bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interrater Agreement of an Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear Classification System
Authors:   BEAR-MOON, Vega José F. , Strnad Gregory J. , Briskin Isaac , Cox Charles L. , Farrow Lutul D. , Fadale Paul , Flanigan David , Hulstyn Michael , Imrey Peter B. , Kaeding Christopher C. , Owens Brett D. , Saluan Paul , Wright Rick , Yen Yi-Meng , Spindler Kurt P.
Published: December 2020

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is the most common ligament injury treated surgically by orthopaedic surgeons. The gold standard for the treatment of the majority of primary ACL tears is ACL reconstruction. However, novel methods of repair, such as bridge-enhanced ACL repair (BEAR), are currently being investigated as alternatives to reconstruction. To assess patients for midsubstance repair suitability, clarify the prognostic implications of injury location and damage, and evaluate the results of a repair technique, it is important to have a baseline classification system or grading scale that is reproducible across surgeons, particularly for multicenter collaboration. Currently, no such system or scale exists.

Purpose:

To develop an arthroscopic ACL tear classification system and to evaluate its interobserver reliability.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Eleven fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon investigators reviewed 75 video clips containing arthroscopic evaluation of a torn ACL and then completed the 6-question ACL Pathology Evaluation Form. Agreement statistics including exact agreement, Fleiss κ, Gwet agreement coefficient 1 (AC1), and Gwet AC2 were then calculated to assess interobserver reliability.

Results:

In aggregate, the multiple assessments of observer reproducibility revealed that surgeon participants in this study, when evaluating the same injury, agreed roughly 80% of the time on whether (1) at least 50% of the tibial footprint remained, (2) the remaining tibial stump was ≥10 mm, and (3) the injury was therefore reparable using the BEAR procedure. Participants also agreed roughly 60% of the time on exactly how many suturable bundles were available. These characteristics are believed to be most important, among those studied, in determining whether a torn ACL is amenable to midsubstance repair.

Conclusion:

This study is the first of its kind to demonstrate the interobserver reliability of arthroscopic classification of ACL tears. We have demonstrated that this classification system, though not ideally reproducible, is reliable enough across surgeons at multiple institutions for use in multicenter studies.

Registration:

NCT03776162 ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).
Amniotic membrane graft in a recurrent re-fusing temporal tarsorrhaphy: a case report
Authors: Giles G. Bryant , Reed Donovan S. , Soeken Timothy A. , Davies Brett W.
Published: December 2020

Amniotic membrane grafts (AMGs) are commonly used to treat a variety of ophthalmologic conditions. Complications exist with permanent tarsorrhaphies, including the risk of re-fusion following tarsorrhaphy separation. We report a novel application of amniotic graft in lieu of skin grafts to protect the exposed marginal surface during the initial re-epithelialization period following release of a permanent tarsorrhaphy. We present a 24-year-old man who sustained an 80% total body surface area burn from a motor vehicle accident 16 months prior to presentation at our Oculoplastic service for evaluation of residual lagophthalmos. His original permanent tarsorrhaphies were removed; however, re-fusion occurred temporally in both sides. During a second attempt, AMGs were secured over the eyelid margins, leading to a successful tarsorrhaphy takedown without re-fusion. Periocular burn injuries present particular challenges, as cicatricial changes continue to evolve and viable skin graft areas diminish with each successive graft. In the setting of recurrent auto-tarsorrhaphy, the AMG has shown to be a viable alternative to standard skin grafting. This case demonstrates excellent results in a skin graft sparing procedure that is effective and efficient. Amniotic membrane grafting reduces morbidity by foregoing skin graft donor sites and can achieve similar functional and cosmetic results to standard skin grafting with reduced overall surgical time. As such, AMGs have the potential to supplant standard skin grafting in cases of recurrent auto-tarsorrhaphy, particularly in the setting of diminished available healthy skin tissue.
Haldiram’s in India
Authors: Ahmed Jashim Uddin , Ahmed Asma , Talukder Niza , Sultana Ishrat , Anika Farzana Haque
Published: December 2020

The Indian snack market is a promising and booming sector with a surge in consumer consumption of an array of snacks. The market has been growing since several years, but the past 2 years have been marked by notable growth. A leading player in the snacks industry, Haldiram’s, an already prevalent name in India, has been catering for the needs of the evolving consumer demand patterns since 1937. This case starts with a description of India’s snacks market and Haldiram’s standing as a company with dominant market share. In addition to discussing the competitive landscape and challenges, the case evaluates Haldiram’s offerings using the 7Ps (product, place, price, promotion, people, physical presence and processes) of marketing mix and growth strategy options using Ansoff Matrix. As Indians are getting introduced to new global delicacies and flavors, their taste buds are changing, and a certain group of consumers are shifting towards healthy snacking options. The case sheds light on this whole new dimension and how Haldiram’s can keep pace with evolving trends in the snacking industry.
CRISPR screen identifies genes that sensitize AML cells to double-negative T-cell therapy
Authors: Soares Fraser , Chen Branson , Lee Jong Bok , Ahmed Musaddeque , Ly Dalam , Tin Enoch , Kang Hyeonjeong , Zeng Yong , Akhtar Nayeema , Minden Mark D. , He Housheng Hansen , Zhang Li
Published: December 2020

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a devastating disease in need of new therapies to improve patient survival. Targeted adoptive T-cell therapies have achieved impressive clinical outcomes in some B-cell leukemias and lymphomas but not in AML. Double-negative T cells (DNTs) effectively kill blast cells from the majority of AML patients and are now being tested in clinical trials. However, AML blasts obtained from ∼30% of patients show resistance to DNT-mediated cytotoxicity; the markers or mechanisms underlying this resistance have not been elucidated. Here, we used a targeted clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) screen to identify genes that cause susceptibility of AML cells to DNT therapy. Inactivation of the Spt-Ada-Gcn5-acetyltransferase (SAGA) deubiquitinating complex components sensitized AML cells to DNT-mediated cytotoxicity. In contrast, CD64 inactivation resulted in resistance to DNT-mediated cytotoxicity. Importantly, the level of CD64 expression correlated strongly with the sensitivity of AML cells to DNT treatment. Furthermore, the ectopic expression of CD64 overcame AML resistance to DNTs in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, our data demonstrate the utility of CRISPR/Cas9 screens to uncover mechanisms underlying the sensitivity to DNT therapy and suggest CD64 as a predictive marker for response in AML patients.
Genomic profiling identifies somatic mutations predicting thromboembolic risk in patients with solid tumors
Authors: Dunbar Andrew , Bolton Kelly L. , Devlin Sean M. , Sanchez-Vega Francisco , Gao Jianjiong , Mones Jodi V. , Wills Jonathan , Kelly Daniel , Farina Mirko , Cordner Keith B. , Park Young , Kishore Sirish , Juluru Krishna , Iyengar Neil M. , Levine Ross L. , Zehir Ahmet , Park Wungki , Khorana Alok A. , Soff Gerald A. , Mantha Simon
Published: December 2020

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) associated with cancer (CAT) is a well-described complication of cancer and a leading cause of death in patients with cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess potential associations of molecular signatures with CAT, including tumor-specific mutations and the presence of clonal hematopoiesis. We analyzed deep-coverage targeted DNA-sequencing data of >14 000 solid tumor samples using the Memorial Sloan Kettering–Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets platform to identify somatic alterations associated with VTE. End point was defined as the first instance of cancer-associated pulmonary embolism and/or proximal/distal lower extremity deep vein thrombosis. Cause-specific Cox proportional hazards regression was used, adjusting for pertinent clinical covariates. Of 11 695 evaluable individuals, 72% had metastatic disease at time of analysis. Tumor-specific mutations in KRAS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09-1.64; adjusted P = .08), STK11 (HR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.55-2.89; adjusted P < .001), KEAP1 (HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.21-2.79; adjusted P = .07), CTNNB1 (HR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.15-2.60; adjusted P = .09), CDKN2B (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.13-1.85; adjusted P = .07), and MET (HR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.15-2.92; adjusted P = .09) were associated with a significantly increased risk of CAT independent of tumor type. Mutations in SETD2 were associated with a decreased risk of CAT (HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.16-0.79; adjusted P = .09). The presence of clonal hematopoiesis was not associated with an increased VTE rate. This is the first large-scale analysis to elucidate tumor-specific genomic events associated with CAT. Somatic tumor mutations of STK11, KRAS, CTNNB1, KEAP1, CDKN2B, and MET were associated with an increased risk of VTE in patients with solid tumors. Further analysis is needed to validate these findings and identify additional molecular signatures unique to individual tumor types.
Waning of SARS-CoV-2 RBD antibodies in longitudinal convalescent plasma samples within 4 months after symptom onset
Authors: Perreault Josée , Tremblay Tony , Fournier Marie-Josée , Drouin Mathieu , Beaudoin-Bussières Guillaume , Prévost Jérémie , Lewin Antoine , Bégin Philippe , Finzi Andrés , Bazin Renée
Published: December 2020

Perreault and colleagues examined antibody titers in sequential samples from serum donors recovering from COVID-19 and demonstrated that antibody titers fall over 3-4 months. These results have important implications for convalescent serum collection and seroprevalence studies.
Clinical effects of administering leukemia-specific donor T cells to patients with AML/MDS after allogeneic transplant
Authors: Lulla Premal D. , Naik Swati , Vasileiou Spyridoula , Tzannou Ifigeneia , Watanabe Ayumi , Kuvalekar Manik , Lulla Suhasini , Carrum George , Ramos Carlos A. , Kamble Rammurti , Hill LaQuisa , Randhawa Jasleen , Gottschalk Stephen , Krance Robert , Wang Tao , Wu Mengfen , Robertson Catherine , Gee Adrian P. , Chung Betty , Grilley Bambi , Brenner Malcolm K. , Heslop Helen E. , Vera Juan F. , Leen Ann M.
Published: December 2020

Relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is the leading cause of death in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Infusion of unselected donor lymphocytes (DLIs) enhances the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. However, because the infused lymphocytes are not selected for leukemia specificity, the GVL effect is often accompanied by life-threatening graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), related to the concurrent transfer of alloreactive lymphocytes. Thus, to minimize GVHD and maximize GVL, we selectively activated and expanded stem cell donor–derived T cells reactive to multiple antigens expressed by AML/MDS cells (PRAME, WT1, Survivin, and NY-ESO-1). Products that demonstrated leukemia antigen specificity were generated from 29 HCT donors. In contrast to DLIs, leukemia-specific T cells (mLSTs) selectively recognized and killed leukemia antigen–pulsed cells, with no activity against recipient's normal cells in vitro. We administered escalating doses of mLSTs (0.5 to 10 × 107 cells per square meter) to 25 trial enrollees, 17 with high risk of relapse and 8 with relapsed disease. Infusions were well tolerated with no grade >2 acute or extensive chronic GVHD seen. We observed antileukemia effects in vivo that translated into not-yet-reached median leukemia-free and overall survival at 1.9 years of follow-up and objective responses in the active disease cohort (1 complete response and 1 partial response). In summary, mLSTs are safe and promising for the prevention and treatment of AML/MDS after HCT. This trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials.com as #NCT02494167.
The prospective Hemophilia Inhibitor PUP Study reveals distinct antibody signatures prior to FVIII inhibitor development
Authors: Reipert B. M. , Gangadharan B. , Hofbauer C. J. , Berg V. , Schweiger H. , Bowen J. , Blatny J. , Fijnvandraat K. , Mullins E. S. , Klintman J. , Male C. , McGuinn C. , Meeks S. L. , Radulescu V. C. , Ragni M. V. , Recht M. , Shapiro A. D. , Staber J. M. , Yaish H. M. , Santagostino E. , Brown D. L.
Published: December 2020

Preventing factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors following replacement therapies with FVIII products in patients with hemophilia A remains an unmet medical need. Better understanding of the early events of evolving FVIII inhibitors is essential for risk identification and the design of novel strategies to prevent inhibitor development. The Hemophilia Inhibitor Previously Untreated Patients (PUPs) Study (HIPS; www.clinicaltrials.gov #NCT01652027) is the first prospective cohort study to evaluate comprehensive changes in the immune system during the first 50 exposure days (EDs) to FVIII in patients with severe hemophilia A. HIPS participants were enrolled prior to their first exposure to FVIII or blood products (“true PUPs”) and were evaluated for different immunological and clinical parameters at specified time points during their first 50 EDs to a single source of recombinant FVIII. Longitudinal antibody data resulting from this study indicate that there are 4 subgroups of patients expressing distinct signatures of FVIII-binding antibodies. Subgroup 1 did not develop any detectable FVIII-binding immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. Subgroup 2 developed nonneutralizing, FVIII-binding IgG1 antibodies, but other FVIII-binding IgG subclasses were not observed. Subgroup 3 developed transient FVIII inhibitors associated with FVIII-binding IgG1 antibodies, similar to subgroup 2. Subgroup 4 developed persistent FVIII inhibitors associated with an initial development of high-affinity, FVIII-binding IgG1 antibodies, followed by IgG3 and IgG4 antibodies. Appearance of FVIII-binding IgG3 was always associated with persistent FVIII inhibitors and the subsequent development of FVIII-binding IgG4. Some of the antibody signatures identified in HIPS could serve as candidates for early biomarkers of FVIII inhibitor development.
A risk score for predicting hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia in ITP using nationally representative data
Authors: Wu Ye-Jun , Hou Ming , Liu Hui-Xin , Peng Jun , Ma Liang-Ming , Yang Lin-Hua , Feng Ru , Liu Hui , Liu Yi , Feng Jia , Zhang Hong-Yu , Zhou Ze-Ping , Wang Wen-Sheng , Shen Xu-Liang , Zhao Peng , Fu Hai-Xia , Zeng Qiao-Zhu , Wang Xing-Lin , Huang Qiu-Sha , He Yun , Jiang Qian , Jiang Hao , Lu Jin , Zhao Xiang-Yu , Zhao Xiao-Su , Chang Ying-Jun , Xu Lan-Ping , Li Yue-Ying , Wang Qian-Fei , Zhang Xiao-Hui
Published: December 2020

Infection is one of the primary causes of death from immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), and the lungs are the most common site of infection. We identified the factors associated with hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in nonsplenectomized adults with ITP and established the ACPA prediction model to predict the incidence of hospitalization for CAP. This was a retrospective study of nonsplenectomized adult patients with ITP from 10 large medical centers in China. The derivation cohort included 145 ITP inpatients with CAP and 1360 inpatients without CAP from 5 medical centers, and the validation cohort included the remaining 63 ITP inpatients with CAP and 526 inpatients without CAP from the other 5 centers. The 4-item ACPA model, which included age, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, initial platelet count, and initial absolute lymphocyte count, was established by multivariable analysis of the derivation cohort. Internal and external validation were conducted to assess the performance of the model. The ACPA model had an area under the curve of 0.853 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.818-0.889) in the derivation cohort and 0.862 (95% CI, 0.807-0.916) in the validation cohort, which indicated the good discrimination power of the model. Calibration plots showed high agreement between the estimated and observed probabilities. Decision curve analysis indicated that ITP patients could benefit from the clinical application of the ACPA model. To summarize, the ACPA model was developed and validated to predict the occurrence of hospitalization for CAP, which might help identify ITP patients with a high risk of hospitalization for CAP.
Remission of anti-TIF1γ dermatomyositis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant for myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Bawany Fatima , Tbakhi Bushra , Mendler Jason H. , Richardson Christopher T. , Bennett John M. , Aljitawi Omar S.
Published: December 2020

Key Points

DM, an autoimmune inflammatory myopathy, can be associated with a number of malignancies, including, rarely, myelodysplastic syndromes. Allo-HCT presents a novel approach to treat refractory DM in patients with a coexisting malignancy through the GvA effect.
Prognostic and therapeutic impacts of mutant TP53 variant allelic frequency in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Short Nicholas J. , Montalban-Bravo Guillermo , Hwang Hyunsoo , Ning Jing , Franquiz Miguel J. , Kanagal-Shamanna Rashmi , Patel Keyur P. , DiNardo Courtney D. , Ravandi Farhad , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Takahashi Koichi , Konopleva Marina , Daver Naval , Issa Ghayas C. , Andreeff Michael , Kantarjian Hagop , Kadia Tapan M.
Published: December 2020

TP53 mutations are associated with poor outcomes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The prognostic impact of mutant TP53 (TP53mut) variant allelic frequency (VAF) is not well established, nor is how this information might guide optimal frontline therapy. We retrospectively analyzed 202 patients with newly diagnosed TP53-mutated AML who underwent first-line therapy with either a cytarabine- or hypomethylating agent (HMA)–based regimen. By multivariate analysis, TP53mut VAF >40% was independently associated with a significantly higher cumulative incidence of relapse (P = .003) and worse relapse-free survival (P = .001) and overall survival (OS; P = .003). The impact of TP53mut VAF on clinical outcomes was driven by patients treated with a cytarabine-based regimen (median OS, 4.7 vs 7.3 months for VAF >40% vs ≤40%; P = .006), whereas VAF did not significantly affect OS in patients treated with HMA. The addition of venetoclax to HMA did not significantly affect OS compared with HMA without venetoclax, both in the entire TP53-mutated population and in patients stratified by TP53mut VAF. Among patients with TP53mut VAF ≤40%, OS was superior in those treated with higher-dose cytarabine, whereas OS was similarly poor for patients with TP53mut VAF >40% regardless of therapy. The best long-term outcomes were observed in those with 1 TP53 mutation with VAF ≤40% who received a frontline cytarabine-based regimen (2-year OS, 38% vs 6% for all others; P < .001). In summary, TP53mut VAF provides important prognostic information that may be considered when selecting frontline therapy for patients with newly diagnosed TP53-mutated AML.
Durable ibrutinib responses in relapsed/refractory marginal zone lymphoma: long-term follow-up and biomarker analysis
Authors: Noy Ariela , de Vos Sven , Coleman Morton , Martin Peter , Flowers Christopher R. , Thieblemont Catherine , Morschhauser Franck , Collins Graham P. , Ma Shuo , Peles Shachar , Smith Stephen D. , Barrientos Jacqueline C. , Chong Elizabeth , Wu Shiquan , Cheung Leo W.-K. , Kwei Kevin , Hauns Bernhard , Arango-Hisijara Israel , Chen Robert
Published: December 2020

Advanced marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) is an incurable B-cell malignancy dependent on B-cell receptor signaling. The phase 2 PCYC-1121 study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of single-agent ibrutinib 560 mg/d in 63 patients with relapsed/refractory MZL treated with prior rituximab (RTX) or rituximab-based chemoimmunotherapy (RTX-CIT). We report the final analysis of PCYC-1121 with median follow-up of 33.1 months (range: 1.4-44.6). Overall response rate (ORR) was 58%; median duration of response (DOR) was 27.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.1 to not estimable [NE]); median progression-free survival (PFS) was 15.7 months (95% CI: 12.2-30.4); and median overall survival (OS) was not reached (95% CI: NE to NE). Patients with prior RTX treatment had better outcomes (ORR: 81%; median DOR: not reached [95% CI: 12.2 to NE]; median PFS: 30.4 months [95% CI: 22.1 to NE]; median OS: not reached [95% CI: 30.3 to NE]) vs those with prior RTX-CIT treatment (ORR: 51%; DOR: 12.4 months [95% CI: 2.8 to NE]; PFS: 13.8 months [95% CI: 8.3-22.5]; OS: not reached [95% CI: NE to NE]). ORRs were 63%, 47%, and 62% for extranodal, nodal, and splenic subtypes, respectively. With up to 45 months of ibrutinib treatment, the safety profile remained consistent with prior reports. The most common grade ≥3 event was anemia (16%). Exploratory biomarker analysis showed NF-κB pathway gene mutations correlated with outcomes. Final analysis of PCYC-1121 demonstrated long-term safety and efficacy of ibrutinib in patients with relapsed/refractory MZL, regardless of prior treatment or MZL subtype. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01980628.
The role of deficient pain modulatory systems in the development of persistent post-traumatic headaches following mild traumatic brain injury: an exploratory longitudinal study
Authors: Naugle Kelly M. , Carey Christopher , Evans Eric , Saxe Jonathan , Overman Ryan , White Fletcher A.
Published: December 2020

Background

Post-traumatic headache (PTH) is one of the most common and long-lasting symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the pathological mechanisms underlying the development of persistent PTH remain poorly understood. The primary purpose of this prospective pilot study was to evaluate whether early pain modulatory profiles (sensitization and endogenous pain inhibitory capacity) and psychological factors after mild TBI predict the development of persistent PTH in mild TBI patients.

Methods

Adult mild TBI patients recruited from Level I Emergency Department Trauma Centers completed study sessions at 1–2 weeks, 1-month, and 4-months post mild TBI. Participants completed the following outcome measures during each session: conditioned pain modulation to measure endogenous pain inhibitory capacity, temporal summation of pain and pressure pain thresholds of the head to measure sensitization of the head, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Center for Epidemiological Studies – Depression Scale, and a standardized headache survey. Participants were classified into persistent PTH (PPTH) and no-PPTH groups based on the 4-month data.

Results

The results revealed that mild TBI patients developing persistent PTH exhibited significantly diminished pain inhibitory capacity, and greater depression and pain catastrophizing following injury compared to those who do not develop persistent PTH. Furthermore, logistic regression indicated that headache pain intensity at 1–2 weeks and pain inhibitory capacity on the conditioned pain modulation test at 1–2 weeks predicted persistent PTH classification at 4 months post injury.

Conclusions

Overall, the results suggested that persistent PTH is characterized by dysfunctional alterations in endogenous pain modulatory function and psychological processes in the early stages following mild TBI, which likely exacerbate risk for the maintenance of PTH.
Association between self-reported snoring and hypertension among Chinese Han population aged 30–79 in Chongqing, China
Authors: Xiao Meng , Tang Xiaojun , Zhang Fan , Zhou Li , Bu Xiaoqing , Liu Xiang , Ding Xianbin , Shen Zhuozhi , Chen Liling , Wu Yunyun , Tang Wenge , Qiu Jingfu
Published: December 2020

Background

We aim to explore the association between self-reported snoring and hypertension among adults aged 30–79 in Chongqing, China.

Methods

A total of 23,342 individuals aged 30–79 were included at baseline from August 2018 to January 2019, and the final sample size for the analysis was 22,423. Face-to-face interviews and physical examinations were conducted by trained investigators. Logistic regression was performed to study age-specific and gender-specific associations between snoring and hypertension.

Results

Frequent snoring was associated with the risk of hypertension for each age and gender group, and the frequency of snoring was positively correlated with the risk for hypertension. For the three age groups (< 45, 45–59, ≥ 60), compared with the non-snoring group, those who snore often had a 64.5%, 53.3%, and 24.5% increased risk of hypertension (< 45: OR = 1.65, 95%CI 1.34–2.02; 45–59: OR = 1.53, 95%CI 1.37–1.72; ≥ 60: OR = 1.25, 95%CI 1.09–1.42), respectively. For men and women, those who snore often had a 46.8% and 97.2% increased risk of hypertension, respectively, than the non-snoring group (men: OR = 1.47, 95%CI 1.33–1.63; women: OR = 1.97, 95%CI 1.75–2.23).

Conclusions

People who snore frequently should pay close attention to their blood pressure levels in order to achieve early prevention of hypertension, particularly for snorers who are female and aged under 45; importance should be attached to their blood pressure control.
Current trend and development in bioinformatics research
Authors: Fu Yuanyuan , Ling Zhougui , Arabnia Hamid , Deng Youping
Published: December 2020

This is an editorial report of the supplements to BMC Bioinformatics that includes 6 papers selected from the BIOCOMP’19—The 2019 International Conference on Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. These articles reflect current trend and development in bioinformatics research.
Oral mosapride can provide additional anti-emetic efficacy following total joint arthroplasty under general anesthesia: a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial
Authors: Xie Jinwei , Cai Yingchun , Ma Jun , Huang Qiang , Pei Fuxing
Published: December 2020

Background

We sought to determine (1) whether the addition of prophylactic oral mosapride to a protocol including dexamethasone and ondansetron further reduces postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) compared with ondansetron alone or the combination of both; (2) whether preemptive application of oral mosapride provides additional clinical benefits for bowel function and appetite, thus improving functional recovery.

Methods

We randomized 240 patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty to receive placebo (Control, n = 80), dexamethasone (10 mg) before anesthesia induction (Dexa, n = 82), or dexamethasone (10 mg) before anesthesia induction as well as oral mosapride (5 mg) before and after surgery (Mosa+Dexa, n = 78). Patients were assessed at 0–6, 6–12, 12–24, and 24–48 h postoperatively. Primary outcomes were incidence and severity of PONV as well as complete response. Secondary outcomes were appetite, time until first defecation and ambulation, patient satisfaction score, and length of hospital stay.

Results

Mosa+Dexa patients showed significantly lower incidence of nausea at 6–12 h (3.8%) and over the entire evaluation period (6.4%), as well as a higher rate of complete response (89.7%) than other patients. Mosa+Dexa patients required less time to achieve first defecation and ambulation, they were hospitalized for shorter time, and they were more satisfied with clinical care.

Conclusion

Addition of oral mosapride further reduced incidence of PONV, especially postoperative nausea, during 6–12 h postoperatively. Moreover, preemptive application of oral mosapride can further improve appetite, bowel function, ambulation and length of hospital stay.

Trial registration

The study protocol was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800015896), prospectively registered on 27/04/2018.
Correction to: Presenting symptoms in inflammatory bowel disease: descriptive analysis of a community-based inception cohort
Authors: Perler Bryce K. , Ungaro Ryan , Baird Grayson , Mallette Meaghan , Bright Renee , Shah Samir , Shapiro Jason , Sands Bruce E.
Published: December 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
The impact of interventions on management of frailty in hospitalized frail older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rezaei-Shahsavarloo Zahra , Atashzadeh-Shoorideh Foroozan , Gobbens Robbert J. J. , Ebadi Abbas , Ghaedamini Harouni Gholamreza
Published: December 2020

Background

One of the most challenging issues for the elderly population is the clinical state of frailty. Frailty is defined as a cumulative decline across psychological, physical, and social functioning. Hospitalization is one of the most stressful events for older people who are becoming frail. The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of interventions focused on management of frailty in hospitalized frail older adults.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of research was conducted using the Medline, Embase, Cochrane, ProQuest, CINAHL, SCOPUS and Web of Science electronic databases for papers published between 2000 and 2019. Randomized controlled studies were included that were aimed at the management of frailty in hospitalized older adults. The outcomes which were examined included frailty; physical, psychological, and social domains; length of stay in hospital; re-hospitalization; mortality; patient satisfaction; and the need for post discharge placement.

Results

After screening 7976 records and 243 full-text articles, seven studies (3 interventions) were included, involving 1009 hospitalized older patients. The quality of these studies was fair to poor and the risk of publication bias in the studies was low. Meta-analysis of the studies showed statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups for the management of frailty in hospitalized older adults (ES = 0.35; 95% CI: 0. 067–0.632; z = 2.43; P < 0.015). However, none of the included studies evaluated social status, only a few of the studies evaluated other secondary outcomes. The analysis also showed that a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment unit intervention was effective in addressing physical and psychological frailty, re-hospitalization, mortality, and patient satisfaction.

Conclusions

Interventions for hospitalized frail older adults are effective in management of frailty. Multidimensional interventions conducted by a multidisciplinary specialist team in geriatric settings are likely to be effective in the care of hospitalized frail elderly. Due to the low number of RCTs carried out in a hospital setting and the low quality of existing studies, there is a need for new RCTs to be carried out to generate a protocol appropriate for frail older people.
Demographic and clinical characteristics of foreign nationals accessing psychiatric services in Japan: a multicentre study in a metropolitan area
Authors: Takubo Youji , Nemoto Takahiro , Iwai Momoko , Kashima Minako , Yamaguchi Eriko , Maruyama Akiko , Miura Sachio , Saito Hisaaki , Tsujino Naohisa , Mizuno Masafumi
Published: December 2020

Background

International immigration to Japan, where homogeneous ethnicity is a population characteristic, has been growing. Although immigration is recognised as a risk factor for multiple mental-health related issues, there are few regional reports on foreign nationals accessing the psychiatric services in Japan. We aimed to reveal their current status and provide information to develop an optimal service system.

Methods

A multicentre retrospective document review research was conducted. The subjects were foreign nationals who resided in Japan and presented at the psychiatry departments in three core regional hospitals in the Keihin region, which faces Tokyo Bay and is well known to include the largest traditional industrial zone in Japan, over a period of 3 years. We investigated the patients’ demographic and clinical information including country/region of origin, spoken language, use of a medical interpreter, pathway to hospitals and outcome.

Results

The percentage of foreign patients among all patients (1.4%) was quite low. Their age distribution (45.8 years on average) was dissociated from the age distribution of foreign nationals who resided in Japan. Regarding the country/region of origin, China (35.1%) was the most common country, followed by the Philippines, Korea and Brazil. Several subjects (22.9%) could not speak Japanese; therefore, interpretation was required by family members/friends (17.1%) or a professional interpreter (5.4%). Neurotic and stress-related disorders were the most common diagnosis (24.4%). The proportion of psychoactive substance use was higher than that for Japanese national data as immigrants are known to be at risk for it.

Conclusions

The results suggest that foreign nationals who reside in Japan are less likely to contact appropriate services for mental illness, especially young people at relatively high risk of mental illness do not access services. Furthermore, lack of medical interpreters may impede the mental health conditions of foreign nationals. The development of a community-based integrated care system accessible to foreign nationals seems to be indispensable.
Attitudinal and demographic factors associated with seeking help and receiving antidepressant medication for symptoms of common mental disorder
Authors: Manescu Elena A. , Robinson Emily J. , Henderson Claire
Published: December 2020

Background

Despite the increased attention given to improvement of mental health-related knowledge and attitudes, rates of help-seeking for mental illness remain low even in countries with well-developed mental health services. This study examines the relationships between attitudes to mental illness, symptoms of common mental disorder and seeking-help and receiving medication for a mental health problem.

Methods

We used data from the nationally representative Health Survey for England 2014 to design three logistic regression models to test for the effects of attitudes to mental illness (measured by a shortened version of the Community Attitudes toward the Mentally Ill, CAMI scale) on: recent contact with a doctor for a mental health problem; use of any type of mental health service in the last 12 months; and having antidepressants currently prescribed, while controlling for symptoms of common mental disorder (measured by the General Health Questionnaire, GHQ). We also tested for an interaction between attitudes to mental illness and symptoms of common mental disorder on the outcomes.

Results

A significant but very small effect of CAMI score was found on ‘antidepressants currently prescribed’ model (OR = 1.01(1.00, 1.02) but not on the two indicators of help-seeking. We also found a significant but very small interaction between CAMI and GHQ scores on recent contact with a doctor (OR = 0.99, 95% CI (0.990, 0.998); adjusted Wald test P = 0.01)). Knowing someone with a mental illness had a significant positive effect on help-seeking indicated by: (a) recent contact with a doctor (2.65 (1.01, 6.98)) and (b) currently prescribed antidepressant (2.67 (1.9, 3.75)) after controlling for attitudes to mental illness.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that knowing someone with a mental health problem seems to have a further positive effect on help-seeking, beyond improving attitudes to mental illness. Furthermore, multiple different types and aspects of stigma may contribute to help-seeking behaviours, consequently multi-faceted approaches are likely to be most efficient.
Comparative analysis of COVID-19 guidelines from six countries: a qualitative study on the US, China, South Korea, the UK, Brazil, and Haiti
Authors: Yoo Ji Youn , Dutra Samia Valeria Ozorio , Fanfan Dany , Sniffen Sarah , Wang Hao , Siddiqui Jamile , Song Hyo-Suk , Bang Sung Hwan , Kim Dong Eun , Kim Shihoon , Groer Maureen
Published: December 2020

Background

In late January, a worldwide crisis known as COVID-19 was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO. Within only a few weeks, the outbreak took on pandemic proportions, affecting over 100 countries. It was a significant issue to prevent and control COVID-19 on both national and global scales due to the dramatic increase in confirmed cases worldwide. Government guidelines provide a fundamental resource for communities, as they guide citizens on how to protect themselves against COVID-19, however, they also provide critical guidance for policy makers and healthcare professionals on how to take action to decrease the spread of COVID-19. We aimed to identify the differences and similarities between six different countries’ (US, China, South Korea, UK, Brazil and Haiti) government-provided community and healthcare system guidelines, and to explore the relationship between guideline issue dates and the prevalence/incidence of COVID-19 cases.

Methods

To make these comparisons, this exploratory qualitative study used document analysis of government guidelines issued to the general public and to healthcare professionals. Documents were purposively sampled (N = 55) and analyzed using content analysis.

Results

The major differences in the evaluation and testing criteria in the guidelines across the six countries centered around the priority of testing for COVID-19 in the general population, which was strongly dependent on each country’s healthcare capacity. However, the most similar guidelines pertained to the clinical signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and methods to prevent its contraction.

Conclusion

In the initial stages of the outbreak, certain strategies were universally employed to control the deadly virus’s spread, including quarantining the sick, contact tracing, and social distancing. However, each country dealt with differing healthcare capacities, risks, threats, political and socioeconomic challenges, and distinct healthcare systems and infrastructure. Acknowledging these differences highlights the importance of examining the various countries’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic with a nuanced view, as each of these factors shaped the government guidelines distributed to each country’s communities and healthcare systems.
Risk of complete atypical femur fracture with Oral bisphosphonate exposure beyond three years
Authors: Lo Joan C. , Neugebauer Romain S. , Ettinger Bruce , Chandra Malini , Hui Rita L. , Ott Susan M. , Grimsrud Christopher D. , Izano Monika A.
Published: December 2020

Background

Bisphosphonate (BP) therapy has been associated with atypical femur fracture (AFF). However, the threshold of treatment duration leading to increased AFF risk is unclear. In a retrospective cohort of older women initiating BP, we compared the AFF risk associated with treatment for at least three years to the risk associated with treatment less than three years.

Methods

We used observational data from a large population of female members of an integrated healthcare system who initiated oral BP during 2002–2014. Women were retrospectively followed for incident AFF confirmed by radiologic adjudication. Demographic data, pharmacologic exposures, comorbidity, bone density, and fracture history were ascertained from electronic health records. Inverse probability weighting was used to estimate risk differences comparing the cumulative incidence (risk) of AFF if women discontinued BP within three years to the cumulative incidence of AFF if women continued BP for three or more years, adjusting for potential time-dependent confounding by the aforementioned factors.

Results

Among 87,820 women age 45–84 years who initiated BP (mean age 68.6, median T-score − 2.6, 14% with prior major osteoporotic fracture), 16,180 continued BP for three or more years. Forty-six confirmed AFFs occurred during follow-up in the two groups. AFF-free survival was greater for BP treatment < 3 years compared to treatment ≥3 years (p = 0.004 comparing areas under survival curves). At five years, the risk of AFF was 27 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval, CI: 8–46) if women received BP treatment < 3 years and 120 per 100,000 (95% CI: 56–183) if women received BP treatment ≥3 years (risk difference 93 per 100,000, 95% CI: 30–160). By ten years, the risks were 27 (95% CI: 8–46) and 363 (95% CI: 132–593) per 100,000 for BP treatment < 3 and ≥ 3 years, respectively (risk difference 336 per 100,000, 95% CI: 110–570).

Conclusions

Bisphosphonate treatment for 3 or more years was associated with greater risk of AFF than treatment for less than 3 years. Although AFFs are uncommon among BP-treated women, this increased risk should be considered when counseling women about long-term BP use. Future studies should further characterize the dose-response relationship between BP duration and incident AFF and identify patients at highest risk.
Axial pelvic tilt in direct anterior Total hip Arthroplasty using a traction table
Authors: Aichmair A. , Dominkus M. , Hofstaetter J. G.
Published: December 2020

Background

Direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty may be undertaken on a traction table, but the effects that patient positioning can have on axial pelvic tilt (aPT) are unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the degree of error from patient positioning on the traction table during anterior minimally-invasive surgery (AMIS) THA.

Methods

Patients were included who underwent direct anterior THA via the AMIS technique at a single institution between 11/2018 and 03/2019. Axial pelvic tilt was measured (a) in the supine position on the operating table, and (b) after positioning on the traction table, by the same consultant surgeon in all cases.

Results

In the above-mentioned study period, 50 patients (F: 32; M: 18) with an average age of 60.6 ± 13.6 (range: 26.5 to 88.3) years, and an average BMI of 27.2 ± 5.0 (range: 17.9 to 41.5) kg/m2 met the inclusion criteria. When measured in supine position, the average aPT was − 0.2 ± 1.7 (range: − 5.6 to 3.8) degrees. After positioning on the traction table, the average aPT was − 3.5 ± 2.1 (− 8.5 to 1.6) degrees (p < 0.001). In patients with an aPT of more than 5 degrees, the caput-collum-diaphyseal (CCD) angle was significantly lower (125 ± 11° vs. 134 ± 8°, p = 0.007).

Conclusion

This study raises awareness for the potential risk of aPT during positioning of the patient on the traction table, commonly used during direct anterior THA via the AMIS technique.
Planning peer assisted learning (PAL) activities in clinical schools
Authors: Burgess Annette , van Diggele Christie , Roberts Chris , Mellis Craig
Published: December 2020

Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) is well accepted as an educational method within health professional education, involving a process of socialisation among students. PAL activities provide a framework whereby students are permitted to practice and develop their healthcare and teaching skills. However, the success of PAL activities is dependent upon two key factors: the “agency” of the individual students, that is, their willingness to participate; and importantly, the “affordance” of the activity, that is, the invitational quality provided by the clinical school. The purpose of this paper is to assist healthcare educators and administrators responsible for curriculum design, course co-ordination, and educational research, in developing their own PAL activities. Health professional students and junior health professionals leading or participating in PAL activities may also find the paper useful. Based on the authors’ collective experience, and relevant literature, we provide practical tips for the design, implementation and evaluation of PAL activities.
Effectiveness of blended learning versus lectures alone on ECG analysis and interpretation by medical students
Authors: Viljoen Charle André , Millar Rob Scott , Manning Kathryn , Burch Vanessa Celeste
Published: December 2020

Background

Most medical students lack confidence and are unable to accurately interpret ECGs. Thus, better methods of ECG instruction are being sought. Current literature indicates that the use of e-learning for ECG analysis and interpretation skills (ECG competence) is not superior to lecture-based teaching. We aimed to assess whether blended learning (lectures supplemented with the use of a web application) resulted in better acquisition and retention of ECG competence in medical students, compared to conventional teaching (lectures alone).

Methods

Two cohorts of fourth-year medical students were studied prospectively. The conventional teaching cohort (n = 67) attended 4 hours of interactive lectures, covering the basic principles of Electrocardiography, waveform abnormalities and arrhythmias. In addition to attending the same lectures, the blended learning cohort (n = 64) used a web application that facilitated deliberate practice of systematic ECG analysis and interpretation, with immediate feedback. All participants completed three tests: pre-intervention (assessing baseline ECG competence at start of clinical clerkship), immediate post-intervention (assessing acquisition of ECG competence at end of six-week clinical clerkship) and delayed post-intervention (assessing retention of ECG competence 6 months after clinical clerkship, without any further ECG training). Diagnostic accuracy and uncertainty were assessed in each test.

Results

The pre-intervention test scores were similar for blended learning and conventional teaching cohorts (mean 31.02 ± 13.19% versus 31.23 ± 11.52% respectively, p = 0.917). While all students demonstrated meaningful improvement in ECG competence after teaching, blended learning was associated with significantly better scores, compared to conventional teaching, in immediate (75.27 ± 16.22% vs 50.27 ± 17.10%, p <  0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.58), and delayed post-intervention tests (57.70 ± 18.54% vs 37.63 ± 16.35%, p <  0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.25). Although diagnostic uncertainty decreased after ECG training in both cohorts, blended learning was associated with better confidence in ECG analysis and interpretation.

Conclusion

Blended learning achieved significantly better levels of ECG competence and confidence amongst medical students than conventional ECG teaching did. Although medical students underwent significant attrition of ECG competence without ongoing training, blended learning also resulted in better retention of ECG competence than conventional teaching. Web applications encouraging a stepwise approach to ECG analysis and enabling deliberate practice with feedback may, therefore, be a useful adjunct to lectures for teaching Electrocardiography.