bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tension pneumoperitoneum caused by intestinal perforation from underlying colon cancer: a case report
Authors: Joo Woo Jin , Kuwahara Yusuke , Asaka Yoko , Mizu Daisuke , Hara Shigeo , Ariyoshi Koichi
Published: July 2020

Background

Tension pneumoperitoneum, a form of abdominal compartment syndrome, is an important clinical condition. Increased pressure in the intraperitoneal cavity leads to respiratory and circulatory instability. Most of the reported cases include complications due to active air infusion into the peritoneal cavity or trauma; however, few reports are available on tension pneumoperitoneum caused by perforation from colon cancer. We present a case of a patient with tension pneumoperitoneum caused by gastrointestinal perforation owing to colon cancer.

Case presentation

A 63-year-old Japanese man with altered mental state was brought to our emergency department. He was in shock, and an abdominal radiograph suggested gastrointestinal perforation. Despite rapid fluid infusion and inotropic support, his condition deteriorated. His abdomen was tensely distended; abdominal computed tomography showed significant intra-abdominal gas. Following immediate needle decompression, his circulatory status improved. Emergent laparotomy revealed an approximately 10-cm tumor (adenocarcinoma) in the colon, which caused the perforation.

Conclusions

A perforated wall or the surrounding omental fat that acts as a one-way valve could lead to tension pneumoperitoneum without active air infusion. Although tension pneumoperitoneum is a life-threatening condition, it is reversible if prompt diagnosis and immediate decompression are performed. Physicians should always consider this condition as one of the causes of shock or cardiopulmonary arrest, even without an apparent medical history of active air infusion or trauma.
Revisiting sequential attributable fractions
Authors: Ferguson John , O’Connell Maurice , O’Donnell Martin
Published: July 2020

Background

In 1995, Eide and Gefeller introduced the concepts of sequential and average attributable fractions as methods to partition the risk of disease among differing exposures. In particular, sequential attributable fractions are interpreted in terms of an incremental reduction in disease prevalence associated with removing a particular risk factor from the population, having removed other risk factors. Clearly, both concepts are causal entities, but are not usually estimated within a causal inference framework.

Methods

We propose causal definitions of sequential and average attributable fractions using the potential outcomes framework. To estimate these quantities in practice, we model exposure-exposure and exposure-disease interrelationships using a causal Bayesian network, assuming no unmeasured latent confounders. This allows us to model not only the direct impact of removing a risk factor on disease, but also the indirect impact through the effect on the prevalence of causally downstream risk factors that are typically ignored when calculating sequential and average attributable fractions. The procedure for calculating sequential attributable fractions involves repeated applications of Pearl’s do-operator over a fitted Bayesian network, and simulation from the resulting joint probability distributions.

Results

The methods are applied to the INTERSTROKE study, which was designed to quantify disease burden attributable to the major risk factors for stroke. The resulting sequential and average attributable fractions are compared with results from a prior estimation approach which uses a single logistic model and which does not properly account for differing causal pathways.

Conclusions

In contrast to estimation using a single regression model, the proposed approaches allow consistent estimation of sequential, joint and average attributable fractions under general causal structures.
Ecological succession of benthic organisms on niche-type artificial reefs
Authors: Toledo María-Isabel , Torres Pamela , Díaz Cristina , Zamora Victor , López Jesús , Olivares Germán
Published: July 2020

As part of efforts to restore fishery resources and recover damaged coastal ecosystems, artificial reefs are often anchored on the seafloor in coastal zones, to provide new habitats for marine organisms. The aim of the study was to describe the structure of a community of benthic invertebrates colonising a niche-type artificial reef (AATN in Spanish). Nine structures were anchored at depths of 16 ± 1.5 m for 99 weeks (22 months) in the Area of Benthic Resource Management and Exploitation (AMERB) in coastal waters of the Region of Bio Bio, Chile.

The results showed that, at 3 months from submersion of the NTAR, much of the artificial substrate remained bare and there were only low levels of specimens ofBalanussp. barnacles, showing mean coverage of 11.26%, and even lower proportions of Rhodophyta, with mean coverage of 0.34%. At 6 months, the presence of hydrozoans was seen, decreasing the coverage of the barnacles, which was aided further at 8 months with the arrival of barnacle predatory invertebrates. At 8 months, new benthic invertebrates appeared and competed for the substrate. These included sponges and algae. At 99 weeks, the hydrozoans dominated the substrate, followed by barnacles and Rhodophyta, the first colonising organisms, leading to colonisation by motile macro-invertebrates, mainly consisting of crustaceans, echinoderms and molluscs.

The AATN artificial system provides an ideal substrate for the development of early ecological succession and the use of this technology should be feasible in the recovery process of habitat damaged by anthropogenic actions and climate change.
Biomechanical behavior of three different types of internal tapered connections after cyclic and static loading tests: experimental in vitro
Authors: de Moura Marcos Boaventura , Loureiro Karine Regina Tolesano , Lima Livia Bonjardim , Felippi Christian , Júnior Paulo Cézar Simamoto
Published: July 2020

Background

In the long-term success of a dental implant, the reliability and stability of the implant-abutment interface are important. Studies of maximum force of dental implants with different loading values have been used. This study aims to evaluate the influence of the oblique cyclic loading on the maximum force supported in one-piece and two-piece abutments installed on internal tapered implants.

Findings

Sixty implants and sixty prosthetic abutments were divided into six groups (n= 10): G1 and G2 (two-piece abutments with 16°), G3 and G4 (two-piece abutments with 11.5°), and G5 and G6 (one-piece abutments with 11.5°). A 2-Hz cyclic loading was applied to specimens of G2, G4, and G6, with a number of cycles of 2,400,000. All specimens were inclined by 30° from the vertical axis, and a vertical loading was applied over the tapered connections (ISO 14801). Then, the maximum force was tested by applying a static compression load on the specimens of the 6 groups tested (30°) at a rate of 0.5 mm/s. Statistical analysis was performed using the Shapiro-Wilk (p> 0.05) and Levene (p= 0.789) tests to determine if the data presented homoscedasticity and the Tukey test for multiple comparisons. Tukey test showed that the maximum force supported by G1 and G2 was not affected by the cyclic load, while in G3 and G4 it decreased significantly when subjected to the cyclic load. The G5 and G6 had a significant increase in maximum force supported when subjected to cyclic load.

Conclusions

Cyclic loading influenced the maximum force supported of G4 and G6 but did not influence G2.
A single-arm feasibility study of community-delivered Baduanjin (Qigong practice of the eight Brocades) training for frail older adults
Authors: Liu Xiao , Seah Jean Wei Ting , Pang Benedict Wei Jun , Tsao Mary Ann , Gu Falong , Ng Wai Chong , Tay Junie Ying Ru , Ng Tze Pin , Wee Shiou Liang
Published: July 2020

Background

Frailty is a common geriatric syndrome, characterized by reduced physiologic reserve and increased vulnerability to stressors, due to cumulative decline in multiple physiological systems. We studied the feasibility of a community-delivered Baduanjin (BDJ) training program among pre-frail/frail community-dwelling older people. We examined (1) safety (adverse events) and physical and psychological effects; and (2) feasibility of recruitment, retention, adherence; recruitment efforts, and any program challenges, so as to inform future studies.

Methods

Our study was a single arm pre-post study in a community setting. Sixteen-week group BDJ training (2×/week in the first 4 weeks and 3×/week thereafter) was co-designed and implemented by community-based providers in Singapore. Recruitment, attendance, and adverse events were recorded throughout the training. A participants’ survey was also administered after the training program. Effects of the intervention on physical and functional outcomes (hand grip strength, knee extension strength, Time Up and Go (TUG), Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA), 30-s Sit-to-Stand test, 6-m fast gait speed test), frailty outcomes (frailty score and status), and other outcomes (Maastricht Questionnaire (MQ), Fall Efficacy Scale (FES), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and EQ-5D-5L) were examined before and after the program.

Results

Of 31 older adults screened to be frail, 15 met inclusion criteria and 3 refused participation, resulting in 12 older adults (9 women) enrolled into the program. During the program, one participant was hospitalized (unrelated to BDJ training) and the other 11 (aged 77 ± 6 years; 2 frail, 9 prefrail at baseline) completed the program with average overall attendance of 89%. Most (89%) of the 44 training sessions had attendance > 80%. The program received positive feedback with no training-related adverse events. Participants either reversed (n= 2) or maintained (n= 9) their frailty statuses. There post-training outcomes in hand grip strength, knee extension strength, TUG, MQ, FES, MoCA, GDS, and EQ-5D-5L index score appeared to be better. The reduction of frailty and PPA fall risk scores was of moderate-to-large effect size.

Conclusions

Community-delivered BDJ training program was safe and feasible for prefrail/frail older adults with the potential to improve physical and cognitive function, reduce fall risk, improve psychological well-being, and reverse frailty status.
What can an echocardiographer see in briefly presented stimuli? Perceptual expertise in dynamic search
Authors: Carrigan A. J. , Stoodley P. , Fernandez F. , Wiggins M. W.
Published: July 2020

Background

Experts in medical image perception are able to detect abnormalities rapidly from medical images. This ability is likely due to enhanced pattern recognition on a global scale. However, the bulk of research in this domain has focused on static rather than dynamic images, so it remains unclear what level of information that can be extracted from these displays. This study was designed to examine the visual capabilities of echocardiographers—practitioners who provide information regarding cardiac integrity and functionality. In three experiments, echocardiographers and naïve participants completed an abnormality detection task that comprised movies presented on a range of durations, where half were abnormal. This was followed by an abnormality categorization task.

Results

Across all durations, the results showed that performance was high for detection, but less so for categorization, indicating that categorization was a more challenging task. Not surprisingly, echocardiographers outperformed naïve participants.

Conclusions

Together, this suggests that echocardiographers have a finely tuned capability for cardiac dysfunction, and a great deal of visual information can be extracted during a global assessment, within a brief glance. No relationship was evident between experience and performance which suggests that other factors such as individual differences need to be considered for future studies.
Diet composition of the Korean wild boar Sus scrofa coreanus (Suidae) at Mt. Jeombongsan, Korea
Authors: Shin Hyung-Min , Kim Jihee , Jin Seon Deok , Won Ho-Yeon , Park Sangkyu
Published: July 2020

Background

Korean wild boars (Sus scrofa coreanus Heude), because of their adaptability, are a widespread large mammal; however, they sometimes cause problems by invading farms and eating the crops, creating insufficiencies of some foods in South Korea. To understand the diet composition of Korean wild boars according to sex and body size, we collected their feces from Mt. Jeombongsan, Seoraksan National Park, South Korea. The sizes of fecal samples were measured, and genomic DNA was extracted from the samples. We amplified specific loci targeting plants (rbcL and trnL) and animals (COI) to detect the food sources of this omnivore and amplified the ZF and SRY regions to determine the sex.

Results

In the wild boar feces, Rosaceae and Bryophyte were the most frequently detected plant food sources at the family level and Diptera and Haplotaxida were the most frequently detected animal food sources at the order level. As a result of sex determination, the sex ratio of wild boars collected in the Mt. Jeombongsan area was approximately 1:1. Our result suggested that there is no significant difference between the diet composition of male and female boars. Based on the average cross-sectional area of the feces, the top 25% were classified into the large body size group and the bottom 25% were classified into the small body size group. The large body size group mainly preferred Actinidiaceae, and the small body size group most frequently consumed Fagaceae. The diet of the large body size group was more diverse than the small body size group.

Conclusions

Our results showed that the wild boars preferred Rosaceae, especially Sanguisorba and Filipendula, as plant food sources, and Diptera and Coleoptera of Insecta as animal food sources. Based on the results, the dietary preferences of wild boar appear to be distinguished by not their sex but their body size. Our study could help to elucidate the feeding ecology and population structure of wild boar, as well as address conservation and management issues.
A twisted tale-radiological imaging features of COVID-19 on 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: O’Neill Hazel , Doran Simon , Fraioli Francesco , Nasoodi Afshin
Published: July 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on health care systems across the globe in a short period of time. There is a growing body of evidence surrounding the findings on hybrid imaging with FDG-PET/CT, and this case highlights the importance of molecular imaging in better understanding of the biomarkers of the disease which ultimately determine the success in building a model to predict the disease severity and monitoring the response to treatment.
Use of Neem leaves as soil amendment for the control of collar rot disease of chickpea
Authors: Khan Iqra Haider , Javaid Arshad , Al-Taie Azher Hameed , Ahmed Dildar
Published: July 2020

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important grain legume that is attacked by the fungal pathogen, Sclerotium rolfsii, responsible for collar rot disease. In the present study, the pathogen was isolated from diseased chickpea seedlings and identified on molecular basis using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and β-tubulin markers. To control this pathogen, an in vivo study was carried out, using Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) leaf dry biomass (1, 2, and 3%) as soil amendment. A broad-spectrum fungicide mancozeb was selected as a reference and the data regarding plant growth and mortality rates were calculated. In positive control, the highest seedling mortality (56%) was recorded in comparison to negative control (0%) after 30 days of sowing. In 1, 2, and 3% concentrations of A. indica dry leaf biomass, the seedling mortalities were 49, 38, and 38%, respectively. On the other hand, the mancozeb-treated seedlings showed the lowest plant mortality rate (28%). Soil treatments with mancozeb as well as with 1 and 2% leaf biomass concentrations showed marked differences in root and shoot dry biomasses over positive control. In a laboratory bioassay, methanolic leaf extract of Neem of 0.5 to 3.5% concentrations reduced biomass of S. rolfsii by 86–90% over control. The present study concluded that 2% A. indica leaf amendment was the most useful concentration for management of collar rot disease of chickpea.
Injectable fillers: imaging features and related complications
Authors: Abdelmohsen Mohsen Ahmed
Published: July 2020

Background

Injectable fillers are currently widely used in the clinical practice; there are many indications for injectable fillers including facial and gluteal rejuvenation, management of post-traumatic facial disfiguring, and pathological volumetric loss secondary to certain disease medications like human immune deficiency virus (HIV) medications.

Radiologists should be familiar with the specific imaging features of the injectable fillers, characteristic anatomical locations, and possible complications to avoid diagnostic pitfalls especially when incidentally discovered while imaging of other pathological process like neoplastic work up or granulomatous lesions follow-up.

Results

The study included 48 patients (45 females and 3 males): 44 patients with facial injectable fillers and four patients with pelvic injectable fillers.

Of the 48 patients, 37 patients showed unremarkable fillers features with normal morphological features and anatomical distribution, and eleven patients showed complications: six patients showed one complication, and five patients showed more than one complications.

Dedicated fillers imaging study was done in 22 patients, while in the other 26 patients, imaging was done for other reasons, and fillers were notified and documented.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done for 46 patients; two patients were subjected to combine ultra-sonographic and CT examinations with no clinical indication for MRI study assessment.

Conclusion

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an effective tool for evaluation of facial and gluteal region fillers with delineation of their imaging features and related potential complications.

Differentiation between fillers and neoplastic or granulomatous lesions could be accurately done with MRI.
Development and pilot testing of an adaptable protocol to address postpartum depression in pediatric practices serving lower-income and racial/ethnic minority families: contextual considerations
Authors: Goff Sarah L. , Moran Michael J. , Szegda Kathleen , Fioroni Tina , DeBanate Mary Ann , Byatt Nancy
Published: July 2020

Background

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects approximately 25% of women in lower-income and racial/ethnic minority populations in the USA. Evidence-based interventions for PPD screening and treatment exist, but many women with PPD are not identified or are inadequately treated. To address this gap, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening for PPD at routine preventive visits in the first 6 months of postpartum, but less than half of pediatricians do so. Small PPD screening studies have been conducted in pediatric practices serving average-risk women, but less is known about practices serving families with lower-income and/or racial/ethnic minority status (safety-net practices). Study objectives were (1) to develop and pilot test an adaptable PPD screening protocol in safety-net practices and (2) to test strategies for implementing the protocol.

Methods

The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used for this two-phase pilot study. Phase I focus groups with pediatric providers and staff in four safety-net practices informed phase II development and implementation of a PPD screening and referral protocol. Feasibility measures included the percentage of eligible women screened and documentation of follow-up plans in the electronic health record at 1-, 2-, 4-, and 6-month preventive visits over 3 months. Implementation strategies were assessed for acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility.

Results

Focus group participants felt that (1) addressing PPD in the pediatric setting is important, (2) all clinical team members should be engaged in screening, (3) workflows and competing interests may present barriers, and (4) commonly used screening tools/approaches may not adequately detect depression in the population studied. During protocol implementation, screening rates increased from 75 to 85% for 324 eligible preventive visits and documentation of follow-up plans increased from 66 to 87%. Only 6.5% of women screened positive (EPDS ≥ 10). Minor adaptations to implementation strategies were recommended to improve acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility.

Conclusions

Although developing and implementing an adaptable protocol for PPD screening in safety-net pediatric practices using external facilitation and a bundle of implementation strategies appear feasible, low positive screen rates suggest adaptations to account for intersecting patient, practice, and external policy contexts are needed to improve PPD screening effectiveness in these practices.
Typhoid ulcer related massive gastrointestinal bleeding successfully treated with endoscopic therapy
Authors: Sonavane Amey D. , Gupta Deepak , Parmar Tushar , Sen Suvadeep , Nimavat Balakrishna , Ambekar Asawari , Nagral Aabha
Published: July 2020

Background

Typhoid fever can manifest with a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms. However, in the present-day era, gastrointestinal bleeding related to bowel ulceration is becoming increasingly sporadic especially in the urban setting.

Case presentation

We present a rare case of life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding from a typhoid ileal ulcer that was successfully managed with endoscopic therapy.

Conclusion

Though rare, this infective cause of gastrointestinal bleeding should still be considered in differential diagnosis, especially in developing countries.
Smartphone-Enhanced Training, QA, Monitoring, and Evaluation of a Platform for Secondary Prevention of Cervical Cancer: Opportunities and Challenges to Implementation in Tanzania
Authors: Yeates Karen , Erwin Erica , Mtema Zac , Magoti Frank , Nkumbugwa Simoni , Yuma Safina , Hopman Wilma M. , Ferguson Alyssa , Oneko Olola , Macheku Godwin , Mtei Agnes Feksi , Smith Carter , Andrews Linda , West Nicola , Dalton Milena , Newcomb Ashley , Ginsburg Ophira
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE

Until human papillomavirus (HPV)–based cervical screening is more affordable and widely available, visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) is recommended by the WHO for screening in lower-resource settings. Visual inspection will still be required to assess the cervix for women whose screening is positive for high-risk HPV. However, the quality of VIA can vary widely, and it is difficult to maintain a well-trained cadre of providers. We developed a smartphone-enhanced VIA platform (SEVIA) for real-time secure sharing of cervical images for remote supportive supervision, data monitoring, and evaluation.

METHODS

We assessed programmatic outcomes so that findings could be translated into routine care in the Tanzania National Cervical Cancer Prevention Program. We compared VIA positivity rates (for HIV-positive and HIV-negative women) before and after implementation. We collected demographic, diagnostic, treatment, and loss-to-follow-up data.

RESULTS

From July 2016 to June 2017, 10,545 women were screened using SEVIA at 24 health facilities across 5 regions of Tanzania. In the first 6 months of implementation, screening quality increased significantly from the baseline rate in the prior year, with a well-trained cadre of more than 50 health providers who “graduated” from the supportive-supervision training model. However, losses to follow-up for women referred for further evaluation or to a higher level of care were considerable.

CONCLUSION

The SEVIA platform is a feasible, quality improvement, mobile health intervention that can be integrated into a national cervical screening program. Our model demonstrates potential for scalability. As HPV screening becomes more affordable, the platform can be used for visual assessment of the cervix to determine amenability for same-day ablative therapy and/or as a secondary triage step, if needed.
Outcomes and Costs for Women After Breast Cancer: Preparing for Improved Survivorship of Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Yashkin Arseniy P. , Greenup Rachel A. , Gorbunova Galina , Akushevich Igor , Oeffinger Kevin C. , Hwang E. Shelley
Published: July 2020

PURPOSE:

Increasing health care costs, longer life expectancy, improved breast cancer (BC) survival, and higher levels of complex comorbidities have important implications for future Medicare expenditures.

METHODS:

Data from the SEER program linked to Medicare claims records were used. Women with BC (cases) were categorized into 3 groups on the basis of their year of diagnosis (1998, 2003, or 2008) and were propensity score matched to women without a BC diagnosis (controls). All stage and stage-specific longitudinal changes in survival, morbidity levels using the Elixhauser index, and Medicare expenditures in 2018 dollars were calculated and compared.

RESULTS:

More than 15% of BC cases were diagnosed in patients over the age of 85 years. The prevalence of most comorbidities increased over time. Costs among cases increased between 1998 and 2008. Spending directly correlated with the stage of disease at diagnosis, with the lowest per-patient costs in the ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) subgroup ($14,792 in 1998 and $19,652 in 2008) and the highest in those with distant cancer ($37,667 in 1998 and $43,675 in 2008). Assuming no significant changes in the distribution of BC stage or age at diagnosis, the total annual costs of caring for patients with BC in women 65 years of age or older at diagnosis increased by at least $1.1 billion between 1998 and 2008.

CONCLUSION:

Improvements in BC survivorship are associated with intensive use of health care resources and substantially higher downstream costs among Medicare beneficiaries. Appropriate planning, in both the fiscal and the oncology care infrastructure, is required to prepare the health system for these emerging health care trends.
Initiation of Cardiopulmonary Bypass in a High-Risk Patient Under Regional Anesthesia: A Case Report
Authors: Tran Coby , Aguirre Marco , Dellaria Suzanne , Wanat-Hawthorne Alycia
Published: July 2020

A 34-year-old man presented with a large right ventricular (RV) intracardiac mass obstructing RV inflow and outflow as well as a concomitant pericardial effusion displaying physiological signs of tamponade. The patient underwent awake femorofemoral cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) under regional anesthesia with initiation of CPB before induction of general anesthesia. This unconventional approach avoided hemodynamic perturbations in this high-risk patient. Regional anesthesia provided predictable analgesia compared to local infiltration for improved toleration of cannulation.
The protective effects of human milk derived peptides on the pancreatic islet biology
Authors: Singh Amitoj , Enjapoori Ashwantha Kumar , Gibert Yann , Dwyer Karen M.
Published: July 2020

Several epidemiological studies support the protective role of breast-feeding in reducing the risk for type 1 diabetes. Human breast milk is the perfect nutrition for infants and contains many complex proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. In this study, we examined the physiological effects of human milk-derived opioid peptides, beta casomorphins (BCM), and compared them with bovine milk-derived opioid peptides on pancreatic hormone regulation and β-cell regeneration. Exposure of wild-type zebrafish embryos to 50 µg/mL of human BCM -5 and -7 from 3 days post fertilisation until 6 days post fertilisation resulted in an increased insulin domain of expression while exposure to bovine BCM -5 and -7 significantly reduced the insulin domain of expression as analysed by whole-mount in-situ hybridisation. These changes may be accounted for by reduced insulin expression or β-cell number and were mitigated by the µ-opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone. The effect of BCM on β-cell regeneration was assessed following ablation of β-cells in Tg (ins: CFP-NTR) zebrafish from 3 days post fertilisation to 4 days post fertilisation, followed by exposure of bovine and human BCM -5 and -7 (50 µg/mL) from 4 days post fertilisation until 7 days post fertilisation. The regenerative capacity of β-cells was not impeded following exposure to human BCM -5 and -7, whereas the capacity of β-cells to regenerate following bovine BCM -5 and -7 exposure was reduced. Our data suggests that human BCM -5 and -7 may promote β-cell development and enable the regeneration of β-cells, while the bovine milk derived peptides, BCM -5 and -7 play an opposite role. These data may provide some biological explanation for the protective effect of breastfeeding on the development of Type 1 Diabetes.
Tetraspanin18 regulates angiogenesis through VEGFR2 and Notch pathways
Authors: Li Grace X. , Zhang Shaobing , Liu Ren , Singh Bani , Singh Sukhmani , Quinn David I. , Crump Gage , Gill Parkash S.
Published: July 2020

The VEGF pathway is critically required for vasculogenesis, the formation of the primary vascular network. It is also required for angiogenesis resulting in sprouting and pruning of vessels to generate mature arborizing structures. The Notch pathway is essential for arterial-venous specification and the maturation of nascent vessels. We have determined that Tspan18, a member of the Tetraspanin family, is expressed in developing vessels but not mature vasculature in zebrafish and mouse wound healing. Moreover, reduction at Tspan18 level resulted in aberrant vascular patterning, impaired vessel stability, and defective arterial-venous specification. Tspan18 deficiency reduced VEGF, VEGFR2, Notch3, EphrinB2, and increased EphB4, VEGFR3, Semaphorin3, Neuropilin, and PlexinD1 expression. Furthermore, vascular defects of Tspan18 deficiency could be rescued by ectopic expression of VEGFR2 and Notch, but not by knockdown of Semaphorin or Plexin. Functional studies showed that knockdown of Tspan18 led to reduced endothelial cell migration, invasion, and tube formation. Tspan18 has dynamic expression, regulates vascular development and maturation in the embryo with re-expression in adult life in wound healing.
Extended Resections for Advanced Gallbladder Cancer: Results from a Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Kuipers H. , de Savornin Lohman E. A. J. , van Dooren M. , Braat A. E. , Daams F. , van Dam R. , Erdmann J. I. , Hagendoorn J. , Hoogwater F. J. H. , Groot Koerkamp B. , van Gulik T. M. , de Reuver P. R. , de Boer M. T.
Published: July 2020

Background

Extended resections (i.e., major hepatectomy and/or pancreatoduodenectomy) are rarely performed for gallbladder cancer (GBC) because outcomes remain inconclusive. Data regarding extended resections from Western centers are sparse. This Dutch, multicenter cohort study analyzed the outcomes of patients who underwent extended resections for locally advanced GBC.

Methods

Patients with GBC who underwent extended resection with curative intent between January 2000 and September 2018 were identified from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Extended resection was defined as a major hepatectomy (resection of ≥ 3 liver segments), a pancreatoduodenectomy, or both. Treatment and survival data were obtained. Postoperative morbidity, mortality, survival, and characteristics of short- and long-term survivors were assessed.

Results

The study included 33 patients. For 16 of the patients, R0 resection margins were achieved. Major postoperative complications (Clavien Dindo ≥ 3A) occurred for 19 patients, and 4 patients experienced postoperative mortality within 90 days. Recurrence occurred for 24 patients. The median overall survival (OS) was 12.8 months (95% confidence interval, 6.5–19.0 months). A 2-year survival period was achieved for 10 patients (30%) and a 5-year survival period for 5 patients (15%). Common bile duct, liver, perineural and perivascular invasion and jaundice were associated with reduced survival. All three recurrence-free patients had R0 resection margins and no liver invasion.

Conclusion

The median OS after extended resections for advanced GBC was 12.8 months in this cohort. Although postoperative morbidity and mortality were significant, long-term survival (≥ 2 years) was achieved in a subset of patients. Therefore, GBC requiring major surgery does not preclude long-term survival, and a subgroup of patients benefit from surgery.
An Untargeted Urine Metabolomics Approach for Autologous Blood Transfusion Detection
Authors: BEJDER JACOB , GÜRDENIZ GÖZDE , CUPARENCU CĂTĂLINA , HALL FREDERIKKE , GYBEL-BRASK MIKKEL , BREENFELDT ANDERSEN ANDREAS , DRAGSTED LARS OVE , SECHER NIELS H. , JOHANSSON PÄR I. , NORDSBORG NIKOLAI BAASTRUP
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Autologous blood transfusion is performance enhancing and prohibited in sport but remains difficult to detect. This study explored the hypothesis that an untargeted urine metabolomics analysis can reveal one or more novel metabolites with high sensitivity and specificity for detection of autologous blood transfusion.

Methods

In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover design, exercise-trained men (n = 12) donated 900 mL blood or were sham phlebotomized. After 4 wk, red blood cells or saline were reinfused. Urine samples were collected before phlebotomy and 2 h and 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 d after reinfusion and analyzed by ultraperformance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Models of unique metabolites reflecting autologous blood transfusion were attained by partial least-squares discriminant analysis.

Results

The strongest model was obtained 2 h after reinfusion with a misclassification error of 6.3% and 98.8% specificity. However, combining only a few of the strongest metabolites selected by this model provided a sensitivity of 100% at days 1 and 2 and 66% at day 3 with 100% specificity. Metabolite identification revealed the presence of secondary di-2-ethylhexyl phtalate metabolites and putatively identified the presence of (iso)caproic acid glucuronide as the strongest candidate biomarker.

Conclusions

Untargeted urine metabolomics revealed several plasticizers as the strongest metabolic pattern for detection of autologous blood transfusion for up to 3 d. Importantly, no other metabolites in urine seem of value for antidoping purposes.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Serum Vitamin D, and Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Men
Authors: FARRELL STEPHEN W. , LEONARD DAVID , BARLOW CAROLYN E. , WILLIS BENJAMIN L. , PAVLOVIC ANDJELKA , DEFINA LAURA F. , HASKELL WILLIAM L.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), vitamin D deficiency, and metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) are prevalent among U.S. adults. Joint associations among these variables are not well described.

Methods

Between 2006 and 2018, 14,353 apparently healthy men completed a comprehensive health examination, including CRF based on a maximal treadmill test, components of MetSyn, and serum vitamin D levels [25(OH)D]. Participants were classified into groups of low (category 1), moderate (categories 2–3), and high (categories 4–5) CRF by age-group, as well as by clinical cut points for MetSyn and 25(OH)D. We calculated odds ratios (OR) of MetSyn across levels of CRF and 25(OH)D and also examined joint associations among these three variables.

Results

Mean 25(OH)D levels were 30.9 ± 11.6 and 26.3 ± 10.7 ng·mL−1 in men without and with MetSyn, respectively (P < 0.001). The prevalence of MetSyn was inversely associated with ordered categories of CRF and 25(OH)D (P
trend < 0.001 for both). Men with normal 25(OH)D had significantly lower odds of MetSyn than men who were vitamin D deficient (OR = 0.29, 95% confidence interval = 0.26–0.33). Men with moderate (OR = 0.31, 0.27–0.35) or high CRF (OR = 0.08, 0.07–0.09) had significantly lower odds of MetSyn than men with low CRF. Joint associations between CRF, 25(OH)D, and MetSyn revealed significantly greater prevalence of MetSyn in unfit men compared with fit men within each category of 25(OH)D (P < 0.001). Each 5 ng·mL−1 increment of 25(OH)D and 1 MET increment of CRF was associated with a 16.0% and 31.3% lower prevalence of MetSyn, respectively.

Conclusion

There are strong individual and joint associations between CRF, 25(OH)D, and MetSyn. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate these joint associations with regard to mortality outcomes.
Force and Rate Metrics Provide Return-to-Sport Criterion after ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Alzakerin Helia Mahzoun , Halkiadakis Yannis , Morgan Kristin D.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Peak vertical ground reaction force and linear loading rate can be valuable metrics for return-to-sport assessment because they represent limb loading dynamics; yet, there is no defined cutoff criterion to differentiate between healthy and altered limb loading. Studies have shown that healthy individuals exhibit strong first-order relationships between gait variables whereas individuals with pathological conditions did not. Thus, this study sought to explore and exploit this first-order relationship to define a region of healthy limb dynamics, which individuals with pathological conditions would reside outside of, to rapidly assess individuals with altered limb loading dynamics for return to sport. We hypothesized that there would be a strong first-order linear relationship between vertical ground reaction force peak force and linear loading rate in healthy controls’ limbs, which could be exploited to identify abnormal limb loading dynamics in post–anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) individuals.

Methods

Thirty-one post-ACLR individuals and 31 healthy controls performed a running protocol. A first-order regression analysis modeled the relationship between peak vertical ground reaction forces and linear vertical ground reaction force loading rate in the healthy control limbs to define a region of healthy dynamics to evaluate post-ACLR reconstructed limb dynamics.

Results

A first-order regression model aided in the determination of cutoff criteria to define a region of healthy limb dynamics. Ninety percent of the post-ACLR reconstructed limbs exhibited abnormal limb dynamics based on their location outside of the region of healthy dynamics.

Conclusion

This approach successfully delineated between healthy and abnormal limb loadings dynamics in controls and post-ACLR individuals. The findings demonstrate how force and loading rate–dependent metrics can help develop criteria for individualized post-ACLR return-to-sport assessment.
Clinicoradiological course in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) patients who are asymptomatic at admission
Authors: Parry Arshed Hussain , Wani Abdul Haseeb , Yaseen Mudasira , Shah Naveed Nazir , Dar Khurshid Ahmad
Published: July 2020

Objective:

The study aimed to describe the clinical and imaging course of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients who are asymptomatic at admission.

Methods:

This was a retrospective observational study. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavisrus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) positive cases that were asymptomatic at admission were retrospectively enrolled. Specific clinical information, laboratory test results, chest CT imaging features and outcome data during hospital stay were collected and analyzed.

Results:

137 non-consecutive asymptomatic patients with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction confirmed COVID-19 were enrolled in the present study. On admission, patients had no symptoms but chest CT findings were present in 61/137 (44.5%). Ground glass opacity (48, 78.7%) followed by ground glass opacity with crazy-paving pattern (9, 14.7%) were the commonest type of opacities with posterior, peripheral predominance and lower zone predilection. Among the initial CT positive group of 61 patients, follow-up imaging revealed progression of pulmonary opacities in 13/61 (21.4%), complete resorption in 21/61 (34.4%), partial resolution in 22/61 (36%) and no change in 5/61 (8.2%). The patients in progression group (54 ± 19.7 years) were older and had higher frequency of co-morbidities (46.2%) compared to the other three groups (10.4%). The patients in progression group had a significantly higher C-reactive protein, higher lactate dehydrogenase and lower lymphocyte count than the other groups (all p-values < 0.05). The duration of hospital stay was longer in the progression group (27.1 ± 11.4 days) compared to the other three groups (16.12 ± 5.8) (p =< 0.05).

Conclusion:

Nearly half of the asymptomatic cases with confirmed COVID-19 had abnormal chest CT imaging. Asymptomatic infections can have a variable clinicoradiological course. Clinically, some recover without developing symptoms, some present few mild symptoms whereas some deteriorate. Similarly, imaging follow-up may reveal resolution (partial or complete), progression or no change.

Advances in knowledge:

Clinicoradiological course of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases is diverse.
Visualize omics data on networks with Omics Visualizer, a Cytoscape App
Authors: Legeay Marc , Doncheva Nadezhda T. , Morris John H. , Jensen Lars Juhl
Published: July 2020

Cytoscape is an open-source software used to analyze and visualize biological networks. In addition to being able to import networks from a variety of sources, Cytoscape allows users to import tabular node data and visualize it onto networks. Unfortunately, such data tables can only contain one row of data per node, whereas omics data often have multiple rows for the same gene or protein, representing different post-translational modification sites, peptides, splice isoforms, or conditions. Here, we present a new app, Omics Visualizer, that allows users to import data tables with several rows referring to the same node, connect them to one or more networks, and visualize the connected data onto networks. Omics Visualizer uses the Cytoscape enhancedGraphics app to show the data either in the nodes (pie visualization) or around the nodes (donut visualization), where the colors of the slices represent the imported values. If the user does not provide a network, the app can retrieve one from the STRING database using the Cytoscape stringApp. The Omics Visualizer app is freely available at https://apps.cytoscape.org/apps/omicsvisualizer.
Comment on Raine (2019) ‘The neuromoral theory of antisocial, violent, and psychopathic behavior’
Authors: Han Hyemin
Published: July 2020

Raine (2019) reviewed previous research on the neural correlates of antisocial, violent, and psychopathic behavior based on previous studies of neuroscience of morality. The author identified neural circuitries associated with the aforementioned types of antisocial behaviors. However, in the review, Raine acknowledged a limitation in his arguments, the lack of evidence supporting the presence of the neural circuitries. In this correspondence, I intend to show that some of his concerns, particularly those about the insula and cingulate cortex, can be addressed with additional evidence from recent neuroimaging research. In addition, I will propose that the additional evidence can also provide some insights about how to design future neuroimaging studies to examine the functionality of the striatum in the circuitries.
What increase in modern contraceptive use is needed in FP2020 countries to reach 75% demand satisfied by 2030? An assessment using the Accelerated Transition Method and Family Planning Estimation Model
Authors: Cahill Niamh , Weinberger Michelle , Alkema Leontine
Published: July 2020

Background: Sustainable Development Goal 3.7 aims to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health services. One suggested benchmark is to have at least 75% of the demand for contraception satisfied with modern methods (DS) in all countries by 2030. The translation of DS-based targets into targets for the modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) is needed to make targets actionable.

Methods: We propose the Accelerated Transition (AT) method for determining the mCPR needed to reach demand-satisfied targets by 2030. The starting point for this method is the projection of DS under “business as usual” using the one-country implementation of the Family Planning Estimation Model (FPEMcountry). For countries in which the DS target is projected to be later than 2030, the AT method assumes that meeting the DS target by 2030 requires an acceleration of the contraceptive use transition such that the DS target, and its associated mCPR, will be reached in 2030 as opposed to the later year. The DS-target-associated mCPR becomes the mCPR target for the year 2030.

Results: We apply the AT method to assess progress needed for attaining the 75% DS target for married or in-union women in the world’s poorest countries. For 50 out of 68 countries, we estimate that accelerations are needed, with required mCPR increases ranging from 4.3 to 50.8 percentage points.

Conclusions: The AT method quantifies the acceleration needed – as compared to business as usual projections – for a country to meet a family planning target. The method can be used to determine the mCPR needed to reach demand-satisfied targets.
Neterature as a Cultural Phenomenon in the Epoch of Digitization
Authors: Kuchukova Zukhra , Berberova Liana
Published: July 2020

The article is a conceptual assessment and thematic review of the literary space of the Internet, designated in modern humanities by the synthetic term «neterature». The authors of the article indicate the names of specific sites intended for lovers of foreign and Russian literature, potential participants in creative contests, as well as those who want to publish their own poetic or prose works in electronic «self-publish books». In some cases, the phenomenon of digitalization of literature is considered on the example of the activities of students of Kabardino-Balkarian State University.
The Language of Scientific and Professional Communication in the System of Linguistic and Communicative Training of a Specialist of Technical University
Authors: Skorikova Tat'yana , Orlov E. , Romanova N.
Published: July 2020

The article describes the linguodidactic foundations of the course on teaching culture of scientific speech for graduate students of a technical university. The article presents the content structure of this course and its accompanying textbook, aimed at familiarizing students with the specifics of the language of science, the subfields and genres of scientific speech, the features of the compositional and semantic organization and language design of the scientific text.
Dynamics of Socio-Cultural Processes of Higher Education Institutions: Digital Aspect
Authors: Gerasimov S.
Published: July 2020

A modern University in the XXI century is a center of public communications, which has a certain specificity. At the present stage, the University’s communication space has almost completely switched to a digital format. This is due to several factors. First of all, the digitalization of communication channels and the creation of digital realities is an essential feature of the information society in which society will develop in the foreseeable future. On the other hand, the pandemic that limited traditional forms of communication, including in the University environment, was a factor that accelerated the creation of digital reality at the University. The events of 2020 have become a trigger that intensifies all digital formats of socio-cultural processes. The generality of the changes that have occurred puts forward new requirements for the knowledge, skills and abilities of specialists who determine the country’s economy, science, politics, and socio-cultural sphere today. In these conditions, the digital reality of the University becomes a unique space in which society’s demands for training effective personnel are realized. The digital aspect of the educational process imposes requirements for the possession of digital technologies for teachers and University administration. In the new conditions, the digital space of higher education becomes the basis for creating a digital reality of the entire state, where technologies for the successful development of society are developed and verified.