bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of Cervical Muscle Lesions and Autonomic Nervous System in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
Authors: Matsui Takayoshi , Hara Kazuhiro , Iwata Makoto , Hojo Shuntaro , Shitara Nobuyuki , Endo Yuzo , Fukuoka Hideoki , Matsui Masaki , Kawaguchi Hiroshi
Published: November 2020

Background: Patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) sometimes coincide with stiffness of cervical muscles. This study examined the effect of local modulation of the cervical muscles on ME/CFS and the underlying mechanism.Methods: In total, 1,226 inpatients with ME/CFS who were resistant to outpatient care were enrolled in this study for 11 years. All patients underwent daily physical therapies to the cervical muscles during hospitalization. Self-rated records documenting the presence and absence of ME/CFS and the representative eight disorders that frequently accompany it at admission and discharge were compared. The pupil diameter was also measured to examine involvement of autonomic nervous system function.Results: The recovery rate of ME/CFS after local therapy was 55.5%, and did not differ significantly by sex, age strata, and hospitalization period. The recovery rates of the eight disorders were variable (36.6－86.9%); however, those of ME/CFS in the disorder subpopulations were similar (52.3－55.8%). The recovery rates of all disorders showed strong associations with that of ME/CFS (p<0.001). The pupil diameter was decreased at discharge, and the change was significantly higher in the ME/CFS-recovered patients than ME/CFS-unrecovered patients in the total population and the subpopulations stratified by sex, age, and hospitalization period.Conclusions: Local therapy to the cervical muscles led to recovery in more than half of patients with ME/CFS, at least partly through amelioration of the autonomic nervous system. There may be a causal relationship between recoveries of ME/CFS and these related whole-body disorders.Trial registration ID: UMIN000036634. Registered 1 May 2019 - Retrospectively registered, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/index.cgi
Influence of Ulnar Bow Sign on Surgical Treatment of Missed Bado Type I Monteggia Fracture in Children
Authors: Liao Shijie , Wang Tiantian , Huang Qian , Liu Yun , Lu Rongbin , Zhao Jinmin , Xu Yaofeng , Ding XiaoFei
Published: November 2020

PurposeThe present study aimed to explore the influence of ulnar bow on the surgical treatment of Bado type I missed Monteggia fracture in children.MethodsThis study is a retrospective review of 24 patients between November 2010 and March 2019. All patients were treated with open reduction of the radial head and ulnar opening wedge osteotomy without annular ligament reconstruction. The mean interval between injury onset and surgery was five months (range: 2–12 months). The average age of participants at the time of surgery was 6.4 years (range: 3–10 years). We evaluated the maximum ulnar bow (MUB) and MUB position (P-MUB) via radiography. The patients were divided into middle group (group A: 14 cases, MUB located at 40% to 60% of the distal ulna) and distal group (group B: 10 cases, MUB located at 20% to 40% from the distal end of the ulna) based on P-MUB. The mean period of follow-up was 37 months (range: 6–102 months).ResultsAt the last follow-up, all the children showed stable reduction of the radial head, and the flexion function of elbow joint improved after operation (P<0.05). Group A presented a larger the ratio of maximum ulnar bow(R-MUB) and angle of ulnar osteotomy(OA) than group B (P<0.05). There was statistically significant difference between group A and Group B in the P-MUB (P < 0.05). The osteotomy angle was positively correlated with the R-MUB (R2 =0.497,P=0.013), The osteotomy angle was positively correlated with the P-MUB (R2=0.731,P=0.000), The R-MUB is proportional to the P-MUB (R2 =0.597,P=0.002). The regression equation of P-MUB and osteotomy angle: Angle=7.064+33.227* P-MUB (R2=0.459, P =0.000).ConclusionWhen the ulnar bow is positioned at the middle ulna, a stable reduction of radial head need to be achieved through a larger angle in the ulnar osteotomy. If the position of maximum ulnar bow (P-MUB) is closer to the middle of the ulna or the ratio of maximum ulnar bow (R-MUB) is larger, the osteotomy angle is larger.
Type 2 Sclerotic Modic Change Affect Fusion Result in Patients Undergoing PLIF With Pedicle Screw Instrumentation: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Hao , Chen Shou , Wei He-Yu , Zeng Fan-Yue , Yuan Shuang-Shuang , Qin Hong-Yu , Yang Jin-Song
Published: November 2020

BackgroundBony fusion rate was significantly lower in patients with type 3 Modic change than patients with normal endplates. It is not known whether there are relevant differences in fusion efficiency among patients with type 2 sclerotic Modic change or non sclerotic Modic change, or no Modic change.MethodsA retrospective study contained 208 lumbar segments in 131 subjects undergoing posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with pedicle screw instrumentation (PSI) to assess the effect of type 2 sclerotic Modic change on fusion efficiency. These endplates were allocated into groups A, B, and C, according to their Modic changes. Group A had endplates with type 2 Modic change and endplate sclerosis. Group B had type 2 Modic change without endplate sclerosis. Group C had neither Modic change nor endplate sclerosis. The presence of Modic change was determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Endplate sclerosis in type 2 Modic change was detected by computed tomography (CT). We collected CT data 3 months till more than 24 months after operation in patients to assess bony fusion.ResultsIncidences of bony fusion were 55.3% in group A, 95.1% in group B, 93.8% in group C. The bony fusion rate was significantly lower in group A than in either group B or C. There was no significant difference between groups B and C. Thus, endplates with type 2 sclerotic Modic change had a lower fusion rate in patients undergoing PLIF with PSI.Conclusion﻿Type 2 sclerotic Modic change could be an important factor that affects solid bony fusion in patients undergoing PLIF with PSI. CT may help diagnose endplate sclerosis in patients with type 2 change and inform the choice of best site for spinal fusion.
Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Foraminoplasty and Decompression for the Treatment of Intraspinal Tophaceous Gout: A Case Series
Authors: Shao Haiyu , Chen Xinji , Zhao Tingxiao , Jin Mengran , Huang Yazeng , Zheng Jiayin , Wang Yixin , Zhang Jun , Ye Zhaoming
Published: November 2020

Background: This study reports a case series of transforaminal endoscopic decompression for symptomatic intraspinal gout treatment.Methods: In the past three years, the technique of transforaminal endoscopic decompression has been applied for the treatment of symptomatic intraspinal gout, and detailed information on 8 consecutive patients pre- and postoperatively has been recorded for further research.Results: Here, we present a consecutive series of 8 patients who underwent transforaminal endoscopic decompression for the treatment of intraspinal gout in our hospital from 2016 to 2019. These 8 patients all suffered from low back and leg pain and varying degrees of neurologic deficits. After at least 1 year of follow-up, the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (m-JOA) score and the MOS 36-Item Short-from Health Survey (SF-36) score were significantly improved compared with before surgery. All patients were satisfied with the results of the operation, and no complications were experienced.Conclusion: Transforaminal endoscopic decompression may be a unique approach to treat intraspinal gout because of its small trauma, rapid recovery, and reliable effect.
Conditional Support: Focus Group Participants’ Views on Researchers’ Access and Use of Personal Health Information
Authors: McCormick Jennifer Blair , Hopkins Margaret A
Published: November 2020

Background: Researchers are increasingly collecting large amounts of de-identified data about individuals to address important health-related challenges and answer fundamental questions. Current US federal regulations permit researchers to use already collected and stored de-identified health-related data from a variety of sources without seeking consent from patients. While multiple studies have explored patients’ views on the sharing of their health-related data, few have investigated their views on the policies and processes institutions have in place or should have in place for accessing, using, and sharing of data.Methods: We conducted 5 with individuals who live within a 20-mile radius of the local academic medical center. In addition, in order to increase the number of participants younger than 45 years of age, we held a focus group with undergraduates at a local university. Transcripts were analyzed using content analysis. The codebook was revised and refined, codes clarified, and disagreements resolved through discussion.Results: A total of 37 individuals participated, ages 18-76. Most participants were not surprised that researchers accessed and used de-identified personal information for research. For participants, transparency was key. They wanted to know when their data were accessed, for what purpose, and by whom. However, for some participants, just knowing their data had been accessed and used was not enough. Rather they wanted to have some control over the use of their data valuing the chance to opt-out. That said, wanting some control didn’t conflict with participants’ support of the use of their data for research. Most participants trusted their local academic medical institution, but were less trusting of other academic medical institutions and commercial entities. Finally, participants supported establishment of an advisory council or group with responsibility for deciding what data were used, who was accessing those data, and whether data could be shared. Conclusions: The trust people have in their local institutions should be considered fragile, and institutions should not take that trust for granted. How institutions choose to govern patients’ data and what voices they include in decisions about use and access are critical to maintaining the trust of the public.
Modeling Land use Change and Forest Carbon Stock Changes in Temperate Forests in the United States
Authors: Fitts Lucia Alejandra , Russell Matthew B. , Domke Grant M. , Knight Joseph K.
Published: November 2020

Background:Forests provide the largest terrestrial sink of carbon (C). However, these C stocks are threatened by forest land conversion. Land use change has global impacts and is a critical component when studying C fluxes, but it is not always fully considered in C accounting despite being a major contributor to emissions. An urgent need exists among decision-makers to identify the likelihood of forest conversion to other land uses and factors affecting C loss. To help address this issue, we conducted our research in California, Colorado, Georgia, New York, Texas, and Wisconsin. The objectives were to (1) model the probability of forest conversion and C stock’s dynamics using USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data and (2) create wall-to-wall maps showing estimates of the risk of areas to convert from forest to non-forest. We used two modeling approaches: a machine learning algorithm (random forest) and generalized mixed-effects models. Explanatory variables for the models included ecological attributes, topography, census data, forest disturbances, and forest conditions. Model predictions and Landsat spectral information were used to produce wall-to-wall probability maps of forest change using Google Earth Engine.Results: During the study period (2000-2017), 3.4% of the analyzed FIA plots transitioned from forest to mixed or non-forested conditions. Results indicate that the change in land use from forests is more likely with increasing human population and housing growth rates. Furthermore, non-public forests showed a higher probability of forest change compared to public forests. Areas closer to cities and coastal areas showed a higher risk of transition to non-forests. Out of the six states analyzed, Colorado had the highest risk of conversion and the largest amount of aboveground C lost. Forest disturbances were not a major predictor of land use change.Conclusions:Land use change is accelerating globally, causing a large increase in C emissions. Our results will help policy-makers prioritize forest management activities and land use planning by providing a quantitative framework that can enhance forest health and productivity. This work will also inform climate change mitigation strategies by understanding the role that land use change plays in C emissions.
The Modified West China Hospital Radiographic Classification for Fibrous Dysplasia in Femur: A Retrospective Analysis of 238 Patients
Authors: Wang Yitian , Min Li , Zhou Yong , Wang Jie , Zhang Yuqi , Lu Minxun , Luo Yi , Zhang Wenli , Duan Hong , tu chongqi
Published: November 2020

Background: To investigate the reliability and clinical outcome of a newly developed classification system for patients, who had fibrous dysplasia (FD) in the femur.Methods: A total of 238 patients with FD in the femur were included in this retrospective study. All affected femurs were measured and treated based on our classification. The intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility were assessed using the Cohen kappa statistic. The clinical outcome was evaluated using the criteria of Guille.Results: At a median follow-up of 60 months, 238 patients were categorized into the following five types: type I to V. The interobserver and intraobserver kappa scores were excellent. For clinical outcomes, there was no significant difference in the postoperative Guille score between type I (mean 9.01 ± 1.22), II (mean 8.40 ± 1.38), and V (mean 8.47 ± 1.69). Type III and IV had significantly lower postoperative Guille scores than type I, II, and V. Moreover, type III had a significantly higher Guille score (mean 7.81 ± 0.96) than type IV (mean 6.57 ± 2.09).Conclusion: Our classification is reproducible and provides a one-to-one correspondence between diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, we recommend this classification for the diagnosis and treatment of the FD in the femur.
Low Maternal Education, Gastrointestinal Problems and High Blood Lead Level: Risk Factors Related to the Severity of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Northeast China
Authors: Dong Hanyu , Feng Junyan , Li Honghua , Yue Xiaojing , Jia Fei-Yong
Published: November 2020

Background: The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased rapidly in recent years. Environmental factors may play an important role in the pathogenesis of ASD. These factors may include socioeconomic factors, nutritional factors, heavy metal exposure, air pollution, etc. Our aim is to analyze possible environmental risk factors associated with the severity of ASD.Methods: All participating children were divided into two groups (mild and severe) according to the severity of their symptoms, as determined by their Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) scores. The socioeconomic and demographic factors that may affect the severity of ASD and the nutritional factors that were correlated with ASD symptoms were included in the logistic regression to analyze whether they were risk factors that affected the severity of ASD.Results: Logistic regression showed that maternal education (P=0.038, OR=1.694, 95% CI: 1.029-2.789), gastrointestinal problems (P=0.045, OR=1.770, 95% CI: 1.012-3.097) and a high serum concentration of lead (P=0.001, OR=1.038, 95% CI: 1.016-1.060) were statistically significantly associated with ASD severity.Conclusion: Many environmental factors affect the severity of ASD. We concluded that maternal education, gastrointestinal problems and serum concentration of lead were risk factors that affected the severity of ASD in northeast China.
Knowledge and Attitude of Couples about to get married toward Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Authors: Taherpour Maryam , Alimoradi Zainab , Rezaei Atefeh , Karamy Arezo , Salimi Hamidreza reza
Published: November 2020

Background: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are among the most important health issues in the world. Negative attitudes and lack of knowledge are among the main reasons for the spread of these diseases. The aim of this study is to examine the knowledge and attitude of couples regarding STDs. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted from December 2017 to June 2018. Participants were 393 couples about to get married referring to pre-marriage counseling center in Qazvin, Iran. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire including questions about knowledge and attitude about STDs and demographic characteristics. Data were analyzed using multivariable linear regression via stepwise method. Results: The average age of participants was 25.77 ± 6.69 years and 52.7% were females. The knowledge and attitude mean (SD) scores about STDS were 5.86 (4.70) and 91.68 (9.88), respectively. Participants had the highest information about hepatitis and the lowest information regarding human papillomavirus and chlamydia. Age was the only significant independent predictor of knowledge toward STDs (β= 0.13, 95%CI:[0.11; 0.17]). Age (β= 0.13, 95%CI:[0.11; 0.17]), gender (Male vs. Female)(β= -0.14, 95%CI:[-4.85;-0.64]) and educational status (academic vs. diploma) (β=0.18, 95%CI:[ 1.28; 5.74]) were the significant independent predictors of attitude toward STDs. Moreover, knowledge was an important predictor of attitude (β= 0.41 in crude model and β=0.36 after adjusting for demographic variables).Conclusion: The results of this study showed that young couples referring to pre-marriage counseling center have low knowledge and average attitude toward STDs. Therefore, it is recommended that proper workshops be conducted about STDs in order to increase the couples’ knowledge (especially in the case of human papillomavirus and chlamydia)
Sequence and Structural Analysis of COVID-19 E and M Protein With MERS Virus E and M Protein – A Comparative Study
Authors: Aldaais Ebtisam A. , Yegnaswamy Subha , Albahrani Fatimah , Alsowaiket Fatima , Alramadan Sarah
Published: November 2020

The outbreak of SARS in 2003, MERS in 2012, and now COVID-19 in 2019 have demonstrated that Coronaviruses are capable of causing primary lethal infections in humans, and the pandemic is now a global concern. The COVID-19 belongs to the beta coronavirus family encoding 29 proteins, of which 4 are structural, the Spike, Membrane, Envelope, and Nucleocapsid proteins. Here we have analyzed and compared the Membrane (M) and Envelope (E) proteins of COVID-19 and MERS with SARS and Bat viruses. The sequence analysis of conserved regions of both E and M protein revealed that many regions of COVID-19 are similar to Bat and SARS viruses while the MERS virus showed variations. The essential binding motifs found in SARS-CoV appeared in COVID-19. Besides, the M protein of COVID- 19 showed a distinct serine phosphorylation site in the C-terminal domain, which looked like a catalytic triad seen in serine proteases. A Dileucine motif occurred many times in the sequence of the M protein of all the four viruses compared. Concerning the structural part, the COVID-19 E protein showed more similarity to Bat while MERS shared similarity with the SARS virus. The M protein of both COVID-19 and MERS displayed variations in the structure. The interaction between M and E protein was also studied to know the additional binding regions. Our study highlights the critical motifs and structural regions to be considered for further research to design better inhibitors for the infection caused by these viruses.
Current Practice of Discharging Patients From Post Anesthesia Care Unit After Surgical Operations, 2018
Authors: Bizuneh Yosef Belay , berhe Yophtahe wodegerima , Ashagrie Henos Enyew , Lema Girmay Fitwi , Fentie Demeke Yilkal
Published: November 2020

Background: Post-Anesthesia discharge criteria scoring systems have been used successfully to help discharge from the post anesthetic care unit for more than many years. They provide standardized documentation of a patient’s readiness for discharge. A formal checklist is highly recommended for the staff to decide discharge of patients either to the ward or not from post-anesthesia care unit. In our study area there is no any standardized discharging systems. So the aim of this study was to improve post-anesthesia care outcomes.Methods: Institutional based cross sectional study was conducted from January, 1- 15, 2018. All patients who were discharged from post anesthesia care unit to wards after operation were involved and a consecutive sampling method was done within the stud period. From the checklist form maximum score of subscales is two and minimal score is zero .The total scores should be greater than or equal to nine out of ten to transfer the patient from post anesthesia care unit to wards.Results: This study showed that only 73.3 % patients were meet the audit standard. From sub scales, patients awakens scored was 91.1%, however all the rest scales were scored less than the standard. Able to move four extremities was 73.3%,able to deep breath and cough freely was 80%, blood pressure ± 20 mmHg of pre-anesthetic level was 75.6% and able to maintain oxygen saturation > 92% on room air was 84.4%.Conclusion and recommendation: This finding was low compared with standard as well as with the other studies. Then the staffs who work in post anesthesia care unit should be given training and they must discharge patients based of the standard as well as r- auditing is important to achieve the standard.
Src Acts as the Target of Matrine to Inhibit the Proliferation of Cancer Cells by Regulating Phosphorylation Signaling Pathways
Authors: Zhang Xi , Xu Hui , Bi Xiaoyang , Hou Guoqing , Liu Andong , Zhao Youyun , Wang Guoping , Cao Xuan
Published: November 2020

Background: Identification of accurate targets is essential for a successful development of targeted therapy in cancer. Studies have shown that matrine has antitumor activity against many types of cancers, including lung cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer and leukemia, etc. However, the direct target in cancer cells of its anticancer effect has not been identified. The purpose of this study was to find the molecular target of matrine to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and explore its mechanism of action. Methods: The effect of matrine on the proliferation of cancer cells were examined by MTT assay. Pull-down assay with matrine-amino coupling resins (MA beads) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were performed to explore the target of matrine. The target of matrine was further validated by competitive binding assay, cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS). A series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to reveal the mechanisms by which matrine targeted Src to regulate the downstream signaling pathways of Src in cancer cells. Results: Herein we showed that matrine inhibited the proliferation of cancer in vitro and in vivo. Pull-down assay with MA beads and LC-MS/MS identified Src as the target of matrine. The findings provided solid evidences that matrine directly bound to Src and Src kinase domain is required for its interaction with matrine and Ala392 in the kinase domain participated in matrine-Src interaction. Intriguingly, matrine was proven to inhibit Src kinase activity in a non-ATP-competitive manner by blocking the autophosphorylation of Tyr419 in Src kinase domain. Matrine down-regulated the phosphorylation levels of MAPK/ERK, JAK2/STAT3 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways via targeting Src.Conclusions: Collectively, matrine targeted Src, inhibited its kinase activity and down-regulated its downstream MAPK/ERK, JAK2/STAT3 and PI3K/Akt phosphorylation signaling pathways to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells.
Pathological Fracture Caused by Bone Metastasis of Rectal Cancer Misdiagnosed as a Common Fracture and Treated With Open Reduction and Internal Fixation: A Case Report
Authors: Yu Mingyang , Su Yun , Zhao Shilong , Li Dongyi , Guo Lin , Tian Fengde , An Ning , Hao Ruihu , Wang Changcheng , Zhang Yao
Published: November 2020

Background: Pathologic fractures following bone metastasis of rectal cancer are relatively uncommon. Case presentation: A 59-year-old male rectal cancer patient in China with bone metastases in the right femur that caused a right femoral pathological fracture. According to emission computed tomography (ECT) and other examinations, and with the assistance of a multidisciplinary team, bone metastasis was diagnosed. Because the traumatic orthopedic surgeons did not notice his history of colorectal cancer preoperatively, there was no diagnosis of pathological fracture, and open reduction and internal fixation were performed. Additionally, there was no postoperative radiotherapy to the area or systemic treatment. Multiple re-examinations of the patient within 4 months after surgery revealed that the fracture did not heal. The patient was readmitted and treated 9 months after open reduction and internal fixation, and the tumor gradually spread in the proximal right femur.Conclusions: The combination of a medical history, preoperative ECT examination, local DR examination, CT examination and MRI examination are necessary for a preoperative diagnosis. This case report mainly recorded the whole treatment and follow-up process.
An Investigation on People Living with HIV and AIDS Rejected by Medical Staff in China
Authors: Yu Yong , Chang Zijue , Liu Xiuya , Lu Yu
Published: November 2020

Background: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from the two perspectives of the incidence, type, help-seeking situation of PLWHA（People living with HIV and AIDS）rejected by medical staff and the willingness of medical staff to diagnose and treat PLWHA to analyze the realistic problem of PLWHA and AIDS rejected by medical staff under the current Chinese cultural background.Methods: 1500 people were selected from PLWHA users in the WeChat work account of a Center for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), and 1000 medical staff were selected from a third-class hospital in Guangxi, China. The self-compiled general information questionnaire and PLWHA medical rejection questionnaire were used to conduct a one-to-one WeChat online survey on PLWHA. A questionnaire on HIV/AIDS clinical knowledge, a questionnaire on HIV/AIDS attitude, and a questionnaire on the willingness to diagnose and treat PLWHA with clinical surgery were used to conduct a face-to-face survey on the selected medical staff.Results: 1146 valid PLWHA samples and 890 medical staff samples were obtained. 30.2% (346/1146) of HIV-infected/AIDS patients had experienced refusal from medical staff when visiting a hospital for non-HIV/AIDS-related diseases since the diagnosis of HIV+; 17.1% (196/1146) of HIV-infected/AIDS patients had been rejected by medical staff in the hospital due to other diseases in the past 12 months and 10.8% (124/1146) had been rejected in clinical surgeries; after receiving a refusal, 58.2% (114/196) of the HIV-infected/AIDS patients never asked for help, while only 37.8% (74/196) of the refused patients were resolved accordingly. Only 38.7% of medical staff clearly expressed their willingness to provide surgical treatment or post-operative nursing services for HIV-infected/AIDS patients. After controlling other factors, the answer accuracy of HIV/AIDS-related knowledge [odds ratio (OR)=2.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31, 4.43] and the attitudes towards HIV/AIDS (OR=6.74, 95%CI: 3.59, 12.66) were the influencing factors for medical staff's willingness to diagnosis and treat HIV-infected /AIDS patients with clinical surgery.Conclusions: Rejection by the medical staff is a common phenomenon during the treatment of HIV-infected/AIDS patients in China and the willingness of medical staff to diagnose and treat HIV-infected/AIDS patients is relatively weak.
Health Behaviors of Livestock Industry Workers Regarding Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Northwest of Iran
Authors: Abazari Malek , Adham Davoud , Saghafipour Abedin , Taheri-Kharameh Zahra , Pouya Amin Babaei , Asadollahi Javad , Moradi-Asl Eslam
Published: November 2020

Background: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an acute, feverous disease that is either caused by tick bites or the direct contact of humans with the blood and tissues of infected livestock. The majority of patients suffering from this disease are slaughterhouse workers (including butchers), farmers, veterinarians and hospital staff. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the health behaviors of butchers regarding CCHF and study factors affecting such behaviors based on the health belief model.Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on 500 butchers in Ardabil Province in 2020 by a multistage sampling method. The participants of the study completed the researcher-made questionnaire of health belief model and health behaviors model relevant to CCHF.The collected data were then analyzed by descriptive statistical tests and linear regression analysis. Results: The mean (SD) age of the participants was 44.4 (10.5), and 96% were males. Only xxx% of the participants displayed acceptable disease-preventive behaviors. The validity and reliability of the developed questionnaire were confirmed by the Cronbach-alpha index. The results of the exploratory factor analysis showed that the constructs of the model explained 84% of the total variance. The results of the study revealed that among the variables of the health belief model, perceived susceptibility (p-value = 0.006, β = 0.152) and perceived barriers (p-value = 0.05, β = 0.14) were the strongest factors predicting disease-preventive behaviors regarding CCHF.Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the health belief model can predict preventive behaviors for CCHF.Therefore, designing and executing interventions based on the results of this study may encourage such preventive behaviors in butchers.
SARS-CoV-2 in a Tropical Area of Colombia, a Remarkable Conversion of Presymptomatic to Symptomatic People Impacts Public Health
Authors: Martinez Caty , Serrano Hector , Mattar Salim , Faccini-Martínez Álvaro A. , Contreras Veronica , Galeano Ketty , Botero Yesica , Herrera Yonairo , Garcia Alejandra , Garay Evelin , Rivero Ricardo , Contreras Hector , Lopez Yesica , Guzman Camilo , Miranda Jorge , Arrieta German
Published: November 2020

The ability of SARS-CoV-2 to remain in asymptomatic individuals facilitates its dissemination and makes its control difficult. Objective. To establish a cohort of asymptomatic individuals, change to the symptomatic state, and determine the most frequent clinical manifestations. Methods. Between April 9 and August 9, 2020, molecular diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed in 154 asymptomatic people in contact with subjects diagnosed with COVID-19. Nasopharyngeal swabs were performed on these people in different hospitals in Córdoba, the Caribbean area of Colombia. The genes E, RdRp, and N were amplified with RT-qPCR. Based on the molecular results and the Cq values, the patients were subsequently followed up through telephone calls to verify their health conditions. Results. Overall, of 154 asymptomatic individuals, 103 (66.9%) remained asymptomatic, and 51 (33.1%) changed to symptomatic. The most frequent clinical manifestations in young people were anosmia and arthralgia; in adults, they were cough, ageusia, and odynophagia; in the elderly were epigastralgia, dyspnea, and headache. Mortality was 8%. Conclusions. A proportion of 33% of presymptomatic individuals was found, of which four of them died. This high rate could indicate a silent transmission, contributing significantly to the increase in the epidemic associated with SARS-CoV-2.
Comparison of severity signs between patients with primary and secondary dengue infection during the 2016 Burkina Faso (West Africa) outbreak.
Authors: Diendéré Eric Arnaud , Sondo/Ouédraogo Apoline Kognimisson , Diallo ismael , Ky/Ba Absetou , Rouamba Toussaint , Dutertre Yann Yves , Bognounou René , Ly Djeneba , Zoungrana Jacques , Sawadogo Abdoulaye , Guira Oumar , Tieno Hervé , Poda Armel , Tinto Halidou
Published: November 2020

Background The factors that expose the severity of dengue are still controversial, particularly the relationship between severe dengue and secondary dengue. More importantly, the severity of dengue infection remains poorly studied in Africa. The objective of this study was to compare severity signs between patients with primary and secondary dengue infection during the 2016 dengue outbreak in Burkina Faso.Methods This was a cross-sectional study through a retrospective examination of patient medical records managed in Ouagadougou for dengue fever from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017. All health facilities with the capacity to perform dengue diagnosis in Ouagadougou were considered in the survey. Primary dengue was defined as the presence of AgNS1 and/or IgM and secondary dengue as the presence of IgG associated with one of these two markers. Patients with only IgG were excluded. Univariate and multivariable analyzes were performed using a logistic regression with dengue infection (primary or secondary dengue) as the binary dependent variable. The statistical significant level was set at 0.05.Results Of the 811 patients managed for dengue fever during the study period, 418 (51.5%) were male. Thirty-five patients (4.3%) had primary dengue infection (AgNS1 + and / or IgM + with negative IgG) and seven hundred seventy-six (776) patients (95.7%) had secondary dengue infection. 245 patients (30.2%) experienced severe signs. Renal failure (13.1%) was the main sign of severity, followed by severe bleeding (10.6%). In univariate analysis, severe bleeding were associated with primary dengue infection (OR = 2.65, 95%IC: 1.16 -6.03, p = 0.01). Twenty-four deaths (9.8%) were reported during the period. Conclusion Signs of gravity can occur during primary dengue fever. This study highlight the need to conduct more studies on the severity factors of dengue fever.
Group-ICA with Functional Connectivity During Inhibition Control in Young Adults With Autistic-like Traits: an fMRI Study of a Stop-Signal Task
Authors: Yu Yaxu , He Li , jiang qiu
Published: November 2020

BackgroundFew studies explored response inhibition in autistic-like traits people, using task fMRI. In this study, we examine the functional connectivity of the brain using a stop-signal task based on fMRI among young adults with autistic-like traits and investigated their ability to achieve inhibition control.Methods29 of Chinese individuals measured with AQ. Then applied stop signal task to explore the difference in brain functional connectivity in individuals with autistic-like traits.ResultsThe results showed autistic-like traits people the longer the SSRT, the worse the inhibition ability. And we used networks obtained from groupICA analysis at the functional connectivity analysis level, the SN had a negative connection with left SMG; the DAN had a negative connection with left LG; the FPN had a positive connection with left PCG; the LN had a positive connection with vermis 4 5 and negative connection with left ITG. Furthermore, the SMG, LG, PCG, and temporal gyrus were also obtained in ROI-to-ROI analysis.LimitationsOur sample size smaller, still need to multicenter, large sample confirmed this conclusion. We want to use more task paradigms to explore inhibition control in autistic-like traits people.Conclusions﻿We found that autistic-like traits people had atypical functional connectivity within brain networks in the SN, DAN, FPN, and LN, and had atypical brain areas centered on the SMG, LG, PCG, and temporal gyrus. And also highlight the importance of considering executive control function of whole-brain functional connections to better characterize brain connectivity in young adults with autistic-like traits.
Transcriptome-(Phospho)proteome Characterization of the Brain of a Constitutional Model of Cytoplasmic-predominant Pten Expression With Autism-Like Phenotypes
Authors: Thacker Stetson , Eng Charis
Published: November 2020

BackgroundPTEN, a well-studied tumor suppressor, has one of the strongest Mendelian associations with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), representing a special case in autism’s complex genetic architecture. Animal modeling for constitutional Pten mutation creates an opportunity to study how disruption of Pten affects neurobiology, providing insights that may be generalizable or at least inform our understanding of ASD. Although the neural transcriptome has been well characterized in Pten models, little has been done concerning the proteome and phosphoproteome. This is a critical gap in knowledge given that these –omic landscapes are more proximal to the actively observed biology than the transcriptome.MethodsWe sought to comprehensively characterize the neural proteome and phosphoproteome of the Ptenm3m4/m3m4 mouse, which exhibits cytoplasmic-predominant Pten expression. Proteomic and phosphoproteomic scans of Ptenm3m4/m3m4 and wildtype mouse brain at two-weeks- (P14) and six-weeks-of-age (P40) were performed using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry technology. Following quantification of differentially expressed/phosphorylated proteins, we performed gene overlap, gene enrichment, pathway, and network analyses to identify the similarity across the various datasets and understand the affected biological landscape.ResultsWe identified numerous differentially expressed/phosphorylated proteins, finding that dysregulation was greater at P40, consistent with the prior neural transcriptome data. We found the affected biological pathways were largely related to PTEN function, neurological processes, or neuroinflammation. Although we found minimal overlap among differentially expressed transcriptome-proteome-phosphoproteome molecules between P14 and P40 brains, there was congruence amongst the affected pathways. Importantly, network analysis identified Pten and Psd-95 as predominant regulatory nodes in the proteome and phosphoproteome, respectively. Moreover, we found overlap between our differentially expressed/phosphorylated proteins and known ASD risk genes.ConclusionsDifferential expression/phosphorylation revealed by transcriptome-proteome/phosphoproteome analyses of a germline Pten mutation model point to ASD risk genes like Pten and Psd-95 as major hubs in the protein networks, highlighting their important regulatory influence. Our observations here suggest Pten and Psd-95, known interactors in biological networks in the brain, are critical to either initiation or maintenance of cellular and perhaps organismal phenotypes related to ASD. Future research should explore rescuing Pten and Psd-95 function in attempts to ameliorate neurological pathologies and behavioral abnormalities.
Clinical Risk Factors for Mortality Among Critically ill Mexican Patients With COVID-19
Authors: Hernández-Cárdenas Carmen , Choreño-Parra José Alberto , Torruco-Sotelo Carlos , Jurado Felipe , Serna-Secundino Héctor , Aguilar Cristina , García-Olazarán José G. , Hernández-García Diana , Choreño-Parra Eduardo M. , Zúñiga Joaquín , Lugo-Goytia Gustavo
Published: November 2020

BackgroundLittle literature exists about the experience with critically ill COVID-19 patients from Latin America, despite this is the current epicenter of the pandemic. Here, we aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and risk factors for mortality in mechanically-ventilated COVID-19 patients from Mexico. MethodsClinical data from sixty-seven consecutive, mechanically-ventilated COVID-19 patients were analyzed. Patients were grouped according to their clinical outcome (survival vs. death). Clinical risk factors for mortality were identified by machine-learning algorithms and traditional regression analyses. ResultsThe median age of study participants was 42 years and 65% were men. The most common comorbidity observed in our study was obesity (49.2%). Fever was the most frequent symptom of illness (88%), followed by dyspnea (84%), and cough (62%). Multilobe ground-glass opacities were observed in 76% of patients by thoracic CT scan. Fifty-two percent of study participants were ventilated in prone position, and 59% required cardiovascular support with norepinephrine. Furthermore, 49% of participants had a coinfection with a second pathogen. Two-thirds of COVID-19 patients developed acute kidney injury (AKIN). Thirty deaths occurred during the study (44.7%). Levels of uric acid, creatinine, bilirubin, and SOFA score, were significantly higher among deceased patients, whereas survivors showed higher PaO2/FiO2 values at admission. AKIN, uric acid, LDH, and a longitudinal increase in ventilatory ratio were associated with mortality. Baseline PaO2/FiO2 values and a longitudinal recovery of lymphocytes were protective factors against mortality.ConclusionsOur study provides reference data about the clinical phenotype and risk factors for COVID-19-assocaited mortality among mechanically-ventilated Mexican patients.
CXCL17 is a Prognostic Biomarker That Distinguishes Severe Pandemic InfluenzaA(H1N1) from COVID-19
Authors: Choreño-Parra José Alberto , Jiménez-Álvarez Luis Armando , Ramírez-Martínez Gustavo , Sandoval-Vega Montserrat , Salinas-Lara Citlaltepetl , Sánchez-Garibay Carlos , Luna-Rivero César , Hernández-Montiel Erika M. , Fernández-López Luis Alejandro , Cabrera-Cornejo María Fernanda , Choreño-Parra Eduardo M. , Cruz-Lagunas Alfredo , Domínguez Andrea , Márquez-García Eduardo , Cabello-Gutierrez Carlos , Bolaños-Morales Francina Valezka , Mena-Hernández Lourdes , Delgado-Zaldivar Diego , Rebolledo-García Daniel , Guadarrama-Ortiz Parménides , Regino-Zamarripa Nora E. , Mendoza-Milla Criselda , García-Latorre Ethel A. , Rodríguez-Reyna Tatiana Sofía , Hernández-Cárdenas Carmen M. , Khader Shabaana A. , Zlotnik Albert , Zúñiga Joaquín
Published: November 2020

BackgroundCXCL17 is chemotactic for myeloid cells, exhibits broad-spectrum bactericidal activity, and is expressed in mucosal tissues. This chemokine is constitutively expressed in the respiratory tract, suggesting a role for CXCL17 in lung defenses. However, little is known about the possible participation of CXCL17 during respiratory infections in humans. Here, we evaluated the role of CXCL17 as a biomarker in patients with severe pandemic influenza A(H1N1) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study in hospitalized patients with severe influenza A(H1N1) and COVID-19 admitted to two national reference centers in Mexico City. Peripheral blood samples were obtained on admission for determinations of the serum levels of CXCL17 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of CXCL17 in lung autopsy specimens from patients that succumbed to both diseases was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHQ). Serum CXCL17 levels were compared between patients grouped according to their disease and clinical outcome. The diagnostic and predictive value of serum CXCL17 levels was evaluated using machine-learning algorithms and regression analyses. ResultsA total of 92 patients were enrolled in the study, from which 68 were infected with influenza and 24 had COVID-19. Their clinical characteristics were similar, although dyspnea, rhinorrhea, and sputum production were more common during influenza, whereas dry cough and vomit were more frequent among COVID-19 patients. Both diseases induced the local expression of CXCL17 in the lung. However, serum levels of CXCL17 were increased only in patients with influenza but not COVID-19. CXCL17 not only differentiates influenza from COVID-19 but serves as a prognostic biomarker associated with mortality and renal failure in influenza patients. Using cell culture assays, we also identified that human alveolar A549 cells and peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages produce CXCL17 after influenza A(H1N1) pdm09 virus infection. ConclusionsOur results suggest a possible role for CXCL17 in the pathogenesis of influenza A(H1N1), supporting the use of this molecule as a prognostic biomarker. Future studies on the role of CXCL17 in COVID-19 are warranted.
One-Year Mortality of Cancer Patients with an Unplanned ICU Admission: A Cohort Analysis Between 2008 and 2017 in the Netherlands
Authors: Zee Esther Nadine van der , Termorshuizen Fabian , Benoit Dominique D. , Keizer Nicolette F. de , Bakker Jan , Kompanje Erwin J.O. , Rie Wim J.R. , Epker Jelle L.
Published: November 2020

BackgroundOver the last decades, a decrease in short-term mortality in cancer patients admitted to the ICU has been described in literature. However, it is unclear whether this decrease also results in a decrease in long-term mortality. Therefore, we examined the 1-year mortality of cancer patients (either haematological or solid) with an unplanned ICU admission.Methods and dataAll adult patients registered in the National Intensive Care Evaluation registry with an unplanned ICU admission in the Netherlands between 2008 and 2017 were included. The primary outcome was 1-year mortality, analysed with a mixed-effects cox-proportional hazard regression. We examined the trend in mortality rates over the inclusion period. Furthermore, we compared the 1-year mortality of cancer patients to that of patients without cancer. ResultsWe included 470,305 patients: 10,401 with haematological cancer, 35,920 with solid tumours, and 423,984 without cancer. The 1-year mortality rates were 60.1%, 46.2%, and 28.3% (p<0.01), respectively. While no statistically significant trend was found (p=0.58), a visual inspection of the graph showed a slightly decreasing trend in 1-year mortality over the inclusion period. Although we found a statistical significant difference in 1-year mortality in patients with a solid tumour (p<0.01), visual inspection showed a wide variety per year. We found a decreasing trend in 1-year mortality in ICU patients without a malignancy (p<0.01). Cancer patients surviving their critical illness and hospital admission had a 30% mortality at 1 year. ConclusionThe 1-year mortality in cancer patients with an unplanned ICU admission (either haematological or solid) was significantly higher than that of patients without cancer. A visual inspection showed a slight decrease in 1-year mortality in haematological patients, while the 1-year mortality in patients with a solid tumour varied per year. After hospital discharge, a considerable part of the patients with a malignancy died within 1 year. Physicians should discuss the long-term prognosis after an ICU admission with patients and relatives in order to manage treatments and expectations. Future research should focus on identifying cancer patients who will benefit from an ICU admission.