bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-resolution MRI of flexor tendon pulleys using a 16-channel hand coil: disease detection and differentiation of psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Abrar Daniel B. , Schleich Christoph , Nebelung Sven , Frenken Miriam , Radke Karl Ludger , Vordenbäumen Stefan , Brinks Ralph , Schneider Matthias , Ostendorf Benedikt , McGonagle Dennis , Sewerin Philipp
Published: March 2020

Background

To evaluate the value of 3 Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes of flexor tendon pulleys for the differentiation of psoriatic (PsA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), using a novel 16-channel high-resolution hand coil.

Methods

Seventeen patients with active PsA, 20 patients with active RA, and 16 healthy controls (HC) underwent high-resolution 3 T MRI using the dedicated 16-channel hand coil. Images were analyzed by three independent readers for the degree of inflammatory changes, thickness of flexor tendon pulleys, and comparison to the outcome measures for RA clinical trials (OMERACT) PsA MRI score (PsAMRIS) and to its sub-scores. For correlation analyses, Spearman rho correlation was calculated.

Results

Flexor tendon pulleys were thicker in PsA than in RA patients (mean difference 0.16 mm, p < 0.001) and HC (mean difference 0.2 mm, p < 0.001) and showed a higher degree of associated inflammatory changes (mean difference from RA 4.7, p = 0.048; mean difference from HC 14.65, p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a strong correlation of accessory pulley inflammation and PsAMRIS and its acute-inflammatory sub-scores, flexor tenosynovitis, synovitis, and periarticular inflammation (for the second digit synovitis ρ = 0.72, flexor tenosynovitis ρ = 0.7, overall PsAMRIS ρ = 0.72, p < 0.01). Similar robust correlations were evident in digits 3–5. Weaker correlations were evident in RA (synovitis ρ = 0.49, flexor tenosynovitis ρ = 0.49, periarticular inflammation ρ = 0.4).

Conclusion

The assessment of MRI changes of flexor tendon pulleys is potentially beneficial for disease detection in PsA, as well as for its distinction from RA and HC.

Trial registration

2014123117, December 2014.
Kinesiotaping for postoperative oedema – what is the evidence? A systematic review
Authors: Hörmann Julie , Vach Werner , Jakob Marcel , Seghers Saskia , Saxer Franziska
Published: March 2020

Background

Postoperative oedema is a common condition affecting wound healing and function. Traditionally, manual lymphatic drainage is employed to reduce swelling. Kinesiotaping might be an alternative resource-sparing approach. This article explores current evidence for the effectiveness of kinesiotaping for the reduction of oedema in the postoperative setting.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed on the basis of five databases (Pubmed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane Library, andClinicaltrials.gov) for studies published between January 2000 and October 2019.

Only prospective controlled trials were included. Case studies, uncontrolled case series, studies on oedema caused by other etiologies than by surgery, as well as studies on malignant disease related oedema (especially breast cancer related oedema) were excluded.

Articles were screened by title, abstract, and full text and the references were searched for further publications on the topic. A narrative and quantitative (using STATA) analysis was performed.

Results

One thousand two hundred sixty-three articles were screened, twelve were included in the analysis. All studies evaluated either oedema after extremity surgery or maxillofacial interventions, and showed relevant methodological flaws. Only three studies employed an active comparator. Of the twelve included studies ten found positive evidence for kinesiotape application for the reduction of swelling and beneficial effects on secondary outcome parameters such as pain and patient satisfaction. The available trials were heterogenic in pathology and all were compromised by a high risk of bias.

Conclusion

There is some evidence for the efficacy of kinesiotaping for the treatment of postoperative oedema. This evidence is, however, not yet convincing given the limitations of the published trials. Methodologically sound comparison to standard of care or an active comparator is indispensable for an evaluation of effectiveness. In addition, assessments of patient comfort and cost-benefit analyses are necessary to evaluate the potential relevance of this novel technique in daily practice.

Systematic review registration number

International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) ID114129).
Kerosene tolerance in Achromobacter and Pseudomonas species
Authors: Stancu Mihaela Marilena
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to investigate the tolerance of five new Achromobacter and Pseudomonas strains to kerosene and to establish if the production of several secondary metabolites increases or not when these bacteria were grown in the presence of kerosene. The biodegradation of kerosene by isolated bacteria was also investigated in this study.

Methods

Five Proteobacteria were isolated from different samples polluted with petroleum and petroleum products. Based on their morphological, biochemical, and molecular characteristics, isolated bacteria were identified as Achromobacter spanius IBBPo18 and IBBPo21, Pseudomonas putida IBBPo19, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa IBBPo20 and IBBPo22.

Results

All these bacteria were able to tolerate and degrade kerosene. Higher tolerance to kerosene and degradation rates were observed for P. aeruginosa IBBPo20 and IBBPo22, compared with that observed for A. spanius IBBPo18 and IBBPo21, and P. putida IBBPo19. All these bacteria were able to produce several secondary metabolites, such as surfactants and pigments. Glycolipid surfactants produced by P. aeruginosa IBBPo20 and IBBPo22, A. spanius IBBPo18 and IBBPo21, and P. putida IBBPo19 have a very good emulsification activity, and their activity increased when they were grown in the presence of kerosene. The production of rhamnolipid surfactants by P. aeruginosa IBBPo20 and IBBPo22 was confirmed by detection of rhlAB gene involved in their biosynthesis. Pyocyanin and pyoverdin pigments were produced only by P. aeruginosa IBBPo20 and IBBPo22, while carotenoid pigments were produced by all the isolated bacteria. Significant changes in pigments production were observed when P. aeruginosa IBBPo20 and IBBPo22, A. spanius IBBPo18 and IBBPo21, and P. putida IBBPo19 were grown in the presence of kerosene.

Conclusion

Due to their ability to tolerate and degrade kerosene, and also to produce several secondary metabolites, the isolated bacteria could be used in the bioremediation of kerosene-polluted environments.
Application of ultrasound multimodal score in the assessment of endometrial receptivity in patients with artificial abortion
Authors: Jiao Yan , Xue Nianyu , Shui Xujuan , Yu Caicha , Hu Chunhong
Published: March 2020

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the value and feasibility of ultrasound multimodal score in the evaluation of endometrial receptivity in patients with artificial abortion (AA).

Methods

Sixty-eight patients with AA (AA group) and 70 women of the childbearing age without any history of abortion (control group) were recruited between January 2018 and December 2018. All subjects received the examination of endometrium in the middle luteum phase (7–9 days after ovulation) with two-dimensional gray-scale ultrasound, two-dimensional color Doppler ultrasound, and three-dimensional ultrasound, and the quantitative scores were obtained and compared between two groups.

Results

The quantitative score of endometrial receptivity was 10.46 ± 2.99 in the AA group and 13.49 ± 2.21 in the control group showing significant difference (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Ultrasound multimodal quantitative scores can be used to evaluate the endometrial receptivity of patients with AA.
Multiplicity of positive solutions for Hadamard fractional differential equations with p-Laplacian operator
Authors: Rao Sabbavarapu Nageswara , Singh Manoj , Meetei M. Zico
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we investigate the multiplicity results of some positive solutions for a system of Hadamard fractional differential equations with parameters and p-Laplacian operator subject to three-point boundary conditions which contains fractional derivatives. The proofs of our main result, multiplicity of positive solutions, are derived in terms of different values of parameters by using Guo–Krasnosel’skii’s fixed point theorem.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Dietary garcinol supplementation improves diarrhea and intestinal barrier function associated with its modulation of gut microbiota in weaned piglets
Authors: Wang Tongxin , Yao Weilei , Li Juan , Shao Yafei , He Qiongyu , Xia Jun , Huang Feiruo
Published: March 2020

Background

The effects of dietary garcinol on diarrhea and intestinal barrier function associated with its modulation of gut microbiota in weaned piglets were investigated.

Method

One hundred forty four weaned piglets (Duroc × Yorkshire × Landrace) from 16 pens (9 piglets per pen) were randomly divided into four treatment groups: controls (CON) or those supplemented with 200 mg/kg (LOW), 400 mg/kg (MID), or 600 mg/kg (HIGH) diet garcinol. After 14-day trial, three piglets per pen were chosen to collect plasma, intestinal tissue and colonic digesta samples.

Results

We demonstrated for the first time that garcinol promoted growth performance, as increased average daily feed intake (ADFI) and decreased feed/gain ratio (F/G); and reduced diarrhea incidence (P < 0.05); and strengthened antioxidant capacity, as an increased antioxidative index (P < 0.05). Additionally, garcinol ameliorated intestinal barrier dysfunction, as an increased villus height to crypt depth ratio, increased zonula occludens protein 1 (ZO-1), occludin and claudin-1 expression in the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05), and decreased intestinal permeability (P < 0.05); and reduced inflammation, as decreased cytokine interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in the mucosa of the jejunum and ileum, and NF-κB p65 translocation (P < 0.05). Moreover, garcinol inhibited the growth of most harmful bacteria in the gut, especially Escherichia coli, and increased the growth of the beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus.

Conclusion

This work provides a fundamental basis for the future development of garcinol-functional food use for improving diarrhea and intestinal barrier function in weaned piglets and for understanding the biological effects of garcinol and its potential as a functional feed additive.
Prevalence and incidence of nodding syndrome and other forms of epilepsy in onchocerciasis-endemic areas in northern Uganda after the implementation of onchocerciasis control measures
Authors: Gumisiriza Nolbert , Mubiru Frank , Siewe Fodjo Joseph Nelson , Mbonye Kayitale Martin , Hotterbeekx An , Idro Richard , Makumbi Issa , Lakwo Tom , Opar Bernard , Kaducu Joice , Wamala Joseph Francis , Colebunders Robert
Published: March 2020

Background

Around 2007, a nodding syndrome (NS) epidemic appeared in onchocerciasis-endemic districts of northern Uganda, where ivermectin mass distribution had never been implemented. This study evaluated the effect of community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) and ground larviciding of rivers initiated after 2009 and 2012 respectively, on the epidemiology of NS and other forms of epilepsy (OFE) in some districts of northern Uganda.

Methods

In 2012, a population-based community survey of NS/epilepsy was carried out by the Ugandan Ministry of Health in Kitgum and Pader districts. In August 2017, we conducted a new survey in selected villages of these districts and compared our findings with the 2012 data. In addition, two villages in Moyo district (where CDTI was ongoing since 1993) served as comparative onchocerciasis-endemic sites in which larviciding had never been implemented. The comparison between 2012 and 2017 prevalence and cumulative incidence were done using the Fisher’s and Pearson’s Chi-square tests at 95% level of significance.

Results

A total of 2138 individuals in 390 households were interviewed. In the selected villages of Kitgum and Pader, there was no significant decrease in prevalence of NS and OFE between 2012 and 2017. However, the cumulative incidence of all forms of epilepsy decreased from 1165 to 130 per 100 000 persons per year (P = 0.002); that of NS decreased from 490 to 43 per 100 000 persons per year (P = 0.037); and for OFE from 675 to 87 per 100 000 persons per year (P = 0.024). The median age of affected persons (NS and OFE) shifted from 13.5 (IQR: 11.0–15.0) years in 2012 to 18.0 (IQR: 15.0–20.3) years in 2017; P <  0.001. The age-standardized prevalence of OFE in Moyo in 2017 was 4.6%, similar to 4.5% in Kitgum and Pader.

Conclusions

Our findings support the growing evidence of a relationship between infection by Onchocerca volvulus and some types of childhood epilepsy, and suggest that a combination of bi-annual mass distribution of ivermectin and ground larviciding of rivers is an effective strategy to prevent NS and OFE in onchocerciasis-hyperendemic areas.
Defervescent dengue patients might be a potential source of infection for vector mosquitoes
Authors: Xu Ye , Zhao Ling-Zhai , Xu Ya-Zhou , Gu Jin-Bao , Wu Kun , Peng Zhi-Qiang , Zhou Xiao-Hong , Zhang Fu-Chun , Chen Xiao-Guang
Published: March 2020

Background

Dengue is a re-emerging public health problem and mosquito-borne infectious disease that is transmitted mainly by Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus. Early diagnosis, isolation, and treatment of patients are critical steps for dengue epidemic control, especially to prevent secondary transmission of dengue virus (DENV). However, little is known about defervescent dengue patients as a source of infection.

Methods

This case study describes 1268 dengue patients hospitalized at Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital from June 2013 to December 2014. The viral loads of each individual were measured using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were exposed to blood meal with gradated dengue viral loads to characterize the relationship between viremia in dengue patients and the vector competence of vector mosquitoes.

Results

The viral numbers in the blood were measured, ranging from 108 to 103 copies/ml from day 1 to day 12 after fever onset. Vector competence analysis of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus indicated that viremia > 104 copies/ml can still infect vector mosquitoes, which implied that the defervescent dengue patients might be a source of infection.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that some defervescent dengue patients still have sufficient viral load to infect vector mosquitoes. Therefore, the protection against mosquito biting for these people should be extended to prevent secondary transmission events.
Contrasting resistance patterns to type I and II pyrethroids in two major arbovirus vectors Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in the Republic of the Congo, Central Africa
Authors: Kamgang Basile , Wilson-Bahun Theodel A. , Yougang Aurelie P. , Lenga Arsene , Wondji Charles S.
Published: March 2020

Background

In the Republic of Congo, with two massive outbreaks of chikungunya observed this decade, little is known about the insecticide resistance profile of the two major arbovirus vectors Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Here, we established the resistance profile of both species to insecticides and explored the resistance mechanisms to help Congo to better prepare for future outbreaks.

Methods

Immature stages of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were sampled in May 2017 in eight cities of the Republic of the Congo and reared to adult stage. Larval and adult bioassays, and synergist (piperonyl butoxide [PBO]) assays were carried out according to WHO guidelines. F1534C mutation was genotyped in field collected adults in both species and the polymorphism of the sodium channel gene assessed in Ae. aegypti.

Results

All tested populations were susceptible to temephos after larval bioassays. A high resistance level was observed to 4% DDT in both species countrywide (21.9–88.3% mortality). All but one population (Ae. aegypti from Ngo) exhibited resistance to type I pyrethroid, permethrin, but showed a full susceptibility to type II pyrethroid (deltamethrin) in almost all locations. Resistance was also reported to 1% propoxur in Ae. aegypti likewise in two Ae. albopictus populations (Owando and Ouesso), and the remaining were fully susceptible. All populations of both species were fully susceptible to 1% fenitrothion. A full recovery of susceptibility was observed in Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus when pre-exposed to PBO and then to propoxur and permethrin respectively. The F1534C kdr mutation was not detected in either species. The high genetic variability of the portion of sodium channel spanning the F1534C in Ae. aegypti further supported that knockdown resistance probably play no role in the permethrin resistance.

Conclusions

Our study showed that both Aedes species were susceptible to organophosphates (temephos and fenitrothion), while for other insecticide classes tested the profile of resistance vary according to the population origin. These findings could help to implement better and efficient strategies to control these species in the Congo in the advent of future arbovirus outbreaks.
The fight against lymphatic filariasis: perceptions of community drug distributors during mass drug administration in coastal Kenya
Authors: Kusi Caroline , Steinmann Peter , Merten Sonja
Published: March 2020

Background

Lymphatic filariasis (LF), a neglected tropical disease (NTD) and leading cause of global disability, is endemic in 32 countries in Africa with almost 350 million people requiring regular drug administration, and only 16 countries achieving target coverage. Community Drug Distributors (CDDs) are critical for the success of NTD programs, and the distribution of medicines during mass drug administration (MDA) in Africa; however they could also be a weak link. The primary aim of this study is to explore and describe perceptions of CDDs during MDA for LF in Mvita sub-county in Mombasa county and Kaloleni sub-county in Kilifi county, Kenya; and provide recommendations for the effective engagement of communities and CDDs in low-resource settings.

Methods

In September 2018, we conducted six focus group discussions with community members in each sub-county, three with men aged 18–30, 31–50, and 51 years and above and three with women stratified into the same age groups. In each sub-county, we also conducted semi-structured interviews with nine community health extension workers (CHEWs), the national LF focal point, the county NTD focal points, and seven community leaders. Content analysis of the data was conducted, involving a process of reading, coding, and displaying data in order to develop a codebook.

Results

We found that several barriers and facilitators impact the engagement between CDDs and community members during MDA. These barriers include poor communication and trust between CDDs and communities; community distrust of the federal government; low community knowledge and perceived risk of LF, poor timing of MDA, fragmented supervision of CDDs during MDA; and CDD bias when distributing medicines. We also found that CDD motivation was a critical factor in their ability to successfully meet MDA targets. It was acknowledged that directly observed treatment and adequate health education were often not executed by CDDs. The involvement of community leaders as informal supervisors of CDDs and community members improves MDA.

Conclusions

In order to achieve global targets around the elimination of LF, CDDs and communities must be effectively engaged by improving planning and implementation of MDA.
Responses of fitness center employees to cases of suspected eating disorders or excessive exercise
Authors: Colledge Flora , Cody Robyn , Pühse Uwe , Gerber Markus
Published: March 2020

Background

While exercise and physical activity are important parts of a healthy life, there is evidence that some individuals exercise to a degree which may jeopardize their health. These individuals may in some cases be exercising to lose weight or compensate binge eating episodes as part of an eating disorder. Others may experience an addiction-like relationship with exercise. Fitness center employees are ideally placed to observe these forms of unhealthy behavior, and are responsible for ensuring that clients do not put themselves at undue risk; however, to date, no study has addressed both eating disorders and excessive exercise. Therefore, the aim of our study is to determine whether these employees report incidences of these issues, and if they believe they can differentiate between them.

Methods

One-hundred-and-forty fitness centers in the German-speaking regions of Switzerland were contacted. Of these, 99 employees (60 men, 39 women, Mage = 33.33 years, SD = 12.02) responded to an online questionnaire. The questionnaire briefly described the two issues of interest (eating disorders and excessive exercise), and then invited respondents to complete a number of questions detailing whether they had experience with these issues, and how they dealt with them.

Results

Approximately 75% of the employees had suspected a client of having an eating disorder or exercising excessively, and 65% of these respondents confronted the client at least once. Interestingly, respondents reported clearly that they felt able to differentiate between the two types of disorder. Older respondents were significantly more likely to have suspicions and act on them. However, less than half of the respondents were aware of guidelines addressing this issue, and the majority desired more information about how to identify and address both disorders.

Conclusions

Swiss fitness center employees frequently encounter individuals who they suspect of exercising excessively, or suffering from an eating disorder. While they often confront these individuals, they would like more detailed information about how to manage this process. Given that both disorders can potentially lead to severe health consequences, a detailed description of symptoms, management techniques and resources should be a feature in all Swiss fitness center guidelines.
Role of child maltreatment and gender for bipolar symptoms in young adults
Authors: Haussleiter Ida S. , Neumann Eva , Lorek Sandra , Ueberberg Bianca , Juckel Georg
Published: March 2020

Background

Child maltreatment has been shown to be associated with a wide range of mental disorders, including bipolar disorders. In this 2-year follow-up study, recollections of emotional, physical and sexual abuse were related to bipolar symptoms, namely depressive, hypomanic and manic symptoms.

Methods

The sample consists of 134 students who took part at five measurement times within the 2-year period. Data were collected with self-report scales.

Results

The results show that recollections of abuse, particularly emotional abuse, were associated with more severe depressive symptoms; this finding, however, only applied to women. Hypomanic and manic symptoms were not associated with recollections of abuse. For hypomanic symptoms, however, a significant decrease over the 2 years was observed.

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that recollections of abusive experiences in childhood combined with female gender increase the risk for depression, whereas hypomanic and manic states are probably better predicted by other factors, such as current life circumstances.
Silicified bulliform cells of Poaceae: morphological characteristics that distinguish subfamilies
Authors: Chen Iju , Li Kuang-ti , Tsang Cheng-hwa
Published: March 2020

Background

Grass phytoliths are the most common phytoliths in sediments; recognizing grass phytolith types is important when using phytoliths as a tool to reconstruct paleoenvironments. Grass bulliform cells may be silicified to large size parallelepipedal or cuneiform shaped phytoliths, which were often regarded as of no taxonomic value. However, studies in eastern Asia had identified several forms of grass bulliform phytoliths, including rice bulliform phytolith, a phytolith type frequently used to track the history of rice domestication. Identification with a higher level of taxonomic resolution is possible, yet a systematic investigation on morphology of Poaceae bulliform phytoliths is lacking. We aimed at providing a morphological description of bulliform phytoliths of Poaceae from Taiwan based on morphometric measurements in anatomical aspect. The results are important references for paleo-ecological studies.

Result

The morphology of grass bulliform phytoliths is usually consistent within a subfamily; the end profile is relatively rectangular in Panicoideae and Micrairoideae, whereas cuneiform to nearly circular in Oryzoideae, Bambusoideae, Arundinoideae, and Chloridoideae. Bulliform phytoliths were seldom observed in Pooideae. Certain morphotypes are limited to plants growing in specific environments. For example, large, thin, and pointed bulliform phytoliths are associated with wet habitat; Chloridoideae types are mostly from C4 plants occupying open arid places.

Conclusion

Grass bulliform phytoliths can be identified at least to the subfamily level, and several forms were distinguished within large subfamilies. Previously un-reported silicified cell types, i.e., arm cells and fusoids, and two special trichome phytolith types associated with bulliform phytoliths, were described. Morphometric methods were great tools for delimiting morphotypes; with refined morphological classification the association between forms and habit/habitats was revealed. The knowledge provides new ways to interpret phytolith assemblage data, and it is especially useful when the sediments are enriched in large blocky phytoliths.
Mild traumatic brain injury/concussion and female sexuality, a scoping review of the literature
Authors: Anto-Ocrah Martina , Tiffany Kimberly , Hasman Linda , van Wijngaarden Edwin
Published: March 2020

Background

The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) in 2010 called for more head injury research on gender disparities to bridge the gender gap for the short-and long-term effects of TBI, including sexual and reproductive outcomes. In this paper, we review the state of the literature before and after the ACRM announcement, and evaluate how research teams have considered females and mildly injured TBI(mTBI)/concussion groups in post-TBI-related changes in sexual functioning.

Methods

The research question for this scoping review was “what is the state of the literature in the evaluation of post-TBI sexual changes for women, and individuals with mTBI?” Using the 2010 ACRM call for action as a line of demarcation, we compared our findings before and after the 2010 announcement.

Results

We identified 9 research studies that addressed sexual functioning changes in females and mTBI/concussion groups. Four of the nine were published before the 2010 ACRM announcement, and five were published after. The representation of female research participants increased steadily over the 28-year timespan. The proportion of individuals with mTBI included in the post-2010 era was higher than the earlier time period. Consistently, women with mTBI reported more adverse sexual outcomes compared to male cohorts, orthopaedic, and non-injured comparison groups. This observation persisted regardless of recruitment site (rehabilitation center/Emergency Department (ED)/Community) or time of outcome assessment (acute versus chronic). The findings also remained despite the heterogeneity of survey questionnaires used to evaluate sexual functioning outcomes. Excluding the most recent 2019 study, none of the research groups compared the findings by TBI severity, making it difficult to fully understand how concussion-related sexual changes compare to more severe forms of the head injury. The long term impacts of the sexual changes, such as infertility and relationship discord were also absent across all studies; even though most evaluated outcomes chronically (some as far out as 20 years post injury).

Conclusion

The number of publications in the era before the ACRM call for action and afterwards were almost identical. In order to tailor interventions for the appropriate groups of TBI patients, more neurosexuality research is needed to increase awareness of the importance of sexuality as a health outcome for individuals with neurodisabilities.
Significant enhancements of secondary cosmic rays and electric field at the high mountain peak of Lomnický Štít in High Tatras during thunderstorms
Authors: Chum J. , Langer R. , Baše J. , Kollárik M. , Strhárský I. , Diendorfer G. , Rusz J.
Published: March 2020

High electric fields that occur in thunderstorm clouds in the Earth’s atmosphere might accelerate energetic charged particles produced by cosmic rays. Such energetic particles, especially electrons, can cause additional ionization as they are multiplied and thus form avalanche of relativistic electrons. These relativistic electrons emit Bremsstrahlung in the X- or gamma-ray spectral ranges as they lose their kinetic energy via collisions. Thunderstorm ground enhancements (TGEs) of secondary cosmic ray fluxes recorded at the top of a sharp rocky mountain of Lomnický Štít in High Tatras (2634 m, Slovak Republic) are compared with simultaneous measurements of electric field at the mountain top and on its slope at the observatory of Skalnaté Pleso (1780 m). Results of measurements performed from May to September in 2017 and from May to October in 2018 are presented. The cosmic ray flux is measured by Space Environment Viewing and Analysis Network (SEVAN) and by neutron monitor with 1-s resolution. The TGEs that persisted usually several minutes were mainly detected in the SEVAN channel 1 which has the lowest energy threshold, about 7–8 MeV. A statistical analysis shows that these enhancements usually occurred (not only) during large values of vertical, upward-pointing electric fields measured just above the detector. It is shown that the measurement of electric field at Skalnaté Pleso, distant about 1.86 km from the mountain top is also partly correlated with the enhancements and can provide additional useful information about the distance or dimension of charge structure and dynamics of electric field, especially on short time scales. The enhancements usually did not exceed several tens of percent of background values. However, events that exceeded the background values several times were also recorded. The most extreme event exceeded the background values about 215 times. This event was also detected by other SEVAN channels and by the neutron monitor (~ 130% enhancement), which indicates a possibility of photonuclear reactions. The enhancements were often terminated by a nearby lightning.
Current understanding of substrate specificity and regioselectivity of LPMOs
Authors: Zhou Xiaoli , Zhu Honghui
Published: March 2020

Renewable biomass such as cellulose and chitin are the most abundant sustainable sources of energy and materials. However, due to the low degradation efficiency of these recalcitrant substrates by conventional hydrolases, these biomass resources cannot be utilized efficiently. In 2010, the discovery of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) led to a major breakthrough. Currently, LPMOs are distributed in 7 families in CAZy database, including AA9–11 and AA13–16, with different species origins, substrate specificity and oxidative regioselectivity. Effective application of LPMOs in the biotransformation of biomass resources needs the elucidation of the molecular basis of their function. Since the discovery of LPMOs, great advances have been made in the study of their substrate specificity and regioselectivity, as well as their structural basis, which will be reviewed below.
Arid/humid patterns over Asia in response to national-committed emission reductions under the Paris agreement
Authors: Wang Fang , Zhang Jintao
Published: March 2020

The evolution of regional arid/humid patterns caused by global climate change deserves attention. We investigated the changes in the area of arid/humid climate regions over Asia under the aegis of national-committed emission reductions to comply with the Paris Agreement using an ensemble of 17 global climate models (GCMs) from the Fifth Coupled Climate Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) archives. Our results indicated an overall trend towards aridity in a future warmer climate based on an aridity index (AI), defined as the ratio of precipitation to potential evapotranspiration (PET). In the future, the humid region will contract and the arid region and arid/humid transition zones will expand. Compared with the present period, arid/humid region switch is projected to occur in a land area of 2512.8 × 103 km2 over Asia under the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDC)-pledge scenario. If global warming is controlled to the ambitious 2.0 °C and 1.5 °C scenarios instead of that of the INDC-pledge scenario, a decrease in the changes in the area of arid/humid regions by more than half would be expected. In addition, the arid/humid regions with continuous global warming are estimated to contract/expand greatly. Changes in the spatial pattern of the arid/humid zones over Asia show strong similarities between multi-model simulations, although there are some differences in detail.
Vaginal, sexual and urinary symptoms following hysterectomy: a multi-centre randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ekanayake Chanil , Pathmeswaran Arunasalam , Herath Rasika , Wijesinghe Prasantha
Published: March 2020

Background

Hysterectomy is the most common major gynaecological procedure. The aim of this study was to study vaginal, sexual and urinary symptoms following total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), non-descent vaginal hysterectomy (NDVH) and total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) in a low resource setting.

Methods

A multi-centre randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in two public sector hospitals in Sri Lanka. Participants were patients requiring hysterectomy for non-malignant uterine causes. Exclusion criteria were uterus> 14 weeks, previous pelvic surgery, medical illnesses which contraindicated laparoscopic surgery, and those requiring incontinence surgery or pelvic floor surgery.

Vaginal, sexual function and urinary symptoms were assessed by the validated translations of ICIQ-VS and ICIQ-FLUTS questionnaires. Post-operative improvement (pre-operative – post-operative) was assessed.

Results

There was an improvement (median (IQ1-IQ3) in vaginal symptoms [TAH 6(2–8) vs 4(0–8), p < 0.001; NDVH 6(4–8.5) vs 5(0–8), p < 0.001; TLH 4(2–10.5) vs 4(0–10), p < 0.001], urinary flow symptoms [TAH 2(1–4) vs 1 (0–3), p < 0.001; NDVH 3 (2–5) vs 2 (0.5–4), p < 0.001; TLH 1(1–4) vs 1(0–3), p < 0.05], urinary voiding symptoms [TAH 0(0–0) vs 0(0–0), p = 0.20; NDVH 0(0–1) vs 0(0–0.8), p < 0.05; TLH 0(0–0) vs 0(0–0), p < 0.05] and urinary incontinence symptoms [TAH 0(0–2) vs 0(0–2), p = 0.06; NDVH 0(0–3) vs 0(0–3), p < 0.001; TLH 0(0–3) vs 0(0–2), p < 0.05] at 1-year (TAH n = 47, NDVH n = 45, TLH n = 47). There was an improvement in sexual symptoms only in the TLH group [TAH 0(0–11.5) vs 0(0–14), p = 0.08); NDVH 0(0–0) vs 0(0–0), p = 0.46; TLH 0(0–0) vs 0(0–4), p < 0.05].

There was no significant difference among the three different routes in terms of vaginal symptoms score [TAH 2 (0–2), NDVH 0 (0–2), TLH 0 (0–2), p = 0.33], sexual symptoms [TAH 0 (0–0), NDVH 0 (0–0), TLH 0 (0–0), p = 0.52], urinary flow symptoms [TAH 0 (0–1), NDVH 0 (0–1), TLH 0 (0–2), p = 0.56], urinary voiding symptoms [TAH 0 (0–0), NDVH 0 (0–0), TLH 0 (0–0), p = 0.64] and urinary incontinence symptoms [TAH 0 (0–0), NDVH 0 (0–1), TLH 0 (0–1), p = 0.35] at 1-year.

Conclusions

There was a post-operative improvement in vaginal symptoms and urinary symptoms in all three groups. There was no significant difference in pelvic organ symptoms between the three routes; TAH, NDVH and TLH.

Trial registration

Sri Lanka clinical trials registry, SLCTR/2016/020 and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, U1111–1194-8422, on 26 July 2016. Available from: http://slctr.lk/trials/515
Effectiveness of alternative measures to reduce antimicrobial usage in pig production in four European countries
Authors:   on the behalf of the MINAPIG Consortium, Raasch Svenja , Collineau Lucie , Postma Merel , Backhans Annette , Sjölund Marie , Belloc Catherine , Emanuelson Ulf , Beilage Elisabeth grosse , Stärk Katharina , Dewulf Jeroen
Published: March 2020

Background

The reduction of antimicrobial usage (AMU) is in the focus in modern pig production. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of alternatives to reduce AMU at herd level. In a prospective study, 68 farrow-to-finish pig herds located in Belgium, France, Germany and Sweden were recruited on a voluntary basis to implement tailor-made intervention plans to reduce their AMU. Alternative measures included improvement of biosecurity (n = 29 herds), vaccination (n = 30), changes of feeding schemes or drinking water quality (n = 45), improved pig health and welfare care (n = 21) as well as changes in stable climate and zootechnical measures (n = 14). Herds were followed for 1 year after implementation of measures. Annual antimicrobial expenditures or treatment records, as well as disease incidence scores were collected and compared to those of the year before intervention. AMU was measured as the treatment incidence and calculated by age category, antimicrobial class and administration route.

Results

Compliance with the intervention plans was high (median 93%). AMU was significantly reduced following the implementation of alternative measures: in the median herd of the four countries, pigs were treated before intervention 25% of their expected lifespan (200 days from birth to slaughter) and after intervention 16%. AMU of suckling and weaned pigs were significantly reduced by 37 and 54%, respectively. The usage of polymyxins and tetracyclines was significantly reduced by 69 and 49%, respectively. AMU via feed and water, as well as parenteral AMU were significantly reduced by 46 and 36%, respectively. Herds with a higher AMU level before intervention achieved a bigger reduction. The majority of disease incidence were similar before and after intervention, with a few exceptions of disorders related to the gastro-intestinal tract in suckling pigs (decreased) and in breeding pigs (increased).

Conclusion

Following tailor-made implementation of alternative measures, a substantial reduction of AMU in pig production was achievable without jeopardizing animal health. The AMU reduction in the youngest age categories (suckling and weaned pigs) and the reduction of group treatments via feed and water was in line with the recent European Guidelines on the prudent use of antimicrobials in veterinary medicine.
Evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of the Namaste Care program in long-term care settings in Canada
Authors: Kaasalainen Sharon , Hunter Paulette V. , Dal Bello-Haas Vanina , Dolovich Lisa , Froggatt Katherine , Hadjistavropoulos Thomas , Markle-Reid Maureen , Ploeg Jenny , Simard Joyce , Thabane Lehana , van der Steen Jenny T. , Volicer Ladislav
Published: March 2020

Background

Residents living and dying in long-term care (LTC) homes represent one of society’s most frail and marginalized populations of older adults, particularly those residents with advanced dementia who are often excluded from activities that promote quality of life in their last months of life. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effects of Namaste Care: an innovative program to improve end-of-life care for people with advanced dementia.

Methods

This study used a mixed-method survey design to evaluate the Namaste Care program in two LTC homes in Canada. Pain, quality of life, and medication costs were assessed for 31 residents before and 6 months after they participated in Namaste Care. The program consisted of two 2-h sessions per day for 5 days per week. Namaste Care staff provided high sensory care to residents in a calm, therapeutic environment in a small group setting. Feasibility was assessed in terms of recruitment rate, number of sessions attended, retention rate, and any adverse events. Acceptability was assessed using qualitative interviews with staff and family.

Results

The feasibility of Namaste Care was acceptable with a participation rate of 89%. However, participants received only 72% of the sessions delivered and only 78% stayed in the program for at least 3 months due to mortality. After attending Namaste Care, participants’ pain and quality of life improved and medication costs decreased. Family members and staff perceived the program to be beneficial, noting positive changes in residents. The majority of participants were very satisfied with the program, providing suggestions for ongoing engagement throughout the implementation process.

Conclusions

These study findings support the implementation of the Namaste Care program in Canadian LTC homes to improve the quality of life for residents. However, further testing is needed on a larger scale.
On the volatility of daily stock returns of Total Nigeria Plc: evidence from GARCH models, value-at-risk and backtesting
Authors: Emenogu Ngozi G. , Adenomon Monday Osagie , Nweze Nwaze Obini
Published: March 2020

This study investigates the volatility in daily stock returns for Total Nigeria Plc using nine variants of GARCH models: sGARCH, girGARCH, eGARCH, iGARCH, aGARCH, TGARCH, NGARCH, NAGARCH, and AVGARCH along with value at risk estimation and backtesting. We use daily data for Total Nigeria Plc returns for the period January 2, 2001 to May 8, 2017, and conclude that eGARCH and sGARCH perform better for normal innovations while NGARCH performs better for student t innovations. This investigation of the volatility, VaR, and backtesting of the daily stock price of Total Nigeria Plc is important as most previous studies covering the Nigerian stock market have not paid much attention to the application of backtesting as a primary approach. We found from the results of the estimations that the persistence of the GARCH models are stable except for few cases for which iGARCH and eGARCH were unstable. Additionally, for student t innovation, the sGARCH and girGARCH models failed to converge; the mean reverting number of days for returns differed from model to model. From the analysis of VaR and its backtesting, this study recommends shareholders and investors continue their business with Total Nigeria Plc because possible losses may be overcome in the future by improvements in stock prices. Furthermore, risk was reflected by significant up and down movement in the stock price at a 99% confidence level, suggesting that high risk brings a high return.
The incidence of depression and anxiety in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Park Jamie YE. , Howren Alyssa M. , Zusman Enav Z. , Esdaile John M. , De Vera Mary A.
Published: March 2020

Background

As awareness for the importance of mental health continues to expand in rheumatology, it is important to understand the epidemiology of psychiatric complications in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) with the ultimate goal of future prevention and improved quality of care. This study aims to review evidence on the incidence and determinants of depression and/or anxiety among patients with AS.

Methods

We searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CINAHL Complete, and PsycINFO for full-length observational studies that involved a sample or population of patients with AS and assessed depression and/or anxiety. Primary outcomes extracted were: 1) risk estimates for depression and/or anxiety (e.g., relative risk [RR]); and 2) determinants or factors identified as independent predictors of depression and/or anxiety using multivariable regression approaches and corresponding estimates (e.g., odds ratios [OR]). Where relevant, we pooled estimates using random effects models.

Results

Out of 783 titles from our search strategy, we reviewed 39 manuscripts. Four studies assessed the incidence of depression and meta-analyzing reported estimates from three of these studies yielded a pooled RR of 1.51 (95% CI 1.28 to 1.79). Differences in risk of depression among men and women with AS were inconclusive, suggesting need for further study. The incidence of anxiety was comparatively less studied with only one included study reporting a hazard ratio of 1.85 (95% CI 1.37 to 2.49). Education level was a key determinant, with lower levels associated with higher odds of depression (OR 6.65; 9% CI 1.36 to 32.51) and anxiety (OR 9.31; 9% CI 1.39 to 62.19) among AS patients.

Conclusions

Our systematic review and meta-analysis shows an increased risk of depression and anxiety among patients with AS. These findings suggest the importance of monitoring and care for psychiatric conditions in AS.
Unmet needs in ankylosing spondylitis patients receiving tumour necrosis factor inhibitor therapy; results from a large multinational real-world study
Authors: Deodhar A. , Strand V. , Conaghan P. G. , Sullivan E. , Blackburn S. , Tian H. , Gandhi K. , Jugl S. M. , Alten R.
Published: March 2020

Background

Symptoms and comorbidities of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) considerably reduce health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and ability to work. This real-world study assessed rates of tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) use and switching, treatment failure, and associations between failing TNFi and HRQoL, work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI).

Methods

AS patients and their treating physicians completed questionnaires capturing patient demographics, clinical status, TNFi treatment history, reasons for switching TNFi, HRQoL and WPAI. Current TNFi was determined as “failing” if, after ≥3 months, physician-rated disease severity had worsened, remained severe, was “unstable/deteriorating”, physicians were dissatisfied with disease control and/or did not consider treatment a “success”.

Results

The analysis included 2866 AS patients from 18 countries. Of 2795 patients with complete treatment data, 916 (32.8%) patients had never received TNFi therapy, 1623 (58.1%) patients were receiving their 1st TNFi and 200 (7.2%) patients had ever received ≥2 TNFi (treatment switch). Primary or secondary lack of efficacy were the commonest reasons for switching, and the mean delay in switching after primary lack of efficacy was 11.1 months. 232 (15.4%) patients on TNFi were currently “failing” who, compared to those with treatment success, reported poorer HRQoL: 5-dimension EuroQoL (EQ-5D-3 L): 0.63 vs. 0.78; Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-36v2) mental component summary (MCS): 41.8 vs. 46.3; physical component summary (PCS): 40.2 vs. 45.1; impaired work productivity: 46.4% vs. 25.0%; and activity: 44.5% vs. 29.6%; allP < 0.001.

Conclusions

Among AS patients, switching TNFi is uncommon and delayed by nearly 1 year despite primary lack of efficacy. Patients currently failing TNFi experience worse physical function, HRQoL and work productivity.