bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular and cellular mechanisms of the effects of Propolis in inflammation, oxidative stress and glycemic control in chronic diseases
Authors: Pahlavani Naseh , Malekahmadi Mahsa , Firouzi Safieh , Rostami Daryoush , Sedaghat Alireza , Moghaddam Ahmad Bagheri , Ferns Gordon A. , Navashenaq Jamshid Gholizadeh , Reazvani Reza , Safarian Mohammad , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid
Published: August 2020

Propolis is a sticky, resinous material gather from plants and is blended with wax and other constituents. It is reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and blood glucose-lowering properties. This review aims to summarise evidences for the cellular and molecular mechanism of Propolis in inflammation, oxidative stress, and glycemic control. Propolis stimulate the production and secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines and to inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines and due to its various antioxidant and poly-phenolic compounds may has a role in control and treating some of the chronic diseases. Most studies have shown that Propolis may affect metabolic factors including plasma insulin levels, and it has proposed that it could be used in the prevention and treatment of T2D Mellitus. In general, to demonstrate the definite effects of Propolis on chronic diseases, more studies are required using larger sample sizes and various doses of Propolis, using better characterized and standardized agents.
Carbon nanotube filler enhances incinerated thermoplastics-induced cytotoxicity and metabolic disruption in vitro
Authors: Coyle Jayme P. , Derk Raymond C. , Kornberg Tiffany G. , Singh Dilpreet , Jensen Jake , Friend Sherri , Mercer Robert , Stueckle Todd A. , Demokritou Philip , Rojanasakul Yon , Rojanasakul Liying W.
Published: August 2020

Background

Engineered nanomaterials are increasingly being incorporated into synthetic materials as fillers and additives. The potential pathological effects of end-of-lifecycle recycling and disposal of virgin and nano-enabled composites have not been adequately addressed, particularly following incineration. The current investigation aims to characterize the cytotoxicity of incinerated virgin thermoplastics vs. incinerated nano-enabled thermoplastic composites on two in vitro pulmonary models. Ultrafine particles released from thermally decomposed virgin polycarbonate or polyurethane, and their carbon nanotube (CNT)-enabled composites were collected and used for acute in vitro exposure to primary human small airway epithelial cell (pSAEC) and human bronchial epithelial cell (Beas-2B) models. Post-exposure, both cell lines were assessed for cytotoxicity, proliferative capacity, intracellular ROS generation, genotoxicity, and mitochondrial membrane potential.

Results

The treated Beas-2B cells demonstrated significant dose-dependent cellular responses, as well as parent matrix-dependent and CNT-dependent sensitivity. Cytotoxicity, enhancement in reactive oxygen species, and dissipation of ΔΨm caused by incinerated polycarbonate were significantly more potent than polyurethane analogues, and CNT filler enhanced the cellular responses compared to the incinerated parent particles. Such effects observed in Beas-2B were generally higher in magnitude compared to pSAEC at treatments examined, which was likely attributable to differences in respective lung cell types.

Conclusions

Whilst the effect of the treatments on the distal respiratory airway epithelia remains limited in interpretation, the current in vitro respiratory bronchial epithelia model demonstrated profound sensitivity to the test particles at depositional doses relevant for occupational cohorts.
Developmental normalization of phenomics data generated by high throughput plant phenotyping systems
Authors: Lozano-Claros Diego , Meng Xiangxiang , Custovic Eddie , Deng Guang , Berkowitz Oliver , Whelan James , Lewsey Mathew G.
Published: August 2020

Background

Sowing time is commonly used as the temporal reference for Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) experiments in high throughput plant phenotyping (HTPP) systems. This relies on the assumption that germination and seedling establishment are uniform across the population. However, individual seeds have different development trajectories even under uniform environmental conditions. This leads to increased variance in quantitative phenotyping approaches. We developed the Digital Adjustment of Plant Development (DAPD) normalization method. It normalizes time-series HTPP measurements by reference to an early developmental stage and in an automated manner. The timeline of each measurement series is shifted to a reference time. The normalization is determined by cross-correlation at multiple time points of the time-series measurements, which may include rosette area, leaf size, and number.

Results

The DAPD method improved the accuracy of phenotyping measurements by decreasing the statistical dispersion of quantitative traits across a time-series. We applied DAPD to evaluate the relative growth rate in Arabidopsis plants and demonstrated that it improves uniformity in measurements, permitting a more informative comparison between individuals. Application of DAPD decreased variance of phenotyping measurements by up to 2.5 times compared to sowing-time normalization. The DAPD method also identified more outliers than any other central tendency technique applied to the non-normalized dataset.

Conclusions

DAPD is an effective method to control for temporal differences in development within plant phenotyping datasets. In principle, it can be applied to HTPP data from any species/trait combination for which a relevant developmental scale can be defined.
Metabolic factors and post-traumatic arthritis may influence the increased rate of surgical site infection in patients with human immunodeficiency virus following total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Lin Carol A. , Behrens Phillip H. , Paiement Guy , Hardy W. David , Mirocha James , Rettig Robert L. , Kiziah Heidi L. , Rudikoff Andrew G. , Hernandez Conte Antonio
Published: August 2020

Background

The impact of CD4+ T-cell count and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on the rate of surgical site infection (SSI) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) undergoing total hip arthroplasty is still unclear. The goals of this study were to assess the rate of perioperative infection at a large tertiary care referral center and to identify risk factors in HIV+ patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods

This study was a prospective, observational study at a single medical center from 2000–2017. Patients who were HIV+ and underwent THA were followed from the preoperative assessment period, through surgery and for a 2-year follow-up period.

Results

Sixteen of 144 HIV+ patients (11%) undergoing THA developed perioperative surgical site infections. Fourteen patients (10%) required revision THA within a range of 12 to 97 days after the initial surgery. The patients’ mean age was 49.6 ± 4.5 years, and the most common diagnosis prompting THA was osteonecrosis (96%). Patients who developed SSI had a lower waist-hip ratio (0.86 vs. 0.93,p= 0.047), lower high density lipoprotein cholesterol (45.8 vs. 52.5,p= 0.015) and were more likely to have post-traumatic arthritis (12.5% vs. 0%,p= 0.008). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that current alcohol use and higher waist-hip ratio were significant protectors against infection (p< 0.05). No other demographic, medical, immunologic parameters, or specific HAART regimens were associated with perioperative infection.

Conclusions

Immunologic status as measured by CD4+ cell count, HIV viral load, and medical therapy do not appear to influence the development of SSI in HIV+ patients undergoing THA. Metabolic factors and post-traumatic arthritis may influence the increased rate of infection in HIV+ patients following THA.
Adverse effects of total hip arthroplasty on the hip abductor and adductor muscle lengths and moment arms during gait
Authors: Hu Xiangjun , Zheng Nan , Hsu Wei-Chun , Zhang Jingwei , Li Huiwu , Chen Yunsu , Dai Kerong , Tsai Tsung-Yuan
Published: August 2020

Background

Precise evaluation of the hip abductor and adductor muscles function in total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients during gait could help prevent postoperative complications and optimize the rehabilitation training program. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of THA on the hip abductor and adductor muscle lengths and moment arms of in vivo patients during gait.

Methods

Ten unilateral THA patients received CT scans and dual fluoroscopic imaging for the hip kinematics during gait. The hip abductor and adductor muscle insertions were digitized on the 3D hip model for the determination of their dynamic lines of action and moment arms. Changes in the hip abductor and adductor muscle lengths and moment arms of THA patients between the implanted and non-implanted sides were quantified during gait.

Results

The adductor longus, adductor brevis, and pectineus of the implanted hips had significantly (P < 0.05) less elongation than that of the non-implanted side during the stance phase. The gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and piriformis moment arms of the implanted side were significantly shorter. The piriformis muscle moment arm was significantly larger. In the double support phase, the adductor magnus and adductor longus moment arms of the implanted sides were significantly decreased.

Conclusions

Results suggested that the adverse effects of THA on hip stability. Development of a rehabilitation program considering the effects of THA is essential. Accurate surgical techniques may reduce the impact of THA on the peripheral muscles.
Analysis of risk factors for revision in distal femoral fractures treated with lateral locking plate: a retrospective study in Chinese patients
Authors: Hou Guojin , Zhou Fang , Tian Yun , Ji Hongquan , Zhang Zhishan , Guo Yan , Lv Yang , Yang Zhongwei , Zhang Yawen
Published: August 2020

Background

To analyze the risk factors of revision operation after the treatment of distal femoral fracture with lateral locking plate (LLP).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 152 cases with distal femoral fracture treated in our hospital from March 2005 to March 2019. The SPSS 26.0 software (univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis) was used to analyze the general condition, fracture-related factors, operation-related factors, and construct characteristics of internal fixation.

Results

Sixteen of 152 patients who were included in the study underwent revision surgery, with a revision rate 10.5%. Univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in age, body mass index (BMI), fracture type, supracondylar involved or not, type of incision, quality of reduction, ratio of length of plate/fracture area (R1), the ratio of the length of the plate/fracture area above the condylar (R2), ratio of distance between proximal part of fracture and screw/working length of proximal plate (R3) between the two groups (P< 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that age [OR for age > 61.5 group is 4.900 (1.071–22.414)], fracture type [OR for A3 fracture is 8.572 (1.606–45.750), the OR for periprosthetic fracture after TKA is 9.073 (1.220–67.506)], poor reduction quality [OR is 7.663 (1.821–32.253)], and the ratio of the length of the plate/fracture area above the condylar were the possible risk factors (P< 0.05).

Conclusion

Age, fracture type (A3 and periprosthetic fracture after TKA), poor reduction quality, and the ratio of the length of the plate/fracture area above the condylar were the possible risk factors of the revision in distal femoral fractures treated with lateral locking plate. The appropriate application of the locking plate and operation strategy are the key to reduce the revision rate in distal femoral fractures.
The role of antibiotic-loaded bone cement in complicated knee arthroplasty: relevance of gentamicin allergy and benefit from revision surgery — a case control follow-up study and algorithmic approach
Authors: Thomas Benjamin , Benedikt Maria , Alamri Ali , Kapp Florian , Bader Rainer , Summer Burkhard , Thomas Peter , Oppel Eva
Published: August 2020

Background

Antibiotic-loaded (particularly gentamicin) bone cement (BC) is widely used in total joint arthroplasty (TJA) to prevent periprosthetic infections (PPIs), but may itself cause implant failure. In light of a complete lack in literature, the objective was to assess the clinical relevance of gentamicin allergy for failure of cemented total knee arthroplasties in 25 out of 250 patients with positive patch test reactions to gentamicin and otherwise unexplained symptoms by evaluating benefits from revision with change to gentamicin-free cement.

Methods

Fifteen of these 25 patients and their treating orthopaedic surgeons agreed to a re-assessment. They were surveyed regarding interim course of therapy and symptoms, including re-assessment of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and underwent follow-up clinical and radiographic investigations. The initial use of gentamicin-loaded BC was reaffirmed by review of the primary implantation operative reports and respective implant passports. Primary and follow-up KOOS scores were analyzed regarding benefits from revision surgery by comparing nine patients with revision to six without revision.

Results

Mean follow-up time was 38 months. The entirety of patients experienced an improvement of self-reported symptoms, with revision surgery (i.e., switching to gentamicin-free BC or uncemented total knee arthroplasty) yielding significantly greater improvement (p = 0.031): the nine revised patients reported a significant symptom relief (p = 0.028), contrary to the six unrevised patients (p = 0.14). Interestingly, the decision to proceed with revision surgery was significantly correlated with higher symptom severity (p = 0.05).

Conclusion

In symptomatic total knee arthroplasty with gentamicin allergy, uncemented revision arthroplasty or change to gentamicin-free BC provides significant symptom relief.
A guide to writing systematic reviews of rare disease treatments to generate FAIR-compliant datasets: building a Treatabolome
Authors: Atalaia Antonio , Thompson Rachel , Corvo Alberto , Carmody Leigh , Piscia Davide , Matalonga Leslie , Macaya Alfons , Lochmuller Angela , Fontaine Bertrand , Zurek Birte , Hernandez-Ferrer Carles , Reinhard Carola , Gómez-Andrés David , Desaphy Jean-François , Schon Katherine , Lohmann Katja , Jennings Matthew J. , Synofzik Matthis , Riess Olaf , Yaou Rabah Ben , Evangelista Teresinha , Ratnaike Thiloka , Bros-Facer Virginie , Gumus Gulcin , Horvath Rita , Chinnery Patrick , Laurie Steven , Graessner Holm , Robinson Peter , Lochmuller Hanns , Beltran Sergi , Bonne Gisèle
Published: August 2020

Background

Rare diseases are individually rare but globally affect around 6% of the population, and in over 70% of cases are genetically determined. Their rarity translates into a delayed diagnosis, with 25% of patients waiting 5 to 30 years for one. It is essential to raise awareness of patients and clinicians of existing gene and variant-specific therapeutics at the time of diagnosis to avoid that treatment delays add up to the diagnostic odyssey of rare diseases’ patients and their families.

Aims

This paper aims to provide guidance and give detailed instructions on how to write homogeneous systematic reviews of rare diseases’ treatments in a manner that allows the capture of the results in a computer-accessible form. The published results need to comply with the FAIR guiding principles for scientific data management and stewardship to facilitate the extraction of datasets that are easily transposable into machine-actionable information. The ultimate purpose is the creation of a database of rare disease treatments (“Treatabolome”) at gene and variant levels as part of the H2020 research project Solve-RD.

Results

Each systematic review follows a written protocol to address one or more rare diseases in which the authors are experts. The bibliographic search strategy requires detailed documentation to allow its replication. Data capture forms should be built to facilitate the filling of a data capture spreadsheet and to record the application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria to each search result. A PRISMA flowchart is required to provide an overview of the processes of search and selection of papers. A separate table condenses the data collected during the Systematic Review, appraised according to their level of evidence.

Conclusions

This paper provides a template that includes the instructions for writing FAIR-compliant systematic reviews of rare diseases’ treatments that enables the assembly of a Treatabolome database that complement existing diagnostic and management support tools with treatment awareness data.
Lived experience peer support programs for suicide prevention: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Schlichthorst Marisa , Ozols Ingrid , Reifels Lennart , Morgan Amy
Published: August 2020

Background

Peer-led support models have gained increasing popularity in suicide prevention. While previous reviews show positive effects of peer-led support for people with mental health problems and those bereaved by suicide, little is known about the types of lived experience peer support programs in suicide prevention and whether these are effective in improving the health and wellbeing of people at risk of suicide. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of peer support programs that aim to reduce suicidality and are led by people with lived experience of suicide.

Method

We conducted a systematic scoping review, involving a search of three academic (Medline, PsycINFO, Embase) and selected grey literature databases (Google Scholar, WHO Clinical Trials Registry) for publications between 2000 and 2019. We also contacted suicide prevention experts and relevant internet sites to identify peer support programs that exist but have not been evaluated. The screening of records followed a systematic two-stage process in alignment with PRISMA guidelines.

Results

We identified 8 records accounting for 7 programs focussed on peer-led support programs in suicide prevention. These programs employed a range of different designs and included a variety of settings (schools, communities, rural and online). Only 3 of the 7 programs contained data on effectiveness. With the small number of eligible programs the findings from this review are limited and must be interpreted with caution.

Conclusions

Despite the increased focus of policymakers on the importance of peer support programs in suicide prevention, our scoping review confirms an evidence gap in research knowledge regarding program design, implementation, and effectiveness. More rigour is required in reporting peer-led support initiatives to clarify the underlying definition of peer support and lived experience and to enhance our understanding of the types of current peer support programs available to those experiencing suicidality. Further, we need formal and high-quality evaluations of peer support suicide prevention programs led by people with lived experience to better understand their effectiveness on participant health across different settings and delivery modalities and to allow for comprehensive systematic reviews and meta-analysis in future.
Cluster identification, selection, and description in cluster randomized crossover trials: the PREP-IT trials
Authors: Sprague Sheila , Scott Taryn , Dodds Shannon , Pogorzelski David , McKay Paula , Harris Anthony D. , Wood Amber , Thabane Lehana , Bhandari Mohit , Mehta Samir , Gaski Greg , Boulton Christina , Marcano-Fernández Francesc , Guerra-Farfán Ernesto , Hebden Joan , O’Hara Lyndsay M. , Slobogean Gerard P. ,   on behalf of the PREP-IT Investigators
Published: August 2020

Background

In cluster randomized crossover (CRXO) trials, groups of participants (i.e., clusters) are randomly allocated to receive a sequence of interventions over time (i.e., cluster periods). CRXO trials are becoming more comment when they are feasible, as they require fewer clusters than parallel group cluster randomized trials. However, CRXO trials have not been frequently used in orthopedic fracture trials and represent a novel methodological application within the field. To disseminate the early knowledge gained from our experience initiating two cluster randomized crossover trials, we describe our process for the identification and selection of the orthopedic practices (i.e., clusters) participating in the PREP-IT program and present data to describe their key characteristics.

Methods

The PREP-IT program comprises two ongoing pragmatic cluster randomized crossover trials (Aqueous-PREP and PREPARE) which compare the effect of iodophor versus chlorhexidine solutions on surgical site infection and unplanned fracture-related reoperations in patients undergoing operative fracture management. We describe the process we used to identify and select orthopedic practices (clusters) for the PREP-IT trials, along with their characteristics.

Results

We identified 58 potential orthopedic practices for inclusion in the PREP-IT trials. After screening each practice for eligibility, we selected 30 practices for participation and randomized each to a sequence of interventions (15 for Aqueous-PREP and 20 for PREPARE). The majority of orthopedic practices included in the Aqueous-PREP and PREPARE trials were situated in level I trauma centers (100% and 87%, respectively). Orthopedic practices in the Aqueous-PREP trial operatively treated a median of 149 open fracture patients per year, included a median of 11 orthopedic surgeons, and had access to a median of 5 infection preventionists. Orthopedic practices in the PREPARE trial treated a median of 142 open fracture and 1090 closed fracture patients per year, included a median of 7.5 orthopedic surgeons, and had access to a median of 6 infection preventionists.

Conclusions

The PREP-IT trials provide an example of how to follow the reporting standards for cluster randomized crossover trials by providing a clear definition of the cluster unit, a thorough description of the cluster identification and selection process, and sufficient description of key cluster characteristics.

Trial registration

Both trials are registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (A-PREP: NCT03385304 December 28, 2017, and PREPARE: NCT03523962 May 14, 2018).
Effects of “Thursdays at the Museum” at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts on the mental and physical health of older community dwellers: the art-health randomized clinical trial protocol
Authors: Beauchet Olivier , Cooper-Brown Liam , Hayashi Yoko , Galery Kevin , Vilcocq Christine , Bastien Thomas
Published: August 2020

Background

Recently, we demonstrated that the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts’ (MMFA) participatory art-based activity, known as “Thursdays at the Museum,” improved the well-being, quality of life, and physical health (i.e., frailty) of older community dwellers by using a pre-post intervention, single arm, prospective and longitudinal experimental design. The present randomized clinical trial (RCT), known as the Art-Health RCT (A-Health RCT), aims to compare changes in well-being, quality of life, frailty, and physiological measures in older community dwellers who participate in “Thursdays at the Museum” (intervention group) and in their counterparts who do not participate in this art-based activity (control group).

Methods/design

The current unicenter, randomized, clinical, controlled, comparative trial recruits 150 older community dwellers to two parallel arms (75 participants in the intervention group and 75 participants in the control group). The intervention is a 3-month cycle of weekly “Thursdays at the Museum,” which are structured 2-h-long art-based workshops performed in a group setting at the MMFA. The control group is composed of participants who do not take part in art-based activities, receive their usual health and/or social services, and commit to report any other activity practiced during the same time. Assessments of the primary outcome (well-being) and the secondary outcomes (quality of life, frailty, and physiological measures including heart rate, daily step count, sleep duration, and its phases) are performed on six occasions: at baseline, at the beginning of the second and third months, at the end of the third month, as well as 6 and 12 months after the last workshop. Statistical analyses are performed with the intention to treat and per protocol. Comparisons of changes in outcome measures between intervention and control groups use repeated measures tests.

Discussion

Art-based activities carried out at museums have been receiving increased interest from researchers and policy-makers because of their benefits to mental and physical health. There are few robust studies, such as RCTs, that focus on older community dwellers or assess the efficacy of these participatory museum activities. The A-Health RCT study provides an opportunity to confirm the benefits of a participatory art-based museum activity on the elderly population and to show the key role played by museums in public health promotion.

Trial registration

NCT03679715; Title: A-Health RCT: Effects of Participatory Art-Based Activity on Health of Older Community Dwellers; First posted date: September 20, 2018; prospectively registered.
Natural Wolbachia infection in field-collected Anopheles and other mosquito species from Malaysia
Authors: Wong Meng Li , Liew Jonathan Wee Kent , Wong Wai Kit , Pramasivan Sandthya , Mohamed Hassan Norzihan , Wan Sulaiman Wan Yusoff , Jeyaprakasam Nantha Kumar , Leong Cherng Shii , Low Van Lun , Vythilingam Indra
Published: August 2020

Background

The endosymbiont bacteriumWolbachiais maternally inherited and naturally infects some filarial nematodes and a diverse range of arthropods, including mosquito vectors responsible for disease transmission in humans. Previously, it has been found infecting most mosquito species but absent inAnophelesandAedes aegypti. However, recently these two mosquito species were found to be naturally infected withWolbachia. We report here the extent ofWolbachiainfections in field-collected mosquitoes from Malaysia based on PCR amplification of theWolbachia wspand16SrRNA genes.

Methods

The prevalence ofWolbachiain Culicinae mosquitoes was assessedviaPCR withwspprimers. For some of the mosquitoes, in which thewspprimers failed to amplify a product,Wolbachiascreening was performed using nested PCR targeting the16SrRNA gene.Wolbachiasequences were aligned using Geneious 9.1.6 software, analyzed with BLAST, and the most similar sequences were downloaded. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out with MEGA 7.0 software. Graphs were drawn with GraphPad Prism 8.0 software.

Results

A total of 217 adult mosquitoes representing 26 mosquito species were screened. Of these, infections withWolbachiawere detected in 4 and 15 mosquito species usingwspand16SrRNA primers, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first timeWolbachiawas detected using16SrRNA gene amplification, in someAnophelesspecies (some infected withPlasmodium),Culex sinensis,Culex vishnui,Culex pseudovishnui,Mansonia bonneaeandMansonia annulifera. Phylogenetic analysis based onwsprevealedWolbachiafrom most of the mosquitoes belonged toWolbachiaSupergroup B. Based on16SrRNA phylogenetic analysis, theWolbachiastrain fromAnophelesmosquitoes were more closely related toWolbachia infectingAnophelesfrom Africa than from Myanmar.

Conclusions

Wolbachia was found infectingAnophelesand other important disease vectors such asMansonia. SinceWolbachiacan affect its host by reducing the life span and provide resistance to pathogen infection, several studies have suggested it as a potential innovative tool for vector/vector-borne disease control. Therefore, it is important to carry out further studies on naturalWolbachiainfection in vector mosquitoes’ populations as well as their long-term effects in new hosts and pathogen suppression.
Relationship between radiological severity and physical and mental health in elderly individuals with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Ribeiro Isadora Cristina , Coimbra Arlete Maria Valente , Costallat Beatriz Lavras , Coimbra Ibsen Bellini
Published: August 2020

Background

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between radiological severity, as assessed by the individual grades and grouped grades (grades “0 and 1” and “2 to 4”) of the Kellgren-Lawrence scale (K&Ls), and depression symptoms, cognitive loss, risk of falls, and quality of life in relation to knee osteoarthritis, as assessed by other instruments.

Methods

Data recorded between 2013 and 2014 in Amparo (São Paulo, Brazil) were retrieved for analysis. A total of 181 elderly patients who had knee osteoarthritis and underwent a radiologic exam were evaluated for depressive symptoms, cognitive loss, quality of life, and risk of falls by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), timed up and go test (TUG), and Berg balance scale (BBS). For statistical analyses, Fisher’s exact test, Mann-Whitney test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman’s coefficient analysis were used.

Results

There was no significant relationship between the scores of the instruments investigated and the individual K&Ls grades. However, when the K&Ls scores were assessed by groups, grades “2 to 4” were associated with the worst WOMAC score and the highest frequency and risk of falls according to the BBS but not according to TUG. For the GDS and MMSE, no significant relationships with the K&Ls grades were found. In addition, the K&Ls grade was correlated with the WOMAC score, regardless of the domain.

Conclusion

The radiological scores of the Kellgren-Lawrence (K&L) scale were associated with poorer WOMAC and BBS scores only when the K&Ls scores were evaluated in groups, and the WOMAC score was associated with an increase in the radiological grade.
Relationship between interstitial glucose variability in ambulatory glucose profile and standardized continuous glucose monitoring metrics; a pilot study
Authors: Tokutsu Akemi , Okada Yosuke , Torimoto Keiichi , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: August 2020

Background

Treatment indexes using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) have become standardized internationally, and the use of ambulatory glucose profile (AGP) is currently recommended. However, the relationship between AGP indexes and standardized CGM metrics has not been investigated. Using flash glucose monitoring (FGM), this retrospective study served to evaluate the association of the inter-quartile range (IQR) of AGP with standardized CGM metrics.

Methods

The study subjects were 30 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 23 non-diabetic patients (control group). We evaluated average IQR (AIQR) and standardized CGM metrics. The primary endpoint was the relationship between AIQR and Time in range (TIR) in a 24-h period.

Results

In the T2DM group, the AIQR was notably high and correlated negatively with TIR, and positively with Time above range, average interstitial glucose level, standard deviation of interstitial glucose, coefficient of variation of interstitial glucose, and mean of daily difference in blood glucose (MODD). For the T2DM group, the AIQR was notably lower in patients who achieved TIR > 70%, compared to those who did not. The AIQR cutoff value, as determined by ROC analysis, was 28.3 mg/dl for those who achieved TIR > 70%. No association was detected between the presence of hypoglycemia and AIQR.

Conclusions

Our study is the first to provide the AIQR cutoff value for achieving the TIR target value. The range of interstitial glucose variability in AGP was associated with indexes of intra- and interday variations and hyperglycemia. Our results provide new perspectives in the yet-to-be established methods for evaluation of AGP in practical clinical settings.
Physical activity assessment by accelerometry in people with heart failure
Authors: Dibben Grace O. , Gandhi Manish M. , Taylor Rod S. , Dalal Hasnain M. , Metcalf Brad , Doherty Patrick , Tang Lars H. , Kelson Mark , Hillsdon Melvyn
Published: August 2020

Background

International guidelines for physical activity recommend at least 150 min per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for adults, including those with cardiac disease. There is yet to be consensus on the most appropriate way to categorise raw accelerometer data into behaviourally relevant metrics such as intensity, especially in chronic disease populations. Therefore the aim of this study was to estimate acceleration values corresponding to inactivity and MVPA during daily living activities of patients with heart failure (HF), via calibration with oxygen consumption (VO2) and to compare these values to previously published, commonly applied PA intensity thresholds which are based on healthy adults.

Methods

Twenty-two adults with HF (mean age 71 ± 14 years) undertook a range of daily living activities (including laying down, sitting, standing and walking) whilst measuring PA via wrist- and hip-worn accelerometers and VO2via indirect calorimetry. Raw accelerometer output was used to compute PA in units of milligravity (mg). Energy expenditure across each of the activities was converted into measured METs (VO2/resting metabolic rate) and standard METs (VO2/3.5 ml/kg/min). PA energy costs were also compared with predicted METs in the compendium of physical activities. Location specific activity intensity thresholds were established via multilevel mixed effects linear regression and receiver operator characteristic curve analysis. A leave-one-out method was used to cross-validate the thresholds.

Results

Accelerometer values corresponding with intensity thresholds for inactivity (< 1.5METs) and MVPA (≥3.0METs) were > 50% lower than previously published intensity thresholds for both wrists and waist accelerometers (inactivity: 16.7 to 18.6 mg versus 45.8 mg; MVPA: 43.1 to 49.0 mg versus 93.2 to 100 mg). Measured METs were higher than both standard METs (34–35%) and predicted METs (45–105%) across all standing and walking activities.

Conclusion

HF specific accelerometer intensity thresholds for inactivity and MVPA are lower than previously published thresholds based on healthy adults, due to lower resting metabolic rate and greater energy expenditure during daily living activities for HF patients.

Trial registration

Clinical trials.govNCT03659877, retrospectively registered on September 6th 2018.
Recurrent small bowel obstruction caused by Burkitt lymphoma in an elderly man: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Kasparian Saro , Burns Ethan , Shehabeldin Ahmed , Awar Melina , Pingali Sai Ravi
Published: August 2020

Background

Acute small bowel obstruction is a common surgical emergency usually caused by abdominal adhesions, followed by intraluminal tumors from metastatic disease. Although lymphomas have been known to cause bowel obstruction, Burkitt lymphoma is seldom reported to induce an obstruction in the adult population.

Case presentation

A 78-year-old Hispanic man with a history of abdominal interventions presented to our hospital with abdominal pain. Computed tomography revealed a partial small bowel obstruction attributed to local inflammation or adhesions. Medical management with bowel rest and nasogastric decompression resulted in resolution of symptoms and quick discharge. He returned 2 days later with worsening abdominal pain. Repeat imaging showed progression of the partial small bowel obstruction, but with an additional 1.6-cm nodular density abutting the anterior aspect of the gastric antrum and lobulated anterior gastric antral wall thickening. He was taken to the operating room, where several masses were found. Intraoperative frozen sections were consistent with lymphoma, and pathology later revealed Burkitt lymphoma. Disease was found on both sides of the diaphragm by positron emission tomography. After the initial resection and adjuvant chemotherapy, the patient is alive and well about 14 months after resection.

Conclusions

Small bowel obstruction is uncommonly due to Burkitt lymphoma in the geriatric population and is more frequently seen in the pediatric and young adult populations. Burkitt lymphoma is very aggressive with rapid cell turnover leading to significant morbidity. The rapid recurrence of an acute abdominal process should prompt an investigation for a more sinister cause such as malignancy.
miR-150 regulates endothelial progenitor cell differentiation via Akt and promotes thrombus resolution
Authors: Du Xiaolong , Hu Nan , Yu Huiying , Hong Lei , Ran Feng , Huang Dian , Zhou Min , Li Chenglong , Li Xiaoqiang
Published: August 2020

Background

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) constitutes a major global disease burden. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been described in association with recanalization of venous thrombus. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests microRNAs are involved in this progression. The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of miR-150 on the behavior of EPCs and its potential contribution in venous thrombosis resolution.

Methods

We isolated and cultured EPCs from healthy adults. Next, early EPCs or endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs or late EPCs) were transfected with miR-150 agomir and antagomir. Gene expression profiles, proliferation, cytokine secretion, and angiogenic capacity of early EPCs and ECFCs were examined. The effects of miR-150 on c-Myb expression and Akt/FOXO1 signaling were also evaluated. Furthermore, a rat model of venous thrombosis was constructed to determine the in vivo function of EPCs.

Results

Our results showed that miR-150 overexpression in early EPCs significantly promoted differentiation to ECFCs and contributed to proliferation and tube formation. However, suppression of miR-150 in late EPCs inhibited proliferation and tube formation. Moreover, we identified that this progression is regulated by inhibition of c-Myb and activation of the Akt/FOXO1 pathway. Our findings also showed that miR-150 led to the enhanced resolution ability of EPCs in a rat venous thrombosis model.

Conclusions

In this study, we present a novel mechanism of miRNA-mediated regulation of EPCs and Akt activation in thrombus resolution.
The rates of hospital admissions and return visits to a rapidly growing pediatric emergency department as measures of quality of care
Authors: Keret Amit , Shir Yakir , Schwartz Shepard , Berliner Elihay , Erlichman Mattityahu , Weiser Giora
Published: August 2020

Background

Return visits to the emergency department are viewed as a quality measure of patient management. Avoiding unnecessary admissions to the ward can potentially cause an increase in return visits, thus effecting quality assessment.

Methods

After implementing an educational process the relationship between admissions and return visits was assessed over time at a rapidly growing pediatric emergency department.

Results

There was a 264% increase in visits from 2004 to 2017. In the study period admission rates declined from 25 to 14%. This was achieved without a rise in return visits and with a stable percentage of admissions from return visits.

Conclusions

Interventions aimed at decreasing unnecessary admissions do not lead to increased return visits and return visit admissions.
Prognostic performance of endothelial biomarkers to early predict clinical deterioration of patients with suspected bacterial infection and sepsis admitted to the emergency department
Authors: Lafon Thomas , Cazalis Marie-Angélique , Vallejo Christine , Tazarourte Karim , Blein Sophie , Pachot Alexandre , Laterre Pierre-François , Laribi Said , François Bruno ,   the TRIAGE study group, Textoris Julien , Kaiser Karine , Barbier Laurence , Jacquin Laurent , Douplat Marion , Nicol Amélie , Delaroche Marine , Jacquet Landry , Chapelle-Petit Nathalie , Chekaoui Abdel , Verschuren Franck , Fabry Manon , Gissot Valérie , Magnan Julie , Daix Thomas , Desachy Arnaud , Vignon Philippe , Goudelin Marine , Evrard Bruno , Laure Fedou Anne , Desmettre Thibault , Jardin François , Claire Montini Anne , Colonna Anaïs , Bertrand Lionel , Maignan Maxime , Viglino Damien , Sebbane Mustapha , Remize Jacques , Anoot Caroline , Frey Jérome , Pancher Agathe , Takun Khalil , Dumas Florence , Lambert Yves , Koukabi Mehrsa , Measso Sabrina , Dalle Ludovic , Dupeux Olivier , Duconge Antoine
Published: August 2020

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of endothelial biomarkers to early predict clinical deterioration of patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) with a suspected sepsis. This was a prospective, multicentre, international study conducted in EDs. Adult patients with suspected acute bacterial infection and sepsis were enrolled but only those with confirmed infection were analysed. The kinetics of biomarkers and organ dysfunction were collected at T0, T6 and T24 hours after ED admission to assess prognostic performances of sVEGFR2, suPAR and procalcitonin (PCT). The primary outcome was the deterioration within 72 h and was defined as a composite of relevant outcomes such as death, intensive care unit admission and/or SOFA score increase validated by an independent adjudication committee.

Results

After adjudication of 602 patients, 462 were analysed including 124 who deteriorated (27%). On admission, those who deteriorated were significantly older (73 [60–82] vs 63 [45–78] y-o, p < 0.001) and presented significantly higher SOFA scores (2.15 ± 1.61 vs 1.56 ± 1.40, p = 0.003). At T0, sVEGFR2 (5794 [5026–6788] vs 6681 [5516–8059], p < 0.0001), suPAR (6.04 [4.42–8.85] vs 4.68 [3.50–6.43], p < 0.0001) and PCT (7.8 ± 25.0 vs 5.4 ± 17.9 ng/mL, p = 0.001) were associated with clinical deterioration. In multivariate analysis, low sVEGFR2 expression and high suPAR and PCT levels were significantly associated with early deterioration, independently of confounding parameters (sVEGFR2, OR = 1.53 [1.07–2.23], p < 0.001; suPAR, OR = 1.57 [1.21–2.07], p = 0.003; PCT, OR = 1.10 [1.04–1.17], p = 0.0019). Combination of sVEGFR2 and suPAR had the best prognostic performance (AUC = 0.7 [0.65–0.75]) compared to clinical or biological variables.

Conclusions

sVEGFR2, either alone or combined with suPAR, seems of interest to predict deterioration of patients with suspected bacterial acute infection upon ED admission and could help front-line physicians in the triage process.
Association between vegetable consumption and calf venous compliance in healthy young adults
Authors: Oue Anna , Iimura Yasuhiro , Maeda Kotose , Yoshizaki Takahiro
Published: August 2020

Background

Venous compliance decreases with aging and/or physical inactivity, which is thought to be involved partly in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease such as hypertension. This suggests that it is important to maintain high venous compliance from a young age in order to prevent cardiovascular disease. Both nutrient and exercise could play an important role in the improvement and maintenance of vascular health. Indeed, habitual endurance exercise is known to improve the venous compliance, although little is known about the effect of diet on venous compliance. Considering that higher consumption of vegetables could contribute to the arterial vascular health and the decreased blood pressure, it is hypothesized that venous compliance may be greater as vegetable intake is higher. Thus, the purpose of this study was to clarify the association between vegetable intake and venous compliance in healthy young adults.

Methods

Dietary intake was assessed in 94 subjects (male: n = 44, female: n = 50) using a self-administered diet history questionnaire (DHQ). Intakes of nutrients and food groups that were obtained from the DHQ were adjusted according to total energy intake using the residual method. Based on the adjusted intake of food groups, total vegetable intake was calculated as the sum of green/yellow and white vegetables consumed. Calf volume was measured using venous occlusion plethysmography with a cuff deflation protocol. Calf venous compliance was calculated as the numerical derivative of the cuff pressure–calf volume curve. In addition, circulatory responses (heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure) at resting and maximal oxygen uptake were assessed in all subjects.

Results

Mean value of total vegetables intake was 162.2 ± 98.2 g/day. Simple linear regression analysis showed that greater venous compliance was significantly associated with higher total vegetable consumption (r = 0.260, P = 0.011) and green/yellow vegetable intake (r = 0.351, P = 0.001) but not white vegetable intake (r = 0.013, P = 0.902). These significant associations did not change in the multivariate linear regression models which were adjusted by sex and maximal oxygen uptake.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that higher consumption of vegetables, especially of the green/yellow vegetables, may be associated with greater venous compliance in young healthy adults.
The community structure and microbial linkage of rumen protozoa and methanogens in response to the addition of tea seed saponins in the diet of beef cattle
Authors: Tan Cui , Ramírez-Restrepo Carlos A. , Shah Ali Mujtaba , Hu Rui , Bell Matt , Wang Zhisheng , McSweeney Chris
Published: August 2020

Background

This study investigated changes in rumen protozoal and methanogenic communities, along with the correlations among microbial taxa and methane (CH4) production of six Belmont Red Composite beef steers fed tea seed saponins (TSS). Animals were fed in three consecutive feeding periods, a high-grain basal diet for 14 d (BD period) then a period of progressive addition of TSS to the basal diet up to 30 g/d for 20 d (TSS period), followed by the basal diet for 13 d without TSS (BDP post-control period).

Results

The study found that TSS supplementation decreased the amount of the protozoal genus Entodinium and increased Polyplastron and Eudiplodinium genera. During BDP period, the protozoa community of steers did not return to the protozoal profiles observed in BD period, with higher proportions of Metadinium and Eudiplodinium and lower Isotricha. The addition of TSS was found to change the structure of methanogen community at the sub-genus level by decreasing the abundance of methanogens in the SGMT clade and increasing the abundance of methanogens in the RO clade. The correlation analysis indicated that the abundance of SGMT clade methanogens were positively correlated with Isotricha, and Isotricha genus and SGMT clade methanogens were positively correlated with CH4 production. While RO clade were positively correlated with the proportion of Metadinium genus, which was negatively correlated with CH4 emission.

Conclusions

These results suggest that different genera of rumen protozoa ciliates appear to be selectively inhibited by TSS, and the change in methanogen community at the subgenus level may be due to the mutualistic relationships between methanogens and rumen ciliates.