bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kallikrein‐1 Blockade Inhibits Aortic Expansion in a Mouse Model and Reduces Prostaglandin E2 Secretion From Human Aortic Aneurysm Explants
Authors: Moran Corey S. , Biros Erik , Krishna Smriti M. , Morton Susan K. , Sexton Daniel J. , Golledge Jonathan
Published: February 2021

Background

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an important cause of mortality in older adults. The kinin B2 receptor agonist, bradykinin, has been implicated in AAA pathogenesis through promoting inflammation. Bradykinin is generated from high‐ and low‐molecular‐weight kininogen by the serine protease kallikrein‐1. The aims of this study were first to examine the effect of neutralizing kallikrein‐1 on AAA development in a mouse model and second to test how blocking kallikrein‐1 affected cyclooxygenase‐2 and prostaglandin E
2
in human AAA explants.

Methods and Results

Neutralization of kallikrein‐1 in apolipoprotein E‐deficient (

ApoE
−/−

) mice via administration of a blocking antibody inhibited suprarenal aorta expansion in response to angiotensin (Ang) II infusion. Kallikrein‐1 neutralization decreased suprarenal aorta concentrations of bradykinin and prostaglandin E
2
and reduced cyclooxygenase‐2 activity. Kallikrein‐1 neutralization also decreased protein kinase B and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation and reduced levels of active matrix metalloproteinase 2 and matrix metalloproteinase 9. Kallikrein‐1 blocking antibody reduced levels of cyclooxygenase‐2 and secretion of prostaglandin E
2
and active matrix metalloproteinase 2 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 from human AAA explants and vascular smooth muscle cells exposed to activated neutrophils.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that kallikrein‐1 neutralization could be a treatment target for AAA.
Comparative Effectiveness and Safety of Non–Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants in Atrial Fibrillation Patients
Authors: Zhu Wengen , Ye Zi , Chen Shilan , Wu Dexi , He Jiangui , Dong Yugang , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Liu Chen
Published: February 2021

Background and Purpose:

Several observational studies have compared the effect of the non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants to each other in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, confounding by indication is a major problem when comparing non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant treatments in some of these studies. This meta-analysis was conducted to compare the effectiveness and safety between non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant and non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant by only including the propensity score matching studies.

Methods:

We systematically searched the PubMed and Ovid databases until May 2020 to identify relevant observational studies. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs of the reported outcomes were collected and then pooled by a random-effects model complemented with an inverse variance heterogeneity or quality effects model.

Results:

A total of 17 retrospective cohort studies were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with dabigatran use, the use of rivaroxaban was significantly associated with increased risks of stroke or systemic embolism (HR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.05–1.29]) and major bleeding (HR, 1.32 [95% CI, 1.24–1.41]), whereas the use of apixaban was associated with a reduced risk of major bleeding (HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.67–0.90]) but not stroke or systemic embolism (HR, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.56–1.28]). Compared with rivaroxaban use, the use of apixaban was associated with a decreased risk of major bleeding (HR, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.54–0.73]) but not stroke or systemic embolism (HR, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.67–1.04]). Reanalyses with the inverse variance heterogeneity or quality effects model produced similar results as the random-effects model.

Conclusions:

Current observational comparisons with propensity score matching methods suggest that apixaban might be a better choice compared with dabigatran or rivaroxaban for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation patients.
Trends in Incidence of Intracranial and Spinal Arteriovenous Shunts
Authors: Murai Satoshi , Hiramatsu Masafumi , Suzuki Etsuji , Ishibashi Ryota , Takai Hiroki , Miyazaki Yuko , Takasugi Yuji , Yamaoka Yoko , Nishi Kazuhiko , Takahashi Yu , Haruma Jun , Hishikawa Tomohito , Yasuhara Takao , Chin Masaki , Matsubara Shunji , Uno Masaaki , Tokunaga Koji , Sugiu Kenji , Date Isao ,   on behalf of the Okayama Cranial and Spinal A-V Shunts (OCSS) Study Group
Published: February 2021

Background and Purpose:

To date, the incidence of intracranial and spinal arteriovenous shunts has not been thoroughly investigated. We aimed to clarify recent trends in the rates of intracranial and spinal arteriovenous shunts in Japan.

Methods:

We conducted multicenter hospital-based surveillance at 8 core hospitals in Okayama Prefecture between April 1, 2009 and March 31, 2019. Patients who lived in Okayama and were diagnosed with cerebral arteriovenous malformations, dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs), or spinal arteriovenous shunts (SAVSs) were enrolled. The incidence and temporal trends of each disease were calculated.

Results:

Among a total of 393 cranial and spinal arteriovenous shunts, 201 (51.1%) cases of DAVF, 155 (39.4%) cases of cerebral arteriovenous malformation, and 34 (8.7%) cases of SAVS were identified. The crude incidence rates between 2009 and 2019 were 2.040 per 100 000 person-years for all arteriovenous shunts, 0.805 for cerebral arteriovenous malformation, 1.044 for DAVF, and 0.177 for SAVS. The incidence of all types tended to increase over the decade, with a notable increase in incidence starting in 2012. Even after adjusting for population aging, the incidence of nonaggressive DAVF increased 6.0-fold while that of SAVS increased 4.4-fold from 2010 to 2018.

Conclusions:

In contrast to previous studies, we found that the incidence of DAVF is higher than that of cerebral arteriovenous malformation. Even after adjusting for population aging, all of the disease types tended to increase in incidence over the last decade, with an especially prominent increase in SAVSs and nonaggressive DAVFs. Various factors including population aging may affect an increase in DAVF and SAVS.
Dynamic Detection of Delayed Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Megjhani Murad , Terilli Kalijah , Weiss Miriam , Savarraj Jude , Chen Li Hui , Alkhachroum Ayham , Roh David J. , Agarwal Sachin , Connolly E. Sander , Velazquez Angela , Boehme Amelia , Claassen Jan , Choi HuiMahn A. , Schubert Gerrit A. , Park Soojin
Published: February 2021

Background and Purpose:

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage negatively impacts long-term recovery but is often detected too late to prevent damage. We aim to develop hourly risk scores using routinely collected clinical data to detect DCI.

Methods:

A DCI classification model was trained using vital sign measurements (heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation) and demographics routinely collected for clinical care. Twenty-two time-varying physiological measures were computed including mean, SD, and cross-correlation of heart rate time series with each of the other vitals. Classification was achieved using an ensemble approach with L2-regularized logistic regression, random forest, and support vector machines models. Classifier performance was determined by area under the receiver operating characteristic curves and confusion matrices. Hourly DCI risk scores were generated as the posterior probability at time
t
using the Ensemble classifier on cohorts recruited at 2 external institutions (n=38 and 40).

Results:

Three hundred ten patients were included in the training model (median, 54 years old [interquartile range, 45–65]; 80.2% women, 28.4% Hunt and Hess scale 4–5, 38.7% Modified Fisher Scale 3–4); 101 (33%) developed DCI with a median onset day 6 (interquartile range, 5–8). Classification accuracy before DCI onset was 0.83 (interquartile range, 0.76–0.83) area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Risk scores applied to external institution datasets correctly predicted 64% and 91% of DCI events as early as 12 hours before clinical detection, with 2.7 and 1.6 true alerts for every false alert.

Conclusions:

An hourly risk score for DCI derived from routine vital signs may have the potential to alert clinicians to DCI, which could reduce neurological injury.
A Rights-Based Approach to Child Poverty Measurement and Child Rights Realisation in Zimbabwe
Authors: Musiwa Anthony Shuko
Published: February 2021

Against the context of limited research in Zimbabwe on rights-focused child poverty research, policy and practice, this study employs the Bristol Approach to measure the extent and relationship with gender and location, respectively, of child poverty among children aged five years and below (N = 6418). Using Zimbabwe’s 2015 Demographic and Health Survey secondary data, 14 selected measures are tested for validity, reliability and additivity. Severe deprivation estimates are developed, showing the commonest deprivation forms as early childhood development (78 per cent), water (46 per cent), healthcare (44 per cent), sanitation (40 per cent), shelter (30 per cent) and nutrition (13 per cent). While boys and girls are similarly severely deprived, children in rural areas are the most severely deprived. While all deprivations are non-significantly correlated with gender, most are significantly correlated with location. Overall, the study highlights the extreme nature of child rights violations caused by poverty in Zimbabwe, and how rights-based child poverty measurement can better inform policy and practice responses.
Survival Strategies of a Korean War Prisoner Who Chose Neutral Nations: A Study Based on Im Kwan-taik’s Oral History and Documents
Authors: Keun Sik Jung
Published: February 2021

This article reconstructs the life history of Korean War prisoner Im Kwan-taek and analyzes his strategy for survival. Im, a North Korean who forces of the United Nations Command (unc) captured, refused repatriation to North Korea and decided to go to a neutral country. After two years in India, he finally settled in Brazil. This study examines his prisoner of war (pow) interrogation reports and the results of two oral history interviews to understand Im’s experiences and survival strategies. Born in Ch’ungch’ŏng Province, Im grew up in southern Korea. However, in 1946, he moved to northern Korea with the support of his deceased father’s comrades from the anti-Japanese movement in China. With the start of the Korean War on 25 June 1950, Im became an officer in the Korean People’s Army (kpa). As a pow, he concealed his identity as much as possible to ensure his survival, and these efforts continued in neutral countries. After the Republic of Korea awarded Im’s father the South Korean Patriotic Medal in 2001, his “secret survivalism” strategy relaxed and he began organizing communication and networks between surviving former pows.
Remarks on the types of Tamarix names (Tamaricaceae) described from the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: VILLAR JOSE LUIS , ALONSO Mª ÁNGELES , CRESPO MANUEL B.
Published: February 2021

The typification of 20 names in the genus Tamarix is revised. All the names were described from material collected in the Iberian Peninsula and most of them were described by Carlos Pau, Frère Sennen and their collaborators (one name—Tamarix hispanica—was described by Pierre Edmond Boissier). The revision includes the correction of the type status of 10 names, second-step lectotype designation for 3 names (Tamarix brachylepis, T. celtiberica, and T. uncinatifolia), designation of 5 lectotypes (T. esperanzana var. majoriflora, T. hieronymi, T. longebracteolata, T. matritensis, and T. theodori), and the designation of a neotype (T. malacitana).
Phylogenetic position of two Macrobiotus species with a revisional note on Macrobiotus sottilei Pilato, Kiosya, Lisi & Sabella, 2012 (Tardigrada: Eutardigrada: Macrobiotidae)
Authors: KIOSYA YEVGEN , POGWIZD JUSTYNA , MATSKO YELYZAVETA , VECCHI MATTEO , STEC DANIEL
Published: February 2021

In a moss and lichen sample collected on the Polish coast, a new population of Macrobiotus sottilei was found. Given that the original description of M. sottilei was based solely on the morphology observed under light microscopy and measurements of a few individuals, we provide, by means of integrative taxonomy, a revisional note on this species. We present a comprehensive set of morphometric and morphological data from light and scanning electron microscopy analysis together with nucleotide sequences of three nuclear (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS-2) and one mitochondrial (COI) DNA fragments. We also provide the same set of DNA sequences for Macrobiotus glebkai from a population recently found in Eastern Ukraine and elucidate the phylogenetic position of these two taxa within the family Macrobiotidae. Moreover, the terminology of cuticular bars in macrobiotid legs, and pillars within the egg chorion ornamentation in the Macrobiotus hufelandi morphogroup, are also discussed.
Spatial Models of Adjusted Precipitation for Canada at Varying Time Scales
Authors: MacDonald Heather , McKenney Daniel W. , Wang Xiaolan L. , Pedlar John , Papadopol Pia , Lawrence Kevin , Feng Yang , Hutchinson Michael F.
Published: February 2021

This study presents spatial models (i.e., thin-plate spatially continuous spline surfaces) of adjusted precipitation for Canada at daily, pentad (5 day), and monthly time scales from 1900 to 2015. The input data include manual observations from 3346 stations that were adjusted previously to correct for snow water equivalent (SWE) conversion and various gauge-related issues. In addition to the 42 331 models for daily total precipitation and 1392 monthly total precipitation models, 8395 pentad models were developed for the first time, depicting mean precipitation for 73 pentads annually. For much of Canada, mapped precipitation values from this study were higher than those from the corresponding unadjusted models (i.e., models fitted to the unadjusted data), reflecting predominantly the effects of the adjustments to the input data. Error estimates compared favorably to the corresponding unadjusted models. For example, root generalized cross-validation (GCV) estimate (a measure of predictive error) at the daily time scale was 3.6 mm on average for the 1960–2003 period as compared with 3.7 mm for the unadjusted models over the same period. There was a dry bias in the predictions relative to recorded values of between 1% and 6.7% of the average precipitations amounts for all time scales. Mean absolute predictive errors of the daily, pentad, and monthly models were 2.5 mm (52.7%), 0.9 mm (37.4%), and 11.2 mm (19.3%), respectively. In general, the model skill was closely tied to the density of the station network. The current adjusted models are available in grid form at ~2–10-km resolutions.
Assessing Prior Emergent Constraints on Surface Albedo Feedback in CMIP6
Authors: Thackeray Chad W. , Hall Alex , Zelinka Mark D. , Fletcher Christopher G.
Published: February 2021

An emergent constraint (EC) is a popular model evaluation technique, which offers the potential to reduce intermodel variability in projections of climate change. Two examples have previously been laid out for future surface albedo feedbacks (SAF) stemming from loss of Northern Hemisphere (NH) snow cover (SAFsnow) and sea ice (SAFice). These processes also have a modern-day analog that occurs each year as snow and sea ice retreat from their seasonal maxima, which is strongly correlated with future SAF across an ensemble of climate models. The newly released CMIP6 ensemble offers the chance to test prior constraints through out-of-sample verification, an important examination of EC robustness. Here, we show that the SAFsnow EC is equally strong in CMIP6 as it was in past generations, while the SAFice EC is also shown to exist in CMIP6, but with different, slightly weaker characteristics. We find that the CMIP6 mean NH SAF exhibits a global feedback of 0.25 ± 0.05 W m−2 K−1, or ~61% of the total global albedo feedback, largely in line with prior generations despite its increased climate sensitivity. The NH SAF can be broken down into similar contributions from snow and sea ice over the twenty-first century in CMIP6. Crucially, intermodel variability in seasonal SAFsnow and SAFice is largely unchanged from CMIP5 because of poor outlier simulations of snow cover, surface albedo, and sea ice thickness. These outliers act to mask the noted improvement from many models when it comes to SAFice, and to a lesser extent SAFsnow.
A new framework for very large-scale urban modelling
Authors: Batty Michael , Milton Richard
Published: February 2021

The generation of ever-bigger data sets pertaining to the distribution of activities in cities is paralleled by massive increases in computer power and memory that are enabling very large-scale urban models to be constructed. Here we present an effort to extend traditional land use–transport interaction (LUTI) models to extensive spatial systems so that they are able to track increasingly wide repercussions on the location of population, employment and related distributions of spatial interactions. The prototype model framework we propose and implement called QUANT is available anywhere, at any time, at any place, and is open to any user. It is characterised as a set of web-based services within which simulation, visualisation and scenario generation are configured. We begin by presenting the core spatial interaction model built around the journey to work, and extend this to deal with many sectors. We detail the computational environment, with a focus on the size of the problem which is an application to a 8436 zone system comprising England, Scotland and Wales generating matrices of around 71 million cells. We detail the data and spatial system, showing how we extend the model to visualise spatial interactions as vector fields and accessibility indicators. We briefly demonstrate the implementation of the model and outline how we can generate the impact of changes in employment and changes in travel costs that enable transport modes to compete for travellers. We conclude by indicating that the power of the new framework consists of running hundreds of ‘what if?’ scenarios which let the user immediately evaluate their impacts and then evolve new and better ones.
Transbordering assemblages: Power, agency and autonomy (re)producing health infrastructures in the South East of England
Authors: Moreno-Leguizamon Carlos , Tovar-Restrepo Marcela
Published: February 2021

This paper discusses how intersecting identities, stigma and health-based infrastructures are spatially affiliated and territorialised in the South East of England through the findings of three research projects aimed at understanding health inequalities among urban Black, Asian and Ethnic Minorities including Gypsies and Travellers (BAME and GT) groups. It problematises Wacquant’s approach to territorial stigma by explaining how Butler’s notion of vulnerability and Castoriadis’ notion of autonomous agency help to expand our understanding of the interplay between stigma and health infrastructures. Moreover, it suggests that such interplay requires an intersectional approach to identity as performative and embodied practice using illustrative examples. We propose that these health settings and infrastructures can be characterised as ‘transbordering assemblages’, following Irazábal who describes its embedded notions of pluri-locality (here and there: ‘[T]Here’), pluri-identity and practices of bordering (being in or out/in and out/in between) when experiencing health needs.
Management of men with ultra-short penile urethral stricture using augmented anastomotic penile skin flap urethroplasty; a retrospective analysis
Authors: El-Kassaby Abdel W. , Saber Khalaf Mohammed , Reyad Ahmed M.
Published: February 2021

Background

The management of short anterior urethral stricture is challenging. Our study aims to evaluate the outcome of augmented anastomotic urethroplasty (AAU) for the management of men with ultra-short penile urethral stricture, and to compare it with the dorsal onlay buccal mucosa graft.

Methods

Databases of two tertiary referral centres were retrospectively reviewed to retrieve data of men with ultra-short penile urethral stricture who underwent urethroplasty from 2013 to 2020. Patients who underwent AAU with ventral onlay pedicled skin flap were considered the study group, while patients treated with the dorsal onlay graft augmentation were included as controls. Surgical outcomes included urethral patency, improvement in the maximum flow rate (Qmax), change in sexual satisfaction, and any reported complications.

Results

Thirty-four patients (and 30 controls) with a median age of 26–27 years were included in the study. The maximum flow rate improved significantly in both groups compared to the preoperative value (p < 0.001). The success rate was 88% in the study group compared to 76.7% in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of postoperative penile curvature nor the ventral sacculation between the two groups (p = 0.788 and 0.913). The operative time was statistically significantly longer in the control group (p = 0.044), while the frequency of postoperative void dripping was much higher in the study group (p = 0.007).

Conclusion

The success rate and complications of AAU for men with ultra-short penile urethral stricture were comparable to the dorsal buccal graft.
A theoretical derivation of response to selection with and without controlled mating in honeybees
Authors: Du Manuel , Bernstein Richard , Hoppe Andreas , Bienefeld Kaspar
Published: February 2021

Background

In recent years, the breeding of honeybees has gained significant scientific interest, and numerous theoretical and practical improvements have been made regarding the collection and processing of their performance data. It is now known that the selection of high-quality drone material is crucial for mid to long-term breeding success. However, there has been no conclusive mathematical theory to explain these findings.

Methods

We derived mathematical formulas to describe the response to selection of a breeding population and an unselected passive population of honeybees that benefits indirectly from genetic improvement in the breeding population via migration. This was done under the assumption of either controlled or uncontrolled mating of queens in the breeding population.

Results

Our model equations confirm what has been observed in simulation studies. In particular, we have proven that the breeding population and the passive population will show parallel genetic gain after some years and we were able to assess the responses to selection for different breeding strategies. Thus, we confirmed the crucial importance of controlled mating for successful honeybee breeding. When compared with data from simulation studies, the derived formulas showed high coefficients of determination $$> 0.95$$

>
0.95

in cases where many passive queens had dams from the breeding population. For self-sufficient passive populations, the coefficients of determination were lower ($$\sim 0.8$$

∼
0.8

) if the breeding population was under controlled mating. This can be explained by the limited simulated time-frame and lower convergence rates.

Conclusion

The presented theoretical derivations allow extrapolation of honeybee-specific simulation results for breeding programs to a wide range of population parameters. Furthermore, they provide general insights into the genetic dynamics of interdependent populations, not only for honeybees but also in a broader context.
Correction to: Evidence for multiple introductions of an invasive wild bee species currently under rapid range expansion in Europe
Authors: Lanner Julia , Gstöttenmayer Fabian , Curto Manuel , Geslin Benoît , Huchler Katharina , Orr Michael C. , Pachinger Bärbel , Sedivy Claudio , Meimberg Harald
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Genome-wide identification and functional prediction of long non-coding RNAs in Sprague-Dawley rats during heat stress
Authors: Dou Jinhuan , Schenkel Flavio , Hu Lirong , Khan Adnan , Khan Muhammad Zahoor , Yu Ying , Wang Yajing , Wang Yachun
Published: February 2021

Background

Heat stress (HS) is a major stress event in the life of an animal, with detrimental upshots in production and health. Long-non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in many biological processes by transcriptional regulation. However, no research has been reported on the characterization and functionality of lncRNAs in heat-stressed rats.

Results

We studied expression levels of lncRNAs in rats during HS, using strand-specific RNA sequencing. Six rats, three in each of Control (22 ± 1 °C) and H120 (42 °C for 120 min) experimental groups, were used to screen for lncRNAs in their liver and adrenal glands. Totally, 4498 and 7627 putative lncRNAs were identified in liver and adrenal glands of the Control and H120 groups, respectively. The majority of lncRNAs were relatively shorter and contained fewer exons than protein-coding transcripts. In total, 482 (174 up-regulated and 308 down-regulated) and 271 (126 up-regulated and 145 down-regulated) differentially-expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs, P < 0.05) were identified in the liver and adrenal glands of the Control and H120 groups, respectively. Furthermore, 1274, 121, and 73 target differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) in the liver were predicted to interact with DElncRNAs based on trans−/cis- and sequence similarity regulatory modes. Functional annotation analyses indicated that these DEGs were mostly significantly enriched in insulin signalling, myeloid leukaemia, and glucagon signalling pathways. Similarly, 437, 73 and 41 target DEGs in the adrenal glands were mostly significantly enriched in the cell cycle (trans-prediction) and lysosome pathways (cis-prediction). The DElncRNAs interacting with DEGs that encode heat shock proteins (HSPs) may play an important role in HS response, which include Hsf4, Dnaja1, Dnajb4, Hsph1 and Hspb1 in the liver, and Dnajb13 and Hspb8 in the adrenal glands. The strand-specific RNA sequencing findings were also further verified through RT-qPCR.

Conclusions

This study is the first to provide a detailed characterization and functional analysis of expression levels of lncRNAs in liver and adrenal glands of heat-stressed rats, which provides basis for further studies on the biological functions of lncRNAs under heat stress in rats and other mammalian species.
Limited effects of long-term daily cranberry consumption on the gut microbiome in a placebo-controlled study of women with recurrent urinary tract infections
Authors: Straub Timothy J. , Chou Wen-Chi , Manson Abigail L. , Schreiber Henry L. , Walker Bruce J. , Desjardins Christopher A. , Chapman Sinéad B. , Kaspar Kerrie L. , Kahsai Orsalem J. , Traylor Elizabeth , Dodson Karen W. , Hullar Meredith A. J. , Hultgren Scott J. , Khoo Christina , Earl Ashlee M.
Published: February 2021

Background

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect 15 million women each year in the United States, with > 20% experiencing frequent recurrent UTIs. A recent placebo-controlled clinical trial found a 39% reduction in UTI symptoms among recurrent UTI sufferers who consumed a daily cranberry beverage for 24 weeks. Using metagenomic sequencing of stool from a subset of these trial participants, we assessed the impact of cranberry consumption on the gut microbiota, a reservoir for UTI-causing pathogens such asEscherichia coli, which causes > 80% of UTIs.

Results

The overall taxonomic composition, community diversity, carriage of functional pathways and gene families, and relative abundances of the vast majority of observed bacterial taxa, includingE. coli, were not changed significantly by cranberry consumption. However, one unnamedFlavonifractorspecies (OTU41), which represented ≤1% of the overall metagenome, was significantly less abundant in cranberry consumers compared to placebo at trial completion. GivenFlavonifractor’sassociation with negative human health effects, we sought to determine OTU41 characteristic genes that may explain its differential abundance and/or relationship to key host functions. Using comparative genomic and metagenomic techniques, we identified genes in OTU41 related to transport and metabolism of various compounds, including tryptophan and cobalamin, which have been shown to play roles in host-microbe interactions.

Conclusion

While our results indicated that cranberry juice consumption had little impact on global measures of the microbiome, we found one unnamedFlavonifractorspecies differed significantly between study arms. This suggests further studies are needed to assess the role of cranberry consumption andFlavonifractorin health and wellbeing in the context of recurrent UTI.

Trial registration

Clinical trial registration number:ClinicalTrials.govNCT01776021.
A heterozygous mutation in the CCDC88C gene likely causes early-onset pure hereditary spastic paraplegia: a case report
Authors: Yahia Ashraf , Chen Zhefan Stephen , Ahmed Ammar E. , Emad Sara , Adil Rawaa , Abubaker Rayan , Taha Shaimaa Omer M. A. , Salih Mustafa A. , Elsayed Liena , Chan Ho Yin Edwin , Stevanin Giovanni
Published: February 2021

Background

CCDC88C is a ubiquitously expressed protein with multiple functions, including roles in cell polarity and the development of dendrites in the nervous system. Bi-allelic mutations in the CCDC88C gene cause autosomal recessive congenital hydrocephalus (OMIM #236600). Studies recently linked heterozygous mutations in CCDC88C to the development of the late-onset spinocerebellar ataxia type 40 (OMIM #616053).

Case presentation

A 48-year-old Sudanese female presented with pure early onset hereditary spastic paraplegia. Exome sequencing, in-silico analysis, and Sanger sequencing identified the heterozygous NM_001080414.4:c.1993G > A (p.E665K) variant in CCDC88C as a potential cause of her illness. To explore the pathogenicity of the NM_001080414.4:c.1993G > A (p.E665K) variant, we expressed it in human embryonic kidney 293 cells and assessed its effects on apoptosis. In our experiment, NM_001080414.4:c.1993G > A (p.E665K) induced JNK hyper-phosphorylation and enhanced apoptosis. In contrast to previous reports, our patient developed neurological symptoms in early childhood and showed neither features of cerebellar ataxia, extrapyramidal signs, nor evidence of intellectual involvement.

Conclusion

We, herein, heighlighted the possibility of extending the phenotype associated with variants in CCDC88C to include early-onset pure hereditary spastic paraplegia.
Relationship between vaginal group B streptococcus colonization in the early stage of pregnancy and preterm birth: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tano Sho , Ueno Takuji , Mayama Michinori , Yamada Takuma , Takeda Takehiko , Uno Kaname , Yoshihara Masato , Ukai Mayu , Suzuki Teppei , Kishigami Yasuyuki , Oguchi Hidenori
Published: February 2021

Background

Although infection and inflammation within the genital tract during pregnancy is considered a major risk factor for spontaneous preterm birth (PTB), there are few studies on association between vaginal microorganisms in the early stage of pregnancy and PTB. The aim of this study was to investigate relationship between vaginal Group B streptococcus (GBS) colonization, a leading cause of infection during pregnancy, in the early stage of pregnancy and PTB.

Methods

This single-center, retrospective cohort study utilized data from 2009 to 2017 obtained at TOYOTA Memorial Hospital. Women with singleton pregnancies who underwent vaginal culture around 14 weeks of gestation during their routine prenatal check-up were included. Vaginal sampling for Gram staining and culture was performed regardless of symptoms. GBS colonization was defined as positive for GBS latex agglutination assay. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with PTB.

Results

Overall 1079 singleton pregnancies were included. GBS (5.7%) and Candida albicans (5.5%) were the most frequently observed microorganisms. The incidence of PTB (before 34 and before 37 weeks of gestation) were significantly higher in the GBS-positive group than in the GBS-negative group (6.6% vs 0.5%, p = 0.001 and 9.8% vs 4.3%, p = 0.047). Our multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that GBS colonization was a factor associated with PTB before 34 and before 37 weeks of gestation (Odds ratio [OR] 15.17; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.73–61.74), and OR 2.42; 95%CI 1.01–5.91, respectively).

Conclusions

The present study found that vaginal GBS colonization in the early stage of pregnancy was associated with PTB. Our study indicates that patients at a high risk for PTB can be extracted by a simple method using conventional culture method.
The first experimental study of transference work–in teenagers (FEST–IT): a multicentre, observer- and patient-blind, randomised controlled component study
Authors: Ulberg Randi , Hummelen Benjamin , Hersoug Anne Grete , Midgley Nick , Høglend Per Andreas , Dahl Hanne-Sofie Johnsen
Published: February 2021

Background

Little is known about the influence on outcome of exploration of the patient-therapist relationship (that is, transference work) in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. We hypothesized that depressed adolescents would have better long-term effects from psychoanalytic psychotherapy with than without transference work.

Methods

Depressed adolescent (16 to 18 years) were recruited in health authority funded out-patient clinics in Oslo and Vestfold County, Norway. They were randomized to 28 weeks of treatment with psychoanalytic psychotherapy with or without transference work. Change was assessed using linear-mixed models. The primary outcome measure was the Psychodynamic Functioning Scale (pre- post-, and 1-year post-treatment). Level of depression was measured at the same time points and during therapy (week 12, and 20).

Results

69 adolescents were treated with (N = 39) or without (N = 31) transference work. The mean number of sessions was 18.6 (SD = 8,6) in the transference work group and 18.0 (SD = 10.9) in the non-transference work group.

Both groups showed large and significant improvement on Psychodynamic Functioning Scale during the whole study period. The difference between the two groups was not significant during the treatment period (95% CI −.79 to 1.2, p = .674, F = .18), or from post-treatment to one-year follow-up (95% CI −.13 to .96; p = .134; F = 2.3). For the secondary outcome measures the transference work group had significantly better outcomes from 12 weeks in treatment to one-year follow-up (Beck Depression Inventory, 95% CI − 1.7 to −.14, p = .022; Montgomery and Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, 95% CI − 1.6 to −.23, p = .009).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that exploration of the adolescents’ relations to the therapist amplify the effects of short-term psychoanalytic psychotherapy on their depressive symptoms for adolescents with a Major Depressive Disorder.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov. Id: NCT01531101. Registered 8 February 2012.
Geostatistical modeling of malaria prevalence among under-five children in Rwanda
Authors: Nzabakiriraho Jean Damascene , Gayawan Ezra
Published: February 2021

Background

Malaria has continued to be a life-threatening disease among under-five children in sub-Saharan Africa. Recent data indicate rising cases in Rwanda after some years of decline. We aimed at estimating the spatial variations in malaria prevalence at a continuous spatial scale and to quantify locations where the prevalence exceeds the thresholds of 5% and 10% across the country. We also consider the effects of some socioeconomic and climate variables.

Methods

Using data from the 2014-2015 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey, a geostatistical modeling technique based on stochastic partial differential equation approach was used to analyze the geospatial prevalence of malaria among under-five children in Rwanda. Bayesian inference was based on integrated nested Laplace approximation.

Results

The results demonstrate the uneven spatial variation of malaria prevalence with some districts including Kayonza and Kirehe from Eastern province; Huye and Nyanza from Southern province; and Nyamasheke and Rusizi from Western province having higher chances of recording prevalence exceeding 5%. Malaria prevalence was found to increase with rising temperature but decreases with increasing volume for rainfall. The findings also revealed a significant association between malaria and demographic factors including place of residence, mother’s educational level, and child’s age and sex.

Conclusions

Potential intervention programs that focus on individuals living in rural areas, lowest wealth quintile, and the locations with high risks should be reinforced. Variations in climatic factors particularly temperature and rainfall should be taken into account when formulating malaria intervention programs in Rwanda.
The association between mental-physical multimorbidity and disability, work productivity, and social participation in China: a panel data analysis
Authors: Pan Tianxin , Mercer Stewart W. , Zhao Yang , McPake Barbara , Desloge Allissa , Atun Rifat , Hulse Emily Susannah Grace , Lee John Tayu
Published: February 2021

Background

The co-occurrence of mental and physical chronic conditions (mental-physical multimorbidity) is a growing and largely unaddressed challenge for health systems and wider economies in low-and middle-income countries. This study investigated the independent and combined (additive or synergistic) effects of mental and physical chronic conditions on disability, work productivity, and social participation in China.

Methods

Panel data study design utilised two waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011, 2015), including 5616 participants aged ≥45 years, 12 physical chronic conditions and depression. We used a panel data approach of random-effects regression models to assess the relationships between mental-physical multimorbidity and outcomes.

Results

After adjusting for socio-economic and demographic factors, an increased number of physical chronic conditions was independently associated with a higher likelihood of disability (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.33, 1.45), early retirement (AOR = 1.37 [1.26, 1.49]) and increased sick leave days (1.25 days [1.16, 1.35]). Depression was independently associated with disability (AOR = 3.78 [3.30, 4.34]), increased sick leave days (2.18 days [1.72, 2.77]) and a lower likelihood of social participation (AOR = 0.57 [0.47, 0.70]), but not with early retirement (AOR = 1.24 [0.97, 1.58]). There were small and statistically insignificant interactions between physical chronic conditions and mental health on disability, work productivity and social participation, suggesting an additive effect of mental-physical multimorbidity on productivity loss.

Conclusion

Mental-physical multimorbidity poses substantial negative health and economic effects on individuals, health systems, and societies. More research that addresses the challenges of mental-physical multimorbidity is needed to inform the development of interventions that can be applied to the workplace and the wider community in China.
Task shifting in the care for patients with hand osteoarthritis. Protocol for a randomized controlled non-inferiority trial
Authors: Kjeken Ingvild , Bergsmark Kjetil , Haugen Ida K. , Hennig Toril , Hermann-Eriksen Merete , Hornburg Vivian Tryving , Hove Åshild , Prøven Anne , Sjøvold Trine Amalie , Slatkowsky-Christensen Barbara
Published: February 2021

Background

Current health policy states that patients with osteoarthritis (OA) should mainly be managed in primary health care. Still, research shows that patients with hand OA have poor access to recommended treatment in primary care, and in Norway, they are increasingly referred to rheumatologist consultations in specialist care. In this randomized controlled non-inferiority trial, we will test if a new model, where patients referred to consultation in specialist health care receive their first consultation by an occupational therapy (OT) specialist, is as safe and effective as the traditional model, where they receive their first consultation by a rheumatologist. More specifically, we will answer the following questions:

What are the characteristics of patients with hand OA referred to specialist health care with regards to joint affection, disease activity, symptoms and function?

Is OT-led hand OA care as effective and safe as rheumatologist-led care with respect to treatment response, disease activity, symptoms, function and patient satisfaction?

Is OT-led hand OA care equal to, or more cost effective than rheumatologist-led care?

Which factors, regardless of hand OA care, predict improvement 6 and 12 months after baseline?

Methods

Participants will be patients with hand OA diagnosed by a general practitioner and referred for consultation at one of two Norwegian departments of rheumatology. Those who agree will attend a clinical assessment and report their symptoms and function in validated outcome measures, before they are randomly selected to receive their first consultation by an OT specialist (n = 200) or by a rheumatologist (n = 200). OTs may refer patients to a rheumatologist consultation and vice versa. The primary outcome will be the number of patients classified as OMERACT/OARSI-responders after six months. Secondary outcomes are pain, function and satisfaction with care over the twelve-month trial period. The analysis of the primary outcome will be done by logistic regression. A two-sided 95% confidence interval for the difference in response probability will be formed, and non-inferiority of OT-led care will be claimed if the upper endpoint of this interval does not exceed 15%.

Discussion

The findings will improve access to evidence-based management of people with hand OA.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03102788. Registered April 6th, 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03102788?term=Kjeken&draw=2&rank=1

Date and version identifier:

December 17th, 2020. First version.
Undercoverage of lateral trochlear resection is correlated with the tibiofemoral alignment parameters in kinematically aligned TKA: a retrospective clinical study
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Wen Liang , Zhang Liang , Ma Desi , Dong Xiang , Qu Tiebing
Published: February 2021

Background

A mismatch between the femoral component and trochlear resection surface is observed in kinematically aligned total knee arthroplasty (KA-TKA) when conventional prostheses are employed. This mismatch is mainly manifested in the undercoverage of the lateral trochlear resection surface. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between the mismatch and the alignment parameters of the tibiofemoral joint.

Methods

Forty-five patients (52 knees) who underwent KA-TKA in our hospital were included. Patient-specific instrumentation was used in 16 patients (16 knees), and conventional instruments with calipers and other special tools were employed in the other 29 patients (36 knees). The widths of the exposed resection bone surface at the middle (MIDexposure) and distal (DISexposure) levels on the lateral trochlea were measured as dependent variables, whereas the hip-knee-ankle angle (HKAA), mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), joint line convergence angle (JLCA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and transepicondylar axis angle (TEAA) were measured as independent variables. Correlation analysis and subsequent linear regression were conducted among the dependent variables and various alignment parameters of the tibiofemoral joint.

Results

The incidence of undercoverage of the lateral trochlear resection surface was 86.5 % with MIDexposure and DISexposure values of 2.3 (0–6 mm) and 2.0 (0–5 mm), respectively. The widths of the two levels of exposed bone resection were significantly correlated with mLDFA and HKAA but were not related to TEAA.

Conclusions

The undercoverage of the trochlear resection surface in KA-TKA is mainly correlated with the degree of valgus of the distal femoral joint line. The current study suggests that this correlation should be considered in the development of KA-specific prostheses.
The path to minimizing instability in developmental dysplasia of the hip: is Capsulorrhaphy a necessity or a futile habit?
Authors: Zargarbashi Ramin , Bozorgmanesh Mohammadreza , Panjavi Behnam , Vosoughi Fardis
Published: February 2021

Background

To evaluate and quantify the intraoperative effect of capsulorrhaphy on the deep seating of femoral head within the acetabulum as measured by medial joint space, a surrogate measure of acetabular-head contact.

Methods

In order to determine the exact effect of capsulorrhaphy, we prospectively scrutinized a consecutive sample of 18 patients with unilateral dysplastic hips aging > 18 months and followed them for a period of at least 12 months. The procedure of open reduction is described in detail. Two pediatric orthopedists carried out the operations from August 2014 to January 2019 at a tertiary pediatric hospital. Intraoperatively, AP radiographs of the pelvis were obtained before and after capsulorrhaphy. The distance between the inferomedial edge of the proximal femoral metaphysis and the lateral edge of the obturator foramen was recorded. To determine if there were differences in medial joint space due to capsulorrhaphy, a generalized linear model was run on the study sample. All patients were followed for at least 12 months to determine the rate of re-dislocation.

Results

Mean age (±standard deviation) of the participants was 37.5 (±24.7) months. All cases underwent Salter osteotomy, 5 cases needed femoral shortening (27.8%) and none needed derotational osteotomy. Capsulorrhaphy lead to a statistically significant decrease in the mean medial joint space from 1.59 cm before (95% CI: 1.12–2.05) to 0.76 cm after (95% CI: 0.50–1.02) the capsulorrhaphy (P < 0.001). When we took the effect of age into account the corresponding figures were 1.47 (95% CI: 1.22–1.75) and 0.67 (95% CI: 0.39–0.94), respectively (P < 0.001). After follow up periods of 1 to 5.5 years, none of the patients experienced instability or re-dislocation.

Conclusions

Capsulorrhaphy, independently, of age was associated with a 1-cm decrease in the mean medial hip joint space and a more deeply seated femoral head. Furthermore, this study presents a successful experience with capsulorrhaphy to prevent hip instability.
Identification of semester-specific teaching contents for dental ethics: development, testing and validation of a questionnaire
Authors: Goetz Katja , Gutermuth Ann-Christine , Wenz Hans-Jürgen , Groß Dominik , Hertrampf Katrin
Published: February 2021

Background

Although medical ethics is an indispensable part of dental education, it has not played a relevant role in the dental curriculum thus far. This study is aimed at developing and validating a questionnaire that identifies semester-specific ethical issues, in order to develop longitudinal ethic modules.

Methods

March 2018 a workshop on item generation was coordinated, using Delphi method; followed by a cognitive testing with students (2nd, 4th, 10th semesters, n = 12). A pilot test was carried out with students from different semesters (n = 60). The distribution of response frequencies and missing values were determined. The questionnaire used for validation consisted of three dimensions: ethical knowledge, dealing with ethical issues, expectations in terms of teaching. The psychometric examination was carried out by preclinical students (n = 105) and clinical semesters (n = 110) January 2019.

Results

After cognitive testing and piloting, some items were reformulated, so that a questionnaire with 127 items was used for validation. The individual dimensions were assigned to various factors with excellent to acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s α 0.72–0.96).

Conclusion

The questionnaire has an acceptable to excellent consistency and suggests that the different dimensions are conclusive. With this questionnaire, ethical issues in dentistry can be mapped and teaching contents identified.