bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How being synanthropic affects the gut bacteriome and mycobiome: comparison of two mouse species with contrasting ecologies
Authors: Bendová Barbora , Piálek Jaroslav , Ďureje Ľudovít , Schmiedová Lucie , Čížková Dagmar , Martin Jean-Francois , Kreisinger Jakub
Published: July 2020

Background

The vertebrate gastrointestinal tract is colonised by microbiota that have a major effect on the host’s health, physiology and phenotype. Once introduced into captivity, however, the gut microbial composition of free-living individuals can change dramatically. At present, little is known about gut microbial changes associated with adaptation to a synanthropic lifestyle in commensal species, compared with their non-commensal counterparts. Here, we compare the taxonomic composition and diversity of bacterial and fungal communities across three gut sections in synanthropic house mouse (Mus musculus) and a closely related non-synanthropic mound-building mouse (Mus spicilegus).

Results

Using Illumina sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA amplicons, we found higher bacterial diversity in M. spicilegus and detected 11 bacterial operational taxonomic units with significantly different proportions. Notably, abundance of Oscillospira, which is typically higher in lean or outdoor pasturing animals, was more abundant in non-commensal M. spicilegus. ITS2-based barcoding revealed low diversity and high uniformity of gut fungi in both species, with the genus Kazachstania clearly dominant.

Conclusions

Though differences in gut bacteria observed in the two species can be associated with their close association with humans, changes due to a move from commensalism to captivity would appear to have caused larger shifts in microbiota.
Antimicrobial and immunomodulatory responses of photodynamic therapy in Galleria mellonella model
Authors: Huang Xiaowen , Xu Meinian , Pan Wen , Wang Menglei , Wu Xiaoyan , Dai Siqi , Li Li , Zeng Kang
Published: July 2020

Background

New therapeutics are urgently needed for infectious diseases, especially for the fungal infection like Fonsecaea monophora. Photodynamic therapy has been showing antimicrobial activity on some pathogens. The combination of antimicrobial medicines and photodynamic therapy (PDT) might be a practical approach. However, whether the treatment of PDT could do benefits to the host immunity remains poorly documented.

Results

In this study, Galleria mellonella larvae were employed as a model organism to evaluate the activity of PDT, and also to investigate the regulation of humoral immunity by PDT. Photosensitizer 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) was applied to the G. mellonella infection model. It was found that ALA-mediated PDT was non-toxic to G. mellonella, and could extend the median survival of infected larvae from 3 days to 5.5 days. We observed that larval hemocytes inhibited the growth of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus, without any contribution by ALA-PDT. Furthermore, the application of ALA-PDT demonstrated the immunomodulation of larval innate immunity as increased hemocyte density counting, cell morphological transformation, and sensitivity to pathogens.

Conclusions

G. mellonella could be considered as a useful model to study the immunoregulation of PDT. This model revealed that ALA-PDT positively defense against infections through inducing humoral immune responses of larvae.
Prevalence, serotypes, and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella isolates from patients with diarrhea in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Shen Hongwei , Chen Haochuan , Ou Yongxuan , Huang Tingting , Chen Siping , Zhou Lintao , Zhang Jinjin , Hu Qinghua , Zhou Yiwen , Ma Wen
Published: July 2020

Background

Salmonella is one of the main causative agents of diarrhea which results in substantial disease burden. To determine the prevalence, serotype distribution, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of clinical Salmonella isolates in Shenzhen, a 6-year surveillance study was conducted.

Results

A total of 297 (5.7%) Salmonella strains were isolated from stool samples from 5239 patients. Among the 42 serotypes identified, serotype Typhimurium was the most common one which represented 39.7% of the isolates (118), followed by serotype Enteritidis (71, 23.9%), London (12, 4.0%), 4, 5, 12: i: - (11, 3.7%), and Senftenberg (8, 2.7%). A high frequency of resistance was found in ampicillin (70.6%), piperacillin (64.5%), tetracycline (63.5%), and streptomycin (54.3%). Resistance to ampicillin and tetracycline was observed in 95.3% of S. Typhimurium isolates; and nalidixic acid in 93.1% of S. Enteritidis isolates. Resistance to 5 or more antimicrobial agents was found in 78.8% of S. Typhimurium and 69.0% of S. Enteritidis isolates. A decreased susceptibility to ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin was associated with amino acid alteration in gyrA gene. Point mutations without amino acid changes were seen in gyrB, parC, and parE genes.

Conclusions

A broad range of serotypes are responsible for Salmonellosis in Shenzhen, with Enteritidis and Typhimurium being the most common serotypes. The high level of antibiotic resistance is of public health significance and ongoing monitoring combined with rational use of antibiotics are recommended. Point mutations in gyrA gene might play an important role in the resistance to fluoroquinolones.
Correction to: The MYB transcription factor CiMYB42 regulates limonoids biosynthesis in citrus
Authors: Zhang Pan , Liu Xiaofeng , Yu Xin , Wang Fusheng , Long Junhong , Shen Wanxia , Jiang Dong , Zhao Xiaochun
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
The clinical effect of dexmedetomidine combined with parecoxib sodium on sedation, antianxiety and prevention of intubation stress in patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gu Xiaoxia , Tan Xiujuan , Chen Jinxian , Wang Jingjing , Lu Yue , Zhang Liangqing
Published: July 2020

Background

To investigate the effect of intravenous injection of dexmedetomidine combined with parecoxib sodium on sedation and anxiety and stress response of tracheal intubation in patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Methods

One hundred twenty patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery were randomly divided into four groups: group DP, group D, group P and group N. The blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), blood oxygen saturation (SPO2), EEG, bispectral index (BIS), Ramsay sedation score and state anxiety questionnaire (SAI) were recorded before administration (T0), 10 min (T1), 20 min (T2) and 30 min (T3) after administration. After 30 min, endotracheal intubation was performed after anesthesia induction. The BP, HR, SPO2 were recorded 1 min before intubation (T4), intubation (T5), 3 min (T6) after intubation, 5 min (T7) after intubation, and blood samples were collected from patients before administration and after intubation 2 min to detect serum cortisol (Cor), adrenalin (E) norepinephrine (NE) and blood glucose (BS).

Results

There was no significant difference in Ramsay sedation score before anesthesia, but the Ramsay sedation score in group D、DP was significantly higher than that in group P and group N, the BIS, BP, HR and anxiety scores were significantly lower than those in the group P and group N (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in Ramsay sedation score, BIS value, anxiety score and BP, HR between group D and group DP (p > 0.05). Compared with T4, there was no significant difference in BIS and BP, HR in group D, group DP and group P (p > 0.05), but the BIS, BP and HR in group N were significantly higher than T4, (p < 0.05). Three minutes after intubation there was no statistical difference in the changes of Cor, E, NE and BS values compared with before intubation in group P and group DP (p > 0.05), but the changes of Cor, E, NE and BS values were significantly lower than that in group N (p < 0.05). Compared with T0, the values of NE, E, Cor, BS decreased in group D, DP and P at T4, group DP decreased more significantly than group D (p < 0.05). while the NE, E, Cor, BS of T6 are at the same level as the base value. In group N, the NE, E, Cor, BS of T4 were at the same level of T0, but significantly higher at T6.And at T6, NE and E in group D, P and N were significantly different from those in group DP (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Preoperative intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine combined with parecoxib sodium by functional nasal endoscopy can not only calm and resist anxiety, but also better prevent stress response of endotracheal intubation, which is a safe and effective way of preoperative medication.

Trial registration

ChiCTR-OPN-17010444. Prospectively registered on 16 January 2017.
Correlation of resting heart rate with anthropometric factors and serum biomarkers in a population-based study: Fasa PERSIAN cohort study
Authors: Goorakani Yashar , Sedigh Rahimabadi Massih , Dehghan Azizallah , Kazemi Maryam , Chijan Mahsa Rostami , Bijani Mostafa , Shahraki Hadi Raeisi , Davoodi Ali , Farjam Mojtaba , Homayounfar Reza
Published: July 2020

Background

There is a positive association between raised resting heart rate (RHR), and all causes of mortality and shorter life expectancy. Several serum biomarkers and some anthropometric factors can affect the resting heart rate. This study aimed to investigate the determinants of resting heart rate in a large random sample of the Iranian population.

Material and methods

It is a standardized, retrospective study and the subjects were chosen from the baseline survey of the Prospective Epidemiological Research Study in IrAN (PERSIAN) Fasa non-communicable disease cohort study. It was conducted from winter 2014 to summer 2019 and after obtaining informed consent from a random sample, all the eligible subjects were enrolled. All anthropometric factors and biologic laboratory factors were collected and analyzed by implement smoothly clipped absolute deviation (SCAD) linear regression and SCAD quantile regression. The comparisons between males and females were done via independent T-test.

Results & conclusion

A total number of 9975 persons from 35 to 90 years old were included. The overall median resting heart rate was 74 (interquartile range:66–80). Mean age has no important difference between males and females (P = 0.79) but, resting heart rate was significantly higher in females (76.6 versus 71.4, P < 0.001). All anthropometric factors except wrist circumference were higher in females (P < 0.05). Age has an adverse effect on resting heart rate and also, there was a direct association between resting heart rate and systolic blood pressure and blood glucose. Alpha-blockers (coefficient = 5.2) and Beta1-blockers (coefficient = − 2.2) were the most effective drugs with positive and negative effects on resting heart rate respectively. Lower hemoglobin, obesity, and more body mass index, and more low-density lipoprotein were associated with more resting heart rate.

Continuing the monitoring of this sample via our cohort study and put to action multinational prospective researches with large sample sizes and long follow-ups can lead to more precise results and better scientific judgments.
Antithrombotic therapy in coronary artery disease patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Wei Lili , Su Enyong , Liu Weili , Xing Wenlu , Liu Xinyun , Zhang You , Wang Shan , Cheng Qianqian , Qi Datun , Gao Chuanyu
Published: July 2020

Background

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently coexist in clinical practice, making it challenging for the treating physician to choose anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapies. The aim of this study was to investigate antithrombotic strategies and assess related adverse outcomes in stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with AF when the CHA2DS2-VASc score was ≥2.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study and collected data from a computer-based patient record management system in Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital in China. In total, 2978 patients with a hospital discharge diagnosis of CAD and concomitant AF who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2016, and data from 2050 patients were finally analysed. The χ2 test was used to compare the incidences of clinical endpoints between the SCAD+AF group and the ACS + AF group. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictive factors of adverse outcomes in both groups.

Results

Oral anticoagulant (OAC) monotherapy was the most common antithrombotic therapy in SCAD+AF patients (49.55%), while double antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) was the most common treatment in ACS + AF patients (54.19%) at discharge. OAC monotherapy significantly increased and the use of single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) decreased during follow-up (34 ± 13 months) when compared to their use at discharge in the SCAD+AF group (all p < 0.001). In the ACS + AF group, the proportion of patients using DAPT decreased notably, while the proportions of patients using SAPT and dual therapy (DT) combining OAC with SAPT increased significantly during follow-up (all p < 0.001) compared to the proportions at discharge. According to multivariable Cox regression analysis, age, hypertension and prior stroke were independent risk factors for ischaemic stroke in the SCAD+AF group and ACS + AF group (all p < 0.05). OAC was an independent protective factor for ischaemic stroke in both groups (all p < 0.05). Previous bleeding independently increased the risk of haemorrhage in both groups (all p < 0.01).

Conclusions

In this study, the proportion of anticoagulant-antiplatelet combined therapy was low in ACS + AF patients with high stroke risk. In clinical practice, the awareness of anticoagulation needs to be strengthened regarding patients with CAD and AF.
Evolutionary de Winter pattern: from de Winter ECG to STEMI-A case report
Authors: Wang Hao , Dai Xiao-Ce , Zhao Yun-Tao , Cheng Xiao-Hang
Published: July 2020

Background

De Winter pattern is associated with acute occlusion in the left anterior descending coronary artery combined with upsloping ST-segment depression at the J point in leads V1through V6without ST-segment elevation. The ECG changes in this case were illustrated by an up-sloping ST-segment depression in the V1to V6leads, followed by tall and symmetrical T waves. Changes from de Winter to ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are rare.

Case presentation

Our case illustrated an evolutionary de Winter sign that changed to STEMI; the patient underwent cardiac catheterization in time.

Conclusions

Patients who have an electrocardiogram showing de Winter changes may require primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Emergency physicians and cardiologists should not ignore these changes.
The value of social practice theory for implementation science: learning from a theory-based mixed methods process evaluation of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Frost Julia , Wingham Jennifer , Britten Nicky , Greaves Colin , Abraham Charles , Warren Fiona C. , Dalal Hasnain , Taylor Rod S.
Published: July 2020

Background

Although there is trial evidence that complex interventions are effective for the self-management of heart failure, little evidence supports their effectiveness in routine practice. We used Social Practice Theory to guide a Type 1 Hybrid Trial: a mixed methods process evaluation of a complex intervention for heart failure. The objective of this paper is to explore the value of Social Practice Theory for implementation science.

Methods

Social Practice Theory informed a mixed methods process evaluation of a multi-centre randomised controlled trial of a 12 week home-based intervention to optimise self-care support for people with heart failure and their caregivers - Rehabilitation EnAblement in Chronic Heart Failure (REACH-HF). Interviews were conducted with 19 people with heart failure and 17 caregivers at 4 months and 12 months after recruitment into the trial. Cases were constructed at the level of the individual, couple, facilitator and centre; and included multi-modal process and outcome data. Evaluative coding and subsequent within- and cross-case analyses enabled the development of a typology of relationships linking fidelity of intervention delivery and tailoring of content to individual needs and concerns. Social Practice Theory was used to interrogate the relationships between elements of the intervention and their implementation.

Results

Of 216 trial participants, 107 were randomised to the intervention (REACH-HF plus usual care). The intervention was most effective when fidelity was high and delivery was tailored to the individual’s needs, but less effective when both tailoring and fidelity were low. Theory-based analysis enabled us to model complex relationships between intervention elements (competencies, materials and meanings) and social context. The findings illustrate how intervention fidelity and tailoring are contextual and how the effectiveness of the REACH-HF intervention depended on both optimal alignment and implementation of these elements.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates the utility of theory-based analysis which integrates data from multiple sources to highlight contexts and circumstances in which interventions work best. Social Practice Theory provides a framework for guiding and analysing the processes by which a complex intervention is evaluated in a clinical trial, and has the potential to guide context-specific implementation strategies for clinical practice.

Trial registration

ISRCTN, IISRCTN86234930. Registered 13th November 2014.
Effects of a work stress intervention on healthcare use and treatment compared to treatment as usual: a randomised controlled trial in Swedish primary healthcare
Authors: Sandheimer Christine , Hedenrud Tove , Hensing Gunnel , Holmgren Kristina
Published: July 2020

Background

Work stress is an increasing burden in society. Identifying early symptoms of work stress in primary healthcare (PHC) could result in earlier and better-targeted care. The Work Stress Questionnaire (WSQ) was developed in PHC for this task. We aimed to evaluate whether the use of the WSQ, in combination with physicians’ feedback, resulted in differences in healthcare visits and treatment compared to treatment as usual (TAU) in patients reporting high stress. Our hypothesis was that patients receiving the intervention would generate more visits to rehabilitation providers during follow-up compared to TAU.

Methods

A two-armed randomised controlled trial was conducted at seven primary healthcare centres (PHCCs) in Region Västra Götaland, Sweden. One group received the WSQ intervention, and the controls received TAU. Employed, not sick-listed persons aged 18–64 years who sought care for mental or physical health complaints at the PHCCs participated. Register data on healthcare visits and treatments 12 months prior to inclusion and 12 months after were obtained and analysed with Fisher’s exact test together with questionnaire data (WSQ and background features).

Results

A total of 271 participants were included in the study, 132 intervention and 139 controls. Visits to psychologists/psychotherapists were higher among intervention participants with high stress (20%, n = 87) during follow-up compared to corresponding controls (7%, n = 97) (p < 0.05). Collaborative care measures were more common among the stressed intervention participants (23%) post-inclusion compared to the stressed controls (11%) (p < 0.05). The amount of received cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) was higher among the stressed intervention group (16%) than among controls (10%) during follow-up.

Conclusions

The intervention group that used the WSQ with physicians’ feedback had an increased number of rehabilitative measures and treatment more in line with established guidelines compared to treatment as usual. Findings of the study indicate that the WSQ can assist in identifying work stress in primary healthcare and contribute to physicians’ recommendations of suitable rehabilitative measures at an earlier stage compared to treatment as usual.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier: NCT02480855. Registered 20 May 2015.
Human translatability of the GAN diet-induced obese mouse model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Hansen Henrik H. , Ægidius Helene M. , Oró Denise , Evers Simon S. , Heebøll Sara , Eriksen Peter Lykke , Thomsen Karen Louise , Bengtsson Anja , Veidal Sanne S. , Feigh Michel , Suppli Malte P. , Knop Filip K. , Grønbæk Henning , Miranda Diego , Trevaskis James L. , Vrang Niels , Jelsing Jacob , Rigbolt Kristoffer T. G.
Published: July 2020

Background

Animal models of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are important tools in preclinical research and drug discovery. Gubra-Amylin NASH (GAN) diet-induced obese (DIO) mice represent a model of fibrosing NASH. The present study directly assessed the clinical translatability of the model by head-to-head comparison of liver biopsy histological and transcriptome changes in GAN DIO-NASH mouse and human NASH patients.

Methods

C57Bl/6 J mice were fed chow or the GAN diet rich in saturated fat (40%), fructose (22%) and cholesterol (2%) for ≥38 weeks. Metabolic parameters as well as plasma and liver biomarkers were assessed. Liver biopsy histology and transcriptome signatures were compared to samples from human lean individuals and patients diagnosed with NASH.

Results

Liver lesions in GAN DIO-NASH mice showed similar morphological characteristics compared to the NASH patient validation set, including macrosteatosis, lobular inflammation, hepatocyte ballooning degeneration and periportal/perisinusoidal fibrosis. Histomorphometric analysis indicated comparable increases in markers of hepatic lipid accumulation, inflammation and collagen deposition in GAN DIO-NASH mice and NASH patient samples. Liver biopsies from GAN DIO-NASH mice and NASH patients showed comparable dynamics in several gene expression pathways involved in NASH pathogenesis. Consistent with the clinical features of NASH, GAN DIO-NASH mice demonstrated key components of the metabolic syndrome, including obesity and impaired glucose tolerance.

Conclusions

The GAN DIO-NASH mouse model demonstrates good clinical translatability with respect to the histopathological, transcriptional and metabolic aspects of the human disease, highlighting the suitability of the GAN DIO-NASH mouse model for identifying therapeutic targets and characterizing novel drug therapies for NASH.
The impact of overlapping functional dyspepsia, belching disorders and functional heartburn on anxiety, depression and quality of life of Chinese patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Yao Xin , Yang Yunsheng , Zhang Shutian , Shi Yu , Zhang Qian , Wang Yongjun
Published: July 2020

Background

Functional dyspepsia (FD), belching disorders (BD) and functional heartburn (FH) are the three most common upper functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) in IBS patients. FD is known to exert deleterious effects on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the psychological status of IBS patients; however, the impact of overlapping BD and FH on anxiety, depression and HRQoL of IBS patients remains unknown. This cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the impact of overlapping FD, BD and FH on anxiety, depression and HRQoL in patients with IBS.

Methods

This study enrolled 319 consecutive outpatients with IBS from 2 tertiary hospitals in Beijing and Shijiazhuang of China. IBS, FD, BD and FH were diagnosed using the Rome III Criteria. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and a 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) were used to assess the psychological distress and HRQoL of patients respectively.

Results

Among the 319 patients with IBS, the IBS subtypes were diarrhoea (67%), constipation (16%), unsubtyped (12%) and mixed (5%). These IBS patients were further classified into IBS + FD, IBS + BD/FH (BD and/or FH), IBS + FD + BD/FH, or IBS only according to the patients’ overlapping upper GI symptoms. IBS+FD patients reported higher levels of anxiety than IBS+BD/FH and elevated depression scores than IBS only patients (P< 0.05). The latter observation remained consistent after confounder-adjustment. The IBS + FD and IBS + FD + BD/FH groups exhibited statistically significant impairment in most of SF-36 scales, while the IBS + BD/FH group only showed lower HRQoL results in general health, when compared to the IBS only group. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated IBS + FD + BD/FH was linked to worse mental, physical and global HRQoL. Furthermore, IBS + FD was a strong predictor of poorer physical and global HRQoL compared to IBS only.

Conclusions

Among the diarrhoea-prevalent IBS patients, those with concomitant FD experienced more psychological distress and demonstrated poorer physical HRQoL. Overlapping FD + BD/FH is a significant predictor of worse mental and physical HRQoL for IBS patients. The impact of concomitant BD and FH on the psychological status and HRQoL of IBS patients was limited. These findings implied that the overlapping upper FGIDs in IBS might be treated distinctively when developing comprehensive management strategies for IBS treatment.
Implementing a multidisciplinary approach for older adults with Cancer: geriatric oncology in practice
Authors: Presley Carolyn J. , Krok-Schoen Jessica L. , Wall Sarah A. , Noonan Anne M. , Jones Desiree C. , Folefac Edmund , Williams Nicole , Overcash Janine , Rosko Ashley E.
Published: July 2020

Background

Evidence-based practice in geriatric oncology is growing, and national initiatives have focused on expanding cancer care and research to improve health outcomes for older adults. However, there are still gaps between knowledge and practice for older adults with cancer.

Main text

Here we provide a detailed methodology of geriatric oncology care delivery within a single institution. The Cancer and Aging Resiliency (CARE) clinic is a multidisciplinary approach for implementing geriatric-driven health care for older adults with cancer. The CARE clinic was developed as a direct response to recommendations targeting key multifactorial geriatric health conditions (e.g. falls, nutritional deficits, sensory loss, cognitive impairment, frailty, multiple chronic conditions, and functional status). The multidisciplinary team assesses and delivers a comprehensive set of recommendations, all in one clinic visit, to minimize burden on the patient and the caregiver. The CARE clinic consultative model is a novel approach integrating cancer subspecialties with geriatric oncology healthcare delivery.

Conclusions

Older adults with cancer have unique needs that are independent of routine oncology care. The CARE clinic model provides specific assessments and interventions to improve health outcomes among older adults with cancer.
Iranian nurses’ perceptions about using physical restraint for hospitalized elderly people: a cross-sectional descriptive-correlational study
Authors: Sharifi Azam , Arsalani Narges , Fallahi-Khoshknab Masoud , Mohammadi-Shahbolaghi Farahnaz , Ebadi Abbas
Published: July 2020

Background

Using physical restraint (PR) for hospitalized elderly people is a major nursing challenge. It is associated with different physical and mental complications and ethical dilemmas, though many nurses still use it to ensure patient safety. Nurses’ perceptions are one of the most important factors affecting PR use. This study aimed to evaluate Iranian nurses’ perceptions about PR use for hospitalized elderly people.

Methods

This cross-sectional descriptive-correlational study was conducted from July to December 2019. Participants were 270 hospital nurses who were purposively recruited from intensive care units and medical and surgical wards of three teaching hospitals in Kermanshah, Iran. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Perceptions of Restraint Use Questionnaire (PRUQ). The SPSS software (v. 23.0) was used for data analysis through the independent-samplettest, the one-way analysis of variance, and the multiple regression analysis.

Results

The total mean score of PRUQ was 4.08 ± 0.12 in the possible range of 1–5. The most important reasons for PR use were to prevent patients from falling out of bed and to prevent them from pulling out catheters. The total mean score of PRUQ had significant relationship with participants’ age, work experience, and history of receiving PR-related educations (P < 0.05), but had no significant relationship with their gender, educational degree, and affiliated hospital ward (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study suggests that nurses attach high importance to PR use for hospitalized elderly people. Healthcare policy-makers at national and hospital levels are recommended to provide nurses with PR-related educations in order to reduce the rate of PR-related complications.
Incidence, mortality, and lethality of hospitalizations for community-acquired pneumonia with comorbid cardiovascular disease in Spain (1997–2015)
Authors: Arias-Fernández Loreto , Gil-Prieto Ruth , Gil-de-Miguel Ángel
Published: July 2020

Background

The probability of hospitalization in patients suffering from community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) with an underlying comorbidity, such as a cardiac pathology, is 73-fold higher than that in CAP patients without a comorbidity. Although previous studies have investigated patients with cardiac events and pneumonia, they have not studied the burden of disease in depth at the population level. The objective of this study is to provide population-level data on patients ≥60 years old who were hospitalized with pneumonia with comorbid cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Spain over a period of 19 years (1997–2015).

Methods

This is a retrospective study based on a minimum basic data set (MBDS). The following variables were collected: age, sex, re-admission (yes/no), hospital stay (days), and other diagnoses. Hospitalization rate (per 100,000 inhabitants), mortality rate (per 100,000 inhabitants), and lethality rate (%) were obtained, and the 95% confidence interval of each rate was calculated. Analyses were stratified by age (categorized into 4-year intervals), sex, and year of admission. Differences were assessed for significance with the chi-squared test for proportions and the Poisson model for rates. Logistic regression was run with in-hospital survival as the dependent variable and sex, age, year of admission, and re-admission (yes/no) as the independent variables. The level of significance was p < 0.005.

Results

The total number of patients ≥60 years old hospitalized for pneumonia with comorbid CVD was 99,346. The rates of hospitalization, mortality, and lethality increased significantly with age over the 19 years. Men had higher rates of hospitalization and mortality. The probability of a patient with CAP and CVD dying was correlated with male sex, older age, hospital re-admission, and having been hospitalized earlier in the study period.

Conclusions

Community-acquired pneumonia with comorbid cardiovascular disease continues to be a major cause of hospitalization in Spain, especially in the elderly population, making it necessary to develop more preventive strategies for this group of patients.
A systems biology-driven approach to construct a comprehensive protein interaction network of influenza A virus with its host
Authors: Farooq Qurat ul Ain , Shaukat Zeeshan , Aiman Sara , Zhou Tong , Li Chunhua
Published: July 2020

Background

Influenza A virus (IAV) infection is a serious public health problem not only in South East Asia but also in European and African countries. Scientists are using network biology to dig deep into the essential host factors responsible for regulation of virus infections. Researchers can explore the virus invasion into the host cells by studying the virus-host relationship based on their protein-protein interaction network.

Methods

In this study, we present a comprehensive IAV-host protein-protein interaction network that is obtained based on the literature-curated protein interaction datasets and some important interaction databases. The network is constructed in Cytoscape and analyzed with its plugins including CytoHubba, CytoCluster, MCODE, ClusterViz and ClusterOne. In addition, Gene Ontology and KEGG enrichment analyses are performed on the highly IAV-associated human proteins. We also compare the current results with those from our previous study on Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)-host protein-protein interaction network in order to find out valuable information.

Results

We found out 1027 interactions among 829 proteins of which 14 are viral proteins and 815 belong to human proteins. The viral protein NS1 has the highest number of associations with human proteins followed by NP, PB2 and so on. Among human proteins, LNX2, MEOX2, TFCP2, PRKRA and DVL2 have the most interactions with viral proteins. Based on KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of the highly IAV-associated human proteins, we found out that they are enriched in the KEGG pathway of basal cell carcinoma. Similarly, the result of KEGG analysis of the common host factors involved in IAV and HCV infections shows that these factors are enriched in the infection pathways of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Viral Carcinoma, measles and certain other viruses.

Conclusion

It is concluded that the list of proteins we identified might be used as potential drug targets for the drug design against the infectious diseases caused by Influenza A Virus and other viruses.
Strategies for diagnosis of fetal right atrium dilation: based on fetal cardiac anatomy and hemodynamics
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhao Leisheng , Zhang Ying
Published: July 2020

Background

Fetal right atrium (RA) dilation is frequently detected in routine screenings while it remains a challenge to clarify the reasons. This study aimed to analyze the cardiac anatomy and hemodynamics of fetal RA dilation and the changes of hemodynamic indexes.

Methods

In the retrospective study, 420 fetuses with RA dilation were included, which were classified into the physiological group (n = 202), volume overload group (n = 142), and the pressure overload group (n = 76). The ratio of right atrium to left atrium (RA/LA) were measured at four-chamber view. Peak velocity of tricuspid regurgitation (VTR) was recorded in each case, if existed.

Results

The RA/LA ratio in the volume overload group is significantly higher than both the pressure overload group and the physiological group (both P = 0.000) throughout the pregnancy while no difference presents between the pressure overload group and the physiological group (P = 0.694 for 19–31 GW, and P = 0.974 for 32–36 GW, respectively). The VTR in the pressure overload group (3.29 ± 0.58 m/s) is significantly higher than both the volume overload group (1.85 ± 0.45 m/s, P = 0.000) and the physiological group (0.88 ± 0.45 m/s, P = 0.000). The volume overload group shows a significantly higher VTR than the physiological group (P = 0.000). In the volume overload group, the ductal contraction/closure shows a significantly higher VTR than that in the pulmonary valve stenosis/atresia (3.98 ± 0.41 m/s vs. 3.03 ± 0.38 m/s, P = 0.000).

Conclusions

A strategy proposed herein is useful to clarify the reasons for RA dilatation by systematically assessing fetal hemodynamics, which may facilitate the sonographers to make an accurate diagnosis of congenital heart disease.
Correction to: Quality of life improved for patients after starting dialysis but is impaired, initially, for their partners: a multi-centre, longitudinal study
Authors: Moore Currie , Carter Lesley-Anne , Mitra Sandip , Skevington Suzanne , Wearden Alison
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Changing the paradigm of intracranial hypertension in brain tumor patients: a study based on non-invasive ICP measurements
Authors: Kienzler Jenny C. , Zakelis Rolandas , Marbacher Serge , Bäbler Sabrina , Schwyzer Lucia , Remonda Elke , Fandino Javier
Published: July 2020

Background

The ultrasound based non-invasive ICP measurement method has been recently validated. Correlation of symptoms and signs of intracranial hypertension with actual ICP measurements in patients with large intracranial tumors is controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess ICP in patients with brain tumors, presenting with neurological signs and symptoms of elevated ICP and to further evaluate the value and utility of non-invasive ICP monitoring.

Methods

Twenty patients underwent non-invasive ICP measurement using a two-depth transcranial Doppler ultrasound designed to simultaneously compare pulse dynamics in the proximal (intracranial), and the distal (extracranial) intraorbital segments of the ophthalmic artery through the closed eyelid.

Results

Forty-eight measurements were analyzed. Radiological characteristics included tumor volume (range = 5.45–220.27cm3, mean = 48.81 cm3), perilesional edema (range = 0–238.27cm3, mean = 74.40 cm3), and midline shift (mean = 3.99 mm). All ICP measurements were in the normal range of 7–16 mmHg (ICPmean: 9.19 mmHg). The correlation of demographics, clinical and radiological variables in a bivariate association, showed a statistically significant correlation with neurological deficits and ICPmax (p = 0.02) as well as ICPmean (p = 0.01). The correlation between ICP and neurological deficits, showed a negative value of the estimate. The ICP was not increased in all cases, whether ipsilateral nor contralateral to the tumor. The multivariate model analysis demonstrated that neurological deficits were associated with lower ICPmax values, whereas maximum tumor diameter was associated with larger ICPmax values.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that ICP in patients with intracranial tumors and mass effect is not necessarily increased. Therefore, clinical signs of intracranial hypertension do not necessarily reflect increased ICP.
Correction to: Unexpected drug residuals in human milk in Ankara, capital of Turkey
Authors: Ergen Ayşe Meltem , Yalçın Sıddıka Songül
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Serum antioxidant micronutrient levels in pre-eclamptic pregnant women in Enugu, south-East Nigeria: a comparative cross-sectional analytical study
Authors: Enebe Joseph Tochukwu , Dim Cyril Chukwudi , Ugwu Emmanuel Onyebuchi , Enebe Nympha Onyinye , Meka Ijeoma Angela , Obioha Kingsley Chukwu , Eleje George Uchenna , Nwagha Uchenna Ifeanyi
Published: July 2020

Background

Pre-eclampsia is a common obstetric complication of pregnancy in Nigeria, and oxidative stress has been implicated in its aetiopathogenesis. Despite this fact, there is a paucity of information regarding the serum antioxidant micronutrient status of pre-eclamptic Nigerian women. The objective of the was to determine the mean serum levels of some antioxidant trace elements (copper, zinc, selenium, magnesium, manganese) in pre-eclamptic pregnant women and compare with that of healthy pregnant women in Enugu, South-Eastern, Nigeria.

Methods

A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department of the University of Nigeria, Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu. Using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, the sera of 81 pregnant pre-eclamptic and 81 matched healthy pregnant controls were analyzed for the antioxidant micronutrients. Both descriptive and inferential analysis was performed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 and aPvalue of < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

The mean serum levels of copper, selenium, and magnesium were found to be significantly lower in the pre-eclamptic pregnant group when compared to the healthy pregnant controls (p < 0.05). The mean serum levels of zinc and manganese did not differ between the two groups (p > 0.05). All the mean serum levels of micro-nutrients studied did not vary by category of pre-eclampsia (with or without severity findings) except manganese which was significantly lower in pre-eclamptic women without severity findings when compared to those with severity findings (p = 0.043).

Conclusions

The serum levels of copper, selenium, and magnesium were significantly lower among pre-eclamptics when compared to their normal healthy controls. Low levels of selenium, copper, and magnesium may have contributed to the incidence of pre-eclampsia in our environment.
NR2F2 plays a major role in insulin-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells
Authors: Xia Baili , Hou Lijun , Kang Huan , Chang Wenhui , Liu Yi , Zhang Yanli , Ding Yi
Published: July 2020

Background

The failure of treatment for breast cancer usually results from distant metastasis in which the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a critical role. Hyperinsulinemia, the hallmark of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), has been regarded as a key risk factor for the progression of breast cancer. Nuclear receptor subfamily 2, group F, member 2 (NR2F2) has been implicated in the development of breast cancer, however its contribution to insulin-induced EMT in breast cancer remains unclear.

Methods

Overexpression and knockdown of NR2F2 were used in two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 to investigate potential mechanisms by which NR2F2 leads to insulin-mediated EMT. To elucidate the effects of insulin and signaling events following NR2F2 overexpression and knockdown, Cells’ invasion and migration capacity and changes of NR2F2, E-cadherin, N-cadherin and vimentin were investigated by real-time RT-PCR and western blot.

Results

Insulin stimulation of these cells increased NR2F2 expression levels and promoted cell invasion and migration accompanied by alterations in EMT-related molecular markers. Overexpression of NR2F2 and NR2F2 knockdown demonstrated that NR2F2 expression was positively correlated with cell invasion, migration and the expression of N-cadherin and vimentin. In contrast, NR2F2 had an inverse correlation with E-cadherin expression. In MDA-MB-231, both insulin-induced cell invasion and migration and EMT-related marker alteration were abolished by NR2F2 knockdown.

Conclusions

These results suggest that NR2F2 plays a critical role in insulin-mediated breast cancer cell invasion, migration through its effect on EMT.
Seasonal variation in the occurrence of retinal vein occlusion: a 4-year cross-sectional study
Authors: Matsuzawa Moe , Sakanishi Yoshihito , Ebihara Nobuyuki
Published: July 2020

Background

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a common retinal vascular disease that causes a loss of vision. Therefore, we investigated whether there is seasonal variation in the onset of RVO, to examine the possibility of preventing it.

Methods

Patients with RVO who were treated at the Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital between April 2013 and March 2017 were included in this retrospective study. The season in which the RVO occurred was recorded for each case, and the cases were grouped into six 2-month periods based on the month of RVO, and classified by age, sex and hypertension status. The frequency of occurrence of RVO across seasons was compared using a chi-squared test.

Results

A total of 348 patients with RVO presented during the study period, with information regarding the date of RVO onset. The cohort of 348 consisted of 167 males and 181 females who, overall, had a mean age of 64.0 years (range 17–96 years). The highest incidence of RVO onset was during January/February, with the lowest incidence during July/August. Patient age, sex and hypertension status did not influence the results.

Conclusions

The seasonal onset of RVO tended to be higher in January/February and May/June, and lower in July/August. These findings suggest that eyecare professionals should be more vigilant in watching for the occurrence of RVO during winter and the rainy season, regardless of the patient’s sex, age or hypertension status.
Subthreshold yellow laser for fovea-involving diabetic macular edema in a series of patients with good vision: effectiveness and safety of a fovea-sparing technique
Authors: Filloy Alejandro , Chong Victor , Solé Eduard
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Patients with center-involved diabetic macular edema (CI-DME) with good visual acuity (VA) represent a controversial clinical scenario in which a subthreshold laser might be a reasonable approach. We report a case series of patients with CI-DME with VA better than 20/32 who were treated with a subthreshold 577 nm (yellow) laser.

Methods

The area of retinal thickening on OCT was treated with confluent laser spots at individually titrated power. The fovea was spared from treatment. Effectiveness and safety were evaluated through OCT and autofluorescence (AF) as well as BCVA.

Results

A total of 23 eyes from 19 patients were treated. VA ranged from 20/20 to 20/30. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 18 months. Edema in OCT resolved completely at the end of follow-up in 56.5% (13/23) of the cases. Central retinal thickness was reduced at 12 weeks and at the end of follow-up, with a mean reduction of 16.9 μm and 22 μm, respectively (paired t-test p = 0.001 and 0.0003). VA remained stable. The laser was invisible (OCT, AF, Fundoscopy) in 91,3% (21/23) of eyes.

Conclusions

A fovea-sparing yellow subthreshold laser was safe and effective for treating CI-DME patients with good VA in this case series. This technique is of interest to prevent the progression of mild edema and might avoid or reduce the use of more invasive and expensive therapies. Excluding the fovea from the treated area does not seem to affect the results, which is of interest to novel laser practitioners.
Antipsychotic treatment experiences of people with bipolar I disorder: patient perspectives from an online survey
Authors: Bessonova Leona , Velligan Dawn I. , Weiden Peter J. , O’Sullivan Amy K. , Yarlas Aaron , Bayliss Martha , Baranwal Nishtha , Rychlec Kaitlin , Carpenter-Conlin Julia , Doane Michael J. , Sajatovic Martha
Published: July 2020

Background

Oral antipsychotic (AP) medications are frequently prescribed to people with bipolar I disorder (BD-I). A cross-sectional online survey examined the experiences of people living with BD-I with a history of recent AP use.

Methods

Adults with self-reported physician-diagnosed BD-I (N = 200) who received oral APs during the prior year completed a survey on AP-related experiences, including side effects and their perceived burden on social functioning, adherence, and work. Items also assessed preferences for trade-offs (balancing symptom management and side effects) when considering a hypothetical new AP. The perceived impact of specific, prevalent side effects on adherence, work, and preferences for a hypothetical AP were also examined. Analyses were descriptive.

Results

The survey sample had a mean age of 43.2 (SD = 12.4) years, was 60% female, and 31% nonwhite. Almost all participants (98%) had experienced AP side effects. Common self-reported side effects were feeling drowsy or tired (83%), lack of emotion (79%), anxiety (79%), dry mouth (76%), and weight gain (76%). Weight gain was cited as the most bothersome side effect, rated by most participants (68%) as “very” or “extremely bothersome.” Nearly half of participants (49%) reported that AP side effects negatively impacted their job performance; almost all (92%) reported that side effects – most commonly anxiety and lack of emotion – negatively impacted social relationships (e.g., family or romantic partners). The most commonly-reported reason for stopping AP use was dislike of side effects (48%). Side effects most likely to lead to stopping or taking less of AP treatment included “feeling like a ‘zombie’” (29%), feeling drowsy or tired (25%), and weight gain (24%). When considering a hypothetical new AP, the most common side effects participants wanted to avoid included AP-induced anxiety (50%), weight gain (48%), and “feeling like a ‘zombie’” (47%).

Conclusions

Side effects of APs were both common and bothersome, and impacted social functioning, adherence, and work. Findings highlight the prevailing unmet need for new APs with more favorable benefit-risk profiles.