bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lower Cord Blood IL-17 and IL-25, but Not Other Epithelial Cell-Derived Cytokines Are Associated with Atopic Dermatitis in Infancy
Authors: Gamez Cristina , Metcalfe Jessica , Prescott Susan L. , Palmer Debra J.
Published: January 2021

Background: There is a growing need for early biomarkers that may predict the development of atopic dermatitis (AD). As alterations in skin barrier may be a primary event in disease pathogenesis, epithelial cell (EC) cytokines expression patterns may be a potential biomarker in early life to target allergy preventive strategies towards “at-risk” infants. Objectives: The aim of this longitudinal investigation was to examine from birth over the course of infancy levels of the EC cytokines: thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), interleukin (IL)-33, IL-25, and IL-17 in infants at high-risk of AD due to maternal atopy. Method: We collected (n = 31) cord blood samples from atopic mothers and followed up their infants at 4–6 and 12 months of age for collection of peripheral venous blood samples and diagnosis of AD. TSLP concentration was measured by ELISA after acetone precipitation of the samples. IL-33, IL-25, and IL-17 levels were measured by Luminex. Results: Seven infants who developed AD had lower levels of IL-25 and IL-17 at birth compared to the 24 infants who did not develop AD by 12 months of age. Conclusions: Lower cord blood levels of IL-17 and IL-25, but not other EC cytokines, were associated with the onset of AD during infancy. Our results highlight that the in-utero period appears critical, and potential maternal influences on cord blood EC-derived cytokine concentrations requires further exploration.
Acute Kidney Injury and COVID-19: A Picture from an Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Alessandri Francesco , Pistolesi Valentina , Manganelli Chiara , Ruberto Franco , Ceccarelli Giancarlo , Morabito Santo , Pugliese Francesco ,   Policlinico Umberto I COVID-19 Group
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) for severe respiratory failure. The aim is to evaluate the rate of AKI, defined according to Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcome guidelines, in a series of critical COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU of a single tertiary teaching hospital. Methods: From April to May 2020, all consecutive critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU who did not meet exclusion criteria (length of ICU stay <48 h, ESRD requiring dialysis, and patients still hospitalized in ICU at the time of data analysis) were enrolled in this study. Patients were stratified according to the highest AKI stage attained during ICU stay. Results: Sixty-one patients were included in the analysis. AKI was observed in 35/61 patients (57.4%): 25/35 episodes (71.4%) were observed within the first 7 days. AKI was classified as follows: 17.1% stage 1, 25.7% stage 2, and 57.2% stage 3. Fourteen out of 20 stage-3 patients required continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), mostly related to persistent oliguria. The overall ICU mortality was 68.9%, and it was higher in patients developing AKI if compared to no-AKI patients (p = 0.006). Renal function recovery of any grade was observed in 14 out of 35 AKI patients (40%). Among patients undergoing CRRT, 13 patients were still dialysis dependent at the time of death. Conclusion: In critical COVID-19 patients, ICU mortality is particularly high, especially in patients developing AKI. An accurate monitoring of renal function in early phases of respiratory failure should be ensured in order to timely apply any strategy aimed at limiting renal complications during ICU stay.
Spontaneous ingestion of water by a free-ranging maned sloth, Bradypus torquatus, in the Ibura National Forest, northeastern Brazil
Authors: de Albuquerque Natasha Moraes , Ruiz-Esparza Juan , da Rocha Patrício Adriano , Beltrão-Mendes Raone , Ferrari Stephen Francis
Published: January 2021

Water is an important limiting factor in the ecology of many animals, and even in rainforests, arboreal mammals, such as sloths, may have limited access to water sources. Here, we describe the spontaneous ingestion of water by a free-ranging three-toed sloth (Bradypus torquatus). The event occurred in the Ibura National Forest, in northeastern Brazil, where a sub-adult B. torquatus was monitored over three days in January, 2014. On the third day, the sloth was feeding on mature leaves and, at 16:22 h, it began raining heavily. Once the rain ceased, the sloth began to ingest the rainwater trickling down a vertical branch by licking it, and continued to ingest water for approximately 26 minutes. This behaviour indicates that the water was a valuable resource for this sloth, and sheds new light on the previous assumptions that these animals are able to satisfy their water requirements through their diet alone. This observation, together with an overview of the data on the ingestion of water by arboreal mammalian folivores, indicates that the direct ingestion of water may depend on specific local conditions, in particular, the availability of water sources, as well as the specific necessities of the mammal. As the lack of previous records of this behaviour in sloths is likely due to the cryptic behaviour of these animals, this finding highlights the importance of continuous, long-term behavioural monitoring for a more complete understanding of sloth ecology.
Multilateral Creeping Coastal State Jurisdiction and the BBNJ Negotiations
Authors: Molenaar Erik J.
Published: January 2021

The interrelated notions of adjacency and creeping coastal State jurisdiction have been a key driver in the historical development of the international law of the sea. Although the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOSC) managed to bring an end to unilateral coastal State claims to new and broader maritime zones, creeping coastal State jurisdiction per se continued, both unilaterally and multilaterally. This article focuses on so-called multilateral creeping coastal State jurisdiction – which originates predominantly from intergovernmental bodies – and in particular on the role of this phenomenon in the currently ongoing negotiations on an agreement on marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction under the LOSC (BBNJ Agreement). The article contains a detailed analysis of the relevant provisions in the draft BBNJ Agreement of 18 November 2019 and subsequent text proposals by delegations, in light of the historical development of the law of the sea.
Thalictrum nanhuaense (Ranunculaceae), a new species from central Yunnan, China

Authors: ZENG YOU-PAI , YUAN QIONG , YANG QIN-ER
Published: January 2021

Thalictrum nanhuaense (Ranunculaceae), a new species from Nanhua in central Yunnan, China, is here illustrated and described. The new species is similar to T. fargesii in habit and having larger sepals up to 4 mm long and persistent at anthesis and straight styles, but differs by its succulent and tuberose (vs. fibrous and slender) roots, filiform (vs. clavate) filaments, point-like (vs. oblong and narrowly winged) stigmas, and subulate-terete (vs. lunate-fusiform) achenes.
A synoptic review of Gomphomastacinae (Orthoptera: Eumastacoidea) from the Qinghai-Tibet plateau with a description of new species
Authors: QIU SHAOTING , XU SHENG-QUAN , HUANG HUATENG
Published: January 2021

With unique climate, topography, and vegetation, the Qinghai-Tibet plateau is a special biogeographic region with richness of endemic species. However, the taxonomy and distribution of many insect groups on this plateau are still poorly known. Here, we synthesized a species checklist of subfamily Gomphomastacinae (Orthoptera: Acridoidea: Eumastacidae) for this region, while describing a new species: Myrmeleomastax wideis Qiu, sp. nov.. Images of the new species and the distribution map of all the known species are provided. Type specimens for the new species are deposited in the Zoological and Botanical Museum, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China (SNNU).
Overturning Response to a Surface Wind Stress Doubling in an Eddying and a Non-Eddying Ocean
Authors: Lüschow Veit , Marotzke Jochem , Storch Jin-Song von
Published: January 2021

In this paper, the overturning responses to wind stress changes of an eddying ocean and a non-eddying ocean are compared. Differences are found in the deep overturning cell in the low-latitude North Atlantic Ocean with substantial implications for the deep western boundary current (DWBC). In an ocean-only twin experiment with one eddying and one non-eddying configuration of the MPI ocean model, two different forcings are being applied: the standard NCEP forcing and the NCEP forcing with 2× surface wind stress. The response to the wind stress doubling in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation is similar in the eddying and the non-eddying configuration, showing an increase by about 4 Sv (~25%; 1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1). In contrast, the DWBC responds with a speedup in the non-eddying configuration and a slowdown in the eddying configuration. This paper demonstrates that the DWBC slowdown in the eddying configuration is largely balanced by eddy vorticity fluxes. Because those fluxes are not resolved and also not captured by an eddy parameterization in the non-eddying configuration, such a DWBC slowdown is likely not to occur in non-eddying ocean models, which therefore might not capture the whole range of overturning responses. Furthermore, evidence is provided that the balancing effect of the eddies is not a passive reaction to a remotely triggered DWBC slowdown. Instead, deep eddies that are sourced from the upper ocean provide an excess input of relative vorticity that then actively forces the DWBC mean flow to slow down.
Targeted Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Photothermal Therapy Combined with Immune Checkpoint Inhibition for the Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: McKernan Patrick , Virani Needa A. , Faria Gabriela N. F. , Karch Clément G. , Prada Silvy Ricardo , Resasco Daniel E. , Thompson Linda F. , Harrison Roger G.
Published: January 2021

The greatest contributors to cancer mortality are metastasis and the consequences of its treatment. Here, we present a novel treatment of metastatic breast cancer that combines photothermal therapy with targeted single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and immunostimulation with a checkpoint inhibitor. We find that the selective near-infrared photothermal ablation of primary orthotopic EMT6 breast tumors in syngeneic BALB/cJ mice using an annexin A5 (ANXA5) functionalized SWCNT bioconjugate synergistically enhances an anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (anti-CTLA-4)-dependent abscopal response, resulting in an increased survival (55%) at 100 days after tumor inoculation. In comparison, there was no survival at 100 days for either photothermal therapy by itself or immunostimulation by itself. Prior to photothermal therapy, the SWCNT-ANXA5 bioconjugate was administered systemically at a relatively low dose of 1.2 mg/kg, where it then accumulated in tumor vasculature via ANXA5-dependent binding. During photothermal therapy, the average maximum temperature in the tumor reached 54 °C (duration 175 s). The mechanism of prolonged survival resulting from combinatorial photothermal ablation and immune stimulation was evaluated by flow cytometric quantification of splenic antitumoral immune effector cells and serum cytokine quantification.
Genomic Regions Involved in Differences in Eating and Cooking Quality Other than Wx and Alk Genes between indica and japonica Rice Cultivars
Authors: Hori Kiyosumi , Suzuki Keitaro , Ishikawa Haruka , Nonoue Yasunori , Nagata Kazufumi , Fukuoka Shuichi , Tanaka Junichi
Published: January 2021

Background

In temperate rice cultivation regions, japonica rice cultivars are grown preferentially because consumers deem them to have good eating quality, whereas indica rice cultivars have high grain yields and strong heat tolerance but are considered to have poor eating quality. To mitigate the effects of global warming on rice production, it is important to develop novel rice cultivars with both desirable eating quality and resilience to high temperatures. Eating quality and agronomic traits were evaluated in a reciprocal set of chromosome segment substitution lines derived from crosses between a japonica rice cultivar ‘Koshihikari’ and an indica rice cultivar ‘Takanari’.

Results

We detected 112 QTLs for amylose and protein contents, whiteness, stickiness, hardness and eating quality of cooked rice grains. Almost of ‘Koshihikari’ chromosome segments consistently improved eating quality. Among detected QTLs, six QTLs on chromosomes 1–5 and 11 were detected that increased whiteness and stickiness of cooked grains or decreased their hardness for 3 years. The QTLs on chromosomes 2–4 were not associated with differences in amylose or protein contents. QTLs on chromosomes 1–5 did not coincide with QTLs for agronomic traits such as heading date, culm length, panicle length, spikelet fertility and grain yield. Genetic effects of the detected QTLs were confirmed in substitution lines carrying chromosome segments from five other indica cultivars in the ‘Koshihikari’ genetic background.

Conclusion

The detected QTLs were associated with differences in eating quality between indica and japonica rice cultivars. These QTLs appear to be widely distributed among indica cultivars and to be novel genetic factors for eating quality traits because their chromosome regions differed from those of the GBSSI (Wx) and SSIIa (Alk) genes. The detected QTLs would be very useful for improvement of eating quality of indica rice cultivars in breeding programs.
Exploring Natural Allelic Variations of the β-Triketone Herbicide Resistance Gene HIS1 for Application in indica Rice and Particularly in Two-Line Hybrid Rice
Authors: Lv Qiming , Zhang Xiuli , Yuan Dingyang , Huang Zhiyuan , Peng Rui , Peng Jiming , Li Zuren , Tang Li , Liu Ducai , Zhou Xiaomao , Wang Lifeng , Pan Lang , Shao Ye , Mao Bigang , Xin Yeyun , Zhu Lihuang , Zhao Bingran , Bai Lianyang
Published: January 2021

Background

Benzobicyclon (BBC) is a β-triketone herbicide (bTH) used in rice paddy fields. It has the advantages of high efficiency, low toxicity, high crop safety, and good environmental compatibility, and shows efficacy against paddy weeds resistant to other types of herbicides. However, as some important indica rice varieties are susceptible to BBC, BBC is currently only registered and applied in japonica rice cultivation areas.

Results

By analyzing haplotypes of the bTHs broad-spectrum resistance gene HIS1 and phenotypes for BBC in 493 major indica rice accessions in China, we identified a novel non-functional allelic variant of HIS1 in addition to the previously reported 28-bp deletion. Through detection with markers specific to the two non-functional mutations, it was clear that 25.4% of indica conventional varieties, 59.9% of fertility restorers, and 15.9% of sterile lines were susceptible to BBC. In addition, due to natural allelic variations of the HIS1 gene in the sterile and restorer lines, some two-line hybrid sterile lines were sensitive to bTHs, and the corresponding restorers were resistant. We showed the potential effectiveness of using bTHs to address the issue of two-line hybrid rice seed purity stemming from the self-crossing of sterile lines during hybrid rice seed production. Finally, allelic variations of the HIS1 gene may also play an important role in the mechanized seed production of hybrid rice.

Conclusions

Our findings offer guidance for the application of BBC in indica rice areas and provide a non-transgenic approach to address the seed purity issue of two-line hybrid rice.
Deep insights into urinary tract infections and effective natural remedies
Authors: Fazly Bazzaz Bibi Sedigheh , Darvishi Fork Sareh , Ahmadi Reza , Khameneh Bahman
Published: January 2021

Background

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common occurrence in females, during pregnancy, and in peri- and postmenopausal women.
UTIs are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and they affect the quality of life of the affected patients. Antibiotic therapy is an effective approach and reduces the duration of symptoms. Development of resistance, adverse effects of antibiotics, and other associated problems lead to establishing the research framework to find out the alternative approaches in controlling UTIs. Natural approaches have been extensively used for the management of various diseases to improve symptoms and also improve general health.

Main body

Different databases were employed to identify studies reporting on natural options including herbal medicines, vitamins, trace elementals, sugars, and probiotics without time limitations.

Conclusion

Herbal medicines can be effective at the first sign of the infection and also for short-term prophylaxis. Using vitamins, trace elementals, and/or sugars is an effective approach in preventing UTIs, and a combination of them with other antibacterial agents shows positive results. Probiotics have great potential for the threat of antibiotic over-usage and the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. This study may be of use in developing the efficient formulation of treatment of UTI.
Comparative analysis of powdery mildew resistant and susceptible cultivated cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) varieties to reveal the metabolic responses to Sphaerotheca fuliginea infection
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhu Yuqiang , Zhou Shengjun
Published: January 2021

Background

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is a widely planted vegetable crop that suffers from various pathogen infections. Powdery mildew (PM) is typical disease caused by Sphaerotheca fuliginea infection and destroys the production of cucumber. However, the metabolic responses to S. fuliginea infection are largely unknown.

Results

In our study, a PM resistant variety ‘BK2’ and a susceptible variety ‘H136’ were used to screen differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under S. fuliginea infection. Most of DEGs and DAMs were enriched in several primary and secondary metabolic pathways, including flavonoid, hormone, fatty acid and diterpenoid metabolisms. Our data showed that many flavonoid-related metabolites were significantly accumulated in BK2 rather than H136, suggesting an essential role of flavonoids in formation of resistant quality. Changes in expression of CYP73A, CYP81E1, CHS, F3H, HCT and F3’M genes provided a probable explanation for the differential accumulation of flavonoid-related metabolites. Interestingly, more hormone-related DEGs were detected in BK2 compared to H136, suggesting a violent response of hormone signaling pathways in the PM-resistant variety. The number of fatty acid metabolism-related DAMs in H136 was larger than that in BK2, indicating an active fatty acid metabolism in the PM-susceptible variety.

Conclusions

Many differentially expressed transcription factor genes were identified under S. fuliginea infection, providing some potential regulators for the improvement of PM resistance. PM resistance of cucumber was controlled by a complex network consisting of various hormonal and metabolic pathways.
Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction promotes myocardial angiogenesis and functional improvements in rat model of diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhang Xijun , Tian Xinqiao , Li Peng , Zhu Haohui , Zhou Nanqian , Fang Zhixin , Yang Yuping , Jing Yun , Yuan Jianjun
Published: January 2021

Background

Microvascular insufficiency plays an important role in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), therapeutic angiogenesis has been mainly used for the treatment of ischemic diseases. This study sought to verify the preclinical performance of SonoVue microbubbles (MB) combined ultrasound (US) treatment on myocardial angiogenesis in the rat model of DCM and investigate the optimal ultrasonic parameters.

Methods

The male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were induced DCM by streptozotocin through intraperitoneal injecting and fed with high-fat diet. After the DCM model was established, the rats were divided into the normal group, DCM model group, and US + MB group, while the US + MB group was divided into four subsets according to different pulse lengths (PL) (8 cycles;18 cycle;26 cycle; 36 cycle). After all interventions, all rats underwent conventional echocardiography to examine the cardiac function. The rats were sacrificed and myocardial tissue was examined by histology and morphometry evaluations to detect the myocardial protective effect of SonoVue MBs using US techniques.

Results

From morphologic observation and echocardiography, the DCM rats had a series of structural abnormalities of cardiac myocardium compared to the normal rats. The US-MB groups exerted cardioprotective effect in DCM rats, improved reparative neovascularization and increased cardiac perfusion, while the 26 cycle group showed significant therapeutic effects on the cardiac functions in DCM rats.

Conclusion

This strategy using SonoVue MB and US can improve the efficacy of angiogenesis, even reverse the progress of cardiac dysfunction and pathological abnormalities, especially using the 26 cycle parameters. Under further study, this combined strategy might provide a novel approach for early intervention of DCM in diabetic patients.
Direct detection of Corynebacterium striatum, Corynebacterium propinquum, and Corynebacterium simulans in sputum samples by high-resolution melt curve analysis
Authors: Xu Shuai , Qiu Xiaotong , Hou Xuexin , Zhou Haijian , Chen Dongke , Wang Xuebing , Han Lichao , Li Dan , Sun Lina , Ji Xingzhao , Li Minghui , Zhang Jingshan , Li Mengtong , Li Zhenjun
Published: January 2021

Background

Pulmonary infections caused by non-diphtheriae corynebacteria are increasing. However, rapid identification of Corynebacterium species poses a challenge due to the low genetic variation within the genus.

Methods

Three reference strains and 99 clinical isolates were used in this study. A qPCR followed by high-resolution melting (HRM) targeting ssrA was performed to simultaneously identify C. striatum, C. propinquum and C. simulans. To further evaluate this assay’s performance, 88 clinical sputum samples were tested by HRM and the detection results were compared with those of the traditional culture method and multiple cross-displacement amplification (MCDA) assay.

Results

The melting curve produced by a pair of universal primers generated species-specific HRM curve profiles and could distinguish the three target species from other related bacteria. The limit of detection of HRM assay for DNA from the three purified Corynebacterium species was 100 fg. Compared with the culture method, HRM detected 22 additional positive specimens, representing a 23.9% relative increase in detection rate. The HRM assay had 98.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90.5–99.9%) sensitivity and 100% (95% CI, 82.8–100%) specificity. Additionally, 95.5% concordance between HRM and MCDA (κ = 0.89 [95% CI, 0.79–0.99]) was noted.

Conclusions

The HRM assay was a simple, rapid, sensitive, and specific diagnostic tool for detecting C. striatum, C. propinquum, and C. simulans, with the potential to contribute to early diagnosis, epidemiological surveillance, and rapid response to outbreak.
Serological diagnosis and prevalence of HIV-1 infection in Russian metropolitan areas
Authors: Kireev D. E. , Chulanov V. P. , Shipulin G. A. , Semenov A. V. , Tivanova E. V. , Kolyasnikova N. M. , Zueva E. B. , Pokrovskiy V. V. , Galli C.
Published: January 2021

Background

HIV infection is a major health problem in Russia. We aimed to assess HIV prevalence in different population groups and to compare the characteristics of 4th generation immunoassays from Abbott, Bio-Rad, Vector-Best, Diagnostic Systems, and Medical Biological Unit.

Methods

The study included 4452 individuals from the general population (GP), 391 subjects at high risk of HIV infection (HR) and 699 with potentially interfering conditions. HIV positivity was confirmed by immunoblot and by HIV RNA, seroconversion and virus diversity panels were also used. HIV avidity was employed to assess recent infections.

Results

The prevalence in GP was 0.40%, higher in males (0.62%) and in people aged < 40 years (0.58%). Patients attending dermo-venereal centers and drug users had a high prevalence (34.1 and 58.8%). Recent infections were diagnosed in 20% of GP and in 4.2% of HR. Assay sensitivity was 100% except for one false negative (99,54%, MBU). Specificity was 99.58–99.89% overall, but as low as 93.26% on HR (Vector-Best). Small differences on early seroconversion were recorded. Only the Abbott assay detected all samples on the viral diversity panel.

Conclusion

HIV infection rate in the high-risk groups suggests that awareness and screening campaigns should be enhanced. Fourth generation assays are adequate but performance differences must be considered.
Analysis of the status of drug treatment in 746 inpatients with early-onset schizophrenia in China: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Jiuping , Cheng Xin , Zhang Huihui , Xu Ping , Jin Peiying , Ke Xiaoyan
Published: January 2021

Background

There is limited evidence on the use of antipsychotics in patients with early-onset schizophrenia, which lags significantly behind the studies on adult patients’ medication and has a large disparity from actual clinical needs. Hence, this study aims to analyse the status of the drug use and its changes for patients with early-onset schizophrenia in our ward and to provide references on clinical medications for children and adolescents with schizophrenia.

Methods

The distribution of antipsychotics on the day of discharge and their changes over time were retrospectively analysed in our inpatient department from March 2012 to July 2019. Descriptive statistical methods and χ2 tests were carried out.

Results

A total of 746 inpatients with early-onset schizophrenia were included. Among them, 99.3% of patients were prescribed atypical antipsychotic drugs, with 5.5% of patients prescribed typical antipsychotic drugs. The top five most commonly used antipsychotics were aripiprazole, olanzapine, risperidone, paliperidone and clozapine. Olanzapine and risperidone were used more frequently in men (P < 0.01), whereas aripiprazole was used less frequently (P < 0.01). Olanzapine and paliperidone were used more frequently in patients with adolescent-onset schizophrenia (AOS) (P < 0.05), and risperidone was used more frequently in patients with child-onset schizophrenia (COS) (P < 0.01). Multiple antipsychotics during hospitalization were prescribed in 23.1% of patients. The combination of aripiprazole and olanzapine was the most common in the AOS group, and the combination of risperidone and clozapine was the most common in the COS group. Before and after approval by the competent Chinese authorities, the use of paliperidone and aripiprazole tended to be stable.

Conclusion

Atypical antipsychotics have been increasingly valued and used clinically. The consideration of medications for patients with early-onset schizophrenia needs to include factors such as age, sex, and severity of illness, metabolism and cognitive function at baseline.
A cross-sectional study on the association of serum uric acid levels with depressive and anxiety symptoms in people with epilepsy
Authors: Zhong Rui , Chen Qingling , Li Mengmeng , Li Nan , Chu Chaojia , Li Jing , Zhang Xinyue , Lin Weihong
Published: January 2021

Background

High serum uric acid (SUA) levels may provide protection against depression and anxiety through its defensive role in oxidative damage. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis of the independent associations of lower SUA levels with depressive and anxiety symptoms among patients with epilepsy (PWE).

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed among 320 PWE aged ≥18 years old in Northeast China. The Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (NDDI-E; Chinese version) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (GAD-7; Chinese version) were used as screening tools for depressive and anxiety symptoms for PWE. Serum uric acid levels were measured. The associations of SUA levels with depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed by using binary logistic regression models, with adjustment for the related risk factors (P< 0.05).

Results

Lower SUA tertiles were significantly associated with higher C-NDDI-E and GAD-7 scores compared with the higher two tertiles (p=0.001, and p= 0.002). Patients with depressive symptoms exhibited significantly lower SUA levels compared to those without depressive symptoms (p< 0.001). SUA levels of patients with anxiety symptoms were significantly lower than those of patients without anxiety symptoms (p< 0.001). The first and second SUA tertiles were associated with depressive symptoms, with the third tertile group as the reference group, after adjusting for confounders (first tertile: OR = 4.694, 95% CI = 1.643~ 13.413, P = 0.004; second tertile: OR = 3.440, 95% CI = 1.278~9.256, P = 0.014). However, The first and second SUA tertiles were not associated with the risk of anxiety symptoms compared with the third tertile in the adjusted logistic regression model (First tertile: OR = 1.556, 95% CI = 0.699~3.464, P = 0.279; second tertile: OR = 1.265, 95% CI = 0.607~2.635, P = 0.530).

Conclusion

We found that lower SUA levels were independently associated with depressive symptoms but not with anxiety symptoms among PWE. Further well-designed prospective cohort studies are required to determine the causality of the associations and to further clarify the mechanisms of SUA in depressive symptoms.
Psychosocial beliefs related to intention to use HIV testing and counselling services among suspected tuberculosis patients in Kassala state, Sudan
Authors: Idris Almutaz M. , Crutzen Rik , Van den Borne H. W.
Published: January 2021

Background

There is limited information about the psychosocial sub-determinants regarding the use of HIV Testing and Counselling (HTC) services among suspected Tuberculosis (TB) patients in Sudan. This study aimed to assess the association between psychosocial beliefs and the intention to use HTC services and to establish the relevance of these beliefs for developing behaviour change interventions among suspected TB patients.

Methods

Suspected TB patients (N = 383) from four separate TB facilities completed a cross-sectional questionnaire which was based on the Reasoned Action Approach theory. Eligibility criteria included attending Tuberculosis Management Units in Kassala State as suspected TB patients and aged 18–64 years. A Confidence Interval Based Estimation of Relevance (CIBER) analysis approach was employed to investigate the association of the beliefs with the intention to use HTC services and to establish their relevance to be targeted in behaviour change interventions.

Results

The CIBER results showed the beliefs included in the study accounted for 59 to 70% of the variance in intention to use HTC services. The belief “My friends think I have to use HTC services” was positively associated with the intent to use HTC, and it is highly relevant for intervention development. The belief “I would fear to be stigmatized if I get a HIV positive result” was negatively related to the intention to use HTC services and was considered a highly relevant belief. The belief “If I use HTC services, health care providers will keep my HIV test result confidential” was strongly associated with the intention to use HTC services. However, the relevance of this belief as a target for future interventions development was relatively low. Past experience with HTC services was weakly associated with the intention to use HTC services.

Conclusion

The intention to use HTC was a function of psychosocial beliefs. The beliefs investigated varied in their relevance for interventions designed to encourage the use of HTC services. Interventions to promote intention to use HIV testing and counselling services should address the most relevant beliefs (sub-determinants). Further study is needed to establish the relevance of sub-determinants of the intention to use HTC services for interventions development.
Promoting social capital, self-management and health literacy in older adults through a group-based intervention delivered in low-income urban areas: results of the randomized trial AEQUALIS
Authors: Blancafort Alias Sergi , Monteserín Nadal Rosa , Moral Irene , Roqué Fígols Marta , Rojano i Luque Xavier , Coll-Planas Laura
Published: January 2021

Background

Evidence is scarce on how to promote health and decrease cumulative inequalities for disadvantaged older people. Downstream complex interventions focusing on intermediate factors (self-management, health literacy and social capital) may have the potential to mitigate the inequitable impacts of social determinants in health. The aim of the AEQUALIS study was to assess the effectiveness of a group-based intervention to improve self-perceived health as indicator of health inequality.

Methods

Pragmatic randomised clinical trial addressed to older adults (≥ 60 years) living in urban disadvantaged areas with low self-perceived health. The intervention was delivered in primary care settings and community assets between 2015 and 2017 and consisted in 12 weekly sessions. The primary outcome was self-perceived health assessed in two ways: with the first item of the SF-12 questionnaire, and with the EQ-5D visual analog scale. Secondary outcomes were health-related quality of life, social capital, self-management, mental health and use of health services. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post intervention and follow-up at 9 months after the end of the intervention.

Results

390 people were allocated to the intervention group (IG) or the control group (CG) and 194 participants and 164 were included in the data analysis, respectively. Self perceived health as primary outcome assessed with SF-12-1 was not specifically affected by the intervention, but with the EQ-5D visual analog scale showed a significant increase at one-year follow-up only in the IG (MD=4.80, 95%CI [1.09, 8.52]). IG group improved health literacy in terms of a better understanding of medical information (− 0.62 [− 1.10, − 0.13]). The mental component of SF-12 improved (3.77 [1.82, 5.73]), and depressive symptoms decreased at post-intervention (− 1.26 [− 1.90, − 0.63]), and at follow-up (− 0.95 [− 1.62, − 0.27]). The use of antidepressants increased in CG at the follow-up (1.59 [0.33, 2.86]), while it remained stable in the IG.

Conclusions

This study indicates that a group intervention with a strong social component, conducted in primary health care and community assets, shows promising effects on mental health and can be used as a strategy for health promotion among older adults in urban disadvantaged areas.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02733523. Registered 11 April 2016 - Retrospectively registered
Depression in patients with knee osteoarthritis: risk factors and associations with joint symptoms
Authors: Zheng Shuang , Tu Liudan , Cicuttini Flavia , Zhu Zhaohua , Han Weiyu , Antony Benny , Wluka Anita E. , Winzenberg Tania , Aitken Dawn , Blizzard Leigh , Jones Graeme , Ding Changhai
Published: January 2021

Background

To describe demographic and clinical factors associated with the presence and incidence of depression and explore the temporal relationship between depression and joint symptoms in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Three hundred ninety-seven participants were selected from a randomized controlled trial in people with symptomatic knee OA and vitamin D deficiency (age 63.3 ± 7.1 year, 48.6% female). Depression severity and knee joint symptoms were assessed using the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), respectively, at baseline and 24 months.

Results

The presence and incidence of depression was 25.4 and 11.2%, respectively. At baseline, having younger age, a higher body mass index (BMI), greater scores of WOMAC pain (PR: 1.05, 95%CI:1.03, 1.07), dysfunction (PR: 1.02, 95%CI:1.01, 1.02) and stiffness (PR: 1.05, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.09), lower education level, having more than one comorbidity and having two or more painful body sites were significantly associated with a higher presence of depression. Over 24 months, being female, having a higher WOMAC pain (RR: 1.05, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.09) and dysfunction score (RR: 1.02, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.03) at baseline and having two or more painful sites were significantly associated with a higher incidence of depression. In contrast, baseline depression was not associated with changes in knee joint symptoms over 24 months.

Conclusion

Knee OA risk factors and joint symptoms, along with co-existing multi-site pain are associated with the presence and development of depression. This suggests that managing common OA risk factors and joint symptoms may be important for prevention and treatment depression in patients with knee OA.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01176344.

Anzctr.org.au identifier: ACTRN12610000495022.
The dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist KBP-089 and the GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide act complimentarily on body weight reduction and metabolic profile
Authors: Larsen Anna Thorsø , Gydesen Sofie , Sonne Nina , Karsdal Morten Asser , Henriksen Kim
Published: January 2021

Background

Weight loss therapy is becoming more and more important, and two classes of molecules, namely amylin receptor and GLP-1 receptor agonists, have shown promise in this regard. Interestingly, these molecules have several overlapping pharmacological effects, such as suppression of gastric emptying, reduction of glucagon secretion and weight loss in common; however, they also have distinct effects on prandial insulin secretion. Hence, a combination of these two mechanisms is of significant interest.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the add-on potential of the dual amylin and calcitonin receptor agonist (DACRA) KBP-089 in combination with the GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide as obesity treatment in high-fat diet (HFD) fed rats.

Results

Increasing doses of KBP-089 and liraglutide alone and in combination were studied with respect to their effects on body weight, food intake and glucose metabolism during a 9-week intervention study conducted in HFD rats. Further, the gastric emptying rate during an oral glucose tolerance was assessed. Treatment with KBP-089 and liraglutide dose-dependently lowered body weight 15% (at 2.5 μg/kg/day) and 7% (at 400 μg/kg/day) in HFD rats, respectively, while the combination resulted in a 21% body weight reduction, which was mirrored by reduction in fat depot sizes. Gastric emptying and glucose metabolism were improved, primarily by KBP-089, although liraglutide led to a reduction in fasting plasma glucagon.

Conclusion

DACRAs complement GLP-1 on food intake, body weight, and glucose tolerance indicating the potential for an add-on therapy.
Evidence-based practice beliefs and implementations: a cross-sectional study among undergraduate nursing students
Authors: Abu-Baker Nesrin N. , AbuAlrub Salwa , Obeidat Rana F. , Assmairan Kholoud
Published: January 2021

Background

Integrating evidence-based practice (EBP) into the daily practice of healthcare professionals has the potential to improve the practice environment as well as patient outcomes. It is essential for nurses to build their body of knowledge, standardize practice, and improve patient outcomes. This study aims to explore nursing students’ beliefs and implementations of EBP, to examine the differences in students’ beliefs and implementations by prior training of EBP, and to examine the relationship between the same.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey design was used with a convenience sample of 241 nursing students from two public universities. Students were asked to answer the questions in the Evidence-Based Practice Belief and Implementation scales.

Results

This study revealed that the students reported a mean total belief score of 54.32 out of 80 (SD = 13.63). However, they reported a much lower implementation score of 25.34 out of 72 (SD = 12.37). Students who received EBP training reported significantly higher total belief and implementation scores than those who did not. Finally, there was no significant relationship between belief and implementation scores (p > .05).

Conclusion

To advance nursing science, enhance practice for future nurses, and improve patient outcomes, it is critical to teach nursing students not only the value of evidence-based knowledge, but also how to access this knowledge, appraise it, and apply it correctly as needed.
Serological evidence for historical and present-day exposure of North American bison to Mycoplasma bovis
Authors: Register Karen B. , Parker Margaret , Patyk Kelly A. , Sweeney Steven J. , Boatwright William D. , Jones Lee C. , Woodbury Murray , Hunter David L. , Treanor John , Kohr Marshall , Hamilton Robert G. , Shury Todd K. , Nol Pauline
Published: January 2021

Background

Mycoplasma bovis causes mastitis, otitis, pneumonia and arthritis in cattle and is a major contributor to bovine respiratory disease complex. Around the year 2000, it emerged as a significant threat to the health of North American bison. Whether healthy bison are carriers of M. bovis and when they were first exposed is not known. To investigate these questions we used a commercially available ELISA that detects antibodies to M. bovis to test 3295 sera collected from 1984 through 2019 from bison in the United States and Canada.

Results

We identified moderately to strongly seropositive bison from as long ago as the late 1980s. Average seroprevalence over the past 36 years is similar in the United States and Canada, but country-specific differences are evident when data are sorted by the era of collection. Seroprevalence in the United States during the pre-disease era (1999 and prior) was significantly higher than in Canada, but was significantly lower than in Canada during the years 2000–2019. Considering individual countries, seroprevalence in the United States since the year 2000 dropped significantly as compared to the years 1985–1999. In Canada the trend is reversed, with seroprevalence increasing significantly since the year 2000. ELISA scores for sera collected from free-ranging bison do not differ significantly from scores for sera from more intensively managed animals, regardless of the era in which they were collected. However, seroprevalence among intensively raised Canadian bison has nearly doubled since the year 2000 and average ELISA scores rose significantly.

Conclusions

Our data provide the first evidence that North American bison were exposed to M. bovis many years prior to the emergence of M. bovis-related disease. Patterns of exposure inferred from these results differ in the United States and Canada, depending on the era under consideration. Our data further suggest that M. bovis may colonize healthy bison at a level sufficient to trigger antibody responses but without causing overt disease. These findings provide novel insights as to the history of M. bovis in bison and will be of value in formulating strategies to minimize the impact of mycoplasmosis on bison health and production.
Cardiovascular and renal outcomes with SGLT-2 inhibitors versus GLP-1 receptor agonists in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Yamada Takayuki , Wakabayashi Mako , Bhalla Abhinav , Chopra Nitin , Miyashita Hirotaka , Mikami Takahisa , Ueyama Hiroki , Fujisaki Tomohiro , Saigusa Yusuke , Yamaji Takahiro , Azushima Kengo , Urate Shingo , Suzuki Toru , Abe Eriko , Wakui Hiromichi , Tamura Kouichi
Published: January 2021

Background

Emerging evidence suggests that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are associated with decreased risk of cardiovascular and renal events in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. However, no study to date has compared the effect of SGLT-2 inhibitors with that of GLP-1 RAs in type 2 DM patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We herein investigated the benefits of SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 RAs in CKD patients.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search through November 2020. We selected randomized control trials that compared the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and a composite of renal outcomes. We performed a network meta-analysis to compare SGLT-2 inhibitors with GLP-1 RAs indirectly. Risk ratios (RRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were synthesized.

Results

Thirteen studies were selected with a total of 32,949 patients. SGLT-2 inhibitors led to a risk reduction in MACE and renal events (RR [95% CI]; 0.85 [0.75–0.96] and 0.68 [0.59–0.78], respectively). However, GLP-1 RAs did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular or renal adverse events (RR 0.91 [0.80–1.04] and 0.86 [0.72–1.03], respectively). Compared to GLP-1 RAs, SGLT-2 inhibitors did not demonstrate a significant difference in MACE (RR 0.94 [0.78–1.12]), while SGLT-2 inhibitors were associated with a lower risk of renal events compared to GLP-1 RAs (RR 0.79 [0.63–0.99]). A sensitivity analysis revealed that GLP-1 analogues significantly decreased MACE when compared to placebo treatment (RR 0.81 [0.69–0.95]), while exendin-4 analogues did not (RR 1.03 [0.88–1.20]).

Conclusions

In patients with type 2 DM and CKD, SGLT-2 inhibitors were associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular and renal events, but GLP-1 RAs were not. SGLT-2 inhibitors significantly decreased the risk of renal events compared to GLP-1 RAs. Among GLP-1 RAs, GLP-1 analogues showed a positive impact on cardiovascular and renal outcomes, while exendin-4 analogues did not.
Expression profile of circular RNA and construction of circular RNA-Micro RNA network in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma
Authors: Han Jing , Han Nannan , Xu Zhimin , Zhang Chunye , Liu Jiannan , Ruan Min
Published: January 2021

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) is a newly discovered type of non-coding RNA, the abnormal expression of which has been demonstrated in many types of human tumors. So they have been considered as promising candidates as diagnostic and therapeutic targets in cancer. This research aimed to screen the profile of circRNA expression in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC).

Methods

Using the threshold of FDR < 0.05 and fold change > 2 or < 0.5, 5 up-regulated and 26 down-regulated circRNAs were identified. The reliability of sequencing was verified by the expression detection of randomly selected circRNAs via qRT-PCR.

Results

Moreover, the circRNA-miRNA system was established by bioinformatics approaches and successfully identified an interaction between circRNA ABCA13 and a cancer-related miRNA (miR-138-5p), which was also verified by qRT-PCR. Moreover, the predicted molecular interaction proved that circRNA ABCA13 may promote SACC through inhibition of miR-138-5p.

Conclusions

Collectively, this study has offered the first report about the circRNA expression profile and circRNA-miRNA network in SACC. All of the above could benefit the exploration of novel therapeutic target in SACC treatment.