bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in management of humeral and clavicular shaft fractures amongst fellowship trained orthopedic traumatologists
Authors: Sharareh Behnam , Perkins Christopher
Published: September 2020

Background

There exists a wide variety of opinions on the appropriate management of diaphyseal humeral and clavicular fractures amongst orthopedic surgeons.

The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a preference amongst orthopedic traumatologists on treatment of diaphyseal humerus and clavicle fractures with respect to various patient populations.

Methods

A 6-question survey was created using Surveymonkey.com and distributed via the Orthopedic Trauma Association (OTA) website to fellowship trained orthopedic surgery traumatologists to survey the preferred management of a simple oblique middle 1/3rd diaphyseal humerus fracture and a middle 1/3rd displaced diaphyseal clavicle fracture in the following 3 clinical settings: a healthy laborer, an older patient with co-morbidities, and if the surgeon themselves sustained the injury. The ratio of operative to non-operative management was calculated for all 6 questions. A chi-square value was performed to determine if the results are clinically significant based on the clinical scenario.

Results

There was 56 responses to the survey that were included in the analysis. Overall, there was a statistically significant trend towards surgical management of the surgeon’s own diaphyseal humerus fractures (55%) compared to that of healthy patients (41%) and those with medical comorbidities (21%) (p = 0.02) A similar trend was noted for operative management for diaphyseal clavicle fractures by the surgeon on their own fractures (43%) compared to that of healthy patients (38%) and those with medical comorbidities (18%) (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

While there are an increasing number of relative indications for treatment of diaphyseal humerus shaft and clavicle fractures, the results of this survey indicate that fellow-ship-trained orthopedic trauma surgeons prefer surgical management of simple humerus and clavicular fractures in young, healthy patients as well as in themselves.
The impact of occupational and personal factors on musculoskeletal pain - a cohort study of female nurses, sonographers and teachers
Authors: Arvidsson Inger , Gremark Simonsen Jenny , Lindegård-Andersson Agneta , Björk Jonas , Nordander Catarina
Published: September 2020

Background

Musculoskeletal pain is common in the general population and constitutes a major public health problem.A large proportion of these conditions may be work related. The aim of this study was to explore the relative importance of physical, psychosocial and personal factors, in number of pain sites and in five specific pain sites, among women in common professions with a broad variety of occupational exposures.

Methods

A cohort of 1115 women responded to a questionnaire on ergonomic, psychosocial, personal and life-style factors, and the outcome measure of musculoskeletal pain (based on frequency and intensity of complaints at nine anatomical sites), at baseline and at follow-up. Sum scores of ergonomic and psychosocial factors were created. The importance of exposure at baseline for the number of pain sites at follow-up were estimated using ordinal regression. The importance of exposure at baseline for pain in the neck, shoulders, hands, lower back and feet at follow-up were estimated using multi-exposure Poisson regression models.

Results

High sum scores for ergonomic and psychosocial factors were of importance for a high number of pain sites, although the strongest risk factor was a high number of pain sites already at baseline. On the individual level, there was a large fluctuation in number of pain sites between the two time points. Eighteen percent reported persistent (or recurrent) ≥ four pain sites, while only 11 % did not report any pain at baseline or at follow-up. Among the specific pain sites, a high sum score of ergonomic factors was associated with pain in the neck, hands and feet. A high sum score of psychosocial factors was associated with neck and shoulder pain. The strongest risk factor was, however, pain at that specific anatomical site at baseline. Only a few of the personal and life-style factors were associated with pain.

Conclusions

An overwhelming majority of the women in common occupations were affected by musculoskeletal pain. Both ergonomic and psychosocial factors were predictive of a high number of pain sites and of specific pain sites. These findings indicate the need for preventive measures on the individual, organizational and societal level.
Intravertebral cleft in pathological vertebral fracture resulting from spinal tuberculosis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Dong Liang , Dong Chunke , Zhu Yuting , Wei Hongyu
Published: September 2020

Background

Among common findings in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs), the intravertebral cleft (IVC) is usually considered a benign lesion. The current study was aimed to present a rare case of vertebral fracture caused by IVC-related spinal tuberculosis.

Case presentation

A 73-year-old female complained of back pain and weakness in lower limbs for 2 weeks. 3 months ago, after a minor trauma, she got back pain without weakness in lower limbs. Initially, she was diagnosed with a L1 compression fracture and accepted conservative treatment. After an asymptomatic period, she complained progressive pain at the fracture position with weakness of both lower limbs and was referred to our hospital with suspicion of Kümmell’s disease. The patient underwent posterior debridement and internal fixation for decompression and stabilization of the spine. Pathological examinations revealed the patient with spinal tuberculosis.

Conclusions

Although IVC is common in patients with OCVFs, there are some cases believed to be found in patients with spinal tuberculosis or infection. Further test, like CT-guided puncture biopsy, may be required before decisive treatment when an IVC is observed.
The efficacy of analgesics in controlling orthodontic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cheng Caiqi , Xie Tian , Wang Jun
Published: September 2020

Background

Patients who had gone through orthodontic treatment experienced pain and discomfort which could be the highest-ranking reason for treatment disturbance or early termination. Thus, this review aimed to assess the efficacy of analgesics on the relief of pain in orthodontic treatment.

Methods

A computerized literature search was conducted in the databases of EMBASE (via OVID, 1974 to 2019 Week 50), MEDLINE (via OVID, 1946 to Dec 2019), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (December 2019). The Cochrane Collaboration’s Review Manager 5.3 software was applied in the present study. And methodological quality was evaluated by the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.

Results

We identified twelve publications including 587 patients in 19 randomized controlled trials. The results showed that the mean difference of naproxen in visual analogue scale (VAS) were − 1.45 (95% CI -2.72, − 0.19; P = .02), − 2.11 (95% CI -3.96, − 0.26; P = .03) and − 1.90 (95% CI -3.33, − 0.47; P = .009) in 2 h, 6 h and 24 h respectively. As for ibuprofen, the standard mean differences were − 1.10 (95% CI -1.49, − 0.71), − 1.63(95% CI -2.32, − 0.95) and − 1.34 (95% CI -2.12, − 0.55) at 2 h, 6 h, and 24 h, with the overall P values all < 0.001. The mean difference of acetaminophen is − 0.68, − 1.34, − 1.91 at three time points and the overall P values all < 0.01.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis suggests that the use of analgesics is effective for patients in controlling orthodontic pain. Ibuprofen and naproxen are both of stable analgesic effects which could peak at 6 h, while the analgesic effect of acetaminophen increases steadily from 2 h through 24 h. Compared with ibuprofen and acetaminophen, naproxen shows a stronger analgesic effect either at 2 h or 6 h, and its effect lasts to 24 h.
Perception, knowledge, and attitudes towards molar incisor hypomineralization among Spanish dentists: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Serna-Muñoz Clara , Martínez-Beneyto Yolanda , Pérez-Silva Amparo , Poza-Pascual Andrea , Ibáñez-López Francisco Javier , Ortiz-Ruiz Antonio José
Published: September 2020

Background

Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a growing health problem, and its treatment is a challenge. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate and compare the perceptions, knowledge, and clinical experiences of MIH in general dental practitioners (GDPs) and paediatric dentists (PDs) in Spain.

Methods

All dentists belonging to the College of Dentists of the Region of Murcia, in the South-East of Spain, were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey. They were asked to complete a two-part questionnaire including sociodemographic profiles and knowledge, experience, and perceptions of MIH. Data were analysed using Pearson’s chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test and Cramer’s V test.

Results

The overall response rate was 18.6% (214/1147). Most respondents were aged 31–40 years (44.86%), with more than 15 years of professional experience (39.72%). They worked mainly in the private sector (84.58%) and were licensed in dentistry (74.30%): 95.45% of PDs had detected an increase in the incidence of MIH in recent years (p <  0.001). Only 23.80% of GDPs claimed to have made a training course on MIH. With respect to the aetiology, chronic medical conditions (p = 0.029) and environmental pollutants (p = 0.008) were the only factors that showed significant between-group differences. Durability (p = 0.009) and remineralization potential (p = 0.018) were the factors where there was a between-group difference in the choice of the restoration material. In the case of post-eruptive fractures and opacities, the preferred material for both groups was resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGIC). However, in incisor lesions, composite was the material of choice for both groups, with significant differences (p = 0.032) in the use of glass ionomer. Most respondents expressed a need for continuing education on MIH.

Conclusion

Spanish dentists perceived an increase in the incidence of MIH. The material of choice was RMGIC for non-aesthetic sectors and composite for incisors. Dentists believe it is difficult or very difficult to manage MIH, since the long-term success of restorations of MIH lesions is compromised because resin adhesion is not good. Both GDPs and PDs believe they need more training on the aetiology, diagnosis, and treatment of MIH.
Differences in perspectives of pediatricians on advance care planning: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Song In Gyu , Kang Sung Han , Kim Min Sun , Kim Cho Hee , Moon Yi Ji , Lee Jung
Published: September 2020

Background

The increase in the number of pediatric patients with complex health conditions necessitates the application of advance care planning for children. Earlier, withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment was taboo in the medical society in South Korea due to the history of such practice being punishable by law, and physicians tended to pursue aggressive treatment. With changes in public opinion on end-of-life care, the Korean government enacted a new law that protect human dignity by respecting patients’ self-determination and facilitating advance care planning. However, little is known about current state of advance care planning for pediatric patients. The study aimed to assess perceptions regarding advance care planning among South Korean pediatricians and clarify any differences in perception among pediatric subspecialties.

Methods

This study was an observational cross-sectional survey that used a web-based self-report questionnaire. Participants comprised of pediatricians currently caring for children with life-limiting conditions in 2018.

Results

Of the 96 respondents, 89 were included in the analysis. In a hypothetical patient scenario, more hemato-oncologists and intensivists than neonatologists and neurologists preferred to provide comfort care than aggressive treatment. While 72.2% of hemato-oncologists reported that they usually or always discuss advance care plans with parents during treatment, more than half of other pediatricians reported that they seldom do so. Furthermore, 65% of respondents said that they never discuss advance care planning with adolescent patients. Moreover, there were no notable differences among subspecialties. The most prevalent answers to factors impeding advance care planning were lack of systemic support after performing advance care planning (82.0%) and uncertain legal responsibilities (70.8%).

Conclusions

The pediatricians differed in their experiences and attitudes toward advance care planning based on their subspecialty. Consequently, institutional support and education should be provided to physicians so that they can include children and families in discussions on prognosis.
Assessment of left atrial function in feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by using two- dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Kiatsilapanan Arisara , Surachetpong Sirilak Disatian
Published: September 2020

Background

Left atrial (LA) function plays an important role in diastolic dysfunction in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) is a technique for assessing LA function. This study aimed to evaluate the LA function in HCM cats compared to normal cats, using 2D-STE.

Results

Seventeen client-owned cats affected with HCM and twenty healthy control cats were studied. Conventional echocardiographic and 2D-STE variables were measured and compared between groups (control and HCM groups). Variability of the peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) displayed good reproducibility with 4.7% intra-observer and 14% inter-observer repeatability. The mean value of PALS in the HCM group (13.16 ± 8.64) was lower than that in the control group (28.54 ± 10.31) (P < 0.001). PALS was lowest in the LA roof region. The atrial longitudinal strains of septal and lateral regions were significantly lower in the HCM group than in the normal group. The PALS correlated with the percentage of the LA fractional shortening (LA-FS) (r = 0.538, P = 0.001), the percentage of the LA ejection fraction (LA-EF) (r = 0.797, P < 0.001), and the LA fractional area change (FAC) (r = 0.746, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

PALS is a feasible and reproducible method to evaluate the LA function in cats affected with HCM.
LncRNA and transcriptomic analysis of fetal membrane reveal potential targets involved in oligohydramnios
Authors: Ou Yu-hua , Liu Yu-kun , Zhu Li-qiong , Chen Man-qi , Yi Xiao-chun , Chen Hui , Zhang Jian-ping
Published: September 2020

Background

The multiple causes of oligohydramnios make it challenging to study. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are sets of RNAs that have been proven to function in multiple biological processes. The purpose of this study is to study expression level and possible role of lncRNAs in oligohydramnios.

Methods

In this study, total RNA was isolated from fetal membranes resected from oligohydramnios pregnant women (OP) and normal amount of amniotic fluid pregnant women (Normal). LncRNA microarray was used to analyze the differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) was used to analyze the main enrichment pathways of differentially expressed mRNAs. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to validate the lncRNA expression level.

Results

LncRNA microarray analysis revealed that a total of 801 lncRNAs and 367 mRNAs were differentially expressed in OP; in these results, 638 lncRNAs and 189 mRNAs were upregulated, and 163 lncRNAs and 178 mRNAs were downregulated. Of the lncRNAs, 566 were intergenic lncRNAs, 351 were intronic antisense lncRNAs, and 300 were natural antisense lncRNAs. The differentially expressed lncRNAs were primarily located in chromosomes 2, 1, and 11. KEGG enrichment pathways revealed that the differentially expressed mRNAs were enriched in focal adhesion as well as in the signaling pathways of Ras, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), estrogen, and chemokine. The qPCR results confirmed that LINC00515 and RP11-388P9.2 were upregulated in OP. Furthermore, the constructed lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA regulatory network revealed tenascin R (TNR), cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), ATP-binding cassette sub-family A member 12 (ABCA12), and collagen 9A2 (COL9A2) as the candidate targets of LINC00515 and RP11-388P9.2.

Conclusions

In summary, we revealed the profiles of lncRNA and mRNA in OP. These results might offer potential targets for biological prevention for pregnant women with oligohydramnios detected before delivery and provided a reliable basis for clinical biological treatment in OP.
Development and validation of nutrient estimates based on a food-photographic record in Japan
Authors: Saeki Keigo , Otaki Naoto , Kitagawa Maiko , Tone Nobuhiro , Takachi Ribeka , Ishizuka Rika , Kurumatani Norio , Obayashi Kenji
Published: September 2020

Background

Previous studies have reported that estimates of portion size, energy, and macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fat based on the food-photographic record closely correlate with directly weighed values. However, the correlation based on a large sample of the test meal with the evidence of many nutrients is yet to be determined. We conducted this study to assess the correlation and difference between the food-photographic record and weighed results for 44 nutrients based on a larger number of test meals than those in previous studies.

Methods

We assessed the nutrients of test meals using a food-photographic record and direct weighing and compared the results of the two methods. Twenty participants prepared a total of 1163 test meals. Each participant cooked 28–29 different kinds of dishes. Five participants cooked the same dish with their own recipes. For the most commonly consumed 41 dishes, 20 participants served a meal with their usual portion size. For the remaining 73 dishes, five participants served a meal with their usual portion size. An independent researcher weighed each ingredient and calculated the nutrients of the test meals. The participants took photographs of the test meals using a digital camera. Two independent, trained analysts measured the longitudinal and transverse diameters of the food area on the photographs of the test meals, compared the portion size with the reference photographs, and calculated the nutrients based on a database that contained reference photographs.

Results

Rank correlation coefficients between estimates from the food-photographic record of each test meal and weighed results were high for portion size (r = 0.93), energy (r = 0.93), protein (r = 0.90), fat (r = 0.92), and carbohydrate (r = 0.94), and those for the 44 nutrients ranged from 0.78 to 0.94. We found high reproducibility between the two analysts for all the nutrients (r > 0.90).

Conclusions

We found a high correlation and small difference between the food-photographic record method and weighed results of a large number of nutrients in many test meals.
Tracking animal movements using biomarkers in tail hairs: a novel approach for animal geolocating from sulfur isoscapes
Authors: Kabalika Zabibu , Morrison Thomas A. , McGill Rona A. R. , Munishi Linus K. , Ekwem Divine , Mahene Wilson Leonidas , Lobora Alex L. , Newton Jason , Morales Juan M. , Haydon Daniel T. , Hopcraft Grant G. J. C.
Published: September 2020

Background

Current animal tracking studies are most often based on the application of external geolocators such as GPS and radio transmitters. While these technologies provide detailed movement data, they are costly to acquire and maintain, which often restricts sample sizes. Furthermore, deploying external geolocators requires physically capturing and recapturing of animals, which poses an additional welfare concern. Natural biomarkers provide an alternative, non-invasive approach for addressing a range of geolocation questions and can, because of relatively low cost, be collected from many individuals thereby broadening the scope for population-wide inference.

Methods

We developed a low-cost, minimally invasive method for distinguishing between local versus non-local movements of cattle using sulfur isotope ratios (δ34S) in cattle tail hair collected in the Greater Serengeti Ecosystem, Tanzania.

Results

We used a Generalized Additive Model to generate a predicted δ34S isoscape across the study area. This isoscape was constructed using spatial smoothers and underpinned by the positive relationship between δ34S values and lithology. We then established a strong relationship between δ34S from recent sections of cattle tail hair and the δ34S from grasses sampled in the immediate vicinity of an individual’s location, suggesting δ34S in the hair reflects the δ34S in the environment. By combining uncertainty in estimation of the isoscape, with predictions of tail hair δ34S given an animal’s position in the isoscape we estimated the anisotropic distribution of travel distances across the Serengeti ecosystem sufficient to detect movement using sulfur stable isotopes.

Conclusions

While the focus of our study was on cattle, this approach can be modified to understand movements in other mobile organisms where the sulfur isoscape is sufficiently heterogeneous relative to the spatial scale of animal movements and where tracking with traditional methods is difficult.
Predictability analysis of the Pound’s Brexit exchange rates based on Google Trends data
Authors: Mavragani Amaryllis , Gkillas Konstantinos , Tsagarakis Konstantinos P.
Published: September 2020

During the last decade, the use of online search traffic data is becoming popular in examining, analyzing, and predicting human behavior, with Google Trends being a popular tool in monitoring and analyzing the users' online search patterns in several research areas, like health, medicine, politics, economics, and finance. Towards the direction of exploring the Sterling Pound’s predictability, we employ Google Trends data from the last 5 years (March 1st, 2015 to February 29th, 2020) and perform predictability analysis on the Pound’s exchange rates to Euro and Dollar. The period selected includes the 2016 UK referendum as well as the actual Brexit day (January 31st, 2020), with the analysis aiming at analyzing the Pound’s relationships with Google query data on Pound-related keywords and topics. A quantile dependence method is employed, i.e., cross-quantilograms, to test for directional predictability from Google Trends data to the Pound’s exchange rates for lags from zero to 30 (in weeks). The results indicate that statistically significant quantile dependencies exist between Google query data and the Pound’s exchange rates, which point to the direction of one of the main implications in this field, that is to examine whether the movements in one economic variable can cause reactions in other economic variables.
Perspective on fibrinolytic therapy in COVID-19: the potential of inhalation therapy against suppressed-fibrinolytic-type DIC
Authors: Asakura Hidesaku , Ogawa Haruhiko
Published: September 2020

A high rate of thrombotic complications, such as pulmonary embolism, has been linked to mortality in COVID-19, and appropriate treatment of thrombosis is important for lifesaving. Although heparin is frequently used to treat thrombotic pathology in COVID-19, pulmonary embolism is still seen in severe cases. Although systemic fibrinolytic therapy is a focus of attention because a thrombotic pathology is the cause of death in severe COVID-19, it should be kept in mind that fibrinolytic therapy might be harmful at advanced stage of COVID-19 where the status of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) has been transmitted from suppressed-fibrinolytic to enhanced-fibrinolytic in disease progression of COVID-19. In this respect, inhalation therapy with fibrinolytic substances might be a safe and promising treatment.
Extracellular vesicles from the apoplastic fungal wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici
Authors: Hill Erin H. , Solomon Peter S.
Published: September 2020

Background

The fungal pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici is a significant constraint to wheat production in temperate cropping regions around the world. Despite its agronomic impacts, the mechanisms allowing the pathogen to asymptomatically invade and grow in the apoplast of wheat leaves before causing extensive host cell death remain elusive. Given recent evidence of extracellular vesicles (EVs)—secreted, membrane-bound nanoparticles containing molecular cargo—being implicated in extracellular communication between plants and fungal pathogen, we have initiated an in vitro investigation of EVs from this apoplastic fungal wheat pathogen. We aimed to isolate EVs from Z. tritici broth cultures and examine their protein composition in relation to the soluble protein in the culture filtrate and to existing fungal EV proteomes.

Results

Zymoseptoria tritici EVs were isolated from broth culture filtrates using differential ultracentrifugation (DUC) and examined with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Z. tritici EVs were observed as a heterogeneous population of particles, with most between 50 and 250 nm. These particles were found in abundance in the culture filtrates of viable Z. tritici cultures, but not heat-killed cultures incubated for an equivalent time and of comparable biomass. Bottom-up proteomic analysis using LC–MS/MS, followed by stringent filtering revealed 240 Z. tritici EV proteins. These proteins were distinct from soluble proteins identified in Z. tritici culture filtrates, but were similar to proteins identified in EVs from other fungi, based on sequence similarity analyses. Notably, a putative marker protein recently identified in Candida albicans EVs was also consistently detected in Z. tritici EVs.

Conclusion

We have shown EVs can be isolated from the devastating fungal wheat pathogen Z. tritici and are similar to protein composition to previously characterised fungal EVs. EVs from human pathogenic fungi are implicated in virulence, but the role of EVs in the interaction of phytopathogenic fungi and their hosts is unknown. These in vitro analyses provide a basis for expanding investigations of Z. tritici EVs in planta, to examine their involvement in the infection process of this apoplastic wheat pathogen and more broadly, advance understanding of noncanonical secretion in filamentous plant pathogens.
Cardioprotective effect of garlic extract in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in a rat model: assessment of pro-apoptotic caspase-3 gene expression
Authors: Islam Dipa , Banerjee Shanta Monisha , Akhter Samina , Lyzu Chadni , Hakim Mahmuda , Islam Md. Rezuanul , Mohanta Liton Chandra , Lipy Evena Parvin , Roy Dipankar Chandra
Published: September 2020

Background

Myocardial Infarction (MI), also known as heart attack, is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases. Although certain drugs or mechanical means are used, day by day natural products such as herbs and spices based MI treatment is getting much popularity over the drugs or mechanical means for their pharmacological effects and have low or no side effects. This study was designed to assess the cardio-protective effect of methanolic extract of Bangladeshi multi clove garlic (Allium sativum) cultivar, a highly believed spice having cardioprotective activity, against isoproterenol (ISO) induced MI through cardiac histopathology as well as cardiac apoptotic caspase-3 gene expression study in female Wistar albino rats. Four groups containing 35 rats treated with respective agents like distill water / garlic extract (200 mg/kg-body-weight/day) up to 28 days and normal saline / ISO (100 mg/kg-body-weight/day) on 29th and 30th day were sacrificed (two rats/group/sacrifice) on the day 31, 46 and 61 and collecting the heart, cardiac histology and gene expression analysis were performed.

Results

ISO induced MI rats pretreated with garlic extract revealed up regulated expression of the cardiac apoptotic caspase-3 gene at the initial stage but finally the expressions gradually getting down regulated along with gradual improving the cardiac damage caused by apoptosis. Furthermore, only garlic extract pretreated rats were found undamaged cardioarchitecture and normal expressions of this gene.

Conclusions

These findings suggested that garlic extract confers having significant cardioprotective effect and consuming this spice with regular diet may reduce the risk of MI.
Clinical significance of red blood cell distribution width in systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Mohamed Osama Sayed Daifallah , Azmy Gehan Joseph , Elfadl Esam Mohammed Abu
Published: September 2020

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-organ autoimmune disorder with wide variety of clinical presentations. Recently, red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has been used as an inflammatory marker, similar to the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) where systemic inflammation has been linked to increased RDW. Many researches have assessed independently selective different hematological markers that may reflect disease activity.

Our study aims to examine a number of hematological parameters that could reflect disease activity and to assess if there is a relationship between different hematological parameter (RDW, neutrophils and lymphocytes) to reflect SLE activity using Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI).

Results

The study comprised 60 SLE patients (52 females and 8 males) with a mean age of 34.53 years and mean disease duration was 4.085 years. The RDW values were significantly higher (p < 0.001) when comparing active patients (16.64 ± 4.7) versus inactive patients (13.16 ± 2.67) and controls (12.7 ± 1.13). Otherwise, insignificant differences were reported when comparing inactive SLE patients versus the control group (p = 0.242). There were no significant correlations (p > 0.05) between neutrophil count and lymphocyte count with C3, C4, SLEDAI score, 24 h urinary proteins, platelets count but significant only with hemoglobin level (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Increased RDW is connected with active disease status of SLE patients. RDW could be used as a surrogate marker of the inflammation rather than neutrophil and lymphocyte count. It is a simple and easy testing included in CBC thus RDW could be used as a possible indicator to assess disease activity.
Tunicamycin-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Mediates Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Human Adipocytes
Authors: Jackisch Laura , Murphy Alice M , Kumar Sudhesh , Randeva Harpal , Tripathi Gyanendra , McTernan Philip G
Published: September 2020

Context

Dysfunctional endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria are known to contribute to the pathology of metabolic disease. This damage may occur, in part, as a consequence of ER-mitochondria cross-talk in conditions of nutrient excess such as obesity. To date, insight into this dynamic relationship has not been characterized in adipose tissue. Therefore, this study investigated whether ER stress contributes to the development of mitochondrial inefficiency in human adipocytes from lean and obese participants.

Methods

Human differentiated adipocytes from Chub-S7 cell line and primary abdominal subcutaneous adipocytes from lean and obese participants were treated with tunicamycin to induce ER stress. Key parameters of mitochondrial function were assessed, including mitochondrial respiration, membrane potential (MMP), and dynamics.

Results

ER stress led to increased respiratory capacity in a model adipocyte system (Chub-S7 adipocytes) in a concentration and time dependent manner (24 h: 23%↑; 48 h: 68%↑, P < 0.001; 72 h: 136%↑, P < 0.001). This corresponded with mitochondrial inefficiency and diminished MMP, highlighting the formation of dysfunctional mitochondria. Morphological analysis revealed reorganization of mitochondrial network, specifically mitochondrial fragmentation. Furthermore, p-DRP1, a key protein in fission, significantly increased (P < 0.001). Additionally, adipocytes from obese subjects displayed lower basal respiration (49%↓, P < 0.01) and were unresponsive to tunicamycin in contrast to their lean counterparts, demonstrating inefficient mitochondrial oxidative capacity.

Conclusion

These human data suggest that adipocyte mitochondrial inefficiency is driven by ER stress and exacerbated in obesity. Nutrient excess–induced ER stress leads to mitochondrial dysfunction that may therefore shift lipid deposition ectopically and thus have further implications on the development of related metabolic disorders.
Genome-Wide Association Analysis of Pancreatic Beta-Cell Glucose Sensitivity
Authors: Deshmukh Harshal A , Madsen Anne Lundager , Viñuela Ana , Have Christian Theil , Grarup Niels , Tura Andrea , Mahajan Anubha , Heggie Alison J , Koivula Robert W , De Masi Federico , Tsirigos Konstantinos K , Linneberg Allan , Drivsholm Thomas , Pedersen Oluf , Sørensen Thorkild I A , Astrup Arne , Gjesing Anette A P , Pavo Imre , Wood Andrew R , Ruetten Hartmut , Jones Angus G , Koopman Anitra D M , Cederberg Henna , Rutters Femke , Ridderstrale Martin , Laakso Markku , McCarthy Mark I , Frayling Tim M , Ferrannini Ele , Franks Paul W , Pearson Ewan R , Mari Andrea , Hansen Torben , Walker Mark
Published: September 2020

Context

Pancreatic beta-cell glucose sensitivity is the slope of the plasma glucose-insulin secretion relationship and is a key predictor of deteriorating glucose tolerance and development of type 2 diabetes. However, there are no large-scale studies looking at the genetic determinants of beta-cell glucose sensitivity.

Objective

To understand the genetic determinants of pancreatic beta-cell glucose sensitivity using genome-wide meta-analysis and candidate gene studies.

Design

We performed a genome-wide meta-analysis for beta-cell glucose sensitivity in subjects with type 2 diabetes and nondiabetic subjects from 6 independent cohorts (n = 5706). Beta-cell glucose sensitivity was calculated from mixed meal and oral glucose tolerance tests, and its associations between known glycemia-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genome-wide association study (GWAS) SNPs were estimated using linear regression models.

Results

Beta-cell glucose sensitivity was moderately heritable (h2 ranged from 34% to 55%) using SNP and family-based analyses. GWAS meta-analysis identified multiple correlated SNPs in the CDKAL1 gene and GIPR-QPCTL gene loci that reached genome-wide significance, with SNP rs2238691 in GIPR-QPCTL (P value = 2.64 × 10−9) and rs9368219 in the CDKAL1 (P value = 3.15 × 10−9) showing the strongest association with beta-cell glucose sensitivity. These loci surpassed genome-wide significance when the GWAS meta-analysis was repeated after exclusion of the diabetic subjects. After correction for multiple testing, glycemia-associated SNPs in or near the HHEX and IGF2B2 loci were also associated with beta-cell glucose sensitivity.

Conclusion

We show that, variation at the GIPR-QPCTL and CDKAL1 loci are key determinants of pancreatic beta-cell glucose sensitivity.
Effects of Thyroid Function on Phosphodiester Concentrations in Skeletal Muscle and Liver: An In Vivo NMRS Study
Authors: Beiglböck Hannes , Wolf Peter , Pfleger Lorenz , Caliskan Burak , Fellinger Paul , Zettinig Georg , Anderwald Christian Heinz , Kenner Lukas , Trattnig Siegfried , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra , Krššák Martin , Krebs Michael
Published: September 2020

Context

Thyroid function is clinically evaluated by determination of circulating concentrations of thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone; TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4). However, a tissue-specific effector substrate of thyroid function is lacking. Energy-rich phosphorus-containing metabolites (PM) and phospholipids (PL) might be affected by thyroid hormone action and can be noninvasively measured by 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMRS).

Objectives

To measure the actions of peripheral thyroid hormones on PM and PL tissue concentrations.

Design and Setting

A longitudinal, prospective pilot study was performed.

Participants

Nine patients with hyperthyroidism (HYPER) and 4 patients with hypothyroidism (HYPO) were studied at baseline and 3 months after treatment.

Main Outcome Measures

High-field 1H/31P NMRS was used to assess profiles of PM, PL, and flux through oxidative phosphorylase in liver and skeletal muscle, as well as ectopic tissue lipid content.

Results

The concentrations of total skeletal muscle (m-) and hepatic (h-) phosphodiesters (PDE) and one of the PDE constituents, glycerophosphocholine (GPC), were lower in HYPER compared with HYPO (m-PDE: 1.4 ± 0.4 mM vs 7.4 ± 3.5 mM, P = 0.003; m-GPC: 0.9 ± 0.3 mM vs 6.7 ± 3.5 mM, P = 0.003; h-PDE: 4.4 ± 1.4 mM vs 9.9 ± 3.9 mM, P = 0.012; h-GPC: 2.2 ± 1.0 mM vs 5.1 ± 2.4 mM, P = 0.024). Both h-GPC (rho = −0.692, P = 0.018) and h-GPE (rho = −0.633, P = 0.036) correlated negatively with fT4. In muscle tissue, a strong negative association between m-GPC and fT4 (rho = −0.754, P = 0.003) was observed.

Conclusions

Thyroxine is closely negatively associated with the PDE concentrations in liver and skeletal muscle. Normalization of thyroid dysfunction resulted in a decline of PDE in hypothyroidism and an increase in hyperthyroidism. Thus, PDE might be a sensitive tool to estimate tissue-specific peripheral thyroid hormone action.
Framing Black Performance
Authors: Baker Courtney R.
Published: September 2020

Recent African American film scholarship has called for an attention to the structures of black representation on screen. This work echoes the calls made in the 1990s by black feminist film and cultural scholars to resist the allure of reading for racial realism and to develop more appropriate critical tools and terms to acknowledge black artistic innovations. This essay takes up and reiterates that call, drawing attention to the problems of film interpretation that attend to a version of historical analysis without an understanding of form and medium. Foregrounding film as a terrain of struggle, the essay mobilizes an analysis of the 2014 film Selma to illuminate the multiple resonances of the concept representation. Focusing on the film’s representation of women and girl characters, the essay argues that cinematic play with the terms and conditions of representation comment powerfully on the limitations of cinematic and historical discourses to speak about the black femme as a political subject. Analysis of Selma exposes the key problems of reception and criticism facing contemporary African American film. The film speaks to the failure of de jure representational regimes in post–civil rights movement America and offers up the cinematic terrain as an important twenty-first-century site of African American struggle.
Inadequate fat diet
Authors: Levitsky A. P. , Egorov B. V. , Lapinskaya A. P. , Selivanskaya I. A.
Published: September 2020

Aim. To determine the main factors of inadequate fat diet (IAFD) and indicate the ways of their change.Methods. Analysis and generalization of existing scientific literature data and the results of our own research.Results. The following factors of IAFD have been identified:1) excess fat in the diet;2) an excess of palmitic acid in dietary fats;3) an excess of linoleic acid in dietary fats;4) consumption of thermoperoxide fats;5) deficiency of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).Conclusion. IAFD is a cause of metabolic and neuropsychiatric disorders underlying non-communicable diseases.
Are we still afraid of influenza during the Sars-Cov2 pandemic? - epidemiological analysis of influenza morbidity and vaccination in the 2019/2020 season
Authors: Ruszel Kinga , Piecewicz-Szczęsna Halina
Published: September 2020

Influenza is an infectious respiratory disease that is caused by influenza A and B viruses in humans. Pandemic outbreaks mainly involve type A virus of zoonotic origin. The severity of the pandemic flu depends on many factors, including the virulence of the pandemic virus strain and the level of pre-existing immunity. Symptoms associated with influenza virus infection differ from mild respiratory disease limited to the upper respiratory tract and are characterized by fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough, headache, muscle pain and fatigue, as well as severe and in some cases fatal pneumonia due to influenza virus or secondary bacterial infection of the lower respiratory tract. The influenza virus is quite often subject to modifications, which makes it necessary to formulate an influenza vaccine every year to match the circulating strains. These vaccines are not mandatory and, despite the broadly understood promotion among the public, they are not widely purchased. In addition, the vaccine's effectiveness is quite low in the case of an antigenic mismatch between the vaccine and the circulating strain of the virus, which causes a still high level of illness during the year. In the 2019/2020 season, a significant decrease in the number of influenza cases was observed in Poland and in the world. In this work, we will take a closer look at the numerical values of people with influenza and discuss the possible causes of this decline. Did the Covid-19 pandemic favorably affect the incidence of another virus, such as the influenza virus, and cause its decline, or did it just overshadow the real numbers, put society to sleep, and diverted their attention?
The epidemiological situation of morbidity and mortality on HIV / AIDS cases in Poland and globally in recent years
Authors: Ruszel Kinga , Piecewicz-Szczęsna Halina
Published: September 2020

Aim: The aim of this review is to summarize the data on the morbidity and mortality of HIV / AIDS in the years 2000-2020 in Poland and in the world. As a result of continuous insufficient diagnostics, still millions of people are not aware of the disease, which often results in regions or countries with a significantly increased incidence. We were looking for information about the impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic on the production, distribution, and prices. Availability of drugs, especially in middle and low income countries, was also examined.Materials and methods: PubMed databases and statistics from the National Institute of Public Health (NIZP- PZH) and global data from the websites of WHO, UNAIDS - Global HIV & AIDS statistics and HIV.gov were searched in June and July 2020. The UNAIDS 90-90-90 program was also assessed. This programme was run until 2020. In the PubMed database, we used medical terms "hiv", "aids", "hiv / aids". No language restrictions were added.Conclusion:UNAIDS report on the global AIDS epidemic shows that 2020 targets will not be met because of deeply unequal success; COVID-19 risks blowing HIV progress way off course. Missed targets have resulted in 3.5 million more HIV infections and 820 000 more AIDS-related deaths since 2015 than if the world was on track to meet the 2020 targets. In addition, the response could be set back further, by 10 years or more, if the COVID-19 pandemic results in severe disruptions to HIV services. Currently, the world is plunged into the fight against COVID-19 and people are forgetting that the HIV pandemic also carries a large number of deaths. Nevertheless, the spread of both viruses is different and in developed countries the possibility of significant spread of HIV is much lower than in poor countries. The spread of Sars-Cov2 virus is much more difficult to control. Although the risk of serious illness from COVID-19 for people with HIV is not known, people with HIV may have concerns and questions related to their risk. COVID-19 pandemic has seriously impacted the AIDS response and could disrupt it more. Progress in prevention of HIV transmission remains too slow and the estimated total number of new infections in 2019 is more than three times higher than the UNAIDS 2020 target. Despite advances in the scientific understanding of HIV and its prevention and treatment, and many years of significant efforts by the global health community and governmental and community organizations, too many HIV-positive people still lack access to prevention, care and treatment. There is still no cure for everybody with HIV / AIDS. Moreover, the HIV epidemic not only affects human health, but also strikes households, communities, and the development and economic growth of nations.
Immunotherapy in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) - analysis of epidemiology and cure - review
Authors: Ruszel Kinga , Piecewicz-Szczęsna Halina
Published: September 2020

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Poland. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounting for over 85% of all cases. Cancer incidence and mortality trends observed in the world and also Poland for many years, have been the resultants of changes associated with exposure to tobacco smoke carcino-gens (active smoking). Until recently, chemotherapy was the main treatment for NSCLC patients. Currently, thanks to the development of numerous research centers around the world, there are several methods of treating patients, which leads to the extension of cancer patients' lives and the improvement of their quality. The immune system plays an important role in controlling and eradicating cancer.  Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPs) have shown clear persistent responses and represent the emergence of a new approach to treating patients with NSCLC.  PD-1 inhibitors and PD-L1 inhibitors are a group of checkpoint inhibitors being developed for the treatment of cancer. Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) is an inhibitory receptor expressed by activated T cells that downmodulates effector functions and limits the generation of immune memory. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies targeting with PD-1 and PD-L1 has become standard of care for an increasing number of indications. However, many patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) experience disease progression after first- and second- line treatment; therefore more treatment options are needed for these patients. Due to the specific characteristics of cancer immunotherapy and the rapid advances in this field, clinical guidelines for the use of these drugs are needed, including patient selection, response monitoring, careful observation of side effects, and biomarker testing.
Pregnancy-associated breast cancer - diagnosis, treatment and outcomes for women and their offspring
Authors: Zielińska Martyna Maria , Zarankiewicz Natalia , Kuchnicka Aleksandra , Kosz Katarzyna , Ciseł Bogumiła
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is the most common malignancy in pregnant women with an incidence of 1 in 3-10 thousand pregnancies. It is mostly defined as breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy or within 1 year postpartum. The number of PABCs is going to raise due to the trend of delaying childbearing. Purpose: This review summarizes data on the occurrence and characteristics of PABC. The analysis comprises diagnosis and proper treatment of BC during pregnancy. Prognosis of women and their offspring are emphasized. Material and methods: The review is based on publications mainly from 2010 to 2019 and 5 articles from 1994-2008 collected on the PubMed.  Results: The sensitivity of breast ultrasonography (USG) in pregnancy is 70-100% and it is considered as safe for the fetus. Staging evaluation in pregnant women consists of chest x-ray, liver USG and non-contrast bone MRI. 71-88% of PABCs are invasive ductal carcinomas. Treatment consists of breast surgery regardless of time and optionally, chemotherapy from the 2nd trimester. Radiotherapy, tamoxifen and trastuzumab are contraindicated in PABC. Therapeutic abortion does not improve oncological outcome. Overall prognosis is similar for both pregnant and non-pregnant patients with similar type and stage of BC. The rate of congenital malformations is 1,3% for both children of PABC patients treated with chemotherapy and born from women without chemotherapeutic treatment. The most frequent obstetrical complication of PABC treatment is preterm delivery. Conclusions: Pregnancy does not impact oncologic outcome, if the treatment is appropriate. PABC patients have survival rates consistent with the stage of disease. Proper treatment of PABC does not increase the risk of congenital malformations and is relatively safe for the fetus.