bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial clusters and temporal trends of malignant melanoma mortality in Ecuador
Authors: Núñez-González Solange , Bedoya Estefania , Simancas-Racines Daniel , Gault Christopher
Published: May 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study is two fold. First, it describes the temporal trends of malignant melanoma mortality from 2000 to 2016 in Ecuador. Second, it analyzes the spatial clusters of high mortality rates due to malignant melanoma in the country, from 2011 to 2016.

Methods:

This is an ecological study; we included all death certificates of malignant melanoma from the National Institute of Statistics and Census database in Ecuador from 2000 to 2016. We calculated crude mortality rates and age-standardized mortality rates, all rates are expressed as deaths per 100,000 population. In order to assess the trend of malignant melanoma rates, we obtained average annual percent changes through Joinpoint regression analysis. Spatial scan statistics were used to identify high-risk clusters and the spatial autocorrelation was evaluated through a global Moran index.

Results:

In Ecuador, between 2000 and 2016, malignant melanoma caused a total of 958 deaths. Crude mortality rates increased significantly (annual percent change = 4.8%; 95% confidence interval: 2.6–7.0), the age-standardized mortality rate also increased (annual percent change: 2.9%; 95% confidence interval: 0.5–5.4). The most likely cluster included 19 cantons and the second most likely cluster included 10 cantons, located in the Highlands region. The Global Moran I index for the study period shows a positive spatial autocorrelation (0.32; p = 0.001).

Conclusion:

Mortality due to malignant melanoma in Ecuador significantly increased over the 17-year study period; the spatial analysis and spatial autocorrelation indicates the presence of high-risk occurrence clusters in the Highlands region of the country.
Men and me(n)
Authors: Hadley Robin A
Published: May 2020

There is an absence of literature on the dynamics of men interviewing men generally and particularly, on sensitive subjects. Childless men are, compared to women, absent from geographical, gerontological, psychological, reproductive and sociological research. These disciplines have mainly focussed on motherhood, women and family formation. Over the past 15 years, research literature on both involuntary childlessness and ageing has highlighted the paucity of material on men’s experience. Consequently, the fertility intentions, history and experience of men have been overlooked. Infertility research has shown that failure to fulfil the status of parenthood may lead to a complex form of bereavement and is a significant challenge to identity. In this piece, I draw on my experience of conducting an auto/biographical doctoral study on the life experiences of 14 involuntarily childless older men. I briefly explore the literature surrounding research interviews with men participants. I highlight the gender dynamics encountered in both interview and wider academic settings. I identify how danger, harm and risk are present in academic environments such as conferences. I use my experience to illustrate how physical, emotional and ethical dangers affect one’s sense of self. I argue that ethical standards should be applied to all research locations.
Significant Loss of ACL Graft Force With Tibial-Sided Soft Tissue Interference Screw Fixation Over 24 Hours: A Biomechanical Study
Authors: Kruppa Philipp , Flies Anne , Wulsten Dag , Collette Robert , Duda Georg N. , Schaser Klaus-Dieter , Becker Roland , Kopf Sebastian
Published: May 2020

Background:

Tibial-sided graft fixation is thought to be critical for the success of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Nevertheless, little is known about the graft force after fixation during the first 24 hours after surgery or the influence of screw diameter and length during this time.

Purpose:

To investigate the force, over the course of 24 hours, in soft tissue grafts secured with a tibial interference screw and to evaluate the effect of different screw diameters (7, 8, and 9 mm) and lengths (25 and 30 mm) on the force in these grafts.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Quadruple-strand flexor tendon grafts were fixed with bioabsorbable interference screws in 60 porcine tibiae. Grafts were pretensioned at 80 N over 10 minutes, and screws were inserted outside-in while a preload force of 80 N was applied. Different screw lengths (25 and 30 mm) and diameters (7, 8, and 9 mm), resulting in 6 groups with 10 specimens each, were tested. After release of the preload, graft force was recorded over 24 hours.

Results:

A significant decrease in graft force progressed in all groups over the 24-hour period. In total, a median loss of 75 N (IQR, 68-79 N) compared with the initial loading force was observed. Compared with the loading force of 80 N, this corresponded to a median loss of 91%. No significant differences in the remaining graft force could be found among the 6 different screw length and diameter groups after 10 minutes, 100 minutes, or 24 hours.

Conclusion:

Graft force in soft tissue grafts secured with a tibial interference screw decreased substantially over the first 24 hours after fixation. Neither the screw diameter nor the screw length affected the decrease in graft force. This raises substantial questions regarding the remaining fixation strength in vivo.

Clinical Relevance:

It should not be expected that ACL reconstruction can mechanically restabilize an injured knee as would an intact ACL. Reconstructed knees should be protected from mechanical overload in the early postoperative period.
An Interpretive Description of Women’s Experience in Coordinated, Multidisciplinary Treatment for an Eating Disorder
Authors: Woodruff Kary , Clark Lauren , Joy Elizabeth , Summers Scott A. , Metos Julie M. , Clark Nica , Jordan Kristine C.
Published: May 2020

Coordinated, multidisciplinary treatment for women with eating disorders is consistently recommended as maximally effective, but few studies have considered the patient experience. This qualitative study examined the experiences of women receiving such care in an outpatient setting. Using an interpretive description methodology, we conducted 12 in-depth interviews with participants who were diagnosed with an eating disorder and were receiving team-based treatment. Patients uniformly advocated for the coordinated, multidisciplinary treatment approach. Analysis of participants’ experiences yielded four categories: relying on the lifeline of communication, supporting autonomy, drawing on individual strengths, and valuing synergy. These findings build on previous research emphasizing the importance of autonomy support and connectedness in the recovery process from an eating disorder. Findings highlight the importance of nurses to support a multidisciplinary care approach to working with this patient population; these women’s voices also support a treatment approach that, despite being widely recommended, is vastly understudied and underutilized.
Extending the Discussion: Intonation Pedagogy for Bowed Stringed Instruments, Part 2
Authors: Gardner Robert D.
Published: May 2020

There are many factors that influence the ability to play with accurate intonation, and this extending-the-discussion article provides contextual information and suggested teaching strategies for helping students develop such abilities. This Part 2 article describes a series of music activities and teaching strategies that can allow teachers to be more effective in helping students of a variety of skill levels develop their ability to play with accurate intonation.
Induction of blood-circulating bile acids supports recovery from myelosuppressive chemotherapy
Authors: Sigurdsson Valgardur , Haga Youichi , Takei Hajime , Mansell Els , Okamatsu-Haga Chizuko , Suzuki Mitsuyoshi , Radulovic Visnja , van der Garde Mark , Koide Shuhei , Soboleva Svetlana , Gåfvels Mats , Nittono Hiroshi , Ohara Akira , Miharada Kenichi
Published: May 2020

Chemotherapeutic agents can reduce bone marrow (BM) activity, causing myelosuppression, a common life-threatening complication of cancer treatment. It is challenging to predict the patients in whom prolonged myelosuppression will occur, resulting in a delay or discontinuation of the treatment protocol. An early indicator of recovery from myelosuppression would thus be highly beneficial in clinical settings. In this study, bile acids (BAs) were highly increased in the systemic circulation as a natural response during recovery from myelosuppression, supporting regeneration of BM cells. BA levels in the blood of pediatric cancer patients and mice treated with chemotherapeutic agents were increased, in synchrony with early proliferation of BM cells and recovery from myelosuppression. In a mouse model of altered BA composition, Cyp8b1 knockout mice, a subset of mice recovered poorly after chemotherapy. The poor recovery correlated with low levels and changes in composition of BAs in the liver and systemic circulation. Conversely, BA supplementation in chemotherapy-treated wild-type mice resulted in significantly improved recovery. The results suggest that part of the mechanism by which BAs support recovery is the suppression of endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways in expanding and recovering hematopoietic cells. The findings propose a novel role of BAs as early markers of recovery and active components of the recovery process after chemotherapy.
Strain Engineering on the Electronic and Optical Properties of WSSe Bilayer
Authors: Guo Jian , Ke Congming , Wu Yaping , Kang Junyong
Published: May 2020

Controllable optical properties are important for optoelectronic applications. Based on the unique properties and potential applications of two-dimensional Janus WSSe, we systematically investigate the strain-modulated electronic and optical properties of WSSe bilayer through the first-principle calculations. The preferred stacking configurations and chalcogen orders are determined by the binding energies. The bandgap of all the stable structures are found sensitive to the external stress and could be tailored from semiconductor to metallicity under appropriate compressive strains. Atomic orbital projected energy bands reveal a positive correlation between the degeneracy and the structural symmetry, which explains the bandgap evolutions. Dipole transition preference is tuned by the biaxial strain. A controllable transformation between anisotropic and isotropic optical properties is achieved under an around − 6%~− 4% critical strain. The strain controllable electronic and optical properties of the WSSe bilayer may open up an important path for exploring next-generation optoelectronic applications.
Prediction model construction of mouse stem cell pluripotency using CpG and non-CpG DNA methylation markers
Authors: Joe Soobok , Nam Hojung
Published: May 2020

Background

Genome-wide studies of DNA methylation across the epigenetic landscape provide insights into the heterogeneity of pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Differentiating into embryonic somatic and germ cells, ESCs exhibit varying degrees of pluripotency, and epigenetic changes occurring in this process have emerged as important factors explaining stem cell pluripotency.

Results

Here, using paired scBS-seq and scRNA-seq data of mice, we constructed a machine learning model that predicts degrees of pluripotency for mouse ESCs. Since the biological activities of non-CpG markers have yet to be clarified, we tested the predictive power of CpG and non-CpG markers, as well as a combination thereof, in the model. Through rigorous performance evaluation with both internal and external validation, we discovered that a model using both CpG and non-CpG markers predicted the pluripotency of ESCs with the highest prediction performance (0.956 AUC, external test). The prediction model consisted of 16 CpG and 33 non-CpG markers. The CpG and most of the non-CpG markers targeted depletions of methylation and were indicative of cell pluripotency, whereas only a few non-CpG markers reflected accumulations of methylation. Additionally, we confirmed that there exists the differing pluripotency between individual developmental stages, such as E3.5 and E6.5, as well as between induced mouse pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and somatic cell.

Conclusions

In this study, we investigated CpG and non-CpG methylation in relation to mouse stem cell pluripotency and developed a model thereon that successfully predicts the pluripotency of mouse ESCs.
Blast2Fish: a reference-based annotation web tool for transcriptome analysis of non-model teleost fish
Authors: Tso Chun-Hsi , Wu Jen-Leih , Lu Ming-Wei
Published: May 2020

Background

Transcriptome analysis by next-generation sequencing has become a popular technique in recent years. This approach is quite suitable for non-model organism study, as de novo assembly is independent of prior genomic sequences of organisms. De novo sequencing has benefited many studies on commercially important fish species. However, to understand the functions of these assembled sequences, they still need to be annotated with existing sequence databases. By combining Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) and Gene Ontology analysis, we were able to identify homologous sequences of assembled sequences and describe their characteristics using pre-defined tags for each gene, though the above conventional annotation results obtained for non-model assembled sequences was still associated with a lack of pre-defined tags and poorly documented records in the database.

Results

We introduced Blast2Fish, a novel approach for performing functional enrichment analysis on non-model teleost fish transcriptome data. The Blast2Fish pipeline was designed to be a reference-based enrichment method. Instead of annotating the BLAST single top hit by a pre-defined gene-to-tag database, we included 500 hits to search related PubMed articles and parse biological terms. These descriptive terms were then sorted and recorded as annotations for the query. The results showed that Blast2Fish was capable of providing meaningful annotations on immunology topics for non-model fish transcriptome analysis.

Conclusion

Blast2Fish provides a novel approach for annotating sequences of non-model fish. The reference-based strategy allows annotation to be performed without pre-defined tags for each gene. This method strongly benefits non-model teleost fish studies for gene functional enrichment analysis.
Casparian strip membrane domain proteins in Gossypium arboreum: genome-wide identification and negative regulation of lateral root growth
Authors: Wang Xiaoyang , Zhang Yuanming , Wang Liyuan , Pan Zhaoe , He Shoupu , Gao Qiong , Chen Baojun , Gong Wenfang , Du Xiongming
Published: May 2020

Background

Root systems are critical for plant growth and development. The Casparian strip in root systems is involved in stress resistance and maintaining homeostasis. Casparian strip membrane domain proteins (CASPs) are responsible for the formation of Casparian strips.

Results

To investigate the function of CASPs in cotton, we identified and characterized 48, 54, 91 and 94 CASPs from Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium raimondii, Gossypium barbadense and Gossypium hirsutum, respectively, at the genome-wide level. However, only 29 common homologous CASP genes were detected in the four Gossypium species. A collinearity analysis revealed that whole genome duplication (WGD) was the primary reason for the expansion of the genes of the CASP family in the four cotton species. However, dispersed duplication could also contribute to the expansion of the GaCASPs gene family in the ancestors of G. arboreum. Phylogenetic analysis was used to cluster a total of 85 CASP genes from G. arboreum and Arabidopsis into six distinct groups, while the genetic structure and motifs of CASPs were conserved in the same group. Most GaCASPs were expressed in diverse tissues, with the exception of that five GaCASPs (Ga08G0113, Ga08G0114, Ga08G0116, Ga08G0117 and Ga08G0118) that were highly expressed in root tissues. Analyses of the tissue and subcellular localization suggested that GaCASP27 genes (Ga08G0117) are membrane protein genes located in the root. In the GaCASP27 silenced plants and the Arabidopsis mutants, the lateral root number significantly increased. Furthermore, GaMYB36, which is related to root development was found to regulate lateral root growth by targeting GaCASP27.

Conclusions

This study provides a fundamental understanding of the CASP gene family in cotton and demonstrates the regulatory role of GaCASP27 on lateral root growth and development.
The metabolome as a link in the genotype-phenotype map for peroxide resistance in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Harrison Benjamin R. , Wang Lu , Gajda Erika , Hoffman Elise V. , Chung Brian Y. , Pletcher Scott D. , Raftery Daniel , Promislow Daniel E. L.
Published: May 2020

Background

Genetic association studies that seek to explain the inheritance of complex traits typically fail to explain a majority of the heritability of the trait under study. Thus, we are left with a gap in the map from genotype to phenotype. Several approaches have been used to fill this gap, including those that attempt to map endophenotype such as the transcriptome, proteome or metabolome, that underlie complex traits. Here we used metabolomics to explore the nature of genetic variation for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) resistance in the sequenced inbredDrosophilaGenetic Reference Panel (DGRP).

Results

We first studied genetic variation for H2O2resistance in 179 DGRP lines and along with identifying the insulin signaling modulatoru-shapedand several regulators of feeding behavior, we estimate that a substantial amount of phenotypic variation can be explained by a polygenic model of genetic variation. We then profiled a portion of the aqueous metabolome in subsets of eight ‘high resistance’ lines and eight ‘low resistance’ lines. We used these lines to represent collections of genotypes that were either resistant or sensitive to the stressor, effectively modeling a discrete trait. Across the range of genotypes in both populations, flies exhibited surprising consistency in their metabolomic signature of resistance. Importantly, the resistance phenotype of these flies was more easily distinguished by their metabolome profiles than by their genotypes. Furthermore, we found a metabolic response to H2O2in sensitive, but not in resistant genotypes. Metabolomic data further implicated at least two pathways, glycogen and folate metabolism, as determinants of sensitivity to H2O2. We also discovered a confounding effect of feeding behavior on assays involving supplemented food.

Conclusions

This work suggests that the metabolome can be a point of convergence for genetic variation influencing complex traits, and can efficiently elucidate mechanisms underlying trait variation.
Transcriptome analysis reveals rapid defence responses in wheat induced by phytotoxic aphid Schizaphis graminum feeding
Authors: Zhang Yong , Fu Yu , Wang Qian , Liu Xiaobei , Li Qian , Chen Julian
Published: May 2020

Background

Schizaphis graminum is one of the most important and devastating cereal aphids worldwide, and its feeding can cause chlorosis and necrosis in wheat. However, little information is available on the wheat defence responses triggered by S. graminum feeding at the molecular level.

Results

Here, we collected and analysed transcriptome sequencing data from leaf tissues of wheat infested with S. graminum at 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hpi (hours post infestation). A total of 44,835 genes were either up- or downregulated and differed significantly in response to aphid feeding. The expression levels of a number of genes (9761 genes) were significantly altered within 2 hpi and continued to change during the entire 48 h experiment. Gene Ontology analysis showed that the downregulated DEGs were mainly enriched in photosynthesis and light harvesting, and the total chlorophyll content in wheat leaves was also significantly reduced after S. graminum infestation at 24 and 48 hpi. However, a number of related genes of the salicylic acid (SA)-mediated defence signalling pathway and MAPK-WRKY pathway were significantly upregulated at early feeding time points (2 and 6 hpi). In addition, the gene expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, were rapidly increased at 2, 6 and 12 hpi. DAB staining results showed that S. graminum feeding induced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation at the feeding sites at 2 hpi, and increased H2O2 production was detected with the increases in aphid feeding time. Pretreatment with diphenylene iodonium, an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, repressed the H2O2 accumulation and expression levels of SA-associated defence genes in wheat.

Conclusions

Our transcriptomic analysis revealed that defence-related pathways and oxidative stress in wheat were rapidly induced within hours after the initiation of aphid feeding. Additionally, NADPH oxidase plays an important role in aphid-induced defence responses and H2O2 accumulation in wheat. These results provide valuable insight into the dynamic transcriptomic responses of wheat leaves to phytotoxic aphid feeding and the molecular mechanisms of aphid-plant interactions.
Whole-genome homozygosity mapping reveals candidate regions affecting bull fertility in US Holstein cattle
Authors: Nani Juan Pablo , Peñagaricano Francisco
Published: May 2020

Background

Achieving rapid genetic progress while maintaining adequate genetic diversity is one of the main challenges facing the dairy industry. The increase in inbreeding can be used to monitor the loss of genetic diversity. Inbreeding tends to increase the proportion of homozygous loci, some of which cause homozygosity of recessive alleles that results in reduced performance. This phenomenon is known as inbreeding depression and tends to be most prominent on fitness-related traits, such as male fertility. Traditionally, inbreeding has been monitored using pedigree information, or more recently, genomic data. Alternatively, it can be quantified using runs of homozygosity (ROH), i.e., contiguous lengths of homozygous genotypes observed in an individual’s chromosome.

Results

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between ROH and sire conception rate. ROH were evaluated using 268 k genetic markers in 11,790 US Holstein bulls. Interestingly, either the sum, mean, or maximum length of ROH were negatively associated with bull fertility. The association analysis between ROH and sire fertility was performed comparing 300 high-fertility vs. 300 low-fertility bulls. Both the average and sum of ROH length were higher in the low-fertility group. The enrichment of ROH regions in bulls with low fertility was assessed using a Fisher’s exact test. Nine regions were significantly enriched in low-fertility compared to high-fertility bulls. Notably, these regions harbor genes that are closely related to sperm biology and male fertility, including genes exclusively or highly expressed in testis.

Conclusions

The results of this study can help not only to manage inbreeding in genomic selection programs by designing custom mating schemes, but also to better understand the mechanisms underlying male fertility in dairy cattle.
Patient experience with subcutaneous immunoglobulin 20%, Ig20Gly, for primary immunodeficiency diseases: a prespecified post hoc analysis of combined data from 2 pivotal trials
Authors: Meckley Lisa M. , Wu Yanyu , Ito Diane , Berner Todd , McCoy Barbara , Yel Leman
Published: May 2020

Background

Often, patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID), which are marked by the absence or loss of functional antibodies, require lifelong treatment with immunoglobulin (IG) replacement therapy administered either intravenously (intravenous immunoglobulin [IVIG]) or subcutaneously (subcutaneous immunoglobulin [SCIG]). In patients with PID, the 20% SCIG product, Ig20Gly, was shown to be efficacious and well tolerated in 2 phase 2/3 trials conducted in North America and Europe. This analysis evaluated patient satisfaction with Ig20Gly therapy and treatment preferences.

Methods

This prespecified post hoc analysis showed combined data from 2 Ig20Gly pivotal trials. Treatment satisfaction was assessed in the pre-Ig20Gly period and after ≥11 months of Ig20Gly treatment using the Life Quality Index (LQI; both studies) and the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication-9 (TSQM-9; North American study only). Treatment preference was assessed using a survey at the end of the European study. Median within-patient differences in LQI and TSQM-9 scores between the pre-Ig20Gly period and the end of the Ig20Gly treatment period were assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results

A total of 113 patients (n = 68 [North American]; n = 45 [Europe]) with PID were included in the analysis. In the combined LQI analysis (n = 110), significant improvements were observed in the treatment interference (median ∆: + 2.8; P = 0.006) and therapy setting (median ∆: + 5.6; P < 0.0001) domains, and in the item-level scores for convenience (median ∆: + 1.0; P < 0.0001) and interference with work/school (median ∆: + 1.0; P = 0.0001) categories. In the subgroup analyses, significant improvements in the treatment interference and therapy setting domains and the convenience and interference with work/school items were observed for those who had previously received treatment outside the home, those who had previously received IVIG, and those in the North American study. Significant improvements were observed in the TSQM-9 treatment convenience domain (median ∆: + 11.1; P < 0.0001) and selected item-level scores in the North American study. In the European study, most (88.9%) patients preferred to continue Ig20Gly versus other IG treatments.

Conclusions

After ≥11 months of taking Ig20Gly, patients reported high levels of treatment satisfaction, convenience, and preference for Ig20Gly, with consistent results across studies and use of multiple patient-reported outcome measures.
Fecal microbiota composition is linked to the postoperative disease course in patients with Crohn’s disease
Authors: Strömbeck Anna , Lasson Anders , Strid Hans , Sundin Johanna , Stotzer Per-Ove , Simrén Magnus , Magnusson Maria K. , Öhman Lena
Published: May 2020

Background

The role of the fecal microbiota composition for the postoperative disease course of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) who have undergone ileocecal resection remains to be established. In this study, we investigated if the fecal microbiota composition, determined by a high throughput test quantifying a pre-selected set of bacteria, is associated with the postoperative disease course of CD patients.

Methods

Fecal samples were obtained from healthy subjects as well as from CD patients, 3–10 weeks and 1 year after ileocaecal resection. The fecal microbial composition was analyzed by Genetic Analysis GA-map Dysbiosis test, targeting ≥300 bacteria on different taxonomic levels. Postoperative disease status was assessed endoscopically according to Rutgeerts scoring system 1 year after surgery. Differences in fecal microbiota composition between groups were analyzed by multivariate factor analyses and cluster analysis. Microbial stability over time was determined using Bray-Curtis dissimilarity.

Results

One year after surgery, the fecal microbiota composition differed between CD patients (n = 21) and healthy subjects (n = 7). At this time point, the microbiota composition of CD patients was associated with disease course, clearly separating patients with disease relapse (n = 8) and patients in remission (n = 13). Further, the microbial within-patient stability was high during the first year after surgery, irrespective of disease course.

Conclusion

The fecal microbiota composition of CD patients, analyzed by GA-map Dysbiosis test, is subject to little variation over time, and may potentially be used as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for the postoperative disease course.
Day centres for older people - attender characteristics, access routes and outcomes of regular attendance: findings of exploratory mixed methods case study research
Authors: Orellana Katharine , Manthorpe Jill , Tinker Anthea
Published: May 2020

Background

Social prescribing is encouraged to promote well-being, reduce isolation and loneliness. Traditional, generalist day centres for older people could be suggested by social prescribing, but little is known about their clientele or their outcomes. As part of a larger study of the role, outcomes and commissioning of generalist English day centres for older people, the characteristics of attenders at 4 day centres, their reasons for attendance and outcomes were explored.

Methods

This mixed-methods study used qualitative interviews and standardised tools within an embedded multiple-case study design. Semi-structured interviews with older day centre attenders (n = 23, 62% of eligible attenders) of 4 day centres in south-east England, recruited purposively to reflect organisational differences, were analysed.

Results

Participants reported non-elective withdrawal from socialisation following health or mobility decline, or losses. Apart from living arrangements and marital status, attenders’ profiles differed between centres. Access had been mostly facilitated by others. Day centre attendance enhanced quality of life for this group of socially isolated people with mobility restrictions and at risk of declining independence and wellbeing. The positive impact on attenders’ social participation and involvement and on meaningful occupation was significant (p-value < 0.001, 99% CI), with an average ASCOT gain score of 0.18. Ten outcome themes were identified.

Conclusion

Outcomes of day centre attendance are those targeted by social care and health policy. Centres were communities that ‘enabled’ and offset loss or isolation, thus supporting ageing in place through wellbeing and contributed something unique to their attenders’ lives. By monitoring attenders’ health and wellbeing and providing practical support, information and facilitating access to other services, centres offered added value. Attendance needs to be set in the context of other social engagement and care provision which may not overlap or duplicate centre support. Professionals may wish to explore the benefits of social prescriptions to day centres but should map local centres’ provision, engage with their organisers, and seek information on attenders, who may differ from those in this study.
Effectiveness of lidocaine/prilocaine cream on cardiovascular reactions from endotracheal intubation and cough events during recovery period of older patients under general anesthesia: prospective, randomized placebo-controlled study
Authors: Lv Linsheng , Yan Lei , Liu Xun , Chen Miaoxia
Published: May 2020

Background

Endotracheal intubation is known to pose significant physiological, pharmacokinetic, and dynamic changes and postoperative respiratory complications in patients under general anesthesia.

Method

An RCT trial was organized by the Third Affiliated Hospital at Sun Yat-sen University, China. Patients were eligible for inclusion in the trial if they were over 60 years old and had upper-abdominal surgery during the induction of anesthesia and had enrolled in endotracheal intubations. The primary end point included cardiovascular reactions during the induction of anesthesia and endotracheal intubations and cough events during the recovery period. In the test group, 2 g of lidocaine/prilocaine cream (and in the control group, 2 g of Vaseline) were laid over the surface of the tracheal tube cuff.

Results

The systolic blood pressure (F value = 62.271, p < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (F value = 150.875, p < 0.001), and heart rate (F value = 75.627, p < 0.001) of the test group were significantly lower than the control group. Cough events during the recovery period in the test group were better (spontaneous cough, χ2 value = 10.591, p < 0.001; induced cough, χ2 value =10.806, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In older patients, coughing and cardiovascular reactions under anesthesia and endotracheal intubations were reduced, as a result of using lidocaine/prilocaine cream on the surface of the tracheal tube cuff.

Trial registration

International Clinical Trials Network NCT02017392, 2013-12-16.
The predictive role of serum calprotectin on mortality in hemodialysis patients with high phosphoremia
Authors: Kanki Tomoko , Kuwabara Takashige , Morinaga Jun , Fukami Hirotaka , Umemoto Shuro , Fujimoto Daisuke , Mizumoto Teruhiko , Hayata Manabu , Kakizoe Yutaka , Izumi Yuichiro , Tajiri Saeko , Tajiri Tetsuya , Kitamura Kenichiro , Mukoyama Masashi
Published: May 2020

Background

The inflammatory mediator calprotectin (CPT, myeloid-related protein 8/14) is known as an endogenous ligand contributing to pathophysiology in inflammatory diseases. Serum CPT reportedly became a potential biomarker in these conditions, though there is no report predicting the prognosis in hemodialysis patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the predictive role of serum CPT on mortality in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter, observational cohort study of 388 Japanese subjects undergoing hemodialysis. Serum CPT were measured using an ELISA. The potential associations between serum CPT and clinical variables were cross-sectionally examined. Multivariate Cox regression was used to estimate the association between serum CPT, high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP), white blood cell (WBC) count and mortality. Median follow-up was 6.6 years.

Results

The median CPT level was 6108 ng/ml (median in healthy subjects, 2800) at baseline. Serum CPT positively correlated with WBC count (ρ = 0.54,P < 0.001) and hs-CRP values (ρ = 0.35, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, hs-CRP was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality after adjusting confounding factors (middle vs. low: hazard ratio [HR] 2.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23–3.66; high vs. low: 2.47, 1.40–4.47). In the analysis by stratum of phosphate levels, elevated CPT levels were significantly associated with all-cause mortality in the highest tertile (18.1; 3.15–345.9) among the high-phosphate group, but not among the low-phosphate group.

Conclusions

Serum CPT would become a potential predictive marker on mortality in hemodialysis patients with high-phosphate levels.
Prevalence of myopia among secondary school students in Welkite town: South-Western Ethiopia
Authors: Gessesse Sara Abebaw , Teshome Addisu Worku
Published: May 2020

Background

Refractive error, especially myopia, is the most common eye disorder in the world and a significant cause of correctable visual impairment. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of myopia among secondary school students in Welkite town, South-Western Ethiopia.

Methods

A school based cross sectional study was carried out among secondary school students of 13 to 26 years of age. The students were selected using a multi stage-stratified cluster sampling technique from four secondary schools. The students’ socioeconomic background, usage of eyeglasses and parental myopia was assessed by a questionnaire before visual acuity assessment. Students with visual acuity of less than or equal to 6/12 in the worse eye, who showed vision improvement with pinhole, underwent non-cycloplegic retinoscopy and subjective refraction. Myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent of less than or equal to − 0.50 diopters. Logistic regression was used to see the association of myopia with age, sex, grade level, ethnicity, parental history of myopia and severity.

Results

A total of 1271 students with a response rate of 89.4% were evaluated. The mean age was 16.56+ 1.51 years. Eighty three students were identified to have myopic refractive error making the prevalence of 6.5% (95% CI: 5.30, 8.02). Of 648 females, 50 (7.7%) had myopia while 33 (5.3%) of 623 males had myopia making females relative risk to be 1.5 times that of males. From the total students diagnosed to have refractive error (n = 92), myopia constituted 83/92 (90.2%) of the students indicating that it is the commonest type of refractive error found amongst secondary school students. Only 36.1% of students with myopia wore eyeglasses when they attended the survey. Myopia was more common among older age group 17–21 years (OR: 1.54 95% CI 0.986–2.415) and higher grade level 11–12 (OR: 1.14 95% CI 0.706–1.847).

Conclusions

The prevalence of myopia is high in our study. Attention to the correction of myopia in secondary schools students of Welkite town using eyeglasses can prevent a major proportion of visual impairment.
Purchase and use of home healthcare devices for the elderly: a pilot study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Wang Duojin , Liu Shiyu , Wu Jing , Lin Qinglian
Published: May 2020

Background

In China, home-based healthcare/rehabilitation has always been advocated by the government and is the most prevalent healthcare pattern. However, there is currently no data on how many each product has been purchased, and it is not clear what factors are associated with their use. The research aims to clarify the current practices and attitudes of the elderly on such matters, and further analyze their influence factors.

Methods

This pilot study consisted of two-round regional survey, conducted from July 25 to August 3, 2015 and July 20 to August 10, 2018 respectively. Both surveys released on-site paper questionnaires and collected after filling out in different communities.

Results

Two hundred forty-four valid questionnaires from 52 communities were collected. Compared with 2015 (30.8%), the number of people who did not purchase home healthcare devices in the same area decreased in 2018 (28.2%). Hemopiezometer (44.3%), glucometer (18.4%), massager (21.3%) and walking devices (19.3%) are the four main types of products that urbanites are most willing to buy. In addition, users’ age group, education level, and income level were significantly correlated with the purchase of certain products.

Conclusions

The types of home healthcare devices purchased by respondents are consistent with the distribution of chronic diseases of urban residents in China. The analysis of product brands also revealed the existing problems and huge growth space of the industry market, which also requires the government to introduce relevant policies and measures to regulate the market and accelerate the development of the industry.
The combined effect of socioeconomic status and metabolic syndrome on depression: the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES)
Authors: Kim B. , Park E. Y.
Published: May 2020

Background

Depression shows different patterns depending on socioeconomic status (SES) and metabolic syndrome (MS). However, the nature of this association remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine whether the combination of MS and lower SES was associated with the prevalence of depression, based on data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES).

Methods

Data were obtained from a cross-sectional study of 24,102 adults (> 19 years of age) who participated in the KNHANES during 2008–2013 and for whom MS and depression data were available. MS was defined using the diagnostic criteria of the modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Measure of depression was ascertained from self-reports of physician diagnosis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between depression and MS as well as SES (alone and in combination).

Results

Overall, 622 of the 24,102 subjects (2.6%) met the criteria for depression. The prevalence of depression was associated with MS, a lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, an elevated triglyceride level, a lower education level, and a lower household income. Participants with MS and a low SES had a higher likelihood of depression than those without MS and a high SES (odds ratio [OR] = 4.180 for low education level and OR = 3.994 for low household income level).

Conclusions

This study suggests that the combination of SES and MS may play an important role in depression, which has implications for healthcare policy and depression management.
A diver’s dilemma – a case report on bronchopulmonary sequestration
Authors: Tan Timothy Xin Zhong , Li Andrew Yunkai , Sng James Jie , Lim Mark , Tan Zhi Xiang , Ang Hope Xian’en , Ho Boon Hor , Law David Zhiwei , Hsu Anne Ann Ling
Published: May 2020

Background

An asymptomatic SCUBA (Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diver was discovered to have an intralobar bronchopulmonary sequestration during routine pre-course screening. This is the first reported case of a diver who, having previously completed several recreational and military diving courses, was subsequently diagnosed with a congenital lung condition, possibly contraindicating diving. Presently, there is no available literature providing guidance on the diving fitness of patients with such a condition.

Case presentation

An asymptomatic 26-year-old male diver was nominated to attend an overseas naval diving course. Prior to this, he had been medically certified to participate in, and had successfully completed other military and recreational diving courses. He had also completed several hyperbaric dives up to a depth of 50 m and 45 recreational dives up to a depth of 30 m. He did not have a history of diving-related injuries or complications. He had never smoked and did not have any medical or congenital conditions, specifically recurrent respiratory infections. As part of pre-course screening requirements, a lateral Chest X-ray was performed, which revealed a left lower lobe pulmonary nodule. This was subsequently diagnosed as a cavitatory left lower lobe intralobar bronchopulmonary sequestration on Computed Tomography Thorax. The diver remains asymptomatic and well at the time of writing and has been accepted to participate in another overseas course involving only dry diving in a hyperbaric chamber, with no prerequisites for him to undergo surgery.

Conclusion

Although bronchopulmonary sequestrations lack communication with the tracheobronchial tree, they may still contain pockets of air, even if not radiologically visible. This can be attributed to anomalous connections which link them to other bronchi, lung parenchyma and/or pores of Kohn. As such, there is a higher theoretical risk of pulmonary barotrauma during diving, leading to pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, or cerebral arterial gas embolism. Taking these into consideration, the current clinical consensus is that bronchopulmonary sequestrations and all other air-containing lung parenchymal lesions should be regarded as contraindications to diving. Patients who have undergone definitive and uncomplicated surgical resection may be considered fit to dive.
miR-185 inhibits prostate cancer angiogenesis induced by the nodal/ALK4 pathway
Authors: Li Youkong , Zhong Wen , Zhu Min , Li Mengbo , Yang Zhenwei
Published: May 2020

Background

Inhibition of angiogenesis in prostatic cancer could be a brand-new method to suppress tumour progression. Nodal/ALK4 has been associated with vascularization in many cancers. However, the relationship between and role of Nodal/ALK4 and miR-185 in human prostatic cancer is still unknown.

Methods

Prostatic cancer DU145 cells and LNCaP cells were used to investigate the angiogenic effect induced by Nodal and the anti-angiogenic roles of miR-185. Colony formation assay, MTT assay, transwell assay and tube formation assay were used to explore cell proliferation, migration and tube-forming ability, respectively. A luciferase reporter assay confirmed the binding relationship between miR-185 and ALK4. The expression levels of miR-185, ALK4 and VEGF were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The effects of miR-185 and Nodal in prostate cancer were also investigated in animal experiments.

Results

VEGF expression was increased in DU145 cells and LNCaP cells after Nodal incubation, and Nodal activated the proliferation ability of prostatic cancer cells and the migration and tube-forming ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which were all inhibited by treatment with the Nodal inhibitor SB431524. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assay were used to verify miR-185 as a target of ALK4. Prostatic cancer cell proliferation was inhibited by overexpression of miR-185, which was shown to regulate the migration and angiogenesis of HUVECs by targeting ALK4 for suppression. miR-185 also showed a significant inverse correlation with Nodal treatment and reversed the angiogenic effects induced by Nodal. More importantly, for the first time, xenograft experiments indicated that overexpression of miR-185 suppressed tumour development.

Conclusion

The Nodal/ALK4 pathway is important in the angiogenesis of prostate cancer and can be inhibited by targeting miR-185 to downregulate ALK4. These findings provide a new perspective on the mechanism of prostate cancer formation.
Adaptation and validation of the Berlin questionnaire of competence in evidence-based dentistry for dental students: a pilot study
Authors: Imorde Laura , Möltner Andreas , Runschke Maren , Weberschock Tobias , Rüttermann Stefan , Gerhardt-Szép Susanne
Published: May 2020

Background

The purpose of this pilot study was to create a valid and reliable set of assessment questions for examining Evidence-based Dentistry (EbD) knowledge. For this reason, we adapted and validated for dental students the Berlin Questionnaire (BQ), which assesses Evidence-based Medicine (EbM) abilities.

Methods

The Berlin Questionnaire was validated with medical residents. We adapted it for use in a dentistry setting. An expert panel reviewed the adapted BQ for content validity. A cross-sectional cohort representing four training levels (EbD-novice dental students, EbD-trained dental students, dentists, and EbM−/EbD-expert faculty) completed the questionnaire. A total of 140 participants comprised the validation set. Internal reliability, item difficulty and item discrimination were assessed. Construct validity was assessed by comparing the mean total scores of students to faculty and comparing proportions of students and faculty who passed each item.

Results

Among the 133 participants (52 EbD-novice dental students, 53 EbD-trained dental students, 12 dentists, and 16 EbM-/ EbD-expert faculty), a statistically significant (p < 0.001) difference was evident in the total score corresponding to the training level. The total score reliability and psychometric properties of items modified for discipline-specific content were acceptable. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.648.

Conclusion

The adapted Berlin Questionnaire is a reliable and valid instrument to assess competence in Evidence-based Dentistry in dental students. Future research will focus on refining the instrument further.