bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing a novel hybrid healthcare teleconsultation network: a benchtop study of telepathology in Iran and a systematic review
Authors: Taghipour Mohammad Mahdi , Sepehri Mohammad Mehdi
Published: August 2020

Background

Growing demand for medical services has increased patient waiting time due to the limited number or unbalanced distribution of healthcare centers. Healthcare teleconsultation networks are one of the potentially powerful systems to overcome this problem. Medical pathology can hugely benefit from teleconsultation networks because having second opinions is precious for many cases; however, resource planning (i.e., assignment and distribution of pathology consultation requests) is challenging due to bulky medical images of patients. This results in high setup and operational costs. The aim of this study is to design an optimal teleconsultation network for pathology labs under the supervision of medical sciences universities in Tehran, Iran.

Methods

To avoid the setup cost, we first propose a modified hybrid peer-to-peer (P2P) overlay architecture for our telepathology network, using Iran’s National Healthcare Information Network (SHAMS) as the underlying infrastructure. Then we apply optimization techniques to solve the request assignment and distribution problems in the network. Finally, we present a novel mathematical model with the objective of minimizing the variable operational costs of the system.

Results

The efficiency of the proposed method was evaluated by a set of practical-sized network instances simulated based on the characteristics of SHAMS. The results show that the presented model and architecture can obtain optimal solutions for network instances up to 350 nodes, which covers our target network.

Conclusions

We believe that the proposed method can be beneficial for designing large-scale medical teleconsultation networks by adjusting the constraints according to the rules and conditions of each country. Our findings showed that teleconsultation networks in countries with strong information technology (IT) infrastructures are under the influence of consultation fees, while in countries with weak IT infrastructure, the transmission costs are more critical. To the best of our knowledge, no research has so far addressed resource planning in medical teleconsultation networks using optimization techniques. Besides, the target network, i.e., pathology labs under the supervision of medical sciences universities in Tehran and the SHAMS network, are discussed for the first time in this work.
Validation of an electronic coding algorithm to identify the primary indication of orthopedic surgeries from administrative data
Authors: Giardina John C. , Cha Thomas , Atlas Steven J. , Barry Michael J. , Freiberg Andrew A. , Leavitt Lauren , Marques Felisha , Sepucha Karen
Published: August 2020

Background

Determining the primary indication of a surgical procedure can be useful in identifying patients undergoing elective surgery where shared decision-making is recommended. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an algorithm to identify patients receiving the following combinations of surgical procedure and primary indication as part of a study to promote shared decision-making: (1) knee arthroplasty to treat knee osteoarthritis (KOA); (2) hip arthroplasty to treat hip osteoarthritis (HOA); (3) spinal surgery to treat lumbar spinal stenosis (SpS); and (4) spinal surgery to treat lumbar herniated disc (HD).

Methods

Consecutive surgical procedures performed by participating spine, hip, and knee surgeons at four sites within an integrated care network were included. Study staff reviewed electronic medical records to ascertain a “gold standard” determination of the procedure and primary indication status. Electronic algorithms consisting of ICD-10 and CPT codes for each combination of procedure and indication were then applied to records for each case. The primary measures of validity for the algorithms were the sensitivity and specificity relative to the gold standard review.

Results

Participating surgeons performed 790 procedures included in this study. The sensitivity of the algorithms in determining whether a surgical case represented one of the combinations of procedure and primary indication ranged from 0.70 (HD) to 0.92 (KOA). The specificity ranged from 0.94 (SpS) to 0.99 (HOA, KOA).

Conclusion

The electronic algorithm was able to identify all four procedure/primary indication combinations of interest with high specificity. Additionally, the sensitivity for the KOA cases was reasonably high. For HOA and the spine conditions, additional work is needed to improve the sensitivity of the algorithm to identify the primary indication for each case.
An e-registry for household contacts exposed to multidrug resistant TB in Mongolia
Authors: Naker Kush , Gaskell Katherine M. , Dorjravdan Munhjargal , Dambaa Naranzul , Roberts Chrissy H. , Moore David A. J.
Published: August 2020

Background

The WHO recommends that individuals exposed to persons with multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB) should be screened for active TB and followed up for 2 years to detect and treat secondary cases early. Resource prioritisation means this is rarely undertaken and where it is performed it’s usually using a paper-based record, without collation of data. Electronic data collection into a web-based registry offers the opportunity for simplified and systematic TB contact surveillance with automatic synthesis of data at local, regional and national level. This pilot study was designed to explore the feasibility of usage of a novel e-registry tool and explore obstacles and facilitating factors to implementation.

Methods

In parallel with their paper records, seven dispensaries in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia collected standardized data electronically using Open Data Kit (ODK). Patients with MDRTB and their contacts were recruited during a single clinic visit. Staff and patients were interviewed to gain insights into acceptability and to identify areas for improvement.

Results

Seventy household contacts of 32 MDR-TB index patients were recruited. 7/70 contacts (10%) traced had active TB at the time they were recruited to the e-registry.

Paper registry satisfaction was low; 88% of staff preferred the e-registry as it was perceived as faster and more secure. Patients and their contacts were generally supportive of the e-registry; however, a significant minority 10/42 (24%) of index cases who were invited, declined to participate in the e-registry, with data security cited as their top concern.

Conclusion

E-registries are a promising tool for MDRTB contact tracing, but their acceptability amongst patients should not be taken for granted.
Correction to: Human-centered design as a guide to intervention planning for non-communicable diseases: the BIGPIC study from Western Kenya
Authors: Leung Claudia L. , Naert Mackenzie , Andama Benjamin , Dong Rae , Edelman David , Horowitz Carol , Kiptoo Peninah , Manyara Simon , Matelong Winnie , Matini Esther , Naanyu Violet , Nyariki Sarah , Pastakia Sonak , Valente Thomas , Fuster Valentin , Bloomfield Gerald S. , Kamano Jemima , Vedanthan Rajesh
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Proteomic study of hypothalamus in pigs exposed to heat stress
Authors: Yu Tian-yue , Yong Yan-hong , Li Jun-yu , Fang Biao , Hu Can-ying , Wu Lian-yun , Liu Xiaoxi , Yu Zhichao , Ma Xingbin , Patil Yadnyavalkya , Gooneratne Ravi , Ju Xiang-hong
Published: August 2020

Background

With evidence of warming climates, it is important to understand the effects of heat stress in farm animals in order to minimize production losses. Studying the changes in the brain proteome induced by heat stress may aid in understanding how heat stress affects brain function. The hypothalamus is a critical region in the brain that controls the pituitary gland, which is responsible for the secretion of several important hormones. In this study, we examined the hypothalamic protein profile of 10 pigs (15 ± 1 kg body weight), with five subjected to heat stress (35 ± 1 °C; relative humidity = 90%) and five acting as controls (28 ± 3 °C; RH = 90%).

Result

The isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) analysis of the hypothalamus identified 1710 peptides corresponding to 360 proteins, including 295 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), 148 of which were up-regulated and 147 down-regulated, in heat-stressed animals. The Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software predicted 30 canonical pathways, four functional groups, and four regulatory networks of interest. The DEPs were mainly concentrated in the cytoskeleton of the pig hypothalamus during heat stress.

Conclusions

In this study, heat stress significantly increased the body temperature and reduced daily gain of body weight in pigs. Furthermore, we identified 295 differentially expressed proteins, 147 of which were down-regulated and 148 up-regulated in hypothalamus of heat stressed pigs. The IPA showed that the DEPs identified in the study are involved in cell death and survival, cellular assembly and organization, and cellular function and maintenance, in relation to neurological disease, metabolic disease, immunological disease, inflammatory disease, and inflammatory response. We hypothesize that a malfunction of the hypothalamus may destroy the host physical and immune function, resulting in decreased growth performance and immunosuppression in heat stressed pigs.
Alpha- and gammaherpesviruses in stranded striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from Spain: first molecular detection of gammaherpesvirus infection in central nervous system of odontocetes
Authors: Vargas-Castro Ignacio , Crespo-Picazo José Luis , Rivera-Arroyo Belén , Sánchez Rocío , Marco-Cabedo Vicente , Jiménez-Martínez María Ángeles , Fayos Manena , Serdio Ángel , García-Párraga Daniel , Sánchez-Vizcaíno José Manuel
Published: August 2020

Background

Herpesvirus infections in cetaceans have always been attributed to theAlphaherpesvirinaeandGammaherpesvirinaesubfamilies. To date, gammaherpesviruses have not been reported in the central nervous system of odontocetes.

Case presentation

A mass stranding of 14 striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) occurred in Cantabria (Spain) on 18th May 2019. Tissue samples were collected and tested for herpesvirus using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and for cetacean morbillivirus using reverse transcription-PCR. Cetacean morbillivirus was not detected in any of the animals, while gammaherpesvirus was detected in nine male and one female dolphins. Three of these males were coinfected by alphaherpesviruses. Alphaherpesvirus sequences were detected in the cerebrum, spinal cord and tracheobronchial lymph node, while gammaherpesvirus sequences were detected in the cerebrum, cerebellum, spinal cord, pharyngeal tonsils, mesenteric lymph node, tracheobronchial lymph node, lung, skin and penile mucosa. Macroscopic and histopathological post-mortem examinations did not unveil the potential cause of the mass stranding event or any evidence of severe infectious disease in the dolphins. The only observed lesions that may be associated with herpesvirus were three cases of balanitis and one penile papilloma.

Conclusions

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of gammaherpesvirus infection in the central nervous system of odontocete cetaceans. This raises new questions for future studies about how gammaherpesviruses reach the central nervous system and how infection manifests clinically.
Performance of IRS on malaria prevalence and incidence using pirimiphos-methyl in the context of pyrethroid resistance in Koulikoro region, Mali
Authors: Kané Fousseyni , Keïta Moussa , Traoré Boïssé , Diawara Sory Ibrahim , Bane Sidy , Diarra Souleymane , Sogoba Nafomon , Doumbia Seydou
Published: August 2020

Background

Koulikoro Health District is one of three districts of Mali where the indoor residual spray (IRS) has been implemented from 2008 to 2016. With widespread of resistance to pyrethroid, IRS was shifted from pyrethroid to pirimiphos-methyl from 2014 to 2016. The objective of this study was to assess the added value of IRS to LLINs on the prevalence of parasitaemia and malaria incidence among children under 10 years old.

Methods

A comparative study was carried out to assess the effects of pirimiphos-methyl based IRS on malaria prevalence and incidence among children from 6 months to 10 years old in selected pyrethroid resistance villages of two health districts in Mali: one where IRS was implemented in combination with LLINs (intervention area) and one with LLINs-only (control area). Two cross-sectional surveys were carried out at the beginning (June) and end of the rainy season (October) to assess seasonal changes in malaria parasitaemia by microscopy. A passive detection case (PCD) was set-up in each study village for 9 months to estimate the incidence of malaria using RDT.

Results

There was an increase of 220% in malaria prevalence from June to October in the control area (14% to 42%) versus only 53% in the IRS area (9.2% to 13.2%). Thus, the proportional rise in malaria prevalence from the dry to the rainy season in 2016 was 4-times greater in the control area compared to the IRS area. The overall malaria incidence rate was 2.7 per 100 person-months in the IRS area compared with 6.8 per 100 person-month in the control areas. The Log-rank test of Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that children living in IRS area remain much longer free from malaria (Hazard ratio (HR) = 0.45, CI 95% 0.37–0.54) than children of the control area (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

IRS using pirimiphos-methyl has been successful in reducing substantially both the prevalence and the incidence of malaria in children under 10 years old in the area of pyrethroid resistance of Koulikoro, Mali. Pirimiphos-methyl is a better alternative than pyrethroids for IRS in areas with widespread of pyrethroid resistance.
COVID-19 response strategies: considering inequalities between and within countries
Authors: Lau Lincoln Leehang , Hung Natalee , Wilson Kendall
Published: August 2020

Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has been uncharted territory, and countries and governments have faced the challenge of implementing response strategies to manage local transmission. High-income settings have the resources to devote significant resources to testing, isolation, and contact tracing. Lower-income settings are pressured to emulate such initiatives, but often lack the resources and infrastructure to do so. We highlight the impact of these between-country inequalities, the within-country inequalities, and the potential magnification of unintended consequences due to COVID-19 control measures.
Validation of the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale in Lithuanian population
Authors: Kaminskaite Migle , Pranckeviciene Aiste , Bunevicius Adomas , Janaviciute Jovita , Jokubonis Darius , Plioplyte Aistė , Lelyte Inesa , Sinkariova Liuda , Jokubka Ramunas
Published: August 2020

Background

Personality traits are related with risk of hazardous alcohol use and alcohol dependence. The Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS) measures personality traits associated with addictive substance abuse. We examined psychometric properties of the SURPS in Lithuanian population.

Materials and methods

Two hundred forty-seven participants (mean age 37.22 ± 0.78 years), were recruited from the local community and from an inpatient addiction treatment centre. Internal consistency, stability, factor structure, content validity, and external validity of the SURPS were examined. Hazardous alcohol use was evaluated by Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). Alcohol dependence diagnosis was established by International Classification of Diseases - 10 (ICD - 10). We also performed gender analyses for associations of personality traits with alcohol dependence and hazardous use of alcohol.

Results

The SURPS scale demonstrated appropriate internal validity, good temporal stability, and adequate criterion validity and construct validity. The SURPS scores of hopelessness, anxiety sensitivity and impulsivity were higher in the alcohol dependence group than in the control group for both males and females. Impulsivity and sensation seeking were associated with hazardous alcohol use and these associations were more prevalent in females.

Conclusions

Lithuanian translation of the SURPS scale was appropriate. The SURPS demonstrated good sensitivity for discriminating on alcohol dependence and was more sensitive for discriminating on hazardous alcohol use for females.
Development and psychometric evaluation of the healthy lifestyle questionnaire for elderly (heal)
Authors: Bandari Razieh , Mohammadi Shahboulaghi Farahnaz , Montazeri Ali
Published: August 2020

Background

The present study was conducted to design and evaluate the psychometric properties of a questionnaire for assessing the healthy lifestyle among older adults in Iran.

Methods

First, items were generated based on a qualitative study, the literature review, and with help received from experts in gerontology and questionnaire design. Then, content validity was carried out. Accordingly, a cross sectional study was conducted to perform factor analysis and known groups comparison in order to examine the construct validity. Internal consistency was measured by the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and the stability of the questionnaire was evaluated by estimating interclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

In total 68 items was generated. Following development process 22 items were removed and a provisional version of the questionnaire with 46 items was subjected to psychometric evaluation. At this stage a sample of 390 elderly people attending the community centers in Tehran, Iran were entered into the study and completed the questionnaire. Most elderly were female (52.8%) and the mean age of participants was 67.97 (SD ± 7.77) years. After performing factor analysis, overall 10 items were removed due to low loading and the questionnaire was reduced to 35 items tapping into eight factors, which explained a total of 57.1% of the variance. In addition, the results obtained from known groups comparison indicated that the questionnaire well differentiated among participants who were differed in self-reported health condition. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient showed excellent internal consistency (alpha = 0.89). The intraclass correlation coefficient also indicated a good stability for the questionnaire (ICC = 0.94).

Conclusion

The healthy lifestyle questionnaire for elderly (Heal) can be used as a simple and an easy-to-use valid and reliable measure in determining healthy life style and the frequency of health-oriented activities among older adults.
Effects of weight loss during a very low carbohydrate diet on specific adipose tissue depots and insulin sensitivity in older adults with obesity: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Goss Amy M , Gower Barbara , Soleymani Taraneh , Stewart Mariah , Pendergrass May , Lockhart Mark , Krantz Olivia , Dowla Shima , Bush Nikki , Garr Barry Valene , Fontaine Kevin R.
Published: August 2020

Background

Insulin resistance and accumulation of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) place aging adults with obesity at high risk of cardio-metabolic disease. A very low carbohydrate diet (VLCD) may be a means of promoting fat loss from the visceral cavity and skeletal muscle, without compromising lean mass, and improve insulin sensitivity in aging adults with obesity.

Objective

To determine if a VLCD promotes a greater loss of fat (total, visceral and intermuscular), preserves lean mass, and improves insulin sensitivity compared to a standard CHO-based/low-fat diet (LFD) in older adults with obesity.

Design

Thirty-four men and women aged 60–75 years with obesity (body mass index [BMI] 30-40 kg/m2) were randomized to a diet prescription of either a VLCD (< 10:25:> 65% energy from CHO:protein:fat) or LFD diet (55:25:20) for 8 weeks. Body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), fat distribution by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), insulin sensitivity by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, and lipids by a fasting blood draw were assessed at baseline and after the intervention.

Results

Participants lost an average of 9.7 and 2.0% in total fat following the VLCD and LFD, respectively (p < 0.01). The VLCD group experienced ~ 3-fold greater loss in VAT compared to the LFD group (− 22.8% vs − 1.0%, p < 0.001) and a greater decrease in thigh-IMAT (− 24.4% vs − 1.0%, p < 0.01). The VLCD group also had significantly greater thigh skeletal muscle (SM) at 8 weeks following adjustment for change in total fat mass. Finally, the VLCD had greater increases in insulin sensitivity and HDL-C and decreases in fasting insulin and triglycerides compared to the LFD group.

Conclusions

Weight loss resulting from consumption of a diet lower in CHO and higher in fat may be beneficial for older adults with obesity by depleting adipose tissue depots most strongly implicated in poor metabolic and functional outcomes and by improving insulin sensitivity and the lipid profile.

Trial registration

NCT02760641. Registered 03 May 2016 - Retrospectively registered.
Low-dose cone-beam CT (LD-CBCT) reconstruction for image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) by three-dimensional dual-dictionary learning
Authors: Song Ying , Zhang Weikang , Zhang Hong , Wang Qiang , Xiao Qing , Li Zhibing , Wei Xing , Lai Jialu , Wang Xuetao , Li Wan , Zhong Quan , Gong Pan , Zhong Renming , Zhao Jun
Published: August 2020

Background

To develop a low-dose cone beam CT (LD-CBCT) reconstruction method named simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique and dual-dictionary learning (SART-DDL) joint algorithm for image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and evaluate its imaging quality and clinical application ability.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 62 CBCT image sets from February 2018 to July 2018 at west china hospital were randomly collected from 42 head and neck patients (mean [standard deviation] age, 49.7 [11.4] years, 12 females and 30 males). All image sets were retrospectively reconstructed by SART-DDL (resultant D-CBCT image sets) with 18% less clinical raw projections. Reconstruction quality was evaluated by quantitative parameters compared with SART and Total Variation minimization (SART-TV) joint reconstruction algorithm with pairedttest. Five-grade subjective grading evaluations were done by two oncologists in a blind manner compared with clinically used Feldkamp-Davis-Kress algorithm CBCT images (resultant F-CBCT image sets) and the grading results were compared by paired Wilcoxon rank test. Registration results between D-CBCT and F-CBCT were compared. D-CBCT image geometry fidelity was tested.

Results

The mean peak signal to noise ratio of D-CBCT was 1.7 dB higher than SART-TV reconstructions (P < .001, SART-DDL vs SART-TV, 36.36 ± 0.55 dB vs 34.68 ± 0.28 dB). All D-CBCT images were recognized as clinically acceptable without significant difference with F-CBCT in subjective grading (P > .05). In clinical registration, the maximum translational and rotational difference was 1.8 mm and 1.7 degree respectively. The horizontal, vertical and sagittal geometry fidelity of D-CBCT were acceptable.

Conclusions

The image quality, geometry fidelity and clinical application ability of D-CBCT are comparable to that of the F-CBCT for head-and-neck patients with 18% less projections by SART-DDL.
A finite element analysis on comparing the stability of different posterior fixation methods for thoracic total en bloc spondylectomy
Authors: Liang Yun , Cao Yuanwu , Gong Zhiguo , Jiang Chang , Jin Lixia , Li Zheng , Chen Zixian , Jiang Chun , Jiang Xiaoxing
Published: August 2020

Objective

To compare the spinal stability with different fixation methods after thoracic TES using finite element analysis

Methods

The spinal finite element model was established from a healthy volunteer, and the validity was verified. The models of T8 thoracic total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) with and without artificial vertebral body were established combination with different fixation methods: the first was long segment fixation with fixed segments T5–7, T9–11; the second was short segment fixation with fixed segments T6–7, T9–10; the third was modified short segment with a pair of vertebral body screws on T7 and T9 added on the basis of short segment fixation. The motions of each model in standing state were simulated in software. The range of motion (ROM) and internal fixation stress changes were analyzed.

Results

When anterior support was effective, the three fixation methods could effectively maintain the stability of the spine. However, when anterior support failed, the ROM of the long segment fixation group and the short segment fixation group in the flexion-extension directions was significantly higher than that of when the anterior support existed, while the modified short segment fixation group had no significant changes. Meanwhile, the stress of internal fixation in the long segment fixation group and the short segment fixation group were greatly increased. However, there were no significant changes in modified short segment fixation group.

Conclusion

After TES, the presence of the thoracic cage gives partial anterior stabilization. When the anterior support failed, the modified short segment fixation method can provide better stability.
The biomechanical effect of different posterior tibial slopes on the tibiofemoral joint after posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Wang Yingpeng , Yan Songhua , Zeng Jizhou , Zhang Kuan
Published: August 2020

Background

Different posterior tibial slopes (PTS) after posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty (PS-TKA) may lead to different biomechanical characteristics of knee joint. This cadaveric study was designed to investigate the tibiofemoral kinematics and contact pressures after PS-TKA with different PTS.

Methods

Nine human cadaveric knee specimens were used for PS-TKA with the PTS of 3°, 6°, and 9°. The tibiofemoral kinematics and contact pressures were measured during knee flexion angle changing from 0 to 120° (with an increment of 10°) with an axial load of 1000 N at each angle.

Results

The root mean square (RMS) of the tibiofemoral contact area and the mean and peak contact pressures during knee flexion were 586.2 mm2, 1.85 MPa, and 5.39 MPa before TKA and changed to 130.2 mm2, 7.56 MPa, and 17.98 MPa after TKA, respectively. Larger contact area and smaller mean and peak contact pressures were found in the joints with the larger PTS after TKA. The RMS differences of femoral rotation before and after TKA were more than 9.9°. The posterior translation of the lateral condyle with larger PTS was more than that with smaller PTS, while overall, the RMS differences before and after TKA were more than 11.4 mm.

Conclusion

After TKA, the tibiofemoral contact area is reduced, and the contact pressure is increased greatly. Approximately 80% of the femoral rotation is lost, and only about 60% of the femoral translation of lateral condyle is recovered. TKA with larger PTS results in more posterior femoral translation, larger contact area, and smaller contact pressure, indicating that with caution, it may be beneficial to properly increase PTS for PS-TKA.
Prevalence and associated factors of common mental disorders among residents of Illu Ababore zone, southwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Engidaw Nigus Alemnew , Abdu Zakir , Chinani Ishwari
Published: August 2020

Background

A common mental disorder is characterized by anxiety, depression, and unexplained somatic symptoms that usually encountered in community and primary care settings. Both short and long term bio psychosocial disabilities are inevitable if common mental disorder is not treated. Despite its impact, the prevalence of common mental disorder in the Illu Ababore zone is not well known. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of common mental disorder among Ilu Ababore zone residents, Southwest Ethiopia.

Method

A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 1 to August 30, 2018. A multi-stage sampling technique was applied to recruit participants. Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) was used to assess the presence of common mental disorder. The data were entered into Epidata version 3.1 and analyzed by using SPSS version 23 software. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regressions were computed to identify the associated factors. Statistical significance was considered at P value < 0.05.

Result

A total of 690 participants were enrolled in this study with a response rate of 91.39%. The prevalence of common mental disorder was 27.2% (95% CI, 23.9, 31.0%). Being female (AOR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.15, 2.69), unable to read and write (AOR = 3.06, 95% CI = 1.37, 6.82), living in the rural area (AOR = 3.53, 95% CI = 2.01, 6.18), having a family member with mental illness (AOR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.6, 4.5), having a chronic physical illness (AOR = 3.48, 95% CI = 2.26, 5.34) and lifetime alcohol use (AOR = 4.55, 95% CI = 2.93, 7.0) had a significant association with common mental disorder.

Conclusion

The current study showed that the proportion of the common mental disorder was high. Females showed a higher prevalence of the common mental disorder. Having a chronic physical illness, resides in the rural areas and history of lifetime alcohol use were also significantly associated with CMD. Psychological and social interventions with greater emphasis on females who have low educational status and residing in the rural area are recommended. Strategies that focus on the proper treatment of chronic physical illness can be also helpful to minimize the occurrence of common mental disorder.
Targeting immune checkpoints in hematological malignancies
Authors: Salik Basit , Smyth Mark J. , Nakamura Kyohei
Published: August 2020

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies such as anti-programmed death 1 (PD-1) and anti-CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4) have dramatically transformed treatment in solid tumor oncology. While immunotherapeutic approaches such as stem cell transplantation and anti-cancer monoclonal antibodies have made critical contributions to improve outcomes in hematological malignancies, clinical benefits of ICB are observed in only limited tumor types that are particularly characterized by a high infiltration of immune cells. Importantly, even patients that initially respond to ICB are unable to achieve long-term disease control using these therapies. Indeed, primary and acquired resistance mechanisms are differentially orchestrated in hematological malignancies depending on tumor types and/or genotypes, and thus, an in-depth understanding of the disease-specific immune microenvironments will be essential in improving efficacy. In addition to PD-1 and CTLA-4, various T cell immune checkpoint molecules have been characterized that regulate T cell responses in a non-redundant manner. Several lines of evidence suggest that these T cell checkpoint molecules might play unique roles in hematological malignancies, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets. Targeting innate checkpoint molecules on natural killer cells and/or macrophages has also emerged as a rational approach against tumors that are resistant to T cell-mediated immunity. Given that various monoclonal antibodies against tumor surface proteins have been clinically approved in hematological malignancies, innate checkpoint blockade might play a key role to augment antibody-mediated cellular cytotoxicity and phagocytosis. In this review, we discuss recent advances and emerging roles of immune checkpoint blockade in hematological malignancies.
Resident-to-resident elder mistreatment (R-REM) intervention for direct care staff in assisted living residences: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Teresi Jeanne A. , Silver Stephanie , Ramirez Mildred , Kong Jian , Eimicke Joseph P. , Boratgis Gabriel D. , Meador Rhoda , Schultz Leslie , Lachs Mark S. , Pillemer Karl A.
Published: August 2020

Background

Resident-to-resident elder mistreatment (R-REM) is defined as negative and aggressive physical, sexual, or verbal interactions between (long-term care) residents that in a community setting would likely be construed as unwelcome and have high potential to cause physical and/or psychological harm and distress. R-REM has been established as a serious problem that has a negative impact on the safety, physical well-being, and quality-of-life of residents living in nursing homes. Although there are no in-depth studies, there is evidence that it is prevalent in assisted living residences and associated with a variety of person, environmental, and facility characteristics. The authors conducted the first systematic, prospective study of resident-to-resident elder mistreatment in nursing homes and developed an intervention for direct care staff to enhance knowledge of R-REM and increase reporting and resident safety by reducing falls and associated injuries. The study aim was to examine the effects of this intervention in assisted living residences. The primary distal outcome is falls and injuries, and the key process outcomes are staff knowledge and reporting.

Methods

Twelve larger licensed assisted living residences with special care dementia units in two New York State regions will be enrolled on a rolling basis and randomized to intervention or usual care. Data derived from five sources, (1) resident interviews, (2) staff informants, (3) observational data, (4) chart, and (5) incident/accident report data, will be collected at baseline and 6 and 12 months with respect to 1050 residents (750 “downstate” and 300 “upstate”). The intervention is three training modules delivered on-site after baseline data collection for front line staff on all shifts in facilities randomized to the intervention. Modules relate to recognition, management, and reporting of resident-to-resident elder mistreatment.

Discussion

Given the movement toward alternative congregate living arrangements for older individuals with significant comorbidities, including cognitive impairment; it is critical to enhance resident safety measured by falls, accidents, and injuries and staff knowledge related to recognition, reporting, and treatment of resident-to-resident aggressive and related negative interactions in such settings. This project is important in developing approaches for ameliorating and preventing R-REM in assisted living residences and enhancing resident safety and quality of life.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03383289. Registered on 26 December 2017
IMMPACT-recommended outcome measures and tools of assessment in burning mouth syndrome RCTs: an international Delphi survey protocol
Authors: Carey B. , Farag A. M. , Nasri-Heir C. , Klasser G. D. , Ariyawardana A. , Chmieliauskaite M. , Sardella A. , Carlson C. R. , Miller C. S. , Mejia L. , O’Neill F. E. , Albuquerque R.
Published: August 2020

Background

A core outcome set (COS) represents the agreed minimum set of domains and measurement instruments that should be measured and reported in any clinical trial for a given condition. In BMS randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the outcomes identified in the existing literature regarding the efficacy of therapeutic interventions are numerous and diverse. Although the standardized IMMPACT core outcome domains has been developed for measurement of outcomes in chronic pain RCTs, no BMS-specific COS have been adopted and validated. With the evolving landscape of BMS management end points and the development of new therapies, a consensus on a COS for use in future BMS trials is paramount to reduce heterogeneity in outcome reporting. The aim of this study was to reach a consensus for adopting the standardized Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials (IMMPACT) outcome domains, and their tools of assessment, for burning mouth syndrome (BMS) clinical trials and clinical practice.

Methods

A BMS-specific COS will be developed using the method recommended by the Core Outcome Measures in Effective Trials (COMET) initiative (Registration: http://www.comet-initiative.org/studies/details/1357). Selection of questionnaire outcome measures was informed by the IMMPACT consensus and previous systematic review of RCTs in BMS conducted by the consortium. An international group of clinicians and researchers will be invited to participate in several rounds of a Delphi survey. A consensus meeting will be held with the objective of ratifying the outcomes for inclusion in the COS. A finalized COS explanatory document will be drafted, including all outcomes and measurements as determined by the Delphi rounds and consensus meeting.

Discussion

A COS for the management of BMS will improve the quality of future RCTs, reduce outcome reporting heterogeneity, and facilitate more vigorous data synthesis of management interventions for systematic reviews and meta-analysis. This would ensure enhanced quality evidence for clinical management of the condition.
Insights into the cellulose degradation mechanism of the thermophilic fungus Chaetomium thermophilum based on integrated functional omics
Authors: Li Xin , Han Chao , Li Weiguang , Chen Guanjun , Wang Lushan
Published: August 2020

Background

Lignocellulose is the most abundant and renewable biomass resource on the planet. Lignocellulose can be converted into biofuels and high-value compounds; however, its recalcitrance makes its breakdown a challenge. Lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) offer tremendous promise for the degradation of recalcitrant polysaccharides.Chaetomium thermophilum, having many LPMO-coding genes, is a dominant thermophilic fungus in cellulose-rich and self-heating habitats. This study explores the genome, secretomes and transcript levels of specific genes ofC. thermophilum.

Results

The genome ofC. thermophilumencoded a comprehensive set of cellulose- and xylan-degrading enzymes, especially 18 AA9 LPMOs that belonged to different subfamilies. Extracellular secretomes showed that arabinose and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) could specifically induce the secretion of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), especially AA9 LPMOs, byC. thermophilumunder different carbon sources. Temporal analyses of secretomes and transcripts revealed that arabinose induced the secretion of xylanases byC. thermophilum, which was obviously different from other common filamentous fungi. MCC could efficiently induce the specific secretion of LPMO2s, possibly because the insert in loop3 on the substrate-binding surface of LPMO2s strengthened its binding capacity to cellulose. LPMO2s, cellobio hydrolases (CBHs) and cellobiose dehydrogenases (CDHs) were cosecreted, forming an efficient cellulose degradation system of oxidases and hydrolases under thermophilic conditions.

Conclusions

The specific expression of LPMO2s and cosecretion of hydrolases and oxidases by the thermophilic fungusC. thermophilumplay an important role in cellulose degradation. This insight increases our understanding of the cellulose degradation under thermophilic conditions and may inspire the design of the optimal enzyme cocktails for more efficient exploration of biomass resources in industrial applications.
Laboratory transmission potential of British mosquitoes for equine arboviruses
Authors: Chapman Gail E. , Sherlock Ken , Hesson Jenny C. , Blagrove Marcus S. C. , Lycett Gareth J. , Archer Debra , Solomon Tom , Baylis Matthew
Published: August 2020

Background

There has been no evidence of transmission of mosquito-borne arboviruses of equine or human health concern to date in the UK. However, in recent years there have been a number of outbreaks of viral diseases spread by vectors in Europe. These events, in conjunction with increasing rates of globalisation and climate change, have led to concern over the future risk of mosquito-borne viral disease outbreaks in northern Europe and have highlighted the importance of being prepared for potential disease outbreaks. Here we assess several UK mosquito species for their potential to transmit arboviruses important for both equine and human health, as measured by the presence of viral RNA in saliva at different time points after taking an infective blood meal.

Results

The following wild-caught British mosquitoes were evaluated for their potential as vectors of zoonotic equine arboviruses:Ochlerotatus detritusfor Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) and Ross River virus (RRV), andCuliseta annulataandCulex pipiensfor Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). Production of RNA in saliva was demonstrated at varying efficiencies for all mosquito-virus pairs.Ochlerotatus detrituswas more permissive for production of RRV RNA in saliva than VEEV RNA. For RRV, 27.3% of mosquitoes expectorated viral RNA at 7 days post-infection when incubated at 21 °C and 50% at 24 °C. Strikingly, 72% ofCx. pipiensproduced JEV RNA in saliva after 21 days at 18 °C. For some mosquito-virus pairs, infection and salivary RNA titres reduced over time, suggesting unstable infection dynamics.

Conclusions

This study adds to the number of Palaearctic mosquito species that demonstrate expectoration of viral RNA, for arboviruses of importance to human and equine health. This work adds to evidence that native mosquito species should be investigated further for their potential to vector zoonotic mosquito-borne arboviral disease of equines in northern Europe. The evidence thatCx. pipiensis potentially an efficient laboratory vector of JEV at temperatures as low as 18 °C warrants further investigation, as this mosquito is abundant in cooler regions of Europe and is considered an important vector for West Nile Virus, which has a comparable transmission ecology.
Clinical helminthiases in Thailand border regions show elevated prevalence levels using qPCR diagnostics combined with traditional microscopic methods
Authors: Adisakwattana Poom , Yoonuan Tippayarat , Phuphisut Orawan , Poodeepiyasawat Akkarin , Homsuwan Nirundorn , Gordon Catherine A. , McManus Donald P. , Atkinson Louise E. , Mousley Angela , Gobert Geoffrey N.
Published: August 2020

Background

Under-regulated national borders in Southeast Asia represent potential regions for enhanced parasitic helminth transmission and present barriers to helminthiasis disease control.

Methods

Three Thailand border regions close to Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia were surveyed for clinical parasitic helminth disease. In-field microscopy was performed on stools from 567 individuals. Sub-samples were transported to Bangkok for molecular analysis comprising three multiplex qPCR assays.

Results

The overall helminth infection prevalence was 17.99% as assessed by Kato-Katz and 24.51% by qPCR. The combined prevalence of the two methods was 28.57%; the most predominant species detected were Opisthorchis viverrini (18.34%), hookworm (6.88%; Ancylostoma spp. and Necator americanus), Ascaris lumbricoides (2.29%) and Trichuris trichiura (1.76%).

Conclusions

These data demonstrate the value of molecular diagnostics for determining more precise prevalence levels of helminthiases in Southeast Asia. Availability of such accurate prevalence information will help guide future public health initiatives and highlights the need for more rigorous surveillance and timely intervention in these regions.
Aducanumab, gantenerumab, BAN2401, and ALZ-801—the first wave of amyloid-targeting drugs for Alzheimer’s disease with potential for near term approval
Authors: Tolar Martin , Abushakra Susan , Hey John A. , Porsteinsson Anton , Sabbagh Marwan
Published: August 2020

The body of evidence suggesting a causative, initiating role of beta amyloid (Aβ) in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is substantial. Yet, only a few anti-amyloid agents have shown meaningful efficacy in clinical trials. We evaluated the unifying characteristics of anti-amyloid agents with positive clinical or biomarker effects in long-duration trials and analyzed how pharmacological characteristics determine their clinical product profiles. Four agents with the potential for near term approval fulfill these criteria: the injectable antibodies, aducanumab, gantenerumab, and BAN2401, and a small molecule oral agent, ALZ-801. Aducanumab and BAN2401 showed significant efficacy on both clinical and biomarker outcomes; gantenerumab showed significant biomarker effects, with no clinical efficacy reported to date; and ALZ-801 showed significant clinical effects in the high-risk population of patients homozygous for the ε4 allele of apolipoprotein E gene (APOE4) and a dose-dependent preservation of hippocampal volume. We explored how the pharmacological properties of these agents, namely selectivity for Aβ oligomers, plasma half-life, brain penetration, and time to peak brain exposure, determine their clinical profiles. A crucial characteristic shared by these agents is their ability to engage neurotoxic soluble Aβ oligomers, albeit to various degrees. Aducanumab and gantenerumab partially target oligomers, while mostly clearing insoluble amyloid plaques; BAN2401 preferentially targets soluble protofibrils (large oligomers) over plaques; and ALZ-801 blocks the formation of oligomers without binding to plaques. The degree of selectivity for Aβ oligomers and brain exposure drive the magnitude and onset of clinical efficacy, while the clearance of plaques is associated with vasogenic brain edema. Only the highest doses of aducanumab and BAN2401 show modest efficacy, and higher dosing is limited by increased risk of vasogenic edema, especially in APOE4 carriers. These limitations can be avoided, and efficacy improved by small molecule agents that selectively inhibit the formation or block the toxicity of Aβ oligomers without clearing amyloid plaques. The most advanced selective anti-oligomer agent is ALZ-801, an optimized oral prodrug of tramiprosate, which demonstrated efficacy in homozygous APOE4/4 AD subjects. ALZ-801 selectively and fully inhibits the formation of Aβ42 oligomers at the clinical dose, without evidence of vasogenic edema, and will be evaluated in a phase 3 trial in homozygous APOE4/4 patients with early AD. In addition to clinical measures, the phase 3 trial will include cerebrospinal fluid, plasma, and imaging biomarkers to gain further insights into the role of soluble Aβ oligomers in the pathogenesis of AD and their impact on disease progression.
Certain mean-type fractional integral inequalities via different convexities with applications
Authors: Samraiz Muhammad , Nawaz Fakhra , Iqbal Sajid , Abdeljawad Thabet , Rahman Gauhar , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy
Published: August 2020

In this paper, we establish certain generalized fractional integral inequalities of mean and trapezoid type for$(s+1)$(s+1)-convex functions involving the$(k,s)$(k,s)-Riemann–Liouville integrals. Moreover, we develop such integral inequalities forh-convex functions involving thek-conformable fractional integrals. The legitimacy of the derived results is demonstrated by plotting graphs. As applications of the derived inequalities, we obtain the classical Hermite–Hadamard and trapezoid inequalities.