bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a national atlas to support the progressive control of tsetse-transmitted animal trypanosomosis in Kenya
Authors: Ngari Nancy N. , Gamba Daniel O. , Olet Pamela A. , Zhao Weining , Paone Massimo , Cecchi Giuliano
Published: June 2020

Background

African animal trypanosomosis (AAT) is a major livestock disease in Kenya. Even though, over the years various organizations have collected a vast amount of field data on tsetse and AAT in different parts of the country, recent national-level maps are lacking. To address this gap, a national atlas of tsetse and AAT distribution is being developed by the Kenya Tsetse and Trypanosomosis Eradication Council (KENTTEC) and partners.

Methods

All data collected by KENTTEC from 2006 to 2019 were systematically assembled, georeferenced and harmonized. A comprehensive data repository and a spatially-explicit database were created. Input data were collected mainly in the context of control activities, and include both baseline surveys (i.e. pre-intervention) and the subsequent monitoring during and after interventions. Surveys were carried out in four regions (i.e. Western, Rift Valley, Central and Coast), and in 21 of the 47 counties in Kenya. Various devices were used for entomological data collection (i.e. biconical, NGU and H traps, and sticky panels), while the buffy-coat technique was the method used to detect AAT.

Results

Tsetse trapping was carried out in approximately 5000 locations, and flies (> 71,000) were caught in all four investigated regions. Six species of Glossina were detected: G. pallidipes (87% of the catches); G. brevipalpis (8%); G. fuscipes fuscipes (4%); G. longipennis (< 1%); G. austeni (< 1%); and G. swynnertoni (< 1%). A total of 49,785 animals (98% of which cattle) were tested for AAT in approximately 500 locations. Of these, 914 animals were found to be infected. AAT was confirmed in all study regions, in particular caused by Trypanosoma vivax (48% of infections) and T. congolense (42%). Fewer cases of T. brucei were found.

Conclusions

The development and regular update of a comprehensive national database of tsetse and AAT is crucial to guide decision making for the progressive control of the disease. This first version of the atlas based on KENTTEC data has achieved a remarkable level of geographical coverage, but temporal and spatial gaps still exist. Other stakeholders at the national and international level will contribute to the initiative, thus improving the completeness of the atlas.
Initiator and executioner caspases in salivary gland apoptosis of Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides
Authors: Wang Yanan , Hu Shanming , Tuerdi Mayinuer , Yu Xinmao , Zhang Houshuang , Zhou Yongzhi , Cao Jie , da Silva Vaz Itabajara , Zhou Jinlin
Published: June 2020

Background

Apoptosis is fundamental in maintaining cell balance in multicellular organisms, and caspases play a crucial role in apoptosis pathways. It is reported that apoptosis plays an important role in tick salivary gland degeneration. Several different caspases have been found in ticks, but the interactions between them are currently unknown. Here, we report three new caspases, isolated from the salivary glands of the tick Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides.

Methods

The full-length cDNA of the RhCaspases 7, 8 and 9 genes were obtained by transcriptome, and RhCaspases 7, 8 and 9 were expressed in E. coli; after protein purification and immunization in mice, specific polyclonal antibodies (PcAb) were created in response to the recombinant protein. Reverse-transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot were used to detect the existence of RhCaspases 7, 8 and 9 in ticks. TUNEL assays were used to determine the apoptosis level in salivary glands at different feeding times after gene silencing. The interaction between RhCaspases 7, 8 and 9 were identified by co-transfection assays.

Results

The transcription of apoptosis-related genes in R. haemaphysaloides salivary glands increased significantly after tick engorgement. Three caspase-like molecules containing conserved caspase domains were identified and named RhCaspases 7, 8 and 9. RhCaspase8 and RhCaspase9 contain a long pro-domain at their N-terminals. An RT-qPCR assay demonstrated that the transcription of these three caspase genes increased significantly during the engorged periods of the tick developmental stages (engorged larval, nymph, and adult female ticks). Transcriptional levels of RhCaspases 7, 8 and 9 in salivary glands increased more significantly than other tissues post-engorgement. RhCaspase9-RNAi treatment significantly inhibited tick feeding. In contrast, knockdown of RhCaspase7 and RhCaspase8 had no influence on tick feeding. Compared to the control group, apoptosis levels were significantly reduced after interfering with RhCaspase 7, 8 and 9 expressions. Co-transfection assays showed RhCaspase7 was cleaved by RhCaspases 8 and 9, demonstrating that RhCaspases 8 and 9 are initiator caspases and RhCaspase7 is an executioner caspase.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify initiator and executioner caspases in ticks, confirm the interaction among them, and associate caspase activation with tick salivary gland degeneration.
Epigenome-wide association study in healthy individuals identifies significant associations with DNA methylation and PBMC extract VEGF-A concentration
Authors: Gorenjak Vesna , Vance Dwaine R. , Dade Sébastien , Stathopoulou Maria G. , Doherty Lauren , Xie Ting , Murray Helena , Masson Christine , Lamont John , Fitzgerald Peter , Visvikis-Siest Sophie
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) is a chemokine that induces proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cells and is essential for both physiological and pathological angiogenesis. It is known for its high heritability (> 60%) and involvement in most common morbidities, which makes it a potentially interesting biomarker. Large GWAS studies have already assessed polymorphisms related to VEGF-A. However, no previous research has provided epigenome-wide insight in regulation of VEGF-A.

Methods

VEGF-A concentrations of healthy participants from the STANISLAS Family Study (n= 201) were comprehensively assessed for association with DNA methylation. Genome-wide DNA methylation profiles were determined in whole blood DNA using the 450K Infinium BeadChip Array (Illumina). VEGF-A concentration in PBMC extracts was detected using a high-sensitivity multiplex Cytokine Array (Randox Laboratories, UK).

Results

Epigenome-wide association analysis identified 41 methylation sites significantly associated with VEGF-A concentrations derived from PBMC extracts. Twenty CpG sites within 13 chromosomes reached Holm-Bonferroni significance. Significant values ranged fromP= 1.08 × 10−7toP= 5.64 × 10−15.

Conclusion

This study exposed twenty significant CpG sites linking DNA methylation to VEGF-A concentration. Methylation detected in promoter regions, such as TPX2 and HAS-1, could explain previously reported associations with theVEGFAgene. Methylation may also help in the understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of other genes located in the vicinity of detected CpG sites.
Intra-carotid arterial transfusion of circulatory-derived autologous endothelial progenitor cells in rodent after ischemic stroke—evaluating the impact of therapeutic time points on prognostic outcomes
Authors: Lin Kun-Chen , Chai Han-Tan , Chen Kuan-Hung , Sung Pei-Hsun , Chiang John Y. , Shao Pei-Lin , Huang Chi-Ruei , Li Yi-Chen , Ko Sheung-Fat , Yip Hon-Kan
Published: June 2020

Background

This study tested the optimal time point for left intra-carotid arterial (LICA) administration of circulatory-derived autologous endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) for improving the outcome in rat after acute ischemic stroke (IS).

Methods and results

Adult male SD rats (n = 70) were equally categorized into group 1 (sham-operated control), group 2 (IS), group 3 (IS+EPCs/1.2 × 106cells/by LICA administration 3 h after IS), group 4 (IS+EPCs/LICA administration post-day-3 IS), group 5 (IS+EPCs/LICA administration post-day-7 IS), group 6 (IS+EPCs/LICA administration post-day-14 IS), and group 7 (IS+EPCs/LICA administration post-day-28 IS). The brain infarct volume (BIV) (at day 60/MRI) was lowest in group 1, highest in group 2, and significantly progressively increased from groups 3 to 7, whereas among the IS animals, the neurological function was significantly preserved in groups 3 to 6 than in groups 2 and 7 post-day-60 IS (allP < 0.0001). By day 60, the endothelial cell markers at protein and cellular levels and number of small vessels exhibited an opposite pattern of BIV among the groups (allP < 0.0001). The protein and cellular levels of inflammation, and protein levels of oxidative stress, autophagy, and apoptosis were highest in group 2, lowest in group 1, and progressively increased from groups 3 to 7 (allP < 0.0001). The angiogenesis biomarkers at protein and cellular levels were significantly progressively increased from groups 1 to 3, then significantly progressively decreased from groups 4 to 7 (allP < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Early EPC administration provided better benefits on improving functional/image/molecular-cellular outcomes after acute IS in rat.
Interventions for the prevention and management of occupational stress injury in first responders: a rapid overview of reviews
Authors: Antony Jesmin , Brar Raman , Khan Paul A. , Ghassemi Marco , Nincic Vera , Sharpe Jane P. , Straus Sharon E. , Tricco Andrea C.
Published: May 2020

Background

First responders are a high-risk population for occupational stress injuries as they often encounter prolonged stress within their line of work. The aim of this rapid overview of reviews is to summarize existing evidence on interventions for the prevention and management of occupational stress injury (OSI) in first responders.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched for systematic reviews examining the impact of prevention, rehabilitation, and resilience-building strategies targeting frontline community safety personnel in February 2019. Pairs of reviewers screened titles and abstracts followed by full-text articles and conducted data abstraction and quality appraisal using the AMSTAR II tool. To ensure a rapid overview process, the search strategy was limited to the last 10 years, quality appraisal of reviews and abstraction of study-level data was completed by one person and verified by another, and the quality of the individual primary studies was not appraised. The findings were summarized descriptively.

Results

A total of 14 reviews with 47 unique primary studies were found after screening 1393 records. A majority of studies targeted OSI in police officers (78.7%), followed by firefighters (17%) and correctional officers (4.3%). Of the 47 included primary studies, 24 targeted prevention of OSI (i.e., resilience training, stress management, suicide prevention, and other health promotions) and 23 targeted rehabilitation (i.e., drug therapy, psychotherapy, and other therapies). Prevention strategies including resilience training programs had positive outcomes, while suicide prevention and psychotherapy interventions reported mixed results.

Conclusions

Some promising interventions targeting the prevention and rehabilitation of OSI among police officers, firefighters, and correctional officers were identified in the included studies, and these results will serve as a basis for the development of evidence-based strategies to mitigate future risks in this population. However, several gaps were also identified in this area that will require further investigation prior to widespread implementation of effective interventions.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42019125945
Use and uptake of web-based therapeutic interventions amongst Indigenous populations in Australia, New Zealand, the United States of America and Canada: a scoping review
Authors: Reilly Rachel , Stephens Jacqueline , Micklem Jasmine , Tufanaru Catalin , Harfield Stephen , Fisher Ike , Pearson Odette , Ward James
Published: May 2020

Background

Barriers to receiving optimal healthcare exist for Indigenous populations globally for a range of reasons. To overcome such barriers and enable greater access to basic and specialist care, developments in information and communication technologies are being applied. The focus of this scoping review is on web-based therapeutic interventions (WBTI) that aim to provide guidance, support and treatment for health problems.

Objectives

This review identifies and describes international scientific evidence on WBTI used by Indigenous peoples in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and USA for managing and treating a broad range of health conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Studies assessing WBTI designed for Indigenous peoples in Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand, that were published in English, in peer-reviewed literature, from 2006 to 2018 (inclusive), were considered for inclusion in the review. Studies were considered if more than 50% of participants were Indigenous, or if results were reported separately for Indigenous participants.

Sources of evidence

Following a four-step search strategy in consultation with a research librarian, 12 databases were searched with a view to finding both published and unpublished studies.

Charting methods

Data was extracted, synthesised and reported under four main conceptual categories: (1) types of WBTI used, (2) community uptake of WBTI, (3) factors that impact on uptake and (4) conclusions and recommendations for practice.

Results

A total of 31 studies met the inclusion criteria. The WBTI used were interactive websites, screening and assessment tools, management and monitoring tools, gamified avatar-based psychological therapy and decision support tools. Other sources reported the use of mobile apps, multimedia messaging or a mixture of intervention tools. Most sources reported moderate uptake and improved health outcomes for Indigenous people. Suggestions to improve uptake included as follows: tailoring content and presentation formats to be culturally relevant and appropriate, customisable and easy to use.

Conclusions

Culturally appropriate, evidence-based WBTI have the potential to improve health, overcome treatment barriers and reduce inequalities for Indigenous communities. Access to WBTI, alongside appropriate training, allows health care workers to better support their Indigenous clients. Developing WBTI in partnership with Indigenous communities ensures that these interventions are accepted and promoted by the communities.
Enablers and barriers of people with chronic musculoskeletal pain for engaging in telehealth interventions: protocol for a qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis
Authors: Fernandes Lívia G. , Devan Hemakumar , Kamper Steven J. , Williams Christopher M. , Saragiotto Bruno T.
Published: May 2020

Background

Chronic musculoskeletal pain represents an enormous burden in society. Best-practice care for chronic musculoskeletal pain suggests adoption of self-management strategies. Telehealth interventions (e.g., videoconferencing) are a promising approach to promote self-management and have the potential to overcome geographical barriers between patient and care providers. Understanding patient perspectives will inform and identify practical challenges towards applying the self-management strategies delivered via telehealth to everyday lives. The aim of this study is to synthesize the perceptions of individuals with musculoskeletal pain with regards to enablers and barriers to engaging in telehealth interventions for chronic musculoskeletal pain self-management.

Methods

A systematic review of qualitative studies will be performed based on searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS, and PsycINFO databases. Screening of identified titles will be conducted by two independent investigators. Data extraction will retrieve detailed qualitative information from selected articles. The critical appraisal skills program (CASP) checklist will be used for critical appraisal of included studies, and the level of confidence in the findings will be assessed using the confidence in the evidence from reviews of qualitative research (GRADE-CERQual). A thematic synthesis approach will be used to derive analytical themes.

Discussion

This review will systematically identify, synthesize, and present enablers and barriers reported by people with musculoskeletal pain to engage in telehealth interventions. The review will provide information required to support the design and improvement of telehealth services.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42019136148
Existence of multiple solutions for nonlinear multi-point boundary value problems
Authors: Li Hongyu , Chen Yang , Zhang Junting
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we study some nonlinear second order multi-point boundary value problems. We first give a lemma about the characteristic values of the corresponding linear operator. Then, by fixed point theorems in the recent existing literature, we obtain the existence of multiple solutions for these nonlinear second order multi-point boundary value problems, including two positive solutions, two negative solutions, and one sign-changing solution.
On a fractional Caputo–Hadamard problem with boundary value conditions via different orders of the Hadamard fractional operators
Authors: Etemad Sina , Rezapour Shahram , Sakar Fethiye Muge
Published: June 2020

We investigate the existence of solutions for a Caputo–Hadamard fractional integro-differential equation with boundary value conditions involving the Hadamard fractional operators via different orders. By using the Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem, the Leray–Schauder nonlinear alternative, and the Banach contraction principle, we prove our main results. Also, we provide three examples to illustrate our main results.
Factors associated with mobile phone ownership and potential use for rabies vaccination campaigns in southern Malawi
Authors: Marron Orla , Thomas Gareth , Burdon Bailey Jordana L. , Mayer Dagmar , Grossman Paul O. , Lohr Frederic , Gibson Andy D. , Gamble Luke , Chikungwa Patrick , Chulu Julius , Handel Ian G. , de C Bronsvoort Barend M. , Mellanby Richard J. , Mazeri Stella
Published: June 2020

Background

Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease, which causes an estimated 59 000 human deaths globally every year. The vast majority of human rabies cases are attributable to bites from infected domestic dogs and consequently control of rabies in the dog population through mass vaccination campaigns is considered the most effective method of eliminating the disease. Achieving the WHO target of 70% vaccination coverage has proven challenging in low-resource settings such as Sub Saharan Africa, and lack of public awareness about rabies vaccination campaigns is a major barrier to their success. In this study we surveyed communities in three districts in Southern Malawi to assess the extent of and socio-economic factors associated with mobile phone ownership and explore the attitudes of communities towards the use of short message service (SMS) to inform them of upcoming rabies vaccination clinics.

Methods

This study was carried out between 1 October–3 December 2018 during the post-vaccination assessment of the annual dog rabies campaign in Blantyre, Zomba and Chiradzulu districts, Malawi. 1882 questionnaires were administered to households in 90 vaccination zones. The surveys gathered data on mobile phone ownership and use, and barriers to mobile phone access. A multivariable regression model was used to understand factors related to mobile phone ownership.

Results

Most survey respondents owned or had use of a mobile phone, however there was evidence of an inequality of access, with higher education level, living in Blantyre district and being male positively associated with mobile phone ownership. The principal barrier to mobile phone ownership was the cost of the phone itself. Basic feature phones were most common and few owned smartphones. SMS was commonly used and the main reason for not using SMS was illiteracy. Attitudes to receiving SMS reminders about future rabies vaccination campaigns were positive.

Conclusions

The study showed a majority of those surveyed have the use of a mobile phone and most mobile phone owners indicated they would like to receive SMS messages about future rabies vaccination campaigns. This study provides insight into the feasibility of distributing information about rabies vaccination campaigns using mobile phones in Malawi.
Physical restraint during inpatient treatment of adolescent anorexia nervosa: frequency, clinical correlates, and associations with outcome at five-year follow-up
Authors: Blikshavn Thomas , Halvorsen Inger , Rø Øyvind
Published: May 2020

Background

Studies of the use and effects of physical restraint in anorexia nervosa (AN) treatment are lacking. The purpose of this study was to describe the frequency of physical restraint in a specialized program for adolescents with AN, and to examine if meal-related physical restraint (forced nasogastric tube-feeding) was related to 5-year outcome.

Method

Thirty-eight (66% of 58) patients with AN (mean age 15.9, SD = 1.9) admitted to a regional, specialized adolescent eating disorders (ED) inpatient unit. Patient data, including restraint episodes, were obtained from hospital records, and outcome was assessed at a 5-year follow-up.

Results

A total of 201 restraint episodes occurred over 5513 days of inpatient treatment, including 109 meal-related episodes and 56 episodes to avoid self-harm. Twelve (32%) patients experienced at least one restraint episode during the admission, of which eight (21%) experienced meal-related restraint. Four patients represented 91% of all restraint episodes, experiencing 10 or more episodes during admission. Meal-related restraint was significantly associated with a higher rate of persisting ED diagnosis, but not with weight gain during admission, EDE-Q global score or BMI at follow-up.

Conclusions

Restraint episodes occurred rather infrequently. A small number of patients (n = 4) accounted for a high proportion of episodes (91%). More knowledge is important to reduce the need for restraint in treatment for AN.
A theoretical review of interpersonal emotion regulation in eating disorders: enhancing knowledge by bridging interpersonal and affective dysfunction
Authors: Christensen Kara A. , Haynos Ann F.
Published: May 2020

Individuals with eating disorders (EDs) frequently report interpersonal and affective dysfunction. A useful lens for uniting these ideas is through the framework of interpersonal emotion regulation (IER), which consists of the ways others assist a distressed individual and how this shapes his or her subsequent emotional, behavioral, and cognitive responses. In this theoretical review, we provide an overview of the rationale for exploring IER and review IER processes in this population using the framework of the Process Model of Emotion Regulation. Finally, we offer suggestions for next steps in conducting research. IER offers a parsimonious way to explore social and emotional constructs related to ED pathology and may provide potential targets for prevention and intervention in these difficult-to-treat disorders.
Sleep and physical activity in patients with newly diagnosed bipolar disorder in remission, their first-degree unaffected relatives and healthy controls
Authors: la Cour Karottki Nikolaj Folke , Coello Klara , Stanislaus Sharleny , Melbye Sigurd , Kjærstad Hanne Lie , Sletved Kimie Stefanie Ormstrup , Kessing Lars Vedel , Vinberg Maj
Published: May 2020

Background

Sleep disturbances are a central feature in bipolar disorder (BD) that often persist in remission and seem to be present also in unaffected first-degree relatives (UR) of patients with BD, presenting a possible risk factor for later onset of BD. However, it is unknown if these disturbances are associated with unhealthy life-style as reflected in low levels of physical activity. We investigated sleep disturbances and physical activity levels in patients with newly diagnosed BD in full or partial remission, their UR and healthy controls (HC).

Methods

Sleep patterns and physical activity were compared in 227 patients with newly diagnosed BD, 76 UR and 148 HC. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were used to assess sleep disturbances and physical activity, respectively.

Results

In sex- and age-adjusted analyses, patients with BD exhibited more sleep disturbances and lower physical activity compared with UR and HC, respectively. Unaffected relatives reported significantly longer sleep latency and a non-significant trend towards more overall sleep disturbances compared with HC.

Conclusions

Sleep disturbances and less physical activity are present in patients with newly diagnosed BD in partial or full remission. Individuals at familiar risk of BD reported longer sleep latency and similar physical activity compared with HC. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify whether these discrete sleep disturbances act as risk factor for later onset of BD and whether increased physical activity in high-risk individuals may act as a protective factor against development of psychiatric illness.
The effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on risk and protective factors of depressive relapse – a randomized wait-list controlled trial
Authors: Schanche Elisabeth , Vøllestad Jon , Visted Endre , Svendsen Julie Lillebostad , Osnes Berge , Binder Per Einar , Franer Petter , Sørensen Lin
Published: June 2020

Background

The aim of this randomized wait-list controlled trial was to explore the effects of Mindfulness–Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) on risk and protective factors for depressive relapse within the domains of cognition, emotion and self-relatedness.

Methods

Sixty-eight individuals with recurrent depressive disorder were randomized to MBCT or a wait-list control condition (WLC).

Results

Completers of MBCT (N = 26) improved significantly on measures assessing risk and protective factors of recurrent depression compared to WLC (N = 30) on measures of rumination (d = 0.59, p = .015), emotion regulation (d = 0.50, p = .028), emotional reactivity to stress (d = 0.32, p = .048), self-compassion (d = 1.02, p < .001), mindfulness (d = 0.59, p = .010), and depression (d = 0.40, p = .018). In the Intention To Treat sample, findings were attenuated, but there were still significant results on measures of rumination, self-compassion and depression.

Conclusions

Findings from the present trial contribute to evidence that MBCT can lead to reduction in risk factors of depressive relapse, and strengthening of factors known to be protective of depressive relapse. The largest changes were found in the domain of self-relatedness, in the form of large effects on the participants’ ability to be less self-judgmental and more self-compassionate.

Trial registration

ISRCTN, ISRCTN18001392. Registered 29 June 2018
A proposed severity classification of borderline symptoms using the borderline symptom list (BSL-23)
Authors: Kleindienst Nikolaus , Jungkunz Martin , Bohus Martin
Published: May 2020

Background

The Borderline Symptom List (BSL-23) is a well-established self-rating instrument to assess the severity of borderline typical psychopathology. However, a classification of severity levels for the BSL-23 is missing.

Methods

Data from 1.090 adults were used to develop a severity classification for the Borderline Symptom List (BSL-23). The severity grading was based on the distribution of the BSL-23 in 241 individuals with a diagnosis of BPD. Data from three independent samples were used to validate the previously defined severity grades.

These validation samples included a group of treatment seeking patients with a diagnosis of BPD (n = 317), a sample of individuals with mental illnesses other than BPD (n = 176), and a healthy control sample (n = 356). The severity grades were validated from comparisons with established assessment instruments such as the International Personality Disorders Examination, the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, the global severity index of the Symptom Checklist (GSI, SCL-90), the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II).

Results

Six grades of symptom severity were defined for the BSL-23 mean score: none or low: 0–0.28; mild: 0.28–1.07; moderate: 1.07–1.87; high: 1.87–2.67; very high: 2.67–3.47; and extremely high: 3.47–4. These grades received consistent empirical support from the independent instruments and samples. For instance, individuals with a severity grade ofnone or lowwere virtually free from diagnostic BPD-criteria, had a GSI below the normative population, and a high level of global functioning corresponding to few or no symptoms. Severity grades indicatinghightoextremely highlevels of BPD symptoms were observed at a much higher rate in treatment-seeking patients (70.0%) than in clinical controls (17.6%) and healthy controls (0.0%). The BSL-23 score that best separated treatment-seeking BPD patients and clinical controls was 1.50, whereas the clearest discrimination of BPD patients and healthy controls was found at a score of 0.64.

Conclusions

The grades of BPD-specific symptom severity derived from the distribution of the BSL-23 scores received consistent empirical validation from established assessments for psychopathology. Future studies should expand this validation by including additional instruments e.g., to assess self-esteem, loneliness, connectedness, and quality of life.
Epidemiology of traumatic falls after Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico
Authors: Ramírez-Martínez Laura , Chamah-Nicolás Mariella , Nieves-Plaza Mariely , Ruiz-Rodríguez Javier , Ruiz-Medina Pedro , Ramos-Melendez Ediel O. , Rodríguez-Ortiz Pablo
Published: May 2020

Background

Hurricanes are among the most devastating natural disasters, playing a significant role in public health. Currently, the epidemiology of fall-related injuries after the occurrence of a tropical storm is not well described. This study aims to compare the demographical patterns, clinical profile, hospital course, and costs of patients admitted to the Puerto Rico Trauma Hospital before and after Hurricane Maria.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed to compare fall-related injuries after the hurricane (September 20, 2017 - January 20, 2018) with a control period (same period in 2014–2016). Comparison between the groups was done using chi-square, Mann-Whitney test, and logistical regression.

Results

After the hurricane, there was an increase in the proportion of fall-related admissions in subjects aged 40–64 years (39.2% vs. 50.6%) and a decrease among those aged 18–39 years (16.0% vs. 5.9%), when compared with the previous years. A greater proportion of patients presented with work related injuries (3.9% vs. 9.4%). No significant differences were identified for sex, Glasgow Coma Scale, Injury Severity Score, and hospital outcomes (hospital and intensive care unit days, mechanical ventilation, and mortality). Intracranial injuries were marginally higher post-Maria (p = 0.06). In multivariate analysis, during the post-Maria period, an increased risk of fall-related injuries was observed among subjects ≥40 years (OR: 3.20) and injuries related to recovery work (OR: 2.64) (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our study shows that there is an increased risk of fall-related injuries among middle-aged individuals after a hurricane, causing significant changes in epidemiology. This study helps to elucidate the health consequences of falls and, in doing so, improves healthcare preparedness, interventions, and planning for future natural disasters.
Low lordosis is a common finding in young lumbar disc herniation patients
Authors: Beck Joel , Brisby Helena , Baranto Adad , Westin Olof
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The sagittal alignment of the lumbar spine and pelvis can be classified into several subtypes. It has been suggested that the risk of developing certain pathologies, such as a lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is affected by spinal sagittal profiles. The main aim of this study was to investigate the sagittal profile in young patients surgically treated for a lumbar disc herniation and if a discectomy would alter the sagittal parameters.

Methods

Sixteen active young patients (mean age 18.3 ± 3.2 SD) with a lumbar disc herniation having a discectomy were included. A classification according to Roussouly of the sagittal parameters was made by two senior spinal surgeons, both pre-operatively and post-operatively on radiographs. The distribution of sagittal parameters and spinopelvic profiles were analysed and compared to a previous established healthy normal population.

Results

This series of active young patients with LDH exhibited a low lumbar lordosis dominance, with Roussouly sagittal profiles type 1 and type 2 accounting for more than 75% of the examined patients. An analysis of the erect radiographs revealed no significant changes in the post-operative sagittal profile.

Conclusions

This study showed that sagittal spinal alignment according to Roussouly in a young population with LDH is skewed compared with a normal population cohort. Furthermore, the lack of post-operative correction is suggestive of a non-ephemeral response to a LDH. Roussouly type 2 spinal sagittal profile may be a risk factor in young individuals suffering a disc herniation.
Viscosupplementation may preserve tibial cartilage and collagen in osteoarthritis: findings from a preclinical model of osteoarthritis
Authors: Lokhnauth John , Driscoll Kevin E. , Bendele Alison , Niazi Faizan , Liang Alfred , Larsen Crilles C.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Intraarticular (IA) hyaluronic acid (HA) injection is used to reduce pain and improve mobility in knee osteoarthritis (OA). Little is known about histopathological changes underlying HA efficacy. This study investigated dose-related effects of 1% sodium hyaluronate (BioHA) on knee joint histopathology and pain responses in a medial meniscal tear (MMT) rat model of OA.

Methods

Following MMT surgery, rats were randomized into treatment groups: single IA injection of vehicle, BioHA, or an avian-derived hyaluronic acid (hylan G-F 20) on Day 7; or 3 weekly injections of vehicle or BioHA on Days 7, 14, and 21. On Day 35, joints were evaluated by microscopic histopathology for cartilage degeneration, collagen degeneration, synovitis, and cytokine expression (tumor necrosis factor α, transforming growth factor β).

Results

Joint pathology for control animals was consistent with that expected for the MMT model. Rats treated with 3 injections of IA-BioHA had significantly reduced collagen degeneration (21%) relative to control animals. No significant change in collagen degeneration was observed for rats given a single injection of hylan G-F 20 or IA-BioHA compared to control animals. HA treatment did not affect cytokine expression.

Conclusions

IA-BioHA viscosupplementation in a rat MMT model of OA showed preservation of joint cartilage and collagen. This effect was most pronounced on tibial surfaces having less severe injury, suggesting that treatment should be initiated early in the disease process. A comparison of responses to IA-BioHA or hylan G-F 20 in the MMT rat OA model suggest IA-BioHA may be more effective in preserving joint connective tissue.
Pilot performance of a dedicated prostate PET suitable for diagnosis and biopsy guidance
Authors: Cañizares Gabriel , Gonzalez-Montoro Andrea , Freire Marta , Lamprou Efthymios , Barrio John , Sanchez Filomeno , Benlloch José M. , Hernandez Liczandro , Moliner Laura , Vidal Luis F. , Torres Irene , Sopena Pablo , Vera-Donoso Cesar D. , Bello Pilar , Barbera Julio , Gonzalez Antonio J.
Published: June 2020

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) represents one of the most common types of cancers facing the male population. Nowadays, to confirm PCa, systematic or multiparametric MRI-targeted transrectal or transperineal biopsies of the prostate are required. However, due to the lack of an accurate imaging technique capable to precisely locate cancerous cells in the prostate, ultrasound biopsies sample random parts of the prostate and, therefore, it is possible to miss regions where those cancerous cells are present. In spite of the improvement with multiparametric MRI, the low reproducibility of its reading undermines the specificity of the method. Recent development of prostate-specific radiotracers has grown the interest on using positron emission tomography (PET) scanners for this purpose, but technological improvements are still required (current scanners have resolutions in the range of 4–5 mm).

Results

The main goal of this work is to improve state-of-the-art PCa imaging and diagnosis. We have focused our efforts on the design of a novel prostate-dedicated PET scanner, named ProsPET. This system has small scanner dimensions defined by a ring of just 41 cm inner diameter. In this work, we report the design, implementation, and evaluation (both through simulations and real data) of the ProsPET scanner. We have been able to achieve < 2 mm resolution in reconstructed images and high sensitivity. In addition, we have included a comparison with the Philips Gemini-TF scanner, which is used for routine imaging of PCa patients. The ProsPET exhibits better contrast, especially for rod sizes as small as 4.5 mm in diameter. Finally, we also show the first reconstructed image of a PCa patient acquired with the ProsPET.

Conclusions

We have designed and built a prostate specific PET system, with a small footprint and improved spatial resolution when compared to conventional whole-body PET scanners. The gamma ray impact within each detector block includes accurate DOI determination, correcting for the parallax error. The potential role of combined organ-dedicated prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET and ultrasound devices, as a prebiopsy diagnostic tool, could be used to guide sampling of the most aggressive sites in the prostate.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes: where do Diabetologists stand?
Authors: Tomah Shaheen , Alkhouri Naim , Hamdy Osama
Published: June 2020

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. The increasing prevalence of NAFLD mirrors that of obesity and type 2 diabetes over the last two decades.

Main

In a two-way pathophysiologic relationship, NAFLD increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, while the latter promotes the progression of simple fatty liver to a more advanced form called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH increases the risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which may require liver transplantation. With the absence of FDA-approved medications for NAFLD treatment, lifestyle intervention remains the only therapy. Lately, extensive research efforts have been aimed at modifying NASH fibrosis and developing noninvasive screening methods.

Conclusion

We highlight the pathophysiologic relationships between NAFLD and type 2 diabetes, discuss disease recognition, models of care, and current and emerging therapies for NASH treatment.
Outer retina changes on optical coherence tomography in vitamin A deficiency
Authors: Berkenstock Meghan K. , Castoro Charles J. , Carey Andrew R.
Published: June 2020

Background

Vitamin A deficiency is rare in the United States and can be missed in patients with malabsorption syndromes without a high dose of suspicion. Ocular complications of hypovitaminosis A include xerosis and nyctalopia, and to a lesser extent reduction in visual acuity and color vision. Outer retinal changes, as seen on spectral domain optic coherence tomography (SD-OCT), in patients with vitamin A deficiency have previously not been documented.

Case presentation

We present two cases with symptoms of severe nyctalopia who were subsequently diagnosed with severe Vitamin A deficiency and their unique findings on SD-OCT of outer nuclear layer diffuse thinning with irregular appearance of the interdigitating zone and the ellipsoid zone as well as normalization after vitamin A supplementation.

Conclusions

Outer nuclear layer thinning and disruption of the outer retinal bands on SD-OCT are reversible with correction of vitamin A deficiency. Improvement in visual acuity, color vision, and nyctalopia are possible with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Purinergic signalling pathway: therapeutic target in ovarian cancer
Authors: Chandran Nisha , Iyer Mahalaxmi , Siama Zothan , Vellingiri Balachandar , Narayanasamy Arul
Published: May 2020

Background

The lack of early diagnostic tools and the development of chemoresistance have made ovarian cancer (OC) one of the deadliest gynaecological cancers. The tumour microenvironment is characterised by the extracellular release of high levels of ATP, which is followed by the activation of P1 adenosinergic and P2 purinergic signalling systems. The sequential hydrolysis of ATP by the ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73 generates adenosine, which creates an immune suppressive microenvironment by inhibiting the T and NK cell responses via the A2A adenosine receptor.

Main body of the abstract

In OC, adenosine-induced pAMPK pathway leads to the inhibition of cell growth and proliferation, which offers new treatment options to prevent or overcome chemoresistance. The activation of P2Y12 and P2Y1 purinergic receptors expressed in the platelets promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The inhibitors of these receptors will be the effective therapeutic targets in managing OC. Furthermore, research on these signalling systems indicates an expanding field of opportunities to specifically target the purinergic receptors for the treatment of OC.

Short conclusion

In this review, we have described the complex purinergic signalling mechanism involved in the development of OC and discussed the merits of targeting the components involved in the purinergic signalling pathway.
On the usage of diffractions in ground-penetrating radar reflection data: Implications for time-lapse gas migration monitoring
Authors: Yuan Hemin , Looms Majken C. , Nielsen Lars
Published: June 2020

Time-lapse ground-penetrating radar (GPR) measurements are used to image/monitor, for example, water infiltration, water table changes, and fluid/gas flow patterns. Although crosshole GPR is often preferred over surface-reflection GPR in such studies, its application is limited by the selected borehole geometry, which may be difficult to define in an optimal way, especially in experiments in which flow pathways are difficult to predict. Surface-reflection GPR data sets are generally faster to collect over relatively large areas and are therefore more efficient for covering the volume when a fast-moving tracer (e.g., gas) may infiltrate a heterogeneous subsurface medium. We have used a diffraction imaging approach on time-lapse surface-reflection GPR data to detect changes in radar wave velocity associated with gas (CO2) injected into a heterogeneous chalk succession. We initially test and evaluate the diffraction imaging approach on synthetic GPR data. Afterward, we apply the methodology to time-lapse GPR field data, and we evaluate the robustness of using information from diffractions in light of the obtained data quality. The synthetic tests indicate that diffractions provide essential information for delimiting the area affected by gas in the heterogeneous chalk section studied. Our field experiment shows that using the diffraction information alone allows for detection of gas-affected zones and, therefore, potential flow characteristics of gas movement. We infer that the CO2 flow patterns in our study most likely are determined by small-scale fractures rather than the porosity/permeability of the rock matrix. Moreover, the approach used may serve as an initial study for future more targeted experiments or for further detail-retrieving full-waveform inversion.
A critical analysis on the uncertainty computation in ground-penetrating radar-retrieved dry snow parameters
Authors: Di Paolo Federico , Cosciotti Barbara , Lauro Sebastian E. , Mattei Elisabetta , Pettinelli Elena
Published: June 2020

The use of the ground-penetrating-radar (GPR) technique to estimate snow parameters such as thickness, density, and snow water equivalent (SWE) is particularly promising because it allows for surveying a large area in a relatively short amount of time. However, this application requires an accurate evaluation of the physical parameters retrieved from the radar measurements, which requires estimating each quantity involved in the computation along with its associated uncertainty. Conversely, the uncertainties are rarely reported in GPR snow studies, even if they represent essential information for data comparisons with other techniques such as the snow rod or snow pit methods. Snow parameters can be estimated from radar data as follows: The snow thickness can be computed from two-way traveltime if the snow average wave velocity is known; the snow density can be estimated from wave velocity using an appropriate mixing formula, and SWE can be computed once these two parameters have been calculated. Starting from published data, we have estimated the accuracy achievable by computing the overall uncertainty for each GPR-retrieved snow parameter and evaluated the influence of the different sources of uncertainties. The computation was made for three antenna frequencies (250, 500, and 1000 MHz) and various snow depths (0–5 m). We find that for snow thicknesses of less than 3 m, the main contribution to the uncertainties associated with snow parameters is given by the uncertainty on two-way traveltime estimation, especially for low antenna frequencies. However, for thicker snow depths, other factors such as the uncertainty on the antenna separation affect the overall accuracy and cannot be neglected. Our studies highlight the importance of the uncertaintiy assessment and suggest a rigorous way for their computation in the field of quantitative geophysics.
Origin of multiple-phase carbonate cements in the sandstones of the third member of the Shahejie Formation in the Niuzhuang Sag, Bohai Bay Basin
Authors: Zhang Yongwang , Li Feng
Published: June 2020

Authigenic carbonate cement is one of the most abundant diagenetic minerals in sandstone reservoirs. Determining its origin and distribution may provide useful information for understanding the sandstone reservoir quality. In this study, we report results from a suite of analytical techniques to investigate the origin and evolution of carbonate cements in the third member of the Shahejie Formation in the Bohai Bay Basin. Our data indicate that the carbonate cements mainly occur in three phases: the early-phase calcite, late-phase ferroan calcite, and late-phase ferroan dolomite and/or ankerite. The early-phase calcites show depleted δ18O of the early-phase calcite (−11.8% to −7.8%), suggesting an 18O-depleted fluid origin from the mixing between lacustrine and meteoric waters. They were precipitated earlier than the quartz overgrowth at 40°C–63°C based on the oxygen isotope. The late-phase calcites were precipitated at 70°C–115°C, and they originated from water-rock interaction modified pore water at the same time or later than feldspar leaching. They show a lower average δ13C value (1.27%) than the early-phase calcite (1.65%), indicating that the interbedded shales within the sandstones most likely provided the required components for the precipitation of the late-phase calcite. Also, some Fe2+ was released during the organic acid release and then precipitated the late-phase ferroan calcites. The late-phase ferroan dolomite and/or ankerite were precipitated at 90°C–137°C in a deep diagenetic condition. They show depleted δ13C values (mean [Formula: see text]), and the carbons were mainly sourced from the thermal decarboxylation of organic matter and lacustrine carbonate. The early-phase calcite inhibits compaction while filling the pores, and the dissolution of ferroan calcite cements was the main reason for the development of secondary pores in the sandstone reservoirs. The late-phase ankerite reduces the reservoir porosity.