bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A replacement name for Antobium crenulatum Shavrin & Smetana, 2019 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Omaliinae)
Authors: SHAVRIN ALEXEY V. , SMETANA ALEŠ
Published: February 2020

Anthobium crenulatum Shavrin & Smetana, 2019 was recently described based on the holotype deposited in the collection of M. Schülke, Museum für Naturkunde (Berlin, Germany), collected by him in Diancang Shan range in Yunnan, China (Shavrin & Smetana, 2019). This species was included to the crassum-group erected by Shavrin & Smetana (2019), together with other three species from China. Some time later after the description, A. Newton (Chicago) sent to us a letter (e-mail: 15.11.2019) where he noted that “…in your recent Anthobium paper you established a new homonym: A. crenulatum Shavrin & Smetana 2019: 463 (preoccupied, junior primary homonym of Anthobium crenulatum Hatch 1957: 66)...”. It is worth noting here that Anthobium crenulatum was described by Hatch (1957) from Oregon, USA. Therefore, a new replacement name is proposed under the Article 34.2 of ICZN.
Notes on the fauna of the genus Dorcadion Dalman, 1817 (Coleoptera:
Cerambycidae) of Kurdistan Province, Iran, with description of a new species
Authors: FAIZI FARDIN , NOZARI JAMASB , GHOBARI HAMED , KALASHIAN MARK YU.
Published: February 2020

Dorcadion (Cribridorcadion) darakiensis sp. nov. from Kurdistan Province, Iran, is described, illustrated and compared with a similar species: D. serouensis Kadlec, 2006 from western Azerbaijan Province, Iran. Distributional data on three other species of the genus are provided and represent first records for Kurdistan Province.
Robustness of the Recent Global Atmospheric Reanalyses for Antarctic Near-Surface Wind Speed Climatology
Authors: Dong Xu , Wang Yetang , Hou Shugui , Ding Minghu , Yin Baoling , Zhang Yulun
Published: February 2020

Near-surface wind speed observations from 30 manned meteorological stations and 26 automatic weather stations over the Antarctic Ice Sheet are used to examine the robustness of wind speed climatology in six recent global reanalysis products: the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, version 2 (MERRA-2), the Japan Meteorological Agency 55-Year Reanalysis (JRA-55), the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR), the National Centers for Environmental Prediction–U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Reanalysis 2 (NCEP2), and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) interim reanalysis (ERA-Interim) and fifth-generation reanalysis (ERA5). Their skills for representing near-surface wind speeds vary by season, with better performance in summer than in winter. At the regional scale, all reanalysis datasets perform more poorly for the magnitude, but better for their year-to-year changes in wind regimes in the escarpment than the coastal and plateau regions. By comparison, ERA5 has the best performance for the monthly averaged wind speed magnitude and the interannual variability of the near-surface wind speed from 1979 onward. Intercomparison exhibits high and significant correlations for annual and seasonal wind speed Antarctic-wide averages from different datasets during their overlapping timespans (1980–2018), despite some regional disagreements between the different reanalyses. Furthermore, all of the reanalyses show positive trends of the annual and summer wind speeds for the 1980–2018 period, which are linked with positive polarity of the southern annular mode.
HPV screening performance indicators in women who previously tested HPV-negative: The second round of Vallecamonica screening programme, Northern Italy
Authors: Pasquale Luigi , Rossi Paolo G , Carozzi Francesca , Domenighini Serena , Ruggeri Cristina , Cecconami Lorella , Morana Corrado , Chiaramonte Margherita , Chiudinelli Daniela , Piccolomini Manuela , Marchione Roberta , Confortini Massimo
Published: February 2020

Objective

To present performance indicators from the second round of the Vallecamonica-Sebino HPV screening programme in women who had tested negative about four years earlier (mean 45 months).

Methods

From 2010 to 2012, the target female population (aged 25–64) was invited to the first HPV screening round. In 2013–2017, women were rescreened for the second round. HPV-negative women at the first round were initially rescreened after three years. The interval was gradually increased to five years. HPV-positive women underwent cytology triage: positives were referred to colposcopy and negatives to repeat testing after one year. If HPV was persistently positive, women were referred to colposcopy, if negative, to normal interval rescreening.

Results

In the second round, of 13,824 previously HPV-negative women, 598 were HPV-positive (4.3%), of whom 297 were positive at cytology triage. Of those referred to one-year HPV test, 291 complied (98.0%), 133 (50.2%) of whom were persistently positive. Total referral was 3.1% compared with 6.6% in the first round (age-adjusted relative referral 0.59, 95% CI: 0.53–0.65). There were 24 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ (three cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3+). Detection was 0.17%, compared with 0.9% in the first round. Age-adjusted relative detections were 0.25 (95% CI: 0.16–0.39) and 0.18 (95% CI: 0.05–0.61) for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3+, respectively. Positive predictive value was 5.7%, compared with 14.6% in the first round.

Conclusions

At second round, referral was half that at first round, while cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ detection decreased nine-fold. Consequently, positive predictive value decreased dramatically. Rescreening four years after an HPV-negative test makes the process inefficient due to the low prevalence of lesions.
Pediatric hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Canna Scott W. , Marsh Rebecca A.
Published: February 2020

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a syndrome describing patients with severe systemic hyperinflammation. Characteristic features include unremitting fever, cytopenias, hepatosplenomegaly, and elevation of typical HLH biomarkers. Patients can develop hepatitis, coagulopathy, liver failure, central nervous system involvement, multiorgan failure, and other manifestations. The syndrome has a high mortality rate. More and more, it is recognized that while HLH can be appropriately used as a broad summary diagnosis, many pediatric patients actually suffer from an expanding spectrum of genetic diseases that can be complicated by the syndrome of HLH. Classic genetic diseases in which HLH is a typical and common manifestation include pathogenic changes in familial HLH genes (PRF1, UNC13D, STXBP2, and STX11), several granule/pigment abnormality genes (RAB27A, LYST, and AP3B1), X-linked lymphoproliferative disease genes (SH2D1A and XIAP), and others such as NLRC4, CDC42, and the Epstein-Barr virus susceptibility diseases. There are many other genetic diseases in which HLH is an infrequent complication of the disorder as opposed to a prominent manifestation of the disease caused directly by the genetic defect, including other primary immune deficiencies and inborn errors of metabolism. HLH can also occur in patients with underlying rheumatologic or autoinflammatory disorders and is usually designated macrophage activation syndrome in those settings. Additionally, HLH can develop in patients during infections or malignancies without a known (or as-yet-identified) genetic predisposition. This article will attempt to summarize current concepts in the pediatric HLH field as well as offer a practical diagnostic and treatment overview.
Introduction to a review series on rare systemic hematologic disorders
Authors: Berliner Nancy , Sehn Laurie
Published: February 2020

We feature a series of authoritative reviews on a collection of rare systemic hematologic disorders that are frequently difficult to recognize, diagnose, and treat. The series highlights new genomic and proteomic insights that inform our understanding of their pathophysiology and treatment.
The TEMPI syndrome
Authors: Sykes David B. , O’Connell Casey , Schroyens Wilfried
Published: February 2020

The TEMPI syndrome is a rare and acquired disorder characterized by 5 salient features, which compose its name: (1) telangiectasias; (2) elevated erythropoietin and erythrocytosis; (3) monoclonal gammopathy; (4) perinephric fluid collections; and (5) intrapulmonary shunting. Complete resolution of symptoms following treatment with plasma cell-directed therapy supports the hypothesis that the monoclonal antibody is causal and pathogenic. Understanding the basis of the TEMPI syndrome will depend on the identification of additional patients and a coordinated international effort.
Genomic insight into the origins and evolution of symbiosis genes in Phaseolus vulgaris microsymbionts
Authors: Tong Wenjun , Li Xiangchen , Wang Entao , Cao Ying , Chen Weimin , Tao Shiheng , Wei Gehong
Published: February 2020

Background

Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean) microsymbionts belonging to the bacterial genera Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, and Ensifer (Sinorhizobium) have been isolated across the globe. Individual symbiosis genes (e.g., nodC) of these rhizobia can be different within each genus and among distinct genera. Little information is available about the symbiotic structure of indigenous Rhizobium strains nodulating introduced bean plants or the emergence of a symbiotic ability to associate with bean plants in Bradyrhizobium and Ensifer strains. Here, we sequenced the genomes of 29 representative bean microsymbionts (21 Rhizobium, four Ensifer, and four Bradyrhizobium) and compared them with closely related reference strains to estimate the origins of symbiosis genes among these Chinese bean microsymbionts.

Results

Comparative genomics demonstrated horizontal gene transfer exclusively at the plasmid level, leading to expanded diversity of bean-nodulating Rhizobium strains. Analysis of vertically transferred genes uncovered 191 (out of the 2654) single-copy core genes with phylogenies strictly consistent with the taxonomic status of bacterial species, but none were found on symbiosis plasmids. A common symbiotic region was wholly conserved within the Rhizobium genus yet different from those of the other two genera. A single strain of Ensifer and two Bradyrhizobium strains shared similar gene content with soybean microsymbionts in both chromosomes and symbiotic regions.

Conclusions

The 19 native bean Rhizobium microsymbionts were assigned to four defined species and six putative novel species. The symbiosis genes of R. phaseoli, R. sophoriradicis, and R. esperanzae strains that originated from Mexican bean-nodulating strains were possibly introduced alongside bean seeds. R. anhuiense strains displayed distinct host ranges, indicating transition into bean microsymbionts. Among the six putative novel species exclusive to China, horizontal transfer of symbiosis genes suggested symbiosis with other indigenous legumes and loss of originally symbiotic regions or non-symbionts before the introduction of common bean into China. Genome data for Ensifer and Bradyrhizobium strains indicated symbiotic compatibility between microsymbionts of common bean and other hosts such as soybean.
Postoperative pain treatment with erector spinae plane block and pectoralis nerve blocks in patients undergoing mitral/tricuspid valve repair — a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gawęda Bogusław , Borys Michał , Belina Bartłomiej , Bąk Janusz , Czuczwar Miroslaw , Wołoszczuk-Gębicka Bogumiła , Kolowca Maciej , Widenka Kazimierz
Published: February 2020

Background

Effective postoperative pain control remains a challenge for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Novel regional blocks may improve pain management for such patients and can shorten their length of stay in the hospital.

To compare postoperative pain intensity in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with either erector spinae plane (ESP) block or combined ESP and pectoralis nerve (PECS) blocks.

Methods

This was a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blinded study done in a tertiary hospital. Thirty patients undergoing mitral/tricuspid valve repair via mini-thoracotomy were included. Patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups: ESP or PECS + ESP group (1:1 randomization). Patients in both groups received a single-shot, ultrasound-guided ESP block. Participants in PECS + ESP group received additional PECS blocks. Each patient had to be extubated within 2 h from the end of the surgery. Pain was treated via a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. The primary outcome was the total oxycodone consumption via PCA during the first postoperative day. The secondary outcomes included pain intensity measured on the visual analog scale (VAS), patient satisfaction, Prince Henry Hospital Pain Score (PHHPS), and spirometry.

Results

Patients in the PECS + ESP group used significantly less oxycodone than those in the ESP group: median 12 [interquartile range (IQR): 6–16] mg vs. 20 [IQR: 18–29] mg (p = 0.0004). Moreover, pain intensity was significantly lower in the PECS + ESP group at each of the five measurements during the first postoperative day. Patients in the PECS + ESP group were more satisfied with pain management. No difference was noticed between both groups in PHHPS and spirometry.

Conclusions

The addition of PECS blocks to ESP reduced consumption of oxycodone via PCA, reduced pain intensity on the VAS, and increased patient satisfaction with pain management in patients undergoing mitral/tricuspid valve repair via mini-thoracotomy.

Trial registration

The study was registered on the 19th July 2018 (first posted) on the ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03592485.
Predictive value of random blood glucose versus fasting blood glucose on in-hospital adverse events in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Qin Yuhan , Yan Gaoliang , Qiao Yong , Wang Dong , Luo Erfei , Hou Jiantong , Tang Chengchun
Published: February 2020

Background

We aim to find out the relationship between random blood glucose (RBG), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and in-hospital adverse events in ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. We evaluate and compare the predictive value of RBG and FBG on in-hospital adverse events, and give an appropriate cut-off value of RBG and FBG.

Method

A retrospective study enrolled 958 consecutive AMI patients undergoing emergency coronary angiography at Zhongda Hospital were enrolled from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2018 was performed. RBG and FBG, baseline data and adverse events were recorded. Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) were defined as death, nonfatal recurrent myocardial infarction and stroke. Other adverse events included malignant arrhythmia, cardiac shock and hemorrhage. Patients with RBG > 11.1 mmol/L were divided into elevated RBG group. Patients with FBG > 6.1 mmol/L were divided into elevated FBG group. The incidence of in-hospital adverse events were compared in elevated RBG/FBG group and the control group. ROC curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of RBG and FBG on in-hospital adverse events.

Result

The incidence of death, hemorrhage, cardiac shock and malignant arrhythmia significantly increases in elevated RBG and FBG group. Binary logistic regression showed that age, hypertension, diabetes, FBG and RBG were independent risk factors for in-hospital adverse events in STEMI patients. The AUC and 95% CI of RBG and FBG in predicting death of AMI patients were 0.789, 0.759~0.816; 0.810, 0.783~0.835, respectively. The cut-off values ​were 13.82 and 7.35 mmol/L. RBG and FBG also had fine predictive value on cardiac shock and malignant arrhythmia, no statistical difference was found in the predictive value on in-hospital adverse events (P = 0.462, P = 0.570, P = 0.694).

Conclusion

Incidence of in-hospital adverse events significantly increases in AMI patients combined with elevated RBG or FBG. Both RBG and FBG were independent risk factors for in-hospital adverse events, they had good value on predicting in-hospital adverse events and there was no statistical difference in their predictive value.
Nurse effects on measurement error in household biosocial surveys
Authors: Cernat Alexandru , Sakshaug Joseph W.
Published: February 2020

Background

Biosocial survey data are in high demand, yet little is known about the measurement quality of health measures collected by nurses in respondents’ homes. Our objective was to analyze the degree to which nurses influence measurement in anthropometric and physical performance indicators collected from respondents in two nationally-representative UK biosocial surveys.

Methods

The English Longitudinal Survey of Ageing and the UK Household Longitudinal Study – Understanding Society were used to analyze fourteen anthropometric and physical performance measures covering weight, height, pulse, grip strength, and lung capacity. Cross-classified multilevel models were used to estimate “nurse effects” on measurement error.

Results

Overall, there is a medium effect of nurses on measurement. Across all measures collected in both studies, nurses explain around 13% of all measurement variation. Variation in specific measures range between approximately 2 and 25%. Grip strength and lung capacity are more heavily influenced by nurses than are height, weight, and pulse. Lastly, nurse characteristics explain only a very small proportion of nurse measurement variation.

Conclusion

Objective health measures collected by nurses in household biosocial surveys are susceptible to non-trivial amounts of measurement variation. Nurse ID numbers should be regularly included in biosocial data releases to allow researchers to account for this unnecessary source of variation. Further, researchers are advised to conduct sensitivity analyses using control variables that account for nurse variation to confirm whether their substantive findings are influenced by nurse measurement effects.
Correction to: Comparison of two invitation-based methods for human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling with usual care among un- and under-screened Māori, Pacific and Asian women: study protocol for a randomised controlled community trial to examine the effect of self-sampling on participation in cervical-cancer screening
Authors: Brewer Naomi , Bartholomew Karen , Maxwell Anna , Grant Jane , McPherson Georgina , Wihongi Helen , Bromhead Collette , Scott Nina , Crengle Sue , Cunningham Chris , Douwes Jeroen , Potter John D.
Published: February 2020

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors reported an error in the authorship list associated with the paper. Georgina McPherson has therefore been added.
Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella and Shigella species isolated from diarrheic children in Ambo town
Authors: Tosisa Wagi , Mihret Adane , Ararsa Asnake , Eguale Tadesse , Abebe Tamrat
Published: February 2020

Background

Diarrhea, particularly of enteric bacterial pathogen, remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia. Despite the high prevalence of diarrheal disease among under-five children, antibiotic resistance of bacterial pathogens test is not part of routine childcare in the study area. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility status ofSalmonellaandShigellaspecies among diarrheic children attending public health institutions in Ambo town, west Showa, Ethiopia.

Methods

Institutional based, cross-sectional study was carried out from January to July 2014 among 239 diarrheic children below five years of age in Ambo town, Ethiopia. Information about patient demographics, signs, and symptoms was obtained from the parents/guardians of each child using a questionnaire. Stool samples from diarrheic children were collected and processed for isolation ofSalmonellaandShigellausing conventional microbiology procedures. SuspectedSalmonellaisolates were confirmed by genus-specific PCR and serotyped using a slide agglutination test. Susceptibility to 10 commonly used antimicrobials was assessed using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method.

Results

From the 239 children screened, only nine (3.8%) of them were positive for eitherSalmonella(n = 3) orShigella(n = 6) and 19 (7.9%) positive for the intestinal parasite. Three species ofShigellawere identified:Shigella flexinari(n = 3),Shigella boydii(n = 2), andShigella sonnei(n = 1). The threeSalmonellaisolates were S. chicago, S. caracas, and S. saintpaul. Salmonella andShigellaisolates were resistant to ampicillin (88.9%), followed by tetracycline (66.7%), cotrimoxazole (55.6%), chloramphenicol (44.4%), amoxicillin (33.3%), nalidixic acid (11.1%) and cefotaxime (11.1%). All isolates were sensitive to amikacin, ciprofloxacin, and gentamycin.

Conclusion

In this study, eitherSalmonellaorShigellaspecies were detected only in 3.8% of diarrheic children in Ambo town, suggesting the dominance of other causes of diarrhea in the study area. A further study targeting other causes of diarrhea should be conducted to establish the major causes of childhood diarrhea in the study area.
Diffusion and spillover effects of an evidence-based mental health intervention among peers and caregivers of high risk youth in Sierra Leone: study protocol
Authors: Desrosiers Alethea , Kumar Praveen , Dayal Arja , Alex Leslie , Akram Ali , Betancourt Theresa
Published: February 2020

Background

Evidence-based mental health interventions have helped address health services gaps, but their reach and societal benefit can be limited in low resource settings. The current study extends an ongoing scale-up study of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based intervention, theYouth Readiness Intervention(YRI), among high risk youth in post-conflict Sierra Leone to investigate mechanisms of diffusion and spillover effects of the YRI among peers and caregivers of youth who receive the intervention.

Methods

We will recruit and enroll YRI index participants and control index participants (ages 18–30). Index participants will complete a standardized ego-network survey to nominate three peers in their social networks and identify their primary cohabitating caregiver. Identified peers and caregivers who consent to participate will complete a quantitative assessment battery on mental health outcomes, emotion regulation, and daily functioning at baseline and 8-month follow-up. Study outcomes also incorporate common indicators for implementation science, including measures of project context, evaluation, and scaleup. Social network analysis will investigate diffusion of YRI components across peer networks. Linear growth modeling will examine mental health spillover effects among caregivers. Incremental health costs and benefits among YRI participants’ caregivers and peers will be assessed through cost-effectiveness and return on investment analysis.

Discussion

Assessing implementation research outcomes, including penetration of YRI effects across social networks and cost-effectiveness of the YRI as distinct outcomes, will provide key information about the success of YRI implementation. Lessons learned could inform decisions to increase scale up efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa and other low resource settings.
Who can we reach and who can we keep? Predictors of intervention engagement and adherence in a cluster randomized controlled trial in South Africa
Authors: Rabie Stephan , Bantjes Jason , Gordon Sarah , Almirol Ellen , Stewart Jackie , Tomlinson Mark , Rotheram-Borus Mary Jane
Published: February 2020

Background

Engaging and retaining young men in community-based interventions is highly challenging. The purpose of this study was to investigate the individual factors that predict intervention engagement and adherence in a sample of at-risk South African men.

Methods

Baseline data were collected as a part of a cluster randomised control trial (RCT) situated in Khayelitsha and Mfuleni, two peri-urban settlements situated on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa. Neighbourhoods were randomised to one of three intervention conditions. We performed univariate descriptive statistics to report neighbourhood and individual socio-demographic factors, and ran multivariate models, adjusting for entry of study, to determine if high adherence and consistency of engagement with the intervention were associated with socio-behavioural demographics and risk behaviours, such as hazardous substance use, gangsterism, and criminal activity.

Results

Total of 729 men were on average 22.5 years old (SD 2.8), with a mean of 10 years of education. More than half of the sample were single (94%), lived with their parents (66%) and had an income below ~$30 (52%). The overall mean of adherence is 0.41 (SD 0.24) and mean of consistency of engagement is 0.61 (SD 0.30). Our data indicated that completing more years of education, living with parents, and having higher socioeconomic status were significantly associated with higher rates of engagement and adherence. Men with a history of gang membership demonstrated higher levels of adherence and consistent engagement with the intervention, compared with other men who were recruited to the intervention. Crucially, our data show that young men with a history of substance use, and young men who report symptoms of depression and high levels of perceived stress are equally likely as other young men to adhere to the intervention and attend intervention sessions consistently.

Conclusion

Our results may contribute to a better understanding of young men’s patterns of engagement and adherence to public health interventions. The results may have important implications for policy and practice, as they may be useful in planning more effective interventions and could potentially be used to predict which young men can be reached through community-based interventions.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov registration, NCT02358226. Prospectively registered 24 November 2014.
Investigating the biomechanical function of the plate-type external fixator in the treatment of tibial fractures: a biomechanical study
Authors: Shi Di , Liu Kaiyuan , Zhang Haomeng , Wang Xinli , Li Guochen , Zheng Lianhe
Published: February 2020

Background

The design of an external fixator with the optimal biomechanical function and the lowest profile has been highly pursued, as fracture healing is dependent on the stability and durability of fixation, and a low profile is more desired by patients. The plate-type external fixator, a novel prototype of an external tibial fixation device, is a low profile construct. However, its biomechanical properties remain unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the stiffness and strength of the plate-type external fixator and the unilateral external fixator. We hypothesized that the plate-type external fixator could provide higher stiffness while retaining sufficient strength.

Methods

Fifty-four cadaver tibias underwent a standardized midshaft osteotomy to create a fracture gap model to simulate a comminuted diaphyseal fracture. All specimens were randomly divided into three groups of eighteen specimens each and stabilized with either a unilateral external fixator or two configurations of the plate-type external fixator. Six specimens of each configuration were tested to determine fixation stiffness in axial compression, four-point bending, and torsion, respectively. Afterwards, dynamic loading until failure was performed in each loading mode to determine the construct strength and failure mode.

Results

The plate-type external fixator provided higher stiffness and strength than the traditional unilateral external fixator. The highest biomechanics were observed for the classical plate-type external fixator, closely followed by the extended plate-type external fixator.

Conclusions

The plate-type external fixator is stiffer and stronger than the traditional unilateral external fixator under axial compression, four-point bending and torsion loading conditions.
Identification of metabolic syndrome using phenotypes consisting of triglyceride levels with anthropometric indices in Korean adults
Authors: Lee Bum Ju , Kim Jong Yeol
Published: February 2020

Background

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) has shown strong associations with the hypertriglyceridemic waist (HW) phenotype. The best anthropometric indicator of MetS remains controversial. Furthermore, no studies have investigated alternative indices that could replace waist circumference in the HW phenotype. The objectives of this study were to find the best indicator of MetS among anthropometric indices and to examine the predictive power of phenotypes consisting of triglyceride levels with anthropometric indices.

Methods

A total of 12,025 subjects participated in this retrospective cross-sectional study. All subjects were recruited between November 2016 and August 2007 from hospitals in 28 urban and rural regions in South Korea. The data analyzed in this study were obtained from the Korean Health and Genome Epidemiology Study database and the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine.

Results

The proportion of patients with MetS ranged from 9 to 57% according to age and gender groups. Waist circumference (WC) was best indicator of MetS in men of all age groups. However, in women aged 40–49 years, the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) was the best indicator of MetS. Rib circumference and chest circumference were the strongest indicators in women aged 50–59 years and 70–79 years, respectively. The combination of WC and triglyceride (TG) was the best indicator of MetS in men and women overall. However, interestingly, the best indicator was TG + WHtR in women aged 40–49 years and TG + forehead-to-waist ratio in women aged 70–79 years.

Conclusions

The best indicator of MetS in terms of individual anthropometric indices and the various phenotypes combining a single anthropometric index with TG may differ subtly according to age group in women, but not in men. Our findings provide insight into a simple and inexpensive method that could be used to identify MetS in initial health screening efforts in epidemiology and public health.
Questionnaires on stigmatizing attitudes among healthcare students in Taiwan: development and validation
Authors: Ma Hui-Ing , Hsieh Chu-En
Published: February 2020

Background

People may be stigmatized if they have mental illness, emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD), or physical or intellectual disabilities. Being stigmatized adversely affects one’s psychological well-being and quality of life. While occupational therapists frequently work with people with EBD and disabilities, all healthcare practitioners may encounter these populations, and stigmatizing attitudes of healthcare professionals towards such clients can negatively affect the therapeutic relationship, evaluation, and treatment. Therefore, understanding attitudes of healthcare students—as future practitioners in all fields of healthcare—towards people in this regard is fundamental to the future implementation of anti-stigma programs. We aimed to develop and test questionnaires for examining stigmatizing attitudes of healthcare students towards people with mental illness or disabilities and children with EBD.

Methods

A literature review was conducted to identify surveys related to attitudes towards people with mental illness, EBD, and disabilities. Items that were pertinent to the concept of stigma were selected and modified to fit into the Taiwanese context. A total of 336 students from departments of occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, and medicine in 7 universities across Taiwan completed the questionnaires. Item analysis and factor analysis were used to examine the reliability and validity of the questionnaires. Gender differences were also considered.

Results

Factor analyses of the three questionnaires yielded factor structures that explained 61.34 to 67.15% of the variance, with Cronbach’s α values ranging from 0.71 to 0.89. The Questionnaire on Stigmatizing Attitudes Towards Mental Illness consisted of 16 items with 4 subscales: deviant behavior, social isolation, negative stereotype, and self-stigma. The Questionnaire on Stigmatizing Attitudes Towards Children with EBD consisted of 14 items with 3 subscales: rejective attitude, negative stereotype, and deviant behavior. The Questionnaire on Stigmatizing Attitudes Towards Disabilities consisted of 10 items with 3 subscales: positive stereotype, negative stereotype, and pessimistic expectation. In addition, men had slightly higher stigmatizing attitudes than women.

Conclusions

The results showed satisfactory factor structures and internal consistency, and thus support the use of these questionnaires to understand attitudes of healthcare students towards these populations. In addition, particular attention should be paid to gender differences in stigmatizing attitudes of healthcare students.
Case identification of mental health and related problems in children and young people using the New Zealand Integrated Data Infrastructure
Authors: Bowden Nicholas , Gibb Sheree , Thabrew Hiran , Kokaua Jesse , Audas Richard , Merry Sally , Taylor Barry , Hetrick Sarah E
Published: February 2020

Background

In a novel endeavour we aimed to develop a clinically relevant case identification method for use in research about the mental health of children and young people in New Zealand using the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI). The IDI is a linked individual-level database containing New Zealand government and survey microdata.

Methods

We drew on diagnostic and pharmaceutical information contained within five secondary care service use and medication dispensing datasets to identify probable cases of mental health and related problems. A systematic classification and refinement of codes, including restrictions by age, was undertaken to assign cases into 13 different mental health problem categories. This process was carried out by a panel of eight specialists covering a diverse range of mental health disciplines (a clinical psychologist, four child and adolescent psychiatrists and three academic researchers in child and adolescent mental health). The case identification method was applied to the New Zealand youth estimated resident population for the 2014/15 fiscal year.

Results

Over 82,000 unique individuals aged 0–24 with at least one specified mental health or related problem were identified using the case identification method for the 2014/15 fiscal year. The most prevalent mental health problem subgroups were emotional problems (31,266 individuals), substance problems (16,314), and disruptive behaviours (13,758). Overall, the pharmaceutical collection was the largest source of case identification data (59,862).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the value of utilising IDI data for mental health research. Although the method is yet to be fully validated, it moves beyond incidence rates based on single data sources, and provides directions for future use, including further linkage of data to the IDI.
A new mouse line with reduced GluA2 Q/R site RNA editing exhibits loss of dendritic spines, hippocampal CA1-neuron loss, learning and memory impairments and NMDA receptor-independent seizure vulnerability
Authors: Konen Lyndsey M. , Wright Amanda L. , Royle Gordon A. , Morris Gary P. , Lau Benjamin K. , Seow Patrick W. , Zinn Raphael , Milham Luke T. , Vaughan Christopher W. , Vissel Bryce
Published: February 2020

Calcium (Ca2+)-permeable AMPA receptors may, in certain circumstances, contribute to normal synaptic plasticity or to neurodegeneration. AMPA receptors are Ca2+-permeable if they lack the GluA2 subunit or if GluA2 is unedited at a single nucleic acid, known as the Q/R site. In this study, we examined mice engineered with a point mutation in the intronic editing complementary sequence (ECS) of the GluA2 gene, Gria2. Mice heterozygous for the ECS mutation (named GluA2+/ECS(G)) had a ~ 20% reduction in GluA2 RNA editing at the Q/R site. We conducted an initial phenotypic analysis of these mice, finding altered current-voltage relations (confirming expression of Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors at the synapse). Anatomically, we observed a loss of hippocampal CA1 neurons, altered dendritic morphology and reductions in CA1 pyramidal cell spine density. Behaviourally, GluA2+/ECS(G) mice exhibited reduced motor coordination, and learning and memory impairments. Notably, the mice also exhibited both NMDA receptor-independent long-term potentiation (LTP) and vulnerability to NMDA receptor-independent seizures. These NMDA receptor-independent seizures were rescued by the Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptor antagonist IEM-1460. In summary, unedited GluA2(Q) may have the potential to drive NMDA receptor-independent processes in brain function and disease. Our study provides an initial characterisation of a new mouse model for studying the role of unedited GluA2(Q) in synaptic and dendritic spine plasticity in disorders where unedited GluA2(Q), synapse loss, neurodegeneration, behavioural impairments and/or seizures are observed, such as ischemia, seizures and epilepsy, Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, astrocytoma, cocaine seeking behaviour and Alzheimer’s disease.
A rare codon-based translational program of cell proliferation
Authors: Guimaraes Joao C. , Mittal Nitish , Gnann Alexandra , Jedlinski Dominik , Riba Andrea , Buczak Katarzyna , Schmidt Alexander , Zavolan Mihaela
Published: February 2020

Background

The speed of translation elongation is primarily determined by the abundance of tRNAs. Thus, the codon usage influences the rate with which individual mRNAs are translated. As the nature of tRNA pools and modifications can vary across biological conditions, codon elongation rates may also vary, leading to fluctuations in the protein production from individual mRNAs. Although it has been observed that functionally related mRNAs exhibit similar codon usage, presumably to provide an effective way to coordinate expression of multiple proteins, experimental evidence for codon-mediated translation efficiency modulation of functionally related mRNAs in specific conditions is scarce and the associated mechanisms are still debated.

Results

Here, we reveal that mRNAs whose expression increases during cell proliferation are enriched in rare codons, poorly adapted to tRNA pools. Ribosome occupancy profiling and proteomics measurements show that upon increased cell proliferation, transcripts enriched in rare codons undergo a higher translation boost than transcripts with common codons. Re-coding of a fluorescent reporter with rare codons increased protein output by ~ 30% relative to a reporter re-coded with common codons. Although the translation capacity of proliferating cells was higher compared to resting cells, we did not find evidence for the regulation of individual tRNAs. Among the models that were proposed so far to account for codon-mediated translational regulation upon changing conditions, the one that seems most consistent with our data involves a global upregulation of ready-to-translate tRNAs, which we show can lead to a higher increase in the elongation velocity at rare codons compared to common codons.

Conclusions

We propose that the alleviation of translation bottlenecks in rapidly dividing cells enables preferential upregulation of pro-proliferation proteins, encoded by mRNAs that are enriched in rare codons.
Borrelia miyamotoi and Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) identification and survey of tick-borne encephalitis virus in ticks from north-eastern Germany
Authors: Răileanu Cristian , Tauchmann Oliver , Vasić Ana , Wöhnke Elisabeth , Silaghi Cornelia
Published: February 2020

Background

Ixodes ricinusis the most common tick species in Europe and the main vector forBorrelia burgdorferi(sensu lato) and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). It is involved also in the transmission ofBorrelia miyamotoi, a relapsing fever spirochete that causes health disorders in humans. Little is known regarding the circulation ofBorreliaspecies and the natural foci of TBEV in north-eastern Germany. The goal of this study was to investigate the infection rates ofBorreliaspp. and of TBEV inI. ricinusticks from north-eastern Germany.

Methods

Ticks were collected by flagging from 14 forest sites in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania between April and October 2018. RNA and DNA extraction was performed from individual adult ticks and from pools of 2–10 nymphs. Real time reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) targeted the 3′ non-coding region of TBEV, while DNA ofBorreliaspp. was tested by nested PCR for the amplification of 16S-23S intergenic spacer. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed onB. miyamotoiisolates.

Results

In total, 2407 ticks were collected (239 females, 232 males and 1936 nymphs). Female and maleI. ricinusticks had identical infection rates (both 12.1%) forBorreliaspp., while nymphal pools showed a minimum infection rate (MIR) of 3.3%. Sequencing revealed fourBorreliaspecies:B. afzelii,B. garinii,B. valaisianaandB. miyamotoi.Borrelia afzeliihad the highest prevalence in adult ticks (5.5%) and nymphs (MIR of 1.8%).Borrelia miyamotoiwas identified in 3.0% of adults and registered the MIR of 0.8% in nymphs.Borrelia valaisianawas confirmed in 2.5% adult ticks and nymphs had the MIR of 0.7%, whileB. gariniiwas present in 1.1% of adults and showed a MIR of 0.1% in nymphs. The MLST ofB. miyamotoiisolates showed that they belong to sequence type 635. No tick sample was positive after RT-qPCR for TBEV RNA.

Conclusions

The prevalence ofB. miyamotoiinI. ricinusticks registered similar levels to other reports from Europe suggesting that this agent might be well established in the local tick population. The detection ofB. burgdorferi(s.l.) indicates a constant circulation in tick populations from this region.
Genotypic and phenotypic analysis of biofilm formation Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates from clinical specimens
Authors: Mirzaei Bahman , Faridifar Peyman , Shahmoradi Mostafa , Shapouri Reza , Iranpour Fatemeh , Haghi Fakhri , Ezzedin Mahnaz , Babaei Reyhaneh , Mousavi Seyed Fazlollah
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Staphylococcus epidermidis is the primary causative agent of infections associated with indwelling biomaterials. Antibiotic susceptibility patterns, Biofilm formation capability, and screening of responsible genes in biofilm formation procedure in clinical isolates (icaA, icaB, icaC, icaD, sdrG, and atlE) were assigned as the main objectives in this study. The clinical samples were analyzed via standard biochemical assays for identifying different bacteria which were confirmed using the multiplex colony PCR method. Subsequently, biofilm-formation capability, antibiotic susceptibility testing, and the frequency of genes responsible for biofilm formation in the confirmed strains were checked.

Results

Out of 183 clinical specimens 54 S. epidermidis isolates were detected by targeting a housekeeping gene (sesc) taking advantage of the PCR procedure. All of the strains were Biofilm forming producers. The in vitro biofilm formation assays determined that 45 (83.33%), 5 (9.26%), 4 (7.41%) were strong, moderate, and weak biofilm former strains respectively. Among the isolated strains, the specific frequencies of the biofilm-forming genes were specified to be (98%) for sdrG, (84%) for atlE, (80%) for icaC, and (70%) for icaD. Cefamandole and Amikacin are the most effective antibiotics in isolated strains. All strains were ascertained to be methicillin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid resistant.
Giant cell tumor of bone following denosumab treatment: assessment of tumor response using various imaging modalities
Authors: Alothman Maram , Althobaity Waleed , Asiri Yasser , Alreshoodi Saleh , Alismail Khalid , Alshaalan Meshal
Published: February 2020

Background

Giant cell tumor (GCT) is a nonmalignant neoplasm composed of multinucleated giant and mononuclear stromal cells.

This study aimed to compare imaging findings of GCT pre- and post-denosumab treatment, including lesion size, percentage of signal intensity/density change, and time of initial objective tumor response. This will have a great impact on selection of most appropriate imaging technique to accurately measure therapy response and its related complications, which would influence the physicians to tailor the treatment regimen to suit each patient.

Results

As per inverse Choi density/size (ICDS), 16 patients (84.2%) had an objective tumor response and 15 (78.9%) had an increase in density or decrease in signal intensity, and the mean of signal intensity decrease in the treated lesions was 32.4% (95% CI, 18–46.7). Only seven patients (36.8%) had tumors demonstrating ≥ 10% decrease in size, all of which showed a positive change in signal/density except for one. Moreover, 17 patients (89.4%) showed a clear demarcation/low signal intensity margin surrounding ≥ two third of the lesion periphery. The median time to first objective tumor response was approximately 23 weeks.

Conclusion

Based on the ICDS criteria, most patients with giant cell tumor of bone show objective tumor response to denosumab. Modification of ICDS to include marginal sclerosis or clear demarcation of the lesions might be considered as a separate response criterion to accurately assess the treatment response in patients with GCT.
Porcine circovirus type 2 exploits JNK-mediated disruption of tight junctions to facilitate Streptococcus suis translocation across the tracheal epithelium
Authors: Wang Qing , Zhou Hong , Lin Huixing , Ma Zhe , Fan Hongjie
Published: February 2020

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is considered as the primary pathogen of porcine circovirus-associated disease (PCVAD), which results in significant economic losses worldwide. Clinically, PCV2 often causes disease through coinfection with other bacterial pathogens, including Streptococcus suis (S. suis), and especially the highly prevalent S. suis serotype 2 (SS2). The present study determined that continuous PCV2 infection in piglets down-regulates tight junction proteins (TJ) ZO-1 and occludin in the lungs. Swine tracheal epithelial cells (STEC) were used to explore the mechanisms and consequences of disruption of TJ, and an in vitro tracheal epithelial barrier model was established. Our results show that PCV2 infection in STEC decreases the expression levels of ZO-1 and occludin and increases the permeability of the tracheal epithelial barrier, resulting in easier translocation of SS2. Moreover, Western blot analysis indicates that PCV2 infection activates the JNK/MAPK pathway. The disruption of TJ in SETC and increased permeability of the epithelial barrier induced by PCV2 could be alleviated by inhibition of JNK phosphorylation, which indicates that the JNK/MAPK pathway regulates the expression of ZO-1 and occludin during PCV2 infection. This study allows us to better understand the mechanisms of PCV2 coinfection with bacterial pathogens and provides new insight into controlling the occurrence of PCVAD.
Isolated Horner’s Syndrome Secondary To Rhinosinusitis: A Case Report And Literature Review
Authors: Rissardo Jamir Pitton , Caprara Ana Letícia Fornari , Silveira Juliana Oliveira Freitas , Jauris Paulo Gilberto Medeiros
Published: February 2020

Background

Horner’s syndrome (HS) is characterized by unilateral ptosis, ipsilateral miosis with normally reactive pupil, and in some cases, ipsilateral facial anhidrosis.

Case presentation

We report an adult male presenting with ptosis. Neurological examination revealed ptosis and miosis in the right eye. Anhidrosis was not observed, and the patient did not complain about it. Laboratory tests were within normal limits. He had searched a general practitioner because of purulent nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, and anosmia. He was diagnosed with acute rhinosinusitis. Symptomatic treatment was started. The subject had full recovery of the nasal symptoms, but his right upper eyelid was drooping progressively. In the follow-up, after the third month, the patient was recovering from ptosis and miosis. In 1 year, the ptosis was minor with less than 1 mm and miosis was no more observed.

Discussion

A few cases of HS secondary to a sinus infection have been reported in the literature. To the authors’ knowledge, there are only two case reports of individuals who developed sinusitis and Horner’s syndrome. The present case is the first to present isolated HS features. Our report suggests that sinusitis should be listed as a probable cause of isolated Horner’s syndrome. Moreover, patients presenting with this presentation probably have a good prognosis.