bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Neural Stem Cell Homeostasis and Neurological Diseases
Authors: Gao Juanmei , Liao Yuan , Qiu Mengsheng , Shen Wanhua
Published: April 2020

Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs) maintain the ability of self-renewal and differentiation and compose the complex nervous system. Wnt signaling is thought to control the balance of NSC proliferation and differentiation via the transcriptional coactivator β-catenin during brain development and adult tissue homeostasis. Disruption of Wnt signaling may result in developmental defects and neurological diseases. Here, we summarize recent findings of the roles of Wnt/β-catenin signaling components in NSC homeostasis for the regulation of functional brain circuits. We also suggest that the potential role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling might lead to new therapeutic strategies for neurological diseases, including, but not limited to, spinal cord injury, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and depression.
Mechatronic robot arm with active vibration absorbers
Authors: Kraus Karel , Šika Zbyněk , Beneš Petr , Krivošej Jan , Vyhlídal Tomáš
Published: April 2020

Serial robots are typically able to cover large workspace, but their mass/stiffness ratio does not allow combining high accuracy and high dynamic of the end effector operations. Widely spread usage of serial robots, even for tasks such as drilling, leads to high accuracy demands through its workspace. Absolute measurement of the end point for position feedback can be challenging due to objects or even a workpiece in the workspace. Moreover, inbuilt motors of the serial robot cannot response in the frequency range high enough as vibration of the end point. Instead, an additional spring–mass system is attached to the robot to suppress vibrations. The narrow frequency range of a passive dynamic absorber can be extended with active elements between the robot and absorber. An active approach is also necessary because of robots eigenfrequencies and eigenmodes variability. The study deals with a planar flexible robot equipped with a three-degree-of-freedom planar active absorber. The absorber is tuned passively to one value of multiple eigenfrequency. The linear-quadratic regulator control with a state observer has been designed as an active absorber control algorithm. Feedback inputs are absorber body acceleration, end effector acceleration, and relative motions in three absorber actuators realized by voice coils. The end effector vibration suppression along the robot trajectory is achieved using gain scheduling of local controller’s outputs.
Persons Who Fear Freedom and Equality Are the Ones Who Most Blame Women Who are Victims of Acquaintance Rape
Authors: Canto Jesús M. , San Martín Jesús , Perles Fabiola , Vallejo Macarena
Published: April 2020

This study analyzes whether the degree of right-wing authoritarianism and social dominance orientation influence the blame placed on a woman who is the victim of an acquaintance rape. The participants read a rape scenario and responded to three questionnaires about the blame of the victim, right-wing authoritarianism, and social dominance. The results show that greater blame was attributed to the victim when the participants scored high in right-wing authoritarianism or social dominance. They also reveal an interaction between both variables: participants who scored high in both right-wing authoritarianism and social dominance attributed the greatest blame to the victim.
Clinical and parental predictors of emotion regulation following cognitive behaviour therapy in children with autism
Authors: Tajik-Parvinchi Diana J , Farmus Linda , Cribbie Robert , Albaum Carly , Weiss Jonathan A
Published: April 2020

Difficulties with emotion regulation are common in children with autism. Although interventions targeting emotion regulation show promise, children’s individual treatment responses vary, and it is important to understand the factors that contribute to treatment change. The present study aimed to identify pre-treatment child characteristics and parent psychopathology that predict treatment response in a 10-week manualized cognitive behaviour therapy intervention for children with autism, 8–12 years of age. Exploratory best-subset regression analyses were first carried out to identify the optimal set of predictors. Logistic regressions were then conducted to determine whether these variables predicted reliable improvement. Outcome variables consisted of the lability/negativity and the emotion regulation subscales of the Emotion Regulation Checklist. Predictors included pre-treatment developmental, clinical, and parent psychopathology variables. Analyses revealed that youth who started the treatment with higher verbal reasoning, higher impairment in social motivation, and more anxious parents were more likely to show reliable improvements in emotion regulation. Youth who started the treatment with higher internalizing scores had lower odds of showing reliable improvement. Implications of our findings include facilitation of active involvement, avoidance of complex language, and the provision of additional supports. Further suggestions to inform clinical practice are discussed.

Lay abstract

Children with autism commonly experience difficulty controlling their emotions. Although existing treatments are successful in teaching critical emotion regulation skills, not all children improve. It is important to identify the factors that influence treatment response to be able to reach more children. This study aimed to identify child and parent characteristics that predict treatment response in a 10-week cognitive behaviour therapy treatment for children with autism, 8–12 years of age, and their parents. We found that youth who started the treatment with higher verbal abilities, who were more anxious in social situations, and had parents who were more anxious, were more likely to improve in learning new emotion regulation skills. We also found that children who had more physical discomforts or complaints before starting the treatment were less likely to improve in their negative expressions of emotion. Our study suggests that it is important for clinicians to promote active involvement and learning by avoiding complex language and to use more visual materials to supplement the learning process, and make sure that sessions are sensitive to the individual needs of participants.
Intravascular Lithotripsy for Treatment of Calcified Lower Extremity Arterial Stenosis: Initial Analysis of the Disrupt PAD III Study
Authors: Adams George , Shammas Nicolas , Mangalmurti Sarang , Bernardo Nelson L. , Miller William E. , Soukas Peter A. , Parikh Sahil A. , Armstrong Ehrin J. , Tepe Gunnar , Lansky Alexandra , Gray William A.
Published: April 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the performance of peripheral intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) in a real-world setting during endovascular treatment of multilevel calcified peripheral artery disease (PAD). Materials and Methods: The Disrupt PAD III Observational Study ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02923193) is a prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter, single-arm observational study assessing the acute safety and effectiveness of the Shockwave Peripheral IVL System for the treatment of calcified, stenotic lower limb arteries. Patients were eligible if they had claudication or chronic limb-threatening ischemia and moderate or severe arterial calcification. Between November 2017 and August 2018, 200 patients (mean age 72.5±8.7 years; 148 men) were enrolled across 18 sites and followed through hospital discharge. Results: In the 220 target lesions, IVL was more commonly used in combination with other balloon-based technologies (53.8%) and less often with concomitant atherectomy or stenting (19.8% and 29.9%, respectively). There was a 3.4-mm average acute gain at the end of procedure; the final mean residual stenosis was 23.6%. Angiographic complications were rare, with only 2 type D dissections and a single perforation following drug-coated balloon inflation (unrelated to the IVL procedure). There was no abrupt closure, distal embolization, no reflow, or thrombotic event. Conclusion: Use of peripheral IVL to treat severely calcified, stenotic PAD in a real-world study demonstrated low residual stenosis, high acute gain, and a low rate of complications despite the complexity of disease.
Genetic interaction between two VNTRs in the MAOA gene is associated with the nicotine dependence
Authors: Kõks Gea , Prans Ele , Ho Xuan D , Duy Binh H , Tran Ha DT , Ngo Ngoc BT , Hoang Linh NN , Tran Hue MT , Bubb Vivien J , Quinn John P , Kõks Sulev
Published: April 2020

Nicotine dependence is an addiction to tobacco products and a global public health concern that in part would be influenced by our genetics. Smokers are reported to have reduced MAOA activity, but the results from genetic associations with this gene have been inconclusive. Two functionally relevant variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) domains, termed uVNTR and dVNTR, in the MAOA gene are well characterized transcriptional regulatory elements. In the present study, we analyzed uVNTR and dVNTR polymorphisms in the MAOA gene in the Vietnamese male population of smokers and non-smokers in order to assess the association of MAOA with the nicotine dependence measured by the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Individual analysis of VNTRs separately identified uVNTR to be associated with the F6 question of the FTND indicating the stronger addiction to nicotine. No associations were found between the dVNTR and smoking behavior. The combination of dVNTR and uVNTR, that predicts low expression of MAOA (10–3 haplotypes), was significantly associated with the higher nicotine dependence (FTND score), longer smoking duration, and more persistent smoking behavior (fewer quit attempts). In conclusion, our study confirms that low MAOA expression is genetically predictive to the higher nicotine dependence.

Impact statement

The present study combined the analysis of two transcriptional regulators, uVNTR and dVNTR, in the MAOA gene that is an enzyme responsible for the monoamine degradation and identified genetic interaction between these VNTRs in association with the nicotine dependence. The main impact is that when analyzing different populations in the genetic studies, the functionally meaningful variants should be combined rather than addressing individual elements separately (a mini polygenic risk score for a particular gene/locus). This combination is very rarely analyzed and therefore the study sets an example. Another impact is that we analyzed the genetic variability in the Asian population and therefore our data present a piece of information from underrepresented populations.
High-Volume, Low-Concentration Intraperitoneal Bupivacaine Study in Emergency Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Double-Blinded, Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Yahya Gumusoglu Alpen , Ferahman Sina , Gunes Mehmet Emin , Surek Ahmet , Yilmaz Serhan , Aydin Husnu , Gezmis Abdul Celil , Aliyeva Zumrud , Donmez Turgut
Published: April 2020

Background. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) often results in postoperative pain, especially in the abdomen. Intraperitoneal local anesthesia (IPLA) reduces pain after LC. Acute cholecystitis–associated inflammation, increased gallbladder wall thickness, dissection difficulties, and a longer operative time are several reasons for assuming a benefit in pain scores in urgent LC with IPLA application. The aim was to determine the postoperative analgesic efficacy of high-volume, low-dose intraperitoneal bupivacaine in urgent LC. Materials and Methods. Fifty-seven patients who were American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II were randomly assigned to receive either normal saline (control group) or intraperitoneal bupivacaine (test group) at the beginning or end of urgent LC. The primary outcome was the postoperative pain score of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The secondary outcomes included Visual Rating Prince Henry Scale (VRS), patient satisfaction, and analgesic consumption. Results. Postoperative VAS scores at the first and fourth hours were significantly lower in the test group than in the control group ( P < .001). Postoperative VRS scores at the first, fourth, and eighth hours were significantly lower in the test group than in the control group ( P < .001, P = .002, P = .004, respectively). Analgesic use was significantly higher in the control group at the first postoperative hour ( P < .001). Shoulder pain was significantly lower, and patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the test group relative to the control group (both P < .001). Conclusion. High-volume, low-concentration intraperitoneal bupivacaine resulted in better postoperative pain control and reduced incidence of shoulder pain and analgesic consumption in urgent LC.
Comparison of Video, App, and Standard Consent Processes on Decision-Making for Biospecimen Research: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rothwell Erin , Johnson Erin , Wong Bob , Goldenberg Aaron , Tarini Beth A. , Riches Naomi , Stark Louisa A. , Pries Christina , Langbo Carrie , Langen Elizabeth , Botkin Jeffrey
Published: April 2020

Obtaining informed consent for bloodspot research from newborn screening is particularly challenging due to the hectic environment of the postnatal period and the relatively abstract nature of future, unspecified research on the biospecimens. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in three Michigan hospitals to compare two different consent processes (video and interactive tablet “app”) with standard brochure-based consent in the Michigan BioTrust for Health. Results indicated higher knowledge scores for the video and app groups as well as significantly higher scores on satisfaction, amount of information, and clarity with the information provided. More research is needed to find the right amount of information for informed decision-making, and additional feasibility studies are needed to assess implementation strategies.
A Comparison of Cs-137 γ Rays and 320-kV X-Rays in a Mouse Bone Marrow Transplantation Model
Authors: Gott Katherine M. , Potter Charles A. , Doyle-Eisele Melanie , Lin Yong , Wilder Julie , Scott Bobby R.
Published: April 2020

US homeland security concerns regarding the potential misuse of some radiation sources used in radiobiological research, for example, cesium-137 (137Cs), have resulted in recommendations by the National Research Council to conduct studies into replacing these sources with suitable X-ray instruments. The objective of this research is to compare the effectiveness of an X-RAD 320 irradiator (PXINC 2010) with a 137Cs irradiator (Gammacell-1000 Unit) using an established bone marrow chimeric model. Using measured radiation doses for each instrument, we characterized the dose–response relationships for bone marrow and splenocyte ablation, using a cytotoxicity-hazard model. Our results show that the X-RAD 320 photon energy spectrum was suitable for ablating bone marrow at the 3 exposure levels used, similar to that of 137Cs photons. However, the 320-kV X-rays were not as effective as the much higher energy γ rays at depleting mouse splenocytes. Furthermore, the 3 X-ray levels used were less effective than the higher energy γ rays in allowing the successful engraftment of donor bone marrow, potentially as a result of the incomplete depletion of the spleen cells. More defined studies are warranted for determining whether bone marrow transplantation in mice can be successfully achieved using 320-kV X-rays. A higher X-ray dose then used is likely needed for transplantation success.
Design and development of a high-precision automatic safety valve testing system
Authors: Hu Ming-Sen
Published: April 2020

Safety valves are widely used as the safety device in pressure systems, such as boilers and pressure pipes, to ensure the safe operation of pressure systems. At present, the inspection of safety valves is mainly carried out by manual operation or semi-automatic operation, and it requires a lot of manpower operation costs. Moreover, the measurement of different pressure ranges is performed using only a single pressure sensor such that the test precision is insufficient. In this study, a high-precision safety valve test architecture with three testing channels was proposed, and an automated testing system was developed. In this system, the user can define the test specifications through parameter setting. The system can automatically execute the complete test control process and judge whether the test was passed based on the measured data. In this article, for the low, middle, and high test pressures, the safety valves of four different states were tested respectively and the test reports were automatically generated. Finally, it statistically analyzed the test results for the diagnosis of the safety valve failure. Therefore, the results of this research may effectively solve the problems of current safety valve testing and improve its operational efficiency and test quality.
Learn EVAR sizing from scratch: The results of a one-day intensive course in EVAR sizing and stent graft selection for vascular trainees
Authors: Strøm Michael , Rasmussen Jonathan Lawaetz , Nayahangan Leizl Joy , de la Motte Louise , Vogt Katja , Konge Lars , Eiberg Jonas
Published: April 2020

Background and aim

Recognition of structured training in endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) for vascular trainees is increasing. Nevertheless, how trainees can achieve sufficient skills in EVAR sizing and graft selection is sparsely described. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of systematic training in basic EVAR sizing and graft selection on vascular surgery trainees using a validated assessment tool.

Methods

Sixteen vascular surgery trainees were included in an intensive 6-h hands-on workshop in aortic sizing and stent graft selection for EVAR with a trainer-to-trainee ratio of 1:2. After 1-h lecture, participants did 5 h of supervised training on increasingly complex cases. Finally, the participants were tested using a validated assessment tool.

Results

All participants were able to size the test-case and select a stent graft combination in 24:35 (13:30–48:20) min (median and range). The participants’ overall test scores (lower is better) were in median 17.9 (11.9–28.4). This did not differ from the scores of experienced EVAR operators 14.7 (11.7–25.2) (<200 EVAR’s) ( p = .32) but was inferior to the score of EVAR experts 11.2 (9.8 –18.7) (≥200 EVAR’s) ( p = .01). The sub-score for anatomical measurements was 10.6 (3.9–18.8) and comparable with the experienced group 9.7 (8.1–12.8) ( p = .83) but inferior to the expert operators 6.5 (5.2–10.2) ( p = .04). The sub-score for stent graft selection was 7.5 (4.9–14.1) and comparable with experienced operators scoring 4.5 (3.6–12.3) ( p = .09) but inferior to the expert operators score of 5.0 (3.6–8.4) ( p = .01).

Conclusion

This study presents the results of a standardised one-day basic EVAR sizing and graft selection workshop. Vascular surgery trainees with no prior EVAR experience learned to size and select stent grafts for a simple infra-renal AAA on par with experienced EVAR operators.
Review and Critique on the New Higher Education Policy Promoting “The First-Class Major Programs” in China
Authors: Lu Xiaodong
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

After the concepts of first-class universities, first-class research disciplines, and first-class undergraduate education, China’s Ministry of Education (MOE) proposed a new concept of first-class undergraduate major programs and also proposed policy initiatives for relevant selection and funding. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the motives, historical background, policy texts, core concepts, and unintended consequences of the policy and proposes six criticisms.

Design/Approach/Methods:

This education policy analysis article uses two research methods. The first is a content analysis that focuses on policy text. The second is comparative and historical research that focuses on the history of the undergraduate education organization model in China and the background of the four first-class concepts.

Findings:

This article argues that the first-class major programs in undergraduate education include provincial-level points of these programs, which stealthily narrowed the scope for comparison from potentially the whole world to that of provinces. The policy also essentially strengthened the traditional concept of zhuanye as a physical unit and caused unintended consequences in its attempts to cultivate innovative talents and to adjust the zhuanye structure.

Originality/Value:

This article addresses a new education policy in China and its unintended consequences.
Do Outcomes of Arthroscopic Subscapularis Tendon Repairs Depend on Rotator Cuff Fatty Infiltration?
Authors: Monroe Emily J. , Flores Sergio E. , Zhang Alan L. , Feeley Brian T. , Lansdown Drew A. , Ma C. Benjamin
Published: April 2020

Background:

Rotator cuff fatty infiltration has been correlated with poorer radiographic and clinical outcomes in supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon repairs, but this has not been well-studied in subscapularis tendon repairs.

Purpose:

To evaluate the influence of preoperative rotator cuff fatty infiltration on postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing arthroscopic subscapularis tendon repair.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Patients who underwent arthroscopic subscapularis repair between 2010 and 2016 were retrospectively identified, and demographic data and surgical findings were recorded. The extent of fatty infiltration was determined on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging by the Fuchs modification of the Goutallier classification. At the most recent follow-up, patients completed the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System for Upper Extremity (PROMIS-UE) computer adaptive test and a postoperative visual analog scale for pain. The distribution of fatty infiltration was compared between patients undergoing subscapularis tendon repair versus subscapularis tendon repair combined with a posterior cuff repair. Outcomes were compared for patients using Goutallier grade 0-1 versus grade ≥2 changes in each rotator cuff muscle. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of muscle quality, as well as demographic factors, on PROMIS-UE scores. Significance was defined as P < .05.

Results:

There were 140 shoulders included (mean age, 61.8 years; 42.1% female; mean follow-up, 51.7 months). The prevalence of Goutallier grade 2 changes or higher was significantly greater in patients with multitendon repair relative to isolated subscapularis tendon repair. For the overall group of all patients undergoing subscapularis tendon repair, whether in isolation or as part of a multitendon repair, PROMIS-UE scores were significantly lower for patients with infraspinatus muscle grade 2 or higher Goutallier changes relative to grade 0 or 1. After adjustment for age, body mass index, patient sex, and fatty infiltration in other rotator cuff muscles, poor infraspinatus muscle quality remained the only significant predictor for lower PROMIS-UE scores.

Conclusion:

Patients undergoing arthroscopic subscapularis tendon repair with poor infraspinatus muscle quality had worse patient-reported outcomes. This was true whether subscapularis tendon repair was isolated or was performed in conjunction with supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon repairs.
Multi-Children Parents’ Experiences of Parental Support by Attending Parental Group for Multi-Children Parents in Sweden
Authors: Ohlauson Kerstin , Nilsson Stefan
Published: April 2020

This study investigated multi-children parents’ (MCPs) experiences of support in their parental role by participating in parental group for MCPs. Focus group interviews were performed with 20 MCPs consisting of 9 mothers and 11 fathers, with a mean number of children of 2.35 per family. Each interview lasted about 1 hour, and it was analyzed by content analysis method. One theme was revealed: parental group for MCPs gives access to reflection and development on MCP issues. This related to 2 categories: support in the MCPs’ role through internal development and support in the MCPs’ role through external influences. The study’s conclusion highlights the support of MCPs in their parental role by attending a parental group for MCPs and should be offered to achieve empowerment. Clinical implications are that a mix of men and women with different numbers of children of various ages of siblings should compose parental groups for MCPs.
Psychometric Properties of the Filipino Version of Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS): A Cross-Cultural Validation Study
Authors: Judan-Ruiz Estrellita A , Mina Rame John L , Macindo John Rey B
Published: April 2020

Albeit the importance of patient experience, most questionnaires are only available in English. To understand the hospital experience of Filipino patients, a psychometrically sound instrument in Filipino is warranted. This study culturally adapted and validated the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) into Filipino. A 5-step cross-cultural validation process was conducted. Forward translation, back-translation, and panel reconciliation involved 7 language experts. Pretesting included content validation and pretesting of the Filipino HCAHPS, while field testing involved 64 purposively selected hospitalized patients who completed a 4-part survey from July to December 2018. Content, linguistic, and conceptual equivalence and internal consistency were statistically appraised. Content validation yielded a scale content validity index/average of 1.00. Comparative analysis and Bland-Altman plots indicated good linguistic equivalence. All correlation coefficients were ≥.30, denoting good conceptual equivalence. Cronbach’s α for both versions of HCAHPS were ≥0.80, suggestive of good internal consistency. The Filipino HCAHPS is a psychometrically sound and culturally appropriate tool to measure patient experience among Filipinos. This understanding can be utilized for quality improvements on both practice and policy levels.
A Framework for Improving Parent Satisfaction With the Inpatient Pediatric Admission Process: Experience From a Low-Resource Setting
Authors: Hoodbhoy Zahra , Rasheed Muneera A , Sherali Farheen , Hussain Sehrish , Hassan Rahmat , Hameed Aneela , Ali Rashid , Hasan Babar
Published: April 2020

The objective for this initiative was to reduce parental anxiety and thus improve their satisfaction related to hospital admission by ensuring that the child’s management plan and basic amenities were communicated to the parents within the first hour of arrival at the Children’s Hospital inpatient unit. The intervention for this project was developed based on the Theory of Change framework. Effectiveness of the intervention was assessed by comparing change in parent-reported anxiety scores and improvement in patient satisfaction scores at 24 hours post-admission as an indicator of experience. The frequency of delivery of each individual message was also tracked and compared at baseline and post-intervention. The results showed a significant reduction in parental anxiety levels within the first 24 hours of admission (3.5 to 3.2, P = .01). The parent satisfaction score was significantly improved from baseline to post-intervention (4.00 vs 4.82 respectively; P < .001). Comparison between the baseline and post-intervention demonstrated a statistically significant ( P < .001) increase in frequency of messages delivered. This initiative highlighted that reengineering the current system using existing resources to standardize admission communication along with an adequate monitoring and feedback plan can help reduce parental anxiety, thus improving parent satisfaction with the services.
Infant Mortality in Low- and Middle-income Countries: Does Government Health Spending Matter?
Authors: Boachie Micheal Kofi , Põlajeva Tatjana , Frimpong Albert Opoku
Published: April 2020

The issue of whether government health spending improves health outcomes has been a matter of contention over the years. There have been calls for governments to reduce their financing role in the health sector since such funding do not produce better health. This article examines the effect of public (i.e., government) health expenditure on infant mortality, a proxy of health outcomes, in low- and middle-income countries. We use data from the World Bank’s World Development Indicators database and employ fixed effects estimation technique, with three-stage least squares as a robustness check. The data cover the period 1995–2014. We find that public health expenditure improves health outcomes significantly, as it reduces infant mortality. The results further show that rising income and access to safe water are some of the reasons for improved health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. Based on these results and the expected redistributive impact of government spending, governments in low- and middle-income countries may consider increasing health spending for better healthcare systems and improved health.
Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder and Sexuality: A Narrative Review
Authors: Koolwal Arpit , Agarwal Supriya , Manohar Shivanand , Koolwal Ghanshyam Das , Gupta Anubha
Published: April 2020

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the common psychiatric disorders. Despite being one of the basic aspects of biology, the sexual functioning in OCD patients has not received much attention, with there being very limited research on sexuality in these patients. In this review article, we try to take a look at the research on sexual functioning, sexual dysfunctions, and neurobiology of sexual dysfunctions in the anxiety disorders in general and in OCD specifically. We also take a look at the research on relationship functioning in the patients with OCD, a recently proposed entity, relationship-related obsessive compulsive phenomenon, at the sexual obsessions, and the sexual functioning in patients on active treatment for OCD. The overall research suggests that we should always take into account the sexual life and functioning of patients presenting with OCD.
Immunoglobulin variable domain high-throughput sequencing reveals specific novel mutational patterns in POEMS syndrome
Authors: Bender Sébastien , Javaugue Vincent , Saintamand Alexis , Ayala Maria Victoria , Alizadeh Mehdi , Filloux Matthieu , Pascal Virginie , Gachard Nathalie , Lavergne David , Auroy Fabienne , Cogné Michel , Bridoux Frank , Sirac Christophe , Jaccard Arnaud
Published: April 2020

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a rare multisystem disease resulting from an underlying plasma cell (PC) dyscrasia. The pathophysiology of the disease remains unclear, but the role of the monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) light chain (LC) is strongly suspected because of the highly restrictive usage of 2 λ variable (V) domains (IGLV1-40 and IGLV1-44) and the general improvement of clinical manifestations after PC clone-targeted treatment. However, the diagnostic value of Ig LC sequencing, especially in the case of incomplete forms of the disease, remains to be determined. Using a sensitive high-throughput Ig repertoire sequencing on RNA (rapid amplification of cDNA ends-based repertoire sequencing [RACE-RepSeq]), we detected a λ LC monoclonal expansion in the bone marrow (BM) of 83% of patients with POEMS syndrome, including some in whom BM tests routinely performed to diagnose plasma cell dyscrasia failed to detect λ+ monoclonal PCs. Twenty-four (83%) of the 29 LC clonal sequences found were derived from the IGLV1-40 and IGLV1-44 germline genes, as well as 2 from the closely related IGLV1-36 gene, and all were associated with an IGLJ3*02 junction (J) gene, confirming the high restriction of VJ region usage in POEMS syndrome. RACE-RepSeq VJ full-length sequencing additionally revealed original mutational patterns, the strong specificity of which might crucially help establish or eliminate the diagnosis of POEMS syndrome in uncertain cases. Thus, RACE-RepSeq appears as a sensitive, rapid, and specific tool to detect low-abundance PC clones in BM and assign them to POEMS syndrome, with all the consequences for therapeutic options.
First case of COVID-19 in a patient with multiple myeloma successfully treated with tocilizumab
Authors: Zhang Xuhan , Song Kaidi , Tong Fei , Fei Mingming , Guo Hui , Lu Zhaohui , Wang Jinquan , Zheng Changcheng
Published: April 2020

Key Points

We report the first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a multiple myeloma patient successfully treated with tocilizumab. Although tocilizumab was effective in the treatment of COVID-19 in this case, randomized controlled trials are needed.
Short-course systemic corticosteroids in asthma: striking the balance between efficacy and safety
Authors: Price David , Castro Mario , Bourdin Arnaud , Fucile Sebastian , Altman Pablo
Published: April 2020

Short courses of systemic corticosteroids (SCS), both oral and injectable, are very effective for the resolution of acute asthma symptoms, including exacerbations. However, the benefits of SCS, even short courses, must be balanced against the impact of their side-effects. While the adverse consequences of long-term use are widely recognised, there appears to be a perception in the medical community that short courses of SCS are safe. Limited but growing evidence in the literature suggests that even very brief dosing periods (3–7 days) of SCS are enough to cause significantly negative outcomes for patients. Short courses of SCS are associated with increased risk of adverse events including loss of bone density, hypertension and gastrointestinal ulcers/bleeds, in addition to serious impacts on mental health. Strategies to improve asthma control are recommended, including: 1) as-needed combination therapies in mild asthma; 2) risk factor reduction; 3) improving adherence/inhaler technique; 4) earlier initiation of add-on therapies; 5) use of biologics in appropriate patients; 6) development of new therapies to better control the disease; and 7) widespread education of the medical community. We propose that patients and primary care physicians should consider a cumulative SCS dose of 1 g per year as a highly relevant and easy-to-recall threshold.
The assessment of acute pulmonary embolism severity using CT angiography features
Authors: Shayganfar Azin , Hajiahmadi Somayeh , Astaraki Mohsen , Ebrahimian Shadi
Published: April 2020

Background

This study was conducted to detect the association between radiologic features of CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and pulmonary embolism severity index (PESI).

Methods

A total of 150 patients with a definite diagnosis of PE entered the study. The CTPA feature including obstruction index, pulmonary trunk size, presence of backwash contrast, septal morphology, right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) dimensions, and RV/LV ratio were examined. The severity of the PE was estimated using PESI. The association between CTPA indices and PESI was measured. Statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS software. P value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results

A positive correlation was detected between the obstruction index and PESI (r = 0.45, P < 0.05). Moreover, PESI was significantly higher in patients with a more dilated pulmonary trunk (r = 0.20, P < 0.05). The backwash contrast and abnormal septal morphology were significantly more common among patients with higher PESI (P < 0.05). However, no significant correlation was detected between RV, LV, RV/LV, and PESI. The most predictor of high-risk PE was dilated pulmonary trunk with an odds ratio of 4.4.

Conclusion

Higher Obstruction index, dilated pulmonary trunk, presence of backwash contrast, and an abnormal septal morphology can be associated with a higher PESI.
Modeling of shotgun sequencing of DNA plasmids using experimental and theoretical approaches
Authors: Shityakov Sergey , Bencurova Elena , Förster Carola , Dandekar Thomas
Published: April 2020

Background

Processing and analysis of DNA sequences obtained from next-generation sequencing (NGS) face some difficulties in terms of the correct prediction of DNA sequencing outcomes without the implementation of bioinformatics approaches. However, algorithms based on NGS perform inefficiently due to the generation of long DNA fragments, the difficulty of assembling them and the complexity of the used genomes. On the other hand, the Sanger DNA sequencing method is still considered to be the most reliable; it is a reliable choice for virtual modeling to build all possible consensus sequences from smaller DNA fragments.

Results

In silico and in vitro experiments were conducted: (1) to implement and test our novel sequencing algorithm, using the standard cloning vectors of different length and (2) to validate experimentally virtual shotgun sequencing using the PCR technique with the number of cycles from 1 to 9 for each reaction.

Conclusions

We applied a novel algorithm based on Sanger methodology to correctly predict and emphasize the performance of DNA sequencing techniques as well as in de novo DNA sequencing and its further application in synthetic biology. We demonstrate the statistical significance of our results.

Graphical abstract
PGRMC1 phosphorylation affects cell shape, motility, glycolysis, mitochondrial form and function, and tumor growth
Authors: Thejer Bashar M. , Adhikary Partho P. , Kaur Amandeep , Teakel Sarah L. , Van Oosterum Ashleigh , Seth Ishith , Pajic Marina , Hannan Katherine M. , Pavy Megan , Poh Perlita , Jazayeri Jalal A. , Zaw Thiri , Pascovici Dana , Ludescher Marina , Pawlak Michael , Cassano Juan C. , Turnbull Lynne , Jazayeri Mitra , James Alexander C. , Coorey Craig P. , Roberts Tara L. , Kinder Simon J. , Hannan Ross D. , Patrick Ellis , Molloy Mark P. , New Elizabeth J. , Fehm Tanja N. , Neubauer Hans , Goldys Ewa M. , Weston Leslie A. , Cahill Michael A.
Published: April 2020

Background

Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1 (PGRMC1) is expressed in many cancer cells, where it is associated with detrimental patient outcomes. It contains phosphorylated tyrosines which evolutionarily preceded deuterostome gastrulation and tissue differentiation mechanisms.

Results

We demonstrate that manipulating PGRMC1 phosphorylation status in MIA PaCa-2 (MP) cells imposes broad pleiotropic effects. Relative to parental cells over-expressing hemagglutinin-tagged wild-type (WT) PGRMC1-HA, cells expressing a PGRMC1-HA-S57A/S181A double mutant (DM) exhibited reduced levels of proteins involved in energy metabolism and mitochondrial function, and altered glucose metabolism suggesting modulation of the Warburg effect. This was associated with increased PI3K/AKT activity, altered cell shape, actin cytoskeleton, motility, and mitochondrial properties. An S57A/Y180F/S181A triple mutant (TM) indicated the involvement of Y180 in PI3K/AKT activation. Mutation of Y180F strongly attenuated subcutaneous xenograft tumor growth in NOD-SCID gamma mice. Elsewhere we demonstrate altered metabolism, mutation incidence, and epigenetic status in these cells.

Conclusions

Altogether, these results indicate that mutational manipulation of PGRMC1 phosphorylation status exerts broad pleiotropic effects relevant to cancer and other cell biology.
Effect of simulated warming on leaf functional traits of urban greening plants
Authors: Zhu Jiyou , Zhu Hua , Cao Yujuan , Li Jinhang , Zhu Qiuyu , Yao Jiangming , Xu Chengyang
Published: April 2020

Background

Response and adaptation strategies of plants to the environment have always been the core issues in ecological research. So far, relatively little study exists on its functional traits responses to warming, especially in an urban environment. This information is the key to help understand plant responses and trade-off strategy to urban warming.

Results

We chose the common greening trees of mature age in Beijing (Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Koelreuteria paniculata, and Sophora japonica) as the research subjects, and used infrared heaters to simulate warming for three gradients of natural temperature (CK), moderate warming (T1) and severe warming (T2). Results showed that:(1) Leaf dry matter content (LDMC), chlorophyll content (CHL), leaf tissue density (LTD), and stomatal density (SD) all increased with temperature warming. Specific leaf area (SLA), stomatal size (SS), and stomatal aperture (SA) decreased with simulated warming. (2) SLA was extremely significantly negatively correlated with CHL, LDMC, LTD and SD (P < 0.01), and was extremely significantly positively correlated with SS (P < 0.01). SA was extremely negatively correlated with SD (P < 0.01), and was extremely significantly positively correlated with SS (P < 0.01). There was a significant positive correlation between LDMC and LTD (P < 0.01). This showed that urban greening trees adapted to the environment by coordinating adjustment among leaf functional traits. (3) Under the T1 treatment, theR2and slope among the leaf traits were higher than CK, and the significance was also enhanced. The correlation between leaf traits was strengthened in this warming environment. Conversely, it will weaken the correlation between leaf traits under the T2 treatment.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that there was a strong trade-off between leaf functional traits in the urban warming environment. Plants in the warming environment have adopted relatively consistent trade-offs and adaptation strategies. Moderate warming was more conducive to strengthening their trade-off potential. It is further verified that the global leaf economics spectrum also exists in urban ecosystems, which is generally tend to a quick-investment return type with the characteristics of thick leaves, strong photosynthetic capacity, low transpiration efficiency and long life in urban environments.
A risk factor-based predictive model for new-onset hypertension during pregnancy in Chinese Han women
Authors: Hou Yamin , Yun Lin , Zhang Lihua , Lin Jingru , Xu Rui
Published: April 2020

Background

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) is one of the leading causes of maternal and neonatal mortality, increasing the long-term incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Preeclampsia and gestational hypertension are the major components of HDP. The aim of our study is to establish a prediction model for pregnant women with new-onset hypertension during pregnancy (increased blood pressure after gestational age > 20 weeks), thus to guide the clinical prediction and treatment of de novo hypertension.

Methods

A total of 117 pregnant women with de novo hypertension who were admitted to our hospital’s obstetrics department were selected as the case group and 199 healthy pregnant women were selected as the control group from January 2017 to June 2018. Maternal clinical parameters such as age, family history and the biomarkers such as homocysteine, cystatin C, uric acid, total bile acid and glomerular filtration rate were collected at a mean gestational age in 16 to 20 weeks. The prediction model was established by logistic regression.

Results

Eleven indicators have statistically significant difference between two groups (P < 0.05). These 11 factors were substituted into the logistic regression equation and 7 independent predictors were obtained. The equation expressed including 7 factors. The calculated area under the curve was 0.884(95% confidence interval: 0.848–0.921), the sensitivity and specificity were 88.0 and 75.0%. A scoring system was established to classify pregnant women with scores ≤15.5 as low-risk pregnancy group and those with scores > 15.5 as high-risk pregnancy group.

Conclusions

Our regression equation provides a feasible and reliable means of predicting de novo hypertension after pregnancy. Risk stratification of new-onset hypertension was performed to early treatment interventions in high-risk populations.
Serum amyloid A is a better predictive biomarker of mucosal healing than C-reactive protein in ulcerative colitis in clinical remission
Authors: Wakai Masaki , Hayashi Ryohei , Tanaka Shinji , Naito Toshikatsu , Kumada Junko , Nomura Motonobu , Takigawa Hidehiko , Oka Shiro , Ueno Yoshitaka , Ito Masanori , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: April 2020

Background

Many studies have revealed that mucosal healing improves the long-term prognosis of ulcerative colitis. Frequent colonoscopy is difficult because of its invasiveness and cost. Therefore, in diagnosing and treating ulcerative colitis, noninvasive, low-cost methods for predicting mucosal healing using useful biomarkers are required in the clinical setting.

This study aimed to evaluate whether serum amyloid A is a better serum biomarker than C-reactive protein in predicting mucosal healing in ulcerative colitis patients in clinical remission.

Methods

Ulcerative colitis patients whose C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A were measured within 1 month before and after colonoscopy were included in this retrospective study, and the relationship between the C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A values and the mucosal condition was analyzed. Mucosal condition was assessed using the Mayo Endoscopic Score, with score 0 or 1 indicating mucosal healing.

Results

A total of 199 colonoscopic examinations were conducted in 108 ulcerative colitis patients who underwent C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A blood tests. In clinical remission patients, serum amyloid A showed a strong correlation with mucosal inflammation compared to C-reactive protein and had excellent sensitivity and specificity rates with significant statistical significance.

Conclusions

Serum amyloid A is a more useful marker compared to C-reactive protein in predicting mucosal inflammation in ulcerative colitis patients in clinical remission.
Incidence, aetiology and related comorbidities of cirrhosis: a Swedish population-based cohort study
Authors: Vaz Juan , Eriksson Berne , Strömberg Ulf , Buchebner David , Midlöv Patrik
Published: April 2020

Background

The incidence of cirrhosis for individuals in Sweden has previously been reported as stable/low among European countries. However, Swedish population-based studies are scarce and none of them included data from the most recent decade (2010–2019). We aimed to describe the incidence and aetiology of cirrhosis in the Halland region from 2011 to 2018, and to describe the severity and prevalence of liver-related complications and other primary comorbidities at the time of cirrhosis diagnosis.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients with cirrhosis in Halland, which has a population of 310,000 inhabitants. Medical records and histopathology registries were reviewed.

Results

A total of 598 patients with cirrhosis were identified. The age-standardised incidence was estimated at 23.2 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI 21.3–25.1), 30.5 (95% CI 27.5–33.8) for men and 16.4 (95% CI 14.3–18.7) for women. When stratified by age, the highest incidence rates were registered at age 60–69 years. Men had a higher incidence rate for most age groups when compared to women. The most common aetiology was alcohol (50.5%), followed by cryptogenic cirrhosis (14.5%), hepatitis C (13.4%), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (5.7%). Most patients had at least one liver-related complication at diagnosis (68%). The most common comorbidities at diagnosis were arterial hypertension (33%), type 2 diabetes (29%) and obesity (24%).

Conclusions

Based on previous Swedish studies, our results indicate that the incidence of cirrhosis in Sweden might be considerably higher than previously reported. It is uncertain if the incidence of cirrhosis has previously been underestimated or if an actual increment has occurred during the course of the most recent decade. The increased incidence rates of cirrhosis reported in Halland are multifactorial and most likely related to higher incidence rates among the elderly. Pre-obesity and obesity are common in cirrhosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has become an important cause of cirrhosis in Halland.