bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“The ancient and the new”: is there an interaction between cytomegalovirus and SARS-CoV-2 infection?
Authors: Moss Paul
Published: May 2020

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic represents one of the greatest infectious challenges to humanity in recent history. One of the striking features of infection is the heterogeneous clinical response with worse outcomes observed in older patients and those with underlying health conditions. To date the potential impact of previous infection history has been poorly investigated as a potential determinant of risk. Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a persistent herpesvirus infection whose prevalence increases with age, is a major modulator of immune function and several observations suggest that infection might act to influence clinical outcome following SARS-CoV-2 infection. In particular, CMV is associated with the acceleration of immune senescence and has been linked to a range of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. This review addresses mechanisms by which cytomegalovirus infection may act to worsen the clinical outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection, discusses how these potential links could be investigated, and assesses the potential significance of any findings that emerge.
Toxicological evaluation of exhaust emissions from light-duty vehicles using different fuel alternatives in sub-freezing conditions
Authors: Hakkarainen Henri , Aakko-Saksa Päivi , Sainio Maija , Ihantola Tuukka , Rönkkö Teemu J. , Koponen Päivi , Rönkkö Topi , Jalava Pasi I.
Published: May 2020

Background

Emissions from road traffic are under constant discussion since they pose a major threat to human health despite the increasingly strict emission targets and regulations. Although the new passenger car regulations have been very effective in reducing the particulate matter (PM) emissions, the aged car fleet in some EU countries remains a substantial source of PM emissions. Moreover, toxicity of PM emissions from multiple new types of bio-based fuels remain uncertain and different driving conditions such as the sub-zero running temperature has been shown to affect the emissions. Overall, the current literature and experimental knowledge on the toxicology of these PM emissions and conditions is scarce.

Methods

In the present study, we show that exhaust gas PM from newly regulated passenger cars fueled by different fuels at sub-zero temperatures, induce toxicological responses in vitro. We used exhaust gas volume-based PM doses to give us better insight on the real-life exposure and included one older diesel car to estimate the effect of the new emissions regulations.

Results

In cars compliant with the new regulations, gasoline (E10) displayed the highest PM concentrations and toxicological responses, while the higher ethanol blend (E85) resulted in slightly lower exhaust gas PM concentrations and notably lower toxicological responses in comparison. Engines powered by modern diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG) yielded the lowest PM concentrations and toxicological responses.

Conclusions

The present study shows that toxicity of the exhaust gas PM varies depending on the fuels used. Additionally, concentration and toxicity of PM from an older diesel car were vastly higher, compared to contemporary vehicles, indicating the beneficial effects of the new emissions regulations.
Tumor aggression among hepatitis-C related hepatocellular carcinoma patients: an observational study regarding the impact of anti-HCV therapy
Authors: Khalid Javeria , Umar Mohammad , Ur-Rehman Tofeeq , Ali Mashhood , Khan Gul Majid
Published: May 2020

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development and anti-HCV therapy is a significant measure to reduce the incidence of HCC, however development of HCC in HCV treated patients is an emerging clinical problem which needs to be investigated. In this study we aim to analyze association between anti-HCV therapy and tumor pattern of HCV related HCC patients.

Methods

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) patients with seropositivity for hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies, registered at three tertiary care hospitals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan during August 2017 to July 2018 were enrolled. Selected patients were then segregated in two groups on the basis of their HCV treatment history i.e., “TN” (HCV Treatment Naïve i.e. having no history/medical record for treatment prior to HCC diagnosis) and “TH” (Treated for HCV infection). Aggressiveness index (AgI) scoring system was applied to determine the tumor pattern. Univariate and multivariate analysis was carried out to analyze the independent effect of anti-HCV therapy on tumor pattern.

Results

Out of 234 consecutive HCC patients, 171 HCV-related HCC patients were enrolled in final analysis and labeled as “TN” (n = 120) and “TH” (n = 51). Tumor pattern was found to be significantly aggressive (P = 0.02) in the treated cohort with an adjusted odds of 2.47 for aggressive and 6.92 for highly aggressive tumor. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was strongly associated with highly aggressive tumor pattern (P = 0.012). Patients in TN group were found to be marginally older than those in the TH group (59.5 vs. 55 years) where mean age of the patients treated with direct acting anti-viral agents was found to be visibly lower than mean age of patients who received interferon based treatment (53.5 vs. 57 years) with significant masculine predominance (62.1 vs. 37.9%, P = 0.049).

Conclusion

We observed raised neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and prominence of younger age with aggressive tumor biology in HCV treated HCC patients. These observations highlight the need for a longitudinal prospective study on HCV positive subjects treated with antivirals, irrespective of treatment response.
Investigating the delivery of health and nutrition interventions for women and children in conflict settings: a collection of case studies from the BRANCH Consortium
Authors: Ataullahjan Anushka , Gaffey Michelle F. , Sami Samira , Singh Neha S. , Tappis Hannah , Black Robert E. , Blanchet Karl , Boerma Ties , Langer Ana , Spiegel Paul B. , Waldman Ronald J. , Wise Paul H. , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: May 2020

Globally, the number of people affected by conflict is the highest in history, and continues to steadily increase. There is currently a pressing need to better understand how to deliver critical health interventions to women and children affected by conflict. The compendium of articles presented in this Conflict and Health Collection brings together a range of case studies recently undertaken by the BRANCH Consortium (Bridging Research & Action in Conflict Settings for the Health of Women and Children). These case studies describe how humanitarian actors navigate and negotiate the multiple obstacles and forces that challenge the delivery of health and nutrition interventions for women, children and adolescents in conflict-affected settings, and to ultimately provide some insight into how service delivery can be improved.
Pathological alterations in striatal compartments in the human brain of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Kuo Hsiao-Ying , Liu Fu-Chin
Published: May 2020

The striatum comprises a mosaic structure of striosomal and matrix compartments. Imbalanced neuronal activity between striosomes and matrix is implicated in neurological deficits in psychomotor and limbic functions. Because patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are impaired in social communication and psychomotor function, it raises the possibility that abnormal striatal compartments may contribute to ASD pathogenesis. Here, we provide pathological evidence from human postmortem brains to support this hypothesis. Because ASD is a neurodevelopmental disease that emerges early in childhood, we analyzed juvenile and adolescent brains. Distinct patterns ofPRODYNORPHIN-positive and calbindin-poor striosomes were detected in the caudate nucleus of control brains by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. By contrast,PRODYNORPHIN-positive and calbindin-poor striosomes were decreased in the caudate nucleus of young ASD brains. Moreover, calbindin, a matrix marker, was aberrantly increased in the striosomal compartment, obscuring the boundaries between calbindin-poor striosomes and calbindin-rich matrix in ASD caudate nucleus. Calbindin-positive cells were decreased in the ASD matrix compartment. Collectively, our study has uncovered for the first time that aberrant striatal compartments occur in the caudate nucleus of human ASD brains, which suggests abnormal striatal compartmentation as a pathological signature that has previously been underestimated in ASD pathogenesis.
The recurrent SETBP1 c.2608G > A, p.(Gly870Ser) variant in a patient with Schinzel-Giedion syndrome: an illustrative case of the utility of whole exome sequencing in a critically ill neonate
Authors: Leone Maria Pia , Palumbo Pietro , Palumbo Orazio , Di Muro Ester , Chetta Massimiliano , Laforgia Nicola , Resta Nicoletta , Stella Alessandro , Castellana Stefano , Mazza Tommaso , Castori Marco , Carella Massimo , Bukvic Nenad
Published: May 2020

Background

Schinzel-Giedion syndrome (SGS) is a multiple malformation syndrome mainly characterized by severe intellectual disability, distinctive facial features, and multiple congenital anomalies, including skeletal abnormalities, genitourinary and renal malformations, cardiac defects, as well as an increased pediatric cancer risk. Recently, SGS has been associated with de novo heterozygous deleterious variants in the SETBP1 gene; to date, nine different variants, clustering in exon 4 of SETBP1, have been identified in 25 patients.

Case presentation

In this study, by using Whole Exome Sequencing (WES), we identified a patient with a recurrent missense mutation in SETBP1, the c.2608G > A, p.(Gly870Ser) variant, previously reported as likely pathogenic. This finding allowed us to confirm the suspected clinical diagnosis of SGS. Clinical features of patients carrying the same variant, including our patient, were evaluated by a review of medical records.

Conclusions

Our study confirms SGS as a severe disorder potentially presenting at birth as a critically ill neonate and demonstrates the causal role of the c.2608G > A, p.(Gly870Ser) variant in the etiology of the syndrome. Moreover, although the cohort of SETBP1-patients reported in the literature is still small, our study reports for the first time the prevalence of the variant (about 27%, 7/26). Finally, given the heterogeneity of clinical presentations of affected patients hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) and/or Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU), in agreement with emerging data from the literature, we suggest that WES should be used in the diagnosis of unexplained syndromic conditions, and even as part of a standard first-line diagnostic approach, as it would allow a better diagnosis, counseling and management of affected patients and their families.
Core outcome set measurement for future clinical trials in acute myeloid leukemia: the HARMONY study protocol using a multi-stakeholder consensus-based Delphi process and a final consensus meeting
Authors: Lang Katharina M. , Harrison Kathryn L. , Williamson Paula R. , Huntly Brian J. P. , Ossenkoppele Gert , Geissler Jan , Bereczky Tamàs , Hernández-Rivas Jesús M. , Chevrou-Séverac Hélène , Goodbody Rory , Schulze-Rath Renate , Bullinger Lars
Published: May 2020

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults and has an unacceptably low cure rate. In recent years, a number of new treatment strategies and compounds were developed for the treatment of AML. There were several randomized controlled clinical trials with the objective to improve patients’ management and patients’ outcome in AML. Unfortunately, these trials are not always directly comparable since they do not measure the same outcomes, and currently there are no core outcome sets that can be used to guide outcome selection and harmonization in this disease area. The HARMONY (Healthcare Alliance for Resourceful Medicine Offensive against Neoplasms in Hematology) Alliance is a public-private European network established in 2017 and currently includes 53 partners and 32 associated members from 22 countries. Amongst many other goals of the HARMONY Alliance, Work Package 2 focuses on defining outcomes that are relevant to each hematological malignancy. Accordingly, this pilot study will be performed to define a core outcome set in AML.

Methods

The pilot study will use a three-round Delphi survey and a final consensus meeting to define a core outcome set. Participants will be recruited from different stakeholder groups, including patients, clinicians, regulators and members of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations. At the pre-Delphi stage, a literature research was conducted followed by several semi-structured interviews of clinical public and private key opinion leaders. Subsequently, the preliminary outcome list was discussed in several multi-stakeholder face-to-face meetings. The Delphi survey will reduce the preliminary outcome list to essential core outcomes. After completion of the last Delphi round, a final face-to-face meeting is planned to achieve consensus about the core outcome set in AML.

Discussion

As part of the HARMONY Alliance, the pilot Delphi aims to define a core outcome set in AML on the basis of a multi-stakeholder consensus. Such a core outcome set will help to allow consistent comparison of future clinical trials and real-world evidence research and ensures that appropriate outcomes valued by a range of stakeholders are measured within future trials.
Taf14 is required for the stabilization of transcription pre-initiation complex in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Peil Kadri , Jürgens Henel , Luige Johanna , Kristjuhan Kersti , Kristjuhan Arnold
Published: May 2020

Background

The YEATS domain is a highly conserved protein structure that interacts with acetylated and crotonylated lysine residues in N-terminal tails of histones. The budding yeast genome encodes three YEATS domain proteins (Taf14, Yaf9, and Sas5) that are all the subunits of different complexes involved in histone acetylation, gene transcription, and chromatin remodeling. As the strains deficient in all these three genes are inviable, it has been proposed that the YEATS domain is essential in yeast. In this study we investigate in more detail the requirement of YEATS domain proteins for yeast survival and the possible roles of Taf14 YEATS domain in the regulation of gene transcription.

Results

We found that YEATS domains are not essential for the survival of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. Although the full deletion of all YEATS proteins is lethal in yeast, we show that the viability of cells can be restored by the expression of the YEATS-less version of Taf14 protein. We also explore the in vivo functions of Taf14 protein and show that the primary role of its YEATS domain is to stabilize the transcription pre-initiation complex (PIC). Our results indicate that Taf14-mediated interactions become crucial for PIC formation in rpb9Δ cells, where the recruitment of TFIIF to the PIC is hampered. Although H3 K9 residue has been identified as the interaction site of the Taf14 YEATS domain in vitro, we found that it is not the only interaction target in vivo.

Conclusions

Lethality of YEATS-deficient cells can be rescued by the expression of truncated Taf14 protein lacking the entire YEATS domain, indicating that the YEATS domains are not required for cell survival. The YEATS domain of Taf14 participates in PIC stabilization and acetylated/crotonylated H3K9 is not the critical target of the Taf14 YEATS domain in vivo.
The Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative Composite Cognitive Test: a practical measure for tracking cognitive decline in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Langbaum Jessica B. , Ellison Noel N. , Caputo Angelika , Thomas Ronald G. , Langlois Carolyn , Riviere Marie-Emmanuelle , Graf Ana , Lopez Lopez Cristina , Reiman Eric M. , Tariot Pierre N. , Hendrix Suzanne B.
Published: May 2020

Background

There is growing interest in identifying sensitive composite cognitive tests to serve as primary endpoints in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) treatment trials. We reported previously a composite cognitive test score sensitive to tracking preclinical AD decline up to 5 years prior to clinical diagnosis. Here we expand upon and refine this work, empirically deriving a composite cognitive test score sensitive to tracking preclinical AD decline up to 11 years prior to diagnosis and suitable for use as a primary endpoint in a preclinical AD trial.

Methods

This study used a longitudinal approach to maximize sensitivity to tracking progressive cognitive decline in people who progressed to the clinical stages of AD (n = 868) compared to those who remained cognitively unimpaired during the same time period (n = 989), thereby correcting for normal aging and practice effects. Specifically, we developed the Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative Preclinical Composite Cognitive test (APCC) to measure very early longitudinal cognitive decline in older adults with preclinical AD. Data from three cohorts from Rush University were analyzed using a partial least squares (PLS) regression model to identify optimal composites within different time periods prior to diagnosis, up to 11 years prior to diagnosis. The mean-to-standard deviation ratio (MSDRs) is an indicator of sensitivity to change and was used to inform the final calculation of the composite score.

Results

The optimal composite, the APCC, is calculated: 0.26*Symbol Digit Modalities + 2.24*MMSE Orientation to Time + 2.14*MMSE Orientation to Place + 0.53*Logical Memory Delayed Recall + 1.36* Word List-Delayed Recall + 0.68*Judgment of Line Orientation + 1.39*Raven’s Progressive Matrices Matrices (subset of 9 items from A and B). The MSDR of the APCC in a population of preclinical AD individuals who eventually progress to cognitive impairment, compared to those who remained cognitively unimpaired during the same time period, was − 1.10 over 1 year.

Conclusions

The APCC is an empirically derived composite cognitive test score with high face validity that is sensitive to preclinical AD decline up to 11 years prior to diagnosis of the clinical stages of AD. The components of the APCC are supported by theoretical understanding of cognitive decline that occurs during preclinical AD. The APCC was used as a primary outcome in the API Generation Program trials.
Hereditary angioedema C1-esterase inhibitor replacement therapy and coexisting autoimmune disorders: findings from a claims database
Authors: Farkas Henriette , Levy Donald , Supina Dylan , Berger Melvin , Prusty Subhransu , Fridman Moshe
Published: May 2020

In this letter to the editor, we present results of claims data analysis. This claims data analysis supports a hypothesis that in patients with hereditary angioedema due to C1-esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency, the occurrence and/or symptomatology of coexisting autoimmune disease may be positively influenced by a replacement therapy with plasma derived C1-INH.
Existence of a strong solution to moist atmospheric equations with the effects of topography
Authors: Lian Ruxu , Ma Jieqiong
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we consider the primitive three-dimensional viscous equations for large-scale atmosphere dynamics with topography effects and water vapor phase transition process. This modified climate model is commonly used in weather and climate predictions, and few theoretical analyses have been performed on them. The existence and uniqueness of a global strong solution to this climate model is established based on the initial data assumptions.
Stability and bifurcation analysis in a single-species stage structure system with Michaelis–Menten-type harvesting
Authors: Yu Xiangqin , Zhu Zhenliang , Lai Liyun , Chen Fengde
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we prpose a single-species stage structure model with Michaelis–Menten-type harvesting for mature population. We investigate the existence of all possible equilibria of the system and discuss the stability of equilibria. We use Sotomayor’s theorem to derive the conditions for the existence of saddle-node and transcritical bifurcations. From the ecological point of view, we analyze the effect of harvesting on the model of mature population and consider it as a bifurcation parameter, giving the maximum threshold of continuous harvesting. By constructing a Lyapunov function and Bendixson–Dulac discriminant, we give sufficient conditions for the global stability of boundary equilibrium and positive equilibrium, respectively. Our study shows that nonlinear harvesting may lead to a complex dynamic behavior of the system, which is quite different from linear harvesting. We carry out numeric simulations to verify the feasibility of the main results.
Rattlesnake migrations and the implications of thermal landscapes
Authors: Harvey Jessica A. , Larsen Karl W.
Published: May 2020

Background

The importance of thermal resources to terrestrial ectotherms has been well documented but less often considered in larger-scale analyses of habitat use and selection, such as those routinely conducted using standard habitat features such as vegetation and physical structure. Selection of habitat based on thermal attributes may be of particular importance for ectothermic species, especially in colder climates. In Canada, Western Rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus) reach their northern limits, with limited time to conduct annual migratory movements between hibernacula and summer habitat. We radio-tracked 35 male snakes departing from 10 different hibernacula. We examined coarse-scale differences in migratory movements across the region, and then compared the route of each snake with thermal landscapes and ruggedness GIS maps generated for different periods of the animals’ active season.

Results

We observed dichotomous habitat use (grasslands versus upland forests) throughout most of the species’ northern range, reflected in different migratory movements of male snakes emanating from different hibernacula. Snakes utilizing higher-elevation forests moved further during the course of their annual migrations, and these snakes were more likely to use warmer areas of the landscape.

Conclusion

In addition to thermal benefits, advantages gained from selective migratory patterns may include prey availability and outbreeding. Testing these alternative hypotheses was beyond the scope of this study, and to collect the data to do so will require overcoming certain challenges. Still, insight into migratory differences between rattlesnake populations and the causal mechanism(s) of migrations will improve our ability to assess the implications of landscape change, management, and efficacy of conservation planning. Our findings suggest that such assessments may need to be tailored to individual dens and the migration strategies of their inhabitants. Additionally, local and landscape-scale migration patterns, as detected in this study, will have repercussions for snakes under climate-induced shifts in ecosystem boundaries and thermal regimes.
Pharmacist intervention amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: from direct patient care to telemedicine
Authors: Elbeddini Ali , Yeats Aniko
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has placed enormous pressures on the Canadian healthcare system. Patients are expected to stay home in order to contain the spread of the virus, but understandably have numerous questions and concerns about their health. With physical distancing being of utmost importance during the pandemic, much of healthcare has been forced to move online or over the telephone. Virtual healthcare, in the form of video calls, email, or telephone calls with patients, can significantly enhance access to healthcare. Many clinics have moved their appointments online, and physicians are seeing their patients by means of online video calls. Similarly, patients are refilling their prescriptions online and calling pharmacists whenever they have questions about their medications or medical conditions. Pharmacists are considered the most accessible primary care providers, so it is crucial for patients to know that pharmacists are there to support them throughout the pandemic.
Three-dimensional topographic relief of the oceanic crust may control the occurrence of shallow very-low-frequency earthquakes in the Nankai Trough off Kumano
Authors: Shiraishi Kazuya , Yamada Yasuhiro , Nakano Masaru , Kinoshita Masataka , Kimura Gaku
Published: May 2020

To explore a local relationship between geological structures and the occurrence of very-low-frequency earthquakes (VLFEs), a particular class of slow earthquakes with characteristic periods of 10–100 s, we investigated three-dimensional (3D) structural features using reprocessed 3D seismic data from the Nankai Trough off Kumano, southwestern Japan. In this region, VLFEs have been observed along the subducting Philippine Sea Plate. Although the detailed source distribution of VLFEs was estimated by means of recent land-based and offshore seismic networks, the relation with geological features is not well understood. First, we reprocessed the 3D seismic data with advanced techniques and reinterpreted the fault distribution in the sediment layer of the accretionary prism and tracked two key horizons: a décollement and the oceanic crust surface. In the accretionary prism sediments, multiple continuous reflectors of basal detachments in the underthrust sequence and conjugate faults cutting the shallow imbricated thrust sequence were identified. In contrast to the gentle variation in the décollement surface, the topographic relief of the oceanic crust was prominent, with ridges and surface displacement due to faults in the oceanic crust. Then, we compared the structural features with the VLFE source locations. Most VLFEs were located deep in the underthrust sediments where the sediments may consist of underconsolidated muds. Furthermore, a high spatial correlation was observed between the VLFE distribution and the oceanic crust topographic relief. The maximum stress direction, which was inferred from the conjugate faults in the imbricated thrust zone, was consistent with the spatial relation between the VLFE localization and the oceanic crust central ridge. Oceanic crust ridges may cause strain accumulation in the underthrust sediments on the landward sides of the ridges, and low-angle slow thrust movements might be caused using weak slip planes in the underthrust muddy sediments. That is, the topographic relief of the oceanic crust may control the occurrence of shallow VLFEs in the Nankai Trough.
The Value of Preseason Screening for Injury Prediction: The Development and Internal Validation of a Multivariable Prognostic Model to Predict Indirect Muscle Injury Risk in Elite Football (Soccer) Players
Authors: Hughes Tom , Riley Richard D. , Callaghan Michael J. , Sergeant Jamie C.
Published: May 2020

Background

In elite football (soccer), periodic health examination (PHE) could provide prognostic factors to predict injury risk.

Objective

To develop and internally validate a prognostic model to predict individualised indirect (non-contact) muscle injury (IMI) risk during a season in elite footballers, only using PHE-derived candidate prognostic factors.

Methods

Routinely collected preseason PHE and injury data were used from 152 players over 5 seasons (1st July 2013 to 19th May 2018). Ten candidate prognostic factors (12 parameters) were included in model development. Multiple imputation was used to handle missing values. The outcome was any time-loss, index indirect muscle injury (I-IMI) affecting the lower extremity. A full logistic regression model was fitted, and a parsimonious model developed using backward-selection to remove factors that exceeded a threshold that was equivalent to Akaike’s Information Criterion (alpha 0.157). Predictive performance was assessed through calibration, discrimination and decision-curve analysis, averaged across all imputed datasets. The model was internally validated using bootstrapping and adjusted for overfitting.

Results

During 317 participant-seasons, 138 I-IMIs were recorded. The parsimonious model included only age and frequency of previous IMIs; apparent calibration was perfect, but discrimination was modest (C-index = 0.641, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.580 to 0.703), with clinical utility evident between risk thresholds of 37–71%. After validation and overfitting adjustment, performance deteriorated (C-index = 0.589 (95% CI = 0.528 to 0.651); calibration-in-the-large = − 0.009 (95% CI = − 0.239 to 0.239); calibration slope = 0.718 (95% CI = 0.275 to 1.161)).

Conclusion

The selected PHE data were insufficient prognostic factors from which to develop a useful model for predicting IMI risk in elite footballers. Further research should prioritise identifying novel prognostic factors to improve future risk prediction models in this field.

Trial registration

NCT03782389
Bladder and urodynamic changes in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Torad Hesham , Shalaby Nevin , Hussein Hussein Aly , Sadek Samih Z. , Abdelazim Mohamed S. , Yehia Ahmed , Morsy Samer , Soliman Shaimaa H.
Published: May 2020

Background

Urinary dysfunction is a common symptom during the course of multiple sclerosis (MS). Long-term follow-up of the natural history of bladder dysfunction in MS has been seldom addressed.

Objective

To identify the type and the course of voiding dysfunction in MS patients in relation to the urodynamic changes of the lower urinary tract (LUT)

Subjects and methods

An observational prospective study including 120 MS patients with urinary dysfunction rated by the American Urological Association (AUA) symptoms questionnaire and assessed by urodynamic studies and followed for 1 year.

Results

Irritative symptoms were the most frequently encountered symptoms (90%), whereas overactive bladder was recorded by urodynamic studies in 35% of subjects. Urinary symptoms severity score was higher in patients with initial urodynamic abnormalities by the end of the 1-year follow-up period (P< 0.001). A statistically significant relationship was found between urinary symptoms severity score and each of expanded disability status scale (EDSS) and urodynamic pattern of abnormalities (P< 0.01).

Conclusion

Irritative symptoms and overactive bladder seem to be the most frequent urinary dysfunction in MS patients. Urinary symptoms are related to the degree of disability. The initial urodynamic abnormalities are associated with worse urinary dysfunction outcome after 1 year.
Reinforced dental plaster with low setting expansion and enhanced microhardness
Authors: Hamdy Tamer M. , Abdelnabi Ali , Abdelraouf Rasha M.
Published: May 2020

Background

Three types of gypsum products were commonly used in dentistry to fabricate dental casts and dies which includes dental plaster, dental stone, and improved stone. Improved stone could be used as final casts and dies for building of final indirect dental restorations. Even though the cost of dental plaster is very low, their inherent lowest surface microhardness, compressive strength, and dimensional stability values confined their utilization as preliminary cast and die materials. This in vitro study was evaluated the effect of incorporation of 10 weight % (wt.%) aluminum oxide nanoparticle fillers on surface microhardness, compressive strength, and setting expansion of the dental plaster compared with the gold standard improved stone.

Methods

The control group was prepared by mixing dental plaster with water. The innovative reinforced dental plaster group was prepared by incorporation of 10 wt.% aluminum oxide nanoparticle fillers to the conventional one prior to water mixing. The improved stone group was prepared by mixing the improved stone with water. Chemical composition of the three group powders was determined using x-ray florescence spectrometer (XRF). The surface microhardness, compressive strength, and setting expansion were measured.

Results

The results revealed that innovative dental plaster reinforced by 10 wt.% aluminum oxide nanoparticle fillers was shown higher mean surface microhardness than that of conventional dental plaster, while higher mean compressive strength values than that of improved stones and conventional dental plaster. Moreover, reinforced dental plaster was shown lower mean setting expansion values compared with conventional dental plaster and improved stones (P value ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

Within limitation of this study, the results are indicating the opportunity of the innovative reinforced dental plaster to be used alternatively to improved stone (type IV) for fabrication of final dental casts and dies.
Home storage of biological medications administered to patients with rheumatic diseases
Authors: Santin Glaucia , da Silva Mariana Moreira Magnabosco , Villarreal Vinicius Augusto , Laste Leane Dhara Dalle , de Freitas Montin Eduardo , Betiol Luis Eduardo Ribeiro , Azevedo Valderilio Feijó
Published: May 2020

Background

The inadequate storage of biopharmaceuticals may result in an ineffective therapeutic response since poor conservation can lead to the emergence of protein aggregates and cause immunogenicity in patients, which can increase the risk of adverse events by inducing the production of anti-drug antibodies. This can also lead to significant economic losses for public health, given the high cost of these medicines. The aim of this study was to verify whether the home storage of biopharmaceuticals dispensed by the Unified Public System was in accordance with the manufacturers’ specified standards and whether external variables interfered with the correct home storage.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis or psoriatic arthritis who were using a biologic exclusively dispensed by Unified Public System were included. Storage temperature was measured by digital thermometer inserted into the refrigerator of the participant’s home. Fisher’s exact test was performed to cross-reference the temperature data and the qualitative variables obtained using an epidemiologic questionnaire. Mean, minimum, maximum values and standard deviation were described in the quantitative data. Mann-Whitney non-parametric test was performed to the association between temperature excursion and the number of people in the house.

Results

A total of 81 participants were included and 67 (82.71%) did not maintain home storage correctly. The maximum temperature observed among all patients was 15.5 °C, the minimum was − 4.4 °C and the average was 5.6 °C (standard deviation 2.8); 10 (12.3%) had at least one negative temperature measured. The average time for participants who had an inadequate temperature record was 8 h and 31 min. Nine participants (90%) who stored the medication into the shelf/drawer below the freezer had a temperature excursion (p = 0.011). Most of the participants (88.5%) who stored their biopharmaceutical near the back side, close to the wall of the refrigerator had a negative temperature record (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Most of the study participants (82.71%) did not maintain adequate home storage conditions for their biopharmaceutical. Intrinsic factors of household refrigerators may be involved in temperature deviations.
Patella dislocation: an online systematic video analysis of the mechanism of injury
Authors: Dewan V. , Webb M. S. L. , Prakash D. , Malik A. , Gella S. , Kipps C.
Published: May 2020

Background

The mechanism of injury (MoI) for a patellar dislocation has not been fully established. The aim of this study was to use systematic video analysis to determine the MoI of a patella dislocation.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted of three video sharing websites and three popular search engines to identify videos demonstrating a patellar dislocation. Videos were reviewed by three surgeons trained in systematic video analysis, who commented on the position of the lower limb and the situation in which the injury occurred. The results were reviewed to build a consensus of the MoI for each video. Statistical analysis was conducted for interobserver agreement (p < 0.05).

Results

Initial search yielded 603 videos with 13 meeting the inclusion criteria. The injuries were sustained performing a sporting activity (n = 9) or whilst dancing (n = 4). The injury was predominantly sustained during a non-contact situation (n = 10). The most common mechanism was an unbalanced individual with a flexed hip sustaining a valgus force to their flexed knee with the tibia externally rotated.

Conclusions

This study provides some insight into the MoI for a patellar dislocation and the findings may assist in developing injury prevention programmes and rehabilitation protocols as well as guiding future research.
Proprioception deficiency in articular cartilage lesions of the knee
Authors: Al-Dadah Oday , Shepstone Lee , Donell Simon T.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the proprioceptive function of patients with isolated articular cartilage lesions of the knee as compared to normal controls.

Methods

The Cartilage group consisted of eight subjects with radiologically and arthroscopically confirmed, isolated, unilateral, articular cartilage lesions of the knee (Outerbridge grade III or IV). They were compared to 50 normal controls. Knee proprioception was assessed by dynamic postural stabilometry using the Biodex Balance SD System. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were used to evaluate all subjects.

Results

Proprioception of the injured knee of the Cartilage group was significantly poorer compared to that of the control group (p < 0.001). A significant proprioceptive deficit also was observed when the uninjured knees of the Cartilage group were compared to those in the Control group (p = 0.003). There was no significant proprioceptive difference between the injured and the contra-lateral uninjured knee of the Cartilage group (p = 0.116). A significant correlation was found between the proprioception measurements of the injured and uninjured knee of the Cartilage group (r = 0.76,p = 0.030). A significant difference was observed in all PROMs (p < 0.001) between the Cartilage and Control groups.

Conclusions

Patients with isolated articular cartilage lesions of the knee had a significant proprioceptive deficit as compared to normal controls. The deficiency was profound and even affected the proprioceptive function of the contra-lateral uninjured knee. This study has shown that articular cartilage lesions have a major influence on knee proprioception. However, it remains uncertain as to whether a proprioceptive deficit leads to osteoarthritis or is a consequence of it.
Risk governance and cybercrime: the hierarchical regression approach
Authors: Erin Olayinka Adedayo , Kolawole Adebola Daniel , Noah Abdurafiu Olaiya
Published: May 2020

This study examines the impact of risk governance on cybercrime of selected listed firms in the Nigerian financial institutions. To achieve this, a sample size of 50 listed companies from the Nigerian financial sector was selected for the years 2013–2017, resulting in 250 observations. The study employed the use of hierarchical regression analysis to test the impact of risk governance variables (Chief Risk Officer_centrality, Enterprise Risk Management_index, Chief Risk Officer_presence, Board Risk Committee_size, Board Risk Committee_activism, and Board Risk Committee_independence) and other control variables such as corporate governance variables (Board Size and Board of Directors_independence) and firm characteristics variables (Firm size and firm age) on cybercrime. The study observed from the findings that almost all the explanatory variables present a positive and significant relationship with cybercrime, except the Chief Risk Officer_presence, firm age and Board Risk Committee_size which revealed an insignificant relationship with cybercrime. The study concludes that risk governance variables and other variables are likely to reduce and minimize the impact of cybercrime on the sampled firms used in this study.
Writing with Pencils in the Antebellum United States: Language, Instrument, Gesture
Authors: Bronson-Bartlett Blake
Published: May 2020

This essay argues that the pencil, which became increasingly available in the United States during the antebellum decades, allowed writers to break from scriptural conventions and explore alternative selves because it afforded them the ability to write quickly, continuously, and on the move. Through readings of the manuscripts of John Washington, Margaret Fuller, and Walt Whitman, this article demonstrates how the pencil facilitated such exploration by configuring language, instrument, and corporeal gesture in ways that suited the modernizing nation. The essay draws its method from a theoretical model known in Germany as the Schreibszene (writing scene), which demonstrates how archival scholars can explore the specific affordances of writing media and the scriptural experiments that may emerge from their use.
Effect of Water in Fabricating Copper Nanoparticles onto Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanosheets: Application in Catalytic Ullmann-Coupling Reactions
Authors: Suktanarak Pattira , Tanaka Tatsuya , Nagata Tatsuki , Kondo Ryota , Suzuki Takeyuki , Tuntulani Thawatchai , Leeladee Pannee , Obora Yasushi
Published: May 2020

Copper nanoparticles fabricated onto reduced graphene oxide (Cu NPs/rGO) were successfully synthesized via a one-pot dimethylformamide (DMF) reduction approach with an addition of nominal water. This small amount of water can significantly decrease the degree of GO reduction by DMF. As a result, the remaining oxygen-containing functionality on rGO can still interact with the copper cation precursor leading to the high Cu content fabricated onto the support material, which was evidenced by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Moreover, small particle sizes and high dispersion of Cu NPs on rGO were confirmed by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). In addition, our Cu NPs/rGO was competent to catalyze the Ullmann-coupling reaction (i.e., arylation of 3,5-dimethylphenol with 86% yield and turnover number of 2,642).
SPEEDS OF SPRING WHEAT GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT DEPENDING ON HYDROTHERMAL CONDITIONS
Authors: Poskrebysheva Marina , Ismagilov Rafael'
Published: May 2020

Studies were conducted to study the effect of air temperature and the amount of precipitation on the growth and development of spring wheat plants. Analysis and quantitative description of the dependence of the duration of interphase periods was carried out by methods of correlation and regression analysis, changes in the duration of periods by calculating the coefficient of variation. For analysis, we used the results of long-term field observations (2014–2019) over the time of the onset of phenological phases in spring wheat varieties of the mid-ripe group in the Ural steppe, as well as published data of Davlekanovskiy GSU of the Republic of Bashkortostan for 1993–2016. An increase in temperature during all periods of vegetation accelerates the growth and development of plants, an increase in rainfall, on the contrary, slows down these processes. The change in hydrothermal conditions most strongly affects the duration of tillering – heading and heading – waxy ripeness periods. The coefficient of variation of their duration is 26.9 and 28.7, respectively. With an increase in air temperature by 1°C in the range of 11.3 ... 20.50С, the tillering-heading interfacial period decreases by 0.408 days, and the ripening of spring wheat grain (at a temperature of 10.7 ... 24.2°C) is accelerated by 0.424 of the day. An increase in precipitation by 10 mm in the range of 1.0 ... 126.2 mm slows the onset of heading by 0.39 days, waxy ripeness of grain (with a total of 0 ... 131.1 mm) - by 0.40 days. Statistical models of the dependence of the duration of interphase periods of growth and development of spring wheat plants on the amount of precipitation and average daily temperature can be used to predict the calendar dates of the onset of phenological phases and the operational adjustment of technological operations to care for sowing
Impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the supply chain in healthcare
Authors: Iyengar Karthikeyan P , Vaishya Raju , Bahl Shashi , Vaish Abhishek
Published: May 2020

As the coronavirus pandemic spreads worldwide, the effect on global healthcare systems has been profound. One of the key challenges in managing this public health crisis has been the production and distribution of medical devices, surgical supplies and pharmaceuticals to those on the clinical frontline. This article assesses the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the supply chain in healthcare and evolving solutions.
Characteristics of Pozzolan and Composite Portland Cements for Sustainable Concrete's Material
Authors: Kencanawati Ni Nyoman , Rawiana Shofia , Darmayanti Ni Putu Ria Ria
Published: May 2020

To support sustainable materials, the ordinary Portland cement production has been reduced since it left a high carbon footprint during manufacturing. As an alternative, the use of pozzolan Portland cement and composite Portland cement has been encouraged because they are more environmentally friendly. This paper examines some characteristics of cement made from pozzolan Portland cement (P.P.C.) and composite Portland cement (P.C.C.). The testing procedures were carried out on chemical and physical testing on P.P.C. and P.C.C. In addition, the mechanical testing of concrete made from both types of Portland cement and their combinations were conducted under compression load. Furthermore, the surface hardness of the concrete was evaluated using a rebound hammer measurement. Concrete testing was conducted after the curing age of 7, 28, and 42 days. According to chemical examination, P.P.C. has higher silica (SiO2) and iron (Fe2O3) than those of P.C.C., whereas P.C.C. has a higher lime (CaO) content. Compared to P.P.C., P.C.C. shows faster initial and final setting time. This result is proportionally influencing the strength development of concrete. P.C.C. concrete offers significant strength development at an earlier age. Meanwhile, P.P.C. concrete reacts slower at an earlier age, but it improves the compressive strength at a later age. The mix combination of 50% P.P.C. and 50% P.C.C. in concrete shows the highest average compressive strength and surface hardness. This combination achieves the average compressive strength of 30.27 MPa, 35.27 MPa, and 35.93 MPa respectively for 7, 28, and 42 days curing time. Furthermore, this concrete also shows the most remarkable characteristics of Young's modulus and surface hardness
Calcined Aceh Bovine Bone (Bos indicus) Intercalated Lithium as An Inorganic Base Catalyst for Transesterification of Castor Oil
Authors: Ramli Muliadi , Saiful Saiful , Febriani Febriani , Amraini Amraini , Fathurrahmi Fathurrahmi , Shellatina Shellatina , Zuhra Cut Fatimah
Published: May 2020

Realizing abundant availability of local bovine bone wastes in Aceh Province, Indonesia, this study is subjected to take competitive advantages from the local bovine bone waste for preparing an inorganic catalyst preparation. In detail, calcined Aceh bovine bones were successfully intercalated lithium through an impregnation method resulting in the inorganic base catalyst, which showed promising activity in the transesterification of castor oil. Prior to the experiment, the Aceh bovine bone waste was calcined at 900 oC in the air atmosphere for 4 hours, led to forming crystalline phases of hydroxyapatite [Ca5(PO4)3(OH)] and calcium oxide [CaO]. Also, the chemical modification of calcined bovine bone with lithium precursor has enhanced the physicochemical properties of the inorganic base catalyst. Finally, the intercalated Aceh bovine bone has shown a feasible activity in transesterification of castor oil into biodiesel, which yielding methyl ricinoleate as the main product.