bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of Clonorchis sinensis infection on immune response in mice with type II collagen-induced arthritis
Authors: Li Xiangyang , Yang Ying , Qin Suping , Kong Fanyun , Yan Chao , Cheng Wanpeng , Pan Wei , Yu Qian , Hua Hui , Zheng Kuiyang , Tang Renxian
Published: February 2020

Background

Clonorchis sinensis infection could trigger strong immune responses in mice and humans. However, whether the C.sinensis infection has an impact on arthritis is unknown. Here we investigated the effect of C.sinensis infection on type II collagen-induced arthritis in BALB/c mice.

Results

The mice were firstly infected with 45 C.sinensis metacercariae by oral gavage. Four weeks later, arthritis in mice was induced by type II collagen. Joint inflammation with severe redness and swelling in hind paws was observed in type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice. Besides, the physical activity was significantly reduced, but the respiratory exchange ratio was increased in CIA mice. Compared with CIA mice, C.sinensis infection could increase the severity of arthritis in CIA mice, based on the results of disease score and pathological changes. Compared to CIA mice, increased neutrophils and Ly6Chi monocytes, decreased B cells and CD4+T cells, were found in C.sinensis infected CIA mice. Besides these, C.sinensis infected mice also displayed significantly higher levels of serum IL-4 and IL-17 than those in CIA mice.

Conclusions

Taken together, our data suggest that C.sinensis infection have a bad effect on arthritis, and could induce the abnormality of the immune response in mice with CIA.
Multimorbidity as a predictor of health service utilization in primary care: a registry-based study of the Catalan population
Authors: Monterde D. , Vela E. , Clèries M. , Garcia-Eroles L. , Roca J. , Pérez-Sust P.
Published: February 2020

Background

Multimorbidity is highly relevant for both service commissioning and clinical decision-making. Optimization of variables assessing multimorbidity in order to enhance chronic care management is an unmet need. To this end, we have explored the contribution of multimorbidity to predict use of healthcare resources at community level by comparing the predictive power of four different multimorbidity measures.

Methods

A population health study including all citizens ≥18 years (n = 6,102,595) living in Catalonia (ES) on 31 December 2014 was done using registry data. Primary care service utilization during 2015 was evaluated through four outcome variables: A) Frequent attendants, B) Home care users, C) Social worker users, and, D) Polypharmacy. Prediction of the four outcome variables (A to D) was carried out with and without multimorbidity assessment. We compared the contributions to model fitting of the following multimorbidity measures: i) Charlson index; ii) Number of chronic diseases; iii) Clinical Risk Groups (CRG); and iv) Adjusted Morbidity Groups (GMA).

Results

The discrimination of the models (AUC) increased by including multimorbidity as covariate into the models, namely: A) Frequent attendants (0.771 vs 0.853), B) Home care users (0.862 vs 0.890), C) Social worker users (0.809 vs 0.872), and, D) Polypharmacy (0.835 vs 0.912). GMA showed the highest predictive power for all outcomes except for polypharmacy where it was slightly below than CRG.

Conclusions

We confirmed that multimorbidity assessment enhanced prediction of use of healthcare resources at community level. The Catalan population-based risk assessment tool based on GMA presented the best combination of predictive power and applicability.
Complexity as a factor for task allocation among general practitioners and nurse practitioners: a narrative review
Authors: Cody Robyn , Gysin Stefan , Merlo Christoph , Gemperli Armin , Essig Stefan
Published: February 2020

Background

General practitioner (GP) shortages and increasing demand for care led to the introduction of nurse practitioners (NPs) to primary care. Many concepts for task sharing among health professionals feature complexity. The aim of this narrative review was to examine how complexity is used as a factor for task allocation between GPs and NPs.

Methods

According to the PRISMA statement, PubMed and CINAHL were searched systematically, and eligibility criteria were applied to detect literature concerning GPs and NPs in primary care and complexity in the context of task allocation. Relevant information was extracted, and a narrative analysis was performed.

Results

Thirty-seven studies from seven countries were included, comprising quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. Complexity was used to describe patients, their needs, and health professionals’ tasks. The understanding of the use of complexity as a factor for task allocation between NPs and GPs was based on the patient population (specific vs. unspecific), the setting (specific vs. unspecific), the numbers of health professionals involved (two vs. more than two), and the NP role (distinct model of care vs. no model). Despite similarities in these areas, the tasks which NPs perform range from providing minor to complex care. However, there is a slight trend towards NPs treating socially complex patients and GPs focusing on medically complex cases.

Conclusion

Complexity as a concept is prominent in primary care but remains broad and inconsistent as a factor for task allocation between NPs and GPs. This review can be used as a point of reference when practitioners are seeking methods for task allocation in a collaborative primary care setting.
Comparative study between Fenton and intergrowth 21 charts in a sample of Lebanese premature babies
Authors: Samarani Marie , Restom Gianna , Mardini Joelle , Abi Fares Georges , Hallit Souheil , Fadous Khalife Marie-Claude
Published: February 2020

Background

Different charts are used to assess premature growth. The Fenton chart, based on prenatal growth, has been used in the neonates’ intensive care unit (NICU) of the Notre Dame des Secours University Hospital to assess premature newborns’ development. Intergrowth21 is a new multidisciplinary, multiethnic growth chart better adapted to premature growth. Our objective was to compare both charts Fenton and Intergrowth21 in order to implement Intergrowth in our unit.

Methods

We analyzed 318 files of premature babies born who were admitted to the NICU from 2010 till 2017. Anthropometric data (weight, height and head circumference) converted to percentiles was filled on both charts from birth till 1 month of age.

Results

The results of the linear regression, taking the weight at birth as the dependent variable, showed that the Fenton scale (R2 = 0.391) would predict the weight at birth better than the Intergrowth 21 scale (R2 = 0.257). The same applies for height and cranial perimeter at birth when taken as dependent variables. When considering the weight and height at 2 weeks, the results showed that the Intergrowth 21 scale would predict those variables better than the Fenton scale, with higher R2 values higher in favor of the Intergrowth 21 scale for both weight (0.384 vs 0.311) and height (0.650 vs 0.585). At 4 weeks, the results showed that the Fenton scale would predict weight (R2 = 0.655 vs 0.631) and height (R2 = 0.710 vs 0.643) better than the Intergrowth 21 scale. The results obtained were adjusted over the newborns’ sociodemographic and clinical factors.

Conclusion

The results of our study are controversial where the Fenton growth charts are superior to Intergrowth 21 before 2 weeks of age and at 4 weeks, whereas Intergrowth 21 charts showed higher percentiles for weight and height than Fenton charts at 2 two weeks of age. Further studies following a different design, such as a clinical trial or a prospective study, taking multiple ethnicities into account and conducted in multiple centers should be considered to enroll a more representative sample of Lebanese children and be able to extrapolate our results to the national level.
Social networks and obesity among Somali immigrants and refugees
Authors: Njeru Jane W. , Wieland Mark L. , Okamoto Janet M. , Novotny Paul J. , Breen-Lyles Margaret K. , Osman Ahmed , Ahmed Yahye A. , Nur Mohamud A. , Nur Omar , Sia Irene G.
Published: February 2020

Background

Somali immigrants and refugees to the United States are at high risk for obesity and related cardiovascular risk. Social network factors influence health behaviors and are important contributors to the obesity epidemic. The objective of this study was to describe social networks and obesity-related characteristics among adult Somali immigrants in a Minnesota city in order to inform a community-based, participatory, research-derived, social network intervention to decrease obesity rates.

Methods

Survey data (demographics, general health measures, and sociobehavioral and network measures) and height and weight measures (for calculating body mass index) were collected from adult Somali immigrants by bilingual study team members at community locations. Descriptive statistics were used to report the survey and biometric data. Logistic regression models were used to describe the basic associations of participants and network factors. Network data were analyzed to identify nodes and ties, to visualize the network, and to identify potential interventionists for a future social network intervention.

Results

Of the 646 participants, 50% were overweight or affected by obesity. The network had 1703 nodes with 3583 ties between nodes, and modularity was high (0.75). Compared with respondents of normal weight, participants who were overweight or affected by obesity had more network members who were also overweight or obese (odds ratio [OR], 2.90; 95% CI, 1.11–7.56; P = .03); this was most notable for men (OR, 4.58; 95% CI, 1.22–17.22; P = .02) and suggestive for those 50 years or older (OR, 24.23; 95% CI, 1.55–377.83; P = .03). Weight loss intention among participants who were overweight or affected by obesity was associated with number of family members and friends trying to lose weight, enabling functional network factors (social norms for weight loss, social support for healthy eating, and social cohesion), and less favorable obesogenic social norms.

Conclusions

In this community sample of Somali immigrants, distinct social networks are clustered by weight status, and social contacts and functional network characteristics are related to individuals’ weight loss intentions. These factors should be considered in weight loss interventions and programs. A social network intervention targeting weight loss, within a community-based participatory research framework, is feasible in this vulnerable population.
School factors and student drinking in high schools: a cross-sectional study of school policies and party regulation
Authors: Pisinger Veronica S. C. , Bendtsen Pernille , Hulvej Rod Morten , Tolstrup Janne S.
Published: February 2020

Background

The effectiveness of school alcohol polices may be affected by the degree of strictness of rules, how they are implemented and enforced, students’ perception of the rules and the consequences of breaking them. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that more liberal school alcohol policies, lack of knowledge of the alcohol policy, lower prices of alcohol at school parties, and liberal party regulation were associated with more drinking among high school students.

Methods

Participants were high school students (n = 68,898), participating in the Danish National Youth Study in 2014. Data came from questionnaires answered by high school students and school headmasters. Zero-inflated negative binominal regression with clustering of schools (n = 117) was used to assess the associations between alcohol policy reported by school headmaster and weekly alcohol intake reported by students. Multilevel negative binominal regression was used to assess the associations between alcohol price and liberal party regulations and units consumed at the last school party and units consumed at the school during the last school party.

Results

In general, school alcohol policies were not associated with high school students’ weekly alcohol intake. High school students who did not know the school alcohol policy had a higher weekly alcohol intake (0.16 drinks 95% CL [0.11;0.21] p = 0.000), compared to students who knew the policy. Lower beer prices were positively associated with the number of drinks consumed at the school (p = 0.004), but not with the total amount consumed at the last school party (p = 0.728). High school students who agreed that students who were drunk could buy alcohol had a higher alcohol intake at the last school party (OR = 0.20 drinks 95% CL [0.18;0.21], p < 0.001) and drank more at the school (0.17 drinks 95% CL [0.15;0.18], p < 0.001) compared to those who did not agree that students who were drunk could buy alcohol.

Conclusion

School alcohol policies were generally not associated with drinking among high school students, whereas students’ lack of knowledge of the school policy was associated with a higher weekly alcohol intake. An addition, lower prices and liberal party regulation was associated with higher alcohol intake at school parties.
Proof-of-concept study of the efficacy of a microbiota-directed complementary food formulation (MDCF) for treating moderate acute malnutrition
Authors: Mostafa Ishita , Nahar Naila Nurun , Islam Md. Munirul , Huq Sayeeda , Mustafa Mahfuz , Barratt Michael , Gordon Jeffrey I. , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: February 2020

Background

Childhood undernutrition remains a significant global health challenge accounting for over half of all under 5 child mortality. Moderate acute malnutrition (MAM), which leads to wasting [weight-for-length z-scores (WLZ) between − 2 and − 3], affects 33 million children under 5 globally and more than 2 million in Bangladesh alone. We have previously reported that acute malnutrition in this population is associated with gut microbiota immaturity, and in a small, 1-month pre-proof-of-concept (POC) study demonstrated that a microbiota-directed complementary food formulation (MDCF-2) was able to repair this immaturity, promote weight gain and increase plasma biomarkers and mediators of healthy growth. Here we describe the design controlled feeding study that tests whether MDCF-2 exhibits superior efficacy (ponderal growth, host biomarkers of a biological state) than a conventional Ready-to-use Supplementary Food (RUSF) in children with MAM over intervention period of 3 months.

Methods

Two separate cohorts of 12–18-month-old children will be enrolled: 124 with primary MAM, and 124 with MAM after having been treated for severe acute malnutrition (post-SAM MAM). We have established several field sites in an urban slum located in the Mirpur district of Dhaka, Bangladesh and at a rural site, Kurigram in the north of Bangladesh. The two groups of children receiving MDCF-2 and RUSF will be compared at baseline (pre-intervention), after 1 month, at the end of intervention (3 months), 1 month after cessation of intervention, and every 6 months thereafter for 4 years.

Discussion

This study will determine whether daily, controlled administration of MDCF-2 for 3 months provides superior improvements in weight gain, microbiota repair, and elevated levels of key plasma biomarkers/mediators of healthy growth compared to the control RUSF formulation. The pathogenesis of MAM is poorly defined and there are currently no WHO-approved treatments; results from the current study of children with primary MAM and post-SAM MAM will shed light on the effects of the gut microbiota on childhood growth/development and will provide a knowledge base that may help improve complementary feeding practices.

Trial registration

The primary MAM and post-SAM MAM trials are registered in Clintrials.gov (NCT04015999 and NCT04015986, registered on July 11, 2019, retrospectively registered).
Revisiting the trajectory of medical students’ empathy, and impact of gender, specialty preferences and nationality: a systematic review
Authors: Andersen Freja Allerelli , Johansen Ann-Sofie Bering , Søndergaard Jens , Andersen Christina Maar , Assing Hvidt Elisabeth
Published: February 2020

Background

Empathy allows a physician to understand the patient’s situation and feelings and respond appropriately. Consequently, empathy gives rise to better diagnostics and clinical outcomes. This systematic review investigates the level of empathy among medical students across the number of educational years and how this level relates to gender, specialty preferences, and nationality.

Method

In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), the authors conducted a systematic search of studies published between February 2010 and March 2019 investigating the level of empathy among medical students. The databases PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO were searched. Studies employing quantitative methodologies and published in English or Scandinavian language and examining medical students exclusively were included.

Results

Thirty studies were included of which 24 had a cross-sectional and 6 a longitudinal study design. In 14 studies, significantly lower levels of empathy were reported by increase in the number of educational years. The remaining 16 studies identified both higher, mixed and unchanged levels. In 18 out of 27 studies it was reported that females had higher empathy scores than males. Only three out of nine studies found an association between empathy scores and specialty preferences. Nine out of 30 studies reported a propensity towards lower mean empathy scores in non-Western compared to Western countries.

Conclusion

The results revealed equivocal findings concerning how the empathy level among medical students develops among medical students across numbers of educational years and how empathy levels are associated with gender, specialty preferences, and nationality. Future research might benefit from focusing on how students’ empathy is displayed in clinical settings, e.g. in clinical encounters with patients, peers and other health professionals.
Improvement of quantitative solution 31P NMR analysis of soil organic P: a study of spin–lattice relaxation responding to paramagnetic ions
Authors: Jiang Yunbin , Zhang Fengmin , Ren Chao , Li Wei
Published: February 2020

Solution 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has been widely applied to analyze the speciation of soil organic P; however, this time-consuming technique suffers from a low analytical efficiency, because of the lack of fundamental information such as the spin–lattice relaxation (T1) of 31P nucleus for model P compounds. In this study, we for the first time determined the T1 values of twelve typical soil organic P compounds using the inversion recovery method. Furthermore, we examined the effect of co-existing paramagnetic ions (e.g., Fe3+ and Mn2+) on the reduction of the T1 values of these compounds. Without the addition of paramagnetic ions, the T1 values of twelve model P compounds ranged from 0.61 s for phytic acid to 9.65 s for orthophosphate. In contrast, the presence of paramagnetic ion significantly shortened the T1 values of orthophosphate, pyrophosphate, and phytic acid to 1.29, 1.26, and 0.07 s, respectively, except that of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) remaining unchanged. Additionally, we evaluated the feasibility of improving the efficiency of quantitative 31P NMR analysis via addition of paramagnetic ion. Results show that, after an addition of 50 mg L−1 paramagnetic ions, 31P NMR measurement can be 3 times more efficient, attributed to the reduced T1 and the corresponding recycle delay.
Metabolomic analyses of the bio-corona formed on TiO2 nanoparticles incubated with plant leaf tissues
Authors: Kurepa Jasmina , Shull Timothy E. , Smalle Jan A.
Published: February 2020

Background

The surface of a nanoparticle adsorbs molecules from its surroundings with a specific affinity determined by the chemical and physical properties of the nanomaterial. When a nanoparticle is exposed to a biological system, the adsorbed molecules form a dynamic and specific surface layer called a bio-corona. The present study aimed to identify the metabolites that form the bio-corona around anatase TiO2 nanoparticles incubated with leaves of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana.

Results

We used an untargeted metabolomics approach and compared the metabolites isolated from wild-type plants with plants deficient in a class of polyphenolic compounds called flavonoids.

Conclusions

These analyses showed that TiO2 nanoparticle coronas are enriched for flavonoids and lipids and that these metabolite classes compete with each other for binding the nanoparticle surface.
Retraction Note: Mir-655 up-regulation suppresses cell invasion by targeting pituitary tumor-transforming gene-1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Zang Wenqiao , Du Yuwen , Ma Yunyun , Li Min , Li Ping , Chen Xudong , Wang Tao , Dong Ziming , Zhao Guoqiang
Published: February 2020

The Editor-in-Chief has retracted this article [1] because Figure 3a overlaps with Figure 2 in [2]. An investigation by Zhengzhou University has confirmed this. The data reported in this article are therefore unreliable. There is also considerable text overlap with a previously published article [3]. Guoqiang Zhao does not agree with this retraction. The other authors have not responded to correspondence from the editor about this retraction.
Perinatal mental health care from the user and provider perspective: protocol for a qualitative study in Switzerland
Authors: Berger Anke , Schenk Karin , Ging Ankica , Walther Sebastian , Cignacco Eva
Published: February 2020

Background

Mental disorders in the perinatal period (PMD) can severely harm women and their children if not detected early and treated appropriately. Even though mental health care is covered by health insurance and is used widely by women in the perinatal period in Switzerland, it is not known if the care provided is meeting the needs of the patients and is efficient in the view of health care professionals. The aim of this study is to identify strengths, gaps and requirements for adequate mental health care in the perinatal period from the perspectives of patients and care providers for a wide range of relevant mental disorders.

Methods

In the qualitative study we conduct (1) semi-structured single interviews with former PMD patients to obtain narratives about their experiences and needs for health care for their condition. Women are included who have been treated for PMD but are mentally stable at the time of the interview (n = 24). We will stratify the sample by 4 clusters of relevant ICD-10 F-diagnoses, covering the most frequent and the most severe mental disorders. We will further stratify the sample based on whether the women already had experience with psychiatric or psychological health care or not before their last episode of PMD. We will also conduct (2) three interprofessional focus groups with health and social care professionals involved in perinatal care, and a health insurance representative. The focus groups will consist of 5–8 professionals. Data collection and thematic analysis will consider Levesque’s et al. (2013) conceptual model on access to health care.

Discussion

The study will provide fundamental data on the experiences and perspectives about perinatal mental health care from user and provider perspectives. The study will generate the evidence base needed to develop models of integrated, coordinated, patient- and family-centred care that is accessed by women with various types of PMD.

Trial registration

The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov in November 2019 under the identifier NCT04185896.
Efficacy analysis of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with kyphosis
Authors: Li Zhikun , Wang Yi , Xu Youjia , Xu Wei , Zhu Xiaodong , Chen Chao
Published: February 2020

Background

To investigate the clinical effect of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) combined with percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) in the treatment of osteoporotic compression vertebral fracture (OVCF) of the thoracolumbar vertebra with kyphosis.

Methods

One hundred sixty-six patients before June 2017 were retrospectively analyzed, and patients were divided into PPSF + PVP group A and PVP group B. Operative time, bone mineral density, postoperative bed time, high compression ratio, bone cement leakage rate, and bone cement dose were recorded. Comparison of vertebral anterior edge height, Cobb angle, visual analogue score (VAS), and low back pain dysfunction index (ODI) between the two groups in preoperative, postoperative 3 days, postoperative 6 months, postoperative 12 months, and postoperative 24 months, postoperative complications were observed in the two groups.

Results

The operation time of group A was longer than that of group B (59.0 ± 8.6 min, 26.6 ± 5.2 min), longer postoperative bed rest time (3.3 ± 0.7 days, 1.2 ± 0.5 days), the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01), there was no difference in the amount of bone cement between the two groups (5.4 ± 0.6 ml, 5.3 ± 0.8 ml) (P > 0.05). The height of the anterior edge and Cobb angle of the two groups recovered significantly in postoperative 3 days. The height of anterior edge (2.7 ± 0.3 cm, 2.6 ± 0.2 cm, 2.5 ± 0.7 cm; 2.3 ± 0.6 cm, 1.7 ± 0.5 cm, 1.6 ± 0.3 cm) and Cobb angle (4.9 ± 2.2, 5.5 ± 2.3, 5.7 ± 2.3; 12.4 ± 3.2, 17.2 ± 2.5, 13.2 ± 2.3) was statistically significant in postoperative 6 months, postoperative 12 months, and postoperative 24 months (P < 0.01). VAS and ODI scores of postoperative 6 months and 12 months were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). Postoperative complications in group B were much higher than those in group A.

Conclusion

The efficacy of PVP alone was not satisfactory, and the rate of complications was high for OVCF patients with severe anterior edge compression with kyphosis. PPSF combined with PVP is recommended, the vertebral height loss was not obvious, the satisfaction was good, and the complication rate was lower during 2 years follow-up.
Retraction Note: Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor Sunitinib and integrin antagonist peptide HM-3 show similar lipid raft dependent biphasic regulation of tumor angiogenesis and metastasis
Authors: Hu Jialiang , Wang Wenjing , Liu Chen , Li Mengwei , Nice Edouard , Xu Hanmei
Published: February 2020

The authors have retracted this article [1] because the bands shown in Fig. 5 panel D for GTP-RhoA/Control, GTP-RhoA/Sunitinib (2 and 64 nM) and GTP-RhoA/HM-3 (4.5 and 72 uM) are not data generated as part of this study. All authors agree to this retraction.
The global serological prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in felids during the last five decades (1967–2017): a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Montazeri Mahbobeh , Mikaeili Galeh Tahereh , Moosazadeh Mahmood , Sarvi Shahabeddin , Dodangeh Samira , Javidnia Javad , Sharif Mehdi , Daryani Ahmad
Published: February 2020

Background

Felids (domestic and wild cats) are important in the epidemiology of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii because they are the only hosts that can excrete the environmentally resistant oocysts. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the global prevalence of T. gondii in species of the family Felidae.

Methods

We searched seven databases (PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Proquest and Web of Science) for studies reporting seroprevalence of T. gondii in felids from 1967 to 31 December 2017. A total of 217 published papers, containing 223 datasets were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis, comprised 59,517 domestic and 2733 wild cats from 1967 to 2017.

Results

The pooled global T. gondii seroprevalence was estimated to be 35% (95% CI: 32–38%) and 59% (95% CI: 56–63%) in domestic cats and wild felids, respectively, using random effects model. The seroprevalence was higher in Australia and Africa where the T. gondii seropositivity in domestic cats was 52% (95% CI: 15–89%) and 51% (95% CI: 20–81%), respectively. The lowest seroprevalence was estimated in Asia 27% (95% CI: 24–30%). The seroprevalence values for T. gondii in wild felids were 74% (95% CI: 62–83%) in Africa, 67% (95% CI: 23–111%) in Asia, 67% (95% CI: 58–75%) in Europe and 66% (95% CI: 41–91%) in South America.

Conclusions

Our study provides the global prevalence of T. gondii in species of the family Felidae and is a source of information to aid public health workers in developing prevention plans.
The association between community mental health nursing and hospital admissions for people with serious mental illness: a systematic review
Authors: Leach Matthew J. , Jones Martin , Bressington Dan , Jones Adrian , Nolan Fiona , Muyambi Kuda , Gillam Marianne , Gray Richard
Published: February 2020

Background

Relapse prevention is an important objective in the management of serious mental illness (SMI). While community mental health nurses (CMHN) might be well-placed to support people with SMI in averting relapse, no systematic reviews have examined this association.

Aim

To review the evidence from studies reporting an association between CMHN exposure and hospitalisation of persons living with SMI (a proxy for relapse).

Methods

Searches were undertaken in ten bibliographic databases and two clinical trial registries. We included studies of patients with SMI, where CMHN was the exposure, and the outcome was relapse (i.e. readmission to a psychiatric inpatient facility). Quality assessment of included studies was completed using two risk-of-bias measures.

Results

Two studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies were rated as being of low-moderate methodological quality. There was insufficient evidence to conclude that community mental health nursing reduced the risk of admission to psychiatric inpatient facilities.

Conclusions

The review found no evidence that CMHN was associated with higher or lower odds of admission to psychiatric inpatient facilities among patients with SMI. The findings of the review point to a need for further research to investigate the impact of CMHN exposure and relapse in people with SMI.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42017058694
EGFR T790M relative mutation purity predicts osimertinib treatment efficacy in non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Zheng Qiufan , Hong Shaodong , Huang Yan , Zhao Hongyun , Yang Yunpeng , Hou Xue , Zhao Yuanyuan , Ma Yuxiang , Zhou Ting , Zhang Yaxiong , Fang Wenfeng , Zhang Li
Published: February 2020

Background

Despite the impressive anti‐tumor activity of osimertinib in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M‐positive non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, 30–40% of patients still show limited response. There is therefore a need to identify biomarkers that accurately predict the response to osimertinib therapy. In this study, 54 patients with targeted next‐generation sequencing of circulating tumor DNA before osimertinib treatment and known T790M positivity were included. We investigated the predictive value of baseline circulating tumor DNA‐derived biomarkers on osimertinib therapy.

Results

Baseline maximum somatic allele frequency (MSAF) level was not associated with objective response rate (ORR) (P = 0.886) and progression‐free survival (PFS) (P = 0.370) of osimertinib treatment. T790M relative mutation purity (RMP, defined here as the ratio of T790M AF to MSAF) quartiles were found to be significantly associated with ORR (P for trend = 0.002) and PFS (P for trend = 0.006), and a cut off value of 0.24 identified two distinct prognostic groups [Hazard ratio (HR) = 0.36 for low T790M RMP, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18–0.72, P = 0.004). Additionally, although T790M relative mutation abundance (RMA, defined as T790M AF/EGFR driver AF) quartiles were not significantly associated with ORR (P for trend = 0.063), a cut off value of 0.30 also identified two distinct prognostic groups (HR = 0.43 for low T790M RMA, 95% CI 0.22–0.85, P = 0.015). However, in multivariate analysis, grouping of T790M RMP showed a better predictive value (HR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.20–1.05, P = 0.066) than T790M RMA (HR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.31–1.61, P = 0.409). Moreover, T790M RMP as continuous covariate was independently predictive of PFS (HR = 0.15, 95% CI 0.03–0.79, P =0.025), while T790M RMA was not (HR = 1.14, 95% CI 0.49–2.66, P =0.766). An external validation cohort further confirmed the T790M RMP was significantly associated with PFS of osimertinib therapy.

Conclusions

This study established the independent predictive role of T790M RMP in NSCLC patients receiving osimertinib treatment.
Short-term effect of adenotonsillectomy on growth and nutritional anthropometric parameters of children with obstructive adenotonsillar enlargement
Authors: Fasunla Ayotunde James , Totyen Ebidisemere Linda , Onakoya Paul Adekunle , Nwaorgu Onyekwere George
Published: February 2020

Background

Obstructive adenotonsillar enlargement is known to cause failure to thrive in children. The effect of adenotonsillectomy is not well documented on the growth of affected children. The study was carried out to investigate the effect of adenotonsillectomy on growth of children with obstructive adenotonsillar enlargement. It was a quasi-experimental study consisting of 62 children (≤ 12 years) with obstructive adenotonsillar enlargement and 62 healthy controls. Variables measured at baseline, sixth week and 13th week post adenotonsillectomy, were weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness. The percent of weight-for-age and height-for-age were, respectively, calculated by dividing the child’s weight and height by the median expected weight and height (i.e., the 50th percentile) based on the child’s chronological age. The obtained weight-for-age and height-for-age values were used to determine the presence of failure to thrive and stunting, respectively.

Results

Majority (70.6%) of the patients with malnutrition were from a low socioeconomic class. At baseline, failure to thrive and stunting were found among 17 (26.4%) cases and 11 (17.7%) controls, but the proportion reduced to six (9.7%) and three (4.8%), respectively, at the 13th week post adenotonsillectomy. There was a steady increase in weight-for-age, height-for-age, mid-upper arm circumference, and triceps skinfold thickness in both cases and controls from baseline to the 13th week. However, there was a significant difference in percentage variation of these variables between the two groups.

Conclusions

Adenotonsillectomy improved the growth of children with obstructive adenotonsillar enlargement and hence recommended in cases with failure to thrive and stunting.
A Molecular Assembly Machine Working under a Quasi-Steady State pH Gradient
Authors: Nawa-Okita Erika , Nakao Yuki , Yamamoto Daigo , Shioi Akihisa
Published: February 2020

Biological functions are maintained by various types of molecular motors driven at several pico-newtons, where the driving force is obtained from a chemical potential difference within the microscale. Here, we show in detail artificial vesicles that generate mechanical work from a local pH gradient. This study demonstrates that they can be regarded as a molecular assembly machine. We have previously reported that the vesicles are composed of oleate and oleic acid and exhibit rhythmic shape changes. This cyclic motion involves both rotation of the entire vesicle and its inside-out inversion, which constitute relaxation and excitation processes, respectively, that sustain the cycle. These motions were observed under a quasi-steady state pH gradient, and the driving force of rotation was determined to be of the order of 10−2–10−1 pN, which is consistent with the membrane elasticity driving the deformation (vesicle inversion).
Epidemiology and Clinico-radiological features of Interstitial Lung Diseases
Authors: Jafri Saira , Ahmed Naseem , Saifullah Nausheen , Musheer Mehak
Published: February 2020

Objective: The literature on interstitial lung diseases is limited. The aim of this research was to make this entity of diseases more understandable to clinicians and general population of the region of Pakistan.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 253 Pakistani subjects who are a part of the hospital-based registry of JPMC. We performed statistical analyses on SPSS version 22.0. We included patients above 15 years of age who exhibited clinical clues and radiological signs of ILD during March 2016 through February 2018 and excluded those who were on tuberculosis treatment, suspected to be suffering from post-infection bronchiectasis, expectant females or had failed to follow-up.

Results: There was a 2:3 male to female ratio. Mean age was 49.0±13.2 years. Majority were non-smokers. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) was the commonest ILD (38.8%) followed by Non-Specific Interstitial Pneumonitis (NSIP) (15.1%). Most patients presented with dyspnea and dry cough and about half were clubbed (47.3%). Substantial IPF cases (52.6%) were suffering from GERD symptoms.

Conclusion: IPF and NSIP were the major ILDs, GERD was the only predictor of IPF. This entity of lung diseases needs to be explored further to identify patterns of presentation and to make diagnosis at a manageable stage.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.3.1046

How to cite this:Jafri S, Ahmed N, Saifullah N, Musheer M. Epidemiology and Clinico-radiological features of Interstitial Lung Diseases. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(3):365-370. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.3.1046

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Primary ovarian insufficiency and myasthenia gravis
Authors: AlAsiri Saleh A.
Published: February 2020

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease. In some patients, Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) is considered to be an autoimmune condition. Their coexistence is rare and suggests autoimmune perturbation. We describe a patient who was determined to have POI at 17 years of age and who developed MG 20 years later.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.3.2124

How to cite this:AlAsiri SA. Primary ovarian insufficiency and myasthenia gravis. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(3):586-587. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.3.2124

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Production of jewelry made of precious metals and their alloys
Authors: Belyaev Sergey , Dovzhenko Nikolay , Rudnitskiy Edvard , Uskov Igor , Sidelnikov Sergey , Konstantinov Igor , Lebedeva Olga
Published: February 2020

In the book are described for jewelry production, properties, structures, stamps, given technological bases of jewelry production methods of casting and metal forming, presented a special technology jewelry making and settlement processes of production of jewelry. Designed for students in higher education, professionals in the field of metallurgy of precious metals and jewelry production.
To prepare students to postgraduate studies of the University: system and control mechanisms
Authors: Reznik Semen , Ustinova Darya
Published: February 2020

The theoretical aspects of management prepare students to postgraduate studies, analysed the practice of training the teaching staff in Russian universities, a model management system to prepare students for postgraduate training, as well as mechanisms to control them.
The book is intended for teachers and postgraduates of higher education institutions, as well as for all those who are engaged in research of problems of higher education management in Russia.
Strategy of Developments of Justice Under Globalization.
Authors: Salomatin Alexey , Malko Aleksander
Published: February 2020

Strategy of Development of Justice work of the researchers from Moscow, St.Petersburgh, Penza, Saratov and Saransk is devoted to the court systems of different countries, including Russia. The authors dead with the problems of functioning of supreme and constitutional courts, peace of justices, court federalism, courts in the integrative international unions. The monograph is supplemented with the results of social and legal monitoring of justice in contemporary world.
New Problems of Descriptive Geometry
Authors: Girsh A.
Published: February 2020

Complex geometry consists of Euclidean E-geometry (circle geometry) and pseudo-Euclidean M-geometry (hyperbola geometry). Each of them individually determines an open system in which a correctly posed problem may give no solution. Analytical geometry is an example of a closed system, in which the previously mentioned problem always gives a solution as a complex number, whose one of the parts may turn out to be zero. Development of imaginary solutions and imaginary figures is a new task for descriptive geometry. Degenerated conics and quadrics set up a new class of figures and a new class of descriptive geometry’s problems. For example, a null circle, null sphere, null cylinder, and a cone as a hyperboloid degenerated to an asymptote. The last ones necessarily lead to imaginary solutions in geometric operations. In this paper it has been shown that theorems formulated in one geometry are also valid in conjugate geometry as well, while the same figures of conjugated geometries visually look different. So imaginary points exist only by pairs, the imaginary circle is not round one, the centers of dissimilar circles’ similarity do not belong to the centerline and other examples. For solution, a number of problems on geometric relations, and operations with degenerated conics and quadrics, as well as several problems from 4D-geometry are proposed. Solutions for above mentioned problems are given in section 9. In this paper some examples of new problems for descriptive geometry have been considered. It has been shown that the new problems require access to a complex space. New figures consist of two parts, a real figure and a figure of its imaginary complement.
Technology consecutive translation
Authors: Zaripov Ruslan , Gavrilov Lev
Published: February 2020

The tutorial covers the basics of translation cursive, which provides translation of the speech after it is fully listened to and does not require interrupting the speaker's speech. The system of exercises presented in the manual is designed to ensure the formation of skills
and consecutive translation skills with notes, stimulates the intellectual activity of the student and helps him overcome the dangerous tendency to literally copy the forms of the original text in the translation.
Meets the requirements of the Federal state educational standard of higher education of the latest generation.
The manual is intended for students of higher educational institutions of the Humanities, studying in the specialty 45.05.01 "Translation and translation studies".
Altai literature. Portraits of writers and literarys.
Authors: Kindikova Nina
Published: February 2020

The fate and creative activities of the Altai writers and literary are presented on the basis of archival material and a new reading of artistic works. The Altai literature has been uncovered in a historical perspective, analysed the publications of past years and examined the monographs of contemporary researchers in the Altai literature. The role of creative individuals and their contribution to the Altai literature was emphasized. The fate and literary heritage of repressed writers have been reinterpreted. This work is intended for philologists, masters, postgraduate, turcologists.The work presents the fate and creativity of the Altai writers and literary critics on the basis of archival materials and reading of works of art.
The work is intended for scholars, undergraduates, graduate students.The work presents the fate and creativity of the Altai writers and literary critics on the basis of archival materials and reading of works of art.
The work is intended for scholars, undergraduates, graduate students.
Surveying
Authors: Kravchenko Yuriy
Published: February 2020

The contents of the book corre-sponds to the curriculum of surveying for building schools. Including historical and general information about on geodesy, the basic principles of treatment results of geodetic measurements, information about topographic maps and plans and solutions the problems with their use, description of instruments and methods of measurement of angles, distances and excesses on the earth surface, information about horizontal and vertical geo-detic networks, methods for creat-ing and processing survey geodes-ic networks, types and methods of survey, a description of the meth-ods removal projects in nature, description of the geodetic works in prospecting, designing and con-struction of objects capital con-struction.
Economics of the enterprise (organization, firm)
Authors: Dyevyatkin Olyeg , Akulenko Nina , Baurina Svetlana , Bobkov Aleksandr , Bolkina Galina , Bystrov Andrey , Bystrova Darya , Garnov Andrey , Garnova V. , Doronin Viktor , YElina Olga , Yesina Alla , Zapunnaya Viktoriya , Zurin Mikhail , Ignatova L. , Kazakova Rimma , Kalenov Oleg , Klyukin Ilya , Kukushkin Sergey , Kucherenko Anna , Pashtova Lelya , Pimenov Vladimir , Slyepukhin Vladimir
Published: February 2020

The publication summarizes the results of the most important long-term historical stage of research by the University's faculty and is dedicated to the 110th anniversary of the founding of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics (REU) and the 70th anniversary of the Department of industrial Economics of REU.
In preparing this textbook, the authors relied on the experience of teaching the discipline " Economics of an enterprise (organization, firm)" by the faculty of the Department of industrial Economics of PRUE and the results of many years of research by a team of scientists of the scientific school "Industrial and economic security".
A distinctive feature of the textbook is a systematic approach to presenting the views of the leading scientific schools of Russia in the field of Economics and management of enterprises and production complexes. Sections of the publication are supplemented with modern material that takes into account current and future trends in the development of production, and cover current issues of industrial and economic security.
Meets the requirements of the Federal state educational standard of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of higher education institutions studying in the field of training (specialty) 38.03.01 Economics (bachelor's level), as well as for students of postgraduate education, researchers, and other professionals interested in studying the course of the discipline " Economics of an enterprise (organization, firm)".
Sob céus estranhos: o exílio segundo Ilse Losa
Authors: Andreeva Yana
Published: February 2020

O texto propõe-se analisar as representações do exílio em três romances da escritora portuguesa Ilse Losa (1913-2006): O mundo em que vivi (1949), Rio sem ponte (1952) e Sob céus estranhos (1962). Apoiando-se na transdisciplinaridade que o estudo das temáticas da migração e do exílio reclama e aproveitando alguns dos contributos teóricos do pós-colonialismo histórico e crítico, assim como os atuais questionamentos sobre os desafios éticos e multiculturais que a sociedade contemporânea enfrenta, o artigo pretende examinar de que maneira as narrativas em foco representam o fenómeno do exílio e, em especial, a identidade do exilado.