bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-inferiority test for a continuous variable with a flexible margin in an active controlled trial : An application to the "Stratall ANRS 12110 / ESTHER" trial
Authors: Sandie Arsene , Molinari Nicholas , Wanjoya Anthony , Kouanfack Charles , Laurent Christian , Tchatchueng-Mbougua Jules Brice
Published: December 2020

Background: The non-inferiority trials are becoming increasingly popular in public health and clinical research. The choice of the non-inferiority margin is the cornerstone of the non-inferiority trial. When the eﬀect of active control intervention is unknown, it can be interesting to choose the non-inferiority margin as a function of the active control intervention eﬀect. In this case, the uncertainty surrounding the non-inferiority margin should be accounted for in statistical tests. In this work, we explored how to perform the non-inferiority test with a ﬂexible margin for continuous endpoint.Methods: It was proposed in this study two procedures for the non-inferiority test with a ﬂexible margin for the continuous endpoint. The proposed test procedures are based on test statistic and conﬁdence interval approach. Simulations have been used to assess the performances and properties of the proposed test procedures. An application was done on clinical real data, which the purpose was to assess the eﬃcacy of clinical monitoring alone versus laboratory and clinical monitoring in HIV-infected adult patients.Results: Basically, the two proposed test procedures have good properties. In the test based on a statistic, the actual type 1 error rate estimate is approximatively equal to the nominal value. It has been found that the conﬁdence interval level determines approximately the level of signiﬁcance. The 80%, 90%, and 95%one-sided conﬁdence interval levels led approximately to a type I error of 10%, 5% and 2.5% respectively. The power estimate was almost 100% for two proposed tests, except for the small scale values of the reference treatment where the power was relatively low when the sample sizes were small.Conclusions: Based on type I error rate and power estimates, the proposed non-inferiority hypothesis test procedures have good performance and are applicable in practice.Trial registration: The trial data used in this study was from the ”Stratall ANRS 12110 / ESTHER”, registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00301561. Date : March 13, 2006, url : https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00301561.
Transcatheter closure for patent ductus arteriosus in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome: to do or not?
Authors: Xu Jing , Wang Liang , Shen Yunli , Geng Liang , Chen Fadong
Published: December 2020

Background: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) complicated by Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) remains to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Giving increasing evidences of benefit from targeted therapies, ES patients once thought to be inoperable may have increasing options for management. This study aims to explore whether PDA in patients with ES can be treated with transcatheter closure (TCC). Methods: Between August 2014 and July 2016, four of fifteen PDA-ES patients whose Qp/Qs improved significantly and Qp/Qs>1.5 after acute vasodilator testing with 100% oxygen were selected to receive TCC and pulmonary vasodilator therapy. PAH-targeted drugs were prescribed before and after occlusion for all. Trial occlusion was performed before permanent closure.Results: The first TCC failed after initiation of PAH-targeted drugs for 6 months in four patients. After the medication was adjusted and extended to 12 months, TCC was performed for all without hemodynamic intolerances during perioperative period. Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) was significantly decreased (≥ 40%) immediately after TCC. During a mean follow-up of 48±14.70 months, there were a further decrease of PASPs in two patients, the other two showed improved pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), WHO functional class and six-minute walking distance despite deteriorated PASP.Conclusion: Some selected PDA-ES patients might benefit from TCC and combined PAH-targeted drugs play a crucial role.
Ethnic Disparities in Stillbirth Risk in Yunnan, China: a prospective cohort study, 2010-2018
Authors: Wu Yanpeng , Pan Jianhong , Han Dong , Li Lixin , Wu Yanfei , Liao Rui , Liu Zijie , You Dingyun , Chen Pingyan , Wu Ying
Published: December 2020

Background: Racial and ethnic disparities in stillbirth risk had been documented in most western countries, but it remains unknown in China. This study was to determine whether exist ethnic disparities in stillbirth risk in mainland China.Methods: Pregnancy outcomes and ethnicity data were obtained from the National Free Preconception Health Examination Project (NEPHEP), a nationwide prospective population-based cohort study conducted in Yunnan China from 2010-2018. The Han majority and other four main minorities including Yi, Dai, Miao, Hani were investigated in the analysis. The stillbirth hazards were estimated by life-table analysis. The excess stillbirth risk (ESR) was computed for Chinese minorities using multivariable logistic regression.Results: Compared with other four minorities, women in Han majority were more likely to more educated, less multiparous, and less occupied in agriculture. The pattern of stillbirth hazard of Dai women across different gestation intervals were found to be different from other ethnic groups, especially in 20-23 weeks with 3.2 times higher than Han women. The ESR of the Dai, Hani, Miao, and Yi were 45.05%, 18.70%, -4.17% and 12.28%, respectively. Adjusted for maternal age, education, birth order and other general risk factors, the ethnic disparity still persisted between Dai women and Han women. Adjusted for preterm birth further (gestation age <37 weeks) can reduce 16.91% ESR of Dai women and made the disparity insignificant. Maternal diseases and congenital anomalies explained little for ethnic disparities.Conclusions: We identified the ethnic disparity in stillbirth risk between Dai women and Han women. General risk factors including sociodemographic factors and maternal diseases explained little. Considerable ethnic disparities can be attributed to preterm birth.
Construction and Investigation of a circRNA-Associated ceRNA Regulatory Network in Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Yu Haifei , Wang Xinrui , Cao Hua
Published: December 2020

Background: As the most frequent type of cyanotic congenital heart diseases (CHD), Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) has a relatively poor prognosis without the corrective surgery. Circular RNA (circRNA) represents a novel class of endogenous noncoding RNAs that regulate target gene expression post-transcriptionally in heart development. Here, we investigate the potential role of ceRNA network in the pathogenesis of TOF. Methods: To identify circRNAs expression profiles in Tetralogy of Fallot, microarrays were used to screen the differentially expressed circRNA between 3 TOF and 3 control human myocardial tissue samples. Then, a dysregulated circRNA- associated ceRNA network was constructed via using the established multi-step screening strategy.Results: In summary, total 276 differentially expressed circRNAs were identified, including 214 up-regulated and 62 down-regulated ones in TOF samples. By constructing the circRNA-associated ceRNA network based on the bioinformatics data, a total of 19 key circRNAs, 9 key miRNAs and 34 key mRNAs were further screened. Moreover, by enlarging the samples size, the qPCR results validated that the positive correlations between hsa_circ_0007798 and HIF1A.Conclusions: The findings in this study provide a comprehensive understanding of the ceRNA network involved in TOF biology, such as hsa_circ_0007798/miR-199b-5p/HIF1A signal axis, and may offer candidate diagnostic biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets for TOF. In addtion, we propose that the ceRNA network regulates TOF progression.
Barriers and Facilitators to the Implementation of Social Robots for Older Adults and People with Dementia: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Koh Wei Qi , Felding Simone Anna , Toomey Elaine , Casey Dympna
Published: December 2020

Background Psychosocial health issues such as depression and social isolation are an important cause of morbidity and premature mortality for older adults and people with dementia. Social robots are promising technological innovations to deliver effective psychosocial interventions to promote psychosocial wellbeing. Studies have reported positive findings regarding this technology on the psychosocial health of older adults and people with dementia. However, despite positive findings of the effects of social robots for older adults and people with dementia, little is known about factors affecting their implementation in practice.Methods This study follows Arksey and O’Malley’s approach and methodological enhancement by Levac et al (2010). Relevant articles will be identified by searching electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, Compendex and PubMed A two-phase screening process will be undertaken by two independent reviewers to determine articles’ inclusion. Findings will be summarized and reported thematically based on domains in the Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research (CFIR) and presented narratively. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) will guide the reporting of findings.Discussion Reporting the protocol in advance of conducting the review will ensure a rigorous and transparent methodological approach is undertaken. The outcomes of the review include identifying variants in terminologies used to describe implementation, identifying the scope of the literature regarding the barriers and facilitators affecting the implementation of social robots, and identify research gaps to guide further empirical research in this field. This evidence synthesis constitutes part of a bigger project aimed to develop implementation guidelines for social robotics for older adults with dementia. Since the methodological process consists of reviewing and collecting data from publicly available data, this study does not require approval from a research ethics board.Scoping Review Registration Our protocol is registered with the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/2x3y9/) as an open access article, under the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC-4.0) license, which allows others to distribute, remix, adapt and build on this work on a non-commercial basis, and license their derivative work using different terms, on the basis that the original basis is properly cited and the use is non-commercial (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).
Choroidal Alterations of Sturge-Weber Syndrome Secondary Glaucoma and Non-glaucoma Port-wine Stain Patients Distinguished by Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Wu Yue , Huang Lulu , Liu Yixin , Xu Li , Guo Wenyi
Published: December 2020

Background: To evaluate the choroidal changes in Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) secondary glaucoma and non-glaucoma port-wine stain (PWS) patients by enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT).Methods: SWS and PWS patients who were over 3 years old and treated or screened at our ophthalmology department were included in the study. Baseline demographics, EDI-OCT and fundus photography data were collected from all patients.Results: Overall, 46 non-glaucoma PWS (NGPWS) patients and 35 SWS secondary glaucoma（SG）patients were included, with mean ages of 16.52±13.63 and 13.94±8.27 years, respectively (p>0.05). Among these patients 2 exhibited bilateral PWS and unilateral glaucoma. Thus, the two eyes of each patient were divided into NGPWS and SG group, respectively. Twenty-one eyes had choroidal hemangiomas and 7 eyes had excessive thickening of the choroid without choroidal hemangiomas. Choroidal hemangiomas were only observed in ipsilateral eyes of SG patients. The choroidal thicknesses of the ipsilateral and fellow eyes of NGPWS patients were 358.10±117.40 μm (45 eyes) and 288.20±79.04 μm (41 eyes), respectively (p<0.05). The choroidal thicknesses of the ipsilateral and fellow eyes of SG patients were 511.40±242.10 μm (15 eyes) and 283.90±92.27 μm (29 eyes), respectively (p<0.05). Significant differences were found between the ipsilateral eyes of SWS and PWS patients (p<0.05). Six of 13 eyes (46%) with choroidal hemangiomas exhibited post-operative posterior segment complications. Conclusions: NGPWS and SG patients had a thicker choroid in the ipsilateral eye. The trend was even more pronounced in SG patients. Choroidal hemangiomas were only found in the ipsilateral eyes of SG. In addition, choroidal hemangioma was a risk factor for post-operative posterior segment complications in SWS patients.
Gender dimensions of the impact of HIV/AIDS on stunting in children under five years in Zimbabwe
Authors: Macheka Lesley , Kembo George , Kairiza Terrence
Published: December 2020

Background: HIV/AIDS can have a disastrous effect on household food and nutrition security outcomes such as stunting in children under 5. However, stunting and HIV/AIDS are highly gendered phenomena that need to be explored in order to get an in-depth understanding of the interrelationship. This study was therefore aimed at investigating gender dimensions of the impact of HIV/AIDS on stunting in children under five years in Zimbabwe. Methods: The study uses a large scale nationally representative cross-sectional dataset of 13 854 Zimbabwean households for the year 2019. Given self-selection bias associated with household HIV/AIDS status, the study employs Propensity Score Matching (PSM) approach to investigate the impact of HIV/AIDS on stunting in children under five years.Results: The results revealed that household HIV/AIDS status is independent of the gender of household head. On the other hand, the results for the PSM estimates show that the probability of the household having a stunted child under five years is higher for households with an HIV positive member compared to those without. In addition, female headed households with an HIV positive member are more likely to have a stunted child under five years compared to male headed households under similar circumstances. Conclusion: Overall, the results provide evidence of a higher risk of stunting among children from households affected by HIV/AIDS. The study offers three major findings. Firstly, the study finds no significant association between gender of the household head and household HIV/AIDS status. Secondly, households that have at least one HIV positive member are more likely to have a stunted child under five years. Lastly, female headed households with at least one HIV positive member are more likely to have a stunted child under five years compared to male headed household with similar HIV/AIDS status. The findings have important policy implications towards improved integration of HIV/AIDS status, household head gender and child nutrition services in affected households.
High prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among symptomatic healthcare workers in a large university tertiary hospital in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Buonafine Carolina Palamin , Paiatto Beatriz Nobre Monteiro , Leal Fabyano , Matos Samantha , Moraes Camila Ohomoto , Guerra Giovanna Guazzelli , Martuchelli Marcus Vinicius Vidal , Oliveira Danielle Leal , Durigon Edison Luiz , Soares Camila Pereira , Candido Erika Donizette , Telezynski Bruna Larotonda , Safadi Marco Aurelio , Almeida Flavia Jacqueline
Published: December 2020

Background: Brazil became the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America since May 2020, reporting the highest number of cases and deaths in the region. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, experiencing a significant burden from COVID-19. Identifying and understanding the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with infection are of paramount importance to inform screening strategies and infection control practices in this scenario. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of HCWs with COVID-19 symptoms. Methods: Between March 21st and May 22nd, 2020 a cross-sectional study was performed in a tertiary university hospital in São Paulo. Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs with COVID-19 symptoms was determined by RT-PCR testing on nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal samples. Participants were asked to complete an electronic structured questionnaire including clinical and demographic data. Results: Overall, 125 (42.37%) of 295 symptomatic HCWs tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Over the 10-week study period, positivity rates varied from 22.2% (95% CI 15.9% - 60.3%) in the second week to 55.9% (95% CI 43.2% - 68.6%) in the sixth week, reaching a plateau (38% - 46%) thereafter. Median (SD) age was 34.2 ( 9.9) years and 205 (69.5%) were female. We did not find significant differences in the prevalence of the most commonly reported underlying medical condition among healthcare workers that tested positive or negative for SARS-CoV-2 infection. After multivariable analysis, using logistic regression, anosmia (adjusted OR 4.4 95% CI 2.21 - 8.74) and ocular pain (adjusted OR 1.95 95% CI 1.14 - 3.33) were the only symptoms independently associated with positivity for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Follow-up information on clinical outcomes showed that 9 (7.2%) HCWs were hospitalized (seven were male) and 2 (1.6%) died. Conclusions: The findings of this study confirmed the high burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers in the hardest hit city by the pandemic in Latin America. Anosmia and ocular pain were symptoms independently associated with COVID-19 diagnosis. In low and middle-income countries, where limited availability of tests is frequent, these findings may contribute to optimize a targeted symptom-oriented screening strategy.
Distribution and Prognostic Value of Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain in Elderly Patients with Symptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Povlsen Jonas Agerlund , Rasmussen Vibeke Guldbrand , Vase Henrik , Jensen Kaare Troels , Terkelsen Christian Juhl , Christiansen Evald Høj , Tang Mariann , Pedersen Anders Lehmann Dahl , Poulsen Steen Hvitfeldt
Published: December 2020

Aims The aim of present study was to examine the preoperative prevalence and distribution of impaired left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) in elderly patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcutaneous aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and to determine the predictive value of LVGLS on survival.Methods We included 411 patients with symptomatic severe AS treated with TAVR during a 5-year period, where a baseline echocardiography including LVGLS assessment was available. Results Mean age was 80.1±7.1 years and aortic valve area (AVA) index 0.4±0.1 cm2. 78 patients died during a median follow-up of 762 days. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 50±13% and mean LVGLS was -14.0%. LVEF was preserved in 60% of patients, while impaired LVGLS >-18% was seen in 75% of the patients. Previous myocardial infarction, LVEF < 50%, LVGLS >-14%, low gradient AS (< 4.0 m/s), tricuspid regurgitant gradient >30 mmHg were identified as significant univariate predictors of all-cause mortality. On multivariate analysis LVGLS >-14% (HR 1.79 [1.02-3.14], p=0.04) was identified as the only independent variable associated with all-cause mortality. Reduced survival was observed with an impaired LVGLS >-14% in the total population (p<0.002) but also in patients with high AS gradient with preserved LVEF. LVGLS provided incremental prognostic value with respect to clinical characteristics, AVA and LVEF (χ2 19.9, p=0.006).Conclusions In patients with symptomatic AS undergoing TAVR, impaired LVGLS was highly prevalent despite preserved LVEF. LVGLS >-14% was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality, and survival was reduced if LVGLS >-14 %.
Autopsy and Statistical Evidence of Disturbed Hemostasis Progress in COVID-19: Medical Records from 407 Patients
Authors: Jiang Tiebin , Lv Bo , Liu Hongxia , He Shiwen , Zhang Guogang , Li Chanyi , Li Wanqiong , Li Weilin , He Yaqi , Zhang Tong , Wang Yunyun , Mo Wu , yi ning , Peng Luying , Li Ying , Ruan Chunhong , Li Chengyuan , Liu Yaqi , Luo Peipei , Jiang Huan , xue zhigang , Liu Liang , Wang Wenjun
Published: December 2020

Background: The progression of coagulation in COVID-19 patients with confirmed discharge status and the combination of autopsy with complete hemostasis parameters have not been well studied. Objective : To clarify the thrombotic phenomena and hemostasis state in COVID-19 patients based on epidemiological statistics combining autopsy and statistical analysis. Methods: Using autopsy results from 9 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and the medical records of 407 patients, including 39 deceased patients whose discharge status was certain, time-sequential changes in 11 relevant indices within mild, severe and critical infection throughout hospitalization according to the Chinese National Health Commission (NHC) guidelines were evaluated. Statistical tools were applied to calculate the importance of 11 indices and the correlation between those indices and the severity of COVID-19. Results: At the beginning of hospitalization, platelet (PLT) counts were significantly reduced in critically ill patients compared with severely or mildly ill patients. Blood glucose (GLU), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and D-dimer levels in critical patients were increased compared with mild and severe patients during the entire admission period. The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) score was also high in critical patients. In the relatively late stage of nonsurvivors, the temporal changes in PLT count, PT, and D-dimer levels were significantly different from those in survivors. A random forest model indicated that the most important feature was PT followed by D-dimer, indicating their positive associations with disease severity. Autopsy data from 9 deceased patients also revealed DIC phenomena with prolonged PT, APTT, lower PLT count and thrombosis in multiple organs. Conclusions: Combining autopsy data, time-sequential changes and statistical methods to explore hemostasis-relevant indices among the different severities of the disease helps guide therapy and detect prognosis in COVID-19 infection.
Under fire–simultaneous volatilome and transcriptome analysis unravels fine-scale responses of tansy chemotypes to dual herbivore attack.
Authors: Clancy Mary V. , Haberer Georg , Jud Werner , Niederbacher Bishu , Niederbacher Simon , Senft Matthias , Zytynska Sharon , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Schnitzler Jörg-Peter
Published: December 2020

BackgroundTansy plants (Tanacetum vulgare L.) are known for their high intraspecific chemical variation, especially of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from the terpenoid compound group. These VOCs are closely involved in plant-insect interactions and, when profiled, can be used to classify plants into groups known as chemotypes. Tansy chemotypes have been shown to influence plant-aphid interactions, however, to date no information is available on the response of different tansy chemotypes to simultaneous herbivory by more than one insect species.ResultsUsing a multi-cuvette system, we investigated the responses of five tansy chemotypes to feeding by sucking and/or chewing herbivores (aphids and caterpillars; Metopeurum fuscoviride Stroyan and Spodoptera littoralis Boisduval). Herbivory by caterpillars following aphid infestation led to a plant chemotype-specific change in the patterns of terpenoids stored in trichome hairs and in VOC emissions. The transcriptomic analysis of a plant chemotype represents the first de novo assembly of a transcriptome in tansy and demonstrates priming effects of aphids on a subsequent herbivory. Overall, we show that the five chemotypes do not react in the same way to the two herbivores. As expected, we found that caterpillar feeding increased VOC emissions, however, a priori aphid infestation only led to a further increase in VOC emissions for some chemotypes.ConclusionsWe were able to show that different chemotypes respond to the double herbivore attack in different ways, and that pre-treatment with aphids had a priming effect on plants when they were subsequently exposed to a chewing herbivore. If neighbouring chemotypes in a field population react differently to herbivory/dual herbivory, this could possibly have effects from the individual level to the group level. Individuals of some chemotypes may respond more efficiently to herbivory stress than others, and in a group environment these "louder" chemotypes may affect the local insect community, including the natural enemies of herbivores, and other neighbouring plants.
A novel circular RNA hsa_circRNA_103809/miR-377-3p/GOT1 pathway regulates cisplatin-resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Authors: Zhu Xiang , Han Jing , Lan Huiyin , Lin Qingren , Wang Yuezhen , Sun Xiaojiang
Published: December 2020

Background: Cisplatin is the first-line chemotherapeutic drug for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and emerging evidences suggests that targeting circular RNAs (circRNAs) is an effective strategy to increase cisplatin-sensitivity in NSCLC, but the detailed mechanisms are still not fully delineated. Methods: Cell proliferation, viability and apoptosis were examined by using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, trypan blue staining assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining assay, respectively. The expression levels of cancer associated genes were measured by using the Real-Time qPCR and Western Blot analysis at transcriptional and translated levels. Dual-luciferase reporter gene system assay was conducted to validated the targeting sites among hsa_circRNA_103809, miR-377-3p and 3’ untranslated region (3’UTR) of GOT1 mRNA. The expression status, including expression levels and localization, were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay in mice tumor tissues.Results: Here we identified a novel hsa_circRNA_103809/miR-377-3p/GOT1 signaling cascade which contributes to cisplatin-resistance in NSCLC in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, parental cisplatin-sensitive NSCLC (CS-NSCLC) cells were subjected to continuous low-dose cisplatin treatment to generate cisplatin-resistant NSCLC (CR-NSCLC) cells, and we found that hsa_circRNA_103809 and GOT1 were upregulated, while miR-377-3p was downregulated in CR-NSCLC cells but not in CS-NSCLC cells. In addition, hsa_circRNA_103809 sponged miR-337-3p to upregulate GOT1 in CS-NSCLC cells, and knock-down of hsa_circRNA_103809 enhanced the inhibiting effects of cisplatin on cell proliferation and viability, and induced cell apoptosis in CR-NSCLC cells, which were reversed by downregulating miR-377-3p and overexpressing GOT1. Consistently, overexpression of hsa_circRNA_103809 increased cisplatin-resistance in CS-NSCLC cells by regulating the miR-377-3p/GOT1 axis. Finally, silencing of hsa_circRNA_103809 aggravated the inhibiting effects of cisplatin treatment on NSCLC cell growth in vivo. Conclusions: Analysis of data suggested that targeting the hsa_circRNA_103809/miR-377-3p/GOT1 pathway increased susceptibility of CR-NSCLC cells to cisplatin, and this study provided novel targets to improve the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin for NSCLC treatment in clinic.
Impact of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapies on symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in a large cohort of patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Favalli Ennio Giulio , Bugatti Serena , Klersy Catherine , Biggioggero Martina , Rossi Silvia , De Lucia Orazio , Bobbio-Pallavicini Francesca , Murgo Antonella , Balduzzi Silvia , Caporali Roberto , Montecucco Carlomaurizio
Published: December 2020

Background: Prevalence and outcomes of Coronavirus Disease (COVID)-19 in relation to immunomodulatory medications are still unknown. The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents on COVID-19 in a large cohort of patients with chronic immune-mediated inflammatory arthritis.Methods: The study was conducted in the arthritis outpatient clinic at two large Academic Hospitals in the COVID-19 most endemic area of Northern Italy (Lombardy). We circulated a cross-sectional survey exploring the prevalence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 nasopharyngeal swab positivity and the occurrence of acute respiratory illness (fever and/or cough and/or dyspnea), administered face-to-face or by phone to consecutive patients from 25th February to 20th April 2020. COVID-19 cases were defined as confirmed or highly suspicious according to the World Health Organization criteria. The impact of medications on COVID-19 development was evaluated. Results: The study population included 2050 adults with chronic inflammatory arthritis receiving glucocorticoids, conventional-synthetic (cs), or targeted-synthetic/biological (ts/b) disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs). Laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and highly suspicious infection were recorded in 1.1% and 1.4% of the population, respectively. Treatment with glucocorticoids was independently associated with increased risk of COVID-19 (adjusted OR [95% CI] ranging from 1.23 [1.04-1.44] to 3.20 [1.97-5.18] depending on the definition used). Conversely, patients treated with ts/bDMARDs were at reduced risk (adjusted OR ranging from 0.46 [0.18-1.21] to 0.47 [0.46-0.48]). No independent effects of csDMARDs, age, sex, and comorbidities were observed.Conclusions: During the COVID-19 outbreak, treatment with immunomodulatory medications appears safe. Conversely, glucocorticoids, even at low-dose, may confer increased risk of infection.Trial registration: retrospectively registered
Neuropsychiatric symptoms are early indicators of an upcoming metabolic decline in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ng Kok Pin , Pascoal Tharick A. , Mathotaarachchi Sulantha , Chan Yiong Huak , Jiang Lai , Therriault Joseph , Benedet Andrea L. , Shin Monica , Kandiah Nagaendran , Greenwood Celia M.T. , Rosa-Neto Pedro , Gauthier Serge
Published: December 2020

Background: Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are increasingly recognized as early non-cognitive manifestations in the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) continuum. However, the role of NPS as an early marker of pathophysiological progression in AD remains unclear. Dominantly inherited AD (DIAD) mutation carriers are young individuals who are destined to develop AD in future due to the full penetrance of the genetic mutation. Hence, the study of DIAD mutation carriers enables the evaluation of the associations between pure AD pathophysiology and metabolic correlates of NPS without the confounding effects of co-existing pathologies. In this longitudinal study, we aimed to identify regional brain metabolic dysfunctions associated with NPS in cognitively intact DIAD mutation carriers.Methods: We stratified 221 cognitively intact participants from the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network according to their mutation carrier status. The interactions of NPS measured by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire (NPI-Q), age, and estimated years of onset (EYO) as a function of metabolism measured by [18F]flurodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography, were evaluated by the mixed-effects regression model with family-level random effects in DIAD mutation carriers and non-carriers. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to identify the neuropsychiatric subsyndromes in DIAD mutation carriers using the NPI-Q sub-components. Then the interactions of specific neuropsychiatric subsyndromes with EYO on metabolism were evaluated with the mixed-effects regression model.Results: A total of 119 mutation carriers and 102 non-carriers were studied. The interaction of higher NPI-Q and shorter EYO was associated with more rapid declines of global and regional [18F]FDG uptake in the posterior cingulate and ventromedial prefrontal cortices, the bilateral parietal lobes and the right insula in DIAD mutation carriers. The neuropsychiatric subsyndromes of agitation, disinhibition, irritability and depression interacted with the EYO to drive the [18F]FDG uptake decline in the DIAD mutation carriers. The interaction of NPI and EYO was not associated with [18F]FDG uptake in DIAD mutation non-carriers.Conclusions: The NPS in cognitively intact DIAD mutation carriers may be a clinical indicator of subsequent metabolic decline in brain networks vulnerable to AD, which supports the emerging conceptual framework that NPS represent early manifestations of neuronal injury in AD. Further studies using different methodological approaches to identify NPS in preclinical AD are needed to validate our findings.
High-thermally conductive AlN-based microwave attenuating composite ceramics with spherical graphite as attenuating agent
Authors: Fang Xia , Jiang Lei , Pan Limei , Yin Shuang , Qiu Tai , Yang Jian
Published: December 2020

High-thermally conductive AlN-based microwave attenuating composite ceramics with spherical graphite (SG) as the attenuating agent were fabricated through hot-pressing sintering. The SG maintains its three-dimensional morphology within the sintered bodies, which considerably impedes the sintering of the composites to some extent but slightly influences on the growth of AlN grains. The addition of SG reduces the strength of the composites, but provides a moderate toughening effect at the optimal addition amount (3.8 MPa·m 1/2 at 4 wt% SG). Benefiting from the low anisotropy, high thermal conductivity, and the three-dimensional morphology of SG, the composites exhibit a relatively higher thermal conductivity (76.82 W·m -1 ·k -1 at 10 wt% SG) compared with composites added with non-spherical attenuating agent. The dielectric constant and loss (8.2–12.4 GHz) increase remarkably as the amount of SG added increases up to 8 wt%, revealing that the incorporation of SG improves the dielectric property of the composite. The composite with 7 wt% SG exhibits the best absorption performance with a minimum reflection loss of -14 dB at 12.4 GHz and an effective absorbing bandwidth of 0.87 GHz. The excellent overall properties of the SG/AlN microwave attenuating composites render them as a promising material for various applications. Moreover, SG has a great potential as an attenuating agent for microwave attenuating composites due to its strong attenuation upon integration, high thermal conductivity, and low anisotropy.
Knowledge, attitude and practice of health care workers on measuring adult vitamin D level, diagnosis of deficiency, and management of consequent health conditions in three ecologies of Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Mekonnen Wubegzier , Feleke Yeweyenhareg , Desalegn Yakob , Tarekegne Getahun , Lambisso Biruk , Haidar Jemal , Zewede Tewabech
Published: December 2020

Background: Vitamin D is essential for health and its shortage exacerbates overall mortality. Health care workers (HCWs) need to educate on its uses and sources although studies indicate their low level of practice. The main aim of this study is therefore to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of measuring adult vitamin D status, diagnosis of deficiency and managing health consequences among HCWs in Ethiopia. Methods: This study was conducted in three ecologies covering lowland, midland and highland districts. A total of 405 health care workers with different levels were interviewed. Tablets were used for data collection to archiving in a cloud server. Data were exported to Stata version 14 software for cleaning and analysis. Rates were computed and the Chi-square test was used to compare differences between the two groups. Binary logistic regression was used to measure the strength, direction and significance of the association between different covariates and the practice of HCWs.Result: The level of knowledge, positive attitude and good practice in measuring adult vitamin D status, diagnosis of deficiency and managing health consequences among HCWs was 210 (51.8%), 261(63.5%) and 195(47.4%) respectively. The odds of good practice in the provision of adult vitamin D service were AOR=6.87: 95% CI (3.57, 13.21) and AOR= 2.20: 95% CI (1.23, 3.92) times higher among HCWs in Addis Ababa and highlands compared with those working in lowlands. Good practice among clinicians was AOR=4.26: 95% CI (1.48, 12.25) times higher compared with those working in leadership positions. The likelihood was AOR=1.96: 95% CI (1.19, 3.23) times higher among those with good knowledge compared with those with poor knowledge. Besides, good practice in adult vitamin D service provision was AOR=2.30: 95% CI (1.40, 3.78) times higher among those with positive attitude compared with those who had negative attitude.Conclusions: A little over half of HCWs have good knowledge and close to two-thirds of them have positive attitude while less than half of them have good practice on adult vitamin D deficiency. Besides, HCWs’ residential ecology, clinical position, knowledge and attitude is associated with good practice on adult vitamin D. It is essential to provide rigorous and continuous training for HCWs focusing on their deployment ecology.
Federal Register of TB Cases as a tool for monitoring the impact of COVID-19 pandemic response activities on the TB care system
Authors: Testov V. V. , Sterlikov S. А. , Vasilyeva I. А. , Sidorova I. А. , Mikhaylova Yu. V.
Published: December 2020

The objective of the study: to analyze the impact of response activities to the COVID-19 pandemic on the system of tuberculosis care provided to the population of the Russian Federation based on the data of the Federal Register of TB Cases (FRTBC). Subjects and methods. Using regression analysis of data obtained from the forms of federal and sectoral statistical observation, regression equations were drawn up, and estimated indicators were determined for each month of 2020. The estimated indicators were compared with the data obtained from monthly reports downloaded from FRTBC from January to June 2020. Results. The shortfall in the registration of all cases of tuberculosis treatment relative to estimated indicators in May-June 2020 amounted to 24.4-24.7%, including 24.8% for new cases and relapses. That is very close to the value estimated by the World Health Organisation (25%). The number of tuberculosis cases detected post mortem increased by 37.1%. The number of detected pediatric tuberculosis cases at the age of 0-14 and 15-17 years old decreased by 31.4 and 28.2%, respectively. In June 2020, there was an increase in almost all recorded indicators that was due to the intensified tuberculosis detection activities. Conclusions. FRTBC allows performing prompt monitoring of the impact of response activities to the COVID-19 pandemic on the system of tuberculosis care provided to the population. After a period of a significant decrease in the number of registered tuberculosis patients in April and May 2020, in June, as anti-epidemic activities related to COVID-19 were slowed down, the number of registered patients tended to reach the previous level and approach their estimated values.
Human Capital as Source of Building Competitiveness of State, its Economic and Social Development
Authors: Tishkina N. P. , Zakharova E. V.
Published: December 2020

Today the issue of shaping the human capital necessary for economy of knowledge is not only a topic of theoretical discussion, as it has become a leader in the global agenda of social and economic development. The leading countries consider human capital as the most important source of development, because in current situation it can speed up social and economic development, as well as competitiveness of state. The article shows topicality of the digital component of human capital and provides goals of developing human capital included in strategies of social and economic development of several regions of Russia. It also gives information about digital skills of the Russian population and some European countries. The structure of unemployed with different level of education in Russian regions is shown in dynamics. The authors prepared recommendations concerning competences necessary for economy of knowledge and for shaping infrastructure of regional systems of professional education.
The Cosmetic Potential of The Medicinal Halophyte Tamarix Gallica L. (Tamaricaceae) Growing in The Eastern Part of Algeria: Photoprotective and Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Lefahal Mostefa , Makhloufi El-Hani , Trifa Warda , Ayad Radia , El Hattab Mohamed , Benahmed Merzoug , Keskin Merve , Akkal Salah
Published: December 2020

Aim and Objective:

urrently, the use of ingredients from natural sources has gained
great attention in the cosmetic field, especially for the development of new photoprotective
formulations. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the cosmetic potential of the crude
methanol extract and the ethyl acetate fraction of the medicinal halophyte Tamarix gallica L. (Tg)
growing in the area of Tebessa in the eastern part of Algeria, by assessing their phenolic and
flavonoid contents, photoprotective and antioxidant activities.

Methods:

The research approach consisted of determination phenolic and flavonoid contents of aerial parts via FolinCiocalteu and aluminum chloride methods respectively. The antioxidant activity was measured through two in vitro methods
DPPH radical scavenging activity and total antioxidant capacity test (TAC). The in vitro photoprotective effect was
performed according to the parameter SPF (Sun Protection Factor) by using UV spectroscopic method in UV-B region
(290-320 nm).

Results:

The methanol extract (Tg-MeOH) and ethyl acetate (Tg-EtOAc) fraction showed good
antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 14.05±0.66, 27.58±1.98 μg/mL respectively in the DPPH
test. Furthermore, both extracts displayed strong total antioxidant capacity (287.01±7.85,
246.7±1.12 mg AAE/g, respectively) in the TAC test. Both extracts exhibited high photoprotective
activity, with sun protection factor (SPF) values 37.03±0.22 and 36.08±0.03. The antioxidant and
photoprotective activities of these extracts were probably related to polyphenols content
(190.27±0.74 mg AGE /g and 121.77±1.29 mg AGE /g, respectively) and flavonoids (78.75±0.06
mg QE /g and 58.67±1.19mg/g).

Conclusion:

Our finding show that extracts of Tamarix gallica L could be a promising source to be mixed as natural
sunscreens and antioxidants agent into photoprotective cosmetic formulations.
Bounds on the Partition Dimension of Convex Polytopes
Authors: Liu Jia-Bao , Nadeem Muhammad Faisal , Azeem Mohammad
Published: December 2020

Aims and Objective:

The idea of partition and resolving sets plays an important role in various areas of
engineering, chemistry and computer science such as robot navigation, facility location, pharmaceutical chemistry,
combinatorial optimization, networking, and mastermind game.

Method:

In a graph to obtain the exact location of a required vertex which is unique from all the vertices, several vertices
are selected this is called resolving set and its generalization is called resolving partition, where selected vertices are in the
form of subsets. Minimum number of partitions of the vertices into sets is called partition dimension.

Results:

It was proved that determining the partition dimension a graph is nondeterministic polynomial time (NP) problem.
In this article, we find the partition dimension of convex polytopes and provide their bounds.

Conclusion:

The major contribution of this article is that, due to the complexity of computing the exact partition dimension
we provides the bounds and show that all the graphs discussed in results have partition dimension either less or equals to 4,
but it cannot been be greater than 4.
The Prion-like Properties of Amyloid-beta Peptide and Tau: Is there Any Risk of Transmitting Alzheimer's Disease During Neurosurgical Interventions?
Authors: Padilla-Zambrano Huber S. , García-Ballestas Ezequiel , Quiñones-Ossa Gabriel A. , Sibaja-Perez Andrés E. , Agrawal Amit , Moscote-Salazar Luis R. , Menéndez-González Manuel
Published: December 2020

:

Recent studies have recognized similarities between the peptides involved in the neuropathology
of Alzheimer’s disease and prions. The Tau protein and the Amyloid β peptide represent the theoretical
pillars of Alzheimer’s disease development. It is probable that there is a shared mechanism for the
transmission of these substances and the prion diseases development; this presumption is based on the
presentation of several cases of individuals without risk factors who developed dementia decades after a
neurosurgical procedure.

:

This article aims to present the role of Aβ and Tau, which underlie the pathophysiologic mechanisms
involved in the AD and their similarities with the prion diseases infective mechanisms by means of the
presentation of the available evidence at molecular (in-vitro), animal, and human levels that support the
controversy on whether these diseases might be transmitted in neurosurgical interventions, which may
constitute a wide public health issue.
Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Like Effects of Berberis baluchistanica
Authors: Pervez Samreen , Saeed Muhammad , Khan Haroon , Ghaffar Rukhsana
Published: December 2020

Background:

Numerous therapeutic agents are in clinical practice for the treatment of inflammatory and painful
conditions, but their applications has been challenged by various side /toxic effects. Therefore, new effective and safe
therapies are most warrant, for which medicinal plant could be a significant alternative. Berberis baluchistanica has
traditionally been used as analgesic and antiinflammatory without any scientific background.

Objective:

The current study was designed to evaluate the analgesic and antiinflammatory like effects of extract B.
baluchistanica in animal models.

Methods:

For the study of antinociceptive effect, an of extract of B. baluchistanica (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg i.p.), were
tested in acetic acid induced writhing and formalin tests. while for the antiinflammatory action, carrageenan induced paw
edema, cotton pellet induced granuloma and xylene induced ear edema tests were used.

Results:

The results showed significant dose dependent antinociceptive effect of extract of B. baluchistanica in acetic acid
induced writhing and formalin induced flinching behavior tests. However, the effect was strongly antagonized by the
injection of naloxone, suggesting the expression via opioidergic receptors. Similarly, strong antiinflammatory action was
illustrated in carrageenan induced paw edema, cotton pellet induced granuloma and xylene induced ear edema tests and
thus provided evidence for the versatile phytochemical nature of its phytochemical.

Conclusion:

In short, it is concluded that the extract of B. baluchistanica exhibited significant
antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in animal models. Further detailed studies on the efficacy
and safety as well as on the phytochemical investigation are required to ascertain its clinical
uses.