bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aβ (Amyloid Beta) and Tau Tangle Pathology Modifies the Association Between Small Vessel Disease and Cortical Microinfarcts
Authors: Kapasi A. , Leurgans S.E. , Arvanitakis Z. , Barnes L.L. , Bennett D.A. , Schneider J.A.
Published: February 2021

Background and Purpose:

There is increasing recognition of the importance of cortical microinfarcts to overall brain health, cognition, and Alzheimer dementia. Cerebral small vessel pathologies are associated with microinfarcts and frequently coexist with Alzheimer disease; however, the extent to which Aβ (amyloid beta) and tau pathology modulates microvascular pathogenesis is not fully understood. Study objective was to examine the relationship of small vessel pathologies, arteriolosclerosis, and cerebral amyloid angiopathy, with cortical microinfarcts in people with differing levels of Aβ or tau tangle burden.

Methods:

Participants were 1489 autopsied older people (mean age at death, 89 years; 67% women) from 1 of 3 ongoing clinical-pathological cohort studies of aging. Neuropathological evaluation identified cortical Aβ and tau tangle burden using immunohistochemistry in 8 brain regions, provided semiquantitative grading of cerebral vessel pathologies, and identified the presence of cortical microinfarcts. Logistic regression models adjusted for demographics and atherosclerosis and examined whether Aβ or tau tangle burden modified relations between small vessel pathologies and cortical microinfarcts.

Results:

Cortical microinfarcts were present in 17% of older people, moderate-to-severe cerebral amyloid angiopathy pathology in 36%, and arteriolosclerosis in 34%. In logistic regression models, we found interactions with Aβ and tau tangles, reflecting that the association between arteriolosclerosis and cortical microinfarcts was stronger in the context of greater Aβ (estimate, 0.15; SE=0.07;
P
=0.02) and tau tangle burden (estimate, 0.13; SE=0.06;
P
=0.02). Interactions also emerged for cerebral amyloid angiopathy, suggesting that the association between cerebral amyloid angiopathy and cortical microinfarcts is more robust in the presence of higher Aβ (estimate, 0.27; SE=0.07;
P
<0.001) and tangle burden (estimate, 0.16; SE=0.06;
P
=0.005).

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that in the presence of elevated Aβ or tangle pathology, small vessel pathologies are associated with greater microvascular tissue injury, highlighting a potential link between neurodegenerative and vascular mechanisms.
Did Gainful Employment Regulations Result in College and Program Closures?
Authors: Kelchen Robert , Liu Zhuoyao
Published: February 2021

For decades, the federal government has expected vocationally focused programs in higher education, especially among for-profit colleges, to lead to gainful employment in a profession. In the mid-2010s, the U.S. Department of Education developed gainful employment (GE) regulations that sought to tie a program's federal financial aid eligibility to graduates’ debt-to-earnings ratios. We use a regression discontinuity design to examine whether for-profit programs’ performance on GE was associated with the likelihood of closing the program or college. Although the regulations were repealed before any program lost federal funding, we find that passing GE regulations was associated with a lower likelihood of program and college closures.
Motor Inhibition to Dangerous Objects: Electrophysiological Evidence for Task-dependent Aversive Affordances
Authors: Mustile Magda , Giocondo Flora , Caligiore Daniele , Borghi Anna M. , Kourtis Dimitrios
Published: February 2021

Previous work suggests that perception of an object automatically facilitates actions related to object grasping and manipulation. Recently, the notion of automaticity has been challenged by behavioral studies suggesting that dangerous objects elicit aversive affordances that interfere with encoding of an object's motor properties; however, related EEG studies have provided little support for these claims. We sought EEG evidence that would support the operation of an inhibitory mechanism that interferes with the motor encoding of dangerous objects, and we investigated whether such mechanism would be modulated by the perceived distance of an object and the goal of a given task. EEGs were recorded by 24 participants who passively perceived dangerous and neutral objects in their peripersonal, boundary, or extrapersonal space and performed either a reachability judgment task or a categorization task. Our results showed that greater attention, reflected in the visual P1 potential, was drawn by dangerous and reachable objects. Crucially, a frontal N2 potential, associated with motor inhibition, was larger for dangerous objects only when participants performed a reachability judgment task. Furthermore, a larger parietal P3b potential for dangerous objects indicated the greater difficulty in linking a dangerous object to the appropriate response, especially when it was located in the participants' extrapersonal space. Taken together, our results show that perception of dangerous objects elicits aversive affordances in a task-dependent way and provides evidence for the operation of a neural mechanism that does not code affordances of dangerous objects automatically, but rather on the basis of contextual information.
Dimensions of Humility in Early Confucian Thought
Authors: Shun Kwong-loi
Published: February 2021

Through an examination of the problematic forms of pride highlighted in early texts and the traits to which they are opposed, the paper identifies three main dimensions of humility in early Confucian thought. These include a deflated self-conception, caution and fearfulness, as well as seriousness and awe. It then shows that the term jing 敬 is closely related to all three dimensions, and hence that this is the term in early Confucian thought closest to encompassing all the different aspects of humility understood in a broad sense.
Chaoborus flavicans Meigen (Diptera, Chaoboridae) is a complex of lake and pond dwelling species: a revision
Authors: SALMELA JUKKA , HÄRMÄ OSKARI , TAYLOR DEREK J.
Published: February 2021

Chaoborus flavicans (Meigen) is a widespread and much studied lacustrine phantom midge. As larvae, these insects are important aquatic predators. Based on the available type material, morphology of immature stages and adults, their aquatic habitat, and DNA barcodes, C. flavicans is shown to be a composite of at least four species, with three of these named here. Chaoborus flavicans is primarily a lake-dwelling species with a Holarctic range. Chaoborus albipes (Johannsen, 1903 stat. rev.) and C. posio Salmela sp. n. are pond-dwelling Holarctic and north European species, respectively. The position of the larval subordinate mandibular tooth at the vertex of the second and fourth teeth is a synapomorphy of the Chaoborus flavicans species complex. We present an identification key to fourth instar larvae, pupae, and adult males. We also designate the lectotype and paralectotypes of Sayomyia rotundifolia Felt, 1904 (syn. nov. of C. albipes). We hypothesize that a fourth species of the species complex is present in Japan. Our revision indicates that Holarctic shallow ponds contain a hidden diversity of predators (C. albipes and C. posio sp. n.).
A new species of extinct genus Electromyiomma Popov & Herczek (Hemiptera: Miridae: Isometopinae) from Eocene Baltic amber, with the key to Electromyiomma species
Authors: KIM JUNGGON , JUNG SUNGHOON
Published: February 2021

A new fossil isometopine species, Electromyiomma herczeki sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Eocene Baltic amber. The morphological information of the fossil specimen and the key to the species of the extinct genus Electromyiomma are provided. The restatement of paratype female of E. weitschati is discussed with the support of previous remarks based on antenna structure.
The Sequence of Heavy Precipitation and Flash Flooding of 12 and 13 September 2019 in Eastern Spain. Part I: Mesoscale Diagnostic and Sensitivity Analysis of Precipitation
Authors: Hermoso Alejandro , Homar Victor , Amengual Arnau
Published: February 2021

The Mediterranean region is frequently affected by heavy precipitation episodes and subsequent flash flooding. An exemplary case is the heavy precipitation episode that occurred in the regions of València, Murcia, and Almería (eastern Spain) on 12 and 13 September 2019. Observed rainfall amounts were close to 500 mm in 48 h, causing seven fatalities and estimated economical losses above EUR 425 million. This case exemplifies the challenging aspects of convective-scale forecasting in the Mediterranean region, with kilometer-resolution meteorological fields required over long forecast spans. Understanding the key mesoscale factors acting on the triggering, location, and intensity of the convective systems responsible for extreme accumulations is essential to gain insight into these episodes and contribute toward their accurate hydrometeorological forecasting. Mesoscale diagnosis suggests that local and distant orography, together with air–sea fluxes, were instrumental in developing convection and intensifying precipitation rate. Sensitivity experiments confirm the role of orography in organizing the cyclonic flow over the southeast part of the western Mediterranean, and also acting as a convection-triggering mechanism. Furthermore, results highlight the role of latent heat flux from the Mediterranean Sea in enhancing convective instability at lower levels and moistening the environment. These moist feeding flows substantially contribute to increasing precipitation rates. Such high sensitivity to environmental moisture distribution naturally propagates to the sea surface temperature, which, by means of sensible and latent heat flux exchanges, dominated the evolution of convective activity for the 12–13 September 2019 episode.
Death Row Narratives: A Qualitative Analysis of Mental Health Issues Found In Death Row Inmate Blog Entries
Authors: Johnson Robert , Lantsman Jacqueline
Published: February 2021

Death row inmate narratives, culled from online blogs, are used to explore the social determinants of mental health in the context of the stresses and deprivations of living on death row. Legal and correctional procedures that affect death row inmates are conceptualized as social determinants of mental health. These procedures include the granting or denying of stays of execution, conditions of solitary confinement during death row and the death watch, and impending dates of execution. Death row narratives offer a nuanced account of the many ways condemned prisoners must contend with their powerlessness as an essential element of life under sentence of death.
Cytokine and chemokine responses to injury and treatment in a nonhuman primate model of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy treated with hypothermia and erythropoietin
Authors: Wood Thomas R , Vu Phuong T , Comstock Bryan A , Law Janessa B , Mayock Dennis E , Heagerty Patrick J , Burbacher Thomas , Bammler Theo K , Juul Sandra E
Published: February 2021

Predicting long-term outcome in infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) remains an ongoing clinical challenge. We investigated plasma biomarkers and their association with 6-month outcomes in a nonhuman primate model of HIE with or without therapeutic hypothermia (TH) and erythropoietin (Epo). Twenty-nine Macaca nemestrina were randomized to control cesarean section (n = 7) or 20 min of umbilical cord occlusion (UCO, n = 22) with either no treatment (n = 11) or TH/Epo (n = 11). Initial injury severity was scored using 30-min arterial pH, base deficit, and 10-min Apgar score. Twenty-four plasma cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors were measured 3, 6, 24, 72, and 96 h after UCO. Interleukin 17 (IL-17) and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) differentiated the normal/mild from moderate/severe injury groups. Treatment with TH/Epo was associated with increased monocyte chemotactic protein-4 (MCP-4) at 3 h–6h, and significantly lower MCP-4 and MDC at 24 h–72h, respectively. IL-12p40 was lower at 24 h–72h in animals with death/cerebral palsy (CP) compared to survivors without CP. Baseline injury severity was the single best predictor of death/CP, and predictions did not improve with the addition of biomarker data. Circulating chemokines associated with the peripheral monocyte cell lineage are associated with severity of injury and response to therapy, but do not improve ability to predict outcomes.
Filgrastim-induced rhabdomyolysis in a healthy stem cells donor
Authors: Reyna-de la Garza Roberto A. , Jiménez-Castillo Raúl A.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Mobilization of peripheral blood progenitor cells with the use of granulocyte-colony stimulating factors is a mainstay in every protocol for allogenic stem cell transplants. Despite being considered safe, there are multiple adverse effects for this procedure some of which can be severe and bring serious complications to otherwise healthy donors.

Case report

An otherwise healthy 17-year-old patient who underwent progenitor cell mobilization with filgrastim and developed rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury. Management and outcome: The urine analysis and kidney ultrasound failed to reveal abnormalities in the kidneys or collector system. We began reanimation with crystalloid solutions for 5 days with normalization of liver and muscle enzymes as well as a complete resolution of the acute kidney injury.

Discussion

We present the case of a potentially serious adverse drug reaction during mobilization of peripheral blood progenitor cells with filgrastim. Physicians need to be aware of every possible complication associated with the use of these agents in order to establish a good prognosis via an accurate diagnosis and a timely treatment.
Including Diverse Stakeholder Voices in Youth Character Program Evaluation
Authors: Chauveron Lisa M. , Samtani Satabdi , Groner Megan G. , Urban Jennifer Brown , Linver Miriam R.
Published: February 2021

Although experts agree that diverse stakeholder inclusion enhances quality and equity in evaluation designs and implementation, diverse voices are often omitted. Particularly antithetical to principles of youth character development, evaluations for these programs should strive to include voices from various social, economic, community, and demographic perspectives. One innovative national evaluation capacity building initiative, the Partnerships for Advancing Character Program Evaluation (PACE) project, paired practitioners from youth programs in community-based organizations with evaluation professionals to enhance stakeholders’ roles in evaluation. PACE promoted stakeholder identification and inclusion through group exercises, partnership work, and coaching sessions. Using a mixed methods design with interviews, retrospective pretest–posttest surveys, and observational data, triangulated data addressed diverse stakeholders in the evaluation process, diverse perspectives on program performance, and connecting diverse input to evaluation design. Postprogram findings indicate that participants included more varied and diverse stakeholder perspectives in all the three areas. Implications for programs and evaluations are discussed.
Therapist self-disclosure: Let’s tackle the elephant in the room
Authors: Johnsen Clark , Ding Helen T
Published: February 2021

Therapist Self-Disclosure (TSD), the revealing of a therapist’s feelings, thoughts or personal information to a client, is an inevitable aspect of therapeutic relationships. However, despite its prevalence in clinical settings, we believe there is insufficient recognition and exploration of TSD in our work with children and adolescents. Because TSD is not often formally addressed during training, therapists across the spectrum of clinical child psychology and psychiatry are often left with the belief that disclosures are rare or inherently negative occurrences that should be avoided. As a byproduct, therapists often develop a blind spot to many disclosures that they make and are thus underprepared to navigate the complex decision-making process that surrounds TSD. In our article, we address the elephant in the room: that most therapists disclose in some form or other. In addressing this topic, we hope to encourage replacement of avoidance and silence with discourse and reflection around TSD occurrences. We explore developmental considerations pertinent to child and adolescent clients as well as suggest a framework for TSD decisions. We feel that improved supervision and clinical practice around TSD is a worthy and achievable aim that merits further recognition, consideration and educational focus.
Queer parents, gendered embodiment and the de-essentialisation of motherhood
Authors: Averett Kate Henley
Published: February 2021

Feminist theorists have long looked to motherhood and mothering behaviour as an important site at which to examine women’s lives, gender inequality and the social construction of gendered institutions. One important line of theorisation has concerned itself with the de-essentialisation of motherhood, a project that I argue remains incomplete, as feminist theorisation of motherhood naturalises biological sex and therefore essentialises mothering as behaviour performed by ‘female bodies’ and fathering behaviour as performed by ‘male bodies’. Using two cases from a larger qualitative interview project with LGBTQ parents, I show that current theories of motherhood fail to have explanatory power in cases – such as gay and transgender parents – when gendered embodiment and mothering (and/or fathering) fail to align as expected. I suggest that research related to queer parenting – particularly research on gay male co-parenting, on the experiences of transgender parents and their children, on non-white LGBTQ parents and on mothering from outside the nuclear family – will be especially fruitful in moving the de-essentialisation of mothering in new directions that will further contest heteronormative, cisnormative and nuclear assumptions about the family.
Accreditation of Epilepsy Centers
Authors: Labiner David M
Published: February 2021

In 2012, the Institute of Medicine recommended that a formal process be developed for the accreditation of epilepsy centers in the United States. This article provides some of the background and processes that led to the criteria by which epilepsy centers are now accredited.
Globalizing male attractiveness: Advertising in men’s lifestyle magazines in India
Authors: Mishra Suman
Published: February 2021

This study examines the construction of new models of masculinity in men’s lifestyle magazine advertising in India. Using textual analysis of advertisements, the study shows how certain kinds of western masculine ideals and body aesthetics are being adopted and reworked into advertising to appeal and facilitate consumption among middle and upper-class Indian men living in the urban centers of India. The contemporary construction of upper and aspirational middle-class masculinity includes size and hypermuscularity, fair skin/whiteness, and a view of self as global ethnic. These types of constructions help to globalize the male body and masculine ideal while also privileging whiteness and class in the local and global arena.
Subglottic tracheal stenosis complicating pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Miller Edward J , Huning Emily YS
Published: February 2021

The case presented details an uncommon case of subglottic tracheal stenosis exacerbated by pregnancy. We outine the multidisciplinary management involved and the outcomes for the pregnancy. The case serves as a reminder that shortness of breath in pregnancy has a broad differential diagnosis, and stridor is always abnormal.
Palisaded neutrophilic and granulomatous dermatitis following a long-standing monoclonal gammopathy: A case report
Authors: Zabihi-pour Dorsa , Bahrani Bahar , Assaad Dalal , Yeung Jensen
Published: February 2021

Background:

Palisaded neutrophilic granulomatous dermatitis is a rare inflammatory dermatosis with possible underlying systemic conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune connective tissue disease, and malignancies.

Case Summary:

We report a case of an 84-year-old man presenting with a 3-week eruption of asymptomatic annular plaques on his neck, which progressed to involve his back and legs. Skin biopsies confirmed a diagnosis of palisaded neutrophilic granulomatous dermatitis, and he was treated with prednisone. Full workup related to potential underlying causes of palisaded neutrophilic granulomatous dermatitis was completed.

Conclusion:

Palisaded neutrophilic granulomatous dermatitis may precede the onset of underlying systemic conditions or occur concomitantly. Following the diagnosis, clinicians should perform a comprehensive focused history, physical examination, and laboratory investigation related to the associated underlying diseases.
Peer-led exercise program for ageing adults to improve physical functions - a randomized trial
Authors: Bouchard D. R. , Olthuis J. V. , Bouffard-Levasseur V. , Shannon C. , McDonald T. , Sénéchal M.
Published: February 2021

Background

A peer-led exercise program is one way to empower people sharing similar characteristics to encourage others to be active, but there is a lack of evidence that these programs have physical function and other benefits when delivered to ageing adults.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial lasting 12 weeks proposed an exercise peer-led program offered to 31 adults aged 50 and above, twice a week, by a trained leader of the same age from March to May 2019. The program was offered for free with limited space and equipment. Valid tests of physical function (e.g., 30-s chair stand, 6-min walk test) were used to assess the functional benefits. Psychosocial outcomes were assessed using self-reported questionnaires and metabolic outcomes via a fasted blood draw.

Results

A significant difference was found between pre-and post-values in most physical function tests in the intervention group (all p < 0.05). When adjusted for potential confounders, the intervention group was significantly associated with a more significant improvement on the chair stand test (ß = .26; p < 0.001; r2 = 0.26), the arm curl (ß = .29; p < 0.001; r2 = 0.49), as well as the 6-min walk test (ß = -.14; p < 0.001; r2 = 0.62) compared with the control group. Using repetitive measures generalized linear model, the interaction between the changes and the group was significant for all three tests. Benefits were also observed for participants’ stress level and perceived health in the intervention group compared to the control. Finally, no significant difference was observed between groups for metabolic health.

Conclusions

The current work suggests that a 12-week peer-led exercise program can improve physical function for adults age 50 and above.

Trial registration

NCT03799952(ClinicalTrials.gov) 12/20/2018.
Enhancer RNAs: transcriptional regulators and workmates of NamiRNAs in myogenesis
Authors: Odame Emmanuel , Chen Yuan , Zheng Shuailong , Dai Dinghui , Kyei Bismark , Zhan Siyuan , Cao Jiaxue , Guo Jiazhong , Zhong Tao , Wang Linjie , Li Li , Zhang Hongping
Published: February 2021

miRNAs are well known to be gene repressors. A newly identified class of miRNAs termed nuclear activating miRNAs (NamiRNAs), transcribed from miRNA loci that exhibit enhancer features, promote gene expression via binding to the promoter and enhancer marker regions of the target genes. Meanwhile, activated enhancers produce endogenous non-coding RNAs (named enhancer RNAs, eRNAs) to activate gene expression. During chromatin looping, transcribed eRNAs interact with NamiRNAs through enhancer-promoter interaction to perform similar functions. Here, we review the functional differences and similarities between eRNAs and NamiRNAs in myogenesis and disease. We also propose models demonstrating their mutual mechanism and function. We conclude that eRNAs are active molecules, transcriptional regulators, and partners of NamiRNAs, rather than mere RNAs produced during enhancer activation.
A Biaxial Strain Sensor Using a Single MoS2 Grating
Authors: Xiang Junxiang , Wang Wenhui , Feng Lantian , Feng Chao , Huang Meng , Liu Ping , Ren XiFeng , Xiang Bin
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we report a new type of MoS2-based grating sensor for in-plane biaxial strain gauges with a precision limit of ~ 1‰. The MoS2grating is numerically simulated with different biaxial strains up to 5%. Our first-principles calculations reveal that the strain sensitivity of the MoS2reflectance spectrum can be considered an additional strain sensor integrated with the grating structure, enabling the mapping of in-plane biaxial strains. Our experimental studies on a prototype MoS2-grating sensor further confirm that a strain component perpendicular to the grating period can cause intensity peak shifts in the grating’s first-order diffraction patterns. This work opens a new path towards the sensing of in-plane biaxial strain within a single-grating device. Our new approach is applicable for other materials that have predictable reflectance response under biaxial strains and the capacity to form a two-dimensional single-crystal layer.
Analysis of perovskite oxide etching using argon inductively coupled plasmas for photonics applications
Authors: Chen Guanyu , Cheung Eric Jun Hao , Cao Yu , Pan Jisheng , Danner Aaron J.
Published: February 2021

We analyzed the dry etching of perovskite oxides using argon-based inductively coupled plasmas (ICP) for photonics applications. Various chamber conditions and their effects on etching rates have been demonstrated based on Z-cut lithium niobate (LN). The measured results are predictable and repeatable and can be applied to other perovskite oxides, such as X-cut LN and barium titanium oxide (BTO). The surface roughness is better for both etched LN and BTO compared with their as-deposited counterparts as confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Both the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) methods have been used for surface chemical component comparisons, qualitative and quantitative, and no obvious surface state changes are observed according to the measured results. An optical waveguide fabricated with the optimized argon-based ICP etching was measured to have -3.7 dB/cm loss near 1550 nm wavelength for Z-cut LN, which validates this kind of method for perovskite oxides etching in photonics applications.
Consensus module analysis of abdominal fat deposition across multiple broiler lines
Authors: Yuan Hui , Lu Jun
Published: February 2021

Background

Despite several RNA-Seq and microarray studies on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between high- and low-abdominal fat deposition in different broiler lines, to our knowledge, gene coexpression analysis across multiple broiler lines has rarely been reported. Here, we constructed a consensus gene coexpression network focused on identifying consensus gene coexpression modules associated with abdominal fat deposition across multiple broiler lines using two public RNA-Seq datasets (GSE42980 and GSE49121).

Results

In the consensus gene coexpression network, we identified eight consensus modules significantly correlated with abdominal fat deposition across four broiler lines using the consensus module analysis function in the weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) package. The eight consensus modules were moderately to strongly preserved in the abdominal fat RNA-Seq dataset of another broiler line (SRP058295). Furthermore, we identified 5462 DEGs between high- and low-abdominal fat lines (FL and LL) (GSE42980) and 6904 DEGs between high- and low-growth (HG and LG) (GSE49121), including 1828 overlapping DEGs with similar expression profiles in both datasets, which were clustered into eight consensus modules. Pyruvate metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, and steroid biosynthesis were significantly enriched in the green, yellow, and medium purple 3 consensus modules. The PPAR signaling pathway and adipocytokine signaling pathway were significantly enriched in the green and purple consensus modules. Autophagy, mitophagy, and lysosome were significantly enriched in the medium purple 3 and yellow consensus modules.

Conclusion

Based on lipid metabolism pathways enriched in eight consensus modules and the overexpression of numerous lipogenic genes in both FL vs. LL and HG vs. LG, we hypothesize that more fatty acids, triacylglycerols (TAGs), and cholesterol might be synthesized in broilers with high abdominal fat than in broilers with low abdominal fat. According to autophagy, mitophagy, and lysosome enrichment in eight consensus modules, we inferred that autophagy might participate in broiler abdominal fat deposition. Altogether, these studies suggest eight consensus modules associated with abdominal fat deposition in broilers. Our study also provides an idea for investigating the molecular mechanism of abdominal fat deposition across multiple broiler lines.
Correction to: Comparative analysis of powdery mildew resistant and susceptible cultivated cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) varieties to reveal the metabolic responses to Sphaerotheca fuliginea infection
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhu Yuqiang , Zhou Shengjun
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Takotsubo syndrome associated with autoimmune limbic encephalitis: a case report
Authors: Kakinuma Yuki , Kimura Taro , Sakae Yoshiki , Kubota Satomi , Ono Kenjiro , Kinno Ryuta
Published: February 2021

Background

Central nervous system diseases are common triggers of Takotsubo syndrome. We herein report a rare case of Takotsubo syndrome associated with autoimmune limbic encephalitis.

Case presentation

A 68-year-old Japanese woman presented to our emergency room with disturbed consciousness. At admission, she showed hypoxemia. Left ventriculography showed akinesia in the middle part of the left ventricle and hyperkinesia in the apical and basal parts of the left ventricle, and the diagnosis of midventricular Takotsubo syndrome was established. However, after an improvement in disturbed consciousness and Takotsubo syndrome symptoms, her brother noticed something wrong with her behavior during his visit to the hospital. Subsequently, we consulted the neurology department 1 week after admission. Her brother revealed a history of abnormal behavior by the patient (such as mistaken entry in the wrong apartment in her building or in another person’s car) a few days prior to the onset of disturbed consciousness, suggesting disorientation of place. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed an increased signal in the medial aspect of the temporal lobes, which was most clearly observed on the fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence; additionally, a cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed mild lymphocytic pleocytosis. Finally, we established a diagnosis of midventricular Takotsubo syndrome associated with autoimmune limbic encephalitis.

Conclusions

It is presumed that the dysfunction of limbic system due to autonomic limbic encephalopathy is associated with exaggerated sympathetic stimulation. This likely resulted in Takotsubo syndrome in our patient.
Efficacy and safety of laparoscopic splenectomy for hypersplenism secondary to portal hypertension after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
Authors: Li Yingying , Liu Zuojin , Liu Chang’an
Published: February 2021

Background

Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) being used after Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has not been reported. This report aims to explore the feasibility, safety, and potential efficacy of LS after TIPS hypersplenism secondary to portal hypertension (PHT).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed a series of six patients who underwent LS after TIPS for hypersplenism secondary to PHT between 2014 and 2020. The perioperative data and patients’ clinical outcomes were recorded.

Results

LS was successfully performed in all patients. Hypersplenism was corrected after LS in all six patients. Postoperative prothrombin time, prothrombin activity, international normalized ratio, and total bilirubin showed a trend toward improvement. The preoperative and 1-month postoperative albumin and activated partial thromboplastin levels showed no significant difference. Plasma ammonia level and thromboelastography indicators were ameliorated in two limited recorded patients. No postoperative complications such as subphrenic abscess, portal vein thrombosis, variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, and liver failure occurred during the 1-month follow-up period.

Conclusion

LS following TIPS is feasible, safe, and beneficial for patients with hypersplenism secondary to PHT. The following LS not only corrects the hypersplenism, but also has the potential to improve liver function.
Diagnostic accuracy of CBCT versus intraoral imaging for assessment of peri‐implant bone defects
Authors: Song Dandan , Shujaat Sohaib , de Faria Vasconcelos Karla , Huang Yan , Politis Constantinus , Lambrichts Ivo , Jacobs Reinhilde
Published: February 2021

Background

Early detection of marginal bone loss is vital for treatment planning and prognosis of teeth and implant. This study was conducted to assess diagnostic accuracy of CBCT compared to intra-oral (IO) radiography for detection, classification, and measurement of peri-implant bone defects in an animal model.

Methods

Fifty-four mandible blocks with implants were harvested from nine male health adult beagle dogs with acquisition of IO, CBCT and micro-CT images from all samples. Peri-implant bone defects from 16 samples were diagnosed using micro-CT and classified into 3 defect categories: dehiscence (n = 5), infrabony defect (n = 3) and crater-like defect (n = 8). Following training and calibration of the observers, they asked to detect location (mesial, distal, buccal, lingual) and shape of the defect (dehiscence, horizontal defect, vertical defect, carter-like defect) utilizing both IO and CBCT images. Both observers assessed defect depth and width on IO, CBCT and micro-CT images at each side of peri-implant bone defect via CT-analyzer software. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and a p value of < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results

Overall, there was a high diagnostic accuracy for detection of bone defects with CBCT images (sensitivity: 100%/100%), while IO images showed a reduction in accuracy (sensitivity: 69%/63%). Similarly, diagnostic accuracy for defect classification was significantly higher for CBCT, whereas IO images were unable to correctly identify vestibular dehiscence, with incorrect assessment of half of the infrabony defects. For accuracy of measuring defect depth and width, a higher correlation was observed between CBCT and gold standard micro-CT (r = 0.91, 95% CI 0.86–0.94), whereas a lower correlation was seen for IO images (r = 0.82, 95% CI 0.67–0.91).

Conclusions

The diagnostic accuracy and reliability of CBCT was found to be superior to IO imaging for the detection, classification, and measurement of peri-implant bone defects. The application of CBCT adds substantial information related to the peri-implant bone defect diagnosis and decision-making which cannot be achieved with conventional IO imaging.
Image quality of automatic coronary CT angiography reconstruction for patients with HR ≥ 75 bpm using an AI-assisted 16-cm z-coverage CT scanner
Authors: Yan Cheng , Zhou Guofeng , Yang Xue , Lu Xiuliang , Zeng Mengsu , Ji Min
Published: February 2021

Background

Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is a complicated CT exam in comparison to other CT protocols. Exam success highly depends on image assessment of experienced radiologist and the procedure is often time-consuming. This study aims to evaluate feasibility of automatic CCTA reconstruction in 0.25 s rotation time, 16 cm coverage CT scanner with best phase selection and AI-assisted motion correction.

Methods

CCTA exams of 90 patients with heart rates higher than 75 bpm were included in this study. Two image series were reconstructed—one at automatically selected phase and another with additional motion correction. All reconstructions were performed without manual interaction of radiologist. A four-point Likert scale rating system was used to evaluate the image quality of coronary artery segment by two experienced radiologists, according to the 18-segment model. Analysis was done on per-segment basis.

Results

Total 1194 out of the 1620 segments were identified for quality evaluation in 90 patients. After automatic best phase selection, 1172 segments (98.3%) were rated as having diagnostic image quality (scores 2–4) and the average score is 3.64 ± 0.55. When motion corrections were applied, diagnostic segment number increases to 1192 (99.8%) and the average score is 3.85 ± 0.37.

Conclusions

With the help of 0.25 s rotation speed, 16-cm z-coverage and AI-assisted motion correction algorithm, CCTA exam reconstruction could be performed with minimum radiologist involvement and still meet image quality requirement.
Diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection among pediatric household contacts of Iranian tuberculosis cases using tuberculin skin test, IFN- γ release assay and IFN-γ-induced protein-10
Authors: Ghanaie Roxana Mansour , Karimi Abdollah , Azimi Leila , James Seddon , Nasehi Mahshid , Mishkar Abolfazl Panahi , Sheikhi Mahnaz , Fallah Fatemeh , Tabatabaei Sedigheh Rafiei , Hoseini-Alfatemi Seyedeh Mahsan
Published: February 2021

Background

Although the World Health Organization has recommended the diagnosis and prophylactic treatment of latent tuberculous infection (LTBI) in child household contacts of tuberculosis (TB) cases, the national programs in high-burden TB regions rarely implement adequate screening of this high-risk group, mainly because of resource limitations. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of LTBI among pediatric household contacts of TB cases in two high-burden provinces in Iran.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study in children who had been in household contact with a TB index. All subjects were assessed for active TB disease. For LTBI diagnosis, tuberculin skin test (TST) and QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) were performed at the time of the index TB case diagnosis, as well as, 3, 12, and 18 months, if the first results were negative. In addition, interferon-γ-induced protein-10(IP-10) concentrations were measured for all participants.

Results

A total of 230 children were enrolled, who had contact with an index TB case. Three contacts were diagnosed with active TB. According to the TST/QFT-Plus results, 104 (45.2%) children were identified with LTBI during our study. Significantly increased IP-10 levels were found in LTBI patients compared to healthy contacts. Accordingly, more than 50% of LTBI contacts and about 10% of healthy contacts were considered as IP-10-positive.

Conclusion

This study alarmingly illustrates a high prevalence of LTBI among Iranian children exposed to TB cases. We, therefore, emphasize that the children living in close contact with an infectious TB case should be screened effectively and receive prophylactic therapy.
Changes over 15 years in the contribution of adiposity and smoking to deaths in England and Scotland
Authors: Ho Frederick K. , Celis-Morales Carlos , Petermann-Rocha Fanny , Parra-Soto Solange Liliana , Lewsey James , Mackay Daniel , Pell Jill P.
Published: February 2021

Background

For many years smoking has been the major threat to public health in developed countries. However, smoking prevalence has declined over a period when adiposity has increased. The aim of this study was to determine whether adiposity now accounts for more deaths than smoking in the general population as a whole or sub-groups of it.

Methods

This is a comparative risk assessment study using Health Surveys for England and Scottish Health Surveys from 2003 to 2017. Annual prevalence of overweight, obesity, current and former smoking were obtained and combined using population-based weights. Sex-specific risk ratios for all-cause mortality were obtained from the most recently published meta-analyses. Population attributable fractions across yeas were then estimated.

Findings

Overall, deaths attributable to current/former smoking declined from 23.1% (95% CI 20.6–25.8%) in 2003 to 19.4% (95% CI 17.3–21.6%) in 2017, whilst those attributable to adiposity (overweight or obesity) increased from 17.9% (95% CI 17.3–18.4%) in 2003 to 23.1% (95% CI 22.3–23.8%) in 2017 with cross-over occurring in 2013. Cross-over occurred earlier in men (2011) than women (2014). It occurred in 2006 for those aged over 65 years of age and in 2012 for those aged 45–64 years. Below 45 years, smoking remained the larger contributor to mortality.

Interpretation

Adiposity now accounts for more deaths in England and Scotland than smoking among people in middle- and old-age. National strategies to address adiposity should be a public health priority.
Correction to: Patient acceptability of targeted risk-based detection of non-communicable diseases in a dental and pharmacy setting
Authors: Yonel Zehra , Yahyouche Asma , Jalal Zahra , James Alistair , Dietrich Thomas , Chapple Iain L. C.
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Psychological impact of the state of emergency over COVID-19 for non-permanent workers: a Nationwide follow-up study in Japan
Authors: Saito Shota , Tran Huyen Thi Thanh , Qi Ruan , Suzuki Kenji , Takiguchi Toru , Ishigami Kazuo , Noto Shinichi , Ohde Sachiko , Takahashi Osamu
Published: February 2021

Background

The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused mental health problems and increased unemployment due to the economic recession. This survey aimed to assess the psychological impact of the state of emergency. We estimated changes in mental health, quality of life, and unemployment experience for general workers during the first COVID-19 outbreak in Japan.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide follow-up study. During the periods of March 26 to April 6, 2020 and June 26 to July 2, 2020, we used the internet to survey general workers aged 15 to 59 years in Japan. The questionnaire items covered employment status and socioeconomic factors, and we used the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and EQ-5D-5L to assess depression and health-related quality of life (HR-QOL), respectively. The differences in outcomes of permanent and non-permanent workers were analyzed using propensity score analysis. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between unemployment and CES-D scores.

Results

We included 2351 subjects in the analysis. Changes in both CES-D scores and utility were not significantly different between the two groups. However, a significant difference was found regarding the rate of unemployment, which was associated with higher CES-D scores.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that the mental health of non-permanent workers was not negatively affected following the state of emergency due to COVID-19 in Japan. Unemployment is an important factor that influences the mental health of general workers.
Association between peripheral lymphocyte count and the mortality risk of COVID-19 inpatients
Authors: Wang Saibin , Sheng Yijun , Tu Junwei , Zhang Lanlan
Published: February 2021

Background

To explore the relationship between peripheral lymphocyte counts (PLCs) and the mortality risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as well as the potential of PLC for predicting COVID-19 hospitalized patients death.

Methods

Baseline characteristics, laboratory tests, imaging examinations, and outcomes of 134 consecutive COVID-19 hospitalized patients were collected from a tertiary hospital in Wuhan city from January 25 to February 24, 2020. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the PLC at admission and mortality risk in COVID-19 patients and to establish a model for predicting death in COVID-19 hospitalized patients based on PLC.

Results

After adjusting for potential confounding factors, we found a non-linear relationship and threshold saturation effect between PLC and mortality risk in COVID-19 patients (infection point of PLC: 0.95 × 109/L). Multiple regression analysis showed that when PLCs of COVID-19 patients were lower than 0.95 × 109/L, the patients had a significantly higher mortality risk as compared to COVID-19 patient with PLCs > 0.95 × 109/L (OR 7.27; 95% CI 1.10–48.25). The predictive power of PLC for death in COVID-19 patients (presented as area under the curve) was 0.78. The decision curve analysis showed that PLC had clinical utility for the prediction of death in COVID-19 inpatients.

Conclusions

PLC had a non-linear relationship with mortality risk in COVID-19 inpatients. Reduced PLCs (< 0.95 × 109/L) were associated with an increased mortality risk in COVID-19 inpatients. PLCs also had a potential predictive value for the death of COVID-19 inpatients.
Diagnostic criteria for musculoskeletal disorders for use in occupational healthcare or research: a scoping review of consensus- and synthesised-based case definitions
Authors: van der Molen Henk F. , Visser Steven , Alfonso Jose Hernán , Curti Stefania , Mattioli Stefano , Rempel David , Roquelaure Yves , Kuijer P. Paul F. M. , Tamminga Sietske J.
Published: February 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to identify case definitions of diagnostic criteria for specific musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) for use in occupational healthcare, surveillance or research.

Methods

A scoping review was performed in Medline and Web of Science from 2000 to 2020 by an international team of researchers and clinicians, using the Arksey and O’Malley framework to identify case definitions based on expert consensus or a synthesis of the literature. Seven MSDs were considered: non-specific low back pain (LBP), lumbosacral radicular syndrome (LRS), subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS), carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), lateral or medial elbow tendinopathy, and knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA). Case definitions for occupational healthcare or research were charted according to symptoms, signs and instrumental assessment of signs, and if reported, on work-related exposure criteria.

Results

In total, 2404 studies were identified of which 39 were included. Fifteen studies (38%) reported on non-specific LBP, followed by knee OA (n = 8;21%) and CTS (n = 8;21%). For non-specific LBP, studies agreed in general on which symptoms (i.e., pain in lower back) and signs (i.e., absence of red flags) constituted a case definition while for the other MSDs considerable heterogeneity was found. Only two studies (5%), describing case definitions for LBP, CTS, and SAPS and lateral and medial elbow tendinopathy respectively, included work-related exposure criteria in their clinical assessment.

Conclusion

We found that studies on non-specific LBP agreed in general on which symptoms and signs constitute a case definition, while considerable heterogeneity was found for the other MSDs. For prevention of work-related MSDs, these MSD case definitions should preferably include work-related exposure criteria.
Correction to: Understanding the key processes of excellence as a prerequisite to establishing academic centres of excellence in Africa
Authors: Fekadu Abebaw , Oppenheim Claire , Manyazewal Tsegahun , Nislow Corey , Woldeamanuel Yimtubezinash , Hailu Asrat , Belete Anteneh , Wondimagegn Dawit , Hanlon Charlotte , Gebremariam Tsige , Collins Asha , Larson Christopher J. , Gebreyes Wondwossen , Aklilu Eleni , Muula Adamson S. , Mugus Sabina , Caffrey Conor R. , Giday Mirutse , Yimer Getnet , Davey Gail , Medhin Girmay , Makonnen Eyasu
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.