soluble Tau species are likely responsible for the spreading of pathology during disease progression and are currently being investigated as targets for immunotherapies. A better understanding of their biochemical properties is thus of high importance.

Methods

We used a mass spectrometry approach to characterize Tau PTMs on a detergent-soluble fraction of human AD and control brain tissue, which led to the discovery of novel lysine methylation events. We developed specific antibodies against Tau methylated at these sites and biochemically characterized methylated Tau species in extracts from human brain, the rTg4510 mouse model and in hiPSC-derived neurons.

Results

Our study demonstrates that methylated Tau levels increase with Tau pathology stage in human AD samples as well as in a mouse model of Tauopathy. Methylated Tau is enriched in soluble brain extracts and is not associated with hyperphosphorylated, high molecular weight Tau species. We also show that in hiPSC-derived neurons and mouse brain, methylated Tau preferentially localizes to the cell soma and nuclear fractions and is absent from neurites. Knock down and inhibitor studies supported by proteomics data led to the identification of SETD7 as a novel lysine methyltransferase for Tau. SETD7 specifically methylates Tau at K132, an event that facilitates subsequent methylation at K130.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that methylated Tau has a specific somatic and nuclear localization, suggesting that the methylation of soluble Tau species may provide a signal for their translocation to different subcellular compartments. Since the mislocalization and depletion of Tau from axons is associated with tauopathies, our findings may shed light onto this disease-associated phenomenon.
The anxious-depressive attack severity scale: development and initial validation and reliability
Authors: Noda Shota , Matsumoto Satomi , Kawasaki Naoko , Masaki Mina , Fukui Itaru , Kaiya Hisanobu
Published: July 2021

Background

Anxious-depressive attack (ADA) is a symptom complex that comprises sudden intense feelings of anxiety or depression, intrusive rumination of regretful memories or future worries, emotional distress due to painful thoughts, and coping behaviors to manage emotional distress. ADA has been observed trans-diagnostically across various psychiatric disorders. Although the importance of ADA treatment has been indicated, a scale to measure the severity of ADA has not been developed. This study aimed to develop an Anxious-Depressive Attack Severity Scale (ADAS) to measure the severity of ADA symptoms and examine its reliability and validity.

Methods

A total of 242 outpatients responded to a questionnaire and participated in an interview, which were designed to measure the severity of ADA, depressive, anxiety, anxious depression, and social anxiety symptoms. Based on the diagnostic criteria for ADA, 54 patients were confirmed to have ADA and were included in the main study analyses.

Results

The exploratory factor analysis of the ADAS identified a two factor structure: severity of ADA symptoms and ADA frequency and coping behaviors. McDonald’s ωt coefficients were high for the overall scale and the first factor (ωt = .78 and ωt = .83, respectively) but low for the second factor (ωt = .49). The ADAS score was significantly positively correlated with clinical symptoms related to anxiety and depression.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated that the ADAS has sufficient reliability and validity; however, internal consistency was insufficient for the second factor. Overall, the ADAS has potential to be a valuable tool for use in clinical trials of ADA.
Fungal deterioration of the bagasse storage from the harvested sugarcane
Authors: Peng Na , Yao Ziting , Wang Ziting , Huang Jiangfeng , Khan Muhammad Tahir , Chen Baoshan , Zhang Muqing
Published: July 2021

Background

Sugarcane is an essential crop for sugar and ethanol production. Immediate processing of sugarcane is necessary after harvested because of rapid sucrose losses and deterioration of stalks. This study was conducted to fill the knowledge gap regarding the exploration of fungal communities in harvested deteriorating sugarcane. Experiments were performed on simulating production at 30 °C and 40 °C after 0, 12, and 60 h of sugarcane harvesting and powder-processing.

Results

Both pH and sucrose content declined significantly within 12 h. Fungal taxa were unraveled using ITS amplicon sequencing. With the increasing temperature, the diversity of the fungal community decreased over time. The fungal community structure significantly changed within 12 h of bagasse storage. Before stored, the dominant genus (species) in bagasse was Wickerhamomyces (W. anomalus). Following storage, Kazachstania (K. humilis) and Saccharomyces (S. cerevisiae) gradually grew, becoming abundant fungi at 30 °C and 40 °C. The bagasse at different temperatures had a similar pattern after storage for the same intervals, indicating that the temperature was the primary cause for the variation of core features. Moreover, most of the top fungal genera were significantly correlated with environmental factors (pH and sucrose of sugarcane, storage time, and temperature). In addition, the impact of dominant fungal species isolated from the deteriorating sugarcane on sucrose content and pH in the stored sugarcane juice was verified.

Conclusions

The study highlighted the importance of timeliness to refine sugar as soon as possible after harvesting the sugarcane. The lessons learned from this research are vital for sugarcane growers and the sugar industry for minimizing post-harvest losses.
Trends in evolution of the Rhodniini tribe (Hemiptera, Triatominae): experimental crosses between Psammolestes tertius Lent & Jurberg, 1965 and P. coreodes Bergroth, 1911 and analysis of the reproductive isolating mechanisms
Authors: Ravazi Amanda , de Oliveira Jader , Campos Fabricio Ferreria , Madeira Fernanda Fernandez , dos Reis Yago Visinho , de Oliveira Ana Beatriz Bortolozo , de Azeredo-Oliveira Maria Tercília Vilela , da Rosa João Aristeu , Galvão Cleber , Alevi Kaio Cesar Chaboli
Published: July 2021

Background

The tribe Rhodniini is a monophyletic group composed of 24 species grouped into two genera:RhodniusandPsammolestes. The genusPsammolestesincludes only three species, namelyP. coreodes,P. tertiusandP. arthuri. Natural hybridization events have been reported for the Rhodniini tribe (for genusRhodniusspecifically). Information obtained from hybridization studies can improve our understanding of the taxonomy and systematics of species. Here we report the results from experimental crosses performed betweenP. tertiusandP. coreodesand from subsequent analyses of the reproductive and morphological aspects of the hybrids.

Methods

Crossing experiments were conducted betweenP. tertiusandP. coreodesto evaluate the pre- and post-zygotic barriers between species of the Rhodniini tribe. We also performed cytogenetic analyses of the F1 hybrids, with a focus on the degree of pairing between the homeologous chromosomes, and morphology studies of the male gonads to evaluate the presence of gonadal dysgenesis. Lastly, we analyzed the segregation of phenotypic characteristics.

Results

Interspecific experimental crosses demonstrated intrageneric genomic compatibility since hybrids were produced in both directions. However, these hybrids showed a high mortality rate, suggesting a post-zygotic barrier resulting in hybrid unviability. The F1 hybrids that reached adulthood presented the dominant phenotypic segregation pattern forP. tertiusin both directions. These insects were then intercrossed; the hybrids were used in the cross betweenP. tertius♀ ×P. coreodes♂ died before oviposition, and the F1 hybrids ofP. coreodes♀ xP. tertius♂ oviposited and their F2 hybrids hatched (however, all specimens died after hatching, still in first-generation nymph stage, pointing to a hybrid collapse event). Morphological analyses of male gonads from F1 hybrids showed that they did not have gonadal dysgenesis. Cytogenetic analyses of these triatomines showed that there were metaphases with 100% pairing between homeologous chromosomes and metaphases with pairing errors.

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrate thatPsammolestesspp. have intrageneric genomic compatibility and that post-zygotic barriers, namely unviability of hybrid and hybrid collapse, resulted in the breakdown of the hybrids ofP. tertiusandP. coreodes, confirming the specific status of species based on the biological concept of species.

Graphical abstract
CAR-engineered NK cells; a promising therapeutic option for treatment of hematological malignancies
Authors: Marofi Faroogh , Saleh Marwan Mahmood , Rahman Heshu Sulaiman , Suksatan Wanich , Al-Gazally Moaed E. , Abdelbasset Walid Kamal , Thangavelu Lakshmi , Yumashev Alexei Valerievich , Hassanzadeh Ali , Yazdanifar Mahboubeh , Motavalli Roza , Pathak Yashwant , Naimi Adel , Baradaran Behzad , Nikoo Marzieh , Khiavi Farhad Motavalli
Published: July 2021

Adoptive cell therapy has received a great deal of interest in the treatment of advanced cancers that are resistant to traditional therapy. The tremendous success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T (CAR-T) cells in the treatment of cancer, especially hematological cancers, has exposed CAR’s potential. However, the toxicity and significant limitations of CAR-T cell immunotherapy prompted research into other immune cells as potential candidates for CAR engineering. NK cells are a major component of the innate immune system, especially for tumor immunosurveillance. They have a higher propensity for immunotherapy in hematologic malignancies because they can detect and eliminate cancerous cells more effectively. In comparison to CAR-T cells, CAR-NK cells can be prepared from allogeneic donors and are safer with a lower chance of cytokine release syndrome and graft-versus-host disease, as well as being a more efficient antitumor activity with high efficiency for off-the-shelf production. Moreover, CAR-NK cells may be modified to target various antigens while also increasing their expansion and survival in vivo. Extensive preclinical research has shown that NK cells can be effectively engineered to express CARs with substantial cytotoxic activity against both hematological and solid tumors, establishing evidence for potential clinical trials of CAR-NK cells. In this review, we discuss recent advances in CAR-NK cell engineering in a variety of hematological malignancies, as well as the main challenges that influence the outcomes of CAR-NK cell-based tumor immunotherapies.
Modeling of co-channel interference in bluetooth low energy based on measurement data
Authors: Kavousi Ghafi Hamid , Spindelberger Christian , Arthaber Holger
Published: July 2021

The intense use of the 2.4 GHz ISM band by several wireless technologies has resulted in increased co-channel interference between networks operating in this frequency band. The aim of this paper is to investigate modeling techniques of co-channel interference affecting bluetooth low energy devices. The models are derived from recorded interference. Two types of models are introduced: a time domain model utilizing IQ data as reference and a spectrum-based model in which the reference signal is captured in frequency domain by a real-time spectrum analyzer. The recorded interference is also used as a reference to analyze the accuracy of proposed models. The proposed IQ-based model shows a degradation in performance for the environments with dominant bluetooth interfering signals. The frequency-based model not only addresses this problem, but also results in a huge data decimation in recording the interference.
Approximation of linear one dimensional partial differential equations including fractional derivative with non-singular kernel
Authors: Kamal Raheel , Kamran  , Rahmat Gul , Ahmadian Ali , Arshad Noreen Izza , Salahshour Soheil
Published: July 2021

In this article we propose a hybrid method based on a local meshless method and the Laplace transform for approximating the solution of linear one dimensional partial differential equations in the sense of the Caputo–Fabrizio fractional derivative. In our numerical scheme the Laplace transform is used to avoid the time stepping procedure, and the local meshless method is used to produce sparse differentiation matrices and avoid the ill conditioning issues resulting in global meshless methods. Our numerical method comprises three steps. In the first step we transform the given equation to an equivalent time independent equation. Secondly the reduced equation is solved via a local meshless method. Finally, the solution of the original equation is obtained via the inverse Laplace transform by representing it as a contour integral in the complex left half plane. The contour integral is then approximated using the trapezoidal rule. The stability and convergence of the method are discussed. The efficiency, efficacy, and accuracy of the proposed method are assessed using four different problems. Numerical approximations of these problems are obtained and validated against exact solutions. The obtained results show that the proposed method can solve such types of problems efficiently.