bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemotherapy-associated liver injury in colorectal cancer
Authors: Gangi Alexandra , Lu Shelly C.
Published: May 2020

Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) have benefited significantly from advances in multimodal treatment with significant improvements in long-term survival. More patients are currently being treated with surgical resection or ablation following neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy. However, several cytotoxic agents that are administered routinely have been linked to liver toxicities that impair liver function and regeneration. Recognition of chemotherapy-related liver toxicity emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary planning to optimize care. This review aims to summarize current data on multimodal treatment concepts for CRC, provide an overview of liver damage caused by commonly administered chemotherapeutic agents, and evaluate currently suggested protective agents.
Outcomes of comprehensive treatment for primary osteosarcoma
Authors: Hashimoto Kazuhiko , Nishimura Shunji , Oka Naohiro , Akagi Masao
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of osteosarcoma to identify prognostic factors and determine new strategies to improve overall survival.

Patients and Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed 12 cases of osteosarcoma treated at our hospital from 2012 to 2017. Tumor site, tissue type, stage, treatments, adverse effects, postoperative limb function, surgical margin, and final outcomes were evaluated.

Results:

All patients received chemotherapy, and 10 underwent wide resection. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scores were more than good in all cases, and the 3-year survival rate was 73.3%. Two patients are alive with disease, eight have remained disease-free, and two died of the disease. Three of the four recurrent cases involved the pelvis.

Conclusion:

The treatment of primary osteosarcoma with wide resection in our department, therefore, yielded favorable outcomes. However, improved treatment strategies are needed for pelvic and advanced cases.
Something to Sweat About: Two Cases of Dupilumab-Induced Hyperhidrosis and Bromhidrosis
Authors: Rowane Marija , Valencia Reimus , Schend Jason , Jhaveri Devi , Hostoffer Robert
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Atopic dermatitis (AD, eczema) is familial chronic inflammatory skin disease of complex etiology and increasing prevalence. Dupilumab is an IL-4 receptor subunit alpha (IL-4Rα) antagonist that is the first Food and Drug Administration-approved biological therapy for moderate-to-severe adult AD inadequately controlled with topical therapies. Adverse effects reported in the literature include injection site reactions, conjunctivitis, headache, and nasopharyngitis.

Objective

We report the first cases of hyperhidrosis and bromhidrosis as side effects from dupilumab (Dupixent®) for the treatment of AD.

Case Reports

Case 1 is a 20-year-old woman with controlled allergic rhinitis and severe AD reported axillary hyperhidrosis with bromhidrosis, comparable to sweat from high-intensity exercise, with no relief from several different over-the-counter antiperspirants. Case 2 is a 61-year-old woman with history of chronic asthma, allergic contact dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and AD noticed markedly increased sweating with bromhidrosis that was reminiscent of her menopausal symptomology, about 3 months after initiating dupilimab.

Discussion

Traditional immunosuppressive agents and corticosteroids have limited efficacy, numerous side effects, and increased risk of infection. The safety profile and efficacy of the newly approved IL-4Rα antagonist dupilumab may be favorable to oral immunosuppressants, but its use remains limited to severe recalcitrant cases, due to financial implications and lack of long-term safety data and comparative head-to-head trials.

Conclusion

We report improved outcomes with dupilumab, in addition to unpublished cases of bromhidrosis and hyperhidrosis in 2 patients with AD. This report of additional complications may inspire further clinical research and assist clinicians in considering the option of dupilumab for uncontrolled AD, despite aggressive traditional treatment.
Quantitative Evaluation of Public Open Space per Inhabitant in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Case Study of the City of Jeddah
Authors: Addas Abdullah , Alserayhi Ghassan
Published: May 2020

Public open spaces are essential for residents’ social interactions and recreational activities, improving well-being as well as offering economic and environmental benefits. Saudi Arabia is aiming to enhance the quality of life in all its cities through different national programs and projects. One of the key performance indicators is increasing public open space per capita from 3.47 to 3.9 m2 by 2020. This study measured the current public open space per inhabitant in Jeddah using a geographic information system (GIS) to identify the types of public open spaces that make up the per capita value in the city. Jeddah is located in a rapidly developing country, and it is a replanned city where the current status of public open spaces falls short of users’ expectations and does not meet international standards. This study suggests that the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and municipalities should adopt a systematic approach to tackling the spatial distribution of open spaces in Saudi cities. In addition, there is a need for the proactive involvement of planners, landscape architects, and designers in the planning process.
The Military Dimension of Niger Delta Crisis and Its Implications on Nigeria National Security
Authors: Oluyemi Opeoluwa Adisa
Published: May 2020

This article uses qualitative research method to obtain information from high-profiled respondents through verbal interaction in semi-structured interviews in addition to some secondary data to examine the military dimension of Niger Delta crisis and its implications on security sectors in Nigeria. The Nigerian militarized political system attests to the influence of long-term military rule in the country thereby the perpetual deployment of Nigerian armed forces to complement the duty of police in ensuring internal security has been found unassailable within Nigerian democratic governments. Consequently, there have been numerous cases of civilian casualties characterizing the historical record of these military interventions in which the case of Niger delta crisis has been no exception. This article finds it worthwhile to examine the outcomes of these military operations in Niger delta crisis over security sectors in Nigeria and finds them to be terrifically counterproductive. The result unveils the impracticality of military armed forces becoming instrumental in addressing economic and environmental insecurities of a state as well as the need to expand the agenda of security beyond the military armed forces. Theoretically, this article uses the Copenhagen School of Security Studies’ (CS) conceptualization of security sectors as conceptual and structural framework of the study.
Oblique lumbar interbody fusion in management of lumbar degenerative spinal stenosis in Chinese population
Authors: Cheung Man Yee , Cheung Philip
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of a cohort of local Chinese patients who underwent oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) surgery for lumbar degenerative diseases.

Methods:

We adopted a minimally invasive anterior approach to the lumbar spine through retroperitoneal access. In the first part of the surgery, a 3- to 5-cm left lateral incision over the abdomen was made guided by imaging. L2–L5 disc space was approached via the corridor between the left psoas muscle and the great vessels. A specially designed interbody cage filled with bone substitute was utilized for interbody fusion. In the second part of the surgery, posterior instrumentation with or without decompression, was performed in a prone position. Efficacy and safety of the surgery were studied.

Results:

A total of 60 patients with the mean age of 68 years underwent OLIF at 83 surgical levels. Their mean operative time was 79 min, and the average blood loss was 84 ml for the OLIF part. The mean length of hospital stay was 5.5 days. Based on plain computed tomography scan obtained at post-operative 6 months, successful fusion was achieved in 82 of the 83 surgical levels. The Oswestry Disability Index for low back pain had a mean reduction of 22.3% after 6 months. Specific complications observed include transient thigh pain or numbness, retroperitoneal hematoma, post-operative ileus and Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) osteolysis. None of the patients experienced infection, symptomatic pseudo-arthrosis, hardware failure, vascular injury, nerve injury, ureteral injury, bowel injury, incisional hernia or death.

Conclusion:

OLIF is an effective procedure to treat lumbar spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis with excellent fusion rate and good functional outcome. Complications specific to this procedure are not uncommon, but majority are minor and self-recovery. Proper training is required to minimize potential surgical risks.
The Oil Hegemonic System and Game Theory: Regional versus Trans-regional Powers in the Middle East
Authors: Gassama Saikou Kawsu , Ebrahimi Mansoureh , Yusoff Kamaruzaman Bin
Published: May 2020

Despite having the largest reserves and forecasts for undiscovered hydrocarbon energy resources in the world, which highlights global energy dependence on the Middle East, a distinct lack of cooperation between regional governments is accompanied by incoherent energy policies and governmental processes that enable trans-regional powers (mainly, Western powers) to dominate resource exploitation and “win the game.” A lack of cooperation between Middle Eastern oil producing countries as well as attendant competition and rivalry allows significant leverage for Western powers to pit one Middle Eastern country against another; thus, permitting Western energy hegemony in the region. Using game theory and a qualitative analytical approach, the authors posit that trans-regional powers, to their advantage, have hegemonic control over regional Middle Eastern powers that maintain the pace of energy production to supply growing demands for predominantly western consumption. The Middle East countries will continue to lose the “game,” especially Iran and Saudi Arabia, if they do not reconcile differences and exploit options for regional cooperation. Such a modification in relations would allow coherent policies and governmental structures to institutionalize and reverse the current trend for extrinsic hegemony.
A case of acanthosis nigricans in a HIV-infected patient
Authors: Iacovelli Alessandra , Mezzaroma Ivano , Di Paolo Marcello , Soda Giuseppe , De Vincentiis Ludovica , Palange Paolo
Published: May 2020

Background

To date, very little information is available concerning the relationship between acanthosis nigricans (AN) and infection with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1).

Case presentation

Herein, we report the case of a middle-aged man admitted for fever and progressively worsening dyspnea in the context of an opportunistic pneumonia and firstly diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). At the time of diagnosis, physical examination revealed the presence of a palpable, hyperpigmented skin lesion on the left areola with surface desquamation and velvety texture consistent with AN. Of note, the most common primary etiologies related to AN were excluded and the complete regression of the skin lesion was observed once antiretroviral therapy was started.

Conclusion

This is the second report of AN found in patients with AIDS and apparently responsive to prolonged antiretroviral treatment. Possible explanations of this association are still not completely understood, probably related to virus-induced changes in lipid metabolism. Our experience suggests that HIV testing should always be considered in the setting of apparently idiopathic AN.
Neurobehavioral recovery in patients who emerged from prolonged disorder of consciousness: a retrospective study
Authors: Lee Hoo Young , Park Jung Hyun , Kim Ae Ryoung , Park Misun , Kim Tae-Woo
Published: May 2020

Background

We investigated the clinical course of patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (PDoC), predictors of emergence from PDoC (EDoC), and the temporal dynamics of six neurobehavior domains based on the JFK Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) during the recovery.

Methods

A total of 50 traumatic and non-traumatic patients with PDoC were enrolled between October 2014 and February 2017. A retrospective analysis of the clinical findings and neurobehavioral signs was conducted using standardized methodology such as CRS-R. The findings were used to investigate the incidence and predictors of EDoC and determine the cumulative pattern of neurobehavioral recovery at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years post-injury.

Results

The results showed that 46% of the subjects emerged from PDoC after 200 median days (64–1197 days) of injury onset. The significant predictors of EDoC included minimally conscious state (MCS) (vs. vegetative state), higher auditory, communication, arousal, total CRS-R scores, shorter lag time post-injury, and the absence of intra-axial lesions. In terms of cumulative recovery of motor and communication signs in patients who emerged from PDoC, 39 and 32% showed EDoC at 6 months post-injury, and 88 and 93% exhibited EDoC at 2 years post-injury, respectively.

Conclusions

Nearly half of the patients with PDoC recovered consciousness during inpatient rehabilitation. MCS, shorter lag time, the absence of intra-axial lesions, higher auditory, communication, arousal, and total CRS-R scores were important predictors for EDoC. Motor scores in the early stage of recovery and communication scores after prolonged intervals contributed to the higher levels of cumulative EDoC.
Association of childhood out-of-home care status with all-cause mortality up to 42-years later: Office of National Statistics Longitudinal Study
Authors: Murray Emily T. , Lacey Rebecca , Maughan Barbara , Sacker Amanda
Published: May 2020

Background

The adverse life-long consequences of being looked-after as a child are well recognised, but follow-up periods for mortality risk have mostly ended in young adulthood and mortality suggested to differ by age of placement, gender and cohort in small samples.

Methods

Data on 353,601 Office for National Statistics Longitudinal Study (LS) members during census years 1971–2001, and Cox proportional hazards regression models with time-varying covariates (age as the timescale), were used to examine whether childhood out-of-home care was associated with all-cause mortality until the end of 2013. After adjusting for baseline age and age2, gender, born outside the United Kingdom, number of census observations in childhood and baseline census year we tested whether mortality risk varied for those in care by age, gender and baseline census year, by separate assessment of interaction terms. Supplementary analyses assessed robustness of findings.

Results

Adults who had been in care at any census (maximum of two) had an adjusted all-cause mortality hazard ratio 1.62 (95% CI 1.43, 1.86) times higher than adults who had never been in care. The excess mortality was mainly attributable to deaths categorised as self-harm, accidents and mental & behavioural causes. Mortality risk was elevated if the LS member was initially assessed in 1981 or 2001, compared to 1971. There was no significant variation in mortality risk for those in care by age or gender. The main findings were consistent irrespective of choice of comparison group (whole population, disadvantaged population), care placement (residential, non-residential) and age at death (all ages, adulthood only).

Conclusions

In this large, nationally representative study of dependent children resident in England and Wales, those who had been in care during childhood had a higher risk of mortality long after they had left care on average, mainly from unnatural causes. No differences by age or gender were found. Children in care have not benefitted from the general decline in mortality risk over time.
Epidemiology of psoriasis in hard-to-treat body locations: data from the Danish skin cohort
Authors: Egeberg Alexander , See Kyoungah , Garrelts Alyssa , Burge Russel
Published: May 2020

Background

Having psoriasis in hard-to-treat areas, i.e. the scalp, face, palms, soles, nails, and genitals, respectively, can impair patients’ quality of life. We investigated the prevalence of hard-to-treat body locations of psoriasis, and described patients’ clinical and demographic characteristics, and quality of life impacts in a population-based cohort.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study using a total of 4016 adults (≥18 years) with psoriasis from the Danish Skin Cohort. Groups were compared to patients without involvement of hard-to-treat areas.

Results

The most frequently affected hard-to-treat area was the scalp (43.0%), followed by the face (29.9%), nails (24.5%), soles (15.6%), genitals (14.1%), and palms (13.7%), respectively. Higher prevalence was generally seen with increasing psoriasis severity. Among all patients 64.8, 42.4, and 21.9% of patients had involvement of ≥1, ≥2, or ≥ 3 hard-to-treat areas. Those with involvement of certain hard-to-treat areas such as hands, feet, and genitals had clinically relevant DLQI impairments. Having involvement of one hard-to-treat area was significantly associated with other hard-to-treat areas affected even after adjusting for age, sex, and psoriasis severity.

Conclusion

Psoriasis commonly affects hard-to-treat locations, even in patients with mild disease. For some of these areas, patient-reported disease burden, e.g. as measured by DLQI, is impaired.
A qualitative study of old patients’ experiences of the quality of the health services in hospital and 30 days after hospitalization
Authors: Lilleheie Ingvild , Debesay Jonas , Bye Asta , Bergland Astrid
Published: May 2020

Background

The number of people aged 80 years and above is projected to triple over the next 30 years. People in this age group normally have at least two chronic conditions. The impact of multimorbidity is often significantly greater than expected from the sum of the effects of each condition. The World Health Organization has indicated that healthcare systems must prepare for a change in the focus of clinical care for older people. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines healthcare quality as care that is effective, efficient, integrated, patient centered, equitable and safe. The degree to which healthcare quality can be defined as acceptable is determined by services’ ability to meet the needs of users and adapt to patients’ expectations and perceptions.

Method

We took a phenomenological perspective to explore older patients’ subjective experiences and conducted semistructured individual interviews. Eighteen patients (aged from 82 to 100 years) were interviewed twice after discharge from hospital. The interview transcriptions were analyzed thematically.

Results

The patients found their meetings with the health service to be complex and demanding. They reported attempting to restore a sense of security and meaning in everyday life, balancing their own needs against external requirements. Five overarching themes emerged from the interviews: hospital stay and the person behind the diagnosis, poor communication and coordination, life after discharge, relationship with their next of kin, and organizational and systemic determinants.

Conclusion

According to the WHO, to deliver quality healthcare, services must include all six of the dimensions listed above. Our findings show that they do not. Healthcare focused on measurable values and biomedical inquiries. Few opportunities for participation, scant information and suboptimal care coordination left the patients with a feeling of being in limbo, where they struggled to find balance in their everyday life. Further work must be done to ensure that integrated services are provided without a financial burden, centered on the needs and rights of older people.
Isolation and characteristics of multi-drug resistant Streptococcus porcinus from the vaginal secretions of sow with endometritis
Authors: Wang Yawen , Guo Haiyong , Bai Yun , Li Tanqing , Xu Ruitao , Sun Tairan , Lu Jicheng , Song Qinye
Published: May 2020

Background

Sow endometritis is a common disease in pig breeding farms after artificial insemination, which leads to gray-green vaginal secretions and decreased conception rates. It is important to perform an etiologic diagnosis for effective treatments and control of diseases. The aim of this study was to carry out a pathogenic detection in five specimens of vaginal secretions collected from sick pigs with endometritis, implement identification of the pathogens by phenotypic detection and 16 s rDNA sequence and phylogeny analysis, and determinate antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates.

Results

A Streptococcus strain was isolated and identified from all of the five specimens. The isolate was positive for Voges-Proskauer (V-P) and for the hydrolysis of arginine, esculin and myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG). Acid formation was observed for sorbitol, mushroom sugar, sucrose, and glucose. The 16S rDNA sequence of the isolate possessed 99.93% similarity to that of Streptococcus porcinus. The phylogenetic analysis of 16S rDNA sequence showed that the isolate belonged to the same clade as the S. porcinus strains from humans, pigs, and other animals. The isolate exhibited multi-drug resistance to aminoglycosides, quinolones, macrolides and tetracyclines except being sensitive to some β- lactams such as penicillin G, cephalothin, cefazolin, cephradine and cefuroxime.

Conclusions

A S. porcinus isolate with multi-drug resistance was identified from vaginal secretions of sows with endometritis in one pig breeding farm, which suggests that the sow endometritis was caused by S. porcinus infection during artificial insemination. This study indicates that sensitive antibiotics such as penicillin G or some cephalosporins could be used for treatment of the diseases. In addition, the study hints that bacterial multi-drug resistance is a tough problem for disease treatment in pig farms.
Is female genital mutilation associated with eclampsia? Evidence from a nationally representative survey data
Authors: Bellizzi Saverio , Say Lale , Rashidian Arash , Boulvain Michel , Abdulcadir Jasmine
Published: May 2020

Background

Studies have shown the impact of female genital mutilation (FGM), especially infibulation (WHO type III), on reproductive health, and adverse obstetric outcomes like postpartum haemorrhage and obstructed labour. However, whether an association exists with maternal hypertensive complication is not known. The present study sought to investigate the role of the different types of FGM on the occurrence of eclampsia.

Methods

The study used data from the 2006 Demographic and health survey of Mali. The proportion of eclampsia in women with each type of FGM and the unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (OR) were calculated, using women without FGM as reference group. Unadjusted and adjusted OR were also calculated for women who underwent infibulation compared to the rest of the population under study (women without FGM and women with FGM type I, II, and IV).

Results

In the 3997 women included, the prevalence of infibulation was 10.2% (n = 407) while 331 women did not report FGM (8.3%). The proportion of women reporting signs and symptoms suggestive of eclampsia was 5.9% (n = 234).

Compared with the absence of female genital mutilation and adjusted for covariates, infibulation was associated with eclampsia (aOR 2.5; 95% CI:1.4–4.6), while the association was not significant in women with other categories of FGM. A similar aOR was found when comparing women with infibulation with the pooled sample of women without FGM and women with the other forms of FGM.

Conclusion

The present study suggests a possible association between infibulation and eclampsia. Future studies could investigate this association in other settings. If these findings are confirmed, the possible biological mechanisms and preventive strategies should be investigated.
Ice accommodation in plant tissues pinpointed by cryo-microscopy in reflected-polarised-light
Authors: Stegner Matthias , Wagner Johanna , Neuner Gilbert
Published: May 2020

Background

Freezing resistant plant organs are capable to manage ice formation, ice propagation, and ice accommodation down to variable temperature limits without damage. Insights in ice management strategies are essential for the fundamental understanding of plant freezing and frost survival. However, knowledge about ice management is scarce. Ice crystal localisation inside plant tissues is challenging and is mainly based on optical appearance of ice in terms of colour and shape, investigated by microscopic methods. Notwithstanding, there are major uncertainties regarding the reliability and accuracy of ice identification and localisation. Surface light reflections, which can originate from water or resin, even at non-freezing temperatures, can have a similar appearance as ice. We applied the principle of birefringence, which is a property of ice but not of liquid water, in reflected-light microscopy to localise ice crystals in frozen plant tissues in an unambiguous manner.

Results

In reflected-light microscopy, water was clearly visible, while ice was more difficult to identify. With the presented polarised cryo-microscopic system, water, including surface light reflections, became invisible, whereas ice crystals showed a bright and shiny appearance. Based on this, we were able to detect loci where ice crystals are accommodated in frozen and viable plant tissues. In Buxus sempervirens leaves, large ice needles occupied and expanded the space between the adaxial and abaxial leaf tissues. In Galanthus nivalis leaves, air-filled cavities became filled up with ice. Buds of Picea abies managed ice in a cavity at the bud basis and between bud scales. By observing the shape and attachment point of the ice crystals, it was possible to identify tissue fractions that segregate intracellular water towards the aggregating ice crystals.

Conclusion

Cryo-microscopy in reflected-polarised-light allowed a robust identification of ice crystals in frozen plant tissue. It distinguishes itself, compared with other methods, by its ease of ice identification, time and cost efficiency and the possibility for high throughput. Profound knowledge about ice management strategies, within the whole range of freezing resistance capacities in the plant kingdom, might be the link to applied science for creating arrangements to avoid future frost damage to crops.
Parasite load and genotype are associated with clinical outcome of piroplasm-infected equines in Israel
Authors: Tirosh-Levy Sharon , Steinman Amir , Levy Hadas , Katz Yotam , Shtilman Margarita , Gottlieb Yuval
Published: May 2020

Background

Equine piroplasmosis is a highly endemic protozoan disease of horses worldwide, caused by Theileria equi and Babesia caballi. While most horses in endemic areas are subclinically infected, the mechanisms leading to clinical outcome are vastly unknown. Moreover, since clinical signs of disease are not specific, and the prevalence in endemic areas is high, it is difficult to determine if equine piroplasmosis is the cause of disease. To identify possible mechanisms leading to the clinical outcome in an endemic area, we compared parasite loads and genotypes in clinically and subclinically infected horses.

Methods

Blood was collected from horses with clinical signs consistent with equine piroplasmosis, and from apparently healthy horses in Israel. Packed cell volume and total solids were measured. Quantitative and diagnostic polymerase chain reaction were used to identify, quantify and classify equine piroplasmosis infection. Phylogenetic analyses were used to determine the genotype of both parasites.

Results

For both parasites, clinical cases were associated with low mean packed cell volume and high mean parasite load (P < 0.001), enabling the determination of a cut-off value to distinguish between clinically and subclinically infected horses. Samples of Theileria equi from subclinical horses were classified into three different 18S rRNA genotypes, D (n = 23), A (n = 12) and C (n = 5), while samples from all clinical cases (n = 6) were classified as genotype A. The sequences of T. equi equi merozoite antigens 1 (ema-1, n = 9) and 2 (ema-2, n = 11) genes were fairly conserved and did not differ between clinical and subclinical cases. Babesia caballi rhoptry associated protein-1 (rap-1) was classified into sub-genotypes A1 (n = 14) and A2 (n = 5) with no association to clinical outcome. Classification of the 18S rRNA gene (sub-genotypes B1 and B2) agreed with the rap-1 classification.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that quantification of parasite loads of infected horses may be used to distinguish between infections resulting in disease and subclinical cases. Although number of clinical cases is limited, we identified T. equi 18S rRNA genotype A to be associated with clinical disease. This finding emphasizes the importance of in-depth genetic characterization of T. equi genotypes to identify possible markers for virulence.
Whole genome-wide chromosome fusion and new gene birth in the Monopterus albus genome
Authors: Cheng Yibin , Shang Dantong , Luo Majing , Huang Chunhua , Lai Fengling , Wang Xin , Xu Xu , Ying Ruhong , Wang Lingling , Zhao Yu , Zhang Li , Long Manyuan , Cheng Hanhua , Zhou Rongjia
Published: May 2020

Background

Teleost fishes account for over half of extant vertebrate species. A core question in biology is how genomic changes drive phenotypic diversity that relates to the origin of teleost fishes.

Results

Here, we used comparative genomic analyses with chromosome assemblies of diverse lineages of vertebrates and reconstructed an ancestral vertebrate genome, which revealed phylogenomic trajectories in vertebrates. We found that the whole-genome-wide chromosome fission/fusions took place in theMonopterus albuslineage after the 3-round whole-genome duplication. Four times of genomic fission/fusions events resulted in the whole genome-wide chromosome fusions in the genomic history of the lineage. In addition, abundant recently evolved new genes for reproduction emerged in theMonopterus albusafter separated from medaka. Notably, we described evolutionary trajectories of conserved blocks related to sex determination genes in teleosts.

Conclusions

These data pave the way for a better understanding of genomic evolution in extant teleosts.
Gut microbiota-derived indole 3-propionic acid protects against radiation toxicity via retaining acyl-CoA-binding protein
Authors: Xiao Hui-wen , Cui Ming , Li Yuan , Dong Jia-li , Zhang Shu-qin , Zhu Chang-chun , Jiang Mian , Zhu Tong , Wang Bin , Wang Hai-Chao , Fan Sai-jun
Published: May 2020

Background

We have proved fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an efficacious remedy to mitigate acute radiation syndrome (ARS); however, the mechanisms remain incompletely characterized. Here, we aimed to tease apart the gut microbiota-produced metabolites, underpin the therapeutic effects of FMT to radiation injuries, and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Results

FMT elevated the level of microbial-derived indole 3-propionic acid (IPA) in fecal pellets from irradiated mice. IPA replenishment via oral route attenuated hematopoietic system and gastrointestinal (GI) tract injuries intertwined with radiation exposure without precipitating tumor growth in male and female mice. Specifically, IPA-treated mice represented a lower system inflammatory level, recuperative hematogenic organs, catabatic myelosuppression, improved GI function, and epithelial integrity following irradiation. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and subsequent analyses showed that irradiated mice harbored a disordered enteric bacterial pattern, which was preserved after IPA administration. Notably, iTRAQ analysis presented that IPA replenishment retained radiation-reprogrammed protein expression profile in the small intestine. Importantly, shRNA interference and hydrodynamic-based gene delivery assays further validated that pregnane X receptor (PXR)/acyl-CoA-binding protein (ACBP) signaling played pivotal roles in IPA-favored radioprotection in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

These evidences highlight that IPA is a key intestinal microbiota metabolite corroborating the therapeutic effects of FMT to radiation toxicity. Owing to the potential pitfalls of FMT, IPA might be employed as a safe and effective succedaneum to fight against accidental or iatrogenic ionizing ARS in clinical settings. Our findings also provide a novel insight into microbiome-based remedies toward radioactive diseases.
Lithium’s antiviral effects: a potential drug for CoViD-19 disease?
Authors:   for the International Group for The Study of Lithium Treated Patients (IGSLi), Murru Andrea , Manchia Mirko , Hajek Tomas , Nielsen René E. , Rybakowski Janusz K. , Sani Gabriele , Schulze Thomas G. , Tondo Leonardo , Bauer Michael
Published: May 2020

Background

Since its introduction in modern medicine, naturalistic observations emerged about possible uses of lithium treatment for conditions different from recurring affective disorders, for which it is still a first-line treatment option. Some evidence about the antiviral properties of lithium began in the early 1970s, when some reports found a reduction of labial-herpetic recurrences. The present review aims to present most of the pre-clinical and clinical evidence about lithium’s ability to inhibit DNA and RNA viruses, includingCoronaviridae, as well as the possible pathways and mechanisms involved in such antiviral activity.

Main body

Despite a broad number of in vitro studies, the rationale for the antiviral activity of lithium failed to translate into methodologically sound clinical studies demonstrating its antiviral efficacy. In addition, the tolerability of lithium as an antiviral agent should be addressed. In fact, treatment with lithium requires continuous monitoring of its serum levels in order to prevent acute toxicity and long-term side effects, most notably affecting the kidney and thyroid. Yet lithium reaches heterogeneous but bioequivalent concentrations in different tissues, and the anatomical compartment of the viral infection might underpin a different, lower need for tolerability concerns which need to be addressed.

Conclusions

Lithium presents a clear antiviral activity demonstrated at preclinical level, but that remains to be confirmed in clinical settings. In addition, the pleiotropic mechanisms of action of lithium may provide an insight for its possible use as antiviral agent targeting specific pathways.
Appraisals and coping mediate the relationship between resilience and distress among significant others of persons with spinal cord injury or acquired brain injury: a cross-sectional study
Authors:   POWER Group, Scholten Eline W. M. , Simon Julia D. H. P. , van Diemen Tijn , Hillebregt Chantal F. , Ketelaar Marjolijn , Woldendorp Kees Hein , Osterthun Rutger , Visser-Meily Johanna M. A. , Post Marcel W. M.
Published: May 2020

Background

Many significant others of persons with serious conditions like spinal cord injury (SCI) and acquired brain injury (ABI) report high levels of psychological distress. In line with the stress-coping model, the aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between personal resource resilience and psychological distress, and whether appraisals of threat and loss, and passive coping mediate this relationship.

Methods

Significant others (n = 228) of persons with SCI or ABI completed questionnaires shortly after admission to first inpatient rehabilitation after onset of the condition. The questionnaire included measures to assess psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10), appraisals (Appraisals of Life Events scale, threat and loss) and passive coping (Utrecht Coping List). The PROCESS tool was used to test the presence of mediation. Confounding and differences between SCI and ABI were investigated.

Results

High levels of psychological distress among significant others were found (34–41%). Fifty-five percent of the variance in psychological distress was explained by the relationship between resilience and psychological distress. This relationship was mediated by appraisals of threat and loss, and passive coping. The relationship between resilience and psychological distress was similar in the SCI and ABI groups.

Conclusions

The results of our study indicate that appraisals of threat and loss and passive coping are mediating factors in the relationship between resilience and psychological distress. It seems useful to investigate if interventions focussing on psychological factors like resilience, appraisal and coping are effective to prevent or reduce psychological distress among significant others of persons with SCI or ABI.

Trial registration

Dutch trial register NTR5742. Registered January 9, 2016.
Successful clozapine rechallenge following recurrent clozapine-associated pancreatitis: a case report
Authors: Rodriguez Victoria , Hanley Kieran , Arias Ana Julia , Quattrone Diego , Kuforiji Joseph , Whiskey Eromona , Shergill Sukhi S.
Published: May 2020

Background

Acute pancreatitis is a rare but recognised complication of clozapine leading to termination of treatment.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 39-year-old man with treatment-resistant schizoaffective disorder and a history of recurrent acute pancreatitis attributed to clozapine. After 15 years of unremitting symptoms with disruptive and aggressive behaviour, he was admitted for a clozapine rechallenge. Despite experiencing two further episodes of acute pancreatitis during clozapine treatment that led to its temporary withdrawal, clozapine was successfully re-established under gastroenterology consultation with close monitoring which resulted in progressively marked improvement of his mental state.

Conclusions

This case demonstrates that patients who develop pancreatitis during clozapine treatment may be cautiously rechallenged with specialist gastroenterology support.
Sterilization plan of the used metered dose inhalers (MDI) to avoid wastage amid COVID-19 pandemic drug shortage
Authors: Elbeddini Ali
Published: May 2020

Background

Coronavirus is causing a shortage of critical inhalers needed by patients with Asthma and respiratory illness. Patients with Asthma are at higher risk if they tract the novel Coronavirus. As the coronavirus continues to spread, hospitals are turning to use more salbutamol MDI. Salbutamol MDI has become the line of defence for physicians in the emergency room who are treating patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and have respiratory distress .[Hui et al 2020 ,and Center for Drug Evaluation and Research 2020]

During the COVID pandemic, there has been a drastic increase in the use of MDI inhalers; therefore, it led to a decrease in availability and a break in the supply chain. Patients with Asthma are at higher risk if they tract the novel Coronavirus, and an inhaler could be a life or death for them. As the coronavirus continues to spread, hospitals are turning to use more salbutamol Metered Dose inhaler (MDI). Salbutamol MDI is now on short supply as the COVID-19 continues to spread. Salbutamol MDI has become the line of defence for physicians in the emergency room who are treating patients with COVID-19 and have respiratory distress. The current shortage of salbutamol MDI could be a result of stockpiling and hoarding of this life-saving inhaler. That had led to a critical shortage of Salbutamol MDI, and even the case shortage continues with some other alternatives such as Ipratropium MDI and even with long-acting B-agonists such as Salmeterol and Formoterol which also starting to have a limitation on ordering these agents.

Coronavirus sparks fear of medication shortage. Coronavirus panic-buying also may have led to a shortage of critical inhalers. We have also got elderly patients with COPD who may need Ventolin MDI and also premature babies who may have caught Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and need salbutamol MDI to support their lungs have since been compromised, and they rely heavily on Asthma inhalers. Finding a safe and creative strategy is essential during the COVID-19 pandemic.
From the jungle to urban centers: body image and self-esteem of women in three different cultures
Authors: Odinga Julia , Kasten Erich
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study is to compare body image, body perception, body satisfaction, body-related self-esteem and overall self-esteem of women from three different cultural backgrounds. The survey covers a sample of 187 women, including 133 Germans, 31 Q’eqchi’, and 23 Colombians. Two groups (in Germany and Colombia) live in urban centers, while one group (in Guatemala: Q’eqchi’) is a jungle-based ethnic group descended from the Maya where the body perception was largely unaffected by media. The instruments used in this study are the Figure Rating Scale, the Body-Esteem Scale and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. According to the study, German and Colombian women prefer a significantly slimmer body and perceive themselves more critically than Q’eqchi’. There are no significant differences in body perception between German and Colombian women. Q’eqchi’ women do not have significantly higher body satisfaction than German and Colombian women. Although German women have significantly higher body satisfaction than Colombian women, Q’eqchi’ women have the highest body-related self-esteem on average. Colombian women in turn have a higher body-related self-esteem than German women. There is a positive correlation between body satisfaction with both body-related self-esteem and overall self-esteem in all three groups. In conclusion, the German and Columbian women living in urban settings look much slimmer, prefer much slimmer bodies and have lower body-related self-esteem, compared to jungle-dwelling Q’eqchi’ women in Guatemala.
Prognostic factors for change in memory test performance after memory training in healthy older adults: a systematic review and outline of statistical challenges
Authors: Roheger Mandy , Folkerts Ann-Kristin , Krohm Fabian , Skoetz Nicole , Kalbe Elke
Published: May 2020

Background

The goal is to investigate prognostic factors for change in memory test performance in healthy older adults and to report and discuss the different statistical procedures used for investigating this topic in the literature.

Methods

Prognostic factors were here understood as any measures that were investigated to estimate change in memory test performance. MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, CENTRAL, and PsycInfo were searched up to November 2019. Prognostic factor and prognostic factor finding studies investigating prognostic factors on verbal and non-verbal short- and long-term memory after conducting memory training in healthy older adults were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUIPS tool.

Results

Our search yielded 12,974 results. We included 29 studies that address prognostic factors of change in memory test performance, including sociodemographic, (neuro-)psychological, genetic, and biological parameters. Studies showed high variation and methodological shortcomings with regard to the assessment, statistical evaluation, and reporting of the investigated prognostic factors. Included studies used different types of dependent variables (change scores vs. post-test scores) when defining change in memory test performance leading to contradictory results. Age was the only variable investigated throughout most of the studies, showing that older adults benefit more from training when using the change score as the dependent variable.

Conclusion

Overall, there is a need for adequate reporting in studies of prognostic factors for change in memory test performance. Because of inconsistencies and methodological shortcomings in the literature, conclusions regarding prognostic factors remain uncertain. As a tentative conclusion, one may say that the higher the age of the participant, the more profound the improvement in memory test performance will be after memory training.

Trial registration

CRD42019127479.
Can Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS) measures accurately enhance understanding of acceptable symptoms and functioning in primary care?
Authors: Jacobson Ryan P. , Kang Daniel , Houck Jeff
Published: May 2020

Background

Value-based healthcare models will require prioritization of the patient’s voice in their own care toward better outcomes. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS) gives patients a voice and leads providers to actionable treatments across a broad range of diagnoses. However, better interpretation of PROMIS measures is needed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of PROMIS Physical Function (PF), Self-Efficacy for Managing Symptoms (SE), Pain Interference (PI), Fatigue, and Depression measures to discriminate patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) in primary care, determining if that accuracy is stable over time and/or retained when PROMIS score thresholds are set at either ½ or 1 SD worse than the reference population mean.

Methods

Primary care patients completed the five PROMIS measures and answered the PASS yes/no question at intake (n = 360), 3–14 days follow-up (n = 230), and 45–60 days follow-up (n = 227). Thresholds (optimal, ½ SD, and 1 SD worse than reference values) for PROMIS T-scores associated with PASS were determined through receiver-operator curve analysis. Accuracy was calculated at the three time points for each threshold value. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine combinations of PROMIS measures that best predicted PASS.

Results

PROMIS PF, SE, PI, and Fatigue optimal score thresholds (maximizing sensitivity and specificity) yielded area under the curve values of 0.77–0.85, with accuracies ranging from 71.7% to 79.1%. Accuracy increased minimally (1.9% to 5.5%) from intake to follow-ups. Thresholds of 1 SD worse than the mean for PROMIS PF and PI measures and ½ SD worse for SE and Fatigue overall retained accuracy versus optimal (+ 1.3% to − 3.6%). Regression models retained SE, PI, and Fatigue as independent predictors of PASS, and minimally increased accuracy to 83.1?%.

Conclusions

This study establishes actionable PROMIS score thresholds that are stable over time and anchored to patient self-reported health status, increasing interpretability of PF, SE, PI, and Fatigue scores. The findings support the use of these PROMIS measures in primary care toward improving provider-patient communication, prioritizing patient concerns, and optimizing clinical decision making.
Mechanisms of action, chemical characteristics, and model systems of obesogens
Authors: Griffin Mallory D. , Pereira Sean R. , DeBari Megan K. , Abbott Rosalyn D.
Published: May 2020

There is increasing evidence for the role of environmental endocrine disrupting contaminants, coined obesogens, in exacerbating the rising obesity epidemic. Obesogens can be found in everyday items ranging from pesticides to food packaging. Although research shows that obesogens can have effects on adipocyte size, phenotype, metabolic activity, and hormone levels, much remains unknown about these chemicals. This review will discuss what is currently known about the mechanisms of obesogens, including expression of the PPARs, hormone interference, and inflammation. Strategies for identifying obesogenic chemicals and their mechanisms through chemical characteristics and model systems will also be discussed. Ultimately, research should focus on improving models to discern precise mechanisms of obesogenic action and to test therapeutics targeting these mechanisms.