bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poly (I:C) Exposure in Early Life Alters Methylation of DNA and Acetylation of Histone at Synaptic Plasticity Gene Promoter in Developing Rat Brain Leading to Memory Impairment
Authors: Baghel Meghraj Singh , Singh Brijendra , Patro Nisha , Khanna Vinay Kumar , Patro Ishan Kumar , Thakur Mahendra Kumar
Published: May 2020

Background: Exposure to adverse environmental conditions such as toxic chemicals, viral infections, and even stress during pregnancy or early life may disrupt the development of normal brain and its functioning leading to incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders at later stages of life. Recently, we reported that poly (I:C) exposure altered synaptic plasticity protein level and impaired memory through activation of microglia cells.

Purpose: As epigenetic modifications are involved in memory formation, we have studied methylation of DNA and acetylation of histone at promoters of synaptic plasticity genes in the brain of rats exposed to poly (I:C) during early life.

Methods: One dose of poly (I:C) (5 mg/kg bw) was intraperitoneally injected to rat pups on postnatal seventh day. A set of pups exposed to vehicle was included as control. In order to assess methylation of DNA and acetylation of histone at synaptic plasticity gene promoter, we performed qPCR after methylated DNA immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation.

Results: Poly (I:C) exposure reduced the level of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) at synaptic plasticity gene ( bdnf, arc, and egr1) promoters in the frontal cortex (FC) and hippocampus of 3-week rats, although increased it later in both regions of 12-week rats as compared to respective controls. On contrary, poly (I:C) exposure enhanced acetylation of histone H3K9 (H3K9Ac) at promoters of these genes in both regions of 3-week rats but decreased in 12-week rats.

Conclusion: Poly (I:C) exposure altered 5mC and H3K9Ac at synaptic plasticity gene promoters resulting in memory impairment of rats at later life.
Precariousness on the Swedish labour market: A theoretical and empirical account
Authors: Gauffin Karl
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this article is to investigate emerging areas of precarious employment in Sweden. Based on the literature on dimensions of precariousness and neoliberalism, this article will begin with an analysis of the transitioning Swedish welfare state and the contextual environment of precarious employment in Sweden. This will serve as a point of departure for the development of an occupational classification scheme including measures of income and employment security. In an empirical analysis, the occupational classification will be applied to a population-based register material including two birth cohorts of employed Swedish residents aged 28–33, with a registered income. The development of income and employment security will be described and discussed. By applying this newly developed measure of precarious employment, this article will provide a platform for future theoretical and empirical research on precarious employment in a transitioning welfare state.
Apatinib Combined With Radiotherapy Enhances Antitumor Effects in an In Vivo Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Model
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Wu Fei , Zhang Yanling , Qin Rongsheng , Zhu Nengping , Li Yuan , Wang Mingting , Zeng Qin , Xie Danna , Li Yinghua , Fan Juan , Han Yunwei
Published: May 2020

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGFR) are highly expressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma; therefore, blocking the binding of VEGF and VEGFR may be a potential way to treat nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Apatinib inhibits tumor angiogenesis. Previous studies have suggested that treatment with apatinib has an antitumor effect on nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This study will investigate the effect of apatinib combined with radiotherapy. In this study, nude mice injected with CNE-2 nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells were randomly divided into 6 groups. Therapeutic effects were assessed by evaluating tumor inhibition rate, phosphorylation of VEGFR-2, CD31, partial oxygen pressure, and tumor metabolism. We found that the tumor inhibition of mice in the treated groups was better compared to that of the control group. In mice treated with apatinib alone, angiogenesis was prevented, and the tumor tissue partial oxygen pressure was reduced, thereby achieving an antitumor effect. Moreover, the tumor inhibitory effect of combined treatment was stronger than treatment with either apatinib or radiotherapy alone. Compared with monotherapy treatment, combined treatment better resisted angiogenesis. Apatinib combined with radiotherapy to treat nasopharyngeal carcinoma has synergistic effects, which may be related to enhanced antiangiogenesis.
An Evidence-Based Logic for the Use of Positive Reinforcement: Responses to Typical Criticisms
Authors: Scott Terrance M. , Landrum Timothy J.
Published: May 2020

In this article, we provide both a critical analysis of and logical response to a set of the most typical school-based objections to the effective use of positive reinforcement. For example, one objection is that positive reinforcement amounts to bribery. Practitioners are provided with clear and concise arguments refuting each objection and data-informed rationales supporting the school-based use of positive reinforcement.
Longitudinal Analysis of Gene Expression Changes During Cervical Carcinogenesis Reveals Potential Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Yu Lijun , Wei Meiyan , Li Fengyan
Published: May 2020

Despite advances in the treatment of cervical cancer (CC), the prognosis of patients with CC remains to be improved. This study aimed to explore candidate gene targets for CC. CC datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Genes with similar expression trends in varying steps of CC development were clustered using Short Time-series Expression Miner (STEM) software. Gene functions were then analyzed using the Gene Ontology (GO) database and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Protein interactions among genes of interest were predicted, followed by drug-target genes and prognosis-associated genes. The expressions of the predicted genes were determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. Red and green profiles with upward and downward gene expressions, respectively, were screened using STEM software. Genes with increased expression were significantly enriched in DNA replication, cell-cycle-related biological processes, and the p53 signaling pathway. Based on the predicted results of the Drug-Gene Interaction database, 17 drug-gene interaction pairs, including 3 red profile genes (TOP2A, RRM2, and POLA1) and 16 drugs, were obtained. The Cancer Genome Atlas data analysis showed that high POLA1 expression was significantly correlated with prolonged survival, indicating that POLA1 is protective against CC. RT-qPCR and Western blotting showed that the expressions of TOP2A, RRM2, and POLA1 gradually increased in the multistep process of CC. TOP2A, RRM2, and POLA1 may be targets for the treatment of CC. However, many studies are needed to validate our findings.
The association of non-suicidal self-injurious and suicidal behaviors with religiosity in hospitalized Jewish adolescents
Authors: Malkosh-Tshopp Efrat , Ratzon Roy , Gizunterman Alex , Levy Tomer , Ben-Dor David H , Krivoy Amir , Lubbad Nesrin , Kohn Yoav , Weizman Abraham , Shoval Gal
Published: May 2020

Religiosity may be a potent protective factor against self-injurious and suicidal behaviors. However, no previous study has addressed this relationship in adolescent psychiatric population. This study aimed to examine the association between religiosity and non-suicidal self-injurious (NSSI) and suicidal behaviors, among hospitalized Jewish adolescents. This is a cross-sectional study of 60 hospitalized Jewish adolescents in two mental health centers. They were evaluated for religiosity, NSSI, and suicidal behaviors. The following religiosity measures were found to be protective against NSSI: a higher degree of adherence to religious practices (extrinsic measure) (beta = −0.083, p = .006), a higher level of belief in religious principles (intrinsic measure) (beta = −0.063, p = .008) and a self-reported higher religious affinity (χ2 = 7.64, p = .022). The severity of suicidal ideation inversely correlated with the extrinsic measure (standardized beta = −0.2, t = −2.5, p = .015) and with self-reported degree of religious affinity (analysis of variance, F = 3.5, p = .035). History of transition in religious affinity was associated with worse suicidal ideation (3.77 ± 1.8 vs. 2.26 ± 1.99, t = −3.25, p = .004) and with suicide attempts (OR = 3.89 (95% CI: 1.08 – 14.03), p = .004); however, these relationships were mediated by history of abuse. This study provides first evidence of a protective effect of some religiosity measures on NSSI and suicidal behaviors in hospitalized Jewish adolescents.
A new approach to capturing pain disclosure in daily life in-person and online
Authors: Wright Robert C , Junghaenel Doerte U , Rivas Ryan , Hristidis Vagelis , Robbins Megan L
Published: May 2020

This feasibility study employed a new approach to capturing pain disclosure in face-to-face and online interactions, using a newly developed tool. In Study 1, 13 rheumatoid arthritis and 52 breast cancer patients wore the Electronically Activated Recorder to acoustically sample participants’ natural conversations. Study 2 obtained data from two publicly available online social networks: fibromyalgia (343,439 posts) and rheumatoid arthritis (12,430 posts). Pain disclosure, versus non-pain disclosure, posts had a greater number of replies, and greater engagement indexed by language style matching. These studies yielded novel, multimethod evidence of how pain disclosure unfolds in naturally occurring social contexts in everyday life.
Linkage to the West and Electoral Manipulation
Authors: Bílek Jaroslav
Published: May 2020

The relationship between linkage to the West and the survival of political regimes has gained increasing attention in recent years. Despite this attention, one aspect of this linkage remains poorly understood, and that is the effect of linkage to the West on electoral manipulation. Scholars have suggested that linkage to the West raises the cost of government abuse because it increases the probability of Western governments taking action in response to reported abuse. This assumption then suggests that incumbents should choose the forms of repression more wisely. Consequently, in cases of the higher level of linkage to the West incumbents are less likely to use the more visible forms of repression and manipulation. I test the aforementioned assumptions on time series, cross-national data set with observations of 147 elections in competitive authoritarian regimes between 1990 and 2010. I find that extensive international relations to the West have only minimal and statistically non-significant effect on visible forms of repression and manipulation. These results contribute to our understanding of international linkage as they show that linkage to the West does not provide sufficient protection to opposition leaders and groups.
A Global Vascular Guidelines–Based Bypass-Preferred Population and Their Surgical Risk Among CLTI Patients Treated With Endovascular Therapy in a Real-World Practice
Authors: Okamoto Shin , Iida Osamu , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Hata Yosuke , Asai Mitsutoshi , Masuda Masaharu , Ishihara Takayuki , Nanto Kiyonori , Kanda Takashi , Tsujimura Takuya , Okuno Syota , Matsuda Yasuhiro , Mano Toshiaki
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

To determine in a chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) population who underwent endovascular therapy (EVT) how many patients would have been categorized as preferred for bypass surgery according to the Global Vascular Guidelines (GVG) and ascertain their surgical risk.

Materials and Methods:

The current study analyzed 1043 CLTI patients who presented WIfI (wound, ischemia, and foot infection) stage ≥2 and underwent EVT between April 2010 and December 2017. Of these, 176 were excluded for lack of angiographic or other data, leaving 867 CLTI patients (mean age 74±10 years; 523 men) for stratification according to the GVG into bypass-preferred, indeterminate, or EVT-preferred groups. The GVG recommend bypass as the first-line treatment when the wound is severe (WIfI stage ≥3) and lesions are complex (GLASS stage III). Surgical risk was estimated using the modified PREVENT III risk score. To further stratify the bypass-preferred population according to mortality risk, a survival decision tree was constructed using recursive partitioning.

Results:

The bypass-preferred group accounted for 55% [95% confidence interval (CI) 51% to 58%] of the overall population. The decision tree analysis extracted a low-mortality risk subgroup with a survival rate of 99% (95% CI 98% to 100%) at 1 month and 80% (95% CI 73% to 87%) at 2 years. According to the PREVENT III score, 34% (95% CI 27% to 42%) of the low mortality risk subgroup were classified as high surgical risk.

Conclusion:

A high proportion of patients undergoing EVT were considered bypass preferred based on the GVG, and the survival of these patients was not significantly different whether they were high or low surgical risk.
Pressure-clamped single-fiber recording technique: A new recording method for studying sensory receptors
Authors: Sonekatsu Mayumi , Yamada Hiroshi , Gu Jianguo G
Published: May 2020

An electrophysiological technique that can record nerve impulses from a single nerve fiber is indispensable for studying modality-specific sensory receptors such as low threshold mechanoreceptors, thermal receptors, and nociceptors. The teased-fiber single-unit recording technique has long been used to resolve impulses that are likely to be from a single nerve fiber. The teased-fiber single-unit recording technique involves tedious nerve separation procedures, causes nerve fiber impairment, and is not a true single-fiber recording method. In the present study, we describe a new and true single-fiber recording technique, the pressure-clamped single-fiber recording method. We have applied this recording technique to mouse whisker hair follicle preparations with attached whisker afferents as well as to skin-nerve preparations made from mouse hindpaw skin and saphenous nerves. This new approach can record impulses from rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors (RA), slowly adapting type 1 mechanoreceptors (SA1), and slowly adapting type 2 mechanoreceptors (SA2) in these tissue preparations. We have also applied the pressure-clamped single-fiber recordings to record impulses on Aβ-fibers, Aδ-fibers, and C-fibers. The pressure-clamped single-fiber recording technique provides a new tool for sensory physiology and pain research.
Reporting quality of chronic kidney disease practice guidelines according to the RIGHT statement: a systematic analysis
Authors: Zhao Yang , Li Yanyan , Li Junwei , Song Weijuan , Zhao Jun , Xu Yan , Zhai Yongxia , Xu Shuaimin
Published: May 2020

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reporting quality of chronic kidney disease (CKD) guidelines.

Methods:

PubMed, EMBASE, and guideline-related websites were searched from 2008 to 2019. The CKD guidelines were included. Two reviewers used the RIGHT (Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare) checklist to assess the quality of guidelines and calculate the reporting proportion of each guideline.

Results:

We included 13 guidelines, of which 30.8% (4/13) were developed in Europe and about two-thirds (8/13) were published on their own website. The average quality of the 13 guidelines was 68.57%. The reporting proportion of the seven domains (i.e. basic information; background; evidence; recommendations; review and quality assurance; funding and declaration and management of interests; other information) were 65.39%, 81.73%, 63.08%, 69.23%, 53.85%, 63.46%, and 61.54%, respectively.

Conclusion:

CKD guidelines had moderate reporting quality in some domains, but guideline developers should increase the reporting items in basic information, guideline evidence, and recommendations. The RIGHT checklist would be a useful tool to improve the reporting quality of guidelines.
Clinical outcome following late reperfusion with percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Nepper-Christensen Lars , Lønborg Jacob , Høfsten Dan Eik , Sadjadieh Golnaz , Schoos Mikkel Malby , Pedersen Frants , Jørgensen Erik , Kelbæk Henning , Haahr-Pedersen Sune , Flensted Lassen Jens , Køber Lars , Holmvang Lene , Engstrøm Thomas
Published: May 2020

Background

Up to 40% of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) present later than 12 hours after symptom onset. However, data on clinical outcomes in STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) ≥12 hours after symptom onset are non-existent. We evaluated the association between primary PCI performed later than 12 hours after symptom onset and clinical outcomes in a large all-comer contemporary STEMI cohort.

Methods

All STEMI patients treated with primary PCI in eastern Denmark from November 2009 to November 2016 were included and stratified by timing of the PCI. The combined clinical endpoint of all-cause mortality and hospitalisation for heart failure was identified from nationwide Danish registries.

Results

We included 6674 patients: 6108 (92%) were treated <12 hours and 566 (8%) were treated ≥12 hours after symptom onset. During a median follow-up period of 3.8 (interquartile range 2.3–5.6) years, 30-day, one-year and long-term cumulative rates of the combined endpoint were 11%, 17% and 25% in patients treated <12 hours and 21%, 29% and 37% in patients treated ≥12 hours after symptom onset (P > 0.001 for all). Late presentation was independently associated with an increased risk of an adverse clinical outcome (hazard ratio 1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.22–1.66; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Increasing duration from symptom onset to primary PCI was associated with an increased risk of an adverse clinical outcome in patients with STEMI, especially when the delay exceeded 12 hours.
Crystalglobulinemia in Multiple Myeloma: A Rare Case Report of Survival and Renal Recovery
Authors: Chou Angela , Long Christopher , Vonthethoff Leon , Ho Shir-Jing , Pettit Franziska , Badve Sunil V.
Published: May 2020

Rationale:

Crystalglobulinemia is a rare complication of monoclonal gammopathy wherein crystallized immunoglobulins deposit in various organs causing occlusive vasculopathy, endothelial damage, and thrombosis. It should be differentiated from light chain cast nephropathy without crystalline nephropathy through timely diagnosis with a kidney biopsy.

Presenting concerns of the patient:

We report a case of a 74-year-old female with polyarthralgia, chest pain, petechial rash, and acute kidney injury.

Diagnoses:

Kidney biopsy revealed eosinophilic casts in the tubular lumen and similar occlusive crystalline deposits within the glomerular vasculature and interlobular arteries. Bone marrow biopsy and serum electrophoresis confirmed immunoglobulin G (IgG) κ multiple myeloma.

Interventions:

Dialysis was initiated for severe oligoanuric acute kidney injury. The patient was treated with 5 sessions of plasmapheresis and 11 cycles of clone reduction chemotherapy with CyBorD (cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone).

Outcomes:

This patient achieved excellent kidney recovery and is no longer dialysis dependent.

Teaching points:

Crystalglobulinemia should be suspected in patients with rapidly progressive acute kidney injury and monoclonal gammopathy. Timely investigation with kidney biopsy to differentiate this condition from light chain cast nephropathy and initiation of appropriate treatment can lead to remission of disease and excellent recovery of kidney function.
An Evaluation of Self-Reported Publications in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship Applications
Authors: Cortez Xavier C. , Freshman Ryan D. , Feeley Brian T. , Ma C. Benjamin , Lansdown Drew A. , Zhang Alan L.
Published: May 2020

Background:

Orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship positions are increasing in popularity, as evidenced by the increasing number of applicants to these programs. As positions have become more competitive, greater emphasis has been placed on an applicant’s research experience. However, there has been a lack of research evaluating the accuracy of self-reported publications from fellowship applications.

Purpose:

To evaluate the accuracy of self-reported research publications and the outcomes of studies submitted for publication by applicants to an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)–accredited sports medicine fellowship in the United States (US).

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Methods:

Demographic and research publication data were retrospectively collected from 435 applications to an ACGME-accredited orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship program at a single high-volume academic institution from 2013 to 2017. All self-reported manuscript publications and studies in progress were analyzed with a minimum 2-year follow-up. “Submitted” publications were reviewed by searching the originally submitted journal and all publicly available sources. Publications were verified on PubMed, MEDLINE, and other open access journals. Journal impact factors were collected through use of InCites Journal Citation Reports.

Results:

Only 5.7% (85/1504) of papers reported as “completed” were inaccurately self-reported, with 44 (51.8%) remaining unverified and 41 (48.2%) reporting discordant authorship, in which the published study listed a different author order than reported on the application. Further, 28.3% (197/696) of papers self-reported as “submitted” remained unpublished, 21.8% (152/696) were published in a different journal than originally reported, and 7.6% (53/696) were published with a different authorship order than reported. Among 95 applicants whose papers were published in different journals than originally reported, the mean impact factor of the final accepting journal was significantly lower than that of the journal of original submission (0.97 ± 0.13 vs 3.91 ± 0.79, respectively; 95% CI of the difference, 1.34-4.54; P < .01). Univariate analysis showed no significant relationships between variables of interest (age, sex, US Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 score, American Orthopaedic Association membership, medical school ranking, and advanced degree) and the presence of an inaccuracy.

Conclusion:

There is a low rate of inaccurate self-reporting of “completed” publications on applications for orthopaedic sports medicine fellowships. The majority of papers listed as “submitted” on these applications were not published in the journals to which they were originally submitted.
Roles of DANCR/microRNA-518a-3p/MDMA ceRNA network in the growth and malignant behaviors of colon cancer cells
Authors: Sun Yi , Cao Bin , Zhou Jingzhen
Published: May 2020

Background

The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRs) have aroused wide concerns. The study aims to investigate the roles of lncRNA DANCR-associated ceRNA network in the growth and behaviors of colon cancer (CC) cells.

Methods

Differentially expressed lncRNAs between CC and paracancerous tissues were analyzed using microarrays and RT-qPCR. Follow-up studies were conducted to evaluate the correlation between DANCR expression and prognosis of CC patients. Loss-of-functions of DANCR were performed to identify its role in the malignant behaviors of CC cells. Sub-cellular localization of DANCR and the potential targets of DANCR were predicted and validated. Cells with inhibited DANCR were implanted into nude mice to evaluate the tumor formation and metastasis in vivo.

Results

DANCR was highly-expressed in CC tissues and cell lines, and higher levels of DANCR were linked with worse prognosis and less survival time of CC patients. Silencing of DANCR inhibited proliferation, viability, metastasis and resistance to death of CC cells. DANCR was found to be sub-localized in cytoplasmic matrix and to mediate murine double minute 2 (MDM2) expression through sponging miR-518a-3p in CC cells, during which the Smad2/3 signaling was activated. Likewise, silencing of DANCR in CC cells inhibited tumor formation and metastasis in vivo.

Conclusion

This study provided evidence that silencing of DANCR might inhibit the growth and metastasis of CC cells through the DANCR/miR-518a-3p/MDM2 ceRNA network and the defect of Smad2/3 while activation of the p53 signaling pathways. This study may offer novel insights in CC treatment.
Prognostic model based on the geriatric nutritional risk index and sarcopenia in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Go Se-Il , Kim Hoon-Gu , Kang Myoung Hee , Park Sungwoo , Lee Gyeong-Won
Published: May 2020

Background

Systemic inflammation and cachexia are associated with adverse clinical outcomes in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is one of the main parameters used to assess these conditions, but its efficacy in DLBCL is inconclusive.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 228 DLBCL patients who were treated with R-CHOP immunochemotherapy (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone). The patients were stratified according to GNRI score (> 98, 92 to 98, 82 to < 92, and < 82) as defined in previous studies. Additionally, the extent of sarcopenia was categorized as sarcopenia-both, sarcopenia-L3/PM alone, and non-sarcopenia-both according to skeletal muscle index.

Results

Survival curves plotted against a combination of GNRI and sarcopenia scores revealed two clear groups as follows: high cachexia risk (HCR) group (GNRI < 82, sarcopenia-both, or GNRI 82–92 with sarcopenia-L3/PM alone) and low cachexia risk (LCR) group (others). The HCR group had a lower complete response rate (46.5% vs. 86.6%) and higher frequency of treatment-related mortality (19.7% vs. 3.8%) and early treatment discontinuation (43.7% vs. 8.3%) compared with the LCR group. The median progression-free survival (PFS) (not reached vs. 10.3 months, p <  0.001) and overall survival (OS) (not reached vs. 12.9 months, p <  0.001) were much shorter in the HCR group than in the LCR group. On multivariable analyses, the HCR group was shown to be an independent negative prognostic factor for PFS and OS after adjusting the National Comprehensive Cancer Network-International Prognostic Index (NCCN-IPI).

Conclusions

A combined model of GNRI and sarcopenia may provide prognostic information independently of the NCCN-IPI in DLBCL.
Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy following unilateral painful optic neuritis: a case report
Authors: Lee Chaeyeon , Park Kyung-Ah , Lee Ga-In , Oh Sei Yeul , Min Ju-Hong , Kim Byoung Joon
Published: May 2020

Background

Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a maternally inherited mitochondrial disease, characterized by acute or subacute, painless, bilateral visual loss. LHON is often misdiagnosed as optic neuritis at an early stage because of the similarity of their clinical presentation. To date, there has been no reported case of actual optic neuritis and LHON in one patient.

Case presentation

A 40-year-old, healthy man was referred to our clinic with acute painful visual loss in the right eye for 2 weeks. In the right eye, visual acuity decreased to 20/40, and the Ishihara colour test score was 8/14 with a relative afferent pupillary defect. Optic disc swelling was found only in the right eye, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed enhancement of the the right optic nerve, consistent with optic neuritis. After receiving 1 g of intravenous methylprednisolone daily for three days, his ocular pain resolved, and visual acuity improved to 20/20 within 2 weeks. Seven months later, the patient developed acute painless visual loss in the right eye. Visual acuity decreased to 20/200 in the right eye. There was no response to the intravenous methylprednisolone therapy at that time. Eight months later, he developed subacute painless visual loss in the left eye. Genetic testing for LHON was performed and revealed the pathologic mtDNA 11778 point mutation.

Conclusions

We report a case with painful unilateral optic neuritis preceding the onset of LHON. Even if a typical optic neuritis patient has completely recovered from steroid treatment once in the past, it is advisable to keep in mind the possibility of LHON if acute or subacute loss of vision subsequently or simultaneously occurs in both eyes and does not respond to steroids.
Chest CT imaging characteristics of COVID-19 pneumonia in preschool children: a retrospective study
Authors: Li Yang , Cao Jianghui , Zhang Xiaolong , Liu Guangzhi , Wu Xiaxia , Wu Baolin
Published: May 2020

Background

Recently, the World Health Organization has declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. So far, however, limited data are available for children. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the clinical and chest CT imaging characteristics of COVID-19 in preschool children.

Methods

From January 26, 2020 to February 20, 2020, the clinical and initial chest CT imaging data of eight preschool children with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 from two hospitals were retrospectively collected. The chest CT imaging characteristics, including the distribution, shape, and density of lesions, and the pleural effusion, pleural changes, and enlarged lymph nodes were evaluated.

Results

Two cases (25%) were classified as mild type, and they showed no obvious abnormal CT findings or minimal pleural thickening on the right side. Five cases (62.5%) were classified as moderate type. Among these patients, one case showed consolidation located in the subpleural region of the right upper lobe, with thickening in the adjacent pleura; one case showed multiple consolidation and ground-glass opacities with blurry margins; one case displayed bronchial pneumonia-like changes in the left upper lobe; and two cases displayed asthmatic bronchitis-like changes. One case (12.5%) was classified as critical type and showed bronchial pneumonia-like changes in the bilateral lungs, presenting blurred and messy bilateral lung markings and multiple patchy shadows scattered along the lung markings with blurry margins.

Conclusions

The chest CT findings of COVID-19 in preschool children are atypical and various. Accurate diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation of epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and CT imaging data.
Closing the (incarceration) gap: assessing the socio-economic and clinical indicators of indigenous males by lifetime incarceration status
Authors: Shepherd Stephane M. , Spivak Ben , Ashford Linda J. , Williams Isabel , Trounson Justin , Paradies Yin
Published: May 2020

Background

Approximately 1 in 5 to 1 in 6 Indigenous Australian males are currently imprisoned or have previously been imprisoned. Recent work has also pointed to a widening socio-economic gap within the Indigenous population. Given the myriad social, wellbeing and environmental risk factors associated with justice-involvement, it is conceivable that incarceration may contribute to the increasing disparities found within the Indigenous population. This study aimed to explore the presence and extent of an ‘incarceration gap’ within the Indigenous population and to uncover which social factors characterise the disparity.

Methods

The study utilised data from the 2014–5 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey (NATSISS). A number of socio-economic, environmental and clinical factors were compared by life-time incarceration status. Chi-square tests were used to examine the association between incarceration status and each of the comparison variables.

Results

Disparities were observed within the Indigenous Australian population across a number of important health and socio-economic markers by incarceration status - the most pronounced being for educational obtainment – year 10 completion (Never incarcerated 73%, Ever incarcerated 50%), labour force participation (Never incarcerated 56%, Ever incarcerated 26%) and drug/alcohol problems (Never incarcerated 7%, Ever incarcerated 29%). Never-incarcerated Indigenous males yielded aggregate proportions across numerous variables that approximated or matched general Australian population estimates.

Conclusions

There appears to be evidence for a substantial ‘incarceration gap’ within the Indigenous Australian population.
Surgical site infection and its associated factors in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shiferaw Wondimeneh Shibabaw , Aynalem Yared Asmare , Akalu Tadesse Yirga , Petrucka Pammla Margaret
Published: May 2020

Background

Despite being a preventable complication of surgical procedures, surgical site infections (SSIs) continue to threaten public health with significant impacts on the patients and the health-care human and financial resources. With millions affected globally, there is significant variation in the primary studies on the prevalence of SSIs in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of SSI and its associated factors among postoperative patients in Ethiopia.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, Psyinfo, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar were searched for studies that looked at SSI in postoperative patients. A funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were used to determine publication bias. The I2statistic was used to check heterogeneity between the studies. DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was applied to estimate the pooled effect size, odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence interval (CIs) across studies. The subgroup analysis was conducted by region, sample size, and year of publication. Sensitivity analysis was deployed to determine the effect of a single study on the overall estimation. Analysis was done using STATA™ Version 14 software.

Result

A total of 24 studies with 13,136 study participants were included in this study. The estimated pooled prevalence of SSI in Ethiopia was 12.3% (95% CI: 10.19, 14.42). Duration of surgery > 1 h (AOR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.08–2.94), diabetes mellitus (AOR = 3.25; 95% CI: 1.51–6.99), American Society of Anaesthesiologists score > 1 (AOR = 2.51; 95% CI: 1.07–5.91), previous surgery (AOR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.77–3.53), clean-contaminated wound (AOR = 2.15; 95% CI: 1.52–3.04), and preoperative hospital stay > 7 day (AOR = 5.76; 95% CI: 1.15–28.86), were significantly associated with SSI.

Conclusion

The prevalence of SSI among postoperative patients in Ethiopia remains high with a pooled prevalence of 12.3% in 24 extracted studies. Therefore, situation based interventions and region context-specific preventive strategies should be developed to reduce the prevalence of SSI among postoperative patients.
Correction to: Implementation of machine learning algorithms to create diabetic patient re-admission profiles
Authors: Alloghani Mohamed , Aljaaf Ahmed , Hussain Abir , Baker Thar , Mustafina Jamila , Al-Jumeily Dhiya , Khalaf Mohammed
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Targeted lung denervation in sheep: durability of denervation and long-term histologic effects on bronchial wall and peribronchial structures
Authors: Mayse Martin L. , Norman Holly S. , Peterson Alexander D. , Rouw Kristina T. , Johnson Philip J.
Published: May 2020

Background

Targeted lung denervation (TLD), a novel bronchoscopic procedure which attenuates pulmonary nerve input to the lung to reduce the clinical consequences of neural hyperactivity, may be an important emerging treatment for COPD. While procedural safety and impact on clinical outcomes have recently been reported, the mechanism of action has not been reported. We explored the long-term pathologic and histopathologic effects in a sheep model of ablation of bronchial branches of the vagus nerve using a novel dual-cooled radiofrequency ablation catheter.

Methods

Nineteen sheep underwent circumferential ablation of both main bronchi with simultaneous balloon surface cooling using a targeted lung denervation system (Nuvaira, Inc., USA). Animals were followed over an extended time course (30, 365, and 640 days post procedure). At each time point, lung denervation (axonal staining in bronchial nerves), and effect on peribronchial structures near the treatment site (histopathology of bronchial epithelium, bronchial cartilage, smooth muscle, alveolar parenchyma, and esophagus) were quantified. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to reveal differences between group means on normal data. Non-parametric analysis using Kruskal-Wallis Test was employed on non-normal data sets.

Results

No adverse clinical effects were observed in any sheep. Nerve axon staining distal to the ablation site was decreased by 60% at 30 days after TLD and efferent axon staining was decreased by >70% at 365 and 640 days. All treated airways exhibited 100% epithelial integrity. Effect on peribronchial structures was strictly limited to lung tissue immediately adjacent to the ablation site. Tissue structure 1 cm proximal and distal to the treatment area remained normal, and the pulmonary veins, pulmonary arteries, and esophagus were unaffected.

Conclusions

The denervation of efferent axons induced by TLD therapy is durable and likely a contributing mechanism through which targeted lung denervation impacts clinical outcomes. Further, long term lung denervation did not alter the anatomy of the bronchioles or lung, as evaluated from both a gross and histologic perspective.
Correction to: Cytochrome P450 1A1 enhances inflammatory responses and impedes phagocytosis of bacteria in macrophages during sepsis
Authors: Tian Li-Xing , Tang Xin , Zhu Jun-Yu , Luo Li , Ma Xiao-Yuan , Cheng Shao-Wen , Zhang Wei , Tang Wan-Qi , Ma Wei , Yang Xue , Lv Chuan-Zhu , Liang Hua-Ping
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Association between parent and child physical activity: a systematic review
Authors: Petersen Therese Lockenwitz , Møller Liselotte Bang , Brønd Jan Christian , Jepsen Randi , Grøntved Anders
Published: May 2020

Background

Childhood represents an important life stage for establishment of physical activity (PA) habits. Parents are assumed to play an important role in influencing children’s PA. Earlier reviews have mainly focused on parental modelling, encouragement, and support for PA, rather than the actual PA levels of parents. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to systematically summarize the evidence on the relationship between parent and child PA.

Methods

Papers were identified using electronic databases and manual searches of reference lists. Papers reporting on associations between objectively measured child PA and at least one measure of parental PA were included. The quality of the papers was assessed using a modified version of the ROBINS-I tool. For interpretation of the results across studies, we produced albatross plots for all studies combined and by age-groups, sex of the parents, sex of the child, methodology of assessment of parental PA, and type of PA.

Results

Thirty-nine papers were included with sample size of parent-child dyads ranging from 15 to 1267 (mean = 319 dyads, median = 227 dyads). The majority of studies were published from 2008 to 2018 and used accelerometry to assess PA. Most of the studies were classified as having moderate, serious, or critical risk of bias. The albatross plot for all studies combined showed that the clear majority of studies observed a positive relationship between parent and child PA. The plot suggested an average magnitude of correlation across studies to be around 0.13, and the overall impression was that this was fairly similar across child age-groups and gender of parent-child dyads. Studies using objective assessment of parental PA showed stronger relationship between parent and child PA compared with studies using self-report (average magnitude of correlation around 0.16 vs 0.04 respectively). No clear evidence was found for the strength of relationship being dependent on type of PA measure of parent and child (total PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA, steps), however, the relationship for light PA appeared weaker.

Conclusion

This systematic review showed that the clear majority of studies observed a weak positive relationship between parent and child PA regardless of age of the child, the gender of the parent-child dyad, and type of PA.

Trial registration

Registration in PROSPERO:CRD42019093462.
A Qualitative Exploration of the Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) Practices in Wajir County, Kenya
Authors: Mohamed Mahat Jimale , Ochola Sophie , Owino Victor O.
Published: May 2020

Background

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. A qualitative study was conducted to assess the factors that influence the practice of exclusive breastfeeding amongst mothers attending Wajir County Hospital, Kenya.

Method

This study was part of a cross-sectional study to compare the exclusive breastfeeding rates amongst primiparous and multiparous mothers with infants under 6 months old attending Wajir County Hospital. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted to collect information on exclusive breastfeeding and related factors. Four focus group discussions were conducted with mothers who exclusively breastfed and the same number with mothers who did not exclusively breastfeed their babies. Key informant interviews were conducted with nine healthcare providers. The data were transcribed, and a content analysis identified common themes and inferences.

Results

The exclusive breastfeeding rate among the mothers in the larger study was 45.5%. There was no disparity between the practice of exclusive breastfeeding between primiparous and multiparous mothers. Despite the high knowledge and positive attitudes towards exclusive breastfeeding of most mothers, the practice of exclusive breastfeeding was unsatisfactory. The major hindrances identified were cultural barriers propagated by mothers-in-law and traditional birth attendants; the belief that babies cannot live without water; and a few unsupportive health workers. The uptake of exclusive breastfeeding was enhanced by Islamic teaching on breastfeeding, education from a few supportive healthcare providers; support from husbands; and positive deviance among some lactating mothers who practiced exclusive breastfeeding.

Conclusions

Deeply rooted cultural factors were the major hindrance to the practice of exclusive breastfeeding. Most of the mothers did not practice exclusive breastfeeding, despite the majority being knowledgeable and having positive attitudes towards the practice. The influence of mother-in-law’s and traditional birth assistants were major barriers. Strengthening the Community Health Strategy through training traditional birth attendants on Infant Young Child Nutrition practices, designing mechanisms linking traditional birth assistants to existing health facilities for support, and capacity building and monitoring is critical in promoting exclusive breastfeeding. Behavior change and communication through multiple channels within the community should be utilized to maximize promotion of exclusive breastfeeding among all stakeholders.
Nutrient solutions for Arabidopsis thaliana: a study on nutrient solution composition in hydroponics systems
Authors: van Delden Sander H. , Nazarideljou Mohammad Javad , Marcelis Leo F. M.
Published: May 2020

Background

There is little information on the effect of nutrient solutions composition on Arabidopsis growth. Therefore, we compared growth performance of Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-0) grown on the most commonly used nutrient solutions in deep water culture: Hoagland and Arnon, Murashige and Skoog, Tocquin, Hermans, and Conn. In addition to these nutrient solution composition experiments, we established Arabidopsis growth response curves for nutrient solution concentration and salt stress (NaCl).

Results

Arabidopsis rosette fresh and dry weight showed an approximate linear decline with NaCl dose in deep water culture, i.e. 9% reduction relative to control per unit of electrical conductivity (EC in dS m−1, for scale comprehension 1 dS m−1 equals ~ 10 mM NaCl). The Tocquin, ½Hoagland and Conn nutrient solutions had equal and optimal growth performance. Optimal nutrient solution concentration for Tocquin and Hoagland was 0.8 to 0.9 dS m−1. Close to the EC of ½Hoagland (1.1 dS m−1), which is frequently used in Arabidopsis research. Conn solution showed optimal growth at much higher EC (2 dS m−1) indicating that it is a balanced nutrient solution that matches the needs of Arabidopsis. Full Murashige and Skoog solution (5.9 dS m−1) was lethal and diluted solutions (EC of 1.6 and 1.1 dS m−1) caused stress symptoms and severe growth retardation at later developmental stages.

Conclusions

Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-0) plants grown in deep water culture showed a sixfold growth difference when commonly used nutrient solutions were compared. Murashige and Skoog solution should not be used as nutrient solution in deep water culture. Conn, Tocquin and ½Hoagland are balanced nutrient solutions which result in optimal Arabidopsis growth in hydroponic systems.
Efficacy and safety of Onkyeong-tang in treating cold hypersensitivity in the feet of Korean women: protocol for a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter clinical study
Authors: Lee Kyou-Young , Han In-Sik , Go Ho-Yeon , Lee Dong-Nyung , Yu Jun-Sang , Sun Seung-Ho
Published: May 2020

Background

Cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet (CHHF) commonly affects Asian women, especially Korean women, and it negatively impacts the quality of life of the affected individuals. One commonly used herbal prescription for treating CHHF is Onkyeong-tang (OKT). Although OKT is widely used clinically in treating CHHF, no randomized clinical trial has been performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of OKT in the treatment of cold hypersensitivity in the feet (CHF). This clinical trial aims to provide objective evidence for the basis of using OKT in the treatment of CHF in Korean women.

Methods

This trial will be a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter pilot study. A total of 112 participants will be randomly divided into an OKT treatment group or a placebo group with a 1:1 ratio via a web-based randomization system. The OKT and placebo groups will receive prescribed medications orally three times per day (3 g each time) before or between meals for 8 weeks. The primary outcome studied will be the changes in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores of CHF from baseline. Secondary outcomes studied will be the VAS score changes of cold hypersensitivity in the hands, changes in the skin temperature of the hands and feet, total scores of the Korean version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-abbreviated version, and the results of the cold stress test.

Discussion

This trial will be the first clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of OKT in the treatment of CHF. We anticipate that the findings of the study will provide evidence for the basis of using OKT in treating CHF symptoms and generate basic data for designing a further large-scale randomized clinical trial.

Trial registration

Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS): KCT0003723. Retrospectively registered on 8 April 2019.