bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of myoglobin oxygenation level on color stability of frozen beef steaks
Authors: Henriott Morgan L , Herrera Nicolas J , Ribeiro Felipe A , Hart Kellen B , Bland Nicolas A , Calkins Chris R
Published: June 2020

The emerging market of frozen meat emphasizes the need to better understand beef surface discoloration and the ideal parameters of freezing beef to retain an acceptable color. The objectives of this study were to determine the impacts of myoglobin oxygenation level prior to freezing and frozen storage duration on frozen beef color. USDA Choice strip loins (n = 36) were aged for 4 d or 20 d. Steaks were randomly assigned to a myoglobin oxygenation level [deoxygenated (DeOxy; immediately packaged after cutting), oxygenated (Oxy; oxygenated in air for 30 min), or highly oxygenated (HiOxy; packaged for 24 h in 80% O2)]. Steaks were then vacuum packaged in oxygen permeable or impermeable film and immediately frozen (−5 °C). Following either 0, 2, 4, or 6 mo of frozen storage, steaks were removed from the packaging and immediately analyzed for instrumental color (L*, a*, and b*), percent oxymyoglobin, metmyoglobin, and deoxymyoglobin, delta E, redness ratio, a*:b* ratio, hue angle, subjective discoloration, and lipid oxidation. The HiOxy steaks had greater oxygen penetration and the greatest a* values compared with DeOxy and Oxy steaks, regardless of packaging (P < 0.0005). With 4 d of aging, HiOxy steaks had greater a* values than DeOxy and Oxy at all storage times (P = 0.0118). The HiOxy steaks aged for 20 d and frozen for 6 mo had significantly higher delta E values than all other myoglobin oxygenation levels and postmortem aging periods (P < 0.0001). Redness and percent oxymyoglobin were highest for HiOxy steaks within each storage period (P < 0.0002). The HiOxy steaks had the highest percent oxymyoglobin and DeOxy had the lowest percent oxymyoglobin within each aging and storage period (P < 0.01). Conversely, DeOxy steaks had the highest percent metmyoglobin and HiOxy had the lowest percent metmyoglobin when packaged in impermeable film (P < 0.0001). The HiOxy steaks from 20 d of aging had the highest discoloration compared with 4 d aging and more discoloration than all other myoglobin treatments at 6 mo of storage (P < 0.0001). The HiOxy 20 d aged steaks exhibited the highest lipid oxidation values at 2, 4, and 6 mo (P = 0.0224) and HiOxy steaks exhibited a brighter and deeper cherry red color compared with the DeOxy steaks. The HiOxy steaks were greater in redness or similar when compared with Oxy steaks, but experienced more detrimental effects when frozen storage was extended.
A Case Study Evaluating the Efficacy of an Ad Hoc Hospital Collection Device for Fentanyl in Infant Oral Fluid
Authors: Gesseck Ashley M , Poklis Justin L , Wolf Carl E , Xu Jie , Bashir Aamir , Hendricks-Muñoz Karen D , Peace Michelle R
Published: June 2020

Neonatal drug exposure is currently assessed using meconium, urine, blood, hair, or umbilical cord tissue/blood. Due to the invasiveness, challenges, and limitations of collection, and/or analytical difficulties of these matrices, oral fluid may be a more desirable matrix in diagnosing opioid exposure and risk for opioid withdrawal in neonatal abstinence syndrome. Traditional oral fluid collection devices are not viable options as they are too large for neonates’ mouths and may contain chemicals on the collection pad. Unstimulated and stimulated infant oral fluid samples have been used for therapeutic drug monitoring as an alternative matrix to blood. The objective of this study was to assess the viability of a simple oral fluid collection system using a sterile foam-tipped swab rinsed in phosphate-buffered saline. Two infants were administered fentanyl for post-operative pain relief while hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond of Virginia Commonwealth University. Oral fluid samples were collected at 16 h, 2 days, and/or 7 days following the start of intravenous infusion of fentanyl. Samples were analyzed by ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for fentanyl and norfentanyl after solid-phase extraction. In one of the three samples tested, fentanyl and norfentanyl were detected at concentrations of 28 and 78 ng/mL, respectively. Based on the infusion rate, the theoretical oral fluid fentanyl concentration at steady state was calculated to be 33 ng/mL.
Impact of reduced smoking rates on lung cancer screening programs in Japan
Authors: Hemmi Osamu , Nomura Yumiko , Konishi Hiroshi , Kakizoe Tadao , Inoue Manami
Published: June 2020

Background

In Japan, lung cancer screening by annual chest radiography has been performed for the past 30 years. However, changes in risk factor status may have influenced the efficiency of current organized lung cancer screening program. The purpose of this study was to clarify whether the reduced smoking rate in younger Japanese affects the efficiency and effectiveness of lung cancer screening.

Methods

We investigated chronological changes in epidemiological indicators, which support lung cancer screening programs offered by the Japan Cancer Society, such as gender- and age-specific numbers of participants and lung cancers detected by the screening by clinical stage, in relation to smoking rates from 1991 to 2016.

Results

Participant age at the time of screening and age at the time of cancer detection have both increased over time. The lung cancer detection rate (LCDR) in younger age cohorts tended to decrease from 1991 to 2016 in both genders, particularly men aged <55 years. Age-adjusted LCDR significantly decreased from 1991 to 2016 in both genders. After 2001, ~45% of overall detected cases in men and 70% in women were found in stage I. Although trends differed between men and women, smoking rate decreased from 1991 to 2016 in most age cohorts in both genders.

Conclusions

These results suggest that organized lung cancer screening in Japan should be limited to higher-risk populations.
Evaluation of Filth Fly Species Composition and Abundance Using Two Monitoring Methods in Swine Confinement Housing
Authors: Machtinger Erika T , Burgess Edwin R
Published: June 2020

Concentrated swine production can produce large amounts of accumulated waste that may serve as development sites for pest flies. Filth flies are not only a nuisance but can also interfere with animal growth and production and are capable of mechanically transmitting many pathogens to swine on confinement facilities. In addition to production and health concerns, high populations of filth flies developing on concentrated animal facilities may subject producers to nuisance litigation. While litigation against livestock producers associated with pest filth flies has become more frequent and high profile, information on the filth fly fauna in swine facilities in the United States is limited. In this study, filth fly species diversity and population fluctuations were monitored with spot and sticky cards in one sow facility and two finishing facilities in North Carolina. House flies Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) were the dominant species followed by black dump flies Hydrotea (Ophyra) aenescens Weidemann (Diptera: Muscidae). A difference was seen in total spots on cards placed in more central barn locations than towards the outer walls in the sow facility but not the finishing facilities. Mean spots at only one of the finishing facilities exceeded the conventional control threshold of 100 spots/week, in May and June. Fly numbers decreased naturally in the following months, suggesting that standard control thresholds may not accurately inform filth fly control efforts in swine production. Due to their complementary nature, both spot and sticky cards placed in representative locations throughout barns are recommended. However, more swine-specific information is needed for optimizing monitoring methods.
Ventricular septal perforation followed by papillary muscle rupture with acute myocardial infarction: efficacy of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Ushioda Ryohei , Fujii Atsuko , Shirakawa Makoto , Shirasaka Tomonori , Kikuchi Shinsuke , Kamiya Hiroyuki , Kanamori Taro
Published: June 2020

The occurrence of multiple mechanical complications after myocardial infarction in the same patient may be extremely rare, and the surgical strategy may be very complex because each mechanical complication can be extremely fatal. The case of a patient who underwent repair of a ventricular septal perforation by venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO), then mitral valve replacement and VA-ECMO for papillary muscle rupture 2 weeks after the ventricular septal perforation repair, is reported. Immediate preoperative stabilization with VA-ECMO may play a crucial role in treating multiple mechanical complications after myocardial infarction.
Indeterminate dendritic cell tumor in the pancreas
Authors: Sortino Rosita , Schmid Michael , El Baz Yassir , Loosen Antonia , Tarantino Ignazio , Steffen Thomas , Schmied Bruno M , Abbassi Fariba
Published: June 2020

Indeterminate dendritic cell tumor (IDCT) is an extremely rare hematologic neoplastic disorder with proliferation of indeterminate dendritic cells. In the vast majority of cases, IDCTs are restricted to the skin or lymph nodes. To our knowledge, we report the first case of IDCT in the pancreas. Due to the rarity of extracutaneous IDCT, guidelines or treatment recommendations addressing their management are missing. We performed a review of literature to compare our experience to the management of other extracutaneous IDCT. Histopathological examination confirms the diagnosis of IDCT in electron microscopy and/or immunohistochemistry. Specific features are the lack of Birbeck granules and the nonreaction to Langerin antibodies. Concerning the aftercare of extracutaneous IDCT, we recommend a dermatological examination to rule out an additional cutaneous manifestation as well as annual blood examinations due to the association between IDCT and hematologic malignancies.
Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury Transported by Critical Care Air Transport Teams: The Influence of Altitude and Oxygenation during Transport
Authors: Maddry Joseph K , Araña Allyson A , Reeves Lauren K , Mora Alejandra G , Gutierrez Xandria E , Perez Crystal A , Ng Patrick C , Griffiths Sean A , Bebarta Vikhyat S
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are life-threatening, and air transport of patients with TBI requires additional considerations. To mitigate the risks of complications associated with altitude, some patients fly with a cabin altitude restriction (CAR) to limit the altitude at which an aircraft’s cabin is maintained. The goal of this study was to examine the effects of CARs on patients with TBI transported out of theater via Critical Care Air Transport Teams.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with moderate-to-severe TBI evacuated out of combat theater to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center via Critical Care Air Transport Teams. We collected demographics, flight and injury information, procedures, oxygenation, and outcomes (discharge disposition and hospital/ICU/ventilator days). We categorized patients as having a CAR if they had a documented CAR or maximum cabin altitude of 5,000 feet or lower in their Critical Care Air Transport Teams record. We calculated descriptive statistics and constructed regression models to evaluate the association between CAR and clinical outcomes.

Results

We reviewed the charts of 435 patients, 31% of which had a documented CAR. Nineteen percent of the sample had a PaO2 lower than 80 mm Hg, and 3% of patients experienced a SpO2 lower than 93% while in flight. When comparing preflight and in-flight events, we found that the percentage of patients who had a SpO2 of 93% or lower increased for the No CAR group, whereas the CAR group did not experience a significant change. However, flying without a CAR was not associated with discharge disposition, mortality, or hospital/ICU/ventilator days. Further, having a CAR was not associated with these outcomes after adjusting for additional flights, injury severity, injury type, or preflight head surgery.

Conclusions

Patients with TBI who flew with a CAR did not differ in clinical outcomes from those without a CAR.
Teleophthalmology Prevents Unnecessary Evacuation from Warzone
Authors: Cocozza Victoria R , Santamaria Joseph A , Giles G Bryant , Keehn Marion C , Miller Kyle
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this case report is to highlight the benefits of using teleconsultation to diagnose ophthalmologic conditions within the restraints of a combat environment. A previously healthy 49-year-old service member deployed in the Middle East presented with diplopia over the course of 2 weeks. Initial diagnosis by his primary care physician upon partial ophthalmologic exam was a pupil-sparing CN III palsy without ptosis. Initial teleconsultation response from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth was within 6 hours. After an ophthalmologic sensorimotor examination was videotaped and sent to the referred ophthalmologist, teleconsultation was completed and discussed with the patient. The updated diagnosis was CN IV palsy with slight right hypertropia worse on left gaze—most likely congenital in origin. Upon further follow-up stateside, his final diagnosis was diplopia related to thyroid disease. Overall, his diagnosis remained a nonurgent condition that allowed the service member to remain at his duty station and prevent an unnecessary evacuation. Ultimately, teleconsultation provided many benefits for the service member and the U.S. military.
Interlaboratory evaluation of Mucorales PCR assays for testing serum specimens: A study by the fungal PCR Initiative and the Modimucor study group
Authors: Rocchi S , Scherer E , Mengoli C , Alanio A , Botterel F , Bougnoux M E , Bretagne S , Cogliati M , Cornu M , Dalle F , Damiani C , Denis J , Fuchs S , Gits-Muselli M , Hagen F , Halliday C , Hare R , Iriart X , Klaassen C , Lackner M , Lengerova M , Letscher-Bru V , Morio F , Nourrisson C , Posch W , Sendid B , Springer J , Willinger B , White P L , Barnes R A , Cruciani M , Donnelly J P , Loeffler J , Millon L
Published: June 2020

Interlaboratory evaluations of Mucorales qPCR assays were developed to assess the reproducibility and performance of methods currently used. The participants comprised 12 laboratories from French university hospitals (nine of them participating in the Modimucor study) and 11 laboratories participating in the Fungal PCR Initiative. For panel 1, three sera were each spiked with DNA from three different species (Rhizomucor pusillus, Lichtheimia corymbifera, Rhizopus oryzae). For panel 2, six sera with three concentrations of R. pusillus and L. corymbifera (1, 10, and 100 genomes/ml) were prepared. Each panel included a blind negative-control serum. A form was distributed with each panel to collect results and required technical information, including DNA extraction method, sample volume used, DNA elution volume, qPCR method, qPCR template input volume, qPCR total reaction volume, qPCR platform, and qPCR reagents used. For panel 1, assessing 18 different protocols, qualitative results (positive or negative) were correct in 97% of cases (70/72). A very low interlaboratory variability in Cq values (SD = 1.89 cycles) were observed. For panel 2 assessing 26 different protocols, the detection rates were high (77–100%) for 5/6 of spiked serum. There was a significant association between the qPCR platform and performance. However, certain technical steps and optimal combinations of factors may also impact performance. The good reproducibility and performance demonstrated in this study support the use of Mucorales qPCR as part of the diagnostic strategy for mucormycosis.
In vivo mutagenicity evaluation of the soil fumigant 1,3-dichloropropene
Authors: Badding Melissa , Gollapudi B Bhaskar , Gehen Sean , Yan Zhongyu (June)
Published: June 2020

1,3-Dichloropropene (1,3-D; CAS No. 542-75-6) is a soil fumigant used for the control of nematodes in agriculture. There is an extensive database on the genotoxicity of 1,3-D and many of the published studies are confounded by the presence of mutagenic stabilisers in the test substance. Mixed results were obtained in the in vitro assays, often due to the purity of the 1,3-D sample tested. In order to get further clarity, the mutagenic potential of 1,3-D was investigated in vivo in the transgenic Big Blue rodent models. Inhalation exposure of 150 ppm 1,3-D (×2.5 tumourigenic dose) to transgenic male B6C3F1 mice did not induce lacI mutations in either the lung (tumour target tissue) or liver. Similarly, dietary administration of 1,3-D up to 50 mg/kg/day to transgenic male Fischer 344 rats did not increase the cII mutant frequency in either the liver (tumour target) or kidney. These results, along with other available in vivo data, including the absence of DNA adducts and clastogenic/aneugenic potential, support the conclusion that 1,3-D is efficiently detoxified in vivo and, as such, does not pose a mutagenic hazard or risk.
High-throughput methods for measuring DNA thermodynamics
Authors: Bae Jin H , Fang John Z , Zhang David Yu
Published: June 2020

Understanding the thermodynamics of DNA motifs is important for prediction and design of probes and primers, but melt curve analyses are low-throughput and produce inaccurate results for motifs such as bulges and mismatches. Here, we developed a new, accurate and high-throughput method for measuring DNA motif thermodynamics called TEEM (Toehold Exchange Energy Measurement). It is a refined framework of comparing two toehold exchange reactions, which are competitive strand displacement between oligonucleotides. In a single experiment, TEEM can measure over 1000 ΔG° values with standard error of roughly 0.05 kcal/mol.
Getting DNA and RNA out of the dark with 2CNqA: a bright adenine analogue and interbase FRET donor
Authors: Wypijewska del Nogal Anna , Füchtbauer Anders F , Bood Mattias , Nilsson Jesper R , Wranne Moa S , Sarangamath Sangamesh , Pfeiffer Pauline , Rajan Vinoth Sundar , El-Sagheer Afaf H , Dahlén Anders , Brown Tom , Grøtli Morten , Wilhelmsson L Marcus
Published: June 2020

With the central role of nucleic acids there is a need for development of fluorophores that facilitate the visualization of processes involving nucleic acids without perturbing their natural properties and behaviour. Here, we incorporate a new analogue of adenine, 2CNqA, into both DNA and RNA, and evaluate its nucleobase-mimicking and internal fluorophore capacities. We find that 2CNqA displays excellent photophysical properties in both nucleic acids, is highly specific for thymine/uracil, and maintains and slightly stabilises the canonical conformations of DNA and RNA duplexes. Moreover, the 2CNqA fluorophore has a quantum yield in single-stranded and duplex DNA ranging from 10% to 44% and 22% to 32%, respectively, and a slightly lower one (average 12%) inside duplex RNA. In combination with a comparatively strong molar absorptivity for this class of compounds, the resulting brightness of 2CNqA inside double-stranded DNA is the highest reported for a fluorescent base analogue. The high, relatively sequence-independent quantum yield in duplexes makes 2CNqA promising as a nucleic acid label and as an interbase Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) donor. Finally, we report its excellent spectral overlap with the interbase FRET acceptors qAnitro and tCnitro, and demonstrate that these FRET pairs enable conformation studies of DNA and RNA.
Impact of the dialysate acid component on haemodialysis mortality rates
Authors: Couchoud Cécile , Hannedouche Thierry , Bauwens Marc , Ecochard René , Lassalle Mathilde , Frimat Luc , Choukroun Gabriel , Lobbedez Thierry
Published: June 2020

Background

No prospective study has evaluated the long-term effect on mortality of the new acid concentrates added to bicarbonate dialysate. The aim of this pharmacoepidemiological study was to evaluate the association between hydrochloric or citric acid–based dialysate and mortality on haemodialysis (HD).

Methods

This study included 117 796 patients with 3 723 887 months on HD recorded in the national French Renal Epidemiology and Information Network registry. Dialysate acid components were retrospectively reconstructed for each facility. All patients on HD were associated each month with an exposure based on that at their facility of treatment. We took each patient’s time-varying exposure into account to calculate the monthly mortality rates for each exposure. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for mortality were calculated with a Poisson regression, with acetic acid as the reference. Regressions were adjusted for initial clinical characteristics (age, gender, previous cardiovascular events, active malignancy, diabetes, pulmonary disease, mobility), dialysis technique and location (in-centre, outpatient centre, self-care unit) and ESRD vintage, updated monthly.

Results

The crude mortality rate per 1000 patient-months with citric acid {11.5 [95% confidence interval (CI) 11.1–12.0]} was lower than with either acetic acid [12.9 (95% CI 12.8–13.1)] or hydrochloric acid [12.8 (95% CI 12.2–13.5)]. For the 2014–17 period, the IRR for mortality with citric acid [adjusted IRR 0.94 (95% CI 0.90–0.99)] and with hydrochloric acid [adjusted IRR 0.86 (95% CI 0.79–0.94)] were significantly lower than with acetic acid.

Conclusion

This post-marketing study of long-term exposure to dialysate acidifiers at the patient level found the use of citric and hydrochloric acid–based dialysates, compared with acetic acid, was associated with lower mortality.
Urine interleukin-9 and tumor necrosis factor-α for prognosis of human acute interstitial nephritis
Authors: Moledina Dennis G , Wilson F Perry , Kukova Lidiya , Obeid Wassim , Luciano Randy , Kuperman Michael , Moeckel Gilbert W , Kashgarian Michael , Perazella Mark A , Cantley Lloyd G , Parikh Chirag R
Published: June 2020

Background

We previously demonstrated that urine interleukin (IL)-9 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α can distinguish acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) from other causes of acute kidney injury. Here we evaluated the role of these biomarkers to prognosticate kidney function in patients with AIN.

Methods

In a cohort of participants with biopsy-proven, adjudicated AIN, we tested the association of histological features and urine biomarkers (IL-9 and TNF-α) with estimated glomerular filtration rate measured 6 months after diagnosis (6 m-eGFR) controlling for eGFR before AIN and albuminuria. We also evaluated subgroups in whom corticosteroid use was associated with 6 m-eGFR.

Results

In the 51 (93%) of the 55 participants with complete data, median (interquartile range) eGFR before and 6 m after AIN were 41 (27–69) and 28 (13–47) mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Patients with higher severity of interstitial fibrosis had lower 6 m-eGFR, whereas those with higher tubulointerstitial infiltrate had higher 6 m-eGFR. IL-9 levels were associated with lower 6 m-eGFR only in the subset of patients who did not receive corticosteroids [6m-eGFR per doubling of IL-9, −6.0 (−9.4 to −2.6) mL/min/1.73 m2]. Corticosteroid use was associated with higher 6 m-eGFR [20.9 (0.2, 41.6) mL/min/1.73 m2] only in those with urine IL-9 above the median (>0.66 ng/g) but not in others.

Conclusions

Urine IL-9 was associated with lower 6 m-eGFR only in participants not treated with corticosteroids. Corticosteroid use was associated with higher 6 m-eGFR in those with high urine IL-9. These findings provide a framework for IL-9-guided clinical trials to test efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy in patients with AIN.
Marriage and housework
Authors: Borra Cristina , Browning Martin , Sevilla Almudena
Published: June 2020

This article provides insights into the gains of forming a couple by estimating how much of the difference in housework between single and married individuals is causal and how much is due to selection. Time-varying observed variables and time-invariant heterogeneity explains about half of the observed differences in housework documented in the cross-sectional data. There remains a genuine one-and-a-half-hour increase per week in housework time for each partner, with women specializing in routine and men in non-routine housework tasks.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide rates
Authors: Sher Leo
Published: June 2020

Multiple lines of evidence indicate that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has profound psychological and social effects. The psychological sequelae of the pandemic will probably persist for months and years to come. Studies indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with distress, anxiety, fear of contagion, depression and insomnia in the general population and among healthcare professionals. Social isolation, anxiety, fear of contagion, uncertainty, chronic stress and economic difficulties may lead to the development or exacerbation of depressive, anxiety, substance use and other psychiatric disorders in vulnerable populations including individuals with pre-existing psychiatric disorders and people who reside in high COVID-19 prevalence areas. Stress-related psychiatric conditions including mood and substance use disorders are associated with suicidal behavior. COVID-19 survivors may also be at elevated suicide risk. The COVID-19 crisis may increase suicide rates during and after the pandemic. Mental health consequences of the COVID-19 crisis including suicidal behavior are likely to be present for a long time and peak later than the actual pandemic. To reduce suicides during the COVID-19 crisis, it is imperative to decrease stress, anxiety, fears and loneliness in the general population. There should be traditional and social media campaigns to promote mental health and reduce distress. Active outreach is necessary, especially for people with a history of psychiatric disorders, COVID-19 survivors and older adults. Research studies are needed of how mental health consequences can be mitigated during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Identity Politics and Trade Policy
Authors: Grossman Gene M , Helpman Elhanan
Published: June 2020

We characterize trade policies that result from political competition when assessments of well-being include both material and psychosocial components. The material component reflects, as usual, satisfaction from consumption. Borrowing from social identity theory, we take the psychosocial component as combining the pride and self-esteem an individual draws from the status of groups with which she identifies and a dissonance cost she bears from identifying with those that are different from herself. In this framework, changes in social identification patterns that may result, for example, from increased income inequality or heightened class or ethnic tensions, lead to pronounced changes in trade policy. We analyse the nature of these policy changes.
Biomarker profiles of endothelial activation and dysfunction in rare systemic autoimmune diseases: implications for cardiovascular risk
Authors: Wienke Judith , Mertens Jorre S , Garcia Samuel , Lim Johan , Wijngaarde Camiel A , Yeo Joo Guan , Meyer Alain , van den Hoogen Lucas L , Tekstra Janneke , Hoogendijk Jessica E , Otten Henny G , Fritsch-Stork Ruth D E , de Jager Wilco , Seyger Marieke M B , Thurlings Rogier M , de Jong Elke M G J , van der Kooi Anneke J , van der Pol W Ludo ,   Dutch Juvenile Myositis Consortium, Arkachaisri Thaschawee , Radstake Timothy R D J , van Royen-Kerkhof Annet , van Wijk Femke
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Vasculopathy is an important hallmark of systemic chronic inflammatory connective tissue diseases (CICTD) and is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. We investigated disease-specific biomarker profiles associated with endothelial dysfunction, angiogenic homeostasis and (tissue) inflammation, and their relation to disease activity in rare CICTD.

Methods

A total of 38 serum proteins associated with endothelial (dys)function and inflammation were measured by multiplex-immunoassay in treatment-naive patients with localized scleroderma (LoS, 30), eosinophilic fasciitis (EF, 8) or (juvenile) dermatomyositis (34), 119 (follow-up) samples during treatment, and 65 controls. Data were analysed by unsupervised clustering, Spearman correlations, non-parametric t test and ANOVA.

Results

The systemic CICTD, EF and dermatomyositis, had distinct biomarker profiles, with ‘signature’ markers galectin-9 (dermatomyositis) and CCL4, CCL18, CXCL9, fetuin, fibronectin, galectin-1 and TSP-1 (EF). In LoS, CCL18, CXCL9 and CXCL10 were subtly increased. Furthermore, dermatomyositis and EF shared upregulation of markers related to interferon (CCL2, CXCL10), endothelial activation (VCAM-1), inhibition of angiogenesis (angiopoietin-2, sVEGFR-1) and inflammation/leucocyte chemo-attraction (CCL19, CXCL13, IL-18, YKL-40), as well as disturbance of the Angiopoietin-Tie receptor system and VEGF-VEGFR system. These profiles were related to disease activity, and largely normalized during treatment. However, a subgroup of CICTD patients showed continued elevation of CXCL10, CXCL13, galectin-9, IL-18, TNFR2, VCAM-1, and/or YKL-40 during clinically inactive disease, possibly indicating subclinical interferon-driven inflammation and/or endothelial dysfunction.

Conclusion

CICTD-specific biomarker profiles revealed an anti-angiogenic, interferon-driven environment during active disease, with incomplete normalization under treatment. This warrants further investigation into monitoring of vascular biomarkers during clinical follow-up, or targeted interventions to minimize cardiovascular risk in the long term.
‘She Used to Doctor Us up Herself’: Patent Medicines, Mothers, and Expertise in Early Twentieth-Century Britain
Authors: Bramwell Erin Elizabeth
Published: June 2020

This article provides much-needed new insights into how patent medicines could enhance maternal power outside of clinical environments in the early twentieth century. While historians have considered the maternal management of domestic health, the role patent medicine products played in this complex equation of authority and expertise has yet to be the subject of sustained historical analysis. Using oral history archives, memoirs, social commentary, and advertisements, this article demonstrates how the expertise that mothers possessed was multifaceted, with powerful spatial, temporal, and even commercial connotations. This influence was especially significant at a time when clinical environments were still largely dominated by men, when the home was increasingly invaded by experts and expertise, and when dependants of wage earners were not covered by welfare provisions such as the 1911 National Insurance Act.
Effects of Arsenic (+3 Oxidation State) Methyltransferase Gene Polymorphisms and Expression on Bladder Cancer: Evidence from a Systematic Review, Meta-analysis and TCGA Dataset
Authors: Song Yuxuan , Jin Donghui , Chen Jingyi , Liang Wanfeng , Liu Xiaoqiang
Published: June 2020

Inorganic arsenic (iAs) is a recognized environment-related factor for bladder cancer (BCa). Arsenic (+3 oxidation state) methyltransferase (AS3MT) gene might influence BCa by regulating iAs metabolism. The aim of the present study was to explore whether AS3MT polymorphisms could affect BCa susceptibility. We systematically reviewed eligible case-control studies about AS3MT polymorphisms and BCa and to further compare the genotype distribution and allele distribution between BCa patients and controls by meta-analysis for humans. Besides, to clarify the effects of AS3MT expression on BCa clinical outcomes and survival time, we also conducted a series of analyses based on The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset. Databases were systematically retrieved and we applied Stata software to perform meta-analysis. The registration of this study protocol is at PROSPERO and ID is CRD42019133947. Five articles were recruited and pooled results demonstrated that rs3740393 and rs11191438 polymorphisms were related to BCa risk in overall population (p < .05) in the overall population. In addition, GG and GC genotypes in rs3740393 and GG genotype in rs11191438 might be the susceptibility genotypes for BCa. Results based on 168 BCa samples from TGCA indicated that patients with higher expression of AS3MT had poor overall survival time and AS3MT expression is an independent indicator for BCa survival. This study identified that AS3MT polymorphisms could affect BCa risk and AS3MT expression was pivotal in prognosis of BCa.
Complete Genome Resource of Pseudomonas coronafaciens X-1 Causing Halo Blight Disease in Oats
Authors: Kim Young Cheol
Published: June 2020

Pseudomonas coronafaciens X-1 was isolated from halo blight lesions on oat leaves in Korea. Currently, no genome resource on the oat halo blight pathogen is available. Here, the complete genome sequence of this strain, containing a circular chromosome and one circular megaplasmid is reported. This is the first genome sequence of the oat halo blight pathogen and will contribute to our understanding of the pathogenicity and ecological aspects of the halo blight pathogen and the interactions between P. coronafaciens and oats.
Evaluation of the Intelligent Sprayer System in Peach Production
Authors: Boatwright Harriet , Zhu Heping , Clark Adam , Schnabel Guido
Published: June 2020

Air-blast sprayers are routinely used to apply pesticides in commercial peach orchards, with growers using both conventional air-blast and ultrasonic sensor-driven models. Even with advanced spray technologies, there are still concerns with the amount of chemicals used and lost to drift. Our study evaluated a laser sensor-based variable-rate sprayer system in three experimental peach orchards for pest and brown rot disease control, spray volume output, spray coverage, and spray drift. A single 378-liter air-blast sprayer was used for both the conventional air-blast and the Intelligent Sprayer (iSprayer) treatments. Treatments were started at the phenological stage of bloom and continued through final swell. The iSprayer treatment was as effective in controlling pests and brown rot disease as the conventional air-blast treatment. Compared with the conventional air-blast treatment, the iSprayer treatment reduced the spray volume (liters/hectare) in cultivar PF23 by 71% at bloom, 62% at pit hardening, and 55% at final swell. For Juneprince, the spray volume reduction was 50% at bloom, 40% at pit hardening, and 13% at final swell. Spray drift was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced only at bloom in the iSprayer treatment. Spray coverage was increased by 50.13 and 26.67% in the iSprayer treatment at bloom and pit hardening, respectively, but not at final swell. Our results show that the iSprayer maintained pest and disease control efficacy in peach orchards while reducing spray volume and drift compared with the conventional air-blast treatment.
Intraoperative Tobramycin Powder Prevents Enterobacter cloacae Surgical Site Infections in a Rabbit Model of Internal Fixation
Authors: Brao Kristen , Greenwell Patrick , Hsu Kuei Ling , Marinos Dimitrius , Stains Joseph P. , Hovis James P. , Joshi Manjari , Shirtliff Mark E. , O'Toole Robert V. , Harro Janette M.
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

To evaluate the efficacy of intraoperative tobramycin powder in preventing surgical site infection (SSI) and implant colonization with Enterobacter cloacae in a rabbit fixation model. Gram-negative rods, particularly Enterobacter species, comprise an increasing percentage of SSI at our institution.

Methods:

Eighteen New Zealand White rabbits underwent surgical fixation of the left tibia with implantation of a plate and screws. The surgical site and implant were inoculated with 1 × 107 CFUs E. cloacae. The selected E. cloacae isolate was resistant to tobramycin and capable of forming biofilms. Nine rabbits received 125 mg tobramycin powder directly into the surgical site, overlying the implant. The control group was untreated. Fourteen days postinfection, the tibiae and implants were explanted. Radiographs were taken with and without the implants in place. One tibia from each group was examined after hematoxylin and eosin staining. The remaining tibiae and implants were morselized or sonicated, respectively, and plated on agar to determine infection burden. Data were analyzed with Fisher exact tests and Mann–Whitney U tests.

Results:

No bone infection or implant colonization occurred in the tobramycin-treated group. In the control group, 7 of 8 rabbits developed bone infections (P = 0.001), and 4 of 8 implants were colonized (P = 0.07). No gross disruption of the normal bone architecture was observed in either group.

Conclusions:

Intraoperative tobramycin powder applied at the time of contamination prevented bone infection with E. cloacae in this rabbit fixation model. The results are encouraging because the E. cloacae isolate was tobramycin-resistant, demonstrating the utility of intraoperative powdered antibiotics.
Predictors of resistance to abiraterone acetate or enzalutamide in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in post-docetaxel setting: a single-center cohort study
Authors: Omrčen Tomislav , Eterović Davor , Vrdoljak Eduard
Published: June 2020

Treatment with abiraterone acetate or enzalutamide is one of the approved approaches in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) in the post-docetaxel setting. However, a significant fraction of patients do not respond to treatment, and we aimed to determine their characteristics. From April 2015 to May 2019, 71 patients with mCRPC were treated with abiraterone acetate (N = 34) or enzalutamide (N = 37) at our institution. Resistance to treatment was defined as radiological or scintigraphic progression within 3 months, as documented at the first control. After a median follow-up of 14.9 months, resistance was detected in 22 patients (31%). Many of the baseline characteristics differed between responders and nonresponders but did not serve as predictors with clinically acceptable certainty. To overcome this, the resistance score was defined as the number of positive out of the following six predictors:

(1) not only prostate specific antigen (PSA) progression after docetaxel

(2) Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status >1

(3) duration of metastatic disease <41 months

(4) serum PSA >52 ng/mL

(5) serum alkaline phosphatase >119 g/L

(6) serum hemoglobin (Hb) concentration <126 g/L.

Most patients with resistance and a few responders had >3 positive predictors. Therefore, by using a cutoff of four positive predictors, the resistance score showed both a high sensitivity of 82% [57–96%; 95% confidence interval (CI)] and a specificity of 88% (74–96%; 95% CI). The proposed resistance score integrates the diagnostic performances of multiple predictors and may serve to decide which patients with mCRPC should be offered treatments other than hormonal therapy.
Long-Term Cognitive Impairment Associated With Delirium in Acute Neurological Injury
Authors: Meeks Jennifer R. , Bambhroliya Arvind B. , Sheth Sunil A. , Khan Babar , Slooter Arjen J. C. , Ely E. Wesley , Miller Charles C. , Tyson Jon E. , McCullough Louise D. , Savitz Sean I. , Vahidy Farhaan S.
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

To characterize the risk of long-term cognitive impairment associated with delirium in acute neurologic injury patients.

Design:

We analyzed a 10-year cohort of adult acute neurologic injury patients (stroke and traumatic brain injury) without preexisting mild cognitive impairment or dementia, utilizing administrative databases. Patients were followed for in-hospital delirium and mild cognitive impairment or dementia. We report incidence and adjusted hazard ratios for mild cognitive impairment or dementia associated with delirium. Subgroups analyzed include acute neurologic injury categories, dementia subtypes, repeated delirium exposure, and age strata.

Setting:

We used state emergency department and state inpatient databases for New York, Florida, and California. All visits are included in the databases regardless of payer status.

Patients:

We included adult patients with diagnosis of stroke and traumatic brain injury as acute neurologic injury. Patients with preexisting mild cognitive impairment or dementia were excluded.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

Among 911,380 acute neurologic injury patients, 5.2% were diagnosed with delirium. Mild cognitive impairment or dementia incidence among delirium patients was approximately twice that of nondelirium patients. In adjusted models, risk of mild cognitive impairment or dementia was higher among patients with delirium (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.58). Increased risk was observed across all subgroups including patients less than or equal to 55 years old.

Conclusions:

Identification, management, and prevention of in-hospital delirium could potentially improve long-term cognitive outcomes in acute neurologic injury patients.
International Survey of Thrombolytic Use for Treatment of Cardiac Arrest Due to Massive Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Rech Megan A. , Horng Michelle , Holzhausen Jenna M. , Van Berkel Megan A. , Sokol Sarah S. , Peppard Sarah , Hammond Drayton A.
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

This survey sought to characterize the national prescribing patterns and barriers to the use of thrombolytic agents in the treatment of pulmonary embolism, with a specific focus on treatment during actual or imminent cardiac arrest.

Design:

A 19-question international, cross-sectional survey on thrombolytic use in pulmonary embolism was developed, validated, and administered. A multivariable logistic regression was conducted to determine factors predictive of utilization of thrombolytics in the setting of cardiac arrest secondary to pulmonary embolism.

Setting:

International survey study.

Subjects:

Physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who were members of the Society of Critical Care Medicine.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

Thrombolytic users were compared with nonusers. Respondents (n = 272) predominately were physicians (62.1%) or pharmacists (30.5%) practicing in an academic medical center (54.8%) or community teaching setting (24.6%). Thrombolytic users (n = 177; 66.8%) were compared with nonusers (n = 88; 33.2%) Thrombolytic users were more likely to work in pulmonary/critical care (80.2% thrombolytic use vs 59.8%; p < 0.01) and emergency medicine (6.8% vs 3.5%; p < 0.01). Users were more likely to have an institutional guideline or policy in place pertaining to the use of thrombolytics in cardiac arrest (27.8% vs 13.6%; p < 0.01) or have a pulmonary embolism response team (38.6% vs 19.3%; p < 0.01). Lack of evidence supporting use and the risk of adverse outcomes were barriers to thrombolytic use. Working in a pulmonary/critical care environment (odds ratio, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.24–4.52) and comfort level (odds ratio, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.7–4.53) were predictive of thrombolytic use in the multivariable analysis.

Conclusions:

Most survey respondents used thrombolytics in the setting of cardiac arrest secondary to known or suspected pulmonary embolism. This survey study adds important data to the literature surrounding thrombolytics for pulmonary embolism as it describes thrombolytic user characteristic, barriers to use, and common prescribing practices internationally.
Long interspersed nuclear element-1 methylation status in the circulating DNA from blood of patients with malignant and chronic inflammatory lung diseases
Authors: Ponomaryova Anastasia A. , Rykova Elena Yu , Azhikina Tatyana L. , Bondar Anna A. , Cheremisina Olga V. , Rodionov Evgeniy O. , Boyarko Valentina V. , Laktionov Pavel P. , Cherdyntseva Nadezhda V.
Published: June 2020

Along with other malignant diseases, lung cancer arises from the precancerous lung tissue state. Aberrant DNA methylation (hypermethylation of certain genes and hypomethylation of retrotransposons) is known as one of the driving forces of malignant cell transformation. Epigenetic changes were shown to be detectable in DNA, circulating in the blood (cirDNA) of cancer patients, indicating the possibility to use them as cancer markers. The current study is the first to compare the Long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1) methylation level in the blood from lung cancer patients before treatment versus different control groups as healthy subjects, patients with bronchitis and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The concentration of LINE-1 methylated fragments, region 1 (LINE-1 methylated, LINE-1-met) was estimated by quantitative methyl-specific PCR. The total concentration of the circulating LINE-1 copies was measured by qPCR specific for LINE-1 region 2, which was selected due to its CpG methylation–independent sequence (LINE-1-Ind). Both LINE-1 methylation level and LINE-1 methylation index (LINE-1-met/LINE-1-Ind ratio) was decreased in lung cancer patients compared with the joint control group (healthy subjects + patients with bronchitis + COPD patients) (Mann–Whitney U-test, P = 0.016). We also found that the tendency of LINE-1 methylation index decreases in the cirDNA from lung cancer patients versus COPD patients (Mann–Whitney U-test, P = 0.07). Our data indicate that the quantitative analysis of the LINE-1 methylation level in the cirDNA is valuable for discrimination of lung cancer patients from patients with chronic inflammatory lung diseases.
Global public health efforts to address HIV and related communicable disease syndemics
Authors: Ford Nathan , Wi Teodora , Easterbrook Philippa , Penazzato Martina , Vitoria Marco
Published: June 2020

Purpose of review

To review recent progress in public health efforts to address HIV, and the extent to which key approaches can be applied to three key epidemics that commonly co-occur with HIV: TB, viral hepatitis, and STIs.

Recent findings

The public health approach to tackling HIV in low-income and middle-income settings relied on standardized treatment regimens and monitoring approaches, task sharing and community involvement, and decentralized and integrated service delivery. These approaches can all be applied to three key epidemics that commonly co-occur with HIV: TB, viral hepatitis, and STIs.

HIV, viral hepatitis, and STIs share common routes of infection, and HIV weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of TB. A public health approach can be applied to address these syndemics.