bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of Using a Nationally Representative Telephone Survey to Monitor Multiple Sclerosis Prevalence in the United States
Authors: Buka Stephen L. , Wallin Mitch T. , Culpepper William J. , Lee Younga H. , Marrie Ruth Ann , Nelson Lorene M. , Kaye Wendy E. , Wagner Laurie , Tremlett Helen , Campbell Jon , LaRocca Nicholas
Published: January 2020

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic neurologic disease of young adults, placing a heavy burden on patients, families, and the healthcare system. Ongoing surveillance of the incidence and prevalence of MS is critical for health policy and research, but feasible options are limited in the United States and many other countries. We investigated the feasibility of monitoring the prevalence of MS using a large national telephone survey of the adult US population. Methods: We developed questions to estimate the lifetime prevalence and age of onset of MS using the US-based Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and piloted these questions in 4 states (MN, RI, MD, and TX). There was a total of 45,198 respondents aged 18 years and above. Analyses investigated individual state and combined prevalence estimates along with health-related comorbidities and limitations. MS prevalence estimates from the BRFSS were compared to estimates from multi-source administrative claims and traditional population-based methods. Results: The estimated lifetime prevalence of self-reported MS (per 100,000 adults) was 682 (95% CI 528–836); 384 (95% CI 239–529) among males and 957 (95% CI 694–1,220) among females. Estimates were consistent across the 4 states but much higher than recently published estimates using population-based administrative claims data. This was observed for both national results and for MS prevalence estimates from other studies within specific states (MN, RI, and TX). Prevalence estimates for Caucasian, African American, and Hispanic respondents were 824, 741, and 349 per 100,000 respectively. Age and sex distributions were consistent with prior epidemiologic reports. Comorbidity and functional limitations were more pronounced among female than male respondents. Conclusions: While yielding higher overall MS prevalence estimates compared to recent studies, this large-scale self-report telephone method yielded relative prevalence estimates (e.g., prevalence patterns of MS by sex, age, and race-ethnicity) that were generally comparable to other surveillance approaches. With certain caveats, population-based telephone surveys may eventually offer the ability to investigate novel disease correlates and are relatively feasible, and affordable. Further work is needed to create a valid question set and methodology for case ascertainment before this approach could be adopted to accurately estimate MS prevalence.
Epidural-Related Fever and Maternal and Neonatal Morbidity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jansen Sophie , Lopriore Enrico , Naaktgeboren Christiana , Sueters Marieke , Limpens Jacqueline , van Leeuwen Elisabeth , Bekker Vincent
Published: January 2020

Background: While epidural analgesia (EA) is associated with maternal fever during labor, the impact on the risk for maternal and/or neonatal sepsis is unknown. Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effect of epidural-related intrapartum fever on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Methods: OVID MEDLINE, OVID Embase, the Cochrane Library, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials, and clinical trial registries were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational cohort studies from inception to November 2018. A total of 761 studies were identified with 100 eligible for full-text review. Only articles investigating the relationship between EA and maternal fever during labor were eligible for inclusion. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane’s Risk of Bias tool and National Institute of Health Quality Assessment Tool. Two meta-analyses – one each for the RCT and observational cohort groups – were performed using the random-effects model of Mantel-Haenszel to produce summary risk ratios (RR) with 95% CI. Results: Twelve RCTs and 16 observational cohort studies involving 579,157 parturients were included. RRs for maternal fever for the RCT and cohort analyses were 3.54 (95% CI 2.61–4.81) and 5.60 (95% CI 4.50–6.97), respectively. Meta-analyses of RR for maternal infection in both groups were infeasible given few occurrences. Meta-analysis of data from observational studies showed an increased risk for maternal antibiotic treatment in the epidural group (RR 2.60; 95% CI 1.31–5.17). For both analyses, neonates born to women with an epidural were not evaluated more often for suspected sepsis. Neither analysis reported an increased rate of neonatal bacteremia or neonatal antibiotic treatment after EA, although data precluded conclusiveness. Conclusion: EA increases the risk of intrapartum fever and maternal antibiotic treatment. However, a definite conclusion on whether EA increases the risk for a proven maternal and/or neonatal bacteremia cannot be drawn due to the low quality of data. Further research on whether epidural-related intrapartum fever is of infectious origin or not is therefore needed.
A Case of Rare Cutaneous Metastasis from Advanced Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Ito Hiroyuki , Tajiri Takuma , Hiraiwa Shin-ichiro , Sugiyama Tomoko , Ito Ayano , Shinma Yoshimasa , Kaneko Motoki , Anzai Kazuya , Tsuda Shingo , Ichikawa Hitoshi , Nagata Junko , Kojima Seiichiro , Watanabe Norihito
Published: January 2020

A 71-year-old woman presented to a nearby hospital with an occipital scalp ulcer with exudate. Thoracoabdominal enhanced computed tomography (CT) was performed due to suspected cancer. The imaging results showed tumors in the pancreatic tail and at multiple sites in the lung, whereupon she was referred to our hospital for further investigation. Histological analysis of the occipital scalp ulcer and the pancreatic tumor led to the diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma with cutaneous metastasis and multiple lung metastases. Combination chemotherapy (gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel) was started, and about 4 months later the patient experienced right lower back pain. Abdominal CT showed partial sclerosis of the right iliac bone and multiple spinal lesions, which were diagnosed as multiple bone metastases. Narcotic analgesia was started for the right lower back pain. Since then, FOLFIRINOX has been introduced as second-line chemotherapy against tumor growth, and treatment has been ongoing for 10 months since the initial chemotherapy. Pancreatic cancer is a rapidly growing cancer and can show early metastasis to other organs, lymph node metastasis, and peritoneal dissemination; therefore, the prognosis of pancreatic cancer is very poor. Cutaneous metastasis from pancreatic cancer is rare, and only a few cases have been reported. Here, we report an unusual case of pancreatic adenocarcinoma with cutaneous metastasis and multiple lung and bone metastases.
Intra-Scleral Blue Nevus Arising within Oculodermal Melanocytosis: Melanoma or Not?
Authors: Roelofs Kelsey A. , O’Day Roderick , Thaung Caroline , Damato Bertil
Published: January 2020

We report a 61-year-old female who presented to our service with recent growth of a thickened, pigmented, sub-conjunctival lesion within an area of ocular melanocytosis in her left eye. Lamellar sclerectomy was performed. Histopathological assessment revealed a localized melanocytic proliferation with features of blue nevus arising within the area of ocular melanocytosis. There was a small zone of cells showing cytological atypia and expansion of the scleral stroma. We believe this case to be the first report of intrascleral blue nevus arising within an area of ocular melanocytosis. Given the cytological atypia, the blue nevus may perhaps represent an intermediate stage within a progression from ocular melanocytosis towards melanoma. Patients with oculodermal melanocytosis merit regular long-term surveillance for early detection of melanoma, not only in the uvea, but also in the orbit and potentially the ocular surface.
De Canguilhem a Foucault, em torno da Psicologia
Authors: Miotto Marcio Luiz
Published: January 2020

O presente trabalho pretende comparar o debate ocorrido entre Georges Canguilhem e Robert Pagès em Qu’est-ce que la Psychologie?, de 1956, com os escritos de Michel Foucault publicados nos anos 1950. Para isso, após alguns apontamentos históricos, faz-se uma breve análise dos textos de Foucault publicados em 1954, Maladie Mentale et Personnalité e a Introduction à Le Rêve et l’Existence. Os textos de Foucault são então confrontados com o debate entre Canguilhem e Robert Pagès, que por sua vez são analisados e comparados com outros dois textos de Foucault publicados em 1957, La Psychologie de 1850 à 1950 e La Recherche Scientifique et la Psychologie. Tenta-se mostrar que o início da trajetória de Foucault não apenas dialoga com diversos temas sobre a Psicologia e as Ciências Humanas colocados por Canguilhem e Pagès, mas também ensaia respostas cujo teor será mais visível em Folie et Déraison e na Introduction à l’Anthropologie de Kant.
Apresentação do dossiê especial - Na orla do tempo, os mil rostos de nossa atualidade: porque ainda a arqueologia
Authors: Ribeiro Carlos Eduardo , Carneiro Silvio Ricardo Gomes , Augusto Victor Fiori
Published: January 2020

Apresentação do dossiê especial - Foucault, Políticas da arqueologia: 50 anos de A arqueologia do Saber (1969)
Formação, alcance e embaraços da arqueologia do saber
Authors: Silveira Fillipa Carneiro
Published: January 2020

Neste artigo, proponho a análise de alguns momentos da produção de Foucault nos quais se expressa uma forma de direcionamento da reflexão sobre a verdade para as relações entre elementos homogêneos ou heterogêneos nela implicados. Tal direcionamento aponta para o desenvolvimento de uma política da verdade que, no entanto, está presente já na produção do período arqueológico. Num primeiro momento, exponho os termos de uma viragem no contexto de formação do método arqueológico, bem como a dispersão dos ditos “operadores de síntese” em “regularidades discursivas”. Tais questões, de um lado, tornam visível a complexa trama da “política enunciativa” intrínseca aos discursos, mas, de outro, resultam em embaraços inerentes ao esforço arqueológico, movimento que se repete na recusa do modelo jurídico-discursivo por parte da Genealogia do Poder. Passo, então, ao exame dessa repetição, expondo em que sentido o poder, compreendido antes como relação que como propriedade, repete o direcionamento da questão para a exterioridade e as regularidades das práticas discursivas. Por fim, exponho algumas considerações sobre o campo moral das relações empreendidas pelo sujeito consigo mesmo na ética do cuidado de si, que passa ao largo do modelo da interdição no cerne da problematização moral. Todos esses movimentos são expressivos de uma história do presente cuja forma de deslocamento da verdade revela seu potencial crítico e seu alcance, mas também certos embaraços e dificuldades.
Miserável ou irracional
Authors: Luiz Felipe
Published: January 2020

O presente artigo analisa a recepção da obra arqueológica de Foucault a partir dos trabalhos de um dos mais importantes marxistas brasileiros, Carlos Nelson Coutinho, que redigiu um livro de críticas ao estruturalismo na década de 70. Neste texto, Carlos Nelson se situa em um horizonte lukácsiano, razão pela qual analisamos também uma das fontes de Coutinho em sua crítica, as posições de Lukács relativamente ao que ele chama de irracionalismo, o qual, por incluir Nietzsche, toca também a Foucault, que é como se sabe próximo daquele. Após a exposição analítica das teses de Lukács e Coutinho, empreendemos um balanço crítico destas, julgando sua pertinência.
A taxonomic revision of Asthenodipsas malaccana Peters, 1864 (Squamata: Pareidae) with a description of a new species from Borneo
Authors: QUAH EVAN S.H. , GRISMER L. LEE , LIM KELVIN K.P. , ANUAR M.S. SHAHRUL , CHAN KIN ONN
Published: January 2020

A reappraisal of the taxonomic status of the Dark-necked Slug Snake (Asthenodipsas malaccana Peters, 1864) across its range revealed that populations from Borneo are not conspecific with true A. malaccana from the Thai-Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, and is therefore described herein as new. Asthenodipsas borneensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from A. malaccana and other congeners by the absence of a preocular and suboculars, seven or eight supralabials with 3rd and 4th in contact with orbit, 4–7 infralabials with 2nd or 3rd pair in contact, two pairs of posterior inframaxillaries, 15/15/15 rows of dorsal scales, presence of sharp vertebral keel, divided subcaudals, maximum recorded SVL=441 mm, 166–179 ventrals, 35–48 subcaudals, head white to greyish brown and dorsum beige to orange-brown with a conspicuous dark-brown or black patch on the neck followed by multiple, narrow, vertical, dark bands along the rest of the body and tail. This discovery adds to a growing number of new slug snake species recently described from Southeast Asia and highlights the underestimated diversity in this family, especially in Borneo. Taxonomic revisions of the reptiles and amphibians of Borneo are still needed before the true diversity of the island and the relationships of the various taxa can be fully understood.
Voragocoris weirauchae sp. n. (Heteroptera: Schizopteridae: Schizopterinae), a further minute litter bug species from Brazil
Authors: DE ALBUQUERQUE ALMEIDA FLAVIO ROBERTO , CARVALHO-FILHO FERNANDO DA SILVA , KNYSHOV ALEXANDER , FERNANDES JOSE ANTONIO MARIN
Published: January 2020

The genus Voragocoris Weirauch, 2012 is composed of Voragocoris schuhi Weirauch, 2012 and Voragocoris amrishi Makhan, 2013, previously recorded from Peru and Suriname, respectively. In this paper, a new species, Voragocoris weirauchae sp.n., is described based on specimens collected in the Brazilian Amazon, representing the first record of the genus from Brazil. We provide diagnosis, description, photographs of habitus, and scanning electron micrographs of the diagnostic features. A key to species based on males of Voragocoris is also presented.
Taito adrik, a new harvestman species from the Área de Conservación Privada Panguana, Peruvian Amazonia (Opiliones: Laniatores: Cosmetidae)
Authors: FRIEDRICH STEFAN , LEHMANN TOBIAS
Published: January 2020

A new species of the cosmetid harvestman genus Taito Kury & Barros 2014 is described from the Área de Conservación Privada (ACP) Panguana, Peruvian Amazonia, which extends the distribution range of the genus to the south-west. The herein described species Taito adrik sp. nov. differs from all other known species of the genus by the distinct shape of the equuleus, the armature of leg IV in males, and the structure of male genitalia, in combination with features of the chelicerae and the anal operculum. In addition, COI barcodes of the new species are provided.
Broadcast Meteorologists’ Views on Climate Change: A State-of-the-Community Review
Authors: Perkins David R. , Timm Kristin , Myers Teresa , Maibach Edward
Published: January 2020

Broadcast meteorologists—highly skilled professionals who work at the intersection between climate scientists and the public—have considerable opportunity to educate their viewers about the local impacts of global climate change. Prior research has shown that, within the broadcast meteorology community, views of climate change have evolved rapidly over the past decade. Here, using data from three census surveys of U.S. broadcast meteorologists conducted annually between 2015 and 2017, is a comprehensive analysis of broadcast meteorologists’ views about climate change. Specifically, this research describes weathercasters’ beliefs about climate change and certainty in those beliefs, perceived causes of climate change, perceived scientific consensus and interest in learning more about climate change, belief that climate change is occurring (and the certainty of that belief), belief that climate change is human caused, perceptions of any local impacts of climate change, and perceptions of the solvability of climate change. Today’s weathercaster community appears to be sharing the same viewpoints and outlooks as most climate scientists—in particular, that climate change is already affecting the United States and that present-day trends are largely a result of human activity.
Metachronous Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Patient Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Cooper Timothy , Dixit Ronak , Hobson Candace E. , Hirsch Barry E. , McCall Andrew A.
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is a distressing condition that can significantly affect quality of life. Unilateral ISSNHL, occurring first in 1 ear and then the contralateral ear at a separate and discrete time, is a rare presentation that we refer to as metachronous ISSNHL. Our objective was to characterize the presentation of metachronous ISSNHL and report on management and hearing outcomes.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Setting

Otology clinic at an academic tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

Patients ≥18 years old presenting with metachronous ISSNHL between April 2008 to November 2017 were identified through review of the clinic electronic medical record. Metachronous ISSNHL was defined as unilateral ISSNHL occurring in temporally discrete episodes (>6 months apart) affecting both ears. Patients with identifiable causes for sudden hearing loss were excluded. Patient demographics, comorbidities, management, and audiologic outcomes were recorded.

Results

Eleven patients with metachronous ISSNHL were identified out of 558 patients with ISSNHL. In patients with metachronous ISSNHL, the mean ± standard deviation age at the time of ISSNHL in the second ear was 58.6 ± 15.2 years (range, 31‐77 years). The mean interval between episodes was 9.6 ± 7.5 years (range, 1‐22 years). Patients were treated with systemic and intratympanic steroids with variable hearing recovery; 5 patients with resultant bilateral severe to profound hearing loss underwent successful cochlear implantation.

Conclusion

Metachronous ISSNHL is uncommon. Treatment is similar to ISSNHL, and cochlear implantation can successfully restore hearing in individuals who do not experience recovery.
Confusingly Similar: Discerning between Hardware Guitar Amplifier Sounds and Simulations with the Kemper Profiling Amp
Authors: Düvel Nina , Kopiez Reinhard , Wolf Anna , Weihe Peter
Published: January 2020

Over the last decades, the simulation of musical instruments by digital means has become an important part of modern music production and live performance. Since the first release of the Kemper Profiling Amplifier (KPA) in 2011, guitarists have been able to create and store a nearly unlimited number of “digital fingerprints” of amplifier and cabinet setups for live performances and studio productions. However, whether listeners can discriminate between the sounds of the KPA and the original amplifier remains unclear. Thus, we constructed a listening test based on musical examples from both sound sources. In a first approach, the psychoacoustic analysis using mel-frequency cepstrum coefficients (MFCCs) revealed a high degree of timbre similarity between the two sound sources. In a second step, a listening test with N = 177 showed that the overall discrimination performance was d’ = .34, which was a rather small difference (0.0 ≤ d’ ≤ 0.74). A weak relationship between the degree of general musical sophistication and discrimination performance was found. Overall, we suggest that listeners are rarely able to assign audio examples to the correct condition. We conclude that, at least on a perceptual level, our results give no support for a commonly accepted pessimistic attitude toward digital simulations of hardware sounds.
Seasonal variability in metal and metalloid burdens of mussels: using data from the German Environmental Specimen Bank to evaluate implications for long-term mussel monitoring programs
Authors: Knopf Burkhard , Fliedner Annette , Radermacher Georg , Rüdel Heinz , Paulus Martin , Pirntke Ulrike , Koschorreck Jan
Published: January 2020

Background

Metal and metalloid concentrations in mussels can vary between seasons. In biota monitoring, the sampling time is therefore an important issue. Within the German Environmental Specimen Bank (ESB) program blue mussels (Mytilus edulis Complex) are sampled regularly since the 1980s. The samples are collected in two-monthly intervals at two North Sea sites and in 6-month intervals at one Baltic Sea site. All samples from one site and year are combined to annual composite samples and archived as sub-samples under cryogenic conditions. In order to investigate a possible reduction of the number of annual sampling intervals while maintaining comparability with the long-term composite sample data, the seasonal variability of metals/metalloids was analyzed based on the half-yearly and bimonthly samples of 2013, 2015 and 2017.

Results

In mussels from the North Sea site Eckwarderhoerne seasonality of metals/metalloids was comparable in all 3 years (arsenic being the only exception). At the North Sea site Koenigshafen seasonality of cobalt, nickel, cadmium, copper, lead, and arsenic was comparable in 2013 and 2015 but not in 2017, while selenium showed the same seasonality in all 3 years. Within 1 year, concentrations of metals and metalloids can vary by the same order of magnitude as observed between annual composite samples of different years making it impossible to select just one representative sampling time point per year that would provide the same information as the respective annual composite sample.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the importance of carefully selecting the sampling time point when using mussels in biota monitoring. For the German ESB program it is recommended to continue with the current sampling strategy and analyze annual composite samples in order to maintain comparability with the long-term data series, which are a special feature of the ESB.
The utility of intravenous ketamine for the management of intraoperative penile erection: a retrospective single-center analysis of endourological surgeries over a 4-year
Authors: Eroğlu Aşkın , Tuncalı Bahattin , Ekin Rahmi Gökhan
Published: January 2020

Background

To assess the prevalence of intraoperative penile erection in our endourology practice and the utility of intravenous ketamine in the management of the condition.

Methods

Of 402 endoscopic urological procedures performed in our clinic over a 4-year (2015–2019) period, a total of 9 cases with intraoperative penile erection impeding instrumentation during endourological surgery were included. Data on patient age, weight, height, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification system scores, type and duration of surgery, type and level of anesthesia, onset of erection, treatment characteristics and treatment outcome were recorded for each patient.

Results

The mean (SD) age was 68.3 years (range, 66.0–77.0 years). ASA physical status category I and II were noted in 55.6 and 44.4% of patients, respectively. All cases received spinal anesthesia (n = 9) at T8–10 dermatome levels, for TURP in 7 (77.8%) cases and for TURBT in 2 (22.2%) cases. The onset of penile erection was post-urethroscope in 7 (77.8%) cases. The average total ketamine dose was 34.3 mg (range, 18.0–75.0 mg). The average duration of the operation was 91.7 min (range, 40.0–140.0 min). Ketamine treatment resulted in resolved erection with delayed procedure in 7 (77.8%) cases, while conversion to general anesthesia was required in 2 (22.5%) cases.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the prevalence of intraoperative penile erection during spinal anesthesia for endourological surgery was 2.2% in our experience. These findings demonstrated that intravenous injection of ketamine is an effective and safe method for immediate resolution of intraoperative penile erection with a high success rate.
The round goby genome provides insights into mechanisms that may facilitate biological invasions
Authors: Adrian-Kalchhauser Irene , Blomberg Anders , Larsson Tomas , Musilova Zuzana , Peart Claire R. , Pippel Martin , Solbakken Monica Hongroe , Suurväli Jaanus , Walser Jean-Claude , Wilson Joanna Yvonne , Alm Rosenblad Magnus , Burguera Demian , Gutnik Silvia , Michiels Nico , Töpel Mats , Pankov Kirill , Schloissnig Siegfried , Winkler Sylke
Published: January 2020

Background

The invasive benthic round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) is the most successful temperate invasive fish and has spread in aquatic ecosystems on both sides of the Atlantic. Invasive species constitute powerful in situ experimental systems to study fast adaptation and directional selection on short ecological timescales and present promising case studies to understand factors involved the impressive ability of some species to colonize novel environments. We seize the unique opportunity presented by the round goby invasion to study genomic substrates potentially involved in colonization success.

Results

We report a highly contiguous long-read-based genome and analyze gene families that we hypothesize to relate to the ability of these fish to deal with novel environments. The analyses provide novel insights from the large evolutionary scale to the small species-specific scale. We describe expansions in specific cytochrome P450 enzymes, a remarkably diverse innate immune system, an ancient duplication in red light vision accompanied by red skin fluorescence, evolutionary patterns of epigenetic regulators, and the presence of osmoregulatory genes that may have contributed to the round goby’s capacity to invade cold and salty waters. A recurring theme across all analyzed gene families is gene expansions.

Conclusions

The expanded innate immune system of round goby may potentially contribute to its ability to colonize novel areas. Since other gene families also feature copy number expansions in the round goby, and since other Gobiidae also feature fascinating environmental adaptations and are excellent colonizers, further long-read genome approaches across the goby family may reveal whether gene copy number expansions are more generally related to the ability to conquer new habitats in Gobiidae or in fish.
Decreased expression of a phagocytic receptor Siglec-1 on alveolar macrophages in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Tanno Atsushi , Fujino Naoya , Yamada Mitsuhiro , Sugiura Hisatoshi , Hirano Taizou , Tanaka Rie , Sano Hirohito , Suzuki Satoshi , Okada Yoshinori , Ichinose Masakazu
Published: January 2020

Background

Alveolar macrophages are professional phagocytes that remove microbial pathogens inhaled into the lung. The phagocytic ability is compromised in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this defect in phagocytosis are not clearly defined.

Materials and methods

Cell suspensions were collected from lung tissues of patients undergoing lung resection. Alveolar macrophages were detected as FSChi/ SSChi/CD45+/CD206+ cells in the isolated cell suspension by flow-cytometry. The cell surface expression of plasma membrane-bound phagocytic receptors (Fcγ receptor I (FcγRI), a complement receptor CD11b, macrophage scavenger receptor-1 (MSR-1), CD36 and Siglec-1) was determined on the alveolar macrophages. Correlations between the expression levels of the phagocytic receptors and disease severity were analysed. Phagocytosis of fluorescence-tagged bacteria by human alveolar macrophages was evaluated.

Results

The flow-cytometry analyses revealed that FcγRI, CD11b, MSR-1 and Siglec-1, but not CD36, were expressed on human alveolar macrophages. Among these receptors, Siglec-1 expression was significantly decreased on alveolar macrophages in COPD ex-smokers (n = 11), compared to control never-smokers (n = 11) or control ex-smokers (n = 9). The Siglec-1 expression on alveolar macrophages was significantly correlated with lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s) and with the severity of emphysema. Treatment of human alveolar macrophages with an anti-Siglec1 blocking antibody decreased phagocytosis of non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated reduced expression of Siglec-1 on alveolar macrophages in COPD, which is involved in engulfment of NTHi.
How does the onset of incontinence affect satisfaction with life among older women and men? Findings from a nationally representative longitudinal study (German Ageing Survey)
Authors: Buczak-Stec Elżbieta , König Hans-Helmut , Hajek André
Published: January 2020

Background

There is a large body of evidence showing that incontinence is associated with decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Moreover, while a few cross-sectional studies have shown that incontinence is associated with decreased life satisfaction, there is a lack of studies regarding whether the onset of incontinence influences life satisfaction of affected individuals longitudinally. Thus, the objective of this study is: (i) to investigate the impact of incontinence on life satisfaction and (ii) whether this effect differed between women and men using a large population-based sample longitudinally.

Methods

Longitudinal data from 2008 to 2014 were retrieved from a nationally representative sample (9869 observations in regression analysis) of community-dwelling individuals aged 40 years and over (German Ageing Survey, DEAS). Physician-diagnosed incontinence was reported by respondents. Life satisfaction was quantified using the well-established Satisfaction with Life Scale. Linear fixed-effects regressions were used.

Results

After adjusting for potential confounders (e.g., self-rated health or depression), regressions revealed that the onset of incontinence was associated with a decline in life satisfaction in men (β = −.25, p < .01), but not in the total sample and in women. These differences were significant (p < .05). In a further sensitivity analysis, individuals with cancer were excluded. However, in terms of significance and effect size, the impact of incontinence on life satisfaction in men remained almost the same in both models.

Conclusions

The onset of incontinence markedly reduces life satisfaction among men aged 40 and over. Interventional strategies to postpone incontinence may assist in maintaining life satisfaction in men.
Task shifting for point-of-care early infant diagnosis: a comparison of the quality of testing between nurses and laboratory personnel in Zimbabwe
Authors: Simmonds Francis M. , Cohn Jennifer E. , Mafaune Haurovi W. , Nyamundaya Tichaona H. , Mahomva Agnes , Chadambuka Addmore
Published: January 2020

Background

To decentralize point-of-care early infant diagnosis (POC EID), task shifting to cadres such as nurses is important. However, this should not compromise quality of testing through generating high rates of internal quality control (IQC) failures and long result turnaround times. We used data from a POC EID project in Zimbabwe to compare IQC rates and result return to caregivers for samples run on a POC EID technology (Alere q HIV 1/2 Detect) between nurses and laboratory-trained personnel to assess effects of task shifting on quality of testing.

Methods

This cross-sectional retrospective study used data from all 46 sites (10 hub and 36 spoke sites in Zimbabwe that piloted POC EID for routine clinical use from December 2016 to June 2017). IQC failure rates were downloaded from each POC EID platform and exported to excel to analyze IQC failure rates by type of operator. Turnaround time (TAT) from sample collection to issuing of results to caregiver was extracted from the EID test request form and uploaded into a project specific Excel-based database for analysis.

Results

A total of 1847 tests were conducted by 45 testers (12 laboratory-trained and 33 non-laboratory-trained personnel), including 165 errors. There were no significant differences in IQC failure rates between non-laboratory testers (137 [9.2%] of 14830 tests) and specialized laboratory-trained (28 [7.7%] of 364 tests; p = 0.354). Over time, IQC failure rates for both non-laboratory (χ2 = 18.5, p < 0.000) and specialized laboratory-trained testers (χ2 = 8.7, p < 0.003) decreased significantly. There were similar proportions of clients who were issued with results between samples processed by non-laboratory testers (1283 [98.9%] of 1297 tests) and samples processed by specialized laboratory-trained testers (315 [98.7%] of 319 tests; p = 0.790). The overall median turnaround time from sample collection to receipt of results by caregiver for samples run by laboratory-specialized testers was not statistically different from samples run by non-laboratory-specialized testers (1 day [IQR 0–3] versus 0 days [IQR 0–2]; p = 0.583).

Conclusions

Similar IQC failure rates and TATs between non-laboratory and specialized laboratory-trained operators suggest that non-specialized laboratory-trained personnel can perform POC EID equally well as specialized laboratory personnel.
Biologically effective dose (BED) escalation of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for hepatocellular carcinoma patients (≤5 cm) with CyberKnife: protocol of study
Authors: Sun Jing , Zhang Aimin , Li Wengang , Wang Quan , Li Dong , Zhang Dan , Duan Xuezhang
Published: January 2020

Background

There is a lack of data on the biologically effective dose and the efficacy of stereotactic body radiotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma patients, and this study was conducted to explore the relation between BED and efficacy.

Methods

This study is designed as a mono-center study. The participants are randomized into three group, and received the following recommended schedule: 49Gy/7f, 54Gy/6f and 55Gy/5f with BED10 in correspondence to 83.3Gy, 102.6Gy and 115.5Gy. The primary outcome measures are to calculate local control rates (LC), overall survival rates (OS) and progression-free survival rates (PFS). The secondary outcome measures are to observe radiation-induced liver injury (RILD) rates, Child-Pugh score and indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min (ICG-R15) value before and after CK-SBRT. Moreover, gastrointestinal toxicities are also observed.

Discussion

There is no uniform standard for CK-SBRT dose schedule of hepatocellular carcinoma. We propose to conduct a study determining the optimal CK-SBRT schedule of hepatocellular carcinoma patients (≤5 cm). The trial protocol has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of 302 Hospital of PLA (People’s Liberation Army). The Ethics number is 2017111D.

Trail registration

Clinical trails number: NCT03295500. Date of registration: November, 2017.
Clinical evaluation of ultrasonic subgingival debridement versus ultrasonic subgingival scaling combined with manual root planing in the treatment of periodontitis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yan Yue , Zhan Yalin , Wang Xian’e , Hou Jianxia
Published: January 2020

Background

Periodontal diseases are regarded as the most common diseases of mankind. The prevalence rate of periodontal disease assumes a clear growth tendency, increasing by 57.3% from 1990 to 2010. Thereby, effective periodontal therapy is still a long-term task and a difficult problem. The goals of periodontal therapy are to eliminate the infectious and inflammatory processes of periodontal diseases. Root planing, in order to eliminate the “infected cementum,” has been an important step in the treatment of periodontitis since the 1970s. However, along with the understanding of the effects of endotoxin on the root surface, the necessity of manual root planing has been gradually queried. Ultrasonic instruments, which are more recent innovations, would not remove the cementum excessively, and are also more time-saving and labor-saving compared to using hand instruments. Hence, an increasing number of dentists prefer to do scaling with ultrasonic instruments only. However, the necessity of root planing remains emphasized in the international mainstream views of periodontal mechanical treatment. Therefore, this study is devoted to compare the clinical effect of ultrasonic subgingival debridement and ultrasonic subgingival scaling combined with manual root planing, which takes the implementation of root planing as the only variable and is more in line with the current clinical situation, thus hoping to provide some valuable reference to dentists.

Methods/design

Forty adult patients who fit the inclusion criteria are being recruited from the Peking University Hospital of Stomatology (Beijing, China). By means of randomization tables, one quadrant of the upper and lower teeth is the test group and the other is the control group. Test group: ultrasonic subgingival scaling combined with manual root planing. Control group: ultrasonic subgingival debridement. In a 24-week follow-up period, plaque index, probing depth, clinical attachment loss, bleeding index, furcation involvement, mobility, and patient-reported outcome (Visual Analog Scale for pain and sensitivity) will be observed and documented.

Discussion

This study evaluates the effectiveness of ultrasonic subgingival scaling combined with manual root planing and ultrasonic subgingival debridement alone in the nonsurgical treatment of periodontitis with a split-mouth design after 1, 3 and 6 months. The result of the trial should potentially contribute to an advanced treatment strategy for periodontitis with an ideal clinical outcome.

Trial registration

International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), ID: ChiCTR1800017122. Registered on 12 July 2018.
Interactions between the gut microbiome and host gene regulation in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Dayama Gargi , Priya Sambhawa , Niccum David E. , Khoruts Alexander , Blekhman Ran
Published: January 2020

Background

Cystic fibrosis is the most common autosomal recessive genetic disease in Caucasians. It is caused by mutations in theCFTRgene, leading to poor hydration of mucus and impairment of the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive organ functions. Advancements in medical care have led to markedly increased longevity of patients with cystic fibrosis, but new complications have emerged, such as early onset of colorectal cancer. Although the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer in cystic fibrosis remains unclear, altered host-microbe interactions might play a critical role. To investigate this, we characterized changes in the microbiome and host gene expression in the colonic mucosa of cystic fibrosis patients relative to healthy controls, and identified host gene-microbiome interactions in the colon of cystic fibrosis patients.

Methods

We performed RNA-seq on colonic mucosa samples from cystic fibrosis patients and healthy controls to determine differentially expressed host genes. We also performed 16S rRNA sequencing to characterize the colonic mucosal microbiome and identify gut microbes that are differentially abundant between patients and healthy controls. Lastly, we modeled associations between relative abundances of specific bacterial taxa in the gut mucosa and host gene expression.

Results

We find that 1543 genes, includingCFTR, show differential expression in the colon of cystic fibrosis patients compared to healthy controls. These genes are enriched with functions related to gastrointestinal and colorectal cancer, such as metastasis of colorectal cancer, tumor suppression, p53, and mTOR signaling pathways. In addition, patients with cystic fibrosis show decreased gut microbial diversity, decreased abundance of butyrate producing bacteria, such as Ruminococcaceae andButyricimonas, and increased abundance of other taxa, such as Actinobacteria andClostridium. An integrative analysis identified colorectal cancer-related genes, includingLCN2andDUOX2, for which gene expression is correlated with the abundance of colorectal cancer-associated bacteria, such as Ruminococcaceae andVeillonella.

Conclusions

In addition to characterizing host gene expression and mucosal microbiome in cystic fibrosis patients, our study explored the potential role of host-microbe interactions in the etiology of colorectal cancer in cystic fibrosis. Our results provide biomarkers that may potentially serve as targets for stratifying risk of colorectal cancer in patients with cystic fibrosis.
Coupled blue and red light-emitting diodes therapy efficacy in patients with rosacea: two case reports
Authors: Sorbellini Elisabetta , De Padova Maria Pia , Rinaldi Fabio
Published: January 2020

Background

Rosacea is a common inflammatory skin condition affecting approximately 5% of the world population. Therapeutic approaches to rosacea are focused on symptom suppression by means of anti-inflammatory agents. More recently, photodynamic therapy, especially light-emitting diodes, has been introduced as a valid alternative to conventional therapy.

Case presentation

In the present work, we reported the efficacy and safety of light-emitting diodes therapy combining blue (480 nm) and red (650 nm) light for the treatment of two patients with papulopustular rosacea: a 22-year-old Caucasian woman and a 68-year-old Caucasian man.

Conclusions

This kind of treatment could represent an effective, safer, and well-tolerated approach for the treatment of such conditions.
Exosomes from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells enhance fracture healing through the promotion of osteogenesis and angiogenesis in a rat model of nonunion
Authors: Zhang Lu , Jiao Guangjun , Ren Shanwu , Zhang Xiaoqian , Li Ci , Wu Wenliang , Wang Hongliang , Liu Haichun , Zhou Hongming , Chen Yunzhen
Published: January 2020

Background

As important players in cell-to-cell communication, exosomes (exo) are believed to play a similar role in promoting fracture healing. This study investigated whether exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSC-Exos) could improve fracture healing of nonunion.

Methods

BMMSC-Exos were isolated and transplanted into the fracture site in a rat model of femoral nonunion (Exo group) every week. Moreover, equal volumes of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and exosome-depleted conditioned medium (CM-Exo) were injected into the femoral fracture sites of the rats in the control and CM-Exo groups. Bone healing processes were recorded and evaluated by radiographic methods on weeks 8, 14 and 20 after surgery. Osteogenesis and angiogenesis at the fracture sites were evaluated by radiographic and histological methods on postoperative week 20. The expression levels of osteogenesis- or angiogenesis-related genes were evaluated in vitro by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The ability to internalize exosomes was assessed using the PKH26 assay. Altered proliferation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and mouse embryo osteoblast precursor cells (MC3TE-E1s) treated with BMMSC-Exos were determined by utilizing EdU incorporation, immunofluorescence staining, and scratch wound assay. The angiogenesis ability of HUVECs was evaluated through tube formation assays. Finally, to explore the effect of exosomes in osteogenesis via the BMP-2/Smad1/RUNX2 signalling pathway, the BMP-2 inhibitors noggin and LDN193189 were utilized, and their subsequent effects were observed.

Results

BMMSC-Exos were observed to be spherical with a diameter of approximately 122 nm. CD9, CD63 and CD81 were expressed. Transplantation of BMMSC-Exos obviously enhanced osteogenesis, angiogenesis and bone healing processes in a rat model of femoral nonunion. BMMSC-Exos were taken up by HUVECs and MC3T3-E1 in vitro, and their proliferation and migration were also improved. Finally, experiments with BMP2 inhibitors confirmed that the BMP-2/Smad1/RUNX2 signalling pathway played an important role in the pro-osteogenesis induced by BMMSC-Exos and enhanced fracture healing of nonunion.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that transplantation of BMMSC-Exos exerts a critical effect on the treatment of nonunion by promoting osteogenesis and angiogenesis. This promoting effect might be ascribed to the activation of the BMP-2/Smad1/RUNX2 and the HIF-1α/VEGF signalling pathways.
Oral administration of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus spike protein expressing in silkworm pupae failed to elicit immune responses in pigs
Authors: Chang Chia-Yu , Hsu Wei-Ting , Tsai Pei-Shiue , Chen Chi-Min , Cheng Ivan-Chen , Chao Yu-Chan , Chang Hui-Wen
Published: January 2020

The silkworm (Bombyx mori) and its pupae have been used for decades as nutritional additives and applied on the production of high-quality recombinant proteins via the baculovirus expression vector (BEV) system. The bio-capsule, the fat-rich body, and some body components of the silkworm pupae, which deliver antigens passing through the harsh environment of digestive tract and reaching the intestine, have been used as a vehicle for oral vaccines. In the present study, to develop a novel oral vaccine against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), the PEDV spike (S) protein was expressed in silkworm pupae and BmN cells using the BEV system. After three doses of oral administrations with 2-week intervals in pigs, neither PEDV S protein-specific humoral nor mucosal immune responses can be detected. The failure of eliciting the PEDV-specific immune response suggested that the BEV system using BmN cells or silkworm pupae as oral immunogen-expression vehicles was not able to overcome the immunological unresponsiveness, which was possibly due to gastrointestinal specific barriers and oral tolerance. Better strategies to enhance the delivery and immunogenicity of oral vaccines should be further investigated. Nevertheless, the PEDV S protein generated in the BmN cells and silkworm pupae herein provides an efficient tool to produce the recombinant antigen for future applications.
Neuromuscular blockade in acute respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ho An Thi Nhat , Patolia Setu , Guervilly Christophe
Published: January 2020

Background

Neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) has been proposed by medical guidelines for early severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) because of its survival benefits. However, new studies have provided evidence contradicting these results.

Method

A search was performed of the Pubmed, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Virtual Health Library databases for randomized controlled trials (RCT) evaluating 28-day mortality in ARDS patients treated with NMBA within 48 h. An English language restriction was applied. Relevant data were extracted and pooled into risk ratios (RR), mean differences (MD), and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) using random-effect model. Sensitivity and meta-regression analysis were performed.

Results

From 2675 studies, we included five RCTs in the analysis, for a total of 1461 patients with a mean PaO2/FIO2 of 104 ± 35 mmHg. The cisatracurium group had the same risk of death at 28 days (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.78–1.03; I2 = 50%, p = 0.12) and 90 days (RR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.62–1.06; I2 = 56%, p = 0.06) as the control group (no cisatracurium). The secondary outcomes of mechanical ventilation duration and ventilator-free days were not different between the two groups. Cisatracurium had a significantly lower risk of barotrauma than the control group with no difference in intensive care unit (ICU)–induced weakness. The PaO2/FIO2 ratio was higher in the cisatracurium group but not until 48 h. Meta-regression analysis of the baseline PaO2/FIO2 ratio, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) revealed no heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis excluding the trial using high PEEP and light sedation strategy yielded an improvement in all mortality outcomes.

Conclusion

NMBA improves oxygenation only after 48 h in moderate, severe ARDS patients and has a lower barotrauma risk without affecting ICU weakness. However, NMBA does not reduce ventilator-free days, duration of mechanical ventilation or, most importantly, the mortality risk regardless of the severity of ARDS.
Perinatal mental health around the world: a new thematic series
Authors: Cox John
Published: January 2020

International multiprofessional teams in primary and secondary care have much to teach psychiatrists, researchers and service planners about the perinatal mental health field. This editorial introduces a new series of papers in BJPsych International on perinatal mental health around the world.