bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Midnight salivary cortisol secretion and the use of antidepressants were associated with abdominal obesity in women with type 1 diabetes: a cross sectional study
Authors: Melin Eva Olga , Hillman Magnus , Thunander Maria , Landin-Olsson Mona
Published: October 2019

Background

Abdominal obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The aim was to explore the influence of midnight salivary cortisol (MSC), antidepressants and sex on abdominal obesity in type 1 diabetes (T1D). We controlled for physical inactivity, smoking, depression and alexithymia.

Methods

Cross sectional study of 190 T1D patients (86 women/104 men, 18–59 years, diabetes duration 1–55 years), consecutively recruited from one specialist diabetes outpatient clinic. Anthropometrics, blood pressure, saliva and blood samples were collected, supplemented with data from electronic medical records. Depression and alexithymia were assessed by self-report instruments. MSC (nmol/l) was categorised into 3 levels: high MSC: (≥ 6.7) (n = 64); intermediate MSC: ≥ 3.7− < 6.7) (n = 64); low MSC (< 3.7) (n = 62). Abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference (meters) ≥ 0.88 for women and as ≥ 1.02 for men. Multiple logistic regression analyses (Backward: Wald) were performed. The Hosmer and Lemeshow test for goodness-of-fit and Nagelkerke R2 were used to evaluate each multiple logistic regression analysis model.

Results

The prevalence of abdominal obesity was three times higher in the women than in the men (24% versus 8%) (p = 0.002). Antidepressants were used by 10% of the women and by 4% of the men (p = 0.09). The prevalence of high MSC was 1.7 times higher in the women (43% versus 26%); the prevalence of both intermediate MSC (28% versus 38%) and low MSC (29% versus 36%) were lower in the women (p = 0.048). Significant associations with abdominal obesity were for all 190 patients: female sex (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.4 (confidence interval (CI) 1.4–8.2)) and the use of antidepressants (AOR 4.3 (CI 1.2–14.8)); for the 86 women: high MSC (AOR 18.4 (CI 1.9–181)) and use of antidepressants (AOR 12.2 (CI 2.0–73.6)); and for the 104 men: alexithymia (AOR 5.2 (CI 1.1–24.9)).

Conclusions

Clear sex differences were demonstrated with a distinct higher prevalence of abdominal obesity, as well as a distinct higher prevalence of high midnight salivary cortisol in the women with type 1 diabetes. High midnight salivary cortisol secretion and the use of antidepressants were independent risk factors for abdominal obesity in the women.
Increased PTEN gene expression in patients with endometrial carcinoma from areas of high risk depleted uranium exposure
Authors: Jumaah Alaa Salah , Al-Haddad Hawraa Sahib , Mahdi Liwaa Hussein , Hatem Emad , Al-Janabi Asaad Abdul Hamza , McAllister Katherine , Yasseen Akeel Abed
Published: October 2019

Objective

Investigate PTEN gene expression and tumor aggressiveness in endometrial carcinoma specimens from patients living in either areas of depleted uranium [DU] pollution or unpolluted regions to determine any evidence for the effect of war pollution on the rising trends of cancer incidence in Iraq.

Results

Tumor PTEN gene expression was significantly increased in patients living in the areas of high risk DU exposure, in comparison to patient tumors from low risk areas [P = 0.001]. The age distribution between the potentially DU exposed (55.09 ± 1.24) and unexposed subjects 56.38 ± 1.18) was not significant [P = 0.45]. Endometrial carcinoma aggressiveness was equivalent in both subject groups, with no significant differences in either tumour grade and [P = 0.286] stage distribution [P = 0.98]. Finally, there were no significant differences between the potentially exposed and unexposed subjects with regard to cervical [P = 0.532] or to ovarian involvement [P = 0.518]. The results linked environmental war pollutants [DU] to alterations in PTEN gene expression in endometrial carcinoma. Furthermore, this finding may explain the overall increasing cancer trends observed in Iraq. Strategies should be considered for the therapeutic targeting of cancers with elevated PTEN gene expression to improve patient outlook.
Variation of PEAR1 DNA methylation influences platelet and leukocyte function
Authors:   on behalf of Moli-family Investigators, Izzi Benedetta , Gianfagna Francesco , Yang Wen-Yi , Cludts Katrien , De Curtis Amalia , Verhamme Peter , Di Castelnuovo Augusto , Cerletti Chiara , Donati Maria Benedetta , de Gaetano Giovanni , Staessen Jan A. , Hoylaerts Marc F. , Iacoviello Licia
Published: October 2019

Background

Platelet-endothelial aggregation receptor 1 (PEAR-1) is a transmembrane receptor involved in platelet activation and megakaryopoiesis whose expression is driven by DNA methylation.PEAR1variants were associated with differential platelet response to activation and cardiovascular outcomes. We aimed at investigating the link betweenPEAR1methylation and platelet and leukocyte function markers in a family-based population.

Results

We measuredPEAR1methylation in 605 Moli-family participants with available blood counts, plasma P-selectin and C-reactive protein, whole blood platelet P-selectin, and platelet-leukocyte mixed conjugate measurements. We performed principal component analysis (PCA) to identify groups of highly correlated CpG sites. We used linear mixed regression models (using age, gender, BMI, smoking, alcohol drinking, being a proband for family recruitment, being a member of myocardial infarction (MI) family as fixed effects, and family as a random effect) to evaluate associations betweenPEAR1methylation and phenotypes.PEAR1methylation Factor2, characterized by the previously identified megakaryocyte-specific CpG sites, was inversely associated with platelet-monocyte conjugates, P-selectin, and WBC counts, while positively associated with the platelet distribution width (PDW) and with leukocyte CD11b and L-selectin. Moreover,PEAR1Factor2 methylation was negatively associated with INFLAscore, a low-grade inflammation score. The latter was partially mediated by thePEAR1methylation effect on platelet variables.PEAR1methylation association with WBC measurements and INFLAscore was confirmed in the independent cohort FLEMENGHO.

Conclusions

We report a significant link between epigenetic signatures in a platelet functional gene and inflammation-dependent platelet function variability measured in two independent cohorts.
The association between caesarean section and childhood asthma: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Darabi Behzad , Rahmati Shoboo , HafeziAhmadi Mohammad Reza , Badfar Gholamreza , Azami Milad
Published: October 2019

Background

Investigating the association between caesarean section (SC) and childhood asthma has shown contradictory results in different studies. The present study was conducted to determine the association between SC and childhood asthma.

Material and method

The present study was conducted based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. All the steps of the study were conducted independently by two reviewers from the inception until February 1, 2019. In case of disagreement, the third reviewer resolved it. We searched international online databases, including Scopus, Cochrane Library, PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science (ISI), Science Direct, and Google scholar. The results of studies were combined using random effects model, and heterogeneity was measured through I2 index and Cochran’s Q test. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software was used for meta-analysis. The significance level of all tests was considered to be P < 0.05.

Results

The heterogeneity rate was high (I2 = 67.31%, P < 0.001) in 37 studies. The results showed that SC increased the risk of childhood asthma (RR (relative risk) = 1.20 [95% CI 1.15–1.25, P < 0.001]). The association between emergency and elective SC and childhood asthma was significant with RR of 1.18 (95% CI 1.07–1.29, P < 0.001) in 13 studies and 1.23 (95% CI 1.20–1.26, P < 0.001) in 13 studies, respectively. The subgroup analysis for RR of childhood asthma in SC indicated that study design (P = 0.306), prospective/retrospective studies (P = 0.470), quality of studies (P = 0.514), continent (P = 0.757), age of diagnosis (P = 0.283) and year of publication (P = 0.185) were not effective in the heterogeneity of studies. Sensitivity analysis by removing one study at a time indicated that the overall estimate is robust.

Conclusion

According to the meta-analysis, SC (overall, elective, and emergency) increased the risk of childhood asthma. Therefore, it is hoped that developing clinical guidelines and implementing appropriate management plans would diminish the risk of asthma.
Unknowing ingestion of Brugmansia suaveolens leaves presenting with signs of anticholinergic toxicity: a case report
Authors: Jayawickreme K. P. , Janaka K. V. C. , Subasinghe S. A. S. P.
Published: October 2019

Background

Brugmansia suaveolens is the commonest species under the Solanacea (“Angels Trumpet” in English; “Attana” in Sinhalese) plant family in Sri Lanka. It contains alkaloids like scopolamine, atropine and hyoscyamine which can cause an anticholinergic toxindrome. There have been a few reported cases of accidental ingestion of Brugmansia seeds among children, seeds being the most toxic part, but no such reported cases of Brugmansia leaves poisoning among adults.

Case presentation

A 60-year-old-female Sinhalese presented with acute confusion, delirium, and agitation. She had ingested a herbal drink made from leaves of an unknown plant from her garden prior to onset of symptoms. She had urinary retention, mydriasis and sinus tachycardia. She was managed supportively with activated charcoal and hydration and the delirium completely resolved within 15 hours. The presented unkown plant leaves were identified as Brugmansia suaveolens.

Conclusion

Although seeds are the most toxic plant part in most cases of Brugmansia poisoning, leaves also have a significant degree of toxicity. It is important that medical professionals promptly recognize the features of anticholinergic syndrome, and have a high index to suspect Brugmansia poisoning and start prompt treatment. It is also important to improve awareness of toxic plants among the general community to prevent toxicities and fatalities.
Pre-approval incentives to promote adoption of personalized medicine: a theoretical approach
Authors: Antoñanzas F. , Juárez-Castelló C. A. , Rodríguez-Ibeas R.
Published: October 2019

Background

Currently, personalised medicine is becoming more frequently used and many drug companies are including this strategy to gain market access for very specialized therapies. In this article, in order to understand the relationships between the health authority and the drug company when deciding upon the implementation of personalized medicines, we take a theoretical perspective to model it when the price and reimbursement policy follows a pay-for-performance scheme. During the development of a new drug, the firm must decide whether to generate additional knowledge by investing in additional resources to stratify the target population based on a biomarker or directly apply for marketing authorization for the new treatment without information on the characteristics of patients who could respond to it. In this context, we assume that the pricing policy is set by the health authority, and then we characterize the pricing and investment decisions contingent on the rate of response to the treatment.

Results

We find that the price when the firm carries out R&D leading to the personalized treatments is not necessarily higher than the price if the firm does not carry out the R&D investment. When the rate of response to the treatment is too low, then the new drug is not marketed. If the rate of response is too high, personalized medicine is not implemented. For intermediate values of the rate of response, the adoption of personalized medicine may occur if the investment costs are sufficiently low; otherwise, the treatment is given to all patients without additional information on their characteristics. The higher the quality of the genetic test (in terms of its sensitivity and specificity), the wider the interval for the values of the proportional responders for which personalized medicine may be implemented.

Conclusions

Our findings show that pre-approval incentives (prices) to promote the personalized treatments depend on the specific characteristics of the disease and the efficacy of the treatment. The model gives an intuitive idea about what to expect in terms of price incentives when the possibility of personalizing treatments becomes a strategic decision for the stakeholders.
Seroprevalence of influenza D virus in selected sample groups of Irish cattle, sheep and pigs
Authors: O’Donovan Tom , Donohoe Leah , Ducatez Mariette F. , Meyer Gilles , Ryan Eoin
Published: October 2019

Influenza D virus (IDV) is a new member of the Orthomyxoviridae family. It was first reported in swine in 2011 and isolated from bovine samples received for routine respiratory disease diagnosis in Ireland during 2014–2016. The goal of this study was to determine the seroprevalence in selected populations of IDV in cattle, pigs and sheep. Results showed a high prevalence of IDV in cattle sampled at slaughter (94.6%) or for diagnostic reasons (64.9%), whereas prevelance in samples taken for diagnostic reasons from sheep (4.5%) and pigs (5.8%) was much lower. This study suggests that IDV is widespread in Irish cattle.
SF-Assemblin genes in Paramecium: phylogeny and phenotypes of RNAi silencing on the ciliary-striated rootlets and surface organization
Authors: Nabi Ashikun , Yano Junji , Valentine Megan S. , Picariello Tyler , Van Houten Judith L.
Published: October 2019

Background

Cilia emanate from basal bodies just underneath the cell membrane. Basal bodies must withstand torque from the ciliary beat and be appropriately spaced for cilia to beat in metachronal waves. Basal body rootlets provide stability for motile cilia.Parameciumhas three. Our focus is on the largest one, the striated rootlet (SR).Parameciumbasal bodies align in straight rows. Previously we found a potential role for the SR in this alignment. Here we present a phylogeny of theParameciumhomologs of theSF-Assemblingene of the SR ofChlamydomonas,and the organization of these genes. We describe the phenotypes from RNA interference (RNAi) silencing of genes and gene groups.

Methods

Phenotypes of the RNAi depletions were characterized by immunofluorescence (IF), electron microscopy, and mass spectrometry.

Results

We found 30 genes forParameciumSF-Assemblin homologs (SFA) organized into 13 Paralog Groups (further categorized in five Structural Groups). Representatives of Paralog Groups were found in the SRs. Silencing the transcripts of any of the Structural Groups correlates with misaligned rows of basal bodies, SRs, and cortical units. The silencing of Structural Groups was key and gave us the ability to systematically disrupt SR structures and cell surface organization.

Conclusions

Silencing ofSFAgenes and Paralog Groups shows no effects on the SR or the cell surface organization. Silencing of the larger Structural Groups has an enormous impact on rows of basal bodies, SRs and cortical units, and SR striations, and length. Misaligned basal bodies have cilia causing the cells to swim in abnormal paths.
Cost-effective multi-standard video transform core using time-sharing architecture
Authors: Tseng Yun-Hua , Chen Yuan-Ho
Published: October 2019

This paper presents a cost-effective two-dimensional (2-D) inverse discrete cosine transform (IDCT) for supporting multiple standards of MPEG 1/2/4, H.264, VC-1, and HEVC. The proposed approach employs a time allocation scheme to enable the simultaneous processing of the first and second dimensions in order to enhance data throughput and attain hardware utilization of 100%. The proposed one-dimensional (1-D) IDCT uses distributed arithmetic (DA) in conjunction with factor sharing (FS) within a hardware sharing architecture. Four parallel computation streams are employed to enhance the throughput rate as four times of operation frequency. The efficacy of this approach was verified by fabricating a test chip using the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (TSMC) 90 nm Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) process. The inverse transform core has an operating frequency of 200 MHz and a throughput of 800 M-pels/s with a gate count of 27.2 K.
Robust object tracking via online discriminative appearance modeling
Authors: Liu Wei , Sun Xin , Li Dong
Published: October 2019

A robust object tracking algorithm is proposed in this paper based on an online discriminative appearance modeling mechanism. In contrast with traditional trackers whose computations cover the whole target region and may easily be polluted by the similar background pixels, we divided the target into a number of patches and take the most discriminative one as the tracking basis. With the consideration of both the photometric and spatial information, we construct a discriminative target model on it. Then, a likelihood map can be got by comparing the target model with candidate regions, on which the mean shift procedure is employed for mode seeking. Finally, we update the target model to adapt to the appearance variation. Experimental results on a number of challenging video sequences confirm that the proposed method outperforms the related state-of-the-art trackers.
Long-term integrity protection of genomic data
Authors: Buchmann Johannes , Geihs Matthias , Hamacher Kay , Katzenbeisser Stefan , Stammler Sebastian
Published: October 2019

Genomic data is crucial in the understanding of many diseases and for the guidance of medical treatments. Pharmacogenomics and cancer genomics are just two areas in precision medicine of rapidly growing utilization. At the same time, whole-genome sequencing costs are plummeting below $ 1000, meaning that a rapid growth in full-genome data storage requirements is foreseeable. While privacy protection of genomic data is receiving growing attention, integrity protection of this long-lived and highly sensitive data much less so.We consider a scenario inspired by future pharmacogenomics, in which a patient’s genome data is stored over a long time period while random parts of it are periodically accessed by authorized parties such as doctors and clinicians. A protection scheme is described that preserves integrity of the genomic data in that scenario over a time horizon of 100 years. During such a long time period, cryptographic schemes will potentially break and therefore our scheme allows to update the integrity protection. Furthermore, integrity of parts of the genomic data can be verified without compromising the privacy of the remaining data. Finally, a performance evaluation and cost projection shows that privacy-preserving long-term integrity protection of genomic data is resource demanding, but in reach of current and future hardware technology and has negligible costs of storage.
Maximum likelihood approach to DoA estimation using lens antenna array
Authors: Jiang Zheng-Ming , Zhang Peichang , Rihan Mohamed , Huang Lei , Zhang Jihong
Published: October 2019

Massive antenna array has been proposed to improve the spectral efficiency and link reliability in wireless communication systems. However, using large antenna arrays incurs additional cost in terms of signal processing and hardware complexity. The electromagnetic (EM) lens-focusing antennas are introduced as a promising technique to reduce the hardware complexity and cost. On the other hand, determining the location of users in terms of their direction-of-arrival (DoA) using these lens array becomes of great interest for different 5G services. This paper addresses the issue of DoA estimation by adopting lens antenna array (LNA). We firstly derive an expression for the received signal with the adoption of LNA, and then a maximum likelihood (ML) estimator for the DoA has been obtained. Depending on the ability of the lens array to focus the signal power on a subset of antennas as a function of DoA. We propose using the antenna selection (AS) technology to select an antenna subset aiming to reduce the number of radio frequency (RF) chains and accordingly reducing the hardware cost. The simulation results show the the capability of the proposed method to avoid the phase ambiguity problem and provide high accurate DoA estimation of signals.
Existence of solutions for a nonhomogeneous Dirichlet problem involving $p(x)$-Laplacian operator and indefinite weight
Authors: Marcos Aboubacar , Abdou Aboubacar
Published: October 2019

We obtain multiplicity and uniqueness results in the weak sense for the following nonhomogeneous quasilinear equation involving the $p(x)$
p
(
x
)
-Laplacian operator with Dirichlet boundary condition:
$$ -\Delta _{p(x)}u+V(x) \vert u \vert ^{q(x)-2}u =f(x,u)\quad \text{in }\varOmega , u=0 \text{ on }\partial \varOmega , $$
−

Δ

p
(
x
)

u
+
V
(
x
)
|
u

|

q
(
x
)
−
2

u
=
f
(
x
,
u
)

in 
Ω
,
u
=
0
 on 
∂
Ω
,
where Ω is a smooth bounded domain in $\mathbb{R}^{N}$

R
N

, V is a given function with an indefinite sign in a suitable variable exponent Lebesgue space, $f(x,t)$
f
(
x
,
t
)
is a Carathéodory function satisfying some growth conditions. Depending on the assumptions, the solutions set may consist of a bounded infinite sequence of solutions or a unique one. Our technique is based on a symmetric version of the mountain pass theorem.
Boundary linear stabilization of the modified generalized Korteweg–de Vries–Burgers equation
Authors: Smaoui Nejib , Chentouf Boumediène , Alalabi Ala’
Published: October 2019

The linear stabilization problem of the modified generalized Korteweg–de Vries–Burgers equation (MGKdVB) is considered when the spatial variable lies in$[0,1]$[0,1]. First, the existence and uniqueness of global solutions are proved. Next, the exponential stability of the equation is established in$L^{2} (0,1)$L2(0,1). Then, a linear adaptive boundary control is put forward. Finally, numerical simulations for both non-adaptive and adaptive problems are provided to illustrate the analytical outcomes.
Dynamical analysis and control strategies in modelling Ebola virus disease
Authors: Mhlanga A.
Published: October 2019

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a severe infection with an extremely high fatality rate spread through direct and indirect contacts. Recently, an outbreak of EVD in West Africa brought public attention to this deadly disease. We study the spread of EVD through a two-patch model. We determine the basic reproduction number, the disease-free equilibrium, two boundary equilibria and the endemic equilibrium when the disease persists in the two sub-populations for specific conditions. Further, we introduce time-dependent controls into our proposed model. We analyse the optimal control problem where the control system is a mathematical model for EVD that incorporates educational campaigns. The control functions represent educational campaigns in their respective patches, with one patch having more effective controls than the other. We aim to study how these control measures would be implemented for a certain time period, in order to reduce or eliminate EVD in the respective communities, while minimising the intervention implementation costs. Numerical simulations results are provided to illustrate the dynamics of the disease in the presence of controls.
Acceptability and tolerability of alcohol-based hand hygiene products for elderly residents in long-term care: a crossover study
Authors: O’Donoghue Margaret , Ho Jacqueline M. C. , Pittet Didier , Suen Lorna K. P.
Published: October 2019

Background

Hand hygiene is a critical component of infection control. Much of the focus on improving hand hygiene in healthcare settings has been directed towards healthcare worker compliance but its importance for patients, including those in long-term care facilities (LTCFs), is increasingly being recognised. Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) can lead to improved compliance. We aimed to determine acceptability and tolerability of two ABHRs for hand hygiene of elderly LTCF residents using a modified version of the WHO protocol.

Methods

Thirty six elderly LTCF residents participated in this crossover study. A modified and translated (Chinese) version of the WHO protocol for evaluation of two or more ABHRs was used to determine product acceptability and tolerability for one gel (bottle with reclosable cap) and one foam (pump). During the 3-day testing period, participants were provided with their own portable bottle of ABHR. A research nurse objectively assessed the skin integrity of the hands at baseline and throughout the study. Skin moisture content was determined using a Scalar Moisture Checker Probe (Science Technology Resources, Ca, USA). Participants rated ABHR tolerability and acceptability using the WHO checklist at the end of each test period.

Results

Both products passed the WHO criteria for acceptability and tolerability. The foam (86%) scored higher than the gel (51%) for ease of use possibly because some participants found the cap of the gel bottle difficult to open due to finger stiffness. No evidence of damage to skin integrity was observed. Overall, skin moisture content had improved by the end of the study. Residents preferred either of the test products to the liquid formulation currently in use by the LTCF.

Conclusions

Overall, the elderly were willing to use ABHR for hand hygiene. Both products were well tolerated and preferred over the usual product provided by the LTCF. However, forgetfulness and difficulty rubbing the product over the hands due to finger stiffness posed a challenge for some residents. This could be overcome by using healthcare worker-assisted hand hygiene at specified times each day and prompts to serve as reminders to perform hand hygiene.
Microbiota analysis optimization for human bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
Authors: Schneeberger Pierre H. H. , Prescod Janice , Levy Liran , Hwang David , Martinu Tereza , Coburn Bryan
Published: October 2019

Background

It is now possible to comprehensively characterize the microbiota of the lungs using culture-independent, sequencing-based assays. Several sample types have been used to investigate the lung microbiota, each presenting specific challenges for preparation and analysis of microbial communities. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) enables the identification of microbiota specific to the lower lung but commonly has low bacterial density, increasing the risk of false-positive signal from contaminating DNA. The objectives of this study were to investigate the extent of contamination across a range of sample densities representative of BALF and identify features of contaminants that facilitate their removal from sequence data and aid in the interpretation of BALF sample 16S sequencing data.

Results

Using three mock communities across a range of densities ranging from 8E+ 02 to 8E+ 09 16S copies/ml, we assessed taxonomic accuracy and precision by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and the proportion of reads arising from contaminants. Sequencing accuracy, precision, and the relative abundance of mock community members decreased with sample input density, with a significant drop-off below 8E+ 05 16S copies/ml. Contaminant OTUs were commonly inversely correlated with sample input density or not reproduced between technical replicates. Removal of taxa with these features or physical concentration of samples prior to sequencing improved both sequencing accuracy and precision for samples between 8E+ 04 and 8E+ 06 16S copies/ml. For the lowest densities, below 8E+ 03 16S copies/ml BALF, accuracy and precision could not be significantly improved using these approaches. Using clinical BALF samples across a large density range, we observed that OTUs with features of contaminants identified in mock communities were also evident in low-density BALF samples.

Conclusion

Relative abundance data and community composition generated by 16S sequencing of BALF samples across the range of density commonly observed in this sample type should be interpreted in the context of input sample density and may be improved by simple pre- and post-sequencing steps for densities above 8E+ 04 16S copies/ml.
Aromatase inhibitors and risk of cardiovascular events in breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: He Yang , Zhang Jianhua , Shen Guofang , Liu Lin , Zhao Qingwei , Lu Xiaoyang , Yang Hongyu , Hong Dongsheng
Published: October 2019

Background

Cardiovascular events (CVEs) was considered as one of the primary cause to reduce the quality of life in breast cancer patients with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) treatment, which has not been sufficiently addressed. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between risk of CVEs and AIs in patients with breast cancer.

Methods

Included studies were obtained from the databases of Embase, Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Clinical Trials.gov, and reference lists. The main outcome measures were overall incidence, odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Furthermore, the association and the risk differences among different tumor types, AIs,ages,or treatment regimens were conducted. Fixed-effect or random-effect models were applied in the statistical analyses according to the heterogeneity. Our analysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement.

Results

Seventeen studies, which included 44,411 subjects, were included in our analyses. The overall incidence of CVEs in AIs group was 13.02% (95% CI: 8.15–20.17%) and almost all of the high-grade CVEs occurred in patients treated with AIs. The pooled ORs of CVEs was 0.9940 (95% CI: 0.8545–1.1562). Under sub-group analysis, the incidence of CVEs related to exemestane was higher than that of controls (OR = 1.1564, 95% CI: 1.0656–1.2549), but no statistical differences in risk of CVEs were found in other sub-group analysis. No evidence of publication bias was found for incidence of CVEs in our meta-analysis by a funnel plot.

Conclusions

These results suggest that patients with breast cancer treated with AIs do not have a significant risk of developing CVEs in comparison with the controls, and exemestane might not be considered as the alternative AI to the breast cancer patients from the perspective of CVEs. Further studies are recommended to investigate this association and the risk differences among different tumor types, AIs or treatment regimens.
Evidence of niche differentiation for two sympatric vulture species in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Holland Amanda E. , Byrne Michael E. , Hepinstall-Cymerman Jeffrey , Bryan A. Lawrence , DeVault Travis L. , Rhodes Olin E. , Beasley James C.
Published: October 2019

Background

As obligate scavengers utilizing similar habitats, interspecific competition undoubtedly occurs between resident black (Coragyps atratus) and turkey (Cathartes aura) vultures. In the interest of exploring how sympatric species coexist through habitat segregation, we examined resource selection of resident black and turkey vultures in the southeastern United States (US) for evidence of niche differentiation.

Methods

Using fine-scale movement data, we assessed interspecific seasonal differences in monthly roost reuse frequency and roost site fidelity, as well as monthly flight, roost, and diurnal rest site resource selection based on > 2.8 million locations of 9 black vultures and 9 turkey vultures tracked from September 2013 to August 2015 using Groupe Spécial Mobile/Global Positioning System (GSM/GPS) transmitters.

Results

Black vultures generally exhibited greater roost fidelity as well as a greater maximum number of nights spent at a single roost than turkey vultures. Patterns of flight, roost, and resting habitat selection within the home range varied monthly as well as between species, providing evidence for habitat segregation and niche differentiation by sympatric vultures. In particular, our results indicate the importance of wooded wetlands for resting and roosting locations for both species, and revealed clear differences in the use of forested habitats between species during flight, resting, and roosting behavioral states.

Conclusions

By examining differences in resource selection and spatial ecology of black and turkey vultures across a range of behaviors, this study demonstrates mechanisms of niche differentiation in these ecologically similar species, and enhances potential for conservation and informed management of this important group of birds.
Neuropathology of RAN translation proteins in fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome
Authors: Krans Amy , Skariah Geena , Zhang Yuan , Bayly Bryana , Todd Peter K.
Published: October 2019

CGG repeat expansions in FMR1 cause the neurodegenerative disorder Fragile X-associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS). Ubiquitinated neuronal intranuclear inclusions (NIIs) are the neuropathological hallmark of FXTAS. Both sense strand derived CGG repeats and antisense strand derived CCG repeats support non-AUG initiated (RAN) translation of homopolymeric proteins in potentially 6 different reading frames. However, the relative abundance of these proteins in FXTAS brains and their co-localization with each other and NIIs is lacking. Here we describe rater-blinded assessment of immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining with newly generated antibodies to different CGG RAN translation products in FXTAS and control brains as well as co-staining with ubiquitin, p62/SQSTM1, and ubiquilin 2. We find that both FMRpolyG and a second CGG repeat derived RAN translation product, FMRpolyA, accumulate in aggregates in FXTAS brains. FMRpolyG is a near-obligate component of both ubiquitin-positive and p62-positive NIIs in FXTAS, with occurrence of aggregates in 20% of all hippocampal neurons and > 90% of all inclusions. A subset of these inclusions also stain positive for the ALS/FTD associated protein ubiquilin 2. Ubiquitinated inclusions and FMRpolyG+ aggregates are rarer in cortex and cerebellum. Intriguingly, FMRpolyG staining is also visible in control neuronal nuclei. In contrast to FMRpolyG, staining for FMRpolyA and CCG antisense derived RAN translation products were less abundant and less frequent components of ubiquitinated inclusions. In conclusion, RAN translated FMRpolyG is a common component of ubiquitin and p62 positive inclusions in FXTAS patient brains.
The national entrepreneurship framework conditions in sub-Saharan Africa: a comparative study of GEM data/National Expert Surveys for South Africa, Angola, Mozambique and Madagascar
Authors: Herrington Mike , Coduras Alicia
Published: October 2019

Entrepreneurship is widely argued to be critical for economic development and alleviating extreme poverty. However, entrepreneurship research in sub-Saharan Africa has not received much attention over the last few decades possibly due to a lack of sufficient resources. It is becoming increasingly important as Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa, is developing rapidly and moving from a resource-based economy to one of innovation and progress. Using data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), this paper discusses the opinions of national expert informants in Angola, Madagascar, Mozambique and South Africa and looks at the factors which are possibly hindering and inhibiting entrepreneurial development. The results indicate that there are four main inhibitors ranging from lack of access to finance, government policies, regulations and practices for entrepreneurs and the poor levels of entrepreneurship education. Some recommendations are made as to what can be done to assist in promoting economic development.
Biomechanical correlation at the knee joint between static lunge and single-leg drop landing - a comparative study among three different toe directions
Authors: Harato Kengo , Sakurai Aiko , Morishige Yutaro , Kobayashi Shu , Niki Yasuo , Nagura Takeo
Published: October 2019

Background

Toe direction is a critical factor affecting knee biomechanics during various movements including closed kinetic chain (CKC) exercise and landing tasks. Physiotherapists always concentrate on the control of toe direction during CKC exercise as a first step for athletes, as it is believed that correction of toe direction during CKC exercise is important to maintain the appropriate toe position even in high demanding activities such as landing tasks. The purpose of the present study was to investigate knee biomechanics during CKC exercise as well as landing tasks with three different toe directions, and clarify whether biomechanical parameters during CKC exercise would be related to those during landing tasks.

Methods

A total of 23 male recreational level athletes (mean age = 20.0 ± 1.1 yrs) participated. Tegner activity score were 7 for all male subjects. First, the subjects performed weight-bearing static lunge tests (SL) under three different toe directions, including 0 degrees (Toe-neutral: TN), 20 degrees (Toe-In: TI), and - 20 degrees (Toe-out: TO). Thereafter, SLDL was done under three different toe directions. Three-dimensional knee kinematics and kinetics at 60 degrees of knee flexion were calculated. As a statistical analysis, Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship between SL and SLDL. The statistical significance level wasset atP=0.05.

Results and Conclusions

Knee abduction angle showed significant correlation between SL and SLDL in all three different directions (TI: r=0.631,p<0.001, TN: r=0.678,p<0.001, TO: r=0.572,p<0.001). In terms of knee internal rotation, strong correlation was also found (TI: r=0.846,p<0.001, TN: r=0.791,p<0.001, TO: r=0.749,p<0.001). In addition, external knee abduction moment presented significant correlation in all three different directions (TI: r=0.574,p<0.001, TN: r=0.499,p<0.01, TO: r=0.469,p<0.01). From the present study, significant correlation between SL and SLDL was found in knee abduction angle, knee internal rotation, and external knee abduction moment under all three different directions including TI, TN, and TO. Physiotherapist should take care of toe direction and reform the movements especially for athletes who present malalignment of the knee joint during SL with TI or TO to prevent ACL injury in landing tasks.
Endemic plants of Crete in electronic trade and wildlife tourism: current patterns and implications for conservation
Authors: Menteli Viktoria , Krigas Nikos , Avramakis Manolis , Turland Nicholas , Vokou Despoina
Published: October 2019

Background

The island of Crete is a biodiversity hotspot having 223 endemic vascular taxa (species and subspecies) as a result of its long isolation and the wide range of habitats it includes. We explore trends and patterns in the electronic trade of these unique genetic resources and in their involvement in wildlife tourism, the ways these two activities are performed and the associated potential threats on the plants’ wild populations, and we also identify priority taxa requiring special attention. The main part of the study was conducted in 2016–2017 using English as a search language; an additional search was conducted in 2019 using German and French.

Results

We found e-commerce for 28 (13%) endemic taxa. These are traded by 65 nurseries from 14 countries, the UK primarily. Among the traded plants, 16 face extinction risk and/or are under protection status. Prices vary largely for the same taxon and form of sale. Lamiaceae is the family with the highest number of e-traded taxa,Tulipa bakeriis the most traded species, and the living plant is the commonest form of sale. Thirty-seven endemic taxa are advertised in the websites of travel agencies involved in wildlife tourism.Tulipa doerfleriis the most frequently encountered taxon in these websites, whereas Lamiaceae, Liliaceae and Orchidaceae are similarly represented. The additional search showed a very rapid increase in the e-trade of the Cretan endemis.

Conclusion

The two examined markets are similar in that geophytes play a prominent role and Lamiaceae rank first among the represented plant families, but differ in several aspects: only 22.6% of the taxa detected are common in both, obedience to rules exhibited by travel agencies is not usually the case with nurseries, and potential threats to wild populations are estimated as considerably higher for the traded plants. Sixteen endemic taxa of Crete were identified as requiring special attention.
Polyphasic taxonomy of green algae strains isolated from Mediterranean freshwaters
Authors: Lortou Urania , Gkelis Spyros
Published: October 2019

Background

Terrestrial, freshwater and marine green algae constitute the large and morphologically diverse phylum of Chlorophyta, which gave rise to the core chlorophytes. Chlorophyta are abundant and diverse in freshwater environments where sometimes they form nuisance blooms under eutrophication conditions. The phylogenetic relationships among core chlorophyte clades (Chlorodendrophyceae, Ulvophyceae, Trebouxiophyceae and Chlorophyceae), are of particular interest as it is a species-rich phylum with ecological importance worldwide, but are still poorly understood. In the Mediterranean ecoregion, data on molecular characterization of eukaryotic microalgae strains are limited and current knowledge is based on ecological studies of natural populations. In the present study we report the isolation and characterization of 11 green microalgae strains from Greece contributing more information for the taxonomy of Chlorophyta. The study combined morphological and molecular data.

Results

Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S rRNA, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the large subunit of the ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcL) gene revealed eight taxa. Eleven green algae strains were classified in four orders (Sphaeropleales, Chlorellales, Chlamydomonadales and Chaetophorales) and were represented by four genera; one strain was not assigned to any genus. Most strains (six) were classified to the genus Desmodesmus, two strains to genus Chlorella, one to genus Spongiosarcinopsis and one filamentous strain to genus Uronema. One strain is placed in a separate independent branch within the Chlamydomonadales and deserves further research.

Conclusions

Our study reports, for the first time, the presence of Uronema in an aquatic environment up to 40 °C and reveals new diversity within the Chlamydomonadales. The results from the ITS region and the rbcL gene corroborated those obtained from 18S rRNA without providing further information or resolving the phylogenetic relationships within certain genera, due to the limited number of ITS and rbcL sequences available. The comparison of molecular and morphological data showed that they were congruent. Cosmopolitan genera with high worldwide distribution inhabit Greek freshwaters.
Discovering myeloid cell heterogeneity in the lung by means of next generation sequencing
Authors: Ji Jing-jing , Fan Jie
Published: October 2019

The lung plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis, as it is responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Pulmonary homeostasis is maintained by a network of tissue-resident cells, including epithelial cells, endothelial cells and leukocytes. Myeloid cells of the innate immune system and epithelial cells form a critical barrier in the lung. Recently developed unbiased next generation sequencing (NGS) has revealed cell heterogeneity in the lung with respect to physiology and pathology and has reshaped our knowledge. New phenotypes and distinct gene signatures have been identified, and these new findings enhance the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases. Here, we present a review of the new NGS findings on myeloid cells in lung development, homeostasis, and lung diseases, including acute lung injury (ALI), lung fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer.
Robot-assisted low anterior resection after aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid sclerosing therapy for internal hemorrhoids
Authors: Itatani Yoshiro , Okada Tomoaki , Kawada Kenji , Hida Koya , Oshima Nobu , Inamoto Susumu , Mizuno Rei , Okuchi Yoshihisa , Sakai Yoshiharu
Published: October 2019

Background

Internal hemorrhoids are the most common anal diseases. Aluminum potassium sulfate and tannic acid (ALTA) injection is a new sclerosing therapy for the treatment of internal hemorrhoids. Although ALTA injection has been widely used, there are no previous reports of rectal cancer patients who underwent robot-assisted low anterior resection (Rob-LAR) after ALTA injection to treat internal hemorrhoids.

Case presentation

A 70-year-old man with rectal cancer was presented to our hospital. He had an ALTA injection 2 months before presentation at a clinic due to hematochezia with internal hemorrhoids. The rectal tumor was located 7 cm above the anal verge, and Rob-LAR with the da Vinci Xi system was performed. The patient had sclerosis on the stump of the anal side, which made it difficult to transect the rectum with linear staplers. This required multiple repeats of compression through the SmartClamp feedback. After anastomosis with the double-stapling technique, we constructed a diverting ileostomy.

Conclusion

Although ALTA injection is a promising strategy for internal hemorrhoids, rectal cancer should be excluded before the sclerosing therapy.
Surgical treatment of isolated right ventricular metastasis from renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Miura Shuhei , Yamada Akira , Iba Yutaka , Maruyama Ryushi , Hatta Eiichiro , Kurimoto Yoshihiko
Published: October 2019

Background

Cardiac metastasis from renal cell carcinoma is an exceptional event, particularly when there is lack of inferior vena cava involvement. Only a few cases have been reported worldwide so far.

Case presentation

We presented a case of a 58-year-old man diagnosed with isolated right ventricular metastasis of renal cell carcinoma in the absence of direct inferior vena cava extension, who underwent surgical tumor resection using cardiopulmonary bypass.

Conclusions

Surgical resection of the cardiac mass with an understanding of the pathology is needed to prevent sudden death from acute heart failure or tumor embolism and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Adenocarcinoma with fetal features invading the right superior sulcus treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by complete video-assisted thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy: a case report
Authors: Kojima Kensuke , Yoon Hyungeun , Sakamoto Tetsuki , Utsumi Tomoki , Sakurai Teiko , Takeuchi Naoko , Takeda Maiko , Kasai Takahiko , Atagi Shinji , Matsumura Akihide
Published: October 2019

Background

Fetal adenocarcinoma of the lung is a rare lung neoplasm that accounts for only 0.5% of all primary lung cancers. Because of its rarity, effective treatments for the management of the tumor are poorly understood. We herein report a case of adenocarcinoma with fetal features of the lung with invasion of the right superior sulcus that was treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgical resection.

Case presentation

A 54-year-old man was referred to a medical institution due to right inner forearm pain. On computed tomography of the chest, a 56-mm mass with invasion of right superior sulcus was discovered. Bronchoscopic biopsy revealed non-small cell lung carcinoma. We performed concurrent chemotherapy (2 cycles of cisplatin and vinorelbine) and thoracic radiation therapy (40 Gy in 20 fractions). As the result of extreme tumor reduction after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, we could perform right upper lobectomy by complete video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Since no viable cancer cells were detected from the pathological examination of the resected tissue, the specimen obtained by bronchoscopic biopsy was reexamined by immunohistochemistry. The analysis supported a pathologic diagnosis of adenocarcinoma with fetal features.

Conclusions

We experienced a case of adenocarcinoma with fetal features of the lung in which the patient showed a complete response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. In addition, the tumor invading the right superior sulcus was completely resected by video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery may be also an effective treatment for advanced-stage high-grade fetal adenocarcinoma of the lung, similarly to other subtypes of advanced-stage primary lung cancer.