bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inconsistent trauma reporting is associated with emotional and behavioural problems and psychotic experiences in young people
Authors: Burns Annette , Coughlan Helen , Cannon Mary
Published: January 2020

Background

Little is known about the prevalence of inconsistent trauma reporting in community samples and about its associations with psychopathology. This study aimed to assess for the first time the prevalence of inconsistent trauma reporting in a community sample of children/adolescents and to explore associations with both psychotic experiences and with psychopathology more generally.

Method

A community-based sample of 86 children/adolescents (baseline mean age 11.5) were interviewed at two time points with data collected in relation to potentially traumatic events through the K-SADS. Emotional and behavioural problems were assessed at follow-up (mean age 15.7) through the Youth Self Report questionnaire while the presence of psychotic experiences was based on expert consensus post interview. Logistic regression models were used to test associations between inconsistent reporting and psychotic experiences at baseline and follow-up, with associations with emotional and behavioral problems at follow-up also assessed.

Results

Overall, 16.3% of adolescents failed to report previously reported potentially traumatic events at follow-up and were therefore defined as inconsistent trauma reporters. Inconsistent reporting was associated with emotional and behavioural problems as assessed by the Youth Self Report with the exception of rule breaking behaviour and with psychotic experiences as assessed on interview.

Conclusions

Inconsistent trauma reporting is associated with psychotic experiences and emotional and behavioural problems in young people and may represent an important marker for psychopathology in youth.
Defining cognitive and functional profiles in schizophrenia and affective disorders
Authors: Huang Yu-Chi , Lee Yu , Lee Chun-Yi , Lin Pao-Yen , Hung Chi-Fa , Lee Sheng-Yu , Wang Liang-Jen
Published: January 2020

Background

Neurocognitive dysfunction is a common symptom of various major psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, major depressive disorder (MDD), and bipolar I disorder (BD). In this study, we investigated whether cognitive profiles and daily skill functioning could effectively differentiate between patients with schizophrenia, MDD, and BD.

Method

In this cross-sectional study, we recruited a total of 63 patients with schizophrenia, 55 patients with MDD, 43 patients with BD, and 92 healthy control subjects. We evaluated participants’ cognitive functions and functional capacity using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) and the UCSD Performance-based Skills Assessment, Brief Version (UPSA-B), respectively. Multivariate analysis of covariance was then adopted to determine inter-group differences in BACS and UPSA-B performance.

Results

The BACS was capable of differentiating patients with a major psychiatric disorder (schizophrenia, MDD, and BD) from healthy subjects. Furthermore, schizophrenia patients had poorer motor speed performance than patients with affective disorders. The UPSA-B, particularly the financial portion, was able to distinguish schizophrenia patients from other groups. However, we did not observe any differences in UPSA-B performance between patients with mood disorders and the healthy controls. No significant difference between patients with BD and those with MDD were observed in either cognitive function or in functional capacity. The performances of the BACS and the UPSA-B were positively correlated, particularly in the MDD group.

Conclusion

Considering overall performance, the BACS and the UPSA-B characterize different endophenotyping profiles in the aforementioned four participant groups. Therefore, the results support the need for comprehensive assessments that target both cognitive function and functional capacity for patients with major psychiatric disorders.
“We struggle with the earth everyday”: parents’ perspectives on the capabilities for healthy child growth in haor region of Bangladesh
Authors: Chakraborty Barnali , Yousefzadeh Sepideh , Darak Shrinivas , Haisma Hinke
Published: January 2020

Background

Childhood stunting is an important public health problem in thehaorregion of Bangladesh.Haorareas are located in the north-eastern part of the country and are vulnerable to seasonal flooding. The key objective of this study is to identify the capabilities of the parents and their children that shape multidimensional child growth outcomes in thehaorregion in the first thousand days of life.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted in two sub-districts of thehaorregion, including inDeraiin theSunamganjdistrict andBaniachangin theHabiganjdistrict. We facilitated eight focus group discussions with the parents of children under age two. To allow us to explore individual stories, we conducted in-depth interviews with four fathers and four mothers. A capability framework to child growth was used in shaping the interview guides and analysing the data.

Results

The findings were categorised at four levels: a) capabilities for the child, b) capabilities for the mother, c) capabilities for the father, and d) capabilities at the household level. At the child’s level, the parents discussed the capability to stay away from disease and to eat well, the capability to stay happy and playful, and the capability to be born with God’s blessings and the hereditary traits needed to grow in size. The mothers frequently mentioned the capability to stay healthy and nourished, to stay away from violence, and to practice autonomy in allocating time for child care. The fathers stressed the earning opportunities that are affected by long-term flooding and the loss of agricultural productivity. At the household level, they discussed the capability to live in a safe shelter, to be mobile, to overcome their struggles with the earth, and to have a source of safe drinking water.

Conclusions

The capability framework for child growth helped identify relevant capabilities in thehaorregion. These findings can guide discussions with communities and policy makers about developing programmes and interventions aimed at enhancing the identified capabilities for child growth in this vulnerable region.
Micro-feedback skills workshop impacts perceptions and practices of doctoral faculty
Authors: Baseer Najma , Degnan James , Moffat Mandy , Mahboob Usman
Published: January 2020

Background

Doctoral supervision is a distinct form of supervision with clearly defined responsibilities. One of these is the delivery of effective face-to-face feedback to allow supervisees to improve upon their performances. Unfortunately, doctoral supervisors, especially of health sciences, are often not trained in supervisory skills and therefore practice mostly on a trial and error basis. Lack of understanding of the feedback process leads to incongruence in how supervisors and supervisees perceive feedback. However, standardized training practices like microteaching can allow supervisors to acquire effective feedback practices. In this study we employed a schematic approach of microteaching, that is micro-feedback, in a workshop to develop feedback skills of doctoral supervisors, and assessed the overall effectiveness of this training using the Kirkpatrick evaluation framework.

Methodology

This was a Quasi-experimental study with a repeated measures and a two-group separate sample pre-post test design. A micro-feedback skills workshop was organized to enhance feedback skills of doctoral supervisors using microteaching technique. The first two levels of the Kirkpatrick evaluation model were used to determine the workshop’s effectiveness. An informal Objective Structured Teaching Exercise (OSTE) was used to assess feedback skills of the supervisors, both before and after the workshop. A questionnaire was developed to compare pre-and post-workshop perceptions of the supervisors (n = 17) and their corresponding supervisees (n = 34) regarding the ongoing feedback practice.

Results

Despite the hectic schedule, most doctoral supervisors (17 of 24, 71%) were willing to undertake faculty development training. Participants indicated a high level of satisfaction with the workshop. A learning gain of 56% was observed on pre-post OSTE scores. Prior to the workshop, perceptions of how supervisees should be given the feedback differed significantly between supervisors and supervisees with an effect size difference ofr = 0.30. After the workshop there was a negligible difference in perceptions between supervisors and supervisees (r = .001). Interestingly, supervisors shifted their perceptions more toward those that were originally held by the supervisees.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that well-designed and properly assessed structured programs such as micro-feedback workshops can improve how doctoral supervisors provide feedback to their supervisees and align supervisors’ perceptions of that feedback with those of their supervisees.
Implementation status of household contact tuberculosis screening by health extension workers: assessment findings from programme implementation in Tigray region, northern Ethiopia
Authors: Gebretnsae Hailay , Ayele Brhane Gebrekidan , Hadgu Tsegay , Haregot Esayas , Gebremedhin Aregay , Michael Eyassu , Abraha Mebrahtu , Datiko Daniel G. , Jerene Degue
Published: January 2020

Background

In the Tigray region of Ethiopia, Health Extension Workers (HEWs) conduct Tuberculosis (TB) screening for all household (HH) contacts. However, there is limited evidence on implementation status of HH contact TB screening by HEWs. The aim of this program assessment was to describe the implementation status and associated factors of HH contact TB screening by HEWs.

Methods

This programme assessment was conducted in three randomly selected districts from March to April 2018. Data was collected by using pre-tested structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was carried out using frequency tables. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with HH contacts screening by HEWs.

Results

In this programme assessment a total of HHs of 411 index TB cases were included. One-fifth (21.7%) of index TB cases had at least one HH contact screened for TB by HEWs. Having TB treatment supporter (TTS) during intensive phase of index TB case (AOR = 2.55, 95% CI: 1.06–6.01), health education on TB to HH contacts by HEWs (AOR = 4.28, 95% CI: 2.04–9.00), HH visit by HEWs within 6 months prior to the programme assessment (AOR = 5.84, 95% CI: 2.81–12.17) and discussions about TB activities by HEWs with Women Development Army (WDA) leaders (AOR = 9.51, 95% CI: 1.49–60.75) were significantly associated with household contact TB screening by HEWs.

Conclusions

Our finding revealed that the proportion of HH contact TB screened by HEWs was low. Therefore, HEWs should routinely visit HHs of index TB cases and provide regular health education to improve contact screening practice. In addition, it is highly recommended to strengthen HEWs regular discussion about TB activities with WDA leaders and TB TTS.
The impact of tumor board on cancer care: evidence from an umbrella review
Authors: Specchia Maria Lucia , Frisicale Emanuela Maria , Carini Elettra , Di Pilla Andrea , Cappa Danila , Barbara Andrea , Ricciardi Walter , Damiani Gianfranco
Published: January 2020

Background

Tumor Boards (TBs) are Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings in which different specialists work together closely sharing clinical decisions in cancer care. The composition is variable, depending on the type of tumor discussed. As an organizational tool, MDTs are thought to optimize patient outcomes and to improve care performance. The aim of the study was to perform an umbrella review summarizing the available evidence on the impact of TBs on healthcare outcomes and processes.

Methods

Pubmed and Web of Science databases were investigated along with a search through citations. The only study design included was systematic review. Only reviews published after 1997 concerning TBs and performed in hospital settings were considered. Two researchers synthetized the studies and assessed their quality through the AMSTAR2 tool.

Results

Five systematic reviews published between 2008 and 2017 were retrieved. One review was focused on gastrointestinal cancers and included 16 studies; another one was centered on lung cancer and included 16 studies; the remaining three studies considered a wide range of tumors and included 27, 37 and 51 studies each. The main characteristics about format and members and the definition of TBs were collected. The decisions taken during TBs led to changes in diagnosis (probability to receive a more accurate assessment and staging), treatment (usually more appropriate) and survival (not unanimous improvement shown). Other outcomes less highlighted were quality of life, satisfaction and waiting times.

Conclusions

The study showed that the multidisciplinary approach is the best way to deliver the complex care needed by cancer patients; however, it is a challenge that requires organizational and cultural changes and must be led by competent health managers who can improve teamwork within their organizations. Further studies are needed to reinforce existing literature concerning health outcomes. Evidence on the impact of TBs on clinical practices is still lacking for many aspects of cancer care. Further studies should aim to evaluate the impact on survival rates, quality of life and patient satisfaction. Regular studies should be carried out and new process indicators should be defined to assess the impact and the performance of TBs more consistently.
Mutations of BRCA2 in canine mammary tumors and their targeting potential in clinical therapy
Authors: Thumser-Henner Pauline , Nytko Katarzyna J. , Rohrer Bley Carla
Published: January 2020

Dogs develop cancer spontaneously with age, with breed-specific risk underlying differences in genetics. Mammary tumors are reported as the most frequent neoplasia in intact female dogs. Their high prevalence in certain breeds suggests a genetic component, as it is the case in human familial breast cancer, distinctly in BRCA2-associated cancers. However, the molecular genetics of BRCA2 in the pathogenesis of canine cancer are still under investigation.

Genetic variations of canine BRCA2 comprised single nucleotide polymorphisms, insertions and deletions. The BRCA2 level has been shown to be reduced in tumor gland samples, suggesting that low expression of BRCA2 is contributing to mammary tumor development in dogs. Additionally, specific variations of the BRCA2 gene affect RAD51 binding strength, critically damage the BRCA2-RAD51 binding and further provoke a defective repair. In humans, preclinical and clinical data revealed a synthetic lethality interaction between BRCA2 mutations and PARP inhibition. PARP inhibitors are successfully used to increase chemo- and radiotherapy sensitivity, although they are also associated with numerous side effects and acquired resistance. Cancer treatment of canine patients could benefit from increased chemo- and radiosensitivity, as their cancer therapy protocols usually include only low doses of drugs or radiation. Early investigations show tolerability of iniparib in dogs. PARP inhibitors also imply higher therapy costs and consequently are less likely to be accepted by pet owners.

We summarized the current evidence of canine BRCA2 gene alterations and their association with mammary tumors. Mutations in the canine BRCA2 gene have the potential to be exploited in clinical therapy through the usage of PARP inhibitors. However, further investigations are needed before introducing PARP inhibitors in veterinary clinical practice.
Amphotericin B biosynthesis in Streptomyces nodosus: quantitative analysis of metabolism via LC–MS/MS based metabolomics for rational design
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhou Yi-Teng , Jiang Sheng-Xian , Zhang Yu-Han , Huang Kai , Liu Zhi-Qiang , Zheng Yu-Guo
Published: January 2020

Background

Amphotericin B (AmB) is widely used against fungal infection and produced mainly by Streptomyces nodosus. Various intracellular metabolites of S. nodosus were identified during AmB fermentation, and the key compounds that related to the cell growth and biosynthesis of AmB were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS).

Results

Rational design that based on the results of metabolomics was employed to improve the AmB productivity of Streptomyces nodosus, including the overexpression of genes involved in oxygen-taking, precursor-acquiring and product-exporting. The AmB yield of modified strain S. nodosus VMR4A was 6.58 g/L, which was increased significantly in comparison with that of strain S. nodosus ZJB2016050 (5.16 g/L). This was the highest yield of AmB reported so far, and meanwhile, the amount of by-product amphotericin A (AmA) was decreased by 45%. Moreover, the fermentation time of strain S. nodosus VMR4A was shortened by 24 h compared with that of strain. The results indicated that strain S. nodosus VMR4A was an excellent candidate for the industrial production of AmB because of its high production yield, low by-product content and the fast cell growth.

Conclusions

This study would lay the foundation for improving the AmB productivity through metabolomics analysis and overexpression of key enzymes.
Multi-dimensional omics characterization in glioblastoma identifies the purity-associated pattern and prognostic gene signatures
Authors: Xiong Yi , Xiong Zujian , Cao Hang , Li Chang , Wanggou Siyi , Li Xuejun
Published: January 2020

Background

The presence of tumor-associated stroma and tumor-infiltrated immune cells have been largely reported across glioblastomas. Tumor purity, defined as the proportion of tumor cells in the tumor, was associated with the genomic and clinicopathologic features of the tumor and may alter the interpretation of glioblastoma biology.

Methods

We use an integrative approach to infer tumor purity based on multi-omic data and comprehensively evaluate the impact of tumor purity on glioblastoma (GBM) prognosis, genomic profiling, and the immune microenvironment in the Cancer Genome Atlas Consortium (TCGA) cohort.

Results

We found that low tumor purity was significantly associated with reduced survival time. Additionally, we established a purity-relevant 5-gene signature that was an independent prognostic biomarker and validated it in the TCGA, CGGA and GSE4412 cohort. Moreover, we correlated tumor purity with genomic characteristics and tumor microenvironment. We identified that gamma delta T cells in glioblastoma microenvironment were positively correlated with purity and served as a marker for favorable prognosis, which was validated in both TCGA and CGGA dataset.

Conclusions

We observe the potential confounding effects of tumor purity on GBM clinical and molecular information interpretation. GBM microenvironment could be purity-dependent, which provides new insights into the clinical implications of glioblastoma.
Quantitative analysis of facial asymmetry based on three-dimensional photography: a valuable indicator for asymmetrical temporomandibular joint affection in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients?
Authors: Bernini Joëlle M. , Kellenberger Christian J. , Eichenberger Martina , Eliades Theodore , Papageorgiou Spyridon N. , Patcas Raphael
Published: January 2020

Background

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) can cause osseous deformity in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and may impair mandibular growth. This study aimed to evaluate whether facial asymmetry determined clinically or by morphometric analysis of three-dimensional (3D) photographs in JIA patients is associated with an asymmetric affection of theTMJ.

Methods

Of 76 consecutive JIA patients with a mean age of 11.7 years (range: 6.3–17.9), facial asymmetry was evaluated clinically (chin asymmetry, gonion asymmetry), and stereophotogrammetrically with 3D photographs. The facial surfaces were demarcated, then mirrored, superimposed using semi-automated landmarks, and quantitatively assessed (chin asymmetry, Hausdorff distances). Clinical and digital measurements were related to the diagnosis of right and left TMJ involvement derived from magnetic resonance images (MRI).

Results

Twenty-seven (34%) patients had an asymmetrical osseous deformity of the TMJ. By clinical evaluation, chin asymmetry was related to asymmetrical osseous destruction (p = 0.02), but gonion asymmetry was not (p = 0.14). In regard to 3D-photograph based morphometric measurements, chin asymmetry was also related to asymmetrical osseous destruction (p = 0.01), but neither the mean (p = 0.06) nor the maximal Hausdorff distance (p = 0.67). Despite the attested significance, none of the chin asymmetry evaluation methods appeared to hold sufficient predictive value (positive predictive values ≤54%; coefficient of determination ≤7%).

Conclusions

For the assessment of facial asymmetry in JIA patients, morphometric measurements originating from 3D-photographs seem to deliver results comparable to the clinical assessment methods. The asymmetry of the face, especially around the chin, appears to be related to asymmetrical TMJ destruction, but none of the investigated measurement methods of the face were able to reliably predict the TMJ affection. Thus, facial asymmetry assessments, both qualitatively in a clinical setting and quantitatively based on 3D-photographs, have limited diagnostic value for TMJ involvement in JIA patients.
Decreased expression of Rev-Erbα in the epileptic foci of temporal lobe epilepsy and activation of Rev-Erbα have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in the pilocarpine model
Authors: Yue Jiong , He Jiaojiang , Wei Yujia , Shen Kaifeng , Wu Kefu , Yang Xiaolin , Liu Shiyong , Zhang Chunqing , Yang Hui
Published: January 2020

Background

A hallmark of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is brain inflammation accompanied by neuronal demise. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that Rev-Erbα is involved in regulating neuroinflammation and determining the fate of neurons. Therefore, we studied the expression and cellular distribution of Rev-Erbα in the epileptogenic zone of TLE and the effect of treatment with the Rev-Erbα specific agonist SR9009 in the pilocarpine model.

Methods

The expression pattern of Rev-Erbα was investigated by western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence labeling in patients with TLE. Next, the effects of SR9009 on neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, and neuronal loss in the mouse hippocampus 7 days after status epilepticus (SE) were assessed by western blotting, immunofluorescence labeling staining, and TUNEL staining.

Results

The western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence labeling results revealed that Rev-Erbα was downregulated in the epileptogenic zone of TLE patients and mainly localized in neurons, astrocytes, and presumably microglia. Meanwhile, the expression of Rev-Erbα was decreased in the hippocampus and temporal neocortex of mice treated with pilocarpine in the early post-SE and chronic phases. Interestingly, the expression of Rev-Erbα in the normal hippocampus showed a 24-h rhythm; however, the rhythmicity was disturbed in the early phase after SE, and this disturbance was still present in epileptic animals. Our further findings revealed that treatment with SR9009 inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation, inflammatory cytokine (IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and TNF-α) production, astrocytosis, microgliosis, and neuronal damage in the hippocampus after SE.

Conclusions

Taken together, these results suggested that a decrease in Rev-Erbα in the epileptogenic zone may contribute to the process of TLE and that the activation of Rev-Erbα may have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.
Comparison of HIV drug resistance profiles across HIV-1 subtypes A and D for patients receiving a tenofovir-based and zidovudine-based first line regimens in Uganda
Authors: Ayitewala Alisen , Kyeyune Fred , Ainembabazi Pamela , Nabulime Eva , Kato Charles Drago , Nankya Immaculate
Published: January 2020

Background

Resistance to antiretroviral drugs is a major challenge among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Mutations that arise as a result of this are diverse across the various drugs, drug classes, drug regimens and subtypes. In Uganda, there is a paucity of information on how these mutations differ among the different drug regimens and the predominant HIV-1 subtypes. The purpose of this study was to determine mutation profile differences between first-line drug regimens: TDF/3TC/EFV and AZT/3TC/EFV and HIV-1 subtypes: A and D in Uganda. The study also investigated the potential usage of rilpivirine, doravirine and etravirine in patients who failed treatment on efavirenz.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 182 archived plasma samples obtained from patients who were experiencing virological failure between 2006 and 2017 at five Joint Clinical Research Center (JCRC) sites in Uganda. Sanger sequencing of the Reverse Transcriptase (RT) gene from codons 1–300 was done. Mutation scores were generated using the Stanford University HIV Drug Resistance Database. A Chi-square test was used to determine the association between drug resistance mutations (DRMs) and drug regimens or HIV-1 subtypes.

Results

The prevalence of DRMs was 84.6% among patients failing a first-line efavirenz (EFV)-based regimen. The most prevalent Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI) mutations were M184V/I (67.3%), K219/Q/E (22.6%) and K65R (21.1%). While K103N (50.8%) and G190A/S/E/G (29.1%) were the most prevalent Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NNTRI) mutations. As expected, discriminatory DRMs such as K65R, L74I, and Y115F were noted in Tenofovir (TDF) containing regimens while the Thymidine Analogue Mutations (TAMs) L210W and T215 mutations were in Zidovudine (AZT)-based regimens. No significant difference (p = 0.336) was found for overall DRMs between HIV-1 subtypes A and D. Among the patients who had resistance to EFV, 37 (23.6%) were susceptible to newer NNRTIs such as Rilpivirine and Etravirine.

Conclusion

Accumulation of DRMs between AZT/3TC/EFV and TDF/3TC/EFV is comparable but individual mutations that confer resistance to particular drugs should be considered at virological failure. Having either HIV-1 subtype A or D is not associated with the acquisition of DRMs, therefore HIV diversity should not determine the choice of treatment. Rilpivirine, etravirine and doravirine had minimal benefits for patients who failed on efavirenz.
Visual processing speed in hemianopia patients secondary to acquired brain injury: a new assessment methodology
Authors: Mena-Garcia Laura , Maldonado-Lopez Miguel J. , Fernandez Itziar , Coco-Martin Maria B. , Finat-Saez Jaime , Martinez-Jimenez Jose L. , Pastor-Jimeno Jose C. , Arenillas Juan F.
Published: January 2020

Background

There is a clinical need to identify diagnostic parameters that objectively quantify and monitor the effective visual ability of patients with homonymous visual field defects (HVFDs). Visual processing speed (VPS) is an objective measure of visual ability. It is the reaction time (RT) needed to correctly search and/or reach for a visual stimulus. VPS depends on six main brain processing systems: auditory-cognitive, attentional, working memory, visuocognitive, visuomotor, and executive. We designed a new assessment methodology capable of activating these six systems and measuring RTs to determine the VPS of patients with HVFDs.

Methods

New software was designed for assessing subject visual stimulus search and reach times (S-RT and R-RT respectively), measured in seconds. Thirty-two different everyday visual stimuli were divided in four complexity groups that were presented along 8 radial visual field positions at three different eccentricities (10o, 20o, and 30o). Thus, for each HVFD and control subject, 96 S- and R-RT measures related to VPS were registered. Three additional variables were measured to gather objective data on the validity of the test: eye-hand coordination mistakes (ehcM), eye-hand coordination accuracy (ehcA), and degrees of head movement (dHM, measured by a head-tracker system). HVFD patients and healthy controls (30 each) matched by age and gender were included. Each subject was assessed in a single visit. VPS measurements for HFVD patients and control subjects were compared for the complete test, for each stimulus complexity group, and for each eccentricity.

Results

VPS was significantly slower (p < 0.0001) in the HVFD group for the complete test, each stimulus complexity group, and each eccentricity. For the complete test, the VPS of the HVFD patients was 73.0% slower than controls. They also had 335.6% more ehcMs, 41.3% worse ehcA, and 189.0% more dHMs than the controls.

Conclusions

Measurement of VPS by this new assessment methodology could be an effective tool for objectively quantifying the visual ability of HVFD patients. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of this novel method for measuring the impact that any specific neurovisual rehabilitation program has for these patients.
Isolation of Ontario aquatic bird bornavirus 1 and characterization of its replication in immortalized avian cell lines
Authors: Pham Phuc H. , Leacy Alexander , Deng Li , Nagy Éva , Susta Leonardo
Published: January 2020

Background

Aquatic bird bornavirus 1 (ABBV-1) has been associated with neurological diseases in wild waterfowls. In Canada, presence of ABBV-1 was demonstrated by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry in tissues of waterfowls with history of neurological disease and inflammation of the central and peripheral nervous tissue, although causation has not been proven by pathogenesis experiments, yet. To date, in vitro characterization of ABBV-1 is limited to isolation in primary duck embryo fibroblasts. The objectives of this study were to describe isolation of ABBV-1 in primary duck embryonic fibroblasts (DEF), and characterize replication in DEF and three immortalized avian fibroblast cell lines (duck CCL-141, quail QT-35, chicken DF-1) in order to evaluate cellular permissivity and identify suitable cell lines for routine virus propagation.

Methods

The virus was sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis performed on a segment of the N gene coding region. Virus spread in cell cultures, viral RNA and protein production, and titres were evaluated at different passages using immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR, western blotting, and tissue culture dose 50% (TCID50) assay, respectively.

Results

The isolated ABBV-1 showed 97 and 99% identity to European ABBV-1 isolate AF-168 and North American ABBV-1 isolates 062-CQ and CG-N1489, and could infect and replicate in DEF, CCL-141, QT-35 and DF-1 cultures. Viral RNA was detected in all four cultures with highest levels observed in DEF and CCL-141, moderate in QT-35, and lowest in DF-1. N protein was detected in western blots from infected DEF, CCL-141 and QT-35 at moderate to high levels, but minimally in infected DF-1. Infectious titre was highest in DEF (between approximately 105 to 106 FFU / 106 cells). Regarding immortalized cell lines, CCL-141 showed the highest titre between approximately 104 to 105 FFU / 106 cells. DF-1 produced minimal infectious titre.

Conclusions

This study confirms the presence of ABBV-1 among waterfowl in Canada and reported additional in vitro characterization of this virus in different avian cell lines. ABBV-1 replicated to highest titre in DEF, followed by CCL-141 and QT-35, and poorly in DF-1. Our results showed that CCL-141 can be used instead of DEF for routine ABBV-1 production, if a lower titre is an acceptable trade-off for the simplicity of using immortalized cell line over primary culture.
Evaluation of a new point-of-care oral anti-HCV test for screening of hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Liu Lili , Zhang Mingyuan , Hang Lei , Kong Fei , Yan Hongqing , Zhang Yumei , Feng Xiangwei , Gao Yuanda , Wang Chang , Ma Heming , Liu Xu , Zhan Mengru , Pan Yu , Xu Hongqin , Niu Junqi
Published: January 2020

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a public health issue for which an effective universal screening method is urgently needed. An oral anti-HCV test could provide a noninvasive and rapid screening strategy for HCV infection. This study evaluated the performance of a new point-of-care oral assay developed by Well for the detection of HCV antibody.

Methods

Individuals from three centers with and without HCV infection were enrolled. All participants were tested for oral HCV antibody using the Well assay and for serum HCV antibody using established tests (ARCHITECT i2000 anti-HCV assay and InTec serum anti-HCV assay). For participants who obtained positive results, HCV RNA was tested for verification. Some patients underwent the OraQuick HCV test at the same time, and some self-tested with the Well assay during the same period.

Results

A total of 1179 participants, including 486 patients with chronic HCV infection, 108 patients with other liver diseases, and 585 individuals who underwent physical examination, were enrolled. The Well anti-HCV test had a sensitivity of 91.88% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 88.97–94.09%) and a specificity of 98.00% (96.58–98.86%) for oral HCV antibody detection. The consistency between the Well and InTec assays was 97.02% (1138/1179). The consistency between the Well and OraQuick assays was 98.50% (197/200). Furthermore, the results of self-testing were highly consistent with those of researcher-administered tests (Kappa = 0.979). In addition, the HCV RNA results also showed that HCV RNA could only be detected on 1 of the 39 false-negative samples, and for 172 positive HCV RNA results, 171 could be detected by the Well oral anti-HCV assay.

Conclusions

The Well oral anti-HCV test offers high sensitivity and specificity and performed comparably to both the OraQuick assay and InTec assay for HCV diagnosis. Thus, the Well test represents a new tool for universal HCV screening to identify infected patients, particularly in regions with limited medical resources.
Biomechanical comparison of noncontiguous cervical disc arthroplasty and noncontiguous cervical discectomy and fusion in the treatment of noncontinuous cervical degenerative disc disease: a finite element analysis
Authors: Sun Xiangyao , Sun Siyuan , Zhang Tongtong , Kong Chao , Wang Wei , Lu Shibao
Published: January 2020

Background

Biomechanical characteristics of noncontinuous ACDF and noncontinuous CDA in the treatment of noncontinuous cervical degenerative disc disease were still unclear. The aim of this research is to compare the differences between these two kinds of treatment methods and to verify the effectiveness of Prodisc-C in noncontinuous CDA.

Methods

Eight FEMs of the cervical spine (C2–C7) were built based on CT images of 8 mild CDDD volunteers. In the arthroplasty group, we inserted Prodisc-C at C3/4 and C5/6. In the fusion group, CoRoent® Contour and NuVasive® Helix ACP were implanted at C3/4 and C5/6. Initial loads of 75 N were used to simulate the head weight and muscle forces. The application of 1.0 N m moment on the top on the C2 vertebra was used to create motion in all directions. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA version 14.0 (Stata Corp LP, College Station, Texas, USA). Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

The IDPs in C2/3 (P < 0.001, P = 0.005, P < 0.001, P < 0.001), C4/5 (P < 0.001), and C6/7 (P < 0.001) of the intact group were significantly less than that in the fusion group in flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation, respectively. In addition, the IDPs in C2/3 (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001), C4/5 (P < 0.001), and C6/7 (P < 0.001) of the arthroplasty group were significantly less than that in the fusion group in flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation, respectively. Contact forces of facet joints in C2/3 (P = 0.010) in the arthroplasty group was significantly less than that in the intact group. Contact forces of facet joints in C2/3 (P < 0.001), C4/5 (P < 0.001), and C6/7 (P < 0.001) in the arthroplasty group was significantly less than that in the fusion group. Contact forces of facet joints in C2/3 (P < 0.001), C4/5 (P < 0.001), and C6/7 (P < 0.001) in the intact group were significantly less than that in the fusion group.

Conclusions

Noncontinuous CDA could preserve IDP and facet joint forces at the adjacent and intermediate levels to maintain the kinematics of cervical spine near preoperative values. However, noncontinuous ACDF would increase degenerative risks at adjacent and intermediate levels. In addition, the application of Prodisc-C in noncontinuous CAD may have more advantages than that of Prestige LP.
The clinical outcomes of cementless unicompartmental knee replacement in patients with reduced bone mineral density
Authors: Mohammad Hasan R. , Kennedy James A. , Mellon Stephen J. , Judge Andrew , Dodd Christopher A. , Murray David W.
Published: January 2020

Background

Osteoporosis and osteopenia are conditions characterised by reduced bone mineral density (BMD). There is concern that bone with reduced BMD may not provide sufficient fixation for cementless components which primarily rely on the quality of surrounding bone. The aim of our study was to report the midterm clinical outcomes of patients with reduced BMD undergoing cementless unicompartmental knee replacements (UKR). Our hypothesis was that there would be no difference in outcome between patients with normal bone and those with reduced BMD.

Methods

From a prospective cohort of 70 patients undergoing cementless UKR surgery, patients were categorised into normal (n = 20), osteopenic (n = 38) and osteoporotic groups (n = 12) based on their central dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans according to the World Health Organization criteria. Patients were followed up by independent research physiotherapists and outcome scores; Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Tegner score, American Knee Society Score Functional (AKSS-F) and Objective (AKSS-O) were recorded preoperatively and at a mean of 4 years postoperatively. The prevalence of reoperations, revisions and mortality was also recorded at a mean of 5 years postoperatively.

Results

There were no significant differences in the midterm postoperative OKS (P = 0.83), Tegner score (P = 0.17) and AKSS-O (P = 0.67). However, the AKSS-F was significantly higher (P = 0.04) in normal (90, IQR 37.5) compared to osteoporotic (65, IQR 35) groups. There were no significant differences (P = 0.82) between normal and osteopenic bone (80, IQR 35). The revision prevalence was 5%, 2.6% and 0% in the normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic groups respectively. The reoperation prevalence was 5%, 7.9% and 0% respectively. There were no deaths in any group related to the implant.

Conclusions

We found that patients with reduced BMD could safely undergo cementless UKR surgery and have similar clinical outcomes to those with normal BMD. However, larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm our findings and ensure that cementless fixation is safe in patients with reduced BMD.
MiR-509-3 augments the synthetic lethality of PARPi by regulating HR repair in PDX model of HGSOC
Authors: Sun Chenggong , Cao Wenyu , Qiu Chunping , Li Chengcheng , Dongol Samina , Zhang Zhiwei , Dong Ruifen , Song Kun , Yang Xingsheng , Zhang Qing , Kong Beihua
Published: January 2020

Background

PARP inhibitors have been the most promising target drugs with widely proven benefits among ovarian cancer patients. Although platinum-response, HR-related genes, or HRD genomic scar detection are acceptably used in assessment of Olaparib response, there are still evident limitations in the present approaches. Therefore, we aim to investigate more accurate approaches to predict Olaparib sensitivity and effective synergistic treatment strategies.

Methods

We probed two databases (TCGA and Qilu Hospital) in order to quest novel miRNAs associated with platinum-sensitivity or HR-related genes. Cellular experiments in vitro or in vivo and PDX models were utilized to validate their role in tumor suppression and Olaparib sensitizing. Furthermore, HR gene mutation was analyzed through WES to explore the relation between HR gene mutation and Olaparib response.

Results

High miR-509-3 expression indicated better response to platinum and longer progression-free and overall survival in two independent ovarian cancer patient cohorts (high vs. low miR-509-3 expression; PFS: TCGA P < 0.05, Qilu P < 0.05; OS: TCGA P < 0.05, Qilu P < 0.01). MiR-509-3 could impair the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability but enhance the sensitivity to Olaparib of ovarian cancer cell in vitro and in vivo by directly targeting HMGA2 and RAD51. In two PDX cases (PDX1 and PDX9), miR-509-3 could significantly increase the sensitivity to Olaparib along with the decrease of RAD51 positive rate (mean tumor weight NC + Olaparib vs. miR-509 + Olaparib; PDX1 P < 0.05, PDX9 P < 0.05). Additionally, in PDX8, miR-509-3 treatment dramatically reversed the Olaparib insensitivity (P < 0.05) by downregulating RAD51 expression. RAD51 functional detection revealed that all Olaparib sensitive cases exhibited low RAD51 positive rate (lesser than 50%) in treated groups. Furthermore, among the four HR gene mutation patients, three harbored HR core gene mutation and were sensitive to Olaparib while the remaining one with non-HR core gene mutation did not respond well to Olaparib.

Conclusions

MiR-509-3 can sensitize ovarian cancer cells to Olaparib by impeding HR, which makes it a potential target in PARPi synergistic treatment. HR core gene analysis and RAD51 functional detection are prospectively feasible in prediction of PARPi response.
Correction to: Combination of mTORC1/2 inhibitor vistusertib plus fulvestrant in vitro and in vivo targets oestrogen receptor-positive endocrine-resistant breast cancer
Authors: Pancholi Sunil , Leal Mariana Ferreira , Ribas Ricardo , Simigdala Nikiana , Schuster Eugene , Chateau-Joubert Sophie , Zabaglo Lila , Hills Margaret , Dodson Andrew , Gao Qiong , Johnston Stephen R. , Dowsett Mitch , Cosulich Sabina C. , Marangoni Elisabetta , Martin Lesley-Ann
Published: January 2020

After publication of the original article [1], we were notified that an author’s surname has been erroneously spelled. Elisabetta Maragoni’s family name should be replaced with Marangoni.
Rationale and design of the randomised Treatment of sleep apnoea Early After Myocardial infarction with Adaptive Servo-Ventilation trial (TEAM-ASV I)
Authors:   for the TEAM-ASV I Investigators, Fox Henrik , Hetzenecker Andrea , Stadler Stefan , Oldenburg Olaf , Hamer Okka W. , Zeman Florian , Bruch Leonhard , Seidel Mirko , Buchner Stefan , Arzt Michael
Published: January 2020

Aims

In acute myocardial infarction (AMI), impaired myocardial salvage and large infarct size result in residual heart failure, which is one of the most important predictors of morbidity and mortality after AMI. Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is associated with reduced myocardial salvage index (MSI) within the first 3 months after AMI. Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) can effectively treat both types of SDB (central and obstructive sleep apnoea). The Treatment of sleep apnoea Early After Myocardial infarction with Adaptive Servo-Ventilation trial (TEAM-ASV I) will investigate the effects of ASV therapy, added to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and optimal medical management of AMI, on myocardial salvage after AMI.

Methods/design

TEAM ASV-I is a multicentre, randomised, parallel-group, open-label trial with blinded assessment of PCI outcomes. Patients with first AMI and successful PCI within 24 h after symptom onset and SDB (apnoea–hypopnoea index ≥ 15/h) will be randomised (1:1 ratio) to PCI and optimal medical therapy alone (control) or plus ASV (with stratification of randomisation by infarct location; left anterior descending (LAD) or no LAD lesion). The primary outcome is the MSI, assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Key secondary outcomes are change of infarct size, left ventricular ejection fraction and B-type natriuretic peptide levels and disease-specific symptom burden at 12 weeks.

Conclusion

TEAM ASV-I will help to determine whether treatment of SDB with ASV in the acute phase after myocardial infarction contributes to more myocardial salvage and healing.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02093377. Registered on March 21, 2014.
Modeling of Real Time Kinematics localization error for use in 5G networks
Authors: Hoffmann Marcin , Kryszkiewicz Paweł , Koudouridis Georgios P.
Published: January 2020

In 5G networks information about localization of a user equipment (UE) can be used not only for emergency calls or location-based services, but also for the network optimization applications, e.g., network management or dynamic spectrum access by using Radio Environment Maps (REM). However, some of these applications require much better localization accuracy than currently available in 4G systems. One promising localization method is Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based Real-Time Kinematics (RTK). While the signal received from satellites is the same as in traditional GNSS, a new reception method utilizing real-time data from a nearby reference station (e.g., 5G base station) results in cm-level positioning accuracy. The aim of this paper is to obtain a model of the RTK localization error for smartphone-grade GNSS antenna under open-sky conditions, that can be used in 5G network simulators. First, a tutorial-style overview of RTK positioning, and satellite orbits prediction is provided. Next, an RTK localization simulator is implemented utilizing GNSS satellites constellations. Results are investigated statistically to provide a simple, yet accurate RTK localization error framework, which is based on two Gauss-Markov process generators parametrized by visible satellites geometry, UE motion, and UE-satellite distance error variance.
The energy-efficient MDA-SMAC protocol for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Wang Ke , Zhao Xiaohu , Shi Yao , Xu Donghong , Li Ruoyu
Published: January 2020

Nodes in original S-MAC protocol just can visit the channel in the scheduling and listening stage. The working schema may result in data latency and high conflict. To solve those above problems, we split scheduling duty into multiple micro-duties. By using different micro-dispersed contention channel, the sensor nodes reduce the collision probability of the data. Aiming at detecting the fixed duty cycle in S-MAC protocol, on the basis of the micro-duty and buffer queue length, this paper presents an adaptive duty cycle and back-off algorithm. While using different back-off algorithm with different duty cycles, sensor node Fast-Binary Exponential Backoff and Conflict-Avoid-Binary exponential Backoff algorithm separated are applied to reduce data latency further reduce the conflict probability. Combining both of the improvements, we propose a modified S-MAC protocol. Comparing the performance of S-MAC protocol and Division-Multiple Access-Media Access Control (MDA-SMAC) protocol on the NS-2 simulation platform, the results show that MDA-SMAC protocol performs better in terms of energy consumption, latency, and effective throughput than S-MAC protocol
Using of PQWs for solving NFID in the complex plane
Authors: Erfanian M. , Zeidabadi H. , Parsamanesh M.
Published: January 2020

We approximate the solution of the nonlinear Fredholm integro-differential equation (NFID) in the complex plane by periodic quasi-wavelets (PQWs). This kind of wavelets possesses orthonormality properties, the numbers of terms in the decomposition and reconstruction formulas are strictly limited, and the localization is not emphasized. To the best of our knowledge, there are no numerical methods to obtain the solution of the NFID by PQWs. Here, we attempt to obtain the numerical solution of the NFID based on B-spline functions. Finally, the simulation results are shown for three examples.