bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene Therapy: Targeting Cardiomyocyte Proliferation to Repopulate the Ischemic Heart
Authors: López Ayelén Emilce , Bauzá María del Rosario , Cuniberti Luis , Crottogini Alberto José , Olea Fernanda Daniela , Locatelli Paola
Published: May 2021

Adult mammalian cardiomyocytes show scarce division ability, which makes the heart ineffective in replacing lost contractile cells after ischemic cardiomyopathy. In the past decades, there have been increasing efforts in the search for novel strategies to regenerate the injured myocardium. Among them, gene therapy is one of the most promising ones, based on recent and emerging studies that support the fact that functional cardiomyocyte regeneration can be accomplished by the stimulation and enhancement of the endogenous ability of these cells to achieve cell division. This capacity can be targeted by stimulating several molecules, such as cell cycle regulators, noncoding RNAs, transcription, and metabolic factors. Therefore, the proposed target, together with the selection of the vector used, administration route, and the experimental animal model used in the development of the therapy would determine the success in the clinical field.
Pediatric Microbial Keratitis With Overnight Orthokeratology in Russia
Authors: Bullimore Mark A. , Mirsayafov Dmitry S. , Khurai Aslan R. , Kononov Leonid B. , Asatrian Suzanna P. , Shmakov Andrei N. , Richdale Kathryn , Gorev Valery V.
Published: May 2021

Objectives:

To estimate the incidence of microbial keratitis in children wearing overnight orthokeratology lenses in Moscow, Russia.

Methods:

To estimate the number of children wearing overnight orthokeratology lenses in 2018, 1,368 patient records from 13 Doctors Lens clinics were selected at random and extrapolated to the entire patient base. To identify cases of microbial keratitis, all episodes of infiltrative keratitis from Morozovskaya City Children's Clinical Hospital in 2018 were recorded and adjudicated by three experienced ophthalmologists. Incidence was calculated as the number of cases divided by the estimated number of wearers.

Results:

There were 23,049 overnight orthokeratology fits between 2010 and 2018. Among the 1,368 records surveyed, 1,078 (79%) were younger than 18 years at initial fitting. Based on a 7% or 10% annual discontinuation rate, the estimated number of children wearing lenses in 2018 was 10,307 or 9,422, respectively. During 2018, there were 139 cases of corneal infiltrative keratitis in children and 45 were adjudicated as microbial keratitis (32%). Of these, 20 cases were associated with contact lens wear (44%): 15 soft lens wearers (33%) and 5 overnight orthokeratology wearers (11%). Based on the 5 cases and assuming a 7% or 10% discontinuation rate, the annual incidence is 4.9 (95% confidence interval[CI]: 2.1–11.4) or 5.3 (95% CI: 2.3–12.4) per 10,000 patient years.

Conclusion:

The incidence of microbial keratitis in children wearing overnight orthokeratology is lower than a previous United States study and similar to rates associated with use of daily wear soft contact lenses.
Effective Cannula Vacuuming Maneuver to Unfold the Descemet Membrane Graft
Authors: Koçluk Yusuf , Kasım Burcu
Published: May 2021

Objectives:

To present the cannula vacuuming maneuver (CVM) in the Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and to investigate the efficacy of CVM in reducing the unfolding time (UT) of the graft in cases with an unstable anterior chamber (AC).

Subjects/methods:

Forty-four eyes of 44 patients, who underwent DMEK at the ophthalmology clinic of a training and research hospital, were included in this retrospective study. Surgical videos and patient charts were examined retrospectively. In 21 cases, only no-touch technique maneuvers were used (group 1), and in 23 cases, CVM was used in addition to the no-touch technique (group 2). Demographic data, the status of AC, graft diameter, width, and formation of graft rolls and UT were recorded and compared between the groups. The causes of increased UT and the reason for using CVM were investigated in group 2.

Results:

Although an unstable AC was observed more frequently in group 2, the difference between the groups was not statistically significant (P=0.054). Unfolding time of rolls in group 2 was significantly shorter than group 1 (P=0.040).

Conclusion:

Cannula vacuuming maneuver shortens the UT of the graft roll in the AC and facilitates the graft unfolding maneuvers in complicated cases.
The Magnitude of Interferon Gamma Release Assay Responses in Children With Household Tuberculosis Contact Is Associated With Tuberculosis Exposure and Disease Status
Authors: Ronge Lena , Sloot Rosa , Du Preez Karen , Kay Alexander W. , Kirchner H. Lester , Grewal Harleen M. S. , Mandalakas Anna M. , Hesseling Anneke C.
Published: May 2021

Background:

The clinical utility of the magnitude of interferon gamma (IFNγ) in response to mycobacterial antigens is unknown. We assessed the association between quantitative IFNγ response and degree of Mycobacterium tuberculosis exposure, infection and tuberculosis (TB) disease status in children.

Methods:

We completed cross-sectional analysis of children (≤15 years) exposed to an adult with bacteriologically confirmed TB, 2007–2012 in Cape Town, South Africa. IFNγ values were reported as concentrations and spot forming units for the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) and T-SPOT.TB, respectively. Random-effects linear regression was used to investigate the relation between the M. tuberculosis contact score, clinical phenotype (TB diseased, infected, uninfected) and IFNγ▪response as outcome, adjusted for relevant covariates.

Results:

We analyzed data from 669 children (median age, 63 months; interquartile range, 33–108 months). A 1-unit increase in M. tuberculosis contact score was associated with an increase of IFNγ 0.60 international unit/mL (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44–0.76 international unit/mL), and IFNγ spot forming unit 2 counts (95% CI, 1–3). IFNγ response was significantly lower among children with M. tuberculosis infection compared with children with TB disease (β = –1.42; 95% CI, –2.80 to –0.03) for the QFT-GIT, but not for the T-SPOT.TB. This association was strongest among children 2–5 years (β = –2.35 years; 95% CI, –4.28 to –0.42 years) and absent if <2 years.

Conclusions:

The magnitude of IFNγ response correlated with the degree of recent M. tuberculosis exposure, measured by QFT-GIT and T-SPOT.TB, and was correlated with clinically relevant TB phenotypes using the QFT-GIT. IFNγ values are not only useful in estimating the risk of M. tuberculosis infection but may also support the diagnosis of TB disease in children.

Discussion:

The magnitude of IFNγ response correlated with the degree of recent M. tuberculosis exposure, measured by QFT-GIT and T-SPOT.TB, and was correlated with clinically relevant TB phenotypes using the QFT-GIT. IFNγ values are not only useful in estimating the risk of M. tuberculosis infection but may also support the diagnosis of TB disease in children.
Rapid Evidence and Gap Map of virtual care solutions across a stepped care continuum for youth with chronic pain and their families in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Birnie Kathryn A. , Pavlova Maria , Neville Alexandra , Noel Melanie , Jordan Isabel , Jordan Evie , Marianayagam Justina , Stinson Jennifer , Lorenzetti Diane L. , Faulkner Violeta , Killackey Tieghan , Campbell Fiona , Lalloo Chitra
Published: May 2021

Poor access to pediatric chronic pain care is a longstanding concern. The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated virtual care delivery at an unprecedented pace and scale. We conducted a scoping review to create an interactive Evidence and Gap Map of virtual care solutions across a stepped care continuum (ie, from self-directed to specialist care) for youth with chronic pain and their families. Review methodology was codesigned with 8 youth with chronic pain and 7 parents/caregivers. Data sources included peer-reviewed scientific literature, gray literature (app stores and web sites), and a call for innovations. Records were independently coded and assessed for quality. Overall, 185 records were included (105 scientific records, 56 apps, 16 web sites, and 8 innovations). Most virtual care solutions were applicable across pediatric chronic pain diagnoses, with the greatest proportion at lower levels of stepped care (ie, >100 self-guided apps and web sites). Virtual delivery of psychological strategies was common. Evidence gaps were noted at higher levels of stepped care (ie, requiring more resource and health professional involvement), integration with health records, communication with health professionals, web accessibility, and content addressing social/family support, medications, school, substance use, sleep, diet, and acute pain flares or crises. Evidence and Gap Maps are a novel visual knowledge synthesis tool, which enable rapid evidence-informed decision-making by patients and families, health professionals, and policymakers. This evidence and gap map identified high-quality virtual care solutions for immediate scale and spread and areas with no evidence in need of prioritization. Virtual care should address priorities identified by youth with chronic pain and their families.
Temporal association of maternal weight gain with early-term and preterm birth and low birth weight babies
Authors: Jan Mohamed Hamid Jan , Lim Poh Ying , Loy See Ling , Chang Kah Haw , Abdullah Ahmad Fahmi Lim
Published: May 2021

Background:

Low birth weight and preterm or early-term babies may have a higher risk of poor health. One of the main factors is the weight gain of a pregnant woman during gestational weeks in the second and third trimesters. Changes in weight over a month in a pregnant woman might also have an impact on infant outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the association between maternal weight at different time points and low birth weight and preterm or early-term babies (premature babies).

Methods:

A total of 156 pregnant women were recruited. Maternal weight was collected at different gestational weeks. Maternal age, body mass index, delivery mode, delivery week, and infant weight were also recorded. Maternal data were restructured into a person-period format before mixed-effects multiple logistic regression was used. Various weight variables with either a fixed effect or time-varying effects were tested in the model.

Results:

Thirty (19.23%) women had delivered low birth weight or premature babies. Multiple logistic regression model demonstrated that mothers with higher increases in weight at 32 weeks of gestation than that in the predelivery stage had a lower probability of having a low birth weight or premature baby (odds ratio [OR] = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.49-0.85; p < 0.001). Women with a weight increase of more than 2 kg in a 4-week gestation period had a higher probability of having a low birth weight or premature baby than those with an increment of <1 kg (OR = 8.43; 95% CI, 2.90-24.54; p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

An increase in weight gain after 32 weeks was shown to reduce the risk of low birth weight and premature babies. Maternal weight monitoring was suggested to be conducted every 4 weeks to minimize the chance of having a low birth weight and premature baby.
Surgical and survival outcomes after robotic and open pancreaticoduodenectomy with positive margins
Authors: Lee Po-Ying , Shyr Bor-Uei , Shyr Bor-Shiuan , Chen Shih-Chin , Shyr Yi-Ming , Wang Shin-E
Published: May 2021

Background:

Though nowadays a palliative pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) can be performed safely with relatively low mortality and acceptable morbidity rates in experienced centers, there have been no studies on the routine use of a palliative PD or on the advantages of performing surgical resection as a debulking procedure. Furthermore, the impact of resection margins on survival outcomes has been a matter of controversy. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the role of robotic PD (RPD) in pancreatic and periampullary adenocarcinomas with positive resection margins.

Methods:

Patients undergoing RPDs and open PDs (OPDs) were included in this study. Based on the resection margins, the patients were divided into the R0, R1, and R2 PD groups. Surgical risks and survival outcomes were analyzed.

Results:

There were 348 PDs, including 29 (8.3%) palliative and 319 (91.7%) curative. Primary tumor origin, tumor sizes, perineural invasions, and abnormal serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels were factors leading to palliative resection. The multivariate analysis showed that only pancreatic head adenocarcinomas and abnormal serum CEA levels (>5 ng/mL) were independent predictors. The surgical risks between curative and palliative PD were similar. There were no significant differences in the surgical risks and other surgical parameters between palliative RPDs and OPDs. For curative resection, RPDs resulted in less blood loss, greater harvested lymph nodes yield, less postoperative complications, less delayed gastric emptying, and shorter hospital stays than OPDs. The survival outcome was significantly better following R0 resection in overall periampullary adenocarcinomas, whereas a significant survival difference was shown only between the R0 and R2 resections for pancreatic head adenocarcinomas.

Conclusion:

Compared with R0 PDs, palliative R1 PDs could benefit patients with pancreatic head adenocarcinomas when considering survival outcomes without increasing surgical risks. RPD can be considered for curative purposes and as an alternative for palliative management.
Accurate diagnosis of endoscopic mucosal healing in ulcerative colitis using deep learning and machine learning
Authors: Huang Tien-Yu , Zhan Shan-Quan , Chen Peng-Jen , Yang Chih-Wei , Lu Henry Horng-Shing
Published: May 2021

Background:

In clinical applications, mucosal healing is a therapeutic goal in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Endoscopic remission is associated with lower rates of colectomy, relapse, hospitalization, and colorectal cancer. Differentiation of mucosal inflammatory status depends on the experience and subjective judgments of clinical physicians. We developed a computer-aided diagnostic system using deep learning and machine learning (DLML-CAD) to accurately diagnose mucosal healing in UC patients.

Methods:

We selected 856 endoscopic colon images from 54 UC patients (643 images with endoscopic score 0-1 and 213 with score 2-3) from the endoscopic image database at Tri-Service General Hospital, Taiwan. Endoscopic grading using the Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES 0-3) was performed by two reviewers. A pretrained neural network extracted image features, which were used to train three different classifiers—deep neural network (DNN), support vector machine (SVM), and k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) network.

Results:

DNN classified MES 0 to 1, representing mucosal healing, vs MES 2 to 3 images with 93.8% accuracy (sensitivity 84.6%, specificity 96.9%); SVM had 94.1% accuracy (sensitivity 89.2%, specificity 95.8%); and k-NN had 93.4% accuracy (sensitivity 86.2%, specificity 95.8%). Combined, ensemble learning achieved 94.5% accuracy (sensitivity 89.2%, specificity 96.3%). The system further differentiated between MES 0, representing complete mucosal healing, and MES 1 images with 89.1% accuracy (sensitivity 82.3%, specificity 92.2%).

Conclusion:

Our DLML-CAD diagnosis achieved 94.5% accuracy for endoscopic mucosal healing and 89.0% accuracy for complete mucosal healing. This system can provide clinical physicians with an accurate auxiliary diagnosis in treating UC.
Digital mHealth Interventions for Employees
Authors: Stratton Elizabeth , Jones Nathan , Peters Susan E. , Torous John , Glozier Nicholas
Published: May 2021

Objectives:

To justify the capital investment, employers require proof of benefit of digital mHealth beyond symptomatic improvement.

Methods:

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to identify studies investigating digital mHealth interventions for employees and their effects on workplace outcomes.

Results:

We identified 28 eligible studies, (8023 employees) comparing digital mHealth interventions to controls. Small significant effects at postintervention in engagement (g = 0.19), and productivity (g = 0.16) were found. Sustained effects were observed, engagement (g = 0.24) and productivity (g = 0.20). There was a wide range of study heterogeneity (I
2 = 16% to 94%).

Conclusion:

In RCTs digital mHealth interventions demonstrate small, potentially sustained efficacy on employee's engagement and productivity. Similar small yet non-significant effect sizes were seen for absenteeism and presenteeism. This supports the need to find ways of enabling employers to deliver these low-cost digital mHealth interventions that can help improve employee's mental health.
Association Between Injury Mechanisms and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Rectus Femoris Injuries in 105 Professional Football Players
Authors: Geiss Santos Rafael Cristiano , Van Hellemnondt Frank , Yamashiro Eduardo , Holtzhausen Louis , Serner Andreas , Farooq Abdulaziz , Whiteley Rodney , Tol Johannes L.
Published: May 2021

Objective:

To describe the injury mechanism and its association with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) injury findings in acute rectus femoris injuries.

Design:

Combined retrospective and prospective descriptive injury study. Retrospective cohort from January 2010 to October 2013 and prospective cohort from October 2013 to January 2019.

Setting:

Specialized sports medicine hospital.

Participants:

Male professional football players older than 18 years playing in a national football league, referred for injury assessment within 7 days after an acute rectus femoris injury, with a positive finding on MRI.

Independent variables:

Rectus femoris muscle injury MRI findings in relation to injury mechanism in male football players.

Main outcome measures:

Rectus femoris injury mechanism (kicking, sprinting, and others), MRI injury location, and grade.

Results:

There were 105 injuries in total, with 60 (57.1%) and 45 (42.8%) injuries from the retrospective and prospective cohorts, respectively. Kicking was the injury mechanism in 57 (54.3%) of all acute rectus femoris injuries, sprinting represented 32 (30.4%), and 16 (15.2%) were classified as others. There were 20 (19.05%) free tendon, 67 (63.8%) myotendinous junction and/or intramuscular tendon, and 18 (17.1%) peripheral myofascial located injuries. All free tendon injuries were related to kicking and graded as a complete tear of at least one of the tendons in 15/20 (75.0%) cases.

Conclusions:

Kicking seems to be an important mechanism related to complete ruptures and injuries occurring at the proximal free tendon. Sprinting was the other most common mechanism but was never associated with injury to the proximal free tendon.
Voiding Dysfunction in Interstitial Cystitis Patients and the Relation to Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Authors: Crouss Tess , Whitmore Kristene
Published: May 2021

Background:

A large proportion of patients with interstitial cystitis have concomitant pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.

Objective:

To assess voiding dysfunction in patients with interstitial cystitis who have varying degrees of pelvic floor dysfunction.

Study Design:

A retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

Women with interstitial cystitis who underwent cystoscopy/bladder hydrodistension and urodynamic testing from November 2015 to February 2019 were divided into 2 cohorts based on severity of pelvic floor dysfunction (nonsevere and severe). The primary outcome was voiding dysfunction (bladder outlet obstruction and/or pelvic floor muscle dyssynergia by electromyography during voiding). Symptom severity, cystoscopy findings, and urodynamic findings were compared.

Results:

Fifty-one patients were included—36 in the severe and 15 in the nonsevere cohort. The mean age was 48 years. Those in the severe cohort showed higher rates of voiding dysfunction than those in the nonsevere cohort (89.7% vs 64.3%, respectively, P = .045). Seventy-three percent of subjects had glomerulations and 12% had Hunner's lesions. The presence of Hunner's lesions was associated with a lower first urge volume on urodynamic testing compared with non-Hunner's lesions (75.8 vs 148 mL, P = .046). Modest negative correlations were obtained between interstitial cystitis symptom severity and most urodynamic volumes.

Conclusion:

Patients with interstitial cystitis with more severe pelvic floor dysfunction demonstrated higher rates of dysfunctional voiding than those with nonsevere dysfunction, and may benefit from advanced pelvic floor therapy.
Mesenchymal Tumors of the Mediastinum: An Update on Diagnostic Approach
Authors: Choi Joon Hyuk , Ro Jae Y.
Published: May 2021

Mesenchymal tumors of the mediastinum are a heterogenous group of rare tumors with divergent lineages. Mediastinal mesenchymal tumors are diagnostically challenging due to their diversity and morphologic overlap with nonmesenchymal lesions arising in the mediastinum. Accurate histologic diagnosis is critical for appropriate patient management and prognostication. Many mediastinal mesenchymal tumors affect distinct age groups or occur at specific mediastinal compartments. Neurogenic tumors, liposarcoma, solitary fibrous tumor, and synovial sarcoma are common mesenchymal tumors in the mediastinum. Herein, we provide an update on the diagnostic approach to mediastinal mesenchymal tumors and a review of the histologic features and differential diagnosis of common benign and malignant mesenchymal tumors of the mediastinum.
Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19 and Neurological Complications Experience More Frequent Decline in Functioning and Greater Rehabilitation Needs
Authors: Claflin Edward S. , Daunter Alecia K. , Bowman Angeline , Startup Joshua , Reed Eboni , Krishnan Chandramouli , Kratz Anna L.
Published: May 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 has been reported to cause various serious neurological sequelae. However, there is little information available about the impact of the disease and its complications on patients’ functional status and their postacute needs. Hence, this study was performed to address the current gap in knowledge about the function and postacute needs of those with neurological complications of coronavirus disease 2019. A prospective chart review was completed for 319 patients admitted with coronavirus disease 2019 between March 4 and May 1, 2020. Primary outcomes included rate of new functional decline, discharge location, need for outpatient physical/occupational/speech therapy, need for durable medical equipment at discharge, and presence of dysphagia at discharge. Patients with neurological complications were compared with patients without neurological complications. Two hundred ninety-six cases were included in the final analysis, and 81 (27.4%) of these patients experienced neurological complications. Results indicated that hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 patients with neurological complications exhibit a significantly longer length of stay, higher frequency of functional decline, higher mortality rate, and more frequent discharge to a subacute rehabilitation facility (all P < 0.0001). The findings of this study are expected to better prepare patients, providers, and health systems for the postacute needs of those with coronavirus disease 2019 and neurological complications.
A Scoping Review of Registered Clinical Studies on Management of Individuals With Acute Spinal Cord Injury (2000–2020)
Authors: Furlan Julio C. , Furlan Daniel T. , Marquez-Chin Cesar
Published: May 2021

This scoping review examined the current trends and characteristics of the clinical research initiatives on the management of acute spinal cord injury. This review included all clinical studies on the acute treatment of spinal cord injury that were registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov website from February 2000 to December 2020. The search strategy combined the terms “acute spinal cord injury” and “treatment.” There has been a gradual increase in the number of registered clinical studies on acute treatment of spinal cord injury over the past two decades. Of the 116 studies, there were 103 interventional studies, 12 observational studies, and 1 registry. While 115 clinical studies recruited male and female participants, most of the registered clinical studies included only adults with an upper age limit after spinal cord injury. Most of the registered clinical studies were interventional studies led by single institutions in North America (n = 70), Europe (n = 29), and Asia (n = 15). Most of the research initiatives were interventional studies on new therapies for management of individuals with spinal cord injury (n = 91). In conclusion, the results of this scoping review suggest that although there has been an increase in the amount and diversity of the research initiatives on treatment of acute spinal cord injury over the past two decades, their generalizability remains relatively limited.
The Effectiveness of Fluoroscopically Guided Genicular Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation for the Treatment of Chronic Knee Pain Due to Osteoarthritis
Authors: Fogarty Alexandra E. , Burnham Taylor , Kuo Keith , Tate Quinn , Sperry Beau P. , Cheney Cole , Walega David R. , Kohan Lynn , Cohen Steven P. , Cushman Daniel M. , McCormick Zachary L. , Conger Aaron
Published: May 2021

The objective was to determine the effectiveness of fluoroscopically guided genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation for painful knee osteoarthritis. Primary outcome measure was improvement in pain after 6 mos. Secondary outcomes included the Oxford Knee Score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Two reviewers independently assessed publications before October 10, 2020. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system were used. One hundred ninety-nine publications were screened, and nine were included. Six-month success rates for 50% or greater pain relief after radiofrequency ablation ranged from 49% to 74%. When compared with intra-articular steroid injection, the probability of success was 4.5 times higher for radiofrequency ablation (relative risk = 4.58 [95% confidence interval = 2.61–8.04]). When radiofrequency ablation was compared with hyaluronic acid injection, the probability of treatment success was 1.8 times higher (relative risk = 1.88, 95% confidence interval = 1.38–2.57). The group mean Oxford Knee Score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores improved in participants receiving genicular radiofrequency ablation compared with intra-articular steroid injection and hyaluronic acid injection. According to Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation, there is moderate-quality evidence that fluoroscopically guided genicular radiofrequency ablation is effective for reducing pain associated with knee osteoarthritis at minimum of 6 mos. Further research is likely to have an important impact on the current understanding of the long-term effectiveness of this treatment.
Standard Psychometric Criteria for Measurements in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
Authors: Hassan Samah , Tesio Luigi , Kumbhare Dinesh
Published: May 2021

Measurements of person’s variable, such as behavior, perceptions, or attitudes, are essential to physical and rehabilitation medicine in both clinical practice and research. These measurements are commonly based on cumulative questionnaires and follow special statistical rules, belonging to the domain of psychometrics. Selecting the most appropriate measurement is critical. This article provides an overview of the standard psychometric criteria to consider in measurement selection. The article focuses on the criteria related to the contemporary psychometric approach as it considers the construct, the target population, and the purpose for which measurements are used. Common strategies related to psychometric testing are discussed and applied to critically appraise, as a representative example, one of the most commonly used pain measurements: Brief Pain Inventory. The measurement construct, conceptual framework, target population, purpose, and psychometric properties are highlighted. Observed limitations for its implementation in different settings also are discussed.
Predictors of Psychological Distress and Confidence Negotiating Physical and Social Environments Among Mobility Device Users
Authors: Mortenson W. Ben , Routhier François , Mahmood Atiya , Prescott Mike , Labbé Delphine , Martin Ginis Kathleen A. , Miller William C.
Published: May 2021

Objective

We conducted an intersectional analysis to explore how demographic characteristics and mobility device use were associated with psychological distress (depression and anxiety) and confidence negotiating physical and social environments.

Design

Cross-sectional data were collected using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, modified Wheelchair Use Confidence Scale, and self-reported functional independence scale.

Participants

The sample included 105 participants. Primary mobility devices used included mobility scooters (27%), power wheelchairs (26%), manual wheelchairs (25%), walkers (11%), and cane or crutch (12%). The mean age of participants was 58 yrs, 53% were female, and 52% lived alone and were functionally independent with the use of assistive technology.

Results

We were able to explain between 39% and 65% of the variance (adjusted R
2) in the dependent variables with parsimonious regression models. Age was an independent predictor of all outcomes. Women were less confident negotiating the physical environment, and walker use was associated with depression and lower confidence negotiating physical environments, but increased confidence negotiating social environments.

Conclusions

Age is associated with psychosocial outcomes for assistive device users, and those who use walkers may experience increased challenges with depression and negotiating the physical environment. Pending confirmatory research, the findings may have important implications for targeted interventions related to device provision.
How Can We Support the Use of Oral PrEP Among Young Women who Sell Sex? A PrEP Cascade Analysis
Authors: Hensen B. , Machingura F. , Busza J. , Birdthistle I. , Chabata S.T. , Chiyaka T. , Floyd S. , Jamali G. , Mushati P. , Hargreaves J. , Cowan F.M.
Published: May 2021

Background:

We constructed self-reported pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) cascades and explored factors associated with and barriers to PrEP use to inform efforts to support PrEP use among young women who sell sex.

Methods:

Using self-reported data from HIV-negative young women who sell sex enrolled into a cohort study using respondent-driven sampling in Zimbabwe, we constructed PrEP cascades assessing knowledge of, ever offered, ever used, and current PrEP use in 2017 and 2019. We used logistic regression to examine factors associated with PrEP use by 2019. Through qualitative interviews with 43 women enrolled in the cohort, we investigated barriers to PrEP use.

Results:

At enrollment, 50% of women had heard of PrEP, 12% had ever been offered PrEP, and 7% ever used PrEP. Over time, all cascade domains: 96% of women had heard of and 55% reported an active offer of PrEP. Among women retained in the study in 2019 (56%; n = 538), 34% ever took PrEP by 2019. PrEP use was associated with, at enrollment, reporting more clients in the past month (10+: 45% vs 1–3: 27% adjOR = 1.71 95% CI: 1.06 to 2.76), duration of selling sex (24% <2 years vs 38% 2–3 years; adjOR = 0.51 95% CI: 0.32 to 0.83), and having visited a female sex worker program in the past 12 months (55% vs 27%; adjOR = 2.92 95% CI: 1.91 to 4.46). Qualitative interviews revealed fear of disclosing sex work, HIV-related/ART-related stigma, and (opportunity) costs of accessing PrEP as barriers to use.

Conclusion:

PrEP use was associated with factors known to increase HIV risk. Fear of stigma, disclosure, and supply-side barriers need to be addressed to increase women's ability to use PrEP.
Chronic valproic acid administration enhances oxidative stress, upregulates IL6 and downregulates Nrf2, Glut1 and Glut4 in rat’s liver and brain
Authors: Hussein Abdelaziz M. , Awadalla Amira , Abbas Khaled M. , Sakr Hussein F. , Elghaba Rasha , Othman Gamal , Mokhtar Naglaa , Helal Ghada M.
Published: May 2021

Valproic acid (VPA) is a powerful antiepileptic drug that was associated with several neurological and hepatic problems especially with increasing its dose and duration. These problems may be metabolic in origin and related to glucose homeostasis. So, the present study investigated the effect of different doses and durations of VPA on the expression of glucose transporters (Glut1 and Glut4), oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokine (IL-6) in the liver and specific brain regions. Seventy-two male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly allocated into three equal groups: (1) saline group, (2) 200 mg VPA group and (3) 400 mg VPA group. By the end of experiments, the expressions of Glut1, Glut4 nuclear factor erythroid-like 2 related factor (Nrf2), IL-6 and oxidative stress markers [malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH)] in the liver, corpus striatum, prefrontal cortex (PFC) and cerebellum were assessed. We found that administration of VPA (200 mg and 400 mg) caused a significant decrease in the Glut1 and Glut4 expression in different tissues in a dose- and time-dependent manner (P < 0.01). Also, VPA (200 and 400 mg) caused a significant increase in MDA with a decrease in GSH in tissues at different times. Moreover, VPA (200 and 400 mg) caused significant upregulation in IL-6 expression and downregulation in Nrf2 expression (P < 0.01). The results suggest that increasing the dose and time of VPA therapy downregulates Glut1 and Glut4 in the liver and brain which may impair glucose uptake in these tissues. This effect was associated with enhanced oxidative stress, downregulation of nrf2 and upregulation of IL-6 in liver and brain tissues.
Long noncoding RNA differentiation antagonizing nonprotein coding RNA promotes the proliferation, invasion and migration of neuroblastoma cells via targeting β-1, 4-galactosyltransferase III by sponging miR-338-3p
Authors: Bi Chunhua , Shan Jili , Li Maoxiang , Zhang Qian , Li Caihua , Tong Jianning , Huang Qikun
Published: May 2021

Neuroblastoma is a common malignant tumor in children, and patients often have a poor prognosis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the regulation of neuroblastoma progression. However, the regulatory effect of lncRNA differentiation antagonizing nonprotein coding RNA (DANCR) on neuroblastoma is still not clear. The expression levels of DANCR, miR-338-3p and β-1, 4-galactosyltransferase III (B4GALT3) were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2 thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide, flow cytometry and transwell assays were used to evaluate the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion abilities of neuroblastoma cells. Moreover, western blot analysis was performed to assess the levels of B4GALT3 and the proliferation, apoptosis and migration-related proteins. Besides, a dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the interactions among DANCR, miR-338-3p and B4GALT3. Mice xenograft models were used to ascertain the effect of DANCR on neuroblastoma tumor growth in vivo. Our results revealed that DANCR was highly expressed in neuroblastoma tissues and cells, and its silencing impeded the progression of neuroblastoma cells. DANCR could interact with miR-338-3p. Knockdown of miR-338-3p recovered the inhibitory effect of DANCR knockdown on neuroblastoma progression. B4GALT3 was a target of miR-338-3p. B4GALT3 overexpression reversed the suppression effect of DANCR silencing on neuroblastoma progression. In-vivo experiments further confirmed that DANCR silencing inhibited neuroblastoma tumor growth. Our results indicated that DANCR promoted B4GALT3 expression to increase the proliferation, migration and invasion of neuroblastoma cells via sponging miR-338-3p, which provided a theoretical basis for the targeted therapy of neuroblastoma.
Salient cues facilitate automatic processes in prospective memory
Authors: Zhang Jie , Xue Tongtong , Zhang Zhijie
Published: May 2021

Salient cues can improve prospective memory performance. This effect is usually explained through the multiprocess framework, which suggests that salient cues recruit more automatic processes and require fewer cognitive resources than nonsalient cues. However, this explanation lacks direct empirical support, as the accuracy and response time data obtained in behavioral experiments are inadequate for providing an index to indicate the extent to which cognitive resources are recruited. To overcome this difficulty, the present study aimed to use the event-related potentials (ERP) technique to investigate the neurocognitive differences between the processing of salient and nonsalient prospective memory cues and verify whether salient cues facilitate automatic processes. Two experimental conditions were designed to manipulate the salience of prospective memory cues. During an ongoing task, participants were required to detect the word ‘apple’ (nonsalient prospective memory cue condition) or the red words (salient prospective memory cue condition). The results showed that the nonsalient prospective memory trials elicited sustained larger amplitudes than ongoing trials, whereas the salient prospective memory trials elicited sustained smaller amplitudes than ongoing trials, suggesting that the processing of salient prospective memory cues requires fewer cognitive resources compared to the nonsalient prospective memory cues. Moreover, resource-demanding ERP components were elicited in the processing of nonsalient prospective memory cues, but salient prospective memory cues were not. These results demonstrate that salient cues may facilitate automatic processes in prospective memory.
All-trans retinoic acid reduces mammalian target of rapamycin via a Sirtuin1-dependent mechanism in neurons
Authors: Guo Yueting , Zhang Hengce , Chen Xingyong , Liu Yingchun
Published: May 2021

Neuroinflammation has emerged as a key contributor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key regulator of metabolism, cell growth and protein synthesis. And an elevated mTOR activity has been detected in AD-affected brain areas. Previous studies have suggested that all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) and rapamycin (RAPA), an mTOR inhibitor, protect lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuronal inflammation through inhibiting nuclear import of NFκB. The aim of this study was to test the effects of atRA on mTOR expression. Here we discovered that mTOR and p-mTOR expression are elevated in LPS-treated mice or primary rat neurons, while atRA blocks the mTOR gene upregulation via a SIRT1-dependent mechanism. The results of this study demonstrated that atRA may protect LPS-induced neuronal inflammation through suppressing mTOR signaling.
LncRNA RP11-390F4.3 inhibits invasion and migration of glioblastoma cells by downregulating ROCK1
Authors: Fang Zebin , Weng Yuxiang , Xiao Feng , Yu Jianbo
Published: May 2021

Background

This study aimed to investigate the role of lncRNA RP11-390F4.3 in glioblastoma.

Methods

The expression levels of RP11-390F4.3, miR-148a and ROCK1 in glioblastoma and nontumor tissues were measured by performing quantitative PCR (qPCR) and data were compared using paired t test. Linear regression analysis was performed to analyze the correlations between RP11-390F4.3 and miR-148a/ROCK1 in glioblastoma tissues. The effects of overexpression of RP11-390F4.3, miR-148a and ROCK1 on U-373 MG cell invasion and migration were analyzed by Transwell assay.

Results

RP11-390F4.3 and ROCK1 were both upregulated in glioblastoma, while miR-148a was downregulated in glioblastoma. In glioblastoma, RP11-390F4.3 was positively correlated with ROCK1 but negatively correlated with miR-148a. In glioblastoma cells, overexpression of RP11-390F4.3 led to upregulated ROCK1 and downregulated miR-148a. Cell invasion and migration analysis showed that overexpression of RP11-390F4.3 and ROCK1 resulted in increased, and overexpression of miR-148a resulted in deceased invasion and migration rates of glioblastoma cells.

Conclusion

Therefore, RP11-390F4.3 may upregulate ROCK1 by downregulating miR-148a to promote glioblastoma cell invasion and migration.
Analysis of 200 000 exome-sequenced UK Biobank subjects fails to identify genes influencing probability of developing a mood disorder resulting in psychiatric referral
Authors: Curtis David
Published: May 2021

Background

Depression is moderately heritable but there is no common genetic variant which has a major effect on susceptibility. A previous analysis of 50 000 exome-sequenced subjects failed to implicate any genes or sets of genes in which rare variants were associated with risk of affective disorder requiring specialist treatment. A much larger exome-sequenced dataset is now available.

Methods

Data from 200 632 exome-sequenced UK Biobank participants was analysed. Subjects were treated as cases if they had reported having seen a psychiatrist for ‘nerves, anxiety, tension or depression’. Gene-wise weighted burden analysis was performed to see if there were any genes or sets of genes for which there was an excess of rare, functional variants in cases.

Results

There were 22 886 cases and 176 486 controls. There were 22 642 informative genes but no gene or gene set produced a statistically significant result after correction for multiple testing. None of the genes or gene sets with the lowest P values appeared to be an obvious biological candidate.

Conclusions

The results conform exactly with the expectation under the null hypothesis. It seems unlikely that the use of common, poorly defined phenotypes will produce useful advances in understanding genetic contributions to affective disorder and it might be preferable to focus instead on obtaining large exome-sequenced samples of conditions such as bipolar 1 disorder and severe, recurrent depression. This research has been conducted using the UK Biobank Resource.
The real-life impact of vaccination on COVID-19 mortality in Europe and Israel
Authors: Jabłońska Katarzyna , Aballéa Samuel , Toumi Mondher
Published: May 2021

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed at estimating the real-life impact of vaccination on COVID-19 mortality, with adjustment for SARS-CoV-2 variants spread and other factors across Europe and Israel.

METHODS

Time series analysis of daily number of COVID-19 deaths was performed using non-linear Poisson mixed regression models. Variants’ frequency, demographic, climate, health and mobility characteristics of thirty-two countries were considered as potentially relevant adjustment factors between January 2020 and April 2021.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed that vaccination efficacy in terms of protection against deaths was equal to 72%, with a lower reduction of number of deaths for B.1.1.7 versus non-B.1.1.7 variants (70% and 78%, respectively). Other factors significantly related to mortality were arrivals at airports, mobility change from the pre-pandemic level and temperature.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirms a strong effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination based on real-life public data, although lower than expected from clinical trials. This suggests the absence of indirect protection for non-vaccinated individuals. Results also show that vaccination effectiveness against mortality associated with the B.1.1.7 variant is slightly lower compared with other variants. Lastly, this analysis confirms the role of mobility reduction, within and between countries, as an effective way to reduce COVID-19 mortality and suggests the possibility of seasonal variations in COVID-19 incidence.
Looking for crumbs in the obesity forest: anti-obesity interventions in the Mexican population. History, and systematic review with Meta-Analysis
Authors:   The Síntevi Group, Garcia-Oropesa Esperanza M. , Martinez-Lopez Yoscelina E. , Ruiz-Cejudo Sonia María , Martínez-Ezquerro José Darío , Diaz-Badillo Alvaro , Ramirez-Pfeiffer Carlos , Bustamante-Fuentes Alejandra , Lopez-Sosa Elena B. , Moctezuma-Chavez Oscar O. , Nava-Gonzalez Edna J. , Perales-Torres Adriana L. , Perez-Navarro Lucia M. , Rosas-Diaz Marisol , Carter Kathleen , Tapia Beatriz , Lopez-Alvarenga Juan C.
Published: May 2021

Mexicans and Mexican Americans share culture, genetic background, and predisposition for chronic complications associated with obesity and diabetes making imperative efficacious treatments and prevention. Obesity has been treated for centuries focused-on weight loss while other treatments on associated conditions like gout, diabetes (T2D), and hypertriglyceridemia. To date, there is no systematic review that synthetize the origin of obesity clinics in Mexico and the efforts to investigate treatments for obesity tested by randomized clinical trials (RCT).

We conducted systematic searches in Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science to retrieve anti-obesity RCT through 2019 and without inferior temporal limit. The systematic review included RCT of anti-obesity treatments in the Mexican adult population, including alternative medicine, pharmacological, nutritional, behavioral, and surgical interventions reporting biometric outcomes such as BMI, weight, waist circumference, triglycerides, glucose, among others. Studies with at least three months of treatment were included in the meta-analysis.

We found 634 entries, after removal of duplicates and screening the studies based on eligibility criteria, we analyzed 43, and 2 multinational-collaborative studies. Most of the national studies have small sample sizes, and the studied strategies do not have replications in the population. The nutrition/behavioral interventions were difficult to blind, and most studies have medium to high risk of bias. Nutritional/behavioral interventions and medications showed effects on BMI, waist circumference, and blood pressure. Simple measures like plain water instead of sweet beverages decrease triglycerides and systolic blood pressure. Participants with obesity and hypertension can have benefic effects with antioxidants, and treatment with insulin increase weight in those with T2D.

The study of obesity in Mexico has been on-going for more than four decades, but the interest on RCT just increased until this millennium, but with small sample sizes and lack of replication. The interventions affect different metabolic syndrome components, which should be analyzed in detail with the population living on the U.S.-Mexico border; therefore, bi-national collaboration is desirable to disentangle the cultural effects on this population’s treatment response.