bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glucocorticoid supplementation improves reproductive outcomes in infertile women with antithyroid autoimmunity undergoing ART
Authors: Zhou Guangqin , Zhou Meiying , Duan Xuan , Li Weihong
Published: April 2021

Background:

Thyroid autoimmune disease (TAI) has been verified to be related to multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes. A growing number of evidences highlight the protective roles of glucocorticoid on the treatments of TAI. This meta-analysis aimed to study whether it is beneficial to add glucocorticoid treatment in infertile women with TAI when they are undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Methods:

We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang database, Weipu China Science and Technology Journal Databases (VIP database) up to September 10, 2020. The Revman 5.3 software was utilized for data statistics. We used a random-effects model to analyze data and the odds ratio (OR) combining with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were employed to reveal the results.

Results:

Three publications with 237 antithyroid antibody (ATA)-positive and 384 ATA-negative women were included in the final analysis. Overall, glucocorticoid therapy showed satisfying effects on improving clinical pregnancy rate (OR = 4.63, 95% CI [2.23, 9.58], I
2 = 0.0%, P < .0001) and live birth rate (OR = 3.19, 95% CI [1.13, 9.04], I
2 = 0.0%, P = .03) of ATA-positive women compared with control group. However, it seems that glucocorticoid showed no significant difference in the abortion rate (OR = 0.62, 95% CI [0.09, 4.32], I
2 = 35%, P = .64) and oocyte recovery (OR = 2.26, 95% CI [−1.46, 5.99], I
2 = 79%, P < .0001) between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:

Glucocorticoid may improve the pregnancy outcomes of ART women with ATA positive, but there is no significant reduction in the risk of miscarriage. Due to the limited enrolled references, glucocorticoid adjuvant therapy should be applied after more randomized controlled trials.
Symptomatic perineural cyst after spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Eun Jongpil , Oh Youngmin
Published: April 2021

Rationale:

Tarlov or perineurial cysts are nerve root lesions often found in the sacral region. Most perineural cysts (PCs) remain asymptomatic throughout a patient's life. While their pathogenesis is still unclear, trauma resulting in hemorrhaging into subarachnoid space has been put forward as a possible cause of these cysts. Recently, we worked with a patient experiencing symptomatic PCs after spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Patient concerns:

A 45-year-old man had a coil embolization procedure performed after being diagnosed with a subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured anterior communicating artery. His symptoms were relieved after the procedure, but 7 days later he reported worsening pain in the left perineal area. The pain was intermittent at its onset and exacerbated by sitting, walking, and coughing.

Diagnoses:

Two weeks after the embolization procedure, a lumbar spine MRI revealed 2 PCs at the S1 and S2 level affecting the left S2 root with high signal intensity in T2 and T1 images, suggestive of bleeding within the cyst.

Interventions:

We operated using a posterior approach. Cyst fenestration was done after S1 laminectomy. We aspirated approximately 1 cc of old blood.

Outcomes:

His pain was relieved immediately after cyst removal and no neurologic deterioration occurred during the postoperative period.

Lessons:

Subarachnoid hemorrhage can be the source of the development of pain from asymptomatic PCs, making them symptomatic. Surgical extirpation is 1 treatment option for these symptomatic PCs.
Study on the effectiveness and safety of Xingpi Yanger granule combined with Saccharomyces boulardii for rotavirus enteritis in children
Authors: Qiu Cheng-Ying , Guo Zao-Xia , Zhang Gui-Hua , Feng Yong-Hong , Deng Ying-Yun , Chen Xian-Jia , Wu Xiao-Dong , Huang Shan-Wen
Published: April 2021

Background:

To systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese medicine preparation XPYEG combined with SBI and SBI alone in the treatment of REC, and to provide the reference in drugs for the clinical treatment of children with rotavirus enteritis.

Methods:

Retrieving the English databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase; Chinese databases: CNKI, CBM and WANFANG Data. Retrieving a randomized controlled trial of XPYEG and SBI in the treatment of REC. The retrieval time is from the above database until September 2020. The retrieval strategy of combining free words and subject words is adopted, and the references included in the literature are searched manually in accordance with the literature studied in this paper and not included in the above database. Two researchers screen the literature according to the literature inclusion and exclusion criteria, extract valid data and evaluate the quality of the literature, and cross-check it. Using the RevMan 5.3 software to conduct the meta-analysis on the main outcome and secondary outcome indicators of the included literature, while assessing the evidence quality of included study.

Results:

The effectiveness and safety of XPYEG and SBI in the treatment of REC are presented through the main and secondary outcome indicators.

OSF Registration number:

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/3QSZG.

Conclusion:

This study will conclude whether the combination of XPYEG and SBI is more effective than SBI alone in the treatment of REC, and whether the medication increases the risk of adverse reactions compared with single medication.

Ethics and dissemination:

This study does not involve the specific patients, and all research data comes from publicly available professional literature, so an ethics committee is not required to conduct an ethical review and approval of the study.
Aggressive hydration with lactated ringer solution in prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis
Authors: Wu Mengmeng , Jiang Shuaiyu , Lu Xiaoguang , Zhong Yilong , Song Yi , Fan Zhiwei , Kang Xin
Published: April 2021

Background:

Acute pancreatitis is the most common complication of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). There was no conclusion on the prevention of Post-ERCP Pancreatitis (PEP) by Lactated Ringer Solution.

Aim:

The purpose of this meta analyses is to determine whether aggressive hydration with Lactated Ringer Solution reduced the incidence of PEP.

Methods:

We retrieved randomized clinical trials comparing the preventive effects of aggressive hydration with Lactated Ringer Solution and standard hydration on PEP from PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, the Web of Science, Clinical Trial.gov, Scopus database, CNKI, CQVIP and WanFang Data. Primary outcome was incidence of PEP. Secondary outcomes included incidence of hyperamylasemia, abdominal pain and adverse events.

Results:

Ten randomized controlled trials with 2200 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Meta-analysis showed that compared with standard hydration, aggressive hydration reduced the incidence of PEP (odds ratio [OR], 0.40; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 0.26–0.63; P < .0001). Compared with standard hydration, aggressive hydration also reduced the incidence of hyperamylasemia after ERCP (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.38–0.60; P < .0001). There was significant difference between aggressive hydration and standard hydration in the incidence of abdominal pain (OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.11–0.73; P = .008). There was no difference in adverse events between aggressive hydration and standard hydration (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.21–4.13; P = .93). Sensitivity analyses showed that neither alternative effect measures nor statistical models regarding heterogeneity affected the conclusions of this meta-analysis.

Conclusion:

Aggressive hydration with Lactated Ringer Solution during perioperative period of ERCP can prevent PEP.
Effectiveness of Banxia Xiexin Decoction in the treatment of precancerous lesions
Authors: Yi Ying , Hu Ziyi , Li Renliang , Chen Lisha , Zhang Hengyi , Li Hong , Wu Mengwen , Liu Wanting
Published: April 2021

Background:

Gastric precancerous lesion (GPL) is a necessary stage in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer. At present, the incidence of gastric cancer is increasing year by year. It is important to prevent and control gastric cancer through early detection and intervention. Banxia Xiexin Decoction (BXD) has a good effect in improving symptoms, reducing inflammation, promoting the repair of gastric mucosa, reversing its atrophy and intestinal metaplasia. BXD may be a foreground choice for the treatment of GPL.

Methods:

Randomized controlled trials of BXD for GPL will be searched in the relevant database, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), and Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP database). The studies of electronic searches will be exported to EndNote V.9.1 software. We will run meta-analyses using the Review Manager (RevMan) V.5.3 software. Any disagreement will be solved in consultation with a third reviewer.

Results:

Our study aims to explore the efficacy of BXD for GPL and to provide up-to-date evidence for clinical of GPL.

Conclusion:

The conclusion of this study will provide evidence for the efficacy of BXD on GPL.

INPLASY registration number:

INPLASY 202130102.
Traditional Chinese medicine injection for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis in treating angina pectoris of coronary heart disease
Authors: Huang Langlang , Xu Ri , Huang Xin , Wang Yusa , Wang Jianan , Liu Yanwei , Liu Zhongyong
Published: April 2021

Background:

As a common cardiovascular disease, the morbidity and mortality of coronary heart disease (CHD) are increasing year by year. In recent years, many RCTs have proved that compared with conventional therapy, the combination of TCMIs for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis can improve clinical efficacy. However, there is still a lack of direct comparative study between different kinds of TCMIs. Therefore, based on the NMA, this study compares the curative effects of various TCMIs for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis in treating CHD to provide a reference for clinical medication.

Methods:

We will search PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, The Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, The Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodic Database, Wanfang Database, and China Biomedical Literature Database for the randomized controlled trials of Danhong injection, Xuesaitong injection, Dengzhanxixin injection, and Salvianolate injection in the treatment of CHD, and we will also manually retrieve from the following databases: Chinese Clinical Trial Register, conference papers, and unpublished studies or references. According to the pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria, 2 researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the data, and evaluated the RCTs’ quality. The primary outcome indicators are the total effective rate of improving angina pectoris symptoms and electrocardiogram improvement. Secondary indicators were angina pectoris attack frequency, angina pectoris attack time, hemorheology, and inflammatory factor level. And use Stata 16.0 software for mesh meta-analysis. Evidence will be checked using the classification of recommendation, evaluation, development, and evaluation.

Results:

In this study, from the perspective of different kinds of TCMIs for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, we will compare the curative effects of varying treatment measures and rank the curative effects.

Conclusion:

This study will evaluate the efficacy of different kinds of TCMIs for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis in the treatment of CHD and help clinicians improve their clinical effectiveness.

Unique INPLASY number:

INPLASY202130103.
Cone parameters in different vision levels from the adaptive optics imaging
Authors: Cheng Huanhuan , Ciuffreda Kenneth J. , Jiang Huilu , Zhou Kun , Lin Sigeng , Zheng Jingwei , Yu Xinping , Vasudevan Balamurali , Liang Yuanbo
Published: April 2021

To investigate the relationship between visual resolution and cone parameters in eyes with different levels of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

Seventeen eyes of 10 volunteers with BCVA of 20/12.5 or better (group 1) and 16 eyes of 10 volunteers with BCVA of 20/16 (group 2) were investigated in the study. Images of the cone photoreceptors at 1.5° from the fovea were obtained using an adaptive optics (AO) retinal camera. The BCVA was obtained following a subjective refraction using a standardized logMAR visual acuity chart.

The mean cone density (29,570.96 ± 2489.94 cells/mm2) at 1.5° from the fovea in group 1 (BCVA ≥ 20/12.5, n = 17) was significantly greater (P < .001) than that (22,963.59 ± 2987.92 cells/mm2) in group 2 (BCVA = 20/16, n = 16). The cone spacing at 1.5° from the fovea in group 1 was 6.45 ± 0.28 μm (mean ± SD), which was significantly smaller (P < .001) than 7.36 ± 0.50 μm (mean ± SD) in group 2. In the stepwise regression analysis, greater angular cone density (odds ratio [OR], 4.48; P = .005) and smaller angular cone spacing (OR, 0.60; P = .007) at 1.5° from the fovea were significantly associated with the better BCVA.

The greater cone density and smaller cone spacing at the parafovea were found in eyes with BCVA of 20/12.5 or better, as compared to that in eyes with BCVA of 20/16. Knowledge of cone distribution for different BCVA levels may be beneficial for different clinical conditions.
Tumor attenuation and quantitative analysis of perfusion parameters derived from tri-phasic CT scans in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Pang Guodong , Shao Chunchun , Lv Yao , Zhao Fang
Published: April 2021

The aim of the current study was to explore the value of tumor attenuation and quantitative analysis of perfusion parameters obtained from traditional tri-phasic CT scans in grading hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Totally 39 patients (42 lesion samples) with pathologically confirmed HCC who underwent tri-phasic CT scans were enrolled. HCC lesions were divided into non-poorly differentiated HCC (NP-HCC; n = 31) and poorly differentiated HCC (pHCC; n = 11). All lesions were divided into 5 groups according to the attenuation on different CT enhancement phase. The values of tumor attenuation on different scanning phases were measured. The following parameters were calculated: arterial enhancement fraction (AEF), portal venous supply coefficient (PVC), and hepatic arterial supply coefficient (HAC). The relationship of perfusion parameters with the histological grade of HCC was analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated.

No significant correlation was observed between the perfusion parameters and tumor grading. Only HAC showed a non-significant trend in different grades of HCC (pHCC < NP-HCC; P = .07). The pHCC cases had significantly decreased values of tumor attenuation on the unenhanced phase (TAu), tumor attenuation on the portal phase portal phase (TAp), and equilibrium phase (TAe) (P < .01). The difference of tumor attenuation between the portal phase and the unenhanced phase (TAp-TAu) of the pHCC cases was decreased than that of the NP-HCC cases (P < .01), whereas the difference of attenuation between the equilibrium phase and portal phase (TAe-TAp) was significantly higher in the pHCC cases than that in the NP-HCC cases (P < .01). TAe-TAp had the highest area under the curve. The number of tumor enhancement pattern in Group 5 of HCCs with a diameter of 3 cm or more was significantly more than that of HCCs with a diameter of less than 3 cm or with other different enhancement patterns (P < .01).

Histological HCC grading cannot be predicted by the perfusion parameters derived from traditional tri-phasic CT scans, whereas the tumor attenuation on different phases and the tumor attenuation differences among different phases, especially the mean value of TAe-TAp, might be useful for non-invasive prediction on the degree of HCC differentiation.
Risk of cancer in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis in Korea
Authors: Kwon Ki Jin , Jeong Su Jin , Eun Young-Gyu , Oh In Hwan , Lee Young Chan
Published: April 2021

The relationship between recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), a common mucosal lesion, and cancer has not been demonstrated. This study investigated the risk for developing cancer in patients with RAS, based on data from Korea's National Health Insurance Sharing Service (NHISS). Nationwide population-based cohort data from 2005 to 2009 provided by the NHISS was used. The group diagnosed with RAS for 5 years and an undiagnosed control group were constructed through 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). The experimental design compared the incidence rate of a cancer diagnosis from 2010 to 2015 between these 2 groups. After identifying 13,808 people that met our inclusion criterion from a 1 million cohort group, 13,808 controls were included in the study through PSM. Among all cancers, pancreatic cancer had an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.26 (95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.57, P < .041). For the rest of the cancers, there was no significant incidence rate. RAS was associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer in the analysis using large population-based cohort data. Further long-term follow-up studies are needed.
Major determinants of death in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the first epidemic wave in Madrid, Spain
Authors: Moreno-Torres Victor , de la Fuente Sara , Mills Patricia , Muñoz Alejandro , Muñez Elena , Ramos Antonio , Fernández-Cruz Ana , Arias Ana , Pintos Ilduara , Vargas Juan Antonio , Cuervas-Mons Valentín , de Mendoza Carmen
Published: April 2021

Spain is one of the European countries most largely affected by COVID-19, being Madrid the epicenter. A good knowledge of the main features of hospitalized patients during the complete lockdown should improve the management of new COVID-19 surges.

All patients hospitalized at one large tertiary hospital in Madrid for suspected COVID-19 pneumonia from March 1 to May 31 were retrospectively identified.

A total of 1752 patients were admitted with suspected pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2 infection during the 3-month study period. The peak of daily admissions (n = 84) was reached on March 24, whereas the maximal cumulative number of hospitalized patients (n = 626) occurred on March 30. Overall, 85.3% had a positive PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 at least once during admission. Their median age was 65 (54–77) and 59.9% were male. The median length of hospitalization was of 7 (4–13) days. Roughly 6.5% were admitted at the intensive care unit.

Death occurred in 242 (13.8%). Overall, 75% of deaths occurred in patients older than 75 years-old. It was 38.2% in patients hospitalized older than 80 years-old versus 2.2% in patients younger than 60 years-old (p < 0.001). Up to 94 (38.8%) of deceased patients had been transferred from nursing homes. The median Charlson co-morbidity score was 6 in deceased patients.

The in-hospital mortality rate during the first wave of COVID-19 in Madrid was 14%. It was largely driven by older age, the presence of underlying chronic conditions (≥2) and living at nursing homes.
Medicare beneficiary panel characteristics associated with high Part D biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug prescribing for older adults among rheumatologists
Authors: Lee Jiha , Chang Chiang-Hua , Yung Raymond , Bynum Julie P.W.
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate beneficiary panel characteristics associated with rheumatologists’ prescribing of biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) for older adults.

In this retrospective observational study, we used Medicare Public Use Files (PUFs) to identify rheumatologists who met criteria for high-prescribing, defined as bDMARD prescription constituting ≥20% of their DMARD claims for beneficiaries ≥65 years of age. We first used descriptive analysis then multivariable regression model to test the association of high prescribing of bDMARDs with rheumatologists’ panel size and beneficiary characteristics. In particular, we quantified the proportion of panel beneficiaries ≥75 years of age to assess how caring for an older panel correlate with prescribing of bDMARDs.

We identified 3197 unique rheumatologists, of whom 405 (13%) met criteria for high prescribing of bDMARDs for Medicare beneficiaries ≥65 years of age. The high-prescribers provided care to 12% of study older adults, and yet accounted for 21% of bDMARD prescriptions for them. High prescribing of bDMARDs was associated with smaller panel size, and their beneficiaries were more likely to be non-black, ≥75 years of age, non-dual eligible, have diagnosis of CHF, however, less likely to have CKD.

Rheumatologists differ in their prescribing of bDMARDs for older adults, and those caring for more beneficiaries ≥75 years of age are more likely to be high-prescribers. Older adults are more prone to the side-effects of bDMARDs and further investigation is warranted to understand drivers of differential prescribing behaviors to optimize use of these high-risk and high-cost medications.
External application of herbal medicine for gout
Authors: Hwang Ji Hye , Song Ho Sueb
Published: April 2021

Background:

Gout affects a significant portion of the population worldwide annually. Numerous studies have been reported mainly in East Asia, explaining the use of traditional herbal decoctions for gout treatment. Our systematic review will be conducted to critically evaluate the evidence for the safety and effectiveness of external applications of herbal medicines on gout.

Methods:

Two independent researchers will perform electronic literature searches, study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. To identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving various external applications of herbal medicine for gout, a search will be carried out using the following 7 electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, KoreaMed, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, Korean Studies Information Service System, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Each electronic database will be searched for articles published from their inception to the present date. Studies will be selected based on predefined criteria and summarized data regarding study participants, interventions, control groups, outcome measures, side effects, and risk of bias. There are no restrictions on publication status or language. Studies that evaluated any type of external application of herbal medicines will be eligible for inclusion, and the primary outcome will be the blood uric acid level. The methodological quality of the included RCTs will be assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool.

Results:

The present study will evaluate effectiveness and safety of external application of herbal medicines for gout.

Conclusion:

Our findings will establish evidence for the external application of herbal medicines for gout and will be informative for patients with gout, clinicians, policymakers, and researchers.

The results of this systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated electronically and in print. This review will be updated to inform and guide healthcare practices.
Effects of Tai Chi exercise on improving walking function and posture control in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: You Yanwei , Liu Jianxiu , Tang Meihua , Wang Dizhi , Ma Xindong
Published: April 2021

Objective:

It remains unclear whether Tai Chi is effective for walking function and posture control improvements in aged populations with knee osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the effects of Tai Chi on improving walking function and posture control in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis by updating the latest trial evidence.

Methods:

Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, Embase, Scopus, PEDro, and Cochrane library were searched up to October 1, 2020 to identify RCTs evaluating Tai Chi for improving walking function and posture control in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. The primary outcomes were walking function and posture control. Meta-analysis was performed with RevMan Version 5.3 software.

Results:

A total of 603 participants with knee osteoarthritis in the 11 trials were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that: The Tai Chi group was associated with better performance in 6-minute walk test (6 MWT), time up and go test (TUG) and “Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index” Physical Function Score than the control group ([MD: 46.67, 95% CI 36.91–56.43, P < .001]), ([MD: −0.89, 95% CI −1.16 to −0.61, P < .001]), ([MD: −11.28, 95% CI −13.33 to −9.24, P < .001]).

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis provided evidence from 11 RCTs that Tai Chi could be an excellent physical training strategy for improving walking function and posture control in older adults with knee osteoarthritis. Assuming that Tai Chi is at least effective and safe in most areas, it can be used as an adjuvant and reliable physical training strategy for walking function upgrading and balance control improvements for older patients with knee osteoarthritis.
Perinatal Loss: The Impact on Maternal Mental Health
Authors: Davoudian Teni , Gibbins Karen , Cirino Nicole H.
Published: April 2021

Importance

Psychological reactions to perinatal loss, although often self-limited, may lead to significant psychological morbidities. Obstetrician-gynecologists and other maternal health providers play a key role in recognizing the range of psychological responses to perinatal loss and providing education, support, and treatment options to their patients.

Objective

This review aims to define psychological reactions associated with perinatal loss, examine psychotherapy and psychopharmacologic treatments for psychiatric morbidities, discuss interpregnancy interval following perinatal loss, and highlight brief, psychological interventions that can be implemented by maternal health providers.

Evidence Acquisition

Search terms “perinatal loss psychology,” “reproductive loss grief,” “perinatal psychopharmacology,” “psychopharmacology grief,” and “interpregnancy interval” were utilized to search PubMed, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO.

Results

Grief is an expected, normal response to perinatal loss. Psychological morbidities, including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder, are also associated with perinatal loss. Risk factors for these conditions include history of a psychiatric illness, childlessness, unknown cause of perinatal loss, limited social support, and marital/relationship discord. Careful interviewing and brief screening measures can help identify patients who may suffer from depressive or anxiety disorders following reproductive loss. Patients with perinatal loss can benefit from psychological and possibly pharmacologic treatments. Recommended interpregnancy interval after perinatal loss should be customized by gestational age and cause of loss.

Conclusions and Relevance

Patients with perinatal loss emotionally benefit from their reproductive health care providers acknowledging the psychological aspects of reproductive loss, inquiring about their emotional needs, and providing information regarding grief and mental health referrals.

Target Audience

Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians

Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, the learner should be better able to define the range of psychological reactions associated with perinatal loss; differentiate between grief and major depressive disorder; list psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacologic treatments effective in treating emotional sequelae of reproductive loss; and describe recommendations for interpregnancy interval after perinatal loss and identify brief, psychological interventions that can be implemented by maternal health providers.
Does Rectocele on Defecography Equate to Rectocele on Physical Examination in Patients With Defecatory Symptoms?
Authors: Wallace Shannon L. , Torosis Michele , Rogo-Gupta Lisa
Published: April 2021

(Abstracted from Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg 2021;27:18–22)

Symptoms in patients presenting with rectocele include constipation or outlet obstruction, incomplete evacuation, fecal incontinence, pressure, and occasional pelvic pain. The cornerstone of rectocele diagnosis is physical examination of rectocele; observing the displacement of the posterior vaginal wall on Valsalva is often diagnostic.
No Correlation Between Presenting Symptoms Prior to Suburethral Sling Removal and Explanted Pathology Findings Suggests No Need for Routine Microscopic Pathology Evaluation
Authors: Patel Rahul S. , Christie Alana L. , Zimmern Philippe E.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

We compared explanted midurethral sling (MUS) standard clinical pathology report findings with presenting symptoms before synthetic sling removal (SSR).

Methods

An institutional review board-approved, prospectively maintained database of women who underwent a single SSR for MUS-related complication(s) was retrospectively reviewed for demographics, time interval between MUS placement and SSR, MUS type, and presenting symptoms before SSR. We compared 2 groups, one with MUS-related symptoms, including incontinence, voiding dysfunction, dyspareunia/pain, erosion, exposure, and/or urinary tract infections, and the second group characterized by self-reported symptoms attributed to the mesh material (systemic, autoimmune, or inflammatory disorder—mesh reaction group).

Results

From 2005 to 2019, 332 of 473 women met study criteria, with 24 reporting mesh reaction-related symptoms. There was no difference in microscopic pathology findings between the 2 groups. In the mesh-related group, women were younger (P = 0.041) and had more pain/dyspareunia as their primary SSR indication (P = 0.002). That group was also significantly more likely to have a preexisting diagnosis of fibromyalgia (P < 0.001) and established autoimmune disorder (P = 0.033). No significant correlation between presenting findings and sling pathology was observed.

Conclusions

No correlation was observed when comparing pathological findings of explanted MUS with presenting symptoms of MUS-related complications, including in women with mesh reaction-related concerns.
Can We Trust the Math? Correlation of Objective Postvoid Residual With Calculated Subtraction Postvoid Residual
Authors: Jansen Sierra M. , Woll Abbi , Brown Heidi W. , Swift Steven , Edenfield Autumn , Zhou Qianqian , Heisler Christine A.
Published: April 2021

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine the accuracy of postvoid residual (PVR) by subtraction as compared with objective measurement by bladder scan or catheterization.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of postoperative patients who underwent avoiding trial by retrograde bladder instillation. Fill volume, spontaneous voided volume, and PVR were objectively measured; PVR was also calculated. Pearson correlation compared PVR by subtraction versus objective measurement. We then defined postoperative urinary retention (POUR) at 3 different PVR values (100 mL, 150 mL, and 200 mL) to compare the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of subtraction for detecting urinary retention at these 3 thresholds.

Results

Data were available for 155 patients after urogynecologic surgery. Median PVR by objective measurement was 46 mL (interquartile range = 11–146 mL). Median calculated PVR by subtraction was 10 mL (interquartile range = 0–100 mL). Objective measure and subtraction PVR values were strongly correlated (Pearson coefficient = 0.78, P < 0.001). Using a threshold of 200 mL to define POUR resulted in the highest negative predictive value and the lowest absolute number of both false negatives and false positives. Even using this threshold, 11 (48%) of 23 women with POUR by measurement were misclassified as not having POUR when ascertained by subtraction.

Conclusions

Although subtraction PVR correlates well with objective PVR measurement, almost half of women with a PVR volume of greater than 200 mL by objective measurement are miscategorized as voiding normally by subtraction PVR. Based on these findings, reliance on objective PVR measurement in postoperative patients is preferable to subtraction PVR.
Genome instability and loss of protein homeostasis: converging paths to neurodegeneration?
Authors: Ainslie Anna , Huiting Wouter , Barazzuol Lara , Bergink Steven
Published: April 2021

Genome instability and loss of protein homeostasis are hallmark events of age-related diseases that include neurodegeneration. Several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are characterized by protein aggregation, while an impaired DNA damage response (DDR) as in many genetic DNA repair disorders leads to pronounced neuropathological features. It remains unclear to what degree these cellular events interconnect with each other in the development of neurological diseases. This review highlights how the loss of protein homeostasis and genome instability influence one other. We will discuss studies that illustrate this connection. DNA damage contributes to many neurodegenerative diseases, as shown by an increased level of DNA damage in patients, possibly due to the effects of protein aggregates on chromatin, the sequestration of DNA repair proteins and novel putative DNA repair functions. Conversely, genome stability is also important for protein homeostasis. For example, gene copy number variations and the loss of key DDR components can lead to marked proteotoxic stress. An improved understanding of how protein homeostasis and genome stability are mechanistically connected is needed and promises to lead to the development of novel therapeutic interventions.
Blood–brain barrier disruption in atrial fibrillation: a potential contributor to the increased risk of dementia and worsening of stroke outcomes?
Authors: Aryal Ritambhara , Patabendige Adjanie
Published: April 2021

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has become one of the most significant health problems worldwide, warranting urgent answers to currently pending questions on the effects of AF on brain function. Recent evidence has emerged to show an association between AF and an increased risk of developing dementia and worsening of stroke outcomes. A healthy brain is protected by the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which is formed by the endothelial cells that line cerebral capillaries. These endothelial cells are continuously exposed to shear stress (the frictional force generated by blood flow), which affects endothelial cell structure and function. Flow disturbances as experienced during AF can disrupt the BBB and leave the brain vulnerable to damage. Investigating the plausible mechanisms in detail, linking AF to cerebrovascular damage is difficult in humans, leading to paucity of available clinical data. Here, we discuss the available evidence for BBB disruption during AF due to altered cerebral blood flow, and how this may contribute to an increased risk of dementia and worsening of stroke outcomes.
Metamorphic proteins: the Janus proteins of structural biology
Authors: Madhurima Kulkarni , Nandi Bodhisatwa , Sekhar Ashok
Published: April 2021

The structural paradigm that the sequence of a protein encodes for a unique three-dimensional native fold does not acknowledge the intrinsic plasticity encapsulated in conformational free energy landscapes. Metamorphic proteins are a recently discovered class of biomolecules that illustrate this plasticity by folding into at least two distinct native state structures of comparable stability in the absence of ligands or cofactors to facilitate fold-switching. The expanding list of metamorphic proteins clearly shows that these proteins are not mere aberrations in protein evolution, but may have actually been a consequence of distinctive patterns in selection pressure such as those found in virus–host co-evolution. In this review, we describe the structure–function relationships observed in well-studied metamorphic protein systems, with specific focus on how functional residues are sequestered or exposed in the two folds of the protein. We also discuss the implications of metamorphosis for protein evolution and the efforts that are underway to predict metamorphic systems from sequence properties alone.
Deep desulfurization performance of thiophene with deep eutectic solvents loaded carbon nanotube composites
Authors: Liu Yue , Xue Jiaojiao , Zhou Xin , Cui Yingna , Yin Jingmei
Published: April 2021

One source of air pollution is the combustion of sulfur compounds in fuel oil. Reducing sulfur content in fuel oil has become a hot issue demanding timely solutions. Using ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) to remove sulfides in fuel oil has achieved good results presently. However, since DESs are liquid and their transportation and separation are inconvenient, a new way is proposed that the DESs are loaded on the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with large specific surface area and good chemical stability. A series of composites materials (DESs/CNTs) were prepared. Finally, they are applied to the removal of sulfides in fuel oil. This loading method, which imparts introduced unique physico-chemical properties of the DESs to the carrier materials, preserves both advantages while overcoming some of the problems with DESs. The interaction between DESs and CNTs is mutual promotion. Therefore, this study has important theoretical significance and industrial application value. Under optimal conditions, when the reagent ChCl/p-TsOH (1 : 2) was loaded on multi-walled CNTs (OD = 30–60 nm) to prepare the composite material (ChCl/p-TsOH)/CNTs, the single desulfurization rate of the composite material was 95.8%. Finally, the catalytic/oxidation mechanism was studied systematically and this work would provide a green route for the desulfurization of fuels.
Degradation of aniline in water with gaseous streamer corona plasma
Authors: Li Yang , Li Zhanguo , Liu Zhen , Han Shitong , Zhao Sanping , Yan Keping , Zhu Anna
Published: April 2021

This paper demonstrated the effects and influencing factors in degrading aniline by gaseous streamer corona plasma along water surface under different discharging gas atmospheres. For aniline with an initial concentration of 100 mg l
−1
, the degradation was fastest when the reactor was not ventilated, and the degradation rate is 98.5% under 7.5 min treatment. While the degradation was slowest when Ar was ventilated, the degradation rate is 98.6% after treatment for 60 min. Some active particles were detected using a multi-channel fibre-optic spectrometer during the discharge, such as Ar, OH, N
2
,

N

2
+

and N. In particular, NO was detected during air discharge. The NO and

N

2
+

could produce

NO

3
−

; then generated nitric acid would affect the pH value of the solution. The intermediate product by N
2
discharge is nitrophenol, and nitrophenol would be converted to
p
-benzoquinone. The O
2
discharge could produce an intermediate product of aminophenol. The intermediate products in Ar discharge were in small amounts and the final mineralization effect was the best.
Gene expression associated with disease resistance and long-term growth in a reef-building coral
Authors: Kelley Emma R. , Sleith Robin S. , Matz Mikhail V. , Wright Rachel M.
Published: April 2021

Rampant coral disease, exacerbated by climate change and other anthropogenic stressors, threatens reefs worldwide, especially in the Caribbean. Physically isolated yet genetically connected reefs such as Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) may serve as potential refugia for degraded Caribbean reefs. However, little is known about the mechanisms and trade-offs of pathogen resistance in reef-building corals. Here, we measure pathogen resistance inMontastraea cavernosafrom FGBNMS. We identified individual colonies that demonstrated resistance or susceptibility toVibriospp. in a controlled laboratory environment. Long-term growth patterns suggest no trade-off between disease resistance and calcification. Predictive (pre-exposure) gene expression highlights subtle differences between resistant and susceptible genets, encouraging future coral disease studies to investigate associations between resistance and replicative age and immune cell populations. Predictive gene expression associated with long-term growth underscores the role of transmembrane proteins involved in cell adhesion and cell–cell interactions, contributing to the growing body of knowledge surrounding genes that influence calcification in reef-building corals. Together these results demonstrate that coral genets from isolated sanctuaries such as FGBNMS can withstand pathogen challenges and potentially aid restoration efforts in degraded reefs. Furthermore, gene expression signatures associated with resistance and long-term growth help inform strategic assessment of coral health parameters.
An exact analysis of scalar transport in hydromagnetic flow between two parallel plates: a multi-scale approach
Authors: Poddar Nanda , Dhar Subham , Mazumder Bijoy Singha , Mondal Kajal Kumar
Published: April 2021

The present paper explores an analytical solution to study the two-dimensional concentration distribution of a solute in a conducting fluid flowing between two parallel plates in the presence of a transverse magnetic field. Mei’s homogenization technique is used to acquire the mean concentration distributions up to the second-order approximation and the transverse concentration distributions up to third order. An uneven form of the concentration cloud and the transverse variation of the concentration distribution in a hydromagnetic flow are illustrated for the initial stage. The rate of progress towards uniformity of a solute cloud seems much slower than that of normality. It is observed that the peak of the transverse mean concentration and transverse variation of the concentration distribution of the solute significantly decrease with the increase in the magnetic field for small dispersion times. This is because, with an increase in the magnetic field, the velocity profiles flatten at the central core region between the parallel plates. The research proposes a time scale of 10
δ
2
/
D
(where
δ
is half the distance between two parallel plates and
D
is the molecular diffusivity) to characterize the dispersion process to approach the transverse uniformity.
A Fano-based acoustic metamaterial for ultra-broadband sound barriers
Authors: Nguyen H. Q. , Wu Q. , Chen H. , Chen J. J. , Yu Y. K. , Tracy S. , Huang G. L.
Published: April 2021

Ultra-broadband sound reduction schemes covering living and working noise spectra are of high scientific and industrial significance. Here, we report, both theoretically and experimentally, on an ultra-broadband acoustic barrier assembled from space-coiling metamaterials (SCMs) supporting two Fano resonances. Moreover, acoustic hyper-damping is introduced by integrating additional thin viscous foam layers in the SCMs for optimizing the sound reduction performance. A simplified model is developed to study sound transmission behaviour of the SCMs under a normal incidence, which sets forth the basis to understand the working mechanism. An acoustic barrier with 220 mm thickness is then manufactured and tested to exhibit ultra-broadband transmission loss overall above 10 dB across the range 0.44–3.85 kHz, covering completely nine third-octave bands. In addition, unconventional broadband absorption in the dampened barrier (65%) is experimentally observed as well. We believe this work paves the way for realizing effective broadband sound insulation, absorption and sound wave controlling devices with efficient ventilation.
A century of genetic homogenization in Baltic salmon—evidence from archival DNA
Authors: Östergren Johan , Palm Stefan , Gilbey John , Spong Göran , Dannewitz Johan , Königsson Helena , Persson John , Vasemägi Anti
Published: April 2021

Intra-species genetic homogenization arising from anthropogenic impacts is a major threat to biodiversity. However, few taxa have sufficient historical material to systematically quantify long-term genetic changes. Using archival DNA collected over approximately 100 years, we assessed spatio-temporal genetic change in Atlantic salmon populations across the Baltic Sea, an area heavily impacted by hydropower exploitation and associated with large-scale mitigation stocking. Analysis was carried out by screening 82 SNPs in 1680 individuals from 13 Swedish rivers. We found an overall decrease in genetic divergence and diminished isolation by distance among populations, strongly indicating genetic homogenization over the past century. We further observed an increase in genetic diversity within populations consistent with increased gene flow. The temporal genetic change was lower in larger wild populations than in smaller wild and hatchery-reared ones, indicating that larger populations have been able to support a high number of native spawners in relation to immigrants. Our results demonstrate that stocking practices of salmon in the Baltic Sea have led to the homogenization of populations over the last century, potentially compromising their ability to adapt to environmental change. Stocking of reared fish is common worldwide, and our study is a cautionary example of the potentially long-term negative effects of such activities.
Long-lived termite kings and queens activate telomerase in somatic organs
Authors: Koubová Justina , Pangrácová Marie , Jankásek Marek , Lukšan Ondřej , Jehlík Tomáš , Brabcová Jana , Jedlička Pavel , Křivánek Jan , Čapková Frydrychová Radmila , Hanus Robert
Published: April 2021

Kings and queens of termites, like queens of other advanced eusocial insects, are endowed with admirable longevity, which dramatically exceeds the life expectancies of their non-reproducing nest-mates and related solitary insects. In the quest to find the mechanisms underlying the longevity of termite reproductives, we focused on somatic maintenance mediated by telomerase. This ribonucleoprotein is well established for pro-longevity functions in vertebrates, thanks primarily to its ability of telomere extension. However, its participation in lifespan regulation of insects, including the eusocial taxa, remains understudied. Here, we report a conspicuous increase of telomerase abundance and catalytic activity in the somatic organs of primary and secondary reproductives of the termite
Prorhinotermes simplex
and confirm a similar pattern in two other termite species. These observations stand in contrast with the telomerase downregulation characteristic for most adult somatic tissues in vertebrates and also in solitary insects and non-reproducing castes of termites. At the same time, we did not observe caste-specific differences in telomere lengths that might explain the differential longevity of termite castes. We conclude that although the telomerase activation in termite reproductives is in line with the broadly assumed association between telomerase and longevity, its direct phenotypic impact remains to be elucidated.