bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autonomic dysfunction in autism: The roles of anxiety, depression, and stress
Authors: Taylor Emily C , Livingston Lucy A , Callan Mitchell J , Ashwin Chris , Shah Punit
Published: January 2021

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with atypical autonomic nervous system (ANS) function. However, little is known about this relationship, while accounting for co-occurring mental health conditions (e.g. anxiety) that are also associated with ANS dysfunction. In addition, research on the ANS has typically involved physiological measurements, without using more clinically meaningful measures of ANS dysfunction, such as the self-reported frequency of ANS-related physical health symptoms. Furthermore, very little is known about ANS function in autistic adults, given that previous research has focused on ANS dysfunction in children with ASD. Addressing these gaps in the literature, we compared ANS function in adults with(out) ASD (Study 1). Although autistic adults reported greater ANS dysfunction than matched neurotypical controls, this difference was not significant after controlling for anxiety and depression. Similarly, in a large nonclinical sample (Study 2), we found that anxiety and stress mediated the relationship between autistic traits and ANS dysfunction. Together, we conclude that ANS dysfunction is not a feature of ASD per se, but instead attributable to the high levels of anxiety and stress in autistic adults. We discuss the clinical relevance of these findings for managing ANS dysfunction and other physical and mental health concerns in autistic adulthood.

Lay abstract

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for the functioning of the heart, bladder, pupils and several other bodily functions. Therefore, when the ANS functions abnormally, individuals can experience a number of physical symptoms, including dizziness, abnormal sweating and digestive difficulties. Currently, it is unclear if autistic adults experience ANS dysfunction. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether autistic adults report more ANS-related physical symptoms, indicating greater ANS dysfunction, and whether this may be related to autism, or rather anxiety, depression, or stress. The findings suggest that ANS dysfunction, where found in autism, is due to co-occurring stress and anxiety. We therefore propose that treating stress and anxiety may be an effective way to ameliorate ANS-related health problems in autistic adults.
Study on reinforcement effect of H type assembled anchoring joint in portal frame
Authors: Yu-qing Sun , Xinjie Liu , Weilong Cui , Shilian Zhang , Qingbo Wu , Junqi Wu , Yajun Xin , Shuliang Cheng
Published: January 2021

With the development of society, portal frame has been increasingly used in industrial buildings because of light weight, high degree of industrialization, and high economic efficiency. Some existing portal frames need to be reinforced and improved due to the expansion of production and the functional change. As a safe, reliable, and convenient reinforcement method, the external prestressing reinforcement technology is often used to reinforce the portal frame. In this paper, a new type of assembled anchoring joint was designed to connect the steel strand to the steel beam of a portal frame without damaging the original structure. The static loading test was performed by adjusting length of the strut. And the changes of strain and mid-span deflection were investigated. The Midas Gen FEM simulation was used to investigate stress characteristics of the reinforced portal frame, including strain, bending moment, shear force, etc. The experimental results and simulation results were compared to verify effectiveness of the designed joint. The results indicated the new prestressed anchoring joints had the advantages of simple structure, effectiveness, and force transfer path of the joints was clear. Therefore, the new prestressed anchoring joint can be applied to the external prestressing reinforcement of the portal frame.
Condition assessment of timber beam in a typical Tibetan heritage building under crowd load
Authors: Li Tianhao , Yang Na
Published: January 2021

Many Tibetan heritage buildings in China are opened to tourists recently. The crowd load has become a significantly concern to the structural safety of the structures. The beams of these wooden structures are easily deformed or cracked under the crowd load. The condition assessment of the timber beam in a Tibetan heritage building under crowd load has become a new challenge. Convention statistical evaluation method making use of monitored strain data require a threshold value which is determined with no physical meaning. This paper separates the monitored strain into temperature-induced strain and crowd-induced strain. An analytical model of the timber beam including the semi-rigid connections at its ends is formulated for the calculation of different material stresses under crowd load. The condition of the beam is then quantitatively evaluated against the residual strength of material. The shear stress at any point of the beam can then be calculated from limited number of sensors for evaluating the more popular shear crack damage which is not monitored in most existing ancient structures.
‘It’s a Long Way from Kuusamo to Kuhmo’: Mapping Candidates’ Electoral Constituencies in the Finnish Open-List Single Preference Voting System
Authors: Arter David
Published: January 2021

This article seeks an insight into the nature of intraparty competition in an open-list single preference voting system, and it does so by analysing the distribution of votes for Centre Party candidates in the 40 or so municipalities making up the northern Finnish constituency of Oulu in each of the five general elections between 2003 and 2019. It builds on Grofman’s distinction between a geographical constituency and a candidate’s electoral constituency to map the ecology of candidate support in a constituency with (1) a larger than average district magnitude (M); (2) a significantly larger than average territorial magnitude (T); and (3) a substantially larger than average Centre party magnitude (P). Setting M, T and P within a party organisational framework, the article identifies (1) a significant disparity between levels of intraparty competition at district and sub-district levels; (2) several contextual factors that act more as disincentives than incentives to engage in personal vote seeking across the electoral district.
Risk Factors for Prolonged Opioid Use After Open Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Qin Mia M. , Qin Charles D. , Shah Chirag M.
Published: January 2021

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate factors associated with postoperative opioid use after open treatment of distal radius fractures.

Methods

The Humana insurance claims database was queried for open treatment of distal radius fractures by Current Procedural Terminology codes. The search was further refined to identify patients who filled an opioid prescription within 6 weeks after their surgery. The study’s outcomes were: (1) limited postoperative opioid use, defined as filling a prescription once in the 6-week to 6-month period after surgery; and (2) persistent postoperative opioid use, defined as filling a prescription more than once in the 6-week to 6-month period after surgery. Logistic regression models were performed to identify factors associated with limited and persistent postoperative opioid use. Subgroup analyses were performed among opioid-naïve patients and those with open fractures.

Results

This study identified 9141 of 19 220 total patients with limited and persistent opioid use. Significant risk factors included nonhome discharge, inpatient surgical setting, long-term pain, tobacco abuse, and age less than 65 years. Of note, both preoperative opioid use within 1 month before surgery (odds ratio [OR], 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2-2.9) and preoperative opioid use between 1 and 6 months before surgery (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 3.7-4.4) were significantly associated with persistent postoperative opioid use.

Conclusions

This study has identified numerous risk factors associated with postoperative opioid use after open treatment of distal radius fractures. Understanding these risk factors is the first step toward reducing postoperative opioid use.
A fire risk assessment method based on the combination of quantified safety checklist and structure entropy weight for shopping malls
Authors: Zou Quanle , Zhang Tiancheng , Liu Wei
Published: January 2021

In recent years, various large- and medium-sized shopping malls have been essential components of each city with the speed-up of China’s urbanization process and the improvement of residents’ living standard. A method for evaluating fire risk in shopping malls based on quantified safety checklist and structure entropy weight method was proposed according to related literatures as well as laws and regulations by analyzing the characteristics of fires occurring in shopping malls in recent years. At first, the factors influencing the fire risk in shopping malls were determined by carrying out on-site survey and visiting related organizations to construct an evaluation index system for fires occurring in shopping malls; afterwards, a quantified safety checklist composed of four parts (i.e. safety grade, grade description, scoring criterion and index quantification) was established based on related laws and regulations; subsequently, index weights were determined by utilizing structure entropy weight method, thus putting forward a method for assessing fire risk in shopping malls based on quantified safety checklist and structure entropy weight method. Eventually, the applicability of the evaluation method was validated exampled by Wal-Mart. The research result provides a theoretical basis for further improvement of the theoretical system for fire risk evaluation in shopping malls, and also exerts practical and guidance significance on timeous and effective early warning as well as prevention and control of building fires.
Stereotype Threat and Its Problems: Theory Misspecification in Research, Consequences, and Remedies
Authors: Picho-Kiroga Katherine , Turnbull Ashley , Rodriguez-Leahy Ariel
Published: January 2021

Despite the explosive growth in stereotype threat (ST) research over the decades, a substantive amount of variability in ST effects still cannot be explained by extant research. While some attribute this unexplained heterogeneity to yet unidentified ST mechanisms, we explored an alternate hypothesis that ST theory is often misspecified in experimental research design, which introduces experimental noise (and hence variability) in stereotype threat effects unlikely to be explained by extant moderators. This study used multilevel meta-analysis to examine the impact of ST misspecification in research design on ST outcomes. Results revealed that ST effects were artificially inflated in studies that failed to include essential conditions necessary for its occurrence. Because most studies in the meta-analysis had either excluded or partially included these conditions, findings from this study suggest that ST effects on women’s performance might be smaller than previously reported in primary and secondary (meta-analytic) studies.
Clinical profile and management of patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism – a single centre, large observational study from India
Authors: Muralidharan Thoddi Ramamurthy , Ramesh Sankaran , Kumar Balakrishnan Vinod , Ruia Aditya V. , Kumar Mohan , Gopalakrishnan Akshaya , Johal Gurpreet S. , Hooda Amit , Malhotra Rohit , Masoomi Reza , Ramadoss Mahalakshmi , Subramanian Vinodhini , Kalsingh Maria J. , Manokar Panchanatham , Rathinasamy Jebaraj , Sadhanandham Shanmugasundram , Balasubramaniyan Jayanthy V. , Krishnamurthy Preetam , Murthy Jayanthy S. , Thanikachalam Sadagopan , Senguttuvan Nagendra Boopathy
Published: January 2021

Acute pulmonary thromboembolism is associated with high mortality, similar to that of myocardial infarction and stroke. We studied the clinical presentation and management of pulmonary thromboembolism in the Indian population. An analysis of 140 patients who presented with acute pulmonary thromboembolism at a large volume center in India from June 2015 through December 2018 was performed. The mean age of our study population was 50 years with 59% being male. Comorbidities including deep vein thrombosis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were present in 52.9%, 40%, 35.7% and 7.14% of patients, respectively. Out of 140 patients, 40 (28.6%) patients had massive pulmonary thromboembolism, 36 (25.7%) sub‐massive pulmonary thromboembolism, and 64 (45.7%) had low‐risk pulmonary thromboembolism. Overall, in‐hospital mortality was 25.7%. Multivariate regression analysis found chronic kidney disease and pulmonary thromboembolism severity to be the only independent risk factors. Thrombolysis was performed in 62.5% of patients with a massive pulmonary thromboembolism and 63.9% of patients with a sub‐massive pulmonary thromboembolism. In the massive pulmonary thromboembolism group, patients receiving thrombolytic therapy had lower mortality compared with patients who did not receive therapy (p=0.022), whereas this difference was not observed in patients in the sub‐massive pulmonary thromboembolism group. We conclude that patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism in India presented more than a decade earlier than our western counterparts, and it was associated with poor clinical outcomes. Thrombolysis was associated with significantly reduced in‐hospital mortality in patients with massive pulmonary thromboembolism.
Depression and its associated factors among pregnant women in central Vietnam
Authors: Luong-Thanh Bao-Yen , Nguyen Lan Hoang , Murray Linda , Eisner Manuel , Valdebenito Sara , Hoang Tuyen Dinh , Phuc Do Huyen , Vo Thang Van
Published: January 2021

To date, little attention has been given to prenatal depression, especially in low and middle-income countries. The aim of this research was to assess the prevalence of depression and its associated factors amongst pregnant women in a central Vietnamese city. This cross-sectional study included 150 pregnant women from 29 to 40 weeks of gestation, from eight wards of Hue city, via quota sampling from February to May 2019. We employed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to assess depression. Findings suggest the need to provide routine screening of pregnant women in primary care for depressive symptoms and other mental health problems.
Prevalence of Poor Bone Quality in Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery: A Comprehensive Approach
Authors: Paz Ricardo Díaz-Romero , Henríquez Manuel Sosa , Melián Kevin Armas , Martin Claudia Balhen
Published: January 2021

Study Design:

A cross-sectional study.

Objectives:

To investigate the prevalence of poor bone quality in patients requiring spine surgery through comprehensive evaluation with bone mass density (BMD), trabecular bone score (TBS), FRAX, and vitamin D status.

Methods:

we prospectively recruited patients of > 50 years old candidates for lumbar or cervical spine fusion surgery at our institution. Recorded data were: demographic, body mass index (BMI), risk factors for osteoporosis, daily calcium intake, FRAX score, disability index for lumbar and cervical spine, and VAS for pain. Serum 25 OH vitamin D, BMD using DXA, and TBS was also evaluated.

Results:

A total of 104 patients were recruited, osteoporosis by BMD was detected in 9.6%, and osteopenia in 34.6% of patients. 69.4% of patients with osteopenia had a degraded or partially degraded bone microarchitecture by TBS. Low levels of vitamin D were detected in 79.8% of patients. Increased pain was associated with low BMD levels. Adding TBS to BMD for the determination of bone strength resulted in 33.7% of patients with poor bone quality. Lastly, the combination of BMD, TBS, and FRAX revealed 37,5% of patients with poor bone quality.

Conclusions:

Poor bone quality and low vitamin D levels are quite common among patients aged ≥ 50 years undergoing spine surgery. DXA alone seems not enough for preoperative identification of impaired bone quality cases. FRAX is useful for identifying high-risk patients and TBS is a valuable complement to DXA by adding the dimension of bone quality.
Injuries in Collegiate Track and Field Jumping: A 2-Year Prospective Surveillance Study
Authors: Enoki Shota , Nagao Mami , Ishimatsu Soju , Shimizu Takuya , Kuramochi Rieko
Published: January 2021

Background:

Athletes participating in track and field jumping events (long jump, triple jump, high jump, and pole vault) are exposed to ground-reaction forces on the takeoff leg that are several times their body weight. This can cause injuries specific to such activities.

Purpose:

To determine the incidence of injuries in collegiate jumpers using the guidelines set forth by a 2014 consensus statement on injury surveillance during track and field events.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

A total of 51 jumpers between April 2016 and March 2017 and 54 jumpers between April 2017 and March 2018 participated in this study. All athletes were from a single college in Japan. Baseline information on athletes participating in the long jump, triple jump, high jump, and pole vault was collected at study enrollment. Practice and competition exposures were reported by the team trainer. Injury incidence was calculated as the number of injuries per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs).

Results:

A total of 147 injuries were reported among 16,998 exposures (8.65 injuries per 1000 AEs). The most common injury locations were the posterior thigh and lateral ankle (17.0%), followed by the posterior foot or toe (12.9%); the most frequent type of injury was strain/muscle rupture/tear (21.1%). The most common injury for long jumpers was ankle sprain (23.3%); for high jumpers, flexor hallucis longus tendinosis (15.8%); and for pole vaulters, hamstring strain (13.2%).

Conclusion:

The overall characteristics are different for each event; therefore, injuries for each event need to be investigated.
Characteristics of Pediatric Emergency and Risk Factors for Life-saving Interventions
Authors: Phattharapornjaroen Phatthranit , Sittichanbuncha Yuwares , Atiksawedparit Pongsakorn , Sawanyawisuth Kittisak
Published: January 2021

Pediatric emergency patients are vulnerable population and require special care or interventions. Nevertheless, there is limited data on the prevalence and risk factors for life-saving interventions. This study is a retrospective analytical study. The inclusion criteria were children aged 15 years or under who were triaged as level 1 or 2 and treated at the resuscitation room. Factors associated with LSI were executed by logistic regression analysis. During the study period, there were 22 759 ER visits by 14 066 pediatric patients. Of those, 346 patients (2.46%) met the study criteria. Triage level 1 accounted for 16.18% (56 patients) with 29 patients (8.38%) with LSI. Trauma was an independent factor for LSI with adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of 4.37 (1.49, 12.76). In conclusion, approximately 8.38% of these patients required LSI. Trauma cause was an independent predictor for LSI.
Spatial autoregressive analysis of nationwide street network patterns with global open data
Authors: Zhou Qi , Lin Hao , Bao Junya
Published: January 2021

The study of street network patterns is beneficial in understanding the layout or physical form of a city. Many studies have analyzed street network patterns, but the similarity and/or difference of street network patterns across a country or region are rarely quantitatively understood. To fill this gap, this research proposes a quantitative analysis of street network patterns nationwide. Specifically, the street network patterns across a country or region were first mapped, and then the relationship between such patterns and various landscape factors (calculated based on global open data) was quantitatively investigated by employing three regression models (ordinary least squares, spatial lag model, and spatial error model). Not only the whole region of China but also its subregions were used as study areas, which involved a total of 362 prefecture-level cities and 2081 built-up areas for analysis. Results showed that (1) similar street network patterns are spatially aggregated; (2) a number of factors, including both land-cover and terrain factors, are found to be significantly correlated with street network patterns; and (3) the spatial lag model is preferred in most of the application scenarios. Not only the analytical method and data can be applied to other countries and regions but also these findings are useful for understanding street network patterns and their associated urban forms in a country or region.
Updates on Lisfranc Complex Injuries
Authors: Yan Alan , Chen Stephen R. , Ma Xin , Shi Zhongmin , Hogan MaCalus
Published: January 2021

Lisfranc injuries are a disruption of one or more of the tarsometatarsal joints and have an estimated incidence of 1/55 000 people. However, the total number of Lisfranc injuries could be underreported, because almost 20% of these injuries are initially missed. Because of the relative infrequency of these injuries, the current literature is inconsistent in regard to proper treatment. This article provides a review of Lisfranc complex injuries including relevant anatomy, diagnosis, treatment, classifications, operative approaches, and outcomes and complications. Based on existing evidence, it also proposes an algorithm the authors prefer for the evaluation and treatment of Lisfranc complex injuries.
Native tungsten from the Bol'shaya Pol'ya river valley and Mt Neroyka, Russia
Authors: Mills Stuart J. , Kartashov Pavel M. , Kampf Anthony R. , Rumsey Mike S. , Ma Chi , Stanley Chris J. , Spratt John , Rossman George R. , Novgorodova Margarita I.
Published: January 2021

Native tungsten (IMA2011-004), W, is officially described as a new mineral from gold placers in the Bol'shaya Pol'ya river valley, Prepolar Urals, Russia, associated with yttriaite-(Y) and from quartz veins in the Mt Neroyka rock-crystal field, Ust–Puiva, Tyumenskaya Oblast', Russia. Tungsten forms polycrystalline grains and masses, and rarely cubo-octahedra. It is silver white to steel grey in colour, with metallic lustre and grey streak. The calculated density is 19.226 g/cm3. The Vickers hardness (VHN25) is 571.45 kg/mm2. In plane polarised light, tungsten is white with a pale-yellow tint and optically isotropic. Electron microprobe analyses of Bol'shaya Pol'ya river valley material provided W 99.27, Mo 0.06, Mn 0.04, Fe 0.01, total 99.38 wt.%. The five strongest powder X-ray diffraction lines are [dobs Å(I)(hkl)]: 2.2422(100)(110), 1.5835(25)(200), 1.2929(48)(211), 1.0010(23)(310) and 0.8457(24)(321). Tungsten is cubic, Im$\bar{3}$m, a = 3.1648(4) Å, V = 31.69(4) Å3 and Z = 2. Some additional occurrences of native tungsten and technogenic tungsten found in Nature are also described.
Neutrophil specific granule and NETosis defects in gray platelet syndrome
Authors: Aarts Cathelijn E. M. , Downes Kate , Hoogendijk Arie J. , Sprenkeler Evelien G. G. , Gazendam Roel P. , Favier Rémi , Favier Marie , Tool Anton T. J. , van Hamme John L. , Kostadima Myrto A. , Waller Kate , Zieger Barbara , van Bergen Maaike G. J. M. , Langemeijer Saskia M. C. , van der Reijden Bert A. , Janssen Hans , van den Berg Timo K. , van Bruggen Robin , Meijer Alexander B. , Ouwehand Willem H. , Kuijpers Taco W.
Published: January 2021

Gray platelet syndrome (GPS) is an autosomal recessive bleeding disorder characterized by a lack of α-granules in platelets and progressive myelofibrosis. Rare loss-of-function variants in neurobeachin-like 2 (NBEAL2), a member of the family of beige and Chédiak-Higashi (BEACH) genes, are causal of GPS. It is suggested that BEACH domain containing proteins are involved in fusion, fission, and trafficking of vesicles and granules. Studies in knockout mice suggest that NBEAL2 may control the formation and retention of granules in neutrophils. We found that neutrophils obtained from the peripheral blood from 13 patients with GPS have a normal distribution of azurophilic granules but show a deficiency of specific granules (SGs), as confirmed by immunoelectron microscopy and mass spectrometry proteomics analyses. CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from patients with GPS differentiated into mature neutrophils also lacked NBEAL2 expression but showed similar SG protein expression as control cells. This is indicative of normal granulopoiesis in GPS and identifies NBEAL2 as a potentially important regulator of granule release. Patient neutrophil functions, including production of reactive oxygen species, chemotaxis, and killing of bacteria and fungi, were intact. NETosis was absent in circulating GPS neutrophils. Lack of NETosis is suggested to be independent of NBEAL2 expression but associated with SG defects instead, as indicated by comparison with HSC-derived neutrophils. Since patients with GPS do not excessively suffer from infections, the consequence of the reduced SG content and lack of NETosis for innate immunity remains to be explored.
Practical guidelines for monitoring and management of coagulopathy following tisagenlecleucel CAR T-cell therapy
Authors: Buechner Jochen , Grupp Stephan A. , Hiramatsu Hidefumi , Teachey David T. , Rives Susana , Laetsch Theodore W. , Yanik Gregory A. , Wood Patricia , Awasthi Rakesh , Yi Lan , Chassot-Agostinho Andrea , Eldjerou Lamis K. , De Moerloose Barbara
Published: January 2021

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a systemic inflammatory response associated with chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies. In severe cases, CRS can be associated with coagulopathy and hypofibrinogenemia. We present our global multicenter experience with CRS-associated coagulopathy after tisagenlecleucel therapy in 137 patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia from the ELIANA and ENSIGN trials. These trials included clinical guidelines for fibrinogen replacement during CRS-associated coagulopathy. Hypofibrinogenemia requiring replacement was observed only in patients with severe CRS. A higher percentage of patients who required replacement were <10 years old, compared with those who did not require replacement. Twenty-three patients received replacement for hypofibrinogenemia (<1.5 g/L); 9 of them developed marked hypofibrinogenemia (<1 g/L). Very low fibrinogen levels (<1 g/L) were documented in patients before maximal CRS (n = 1), during maximal CRS (n = 7), and at CRS improvement (n = 1). Although hypofibrinogenemia was the most clinically significant coagulopathy, some patients also developed prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time and increased international normalized ratio, further increasing the risk of bleeding. Hypofibrinogenemia was effectively managed using fibrinogen concentrate or cryoprecipitate replacement; severe (grade 4) bleeding events were rare (n = 2). CRS-associated coagulopathy with hypofibrinogenemia is manageable according to empiric guidelines of fibrinogen replacement for CAR-T trials. Fibrinogen concentrate should be used when cryoprecipitate is not reliably available. Monitoring fibrinogen levels in patients with moderate or severe CRS is essential for avoiding potentially fatal bleeding events. These trials were registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02435849 and #NCT02228096.
Comprehensive analysis of the isozyme composition of laccase derived from Japanese lacquer tree, Toxicodendron vernicifluum
Authors: Takano Mariko , Nakamura Masaya , Tabata Masanobu
Published: January 2021

We performed an analysis using isoelectric focusing to comprehensively clarify the isozyme composition of laccase derived from Japanese lacquer tree,Toxicodendron vernicifluum. When water extracts of acetone powder obtained from lacquer were subjected to isoelectric focusing, five bands within pI 7.35–9.30 and nine bands within pI 3.50–5.25 were detected using Coomassie staining. Similarly, laccase activity staining using guaiacol showed five bands within pI 7.35–9.30 and three bands within pI 3.50–4.25. However, laccase activity staining using gallic acid showed remarkable staining within pI 3.50–5.85, whereas staining was very weak within pI 7.35–9.30. When the water extracts of acetone powder were fractionated into the fractions containing bands within pI 7.35–9.30 and pI 3.50–5.85 by SP-Sepharose column chromatography, the former had a blue color and the latter a yellow color. The laccase activity was measured for each of the fractions in buffer solution in the pH range of 2.5–8.0. When syringaldazine, guaiacol, and 2,6-dimethoxyphenol were used as substrates, the yellow fraction showed considerably higher activity than the blue fraction for pH 5.5–7.5. When 3-methylcatechol and 4-methylcatechol were used as substrates, the yellow fraction showed higher activity for pH 4.5–6.5, and the blue fraction showed higher activity for pH 7.0–8.0. When 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) was used as the substrate, both fractions showed maximum activity at optimum pH of 3.0–4.0. Conventionally, in research on blue laccase derived from lacquer, the non-blue fraction corresponding to the yellow fraction lower than pI 6 has been removed during the purification process and thus has not been analyzed. Our results indicated that yellow laccase was present in the non-blue components of lacquer and that it may play a role in urushiol polymerization with previously reported blue laccase.
Patterns of variation of mutation rates of mitochondrial and nuclear genes of gastropods
Authors: Duda Thomas F.
Published: January 2021

Background

Although mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of many animals tends to mutate at higher rates than nuclear DNA (nuDNA), a recent survey of mutation rates of various animal groups found that the gastropod family Bradybaenidae (suborder Helicina) shows a nearly 40-fold difference in mutation rates of mtDNA ($$\mu$$
μ
m) and nuDNA ($$\mu$$
μ
n), while other gastropod taxa exhibit only two to five-fold differences. To determine if Bradybaenidae represents an outlier within Gastropoda, I compared estimated values of $$\mu$$
μ
m/$$\mu$$
μ
n of additional gastropod groups. In particular, I reconstructed mtDNA and nuDNA gene trees of 121 datasets that include members of various clades contained within the gastropod subclasses Caenogastropoda, Heterobranchia, Patellogastropoda, and Vetigastropoda and then used total branch length estimates of these gene trees to infer $$\mu$$
μ
m/$$\mu$$
μ
n.

Results

Estimated values of $$\mu$$
μ
m/$$\mu$$
μ
n range from 1.4 to 91.9. Datasets that exhibit relatively large values of $$\mu$$
μ
m/$$\mu$$
μ
n (i.e., > 20), however, show relatively lower estimates of $$\mu$$
μ
n (and not elevated $$\mu$$
μ
m) in comparison to groups with lower values. These datasets also tend to contain sequences of recently diverged species. In addition, datasets with low levels of phylogenetic breadth (i.e., contain members of single genera or families) exhibit higher values of $$\mu$$
μ
m/$$\mu$$
μ
n than those with high levels (i.e., those that contain representatives of single superfamilies or higher taxonomic ranks).

Conclusions

Gastropods exhibit considerable variation in estimates of $$\mu$$
μ
m/$$\mu$$
μ
n. Large values of $$\mu$$
μ
m/$$\mu$$
μ
n that have been calculated for Bradybaenidae and other gastropod taxa may be overestimated due to possible sampling artifacts or processes that depress estimates of total molecular divergence of nuDNA in groups that recently diversified.
Parasitic infections in Swiss children: Are we overtesting?
Authors: Légeret Corinne , Rüttimann Céline , Fankhauser Hans , Köhler Henrik
Published: January 2021

Background

A wide variation of causes can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms in children- an infection with parasites is one of them. The expansion of international travel might lead to an increase in testing children for a correspondent infection. Currently there are no guidelines available, which patients should be tested for a possible parasitical infection.

The aim of the study was to characterize Swiss children suffering from intestinal parasites, in order to provide more knowledge for the clinician who should be tested.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of Swiss pediatric patients, whose stools have been tested for parasites and helminths.

Results

A total of 1855 stool samples, belonging to 572 different children with an average age of 7.9 years, were tested within a 10-year period. The prevalence of a positive result was 4.2%, of which all were positive for Blastocystis, and 12.5% had a co-infection with Endolimax nana.

Conclusion

Immigrants, immune compromised children with diarrhea and pediatric patients with bloody or protracted diarrhea should have 2 different stool specimens examined for a possible parasitical infection.
Point-of-care p24 antigen detection for early infant diagnosis of HIV infection: cross-sectional and longitudinal studies in Zambia
Authors: Sutcliffe Catherine G. , Mutanga Jane , Moyo Nkumbula , Agarwal Abhishek K. , Schue Jessica L. , Hamahuwa Mutinta , Palamountain Kara M. , Fisher Mark J. , Elghanian Robert , Thuma Philip E. , Moss William J.
Published: January 2021

Background

Early infant diagnosis of HIV infection is challenging in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in rural areas, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Use of a point-of-care test would overcome many challenges. This study evaluated the validity of a novel point-of-care p24 antigen detection test (LYNX) in rural and urban settings in southern Zambia.

Methods

Two studies were conducted: a cross-sectional study from 2014 to 2015 at Macha Hospital (LYNX Hospital study) and a longitudinal study from 2016 to 2018 at 12 health facilities in Southern Province, Zambia (NSEBA study). In both studies, children attending the facilities for early infant diagnosis were enrolled and a blood sample was collected for routine testing at the central lab and immediate on-site testing with the LYNX test. The performance of the LYNX test was measured in comparison to nucleic acid-based testing at the central lab.

Results

In the LYNX Hospital study, 210 tests were performed at a median age of 23.5 weeks (IQR: 8.9, 29.0). The sensitivity and specificity of the test were 70.0 and 100.0%, respectively. In the NSEBA study, 2608 tests were performed, including 1305 at birth and 1222 on children ≥4 weeks of age. For samples tested at birth, sensitivity was 13.6% (95% CI: 2.9, 34.9) and specificity was 99.6% (95% CI: 99.1, 99.9). While specificity was high for all ages, sensitivity increased with age and was higher for participants tested at ≥4 weeks of age (80.6%; 95% CI: 67.4, 93.7). Children with positive nucleic acid tests were more likely to be negative by the LYNX test if their mother received antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy (60.7% vs. 24.2%; p = 004).

Conclusions

Considering the high specificity and moderate sensitivity that increased with age, the LYNX test could be of value for early infant diagnosis for infants ≥4 weeks of age, particularly in rural areas where centralized testing leads to long delays. Point-of-care tests with moderate sensitivity and high specificity that are affordable, easy-to-use, and easily implemented and maintained should be developed to expand access to testing and deliver same-day results to infants in areas where it is not feasible to implement nucleic acid-based point-of-care assays.
Capnocytophaga canimorsus blebitis: case report and review of literature
Authors: Yang Michael C. , Ling John , Mosaed Sameh
Published: January 2021

Background

Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a facultative anaerobic, slow-growing, capnophilic, Gram-negative bacillus, that is commonly found in the microflora of canine and feline oral cavities. Capnocytophaga infections are an emerging zoonotic disease that can cause fatal systemic infections in immunocompromised individuals. Localized ocular Capnocytophaga infections, including keratitis, blepharitis, and endophthalmitis, can lead to severe eye threatening situations. To our knowledge, there is currently no documented case of Capnocytophaga canimorsus blebitis with bleb perforation after trabeculectomy.

Case presentation

Our case report and literature review features a novel case of Capnocytophaga blebitis that occurred after trabeculectomy, associated with close dog contact (i.e. face licking). The patient had underwent trabeculectomy 10 years prior and presented with conjunctival injection, perforated bleb, and hypotony. Overall, patient was medically treated subconjunctival vancomycin, gentamicin and moxifloxacin drops. Trabeculectomy revision was performed with good visual outcome. Bacterial cultures grew Capnocytophaga canimorsus.

Conclusions

We discuss the strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and common risk factors for ocular Capnocytophaga infections. At-risk patients with ocular infections should be asked about close contact with dogs and cats; and treated promptly with the proper antibiotic regimen.
Long-term outcomes of prediction error after combined phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy in glaucoma patients
Authors: Kang Yeon Soo , Sung Mi Sun , Heo Hwan , Ji Yong Sok , Park Sang Woo
Published: January 2021

Background

To investigate long-term outcomes of prediction error after phacotrabeculectomy and to determine risk factors that may cause unstable prediction error after phacotrabeculectomy in glaucoma patients.

Methods

A total 120 eyes of 120 patients who had underwent uncomplicated phacotrabeculectomy (combined group) or phacoemulsification (phaco-only group) were included. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured before and after surgery, and anterior segment parameters including anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens vault (LV), and anterior vault (AV) measured using anterior-segment optical coherence tomography were compared between the two groups. The mean absolute error (MAE) at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively were compared. Risk factors associated with unstable prediction error (MAE ≥ 0.5) were investigated in the combined group.

Results

In both groups, BCVA was improved and IOP was decreased significantly. MAE at 3, 6, 12, 24 months postoperatively were not significantly different between two groups. The risk factors for unstable prediction error after 12 months of phacotrabeculectomy were old age and LV. Whereas, the only factor predicting unstable prediction error after 24 months of phacotrabeculectomy was LV. The cut-off value of LV for predicting unstable refractive error analyzed by the ROC curve was 0.855 mm.

Conclusions

Phacotrabeculectomy may be an effective treatment with stable long-term outcomes of prediction error similar to phacoemulsification in patients with glaucoma. However, elderly patients or patients with large LV may be predisposed to unstable prediction error after phacotrabeculectomy.
Anemia and associated factors among adolescent girls and boys at 10–14 years in rural western China
Authors: Zhu Zhonghai , Sudfeld Christopher R. , Cheng Yue , Qi Qi , Li Shaoru , Elhoumed Mohamed , Yang Wenfang , Chang Suying , Dibley Michael J. , Zeng Lingxia , Fawzi Wafaie W.
Published: January 2021

Background

Evidence on anemia and associated factors among young adolescent girls and boys in rural western China is limited.

Methods

We used data from a follow-up study of adolescents (10–14 years) born to women who participated in a randomized trial of antenatal micronutrient supplementation in western China. Anemia was defined by World Health Organization standards. Logistic regression was used to examine the factors associated with anemia.

Results

The overall prevalence of anemia was 11.7% (178/1517). Female adolescents were 1.73 (95% CI 1.21, 2.48) times more likely to have anemia as compared to males. Adolescents whose mothers had completed high school were 0.35 (95% CI 0.13, 0.93) times less likely to be anemic, compared to those of whom had < 3 years of formal education. Household wealth was also inversely associated with anemia. The association of puberty status with anemia was modified by adolescent sex (P-value for interaction was 0.04); males with greater than mild pubertal development had reduced odds (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.15, 0.83) of anemia while there was no association among females (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.29, 1.78). Consumption of flesh foods (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.38, 0.89), eggs (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.38, 0.93), and having a meal frequency of three times or more per day (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.48, 0.96) were also associated with a lower likelihood of anemia.

Conclusions

Anemia was a mild public health problem among young adolescents in rural western China. Nutritional and social determinants were identified as predictors, warranting interventions to reduce the risk of anemia among this critical age group.
Examining potential effects of non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) on sexual behaviors of Chinese men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Haochu , Wei Ran , Ong Jason J. , Kim Eunsook , Weinstein Traci L. , Ning Xiaofu , Ma Wei
Published: January 2021

Background

In China, non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) is not a conventional service yet and nPEP related studies are very few. Recently, China’s 13th Five Year Action Plan for HIV/AIDS Containment and Prevention examines the feasibility of including nPEP as one of the national strategies for HIV prevention. However, there is a concern that nPEP use might exacerbate high-risk sexual activities. In order to facilitate a research-based policy making of routinizing nPEP services, the current study examined potential effects of nPEP use on condom use and number of sexual partners among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) .

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two cities of China in November and December 2018. Descriptive analyses of participants’ sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics were conducted using SPSS 24.0. Mplus 7.4 was used to conduct confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.

Results

The sample included 419 Chinese MSM with a mean age of 28.04 (SD = 9.71). Participants reported more positive anticipation of their own behaviors than other MSM’s behaviors regarding condom use and number of sexual partners if nPEP were to be routinized in China. About 60% of participants reported discrepancies between anticipated individual and population behaviors as a potential result of routinization of nPEP services. Anticipated individual behavioral change was positively related to age and duration of residence in the current city, and negatively related to education. Anticipated population behavioral change was positively related to age. Anticipated behavioral discrepancy was positively related to being ethnic minority and never married.

Conclusions

These findings identify a high-risk subgroup of MSM, who reported they would use condoms less and/or have more sexual partners when nPEP becomes available. This subgroup of MSM might benefit from targeted health interventions. Moreover, there is a clear discrepancy between anticipated individual and population behavioral changes regarding future routinization of nPEP services, suggesting incorporating nPEP services as a means of community development for MSM.
Combination of high-frequency ultrasound and virtual touch tissue imaging and quantification improve the diagnostic efficiency for mild carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Lai Zhen-han , Yang Shu-ping , Shen Hao-lin , Luo Yi , Cai Xiao-han , Jiang Wen-ting , Liao Li-ping , Wu Kun-bin , Lv Guo-rong
Published: January 2021

Background

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment symptom in the peripheral nerves. High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) is widely used in the diagnosis of CTS. Virtual Touch Tissue Imaging and Quantification (VTIQ), which provides more information about the hardness of organization, is used to diagnose CTS. However, the data of diagnostic value of them in various degrees of CTS are limited. Whether the combination of HFUS and VTIQ can improve the diagnostic efficiency also remains unknown. The study aimed to explore the diagnostic value of HFUS and VTIQ in various degrees of CTS and whether combination of HFUS and VTIQ could improve the diagnostic efficiency of CTS.

Methods

A collection and analysis of 133 CTS patients and 35 volunteers from January 2016 to January 2019 were performed. We compared the clinical characteristics, cross-sectional area (CSA) value and shear wave velocity SWVmean value of CTS group with volunteer group.

Results

The CSA value and SWVmean value of CTS cohort were significantly higher than volunteer group (10.79 ± 2.88 vs. 8.06 ± 1.39, p < 0.001, 4.36 ± 0.95 vs. 3.38 ± 1.09, p < 0.001, respectively). The area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of CSA value and SWVmean value were 0.794 and 0.757, respectively. Hierarchical analysis of CSA value and SWVmean value showed that the AUC in the moderate and severe CTS group were higher than in mild CTS group. Furthermore, the CSA value combined with SWVmean value used to diagnose mild CTS was 0.758, which was higher than that of single CSA value or single SWVmean value.

Conclusions

Both HFUS and VTIQ technology were feasible to evaluate CTS. HFUS was suitable for use in diagnosis of moderate and severe CTS. For mild CTS, combination of HFUS and VTIQ was relevant to improve the diagnostic efficiency of CTS.
Role of Artesunate on cardiovascular complications in rats with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Chen Yi , Li Wei , Nong Xiaolin , Liang Chen , Li Jiaquan , Lu Wei , Wang Bingge , Yuan Zhong , Yang Shiying
Published: January 2021

Background

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of artesunate (ART) on the reduction of cardiovascular complications in a type 1 diabetes model and to investigate the associated mechanism based on the receptor for advanced glycation end-product (RAGE)/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Methods

A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: The healthy, diabetic, 50 mg/kg ART (ig) treatment diabetic, 100 mg/kg ART (ig) treatment diabetic, and 6 U/kg insulin (iH) treatment diabetic groups. The treatment lasted 4 weeks after the diabetic model was established via intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Blood samples were collected, and cardiovascular tissues were harvested and processed to measure various parameters after the animals were sacrificed. The myocardium and aortic arch tissues were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining. Expression levels of RAGE, NF-κB, matrix metalloproteinase MMP9, MMP1 and CD68 in the myocardium and aortic arch tissues were detected using immunohistochemistry, and mRNA expression was determined using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR.

Results

The results of the present study demonstrated that ART treatment may restrain diabetes-induced cardiovascular complications by maintaining heart and body weight while reducing blood glucose, as well as regulating blood lipid indicators to normal level (P < 0.05). The expression levels of NF-κB, CD68, MMP1, MMP9 and RAGE were decreased in the ART-treated diabetic rats (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

ART treatment may have a protective role against diabetes-associated cardiovascular complications in diabetic rats by inhibiting the expression of proteins in the RAGE/NF-κB signaling pathway and downstream inflammatory factors. High concentrations of ART had a hypoglycemic effect, while a low concentration of ART prevented cardiovascular complications.