bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personalised health education against health damage of COVID-19 epidemic in the elderly Hungarian population (PROACTIVE-19): protocol of an adaptive randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Erőss Bálint , Molnár Zsolt , Szakács Zsolt , Zádori Noémi , Szakó Lajos , Váncsa Szilárd , Juhász Márk Félix , Ocskay Klementina , Vörhendi Nóra , Márta Katalin , Szentesi Andrea , Párniczky Andrea , Hegyi Péter J. , Kiss Szabolcs , Földi Mária , Dembrovszky Fanni , Kanjo Anna , Pázmány Piroska , Varró András , Csathó Árpád , Helyes Zsuzsanna , Péterfi Zoltán , Czopf László , Kiss István , Zemplényi Antal , Czapári Dóra , Hegyi Eszter , Dobszai Dalma , Miklós Emőke , Márta Attila , Tóth Dominika , Farkas Richard , Farkas Nelli , Birkás Béla , Pintér Erika , Pethő Gábor , Zsigmond Borbála , Sárközi Andrea , Nagy Anikó , Hegyi Péter
Published: September 2020

Background

Early reports indicate that COVID-19 may require intensive care unit (ICU) admission in 5–26% and overall mortality can rise to 11% of the recognised cases, particularly affecting the elderly. There is a lack of evidence-based targeted pharmacological therapy for its prevention and treatment.

We aim to compare the effects of a World Health Organization recommendation-based education and a personalised complex preventive lifestyle intervention package (based on the same WHO recommendation) on the outcomes of the COVID-19.

Methods

PROACTIVE-19 is a pragmatic, randomised controlled clinical trial with adaptive “sample size re-estimation” design. Hungarian population over the age of 60 years without confirmed COVID-19 will be approached to participate in a telephone health assessment and lifestyle counselling voluntarily. Volunteers will be randomised into two groups: (A) general health education and (B) personalised health education. Participants will go through questioning and recommendation in 5 fields: (1) mental health, (2) smoking habits, (3) physical activity, (4) dietary habits, and (5) alcohol consumption. Both groups A and B will receive the same line of questioning to assess habits concerning these topics. Assessment will be done weekly during the first month, every second week in the second month, then monthly. The composite primary endpoint will include the rate of ICU admission, hospital admission (longer than 48 h), and mortality in COVID-19-positive cases. The estimated sample size is 3788 subjects per study arm. The planned duration of the follow-up is a minimum of 1 year.

Discussion

These interventions may boost the body’s cardiovascular and pulmonary reserve capacities, leading to improved resistance against the damage caused by COVID-19. Consequently, lifestyle changes can reduce the incidence of life-threatening conditions and attenuate the detrimental effects of the pandemic seriously affecting the older population.

Trial registration

The study has been approved by the Scientific and Research Ethics Committee of the Hungarian Medical Research Council (IV/2428- 2 /2020/EKU) and has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04321928) on 25 March 2020.
Prophylactic prednisolone for the prevention of early and intermediate adverse effects of radioactive iodine therapy in patients with thyroid cancer: study protocol for a single-centre, phase II/III, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Jayarajah Umesh , Wijekoon Mahilal , Seneviratne Sanjeewa A.
Published: September 2020

Background

Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy is the standard adjuvant treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer (i.e. papillary and follicular). RAI is associated with troublesome early, intermediate and late adverse effects. Although glucocorticoids are used for the management of these adverse effects, there is little evidence regarding the effectiveness of prophylactic glucocorticoids to prevent these complications. This trial will evaluate the efficacy of a short course of prophylactic glucocorticoids in the prevention of adverse effects of RAI treatment in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.

Methods

A phase II/III, single-centre, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm clinical trial will be conducted. Patients with differentiated thyroid cancer who are referred to RAI therapy at the National Cancer Institute, Sri Lanka, will be randomized into two arms consisting of 200 patients each. The experimental group will receive prophylactic oral prednisolone 0.5 mg/kg and omeprazole 20 mg single dose 6 h before RAI therapy followed by oral prednisolone 0.5 mg/kg and omeprazole 20 mg daily for 3 days. The control group will receive oral placebo and omeprazole 20 mg single dose 6 h before RAI therapy followed by oral placebo and omeprazole 20 mg daily for 3 days. Clinically significant adverse effects assessed as related to RAI as well as prednisolone therapy and the quality of life parameters will be compared between the two groups.

Discussion

If proven beneficial, this intervention can be incorporated into the standard practice to reduce early and intermediate adverse effects of RAI for thyroid cancer with a potential improvement of quality of life.

Trial registration

Sri Lanka Clinical Trials Registry SLCTR/2020/009. Registered prospectively on 23 February 2020. Items of the WHO Trial Registration Data Set are provided in the supplementary file.
Effect of medically lowering intraocular pressure in glaucoma suspects with high myopia (GSHM study): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lin Feng Bin , Da Chen Shi , Song Yun He , Wang Wei , Jin Ling , Liu Bing Qian , Liu Yu Hong , Chen Mei Ling , Gao Kai , Friedman David S. , Jonas Jost B. , Aung Tin , Lv Lin , Liu Yi Zhi , Zhang Xiu Lan ,   on behalf of the GSHM study group, Zhang Xiu Lan , Liu Yi Zhi , Lv Lin , Friedman David S. , Jonas Jost B. , Aung Tin , Da Chen Shi , Wang Wei , Lin Feng Bin , Song Yun He , Li Fei , Gao Kai , Liu Bing Qian , Liu Yu Hong , Chen Mei Ling , Bressler Neil M. , Park Ki Ho , He Ming Guang , Cheng Ching-yu , Healey Paul , Chen Xiang , Tang Guang Xian , Jin Ling
Published: September 2020

Background

Currently, whether and when intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering medication should be used in glaucoma suspects with high myopia (GSHM) remains unknown. Glaucoma suspects are visual field (VF) defects that cannot be explained by myopic macular changes or other retinal and neurologic conditions. Glaucoma progression is defined by VF deterioration. Here we describe the rationale, design, and methodology of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to evaluate the effects of medically lowering IOP in GSHM (GSHM study).

Methods

The GSHM study is an open-label, single-center, RCT for GSHM. Overall, 264 newly diagnosed participants, aged 35 to 65 years, will be recruited at the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, between 2020 and 2021. Participants will be randomly divided into two arms at a 1:1 ratio. Participants in the intervention arm will receive IOP-lowering medication, while participants in the control arm will be followed up without treatment for 36 months or until they reach the end point. Only one eye per participant will be eligible for the study. If both eyes are eligible, the eye with the worse VF will be recruited. The primary outcome is the incidence of glaucoma suspect progression by VF testing over 36 months. The secondary outcomes include the incidence of changes in the optic nerve head morphology including the retinal nerve fiber layer, and retinal ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer loss, progression of myopic maculopathy, visual function loss, and change in the quality of life. Statistical analyses will include baseline characteristics comparison between the intervention and control groups using a two-samplet-test and Wilcoxon rank sum test; generalized linear models with Poisson regression for the primary outcome; Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test for the incidence of the secondary outcome; and longitudinal analyses to assess trends in outcomes across time.

Discussion

To the best of our knowledge, the GSHM study is the first RCT to investigate the impact of medically lowering IOP in GSHM. The results will have implications for the clinical management of GSHM.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04296916. Registered on 4 March 2020
Cognitive-behavioral family therapy as psychoeducation for adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders: Aware and Care for my Autistic Traits (ACAT) program study protocol for a pragmatic multisite randomized controlled trial
Authors: Oshima Fumiyo , William Mandy , Takahashi Noriko , Tsuchiyagaito Aki , Kuwabara Hitoshi , Shiina Akihiro , Seto Mikuko , Hongo Minako , Iwama Yui , Hirano Yoshiyuki , Sutoh Chihiro , Taguchi Kayoko , Yoshida Tokiko , Kawasaki Yohei , Ozawa Yoshihito , Masuya Jiro , Sato Noriyuki , Nakamura Shizuka , Kuno Masaru , Takahashi Jumpei , Ohtani Toshiyuki , Matsuzawa Daisuke , Inada Naoko , Kuroda Miho , Ando Mika , Hori Arinobu , Nakagawa Akiko , Shimizu Eiji
Published: September 2020

Background

One aim of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis is to obtain special support for the disorder, though this does not guarantee practical support. We developed a psychoeducational program using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Aware and Care for my Autistic Traits (ACAT) for Japanese adolescents with high-functioning ASD and their parents.

Methods

This multisite study is a randomized controlled trial. In total, 24 participants will be assigned to the ACAT group and 24 to the treatment-as-usual (TAU) group. The ACAT group will receive a weekly 100-min session for 6 weeks, regular medical care, and one follow-up session. In this ongoing clinical trial, we will compare the scores of the measures recorded in the pre- and post-intervention stages between the ACAT and TAU groups. A total of 41 patients out of a target of 48 have participated in the trial to date. The primary outcome measure is the Autism Knowledge Questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures include Barriers to Access to Care Evaluation 3rd Edition, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales second edition, the Parenting Resilience Elements Questionnaire, the General Health Questionnaire 12, and the Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children assessments, as well as an electroencephalographic recording.

Discussion

It is expected that participants in the ACAT group will significantly increase their self-understanding and awareness of ASD symptoms compared to those in the TAU group. Additionally, the ACAT group is expected to exhibit improved social adaptation and mental health if children and parents are able to better understand the ASD characteristics through sessions. This intervention will contribute to the establishment of an effective evidence-based treatment strategy for adolescents with ASD.

Trial registration

UMIN Register 000029851. Registered on January 06, 2018
Moving fast but going slow: coordination challenges for trials of COVID-19 post-exposure prophylaxis
Authors: Tan Darrell H. S. , Agrawal Rupesh , Barnabas Ruanne V. , Giles Jon T. , Dull Peter
Published: September 2020

An unprecedented volume of research has been generated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are risks of inefficient duplication and of important work being impeded if efforts are not synchronized. Excessive reliance on observational studies, which can be more rapidly conducted but are inevitably subject to measured and unmeasured confounders, can foil efforts to conduct rigorous randomized trials. These challenges are illustrated by recent global efforts to conduct clinical trials of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as a strategy for preventing COVID-19. Innovative strategies are needed to help overcome these issues, including increasing communication between the Data Safety and Monitoring Committees (DSMCs) of similar trials. It is important to reinforce the primacy of high-quality trials in generating unbiased answers to pressing prevention and treatment questions about COVID-19.
Randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in facilitating the healing of chronic foot ulcers in diabetic patients: the study protocol
Authors: Lopes Jocefábia Reika Alves , D’Agostino Dias Mariza , Correa João Antonio , Batalha Maria Alice Bragagnolo , Guerra Luanda Karla Dantas
Published: September 2020

Background

Diabetic limb ulcers are highly prevalent and contribute to a significant increase in cost for the treatment of these patients in health services. However, healing of these wounds is a major health problem and may even lead to amputation. The primary aim of the current study is to evaluate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in facilitating the healing of diabetic foot ulcers, in addition to secondarily evaluating whether it reduces the number of amputations and improves the quality of life in these patients.

Methods

A non-blind randomized clinical study will be conducted in the city of Imperatriz, Maranhão state, Brazil, from 2019 to 2020, in diabetic patients with chronic foot ulcers (classified as Wagner grades 2, 3 and 4, persisting for more than 1 month). The outpatient follow-up for diabetic foot patients will be done at the Unified Health System, with a sample size of 120 patients (the randomization allocation will be 1:1, being 60 patients for each arm). Half of the patients will receive standard treatment, i.e. dressings, debridement, antibiotics and load relief, along with HBOT (HBOT group), and the other half will receive only standard treatment (control group). The patients of the HBOT group will be evaluated upon admission, after 10, 20, 30 and 35 HBOT sessions, and after 6 months and 1 year. The patients of the control group will also be evaluated at equivalent periods (upon admission, after 2, 4, 6 and 7 weeks, 6 months and 1 year). The SF-36 quality of life questionnaire will be filled upon admission and after 3 months of follow-up in both groups. The primary and secondary endpoints will be assessed with 1 year of follow-up.

Discussion

Diabetic foot ulcers are a highly prevalent complication of diabetes with serious consequences. A study to assess the efficacy of HBOT in healing the ulcers and reducing the rate of amputations in diabetic patients is justified, which will eventually aid in the development of guidelines for treating these ulcers.

Trial registration

Registration number RBR-7bd3xy. Registered on 17 July 2019—Retrospectively registered.
Sampling scale and season influence the observed relationship between the density of deer and questing Ixodes ricinus nymphs
Authors: Dickinson Eleanor R , Millins Caroline , Biek Roman
Published: September 2020

Background

The relationship between environmentally transmitted tick parasites, Ixodes spp., and their main reproductive host, deer, is generally thought to be positive. However, measuring host abundance and density directly can be challenging and indirect methods are often used. The observed relationship between the parasite and host may be affected by sampling scale and season, which could lead to different inferences being made. Here, we aimed to test the effect of sampling scale and season on the relationship between density of deer and the density of questing Ixodes ricinus nymphs.

Methods

The density of deer (primarily Dama dama) was estimated using line transect distance sampling of deer dung quantified in different seasons (winter and summer) and measured at three different nested scales (site, transect and observation level). Questing nymph density was measured using blanket drag methods and estimates were calculated at the same scales as deer density estimates. General linear models were used to evaluate the relationship between questing nymphs, deer density and other environmental variables at each sampling scale and each season deer density was measured at.

Results

While a positive relationship between deer density and questing nymph density was detected at the site and transect scale, no relationship was apparent at the observation level. This was likely due to increased variation and reduced precision of deer dung counts at the finest sampling scale. Seasonal changes in deer populations were observed likely reflecting seasonal shifts in habitat usage. The summer estimates of deer density explained questing nymph density whereas winter estimates did not.

Conclusions

Our results show that the scale of sampling can affect the detectability of the positive association between host and vector species. Furthermore, such associations can be obscured if hosts exhibit seasonal changes in habitat use. Thus, both sampling scale and season are important to consider when investigating the relationship between host and vector species.
Epidemiology and genotyping of Anaplasma marginale and co-infection with piroplasms and other Anaplasmataceae in cattle and buffaloes from Egypt
Authors: AL-Hosary Amira , Răileanu Cristian , Tauchmann Oliver , Fischer Susanne , Nijhof Ard M. , Silaghi Cornelia
Published: September 2020

Background

Anaplasma marginaleis an obligate intracellular bacterium and the main cause of bovine anaplasmosis in tropical and subtropical regions. In Egypt, data regarding the prevalence ofA. marginalein ruminant hosts and of the circulating genotypes is lacking. This study therefore aimed to (i) investigate the presence, epidemiology and genotypes ofA. marginalein cattle and buffaloes in Egypt, (ii) to evaluate suitable diagnostic tools and (iii) to identify co-infections ofA. marginalewith other selected tick-borne pathogens.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 394 animals (309 cattle and 85 buffaloes) from three different areas in Egypt. For the detection ofA. marginaleinfection, several tests were compared for their sensitivity and specificity: blood smear analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), PCR, real-time PCR and reverse line blot (RLB) assay. Co-infections withA. marginale,piroplasms and otherAnaplasmataceaewere surveyed by RLB whileA. marginalegenotypes were identified by amplifying and sequencing the partialmsp1αgene.

Results

Anaplasma marginaleDNA was amplified by qPCR in 68.3% of cattle and 29.4% of buffaloes. RLB showed infection withA. marginalein 50.2% of cattle and 42.5% of buffaloes. Blood smear analysis detected this agent in 16.2% of cattle and 2.4% of buffaloes. ELISA showed specific antibodies againstA. marginalein 54.9% of cattle.Anaplasma marginalewas associated, in cattle and buffaloes, with several tick-borne pathogens (Theileria annulata,Babesia bovis,Babesia bigemina,Babesia occultansandAnaplasma platys). A significant difference ofA. marginaleinfection level was noticed in cattle, where animals between 3–5-years-old had a higher prevalence (79.2%) compared to those older than 5 years (36.4%) and younger than 3 years (59.7%) and one year (64.5%), respectively (P = 0.002281). Microsatellite analysis identified 15 different genotypes.

Conclusions

The epidemiological findings revealed high prevalence ofA. marginalein cattle and buffaloes in all the investigated areas. The circulation of diverse genotypes was observed, most of theseA. marginalegenotypes being specific for Egypt. The qPCR assay was confirmed to be the most sensitive tool for detection ofA. marginalein cattle and buffaloes even in the carrier state, highlighting the importance of using suitable diagnostic tests.
Infliximab treatment reduces depressive symptoms in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: an ancillary study to a randomized controlled trial (ASSERT)
Authors: Webers Casper , Stolwijk Carmen , Schiepers Olga , Schoonbrood Thea , van Tubergen Astrid , Landewé Robert , van der Heijde Désirée , Boonen Annelies
Published: September 2020

Background

Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are at increased risk of depression. This increased risk has been hypothesized to be solely secondary due to AS-related symptoms, or additionally due to a common inflammatory pathway. From a clinical perspective, it is important to know whether treatment with tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors reduces depressive symptoms, while from a pathophysiological point of view, it would be insightful to understand whether such an effect would be a direct result of reduced inflammation, the result of reduced AS-related symptoms, or both. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of infliximab on depressive symptoms in patients with AS in a randomized-controlled trial setting.

Methods

Data were retrieved from a subgroup of patients from the AS Study for the Evaluation of Recombinant Infliximab Therapy (ASSERT). Patients were randomly allocated to infliximab (n = 16) or placebo (n = 7) until week 24, after which all received infliximab until week 54. Associations between treatment group and depressive symptoms, measured with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CES-D, range 0–60 (best-worst)) at baseline and over time, were explored with generalized estimating equations (GEE).

Results

Mean CES-D score at baseline was 15.5 (SD 9.3) in the infliximab group and 17.3 (SD 5.7) in the placebo group. Twelve patients (52%) had a CES-D score > 16, suggestive for clinical depression. After 24 weeks, mean CES-D had decreased to 9.5 (SD 11.4) in the infliximab group, but was 18.0 (SD 6.9) in the placebo group. GEE revealed larger improvements in depressive symptoms (B = − 6.63, 95%CI − 13.35 to 0.09) and odds of possible depression (OR = 0.02, 95%CI 0.00 to 0.72) in the infliximab group, compared to the placebo group. Both associations largely disappeared when adjusted for self-reported disease activity and/or physical function. Additional adjustment for C-reactive protein (CRP) did not change results.

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms are common in patients with AS and active disease. Infliximab improves these depressive symptoms in AS when compared to placebo by improving disease symptoms. We did not find an indication for a direct link between CRP-mediated inflammation and depressive symptoms.

Trial registration

Trial registration (ASSERT): NCT00207701. Registered on September 21, 2005 (retrospectively registered).
Development of diagnostic PCR and LAMP markers for MALE STERILITY 1 (MS1) in Cryptomeria japonica D. Don
Authors: Hasegawa Yoichi , Ueno Saneyoshi , Wei Fu-Jin , Matsumoto Asako , Ujino-Ihara Tokuko , Uchiyama Kentaro , Moriguchi Yoshinari , Kasahara Masahiro , Fujino Takeshi , Shigenobu Shuji , Yamaguchi Katsushi , Bino Takahiro , Hakamata Tetsuji
Published: September 2020

Objective

Due to the allergic nature of the pollen of Cryptomeria japonica, the most important Japanese forestry conifer, a pollen-free cultivar is preferred. Mutant trees detected in nature have been used to produce a pollen-free cultivar. In order to reduce the time and cost needed for production and breeding, we aimed to develop simple diagnostic molecular markers for mutant alleles of the causative gene MALE STERILITY 1 (MS1) in C. japonica to rapidly identify pollen-free mutants.

Results

We developed PCR and LAMP markers to detect mutant alleles and to present experimental options depending on available laboratory equipment. LAMP markers were developed for field stations, where PCR machines are unavailable. The LAMP method only needs heat-blocks or a water bath to perform the isothermal amplification and assay results can be read by the naked eye. Because the causative mutations were deletions, we developed two kinds of PCR markers, amplified length polymorphism (ALP) and allele specific PCR (ASP) markers. These assays can be visualized using capillary or agarose gel electrophoresis.
The expression profile of virus-recognizing toll-like receptors in natural killer cells of Cypriot multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Deeba Elie , Lambrianides Anastasia , Pantzaris Marios , Krashias George , Christodoulou Christina
Published: September 2020

Objective

The exact aetiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) remains elusive, although several environmental and genetic risk factors have been implicated to varying degrees. Among the environmental risk factors, viral infections have been suggested as strong candidates contributing to MS pathology/progression. Viral recognition and control are largely tasked to the NK cells via TLR recognition and various cytotoxic and immunoregulatory functions. Additionally, the complex roles of different TLRs in MS pathology are highlighted in multiple, often contradictory, studies. The present work aims to analyse the TLR expression profile of NK cells isolated from MS patients. Highly purified CD56+CD3− NK cells isolated from peripheral blood of MS patients (n = 19) and healthy controls (n = 20) were analysed via flow cytometry for their expression of viral antigen-recognizing TLRs (TLR2, TLR3, TLR7, and TLR9).

Results

No difference was noted in TLR expression between MS patients and healthy controls. These results aim to supplement previous findings which study expressional or functional differences in TLRs present in various subsets of the immune system in MS, thus aiding in a better understanding of MS as a complex multifaceted disease.
High prevalence of hepatitis A in indigenous population in north Brazil
Authors: de Paula Vanessa Salete , Milagres Flavio Augusto Pádua , Oliveira Guilherme de Macêdo , Miguel Juliana Custódio , Cruz Helena Medina , Scalioni Leticia de Paula , Marques Vanessa Alves , Magalhães Monica de Avelar Figueiredo Mafra , Romão Anselmo Rocha , Gracie Renata , Villar Livia Melo
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Little is known about hepatitis A virus (HAV) prevalence in indigenous communities. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of HAV in indigenous community compared to urban population located at Western Amazon in Brazil.

Results

A total of 872 serum samples were obtained from 491 indigenous and 381 non indigenous individuals aging 0 to 90 years. Samples were tested for total and IgM anti-HAV and positive IgM samples were tested for HAV RNA. The overall prevalence of total anti-HAV was 87%, increased according age showing 100% of prevalence in those aging more than 30 years (p < 0.0001) and it was similar among indigenous and urban population. Total anti-HAV prevalence varied between tribes (p < 0.0001) and urban sites (p = 0.0014) and spatial distribution showed high prevalence in homes that received up to 100 dollars. IgM anti-HAV prevalence was 1.7% with predominance in males, those aging more than 41 years. No HAV RNA was detected. In conclusion, high overall anti-HAV prevalence was found in indigenous communities in North Brazil demonstrating the importance of universal vaccination in this group.
Psyllium supplementation is associated with changes in the fecal microbiota of horses
Authors: Mienaltowski Michael J. , Belt Ashley , Henderson John D. , Boyd Tannah N. , Marter Nicole , Maga Elizabeth A. , DePeters Edward J.
Published: September 2020

Objective

Prophylactic supplementation of psyllium husk is recommended to enhance passage of ingested sand from the gastrointestinal tracts of horses. We hypothesized that psyllium supplementation would increase fecal sand passage and favorably alter bacterial populations in the hindgut. Six yearlings and six mature mares were fed a psyllium supplement in the diet daily for seven days. Voluntarily-voided feces were collected over the course of 29 days, prior, during, and after treatment. Feces were analyzed for acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent insoluble ash analyses. Microbial DNA was also isolated, and the V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was PCR-amplified and sequenced using MiSeq technology.

Results

Fecal ADF concentration was greater in adults while silica concentration was greater in yearlings. Mature mare fecal ADF decreased during and just after supplementation but thereafter increased. No changes in silica levels were noted in either group over time. Fecal microbial population phylogenetic diversity was greatest mid-supplementation and lowest at 11 days post-supplementation. Functional profiles of the microbial communities presented some benefits for psyllium supplementation. These findings provide compelling evidence for further detailed studies of prophylactic psyllium supplementation.
TSPO PET detects acute neuroinflammation but not diffuse chronically activated MHCII microglia in the rat
Authors: Al-Khishman Nassir U. , Qi Qi , Roseborough Austyn D. , Levit Alexander , Allman Brian L. , Anazodo Udunna C. , Fox Matthew S. , Whitehead Shawn N. , Thiessen Jonathan D.
Published: September 2020

Background

Accurate and sensitive imaging biomarkers are required to study the progression of white matter (WM) inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. Radioligands targeting the translocator protein (TSPO) are considered sensitive indicators of neuroinflammation, but it is not clear how well the expression of TSPO coincides with major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) molecules in WM. This study aimed to test the ability of TSPO to detect activated WM microglia that are immunohistochemically positive for MHCII in rat models of prodromal Alzheimer’s disease and acute subcortical stroke.

Methods

Fischer 344 wild-type (n = 12) and TgAPP21 (n = 11) rats were imaged with [18F]FEPPA PET and MRI to investigate TSPO tracer uptake in the corpus callosum, a WM region known to have high levels of MHCII activated microglia in TgAPP21 rats. Wild-type rats subsequently received an endothelin-1 (ET1) subcortical stroke and were imaged at days 7 and 28 post-stroke before immunohistochemistry of TSPO, GFAP, iNOS, and the MHCII rat antigen, OX6.

Results

[18F]FEPPA PET was not significantly affected by genotype in WM and only detected increases near the ET1 infarct (P = 0.033, infarct/cerebellum uptake ratio: baseline = 0.94 ± 0.16; day 7 = 2.10 ± 0.78; day 28 = 1.77 ± 0.35). Immunohistochemistry confirmed that only the infarct (TSPO cells/mm2: day 7 = 555 ± 181; day 28 = 307 ± 153) and WM that is proximal to the infarct had TSPO expression (TSPO cells/mm2: day 7 = 113 ± 93; day 28 = 5 ± 7). TSPO and iNOS were not able to detect the chronic WM microglial activation that was detected with MHCII in the contralateral corpus callosum (day 28 OX6% area: saline = 0.62 ± 0.38; stroke = 4.30 ± 2.83; P = .029).

Conclusion

TSPO was only expressed in the stroke-induced insult and proximal tissue and therefore was unable to detect remote and non-insult-related chronically activated microglia overexpressing MHCII in WM. This suggests that research in neuroinflammation, particularly in the WM, would benefit from MHCII-sensitive radiotracers.
High precision hybrid RF and ultrasonic chirp-based ranging for low-power IoT nodes
Authors: Cox Bert , Van der Perre Liesbet , Wielandt Stijn , Ottoy Geoffrey , De Strycker Lieven
Published: September 2020

Hybrid acoustic-RF systems offer excellent ranging accuracy, yet they typically come at a power consumption that is too high to meet the energy constraints of mobile IoT nodes. We combine pulse compression and synchronized wake-ups to achieve a ranging solution that limits the active time of the nodes to 1 ms. Hence, an ultra low-power consumption of 9.015 µW for a single measurement is achieved. The operation time is estimated on 8.5 years on a CR2032 coin cell battery at a 1 Hz update rate, which is over 250 times larger than state-of-the-art RF-based positioning systems. Measurements based on a proof-of-concept hardware platform show median distance error values below 10 cm. Both simulations and measurements demonstrate that the accuracy is reduced at low signal-to-noise ratios and when reflections occur. We introduce three methods that enhance the distance measurements at a low extra processing power cost. Hence, we validate in realistic environments that the centimeter accuracy can be obtained within the energy budget of mobile devices and IoT nodes. The proposed hybrid signal ranging system can be extended to perform accurate, low-power indoor positioning.
A fractional system of delay differential equation with nonsingular kernels in modeling hand-foot-mouth disease
Authors: Ghanbari Behzad
Published: September 2020

In this article, we examine a computational model to explore the prevalence of a viral infectious disease, namely hand-foot-mouth disease, which is more common in infants and children. The structure of this model consists of six sub-populations along with two delay parameters. Besides, by taking advantage of the Atangana–Baleanu fractional derivative, the ability of the model to justify different situations for the system has been improved. Discussions about the existence of the solution and its uniqueness are also included in the article. Subsequently, an effective numerical scheme has been employed to obtain several meaningful approximate solutions in various scenarios imposed on the problem. The sensitivity analysis of some existing parameters in the model has also been investigated through several numerical simulations. One of the advantages of the fractional derivative used in the model is the use of the concept of memory in maintaining the substantial properties of the understudied phenomena from the origin of time to the desired time. It seems that the tools used in this model are very powerful and can effectively simulate the expected theoretical conditions in the problem, and can also be recommended in modeling other computational models in infectious diseases.
Earthquake triggering model based on normal-stress-dependent Nagata law: application to the 2016 Mie offshore earthquake
Authors: Yoshida Shingo , Maeda Takuto , Kato Naoyuki
Published: September 2020

We propose a normal-stress-dependent Nagata law. Nagata et al. (J Geophys Res 117:B02314, 2012) revised the rate- and state-dependent friction law by introducing the shear stress dependence. We further extended the Nagata law by incorporating the normal stress dependence obtained by Linker and Dieterich (J Geophys Res 97:4923–4940, 1992). We performed numerical simulations of earthquake triggering by assuming the extended Nagata law. In the case of repeated earthquakes, we applied dynamic Coulomb failure function (CFF) perturbation due to normal or shear stress changes. CFF perturbation increased the slip velocity after the cessation of perturbation, relative to that of the repeated events without triggering. This leads to dynamic earthquake triggering for certain perturbation amplitudes with time to instability of 0 to several tens of days. In addition, triggering potential of the static CFF jump (ΔCFFs) was investigated. Static stress perturbation has a higher triggering potential than dynamic stress perturbation for the same magnitude of CFF. The equivalent ΔCFFeqis evaluated for dynamic perturbation that results in a triggering potential approximately the same as in the case of static stress perturbation if ΔCFFs = ΔCFFeq. We calculated ΔCFFeqon the interface of the Philippine Sea plate for the Mie offshore earthquake, which occurred around the Nankai Trough on April 1, 2016, using OpenSWPC. The results shows that ΔCFFeqis large around the trough, where slow slip events followed the Mie earthquake, suggesting that a large ΔCFFeqmay have triggered slow slip events.
MiR-128 suppresses metastatic capacity by targeting metadherin in breast cancer cells
Authors: Cao Danxia , Zhu Han , Zhao Qian , Huang Jianming , Zhou Cixiang , He Jianrong , Liang Yongjun
Published: September 2020

Background

Breast cancer, the most common cancer in women worldwide, causes the vast majority of cancer-related deaths. Undoubtedly, tumor metastasis and recurrence are responsible for more than 90 percent of these deaths. MicroRNAs are endogenous noncoding RNAs that have been integrated into almost all the physiological and pathological processes, including metastasis. In the present study, the role of miR-128 in breast cancer was investigated.

Results

Compared to the corresponding adjacent normal tissue, the expression of miR-128 was significantly suppressed in human breast cancer specimens. More importantly, its expression level was reversely correlated to histological grade of the cancer. Ectopic expression of miR-128 in the aggressive breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 could inhibit cell motility and invasive capacity remarkably. Afterwards, Metadherin (MTDH), also known as AEG-1 (Astrocyte Elevated Gene 1) and Lyric that implicated in various aspects of cancer progression and metastasis, was further identified as a direct target gene of miR-128 and its expression level was up-regulated in clinical samples as expected. Moreover, knockdown of MTDH in MDA-MB-231 cells obviously impaired the migration and invasion capabilities, whereas re-expression of MTDH abrogated the suppressive effect caused by miR-128.

Conclusions

Overall, these findings demonstrate that miR-128 could serve as a novel biomarker for breast cancer metastasis and a potent target for treatment in the future.
Occult follicular lymphoma in a swollen regional lymph node of gastric schwannoma
Authors: Fukuda Shuichi , Koyama Taichi , Wakasa Tomoko , Hanamoto Hitoshi , Tsujimoto Tomoyuki , Gakuhara Atsushi , Tomihara Hideo , Ohta Katsuya , Kitani Kotaro , Hashimoto Kazuhiko , Ishikawa Hajime , Hida Jin-ichi , Yukawa Masao , Ohta Yoshio , Inoue Masatoshi
Published: September 2020

Background

Regional lymphadenopathy is more commonly noted in gastric schwannomas than in other gastric submucosal tumors. Most of the swollen lymph nodes associated with gastric schwannomas are non-metastatic lymphadenopathy.

Case presentation

A 69-year-old Japanese woman was referred to our hospital with a chief complaint of abdominal discomfort. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed an extraluminal tumor with heterogeneous enhancement at the middle stomach on the lesser curve, accompanied with one swollen lymph node approximately 10 mm in size and several small lymph nodes in the perigastric region. These lymph nodes were flat; therefore, we considered them to be non-metastatic. The main tumor was removed via wedge resection. Soft and slightly swollen lymph nodes, which were compatible with the lymph nodes noted in the preoperative CT, were found near the main tumor in the fatty tissue at the lesser curvature of the stomach. An excisional biopsy of the largest lymph node was performed for the diagnosis. Based on pathological findings, a diagnosis of gastric schwannoma and follicular lymphoma (FL) was confirmed. The patient is doing well without recurrence of either the gastric schwannoma or FL 28 months postsurgery.

Conclusions

The present report detailed an extremely rare case of FL coincidentally discovered in the swollen regional lymph node of gastric schwannoma.
Successful hybrid surgery for ileal conduit stomal varices following oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in a patient with advanced colorectal cancer
Authors: Uehara Hideo , Kawanaka Hirofumi , Nakanoko Tomonori , Sugiyama Masahiko , Ota Mitsuhiko , Mano Yohei , Sugimachi Keishi , Morita Masaru , Toh Yasushi
Published: September 2020

Background

Ectopic variceal bleeding is a rare but life-threatening complication of portal hypertension (PH). Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with sinusoidal obstruction syndrome of the liver, which can lead to PH.

Case presentation

Here, we report a successful hybrid surgery that included intraoperative obliteration of ileal conduit stomal varices (ICSVs) for a 66-year-old woman with CRC and liver metastasis that had been treated multimodally during the previous 4 years, including 17 courses of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. She was admitted to our hospital for massive hemorrhage from an ileal conduct stoma. Image findings showed ICSVs as a part of portosystemic shunt, which were afferently supplied from the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and drained by the numerous cutaneous veins connected to the left femoral vein. Obliteration of the stomal varices by interventional radiologic techniques alone was inappropriate because of difficulties of cannulating the efferent cutaneous veins. We, therefore, performed hybrid surgery for the ICSV, which included cannulation into the SMV branch and antegrade obliteration of the varices with a 5% solution of ethanolamine oleate with iopamidol under blocking the SMV flow, using a vascular clip and ligation. Hemorrhage in her ileal conduit stoma disappeared completely.

Conclusion

Customized treatment of ectopic varices should be based on their precise vascular anatomy; hybrid surgery with intraoperative angiography is an alternative treatment for ectopic varices such as ICSV.
The smartphone in self-regulated learning and student success: clarifying relationships and testing an intervention
Authors: Hartley Kendall , Bendixen Lisa D. , Gianoutsos Dan , Shreve Emily
Published: September 2020

This two-part observational and intervention study addressed the role of the smartphone in self-regulated learning (SRL) and student success as measured by achievement. Smartphone usage among students has been identified as contributing to lower academic achievement in a variety of settings. What is unclear is how smartphone usage contributes to lower outcomes. This study surveyed participants’ self-regulated learning skills and smartphone usage at the beginning and end of the term for first semester undergraduates. A regression analysis demonstrated that when controlling for prior achievement, general SRL measures had a positive impact on first semester achievement. Smartphone related SRL did not have a direct impact on achievement. The second part of the study evaluated the efficacy of a brief intervention to ameliorate factors contributing to lower achievement. Students were presented with either SRL strategies, awareness and attention strategies or career planning guidance (control). A regression analysis of the brief intervention resulted in modest gains in SRL but did not influence achievement.
An assessment of post-harvest fish losses and preservation practices in Siavonga district, Southern Zambia
Authors: Maulu Sahya , Hasimuna Oliver J. , Monde Concilia , Mweemba Malawo
Published: September 2020

Fish is an extremely perishable food product which requires proper handling soon after harvest. The present study was aimed at assessing post-harvest fish losses and preservation practices in Siavonga district, Southern Zambia. Structured and semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data on post-harvest fish losses and preservation practices from aquaculture producers, artisanal, and commercial fishers. All the fishers who landed on the lakeshore were interviewed, while aquaculture producers were randomly selected based on the information provided by the local department of fisheries. The results of the study revealed that all the fishers experienced post-harvest fish losses at varying degrees with those losing up to 10% of the total catch being in the majority. In contrast, aquaculture producers did not report any post-harvest fish losses. Most aquaculture producers commonly used chilling as preservation practice contrary to artisanal and commercial fishers who commonly used smoking and sun sun-drying respectively. Furthermore, fish product safety and quality control were poorly practiced in the district. Lack of cold storage facilities and fluctuating weather conditions were the major challenges impacting fish post-harvest activities. Therefore, to curb the loss of revenue due to post-harvest fish losses, we propose the introduction of new technology, self-development skills for fishing communities, and enhanced access to refrigeration facilities.
Design of a robust PID-PSS for an uncertain power system with simplified stability conditions
Authors: A.S.V Vijaya Lakshmi , Manyala Ramalinga Raju , Mangipudi Siva Kumar
Published: September 2020

In a deregulated power system uncertainty exists and lack of sufficient damping can lead to Low Frequency Oscillations (LFO). The problem can be addressed using robust Power System Stabilizers (PSS). In this paper, an optimal procedure to design a robust PID-PSS using interval arithmetic for the Single Machine Infinite Bus (SMIB) power system is proposed. The interval modelling captures the wide variations of operating conditions in bounds of system coefficients. In the proposed design procedure, simple and new closed loop stability conditions for an SMIB interval system are developed and are used to design an optimum PID-PSS for improving the performance of an SMIB system. The optimum PID-PSS is attained by tuning the parameters using the FMINCON tool provided in MATLAB. The robustness of the proposed PID-PSS design is validated and compared to other notable methods in the literature when the system is subjected to different uncertainties. The simulation results and performance error values show the effectiveness of the proposed robust PID-PSS controller.
Validation of a German version of the Cerebellar Cognitive Affective/ Schmahmann Syndrome Scale: preliminary version and study protocol
Authors: Thieme Andreas , Roeske Sandra , Faber Jennifer , Sulzer Patricia , Minnerop Martina , Elben Saskia , Jacobi Heike , Reetz Kathrin , Dogan Imis , Barkhoff Miriam , Konczak Juergen , Wondzinski Elke , Siebler Mario , Mueller Oliver , Sure Ulrich , Schmahmann Jeremy D. , Klockgether Thomas , Synofzik Matthis , Timmann Dagmar
Published: September 2020

Background

Traditionally, cerebellar disorders including ataxias have been associated with deficits in motor control and motor learning. Since the 1980’s growing evidence has emerged that cerebellar diseases also impede cognitive and affective processes such as executive and linguistic functions, visuospatial abilities and regulation of emotion and affect. This combination of non-motor symptoms has been named Cerebellar Cognitive Affective/ Schmahmann Syndrome (CCAS). To date, diagnosis relies on non-standardized bedside cognitive examination and, if available, detailed neuropsychological test batteries. Recently, a short and easy applicable bedside test (CCAS Scale) has been developed to screen for CCAS. It has been validated in an US-American cohort of adults with cerebellar disorders and healthy controls. As yet, the CCAS Scale has only been available in American English. We present a German version of the scale and the study protocol of its ongoing validation in a German-speaking patient cohort.

Methods

A preliminary German version has been created from the original CCAS Scale using a standardized translation procedure. This version has been pre-tested in cerebellar patients and healthy controls including medical experts and laypersons to ensure that instructions are well understandable, and that no information has been lost or added during translation. This preliminary German version will be validated in a minimum of 65 patients with cerebellar disease and 65 matched healthy controls. We test whether selectivity and sensitivity of the German CCAS Scale is comparable to the original CCAS Scale using the same cut-off values for each of the test items, and the same pass/ fail criteria to determine the presence of CCAS. Furthermore, internal consistency, test-retest and interrater reliability will be evaluated. In addition, construct validity will be tested in a subset of patients and controls in whom detailed neuropsychological testing will be available. Secondary aims will be examination of possible correlations between clinical features (e.g. disease duration, clinical ataxia scores) and CCAS scores.

Perspective

The overall aim is to deliver a validated bedside test to screen for CCAS in German-speaking patients which can also be used in future natural history and therapeutic trials.

Study registration

The study is registered at the German Clinical Study Register (DRKS-ID: DRKS00016854).