bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemodialysis vs Peritoneal Dialysis: Comparison of Net Survival in Incident Patients on Chronic Dialysis in Colombia
Authors: Herrera Lina , Gil Fabián , Sanabria Mauricio
Published: March 2021

Background:

In the area of nephrology, the practical application of relative survival methodologies can provide information regarding the impact of outcomes for patients with kidney failure on dialysis compared with what would be expected in the absence of this condition.

Objective:

Compare the net survival of hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients in a cohort of incident patients on chronic dialysis in Colombia, according to the dialysis therapy modality.

Design:

Observational, analytic, historical cohort.

Setting:

Renal Therapy Services (RTS) clinic network across Colombia.

Patients:

Patients over 18 years old with chronic kidney disease, incidents in dialytic therapy, which reached day 90 of therapy. Recruitment took place from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2013, with a follow-up until December 31, 2018. The final cohort for analysis corresponds to a total of 12 508 patients, of which 5330 patients (42.6%) began HD and 7178 patients (57.4%) began PD.

Measurements:

Demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical variables were measured.

Methods:

Analyses were conducted according to the treatment assigned (PD or HD) at the time of the inception of the cohort and another approach of analysis was done with a subsample of those patients who never changed the initial modality. To calculate expected survival, life tables were constructed for Colombia for the years 2006 to 2018. Net survival estimates were made using the Pohar Perme estimator. The comparison of the net survival curves was done using the method developed by Pavlič and Perme, the log-rank type.

Results:

Net survival at 5 years compared with the general population was estimated at 0.53 (95% confidence interval 0.52-0.54) in the dialysis cohort. In intention-to-treat analyses of 7178 patients on PD and 5330 patients on HD, by global and Pohar-Perme methods, survival (expressed as a ratio of survival in patients on dialysis to survival in an age-, sex- and geographic-matched general Colombian population) was higher in patients on HD than in those on PD. In year 1, net survival by Pavlov-Perme on PD was 0.79 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.78 - 0.80) and on HD 0.85 (95% CI 0.84 - 0.86); in year 5, 0.36 (95% CI 0.34 – 0.38) and 0.57 (95% CI 0.55 – 0.59) for PD and HD respectively.

Limitation:

There may be imbalances among the populations analyzed (HD vs PD), in which one or more variables other than the type of therapy may influence the survival of the patients. In Colombia there are marginal levels of underreporting of demographic data in some subpopulations that may affect life-tables construction.

Conclusion:

An important difference was observed in terms of survival between the dialysis population and the population of reference without dialysis. Statistically significant differences were found in net survival between HD and PD, net survival was higher in patients on HD than in those on PD.
A Comparison Between the Perioperative Outcomes of Female Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) Versus Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis (AdIS) Following Posterior Spinal Fusion: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis Involving 425 Patients
Authors: Chan Chris Yin Wei , Gani Siti Mariam Abd , Chung Weng Hong , Chiu Chee Kidd , Hasan Mohd Shahnaz , Kwan Mun Keong
Published: March 2021

Study Design:

Retrospective propensity score matching (PSM) study.

Objective:

To investigate the perioperative outcomes comparing adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and adult idiopathic scoliosis (AdIS) patients following posterior spinal fusion (PSF).

Methods:

425 female AIS and AdIS patients who were operated (between January 2015 to March 2020) using a dual attending surgeon strategy were stratified into G1 (AIS aged 10-16 years old) and G2 (AdIS > 20 years old). PSM analysis with one-to-one, nearest neighbor matching technique with match tolerance of 0.001 was used to matched 357 AIS patients to 68 AdIS patients. Operation duration, intraoperative blood loss (IBL), blood loss percentage, hemoglobin drift, blood salvaged, postoperative wound length, allogenic blood transfusion requirement, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative Cobb, correction rate and postoperative complications were documented and reported.

Results:

Following PSM, G1 and G2 each had 50 patients with comparable and balanced covariates. As anticipated, G2 patients were heavier, taller and had higher body mass index compared to G1 patients ( P < 0.05). We could not find any significant differences in the perioperative outcome comparing this 2 groups. AIS and AdIS patients had similar operation duration (125.9 ± 27.2 min vs 127.3 ± 37.8 min), IBL (749.8 ± 315.7 ml vs 723.8 ± 342.1 ml) and length of hospital stay (3.3 ± 0.4 days vs 3.5 ± 0.8 days) ( P > 0.05). Hemoglobin drift and amount of blood salvaged were comparable ( P > 0.05). G2 had stiffer curves. There was a trend toward a lower correction rate in G2 in the immediate postoperative period, however it did not reach statistical significance (61.8 ± 11.2% vs. 66.3 ± 11.6%, P = 0.051). No patients required blood transfusion and none had any postoperative complications.

Conclusion:

Adolescent and adult female scoliosis patients had comparable perioperative outcome following PSF surgery that was carried out using a dual attending surgeon strategy.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Plastic Surgery Correlation Between Practice and Evidence
Authors: Mankowski Peter , Cherukupalli Abhiram , Slater Karen , Carr Nick
Published: March 2021

Background:

The use of appropriate preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis decreases the risk of surgical site infections (SSI); however, the breadth of plastic surgery procedures makes it challenging to ensure appropriate use for each unique procedure type. Currently, plastic surgeons lack a cohesive and comprehensive set of evidence-based guidelines (EBG) for surgical prophylaxis. We sought to profile the perioperative antibiotic prescribing patterns for plastic surgeons in British Columbia to investigate if they are congruent with published recommendations. In doing so, we aim to determine risk factors for antibiotic overprescribing in the context of surgical prophylaxis.

Methods:

A literature review identifying EBG for antibiotic prophylaxis use during common plastic surgery procedures was performed. Concurrently, a provincial survey of plastic surgery residents, fellows, academic and community plastic surgeons was used to identify their antibiotic prophylaxis prescribing practices. These findings were then compared to recommendations identified from our review. The compliance of the provincial plastic surgery community with current EBG was determined for 38 surgical scenarios to identify which clinical factors and procedure types were associated with unsupported antibiotic use.

Results:

Within the literature, 31 of the 38 categories of surveyed plastic surgery operations have EBG for use of prophylactic antibiotics. When surgical procedures have EBG, 19.5% of plastic surgery trainees and 21.9% of practicing plastic surgeons followed recommended prophylaxis use. Average adherence to EBG was 59.1% for hand procedures, 24.1% for breast procedures, and 23.9% for craniofacial procedures. Breast reconstruction procedures and contaminated craniofacial procedures were associated with a significant reduction in adherence to EBG resulting in excessive antibiotic use.

Conclusion:

Even when evidence-based recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis exist, plastic surgeons demonstrate variable compliance based on their reported prescribing practices. Surgical procedures with low EBG compliance may reflect risk avoidant behaviors in practicing surgeons and highlight the importance of improving education on the benefits of antibiotic prophylaxis in these clinical situations.
An interlaboratory in vitro aerosol exposure system reference study
Authors: Thorne David , Adamson Jason , Sticken Edgar Trelles , Wieczorek Roman , Behrsing Holger , Steiner Sandro , Majeed Shoaib , Frentzel Stefan , Ishikawa Shinkichi , Ito Shigeaki , Simms Liam , Yoshino Kei , Hoeng Julia , Gaca Marianna
Published: March 2021

Given the complexity of inhaled substances, the aerosol exposure environment has seen diversification and development of setups in conjunction with the evolving in vitro toxicology space. Each laboratory uses its in vitro exposure system differently (different protocols, adaptations, and biological analysis). Unfortunately, as systems diversify, so does the complexity of comparing multiple systems in a “standardized” manner. As yet, no one has compared simply whether these diverse systems can all generate a consistent aerosol stream, which is paramount prior to transit and exposure. This study has compared, at source, aerosol generation (using nicotine as an exposure marker) in nine in vitro whole-aerosol exposure setups (seven different systems) across five distinct geographically independent locations, including the UK, the USA, Switzerland, Germany, and Japan. The results demonstrate that, despite system-wide differences (adaptations, nuances, and application), these systems—when appropriately maintained and used under a prescribed set of established conditions can all generate a consistent and statistically comparable aerosol stream. These data will be invaluable for new researchers and established laboratories, so they may benchmark against this study. Finally, this interlaboratory comparison combined with the wealth of transit and exposure interface data, may help the environment move towards a truly validated and consistent approach to aerosol exposure. Such an approach could be replicated for other aerosolized products, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.
Whole-blood phenotyping to assess alloimmunization status in transfused sickle cell disease patients
Authors: Tamagne Marie , Pakdaman Sadaf , Bartolucci Pablo , Habibi Anoosha , Galactéros Frédéric , Pirenne France , Vingert Benoît
Published: March 2021

It is essential to limit hemolytic transfusion reactions in polytransfused individuals, and the prevention of alloimmunization is a key solution. CD4+ T lymphocyte (TL) markers, particularly follicular T helper (Tfh) cells, may differentiate between responder and nonresponder alloimmunization statuses. We tested this hypothesis by studying the phenotype of CXCR5+PD1+ TLs in whole blood. Our results suggest that high levels of CXCR5+PD1+CD4+ TLs in whole blood may be a characteristic of nonalloimmunized patients. However, these cells did not display the phenotypic characteristics of active Tfh cells. Instead, a decrease in blood quiescent Tfh-cell levels was observed in nonalloimmunized polytransfused patients. High levels of CXCR5+PD1+CD4+ TLs may be associated with inhibitory signaling functions of T cells, as reflected by the low levels of PD1+ICOS+ cells in the nonalloimmunized polytransfused group. The description of these particular phenotypes, and their comparison among groups of patients, responders, and nonresponders, suggests that new immunological components should be considered when trying to understand posttransfusion alloimmunization.
Muscle weakness, functional capacities and recovery for COVID-19 ICU survivors
Authors: Medrinal Clément , Prieur Guillaume , Bonnevie Tristan , Gravier Francis-Edouard , Mayard Denys , Desmalles Emmanuelle , Smondack Pauline , Lamia Bouchra , Combret Yann , Fossat Guillaume
Published: March 2021

Background

Few studies have evaluated muscle strength in COVID-19 ICU survivors. We aimed to report the incidence of limb and respiratory muscle weakness in COVID-19 ICU survivors.

Method

We performed a cross sectional study in two ICU tertiary Hospital Settings. COVID-19 ICU survivors were screened and respiratory and limb muscle strength were measured at the time of extubation. An ICU mobility scale was performed at ICU discharge and walking capacity was self-evaluated by patients 30 days after weaning from mechanical ventilation.

Results

Twenty-three patients were included. Sixteen (69%) had limb muscle weakness and 6 (26%) had overlap limb and respiratory muscle weakness. Amount of physiotherapy was not associated with muscle strength. 44% of patients with limb weakness were unable to walk 100 m 30 days after weaning.

Conclusion

The large majority of COVID-19 ICU survivors developed ICU acquired limb muscle weakness. 44% of patients with limb weakness still had severely limited function one-month post weaning.
Isolated downregulation of HCN2 in ventricles of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Hadova Katarina , Kralova Eva , Doka Gabriel , Bies Pivackova Lenka , Kmecova Zuzana , Krenek Peter , Klimas Jan
Published: March 2021

Background

In spite of disrupted repolarization of diabetic heart, some studies report less tendency of diabetic heart to develop ventricular arrhythmias suggesting effective compensatory mechanism. We hypothesized that myocardial alterations in HCN2 and HCN4 channels occur under hyperglycaemia.

Methods

Diabetes was induced in rats using a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 55 mg/kg body weight, i.p.). Basal ECG was measured. Expression of mRNA for HCN channels, potassium channels and microRNA 1 and 133a were measured in ventricular tissues. Protein expression of HCN2 channel isoform was assessed in five different regions of the heart by western blotting. Differentiated H9c2 cell line was used to examine HCN channels expression under hyperglycaemia in vitro.

Results

Six weeks after STZ administration, heart rate was reduced, QRS complex duration, QT interval and T-wave were prolonged in diabetic rats compared to controls. mRNA and protein expressions of HCN2 decreased exclusively in the ventricles of diabetic rats. HCN2 expression levels in atria of STZ rats and H9c2 cells treated with excess of glucose were not changed. MicroRNA levels were stable in STZ rat hearts. We found significantly decreased mRNA levels of several potassium channels participating in repolarization, namely Kcnd2 (Ito1), Kcnh2 (IKr), Kcnq1 (IKs) and Kcnj11 (IKATP).

Conclusions

This result together with downregulated HCN2 channels suggest that HCN channels might be an integral part of ventricular electric remodelling and might play a role in cardiac repolarization projected in altered arrhythmogenic profile of diabetic heart.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cognitive function in middle-aged adults: the CARDIA study
Authors: Gerber Yariv , VanWagner Lisa B. , Yaffe Kristine , Terry James G. , Rana Jamal S. , Reis Jared P. , Sidney Stephen
Published: March 2021

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors that have been linked to cognitive decline. Whether NAFLD is associated with cognitive performance in midlife remains uncertain.

Methods

Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study participants with CT examination and cognitive assessment at Y25 (2010–2011; n = 2809) were included. Cognitive function was reassessed at Y30. NAFLD was defined according to liver attenuation and treated both continuously and categorically (using ≤ 40 and ≤ 51 Hounsfield units to define severity) after exclusion for other causes of liver fat. Cognitive tests including the Digit Symbol Substitution (processing speed), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning (verbal memory), and Stroop (executive function) were analyzed with standardized z-scores. Linear models were constructed to (a) examine the cross-sectional associations of NAFLD with cognitive scores and (b) evaluate its predictive role in 5-year change in cognitive performance.

Results

Participants’ mean age (Y25) was 50.1 (SD 3.6) years (57% female; 48% black), with 392 (14%) having mild NAFLD and 281 (10%) having severe NAFLD. NAFLD was positively associated with CVD risk factors and inversely associated with cognitive scores. However, after adjustment for CVD risk factors, no associations were shown between NAFLD and cognitive scores (all βs ≈ 0). Similarly, no associations were observed with 5-year cognitive decline. CVD history, hypertension, smoking, diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia showed stronger associations with baseline cognitive scores and were predictive of subsequent cognitive decline (allP ≤ .05).

Conclusion

Among middle-aged adults, inverse associations between NAFLD and cognitive scores were attenuated after adjustment for CVD risk factors, with the latter predictive of poorer cognitive performance both at baseline and follow-up.
Prognostic value of the preoperative lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio for survival after lung cancer surgery
Authors: Ramos Ricard , Macía Ivan , Navarro-Martin Arturo , Déniz Carlos , Rivas Francisco , Ureña Anna , Masuet-Aumatell Cristina , Moreno Camilo , Nadal Ernest , Escobar Ignacio
Published: March 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio on overall survival and disease-free survival in patients with lung cancer treated with radical surgery.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of patients with lung cancer who prospectively underwent radical resection between 2004 and 2012. Blood samples were taken as part of the preoperative workup. The inflammatory markers studied were absolute values of lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils and platelets, with subsequent calculation of ratios. Median follow-up was 52 months.

Results

Two hundred and sixty-eight patients underwent surgery, of whom 218 (81.3%) were men. Mean age was 62.9 ± 8.7 years. A lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio ≥ 2.5 was independently associated with longer disease-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.476 (0.307–0.738), p = 0.001) and longer overall survival (HR, 0.546; 95% CI: 0.352–0.846; p = 0.007), in models adjusted for age, sex, stage, and type of resection. No other systemic inflammatory marker showed a significant association.

Conclusion

Preoperative LMR is an independent prognostic factor of overall survival and recurrence-free survival in patients with surgically-resected early stage lung cancer.
Ménétrier-like disease in a Pointer with concurrent granulomatous gastritis, helicobacteriosis and leishmaniosis: a case report
Authors: Lagerstedt E. , Spillmann T. , Airas N. , Solano-Gallego L. , Kilpinen S.
Published: March 2021

Background

Ménétrier-like disease is a rare hypertrophic canine gastropathy, reported in only seven dogs. Clinical signs are vomiting, anorexia and weight loss. Macroscopically, giant cerebriform gastric mucosal folds are typically seen in the corpus and fundus of the stomach. Histopathologically, fundic mucous cell hyperplasia and loss of parietal and chief cells are typical.

Case presentation

A nine-year-old spayed female Pointer had a history of intermittent vomiting, marked weight loss and hypoalbuminaemia. A gastroduodenoscopy was performed three times within three months with macroscopic changes remaining the same. The gastric mucosa of the corpus, fundus and proximal antrum was markedly irregular, with cerebriform mucosal folds. In the first gastric biopsies, histopathology revealed a moderate granulomatous gastritis, with a severe manifestation of Helicobacter-like organisms. Treatment for Helicobacter spp. decreased the vomiting slightly. The dog was diagnosed with concurrent leishmaniosis; the conventional anti-Leishmania treatment decreased the vomiting moderately, the hypoalbuminaemia resolved and the dog gained weight back to a normal body condition. Granulomatous gastritis was not present in the gastric biopsies after these treatments. The dog increased vomiting when palliative treatment (maropitant citrate, ondansetron and esomeprazole) was discontinued, and thus, full-thickness biopsies of the stomach were taken and Ménétrier-like disease was diagnosed. The affected area was too large to be surgically removed; thus, palliative treatment was reinstated. The dog remained clinically well 39 months after the first clinical presentation.

Conclusions

This is the first report of Ménétrier-like disease in a dog with a simultaneous manifestation of granulomatous gastritis, helicobacteriosis and leishmaniosis. The clinical signs decreased after treatment of helicobacteriosis and leishmaniosis, but vomiting remained probably as a sign of Ménétrier-like disease. Treatment options for dogs are surgical removal of the abnormal area or palliative treatment. In humans, promising results for a cure have been shown with cetuximab treatment, a human monoclonal antibody, but no canine antibody is commercially available yet. The dog here was doing well 39 months after first presentation, which is the longest reported survival time for Ménétrier-like disease with only palliative treatment in dogs. Full-thickness biopsies are preferred in macroscopic hypertrophic lesions of the stomach for better assessment of Ménétrier-like disease.
Long non-coding RNA ROR recruits histone transmethylase MLL1 to up-regulate TIMP3 expression and promote breast cancer progression
Authors: Hu Aixia , Hong Fan , Li Daohong , Jin Yuwei , Kon Lingfei , Xu Ziguang , He Hui , Xie Qi
Published: March 2021

Background

As a significant cause of cancer deaths worldwide, breast cancer continues to be a troublesome malignancy. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in the development of breast cancer. Abnormal methylation has been associated with unfavorable breast cancer prognosis. Herein, the current study aimed to elucidate the role of lncRNA ROR in breast cancer.

Methods

RT-qPCR was performed to determine whether lncRNA ROR was highly expressed in breast cancer tissues, while lncRNA ROR expression was detected in both the nuclear and cytoplasm of breast cancer cells. MCF-7 cells were subsequently introduced with oe-lncRNA ROR, sh-lncRNA ROR to explore the effects of lncRNA ROR on cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis.

Results

RIP, RNA pull-down and ChIP assays provided evidence suggesting that lncRNA ROR recruited transmethylase MLL1 to promote H3K4 trimethylation that enhanced TIMP3 transcription. The rescue experiments demonstrated that lncRNA ROR knockdown could inhibit the progression of breast cancer via the downregulation of TIMP3. Finally, the in vivo experiment findings consistently highlighted the suppressive effects of lncRNA ROR silencing on tumor growth.

Conclusion

Taken together, our study demonstrates that silencing of lncRNA ROR inhibits breast cancer progression via repression of transmethylase MLL1 and TIMP3, emphasizing the potential of lncRNA ROR as a novel target against breast cancer.
Panaxydol attenuates ferroptosis against LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice by Keap1-Nrf2/HO-1 pathway
Authors: Li Jiucui , Lu Kongmiao , Sun Fenglan , Tan Shanjuan , Zhang Xiao , Sheng Wei , Hao Wanming , Liu Min , Lv Weihong , Han Wei
Published: March 2021

Background

Acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) induces uncontrolled and self-amplified pulmonary inflammation, and has high morbidity and mortality rates in critically ill patients. In recent years, many bioactive ingredients extracted from herbs have been reported to effectively ameliorate ALI/ARDS via different mechanisms. Ferroptosis, categorized as regulated necrosis, is more immunogenic than apoptosis and contributes to the progression of ALI. In this study, we examined the impact of panaxydol (PX), isolated from the roots of Panax ginseng, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI in mice.

Methods

In vivo, the role of PX on LPS-induced ALI in mice was tested by determination of LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation, pulmonary edema and ferroptosis. In vitro, BEAS-2B cells were used to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which PX functions via determination of inflammation, ferroptosis and their relationship.

Results

Administration of PX protected mice against LPS-induced ALI, including significantly ameliorated lung pathological changes, and decreased the extent of lung edema, inflammation, and ferroptosis. In vitro, PX inhibited LPS-induced ferroptosis and inflammation in bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B cells. The relationship between ferroptosis and inflammation was investigated. The results showed that ferroptosis mediated inflammation in LPS-treated BEAS-2B cells, and PX might ameliorate LPS-induced inflammation via inhibiting ferroptosis. Meanwhile, PX could upregulate Keap1-Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, and selective inhibition of Keap1-Nrf2/HO-1 pathway significantly abolished the anti-ferroptotic and anti-inflammatory functions of PX in LPS-treated cells.

Conclusion

PX attenuates ferroptosis against LPS-induced ALI via Keap1-Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, and is a promising novel therapeutic candidate for ALI.
Effects of glucocorticoid pulse therapy on thyroid function and thyroid antibodies in children with graves’ disease
Authors: Hu Yanyan , Man Yulin , Sun Xuemei , Xue Yongzhen
Published: March 2021

Background

Glucocorticoid treatment is used in children with Graves’ disease (GD) only in cases of exophthalmos. The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of glucocorticoid pulse therapy on thyroid function and thyroid antibodies in children with GD.

Methods

Twenty children who were treated by intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy (MPT) followed by oral prednisolone administration and antithyroid drugs were included in the pulse group. Twenty children who were treated with antithyroid drugs alone were included in the control group. Serum concentrations of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyrotropin (TSH), thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb), thyroglobulin antibodies (TGAb), and thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAb) were recorded at baseline and 10 days, 30 days, and 60 days after treatment.

Results

Significant differences in FT3, FT4, TSH, TPOAb, TGAb, and TRAb levels were found in the pulse group and the control group from baseline to follow-up time points (all p < 0.05). On the 30th day, the TRAb level in the pulse group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p = 0.023). However, the level of TRAb rose on the 60th day. For values of TRAb at baseline, 10 days, and 60 days after treatment, there were no significant differences respectively between the pulse group and the control group (all p > 0.05). No significant differences were observed in FT3, FT4, TSH, TPOAb, and TGAb levels between the pulse group and the control group (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The results suggested that the effect of intravenous MPT followed by oral prednisolone on TRAb level was temporary in children with GD. Glucocorticoid pulse therapy was not beneficial for the sustained recovery of thyroid function.
Global prevalence of metabolic syndrome among patients with type I diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Belete Rebuma , Ataro Zerihun , Abdu Ahmedmenewer , Sheleme Merga
Published: March 2021

Background

The presence of metabolic syndrome among diabetes patients is frequent and is associated with an increased incidence of chronic complications and mortality. Despite several studies have been conducted, there is no overall estimation on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among type 1 diabetic patients. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of metabolic syndrome among patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

Medline via PubMed, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, Ovid, Google Scholar, ResearchGate and African Journals Online were searched by limiting publication period from January 2005 to October 2020. Data were extracted with a standardized format prepared in Microsoft Excel and exported to Stata 16.0 for analyses. The I2statistic was used to check heterogeneity across the included studies. DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was applied to estimate pooled prevalence and 95% confidence interval across studies. Funnel plot symmetry, Begg’s test and Egger’s regression test were used to determine the presence of publication bias. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis as well as meta-regression were conducted to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity. The study protocol is registered on PROSPERO with reference number: CRD42020213435.

Results

In this meta-analysis, a total of 27 studies with 45,811 study participants were included. The pooled prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 23.7% with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 98.2%; P < 0.001). Geographical-based subgroup analysis revealed that the highest prevalence was observed in Australia (27.3%). As per meta-analysis of 17 studies, the pooled prevalence of metabolic syndrome in female type 1 diabetes patients (25.9%) was slightly higher than male T1DM patients (22.5%).

Conclusion

Nearly a quarter of the type 1 diabetes mellitus patients were affected by metabolic syndrome. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the prevention and control of the epidemic and for the reduction of the morbidity and mortality associated with metabolic syndrome among type 1 diabetes mellitus patients.
Transcriptional regulation of the virulence genes and the biofilm formation associated operons in Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Zhang Yiquan , Qiu Yue , Xue Xingfan , Zhang Miaomiao , Sun Junfang , Li Xue , Hu Lingfei , Yin Zhe , Yang Wenhui , Lu Renfei , Zhou Dongsheng
Published: March 2021

Background

The membrane fusion protein (mfp) gene locus of Vibrio parahaemolyticus consists of two operons, cpsQ-mfpABC and mfpABC, which are both required for biofilm formation. ToxR and CalR are required for the full virulence of V. parahaemolyticus, and their mutual regulation has been demonstrated. Moreover, cell density-dependent expression of toxR was previously observed in V. parahaemolyticus, but details about the related mechanisms remained unclear. QsvR can work with the master quorum sensing (QS) regulators AphA and OpaR to regulate virulence expression and biofilm formation.

Results

In the present work, we showed that QsvR bound to the promoter-proximal DNA regions of toxR and calR to repress their transcription as well as occupying the regulatory regions of cpsQ-mfpABC and mfpABC to activate their transcription. Thus, we reconstructed the QsvR-dependent promoter organization of toxR, calR, cpsQ-mfpABC, and mfpABC.

Conclusion

QsvR directly repressed toxR and calR transcription as well as directly activated cpsQ-mfpABC and mfpABC transcription. The data presented here promotes us to gain deeper knowledge of the regulatory network of the mfp locus in V. parahaemolyticus.
Comparative physical activity as a global question to assess physical activity among university students
Authors: Diehl Katharina , Brassat Alessia , Hilger-Kolb Jennifer
Published: March 2021

Background

To assess physical activity (PA), a comparative measurement – evaluating one’s own PA compared to others – may be an appropriate method. In previous studies, the use of comparative measurements led to an effect known as unrealistic comparative optimism (UCO) – people being unrealistically optimistic about their behavior. Our aim was to use this comparative measurement in university students to quantify the prevalence of UCO at the group level and to draw conclusions on its validity.

Methods

We used data from the Nutrition and Physical Activity in Adolescence Study (NuPhA), a cross-sectional online survey that included only self-reports (n = 689). To assess PA among students, they were asked to rate their PA level compared to that of their same-aged fellow students. In addition, we used the Godin-Shephard leisure-time PA questionnaire and other questions on PA for comparisons. We used bivariate and cluster-based analyses to identify potential UCO.

Results

We found that UCO at the group level led to an uneven distribution, with a higher proportion of students who rated themselves as being more physically active than average. However, the individual assessment of PA with a single and simple comparative question seemed to be valid.

Discussion

A global single comparative question seems useful for studies where PA is measured as a covariate in university students.
Iterative method for solving one-dimensional fractional mathematical physics model via quarter-sweep and PAOR
Authors: Sunarto Andang , Agarwal Praveen , Sulaiman Jumat , Chew Jackel Vui Lung , Aruchunan Elayaraja
Published: March 2021

This paper will solve one of the fractional mathematical physics models, a one-dimensional time-fractional differential equation, by utilizing the second-order quarter-sweep finite-difference scheme and the preconditioned accelerated over-relaxation method. The proposed numerical method offers an efficient solution to the time-fractional differential equation by applying the computational complexity reduction approach by the quarter-sweep technique. The finite-difference approximation equation will be formulated based on the Caputo’s time-fractional derivative and quarter-sweep central difference in space. The developed approximation equation generates a linear system on a large scale and has sparse coefficients. With the quarter-sweep technique and the preconditioned iterative method, computing the time-fractional differential equation solutions can be more efficient in terms of the number of iterations and computation time. The quarter-sweep computes a quarter of the total mesh points using the preconditioned iterative method while maintaining the solutions’ accuracy. A numerical example will demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed quarter-sweep preconditioned accelerated over-relaxation method against the half-sweep preconditioned accelerated over-relaxation, and the full-sweep preconditioned accelerated over-relaxation methods. The numerical finding showed that the quarter-sweep finite difference scheme and preconditioned accelerated over-relaxation method can serve as an efficient numerical method to solve fractional differential equations.
The effect of the emotion regulation training on the resilience of caregivers of patients with schizophrenia: a parallel randomized controlled trial
Authors: Behrouian Maryam , Ramezani Tahereh , Dehghan Mahlagha , Sabahi Abdoreza , Ebrahimnejad Zarandi Batool
Published: March 2021

Background

Schizophrenia is the most severe mental chronic disabling disease that the majority of the patients need constant care in a variety of aspects. Regarding the role of family caregivers in taking care of these patients, caregivers need to be resilient, in addition to other psychological traits, to adapt to the circumstance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the emotion regulation training on the resilience of caregivers of patients with schizophrenia in southeastern Iran.

Methods

The study was a parallel randomized controlled trial. Seventy caregivers of patients with schizophrenia were selected by convenience sampling method and randomly assigned to an emotion regulation training group and a control group. The intervention group received eight 90-min training sessions (one session weekly) about emotion regulation. The participants completed the Conner–Davidson resilience scale before and one month after the intervention.

Results

The mean scores of the resilience increased in the control and intervention groups at the end of the study. A significant difference was found between the two groups (p < 0.001). At the beginning of the study, the mean score of the resilience was 59.94 in the control group and 51.97 in the intervention group. However, the mean score of the resilience in the control group was 61.28 after the intervention, which was not significant, but it was 69.08 in the intervention group, which was significant. A significant difference was observed between two groups in the mean scores (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

According to the results of this study, cognitive and metacognitive skills of emotion regulation can be suggested as one of the methods for increasing the psychological well-being of schizophrenia patients’ caregivers. The increase of mental well-being and resilience of caregivers can help them better manage a patient with schizophrenia.

Trial registration IRCT registration number: IRCT2017061733997N2, Registration date: 2017-08-16, 1396/05/25, Registration timing: prospective, https://en.irct.ir/trial/26116
Expanded uncertainty modeling of the uranium isotope dilution standards
Authors: Hasozbek Altug
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a statistical uranium isotope dilution mass spectrometry approach is presented to simulate the wide range of spike-sample mixed ratios of 235U/238U, in terms of their related expanded uncertainties and uncertainty budget indexes. To obtain the lowest expanded uncertainty in uranium isotope dilution mass spectrometry (U-IDMS) technique, uranium certified materials of U-CRM 112A (spike) and U-CRM 149 (treated as unknown) are statistically employed and simulated. The simulated data is further applied to project U-IDMS samples by using the “Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM)” software.
Prevalence of postpartum family planning utilization and associated factors among postpartum mothers in Arba Minch town, South Ethiopia
Authors: Wassihun Biresaw , Wosen Kidist , Getie Asmare , Belay Kalkidan , Tesfaye Rehal , Tadesse Tewodros , Alemayehu Yosef , Yihune Manaye , Aklilu Addis , Gebayehu Kassahun , Zeleke Shegaw
Published: March 2021

Background

Contraception allows women to realize their human right to decide if and when to have children and helps people to attain their desired family size. Yet 214 million women of a reproductive age in developing countries who want to avoid pregnancy are not using a modern contraceptive method. Women who have recently given birth are among the group with the highest unmet need for contraception. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the prevalence of postpartum family planning use and associated factors among postpartum women in Southern Ethiopia.

Methods

Institution based cross-sectional study design was conducted. A structured and pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data from study participants. Study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique by allocating proportionally to each health facility. The data was entered using EPI data version 3.1statistical software and exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.0 for further analysis. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associated factors. P values < 0.05 with 95% confidence level was used to declare statistica significance.

Result

Overall, 44% of postpartum women utilize postpartum family planning. Having an antenatal care visit [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =1.89(95%CI, 2.42–7.90), having planned pregnancy [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.17(95%CI, 1.60–2.28)], being married (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =2.86(1.94–8.73), and having a college and above level educational status (AOR) =1.66(1.28–3.55) were significantly associated with utilization of postpartum family planning.

Conclusion

This study showed that the prevalence of postpartum family planning was 44%. Marital status, educational status of mothers, the status of pregnancy, and having an antenatal care follow-up during pregnancy were some factors associated with postpartum family planning utilization. Therefore, strengthening family planning counselling during antenatal and postnatal care visits, improving utilization of postnatal care services and improving women’s educational status are crucial steps to enhance contraceptive use among postpartum women.
Dynamic stall control over a rotor airfoil based on AC DBD plasma actuation
Authors: Zhao Guangyin , Huang Yong , Yang Yongdong , Li Guoqiang , Yang Hesen
Published: March 2021

At present, the control capability of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuation covers the flow velocity range of helicopter’s retreating blades, so it is necessary to extend it to the dynamic stall control of rotor airfoils. A DBD plasma actuator was adopted to control the dynamic stall of an oscillating CRA309 airfoil in this paper. The effectiveness of alternating current (AC) DBD plasma actuation on reducing the area of lift hysteresis loop of the oscillating airfoil was verified through pressure measurements at a Reynolds number of 5.2 × 105. The influence of actuation parameters on the airfoil’s lift and moment coefficients was studied. Both steady and unsteady actuation could effectively reduce the hysteresis loop area of the lift coefficients. The flow control effect of dynamic stall was strongly dependent on the history of angle of attack. Compared with the steady actuation, unsteady actuation had more obvious advantages in dynamic stall control, with reducing the area of lift hysteresis loop by more than 30%. The effects of plasma actuation on the airfoil’s flow field at both upward and downward stages were discussed at last.
Physiotherapeutic assistance verse home care assistance in the early rehabilitation of total knee arthroplasty during COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Tomar Lavindra , Govil Gaurav , Dhawan Pawan
Published: March 2021

Background

The aim of this retrospective comparison study was to assess early functional recovery of total knee arthroplasty with home care assistance during COVID-19 lockdown.

Methods

A total of 16 patients (27 knees involved) were divided into a pre-lockdown group (10 patients; 17 knees) and a post-lockdown group (6 patients, 10 knees) in terms of the time of surgeries performed before and after lockdown, respectively, due to COVID-19 pandemic. Patients of pre-lockdown group underwent rehabilitation under the guidance of trained physiotherapists for at-home sessions and under assisted physiotherapy. Patients of post-lockdown group followed the rehabilitation protocol of at-home sessions and under home-care assistance during COVID-19 lockdown. Functional recovery of the knee was assessed against the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Junior. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The pre- and postoperative mean KOOS Junior of pre-lockdown group were 48.73 ± 2.64 and 64.91 ± 2.74, respectively (p < 0.001). The pre- and postoperative scores of post-lockdown group were 48.83 ± 2.83 and 67.84 ± 4.31 (p < 0.001), respectively. Intergroup comparison between pre- and postoperative KOOS Jr. revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Although the COVID-19 lockdown affected the routine postoperative rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty, the coordination among the surgeon, therapists, and home caregivers can provide sustained assistance in rehabilitation. The guidelines for practitioners and physiotherapists can benefit functional recovery of the knee.
Comparison between biparametric and multiparametric MR imaging of Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System Version 2.1 in detection of prostate cancer
Authors: EL-Adalany Mohamed Ali , EL-Razek Ahmed Abd E L-khalek Abd , EL-Diasty Tarek , EL-Hendy Ahmed , EL-Metwally Dina
Published: March 2021

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is considered to be the commonest cancer among males. Early and precise diagnosis of PCa is essential for adequate treatment. Multiparametric MR imaging (mpMRI) is actually the most precise imaging technique used for early diagnosis of PCa. The aim of this work was to assess the diagnostic capability of biparametric MRI (bpMRI) and multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) of PI-RADS V2.1 in detection of prostate cancer (PCa). This prospective study was carried on 60 male patients with high PSA. bpMRI and mpMRI were performed for all patients using a 3-T MRI scanner. The diagnostic performance of bpMRI of PI-RADS V2.1 was compared to that of mpMRI of PI-RADS V 2.1. The diagnosis of Pca was confirmed by transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy and the results of open prostatectomy specimens.

Results

When considering PI-RADS categories 1, 2, and 3 as benign and categories 4 and 5 as malignant, mpMRI had higher sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy when compared with bpMRI (sensitivity was 88.6% for mpMRI versus 60% for bpMRI and diagnostic accuracy was 91.7% for mpMRI versus 75% for bpMRI). When considering PI-RADS categories 1 and 2 as benign and PI-RADS categories 3.4 and 5 as malignant, the sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy of bpMRI and mpMRI were comparable (sensitivity was 94.3% for both bpMRI and mpMRI and diagnostic accuracy was 86.7% for both bpMRI and mpMRI).

Conclusion

Considering PI-RADS scores 4 and 5 as malignant, mpMRI had higher sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy when compared with bpMRI; however, when considering PI-RADS scores 3, 4, and 5 as malignant, both bpMRI and mpMRI had similar diagnostic accuracy.
Efficacy of enzalutamide (ENZA) plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men with de novo (M1) metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) versus progression to mHSPC (M0): Post hoc analysis of the phase III ARCHES trial.
Authors: Azad Arun , Villers Arnauld , Alekseev Boris , Szmulewitz Russell Zelig , Alcaraz Antonio , Shore Neal D. , Petrylak Daniel Peter , Holzbeierlein Jeffrey , Gomez-Veiga Francisco , Rosbrook Brad , Zohren Fabian , Lee Ho-Jin , Haas Gabriel P. , Iguchi Taro , Stenzl Arnulf , Armstrong Andrew J.
Published: March 2021

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Background: In ARCHES (NCT02677896) ENZA + ADT reduced the risk of radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) events, primary endpoint, and improved key secondary endpoints vs PBO + ADT in men with mHSPC (also known as metastatic castration-sensitive PC). Given the progressive nature of PC, this exploratory analysis evaluated efficacy of ENZA + ADT in patients (pts) who progressed to M1 HSPC following initial diagnosis (M0) vs pts who presented with de novo mHSPC at diagnosis (M1). Methods: mHSPC pts (n=1150) were randomized 1:1 to ENZA (160 mg/day) + ADT or PBO + ADT, stratified by disease volume and prior docetaxel use. In this post hoc analysis, pts previously centrally categorized as MX/unknown metastasis at initial diagnosis (n=213) were adjudicated as either M0 or M1 disease following review of their medical profiles; efficacy outcomes were compared according to M0 vs M1 disease at initial diagnosis. Results: In this analysis, 246 pts (ENZA n=117; PBO n=129) had M0 and 890 pts (ENZA n=448; PBO n=442) had M1 disease at initial diagnosis; metastatic status of 14 pts (ENZA n=9; PBO n=5) were unknown (data not shown). Baseline characteristics were generally comparable between treatment arms; however, a greater proportion of M1 pts had high disease volume (n=606; 68.1% vs n=116; 47.2% [M0]) and prior docetaxel (n=173, 19.4% vs n=29, 11.8% [M0]). ENZA + ADT improved rPFS vs PBO + ADT irrespective of M0 or M1 disease at diagnosis; similar improvements were observed for secondary endpoints including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and objective responses, time to PSA progression, time to new antineoplastic therapy (Table). Safety profiles were generally similar between subgroups and the overall population; exceptions include higher fatigue in M0 ENZA and PBO treatment arms. Conclusions: This post hoc analysis demonstrates clinical benefit of ENZA + ADT vs PBO + ADT based on rPFS and secondary endpoints in men who progressed from M0 to M1 HSPC and those with de novo M1 HSPC. Clinical trial information: NCT02677896. [Table: see text]