bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the Impact of Technology Overload at the Workplace: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rasool Tayyba , Warraich Nosheen Fatima , Sajid Muhammad
Published: July 2022

Information and communication technologies have changed and created a ubiquitous work environment for employees to work at any place and at any time. But it also caused technology overload for them. This study aims to evaluate the previously published literature to examine the effects of technology overload in the workplace. This systematic literature review employed a qualitative research design and reviewed articles on technology overload from the workplace perspective. N-Vivo, a qualitative software, was used to create and analyze codes and themes. This study looked at factors that create technology overload such as interruption overload, work-life conflict/work-family conflict, stress, social network service addiction/email addiction, social overload, and lost productivity. This study also established the challenges that knowledge workers/employees have to face at the workplace. Results indicate that self-efficacy, training, and time management are the key strategies to overcome technology overload. This study would contribute to the literature by examining the technology overload in the workplace. It will increase the employees’ awareness of strategies to overcome technology overload. It reviewed only empirical studies published about technology overload from the employees’ perspective. Future research may be conducted focusing on the employers’ perspective regarding technology overload. It has implications for the administration of the workplace to conduct training for the employees before the implementation of new technology. Organizations should establish laws for timings after work hours and disconnection from the internet at home to reduce technology overload.
Antecedents of Savings Behaviour Among Rural Households: A Holistic Approach
Authors: Bhat Mohd Abass , Gomero Geleta Demera , Khan Shagufta Tariq
Published: July 2022

The main purpose of this research is to empirically examine the antecedents of household savings behaviour in the Metekele, Beneshangu Guzu state of Ethiopia. In this study, three broader factors (household characteristics, socio-economic variables and institutional variables) influencing savings decisions of households have been identified and examined. This study followed mixed method research design with questionnaire and in-depth interviews as the main instruments. Binary logistic regression has been mainly utilized to analyse the quantitative data. The findings revealed age, educational level, family size, number of livestock unit, income, irrigation utilization, production season, participation in non-farm activities, use of credit, training and education significantly impact savings behaviour. However, sex, religion, marital status, land ownership and expenditure were found insignificant contributors to the model. The government and concerned parties should support more for the decision to save by facilitating and undertaking training on saving options, conducting regular review and monitoring to develop a clear policy on the importance of savings specifically for households on habit of regular savings.
Acute Vision Loss and Conjunctival Hemorrhage as Telltale Symptoms of PIMS-TS
Authors: Nassih Houda , Belghmaidi Sara , El Qadiry Rabiy , Hajji Ibtissam , Bourrahouat Aicha , Moutaouakil Abdeljalil , Ait Sab Imane
Published: July 2022

There is a global concern about children presenting with inflammatory syndrome with variable clinical features during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This paper reports the first pediatric case of bilateral serous retinal detachment and conjunctival hemorrhage as a revealing pattern of the pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS). Despite the severity of multisystemic involvement, the management with steroids was very successful. Complete remission was obtained within 3 months of acute onset.
Hematological Abnormalities and Comorbidities Are Associated With the Severity of Kidney Disease: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. Ashrafur , Shanjana Yeasna , Ahmed Md. Shakil , Dhama Kuldeep , Hasan Fahim Mahadi , Mahmud Tarif , Shuvo Arif Anzum , Milan Zahid Hossain , Rahman Mohammad Saydur , Roy Arpita , Bhuiyan Mohiuddin Ahmed , Islam Md. Rabiul
Published: July 2022

Background:

Abnormalities in hematology and comorbidities might have a role in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. However, the exact relationships between hematological parameters and the severity of CKD are not well understood. Also, the underlying mechanisms remain under investigation. The present study aimed to evaluate the association of different blood parameters and comorbidities among hospitalized CKD patients in Bangladesh.

Methods:

The present study enrolled admitted CKD patients at Evercare Hospital Ltd, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January 1, 2021, to August 1, 2021. For this study, the demographic and clinical information of the patients were collected. Then some routine blood tests for the hematological profile of CKD patients were performed. Finally, several statistical methods were performed and data interpretations were done to evaluate the role of hematological changes on CKD patients.

Results:

Among 300 patients, early-stage CKD patients (ESCKDP) and advanced-stage CKD patients (ASCKDP) were 153 and 147, respectively. The decreased levels of hemoglobin (Hb) and red blood cell (RBC) in ASCKDP were observed. However, the present study found increased levels of corpuscular Hb in ASCKDP than ESCKDP. Also, the present study noticed correlations between these changes and the severity of CKD. Also, we observed a significant difference in age and body mass index between ESCKDP and ASCKDP.

Conclusions:

Based on our results, lower Hb and RBC levels may use in assessing the severity and the treatment decisions of CKD patients in the hospital setting. Therefore, our findings may assist with developing a treatment protocol for hospitalized CKD patients.
Social justice in China’s cities: Urban-rural restructuring and justice-oriented planning
Authors: Rodenbiker Jesse
Published: July 2022

Research on China’s urban planning sector has largely focused on its role in delivering economic growth and state objectives. Yet China’s urban planning practices are producing new forms of social injustice, which few studies explicitly examine. The paper details three types of social injustice stemming from urban planning and urbanization processes: 1) economic disparities related to land and housing dispossession and speculation, 2) dissolution of social networks and relative precarity for rural-to-urban resettlement migrants, and 3) in-situ marginalization for residents excluded from urban planning. It further proposes that these types of social injustice can be addressed through distributional, participatory, and recognition-oriented mechanisms. Centering justice can reconfigure the aims, processes, and outcomes of planning practice, thereby reducing inequalities embedded within China’s urbanization. Without deprioritizing economic growth and state-led entrepreneurialism, however, justice-oriented planning can offer but partial remedies. The conclusion discusses pathways for researchers and planners to contribute to a just planning transition and advance social justice in China’s cities.
Interaction between particle size and mixing ratio on porosity and properties of tea oil camellia (Camellia oleifera Abel.) shells-based particleboard
Authors: Choupani Chaydarreh Kamran , Lin Xiuyi , Guan Litao , Hu Chuanshuang
Published: July 2022

This study investigated the interaction between particle size and mixing ratio on the porosity of particleboard and in consequence its effect on the physical and mechanical properties of panels. Tea Oil Camellia Shell (TOCS), which could provide 1.8 million tons of lignocellulose raw material annually, can be a useful resource for particleboard production. In that regard, particleboards with different particle sizes (coarse and fine) and mixing ratios (wood and TOCS) bonded with Polymethylene polyphenyl polyisocyanate (pMDI) were investigated. The results showed that particleboard made with TOCS particles had higher densities than those of commercial wood particles. Furthermore, particleboards made with fine particles had lower porosity. The average values for physical and mechanical properties have shown that except for thickness swelling (TS), most properties were better with coarse particles. In terms of all properties, results showed that adding 50% of commercial wood in conjunction with TOCS particles regardless of particle size can offer acceptable results, which qualified all requirements of EN 312:2010 standard for P2-type particleboard (boards for interior fitments (including furniture) for use in dry conditions). In addition, due to the porous structure of the shells, TOCS-based particleboards have better thermal conductivity compared to wood-based particleboards.
orsum: a Python package for filtering and comparing enrichment analyses using a simple principle
Authors: Ozisik Ozan , Térézol Morgane , Baudot Anaïs
Published: July 2022

Background

Enrichment analyses are widely applied to investigate lists of genes of interest. However, such analyses often result in long lists of annotation terms with high redundancy, making the interpretation and reporting difficult. Long annotation lists and redundancy also complicate the comparison of results obtained from different enrichment analyses. An approach to overcome these issues is using down-sized annotation collections composed of non-redundant terms. However, down-sized collections are generic and the level of detail may not fit the user’s study. Other available approaches include clustering and filtering tools, which are based on similarity measures and thresholds that can be complicated to comprehend and set.

Result

We propose orsum, a Python package to filter enrichment results. orsum can filter multiple enrichment results collectively and highlight common and specific annotation terms. Filtering in orsum is based on a simple principle: a term is discarded if there is a more significant term that annotates at least the same genes; the remaining more significant term becomes the representative term for the discarded term. This principle ensures that the main biological information is preserved in the filtered results while reducing redundancy. In addition, as the representative terms are selected from the original enrichment results, orsum outputs filtered terms tailored to the study. As a use case, we applied orsum to the enrichment analyses of four lists of genes, each associated with a neurodegenerative disease.

Conclusion

orsum provides a comprehensible and effective way of filtering and comparing enrichment results. It is available at https://anaconda.org/bioconda/orsum.
EpiVisR: exploratory data analysis and visualization in epigenome-wide association analyses
Authors: Röder Stefan , Herberth Gunda , Zenclussen Ana C. , Bauer Mario
Published: July 2022

Background

With the widespread availability of microarray technology for epigenetic research, methods for calling differentially methylated probes or differentially methylated regions have become effective tools to analyze this type of data. Furthermore, visualization is usually employed for quality check of results and for further insights. Expert knowledge is required to leverage capabilities of these methods. To overcome this limitation and make visualization in epigenetic research available to the public, we designed EpiVisR.

Results

The EpiVisR tool allows to select and visualize combinations of traits (i.e., concentrations of chemical compounds) and differentially methylated probes/regions. It supports various modes of enriched presentation to get the most knowledge out of existing data: (1) enriched Manhattan plot and enriched volcano plot for selection of probes, (2) trait-methylation plot for visualization of selected trait values against methylation values, (3) methylation profile plot for visualization of a selected range of probes against selected trait values as well as, (4) correlation profile plot for selection and visualization of further probes that are correlated to the selected probe. EpiVisR additionally allows exporting selected data to external tools for tasks such as network analysis.

Conclusion

The key advantage of EpiVisR is the annotation of data in the enriched plots (and tied tables) as well as linking to external data sources for further integrated data analysis. Using the EpiVisR approach will allow users to integrate data from traits with epigenetic analyses that are connected by belonging to the same individuals. Merging data from various data sources among the same cohort and visualizing them will enable users to gain more insights from existing data.
Induction of iPSC-derived Prg4-positive cells with characteristics of superficial zone chondrocytes and fibroblast-like synovial cells
Authors: Satake Takashi , Komura Shingo , Aoki Hitomi , Hirakawa Akihiro , Imai Yuuki , Akiyama Haruhiko
Published: July 2022

Background

Lubricin, a proteoglycan encoded by the PRG4 gene, is synthesised by superficial zone (SFZ) chondrocytes and synovial cells. It reduces friction between joints and allows smooth sliding of tendons. Although lubricin has been shown to be effective against osteoarthritis and synovitis in animals, its clinical application remains untested. In this study, we aimed to induce lubricin-expressing cells from pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and applied them locally via cell transplantation.

Methods

To generate iPSCs, OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4, and L-MYC were transduced into fibroblasts derived from Prg4-mRFP1 transgenic mice. We established a protocol for the differentiation of iPSC-derived Prg4-mRFP1-positive cells and characterised their mRNA expression profile. Finally, we injected Prg4-mRFP1-positive cells into the paratenon, surrounding the Achilles tendons and knee joints of severe combined immunodeficient mice and assessed lubricin expression.

Result

Wnt3a, activin A, TGF-β1, and bFGF were applied to induce the differentiation of iPSC-derived Prg4-mRFP1-positive cells. Markers related to SFZ chondrocytes and fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLSs) were expressed during differentiation. RNA-sequencing indicated that iPSC-derived Prg4-mRFP1-positive cells manifested expression profiles typical of SFZ chondrocytes and FLSs. Transplanted iPSC-derived Prg4-mRFP1-positive cells survived around the Achilles tendons and in knee joints.

Conclusions

The present study describes a protocol for the differentiation of iPSC-derived Prg4-positive cells with characteristics of SFZ chondrocytes and FLSs. Transplantation of lubricin-expressing cells offers promise as a therapy against arthritis and synovitis.
Revised eutherian gene collections
Authors: Premzl Marko
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The most recent research projects in scientific field of eutherian comparative genomics included intentions to sequence every extant eutherian species genome in foreseeable future, so that future revisions and updates of eutherian gene data sets were expected.

Data description

Using 35 public eutherian reference genomic sequence assemblies and free available software, the eutherian comparative genomic analysis protocol RRID:SCR_014401 was published as guidance against potential genomic sequence errors. The protocol curated 14 eutherian third-party data gene data sets, including, in aggregate, 2615 complete coding sequences that were deposited in European Nucleotide Archive. The published eutherian gene collections were used in revisions and updates of eutherian gene data set classifications and nomenclatures that included gene annotations, phylogenetic analyses and protein molecular evolution analyses.
The flax genome reveals orbitide diversity
Authors: Song Ziliang , Burbridge Connor , Schneider David J. , Sharbel Timothy F. , Reaney Martin J. T.
Published: July 2022

Background

Ribosomally-synthesized cyclic peptides are widely found in plants and exhibit useful bioactivities for humans. The identification of cyclic peptide sequences and their precursor proteins is facilitated by the growing number of sequenced genomes. While previous research largely focused on the chemical diversity of these peptides across various species, there is little attention to a broader range of potential peptides that are not chemically identified.

Results

A pioneering study was initiated to explore the genetic diversity of linusorbs, a group of cyclic peptides uniquely occurring in cultivated flax (Linum usitatissimum). Phylogenetic analysis clustered the 5 known linusorb precursor proteins into two clades and one singleton. Preliminary tBLASTn search of the published flax genome using the whole protein sequence as query could only retrieve its homologues within the same clade. This limitation was overcome using a profile-based mining strategy. After genome reannotation, a hidden Markov Model (HMM)-based approach identified 58 repeats homologous to the linusorb-embedded repeats in 8 novel proteins, implying that they share common ancestry with the linusorb-embedded repeats. Subsequently, we developed a customized profile composed of a random linusorb-like domain (LLD) flanked by 5 conserved sites and used it for string search of the proteome, which extracted 281 LLD-containing repeats (LLDRs) in 25 proteins. Comparative analysis of different repeat categories suggested that the 5 conserved flanking sites among the non-homologous repeats have undergone convergent evolution driven by functional selection.

Conclusions

The profile-based mining approach is suitable for analyzing repetitive sequences. The 25 LLDR proteins identified herein represent the potential diversity of cyclic peptides within the flax genome and lay a foundation for further studies on the functions and evolution of these protein tandem repeats.
Multiple-trait analyses improved the accuracy of genomic prediction and the power of genome-wide association of productivity and climate change-adaptive traits in lodgepole pine
Authors: Cappa Eduardo P. , Chen Charles , Klutsch Jennifer G. , Sebastian-Azcona Jaime , Ratcliffe Blaise , Wei Xiaojing , Da Ros Letitia , Ullah Aziz , Liu Yang , Benowicz Andy , Sadoway Shane , Mansfield Shawn D. , Erbilgin Nadir , Thomas Barb R. , El-Kassaby Yousry A.
Published: July 2022

Background

Genomic prediction (GP) and genome-wide association (GWA) analyses are currently being employed to accelerate breeding cycles and to identify alleles or genomic regions of complex traits in forest trees species. Here, 1490 interior lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex. Loud. var. latifolia Engelm) trees from four open-pollinated progeny trials were genotyped with 25,099 SNPs, and phenotyped for 15 growth, wood quality, pest resistance, drought tolerance, and defense chemical (monoterpenes) traits. The main objectives of this study were to: (1) identify genetic markers associated with these traits and determine their genetic architecture, and to compare the marker detected by single- (ST) and multiple-trait (MT) GWA models; (2) evaluate and compare the accuracy and control of bias of the genomic predictions for these traits underlying different ST and MT parametric and non-parametric GP methods. GWA, ST and MT analyses were compared using a linear transformation of genomic breeding values from the respective genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) model. GP, ST and MT parametric and non-parametric (Reproducing Kernel Hilbert Spaces, RKHS) models were compared in terms of prediction accuracy (PA) and control of bias.

Results

MT-GWA analyses identified more significant associations than ST. Some SNPs showed potential pleiotropic effects. Averaging across traits, PA from the studied ST-GP models did not differ significantly from each other, with generally a slight superiority of the RKHS method. MT-GP models showed significantly higher PA (and lower bias) than the ST models, being generally the PA (bias) of the RKHS approach significantly higher (lower) than the GBLUP.

Conclusions

The power of GWA and the accuracy of GP were improved when MT models were used in this lodgepole pine population. Given the number of GP and GWA models fitted and the traits assessed across four progeny trials, this work has produced the most comprehensive empirical genomic study across any lodgepole pine population to date.
Genome-wide analysis and identification of the PEBP genes of Brassica juncea var. Tumida
Authors: He Jing , Gu Linxin , Tan Quanqin , Wang Yu , Hui Fanfan , He Xiaohong , Chang Pingan , Gong Daping , Sun Quan
Published: July 2022

Background

Phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PEBP) is widely present in animals, plants, and microorganisms. Plant PEBP genes are mainly involved in flowering transition and nutritional growth. These genes have been studied in several plants; however, to the best of our knowledge, no studies have explored them in Brassica juncea var. tumida. This study identified and characterized the entire PEBP gene family of Brassica juncea var. tumida.

Results

A total of 21 PEBP genes were identified from Brassica juncea var. tumida. Through phylogenetic analysis, the 21 corresponding proteins were classified into the following four clusters: TERMINAL FLOWER 1 (TFL1)-like proteins (n = 8), MOTHER OF FT AND TFL1 (MFT)-like proteins (n = 5), FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT)-like proteins (n = 6), and ybhB-like proteins (n = 2). A total of 18 genes contained four exons and had similar gene structures in each subfamily except BjMFT1, BjPYBHB1, and Arabidopsis thaliana CENTRORADIALIS homolog of Brassica juncea var. tumida (BjATC1). In the analysis of conserved motif composition, the BjPEBP genes exhibited similar characteristics, except for BjFT3, BjMFT1, BjPYBHB1, BjPYBHB2, and BjATC1. The BjPEBP promoter includes multiple cis-acting elements such as the G-box and I-box elements that respond to light, ABRE and GARE-motif elements that respond to hormones, and MBSI and CAT-box elements that are associated with plant growth and development. Analysis of RNA-Seq data revealed that the expression of a few BjPEBP genes may be associated with the development of a tumorous stem. The results of qRT–PCR showed that BjTFL1 and BjPYBHB1 were highly expressed in the flower tissue, BjFT1 and BjATC1 were mainly expressed in the root, and BjMFT4 were highly detected in the stem. The results of yeast two-hybrid screening suggested that BjFT interacts with Bj14-3-3. These results indicate that BjFT is involved in flowering regulation.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to perform a genome-wide analysis of PEBP genes family in Brassica juncea var. tumida. The findings of this study may help improve the yield and molecular breeding of Brassica juncea var. tumida.
Genome characteristics of clinical Salmonella enterica population from a state public health laboratory, New Hampshire, USA, 2017–2020
Authors: Turcotte Madison R. , Smith Joshua T. , Li Jinfeng , Zhang Xinglu , Wolfe Kristin L. , Gao Fengxiang , Benton Christopher S. , Andam Cheryl P.
Published: July 2022

Background

The implementation of whole genome sequencing (WGS) by PulseNet, the molecular subtyping network for foodborne diseases, has transformed surveillance, outbreak detection, and public health laboratory practices in the United States. In 2017, the New Hampshire Public Health Laboratories, a member of PulseNet, commenced the use of WGS in tracking foodborne pathogens across the state. We present some of the initial results of New Hampshire’s initiative to transition to WGS in tracking Salmonella enterica, a bacterial pathogen that is responsible for non-typhoidal foodborne infections and enteric fever. We characterize the population structure and evolutionary history of 394 genomes of isolates recovered from human clinical cases in New Hampshire from 2017 to 2020.

Results

The New Hampshire S. enterica population is phylogenetically diverse, consisting of 78 sequence types (ST) and 67 serotypes. Six lineages dominate the population: ST 11 serotype Enteritidis, ST 19 Typhimurium, ST 32 Infantis, ST 118 Newport, ST 22 Braenderup, and ST 26 Thompson. Each lineage is derived from long ancestral branches in the phylogeny, suggesting their extended presence in the region and recent clonal expansion. We detected 61 genes associated with resistance to 14 antimicrobial classes. Of these, unique genes of five antimicrobial classes (aminocoumarins, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, nitroimidazoles, and peptides) were detected in all genomes. Rather than a single clone carrying multiple resistance genes expanding in the state, we found multiple lineages carrying different combinations of independently acquired resistance determinants. We estimate the time to the most recent common ancestor of the predominant lineage ST 11 serotype Enteritidis (126 genomes) to be 1965 (95% highest posterior density intervals: 1927–1982). Its population size expanded until 1978, followed by a population decline until 1990. This lineage has been expanding since then. Comparison with genomes from other states reveal lack of geographical clustering indicative of long-distance dissemination.

Conclusions

WGS studies of standing pathogen diversity provide critical insights into the population and evolutionary dynamics of lineages and antimicrobial resistance, which can be translated to effective public health action and decision-making. We highlight the need to strengthen efforts to implement WGS-based surveillance and genomic data analyses in state public health laboratories.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi reduce potassium, cadmium and ammonium losses but increases nitrate loss under high intensity leaching events
Authors: Xiao Yan , Chen Lu
Published: July 2022

Background

Nutrients and heavy metals can be lost from soilsvialeaching, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can influence these events. Soil column experiments were carried out to examine whether leaching intensity and AMF can alter nutrient and Cd uptake in white clover plants and the extent of their losses through leaching.

Results

The presence of AMF significantly increased shoot and total biomass, as well as increased N, P, Cu and Zn uptake independent of water amount applied; while root P and Cu uptakes were promoted by AMF at any water amount treatments. Higher water amounts led to reductions in total N, K and Zn uptake for AMF-colonized plants in comparison to moderate water amount treatments. In the absence of AMF, white clover at low water amount treatment exhibited maximal root Cd uptake. At high water amount treatments, the presence of AMF significantly decreased leachate volumes and the amount of leached NH4+, K and Cd while AMF significantly increased the amounts of leached NO3−.

Conclusions

Overall we found that AMF-colonized white clover plants reduced NH4+, K and Cd loss from soils but increased the risk of NO3−loss under high intensity leaching conditions.
Efficacy of intravascular imaging-guided drug-eluting stent implantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Niu Ying , Bai Nan , Ma Ying , Zhong Peng-Yu , Shang Yao-Sheng , Wang Zhi-Lu
Published: July 2022

Background

Traditional angiography only displays two-dimensional images of the coronary arteries during stent implantation. However, intravascular imaging can show the structure of the vascular wall, plaque characteristics. This article aims to evaluate the efficacy of intravascular imaging-guided drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation.

Method

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of intravascular imaging-guided, including patients with DES implantation guided by intravascular ultrasound or optical coherence tomography and traditional angiography. The databases of PubMed, EMBASE, web of science, and Cochrane Library were searched. The primary outcome was target lesion revascularization (TLR). The secondary outcomes included the target vessel revascularization (TVR), myocardial infarction (MI), stent thrombosis (ST), cardiac death, all-cause death, and the major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during the 6–24 months follow-up. The fixed-effects model was used to calculate the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval of the outcome event. Meanwhile, the trial sequence analysis was employed to evaluate the results.

Result

This meta-analysis included fourteen randomized controlled trials with 7307 patients. Compared with angiography-guided, intravascular imaging-guided DES implantation can significantly reduce the risk of TLR (RR 0.63, 0.49–0.82, P = 0.0004), TVR (RR 0.66, 0.52–0.85, P = 0.001), cardiac death (RR 0.58; 0.38–0.89; P = 0.01), MACE (RR 0.67, 0.57–0.79; P < 0.00001) and ST (RR 0.43, 0.24–0.78; P = 0.005). While there was no significant difference regarding MI (RR 0.77, 0.57–1.05, P = 0.10) and all-cause death (RR 0.87, 0.58–1.30, P = 0.50).

Conclusions

Compared with angiography, intravascular imaging-guided DES implantation is associated with better clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease, especially complex lesions (Registered by PROSPERO, CRD 42021289205).
Nebulized budesonide combined with systemic corticosteroid vs systemic corticosteroid alone in acute severe asthma managed in the emergency department: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Marghli Soudani , Bouhamed Chafiaa , Sghaier Amira , Chebbi Nabil , Dlala Insaf , Bettout Samia , Belkacem Achref , Kbaier Sarra , Jerbi Nahla , Bellou Abdelouahab
Published: July 2022

Background

The additive benefit of inhaled corticosteroid when used with systemic corticosteroid in acute asthma is still unclear. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of high and repeated doses of inhaled budesonide when combined with the standard treatment of adult acute asthma.

Methods

It was a prospective double-blind randomized controlled study performed in the emergency department (ED) from May 1, 2010 to February 28, 2011 (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04016220). Fifty patients were included and were randomized to receive intravenous hydrocortisone hemisuccinate in association with nebulized budesonide (n = 23, budesonide group) or normal saline (n = 27, control group). Nebulization of budesonide or saline was done in combination with 5 mg of terbutaline every 20 min the first hour, then at 2 h (H2), and 3 h (H3). All patients received standard treatment. Efficacy and safety of inhaled budesonide were evaluated every 30 min for 180 min.

Results

A significant increase in peak expiratory flow (PEF) was observed in both treatment groups at evaluation times. The increase in PEF persisted significantly compared to the previous measurement in both groups. There was no significant difference in the PEF between the two groups at evaluation times. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the evolution in the respiratory rate and heart rate. There was also no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the rate of hospitalization, the discharge criteria before the end of the protocol.

Conclusions

Considering its limited power, our study suggests that the association of nebulized budesonide with hydrocortisone hemisuccinate has no additional effect over the use of hydrocortisone alone in adults’ acute asthma managed in the ED.
Effect of a multicomponent exercise program and cognitive stimulation (VIVIFRAIL-COGN) on falls in frail community older persons with high risk of falls: study protocol for a randomized multicenter control trial
Authors: Sánchez-Sánchez Juan Luis , Udina Cristina , Medina-Rincón Almudena , Esbrí-Victor Mariano , Bartolomé-Martín Irene , Moral-Cuesta Débora , Marín-Epelde Itxaso , Ramon-Espinoza Fernanda , Latorre Marina Sánchez- , Idoate Fernando , Goñi-Sarriés Adriana , Martínez-Martínez Blanca , Bonet Raquel Escudero , Librero Julián , Casas-Herrero Álvaro
Published: July 2022

Background

Falls represent important drivers of intrinsic capacity losses, functional limitations and reduced quality of life in the growing older adult’s population, especially among those presenting with frailty. Despite exercise- and cognitive training-based interventions have shown effectiveness for reducing fall rates, evidence around their putative cumulative effects on falls and fall-related complications (such as fractures, reduced quality of life and functional limitations) in frail individuals remains scarce. The main aim of this study is to explore the effectiveness program combining an individualized exercise program and an executive function-based cognitive training (VIVIFRAIL-COGN) compared to usual care in the prevention of falls and fall-related outcomes over a 1-year follow-up.

Methods

This study is designed as a four-center randomized clinical trial with a 12-week intervention period and an additional 1-year follow-up. Three hundred twenty frail or pre-frail (≥ 1 criteria of the Frailty Phenotype) older adults (≥ 75 years) with high risk of falling (defined by fall history and gait performance) will be recruited in the Falls Units of the participating centers. They will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention group (IG) or the control group (CG). The IG will participate in a home-based intervention combining the individualized Vivifrail multicomponent (aerobic, resistance, gait and balance and flexibility) exercise program and a personalized executive function-based cognitive training (VIVIFRAIL-COGN). The CG group will receive usual care delivered in the Falls Units, including the Otago Exercise Program. Primary outcome will be the incidence of falls (event rate/year) and will be ascertained by self-report during three visits (at baseline, and 6 and 12 weeks) and telephone-based contacts at 6, 9 and 12 months after randomization. Secondarily, effects on measures of physical and cognitive function, quality of life, nutritional, muscle quality and psychological status will be evaluated.

Discussion

This trial will provide new evidence about the effectiveness of an individualized multidomain intervention by studying the effect of additive effects of cognitive training and physical exercise to prevent falls in older frail persons with high risk of falling. Compared to usual care, the combined intervention is expected to show additive effects in the reduction of the incidence of falls and associated adverse outcomes.

Trial registration

NCT04911179 02/06/2021.
Effects of teach-back health education (TBHE) based on WeChat mini-programs in preventing falls at home for urban older adults in China: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ye Qiong , Yang Yuting , Yao Miao , Yang Yongwei , Lin Ting
Published: July 2022

Background

Falls are common among adults aged 60 years and older because of physiological changes. Most falls in older adults occur most often at home. Coupled with the lack of awareness and knowledge of preventing falls, the proportion of injuries and deaths among older adults due to falls is increasing yearly. Our study developed a WeChat mini-program for urban elderly to implement teach-back health education (TBHE) that a repeated cycle process of health education, assessment, and re-education in preventing falls at home.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the application effect of the TBHE-based WeChat mini-program on health education knowledge for fall prevention at home for urban older adults.

Design

A single-blinded, two-arm parallel-group, randomized controlled trial was conducted.

Setting

Three residential communities, named Hot Spring Apartment, Hualinyuan, and Dongtang Community in Gulou District, Fuzhou, China.

Participants

Participants were older adults recruited from communities in Fuzhou from January to March 2021.

Methods

Fifty-nine participants agreed to participate and were assigned randomly to the intervention group (n = 29) or the control group receiving traditional health education (n = 30). Each participant in the intervention group received twice a week for a total of 8 weeks of health education interventions performed by the first author that she is intervenor according to specific themes. The trial statistician, recruiters, and participants were blinded to group allocation. The intervenor (first author) was blinded to the study hypotheses. To evaluate the effects of the intervention, we assessed participants’ knowledge total score and scores of physiology and disease; drug application; mental, cognitive, and spiritual well-being; lifestyle; and house environment at baseline and 1-week post-intervention and compared scores between two groups. A two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted to examine the effects of time, group, and their interaction.

Results

There was a significant difference in knowledge of house environment (p = 0.003) between the two groups. Within groups, total and five dimensions knowledge scores had a significant difference (p < 0.001). Moreover, interaction effects were significant on drug application (p = 0.012) and mental, cognitive, and spiritual well-being (p = 0.015).

Conclusions

The TBHE can improve knowledge on fall prevention at home among urban older adults. The TBHE based on the WeChat mini-program could enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of being educated among urban older adults.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Register: ChiCTR2100052946; reg date: 06/11/2021.
Body mass index and trajectories of the cognition among Chinese middle and old-aged adults
Authors: Zhang Wei , Chen Yanan , Chen Na
Published: July 2022

This study aims to investigate the association between trajectories of the cognition and body mass index (BMI) among Chinese middle and old-aged adults. A total of 5693 adults (age 45 +) whose cognitive score is higher than average at the baseline were included from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS:2011–2015). Cognitive function was measured by Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) in Chinese version. The Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) was adopted to identify the potential heterogeneity of longitudinal changes over the past 5 years and to investigate the relationship between baseline BMI and trajectories of cognitive function. Three trajectories were identified in results: the slow decline (37.92%), the rapid decline (6.71%) and the stable function (55.37%). After controlling for other variables, underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) was associated with the rapid and slow decline trajectories. Obesity (BMI > 28 kg/m2) was associated with the slow decline trajectory. High-risk people of cognitive decline can be screened by measuring BMI.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of ivermectin for treatment of COVID-19: evidence beyond the hype
Authors: Marcolino Milena Soriano , Meira Karina Cardoso , Guimarães Nathalia Sernizon , Motta Paula Perdigão , Chagas Victor Schulthais , Kelles Silvana Márcia Bruschi , de Sá Laura Caetano , Valacio Reginaldo Aparecido , Ziegelmann Patrícia Klarmann
Published: July 2022

Background

The role of ivermectin in the treatment of COVID-19 is still under debate, yet the drug has been widely used in some parts of the world, as shown by impressive market data. The available body of evidence may have changed over the last months, as studies have been retracted and “standards of care” (SOC) used in control groups have changed with rapidly evolving knowledge on COVID-19. This review aims to summarize and critically appraise the evidence of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ivermectin, assessing clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

Methods

RCTs evaluating the effects of ivermectin in adult patients with COVID-19 were searched through June 22, 2022, in four databases, L.OVE platform, clinical trial registries and pre-prints platforms. Primary endpoints included all-cause mortality and invasive ventilation requirement. Secondary endpoint was the occurrence of adverse events. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Meta-analysis included only studies which compared ivermectin to placebo or SOC. Random-effects were used to pool the risk ratios (RRs) of individual trials. The quality of evidence was evaluated using GRADE. The protocol was register in PROSPERO (CRD42021257471).

Results

Twenty-five RCTs fulfilled inclusion criteria (n = 6310). Of those, 14 compared ivermectin with placebo, in night ivermectin associated with SOC was compared to SOC and two studies compared ivermectin to an active comparator. Most RCTs had some concerns or high risk of bias, mostly due to lack of concealment of the randomization sequence and allocation, lack of blinding and high number of missing cases. Ivermectin did not show an effect in reducing mortality (RR = 0.76; 95%CI: 0.52–1.11) or mechanical ventilation (RR = 0.74; 95%CI: 0.48–1.16). This effect was consistent when comparing ivermectin vs. placebo, and ivermectin associated with SOC vs. SOC, as well as in sensitivity analysis. Additionally, there was very low quality of evidence regarding adverse effects (RR = 1.07; 95%CI: 0.84–1.35).

Conclusions

The evidence suggests that ivermectin does not reduce mortality risk and the risk of mechanical ventilation requirement. Although we did not observe an increase in the risk of adverse effects, the evidence is very uncertain regarding this endpoint.
COVID-19 related acute necrotizing encephalopathy with extremely high interleukin-6 and RANBP2 mutation in a patient with recently immunized inactivated virus vaccine and no pulmonary involvement
Authors: Pongpitakmetha Thanakit , Hemachudha Pasin , Rattanawong Wanakorn , Thanapornsangsuth Poosanu , Viswanathan Anand , Hemachudha Thiravat
Published: July 2022

Background

We report the first case of COVID-19 associated acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) without pulmonary disease in a patient with an extremely high interleukin-6 (IL-6) level and Ran Binding Protein 2 (RANBP2) mutation.

Case presentation

A 29-year-old woman recently immunized with inactivated viral vaccine—BBIBP32-CorV (Sinopharm) presented with alteration of consciousness. Her body temperature was 37° Celsius, blood pressure 42/31 mmHg, heart rate 130 bpm, respiratory rate 20 per minute, and oxygen saturation 98%. Respiratory examination was unremarkable. Neurological examination revealed stupor but preserved brainstem reflexes. Non-contrast computerized tomography of the brain showed symmetrical hypodense lesions involving bilateral thalami and cerebellar hemispheres characteristic of ANE. No pulmonary infiltration was found on chest radiograph. SARS-CoV-2 was detected by PCR; whole genome sequencing later confirmed the Delta variant. RANBP2 gene analysis revealed heterozygous Thr585Met mutation. Serum IL-6 was 7390 pg/mL. Urine examination showed pyelonephritis. Her clinical course was complicated by seizure, septic shock, acute kidney injury, and acute hepatic failure. She later developed coma and passed away in 6 days.

Conclusions

ANE is caused by cytokine storm leading to necrosis and hemorrhage of the brain. IL-6 was deemed as a prognostic factor and a potential treatment target of ANE in previous studies. RANBP2 missense mutation strongly predisposes this condition by affecting mitochondrial function, viral entry, cytokine signaling, immune response, and blood–brain barrier maintenance. Also, inactivated vaccine has been reported to precipitate massive production of cytokines by antibody dependent enhancement (ADE). The true incidence of COVID-19 associated ANE is not known as were the predictors of its development. We proposed these potential two factors (RANBP2 mutation and ADE) that could participate in the pathogenesis of ANE in COVID-19 apart from SARS-CoV2 infection by itself. Further study is needed to confirm this hypothesis, specifically in the post-vaccination period. Role of RANBP2 mutation and its application in COVID-19 and ANE should be further elaborated.
A case report of pre-eclampsia-like endothelial injury in the kidney of an 85-year-old man treated with ibrutinib
Authors: Li Amy , Ambruso Sophia L. , Oto Ozgur Akin , Barry Marc , Edelstein Charles L.
Published: July 2022

Background

Glomerular endotheliosis is the pathognomonic glomerular lesion in pre-eclampsia that has also been described in those taking tyrosine kinase inhibitors for cancer treatment. Ibrutinib is a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We report the first known case of glomerular endotheliosis on kidney biopsy in a patient on ibrutinib monotherapy.

Case presentation

The patient presented with acute on chronic kidney disease, proteinuria, low C3 and C4 and a high rheumatoid factor titer. A kidney biopsy was performed to confirm a preliminary diagnosis of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN), the most common glomerular disease in patients with CLL. Unexpectedly, the kidney biopsy showed pre-eclampsia-like lesions on light and electron microscopy: occlusion of glomerular peripheral capillary lumens by swollen reactive endothelial cells. Findings of glomerulonephritis were not seen, and there were no specific glomerular immune deposits by immunofluorescence or electron microscopy.

Conclusions

CLL is known to cause glomerular lesions, mainly MPGN. There is increasing evidence that ibrutinib, a major treatment for CLL, can cause kidney disease, but the precise pathology is not characterized. We present a patient with CLL on ibrutinib with signs of glomerular endotheliosis. Based on the absence of CLL-induced kidney pathologies typically seen on the kidney biopsy and the non-selectivity of ibrutinib, we attributed the glomerular endotheliosis to ibrutinib. In pre-eclampsia, increased soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt1) levels induce endothelial dysfunction by decreasing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Ibrutinib has been demonstrated to have non-selective tyrosine kinase inhibition, including inhibition of VEGF receptor (VEGFR) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). VEGFR and EGFR inhibitors have recently been described in the literature to cause hypertension, proteinuria, and glomerular endotheliosis. Kidney biopsy should be performed in CLL patients on ibrutinib that present with acute kidney injury (AKI) or proteinuria to determine whether the clinical picture is attributable to the disease itself or a complication of the therapy.
TAFRO syndrome with renal biopsy successfully treated with steroids and cyclosporine: a case report
Authors: Iwasaki Takahide , Mizusaki Kosuke , Masumoto Miwa , Minagawa Yuko , Azuma Kouta , Furukawa Tetsuya , Yoshida Makoto , Kuragano Takahiro
Published: July 2022

Background

TAFRO syndrome is an acute or subacute systemic inflammatory disease with no apparent cause, presenting with fever, generalized edema, thrombocytopenia, renal damage, anemia, and organ enlargement. Interleukin-6, vascular endothelial growth factor, and other cytokines are thought to be the etiologic agents that increase vascular permeability and cause the resulting organ damage. Only few reports of renal biopsy performed in patients with TAFRO syndrome exist.

Case presentation

A 61-year-old woman, with a history of Sjogren’s syndrome, was admitted to our hospital with anasarca and abdominal distension. Based on the clinical course and various laboratory findings, we diagnosed TAFRO syndrome. Renal biopsy revealed thrombotic microangiopathy, including endothelial cell swelling, subendothelial space expansion, and mesangiolysis. She was treated with oral prednisolone and cyclosporine, with consequent resolution of anasarca, pleural effusion, and ascites, and improvement in renal function and urinary findings. The patient’s platelet count also normalized after 2 months of treatment.

Conclusions

Given that only few reports of improvement in the systemic symptoms of TAFRO syndrome using steroids and cyclosporine exist, our study investigating the relationship between the pathogenesis of TAFRO syndrome and renal disorders, as well as treatment methods, provides valuable insights.