bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoline-gap controlled self assembly of plasmonic nanoparticles inside plasmonic nanolines
Authors: Sharma Yashna , Dhawan Anuj
Published: November 2019

This paper presents plasmonic substrates fabricated by a gap—controlled, template-assisted self assembly of plasmonic nanoparticles—such as spherical nanoparticles and nanorods—inside one dimensional plasmonic nanoline templates fabricated using Deep-UV lithography. This hybrid fabrication process—which combines the bottom-up process of capillary-force self assembly with the top-down process of Deep-UV lithography—can potentially be employed for large-area fabrication (6 inch or 12 inch wafers) of plasmonic substrates with sub-10 nm gaps. These small gaps lead to a high electromagnetic enhancement which can be highly beneficial if these substrates are employed for sensing based on surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). We demonstrate that the templates of plasmonic nanolines act as lithographed traps and direct the capillary-force assembly of metallic nanoparticles. The gaps between the nanolines, along with the shape and dimensions of the nanoparticles, together determine the interparticle distance, packing pattern and the orientation of the assembled nanoparticles inside these nanolines. Moreover, the electromagnetic behavior of these substrates is exhaustively analyzed using Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) modeling. Thus, we demonstrate template-directed, capillary-force assembly of plasmonic nanoparticles inside plasmonic nanolines such that the assembly can be controlled by modulating the structural parameters of the template or the assembled nanoparticles, and can be potentially carried out on a large area.
Standardising current–voltage measurements for metastable solar cells
Authors: Fell Christopher J
Published: November 2019

The present situation with respect to current–voltage measurement standards for metastable photovoltaics, including perovskites, is discussed. New draft updates to the IEC 60904-1 standard do not fully capture the needs of metastable devices. A new document within the 60904 series capturing the academically favoured SPO and MPPT methods would go a long way toward solving the present ambiguity, however the lack of an effective stabilisation procedure remains the greatest hurdle for perovskite PV.
Reliability and Correlation Between Indoor Allergen Concentrations from Vacuumed Surface Samples and Electrostatic Dust Collectors
Authors: Sander Ingrid , Lotz Anne , Neumann Heinz-Dieter , Czibor Christina , Zahradnik Eva , Raulf Monika
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Most studies on indoor allergen exposure used vacuumed surface samples for quantification. One alternative is electrostatic dust collectors (EDCs), which sample previously airborne settled dust. The aim of this study was to compare allergen quantification using two different sampling methods, with respect to repeatability, and to determine how well the results agree with one another.

Methods

Four times a year, measurements were made from samples that were either collected from the vacuuming of surfaces, or from EDCs, from 20 German day-care centers totaling 167 rooms. Overall, 504 vacuumed samples collected from smooth floors, 435 samples from carpets, 291 samples from upholstered furniture and beds, and 605 EDC samples were analyzed using six fluorescence enzyme immunoassays recognizing Fel d 1, Can f 1, Mus m 1, domestic mite (DM), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp), and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Tp) antigens. Variances and correlations among the repeat measurements over the course of the year within each sample type, and the correlations between surface samples and the corresponding EDC samples were calculated.

Results

Repeat measurements over the year correlated significantly with one another. However, only Fel d 1, Can f 1, and DM in the EDC samples; DM, Dp, Tp, and Fel d 1 in the upholstered furniture samples; and DM in the carpet samples show representative results of single measurements according to their variance ratios (within-room/between-room variance <1). The highest correlation between surface and EDC samples was found for Fel d 1 on the upholstered furniture (r 0.52), followed by Can f 1 on the upholstered furniture and Can f 1 on carpets (r 0.47 and 0.45, respectively). The maximum correlation for mite antigens was between carpet samples and EDC (DM r 0.27, Dp r 0.33). Mus m 1 and Tp antigens for the most part did not correlate to the EDC results.

Conclusions

Both vacuumed dust from upholstered furniture and EDC samples were suitable for repeatable quantification of several allergens in day-care centers within a year. However, there was little agreement among the different collection methods, especially for Mus m 1 and certain mite antigens. Therefore, the method and location used for collection may greatly influence allergen exposure assessment and study results.
The Cytoscape BioGateway App: explorative network building from an RDF store
Authors: Holmås Stian , Riudavets Puig Rafel , Acencio Marcio Luis , Mironov Vladimir , Kuiper Martin
Published: November 2019

The BioGateway App is a Cytoscape (version 3) plugin designed to provide easy query access to the BioGateway Resource Description Framework triple store, which contains functional and interaction information for proteins from several curated resources. For explorative network building, we have added a comprehensive dataset with regulatory relationships of mammalian DNA-binding transcription factors and their target genes, compiled both from curated resources and from a text mining effort. Query results are visualized using the inherent flexibility of the Cytoscape framework, and network links can be checked against curated database records or against the original publication.

Availability and implementation

Install through the Cytoscape application manager or visit www.biogateway.eu for download and tutorial documents.

Supplementary information

Supplementary information is available at Bioinformatics online.
Estimation of eosinophil cells in cord blood with references based on blood in adults via Bayesian measurement error modeling
Authors: Jiang Yu , Zhang Hongmei , Andrews Shan V , Arshad Hasan , Ewart Susan , Holloway John W , Fallin M Daniele , Bakulski Kelly M , Karmaus Wilfried
Published: November 2019

Motivation

Eosinophils are phagocytic white blood cells with a variety of roles in the immune system. In situations where actual counts are not available, high quality approximations of their cell proportions using indirect markers are critical.

Results

We develop a Bayesian measurement error model to estimate proportions of eosinophils in cord blood, using the cord blood DNA methylation profiles, based on markers of eosinophil cell heterogeneity in blood of adults. The proposed method can be directly extended to other cells across different reference panels. We demonstrate the method’s estimation accuracy using B cells and show that the findings support the proposed approach. The method has been incorporated into the estimateCellCounts function in the minfi package to estimate eosinophil cells proportions in cord blood.

Availability and implementation

estimateCellCounts function is implemented and available in Bioconductor package minfi.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Ecological variability is associated with functional trait diversity in the western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis)
Authors: Wishingrad Van , Thomson Robert C
Published: November 2019

A major goal of evolutionary ecology is to understand the ways in which ecological variability has structured morphological diversity. The aim of this study was to examine intraspecific phenotypic variation in the western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis) for functional traits previously shown to be linked to variation across latitude and climate at a genus-wide level. We found that body size in S. occidentalis was negatively related to minimum temperatures during the coldest month, potentially implicating overwintering survival as a mechanism leading to this relationship. We also demonstrated that scale size in S. occidentalis was negatively associated with aridity, which is consistent with several other studies in squamate reptiles and the known functional role of scale size in moderating evaporative water loss. However, contrary to predictions of the thermal melanism hypothesis, we found no association between lizard colour and temperature during the active season. Overall, our results are largely at odds with interspecific patterns examining the relationship between these traits and environmental conditions. It is unclear to what degree intraspecific trait variation generally agrees with inferences made at the interspecific level. In any case, more studies at the intraspecific level are needed to resolve this question.
Regional differences in Alzheimer’s disease pathology confound behavioural rescue after amyloid-β attenuation
Authors: Morrone Christopher D , Bazzigaluppi Paolo , Beckett Tina L , Hill Mary E , Koletar Margaret M , Stefanovic Bojana , McLaurin JoAnne
Published: November 2019

Failure of Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials to improve or stabilize cognition has led to the need for a better understanding of the driving forces behind cognitive decline in the presence of active disease processes. To dissect contributions of individual pathologies to cognitive function, we used the TgF344-AD rat model, which recapitulates the salient hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease pathology observed in patient populations (amyloid, tau inclusions, frank neuronal loss, and cognitive deficits). scyllo-Inositol treatment attenuated amyloid-β peptide in disease-bearing TgF344-AD rats, which rescued pattern separation in the novel object recognition task and executive function in the reversal learning phase of the Barnes maze. Interestingly, neither activities of daily living in the burrowing task nor spatial memory in the Barnes maze were rescued by attenuating amyloid-β peptide. To understand the pathological correlates leading to behavioural rescue, we examined the neuropathology and in vivo electrophysiological signature of the hippocampus. Amyloid-β peptide attenuation reduced hippocampal tau pathology and rescued adult hippocampal neurogenesis and neuronal function, via improvements in cross-frequency coupling between theta and gamma bands. To investigate mechanisms underlying the persistence of spatial memory deficits, we next examined neuropathology in the entorhinal cortex, a region whose input to the hippocampus is required for spatial memory. Reduction of amyloid-β peptide in the entorhinal cortex had no effect on entorhinal tau pathology or entorhinal-hippocampal neuronal network dysfunction, as measured by an impairment in hippocampal response to entorhinal stimulation. Thus, rescue or not of cognitive function is dependent on regional differences of amyloid-β, tau and neuronal network dysfunction, demonstrating the importance of staging disease in patients prior to enrolment in clinical trials. These results further emphasize the need for combination therapeutic approaches across disease progression.
MARKERS OF COGNITIVE RESERVE AND DEMENTIA INCIDENCE IN THE ENGLISH LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF AGEING
Authors: Almeida-Meza Pamela , Almeida-Meza Pamela , Steptoe Andrew , Cadar Dorina
Published: November 2019

We investigated a multi-faceted index of cognitive reserve (CR), in relation to dementia incidence over 15 years follow-up in a representative sample of the English population. Data were 12,293 participants aged 50+ from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, dementia-free at baseline. CR was derived as a composite measure of education, occupation and leisure activities using a standardised questionnaire. From the overall sample, 603 participants developed dementia. Higher CR levels were associated with lower dementia risk (medium CR: HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.59-0.88, p=0.002 and high CR: HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.58-0.90, p=0.005) compared with lowest levels. These associations were independent of sex, marital status, wealth, smoking, depressive symptoms and poor physical health. Further individual analyses of CR sub-components showed that leisure activities (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.56-0.91, p=0.007) were linked with reduced dementia risk, contributing to a higher CR and increased overall mental resilience.
Biological reality and parsimony in crop models—why we need both in crop improvement!
Authors: Hammer Graeme , Messina Charlie , Wu Alex , Cooper Mark
Published: November 2019

The potential to add significant value to the rapid advances in plant breeding technologies associated with statistical whole-genome prediction methods is a new frontier for crop physiology and modelling. Yield advance by genetic improvement continues to require prediction of phenotype based on genotype, and this remains challenging for complex traits despite recent advances in genotyping and phenotyping. Crop models that capture physiological knowledge and can robustly predict phenotypic consequences of genotype-by-environment-by-management (G×E×M) interactions have demonstrated potential as an integrating tool. But does this biological reality come with a degree of complexity that restricts applicability in crop improvement? Simple, high-speed, parsimonious models are required for dealing with the thousands of genotypes and environment combinations in modern breeding programs utilizing genomic prediction technologies. In contrast, it is often considered that greater model complexity is needed to evaluate potential of putative variation in specific traits in target environments as knowledge on their underpinning biology advances. Is this a contradiction leading to divergent futures? Here it is argued that biological reality and parsimony do not need to be independent and perhaps should not be. Models structured to readily allow variation in the biological level of process algorithms, while using coding and computational advances to facilitate high-speed simulation, could well provide the structure needed for the next generation of crop models needed to support and enhance advances in crop improvement technologies. Beyond that, the trans-scale and transdisciplinary dialogue among scientists that will be required to construct such models effectively is considered to be at least as important as the models.
Physiological, health, lactation, and reproductive traits of cooled dairy cows classified as having high or low core body temperature during the dry period1
Authors: Scanavez Alexandre L A , Voelz Benjamin E , Moraes Joao G N , Green Jonathan A , Mendonça Luis G D
Published: November 2019

Primary objectives of this study were to compare concentrations of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) before calving, prolactin (PRL) after calving, and energy balance indicators before and after calving in cooled cows classified as having high (HT) or low (LT) core body temperature (CBT) during the dry period. Secondary objectives were to investigate associations between dry-period CBT and likelihood of cows developing health disorders, and compare health, productive and reproductive traits of HT and LT cows. Dry Holstein cows (n = 260) with 250 to 260 d of gestation from three herds were enrolled in the study during summer. Cows were provided evaporative cooling during the dry and lactating period. The vaginal temperature was recorded in 5-min intervals during 7 consecutive days and cows were classified as HT or LT. Blood samples were collected weekly from enrollment until 14 ± 3 d in milk (DIM). Additional blood samples were collected within 12 h postpartum from a subgroup of cows (n = 25) to determine PRL concentration. Cows were monitored for health disorders, productive, and reproductive performance until 13 wk of the subsequent lactation. High temperature cows had shorter (P < 0.01) gestation length (273.9 ± 0.9 vs. 278.2 ± 0.9 d) and greater (P < 0.01) incidence of twinning (19.7 vs. 4.2%) than LT cows. Cows classified as HT had greater (P = 0.02) PAG concentration (134.1 ± 4.9 vs. 117.4 ± 4.9 ng/mL), but postpartum PRL concentration did not (P = 0.55) differ between HT and LT cows. Primiparous HT cows had greater (P = 0.05) prepartum nonesterified fatty acids concentration (135, 95% CI = 102 to 178 vs. 104, 95% CI = 75 to 144 mmol/dL) than primiparous LT cows, but no differences (P = 0.72) were observed between CBT group in multiparous cows. The concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate was greater (P = 0.04) for LT compared with HT cows at 7 ± 3 DIM. The quadratic effect of CBT tended (P = 0.09) to be associated with risk of health disorders within 60 DIM. Milk yield tended (P = 0.10) to be greater for LT compared with HT cows (49.3 ± 1.9 vs. 46.2 ± 1.6 kg). Pregnancy per AI at first service did not (P = 0.64) differ between HT and LT cows. In conclusion, HT cows have distinct concentrations of PAG in late gestation and energy balance indicators during the transition period. In addition, CBT assessment during the dry period may be a useful tool to identify cows expected to have impaired health and milk yield in the subsequent lactation.
Physical properties of the fluorine and neutron-capture element-rich PN Jonckheere 900
Authors: Otsuka Masaaki , Hyung Siek
Published: November 2019

We performed detailed spectroscopic analyses of a young C-rich planetary nebula (PN) Jonckheere 900 (J900) in order to characterize the properties of the central star and nebula. Of the derived 17 elemental abundances, we present the first determination of eight elemental abundances. We present the first detection of the [F iv] 4059.9 Å, [F v] 13.4 μm, and [Rb iv] 5759.6 Å lines in J900. J900 exhibits a large enhancement of F and neutron-capture elements Se, Kr, Rb, and Xe. We investigated the physical conditions of the H2 zone using the newly detected mid-IR H2 lines while also using the previously measured near-IR H2 lines, which indicate warm (∼670 K) and hot (∼3200 K) temperature regions. We built the spectral energy distribution (SED) model to be consistent with all the observed quantities. We found that about 67 per cent of all dust and gas components (4.5 × 10−4 M⊙ and 0.83 M⊙, respectively) exists beyond the ionization front, indicating the critical importance of photodissociation regions in understanding stellar mass loss. The best-fitting SED model indicates that the progenitor evolved from an initially ∼2.0 M⊙ star that had been in the course of the He-burning shell phase. Indeed, the derived elemental abundance pattern is consistent with that predicted by an asymptotic giant branch star nucleosynthesis model for a 2.0 M⊙ star with Z = 0.003 and partial mixing zone mass of 6.0 × 10−3 M⊙. Our study demonstrates how accurately determined abundances of C/F/Ne/neutron-capture elements and gas/dust masses help us understand the origin and internal evolution of the PN progenitors.
Associations of dietary carbohydrate and salt consumption with esophageal cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Banda Kondwani-Joseph , Chiu Hsiao-Yean , Hu Sophia Hueylan , Yeh Hsiu-Chun , Lin Kuan-Chia , Huang Hui-Chuan
Published: November 2019

Context

Evidence has shown that essential nutrients are highly correlated with the occurrence of esophageal cancer (EC). However, findings from observational studies on the associations between dietary carbohydrate, salt consumption, and the risk of EC remain controversial.

Objective

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to confirm the associations of dietary carbohydrate and salt consumption with EC risk.

Data Source

Various electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Chinese Electronic Periodical Services, and China Knowledge Resource Integrated) were searched up until January 31, 2019.

Data Extraction

Data related to patient characteristics and study characteristics were extracted by 2 independent reviewers. The risk ratio reported as relative risk (RR) or odds ratio (OR) was extracted, and random-effects models were performed to estimate the summary risk ratio.

Results

In total, 26 studies were included in this analysis, of which 12 studies, including 11 case-control studies and 1 cohort study, examined dietary carbohydrates, and 18 studies, including 16 case-control studies and 2 cohort studies, examined dietary salt. The pooled OR showed that dietary carbohydrate intake was inversely related to EC risk (OR = 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.50–0.77), but positive correlations between dietary salt intake and the risk of EC were supported by the recruited case-control studies (OR = 1.97; 95% CI, 1.50–2.61) and cohort studies (RR = 1.04; 95% CI, 1.00–1.08).

Conclusions

Salt is an essential nutrient for body functions and biochemical processes. Providing health education and management regarding proper use of salt in daily foods and labeling the amount of sodium in manufactured products to reduce the risk of developing EC should be more appropriately performed in the general population.
The Influence of Surgical Intervention and Sagittal Alignment on Frailty in Adult Cervical Deformity
Authors: Segreto Frank A , Passias Peter Gust , Brown Avery E , Horn Samantha R , Bortz Cole A , Pierce Katherine E , Alas Haddy , Lafage Virginie , Lafage Renaud , Smith Justin S , Line Breton G , Diebo Bassel G , Kelly Michael P , Mundis Gregory M , Protopsaltis Themistocles S , Soroceanu Alex , Kim Han Jo , Klineberg Eric O , Burton Douglas C , Hart Robert A , Schwab Frank J , Bess Shay , Shaffrey Christopher I , Ames Christopher P ,   on behalf of the International Spine Study Group
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

Frailty is a relatively new area of study for patients with cervical deformity (CD). As of yet, little is known of how operative intervention influences frailty status for patients with CD.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate drivers of postoperative frailty score and variables within the cervical deformity frailty index (CD-FI) algorithm that have the greatest capacity for change following surgery.

METHODS

Descriptive analysis of the cohort were performed, paired t-tests determined significant baseline to 1 yr improvements of factors comprising the CD-FI. Pearson bivariate correlations identified significant associations between postoperative changes in overall CD-FI score and CD-FI score components. Linear regression models determined the effect of successful surgical intervention on change in frailty score.

RESULTS

A total of 138 patients were included with baseline frailty scores of 0.44. Following surgery, mean 1-yr frailty score was 0.27. Of the CD-FI variables, 13/40 (32.5%) were able to improve with surgery. Frailty improvement was found to significantly correlate with baseline to 1-yr change in CBV, PI-LL, PT, and SVA C7-S1. HRQL CD-FI components reading, feeling tired, feeling exhausted, and driving were the greatest drivers of change in frailty. Linear regression analysis determined successful surgical intervention and feeling exhausted to be the greatest significant predictors of postoperative change in overall frailty score.

CONCLUSION

Complications, correction of sagittal alignment, and improving a patient's ability to read, drive, and chronic exhaustion can significantly influence postoperative frailty. This analysis is a step towards a greater understanding of the relationship between disability, frailty, and surgery in CD.
The effect of our local motion on the Sandage–Loeb test of the cosmic expansion
Authors: Inoue Takuya , Komatsu Eiichiro , Aoki Wako , Chiba Takeshi , Misawa Toru , Usuda Tomonori
Published: November 2019

Redshifts of an astronomical body measured at multiple epochs (e.g., separated by 10 yr) are different due to the cosmic expansion. This so-called Sandage–Loeb test offers a direct measurement of the expansion rate of the Universe. However, acceleration in the motion of the Solar System with respect to the cosmic microwave background also changes redshifts measured at multiple epochs. If not accounted for, it yields a biased cosmological inference. To address this, we calculate the acceleration of the Solar System with respect to the Local Group of galaxies to quantify the change in the measured redshift due to local motion. Our study is motivated by the recent determination of the mass of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), which indicates a significant fraction of the Milky Way mass. We find that the acceleration towards the Galactic Center dominates, which gives a redshift change of 7 cm s−1 in 10 yr, while the accelerations due to the LMC and M 31 cannot be ignored, depending on lines of sight. We create all-sky maps of the expected change in redshift and the corresponding uncertainty, which can be used to correct for this effect.
Locally Adapted Mimulus Ecotypes Differentially Impact Rhizosphere Bacterial and Archaeal Communities in an Environment-Dependent Manner
Authors: Bowsher Alan W. , Kearns Patrick J. , Popovic Damian , Lowry David B. , Shade Ashley
Published: November 2019

Plant root−microbe interactions influence plant productivity, health, and resistance to stress. Although there is evidence that plant species and even genotypes can alter soil microbial community structure, environmental conditions can potentially outweigh plant genetic effects. Here, we used a reciprocal transplant experiment to understand the contributions of the environment and the host plant to rhizosphere microbiome composition in locally adapted ecotypes of Mimulus guttatus (syn. Erythranthe guttata). Two genotypes of a coastal ecotype and two genotypes of an inland ecotype were planted at coastal and inland sites. After 3 months, we collected rhizosphere and bulk soil and assessed microbial communities by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We found that local environment (coastal versus inland site) strongly influenced rhizosphere communities, at least in part due to distinct local microbial species pools. Host identity played a smaller role: at each site, the ecotypes exhibited remarkably similar composition of microbial communities at the class level, indicating that divergent M. guttatus ecotypes recruit phylogenetically similar rhizosphere communities, even in environments to which they are maladapted. Nevertheless, the two ecotypes significantly differed in community composition at both sites due, in part, to an exclusive set of taxa associated with each ecotype. They also differed in alpha diversity at the inland site. Although this indicates that locally adapted M. guttatus ecotypes are genetically diverged in factors shaping rhizosphere communities, our findings highlight the context-specific interactions between host identity and local environment that shape those communities.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2020 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Potential new therapies against a toxic relationship: neuroinflammation and Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Rodrigues Lais S. , Fagotti Juliane , D.S. Targa Adriano , D. Noseda Ana Carolina , L. Ilkiwa Jéssica , Chuproski Ana Paula , W.C. Dorieux Flavia , D. dos Santos Patricia , M.S. Lima Marcelo
Published: November 2019

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder classically associated with motor symptoms, but several nonmotor disturbances appear decades before the clinical diagnosis of the disease. A variety of hypotheses exist to explain the onset of PD, and neuroinflammation is one of the most investigated processes. In fact, strong evidence suggests that PD begins with an inflammatory process; currently, however, no anti-inflammatory therapy is clinically employed to alleviate the typical motor and the prodromal disturbances such as olfactory loss, cognitive impairments, depression and anxiety, sleep disturbances, and autonomic disorders. In fact, the classical dopaminergic therapies are not effective in alleviating these symptoms and there is no other specific therapy for these outcomes. Therefore, in this review, we will discuss novel potential pharmacological therapeutic strategies focusing on cannabinoids, caffeine, melatonin, and dietary compounds, which could act as adjuvants to regular PD therapy. These described chemicals have been extensively investigated as anti-inflammatory agents possibly promoting beneficial effects on nonmotor symptoms of PD. The investigation of the inflammatory process at different stages of PD progression should give us a better view of the therapeutic scenario and could improve our understanding of the mechanisms of this disease.
A systematic review of aerobic and resistance exercise and inflammatory markers in people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Wong Vicki L. , Holahan Matthew R.
Published: November 2019

Inflammation is a driver in the demyelination process in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and can influence disability levels. Both single and repeated bouts of exercise can decrease inflammatory markers in people with MS (PwMS). This systematic review evaluates whether exercise can influence inflammation and disability in individuals with MS. Experimental studies were reviewed that had to meet the following eligibility requirements: a sample of PwMS, an intervention of exercise (either aerobic, resistance, or a combination of each), and an outcome that included at least one inflammatory (cytokine) reaction. The main outcome measure was an evaluation of inflammation, as indicated by a change in any cytokine level. Other measures included muscle strength, balance, flexibility, walking ability, disability statues, and quality of life (QOL). A total of nine studies were included in the final review. Exercise interventions included predominantly cycling, although a few resistance training trials were mentioned. Small decreases were found in IL-17 and IFN-γ after exercise. Functional outcome measures and perceived disability status were improved posttraining. We conclude that while interventions such as exercise may impact QOL, they do not have a significant influence on inflammation associated with MS. Exercise is an accessible alternative that not only helps to decrease impairments but also limit the restrictions associated with participation in society. While functional outcomes after exercise improved, these improvements may not be attributable to changes in levels of cytokines or inflammatory markers.
Transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation in children and adolescents with functional constipation
Authors: Rego Rebeca Mayara Padilha , Machado Nilton Carlos , Carvalho Mary de Assis , Graffunder Johann Souza , Ortolan Erika Veruska Paiva , Lourenção Pedro Luiz Toledo de Arruda
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

A vast majority of children with functional constipation respond to the standard medical treatment. However, a subset of patients may present with an unsatisfactory response and only minor improvement of symptoms. Transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) involves electrical stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve at the level of the ankle, transcutaneously through electrodes fixated on the overlying skin. Stimulation of the tibial nerve can modulate urinary and defecatory function through the stimulation of sacral nerves. Thus, transcutaneous PTNS can be considered a very promising, noninvasive, and safe method to be used in the pediatric age group. However, there is still no published study that has investigated its use in children for the treatment of intestinal constipation. This is a single-center, prospective, longitudinal, and interventional study designed to assess the applicability and clinical outcomes of transcutaneous PTNS in children with functional intestinal constipation. Children will be submitted to daily sessions of transcutaneous PTNS for a period of 4 weeks. All children will also be invited to participate in semistructured interviews, 1 in each of the 3 assessments: 1 week before the start of the intervention; immediately after the 4 weeks of intervention; and 4 weeks after the end of the intervention period. In these interviews, the aspects related to bowel habits and quality of life will be assessed. This project aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of transcutaneous PTNS in children with functional intestinal constipation and the applicability of this kind of treatment.

Conclusions:

This protocol intended to demonstrate the efficacy of this promising method to increase the number of bowel movements and the stool consistency, to reduce the number of episodes of retentive fecal incontinence, and to indirectly improve the overall quality of life.
Therapeutic effect of kyphoplasty and balloon vertebroplasty on osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture
Authors: Zhu Yi , Cheng Jie , Yin Jichao , Zhang Zhijie , Liu Chunlong , Hao Dingjun
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

This study aimed to assess the treatment effects of kyphoplasty (KP) compared with percutaneous vertebroplasty (VP) in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture, based on evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods:

The electronic databases PubMed (from 1966), EmBase (from 1974), and Cochrane Library (including Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Reviews) were searched systematically to identify relevant studies published up to August 31, 2019. Meta-analyses were conducted for subjective pain as measured using visual analogue scale (VAS), disability function as measured by Oswestry disability index (ODI), and cement leakage. For VAS and ODI, mean change from the baseline and standard deviation were used; for cement leakage, numbers of events and patients in each group were used. The random-effects model was applied to summarize the effects across trials.

Results:

Previous reviews and meta-analysis included non-RCTs, which brought (for those studies) a higher risk of bias. Therefore, 6 RCTs involving 1077 patients were included in the meta-analysis. No between-group difference was found. The weighted mean difference was −0.19 (95% confidence interval [CI], −0.39–0.01; P = .057) for VAS and −3.51 (95% CI, −8.70–1.67; P = .184) for ODI. However, KP had numerically lower rates of cement leakage across trials in a consistent fashion (relative risk, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.74–0.94; P = .004).

Conclusions:

Both KP and VP had clinically meaningful beneficial effects on pain and disability, and the effects were stable and similar. KP had significantly fewer cement leakages.
The accuracy of hippocampal volumetry and glucose metabolism for the diagnosis of patients with suspected Alzheimer's disease, using automatic quantitative clinical tools
Authors: Ferrari Bruna Letícia , Neto Guilherme de Carvalho Campos , Nucci Mariana Penteado , Mamani Javier Bustamante , Lacerda Shirley Silva , Felício André Carvalho , Amaro Edson , Gamarra Lionel Fernel
Published: November 2019

The hippocampus is one of the earliest sites involved in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, we specifically investigated the sensitivity and specificity of hippocampal volume and glucose metabolism in patients being evaluated for AD, using automated quantitative tools (NeuroQuant – magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and Scenium – positron emission tomography [PET]) and clinical evaluation.

This retrospective study included adult patients over the age of 45 years with suspected AD, who had undergone fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG-PET-CT) and MRI. FDG-PET-CT images were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. In quantitative volumetric MRI analysis, the percentage of the total intracranial volume of each brain region, as well as the total hippocampal volume, were considered in comparison to an age-adjusted percentile. The remaining brain regions were compared between groups according to the final diagnosis.

Thirty-eight patients were included in this study. After a mean follow-up period of 23 ± 11 months, the final diagnosis for 16 patients was AD or high-risk mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Out of the 16 patients, 8 patients were women, and the average age of all patients was 69.38 ± 10.98 years. Among the remaining 22 patients enrolled in the study, 14 were women, and the average age was 67.50 ± 11.60 years; a diagnosis of AD was initially excluded, but the patients may have low-risk MCI. Qualitative FDG-PET-CT analysis showed greater accuracy (0.87), sensitivity (0.76), and negative predictive value (0.77), when compared to quantitative PET analysis, hippocampal MRI volumetry, and specificity. The positive predictive value of FDG-PET-CT was similar to the MRI value.

The performance of FDG-PET-CT qualitative analysis was significantly more effective compared to MRI volumetry. At least in part, this observation could corroborate the sequential hypothesis of AD pathophysiology, which posits that functional changes (synaptic dysfunction) precede structural changes (atrophy).
Immunohistochemical overexpression of BCL-2 protein predicts an inferior survival in patients with primary central nervous system diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Chen Yi , Chen Hong , Chen Lushan , Zheng Xiaoyun , Yang Xiaozhu , Zheng Zhihong , Zheng Jing , Yang Ting , Liu Tingbo , Yang Yinghong , Hu Jianda
Published: November 2019

This study was designed to analyze the clinical characteristics and prognostic value of c-MYC and BCL-2 proteins expression in patients with primary central nervous system diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (PCNS-DLBCL).

82 patients newly diagnosed with PCNS-DLBCL, from January 2008 to November 2018, were enrolled in this study. Clinical characteristics, immunohistochemical features, laboratory examinations, and treatment outcome were analyzed among these patients.

Among these 82 cases, 45 were males (54.9%) and 37 were females (45.1%). Age ranged from 16 to 78 years old, and 29 patients (35.4%) were elder than 60 years old, with median age at 57 years old. According to Hans classification, 25 were accounted for origin of germinal center B-cell (GCB) subtype (30.5%) and 49 were accounted for non-GCB subtype (59.8%), respectively. Eight patients were unclassified due to lack of detailed pathological results. The median survival of these 82 patients was 30 months, and 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 59.7%, 44.6%, and 34.1%, respectively. Patients treated with sequential HD-MTX based chemotherapies showed a superior prognosis than those without. In combination with rituximab, the outcome was further improved. The median OS was 55 months in HD-MTX + R group, 27 months in HD-MTX group, and 9 months in other groups, respectively. Univariate analysis identified age ≥60, ECOG score ≥ 2 points, and overexpression of BCL-2 protein (≥85%) were adverse prognostic factors for OS. Co-expression of c-MYC (≥40%) and BCL-2 (≥50%) proteins was associated with poor ECOG score, high Ki-67 expression, and trended towards an inferior outcome. Gender, lesion location, number of lesions, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), cell of origin, BCL-6 protein expression, expression of c-MYC protein alone and Ki-67 ≥85% had no significant impact on OS.

In patients with PCNS-DLBCL, age ≥60 years old, ECOG score ≥2 points, and overexpression of BCL-2 protein (≥85%) were associated with a poor survival. HD-MTX based chemotherapies in combination with rituximab could improve the prognosis.
Efficacy and safety of HT080 for lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Song Jungbin , Lee Seung Hwan , Kim Hocheol
Published: November 2019

Background:

Lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) are one of the most common conditions seen in middle-aged and elderly men and threaten their quality of life. Since conventional pharmacotherapy for LUTS/BPH can lead to sexual side effects, herbal therapies are widely used as complementary and alternative treatments worldwide. HT080 is an herbal extract of Cinnamomum cassia and Rosa Laevigata, both of which have been used to treat symptoms typically associated with BPH in traditional Asian medicine. The aims of this trial are to assess whether HT080 can alleviate LUTS/BPH in middle-aged and elderly men, and to investigate the safety of HT080.

Methods/design:

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, two-arm parallel group trial will be conducted in men with moderate LUTS/BPH. A total of 100 eligible men aged 40 to 75 years with an International Prostate Symptom Score of 8 to 19 will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio and receive either HT080 (500 mg) or placebo twice a day for 12 weeks. All participants will be evaluated for efficacy and safety at baseline and weeks 6 and 12. The primary endpoint is the change in International Prostate Symptom Score between baseline and week 12. The secondary efficacy variables are uroflowmetry parameters (maximal urinary flow rate and post-void residual volume), serum prostate-specific antigen, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone levels, the International Index of Erectile Function score, and participant-reported global response assessment scores. The safety assessments include adverse events, laboratory tests results, vital signs, and physical examination.

Discussion:

This is a first-in human trial designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of HT080 among middle-aged and elderly men with LUTS/BPH. This prospective study with a double-blind randomized design will provide high-quality evidence supporting the use of HT080 for LUTS/BPH.

Trial registration:

Korean Clinical Research Information Service (KCT0004286) Registered September 6, 2019.
Hepatotoxicity and hematologic complications induced by fusidic acid in a patient with hepatitis B cirrhosis
Authors: He Zhong-Fang , Chen Lin , Zhang Jian-Ping , Wang Qing-qing
Published: November 2019

Rationale:

Fusidic acid (FA) is an active agent against gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus, it is generally well tolerated and the major adverse effects are mild gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, and headache. However, some rare side effects such as granulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia have also been reported. Here we report a case of FA-induced hepatotoxicity and hematologic toxicity.

Patient concerns:

A 54-year-old woman with hepatitis B cirrhosis was referred to us because of fever, Staphylococcus aureus was identified in the twice blood culture, and intravenous FA was given (0.5 g, q8 hours). Twelve days after FA therapy, she developed nausea and jaundice. Meanwhile, complete blood cell count showed neutropenia (white blood cell count of 1360/μL, neutrophil of 619/μL) and aggravated thrombocytopenia (platelet count of 18,000/μL). Adverse drug reaction was suspected, and FA was stopped immediately, after 1 day of discontinuation of FA, nose bleeding occurred and the platelet count declined further and reached the lowest value of 4000/μL.

Diagnoses:

Hepatotoxicity and hematologic complications induced by FA were diagnosed.

Interventions and outcomes:

The FA was stopped immediately, and concentrated platelet transfusion was used. Five days after withdrawal of FA, jaundice resolved and the hematologic index returned to the level before the medication.

Lessons:

Hematologic adverse effect accompanying with hepatotoxicity may be induced by FA. Though the risk is rather low, it should not be overlooked.
Diagnostic value of cytology, thyroglobulin, and combination of them in fine-needle aspiration of metastatic lymph nodes in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Xu Yixin , Wu Dapeng , Wu Wenting , Jiang Jian , Xi Cheng , Ye Nianyuan , Wang Yibo , Xu Xuezhong
Published: November 2019

Background:

To investigate the diagnostic performance of cytology (fine-needle aspiration cytology [FNAC]), thyroglobulin (fine-needle aspiration thyroglobulin [FNA-Tg]), and combination of them in the washout of fine-needle aspiration for those patients who have suspicious metastatic lymph nodes of differentiated thyroid cancer.

Methods:

Databases, including PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched up to June 2019. The quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy scale-2 was used to conduct quality assessments, and publication bias was evaluated using the Deeks funnel plot. STATA version 14.0 was used to perform the meta-analysis.

Results:

A total of 2257 patients with 2786 samples of suspicious metastatic lymph nodes of differentiated thyroid cancer were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that the diagnostic value for detecting lymph node metastasis of differentiated thyroid cancer was as follows: combination of FNAC and FNA-Tg > FNA-Tg > FNAC. All differences of superiority among them are statistically significant. The sensitivity of the combination was 0.968 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.942–0.983), the specificity was 0.932 (95% CI: 0.856–0.969), the diagnostic score was 6.036 (95% CI: 4.892–7.181), the diagnostic odds ratio was 418.424 (95% CI: 133.167–1314.729), and the score of summary receiver operating characteristic was 0.99 (95% CI: 0.97–0.99).

Conclusions:

The combination of FNAC and FNA-Tg is an excellent procedure in diagnosis of lymph nodes metastasis of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer, which should be highly recommended.
Analysis of mortality prognostic factors using model for end-stage liver disease with incorporation of serum-sodium classification for liver cirrhosis complications
Authors: Kim Yuna , Kim Kyunghee , Jang Insil
Published: November 2019

Since the progression of cirrhosis is accelerated each time a complication recurs, the management and treatment of the complication is critical in enhancement of the quality of life and expectation of life in patients. The use of model for end-stage liver disease with incorporation of serum-sodium (MELD-Na) with physiological indicators can be used to assess severity and differentiate therapeutic interventions.

This study is aimed to determine the mean survival period and cumulative survival rate by classifying patients into high-risk and low-risk groups based on MELD-Na, a predictor of mortality in liver disease, and to investigate the mortality prognostic factors.

A retrospective cohort study, which follows the STROBE checklist, was performed. 263 patients who were diagnosed with liver cirrhosis complications for the first time and hospitalized were selected as the subjects of this study. The collected data were analyzed based on the survival package provided by the statistical program R version 3.4.2.

Subjects were classified into high-risk and low-risk groups using MELD-Na 14 points where sensitivity and specificity crossed the cut-off point. Gender, age, and primary caregiver were significant variables in the mortality high-risk group, and AST, albumin, and primary caregiver were significant variables in the mortality low-risk group. Based on these mortality prognostic factors, it is possible to present the factors affecting mortality in patients who were diagnosed with liver cirrhosis complications for the first time. The classification of patients by risk level could be the foundation to provide accurate guidelines for management and it is necessary to modify prognostic factors and apply nursing interventions to manage complications.