bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Preexisting and Shoulder-Specific Depression and Anxiety on Patient-Reported Outcomes After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Lau Brian C. , Scribani Melissa , Wittstein Jocelyn
Published: October 2019

Background:

Few studies have considered the potential effect of depression or anxiety on outcomes after rotator cuff repair.

Purpose:

To evaluate the effect of a preexisting diagnosis of depression or anxiety, as well as the feeling of depression and anxiety directly related to the shoulder, on the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

This study is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data on patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and were evaluated by the ASES score preoperatively and at a minimum 12 months postoperatively as part of the senior author’s shoulder registry. Preexisting diagnoses of depression and/or anxiety were recorded, and questions from the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index directed at feelings of depression or anxiety related to the shoulder were also evaluated. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare ASES scores between patients with and without anxiety and/or depression. Spearman correlation was used to correlate questions on depression and anxiety with ASES scores.

Results:

A total of 187 patients (63 females, 124 males; mean age, 58.6 years, SD, 8.7 years) undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 47.5 months (SD, 17.4 months; range, 12-77 months). Fifty-three patients (mean age, 60 years; SD, 8.6 years) had preexisting diagnoses of depression and/or anxiety and 134 patients (mean age, 58.1 years; SD, 8.7 years) did not. Patients with depression and/or anxiety had significantly lower preoperative and postoperative ASES scores (60.7 vs 67.8, P = .014; and 74.6 vs 87.1, P = .008, respectively). The change in ASES scores from preoperative to postoperative, however, was not significantly different (18.0 vs 14.9). A higher score of depression or anxiety related to the shoulder had a negative correlation with the preoperative ( r = −0.76, P < .0001; and r = −0.732, P < .0001, respectively) and postoperative ( r = −0.31, P = .0001; and r = −0.31, P = .0003, respectively) ASES scores, but a positive correlation ( r = 0.50, P < .0001; and r = 0.43, P < .0001, respectively) with the change in ASES scores.

Conclusion:

Patients with a history of depression and/or anxiety have lower outcome scores preoperatively and postoperatively; however, they should expect the same amount of relief from arthroscopic rotator cuff repair as those without a history of depression or anxiety. Stronger feelings of depression or anxiety directly related to the shoulder correlated with lower preoperative and postoperative outcome scores, but a greater amount of improvement from surgery. The results from this study suggest that a preexisting diagnosis of depression or anxiety, as well as feelings of depression or anxiety directly related to the shoulder, should be considered during the management of patients with rotator cuff tears.
Risk Factors for Intolerance of Inpatient Sacubitril/Valsartan Initiation
Authors: Akerman Caitlin C. , Beavers Janna C.
Published: October 2019

Background:

Sacubitril/valsartan has been shown to improve outcomes in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, initiation of sacubitril/valsartan has primarily been studied in stable, ambulatory patients with HFrEF.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to determine risk factors for intolerance to inpatient sacubitril/valsartan initiation.

Methods:

This was a retrospective, single-center study from August 1, 2015 through April 30, 2018. Patients were at least 18 years old and were newly initiated on sacubitril/valsartan during their hospitalization.

Results:

A total of 143 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 20.3% (n = 29) were intolerant to inpatient initiation of sacubitril/valsartan. The primary reason for intolerance was hypotension (n = 19, 65.5%). Patients with newly diagnosed heart failure were more likely to tolerate the initiation of sacubitril/valsartan (32.5% vs 10.3%; P = 0.03). No differences between groups were identified among other potential predictors for intolerance to sacubitril/valsartan, including systolic blood pressure, acutely decompensated heart failure, or serum creatinine. The most common adverse event was hypotension, which occurred in 26.6% (n = 38) of all patients.

Conclusion:

The majority of inpatients tolerated sacubitril/valsartan initiation. Larger, prospective, randomized controlled trials would be helpful in further determining ideal candidates for inpatient sacubitril/valsartan initiation.
Fractal analysis of the computed tomography images of vertebrae on the thoraco-lumbar region in diagnosing osteoporotic bone damage
Authors: Omiotek Zbigniew , Dzierżak Róża , Uhlig Sebastian
Published: October 2019

Fractal analysis was used in the study to determine a set of feature descriptors which could be applied in the process of diagnosing bone damage caused by osteoporosis. The subject of the research involved the computed tomography images of vertebrae on the thoraco-lumbar region. The data set contained the images of healthy patients and patients diagnosed with osteoporosis. On the basis of fractal analysis and feature selection by linear stepwise regression, three descriptors were obtained. They were two fractal dimensions calculated with the variation method (transect – first differences and filter 1 estimators) and one fractal lacunarity calculated by means of the box counting method. The first two descriptors were obtained as a result of the analysis of grey images, and the third was the result of analysis of binary images. The effectiveness of the descriptors was verified using six popular supervised classification methods: linear and quadratic discriminant analysis, naive Bayes classifier, decision tree, K-nearest neighbours and random forests. The best results were obtained using the K-nearest neighbours classifier; they were as follows: overall classification accuracy – 81%, classification sensitivity – 78%, classification specificity – 90%, positive predictive value – 90%, and negative predictive value – 77%. The results of the research showed that fractal analysis can be a useful tool to extract feature vector of spinal computed tomography images in the diagnosis of osteoporotic bone defects.
Police practice and false confessions: A search for the implementation of investigative interviewing in Australia
Authors: Adam Lisanne , van Golde Celine
Published: October 2019

Since the 1960s, the United States developed ‘Reid interrogation technique’, and its variations have been widely used around the world. Due to its interrogative and confession-driven nature – and thus the increased risk of false confessions – many countries (including Australia) have since moved away from this model towards the UK-developed PEACE-approach. This article will utilise case studies and forensic psychological research to explain how coercive techniques used during police interviews increase the risk of false confessions. It will then describe the implementation of investigative interviewing in Australia by presenting an analysis of those state and territory police manuals which are publicly available.
Elevation Potential among Circuit Court Nominees and Its Effect on the Senate’s Confirmation Behavior
Authors: Badas Alex
Published: October 2019

Using traits conventionally believed to lead to elevation from the Circuit Courts to the Supreme Court, this paper uses an item response theory model to estimate latent elevation estimates for each Circuit Court judge nominated and confirmed between 1901 and 2017. I validate this measure by showing that it predicts which Circuit Court judges are promoted to the Supreme Court and which end up on the president’s Supreme Court shortlist. Furthermore, I investigate how the Senate strategically responds to the nomination of Circuit Court nominees with high elevation estimates. The Senate takes longer to confirm nominees with high elevation scores and is less likely to confirm them by voice vote, and these nominees receive a greater share of nay votes. This paper concludes by suggesting additional uses for the elevation estimates.
Virulence genes expression in viable but non-culturable state of Listeria monocytogenes in fish meat
Authors: Zolfaghari Mehdi , Rezaei Masoud , Mohabbati Mobarez Ashraf , Forozandeh Moghaddam Mehdi , Hosseini Hedayat , Khezri Mohammad
Published: October 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the fate of Listeria monocytogenes in water microcosm and rainbow trout fillet under salinity stress of 0% and 30% NaCl at refrigerator temperature (4 ± 2 ℃). Bacterial culturability was studied by standard culture and colony count method. Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) of 16 S rRNA gene was used to detect viability of non-culturable bacteria. Also, the qualitative expression of pathogenic genes ( hly and inlA) was studied using RT-PCR. The results showed that bacteria in water microcosm lost their culturability at 13 days under 0% salinity (starvation or distilled water) and at 27 days under 30% salinity; however, bacteria in rainbow trout fillet remained culturable under 0% and 30% NaCl. RT-PCR of 16 S rRNA gene was positive for all treatments during the period of this study, indicating the entering of L. monocytogenes into the viable but non-culturable state in water microcosm under 0% and 30% NaCl. Also, viable but non-culturable L. monocytogenes retained the expression of hly and inlA genes. So, it could be concluded that L. monocytogenes in viable but non-culturable state can cause serious health problems and further investigation is necessary to elucidate the effects of other processing and storage conditions (light, dark, smoking, etc.) on behavior of L. monocytogenes in smoked and salted fish.
What Matter Matters? Retaining the Critical in New Materialist Literacy Research
Authors: Beucher Rebecca , Handsfield Lara , Hunt Carolyn
Published: October 2019

The field of literacy research has seen a recent surge in scholarship focusing on how matter—both human and nonhuman—comes to matter in literacy research and practice. This article explores how new materialist theories may be recruited for literacy research motivated by an anti-racist ethic. We present an illustrative intra-action analysis of a short autobiographical video produced by Malcolm, a Black male high school student, for a digital autobiography class assignment. Our analysis, informed by both new materialist and poststructuralist theories and emphasizing both discourse and materiality, produces varied interpretations of Malcolm and his literacy practices. Based on our multitheoretic analysis, we raise ethical concerns regarding analyses of racialized students’ literacy practices that emphasize materiality and affect without also retaining a critical eye toward powerful discourses of race and racism. We end with implications and recommendations for others engaging new materialisms in literacy research.
Ventilation online monitoring and control system from the perspectives of technology application
Authors: Zhu Hao-Cheng , Yu Chuck Wah , Cao Shi-Jie
Published: October 2019

Dynamic optimal airflow ventilation can have a great impact on the indoor air distribution and pollutant removal to improve the indoor air quality while saving energy. An online monitoring and control ventilation system has been developed and evaluated using fast prediction models and micro-control. An environmental chamber (1.8 m3) was used for the evaluation to monitor the CO2 dispersion under different air change rates and air speed. Specifically, an artificial neural network model based on a low-dimensional linear ventilation model was introduced and validated to provide environmental control and rapid prediction of pollutant concentration distribution in the indoor environment, which can save computing time and significantly enhance energy saving efficiency up to 16–47%. The validation was carried out by comparison with measurement data of the chamber experiment. An induction system was applied to locate and monitor the personnel in the office due to pollution that are generated by people. A ZigBee wireless module would transmit location information of pollutant source (i.e. CO2 generated by occupants) and to determine the optimal ventilation mode based on ventilation assessment to achieve automatic control of indoor air quality to ensure the wellbeing of occupants while saving energy.
Commitment to the University as Defined by the Allen and Meyer Model: Student-Athlete Versus Nonstudent-Athlete Differences
Authors: Love Kevin G. , Stemer Alexander P.
Published: October 2019

Organizational commitment to the university of student-athlete and nonstudent-athlete undergraduate college students was measured by modifying an established measure of affective, continuance, and normative commitment. Student-athletes reported significantly higher levels of overall organizational commitment as well as both affective and normative commitment. Length of time at the university and transfer status, however, yielded different patterns in commitment. Implications of these relationships for student life programming and comparisons with employee commitment are discussed.
A Mixed-Methods Approach to Understanding Variation in Social Support Requirements and Implications for Access to Transplantation in the United States
Authors: Ladin Keren , Marotta Satia A. , Butt Zeeshan , Gordon Elisa J. , Daniels Norman , Lavelle Tara A. , Hanto Douglas W.
Published: October 2019

Social support is a key component of transplantation evaluation in the United States. Social support definitions and evaluation procedures require examination to achieve clear, consistent implementation. We surveyed psychosocial clinicians from the Society for Transplant Social Workers and American Society of Transplant Surgeons about their definitions and evaluation procedures for using social support to determine transplant eligibility. Bivariate statistical analysis was used for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data. Among 276 psychosocial clinicians (50.2% response rate), 92% had ruled out patients from transplantation due to inadequate support. Social support definitions varied significantly: 10% of respondents indicated their center lacked a definition. Key domains of social support included informational, emotional, instrumental, motivational, paid support, and the patient’s importance to others. Almost half of clinicians (47%) rarely or never requested second opinions when excluding patients due to social support. Confidence and perceived clarity and consistency in center guidelines were significantly associated with informing patients when support contributed to negative wait-listing decisions ( P = .001). Clinicians who excluded fewer patients because of social support offered significantly more supportive health care ( P = .02). Clearer definitions and more supportive care may reduce the number of patients excluded from transplant candidacy due to inadequate social support.
Science Studies and the Metamorphic Multiple Earth: Bruno Latour’s Risky Diplomacy
Authors: de Freitas Elizabeth
Published: October 2019

This essay focuses on Bruno Latour’s recent attempts to study the metamorphic zone of terrestrial life, within the current climate crisis and environmental “cosmocolossus.” I explore his proposal for a risky diplomacy in the Anthropocene “end times,” as a way of dealing with the increasingly tense relations between polarized and weaponized perspectives. I show how his work continues to seek a form of scientific practice that involves the invention of equipment (apparatus) that make perceptible (principally to humans) the existence of nonhuman agencies, thereby expanding the opportunities for alliances and a pluralist ecology, and ultimately assembling another more-than-human political body. I also discuss critiques and concerns regarding the specifics of this proposal.
Norcepharadione B attenuates H2O2-induced neuronal injury by upregulating cellular antioxidants and inhibiting volume-sensitive Cl− channel
Authors: Jia Xin , Liu Yan , Li Xing , Huo Cong , Li Dongtao , Xu Rong , Hou Liming , Wang Xiaoming
Published: October 2019

Oxidative stress acts as an essential culprit factor in the development of stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. Norcepharadione B possesses various pharmacologic features as an extract obtained from Houttuynia cordata. Nevertheless, the anti-apoptotic and neuroprotective characteristics of norcepharadione B remain unclear. In this study, the neuronal protection effect provided by norcepharadione B against injury caused by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in HT22 cell as well as the fundamental mechanism was systematically explored. The neurotoxicity assays of hippocampal cells, which were co-cultured with H2O2, showed that norcepharadione B had the ability to insulate the toxicity induced by H2O2 with significant reduced cell apoptosis. Besides, norcepharadione B potentiated the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), increased the level of glutathione (GSH), and decreased malondialdehyde content. The H2O2-induced apoptotic protein Bax was suppressed, and the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was boosted by norcepharadione B. Norcepharadione B promoted Akt phosphorylation and further upregulated heme oxygenase (HO-1) in cells exposed to oxidative stress. However, the inductive effect of HO-1 by norcepharadione B was shut off via the PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002. Furthermore, 2-h incubation with H2O2 substantially increased cell volume in HT22 cells, while norcepharadione B effectively alleviated such effect by interrupting the activation of VSOR Cl− channel. Collectively, our data revealed protective properties of norcepharadione B in resisting oxidative stress induced by H2O2 through elevation of HO-1 in the dependence of PI3K/Akt and in inhibiting H2O2-induced cell swelling by VSOR Cl− channel obstruction in HT22 cells.

Impact statement

Norcepharadione B is an aporphine alkaloid compound extracted from Chinese herb Houttuynia cordata. It was well known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-platelet aggregation outcomes. Our study demonstrated that Norcepharadione B protected hippocampal neurons against oxidative stress and the resultant cell apoptosis upon H2O2 exposure. Meanwhile, Norcepharadione B also substantially reduced cell swelling induced by H2O2 via inhibiting VSOR Cl− channel in neurons. These findings uncovered the potential mechanisms of Norcepharadione B in protecting neuron apoptosis under oxidative stress and propose that Norcepharadione B may serve as a favorable herb medicine for restoring neuronal injury in the pathogenesis of stroke together with other neurodegenerative diseases.
Correlation Between the Immediate Remnant Stump Length and Vein Diameter After Cyanoacrylate Closure Using the VenaSeal System During Treatment of an Incompetent Great Saphenous Vein
Authors: Park Insoo , Kim Daehwan
Published: October 2019

Objectives:

Cyanoacrylate glue is injected for incompetent great saphenous vein (GSV) treatment 5 cm distal to the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ). Although a few reports have investigated the postprocedural remnant stump length, none have focused on the factors affecting glue extension length and the consequent remnant stump length.

Methods:

Seventy-nine patients undergoing cyanoacrylate closure using the VenaSeal system at our clinic between August 2018 and November 2018 were investigated. The GSV diameter was measured just before treatment in the supine position 3 cm distal to the SFJ. Cyanoacrylate glue was injected 5 cm distal to the SFJ.

Results:

The mean glue extension length was 1.13 ± 1.12 cm. The GSV diameter and glue extension length exhibited a significant inversely proportional relationship ( P < .001). More specifically, patients with a GSV diameter ≥0.7 cm had a longer remnant stump length than those with a smaller GSV diameter ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

An increased GSV diameter is likely associated with a decreased glue extension length and, consequently, a longer remnant stump.
The association between volition and participation in adults with acquired disabilities: A scoping review
Authors: Harel-Katz Hagit , Carmeli Eli
Published: October 2019

Background/objective

Physical, cognitive and psychological factors such as self-efficacy and motivation affect participation in populations with acquired disabilities. Volition is defined as a person's motivation for participating in occupation. The concept of ‘volition’ expands similar concepts and theories, which focus mostly on cognitive processes that influence motivation. Although volition seems to affect participation, the association between these two concepts has not been examined in populations with acquired disabilities. This scoping review explored this association.

Methods

The literature review used a structured five-stage framework, according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Seven electronic databases (CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, The Cochrane Library-Wiley, OTseeker) and Google Scholar were searched for relevant articles, published in English from January 2001 to May 2018.

Results

A total of 18 articles, relating to populations with various diagnoses were included. Two directly examined volition and participation and showed a positive association between them. Other articles discussed the effect of participants’ chronic condition on their volition and participation, the effect of volition on participation, or the effect on participation of an intervention addressing volition.

Conclusions

An acquired disability affects both volition and participation, and volition seems to affect participation among people with acquired disabilities. Few articles showed positive effects of interventions that addressed clients' volition, on participation. Further research should include additional health conditions and types of literature, to better understand the association between these concepts. This understanding will contribute to the development of occupational therapy interventions that emphasise volition, in order to improve participation outcomes.
Patient satisfaction after treatment of distal radial fractures in older adults
Authors: Chung Kevin C. , Sasor Sarah E. , Speth Kelly A. , Wang Lu , Shauver Melissa J. ,   For the WRIST Group
Published: October 2019

The Wrist and Radius Injury Surgical Trial (WRIST) collaboration is the largest clinical trial ever conducted in hand surgery. We applied data from this study to examine the relationship between functional outcomes and patient satisfaction after treatment of distal radial fractures. Patients aged 60 years and older with isolated distal radial fractures were enrolled at 24 health systems. Grip strength and the arc of wrist motion were measured after treatment. The Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire was used to measure patient satisfaction. Receiver operating characteristic curves were created using patient satisfaction as the reference standard and each functional measure as a predictor. At 12 months after treatment, mean grip strength was 82% of normal and mean arc of motion was 88% of normal. The optimal cut-off points to distinguish satisfaction from dissatisfaction occurred when patients recovered 59% of hand strength and 79% of wrist motion. Continuing therapy to increase functional gains beyond this point unnecessarily utilizes healthcare resources without additional patient-reported gains.

Level of evidence: IV
Recurrent urinary tract infection in women
Authors: Wales Keren E , Mecia Lauren , Gray Thomas
Published: October 2019

Recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common, and burdensome, condition that accounts for up to 3% of GP appointments per year. It affects over half of women in their lifetime, disproportionately affecting post-menopausal women. Most presentations of recurrent UTI will be to GPs, so for them to recognise and manage recurrent UTI, and when to refer to secondary care is important. This article outlines the microbial and non-microbial prophylaxis and management options available to GPs for recurrent UTI in non-pregnant women. The article will highlight when to refer patients to secondary care for further management.
The Modified Subcapital Metatarsal Osteotomy in the Treatment of Hallux Valgus Recurrence
Authors: Scala Andrea , Cipolla Massimo , Giannini Silvana , Oliva Giulio
Published: October 2019

The purpose of the present study is to illustrate the use of a modified subcapital metatarsal osteotomy (MSMO) in the treatment of hallux valgus (HV) recurrence. The article reports the clinical and radiological outcomes of a cohort of 52 consecutive patients presenting with recurrent HV, treated with MSMO. A total of 52 patients (54 feet) underwent operations between May 2010 and November 2015. The mean time of follow-up was 2.5 years (range 5.5-1.0 years), and the mean age was 49 years (range 22-76 years). The patient cohort comprised 46 female and 6 male patients. The results of this research show that MSMO is a reliable technique for the correction of HV recurrence. The postoperative radiographic assessments show a statistically significant postoperative improvement of the HV angle (P < .05) and the intermetatarsal angle (P < .05). The postoperative position of the tibial sesamoid was significantly improved (P < .1). The distal metatarsal articular angle was improved (P < .001), though assessment may be affected by the previous operations performed on the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The statistical analysis shows that the postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale parameters were significantly improved (P < 0.001). Results of this study indicate that the minimally invasive MSMO is effective in restoring anatomical alignment and improving patient outcomes in recurrent cases of HV.

Levels of Evidence: Level III: Case-control study
Comorbid chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder in UK veterans: a lot of theory but not enough evidence
Authors: Morgan Louise , Aldington Dominic
Published: October 2019

Introduction:

Chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are strongly correlated in military veteran populations. The aim of this article is to review what is known about the comorbidity of the two conditions.

Methods:

A literature search was carried out to establish evidence for current explanatory models of why the two conditions frequently co-occur, the most appropriate treatments and current UK service provision for veterans and to identify gaps in research.

Results:

Chronic pain and PTSD share a number of features, yet the mechanisms behind their comorbidity are not well understood, and while each condition alone has extensive literature, there is limited evidence to support specific care and treatment for the two conditions simultaneously. In addition, there is currently no UK data for veterans with comorbid chronic pain and PTSD so it is not possible to gauge the numbers affected or to predict the numbers who will be affected in the future, and there appear to be no co-located services within the United Kingdom for the management of the two conditions simultaneously in this population.

Conclusion:

This review highlights a paucity of evidence in all areas of comorbid chronic pain and PTSD. Further work needs to consider fully the nature of the event that led to the development of the two conditions and examine further the possible mechanisms involved, and clinics need to establish routine and systematic evaluations of how any interventions work in practice.
CAGEfightR: analysis of 5′-end data using R/Bioconductor
Authors: Thodberg Malte , Thieffry Axel , Vitting-Seerup Kristoffer , Andersson Robin , Sandelin Albin
Published: October 2019

Background

5′-end sequencing assays, and Cap Analysis of Gene Expression (CAGE) in particular, have been instrumental in studying transcriptional regulation. 5′-end methods provide genome-wide maps of transcription start sites (TSSs) with base pair resolution. Because active enhancers often feature bidirectional TSSs, such data can also be used to predict enhancer candidates. The current availability of mature and comprehensive computational tools for the analysis of 5′-end data is limited, preventing efficient analysis of new and existing 5′-end data.

Results

We present CAGEfightR, a framework for analysis of CAGE and other 5′-end data implemented as an R/Bioconductor-package. CAGEfightR can import data from BigWig files and allows for fast and memory efficient prediction and analysis of TSSs and enhancers. Downstream analyses include quantification, normalization, annotation with transcript and gene models, TSS shape statistics, linking TSSs to enhancers via co-expression, identification of enhancer clusters, and genome-browser style visualization. While built to analyze CAGE data, we demonstrate the utility of CAGEfightR in analyzing nascent RNA 5′-data (PRO-Cap). CAGEfightR is implemented using standard Bioconductor classes, making it easy to learn, use and combine with other Bioconductor packages, for example popular differential expression tools such as limma, DESeq2 and edgeR.

Conclusions

CAGEfightR provides a single, scalable and easy-to-use framework for comprehensive downstream analysis of 5′-end data. CAGEfightR is designed to be interoperable with other Bioconductor packages, thereby unlocking hundreds of mature transcriptomic analysis tools for 5′-end data. CAGEfightR is freely available via Bioconductor:
bioconductor.org/packages/CAGEfightR
.
Synaptic plasticity in hippocampal CA1 neurons and learning behavior in acute kidney injury, and estradiol replacement in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Sharifi Fatemeh , Reisi Parham , Malek Maryam
Published: October 2019

Background

Neurological complications may occur in patients with acute or chronic renal failure; however, in cases of acute renal failure, the signs and symptoms are usually more pronounced, and progressed rapidly. Oxidative stress and nitric oxide in the hippocampus, following kidney injury may be involved in cognitive impairment in patients with uremia. Although many women continue taking hormone therapy for menopausal symptom relief, but there are also some controversies about the efficacy of exogenous sex hormones, especially estrogen therapy alone, in postmenopausal women with kidney injury. Herein, to the best of our knowledge for the first time, spatial memory and synaptic plasticity at the CA1 synapse of a uremic ovariectomized rat model of menopause was characterized by estradiol replacement alone.

Results

While estradiol replacement in ovariectomized rats without uremia, promotes synaptic plasticity, it has an impairing effect on spatial memory through hippocampal oxidative stress under uremic conditions, with no change on synaptic plasticity. It seems that exogenous estradiol potentiated the deleterious effect of acute kidney injury (AKI) with increasing hippocampal oxidative stress.

Conclusions

Although, estrogen may have some positive effects on cognitive function in healthy subjects, but its efficacy in menopause subjects under uremic states such as renal transplantation, needs to be further investigated in terms of dosage and duration.
Analysis of the association between paternity and reoperation for urethral obstruction in adult hypospadias patients who underwent two-stage repair in childhood
Authors: Kanematsu Akihiro , Tanaka Shiro , Hashimoto Takahiko , Nojima Michio , Yamamoto Shingo
Published: October 2019

Background

The association between surgical outcome of hypospadias repair and long-term male reproductive function has not been documented. The purpose of this study was to clarify association between paternity in adult hypospadias patients and reoperation for urethral obstruction after two-stage repair during childhood.

Methods

Ninety hypospadias patients who underwent the same kind of two-stage repair in our institute by a single surgeon, were initially treated at < 18 years old, and who were ≥ 18 years old during the survey were included in the study. Present physical, social, and life status were evaluated by a mailed self-entry questionnaire, and clinical background and surgical outcome data were evaluated by medical records. National survey data of the general population were used as external control. The paternity rate of the patient groups was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier curve analysis and log-rank tests.

Results

Twenty-six patients (28.9%) underwent 43 reoperations after completion of the initial repair. Twelve patients were reoperated for obstructive complication (Study group) and were compared with 14 patients who were reoperated only for non-obstructive causes and 64 patients who were not reoperated as Study control group (N = 78). The Study group patients showed sexual intercourse rate and marriage rate not statistically different in comparison with the Study control, although marriage rate at 32.5 years old were lower than the general population (p = 0.048, z-test). None of the Study group achieved paternity, which showed a significant difference to the Study control (p = 0.032, log-rank test). The difference was also statistically significant in the analysis among the 31 married patients (p = 0.012, log-rank test). Patients reoperated for obstructive complication documented worsened Quality of Life score in the International Prostate Symptom Score (2.3 ± 2.0 vs. 1.4 ± 1.2, p = 0.031, t-test) and ejaculation problems (66.7% vs. 17.4%, p = 0.003, chi-square test).

Conclusions

History of reoperation for obstructive complication was associated with lower paternity rate in patients with hypospadias, presumably for multifactorial causes associated with marriage age and ejaculation problems. The present results may implicate importance of uncomplicated urethroplasty during childhood for achieving paternity, although it should be further tested in the future for larger groups of hypospadias patients.
Shared decision making when patients consider surgery for lumbar herniated disc: development and test of a patient decision aid
Authors: Andersen Stina Brogård , Andersen Mikkel Ø. , Carreon Leah Y. , Coulter Angela , Steffensen Karina Dahl
Published: October 2019

Background

Shared decision making (SDM) is a systematic approach aimed at improving patient involvement in preference-sensitive health care decisions. Choosing between surgical or non-surgical treatment for lumbar disc herniation, can be difficult as the evidence of a superior treatment is unclear, which makes it a preference-sensitive decision. The objectives of this study was therefore to assess the degree of SDM and afterwards to develop and test a patient decision aid (PtDA) to support SDM during the clinical encounter between surgeon and patient, when patients choose between surgical and non-surgical treatment for Lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

Methods

The study was conducted in four steps.

Assessment of the extent to which SDM was practiced in the spine clinic.

Development of a PtDA to support SDM.

Testing its usability and acceptability amongst potential users (patients).

Pilot-test of its usability in the clinical setting.

Results

Results from our small baseline study (n = 40) showed that between a third and two-thirds of the patients reported not being fully engaged in a shared decision. A pre-designed template (BESLUTNINGSHJÆLPER™) was adapted to support the decision about whether or not to have surgery for LDH. Testing the prototype with patients led to minor refinements. A subsequent pilot test of its usability in a clinical setting achieved positive responses from both patients and clinicians.

Conclusion

Our baseline study demonstrated that SDM was not universally practiced in the clinic. The PtDA we have developed was rated as acceptable and usable by both patients and clinicians for helping those with LDH choose between surgical or non- surgical treatment. This tool now requires further testing to assess its effectiveness.
CCNB1 affects cavernous sinus invasion in pituitary adenomas through the epithelial–mesenchymal transition
Authors: Li Bin , Cheng Jianhua , Wang Hongyun , Zhao Sida , Zhu Haibo , Li Chuzhong , Zhang Yazhuo , Zhao Peng
Published: October 2019

Background

To investigate the relationship between cyclin B1 (CCNB1) gene expression and cavernous sinus invasion in pituitary adenomas.

Methods

Twenty-four pituitary adenoma tissue samples were examined by RT-qPCR and Western blot to assess the mRNA expression levels and protein levels of CCNB1, E-cadherin and N-cadherin. Correlation analyses between the expression levels of E-cadherin, N-cadherin and CCNB1 were performed. After lentivirus-mediated knockdown of CCNB1 in rat pituitary adenoma cell lines (GH3 and GT1-1), cell function changes were studied. The relationship between CCNB1 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was further verified by animal experiments.

Results

CCNB1 and N-cadherin gene expression were significantly higher in the invasive pituitary adenomas than in the non-invasive pituitary adenomas. Conversely, E-cadherin expression in the invasive pituitary adenomas was significantly lower. CCNB1 gene expression was downregulated in the GH3 and GT1-1 pituitary adenoma cell lines; N-cadherin expression was also decreased, but E-cadherin expression was increased. These results were confirmed in vivo. After downregulation of CCNB1, cell invasion and migration was significantly reduced in Transwell experiments.

Conclusion

High CCNB1 expression in pituitary adenoma affects cavernous sinus invasion through EMT.
Same but different? A thematic analysis on adalimumab biosimilar switching among patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Renton William D. , Leveret Helen , Guly Catherine , Smee Heather , Leveret Jamie , Ramanan Athimalaipet V.
Published: October 2019

Background

Biologic medications have dramatically enhanced the treatment of many chronic paediatric inflammatory conditions. Their high cost is a factor that prohibits their broader use. Cheaper generic versions, or biosimilars, are increasingly being used. Healthcare services are switching some patients over to biosimilars for economic reasons, known as ‘non-medical switching’. Some patients unsuccessfully switch due to perceived decreases in efficacy or non-specific drug effects. The implications of failed switching include exhaustion of therapeutic options, unnecessary exposure to other medications, increased healthcare utilisation, worse patient outcomes and higher overall healthcare costs. Patient perceptions almost certainly play a role in these ‘failed switches’.

Methods

A thematic analysis was performed to better understand patient and parent perceptions on non-medical biosimilar switching. The study was conducted in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research recommendations. Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis currently taking adalimumab were included.

Results

Nine families were interviewed just prior to a hospital trust-wide non-medical switch to an adalimumab biosimilar. Several common themes were identified. The most frequent concerns were regarding practical aspects of the switch including the medication administration device type; the colour of the medication and administration device; and whether the injections would sting more. The relative safety and efficacy of the biosimilar was raised although most families felt that there would be no significant difference. Anxieties about the switch were largely placated by reassurances from the medical team.

Conclusions

We derived recommendations based on existing adult literature and the observations from our study to optimise the benefits from non-medical biosimilar switching.
Nrf-2 signaling inhibits intracranial aneurysm formation and progression by modulating vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype and function
Authors: Shi Yuan , Li Sichen , Song Yaying , Liu Peixi , Yang Zixiao , Liu Yingjun , Quan Kai , Yu Guo , Fan Zhiyuan , Zhu Wei
Published: October 2019

Background

Oxidative stress and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic modulation influence intracranial aneurysm (IA) formation and progression. Oxidative stress plays an important role in phenotype switching, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) is one of the main antioxidant systems. Unfortunately, little is known about how Nrf-2 signaling influences VSMC phenotype switches during IA pathogenesis.

Methods

We examined the effect of Nrf-2 activation IA on formation and progression in an elastase-induced rat IA model. We also developed a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced VSMC oxidative damage model. Then, we analyzed VSMC phenotype changes in the setting of Nrf-2 activation or inhibition in vitro. The proliferation, migration ability, and apoptosis rate of VSMCs were tested. Lastly, we measured the expression levels of antioxidant enzymes and inflammatory cytokines downstream of Nrf-2.

Results

Nrf-2 activation suppressed IA formation and progression in vivo. We confirmed Nrf-2 nuclear translocation and a VSMC switch from the contractile to synthetic phenotype. Nrf-2 activation inhibited the proliferation, migratory ability, and apoptosis rate enhanced by H2O2. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot analysis revealed that Nrf-2 activation promoted antioxidant enzymes and VSMC-specific marker gene expressions but decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.

Conclusion

These results suggest that Nrf-2 exerts protective effects against IA development by preventing VSMCs from changing to a synthetic phenotype.
Silencing of the phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene affects the expression of fruit-ripening genes in tomatoes
Authors: Naing Aung Htay , Kyu Swum Yi , Pe Phyo Phyo Win , Park Kyeung Il , Lee Je Min , Lim Ki Byung , Kim Chang Kil
Published: October 2019

Background

Past research has shown that virus-induced phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene silencing via agroinjection in the attached and detached fruit of tomato plants results in a pale-yellow fruit phenotype. Although thePDSgene is often used as a marker for gene silencing in tomatoes, little is known about the role ofPDSin fruit ripening. In this study, we investigated whether the pepperPDSgene silenced endogenousPDSgenes in the fruit of two tomato cultivars, Dotaerang Plus and Legend Summer.

Results

We found that the pepperPDSgene successfully silenced endogenousPDSin tomato fruit at a silencing frequency of 100% for both cultivars. A pale-yellow silenced area was observed over virtually the entire surface of individual fruit due to the transcriptional reduction in phytoene desaturase (PDS), zeta-carotene (ZDS), prolycopene isomerase (CrtlSO), and beta-carotene hydroxylase (CrtR-b2), which are the carotenoid biosynthesis genes responsible for the red coloration in tomatoes.PDSsilencing also affected the expression levels of the fruit-ripening genes Tomato AGAMOUS-LIKE1 (TAGL1), RIPENING INHIBITOR (RIN), pectin esterase gene (PE), lipoxygenase (LOX), FRUITFULL1/FRUITFUL2 (FUL1/FUL2), and the ethylene biosynthesis and response genes 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase 1 and 3 (ACO1andACO3) and ethylene-responsive genes (E4andE8).

Conclusion

These results suggest thatPDSis a positive regulator of ripening in tomato fruit, which must be considered when using it as a marker for virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) experiments in order to avoid fruit-ripening side effects.
Prevalence and associated factors of soil transmitted helminthes among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Maytsebri primary hospital, North Ethiopia
Authors: Gebrehiwet Menasbo Gebru , Medhaniye Araya Abrha , Alema Haileselasie Berhane
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Soil-transmitted helminthes are among the most common infections worldwide and affect the poorest and most deprived communities. A health facility based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending at Maytsebri primary hospital. Data was entered and analysed using SPSS version 20 software. Multivariate analyses were used to identify determinant factors associated with soil transmitted helminthiasis. A total of 448 pregnant women were examined microscopically with a Katokatz technique for parasitological study to each women.

Results

Out of the total 448 pregnant women examined in the primary hospital, 229 (51.5%) women were infected by at least one of the soil transmitted helminthiasis. Hookworm was the most prevalent 179 (78.16%) soil transmitted helminthes infection. Women who had a habit of eating soil were 2.6 times more likely to be infected by soil transmitted helminthes compared to who do not eat soil. Participants who wear shoe always were 95% less likely to be infected by soil transmitted helminthes. Efforts should be done to advance the awareness of women how to prevent soil transmitted helminthes.
Oil price, energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions: insight into sustainability challenges in Venezuela
Authors: Agbanike Tobechi F. , Nwani Chinazaekpere , Uwazie Uwazie I. , Anochiwa Lasbrey I. , Onoja Thank-God C. , Ogbonnaya Ikwor O.
Published: October 2019

This study provides insight into sustainability challenges in Venezuela by exploring the causal interactions between oil price, energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Venezuela. Economic growth, government consumption expenditure and trade openness are included as additional determinants in the analysis. The auto-regressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds approach to cointegration provides evidence of long-run relationship between the variables with the incorporation of structural breaks observed in the series. The estimates suggest that an increase in crude oil price significantly increases energy consumption, government consumption expenditure and energy consumption generate CO2emissions, and CO2emissions exert negative effects on economic growth in the oil-rich economy. This study further examined the direction of causality between the variables using the innovative accounting approach (IAA). The results suggest that crude oil price causes energy consumption in the economy. No significant causal relationship is found between energy consumption and economic growth. Energy consumption causes CO2emissions in the economy. In addition, a unidirectional causality runs from CO2emissions to economic growth. The response of economic growth to CO2emissions indicates that more CO2emissions in the economy would exert negative effects on economic growth. It is, therefore, expected that policy makers would consider energy diversification as a major component of economic diversification policies in Venezuela.