bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of autonomy support and dialogic learning on school children’s physical activity and sport
Authors: Huéscar Hernández Elisa , Andrés Fabra Jose Antonio , Moreno‐Murcia Juan Antonio
Published: March 2020

This study applies an intervention based on autonomy support through dialogic learning to examine effects on motivation and the promotion of physical activity and sport involvement during schoolchildren’s leisure time. One hundred and two primary school students, aged 11–13 years, participated (M = 10.93, SD = 0.75). The sample was divided into two groups: an experimental group (49 students) and a control group (53 students). A quasi‐experimental study was conducted in physical education classes over the course of 9 months. Assessments of autonomy support from teachers, family, and peers; basic psychological needs; self‐determined motivation in physical education and during leisure time; planned behavior variables; physical activity intention; and estimated and actual physical exercise behavior time were included in the model. Following the intervention, the results revealed that greater autonomy support by the teacher, the family and peers, satisfaction of the basic psychological needs, self‐determined motivation during physical education class and during free time, greater perceived control, favorable attitude and intention to engage in physical activity contributed to the explanation of student physical activity involvement. These results suggest that when students receive extensive social support from diverse social agents that essential precursors to physical activity are strengthened and contribute to increased motivation and actual physical activity involvement. Efforts to promote effective communications with students and other pedagogical efforts, such as providing dialogic learning opportunities, should be considered in order to strengthen physical activity motivation and involvement in students.
Evaluating distribution and variation of strains near eyes in blinking using digital image correlation
Authors: Sakai Kasumi , Zhang Yuelin , Yoneyama Satoru , Miyazaki Yukihiro , Hanada Yoko , Nagai Yuko , Igarashi Takanori
Published: March 2020

Background

Strain is occurred due to deformation such as the change of facial expression and is expected as a new evaluation approach to know the condition of skins applied to cosmetics. In this study, a noncontact in‐site method by using digital image correlation for measuring the strain on the skin surface near the eyes where deformation always occurs by blinking is proposed. In this method, skin microrelief and irregularities are utilized for the measurement.

Materials and Methods

Images on the skin surface below the eyes of the four female subjects are pictured during a blink using high‐speed cameras. The principal strains as well as the principal directions are obtained using digital image correlation. The reference updating algorism is used when the movement of the skin surface due to blink is large, and the eyelashes elimination algorism is used when the long eyelashes hide their skin surface in an image. The strain distributions in the local area below the right eye and the time histories of the strain near the eye under several skin conditions are evaluated for each subject.

Results

The strain can be obtained for each subject under each condition and the different strain distributions and time histories under different condition are visualized.

Conclusion

The individual behavior of the subject and the different condition of the skin can be captured by the proposed method.
Spatially controlled stem cell differentiation via morphogen gradients: A comparison of static and dynamic microfluidic platforms
Authors: Cui Kiara W. , Engel Leeya , Dundes Carolyn E. , Nguyen Tina C. , Loh Kyle M. , Dunn Alexander R.
Published: March 2020

The ability to harness the processes by which complex tissues arise during embryonic development would improve the ability to engineer complex tissuelike constructs in vitro—a longstanding goal of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In embryos, uniform populations of stem cells are exposed to spatial gradients of diffusible extracellular signaling proteins, known as morphogens. Varying levels of these signaling proteins induce stem cells to differentiate into distinct cell types at different positions along the gradient, thus creating spatially patterned tissues. Here, the authors describe two straightforward and easy-to-adopt microfluidic strategies to expose human pluripotent stem cells in vitro to spatial gradients of desired differentiation-inducing extracellular signals. Both approaches afford a high degree of control over the distribution of extracellular signals, while preserving the viability of the cultured stem cells. The first microfluidic platform is commercially available and entails static culture, whereas the second microfluidic platform requires fabrication and dynamic fluid exchange. In each platform, the authors first computationally modeled the spatial distribution of differentiation-inducing extracellular signals. Then, the authors used each platform to expose human pluripotent stem cells to a gradient of these signals (in this case, inducing a cell type known as the primitive streak), resulting in a regionalized culture with differentiated primitive streak cells predominately localized on one side and undifferentiated stem cells at the other side of the device. By combining this approach with a fluorescent reporter for differentiated cells and live-cell fluorescence imaging, the authors characterized the spatial and temporal dynamics of primitive streak differentiation within the induced signaling gradients. Microfluidic approaches to create precisely controlled morphogen gradients will add to the stem cell and developmental biology toolkit, and may eventually pave the way to create increasingly spatially patterned tissuelike constructs in vitro.
An atlas of human metabolism
Authors: Robinson Jonathan L. , Kocabaş Pınar , Wang Hao , Cholley Pierre-Etienne , Cook Daniel , Nilsson Avlant , Anton Mihail , Ferreira Raphael , Domenzain Iván , Billa Virinchi , Limeta Angelo , Hedin Alex , Gustafsson Johan , Kerkhoven Eduard J. , Svensson L. Thomas , Palsson Bernhard O. , Mardinoglu Adil , Hansson Lena , Uhlén Mathias , Nielsen Jens
Published: March 2020

An open-source, genome-scale human metabolic model and a web portal to explore the model are generated.
Impact of KPC Production and High-Level Meropenem Resistance on All-Cause Mortality of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Association with Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Rivera-Espinar Francisco , Machuca Isabel , Tejero Rocio , Rodríguez Jorge , Mula Ana , Marfil Eduardo , Cano Ángela , Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez Belén , Rodríguez Marina , Pozo Juan Carlos , De la Fuente Carmen , Rodriguez-Baño Jesús , Martínez-Martínez Luis , León Rafael , Torre-Cisneros Julian
Published: March 2020

Carbapenemase-producing
Enterobacterales
and specifically
Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC)-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(KPC-Kp) are rapidly spreading worldwide. The prognosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) caused by KPC-Kp is not well known. Our study tries to assess whether ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by a KPC-Kp strain is associated with higher all-cause mortality than that caused by carbapenem-susceptible isolates.
Divergent Evolution of
Legionella
RCC1 Repeat Effectors Defines the Range of Ran GTPase Cycle Targets
Authors: Swart A. Leoni , Steiner Bernhard , Gomez-Valero Laura , Schütz Sabina , Hannemann Mandy , Janning Petra , Irminger Michael , Rothmeier Eva , Buchrieser Carmen , Itzen Aymelt , Panse Vikram Govind , Hilbi Hubert
Published: March 2020

Legionella pneumophila
is a ubiquitous environmental bacterium which, upon inhalation, causes a life-threatening pneumonia termed Legionnaires’ disease. The opportunistic pathogen grows in amoebae and macrophages by employing a “type IV” secretion system, which secretes more than 300 different “effector” proteins into the host cell, where they subvert pivotal processes. The function of many of these effector proteins is unknown, and their evolution has not been studied.
L. pneumophila
RCC1 repeat effectors target the small GTPase Ran, a molecular switch implicated in different cellular processes such as nucleocytoplasmic transport and microtubule cytoskeleton dynamics. We provide evidence that one or more RCC1 repeat genes are distributed in two main clusters of
L. pneumophila
strains and have divergently evolved to target different components of the Ran GTPase activation cycle at different subcellular sites. Thus,
L. pneumophila
employs a sophisticated strategy to subvert host cell Ran GTPase during infection.
Towards a Mechanism for Poly(I·C) Antiviral Priming in Oysters
Authors: Martins Nelson E.
Published: March 2020

Viral diseases cause significant losses in aquaculture. Prophylactic measures, such as immune priming, are promising control strategies. Treatment of the Pacific oyster (
Crassostrea gigas
) with the double-stranded RNA analog poly(I·C) confers long-term protection against infection with ostreid herpesvirus 1, the causative agent of Pacific oyster mortality syndrome. In a recent article in
mBio
, Lafont and coauthors (M. Lafont, A. Vergnes, J. Vidal-Dupiol, J.
Glycemic Variability in Diabetes Increases the Severity of Influenza
Authors: Marshall Rebecca J. , Armart Pornthida , Hulme Katina D. , Chew Keng Yih , Brown Alexandra C. , Hansbro Philip M. , Bloxham Conor J. , Flint Melanie , Ronacher Katharina , Bielefeldt-Ohmann Helle , Gallo Linda A. , Short Kirsty R.
Published: March 2020

Every winter, people with diabetes are at increased risk of severe influenza. At present, the mechanisms that cause this increased susceptibility are unclear. Here, we show that the fluctuations in blood glucose levels common in people with diabetes are associated with severe influenza. These data suggest that glycemic stability could become a greater clinical priority for patients with diabetes during outbreaks of influenza.
A MicroRNA Network Controls
Legionella pneumophila
Replication in Human Macrophages via LGALS8 and MX1
Authors: Herkt Christina E. , Caffrey Brian E. , Surmann Kristin , Blankenburg Sascha , Gesell Salazar Manuela , Jung Anna L. , Herbel Stefanie M. , Hoffmann Kerstin , Schulte Leon N. , Chen Wei , Sittka-Stark Alexandra , Völker Uwe , Vingron Martin , Marsico Annalisa , Bertrams Wilhelm , Schmeck Bernd
Published: March 2020

Cases of
Legionella pneumophila
pneumonia occur worldwide, with potentially fatal outcome. When causing human disease,
Legionella
injects a plethora of virulence factors to reprogram macrophages to circumvent immune defense and create a replication niche. By analyzing
Legionella
-induced changes in miRNA expression and genomewide chromatin modifications in primary human macrophages, we identified a cell-autonomous immune network restricting
Legionella
growth. This network comprises three miRNAs governing expression of the cytosolic RNA receptor DDX58/RIG-I, the tumor suppressor TP53, the antibacterial effector LGALS8, and MX1, which has been described as an antiviral factor. Our findings for the first time link TP53, LGALS8, DDX58, and MX1 in one miRNA-regulated network and integrate them into a functional node in the defense against
L. pneumophila
.
Guidance on development and operation of Young Persons’ Advisory Groups
Authors: Chan Winnie , Thurairajah Pravheen , Butcher Nancy , Oosterwijk Cor , Wever Kim , Eichler Irmgard , Thompson Charles , Junker Anne , Offringa Martin , Preston Jennifer
Published: March 2020

Background

Engaging patients and the public as collaborators in research is increasingly recognised as important as such partnerships can help improve research relevance and acceptability. Young Persons’ Advisory Groups (YPAGs) provide a forum for clinical researchers and triallists to engage with children and young people on issues relevant to the design, conduct and translation of paediatric clinical trials. Until fairly recently, there was very little information available to guide the successful development and operation of YPAGs.

Objective

To develop an evidence-based tool to guide clinical researchers and triallists in the establishment and operation of a YPAG.

Methods

An online needs assessment survey was conducted using SurveyMonkey with 60 known paediatric drug researchers to identify knowledge gaps around YPAG engagement, development and operation. Semistructured interviews with founders and coordinators of five well-established existing YPAGs and a review of the literature were performed to identify best-practice processes for starting up and operating YPAG.

Results

The majority of 12 survey respondents (20%) from 12 different centres indicated that while they felt YPAGs could benefit their research, guidance on how to develop and operate a YPAG was needed. Most preferred a web-based guidance tool. Ten core steps in starting up and operating a YPAG were identified and developed into an online YPAG guidance tool, now freely accessible for use by paediatric clinical researchers worldwide. Plans to evaluate the impact are in place.

Conclusions

This novel tool, developed with an internationally based group of public involvement leads working across paediatric clinical research areas, provides harmonised guidance for researchers seeking to develop and operate YPAGs to help improve the quality and impact of paediatric clinical research studies.
Retrograde jejunogastric intussusception presenting as haematemesis in a patient following pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Moore Tyson A , Al-Habbal Yahya , Choi Julian M
Published: March 2020

Intussusception is defined as the invagination of one part of the gastrointestinal tract into another. Jejunogastric intussusception is a rare phenomenon following major upper abdominal surgery, where its aetiology is not well understood. We describe a 68-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain and haematemesis on the background of a previous pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) for pancreatic cancer. Gastroscopy demonstrated retrograde jejunogastric intussusception, where part of the efferent jejunal limb had prolapsed into the remnant stomach. As a consequence, this intussuscepted segment had become oedematous and ischaemic. The patient subsequently underwent a laparotomy, where the original gastrojejunostomy was resected, which showed the intussuscepted jejunum. The non-viable portion was removed and a Roux-en-Y anastomosis was created. This case highlights the need to ‘think outside the box’ with respect to differential diagnoses when a patient presents with abdominal pain on the background of previous complex abdominal surgery.
Negative pressure wound therapy compared with standard moist wound care on diabetic foot ulcers in real-life clinical practice: results of the German DiaFu-RCT
Authors: Seidel Dörthe , Storck Martin , Lawall Holger , Wozniak Gernold , Mauckner Peter , Hochlenert Dirk , Wetzel-Roth Walter , Sondern Klemens , Hahn Matthias , Rothenaicher Gerhard , Krönert Thomas , Zink Karl , Neugebauer Edmund
Published: March 2020

Objectives

The aim of the DiaFu study was to evaluate effectiveness and safety of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in patients with diabetic foot wounds in clinical practice.

Design

In this controlled clinical superiority trial with blinded outcome assessment patients were randomised in a 1:1 ratio stratified by study site and ulcer severity grade using a web-based-tool.

Setting

This German national study was conducted in 40 surgical and internal medicine inpatient and outpatient facilities specialised in diabetes foot care.

Participants

368 patients were randomised and 345 participants were included in the modified intention-to-treat (ITT) population. Adult patients suffering from a diabetic foot ulcer at least for 4 weeks and without contraindication for NPWT were allowed to be included.

Interventions

NPWT was compared with standard moist wound care (SMWC) according to local standards and guidelines.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcome was wound closure within 16 weeks. Secondary outcomes were wound-related and treatment-related adverse events (AEs), amputations, time until optimal wound bed preparation, wound size and wound tissue composition, pain and quality of life (QoL) within 16 weeks, and recurrences and wound closure within 6 months.

Results

In the ITT population, neither the wound closure rate (difference: n=4 (2.5% (95% CI−4.7% – 9.7%); p=0.53)) nor the time to wound closure (p=0.244) was significantly different between the treatment arms. 191 participants (NPWT 127; SMWC 64) had missing endpoint documentations, premature therapy ends or unauthorised treatment changes. 96 participants in the NPWT arm and 72 participants in the SMWC arm had at least one AE (p=0.007), but only 16 AEs were related to NPWT.

Conclusions

NPWT was not superior to SMWC in diabetic foot wounds in German clinical practice. Overall, wound closure rate was low. Documentation deficits and deviations from treatment guidelines negatively impacted the outcome wound closure.

Trial registration numbers

NCT01480362and DRKS00003347.
Health and long-term care of the elderly with dementia in rural Thailand: a cross-sectional survey through their caregivers
Authors: Chuakhamfoo Nalinee N , Phanthunane Pudtan , Chansirikarn Sirintorn , Pannarunothai Supasit
Published: March 2020

Objective

To describe the circumstances of the elderly with dementia and their caregivers’ characteristics in order to examine factors related to activities of daily living (ADL) and household income to propose a long-term care policy for rural areas of Thailand.

Setting

A cross-sectional study at the household level in three rural regions of Thailand where there were initiatives relating to community care for people with dementia.

Participants

Caregivers of 140 people with dementia were recruited for the study.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Socioeconomic characteristics including data from assessment of ADL and instrumental ADL and the Thai version of Resource Utilisation in Dementia were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to explain the characteristics of the elderly with dementia and the caregivers while inferential statistics were used to examine the associations between different factors of elderly patients with dementia with their dependency level and household socioeconomic status.

Results

Eighty-six per cent of the dementia caregivers were household informal caregivers as half of them also had to work outside the home. Half of the primary caregivers had no support and no minor caregivers. The elderly with dementia with high dependency levels were found to have a significant association with age, dementia severity, chance of hospitalisation and number of hospitalisations. Though most of these rural samples had low household incomes, the patients in the lower-income households had significantly lower dementia severity, but, with the health benefit coverage had significantly higher chances of hospitalisation.

Conclusion

As the informal caregivers are the principal human resources for dementia care and services in rural area, policymakers should consider informal care for the Thai elderly with dementia and promote it as the dominant pattern of dementia care in Thailand.
Severe Asthma Toolkit: an online resource for multidisciplinary health professionals—needs assessment, development process and user analytics with survey feedback
Authors: Maltby Steven , Gibson Peter G , Reddel Helen K , Smith Lorraine , Wark Peter A B , King Gregory G , Upham John W , Clark Vanessa L , Hew Mark , Owens Louisa , Oo Stephen , James Alan L , Thompson Bruce , Marks Guy B , McDonald Vanessa M
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Severe asthma imposes a significant burden on individuals, families and the healthcare system. New treatment and management approaches are emerging as effective options for severe asthma. Translating new knowledge to multidisciplinary healthcare professionals is a priority. We developed ‘The Severe Asthma Toolkit’(https://toolkit.severeasthma.org.au) to increase awareness of severe asthma, provide evidence-based resources and support decisionmaking by healthcare providers.

Setting

Roundtable discussions and a survey of Australians clinicians were conducted to determine clinician preferences, format and content for a severe asthma resource.

Participants

A reference group from stakeholder and consumer bodies and severe asthma experts provided advice and feedback. A multidisciplinary team of international experts was engaged to develop content. Written content was based on up-to-date literature. Peer and editorial review were performed to finalise content and inform web design. Website design focused on user experience, navigation, engagement, interactivity and tailoring of content for a clinical audience.

Results

A web-based resource was developed. Roundtable discussions and a needs assessment survey identified the need for dedicated severe asthma management resources to support skills training. The end-product, which launched 26 March 2018, includes an overview of severe asthma, diagnosis and assessment, management, medications, comorbidities, living with severe asthma, establishing a clinic, paediatrics/adolescents and clinical resources. Analytics indicate access by users worldwide (32 169 users from 169 countries). User survey results (n=394) confirm access by the target audience (72% health professionals), who agreed the toolkit increased their knowledge (73%) and confidence in managing severe asthma (66%), and 75% are likely to use the resource in clinic.

Conclusions

The Severe Asthma Toolkit is a unique, evidence-based internet resource to support healthcare professionals providing optimal care for people with severe asthma. It is a comprehensive, accessible and independent resource developed by leading severe asthma experts to improve clinician knowledge and skills in severe asthma management.
Examining and adapting the information–motivation–behavioural skills model of medication adherence among community-dwelling older patients with multimorbidity: protocol for a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yang Chen , Hui Zhaozhao , Zeng Dejian , Liu Li , Lee Diana Tze Fan
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Multimorbidity is highly prevalent among older patients and has been shown to be associated with poor health outcomes and lower quality of life. Adherence to medication treatments is essential in order to maximise the efficacy of treatments and improve health outcomes. However, nearly half of the older patients with multimorbidity fail to adhere to their medications, which can result in an increased risk of adverse health events, lower quality of life and higher healthcare cost. Only a few studies have explored the underlying mechanism and influencing factors of medication adherence among older patients with multimorbidity, which are inadequate to provide robust evidence for the development and evaluation of the medication adherence interventions. This study aims to examine and adapt the information–motivation–behavioural skills (IMB) model, a widely used social behaviour theory, to explain the medication adherence behaviour among community-dwelling older patients with multimorbidity.

Methods and analysis

A cross-sectional study will be conducted in community settings in China. Around 309 older patients with multimorbidity will be recruited to complete questionnaires on adherence knowledge, adherence motivation, adherence self-efficacy, medication adherence, medication treatment satisfaction, depressive symptoms, treatment burden, disease burden and basic demographic information. Structural equation modelling will be used to analyse and validate the relationships among variables in the IMB model.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Survey and Behavioral Research Ethics Committee of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (reference number SBRE-18-675). The study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented in academic conferences and workshops.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR1900024804.
G-CSF (filgrastim) treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: protocol for a phase II randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, multicentre clinical study (STEMALS-II trial)
Authors: Salamone Paolina , Fuda Giuseppe , Casale Federico , Marrali Giuseppe , Lunetta Christian , Caponnetto Claudia , Mazzini Letizia , La Bella Vincenzo , Mandrioli Jessica , Simone Isabella Laura , Moglia Cristina , Calvo Andrea , Tarella Corrado , Chio Adriano
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal progressive neurological disorder characterised by a selective degeneration of motor neurons (MNs). Stem cell transplantation is considered as a promising strategy in neurological disorders therapy and the possibility of inducing bone marrow cells (BMCs) to circulate in the peripheral blood is suggested to investigate stem cells migration in degenerated ALS nerve tissues where potentially repair MN damage. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a growth factor which stimulates haematopoietic progenitor cells, mobilises BMCs into injured brain and it is itself a neurotrophic factor for MN. G-CSF safety in humans has been demonstrated and many observations suggest that it may affect neural cells. Therefore, we decided to use G-CSF to mobilise BMCs into the peripheral circulation in patients with ALS, planning a clinical trial to evaluate the effect of G-CSF administration in ALS patients compared with placebo.

Methods and analysis

STEMALS-II is a phase II multicentre, randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group clinical trial on G-CSF (filgrastim) and mannitol in ALS patients. Specifically, we investigate safety, tolerability and efficacy of four repeated courses of intravenous G-CSF and mannitol administered in 76 ALS patients in comparison with placebo (indistinguishable glucose solution 5%). We determine increase of G-CSF levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid as CD34+cells and leucocyte count after treatment; reduction in ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised Score, forced vital capacity, Scale for Testing Muscle Strength Score and quality of life; the adverse events/reactions during the treatment; changes in neuroinflammation biomarkers before and after treatment.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria ‘Città della Salute e della Scienza’, Torino, Italy. Results will be presented during scientific symposia or published in scientific journals.

Trial registration number

Eudract 2014-002228-28.
Towards defining the surgical workforce for children: a geospatial analysis in Brazil
Authors: Rocha Thiago Augusto Hernandes , Vissoci Joao , Rocha Nubia , Poenaru Dan , Shrime Mark , Smith Emily R , Rice Henry E
Published: March 2020

Objectives

The optimal size of the health workforce for children’s surgical care around the world remains poorly defined. The goal of this study was to characterise the surgical workforce for children across Brazil, and to identify associations between the surgical workforce and measures of childhood health.

Design

This study is an ecological, cross-sectional analysis using data from the Brazil public health system (Sistema Único de Saúde).

Settings and participants

We collected data on the surgical workforce (paediatric surgeons, general surgeons, anaesthesiologists and nursing staff), perioperative mortality rate (POMR) and under-5 mortality rate (U5MR) across Brazil for 2015.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

We performed descriptive analyses, and identified associations between the workforce and U5MR using geospatial analysis (Getis-Ord-Gi analysis, spatial cluster analysis and linear regression models).

Findings

There were 39 926 general surgeons, 856 paediatric surgeons, 13 243 anaesthesiologists and 103 793 nurses across Brazil in 2015. The U5MR ranged from 11 to 26 deaths/1000 live births and the POMR ranged from 0.11–0.17 deaths/100 000 children across the country. The surgical workforce is inequitably distributed across the country, with the wealthier South and Southeast regions having a higher workforce density as well as lower U5MR than the poorer North and Northeast regions. Using linear regression, we found an inverse relationship between the surgical workforce density and U5MR. An U5MR of 15 deaths/1000 births across Brazil is associated with a workforce level of 5 paediatric surgeons, 200 surgeons, 100 anaesthesiologists or 700 nurses/100 000 children.

Conclusions

We found wide disparities in the surgical workforce and childhood mortality across Brazil, with both directly related to socioeconomic status. Areas of increased surgical workforce are associated with lower U5MR. Strategic investment in the surgical workforce may be required to attain optimal health outcomes for children in Brazil, particularly in rural regions.
Using Baidu search index to monitor and predict newly diagnosed cases of HIV/AIDS, syphilis and gonorrhea in China: estimates from a vector autoregressive (VAR) model
Authors: Huang Ruonan , Luo Ganfeng , Duan Qibin , Zhang Lei , Zhang Qingpeng , Tang Weiming , Smith M. Kumi , Li Jinghua , Zou Huachun
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Internet search engine data have been widely used to monitor and predict infectious diseases. Existing studies have found correlations between search data and HIV/AIDS epidemics. We aimed to extend the literature through exploring the feasibility of using search data to monitor and predict the number of newly diagnosed cases of HIV/AIDS, syphilis and gonorrhoea in China.

Methods

This paper used vector autoregressive model to combine the number of newly diagnosed cases with Baidu search index to predict monthly newly diagnosed cases of HIV/AIDS, syphilis and gonorrhoea in China. The procedures included: (1) keywords selection and filtering; (2) construction of composite search index; (3) modelling with training data from January 2011 to October 2016 and calculating the prediction performance with validation data from November 2016 to October 2017.

Results

The analysis showed that there was a close correlation between the monthly number of newly diagnosed cases and the composite search index (the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were 0.777 for HIV/AIDS, 0.590 for syphilis and 0.633 for gonorrhoea, p<0.05 for all). The R2were all more than 85% and the mean absolute percentage errors were less than 11%, showing the good fitting effect and prediction performance of vector autoregressive model in this field.

Conclusions

Our study indicated the potential feasibility of using Baidu search data to monitor and predict the number of newly diagnosed cases of HIV/AIDS, syphilis and gonorrhoea in China.
Vitrectomy for endophthalmitis: 5-year study of outcomes and complications
Authors: Negretti Guy Simon , Chan WengOnn , Pavesio Carlos , Muqit Mahiul Muhammed Khan
Published: March 2020

Background/Aims

To analyse the complications and outcomes of vitrectomy surgery for endophthalmitis.

Methods

This was a retrospective case series. All cases that underwent 23-gauge vitrectomy surgery for endophthalmitis at a tertiary centre between 1 February 2013 and 1 February 2018 were included. Main outcome measures were as follows: visual acuity (VA) at final visit and post-vitrectomy complications.

Results

33 patients were included in the study with 20 men and 13 women, average age 63 years. Main post-surgical causes for endophthalmitis included phacoemulsification (n=9), trabeculectomy (n=5), intravitreal injection (n=5), corneal graft (n=4), vitreoretinal surgery (n=3) and endogenous endophthalmitis (n=6). Average follow-up was 18 months (SD 14). 21/33 (64%) patients had baseline perception of light VA. Analysis of exogenous endophthalmitis cases only demonstrated: mean LogMAR VA improved significantly from 2.68 to 1.66 (p=0.001). At final follow-up, 12% had VA of 6/12 or better, and 28% had VA of 6/36 or better. Vitrectomy within 7 days resulted in improved final VA outcomes (1.49 vs 2.16 LogMAR, p=0.032). Complications included retinal detachment (24.2%), macular hole (3%), hypotony (6%), suprachoroidal haemorrhage (3%) and enucleation/evisceration (6%).

Conclusion

Vitrectomy for endophthalmitis leads to VA gains in some cases. Surgical outcomes may be improved with early vitrectomy performed within 7 days of the initial event for exogenous endophthalmitis. Patients should be advised of the potential risk of severe complications with/and without surgery.
Movement pattern training compared with standard strengthening and flexibility among patients with hip-related groin pain: results of a pilot multicentre randomised clinical trial
Authors: Harris-Hayes Marcie , Steger-May Karen , Bove Allyn M , Foster Stefanie N , Mueller Michael J , Clohisy John C , Fitzgerald G Kelley
Published: March 2020

Study design

Pilot, multicentre randomised clinical trial (RCT).

Objectives

Assess viability of performing a definitive RCT and compare preliminary effects of movement pattern training (MoveTrain) and strengthening/flexibility (Standard) to improve function in people with chronic hip-related groin pain (HRGP).

Background

To determine the best physical therapist-led intervention for patients with HRGP, we must understand treatment effects of different treatment modes.

Methods

Forty-six patients (17M:29F; 29±5.3 years; body mass index 25.6±6.3 kg/m2) with HRGP were randomised. MoveTrain included task-specific training to optimise biomechanics during daily tasks. Standard included strengthening/flexibility. Treatment included 10 visits/12 weeks and home exercise programme (HEP). Primary outcomes for feasibility were recruitment, retention, treatment adherence and treatment fidelity. Secondary outcomes were patient-reported function (Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS)), lower extremity kinematics and hip muscle strength.

Results

We achieved target recruitment, and retention was excellent (91%). Patient session attendance was high (93%); however, reported HEP adherence (62%) was lower than expected. Physical therapists’ adherence to treatment protocols was high (90%). Patients demonstrated high treatment receipt; 91% of exercises performed were rated independent. Both groups demonstrated clinically important improvements in function (HOOS) and muscle strength; however, there were no between-group differences (HOOS subscales, p≥0.13, strength, p≥0.34). Compared with Standard, MoveTrain demonstrated greater reductions in hip adduction (p=0.016) and pelvic drop (p=0.026) during a single leg squat. No adverse events were noted.

Conclusion

Our experience in completing this RCT confirmed that a larger, multicentre RCT is feasible and highlighted modifications we will implement to optimise the future RCT.

Trial registration number

NCT02913222.
Preferred place of death in paediatric, teenage and young adult haemato-oncology patients: a retrospective review
Authors: Stilwell Philippa , Bhatt Ankit , Mehta Keval , Carter Ben , Bisset Maggie , Soanes Louise , Shankar Ananth
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Identifying the preferred place of death for children/young people with cancer and determining whether this is achieved is pertinent to inform palliative care service provision. The aims of this retrospective case series review were to determine where children/young people with cancer want to die and whether their preferred place of death was achieved.

Methods

Clinical/demographic details, including preferred and actual places of death, were recorded for 121 patients who died between 2012 and 2016 at a tertiary haematology–oncology centre. A logistic regression model was used to determine the odds of achieving the preferred place of death in patient subgroups.

Results

74 (61%) patients had a documented discussion regarding place of death preference. Where a preferred location was identified, 72% achieved it. All patients who wanted to die in the hospital (n=17) or a hospice (n=9) did, but only 58% of patients who wanted to die at home (n=40) achieved this. Of the 42% (n=17) who wanted to die at home but did not, 59% of these were due to rapid deterioration in clinical status shortly after the discussion. Having supportive treatment in the last month of life was associated with increased odds of achieving the preferred place of death versus those who were undergoing chemotherapy/radiotherapy (OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.04 to 9.80, p value=0.04).

Conclusion

Where hospice/hospital was chosen as the preferred place of death, this was always achieved. Achieving home as the preferred place of death was more challenging and frequently prevented by rapid clinical deterioration. Clinicians should be encouraged to address end-of-life preferences at an early stage, with information provided adequately. Further research should explore implications of these findings on both end-of-life experience and overall service provision.
Survival after checkpoint inhibitors for metastatic acral, mucosal and uveal melanoma
Authors: Klemen Nicholas D. , Wang Melinda , Rubinstein Jill C. , Olino Kelly , Clune James , Ariyan Stephan , Cha Charles , Weiss Sarah A. , Kluger Harriet M. , Sznol Mario
Published: March 2020

Background

Checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) are thought to be effective against cutaneous melanoma in part because of the large burden of somatic mutations (neoantigens) generated from exposure to ultraviolet radiation. However, rare melanoma subtypes arising from acral skin, mucosal surfaces, and the uveal tract are largely sun-shielded. Genomic studies show these sun-shielded melanomas have a paucity of neoantigens and unique biology; they are thought to be largely resistant to immunotherapy. It has not been definitively shown that CPI improves survival in metastatic sun-shielded melanoma.

Methods

We reviewed a single institutional experience using antibodies against CTLA-4, PD-1 and/or PD-L1 to treat patients with metastatic melanoma. Primary tumor histology was categorized as cutaneous, unknown, acral, mucosal, or uveal. We studied demographic data, treatment characteristics, and overall survival (OS) after CPI.

Results

We treated 428 patients with metastatic melanoma from 2007 to 2019. Primary tumors were cutaneous in 283 (66%), unknown in 55 (13%), acral in 22 (5%), mucosal in 38 (9%), and uveal in 30 (7%). Patients with metastatic disease from cutaneous primary tumors had median OS after CPI of 45 months compared with 17 months for acral (p=0.047), 18 months for mucosal (p=0.003), and 12 months for uveal (p<0.001). For all patients with sun-shielded melanoma (n=90), first treatment with anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 was followed by a median OS of 9 months compared with 18 months after anti-CTLA-4 (p=0.010) and 20 months after combination therapy (p=0.003). There were 21 patients who achieved actual 3-year survival; 20 received both anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1, either sequentially or in combination. Over 80% of 3-year survivors with progressive disease were treated with local therapy after CPI.

Conclusions

Long survival in patients with metastatic melanoma from acral, mucosal, and uveal primary tumors was associated with receipt of both anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies. Complete responses were rare, and local therapy was frequently employed to control disease progression. While sun-shielded melanomas exhibit worse outcomes after CPI than cutaneous melanomas, with an aggressive multidisciplinary approach, 5-year survival is still possible for 25%–32% of these patients.
Risk factors and a 3-month risk score for predicting pacemaker implantation in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Dalgaard Frederik , Pallisgaard Jannik Langtved , Lindhardt Tommi Bo , Gislason Gunnar , Blanche Paul , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Ruwald Martin H
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To identify risk factors and to develop a predictive risk score for pacemaker implantation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

Using Danish nationwide registries, patients with newly diagnosed AF from 2000 to 2014 were identified. Cox proportional-hazards regression computed HRs for risk factors of pacemaker implantation. A logistic regression was used to fit a prediction model for 3-month risk of pacemaker implantation and derived a risk score using 80% of the data and its predictive accuracy estimated using the remaining 20%.

Results

Among 155 934 AF patients included, the median age (IQR) was 75 (65–83) and 51.3% were men. During a median follow-up time of 3.4 (1.2–5.0) years, 8348 (5.4%) patients received a pacemaker implantation. Risk factors of pacemaker implantation were (in order of highest risk first) age above 60 years, congenital heart disease, heart failure at age under 60 years, prior syncope, valvular AF, hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, male sex and diabetes mellitus. The derived risk score assigns points ranging from 1 to 14 to each of these risk factors. The 3-month risk of pacemaker implantation increased from 0.4% (95% CI: 0.2 to 0.8) at 1 point to 2.6% (95% CI: 1.9 to 3.6) at 18 points. Area under the receiver operator characteristics curve was 62.9 (95% CI: 60.3 to 65.5).

Conclusion

We highlighted risk factors of pacemaker implantation in newly diagnosed AF patients and created a risk score. The clinical utility of the risk score needs further investigation.
A Schiff base-based fluorescent probe for the quick detection of ClO− ions
Authors: Zhang Min , Hu Tao , Sun Changyan , Li Wenjun , Chang Zhidong
Published: March 2020

A new Schiff base 2-hydroxy-5-[(2,7-dihydroxy-1-naphthyl)methylideneamino]benzoic acid (HNMB) has been designed and synthesized. HNMB was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI–MS), nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (NMR), and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Fluorescence spectra show that HNMB could be used as a “turn-on” probe to detect ClO− ions from other anions in DMSO/H2O (v/v = 1:1) with a fast response time of 10 s and a low detection limit of 3.6 × 10−7 mol/L. Moreover, the probe could work in a wide pH range of 4–10. The detection mechanism was studied by ESI–MS.
Design and construction of a compact rotary substrate heater for deposition systems
Authors: Perez Israel , Netro Tareik , Vazquez Mario , Elizalde José
Published: March 2020

We have designed and constructed a compact rotary substrate heater for the temperature range of 25 °C to 700 °C. The heater can be implemented in any deposition system where crystalline samples are needed. Its main function is to provide heat treatment in situ during film growth. The temperature is monitored and controlled by a temperature controller coupled to a type-K thermocouple. A heater case was designed to host a resistive element and at the same time allow the substrate holder to freely rotate. Rotation is crucial not only for film homogeneity during deposition but also for the elimination of temperature gradients on the substrate holder. To tolerate oxidizing and corrosive environments, the instrument was made of stainless steel, which also works as a “coolant”, taking advantage of heat dissipation. The instrument performs well for long periods of time with stable temperatures. We hope that this project is useful for laboratories wishing to have a compact rotary heater that meets the requirements for crystal growth and film homogeneity.
Temperature-dependent effects on CO2 water bath therapy induced changes in blood flow and vascularity in hind limb ischemia
Authors: Elimban Vijayan , Xu Yan-Jun , Bhullar Sukhwinder K. , Dhalla Naranjan S.
Published: March 2020

To test if magnitudes of the beneficial actions of CO2 water bath therapy on blood flow and vascular density are dependent upon temperature, ischemia in the hind limb of rats was induced by occluding the left femoral artery for 2 weeks and the animals were exposed to water bath therapy with or without CO2 at 34 or 41 °C for 4 weeks (20 min treatment each day for 5 days/week). CO2 water bath therapy at 34 °C increased peak, minimal, and mean blood flow by 190%–600% in the ischemic limb. On the other hand, CO2 water bath treatment at 41 °C increased these parameters of blood flow by 37%, 55%, and 41%, respectively, in the ischemic limb. The small blood vessel count, an index of vascular density, in the ischemic limb was increased by CO2 water bath therapy at 34 and 41 °C by 32% and 122%, respectively. No changes in the ischemic animals by CO2 water bath therapy at 34 or 41 °C were observed in the heart rate, R–R interval, and plasma lipid or glucose levels. These data indicate that the beneficial effect of CO2 water bath therapy at 34 °C on blood flow in the ischemic muscle is greater whereas that on vascular density is smaller than changes in these parameters at 41 °C.
Casimir effect and Stefan–Boltzmann law at finite temperature in a Friedmann–Robertson–Walker universe
Authors: Santos A. F. , Ulhoa S. C. , Khanna Faqir C.
Published: March 2020

A spatially flat Friedmann–Robertson–Walker background with a general scale factor is considered. In this spacetime, the energy–momentum tensor of the scalar field with a general curvature coupling parameter is obtained. Using the Thermo Field Dynamics (TFD) formalism, the Stefan–Boltzmann law and the Casimir effect at finite temperature are calculated. The Casimir effect at zero temperature is also considered. The expansion of the universe changes these effects. A discussion of these modifications is presented.
The accuracy of force fields on the simulation of intrinsically disordered proteins: A benchmark test on the human p53 tumor suppressor
Authors: Ning Shangbo , Liu Jun , Liu Na , Yan Dazhong
Published: March 2020

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are a class of proteins without stable three-dimensional structures under physiological conditions. IDPs exhibit high dynamic nature and could be described by structural ensembles. As one of the most widely used tools, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation could provide the atomic descriptions of the structural ensemble of IDPs. However, the accuracy of the MD simulation largely depends on the accuracy of the force field. In this paper, we compared the structural ensembles of the activation domain 1 (AD1) in p53 tumor suppressor obtained from the widely used force fields, AMBER99SB-ILDN, CHARMM27, CHARMM36m with different water models. The results show that CHARMM36m generates more extended conformations than other force fields, while CHARMM27 prefers to sample the [Formula: see text]-helical structure. Moreover, the chemical shifts obtained by CHARMM36m are the closest to the experimental measurements. These results indicate that the CHARMM36m force field performs best in characterizing the structure properties of p53 AD1. Water models are also critical to describe the structural ensemble of IDPs. TIP4P water model can obtain more extended conformations and produce more local helical conformations than the TIP3P model in our simulation. In addition, we also compare the chemical shifts predicted by different chemical shift predicting programs with experimental measurements, the results show that SHIFTX2 obtains the best performance in the chemical shifts prediction.