bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of endovascular coiling vs surgical clipping for patients with ruptured carotid-ophthalmic aneurysm
Authors: Feng Guan-Jun , Gao Feng , Huang Xiao-Yuan , Hati Paer , Yang Xiao-Peng , Wu Hong-Xing
Published: November 2020

Background:

Carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms are relatively rare, and represent 1% of all intracranial aneurysms. Generally, endovascular coiling and surgical clipping are the 2 most commonly used methods to treat ruptured carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms, it provides the most favorable outcome for a patient. This study aims to assess the efficiency and safety of endovascular coiling vs surgical clipping for patients with a ruptured carotid-ophthalmic aneurysm.

Methods:

A comprehensive systematic literature review was done in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and WanFang databases. Only randomized trials that compared endovascular coiling with surgical clipping in patients with ruptured carotid-ophthalmic aneurysm was included. Data was extracted independently by 2 review authors. Moreover, the quality of study and bias risk was evaluated by utilizing an appropriate method. Triallists will be contacted to acquire missing information. The data is presented as risk ratio and mean difference, or standardized mean difference with 95% confidence intervals.

Results:

The results from the present research shall be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Conclusion:

The present study summarizes the direct and in-direct evidence to judge the efficiency and safety of these 2 methodologies to treat ruptured carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms and attempt to find the most efficiency and safety therapeutical method.

Ethics and Dissemination:

The present study is a meta-analysis based on published evidence. As a result, ethics approval and patient consent are not needed.
There is no association between weekend admissions and delays in antibiotic administration for patients admitted to the emergency department with suspicion of sepsis
Authors: Fahel Bruno V. B. , Manciola Marina , Lima Gabriel , Barbosa Manoel H. , Starteri Chuva , Ramos João Gabriel Rosa , Caldas Juliana R. , Passos Rogério da Hora
Published: November 2020

Admission to the emergency department (ED) on weekends has been associated with an increase in mortality and poor outcomes, but the associated findings are not consistent. It has been hypothesized that this association may be due to lower adherence to standards of care.

This study was conducted to evaluate whether weekend admissions to the ED increases the time to antibiotic administration in septic patients.

A retrospective cohort study of adult patients who were included in the sepsis protocol at a tertiary ED between January 2015 and December 2017 was performed. The sepsis protocol was activated for all patients with suspected severe infection.

A total of 831 patients with a mean age of 59 ± 21 years were evaluated, of whom 217 (26.1%) were admitted on weekends. In addition, 391 (47.1%) patients were male, and 84 (10.1%) died in the hospital. Overall, the mean sequential organ failure assessment score was 2 ± 1.9, and the mean Charlson comorbidity index was 3.7 ± 3. The time to antibiotic administration was similar between patients admitted on weekends (36.29 ± 50 minutes CI 95%) and patients admitted on weekdays (44.44 ± 69 minutes CI 95%), P = .06; U = 60174.0. Additionally, mortality was similar in both groups of patients, with a 10.3% mortality rate on weekdays and a 9.8% mortality rate on weekends, P = 821.

In this cohort of patients with suspicion of sepsis in the ED, admission on weekends was not associated with increased delays in antibiotic therapy or higher mortality rates.
Imaging features of granular cell tumor in the breast
Authors: Zeng Qiao , Liu Lan , Wen Qingyi , Hu Liping , Zhong Linhua , Zhou Yongjie
Published: November 2020

Rationale:

Granular cell tumor of the breast (GCTB) is a benign rare tumor. There are limited reports on its imaging manifestations. GCTB is often misdiagnosed as breast cancer, which results in unnecessary radical mastectomy and excessive treatment. In this article, we have reported a case of a 56-year-old postmenopausal woman with GCTB and highlighted the imaging features to differentiate this rare tumor from breast cancer.

Patient concerns:

A 56-year-old postmenopausal patient had a chief complaint of a subcutaneous nodule in the upper outer quadrant of her right breast for 2 months. She underwent physical examination, color Doppler ultrasonography, mammography, magnetic resonance, and postoperative pathology.

Diagnoses:

The final diagnosis was GCTB. The tumor cells were intermingled with the fibrous stroma and normal breast parenchyma and showed positive immunoreaction to S-100, CD68, and neuron-specific enolase.

Interventions:

The patient underwent lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Outcomes:

The patient recovered well after lumpectomy and had no complications during the 2-year follow-up.

Lessons:

There are some important imaging features of GCTB that can be used to distinguish it from breast carcinoma to reduce misdiagnosis.
Prevalence and the predictive performance of the dynamic CT-angiography spot sign in an observational cohort with intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Dowlatshahi Dar , Chung Hee Sahng , Reaume Michael , Hogan Matthew J. , Blacquiere Dylan , Stotts Grant , Shamy Michel , Momoli Franco , Aviv Richard , Demchuk Andrew M. , Chakraborty Santanu
Published: November 2020

The CT-angiography (CTA) spot sign is a predictor of hematoma expansion (HE). We have previously reported on the use of dynamic CTA (dCTA) to detect spot sign, and to study its formation over the acquisition period. In this study, we report the frequency of dCTA spot sign in acute intracerebral hemorrhage, its sensitivity and specificity to predict HE, and explore the rate of contrast extravasation in relation to hematoma growth.

We enrolled consecutive patients presenting with primary intracerebral hemorrhage within 4.5 hours. All patients underwent a dCTA protocol acquired over 60 seconds following contrast injection. We calculated frequency of the dCTA spot sign, predictive performance, and rate of contrast extravasation. We compared extravasation rates to the dichotomous definition of significant HE (defined as 6 mL or 33% growth).

In 78 eligible patients, dCTA spot sign frequency was 44.9%. In 61 patients available for expansion analysis, sensitivity and specificity of dCTA spot sign was 65.4% and 62.9%, respectively. Contrast extravasation rate did not significantly predict HE (Odds Ratio 15.6 for each mL/min [95% confidence interval 0.30–820.25], P = .17). Correlation between extravasation rate and HE was low (r = 0.297, P= .11). Patients with significant HE had a higher rate of extravasation as compared to those without (0.12 mL/min vs 0.04 mL/min, P = .03).

Dynamic CTA results in a higher frequency of spot sign positivity, but with modest sensitivity and specificity to predict expansion. Extravasation rate is likely related to HE, but a single measurement may be insufficient to predict the magnitude of expansion.
Effect of acupuncture of sphenopalatine ganglion for the treatment of allergic rhinitis
Authors: Xiong PeiYu , Yuan Tao , Xu Lu , Jia Bo
Published: November 2020

Background:

Allergic rhinitis is an allergic disease of the nasal mucosa mediated by IgE after the body is exposed to allergens. Acupuncture of sphenoid ganglion is a new technique developed by Professor Li Xinwu in the 1860 s to treat allergic rhinitis the efficacy of acupuncture on the sphenopalatine ganglion in the treatment of AR has been clinically verified, but a systematic review and meta-analysis of them is lacking. Our purpose is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture on the sphenopalatine ganglion in the treatment of AR.

Methods:

We will search 8 electronic databases, including: Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, CBM, Wanfang, VIP, WHO ICTRP, ChiCTR, Clinical Trials, Grey Literature Database. The literature search, screening and extraction will be carried out independently by 2 researchers. When the opinions are not uniform, it depends on the opinion of the third researcher. We will use RevmanV.5.3 to perform a fixed-effect meta-analysis on the date of clinical homogeneity studies, and the level of evidence will pass GRADE method.

Results:

This systematic review and meta-analysis will put a high-quality synthesis of the efficacy and safety of acupuncture of sphenoid ganglion treatment in AR.

Conclusion:

The review will provide a comprehensive basis for the treatment of AR patients with acupuncture on the sphenopalatine ganglion.

Ethics and dissemination:

Since this article does not involve patient privacy, ethical approval is not required.

Trial registration number:

INPLASY2020100067.
Effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy on kinesiophobia and oral health-related quality of life in patients with temporomandibular disorders, study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhang Juan , Ran Wenjing , Yu Shuipeng , Jin Yingshu
Published: November 2020

Background:

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is a common physical and psychological disease in dental department. Pain and mandibular limitation are the main reasons for patients to seek oral treatment. However, the presence of kinesiophobia, patients often catastrophize pain, so as to avoid mandibular movement, which seriously affects their quality of life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has significant improvements in reducing kinesiophobia and quality of life in musculoskeletal disease, but has not been proved in TMD patients. The study aims to apply CBT on kinesiophobia and oral health related quality of life (OHRQOL) in TMD patients.

Methods:

A total of 108 individuals between 18 and 65 years of age, who will be referred to the temporomandibular joint clinic of Stomatology Hospital of Tianjin Medical University in china will be randomized into 2 treatment arms. The control group will receive a conventional treatment, whereas the experiment group will receive CBT on the basis of the control group. The primary outcomes will be the kinesiophobia and OHRQOL, and will be measured by the Tampa scale for kinesiophobia for patients with Temporomandibular Disorders (TSK-TMD) and the Oral Health Impact Scale for patients with temporomandibular disorders (OHIP-TMDs), the secondary outcomes will be pain intensity measured by Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), pain catastrophizing measured by Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), anxiety and depression measured by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and self-efficacy measured by General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES).

Discussion:

This study protocol reported a randomized controlled trial which aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the CBT versus conventional treatment with TMD.

Trial registration:

Registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registration Center with the number ChiCTR2000038573. Registered 24 September 2020.
The effectiveness of home-based therapy on functional outcome, self-efficacy and anxiety among discharged stroke survivors
Authors: Pui Kei Chong , Mohd Nordin Nor Azlin , Abdul Aziz Aznida Firzah
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

Stroke survivors are commonly at risk of functional decline following discharge from rehabilitation, which increase their susceptibility to falls, dependency in activities of daily living and emotional disturbances. To combat these, continued therapy is important. Home-based therapy (HBT) has been shown to be useful in maintaining functional performance and quality of life of chronic stroke survivors. However, evidence on its effectiveness remains limited, while no studies are available to date which report the benefit of HBT on stroke survivors self-efficacy and emotional status. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effectiveness of post-discharge HBT in comparison to usual practice on functional outcome (mobility and gait speed), self-efficacy and anxiety level among stroke survivors.

Methods:

This is an assessor-blinded randomized control trial comparing 2 types of intervention which are HBT (experimental group) and usual practice (UP) (control group). Based on sample size calculation using GPower, a total number of 42 participants will be recruited and allocated into either the HBT or the UP group. Participants in HBT group will receive a set of structured exercise therapy consisting of progressive strengthening, balance and task-related exercises. While participants in UP group will receive a usual “intervention” practised by rehabilitation professional prior to discharging stroke patients from their care. Both groups are advised to perform the given interventions for 3 times per week for 12 weeks under the supervision of their caregiver. Outcomes of interventions will be measured using timed up and go test (for mobility), ten-meter walk test (for gait speed), stroke self-efficacy questionnaire (for self-efficacy) and hospital anxiety and depression scale (for anxiety level). All data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Discussion:

This study will provide the information on the effectiveness of HBT in comparison to UP among stroke population who are discharged from rehabilitation. Findings from the study will enable rehabilitation professionals to design effective discharge care plan for stroke survivors in combating functional decline when no longer receiving hospital-based therapy.

Trial registration:

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12619001182189 (last updated 22/11/2019).
Investigation of self-reported chronic urticaria among adults in grasslands of northern China
Authors: Chen Yan-Lei , Shi Hai-Yun , Ma Ting-Ting , Wang Xue-Yan
Published: November 2020

The clinical epidemiological characteristics of chronic urticaria (CU) in different populations were not completely consistent, and the epidemiological characteristics of CU were very complex. At present, there were some patient-based studies on CU, but few natural population-based studied in the world.

This study aimed to analysis the prevalence of self-reported CU among adults in grasslands of northern China and its closely related factors.

A multistage and proportionately stratified random sampling with a field interviewer-administered survey study was performed together with skin prick tests (SPT) and measurements of the daily pollen count.

A total of 3406 subjects completed the study. The prevalence of self-reported CU was 5.61% (n = 191), which was higher in women than that of men (6.91% vs 4.08%, X2 = 12.785, P < .001). Seasonal or seasonal aggravation CU accounted for 110 (57.59%) patients. Pollen dispersal season was basically consistent with the peak season of CU, but there was no significant difference in the positive rate of pollen SPT between CU with seasonal or seasonal aggravation symptom and CU with free of symptom (X

2
 = 0.425, P = .51), as well as between CU with seasonal or seasonal aggravation symptom and perennial CU (X
2 = 0.439, P = .51). Eczema (odds ratio [OR] = 2.807, P < .001), chronic diarrhea (OR = 2.486, P < .01), food allergy history (OR = 1.890, P < .01), history of family allergy (OR = 1.800, P < .001), and conjunctivitis (OR = 1.749, P < .01) were closely related to CU.

This investigation provided the factors closely related to CU, and provided certain ideas for further research on the etiology and prevention of CU.
Endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular stenosis with stent for patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease
Authors: Lin Kailong , Chen Liusheng , Wang Yang , Xu Yeqiang , Wang Guanliang , Li Hongfang , Pan Yicheng , Ma Lichun , He Siyi
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of cerebrovascular stent implantation in southwest Chinese patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease and underlying risk factors for stent restenosis.

We made a retrospectively analysis of occurring risk, cerebrovascular lesion, stent implantation, complication treatment, and prognosis of 54 patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease in our department.

A total of 85 stents were implanted into 54 patients, involving 44 of the internal carotid artery system, 34 of the vertebral-basal artery system and 7 of the subclavian artery system. All patients with stenosis were reduced by >70%, with all stenosis complete reduction in 5 (9%) patients and reduction of over 90% in 25 (46%) patients. A total of 50 patients were followed up for 28.5 (21–35) months. The stents in 42 patients exhibited satisfactory shape and location while restenosis occurred in 8 patients. Univariate analysis revealed that hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia, surgery duration, and total length of hospital stay are significantly correlated with stent restenosis, and hyperlipidemia and hyperuricemia were proven to be independent risk factors for restenosis using logistic regression analysis.

Cerebrovascular stent implantation and balloon inflation surgery can assist in abating angiostenosis and improving blood supplement effectively in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Besides, an overall evaluation, strict care, and regular check-up in perioperative period may reduce the occurrence of complications. Finally, several clinical parameters may need to be highly focused on in surgery for better prognosis.
Bioinformatics analysis of multi-omics data identifying molecular biomarker candidates and epigenetically regulatory targets associated with retinoblastoma
Authors: Zeng Yuyang , He Tao , Liu Juejun , Li Zongyuan , Xie Feijia , Chen Changzheng , Xing Yiqiao
Published: November 2020

Retinoblastoma (RB) is the commonest malignant tumor of the infant retina. Besides genetic changes, epigenetic events are also considered to implicate the occurrence of RB. This study aimed to identify significantly altered protein-coding genes, DNA methylation, microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and their molecular functions and pathways associated with RB, and investigate the epigenetically regulatory mechanism of DNA methylation modification and non-coding RNAs on key genes of RB via bioinformatics method.

We obtained multi-omics data on protein-coding genes, DNA methylation, miRNAs, and lncRNAs from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using the Limma package in R, discerned their biological functions and pathways using enrichment analysis, and conducted the modular analysis based on protein-protein interaction network to identify hub genes of RB. Survival analyses based on The Cancer Genome Atlas clinical database were performed to analyze prognostic values of key genes of RB. Subsequently, we identified the differentially methylated genes, differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and lncRNAs (DELs), and intersected them with key genes to analyze possible targets of the underlying epigenetic regulatory mechanisms. Finally, the ceRNA network of lncRNAs-miRNAs-mRNAs was constructed using Cytoscape.

A total of 193 DEGs, 74 differentially methylated-DEGs (DM-DEGs), 45 DEMs, 5 DELs were identified. The molecular pathways of DEGs were enriched in cell cycle, p53 signaling pathway, and DNA replication. A total of 10 key genes were identified and found significantly associated with poor survival outcome based on survival analyses, including CDK1, BUB1, CCNB2, TOP2A, CCNB1, RRM2, KIF11, KIF20A, NDC80, and TTK. We further found that hub genes MCM6 and KIF14 were differentially methylated, key gene RRM2 was targeted by DEMs, and key genes TTK, RRM2, and CDK1 were indirectly regulated by DELs. Additionally, the ceRNA network with 222 regulatory associations was constructed to visualize the correlations between lncRNAs-miRNAs-mRNAs.

This study presents an integrated bioinformatics analysis of genetic and epigenetic changes that may be associated with the development of RB. Findings may yield many new insights into the molecular biomarker candidates and epigenetically regulatory targets of RB.
Clinical features and short-term outcomes of patients with COVID-19 due to different exposure history
Authors: Chen Xianmeng , Wei Wei , Cao Jie , Hu Xiaowen , Ryu Jay Hoon
Published: November 2020

An ongoing outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread around the world. However, the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 related to different modes of exposure have not been well defined. We aimed to explore the clinical features and outcomes of COVID-19 related to one-time community exposure versus continuous household exposure.

Retrospective case–control study involving COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary designated center in China was performed. Patients were enrolled if they had known exposure history of one-time community exposure or continuous household exposure. Twenty patients were compared in terms of demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, chest CT images, laboratory results, treatments, and clinical outcomes at 1-month follow-up.

There were 10 patients in one-time community and continuous household exposure groups respectively. Males compromised 80% and 40% while the median ages were 37.5 and 51 years old in the 2 groups, respectively. Fever and cough were most common symptoms. Ground-glass opacities were presented on chest CT scan in 90% and 70% of the patients, and the median CT scores were 7 and 16 on admission, respectively. Three patients ranked severe in the community exposure group while 7 patients were severe or critical in household exposure group. On 1-month follow-up, all patients were improved clinically but COVID-19 IgG antibody detected positive. Median follow-up CT scores were 0 and 13 while pulmonary function test abnormalities were 0/9 and 2/7 in the 2 groups, respectively.

COVID-19 patients with one-time community exposure tended to be mild in severity and had better outcomes, comparing to those with continuous household exposure.
Optimal tumor coverage with different beam energies by IMRT, VMAT and TOMO
Authors: Huang Sheng-Fang , Lin Jang-Chun , Shiau An-Cheng , Chen Yun-Chih , Li Ming-Hsien , Tsai Jo-Ting , Liu Wei-Hsiu
Published: November 2020

To compare the effects of different photon energies on radiation planning by intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and helical tomotherapy (TOMO) for proximal gastric cancer (PGC). Network analysis with microarray procession and gene ontology were used to identify the effect of radiotherapy (RT) on PGC. Then, we retrospectively analyzed 8 PGC patients after receiving irradiation with a prescribed dose of 50.4 Gy. The Pinnacle treatment planning system (TPS, V9.8) was used to generate IMRT and VMAT plans by using 6 or 10 MV. TOMO plans were calculated on the Tomotherapy Planning Station Hi-Art Version 4.2.3 workstation (Tomotherapy Incorporated, Madison, WI, USA). PGC is associated with high DNA repair ability. TOMO plan results in higher tumor coverage and a better conformity index than IMRT and VMAT. 10-MV VMAT yields better dosimetric quality of the gradient index than 6-MV VMAT (P = .012). TOMO was associated with a lower irradiation dose in the mean dose to the right kidney (P = .049), left kidney and heart than 6-MV IMRT and 6-MV VMAT. 6-MV IMRT plan presented a higher dose of lung D
mean (P = .017) than 10-MV IMRT. Additionally, VMAT, using a planning energy of 6 MV, was associated with a significantly higher left kidney D
mean (P = .018) and V
10 (P = .036) than a planning energy of 10 MV. TOMO is a better RT plan not only for tumor coverage but also for sparing organs at risk. IMRT and VMAT plans with 10 MV beams are more suitable than 6 MV beams for PGC treatment.
Impact of previous HIV resistance and virologic failures on virologic outcome following a switch to dolutegravir with 2 NRTIs among people living with HIV
Authors: Sangaré Mohamed N’dongo , Baril Jean-Guy , de Pokomandy Alexandra , Laprise Claudie , Deshaies Catherine , Klein Marina , Thomas Réjean , Tremblay Cécile , Roger Michel , Pexos Costa , Greenwald Zoe , Machouf Nima , Durand Madeleine , Hardy Isabelle , Dakouo Mamadou , Laporte Louise , Trottier Helen
Published: November 2020

There is uncertainty regarding the potential virologic outcome associated with a change in antiretroviral therapy (ARV) among PLHIV who had previous documented virologic failure or who have been exposure to mono/dual nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) therapy. The objective was to measure the potential impact of exposure to previous virologic failure or mono/dual NRTI regimen on virologic outcome of PLHIV following a switch to dolutegravir with 2 NRTIs from a viremia suppressive ARV therapy.

Data from the Quebec HIV Cohort including 10219 PLHIV were collected through routine clinical care at 4 clinical sites in Montreal, Canada. This study includes patients whose ARV therapy was switched to dolutegravir with 2 NRTIs since 2013 with undetectable viral load for ≥6 months before switch. The association between exposure and post-switch virologic outcome was measured by marginal hazard ratio estimated using the Inverse probability weighting Cox model.

Among the 1199 eligible PLHIV, 478 (39.9%) previously experienced at least one virologic failure or were exposed to mono/dual therapy before dolutegravir switch. Post-switch virologic failure after 30 months occurred in 4.1% (95% CI 2.1–7.9) of exposed compared to 4.1% (95% CI 2.3–7.4) in unexposed participants. The adjusted hazard ratio for the association between exposure and post-switch virologic failure was 0.84 (95% CI 0.35–2.01).

Our findings suggest that switch to dolutegravir with 2 NRTIs from a suppressive therapy is a safe option for PLHIV with documented virologic failure and/or previous exposure to mono/dual NRTI therapy.
Efficacy and safety of massage therapy for chronic atrophic gastritis
Authors: Zhou Ke-Lin , Dong Shuo , Guo Sheng , Dai Xiao-Hui , Yang Jing-Yi , Liu Yang , Mi Bao-Lai , Wang Shao-Wei , Fu Guo-Bing , Wei Pei-Dong
Published: November 2020

Background:

Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is an established precursor of gastric carcinoma with high prevalence worldwide. It is a typical complex gastro-intestinal disease with multiple influence factors, of which exact mechanisms remain unelucidated. Therefore, an ideal strategy to relieve CAG is urgently needed. In recent years, massage therapy has been increasingly accepted by CAG patients due to its lower costs, fewer unwanted side effects and safety for clinical use. In this systematic review, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of massage therapy for patients with chronic atrophic gastritis.

Methods:

We will search the following electronic databases for randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of massage therapy in treating chronic atrophic gastritis: Wanfang and Pubmed Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Cochrane Central register of controlled trials, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Excerpta Medica database. Each database will be searched from inception to September 2020. The entire process will include study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and meta-analyses.

Result:

This proposed study will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of massage therapy for patients with chronic atrophic gastritis. The outcomes will include changes in CAG relief and adverse effect.

Conclusion:

This proposed systematic review will evaluate the existing evidence on the effectiveness and safety of massage therapy for patients with chronic atrophic gastritis.

Dissemination and ethics:

The results of this review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication. Because all of the data used in this systematic review and meta-analysis has been published, this review does not require ethical approval. Furthermore, all data will be analyzed anonymously during the review process.
Arthroscopic versus open treatment for femoroacetabular impingement
Authors: Qiao Hu-Yun , Zhang Yong-Hong , Ren Yi-Ming , Tian Meng-Qiang
Published: November 2020

Background:

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common cause of hip pain and restricted range of motion in young adults and athletes. This study aims to compare clinical results and complications between patients treated for FAI who underwent either arthroscopic or open treatment.

Methods:

The 7 studies were acquired from PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The data were extracted analyzed by RevMan5.3. Mean differences (MDs), odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale were used to assess risk of bias.

Results:

Seven observational studies were assessed. The methodological quality of the trials indicated a low risk of bias. The pooled results of the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and satisfaction rate showed that the differences were not statistically significant between arthroscopic treatment (AT) and open treatment (OT). The difference of postoperative alpha angle was statistically significant, and OT was more effective [MD = 3.08, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.45–4.70,P = .0002]. The difference of postoperative internal rotation angle was statistically significant, and OT had better internal rotation angle (MD = -3.21, 95% CI = -6.14 to -0.28,P = .03). However, the difference of complications was statistically significant and AT achieved better result than OT (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.22–0.74,P =0.003).

Conclusion:

AT had comparable effect and lower complications than OT, but had less improvement in alpha angle and internal rotation angle.
Edward Arthur Boyse. 11 August 1923—14 July 2007
Authors: Bard Judith
Published: November 2020

Edward Boyse was the consummate scientist. His interest was piqued by the unique, the undeveloped and the unthought of. When an area of study gained widespread attention, he moved on. The development of the field of cell surface immunogenetics, of which he was master, relied heavily on the use of Boyse's congenic mouse strains, and on his improved methods for reliable serology. He founded the new discipline of odourtype genetics, revealing how immunohaplotypes were involved in assortative mating and related behaviours, thus promoting heterozygosity. He pioneered the now crowded field of cord-blood cryopreservation and transplantation, conducting the first laboratory studies in mice and assembling the clinical team that performed the first human cord-blood transplant. An educator and protector of graduate students, he instilled rigorous scientific discipline while broadening horizons. Boyse was a pilot in World War II, a physician, a biomedical innovator and a demon squash player. A lover of classical music (which love he transmitted to his children) and the Beatles (love of which they transmitted to him), he strenuously avoided both the intellectually self-absorbed and the ostentatiously populist. In leisure, he flew, hiked, ran, biked and, periodically, upholstered. Wit, generosity and loyalty were the most prominent features of his unique personality.
Ecological models: higher complexity in, higher feasibility out
Authors: AlAdwani Mohammad , Saavedra Serguei
Published: November 2020

Finding a compromise between tractability and realism has always been at the core of ecological modelling. The introduction of nonlinear functional responses in two-species models has reconciled part of this compromise. However, it remains unclear whether this compromise can be extended to multispecies models. Yet, answering this question is necessary in order to differentiate whether the explanatory power of a model comes from the general form of its polynomial or from a more realistic description of multispecies systems. Here, we study the probability of feasibility (the existence of at least one positive real equilibrium) in complex models by adding higher-order interactions and nonlinear functional responses to the linear Lotka–Volterra model. We characterize complexity by the number of free-equilibrium points generated by a model, which is a function of the polynomial degree and system’s dimension. We show that the probability of generating a feasible system in a model is an increasing function of its complexity, regardless of the specific mechanism invoked. Furthermore, we find that the probability of feasibility in a model will exceed that of the linear Lotka–Volterra model when a minimum level of complexity is reached. Importantly, this minimum level is modulated by parameter restrictions, but can always be exceeded via increasing the polynomial degree or system’s dimension. Our results reveal that conclusions regarding the relevance of mechanisms embedded in complex models must be evaluated in relation to the expected explanatory power of their polynomial forms.
The bubble-induced population dynamics of fermenting yeasts
Authors: Srivastava Atul , Kikuchi Kenji , Ishikawa Takuji
Published: November 2020

Bubble-induced transport is a ubiquitous natural and industrial phenomenon. In brewery, such transport occurs due to gas bubbles generated through anaerobic fermentation by yeasts. Two major kinds of fermentation viz. top (ale) and bottom (lager) fermentation, display a difference in their yeast distributions inside a sugar broth. The reason for this difference is believed to be yeast–bubble adhesion arising due to surface hydrophobicity of the yeast cell wall; however, the physical mechanism is still largely a mystery. In this report, throughin vivoexperiments, we develop a novel theoretical model for yeast distribution based on the general conservation law. This work clarifies that bubble-induced diffusion is the dominant transport mechanism in bottom-fermentation by lagers whereas, yeast–bubble adhesion plays a leading role in transporting ales in top-fermentation, thereby corroborating the centuries-old belief regarding distribution difference in yeast population in two kinds of fermentation.
Reclassification of the biocontrol agents Bacillus subtilis BY-2 and Tu-100 as Bacillus velezensis and insights into the genomic and specialized metabolite diversity of the species
Authors: Mullins Alex J. , Li Yinshui , Qin Lu , Hu Xiaojia , Xie Lihua , Gu Chiming , Mahenthiralingam Eshwar , Liao Xing , Webster Gordon
Published: November 2020

The genomes of two historical

Bacillus

species strains isolated from the roots of oilseed rape and used routinely in PR China as biocontrol agents to suppress Sclerotinia disease were sequenced. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization analyses demonstrated that they were originally misclassified as

Bacillus subtilis

and now belong to the bacterial species

Bacillus velezensis

. A broader ANI analysis of available

Bacillus

genomes identified 292

B. velezensis

genomes that were then subjected to core gene analysis and phylogenomics. Prediction and dereplication of specialized metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) defined the prevalence of multiple antimicrobial-associated BGCs and highlighted the natural product potential of

B. velezensis

. By defining the core and accessory antimicrobial biosynthetic capacity of the species, we offer an in-depth understanding of

B. velezensis

natural product capacity to facilitate the selection and testing of

B. velezensis

strains for use as biological control agents.
Practical barriers and facilitators experienced by patients, pharmacists and physicians to the implementation of pharmacogenomic screening in Dutch outpatient hospital care – an explorative pilot study
Authors: Lanting P. , Drenth W.H. , Boven L.G. , van Hoek A. , Hijlkema A.M.A. , Poot A.E. , van der Vries G. , Schoevers R.A. , Gans R.O.B. , Kosterink J.G.W. , Plantinga M. , van Langen I.M. , Ranchor A.V. , Wijmenga C. , Franke L.H. , Wilffert B. , Sijmons R.H.
Published: November 2020

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) can provide optimized treatment to individual patients while potentially reducing healthcare costs. However, widespread implementation remains absent. We performed a pilot study of PGx screening in Dutch outpatient hospital care to identify the barriers and facilitators to implementation experienced by patients (n=165), pharmacists (n=58) and physicians (n=21). Our results indeed suggest that the current practical experience of healthcare practitioners (HCPs) with PGx is limited, that proper education is necessary, that patients want to know the exact implications of the results, and that there is an unclear allocation of responsibilities between HCPs about who should discuss PGx with patients and apply PGx results in healthcare. We observed a positive attitude toward PGx among all the stakeholders in our study, and among patients this was independent of the occurrence of drug- gene interactions during their treatment. Facilitators included the availability of and adherence to Dutch Pharmacogenetic Working Group guidelines. While Clinical Decision Support (CDS) is available and valued in our medical center, the lack of availability of CDS might be an important barrier within Dutch healthcare in general.
Caspases switch off m6A RNA modification pathway to reactivate a ubiquitous human tumor virus
Authors: Zhang Kun , Zhang Yucheng , Maharjan Yunash , Sugiokto Febri G , Wan Jun , Li Renfeng
Published: November 2020

The methylation of RNA at the N6 position of adenosine (m6A) orchestrates multiple biological processes to control development, differentiation, and cell cycle, as well as various aspects of the virus life cycle. How the m6A RNA modification pathway is regulated to finely tune these processes remains poorly understood. Here, we discovered the m6A reader YTHDF2 as a caspase substrate via proteome-wide prediction, followed byin vitroandin vivovalidations. We further demonstrated that cleavage-resistant YTHDF2 blocks, while cleavage-mimicking YTHDF2 fragments promote, the replication of a common human oncogenic virus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Intriguingly, our study revealed a feedback regulation between YTHDF2 and caspase-8 via m6A modification ofCASP8mRNA and YTHDF2 cleavage during EBV replication. Further, we discovered that caspases cleave multiple components within the m6A RNA modification pathway to benefit EBV replication. Together, our study establishes that caspase disarming of the m6A RNA modification machinery fosters EBV reactivation.

Teaser

Cellular m6A RNA modification machinery is cleaved by caspases to foster the reproduction of a common human tumor virus
Large-scale monitoring of resistance to coumaphos, amitraz and pyrethroids inVarroa destructor
Authors: Hernández-Rodríguez Carmen Sara , Marín Óscar , Calatayud Fernando , Mahiques María José , Mompó Ana , Segura Inmaculada , Simó Enrique , González-Cabrera Joel
Published: November 2020

Varroa destructoris an ectoparasitic mite causing devastating damages to honey bee colonies around the world. Its impact is considered a major factor contributing to the significant seasonal losses of colonies recorded every year. Beekeepers are usually relying on a reduced set of acaricides to manage the parasite, usually the pyrethroids tau-fluvalinate or flumethrin, the organophosphate coumaphos and the formamidine amitraz. However, the evolution of resistance in the populations is leading to an unsustainable scenario with almost no alternatives to reach an adequate control of the mite.

Here we present the results from the first, large-scale and extensive monitoring of the susceptibility to acaricides in the Comunitat Valenciana, one of the most prominent apicultural regions in Spain. Our ultimate goal was to provide beekeepers with timely information to help them decide what would be the best alternative for a long-term control of the mites in their apiaries. Our data show that there is a significant variation in the expected efficacy of coumaphos and pyrethroids across the region, indicating the presence of a different ratio of resistant individuals to these acaricides in each population. On the other hand, the expected efficacy of amitraz was more consistent, although slightly below the expected efficacy according to the label.

HIGHLIGHTS

Varroa destructoris causing severe damages to honey bee colonies worldwide.

There are very few acaricides available to manage the parasite.

The evolution of resistance is limiting our capacity to control the mite.

We estimated the expected efficacy of the main acaricides in many Spanish apiaries.

The information was shared with beekeepers for them to decide the best treatment to control the mite.
Rapid Anthropocene realignment of allometric scaling rules
Authors: Santini Luca , Isaac Nick J.B.
Published: November 2020

The negative relationship between body size and population density (SDR) in mammals is often interpreted as resulting from energetic constraints. In a global change scenario, however, this relationship might be expected to change, given the size-dependent nature of anthropogenic pressures and vulnerability to extinction. Here we test whether the SDR in mammals has changed over the last 50 years. We show that the relationship has shifted down and became shallower, corresponding to a decline in population density of 32-72%, for the largest and smallest mammals, respectively. However, the SDRs become steeper in some groups (e.g. carnivores) and shallower in others (e.g. herbivores). The Anthropocene reorganization of biotic systems is apparent in macroecological relationships that were previously believed to be immutable, reinforcing the notion that biodiversity pattens are contingent upon conditions at the time of investigation. We call for an increased attention on the role of global change on macroecological inferences.
Genome-wide association studies reveal the complex genetic architecture of DMI fungicide resistance inCercospora beticola
Authors: Spanner Rebecca , Taliadoros Demetris , Richards Jonathan , Rivera-Varas Viviana , Neubauer Jonathan , Natwick Mari , Hamilton Olivia , Vaghefi Niloofar , Pethybridge Sarah , Secor Gary A. , Friesen Timothy L. , Stukenbrock Eva H. , Bolton Melvin D.
Published: November 2020

Cercospora leaf spot is the most important disease of sugar beet worldwide. The disease is caused by the fungusCercospora beticolaand is managed principally by timely application of fungicides including those of the sterol demethylation inhibitor (DMI) class. However, reliance on DMIs has caused an increase in resistance to this class of fungicides in multipleC. beticolapopulations. To better understand the genetic and evolutionary basis for resistance inC. beticola, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and selective sweep analysis were conducted for the first time in this fungal plant pathogen. We performed whole genome resequencing of 190C. beticolaisolates predominantly from North Dakota and Minnesota that were phenotyped for sensitivity to tetraconazole, the most widely used DMI fungicide in this region. GWAS identified mutations in genes associated with DMI fungicide resistance including a Regulator of G-protein Signaling (RGS) protein, an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) pleiotropic drug resistance transporter, a dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase (DYRK), and a gene annotated as a hypothetical protein. A SNP upstream ofCbCYP51, the gene encoding the target of DMI fungicides, was also identified via GWAS. Haplotype analysis of CbCYP51 identified a synonymous mutation (E170) in high linkage disequilibrium with the upstream SNP, and multiple non-synonymous mutations (L144F, I387M and Y464S) associated with DMI resistance. Additionally, a putative codon bias effect for the L144F substitution was identified that generated different resistance potentials. We also identified a CbCYP51 paralog inC. beticola, CbCYP51-like, with high protein homology to CYP51C found uniquely inFusariumspecies butCbCYP51-likedoes not appear to influence DMI sensitivity. Genome-wide scans of selection showed that several of the GWAS mutations for fungicide resistance resided in regions that have recently undergone a selective sweep. Using radial plate growth on selected media as a fitness proxy, we did not find a trade-off associated with DMI fungicide resistance suggesting that resistance mutations can persist inC. beticolapopulations. Taken together, we show that population genomic data from a crop pathogen can allow the identification of mutations conferring fungicide resistance and inform about their origins in the pathogen population.
Sex-specific Alterations in Hepatic Cholesterol Metabolism in Young Uteroplacental Insufficiency-induced Low Birth Weight Adult Guinea Pig Offspring
Authors: Sarr Ousseynou , Mathers Katherine E. , Vanderboor Christina , Devgan Aditya , Hardy Daniel B. , Zhao Lin , Regnault Timothy R.H.
Published: November 2020

Background

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and low birth weight (LBW) have been widely reported as an independent risk factor for hypercholesterolemia and increased hepatic cholesterol underlying liver dysfunction in adulthood. However, the specific impact of uteroplacental insufficiency (UPI), a leading cause of LBW in developed world, on hepatic cholesterol metabolism in later life, is ill defined and is clinically relevant in understanding later life liver metabolic health trajectories.

Methods

Hepatic cholesterol metabolism pathways were studied in uterine artery ablation-induced LBW and normal birth weight (NBW) male and female guinea pig offspring at postnatal day 150.

Results

Hepatic free and total cholesterol were increased in LBWversusNBW males. Transcriptome analysis of LBWversusNBW livers revealed that “Cholesterol metabolism” was an enriched pathway in LBW males but not females. Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein and cytochrome P450 7A1 protein, involved in hepatic cholesterol efflux and catabolism, respectively, and catalase activity were decreased in LBW male livers. Superoxide dismutase activity was reduced in LBW males but increased in LBW females.

Conclusions

UPI environment is associated with a later life programed hepatic cholesterol accumulation via impaired cholesterol elimination, in a sex-specific manner. These programmed alterations could underlie later life cholesterol-induced hepatic lipotoxicity in LBW male offspring.

Impact Statement

Low birth weight (LBW) is a risk factor for adult hypercholesterolemia and increased hepatic cholesterol.

Uteroplacental insufficiency (UPI) resulting in LBW increased hepatic cholesterol content, altered hepatic expression of cholesterol metabolism-related genes in young adult guinea pigs.

UPI-induced LBW was also associated with markers of a compromised hepatic cholesterol elimination process and failing antioxidant system in young adult guinea pigs.

These changes, at the current age studied, were sex-specific, only being observed in LBW males and not LBW females.

These programmed alterations could lead to further hepatic damage and greater predisposition to liver diseases in UPI-induced LBW male offspring as they age.
ABLE: Attention Based Learning for Enzyme Classification
Authors: Mohan Vamsi Nallapareddy , Dwivedula Rohit
Published: November 2020

Classifying proteins into their respective enzyme class is an interesting question for researchers for a variety of reasons. The open source Protein Data Bank (PDB) contains more than 1,60,000 structures, with more being added everyday. This paper proposes an attention-based bidirectional-LSTM model (ABLE) trained on oversampled data generated by SMOTE to analyse and classify a protein into one of the six enzyme classes or a negative class using only the primary structure of the protein described as a string by the FASTA sequence as an input. We achieve the highest F1-score of 0.834 using our proposed model on a dataset of proteins from the PDB. We baseline our model against seventeen other machine learning and deep learning models, including CNN, LSTM, BILSTM and GRU. We perform extensive experimentation and statistical testing to corroborate our results.