bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutation Rate and Spectrum
Authors: Baer Charles F.
Published: March 2021

Many an introductory or general overview of the biology of mutation begins with the phrase “mutation is the ultimate source of genetic variation.” In the absence of mutation, one genome sequence would eventually become fixed in every species, recombination would become irrelevant, and evolution would grind to a halt. Thus, metaphorically, mutation is the fuel of evolution. To begin, it is important to define what is meant by “mutation.” For the purposes of this article, mutation is defined as the condition in which homologous DNA sequence differs between the parent cell at its origin and the daughter cell at its origin. Of primary interest are those mutations that are heritable across generations. Mutations result either from errors during replication that are not repaired, or damage to nonreplicating DNA that is not repaired prior to the next round of replication. Both of those points of control admit many sources of variation. In this article, mutation is considered in two contexts. First, papers that investigate causes of variation in the mutational process, and second, papers that investigate consequences of variation in the mutational process. The former includes theoretical investigations of the evolution of the mutation rate, as well as empirical studies of variation in the rate and molecular spectrum of mutation within genomes and between individuals and higher taxa. The latter category includes both theoretical and empirical studies of how variation in either the rate or spectrum of mutation affects the phenotype, and especially fitness. The focus is broad, including classical one- and two-locus population genetics, modern sequence-based population genetics, molecular genetics, and quantitative genetics. Theoretical studies are overrepresented, and empirical studies are bimodally distributed, with modes at the old (“classical”) and very recent (“state of the art”).
Distinct Functions of Ethylene and ACC in the Basal Land PlantMarchantia polymorpha
Authors: Katayose Asuka , Kanda Asaka , Kubo Yasutaka , Takahashi Taku , Motose Hiroyasu
Published: March 2021

Ethylene is a gaseous phytohormone involved in various physiological processes, including fruit ripening, senescence, root hair development and stress responses. Recent genomics studies have suggested that most homologous genes of ethylene biosynthesis and signaling are conserved from algae to angiosperms, whereas the function and biosynthesis of ethylene remain unknown in basal plants. Here, we examined the physiological effects of ethylene, an ethylene precursor, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) and an inhibitor of ethylene perception, silver thiosulfate (STS), in a basal land plant, Marchantia polymorpha. M. polymorpha plants biosynthesized ethylene, and treatment with high concentrations of ACC slightly promoted ethylene production. ACC remarkably suppressed the growth of thalli (vegetative organs) and rhizoids (root-hair-like cells), whereas exogenous ethylene slightly promoted thallus growth. STS suppressed thallus growth and induced ectopic rhizoid formation on the dorsal surface of thalli. Thus, ACC and ethylene have different effects on the vegetative growth of M. polymorpha. We generated single and double mutants of ACC synthase-like (ACSL) genes, MpACSL1 and MpACSL2. The mutants did not show obvious defects in thallus growth, ACC content and ethylene production, indicating that MpACSL genes are not essential for the vegetative growth and biosynthesis of ACC and ethylene. Gene expression analysis suggested the involvement of MpACSL1 and MpACSL2 in stress responses. Collectively, our results imply ethylene-independent function of ACC and the absence of ACC-mediated ethylene biosynthesis in M. polymorpha.
Thylakoid Protein Phosphorylation in Chloroplasts
Authors: Longoni Fiamma Paolo , Goldschmidt-Clermont Michel
Published: March 2021

Because of their abundance and extensive phosphorylation, numerous thylakoid proteins stand out amongst the phosphoproteins of plants and algae. In particular, subunits of light-harvesting complex II (LHCII) and of photosystem II (PSII) are dynamically phosphorylated and dephosphorylated in response to light conditions and metabolic demands. These phosphorylations are controlled by evolutionarily conserved thylakoid protein kinases and counteracting protein phosphatases, which have distinct but partially overlapping substrate specificities. The best characterized are the kinases STATE TRANSITION 7 (STN7/STT7) and STATE TRANSITION 8 (STN8), and the antagonistic phosphatases PROTEIN PHOSPHATASE 1/THYLAKOID-ASSOCIATED PHOSPHATASE 38 (PPH1/TAP38) and PHOTOSYSTEM II CORE PHOSPHATASE (PBCP). The phosphorylation of LHCII is mainly governed by STN7 and PPH1/TAP38 in plants. LHCII phosphorylation is essential for state transitions, a regulatory feedback mechanism that controls the allocation of this antenna to either PSII or PSI, and thus maintains the redox balance of the electron transfer chain. Phosphorylation of several core subunits of PSII, regulated mainly by STN8 and PBCP, correlates with changes in thylakoid architecture, the repair cycle of PSII after photodamage as well as regulation of light harvesting and of alternative routes of photosynthetic electron transfer. Other kinases, such as the PLASTID CASEIN KINASE II (pCKII), also intervene in thylakoid protein phosphorylation and take part in the chloroplast kinase network. While some features of thylakoid phosphorylation were conserved through the evolution of photosynthetic eukaryotes, others have diverged in different lineages possibly as a result of their adaptation to varied environments.
Is Dry Needling Effective for the Management of Plantar Heel Pain or Plantar Fasciitis? An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Llurda-Almuzara Luis , Labata-Lezaun Noé , Meca-Rivera Toni , Navarro-Santana Marcos J , Cleland Joshua A , Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , Pérez-Bellmunt Albert
Published: March 2021

Objective

Dry needling is commonly used for the management of plantar fasciitis. This meta-analysis evaluated the effects of dry needling over trigger points associated with plantar heel pain on pain intensity and related disability or function.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials in which at least one group received dry needling, not acupuncture, for trigger points associated with plantar heel pain and in which outcomes were collected on pain intensity and related disability. The risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, methodological quality was assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) score, and the level of evidence is reported according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Between-groups mean differences (MD) and standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated.

Results

The search identified 297 publications, with six trials eligible for inclusion. The meta-analysis found low-quality evidence that trigger point dry needling reduces pain intensity in the short term (MD −1.70 points, 95% confidence interval [CI] −2.80 to −0.60; SMD −1.28, 95% CI −2.11 to −0.44) and moderate-quality evidence that it improves pain intensity (MD −1.77 points, 95% CI −2.44 to −1.11; SMD −1.45, 95% CI −2.19 to −0.70) and related disability (SMD −1.75, 95% CI −2.22 to −1.28) in the long term, as compared with a comparison group. The risk of bias of the trials was generally low, but the heterogeneity of the results downgraded the level of evidence.

Discussion

Moderate- to low-quality evidence suggests a positive effect of trigger point dry needling for improving pain intensity and pain-related disability in the short term and long term, respectively, in patients with plantar heel pain of musculoskeletal origin. The present results should be considered with caution because of the small number of trials.
Estimated glomerular filtration rate is a marker of mortality in the European Scleroderma Trials and Research Group (EUSTAR) database
Authors: Gigante Antonietta , Hoffmann-Vold Anna-Maria , Alunni Fegatelli Danilo , Gabrielli Armando  , Leodori Giorgia , Coleiro Bernard , De Santis Maria , Dagna Lorenzo , Alegre-Sancho Juan Jose , Montecucco Carlomaurizio , Carreira Patricia E , Balbir-Gurman Alexandra  , Doria Andrea , Riemekasten Gabriela , Airò Paolo , Distler Jörg  , Distler Oliver , Rosato Edoardo ,   the EUSTAR collaborators
Published: March 2021

Objectives

The study aim was to evaluate the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), its association with clinical disease and its predictive ability with respect to mortality in SSc patients from the European Scleroderma Trials and Research Group (EUSTAR) database.

Methods

SSc patients from the EUSTAR database who had items required for the calculation of eGFR at a baseline visit and a second follow-up visit available were included. A cut-off eGFR value of 60 ml/min was chosen for all SSc patients, and 30 ml/min for those with scleroderma renal crisis (SRC). Cox regression and competing risk analysis were performed to evaluate the use of eGFR as a predictive factor of mortality.

Results

A total of 3650 SSc patients were included in this study. The median serum level of creatinine and the mean of eGFR were 0.8 mg/dl (interquartile range = 0.6–0.9) and 86.6 ± 23.7 ml/min, respectively. The eGFR was significantly lower in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Overall survival (OS) was significantly reduced in SSc patients with eGFR < 60 ml/min compared with patients with eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min [OS at 5 years 0.763 (95% CI: 0.700, 0.814) vs 0.903 (95% CI: 0.883, 0.919; P < 0.001)]. In multivariable analysis, OS was associated with male gender (P < 0.01), systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) (P < 0.001) and eGFR (P < 0.001). The cumulative incidence of deaths due to SSc was associated with increased sPAP (P < 0.001) and reduced eGFR (P < 0.05). The OS at 5 years of 53 SRC patients was not significantly different between SSc patients with eGFR > 30 ml/min and those with eGFR <30 ml/min.

Conclusion

eGFR represents a predictive risk factor for overall survival in SSc. The eGFR, however, does not represent a risk factor for death in SRC.
Fired and Evicted: Istanbul Doorkeepers’ Strategies of Navigating Employment and Housing Precarity
Authors: Bayurgil Ladin
Published: March 2021

Considering contemporary urban contexts, where housing precarity is an eminent problem for the urban working poor, this research asks how those employed as doorkeepers navigate everyday experiences of double precarity, i.e., the risk of being simultaneously fired and evicted. Doorkeepers in Istanbul are minimum-wage workers and internal migrants. Yet, unlike other low-wage employees, they live rent-free in basement apartments in return for serving their neighbors who are also their employers. Through the earthquake risk-driven urban transformation that necessitates demolition and reconstruction of more than 2,000 multi-unit buildings in Istanbul’s upper-middle income neighborhoods, doorkeepers are replaced with informal laborers or privatized outsourced services, and hence experience simultaneous job loss and involuntary displacement. Employing an ethnographic examination of these workers and their precarity management strategies, this research suggests that studying experiences of intersecting employment and housing market precarities allows us to extend our understanding of precarity beyond the labor market. More specifically, this research suggests that precarious labor processes are integral to housing precarity and should be studied in relation to both housing and shifting urban policies.
A Novel In Silico Method for Molecular Mimicry Detection Finds a Formin with the Potential to Manipulate the Maize Cell Cytoskeleton
Authors: Armijos-Jaramillo Vinicio , Espinosa Nicole , Vizcaíno Karla , Santander-Gordón Daniela
Published: March 2021

Molecular mimicry is one of the evolutionary strategies that parasites use to manipulate the host metabolism and perform an effective infection. This phenomenon has been observed in several animal and plant pathosystems. Despite the relevance of this mechanism in pathogenesis, little is known about it in fungus–plant interactions. For that reason, we performed an in silico method to select plausible mimicry candidates for the Ustilago maydis–maize interaction. Our methodology used a tripartite sequence comparison between the parasite, the host, and nonparasitic organisms’ genomes. Furthermore, we used RNA sequencing information to identify gene coexpression, and we determined subcellular localization to detect potential cases of colocalization in the imitator-imitated pairs. With these approximations, we found a putative extracellular formin in U. maydis with the potential to rearrange the host cell cytoskeleton. In parallel, we detected at least two maize genes involved in the cytoskeleton rearrangement differentially expressed under U. maydis infection; thus, this find increases the expectation for the potential mimicry role of the fungal protein. The use of several sources of data led us to develop a strict and replicable in silico methodology to detect molecular mimicry in pathosystems with enough information available. Furthermore, this is the first time that a genomewide search has been performed to detect molecular mimicry in a U. maydis–maize system. Additionally, to allow the reproducibility of this experiment and the use of this pipeline, we created a Web server called Molecular Mimicry Finder.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Degradation of Aflatoxins B1 by Atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus Biocontrol Agents
Authors: Maxwell Lourena A. , Callicott Kenneth A. , Bandyopadhyay Ranajit , Mehl Hillary L. , Orbach Marc J. , Cotty Peter J.
Published: March 2021

Aflatoxins are potent Aspergillus mycotoxins that contaminate food and feed, thereby impacting health and trade. Biopesticides with atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus isolates as active ingredients are used to reduce aflatoxin contamination in crops. The mechanism of aflatoxin biocontrol is primarily attributed to competitive exclusion but, sometimes, aflatoxin is reduced by greater amounts than can be explained by displacement of aflatoxin-producing fungi on the crop. Objectives of this study were to (i) evaluate the ability of atoxigenic A. flavus genotypes to degrade aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and (ii) characterize impacts of temperature, time, and nutrient availability on AFB1 degradation by atoxigenic A. flavus. Aflatoxin-contaminated maize was inoculated with atoxigenic isolates in three separate experiments that included different atoxigenic genotypes, temperature, and time as variables. Atoxigenic genotypes varied in aflatoxin degradation but all degraded AFB1 >44% after 7 days at 30°C. The optimum temperature for AFB1 degradation was 25 to 30°C, which is similar to the optimum range for AFB1 production. In a time-course experiment, atoxigenics degraded 40% of AFB1 within 3 days, and 80% of aflatoxin was degraded by day 21. Atoxigenic isolates were able to degrade and utilize AFB1 as a sole carbon source in a chemically defined medium but quantities of AFB1 degraded declined as glucose concentrations increased. Degradation may be an additional mechanism through which atoxigenic A. flavus biocontrol products reduce aflatoxin contamination pre- or postharvest. Thus, selection of optimal atoxigenic active ingredients can include assessment of both competitive ability in agricultural fields and their ability to degrade aflatoxins.
Plant-Parasitic Nematodes Associated With Wheat in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Kazakhstan
Authors: Imren Mustafa , Özer Göksel , Paulitz Timothy C. , Morgounov Alexey , Dababat Abdelfattah A.
Published: March 2021

Kazakhstan is one of the biggest wheat producers, however, its wheat production is far below the average international wheat production standard due to biotic and abiotic stressors. Plant-parasitic nematodes are devastating for cereal production systems worldwide. A comprehensive survey was conducted in 2019 to identify plant-parasitic nematodes associated with wheat in different locations of central, eastern, and southeastern Kazakhstan. The results revealed 33 root-lesion and 27 cyst nematode populations from the 77 localities sampled. These two genera occurred in separate or in mixed populations. The root-lesion populations were identified as Pratylenchus neglectus and P. thornei while all cyst nematodes were identified as Heterodera filipjevi. The identification of nematodes was firstly performed based on morphological and morphometric features and confirmed by BLAST and phylogenetic analyses based on the internal transcribed spacer and the D2-D3 expansion located in the 28S gene of ribosomal DNA for CCN and RLN populations, respectively. Pratylenchus neglectus and P. thornei populations from Kazakhstan showed a high similarity with the American, European, and Asian populations. Heterodera filipjevi populations formed a well-supported cluster with the corresponding populations from different countries and showed a slightly intraspecific polymorphism. Kazakhstan populations of H. filipjevi may have multiple introductions in Kazakhstan due to the divergence among them. The results of this study are of great importance for breeding programs and will enable awareness for extension advisors to develop measures to control these nematodes in cereal cropping areas in Kazakhstan.
Influence of Temperature and Moisture Duration on Pathogenic Life History Traits of Predominant Haplotypes of Fusarium circinatum on Pinus spp. in Spain
Authors: Elvira-Recuenco Margarita , Pando Valentín , Berbegal Mónica , Manzano Muñoz Aranzazu , Iturritxa Eugenia , Raposo Rosa
Published: March 2021

Pathogen life history traits influence epidemic development and pathogen adaptive ability to interact with their hosts in different environments. Reduced traits variation may compromise pathogen evolutionary potential, which is particularly important for introduced pathogens. Fusarium circinatum (cause of pine pitch canker) is an invasive fungal pathogen in Europe, with current distribution restricted to forest stands of Pinus radiata and Pinus pinaster in northern Spain and Portugal. This study aimed to quantify pathogenic traits of Spanish isolates of F. circinatum, with two of the strains representing the two dominant haplotypes in the Spanish population. Disease severity was measured on P. radiata, analyzing the influence of temperature and moisture duration on infection as well as the influence of temperature on spore germination, sporulation, and mycelial growth. Results indicated that the isolate representing the most common haplotype caused more severe disease on P. radiata at 25 and 30°C compared with the second most common haplotype but caused less severe disease at 15°C. Spore germination was higher for the most common haplotype, which produced more spores at 20 and 25°C. The isolate showed hyphal melanization at 5°C, which has been associated with survival and may be important because no resting structures have been described for F. circinatum. Our study determined that longer moisture periods during infection result in more severe disease from 7 to 24 h, regardless of the isolate virulence. This is the first study on virulence of the most abundant haplotypes of F. circinatum in Spain as affected by temperatures and moisture.
Development of a Multiplex High-Throughput Diagnostic Assay for the Detection of Strawberry Crown Rot Diseases Using High-Resolution Melting Analysis
Authors: Wang Nan-Yi , Gama Andre Bueno , Marin Marcus Vinicius , Peres Natalia A.
Published: March 2021

Rapid and accurate disease diagnosis is a prerequisite for an effective disease management program in strawberry production. In Florida, Colletotrichum spp., Phytophthora spp., and Macrophomina phaseolina are the primary microorganisms causing strawberry crown rot. Even though the diseases can be caused by different pathogens, symptoms are indistinguishable and equally devastating. To inform strawberry growers in a timely fashion of diagnostic results for effective deployment of chemical control practices, we developed a multiplex high-resolution melting (HRM) assay to rapidly and accurately detect the abovementioned pathogens. The multiplex HRM assays using three predesigned primer pairs showed high specificity for individual species by generating specific melting peaks without cross-reaction between primers or with other common strawberry pathogens. The amplification limit of the assay was 1 pg of Colletotrichum and Phytophthora and 100 pg of M. phaseolina DNA per 10-μl reaction. However, the presence of different melting peaks was observed in mixed DNA samples and was concentration and target DNA dependent. A crude DNA extraction protocol was developed to allow high-throughput screening by minimizing the inhibitory effects. Moreover, we applied the HRM assay to 522 plant samples and found high correlations between conventional pathogen isolation and HRM and between singleplex and multiplex assays. Altogether, this multiplex HRM assay is specific, cost effective, and reliable for the timely detection of strawberry crown rot pathogens.
Provision of Contraceptive Implants in School-Based Health Centers: A Cost-effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Kim Chi-Son , Lunde Britt , MacIsaac Laura , Arden Martha , Garney Whitney R. , Wilson Kelly L. , Li Yan
Published: March 2021

(Abstracted from Contraception 2021;103(2):107–112)

Among high-income countries, the United States has the highest rate of teen pregnancy. Most teen pregnancies are unintended.
Gemogenovatucel-T (Vigil) Immunotherapy as Maintenance in Frontline Stage III/IV Ovarian Cancer (VITAL): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 2b Trial
Authors: Rocconi Rodney P. , Grosen Elizabeth A. , Ghamande Sharad A. , Chan John K. , Barve Minal A. , Oh Jonathan , Tewari Devansu , Morris Peter C. , Stevens Erin E. , Bottsford-Miller Justin N. , Tang Min , Aaron Phylicia , Stanbery Laura , Horvath Staci , Wallraven Gladice , Bognar Ernest , Manning Luisa , Nemunaitis John , Shanahan David , Slomovitz Brian M. , Herzog Thomas J. , Monk Bradley J. , Coleman Robert L.
Published: March 2021

(Abstracted from Lancet Oncol 2020;21:1661–1672)

Standard-of-care treatment for stages III and IV newly diagnosed ovarian cancer involves primary debulking surgery followed by adjuvant paclitaxel and carboplatin or neoadjuvant chemotherapy with interval debulking surgery. Despite this protocol commonly resulting in complete remission, approximately 75% of patients will relapse within 2 years.
Hyperglycemia Recognized in Early Pregnancy Is Phenotypically Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Not Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Control Study
Authors: Agha-Jaffar Rochan , Oliver Nick S. , Kostoula Melina , Godsland Ian F. , Yu Christina , Terry Jayne , Johnston Desmond , Gable David , Robinson Stephen
Published: March 2021

(Abstracted from J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2020;33:3977–3983)

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as diabetes in pregnancy during the second or third trimester that is not overtly preexisting diabetes mellitus (DM). The time frame during gestation is based on the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes (HAPO) study, which showed an association between glucose and infants born large for gestational age in women who took a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at routine testing (24–48 weeks' gestation).
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and Preterm Infants
Authors: Armbruster Debra , Schwirian Caitlyn , Mosier Ashley , Tam Wai-Yin Mandy , Prusakov Pavel
Published: March 2021

Background/Significance:

Intrauterine opioid drug exposure is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. Preterm infants may not exhibit the same withdrawal symptoms as term infants diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). There are no current standards for how to screen, assess, or treat NAS in preterm infants.

Purpose:

This study explored the current state of practice for preterm infants born at less than 34 weeks of gestational age exposed to intrauterine opioids.

Methods:

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of NAS practice in preterm infants born at less than 34 weeks of gestational age in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in the United States and Canada. The study was conducted May through September 2018. All respondents cared for preterm infants born at less than 34 weeks of gestational age exposed to intrauterine drugs.

Results:

There were 70 respondents representing 67 hospitals in the United States and 1 in Canada. Level III NICUs represented 69% of respondents. Ninety-three percent reported neonatal triggers for further evaluation. Review of maternal history and maternal urine testing was the most consistent practice across NICUs. A modified Finnegan scoring tool was used for both preterm and term infants. Morphine was reported as the most common first-line drug used for treatment.

Implications for Practice:

Great variability in NAS practice for preterm infants born at less than 34 weeks of gestational age across the multiple NICUs supports the need for a validated preterm infant assessment tool and development of appropriate treatment strategies.

Implications for Research:

Future research describing the NAS symptomatology of preterm infants born at less than 34 weeks of gestational age exposed to intrauterine opioids is warranted.
Supportive care for new cancer therapies
Authors: Rapoport Bernardo L. , Cooksley Tim , Johnson Douglas B. , Anderson Ronald
Published: March 2021

Purpose of review

The past decade has witnessed unprecedented delivery to the clinical arena of a range of novel, innovative, and effective targeted anticancer therapies. These include immunotherapies, most prominently immune checkpoint inhibitors, as well as agents that target growth factors and cancer-related mutations. Many of these new cancer therapies are, however, associated with an array of toxicities, necessitating insight and vigilance on the part of attending physicians to achieve high-quality supportive care alongside toxicity management. In this review, we consider some of the key supportive care issues in toxicity management.

Recent findings

Although both supportive care and targeted therapies have brought significant benefits to cancer care, the management of novel cancer therapy toxicities is nevertheless often complex. This is due in large part to the fact that target organs differ widely, particularly in the case of checkpoint inhibitors, with minor dermatological disorders being most common, while others, such as pneumonitis, are more severe and potentially life threatening. Accordingly, efficient management of these immune-related adverse events requires collaboration between multiple medical specialists.

Supportive care is a key component in the management of new cancer therapy toxicities and needs to be incorporated into treatment pathways.
Emergency Contraception Administration, Toxicology Kit Use, and Postassault Reporting
Authors: Shaw Jessica , Coates Victoria
Published: March 2021

Sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) are specially trained to meet the postassault medical forensic needs of sexual assault patients. However, there remains a dearth of literature comparing directly postassault service provision and action in cases treated by SANEs as compared to non-SANE medical providers. In this study, we compare rates of emergency contraception administration, toxicology kit use, reports to police at the time of examination, and mandatory child abuse reports among n = 3,969 sexual assault cases treated by SANEs and non-SANE medical providers. Compared to cases treated by non-SANE medical providers, cases treated by SANEs were significantly more likely to have emergency contraception administered, less likely to have a toxicology kit collected, less likely to have a police report filed at the time of examination, and more likely to have a mandatory child abuse report filed. Observed patterns suggest that non-SANE medical providers may find it difficult to balance the needs of the criminal justice system with those of their patients, whereas SANEs provide a tailored, comprehensive first response. We discuss the importance of consistent, accurate documentation and clearly defined protocols in the medical forensic response to sexual assault patients.
MALAT1 rs619586 A/G polymorphisms are associated with decreased risk of lung cancer
Authors: Chen Ming , Cai Deng , Gu Haiyong , Yang Jun , Fan Liming
Published: March 2021

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Genetic factors are reported to play important roles in lung carcinogenesis. To evaluate genetic susceptibility, we conducted a hospital-based case-control study on the effects of functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs on lung cancer development. A total of 917 lung cancer cases and 925 control subjects were recruited. The MALAT1 rs619586 A/G genotype frequencies between patient and control groups were significantly different (P < .001), specifically, 83.85% vs 75.88% (AA), 15.60% vs 21.79% (AG), and 0.55% vs 2.32% (GG). When the homozygous genotype MALAT1 rs619586 AA was used as the reference group, AG (AG vs AA: adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.65, 95% confidential interval [CI] 0.51–0.83, P = .001) and GG genotypes were associated with significantly decreased risk of lung cancer (GG vs AA: adjusted OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.08–0.59, P = .003). In the dominant model, MALAT1 rs619586 AG/GG variants were also associated with a significantly decreased risk of lung cancer (adjusted OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.48–0.78, P < .001). In the recessive model, when MALAT1 rs619586 AA/AG genotypes were used as the reference group, the GG homozygous genotype was also associated with significantly decreased risk for lung cancer (adjusted OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.09–0.64, P = .004). Hsa-miR-34b/c rs4938723 T > C, pri-miR-124-1 rs531564 C > G and hsa-miR-423 rs6505162 C > A SNPs were not associated with lung cancer risk. Our collective data indicated that MALAT1 rs619586 A/G SNPs significantly reduced the risk of lung cancer. Large-scale studies on different ethnic populations and tissue-specific biological characterization are required to validate the current findings.
Long-term functional outcomes of diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis of knee
Authors: Chien Ju Chun , Wei Yi Ping , Chen Chun Yu , Hsiang Wei Hsin , Wang Yuan You , Liu Wen Shan , Yang Shan Wei
Published: March 2021

Diffuse pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) of knee is a rare benign disease that has a destructive clinical course. Synovectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) have been reported as treatment options but literatures reporting functional outcomes were sparse. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term functional outcomes and disease control among treatment modalities through the 22 years of experience.

A single-center database was searched for patients who received synovectomy of knee with the pathologic diagnosis of PVNS. General data, treatment modalities, and recurrent status were retrospectively collected from medical records. Functional outcomes were evaluated by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index through phone interviews by an independent orthopedist.

From January 1995 to December 2017, 24 patients with diffuse PVNS of knee were identified, including 19 receiving open synovectomy (OP) and 5 undergoing arthroscopic surgery. Adjuvant RT was performed on 14 patients with a median dose of 35 Gy (range 20–40 Gy). After median follow up of 6 years, recurrences were recorded in 10 cases. The recurrence rate was significantly lower in the OP + RT group than the OP group (8.3% vs 57.1%, P = .038). Among those with preserved knee joints, there was no significant difference in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score and stiffness score between patients in the OP + RT and OP groups.

For patients with diffuse PVNS of knee, the addition of moderate-dose adjuvant RT following OP provided excellent local control while maintaining good joint function with limited treatment-related morbidity. Our study emphasized the importance of moderate dose RT in diffuse PVNS of knee joint.
Clinical therapeutic effects of high-flow nasal oxygen therapy in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Chen Xu-Chi , Liu Chang , Ma Shi-Jun , Yan Dong-Dong , Wang Shuai , Dai Jian
Published: March 2021

Background:

For patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) complicated by respiratory acidosis, noninvasive ventilation therapy is thought to be the first-line treatment. In patients with AECOPD, the effect of high-flow nasal oxygen therapy is not well studied. In this study, the existing data will be synthesized to obtain an effective rate of movement of nasal oxygen therapy in patients with AECOPD.

Methods:

Using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, a systematic search will be undertaken to identify randomized controlled trails (RCTs) on the clinical therapeutic effects of rate of movement of nasal oxygen therapy in patients with AECOPD without language constraints from their onset to November 2020. To classify potentially qualifying tests, we will also review Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the reference lists of included studies. Two independent reviewers will review inclusion trials and execute data extraction. Research bias and quality will be measured using the Cochrane Collaboration Bias Method 2.0. The findings of the analysis will be pooled using a formula of fixed-effects or random-effects. We will address any dispute by dialogue, and cases of disagreement will be mediated by a third author.

Results:

The current research will examine the clinical therapeutic results of patients with AECOPD with rate of movement of nasal oxygen therapy.

Conclusion:

To assess the efficacy of rate of movement of nasal oxygen therapy in patients with AECOPD, the present analysis would provide consistent facts.

OSF registration number:

November 18, 2020.osf.io/umd48. (https://osf.io/umd48/).
Treatment effects of palliative care consultation and patient contentment
Authors: Flöther Lilit , Pötzsch Barabara , Jung Maria , Jung Robert , Bucher Michael , Glowka André , Medenwald Daniel
Published: March 2021

Palliative care is a central component of the therapy in terminally ill patients. During treatment in non-palliative departments this can be realized by consultation.

To analyze the change in symptom burden during palliative care consultation.

In this observational study, we enrolled all cancer cases (n = 163) receiving inpatient treatment for 2015 to 2018 at our institution. We used the MDASI-questionnaire (0 = ‘not present’ and 10 = ”as bad as you can imagine”) and the FAMCARE-6 (1 = very satisfied, 5 = very dissatisfied) to analyze the treatment effect and patient satisfaction, respectively.

We examined the association of symptom burden and patient satisfaction using Spearman-correlation. Comparing mean values, we applied the Wilcoxon-test and one-way ANOVA.

An improvement in MDASI-core-items after treatment completion was significant (P < .05) in 14/18 symptoms. The change in perception of pain showed the strongest improvement (median: 5 to 3). Initially the MDASI-items “activity” (median = 8) and emotional distress (median = 5 and 6) were viewed as especially incriminating. There was no evidence for a correlation between patients’ age, the type of diagnosis and time since diagnosis.

The analysis of FAMCARE-6 patient contentment was lower or equal to two in all of the six items. There was a weak negative association between the change in symptom burden of psycho-emotional items “distress/feeling upset” (P = .006, r
Sp = −0,226), “sadness” and patient satisfaction in FAMCARE-6.

A considerable improvement of the extensive symptom burden particularly of pain relief was achieved by integrating palliative consultation in clinical practice.
The identification of neutrophils-mediated mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for the management of sepsis-induced acute immunosuppression using bioinformatics
Authors: Chen Fang , Yao Chunyan , Feng Yue , Yu Ying , Guo Honggang , Yan Jing , Chen Jin
Published: March 2021

Neutrophils have crucial roles in defensing against infection and adaptive immune responses. This study aimed to investigate the genetic mechanism in neutrophils in response to sepsis-induced immunosuppression.

The GSE64457 dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and the neutrophil samples (D3-4 and D6-8 post sepsis shock) were assigned into two groups. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. The Short Time-series Expression Miner (STEM) clustering analysis was conducted to select the consistently changed DEGs post sepsis shock. The overlapping genes between the DEGs and the deposited genes associated with immune, sepsis, and immunosuppression in the AmiGO2 and Comparative Toxicogenomics Database were screened out and used for the construction of the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. The expression of several hub genes in sepsis patients was validated using the PCR analysis. The drugs targeting the hub genes and the therapy strategies for sepsis or immunosuppression were reviewed and used to construct the drug–gene–therapy–cell network to illustrate the potential therapeutic roles of the hub genes.

A total of 357 overlapping DEGs between the two groups were identified and were used for the STEM clustering analysis, which generated four significant profiles with 195 upregulated (including annexin A1, ANXA1; matrix metallopeptidase 9, MMP9; and interleukin 15, IL-15) and 151 downregulated DEGs (including, AKT1, IFN-related genes, and HLA antigen genes). Then, a total of 34 of the 151 downregulated DEGs and 39 of the 195 upregulated DEGs were shared between the databases and above DEGs, respectively. The PPI network analysis identified a downregulated module including IFN-related genes. The deregulation of DEGs including AKT1 (down), IFN-inducible protein 6 (IFI6, down), IL-15 (up), and ANXA1 (up) was verified in the neutrophils from patients with sepsis-induced immunosuppression as compared with controls. Literature review focusing on the therapy showed that the upregulation of IL-15, IFN, and HLA antigens are the management targets. Besides, the AKT1 gene was targeted by gemcitabine.

These findings provided additional clues for understanding the mechanisms of sepsis-induced immunosuppression. The drugs targeting AKT1 might provide now clues for the management strategy of immunosuppression with the intention to prevent neutrophil infiltration.
Acupuncture for treating tic disorders in children
Authors: Fu Qianfang , Zhang Xilian , Yan Haihong , Xu Jiabao , Liu Hui , Yang Libin , Zhao Shuyi , Rong Ping , Ma Rong
Published: March 2021

Background:

Tic disorders (TDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders in children, while pharmacotherapy is often associated with various side effects and has limited clinical effects for some patients, thus significantly affecting patients’ quality of life. Studies have found acupuncture shows certain advantages in the treatment of TDs. However, there is no high level of evidence evaluating the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for children with TDs.

Methods:

Each data of acupuncture for treating TDs will be searched. We will search for related English and Chinese databases. The time is limited from inception until November 2020. The primary outcome is the reduction rate (amount) of tic severity using related scales or methods, and the secondary outcomes include recurrence rate and adverse events. The risk of bias will be assessed, and the RevMan5.3 and Stata14.0 will be performed for meta-analysis. Finally, we will assess the level of the resulting evidence.

Results:

The results of the study will synthesize the current evidence and be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Conclusions:

This research aims to provide convincing evidence of the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for treating TDs in children.

INPLASY registration number:

INPLASY2020110050.
Acupuncture for Internet addiction
Authors: Chen Yalin , Zhang Lingrui , Liu Yan , Yang Yan , Qiu Mimi , Wang Yang , Peng Wei , Li Hui , Zhu Tianmin
Published: March 2021

Background:

Internet addiction (IA) has become a global problem characterized by excessive use of the internet, compulsive, and deleterious personal behaviors. Acupuncture has gained more and more attention in the treatment of IA. However, evidence of its effectiveness is lacking. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of IA.

Methods:

The following databases will be searched from the inception to September 30, 2020: the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan-fang database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and Chinese Scientific Journal Database. The research on acupuncture and IA meets the screening criteria, and two independent reviewers performed citation screening, data extraction, and risk assessment of bias. We used Cochrane Review Manager 5.3 software for statistical analysis.

Results:

The findings will be published at scientific conferences or in a peer-reviewed journal. This study is based on the existing research, so there is no need for ethical approval.

Conclusion:

This systematic review provides evidence for the efficacy of acupuncture in treating IA disorder, and it is of great significance for effective clinical routine treatment of IA.

Trial registration number:

INPLASY 2020120099
Laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery vs conventional laparoscopic surgery for endometrial cancer
Authors: Tuoheti Zulipiyamu , Han Lili , Mulati Gulimire
Published: March 2021

Objective:

To systematically review and evaluate the safety, advantages and clinical application value of laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) for endometrial cancer by comparing it with conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS).

Methods:

We conducted a systematic review of the published literature comparing LESS with CLS in the treatment of endometrial cancer. English databases including PubMed, Embase, Ovid, and the Cochrane Library and Chinese databases including Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang and China Biology Medicine were searched for eligible observational studies up to July 10, 2019. We then evaluated the quality of the selected comparative studies before performing a meta-analysis using the RevMan 5.3 software. The complications, surgical time, blood loss during surgery, postoperative length of hospital stay and number of lymph nodes removed during surgery were compared between the 2 surgical approaches.

Results:

Four studies with 234 patients were finally included in this meta-analysis. We found that there was no statistically significant difference in complications between the 2 surgical approaches [odds ratio (OR): 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.18–2.21, P = .47, I
2 = 0%]. There was no statistically significant difference in blood loss between the 2 surgical approaches [mean difference (MD): –61.81, 95% CI: –130.87 to –7.25, P = .08, I
2 = 74%]. There was no statistically significant difference in surgical time between the 2 surgical approaches (MD: –11.51, 95% CI: –40.19 to 17.16, P = .43, I
2 = 81%). There was also no statistically significant difference in postoperative length of hospital stay between the 2 surgical approaches (MD: –0.56, 95% CI: –1.25 to –0.13, P = .11, I
2 = 72%). Both pelvic and paraaortic lymph nodes can be removed with either of the 2 procedures. There were no statistically significant differences in the number of paraaortic lymph nodes and total lymph nodes removed during surgery between the 2 surgical approaches [(MD: –0.11, 95% CI: –3.12 to 2.91, P = .29, I
2 = 11%) and (MD: –0.53, 95% CI (–3.22 to 2.16), P = .70, I
2 = 83%)]. However, patients treated with LESS had more pelvic lymph nodes removed during surgery than those treated with CLS (MD: 3.33, 95% CI: 1.05–5.62, P = .004, I
2 = 32%).

Conclusion:

Compared with CLS, LESS did not reduce the incidence of complications or shorten postoperative hospital stay. Nor did it increase surgical time or the amount of bleeding during surgery. LESS can remove lymph nodes and ease postoperative pain in the same way as CLS. However, LESS improves cosmesis by leaving a single small scar.
Effect of continuous nursing on quality of life of hemodialysis patients
Authors: Yuan Ling , Yuan Haitao , Feng Qingchun , Zhao Jinyu
Published: March 2021

Background:

Hemodialysis is a common treatment for patients with end-stage renal failure. Long-term hemodialysis will lead to a series of complications and reduce the quality of life of patients. At present, routine nursing is only limited to in-hospital patients, whereas continuous nursing is an extension of hospital nursing work, which can solve the follow-up health problems of some patients and meet the health needs of patients in their daily life. A number of clinical studies have shown that continuous nursing can improve the quality of life of hemodialysis patients, but there is a lack of evidence-based medicine. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the effect of continuous nursing on the quality of life of hemodialysis patients through systematic evaluation.

Method:

The Cochrance Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, VP Information Chinese Journal Service Platform (VIP), and Wanfang will be searched by computer. In addition, Baidu academic and Google academic are searched manually, and all randomized controlled trials on the effects of continuous nursing on the quality of life of hemodialysis patients are collected. The retrieval time is of the establishment of the database to January 31, 2021. Two evaluators screens, extract and evaluate the literature, and the data are analyzed by RevMan5.3 software.

Result:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of continuous nursing on the quality of life of hemodialysis patients by the MOS item short from health survey, exercise of self-care agency, and the incidence of complications.

Conclusion:

This study will provide reliable evidence for the application of continuous nursing in hemodialysis patients.

OSF Registration number:

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/HZKUA
Effectiveness and safety of ear acupuncture for allergic rhinitis
Authors: Ding Xiaojun , Huang Shufen , Tang Yajun , Lin Jia
Published: March 2021

Background:

Allergic rhinitis is a global problem. About 10% to 40% of the global population is affected by allergic rhinitis and is on the rise, which has a significant health and economic impact on society. Ear acupuncture is a non-invasive acupuncture therapy, which has been used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, and some positive results have been reported, but there is not enough evidence to prove its efficacy and safety.

Methods:

This is a single-center, randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled trial. With the approval of the ethics committee of our hospital, participants with allergic rhinitis will be randomly assigned to receive either real or sham ear acupuncture once a week for 8 weeks, followed by 12 weeks of follow-up. Evaluate the patient's nasal symptom score and Standardised Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire score, and monitor adverse events. Finally, the data are analyzed by SPSS 22.0 software.

Discussion:

The results of this study will determine the efficacy and safety of ear acupuncture in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and provide a basis for promoting the application of ear acupuncture in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Trial registration:

OSF Registration number: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/MVEF7.