bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A randomized controlled trial examining consumers’ perceptions and opinions on using different versions of a FoodFlip© smartphone application for delivery of nutrition information
Authors: Ahmed Mavra , Oh Angela , Vanderlee Lana , Franco-Arellano Beatriz , Schermel Alyssa , Lou Wendy , L’Abbé Mary R.
Published: February 2020

Background

Food labelling is a common intervention to improve diets, where the back-of-pack Nutrition Information Panel (or Nutrition Facts table (NFt)) provides comprehensive nutrition information on food packages. However, many consumers find it difficult and time-consuming to identify healthier foods using the NFt. As a result, different interpretative nutrition rating systems (INRS) may enable healthier food choices and it is essential that consumers have the tools to allow for easily accessible nutrition information. The objective of this study was to examine consumers’ perceptions of different (INRS) for delivery of nutrition information using different versions of a smartphone app, FoodFlip©.

Methods

This study was part of a larger randomized controlled trial examining consumer perceptions of different INRS on food products. A nationally representative commercial sample of 2008 Canadians were randomized to one of four INRS intervention groups: 1) traffic light, 2) health star rating, 3) ‘high-in’ warning labels or 4) no INRS (NFt only; control) and asked to scan or enter 20 products into FoodFlip© from a list of food products provided to them with varying levels of healthfulness. After completing the app task, participants were asked a series of 7-point Likert-scale and open-ended questions to provide opinions on the usability and functionality of the app.

Results

Of the survey sample of 1997 participants, 95% (n = 1907) completed the app task, with similar number of participants in each treatment group. The mean age was 40 ± 12 years with no differences in sociodemographic characteristics between treatment groups. The health star rating ranked significantly lower in comparison to the other treatment groups in terms of usefulness (OR, 95% CI -0.67, 0.52–0.85), believability (0.59, 0.46–0.75), and understanding (0.55, 0.44–0.71) (p < 0.001). The health star rating (1.20, 0.94–1.53) and control (NFt) (1,1,1) ranked significantly lower than the traffic light or the ‘high-in’ warning labels for their ability to compare the healthfulness of products (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated Canadian consumers’ preference for a nutrient-specific system (i.e. traffic light or ‘high-in’ warning labels). The app, which was liked by majority of the participants for its functionality and usability, has the potential to support healthy dietary decision making and may also encourage reformulation.

Trial registration

NCT03290118 (Clinicaltrials.gov).
Correction to: Pain, functional disability, and their Association in Juvenile Fibromyalgia Compared to other pediatric rheumatic diseases
Authors:   for the CARRA Registry Investigators, Connelly Mark , Weiss Jennifer E.
Published: February 2020

Following publication of the original article [1], we have been notified that the corresponding author’s given name is spelled incorrectly. The given name, thus, should be as follows:
Are social conflicts at work associated with depressive symptomatology? Results from the population-based LIFE-Adult-Study
Authors: Zuelke Andrea E. , Roehr Susanne , Schroeter Matthias L. , Witte A. Veronica , Hinz Andreas , Engel Christoph , Enzenbach Cornelia , Thiery Joachim , Loeffler Markus , Villringer Arno , Riedel-Heller Steffi G.
Published: February 2020

Background

Psychosocial stressors in the workplace can be detrimental to mental health. Conflicts at work, e.g. aggression, hostility or threats from coworkers, supervisors or customers, can be considered a psychosocial stressor, possibly increasing risk for depressive symptoms. Existing studies, however, differ in the assessment of social conflicts, i.e. as individual- or job-level characteristics. Here, we investigated the association between conflicts at work assessed as objective job characteristics, and depressive symptomatology, using data from a large population-based sample. Additionally, we investigated gender differences and the impact of personality traits and social resources.

Methods

We used data from the population-based LIFE-Adult-Study from Leipzig, Germany. Information on conflicts at work, assessed as job characteristics, were drawn from the Occupational Information Network, depressive symptoms were assessed via the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Multilevel linear regression models with individuals and occupations as levels of analysis were applied to investigate the association between conflicts at work and depressive symptoms.

Results

Our sample included 2164 employed adults (age: 18–65 years, mean: 49.3, SD: 7.9) in 65 occupations. No association between conflicts s at work and depressive symptomatology was found (men: b = − 0.14; p = 0.74, women: b = 0.17, p = 0.72). Risk for depression was mostly explained by individual-level factors like e.g. neuroticism or level of social resources. The model showed slightly higher explanatory power in the female subsample.

Conclusion

Conflicts at work, assessed as objective job characteristics, were not associated with depressive symptoms. Possible links between interpersonal conflict and impaired mental health might rather be explained by subjective perceptions of social stressors and individual coping styles.
Markers of immune activation: novel biomarkers to predict the early-warning indicator of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Lu Hongsheng , Zhang Lihong , Dai Yuechu , Ruan Yanyun , Cao Xuequan , Cai Xiaobo , Ruan Sihan , Chen Qi
Published: February 2020

Background

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is an indolent tumor that is exploding with increasing thyroid nodules (TN). Environmental carcinogens, lifestyle changes increased the incidence of thyroid carcinoma. With the development of B-ultrasound imaging, more and more thyroid cancer has been found. There has been a debate about whether thyroid cancer is overtreated.

Methods

The expression of T cell subsets and plasma cytokines in 191 patients, including 79 patients with PTC (PTC group), 58 patients with thyroid nodules (TN group) and 54 healthy individuals (HP group) were analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results

High levels of natural killer cells (NK) were detected in PTC and TN groups than in HP group. High activities of CD8+HLA-DR+ and CD8+CD38+ showed a gradual upward trend from HP group to PTC group. The rise in the levels of TNF-α in PTC patients’ was evident when compared with HP group. CD8+CD38+ showed a significant correlation with lymph node metastasis. CD8+CD38+ co-expression was higher in Nx stage than N0 stage, while the proportion of IL-10 was dramatically decreased in the Nx stage.

Conclusions

These results indicated that CD8+CD38+ might act as a biomarker of PTC lymph node metastasis. The combination of CD8+HLA-DR+, CD8+CD38+ and TNF-α can be used as useful biomarkers for the early-warning indicator of PTC.
The results of using a tendon autograft as a new rotator cable for patients with a massive rotator cuff tear: a technical note and comparative outcome analysis
Authors: Veen Egbert J. D. , Diercks Ronald L. , Landman Ellie B. M. , Koorevaar Cornelis T.
Published: February 2020

Background

Several surgical reconstructive options are available to treat massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs). The rotator cable has an important function and we evaluated the clinical result after arthroscopic reconstruction of the rotator cable with an autograft tendon.

Methods

A prospective pilot study was performed with inclusion of four patients, average age of 64 years, with an irreparable MRCT. The patients underwent an arthroscopic reconstruction of the rotator cable with the use of the long head of biceps tendon autograft, except for one which was reconstructed with a hamstring tendon. Pre- and postsurgically, the Constant-Murley Score (CMS), Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and an MRI was performed. Clinical results of the study group were compared with clinical results of comparable cohort of patients with a MRCT, treated non-operatively with physiotherapy.

Results

The CMS score increased after surgery in three of the four patients. The improvement of CMS score was comparable to the improvement of the CMS score encountered in a comparable cohort. The MRI at 12 months follow-up showed that the reconstructed rotator cable was disintegrated in all patients and the rotator cuff was detached and retracted.

Conclusions

In our pilot study, arthroscopic reconstruction of the rotator cable using a tendon autograft failed over time and showed no clinical benefit in comparison to the non-operative treatment with physiotherapy.

Trial registration

The regional Medical Ethical Committee (Zwolle) gave approval at 14th of October 2016 and assigned no. 16.06100.
Chinese herbal medicine for gout: a review of the clinical evidence and pharmacological mechanisms
Authors: Chi Xiansu , Zhang Hongxiu , Zhang Shuo , Ma Ke
Published: February 2020

Gout is a common arthritis condition due to disorders of purine metabolism and decreased uric acid excretion. Although researchers have carried out various studies on this disease, there are no effective drugs for patients with gout. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), gout pertains the category of Bi pattern due to qi stagnation in the meridians and collaterals. Chinese herbal medicinals has been employed to treat Bi patterns since the ancient China. In recent decades, classical TCM formulas and agents isolated from some Chinese herbal medicinals have been applied to treat gout and have achieved satisfactory effect. In this review, we focus on recent studies of gout in which TCM formulas were applied to treat animal models or to treat patients, and summarize the mechanism of gout from TCM perspective, the clinical application, pharmacological mechanism and the chemical compounds of TCM formulas in treating gout. In conclusion, through this study, we summarized the application principle of TCM formulas in gout treatment and some key issues of current research, and we hope this study will provide some references for applying TCM formulas to treat gout and will lay a foundation for the development of novel formulas for gout treatments.
Machine learning application for development of a data-driven predictive model able to investigate quality of life scores in a rare disease
Authors: Spiga Ottavia , Cicaloni Vittoria , Fiorini Cosimo , Trezza Alfonso , Visibelli Anna , Millucci Lia , Bernardini Giulia , Bernini Andrea , Marzocchi Barbara , Braconi Daniela , Prischi Filippo , Santucci Annalisa
Published: February 2020

Background

Alkaptonuria (AKU) is an ultra-rare autosomal recessive disease caused by a mutation in the homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (HGD) gene. One of the main obstacles in studying AKU, and other ultra-rare diseases, is the lack of a standardized methodology to assess disease severity or response to treatment. Quality of Life scores (QoL) are a reliable way to monitor patients’ clinical condition and health status. QoL scores allow to monitor the evolution of diseases and assess the suitability of treatments by taking into account patients’ symptoms, general health status and care satisfaction. However, more comprehensive tools to study a complex and multi-systemic disease like AKU are needed. In this study, a Machine Learning (ML) approach was implemented with the aim to perform a prediction of QoL scores based on clinical data deposited in the ApreciseKUre, an AKU- dedicated database.

Method

Data derived from 129 AKU patients have been firstly examined through a preliminary statistical analysis (Pearson correlation coefficient) to measure the linear correlation between 11 QoL scores. The variable importance in QoL scores prediction of 110 ApreciseKUre biomarkers has been then calculated using XGBoost, with K-nearest neighbours algorithm (k-NN) approach. Due to the limited number of data available, this model has been validated using surrogate data analysis.

Results

We identified a direct correlation of 6 (age, Serum Amyloid A, Chitotriosidase, Advanced Oxidation Protein Products, S-thiolated proteins and Body Mass Index) out of 110 biomarkers with the QoL health status, in particular with the KOOS (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) symptoms (Relative Absolute Error (RAE) 0.25). The error distribution of surrogate-model (RAE 0.38) was unequivocally higher than the true-model one (RAE of 0.25), confirming the consistency of our dataset. Our data showed that inflammation, oxidative stress, amyloidosis and lifestyle of patients correlates with the QoL scores for physical status, while no correlation between the biomarkers and patients’ mental health was present (RAE 1.1).

Conclusions

This proof of principle study for rare diseases confirms the importance of database, allowing data management and analysis, which can be used to predict more effective treatments.
Nowhere to go: disclosure and help-seeking behaviors for survivors of violence against women and girls in South Sudan
Authors: Murphy Maureen , Ellsberg Mary , Contreras-Urbina Manuel
Published: February 2020

Background

Despite high rates of violence against women and girls (VAWG) in conflict and humanitarian contexts, many survivors do not tell anyone about their experience or seek help from support r services (e.g. health, legal, psychosocial support, police).

Methods

This paper examines disclosure and help seeking behaviours of survivors of non-partner sexual violence (NPSV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) among women and girls aged 15–64 from three sites in South Sudan. It seeks to understand how exposure to armed conflict is associated with disclosure and help seeking practices.

Results

For NPSV, respondents for whom an incident of sexual violence occurred during conflict had twice the odds of telling someone about their experience (aOR: 2.2; 95%CI: 1.3–3.7; p < 0.01) and three times the odds of seeking help (aOR: 3.1; 95%CI: 1.7–5.9, p < .001), compared to respondents for whom the incident of violence did not occur during conflict. Age, the identity of the perpetrator, working status of the woman, poverty and location also affected disclosure and help seeking behaviours for survivors of NPSV. For IPV, exposure to conflict increased the odds a respondent would tell someone about her experience (aOR 1.7; 95%CI 1.2–2.5; p < .01), but was not associated with seeking support services. The severity of IPV affected both disclosure and help seeking behaviours, with the odds of disclosing IPV increasing if the respondent experienced both physical and sexual IPV (compared to only sexual violence), had been injured, thought their well-being was affected, was afraid of their partner, or was controlled by their partner. However, not all these factors were subsequently associated with help seeking behaviours for survivors of IPV and respondents who reported they were sometimes afraid of their partner had reduced odds of seeking help, compared to those who were never afraid of their partners.

Conclusions

These findings are important as, prior to this analysis, it was unclear how experiencing conflict-related VAWG would influence disclosure and help seeking. Given the findings of this paper, it is important that the international community consider how to reduce barriers to reporting and help seeking for non-conflict-related forms of violence in these settings.
Preoperative serum levels of HE4 and CA125 predict primary optimal cytoreduction in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: a preliminary model study
Authors: Feng Li-yuan , Liao Sheng-bin , Li Li
Published: February 2020

Objective

The aim of this study is to establish a noninvasive preoperative model for predicting primary optimal cytoreduction in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer by HE4 and CA125 combined with clinicopathological parameters.

Methods

Clinical data including preoperative serum HE4 and CA125 level of 83 patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer were collected. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and overall accuracy of each clinical parameter were calculated. The Predictive Index score model and the logistic model were constructed to predict the primary optimal cytoreduction.

Results

Optimal surgical cytoreduction was achieved in 62.65% (52/83) patients. Cutoff values of preoperative serum HE4 and CA125 were 777.10 pmol/L and 313.60 U/ml. (1) Patients with PIV ≥ 6 may not be able to achieve optimal surgical cytoreduction. The diagnostic accuracy, NPV, PPV and specificity for diagnosing suboptimal cytoreduction were 71, 100, 68, and 100%, respectively. (2) The logistic model was: logit p = 0.12 age − 2.38 preoperative serum CA125 level − 1.86 preoperative serum HE4 level-2.74 histological type-3.37. AUC of the logistic model in the validation group was 0.71(95%CI 0.54–0.88, P = 0.025). Sensitivity and specificity were 1.00 and 0.44, respectively.

Conclusion

Age, preoperative serum CA125 level and preoperative serum HE4 level are important non-invasive predictors of primary optimal surgical cytoreduction in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. Our PIV and logistic model can be used for assessment before expensive and complex predictive methods including laparoscopy and diagnostic imaging. Further future clinical validation is needed.
Fetal arrhythmias: prenatal evaluation and intrauterine therapeutics
Authors: Yuan Shi-Min , Xu Zhi-Yang
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Fetal arrhythmias are a common phenomenon with rather complicated etiologies. Debates remain regarding prenatal diagnosis and treatment of fetal arrhythmias.

Methods

The literature reporting on prenatal diagnosis and treatment of fetal arrhythmias published in the recent two decades were retrieved, collected and analyzed.

Results

Both fetal magnetocardiogram and electrocardiogram provide information of cardiac time intervals, including the QRS and QT durations. M-mode ultrasound detects the AV and VA intervals, fetal heart rate, and AV conduction. By using Doppler ultrasound, simultaneous recording of the atrial and ventricular waves can be obtained. Benign fetal arrhythmias, including premature contractions and sinus tachycardia, do not need any treatment before and after birth. Sustained fetal arrhythmias that predispose to the occurrence of hydrops fetalis, cardiac dysfunction or eventual fetal demise require active treatments. Intrauterine therapy of fetal tachyarrhythmias has been carried out by the transplacental route. If maternal transplacental treatment fails, intraumbilical, intraperitoneal, or direct fetal intramuscular injection of antiarrhythmic agents can be attempted.

Conclusions

The outcomes of intrauterine therapy of fetal tachyarrhythmias depend on the types or etiology of fetal arrhythmias and fetal conditions. Most are curable to a transplacental treatment by the first-line antiarrhythmic agents. Fetal cardiac pacings are effective methods to restore sinus rhythm in drug-resistant or hemodynamically compromised cases. Immediate postnatal pacemaker implantation is warranted in refractory cases.
Predict respiratory distress syndrome by umbilical cord blood gas analysis in newborns with reassuring Apgar score
Authors: De Bernardo Giuseppe , De Santis Rita , Giordano Maurizio , Sordino Desiree , Buonocore Giuseppe , Perrone Serafina
Published: February 2020

Background

Neonatal acidaemia at birth can increase neonatal morbidity and mortality and it is predictive of neonatal asphyxia. The umbilical blood gas analysis is a valid tool for the evaluation of neonatal acidaemia. However, umbilical cord blood gas analysis is commonly performed in high-risk situations or in the setting of Apgar scores < 7 at 5 min.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted from June to December 2018 at the Department of mother’s and child’s health, Poliambulanza Foundation Hospital Institute. Inclusion criteria were: full term newborns with body weight appropriate for gestational age, born by vaginal delivery or caesarean section, reassuring Apgar Score > 7 at 5 min, arterial cord blood gas analysis showing pH < 7.4 or BE <-8 mmol/l or lactate > 6 mmol/l. The aim was to evaluate the predictive role of blood gas analysis for respiratory distress syndrome in newborns with reassuring Apgar Score.

Results

352 full term newborns were enrolled. Umbilical cord blood artery pH showed an association with respiratory distress syndrome (χ2(1) = 10,084, OR (95% CI): 3,9 × 10− 4(2,9 × 10− 6 - 0,048); p < 0,05). ROC curve revealed that the cut-off point of pH was 7.12, with a sensibility and specificity of 68 and 63%, respectively.

Conclusions

Umbilical cord blood artery pH < 7.12 at birth is associated to respiratory distress syndrome in newborns. Blood gas analysis is an important instrument to help health care providers during assistance in the delivery room, but also to early identify newborns at high risk for respiratory distress syndrome and better manage the care of these newborns after birth.
My Bridge (Mi Puente), a care transitions intervention for Hispanics/Latinos with multimorbidity and behavioral health concerns: protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gallo Linda C. , Fortmann Addie L. , Bravin Julia I. , Clark Taylor L. , Savin Kimberly L. , Ledesma Duvia Lara , Euyoque Johanna , Sandoval Haley , Roesch Scott C. , Gilmer Todd , Talavera Gregory A. , Philis-Tsimikas Athena
Published: February 2020

Background

Multimorbidity affects four of ten US adults and eight of ten adults ages 65 years and older, and frequently includes both cardiometabolic conditions and behavioral health concerns. Hispanics/Latinos (hereafter, Latinos) and other ethnic minorities are more vulnerable to these conditions, and face structural, social, and cultural barriers to obtaining quality physical and behavioral healthcare. We report the protocol for a randomized controlled trial that will compareMi Puente(My Bridge), a cost-efficient care transitions intervention conducted by a specially trained Behavioral Health Nurse and Volunteer Community Mentor team, to usual care or best-practice discharge approaches, in reducing hospital utilization and improving patient reported outcomes in Latino adults with multiple cardiometabolic conditions and behavioral health concerns. The study will examine the degree to whichMi Puenteproduces superior reductions in hospital utilization at 30 and 180 days (primary aim) and better patient-reported outcomes (quality of life/physical health; barriers to healthcare; engagement with outpatient care; patient activation; resources for chronic disease management), and will examine the cost effectiveness of theMi Puenteintervention relative to usual care.

Methods

Participants are enrolled as inpatients at a South San Diego safety net hospital, using information from electronic medical records and in-person screenings. After providing written informed consent and completing self-report assessments, participants randomized to usual care receive best-practice discharge processes, which include educational materials, assistance with outpatient appointments, referrals to community-based providers, and other assistance (e.g., with billing, insurance) as required. Those randomized toMi Puentereceive usual-care materials and processes, along with inpatient visits and up to 4 weeks of follow-up phone calls from the intervention team to address their integrated physical-behavioral health needs and support the transition to outpatient care.

Discussion

TheMi PuenteBehavioral Health Nurse and Volunteer Community Mentor team intervention is proposed as a cost-effective and culturally appropriate care transitions intervention for Latinos with multimorbidity and behavioral health concerns. If shown to be effective, close linkages with outpatient healthcare and community organizations will help maximize uptake, dissemination, and scaling of theMi Puenteintervention.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT02723019. Registered on 30 March 2016.
Protocol update for the SABATO trial: a randomized controlled trial to assess early oral switch therapy in low-risk Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection
Authors:   for the SABATO trial group, Kaasch Achim J. , Rommerskirchen Anna , Hellmich Martin , Fätkenheuer Gerd , Prinz-Langenohl Reinhild , Rieg Siegbert , Kern Winfried V. , Seifert Harald
Published: February 2020

Background

SABATO (Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia antibiotic treatment options) is a randomized, parallel-group, clinical non-inferiority trial designed to examine the efficacy and safety of early oral switch therapy in low-risk Staphylococcus aureus infection. The original trial protocol was published in Trials (accessible at 10.1186/s13063-015-0973-x). Here we describe final amendments to the study protocol and discuss the underlying rationale.

Methods/design

Three major changes were introduced into the study protocol: (1) the inclusion and exclusion criteria were refined so that patients with certain comorbidities (end-stage renal disease, severe liver disease) and uninfected foreign bodies (orthopedic prosthesis, pacemaker, implanted cardiac cardioverter-defibrillator) became eligible for enrollment under certain conditions; (2) the target sample size was decreased by choosing a conventional non-inferiority margin of 10% and converting the interim analysis (215 patients) into the final analysis; and (3) an additional follow-up visit after 30 days was introduced to allow for a closer follow-up of patients.

Conclusion

Changes to the study protocol were introduced to improve the enrollment and follow-up of patients. Furthermore, the decrease of the sample size will facilitate completion of the trial.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01792804. Registered on 13 February 2013.

German Clinical trials register, DRKS00004741. Registered on 4 October 2013, EudraCT 2013-000577-77
A randomized controlled trial to reduce sedentary time in rheumatoid arthritis: protocol and rationale of the Take a STAND for Health study
Authors: Pinto Ana Jessica , Peçanha Tiago , Meireles Kamila , Benatti Fabiana Braga , Bonfiglioli Karina , de Sá Pinto Ana Lúcia , Lima Fernanda Rodrigues , Pereira Rosa Maria Rodrigues , Irigoyen Maria Claudia Costa , Turner James Edward , Kirwan John P. , Owen Neville , Dunstan David W. , Roschel Hamilton , Gualano Bruno
Published: February 2020

Background

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis spend most of their daily hours in sedentary behavior (sitting), a predisposing factor to poor health-related outcomes and all-cause mortality. Interventions focused on reducing sedentary time could be of novel therapeutic relevance. However, studies addressing this topic remain scarce. We aim to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of a newly developed intervention focused on reducing sedentary time, and potential clinical, physiological, metabolic and molecular effects in rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

The Take a STAND for Health study is a 4-month, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial, in which postmenopausal patients with rheumatoid arthritis will set individually tailored, progressive goals to replace their sedentary time with standing and light-intensity activities. Patients will be recruited from the Clinical Hospital (School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo) and will be assessed at baseline and after a 4-month follow up. Outcomes will include objectively measured sedentary behavior (primary outcome) and physical activity levels, clinical parameters, anthropometric parameters and body composition; aerobic fitness, muscle function, blood pressure, cardiovascular autonomic function, vascular function and structure, health-related quality of life, and food intake. Blood and muscle samples will be collected for assessing potential mechanisms, through targeted and non-targeted approaches.

Discussion

Findings will be of scientific and clinical relevance with the potential to inform new prescriptions focused on reducing sedentary behavior, a modifiable risk factor that thus far has been overlooked in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03186924. Registered on 14 June 2017.
Synergistic effect of Lysinibacillus sphaericus and glyphosate on temephos-resistant larvae of Aedes aegypti
Authors: Bernal Laura , Dussán Jenny
Published: February 2020

Background

Glyphosate-based herbicides are one of the most commonly used compounds to control perennial weeds around the world. This compound is very persistent in the environment and tends to filter into aquatic ecosystems, affecting non-target species such as mosquito larvae. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are vectors of multiple arboviruses such as dengue and Zika. Glyphosate can be degraded into non-harmful environmental compounds by Lysinibacillus sphaericus, a spore forming bacterium which can also kill Ae. aegypti larvae. In this study, we assessed the effect of glyphosate concentrations, typically used in Colombia, on the entomopathogenic activity of L. sphaericus against Ae. aegypti larvae.

Methods

Bioassays and toxicity curves were performed to compare the larval mortality between different treatments with and without bacteria and glyphosate (Roundup 747®). Larvae were exposed to both bacteria and glyphosate by adding the compound on chloride-free water. Comparisons were made using both probit regression and ANOVA analysis.

Results

ANOVA showed a significant difference in larval mortality when adding glyphosate and L. sphaericus at the same time. Thus, a positive synergic effect on larval mortality was found when L. sphaericus and glyphosate were mixed. According to probit analysis, median lethal dose (LD50) for bacterial mixture was of 106.23 UFC/ml and for glyphosate was 2.34 g/l.

Conclusions

A positive synergic effect on the mortality of larval Ae. aegypti when exposed to L. sphaericus mixture and glyphosate was found. Molecular studies focusing on the toxin production of L. sphaericus are required to understand more about this synergistic effect.
Evolution of the Plasmodium vivax multidrug resistance 1 gene in the Greater Mekong Subregion during malaria elimination
Authors: Ngassa Mbenda Huguette Gaelle , Wang Meilian , Guo Jian , Siddiqui Faiza Amber , Hu Yue , Yang Zhaoqing , Kittichai Veerayuth , Sattabongkot Jetsumon , Cao Yaming , Jiang Lubin , Cui Liwang
Published: February 2020

Background

The malaria elimination plan of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) is jeopardized by the increasing number of Plasmodium vivax infections and emergence of parasite strains with reduced susceptibility to the frontline drug treatment chloroquine/primaquine. This study aimed to determine the evolution of the P. vivax multidrug resistance 1 (Pvmdr1) gene in P. vivax parasites isolated from the China–Myanmar border area during the major phase of elimination.

Methods

Clinical isolates were collected from 275 P. vivax patients in 2008, 2012–2013 and 2015 in the China–Myanmar border area and from 55 patients in central China. Comparison was made with parasites from three border regions of Thailand.

Results

Overall, genetic diversity of the Pvmdr1 was relatively high in all border regions, and over the seven years in the China–Myanmar border, though slight temporal fluctuation was observed. Single nucleotide polymorphisms previously implicated in reduced chloroquine sensitivity were detected. In particular, M908L approached fixation in the China–Myanmar border area. The Y976F mutation sharply decreased from 18.5% in 2008 to 1.5% in 2012–2013 and disappeared in 2015, whereas F1076L steadily increased from 33.3% in 2008 to 77.8% in 2015. While neutrality tests suggested the action of purifying selection on the pvmdr1 gene, several likelihood-based algorithms detected positive as well as purifying selections operating on specific amino acids including M908L, T958M and F1076L. Fixation and selection of the nonsynonymous mutations are differently distributed across the three border regions and central China. Comparison with the global P. vivax populations clearly indicated clustering of haplotypes according to geographic locations. It is noteworthy that the temperate-zone parasites from central China were completely separated from the parasites from other parts of the GMS.

Conclusions

This study showed that P. vivax populations in the China–Myanmar border has experienced major changes in the Pvmdr1 residues proposed to be associated with chloroquine resistance, suggesting that drug selection may play an important role in the evolution of this gene in the parasite populations.
Efficacy of imidacloprid 10%/moxidectin 1% spot-on formulation (Advocate®) in the prevention and treatment of feline aelurostrongylosis
Authors: Heuer Lea , Petry Gabriele , Pollmeier Matthias , Schaper Roland , Deuster Katrin , Schmidt Holger , Blazejak Katrin , Strube Christina , Di Cesare Angela , Traversa Donato , Schnyder Manuela , McKay-Demeler Janina , von Samson-Himmelstjerna Georg , Mangold-Gehring Sandra , Böhm Claudia
Published: February 2020

Background

In three randomized, controlled laboratory efficacy studies, the efficacy in the prevention of patent infections of a topical combination of imidacloprid 10%/moxidectin 1% (Advocate® spot-on formulation for cats, Bayer Animal Health GmbH) against larval stages and immature adults of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, as well as the treatment efficacy of a single or three monthly treatments against adult A. abstrusus, were evaluated.

Methods

Cats were experimentally inoculated with 300–800 third-stage larvae (L3). Each group comprised 8 animals and the treatment dose was 10 mg/kg bodyweight (bw) imidacloprid and 1 mg/kg bw moxidectin in each study. Prevention of the establishment of patent infections was evaluated by two treatments at a monthly interval at three different time points before and after challenge infection. Curative efficacy was tested by one or three treatments after the onset of patency. Worm counts at necropsy were used for efficacy calculations.

Results

In Study 1, the control group had a geometric mean (GM) of 28.8 adult nematodes and the single treatment group had a GM of 3.4 (efficacy 88.3%). In Study 2, the control group had a GM of 14.3, the prevention group had a GM of 0 (efficacy 100%), while the treatment group had a GM of 0.1 (efficacy 99.4%). In Study 3, the GM worm burden in the control group was 32.6 compared to 0 in all three prevention groups (efficacy 100% for all of those groups).

Conclusions

The monthly administration of Advocate® reliably eliminated early larval stages and thereby prevented lung damage from and patent infections with A. abstrusus in cats. Regarding treatment, a single application of Advocate® reduced the worm burden, but it did not sufficiently clear the infection. In contrast, three monthly treatments were safe and highly efficacious against A. abstrusus.
Environmental DNA-based xenomonitoring for determining Schistosoma presence in tropical freshwaters
Authors: Alzaylaee Hind , Collins Rupert A. , Shechonge Asilatu , Ngatunga Benjamin P. , Morgan Eric R. , Genner Martin J.
Published: February 2020

Background

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that infects over 200 million people worldwide. Control measures can benefit from improved surveillance methods in freshwaters, with environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys having the potential to offer effective and rapid detection of schistosomes. However, sampling eDNA directly from natural water bodies can lead to inaccurate estimation of infection risk if schistosome eDNA is rare in the environment. Here we report a xenomonitoring method that allows schistosome infections of host snail species to be determined from eDNA in water used to house those snails.

Methods

Host snail species were collected and placed in containers of water and allowed to shed cercariae, and then water samples were filtered and tested using qPCR assays specific to the African species Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium. We evaluated this “eDNA-based xenomonitoring” approach by experimentally comparing the results to those obtained from direct qPCR screening of tissue sourced from the snails in the experiment.

Results

We found that our method accurately diagnosed the presence of S. mansoni-infected snails in all tests, and S. haematobium-infected snails in 92% of tests. Moreover, we found that the abundance of Schistosoma eDNA in experiments was directly dependent on the number and biomass of infected snails.

Conclusions

These results provide a strong indication that this surveillance method combining the utility of eDNA-based monitoring with the reliability of traditional xenomonitoring approaches could be used to accurately assay the presence of Schistosoma species in natural habitats. This approach may be well-suited for epidemiological studies and monitoring in endemic areas, where it can assist schistosomiasis control by indicating infection risk from freshwaters and guiding necessary interventions to eliminate the disease.
Increasing intensities of Anisakis simplex third-stage larvae (L3) in Atlantic salmon of coastal waters of Scotland
Authors: Kent Alexander J. , Pert Campbell C. , Briers Robert A. , Diele Karen , Rueckert Sonja
Published: February 2020

Background

Red Vent Syndrome (RVS), a haemorrhagic inflammation of the vent region in Atlantic salmon, is associated with high abundance of Anisakis simplex (s.s.) third-stage larvae (L3) in the vent region. Despite evidence suggesting that increasing A. simplex (s.s.) intensity is a causative factor in RVS aetiology, the definitive cause remains unclear.

Methods

A total of 117 Atlantic salmon were sampled from commercial fisheries on the East, West, and North coasts of Scotland and examined for ascaridoid parasites. Genetic identification of a subsample of Anisakis larvae was performed using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA. To assess the extent of differentiation of feeding grounds and dietary composition, stable isotope analysis of carbon and nitrogen was carried out on Atlantic salmon muscle tissue.

Results

In the present study, the obtained ITS rDNA sequences matched A. simplex (s.s.) sequences deposited in GenBank at 99–100%. Not all isolated larvae (n = 30,406) were genetically identified. Therefore, the morphotype found in this study is referred to as A. simplex (sensu lato). Anisakis simplex (s.l.) was the most prevalent (100%) nematode with the highest mean intensity (259.9 ± 197.3), in comparison to Hysterothylacium aduncum (66.7%, 6.4 ± 10.2) and Pseudoterranova decipiens (s.l.) (14.5%, 1.4 ± 0.6). The mean intensity of A. simplex (s.l.) represents a four-fold increase compared to published data (63.6 ± 31.9) from salmon captured in Scotland in 2009. Significant positive correlations between A. simplex (s.l.) larvae intensities from the body and the vent suggest that they play a role in the emergence of RVS. The lack of a significant variation in stable isotope ratios of Atlantic salmon indicates that diet or feeding ground are not driving regional differences in A. simplex (s.l.) intensities.

Conclusions

This paper presents the most recent survey for ascaridoid parasites of wild Atlantic salmon from three coastal regions in Scotland. A significant rise in A. simplex (s.l.) intensity could potentially increase both natural mortality rates of Atlantic salmon and possible risks for salmon consumers due to the known zoonotic role of A. simplex (s.s.) and A. pegreffii within the A. simplex (s.l.) species complex.
Quantifying compensatory strategies in adults with and without diagnosed autism
Authors: Livingston Lucy Anne , Shah Punit , Milner Victoria , Happé Francesca
Published: February 2020

Background

There is growing recognition that some autistic people engage in ‘compensation’, showing few behavioural symptoms (e.g. neurotypical social skills), despite continuing to experience autism-related cognitive difficulties (e.g. difficulties in social cognition). One way this might be achieved is by individuals consciously employing ‘compensatory strategies’ during everyday social interaction. However, very little is currently known about the broad range of these strategies, their mechanisms and consequences for clinical presentation and diagnosis.

Methods

We aimed to measure compensatory strategies in autism for the first time. Using a novel checklist, we quantified self-reported social compensatory strategies in 117 adults (58 with autism, 59 without autism) and explored the relationships between compensation scores and autism diagnostic status, autistic traits, education level, sex and age at diagnosis.

Results

Higher compensation scores—representing a greater repertoire of compensatory strategies—were associated with having an autism diagnosis, more autistic traits and a higher education level. The link between autism diagnostic status and compensation scores was, however, explained by autistic traits and education level. Compensation scores were unrelated to sex or age at diagnosis.

Limitations

Our sample was self-selected and predominantly comprised of intellectually able females; therefore, our findings may not generalise to the wider autistic population.

Conclusions

Together, our findings suggest that many intellectually able adults, with and without a clinical diagnosis of autism, report using compensatory strategies to modify their social behaviour. We discuss the clinical utility of measuring self-reported compensation (e.g., using our checklist), with important implications for the accurate diagnosis and management of autism and related conditions.
Isolated agenesis of the corpus callosum and normal general intelligence development during postnatal life: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Guadarrama-Ortiz Parménides , Choreño-Parra José Alberto , de la Rosa-Arredondo Tania
Published: February 2020

Background

Agenesis of the corpus callosum can occur isolated or as part of a complex congenital syndrome. Patients with isolated agenesis of the corpus callosum may present with severe intellectual disability, although a proportion of affected individuals develop normal intelligence. However, even in patients with no apparent deficits, subtle neuropsychological alterations may occur as the cognitive demand increases with age. Hence, patients with this deffect require a strict follow-up during their postnatal life. Thus, physicians require a better knowledge of the cognitive features of agenesis of the corpus callosum to improve their approach to this cerebral malformation. Here, we report an illustrative case of a school-age child with isolated agenesis of the corpus callosum and normal intelligence. We also provide a literature review about the postnatal screening of neurocognitive deficits in patients with agenesis of the corpus callosum.

Case presentation

An 8-year-old Hispanic boy with total agenesis of the corpus callosum attended for medical follow-up. The defect was identified during the neonatal period by cranial ultrasonography and brain computed tomography scan. However, he did not present any craniofacial or non-cerebral malformation suggestive of a congenital syndrome. Furthermore, he showed no neuropsychiatric disorder or intellectual disability during his early childhood. At the age of 4, he was subjected to a control brain magnetic resonance imaging that showed total agenesis of the corpus callosum and colpocephaly. At his arrival, a neurological examination was normal with no signs of intracranial hypertension. His intelligence quotient was unaltered and he scored normal in the Mini-Mental State Examination test. The literature reviewed here suggested that patients with agenesis of the corpus callosum require a strict neurocognitive follow-up during postnatal life, as they may present neuropsychological deficits during adolescence, when development of the corpus callosum is completed and there is maximum reliance on this structure. Thus, our patient was scheduled for future annual neurocognitive testing.

Conclusions

Isolated agenesis of the corpus callosum is not innocuous, and patients with this defect require a strict neurocognitive follow-up. We provide an informative reference tool useful for the postnatal neuropsychological screening of patients with isolated agenesis of the corpus callosum.
Sparse identification of contrast gain control in the fruit fly photoreceptor and amacrine cell layer
Authors: Lazar Aurel A. , Ukani Nikul H. , Zhou Yiyin
Published: February 2020

The fruit fly’s natural visual environment is often characterized by light intensities ranging across several orders of magnitude and by rapidly varying contrast across space and time. Fruit fly photoreceptors robustly transduce and, in conjunction with amacrine cells, process visual scenes and provide the resulting signal to downstream targets. Here, we model the first step of visual processing in the photoreceptor-amacrine cell layer. We propose a novel divisive normalization processor (DNP) for modeling the computation taking place in the photoreceptor-amacrine cell layer. The DNP explicitly models the photoreceptor feedforward and temporal feedback processing paths and the spatio-temporal feedback path of the amacrine cells. We then formally characterize the contrast gain control of the DNP and provide sparse identification algorithms that can efficiently identify each the feedforward and feedback DNP components. The algorithms presented here are the first demonstration of tractable and robust identification of the components of a divisive normalization processor. The sparse identification algorithms can be readily employed in experimental settings, and their effectiveness is demonstrated with several examples.
Correction to: Long range Debye-Hückel correction for computation of grid-based electrostatic forces between biomacromolecules
Authors: Mereghetti Paolo , Martinez Michael , Wade Rebecca C.
Published: February 2020

The original publication of this article [1] contained an error
Under-five anemia and its associated factors with dietary diversity, food security, stunted, and deworming in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Belachew Amare , Tewabe Tilahun
Published: February 2020

Background

Anemia is the most common hematologic disorder of children in the globe. There are fragmented and inconclusive study findings on under-five anemia in Ethiopia. Understanding the distribution of anemia is an important step for program planners and policymakers. Therefore, this systematic review was aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of anemia and associated factors with dietary diversity, food security, stunted, and deworming in Ethiopia.

Methods

We searched through African journals of online, Google Scholar, CINHAL, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane library, and Scopus. Reviewers used standardized format to extract the data. The data was exported to Stata version 11 software for analysis after extracted by Microsoft excel. The DerSimonian-Laird random-effect model was used to assess the pooled prevalence of under-five anemia. Variation between studies (heterogeneity) was assessed by I2 statistic test. Publication bias was assessed by the Egger test.

Result

From 561 studies, 16 articles were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of under-five anemia in Ethiopia was 44.83%. In subgroup analysis, the higher pooled prevalence of anemia was observed from children’s age less than 2 years old (50.36%) (95% CI 39.53, 61.18). Poor dietary diversity OR = 1.71 (1.10, 2.68), stunting OR = 2.59 (2.04, 3.28), food insecurity OR = 2.87 (1.25, 6.61), and not dewormed OR = 2.34 (1.77, 3.09) were predictors of under-five anemia.

Conclusion

The magnitude of under-five anemia in this study was extremely high. Therefore, increased coverage of supplementation and fortification programs, periodic deworming, feeding diversified food, supplement food for those who are stunted, and securing food in the households may all alleviate under-five anemia.