bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validity and sensitivity of instrumented postural and gait assessment using low-cost devices in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Álvarez Ignacio , Latorre Jorge , Aguilar Miquel , Pastor Pau , Llorens Roberto
Published: November 2020

Background

Accurate assessment of balance and gait is necessary to monitor the clinical progress of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Conventional clinical scales can be biased and have limited accuracy. Novel interactive devices are potentially useful to detect subtle posture or gait-related impairments.

Methods

Posturographic and single and dual-task gait assessments were performed to 54 individuals with PD and 43 healthy controls with the Wii Balance Board and the Kinect v2 and the, respectively. Individuals with PD were also assessed with the Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment, the Functional Gait Assessment and the 10-m Walking Test. The influence of demographic and clinical variables on the performance in the instrumented posturographic and gait tests, the sensitivity of these tests to the clinical condition and phenotypes, and their convergent validity with clinical scales were investigated.

Results

Individuals with PD in H&Y I and I.5 stages showed similar performance to controls. The greatest differences in posture and gait were found between subjects in H&Y II.5 and H&Y I–I.5 stage, as well as controls. Dual-tasking enhanced the differences among all groups in gait parameters. Akinetic/rigid phenotype showed worse postural control and gait than other phenotypes. High significant correlations were found between the limits of stability and most of gait parameters with the clinical scales.

Conclusions

Low-cost devices showed potential to objectively quantify posture and gait in established PD (H&Y ≥ II). Dual-tasking gait evaluation was more sensitive to detect differences among PD stages and compared to controls than free gait. Gait and posture were more impaired in akinetic/rigid PD.
The clinical and radiographic characteristics of avascular necrosis after pediatric femoral neck fracture: a systematic review and retrospective study of 115 patients
Authors: Xin Pengfei , Tu Yonggang , Hong Zhinan , Yang Fan , Pang Fengxiang , Wei Qiushi , He Wei , Li Ziqi
Published: November 2020

Background

Avascular necrosis (AVN) after pediatric femoral neck fracture (PFNF) showed poor prognosis, but its clinical and radiographic characteristics remained unclear.

Methods

A systematic review and a retrospective study were performed to evaluate the clinical and radiographic characteristics of patients with AVN after PFNF.

Results

A total of 686 patients with PFNF and 203 patients with AVN from 21 articles were analyzed. Ratliff’s classification was used in 178 patients, with types I, II, and III AVN accounting for 58.4%, 25.3%, and 16.3%, respectively. Ratliff’s assessment was used in 147 patients, of whom 88.4% had an unsatisfactory prognosis. In retrospective study, 115 patients with a mean age of 13.6 ± 2.0 years were included. The mean interval between AVN and PFNF was 13.7 ± 9.5 months. At the time of diagnosis, 59.1% cases were symptomatic and 65.2% progressed to collapsed stage. Fifty (43.5%), 61 (53.0%), and 4 patients (3.5%) were defined as types I, II, and III , respectively, via Ratliff’s classification. Thirteen (11.3%), 40 (34.8%), and 62 patients (53.9%) showed types A/B, C1, and C2 disease, respectively, via the JIC classification. Multivariate analysis demonstrated a strong relation between collapsed stage and symptomatic cases (OR = 6.25, 95% CI = 2.39–16.36) and JIC classification (OR = 3.41, 95% CI = 1.62–7.17).

Conclusion

AVN after PFNF showed a tendency toward extensive necrotic lesions, presumably resulting in a rapid progression of femoral head collapse. And the symptoms and the JIC classification are other two risk factors of collapse progression.
The effectiveness of ramosetron and ondansetron for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lee Sang-Uk , Lee Hyo-Jin , Kim Yang-Soo
Published: November 2020

Background

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a painful procedure, and treatment of emetic events associated with drugs used in the current multimodal pain management remains challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ramosetron or ondansetron to relieve postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and pain after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Methods

In total, 122 consecutive patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were randomly allocated into three groups: ramosetron group (n = 39), ondansetron group (n = 43), and control group (n = 40). Then, 0.3 mg of ramosetron or 8 mg of ondansetron was administered intravenously at the end of surgery according to group. All patients received general anesthesia and multimodal pain management protocol including preemptive analgesic medication, fentanyl-based intravenous patient-controlled analgesia, and postoperative analgesic medication. Incidence of emetic events, rescue antiemetic requirements (10 mg of metoclopramide, IV), complete response, pain level, and side effects were recorded in three periods: 0–6, 6–24, and 24–48 h postoperatively. The severity of nausea and pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale.

Results

The ramosetron group tended to have a lower incidence and severity of nausea during the 6- to 24-h postoperative period and fewer rescue antiemetic drug requirements during the 0- to 48-h period than the control group, showing statistical significance. Additionally, the frequency of complete response of the ramosetron and ondansetron groups was significantly higher than that of the control group. No difference was found among the groups in the pain level except during the 0- to 6-h period. The two groups have a higher complete response during the 6- to 24-h period than the control group.

Conclusions

Ramosetron use led to a lower incidence, mild severity of nausea, and reduced use of rescue antiemetic drug after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair during the 6- to 24-h postoperative period than the control.

Level of evidence

Level I, randomized controlled trials, treatment study
Does the correction angle affect hidden blood loss in HTO?
Authors: Li Zheng , Wang Yannong , Cao Guanglei , An Shuai , Feng Mingli , Wang Liwei , Wang Xi , Yang Guangzhong , Gao Guanghan , Wang Shuai , Jiao Xufeng , Ding Lei
Published: November 2020

Background

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) has a history of nearly 60 years and has been widely used in clinical practice. Biplanar open wedge high tibial osteotomy (BOWHTO), which evolved from HTO, is an important therapy for the knee osteoarthritis. In our previous research, we found that the decrease of hemoglobin levels after high tibial osteotomy ranges from between 17 to 41 g/L, but this is highly inconsistent with the intraoperative bleeding and postoperative drainage observed in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perioperative hidden blood loss (HBL) after biplanar open wedge high tibial osteotomy (BOWHTO), as well as to study the effect of the actual correction angle on blood loss.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 21 patients who underwent BOWHTO for osteoarthritis of the knee due to proximal tibia deformity. Gross equation was used to calculate the perioperative total blood loss (TBL) and HBL. The actual correction angle was measured by postoperative anteroposterior radiograph. The correlation between HBL and correction angle was determined through correlation analysis.

Results

The TBL was 823.5 ± 348.7 mL and the HBL was 601.6 ± 297.3 mL, total hemoglobin loss was 25.0 ± 10.7 g/L, and the mean HBL/patient’s blood volume (H/P) was 13.19 ± 5.56% for 21 patients. The correlation coefficient of correction angle and H/P is statistically significant (|r| = 0.678, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

The actual total blood loss after BOWHTO was significantly higher than the observed, and the HBL was objective existent after BOWHTO. The proportion of H/P is positively correlated with the correction angle.
Study on clinical and biological characteristics of ameloblastic carcinoma
Authors: Niu Zhixing , Li Ye , Chen Wantao , Zhao Junfang , Zheng Hongyu , Deng Qing , Zha Zhian , Zhu Hao , Sun Qiang , Su Lei
Published: November 2020

Background

Ameloblastic carcinoma (AC) is an odontogenic malignant tumor which is closely related to benign ameloblastoma. Because of its rarity, diagnosis and treatment are difficult. In this study, we summarized and analyzed the clinical and biological characteristics of AC.

Results

Fifteen patients with AC and a median age of 53 years were identified. Among of them, five patients who were tested carried a BRAF-V600E mutation. Two patients presented with cervical lymph nodes and lung metastases. Primary AC was more invasive, and the bone destruction ability of the primary type was more radical than that of the secondary type.

Conclusions

This study revealed that the BRAF-V600E mutation was related to the aggressive behavior of AC, and early radical resection is crucial. Moreover, targeted therapy may be a new direction in the future.
Specific populations of urinary extracellular vesicles and proteins differentiate type 1 primary hyperoxaluria patients without and with nephrocalcinosis or kidney stones
Authors: Jayachandran Muthuvel , Yuzhakov Stanislav V. , Kumar Sanjay , Larson Nicholas B. , Enders Felicity T. , Milliner Dawn S. , Rule Andrew D. , Lieske John C.
Published: November 2020

Background

Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is associated with nephrocalcinosis (NC) and calcium oxalate (CaOx) kidney stones (KS). Populations of urinary extracellular vesicles (EVs) can reflect kidney pathology. The aim of this study was to determine whether urinary EVs carrying specific biomarkers and proteins differ among PH1 patients with NC, KS or with neither disease process.

Methods

Mayo Clinic Rare Kidney Stone Consortium bio-banked cell-free urine from male and female PH1 patients without (n = 10) and with NC (n = 6) or KS (n = 9) and an eGFR > 40 mL/min/1.73 m2were studied. Urinary EVs were quantified by digital flow cytometer and results expressed as EVs/ mg creatinine. Expressions of urinary proteins were measured by customized antibody array and results expressed as relative intensity. Data were analyzed by ANCOVA adjusting for sex, and biomarkers differences were considered statistically significant among groups at a false discovery rate threshold of Q < 0.20.

Results

Total EVs and EVs from different types of glomerular and renal tubular cells (11/13 markers) were significantly (Q < 0.20) altered among PH1 patients without NC and KS, patients with NC or patients with KS alone. Three cellular adhesion/inflammatory (ICAM-1, MCP-1, and tissue factor) markers carrying EVs were statistically (Q < 0.20) different between PH1 patients groups. Three renal injury (β2-microglobulin, laminin α5, and NGAL) marker-positive urinary EVs out of 5 marker assayed were statistically (Q < 0.20) different among PH1 patients without and with NC or KS. The number of immune/inflammatory cell-derived (8 different cell markers positive) EVs were statistically (Q < 0.20) different between PH1 patients groups. EV generation markers (ANO4 and HIP1) and renal calcium/phosphate regulation or calcifying matrixvesicles markers (klotho, PiT1/2) were also statistically (Q < 0.20) different between PH1 patients groups. Only 13 (CD14, CD40, CFVII, CRP, E-cadherin, EGFR, endoglin, fetuin A, MCP-1, neprilysin, OPN, OPGN, and PDGFRβ) out of 40 proteins were significantly (Q < 0.20) different between PH1 patients without and with NC or KS.

Conclusions

These results imply activation of distinct renal tubular and interstitial cell populations and processes associated with KS and NC, and suggest specific populations of urinary EVs and proteins are potential biomarkers to assess the pathogenic mechanisms between KS versus NC among PH1 patients.
Professional dental cleaning in dogs: clinical routines among Swedish veterinarians and veterinary nurses
Authors: Enlund Karolina Brunius , Karlsson Michaela , Brunius Carl , Hagman Ragnvi , Höglund Odd Viking , Gustås Pia , Hanson Jeanette , Pettersson Ann
Published: November 2020

Background

Dental disease is very common in dogs and veterinary professional dental cleaning and examination, together with daily dental home care, is the foundation for good dental health. To our knowledge, no previous study has investigated professional dental cleaning routines in small animal veterinary practice. A validated questionnaire survey was distributed to all veterinarians and veterinary nurses with registered e-mail addresses in the Swedish national registry (veterinarians; n = 3657, veterinary nurses; n = 1650). Response rates were 32% for veterinarians (V) and 38% for veterinary nurses (VN).

Results

In total, 73% (V)/96% (VN) of respondents reported that professional dental cleaning was performed at their work place under general anesthesia, and 27% (V)/18% (VN) that dental cleaning was performed under sedation. Of the respondents, 43% (V)/96% (VN) considered regular dental cleaning under general anesthesia fairly or very important, and 49% (V)/47% (VN) stated that it was sometimes important for good dental health in dogs. A majority of respondents, 84% (V)/97% (VN), reported that dental extractions were performed at their clinic, and 72% (V)/90% (VN) had access to dental radiography equipment.

Conclusion

A majority of Swedish veterinarians and veterinary nurses perform professional dental cleaning under general anesthesia with access to dental radiography equipment, in accordance with national and international recommendations. However, a considerable proportion of professional dental cleanings were performed under sedation only, and extractions performed without access to dental radiography equipment were common, suggesting several areas of improvement in the routines in Swedish veterinary clinics and hospitals. Our results clearly indicate the need for improved educational efforts to increase the awareness among veterinary health professionals regarding guidelines and official recommendations in canine dental care.
Pluripotent stem cell-derived CAR-macrophage cells with antigen-dependent anti-cancer cell functions
Authors: Zhang Li , Tian Lin , Dai Xiaoyang , Yu Hua , Wang Jiajia , Lei Anhua , Zhu Mengmeng , Xu Jianpo , Zhao Wei , Zhu Yuqing , Sun Zhen , Zhang Hao , Hu Yongxian , Wang Yanlin , Xu Yuming , Church George M. , Huang He , Weng Qinjie , Zhang Jin
Published: November 2020

The Chimera antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has gained great success in the clinic. However, there are still major challenges for its wider applications in a variety of cancer types including lack of effectiveness due to the highly complex tumor microenvironment, and the forbiddingly high cost due to the personalized manufacturing procedures. In order to overcome these hurdles, numerous efforts have been spent focusing on optimizing Chimera antigen receptors, engineering and improving T cell capacity, exploiting features of subsets of T cell or NK cells, or making off-the-shelf universal cells. Here, we developed induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived, CAR-expressing macrophage cells (CAR-iMac). CAR expression confers antigen-dependent macrophage functions such as expression and secretion of cytokines, polarization toward the pro-inflammatory/anti-tumor state, enhanced phagocytosis of tumor cells, and in vivo anticancer cell activity. This technology platform for the first time provides an unlimited source of iPSC-derived engineered CAR-macrophage cells which could be utilized to eliminate cancer cells.
Update on resistance to thyroid hormone syndromeβ
Authors: Sun Hongping , Cao Lin , Zheng Rendong , Xie Shaofeng , Liu Chao
Published: November 2020

Resistance to thyroid hormone syndrome (RTH) is an autosomal dominant or recessive genetic disease caused by mutation of either the thyroid hormone receptorβ (THR-β) gene or the thyroid hormone receptorα (THR-α) gene. RTH due to mutations of the THR-β gene (hereafter, RTH-β) is characterized by a decreased response of the target tissue to thyroid hormone, increased serum levels of free triiodothyronine (FT3) and/or free thyroxine (FT4), and inappropriate secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH, normal or elevated). Clinical manifestations of RTH-β vary from hyperthyroidism to hypothyroidism or simple goiter, and RTH-β is often misdiagnosed clinically. The present review was prepared for the purpose of expanding knowledge of RTH-β in order to reduce the rate of misdiagnosis.
Myoglobin clearance with continuous veno-venous hemodialysis using high cutoff dialyzer versus continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration using high-flux dialyzer: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Weidhase Lorenz , de Fallois Jonathan , Haußig Elena , Kaiser Thorsten , Mende Meinhard , Petros Sirak
Published: November 2020

Background

Myoglobin clearance in acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy is important because myoglobin has direct renal toxic effects. Clinical data comparing different modalities of renal replacement therapy addressing myoglobin clearance are limited. This study aimed to compare two renal replacement modalities regarding myoglobin clearance.

Methods

In this prospective, randomized, single-blinded, single-center trial, 70 critically ill patients requiring renal replacement therapy were randomized 1:1 into an intervention arm using continuous veno-venous hemodialysis with high cutoff dialyzer and a control arm using continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration postdilution with high-flux dialyzer. Regional citrate anticoagulation was used in both groups to maintain the extracorporeal circuit. The concentrations of myoglobin, urea, creatinine, β2-microglobulin, interleukin-6 and albumin were measured before and after the dialyzer at 1 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h after initiating continuous renal replacement therapy.

Results

Thirty-three patients were allocated to the control arm (CVVHDF with high-flux dialyzer) and 35 patients to the intervention arm (CVVHD with high cutoff dialyzer). Myoglobin clearance, as a primary endpoint, was significantly better in the intervention arm than in the control arm throughout the whole study period. The clearance values for urea and creatinine were higher in the control arm. There was no measurable albumin clearance in both arms. The clearance data for β2-microglobulin and interleukin-6 were non-inferior in the intervention arm compared to those for the control arm. Dialyzer lifespan was 57.0 [38.0, 72.0] hours in the control arm and 70.0 [56.75, 72.0] hours in the intervention arm (p = 0.029).

Conclusions

Myoglobin clearance using continuous veno-venous hemodialysis with high cutoff dialyzer and regional citrate anticoagulation is better than that with continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration with regional citrate anticoagulation.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS00012407); date of registration 23/05/2017. https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00012407.
Measuring effects on intima-media thickness: an evaluation of rosuvastatin in Chinese subjects with subclinical atherosclerosis—design, rationale, and methodology of the METEOR-China study
Authors: Wang Yilong , Wang Anxin , Li Hongwei , Li Zhanquan , Hu Bo , Li Xiaogang , Zheng Huaguang , Fu Lu , Hu Hongtao , Nie Zhiyu , Qin Yulin , Zhao Bilian , Wei Di , Karlson Björn W. , Bots Michiel L. , Chen Yundai , Wang Yongjun
Published: November 2020

Background

The beneficial effect of statins on atherosclerosis and cardiovascular outcomes has been well established. The Measuring Effects on intima media Thickness: an Evaluation Of Rosuvastatin (METEOR) global study demonstrated that a 2-year orally administered treatment with rosuvastatin 40 mg daily significantly slowed the progression of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) compared to placebo. The current METEOR-China study is designed to evaluate the effect of rosuvastatin 20 mg daily versus placebo on the progression of atherosclerosis measured by CIMT in asymptomatic Chinese subjects.

Methods

This is a phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre parallel-group study. Asymptomatic Chinese subjects with a 10-year ischaemic cardiovascular disease (ICVD) risk < 10% will be recruited at 25 study sites. They will be treated with rosuvastatin 20 mg or placebo for 104 weeks. The primary endpoint is the annualised rate of change in CIMT measured by B-mode ultrasonography. Secondary endpoints include the annualised rate of change in CIMT at three different sections of the carotid artery and changes in the serum lipid profile. Safety parameters will also be assessed.

Conclusion

The study will evaluate whether rosuvastatin 20 mg slows the progression of CIMT in asymptomatic Chinese subjects at low risk of ICVD.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02546323. Registered on September 10, 2015
Αcute visceral cysticercosis caused by Taenia hydatigena in lambs: ultrasonographic findings
Authors: Corda Andrea , Dessì Giorgia , Varcasia Antonio , Carta Silvia , Tamponi Claudia , Sedda Giampietro , Scala Mauro , Marchi Barbara , Salis Francesco , Scala Antonio , Pinna Parpaglia Maria Luisa
Published: November 2020

Background

Cysticercosis caused bycysticercus tenuicollisis a metacestode infection that affects several species of ungulates. It is caused by the larval stage ofTaenia hydatigena, an intestinal tapeworm in dogs and wild canids. In the intermediate host, the mature cysticerci are usually found in the omentum, mesentery, and peritoneum, and less frequently in the pleura and pericardium. The migrating larvae can be found mostly in the liver parenchyma causing traumatic hepatitis in young animals. Most infections are chronic and asymptomatic, and are diagnosed at the abattoir. The acute form of infection is unusual in sheep and reports of death in lambs are rare.

Methods

In March 2018, fifteen female lambs presented anorexia, weakness, lethargy, and death secondary to acute visceral cysticercosis. Twelve of them underwent hepatic ultrasonography. Examinations were performed on standing or left lateral recumbent animals.

Results

Livers of affected animals presented rounded margins and a thickened, irregular and hyperechoic surface. Hepatic parenchyma appeared to be wholly or partially affected by lesions characterized by heterogeneous areas crossed by numerous, irregular, anechoic tracts ranging from 1 to 2 cm in length and 0.1 to 0.2 cm in width. Superficial and intraparenchymal cystic structures were also visualized. The presence of lesions was confirmed by anatomopathological examination, andT. hydatigenacysticerci was identified by morphological and molecular characterization of isolates.

Conclusions

Our results highlighted that hepatic ultrasonography is effective for anintra-vitamdiagnosis of acute cysticercosis in lambs.
Rules have reasons: response to Greay et al. (2019)
Authors: Harris D. James
Published: November 2020

Recently Greay et al. (Parasit Vectors 11:197, 2018) described several new Apicomplexa parasites from domestic companion animals in Australia. Harris (Parasit Vectors 12;172, 2019) highlighted that these descriptions did not conform to the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) rules. Despite Harris (2019) clearly noting “molecular characters can be used to satisfy article 13.1.1 of the code”, in a reply Greay et al. (Parasit Vectors 12:178, 2019) incorrectly state “Harris considers the eight new species…invalid on the basis that only molecular characters were provided”. This was not the case. The ICZN has strict rules regarding species descriptions for good reasons. Here I reiterate why the forms described by Greay et al. (2018) are not valid.
Random forest algorithm to identify factors associated with sports-related dental injuries in 6 to 13-year-old athlete children in Hamadan, Iran-2018 -a cross-sectional study
Authors: Farhadian Maryam , Torkaman Sima , Mojarad Farzad
Published: November 2020

Background

Traumatic dental injuries are one of the most important problems with major physical, aesthetic, psychological, social, functional and therapeutic problems that adversely affect the quality of life of children and adolescents. Recently the development of methods based on machine learning algorithms has provided researchers with more powerful tools to more accurate prediction in different domains and evaluate the factors affecting different phenomena more reliably than traditional regression models. This study tries to investigate the performance of random forest (RF) in identifying factors associated with sports-related dental injuries. Also, the accuracy of the RF model for predicting sports-related dental injuries was compared with logistic regression model as traditional competitor.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was applied to 356 athlete children aged 6 to 13-year-old in Hamadan, Iran. Random forest and logistic regression constructed by using sports-related dental injuries as response variables and age, sex, parent’s education, child’s birth order, type of sports activity, duration of sports activity, awareness regarding the mouthguard, mouthguard use as input. A self-reported questionnaire was used to obtain information.

Results

Fifty-five (15.4%) subjects had experienced a sports-related dental injury. The mean age of children with sports injuries was significantly higher than children without the experience of injury (p = 0.006). The prevalence of injury was significantly higher in boys (p = 0.008). Children with illiterate mothers are more likely to be injured than children with educated mothers (p = 0.045). Awareness of mouthguard and its use during exercise has a significant effect on reducing the prevalence of injury among users (p < 0.001).

Random forest model has a higher prediction accuracy (89.3%) for predicting sports-related dental injuries compared to the logistic regression (84.2%). The results of the relative importance of variables, based on RF showed, mouthguard use, and mouthguard awareness has more contributed importance in dental sport-related injuries’ prediction. Subsequently, the importance of sex and age is in the next position.

Conclusions

Using predictive models such as RF challenges existing inaccurate predictions due to high complexity and interactions between variables would be minimized. This helps to achieve more accurate identification of factors in sport-related dental injury among the general population of children.
Oxidative stress and its association with ST resolution and clinical outcome measures in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Matin Elmira , Ghaffari Samad , Garjani Alireza , Roshanravan Neda , Matin Somaieh , Mesri Alamdari Naimeh , Safaie Naser
Published: November 2020

Objective

Reperfusion of ischemic myocardium generates oxidative stress, which itself can mediate myocardial injury. So, in this study, we investigated the level of oxidative stress markers and its association with clinical outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Results

As indicated in the results, Post MI (Myocardial Infarction) heart failure was significantly higher in the group A (11% vs 4%, p = 0.047). Complete STR (ST-segment resolution) was observed to be significantly higher in the group B (36% vs 17%, p = 0.006). The SOD (Superoxide dismutase) and GPX (Glutathione peroxidase) levels were significantly higher in the group B compared to the other group (1547.51 ± 328.29 vs. 1449.97 ± 246.06, p = 0.019 and 60.62 ± 11.95 vs 57.41 ± 10.14, p = 0.042). The levels of GPX and SOD were shown to be directly related with complete STR and post PCI (Percutaneous coronary intervention)TIMI(Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) flow 3 in the group A (p = 0.002 and p < 0.01, p = 0.005 and p < 0.02, respectively).
Dietary assessment and patient-perspective reasons for poor adherence to diet and exercise post bariatric surgery
Authors: Assakran Bandar Saad , Widyan Adel Mefleh , Alhumaidan Najla Abdulaziz , Alharbi Fadiyah Abdullah , Alhnaya Mohammed Abdullah , Aljabali Abdullatif Abdullah , Aleid Mohammed Abdulrahman
Published: November 2020

Objective

Obesity prevalence is increasing, and as an outcome, bariatric procedures are on the rise. Previous articles about bariatric surgery disclosed tremendous results. This study aims to assess eating patterns and identify the reasons behind poor adherence to diet and exercise in postbariatric patients.

Results

According to the questionnaire used, the majority (85.5%) of our patients scored “good”, 12% scored “fair”, and only 2% scored “excellent”. None scored “needs improvement”. Fruits had a mean consumption of 1.51 ± 0.79 and vegetables 1.78 ± 0.76. The main reasons for patient nonadherence to healthy eating were low self-discipline (48%), lack of motivation (28%), and availability of healthy food and being too busy to prepare healthy meals, both at 25%. Additionally, 55.9% of the study subjects engaged in physical activity. Lack of time (47%), low self-discipline (38%), and weather (32%) were the primary reasons for not exercising regularly.
Association between physical activity and conversion from mild cognitive impairment to dementia
Authors: Kim Yeo Jin , Han Kyung-Do , Baek Min Seok , Cho Hanna , Lee Eun Joo , Lyoo Chul Hyoung
Published: November 2020

Background

Physical activity has been suggested to prevent the conversion of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia in patients. We investigated the association between the continuance and regularity of physical activity and the risk of developing dementia in patients with MCI.

Methods

We analyzed 6-year followed up data for 247,149 individuals in the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) cohort of Korea who were enrolled between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2015. The patients were divided into four groups: those who did not engage in physical activity consistently (Never-PA group), those who initiated physical activity (Initiation-PA group), those who ceased physical activity (Withdrawal-PA group), and those who performed physical activity consistently (Maintenance-PA group). We also divided the patients into two groups: those who engaged in physical activity irregularly (Irregular-PA) and those who undertook physical activity regularly (Regular-PA).

Results

When the risk for the Never-PA group was set as the benchmark (ref = 1), the Maintenance-PA group had the lowest incidence of dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT) compared to the other groups (HR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.79–0.86). The DAT risk of the Initiation-PA group (HR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.85–0.93) was lower than the Never-PA group. In addition, compared to the Irregular-PA group, the Regular-PA group had a 15% reduced risk for developing DAT.

Conclusions

Although no causal inference could be made, continued regular physical activity in patients with MCI is associated with a protective effect against developing DAT. Moreover, ceasing physical activity could halt this protective effect.
Adults with possible food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome with crustacean ingestion
Authors: Li Daniel H. , Wong-Pack Andrew , Macikunas Andrea Leilani , Kim Harold
Published: November 2020

Background

Food protein-induced enterocolitis (FPIES), an entity previously thought to only affect children, has been increasingly described in adults. In this study, we report a Canadian cohort of 19 adolescents and adults with recurrent non-immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated gastrointestinal symptoms after crustacean ingestion, consistent with FPIES.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients in an outpatient allergy clinic from January 2005 to May 2020. Electronic records were searched using keywords for crustaceans and for symptoms consistent with FPIES. We included patients with gastrointestinal symptoms specifically to crustaceans on more than one occasion, who were 14 years or older at the time of index reaction. Exclusion criteria included symptoms suggestive of an IgE-mediated anaphylactic reaction or a likely alternative diagnosis. We identified 19 patients for our cohort who met the criteria.

Results

Our cohort was 68.4% female (13) and 32.6% (6) male. The average age at first reaction to crustaceans was 34 years old with a range of 14–68 years (median = 28 years; IQR = 32 years). Time from ingestion to beginning of symptoms ranged from 3 min to 6.5 h, with an average of 2.8 h (median = 2 h; IQR = 3.25 h). Duration of reaction ranged from less than a minute to over 48 h, with a mean of 9.4 h (median = 4 h; IQR = 7.75 h). Patients had 4.8 reactions on average; however, number of reactions ranged from 2 to 12.5 (median = 3, IQR = 3). All patients identified a “trigger” food in the crustacean group, and 12 subjects identified additional reactions to other seafood.

Conclusions

This case series will better characterize and advance our understanding of this disease entity in adults. There are key differences in the presentation of FPIES in adults compared to children, namely female predominance, difference in solid food trigger, and unpredictable time course. Future studies are needed to examine the pathophysiology and natural history of adult FPIES. Specific guidelines should be developed for the diagnosis and management in adults.

Trial registration: retrospectively registered.
Duck enteritis virus pUL47, as a late structural protein localized in the nucleus, mainly depends on residues 40 to 50 and 768 to 777 and inhibits IFN-β signalling by interacting with STAT1
Authors: He Tianqiong , Wang Mingshu , Cheng Anchun , Yang Qiao , Jia Renyong , Wu Ying , Huang Juan , Chen Shun , Zhao Xin-Xin , Liu Mafeng , Zhu Dekang , Zhang Shaqiu , Ou Xuming , Mao Sai , Gao Qun , Sun Di , Wen XinJian , Tian Bin , Liu Yunya , Yu Yanling , Zhang Ling , Pan Leichang , Chen Xiaoyue
Published: November 2020

Duck enteritis virus (DEV) is a member of the Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily. The characteristics of some DEV genes have been reported. However, information regarding the DEV UL47 gene is limited. In this study, we identified the DEV UL47 gene encoding a late structural protein located in the nucleus of infected cells. We further found that two domains of DEV pUL47, amino acids (aa) 40 to 50 and 768 to 777, could function as nuclear localization sequence (NLS) to guide the nuclear localization of pUL47 and nuclear translocation of heterologous proteins, including enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and beta-galactosidase (β-Gal). Moreover, pUL47 significantly inhibited polyriboinosinic:polyribocytidylic acid [poly(I:C)]-induced interferon beta (IFN-β) production and downregulated interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) expression, such as Mx and oligoadenylate synthetase-like (OASL), by interacting with signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT1).
Tomatidine inhibits porcine epidemic diarrhea virus replication by targeting 3CL protease
Authors: Wang Pengcheng , Bai Juan , Liu Xuewei , Wang Mi , Wang Xianwei , Jiang Ping
Published: November 2020

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes lethal diarrhea in suckling piglets, leading to severe economic losses worldwide. There is an urgent need to find new therapeutic methods to prevent and control PEDV. Not only is there a shortage of commercial anti-PEDV drugs, but available commercial vaccines fail to protect against highly virulent PEDV variants. We screened an FDA-approved library of 911 natural products and found that tomatidine, a steroidal alkaloid extracted from the skin and leaves of tomatoes, demonstrates significant inhibition of PEDV replication in Vero and IPEC-J2 cells in vitro. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics analysis predicted interactions between tomatidine and the active pocket of PEDV 3CL protease, which were confirmed by fluorescence spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The inhibiting effect of tomatidine on 3CL protease was determined using cleavage visualization and FRET assay. Tomatidine-mediated blocking of 3CL protease activity in PEDV-infected cells was examined by western blot detection of the viral polyprotein in PEDV-infected cells. It indicates that tomatidine inhibits PEDV replication mainly by targeting 3CL protease. In addition, tomatidine also has antiviral activity against transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), encephalo myocarditis virus (EMCV) and seneca virus A (SVA) in vitro. These results may be helpful in developing a new prophylactic and therapeutic strategy against PEDV and other swine disease infections.
A novel fractional structure of a multi-order quantum multi-integro-differential problem
Authors: Phuong Nguyen Duc , Sakar Fethiye Muge , Etemad Sina , Rezapour Shahram
Published: November 2020

In the present research manuscript, we formulate a new generalized structure of the nonlinear Caputo fractional quantum multi-integro-differential equation in which such a multi-order structure of quantum integrals is considered for the first time. In fact, in the light of this type of boundary value problem equipped with the multi-integro-differential setting, one can simply study different cases of the existing usual integro-differential problems in the literature. In this direction, we utilize well-known analytical techniques to derive desired criteria which guarantee the existence of solutions for the proposed multi-order quantum multi-integro-differential problem. Further, some numerical examples are considered to examine our theoretical and analytical findings using the proposed methods.
New Hermite–Jensen–Mercer-type inequalities via k-fractional integrals
Authors: Butt Saad Ihsan , Umar Muhammad , Rashid Saima , Akdemir Ahmet Ocak , Chu Yu-Ming
Published: November 2020

In the article, we establish serval novel Hermite–Jensen–Mercer-type inequalities for convex functions in the framework of thek-fractional conformable integrals by use of our new approaches. Our obtained results are the generalizations, improvements, and extensions of some previously known results, and our ideas and methods may lead to a lot of follow-up research.
A comprehensive investigation of metagenome assembly by linked-read sequencing
Authors: Zhang Lu , Fang Xiaodong , Liao Herui , Zhang Zhenmiao , Zhou Xin , Han Lijuan , Chen Yang , Qiu Qinwei , Li Shuai Cheng
Published: November 2020

Background

The human microbiota are complex systems with important roles in our physiological activities and diseases. Sequencing the microbial genomes in the microbiota can help in our interpretation of their activities. The vast majority of the microbes in the microbiota cannot be isolated for individual sequencing. Current metagenomics practices use short-read sequencing to simultaneously sequence a mixture of microbial genomes. However, these results are in ambiguity during genome assembly, leading to unsatisfactory microbial genome completeness and contig continuity. Linked-read sequencing is able to remove some of these ambiguities by attaching the same barcode to the reads from a long DNA fragment (10–100 kb), thus improving metagenome assembly. However, it is not clear how the choices for several parameters in the use of linked-read sequencing affect the assembly quality.

Results

We first examined the effects of read depth (C) on metagenome assembly from linked-reads in simulated data and a mock community. The results showed that C positively correlated with the length of assembled sequences but had little effect on their qualities. The latter observation was corroborated by tests using real data from the human gut microbiome, where C demonstrated minor impact on the sequence quality as well as on the proportion of bins annotated as draft genomes. On the other hand, metagenome assembly quality was susceptible to read depth per fragment (CR) and DNA fragment physical depth (CF). For the same C, deeper CR resulted in more draft genomes while deeper CF improved the quality of the draft genomes. We also found that average fragment length (μFL) had marginal effect on assemblies, while fragments per partition (NF/P) impacted the off-target reads involved in local assembly, namely, lower NF/P values would lead to better assemblies by reducing the ambiguities of the off-target reads. In general, the use of linked-reads improved the assembly for contig N50 when compared to Illumina short-reads, but not when compared to PacBio CCS (circular consensus sequencing) long-reads.

Conclusions

We investigated the influence of linked-read sequencing parameters on metagenome assembly comprehensively. While the quality of genome assembly from linked-reads cannot rival that from PacBio CCS long-reads, the case for using linked-read sequencing remains persuasive due to its low cost and high base-quality. Our study revealed that the probable best practice in using linked-reads for metagenome assembly was to merge the linked-reads from multiple libraries, where each had sufficient CR but a smaller amount of input DNA.
The feasibility of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for people with bipolar disorder: a qualitative study
Authors: Hanssen Imke , van der Horst Nicole , Boele Marieke , Lochmann van Bennekom Marc , Regeer Eline , Speckens Anne
Published: November 2020

Background

Mindfulness- Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) could be a promising psychosocial intervention for people with bipolar disorder (BD). However, little is known about the feasibility of MBCT for people with BD. In this study we explore the facilitators and barriers people with BD experience of an adapted MBCT program.

Method

This qualitative study is part of a large, multicenter randomized controlled trial on MBCT for BD (trial registration number: NCT03507647). The present study included 16 participants with BD who participated in an 8-week adapted MBCT program. Semi- structured interviews exploring the feasibility, with a particular focus on the bipolar symptoms, were recorded verbatim, transcribed and analyzed. For reasons of triangulation, teachers were interviewed as well.

Results

Participants reported different barriers and facilitators of MBCT, both generally as well as with regard to their bipolar disorder. Four key themes arose: the training itself, psychosocial factors, personal characteristics and the bipolar disorder. Themes were further divided in subthemes.

Conclusion

The adapted MBCT program seemed to be feasible for people with BD. Depressive symptoms often acted as a barrier for participating in MBCT, suggesting that participants might need additional support when depressed. Manic symptoms could act both as a barrier and facilitator, suggesting that the occurrence of (hypo)mania does not necessarily have to be an exclusion criterion for participation. Further clinical and research implications are suggested.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03507647. Registered 25th of April 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03507647.
In vivo RyR1 reduction in muscle triggers a core-like myopathy
Authors: Pelletier Laurent , Petiot Anne , Brocard Julie , Giannesini Benoit , Giovannini Diane , Sanchez Colline , Travard Lauriane , Chivet Mathilde , Beaufils Mathilde , Kutchukian Candice , Bendahan David , Metzger Daniel , Franzini Armstrong Clara , Romero Norma B. , Rendu John , Jacquemond Vincent , Fauré Julien , Marty Isabelle
Published: November 2020

Mutations in theRYR1gene, encoding the skeletal muscle calcium channel RyR1, lead to congenital myopathies, through expression of a channel with abnormal permeability and/or in reduced amount, but the direct functional whole organism consequences of exclusive reduction in RyR1 amount have never been studied. We have developed and characterized a mouse model with inducible muscle specificRYR1deletion. Tamoxifen-induced recombination in theRYR1gene at adult age resulted in a progressive reduction in the protein amount reaching a stable level of 50% of the initial amount, and was associated with a progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. Measurement of calcium fluxes in isolated muscle fibers demonstrated a reduction in the amplitude of RyR1-related calcium release mirroring the reduction in the protein amount. Alterations in the muscle structure were observed, with fibers atrophy, abnormal mitochondria distribution and membrane remodeling. An increase in the expression level of many proteins was observed, as well as an inhibition of the autophagy process. This model demonstrates that RyR1 reduction is sufficient to recapitulate most features of Central Core Disease, and accordingly similar alterations were observed in muscle biopsies from Dusty Core Disease patients (a subtype of Central Core Disease), pointing to common pathophysiological mechanisms related to RyR1 reduction.
Revealing lost 16th-century royal emblems on two Andrea Amati’s violins using XRF scanning
Authors: Radepont Marie , Échard Jean-Philippe , Ockermüller Matthias , de la Codre Hortense , Belhadj Oulfa
Published: November 2020

A key issue in understanding artefacts from the past is the loss of readability of the signs they may have borne. The two 16th-century musical instruments studied here—rare Italian violins made by Andrea Amati (c.1505-1577) in Cremona—bear remains of painted heraldic emblems, which are barely legible and thus remained undeciphered until today. They are exemplary representatives of this research question, indeed combining various types of losses, which are widely encountered on archaeological artefacts: they are now incomplete (parts are missing, surfaces are abraded) and the paint matter itself, of which the signs are made, has altered. In this study, the complete original outlines and geometrical subdivisions of the shields are deduced from calculations based on the conventional heraldic construction practices of the times. Also, in situ elemental imaging of the shield areas—here using scanning X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy— brings two types of information: (i) the nature of pigments, allowing to deduce the initial colours of the paints not discernable to the eye, whether abraded or discoloured; (ii) the spatial distribution of these pigments and colours inside the shield. This multi-approach method leads to the unprecedented revelation of a combination of symbols (tinctures of fields, emblematic ornaments, and their relative spatial distribution), all having meanings in heraldic language. The reconstructed coats of arms appear to be pointing to a very specific nine-year period (1559–1568) of the life of the queen Elisabeth (Isabel) of Valois, spouse of Philip II of Spain. We suggest that this approach, combining an imaging spectroscopic technique and a geometrical study of remaining decors, here providing new insights into the musical history at the Court of Spain, may be used to enhance the readability of a wide range of writings, signs and symbols on artefacts from the past.