bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution pattern of swarm-founding eusocial wasps in the Indonesian Archipelago in comparison of that of parrots, one of sedentary bird groups
Authors: Hanawa Machi , Kojima Jun-ichi
Published: April 2020

In the colony founding modes, eusocial wasps are divided into “independent-founders”, which initiate a colony by one to several inseminated females, and “swarm-founders”, which found their new colony by a number of “workers” accompanying one to many “queens”. As the swarm-founders put their trail pheromone on a guide to lead their colony members to a new nesting site, they would not disperse across large water bodies, such as sea and wide rivers. The present-day distribution pattern of swarm-founding wasps on the islands that are currently separated from each other and from continents should reflect the historical geology of these islands. The distribution patterns of the swarm-founding eusocial wasps in the Indonesian Archipelago are characterized by (1) occurrence of Asian continental elements in Borneo and Sumatra and their adjacent small islands, with a few species extending eastwards to Flores of Lesser Sunda Islands; (2) restriction of Australasian elements to New Guinea and its adjacent small islands including Aru; and (3) absence on most islands in Wallacea such as Sulawesi, Moluccas and eastern parts of Lesser Sunda Islands including Timor. These islands where no swarm-founders occur have never merged with any continental (Asian or Australasian) land mass. In the current distribution patterns in the Indonesian Archipelago, the swarm-founding eusocial wasps and the parrots are superficially similar, but their historical biogeography would be quite different.
Short note: new record of thrips (Insecta: Thysanoptera) on karuk plants (Piper sarmentosum) in indonesia
Authors: Subagyo Vani Nur Oktaviany , Mardiningsih Tri Lestari
Published: April 2020

Thrips were reported as one of the pests of karuk (Piper sarmentosum) in the Garden of Medical Scientific Tourism, Indonesian Spice and Medicinal Crops Research Institute (ISMCRI). Thrips attack was known for the first time in April 2016 with moderate intensity. Affected leaves become wavy, rolled, and stiff then the leaves will dry up and wither. Morphology identification showed thatLiothrips vaneeckei(Thysanopters: Phlaeothripidae) as the causal agent infested on karuk. This is the first report ofL. vaneeckeiin Indonesia.
Atemstörungen im Schlaf
Authors: Möller A.
Published: April 2020

Atemstörungen im Schlaf haben bei Kindern eine hohe klinische Relevanz. Sie betreffen nicht nur einen großen zeitlichen Anteil im Leben der Kinder, sondern haben auch negative Auswirkungen auf das Gedeihen, die kardiovaskuläre Funktion und die kognitive Entwicklung. Verschiedene entwicklungsspezifische Faktoren müssen in der Beurteilung von Schlafuntersuchungen bei Kindern berücksichtigt werden. Die Adeno-Tonsillenhyperplasie ist sicherlich der häufigste Grund für eine Atemstörung im Schlaf, aber das Spektrum an Ursachen ist sehr breit. Gerade syndromale kranio-faziale Missbildungen und metabolische Erkrankungen sind mit einem sehr hohen Risiko einer relevanten Atemstörung assoziiert. Eine korrekte und kindergerechte Diagnostik ist essenziell, um eine adäquate Therapie zu ermöglichen.
Großer Pneumothorax unter CPAP-Therapie beim Schlafapnoepatienten ohne vorbekannte Lungen- und Thoraxerkrankungen – ein Fallbericht
Authors: Langner S. , Kolditz M. , Kleymann J. , Tausche K. , Almeida A. B. , Schweigert M. , Koschel D.
Published: April 2020

Eine CPAP-Therapie ist die häufigste Behandlungsform der obstruktiven Schlafapnoe.

Schwerwiegende Komplikation dieser Behandlung sind sehr selten. Pneumothorax als Lungen-Barotrauma unter der CPAP-Therapie wird in Einzelfallberichten und ausschließlich bei vorbestehenden Lungen- und Thoraxerkrankungen beschrieben.

Ein 68-jähriger, pulmonal nicht vorerkrankter Schlafapnoe-Patient mit einer langjährig etablierten CPAP-Therapie wird nach einem heftigen thorakalen Schmerzereignis mit anhaltender Luftnotsymptomatik stationär aufgenommen. Radiologisch und computertomografisch bestand ein ausgedehnter rechtsseitiger Pneumothorax mit rechts basal betontem bullösem Emphysem. Nach operativer Versorgung des sekundären Spontanpneumothorax konnte am 3. postoperativen Tag die nächtliche Überdruckatmung unter reduziertem CPAP-Druck mit zufriedenstellendem Schlafapnoe-Befund und ohne Pneumothorax-Rezidiv im Verlauf wiederaufgenommen werden.

Als mögliche Pneumothorax-Ursache bei dem Patienten können alveoläre entzündliche Veränderungen infolge von Überdehnung und Drucksteigerung in Alveolen, die unter jahrelanger CPAP-Behandlung mit schrittweiser Drucksteigerung entstanden sind und folglich zu ausgedehnten Lungenveränderung mit Ruptur geführt haben, angenommen werden.

Zusammenfassend und schlussfolgernd soll bei Patienten, die aufgrund einer Schlafapnoe über Jahre mittels Überdruckatmung behandelt werden, bei plötzlich einsetzenden thorakalen Schmerzen mit einer Luftnotsymptomatik an einen möglichen Spontanpneumothorax gedacht werden.
Effects of Homoeopathic Single and Minimum Dose on Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis—BASDAI Assessment
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Suchiang Eiphrangdaka L. , Pal Gautam
Published: April 2020

Early cases of ankylosing spondylitis do not have the typical presentation of radiographic sacroiliitis but present as non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) where both are varieties of axSpA. Homoeopathic prescription based on totality of symptoms offers a promising relief to nr-axSpA where peripheral joints are also affected. Here, a 27-year-old male patient presented with bilateral heel pain, pain in low back, pain on base of right toes, pain in neck with stiffness for 1 year had refractive response to conventional medication. Diagnosis was confirmed by Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society diagnostic criteria for axSpA. Single medicine and minimum dose of Silicea showed its effectiveness on the symptoms' improvement and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index score whereby score of 8.8 (active disease) before treatment changed to 1.2 (inactive or mild disease) after treatment. Various other parameters were assessed accordingly before and after treatment. This case report encourages further exploring the beneficial effects of homoeopathic treatment in clinical condition like axSpA utilising validated scale.
Corticosteroid Guidance for Pregnancy during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: McIntosh Jennifer Jury
Published: April 2020

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is causing a necessary, rapid adjustment within the field of obstetrics. Corticosteroid use is a mainstay of therapy for those women delivering prematurely. Unfortunately, corticosteroid use has been associated with worse outcomes in COVID-19 positive patients. Given this information, it is necessary that obstetricians adjust practice to carefully weigh the fetal benefits with maternal risks. Therefore, our institution has examined the risks and benefits and altered our corticosteroid recommendations.

Key Points
Gender-wise Long-term Predictors for Major Adverse Cardiac Events Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in the Elderly Population
Authors: Ramakrishna A. Siva , Rao V. Satish Kumar , Indrani Garre
Published: April 2020

Background We aimed to recognize the predictors of long-term major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in the elderly candidates for elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in relation to gender at our center.

Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed the data of the elderly patients (age ≥70 years) who underwent elective PCI who met our study criteria in our institution during 2008 and 2018. Demographical data, clinical history, angiographic details, PCI procedure, and follow-up data of the patients enrolled in the study were studied by using the angiographic and PCI procedure details. Patients were characterized in the study group as those with or without MACE, which were then compared and analyzed using the statistical analysis in a univariable and binary linear regression analysis.

Results A total of 355 elderly patients (older than 70 years) undergoing elective PCI were selected who fulfilled the inclusion criteria; 277 patients were men and had more comorbidities, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, history of heart failure, previous coronary artery bypass graft, and presentation with acute coronary syndrome. MACE occurred in 24 events patients of whom 20 were suffering from DM. Binary logistic regression showed that the only determinant for the 1-year follow-up outcome is diabetes (p = 0.000). Even in univariate analysis, DM (0.01) is the determinant. DM is a strong predictor for death in univariate analysis (p = 0.00).

Conclusion PCI is a safe and effective method of coronary revascularization in elderly patients, and some risk factors can predict long-term MACE in this group of patients.
Mapping technique for nonlinear electron-wave interactions helps describe space plasma phenomena
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: April 2020

Understanding electron interactions with whistler-mode waves can provide insights on radiation belts and space plasma dynamics.
PHIP drives glioblastoma motility and invasion by regulating the focal adhesion complex
Authors: de Semir David , Bezrookove Vladimir , Nosrati Mehdi , Scanlon Kara R. , Singer Eric , Judkins Jonathon , Rieken Christopher , Wu Clayton , Shen Julia , Schmudermayer Christina , Dar Altaf A. , Miller James R. , Cobbs Charles , Yount Garret , Desprez Pierre-Yves , Debs Robert J. , Salomonis Nathan , McAllister Sean , Cleaver James E. , Soroceanu Liliana , Kashani-Sabet Mohammed
Published: April 2020

Significance

Glioblastoma has an extremely poor prognosis, driven by its invasive and angiogenic potential. The development of effective therapies for glioblastoma will require the identification of molecular factors that promote these hallmarks. Our results show that PHIP drives glioblastoma motility, invasion, and angiogenesis. These functions are enabled by localization of PHIP to focal adhesions. PHIP regulates expression of focal adhesion proteins and physically interacts with vinculin, mechanisms by which it promotes tumor cell motility and invasion. The presence of elevated
PHIP
copy number in distinct molecular glioblastoma subtypes provides additional support for its importance to glioblastoma biology. These studies also identify PHIP as a compelling target for glioblastoma therapy.
La evolución de las marcas ortográficas y tipográficas en los procesos de lexicalización de neologismos
Authors: Renau Irene , Nazar Rogelio , Lecaros Valesca
Published: April 2020

Presentamos un estudio correlacional de la asociación entre el uso de marcas ortotipográficas y la neologicidad de
un término en un corpus de prensa diacrónico. La pregunta es si es posible observar empíricamente un patrón de evolución en el
porcentaje de veces que una palabra nueva es marcada con comillas o cursiva entre otras y si las marcas declinan conforme la
palabra se asimila al sistema lingüístico. Estudiamos una muestra de 40 neologismos del ámbito de la economía utilizados en prensa
en el periodo 2006–2016, que incluye la crisis económica española. Los resultados, obtenidos a partir del análisis de 41.695
contextos de uso, indican una tendencia descendente de las marcas de los neologismos en el periodo estudiado que, sin embargo, no
es estadísticamente significativa. Junto con ello, no todos los tipos de neologismos se comportan de la misma manera, ya que unos
están más asimilados que otros.
Supresión y adición en textos literarios a la luz del corpus COVALT
Authors: Guzmán Pitarch Josep
Published: April 2020

La omisión y la adición son conceptos definidos en diversos trabajos. Sin embargo, estos estudios se han centrado en una pequeña serie de ejemplos, sin tener en cuenta el alcance del fenómeno. Este trabajo analiza la omisión o adición de segmentos textuales incluidos en un corpus, COVALT, formado por traducciones y originales de textos literarios, cuyo idioma de origen es el alemán y el idioma de destino es el catalán.

Los hallazgos del estudio muestran que todos los textos analizados omiten algún segmento, de modo que podríamos inferir que la omisión está mucho más generalizada de lo que se podría pensar. Además, aunque todos los textos tienen omisiones, no todos tienen adiciones. Así, también podemos concluir que la omisión es más usual que la adición. Del mismo modo, no parece haber correlación significativa entre omisiones y adiciones. Finalmente, nuestro análisis parece señalar que los criterios por los cuales los traductores usan estas técnicas son generalmente más justificables en el caso de la omisión que en el de la adición.
Análisis de las pautas para la enseñanza del inglés en Educación Infantil mediante la técnica Deplhi
Authors: Andúgar Ana , Cortina-Pérez Beatriz , Tornel Abellán María
Published: April 2020

El Consejo de Europa ha impulsado la introducción de lenguas en etapas muy tempranas con la intención de conformar
una Europa plurilingüe. En España, la enseñanza del inglés como lengua extranjera (LE) se inicia habitualmente en el segundo ciclo
de Infantil (3–6 años), aunque hay una falta de acuerdo sobre cómo esta introducción temprana debe realizarse. Esta investigación
tiene como objetivo la búsqueda de consenso sobre las pautas más acertadas para enseñar inglés como LE en Infantil. Se ha
realizado un estudio cualitativo utilizando la técnica Delphi en el que 99 expertos a nivel nacional han tenido que posicionarse
en relación con las pautas didácticas que llevarían a conseguir el éxito en este tipo de programas. Las conclusiones sugieren que
los expertos abogan por una enseñanza de la LE similar al aprendizaje de la lengua materna, creando un contexto de aprendizaje lo
más natural y lúdico posible.
“Me vais a permitir que me pongaen planprofesor”
Authors: Rodríguez-Abruñeiras Paula
Published: April 2020

A partir de un estudio de corpus, en este trabajo se analiza el empleo de la locuciónen plan (de)desde una perspectiva funcional. En términos generales, se distinguen un total de siete usos distintos, los cuales pueden agruparse en dos macrofunciones: la adverbial y la discursiva. Los usos discursivos tan solo se registran desde finales del siglo XX, y aparecen de forma más recurrente en textos orales. El estudio también muestra la variación existente entre la locución prepositivaen plan dey la adverbialen plan, la cual gana terreno en los textos más recientes. Por último, se ofrece un análisis detallado del uso deen plan (de)en el habla de los adolescentes españoles de comienzos del siglo XXI, pues es en este sector demográfico donde la fórmula tiene una frecuencia más elevada.
Algoritmos fonéticos para la detección de palabras fonéticamente similares en el español del centro de México
Authors: Hernández-Mena Carlos Daniel , Meza-Ruiz Ivan V. , Ramírez-Orta Juan Antonio , Herrera-Camacho José Abel
Published: April 2020

En la actualidad, la detección de palabras fonéticamente similares se ha logrado de forma exitosa gracias a la utilización de algoritmos fonéticos. Sin embargo, tales algoritmos dependen del lenguaje al que pertenecen, por lo que generalmente no están optimizados para el español. Por esta razón, en el siguiente artículo se presentará el algoritmo PFS y su variante PFS-US, los cuales son algoritmos fonéticos que consideran la fonología del español hablado en el centro de México, y fueron diseñados para detectar palabras fonéticamente similares en grandes conjuntos de palabras. Ahora bien, a través de un análisis comparativo entre otros cuatro algoritmos fonéticos de estado del arte, analizaremos la consideración fonológica mencionada. Para ello, se definieron métricas independientes de la lengua para evaluar algoritmos fonéticos en general. Dichas métricas se basan en la estructura de los grupos de palabras fonéticamente similares entre sí y su relación con palabras que no son similares con ninguna otra. Adicionalmente, los recursos generados se comparten de forma libre para su uso y análisis.
Poisson-Commutative Subalgebras of 𝒮(𝔤) associated with Involutions
Authors: Panyushev Dmitri I , Yakimova Oksana S
Published: April 2020

The symmetric algebra ${\mathcal{S}}({{\mathfrak{g}}})$ of a reductive Lie algebra ${{\mathfrak{g}}}$ is equipped with the standard Poisson structure, that is, the Lie–Poisson bracket. Poisson-commutative subalgebras of ${\mathcal{S}}({{\mathfrak{g}}})$ attract a great deal of attention because of their relationship to integrable systems and, more recently, to geometric representation theory. The transcendence degree of a Poisson-commutative subalgebra ${\mathcal C}\subset{\mathcal{S}}({{\mathfrak{g}}})$ is bounded by the “magic number” ${\boldsymbol{b}}({{\mathfrak{g}}})$ of ${{\mathfrak{g}}}$. There are two classical constructions of $\mathcal C$ with ${\textrm{tr.deg}}\,{\mathcal C}={\boldsymbol{b}}({{\mathfrak{g}}})$. The 1st one is applicable to $\mathfrak{gl}_n$ and $\mathfrak{so}_n$ and uses the Gelfand–Tsetlin chains of subalgebras. The 2nd one is known as the “argument shift method” of Mishchenko–Fomenko. We generalise the Gelfand–Tsetlin approach to chains of almost arbitrary symmetric subalgebras. Our method works for all types. Starting from a symmetric decompositions ${{\mathfrak{g}}}={{\mathfrak{g}}}_0\oplus{{\mathfrak{g}}}_1$, Poisson-commutative subalgebras ${{\mathcal{Z}}},\tilde{{\mathcal{Z}}}\subset{\mathcal{S}}({{\mathfrak{g}}})^{{{\mathfrak{g}}}_0}$ of the maximal possible transcendence degree are constructed. If the ${{\mathbb{Z}}}_2$-contraction ${{\mathfrak{g}}}_0\ltimes{{\mathfrak{g}}}_1^{\textsf{ab}}$ has a polynomial ring of symmetric invariants, then $\tilde{{\mathcal{Z}}}$ is a polynomial maximal Poisson-commutative subalgebra of ${\mathcal{S}}({{\mathfrak{g}}})^{{{\mathfrak{g}}}_0}$ and its free generators are explicitly described.
Baseline and multinormal distribution of ex vivo susceptibilities of Plasmodium falciparum to methylene blue in Africa, 2013–18
Authors: Gendrot Mathieu , Madamet Marylin , Mosnier Joel , Fonta Isabelle , Amalvict Rémy , Benoit Nicolas , Briolant Sébastien , Pradines Bruno ,   French National Reference Centre for Imported Malaria Study Group, Augis V , Bastien P , Berry A , Brouqui P , Chauvin P , Cividin M , Courtier F , Delaunay P , Delhaes L , Drancourt M , Dubosc N , Gaillard T , Genin A , Garnotel E , Javelle E , L’Ollivier C , Lagier J C , Ledault E , Leveque M , Malvy D , Marty P , Ménard G , Menu E , Millet P , Minodier P , Parola P , Picot S , Pomares-Estran C , Ranque S , Receveur M-C , Robin A , Sappa E , Savini H , Sevestre J , Simon F , Sterkers Y , Surcouf C , Varlet E , Wolff A
Published: April 2020

Background

Plasmodium falciparum resistance to most antimalarial compounds has emerged in Southeast Asia and spread to Africa. In this context, the development of new antimalarial drugs is urgent.

Objectives

To determine the baseline in vitro activity of methylene blue (Proveblue®) on African isolates and to determine whether parasites have different phenotypes of susceptibility to methylene blue.

Methods

Ex vivo susceptibility to methylene blue was measured for 609 P. falciparum isolates of patients hospitalized in France for malaria imported from Africa. A Bayesian statistical analysis was designed to describe the distribution of median effective concentration (EC50) estimates.

Results

The EC50 ranged from 0.16 to 87.2 nM with a geometric mean of 7.17 nM (95% CI = 6.21–8.13). The 609 EC50 values were categorized into four components: A (mean = 2.5 nM; 95% CI = 2.28–2.72), B (mean = 7.44 nM; 95% CI = 7.07–7.81), C (mean = 16.29 nM; 95% CI = 15.40–17.18) and D (mean = 38.49 nM; 95% CI = 34.14–42.84). The threshold value for in vitro reduced susceptibility to methylene blue was estimated at 35 nM using the geometric mean of EC50 plus 2 SDs of the 609 isolates. This cut-off also corresponds to the lower limit of the 95% CI of the methylene blue EC50 of component D. Thirty-five isolates (5.7%) displayed EC50 values above this threshold.

Conclusions

Methylene blue exerts a promising efficacy against P. falciparum and is a potential partner for triple combinations.
Efferocytosis during myocardial infarction
Authors: Yoshimura Chikashi , Nagasaka Akiomi , Kurose Hitoshi , Nakaya Michio
Published: April 2020

Myocardial infarction is one of the major causes of death worldwide. Many heart cells die during myocardial infarction through various processes such as necrosis, apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy-related cell death, pyroptosis and ferroptosis. These dead cells in infarcted hearts expose the so-called ‘eat-me’ signals, such as phosphatidylserine, on their surfaces, enhancing their removal by professional and non-professional phagocytes. Clearance of dead cells by phagocytes in the diseased hearts plays a crucial role in the pathology of myocardial infarction by inhibiting the inflammatory responses caused by the leakage of contents from dead cells. This review focuses on the rapidly growing understanding of the molecular mechanisms of dead cell phagocytosis, termed efferocytosis, during myocardial infarction, which contributes to the pathophysiology of myocardial infarction.
High prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in repatriation flights to Greece from three European countries
Authors: Lytras Theodore , Dellis George , Flountzi Anastasia , Hatzianastasiou Sophia , Nikolopoulou Georgia , Tsekou Katerina , Diamantis Zafiris , Stathopoulou Grigoria , Togka Marianthi , Gerolymatos Gerasimos , Rigakos George , Sapounas Spiridon , Tsiodras Sotirios
Published: April 2020

Passengers on repatriation flights to Greece from the UK, Spain and Turkey were screened with oropharyngeal swabs on arrival for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Despite almost all passengers being asymptomatic, many tested positive (3.6% from the UK, 6.3% from Spain and 6.3% from Turkey), indicating widespread transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in these countries.
Clinical and predictive value of simplified creatinine index used as muscle mass surrogate in end-stage kidney disease haemodialysis patients—results from the international MONitoring Dialysis Outcome initiative
Authors: Canaud Bernard , Ye Xiaoling , Usvyat Len , Kooman Jeroen , van der Sande Frank , Raimann Jochen , Wang Yuedong , Kotanko Peter
Published: April 2020

Background

Protein-energy wasting, muscle mass (MM) loss and sarcopenia are highly prevalent and associated with poor outcome in haemodialysis (HD) patients. Monitoring of MM and/or muscle metabolism in HD patients is of paramount importance for timely detection of muscle loss and to intervene adequately. In this study we assessed the reliability and reproducibility of a simplified creatinine index (SCI) as a surrogate marker of MM and explored its predictive value on outcome.

Method

We included all in-centre HD patients from 16 European countries with at least one SCI. The baseline period was defined as 30 days before and after the first multifrequency bioimpedance spectroscopy measurement; the subsequent 7 years constituted the follow-up. SCI was calculated by the Canaud equation. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were applied to assess the association of SCI with all-cause mortality. Using backward analysis, we explored the trends of SCI before death. Bland–Altman analysis was performed to analyse the agreement between estimated and measured MM.

Results

We included 23 495 HD patients; 3662 were incident. Females and older patients have lower baseline SCI. Higher SCI was associated with a lower risk of mortality [hazard ratio 0.81 (95% confidence interval 0.79–0.82)]. SCI decline accelerated ∼5–7 months before death. Lean tissue index (LTI) estimated by SCI was correlated with measured LTI in both sexes (males: R2 = 0.94; females: R2 = 0.92; both P < 0.001). Bland–Altman analysis showed that measured LTI was 4.71 kg/m2 (±2 SD: −12.54–3.12) lower than estimated LTI.

Conclusion

SCI is a simple, easily obtainable and clinically relevant surrogate marker of MM in HD patients.
A systematic literature review of efficacy, effectiveness and safety of biologic therapies for treatment of familial Mediterranean fever
Authors: Kuemmerle-Deschner Jasmin B , Gautam Raju , George Aneesh T , Raza Syed , Lomax Kathleen G , Hur Peter
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To identify and summarize the existing evidence on the efficacy, effectiveness and safety of biologic therapies used, either as indicated or off-label, in the treatment of FMF.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted using Embase®, MEDLINE®, MEDLINE®-In Process, and Cochrane databases to identify randomized/non-randomized controlled trials (RCTs/non-RCTs) and real-world observational studies of FMF published as full-text articles (2000–September 2017) or conference abstracts (2014–September 2017). Studies with data for ≥1 biologic were included. Studies with <5 patients were excluded.

Results

Of the 3342 retrieved records, 67 publications, yielding 38 unique studies, were included. All studies were published after the year 2010, and the majority (21) were full-text articles. Most studies (33/38) were prospective/retrospective observational; three were double-blind, placebo-controlled RCTs (one each of anakinra, canakinumab and rilonacept); and two were non-RCTs (both canakinumab). Anakinra (26), canakinumab (21) and etanercept (6) were the most frequently used biologics across studies, whereas use of adalimumab, tocilizumab, rilonacept and infliximab was limited (1–2 studies). The available evidence suggested benefits of anakinra and canakinumab in FMF.

Conclusion

Anti-IL-1 therapies (i.e. anakinra and canakinumab) appear to be effective and safe options in the treatment of overall FMF, including patients with colchicine resistance and FMF-related amyloidosis. There is a need for properly designed prospective or controlled studies to conclude the superiority of one anti-IL-1 therapy over another. Evidence on the use of TNF-α and IL-6 inhibitors is limited, and further research is suggested.
Subcutaneous Nitroglycerin for Radial Arterial Catheterization in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Jang Young-Eun , Ji Sang-Hwan , Kim Eun-Hee , Lee Ji-Hyun , Kim Hee-Soo , Mossad Emad B. , Kim Jin-Tae
Published: April 2020

Background

Pediatric radial artery cannulation is challenging because of the small vessel size. Nitroglycerin is a potent vasodilator and facilitates radial artery cannulation by increasing the internal diameter and preventing the vasospasm in adult patients. The authors hypothesize that subcutaneous nitroglycerin injection will improve the success rate of pediatric radial artery cannulation.

Methods

This double-blind, randomized, controlled, single-center study enrolled pediatric patients (n = 113, age less than 2 yr) requiring radial artery cannulation during general anesthesia. The participants were randomized into the nitroglycerin group (n = 57) or control group (n = 56). After inducing general anesthesia, nitroglycerin solution (5 μg/kg in 0.5 ml), or normal saline (0.5 ml) was subcutaneously injected above the chosen radial artery over 10 s with ultrasound guidance. Three minutes later, the ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation was performed. Radial artery diameter was measured before and after the subcutaneous injection and after cannulation. The primary outcome was the first-attempt successful cannulation rate. The secondary outcomes included the diameter of the radial artery and the overall complication rate including hematoma and vasospasm.

Results

A total of 113 children were included in the analysis. The nitroglycerin group had a higher first-attempt success rate than the control group (91.2% [52 of 57] vs. 66.1% [37 of 56]; P = 0.002; odds ratio, 5.3; 95% CI, 1.83 to 15.6; absolute risk reduction, –25.2%; 95% CI, –39.6 to –10.7%). Subcutaneous nitroglycerin injection increased the diameter of the radial artery greater than normal saline (25.0 ± 19.5% vs. 1.9 ± 13.1%; 95% CI of mean difference, 16.9 to 29.3%; P < 0.001). Overall complication rate was lower in the nitroglycerin group than in the control group (3.5% [2 of 57] vs. 31.2% [18 of 56]; P = 0.001; odds ratio, 0.077; 95% CI, 0.017 to 0.350; absolute risk reduction, 28.6%; 95% CI, 15.5 to 41.8%).

Conclusions

Subcutaneous nitroglycerin injection before radial artery cannulation improved the first-attempt success rate and reduced the overall complication rates in pediatric patients.

Editor’s Perspective

What We Already Know about This Topic

What This Article Tells Us That Is New
Weight-lowering Effects of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Detection of Breast Cancer Among Obese Women with Diabetes
Authors: Santella Christina , Yin Hui , Hicks Blánaid M. , Yu Oriana H. Y. , Bouganim Nathaniel , Azoulay Laurent
Published: April 2020

Background:

It has been proposed that the weight loss associated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) may improve detection of breast cancer in patients undergoing this treatment. We aimed to determine whether the weight-lowering effects of GLP-1 RAs are associated with an increased detection of breast cancer among obese women with type 2 diabetes.

Methods:

Using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink, we conducted a propensity score-matched cohort study among female obese patients with type 2 diabetes newly treated with antidiabetic drugs between 1 January 2007 and 31 January 2018. New users of GLP-1 RAs (n = 5,510) were matched to new users of second- to third-line noninsulin antidiabetic drugs (n = 5,510). We used time-dependent Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of breast cancer associated with different GLP-1 RA maximal weight loss categories (<5%, 5%–10%, >10%).

Results:

Breast cancer incidence gradually increased with GLP-1 RA maximal weight loss categories, with the highest HR observed for patients achieving at least 10% weight loss (HR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1, 2.8). In secondary analyses, the HR for >10% weight loss was highest in the 2–3 years since treatment initiation (HR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.2, 6.9).

Conclusions:

In this population-based study, the detection of breast cancer gradually increased with GLP-1 RA weight loss categories, particularly among those achieving >10% weight loss. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that substantial weight loss with GLP-1 RAs may improve detection of breast cancer among obese patients with type 2 diabetes.
The Role of Ambient Particle Radioactivity in Inflammation and Endothelial Function in an Elderly Cohort
Authors: Blomberg Annelise J. , Nyhan Marguerite M. , Bind Marie-Abèle , Vokonas Pantel , Coull Brent A. , Schwartz Joel , Koutrakis Petros
Published: April 2020

Background:

The mechanisms by which exposure to particulate matter might increase risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are not fully known. However, few existing studies have investigated the potential role of particle radioactivity. Naturally occurring radionuclides attach to particulate matter and continue to release ionizing radiation after inhalation and deposition in the lungs. We hypothesize that exposure to particle radioactivity increases biomarkers of inflammation.

Methods:

Our repeated-measures study included 752 men in the greater Boston area. We estimated regional particle radioactivity as a daily spatial average of gross beta concentrations from five monitors in the study area. We used linear mixed-effects regression models to estimate short- and medium-term associations between particle radioactivity and biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, with and without adjustment for additional particulate air pollutants.

Results:

We observed associations between particle radioactivity on C-reactive protein (CRP), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), but no associations with fibrinogen. An interquartile range width increase in mean 7-day particle radioactivity (1.2 × 10−4 Bq/m3) was associated with a 4.9% increase in CRP (95% CI = 0.077, 9.9), a 2.8% increase in ICAM-1 (95% CI = 1.4, 4.2), and a 4.3% increase in VCAM-1 (95% CI = 2.5, 6.1). The main effects of particle radioactivity remained similar after adjustment in most cases. We also obtained similar effect estimates in a sensitivity analysis applying a robust causal model.

Conclusion:

Regional particle radioactivity is positively associated with inflammatory biomarkers, indicating a potential pathway for radiation-induced cardiovascular effects.
Long Noncoding RNA XIST/miR-17/PTEN Axis Modulates the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells to Affect Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyun , Wu Hongyu , Mai Changjiang , Qi Yanqing
Published: April 2020

Stanford type A aortic dissection (TAAD) is one of the most lethal cardiovascular diseases with an extremely high morbidity and mortality rate. LncRNA X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) is abundantly expressed in human thoracic aortic dissection, indicating it may play important roles in TAAD progression. However, the molecular mechanism of lncRNA XIST in TAAD is still in its infancy. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the expression of XIST and miR-17 in the aortic wall tissues of TAAD patients and age-matched healthy volunteers. The relationships between XIST, miR-17, and PTEN were evaluated using dual-luciferase reporter, western blot, and qRT-PCR assays. The biological functions of XIST in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were explored with Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK-8), qRT-PCR, and western blot assays. Results found that XIST was upregulated in aortic wall tissues of patients with TAAD and associated with the prognosis of patients with TAAD. Silence XIST facilitated VSMC proliferation and inhibited VSMC apoptosis, whereas restoration XIST displayed opposite effects. Moreover, mechanistic studies revealed that XIST contained binding sites for miR-17 and miR-17 downregulation reversed the elevation of cell proliferation and attenuation of cell apoptosis, which was induced by silence XIST. Further study revealed that XIST positively regulated PTEN expression through its competitive target miR-17. In conclusion, knockdown of lncRNA XIST might attenuate the progression of TAAD by sponging miR-17 and regulating the following downstream PTEN, which suggested a novel therapeutic target for TAAD treatment.
Neurologic Complications in Children Hospitalized With Influenza Infections
Authors: Solís-García Gonzalo , Chacón-Pascual Almudena , González Martínez Felipe , Miranda Herrero Mª Concepción , Hernández-Sampelayo Teresa , Catalán Alonso Pilar , Rodríguez-Fernández Rosa
Published: April 2020

Background:

Influenza infection is a common cause of respiratory disease and hospitalization in children. Neurologic manifestations of the infection have been increasingly reported and may have an impact on the severity of the disease. The aim of this study is to describe neurologic events in pediatric patients hospitalized with influenza and identify associated risk factors.

Methods:

Retrospective cohort study which included all hospitalized patients with microbiologic confirmation of influenza disease over 4 epidemic seasons, focusing on neurologic complications. Demographic, laboratory and clinical data, as well as past history, were recorded. Descriptive and analytic statistical study was performed using SPSS and R statistical software.

Results:

Two hundred forty-five patients were included. Median age was 21 months (interquartile range, 6–57) and 47.8% had a previous underlying condition. Oseltamivir was administered to 86% of patients, median hospitalization was 4 days (interquartile range, 3–6), and pediatric intensive care unit admission rate 8.9%. Twenty-nine patients (11.8%) developed neurologic events, febrile seizures being the most frequent, followed by nonfebrile seizures and encephalopathy. Status epilepticus occurred in 4 children, and 69.6% of seizures recurred. Patients with a previous underlying condition were at greater risk of developing a neurologic complication [odds ratio (OR), 4.55; confidence interval (CI), 95% 1.23–16.81). Male sex (OR, 3.21; CI 95%, 1.22–8.33), influenza B virus (OR, 2.82; CI 95%, 1.14–7.14) and neurologic events (OR, 3.34; CI 95%, 1.10–10.19) were found to be risk factors for pediatric intensive care unit admission.

Conclusions:

A significant proportion of influenza-related hospitalized patients develop neurologic complications, especially seizures which may be prolonged or recurrent. Previous underlying conditions pose the greatest risk to neurologic events, which increase disease severity.
Primary Nasocutaneous Fistulae in Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis: A Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Bahrami Bobak , Curragh David , McNab Alan A. , Davis Garry , Dolman Peter J. , Selva Dinesh
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

To report the presentation, investigation, management, and outcomes of primary nasocutaneous fistulae in granulomatosis with polyangiitis and review the literature of this complication.

Methods:

Retrospective series of 5 patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis and nasocutaneous fistulae and the medical and surgical management strategies employed.

Results:

Two cases presented with fistulae as the primary symptom of their systemic disease. Systemic management of granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a primary concern and two cases had inadequate control at presentation such that surgical intervention was deferred. Of the other 3 cases, 2 were closed using a median forehead flap and the other with an orbicularis advancement flap. An endonasal approach was attempted in 1 case but was unsuccessful due to the friable nature of the nasal mucosal tissue.

Conclusions:

Nasocutaneous fistulae should alert the clinician to underlying granulomatosis with polyangiitis, which may be a presentation of this condition. Systemic management of disease is often a barrier to surgical management. Myocutaneous flaps may be the most reliable management option to achieve closure.
Digital clubbing as the predominant manifestation of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy caused by pathogenic variants in HPGD in three Indian families
Authors: Radhakrishnan Periyasamy , Jacob Prince , Nayak Shalini S. , Gowrishankar Kalpana , Prakash Soni Jai , Shukla Anju , Girisha Katta M.
Published: April 2020

15-Hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase is NAD+-dependent catalytic enzyme involved in prostaglandin biosynthesis pathway encoded by HPGD. The pathogenic variations in HPGD cause primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (PHO). The objective of the present study is to identify the genetic basis in patients with digital clubbing due to PHO. We performed detailed clinical and radiographic evaluation and exome sequencing in patients from three unrelated Indian families with PHO. Exome sequencing revealed two novel, c.34G>A (p.Gly12Ser) and c.313C>T (p.Gln105*) and a known variant, c.418G>C (p.Ala140Pro) in HPGD. Herein, we add three Indian families to HPGD mutation spectrum and review the literature on variants in this gene.
The effect of periodontal bacteria infection on incidence and prognosis of cancer
Authors: Xiao Li , Zhang Qianyu , Peng Yanshuang , Wang Daqing , Liu Ying
Published: April 2020

Background:

Periodontal bacteria is the major pathogens in the oral cavity and the main cause of adult chronic periodontitis, but their association with incidence and prognosis in cancer is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of periodontal bacteria infection on incidence and prognosis of cancer.

Methods:

A systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases was performed to obtain 39 studies comprising 7184 participants. The incidence of cancer was evaluated as odd ratios (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) using Review Manager 5.2 software. Overall survival, cancer-specific survival and disease-free survival, which were measured as hazard ratios (HR) with a 95% CI using Review Manager 5.2 software.

Results:

Our results indicated that periodontal bacteria infection increased the incidence of cancer (OR = 1.25; 95%CI: 1.03–1.52) and was associated with poor overall survival (HR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.40–2.20), disease-free survival (HR = 2.18; 95%CI: 1.24–3.84) and cancer-specific survival (HR = 1.85, 95%CI: 1.44–2.39). Subgroup analysis indicted that the risk of cancer was associated with Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) infection (OR = 2.16; 95%CI: 1.34–3.47) and Prevotella intermedia (Pi) infection (OR = 1.28; 95%CI: 1.01–1.63) but not Tannerella forsythia (Tf) (OR = 1.06; 95%CI: 0.8–1.41), Treponema denticola (Td) (OR = 1.30; 95%CI: 0.99–1.72), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) (OR = 1.00; 95%CI: 0.48–2.08) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) (OR = 0.61; 95%CI: 0.32–1.16).

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis revealed periodontal bacteria infection increased the incidence of cancer and predicted poor prognosis of cancer.
Prosthetic joint infection due to Candida species
Authors: Saconi Eduardo Schincariol , de Carvalho Vladimir Cordeiro , de Oliveira Priscila Rosalba Domingos , Lima Ana Lúcia Lei Munhoz
Published: April 2020

Introduction:

The increase in the number of patients with prosthetic joints will entail a rise in the absolute number of infections associated with these procedures. Although less frequent, infections by Candida species are also expected to increase, and the clinical and surgical management of these cases is based on case reports and opinion of specialists. The objective of the present study was to review the available literature and describe the cases of prosthetic joint infection caused by Candida species in patients of the Institute of Orthopedics and Trauma of the University of São Paulo Faculty of Medicine Clinics Hospital (IOT-HCFMUSP) between 2007 and 2014.

Patient concerns:

Eleven patients were diagnosed with prosthetic joint infection due to Candida with mean age of 65 years. The most frequent comorbidities were heart disease and diabetes mellitus, and the main personal antecedent was previous bacterial infection in the prosthetic joint. At least one risk factor for fungal infection was present in 73% of the patients. There was no difference between the prevalence of infections caused by Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida species, and there was bacterial co-infection in 55% of the cases.

Diagnosis:

For building up the case series, patients with cultures of bone and joint specimens that were positive for Candida species and had a clinical diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection were included in the case series.

Interventions:

Surgical debridement with removal of the prosthesis was the most frequently used surgical approach (45%). All patients were treated with monotherapy, and the most frequently used antifungal agent was fluconazole. The total duration of antifungal therapy was 6 months in 73% of the cases.

Outcomes:

After the initial management, 73% of the patients achieved clinical remission.

Conclusion:

The most indicated initial management was debridement with removal of the prosthesis, and the most used treatment regimen was fluconazole monotherapy. The most prevalent treatment duration was 6 months. The initial management led to a favorable outcome in 73% of the cases.

Descriptors:

Prosthetic joint infection, Candida, treatment, and diagnosis.
Inhaled methoxyflurane for the management of trauma related pain in patients admitted to hospital emergency departments: a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled trial (PenASAP study)
Authors: Ricard-Hibon Agnès , Lecoules Nathalie , Savary Dominique , Jacquin Laurent , Wiel Eric , Deschamps Patrick , Douplat Marion , Montestruc François , Chomier Bérangère , Tazarourte Karim , Adnet Frédéric
Published: April 2020

Background

Oligo-analgesia is common in the emergency department (ED). This study aimed at reporting, when initiated by triage nurse, the superior efficacy of inhaled methoxyflurane plus standard of care (m-SoC) analgesia versus placebo plus SoC (p-SoC) for moderate-to-severe trauma-related pain in the hospital ED.

Methods

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at eight EDs. Adults with pain score ≥4 (11-point numerical rate scale, NRS) at admission were randomised to receive one or two inhalers containing m-SoC or p-SoC. Primary outcome measure was time until pain relief ≤30 mm, assessed on the 100-mm Visual Analogic Scale (VAS).

Results

A total of 351 patients were analysed (178 m-SoC; 173 p-SoC). Median pain prior to first inhalation was 66 mm, 75% had severe pain (NRS 6–10). Median time to pain relief was 35 min [95% confidence interval (CI), 28–62] for m-SoC versus not reached in p-SoC (92 – not reached) [hazard ratio), 1.93 (1.43–2.60),P < 0.001]. Pain relief was most pronounced in the severe pain subgroup: hazard ratio, 2.5 (1.7–3.7). As SoC, 24 (7%) patients received weak opioids (6 versus 8%), 4 (1%) strong opioid and 44 (13%) escalated to weak or strong opioids (8 versus 17%, respectively,P = 0.02). Most adverse events were of mild (111/147) intensity.

Conclusions

In this study, we report that methoxyflurane, initiated at triage nurse as part of a multimodal analgesic approach, is effective in achieving pain relief for trauma patients. This effect was particularly pronounced in the severe pain subgroup.
The Relationship of Perceptions of Hospice and Palliative Care With Emotional Intelligence and Cognitive Empathy in Nursing Students
Authors: Kang Se-Won , Choi Eun-Jin
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to identify the relationships of perception of hospice and palliative care with emotional intelligence and cognitive empathy in nursing students. The participants were 458 nursing students. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed with Pearson correlation coefficients, independent-samples t test, and binary logistic regression. Perception of hospice and palliative care was significantly and positively correlated with emotional intelligence (r = 0.224, P < .001) and cognitive empathy (r = 0.311, P < .001). Mean score differences of perception of hospice and palliative care by emotional intelligence and cognitive empathy were statistically significant (t = −3.973, P < .001; t = −4.109, P < .001, respectively). Logistic regression yielded an odds ratio of 1.860 (P < .001; 95% confidence interval, 1.283-2.698) between the perception of hospice and palliative care and emotional intelligence and an odds ratio of 2.028 (P < .001; 95% confidence interval, 1.394–2.951) between the perception of hospice and palliative care and cognitive empathy. Emotional intelligence and cognitive empathy should be cultivated to raise nursing students' perception of hospice and palliative care and must be included when developing related curricula and extracurricular programs.