bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Spatial Orientation of the Foot: A Critical Step in Hindfoot Alignment Evaluation on Weight Bearing CT
Authors: Zhu Mingjie , Gu Wanjun , Wang Chao , Sun Songmin , Zhang Ming-Zhu , Hunt Kenneth J. , Myerson Mark S. , Li Shuyuan
Published: November 2022

Category:

Hindfoot; Ankle

Introduction/Purpose:

Weight Bearing CT (WBCT) has been proven to be effective in hindfoot alignment assessment. However, we have noted that in both WBCT examination and evaluation, positioning of the foot has not been sufficiently prioritized. We hypothesized that changing the foot orientation will significantly affect the measurement of the hindfoot, which will in turn affect further clinical decision making.

Methods:

WBCT scans of ten feet without any foot and ankle deformity were loaded in CubeVue software. The foot was aligned to a neutral (0°) position based on the 2nd ray and the heel, and was then rotated 5°, 10°, 15° and 20° both externally and internally to simulate malposition. The 'semi' three dimensional hindfoot Moment Arm (HMA) was evaluated with the foot in these different positions. For measured parameters, varus alignment was recorded as a negative value, and valgus alignment was recorded as a positive value. Each measurement was repeated twice to minimize bias. A linear regression model was used to analyze the relationship of the HMA value and the rotation angles. An intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) model was used to assess the intra- and interobserver reliability. Statistical analysis was completed using SAS 9.4.

Results:

When rotating the foot from external 20° to internal 20°, the HMA demonstrated a linear change in hindfoot alignment from varus to valgus. A 1° increase in the rotation angle caused 0.52 (±0.03) mm increase in the HMA value (Figure 1). The HMA measurements had excellent inter- and intra-observer reliability (ICC >= 0.9) (Table 1). Both CT images and measured values confirmed that internal rotation changed a neutral into a valgus hindfoot, and external rotation changed a neutral hindfoot into varus (Figure 2).

Conclusion:

When using current two or 'semi' three-dimensional methods to evaluate hindfoot alignment on WBCT scans, positioning the foot in the correct orientation is critical. Malrotation and malposition of the foot will cause significant impact on measurements and generate false data as well as misdiagnoses. This study was performed on normal feet but is clinically relevant when applied to deformities, particularly those associated with abduction or adduction of the midfoot and forefoot while current knowledge about deformed foot positioning is limited. This is an important topic for future investigation.
HOXA11-OS participates in lupus nephritis by targeting miR-124-3p mediating Cyr61 to regulate podocyte autophagy
Authors: Pan Xiuhong , Chen Shanshan , Shen Ruiwen , Liu Sen , You Yanwu
Published: November 2022

Background

The long chain non-coding RNA HOXA11-OS was recently identified. Increasing studies have shown that HOXA11-OS has regulatory effects on genes in gastric cancer, prostate cancer, and various kidney diseases, but research on its role in systemic lupus erythematosus is still lacking. The present study aimed to investigate the role of HOXA11-OS in the regulation of podocyte autophagy in the development of lupus nephritis (LN) and its potential molecular mechanism.

Methods

mRNA and protein expression of the target gene (i.e., Cyr61) was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Mouse podocytes were induced using serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) from patients with lupus and their viability was detected using the cell counting kit-8 assay. The interaction of miR-124-3p with HOXA11-OS and Cyr61 was analyzed by double luciferase reporter gene assay. Serum autoantibody levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pathological lesions in the kidney tissue were detected by hematoxylin–eosin and periodate-Schiff staining. The independent samples t-test was used for comparing two groups, and one-way analysis of variance for comparing multiple groups.

Results

HOXA11-OS was highly expressed in LN tissues, serum, and cells, and the expression of some key autophagy factors and Cyr61 was significantly increased, while miR-124-3p expression was significantly decreased. In vitro, LN-IgG inhibited podocyte activity, increased autophagy and Cyr61 expression, and aggravated podocyte injury in a time- and dose-dependent manner. As a competitive endogenous RNA of miR-124-3p, HOXA11-OS promoted the expression of Cyr61, thus enhancing the autophagy increase induced by LN-IgG and aggravating podocyte injury. Knockdown of HOXA11-OS had the opposite effect. miR-124-3p mimic or Cyr61 knockdown restored the high expression of autophagy factors and Cyr61 induced by HOXA11-OS overexpression and alleviated podocyte injury. Further in vivo experiments showed that injection of sh-HOXA11-OS adeno-associated virus downregulated HOXA11-OS and significantly alleviated renal damage in lupus mice.

Conclusions

HOXA11-OS is involved in the occurrence and development of LN by regulating podocyte autophagy through miR-124-3p/Cyr61 sponging, which may provide a good potential therapeutic target for LN.
Variability in recurrence rates with acute treatments for migraine: why recurrence is not an appropriate outcome measure
Authors: Tepper Stewart J. , Ailani Jessica , Ray Sutapa , Hirman Joe , Shrewsbury Stephen B. , Aurora Sheena K.
Published: November 2022

Background

Headache recurrence is a common feature of acute therapies, whether approved or still in development, and continues to be a significant problem for both the patient and the clinician. Further complicating this issue is lack of standardization in definitions of recurrence used in clinical trials, as well as disparity in patient characteristics, rendering a comparison of different acute medications challenging. Recurrence has serious clinical implications, which can include an increased risk for new-onset chronic migraine and/or development of medication overuse headache. The aim of this review is to illustrate variability of recurrence rates depending on prevailing definitions in the literature for widely used acute treatments for migraine and to emphasize sustained response as a clinically relevant endpoint for measuring prolonged efficacy.

Body

A literature search of PubMed for articles of approved acute therapies for migraine that reported recurrence rates was performed. Study drugs of interest included select triptans, gepants, lasmiditan, and dihydroergotamine mesylate. An unpublished post hoc analysis of an investigational dihydroergotamine mesylate product that evaluated recurrence rates using several different definitions of recurrence common in the literature is also included. Depending on the criteria established by the clinical trial and the definition of recurrence used, rates of recurrence vary considerably across different acute therapies for migraine, making it difficult to compare results of different trials to assess the sustained (i.e., over a single attack) and the prolonged (i.e., over multiple attacks) efficacy of a particular study medication.

Conclusion

A standardized definition of recurrence is necessary to help physicians evaluate recurrence rates of different abortive agents for migraine. Sustained pain relief or freedom may be more comprehensive efficacy outcome measures than recurrence. Future efficacy studies should be encouraged to use the recommended definition of sustained pain freedom set by the International Headache Society.
A novel serum spherical lectin from lamprey reveals a more efficient mechanism of immune initiation and regulation in jawless vertebrates
Authors: Lu Jiali , Duan Jinsong , Han Yinglun , Gou Meng , Li Jun , Li Qingwei , Pang Yue
Published: November 2022

The innate immune system is the body’s first line of defense against pathogens and involves antibody and complement system-mediated antigen removal. Immune-response-related complement molecules have been identified in lamprey, and the occurrence of innate immune response via the mannose-binding lectin-associated serine proteases of the lectin cascade has been reported. We have previously shown that lamprey (Lampetra japonica) serum can efficiently and specifically eliminate foreign pathogens. Therefore, we aimed to understand the immune mechanism of lamprey serum in this study. We identified and purified a novel spherical lectin (LSSL) from lamprey serum. LSSL had two structural calcium ions coordinated with conserved amino acids, as determined through cryogenic electron microscopy. LSSL showed high binding capacity with microbial and mammalian glycans and demonstrated agglutination activity against bacteria. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that LSSL was transferred from phage transposons to the lamprey genome via horizontal gene transfer. Furthermore, LSSL was associated with mannose-binding lectin-associated serine protease 1 and promoted the deposition of the C3 fragment on the surface of target cells upon binding. These results led us to conclude that LSSL initiates and regulates agglutination, resulting in exogenous pathogen and tumor cell eradication. Our observations will give a greater understanding of the origin and evolution of the complement system in higher vertebrates and lead to the identification of novel immune molecules and pathways for defense against pathogens and tumor cells.
Transposable element finder (TEF): finding active transposable elements from next generation sequencing data
Authors: Miyao Akio , Yamanouchi Utako
Published: November 2022

Background

Detection of newly transposed events by transposable elements (TEs) from next generation sequence (NGS) data is difficult, due to their multiple distribution sites over the genome containing older TEs. The previously reported Transposon Insertion Finder (TIF) detects TE transpositions on the reference genome from NGS short reads using end sequences of target TE. TIF requires the sequence of target TE and is not able to detect transpositions for TEs with an unknown sequence.

Result

The new algorithm Transposable Element Finder (TEF) enables the detection of TE transpositions, even for TEs with an unknown sequence. TEF is a finding tool of transposed TEs, in contrast to TIF as a detection tool of transposed sites for TEs with a known sequence. The transposition event is often accompanied with a target site duplication (TSD). Focusing on TSD, two algorithms to detect both ends of TE, TSDs and target sites are reported here. One is based on the grouping with TSDs and direct comparison of k-mers from NGS without similarity search. The other is based on the junction mapping of TE end sequence candidates. Both methods succeed to detect both ends and TSDs of known active TEs in several tests with rice, Arabidopsis and Drosophila data and discover several new TEs in new locations. PCR confirmed the detected transpositions of TEs in several test cases in rice.

Conclusions

TEF detects transposed TEs with TSDs as a result of TE transposition, sequences of both ends and their inserted positions of transposed TEs by direct comparison of NGS data between two samples. Genotypes of transpositions are verified by counting of junctions of head and tail, and non-insertion sequences in NGS reads. TEF is easy to run and independent of any TE library, which makes it useful to detect insertions from unknown TEs bypassed by common TE annotation pipelines.
Patient perceptions and experiences of medication review: qualitative study in general practice
Authors: McCahon Deborah , Duncan Polly , Payne Rupert , Horwood Jeremy
Published: November 2022

Background

Clinical medication reviews are a recognised strategy to address polypharmacy, a key part of general practice and positively associated with patient safety and clinical effectiveness. To date there has been little investigation of the patient perspective of medication reviews.

Objective

To explore patient experiences of medication review including the processes and activities that led up to and shaped the review.

Methods

Qualitative interview study within 10 general practices in Bristol. Participants were adults with polypharmacy (≥ 4 medications) and ≥ 2 long-term conditions who had a record of medication review with either a GP or pharmacist. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using a data driven approach. Co-design work was undertaken with four patient and public involvement advisers to design and develop resources to support patient preparation for medication review.

Results

Twenty-one patients were interviewed (10 female, mean age 73 years, range 59–88 years). Medication review was viewed as an opportunity to assess the effectiveness and need for medications. Participants expected the review to focus upon medication related concerns, side-effects and symptoms. Those who were newer to review, were uncertain of the intended purpose, and described their review as a box-ticking exercise. Some participants were unfamiliar with the role of the pharmacist and expressed a lack of confidence in their clinical skills and knowledge. Face-to-face consultation and relationship continuity were considered important for efficient and effective medication review. Results informed co-production of a patient information leaflet to facilitate greater patient engagement and involvement in medication review.

Conclusions

A lack of understanding of the rationale for medication review can limit the value patients attach to these healthcare encounters. Improved prior communication and information around the intended purpose and potential benefits of medication review may enhance patient engagement and improve patient experience and outcomes.
The Revised Identification of Seniors At Risk screening tool predicts readmission in older hospitalized patients: a cohort study
Authors: McCusker Jane , Warburton Rebecca N. , Lambert Sylvie D. , Belzile Eric , de Raad Manon
Published: November 2022

Background

The Identification of Seniors at Risk (ISAR) screening tool is a widely-used risk stratification tool for older adults in the emergency department (ED). Few studies have investigated the use of ISAR to predict outcomes of hospitalized patients. To improve usability a revised version of ISAR (ISAR-R), was developed in a quality improvement project. The ISAR-R is also widely used, although never formally validated. To address these two gaps in knowledge, we aimed to assess the ability of the ISAR-R to predict readmission in a cohort of older adults who were hospitalized (admitted from the ED) and discharged home.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of data collected in a pre-post evaluation of a patient discharge education tool. Participants were patients aged 65 and older, admitted to hospital via the ED of two general community hospitals, and discharged home from the medical and geriatric units of these hospitals. Patients (or family caregivers for patients with mental or physical impairment) were recruited during their admission. The ISAR-R was administered as part of a short in-hospital interview. Providers were blinded to ISAR-R scores. Among patients discharged home, 90-day readmissions were extracted from hospital administrative data. The primary metrics of interest were sensitivity and negative predictive value. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) was also computed as an overall measure of performance.

Results

Of 711 attempted recruitments, 496 accepted, and ISAR-R was completed for 485. Of these 386 patients were discharged home with a complete ISAR-R, the 90-day readmission rate was 24.9%; the AUC was 0.63 (95% CI 0.57,0.69). Sensitivity and negative predictive value at the recommended cut-point of 2 + were 81% and 87%, respectively. Specificity was low (40%).

Conclusions

The ISAR-R tool is a potentially useful risk stratification tool to predict patients at increased risk of readmission. Its high values of sensitivity and negative predictive value at a cut-point of 2 + make it suitable for rapid screening of patients to identify those suitable for assessment by a clinical geriatric team, who can identify those with geriatric problems requiring further treatment, education, and follow-up to reduce the risk of readmission.
Perceptions of exercise and exercise instruction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and sarcopenia : a qualitative study
Authors: Che Shangjie , Meng Min , Jiang Ya , Ye Xiang , Xie Cuihua
Published: November 2022

Background

Exercise plays a major role in helping patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and sarcopenia to increase muscle mass and muscle strength. However, little is known about perceptions of exercise and exercise instruction in these patients. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of exercise and exercise instruction from the patient’s perspective.

Methods

In a descriptive qualitative study, semi-structured face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and sarcopenia at a tertiary hospital. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines were followed to ensure rigor in the study. The interviews were analysed using a thematic analysis method.

Results

Four themes and 13 sub-themes were identified in this study. The four themes were knowledge-attitudes-practices surrounding exercise, motivators and barriers regarding exercise, and attitudes towards professional exercise instruction.

Conclusion

This study provides a detailed understanding of the knowledge-attitudes-practices, motivators and barriers regarding exercise among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and sarcopenia, as well as attitudes related to exercise instruction. The current findings can guide healthcare professionals, patients’ families, and policymakers to motivate patients to be physically active through policy initiatives and other types of incentives and programmes, such as providing more health education and holistic support, increasing family and friends’ companionship and care, and providing suitable exercise conditions.
Long-term disability in common mental disorders in Chinese community: evidence from a five-year follow-up study
Authors: Zhang Yijiao , Li Minghui , Yin Huifang , Ma Chao , Huang Zhengjing , Yan Yongping , Kou Changgui , Hu Mi , Wen Jing , Chen Shulin , Jia Cunxian , Yan Jie , Ding Hua , Li Qiang , Yang Li , Huang Yueqin , Liu Zhaorui , Xu Guangming
Published: November 2022

Background

Common mental disorders are general term for mental disorders with high disability rates and significant social burden. The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of long-term disability associated with common mental disorders and to interpret the relationship between common mental disorders and long-term disability.

Methods

Participants in the 2013 China Mental Health Survey were followed up by telephone between April and June 2018. This study evaluated long-term disability over a five-year period using the World Health Organization’s Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0. Poisson regression was used to analyze the relationship between common mental disorders and long-term disability.

Results

A total of 6269 patients were followed up by telephone. In patients with common mental disorders, the prevalence of disability ranged from 7.62% to 43.94%. The long-term disabilities were significantly associated with dysthymic disorder (DD, RR:2.40; 95% CI:1.87-3.03), major depressive disorder (MDD, RR:1.63; 95% CI:1.34-1.98), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD, RR:1.95; 95% CI:1.15-3.09), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD, RR:1.68; 95% CI:1.24-2.22) and alcohol use disorder (AUD, RR: 1.42; 95% CI:0.99-1.96).

Conclusions

In China, common mental disorders raise the risk of long-term disability, and there is a critical need for monitoring patients with DD, MDD, GAD, OCD, and AUD. For improved quality of life and reduced disability levels, more resources need to be dedicated to mental health in the future.
Effects of omega-3 supplementation as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy on periodontal parameters in periodontitis patients: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Maybodi Fahimeh Rashidi , Fakhari Mahsa , Tavakoli Fatemeh
Published: November 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy in patients with periodontitis.

Materials and methods

This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 30 patients with periodontitis. All patients received standard non-surgical periodontal therapy, and were randomly divided into two groups of intervention and control by a table of random numbers (n = 15). The intervention group consumed 1000 mg natural fish oil soft-gels daily (300 mg Omega-3 marine triglycerides, 180 mg Eicosapentaenoic acid and 120 mg Docosahexaenoic acid) while the control group used soft-gels contained only some soybean oil for 3 months. Clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing depth (PD), and bleeding index (BI) were recorded at baseline (before the intervention) and after 3 months. The two groups were compared regarding the clinical parameters by t-test (alpha = 0.05).

Results

All three clinical parameters decreased in both groups at 3 months compared with baseline (P = 0.001). The improvement in PD and CAL in the intervention group was significantly greater than that in the control group (P = 0.001); however, the difference in BI was not significant between the two groups (P = 0.283).

Conclusion

Omega-3 supplementation as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy significantly improved the clinical parameters in periodontitis patients compared to soybean oil supplements.
Assessment of the ability, perception, and readiness of nurses to manage tracheostomy-related complications in Riyadh City: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alotaibi Fahad Zarraq , Alkhatabi Reema , Allowaihiq Lujain , Alhazzani Hassan , Alshehri Ghada , Hajr Eman A. , Alkholaiwi Feras
Published: November 2022

Background

Nursing staff play a key role in the bedside management of tracheostomized patients in both intensive care units and general floors. Effective provision of postoperative care to these patients by nurses is critical. This study aimed to assess the readiness of nursing staff to manage tracheostomy-related complications in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This cross-sectional study enrolled 395 nurses in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire developed by the authors was distributed to nurses via an online survey. The questionnaire assessed nurses’ socio-demographic characteristics and their knowledge and practices regarding tracheostomy indications, postoperative care, and management of its complications.

Results

Of respondents, approximately 59% (232/395) had poor knowledge regarding tracheostomy-related complications and indications, 39% (154/395) had moderate knowledge, and only 2%(9/395) had good knowledge. Several factors were associated with increased knowledge, including having a higher education degree, working in a tertiary/quaternary hospital, being a government employee, caring for tracheostomized patients, and attending courses or lectures on managing tracheostomized patients.

Conclusions

Knowledge level and practices regarding tracheostomy-related complications and indications among nurses remain limited. In-service continuous professional development programs for nurses working in all hospital settings are strongly recommended. Further research is warranted to elicit the major factors contributing to inadequate knowledge and practices among nurses in Riyadh.
Continuum of care for maternal, newborn, and child health in 17 sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Aboagye Richard Gyan , Okyere Joshua , Budu Eugene , Yaya Sanni
Published: November 2022

Background

Given the intricate relationship between mothers and their children with the continuum of care, it is quintessential for their healthcare and interventions to be enhanced through a continuum of care approach. We examined the factors associated with the continuum of care for maternal, newborn, and child health in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

Data for the study were pooled from the Demographic and Health Surveys of 17 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. We extracted the data from the women’s files in all 17 countries. We included 15,359 married and cohabiting women with the most recent children aged 12–23 months at the time of the survey in the study. Multivariable multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the factors associated with continuum of care. Results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with their 95% confidence interval.

Results

Women whose partners had secondary or higher level of education [aOR = 1.52; 95%CI = 1.07, 2.16], those with health insurance [aOR = 1.64; 95%CI = 1.18, 2.30], those who decide alone on their healthcare [aOR = 1.38; 95%CI = 1.01, 1.89], those with joint healthcare decision [aOR = 1.33; 95%CI = 1.02, 1.74], those exposed to radio [aOR = 1.38; 95%CI = 1.06, 1.79], those who started antenatal care early [aOR = 1.88; 95%CI = 1.50, 2.36] and those in southern Africa [aOR = 7.02; 95%CI = 3.23, 15.27] had higher odds of completing the continuum of care.

Conclusion

We found that only 3.4% of women across the 17 sub-Saharan African countries included in this study completed all of the 11 maternal, newborn, and child health care interventions along the continuum of care. The factors that are associated with the maternal, newborn, and child health continuum of care include women’s autonomy in decision-making, partners’ level of education, health insurance coverage, early initiation of antenatal care, exposure to radio, and residing in Southern Africa. Problem with the distance to the facility lowered women’s odds of completing the continuum of care. Governments and departments of health services across sub-Saharan African countries must leverage the radio to disseminate critical messages about the need to complete the continuum of care. Much commitment must be made toward advancing the autonomy of women. Health insurance coverage would have to be extended to reach all women to facilitate the completion of the continuum of care.
Pattern and perception of wellbeing, quality of work life and quality of care of health professionals in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Awosoga Oluwagbohunmi A. , Odunaiya Nse A. , Oyewole Olufemi O. , Ogunlana Michael O. , Mbada Chidozie E. , Onyeso Ogochukwu K. , Adegoke Opeyemi M. , Ayodeji Ayomikun F. , Odole Adesola C.
Published: November 2022

Background

Personal wellbeing (PW) including quality of life and work life is a very complex concept that influences health professionals’ commitment and productivity. Improving PW may result in positive outcomes and good quality of care. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the pattern and perception of wellbeing, quality of work life (QoWL) and quality of care (QoC) of health professionals (HPs) in southwest Nigeria. 

Methods

The study was a convergent parallel mixed method design comprising a cross-sectional survey (1580 conveniently selected participants) and a focus group interview (40 purposively selected participants). Participants’ PW, quality of life (QoL), QoWL, and QoC were assessed using the PW Index Scale, 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index, QoWL questionnaire, and Clinician QoC scale, respectively. The pattern of wellbeing, QoWL and quality of care of HPs were evaluated using t-test and ANOVA tests. Binary regression analysis was used to assess factors that could classify participants as having good or poor wellbeing, QoWL, and quality of care of HPs. The qualitative findings were thematically analyzed following two independent transcriptions. An inductive approach to naming themes was used. Codes were assigned to the data and common codes were grouped into categories, leading to themes and subthemes.

Results

Of 1600 administered questionnaires, 1580 were returned, giving a 98.75% response rate. Only 45.3%, 43.9%, 39.8% and 38.4% of HP reported good PW, QoL, QoC and QoWL, respectively; while 54.7%, 56.1%, 60.2% and 61.6% were poor. There were significant gender differences in PW and QoC in favor of females. With an increase in age and years of practice, there was a significant increase in PW, QoWL and QoC. As the work volume increased, there was significant decrease in QoWL. Participants with master's or Ph.D. degrees reported improved QoWL while those with diploma reported better QoC. PWI and QoC were significantly different along the type of appointment, with those who held part-time appointments having the least values. The regression models showed that participant’s characteristics such as age, gender, designation, and work volume significantly classified health professionals who had good or poor QoC, QoWL, PW and QoL. The focus group interview revealed four themes and 16 sub-themes. The four themes were the definitions of QoC, QoWL, and PW, and dimensions of QoC.

Conclusion

More than half of health professionals reported poor quality of work life, quality of life and personal wellbeing which were influenced by personal and work-related factors. All these may have influenced the poor quality of care reported, despite the finding of a good knowledge of what quality of care entails.
Mupirocin blocks imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesion by inhibiting epidermal isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase
Authors: Yan Bing-Xi , Chen Xue-Yan , Wang Zhao-Yuan , Cui Ying-Zhe , Landeck Lilla , Fu Ni-Chang , Yang Xing-Yu , Xu Fan , Zhou Yuan , Chen Jia-Qi , Man Xiao-Yong
Published: November 2022

Background

The Isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase (IARS) catalyzes isoleucine to the corresponding tRNA, maintaining the accuracy of gene translation. Its role in psoriasis has been not investigated so far. In this study, we aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of IARS inhibitor, mupirocin, treatment for psoriasis.

Methods

The expression of IARS was determined by immunofluorescence, Western blot and qRT-PCR in normal healthy control- and psoriatic human skin. An imiquimod (IMQ) -induced psoriasis-like skin disease model was used to study the phenotypes changed by an IARS inhibitor, mupirocin (MUP). Endotypes were analyzed by RNA-seq, R&D Luminex multi-factor technique, ELISA, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Additionally, the effect of MUP on epidermal keratinocytes (KCs) were conducted in-vitro in primary cultured human KCs.

Results

We found the expression of IARS was higher in psoriatic skin than in healthy controls. In IMQ-induced psoriasis-like C57BL/6 J mouse model, MUP reversed IMQ-induced keratinocytes proliferation, expression of inflammatory cytokines and infiltration of immune cells. Furthermore, in cultured human keratinocytes, MUP inhibited proliferation, but promoted apoptosis, which may be related with STAT3 signaling pathway.

Conclusion

Our finding of blocking the infiltration of immune cells by inhibiting the formation of IARS, could be one mechanism to explain the effect of MUP in the treatment of psoriasis. Developing strategies targeting suppression IARS should open new perspectives for the treatment of psoriasis.

Graphical Abstract
Efficacy of single-stage posterior surgery for HIV-positive patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis
Authors: Zhang Yao , Zhao Chang-song , Chen Jia-min , Zhang Qiang
Published: November 2022

Objective

We aimed to observe the clinical effect of single-stage posterior surgery on HIV-positive patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis.

Methods

From October 2015 to October 2019, 13 HIV-positive patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis who underwent single-stage posterior surgery were retrospectively analyzed (observation group), and 13 HIV-negative patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis who were matched with the gender, age, operative site, and surgical approach during the same period were selected as the control group. Postoperative complications, hemoglobin, albumin, CD4+T lymphocyte count, operative site, operative time, and blood loss were recorded between the two groups. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by the visual analog scale (VAS), American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), kyphotic angle, correction rate of kyphosis, angle loss, and bone graft fusion time.

Results

In the observation group, 7 patients had postoperative complications, including 1 patient with cerebrospinal fluid leakage, 1 patient with nerve root irritation, 1 patient with an opportunistic infection, and 4 with delayed wound healing. In the control group, 2 patients developed postoperative complications, including 1 with nerve root irritation and 1 with delayed wound healing. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups (P > 0.05). CD4+T lymphocyte count, hemoglobin, and albumin in HIV-positive patients with postoperative complications were statistically different from those without postoperative complications (P all < 0.05). No tuberculosis recurrence was found at the last follow-up, ESR and CRP returned to normal, and there were no statistically significant differences in bone graft fusion time, VAS score, ASIA scale, correction rate of kyphosis, and angle loss between two groups (P all > 0.05).

Conclusion

Single-stage posterior surgery for HIV-positive patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis could achieve satisfactory clinical efficacy through comprehensive preoperative evaluation, standardized perioperative antiviral and anti-tuberculosis treatments, and prevention of postoperative complications.
Efficacy and safety of Sri Lankan traditional medicine regimen for knee osteoarthritis: study protocol for an open-label, active comparator, randomized controlled trial
Authors: De Silva Himalee , Perera Pathirage Kamal , Jayasinghe Saroj , De Silva Weliange Shreenika
Published: November 2022

Background

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common form of arthritis, causing disability and impaired quality of life especially in the elderly. Sri Lankan traditional medicine (STM) is widely used to treat OA, but no clinical trial evaluated on STM regimens for KOA to discuss their safety and efficacy in the treatment. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of STM regimen for KOA in comparison to recommended conventional pain management therapy over a period of 8 weeks on relieving the condition.

Study design

This is a clinical trial following a protocol-driven open-labeled randomized controlled study enrolling patients with KOA that will be conducted as a single-center trial in the National Ayurveda Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka. Rasnadvigunabhagasaya herbal decoction (RDBD) and an herbal pill Yoaraja Guggulu were selected as the rescue medication for treating joint disorders. The two Ayurvedic dosage forms will be tested against the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs tab paracetamol and tab ibuprofen as the rescue medication for their safety and efficacy. As test products for external application, oil with an herbal fomentation—Kumburuetaperumkayam Pottani (KAP)—and paste—Sandivadam Lepaya (SVL)—were selected. External applications will be tested against the diclofenac sodium gel and hot water fomentation. KOA patients will be allocated randomly into two arms, and the medications will be given orally for 60 days and externally for 30 days. The primary endpoint is the change in the score on the WOMAC after 08 weeks. WOMAC and KOOS will be recorded and compared between the two arms prior to visiting 1, at the end of 15 days and end of 30 days, and end of the 45 days and end of the second month and 3 months of follow-up. KOOS and WOMAC subscales, a pain disability index, a visual analog scale for pain and sleep quality, and a quality-of-life index are used as secondary outcome measurements.

Discussion

This clinical trial will be able to provide evidence-based scientific data on Sri Lankan traditional medicine regimens in the management of KOA. This trial is expected to develop capacity to scientifically evaluate various STM that are claimed to have efficacy in treatment of various disease conditions.

Trial registration

ISRCTN58050062.
Primary neurons lacking the SNAREs vti1a and vti1b show altered neuronal development
Authors: Bollmann Christian , Schöning Susanne , Kotschnew Katharina , Grosse Julia , Heitzig Nicole , Fischer von Mollard Gabriele
Published: November 2022

Background

Neurons are highly specialized cells with a complex morphology generated by various membrane trafficking steps. They contain Golgi outposts in dendrites, which are formed from somatic Golgi tubules. In trafficking membrane fusion is mediated by a specific combination of SNARE proteins. A functional SNARE complex contains four different helices, one from each SNARE subfamily (R-, Qa, Qb and Qc). Loss of the two Qb SNAREs vti1a and vti1b from the Golgi apparatus and endosomes leads to death at birth in mice with massive neurodegeneration in peripheral ganglia and defective axon tracts.

Methods

Hippocampal and cortical neurons were isolated from Vti1a−/−Vti1b−/− double deficient, Vti1a−/−Vti1b+/−, Vti1a+/−Vti1b−/− and Vti1a+/−Vti1b+/− double heterozygous embryos. Neurite outgrowth was determined in cortical neurons and after stimulation with several neurotrophic factors or the Rho-associated protein kinase ROCK inhibitor Y27632, which induces exocytosis of enlargeosomes, in hippocampal neurons. Moreover, postsynaptic densities were isolated from embryonic Vti1a−/−Vti1b−/− and Vti1a+/−Vti1b+/− control forebrains and analyzed by western blotting.

Results

Golgi outposts were present in Vti1a−/−Vti1b+/− and Vti1a+/−Vti1b−/− dendrites of hippocampal neurons but not detected in the absence of vti1a and vti1b. The length of neurites was significantly shorter in double deficient cortical neurons. These defects were not observed in Vti1a−/−Vti1b+/− and Vti1a+/−Vti1b−/− neurons. NGF, BDNF, NT-3, GDNF or Y27632 as stimulator of enlargeosome secretion did not increase the neurite length in double deficient hippocampal neurons. Vti1a−/−Vti1b−/− postsynaptic densities contained similar amounts of scaffold proteins, AMPA receptors and NMDA receptors compared to Vti1a+/−Vti1b+/−, but much more TrkB, which is the receptor for BDNF.

Conclusion

The absence of Golgi outposts did not affect the amount of AMPA and NMDA receptors in postsynaptic densities. Even though TrkB was enriched, BDNF was not able to stimulate neurite elongation in Vti1a−/−Vti1b−/− neurons. Vti1a or vti1b function as the missing Qb-SNARE together with VAMP-4 (R-SNARE), syntaxin 16 (Qa-SNARE) and syntaxin 6 (Qc-SNARE) in induced neurite outgrowth. Our data show the importance of vti1a or vti1b for two pathways of neurite elongation.
“Alexa, What’s a Phishing Email?”: Training users to spot phishing emails using a voice assistant
Authors: Sharevski Filipo , Jachim Peter
Published: November 2022

This paper reports the findings from an empirical study investigating the effectiveness of using intelligent voice assistants, Amazon Alexa in our case, to deliver a phishing training to users. Because intelligent voice assistants can hardly utilize visual cues but provide for convenient interaction with users, we developed an interaction-based phishing training focused on the principles of persuasion with examples on how to look for them in phishing emails. To test the effectiveness of this training, we conducted a between-subject study where 120 participants were randomly assigned in three groups: no training, interaction-based training with Alexa, and a facts-and-advice training and assessed a vignette of 28 emails. The results show that the participants in the interaction-based group statistically outperformed the others when detecting phishing emails that employed the following persuasion principles (and/or combinations of): authority, authority/scarcity, commitment, commitment/liking, and scarcity/liking. The paper discusses the implication of this result for future phishing training and anti-phishing efforts.
Securing 6G-enabled IoT/IoV networks by machine learning and data fusion
Authors: Sun Bin , Geng Renkang , Zhang Lu , Li Shuai , Shen Tao , Ma Liyao
Published: November 2022

The rapid growth of Internet of Things (IoT) and Internet of Vehicles (IoV) are rapidly moving to the 6G networks, which leads to dramatically raised security issues. Using machine learning, including deep learning, to find out malicious network traffic is one of practical ways. Though much work has been done in this direction, we found little investigating the effect of using fused network conversation datasets to train and test models. Thus, this work proposes to check conversation dataset characteristics and find suitable ones to fuse into one dataset in order to improve the capability of malicious traffic and malware detection performance. The experiments using real data show that conditioned combination of datasets can be used to enhance algorithm performance and improve detection results. For this reason, it is recommended to profile datasets and conduct conditional fusion of network conversation datasets before using machine learning or deep learning. As the characterization is done using general statistical calculation, it is promising to be used for other domains too.
Existence and multiplicity of radially symmetric k-admissible solutions for a k-Hessian equation
Authors: Miao Liangying , He Zhiqian
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we show that the radially symmetric k-admissible solutions set of a k-Hessian equation Dirichlet problem with homogeneous boundary condition contains a reversed S-shaped connected component. By determining the shape of unbounded continua of the solutions, we obtain the existence and multiplicity of radially symmetric k-admissible solutions with respect to the bifurcation parameter λ. The proof is based on the bifurcation technique.
Transforming the generative pretrained transformer into augmented business text writer
Authors: Khalil Faisal , Pipa Gordon
Published: November 2022

This study uses transformers architecture of Artificial neural networks to generate artificial business text for a given topic or theme. The implication of the study is to augment the business report writing, and general business writings process with help of generative pretrained transformers (generative pretrained transformer (GPT)) networks. Main focus of study is to provide practical use case for GPTs models with help of big data. Our study model has 355 million model parameters and trained for three months on GPU enable devices using 2.3 billion text tokens(is available as open-source data now). Text tokens are collected with help of rigorous preprocessing, which includes; shortlisting of Subreddits of Fortune 500 companies and industries, listed on US-based social news aggregation online portal called “Reddit”. After shortlisting, millions of submission of users during the five years, are parsed to collect the URLs out of it. 1.8 million working URLs are scrutinized. Business text is parsed, cleaned, and converted into word embeddings out of uniform resoruce locator (URLs). The result shows that both models; conditional interactive and random sampling, generate text paragraphs that are grammatically accurate and stick to the given topic.
Non-invasive sensor methods used in monitoring newborn babies after birth, a clinical perspective
Authors: Anton Oana , Dore Henry , Rendon-Morales Elizabeth , Aviles-Espinosa Rodrigo , Seddon Paul , Wertheim David , Fernandez Ramon , Rabe Heike
Published: November 2022

Background

Reducing the global new-born mortality is a paramount challenge for humanity. There are approximately 786,323 live births in the UK each year according to the office for National Statistics; around 10% of these newborn infants require assistance during this transition after birth. Each year around, globally around 2.5 million newborns die within their first month. The main causes are complications due to prematurity and during delivery. To act in a timely manner and prevent further damage, health professionals should rely on accurate monitoring of the main vital signs heart rate and respiratory rate.

Aims

To present a clinical perspective on innovative, non-invasive methods to monitor heart rate and respiratory rate in babies highlighting their advantages and limitations in comparison with well-established methods.

Methods

Using the data collected in our recently published systematic review we highlight the barriers and facilitators for the novel sensor devices in obtaining reliable heart rate measurements. Details about difficulties related to the application of sensors and interfaces, time to display, and user feedback are explored. We also provide a unique overview of using a non-invasive respiratory rate monitoring method by extracting RR from the pulse oximetry trace of newborn babies.

Results

Novel sensors to monitor heart rate offer the advantages of minimally obtrusive technologies but have limitations due to movement artefact, bad sensor coupling, intermittent measurement, and poor-quality recordings compared to gold standard well established methods. Respiratory rate can be derived accurately from pleth recordings in infants.

Conclusion

Some limitations have been identified in current methods to monitor heart rate and respiratory rate in newborn babies. Novel minimally invasive sensors have advantages that may help clinical practice. Further research studies are needed to assess whether they are sufficiently accurate, practical, and reliable to be suitable for clinical use.
Chronic expanding hematoma in the liver: a case report
Authors: Taniguchi Atsuki , Nishiyama Takeyoshi , Kozai Jun , Endo Izuru , Watanabe Nobuyuki
Published: November 2022

Background

A hematoma that gradually increases over a chronic course of months or longer is defined as a chronic expanding hematoma (CEH). CEHs often develop in the limbs and on body surfaces that are susceptible to external stimuli. CEHs in the intrathoracic or intraperitoneal organs are uncommon, with liver CEHs being particularly rare worldwide.

Case presentation

A 57-year-old woman was previously diagnosed with a giant cyst in the right liver lobe, with a longer axis of approximately 15 cm. Abdominal ultrasonography findings suggested a complex cyst, and she was referred to our hospital for further inspection. Although CEH was suspected, it was difficult to exclude malignant diseases such as intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct and cystadenocarcinoma. There was a possibility of malignant disease and the exclusion of surrounding organs due to tumor growth. Therefore, a right hepatectomy was performed. Pathological examination revealed a pseudocyst containing a clot, which was consistent with CEH.

Conclusions

CEH rarely occurs in the liver; however, it is necessary to consider CEH when a slow-growing hepatic mass that shows a mosaic pattern on magnetic resonance imaging is found.