bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Saphenous Nerve Somatosensory-Evoked Potentials Monitoring During Lateral Interbody Fusion
Authors: Jain Nick , Alluri Ram , Phan Kevin , Yanni Daniel , Alvarez Andrew , Guillen Herbierto , Mnatsakanyan Lilit , Bederman S. Samuel
Published: May 2020

Study Design.:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives:

To clinically evaluate saphenous nerve somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEPs) as a reliable and predictable way to detect upper lumbar plexus injury intraoperatively during lateral lumbar trans-psoas interbody fusion (LLIF).

Methods:

Saphenous nerve SSEPs were obtained by stimulation of inferior medial thigh with needle electrodes and recording from transcranial potentials. The primary outcome was measured by testing reproducibility of SSEPs at baseline, changes during the procedure, and relevance to standard modalities. Significant SSEP changes were compared with actual postoperative nerve complications. The sensitivity and specificity of saphenous SSEPs to detect postoperative lumbar plexus nerve injury was calculated.

Results:

A total of 62 patients were included in the study. Reliable saphenous SSEPs were recorded on the LLIF approach side in 52/62 patients. Persistent saphenous SSEP reduction of amplitude of >50% in 6 cases was observed during expansion of the tubular retractor or during the procedure. Two of 6 patients postoperatively had femoral nerve sensory deficits, and 5 of 6 patients had mild femoral nerve motor weakness, all of which resolved at an average of 12 weeks postoperatively (range 2-24 weeks). One patient had saphenous SSEP changes but demonstrated intraoperative recovery and had no postoperative clinical deficits. Saphenous SSEPs demonstrated 52% to 100% sensitivity and 90% to 100% specificity for detecting postoperative femoral nerve complications.

Conclusion:

Saphenous SSEPs can be used to detect electrophysiological changes to prevent femoral nerve injury during LLIF. Intraoperative SSEP recovery after amplitude reduction or loss may be a prognostic factor for final clinical outcome.
Ectopic ACTH Secretion Secondary to Metastatic Acinic Cell Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland: A Case Report and Review of Current Evidence for Systemic Therapy
Authors: Wade Louise , Kitching Paul , De Winton Emma
Published: May 2020

Acinic cell carcinoma is a rare, typically indolent, neoplasm that arises in the salivary glands. Metastatic disease is uncommon, occurring in around 10% of cases. We report the case of a 46-year-old male in whom the first sign of disseminated disease was increased skin pigmentation due to paraneoplastic Cushing’s syndrome. He underwent 3 cycles of chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel with no symptomatic improvement and a mixed response on imaging. There is no evidence that systemic therapy prolongs survival in metastatic acinic cell carcinoma, and we lack a consensus as to which treatment options are most beneficial. A summary of published evidence regarding choice of palliative chemotherapy regimens and response is discussed in relation to the case.
Exposure to chemicals formed from natural processes is ubiquitous
Authors: Smith Carr Joseph , Perfetti Thomas A
Published: May 2020

Exposure to chemicals produced by natural processes is ubiquitous. First, in addition to the products of normal metabolism produced in humans of normal body weight, adipose tissue produces a large number of chemicals, including estrogen, testosterone from the produced estrogen, thyroid-stimulating hormone, leptin and approximately 500 other molecules termed adipokines, and a large number of inflammatory mediators. Second, the gut biome contains approximately the same number of bacteria as cells found in the entire body and produces a large number of small molecules. Third, the overwhelming majority (99.9%) of pesticide exposure occurs during ingestion of natural plant pesticides from eating vegetables. Fourth, consumption of cooked muscles meats leads to significant exposure to mutagenic and carcinogenic heterocyclic amines, polycyclic aromatic amines, and nitropyrenes. Fifth, many common beverages, for example, beer, coffee, and tea contain organic chemicals that display mutagenic activity. As compared with man-made production levels, from 1945 to 2015, an estimated 5000-fold more organic compounds were produced by a variety of natural processes, including common wood-degrading and forest litter-degrading fungi, microorganisms in temperate and boreal forest soils, bacteria in marine sponges, marine macro-algae, volcanoes, and forest fires. Exposure to these naturally produced organic compounds occurs via inhalation of ambient air, ingestion of food and water, and contact with soil, freshwater, and seawater. Contact with several thousand different endogenous or exogenous chemicals per day is unavoidable. This understanding might assist in better allocating resources toward controlling exposures to agents of highest concern as determined by current concepts of chronic disease causation.
The mineralogy of the historical Mochalin Log REE deposit, South Urals, Russia. Part I. New gatelite-group minerals ferriperbøeite-(La), (CaLa3)(Fe3+Al2Fe2+)[Si2O7][SiO4]3O(OH)2 and perbøeite-(La), (CaLa3)(Al3Fe2+)[Si2O7][SiO4]3O(OH)2
Authors: Kasatkin Anatoly V. , Zubkova Natalia V. , Pekov Igor V. , Chukanov Nikita V. , Škoda Radek , Polekhovsky Yury S. , Agakhanov Atali A. , Belakovskiy Dmitriy I. , Kuznetsov Aleksey M. , Britvin Sergey N. , Pushcharovsky Dmitry Yu.
Published: May 2020

The paper opens a series devoted to the mineral diversity of the Mochalin Log rare earth element (REE) deposit, South Urals, Russia. There is a brief outline of the history of studies and geology of the deposit as well as the description of two new isostructural gatelite-group minerals, ferriperbøeite-(La) (CaLa3)(Fe3+Al2Fe2+)[Si2O7][SiO4]3O(OH)2 and perbøeite-(La) (CaLa3)(Al3Fe2+)[Si2O7][SiO4]3O(OH)2. Both minerals occur in polymineralic nodules and are associated with one another and allanite-(Ce), allanite-(La), bastnäsite-(Ce), bastnäsite-(La), ferriallanite-(Ce), ferriallanite-(La), ferriperbøeite-(Ce), perbøeite-(Ce), törnebohmite-(Ce) and törnebohmite-(La). The new minerals form isolated anhedral grains up to 0.3 mm [ferriperbøeite-(La)] and 0.5 mm [perbøeite-(La)] across and granular aggregates up to 1.5 mm × 0.5 mm [ferriperbøeite-(La)] and 3 mm × 1 mm [perbøeite-(La)]. Both minerals are brownish-black with vitreous lustre. Dcalc = 4.510 [ferriperbøeite-(La)] and 4.483 [perbøeite-(La)] g cm–3. They are optically biaxial (+); ferriperbøeite-(La): α = 1.788(5), β = 1.790(5), γ = 1.810(5) and 2Vmeas = 40(10)°; perbøeite-(La): α = 1.778(8), β = 1.783(8), γ = 1.805(8) and 2Vmeas = 40(10)°. Chemical data [wt.%, electron-microprobe; Fe3+:Fe2+ ratio from charge-balance requirements, H2O by stoichiometry; ferriperbøeite-(La)/perbøeite-(La)] are: CaO 4.91/4.81, ThO2 0.00/0.32, La2O3 23.75/22.16, Ce2O3 19.69/20.05, Pr2O3 0.85/1.09, Nd2O3 1.48/2.18, MgO 1.47/1.38, Al2O3 10.68/11.25, MnO 1.07/0.92, FeO 3.04/3.35, Fe2O3 5.31/3.78, TiO2 0.19/0.19, SiO2 27.47/27.35, F 0.11/0.23, H2O 1.61/1.54, –O = F –0.05/–0.10, total 101.58/100.50. The empirical formulae based on O20(OH,F)2 are for ferriperbøeite-(La): (Ca0.95La1.58Ce1.30Nd0.10Pr0.06)Σ3.99(Al2.27Fe3+0.72Fe2+0.46Mg0.40Mn0.16Ti0.03)Σ4.04Si4.96O20[(OH)1.94F0.06]; and for perbøeite-(La): (Ca0.94Th0.01La1.49Ce1.34Nd0.14Pr0.07)Σ3.99(Al2.42Fe3+0.52Fe2+0.51Mg0.38Mn0.14 Ti0.03)Σ4.00Si4.99O20[(OH)1.87F0.13]. Both minerals are monoclinic, P21/m; the unit-cell parameters [ferriperbøeite-(La)/perbøeite-(La)] are: a = 8.9458(2)/8.9652(4), b = 5.72971(13)/5.7306(2), c = 17.6192(3)/17.6770(9) Å, β = 115.9497(19)/116.053(6)°, V = 812.06(3)/815.88(6) Å3 and Z = 2/2. The crystal structures are solved on a single crystal and converged to R = 0.0355 [ferriperbøeite-(La)] and 0.0750 [perbøeite-(La)]. Ferriperbøeite-(La) and perbøeite-(La) are named as the La-analogues of ferriperbøeite-(Ce) and perbøeite-(Ce), respectively.
The amylase gene cluster in house mice (Mus musculus) was subject to repeated introgression including the rescue of a pseudogene
Authors: Linnenbrink Miriam , Ullrich Kristian K. , McConnell Ellen , Tautz Diethard
Published: May 2020

Background

Amylase gene clusters have been implicated in adaptive copy number changes in response to the amount of starch in the diet of humans and mammals. However, this interpretation has been questioned for humans and for mammals there is a paucity of information from natural populations.

Results

Using optical mapping and genome read information, we show here that the amylase cluster in natural house mouse populations is indeed copy-number variable for Amy2b paralogous gene copies (called Amy2a1 - Amy2a5), but a direct connection to starch diet is not evident. However, we find that the amylase cluster was subject to introgression of haplotypes between Mus musculus sub-species. A very recent introgression can be traced in the Western European populations and this leads also to the rescue of an Amy2b pseudogene. Some populations and inbred lines derived from the Western house mouse (Mus musculus domesticus) harbor a copy of the pancreatic amylase (Amy2b) with a stop codon in the first exon, making it non-functional. But populations in France harbor a haplotype introgressed from the Eastern house mouse (M. m. musculus) with an intact reading frame. Detailed analysis of phylogenetic patterns along the amylase cluster suggest an additional history of previous introgressions.

Conclusions

Our results show that the amylase gene cluster is a hotspot of introgression in the mouse genome, making it an evolutionary active region beyond the previously observed copy number changes.
Identification of QTL for resistance to root rot in sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) with SSR linkage maps
Authors: Ma Zhimin , Gao Wenchuan , Liu Lanfu , Liu Minghui , Zhao Ning , Han Meikun , Wang Zhao , Jiao Weijing , Gao Zhiyuan , Hu Yaya , Liu Qingchang
Published: May 2020

Background

Sweetpotato root rot is a devastating disease caused by Fusarium solani that seriously endangers the yield of sweetpotato in China. Although there is currently no effective method to control the disease, breeding of resistant varieties is the most effective and economic option. Moreover, quantitative trait locus (QTL) associated with resistance to root rot have not yet been reported, and the biological mechanisms of resistance remain unclear in sweetpotato. Thus, increasing our knowledge about the mechanism of disease resistance and identifying resistance loci will assist in the development of disease resistance breeding.

Results

In this study, we constructed genetic linkage maps of sweetpotato using a mapping population consisting of 300 individuals derived from a cross between Jizishu 1 and Longshu 9 by simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, and mapped seven QTLs for resistance to root rot. In total, 484 and 573 polymorphic SSR markers were grouped into 90 linkage groups for Jizishu 1 and Longshu 9, respectively. The total map distance for Jizishu 1 was 3974.24 cM, with an average marker distance of 8.23 cM. The total map distance for Longshu 9 was 5163.35 cM, with an average marker distance of 9.01 cM. Five QTLs (qRRM_1, qRRM_2, qRRM_3, qRRM_4, and qRRM_5) were located in five linkage groups of Jizishu 1 map explaining 52.6–57.0% of the variation. Two QTLs (qRRF_1 and qRRF_2) were mapped on two linkage groups of Longshu 9 explaining 57.6 and 53.6% of the variation, respectively. Furthermore, 71.4% of the QTLs positively affected the variation. Three of the seven QTLs, qRRM_3, qRRF_1, and qRRF_2, were colocalized with markers IES43-5mt, IES68-6 fs**, and IES108-1 fs, respectively.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first report on the construction of a genetic linkage map for purple sweetpotato (Jizishu 1) and the identification of QTLs associated with resistance to root rot in sweetpotato using SSR markers. These QTLs will have practical significance for the fine mapping of root rot resistance genes and play an important role in sweetpotato marker-assisted breeding.
Ischemic colitis induced by indigo naturalis in a patient with ulcerative colitis: a case report
Authors: Cho Byungha , Yoon Soon Man , Son Seung-Myoung , Kim Hyoung Woo , Kim Ki Bae , Youn Sei Jin
Published: May 2020

Background

Indigo naturalis is a Chinese herbal medicine that has currently been used to treat various inflammatory diseases, including ulcerative colitis. Recently, there are several reports concerning severe adverse events associated with indigo naturalis.

Case presentation

We described a case of a 44-year-old female with ulcerative colitis who presented with lower abdominal pain and hematochezia. She stopped taking her medicine for ulcerative colitis and started oral indigo naturalis 3 months before admission. Computed tomography showed segmental edematous wall thickening of the descending and sigmoid colon. Colonoscopy findings revealed erythema, edema, and submucosal hemorrhage, the surface of which presented a dark blue pigmentation. The histologic finding was consistent with ischemic colitis. We therefore considered an ischemic colitis induced by indigo naturalis, and the patient improved after supportive care and withdrawal of indigo naturalis.

Conclusion

Indigo naturalis has currently been used in the patients with ulcerative colitis as an alternative therapy. However, physicians should be aware of possible severe adverse events such as ischemic colitis.
Ultrasound in managing extrapulmonary tuberculosis: a randomized controlled two-center study
Authors: Ndege Robert , Ngome Omary , Bani Farida , Temba Yvan , Wilson Herieth , Vanobberghen Fiona , Hella Jerry , Gingo Winfrid , Sasamalo Mohamed , Mnzava Dorcas , Kimera Namvua , Hiza Helen , Wigayi John , Mapesi Herry , Kato Irene B. , Mhimbira Francis , Reither Klaus , Battegay Manuel , Paris Daniel H. , Weisser Maja , Rohacek Martin
Published: May 2020

Background

Patients with clinically suspected tuberculosis are often treated empirically, as diagnosis - especially of extrapulmonary tuberculosis - remains challenging. This leads to an overtreatment of tuberculosis and to underdiagnosis of possible differential diagnoses.

Methods

This open-label, parallel-group, superiority randomized controlled trial is done in a rural and an urban center in Tanzania. HIV-positive and -negative adults (≥18 years) with clinically suspected extrapulmonary tuberculosis are randomized in a 1:1 ratio to an intervention- or control group, stratified by center and HIV status. The intervention consists of a management algorithm including extended focused assessment of sonography for HIV and tuberculosis (eFASH) in combination with chest X-ray and microbiological tests. Treatment with anti-tuberculosis drugs is started, if eFASH is positive, chest X-ray suggests tuberculosis, or a microbiological result is positive for tuberculosis. Patients in the control group are managed according national guidelines. Treatment is started if microbiology is positive or empirically according to the treating physician. The primary outcome is the proportion of correctly managed patients at 6 months (i.e patients who were treated with anti-tuberculosis treatment and had definite or probable tuberculosis, and patients who were not treated with anti-tuberculosis treatment and did not have tuberculosis). Secondary outcomes are the proportion of symptom-free patients at two and 6 months, and time to death. The sample size is 650 patients.

Discussion

This study will determine, whether ultrasound in combination with other tests can increase the proportion of correctly managed patients with clinically suspected extrapulmonary tuberculosis, thus reducing overtreatment with anti-tuberculosis drugs.

Trial registration

PACTR, Registration number: PACTR201712002829221, registered December 1st 2017.
Dynamic cerebral autoregulation is an independent outcome predictor of acute ischemic stroke after endovascular therapy
Authors: Tian Ge , Ji Zhong , Huang Kaibin , Lin Zhenzhou , Pan Suyue , Wu Yongming
Published: May 2020

Background

Endovascular therapy (EVT) is increasingly used to improve cerebral reperfusion after moderate-to-severe acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, the influence of hemodynamic factors on clinical outcome is still unclear after EVT. Dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) is an important brain reserve mechanism and is impaired after AIS. This study aimed to explore the role of dCA in predicting the outcome of AIS patients after EVT.

Methods

AIS patients with severe stenosis/occlusion of unilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) or internal carotid and treatment with EVT were enrolled to receive dCA examinations at the 24 h, 72 h and 7th day after stroke onset. Healthy volunteers were also recruited as controls. DCA was recorded from spontaneous fluctuations of blood pressure and MCA flow velocity. Transfer function analysis was used to derive dCA parameters, including phase difference (PD) and coherence in the low-frequency range (0.06–0.12 Hz). The clinical outcome was measured using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days after onset. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to reveal the correlation between dCA and clinical outcomes. The receiver operation characteristics (ROC) curve was performed to determine the cut-off point of PD.

Results

A total of 62 AIS patients and 77 healthy controls were included. Compared with controls, dCA were impaired bilaterally till to 7th day after onset in patients, presenting as much lower PD value on the ipsilateral side. During follow-up, we found that PD on the ipsilateral side at 24 h after onset was significantly lower in patients with unfavourable outcome (n = 41) than those with favourable outcome (n = 21), even after adjustment of confounding factors (p = 0.009). ROC curve analysis revealed that PD < 26.93° was an independent predictor of unfavourable-outcome.

Conclusion

In AIS patients after EVT, dCA was impaired on both sides over the first 7 days. PD on the ipsilateral side at 24 h after onset is an independent unfavourable-outcome predictor for AIS after EVT.
Swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography of diabetic papillopathy: a case report
Authors: Choi Ji Min , Lee Hye Jin , Ma Dae Joong
Published: May 2020

Background

We report a case of diabetic papillopathy (DP) diagnosed using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA).

Case presentation

A 52-year-old man was referred for evaluation of a swollen optic disc in both eyes. His best-corrected visual acuity was 20/40 in the right eye and 20/100 in the left eye. Fundus examination demonstrated a swollen optic disc, splinter hemorrhages, and radially oriented, dilated vessels over the optic disc in both eyes. Laboratory tests revealed previously unknown diabetes. SS-OCTA was performed to rule out neovascularization of the disc (NVD). B-scan image displayed blood flow signals in the thickened retinal nerve fiber layer of the optic disc and not above the vitreoretinal interface. We diagnosed the patient with DP.

Conclusions

This case showed that SS-OCTA is useful for distinguishing DP from NVD.
Pediatric reporting of genomic results study (PROGRESS): a mixed-methods, longitudinal, observational cohort study protocol to explore disclosure of actionable adult- and pediatric-onset genomic variants to minors and their parents
Authors: Savatt Juliann M. , Wagner Jennifer K. , Joffe Steven , Rahm Alanna Kulchak , Williams Marc S. , Bradbury Angela R. , Davis F. Daniel , Hergenrather Julie , Hu Yirui , Kelly Melissa A. , Kirchner H. Lester , Meyer Michelle N. , Mozersky Jessica , O’Dell Sean M. , Pervola Josie , Seeley Andrea , Sturm Amy C. , Buchanan Adam H.
Published: May 2020

Background

Exome and genome sequencing are routinely used in clinical care and research. These technologies allow for the detection of pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in clinically actionable genes. However, fueled in part by a lack of empirical evidence, controversy surrounds the provision of genetic results for adult-onset conditions to minors and their parents. We have designed a mixed-methods, longitudinal cohort study to collect empirical evidence to advance this debate.

Methods

Pediatric participants in the Geisinger MyCode® Community Health Initiative with available exome sequence data will have their variant files assessed for pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in 60 genes designated as actionable by MyCode. Eight of these genes are associated with adult-onset conditions (Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (HBOC), Lynch syndrome, MUTYH-associated polyposis, HFE-Associated Hereditary Hemochromatosis), while the remaining genes have pediatric onset. Prior to clinical confirmation of results, pediatric MyCode participants and their parents/legal guardians will be categorized into three study groups: 1) those with an apparent pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant in a gene associated with adult-onset disease, 2) those with an apparent pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant in a gene associated with pediatric-onset disease or with risk reduction interventions that begin in childhood, and 3) those with no apparent genomic result who are sex- and age-matched to Groups 1 and 2. Validated and published quantitative measures, semi-structured interviews, and a review of electronic health record data conducted over a 12-month period following disclosure of results will allow for comparison of psychosocial and behavioral outcomes among parents of minors (ages 0–17) and adolescents (ages 11–17) in each group.

Discussion

These data will provide guidance about the risks and benefits of informing minors and their family members about clinically actionable, adult-onset genetic conditions and, in turn, help to ensure these patients receive care that promotes physical and psychosocial health.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03832985. Registered 6 February 2019
Peripheral non-enzymatic antioxidants in patients with schizophrenia: a case-control study
Authors: Lu Zhe , Wen Tianyang , Wang Yingtan , Kan Weijing , Xun Guanglei
Published: May 2020

Background

Recent studies show that oxidative stress is associated with the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. There are two major types of antioxidant systems in vivo, namely enzymatic antioxidants and non-enzymatic antioxidants. This study investigated differences of non-enzymatic antioxidants between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls.

Methods

Peripheral UA, ALB, and TBIL of 107 schizophrenic patients in the acute stage and 101 in the remission stage were measured respectively, so were 273 healthy controls.

Results

The levels of UA (P = 0.020) and TBIL (P < 0.001) of schizophrenic patients in the acute stage were higher than those of healthy controls, while the level of ALB (P < 0.001) was lower. Similar results were detected form schizophrenic patients in the remission stage. Schizophrenic patients in the acute stage were divided into antipsychotics-use subgroup (n = 56) and antipsychotics-naïve/free subgroup (n = 51). The level of UA (P = 0.001) in the antipsychotics-use subgroup was higher than that in the antipsychotics-naïve/free subgroup, while the level of TBIL (P = 0.002) was lower than that in the antipsychotics-naïve/free subgroup. Seventy-seven schizophrenic patients in the acute stage were followed up, and there was no significant difference in the level of UA before and after treatment, but levels of ALB (P < 0.001) and TBIL (P < 0.001) decreased significantly after the treatment.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the dysfunction of the peripheral non-enzymatic anti-oxidation system might be involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
Socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors for HIV transmission in female bar workers in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic literature review
Authors: Dambach Peter , Mahenge Bathsheba , Mashasi Irene , Muya Aisa , Barnhart Dale A. , Bärnighausen Till W. , Spiegelman Donna , Harling Guy
Published: May 2020

Background

Although sex workers are considered a key population in the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), less consideration has been given to female bar workers (FBW), whose primary occupation is not sex work but who often engage in transactional sex. Understanding FBWs’ risk profiles is central to designing targeted HIV prevention interventions for them. This systematic review describes the socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors for HIV transmission among FBWs in SSA.

Methods

We searched six databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Popline, Embase and additionally the World Health Organization’s WHOLIS database for grey literature between July and September 2017. Inclusion criteria were reporting (1) primary socio-demographic or behavioral data; on (2) women who sold or delivered drinks to clients; (3) in establishments serving alcohol; (4) in SSA. We excluded studies not presenting separate data on FBWs. We extracted quantitative and qualitative data from the selected studies and conducted a qualitative synthesis of findings.

Results

We found 4565 potentially eligible articles, including duplicates. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, we retained 19 articles. FBWs often migrated from rural to urban areas due to economic need or social marginalization. They began bar-based transactional sex due to low wages, peer pressure and to increase financial independence. FBWs had high HIV risk awareness but low agency to negotiate condom use, particularly with regular partners or when offered higher prices for condomless sex. FBWs were also vulnerable to violence and stigmatization.

Conclusions

FBWs are a vulnerable population for HIV infection. Despite social stigmatization and elevated risk of contracting STIs, bar work remains attractive because it enables unskilled women to both, make a living and maintain some independence. FBWs face HIV-related risk factors at the individual, community and societal level and may benefit from biomedical, behavioral and structural interventions.
Transition shocks during adulthood and health a few decades later in post-socialist Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Bíró Anikó , Branyiczki Réka
Published: May 2020

Background

Health of the population of post-socialist Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries lags behind the European Union average. Our aim in this paper is to analyse the link between transition shocks and health two-three decades later.

Methods

We use retrospective data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe. We estimate the implications of stressful periods, financial hardships and job loss occurring around the transition (1987–1993) on subjective and objective measures of health in 2017. We compare these implications across groups of CEE countries and with the health implications of similar difficulties reported by individuals from Western Europe. We also compare the health implications of difficulties occurring around the transition to difficulties occurring before or after the transition.

Results

In the CEE region there is a peak in the timing of difficulties around the transition. Stressful periods, financial difficulties and job loss around the period of transition are generally associated with worse subjective and objective health at older ages in all groups of CEE countries, even after netting out the effect of childhood health and demographic factors. However, the consequences of hardships due to the transition are not specific, health implications of these difficulties seem to be similar to the implications of other shocks possibly unrelated to the transition.

Conclusions

The high fraction of individuals experiencing stress, financial difficulties and job loss around the transition contributed to the current health disadvantage in the CEE region. As similar shocks in the West and before or after the transition had similar health implications, our results draw the attention to the long-lasting impacts of psychosocial stress and financial hardship during adulthood on later health over the life course.
Development and validation of the Oral health behavior questionnaire for adolescents based on the health belief model (OHBQAHBM)
Authors: Xiang Bilu , Wong Hai Ming , Cao Wangnan , Perfecto Antonio P. , McGrath Colman P. J.
Published: May 2020

Background

Oral health belief is a prerequisite of changing oral health behaviors especially during adolescence. However, there is a paucity of well-established questionnaire for use among adolescents. This study aimed to develop and validate an instrument to evaluate adolescents’ beliefs about oral health behaviors using health belief model.

Methods

A preliminary 43-item questionnaire was developed by an expert panel. Then the questionnaire was finalized by decreasing the number of items to 35 by analyzing the results from face validity and factor analysis from 421 Hong Kong secondary school students. The content validity were evaluated by a panel of 2 behavioral scientists, 2 dentists, 2 schoolteachers and 10 adolescents. The construct validity of the questionnaire was assessed by performing exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, item-total correlation and intraclass coefficient were used to test its reliability. In addition, to confirm its applicability, multiple regression analysis and path analysis were used to evaluate the possibility of HBM as predictors for oral health behaviors and oral hygiene status.

Results

The initial analysis extracted six factors that jointly accounted for 62.47% of the variance observed. Based on CFA, the final version of the questionnaire consisted of 35 items and the data of the final version fitted the model well. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the subscale (> 0.7), item-total correlations (0.47–0.91) and the intraclass coefficient (0.82–0.91) were all above acceptable thresholds. The results of multiple regression analysis and path analysis confirmed its ability to predict oral health behaviors and status.

Conclusions

The present findings indicate satisfactory validity, reliability and applicability of the proposed Oral Health Behavior Questionnaire for Adolescents based on the Health Belief Model (OHBQAHBM) for measuring oral health beliefs of adolescents. This questionnaire can be used as an instrument to measure oral health beliefs and predict oral health behavior and oral hygiene status of adolescents.
Homozygous truncating NEK10 mutation, associated with primary ciliary dyskinesia: a case report
Authors: Al Mutairi Fuad , Alkhalaf Randa , Alkhorayyef Abdullah , Alroqi Fayhan , Yusra Alyafee , Umair Muhammad , Nouf Fetaini , Khan Amjad , Meshael Alharbi , Hamad Aleidi , Monira Alaujan , Asiri Abdulaziz , Alhamoudi Kheloud M. , Alfadhel Majid
Published: May 2020

Background

Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) is also known as immotile-cilia syndrome, an autosomal recessive disorder of ciliary function, leading to mucus retention in the respiratory system in childhood. Our knowledge in the pathophysiological aspect of this devastating disorder is increasing with the advancement of genetic and molecular testing.

Case presentation

Here in, we report two siblings with a classical clinical and radiological presentation of PCD. Using whole exome sequencing we identified a homozygous truncating variant (c.3402 T > A); p.(Tyr1134*) in the NEK10 gene. Western bolt analysis revealed a decrease in the expression of NEK10 protein in the patient cells.

Conclusions

NEK10 plays a central role in the post-mitotic process of cilia assembly, regulating ciliary length and functions during physiological and pathological status. This study highlights the challenges of identifying disease-causing variants for a highly heterogeneous disorder and reports on the identification of a novel variant in NEK10 which recently associated with PCD.
Protection of L1 nerve roots by pre-relieve tension in parallel endplate osteotomy for severe rigid thoracolumbar spine deformity
Authors: Liao Hang , Miao Houguang , Xie Peng , Wang Yueyue , Li Ningdao , Zheng Guizhou , Li Xuedong , Du Shixin
Published: May 2020

Background

This is a retrospective study of the use of parallel endplate osteotomy (PEO) for correction of severe rigid thoracolumbar spine deformity.

Methods

From July 2016 to January 2019, 12 patients with severe rigid thoracolumbar spine deformity underwent PEO on T12 or L1 vertebrae were studied.

Results

Following PEO at T12 or L1, the mean kyphosis and scoliosis correction rates reached 77.0 ± 8.9% and 75.5 ± 8.0%, respectively and the intraoperative estimated blood loss was 1950 ± 1050 mL, and the mean operative time was 6.98 ± 4.02 h. The SF-36 scores of physical function, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social function, role-emotional and mental health changed from 63 ± 28, 50 ± 25, 50 ± 30, 34 ± 19, 53 ± 28, 45 ± 30, 30 ± 36 and 54 ± 18 at baseline to 83 ± 18, 69 ± 19, 72 ± 12, 66 ± 21, 75 ± 15, 72 ± 22, 66 ± 34 and 76 ± 12 at 1 year postoperatively, 83 ± 8, 68 ± 32, 83 ± 17, 73 ± 17, 82 ± 18, 76 ± 26, 70 ± 37 and 88 ± 12 at 18 months postoperatively, 86 ± 6, 83 ± 33, 90 ± 16, 81 ± 16, 89 ± 14, 88 ± 25, 83 ± 17 and 94 ± 10 at 24 months postoperatively, respectively (P < 0.01). Three patients had symptoms of L1 nerve root injury, as reflected by lower limb weakness and inner thigh numbness on knee extension and hip flexion, which was further confirmed by electromyography.

Conclusions

PEO is easier to operate, and the spinal cord and nerve root are under direct vision and can effectively and safely correct severe rigid thoracolumbar spine deformity with satisfactory clinical results. However, it is important to identify, separate and protect L1 nerve roots during surgery in cases where patients have symptoms of back pain, muscle weakness and leg numbness on the convex side after surgery.
Spatial heterogeneity and socioeconomic determinants of opioid prescribing in England between 2015 and 2018
Authors: Schifanella Rossano , Vedove Dario Delle , Salomone Alberto , Bajardi Paolo , Paolotti Daniela
Published: May 2020

Background

Opioid overdoses have had a serious impact on the public health systems and socioeconomic welfare of several countries. Within this broader context, we focus our study on primary care opioid prescribing in England from 2015 to 2018, particularly the patterns of spatial variations at the community level and the socioeconomic and environmental factors that drive consumption.

Methods

Leveraging open data sources, we combine prescription records with aggregated data on patient provenance and build highly granular maps of Oral Morphine Equivalent (OME) prescribing rates for Lower Layer Super Output Areas (LSOA). We quantify the strength of spatial associations by means of the Empirical Bayes Index (EBI) that accounts for geographical variations in population density. We explore the interplay between socioeconomic and environmental determinants and prescribing rates by implementing a multivariate logistic regression model across different temporal snapshots and spatial scales.

Results

We observe, across time and geographical resolutions, a significant spatial association with the presence of localized hot and cold spots that group neighboring areas with homogeneous prescribing rates (e.g., EBI = 0.727 at LSOA level for 2018). Accounting for spatial dependency effects, we find that LSOA with both higheremployment deprivation(OR = 62.6, CI 52.8–74.3) and a higher percentage of ethnicallywhite(OR = 30.1, CI 25.4–35.7) inhabitants correspond to higher prescribing rates. Looking at educational attainment, we find LSOA with the prevalent degree of education beingapprenticeship(OR = 2.33, CI 1.96–2.76) a risk factor and those withlevel 4+(OR = 0.41, CI 0.35–0.48) a protective factor. Focusing on environmental determinants,housing(OR = 0.18, CI 0.15–0.21) andoutdoor environment deprivation(OR = 0.62, CI 0.53–0.72) indices capture the bi-modal behavior observed in the literature concerning rural/urban areas. The results are consistent across time and spatial aggregations.

Conclusions

Failing to account for local variations in opioid prescribing rates smooths out spatial dependency effects that result in underestimating/overestimating the impact on public health policies at the community level. Our study suggests a novel approach to inform more targeted interventions toward the most vulnerable population strata.
Plasma CRP level is positively associated with the severity of COVID-19
Authors: Chen Wei , Zheng Kenneth I. , Liu Saiduo , Yan Zhihan , Xu Chongyong , Qiao Zengpei
Published: May 2020

Aims

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized as highly contagious and deadly; however there is no credible and convenient biomarker to predict the severity of the disease. The aim of the present study was to estimate whether the CRP level is able to act as a marker in indicating the severity of COVID-19.

Methods

Patients who complained cough or chest pain with or without fever were enrolled after laboratory confirmed of SARS-CoV-2 viral nucleic acid via qRT-PCR. Chest computed tomography (CT) was then performed to classify the patients into mild, moderate and severe pneumonia groups according to the interim management guideline. Then linear regression models were applied to analyze the association between c-reactive protein (CRP) levels and severity of COVID-19 pneumonia.

Results

When compared to mild pneumonia, the adjusted-Odds Ratio were 11.46, p = 0.029 and 23.40, p = 0.025 in moderate and severe pneumonia, respectively. The area under receiver operation curve was 0.898 (95% CI 0.835, 0.962, p < 0.001). Higher plasma CRP level indicated severe COVID-19 pneumonia and longer inpatients duration.

Conclusions

The level of plasma CRP was positively correlated to the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia. Our findings could assist to discern patients of moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia from the mild ones. Our findings may be useful as an earlier indicator for severe illness and help physicians to stratify patients for intense care unit transfer.
Graphene oxide nanofilm and the addition of l-glutamine can promote development of embryonic muscle cells
Authors: Zielińska-Górska Marlena , Hotowy Anna , Wierzbicki Mateusz , Bałaban Jaśmina , Sosnowska Malwina , Jaworski Sławomir , Strojny Barbara , Chwalibog André , Sawosz Ewa
Published: May 2020

Background

Formation of muscular pseudo-tissue depends on muscle precursor cells, the extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking structure and factors stimulating cell differentiation. These three things cooperate and can create a tissue-like structure, however, their interrelationships are relatively unknown. The objective was to study the interaction between surface properties, culture medium composition and heterogeneous cell culture. We would like to demonstrate that changing the surface properties by coating with graphene oxide nanofilm (nGO) can affect cell behaviour and especially their need for the key amino acid l-glutamine (L-Glu).

Results

Chicken embryo muscle cells and their precursors, cultured in vitro, were used as the experimental model. The mesenchymal stem cell, collected from the hind limb of the chicken embryo at day 8 were divided into 4 groups; the control group and groups treated with nGO, L-Glu and nGO supplied with L-Glu (nGOxL-Glu). The roughness of the surface of the plastic plate covered with nGO was much lower than a standard plate. The test of nGO biocompatibility demonstrated that the cells were willing to settle on the nGO without any toxic effects. Moreover, nGO by increasing hydrophilicity and reducing roughness and presumably through chemical bonds available on the GO surface stimulated the colonisation of primary stromal cells that promote embryonic satellite cells. The viability significantly increased in cells cultured on nGOxL-Glu. Observations of cell morphology showed that the most mature state of myogenesis was characteristic for the group nGOxL-Glu. This result was confirmed by increasing the expression of MYF5 genes at mRNA and protein levels. nGO also increased the expression of MYF5 and also very strongly the expression of PAX7 at mRNA and protein levels. However, when analysing the expression of PAX7, a positive link was observed between the nGO surface and the addition of L-Glu.

Conclusions

The use of nGO and L-Glu supplement may improve myogenesis and also the myogenic potential of myocytes and their precursors by promoting the formation of satellite cells. Studies have, for the first time, demonstrated positive cooperation between surface properties nGO and L-Glu supplementation to the culture medium regarding the myogenic potential of cells involved in muscle formation.
Exploring why global health needs are unmet by research efforts: the potential influences of geography, industry and publication incentives
Authors: Yegros-Yegros Alfredo , van de Klippe Wouter , Abad-Garcia Maria Francisca , Rafols Ismael
Published: May 2020

Background

It has been well established that research is not addressing health needs in a balanced way — much more research is conducted on diseases with more burden in high-income countries than on those with more burden in lower-income countries. In this study, we explore whether these imbalances persist and inquire about the possible influence of three factors, namely geography, industry and publication incentives.

Methods

We use WHO data on the Global Burden of Disease as a proxy measure of health needs and bibliometric information as a proxy for research efforts. Scientific publications on diseases were collected from MEDLINE using MeSH terms to identify relevant publications. We used Web of Science to collect author affiliations and citation data. We developed a correspondence table between WHO ICD-10 and MeSH descriptors to compare global health needs and research efforts. This correspondence table is available as supplementary material.

Results

Research output is heavily concentrated in high-income countries and is mainly focused on their health needs, resulting in a relative lack of attention to diseases in lower income countries. A new finding is that diseases with a similar burden in high- and middle-income countries are also under-researched, both globally and in relation to disease burden in high- and middle-income countries. Global industrial R&D is found to be very similar to the focus of public research. Diseases more prevalent in high-income countries generate ten-fold more research attention than those in low-income countries. We find no discernible preference towards diseases of high-income countries versus those of low-income countries in the top 25% most prestigious journals. However, in middle-income countries, citation rates are substantially lower for diseases most prevalent in low- and middle-income countries.

Conclusions

From a global perspective, the imbalance between research needs and research efforts persists as most of the research effort concentrates on diseases affecting high-income countries. Both pharmaceutical companies and the public sector also tend to focus on diseases with more burden in high-income countries. Our findings indicate that researchers in middle-income countries receive more citations when researching diseases more prevalent in high-income countries, and this may divert the attention of researchers in these countries from diseases more prevalent in their contexts.
Comparison of skin biopsy sample processing and storage methods on high dimensional immune gene expression using the Nanostring nCounter system
Authors: Vider Jelena , Croaker Andrew , Cox Amanda J. , Raymond Emma , Rogers Rebecca , Adamson Stuart , Doyle Michael , O’Brien Blake , Cripps Allan W. , West Nicholas P.
Published: May 2020

Background

Digital multiplex gene expression profiling is overcoming the limitations of many tissue-processing and RNA extraction techniques for the reproducible and quantitative molecular classification of disease. We assessed the effect of different skin biopsy collection/storage conditions on mRNA quality and quantity and the NanoString nCounter™ System’s ability to reproducibly quantify the expression of 730 immune genes from skin biopsies.

Methods

Healthy human skin punch biopsies (n = 6) obtained from skin sections from four patients undergoing routine abdominoplasty were subject to one of several collection/storage protocols, including: i) snap freezing in liquid nitrogen and transportation on dry ice; ii) RNAlater (ThermoFisher) for 24 h at room temperature then stored at − 80 °C; iii) formalin fixation with further processing for FFPE blocks; iv) DNA/RNA shield (Zymo) stored and shipped at room temperature; v) placed in TRIzol then stored at − 80 °C; vi) saline without RNAse for 24 h at room temperature then stored at − 80 °C. RNA yield and integrity was assessed following extraction via NanoDrop, QuantiFluor with RNA specific dye and a Bioanalyser (LabChip24, PerkinElmer). Immune gene expression was analysed using the NanoString Pancancer Immune Profiling Panel containing 730 genes.

Results

Except for saline, all protocols yielded total RNA in quantities/qualities that could be analysed by NanoString nCounter technology, although the quality of the extracted RNA varied widely. Mean RNA integrity was highest from samples that were placed in RNALater (RQS 8.2 ± 1.15), with integrity lowest from the saline stored sample (RQS < 2). There was a high degree of reproducibility in the expression of immune genes between all samples with the exception of saline, with the number of detected genes at counts < 100, between 100 and 1000 and > 10,000 similar across extraction protocols.

Conclusions

A variety of processing methods can be used for digital immune gene expression profiling in mRNA extracted from skin that are comparable to snap frozen skin specimens, providing skin cancer clinicians greater opportunity to supply skin specimens to tissue banks. NanoString nCounter technology can determine gene expression in skin biopsy specimens with a high degree of sensitivity despite lower RNA yields and processing methods that may generate poorer quality RNA. The increased sensitivity of digital gene expression profiling continues to expand molecular pathology profiling of disease.
Clinical and functional significance of tumor/stromal ATR expression in breast cancer patients
Authors: Al-Ansari Mysoon M. , Al-Saif Maher , Arafah Maria , Eldali Abdelmonneim M. , Tulbah Asma , Al-Tweigeri Taher , Semlali Abdelhabib , Khabar Khalid S. , Aboussekhra Abdelilah
Published: May 2020

Background

Most breast cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are active and important cancer-promoting cells, with significant impact on patient prognosis. Therefore, we investigated here the role of the protein kinase ATR in breast stromal fibroblasts in the prognosis of locally advanced breast cancer patients.

Methods

We have used immunohistochemistry to assess the level of ATR in breast cancer tissues and their adjacent normal tissues. Immunoblotting as well as quantitative RT-PCR were utilized to show the role of breast cancer cells and IL-6 as well as AUF-1 in downregulating ATR in breast stromal fibroblasts. Engineered human breast tissue model was also used to show that ATR-deficient breast stromal fibroblasts enhance the growth of breast cancer cells.

Results

We have shown that the protein kinase ATR is downregulated in cancer cells and their neighboring CAFs in breast cancer tissues as compared to their respective adjacent normal tissues. The implication of cancer cells in ATR knockdown in CAFs has been proven in vitro by showing that breast cancer cells downregulate ATR in breast fibroblasts in an IL-6/STAT3-dependent manner and via AUF-1. In another cohort of 103 tumors from locally advanced breast cancer patients, we have shown that absence or reduced ATR expression in tumoral cells and their adjacent stromal fibroblasts is correlated with poor overall survival as well as disease-free survival. Furthermore, ATR expression in CAFs was inversely correlated with tumor recurrence and progression.

Conclusion

ATR downregulation in breast CAFs is frequent, procarcinogenic, and correlated with poor patient survival.