bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Evaluation of Assays for Plasma Renin Activity and Aldosterone Measurement by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Gibbons Stephen M , Field Helen P , Fairhurst April , Fleming Anne , Ford Clive , Williams Emma L , Barnes Sophie C , Barth Julian H
Published: October 2020

Background

Aldosterone and renin are pivotal hormones in the regulation of salt and water homeostasis and blood pressure. Measurement of renin and aldosterone in serum/plasma is essential for the investigation of primary hyperaldosteronism (PA) and monitoring of glucocorticoid replacement therapy.

Methods

We report 2 LC-MS/MS methods developed to measure aldosterone and plasma renin activity (PRA). PRA was determined by endogenous enzymatic generation of angiotensin I using 150 µL of sample. Generated angiotensin I was purified by solid phase extraction prior to chromatographic separation and mass spectrometry. Aldosterone measurement required 300 μL of sample extracted with MTBE prior to LC-MS/MS analysis.

Results

The PRA method was linear (1.2–193 nmol/L), sensitive (LLOQ = 1.2 nmol/L), precise (CV = 4.1%), and specific (no cross reactivity for a number of structurally similar steroids). Dilutional linearity and recovery (84%) were acceptable. Accuracy was confirmed by comparison against our current RIA method. The aldosterone method had equally acceptable performance characteristics. Reference ranges in 110 healthy normotensive subjects were: PRA 0.2–3.7 nmol/L/h and aldosterone 50–950 pmol/L. Consecutive patients (n = 62) with adrenal incidentalomas shown to have no functional adrenal disease; their post overnight 1 mg dexamethasone test values were: PRA 0.2–2.6 nmol/L/h and aldosterone 55–480 pmol/L. Serum aldosterone values after 2 liter saline suppression were—normal subjects (n = 17): 78–238 pmol/L and confirmed primary hyperaldosteronism (n = 25): 131–1080 pmol/L.

Conclusions

We have developed robust assays for PRA and aldosterone with appropriate clinical evaluation. These assays are now in routine practice in the UK.
Predictive Value of the Prognostic Nutrition Index for the Prognosis of Patients With Severe Burns Treated With the Meek Graft
Authors: Hu Gaozhong , Yuan Lili , Peng Yizhi , Luo Gaoxing , Song Huapei
Published: October 2020

The Meek technique is currently a key method for treating wounds in severely burned patients. The survival rate of skin grafts is an important factor affecting the success rate of treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) on the survival rate of skin grafts in patients treated with the Meek technique in the early stage of severe burns. We retrospectively analyzed the data of severely burned patients who were treated at the burn center between January 2013 and December 2019 and met the inclusion criteria. The albumin (ALB) level and lymphocyte count obtained 1 day before the operation was used to calculate the preoperative PNI (PNI = serum ALB level [g/L] + 5 × total number of peripheral blood lymphocytes [×109/L]). According to the survival rates of skin grafts 14 days after the operation, patients with severe burns were divided into a group with good skin graft survival (survival rate ≥75%, abbreviated as group G) and a group with poor skin graft survival (survival rate <75%, abbreviated as group P). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves and univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the predictive value of the preoperative PNI for the prognosis of patients treated with the Meek technique. One hundred and twenty-one patients were enrolled in this study. Groups G (n = 66 cases) and P (n = 55 cases) did not have significant differences in age, sex, and body mass index (P > .05). The total burned surface area, burn index, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, preoperative platelet count, operative time, total protein, albumin level, globulin level, and PNI were the risk factors affecting the survival of Meek grafts. The burn index was an independent risk factor for poor skin graft survival (odds ratio [OR]: 1.049, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.020–1.079; P < .05). The preoperative PNI was a protective factor against poor skin graft survival (OR: 0.646, 95% CI: 0.547–0.761; P < .05). The ROC curve determined that the optimal cut-off value for the preoperative PNI was 34.98. There were 59 cases with PNI > 34.98 (the high PNI group) and 62 cases with PNI < 34.98 (the low PNI group). The survival rate of skin grafts in patients with a high PNI was generally significantly higher than that of patients with a low preoperative PNI (P < .05). Five (8.47%) patients in the high PNI group died, compared with 16 (25.8%) patients in the low PNI group. The difference in the mortality rate between the two groups was significant (P < .05). Preoperative PNI can be used as a predictor of the survival rate of skin grafts in patients treated with the Meek technique in the early stage of severe burns.
Delayed Spinal Cord Injury From Electrical Burns: Two Cases
Authors: AlQasas Tareq , Galet Colette , Wibbenmeyer Lucy
Published: October 2020

Spinal cord injury has been described in only 2% to 5% of electrical injuries. When its presentation is delayed for several days to weeks after the initial injury, recovery is not the rule. Herein, we describe two patients who developed spinal cord injury from electrical burns. Case 1: A 60-year-old male presented with a 40% TBSA after contacting a power line. On hospital day 6, he developed lower extremity weakness that progressed to flaccid paralysis. Case 2: A 58-year-old male sustained a 9% TBSA high-voltage injury. On hospital day 2, he started to have progressive weakness of his lower extremities that progressed to flaccid paralysis. Neither case was judged to have experienced additional significant trauma. Neurological complications after electrical injuries are protean. Delayed spinal cord injury is rare and associated with variable degrees of recovery. Neurological follow-up with rehabilitation is essential for a successful recovery.
Music Stimuli for Mindfulness Practice: A Replication Study
Authors: Hernandez-Ruiz Eugenia , Dvorak Abbey L
Published: October 2020

Mindfulness is a natural human capacity to be aware of the present moment, without judgment, rejection, or attachment to it. Cultivating a mindful state has been related to improvements in mood and stress management. Mindfulness practices may be enhanced with music. The purpose of this study was to replicate a previous study regarding the effectiveness, preference, and usefulness of different auditory stimuli for mindfulness practice. Undergraduate nonmusicians (N = 53) listened to 4 different auditory stimuli of increasing complexity, guiding them in a mindfulness experience. Participants rated their mindfulness experience, provided data on their absorption in music, and ranked auditory stimuli according to preference and usefulness for mindfulness practice. A within-subjects design was used to compare the four conditions, counterbalanced, and randomized across participants. Similar to the original study, Friedman analysis of variances (ANOVAs) and post hoc analyses indicated that participants ranked the Melody and Harmony conditions as most preferred and useful. Different from the original results, the repeated-measures ANOVA of the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale scores did not reveal significant differences among auditory stimuli for mindfulness experience. These results provide support for the use of music in mindfulness experiences with a mildly complex stimulus (script, beat, harmony, and melody). However, partially replicated results indicate the need to investigate the discrepancy between participants’ effectiveness ratings and preference/usefulness rankings.
A complicated pulmonary hydatid cyst resembling a tumour in an adult on PET scan: a case report
Authors: Darwish Bassam , Alsabek Mhd Belal , Kakaje Ameer
Published: October 2020

Complicated pulmonary cysts have a wide range of possible diagnoses with different approaches as they can be benign or malignant. They can resemble malignancies in symptoms and imaging, mainly on positron emission tomography (PET) scan, which can increase the false positivity. We present an infected hydatid cyst resembling a malignancy as it presented with weight loss in a smoker and had necrosis and malignance features on computed tomography and PET scans. However, serology tests and fine needle aspiration were suggestive of a hydatid cyst, which made this case quite unique. Other diagnoses should always be suspected even if the malignancy was highly likely due to other lesions can resemble malignancies.
High sink strength prevents photosynthetic down-regulation in cassava grown at elevated CO2 concentration
Authors: Ruiz-Vera Ursula M , De Souza Amanda P , Ament Michael R , Gleadow Roslyn M , Ort Donald R
Published: October 2020

Cassava has the potential to alleviate food insecurity in many tropical regions, yet few breeding efforts to increase yield have been made. Improved photosynthetic efficiency in cassava has the potential to increase yields, but cassava roots must have sufficient sink strength to prevent carbohydrates from accumulating in leaf tissue and suppressing photosynthesis. Here, we grew eight farmer-preferred African cassava cultivars under free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) to evaluate the sink strength of cassava roots when photosynthesis increases due to elevated CO2 concentrations ([CO2]). Relative to the ambient treatments, elevated [CO2] treatments increased fresh (+27%) and dry (+37%) root biomass, which was driven by an increase in photosynthesis (+31%) and the absence of photosynthetic down-regulation over the growing season. Moreover, intrinsic water use efficiency improved under elevated [CO2] conditions, while leaf protein content and leaf and root cyanide concentrations were not affected. Overall, these results suggest that higher cassava yields can be expected as atmospheric [CO2] increases over the coming decades. However, there were cultivar differences in the partitioning of resources to roots versus above-grown biomass; thus, the particular responses of each cultivar must be considered when selecting candidates for improvement.
High-redshift radio galaxies: a potential new source of 21-cm fluctuations
Authors: Reis Itamar , Fialkov Anastasia , Barkana Rennan
Published: October 2020

Radio sources are expected to have formed at high redshifts, producing an excess radiation background above the cosmic microwave background (CMB) at low frequencies. Their effect on the redshifted 21-cm signal of neutral hydrogen is usually neglected, as it is assumed that the associated background is small. Recently, an excess radio background has been proposed as a possible explanation for the unusually strong 21-cm signal reported by EDGES. As a result, the implications of a smooth and extremely strong excess radio background on both the sky-averaged 21-cm signal and its fluctuations have been considered. Here, we take into account the inhomogeneity of the radio background created by a population of high-redshift galaxies and show that it adds a new type of 21-cm fluctuations to the well-known contributions of density, velocity, Ly α coupling, heating, and reionization. We find that a population of high-redshift galaxies even with a moderately enhanced radio efficiency (unrelated to the EDGES result) can have a significant effect on the 21-cm power spectrum and global signal. For models that can explain the EDGES data, we show that the 21-cm power spectrum at z ∼ 17 is enhanced by up to two orders of magnitude compared to the CMB-only standard case, with a significantly modified shape and time evolution due to radio fluctuations. These fluctuations are within reach of upcoming radio interferometers. We also find that these models can be significantly constrained by current and future observations of radio sources.
The AARTFAAC Cosmic Explorer: observations of the 21-cm power spectrum in the EDGES absorption trough
Authors: Gehlot B K , Mertens F G , Koopmans L V E , Offringa A R , Shulevski A , Mevius M , Brentjens M A , Kuiack M , Pandey V N , Rowlinson A , Sardarabadi A M , Vedantham H K , Wijers R A M J , Yatawatta S , Zaroubi S
Published: October 2020

The 21-cm absorption feature reported by the EDGES collaboration is several times stronger than that predicted by traditional astrophysical models. If genuine, a deeper absorption may lead to stronger fluctuations on the 21-cm signal on degree scales (up to 1 K in rms), allowing these fluctuations to be detectable in nearly 50 times shorter integration times compared to previous predictions. We commenced the ‘AARTFAAC Cosmic Explorer’ (ACE) program, which employs the AARTFAAC wide-field image, to measure or set limits on the power spectrum of the 21-cm fluctuations in the redshift range z = 17.9–18.6 (Δν = 72.36–75.09 MHz) corresponding to the deep part of the EDGES absorption feature. Here, we present first results from two LST bins: 23.5–23.75 and 23.75–24.00 h, each with 2 h of data, recorded in ‘semi drift-scan’ mode. We demonstrate the application of the new ACE data-processing pipeline (adapted from the LOFAR-EoR pipeline) on the AARTFAAC data. We observe that noise estimates from the channel and time-differenced Stokes V visibilities agree with each other. After 2 h of integration and subtraction of bright foregrounds, we obtain 2σ upper limits on the 21-cm power spectrum of $\Delta _{21}^2 \lt (8139~\textrm {mK})^2$ and $\Delta _{21}^2 \lt (8549~\textrm {mK})^2$ at $k = 0.144~h\, \textrm {cMpc}^{-1}$ for the two LST bins. Incoherently averaging the noise bias-corrected power spectra for the two LST bins yields an upper limit of $\Delta _{21}^2 \lt (7388~\textrm {mK})^2$ at $k = 0.144~h\, \textrm {cMpc}^{-1}$. These are the deepest upper limits thus far at these redshifts.
The stellar metallicity distribution function of galaxies in the CALIFA survey
Authors: Mejía-Narváez A , Sánchez S F , Lacerda E A D , Carigi L , Galbany L , Husemann B , García-Benito R
Published: October 2020

We present a novel method to retrieve the chemical structure of galaxies using integral field spectroscopy data through the stellar Metallicity Distribution Function (MDF). This is the probability distribution of observing stellar populations having a metallicity Z. We apply this method to a set of 550 galaxies from the CALIFA survey. We present the behaviour of the MDF as a function of the morphology, the stellar mass, and the radial distance. We use the stellar metallicity radial profiles retrieved as the first moment of the MDF, as an internal test for our method. The gradients in these radial profiles are consistent with the known trends: they are negative in massive early-type galaxies and tend to positive values in less massive late-type ones. We find that these radial profiles may not convey the complex chemical structure of some galaxy types. Overall, low mass galaxies (log M⋆/M⊙ ≤ 10) have broad MDFs ($\sigma _Z\sim 1.0\,$ dex), with unclear dependence on their morphology. However this result is likely affected by under-represented bins in our sample. On the other hand, massive galaxies (log M⋆/M⊙ ≥ 11) have systematically narrower MDFs ($\sigma _Z\le 0.2\,$ dex). We find a clear trend whereby the MDFs at rk/Re > 1.5 have large variance. This result is consistent with sparse SFHs in medium/low stellar density regions. We further find there are multimodal MDFs in the outskirts ($\sim 18\,$ per cent) and the central regions ($\sim 40\,$ per cent) of galaxies. This behaviour is linked to a fast chemical enrichment during early stages of the SFH, along with the posterior formation of a metal-poor stellar population.
NASA GeneLab: interfaces for the exploration of space omics data
Authors: Berrios Daniel C , Galazka Jonathan , Grigorev Kirill , Gebre Samrawit , Costes Sylvain V
Published: October 2020

The mission of NASA’s GeneLab database (https://genelab.nasa.gov/) is to collect, curate, and provide access to the genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic (so-called ‘omics’) data from biospecimens flown in space or exposed to simulated space stressors, maximizing their utilization. This large collection of data enables the exploration of molecular network responses to space environments using a systems biology approach. We review here the various components of the GeneLab platform, including the new data repository web interface, and the GeneLab Online Data Entry (GEODE) web portal, which will support the expansion of the database in the future to include companion non-omics assay data. We discuss our design for GEODE, particularly how it promotes investigators providing more accurate metadata, reducing the curation effort required of GeneLab staff. We also introduce here a new GeneLab Application Programming Interface (API) specifically designed to support tools for the visualization of processed omics data. We review the outreach efforts by GeneLab to utilize the spaceflight data in the repository to generate novel discoveries and develop new hypotheses, including spearheading data analysis working groups, and a high school student training program. All these efforts are aimed ultimately at supporting precision risk management for human space exploration.
CNCDatabase: a database of non-coding cancer drivers
Authors: Liu Eric Minwei , Martinez-Fundichely Alexander , Bollapragada Rajesh , Spiewack Maurice , Khurana Ekta
Published: October 2020

Most mutations in cancer genomes occur in the non-coding regions with unknown impact on tumor development. Although the increase in the number of cancer whole-genome sequences has revealed numerous putative non-coding cancer drivers, their information is dispersed across multiple studies making it difficult to understand their roles in tumorigenesis of different cancer types. We have developed CNCDatabase, Cornell Non-coding Cancer driver Database (https://cncdatabase.med.cornell.edu/) that contains detailed information about predicted non-coding drivers at gene promoters, 5′ and 3′ UTRs (untranslated regions), enhancers, CTCF insulators and non-coding RNAs. CNCDatabase documents 1111 protein-coding genes and 90 non-coding RNAs with reported drivers in their non-coding regions from 32 cancer types by computational predictions of positive selection using whole-genome sequences; differential gene expression in samples with and without mutations; or another set of experimental validations including luciferase reporter assays and genome editing. The database can be easily modified and scaled as lists of non-coding drivers are revised in the community with larger whole-genome sequencing studies, CRISPR screens and further experimental validations. Overall, CNCDatabase provides a helpful resource for researchers to explore the pathological role of non-coding alterations in human cancers.
Construction of a highly error-prone DNA polymerase for developing organelle mutation systems
Authors: Ji Junwei , Day Anil
Published: October 2020

A novel family of DNA polymerases replicates organelle genomes in a wide distribution of taxa encompassing plants and protozoans. Making error-prone mutator versions of gamma DNA polymerases revolutionised our understanding of animal mitochondrial genomes but similar advances have not been made for the organelle DNA polymerases present in plant mitochondria and chloroplasts. We tested the fidelities of error prone tobacco organelle DNA polymerases using a novel positive selection method involving replication of the phage lambda cI repressor gene. Unlike gamma DNA polymerases, ablation of 3′–5′ exonuclease function resulted in a modest 5–8-fold error rate increase. Combining exonuclease deficiency with a polymerisation domain substitution raised the organelle DNA polymerase error rate by 140-fold relative to the wild type enzyme. This high error rate compares favourably with error-rates of mutator versions of animal gamma DNA polymerases. The error prone organelle DNA polymerase introduced mutations at multiple locations ranging from two to seven sites in half of the mutant cI genes studied. Single base substitutions predominated including frequent A:A (template: dNMP) mispairings. High error rate and semi-dominance to the wild type enzyme in vitro make the error prone organelle DNA polymerase suitable for elevating mutation rates in chloroplasts and mitochondria.
Initial symptoms and diagnostic delay in children with brain tumors at a single institution in Japan
Authors: Yamada Yuji , Kobayashi Daiki , Terashima Keita , Kiyotani Chikako , Sasaki Ryuji , Michihata Nobuaki , Kobayashi Toru , Ogiwara Hideki , Matsumoto Kimikazu , Ishiguro Akira
Published: October 2020

Background

A prolonged interval between onset of symptoms and diagnosis of childhood brain tumor is associated with worse neurological outcomes. The objectives of this study are to determine factors contributing to diagnostic delay and to find an interventional focus for further reduction in the interval between symptom onset and diagnosis in Japan.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 154 patients younger than 18 years with newly diagnosed brain tumors who visited our institution from January 2002 to March 2013.

Results

The median age at diagnosis was 6.2 years and the median total diagnostic interval (TDI) was 30 days. Patients with low-grade tumors and cerebral midline tumor location had significantly long TDI. Durations between the first medical consultation and diagnosis (diagnostic interval, DI) were exceedingly longer for patients with visual, hearing, or smelling abnormalities as the first symptom (median, 303 days). TDI and DI of patients who visited ophthalmologists or otolaryngologist for the first medical consultation were significantly longer. Among these patients, longer DI was associated with worse visual outcome.

Conclusion

Raising awareness of brain tumor diagnosis among ophthalmologists and otolaryngologists may reduce diagnostic delay and may improve the neurological impairment of children with brain tumors in Japan.
Reirradiation practices for children with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma
Authors: Cacciotti Chantel , Liu Kevin X , Haas-Kogan Daphne A , Warren Katherine E
Published: October 2020

Background

Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) are a leading cause of brain tumor deaths in children. Current standard of care includes focal radiation therapy (RT). Despite clinical improvement in most patients, the effect is temporary and median survival is less than 1 year. The use and benefit of reirradiation have been reported in progressive DIPG, yet standardized approaches are lacking. We conducted a survey to assess reirradiation practices for DIPG in North America.

Methods

A 14-question REDCap survey was disseminated to 396 North American physicians who care for children with CNS tumors.

Results

The response rate was 35%. Participants included radiation-oncologists (63%; 85/135) and pediatric oncologists/neuro-oncologists (37%; 50/135). Most physicians (62%) treated 1 to 5 DIPG patients per year, with 10% treating more than 10 patients per year. Reirradiation was considered a treatment option by 88% of respondents. Progressive disease and worsening clinical status were the most common reasons to consider reirradiation. The majority (84%) surveyed considered reirradiation a minimum of 6 months following initial RT. Doses varied, with median total dose of 2400 cGy (range, 1200-6000 cGy) and fraction size of 200 cGy (range, 100-900 cGy). Concurrent use of systemic agents with reirradiation was considered in 46%, including targeted agents (37%), biologics (36%), or immunotherapy (25%). One-time reirradiation was the most common practice (71%).

Conclusion

Although the vast majority of physicians consider reirradiation as a treatment for DIPG, total doses and fractionation varied. Further clinical trials are needed to determine the optimal radiation dose and fractionation for reirradiation in children with progressive DIPG.
Harsh and Sweet Sensations Predict Acute Liking of Electronic Cigarettes, but Flavor Does Not Affect Acute Nicotine Intake: A Pilot Laboratory Study in Men
Authors: Baker Allison N , Bakke Alyssa J , Branstetter Steven A , Hayes John E
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Electronic cigarette use is increasing in popularity, and thousands of flavors are available. Adolescent vaping rates in the United States have nearly doubled in the past year. Unlike combustible tobacco, added flavors are not currently regulated for some types of electronic cigarette products. Here, we investigated the role of flavor in electronic cigarette liking and acute intake.

Methods

Men (n = 39) aged 18–45 vaped in a controlled laboratory setting after being randomized to one of four e-liquids: 6 mg nicotine/mL cherry, 18 mg/mL cherry, 6 mg/mL chocolate, or 18 mg/mL chocolate. They completed several questionnaires, and vaped ad libitum for 10 minutes. After the first puff, participants rated sensations (sweetness, bitterness, coolness, harshness/irritation) on general labeled magnitude scales (gLMS) and rated overall liking on a generalized hedonic scale. Once the 10-minute session ended, participants made another set of ratings.

Results

Liking was generally stable across the vaping session and liking varied substantially across the four conditions. Across all conditions, sensory ratings predicted liking: harshness/irritation was negatively associated with first puff liking, whereas perceived sweetness was positively associated with first puff liking. First puff liking associated with increased amount of e-liquid vaped, but not total nicotine intake. Participants appeared to titrate their nicotine intake regardless of assigned condition.

Conclusion

Flavored e-liquids affect acute liking ratings, but not acute nicotine intake.

Implications

These data suggest individuals who regularly vape may titrate their nicotine intake, regardless of flavor, and contrary to expectations, acute liking did not predict total nicotine intake. However, more-liked flavors may potentially make higher nicotine levels more tolerable by adding pleasant sensations directly, rather than by perceptual masking that reduces aversive sensations.
Regularity Coefficients for Impulsive Differential Equations
Authors: Barreira Luis , Valls Claudia
Published: October 2020

For a linear impulsive differential equation, we introduce a Lyapunov regularity coefficient following as far as possible the non-impulsive case. We recall that a regularity coefficient is a quantity that characterizes the Lyapunov regularity of the dynamics. In particular, we obtain lower and upper bounds for the Lyapunov regularity coefficient and we show that its computation can always be reduced to that of the corresponding coefficient of an impulsive dynamics defined by upper triangular matrices. We also relate the Lyapunov regularity coefficient with the Grobman regularity coefficient. Finally, we combine all the former results to establish a criterion for tempered exponential behavior in terms of the Lyapunov exponents and of the Lyapunov regularity coefficient.
SNP Variants at 16p13.11 Clarify the Role of the NDE1/miR-484 Locus in Major Mental Illness in Finland
Authors: Sinha Vishal , Ortega-Alonso Alfredo , Ukkola-Vuoti Liisa , Linnaranta Outi , Zheutlin Amanda B , Torniainen-Holm Minna , Therman Sebastian , Tuulio-Henriksson Annamari , Jylhä Pekka , Kaprio Jaakko , Hovatta Iiris , Isometsä Erkki , Cannon Tyrone D , Lönnqvist Jouko , Paunio Tiina , Suvisaari Jaana , Hennah William
Published: October 2020

Through copy number variations, the 16p13.11 locus has been consistently linked to mental disorders. This locus contains the NDE1 gene, which also encodes microRNA-484. Both of them have been highlighted to play a role in the etiology of mental illness. A 4-SNP haplotype spanning this locus has been shown to associate with schizophrenia in Finnish females. Here we set out to identify any functional variations implicated by this haplotype. We used a sequencing and genotyping study design to identify variations of interest in a Finnish familial cohort ascertained for schizophrenia. We identified 295 variants through sequencing, none of which were located directly within microRNA-484. Two variants were observed to associate with schizophrenia in a sex-dependent manner (females only) in the whole schizophrenia familial cohort (rs2242549 P = .00044; OR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.03–1.40; rs881803 P = .00021; OR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.02–1.40). Both variants were followed up in additional psychiatric cohorts, with neuropsychological traits, and gene expression data, in order to further examine their role. Gene expression data from the familial schizophrenia cohort demonstrated a significant association between rs881803 and 1504 probes (FDR q < 0.05). These were significantly enriched for genes that are predicted miR-484 targets (n = 54; P = .000193), and with probes differentially expressed between the sexes (n = 48; P = .000187). While both SNPs are eQTLs for NDE1, rs881803 is located in a predicted transcription factor binding site. Based on its location and association pattern, we conclude that rs881803 is the prime functional candidate under this locus, affecting the roles of both NDE1 and miR-484 in psychiatric disorders.
Brief behavioral treatment for insomnia improves psychosocial functioning in veterans: results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Maguen Shira , Gloria Rebecca , Huggins Joy , Goldstein Lizabeth A , Kanady Jennifer C , Straus Laura D , Metzler Thomas J , Lujan Callan , Neylan Thomas C
Published: October 2020

Study Objectives

Our goal was to compare brief behavioral treatment for insomnia (BBTI) to a progressive muscle relaxation training (PMRT) control condition among veterans with insomnia, examining psychosocial functioning as a primary outcome and sleep-related outcomes, mood, cognition, and pain as secondary outcomes.

Methods

Veterans were randomly assigned to either BBTI or PMRT (N = 91; 24–74 years; M = 49 years). BBTI consisted of two in-person (60-min and 30-min sessions) and two telephone sessions (20-min each), and the PMRT control condition was matched to BBTI for session duration and type. Veterans were assessed through clinical interview at baseline and self-report measures at pre-, mid-, and posttreatment, as well as 6-month follow-up for the BBTI condition to assess sustained response. Measures also included continuous sleep monitoring with sleep diary.

Results

Intent-to-treat analyses demonstrated that individuals who completed BBTI versus PMRT reported greater improvements in work, home, social and cognitive functioning, insomnia symptom severity, mood, and energy. Improvements in psychosocial functioning, insomnia symptoms, and mood were maintained 6-months following BBTI treatment completion.

Conclusions

Veterans who received BBTI improved and maintained gains in psychosocial functioning, insomnia, and mood. BBTI is a treatment that can be implemented in primary care, mental health, or integrated care settings and provide symptom relief and improved functioning among those with insomnia, one of the most commonly reported mental health problems among veterans.

Clinical trial registration

NCT02571452.
Oxidative damage, inflammation, genotoxic effect, and global DNA methylation caused by inhalation of formaldehyde and the purpose of melatonin
Authors: Bernardini Letícia , Barbosa Eduardo , Charão Mariele Feiffer , Goethel Gabriela , Muller Diana , Bau Claiton , Steffens Nadine Arnold , Santos Stein Carolina , Moresco Rafael Noal , Garcia Solange Cristina , Souza Vencato Marina , Brucker Natália
Published: October 2020

Formaldehyde (FA) exposure has been proven to increase the risk of asthma and cancer. This study aimed to evaluate for 28 days the FA inhalation effects on oxidative stress, inflammation process, genotoxicity, and global DNA methylation in mice as well as to investigate the potential protective effects of melatonin. For that, analyses were performed on lung, liver and kidney tissues, blood, and bone marrow. Bronchoalveolar lavage was used to measure inflammatory parameters. Lipid peroxidation (TBARS), protein carbonyl (PCO), non-protein thiols (NPSH), catalase activity (CAT), comet assay, micronuclei (MN), and global methylation were determined. The exposure to 5-ppm FA resulted in oxidative damage to the lung, presenting a significant increase in TBARS and NO levels and a decrease in NPSH levels, besides an increase in inflammatory cells recruited for bronchoalveolar lavage. Likewise, in the liver tissue, the exposure to 5-ppm FA increased TBARS and PCO levels and decreased NPSH levels. In addition, FA significantly induced DNA damage, evidenced by the increase of % tail moment and MN frequency. The pretreatment of mice exposed to FA applying melatonin improved inflammatory and oxidative damage in lung and liver tissues and attenuated MN formation in bone marrow cells. The pulmonary histological study reinforced the results observed in biochemical parameters, demonstrating the potential beneficial role of melatonin. Therefore, our results demonstrated that FA exposure with repeated doses might induce oxidative damage, inflammatory, and genotoxic effects, and melatonin minimized the toxic effects caused by FA inhalation in mice.
Silymarin in combination with chlorogenic acid protects against hepatotoxicity induced by doxorubicin in rats: possible role of adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase pathway
Authors: Abbas Noha A T , Awad Mohammed M , Nafea Ola E
Published: October 2020

Many xenobiotics are known to cause hepatic damage with subsequent significant morbidity and mortality. Doxorubicin (DOX) is a broad-spectrum antineoplastic agent. DOX is reported to cause hepatocellular damage. Previous studies verified the promising role of many natural antioxidant products against various models of hepatic dysfunction. We conducted this study to evaluate the possible hepatoprotective effect of silymarin (SILY) and/or chlorogenic acid (CGA) in a rat model of DOX-induced hepatotoxicity. For this purpose, we randomly divided 30 adult male rats into five equal groups as control, DOX, co-treated DOX with SILY, co-treated DOX with GCA and co-treated DOX with SILY and CGA groups. All treatments were administered every second day for 4 weeks. Our results showed that simultaneous SILY and CGA administration caused a significant decrease in hepatic apoptosis biomarkers (hepatic caspase-3 and nuclear factor-κB levels), a significant improvement in hepatic oxidant/antioxidant status (malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase) and significant decrease in hepatic pro-inflammatory biomarkers (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interlukin-1β) compared with DOX treatment. We concluded that adding CGA to SILY acts as a hepatoprotective agent against DOX-induced liver injury through inhibiting apoptosis biomarkers, maintaining antioxidant enzyme levels, decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as regulating liver adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signaling.
Risk Factors Associated with Skin Tear Development in the Canadian Long-term Care Population
Authors: LeBlanc Kimberly , Woo Kevin Y. , VanDenKerkhof Elizabeth , Woodbury M. Gail
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Skin tears (STs) are prevalent wounds found in aging populations and in particular among those living in long-term care (LTC) settings. They are often misunderstood as expected outcomes of aging and as a result are frequently underrecognized and undertreated. Although many factors have been associated with ST development, there is little evidence to corroborate their roles as ST risks.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the risk factors associated with ST development in the Ontario LTC population.

METHODS

A prospective study design was used to explore the risk factors associated with ST development. A total of 380 individuals 65 years or older from four LTC facilities in Ontario were examined for STs at the beginning of the study and at week 4 to determine if STs had occurred.

RESULTS

The study found an ST prevalence of 20.8% and an incidence of 18.9%. History of an ST at baseline (relative ratio [RR], 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25–2.70; P = .002); the presence of skin changes associated with aging, ecchymosis, and hematomas (RR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.43–1.79; P < .001); chronic disease (RR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.03–1.32; P = .018); requiring assistance with activities of daily living (RR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.08–1.18; P < .001); and displaying aggressive behavior (RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02–1.10; P = .001) were key risk factors associated with ST development.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide much needed Ontario data on the risk factors associated with ST development and can be used to support prevention programs mitigating ST risk.
Incidence and Variables Predictive of Pressure Injuries in Patients Undergoing Ventricular Assist Device and Total Artificial Heart Surgeries: An 8-Year Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Brindle Tod
Published: October 2020

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence and risk factors of pressure injury (PI) development after ventricular assist device (VAD) or total artificial heart (TAH) surgery.

METHODS

The investigator reviewed all VAD-TAH surgeries performed between 2010 and 2018 in a large academic health system. The PIs were reported by case incidence, patient incidence, and incidence density for each of the respective 1,000 patient days during the study period. Statistics on four different VAD-TAH devices were assessed; variables significant in bivariate analysis were entered into a stepwise logistic regression model to identify significant predictors of PI.

RESULTS

The sample included 292 independent VAD-TAH surgeries among 265 patients. Thirty-two patients developed 45 PIs. The PI incidence was 11% (32/292), with a PI incidence per patient of 12% (32/265). Incidence density was 10 per 1,000 patient days (1%) for 2010–2012, 12 per 1,000 patient days (1.2%) for 2013–2015, and 10 per 920 patient days (1.1%) for 2016–2018. Logistic regression revealed that significant predictor variables for PI were age, mechanical ventilation time, and preoperative Braden Scale score. The mean time to PI was 23 days after admission and over 14 days after surgery, indicating a low rate of intraoperative and ICU-associated PI.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of PI was lower than anticipated given historic rates. Potential mechanisms by which these patients were protected from PI are discussed. Prospective studies to further investigate significant risk factors and effective prevention measures are warranted.
The FAITH and HEALTH Trials: Are We Studying Different Hip Fracture Patient Populations?
Authors: Blankstein Michael , Schemitsch Emil H. , Bzovsky Sofia , Axelrod Daniel , Poolman Rudolf W. , Frihagen Frede , Bhandari Mohit , Swiontkowski Marc , Sprague Sheila , Schottel Patrick C. ,   on behalf of the FAITH and HEALTH Investigators
Published: October 2020

Background:

Over the past decade, 2 randomized controlled trials were performed to evaluate 2 surgical strategies (internal fixation and arthroplasty) for the treatment of low-energy femoral neck fractures in patients aged ≥50 years. We evaluated whether patient populations in both the FAITH and HEALTH trials had different baseline characteristics and compared the displaced femoral neck fracture cohort from the FAITH trial to HEALTH trial patients.

Methods:

Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, and fracture characteristics from both trials were compared. FAITH trial patients with displaced fractures were then compared with HEALTH patients. T-tests and χ2 tests were performed to compare differences for sex, age, osteoporosis status, and ASA class.

Results:

The mean age of the 1079 FAITH trial patients was 72 versus 79 years for the 1441 HEALTH trial patients. HEALTH patients were older, mostly White, used more medication, and had more comorbidities than FAITH patients. Of the 1079 FAITH trial patients, 32% (346/1079) had displaced fractures. Their mean age was significantly lower than that of HEALTH patients (66 vs. 79 years; P < 0.001). HEALTH trial patients were significantly more likely to be female, have ASA classification Class III/IV/V, and carry a diagnosis of osteoporosis, as compared with the subgroup of FAITH patients with displaced femoral neck fractures (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates significant differences between patients enrolled in the 2 trials. Although both studies focused on femoral neck fractures with similar enrollment criteria, patient populations differed. This sheds light on a noteworthy limitation of discordant patient enrollment into randomized trials, despite similar eligibility criteria.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
What Predicts Health-Related Quality of Life for Patients With Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures Managed With Arthroplasty? A Secondary Analysis of the HEALTH Trial
Authors: Axelrod Daniel , Comeau-Gauthier Marianne , Bzovsky Sofia , Schemitsch Emil H. , Poolman Rudolf W. , Frihagen Frede , Guerra-Farfán Ernesto , Heels-Ansdell Diane , Bhandari Mohit , Sprague Sheila ,   on behalf of the HEALTH Investigators
Published: October 2020

Background:

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been argued to improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and function in femoral neck fracture patients compared with hemiarthroplasty (HA). The HEALTH trial showed no clinically important functional advantages of THA over HA. The current analysis explores factors associated with HRQoL and function in this population.

Methods:

Using repeated measures regression, we estimated the association between HRQoL and function [Short Form-12 (SF-12) physical component score (PCS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) function score] and 23 variables.

Results:

THA as compared to monopolar HA, but not bipolar HA, was more likely to improve PCS scores (adjusted mean difference [AMD] 1.88 points,P= 0.02), whereas higher American Society of Anesthesiologists score (AMD −2.64,P< 0.01), preoperative use of an aid (AMD −2.66,P< 0.01), and partial weight-bearing status postoperatively (AMD −1.38,P= 0.04) demonstrated less improvement of PCS scores over time. THA improved WOMAC function scores over time compared with monopolar HA (but not bipolar HA) (AMD −2.40,P< 0.01), whereas higher American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (AMD 1.99,P= 0.01) and preoperative use of an aid (AMD 5.39,P< 0.01) were associated with lower WOMAC function scores. Preoperative treatment for depression was associated with lower functional scores (AMD 7.73,P< 0.01).

Conclusion:

Patients receiving THA are likely to receive small and clinically unimportant improvements in health utility and function compared with those receiving monopolar HA and little improvement compared with those receiving bipolar HA. Patient-specific characteristics seem to play a larger role in predicting functional improvement among femoral neck fracture patients.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level II.
Arthroplasty Versus Internal Fixation for the Treatment of Undisplaced Femoral Neck Fractures: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Afaq Shaikh , O'Hara Nathan N. , Schemitsch Emil H. , Bzovsky Sofia , Sprague Sheila , Poolman Rudolf W. , Frihagen Frede , Heels-Ansdell Diane , Bhandari Mohit , Swiontkowski Marc , Slobogean Gerard P. ,   on behalf of the FAITH and HEALTH Investigators
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To compare the 24-month risk of mortality between arthroplasty and internal fixation for undisplaced femoral neck fractures (FNFs).

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Secondary data analysis of 2 multinational randomized controlled trials.

Participants:

Patients aged 50 years or older with a FNF.

Intervention:

Arthroplasty (n = 1441), including total hip arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty, performed for a displaced FNF versus internal fixation (n = 734), including sliding hip screw or multiple cancellous screws, performed for an undisplaced FNF.

Main Outcome Measurement:

The primary outcome was mortality within 24 months of injury. Secondary outcomes included reoperation and health-related quality of life.

Results:

The 24-month mortality rate was 15.0% (n = 327). Arthroplasty was associated with a significant reduction in the odds of mortality [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.44–0.72, P < 0.01] compared with treatment with internal fixation. 11.4% (n = 248) of the study patients required reoperation within 24 months of injury. The odds of reoperation were 59% lower with arthroplasty treatment than with internal fixation (aOR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.32–0.55, P < 0.01). The 24-month SF-12 physical component scores were 2.7 points higher in arthroplasty patients compared with internal fixation patients (95% CI: 1.6–3.8, P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest arthroplasty for a FNF may reduce the risk of mortality and reoperation compared with internal fixation of undisplaced fractures. This finding is counter to many current surgical practices but consistent with a mounting body of evidence. Before widespread adoption of arthroplasty for undisplaced fractures, these results should be confirmed in a definitive comparative trial.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Impact of Heat Index and Ultraviolet Index on COVID-19 in Major Cities of Pakistan
Authors: Adnan Shahzada , Hanif Muhammad , Khan Azmat Hayat , Latif Muhammad , Ullah Kalim , Bashir Furrukh , Kamil Shahzad , Haider Sajjad
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

The world population is under the grip of global pandemic of COVID-19. The present study analyzed relationship between meteorological parameters and COVID-19 in three major cities of Pakistan, that is, Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar.

Methods:

The impacts of heat index (HI) and ultraviolet index (UVI) over daily COVID-19 cases have examined to identify its transmission and propagation. The significance of basic reproductive number (R
0), growth rate (G
r) and doubling time (T
d) of COVID-19 with HI and UVI was determined.

Results:

Both indices show a significant positive correlation (at 5% significance level) to R
0, T
d, and G
r of COVID-19 patients. Our results showed that the minimum threshold temperature of 33 °C for HI (with a positive variation of 3 °C to 5 °C) put a significant impact on new cases.

Conclusion:

HI and UVI impacted significantly to decline COVID-19 cases over the region.