bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of unilateral and bilateral polymethylmethacrylate-augmented cannulated pedicle screw fixation for the management of lumbar spondylolisthesis with osteoporosis
Authors: Liu Yao-yao , Xiao Jun , Jin Huai-jian , Wang Zhong , Yin Xiang , Liu Ming-yong , Zhao Jian-hua , Liu Peng , Dai Fei
Published: September 2020

Background

Cannulated pedicle screw (CPS) augmented by polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) can achieve satisfactory clinical efficacy in the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis with osteoporosis. However, accurate application of CPSs will help to avoid the difficulty of screw revision and reduce the incidence of PMMA-related complications. This study aimed to investigate the mid-term efficacy of CPS compared to unilateral and bilateral applications in this common lumbar degenerative disease.

Methods

May 2011 and May 2018, 50 patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis with osteoporosis who underwent posterior fixation and fusion using traditional pedicle screws or CPSs were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups based on the application: the unilateral PMMA-augmented CPS group (UC, n = 29) and the bilateral PMMA-augmented CPS group (BC, n = 21). Operation time, blood loss, average hospitalization time, PMMA leakage, and other complications were recorded. The visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were used to evaluate symptom recovery. Radiographic results were compared for intervertebral fusion and screw loosening.

Results

There were no significant differences in the baseline data of the two groups.

The VAS and ODI scores improved significantly after surgery (P < 0.05), with no significant differences between the groups (P > 0.05). The operation time and blood loss in the UC group were significantly lower than those in the BC group (P < 0.05). However, the loss of intervertebral disk height and Taillard index did not differ significantly between the groups. The rates of PMMA leakage in the UC and BC groups were 7.0% and 11.9%, respectively (P < 0.05). Bony fusion was achieved in all groups without screw loosening at the last follow-up. Only one patient experienced superficial infection in both groups, while cerebrospinal fluid leakage was observed in two patients in the BC group.

Conclusions

Unilateral application of PMMA-augmented CPS may provide adequate clinical safety and effectiveness in the surgical treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis with osteoporosis.
Clinical variables responsible for early and late diagnosis of foreign body aspiration in pediatrics age group
Authors: Goyal Samarth , Jain Shubhika , Rai Guruprasad , Vishnu Rajkamal , Kamath Ganesh Sevagur , Bishnoi Arvind Kumar , Gaude Yogesh , Kumara Vijaya , Joshi Harshil , Reddy Revanth
Published: September 2020

Background

Incidence of foreign body aspiration has been noticed predominantly in age group ranging from 12 months-3 years. Foreign body in the trachea is a medical emergency as presentation is in respiratory distress. Obstruction of only one main or distal bronchus, leads to severe cough, choking sensation and breathlessness. Without early intervention, it can lead to collapse, consolidation and pneumonia of the affected lung.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 37 pediatric case records who presented from January 2014–December 2018 with foreign body aspiration. Our primary aim was to assess the parameters responsible for early and late diagnosis of foreign body aspiration. We concluded with a diagnostic algorithm for management of foreign body aspiration on the basis of this outcome.

Results

Around 32.5% came with a history of aspiration, 43% were referred from the primary centers with a suspicion for the same and the rest came to our tertiary care hospital directly. Those who presented within a week came with complaints of wet cough, wheeze and tachypnea. Furthermore, those who came in after a week had a dry cough and fever as their main complaint. Majority of ingested foreign bodies was a vegetative type (80%) as compared to the non –vegetative.

Conclusion

Unlike adults, foreign body aspiration in children is most commonly diagnosed on history, suspicion and clinical findings. Chest x ray has been the primary investigation of choice but in the majority of the cases it was normal with subtle changes. Early diagnosis is the key to avoid complication.
Long-term results of additional pulmonary blood flow with bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt
Authors: Kowatari Ryosuke , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Daitoku Kazuyuki , Fukuda Ikuo
Published: September 2020

Objective

We evaluated additional pulmonary blood flow at the time of bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt and its effects on the Fontan procedure and long-term outcome of Fontan circulation and liver function.

Methods

We included 22 patients (16 boys, 6 girls) having undergone bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt with additional pulmonary blood flow between April 2002 and January 2016. Mean age and body weight were 20 ± 13 months and 7.5 ± 6.5 kg, respectively. We retrospectively evaluated the patients’ clinical data, including cardiac catheterization data, liver function, and liver fibrosis markers.

Results

All patients were alive with a New York Heart Association status of I at the long-term follow-up. Changes between pre-bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt and 101 months after the Fontan procedure included the following: the cardiothoracic ratio of chest X-ray decreased from 52.2 ± 3.9% to 41.8 ± 5.9% (p < 0.001); systemic ventricle end-diastolic pressure decreased from 11.4 ± 3.2 mmHg to 6.9 ± 3.6 mmHg (p < 0.001); and the pulmonary artery index decreased from 485.1 ± 272.3 to 269.5 ± 100.5 (p = 0.02). Type IV collagen, hyaluronic acid, and procollagen levels increased over the normal range 116 months after the Fontan procedure.

Conclusions

The additional pulmonary blood flow at the time of bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt may contribute to pulmonary arterial growth at the Fontan procedure with low pulmonary arterial resistance and without ventricle volume overload. The Fontan circulation was well-maintained at the long-term follow-up, while liver fibrosis markers were above their normal values.
Phenotypic diversity in an international Cure VCP Disease registry
Authors: Ikenaga Chiseko , Findlay Andrew R. , Seiffert Michelle , Peck Allison , Peck Nathan , Johnson Nicholas E. , Statland Jeffrey M. , Weihl Conrad C.
Published: September 2020

Background

Dominant mutations in valosin-containing protein (VCP) gene cause an adult onset inclusion body myopathy, Paget’s disease of bone, and frontotemporal dementia also termed multisystem proteinopathy (MSP). The genotype-phenotype relationships in VCP-related MSP are still being defined; in order to understand this better, we investigated the phenotypic diversity and patterns of weakness in the Cure VCP Disease Patient Registry.

Methods

Cure VCP Disease, Inc. was founded in 2018 for the purpose of connecting patients with VCP gene mutations and researchers to help advance treatments and cures. Cure VCP Disease Patient Registry is maintained by Coordination of Rare Diseases at Sanford. The results of two questionnaires with a 5-point Likert scale questions regarding to patients’ disease onset, symptoms, and daily life were obtained from 59 participants (28 males and 31 females) between June 2018 and May 2020. Independent of the registry, 22 patients were examined at the Cure VCP Disease annual patient conference in 2019.

Results

In the questionnaires of the registry, fifty-three patients (90%) reported that they were with inclusion body myopathy, 17 patients (29%) with Paget’s disease of bone, eight patients (14%) with dementia, two patients (3%) with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and a patient with parkinsonism. Thirteen patients (22%) reported dysphagia and 25 patients (42%) reported dyspnea on exertion. A self-reported functional rating scale for motor function identified challenges with sit to stand (72%), walking (67%), and climbing stairs (85%). Thirty-five (59%) patients in the registry answered that their quality of life is more than good. As for the weakness pattern of the 22 patients who were evaluated at the Cure VCP Disease annual conference, 50% of patients had facial weakness, 55% had scapular winging, 68% had upper proximal weakness, 41% had upper distal weakness, 77% had lower proximal, and 64% had lower distal weakness.

Conclusions

The Cure VCP Disease Patient Registry is useful for deepening the understanding of patient daily life, which would be a basis to develop appropriate clinical outcome measures. The registry data is consistent with previous studies evaluating VCP patients in the clinical setting. Patient advocacy groups are essential in developing and maintaining disease registries.
Predictors of response to foot orthoses and corticosteroid injection for plantar heel pain
Authors: Whittaker Glen A. , Landorf Karl B. , Munteanu Shannon E. , Menz Hylton B.
Published: September 2020

Background

Foot orthoses and corticosteroid injection are common interventions used for plantar heel pain, however few studies have investigated the variables that predict response to these interventions.

Methods

Baseline variables (age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), sex, education, foot pain, foot function, fear‐avoidance beliefs and feelings, foot posture, weightbearing ankle dorsiflexion, plantar fascia thickness, and treatment preference) from a randomised trial in which participants received either foot orthoses or corticosteroid injection were used to predict change in the Foot Health Status Questionnaire foot pain and foot function subscales, and first‐step pain measured using a visual analogue scale. Multivariable linear regression models were generated for different dependent variables (i.e. foot pain, foot function and first‐step pain), for each intervention (i.e. foot orthoses and corticosteroid injection), and at different timepoints (i.e. weeks 4 and 12).

Results

For foot orthoses at week 4, greater ankle dorsiflexion with the knee extended predicted reduction in foot pain (adjusted R2 = 0.16, p = 0.034), and lower fear‐avoidance beliefs and feelings predicted improvement in foot function (adjusted R2 = 0.43, p = 0.001). At week 12, lower BMI predicted reduction in foot pain (adjusted R2 = 0.33, p < 0.001), improvement in foot function (adjusted R2 = 0.37, p < 0.001) and reduction in first‐step pain (adjusted R2 0.19, p = 0.011). For corticosteroid injection at week 4, there were no significant predictors for change in foot pain or foot function. At week 12, less weightbearing hours predicted reduction in foot pain (adjusted R2 = 0.25, p = 0.004) and lower baseline foot pain predicted improvement in foot function (adjusted R2 = 0.38, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

People with plantar heel pain who use foot orthoses experience reduced foot pain if they have greater ankle dorsiflexion and lower BMI, while they experience improved foot function if they have lower fear‐avoidance beliefs and lower BMI. People who receive a corticosteroid injection experience reduced foot pain if they weightbear for fewer hours, while they experience improved foot function if they have less baseline foot pain.
Epinephrine’s effects on cerebrovascular and systemic hemodynamics during cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Authors: Mavroudis Constantine D. , Ko Tiffany S. , Morgan Ryan W. , Volk Lindsay E. , Landis William P. , Smood Benjamin , Xiao Rui , Hefti Marco , Boorady Timothy W. , Marquez Alexandra , Karlsson Michael , Licht Daniel J. , Nadkarni Vinay M. , Berg Robert A. , Sutton Robert M. , Kilbaugh Todd J.
Published: September 2020

Background

Despite controversies, epinephrine remains a mainstay of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Recent animal studies have suggested that epinephrine may decrease cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral oxygenation, possibly potentiating neurological injury during CPR. We investigated the cerebrovascular effects of intravenous epinephrine in a swine model of pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrest. The primary objectives of this study were to determine if (1) epinephrine doses have a significant acute effect on CBF and cerebral tissue oxygenation during CPR and (2) if the effect of each subsequent dose of epinephrine differs significantly from that of the first.

Methods

One-month-old piglets (n = 20) underwent asphyxia for 7 min, ventricular fibrillation, and CPR for 10–20 min. Epinephrine (20 mcg/kg) was administered at 2, 6, 10, 14, and 18 min of CPR. Invasive (laser Doppler, brain tissue oxygen tension [PbtO2]) and noninvasive (diffuse correlation spectroscopy and diffuse optical spectroscopy) measurements of CBF and cerebral tissue oxygenation were simultaneously recorded. Effects of subsequent epinephrine doses were compared to the first.

Results

With the first epinephrine dose during CPR, CBF and cerebral tissue oxygenation increased by > 10%, as measured by each of the invasive and noninvasive measures (p < 0.001). The effects of epinephrine on CBF and cerebral tissue oxygenation decreased with subsequent doses. By the fifth dose of epinephrine, there were no demonstrable increases in CBF of cerebral tissue oxygenation. Invasive and noninvasive CBF measurements were highly correlated during asphyxia (slope effect 1.3, p < 0.001) and CPR (slope effect 0.20, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This model suggests that epinephrine increases CBF and cerebral tissue oxygenation, but that effects wane following the third dose. Noninvasive measurements of neurological health parameters hold promise for developing and directing resuscitation strategies.
COVID-19: instruments for the allocation of mechanical ventilators—a narrative review
Authors: dos Santos Marcelo José , Martins Maristela Santini , Santana Fabiana Lopes Pereira , Furtado Maria Carolina Silvano Pacheco Corr , Miname Fabiana Cristina Bazana Remédio , Pimentel Rafael Rodrigo da Silva , Brito Ágata Nunes , Schneider Patrick , dos Santos Edson Silva , da Silva Luciane Hupalo
Published: September 2020

After the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic, the elaboration of comprehensive and preventive public policies became important in order to stop the spread of the disease. However, insufficient or ineffective measures may have placed health professionals and services in the position of having to allocate mechanical ventilators. This study aimed to identify instruments, analyze their structures, and present the main criteria used in the screening protocols, in order to help the development of guidelines and policies for the allocation of mechanical ventilators in the COVID-19 pandemic. The instruments have a low level of scientific evidence, and, in general, are structured by various clinical, non-clinical, and tiebreaker criteria that contain ethical aspects. Few instruments included public participation in their construction or validation. We believe that the elaboration of these guidelines cannot be restricted to specialists as this question involves ethical considerations which make the participation of the population necessary. Finally, we propose seventeen elements that can support the construction of screening protocols in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Randomised controlled trial of Compensatory Cognitive Training and a Computerised Cognitive Remediation programme
Authors: Dark Frances , Newman Ellie , Gore-Jones Victoria , De Monte Veronica , Garrido Marta I. , Dzafic Ilvana
Published: September 2020

Background

Compensation and adaptation therapies have been developed to improve community functioning via improving neurocognitive abilities in people with schizophrenia. Various modes of delivering compensation and adaptation therapies have been found to be effective. The aim of this trial is to compare two different cognitive interventions, Compensatory Cognitive Training (CCT) and Computerised Interactive Remediation of Cognition–Training for Schizophrenia (CIRCuiTS). The trial also aims to identify if mismatch negativity (MMN) can predict an individual’s response to the compensation and adaptation programmes.

Methods

This study will use a randomised, controlled trial of two cognitive interventions to compare the impact of these programmes on measures of neurocognition and function. One hundred clinically stable patients aged between 18 and 65 years with a diagnosis of a schizophrenia spectrum disorder will be recruited. Participants will be randomised to either the CCT or the CIRCuiTS therapy groups. The outcome measures are neurocognition (BACS), subjective sense of cognitive impairment (SSTICS), social functioning (SFS), and MMN (measured by EEG) in people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Discussion

This trial will determine whether different approaches to addressing the cognitive deficits found in schizophrenia spectrum disorders are of comparable benefit using the outcome measures chosen. This has implications for services where cost and lack of computer technology limit the implementation and dissemination of interventions to address cognitive impairment in routine practice. The trial will contribute to the emerging evidence of MMN as a predictor of response to cognitive interventions.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12618000161224. Registered on 2 February 2018. Protocol version: 4.0, 18 June 2018.
Comparison of endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy and the antegrade technique in the management of unresectable malignant biliary obstruction: study protocol for a prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Liao Ye , Giovannini Marc , Zhong Ning , Xiao Tingyue , Sheng Shiyun , Wu Yufan , Zhang Jingjing , Wang Sheng , Liu Xiang , Sun Siyu , Guo Jintao
Published: September 2020

Background

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) is used after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Based on existing studies, intrahepatic (IH) approaches are preferred in patients with dilated IH bile ducts. Both ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) and ultrasound-guided antegrade treatment (EUS-AG) are appropriate for patients with unreachable papillae. Nevertheless, there have been no direct comparisons between these two approaches. Therefore, we aim to evaluate and compare the safety and efficiency of EUS-HGS and EUS-AG in patients with an unreachable papilla.

Methods

This is a prospective, randomised, controlled, multicentre study with two parallel groups without masking. One hundred forty-eight patients from three hospitals who met the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned (1:1) to undergo either EUS-HGS or EUS-AG for relief of malignant biliary obstruction. The final study follow-up is scheduled at 1 year postoperatively. The primary endpoint is efficiency, described by technical and clinical success rates of EUS-HGS and EUS-AG in patients with unreachable papillae. The secondary endpoints include stent patency, overall survival rates, complication rates, length of hospital stays, and hospitalisation expenses. The chi-square test, Kaplan–Meier methods, log-rank test, and Cox regression analysis will be used to analyse the data.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is the first study to compare these two EUS-BD approaches directly using a multicentre, randomised, controlled trial design. The clinical economic indexes will also be compared, as they may also affect the patient’s choice. The result may contribute to establishing a strategic guideline for choosing IH EUS-BD approaches.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) ChiCTR1900020737. Registered on 15 January 2019
Variation in hatching responses of Nematodirus battus eggs to temperature experiences
Authors: Melville Lynsey A. , Van Dijk Jan , Mitchell Sian , Innocent Giles , Bartley David J.
Published: September 2020

Background

Nematodirus battus, unlike most other gastrointestinal nematodes, undergoes maturation to an infective larva within the egg. Historically, eggs were considered to require a period of chilling over winter followed by a period of temperature above 10 °C for synchronous hatching to occur (generally in spring). Anecdotal reports of Nematodirus infection out-with spring in veterinary journals and the farming press suggest that the concentrated pasture abundance of N. battus infective larvae may be changing. In order for control practices to be adapted, and unexpected disease outbreaks to be avoided, it is important to quantify how parasite epidemiology is changing and research the drivers behind it.

Method

The present study investigated the in vitro hatching response to temperature experiences (with and without a period of chilling) for egg samples of 90 N. battus populations obtained from 73 commercial sheep farms. Six aliquots of larvated eggs were prepared per population, three aliquots were placed at 4 °C for 6  weeks to provide a chill stimulus then incubated at the optimal hatching temperature for the species. The remaining three aliquots of eggs were incubated at the hatching temperature without a prior chill stimulus and the number of hatched larvae was compared between treatments.

Results

Median hatch rate across all populations with chilling was 45% (95% CI: 42–48%) and without chilling was 4% (95% CI: 2–6%). Inter-population variation in hatching ranged from 0 to 87% of eggs able to hatch in the absence of a chill stimulus, mean non-chill hatching was 13 ± 2% of eggs (mean ± SE). Non-chill hatching rates were greater than chilled hatching rates in seven of the 90 populations tested.

Conclusions

Clearly, the variation in hatching responses to temperature experience is very large and therefore the seasonality of the parasite may vary not only between regions but also at farm level. In contrast to what previous work has suggested, there was a geographical trend towards higher non-chill hatching in the Northern parts of the UK.
Increased high molecular weight adiponectin and lean mass during tocilizumab treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a 12-month multicentre study
Authors: Toussirot Eric , Marotte Hubert , Mulleman Denis , Cormier Grégoire , Coury Fabienne , Gaudin Philippe , Dernis Emmanuelle , Bonnet Christine , Damade Richard , Grauer Jean-Luc , Abdesselam Tassadit Ait , Guillibert-Karras Caroline , Lioté Frédéric , Hilliquin Pascal , Sacchi Antoinette , Wendling Daniel , Le Goff Benoît , Puyraveau Marc , Dumoulin Gilles
Published: September 2020

Background

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease. Adiponectin is involved in the metabolism of glucose and lipids with favourable effects on CV disease, especially its high molecular weight (HMW) isoform. Body composition changes are described in RA with various phenotypes including obesity. The effects of tocilizumab on serum adiponectin and body composition, especially fat mass, in patients with RA are not well determined.

Methods

Patients with active RA despite previous csDMARDs and/or bDMARDs and who were tocilizumab naïve were enrolled in a multicentre open-label study. They were evaluated at baseline, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Clinical assessment included body mass index (BMI) and anthropometric measurements. Lipid and metabolic parameters, serum adiponectin (total and HMW), leptin, resistin and ghrelin were measured at each time point. Body composition (lean mass, fat mass, % fat, fat in the android and gynoid regions) was evaluated at baseline, 6 and 12 months.

Results

One hundred seven patients were included. Both total and HMW adiponectin significantly increased from baseline to month 3, peaking respectively at month 3 (p = 0.0105) and month 1 (p < 0.0001), then declining progressively until month 6 to 12 and returning to baseline values. Significant elevation in HMW adiponectin persisted at month 6 (p = 0.001). BMI and waist circumference significantly increased at month 6 and 12, as well as lean mass at month 6 (p = 0.0097). Fat mass, percentage fat and android fat did not change over the study period. Lipid parameters (total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol) increased while glycaemia, insulin and HOMA-IR remained stable. Serum leptin, resistin and ghrelin did not change during follow-up.

Conclusions

Tocilizumab treatment in RA patients was associated with a significant increase in total and HMW adiponectin, especially at the onset of the treatment. Tocilizumab also induced a significant gain in lean mass, while fat mass did not change. These variations in adiponectin levels during tocilizumab treatment could have positive effects on the CV risk of RA patients. In addition, tocilizumab may have an anabolic impact on lean mass/skeletal muscle.

Trial registration

The ADIPRAT study was a phase IV open-label multicentre study retrospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under the number NCT02843789 (date of registration: July 26, 2016).
Rheumatoid arthritis patients on persistent moderate disease activity on biologics have adverse 5-year outcome compared to persistent low-remission status and represent a heterogeneous group
Authors: Genitsaridi Irini , Flouri Irini , Plexousakis Dimitris , Marias Konstantinos , Boki Kyriaki , Skopouli Fotini , Drosos Alexandros , Bertsias George , Boumpas Dimitrios , Sidiropoulos Prodromos
Published: September 2020

Background

The long-term outcome of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who in clinical practice exhibit persistent moderate disease activity (pMDA) despite treatment with biologics has not been adequately studied. Herein, we analyzed the 5-year outcome of the pMDA group and assessed for within-group heterogeneity.

Methods

We included longitudinally monitored RA patients from the Hellenic Registry of Biologic Therapies with persistent (cumulative time ≥ 50% of a 5-year period) moderate (pMDA, 3.2 < DAS28 ≤ 5.1) or remission/low (pRLDA, DAS28 ≤ 3.2) disease activity. The former was further classified into persistent lower-moderate (plMDA, DAS28 < 4.2) and higher-moderate (phMDA, DAS28 ≥ 4.2) subgroups. Five-year trajectories of functionality (HAQ) were the primary outcome in comparing pRLDA versus pMDA and assessing heterogeneity within the pMDA subgroups through multivariable mixed-effect regression. We further compared serious adverse events (SAEs) occurrence between the two groups.

Results

We identified 295 patients with pMDA and 90 patients with pRLDA, the former group comprising of plMDA (n = 133, 45%) and phMDA (n = 162, 55%). pMDA was associated with worse 5-year functionality trajectory than pRLDA (+ 0.27 HAQ units, CI 95% + 0.22 to + 0.33; p < 0.0001), while the phMDA subgroup had worse 5-year functionality than plMDA (+ 0.26 HAQ units, CI 95% 0.18 to 0.36; p < 0.0001). Importantly, higher persistent disease activity was associated with more SAEs [pRLDA: 0.2 ± 0.48 vs pMDA: 0.5 ± 0.96, p = 0.006; plMDA: 0.32 ± 0.6 vs phMDA: 0.64 ± 1.16, p = 0.038]. Male gender (p = 0.017), lower baseline DAS28 (p < 0.001), HAQ improvement > 0.22 (p = 0.029), and lower average DAS28 during the first trimester since treatment initiation (p = 0.001) independently predicted grouping into pRLDA.

Conclusions

In clinical practice, RA patients with pMDA while on bDMARDs have adverse long-term outcomes compared to lower disease activity status, while heterogeneity exists within the pMDA group in terms of 5-year functionality and SAEs. Targeted studies to better characterize pMDA subgroups are needed, in order to assist clinicians in tailoring treatments.
MamA essentiality in Mycobacterium smegmatis is explained by the presence of an apparent cognate restriction endonuclease
Authors: Randall Samantha E. , Martini Maria Carla , Zhou Ying , Joubran Samantha R. , Shell Scarlet S.
Published: September 2020

Objective

Restriction-Modification (R-M) systems are ubiquitous in bacteria and were considered for years as rudimentary immune systems that protect bacterial cells from foreign DNA. Currently, these R-M systems are recognized as important players in global gene expression and other cellular processes such us virulence and evolution of genomes. Here, we report the role of the unique DNA methyltransferase in Mycobacterium smegmatis, which shows a moderate degree of sequence similarity to MamA, a previously characterized methyltransferase that affects gene expression in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is important for survival under hypoxic conditions.

Results

We found that depletion of mamA levels impairs growth and produces elongated cell bodies. Microscopy revealed irregular septation and unevenly distributed DNA, with large areas devoid of DNA and small DNA-free cells. Deletion of MSMEG_3214, a predicted endonuclease-encoding gene co-transcribed with mamA, restored the WT growth phenotype in a mamA-depleted background. Our results suggest that the mamA-depletion phenotype can be explained by DNA cleavage by the apparent cognate restriction endonuclease MSMEG_3214. In addition, in silico analysis predicts that both MamA methyltransferase and MSMEG_3214 endonuclease recognize the same palindromic DNA sequence. We propose that MamA and MSMEG_3214 constitute a previously undescribed R-M system in M. smegmatis.
Intestinal helminthic parasites of rodents in the central region of Iran: first report of a capillariid nematode from Dryomys nitedula
Authors: Mohtasebi Sina , Teimouri Aref , Mobedi Iraj , Mohtasebi Alireza , Abbasian Hamed , Abbaszadeh Afshar Mohammad Javad
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Rodents play an important role to spread zoonotic diseases through society. The current study was carried out to collect informative data on the intestinal helminthic infections of wild rodents in Taleqan County, Alborz Province, the center of Iran, emphasizing their zoonotic aspects.

Results

Sixty-two killed rodents by local farmers belonging to five species were collected, among which 24 were identified as Mus musculus, 15 as Meriones persicus, 12 as Meriones libycus, 10 as Apodemus witherbyi, and 1 as Dryomys nitedula. Of them, 30 (48.4%) were infected with at least one helminth species. Rodents were infected with Hymenolepis diminuta (42%), Syphacia obvelata (21%), Hymenolepis nana (17.7%), Heligmosomoides polygyrus (9.6%), Trichuris muris (8%), and as well as a capillariid nematode that was isolated for the first time from D. nitedula in Iran. The findings of the present study revealed a significant intestinal helminthic infection of rodents in Taleqan County. Improving hygiene practices, and making a preventive attitude can be helpful to reduce the hazards of rodent-borne diseases in the area where humans, livestock, and synanthropic rodents are living close to each other.
Correction to: Energy-dense nutrient-poor snacks and risk of non-alcoholic fattyliver disease: a case–control study in Iran
Authors: Yari Zahra , Cheraghpour Makan , Aghamohammadi Vahideh , Alipour Meysam , Ghanei Nila , Hekmatdoost Azita
Published: September 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Autistic traits, systemising, empathising, and theory of mind in transgender and non-binary adults
Authors: Kung Karson T. F.
Published: September 2020

Background

Prior research examining autistic traits in gender minority adults has reported mixed findings. Most prior studies did not include non-binary individuals. Little is known about the mechanisms shaping autistic traits in gender minority adults. This study examined autistic traits, as well as constructs related to the extreme male brain theory of autism and the mindblindness theory, in transgender and non-binary adults.

Methods

An online survey was conducted to assess autism-related traits in 323 gender minority adults, including 74 transgender men (individuals assigned female at birth and identify as a man), 95 transgender women (individuals assigned male at birth and identify as a woman), 104 non-binary AFAB (individuals assigned female at birth and identify as non-binary), and 50 non-binary AMAB (individuals assigned male at birth and identify as non-binary). Autistic traits, systemising, empathising, and Theory of Mind (ToM) were measured using the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), the short forms of the Systemising Quotient (SQ-Short) and the Empathy Quotient (EQ-Short), the 10-item version of the Empathy Quotient (EQ-10) and the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (Eyes Test). Participants’ scores on these measures were compared with previously published scores based on large-scale general population samples including thousands of participants.

Results

On average, compared with control females in the general population samples, both transgender men and non-binary AFAB scored significantly higher on the AQ and the SQ-Short but scored significantly lower on the EQ-Short, the EQ-10, and the Eyes Test. No clear or consistent group differences emerged when transgender women and non-binary AMAB were compared with control males.

Limitations

The present study does not have a large sample of gender minority adults. It has been argued that the measures employed may not provide a precise assessment of the psychological constructs of interest. The present study has a “non-clinical” sample. However, not all gender minorities have access to or require clinical services, and so a “non-clinical” sample may be more representative of the gender minority community as a whole than samples recruited through clinics.

Conclusions

The current findings suggest a “masculinised” autism-related profile and reduced ToM in transgender men and in non-binary AFAB. These findings might be interpreted to support the extreme male brain theory of autism and the mindblindness theory. Further research is needed to corroborate these findings.
Hepatic stellate cells contribute to liver regeneration through galectins in hepatic stem cell niche
Authors: Ge Jian-Yun , Zheng Yun-Wen , Tsuchida Tomonori , Furuya Kinji , Isoda Hiroko , Taniguchi Hideki , Ohkohchi Nobuhiro , Oda Tatsuya
Published: September 2020

Background

As a critical cellular component in the hepatic stem cell niche, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play critical roles in regulating the expansion of hepatic stem cells, liver regeneration, and fibrogenesis. However, the signaling of HSCs, particularly that involved in promoting hepatic stem cell expansion, remains unclear. While the overexpression of galectins has been identified in regenerating liver tissues, their involvement in cell-cell interactions between HSCs and hepatic stem cells remains to be elucidated.

Methods

To generate a liver regeneration rat model and establish a hepatic oval cell microenvironment as a stem cell niche, 2-acetylaminofluorene treatment plus partial hepatectomy was performed. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to detect the emergence of hepatic stem cells and their niche. Liver parenchymal cells, non-parenchymal cells, and HSCs were isolated for gene and protein expression analysis by qPCR or western blotting. To evaluate the effect of galectins on the colony-forming efficiency of hepatic stem cells, c-Kit−CD29+CD49f+/lowCD45−Ter-119− cells were cultured with recombinant galectin protein, galectin antibody, galectin-producing HSCs, and galectin-knockdown HSCs.

Results

Following liver injury, the cytokeratin 19+ ductal cells were robustly induced together with the emergence of OV6+CD44+CD133+EpCAM+ hepatic stem cells. The activated desmin+ HSCs were recruited around the periportal area and markedly enriched in the galectin-positive domain compared to the other non-parenchymal cells. Notably, the HSC fraction isolated from regenerating liver was accompanied by dramatically elevated gene and protein expression of galectins. Hepatic stem cells co-cultured with HSCs significantly enhanced colony-forming efficiency. Conversely, single or double knockdown of galectin-1 and galectin-3 led into a significant function loss, impaired the co-cultured hepatic stem cells to attenuated colony size, inhibited colony frequency, and reduced total cell numbers in colonies. On the other hand, the promotive function of galectins was further confirmed by recombinant galectin protein supplementation and galectins blocking antibodies.

Conclusions

Our findings, for the first time, demonstrated that galectins from activated HSCs contribute to hepatic stem cell expansion during liver regeneration, suggesting that galectins serve as important stem cell niche components.
Methodologically grounded semantic analysis of large volume of chilean medical literature data applied to the analysis of medical research funding efficiency in Chile
Authors: Wolff Patricio , Ríos Sebastián , Clavijo David , Graña Manuel , Carrasco Miguel
Published: September 2020

Background

Medical knowledge is accumulated in scientific research papers along time. In order to exploit this knowledge by automated systems, there is a growing interest in developing text mining methodologies to extract, structure, and analyze in the shortest time possible the knowledge encoded in the large volume of medical literature. In this paper, we use the Latent Dirichlet Allocation approach to analyze the correlation between funding efforts and actually published research results in order to provide the policy makers with a systematic and rigorous tool to assess the efficiency of funding programs in the medical area.

Results

We have tested our methodology in the Revista Médica de Chile, years 2012-2015. 50 relevant semantic topics were identified within 643 medical scientific research papers. Relationships between the identified semantic topics were uncovered using visualization methods. We have also been able to analyze the funding patterns of scientific research underlying these publications. We found that only 29% of the publications declare funding sources, and we identified five topic clusters that concentrate 86% of the declared funds.

Conclusions

Our methodology allows analyzing and interpreting the current state of medical research at a national level. The funding source analysis may be useful at the policy making level in order to assess the impact of actual funding policies, and to design new policies.
Rural households’ perception on the effects of Prosopis juliflora invasion: The case of Amibara District of Afar National Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Seid Ousmane , Haji Jema , Legesse Belaineh
Published: September 2020

In Ethiopia, Prosopis juliflora (P. juliflora) becomes one of the worst invasive alien species threatening the livelihood and thus food security of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities. However, up to the present, there have been few studies on the social aspects of the problem. This study explores households’ perceptions about the effects of P. juliflora invasions in Amibara district of Afar National Regional State, Ethiopia. The study used cross-sectional data collected from 130 randomly selected households based on probability proportional to household size. To measure households’ perceptions, a perception index was constructed based on a five-point Likert scale, and a two-limit tobit regression model was used to determine factors affecting households’ perception. The abundance of P. juliflora was perceived to have increased since its introduction in the study area, mainly due to the mobility of dispersal agents and the species’ ability to resist the harsh environment. Between the time when the first trees were planted and today, households’ mean perception about the effect of P. juliflora invasion has experienced a significant shift; whilst initially some 78% of the sampled households were in favour of the tree species, today, less than 1% still favour the tree and some 90% disfavour it. Empirical evidence indicates that gender, market distance, extension service and livelihood strategy had a significant negative influence whilst proximity to the bush land had a significant positive effect on households’ perceptions about the effects of P. juliflora invasion. Almost all sampled households had applied some form of control measure on their individually own land, including uprooting of seedlings or cutting and burning of trees. We recommend that government bodies should, in collaboration with other stakeholders, design P. juliflora management programmes, which take into account the households’ interests, demographic and socio-economic characteristics and institutional settings.
Surgical mask on top of high-flow nasal cannula improves oxygenation in critically ill COVID-19 patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure
Authors: Montiel Virginie , Robert Arnaud , Robert Annie , Nabaoui Anas , Marie Tourneux , Mestre Natalia Morales , Guillaume Maerckx , Laterre Pierre-François , Wittebole Xavier
Published: September 2020

Objective

Critically ill patients admitted in ICU because of COVID-19 infection display severe hypoxemic respiratory failure. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign recommends oxygenation through high-flow nasal cannula over non-invasive ventilation. The primary outcome of our study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of a surgical mask on a high-flow nasal cannula system on oxygenation parameters in hypoxemic COVID-19 patients admitted in ICU who do not require urgent intubation. The secondary outcomes were relevant changes in PaCO2 associated with clinical modifications and patient’s feelings.

Design

We prospectively assessed 21 patients admitted in our mixed Intensive Care Unit of the Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc.

Main results

While FiO2 was unchanged, we demonstrate a significant increase of PaO2 (from 59 (± 6), to 79 mmHg (± 16), p < 0.001), PaO2/FiO2 from 83 (± 22), to 111 (± 38), p < 0.001) and SaO2 (from 91% (± 1.5), to 94% (± 1.6), p < 0.001), while the patients were under the surgical mask. The SpO2 returned to pre-treatment values when the surgical mask was removed confirming the effect of the device rather than a spontaneous positive evolution.

Conclusion

A surgical mask placed on patient’s face already treated by a High-flow nasal cannula device improves COVID-19 patient’s oxygenation admitted in Intensive Care Unit for severe hypoxemic respiratory failure without any clinically relevant side.
Study of hybrid orthonormal functions method for solving second kind fuzzy Fredholm integral equations
Authors: Agarwal Praveen , Ramadan Mohamed , Osheba Heba S. , Chu Yu-Ming
Published: September 2020

The approximate numerical solution of the linear second kind of fuzzy integral Fredholm equations is discussed in this article. A new approach uses hybrid functions, and some useful properties of these functions are proposed to transform linear second type fuzzy integral Fredholm equations into an algebraic equation. The new approach is a mixture of Bernstein polynomials (BPs) and enhanced block-pulse functions (IBPFs) at interval $[0, 1)$
[
0
,
1
)
. The approach is appealing and very easy to implement computationally. Some numerical tests show the reliability and exactness of the suggested scheme.
Some subordination involving polynomials induced by lower triangular matrices
Authors: Mondal Saiful R. , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Abdeljawad Thabet
Published: September 2020

The article considers several polynomials induced by admissible lower triangular matrices and studies their subordination properties. The concept generalizes the notion of stable functions in the unit disk. Several illustrative examples, including those related to the Cesàro mean, are discussed, and connections are made with earlier works.
Intrauterine growth restriction and its associated factors in South Gondar zone hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Tesfa Desalegn , Tadege Melaku , Digssie Alemayehu , Abebaw Sofonyas
Published: September 2020

Background

After prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is the second leading cause of perinatal mortality. IUGR has significant consequences in fetal, neonatal, and adult life. Currently, Ethiopia lacks information on IUGR’s prevalence and its determinants. This study aimed to assess the proportion of IUGR at birth and its associated factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out among women who give birth in four hospitals of south Gonder zone from November 2018 to February 2019. Multi-stage sampling was applied to select the required samples. IUGR was assessed using a standardized cutoff percentile/mean for each measurement. Data were collected by trained MSc clinical midwives. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic analyses were deployed to identify the association.

Results

A total of 803 maternity women were participating in this study with a response rate of 95%. The proportion of IUGR 23.5% (95% CI: 20.7–26.6), low birth weight 13.3%, small-for- gestational-age 19.7%,and preterm birth 23.16%. Women who was unable to read and write, (AOR; 2.46, 95% CI: 1.02–5.92), total family size ≥7 (AOR; 1.67, 95% CI: 1.04–2.66), maternal mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) < 23 cm (AOR; 2.10, 95% CI: 1.39–3.01), body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m2(AOR; 2.57, 95% CI: 1.72–3.83), altitude > 3000 m (AOR; 1.89 95% CI: 1.19–3.01), small placental size (< 350 g) (AOR; 2.42, 95% CI: 1.67–3.54) and small-for-gestational-age (AOR; 1.94, 95% CI:1.86–4.52) were the most predictors of IUGR.

Conclusions

IUGR was a major public health concern in this study. Women who were unable to read and write, small-for-gestational-age, maternal BMI < 18.5 kg/m2, family size ≥7, maternal MUAC < 23 cm, small placental size, and altitude > 3000 m were found the most predictor variables. Strengthen female education, nutritional intervention before and during pregnancy, and routine maternity care is critical. Further clinical follow-up research is essential which includes maternal, fetal, and placental gens.
Estimation of soil loss rate using the USLE model for Agewmariayam Watershed, northern Ethiopia
Authors: Girmay Gebrehana , Moges Awdenegest , Muluneh Alemayehu
Published: September 2020

Background

Soil erosion and nutrient depletion threaten food security and the sustainability of agricultural production in sub-Saharan Africa. Estimating soil loss and identifying hotspot areas support combating soil degradation. The aim of this paper is to estimate the soil loss rate and identify hotspot areas using USLE model in the Agewmariam watershed, northern Ethiopia.

Methods

Rainfall erosivity factor was determined from annual rainfall, soil erodibility factor from soil data, slope length and gradient factor were generated from DEM, cover factor and conservation practice factor obtained from land use cover map. Finally, the parameters were integrated with ArcGIS tools to estimate soil loss rates of the study watershed.

Results

Mean annual soil loss rates were estimated to be between 0 and 897 t ha−1 year−1 on flatter and steeper slopes, respectively. The total annual soil loss was 51,403.13 tons from the watershed and the annual soil loss rate of the study area was 25 t ha−1 year−1. More than 33% of the study areas were above tolerable soil loss rate (11 t ha−1 year−1). The spatial risk categorization rate was 67.2% severe (> 51 t ha−1 year−1), 5.4% very high (31–50 t ha−1 year−1), 5.8% high (19–30 t ha−1 year−1), 3.2% moderate (12–18 t ha−1 year−1) and 18.3% slight (0–11 t ha−1 year−1).

Conclusion

The results showed that the severity of erosion occurred on the steep slope cultivation, absence of conservation measures, and sparse nature of the vegetation cover. This area required immediate action of soil and water conservation which accounts for about 33.5% of the total watershed.