bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knockout of LASP1 in CXCR4 expressing CML cells promotes cell persistence, proliferation and TKI resistance
Authors: Herrmann Andreas B. , Müller Martha‐Lena , Orth Martin F. , Müller Jörg P. , Zernecke Alma , Hochhaus Andreas , Ernst Thomas , Butt Elke , Frietsch Jochen J.
Published: January 2020

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a clonal myeloproliferative stem cell disorder characterized by the constitutively active BCR‐ABL tyrosine kinase. The LIM and SH3 domain protein 1 (LASP1) has recently been identified as a novel BCR‐ABL substrate and is associated with proliferation, migration, tumorigenesis and chemoresistance in several cancers. Furthermore, LASP1 was shown to bind to the chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), thought to be involved in mechanisms of relapse. In order to identify potential LASP1‐mediated pathways and related factors that may help to further eradicate minimal residual disease (MRD), the effect of LASP1 on processes involved in progression and maintenance of CML was investigated. The present data indicate that not only overexpression of CXCR4, but also knockout of LASP1 contributes to proliferation, reduced apoptosis and migration as well as increased adhesive potential of K562 CML cells. Furthermore, LASP1 depletion in K562 CML cells leads to decreased cytokine release and reduced NK cell‐mediated cytotoxicity towards CML cells. Taken together, these results indicate that in CML, reduced levels of LASP1 alone and in combination with high CXCR4 expression may contribute to TKI resistance.
Combined analysis of whole‐exon sequencing and lncRNA sequencing in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with obesity
Authors: An Tian , Zhang Jing , Liu Yu‐Fei , Wu Yan‐Xiang , Lian Juan , Wang Ting‐Ye , Hu Yuan‐yuan , Zhu Jia‐jian , Huang Jiangpinghao , Zhao Dan‐Dan , Mo Fang‐Fang , Gao Si‐Hua , Jiang Guang‐Jian
Published: January 2020

This study sought to find more exon mutation sites and lncRNA candidates associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with obesity (O‐T2DM). We used O‐T2DM patients and healthy individuals to detect mutations in their peripheral blood by whole‐exon sequencing. And changes in lncRNA expression caused by mutation sites were studied at the RNA level. Then, we performed GO analysis and KEGG pathway analysis. We found a total of 277 377 mutation sites between O‐T2DM and healthy individuals. Then, we performed a DNA‐RNA joint analysis. Based on the screening of harmful sites, 30 mutant genes shared in O‐T2DM patients were screened. At the RNA level, mutations of 106 differentially expressed genes were displayed. Finally, a consensus mutation site and differential expression consensus gene screening were performed. In the current study, the results revealed significant differences in exon sites in peripheral blood between O‐T2DM and healthy individuals, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of O‐T2DM by affecting the expression of the corresponding lncRNA. This study provides clues to the molecular mechanisms of metabolic disorders in O‐T2DM patients at the DNA and RNA levels, as well as biomarkers of the risk of these disorders.
Bromodomain and extraterminal domain inhibitor enhances the antitumor effect of imatinib in gastrointestinal stromal tumours
Authors: Mu Jianfeng , Sun Pengfei , Ma Zhiming , Sun Pengda
Published: January 2020

In gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), the function of bromodomain‐containing 4 (BRD4) remains underexplored. BRD4 mRNA abundance was quantified in GISTs. In the current study, we investigated the role of BRD4 in GISTs. Our results show a significant enhancement in BRD4 mRNA and a shift from very low‐risk/low‐risk to high‐risk levels as per NCCN specifications. Overexpression of BRD4 correlated with unfavourable genotype, nongastric location, enhanced risk and decreased disease‐free survival, which were predicted independently. Knockout of BRD4 in vitro suppressed KIT expression, which led to inactivation of the KIT/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, impeded migration and cell growth and made the resistant GIST cells sensitive to imatinib. The expression of KIT was repressed by a BRD4 inhibitor JQ1, which also induced myristoylated‐AKT‐suppressible caspases 3 and 9 activities, induced LC3‐II, exhibited dose‐dependent therapeutic synergy with imatinib and attenuated the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. In comparison with their single therapy, the combination of JQ1/imatinib more efficiently suppressed the growth of xenografts and exhibited a reduction in KIT phosphorylation, a decrease in Ki‐67 and in the levels of phosphorylated PI3K/AKT/mTOR and enhanced TUNEL staining. Thus, we characterized the biological, prognostic and therapeutic implications of overexpressed BRD4 in GIST and observed that JQ1 suppresses KIT transactivation and nullifies the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR, providing a potential strategy for treating imatinib‐resistant GIST through dual blockade of KIT and BRD4.
Comprehensive analysis of mRNA‐level and miRNA‐level subpathway activities for identifying robust ovarian cancer prognostic signatures
Authors: Tian Songyu , Mi Wanqi , Zhang Mingyue , Xing Linan , Zhang Chunlong
Published: January 2020

Ovarian cancer (OvCa) causes the highest mortality among all gynaecologic cancers. A large number of mRNA‐ or miRNA‐based signatures were identified for OvCa patient prognosis. However, the comprehensive analysis of function‐level prognostic signatures is currently not considered in OvCa. In the present study, we respectively inferred subpathway activities from mRNA and miRNA levels based on high‐throughput expression profiles and reconstructed subpathways. Firstly, the activities of two tumour pathways were calculated and the difference between normal and tumour samples were analysed using multiple tumour types. Then, we calculated subpathway activities for OvCa based on the expression profiles from both mRNA and miRNA levels. Furthermore, based on these subpathway activity matrices, we performed bootstrap analysis to obtain sub‐training sets and utilized univariate method to identify robust OvCa prognostic subpathways. A comprehensive comparison of subpathway results between these two levels was performed. As a result, we observed subpathway mutual exclusion trend between the levels of mRNA and miRNA, which indicated the necessary of combining mRNA‐miRNA levels. Finally, by using ICGC data as testing sets, we utilized two strategies to verify survival predictive power of the mRNA‐miRNA combined subpathway signatures and performed comparisons with results from individual levels. It was confirmed that our framework displayed application to identify robust and efficient prognostic signatures for OvCa, and the combined signatures indeed exhibited advantages over individual ones. In the study, we took a step forward in relevant novel integrated functional signatures for OvCa prognosis.
The adult outcome of children referred for autism: typology and prediction from childhood
Authors: Pickles Andrew , McCauley James B. , Pepa Lauren A. , Huerta Marisela , Lord Catherine
Published: January 2020

Background

Autism Spectrum Disorder is highly heterogeneous, no more so than in the complex world of adult life. Being able to summarize that complexity and have some notion of the confidence with which we could predict outcome from childhood would be helpful for clinical practice and planning.

Methods

Latent class profile analysis is applied to data from 123 participants from the Early Diagnosis Study (Lord et al., Archives of General Psychiatry, 2006, 63, 694) to summarize in a typology the multifacetted early adult outcome of children referred for autism around age 2. The form of the classes and their predictability from childhood is described.

Results

Defined over 15 measures, the adult outcomes were reduced to four latent classes, accounting for much of the variation in cognitive and functional measures but little in the affective measures. The classes could be well and progressively more accurately predicted from childhood IQ and symptom severity measurement taken at age 2 years to age 9 years. Removing verbal and nonverbal IQ and autism symptom severity measurement from the profile of adult measures did not change the number of the latent classes; however, there was some change in the class composition and they were more difficult to predict.

Conclusions

While an empirical summary of adult outcome is possible, careful consideration needs to be given to the aspects that should be given priority. An outcome typology that gives weight to cognitive outcomes is well predicted from corresponding measures taken in childhood, even after account for prediction bias from fitting a complex model to a small sample. However, subjective well‐being and affective aspects of adult outcome were weakly related to functional outcomes and poorly predicted from childhood.
Mechanisms linking parental educational attainment with child ADHD, depression, and academic problems: a study of extended families in The Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study
Authors: Torvik Fartein Ask , Eilertsen Espen Moen , McAdams Tom A. , Gustavson Kristin , Zachrisson Henrik Daae , Brandlistuen Ragnhild , Gjerde Line C. , Havdahl Alexandra , Stoltenberg Camilla , Ask Helga , Ystrom Eivind
Published: January 2020

Background

Low educational attainment in parents is associated with child psychopathology. It is not clear whether the associations are due to risk factors that family members share or due to effects of maternal or paternal education on the offspring. We investigate whether associations between maternal and paternal educational attainment and child symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, and academic problems are due to shared genetic factors, shared family environmental factors, or effects of the parental phenotype educational attainment itself.

Methods

This study is based on the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). The sample comprised 34,958 children (17,128 girls) in 28,372 extended‐family units. We used data from related nuclear families linked by siblings in the parent generation. We applied a quasi‐experimental extended children‐of‐twins design that included siblings in both generations and took account of nonrandom mating by including partners. Educational attainment was self‐reported by mothers and fathers. Mothers reported children's symptoms of ADHD, symptoms of depression, and academic problems by questionnaire when the children were 8 years old.

Results

Children of lowly educated parents scored higher on all outcomes and had an approximate doubling of the risk of high symptom levels. The association between maternal and paternal educational attainment and child symptoms of ADHD and academic problems persisted after controlling for shared genetic and family environmental factors. Phenotypic transmission to depression was weaker and in the best fitting model fully explained by genetic factors shared by the two generations.

Conclusions

Associations between educational attainment of mothers and fathers and child symptoms of ADHD and academic problems could not be ascribed to shared familial risk factors, whereas associations with symptoms of depression could. Parental education or resources and behaviors resulting from low education might be targets of interventions aimed at reducing symptoms of ADHD and academic problems.
Dysglycemia risk score in Saudi Arabia: A tool to identify people at high future risk of developing type 2 diabetes
Authors: Bahijri Suhad , Al‐Raddadi Rajaa , Ajabnoor Ghada , Jambi Hanan , Al Ahmadi Jawaher , Borai Anwar , Barengo Noël C , Tuomilehto Jaakko
Published: January 2020

Aims/Introduction

To develop a non‐invasive risk score to identify Saudis having prediabetes or undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Adult Saudis without diabetes were recruited randomly using a stratified two‐stage cluster sampling method. Demographic, dietary, lifestyle variables, personal and family medical history were collected using a questionnaire. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were taken. Body mass index was calculated. The 1‐h oral glucose tolerance test was carried out. Glycated hemoglobin, fasting and 1‐h plasma glucose were measured, and obtained values were used to define prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (dysglycemia). Logistic regression models were used for assessing the association between various factors and dysglycemia, and Hosmer–Lemeshow summary statistics were used to assess the goodness‐of‐fit.

Results

A total of 791 men and 612 women were included, of whom 69 were found to have diabetes, and 259 had prediabetes. The prevalence of dysglycemia was 23%, increasing with age, reaching 71% in adults aged ≥65 years. In univariate analysis age, body mass index, waist circumference, use of antihypertensive medication, history of hyperglycemia, low physical activity, short sleep and family history of diabetes were statistically significant. The final model for the Saudi Diabetes Risk Score constituted sex, age, waist circumference, history of hyperglycemia and family history of diabetes, with the score ranging from 0 to 15. Its fit based on assessment using the receiver operating characteristic curve was good, with an area under the curve of 0.76 (95% confidence interval 0.73–0.79). The proposed cut‐point for dysglycemia is 5 or 6, with sensitivity and specificity being approximately 0.7.

Conclusion

The Saudi Diabetes Risk Score is a simple tool that can effectively distinguish Saudis at high risk of dysglycemia.
Unplanned Hospital Care Use in Older Adults: The Role of Psychological and Social Well‐Being
Authors: Straatmann Viviane S. , Dekhtyar Serhiy , Meinow Bettina , Fratiglioni Laura , Calderón‐Larrañaga Amaia
Published: January 2020

OBJECTIVES

To explore the association of psychological and social well‐being with unplanned hospital utilization in an older Swedish population.

DESIGN

Data for this study were gathered from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC‐K). Information on hospital care use was extracted from the Stockholm County Council Inpatient Register for up to 4 years after the baseline SNAC‐K assessment (2001‐2007). Participants with dementia or living in institutions were excluded from the study sample.

SETTING

Community‐based study of randomly selected adults, aged 60 years or older, living in the Kungsholmen district of Stockholm.

PARTICIPANTS

A complete case analysis was performed on 2139 individuals.

MEASUREMENTS

We created standardized indexes of psychological well‐being (integrating life satisfaction and positive and negative affect) and social well‐being (integrating social connections, support, and participation). Negative binomial models were used to estimate the association of psychosocial well‐being with unplanned admissions, hospital days, and 30‐day readmissions, considering potential sociodemographic, lifestyle, personality, and clinical confounders.

RESULTS

Individuals with psychological well‐being scores above the median had lower rates of unplanned hospital admissions (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.55‐0.82) and hospital days (IRR = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.49‐0.92) compared to those with scores below the median. High levels of social well‐being were also protective for unplanned admissions and hospital days, but the statistical significance was lost in the fully adjusted models. Relative to individuals with low well‐being on both indexes, the rate of unplanned admissions and hospital days was lowest in those with both high psychological and social well‐being (IRR = 0.72; 95% CI = 0.55‐0.93; and IRR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.39‐0.85, respectively). For 30‐day readmissions, a statistically significant negative association was found with psychological well‐being, but only when operationalized as a continuous variable.

CONCLUSION

Given their association with unplanned admissions and hospital days, targeting aspects of psychosocial well‐being could be a viable strategy for reducing healthcare use and, eventually, costs. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:272–280, 2020
Development of nutritious rice with high zinc/selenium and low cadmium in grains through QTL pyramiding
Authors: Liu Chaolei , Ding Shilin , Zhang Anpeng , Hong Kai , Jiang Hongzhen , Yang Shenglong , Ruan Banpu , Zhang Bin , Dong Guojun , Guo Longbiao , Zeng Dali , Qian Qian , Gao Zhenyu
Published: January 2020

Enriching zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) levels, while reducing cadmium (Cd) concentration in rice grains is of great benefit for human diet and health. Large natural variations in grain Zn, Se, and Cd concentrations in different rice accessions enable Zn/Se‐biofortification and Cd‐minimization through molecular breeding. Here, we report the development of new elite varieties by pyramiding major quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that significantly contribute to high Zn/Se and low Cd accumulation in grains. A chromosome segment substitution line CSSLGCC7 with the PA64s‐derived GCC7 allele in the 93‐11 background, exhibited steadily higher Mn and lower Cd concentrations in grains than those of 93‐11. This elite chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL) was used as the core breeding material to cross with CSSLs harboring other major QTLs for essential mineral elements, especially CSSLGZC6 for grain Zn concentration and CSSLGSC5 for grain Se concentration. The CSSLGCC7+GZC6 and CSSLGCC7+GSC5 exhibited lower Cd concentration with higher Zn and Se concentrations in grains, respectively. Our study thus provides elite materials for rice breeding targeting high Zn/Se and low Cd concentrations in grains.
Preparation and evaluation of anti‐wrinkle cream containing saffron extract and avocado oil
Authors: Naeimifar Atefeh , Ahmad Nasrollahi Saman , Samadi Aniseh , Talari Roya , Sajad Ale‐nabi Seyed , Massoud Hossini Amir , Firooz Alireza
Published: January 2020

Background

Recently, many compounds or extracts from natural sources are used for reducing facial aging and wrinkles.

Objective

This study investigates the preparation and evaluation of the safety and efficacy of saffron extract and avocado oil used for anti‐wrinkle topical cream.

Methods and Materials

Oil in water cream was prepared containing avocado oil and the saffron extract. Accelerated stability tests were carried out due to 6 months accordingly through the International Council for Harmonization (ICH) guideline. For clinical studies, topical cream was applied by twenty healthy volunteers daily, for 12 weeks. Improvement in wrinkle grading by a Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GIAS), depth and volume of the nasolabial fold, thickness, and density of dermis, and determination of the skin biophysical parameters were evaluated at the baseline, 6th and 12th week.

Result

During the period of storage, the formulation showed no variation in physicochemical properties. The clinical evaluation showed at least one‐grade improvement in GIAS in 30% and 45% of participants, after 6 and 12 weeks, respectively. Subjects were “moderately satisfied” with the treatment. In addition, the area and volume of nasolabial folds were significantly reduced. Moreover, net elasticity (R5) and gross elasticity (R2) showed a significant increase after 12 weeks of treatment. There was no report of allergic reactions, and no changes in skin hydration occurred during the treatment.

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that saffron extract and avocado oil anti‐wrinkle topical cream is an efficient and safe treatment for facial skin rejuvenation.
The antiphospholipid syndrome – often overlooked cause of vascular occlusions?
Authors: Svenungsson E. , Antovic A.
Published: January 2020

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) was fully recognized as a clinical entity in the early 1980s. Still, more than 30 years later, the epidemiology of APS is not well described, and furthermore, APS remains a challenge in terms of both diagnostic issues and clinical praxis involving a wide range of specialties. To date, there are no diagnostic criteria for APS. The present classification criteria rely on a combination of clinical manifestations and persistently positive tests for antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Clinical symptoms comprise vascular thrombosis, which can affect any vascular bed, including venous, microvascular and arterial vessels, and a set of pregnancy morbidities including early and late miscarriages, foetal death and preeclampsia. APS is more frequent among patients with other autoimmune diseases, and it is especially common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Importantly, APS symptoms can present in almost any medical specialty, but general knowledge and most previous clinical studies have essentially been confined to haematology, rheumatology and obstetrics/gynaecology. However, recent data demonstrate a relatively high prevalence of aPL also in patients from the general population who suffer from vascular occlusions or pregnancy complications. It is important that these patients are recognized by the general health care since APS is a treatable condition. This review aims to summarize the present knowledge on the history, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and treatment of APS in order to urge a wide range of clinicians to consider comprehensive assessment of all patients where the diagnosis APS may be conceivable.
Jurisdiction in Trans Health
Authors: Dietz Chris
Published: January 2020

This article utilizes a novel framework to analyse the contested boundaries between law and medicine. Bringing theoretical and empirical insights together, it expands recent socio‐legal scholarship on jurisdiction. Jurisdictional analysis is conducted in an under‐researched area of health law – namely, the accessibility of trans‐related health care. The article draws upon the first qualitative research project to assess the impact of self‐declaration of legal gender status in Denmark. This was adopted in 2014, at the same time as access to hormones and surgeries was centralized and restricted. The combined impact of these reforms disappointed the trans people interviewed, which demonstrates the importance of identifying how legal and medical norms interrelate. Jurisdictional analysis helps to illuminate how law was used to develop and protect professional competencies. Such insights will be valuable for researchers interested in the potential of self‐declaration, and for scholars of health law and socio‐legal studies more generally.
Protecting Adults With Caregiving Responsibilities From Workplace Discrimination: Analysis of National Legislation
Authors: Bose Bijetri , Quiñones Feliz , Moreno Gonzalo , Raub Amy , Huh Kate , Heymann Jody
Published: January 2020

Objective

This study is the first to analyze the global extent of national legislation to prevent workplace discrimination against adults with caregiving responsibilities.

Background

Studies indicate the existence of substantial discrimination based on pregnancy and family status. Research has also demonstrated that laws against workplace discrimination can reduce disparities in hiring, job retention, and pay. However, little is known about the extent to which countries legally prohibit discrimination against caregivers.

Method

This article describes a novel database of national laws against workplace discrimination on the basis of marital status, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and family status in 193 United Nations member states. The study examines protections against discrimination in hiring, promotion and/or demotion, access to employer‐provided vocational training, compensation, and termination as well as protections against indirect discrimination, testing whether any specific work dimension or aspect of caregiving has received particular attention in legislation.

Results

A large majority of countries worldwide protect against sex‐based workplace discrimination in all five work dimensions under study, but only about one third protect against discrimination on the basis of pregnancy status, family responsibilities, and marital status, and a negligible proportion protect against discrimination on the basis of breastfeeding status. Protections also vary across dimensions of work.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that only a minority of countries guarantee caregivers some level of legislative protection from workplace discrimination, which disproportionately leads to job or pay loss for women with caretaking responsibilities. More and better‐targeted laws and policies to combat the discrimination that women with family responsibilities face at work are needed worldwide.
Why people choose to participate in psychotherapy for depression: A qualitative study
Authors: Wells Hayley , Crowe Marie , Inder Maree
Published: January 2020

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

Medication does not always resolve a serious mood episode, and there is evidence that it needs to be combined with an evidence‐based psychotherapy to promote symptomatic and functional recovery.

There is little known about what people with serious mood disorders want from mental health services to manage their mood.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

Participants in this study wanted a framework other than the medical model for understanding and managing their mood.

Their motivation to commence psychotherapy was based on a sense of having hit rock bottom and a need for understanding what was happening in order to better manage their mood.

Introduction

There is little known about the motivations for people to participate in psychotherapy for depression.

Aim

To explore why people, with a diagnosis of major depressive episode, chose to take part in a psychotherapy study and what they expected it to involve.

Method

This was a qualitative study of participants’ motivations and understandings of psychotherapy for depression. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Eight females and eight males with an age range from 21 years to 55 years were recruited. Three themes were identified that described why participants chose to participate in psychotherapy: medication was not enough, a turning point and making sense of experience. The participants chose to participate in psychotherapy after finding that medication was insufficient and this combined with a sense of crisis motivated them to engage in psychotherapy in order to learn to manage their mood differently.

Discussion

The participants recognized that they wanted a framework other than a medical model with its reliance on medication, in order to make sense of their experiences and develop new self‐management strategies.

Implications for Practice

Our study suggests that some people experiencing a serious mood disorder access psychotherapy after “hitting rock bottom” and finding insufficient help from medications. Mental health nurses need to be aware people do not always want a medical model approach to treatment of serious mood disorders and they need to provide the opportunity of engaging in a psychotherapeutic framework in order to better understand and manage their mood.
Common barriers, but temporal dissonance: Genomic tests suggest ecological and paleo‐landscape sieves structure a coastal riverine fish community
Authors: Thomaz Andréa T. , Knowles L. Lacey
Published: January 2020

Assessments of spatial and temporal congruency across taxa from genetic data provide insights into the extent to which similar processes structure communities. However, for coastal regions that are affected continuously by cyclical sea‐level changes over the Pleistocene, congruent interspecific response will not only depend upon codistributions, but also on similar dispersal histories among taxa. Here, we use SNPs to test for concordant genetic structure among four codistributed taxa of freshwater fishes (Teleostei: Characidae) along the Brazilian Atlantic coastal drainages. Based on population relationships and hierarchical genetic structure analyses, we identify all taxa share the same geographic structure suggesting the fish utilized common passages in the past to move between river basins. In contrast to this strong spatial concordance, model‐based estimates of divergence times indicate that despite common routes for dispersal, these passages were traversed by each of the taxa at different times resulting in varying degrees of genetic differentiation across barriers with most divergences dating to the Upper Pleistocene, even when accounting for divergence with gene flow. Interestingly, when this temporal dissonance is viewed through the lens of the species‐specific ecologies, it suggests that an ecological sieve influenced whether species dispersed readily, with an ecological generalist showing the highest propensity for historical dispersal among the isolated rivers of the Brazilian coast (i.e., the most recent divergence times and frequent gene flow estimated for barriers). We discuss how our findings, and in particular what the temporal dissonance, despite common geographic passages, suggest about past dispersal structuring coastal communities as a function of ecological and paleo‐landscape sieves.
Effects of vitamin D on health outcomes and sporting performance: Implications for elite and recreational athletes
Authors: Wilson‐Barnes S. L. , Hunt J. E. A. , Lanham‐New S. A. , Manders R. J. F.
Published: January 2020

The primary source of vitamin D is through synthesis in the skin, following exposure to sunlight containing ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. Supply through skin exposure can be supplemented by the diet, but there are relatively few dietary sources, especially those which provide a large amount of vitamin D per serving. Research into the effects of vitamin D status in different population groups has become an increasingly popular topic. The current interest surrounding vitamin D research in sport remains focused on the potential ergogenic effects of vitamin D on physical performance. However, the relationship between vitamin D (dietary intake and status) and musculoskeletal health in university athlete cohorts residing at higher latitudes (>40°N) remains underinvestigated. Within this review, the possible physiological roles that vitamin D may play within sport performance for recreational and professional athletes, as well as military recruits, will be discussed. The focus will be on muscular strength, cardiovascular health and the incidence of illness, including upper respiratory tract infections. Specifically, the effect that vitamin D deficiency {defined as a plasma/serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration of <25 nmol/l} may have on musculoskeletal health, including the incidence of stress fractures, is discussed. The review also seeks to highlight avenues for future research within vitamin D and sport, in particular for populations residing at higher latitudes (>40°N) where wintertime vitamin D deficiency is prevalent. It is hoped that this review will help to raise the awareness of the importance of existing advice in the UK for the avoidance of vitamin D deficiency and international vitamin D guidelines (such as in the US) on the achievement of vitamin D sufficiency [serum 25(OH)D >50 nmol/l] for optimum health and performance in athletes, both professional and recreational.
Factors affecting home‐based disaster preparedness among school‐aged children's parents: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Jung Eunyoung , Kim Go‐Un , Choi Eun Kyoung
Published: January 2020

This study aimed to identify the factors affecting home‐based disaster preparedness among Korean parents of school‐aged children, based on an ecological model. A descriptive study was conducted involving 233 parents with school‐aged children, using an online survey questionnaire. Parents' home‐based disaster preparedness scores were classified into four groups: not prepared (36.5%), minimally prepared (38.2%), better prepared (17.6%), and most prepared (7.7%). Home‐based disaster preparedness predictors corresponded to occupation and disaster‐related knowledge in Model I, parents who had received disaster education in Model II, and age and participation in disaster education for parents and children together in Model III. The findings indicate that home‐based disaster preparedness in Korea is inadequate. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and provide disaster‐related education programs that consider each population group's needs and disaster preparedness level. Additionally, it is important to form networks for sharing the latest disaster‐related information both inside and outside the family to maintain and manage disaster preparedness at home.
Ventilator hyperinflation determined by peak airway pressure delivered: A randomized crossover trial
Authors: Jacob Wendy , Dennis Diane , Jacques Angela , Marsh Lisa , Woods Paul , Hebden‐Todd Tracy
Published: January 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to see if a more sophisticated ventilator hyperinflation protocol might result in more sputum clearance compared to manual hyperinflation.

Background

Hyperinflation has been used to mobilize lung secretions in mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit setting for almost 50 years. In the past decade, rather than using a bag external to the ventilator circuit to deliver hyperinflation (known as “bagging” or “manual hyperinflation”), a new technique has evolved using existing ventilator circuitry (known as “ventilator hyperinflation”). One conservative ventilator hyperinflation protocol has demonstrated equivalence with manual hyperinflation in sputum clearance.

Design

A randomized crossover study.

Method

Patients received manual hyperinflation and ventilator hyperinflation in two randomly ordered treatments on the same day by the same physiotherapist, using a ventilator hyperinflation protocol involving titration of hyperinflation according to airway pressure.

Results

Between 2013 and 2018, 48 patients were enrolled in the study. Physiotherapy treatment using ventilator hyperinflation yielded significantly more wet weight sputum (median 2.84 g, IQR 1.81, 4.22) than treatment using manual hyperinflation (median 1.5 g, IQR 0.73, 2.31, P < .001), without significant differences in secondary measures.

Conclusions

A more sophisticated approach to the titration of the volume delivered using ventilator hyperinflation relative to the airway pressure resulted in greater wet weight sputum cleared during physiotherapy treatment.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The results presented in this paper demonstrate that the application of ventilator hyperinflation using peak airway pressure rather than tidal volume may be superior in facilitating sputum clearance and improved oxygenation without patient harm.
Exosomes from EV71‐infected oral epithelial cells can transfer miR‐30a to promote EV71 infection
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhang Shuting , Song Weijian , Zhang Weixin , Li Jiasu , Li Chengxi , Qiu Yingying , Fang Yuanchun , Jiang Qian , Li Xia , Yan Bin
Published: January 2020

Objective

As an extracellular vesicle, exosomes can release from virus‐infected cells containing various viral or host cellular elements and could stimulate recipient's cellular response. Enterovirus 71 (EV71), a single‐strand positive‐sense RNA virus, is known to cause hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in children and bring about severe clinical diseases.

Methods

Separated the human oral epithelial cells (OE cells) from normal buccal mucosa through enzyme digestion. Performed a comprehensive miRNA profiling in exosomes from EV71‐infected OE cells through deep small RNA‐seq. Using the Human Antiviral Response RT Profiler PCR Array profiles to explore the interactions of innate immune signaling networks with exosomal miR‐30a. Knocked out the MyD88 gene in macrophages using CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated genome editing method.

Results

Our study demonstrated that the miR‐30a was preferentially enriched in exosomes that released from EV71‐infected human oral epithelial cells through small RNA‐seq. We found that the transfer of exosomal miR‐30a to macrophages could suppress type Ⅰ interferon response through targeting myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and subsequently facilitate the viral replication.

Conclusions

Exosomes released from EV71‐infected OE cells selectively packaged high level of miR‐30a that can be functionally transferred to the recipient macrophages resulted in targeting MyD88 and subsequently inhibited type I interferon production in receipt cells, thus promoting the EV71 replication.
Treatment of superficial vascular anomalies with topical sirolimus: A multicenter case series
Authors: Dodds Melissa , Tollefson Megha , Castelo‐Soccio Leslie , Garzon Maria C. , Hogeling Marcia , Hook Kristen , Boull Christina , Maguiness Sheilagh
Published: January 2020

Background

Systemic sirolimus (rapamycin) has recently been found effective in treating complex vascular anomalies by reducing the size and associated complications. Many vascular anomalies have a cutaneous component, and thus, we sought to determine whether topical administration of sirolimus may be an effective therapy, as data on the use of topical sirolimus are limited.

Objective

We reviewed the efficacy and tolerability of topical formulations of sirolimus in the treatment of various simple and combined vascular malformations and tumors.

Methods

Eighteen patients with any vascular anomaly treated exclusively with topical sirolimus were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Eleven patients had combined venous lymphatic malformations, three had tufted angiomas, two had a lymphatic malformation, one had a venous malformation, and one had a verrucous venous malformation. All (100%) patients reported some degree of improvement and 50% of patients reported marked improvement in one or more symptoms, most commonly blebs and lymphatic drainage, and bleeding.

Limitations

The retrospective nature, small number of patients, and differences in topical preparations limit the broad application of the results.

Conclusion

Topical sirolimus appears to be a safe and useful non‐invasive therapy that is well‐tolerated in the treatment of the cutaneous portion of a variety of vascular anomalies.
Laboratory changes during adrenocorticotropic hormone therapy associated with renal calcified lesions
Authors: Miyahara Hiroyuki , Akiyama Tomoyuki , Hasegawa Kosei , Akiyama Mari , Oka Makio , Kobayashi Katsuhiro , Tsukahara Hirokazu
Published: January 2020

Background

Renal calcified lesions are known as one of the complications during adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) therapy for intractable epilepsy. However, laboratory changes during the therapy or laboratory features of high‐risk cases with renal calcified lesions are yet to be clarified.

Methods

In this study, 43 patients with West syndrome aged ≤2 years were included. We retrospectively reviewed age and body mass index at the beginning of ACTH therapy, as well as the amount of fluid intake, daily urinary volume, and laboratory data during therapy. In addition, we studied the urinary sediment of the cases with renal calcified lesions diagnosed by computed tomography.

Results

After initiating ACTH treatment, urinary calcium (Ca)/creatinine ratio and urinary pH increased within 2 weeks. Urinary crystals and renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) in urinary sediment were frequently found in most cases. Urinary Ca levels, proteinuria or frequency of urinary crystals, and number of RTECs in the urinary sediment were significantly higher in patients with epithelial casts (ECs) or hematuria than in patients without these findings. Among the seven patients who underwent abdominal CT, ECs or hematuria were found only in those with renal calcified lesions. These findings suggested that patients with ECs or hematuria were more likely to have calcified lesions.

Conclusions

The risk of renal calcified lesions increased after 2 weeks of ACTH treatment. Abnormal findings in urinary sediments might be an early sign of renal calcification during ACTH therapy.
Factors associated with professional confidence in Japanese public health nurses: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Ogawa Tomoko , Nakatani Hisae
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To clarify factors associated with professional confidence in Japanese public health nurses (PHNs) and to examine the relationship between professional confidence and professional competency.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Sample

Public health nurses (N = 1,512) working in local government agencies.

Measurements

An anonymous, self‐administered questionnaire with questions on demographic characteristics (sex, age, experience as a PHN, educational background, affiliation, and position) and 34 items on professional confidence developed by the researchers based on a literature review was administered. Factors associated with the professional confidence were extracted through an exploratory factor analysis, and construct validity of the confidence was verified through a confirmatory factor analysis.

Results

In total, 883 responses (response rate, 58.4%) were received; only 467 (30.9%) of them were valid. On the basis of the exploratory factor analysis results, professional confidence included 17 items, with the following four factors: “technical practice,” “effortful learning,” “exploring the evidence,” and “educators in workplace.” The goodness‐of‐fit model in the confirmatory factor analysis proved the construct validity of professional confidence.

Conclusions

Professional confidence was gained by self‐improvement that reflects on public health practice. Professional confidence underpinned the generalist level of professional competency among PHNs.
Evaluation of frailty and its impact on geriatric assessment
Authors: Maştaleru Alexandra , Ilie Adina Carmen , Stefaniu Ramona , Leon‐Constantin Maria‐Magdalena , Sandu Ioana Alexandra , Pislaru Anca Iuliana , Abdulan Irina Mihaela , Alexa Ioana Dana
Published: January 2020

Aim

Frailty has become an increasingly important topic, being directly correlated with ageing, presence of comorbidities, and also with other factors. It is a state of high vulnerability and is a consequence of ageing‐related decline in whole body functioning. In order to initiate preventive and therapeutic measures, we need to identify the characteristics of current frail older adults. To identify the characteristics of frailty depending on age, area of residence and to assess the relationship between frailty and disability, cognitive impairment, malnutrition, depression and comorbidities.

Methods

Included in the study were 663 consecutively admitted patients over the age of 65. Frailty was evaluated using the Fried criteria and a comprehensive geriatric assessment. The mean age of the subjects enrolled in this study was 76.58 ± 6.5 years, most of the patients residing in rural areas (62.4%).

Results

A diagnosis of frailty was made in 73% of the study patients. The presence of frailty was found to be negatively correlated, statistically significant with cognitive function assessed by Mini‐Mental State Examination (P = 0.039, r = −0.094) and malnutrition assessed by Mini Nutritional Assessment (P = 0.001, r = −0.151). Also, the presence of frailty was positively correlated, statistically significant with depression evaluated by Geriatric Depression Scale (P = 0.046, r = 0.093).

Conclusions

Frailty is a common condition in the surveyed elderly population. It is associated with the presence of other geriatric syndromes such as malnutrition, cognitive impairment, depression, and is influenced by age.
Genome‐wide identification of runs of homozygosity islands in the Gyr breed (Bos indicus)
Authors: Toro Ospina Alejandra Maria , da Silva Faria Ricardo António , Vercesi Filho Anibal Eugenio , Cyrillo Joslaine Noely dos Santos Goncalves , Zerlotti Mercadante Maria Eugenia , Curi Rogerio Abdallah , II de Vasconcelos Silva Josineudson Augusto
Published: January 2020

Runs of homozygosity (ROH) are contiguous homozygous regions of the genome. These regions can be used to identify genes associated with traits of economic interest, as well as inbreeding levels. The aim of the present study was to analyse the length and distribution of ROH islands in Gyr cattle and to identify genes within these regions. A population of 173 animals selected for beef production and a population of 291 animals selected for dairy production were used. Differences in the number of short ROH (ROH1‐2 Mb) were observed between the two populations, while the number of long ROH (ROH>16 Mb) was similar. ROH islands with the highest incidences (>0.50) overlapped in several segments of the genome in the two populations. The genes identified were associated with milk production, growth, reproduction, immune response and resistance traits. Our results contribute to the understanding of how selection can shape the distribution of ROH and ROH islands within the same breed when animals are selected for different purposes such as dairy or beef production.
Policies to promote timely referral for kidney transplantation
Authors: Patzer Rachel E. , Pastan Stephen O.
Published: January 2020

There are numerous patient, provider, and health system barriers to accessing kidney transplantation. Patient barriers such as sociocultural and clinical characteristics and provider factors such as provider knowledge and awareness of transplantation play important roles in facilitating transplant. Health system factors like misaligned incentives and quality metrics for dialysis facilities and transplant centers also influence transplant access. While numerous studies have documented the impact of these barriers on wait‐listing and transplant, few studies have examined referral from a dialysis facility to a transplant center and start of the transplant evaluation process. While the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) require that dialysis facilities educate patients about transplant, there are no guidelines for the content and objectives for this education. In addition, policies to require timely referral for transplantation have been considered by CMS but are difficult to implement without national data on referral. Federal policies should be amended to mandate transplant center submission of referral data—while decreasing the unfunded mandate to collect other unusable data currently collected as part of regulatory monitoring of transplant centers—to promote timely access to transplant, increased transplant rates, and to better understand the multilevel barriers and facilitators to transplant referral.
Beyond the Modernisation Paradigm: Elements of a Food Sovereignty Discourse in Farmer Protest Movements and Alternative Food Networks in Poland
Authors: Bilewicz Aleksandra Maria
Published: January 2020

The aim of this article is to explore the possible emergence of a food sovereignty movement in Poland through the analysis of two farmers protest movements organised in 2012–2019 (Protest Rolników and Agrounia) as well as Polish alternative food networks. The analysed protest movements reacted to the socio‐economic crisis in the countryside which entails a continuous decline of smallholder farming, a process that has started during the 1989 Polish transformation and has intensified following the introduction of the Common Agricultural Policy in the country. It is argued that – due to the prevalence of the modernisation paradigm in the Polish public sphere – the alliance of farmer movements with urban consumer groups would foster legitimacy of the food sovereignty discourse and bring about creation of a strong social movement that could influence public opinion and state policy. However, while the analysed groups of farmers and urban consumers share some goals, their discourses on food and agricultural issues differ, immersed in different worldviews and visions of the countryside. A successful translation of the food sovereignty discourse into the Polish context requires a careful navigation between religious and conservative values, important for family farmers, and the more universal ‘cosmopolitan’ ideas promoted by urban consumers.