bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ModelSEED Biochemistry Database for the integration of metabolic annotations and the reconstruction, comparison and analysis of metabolic models for plants, fungi and microbes
Authors: Seaver Samuel M D , Liu Filipe , Zhang Qizhi , Jeffryes James , Faria José P , Edirisinghe Janaka N , Mundy Michael , Chia Nicholas , Noor Elad , Beber Moritz E , Best Aaron A , DeJongh Matthew , Kimbrel Jeffrey A , D’haeseleer Patrik , McCorkle Sean R , Bolton Jay R , Pearson Erik , Canon Shane , Wood-Charlson Elisha M , Cottingham Robert W , Arkin Adam P , Henry Christopher S
Published: September 2020

For over 10 years, ModelSEED has been a primary resource for the construction of draft genome-scale metabolic models based on annotated microbial or plant genomes. Now being released, the biochemistry database serves as the foundation of biochemical data underlying ModelSEED and KBase. The biochemistry database embodies several properties that, taken together, distinguish it from other published biochemistry resources by: (i) including compartmentalization, transport reactions, charged molecules and proton balancing on reactions; (ii) being extensible by the user community, with all data stored in GitHub; and (iii) design as a biochemical ‘Rosetta Stone’ to facilitate comparison and integration of annotations from many different tools and databases. The database was constructed by combining chemical data from many resources, applying standard transformations, identifying redundancies and computing thermodynamic properties. The ModelSEED biochemistry is continually tested using flux balance analysis to ensure the biochemical network is modeling-ready and capable of simulating diverse phenotypes. Ontologies can be designed to aid in comparing and reconciling metabolic reconstructions that differ in how they represent various metabolic pathways. ModelSEED now includes 33,978 compounds and 36,645 reactions, available as a set of extensible files on GitHub, and available to search at https://modelseed.org/biochem and KBase.
Label-free profiling of DNA aptamer-small molecule binding using T5 exonuclease
Authors: Alkhamis Obtin , Yang Weijuan , Farhana Rifat , Yu Haixiang , Xiao Yi
Published: September 2020

In vitro aptamer isolation methods can yield hundreds of potential candidates, but selecting the optimal aptamer for a given application is challenging and laborious. Existing aptamer characterization methods either entail low-throughput analysis with sophisticated instrumentation, or offer the potential for higher throughput at the cost of providing a relatively increased risk of false-positive or -negative results. Here, we describe a novel method for accurately and sensitively evaluating the binding between DNA aptamers and small-molecule ligands in a high-throughput format without any aptamer engineering or labeling requirements. This approach is based on our new finding that ligand binding inhibits aptamer digestion by T5 exonuclease, where the extent of this inhibition correlates closely with the strength of aptamer-ligand binding. Our assay enables accurate and efficient screening of the ligand-binding profiles of individual aptamers, as well as the identification of the best target binders from a batch of aptamer candidates, independent of the ligands in question or the aptamer sequence and structure. We demonstrate the general applicability of this assay with a total of 106 aptamer-ligand pairs and validate these results with a gold-standard method. We expect that our assay can be readily expanded to characterize small-molecule-binding aptamers in an automated, high-throughput fashion.
StreptomeDB 3.0: an updated compendium of streptomycetes natural products
Authors: Moumbock Aurélien F A , Gao Mingjie , Qaseem Ammar , Li Jianyu , Kirchner Pascal A , Ndingkokhar Bakoh , Bekono Boris D , Simoben Conrad V , Babiaka Smith B , Malange Yvette I , Sauter Florian , Zierep Paul , Ntie-Kang Fidele , Günther Stefan
Published: September 2020

Antimicrobial resistance is an emerging global health threat necessitating the rapid development of novel antimicrobials. Remarkably, the vast majority of currently available antibiotics are natural products (NPs) isolated from streptomycetes, soil-dwelling bacteria of the genus Streptomyces. However, there is still a huge reservoir of streptomycetes NPs which remains pharmaceutically untapped and a compendium thereof could serve as a source of inspiration for the rational design of novel antibiotics. Initially released in 2012, StreptomeDB (http://www.pharmbioinf.uni-freiburg.de/streptomedb) is the first and only public online database that enables the interactive phylogenetic exploration of streptomycetes and their isolated or mutasynthesized NPs. In this third release, there are substantial improvements over its forerunners, especially in terms of data content. For instance, about 2500 unique NPs were newly annotated through manual curation of about 1300 PubMed-indexed articles, published in the last five years since the second release. To increase interoperability, StreptomeDB entries were hyperlinked to several spectral, (bio)chemical and chemical vendor databases, and also to a genome-based NP prediction server. Moreover, predicted pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiles were added. Lastly, some recent real-world use cases of StreptomeDB are highlighted, to illustrate its applicability in life sciences.
Public Opinion in Africa
Authors: Conroy-Krutz Jeffrey
Published: September 2020

Projects to measure public opinion in Africa have increased considerably in the last two decades. Earlier data-collection efforts focused on health and economic development, with limited attempts to gauge public opinion before the late 1990s. Possibilities expanded as a wave of political liberalizations swept the continent after the Cold War, and as government limitations on speech freedoms and survey research loosened. Knowledge about public opinion remains uneven, however; more surveys are conducted in wealthier, more stable, and more democratic countries. Various actors are leading these efforts. Academic and research organizations have been at the forefront, with Afrobarometer, which has conducted surveys in about two-thirds of African countries since 1999, the most prominent. The majority of studies are conducted by for-profit companies, media houses, and political campaigns, and many results are never publicly released. The growth in surveys of public opinion in Africa has had important ramifications across a number of realms. Academics have developed and tested new theories on how Africans respond to and shape their political and economic systems, and some long-standing theories have been challenged with newly available empirical evidence. Candidates and parties attempt to measure public opinion as they develop mobilizational and persuasive campaign strategies. Election observers have used survey data collected before and after voting to assess whether official results comport with citizens’ preferences. And international and domestic policymakers have increasingly used public opinion data from Africa to determine economic and political development priorities, and to assess the effectiveness of various programs. However, there is evidence that the survey enterprise in Africa is becoming increasingly politicized, with some officials attempting to block the release of potentially embarrassing results, or preventing surveys from being conducted altogether, and other political actors attacking survey organizations when they do not like what the data show. As organizations conducting public opinion surveys in Africa modify their strategies in the face of new technologies and changing political contexts, the ever-increasing availability of data on what Africans think about how their countries are and should be governed continues to fundamentally change academic understanding, policymaking, and actual political competition.
Beauty in Latin America
Authors: Jarrin Alvaro
Published: September 2020

Beauty clearly has power in Latin America—people deploy beauty to organize bodies in particular ways, and beauty clearly intersects with race, class, and gender inequalities present in the region. Within the nation, beauty gives meaning to particular hierarchies that exist within the body politic, and it is used by social actors to both craft ideal forms of racialized femininity (and to a lesser extent, masculinity) or to challenge those hegemonic beauty standards. Transnationally beauty allows people to generate narratives of how nations relate to one another, and beauty informs how individuals consume and practice gender and race across borders. The scholarly work on beauty in Latin America is still small, but it has grown rapidly over the last two decades as beauty pageants, practices of beautification, and other performances of beauty have become the object of study within anthropology, sociology, psychology, cultural studies, history, and gender studies. Beauty, once considered a superfluous topic of academic study, has gained traction because it helps explain why some bodies matter more than others in Latin America, and provides an additional analytic that explains the salience of femininity and race within biopolitical projects of various kinds. The global mediascape and the transnational political economy, additionally, has only exacerbated the importance of beauty as a form of bodily capital that provides hope and meaning to people in precarious economic situations, since it is associated with upward mobility across Latin America. In what follows, the literature on beauty has been organized according to the types of beauty practices being examined (Beauty Pageants, Weight and Eating Disorders, Cosmetic Surgery, and Fashion and Cosmetics) or according to the main themes they cover (Race and Beauty, Popular Culture, Masculinities, and Sex Work and Sex Tourism). This annotated bibliography is not meant to be an exhaustive compendium of all the literature on beauty in Latin America, but rather a selection of some of the most important interventions and the ways in which they speak to one another.
Breaking Bad
Authors: Pierson David
Published: September 2020

Breaking Bad is an American television crime dramatic series created and developed by Vince Gilligan. The series aired on AMC cable channel from 20 January 2008 to 29 September 2013 and reflected American middle-class anxieties during the period of the Great Recession (2007–2009). Many TV critics consider Breaking Bad to be one of the best television series of all time. Breaking Bad tells the story of Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a put-upon, underpaid high school chemistry teacher, who upon learning that he has stage 3 lung cancer decides to begin making and selling crystal methamphetamine with Jesse Pinkman, a former student, to secure his (White’s) family’s financial future. The series title is derived from a southern US colloquialism, “breaking bad,” which signifies a person who has decided to follow a life of crime or immorality. Gilligan has described White’s character transformation as being from the reserved schoolteacher Mr. Chips to the brutal drug lord Scarface. The series is set in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The program’s recurrent images of wide-open western vistas, deserts, and rugged outlaws have led some critics to label the series a modern neo-western. The show has fostered a strong audience following that has allowed Gilligan and AMC to produce the spin-off, prequel series Better Call Saul in 2015 and a sequel film, El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, released on Netflix and select theaters in 2019. Sony Entertainment Television produced a Spanish-language version of the series, titled Metástasis, in 2014. Breaking Bad has served as fodder for important scholarship in media studies, cultural studies, and film and television studies. Scholars have focused their work on a range of topics, including Disability and Impairment; Economics and Social Class, Gender; Genre and Literature; Landscape, Place, and Space; Narrative; Pedagogy; Production Culture; Race and Ethnicity; and Science.
Effectiveness of Invasive Techniques in Patients with Fibromyalgia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sarmiento-Hernández Isabel , Pérez-Marín María de los Ángeles , Nunez-Nagy Susana , Pecos-Martín Daniel , Gallego-Izquierdo Tomás , Sosa-Reina M Dolores
Published: September 2020

Objective

To attain a synthesis of the evidence on the effectiveness of invasive techniques in patients with fibromyalgia, through systematic review and meta-analysis and by assessing the methodological quality of the studies considered.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out as defined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The bibliographic research was carried out in the PEDro, Cochrane, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Academics, Dialnet, and Scielo databases from September through December of 2018.

Results

Results show that invasive techniques produce a significant decrease in the pain, the impact of fibromyalgia and in the pain pressure threshold (standardized mean difference [95% confidence interval]: -0.94 [-1.44, -0.44], P of global effect= 0.0002; -0.99 [-1.69, -0.29], P of global effect= 0.006; and 0.31 [0.02, 0.61], P of global effect = 0.04, respectively). Lastly, a significant increase was observed in the quality-of-life variable after intervention (0.84 [0.30, 1.38], P of global effect = 0.002).

Conclusions

Invasive techniques are considered effective for pain relief, as well as for producing a short-term increase in the pain pressure threshold, an improvement in quality of life, and a decrease in the impact of fibromyalgia.
A Quantitative Comparison of Inhibitory Interneuron Size and Distribution between Mouse and Macaque V1, Using Calcium-Binding Proteins
Authors: Kooijmans Roxana N , Sierhuis Wesley , Self Matthew W , Roelfsema Pieter R
Published: September 2020

The mouse is a useful and popular model for studying of visual cortical function. To facilitate the translation of results from mice to primates, it is important to establish the extent of cortical organization equivalence between species and to identify possible differences. We focused on the different types of interneurons as defined by calcium-binding protein (CBP) expression in the layers of primary visual cortex (V1) in mouse and rhesus macaque. CBPs parvalbumin (PV), calbindin (CB), and calretinin (CR) provide a standard, largely nonoverlapping, labeling scheme in macaque, with preserved corresponding morphologies in mouse, despite a slightly higher overlap. Other protein markers, which are relevant in mouse, are not preserved in macaque. We fluorescently tagged CBPs in V1 of both species, using antibodies raised against preserved aminoacid sequences. Our data demonstrate important similarities between the expression patterns of interneuron classes in the different layers between rodents and primates. However, in macaque, expression of PV and CB is more abundant, CR expression is lower, and the laminar distribution of interneuron populations is more differentiated. Our results reveal an integrated view of interneuron types that provides a basis for translating results from rodents to primates, and suggest a reconciliation of previous results.
La Convention de Vienne du 11 avril 1980 et la pratique arbitrale : expérience dans un nouvel État adhérent
Authors: Do Van Dai
Published: September 2020

Année après année, il y a de nouvelles accessions à la Convention de Vienne. Du fait que les arbitres n’ont pas de for étatique, il est intéressant de comprendre ce que font les arbitres dans les nouveaux pays adhérents lorsqu’ils sont saisis d’une vente internationale de marchandises. Apportant un intérêt non négligeable pour les acteurs du commerce international qui ont les contrats de vente avec ces pays, pour l’effectivité de la Convention et pour les États nouveaux membres de la Convention, la présente étude aborde l’applicabilité, la mise en œuvre et le traitement des lacunes de la Convention devant les arbitrages dont le lieu se trouve dans un nouvel État adhérent, à savoir le Vietnam.
A Case of Tachycardia and Shortness of Breath
Authors: Kupchik Nicole , Green Joel
Published: September 2020

Editor's note: This is the second installment in a new series on electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation. Nurses in all settings should know the basics, as medications and physiological changes can cause cardiac arrhythmias. Each article will start with a brief case scenario and an ECG strip and then take you step by step through analyzing the heart rhythm.
Resources for Nurses in an Election Year
Authors: Hardie Lori M. , Ortelli Tracy A.
Published: September 2020

The profession is primed to influence policy at all levels.
Effect of Disrupted Rehabilitation Services on Distress and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Helm Erin E. , Kempski Katelyn A. , Galantino Mary Lou A.
Published: September 2020

Background:

Cancer rehabilitation often includes manual assessment and interventions to address cancer treatment–related side effects. The effect of reduced access to rehabilitative care due to COVID-19 is currently unknown.

Objective/Purpose:

To assess distress and quality of life (QOL) for women receiving care for breast cancer–related impairments during closure of rehabilitation services due to COVID-19.

Methods:

Preexisting patients returning to rehabilitation services after a COVID-19–associated interruption of treatment were asked to complete a survey regarding their distress, function, and QOL levels at the suspension of rehabilitation services and at the resumption of those services.

Setting and Patients:

Outpatient cancer rehabilitation clinic treating breast cancer survivors at an accredited cancer center.

Measurements:

Distress thermometer, FACT-G (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General) survey, and visual analog scale questions regarding sleep, fatigue, and physical activity as part of reassessment by the clinician. Utility of telehealth was also explored.

Results:

Fifteen women (age range, 38-76 years) with primary complaints of shoulder stiffness, pain, and lymphedema completed surveys, and 33% received telehealth. Reported distress levels at the time of closure were significantly higher than self-reported levels at reopening (t
14 = 4.69, P = .000). Increases in distress at the time of closure were correlated with reduced physical activity (r = −0.602, P = .018). Reduced levels of distress following return to rehabilitation were correlated with reduced levels of fatigue (r = 0.575, P = .025). No statistically significant relationships between distress and sleep quality were found.

Limitations:

Self-report via surveys, recall bias, and the multifactorial characteristics of distress limit study findings.

Conclusion:

Closure of rehabilitation services during COVID-19 created distress, resulting in reduced physical activity and QOL in breast cancer survivors. Cancer survivorship communities will need to assess the effect of disrupted service across cancer rehabilitation centers. Further research is needed to validate optimal interventions including telehealth best practice to manage distress and QOL in a COVID-19 context.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Recommendations of the French CLL Study Group (FILO)
Authors: Quinquenel Anne , Aurran‐Schleinitz Thérèse , Clavert Aline , Cymbalista Florence , Dartigeas Caroline , Davi Frédéric , de Guibert Sophie , Delmer Alain , Dilhuydy Marie‐Sarah , Feugier Pierre , Fornecker Luc‐Matthieu , Ghez David , Guieze Romain , Laribi Kamel , Leblond Véronique , Leprêtre Stéphane , Letestu Rémi , Lévy Vincent , Nguyen‐Khac Florence , Michallet Anne‐Sophie , Tomowiak Cécile , Tournilhac Olivier , Ysebaert Loïc , Troussard Xavier ,   FILO‐LLC Group
Published: September 2020

As a result of significant recent developments, the management of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is changing, and new therapeutic options will continue to emerge in the near future. The recommendations of the French Innovative Leukemia Organization (FILO‐CLL) group presented here are intended to provide practical recommendations for physicians taking care of CLL patients, taking into account the availability of both biological tests and therapies in daily practice in France at the time of publication. This text details the documented information and guidelines on diagnosis, indications for treatment, infectious complications and therapeutic strategies in frontline and relapsed CLL as well as in particular conditions such as autoimmune cytopenia or Richter syndrome.
Interventions to improve physical performances of older people with cancer before complex medico-surgical procedures
Authors: Falandry Claire , Stefani Laetitia , Andre Louise , Granger Marion , Barbavara Claire , Habchi Hocine , Bourgeois Chrystelle , Cure Hervé , Passot Guillaume , Gilbert Thomas
Published: September 2020

Background:

Current demographics lead increasing older cancer patients to undergo complex medico-surgical procedures, with substantial risk of decompensations and deconditioning. The Prehabilitation & Rehabilitation in Oncology: Adaptation to Disease and Accompaniment of Patients’ Trajectories (PROADAPT) project is currently being developed with the aim of improving care, through standardized care pathways guided by existing evidence and implementation programs. A working group will specifically focus on improvement of physical performances before such procedures. These interventions may have been developed in different contexts: before surgery in large, before carcinologic surgery or complex medical interventions (chemotherapy, radiotherapy), or in primary care for elderly patients to prevent sarcopenia and frailty. Post-surgical interventions are out of the scope of this review. The objective of this review is to summarize the level of evidence to support physical reconditioning interventions and identify areas where further work is required.

Methods:

This umbrella review will include moderate to high quality systematic reviews, meta-analysis, and pre-existing umbrella or meta-reviews. Two reviewers will independently search the following databases: PubMed/MedLine, Cochrane Library, Embase, and CINAHL. Research strategy will use diverse keywords used to refer to the concepts of “prehabilitation,” “preoperative exercise,” or “preoperative rehabilitation,” with prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria and only systematic reviews selection. The distinct types of interventions presented using PRISMA guidelines and a narrative reporting of results. A focus will be made on outcomes such as physical performances, quality of life, autonomy in everyday activities, or number of hospital bed days.

Ethics and dissemination:

Ethical approval is not required for such an umbrella review. Our review will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed international journal using open access option if available. It will be complementary to reviews focused on hospital discharge of older people.

PROSPERO registration number:

CRD42020100110.
A gene missense mutation in diffuse pulmonary lymphangiomatosis with thrombocytopenia
Authors: Zheng Guixian , Tang Haijuan , Su Rui , Liang Yi , He Zhiyi , Zhang Jianquan , Deng Jingmin , Bai Jing , Zhong Xiaoning
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

Diffuse pulmonary lymphangiomatosis (DPL) is a rare condition. Most patients with DPL present dyspnea, cough, expectoration, and hemoptysis. There are few reports of DPL accompanied by thrombocytopenia, whose cause remains unknown.

Patient concerns:

An 18-year-old male patient presented with recurrent cough, expectoration, and dyspnea for 5 years, and thrombocytopenia was observed during a 2-month follow-up.

Diagnosis:

Chest computed tomography showed diffuse patchy shadows in both lungs, and pleural and pericardial effusions. Immunohistochemical lung tissue staining showed lymphatic and vascular endothelial cells positive for D2-40, CD31 and CD34. Routine blood test revealed platelets at 62 × 109 cells/L during follow-up. Bone marrow biopsy was normal. Ultrasound revealed no hepatosplenomegaly. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with DPL accompanied by thrombocytopenia.

Interventions:

He was treated by subtotal pericardial resection, thoracocentesis, and anti-infective therapy. Oral prednisone was administered for 2 months.

Outcomes:

The symptoms of cough and shortness of breath were improved, but thrombocytopenia persisted. We investigated the cause of thrombocytopenia. Whole-exome sequencing identified a mutation in exon 3 of the TNFRSF13B gene in this patient.

Conclusion:

DPL may present with thrombocytopenia and DIC. Patients with thrombocytopenia but not DIC and splenomegaly should be screened for gene mutations.
Auricular acupuncture for premature ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Luo Yehao , Xu Donghan , Tang Xiusong , Wei Luqiu , Wang Lizhen , Pang Yuzhou , Fang Gang
Published: September 2020

Background:

A lot of attention has been given to premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) as it poses considerable health risks to women. It is characterized by oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea, infertility, autoimmune disorders, and ischemic heart disease, with increased mortality. Previous research indicates that auricular acupuncture is proven effective in treating POI in clinical practice. However, systematic review has not been carried out. Therefore, this study aims at evaluating the curative effect and safety of auricular acupuncture treatment for POI through systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods and analysis:

The following databases will be searched for relevant information before August 2020: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CNKI. Major results: levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estrogen (E2). Secondary results: modified Kupperman Index, imaging results including ovarian size, antral follicle count, and blood flow changes in the ovary using color Doppler ultrasound; total effective rate, adverse event and intervention, and hospitalization expenses. Data will be collected independently by 2 researchers, and the risk of bias in meta-analysis will be evaluated according to “Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions”. All data analysis will be conducted using Review Manager V.5.3. and Stata V.12.0.

Results:

The curative effect and safety of auricular acupuncture treatment for POI patients will be evaluated systematically.

Conclusion:

In the systematic review, the published evidence of auricular acupuncture treatment for POI will be summarized to provide guidance for promotion and application.

Ethics and dissemination:

The private information from individuals will not be published. This systematic review also will not involve endangering participant rights. Ethical approval is not required. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated in relevant conferences.

Open Science Framework (OSF) registration number: http://osf.io/tg9mw
Application of pigtail catheter tailing combined with long-wire swapping technique in cerebral angiography via the right radial artery
Authors: Yan Dan , Zhu Bifeng , Li Qin , Peng Tao , Jiang Jingfang , Liu Jianlin , Dan Bitang
Published: September 2020

The safety and feasibility of transradial approach for cerebral angiography has been confirmed previously. However, this approach has been limited used due to the difficulty during the procedure. This study aimed to introduce a pigtail catheter tailing and long-wire swapping technique to improve the success rate without increasing complications.

From August 2015 to December 2018, 560 patients who underwent cerebral angiography via transradial approach were recruited. The data including the type of aortic arch, type of Simmon catheter were collected.

The loop was successfully constructed in 553 patients using Simmon-2 or Simmon-1 catheter. Of these patients, 72 patients successfully underwent cerebral and renal angiography, while 481 patients underwent cerebral angiography. The time for angiography was 52.87 ± 11.23 minutes and 47.8 ± 11.8 minutes, respectively. There were 369 (66.7%), 135 (24.4%), and 49 (8.9%) patients with type I, type II, and type III aortic arches, respectively, and their success rates of looping using Simmon-2 catheter were 97.8%, 97.0%, and 89.8%, respectively. The success rates of angiography in the right internal carotid artery, right vertebral artery, left internal carotid artery, and left vertebral artery were 100%, 100%, 98.9%, and 98.9%, respectively. No serious complications were observed in all patients.

The pigtail catheter tailing and long guidewire swapping is considered as a safe procedure with high success rate for loop construction using a Simmon-2 catheter through the right radial artery, subsequently improving the success rate as well as the efficiency of angiography.
Effects of Guizhi decoction for diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy
Authors: Chen Junmin , Cai Jiawei , Wei Mengya , Zhang Xiaoran , Zhong Min , Liu Min , Yu Yang , Chen Qiu
Published: September 2020

Background:

Diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy (DCAN) is one of the serious complications of diabetes. The pathogenesis of DCAN has not been fully elucidated. There is currently no effective treatment for such chronic disease. Traditional Chinese medicine has a long clinical history for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and chronic complications, and it also shows certain advantages in the treatment of DCAN. Many clinical studies have confirmed that Chinese medicine Guizhi decoction can reduce the clinical symptoms and improve neuronal function of patients with DCAN. So we intend to conduct a systematic review further clarified the effectiveness and safety of Guizhi decoction for DCAN.

Methods:

We will search each database from the built-in until July 2020. The English literature mainly searches Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science, while the Chinese literature comes from CNKI, CBM, VIP, and Wangfang database. Simultaneously we will retrieval clinical registration tests and grey literatures. In this study, only the clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Guizhi decoction in the treatment of DCAN. The 2 researchers independently conducted literature selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. Statistical heterogeneity among studies will be evaluated using the Cochran Q test (x2) and the I
2 statistical value. We will utilize the Review Manage software V5.3.0 (The Nordic Cochrane Center, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2014, Copenhagen, Denmark) to statistically analyze all data.

Ethics and dissemination:

This study is a protocol for a systematic review of Guizhi decoction as a treatment of DCAN patients.

Results:

This study will provide high-quality synthesis of effectiveness and safety of Guizhi decoction for DCAN.

Conclusion:

This systematic review aims to provide new options for Guizhi decoction treatment of DCAN in terms of its efficacy and safety.

Registration number:

INPLASY202080018.
Fabry disease with early-onset ventricular dilation
Authors: Tang Jia , Wu Chao , Cao Jian , Wang Liang
Published: September 2020

Rationale:

The most common cardiac involvement of Fabry disease (FD) is left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), which usually occurs in male patients over the age of 30. In rare cases, it can progress to ventricular dilation in the late stage of the disease.

Patient concerns:

A 16-year-old boy presenting with recurrent extremity pain and chest distress was admitted to our hospital. Imaging examinations revealed ventricular dilation.

Diagnosis:

α-Galactosidase A enzyme assay and GLA gene sequencing confirmed the diagnosis of FD and revealed a novel mutation c.76_77insT.

Interventions:

The patient was treated using metoprolol (23.75 mg qd) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (fosinopril sodium 5 mg qd). He refused enzyme replacement therapy for financial reasons.

Outcomes:

The echocardiography, electrocardiography, renal function, and routine blood and urine tests performed 20 months after the patients discharge from hospital showed no significant changes. The patient reported a slow and gradual decrease in the frequency and degree of pain and chest distress, starting approximately 24 months after discharge.

Lessons:

Cardiac involvement of FD can progress rapidly in some cases. Screening for FD should be considered in patients with unexplained ventricular dilation, especially in those with a history of typical FD manifestations.
Ankle distraction arthroplasty for the treatment of severe ankle arthritis
Authors: Liu Xiao-Ning , Chang Fei , Zhang Han-Yang , Zhong Zhuan , Xue Pan , Huang Bing-Zhe
Published: September 2020

Rationale:

Widely applied in the treatment of severe ankle arthritis (AA), ankle distraction arthroplasty (ADA) can avoid not only the ankle range of motion loss but also ankle fusion. However, the clinical outcomes of ADA for severe AA are poorly understood. This study aims to present our clinical outcomes of severe AA treated by ADA.

Patient concerns:

A 53-year-old man suffered right ankle sprain 10 years ago, endured right ankle pain and limited movement for 6 years.

Diagnosis:

The patient was diagnosed as severe AA.

Interventions:

He received ankle distraction arthroplasty. No adjuvant procedures were performed. The visual analog scale (VAS), the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, the short-form (SF)-36 physical component summary (PCS) score and ankle activity score (AAS) were recorded to access the clinical outcomes pre- and postoperatively. Moreover, ankle joint space distance was evaluated on weight-bearing radiographs.

Outcomes:

The patient derived effective pain relief and restored a satisfactory range of movement. There was a 13-month follow-up period after frame removal. The AOFAS score improved from 56 preoperatively to 71 postoperatively. The VAS score decreased from 6 prior to surgery to 1 after surgery. The SF-36 PCS was 47.2 and 71.8 pre- and postoperative, respectively. The AAS scores were improved from 3.4 preoperatively to 7.3 postoperatively.

Lessons:

ADA is reliable to achieve pain relief, functional recovery, and serve AA resolution. Besides, it is an alternative to ankle arthrodesis or total ankle arthroplasty in selected patients with severe AA.
Goodpasture syndrome manifesting as nephrotic-range proteinuria with anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody seronegativity
Authors: Zhong ZhengXia , Tan JiaXing , Tang Yi , Li ZhengFu , Qin Wei
Published: September 2020

Rationale:

The Goodpasture syndrome is an extremely rare disease, with renal and pulmonary manifestations, and is mediated by anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) antibodies. Renal pathological changes are mainly characterized by glomerular crescent formation and linear immunofluorescent staining for immunoglobulin G on the GBM. There are few reports on the atypical course of the syndrome involving serum-negative anti-GBM antibodies. Therefore, we present a case of Goodpasture syndrome that presented with nephrotic-range proteinuria and was seronegative for anti-GBM antibodies.

Patient concerns:

A 38-year-old Chinese man presented with a lung lesion that was discovered by physical examination a month prior to presentation. The chief concern was occasional hemoptysis without fever, cough, chest pain, and edema.

Diagnoses:

Laboratory testing revealed that the urinary protein level and urine erythrocyte count were 7.4 g/24 hours and 144/high-power field (HPF), respectively. Serological testing for anti-GBM antibodies was negative. Chest computed tomography revealed multiple exudative lesions in both lungs, indicating alveolar infiltration and hemorrhage. Electronic bronchoscopy and pathological examination of the alveolar lavage fluid indicated no abnormalities. However, kidney biopsy suggested cellular crescent formation and segmental necrosis of the globuli, with linear IgG and complement C3 deposition on the GBM. These findings were consistent with the diagnosis of anti-GBM antibody nephritis.

Interventions:

The patient underwent 7 sessions of double filtration plasmapheresis. He was also administered with intravenous methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide. After renal function stabilization, he was discharged under an immunosuppressive regimen comprising of glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamides.

Outcomes:

Three months later, follow-up examination revealed that the 24-hour urine protein had increased to 13 g. Furthermore, the urine erythrocyte count was 243/HPF. After a 6-month follow-up, the patient achieved partial remission, with a proteinuria level of 3.9 g/24 hours and a urine erythrocyte count of 187/HPF.

Lessons:

This extremely rare case of Goodpasture syndrome manifested with seronegativity for anti-GBM antibodies and nephrotic-range proteinuria. Our findings emphasize the importance of renal biopsy for the clinical diagnosis of atypical cases. Furthermore, because renal involvement achieved only partial remission despite therapy, early detection and active treatment of the Goodpasture syndrome is necessary to improve the prognosis of patients.
Long-term effects of a food pattern on cardiovascular risk factors and age-related changes of muscular and cognitive function
Authors: Wernicke Charlotte , Apostolopoulou Konstantina , Hornemann Silke , Efthymiou Andriana , Machann Jürgen , Schmidt Sein , Primessnig Uwe , Bergmann Manuela M. , Grune Tilman , Gerbracht Christiana , Herber Katharina , Pohrt Anne , Pfeiffer Andreas F.H. , Spranger Joachim , Mai Knut
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

The mean age of the German population increased over the last years, which resulted in a higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, cognitive impairment, sarcopenia and bone fractures. Current evidence indicates a preservation of human wellbeing in the elderly by a healthy diet, although the recommended macronutrient composition and quality remains unclear and needs further long-term investigation. In this context we investigate the effect of a specific dietary pattern on age-related disorders in a randomized controlled multi-center trial (RCT).

Methods:

We assess the effect of a specific dietary pattern (NutriAct) with a high proportion of unsaturated fat, plant proteins and fibres (fat 35%–40% of total energy (%E) of which 15%E–20%E monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and 10%E–15%E polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), 15%E–25%E proteins, ≥30 g fibres per day and 35%E–45%E carbohydrates) on age-related impairment of health within a 36-months RCT conducted in the region of Berlin and Potsdam. 502 eligible men (n = 183) and women (n = 319), aged 50 to 80 years, with an increased risk to develop age-related diseases were randomly assigned to either an intervention group focusing on NutriAct dietary pattern or a control group focusing on usual care and dietary recommendations in accordance to the German Nutrition Society (DGE). In the intervention group, 21 nutrition counsellings as well as supplementation of rapeseed oil, oil cake and specific designed foods are used to achieve the intended NutriAct dietary pattern.

The primary outcome is a composite endpoint of age-related disorders, including cardiovascular morbidity, decline of cognitive function as well as clinical features of sarcopenia. Secondary outcomes include diet-induced effects on quality of life, depression, frailty, cardiovascular function, bone density, fat distribution pattern, glucose, lipid and energy metabolism, as well as the identification of biomarkers linked with age-related disorders.

Discussion:

The findings of this trial will provide clinically relevant information regarding dietary effects on age-related impairment of health and will contribute to the definition of the optimal macronutrient composition in the context of healthy aging in the German population.
Bullying experience of pupils in Nigerian primary schools
Authors: Umoke Prince C.I. , Umoke MaryJoy , Ugwuanyi Christian S. , Okeke Chinedu I.O. , Eseadi Chiedu , Onuorah Adaorah R. , Ugwu Gloria C. , Obiweluozo Patience Enuma , Uzodinma Uchenna Eugenia , Uwakwe Rowland C. , Uba Mercy Benedette Ifeoma , Ebizie Elizabeth N. , Onyeke Nkechi G. , Otu Mkpoikanke S.
Published: September 2020

Childhood bullying leads to life-long scars and hinders adult development. Schoolchildren involved in bullying are at risk of developing behavioural difficulties, physical health problems and suicidal ideation. This research aimed to evaluate the bullying experience of pupils in Nigerian primary schools.

The study is a cross-sectional analytic survey conducted from June to November 2019. A total of 1080 pupils in participated in the study. A self-report questionnaire containing 3 questions was used for collecting data. Analysis of the collected data was done using percentage and Chi-Squared at 0.05 probability level.

Results indicate that 51.4% of the male pupils and 50.8% of females reported being victims of bullying. 51.8% of the males and 49.5% of females were found to be perpetrators of bullying. 39.6% of the males and 42.9% of the females were bystanders of bullying. 35.1% of the males and 34.1% of females have experienced any 2 of the categories while 11.2% of the males and 12.4% of the females have experienced all the categories of bullying. Results show a non-significant difference between male and female pupils on bullying victimization (χ2 = .036, P = .849), bullying perpetration (χ2 = .589, P = .443), and bullying bystander problem (χ2 = 1.194, P = .275).

In conclusion, school bullying is an increasing problem among Nigerian schoolchildren. Initiatives must, therefore, be taken by the Nigerian government to further prevent and counter bullying problem in Nigerian primary schools. Interventions aimed at helping schools to develop effective policies to reduce bullying behaviour among pupils should be initiated.
Bronchiectasis with secondary pulmonary infection in a child
Authors: Zhu Ting , Gu Haoxiang , Vinturache Angela , Ding Guodong , Lu Min
Published: September 2020

Rationale:

Although bronchiectasis is conventionally considered a chronic pulmonary disease of adulthood, knowledge of pediatric bronchiectasis not related to cystic fibrosis started to emerge. Limited information in this field is available and the management is based on expert opinion.

Patient concerns:

An 8-year-old girl admitted for 7 days history of wet cough, purulent fetid sputum, shortness of breath and low-grade fever. The wet cough has presented for the past 4 years, during which she had frequent hospitalization for recurrent lower respiratory tract infections.

Diagnosis:

Chest high-resolution computerized tomography revealed diffuse bronchial dilations accompanied by inflammation in the bilateral lung fields. Microbiologic investigation for bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Interventions:

With a working diagnosis of bronchiectasis with secondary pulmonary infection, sensitive cefoperazone-sulbactam was administrated for 14 days with gradual improvement of clinical symptoms. Bronchoscopy washing substantially soothed the symptoms, reducing the cough and sputum volumes.

Outcomes:

The child was discharged after 14 days, and treated on long-term prophylactic antibiotic use (amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, 20 mg/kg/d, ≥ 4 weeks).

Lessons:

Although bronchiectasisis are condition in childhood, the diagnosis is suspected in children with persistent wet or productive cough, and should be confirmed by a chest high-resolution computerized tomography scan. Antibiotics and airway clearance techniques represent the milestones of bronchiectasis management although there are only a few guidelines in children.
Using a cervical ripening balloon to penetrate the placenta and quickly reduce bleeding by pressing against the placenta during pregnancy termination for patients with placenta previa in the second trimester
Authors: Su Chang , Chen Danqing
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

The clinical treatment is complicated for patients with placenta previa who must terminate pregnancy due to fetal malformation, death, or inevitable abortion in the second trimester. It is difficult to manage excessive bleeding during pregnancy termination; and those patients face risks of removing the uterus, infection and other complications.

Patient concerns:

Two patients had placenta previa in the second trimester. Both cases had to terminate pregnancy. Case 1 patient had intrauterine fetal death. Case 2 patient had life-threatening vaginal bleeding. Both patients had bleeding and their cervix was not mature during vaginal delivery.

Diagnosis:

After hospitalization, placenta previa was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging for case 1 patient. Placenta previa was confirmed by ultrasound examination for case 2 patient. Both patients had to terminate pregnancy.

Interventions:

We designed a new procedure using a cervical ripening balloon to reduce the risks during pregnancy termination for patients with placenta previa. A cervical ripening balloon was inserted through the placenta and placed between the fetus and placenta; external force was applied to keep the cervical ripening balloon pressing against the placenta that covers the cervical os. The cervical ripening balloon dilated the cervix, quickly reduced bleeding, and induced vaginal delivery during pregnancy termination for patients with placenta previa. This method was applied to 2 patients with placenta previa who must terminate pregnancy.

Outcomes:

Using the new method, both patients had a successful pregnancy termination and vaginal delivery with minimal bleeding. Total time from the balloon placement to the end of the delivery was about 3 hours. The procedure only used a cervical ripening balloon without uterine artery embolization needed. The fetus was delivered through the vagina; and the uterus was fully retained. There was no postpartum infection.

Conclusion:

This new method using a cervical ripening balloon could be a quick and effective way to reduce the risks during pregnancy termination for patients with placenta previa. It is especially helpful in emergency situations with minimal requirements of personnel and equipment. Our study showed great potential of this new utilization of a cervical ripening balloon, and is worthy of further research.
Health Care Failure Mode and Effect Analysis in the Operating Room Setting
Authors: Pirouzi Maryam , Gorji Hassan A. , Ravaghi Hamid , Afshari Atefeh
Published: September 2020

Objectives:

Operating rooms (ORs) and surgical settings are potential sources of sentinel adverse events. To better understand the characteristics of errors in OR processes, we performed prospective risk analysis.

Methods:

The study was mixed qualitative and quantitative research. We used the Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (HFMEA) method to analyze the selected perioperative, operative, and postoperative processes in the OR via a 2-round Delphi technique. We identified the most prominent failure modes according to a Hazard Decision Matrix, analyzed and categorized proposed possible causes, and provided solutions to mitigate hazard scores.

Results:

Ten important processes and 7 subprocesses within the OR were selected and mapped, and 187 failure modes were identified and scored on the basis of severity and probability. A total of 36 potential failure modes were highlighted as high-risk failures and moved to decision trees for further analyses.

Conclusion:

Developing policy for the familiarization of new personnel designing a checklist for accurate gases counting; drafting comprehensive presurgical posters; preparing all necessary equipment in difficult intubation; developing instruction for monthly checking of the OR equipment; and developing the evaluation criteria of staff performance are examples of solutions that are proposed to improve the quality of OR processes.