bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New genotype invasion of dengue virus serotype 1 drove massive outbreak in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Ma Mengmeng , Wu Sean , He Zhenjian , Yuan Lihong , Bai Zhijun , Jiang Liyun , Marshall John , Lu Jiahai , Yang Zhicong , Jing Qinlong
Published: February 2021

Background

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that has caused major health problems. Variations in dengue virus (DENV) genes are important features of epidemic outbreaks. However, the associations of DENV genes with epidemic potential have not been extensively examined. Here, we assessed new genotype invasion of DENV-1 isolated from Guangzhou in China to evaluate associations with epidemic outbreaks.

Methodology/principal findings

We used DENV-1 strains isolated from sera of dengue cases from 2002 to 2016 in Guangzhou for complete genome sequencing. A neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree was constructed to elucidate the genotype characteristics and determine if new genotype invasion was correlated with major outbreaks. In our study, a new genotype invasion event was observed during each significant outbreak period in 2002–2003, 2006–2007, and 2013–2014. Genotype II was the main epidemic genotype in 2003 and before. Invasion of genotype I in 2006 caused an unusual outbreak with 765 cases (relative risk [RR] = 16.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 12.41–21.25). At the middle and late stages of the 2013 outbreak, genotype III was introduced to Guangzhou as a new genotype invasion responsible for 37,340 cases with RR 541.73 (95% CI 417.78–702.45), after which genotypes I and III began co-circulating. Base mutations occurred after new genotype invasion, and the gene sequence of NS3 protein had the lowest average similarity ratio (99.82%), followed by the gene sequence of E protein (99.86%), as compared to the 2013 strain.

Conclusions/significance

Genotype replacement and co-circulation of multiple DENV-1 genotypes were observed. New genotype invasion was highly correlated with local unusual outbreaks. In addition to DENV-1 genotype I in the unprecedented outbreak in 2014, new genotype invasion by DENV-1 genotype III occurred in Guangzhou.

Graphical Abstract
Standard exercise stress testing attenuates peripheral microvascular function in patients with suspected coronary microvascular dysfunction
Authors: Nardone Massimo , Miner Steven , McCarthy Mary , Edgell Heather
Published: February 2021

Background

The effect of exercise on the microvasculature of patients with suspected coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), assessed by reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT; EndoPAT), is unknown. The present study aimed to determine if standard clinical exercise stress testing (GXT) affected peripheral microvascular function, as determined by the reactive hyperemia index (RHI and LnRHI), in patients with suspected CMD.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, patients (n = 76) were grouped based on whether the GXT was performed; 1) prior to (exercisers; n = 30), or 2) after the vascular assessment (non-exercisers; n = 46). Patients with an adenosine index of microvascular resistance > 25, adenosine coronary flow reserve (CFR) < 2.0, and/or acetylcholine CFR < 1.5 were considered to have CMD (n = 42). RHI and LnRHI quantified finger pulse amplitude hyperemia following 5 min of forearm ischemia.

Results

LnRHI was lower in patients with CMD compared to patients without CMD, while LnRHI was also lower in exercisers compared to non-exercisers (LnRHI: CMD Non-Exercisers: 0.63 ± 0.25; CMD Exercisers: 0.54 ± 0.19; No CMD Non-Exercisers: 0.85 ± 0.23; No CMD Exercisers: 0.63 ± 0.26; Condition and Exercise Main Effects: Both P < 0.01). In patients who did not exercise prior to the vascular assessment, the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) for LnRHI to predict CMD was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.62–0.91; P < 0.01). However, in patients who performed exercise prior to the vascular assessment, the ROC for LnRHI to predict CMD was 0.60 (95% CI: 0.40–0.81; P = 0.34).

Conclusions

CMD is associated with impaired peripheral microvascular function and preceding acute exercise is associated with further reductions of LnRHI. Further, acute exercise abolished the capacity for RH-PAT to predict the presence of CMD in patients with chest pain and non-obstructive coronary arteries. RH-PAT measurements in patients with suspected CMD should not be conducted after exercise has been performed.
Blood transcriptome analysis of patients with uncomplicated bacterial infection and sepsis
Authors: Herwanto Velma , Tang Benjamin , Wang Ya , Shojaei Maryam , Nalos Marek , Shetty Amith , Lai Kevin , McLean Anthony S. , Schughart Klaus
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Hospitalized patients who presented within the last 24 h with a bacterial infection were recruited. Participants were assigned into sepsis and uncomplicated infection groups. In addition, healthy volunteers were recruited as controls. RNA was prepared from whole blood, depleted from beta-globin mRNA and sequenced. This dataset represents a highly valuable resource to better understand the biology of sepsis and to identify biomarkers for severe sepsis in humans.

Data description

The data presented here consists of raw and processed transcriptome data obtained by next generation RNA sequencing from 105 peripheral blood samples from patients with uncomplicated infections, patients who developed sepsis, septic shock patients, and healthy controls. It is provided as raw sequenced reads and as normalized log2transformed relative expression levels. This data will allow performing detailed analyses of gene expression changes between uncomplicated infections and sepsis patients, such as identification of differentially expressed genes, co-regulated modules as well as pathway activation studies.
Pilot study on the effects of preservatives on corneal collagen parameters measured by small angle X-ray scattering analysis
Authors: Kelly Susyn Joan , duPlessis Lizette , Soley John , Noble Frazer , Wells Hannah Carolyn , Kelly Patrick John
Published: February 2021

Objective

Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis is a sensitive way of determining the ultrastructure of collagen in tissues. Little is known about how parameters measured by SAXS are affected by preservatives commonly used to prevent autolysis. We determined the effects of formalin, glutaraldehyde, Triton X and saline on measurements of fibril diameter, fibril diameter distribution, and D-spacing of corneal collagen using SAXS analysis.

Results

Compared to sections of sheep and cats’ corneas stored frozen as controls, those preserved in 5% glutaraldehyde and 10% formalin had significantly larger mean collagen fibril diameters, increased fibril diameter distribution and decreased D-spacing. Sections of corneas preserved in Triton X had significantly increased collagen fibril diameters and decreased fibril diameter distribution. Those preserved in 0.9% saline had significantly increased mean collagen fibril diameters and decreased diameter distributions. Subjectively, the corneas preserved in 5% glutaraldehyde and 10% formalin maintained their transparency but those in Triton X and 0.9% saline became opaque. Subjective morphological assessment of transmission electron microscope images of corneas supported the SAXS data. Workers using SAXS analysis to characterize collagen should be alerted to changes that can be introduced by common preservatives in which their samples may have been stored.
A novel fiber-2-edited live attenuated vaccine candidate against the highly pathogenic serotype 4 fowl adenovirus
Authors: Xie Quan , Cao Shiya , Zhang Wei , Wang Weikang , Li Luyuan , Kan Qiuqi , Fu Hui , Geng Tuoyu , Li Tuofan , Wan Zhimin , Gao Wei , Shao Hongxia , Qin Aijian , Ye Jianqiang
Published: February 2021

Recently, the outbreaks of hydropericardium-hepatitis syndrome (HHS) caused by the highly pathogenic fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) have resulted in huge economic losses to the poultry industry globally. Although several inactivated or subunit vaccines have been developed against FAdV-4, live-attenuated vaccines for FAdV-4 are rarely reported. In this study, a recombinant virus FA4-EGFP expressing EGFP-Fiber-2 fusion protein was generated by the CRISPR/Cas9 technique. Although FA4-EGFP shows slightly lower replication ability than the wild type (WT) FAdV-4, FA4-EGFP was significantly attenuated in vivo compared with the WT FAdV-4. Chickens infected with FA4-EGFP did not show any clinical signs, and all survived to 14 day post-infection (dpi), whereas those infected with FAdV-4 showed severe clinical signs with HHS and all died at 4 dpi. Besides, the inoculation of FA4-EGFP in chickens provided efficient protection against lethal challenge with FAdV-4. Compared with an inactivated vaccine, FA4-EGFP induced neutralizing antibodies with higher titers earlier. All these data not only provide a live-attenuated vaccine candidate against the highly pathogenic FAdV-4 but also give a potential insertion site for developing FAdV-4-based vaccine vectors for delivering foreign antigens.
Socio-economic constraints on camel production in Pakistan’s extensive pastoral farming
Authors: Faraz Asim , Younas Muhammad , Pastrana Carlos Iglesias , Waheed Abdul , Tauqir Nasir Ali , Nabeel Muhammad Shahid
Published: February 2021

The present research is aimed to evaluate the diverse husbandry practices, ethno-veterinary practices, socio-economic status and distressing constraints of camel pastoralists inhabiting desert (Thal) areas of Pakistan, where they maintain herds of Marecha and Barela dromedaries in extensive production regimes. For this purpose, 200 pastoralists were selected at random to fill out an on-site questionnaire. According to the farmers’ responses, it was perceived that their living status had improved in the last decades due to the progressive optimization of camel productivity and herdsmen responsiveness. In contrast, calf mortality rates, some traditional husbandry practices and the lack of market investments continued to be the major constraints affecting camel overall production. Ethno-veterinary medicines are widely applied as primary health care, thus influencing the general health, production potentials and relief of camels in the study region. With this scenario, concerned stakeholders and authorized institutions must re-evaluate the urgent needs of indigenous communities; their education and husbandry skills to promote economic/ financial support in low-income remote areas. In turn, traditional communities will be adapted to the changing socio-economic and cultural values with regard to camel husbandry and welfare. Current societal perceptions and demands within this livestock production industry, where camels are conceived as a sustainable food security animal, if accomplished to the highest possible extent, will increase effectiveness of the camel value chain and breeders’ quality of life will be noticeably enhanced. However, this success could be multiplied if government may devise community education, veterinary cover, marketing facilitates and interest-free small loans for pastoralists.
Understanding ‘culture’ of pastoralism and ‘modern development’ in Thar: Muslim pastoralists of north-west Rajasthan, India
Authors: Ghai Rahul
Published: February 2021

The paper attempts to understand the relation between pastoral cultures and irrigation-based intensive farming regimes promoted by modern development represented by the Indira Gandhi Canal (IGNP) in western Rajasthan. Participant observation and development practice engagement with pastoral communities over the past three decades give an opportunity to reflect on epistemic rationality that constitutes the discourse of modern development, formal statecraft of technocracy, and rule by experts. Historical markers of pastoralism in the interconnected regions of north-west Rajasthan and bordering regions of Multan and Bahawalpur in Pakistan are situated to trace thelonguee dureeof pastoral life systems in the Thar desert region. This oscillation between enhanced moisture regimes following inundation and increased desiccation of a moisture-deficient arid region has been at the core of sustaining the culture of pastoralism among semi-nomadic pastoralists of Muslim communities in north-west Rajasthan. The IGNP canal produces a space for modern development that opens up irrigated farming and an intensive natural resource use regime. This political economy of the IGNP canal systematically marginalizes pastoral natural resource use that was ecologically embedded. The varied experiences of adaptation responses by pastoral communities to this state-led marginalization points to the tenacious ability of pastoralism to continually adapt to the radically changing ecology. The paper argues for a complementarity of pastoral and farming use as an inclusive development vision. Beginnings can be made by a compassionate engagement with cultures of pastoralism that are endowed with resilience rooted in a historically constituted rationality to adapt and innovate with changing times. This may hold cues for a sustainable future of Thar.
High flow nasal oxygen therapy to avoid invasive mechanical ventilation in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia: a retrospective study
Authors: Bonnet Nicolas , Martin Olivier , Boubaya Marouane , Levy Vincent , Ebstein Nathan , Karoubi Philippe , Tandjaoui-Lambiotte Yacine , Van Der Meersch Guillaume , Oziel Johanna , Soulie Marie , Ghalayini Mohamed , Winchenne Anais , Zahar Jean Ralph , Ahmed Passem , Gaudry Stéphane , Cohen Yves
Published: February 2021

Background

The efficacy of high flow nasal canula oxygen therapy (HFNO) to prevent invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is not well established in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of this study was to compare the risk of IMV between two strategies of oxygenation (conventional oxygenation and HFNO) in critically ill COVID 19 patients.

Methods

This was a bicenter retrospective study which took place in two intensive care units (ICU) of tertiary hospitals in the Paris region from March 11, to May 3, 2020. We enrolled consecutive patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and acute respiratory failure (ARF) who did not receive IMV at ICU admission. The primary outcome was the rate of IMV after ICU admission. Secondary outcomes were death at day 28 and day 60, length of ICU stay and ventilator-free days at day 28. Data from the HFNO group were compared with those from the standard oxygen therapy (SOT) group using weighted propensity score.

Results

Among 138 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 62 (45%) were treated with SOT alone, and 76 (55%) with HFNO. In HFNO group, 39/76 (51%) patients received IMV and 46/62 (74%) in SOT group (OR 0.37 [95% CI, 0.18–0.76] p = 0.007). After weighted propensity score, HFNO was still associated with a lower rate of IMV (OR 0.31 [95% CI, 0.14–0.66] p = 0.002). Length of ICU stay and mortality at day 28 and day 60 did not significantly differ between HFNO and SOT groups after weighted propensity score. Ventilator-free days at days 28 was higher in HNFO group (21 days vs 10 days, p = 0.005). In the HFNO group, predictive factors associated with IMV were SAPS2 score (OR 1.13 [95%CI, 1.06–1.20] p = 0.0002) and ROX index > 4.88 (OR 0.23 [95%CI, 0.008–0.64] p = 0.006).

Conclusions

High flow nasal canula oxygen for ARF due to COVID-19 is associated with a lower rate of invasive mechanical ventilation.
Inner product spaces and quadratic functional equations
Authors: Bae Jae-Hyeong , Noori Batool , Moghimi M. B. , Najati Abbas
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we introduce the functional equations$$\begin{aligned} f(2x-y)+f(x+2y)&=5\bigl[f(x)+f(y)\bigr], \\ f(2x-y)+f(x+2y)&=5f(x)+4f(y)+f(-y), \\ f(2x-y)+f(x+2y)&=5f(x)+f(2y)+f(-y), \\ f(2x-y)+f(x+2y)&=4\bigl[f(x)+f(y)\bigr]+\bigl[f(-x)+f(-y)\bigr]. \end{aligned}$$f(2x−y)+f(x+2y)=5[f(x)+f(y)],f(2x−y)+f(x+2y)=5f(x)+4f(y)+f(−y),f(2x−y)+f(x+2y)=5f(x)+f(2y)+f(−y),f(2x−y)+f(x+2y)=4[f(x)+f(y)]+[f(−x)+f(−y)].We show that these functional equations are quadratic and apply them to characterization of inner product spaces. We also investigate the stability problem on restricted domains. These results are applied to study the asymptotic behaviors of these quadratic functions in completeβ-normed spaces.
On the effect of postponing pregnancy in a Zika transmission model
Authors: Soewono Edy , Lahodny Glenn
Published: February 2021

We construct a Zika transmission model to investigate the effect of postponing pregnancy on the infection intensity. We perform analytical and numerical investigations for deterministic and stochastic analysis to obtain the basic reproductive ratio, endemic state, probability of disease extinction, and the probability of outbreak. The results indicate that by reducing the pregnancy rate the mosquito-to-human ratio increases, and, consequently, the basic reproductive ratio increases. Simultaneously, the probability of disease extinction decreases, and the probability of disease outbreak increases. On the other hand, the endemic state of infected infants initially increases with the decrease of the pregnancy recruitment rate, up to a certain level, and decreases as the recruitment rate of pregnancy tends to zero. This work highlights that postponing pregnancy that gives the individual temporary protection for unexpected infected newborns may increase the population infectivity.
Localized waves and interaction solutions to the fractional generalized CBS-BK equation arising in fluid mechanics
Authors: Manafian Jalil , Ilhan Onur Alp , Avazpour Ladan , Alizadeh As’ad
Published: February 2021

The Hirota bilinear method is employed for searching the localized waves, lump–solitons, and solutions between lumps and rogue waves for the fractional generalized Calogero–Bogoyavlensky–Schiff–Bogoyavlensky–Konopelchenko (CBS-BK) equation. We probe three cases including lump (combination of two positive functions as polynomial), lump–kink (combination of two positive functions as polynomial and exponential function) called the interaction between a lump and one line soliton, and lump–soliton (combination of two positive functions as polynomial and hyperbolic cos function) called the interaction between a lump and two-line solitons. At the critical point, the second-order derivative and the Hessian matrix for only one point will be investigated and the lump solution has one maximum value. The moving path of the lump solution and also the moving velocity and the maximum amplitude will be obtained. The graphs for various fractional ordersαare plotted to obtain 3D plot, contour plot, density plot, and 2D plot. The physical phenomena of this obtained lump and its interaction soliton solutions are analyzed and presented in figures by selecting the suitable values. That will be extensively used to report many attractive physical phenomena in the fields of fluid dynamics, classical mechanics, physics, and so on.
Optimal control of nonlocal fractional evolution equations in the α-norm of order $(1,2)$
Authors: Niazi Azmat Ullah Khan , Iqbal Naveed , Mohammed Wael W.
Published: February 2021

This paper investigates the optimal control for a class of nonlocal fractional evolution equations of order $\gamma \in (1,2)$
γ
∈
(
1
,
2
)
in Banach spaces. An adequate definition of α-mild solutions is obtained and the existence, uniqueness and continuous dependence of α-mild solutions for the presented control system are also established. The existence of optimal pairs of nonlocal fractional evolution systems is also demonstrated with a view on the construction of the Lagrange problem. Finally, an example is propounded for the presentation of optimal control.
Variability in daily or weekly working hours and self-reported mental health problems in Korea, Korean working condition survey, 2017
Authors: Lee Hye-Eun , Kim Myoung-Hee , Choi Min , Kim Hyoung-Ryoul , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: February 2021

Background

Working hour regulation in Korea is being revised to allow increasing variability in number of working hours. We sought to investigate the association between variability in the number of daily or weekly working hours with or without long working hours (> 52 h/w) and mental health among South Korean workers.

Methods

We used data from 28,345 full-time, non-shift employed workers working more than 30 h per week participating in the Korean Working Condition Survey in 2017. We defined six groups according to variability in daily or weekly working hours (same number vs different number) and weekly working hours (31–40, 41–52, > 52 h per week). Odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) for self-reported depressive symptoms and anxiety were calculated using workers with same number of working hours/31–40 h per week as the reference.

Results

Variability in number of work hours every day or week combined with > 52 working hours per week showed the highest risk of depressive symptoms (OR = 5.13, 95% CI 3.25–8.11) and anxiety (OR = 3.75, 95% CI 2.39–5.88) compared to the reference group, controlling for age, sex, education, occupation, industry, salary, workers’ choice of working hours and overtime payment. Workers working ≤52 h/w were adversely impacted by variable working hours as well.

Conclusions

Variable daily or weekly working hours were associated with poorer self-reported depressive and anxiety symptoms in Korea, among full-time and non-shift workers. Reform of the Korean Labor Standards Act warrants consideration.
Facilitators and barriers in anorexia nervosa treatment initiation: a qualitative study on the perspectives of patients, carers and professionals
Authors: Kästner Denise , Weigel Angelika , Buchholz Ines , Voderholzer Ulrich , Löwe Bernd , Gumz Antje
Published: February 2021

Background

An early psychotherapeutic treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN) is crucial for a good prognosis. In order to improve treatment initiation, knowledge about facilitators and barriers to treatment is needed.

Objective

Against this background, we aimed to identify facilitators and barriers from the perspectives of patients, carers and professionals using a qualitative approach.

Method

To this end, semi-structured interviews were conducted in triads of female patients with AN aged 14 years and older at the beginning of their first psychotherapeutic treatment, their carers, and referring health care professionals. A modified Grounded Theory approach was used for analysis.

Results

In total, 22 interviews were conducted (n = 6 adults, n = 4 adolescents, 4 full triads). The duration of untreated AN ranged between 30 days and 25.85 years (M = 3.06 ± 8.01 years). A wide spectrum of facilitators and barriers within the patient, the social environment, the health care system and the society were identified. Most prominent factors were ‘recognizing and addressing’ by close others, ‘waiting times and availability’ and ‘recommendations and referrals’ by health care professionals. ‘Positive role models for treatment’ were perceived as a specific facilitative social influence. Facilitators were more frequently mentioned than barriers and most of the factors seem to hold potential for modifiability.

Conclusion

Overall, the findings suggest that early intervention approaches for AN should not only address patients and the health care system, but may also involve carers and successfully treated former patients.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03713541.
Persistence and course of mental health problems from childhood into adolescence: results of a 10-year longitudinal study
Authors: Supke Max , Ferling Caterina , Hahlweg Kurt , Schulz Wolfgang
Published: February 2021

Background

Mental health problems (MHP) in children and adolescents (CA) are common. This longitudinal study analyzed the prevalence, course, and persistence of MHP over 10 years from childhood into adolescence based on a sample from the Future Family project (N = 230).

Methods

At the pre-assessment point the children were on average 5 (SE = 1) and the mothers 35 (SE = 5) years old. Descriptive methods, Chi2-tests, binary logistic regression, and different analytical approaches (number chains, transition probability) were used.

Results

Approximately 24% of the CA suffered from borderline clinical or clinically relevant MHP. The largest proportion of the sample was stable healthy (70%), whereas 15% of the CA showed chronic mentally ill, 8% transient, 4% negative and 4% positive courses. The mental health of the mother proved to be a decisive predictor for chronic mentally ill courses. Short-term persistence rates ranged between 60 and 70% from one assessment point to the next one. On the other hand, long-term persistence rates (from childhood into adolescence) were lower (51–59%).

Conclusion

One in seven children in this sample suffered from chronic MHP, while only one third of the CA in Germany with clinically relevant MHP take advantage of psychological or psychiatric care. Prevention programs should be considered as an effective and economic approach to reduce childhood suffering in Germany.
Classroom, media and church: explaining the achievement differences in civic knowledge in the bilingual school system of Estonia
Authors: Põder Kaire , Lauri Triin
Published: February 2021

This study investigates civic and citizenship education in a unique post-Communist context–in the bilingual education system of Estonia. Estonia continues to have a bilingual school system where there are Estonian and Russian language schools in parallel. While Estonian language school students are ranked very high in international comparisons, there is a significant difference between the achievement of Estonian and Russian language school students. We claim that this minority achievement gap in the performance of civic and citizenship knowledge is in addition to family background characteristics explained by behavioral and attitudinal factors that are moderated by the school language. Behavioral and attitudinal independent variables that we consider relevant in our analysis are classroom climate, trust in various media channels, and students’ beliefs in the influence of religion. We rely on hierarchical modeling to capture the embedded data and aim to explain how the different layers (school- and student level) interact and impact civic knowledge. We show that an open classroom is beneficial to students and part of the gap can be explained by Russian school students’ lower involvement in such practices. The strength of the belief in the influence of religion, on the contrary, is hurting students, despite that the negative effect is smaller for minority students there is a higher aggregate negative effect of it and therefore it also contributes to the minority achievement gap. Media trust indicators explain the gap marginally while the high trust of social media hurts students’ civic knowledge scores–still more Russian school students trust social media more than Estonian school students.
Annotating and detecting topics in social media forum and modelling the annotation to derive directions-a case study
Authors: Athira B. , Jones Josette , Idicula Sumam Mary , Kulanthaivel Anand , Zhang Enming
Published: February 2021

The widespread influence of social media impacts every aspect of life, including the healthcare sector. Although medics and health professionals are the final decision makers, the advice and recommendations obtained from fellow patients are significant. In this context, the present paper explores the topics of discussion posted by breast cancer patients and survivors on online forums. The study examines an online forum, Breastcancer.org, maps the discussion entries to several topics, and proposes a machine learning model based on a classification algorithm to characterize the topics. To explore the topics of breast cancer patients and survivors, approximately 1000 posts are selected and manually labeled with annotations. In contrast, millions of posts are available to build the labels. A semi-supervised learning technique is used to build the labels for the unlabeled data; hence, the large data are classified using a deep learning algorithm. The deep learning algorithm BiLSTM with BERT word embedding technique provided a better f1-score of 79.5%. This method is able to classify the following topics: medication reviews, clinician knowledge, various treatment options, seeking and providing support, diagnostic procedures, financial issues and implications for everyday life. What matters the most for the patients is coping with everyday living as well as seeking and providing emotional and informational support. The approach and findings show the potential of studying social media to provide insight into patients' experiences with cancer like critical health problems.
CircCTNNA1 acts as a ceRNA for miR-363-3p to facilitate the progression of colorectal cancer by promoting CXCL5 expression
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zheng Sheng , Liao Nansheng , Huang Huifeng , Chen Wenxiao , Wu Zhenxing , Wu Deqing
Published: February 2021

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNA) have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). CircCTNNA1 was found to be one of the upregulated circRNAs in CRC. However, there are few studies on circCTNNA1, so it is necessary to carry out further studies.

Methods

The expression of circCTNNA1, microRNA (miR)-363-3p, and chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 5 (CXCL5) was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The protein levels of CXCL5 and metastasis markers were measured using western blot (WB) analysis. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, and invasion were determined by cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assay. The relationship between miR-363-3p and circCTNNA1 or CXCL5 was evaluated via dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Animal study was performed to explore the function of circCTNNA1 on CRC tumorigenesis.

Results

CircCTNNA1 and CXCL5 were highly expressed in CRC. Knockdown of circCTNNA1 could inhibit the proliferation, cell cycle, metastasis, and promote the apoptosis of CRC cells. MiR-363-3p could be sponged by circCTNNA1, and the inhibition effect of circCTNNA1 silencing on CRC progression could be reversed by miR-363-3p inhibitor. Moreover, miR-363-3p could interact with CXCL5, and CXCL5 overexpression also could reverse the suppressive effect of miR-363-3p on CRC progression. Downregulation of circCTNNA1 also could hinder the tumor growth of CRC in vivo.

Conclusion

CircCTNNA1 enhanced CRC progression via regulating the miR-363-3p/CXCL5 axis.
Adaptation of the barriers to help-seeking for trauma (BHS-TR) scale: a cross-cultural cognitive interview study with female intimate partner violence survivors in Iceland
Authors: Thorvaldsdottir Karen Birna , Halldorsdottir Sigridur , Johnson Rhonda M. , Sigurdardottir Sigrun , Saint Arnault Denise
Published: February 2021

Background

Even though traumatization is linked to substantially reduced health-related quality of life, help-seeking and service utilization among trauma survivors are very low. To date, there has not been available in Iceland a culturally attuned, self-reported measure on help-seeking barriers after trauma. This study aimed to translate and cross-culturally adapt the English version of Barriers to Help-Seeking for Trauma (BHS-TR) scale into the Icelandic language and context.

Methods

The BHS-TR was culturally adapted following well-established and rigorous guidelines, including forward-backward translation, expert committee review, and pretesting through cognitive interviews. Two rounds of interviews with 17 female survivors of intimate partner violence were conducted using a think-aloud technique and verbal probing. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis, a combination of deductive and inductive approaches.

Results

Issues with the BHS-TR that were uncovered in the study were classified into four categories related to general design, translation, cultural aspects, and post-trauma context. The trauma-specific issues emerged as a new category identified in this study and included concepts specific to trauma experiences. Therefore, modifications were of great importance—resulting in the scale becoming more trauma-informed. Revisions made to address identified issues improved the scale, and the process led to an Icelandic version, which appears to be semantically and conceptually equivalent to the original version; additionally, the results provided evidence of content validity.

Conclusions

As a cognitive interview study, it adds to the growing cognitive interviewing methodology literature. Furthermore, the results provide essential insights into the self-report response process of trauma survivors, highlighting the significance of making health-related research instruments trauma-informed.
A prospective randomized controlled study comparing intravenous dexmedetomidine plus ketamine combination with intravenous dexmedetomidine alone for awake fibreoptic nasotracheal intubation
Authors: Jamgade Deepali , Fultambkar Gajanan , Dara Sudheer , Vijayanand B. , Nair Abhijit
Published: February 2021

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine versus dexmedetomidine and ketamine for sedation during awake fibreoptic intubation (FOI) in patients posted for elective surgeries. Ninety-eight American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA-PS) I–II patients with difficult airway and scheduled for elective surgeries were enrolled in this study after institutional ethics committee approval. Patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups, i.e. 49 patients in each group. Group D patients received 1 μg/kg dexmedetomidine IV over 10 min in 100-mL normal saline followed by a continuous infusion at 0.5 μg/kg/h till FOI and 5-mL normal saline followed by saline infusion. Group DK patients received 1 μg/kg dexmedetomidine IV over 10 min in 100-mL normal saline. Further, they received IV ketamine 15 mg as a bolus of 5 mL, followed by continuous infusion of ketamine at 20 mg/h until the end of intubation. The primary objective was to compare the efficacy of the combination of IV dexmedetomidine and ketamine with IV dexmedetomidine alone as sedation for FOI. Vocal cord movement, sedation, coughing, facial grimace score, recall of procedure, and haemodynamics were also compared in both groups.

Results

Demographic data, vocal cord movement, cough score, facial grimace score, total drugs used, hoarseness, sore throat and level of recall were comparable in both groups. Haemodynamics were significantly better in group DK at 2, 3, 4 and 5 min compared to group D.

Conclusions

Addition of ketamine to dexmedetomidine did not improve intubating conditions, reduce cough or improve recall of FOI. However, patients remain sedated when ketamine was used with dexmedetomidine. The study was not registered prospectively in any clinical trial registry.
Is rituximab effective for systemic sclerosis? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: de Figueiredo Caldas Marina Maria Vieira , de Azevedo Kesley Pablo Morais , de França Nunes Ana Clara , de Oliveira Victor Hugo , Pimenta Isac Davidson Santiago Fernandes , de Araújo Isabela Dantas Torres , Neto Francisco Alves Bezerra , da Silveira Gonçalves de Oliveira Ana Katherine , Piuvezam Grasiela
Published: February 2021

Background

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a clinically complex and challenging disease, that leads to skin fibrosis. Its most frequent complication is interstitial lung disease (ILD), which leads to a worse prognosis. In this situation, cyclophosphamide is considered the gold standard for its treatment, despite the controversies regarding its efficacy and toxicity. However, studies using rituximab (RTX) have shown that this drug may be a promising therapeutic option.

Objectives

This paper objective was to analyze the scientific evidence on the RTX effects on SSc.

Methods

A systematic review (SR) was performed including clinical trials (CTs) on the use of RTX in SSc, published up to May 2020. The studies were identified through systematic searches in bibliographic databases using a predefined search strategy. The following databases were used: PUBMED, SCOPUS, SCIELO, LILACS, SCIENCE DIRECT, WEB OF SCIENCE, COCHRANE, WHOLIS, PAHO and EMBASE. Also, a manual search was performed. The methodological quality of the studies was determined using Jadad scale, Risk of Bias Tool (RoB 2.0) and Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies - of Interventions tool (ROBINS-I). A meta-analysis of the randomized CTs was performed, using Review Manager.

Results

Ten CTs were included in this SR. Of these, three were randomized and seven were non-randomized. Five showed a statistically significant improvement in forced vital capacity (FVC) at some time during follow-up. Regarding the skin, eight studies showed statistically significant improvements according toa the modified Rodnan skin score. The meta-analysis found positive effects of RTX in SSc, with a statistical significance for lung disease.

Conclusion

Rituximab is a promising strategy for the SSc-associated ILD and cutaneous fibrosis treatment.

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019132018.
Study of the relation between serum levels of long-acting penicillin and the inflammatory markers: C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 in patients with chronic rheumatic heart disease
Authors: Yousef Ahmad M. , Rifaie Osama A. , Hamza Mohamed A. , Amin Sameh A.
Published: February 2021

Background

There is an evidence of a chronic inflammatory state in patients with chronic rheumatic valvular heart disease (RHD) as shown by high serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL6). Despite the efficacy of long-acting penicillin (LAP) in secondary prevention of rheumatic fever, its effect on this inflammatory state is still unknown. So, we sought to study the effect of LAP on the inflammatory markers, CRP and IL-6, in patients with chronic rheumatic heart disease.

Results

Eighty RHD patients coming to our hospital’s outpatient clinic for rheumatic fever secondary prophylaxis by regular administration of LAP were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into 3 groups: group A, 70 patients with RHD already on prophylactic LAP, group B, 10 patients with RHD who have not yet started prophylactic LAP, and group C, control group of 10 healthy individuals not known to have RHD. Serum levels of LAP, IL-6, and CRP were measured for the three groups.

Group A had significantly lower IL-6 levels than group B (25.22 ± 33.50 vs. 126.1 ± 33.76nng/ml, respectively, p < 0.0001). IL-6 levels were significantly lower in control subjects compared to patients in group B (3.600 ± 2.319, 25.22 ± 33.50 ng/ml, respectively, p < 0.0001). However, IL-6 levels in the control group were lower but non-significantly different compared to group A. CRP level was lower in group A than group B (8419 ± 4935 vs. 14400 ± 3375 mg/dl, respectively, p = 0.0002). CRP levels were significantly lower in control subjects compared to patients in group A and group B. IL-6 values were positively correlated with CRP values (r = 0.6387, p < 0.0001).

CRP values were negatively correlated with LAP values (r = -0.5277, p < 0.0001). IL-6 values were negatively correlated with LAP values (r = − 0.4401, p < 0.0001). There was a highly significant difference between LAP level in compliant and non-compliant patients (1.045 ± 1.270 vs. 0.0785 ± 0.1057 ng/ml, respectively, p value < 0.0001).

There was also a highly significant difference between CRP level in compliant and non-compliant patients (7640 ± 4558 vs. 13090 ± 4717 mg/dl, respectively, p = 0.005). Moreover, there was a significant difference between IL-6 levels in compliant and non-compliant patients (21.53 ± 32.70 vs. 47.40 ± 30.91 ng/ml, respectively, p value 0.03).

Conclusion

Serum LAP has a strong negative correlation with IL-6 and CRP levels. Regular administration of LAP strongly ameliorates the inflammatory state seen in patients with RHD.
CO-RADS versus CT-SS scores in predicting severe COVID-19 patients: retrospective comparative study
Authors: Zayed Niveen E. , Bessar Manar A. , Lutfy Samah
Published: February 2021

Background

The role of CT in assessing and plotting viral pulmonary affection land marking is its potential among other investigation tools, and the aim of the study was to compare the ability of two different CT-based scoring systems in discriminating severe COVID-19 disease.

Results

Retrospective comparative study included 142 confirmed COVID-19 patients by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test, with different degrees of disease (mild to severe), the data of patients collected from medical records, and patients with their first CT chest read for calculating CO-RADS and severity scoring system (CT-SS) score. The patients with severe COVID-19 disease were significantly older and had different comorbidities. The level of C-reactive protein, ESR, ferritin, and LDH were significantly higher in severe disease, P < 0.001. The ability of CT chest and its score bases (CT-SS and CO-RADS) were accurate in differentiation between mild/moderate and severe disease; AUC were 89% and 97%, respectively. The cutoff value of less than 7.5 and 4.5 for CT-SS and CO-RADS, respectively, can rule out severe COVID-19 by 90% and 97%, respectively.

Conclusions

CT chest play a segregate role in COVID-19 disease, add on an advantage in clinical data in triage, and highlight the decision of hospital admission.
Bloodless Management of Severe Obstetric Hemorrhage With Very Severe Anemia: A Case Report
Authors: Usoro Nathaniel I. , Emechebe Cajethan I. , Okonkwo Chinedu U. , Inaku Kenneth , Enabulele Joseph O. , Inyama Marcus A. , Asuquo Etetim E. J.
Published: February 2021

This case report describes bloodless management of a 32-year-old Jehovah’s Witness who had severe obstetric hemorrhage at 23 weeks of gestation, spontaneously delivering twin fetuses. After resuscitation with crystalloids and colloids, the patient was still bleeding and hemoglobin fell to 3.3 g/dL. She had emergency hysterectomy. On postoperative day 1, her hemoglobin was 1.3 g/dL and Glasgow Coma Scale 6 of 15. Electrolyte derangement and fluid overload were detected and treated promptly. She regained consciousness and received intravenous iron and erythropoietin. She recovered fully without complications and without blood transfusion. Hemoglobin at discharge (postoperative day 18) was 6.9 and 12.5 g/dL 4 months later.
Continuous Erector Spinae Plane Block for Refractory Chest Wall Pain in a Patient With Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Subramanian V. V. , Peng Philip , Forero Mauricio
Published: February 2021

In this case report, we described the use of the continuous erector spinae plane (ESP) block in a patient presenting with severe chest wall pain due to terminal metastatic breast cancer. Her pain was refractory to most treatment modalities despite being on huge doses of parenteral opioids for 6 months. A single shot ESP block was initially trialed, which provided her complete pain relief. This was followed by an ESP catheter insertion and continuous infusion of local anesthetic, which helped her wean off the parenteral opioids over the next 4 days. She was discharged home with the catheter in situ, attached to a delivery pump.
How to Train for a 5K—What Does the Science Say?
Authors: Garcia Jared T. , Kravitz Len
Published: February 2021

Apply It!

• This article provides a realistic and scientific approach for developing a 12-week training program for an intermediate-level recreational runner preparing for their first 5K race.

• The fitness professional should expect to gain knowledge on an effective field test used to determine initial fitness and estimate the lactate threshold.

• Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) is a valuable tool for prescribing endurance exercise to an intermediate-level runner. RPE is simple to use and relates to the three-zone intensity model.

• Using different tools, such as the Profile of Mood State Questionnaire, will help to monitor your client. This approach may assist in your prevention of overtraining and decreased motivation and may keep training exciting so that the client can meet their goals.
Fitness Watches and Nutrition Apps: Behavioral Benefits and Emerging Concerns
Authors: Scheid Jennifer L. , Lupien Shannon P.
Published: February 2021

Apply It!

By reading this article, the health and fitness professional will

• be able to understand how fitness watches and nutrition apps can influence self-monitoring and thereby, in turn, behavior change; and

• be able to recognize some of the emerging risks and associations between using fitness watches and nutrition apps and certain disordered behaviors.
Identification of Three Loci Associated with Achilles Tendon Injury Risk from a Genome-wide Association Study
Authors: KIM STUART K. , NGUYEN CONDOR , AVINS ANDY L. , ABRAMS GEOFFREY D.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to screen the entire genome for genetic markers associated with risk for Achilles tendon injury.

Methods

A genome-wide association analysis was performed using data from the Kaiser Permanente Research Board and the UK Biobank. Achilles tendon injury cases were identified based on electronic health records from the Kaiser Permanente Research Board databank and the UK Biobank from individuals of European ancestry. Genome-wide association analyses from both cohorts were tested for Achilles tendon injury using a logistic regression model adjusting for sex, height, weight, and race/ethnicity using allele counts for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). Previously identified genes within the literature were also tested for association with Achilles tendon injury.

Results

There were a total of 12,354 cases of Achilles tendon injury and 483,080 controls within the two combined cohorts, with 67 SNP in three chromosomal loci demonstrating a genome-wide significant association with Achilles tendon injury. The first locus contains a single SNP (rs183364169) near the CDCP1 and TMEM158 genes on chromosome 3. The second locus contains 65 SNP in three independently segregating sets near the MPP7 gene on chromosome 10. The last locus contains a single SNP (rs4454832) near the SOX21 and GPR180 genes on chromosome 13. The current data were used to test 14 candidate genes previously reported to show an association with Achilles tendon injury, but none showed a significant association (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Three loci were identified as potential risk factors for Achilles tendon injury and deserve further validation and investigation of molecular mechanisms.