bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Being Pro-Active in Meeting the Needs of Suicide-Bereaved Survivors: results from an audit in Montreal
Authors: LIGIER Fabienne , Rassy Jessica , Fortin Gabrielle , Haaster Ian van , Doyon Claude , Brouillard Charlie , Séguin Monique , Lesage Alain
Published: September 2020

Background: Suicide is a major public health concern. In 2017, the suicide rate in Canada was 11 per 100 000 inhabitants. According to literature, 1 in 5 people have experienced a death by suicide during their lifetime. The aim of this study was to describe the met and unmet needs of suicide-bereaved survivors and to provide postvention recommendations. Methods: Further to an exploratory mixed-method audit of 39 suicides that occurred in Montreal (Canada) in 2016, suicide-bereaved survivors (n = 29) participated in semi-structured interviews and completed instruments to discuss and assess potential pathological grief, depression (PHQ-9), and anxiety (GAD-7), as well as health and social services utilization. A panel then reviewed each case and provided recommendations. The mean age of participants was 57.7 years and 23 were women.Results: Although help was offered initially, in most cases by a health professional or service provider (16/29), 22 survivors would have liked to be contacted by telephone in the first two months post suicide. Four categories of individual unmet needs (medical/pharmacological, information, support, and outreach) and one collective unmet need (suicide pre/postvention training and delivery) emerged. Conclusions: Although Quebec provincial services have been developed and offered to suicide-bereaved survivors in the past decade, many dwindled over time and none has been applied systematically. Recommendations for different stakeholders (Ministry of Health and Social Services, coroners, NGOs, and representatives of suicide-bereaved survivors) outlined in this study could be an interesting first step to help develop a suicide pre/postvention strategy.Trial registration: The research protocol was approved by the Scientific Committee of the Montreal Mental Health Institute (November 6, 2018) and the publication of results was approved by its Ethics Research Committee (February 1, 2019), project number 2019-1647.
The Effect of Plant Weight on Estimations of Stalk Lodging Resistance 
Authors: Stubbs Christopher J , Oduntan Yusuf , Keep Tyrone , Noble Scott D , Robertson Daniel J
Published: September 2020

Background: Stalk lodging (breaking of agricultural plant stalks prior to harvest) is a multi-billion dollar a year problem. Stalk lodging occurs when bending moments induced by a combination of external loading (e.g. wind) and self-loading (e.g. the plant’s own weight) exceed the stalk bending strength of plant stems. Previous studies have investigated external loading and self-loading of plants as separate and independent phenomena. However, these two types of loading are highly interconnected and mutually dependent. The purpose of this paper is twofold: (1) to investigate the combined effect of external loads and plant weight on the flexural response of plant stems, and (2) to provide a generalized framework for accounting for self-weight during mechanical phenotyping experiments used to predict stalk lodging resistance. Results: A mathematical methodology for properly accounting for the interconnected relationship between self-loading and external loading of plants stems is presented. The method was compared to numerous finite element models of plants stems and found to be highly accurate. The resulting interconnected set of equations from the derivation were used to produce user-friendly applications by presenting (1) simplified self-loading correction factors for common loading configurations of plants, and (2) a generalized Microsoft Excel framework that calculates the influence of self-loading on crop stems. Results indicate that ignoring the effects of self-loading when calculating stalk flexural stiffness is appropriate for large and stiff plants such as maize, bamboo, and sorghum. However, significant errors result when ignoring the effects of self-loading in smaller plants with larger relative grain sizes, such as rice (8% error) and wheat (16% error).Conclusions: Properly accounting for self-weight can be critical to determining the structural response of plant stems. Equations and tools provided herein enable researchers to properly account for the plant’s weight during mechanical phenotyping experiments used to determine stalk lodging resistance.
Differential diagnostic value of total alpha-synuclein assay in the cerebrospinal fluid between Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies from the prodromal stage
Authors: BOUSIGES Olivier , Philippi Nathalie , Lavaux Thomas , Perret-Liaudet Armand , Lachmann Ingolf , Schaeffer-Agalède Caroline , Anthony Pierre , Botzung Anne , Rauch Lucie , Jung Barbara , de Sousa Paulo Loureiro , Demuynck Catherine , Martin-Hunyadi Catherine , Cretin Benjamin , Blanc Frédéric
Published: September 2020

Background: Several studies have investigated the value of alpha-synuclein assay in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) patients in the differential diagnosis of these two pathologies. However, very few studies have focused on this assay in AD and DLB patients at the MCI stage.Methods: All patients were enrolled under a hospital clinical research protocol from the tertiary Memory Clinic (CM2R) of Alsace, France, by an experienced team of clinicians. A total of 166 patients were included in this study: 21 control subjects (CS), 51 patients with DLB at the prodromal stage (pro-DLB), 16 patients with DLB at the demented stage (DLB-d), 33 AD patients at the prodromal stage (pro-AD), 32 AD patients at the demented stage (AD-d) and 13 patients with mixed pathology (AD+DLB). CSF levels of total alpha-synuclein were assessed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for alpha-synuclein (AJ Roboscreen). Alzheimer’s biomarkers (t-Tau, P-Tau, Aβ42 and Aβ40) were also measured.Results: The alpha-synuclein assays showed a significant difference between the AD and DLB groups. Total alpha-synuclein levels were significantly higher in AD patients than in DLB patients. However, the ROC curves show a moderate discriminating power between AD and DLB (AUC = 0.78) which does not improve the discriminating power of the combination of Alzheimer biomarkers (AUC = 0.95 with or without alpha-synuclein). Interestingly, the levels appeared to be altered from the prodromal stage in both AD and DLB.Conclusions: The modification of total alpha-synuclein levels in the CSF of patients occurs early, from the prodromal stage. The adding of alpha-synuclein total to the combination of Alzheimer’s biomarker does not improve the differential diagnosis between AD and DLB.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, (AlphaLewyMa, Identifier: NCT01876459)
Development of EST-SSR Markers and Association Mapping with Floral Traits in Syringa oblata
Authors: Yang Yunyao , He Ruiqing , Zheng Jian , Hu Zenghui , Wu Jing , Leng Pingsheng
Published: September 2020

Background

Syringa oblata is an important woody plant with high ornamental value. However, very limited genetic marker resources are currently available, and little is known about the genetic architecture of important ornamental traits for S. oblata , which is hindering its genetic studies. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop effective molecular markers and understand the genetic architecture of complex floral traits for the genetic research of S. oblata .

Results

In this study, a total of 10,988 SSRs were obtained from 9,864 unigene sequences with an average of one SSR per 8.13 kb, of which di-nucleotide repeats were the dominant type (32.86%, 3,611). A set of 2,042 primer pairs were validated, out of which 932 (45.7%) exhibited successful amplifications, and 248 (12.1%) were polymorphic in eight S. oblata individuals. In addition, 30 polymorphic EST-SSR markers were further used to assess the genetic diversity and the population structure of 192 cultivated S. oblata individuals. 234 alleles were detected, and the PIC values ranged from 0.23 to 0.88 with an average of 0.51, indicating a high level of genetic diversity within this cultivated population. The analysis of population structure showed two major subgroups in the association population. Finally, 20 significant associations were identified involving 17 markers with 9 floral traits using the mixed linear model. Moreover, marker SO104, SO695 and SO790 had significant relationship with more than one trait.

Conclusion

The results showed newly developed markers were valuable resource and provided powerful tools for genetic breeding of lilac. Beyond that, our study could serve an efficient foundation for further facilitate genetic improvement of ﬂoral traits for lilac.
Age at First Marriage and Fertility Decline in Dabat Health and Demographic Surveillance System Site, northwest Ethiopia: Decomposition analysis
Authors: Alazbih Nega Mihret , Kaya Assefa Hailemariam , Mengistu Mezgebu Yitayal , Gelaye Kassahun Alemu
Published: September 2020

Background: Fertility declines in Ethiopia have been documented since 1990s. Amhara National Regional State has recorded the most noticeable fertility decline. However, specific factors that explain the incipient course of fertility decline in the study area and their relative contributions were not well investigated. Hence, the purpose of this study was to determine the factors that contributed for fertility decline, and to assess the variations in fertility that can be attributed to both changes in characteristics and reproductive behaviors of women aged 15–49 years between 2008 and 2014 in Dabat Demographic and Health Surveillance System Site, Northwest Ethiopia.Methods: Cross sectional censuses were carried out in Dabat Health and Demographic Surveillance System site in 2008 and 2014. Data for 4,775 and 10,807 women with reproductive age in 2008 and 2014 were used for the analysis. Poisson regression model was employed to assess the trends of determinants of fertility, and Multivariate Decomposition technique was applied to evaluate observed changes in fertility using data from two consecutive cross-sectional censuses of Dabat HDSS conducted in 2008 and 2014.Results: The findings indicated that there was a reduction of an average 641 births per 1,000 women of the reproductive age during the year 2014 compared to the year 2008 in the surveillance site (P-value <0.001; 95% CI: -669.5, -582.4). This overall change in fertility during the study period was attributed to both changing characteristics of women (the distribution effect) (78%) (P-value <0.001; 95%CI: -537.65, -462.32), and their reproductive behavior (the effect shown by regression coefficients of the variables on the outcome) (22%) (P-value <0.001; 95% CI: -214.56 to -67.368). The drivers of the recent fertility decline during the study period were the shift observed in the age at first marriage, the change in the proportion of currently married women, the shift in women’s birth to later age and the change in women's educational status.Conclusion: This study indicated that the overall reduction in fertility was attributed to both changing characteristics of women and their reproductive behavior. The major contributors to the changes in fertility were the postponing of women’s first marriage to later age and the change in the proportion of currently married women over the study period. Encouraging women to complete at least secondary education are important to increase the age at first marriage and birth which intern accelerate the current fertility transition.
A unique radioprotective effect of resolvin E1 reduces irradiation-induced damage to the inner ear by inhibiting the inflammatory response
Authors: Zhang Jie , Xu Anting , Niu Tingting , Liu Chengcheng , Zhang Yongju , Li Tao , Wang Jihua , Wang Yongjing , Sun Dianshui
Published: September 2020

Background: In addition to the direct effects of irradiation, the induced inflammatory response may play an important role in the damage to the inner ear caused by radiotherapy for the treatment of head and neck cancers. Resolvin E1 (RvE1) has anti-inflammatory activity, acting by reducing neutrophil infiltration and proinflammatory cytokine expression. Therefore, in this study we sought to confirm whether the inflammation induced by irradiation was involved in damage to the inner ear after radiotherapy and to investigate the protective effect and underlying mechanism of RvE1 using mouse models.Methods: A dose of RvE1 was delivered by intraperitoneal injection to mice before irradiation. Changes in the auditory brainstem response (ABR), relative balance ability, inner ear morphology and the expression levels of inflammatory factors in the inner ear were analyzed on days 7 and 14 after irradiation and compared among different experimental groups. Results: Changes of ABR and relative balance ability showed the inner functions of experimental mice presented severe damage after irradiation, but the damage was significantly alleviated after RvE1 pretreatment compared to irradiation alone. Morphological analysis of the inner ear showed severe damage to the cochlea and vestibule after irradiation. In contrast, damage to the cochlea and vestibule was significantly reduced in the RvE1-pretreated group compared to that in the irradiation alone group. Along with these functional and morphological changes, the mRNA expression level of anti-inflammatory factors interleukin-2 was significantly increased, while those of proinflammatory factors interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α were significantly decreased in the inner ear of mice after RvE1 pretreatment compared to irradiation alone. Conclusions: We believe that inflammation induced by irradiation is involved in the damage to the inner ear caused by radiotherapy, and that RvE1 reduces the damage caused by irradiation to the inner ear by regulating the induced inflammatory response.
Health care provided to recent asylum-seeking and non-asylum-seeking pediatric patients at a Swiss tertiary hospital
Authors: Brandenberger Julia , Pohl Christian , Vogt Florian , Tylleskär Thorkild , Ritz Nicole
Published: September 2020

BackgroundAsylum-seeking children represent an increasing and vulnerable group of patients whose health needs are largely unmet. Data on the health care provision to asylum-seeking children in European contexts is scarce. In this study we compare the health care provided to recent asylum-seeking and non-asylum-seeking children at a Swiss tertiary hospital.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional retrospective study in a pediatric tertiary care hospital in Switzerland. All patients and visits from January 2016 to December 2017were identified, using administrative and medical electronic health records. The asylum-seeking status was systematically assessed and the patients were allocated accordingly in the two study groups.Results A total of 202’316 visits by 55’789 patients were included, of which asylum-seeking patients accounted for 1674 (1%) visits by 439 (1%) individuals. The emergency department recorded the highest number of visits in both groups with a lower proportion in asylum-seeking compared to non-asylum-seeking children: 19% (317/1674) and 32% (64’315/200’642) respectively. The median number of visits per patient was 1 (IQR 1-2) in the asylum-seeking and 2 (IQR 1-4) in the non-asylum-seeking children. Hospital admissions were more common in asylum-seeking compared to non-asylum-seeking patients with 11% (184/1674) and 7% (14’692/200’642). Frequent visits (>15 visits per patient) accounted for 48% (807/1674) of total visits in asylum-seeking and 25% (49’886/200’642) of total visits in non-asylum-seeking patients. ConclusionsHospital visits by asylum-seeking children represented a small proportion of all visits. The emergency department had the highest number of visits in all patients but was less frequently used by asylum-seeking children. Frequent care suggests that asylum-seeking patients also present with more complex diseases. Further studies are needed, focusing on asylum-seeking children with medical complexity.
The sensitivity of a honeybee colony to worker mortality depends on season and resource availability
Authors: Lemanski Natalie J , Bansal Siddhant , Fefferman Nina H
Published: September 2020

Background: Honeybees have extraordinary phenotypic plasticity in their senescence rate, making them a fascinating model system for the evolution of aging. Seasonal variation in senescence and extrinsic mortality results in a tenfold increase in worker life expectancy in winter as compared to summer. To understand the evolution of this remarkable pattern of aging, we must understand how individual longevity scales up to effects on the entire colony. In addition, threats to the health of honey bees and other social insects are typically measured at the individual level. To predict the effects of environmental change on social insect populations, we must understand how individual effects impact colony performance. We develop a matrix model of colony demographics to ask how worker age-dependent and age-independent mortality affect colony fitness and how these effects differ by seasonal conditions. Results: We find that there are seasonal differences in honeybee colony elasticity to both senescent and extrinsic worker mortality. Colonies are most elastic to extrinsic (age-independent) nurse and forager mortality during periods of higher extrinsic mortality and resource availability but most elastic to age-dependent mortality during periods of lower extrinsic mortality and lower resource availability.Conclusions: These results suggest that seasonal changes in the strength of selection on worker senescence partly explain the observed pattern of seasonal differences in worker aging in honey bees. More broadly, these results extend our understanding of the role of extrinsic mortality in the evolution of senescence to social animals and improve our ability to model the effects of environmental change on social insect populations of economic or conservation concern.
Trends and sex disparities in school bullying victimization among U.S. youth, 2011–2019
Authors: Li Ruili , Lian Qiguo , Su Qiru , Li Luhai , Xie Meixian , Hu Jun
Published: September 2020

BackgroundThe prevalence of being bullied traditionally among U.S. high school students is expected to reduce to 17.9%, according to Healthy People 2020 Initiatives. We examined trends in traditional victimization and cybervictimization with the latest large-scale time-series data in the United States.MethodsWe analyzed the data from the 2011-2019 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) to access the trends in traditional victimization and cybervictimization among U.S. high school students. We identified the temporal trends using multivariate logistic regression analyses, accounting for survey design features of YRBS. Participants included 72,605 high school students.ResultsThe overall prevalence of victimization was 19.74% for traditional bullying and 15.38% for cyberbullying, suggesting that cyberbullying is not a low frequent phenomenon. The prevalence of victimization ranged from 20.19% to 19.04% for traditional victimization and 16.23% to 14.77% for cybervictimization, and the declined trends for the two kinds of bullying victimization were both statistically non-significant. The degree of overlap between the two kinds of bullying victimization was about 60%. Besides, female students reported more traditional victimization and cybervictimization than male peers within each survey cycle.ConclusionsNo declined trends in traditional victimization and cybervictimization were observed during 2011-2019. Female students are more likely to experience school bullying. To achieve the Healthy People 2020 goal on bullying, more work is needed to explore the underlying reasons behind these unchanging trends.
Advancing methodology for scoping reviews: recommendations arising from a scoping literature review (SLR) to inform transformation of children and adolescent mental health services.
Authors: Anderson Joanna K , Howarth Emma , Vainre Maris , Humphrey Ayla , Jones Peter B. , Ford Tamsin J.
Published: September 2020

Background: There is consensus that health services commissioning and clinical practice should be driven by scientific evidence. However, workload pressures, accessibility of peer reviewed publications and skills to find, appraise, and synthesise relevant evidence are often cited as barriers to uptake of research evidence by practitioners and commissioners alike. In recent years a growing requirement for rapid evidence synthesis to inform commissioning decisions about healthcare service delivery and provision of care contributed to an increasing popularity of scoping literature reviews (SLRs). Yet, comprehensive guidelines for conducting and reporting SLRs are still relatively scarce. Methods: The exemplar review used as a worked example aimed to provide a readily available, comprehensive, and user-friendly repository of research evidence for local commissioners to help them make evidence-informed decisions about redesigning East of England Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services. In conducting the review, we were broadly guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, however some modifications were made at different stages to better reflect the largely pragmatic objective of this review. This paper compares the methodology used with existing methodological frameworks for scoping studies, to add to the existing knowledge base.Results: We proposed the following advancements to the existing SLR frameworks: (i) Assemble a research team with complementary skills and expertise; (ii); Draw on expertise of external partners, particularly practitioners, decision-makers and commissioners who will be translating findings into practice; (iii) Pre-register the review protocol. Keep a detailed record of all steps and decisions and consider how they would impact on generalisability and utility of review findings; (iv) Use systematic procedures for literature searchers, selection of studies, data extraction and analysis; (v) If feasible, appraise the quality of included evidence; (vi) Be transparent about limitations of findings.Conclusions: Despite some methodological limitations, scoping literature reviews are a useful method of rapidly synthesising a large body of evidence to inform commissioning and transformation of CAMHS. SLRs allow researchers to start with a broader questions, to explore the issue from different perspectives and perhaps find more comprehensive solutions that are not only effective, but also accounted for their feasibility and acceptability to key stakeholders.
Ectopic bone formation and systemic bone loss in a transmembrane TNF-driven model of human spondyloarthritis
Authors: -Vafeiadou Eleni Christodoulou , Geka Christina , Ntari Lydia , Kranidioti Ksanthi , Argyropoulou Eleni , Meier Florian , Armaka Marietta , Mourouzis Iordanis , Pantos Constantinos , Rouchota Maritina , Loudos George , Denis Maria C , Karagianni Niki , Kollias George
Published: September 2020

BackgroundThe transmembrane-TNF transgenic mouse, TgA86, has been shown to develop spontaneously peripheral arthritis with signs of axial involvement. To assess similarity to human spondyloarthritis we performed detailed characterization of the axial, peripheral and comorbid pathologies of this model.MethodsTgA86 bone pathologies were assessed at different ages using CT imaging of the spine, tail vertebrae and hind limbs and characterized in detail by histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. Cardiac function was examined by echocardiography and electrocardiography and bone structural parameters by µCT analysis. The response of TgA86 mice to either early or late anti-TNF treatment was evaluated clinically, histopathologically and by µCT analysis.ResultsTgA86 mice developed with 100% penetrance spontaneous axial and peripheral pathology which progressed with time and manifested as reduced body weight and body length, kyphosis, tail bendings as well as swollen and distorted hind joints. Whole body CT analysis at advanced ages revealed bone erosions of sacral and caudal vertebrae as well as of sacroiliac joints and hind limps, and also, new ectopic bone formation and eventually vertebral fusion. The pathology of these mice highly resembled that of SpA patients, as it evolved through an early inflammatory phase, evident as enthesitis and synovitis in the affected joints, characterized by mesenchymal cell accumulation and neutrophilic infiltration. Subsequently, regression of inflammation was accompanied by ectopic bone formation, leading to ankylosis. In addition, both systemic bone loss and comorbid heart valve pathology were evident. Importantly, early anti-TNF treatment, similar to clinical treatment protocols, significantly reduced the inflammatory phase of both the axial and peripheral pathology of TgA86 mice.ConclusionsThe TgA86 mice develop a spontaneous peripheral and axial biphasic pathology accompanied by comorbid heart valvular dysfunction and osteoporosis, overall reproducing the progression of pathognomonic features of human spondyloarthritis. Therefore, the TgA86 mouse represents a valuable model for deciphering the role of transmembrane TNF in the pathogenic mechanisms of spondyloarthritis and for assessing the efficacy of human therapeutics targeting different phases of the disease.
Australasian Interstitial Lung Disease Registry (AILDR): Objectives, Design and Rationale of a Bi-National Prospective Database
Authors: Moore Irene , Wrobel Jeremy , Rhodes Jessica , Lin Qi , Webster Susanne , Jo Helen , Troy Lauren , Grainge Christopher , Glaspole Ian , Corte Tamera J
Published: September 2020

Background: Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is a group of respiratory conditions affecting the lung interstitium often associated with progressive respiratory failure. There is increasing recognition of the need for improved epidemiological data to help determine best practice and improve standardisation of care. The Australasian ILD Registry (AILDR) is a bi-national registry of patients with all ILD subtypes designed to establish a clinically meaningful database reflecting real world practice in Australasia with an objective to improve diagnostic and treatment pathways through research and collaboration. Methods: AILDR is a prospective observational registry recruiting patients attending ILD clinics at centres around Australia and New Zealand. Core and non-core data are stored on a secure server. The pilot phase was launched in 2016 consisting of four sites in Australia. Currently in its second phase a further 16 sites have been recruited, including three in New Zealand.Results: A total of 1061 participants were consented during the pilot phase. Baseline data demonstrated a mean age 68.3±12.5 (SD) years, mean FVC (%predicted) 79.1±20.4 (SD), mean DLCO (%predicted) 58.5±17.9 (SD) and nadir exertional SpO2 (%) 91±6.9 (SD). Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (31%) and connective-tissue disease related ILD (21.7%) were the two most common subtypes. Baseline demographics and physiology were not significantly different across the four centres.Conclusion: AILDR is an important clinical and research tool providing a platform for epidemiological data that will prove essential in promoting understanding of a rare cohort of lung disease and provide foundations for our aspiration to standardise investigation and treatment pathways of ILD across Australasia.
Covid-19 effects on the workload of Iranian healthcare workers
Authors: Shoja Esmail , Aghamohammadi Vahideh , Bazyar Hadi , Moghaddam Hamed Rezakhani , Nasiri Khadijeh , Dashti Mohammad , Choupani Ali , Garaee Masoumeh , Aliasgharzadeh Shafagh , Asgari Amin
Published: September 2020

BackgroundIn this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on the workload and mental health of Iranian medical staffs using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and NASA-TLX Questionnaire between March and April 2020, respectively.MethodsThe present cross-sectional study was conducted from March 5th to April 5th, 2020. Three online questionnaires (NASA-TLX, GHQ-12, and demographic) were distributed. Data were entered into software SPSS (Version 23) and T-test, ANOVA, Regression methods were used for data analysis.ResultsHealth workers who encountered COVID- 19 patients, were subjected to more task load compared to those who had no contact with COVID- 19 patients at the workplace (p<0.001). In terms of the subscale score of NASA-TLX, nurses had more scores in mental pressure, physical pressure, time pressure(temporal), and frustration compared to the other jobs (p<0.05). Moreover, nurses had significantly more workload compared to the other jobs.ConclusionsType of job, the shift of work, educational level, and facing COVID-19 affected the score of NASA-TLX. Generally, NASA-TLX scores were higher in nursing compared to the scores of other health staff groups. The results of this study indicate that the total workload and mental health levels of those staff who had contact with COVID-19 patients were significantly higher than those who did not face COVID-19 patients.
Prostate artery embolization has long term efficacy for treatment of severe lower urinary tract symptoms from giant prostatic hyperplasia.
Authors: Somwaru Alexander S. , Metting Stephen , Flisnik Laura M. , Nellamattathil Michael G. , Sharma Arjun , Katabathina Venkat S.
Published: September 2020

Background: Patients with severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) from giant prostatic hyperplasia (GPH): prostate volume greater than 200 mL that do not respond to medical therapy may not be eligible for surgical treatments due to morbidities, technical challenges, and patient preference. This retrospective investigation examined the long-term efficacy and safety of prostatic arterial embolization (PAE) as a treatment option for severe LUTS due to GPH in a large patient cohort. Methods: Of 529 patients who underwent PAE between January 2016 and January 2020, 72 patients had severe LUTS from GPH and were retrospectively evaluated. PAE was performed with two embolic agents in sequence: 100 μm to 250 μm particles followed by 2 mm and 3 mm coils. Clinical assessment was performed with international prostate symptoms score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), peak flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual volume (PVR), and prostate specific antigen (PSA) measurements before and 12 months and 24 months after PAE. Prostate volume (PV) was measured by multiparametric magnetic resonance (MR) imaging before and 12 months and 24 months after PAE. Results: Patients with severe LUTS from GPH experienced significant clinical improvements in IPSS, QoL, Qmax, PVR, PSA, and PV at 12 months and 24 months after PAE. Mean IPSS decreased from 26.5 to 18.0 (P < 0.01) to 10.5 (P < 0.01). Mean QoL decreased from 6.0 to 4.0 (P < 0.01) to 2.0 (P < 0.01). Mean Qmax increased from 8.0 mL/sec to 14 mL/sec (P < 0.01) to 18 mL/sec (P < 0.01). Mean PVR decreased from 198.0 mL to 152.0 mL (P < 0.01) to 90 mL (P < 0.01). Mean PV decreased from 303.0 mL to 258.0 mL (P < 0.01) to 209.0 mL (P < 0.01). Mean PSA decreased from 11.2 ng/mL to 9.5 ng/mL (P < 0.05) to 7.9 ng/mL (P < 0.05). No major complications occurred. Conclusions: PAE is a safe treatment with long term efficacy for severe LUTS from GPH. PAE may be a viable therapeutic option for patients with severe LUTS from GPH whom fail medical therapy and are not candidates for surgical treatments.
Clinical characteristics of 1385 sacral tumors and tumor-like lesions not including metastatic cancers in one institution in China
Authors: Wang Jun , Li Dasen , Yang Rongli , Tang Xiaodong , Yan Taiqiang , Guo Wei
Published: September 2020

Background: Sacral tumors and tumor-like lesions are a rare group of lesions that can affect children and adults of all ages. Little is known about clinical characteristics of age, gender, histologic type and anatomic site in China.Methods: 1385 patients with sacral tumors and tumor-like lesions, which had the clinical record at our bone tumor center from January 2000 to November 2018 were analyzed. The metastatic cancers were not included in the present study.Results: 51.7% (716 cases) were malignant and 48.3 % (669 cases) were benign tumors or tumor-like lesions. Of malignant tumors, chordoma was the most common malignant tumor (316 cases, 22.8% of all tumors), followed by chondrosarcoma, myeloma and other histologic types. The most common histological type of benign tumors was giant cell tumor accounting for 14.8% (205 cases) of all tumors, followed by neurofibroma, schwannoma and other types. The most common age group affected by malignant bone tumors was the 51- to 60-year-old group, followed by the 41- to 50-year-old group. The most commonly affected age group for benign tumors and tumor-like lesions was the 31- to 50-year-old group, followed by the 21- to 30-year old group. Furthermore, the following histologic types had the gender predilection. Chordoma, chondrosarcoma, myeloma and osteosarcoma affected more frequently males than females. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, lymphoma, giant cell tumor, neurofibroma, tuberculosis, teratoma and epidermoid cyst more frequently affected females than males.Conclusions: The large cohort of sacral tumors and tumor-like lesions in our database may reveal their clinical characteristics of age, gender, histologic type and anatomic site in China and features of sacral tumors and tumor-like lesions is fairly distinct from the mobile spine and extremities.
Advancing integrated care evaluation in shifting contexts: Blending implementation research with case study design in Project SUSTAIN.
Authors: Billings Jenny , de Bruin Simone R. , Baan Caroline , Nijpels Giel
Published: September 2020

Background Despite many studies evaluating the effectiveness of integrated care, evidence remains inconsistent. There is increasing commentary pointing out the mismatch between the ability to capture the somewhat ‘illusive’ impact of integrated care initiatives and programmes, and the most appropriate way to do this. Focusing on methodology, this paper describes and critically reviews the experiences of SUSTAIN, a Horizon 2020 funded project (2015-2019) with the purpose of advancing knowledge and understanding of cross-European integrated care evaluation. SUSTAIN sought to improve integrated care initiatives for older people in seven countries, and to maximise the potential for knowledge transfer and application across Europe. The methods approach drew from implementation research, employing the participative Evidence Integration Triangle (EIT) and incorporating a mixed method, multiple embedded case study design. A core set of qualitative and quantitative indicators, alongside context and process data, were created and tested within four key project domains (person-centredness, prevention-orientation, safety and efficiency). The paper critically discusses the overall approach, highlighting the value of the EIT and case study design, and signalling the challenges of data collection with frail older people and stakeholder involvement at the sites, as well as difficulties developing the core set of indicators. Conclusions Lessons learned and recommendations for advancing integrated care evaluation are put forward that focus on the status of integrated care as a complex intervention and a process. The use of implementation research methods and case study design are recommended as an additional evaluation approach for researchers to consider, alongside suggested ways of improving methods of data collection with frail populations and cost analysis.
Predicting Neovascular Glaucoma risk in a Chinese Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy population: development and assessment of a new predictive nomogram
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , xu li , Chen Xiaolong
Published: September 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a postoperative NVG risk nomogram based on the clinical data of a Chinese population of patients with PDR.Methods: A prediction model has been established based on the clinical data of 107 PDR patients who underwent vitrectomy from March,2017 to March,2018 in Shenyang Fourth People’s Hospital, and they were followed up for at least 12 months.The presence or absence of NVG were observed.The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model was used to optimize feature selection for the postoperative NVG risk model. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to build a predicting model incorporating the feature selected in the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model. C-index, calibration plot, and decision curve analysis were also introduced to evaluate the model. The bootstrapping validation was also utilized to accomplish internal validation.Results: Risk factors screened out by the model included HbAlc level, presence of diabetic nephropathy and anti-VEGF therapy. The model was testified with a satisfying C-index of 0.852 (95% CI: 0.740–0.964).Decision curve analysis showed that the NVG nomogram was clinically useful when intervention was adopted with the NVG possibility threshold of 2%.Conclusion: This novel nomogram revealed that a good control of HbAlc level, absence of diabetic nephropathy and anti-VEGF therapy are prophylactic factors of postoperative NVG in PDR patients.
Extended spectrum beta-lactamase and ﬂuoroquinolone resistance genes among Escherichia coli and Salmonella isolates from children with diarrhea, Burkina Faso.
Authors: Dembélé Rene , Konaté Ali , Traoré Oumar , Kaboré Wendpoulomdé A. D. , Soulama Issiaka , Kagambèga Assèta , Traoré Alfred S. , Guessennd Nathalie K. , Aidara-Kane Awa , Gassama-Sow Amy , Barro Nicolas
Published: September 2020

Background: The emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria (MDR) has become a major public health concern worldwide. This resistance is caused by enzymes-mediated genes (i.e., extended spectrum beta-lactamases) that are common in certain Enterobacterioceae species. However, the distribution of these genes is poorly documented in Burkina Faso. This study aims to determine the prevalence and distribution of the resistant genes coding for broad spectrum beta-lactamases and quinolones in rural Burkina Faso.Methods: Multiplex PCR assays were carried out to detect ESBL-encoding genes, including blaOXA, blaTEM, blaCTX-M, blaSHV. The assays also assessed the presence of quinolone resistance gene namely qnrA, qnrB and qnrS in the quinolone-resistance DEC and Salmonella strains.Results: The Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBL) resistance phenotype was reported in all the E. coli isolates (5/5). Cross-resistance phenotype to quinolones (CRQ) was shown by one Salmonella strain (1/9) and three E. coli (3/5). Cross-resistance phenotypes to fluoroquinolones (CRFQ) were harboured by one Salmonella (1/9) and carbapenemase phenotypes were detected in two E. coli strains (2/5). Whilst the blaOXA genes were detected in 100% (5/5) of E. coli isolates and in 33.33% (3/9) Salmonella isolates. One strain of E. coli (1/5) harbored the blaCTX-M gene and the qnrB gene simultaneously.Conclusions: This study identified β-lactam (bla) and quinolone resistance (qnr) genes in multidrug-resistant E. coli and Salmonella spp. in rural Burkina Faso. Our finding which highlighted the enterobacteriaceae strains resistance to β-lactams and quinolones are of high interest for adequate management of antimicrobial resistant genes outbreak in Burkina Faso.
Cerebrospinal fluid α-synuclein predicts neurodegeneration and clinical progression in non-demented elders
Authors: Li Jie-Qiong , Bi Yan-Lin , Shen Xue-Ning , Wang Hui-Fu , Xu Wei , Tan Chen-Chen , Dong Qiang , Wang Yan-Jiang , Tan Lan , Yu Jin-Tai
Published: September 2020

Background

Accumulating reports suggest that α-synuclein is involved in Alzheimer disease (AD) pathogenesis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) α-synuclein could be a potential biomarker of AD. We sought to test whether CSF α-synuclein is associated with other AD biomarkers and could predict neurodegeneration and clinical progression in prodromal AD.

Methods

Associations were investigated between CSF α-synuclein and other AD biomarkers at baseline in prodromal AD stage Chinese elders. The predictive values of CSF α-synuclein in longitudinal change in clinical outcomes and conversion risk of prodromal AD stage subjects were assessed using linear mixed effects models and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models, respectively, in Alzheimer's disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database.

Results

Among individuals in prodromal AD stage, we detected that CSF α-synuclein levels correlated with AD-specific biomarkers CSF total tau and phosphorylated tau levels in 651 Chinese Han participants (training set). These positive correlations were replicated in ADNI database (validation set). Using a longitudinal cohort from ADNI, CSF α-synuclein concentrations increased with disease severity. CSF α-synuclein had high diagnostic accuracy for AD based on the “ATN” system (A+T+) vs controls (A-T-) (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.84). Moreover, CSF α-synuclein predicted longitudinal hippocampus atrophy and conversion from MCI to AD dementia.

Conclusions

CSF α-synuclein is associated with CSF tau levels and could predict neurodegeneration and clinical progression in prodromal AD. This finding indicates CSF α-synuclein is a potentially useful, early biomarker for AD.
Development of an immunogenomic landscape for the competing endogenous RNAs network of peri-implantitis
Authors: Li Yang , Zheng Ji-Na , Gong Chan-Juan , Lan Keng-Fu , Yuqing Yuqing Shen , Ding XiaoJun
Published: September 2020

Background: Peri-implantitis is an inflammation that occurs around the implant, resulting in varying degrees of inflammatory damage to the soft and hard tissues. The characteristic criterion is the loss of the supporting bone in an inflammatory environment. However, the specific mechanisms and biomarkers involved in peri-implantitis remain to be further studied. Recently, competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) and immune microenvironment have been found to play a more important role in the inflammatory process. In our study, we analyzed the expression of immune related microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and message RNAs (mRNAs) in peri-implantitis by analyzing GSE33774 and GSE57631.Methods: In this study, we explored the expression profile data of immune-related lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs, and constructed immune-related ceRNA network involved in the pathogenesis of peri-implantitis. In addition, the CIBERSORT was used to evaluate the content of immune cells in normal tissues and peri-implantitis to detect the immune microenvironment of peri-implantitis.Results: In the analysis, 14 DElncRNAs, 16 DEmiRNAs, and 18 DEmRNAs were used to establish an immune related ceRNA network and the immune infiltration patterns associated with peri-implantitis was discovered. Through the mutual verification of the two datasets, we found that GSK3B and miR-1297 may have important significance in the immune microenvironment and pathogenesis of peri-implantitis and GSK3B was closely related to four types of immune cells, especially with the highest correlation with resting mast cells (P = 0.0003).Conclusions: Through immune-related ceRNA network, immune-related genes (IRGs) and immune cell infiltration can further comprehensively understand the pathogenesis of peri-implantitis, which built up an immunogenomic landscape with clinical significance for peri-implantitis.
Contraceptive use among sexually active female adolescent:Trends and determinants insight from National Demographic and health survey
Authors: Olika Alemi Kebede , Kitila Sena Belina , Terfa Yonas Biratu , Olika Ayantu Kebede
Published: September 2020

Background

Background: Sexual and reproductive health of young people is a global priority. Access to sexual and reproductive health information and services determine the burden of adolescent and unwanted pregnancies. Teenage pregnancy that has profound effects on the health and wellbeing of young women across their life course is a burning public health and a demographic challenge in Ethiopia. Contraceptive use allows girls to postpone motherhood and space births. However, little is known about the trends in contraceptive use and its determinant among girls aged 15 to 19 in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was designed to examine the trends and correlates of contraceptive use among sexually active adolescents in Ethiopia by using Ethiopian demographic and health survey data.

Methods : Four Ethiopian demographic and health survey data were used to examine trends of contraceptive methods use among sexually active adolescent girls. To identify factors associated with contraceptive use, the 2016 Ethiopian demographic and health survey data were used. The data was accessed from the demographic and health survey program data base and data for sexually active adolescent girls were extracted. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21. Data were weighted for analysis. Descriptive analysis was used to describe independent variables of the study. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with contraceptive use.

Results: The analysis of Ethiopian demographic and health survey data indicated that Contraceptive method use were increased significantly from 6.9% in 2000 to 39.6% in 2016. The odds of contraceptive use were lower among female adolescent who had no formal education (AOR: .044; 95%CI: (.008 to 0.231), primary education (AOR:.101; 95%CI: 0.024 to 0.414). But the odds of contraceptive methods use were higher among adolescents of good life standard (rich) (AOR: 3.662; 95%CI: (1.353 to 9.913), and those who were told about family planning during their health facility visit (AOR: 3.115; 95%CI: 1.385 to 7.007)

Conclusion: Contraceptive method use were increased significantly among sexually active adolescent girls in Ethiopia in the year 2000 to 2016. Wealth index, education and information about family planning during their health facility visit were factors associated with contraceptive use. Improving economic and educational status of young women may help in improving contraceptive use in Ethiopia.