bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis on Brain Image Characteristics of Patients with Parkinson's Disease Under Multimodal Magnetic Resonance Technology
Authors: Liu Jiahui , Zhang Xiangjun , Bai Tana , Liu Yiming
Published: October 2020

In order to improve the early diagnosis rate of Parkinson's disease (PD), reduce the complications of PD in the later stage, and make the clinical intervention to alleviate the pain of Parkinson's patients early, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET),
and computerized tomography (CT) were used to evaluate the characteristics of PD. A total of 34 patients diagnosed with PD admitted to Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from January 2017 to December 2018 were included in the research. According to the severity of the disease, the patients
were divided into the initial group (IG) (22 cases) and the latter group (LG) (12 cases). MRI, PET, and CT were used to scan the patient's brain to obtain different scan images. The obtained image was processed to improve the image resolution. Brain MRI and CT images were registered. The processed
MRI and PET images were segmented to obtain the corresponding caudate nucleus (CN) segmented images. The complete CN volume of patients was obtained from the pixel points and compared with the calculated value of Pen G's Multifunctional Operative Dissector (PMOD). The accuracy of the established
multimodal magnetic resonance (MMR) technique in the diagnosis of PD was determined by manual cutting (MC). The rate of CN lesion was calculated according to the formula to determine the correlation between PD and CN lesion. The results showed that MRI, PET and CT could successfully obtain
brain images of patients. After processing, the sharpness of the picture increased, which was easy to observe and provided guarantee for follow-up experiments. Brain MRI and CT image registration can register brain images in different modes to the same space. MRI image can segment the complete
CN, while PET image can segment the intact CN. Compared with MC, the probability of CN calculated by the formula had a small error, which could be ignored. The error value was less than the calculated value of PMOD. The rate of CN lesion in the IG was greatly lower than that in the LG (P
< 0.05), which showed that the MRI, PET and CT combined multimodal MRI can be used to diagnose PD with a high rate of quasi-discontinuity, which provides a new technique for clinical diagnosis.
The Secrets of the Best Rainbows on Earth
Authors: Businger Steven
Published: October 2020

This paper makes a case for why Hawaii is the rainbow capital of the world. It begins by briefly touching on the cultural and historical significance of rainbows in Hawaii. Next it provides an overview of the science behind the rainbow phenomenon, which provides context for exploring the meteorology that helps explain the prevalence of Hawaiian rainbows. Last, the paper discusses the art and science of chasing rainbows.
Wind Spatial Structure Triggers ENSO’s Oceanic Warm Water Volume Changes
Authors: Neske S. , McGregor S. , Zeller M. , Dommenget D.
Published: October 2020

This study demonstrates that the generalization that strong anomalous equatorial Pacific westerly (easterly) winds during El Niño (La Niña) events display strong adjusted warm water volume (WWV) discharges (recharges) is often incorrect. Using ocean model simulations, we categorize the oceanic adjusted responses to strong anomalous equatorial winds into two categories: (i) transitioning (consistent with the above generalization) and (ii) neutral adjusted responses (with negligible WWV recharge and discharge). During the 1980–2016 period only 47% of strong anomalous equatorial winds are followed by transitioning adjusted responses, while the remaining are followed by neutral adjusted responses. Moreover, 55% (only 30%) of the strongest winds lead to transitioning adjusted responses during the pre-2000 (post-2000) period in agreement with the previously reported post-2000 decline of WWV lead time to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events. The prominent neutral adjusted WWV response is shown to be largely excited by anomalous wind stress forcing with a weaker curl (on average consistent with a higher ratio of off-equatorial to equatorial wind events) and weaker Rossby wave projection than the transitioning adjusted response. We also identify a prominent ENSO phase asymmetry where strong anomalous equatorial westerly winds (i.e., El Niño events) are roughly 1.6 times more likely to strongly discharge WWV than strong anomalous equatorial easterly winds (i.e., La Niña events) are to strongly recharge WWV. This ENSO phase asymmetry may be added to the list of mechanisms proposed to explain why El Niño events have a stronger tendency to be followed by La Niña events than vice versa.
Assessing Goodness of Fit to a Gamma Distribution and Estimating Future Projection on Daily Precipitation Frequency Using Regional Climate Model Simulations over Japan with and without the Influence of Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Murata Akihiko , Watanabe Shun-ichi I. , Sasaki Hidetaka , Kawase Hiroaki , Nosaka Masaya
Published: October 2020

Goodness of fit in daily precipitation frequency to a gamma distribution was examined, focusing on adverse effects originating from the shortage of sampled tropical cyclones, using precipitation data with and without the influence of tropical cyclones. The data used in this study were obtained through rain gauge observations and regional climate model simulations under the RCP8.5 scenario and the present climate. An empirical cumulative distribution function (CDF), calculated from a sample of precipitation data for each location, was compared with a theoretical CDF derived from two parameters of a gamma distribution. Using these two CDFs, the root-mean-square error (RMSE) was calculated as an indicator of the goodness of fit. The RMSE exhibited a decreasing tendency when the influence of tropical cyclones was removed. This means that the empirical CDF derived from sampled precipitation more closely resembled the theoretical CDF when compared with the relationship between empirical and theoretical CDFs, including precipitation data associated with tropical cyclones. Future changes in the two parameters of the gamma distribution, without the influence of tropical cyclones, depend on regions in Japan, indicating a regional dependence on changes in the shape and scale of the CDF. The magnitude of increases in no-rain days was also dependent on regions of Japan, although the number of no-rain days increased overall. This simplified approach is useful for analyzing climate change from a broad perspective.
Error Analysis and Improved Design of Target Board Reflection for Visibility Measurement by the Image Method
Authors: Wang Min , Zhou Shudao , Liu Zhanhua , Zhang Yangchun
Published: October 2020

The reflection of colors and surfaces of common targets lead to errors in the measurement of visibility by the image method. This study aims to investigate the problem of inaccurate visibility detection. Through analysis of the error of visibility measurement caused by the reflection of the blackboard surface of an artificial target, the design method of improving the structure of the target board is proposed, so as to improve the accuracy of atmospheric visibility measurement by the image method. The experimental results show that the new target board designed by this method can greatly improve the measurement accuracy of the intrinsic apparent brightness ratio, which can increase 18.4% in the fairing environment and closer to −1 in the side light environment. Therefore, when the side light is selected for the image method visibility measurement, more accurate visibility results can be obtained.
An Examination of the Impact of Grid Spacing on WRF Simulations of Wintertime Precipitation in the Mid-Atlantic United States
Authors: Lynn Barry H. , Cohen Seth , Druyan Leonard , Phillips Adam S. , Shea Dennis , Krugliak Haim-Zvi , Khain Alexander P.
Published: October 2020

A large set of deterministic and ensemble forecasts was produced to identify the optimal spacing for forecasting U.S. East Coast snowstorms. WRF forecasts were produced on cloud-allowing (~1-km grid spacing) and convection-allowing (3–4 km) grids, and compared against forecasts with parameterized convection (>~10 km). Performance diagrams were used to evaluate 19 deterministic forecasts from the winter of 2013–14. Ensemble forecasts of five disruptive snowstorms spanning the years 2015–18 were evaluated using various methods to evaluate probabilistic forecasts. While deterministic forecasts using cloud-allowing grids were not better than convection-allowing forecasts, both had lower bias and higher success ratios than forecasts with parameterized convection. All forecasts were underdispersive. Nevertheless, forecasts on the higher-resolution grids were more reliable than those with parameterized convection. Forecasts on the cloud-allowing grid were best able to discriminate areas that received heavy snow and those that did not, while the forecasts with parameterized convection were least able to do so. It is recommended to use convection-resolving and (if computationally possible) to use cloud-allowing forecast grids when predicting East Coast winter storms.
Pregnancy, Estrogen Exposure, and the Development of Otosclerosis: A Case‐Control Study of 1196 Women
Authors: Macielak Robert J. , Marinelli John P. , Totten Douglas J. , Lohse Christine M. , Grossardt Brandon R. , Carlson Matthew L.
Published: October 2020

Objective

This study sought to determine whether a history of pregnancy or bilateral oophorectomy is associated with subsequent otosclerosis development or disease severity.

Study Design

Population‐based case‐control study.

Setting

Olmsted County, Minnesota.

Methods

Women diagnosed with otosclerosis were matched to 3 women without otosclerosis based on age and historical depth of medical records. Associations of prior delivery and bilateral oophorectomy with subsequent development of otosclerosis and with pure‐tone average (PTA) at the time of otosclerosis diagnosis were evaluated.

Results

We studied 1196 women: 299 cases of otosclerosis and 897 matched controls. The odds ratio for the association of ≥1 delivery with otosclerosis was 1.16 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85‐1.60; P =. 35). Odds ratios for the associations of 1, 2, 3, or ≥4 deliveries with otosclerosis were 1.22 (0.83‐1.80), 1.09 (0.71‐1.68), 1.28 (0.77‐2.12), and 1.00 (0.54‐1.84), respectively. The odds ratio for the association of prior bilateral oophorectomy with otosclerosis was 1.12 (0.58‐2.18; P =. 73). In cases with otosclerosis, PTA at diagnosis was not significantly higher for women with ≥1 delivery as compared with those without (median 45 dB hearing loss [HL] [interquartile range {IQR} 36‐55] vs 43 [IQR 34‐53]; P = 0.18) but was significantly higher for women with bilateral oophorectomy compared with those without (median 54 dB HL [IQR 44‐61] vs 44 [IQR 34‐53]; P =. 03).

Conclusion

These data do not support a relationship between endogenous estrogen exposure and development of otosclerosis. Women with otosclerosis who had a history of pregnancy did not have significantly worse hearing at the time of diagnosis, suggesting that pregnancy is not associated with disease severity.
Book review: Hilde Van den Bulck, Manuel Puppis, Karen Donders, Leo Van Audenhove (eds). The Palgrave Handbook of Methods for Media Policy Research
Authors: Raghunath Preeti
Published: October 2020

Hilde Van den Bulck, Manuel Puppis, Karen Donders, Leo Van Audenhove (eds). The Palgrave Handbook of Methods for Media Policy Research. Basingstoke, UK: Palgrave Macmillan, 2019, 681 pp, €187,19 (hardback).
Self-compassion as a mediator of the association between autistic traits and depressive/anxious symptomatology
Authors: Galvin John , Howes Abby , McCarthy Bethany , Richards Gareth
Published: October 2020

Self-compassion refers to the extension of kindness to oneself when faced with inadequacies, shortcomings or failures. This study examined the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between autistic traits and depressive/anxious symptomatology in the general population. Participants included 164 university students (69 males and 95 females) ranging in age from 18 to 51 years (mean = 23.16, standard deviation = 7.81). Participants completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient, the Self-Compassion Scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. A series of multiple mediation analyses was conducted using the bootstrapping method, and it was found that Total Self-Compassion and the two subscales of Compassionate Self-Responding and Uncompassionate Self-Responding partially mediated the relationship between autistic traits and anxious/depressive symptoms. The indirect effect of self-compassion accounted for 41.9% of the variance in the relationship between autistic traits and depressive symptoms and 50% of the variance in the relationship between autistic traits and anxiety symptoms. It was also further found that the correlation between autistic traits and self-compassion was significantly stronger in males than females. Although preliminary, the current findings suggest that self-compassion could potentially serve as a target for clinical intervention in individuals with elevated autistic traits who experience anxiety and/or depression.

Lay Abstract

In this study, we asked 164 undergraduate students to complete an online questionnaire. The questionnaire measured the students’ levels of autistic traits, self-compassion, and experience of anxiety and depression. We were interested in knowing if self-compassion (defined as the extension of kindness to oneself when faced with challenges) had any influence on the relationship between autistic traits and experiences of anxiety and depression. The results of the study indicated that self-compassion may be an important factor influencing the relationship between autistic traits and mental health, with higher levels of self-compassion being related to more positive mental health outcomes. Although the findings should be considered preliminary in nature, they do suggest that self-compassion could potentially be a target for clinical intervention in people with elevated autistic traits and experience anxiety and/or depression.
‘Resilient when it comes to death’: Exploring the significance of bereavement for the well – being of social work students
Authors: Turner Denise , Price Marie
Published: October 2020

This article describes a pilot qualitative research study, exploring the impact of bereavement experiences, on pre-qualifying social work students in two UK Universities with diverse demographics. The research study took place in the context of general concern about the mental health of UK University students and suggests that social work students may be at particular risk of developing emotional wellbeing issues linked to bereavement. Interviews followed a free association narrative technique, with analysis of the data highlighting four main themes. Firstly, bereavement is associated with practical problems which may trigger wellbeing issues. Secondly, there is an increased need for specific bereavement training and support to be embedded within social work programmes, alongside skills and knowledge of cultural diversity and the part this plays in the bereavement process. Lastly, the study demonstrated that bereavement experiences are not isolated but linked to other losses and therefore students may need effective support to process these before they can effectively support others. The study appears to be distinctive in its focus on the impacts of bereavement on social work students and has significant implications for the ways in which students are supported by social work education programmes, as well as paving the way for further research in this area.
Outcome of patients with IDH1/2-mutated post–myeloproliferative neoplasm AML in the era of IDH inhibitors
Authors: Chifotides Helen T. , Masarova Lucia , Alfayez Mansour , Daver Naval , Alvarado Yesid , Jabbour Elias , Konopleva Marina , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Patel Keyur P. , DiNardo Courtney D. , Verstovsek Srdan
Published: October 2020

Key Points

IDH1/2-inhibitor–based combinations conferred significant clinical responses in patients with IDH1/2-mutated post–MPN AML. Complete remission was achieved in 3/7 patients (1 attaining MRD–) with new IDH1/2-mutated post–MPN AML treated with IDH1/2-i combinations.
Development and validation of an environmental heat strain risk assessment (EHSRA) index using structural equation modeling based on empirical relations
Authors: Yazdanirad Saeid , Golbabaei Farideh , Foroushani Abbas Rahimi , Monazzam Mohammad Reza , Dehghan Habibollah
Published: October 2020

Background

Need to a simple, available, accurate, comprehensive, and valid indicator is felt to assess thermal effects. Therefore, the present study was aimed to develop and validate the environmental heat strain risk assessment (EHSRA) index using structural equation modeling (SEM) based on empirical relations.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed on 201 male workers in environments with various climatic conditions. The heart rate and tympanic temperature of the individuals were monitored at times of 30, 60, and 90 min after beginning the work. At these times, values of dry temperature, wet temperature, globe temperature, and air velocity were also measured and metabolism rate and clothing thermal insulation value were estimated. At the end, a theoretical model was depicted in AMOS software and obtained coefficients were applied to develop a novel index. The scores of this indicator were categorized into four risk levels via ROC curves and validate using linear regression analysis.

Results

Indirect effect coefficients of the globe temperature, dry temperature, wet temperature, air velocity, metabolism, and clothing thermal insulation variables on the tympanic temperature were computed by 0.77, 0.75, 0.69, 0.24, 0.49, and 0.39, respectively. These coefficients were applied to develop the index. Optimal cut-off points of boundaries between risk levels included 12.02, 15.88, and 17.56. The results showed that the EHSRA index justified 75% of the variations of the tympanic temperature (R2= 0.75).

Conclusions

The novel index possesses appropriate validity. It was suggested that this indicator is applied and validated in various environments in the next studies.
The relationship between having a regular general practitioner (GP) and the experience of healthcare barriers: a cross-sectional study among young people in NSW, Australia, with oversampling from marginalised groups
Authors: Kang Melissa , Robards Fiona , Luscombe Georgina , Sanci Lena , Usherwood Tim
Published: October 2020

Background

Young people (12–24 years) visit general practice but may not have a ‘regular’ general practitioner (GP). Whether continuity of GP care influences experiences with, and barriers to, health care among young people is unknown. This paper explores the association between having a regular GP and experience of healthcare barriers and attitudes to health system navigation among young people in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Methods

This study was a cross-sectional survey administered either online or face-to-face in community settings. Young people living in NSW were recruited, with oversampling of those from five socio-culturally marginalised groups (those who were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, homeless, of refugee background, in rural or remote locations, sexuality and/or gender diverse). In this analysis of a larger dataset, we examined associations between having a regular GP, demographic and health status variables, barriers to health care and attitudes to health system navigation, using chi-square tests and odds ratios. Content and thematic analyses were applied to free-text responses to explore young people’s views about having a regular GP.

Results

One thousand four hundred and sixteen young people completed the survey between 2016 and 2017. Of these, 81.1% had seen a GP in the previous 6 months and 57.8% had a regular GP. Cost was the most frequently cited barrier (45.8%) to accessing health care generally. Those with a regular GP were less likely to cite cost and other structural barriers, feeling judged, and not knowing which service to go to. Having a regular GP was associated with having more positive attitudes to health system navigation. Free-text responses provided qualitative insights, including the importance of building a relationship with one GP.

Conclusions

General practice is the appropriate setting for preventive health care and care coordination. Having a regular GP is associated with fewer barriers and more positive attitudes to health system navigation and may provide better engagement with and coordination of care. Strategies are needed to increase the proportion of young people who have a regular GP.
Unusual disseminated Talaromyces marneffei infection mimicking lymphoma in a non-immunosuppressed patient in East China: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Chen Donghe , Chang Chengdong , Chen Ming , Zhang Yafei , Zhao Xin , Zhang Tingting , Wang Zhen , Yan Jing , Zhu Huanyan , Zheng Lin , Zhao Kui
Published: October 2020

Background

Talaromyces marneffei infection is an important opportunistic infection associated with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, it is unusual in patients with non-AIDS and other non-immunosuppressed conditions. We report a case of delayed diagnosis of disseminated T. marneffei infection in non-AIDS, non-immunosuppressive and non-endemic conditions.

Case presentation

We describe a previously healthy 24-year-old man who complained of a 3-month history of intermittent diarrhea and a recent week of uncontrollable high fever. The HIV antibody test was negative. Enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) and integrated 18F-2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D-glucose position emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) both suspected malignant lymphoma. However, a large number of yeast-like cells were found in macrophages in cervical lymph node samples by hematoxylin and eosin stain and silver hexamine stain. Subsequent blood culture suggested T. marneffei infection. Metagenomic Next Generation Sequencing (mNGS) results suggested T. marneffei as the dominant pathogen. Unfortunately, the patient continued to develop acute liver failure and died due to adverse events associated with amphotericin B.

Conclusions

Early diagnosis in HIV-negative patients who are otherwise not immunosuppressed and endemic poses a serious challenge. T. marneffei infection is an FDG-avid nonmalignant condition that may lead to false-positive FDG PET/CT scans. Nevertheless, integrated FDG PET/CT is necessary in patients with fever of unknown origin in the early period to perform earlier biopsy for histopathology and culture in highly avid sites and to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
The right thalamic ventral posterolateral nucleus seems to be determinant for macrosomatognosia: a case report
Authors: ElTarhouni Amir H. , Beer Laura , Mouthon Michael , Erni Britt , Aellen Jerome , Annoni Jean-Marie , Accolla Ettore , Dieguez Sebastian , Chabwine Joelle N.
Published: October 2020

Background

Macrosomatognosiais the illusory sensation of a substantially enlarged body part. This disorder of the body schema, also called “Alice in wonderland syndrome” is still poorly understood and requires careful documentation and analysis of cases. The patient presented here is unique owing to his unusual macrosomatognosia phenomenology, but also given the unreported localization of his most significant lesion in the right thalamus that allowed consistent anatomo-clinical analysis.

Case presentation

This 45-years old man presented mainly with long-lasting and quasi-delusional macrosomatognosia associated to sensory deficits, both involving the left upper-body, in the context of a right thalamic ischemic lesion most presumably located in the ventral posterolateral nucleus. Fine-grained probabilistic and deterministic tractography revealed the most eloquent targets of the lesion projections to be the ipsilateral precuneus, superior parietal lobule,but also the right primary somatosensory cortex and, to a lesser extent, the right primary motor cortex. Under stationary neurorehabilitation, the patient slowly improved his symptoms and could be discharged back home and, later on, partially return to work.

Conclusion

We discuss deficient neural processing and integration of sensory inputs within the right ventral posterolateral nucleus lesion as possible mechanisms underlying macrosomatognosia in light of observed anatomo-clinical correlations. On the other hand, difficulty to classify this unique constellation of Alice in wonderland syndrome calls for an alternative taxonomy of cognitive and psychic aspects of illusory body-size perceptions.
Nomogram for prediction of the international study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) grade B/C Posthepatectomy liver failure in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients: an external validation and prospective application study
Authors: Ye Jia-zhou , Mai Rong-yun , Guo Wei-xing , Wang Yan-yan , Ma Liang , Xiang Bang-de , Cheng Shu-qun , Li Le-qun
Published: October 2020

Background

To develop a nomogram for predicting the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS) grade B/C posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.

Methods

Patients initially treated with hepatectomy were included. Univariate regression analysis and stochastic forest algorithm were applied to extract the core indicators and reduce redundancy bias. The nomogram was then constructed by using multivariate logistic regression, and validated in internal and external cohorts, and a prospective clinical application.

Results

There were 900, 300 and 387 participants in training, internal and external validation cohorts, with the morbidity of grade B/C PHLF were 13.5, 11.0 and 20.2%, respectively. The nomogram was generated by integrating preoperative total bilirubin, platelet count, prealbumin, aspartate aminotransferase, prothrombin time and standard future liver remnant volume, then achieved good prediction performance in training (AUC = 0.868, 95%CI = 0.836–0.900), internal validation (AUC = 0.868, 95%CI = 0.811–0.926) and external validation cohorts (AUC = 0.820, 95%CI = 0.756–0.861), with well-fitted calibration curves. Negative predictive values were significantly higher than positive predictive values in training cohort (97.6% vs. 33.0%), internal validation cohort (97.4% vs. 25.9%) and external validation cohort (94.3% vs. 41.1%), respectively. Patients who had a nomogram score < 169 or ≧169 were considered to have low or high risk of grade B/C PHLF. Prospective application of the nomogram accurately predicted grade B/C PHLF in clinical practise.

Conclusions

The nomogram has a good performance in predicting ISGLS grade B/C PHLF in HBV-related HCC patients and determining appropriate candidates for hepatectomy.
Local use of dexamethasone in the treatment of ocular myasthenia gravis
Authors: Shi Minghua , Ye Yingjia , Zhou Junping , Qin Aijiao , Cheng Jing , Ren Hongxing
Published: October 2020

Background

At present, patients with ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG) are typically treated with systemic drugs. We investigated the use of dexamethasone injected in the peribulbar region or extraocular muscle to treat patients with OMG.

Methods

Patients with OMG were given dexamethasone via peribulbar injection or direct injection into the main paralyzed extraocular muscles, once a week, for 4–6 weeks. The severity of diplopia, blepharoptosis, eye position, and eye movement were evaluated before and after treatment. The duration of follow-up time was ≥6 months.

Results

Among the 14 patients with OMG who received this treatment, mean age was 38.7 ± 29.7 years. After treatment, symptoms were relieved in 12 patients (85.7%), 1 patient (7.1%) had partial response to treatment, and 1 patient (7.1%) had no response. Two patients (14.2%) experienced symptom recurrence during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

Dexamethasone peribulbar or extraocular muscle injection is effective in the treatment of patients with OMG and may replace systemic drug therapy.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000038863, October 7, 2020.Retrospectively registered.
Influential role of lean soft tissue in the association between training volume and bone mineral density among male adolescent practitioners of impact-loading sports: ABCD Growth study
Authors: Narciso Pedro Henrique , Werneck André Oliveira , Luiz-de-Marco Rafael , Ventura Faustino-da-Silva Yuri da Silva , Maillane-Vanegas Santiago , Agostinete Ricardo Ribeiro , Fernandes Rômulo Araújo
Published: October 2020

Background

Training volume is associated with direct and indirect pathways of bone adaptations. In addition, training volume is a training variable associated with lean soft tissue (LST), which has been shown to be an important predictor of areal bone mineral density (aBMD). Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the influential role of lean soft tissue (LST) in the association between training volume and aBMD in male adolescent athletes.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was composed of 299 male adolescent athletes, mean age 14.1 (1.8) years, from 9 different weight-bearing modalities. The Ethical Board approved the investigation. The adolescents reported the number of days per week they trained and the time spent training and, from this, the training volume (h/wk) was estimated. The LST and aBMD were assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Somatic maturation was estimated by the peak of height velocity. Mediation analysis was performed to investigate the role of LST in the association between training volume and aBMD. Level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

LST partially explained the association between training volume and aBMD in all body segments: upper limbs (58.37%; β = 0.00142), lower limbs (28.35%; β = 0.00156), spine (33.80%; β = 0.00124), and whole body (41.82%, β = 0.00131). There was no direct effect of training volume on aBMD in upper limbs (CI -0.00085 to 0.00287). Conclusion: The association between training volume and aBMD is influenced by LST in different body segments, mainly upper limbs, demonstrating that interventions aiming to enhance aBMD should also consider LST as an important variable to be managed.
Predicting therapeutic response to oral ketamine for chronic suicidal ideation: a Bayesian network for clinical decision support
Authors: Beaudequin Denise , Can Adem T. , Dutton Megan , Jones Monique , Gallay Cyrana , Schwenn Paul , Yang Cian , Forsyth Grace , Simcock Gabrielle , Hermens Daniel F. , Lagopoulos Jim
Published: October 2020

Background

The glutamatergic modulator ketamine has been shown to result in rapid reductions in both suicidal ideation (SI) and depressive symptoms in clinical trials. There is a practical need for identification of pre-treatment predictors of ketamine response. Previous studies indicate links between treatment response and body mass index (BMI), depression symptoms and previous suicide attempts. Our aim was to explore the use of clinical and demographic factors to predict response to serial doses of oral ketamine for chronic suicidal ideation.

Methods

Thirty-two participants completed the Oral Ketamine Trial on Suicidality (OKTOS). Data for the current study were drawn from pre-treatment and follow-up time-points of OKTOS. Only clinical and sociodemographic variables were included in this analysis. Data were used to create a proof of concept Bayesian network (BN) model of variables predicting prolonged response to oral ketamine, as defined by the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS).

Results

The network of potential predictors of response was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. A combination of nine demographic and clinical variables predicted prolonged ketamine response, with strong contributions from BMI, Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS), Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), number of suicide attempts, employment status and age. We evaluated and optimised the proposed network to increase the area under the ROC curve (AUC). The performance evaluation demonstrated that the BN predicted prolonged ketamine response with 97% accuracy, and AUC = 0.87.

Conclusions

At present, validated tools to facilitate risk assessment are infrequently used in psychiatric practice. Pre-treatment assessment of individuals’ likelihood of response to oral ketamine for chronic suicidal ideation could be beneficial in making more informed decisions about likelihood of success for this treatment course. Clinical trials registration number ACTRN12618001412224, retrospectively registered 23/8/2018.
Correlation between MMP2 expression in lung cancer tissues and clinical parameters: a retrospective clinical analysis
Authors: Han Liping , Sheng Baowei , Zeng Qingdi , Yao Wei , Jiang Qiufang
Published: October 2020

Background

Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) has been found to be related to malignant tumors; the aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between MMP2 expression in lung cancer tissues and clinical parameters of lung cancer.

Methods

The expression of MMP2 in lung cancer tissues and in adjacent non-malignant tissues was tested by immunohistochemistry. The correlation between the expression of MMP2 and clinical parameters of lung cancer was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier curve and multiple regression analysis.

Results

The expression of MMP2 was higher in lung cancer tissues than that in adjacent non-malignant tissues (p = 0.002). Increased MMP2 was associated with low differentiation (p = 0.022), tumor size (p = 0.032), lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001), advanced stage (p = 0.002). The post-surgical survival time in patients with high MMP2 expression was shorter than that in patients with low MMP2 expression (p = 0.001). High expression of MMP2 (p = 0.006) and advanced stage (p = 0.003) were independent prognostic indicators for survival of lung cancer patients.

Conclusions

Increased MMP2 correlates with malignant biological behavior of lung cancer and it could be a potential biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of the disease.
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Dutch language version of the Pictorial Fear of Activity Scale – Cervical
Authors: Kragting Maaike , Voogt Lennard , Neijenhuijs Koen I. , Pool-Goudzwaard Annelies L. , Coppieters Michel W.
Published: October 2020

Background

The Pictorial Fear of Activity Scale-Cervical (PFActS-C) is a reliable and valid instrument to assess fear of movement in people with whiplash associated disorders. It is not available in Dutch and has not been evaluated in other neck pain populations. This study aimed to systematically translate the PFActS-C into Dutch and evaluate the psychometric properties of this Dutch Language Version (DLV) in people with non-specific neck pain.

Methods

The PFActS-C was translated according to international guidelines. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, floor and ceiling effects, face validity and construct validity (convergent and discriminant validity by hypotheses testing and structural validity by confirmatory and exploratory factor-analyses) of the PFActS-C-DLV were tested in 125 people with non-specific neck pain.

Results

The PFActS-C-DLV showed good to excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.98) and stability over time (ICC: 0.90 [95%CI: 0.82–0.93). Four out of five a priori formulated hypotheses regarding related (convergent validity) and unrelated (discriminant validity) constructs were confirmed. However, the confirmatory factor analysis could not confirm the expected 1-factor solution. Furthermore, the exploratory factor analyses revealed that also a higher factor solution would not lead to a good fit of the model.

Conclusions

The PFActS-C-DLV is a reliable region-specific instrument for people with non-specific neck pain. The construct validity was supported, based on hypotheses testing. However, factor analyses could not confirm a 1-factor solution, so the underlying construct of the PFActS-C-DLV remains unclear. Given the PFActS-C’s photographic format, we believe these findings also have relevance for the original English version.
A finite element analysis of sacroiliac joint displacements and ligament strains in response to three manipulations
Authors: Xu Zhun , Li Yikai , Zhang Shaoqun , Liao Liqing , Wu Kai , Feng Ziyu , Li Dan
Published: October 2020

Background

Clinical studies have found that manipulations have a good clinical effect on sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain without specific causes. However, the specific mechanisms underlying the effect of manipulations are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of three common manipulations on the stresses and displacements of the normal SIJ and the strains of the surrounding ligaments.

Methods

A three-dimensional finite element model of the pelvis-femur was developed. The manipulations of hip and knee flexion (MHKF), oblique pulling (MOP), and lower limb hyperextension (MLLH) were simulated. The stresses and displacements of the SIJ and the strains of the surrounding ligaments were analyzed during the three manipulations.

Results

MOP produced the highest stress on the left SIJ, at 6.6 MPa, while MHKF produced the lowest stress on the right SIJ, at 1.5 MPa. The displacements of the SIJ were all less than 1 mm during the three manipulations. The three manipulations caused different degrees of ligament strain around the SIJ, and MOP produced the greatest straining of the ligaments.

Conclusion

The three manipulations all produced small displacements of the SIJ and different degrees of ligament strains, which might be the mechanism through which they relieve SIJ pain. MOP produced the largest displacement and the greatest ligament strains.
The oral microbiome and salivary proteins influence caries in children aged 6 to 8 years
Authors: Chen Wang , Jiang Qian , Yan Guowei , Yang Deqin
Published: October 2020

Background

Oral microbiome and salivary proteins play a critical role in the occurrence and development of caries. In this study, we used metagenomic and metaproteomic analyses to explore the microbiological and proteinic biomarkers and investigate the etiology of caries in 6–8 years old children. Our study aims to offer a better comprehension of these factors and the relationship with caries, and these findings might facilitate caries risk assessment and provide a basis for future prevention strategies.

Methods

Children 6 to 8 years old living in rural isolated areas including 40 caries-active subjects and 40 caries-free subjects were recruited. Supragingival plaque and unstimulated saliva were collected for 16S rDNA pyrosequencing and isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technique coupled with quantitative nano-flow liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), respectively.

Results

We found 6 phyla and 13 genera predominant in all the samples, and differences in relative abundances can be observed. The Alpha diversity analysis demonstrated that the richness and diversity of the bacterial communities were similar between children with caries-free and caries-active groups; LEfSe detected differences in the bacterial community including Dialister, Selenomonas, Actinomyces, and Mogibacterium in the caries-active group (P < 0.05) and Capnocytophaga, Fusobacterium, Desulfuromonadales, Haemophilus, and Porphyromonas in the caries-free group(P < 0.05). The core microbiome was defined as 18 predominant genera in children with caries. The results of the salivary proteome identified 9135 unique peptides and 1662 proteins group from 20 salivary samples. Two hundred fifty-eight proteins were differentially expressed between the caries-free and caries-active groups.

Conclusions

The diversity of the microbial community has little effect on caries but some bacteria with different relative abundance between the caries-active and caries-free group could be considered as potential biomarkers for children with caries. In addition, as a critical host factor of caries, the salivary proteins are different in caries-free and caries-active groups.
Comparative study of serum zinc concentration in recurrent herpes labialis patients and healthy individuals
Authors: Ranjbar Zahra , Zahed Maryam , Ranjbar Mohammad Ali , Shirmardan Zahra
Published: October 2020

Background

Recurrent herpes labialis (RHL) is a common recurrent infective vesiculoulcerative disease. Topical and systemic administration of Zinc compounds has been indicated to have preventive and therapeutic effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the serum level of zinc in the patients with RHL and healthy individuals and also to investigate the correlation of this level with various parameters of the patient and disease course.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed on 43 patients with a history of recurrent herpers labialis and 42 subjects without any previous experience of the lesion. Blood samples were taken, and serum zinc level was measured using colorimetry (spectrophotometry) method. Chi-Square test was used to compare the qualitative relationships, and for comparing the quantitative relationships, independent T-test was used. To observe the relationship
of quantitative factors including serum zinc level, the number of relapses, and recovery rates, correlation test was taken.

Results

The results show that, serum zinc level has no significant difference between healthy subjects and the patients (p > 0.05). Also, zinc level was not related to age and sex factors and frequency of relapse (p > 0.05). However surprisingly, there was a significant relationship between zinc level and recovery period in the RHL patients. The lower the serum zinc level, the higher the duration of recovery (p = 0.009).

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that, zinc deficiency can be considered as a risk factor for increasing the duration of herpes labialis lesions. Therefore, the evaluation of serum zinc level in the subjects with RHL and subsequent administration of zinc are recommended in these kind of patients.
An economic evaluation of a mobile text messaging intervention to improve mental health care in resource-poor communities in China: a cost-effectiveness study
Authors: Dev Rubee , Li Jinghua , Zhang Donglan , Cai Yiyuan , Hao Chun , Hou Fengsu , Wang Ruixin , Lin Meijuan , Xu Dong (Roman)
Published: October 2020

Background

Severe mental disorders, a leading cause of disability has become a major public health problem. In order to promote mental health, a series of programs have been promulgated by the Chinese government. However, economic evaluations of such programs are lacking. The purpose of this study is to develop and validate an economic model to assess the cost and health outcomes of the LEAN (Lay health supporters, E-platform, Award, and iNtegration) program, and to perform an economic evaluation of LEAN versus the nationwide community-based mental health program that provides free antipsychotic medications.

Methods

A cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis of the LEAN intervention will be performed. A Markov model will be developed, validated and used to assess and compare the costs and outcomes for the LEAN intervention versus nationwide community-based mental health program. The calculated sample size is 258 participants for the analysis. A societal perspective will be applied with the time horizon of 1-year after the termination of the LEAN program. The cost-utility will be measured primarily using Quality Adjusted Life Years and the cost-effectiveness will be measured using number of relapses and number of re-hospitalizations avoided 6-month after the intervention. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analysis will be conducted for the analysis of uncertainty.

Discussion

If proven cost-effective, this study will contribute to the nationwide implementation of the program, not only for schizophrenia but for all kind of severe mental disorders. Markov model developed as part of the study will benefit potential researchers in analyzing cost-effectiveness of other programs. The Chinese context of the study may limit the generalizability of the study results to some extent.

Trial registration

This study was registered in a Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000034962) on 25 July 2020.
Adaptive, diverse and de-centralized diagnostics are key to the future of outbreak response
Authors: Matthews Quinn , da Silva Severino Jefferson Ribeiro , Norouzi Masoud , Pena Lindomar José , Pardee Keith
Published: October 2020

The global spread of SARS-CoV-2 has shaken our health care and economic systems, prompting re-evaluation of long-held views on how best to deliver care. This is especially the case for our global diagnostic strategy. While current laboratory-based centralized RT-qPCR will continue to serve as a gold standard diagnostic into the foreseeable future, the shortcomings of our dependence on this method have been laid bare. It is now clear that a robust diagnostics pandemic response strategy, like any disaster planning, must include adaptive, diverse and de-centralized solutions. Here we look at how the COVID-19 pandemic, and previous outbreaks, have set the stage for a new innovative phase in diagnostics and a re-thinking of pandemic preparedness.
TRIM25 promotes Capicua degradation independently of ERK in the absence of ATXN1L
Authors: Wong Derek , Sogerer Lisa , Lee Samantha S. , Wong Victor , Lum Amy , Levine Adrian B. , Marra Marco A. , Yip Stephen
Published: October 2020

Background

Aberrations inCapicua(CIC) have recently been implicated as a negative prognostic factor in a multitude of cancer types through the derepression of targets downstream of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade, such as oncogenic E26 transformation-specific (ETS) transcription factors. The Ataxin-family protein ATXN1L has previously been reported to interact with CIC in both developmental and disease contexts to facilitate the repression of CIC target genes and promote the post-translational stability of CIC. However, little is known about the mechanisms at the base of ATXN1L-mediated CIC post-translational stability.

Results

Functional in vitro studies utilizingATXN1LKOhuman cell lines revealed that loss of ATXN1L leads to the accumulation of polyubiquitinated CIC protein, promoting its degradation through the proteasome. Although transcriptomic signatures ofATXN1LKOcell lines indicated upregulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, ERK activity was found to contribute to CIC function but not stability. Degradation of CIC protein following loss of ATXN1L was instead observed to be mediated by the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM25 which was further validated using glioma-derived cell lines and the TCGA breast carcinoma and liver hepatocellular carcinoma cohorts.

Conclusions

The post-translational regulation of CIC through ATXN1L and TRIM25 independent of ERK activity suggests that the regulation of CIC stability and function is more intricate than previously appreciated and involves several independent pathways. As CIC status has become a prognostic factor in several cancer types, further knowledge into the mechanisms which govern CIC stability and function may prove useful for future therapeutic approaches.