bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical prediction and diagnosis of neurosyphilis in HIV-negative patients: a case-control study
Authors: Lu Yong , Ke Wujian , Yang Ligang , Wang Zhenyu , Lv Ping , Gu Jing , Hao Chun , Li Jinghua , Cai Yumao , Gu Mei , Liu Hongfang , Chen Wenjing , Zhang Xiaohui , Wang Liuyuan , Liu Yahui , Yang Bin , Zou Huachun , Zheng Heping
Published: December 2019

Background

Early diagnosis and treatment of neurosyphilis is of great significance for regression. There is no gold standard for the diagnosis of neurosyphilis. We did this study to explore the factors associated with the clinical diagnosis of neurosyphilis and assess their accuracy for the diagnosis of neurosyphilis.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 100 cases of syphilis patients who underwent lumbar puncture at a major dermatology hospital in Guangzhou, China between April 2013 and November 2016. Fifty patients who were clinically diagnosed with neurosyphilis were selected as case group. Control group consisted of 50 general syphilis patients who were matched with age and gender. The records of patients were reviewed to collect data of socio-demographic information, clinical symptom, and laboratory indicators. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore diagnostic indictors, and ROC analysis was used to assess diagnostic accuracy.

Results

Neurological symptoms (odds ratio (OR) = 59.281, 95% CI:5.215–662.910, P = 0.001), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) titer (OR = 1.004, 95% CI:1.002–1.006, P < 0.001), CSF protein (OR = 1.005, 95% CI:1.000–1.009, P = 0.041), and CSF white blood cell (WBC) (OR = 1.120, 95% CI:1.017–1.233, P = 0.021) were found to be statistically associated with neurosyphilis. In ROC analysis, CSF TPPA titer had a sensitivity of 90%, a specificity of 84%, and an area under curve (AUC) of 0.941.

Conclusion

CSF TPPA can potentially be considered as an alternative test for diagnosis of neurosyphilis. Combining with neurological symptoms, CSF protein, CSF WBC, the diagnosis would have a higher sensitivity.
High prevalence of HIV, HBsAg and anti-HCV positivity among people who injected drugs: results of the first bio-behavioral survey using respondent-driven sampling in two urban areas in Mozambique
Authors: Semá Baltazar Cynthia , Horth Roberta , Boothe Makini , Sathane Isabel , Young Peter , Chitsondzo Langa Denise , Condula Manuel , Ricardo Helena , Dengo Baloi Liliana , Cummings Beverley , Schaad Nicolas , Gouveia Lídia , Teodoro Eugénia , Raymond Henry F.
Published: December 2019

Background

Few countries in sub-Saharan Africa know the magnitude of their HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs (PWID). This was the first study in Mozambique to measure prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV, and to assess demographic characteristics and risk behaviors in this key population.

Methods

We used respondent-driven sampling (RDS) to conduct a cross-sectional behavioral surveillance survey of PWID in two cities of Mozambique lasting six months. Participants were persons who had ever injected drugs without a prescription. Participants completed a behavioral questionnaire and provided blood specimens for HIV, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) testing. We performed RDS-adjusted analysis in R 3.2 using RDSAT 7.1 weights.

Results

We enrolled 353 PWID in Maputo and 139 in Nampula/Nacala; approximately 95% of participants were men. Disease prevalence in Maputo and Nampula/Nacala, respectively, was 50.1 and 19.9% for HIV, 32.1 and 36.4% for HBsAg positivity, and 44.6 and 7.0% for anti-HCV positivity. Additionally, 8% (Maputo) and 28.6% (Nampula/Nacala) of PWID reported having a genital sore or ulcer in the 12 months preceding the survey. Among PWID who injected drugs in the last month, 50.3% (Maputo) and 49.6% (Nampula/Nacala) shared a needle at least once that month. Condomless sex in the last 12 months was reported by 52.4% of PWID in Maputo and 29.1% in Nampula/Nacala. Among PWID, 31.6% (Maputo) and 41.0% (Nampula/Nacala) had never tested for HIV. In multivariable analysis, PWID who used heroin had 4.3 (Maputo; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2, 18.2) and 2.3 (Nampula/Nacala; 95% CI: 1.2, 4.9) greater odds of having HIV.

Conclusion

Unsafe sexual behaviors and injection practices are frequent among PWID in Mozambique, and likely contribute to the disproportionate burden of disease we found. Intensified efforts in prevention, care, and treatment specific for PWID have the potential to limit disease transmission.
One- to 10-year Status Epilepticus Mortality (SEM) score after 30 days of hospital discharge: development and validation using competing risks analysis
Authors: Sirikarn Prapassara , Pattanittum Porjai , Tiamkao Somsak
Published: December 2019

Background

Status epilepticus (SE) is an emergency neurological disorder that affects quality of life and is associated with high mortality risk.Three scores have been developed to predict the risk of in-hospital death, but these scores are poor discrimination of mortality after discharge.This study aimed to develop and validate a simple risk score for long-term mortality in SE patients.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted using SE patient data collected from Thailand’s Universal Coverage Scheme database between the fiscal years of 2005 and 2015 and followed-up to 2016. Patients who died in hospital or within 30 days after discharge were excluded. Data were divided at random into either a derivation or validation set. A proportional hazards model for the sub-distribution of competing risks was fitted with backward stepwise method. The coefficients from the model were used to develop a point-based scoring system. The discrimination ability of the model was evaluated using a time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

A total of 20,792 SE patients (with ages ranging from the first day of life to 99 years at first admission) were randomly separated into two groups: 13,910 in the development group and 6882 in the validation group. A sub-distribution hazard model was used to determine nine predictors to be included in the final model, which was, in turn, used to develop the scoring system: age (0–19 points), male (two points), brain tumor (12 points), stroke (three points), cancer (11 points), diabetes (three points), chronic kidney disease (five points), pneumonia (five points), and urinary tract infection (four points). The possible total score ranged from zero to 64 and the cumulative incidence function was used to determine the probability of mortality associated with each total score within the first 10 years after the first admission. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the first to last time point ranged from 0.760 to 0.738.

Conclusion

A nine-factor risk score for predicting 10-year mortality in SE patients was developed. Further studies should focus on external validity and including a range seizure types and duration of seizure as the predictors.
Knowledge of preeclampsia and its associated factors among pregnant women: a possible link to reduce related adverse outcomes
Authors: Fondjo Linda A. , Boamah Vivian E. , Fierti Adelaide , Gyesi Dorcas , Owiredu Eddie-Williams
Published: December 2019

Background

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality globally. Adequate knowledge about a disorder contributes greatly to its prevention, control and management. This study assessed the level of knowledge of PE and evaluated the factors associated with knowledge adequacy among pregnant women attending antenatal care at a University Hospital in Kumasi-Ghana.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted at the University Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. A validated closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information and history of PE. Knowledge of PE was assessed based on a series of questions regarding the awareness, signs/symptoms, risk factors and complications of PE. Responses were scored percentage-wise and grouped into low (< 60%), moderate (60–80%) and high (80–100%). Knowledge score was then re-stratified into adequate (% score of ≥60%) and inadequate knowledge of PE (% score of < 60%).

Results

The prevalence of inadequate and adequate knowledge of PE was 88.6% (mean score = 55.5 ± 4.3%) and 11.4% (mean score = 76.3 ± 5.9%), respectively. For participants with adequate knowledge of PE, 9.1% (mean score = 67.4 ± 6.9%) and 2.3% (mean score = 85.2 ± 5.1%) had moderate and high knowledge, respectively. Using univariate logistic regression models, being older (> 35 years old) [cOR = 3.09, 95%CI (0.88–10.88), p = 0.049] and having a higher level of education (> SHS education) [cOR = 4.45, 95%CI (2.18–9.10), p < 0.0001] were significantly associated with greater odds of having adequate knowledge of PE. After controlling for potential confounders in multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found higher level of education to be independently associated with adequate knowledge of PE [aOR = 2.87, 95%CI (1.31–6.30), p = 0.008].

Conclusion

The knowledge of PE among pregnant women in Ghana is low. The prominent factor that facilitates adequacy of knowledge of PE is higher level of education.
Suicidal ideation and attempt among school going adolescents in Bhutan – a secondary analysis of a global school-based student health survey in Bhutan 2016
Authors: Dema Tashi , Tripathy Jaya Prasad , Thinley Sangay , Rani Manju , Dhendup Tshering , Laxmeshwar Chinmay , Tenzin Karma , Gurung Mongal Singh , Tshering Tashi , Subba Dil Kumar , Penjore Tashi , Lhazeen Karma
Published: December 2019

Background

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death and Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) worldwide. The economic, emotional and human cost of suicidal behaviour to individuals, families, communities and society makes it a serious public health issue. We aim to determine the prevalence and factors associated with self-reported suicidal behaviour (suicidal ideation and attempt) among school going adolescents (13–17 years).

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of a nationally representative data for Bhutan namely Global School Based Student Health Survey in 2016 which reports on various dimensions of adolescent health including suicidal behaviour. The survey employed a multistage sampling method to recruit participants aged 13–17 years (n = 5809) from 50 schools (25 each in rural and urban area). The survey used an anonymous self-administered pre-tested 84-item questionnaire. Weighted analysis was done. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and adjusted Odds Ratios (aORs) have been presented with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results

A total of 667 (11.6%) adolescents reported considering a suicide attempt whereas 656 (11.3%) reported attempting suicide in the past 12 months. Among those reporting suicidal ideation, 388 (58.6%) reported attempting a suicide and 274 (41.4%) had ideation alone, whereas, 247 (38.9%) reported attempting a suicide without previous ideation. Female sex, food insecurity, physical attack, sexual violence, bullying, feeling of loneliness, low parental engagement, reported worry about lack of sleep, urge to use drugs/alcohol, smokeless tobacco use, drug abuse and parental smoking were the factors associated with suicidal attempt. All these factors except smokeless tobacco use and parental smoking were associated with suicidal ideation. Having helpful/close friends was found to be protective against suicide ideation.

Conclusion

Suicidal behaviour among school going adolescents in Bhutan is high and alarming, especially among girls. Bullying, sexual violence, feeling of loneliness and drug abuse were some of the key risk factors identified. It is important to identify these risk factors early and effectively tackle them in order to prevent suicides. It requires a multi-faceted intervention with the support of the children, community, teachers and parents.
Social determinants of psychological wellness for children and adolescents in rural NSW
Authors: Peters Ingrid , Handley Tonelle , Oakley Karen , Lutkin Sarah , Perkins David
Published: December 2019

Background

The mental wellness of children and adolescents in rural Australia is under researched and key to understanding the long-term mental health outcomes for rural communities. This analysis used data from the Australian Rural Mental Health Study (ARMHS), particularly the parent report Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) measure for children under 18 years old and their reporting parent’s demographic information to compare this sample’s mental wellness scores to the Australian norms and to identify what personal, family, community and rurality factors contribute to child mental wellness as pertaining to the SDQ total and subdomain scores.

Method

Five hundred thirty-nine children from 294 families from rural NSW were included. SDQ scores for each child as well as personal factors (sex and age), family factors (employment status, household income and sense of community of responding parent), community SES (IRSAD) and rurality (ASCG) were examined.

Results

Children and adolescents from rural areas had poorer mental wellness when compared to a normative Australian sample. Further, personal and family factors were significant predictors of the psychological wellness of children and adolescents, while after controlling for other factors, community SES and level of rurality did not contribute significantly.

Conclusions

Early intervention for children and families living in rural and remote communities is warranted particularly for low income families. There is a growing need for affordable, universal and accessible services provided in a timely way to balance the discrepancy of mental wellness scores between rural and urban communities.
3D imaging and stealth navigation instead of CT guidance for radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteomas: a series of 52 patients
Authors: Ankory Ran , Kadar Assaf , Netzer Doron , Schermann Haggai , Gortzak Yair , Dadia Shlomo , Kollander Yehuda , Segal Ortal
Published: December 2019

Background

Osteoid osteomas are benign bone neoplasms that may cause severe pain and limit function. They are commonly treated by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) through a needle inserted into the nidus of the lesion under CT guidance, which is associated with exposure of young patients to relatively high dose of radiation. The objective of this study was to investigate the amount of radiation, effectiveness and safety of an alternative imaging approach, the 3D image-guided (O-arm) technology and the Stealth navigation.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 52 electronic medical files of patients (mean age 24.7 years, range 8–59 years) who were treated with thermal ablation of benign osteoid osteomas guided by the navigated O-arm-assisted technique in our institution between 2015 and 2017. Data were extracted on the associated complications, the reduction in pain at 3 months and one year postoperatively, and the amount of radiation administered during the procedure.

Results

The level of pain on a visual analogue scale decreased from the preoperative average of 7.73 to 0 at the 3-month follow-up. The mean dose-length product was 544.7 mGycm2 compared to the reported radiation exposure of 1971–7946 mGycm2 of CT-guided radio ablations. The one intra-operative complication was a superficial burn in the subcutaneous lesion in a tibia that was treated locally with no major influence on recovery.

Conclusions

RFA ablation guided by 3D O-arm stealth navigation is as effective as the traditional CT-guided technique with the advantage of lower radiation exposure.

Trial registration

Retrospective study number 0388–17-TLV at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center IRB, approved at 25.10.17.
Antibiotic prophylaxis habits in oral implant surgery among dentists in Italy: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Rodríguez Sánchez Fabio , Arteagoitia Iciar , Rodríguez Andrés Carlos , Caiazzo Alfonso
Published: December 2019

Background

The prescription of prophylactic antibiotics in conjunction with oral implant surgery remains inconsistent among different populations of dentists. The main objective of this study was to assess the current antibiotic prescribing habits of dentist in conjunction with oral implant surgery in Italy. The secondary objective was to assess the nature and amount (mg) of antibiotics prescriptions in order to evaluate whether any consensus has been reached and if the current recommendations are complied.

Methods

Observational cross-sectional study based on a web-survey reported according to the STROBE guidelines. A questionnaire was sent via email to each registered member of the Italian Academy of Osseointegration (n = 400). The email included a link to the anonym web questionnaire developed on www.encuestafacil.com. It contained close-ended and some open-ended questions concerning demographics, antibiotic type, prescription duration and dosage. Collected data were analyzed using STATA® 14 software.

Results

160 participants responded the survey (response rate = 40%). Approximately 84% routinely prescribed prophylactic antibiotics in conjunction with oral implant surgery, 15.6% prescribed antibiotics in certain situations and only 1 did not prescribe antibiotics at all. Overall, 116 respondents prescribed both pre- and postoperative antibiotics, 29 prescribed antibiotics only preoperatively and 14 prescribed antibiotics exclusively after surgery. Italian dentists prescribed an average amount of 10,331 mg antibiotics before, during or after oral implant surgery. Approximately, only 17% (n = 27) of the participants who prescribed antibiotics before oral implant surgery complied with the recommendations proposed by the latest publications (no more than 3 g of preoperative amoxicillin before oral implant surgery).

Conclusions

Dentists in Italy on a large scale prescribe antibiotic prophylaxis in conjunction with oral implant surgery among healthy patients. A high range of prophylactic regimens is prescribed and they are not adhering to the new science-based specifications. Guidelines focused on the indications for prophylactic antibiotics among healthy patients are required to prevent bacterial resistance, side effects and costs caused by overtreatment and the irrational use of antibiotics.
Antiulcerogenic effect of Cuphea ignea extract against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats
Authors: Mousa Amria M. , El-Sammad Nermin M. , Hassan Sherien K. , Madboli Abd El Nasser A. , Hashim Amani N. , Moustafa Eman S. , Bakry Sherien M. , Elsayed Elsayed A.
Published: December 2019

Background

Cuphea ignea is one of the herbal resources belonging to Lythraceae family. Some species of this family have been used traditionally in South and Central America’s folk medicine for treating stomach disorders. Therefore, the present study was performed to evaluate the gastropreventive effect of aqueous ethanolic extract of C. ignea aerial parts on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer.

Methods

Gastric ulcers were induced in Sprague Dawley rats using one oral dose of absolute ethanol (1.5 mL/rat). The C. ignea aerial parts extract at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight and ranitidine (a reference drug) at a dose of 30 mg/kg body weight were orally administrated daily for 7 days before ulcer induction. One hour after ethanol administration blood samples were collected and then stomachs of sacrificed rats were subjected to biochemical, macroscopic and microscopic studies.

Results

Oral administration of C. ignea extract significantly attenuated gastric ulcer as revealed by significant reduction in the gastric ulcer index and volume of gastric juice while significantly increased preventive percentage, gastric pH value and pepsin activity. Pre-treatment of C. ignea extract markedly improved the serum level of TNF-α, the gastric MPO activity and NO content. Furthermore, C. ignea pre-treatment significantly increased the gastric levels of enzymatic and non- enzymatic antioxidants namely CAT, SOD, GSH-Px, and GSH with concomitant reduction in MDA level compared with those in the ethanol group. These results were further supported by histopathological findings which revealed the curing effect of C. ignea on the hemorrhagic shock induced by ethanol toxicity.

Conclusions

C. ignea extract showed a potential gastroprotective effect on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer, and its effect may be mediated through suppression of oxidative stress and gastric inflammation.
Unlocking the origins and biology of domestic animals using ancient DNA and paleogenomics
Authors: McHugo Gillian P. , Dover Michael J. , MacHugh David E.
Published: December 2019

Animal domestication has fascinated biologists since Charles Darwin first drew the parallel between evolution via natural selection and human-mediated breeding of livestock and companion animals. In this review we show how studies of ancient DNA from domestic animals and their wild progenitors and congeners have shed new light on the genetic origins of domesticates, and on the process of domestication itself. High-resolution paleogenomic data sets now provide unprecedented opportunities to explore the development of animal agriculture across the world. In addition, functional population genomics studies of domestic and wild animals can deliver comparative information useful for understanding recent human evolution.
Interplays between Enterovirus A71 and the innate immune system
Authors: Chen Kuan-Ru , Ling Pin
Published: December 2019

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) is a growing threat to public health, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. EV-A71 infection is most prevalent in infants and children and causes a wide spectrum of clinical complications, including hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD), pulmonary and neurological disorders. The pathogenesis of EV-A71 infection is poorly understood at present. It is likely that viral factors and host immunity, and their interplay, affect the pathogenesis and outcome of EV-A71 infection. The mammalian innate immune system forms the first layer of defense against viral infections and triggers activation of adaptive immunity leading to full protection. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the interaction between EV-A71 and the innate immune system. We discuss the role of pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), including Toll-like receptors (TLRs), RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs), and inflammasomes, in the detection of EV-A71 infection and induction of antiviral immunity. As a counteraction, EV-A71 viral proteins target multiple innate immune pathways to facilitate viral replication in host cells. These novel insights at the virus-host interphase may support the future development of vaccines and therapeutics against EV-A71 infection.
Combined artificial high-silicate medium and LED illumination promote carotenoid accumulation in the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Yi Zhiqian , Su Yixi , Cherek Paulina , Nelson David R. , Lin Jianping , Rolfsson Ottar , Wu Hua , Salehi-Ashtiani Kourosh , Brynjolfsson Sigurdur , Fu Weiqi
Published: December 2019

Background

Diatoms, which can accumulate large amounts of carotenoids, are a major group of microalgae and the dominant primary producer in marine environments. Phaeodactylum tricornutum, a model diatom species, acquires little silicon for its growth although silicon is known to contribute to gene regulation and play an important role in diatom intracellular metabolism. In this study, we explored the effects of artificial high-silicate medium (i.e. 3.0 mM sodium metasilicate) and LED illumination conditions on the growth rate and pigment accumulation in P. tricornutum, which is the only known species so far that can grow without silicate. It’s well known that light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as novel illuminants are emerging to be superior monochromatic light sources for algal cultivation with defined and efficient red and blue lights.

Results

Firstly, we cultivated P. tricornutum in a synthetic medium supplemented with either 0.3 mM or 3.0 mM silicate. The morphology and size of diatom cells were examined: the proportion of the oval and triradiate cells decreased while the fusiform cells increased with more silicate addition in high-silicate medium; the average length of fusiform cells also slightly changed from 14.33 µm in 0.3 mM silicate medium to 12.20 µm in 3.0 mM silicate medium. Then we cultivated P. tricornutum under various intensities of red light in combination with the two different levels of silicate in the medium. Higher biomass productivity also achieved in 3.0 mM silicate medium than in 0.3 mM silicate medium under red LED light irradiation at 128 μmol/m2/s or higher light intensity. Increasing silicate reversed the down-regulation of fucoxanthin and chlorophyll a under high red-light illumination (i.e. 255 μmol/m2/s). When doubling the light intensity, fucoxanthin content decreased under red light but increased under combined red and blue (50:50) lights while chlorophyll a content reduced under both conditions. Fucoxanthin accumulation and biomass productivity increased with enhanced red and blue (50:50) lights.

Conclusion

High-silicate medium and blue light increased biomass and fucoxanthin production in P. tricornutum under high light conditions and this strategy may be beneficial for large-scale production of fucoxanthin in diatoms.
The complex of Plasmodium falciparum falcipain-2 protease with an (E)-chalcone-based inhibitor highlights a novel, small, molecule-binding site
Authors: Machin Jonathan M. , Kantsadi Anastassia L. , Vakonakis Ioannis
Published: December 2019

Background

Malaria kills over 400,000 people each year and nearly half the world’s population live in at-risk areas. Progress against malaria has recently stalled, highlighting the need for developing novel therapeutics. The parasite haemoglobin degradation pathway, active in the blood stage of the disease where malaria symptoms and lethality manifest, is a well-established drug target. A key enzyme in this pathway is the papain-type protease falcipain-2.

Methods

The crystallographic structure of falcipain-2 at 3.45 Å resolution was resolved in complex with an (E)-chalcone small-molecule inhibitor. The falcipain-2–(E)-chalcone complex was analysed with reference to previous falcipain complexes and their similarity to human cathepsin proteases.

Results

The (E)-chalcone inhibitor binds falcipain-2 to the rear of the substrate-binding cleft. This is the first structure of a falcipain protease where the rear of the substrate cleft is bound by a small molecule. In this manner, the (E)-chalcone inhibitor mimics interactions observed in protein-based falcipain inhibitors, which can achieve high interaction specificity.

Conclusions

This work informs the search for novel anti-malaria therapeutics that target falcipain-2 by showing the binding site and interactions of the medically privileged (E)-chalcone molecule. Furthermore, this study highlights the possibility of chemically combining the (E)-chalcone molecule with an existing active-site inhibitor of falcipain, which may yield a potent and selective compound for blocking haemoglobin degradation by the malaria parasite.
Role of the microbiome in occurrence, development and treatment of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Wang Yicheng , Yang Gang , You Lei , Yang Jinshou , Feng Mengyu , Qiu Jiangdong , Zhao Fangyu , Liu Yueze , Cao Zhe , Zheng Lianfang , Zhang Taiping , Zhao Yupei
Published: December 2019

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies. Recent studies indicated that development of pancreatic cancer may be intimately connected with the microbiome. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms through which microbiomes affect the development of pancreatic cancer, including inflammation and immunomodulation. Potential therapeutic and diagnostic applications of microbiomes are also discussed. For example, microbiomes may serve as diagnostic markers for pancreatic cancer, and may also play an important role in determining the efficacies of treatments such as chemo- and immunotherapies. Future studies will provide additional insights into the various roles of microbiomes in pancreatic cancer.
Kidney and uro-trauma: WSES-AAST guidelines
Authors:   WSES-AAST Expert Panel, Coccolini Federico , Moore Ernest E. , Kluger Yoram , Biffl Walter , Leppaniemi Ari , Matsumura Yosuke , Kim Fernando , Peitzman Andrew B. , Fraga Gustavo P. , Sartelli Massimo , Ansaloni Luca , Augustin Goran , Kirkpatrick Andrew , Abu-Zidan Fikri , Wani Imitiaz , Weber Dieter , Pikoulis Emmanouil , Larrea Martha , Arvieux Catherine , Manchev Vassil , Reva Viktor , Coimbra Raul , Khokha Vladimir , Mefire Alain Chichom , Ordonez Carlos , Chiarugi Massimo , Machado Fernando , Sakakushev Boris , Matsumoto Junichi , Maier Ron , di Carlo Isidoro , Catena Fausto
Published: December 2019

Renal and urogenital injuries occur in approximately 10-20% of abdominal trauma in adults and children. Optimal management should take into consideration the anatomic injury, the hemodynamic status, and the associated injuries. The management of urogenital trauma aims to restore homeostasis and normal physiology especially in pediatric patients where non-operative management is considered the gold standard. As with all traumatic conditions, the management of urogenital trauma should be multidisciplinary including urologists, interventional radiologists, and trauma surgeons, as well as emergency and ICU physicians. The aim of this paper is to present the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) and the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) kidney and urogenital trauma management guidelines.
eIF4A2 drives repression of translation at initiation by Ccr4-Not through purine-rich motifs in the 5′UTR
Authors: Wilczynska Ania , Gillen Sarah L. , Schmidt Tobias , Meijer Hedda A. , Jukes-Jones Rebekah , Langlais Claudia , Kopra Kari , Lu Wei-Ting , Godfrey Jack D. , Hawley Benjamin R. , Hodge Kelly , Zanivan Sara , Cain Kelvin , Le Quesne John , Bushell Martin
Published: December 2019

Background

Regulation of the mRNA life cycle is central to gene expression control and determination of cell fate. miRNAs represent a critical mRNA regulatory mechanism, but despite decades of research, their mode of action is still not fully understood.

Results

Here, we show that eIF4A2 is a major effector of the repressive miRNA pathway functioning via the Ccr4-Not complex. We demonstrate that while DDX6 interacts with Ccr4-Not, its effects in the mechanism are not as pronounced. Through its interaction with the Ccr4-Not complex, eIF4A2 represses mRNAs at translation initiation. We show evidence that native eIF4A2 has similar RNA selectivity to chemically inhibited eIF4A1. eIF4A2 exerts its repressive effect by binding purine-rich motifs which are enriched in the 5′UTR of target mRNAs directly upstream of the AUG start codon.

Conclusions

Our data support a model whereby purine motifs towards the 3′ end of the 5′UTR are associated with increased ribosome occupancy and possible uORF activation upon eIF4A2 binding.
The critical role of histology in distinguishing sarcoidosis from common variable immunodeficiency disorder (CVID) in a patient with hypogammaglobulinemia
Authors: Ameratunga Rohan , Ahn Yeri , Tse Dominic , Woon See-Tarn , Pereira Jennifer , McCarthy Sinead , Blacklock Hilary
Published: December 2019

Background

Common variable immunodeficiency disorders (CVID) are a rare group of primary immune defects, where the underlying cause is unknown. Approximately 10–20% of patients with typical CVID have a granulomatous variant, which has closely overlapping features with sarcoidosis.

Case presentation

Here we describe a young man who sequentially developed refractory Evans syndrome, cauda equina syndrome and most recently renal impairment. Following immunosuppression, he has made a recovery from all three life-threatening autoimmune disorders. As the patient was hypogammaglobulinemic for most of the time while on immunosuppression, vaccine challenges and other tests were not possible. Histological features were in keeping with sarcoidosis rather than the granulomatous variant of CVID. In the brief period when immunosuppression was lifted between the cauda equina syndrome and renal impairment, he normalised his immunoglobulins, confirming sarcoidosis rather than CVID was the underlying cause.

Conclusion

We discuss diagnostic difficulties distinguishing the two conditions, and the value of histological features in our diagnostic criteria for CVID in identifying sarcoidosis, while the patient was hypogammaglobulinemic. The key message from this case report is that the characteristic histological features of CVID can be very helpful in making (or excluding) the diagnosis, particularly when other tests are not possible.
Soliton solutions to the time-dependent coupled KdV–Burgers’ equation
Authors: Alqahtani Aisha , Kumar Vikas
Published: December 2019

In this article, the authors apply the Lie symmetry approach and the modified $( G'/G )$(G′/G)-expansion method for seeking the solutions of time-dependent coupled KdV–Burgers equation. Using suitable similarity transformations, the time-dependent coupled KdV–Burgers equation is reduced to a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Further, the reduced system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations for the coupled KdV equation is solved with the help of the modified $( G'/G )$(G′/G)-expansion method to obtain soliton solutions which are expressed by hyperbolic functions, trigonometric functions, and rational functions.
Do age-related macular degeneration genes show association with keratoconus?
Authors: Cao Ke , Sahebjada Srujana , Richardson Andrea J. , Baird Paul N.
Published: December 2019

Background

Keratoconus (KC) is a common corneal condition with an unknown gender predominance. Although numerous studies have investigated the genetic component of KC, no specific genes have yet been attributed to the condition. We recently reported posterior segment changes occurring in the eyes of KC patients. However, it is not clear whether these changes are part of KC pathogenesis or reflect changes in anatomical features of the eye manifested by changes at the cornea. Given retinal changes represent the main characteristics observed in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and that pleiotropy has been demonstrated between different eye diseases, we wished to assess if known AMD associated genes were also associated with KC.

Methods

A total of 248 KC subjects and 366 non-KC (control) subjects were recruited from public and private clinics in Melbourne for this analysis. Nineteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously associated with AMD, including rs10490924 (ARMS2/HTRA1), rs10737680 (CFH), rs13278062 (TNFRSF10A), rs1864163 (CETP), rs2230199 (C3), rs3130783 (IER3/DDR1), rs334353 (TGFBR1), rs3812111 (COL10A1), rs429608 (C2/CFB), rs4420638 (APOE), rs4698775 (CFI), rs5749482 (TIMP3), rs6795735 (ADAMTS9), rs8017304 (RAD51B), rs8135665 (SLC16A8), rs920915 (LIPC), rs943080 (VEGFA), rs9542236 (B3GALTL) and rs13081855 (COL8A1/FILIP1L), were genotyped in this cohort. Logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association between these SNPs and KC on both genders together, as well as each gender separately. Linear regression was also applied to assess the association between SNPs and corneal curvature. Bonferroni correction was applied to adjust for multiple testing.

Results

Genotyping data were available for 18 SNPs. The SNP, rs6795735 (ADAMTS9) was significantly associated with KC (p = 3.5 × 10− 4) when both genders were assessed, whereas rs5749482 (TIMP3) was only associated in males (p = 7.7 × 10− 4) following Bonferroni multiple correction. However, when the covariates of age and gender were included, the associations became non-significant. In addition, none of the SNPs appeared significant for corneal curvature.

Conclusions

Our study suggested a potential association of rs6795735 in the ADAMTS9 gene and rs5749482 in the TIMP3 gene in KC and that different associations may be gender specific. Overall, SNPs initially identified as associated with AMD following multiple correction may be further impacted by other factors such as age or gender and further studies are needed to resolve this issue.
Nutritional status and Cardiometabolic health among adolescents; findings from southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Adeomi Adeleye Abiodun , Adelusi Iyanuoluwa Odunayo , Adedeji Praise Oluwatooni , Awofeso Adedoyin Esther , Oroleye Olajumoke Omotoyosi , Gbadegesin Doyinfunmi Lydia
Published: December 2019

Background

Obesity has been associated with an increased risk for cardio-metabolic diseases. The prevalence of obesity among adolescents is increasing worldwide, including Nigeria, but only little data exist on the relationship of nutritional status with cardio-metabolic health among adolescents in Nigeria. This study therefore investigated the relationship of nutrition status, raised blood pressure, glucose intolerance and risk for metabolic diseases among adolescents in southwestern Nigeria.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 313 in-school adolescents in Ile-Ife, southwestern Nigeria. The respondents were selected using multi-stage sampling technique, and data were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaires. Anthropometric, blood pressure and random blood glucose measurements were done using standard protocols. Nutritional assessment was done using the World Health Organization (WHO) 2007 reference. Pre-hypertension and hypertension were measured using percentiles for gender, age and height. Analysis was done using IBM SPSS and the level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.

Results

The mean age of the respondents was 14.4 ± 2.0 years. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 10.2%, and it was significantly higher among females (12.5%) than males (7.0%). The prevalence of systolic and diastolic pre-hypertension was 10.9 and 11.5% respectively, while the prevalence for systolic and diastolic hypertension were 14.4 and 8.6% respectively. Using WHtR to assess cardio-metabolic risk, 7.3% of the respondents were at risk. There were statistically significant relationships between BMI, WHtR and blood pressure levels (< 0.05).

Conclusions

The prevalence of overweight/obesity among the adolescents was relatively high, and this was significantly associated with elevated blood pressure and increased risk for cardio-metabolic diseases. There is need for more interest and intervention by stakeholders into the cardio-metabolic health of adolescents in Nigeria.
Efficacy of spinal extension exercise program versus muscle energy technique in treatment of chronic mechanical low back pain
Authors: Fahmy E. , Shaker H. , Ragab W. , Helmy H. , Gaber M.
Published: December 2019

Background

Mechanical low back pain (MLBP) is a major cause of illness and disability, especially in people of working age. People with chronic low back pain often experience anger, fear, anxiety, decrease in physical ability, and inadequacy of role fulfillment.

Objective

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of extension exercise program versus muscle energy technique in treating patients with chronic mechanical low back pain.

Subjects and methods

Forty patients complaining of chronic mechanical low back pain participated in the study. Patients were randomly allocated into two equal groups: group A which received spinal extension exercise program and group B which received muscle energy technique. Treatment sessions were given three times per week for four successive weeks. Patients were assessed before and after treatment using visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and digital goniometer to assess pain intensity, functional disability, and range of motion (ROM) of lumbar spine respectively.

Results

There was significant decrease in the scores of pain and functional disability in both groups post-treatment especially in group B. There was significant increase in lumbar range of motion in both groups post-treatment, especially in group A.

Conclusion

Extension exercise program had better effect on improving lumbar range of motion, whereas muscle energy technique was better in decreasing pain and functional disability in patients with chronic mechanical low back pain.
Foundation News
Authors: Burk Katie
Published: December 2019

During an interview about SEG's Geoscientists Without Borders® (GWB) program, Maurice Nessim, president of WesternGeco, said, “I personally feel that such a program makes people proud about what they are doing. These projects lead to results that are significant to the community.”
Seismic compressive sensing by generative inpainting network: Toward an optimized acquisition survey
Authors: Li Xiaoyang Rebecca , Mitsakos Nikolaos , Lu Ping , Xiao Yuan , Zhao Xing
Published: December 2019

The use of deep learning models as priors for compressive sensing tasks presents new potential for inexpensive seismic data acquisition. Conventional recovery usually suffers from undesired artifacts, such as oversmoothing, and high computational cost. Generative adversarial networks (GANs) offer promising alternative approaches that can improve quality and reveal finer details. An appropriately designed Wasserstein GAN trained on several historical surveys and capable of learning the statistical properties of the seismic wavelet's architecture is proposed. The efficiency and precision of this model at compressive sensing are validated in three steps. First, the existence of a sparse representation with different compression rates for seismic surveys is studied. Then, nonuniform samplings are studied using the proposed methodology. Finally, a recommendation is proposed for a nonuniform seismic survey grid based on the evaluation of reconstructed seismic images and metrics. The primary goal of the proposed deep learning model is to provide the foundations of an optimal design for seismic acquisition without a loss in imaging quality. Along these lines, a compressive sensing design of a nonuniform grid over an asset in the Gulf of Mexico, versus a traditional seismic survey grid that collects data uniformly every few feet, is suggested, leveraging the proposed method.
Insulin Signaling Via Progesterone-Regulated Insulin Receptor Substrate 2 is Critical for Human Uterine Decidualization
Authors: Neff Alison M , Yu Jie , Taylor Robert N , Bagchi Indrani C , Bagchi Milan K
Published: December 2019

Decidualization, the process by which fibroblastic human endometrial stromal cells (HESC) differentiate into secretory decidual cells, is a critical event during the establishment of pregnancy. It is dependent on the steroid hormone progesterone acting through the nuclear progesterone receptor (PR). Previously, we identified insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) as a factor that is directly regulated by PR during decidualization. IRS2 is an adaptor protein that functionally links receptor tyrosine kinases, such as insulin receptor (IR) and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), and their downstream effectors. IRS2 expression was induced in HESC during in vitro decidualization and siRNA-mediated downregulation of IRS2 transcripts resulted in attenuation of this process. Further use of siRNAs targeted to IR or IGF1R transcripts showed that downregulation of IR, but not IGF1R, led to impaired decidualization. Loss of IRS2 transcripts in HESC suppressed phosphorylation of both ERK1/2 and AKT, downstream effectors of insulin signaling, which mediate gene expression associated with decidualization and regulate glucose uptake. Indeed, downregulation of IRS2 resulted in reduced expression and membrane localization of the glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT4, resulting in lowered glucose uptake during stromal decidualization. Collectively, these data suggest that the PR-regulated expression of IRS2 is necessary for proper insulin signaling for controlling gene expression and glucose utilization, which critically support the decidualization process to facilitate pregnancy. This study provides new insight into the mechanisms by which steroid hormone signaling intersects with insulin signaling in the uterus during decidualization, which has important implications for pregnancy complications associated with insulin resistance and infertility.
Dynamic Tracheobronchial Compression in Steep Trendelenburg Position With Pneumoperitoneum for Robotic-Assisted Cystectomy: A Case Report
Authors: Babus Lenard W. , Gainsburg Daniel M.
Published: December 2019

Tracheobronchomalacia is a weakness of the trachea and bronchi due to abnormal cartilage and muscular support leading to airway obstruction. We report a case of an adult former smoker without pulmonary symptoms who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy in the steep Trendelenburg position. After repeated episodes of hypoxemia, bronchoscopic examination revealed collapse of the distal trachea and bronchi, supporting a diagnosis of tracheobronchomalacia. Tracheomalacia is an underdiagnosed condition in patients with a smoking history and may mimic other obstructive diseases. The anesthesiologist should remain vigilant to the possibility of airway collapse in former smokers, specifically in cases of increased intrathoracic pressure.
SPECIAL-PURPOSE REDUNDANCY OF ADC AND DAC UNITS
Authors: Кононов Владимир , Kononov Vladimir
Published: December 2019

The technique of crystalline redundancy of ADC and DAC units is considered to increase the survivability of converters in operating conditions. The expediency of backing up the main digital blocks (adders, registers, PLLs), as well as peripheral DACs and comparators used for automatic calibration and calibration of converters is substantiated.
Resistance to Innovative Projects Implementation in Organizations
Authors: Mal'ceva Yuliya
Published: December 2019

The article is devoted to identifying and studying the causes of opposition to the implementation of innovative projects of various types, as well as determining methods of opposition and developing practical results based on scientific research and analysis of situations in Russian companies. For analysis, the author chose a structured interview method and interviewed 10 experts from various sectors of the economy. The minimum experience with innovative projects is 2 years, and the minimum number of projects should be equal to 3. As a result of the analysis, the reasons and ways to reduce the resistance to the implementation of innovative projects and recommendations were identified.