bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel approach for the isolation and long-term expansion of pure satellite cells based on ice-cold treatment
Authors: Benedetti Anna , Cera Gianluca , De Meo Daniele , Villani Ciro , Bouche Marina , Lozanoska-Ochser Biliana
Published: March 2021

Satellite cells (SCs) are muscle stem cells capable of regenerating injured muscle. The study of their functional potential depends on the availability of methods for the isolation and expansion of pure SCs with preserved myogenic properties after serial passages in vitro. Here, we describe the ice-cold treatment (ICT) method, which is a simple, economical, and efficient method for the isolation and in vitro expansion of highly pure mouse and human SCs. It involves a brief (15–30 min) incubation on ice (0 °C) of a dish containing a heterogeneous mix of adherent muscle mononuclear cells, which leads to the detachment of only the SCs, and gives rise to cultures of superior purity compared to other commonly used isolation methods. The ICT method doubles up as a gentle passaging technique, allowing SC expansion over extended periods of time without compromising their proliferation and differentiation potential. Moreover, SCs isolated and expanded using the ICT method are capable of regenerating injured muscle in vivo. The ICT method involves minimal cell manipulation, does not require any expertise or expensive reagents, it is fast, and highly reproducible, and greatly reduces the number of animals or human biopsies required in order to obtain sufficient number of SCs. The cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and technical simplicity of this method, as well as its remarkable efficiency, will no doubt accelerate SC basic and translational research bringing their therapeutic use closer to the clinic.
Neddylation regulation of mitochondrial structure and functions
Authors: Zhou Qiyin , Zheng Yawen , Sun Yi
Published: March 2021

Mitochondria are the powerhouse of a cell. The structure and function of mitochondria are precisely regulated by multiple signaling pathways. Neddylation, a post-translational modification, plays a crucial role in various cellular processes including cellular metabolism via modulating the activity, function and subcellular localization of its substrates. Recently, accumulated data demonstrated that neddylation is involved in regulation of morphology, trafficking and function of mitochondria. Mechanistic elucidation of how mitochondria is modulated by neddylation would further our understanding of mitochondrial regulation to a new level. In this review, we first briefly introduce mitochondria, then neddylation cascade, and known protein substrates subjected to neddylation modification. Next, we summarize current available data of how neddylation enzymes, its substrates (including cullins/Cullin-RING E3 ligases and non-cullins) and its inhibitor MLN4924 regulate the structure and function of mitochondria. Finally, we propose the future perspectives on this emerging and exciting field of mitochondrial research.
Stakeholder analysis of childhood obesity prevention policies in Iran
Authors: Taghizadeh Shahnaz , Zarnag Rahim Khodayari , Farhangi Mahdieh Abbasalizad
Published: March 2021

Background

Childhood obesity is one of the most serious health challenges and risk factors for various diseases. International health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), recommend more stakeholder engagement to discuss this health problem. Therefore, this study aims to identify and analyze the stakeholders of childhood obesity prevention (COP) policy making process in Iran.

Methods

In this study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 Iranian stakeholders in the field of COP from February 2019 to May 2020. PolicyMaker V.4 and MAXQDA V.10 software were used for the analysis of stakeholders.

Results

Out of 24 interviewed stakeholders, 17 were active and seven were inactive. The most powerful and supportive stakeholders were the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME) and the national and regional Offices of Community Nutrition Improvement. Although stakeholders like the Ministry of Sports and Youth, the municipalities, the Secretariat of the Health and Food Safety, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), and Student Organization were among powerful bodies, they showed the least support for COP policies. The remaining stakeholders showed medium or low support and power in the policy making process.

Conclusions

Disconnect between stakeholders, less attention to prevention strategies, and high advertising of unhealthy foods were among the main challenges facing the COP policies in Iran and worldwide. Insufficient financial resources, little attention to the young people under 18, non-aligned policies of the Student Organization and the IRIB, and insufficient support of COP policies were among the key challenges to be handled.
Incidence of and improvement in inappropriate parental behaviors of mothers with young children: a retrospective cohort study conducted in collaboration with a local government
Authors: Arai Takehiro , Goto Aya , Komatsu Mitsuko , Yasumura Seiji
Published: March 2021

Background

Inappropriate parental behaviors of mothers toward young children require further study; few epidemiological studies have utilized longitudinal analysis of region-based cohorts. This study examined the frequency of incidence of and improvements in inappropriate parental behaviors of mothers with young children and related factors.

Methods

Among the mothers who underwent a checkup in Fukushima City in 2017, 586 mothers with data from 4-, 18-, and 42-month-old checkups were included in analysis. In this retrospective cohort study, an anonymous database was created by transcribing and matching health checkup records with questionnaires stored at the city health center. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis, using the SPSS Ver.20.0.

Results

In 28.5% of mothers, inappropriate parental behaviors were not reported in the 18-month-old data but were reported in the 42-month-old data. In 3.8%, inappropriate parental behaviors were reported in the 18-month-old data but were not reported in the 42-month-old data. The most common inappropriate parental behavior reported was “yelling at the child using emotional words” (18-month-old data, 16.2%; 42-month-old data, 39.5%). Mothers with financial difficulties were 2.19 times (95%CI: 1.13–4.26) more likely to begin inappropriate parental behaviors between 18 and 42 months. Improvements in parental behaviors were significantly higher in mothers under 30 years old (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

It is necessary to identify mothers with financial difficulties early and to examine how to provide childcare and financial support from a local government at the time of child health checkup.
COVID-19 case management strategies: what are the options for Africa?
Authors: Waya Joy Luba Lomole , Ameh David , Mogga Joseph Lou K. , Wamala Joseph F. , Olu Olushayo Oluseun
Published: March 2021

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has put a strain on health systems globally. Although Africa is the least affected region to date, it has the weakest health systems and an exponential rise in cases as has been observed in other regions, is bound to overwhelm its health systems. Early detection and isolation of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases are pivotal to the prevention and control of the pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all laboratory-confirmed cases should be isolated and treated in a health care facility; however, where this is not possible due to the health system capacity, patients can be isolated in re-purposed facilities or at home. An already very apparent future challenge for Africa is facility-based isolation of COVID-19 cases, given the already limited health infrastructure and health workforce, and the risk of nosocomial transmission. Use of repurposed facilities requires additional resources, including health workers. Home isolation, on the other hand, would be a challenge given the poor housing, overcrowding, inadequate access to water and sanitation, and stigma related to infectious disease that is prevalent in many African societies. Conflict settings on the continent pose an additional challenge to the prevention and control of COVID-19 with the resultant population displacements in overcrowded camps where access to social services is limited. These unique cultural, social, economic and developmental differences on the continent, call for a tailored approach to COVID-19 case management strategies. This article proposes three broad case management strategies based on the transmission scenarios defined by WHO, and the criteria and package of care for each option, for consideration by policy makers and governments in African countries. Moving forward, African countries should generate local evidence to guide the development of realistic home-grown strategies, protocol and equipment for the management of COVID-19 cases on the continent "Image missing".
Migrating curlews on schedule: departure and arrival patterns of a long-distance migrant depend on time and breeding location rather than on wind conditions
Authors: Schwemmer Philipp , Mercker Moritz , Vanselow Klaus Heinrich , Bocher Pierrick , Garthe Stefan
Published: March 2021

Background

Departure decisions in long-distance migratory bird species may depend on favourable weather conditions and beneficial resources at the destination location, overarched by genetic triggers. However, few studies have tried to validate the significance of these three concepts simultaneously, and long-term, high-resolution tagging datasets recording individual movements across consecutive years are scarce. We used such a dataset to explore intraspecific and intra-individual variabilities in departure and arrival decisions from/to wintering grounds in relation to these three different concepts in bird migration.

Methods

We equipped 23 curlews (Numenius arquata) wintering in the Wadden Sea with Global Positioning System data loggers to record their spatio-temporal patterns of departure from and arrival at their wintering site, and the first part of their spring migration. We obtained data for 42 migrations over 6 years, with 12 individuals performing repeat migrations in consecutive years. Day of year of departure and arrival was related to 38 meteorological and bird-related predictors using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) to identify drivers of departure and arrival decisions.

Results

Curlews migrated almost exclusively to Arctic and sub-Arctic Russia for breeding. They left their wintering site mainly during the evening from mid- to late April and returned between the end of June and mid-July. There was no difference in departure times between the sexes. Weather parameters did not impact departure decisions; if departure days coincided with headwind conditions, the birds accounted for this by flying at higher altitudes of up to several kilometres. Curlews breeding further away in areas with late snowmelt departed later. Departures dates varied by only < 4 days in individual curlews tagged over consecutive years.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the trigger for migration in this long-distance migrant is largely independent of weather conditions but is subject to resource availability in breeding areas. The high intra-individual repeatability of departure days among subsequent years and the lack of relationship to weather parameters suggest the importance of genetic triggers in prompting the start of migration. Further insights into the timing of migration in immatures and closely related birds might help to further unravel the genetic mechanisms triggering migration patterns.
Readability and quality assessment of internet-based patient education materials related to nasal septoplasty
Authors: Grose Elysia M. , Holmes Connor P. , Aravinthan Kaishan A. , Wu Vincent , Lee John M.
Published: March 2021

Background

Given that nasal septoplasty is a common procedure in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery, the objective of this study was to evaluate the quality and readability of online patient education materials on septoplasty.

Methods

A Google search was performed using eight different search terms related to septoplasty. Six different tools were used to assess the readability of included patient education materials. These included the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Flesch Reading Ease, Gunning-Fog Index, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook Index, Coleman-Liau Index, and Automated Readability Index. The DISCERN tool was used to assess quality and reliability.

Results

Eighty-five online patient education materials were included. The average Flesch-Reading Ease score for all patient education materials was 54.9 ± 11.5, indicating they were fairly difficult to read. The average reading grade level was 10.5 ± 2.0, which is higher than the recommended reading level for patient education materials. The mean DISCERN score was 42.9 ± 10.5 and 42% (36/85) of articles had DISCERN scores less than 39, corresponding to poor or very poor quality.

Conclusion

The majority of online patient education materials on septoplasty are written above the recommended reading levels and have significant deficiencies in terms of their quality and reliability. Clinicians and patients should be aware of the shortcomings of these resources and consider the impact they may have on patients’ decision making.
Rapid changes in mucociliary transport in the tracheal epithelium caused by unconditioned room air or nebulized hypertonic saline and mannitol are not determined by frequency of beating cilia
Authors: Kelly Susyn Joan , Martinsen Paul , Tatkov Stanislav
Published: March 2021

Background

Inspired air is heated and humidified in the nose before it reaches lower airways. This mechanism is bypassed during tracheostomy, directly exposing the airways to colder and drier air from the environment, known to negatively affect mucociliary transport; however, little is known about how quickly mucociliary transport deteriorates. This study determines the short-term effect of flowing room air and nebulized hypertonic saline and mannitol on mucociliary transport in the trachea. In an ovine perfused in vitro tracheal model (N = 9) the epithelium was exposed to 25 L/min of flow, heated to lamb body temperature (38 °C) and fully saturated with water vapor as the control, followed by either room air (22 °C and 50% relative humidity) or nebulized solutions of NaCl 7% and mannitol 20% up to 1 min for a short duration, until mucociliary transport had visually changed. Mucus transport velocity (MTV) and cilia beat frequency (CBF) were continuously measured with video-microscopy.

Results

Exposing the tracheal epithelium to air heated to body temperature and fully humidified had stable MTV 9.5 ± 1.1 mm/min and CBF 13.4 ± 0.6 Hz. When exposed to flow of room air, MTV slowed down to 0.1 ± 0.1 mm/min in 2.0 ± 0.4 s followed by a decrease in CBF to 6.7 ± 1.9 Hz, after 2.3 ± 0.8 s. Both MTV and CBF recovered to their initial state when heated and humidified air-flow was re-introduced. Exposing the tracheal epithelium to nebulized hypertonic saline and nebulized mannitol for 1 min increased MTV without a subsequent increase in CBF.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates mucociliary transport can deteriorate within seconds of exposing the tracheal epithelium to flowing room air and increase rapidly when exposed to nebulized hypertonic solutions. The reduction in MTV precedes slowing of CBF with room air and MTV increases without a subsequent increase in CBF during the nebulization. Their relationship is non-linear and a minimum CBF of approximately 6 Hz is required for MTV > 0, while MTV can reach 10.9 mm/min without CBF increasing. Clinically these findings indicate a potential rapid detrimental effect of breathing with non-humidified air via bypassed upper airways and the short-term effects of nebulized osmotic agents that increase MTV.
Safety and cost-effectiveness of single-use endolaser probe reprocessing in vitreoretinal surgery
Authors: Zacharias Leandro Cabral , da Silva Conci Lívia , Megnis Bianca Partezani , Falabretti Janaina Guerra , dos Santos Rodrigues Neto Taurino , da Silva Neto Epitácio Dias , Preti Rony Carlos , Cunha Leonardo Proveti , Monteiro Mário Luiz Ribeiro
Published: March 2021

Background

Endolaser probes have been designed and sold for single-use only. However, in Brazil, they are not included in the list of single-use medical products that are prohibited from being reprocessed and could potentially be reused if safety requirements are accomplished. Therefore, this study aimed to determine and compare the quality, safety and costs of reprocessed versus original single-use endolaser probes of a specific brand and model.

Methods

The study, conducted at a university hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was divided in two phases. The first one tested the feasibility, sterility and physical integrity of ten reprocessed laser probes. In the second phase, all vitrectomy procedures using endolaser probes (reprocessed and original ones) from August 2017 to October 2019 were evaluated. The operated cases were followed for any signs of infection and number of defective probes for each group were counted. The cost of acquiring a new probe and for all reprocessing stages were evaluated and quantified in US dollars($).

Results

Microbiologic, residual ethilen oxide and microscopic evaluation of integrity of reprocessed laser probes were all within acceptable range. The second phase of this study included 590 endolaser probes, of which 375 were original and 215 were reprocessed. Functionality rates differed significantly between groups. Among the original probes, 373 (99.47%) were functioning and 2 (0.53%) were non-functioning. Among the reprocessed ones, 201 (93.5%) were functioning and 14 (6.5%) were non-functioning (p < .001). The average cost of one reprocessing was $3.00, and the average cost of an original probe was $150.00. Considering the loss rates, potential savings were $147.60 for each once-reprocessed probe. The frequency of infectious endophthalmitis was null in both groups.

Conclusions

Our study showed that a single cycle endolaser probe reprocessing was safe and efficient, not associated with increase in endophthalmitis rate and proved to be significantly cost-effective, even considering a greater malfunction rate when compared to the original devices.
Entomopathogenic fungi as a promising biological control agent against banana fruit scarring beetle, Basilepta subcostata (Jac.) (Chrysomelidae: Coleoptera)
Authors: Viswakethu Velavan , Balakrishanan Padmanaban , Murugan Loganathan , Narayana swamy Baskar , Subbaraya Uma
Published: March 2021

Background

Banana fruit scarring beetle (BFSB), Basilepta subcostata (Jac.) (Chrysomelidae:Coleoptera), is an important insect pest feeds on leaf and fingers, which affects the cosmetic value of the fruit. The pest is distributed in Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and North-eastern Hill regions of India.

Results

The pest is currently managed by foliar spray with insecticides. In order to identify eco-friendly control of the pest, attempts were made to isolate microbial agent and evaluate their potential to control the pest. A total of 27 entomopathogenic fugal isolates were obtained from Odoiporus longicollis (Oliver), Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar), Basilepta subcostata (Jac), and other insect Galleria mellonella (Fabr). Based on colony morphology, the collected fungal isolates were identified as Metarhizium spp. (17) and Beauveria spp. (10). Through ITS sequencing, the fungal isolates were further characterized at species level as B. bassiana (8), B. brongniartii (2), M. anisopliae (8), M. robertsii (6), M. guizhouense (2), and M. pinghaense (1). Their sequences were submitted in GenBank and obtained accession numbers. Among 27 isolates tested against B. subcostata under laboratory conditions, 3 isolates (M. anisopliae NRCBEPF-36, M. pinghaense NRCBEPF-7 and B. brongniartii NRCBEPF-27) recorded 100% beetle mortality, followed by 11 isolates with 95–99% and 13 isolates with 88–93% within 8 days of treatment.

Conclusion

This study highlights the two native North East India isolates B. brongniartii NRCBEPF-27 (MT151781) and M. anisopliae NRCBEPF-36 (MT140308) showed the significance to use as potential biocontrol agents against banana fruit scarring beetle B. subcostata. Further experiments under field conditions are required to evaluate their biological control efficacy against the pest.
Mathematical modelling of the COVID-19 pandemic with demographic effects
Authors: Kamara Abdul A. , Mouanguissa Lagès N. , Barasa Godfrey Okumu
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a latent infection susceptible–exposed–infectious–recovered model with demographic effects is used to understand the dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemics. We calculate the basic reproduction number ($${R}_{0}$$

R
0

) by solving the differential equations of the model and also using next-generation matrix method. We also prove the global stability of the model using the Lyapunov method. We showed that when the $${R}_{0}<1$$

R
0

<
1

or $${R}_{0}\le 1$$

R
0

≤
1

and $${R}_{0}>1$$

R
0

>
1

or $${R}_{0}\ge 1$$

R
0

≥
1

the disease-free and endemic equilibria asymptotic stability exist theoretically. We provide numerical simulations to demonstrate the detrimental impact of the direct and latent infections for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Role of adding T2 mapping sequence to the routine MR imaging protocol in the assessment of articular knee cartilage in osteoarthritis
Authors: Alsayyad Muhammad Atif Ibrahim , Ali Shehata Khaled A. , Khattab Rasha Tolba
Published: March 2021

Background

This work aims at elucidating the role of adding complementary T2 mapping to the routine 1.5 Tesla MRI protocol in the articular knee cartilage assessment for early detection of osteoarthritis, and also, comparing the articular cartilage thickness and T2 relaxation times between the case and control groups regarding knee compartments affection.

Results

Both sensitivities and specificities were 73.3% and 100%, respectively, for the standard MR protocol alone and 96.7% and 90% after adding the T2 mapping to the standard MR protocol that leads to significant sensitivity improvement. A comparison between patients and controls as regards T2 values showed a highly statistically significant difference (independent T test, p <0.001).

Conclusion

A combination of both morphological and T2 mapping MRI, together with clinical evaluation represents a desirable multimodal approach to the diagnosis of osteoarthritis. In the early detection of osteoarthritis, adding T2 mapping sequence to the standard MR protocol at 1.5 Tesla improved sensitivity from 73.3 to 96.7%.
COVID-19 versus H1N1: challenges in radiological diagnosis—comparative study on 130 patients using chest HRCT
Authors: Samir Ahmed , Naguib Nagy N. N. , Elnekeidy Abdelaziz , Baess Ayman Ibrahim , Shawky Amal
Published: March 2021

Background

During the current second wave of COVID-19, the radiologists are expected to face great challenges in differentiation between COVID-19 and other virulent influenza viruses, mainly H1N1. Accordingly, this study was performed in order to find any differentiating CT criteria that would help during the expected clinical overlap during the current Influenza season.

Results

This study was retrospectively conducted during the period from June till November 2020, on acute symptomatic 130 patients with no history of previous pulmonary diseases; 65 patients had positive PCR for COVID-19 including 50 mild patients and 15 critical or severe patients; meanwhile, the other 65 patients had positive PCR for H1N1 including 50 mild patients and 15 critical or severe patients. They included 74 males and 56 females (56.9%:43.1%). Their age ranged 14–90 years (mean age 38.9 ± 20.3 SD). HRCT findings were analyzed by four expert consultant radiologists in consensus. All patients with COVID-19 showed parenchymal or alveolar HRCT findings; only one of them had associated airway involvement. Among the 65 patients with H1N1; 56 patients (86.2%) had parenchymal or alveolar HRCT findings while six patients (9.2%) presented only by HRCT signs of airway involvement and three patients (4.6%) had mixed parenchymal and airway involvement. Regarding HRCT findings of airway involvement (namely tree in bud nodules, air trapping, bronchial wall thickening, traction bronchiectasis, and mucous plugging), all showed significant p value (ranging from 0.008 to 0.04). On the other hand, HRCT findings of parenchymal or alveolar involvement (mainly ground glass opacities) showed no significant relation.

Conclusion

HRCT can help in differentiation between non-severe COVID-19 and H1N1 based on signs of airway involvement.
COVID-19 pandemic: the implications of the natural history, challenges of diagnosis and management for care in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Omo-Aghoja Lawrence , Moke Emuesiri Goodies , Anachuna Kenneth Kelechi , Omogbiya Adrian Itivere , Umukoro Emuesiri Kohworho , Toloyai Pere-Ebi Yabrade , Daubry Tarela Melish Elias , Eduviere Anthony Taghogho
Published: March 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a severe acute respiratory infection which has afflicted virtually almost all nations of the earth. It is highly transmissible and represents one of the most serious pandemics in recent times, with the capacity to overwhelm any healthcare system and cause morbidity and fatality.

Main content

The diagnosis of this disease is daunting and challenging as it is dependent on emerging clinical symptomatology that continues to increase and change very rapidly. The definitive test is the very expensive and scarce polymerase chain reaction (PCR) viral identification technique. The management has remained largely supportive and empirical, as there are no officially approved therapeutic agents, vaccines or antiviral medications for the management of the disease. Severe cases often require intensive care facilities and personnel. Yet there is paucity of facilities including the personnel required for diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It is against this backdrop that a review of key published reports on the pandemic in SSA and globally is made, as understanding the natural history of a disease and the documented responses to diagnosis and management is usually a key public health strategy for designing and improving as appropriate, relevant interventions. Lead findings were that responses by most nations of SSA were adhoc, paucity of public health awareness strategies and absence of legislations that would help enforce preventive measures, as well as limited facilities (including personal protective equipment) and institutional capacities to deliver needed interventions.

Conclusion

COVID-19 is real and has overwhelmed global health care system especially low-income countries of the sub-Sahara such as Nigeria. Suggestions for improvement of healthcare policies and programs to contain the current pandemic and to respond more optimally in case of future pandemics are made herein.
Reducing Morning Hypoglycemia Among Children Undergoing Treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Mohamed Ashraf , Bolen Christine , Morgan Jennifer , Rice Patricia Ann , Speas Meredith , Abdelmonem Ahmed , Russo Carolyn
Published: March 2021

PURPOSE:

Hypoglycemia has been observed in children receiving acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) therapy, and it can negatively affect patient outcomes. We documented a 4%-6% prevalence of hypoglycemia among patients in the two clinics in this study. We aim to reduce morning hypoglycemia in children on chemotherapy for ALL at two community pediatric oncology clinics (A and B) by 50% in 9 months.

METHODS:

We used the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Model for Improvement as the framework. Prolonged hours of fasting for procedural sedation, gaps in the caregivers' knowledge of hypoglycemia risk, and a lack of awareness of the new mercaptopurine administration guidelines were the most likely contributing factors for hypoglycemia. We developed a hypoglycemia prevention educational program for staff and caregivers followed by a knowledge assessment tool.

RESULTS:

Each month, the average number of patients seen in both clinics was 43. The monthly average of blood glucose tests in these patients was 94. After implementing the intervention, the percentage of caregivers who received hypoglycemia education reached 88%. Of those, 78% scored ≥ 75% in the knowledge reassessment resurvey. The combined average hypoglycemic episodes in the two clinics decreased by 46%. A higher reduction in hypoglycemic episodes was observed in clinic A (75%) compared with clinic B (17%).

CONCLUSION:

Implementing hypoglycemia education led to a significant drop in hypoglycemic episodes among children on ALL therapy. Despite using a similar approach, one of the two clinics showed a more than fourfold improvement compared with the other.
Management of Severe Graves’ Hyperthyroidism in Pregnancy Following Immune Reconstitution Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Hammerstad Sara Salehi , Celius Elisabeth G , Husby Henrik , Sørensen Ingvild M , Norheim Ingrid E
Published: March 2021

Context

Alemtuzumab (ALZ), a CD52 monoclonal antibody, is highly efficacious in multiple sclerosis; however, side effects are common. Autoimmune thyroid disease (Graves’ disease and Hashimoto thyroiditis) is a well-known complication of ALZ. Treatment of ALZ-induced Graves’ disease can be challenging, and even more difficult during pregnancy.

Case description

We present a case of severe ALZ-induced Graves’ disease with a rapid increase in thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAb 240 IU/L) and thyrotoxicosis in early pregnancy. Treatment with high doses of antithyroid medication was needed. There was high risk of both fetal and neonatal thyrotoxicosis. Serial fetal sonography showed normal development. The newborn baby presented high levels of TRAb (240 IU/L) and developed neonatal thyrotoxicosis on day 8. Adequate monitoring, treatment, and follow-up of the newborn baby ensured normal thyroid function until disappearance of TRAb 6 weeks after birth.

Conclusion

Multiple sclerosis patients treated with ALZ may develop severe Graves’ disease with an increased risk of both fetal and neonatal thyrotoxicosis. Close follow-up with a multidisciplinary approach is needed to ensure a healthy outcome.
A Model-Invariant Theory of Causation
Authors: Dmitri Gallow J.
Published: March 2021

This article provides a theory of causation in the causal modeling framework. In contrast to most of its predecessors, this theory is model-invariant in the following sense: if the theory says that C caused (didn’t cause) E in a causal model, M, then it will continue to say that that C caused (didn’t cause) E once one has removed an inessential variable from M. The article suggests that, if this theory is true, then one should understand a cause as something which transmits deviant or noninertial behavior to its effect.
Earning to Give
Authors: Malabou Catherine
Published: March 2021

This essay confronts Peter Singer’s vision of the gift with Jacques Derrida’s by examining the claims of “effective altruism,” a movement of which Singer is the most prominent representative. While Derrida argues that giving for the sake of giving is impossible to the extent that the circle of reciprocity can never be transgressed, Singer affirms the existence of nonreciprocal altruism. By “earning to give,” that is, giving as much as we can to strangers, we can do the most possible good and thus contradict economic capitalistic expansion. To what extent is this affirmation convincing? To what extent does it allow for a way out from the aporia of the gift described by Derrida?
The Debt Narrative and the Credit Crunch of Democracy
Authors: Bouju Emmanuel
Published: March 2021

This paper argues that the “debt narrative,” quite like the Rosetta Stone, is a historical, symbolic, and aesthetic way for us to decipher the interfaces between the three languages of economy, politics, and ethics. Debt narrative is not a simple figure of speech, literature, or thought; it acts, powerfully, in the real world. As in Europe today, the pressure of debts is related to a lack of credit for democracy and the future. Among the many examples of this relationship, the paper highlights Resistance Is Useless (Resistere non serve a niente), a novel by Walter Siti.
Narrative and Strategy in Sovereign Debt
Authors: Lienau Odette
Published: March 2021

This essay argues that issues of sovereign state debt repayment and collection—too often assumed to be free of the contingency and elasticity of narrative—are deeply shaped by historically grounded discourses of sovereignty that delineate boundaries between the public and private arenas. Conventional understandings of international finance fail to address the complexities of who should repay sovereign state debt and whose assets should be collected in the event of nonpayment. For answers to these inquiries, the narrative of debt needs to be understood as embedded within narratives of sovereignty, which construct and shape who holds ultimate authority within a given territory.
Observations of the Exercise-Induced Interarm Blood Pressure Difference
Authors: Walsh Maureen A. , Clarke Melanie M. , Allen Sarah R. , Holmstrup Michael E. , Lin Yen-Kuang , Jensen Brock T.
Published: March 2021

Blood pressure (BP) is used to aid in appropriate clinical decision making and monitor safe exercise participation. A large interarm difference (IAD) in systolic BP (≥10 mm Hg between arms; IAD+) at rest is associated with premature morbidity and mortality. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise is known to influence IAD.

Purpose

The aims of the present study were to examine the relationship between resting IAD and exercise IAD (eIAD), and to characterize eIAD during a prolonged steady-state bout of aerobic exercise in IAD− (<10 mm Hg between arms at rest) and IAD+ individuals.

Methods

Sixty-two participants were studied on two separate occasions. On the initial visit, anthropometric measures and a V˙O2peak test were completed. On the subsequent visit, participants cycled at 50% V˙O2peak for 30 min. Heart rate and sequential bilateral BP were measured at rest; at 5, 10, 20, and 30 min of exercise; and during active recovery. Descriptive statistics are reported as mean and SEM. The value of eIAD in predicting IAD was determined using multiple linear regression analysis. Absolute values and the percent (%) change in eIAD, systolic BP (right and left arms), and heart rate during exercise were examined between both IAD− and IAD+ individuals using a repeated-measures ANOVA.

Results

The incidence of IAD+ at rest was 19%. Twenty-five percent of the variation in resting IAD was predicted by eIAD (P < 0.05). There were significantly different absolute and relative eIAD, and SBP responses to exercise between IAD+ and IAD−.

Conclusion

There is a relationship between eIAD and resting IAD that warrants further attention. The eIAD response is inherently different between IAD− and IAD+ individuals. It may be important to measure BP bilaterally during aerobic exercise.
Abnormal Exercise Test or CVD History on Weight Loss or Fitness: The Look AHEAD Trial
Authors: Jakicic John M. , Horton Edward S. , Curtis Jeffrey M. , Killean Tina M. , Bray George A. , Cheskin Lawrence J. , Johnson Karen C. , Middelbeek Roeland J. W. , Pi-Sunyer F. Xavier , Regensteiner Judith G. , Ribisl Paul M. , Wagenknecht Lynne , Espeland Mark A. ,   the Look AHEAD Research Group
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and the combination of weight loss and increased physical exercise are commonly recommended to reduce CVD. This study examined whether people with obesity and type 2 diabetes with an abnormal graded exercise tolerance test (GXT) or a history of CVD would have less success in achieving weight loss and improved fitness compared with adults without these conditions.

Methods

The Look AHEAD Study examined whether an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) compared with diabetes support and education (DSE) reduced cardiovascular events in adults with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes. Participants underwent a baseline maximal GXT and provided medical history data. Weight loss and fitness change were examined in 5011 participants over 4 yr in those with or without an abnormal baseline GXT and/or history of CVD.

Results

After 4 yr, weight loss in both ILI and DSE were significantly greater in those without a history of CVD than in those with a CVD history (6.69% vs 5.98%, P = 0.02, in ILI and 0.73 vs −0.07% (weight gain), P = 0.01, in DSE). Likewise, those without a history of CVD experienced greater improvements in fitness in both ILI and DSE relative to those with a history of CVD. Having an abnormal GXT at baseline did not affect weight loss or fitness.

Conclusions

A history of CVD at baseline modestly lessened weight loss and fitness changes at 4 yr, whereas having any abnormality on the baseline GXT did not affect these outcomes. Thus, weight loss and improved fitness are achievable in adults with a history of CVD or ECG abnormalities.
Observations of a Commercial Weight Loss Program on Physical Function and Selected CVD Risk Factors
Authors: Rogers Renee J. , Kovacs Sara J. , Collins Katherine A. , Raybuck Shawn , Collins Audrey M. , Marcin Marissa L. , Foster Gary D. , Jakicic John M.
Published: March 2021

Commercial programs are effective for reducing body weight and cardiometabolic risk factors. However, there are limited data on the additional health benefits that may result from weight loss achieved through a commercial program. This study reports on observations from a commercial weight loss program on physical function and selective cardiovascular disease risk factors in adults with obesity. Three hundred adults with obesity (age, 47.3 ± 12.6 yr; body mass index, 33.2 ± 4.4 kg·m−2) participated in a 6-month commercial weight loss program (WW, formerly Weight Watchers). Measures included weight, height, body mass index, waist circumference, physical function using the 6-min walk test and the sit and reach test, resting blood pressure, and resting heart rate. There was significant weight loss of 4.2 ± 3.7 kg (4.7% ± 4.1%) and 4.9 ± 5.7 kg (5.5% ± 6.2%) at 3 and 6 months, respectively (P < 0.001). Sit and reach, walking distance during the 6-min walk, and gait speed significantly improved across the 6-month intervention (P < 0.001). In addition, there were significant decreases in resting blood pressure and heart rate. A commercial weight loss program results in improvements in measures of physical function and selective cardiovascular disease risk factors. These findings support the potential of commercial programs to affect health-related measures in adults with obesity.
Exercise Is Medicine® on Campus during COVID-19: Necessary Adaptations and Continuing Importance
Authors: Stanford Kathleen , Pomeroy Alexander , Bates Lauren C. , Tamminga Kyle , Chai Thevy , Moore Justin B. , Brookey Lindsay , Stoner Lee
Published: March 2021

Exercise Is Medicine® on Campus (EIM-OC), created by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), is an initiative connecting college medical providers to exercise providers to better promote physical activity (PA) among students. At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), PA has been incorporated as a vital sign within the campus health medical system, in which the provider assesses the patient’s current PA. If needed, the provider refers the patient to the UNC EIM-OC team. The UNC EIM-OC initiative began in fall 2016, but it was not until spring 2020 that a fully operational system was in place, and UNC EIM-OC was awarded “gold status” by the ACSM. However, just as the system was running smoothly, the COVID-19 pandemic spread to the United States. COVID-19 and its associated social distancing restrictions have led to many changes in the EIM-OC process. With respect to EIM-OC, this commentary reports on (i) the continuing importance of the initiative during COVID-19, (ii) COVID-related adaptations to UNC EIM-OC, and (iii) recommendations for the upcoming school year.
Alleviative effects of Faradarmani Consciousness Field on Triticum aestivum L. under salinity stress
Authors: Torabi Sara , Taheri Mohammad Ali , Semsarha Farid
Published: March 2021

Background: The Faradarmani Consciousness Field was founded by Mohammad Ali Taheri. It is a novel field and is described similarly to the field of gravity, or the electromagnetic field. This field is neither matter nor energy, and therefore does not possess a quantity. Even though there is no direct scientific evidence for the Consciousness Field, it is possible to investigate its effects on objects through controlled experiments. The aim of the present work was to study the alleviative effects of the Faradarmani Consciousness Field on common wheat Triticum aestivum L. var Star under salt stress.

Methods: Plants were grown under 0 mM NaCl (control) and 150 mM NaCl with or without the influence of Faradarmani Consciousness Field for 3 weeks. Chlorophyll, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) content and activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD),polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and peroxidase (POX) were measured in all groups of plants.

Results: In the salt-treated plants under the influence of the Faradarmani Consciousness Field, the contents of total chlorophyll, as well as a and b chlorophyll forms, were elevated compared with the salt-treated plants without Faradarmani CF (34.8%, 17.8%, and 169% respectively). Additionally, Faradarmani increased H2O2 (57%) and the activity of SOD and PPO by 220% and 168%, respectively, under salinity compared with the salt-treated plants without Faradarmani CF. MDA content and activity of peroxidase were decreased by 12.5% and 34%, respectively.

Conclusion: These results suggest the Faradarmani Consciousness Field as a qualitative intervention strategy to withstand salt stress in plants, by increasing the contents of chlorophyll, antioxidant enzyme activities, and decreasing MDA content under salinity.
Expression of TNF, IL1B, and NOS2 in the neural cell after induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis with and without coating antibody anti-Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Bachtiar Endang Winiati , Putri Citra F. , Soejoedono Retno D. , Bachtiar Boy M.
Published: March 2021

Porphyromonas gingivalis has virulence factors such as gingipain and lipopolysaccharide, causing bacteremia to reach the brain and activate neuroinflammatory release cytokines. This study analyzed the effect of the co-culture of neuron cells with P. gingivalis coated with anti-P. gingivalis antibodies against cytokines produced by neuron cells. The gene expressions of the TNF, IL1B, NOS2 in neurons was evaluated using RT-qPCR. The results showed that P. gingivalis coated with anti-P. gingivalis antibody before co-culture with neuron cells could decrease the gene expression of TNF, IL1B, and NOS2 of neuron cells.
Influence of surface peripheral electrical stimulation on nerve regeneration after digital nerve neurorrhaphy: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Mattos Enilton , Guedes Alex , Lessa Paulo Itamar Ferraz , Baptista Abrahão Fontes
Published: March 2021

We will study the influence of low intensity and frequency surface peripheral electrical stimulation (PES) on nerve regeneration of digital nerve injuries of the hand after its surgical repair in humans. Participants will be patients with acute traumatic peripheral nerve injury referred to the Hand Surgery Service of the General Hospital of the State of Bahia, a reference service in the state. These patients will undergo surgery followed by PES in the immediate postoperative period. After hospital discharge, they will be followed up on an outpatient basis by researchers, who will remotely supervise a physiotherapy program. Our hypothesis is that PES will positively influence the recovery of sensory function in patients undergoing neurorrhaphy of digital nerves of the hand.

ReBEC registration: U1111-1259-1998 (12/18/2020)
Polymorphisms of the genes ABCG2, SLC22A12 and XDH and their relation with hyperuricemia and hypercholesterolemia in Mexican young adults
Authors: Vargas-Morales Juan Manuel , Guevara-Cruz Martha , Aradillas-García Celia , G. Noriega Lilia , Tovar Armando , Alegría-Torres Jorge Alejandro
Published: March 2021

Background: Hyperuricemia is a pathological condition associated with risk factors of cardiovascular disease. In this study, three genetic polymorphisms were genotyped as

predisposing factors of hyperuricemia.

Methods: A total of 860 Mexicans between 18 and 25 years of age were genotyped for the ABCG2 (rs2231142), SLC22A12 (rs476037), and XDH (rs1042039) polymorphisms, as predisposing factors of hyperuricemia. Biochemical parameters were measured by spectrophotometry, while genetic polymorphisms were analyzed by real-time PCR. An analysis of the risk of hyperuricemia in relation to the variables studied was carried out using a logistic regression.

Results: Male sex, being overweight or obese, having hypercholesterolemia or having hypertriglyceridemia were factors associated with hyperuricemia (p ≤ 0.05). The ABCG2 polymorphism was associated with hyperuricemia (OR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.41-4.17, p = 0.001) and hypercholesterolemia (OR = 4.89, 95% CI: 1.54-15.48, p = 0.003), employing a dominant model, but only in male participants.

Conclusions: The ABCG2 (rs2231142) polymorphism increases the risk of hyperuricemia and hypercholesterolemia in young Mexican males.
Pharmacological treatment of a depressive episode and recurrent depressive disorder – guidelines of the Polish Psychiatric Association and the National Consultant for Adult Psychiatry
Authors: Samochowiec Jerzy , Dudek Dominika , Kucharska Mazur Jolanta , Murawiec Sławomir , Rymaszewska Joanna , Cubała Wiesław , Heitzman Janusz , Szulc Agata , Bała Małgorzata , Gałecki Piotr
Published: March 2021

Pod egidą Polskiego Towarzystwa Psychiatrycznego i Konsultanta Krajowego ds. Psychiatrii, na podstawie analizy światowych wytycznych, grupa ekspertów złożona z psychiatrów oraz epidemiologa (który nadzorował poprawność metodologii), opracowała zalecenia dotyczące leczenia epizodu depresyjnego oraz zaburzeń depresyjnych nawracających. W zaleceniach uwzględniono informacje, jakie powinien otrzymać pacjent przed rozpoczęciem leczenia, kryteria doboru metody leczenia i wyboru leku przeciwdepresyjnego, sposoby oceny skuteczności leczenia, monitorowanie leczenia oraz zalecenia odnośnie czasu kontynuacji leczenia.
Formułując zalecenia eksperci przeanalizowali źródłowe dane pod kątem możliwości ich zastosowania w Polsce. Uwzględniono aktualne zalecenia towarzystw naukowych i analizę piśmiennictwa dotyczące leczenia epizodów depresji i zaburzeń depresyjnych nawracających z podziałem na leczenie epizodów ostrych i leczenie podtrzymujące oraz zalecenia dotyczące sposobu tworzenia wytycznych. Wzięto także pod uwagę wytyczne stworzone przy współpracy Naczelnej Izby Lekarskiej i Polskiego Towarzystwa Psychiatrycznego pt: "Diagnostyka i leczenie depresji u dorosłych – wytyczne dla lekarzy rodzinnych" oraz zalecenia Konsultanta Krajowego ds. Psychiatrii Dorosłych. Rekomendacje zostały przedyskutowane przez ekspertów i zaakceptowane przez Zarząd Główny Polskiego Towarzystwa Psychiatrycznego i po uwzględnieniu zgłoszonych uwag – przyjęte jako stanowisko Towarzystwa z zaleceniem ich stosowania w leczeniu osób chorych na depresję w Polsce.
Facticidad, afectividad e intencionalidad: la hipótesis hermenéutica del «Nuevo Heidegger».
Authors: Garcés Ferrer Rocío
Published: March 2021

El objetivo de este artículo es presentar una interpretación hermenéutica de la afectividad en el contexto de la transformación hermenéutica de la fenomenología llevada a cabo por el joven Heidegger. Esta hipótesis surge de una confrontación previa con la interpretación que la corriente conocida como “New Husserl” hace de la auto-afección en la fenomenología genética. Además, dicha contraposición se realiza sobre el trasfondo del debate en torno a la naturalización de la fenomenología y del cambio paradigmático introducido por las ciencias afectivas en el corazón de las ciencias cognitivas.