bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social, economic, and legislative factors and global road traffic fatalities
Authors: Haghighi Mohammad Reza Rahmanian , Sayari Mohammad , Ghahramani Sulmaz , Lankarani Kamran Bagheri
Published: September 2020

Background

Road traffic fatalities (RTF) is the 8th cause of mortality around the world. At the end of the Decade of Action, it would be of utmost importance to revisit our knowledge on the determinants of RTF. The aim of this study is to assess factors related to RTF at global level.

Methods

We used road safety development index which accounts for the interactions between system, human and products to assess the RTF in 115 and 113 countries in 2013 and 2016, respectively. To analyze data, three statistical procedures (linear regression, classification and regression trees, and multivariate adaptive regression splines) were employed.

Results

Classification and regression trees has the best performance amongst all others followed by multivariate adaptive regression splines for 2013 and 2016 data set with an R2around 0.83. Results show that any increase in human development index was associated with RTF reduction. Comparing RTF data of 2013 and 2016, 8 countries experienced a change of more than 30%, which demonstrated a significant relationship with GINI index (named after Corrado Gini). Considering the three components of human development index, it is revealed that education explained most of RTF variation in classification and regression trees model followed by income and life expectancy.

Conclusion

Policymakers should consider road collisions as a socio-economic issue. In this regard, they can make provisions to reduce RTF in the long run by focusing on enhancing the three components of human development index, mainly education. However, there is a need to investigate the causation pathway among these three components with RTF with different time-trend procedures.
Lack of a bridge between screening and medical management for hypertension: health screening cohort in Japan
Authors: Fukuma Shingo , Ikenoue Tatsuyoshi , Saito Yoshiyuki , Yamada Yukari , Saigusa Yusuke , Misumi Toshihiro , Taguri Masataka
Published: September 2020

Background

Patient journeys for hypertensive individuals after detection at screening have not been well examined in a general population. Thus, we aimed to assess the medical treatment status and subsequent longitudinal changes in blood pressure in a middle-aged Japanese population.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study using a nationwide Japanese health screening cohort, from April 2014 to March 2019. Among health screening participants aged 40–74 years who had not previously received treatment for hypertension, hypertensive patients were newly identified based on screening results, and their medical treatment status for hypertension during the year following their initial screening was assessed. The main outcomes were longitudinal changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) over 4 years after initial screening.

Results

Of the 153,523 screening participants (mean age = 49.7 years), 16,720 (10.9%) and 4150 (2.7%) were newly detected as having hypertension, with baseline SBP of 140–159 mmHg (grade 1) and ≥ 160 mmHg (grade 2–3), respectively. Among them, 15.9% of the grade 1 hypertensive participants and 36.3% of the grade 2–3 hypertensive participants started receiving medical treatment during the year following initial screening. A linear generalised estimating equation with propensity score matching showed that receiving medical treatment was associated with 5.77 mmHg lower SBP (95% CI − 6.64 to − 4.90) and 3.82 mmHg lower DBP (95% CI − 4.47 to − 3.16) in the grade 1 hypertensive group, and 14.69 mmHg lower SBP (95% CI − 16.35 to − 13.04) and 8.42 mmHg lower DBP (95% CI − 9.49 to − 7.34) in the grade 2–3 hypertensive group.

Conclusions

Health screenings detected hypertension in a substantial percentage of the middle-aged population in this study. However, detection was often followed by insufficient medical treatment and inappropriate blood pressure management. These findings indicate an inadequate link between health screenings and medical treatments in patients with hypertension.
Correction to: A pain relieving reimbursement program? Effects of a value-based reimbursement program on patient reported outcome measures
Authors: Eriksson Thérèse , Tropp Hans , Wiréhn Ann-Britt , Levin Lars-Åke
Published: September 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Strategic management in local hospital markets: service duplication or service differentiation
Authors: Trinh Hanh Q.
Published: September 2020

Background

The purpose of this study is to assess the influences of market structure on hospitals’ strategic decision to duplicate or differentiate services and to assess the relationship of duplication and differentiation to hospital performance. This study is different from previous research because it examines how a hospital decides which services to be duplicated or differentiated in a dyadic relationship embedded in a complex competitive network.

Methods

We use Linear Structural Equations (LISREL) to simultaneously estimate the relationships among market structure, duplicated and differentiated services, and performance. All non-federal, general acute hospitals in urban counties in the United States with more than one hospital are included in the sample (n = 1726). Forty-two high-tech services are selected for the study. Data are compiled from the American Hospital Association Annual Survey of Hospitals, Area Resource File, and CMS cost report files. State data from HealthLeaders-InterStudy for 2015 are also used.

Results

The findings provide support that hospitals duplicate and differentiate services relative to rivals in a local market. Size asymmetry between hospitals is related to both service duplication (negatively) and service differentiation (positively). With greater size asymmetry, a hospital utilizes its valuable resources for its own advantage to thwart competition from rivals by differentiating more high-tech services and reducing service duplication. Geographic distance is positively related to service duplication, with duplication increasing as distance between hospitals increases. Market competition is associated with lower service duplication. Both service differentiation and service duplication are associated with lower market share, higher costs, and lower profits.

Conclusions

The findings underscore the role of market structure as a check and balance on the provision of high-tech services. Hospital management should consider cutting back some services that are oversupplied and/or unprofitable and analyze the supply and demand in the market to avoid overdoing both service duplication and service differentiation.
How fructophilic lactic acid bacteria may reduce the FODMAPs content in wheat-derived baked goods: a proof of concept
Authors: Acín Albiac Marta , Di Cagno Raffaella , Filannino Pasquale , Cantatore Vincenzo , Gobbetti Marco
Published: September 2020

Background

FODMAPs (Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) intake is associated with the onset of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. FODMAPs in wheat-derived baked goods may be reduced via bioprocessing by endogenous enzymes and/or microbial fermentation. Because of the inherent enzyme activities, bread made by baker’s yeast and sourdough may result in decreased levels of FODMAPs, whose values are, however, not enough low for people sensitive to FODMAPs.

Results

Our study investigated the complementary capability of targeted commercial enzymes and metabolically strictly fructophilic lactic acid bacteria (FLAB) to hydrolyze fructans and deplete fructose during wheat dough fermentation. FLAB strains displayed higher fructose consumption rate compared to conventional sourdough lactic acid bacteria. Fructose metabolism by FLAB was faster than glucose. The catabolism of mannitol with the goal of its reuse by FLAB was also investigated. Under sourdough conditions, higher fructans breakdown occurred in FLAB inoculated doughs compared to conventional sourdough bacteria. Preliminary trials allowed selecting Apilactobacillus kunkeei B23I and Fructobacillus fructosus MBIII5 as starter candidates, which were successfully applied in synergy with commercial invertase for low FODMAPs baking.

Conclusions

Results of this study clearly demonstrated the potential of selected strictly FLAB to strongly reduce FODMAPs in wheat dough, especially under liquid-dough and high oxygenation conditions.
A novel skin-stretching device for closing large skin-soft tissue defects after soft tissue sarcoma resection
Authors: Wu Qiang , Shao Zengwu , Li Yubin , Rai Saroj , Cui Min , Yang Ying , Wang Baichuan
Published: September 2020

Background

Closure of large skin-soft tissue defects following soft tissue sarcoma (STS) resection has been a great challenge. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel, simple, and cheap skin-stretching device (bidirectional regulation-hook skin closure system, BHS) for closing large skin-soft tissue defects resulting from the removal of STS and the complications associated with the use of the BHS.

Methods

From January 2017 to September 2018, 25 patients with STS underwent BHS therapy after tumor resection. BHS was used for two main clinical applications: securing wound closure after high-tension suture closure and delayed wound closure. We described a detailed reconstruction procedure regarding this therapy. Wound closure and complications associated with BHS therapy were recorded. We also analyzed tumor recurrence and metastases.

Results

All patients were observed for 16–36 months with an average follow-up of 25.6 months. During the follow-up period, no significant functional restriction was observed and the final scar was aesthetically acceptable. Superficial wound infection occurred in six patients, wound edge ischemia in two patients, and small skin tears in two patients. Two patients developed pulmonary metastasis, two patients had a local recurrence, and one patient died of pulmonary metastasis.

Conclusions

BHS therapy can effectively close large skin-soft tissue defects following STS resection and obtain acceptable functional results, without severe complications. However, larger studies are required to further evaluate the effectiveness, indications, and complications of BHS therapy.
Patient safety in chiropractic teaching programs: a mixed methods study
Authors: Pohlman Katherine A. , Salsbury Stacie A. , Funabashi Martha , Holmes Michelle M. , Mior Silvano
Published: September 2020

Background

Patient safety research has lagged within academic settings, including chiropractic teaching institutions. To develop a robust patient safety culture, the Institute of Medicine emphasized the need for employee’s attitudes to be understanding and positive. To initiate the assessment of the current culture and future needs, this study evaluated patient safety attitudes among chiropractic teaching clinic stakeholders (supervising clinicians, student interns, and administrative staff) and compared their standardized survey scores to established medical survey databases.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, mixed methods survey design with quantitative analytic priority. Chiropractic interns, clinical faculty, and clinic staff of 5 international chiropractic educational programs completed a modified version of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Patient Safety Culture for Medical Offices Survey with open-ended comment fields between 2014 and 2016. Composite means of positive responses were calculated and compared to patient safety, quality of care, and overall self-ratings benchmarks from Canadian providers and academic settings in the AHRQ database. Qualitative responses were thematically categorized for a convergent analysis of quantitative results for the chiropractic sample.

Results

Chiropractic survey response rate was 45.3% (n = 645). Quantitative survey results indicated moderate scores and ranges (57–85%) on all patient safety dimensions for the chiropractic samples. Academic medicine and chiropractic providers’ benchmarks scored higher positive responses than chiropractic teaching clinics on most quantitative dimensions, except for work pressure/pace. Teamwork, organizational learning, and patient tracking/follow-up were the most positively endorsed quantitative dimensions, with communication, staff training, office standardization, and leadership support considered areas for improvement in both settings. Qualitative responses for the chiropractic clinics identified a need for open communication; additional staff training and student involvement in creating safety cultures; standardization of office processes including information exchange, scheduling, and equipment maintenance; and leadership support that focused on decreasing work pressure/pace and setting safety priorities.

Conclusion

As the first report of patient safety attitudes from stakeholders in chiropractic teaching clinics, specific areas of improvement were identified. Chiropractic teaching programs might consider incorporating these and related patient safety concepts into their formal curricula. Mixed methods approach offers teaching clinics opportunities to assess stakeholders’ insights and enhance safe delivery of chiropractic care.
Comparison of short-term outcomes between SuperPATH approach and conventional approaches in hip replacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ramadanov Nikolai , Bueschges Simon , Liu Kuiliang , Klein Roman , Schultka Ruediger
Published: September 2020

Background

It remains uncertain if the new SuperPATH approach benefits patients in artificial hip joint replacement. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to compare the short-term outcome of SuperPATH approach and conventional approaches in hip joint replacement.

Methods

A systematic literature search up to April 2020 was performed to identify randomized controlled trials comparing SuperPATH with conventional approaches in hip joint replacement. We measured surgical, functional, and radiological outcomes. Mean differences or odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated and pooled using random effects models and the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman method.

Results

A total of 12 RCTs involving 726 patients met the inclusion criteria, one trial with a level I evidence, 11 trials with level II evidence. The overall meta-analysis showed that SuperPATH approach reduced incision length (MD = − 4.84, 95% CI − 7.04 to − 2.64, p < 0.01), pain VAS 7 day postoperatively (MD = − 1.39, 95% CI − 2.57 to − 0.21, p = 0.03), and HHS 7 day postoperatively (MD = 10.24, 95% CI 0.27 to 20.21, p = 0.05). The two approaches did not differ in acetabular cup positioning angles, intra- and postoperative blood loss, hospitalization period, and postoperative complications. Hip replacement via SuperPATH approach had a longer operation time than hip replacement via conventional approaches.

Conclusions

SuperPATH approach showed better results in decreasing incision length and early pain intensity as well as improvement of short-term functional outcome. Long-term outcomes of SuperPATH approach need to be investigated.
Linc00514 promotes breast cancer metastasis and M2 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages via Jagged1-mediated notch signaling pathway
Authors: Tao Sifeng , Chen Qiang , Lin Chen , Dong Haiying
Published: September 2020

Background

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and tumor cells are important components of the tumor microenvironment. M2 polarization of TAMs, which is a major actor in breast cancer malignancy and metastasis, can be induced by breast cancer cells. However, the potential mechanisms of the interaction between breast cancer cells and TAMs remain unclear.

Methods

The candidate breast cancer-associated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were analyzed using the GEO database. Functional assays, including MTT assay, Transwell assay, and EdU labeling detection, were performed to investigate the oncogenic role of linc00514 in breast cancer progression. The co-culture and ELISA assays were used to assess the role of linc00514 in macrophage recruitment and M2 polarization. RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down, and luciferase reporter assays were applied to determine the mechanism of linc00514 in breast cancer metastasis. Mouse xenograft models, mouse pulmonary metastatic models, and mouse primary tumor models were used to assess the role of linc00514 in M2 macrophage polarization and breast cancer tumorigenicity.

Results

Linc00514 was highly expressed in clinical breast cancer tissues and breast cancer cell lines. Overexpression of linc00514 promoted the proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells and increased xenograft tumor volumes and pulmonary metastatic nodules. Overexpression of linc00514 also increased the percentage of macrophages expressing M2 markers CD206 and CD163. Mechanistically, linc00514 promoted Jagged1 expression in a transcriptional manner by increasing the phosphorylation of a transcription factor STAT3. Subsequently, Jagged1-mediated Notch signaling pathway promoted IL-4 and IL-6 secretions in breast cancer cells and ultimately inducing M2 polarization of macrophages.

Conclusion

Linc00514 plays an important role in regulating breast cancer tumorigenicity and M2 macrophage polarization via Jagged1-mediated Notch signaling pathway.
Ultrasensitive deletion detection links mitochondrial DNA replication, disease, and aging
Authors: Lujan Scott A. , Longley Matthew J. , Humble Margaret H. , Lavender Christopher A. , Burkholder Adam , Blakely Emma L. , Alston Charlotte L. , Gorman Grainne S. , Turnbull Doug M. , McFarland Robert , Taylor Robert W. , Kunkel Thomas A. , Copeland William C.
Published: September 2020

Background

Acquired human mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) deletions are symptoms and drivers of focal mitochondrial respiratory deficiency, a pathological hallmark of aging and late-onset mitochondrial disease.

Results

To decipher connections between these processes, we create LostArc, an ultrasensitive method for quantifying deletions in circular mtDNA molecules. LostArc reveals 35 million deletions (~ 470,000 unique spans) in skeletal muscle from 22 individuals with and 19 individuals without pathogenic variants in POLG. This nuclear gene encodes the catalytic subunit of replicative mitochondrial DNA polymerase γ. Ablation, the deleted mtDNA fraction, suffices to explain skeletal muscle phenotypes of aging and POLG-derived disease. Unsupervised bioinformatic analyses reveal distinct age- and disease-correlated deletion patterns.

Conclusions

These patterns implicate replication by DNA polymerase γ as the deletion driver and suggest little purifying selection against mtDNA deletions by mitophagy in postmitotic muscle fibers. Observed deletion patterns are best modeled as mtDNA deletions initiated by replication fork stalling during strand displacement mtDNA synthesis.
Patient and healthcare professional experiences of the Salford Lung Studies: qualitative insights for future effectiveness trials
Authors: Gemzoe Kim , Crawford Rebecca , Caress Ann , McCorkindale Sheila , Conroy Rebecca , Collier Susan , Doward Lynda , Vekaria Renu M. , Worsley Sally , Leather David A. , Irving Elaine
Published: September 2020

Background

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted in the routine care setting provide the opportunity to better understand the effectiveness of new medicines but can present recruitment difficulties. An improved understanding of the challenges/opportunities for patient and healthcare professional (HCP) engagement in clinical research is needed to enhance participation and trial experience. In this study, we explored patient and HCP drivers for, and experiences of, participation in the Salford Lung Studies (SLS), and their views on future trial participation and the overall value of such trials.

Methods

This was a qualitative study set in Salford, UK, comprising patient telephone interviews (N = 10) and HCP advisory boards (one with general practitioners [GPs], one with practice managers [PMs]); all individuals had participated in the SLS. Semi-structured telephone interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. Advisory board meetings were analysed based on transcriptions of audio recordings and field notes.

Results

For patients, key positive aspects of the SLS were the ease/convenience of study assessments and excellent relationships with study nurses. GPs and PMs considered the SLS to be well-organized and highlighted the value of research nurse support; they also described minor challenges relating to trial systems, initial financial strain on practices and staff turnover. All participants indicated that they were very likely to participate in future trials, citing a design closely aligned with routine care practice as essential. Several strategies to encourage trial participation were suggested, such as clearly communicating benefits to patients and ensuring flexible study assessments.

Conclusions

Patients and HCPs had positive experiences of the SLS. The study design, closely aligned with routine care, was considered important to their high likelihood of participating in future trials. The experiences of patients and HCPs in the SLS provide valuable insights that will help inform future best practice in the design and conduct of future real-world effectiveness RCTs in primary care. The detailed first-hand experiences of HCPs will be of significant value to others considering engaging in clinical research and participating in effectiveness RCTs.
Comparison of patient-led, fibromyalgia-orientated physical activity and a non-specific, standardised 6-month physical activity program on quality of life in individuals with fibromyalgia: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rulleau T. , Planche L. , Etcheverrigaray F. , Dorion A. , Kacki N. , Miot M. , Liaigre A. , Ganem Y. , Schmidt A. , Taddéi F. , Acapo S. , Nizard J. , Pluchon Y. M.
Published: September 2020

Background

Exercise has been shown to significantly improve pain and function in individuals with fibromyalgia. Research into the effectiveness of exercise is often based on standardised exercise programmes that are chosen by the investigating clinical research team. However, such programmes may not necessarily be appealing to the participating patients. Furthermore, in addition to being taught exercises, patients with chronic conditions like fibromyalgia also need to learn to manage their condition themselves and so be actively involved in their treatment. The primary aim of this study is to compare the effects of two, 6-month physical activity programs on quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia. One group followed a patient-led, fibromyalgia-orientated programme (experimental) whilst the control group followed a standard, general exercise programme.

Methods

This protocol is an open-label, two-centre, randomised, controlled superiority trial. Two treatment arms will be compared: an experimental group (patient-led, fibromyalgia-orientated exercise) and a control group (general exercise program). The control group will participate in the exercise programme currently provided in our centre, which involves general, group exercise for patients with various pathologies. The experimental group will be taught the principles of exercise specifically for fibromyalgia during a one-to-one coaching session. They will then be guided in the choice of one or several types of exercise that they enjoy. They will be instructed to perform the exercise according to the recommendations for exercise in fibromyalgia with regard to intensity, duration and frequency. The protocol will last for 6 months; participants will then be followed-up for a further 6 months. They will also be encouraged to continue exercising after the end of the protocol.

Outcomes will be evaluated at baseline, 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome will be quality of life (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire) and the secondary outcomes will include measures of pain (including a visual analogue scale and the neuropathic characteristics of the pain), depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), kinesiophobia (Tampa scale of kinesiophobia) and adherence (Polar OH1 heart rate monitor).

Discussion

The results of this study will show if patient-led, fibromyalgia-orientated exercise is more effective than a general exercise programme on fibromyalgia-related outcomes, including quality of life, and on adherence to continued exercise.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03895086. Registration no. 2018-A02881-54. Registered on 29 March 2019
Plasmid mediated colistin resistant mcr-1 and co-existence of OXA-48 among Escherichia coli from clinical and poultry isolates: first report from Nepal
Authors: Muktan Bijaya , Thapa Shrestha Upendra , Dhungel Binod , Mishra Bagish Chandra , Shrestha Nabaraj , Adhikari Nabaraj , Banjara Megha Raj , Adhikari Bipin , Rijal Komal Raj , Ghimire Prakash
Published: September 2020

Background

Plasmid-mediated resistance to the last-resort drugs: carbapenems and colistin is an emerging public health threat. The studies on the prevalence and co-expression of resistant genes among livestock and human pathogens are rare in Nepal. This is the first study in Nepal exploring the prevalence and co-existence of colistin resistance gene, mcr-1 along with carbapenemase resistance gene, OXA-48 in Escherichia coli isolated from poultry and clinical specimens.

Methods

A total of 240 rectal swabs from chickens of five different poultry farms of Kathmandu valley and 705 mid-stream urine samples from human subjects attending Kantipur Hospital, Kathmandu were collected between August, 2018 and March, 2019. Rectal swabs and urine specimens were cultured. E. coli isolated from the specimens were screened for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) using disk diffusion method’. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of colistin was determined by agar dilution method using 0.5 µg/ml to 32 µg/ml. The E. coli isolates were first screened for mcr-1 followed by screening for OXA-48 genes using conventional Polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

Of the total samples analyzed, E. coli was isolated from 31.7% (76/240) of poultry and 7.9% (56/705) of clinical specimens. In AST, 80% (61/76) of E. coli from poultry and 79% (44/56) from clinical specimens were MDR. The phenotypic prevalence of colistin resistance in poultry specimens were 31.6% (24/76) and clinical specimens were 21.4% (12/56). In PCR assay, 27.6% (21/76) of poultry and 19.6% (11/56) of clinical isolates had colistin resistant mcr-1 gene. MICs value of E. coli isolates ranged from 4 to 32 (µg/ml) in both clinical and poultry isolates. Prevalence of co-existing carbapenem resistance gene, OXA-48, among colistin resistant mcr-1 positive isolates was 38% (8/21) in poultry specimens and 18.2% (2/11) in clinical specimens.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of colistin and carbapenem resistant genes, and their co-existence in plasmid DNA of E. coli isolates in this study suggests the possible spread to other animal, human and environmental pathogens. Molecular methods in addition to the conventional diagnostics in laboratories can help in early diagnosis, effective management and control of their potential transmission.
Comprehensive genomic analysis reveals dynamic evolution of endogenous retroviruses that code for retroviral-like protein domains
Authors: Ueda Mahoko Takahashi , Kryukov Kirill , Mitsuhashi Satomi , Mitsuhashi Hiroaki , Imanishi Tadashi , Nakagawa So
Published: September 2020

Background

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral infections of mammalian germline cells. A large proportion of ERVs lose their open reading frames (ORFs), while others retain them and become exapted by the host species. However, it remains unclear what proportion of ERVs possess ORFs (ERV-ORFs), become transcribed, and serve as candidates for co-opted genes.

Results

We investigated characteristics of 176,401 ERV-ORFs containing retroviral-like protein domains (gag,pro,pol, andenv) in 19 mammalian genomes. The fractions of ERVs possessing ORFs were overall small (~ 0.15%) although they varied depending on domain types as well as species. The observed divergence of ERV-ORF from their consensus sequences showed bimodal distributions, suggesting that a large proportion of ERV-ORFs either recently, or anciently, inserted themselves into mammalian genomes. Alternatively, very few ERVs lacking ORFs were found to exhibit similar divergence patterns. To identify candidates for ERV-derived genes, we estimated the ratio of non-synonymous to synonymous substitution rates (dN/dS) for ERV-ORFs in human and non-human mammalian pairs, and found that approximately 42% of the ERV-ORFs showeddN/dS < 1. Further, using functional genomics data including transcriptome sequencing, we determined that approximately 9.7% of these selected ERV-ORFs exhibited transcriptional potential.

Conclusions

These results suggest that purifying selection operates on a certain portion of ERV-ORFs, some of which may correspond to uncharacterized functional genes hidden within mammalian genomes. Together, our analyses suggest that more ERV-ORFs may be co-opted in a host-species specific manner than we currently know, which are likely to have contributed to mammalian evolution and diversification.
Neurofilament light chain in the vitreous humor of the eye
Authors: Subramanian Manju L. , Vig Viha , Chung Jaeyoon , Fiorello Marissa G. , Xia Weiming , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Madeleine , Shareef Farah , Siegel Nicole H. , Ness Steven , Jun Gyungah R. , Stein Thor D.
Published: September 2020

Background

Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a promising biomarker of neurodegeneration in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood. This study investigated the presence of NfL in the vitreous humor and its associations with amyloid beta, tau, inflammatory cytokines and vascular proteins, apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, systemic disease, and ophthalmic diseases.

Methods

This is a single-site, prospective, cross-sectional cohort study. Undiluted vitreous fluid (0.5–1.0 mL) was aspirated during vitrectomy, and whole blood was drawn for APOE genotyping. NfL, amyloid beta (Aβ), total Tau (t-Tau), phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau181), inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and vascular proteins in the vitreous were quantitatively measured by immunoassay. The main outcome measures were the detection of NfL levels in the vitreous humor and its associations with the aforementioned proteins. Linear regression was used to test the associations of NfL with other proteins,APOEgenotypes, MMSE scores, and ophthalmic and systemic diseases after adjustment for age, sex, education level, and other eye diseases.

Results

NfL was detected in all 77 vitreous samples. NfL was not found to be associated with ophthalmic conditions, APOE genotypes, MMSE scores, or systemic disease (p > 0.05). NfL levels were positively associated with increased vitreous levels of Aβ40(p = 7.7 × 10−5), Aβ42(p = 2.8 × 10−4), and t-tau (p = 5.5 × 10−7), but not with p-tau181 (p = 0.53). NfL also had significant associations with inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-15 (IL-15,p = 5.3 × 10−4), IL-16 (p = 2.2 × 10−4), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1,p = 4.1 × 10−4), and vascular proteins such as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGFR1,p = 2.9 × 10−6), Vegf-C (p = 8.6 × 10−6), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1,p = 5.0 × 10−4), Tie-2 (p = 6.3 × 10−4), and intracellular adhesion molecular-1 (ICAM-1,p = 1.6 × 10−4).

Conclusion

NfL is detectable in the vitreous humor of the eye and significantly associated with amyloid beta, t-tau, and select inflammatory and vascular proteins in the vitreous. Additionally, NfL was not associated with patients’ clinical eye condition. Our results serve as a foundation for further investigation of NfL in the ocular fluids to inform us about the potential utility of its presence in the eye.
Applying cheating identifiable secret sharing scheme in multimedia security
Authors: Ma Zheng , Ma Yan , Huang Xiaohong , Zhang Manjun , Liu Yanxiao
Published: September 2020

In (k,n) secret sharing scheme, one secret is encrypted into n shares in such a way that only k or more shares can decrypt the secret. Secret sharing scheme can be extended into the field of multimedia that provides an efficient way to protect confidential information on multimedia. Secret image sharing is just the most important extension of secret sharing that can safely guard the secrecy of images among multiple participants. On the other hand, cheating detection is an important issue in traditional secret sharing schemes that have been discussed for many years. However, the issue of cheating detection in secret image sharing has not been discussed sufficiently. In this paper, we consider the cheating problem in the application of secret image sharing schemes and construct a (k,n) secret image sharing scheme with the ability of cheating detection and identification. Our scheme is capable of identifying cheaters when k participants involve in reconstruction. The cheating identification ability and size of shadow in the proposed scheme are improved from the previous cheating identifiable secret image sharing scheme.
Mapping the prevalence of the neglected sexual side effects after prostate cancer treatment and the questionnaires used in their screening: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Röscher Pierre , van Wyk Jacqueline M.
Published: September 2020

Background

Interventions to treat early prostate cancer (PCa) can leave men with debilitating sexual side effects. The cluster of side effects referred to as the neglected sexual side effects (NSSE) may remain permanent, undiagnosed and untreated because men are hesitant to disclose them. Questionnaires offer a discreet way into the discussion, subsequent diagnosis and possible treatment of the NSSE. This study will be conducted to map the evidence about the prevalence of the neglected sexual side effects (NSSE) after PCa treatment, and use of questionnaires in its diagnosis and screening.

Methods

This systematic scoping review will involve searching the following electronic databases: PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. Following title searching, two-independent reviewers will conduct screening of abstracts and full articles. Eligibility criteria will guide the screenings. Data will be extracted from the included studies, and the emerging themes will be analysed. The review team will analyse the implications of the findings concerning the research question and aim of the study. The mixed method appraisal tool (MMAT) will be employed for quality appraisal of included studies.

Discussion

We anticipate finding a number of studies that describe the prevalence of NSSE after early PCa treatment and that report on using questionnaires to screen for the presence of symptoms including orgasm-associated incontinence, urinary incontinence during sexual stimulation, altered perceptions of orgasm, orgasm associated pain, penile shortening and penile deformity. The study findings will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal, peer presentations and presentations at relevant conferences.
Adverse childhood experience and adult persistent pain and disability: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bussières André , Hartvigsen Jan , Ferreira Manuela L. , Ferreira Paulo H. , Hancock Mark J. , Stone Laura S. , Wideman Timothy H. , Boruff Jill , Elklit Ask
Published: September 2020

Background

A growing body of research highlights the pervasive harms of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on health throughout the life-course. However, findings from prior reviews and recent longitudinal studies investigating the association between types of ACEs and persistent pain have yielded inconsistent findings in the strength and direction of associations. The purpose of this review is to appraise and summarize evidence on the relationship between ACEs and persistent pain and disability outcomes in adulthood. The specific aims are (1) to determine whether there is a relationship between exposure to ACE and persistent pain and disability in adults and (2) to determine whether unique and cumulative ACEs exposures (number and type) increase the risk of developing persistent pain and disability in adulthood.

Method

A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies will be conducted. Our eligibility criteria are defined following a PECOS approach: population, adults with persistent (≥ 3 months) musculoskeletal and somatoform painful disorders exposed to single or cumulative direct ACEs alone (i.e., physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect) or in combination to indirect types of ACE (e.g., parental death, exposure to domestic violence) in the first 18 years of life; comparators, unexposed individuals; outcomes, measurements for persistent pain (≥ 3 months) and disability using discrete and/or continuous measures; and settings, general population, primary care. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE (Ovid) and nine other pertinent databases was conducted from inception to 29 August 2019 using a combination of key words and MeSh terms (the search will be updated prior to conducting the analyses). Pairs of reviewers will independently screen records and full text articles, and a third reviewer will be consulted in cases of disagreement. Data will be extracted using Endnote and Covidence and a meta-analysis will be conducted using Review Manager (RevMan) Version 5.3. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklists will be used to assess the quality of the included studies. If heterogeneity is high, the findings will be presented in narrative form.

Discussion

The present review will help consolidate knowledge on persistent pain and disability by evaluating whether frequency and type of adverse childhood experiences produces the most harm. Findings may help inform practitioners and policy-makers who endeavor to prevent and/or mitigate the consequences of ACEs and promote healthy development and well-being of children, youth, and families.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42020150230
Stability analysis of a dynamical model of tuberculosis with incomplete treatment
Authors: Ullah Ihsan , Ahmad Saeed , Al-Mdallal Qasem , Khan Zareen A. , Khan Hasib , Khan Aziz
Published: September 2020

A simple deterministic epidemic model for tuberculosis is addressed in this article. The impact of effective contact rate, treatment rate, and incomplete treatment versus efficient treatment is investigated. We also analyze the asymptotic behavior, spread, and possible eradication of the TB infection. It is observed that the disease transmission dynamics is characterized by the basic reproduction ratio$\Re _{0}$ℜ0; if$\Re _{0}<1$ℜ0<1, there is only a disease-free equilibrium which is both locally and globally asymptotically stable. Moreover, for$\Re _{0}>1$ℜ0>1, a unique positive endemic equilibrium exists which is globally asymptotically stable. The global stability of the equilibria is shown via Lyapunov function. It is also obtained that incomplete treatment of TB causes increase in disease infection while efficient treatment results in a reduction in TB. Finally, for the estimated parameters, some numerical simulations are performed to verify the analytical results. These numerical results indicate that decrease in the effective contact rateλand increase in the treatment rateγplay a significant role in the TB infection control.
Obesity, food insecurity, and depression among females
Authors: Ahuja Manik , Sathiyaseelan Thiveya , Wani Rajvi J. , Fernandopulle Praveen
Published: September 2020

Background

Nutritional psychiatry is an emerging field of research and it is currently exploring the impact of nutrition and obesity on brain function and mental illness. Prior studies links between obesity, nutrition and depression among women. However, less is known how food insecurity may moderate that relationship.

Methods

Data were employed from the Collaborative Psychiatric Epidemiology Surveys (CPES), 2001–2003. Two logistic regression models were Logistic regression was used to determine the association between obesity, gender, food insecurity, and past year Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). We then stratified by gender, and tested the association between obesity and past year MDD, and if food insecurity moderated the association.

Results

Obesity was associated with an increased risk for past year Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) among females (AOR = 1.35; 95% CI 1.17–1.55) and was not associated among males (AOR = 1.07; 95% CI, 0.86–1.32). Women who reported that reported both obesity and food insecurity reported higher odds of past year MDD episode (AOR = 3.16; 95% CI, 2.36–4.21, than women who did not report food insecurity (AOR = 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02–1.38).

Conclusion

With rising rates of mental health problems, females should be closely monitored to understand how poor diets, food insecurity, and obesity play a role in mental health outcomes. It is recommended that clinicians and treatment providers consider the patient’s diet and access to nutritious foods when conducting their assessment.
MyCites: a proposal to mark and report inaccurate citations in scholarly publications
Authors: Hosseini Mohammad , Eve Martin Paul , Gordijn Bert , Neylon Cameron
Published: September 2020

Background

Inaccurate citations are erroneous quotations or instances of paraphrasing of previously published material that mislead readers about the claims of the cited source. They are often unaddressed due to underreporting, the inability of peer reviewers and editors to detect them, and editors’ reluctance to publish corrections about them. In this paper, we propose a new tool that could be used to tackle their circulation.

Methods

We provide a review of available data about inaccurate citations and analytically explore current ways of reporting and dealing with these inaccuracies. Consequently, we make a distinction between publication (i.e., first occurrence) and circulation (i.e., reuse) of inaccurate citations. Sloppy reading of published items, literature ambiguity and insufficient quality control in the editorial process are identified as factors that contribute to the publication of inaccurate citations. However, reiteration or copy-pasting without checking the validity of citations, paralleled with lack of resources/motivation to report/correct inaccurate citations contribute to their circulation.

Results and discussion

We propose the development of an online annotation tool called “MyCites” as means with which to mark and map inaccurate citations. This tool allows ORCID users to annotate citations and alert authors (of the cited and citing articles) and also editors of journals where inaccurate citations are published. Each marked citation would travel with the digital version of the document (persistent identifiers) and be visible on websites that host peer-reviewed articles (journals’ websites, Pubmed, etc.). In the future development of MyCites, challenges such as the conditions of correct/incorrect-ness and parties that should adjudicate that, and, the issue of dealing with incorrect reports need to be addressed.
Investigating the use of a lecture capture system within pharmacy education: Lessons from an undergraduate pharmacy program at Qatar University
Authors: Hussain Farhat Naz , Al-Mannai Reem , Diab Mohammad Issam , Agouni Abdelali
Published: September 2020

Video lecture capture is one of the most attractive e-tools that has been introduced to support students learning and assist with grasping difficult concepts. A variety of benefits is offered through this system introduced at our institution nearly a decade ago. We evaluated lecture capture viewings for professional undergraduate pharmacy courses in the Fall and Spring semesters over three academic years and analyzed data for one cohort of students. Each course within the pharmacy program was analyzed and viewing figures downloaded through the Echo360 management system. The average number of views per lecture, per semester was summarized. We observed that junior students viewed lecture capture most frequently with the number of views highest at the beginning of the academic year (Fall semester). Analysis of 18 courses which occurred 48 times over the three academic years studied, showed that 21 course occurrences had an average number of views per lecture equal to or higher than the number of students enrolled in the course, indicating that only 44% of courses had on average, at least, one student viewing each lecture recording. Of particular note, year 1 students had the highest percentage of courses viewed by a number equal to or higher than students enrolled (9 occurrences out of 16 or 56%), followed by year 2 students (9 occurrences out of 21 or 43%), and finally year 3 students (3 occurrences out of 11 or 27%). This pattern of lecture recording viewing was further underscored by longitudinally following-up the class of 2020 (24 students) over three academic years. To ensure optimal use of the system by both students and faculty for a multitude of learning and teaching styles and methods, we propose to implement professional development sessions for faculty to showcase the advantages of the lecture capture system and maximize the benefits from its availability. Further quantitative and qualitative studies are warranted to fully grasp the motivations for use, attitudes and perceptions towards the system.
Antinociceptive, antiinflammatory, and antipyretic effects induced by the venom of Egyptian scorpion Androctonus amoreuxi
Authors: Shoukry Nahla M. , Salem Mohamed L. , Teleb Wafaa K. , Abdel Daim Mohamed M. , Abdel-Rahman Mohamed A.
Published: September 2020

Background

Scorpion venom is a very complicated mixture of various peptides/proteins which could induce toxicological and pharmacological responses. This investigation was conducted to evaluate the possible pharmacological properties (analgesic, antipyretic, and antiinflammatory effects) of the Egyptian scorpion venomAndroctonus amoreuxiin mice and rats injected intraperitoneally with 1/10 and 1/5 LD50(0.11 and 0.22 mg/kg for mice; 0.385 and 0.77 mg/kg for rats, respectively).

Results

The peripheral and central analgesic effect ofA. amoreuxivenom was determined using the tests of mice-abdominal writhing and tail immersion of rats, respectively. The antipyretic and antiinflammatory activities were examined using the pyrexia rats model induced by Brewer’s yeast and the paw mice edema induced by carrageenan, respectively. The venom ofA. amoreuxiproduced significant (p< 0.05) peripheral and central analgesic activity in both animal models. Also, treatment with the scorpion venom showed significant (p< 0.05) dose-independent reduction in pyrexia of rats. More importantly, the venom significantly inhibited mice paw edema induced by carrageenan.

Conclusion

Accordingly, the present results showed that the venom of this scorpion possesses remarkable pharmacological properties (analgesic, antipyretic, and antiinflammatory activities) on animal models, and might be contain certain peptides responsible for the reported activities.