bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary hypertension due to interstitial lung disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a patient experience study of symptoms and their impact on quality of life
Authors: DuBrock Hilary M. , Nathan Steven D. , Reeve Bryce B. , Kolaitis Nicholas A. , Mathai Stephen C. , Classi Peter M. , Nelsen Andrew C. , Olayinka‐Amao Bimpe , Norcross Lindsey N. , Martin Susan A.
Published: March 2021

Pulmonary hypertension resulting from chronic lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and interstitial lung disease is categorized by the World Health Organization as Group 3 pulmonary hypertension. To identify the symptoms and impacts of World Health Organization Group 3 pulmonary hypertension and to capture data related to the patient experience of this disease, qualitative research interviews were undertaken with 3 clinical experts and 14 individuals with pulmonary hypertension secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or interstitial lung disease. Shortness of breath, fatigue, cough, and swelling were the most frequently reported symptoms of pulmonary hypertension due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or interstitial lung disease, and shortness of breath was further identified as the single most bothersome symptom for most patients (71.4%). Interview participants also described experiencing a number of impacts related to pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary hypertension symptoms, including limitations in the ability to perform activities of daily living and impacts on physical functioning, family life, and social life as well as emotional impacts, which included frustration, depression, anxiety, isolation, and sadness. Results of these qualitative interviews offer an understanding of the patient experience of pulmonary hypertension due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or interstitial lung disease, including insight into the symptoms and impacts that are most important to patients in this population. As such, these results may help guide priorities in clinical treatment and assist researchers in their selection of patient‐reported outcome measures for clinical trials in patients with pulmonary hypertension due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or interstitial lung disease.
L‐citrulline increases arginase II protein levels and arginase activity in hypoxic piglet pulmonary artery endothelial cells
Authors: Douglass Matthew S. , Zhang Yongmei , Kaplowitz Mark R. , Fike Candice D.
Published: March 2021

The L‐arginine precursor, L‐citrulline, re‐couples endothelial nitric oxide synthase, increases nitric oxide production, and ameliorates chronic hypoxia‐induced pulmonary hypertension in newborn pigs. L‐arginine can induce arginase, which, in turn, may diminish nitric oxide production. Our major purpose was to determine if L‐citrulline increases arginase activity in hypoxic piglet pulmonary arterial endothelial cells, and if so, concomitantly impacts the ability to increase endothelial nitric oxide synthase re‐coupling and nitric oxide production. Piglet pulmonary arterial endothelial cells were cultured in hypoxic conditions with L‐citrulline (0–3 mM) and/or the arginase inhibitor S‐(2‐boronoethyl)‐L‐cysteine. We measured arginase activity and nitric oxide production. We assessed endothelial nitric oxide synthase coupling by measuring endothelial nitric oxide synthase dimers and monomers. L‐citrulline concentrations ≥0.5 mM increased arginase activity in hypoxic pulmonary arterial endothelial cells. L‐citrulline concentrations ≥0.1 mM increased nitric oxide production and concentrations ≥0.5 mM elevated endothelial nitric oxide synthase dimer‐to‐monomer ratios. Co‐treatment with L‐citrulline and S‐(2‐boronoethyl)‐L‐cysteine elevated endothelial nitric oxide synthase dimer‐to‐monomer ratios more than sole treatment. Despite inducing arginase, L‐citrulline increased nitric oxide production and endothelial nitric oxide synthase coupling in hypoxic piglet pulmonary arterial endothelial cells. However, these dose‐dependent findings raise the possibility that there could be L‐citrulline concentrations that elevate arginase to levels that negate improvements in endothelial nitric oxide synthase dysfunction. Moreover, our findings suggest that combining an arginase inhibitor with L‐citrulline merits evaluation as a treatment for chronic hypoxia‐induced pulmonary hypertension.
Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthrosis: A Review of Clinical Aspects and Management
Authors: Al-Ani Ziad
Published: March 2021

The symptoms of TMJ Osteoarthrosis/Osteoarthritis(TMJ OA) are characteristic and in most cases specific to the disorder. There is, however, an overlap of symptoms with other TMDs.

Treatment of TMJ OA is generally directed towards management of the symptoms as the temporomandibular joint does retain the capacity throughout life to repair and remodel. Non-conservative and invasive treatment is only rarely necessary.

It should be remembered that the mandibular condyle retains the capacity to repair and remodel throughout life and patients should be encouraged to bear this in mind. Conservative measures are usually sufficient to treat symptoms and a period of time should be allowed to elapse before undertaking a more aggressive treatment plan, which, in the overwhelming majority of patients, will not be necessary. This disorder should be approached on the terms of ‘a quality of life issue’ and treatment should be directed towards patient needs.
Medical Device Regulation: Requirements for Dental Professionals Who Prescribe and Manufacture Custom-Made Devices
Authors: Green James I. J.
Published: March 2021

A custom-made device (CMD) is a medical device intended for the sole use of a particular patient. In a dental setting, CMDs include prosthodontic devices, orthodontic appliances, bruxism splints, speech prostheses and devices for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea, trauma prevention and orthognathic surgery facilitation (arch bars and interocclusal wafers). Since 1993, the production and provision of CMDs have been subject to European Union (EU) Directive 93/42/EEC (Medical Device Directive, MDD) given effect in the UK by The Medical Devices Regulations 2002 (Statutory Instrument 2002/618), and its subsequent amendments. Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (Medical Device Regulation, EU MDR) replaces the MDD and the other EU Directive pertaining to Medical Devices, Council Directive 90/385/EEC (Active Implantable Medical Device Directive, AIMDD). The EU MDR was published on 5 April 2017, came into force on 25 May 2017 and, following a three-year transition period was due to be fully implemented and repeal the MDD on 26 May 2020, but was deferred until 26 May 2021 due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

In the UK, in preparation for the country’s planned departure from the EU, the EU MDR, with necessary amendments, was transposed into UK law (Medical Devices (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, UK MDR). The UK left the Union on 31 January 2020 and entered a transition period that ended on 31 December 2020, meaning that, from 1 January 2021, dental professionals in Great Britain who prescribe and manufacture CMDs are mandated to do so in accordance with the new legislation while Northern Ireland remains in line with the EU legislation and implementation date. This paper sets out the requirements that relate to the production and provision of CMDs in a UK dental setting.
Facts About Cracks in Teeth
Authors: Bhanderi Sanjeev
Published: March 2021

Examining the nature of stress distribution within the intact tooth can aid in understanding how natural tooth structures are able to resist mechanical forces during masticatory function. Identification of potential fractures in teeth on clinical examination is essential for correct diagnosis, particularly if there is pulpal involvement. This discussion will consider the different types of fracture, their identification and management. This paper will highlight management of tooth fractures, including identifying prognostic indicators, which are largely dependent on the extent of the fracture within the tooth structure.
A Technique to Fabricate a New Crown to an Existing Removable Partial Denture
Authors: Bereznicki Tom , Rai Manraj
Published: March 2021

Fabricating a crown for a tooth that serves as an abutment for an existing removable partial denture (RPD) provides a restorative challenge. Typically, the compromised tooth requiring an extra-coronal restoration is initially restored. It is followed by the construction of a new RPD that accurately fits the restored abutment. An increasingly common scenario is that the existing RPD is deemed clinically acceptable and, therefore, does not require replacing. This results in the clinical dilemma of fabricating a crown for an abutment tooth, while also considering how the contours of this restoration will fit with the RPD’s clasps and rests. This can be achieved through the use of various techniques subdivided into indirect, direct and combined indirect-direct. This article describes an indirect-direct technique used in conjunction with the functionally generated path technique to achieve accurately a stable record of the patient’s occlusion in the fabrication of a new crown to an existing RPD.
An evaluation of antipseudomonal dosing on the incidence of treatment failure
Authors: Hawkins Brandon K , Wingler Mary Joyce B , Cretella David A , Barber Katie E , Stover Kayla R , Wagner Jamie L
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Significant mortality is associated with delays in appropriate antibiotic therapy in Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. The impact of empiric dosing on clinical outcomes has been largely unreported.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort compared treatment failure in patients receiving guideline-concordant or guideline-discordant empiric therapy with cefepime, meropenem, or piperacillin/tazobactam. Patients with culture-positive P. aeruginosa between 1 July 2013 and 31 July 2019 were eligible for inclusion. Patients with cystic fibrosis, polymicrobial infection, and urinary or pulmonary colonization were excluded. The composite primary outcome was treatment failure, defined as (1) therapy modification due to resistance/perceived treatment failure, (2) increased/unchanged qSOFA, or (3) persistent fever 48 h after initiating appropriate therapy. Secondary outcomes included rate of infectious diseases consultation, all-cause inpatient mortality, mechanical ventilation requirement, and infection-related intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay.

Results:

In total, 198 patients were included: 90 guideline-concordant and 108 guideline-discordant. Baseline characteristics were balanced. Treatment failure was more common in the guideline-discordant than the guideline-concordant group (62% versus 48%; p = 0.04). This remained significant when adjusting for supratherapeutic dosing ( p = 0.02). Infectious diseases consultation was higher in the guideline-discordant group (46% versus 29%, p = 0.01), while intensive care unit length of stay was longer in the guideline-concordant group (4.5 versus 3 days, p = 0.03). Additional secondary outcomes were similar.

Conclusion:

Treatment failure was significantly higher in patients receiving guideline-discordant empiric antipseudomonal dosing. Guideline-directed dosing, disease states, and patient-specific factors should be assessed when considering empiric antipseudomonal dosing.
Dopamine and epinephrine for managing complete atrioventricular block due to nonreperfused acute inferior wall myocardial infarction in a rural hospital: A case report
Authors: Sandjojo Evelyne , Jaury Vanessa AMC , Astari Yufi K , Sukmana Mahendria , Haeruman Rizky A , Kloping Yudhistira Pradnyan
Published: March 2021

Inferior wall myocardial infarction occurs in approximately 50% of all myocardial infarctions. The most common conduction disorder of this disease is complete atrioventricular block. Immediate attention must be given to the myocardial infarction patients with conduction block due to the increased mortality rate in these patients. Temporary pacemaker implantation and permanent pacemaker implantation are recommended in complete atrioventricular block cases that do not improve with reperfusion. In this case report, a 64-year-old-female patient came to the emergency department of a rural General Hospital with complaints of epigastric pain, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting for 2 days before admission. She had uncontrolled hypertension without a history of diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, smoking, or a family history of heart disease. The electrocardiogram displayed an acute inferior wall myocardial infarction and complete atrioventricular block with escape junctional rhythm with a heart rate of 17 bpm. She was diagnosed with nonreperfused inferior wall myocardial infarction and a complete atrioventricular block. She was successfully treated with only dopamine and epinephrine as the definitive treatment because the patient refused to be referred to a tertiary hospital for percutaneous coronary intervention and pacemaker implantation due to financial reasons. Dopamine and epinephrine may be considered for complete atrioventricular block if transfer to a higher level of care is not feasible and as bridge therapy while waiting for transfer.
The testosterone prescribing practice of BMS menopause specialists
Authors: Scott A , Holloway D , Rymer J , Bruce D
Published: March 2021

The NICE Guidelines published in 2015 state that testosterone supplementation can be considered for menopausal women with low sexual desire if hormone replacement therapy alone is not effective. There is however, no detail on what to prescribe, how much to prescribe or whether monitoring is required. At the time of conception of this project, there was no national guideline or official advice from the British Menopause Society. We decided to ask menopause experts from around the UK to see if a consensus could be reached about good prescribing practice. The method and results as discussed below may be helpful in future recommendations and guidance.
The Drama of Metrics: Status, Spectacle, and Resistance Among YouTube Drama Creators
Authors: Christin Angèle , Lewis Rebecca
Published: March 2021

How does it feel to have one’s online worth and status be based almost exclusively on metrics? We examine this question through a qualitative study of YouTube “drama” channels. Drama creators cover the conflicts and scandals taking place among top YouTube celebrities. As producers of meta-commentary, they often rely on metrics as indicators of influence and celebrity on YouTube, thus constituting a relevant site to examine the connection between social media metrics and status. Based on interviews with English-speaking drama creators, we report three main findings. First, creators have a double orientation toward YouTube, which they understand as a site of both economic opportunities and tight-knit relationships. Second, the meanings that creators attach to metrics—their own and the ones of top YouTubers—reflect this double orientation: for them, metrics correlate with economic revenue and social status. Due to this central and multifaceted role of metrics, we find that traffic numbers can turn into a spectacle of their own for drama creators. Third, even in a context in which metrics are central, we identify several distancing strategies on the part of creators. We conclude by discussing whether—and why—resistance to metrics can be found everywhere.
The association between serum cortisol, thyroid profile, paraoxonase activity, arylesterase activity and anthropometric parameters of undergraduate students under examination stress
Authors: Anjum Armghan , Anwar Haseeb , Sohail Muhammad Umar , Ali Shah Syed Muhammad , Hussain Ghulam , Rasul Azhar , Ijaz Muhammad Umar , Nisar Jaweria , Munir Naveed , Shahzad Asif
Published: March 2021

Stress caused due to examinations during any degree program and at any educational level has been observed at all levels so the present study was conducted to investigate the stress related to final examination in undergraduate students with reference to their academic performance. Fifty-four volunteers were divided into three groups, ( n = 18), according to their academic performance, that is, Group A with low CGPA (⩽2.99), Group B with average CGPA (⩾3.00–3.59) and Group C with high CGPA (⩾3.60) and blood samples (3 ml) were taken at three-time intervals, that is, pre-examination, during examination and post examination time interval, at the Department of Physiology, Government College University, Faisalabad. Anthropometric parameters like height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate and body mass index (BMI) were also determined. Blood cortisol and thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine, T3; thyroxine, T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)) were measured using ELISA based technique. Arylesterase activity (ARE) and paraoxonase activity (PON-1) were also measured using colorimetric method. The results showed that overall cortisol level was increased at pre-examination and during examination time intervals as compared to the post examination time interval while PON-1 and ARE were significantly ( p < 0.05) decreased. With regards to T4 and TSH, a non-significant ( p < 0.05) difference was observed in pre and post examination time interval. It could be concluded from the current study that semester system examinations significantly ( p < 0.05) imposed stress in all students group at pre-examination interval as compare to post examination interval and this examination related stress was find more in the students already obtained low CGPA as compared to the other studied groups. Although, a correlation between academic performance and examinations stress in semester system was found but a large scale trial in multiple institutions throughout the Pakistan is required to exclude any socioeconomic factors because Pakistan belongs to developing country.
The Effect of Health Literacy on a Brief Intervention to Improve Advance Directive Completion: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Barker Paige C. , Holland Neal P. , Shore Oliver , Cook Robert L. , Zhang Yang , Warring Carrie D. , Hagen Melanie G.
Published: March 2021

Objective

Completion of an advance directive (AD) document is one component of advanced care planning. We evaluated a brief intervention to enhance AD completion and assess whether the intervention effect varied according to health literacy.

Methods

A randomized controlled study was conducted in 2 internal medicine clinics. Participants were over 50, without documented AD, no diagnosis of dementia, and spoke English. Participants were screened for health literacy utilizing REALM-SF. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention, a 15-minute scripted introduction (grade 7 reading level) to our institution’s AD forms (grade 11 reading level) or to the control, in which subjects were handed blank AD forms without explanation. Both groups received reminder calls at 1, 3, and 5 months. The primary outcome was AD completion at 6 months.

Results

Five hundred twenty-nine subjects were enrolled; half were of limited and half were of adequate health literacy. The AD completion rate was 21.7% and was similar in the intervention vs. the control group (22.4% vs 22.2%, P = .94).More participants with adequate health literacy completed an AD than those with limited health literacy (28.4% vs 16.2%, P = .0008), although the effect of the intervention was no different within adequate or limited literacy groups.

Conclusion

A brief intervention had no impact on AD completion for subjects of adequate or limited health literacy.

Practice Implications

Our intervention was designed for easy implementation and to be accessible to patients of adequate or limited health literacy. This intervention was not more likely than the control (handing patients an AD form) to improve AD completion for patients of either limited or adequate health literacy. Future efforts and research to improve AD completion rates should focus on interventions that include: multiple inperson contacts with patients, contact with a trusted physician, documents at 5th grade reading level, and graphic/video decision aids.

Trial Registration Number

NCT02702284, Protocol ID IRB201500776
Side-by-Side Sports Reporters: A Between-Subjects Experiment of the Effect of Gender in Reporting on the NFL
Authors: Brisbane Gayle Jansen , Ferrucci Patrick , Tandoc Edson
Published: March 2021

Women are more visible than ever in sports media. Yet, extant research has shown that females have endured an array of issues exclusive to their gender. Consistent research updates on gender in sports media is necessary in order to discover whether an increase in numbers has changed the assessment of women in sports media. This study’s objective was to understand how audiences now perceive women in television sports media, specifically as sports reporters covering the NFL. This quantitative experiment employed two current, veteran sports reporters (one female and one male) and pre-tested for the purpose of this study. It is the first known study that utilized professional television sports reporters. Each reporter recorded the same two “stand-ups” with identical backdrops. Survey participants randomly watched a video either of the male or female giving a fact or an opinion report and were then asked questions to measure their perception of the sports reporter’s knowledge and credibility. Intriguingly, this study did not replicate results from prior research, and therefore could contribute to literature on women in sports media moving forward.
Influence of Handgrip Strength and Paraspinal Muscles’ Volume on Clinical Outcomes in the Patients With Each Sagittal Imbalance and Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Shen Feng , Kim Ho-Joong , Jeon Seung Won , Chang Bong-Soon , Lee Choon-Ki , Yeom Jin S.
Published: March 2021

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Objective:

To compare handgrip strength (HGS), paraspinal muscles’ (PSM) volume, and their effects on clinical symptom severity between the patients with sagittal imbalance (SI) and symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

Methods:

A total of 54 paired consecutive patients with SI and LSS were enrolled after propensity score matching. Preoperative HGS, cross-sectional area (CSA) of psoas (PS) and multifidus (MF) muscles, and patient-reported measures, including visual analog scale (VAS) for back/ leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and EuroQOL (EQ-5D) were compared between both groups. Within each SI and LSS group, patient-reported measures were compared between high and low HGS subgroups. The correlation of HGS and CSA of PSMs to patient-reported measures was evaluated.

Results:

There was no difference in HGS between 2 groups, however, the CSA of PS and MF muscles in SI group was significantly lower than those in LSS group. Patients with low HGS showed inferior results for ODI and EQ-5D, compared to those with high HGS subgroup in both SI and LSS groups. HGS and CSA of MF muscle were correlated with ODI in both groups.

Conclusions:

There was no significant difference between the SI and LSS groups in HGS, however, PSMs’ volume in SI group were significantly lower than those in LSS group. Therefore SI would be associated with loss of localized muscle mass in back area, rather than global skeletal muscle weakness. HGS and PSMs’ volume were adversely associated with functional status in SI and LSS patients.
Book review: Arunabh Ghosh, Making It Count: Statistics and Statecraft in the Early People’s Republic of China
Authors: Kumar Vikas
Published: March 2021

Arunabh Ghosh, Making It Count: Statistics and Statecraft in the Early People’s Republic of China. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 2020, 340 pp., ISBN: 978-0-691-17947-6.
A 7-month inhalation toxicology study in C57BL/6 mice demonstrates reduced pulmonary inflammation and emphysematous changes following smoking cessation or switching to e-vapor products
Authors: Kumar Ashutosh , Kogel Ulrike , Talikka Marja , Merg Celine , Guedj Emmanuel , Xiang Yang , Kondylis Athanasios , Titz Bjoern , Ivanov Nikolai V , Hoeng Julia , Peitsch Manuel , Allen Joshua , Gupta Amit , Skowronek Anthony , Lee K Monica
Published: March 2021

Cigarette smoking causes serious diseases, including lung cancer, atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. While cessation remains the most effective approach to minimize smoking-related disease, alternative non-combustible tobacco-derived nicotine-containing products may reduce disease risks among those unable or unwilling to quit. E-vapor aerosols typically contain significantly lower levels of smoke-related harmful and potentially harmful constituents; however, health risks of long-term inhalation exposures are unknown. We designed a 7-month inhalation study in C57BL/6 mice to evaluate long-term respiratory toxicity of e-vapor aerosols compared to cigarette smoke and to assess the impact of smoking cessation (Cessation group) or switching to an e-vapor product (Switching group) after 3 months of exposure to 3R4F cigarette smoke (CS). There were no significant changes in in-life observations (body weights, clinical signs) in e-vapor groups compared to the Sham Control. The 3R4F CS group showed reduced respiratory function during exposure and had lower body weight and showed transient signs of distress post-exposure. Following 7 months of exposure, e-vapor aerosols resulted in no or minimal increase in pulmonary inflammation, while exposure to 3R4F CS led to impairment of lung function and caused marked lung inflammation and emphysematous changes. Biological changes observed in the Switching group were similar to the Cessation group. 3R4F CS exposure dysregulated the lung and nasal tissue transcriptome, while these molecular effects were substantially lower in the e-vapor group. Results from this study demonstrate that in comparison with 3R4F CS, e-vapor aerosols induce substantially lower biological responses including pulmonary inflammation and emphysematous changes, and that complete switching from CS to e-vapor products significantly reduces biological changes associated with CS in C57BL/6 mice.
Combined Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Revision and Double-Bundle Medial Collateral Ligament and Posterior Oblique Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Valette Arnault , Mouarbes Dany , Marot Vincent , Cavaignac Etienne
Published: March 2021

Background:

Nonsurgical treatment of concomitant medial collateral ligament (MCL) in the setting of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) increases the risk of graft failure. Few published cases of medial complex reconstruction combined with ACLR with no clear consensus on the optimal technique to treat these complex injuries.

Indications:

A female patient aged 41 years, with failure of ACLR in 2009 and 2 revisions in 2013 and 2014, associated with concomitant nontreated MCL and posterior oblique ligament (POL) injury. Physical examination showed valgus test laxity grade III at 30° of knee flexion and at full extension, with Lachman and pivot-shift test grade III. Imaging showed normal long-leg standing axis with 10° posterior tibial slope on radiograph, and associated MCL and POL injury on magnetic resonance imaging.

Technique Description:

ACLR and anterolateral tenodesis using the fascia lata leaving its distal insertion on the Gerdy tubercle, with double-stranded contralateral gracilis, was completed. A new femoral tunnel was made from outside to inside, with preservation of the previous tibial tunnel. The transplant was fixed with 2 interference screws. Second, the contralateral semitendinous autograft was used for MCL and POL reconstruction. A single strand of the graft was used for femoral fixation created on femoral epicondyle to cover MCL and POL origins, and double strands were used for distal fixation of MCL at the level of hamstring insertion and POL at the posteromedial corner of medial tibial plateau. The graft was secured with 3 interference screws at 30 knee flexion for MCL and full extension for POL.

Results:

The results include favorable functional and clinical outcome with improvement in the anteroposterior and rotatory knee stability at mid-term follow-up. Lateral extra-articular tenodesis in supplementing ACLR controls internal tibial rotatory knee stability. Double-bundle reconstruction of MCL and POL improved both valgus and anteromedial rotatory instability by restraining external rotation.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Surgeons should consider the need for surgical treatment of concomitant MCL injury to prevent chronic valgus laxity and increased strain on the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft, potentially increasing the risk of ACLR revision. Our described technique offers a safe method for ACLR and lateral tenodesis with an advantage to avoid tunnel convergence, and medial stabilization to restore native valgus and rotatory stability and prevent increased stress on ACL graft.
Thebaite-(NH4), (NH4,K)3Al(C2O4)(PO3OH)2(H2O), a new phosphate–oxalate mineral from the Rowley mine, Arizona, USA
Authors: Kampf Anthony R. , Cooper Mark A. , Celestian Aaron J. , Nash Barbara P. , Marty Joe
Published: March 2021

Thebaite-(NH4), (NH4,K)3Al(C2O4)(PO3OH)2(H2O), is a new mineral species (IMA2020-072) from the Rowley mine, Maricopa County, Arizona, USA. It occurs in an unusual bat-guano-related, post-mining assemblage of phases that include a variety of vanadates, phosphates, oxalates and chlorides, some containing NH4+. Other secondary minerals found in association with thebaite-(NH4) are antipinite, vanadinite and at least one other new mineral. Crystals of thebaite-(NH4) are colourless blades up to ~0.1 mm in length. The streak is white, lustre is vitreous, Mohs hardness is 1½–2, tenacity is brittle and fracture is splintery. There are two good cleavages in the [010] zone, probably {100} and {10$\bar{2}$}. The calculated density is 2.093 g⋅cm–3. Thebaite-(NH4) is optically biaxial (–) with α = 1.490(2), β = 1.534(2), γ = 1.570(2) (white light); 2V = 82.7(5)°; slight r > v dispersion; and orientation X = b, Y ^ c = 13° in obtuse β. Electron microprobe analysis gave the empirical formula [(NH4)2.12K0.69Na0.20]Σ3.01(Al0.84Fe3+0.11V3+0.04)Σ0.99(C2O4)[(P0.98Si0.02)O3OH]2(H2O), with the C, N and H contents constrained by the crystal structure. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of NH4 and C2O4. Thebaite-(NH4) is monoclinic, P21/c, with a = 11.156(9), b = 6.234(6), c = 18.651(16) Å, β = 102.928(15)°, V = 1264.2(19) Å3 and Z = 4. The structural unit in the crystal structure of thebaite-(NH4) (R1 = 0.0612 for 863 Io > 2σI reflections) is a double-strand chain of corner-sharing AlO6 octahedra and PO3OH tetrahedra decorated by additional PO3OH tetrahedra and C2O4 groups. The decorated chains connect to one another through bonds to NH4+ and K+ and through hydrogen bonds.
Exploring short k-mer profiles in cells and mobile elements from Archaea highlights the major influence of both the ecological niche and evolutionary history
Authors: Bize Ariane , Midoux Cédric , Mariadassou Mahendra , Schbath Sophie , Forterre Patrick , Da Cunha Violette
Published: March 2021

Background

K-mer-based methods have greatly advanced in recent years, largely driven by the realization of their biological significance and by the advent of next-generation sequencing. Their speed and their independence from the annotation process are major advantages. Their utility in the study of the mobilome has recently emerged and they seem a priori adapted to the patchy gene distribution and the lack of universal marker genes of viruses and plasmids.

To provide a framework for the interpretation of results from k-mer based methods applied to archaea or their mobilome, we analyzed the 5-mer DNA profiles of close to 600 archaeal cells, viruses and plasmids.Archaeais one of the three domains of life. Archaea seem enriched in extremophiles and are associated with a high diversity of viral and plasmid families, many of which are specific to this domain. We explored the dataset structure by multivariate and statistical analyses, seeking to identify the underlying factors.

Results

For cells, the 5-mer profiles were inconsistent with the phylogeny of archaea. At a finer taxonomic level, the influence of the taxonomy and the environmental constraints on 5-mer profiles was very strong. These two factors were interdependent to a significant extent, and the respective weights of their contributions varied according to the clade. A convergent adaptation was observed for the classHalobacteria, for which a strong 5-mer signature was identified. For mobile elements, coevolution with the host had a clear influence on their 5-mer profile. This enabled us to identify one previously known and one new case of recent host transfer based on the atypical composition of the mobile elements involved. Beyond the effect of coevolution, extrachromosomal elements strikingly retain the specific imprint of their own viral or plasmid taxonomic family in their 5-mer profile.

Conclusion

This specific imprint confirms that the evolution of extrachromosomal elements is driven by multiple parameters and is not restricted to host adaptation. In addition, we detected only recent host transfer events, suggesting the fast evolution of short k-mer profiles. This calls for caution when using k-mers for host prediction, metagenomic binning or phylogenetic reconstruction.
Chromosome-length genome assembly and structural variations of the primal Basenji dog (Canis lupus familiaris) genome
Authors: Edwards Richard J. , Field Matt A. , Ferguson James M. , Dudchenko Olga , Keilwagen Jens , Rosen Benjamin D. , Johnson Gary S. , Rice Edward S. , Hillier La Deanna , Hammond Jillian M. , Towarnicki Samuel G. , Omer Arina , Khan Ruqayya , Skvortsova Ksenia , Bogdanovic Ozren , Zammit Robert A. , Aiden Erez Lieberman , Warren Wesley C. , Ballard J. William O.
Published: March 2021

Background

Basenjis are considered an ancient dog breed of central African origins that still live and hunt with tribesmen in the African Congo. Nicknamed the barkless dog, Basenjis possess unique phylogeny, geographical origins and traits, making their genome structure of great interest. The increasing number of available canid reference genomes allows us to examine the impact the choice of reference genome makes with regard to reference genome quality and breed relatedness.

Results

Here, we report two high quality de novo Basenji genome assemblies: a female, China (CanFam_Bas), and a male, Wags. We conduct pairwise comparisons and report structural variations between assembled genomes of three dog breeds: Basenji (CanFam_Bas), Boxer (CanFam3.1) and German Shepherd Dog (GSD) (CanFam_GSD). CanFam_Bas is superior to CanFam3.1 in terms of genome contiguity and comparable overall to the high quality CanFam_GSD assembly. By aligning short read data from 58 representative dog breeds to three reference genomes, we demonstrate how the choice of reference genome significantly impacts both read mapping and variant detection.

Conclusions

The growing number of high-quality canid reference genomes means the choice of reference genome is an increasingly critical decision in subsequent canid variant analyses. The basal position of the Basenji makes it suitable for variant analysis for targeted applications of specific dog breeds. However, we believe more comprehensive analyses across the entire family of canids is more suited to a pangenome approach. Collectively this work highlights the importance the choice of reference genome makes in all variation studies.
Correction to: General anaesthesia related mortality in a limited resource settings region: a retrospective study in two teaching hospitals of Butembo
Authors: Blaise Pascal Furaha Nzanzu , Malisawa Agnes , Barratt-Due Andreas , Namboya Felix , Pollach Gregor
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
The relationship between ambulatory arterial stiffness, inflammation, blood pressure dipping and cardiovascular outcomes
Authors: Boos Christopher J. , Toon Lin-Thiri , Almahdi Halah
Published: March 2021

Background

The ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) is an indirect measure of arterial stiffness obtained during ambulatory blood pressuring monitoring (ABPM). Its relationship to nocturnal blood pressure dipping status and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) are controversial and its association with vascular inflammation has not been examined. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the AASI, inflammation and nocturnal blood pressure dipping status and its association with MACE.

Methods

Adults (aged 18–80 years) who underwent 24-h ABPM for the diagnosis of hypertension or its control were included. The inflammatory markers measured were the neutrophil–lymphocyte (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte (PLR) and monocyte-lymphocyte ratios (MLR). The primary MACE was a composite of cardiovascular death, acute limb ischaemia, stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or acute coronary syndrome.

Results

A total of 508 patients (51.2% female) aged 58.8 ± 14.0 years were included; 237 (46.7%) were normal-dippers (≥ 10% nocturnal systolic dip), 214 (42.1%) were non-dippers (0–10% dip) and 57 (11.2%) were reverse-dippers (< 0% dip). The AASI was significantly higher among reverse (0.56 ± 0.16) and non-dippers (0.48 ± 0.17) compared with normal dippers (0.39 ± 0.16;p < 0.0001) and correlated with the NLR (r = 0.20; 95% CI 0.11 to 0.29: < 0.0001) and systolic blood pressure dipping % (r = − 0.34; − 0.42 to − 0.26:p < 0.0001). Overall 39 (7.7%) patients had ≥ 1 MACE which included a total of seven cardiovascular deaths and 14 non-fatal strokes/TIAs. The mean follow up was 113.7 ± 64.0 weeks. Increasing NLR, but not AASI or systolic dipping, was independently linked to MACE (overall model Chi-square 60.67;p < 0.0001) and MLR to cardiovascular death or non-fatal stroke/TIA (overall model Chi-square 37.08;p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

In conclusion AASI was associated with blood pressure dipping and chronic inflammation but not independently to MACE. The MLR and NLR were independent predictors of MACE.
Discharge against medical advice from the emergency department in a university hospital
Authors: Abuzeyad Feras H. , Farooq Moonis , Alam Salah Farhat , Ibrahim Mudhaffar Ismael , Bashmi Luma , Aljawder Shaikha Sami , Ellouze Najeh , Almusalam Abdulla , Hsu Stephanie , Das Priya
Published: March 2021

Background

Patients discharged against medical advice (DAMA) act as a high-risk population for the Emergency Department (ED), regardless of their presentations, and can pose a serious burden for the hospital. This study examines the prevalence, demographic and clinical characteristics, reasons, and clinical outcomes of a small sample of DAMA patients in a teaching university hospital, including readmission, morbidity, and mortality.

Methods

A prospective, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the ED of King Hamad University Hospital (KHUH) with 98,992 patient visits during a 1-year period from June 2018 to June 2019. Consenting DAMA patients were asked to complete a data collection form.

Results

Patients (n = 413) had a mean age of 44.1 years with a female majority (57.1%). The majority were categorized as triage level-3 (87.7%). The main reasons for DAMA included refusal of the procedure/operation (23.2%), long ED waiting time (22.2%), subjective improvement with treatment (17.7%), and children at home (14.8%), whereas the least selected reason was dissatisfaction with medical care (1.2%). Follow-up of DAMA patients revealed that 86 cases (20.8%) were readmitted to the ED within 72 h of which 41 (47.7%) cases were morbidity and 2 (2.3%) were mortality. Marital status was a predictor of DAMA patients who revisit the ED within 72 h.

Conclusion

The results act as a pilot study to examine a small sample of DAMA patients’ characteristics, diagnosis, and ED revisits. Hospitals should investigate further the DAMA population on a larger scale, reasons for refusing procedures, and utilize this knowledge to improve the healthcare process.
Trait mindfulness is primarily associated with depression and not with fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS): implications for mindfulness-based interventions
Authors: Sauder Torsten , Keune Philipp M. , Müller Roy , Schenk Thomas , Oschmann Patrick , Hansen Sascha
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Persons with MS (PwMS) often display symptoms of depression and fatigue. Mindfulness-based interventions are known to counteract these symptoms. However, to-date the exact relations between trait mindfulness, depression and fatigue remain to be examined. Fatigue is generally regarded as a symptom immanent to the disease and as a direct neurobiological consequence of increased cytokine levels and cortical atrophy. In depression on the other hand, psychosocial factors in the context of adaptation difficulties are probably of higher relevance. Hence, one may argue that mindfulness, as a trait that promotes successful adaption, may show a strong negative association with depression and a relatively minor negative association with fatigue in PwMS.

Methods

In the current study, the association between self-reported trait mindfulness, fatigue and depression was examined in a sample of 69 PwMS.

Results

Trait mindfulness showed highly significant negative correlations with both, depression and fatigue. Mediation analyses however, revealed that depression mediated the relation between mindfulness and fatigue.

Conclusion

It may be concluded that in PwMS, trait mindfulness shows a genuine negative association with depression, but that it is only secondarily associated with fatigue. Implications for mindfulness-based interventions in MS are discussed. Based on the results of the current study, it may be feasible to promote the acceptance of default fatigue symptoms, instead of an actual reduction of fatigue symptoms.
Effects of antenatal care service utilization on maternal near miss in Gamo Gofa zone, southern Ethiopia: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kebede Tayue Tateke , Godana Wanzahun , Utaile Mesfin Mamo , Sebsibe Yemisirach Berhanu
Published: March 2021

Background

Antenatal care (ANC) provides an opportunity to prevent, identify and intervene maternal health problems. Maternal near miss (MNM), as an indicator of maternal health, is increasingly gaining global attention to measure these problems. However, little has been done to measure the effect of ANC on MNM in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the effect of ANC on MNM and its associated predictors at Gamo Gofa zone, southern Ethiopia.

Methods

Employing a retrospective cohort study design, 3 years data of 1440 pregnant mothers (480 ANC attendant and 960 non-attendant) were collected from all hospitals in the zone. Taking ANC visit as an exposure variable; we used a pretested checklist to extract relevant information from the study participants’ medical records. Characteristics of study participants, their ANC attendance status, MNM rates and associated predictors were determined.

Results

Twenty-five (5.2%) ANC attendant and seventy-one (7.4%) non-attendant mothers experienced MNM, (X2 = 2,46, df = 2, p = 0.12). The incidence rates were 59.6 (95% CI: 40.6–88.2) and 86.1 (95%CI: 67.3–107.2)/1000 person-years for the ANC attendant and non-attendant mothers, respectively. Mothers who were living in rural areas had higher hazard ratio of experiencing MNM than those who were living in urban areas, with an adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) of 1.68 (95% CI, 1.01, 2.78).

Conclusion

ANC attendance tended to reduce MNM. However, late initiation and loss to follow-up were higher in the current study. Therefore, on time initiation and consistent utilization of ANC are required.
A preoperative nomogram predicts prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Huang Dabing , Shen Yinan , Zhang Wei , Guo Chengxiang , Liang Tingbo , Bai Xueli
Published: March 2021

Background

Although criteria for liver transplantation, such as the Milan criteria and Hangzhou experiences, have become popular, criteria to guide adjuvant therapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation are lacking.

Methods

We collected data from all consecutive patients from 2012 to 2019 at three liver transplantation centers in China retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to analyze preoperative parameters, such as demographic and clinical data. Using data obtained in our center, calibration curves and the concordance Harrell’s C-indices were used to establish the final model. The validation cohort comprised the patients from the other centers.

Results

Data from 233 patients were used to construct the nomogram. The validation cohort comprised 36 patients. Independent predictors of overall survival (OS) were identified as HbeAg positive (P = 0.044), blood-type compatibility unmatched (P = 0.034), liver transplantation criteria (P = 0.003), and high MELD score (P = 0.037). For the validation cohort, to predict OS, the C-index of the nomogram was 0.874. Based on the model, patients could be assigned into low-risk (≥ 50%), intermediate-risk (30–50%), and high-risk (≤ 30%) groups to guide adjuvant therapy after surgery and to facilitate personalized management.

Conclusions

The OS in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation could be accurately predicted using the developed nomogram.
Frequent high-risk HPV co-infections excluding types 16 or 18 in cervical neoplasia in Guadeloupe
Authors: Gaete Stanie , Auguste Aviane , Bhakkan Bernard , Peruvien Jessica , Herrmann-Storck Cecile , Socrier Youri , Diedhiou Abdoulaye , Deloumeaux Jacqueline
Published: March 2021

Background

Cervical cancer is the fourth cancer worldwide. The Human Papilloma Virus is responsible for 99% of the cases but the distribution of its genotypes varies among populations. We aimed to identify HPV genotypes distribution in women with grade 2/3 cervical intraepithelial dysplasia or invasive cervical cancer in Guadeloupe, a French Caribbean territory with a population mainly of African descent.

Methods

We used paraffin-embedded tumors for viral DNA extraction from women diagnosed between 2014 and 2016 and identified by the population-based cancer registry. The HPV Genotyping was performed with the InnoLIPA HPV Genotyping Extra kit®.

Results

Overall, 213 samples out of the 321 eligible records were analyzed. The HPV status was positive for 94% of the cases. The five most common oncogenic HPV genotypes were HPV31 (47%), HPV33 (38%), HPV16 (32%), HPV44 (31%) and HPV26 (28%). HPV18 was found in only in 5% of the cases. Among the studied cases, 94% had multiple infections. More than 60% of single infections were HPV16-related, accounting for 35% of HPV16 infections.

Conclusions

These results show a different distribution of oncogenic HPVs in Guadeloupe with “31 >  33 > 16” and a high frequency of multiple infections. Despite a lower coverage, the nine-valent vaccine is nevertheless adequate.