bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic Hepatitis B Infection in Children and Its Relation to Pulmonary Function Tests: A Case-control Study
Authors: El Amrousy Doaa , Hassan Samir , El Ashry Heba
Published: November 2019

Background:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pulmonary function test (PFT) abnormalities, if any, in children with newly diagnosed chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection over 3 years.

Methods:

This is an observational case-control study. One hundred children and adolescents with newly diagnosed CHB were enrolled as the patient group that was further subdivided into 2 groups (50 patients each): inactive carriers (group I) and patients in immunotolerant phase (group II). Only 90 patients completed the study. Fifty healthy children of matched age, sex and height served as a control group, only 45 of them completed the study. PFTs in the form of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, residual volume, total lung capacity, mid-forced expiratory flow of 25%–75% and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide were evaluated in all studied children at the start, yearly and at the end of the study after 3 years. Liver function tests were also evaluated.

Results:

There was a significant progressive decrease in FEV1, FVC, forced expiratory flow, total lung capacity and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide in CHB patient groups compared with their pulmonary functions at the start of the study and with the control group (P < 0.05), while FEV1/FVC and residual volume showed nonsignificant change (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

Subclinical PFT abnormalities are present in children with CHB more than we expected. So, PFT monitoring is recommended in pediatric patients with CHB.
Hub disruption in patients with chronic neck pain: a graph analytical approach
Authors: De Pauw Robby , Aerts Hannelore , Siugzdaite Roma , Meeus Mira , Coppieters Iris , Caeyenberghs Karen , Cagnie Barbara
Published: November 2019

Chronic pain is known to alter the brain's network dynamics. These dynamics are often demonstrated by identifying alterations in the brain network topology. A common approach used for this purpose is graph theory. To date, little is known on how these potentially altered networks in chronic pain relate to the symptoms reported by these patients. Here, we applied a graph theoretical approach to identify network changes in patients suffering from chronic neck pain, a group that is often neglected in chronic pain research. Participants with chronic traumatic and nontraumatic neck pain were compared to healthy pain-free controls. They showed higher levels of self-reported symptoms of sensitization, higher levels of disability, and impaired sensorimotor control. Furthermore, the brain suffering from chronic neck pain showed altered network properties in the posterior cingulate cortex, amygdala, and pallidum compared with the healthy pain-free brain. These regions have been identified as brain hubs (ie, regions that are responsible for orchestrating communication between other brain regions) and are therefore known to be more vulnerable in brain disorders including chronic pain. We were furthermore able to uncover associations between these altered brain network properties and the symptoms reported by patients. Our findings indicate that chronic neck pain patients reflect brain network alterations and that targeting the brain in patients might be of utmost importance.
Trauma-Informed Care Education in Baccalaureate Nursing Curricula in the United States: Applying the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials
Authors: Burton Candace W. , Williams Jessica R. , Anderson Jocelyn
Published: November 2019

The practice of trauma-informed care (TIC) allows nurses in any setting to identify and intervene with traumatized individuals and to create a continuum of care when forensic nursing services are needed. The purpose of this article is to suggest ways to incorporate TIC content into baccalaureate nursing programs. We begin with an overview of baccalaureate nursing curricula and common types of traumatic experience important for students to understand. We then propose specific strategies for inclusion of TIC content in baccalaureate nursing education, using the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice. With a solid foundation in TIC, baccalaureate-prepared nursing students can provide effective patient care and better support forensic nursing practice. This will increase the capacity of the nursing profession in general to meet the needs of those affected by trauma, violence, and abuse.
Endothelial dysfunction predicted increased left atrial volume index in newly diagnosed nondiabetic hypertensive patients
Authors: Çetin Mustafa , Erdoğan Turan , Kiriş Tuncay , Aykan Ahmet Çağri , Çinier Göksel , Emlek Nadir , Durak Hüseyin , Kalaycioğlu Ezgi , Yilmaz Ahmet Seyda
Published: November 2019

Background

Arterial hypertension is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It was previously shown that left atrium volume increase associated with mortality and atherosclerotic heart disease. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the value of endothelial dysfunction in predicting left atrium volume increase in newly diagnosed hypertension patients.

Methods

This study included 96 consecutive newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. Left atrium volume and left ventricular ejection fraction were calculated. Pulse wave velocity and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation measurements were obtained from each patient.

Results

Left Ventricle Mass Index (114 ± 29 g/m2, 91 ± 17 g/m2, P < 001), left ventricular septum (P < 0.001) and posterior wall thickness (P = 0.001), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (P = 0.016) were significantly higher in patients with higher left atrial volume index. FMD% was lower in patients with higher left atrial volume index those without (9.7 ± 3.5 vs. 13.31 ± 6.01, P = 0.004). Lateral wall E wave velocity was significantly lower (8.68 ± 2.8, 10.2 ± 2.8; P = 0.009), while isovolumetric relaxation time (101.9 ± 19.9 ms, 85.7 ± 15.2 ms; P < 0.001), and ejection time was longer (101.9 ± 19.9 ms, 85.7 ± 15.2 ms; P = 0.077) and Mitral E/ lateral wall E ratio (E/E relation) was significantly higher (P = 0.031) in patients with higher left atrial volume index.

Conclusion

The rate of isovolumetric relaxation time, FMD% and E/E′ ratio independently predicted left atrial volume index increase in newly diagnosed hypertension patients
Impact of orthogeriatric care, comorbidity, and complication on 1-year mortality in surgical hip fracture patients
Authors: Chen Chung-Hwan , Huang Peng-Ju , Huang Hsuan-Ti , Lin Sung-Yen , Wang Hui-Yu , Fang Tzu-Jung , Lin Yi-Chieh , Ho Cheng-Jung , Lee Tien-Ching , Lu Yen-Mou , Chiu Herng-Chia
Published: November 2019

After acute hip surgery, the 1-year mortality rate is high. Therefore, this study evaluated the risk factors for 1-year mortality. The purposes of this study was first to examine the effect of integrated care on 1-year mortality in surgical patients and secondly to explore magnitude of comorbidity and complication on mortality.

This retrospective cohort study included 313 patients received surgery for hip fragility fracture. Patients with multiple fractures or combined trauma were excluded. The patients were grouping into integrated (n = 106) and non-integrated care group (n = 207) models. Univariate and multiple Cox regression were used to examine effect of care model, comorbidity, and complication event.

One-year mortality in integrated and non-integrated patients was 4.7% and 14.0% respectively. After adjustments, patients in non-integrated care, have 2.89 times (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–7.81) likely to die 1-year after discharged.

Patients had elevated comorbidity or postoperative complications contributed to the mortality. Our study found the effect of patients treated by integrated care models, compared with usual model, significantly reduced 1-year mortality rate. Appropriated treatment of comorbidities during hospitalization and after discharge is critical to post-surgical survival. The findings imply that the co-care for hip fracture of hip surgical patients with orthogeriatricians is strongly recommended, particularly for those with >3 comorbidities.
Association between TGF-β1 rs1982073/rs1800469 polymorphism and lung cancer susceptibility
Authors: Chen Guangyuan , Hu Cong , Lai Penghui , Song Yuxuan , Xiu Mengxi , Zhang Haifei , Zhang Yiling , Huang Peng
Published: November 2019

Background:

There have been several case–control studies to assess the relationship between the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) T + 869C (rs1982073)/C-509T (rs1800469) gene polymorphism and lung cancer in recent years; however, the results remain controversial. In this study, we investigated the potential correlation between the TGF-β1 T + 869C/C-509T polymorphism and increased risk of lung cancer through meta-analysis.

Methods:

We searched the Cochrane Library database, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the Wanfang Data Information Service platform to identify relevant case–control studies in strict accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used to evaluate the correlation between TGF-β1 gene polymorphism and lung tumor risk. Sensitivity analysis and Egger test were used to evaluate the stability of the results and possible publication bias.

Results:

A total of 8 studies, with 3680 patients and 4018 controls, were included. The meta-analysis revealed that there was no conspicuous correlation between the TGF-β1 T + 869C (rs1982073)/C-509T (rs1800469) variant and lung cancer in the overall population. For TGF-β1 C-509T, a significant decreased risk was identified in patients with nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the analysis stratified by disease (TT vs CT + CC: P = .02, OR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.27–0.90). However, for TGF-β1 T + 869C, subgroup analysis showed no correlation between the T + 869C polymorphism and lung cancer susceptibility in patients with NSCLC. In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, no distinct association was observed between T + 869C (rs1982073)/C-509T (rs1800469) polymorphism and lung cancer susceptibility in the Asian and Caucasian groups. Moreover, no significant association was found in the analysis of groups stratified by age, sex, and smoking history.

Conclusion:

The TGF-β1 T + 869C (rs1982073) and C-509T (rs1800469) polymorphisms are not implicated in lung cancer susceptibility in the overall population. However, our analysis indicated that the C-509T (rs1800469) polymorphism decreases the risk of lung cancer in patients with NSCLC.
Establishment and validation of a risk prediction model in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with transarterial radioembolization
Authors: Lee Jae Seung , Lee Han Ah , Jeon Mi Young , Lim Tae Seop , Kim Beom Kyung , Park Jun Yong , Kim Do Young , Ahn Sang Hoon , Um Soon Ho , Han Kwang-Hyub , Seo Yeon Seok , Kim Seung Up
Published: November 2019

Background/aims

Few studies have reported the treatment outcomes of transarterial radioembolization (TARE) using yttrium-90 (90Y) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We established and validated a new risk prediction model for patients with HCC treated with TARE.

Methods

Between 2010 and 2017, 113 and 35 patients with intrahepatic HCC treated with TARE were selected for the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (mRECIST) were used for response evaluation.

Results

In the training cohort, the median age was 64.1 years (92 males and 21 females) and the mean survival after TARE was 50.3 months. The cumulative survival rates at six and 12 months were 92.0 and 84.0%, respectively. A new risk prediction model for patients with HCC treated with TARE (Y-scoring system) was established from the training cohort using five independent baseline variables [serum albumin < 3.5 g/dL, hazard ratio = 5.446; alpha-fetoprotein > 200 ng/mL (hazard ratio = 5.071); tumor number ≥ 3 (hazard ratio = 2.933); portal vein thrombosis (hazard ratio = 4.915); and hepatic vein invasion (hazard ratio = 8.500)] and two on-treatment variables [no des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin response (hazard ratio = 15.346) and progressive disease at three months (hazard ratio = 4.154)] for mortality (all P < 0.05). The predictive accuracy of the Y-scoring system was acceptable to predict six [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.845], nine (AUC = 0.868), and 12-month mortality (AUC = 0.886) (all P < 0.05). The predictive accuracy of the system was similarly maintained in the validation cohort (AUC 0.737–0.901 at 6–12 months).

Conclusion

Our new risk prediction model can be used to stratify different prognoses in patients with HCC treated with TARE. Validation studies are required.
Survival advantage associated with metformin usage in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with diabetes mellitus receiving radical resection: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Luo Cui-Song , Lin Yun , Zhou Wei-Ping , Shi Jun
Published: November 2019

Background

Metformin is associated with improved survival among hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with diabetes mellitus. However, the role of metformin in the survival of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC patients with diabetes mellitus after radical resection is unclear, so this study aimed to assess the effects of metformin on the clinical outcomes of patients who received radical resection for HCC.

Patients and methods

A total of 250 HCC patients (30–78 years old) diagnosed with diabetes mellitus were selected between 2000 and 2013 from the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University and the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital in China. Patients were divided into the metformin group (n = 66) and the nonmetformin group (n = 184). A propensity score matching analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of metformin in patients receiving radical resection for HCC.

Results

In the propensity score-matched cohort (n = 176), the overall survival (OS) in the metformin group at 1, 3, and 5 years was significantly higher than in the nonmetformin group (P = 0.002), and a similar treatment effect was observed for disease-free survival (DFS) (P = 0.030). The adjusted Cox proportional hazards model showed that metformin usage significantly improved OS [hazard ratio: 0.558, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.385–0.810].

Conclusions

Metformin is associated with satisfactory clinical outcomes among HBV-related HCC patients with diabetes mellitus after radical resection. The use of metformin could significantly improve the OS and reduce the risk of HCC recurrence in patients after radical resection. A prospective controlled study is recommended to verify the metformin effect and explore its possible mechanisms.
Construction and Validation of Risk-adjusted Rates of Emergency Department Visits for Long-stay Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Xu Huiwen , Bowblis John R. , Li Yue , Caprio Thomas V. , Intrator Orna
Published: November 2019

Background:

Long-stay nursing home (NH) residents are at high risk of having emergency department (ED) visits, but current knowledge regarding risk-adjusted ED rates is limited.

Objectives:

To construct and validate 3 quarterly risk-adjusted rates of long-stay residents’ ED use: any ED visit, ED visits without hospitalization or observation stay (outpatient ED), and potentially avoidable ED visits (PAED).

Research Design:

The authors calculated quarterly NH risk-adjusted ED rates from 2011 Q2 to 2013 Q3 national Medicare claims and Minimum Data Set data. Using random-effect linear regressions, the authors validated these rates against Nursing Home Compare overall 5-star quality ratings and examined their associations with hospitalization rates to provide a quality context.

Subjects:

Resident-quarter observations (7.3 million) from 15,235 unique NHs.

Results:

Risk-adjusted rates of any ED, outpatient ED, and PAED averaged 9.7%, 3.4%, and 3.2%, respectively. Compared with NHs with 1 or 2 stars overall rating, NHs with ≥3 stars were significantly associated with lower rates of any ED visit, outpatient ED, and PAED (β, −0.23%, −0.16%, and −0.11%, respectively; all P<0.01). Pearson Correlation coefficients between hospitalization rates and rates of any ED visit, outpatient ED, and PAED were 0.74, 0.31, and 0.46, respectively.

Conclusions:

The moderately negative associations of 5-star ratings with ED rates provide supportive evidence to their validity. Outpatient ED and PAED were moderately correlated to hospitalizations suggesting they provided more information about quality than any ED.
Clinical Value of Serum Interleukin‐33 Biomarker in Infants With Neonatal Cholestasis
Authors: Behairy Ola G. , Elsadek Akram E. , Behiry Eman G. , Elhenawy Ibrahim A. , Shalan Naglaa H. , Sayied Kamal R.
Published: November 2019

Objectives:

The present study aimed to estimate the value of serum interleukin‐33 (IL‐33) levels in infants with cholestasis, correlate serum IL‐33 levels with the clinicopathological profile of infants with cholestasis, and compare its level with that of healthy infants who served as control.

Methods:

Sixty infants with cholestasis were enrolled in the present study and divided into biliary atresia (BA) group and non‐BA group, in addition to 30 healthy infants as a control group. All infants were analyzed for their clinical and biochemical features, histopathological profile, and serum level of IL‐33 by enzyme‐linked immune sorbent assay.

Results:

Serum level of IL‐33 in BA group (median 48.0, interquartile range: 28.9–106.2) was significantly higher than that of the non‐BA group (median 17.3, interquartile range: 13.7–18.8 pg/mL) and both were higher than that of the control group. There was a positive correlation between serum IL‐33 and aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, bilirubin (total and direct) levels, and fibrosis stage among the BA group. Serum IL‐33 at a cut‐off value of 20.8 pg/mL can detect BA with a specificity of 95% and a sensitivity of 96.7%.

Conclusion:

The significantly higher production of IL‐33 in patients with BA compared to non‐BA suggests a potential role of IL‐33 for initiation and progression of the disease process, also, IL‐33 may have a diagnostic role in infants with BA.
Ultrasound Imaging and Rehabilitation of Muscle Disorders
Authors: Kara Murat , Ata Ayşe Merve , Kaymak Bayram , Özçakar Levent
Published: November 2019

Because of its several advantages, ultrasound imaging has started to take place in the diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms of a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders. After the first part on traumatic conditions, in this review, the authors aim to discuss the applicability of ultrasound imaging for nontraumatic muscle disorders in the daily clinical/academic practice. While trying to summarize the whole spectrum (e.g., myofascial pain syndrome, inflammatory diseases, neuromuscular disorders), special emphasis will be given to sarcopenia, which is, by far, the most challenging clinical condition in the era of “aging world.” Of note, rehabilitation with regard to the exemplified problems will also be briefed throughout.
Effectiveness of Hydrotherapy on Balance and Paretic Knee Strength in Patients With Stroke
Authors: Chae Choong Sik , Jun Ji Hyun , Im Sun , Jang Yongjun , Park Geun-Young
Published: November 2019

Objective

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of hydrotherapy and land-based conventional therapy on postural balance and knee strength in stroke patients.

Designs

A comprehensive search was done via databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science) until April 12, 2019, to select randomized controlled trials. The methodological quality was assessed by the PEDro scale. Berg Balance Scale was pooled as the primary outcome and Forward Reach Test, Timed Up and Go test, and paretic knee flexor and knee extensor torque as secondary outcomes.

Results

Eleven articles were included. Pooled results showed that hydrotherapy was more beneficial in stroke patients on Berg Balance Scale (mean difference = 1.60, 95% confidence interval = 1.00 to 2.19), Forward Reach Test (mean difference = 1.78, 95% confidence interval = 0.73 to 2.83), Timed Up and Go test (mean difference = −1.41, 95% confidence interval: −2.44 to 0.42), and knee extensor torque (mean difference = 6.14, 95% confidence interval = 0.59 to 11.70) than conventional therapy. In subgroup analysis according to stroke-onset duration, hydrotherapy for chronic stroke patients exhibited significant effectiveness on Berg Balance Scale (mean difference = 1.61, 95% confidence interval = 1.00–.21); no significant effect was observed in subacute stroke patients (mean difference = 1.04, 95% confidence interval = −2.62 to 4.70).

Conclusion

Stroke patients showed improvement in postural balance and paretic knee extensor strength with hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy exhibited significant effects on improving postural balance in chronic patients than in subacute patients.
Real-World Evidence for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in the Era of Targeted Therapies
Authors: Islam Prioty , Mato Anthony R.
Published: November 2019

The landscape of chronic lymphocytic leukemia has transformed in the era of small molecule inhibitor targeted therapies. While randomized controlled trials remain the criterion standard in evaluating new therapies, they are often unable to keep pace with the clinical questions that arise during the use of novel agents. Real-world evidence is generated through analysis of data such as electronic medical records, payer claims, and patient registry databases and can provide invaluable information to supplement randomized controlled trials, such as outcomes in patient populations excluded from clinical trials, rates of discontinuation or dose reductions in clinical practice, survival outcomes, and optimal sequencing of novel agents. This review aims to discuss major findings from recent, relevant, real-world evidence publications that have greatly informed our understanding of chronic lymphocytic leukemia as it is treated in clinical practice.
Kaposi sarcoma in people living with HIV: incidence and associated factors in a French cohort between 2010 and 2015
Authors: Poizot-Martin Isabelle , Lions Caroline , Cheret Antoine , Rey David , Duvivier Claudine , Jacomet Christine , Allavena Clotilde , Huleux Thomas , Bani-Sadr Firouze , Obry-Roguet Véronique , Makinson Alain
Published: November 2019

Objective:

Kaposi sarcoma is still observed among people living with HIV (PLHIV) including those on ART with undetectable HIV viral load (HIV-VL). We aimed to assess Kaposi sarcoma incidence and trends between 2010 and 2015 in France and to highlight associated factors.

Design:

Retrospective study using longitudinal data from the Dat’AIDS cohort including 44 642 PLWH. For the incidence assessment, Kaposi sarcoma cases occurring within 30 days of cohort enrollment were excluded.

Methods:

Demographic, immunological, and therapeutic characteristics collected at time of Kaposi sarcoma diagnosis or at last visit for patients without Kaposi sarcoma.

Results:

Among 180 216.4 person-years, Kaposi sarcoma incidence was 76 (95% CI 64.3–89.9)/105 person-years. Multivariate analysis (Poisson regression) revealed the positive association with male sex, MSM transmission route, lower CD4+ T-cell count, higher CD8+ T-cell count, not to be on ART, whereas HIV follow-up time, duration with an HIV-VL 50 copies/ml or less were negatively associated with Kaposi sarcoma. According to the different models tested, HIV-VL, CD4+ : CD8+ ratio and nadir CD4+ cell count were associated with Kaposi sarcoma. Moreover, stratified analysis showed that patients with a CD4+ : CD8+ ratio 0.5 or less or a CD8+ T-cell count greater than 1000 cells/μl were at higher risk of Kaposi sarcoma regardless of the CD4+ T-cell count.

Conclusion:

This study showed that in a resource-rich country setting with high ART coverage, Kaposi sarcoma still occurred among PLWH. CD8+ hyperlymphocytosis and CD4+ : CD8+ ratio should be now considered as two useful markers to better identify patients at increased Kaposi sarcoma risk, including those with a CD4+ T-cell count greater than 500 cells/μl.
Clinical Course of Extracranial Arteriovenous Malformations
Authors: Zou Yun , Qiao Congzhen , Lin Xiaoxi , Jin Yunbo , Hua Chen , Yang Xi , Chen Hui , Ma Gang
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

Despite many advances in the knowledge of vascular malformations, extracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) remain an enigma and are usually misdiagnosed and mismanaged due to their associated rare morbidity. This study aimed to describe the clinical course and emphasize the progressive nature of AVMs through a retrospective study of 446 patients.

Methods:

Patients with cutaneous and soft-tissue AVMs presenting to our Vascular Anomalies Center between March 2011 and March 2017 were reviewed. Medical records were examined for disease course, age at first presentation at our institution, distributions and locations of lesions, clinical staging, progression, and previous treatments. Progression was defined as advancement to a higher Schobinger stage from a lower stage.

Results:

A total of 446 patients (mean age, 25.6 ± 14.0 years) were enrolled in this study, including 232 (52.0%) males (gender ratio, 1.08:1). Arteriovenous malformations lesions in 76.7% (342/446) of the patients were located in the head and neck. Children with Stage I AVMs had a 41.9% risk of progression before adolescence and an 80.0% risk of progression before adulthood. Nearly all patients (96.2%) showed progression in adulthood. Diffuse lesions were more likely to progress than localized lesions (P < 0.05) in childhood and adolescence. Lesions in the head and neck regions were less likely to progress than those in other regions in childhood (P = 0.005). A total of 216 (48.4%) patients had undergone previous treatments. Among these patients, bleomycin showed an unintentional positive effect in the treatment of AVMs.

Conclusions:

Extracranial AVMs have a continuously progressive nature. A full understanding regarding the progressive course of AVMs can lead patients and physicians to attach importance to early diagnosis and management. Meanwhile exploring innovative treatments should be focused in the future to prevent potential destructive progression.
Dynamic Autoregulation is Impaired in Circulatory Shock
Authors: Caldas Juliana R. , Passos Rogério H. , Ramos João Gabriel R. , Ramalho Clara , Sancho Letícia S. , Salinet Angela M. , Farias Suzete , Gobatto André , Bombonato Giacomo , Benigno Paulo , Taccone Fabio S. , Panerai Ronney B.
Published: November 2019

Background:

Circulatory shock is a life-threatening disorder that is associated with high mortality, with a state of systemic and tissue hypoperfusion that can lead to organ failure, including the brain, where altered mental state is often observed. We hypothesized that cerebral autoregulation (CA) is impaired in patients with circulatory shock.

Methods:

Adult patients with circulatory shock and healthy controls were included. Cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV, transcranial Doppler ultrasound) and arterial blood pressure (BP, Finometer or intra-arterial line) were continuously recorded during 5 min in both groups. Autoregulation Index (ARI) was estimated from the CBFV response to a step change in BP, derived by transfer function analysis; ARI ≤ 4 was considered impaired CA. The relationship between organ dysfunction, assessed with the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and the ARI, was assessed with linear regression.

Results:

Twenty-five shock patients and 28 age-matched healthy volunteers were studied. The mean ± SD SOFA score was 10.8 ± 4.3. Shock patients compared with control subjects had lower ARI values (4.0 ± 2.1 vs. 5.9 ± 1.5, P = 0.001). Impaired CA was more common in shock patients (44.4% vs. 7.1%, P = 0.003). There was a significant inverse relationship between the ARI and the SOFA score (R = −0.63, P = 0.0008).

Conclusions:

These results suggest that circulatory shock is often associated with impaired CA and that the severity of CA alterations is correlated with the degree of multiple organ failure, reinforcing the need to monitor cerebral hemodynamics in patients with circulatory shock.
Poor performance of the ‘child Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test’ correlates with poorer social-emotional functioning in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Golubchik Pavel , Weizman Abraham
Published: November 2019

The performance of the ‘child Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test’ (cRMET), a measure of Theory of Mind (ToM), was assessed in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with relation to social-emotional functioning and ADHD severity. The impact of a single dose of methylphenidate on cRMET performance was evaluated. A group of 25 children aged 7–17 years diagnosed with ADHD were assessed at baseline by cRMET, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the ADHD-rating scale. cRMET assessment was repeated after administration of a single dose of methylphenidate. Significant correlation was found between the age of the participant and baseline cRMET levels (r = 0.56; P = 0.0037). Significant correlation was found between poorer cRMET performance and worse socioemotional functioning, as reflected by higher baseline SDQ scores (r = −0.39, P = 0.048). No significant correlations were found at baseline between cRMET scores and ADHD severity. No significant improvement in cRMET was detected following administration of a single methylphenidate dose. Poor baseline ToM functioning is associated with lower social-emotional functioning. The ToM functioning improves with age in children with ADHD, but is not affected by a single methylphenidate administration.
Native mass spectrometry can effectively predict PROTAC efficacy
Authors: Beveridge Rebecca , Kessler Dirk , Rumpel Klaus , Ettmayer Peter , Meinhart Anton , Clausen Tim
Published: November 2019

Protein degraders, also known as proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs), are bifunctional small molecules that bring an E3 ubiquitin ligase and a protein of interest (POI) into proximity, thus promoting ubiquitination and degradation of the targeted POI [1–3]. Despite their great promise as next-generation pharmaceutical drugs, the development of new PROTACs is challenged by the complexity of the system, which involves binary and ternary interactions between components. Here, we demonstrate the strength of native mass spectrometry (nMS), a label-free technique, to provide novel insight into PROTAC-mediated protein interactions. We show that nMS can monitor the formation of ternary E3-PROTAC-POI complexes and detect various intermediate species in a single experiment. A unique benefit of the method is its ability to reveal preferentially formed E3-PROTAC-POI combinations in competition experiments with multiple substrate proteins, thereby positioning it as an ideal high-throughput screening strategy during the development of new PROTACs.
Single rod-shaped cell fluctuations from stochastic surface/volume growth rates
Authors: Romano Orso Maria , Cosentino-Lagomarsino Marco
Published: November 2019

Growing rod-shaped bacterial cells need to modulate the production rates of different surface and bulk components. Population data show that the balance between these rates is central for cell physiology, and affects cell shape, but we still know little about these processes in single cells. We study a minimal stochastic model where single cells grow by two fluctuating volume-specific surface and volume growth rates, solving for the steady-state distributions and the correlation functions of the main geometric features. Our predictions allow us to address the detectability of different scenarios for the intrinsic coupling between the allocation of resources to surface and bulk growth.
Correcting for physical distortions in visual stimuli improves reproducibility in zebrafish neuroscience
Authors: Dunn Timothy W. , Fitzgerald James E.
Published: November 2019

Breakthrough technologies for monitoring and manipulating single-neuron activity provide unprecedented opportunities for whole-brain neuroscience in larval zebrafish1–9. Understanding the neural mechanisms of visually guided behavior also requires precise stimulus control, but little prior research has accounted for physical distortions that result from refraction and reflection at an air-water interface that usually separates the projected stimulus from the fish10–12. Here we provide a computational tool that transforms between projected and received stimuli in order to detect and control these distortions. The tool considers the most commonly encountered interface geometry, and we show that this and other common configurations produce stereotyped distortions. By correcting these distortions, we reduced discrepancies in the literature concerning stimuli that evoke escape behavior13,14, and we expect this tool will help reconcile other confusing aspects of the literature. This tool also aids experimental design, and we illustrate the dangers that uncorrected stimuli pose to receptive field mapping experiments.
Comprehensive Analysis of HEXB Protein Reveal Forty Two Novel nsSNPs That May Lead to Sandhoff disease (SD) Using Bioinformatics
Authors: Abdelhameed Tebyan A. , Gasmelseed Mosab M. , Mustafa Mujahed I. , Abdelrahman Dina N. , Abdelrhman Fatima A. , Hassan Mohamed A.
Published: November 2019

Background

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the HEXB gene are associated with a neurodegenerative disorder called Sandhoff disease (SD) (GM2 gangliosidosis-O variant). This study aimed to predict the possible pathogenic SNPs of this gene and their impact on the protein using different bioinformatics tools.

Methods

SNPs retrieved from the NCBI database were analyzed using several bioinformatics tools. The different algorithms collectively predicted the effect of single nucleotide substitution on both structure and function of beta subunit beta subunit of both hexosaminidase A and hexosaminidase B proteins.

Results

Forty nine mutations were found to be extremely damaging to the structure and function of the HEXB gene protein.

Conclusion

According to this study, forty two novel nsSNP in HEXB are predicted to have possible role in Sandhoff disease using different bioinformatics tools, beside two SNPs found to have effect on miRNAs binding site affecting expression of HEXB gene. Our findings may assist in genetic study and diagnosis of Sandhoff disease.
NIR-II fluorescence microscopic imaging of cortical vasculature in non-human primates
Authors: Cai Zhaochong , Zhu Liang , Wang Mengqi , Roe Anna Wang , Xi Wang , Qian Jun
Published: November 2019

Vasculature architecture in the brain can provide revealing information about mental and neurological function and disease. Fluorescence imaging in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) regime with less light scattering is a more promising method for detecting cortical vessels than traditional visible and NIR-I modes. Here, for the first time, we developed, NIR-II fluorescence microscopy capabilities for imaging brain vasculature in macaque monkey. The first is a wide-field microscope with high temporal resolution (25 frames/second) for measuring blood flow velocity and cardiac impulse period, and the second is a high spatial resolution (<10 μm) confocal microscope producing three-dimensional maps of the cortical microvascular network (∼500 μm deep). Both were designed with flexibility to image various cortical locations on the head. Use of a clinically approved dye provided high brightness in NIR-II region. This comprises an important advance towards studies of neurovascular coupling, stroke, and other diseases relevant to neurovascular health in humans.
DNA clamp function of the mono-ubiquitinated Fanconi Anemia FANCI-FANCD2 complex
Authors: Wang Renjing , Wang Shengliu , Dhar Ankita , Peralta Christopher , Pavletich Nikola P.
Published: November 2019

The FANCI-FANCD2 (ID) complex, mutated in the Fanconi Anemia (FA) cancer predisposition syndrome, is required for the repair of replication forks stalled at DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICL) and related lesions1. The FA pathway is activated when two replication forks converge onto an ICL2, triggering the mono-ubiquitination of the ID complex. ID mono-ubiquitination is essential for ICL repair by excision, translesion synthesis and homologous recombination, but its function was hitherto unknown1,3. Here, the 3.48 Å cryo-EM structure of mono-ubiquitinated ID (IDUb) bound to DNA reveals that it forms a closed ring that encircles the DNA. Compared to the cryo-EM structure of the non-ubiquitinated ID complex bound to ICL DNA, described here as well, mono-ubiquitination triggers a complete re-arrangement of the open, trough-like ID structure through the ubiquitin of one protomer binding to the other protomer in a reciprocal fashion. The structures, in conjunction with biochemical data, indicate the mono-ubiquitinated ID complex looses its preference for ICL and related branched DNA structures, becoming a sliding DNA clamp that can coordinate the subsequent repair reactions. Our findings also reveal how mono-ubiquitination in general can induce an alternate structure with a new function.
Differences in in vitro responses of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal hormonal axis between low and high egg producing turkey hens
Authors: Brady Kristen , Long Julie A. , Liu Hsiao-Ching , Porter Tom E.
Published: November 2019

Low egg producing hens (LEPH) ovulate less frequently than high egg producing hens (HEPH) and exhibit differences in mRNA levels for components of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, suggesting differential responsiveness to trophic stimulation. Ovulation frequency is governed by the production and feedback of pituitary gonadotropins and ovarian follicle steroid hormones, which are regulated by HPG axis stimulation and inhibition at the hypothalamic level. Pituitary and follicle cells from LEPH and HEPH were subjected to in vitro hormonal treatments to stimulate or inhibit the HPG axis, followed by expression analysis of mRNA levels for HPG axis genes and radioimmunoassays for steroid hormone production. Statistical analysis was performed using the mixed models procedure of SAS. Pituitary cells from HEPH showed up-regulation of genes associated with ovulation stimulation, whereas LEPH cells showed up-regulation of genes associated with inhibition of ovulation. HEPH follicle cells displayed a higher sensitivity and responsiveness to gonadotropin treatment. Level of egg production impacted ovulation-related gene expression in pituitary cells as well as steroid hormone production in follicle cells, with HEPH displaying a greater positive response to stimulation. These findings indicate that differences in egg production among turkey hens likely involve differential responsiveness of the cells within the HPG axis.
Intermolecular interaction energies and molecular conformations in N-substituted 4-aryl-2-methylimidazoles with promising in vitro antifungal activity
Authors: Elejalde Nerith-Rocio , Butassi Estefanía , Zacchino Susana , Macías Mario A. , Portilla Jaime
Published: November 2019

A convenient one-pot synthesis of 4-aryl-2-methyl-N-phenacylimidazoles (4) through a microwave-assisted pseudo-tricomponent reaction of α-bromoacetophenones (1) with acetamidine hydrochloride (2) is reported. Ketones (4) were successfully used as substrates for the preparation of the respective N-(2-hydroxyethyl)imidazoles (5) with yields up to 87%. The synthesized compounds were characterized by NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry analyses, and several structures were confirmed and studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The analysis of the whole-of-molecule interactions shows that, despite the difference in the atom–atom contacts forming the crystals, dispersion energies make the largest contribution to the formation of the solids, giving an isotropic tendency in the topology of the energy framework diagrams for pairs of molecules. In addition, the in vitro antifungal activity of both families of compounds [ketones (4) and alcohols (5)] against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans was evaluated, where the 2,4-dichlorophenyl-substituted alcohol (5f), an isomer of the drug miconazole, showed the highest activity (IC50 = 7.8 µg ml−1 against C. neoformans).
Converting three-space matrices to equivalent six-space matrices for Delone scalars in S6
Authors: Andrews Lawrence C. , Bernstein Herbert J. , Sauter Nicholas K.
Published: November 2019

The transformations from the primitive cells of the centered Bravais lattices to the corresponding centered cells have conventionally been listed as three-by-three matrices that transform three-space lattice vectors. Using those three-by-three matrices when working in the six-dimensional space of lattices represented as Selling scalars as used in Delone (Delaunay) reduction, one could transform to the three-space representation, apply the three-by-three matrices and then back-transform to the six-space representation, but it is much simpler to have the equivalent six-by-six matrices and apply them directly. The general form of the transformation from the three-space matrix to the corresponding matrix operating on Selling scalars (expressed in space S6
) is derived, and the particular S6
matrices for the centered Delone types are listed. (Note: in his later publications, Boris Delaunay used the Russian version of his surname, Delone.)
Professionalizing the assurance of sustainability reports: the auditors’ perspective
Authors: Boiral Olivier , Heras-Saizarbitoria Iñaki , Brotherton Marie-Christine
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the professionalism and professionalization of sustainability assurance providers based on the experiences and perceptions of auditors involved in this activity.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical study was based on 38 semi-directed interviews conducted with assurance providers from accounting and consulting firms.

Findings

The findings highlight the division of this professional activity between accounting and consulting firms, each of which question the professionalism of the other. The main standards in this area tend to be used as legitimizing tools to enhance the credibility of the assurance process rather than effective guidelines to improve the quality of the verification process. Finally, the complex and multifaceted skills required to conduct sound sustainability assurance and the virtual absence of recognized and substantial training programs in this area undermine the professionalization of assurance providers.

Research limitations/implications

This work has important practical implications for standardization bodies, assurance providers and stakeholders concerned by the quality and the reliability of sustainability disclosure.

Originality/value

This study shows how practitioners in this area construct and legitimize their professional activity in terms of identity, standardization and competences. The work contributes to the literatures on the assurance of sustainability reports, self-regulation through standardization and professionalization.
Broad-minded planning and narrow-minded action
Authors: Kim Juyoung , Shin Hong Im , Lee Hyung Tak
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Existing studies of shopping momentum effect show that an initial purchase causes the consumer to switch from a deliberative mindset to an implemental mindset, thereby leading to buy subsequent items based on Gollwitzer’s Rubicon model. Since purchase activity goes through the actional phase which has not been studied yet, the purpose of this paper is to explore the characteristics of the actional mindset compared with those of the planning and deliberative mindsets.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts three experiments to examine whether the implemental mindset can be differentiated from the actional mindset via recalls and perceptual processing measures.

Findings

The findings provide evidences that the actional mindset is different from the implemental mindset, and the planning phase is associated more with broad-mindedness, whereas the actional phase is with narrow-mindedness.

Research limitations/implications

Manipulation of the actional mindset can be extended to real purchases in physical shopping spaces, and various choice objects could be tested with a larger number of participants.

Practical implications

To boost the shopping momentum effect, marketers should put customers into an actional mindset by leading them to show their decisions such as carrying a shopping bag and uploading their purchased items. To avoid overbuying, customers should stay in planning mindsets without verbalizing their decisions. Putting goods into virtual shopping baskets in online shopping could be a good way to avoid overbuying.

Originality/value

The paper empirically explores the characteristics of actional mindset in terms of cognitive and perceptual processing and suggest meaningful implication in online shopping situation.
Challenges in stakeholders self-organising to enhance disaster communication
Authors: Le Roux Tanya , Van Niekerk Dewald
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to combine disaster risk reduction (DRR) and communication management literature to investigate the challenges and opportunities encountered when stakeholders spontaneously self-organise communication efforts during a disaster. The 2017 Knysna Fire Disaster in South Africa is used as the context.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative, exploratory research was supported by data obtained through thematic analysis of qualitative in-depth interviews and the Facebook page created by the community. Information from the disaster debrief was also included.

Findings

The findings suggest that disaster information needs to be sent every 30 s to a minute to coordinate rescue and relief efforts. The challenges for disaster management teams to manage this mammoth task and the role that the self-organising community played in assisting the communication process was found not to be recognised in disaster management policies or systems. This adversely affected the work of the disaster management team and stakeholder relationship.

Research limitations/implications

This study focussed on one disaster. Future studies could possibly compare various disaster examples to provide even greater insight into the self-organising communicative behaviour of those affected by disasters.

Originality/value

The research gives one of the first clear indications of the scope of disaster communication needed during a disaster. It also highlights the community’s ability to contribute to communication management during a disaster, and which is not catered for in the practice, guidelines or management systems used for disaster management.