bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous rotation of a toric implantable collamer lens related to abnormal ciliary body morphology: a case report
Authors: Chen Qian , Zeng Qingyan , Wang Zheng , Pan Chao , Lei Xiaohua , Tan Weina
Published: August 2020

Background

This is a case of spontaneous toric implantable collamer lens (TICL) rotation that occurred twice in the left eye of a patient.

Case presentation

A 24-year-old gentleman received TICL implantation for treatment of myopic astigmatism encountered with spontaneous rotation of approximately 90° from its original position. TICL reposition procedure was performed with visual outcome of 20/16. Surprisingly, a re-rotation of TICL occurred. The patient underwent a replacement of non-toric ICL with a larger size after careful re-evaluation with final visual outcome of 20/20. A short and small ciliary process with shallow ciliary sulcus and posteriorly positioned ciliary body was found by Ultrasound Biomicroscopy (UBM).

Conclusions

The unique morphology of the ciliary body may have a potential association with the vault and instability of implanted ICL. Careful examination of the ciliary body morphology is essential in preoperative evaluation.
Peripheral anterior chamber depth and screening techniques for primary angle closure disease in community elderly Chinese
Authors: Luo Qin , Xue Wenwen , Yuan Yin , Fu Chaowei , He Jiangnan , Zou Haidong , Tong Xiaowei , Lee Richard K. , Ge Ling
Published: August 2020

Background

To investigate the distribution of peripheral anterior chamber depth (ACD) and the relationship between peripheral ACD and gonioscopy compared to other ocular parameters for primary angle closure disease (PACD) screening. We performed a population-based survey in Pudong New District of Shanghai, China, in 2011.

Methods

Cross-sectional study. Adults 50 and older were enrolled from a population-based study using cluster random sampling in Pudong New District, Shanghai. Remote ocular screening was performed with digital anterior eye structure photography. Van Herrick measurements were used to evaluate the peripheral ACD, the depth of the peripheral anterior chamber, and corneal thickness (CT), and the ACD to CT ratio was calculated. Subjects with peripheral ACD less than 0.5 CT were made follow-up appointments for clinical examination with gonioscopy. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were generated to show the performance of different tests in screening for primary angle closure disease (PACD).

Results

Two thousand five hundred twenty-eight adults participated in the study with 91 patients diagnosed with PACD. Two thousand four hundred sixty-three subjects had valid data in the right eye available for analysis. The mean peripheral ACD values for men and women were significantly different: 1.04 ± 0.46 (range 0.11–2.93) CT and 0.87 ± 0.41 (range 0.12–2.96) CT respectively (t = − 4.18; P<0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis reveals that peripheral ACD declined by 0.31 CT (P < 0.0001) per diopter of SE and was 0.19 CT (P < 0.0001) shallower in women than in men (r2 = 0.1304, P < 0.0001). Peripheral ACD performed best in screening for PACD.

Conclusions

Peripheral ACD measurement is recommended for PACD screening in community elderly Chinese.
Social marketing interventions to promote physical activity among 60 years and older: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Goethals Luc , Barth Nathalie , Hupin David , Mulvey Michael S. , Roche Frederic , Gallopel-Morvan Karine , Bongue Bienvenu
Published: August 2020

Background

Falls are a significant source of morbidity in people aged 65 and over, affecting one in three people in this age group. The scientific evidence indicates that physical activity is the most effective method for preventing falls among seniors. Although public health professionals often use social marketing to design and plan successful interventions, its use to promote physical activity and prevent falls among older people remains low. This article aims to provide a new systematic literature review of social marketing interventions promoting physical activity and targeting people aged 60 and over.

Methods

Following CRD’s guidance and PRISMA guidelines, we searched between January 2008 and July 2019 for relevant articles in five primary databases using predefined search and inclusion criteria. Two independent reviewers analysed the selected articles to identify evidence of the seven social marketing benchmark criteria, defined by experts in the field as the common elements that contribute to social marketing success.

Results

The final review included nine studies. Of the studies selected, three specifically targeted over 60-year-olds, whereas the others segmented the population into several age-based subcategories, including over 60-year-olds. Eight studies highlighted positive results for the participants with an increase in participation or an increase in physical activity level. None of the nine studies selected for this systematic review implemented the entire social marketing approach.

Conclusion

Few published interventions use the seven social marketing criteria. Further research is required to encourage uptake and inclusion in successful social marketing interventions to increase program effectiveness in this target population.
Prognostic significance of the albumin-to-globulin ratio for upper tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Omura Shota , Taguchi Satoru , Miyagawa Shogo , Matsumoto Ryuki , Samejima Mio , Ninomiya Naoki , Masuda Kazuki , Nakamura Yu , Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi , Kinjo Manami , Tambo Mitsuhiro , Okegawa Takatsugu , Higashihara Eiji , Fukuhara Hiroshi
Published: August 2020

Background

Although the albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR) is a promising biomarker for various malignancies, few studies have investigated its prognostic significance for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

Methods

This retrospective study conformed to the REporting recommendations for tumour MARKer prognostic studies (REMARK) guideline. We reviewed 179 patients with UTUC who underwent radical nephroureterectomy at our institution between 2008 and 2018. Associations of preoperative clinicopathological factors, including the AGR, with cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed. The Cox proportional hazards model was used for univariate and multivariable analyses. AGR was dichotomized as < 1.25 and ≥ 1.25, according to the most discriminatory cutoff determined from the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results

During a median follow-up of 34 months after surgery, 37 patients died from UTUC and 13 died of other causes. The preoperative AGR significantly correlated with pathological T stage, pathological N stage, and adjuvant chemotherapy. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that a decreased (< 1.25) preoperative AGR was an independent poor prognostic factor for both CSS (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.81, P <  0.01) and OS (HR = 2.09, P <  0.05).

Conclusions

Preoperative AGR < 1.25 might serve as a useful prognostic marker for patients with UTUC undergoing radical nephroureterectomy.
Gamified E-learning in medical terminology: the TERMInator tool
Authors: Seidlein Anna-Henrikje , Bettin Hartmut , Franikowski Philipp , Salloch Sabine
Published: August 2020

Background

Proficiency in medical terminology is an essential competence of physicians which ensures reliable and unambiguous communication in everyday clinical practice. The attendance of a course on medical terminology is mandatory for human and dental medicine students in Germany. Students’ prerequisites when entering the course are diverse and the key learning objectives are achieved to a varying degree.

Methods

A new learning space, the “TERMInator”, was developed at the University Medicine Greifswald to meet the medical students’ individual learning needs better. The interactive e-learning course serves as a supplement to the seminars, lectures and tutorials to rehearse and practically apply the course contents at an individual pace. It uses gamification elements and is supplied via the learning platform Moodle. The TERMInator was pilot implemented in two consecutive winter terms (2018/19, 2019/20) and comprehensively evaluated based on the general course evaluations and an anonymous questionnaire covering aspects of content, layout and user friendliness of the TERMInator and questions concerning the students’ learning preferences.

Results

The TERMInator was rated very positively overall, which was also fed back to the lecturers during the classes. Students appreciate the new e-learning tool greatly and stress that the TERMInator should be further expanded. The handling of the TERMInator was considered to be very easy and, therefore, almost no training time was needed. The tasks were easy to understand and considered a good supplement to the seminar contents. The extent and quality of the images were seen rather critically. The students’ learning strategies differ. Although e-learning options were generally rated as very important, student tutorials were considered by far the most important.

Conclusions

Medical terminology classes are characterised by heterogeneous learning groups and a high workload within a short time, which can lead to major challenges for the teaching staff. Complementary gamified e-learning tools are promising in view of the students’ different knowledge levels and changing learning behaviour.

Trial registration

Not applicable.
The effect of an educational intervention to improve tuberculosis infection control among nurses in Ibadan, south-west Nigeria: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Akande Patrick Aboh
Published: August 2020

Background

Nurses are particularly vulnerable to acquiring tuberculosis (TB) because they are in the frontline of patient care. There is inadequate implementation of cost-effective TB infection control (TBIC) measures in most health facilities. Training has been shown to be effective in improving the knowledge and work practices of nurses. This study sought to utilize a multi-method educational intervention to improve the TBIC-related knowledge and practices of nurses in two secondary health facilities in Ibadan, South-West Nigeria.

Methods

This quasi-experimental study involved 200 nurses (100 each in the intervention and comparison groups). Baseline data were collected in May 2014. This was followed by training of the nurses in the intervention group. After 6 months, the second wave of data was collected and the nurses in the comparison group also received the training thereafter. The final wave of data collection took place 12 months after the commencement of the study. The mean scores of the nurses were determined and comparison was made between both groups at different time points using independentt-test.

Results

The nurses in both groups were statistically comparable in their socio-demographic characteristics, and baseline mean knowledge (68.6 and 67.7%) and practice scores (79.1 and 80.6%) respectively. After the intervention group received the intervention, there were appreciable improvements in the scores at 6 months (knowledge – 85.9%, practice – 98.5%), which were significantly different from those of the comparison group (knowledge – 69.5%, practice – 78.8%). A large effect size was demonstrated in the improvement in knowledge score in the intervention group at 6 months compared with the other group (Cohen’sd = 1.7). Similarly, there were improvements in the scores of the nurses in the comparison group at 12 months after the group had also received the intervention (knowledge – 88.2%, practice – 93.5%). At this point, the mean scores between both groups were no longer significantly different.

Conclusions

The improvement in post-intervention scores implies that the educational intervention adopted for this study was effective in improving TBIC among the nurses. It also underscores the importance of continuous training/retraining of nurses and other healthcare workers in improving and sustaining TBIC at health facilities.
Particle-based, Pfs230 and Pfs25 immunization is effective, but not improved by duplexing at fixed total antigen dose
Authors: Huang Wei-Chiao , Deng Bingbing , Mabrouk Moustafa T. , Seffouh Amal , Ortega Joaquin , Long Carole , Miura Kazutoyo , Wu Yimin , Lovell Jonathan F.
Published: August 2020

Background

ThePlasmodium falciparumsexual-stage surface proteins Pfs25 and Pfs230 are antigen candidates for a malaria transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV), and have been widely investigated as such. It is not clear whether simultaneously presenting these two antigens in a particulate vaccine would enhance the transmission reducing activity (TRA) of induced antibodies. To assess this, immunization was carried out with liposomes containing synthetic lipid adjuvant monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA), and cobalt-porphyrin-phospholipid (CoPoP), which rapidly converts recombinant, his-tagged antigens into particles.

Methods

His-tagged, recombinant Pfs25 and Pfs230C1 were mixed with CoPoP liposomes to form a bivalent vaccine. Antigens were fluorescently labelled to infer duplex particleization serum-stability and binding kinetics using fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Mice and rabbits were immunized with individual or duplexed particleized Pfs25 and Pfs230C1, at fixed total antigen doses. The resulting antibody responses were assessed for magnitude and TRA.

Results

Pfs230C1 and Pfs25 rapidly bound CoPoP liposomes to form a serum-stable, bivalent particle vaccine. In mice, immunization with 5 ng of total antigen (individual antigen or duplexed) elicited functional antibodies against Pfs25 and Pfs230. Compared to immunization with the individual antigen, Pfs25 antibody production was moderately lower for the bivalent CoPoP vaccine, whereas Pfs230C1 antibody production was not impacted. All antibodies demonstrated at least 92% inhibition in oocyst density at 750 μg/mL purified mouse IgG in the standard membrane feeding assay (SMFA). At lower IgG concentrations, the bivalent vaccine did not improve TRA; antibodies induced by particleized Pfs25 alone showed stronger function in these conditions. In rabbits, immunization with a 20 µg total antigen dose with the duplexed antigens yielded similar antibody production against Pfs25 and Pfs230 compared to immunization with a 20 µg dose of individual antigens. However, no enhanced TRA was observed with duplexing.

Conclusions

Pfs25, Pfs230 or the duplexed combination can readily be prepared as particulate vaccines by mixing CoPoP liposomes with soluble, recombinant antigens. This approach induces potent transmission-reducing antibodies following immunization in mice and rabbits. Immunization with bivalent, particleized, Pfs230 and Pfs25 did not yield antibodies with superior TRA compared to immunization with particleized Pfs25 as a single antigen. Altogether, duplexing antigens is straightforward and effective using CoPoP liposomes, but is likely to be more useful for targeting distinct parasite life stages.
Epidemiology of clinical congenital and neonatal malaria in endemic settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Danwang Celestin , Bigna Jean Joel , Nzalie Rolf Nyah Tuku , Robert Annie
Published: August 2020

Background

In order to attain the objectives set out in the global technical strategy against malaria 2016–2030, it is important to have accurate epidemiological data on malaria in all age categories, including those which are often neglected because of an apparent low burden of disease. The current systematic review with meta-analysis synthesizes the epidemiology of clinical congenital and neonatal malaria in endemic areas.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Global Index Medicus, and Web of Science were searched up to 30th October 2019, to identify observational studies reporting on congenital (0–7 days) and neonatal (0–28 days) malaria. No restriction related to language was applied. Study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment were performed independently by two investigators. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool prevalence data. Prevalence were adjusted taking into account the variance due to diagnostic method and regional distribution. Subgroup analyses were performed to identify sources of heterogeneity in case of substantial heterogeneity. This review was registered in PROSPERO with number CRD42020150124.

Results

The bibliographical search identified 1,961 studies, of which 22 were finally retained with a total population of 28,083 neonates. The overall crude prevalence of clinical congenital malaria was 40.4‰ (95%CI 19.6–67.7; 17 studies). The adjusted prevalence considering the variance due to difference in region/country (hierarchical model) was 33.7‰ (95%CI 6.9–77.2). There was no difference between the prevalence of clinical congenital malaria in Africa 39.5‰ (95%CI 17.2–59.5; 15 studies) and outside Africa 56.3‰ (95%CI 0.0–406.1), p = 0.867. The overall crude prevalence of clinical neonatal malaria was 12.0‰ (95%CI 1.4–30.3; 12 studies), and the adjusted one (considering the variance due to diagnostic method and the region/country) was 12.9‰ (95%CI 0.1–39.7). There was no difference between the prevalence of clinical neonatal malaria in Africa 12.1‰ (95%CI 1.3–31.2; 11 studies) and outside Africa 12.5‰ (95%CI 0.0–52.9), p = 0.802.

Conclusion

This study suggests a high prevalence of clinical congenital and neonatal malaria. It calls for an intensification of preventive measures against malaria during pregnancy and in the neonatal period, and to consider neonates as a distinct age category in the elaboration of malaria treatment and prevention guidelines.
Compound amino acid combined with high-dose vitamin B6 attenuate traumatic coagulopathy via inhibiting inflammation by HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway
Authors: Yi Shi-Jian , Wu Yang , Li Lan-Lan , Liang Qian-Kun , Xiao Yue
Published: August 2020

Background

Traumatic coagulopathy (TC) arises primarily from coagulation system failure to maintain adequate hemostasis after serious blood loss or trauma. Circulatory homeostasis restoration is the mainstay of the therapeutic approach to TC, but the effects are significantly inhibited by coagulopathy.

Objective

To identify the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanism of compound amino acid (CAA) combined with high-dosage of vitamin B6 (VB6) on TC.

Methods

Rabbit traumatic model and cellular model were used to evaluate the effect of CAA combined with high-dosage of VB6 in TC. Blood concentrations of AST and ALT were measured using the Vitros 250 device while blood APTT, PT and TT concentrations were measured using commercial diagnostics kits. Furthermore, qRT-PCR, ELISA and Western blotting were used to determine the expression of clotting factor (II, VII, IX, X and XI), inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) and HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling-related proteins, respectively.

Results

In the rabbit traumatic model, CAA combined with high-dosage of VB6 therapy inhibited the high expression of AST and ALT, but increased the expression of coagulation factors. Additionally, in both the rabbit trauma model and cellular injury model, CAA combined with high-dosage of VB6 inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β) and proteins (HMGB1, TLR4 and p-p65) in HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Most importantly, over-expression of HMGB1 reversed the effect of CAA and VB6 in HUVECs and EA.hy926 cells injury model.

Conclusion

CAA combined with high-dosage of VB6 alleviated TC and inhibited the expression and secretion of inflammatory factors by inhibiting HMGB1-mediated TLR4/NF-κB pathway.
Prognostic role of pre-sarcopenia and body composition with long-term outcomes in obstructive colorectal cancer: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lee Chul Seung , Won Daeyoun David , Oh Soon Nam , Lee Yoon Suk , Lee In Kyu , Kim In-Ho , Choi Moon Hyung , Oh Seong Taek
Published: August 2020

Background

The clinical significance of pre-sarcopenia in colorectal cancer obstruction has not yet been described. The present study aimed to determine the short- and long-term oncologic impacts of pre-sarcopenia in obstructive colorectal cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 214 patients with obstructive colon cancer between January 2004 and December 2013. Initial staging computed tomography (CT) scans identified pre-sarcopenia and visceral obesity by measuring the muscle and visceral fat areas at the third lumbar vertebra level. Both short-term postoperative and long-term oncologic outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Among all 214 patients, 71 (33.2%) were diagnosed with pre-sarcopenia. Pre-sarcopenia had a negative oncologic impact in both disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–3.13, p = 0.037, and HR = 1.92, CI 1.02–3.60, p = 0.043, respectively). Visceral adiposity, body mass index (BMI), and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) did not significantly impact DFS and OS.

Conclusion

Pre-sarcopenia is a clinical factor significantly associated with OS and DFS but not with short-term complications in obstructive colorectal cancer. In future, prospective studies should incorporate body composition data in patient risk assessments and oncologic prediction tools.
A case-report of widespread pulmonary embolism in a middle-aged male seven weeks after asymptomatic suspected COVID 19 infection
Authors: Beckman Mats , Nyrén Sven , Kistner Anna
Published: August 2020

Background

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is seen in high frequency in hospital-treated patients with Covid-19. We present a case of suspected Covid-19 with long-term dyspnea and widespread PE.

Case presentation

A 51- year old male, with no prior medical history, no medication, and non-smoker arrived at the emergency department with exercise induced dyspnea during 4–5 weeks and for the last 48 h dyspnea at rest. Seven weeks before hospitalization, he felt difficulties taking deep breaths for some days but no other symptoms. Oxygen saturation at rest was 93%. Troponin T was 1200 mg/L (ref < 15 mg/L). CT angiography revealed widespread bilateral segmental pulmonary embolism. Additional findings were ground glass opacities that could match Covid-19. The patient tested negative for SARS -CoV-2. Full dose tinzaparin was given for 2 days in hospital, followed by apixaban for 6 months. Recovery has been uneventful so far.

Conclusions

Long-term breathing difficulties might be relatively common after non-hospitalized symptomatic Covid-19. The frequency of PE in this group is unknown. We report a case of suspected covid-19 with widespread PE and a long history of dyspnea but no other symptoms. In our case slight hypoxia and laboratory testing indicated significant disease, which was proven with contrast angiography. This case shows that PE is a differential diagnosis in non-hospitalized symptomatic Covid-19 with persisting breathing problems.
Comparative analysis of ankyrin (ANK) genes of five capripoxviruses isolate strains from Xinjiang province in China
Authors: He Chuanchuan , Tong Jianjun , Zhang Xueping , Tuohetiniyazi Milikaimu , Zhang Yu , Li Youwen
Published: August 2020

Background

Sheeppox and goatpox are both economically important animal diseases in which pathogens are goatpox virus (GTPV) and sheeppox virus (SPPV). They can’t cause cross-species infection between sheep and goats in general. But in recent decades, the infection of sheep by goatpox or goats by sheeppox has been reported. The literature has indicated that the occurrence of these cases has a significant and direct relationship with mutations of ankyrin genes families (ANK genes 010,138,140,141.2,145) located in two-terminal regions of capripoxvirus genomes. So it is very important to decipher these nucleotides and their coding amino acid sequences of the five genes regarded as host range and virulence factors for effective prevention and control of capripoxvirus diseases.

Methods

In this study, all the ankyrin genes of three goatpox virus, two sheeppox virus, and one GTPV vaccine strains from Nanjiang areas of Xinjiang province of China during 2010–2011 were collected, amplified, cloned and sequenced. The sequence of every ankyrin genes has been compared with not only sequences from six viruses but also all sequences from three species of capripoxvirus genus from Gene bank, and every ANK gene’s mutated nucleotides and amino acids have been screened, and the relationship of genetic evolution among different virus strains has been analyzed, as well as the domain architecture of these genes was forecasted and analyzed.

Results

The six capripoxvirus strains can be well-distinguished GTPV and SPPV based on five ANK genes’ sequence identicalness except for GTPV-SS strain, which showed higher identicalness with SPPV. The ANK gene sequence of the GTPV-SS strain was 100% identical with SPPV-M1 (ANK138,140,145) and SPPV-M2 (ANK138,145), respectively. Phylogenetically, these six capripoxvirus strains were also grouped into the same cluster of India reference strains in lineages and showed extreme identical conservative or variable regions with India capripoxvirus isolates by sequence alignment. Moreover, for the functional domains, these ANK genes of capripoxvirus except for ANK gene 145, are identical in size, and ANK genes 145 of SPPV are usually 100 bp (approximately 30 aa) longer than those of GTPV and eventually form a PRANC domain at C-terminus.

Conclusions

The isolated strain of GTPV-SS may be a cross-species infection or the collected material was contaminated, and the inferred Capripox outbreak in Xinjiang in 2010 can be introduced from India. ANK genes 138,140,141.2 and 145 of capripoxvirus can be used as the target genes to identify GTPV and SPPV. Moreover, the four ANK genes determining the host range are more significant than the ANK gene 010. These ANK genes play combining roles for their function.
Genome-wide identification of genes regulating DNA methylation using genetic anchors for causal inference
Authors: Hop Paul J. , Luijk René , Daxinger Lucia , van Iterson Maarten , Dekkers Koen F. , Jansen Rick ,   BIOS Consortium, Heijmans Bastiaan T. , ’t Hoen Peter A. C. , van Meurs Joyce , Jansen Rick , Franke Lude , Boomsma Dorret I. , Pool René , van Dongen Jenny , Hottenga Jouke J. , van Greevenbroek Marleen M. J. , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , van der Kallen Carla J. H. , Schalkwijk Casper G. , Wijmenga Cisca , Zhernakova Sasha , Tigchelaar Ettje F. , Slagboom P. Eline , Beekman Marian , Deelen Joris , van Heemst Diana , Veldink Jan H. , van den Berg Leonard H. , van Duijn Cornelia M. , Isaacs Aaron , Uitterlinden André G. , Jhamai P. Mila , Verbiest Michael , Suchiman H. Eka D. , Verkerk Marijn , van der Breggen Ruud , van Rooij Jeroen , Lakenberg Nico , Mei Hailiang , van Iterson Maarten , Zhernakova Dasha V. , van ’t Hof Peter , Deelen Patrick , ’t Hoen Peter A. C. , Vermaat Martijn , Luijk René , Bonder Marc Jan , van Dijk Freerk , Arindrarto Wibowo , Kielbasa Szymon M. , van Zwet Erik. W. , ’t Hoen Peter-Bram , van Meurs Joyce B. J. , ’t Hoen Peter A. C. , Ikram M. Arfan , van Greevenbroek Marleen M. J. , Boomsma Dorret I. , Slagboom P. Eline , Veldink Jan H. , van Zwet Erik W. , Heijmans Bastiaan T.
Published: August 2020

Background

DNA methylation is a key epigenetic modification in human development and disease, yet there is limited understanding of its highly coordinated regulation. Here, we identify 818 genes that affect DNA methylation patterns in blood using large-scale population genomics data.

Results

By employing genetic instruments as causal anchors, we establish directed associations between gene expression and distant DNA methylation levels, while ensuring specificity of the associations by correcting for linkage disequilibrium and pleiotropy among neighboring genes. The identified genes are enriched for transcription factors, of which many consistently increased or decreased DNA methylation levels at multiple CpG sites. In addition, we show that a substantial number of transcription factors affected DNA methylation at their experimentally determined binding sites. We also observe genes encoding proteins with heterogenous functions that have widespread effects on DNA methylation, e.g.,NFKBIE,CDCA7(L), andNLRC5, and for several examples, we suggest plausible mechanisms underlying their effect on DNA methylation.

Conclusion

We report hundreds of genes that affect DNA methylation and provide key insights in the principles underlying epigenetic regulation.
Item fit statistics for Rasch analysis: can we trust them?
Authors: Müller Marianne
Published: August 2020

Aim

To compare fit statistics for the Rasch model based on estimates of unconditional or conditional response probabilities.

Background

Using person estimates to calculate fit statistics can lead to problems because the person estimates are biased. Conditional response probabilities given the total person score could be used instead.

Methods

Data sets are simulated which fit the Rasch model. Type I error rates are calculated and the distributions of the fit statistics are compared with the assumed normal or chi-square distribution. Parametric bootstrap is used to further study the distributions of the fit statistics.

Results

Type I error rates for unconditional chi-square statistics are larger than expected even for moderate sample sizes. The conditional chi-square statistics maintain the significance level. Unconditional outfit and infit statistics have asymmetric distributions with means slighly below 1. Conditional outfit and infit statistics have reduced Type I error rates.

Conclusions

Conditional residuals should be used. If only unconditional residuals are available parametric bootstrapping is recommended to calculate validp-values. Bootstrapping is also necessary for conditional outfit statistics. For conditional infit statistics the adjusted rule-of-thumb critical values look useful.
Bacteriological quality and associated risk factors of drinking water in Eastern zone, Tigrai, Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Gebrewahd Aderajew , Adhanom Gebre , Gebremichail Gebremedhin , Kahsay Tsega , Berhe Brhane , Asfaw Zinabu , Tadesse Senait , Gebremedhin Haftay , Negash Hadush , Tesfanchal Brhane , Haileselasie Hagos , Weldetinsaa Haftom Legese
Published: August 2020

Background

Access to safe drinking water is one of the basic human rights and is critical to health. However, much of the world’s population lacks access to adequate and safe water. Approximately 884,000, 000 people in the world still do not get their drinking water from safe sources; Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for over one third of this number. It is estimated that 80% of all illnesses in the world are related to use of unsafe and contaminated water.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 1st 2017 to July 30th 2018 in three randomly selected woreda (districts) of Eastern Zone Tigrai. Water samples were examined for total coliforms and thermotelorant coliforms using the most probable number method. Standard biochemical testing was performed on samples that tested positive to identify the genus of bacteria. The contaminant risk of water sources were assessed using the sanitary inspection checklist of the World Health Organization. The results were interpreted using World Health Organization guidelines for drinking water quality. Data was collected using laboratory checklist and sanitary inspection check list. It was entered, cleared and analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 and a variable having a P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant in all tests.

Results

A total of 290 drinking water samples were analyzed for bacteriological quality. A total of 32.4% (n = 94) of water sources showed contamination with faecal and total coliforms. Of these 3.4% (n = 10) samples were contaminated with total coliforms and 29% (n = 84) contaminated with faecal coliforms. The leading water contaminant organisms were Escherichia coli (62.4%), Legionella species (8.5%), and Shigella species (7.5%) respectively. Based on WHO criteria, 15% of water sources were grouped in the very high risk group. Animal excreta and inadequate fencing of water sources were significantly associated with water contamination rate.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that most water sources in woredas of Eastern Tigrai are contaminated by faecal coliforms. Therefore, regular sanitary inspection, bacteriological analysis, and adequate fencing should be mandatory to protect drinking water sources from faecal contamination.
Delphi survey to inform patient-reported symptom monitoring after ovarian cancer treatment
Authors: Shearsmith Leanne , Kennedy Fiona , Lindner Oana C. , Velikova Galina
Published: August 2020

Background

Increasing numbers of ovarian cancer patients are living longer and requiring regular follow-up to detect disease recurrence. New models of follow-up care are needed to meet the growing number and needs of this patient group. The potential for patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to capture key symptoms and online technology to facilitate long-term follow-up has been suggested.

Objectives

Prior to a pilot study exploring the potential for electronic patient-reported symptom monitoring, the content of an online intervention was developed via Delphi methodology.

Design and setting

A Delphi process was conducted aiming to obtain consensus amongst the clinicians and patients from 4 hospitals on the key aspects to monitor during follow-up after ovarian cancer treatment, and how to monitor them in an online intervention. A two round Delphi was conducted. Consensus was defined as at least 70% agreement.

Results

Out of 43 participants, 30 (18 patients, 12 healthcare professionals) completed round 1 and 19 (11 patients, 8 healthcare professionals) completed round 2. Consensus was reached on the key symptoms to monitor, and the importance of monitoring both duration and frequency of symptoms. Opportunity for review of psychological wellbeing and holistic needs were considered important by both groups. The frequency of online questionnaire completion, timeframe for patients to reflect on (e.g. during the past X weeks), and the choice of PROMs items to monitor symptoms did not reach the consensus threshold.

Conclusion

It is crucial that any intervention and the selection of PROMs is fully described to ensure transparency about the development and decisions taken. In this work, a set of key symptoms and areas to monitor were agreed, which has informed the design of an online intervention and a subsequent pilot study is now underway. The proposed model of remote follow-up using electronic PROMs could be adapted and explored in other cancer sites.
Coexistence of anti-MuSK antibody-positive myasthenia gravis and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Eker Amber , Tınazlı Mehtap , Mut Senem Ertugrul
Published: August 2020

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized with symmetric synovitis and occasional extra articular involvement; also, some neurologic disorders can be observed during the disease course. Myasthenia gravis (MG) is one of them and it is an autoimmune disease of neuromuscular junction. It is caused by autoantibodies against neuromuscular junction proteins: the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) and the muscle specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK). Very few studies have reported the associated autoimmune disorders in MuSK-MG. Here, we present the first patient who has MuSK antibody-positive MG gravis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Case presentation

A 53-year-old woman with RA presented with fatigue and fluctuating proximal muscle weakness. Her electroneurophysiological investigation resembled MG. Her AchR antibody level was normal but MuSK antibodies were high. After the acute treatment with plasmapheresis which lead to complete recovery in myasthenic symptoms, she is following with mycophenolate mofetil.

Conclusions

Concomitant autoimmune disorders are common in the population. MG should be considered in patients with an autoimmune disorder and developing new neuromuscular weakness.
Young Londoners, sustainability and everyday politics: the framing of environmental issues in a global city
Authors: Sloam James
Published: August 2020

Background

Young people have become disillusioned with mainstream electoral politics in established democracies, and are increasingly likely to engage in democracy on a case-by-case basis in issues that hold meaning for their everyday lives. These issues are most likely to be local and involve interconnected economic, social and environmental concerns.

Results

The following study contributes to the understanding of the everyday politics of young people within a single urban environment (London) regarding sustainability-related issues. It departs from many previous studies of sustainability by employing a youth-centred approach, focussing on the authentic voices of young Londoners. The article shows how narrative structures can provide an effective way of understanding everyday politics and the interconnectedness of key issues through the words of these young people.

Conclusions

The analysis identifies young people’s relatively low prioritisation of most environmental issues – due to an overwhelming sense of economic precarity and a lack of opportunity to reflect upon the relevance of environmental issues for their everyday lives. The article emphasizes the importance of opening up spaces for deliberation and channels for youth engagement, to embed sustainability in global cities.
Kimura’s disease: a rare cause of facial mass in a caucasian male patient
Authors: Sousa Célia Peixoto , Fonseca Elsa , Viamonte Bárbara , Lobo João Calheiros , Madureira António
Published: August 2020

Kimura’s disease is an uncommon inflammatory disorder of unclear aetiology, mainly affecting young Asian descent males among their second and fourth decades of life. The disease typically emerges as a long-standing and painless subcutaneous mass lesion in the head and neck region, frequently associated with swelling of major salivary glands, particularly the parotid gland, and regional lymphadenopathy. Peripheral eosinophilia and high serum immunoglobulin E are also characteristic findings. We report a case and describe the imaging and pathological features of the disease in a 19-year-old Caucasian male, with review of the literature.
A Lei de Introdução às Normas do Direito Brasileiro e a ampliação dos parâmetros de controle dos atos administrativos discricionários: o direito na era do consequencialismo
Authors: Vitorelli Edilson
Published: August 2020

The “Introduction to Brazilian Law” Statute and the extension of parameters do control administrative discretion: the law in an age of consequentialism RESUMOEste texto explora os horizontes do controle dos atos administrativos a partir dos novos dispositivos da Lei de Introdução às Normas do Direito Brasileiro (LINDB), aprovados em 2018. A metodologia utilizada é a revisão literária interdisciplinar, partindo de textos de filosofia consequencialista como ferramenta de compreensão do teor do art. 20 da norma. Demonstrase que a lei promove uma ampliação dos parâmetros de controle de legalidade, abandonando, em definitivo, a ideia de legalidade formal, para promover o controle de juridicidade. A LINDB passa a incluir o controle da avaliação apropriada de valores jurídicos abstratos por intermédio das consequências da decisão projetada, as quais devem compor, de modo expresso, a motivação da decisão, sob pena de nulidade. A existência e a veracidade das consequências avaliadas são sindicáveis pelos órgãos de controle, pelo Ministério Público e pelo Poder Judiciário. ABSTRACTThis paper explores the horizons of control of governmental acts, taking as starting point the new text of the “Introduction to Brazilian Law” Statute (LINDB, in Portuguese), passed in 2018. Methodologically, I build on materials regarding consequentialist philosophy to better understand the meaning of art. 20 of the legal text. I demonstrate that the new statute broadens the parameters of control, by definitely abandoning the idea of formal legality, to promote a substantive control of the acts, from a consequentialist approach. In this context, the LINDB includes commands to control the proper evaluation of abstract legal values and also of the consequences of the administrative decisions. The presence and truthfulness of this motives, as of any other motives, are verifiable by the authorities in charge of controlling public activities, by the Prosecution Office and by the Judiciary.
Responsabilidade civil e administrativa de agentes públicos e atos relacionados com a pandemia de Covid-19
Authors: Roberto Barroso Ministro Luís
Published: August 2020

Civil and Administrative Liability of Public Agents and Acts Related to the Covid-19 Pandemic
Remoção por permuta entre magistrados
Authors: Frota Conselheiro Luciano
Published: August 2020

Exchange Removal Among Judges
Foot thermometry with mHeath-based supplementation to prevent diabetic foot ulcers: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lazo-Porras Maria , Bernabe-Ortiz Antonio , Taype-Rondan Alvaro , Gilman Robert H. , Malaga German , Manrique Helard , Neyra Luis , Calderon Jorge , Pinto Miguel , Armstrong David G. , Montori Victor M. , Miranda J. Jaime
Published: August 2020

Background: Novel approaches to reduce diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) in low- and middle-income countries are needed. Our objective was to compare incidence of DFUs in the thermometry plus mobile health (mHealth) reminders (intervention) vs. thermometry-only (control).

Methods: We conducted a randomized trial enrolling adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus at risk of foot ulcers (risk groups 2 or 3) but without foot ulcers at the time of recruitment, and allocating them to control (instruction to use a liquid crystal-based foot thermometer daily) or intervention (same instruction supplemented with text and voice messages with reminders to use the device and messages to promote foot care) groups, and followed for 18 months. The primary outcome was time to occurrence of DFU. A process evaluation was also conducted.

Results: A total of 172 patients (63% women, mean age 61 years) were enrolled; 86 to each study group. More patients enrolled in the intervention arm had a history of previous DFU (66% vs. 48%). Follow-up for the primary endpoint was complete for 158 of 172 participants (92%). Adherence to ≥80% of daily temperature measurements was 87% (103 of 118) among the study participants who returned the logbook. DFU cumulative incidence was 24% (19 of 79) in the intervention arm and 11% (9 of 79) in the control arm. After adjusting for history of foot ulceration and study site, the hazard ratio (HR) for DFU was 1.44 (95% CI 0.65, 3.22).

Conclusions: In our study, conducted in a low-income setting, the addition of mHealth to foot thermometry was not effective in reducing foot ulceration. Importantly, there was a higher rate of previous DFU in the intervention group, the adherence to thermometry was high, and the expected rates of DFU used in our sample size calculations were not met.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02373592 (27/02/2015)
Population neuroimaging: generation of a comprehensive data resource within the ALSPAC pregnancy and birth cohort
Authors: Sharp Tamsin H. , McBride Nancy S. , Howell Amy E. , Evans C. John , Jones Derek K. , Perry Gavin , Dimitriadis Stavros I. , Lancaster Thomas M. , Zuccolo Luisa , Relton Caroline , Matthews Sarah M. , Breeze Thomas , David Anthony S. , Drakesmith Mark , Linden David E. J. , Paus Tomas , Walton Esther
Published: August 2020

Neuroimaging offers a valuable insight into human brain development by allowing in vivo assessment of structure, connectivity and function. Multimodal neuroimaging data have been obtained as part of three sub-studies within the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a prospective multigenerational pregnancy and birth cohort based in the United Kingdom. Brain imaging data were acquired when offspring were between 18 and 24 years of age, and included acquisition of structural, functional and magnetization transfer magnetic resonance, diffusion tensor, and magnetoencephalography imaging. This resource provides a unique opportunity to combine neuroimaging data with extensive phenotypic and genotypic measures from participants, their mothers, and fathers.
Theoretical and methodological assessment of accounting and reporting adaptation processes in the context of global integration of Russian and international legislation
Authors: Akateva Marina , Beskorovaynaya Svetlana
Published: August 2020

The monograph is devoted to the fundamental scientific, theoretical, organizational and methodological issues of harmonization of accounting and reporting of Russian economic entities, understanding and professional assessment, including in the retrospective aspect.
For postgraduates, undergraduates and students of the financial and economic direction. The materials of the monograph can be used in the educational process as part of teaching a number of accounting, financial and legal disciplines, as well as for further research in the field of accounting science and practice.
TERRITÓRIO ETNOEDUCACIONAL CONE SUL E EDUCAÇÃO DIFERENCIADA INDÍGENA: INTERCULTURALIDADE E RESISTÊNCIA
Authors: Abreu Silvana De
Published: August 2020

A Constituição Federal (1988) reconheceu a condição étnica particular dos povos indígenas; garantiu-lhes o direito ao seu território e a educação diferenciada, que significa educação específica e bilíngue, respeitando a língua materna. Os “territórios etnoeducacionais” (TEE) foram criados para garantir a educação diferenciada aos diferentes povos indígenas, apenas em 2009, visando cumprir a Constituição e organizar os órgãos públicos e governos em bases territoriais definidas pelas condições étnico-culturais. A escola assumiria papel fundamental na construção da etnoterritorialidade, visando promover autonomia desses Povos, por meio da implementação da educação diferenciada e referenciada em cada cultura, na relação com as demais culturas e pela interculturalidade; envolvendo acesso ao conhecimento e políticas educacionais e a formação profissional e de professores indígenas para lecionarem nessas escolas, para seu povo. No Mato Grosso do Sul, o “TEE Cone Sul” congrega a maior população Guarani/Kaiowá do Brasil, vivendo em aldeias, reservas, cidades, acampamentos e áreas de retomadas; convivendo com outros Povos, como os Terena, mas, fundamentalmente, com o preconceito e a violência, na disputa pela terra, com proprietários de terras e o agronegócio. Nossa análise permite refletir sobre o sentido dos TEE, enquanto campo de resistência possível, considerando a existência de políticas públicas avançadas, mas que ainda estão engatinhando na valorização desses povos enquanto cidadãos etnicamente diferentes, submetidos a governos mais defensores dos interesses privados do que da Lei Magna; situação que se agravou com o Golpe de 2016.
O PLANEJAMENTO TERRITORIAL NA FRANÇA E NO BRASIL: UMA ABORDAGEM COMPARATIVA
Authors: Cargnin Antonio Paulo , Lemos Bruno De Oliveira , Rückert Aldomar Arnaldo
Published: August 2020

O artigo realiza uma comparação entre as abordagens territoriais das políticas públicas no Brasil e na França, até a década de 80 e desta data aos dias atuais, com destaque para a Política Nacional de Desenvolvimento Regional (PNDR) brasileira e os Contratos de Plano Estado-região (CPER) franceses. Embora esses dois países possuam formações político-econômicas diferentes, a centralidade que o tema ocupa na agenda estatal francesa e a abordagem intersetorial, contrastam com a marginalidade das políticas desenvolvida pelo governo brasileiro. O texto parte da hipótese de que, no Brasil, a construção de políticas territoriais com foco na redução das desigualdades regionais, enfrentou, em sua história recente, dificuldades pela ausência de um projeto nacional de desenvolvimento estruturado, agravado pelo processo de fragmentação clientelística presentes na estruturação do Estado brasileiro.