bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A platform in the use of medicines to treat chronic hepatitis C (PLATINUM C): protocol for a prospective treatment registry of real-world outcomes for hepatitis C
Authors: Ramsay Jessica , Marsh Julie , Pedrana Alisa , Andric Nada , Norman Richard , Cheng Wendy , Webb Steve , Zeps Nikolajs , Bellgard Matthew , Graves Todd , Hellard Margaret , Snelling Tom
Published: October 2020

Background

Safe, highly curative, short course, direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapies are now available to treat chronic hepatitis C. DAA therapy is freely available to all adults chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Australia. If left untreated, hepatitis C may lead to progressive hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Australia is committed to eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030 set by the World Health Organization. However, since the introduction of funded DAA treatment, uptake has been suboptimal. Australia needs improved strategies for testing, treatment uptake and treatment completion to address the persisting hepatitis C public health problem. PLATINUM C is a HCV treatment registry and research platform for assessing the comparative effectiveness of alternative interventions for achieving virological cure.

Methods

PLATINUM C will prospectively enrol people with active HCV infection confirmed by recent detection of HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) in blood. Those enrolled will agree to allow standardised collection of demographic, lifestyle, treatment, virological outcome and other relevant clinical data to better inform the future management of HCV infection. The primary outcome is virological cure evidenced by sustained virological response (SVR), which is defined as a negative HCV PCR result 6 to 18 months after initial prescription of DAA therapy and no less than 12 weeks after the completion of treatment. Study participants will be invited to opt-in to medication adherence monitoring and quality of life assessments using validated self-reported instruments (EQ-5D-5L).

Discussion

PLATINUM C is a treatment registry and platform for nesting pragmatic trials. Data collected will inform the design, development and implementation of pragmatic trials. The digital infrastructure, study procedures and governing systems established by the registry will allow PLATINUM C to support a wider research platform in the management of hepatitis C in primary care.

Trial registration

The trial is registered with the Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ACTRN12619000023156). Date of registration: 10/01/2019.
Effect of anesthesia strategy during endovascular therapy on 90-day outcomes in acute basilar artery occlusion: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Du Haibin , Tong Xu , Sun Xuan , Shi Zhiyong , Liu Bin , Gao Feng , Miao Zhongrong , Zhang Dong
Published: October 2020

Background and objective

The research on the effect of anesthesia on endovascular therapy (EVT) of acute ischemic stroke is mainly focused on the anterior circulation, and little is known about the data of basilar artery occlusion (BAO). This study aims to investigate the association of anesthesia strategy with 90-day clinical outcomes of patients with acute BAO treated with EVT.

Methods

We reviewed our prospectively collected data from the endovascular treatment database at the Beijing Tiantan Hospital. This included patients with acute BAO who had a documented 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score from January 2012 to July 2018. Options for EVT included general anesthesia (GA) and conscious sedation (CS) performed by an anesthesia care team in the institution. The recommendation of anesthesia for patients was a joint decision between anesthesiologist and neurointerventionalist according to a pre-designed scheme. Patients who required tracheal intubation for airway protection prior to EVT were excluded. The clinical outcomes we observed were functional independence (mRS ≤2), favorable outcome (mRS ≤3), and mortality at 90 days after the procedure. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to explore the relationship between anesthesia methods and 90-day outcomes.

Results

A total of 187 patients with BAO were treated by EVT in this study. Nine cases requiring emergent intubation prior to EVT were excluded. 139 patients (78.1%) underwent GA and 39 patients (21.9%) underwent CS. In univariate analysis, GA was associated with less functional independence [odds ratio (OR), 0.28; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.13–0.59] and less favorable outcome (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.10–0.52) than was CS. After adjusting for potential confounders, multivariable analysis showed that there were still significant differences between GA and CS in functional independence (OR, 0.31; 95%CI, 0.10–0.97) and favorable outcome (OR, 0.24; 95%CI, 0.07–0.75).

Conclusion

Our retrospective analysis suggested that the anesthesia strategy may affect outcome, in which general anesthesia may result in less favorable outcomes. Nevertheless, future multicenter randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm our findings.
Correction to: A novel coordination complex of platinum (PT) induces cell death in colorectal cancer by altering redox balance and modulating MAPK pathway
Authors: Al-Khayal Khayal , Vaali-Mohammed Mansoor-Ali , Elwatidy Mohammed , Traiki Thamer Bin , Al-Obeed Omar , Azam Mohammad , Khan Zahid , Abdulla Maha , Ahmad Rehan
Published: October 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Overexpression of OCT-1 gene is a biomarker of adverse prognosis for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL): data from a retrospective cohort of 77 Brazilian patients
Authors: Gouveia Gisele R. , Ferreira Suzete C. , Siqueira Sheila A. C. , de Pádua Covas Lage Luis Alberto , Hallack Neto Abrahão E. , de Oliveira Costa Renata , Pereira Juliana
Published: October 2020

Background

OCT-1 gene is a member of the POU-homeodomain family of transcriptional regulators of B-lymphocyte differentiation by controlling expression of B-cell specific genes. BCL-2 gene is a potent inhibitor of apoptosis and it is essential during B-cell differentiation into germinal center. These genes may be expressed in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), but the role of BCL-2 in its prognosis has been contradictory, and OCT-1 has yet to be tested.

Methods

In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of OCT-1 and BCL-2 expression in DLBCL treated in the real world with immunochemotherapy in a single center. BCL-2 and OCT-1 genes were available in 78.5% (77/98) DLBCL patients, and the RNA for quantitative real-time PCR was isolated from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples. The values obtained for gene expression were transformed in categorical variable according to their median.

Results

Cohort median age was 54.5 years (15–84), 49 (50%) were male, 38/77 (49.4%) and 40/77 (51.9%) presented OCT-1 and BCL-2 expression ≥ median, respectively. The overall response rate (ORR) in all patients was 68.4% (67/98), 65,3% (64/98) of patients acquired complete response, and 3.1% (3/98) partial response, while 6.1% (6/98) were primary refractory. The median follow-up was 3.77 years (95% CI: 3.2–4.1), with 5.43 (95% CI: 2.2-NR) of overall survival (OS) and 5.15 years (95% CI: 2.9-NA) of progression free survival (PFS). OCT-1 ≥ median was associated with shorter OS at univariate analysis (p = 0.013; [HR] 2.450, 95% CI: 1.21–4.96) and PFS (p = 0.019; [HR] 2.270, 95%CI: 1.14–4.51) and BCL-2 gene overexpression presented worse PFS (p = 0.043, [HR] 2.008, 95% CI: 1.02–3.95). At multivariate analysis, OCT-1 overexpression was associated with poor PFS (p = 0.035, [HR] 2.22, 95% CI: 1.06–4.67).

Conclusion

In this study, we showed that overexpression of OCT1 gene was an independent prognostic factor of adverse outcomes in DLBCL.
A scoping review about social and emotional wellbeing programs and services targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in Australia: understanding the principles guiding promising practice
Authors: Gupta Himanshu , Tari-Keresztes Noemi , Stephens Donna , Smith James A. , Sultan Emrhan , Lloyd Sian
Published: October 2020

Background

Multiple culturally-oriented programs, services, and frameworks have emerged in recent decades to support the social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) people in Australia. Although there are some common elements, principles, and methods, few attempts have been made to integrate them into a set of guidelines for policy and practice settings. This review aims to identify key practices adopted by programs and services that align with the principles of theNational Strategic Framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing 2017–2023.

Methods

A comprehensive review of electronic databases and organisational websites was conducted to retrieve studies of relevance. Twenty-seven publications were included in the review. Next, we identified promising practices through a collaborative review process. We then used the principles articulated in the above-mentioned framework as the basis to complete a framework analysis. This enabled us to explore the alignment between current scholarship about SEWB programs and services with respect to the principles of the framework.

Results

We found there was a strong alignment, with selected principles being effectively incorporated into most SEWB program and service delivery contexts. However, only one study incorporated all nine principles, using them as conceptual framework. Additionally, ‘capacity building’, ‘individual skill development’, and ‘development of maladaptive coping mechanisms’ were identified as common factors in SEWB program planning and delivery for Aboriginal people.

Conclusion

We argue the selective application of nationally agreed principles in SEWB programs and services, alongside a paucity of scholarship relating to promising practices in young people-oriented SEWB programs and services, are two areas that need the urgent attention of commissioners and service providers tasked with funding, planning, and implementing SEWB programs and services for Aboriginal people. Embedding robust participatory action research and evaluation approaches into the design of such services and programs will help to build the necessary evidence-base to achieve improved SEWB health outcomes among Aboriginal people, particularly young people with severe and complex mental health needs.
Conducting an immersive community-based assessment of post-hurricane experience among Puerto Ricans: lived experience of medical ecology in an environmental disaster and migration
Authors: Vega Ocasio D. , Pérez Ramos J. G. , Dye T. D. V.
Published: October 2020

Background

Two devastating sequential hurricanes impacted Puerto Rico during September of 2017. The hurricanes were traumatic and created social and ecological upheaval throughout Puerto Rico, and subsequently in communities of Central Florida where affected Puerto Ricans migrated. The 2017 hurricane season exposed and exacerbated previous long-standing socio-political, economic, environmental, and health crises, generating a humanitarian emergency in the country. The consequences of these human-ecological disasters destroyed much of Puerto Rico’s residential and environmental infrastructure, displacing thousands of people and resulting in an unprecedented migration to the United States. We report on the lived experience of the investigator team and partnership in conducting community-based formative research subsequent to this disaster, research that aimed to identify salient issues relating to the impact of Hurricanes Irma and María on Puerto Rican communities both in Puerto Rico and in Central Florida.

Discussion

The challenges faced during the conduct of this research include but are not limited to (1) emotional distress of participants and team members, (2) access to affected populations, and (3) precarious environmental factors, such as unstable infrastructure. To address these challenges, the researchers applied a Critical Medical Ecological paradigm along with qualitative methods to assist constructing explanatory models while obtaining internally-valid (from the community perspective), cathartic narrative accounts of the lived experience of hurricane survivors. The experience of the research team may help inform other investigators conducting applied research during a humanitarian crisis.

Conclusion

Lessons learned in this research included: (1) usefulness of applying the Critical Medical Ecological model in the development of the project, (2) incorporating participation and methods that prioritize authenticity, (3) understanding the trauma experience and using study methods sensitive to it, and (4) innovating with best approaches to conduct the study given the challenges in post-hurricane Puerto Rico. These lessons could provide new insights on how to conduct in-depth participatory health research with community members who have been traumatized and – often – displaced. This research also demonstrates the value of pre-existing partnerships, critical consciousness in the field team, and medical ecological modeling as experiential for organizing complex, inter-related, multi-level variables that explain community and individual impact of environmental disasters.
Relationship between social support status and mortality in a community-based population: a prospective observational study (Yamagata study)
Authors: Uzuki Tsutomu , Konta Tsuneo , Saito Ritsuko , Sho Ri , Osaki Tsukasa , Souri Masayoshi , Watanabe Masafumi , Ishizawa Kenichi , Yamashita Hidetoshi , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Kayama Takamasa
Published: October 2020

Background

Social support, defined as the exchange of support in social relationships, plays a vital role in maintaining healthy behavior and mitigating the effects of stressors. This study investigated whether functional aspect of social support is related to 5-year mortality in health checkup participants.

Methods

This study recruited 16,651 subjects (6797 males, 9854 females). Social support was evaluated using five-component questions: Do you have someone 1) whom you can consult when you are in trouble? 2) whom you can consult when your physical condition is not good? 3) who can help you with daily homework? 4) who can take you to hospital when you don’t feel well? and 5) who can take care of you when you are ill in bed? The association between the component of social support and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality was examined using Cox proportional hazard analysis.

Results

The percentage of subjects without social support components was 7.7–15.0%. They were more likely to be male, non-elderly, and living alone. During the follow-up period, there were 166 all-cause and 38 cardiovascular deaths. Cox proportional analysis adjusted for confounders showed that only the lack of support for transportation to hospital was significantly associated with all-cause (hazard ratio [HR] 2.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26–3.05) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 3.30, 95% CI 1.41–6.87). These associations were stronger in males than females.

Conclusion

This study showed that the lack of social support for transportation to the hospital was independently associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in a community-based population.
Low bone mineral density is a potential risk factor for symptom onset and related with hypocitraturia in urolithiasis patients: a single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Taguchi Kazumi , Hamamoto Shuzo , Okada Atsushi , Tanaka Yutaro , Sugino Teruaki , Unno Rei , Kato Taiki , Ando Ryosuke , Tozawa Keiichi , Yasui Takahiro
Published: October 2020

Background

Patients with urolithiasis have a lower bone mineral density (BMD) than those without stones, suggesting a potential correlation between calcium stone formation and bone resorption disorders, including osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Methods

To investigate the influence of BMD on clinical outcomes in urolithiasis, we performed a single-center retrospective cohort study to analyze patients with urolithiasis who underwent both BMD examination and 24-h urine collection between 2006 and 2015. Data from the national cross-sectional surveillance of the Japanese Society on Urolithiasis Research in 2015 were utilized, and additional data related to urinary tract stones were obtained from medical records. The primary outcome was the development of stone-related symptoms and recurrences during follow-up. A total of 370 patients were included in this 10-year study period.

Results

Half of the patients had recurrent stones, and the two-thirds were symptomatic stone formers. While only 9% of patients had hypercalciuria, 27% and 55% had hyperoxaluria and hypocitraturia, respectively. There was a positive correlation between T-scores and urinary citrate excretion. Both univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated that female sex was associated with recurrences (odds ratio = 0.44, p = 0.007), whereas a T-score < − 2.5 and hyperoxaluria were associated with symptoms (odds ratio = 2.59, p = 0.037; odds ratio = 0.45, p = 0.01; respectively).

Conclusion

These results revealed that low T-scores might cause symptoms in patients with urolithiasis, suggesting the importance of BMD examination for high-risk Japanese patients with urolithiasis having hypocitraturia.
Stereological assessment of the effects of vitamin D deficiency on the rat testis
Authors: Zamani Ali , Saki Forough , Hatami Neda , Koohpeyma Farhad
Published: October 2020

Background

Accumulating evidence suggests that low vitamin D status may affect male gonadal structure. This study was undertaken to reveal whether vitamin D-deficient rats have demonstrable changes in the quantitative histomorphometric properties of the testis.

Methods

In the present investigation, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups and received: group 1) conventional diet; group 2) vitamin D-deficient diet; group 3) vitamin D-deficient diet and paricalcitol and group 4) conventional diet plus paricalcitol. After 3 months, serum levels of vitamin D metabolites, Ca, P, LH, FSH, testosterone, and epididymal sperm quality were evaluated. Moreover, the morphometric characteristics of testis were assessed via stereological methods.

Results

Rats fed a vitamin D-deficient diet (groups 2 and 3) were normocalcemic and had 25-hydroxyvitamin D3level below 10 ng/mL. A significant reduction in serum testosterone and comparable gonadotropin levels were seen in vitamin D-deficient groups compared to controls. The concentration, morphology, and motility of sperm cells were profoundly disturbed in animals raised on the vitamin D-deficient diet. There was a significant decline in the population of different germ cells, the volume of interstitial tissue and germinal epithelium in group 2 and 3 rats, which were placed on the vitamin D-deficient diet. No appreciable difference in the estimates of the Leydig or Sertoli cell numbers were observed between groups.

Conclusions

The depletion of vitamin D stores and induction of moderate grades of vitamin D deficiency by dietary measures led to remarkable impairment of spermatogenesis and microscopic architecture of rat testis. These findings can be attributed, at least in part, to decreased androgen production.
Students’ readiness for and perception of Interprofessional learning: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alruwaili Arwa , Mumenah Noora , Alharthy Nesrin , Othman Fatmah
Published: October 2020

Background

Several studies reported that Inter-professional Education (IPE) plays a major role in creating an effective collaborating environment in healthcare settings to achieve high-quality patient care. This study measured the College of Applied Medical Sciences (CAMS) students’ readiness for and perceptions of IPE.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 232 undergraduate students in Riyadh, using a stratified random sampling method. All the undergraduate students of CAMS were included. Two previously validated questionnaires, the Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (IEPS) and the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) were used in the study.

Results

The mean score for the RIPLS was 86.8. The Tukey post-hoc test score was significantly higher comparing the Occupational Therapy and the Respiratory Therapy programs. There was no difference between the overall RIPLS and subscales between male and female students as well as senior and junior students. For the IEPS, the mean score was 77.7. The Tukey post-hoc test score was significantly higher in the Occupational Therapy and Respiratory Therapy programs.

Conclusion

The current study indicated that the Applied Medical Sciences’ students demonstrated readiness for IPE as an important element in creating collaborative teamwork in their programs. The early incorporation of IPE in the pre-professional years will enhance collaboration in management and patient care.
A principled ethical approach to intersex paediatric surgeries
Authors: Behrens Kevin G.
Published: October 2020

Background

Surgery for intersex infants should be delayed until individuals are able to decide for themselves, except where it is a medical necessity. In an ideal world, this single principle would suffice and such surgeries could be totally prohibited. Unfortunately, the world is not perfect, and, in some places, intersex neonates are at risk of being abandoned, mutilated or even killed. As long as intersex persons are at such high risk in some places, any ethical guidelines for intersex surgeries will need to take these extreme risks of harm into account.

Main text

I therefore argue for five basic principles that ought to inform ethics guidelines for surgical interventions in intersex children, specifically in contexts in which such children are at risk of significant harm. What I set out to come up with is a set of principles that do not completely prohibit surgery, but only allow it where a strong case can be made for its necessity, in the best interests of the child, and where there is some kind of oversight to prevent misuse. The first principle is that interventions as drastic as these surgeries should only be performed when there is strong evidence that they are beneficial and not harmful. The second principle is that in surgeries should normally only be performed in cases of true medical necessity. Principle three is that surgeries should normally be delayed until such time as the intersex person is mature enough to assent to treatment or decide against it. Principle four is that the conventional ethical requirements regarding truth telling apply equally to intersex children as to anyone else. The final principle is that where physicians or parents think that surgery is in the best interests of the child, the burden of proof lies with them.

Conclusion

It is hoped that these principles might help medical teams and parents make better decisions about intersex surgeries on children, and they would make such surgeries very rare indeed, if they happen at all.
The CBP KIX domain regulates long-term memory and circadian activity
Authors: Chatterjee Snehajyoti , Angelakos Christopher C. , Bahl Ethan , Hawk Joshua D. , Gaine Marie E. , Poplawski Shane G. , Schneider-Anthony Anne , Yadav Manish , Porcari Giulia S. , Cassel Jean-Christophe , Giese K. Peter , Michaelson Jacob J. , Lyons Lisa C. , Boutillier Anne-Laurence , Abel Ted
Published: October 2020

Background

CREB-dependent transcription necessary for long-term memory is driven by interactions with CREB-binding protein (CBP), a multi-domain protein that binds numerous transcription factors potentially affecting expression of thousands of genes. Identifying specific domain functions for multi-domain proteins is essential to understand processes such as cognitive function and circadian clocks. We investigated the function of the CBP KIX domain in hippocampal memory and gene expression using CBPKIX/KIXmice with mutations that prevent phospho-CREB (Ser133) binding.

Results

We found that CBPKIX/KIXmice were impaired in long-term memory, but not learning acquisition or short-term memory for the Morris water maze. Using an unbiased analysis of gene expression in the dorsal hippocampus after training in the Morris water maze or contextual fear conditioning, we discovered dysregulation of CREB, CLOCK, and BMAL1 target genes and downregulation of circadian genes in CBPKIX/KIXmice. Given our finding that the CBP KIX domain was important for transcription of circadian genes, we profiled circadian activity and phase resetting in CBPKIX/KIXmice. CBPKIX/KIXmice exhibited delayed activity peaks after light offset and longer free-running periods in constant dark. Interestingly, CBPKIX/KIXmice displayed phase delays and advances in response to photic stimulation comparable to wildtype littermates. Thus, this work delineates site-specific regulation of the circadian clock by a multi-domain protein.

Conclusions

These studies provide insight into the significance of the CBP KIX domain by defining targets of CBP transcriptional co-activation in memory and the role of the CBP KIX domain in vivo on circadian rhythms.

Graphical abstract
The selectivity filter of the mitochondrial protein import machinery
Authors: Kreimendahl Sebastian , Schwichtenberg Jan , Günnewig Kathrin , Brandherm Lukas , Rassow Joachim
Published: October 2020

Background

The uptake of newly synthesized nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins from the cytosol is mediated by a complex of mitochondrial outer membrane proteins comprising a central pore-forming component and associated receptor proteins. Distinct fractions of proteins initially bind to the receptor proteins and are subsequently transferred to the pore-forming component for import. The aim of this study was the identification of the decisive elements of this machinery that determine the specific selection of the proteins that should be imported.

Results

We identified the essential internal targeting signal of the members of the mitochondrial metabolite carrier proteins, the largest protein family of the mitochondria, and we investigated the specific recognition of this signal by the protein import machinery at the mitochondrial outer surface. We found that the outer membrane import receptors facilitated the uptake of these proteins, and we identified the corresponding binding site, marked by cysteine C141 in the receptor protein Tom70. However, in tests both in vivo and in vitro, the import receptors were neither necessary nor sufficient for specific recognition of the targeting signals. Although these signals are unrelated to the amino-terminal presequences that mediate the targeting of other mitochondrial preproteins, they were found to resemble presequences in their strict dependence on a content of positively charged residues as a prerequisite of interactions with the import pore.

Conclusions

The general import pore of the mitochondrial outer membrane appears to represent not only the central channel of protein translocation but also to form the decisive general selectivity filter in the uptake of the newly synthesized mitochondrial proteins.
Synthesis and application of magnetic@layered double hydroxide as an anti-inflammatory drugs nanocarrier
Authors: Yousefi Vahid , Tarhriz Vahideh , Eyvazi Shirin , Dilmaghani Azita
Published: October 2020

Background

Magnetic nanocomposites with a core–shell nanostructure have huge applications in different sciences especially in the release of the drugs, because of their exclusive physical and chemical properties. In this research, magnetic@layered double hydroxide multicore@shell nanostructure was synthesized by the facile experiment and is used as novel drug nanocarrier.

Methods

Magnetic nanospheres were synthesized by a facile one-step solvothermal route, and then, layered double hydroxide nanoflakes were prepared on the magnetic nanospheres by coprecipitation experiment. The synthesized nanostructures were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, VSM, and TEM, respectively. After intercalation with Ibuprofen and Diclofenac as anti-inflammatory drugs and using exchange anion experiment, the basal spacing of synthesized layered double hydroxides was compared with brucite nanosheets from 0.48 nm to 2.62 nm and 2.22 nm, respectively.

Results

The results indicated that Ibuprofen and Diclofenac were successfully intercalated into the interlay space of LDHs via bridging bidentate interaction. In addition, in-vitro drug release experiments in pH 7.4, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) showed constant release profiles with Ibuprofen and Diclofenac as model drugs with different lipophilicity, water solubility, size, and steric effect.

Conclusion

The Fe3O4@LDH-ibuprofen and Fe3O4@LDH-diclofenac had the advantage of the strong interaction between the carboxyl groups with higher trivalent cations by bridging bidentate, clarity, and high thermal stability. It is confirmed that Fe3O4@LDH multicore-shell nanostructure may have potential application for constant drug delivery.
Public health policy-making for hearing loss: stakeholders’ evaluation of a novel eHealth tool
Authors: Dritsakis Giorgos , Trenkova Lyubov , Śliwińska-Kowalska Mariola , Brdarić Dario , Pontoppidan Niels Henrik , Katrakazas Panagiotis , Bamiou Doris-Eva
Published: October 2020

Background

Hearing loss (HL) affects 466 million people of all ages worldwide, with a rapidly increasing prevalence, and therefore requires appropriate public health policies. Multi-disciplinary approaches that make use of eHealth services can build the evidence to influence public policy. The European Union-funded project EVOTION developed a platform that is fed with real-time data from hearing aids, a smartphone, and additional clinical data and makes public health policy recommendations based on hypothetical public health policy-making models, a big data engine and decision support system. The present study aimed to evaluate this platform as a new tool to support policy-making for HL.

Methods

A total of 23 key stakeholders in the United Kingdom, Croatia, Bulgaria and Poland evaluated the platform according to the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats methodology.

Results

There was consensus that the platform, with its advanced technology as well as the amount and variety of data that it can collect, has huge potential to inform commissioning decisions, public health regulations and affect healthcare as a whole. To achieve this, several limitations and external risks need to be addressed and mitigated. Differences between countries highlighted that the EVOTION tool should be used and managed according to local constraints to maximise success.

Conclusion

Overall, the EVOTION platform can equip HL policy-makers with a novel data-driven tool that can support public health policy-making for HL in the future.
Microglia dynamics in adolescent traumatic brain injury
Authors: Eyolfson Eric , Khan Asher , Mychasiuk Richelle , Lohman Alexander W.
Published: October 2020

Repetitive, mild traumatic brain injuries (RmTBIs) are increasingly common in adolescents and encompass one of the largest neurological health concerns in the world. Adolescence is a critical period for brain development where RmTBIs can substantially impact neurodevelopmental trajectories and life-long neurological health. Our current understanding of RmTBI pathophysiology suggests key roles for neuroinflammation in negatively regulating neural health and function. Microglia, the brain’s resident immune population, play important roles in brain development by regulating neuronal number, and synapse formation and elimination. In response to injury, microglia activate to inflammatory phenotypes that may detract from these normal homeostatic, physiological, and developmental roles. To date, however, little is known regarding the impact of RmTBIs on microglia function during adolescent brain development. This review details key concepts surrounding RmTBI pathophysiology, adolescent brain development, and microglia dynamics in the developing brain and in response to injury, in an effort to formulate a hypothesis on how the intersection of these processes may modify long-term trajectories.
Wearable hip-assist robot modulates cortical activation during gait in stroke patients: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Lee Su-Hyun , Lee Hwang-Jae , Shim Youngbo , Chang Won Hyuk , Choi Byung-Ok , Ryu Gyu-Ha , Kim Yun-Hee
Published: October 2020

Background

Gait dysfunction is common in post-stroke patients as a result of impairment in cerebral gait mechanism. Powered robotic exoskeletons are promising tools to maximize neural recovery by delivering repetitive walking practice.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the modulating effect of the Gait Enhancing and Motivating System-Hip (GEMS-H) on cortical activation during gait in patients with chronic stroke. Methods. Twenty chronic stroke patients performed treadmill walking at a self-selected speed either with assistance of GEMS-H (GEMS-H) or without assistance of GEMS-H (NoGEMS-H). Changes in oxygenated hemoglobin (oxyHb) concentration in the bilateral primary sensorimotor cortex (SMC), premotor cortices (PMC), supplemental motor areas (SMA), and prefrontal cortices (PFC) were recorded using functional near infrared spectroscopy.

Results

Walking with the GEMS-H promoted symmetrical SMC activation, with more activation in the affected hemisphere than in NoGEMS-H conditions. GEMS-H also decreased oxyHb concentration in the late phase over the ipsilesional SMC and bilateral SMA (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results of the present study reveal that the GEMS-H promoted more SMC activation and a balanced activation pattern that helped to restore gait function. Less activation in the late phase over SMC and SMA during gait with GEMS-H indicates that GEMS-H reduces the cortical participation of stroke gait by producing rhythmic hip flexion and extension movement and allows a more coordinate and efficient gait patterns.

Trial registration NCT03048968. Registered 06 Feb 2017
The high photocatalytic efficiency and stability of LaNiO3/g-C3N4 heterojunction nanocomposites for photocatalytic water splitting to hydrogen
Authors: Ye Changyu , Wang Rui , Wang Haoyu , Jiang Fubin
Published: October 2020

A binary direct Z-scheme LaNiO3/g-C3N4 nanocomposite photocatalyst consisted with LaNiO3 nanoparticles and g-C3N4 nanosheets was successfully synthesized by means of mechanical mixing and solvothermal methods in order to improve the photocatalytic water splitting activity. The as-prepared materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and N2 adsorption–desorption experiments, respectively, demonstrating the formation of interfacial interaction and heterogeneous structure in LaNiO3/g-C3N4 nanocomposites. Under UV-light irradiation, the LaNiO3/g-C3N4 samples which without the addition of any noble metal as co-catalyst behaved enhanced photocatalytic water splitting activity compared with pure LaNiO3 and g-C3N4, owing to the Z-scheme charge carrier transfer pathway. Especially, the LaNiO3/70%g-C3N4 nanocomposite reach an optimal yield of up to 3392.50 µmol g−1 in 5 h and held a maximum H2 evolution rate of 678.5 µmol h−1 g−1 that was 5 times higher than that of pure LaNiO3.
First detection and molecular identification of Babesia sp. from the giant panda, Ailuropoda melanoleuca, in China
Authors: Yue Chanjuan , Deng Zeshuai , Qi Dunwu , Li Yunli , Bi Wenlei , Ma Rui , Yang Guangyou , Luo Xue , Hou Rong , Liu Songrui
Published: October 2020

Background

Parasitic infections are among the important causes of death of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) that hamper their survival in the wild. There are about 35 species of parasites which have been identified in giant pandas, but no information is currently available regarding the infection of Babesia in giant pandas. Babesia spp. are common intraerythrocytic parasite in wildlife, transmitted by ixodid ticks, which cause babesiosis. Clinical signs of babesiosis include fever, hemolysis, anemia, jaundice and death.

Methods

A species of Babesia was detected in the blood of a giant panda based on morphology and PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA gene. The phylogenetic relationship of Babesia sp. infecting giant panda was assessed by gene sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis.

Results

Our analysis revealed that the Babesia isolate detected was most similar to an unidentified species of Babesia identified in black bears (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) from Japan (Babesia sp. Iwate, AB586027.1) with a 99.56% sequence similarity, followed by Babesia sp. EBB (AB566229.1, 99.50%) and Babesia sp. Akita (AB566229.1, 99.07%).

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first report of Babesia detected in the giant panda. The results indicate that this Babesia sp. may be a novel species, currently named Babesia sp. strain EBP01.
A novel automobile antenna for vehicles communication of IoT systems in 5G network
Authors: Luo Wei , Chen Wuquan , Feng Yulu , Yang Yuqi
Published: October 2020

The Internet of vehicles (IoV) is an important part of mobile communication system with the development of Internet of things. A novel multiband automobile antenna is proposed, which can cover all frequency bands for the long-term evolution (LTE), the fifth generation wireless systems (5G), the wireless local area network and the dedicated short-range communication (from 690 to 944 MHz and from 1.46 to 6 GHz). The antenna is designed based on the monopole antenna, and the impedance matching performance of the antenna is improved by loading the toothed capacitor and the impedance matching disk. The simulation results show that the automobile antenna achieves good impedance matching in the working bandwidth and obtains omnidirectional radiation pattern in the horizontal direction. The electric field distribution of the antenna placed on the vehicle roof is simulated to evaluate the network performance of the antenna system in the urban environment. The transmission coefficient of the transceiver system using the automobile antenna is also analyzed based on the electromagnetic simulation results and statistical model. The blind area of mobile communication system is effectively covered with the automobile antenna, which could be used to connect the LTE cell and the IoV system.
A natural Frenet frame for null curves on the lightlike cone in Minkowski space $\mathbb{R} ^{4}_{2}$
Authors: Abazari Nemat , Bohner Martin , Sağer Ilgin , Sedaghatdoost Alireza , Yayli Yusuf
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we investigate the representation of curves on the lightlike cone$\mathbb {Q}^{3}_{2}$Q23in Minkowski space$\mathbb {R}^{4}_{2}$R24by structure functions. In addition, with this representation, we classify all of the null curves on the lightlike cone$\mathbb {Q}^{3}_{2}$Q23in four types, and we obtain a natural Frenet frame for these null curves. Furthermore, for this natural Frenet frame, we calculate curvature functions of a null curve, especially the curvature function$\kappa _{2}=0$κ2=0, and we show that any null curve on the lightlike cone is a helix. Finally, we find all curves with constant curvature functions.
Prevalence of high risk obstructive sleep apnoea by Berlin questionnaire in patients with hypertension: study from a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Kareem Ozaifa , Tanvir Masood , Bader G. N.
Published: October 2020

Background

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), a condition characterized by a complete or partial cessation of airflow during sleep, can cause various cardiovascular disorders including hypertension. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of OSA in patients with hypertension.

Methods

A cross-sectional prospective cohort study of 504 patients with hypertension was undertaken at a tertiary care hospital of India for a period of 6 months. OSA was evaluated using the Berlin questionnaire while the daytime sleepiness was determined using Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Data analysis was done using SPSS v. 20.

Results

High risk of OSA was identified in 120 (23.8%) patients and the prevalence of sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness score >16) was found to be 32.5% (95% CI, p < 0.001) in these patients. The mean neck circumference, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio for high-risk OSA group were 37.41 ± 3.396 cm, 105.90 ± 11.28 cm and 1.01 ± 0.065 respectively while for the low-risk group, these parameters were 35.45 ± 2.652 cm, 98.75 ± 10.87 cm and 0.99 ± 0.080 respectively (95% CI, p<0.001). The mean blood pressure (BP) ≥133.52/84.37 mmHg was recorded in patients with a high risk of OSA (95% CI, P < 0.05), and resistant hypertension (3.3%) was significantly associated with the risk of OSA (95% CI, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

In the tertiary health care setting, the prevalence of high-risk of OSA in patients with hypertension is high. Screening for OSA should be a part of the hypertensive medical investigation and patients may benefit from a proper evaluation of OSA.
Rosai-Dorfman disease: a rare presentation with para-aortic and mesenteric lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly and ascites
Authors: Anbardar Mohammad Hossein , Hamzehloo Samaneh , Fazeli Fatemeh , Zareifar Soheila , Imanieh Mohammad Hadi , Bahmanzadegan Jahromi Mohammadhossein , Ghorbani Amir Mohammad
Published: October 2020

Background

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare but well-defined, histiocytic proliferative disorder with massive lymphadenopathy.

Case presentation

Herein we present the case of a 22-month-old girl with abdominal, neutrophilia, anemia, ascites, hepatosplenomegaly and fever. There were multiple enlarged mesenteric and para-aortic lymph nodes on abdominal ultrasonography and computer tomography scan. Microscopic examination of mesenteric lymph nodes showed dilation of the lymph sinuses occupied by lymphocytes, plasma cells, and many histiocytes. These histiocytes showed emperipolesis within their cytoplasm. With the diagnosis of RDD, prednisolone was started and good response was seen. However, splenomegaly and pancytopenia presented at follow up, and, after several hospital admissions, she died of sepsis.

Conclusions

RDD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric lymphadenomegaly. Although most patients experience favorable prognosis, some fatalities occur due to progression and dissemination of the disease.
Use of Preoperative Imaging in Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Broome David T , Naples Robert , Bailey Richard , Tekin Zehra , Hamidi Moska , Bena James F , Morrison Shannon L , Berber Eren , Siperstein Allan E , Scharpf Joseph , Skugor Mario
Published: October 2020

Context

Preoperative imaging is performed routinely to guide surgical management in primary hyperparathyroidism, but the optimal imaging modalities are debated.

Objective

Our objectives were to evaluate which imaging modalities are associated with improved cure rate and higher concordance rates with intraoperative findings. A secondary aim was to determine whether additive imaging is associated with higher cure rate.

Design, Setting, and Patients

This is a retrospective cohort review of 1485 adult patients during a 14-year period (2004-2017) at an academic tertiary referral center that presented for initial parathyroidectomy for de novo primary hyperparathyroidism.

Main Outcome Measures

Surgical cure rate, concordance of imaging with operative findings, and imaging performance.

Results

The overall cure rate was 94.1% (95% confidence interval, 0.93-0.95). Cure rate was significantly improved if sestamibi/single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was concordant with operative findings (95.9% vs. 92.5%, P = 0.010). Adding a third imaging modality did not improve cure rate (1 imaging type 91.8% vs. 2 imaging types 94.4% vs. 3 imaging types 87.2%, P = 0.59). Despite having a low number of cases (n = 28), 4-dimensional (4D) CT scan outperformed (higher sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value) all imaging modalities in multiglandular disease and double adenomas, and sestamibi/SPECT in single adenomas.

Conclusions

Preoperative ultrasound combined with sestamibi/SPECT were associated with the highest cure and concordance rates. If pathology was not found on ultrasound and sestamibi/SPECT, additional imaging did not improve the cure rate or concordance. 4D CT scan outperformed all imaging modalities in multiglandular disease and double adenomas, and sestamibi/SPECT in single adenomas, but these findings were underpowered.
A Novel Mutation in the FSH Receptor (I423T) Affecting Receptor Activation and Leading to Primary Ovarian Failure
Authors: Zariñán Teresa , Mayorga Julio , Jardón-Valadez Eduardo , Gutiérrez-Sagal Rubén , Maravillas-Montero José Luis , Mejía-Domínguez Nancy R , Martínez-Luis Iván , Yacini-Torres Omar G , Cravioto Ma-del-Carmen , Reiter Eric , Ulloa-Aguirre Alfredo
Published: October 2020

Context

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) plays an essential role in gonadal function. Loss-of-function mutations in the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) are an infrequent cause of primary ovarian failure.

Objective

To analyze the molecular physiopathogenesis of a novel mutation in the FSHR identified in a woman with primary ovarian failure, employing in vitro and in silico approaches, and to compare the features of this dysfunctional receptor with those shown by the trafficking-defective D408Y FSHR mutant.

Methods

Sanger sequencing of the FSHR cDNA was applied to identify the novel mutation. FSH-stimulated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production, ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and desensitization were tested in HEK293 cells. Receptor expression was analyzed by immunoblotting, receptor-binding assays, and flow cytometry. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to determine the in silico behavior of the mutant FSHRs.

Results

A novel missense mutation (I423T) in the second transmembrane domain of the FSHR was identified in a woman with normal pubertal development but primary amenorrhea. The I423T mutation slightly impaired plasma membrane expression of the mature form of the receptor and severely impacted on cAMP/protein kinase A signaling but much less on β-arrestin-dependent ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Meanwhile, the D408Y mutation severely affected membrane expression, with most of the FSH receptor located intracellularly, and both signal readouts tested. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed important functional disruptions in both mutant FSHRs, mainly the loss of interhelical connectivity in the D408Y FSHR.

Conclusions

Concurrently, these data indicate that conformational differences during the inactive and active states account for the distinct expression levels, differential signaling, and phenotypic expression of the I423T and D408Y mutant FSHRs.