bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A rare case presentation: pregnancy and gastric carcinoma
Authors: Yildiz Mustafa , Akgun Yesim , Ozer Hale , Mihmanli Veli
Published: February 2020

Background

Gastrointestinal system (GIS) malignancy with pregnancy is a very rare condition and is not common outside Japan. The incidence is between 0.025–0.1% for each pregnancy. GIS malignancies are diagnosed late in pregnancy and detected at an advanced stage. The most common cause of this condition is that the symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite and abdominal growth are mistaken with pregnancy and malignancy is overlooked. Especially in the second trimester, symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, weight loss, melena, hematemesis and deep anemia should suggest malignancy. Upper GIS endoscopy and colonoscopy are the recommended screening methods in these patients, especially in the third trimester.

Case presentation

We present a rare case presenting to our emergency room with the complaint of bloody vomiting, at the 36th week of gestation with a live singleton pregnancy, and receiving the diagnosis of undifferentiated gastric carcinoma from the biopsy taken from the ulcerated lesion on the stomach cardia, with upper GIS endoscopy performed due to deep anemia, who underwent simultaneous cesarean section and subtotal gastrectomy.

Conclusion

Gastrointestinal system (GIS) malignancy with pregnancy is a very rare condition, but it should be considered when symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, weight loss, melena, hematemesis and deep anemia occur, especially in the second trimester, and endoscopic screening should be recommended. Because of the delay in diagnosis of malignancy and the detection in advanced stages, patients should be referred for treatment without delay.
In depth analysis of the association of FTO SNP (rs9939609) with the expression of classical phenotype of PCOS: a Sri Lankan study
Authors: Branavan Umayal , Wijesundera Sulochana , Chandrasekaran Vishvanath , Arambepola Carukshi , Wijeyaratne Chandrika
Published: February 2020

Background

PCOS is a common disorder of women due to genetic, endocrine and environmental effects that manifests from puberty. The rs9939609 variant of fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene is linked to metabolic derangement in PCOS. We previously identified FTO (rs9939609) as a susceptibility locus for PCOS among Sri Lankan women and also explored the role of kisspeptin. Associated factors of the FTO candidate gene among South Asians with PCOS are unknown.

Methods

This study aimed to determine the association between FTO (rs9939609) polymorphism with clinical (BMI, acanthosis nigricans, hirsutism) and biochemical (serum kisspeptin and testosterone levels) characteristics of PCOS in a cohort of Sri Lankan women. Genetic and clinical data including serum kisspeptin and testosterone concentrations of our previously reported cases (n = 55) and controls (n = 110) were re-analyzed, specifically for an association with rs9939609 variant of FTO gene.

Results

Logistic regression analysis (AA – OR = 5.7, 95% CI = 2.41–13.63, p < 0.05) and genetic inheritance analysis (AA – OR = 5.49, 95%CI = 2.34–12.88, p < 0.05) showed that FTO (rs9939609) polymorphism is significantly associated with PCOS and its metabolic manifestations. Serum testosterone was significantly higher in affected women with mutant genotypes (AA+AT) than with the normal allele (TT) (p < 0.05). Although serum kisspeptin was higher in subjects with PCOS and mutant alleles than controls, this difference was not significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

FTO gene variant rs9939609 is associated with hyperandrogenemia and metabolic manifestations of PCOS among women of Sri Lankan descent with the well-characterized phenotype. Serum kisspeptin and the FTO genotypes lack a significant association when adjusted for confounders.
Serum magnesium, mortality and disease progression in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Azem Rami , Daou Remy , Bassil Elias , Anvari Eva Maria , Taliercio Jonathan J. , Arrigain Susana , Schold Jesse D. , Vachharajani Tushar , Nally Joseph , Na khoul Georges N.
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Magnesium disorders are commonly encountered in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and are typically a consequence of decreased kidney function or frequently prescribed medications such as diuretics and proton pump inhibitors. While hypomagnesemia has been linked with increased mortality, the association between elevated magnesium levels and mortality is not clearly defined. Additionally, associations between magnesium disorders, type of death, and CKD progression have not been reported. Therefore, we studied the associations between magnesium levels, CKD progression, mortality, and cause specific deaths in patients with CKD.

Methods

Using the Cleveland Clinic CKD registry, we identified 10,568 patients with estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) between 15 and 59 ml/min/1.73 m2 in this range for a minimum of 3 months with a measured magnesium level. We categorized subjects into 3 groups based on these magnesium levels (≤ 1.7, 1.7–2.6 and > 2.6 mg/dl) and applied cox regression modeling and competing risk models to identify associations with overall and cause-specific mortality. We also evaluated the association between magnesium level and slope of eGFR using mixed models.

Results

During a median follow-up of 3.7 years, 4656 (44%) patients died. After adjusting for relevant covariates, a magnesium level < 1.7 mg/dl (vs. 1.7–2.6 mg/dl) was associated with higher overall mortality (HR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.24), and with higher sub-distribution hazards for non-cardiovascular non-malignancy mortality (HR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.49). Magnesium levels > 2.6 mg/dl (vs. 1.7–2.6 mg/dl) was associated with a higher risk of all-cause death only (HR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.48). We found similar results when evaluating magnesium as a continuous measure. There were no significant differences in the slope of eGFR across all three magnesium groups (p = 0.10).

Conclusions

In patients with CKD stage 3 and 4, hypomagnesemia was associated with higher all-cause and non-cardiovascular non-malignancy mortality. Hypermagnesemia was associated with higher all-cause mortality. Neither hypo nor hypermagnesemia were associated with an increased risk of CKD progression.
Does the multiple sclerosis (MS) map need to change again? An update of MS prevalence in Mazandaran province of Iran in 2018
Authors: Baghbanian Seyed Mohammad , Cheraghmakani Hamed , HabibiSaravi Reza , Azar Arash , Ghasemihamedani Fariba
Published: February 2020

Background

Information of Previous studies on the prevalence of MS, including our study conducted 12 years ago, used to shape global prevalence map of MS. According to those results, Iran placed in medium-prevalence MS region in the world Atlas of MS 2013.This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of MS in Mazandaran province after 12 years and the need for possible changes in the global map of the prevalence of MS.

Methods

We included all MS patients living in Mazandaran province in 2018 in this descriptive cross-sectional study. We updated our pre-existing registration questionnaires which included demographic information and medical data of MS patients by interview. We obtained the demographic profile of Mazandaran province from the most recent census in 2016 and the National Civil Registry of the Mazandaran province for calculating prevalence of MS.

Results

The total number of MS patients in Mazandaran was 2418 (25.8% male and 74.2% female) with a female to male ratio of 2.9. Based on the local population of 3,332,556, (50.4% male and 49.6% female), this study showed a prevalence of 72.5 per 100,000 for MS in this region. The prevalence of this disease by gender was 37.1 per 100,000 for men and 108.5 per 100,000 for women. The mean (SD) age of the patients at the time of the study was 38.5 (10.1) years with a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 75 years. The most common type of MS was Relapsing-Remitting MS with 86%.

Conclusions

All recent studies showed significant upward trend in the prevalence of MS around the world. Based on the results of our study and many other studies in Iran, the Atlas of MS prevalence map needs to be update. Iran’s status should be changed to the high-prevalence of MS in the new Atlas. Due to the increasing prevalence of MS, we suggest an adjustment in the Global MS Prevalence Scale.
Potential biomarkers of ductal carcinoma in situ progression
Authors: Dettogni Raquel Spinassé , Stur Elaine , Laus Ana Carolina , da Costa Vieira René Aloísio , Marques Márcia Maria Chiquitelli , Santana Iara Viana Vidigal , Pulido José Zago , Ribeiro Laura Fregonassi , de Jesus Parmanhani Narelle , Agostini Lidiane Pignaton , dos Reis Raquel Silva , de Vargas Wolfgramm dos Santos Eldamária , Alves Lyvia Neves Rebello , Garcia Fernanda Mariano , Santos Jéssica Aflávio , do Prado Ventorim Diego , Reis Rui Manuel , Louro Iúri Drumond
Published: February 2020

Background

Ductal carcinoma in situ is a non-obligate precursor of invasive breast carcinoma and presents a potential risk of over or undertreatment. Finding molecular biomarkers of disease progression could allow for more adequate patient treatment. We aimed to identify potential biomarkers that can predict invasiveness risk.

Methods

In this epithelial cell-based study archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks from six patients diagnosed with invasive lesions (pure invasive ductal carcinoma), six with in-situ lesions (pure ductal carcinoma in situ), six with synchronous lesions (invasive ductal carcinoma with an in-situ component) and three non-neoplastic breast epithelium tissues were analyzed by gene expression profiling of 770 genes, using the nCounter® PanCancer Pathways panel of NanoString Technologies.

Results

The results showed that in comparison with non-neoplastic tissue the pure ductal carcinoma in situ was one with the most altered gene expression profile. Comparing pure ductal carcinoma in situ and in-situ component six differentially expressed genes were found, three of them (FGF2, GAS1, and SFRP1), play a role in cell invasiveness. Importantly, these genes were also differentially expressed between invasive and noninvasive groups and were negatively regulated in later stages of carcinogenesis.

Conclusions

We propose these three genes (FGF2, GAS1, and SFRP1) as potential biomarkers of ductal carcinoma in situ progression, suggesting that their downregulation may be involved in the transition of stationary to migrating invasive epithelial cells.
A tool to assess alignment between knowledge and action for health equity
Authors: Plamondon Katrina Marie
Published: February 2020

Advancing health equity is a central goal and ethical imperative in public and global health. Though the commitment to health equity in these fields and among the health professions is clear, alignment between good equity intentions and action remains a challenge. This work regularly encounters the same power structures that are known to cause health inequities. Despite consensus about causes, health inequities persist—illustrating an uncomfortable paradox: good intentions and good evidence do not necessarily lead to meaningful action. This article describes a theoretically informed, reflective tool for assessing alignment between knowledge and action for health equity. It is grounded in an assumption thatprogressively more productive actiontoward health inequities is justified and desired and an explicit acceptance of the evidence about the socioeconomic, political, and power-related root causes of health inequities. Intentionally simple, the tool presents six possible actions that describe ways in which health equity workcouldrespond to causes of health inequities: discredit, distract, disregard, acknowledge, illuminate, or disrupt. The tool can be used to assess or inform any kind of health equity work, in different settings and at different levels of intervention. It is a practical resource against which practice, policy, or research can be held to account, encouraging steps toward equity- and evidence-informed action. It is meant to complement other tools and training resources to build capacity for allyship, de- colonization, and cultural safety in the field of health equity, ultimately contributing to growing awareness ofhowto advance meaningful health equity action.
Personal and social patterns predict influenza vaccination decision
Authors: Shaham Adir , Chodick Gabriel , Shalev Varda , Yamin Dan
Published: February 2020

Background

Seasonal influenza vaccination coverage remains suboptimal in most developed countries, despite longstanding recommendations of public health organizations. The individual’s decision regarding vaccination is located at the core of non-adherence. We analyzed large-scale data to identify personal and social behavioral patterns for influenza vaccination uptake, and develop a model to predict vaccination decision of individuals in an upcoming influenza season.

Methods

We analyzed primary data from the electronic medical records of a retrospective cohort of 250,000 individuals between the years 2007 and 2017, collected from 137 clinics. Individuals were randomly sampled from the database of Maccabi Healthcare Services. Maccabi’s clients are representative of the Israeli population, reflect all demographic, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups and levels. We used several machine-learning models to predict whether a patient would get vaccinated in the future. Models’ performance was evaluated based on the area under the ROC curve.

Results

The vaccination decision of an individual can be explained in two dimensions, Personal and social. The personal dimension is strongly shaped by a “default” behavior, such as vaccination timing in previous seasons and general health consumption, but can also be affected by temporal factors such as respiratory illness in the prior year.

In the social dimension, a patient is more likely to become vaccinated in a given season if at least one member of his family also became vaccinated in the same season. Vaccination uptake was highly assertive with age, socioeconomic score, and geographic location. An XGBoost-based predictive model achieved an ROC-AUC score of 0.91 with accuracy and recall rates of 90% on the test set. Prediction relied mainly on the patient’s individual and household vaccination status in the past, age, number of encounters with the healthcare system, number of prescribed medications, and indicators of chronic illnesses.

Conclusions

Our ability to make an excellent prediction of the patient’s decision sets a major step toward personalized influenza vaccination campaigns, and will help shape the next generation of targeted vaccination efforts.
Association between serum zinc and copper concentrations and copper/zinc ratio with the prevalence of knee chondrocalcinosis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: He Hongyi , Wang Yilun , Yang Zidan , Ding Xiang , Yang Tuo , Lei Guanghua , Li Hui , Xie Dongxing
Published: February 2020

Background

Patients with chondrocalcinosis may suffer from a series of symptoms resembling acute gouty arthritis or septic arthritis, but the aetiology and pathogenesis of chondrocalcinosis have not been fully elucidated yet. This study was aimed to assess serum zinc and copper concentrations, as well as the ratio of serum copper to zinc concentrations (Cu/Zn ratio), in relation to the prevalence of knee chondrocalcinosis.

Methods

Data included in this analysis were retrieved from a large population-based cross-sectional study. A bilateral knee anteroposterior radiograph was obtained from each subject. Radiographic knee chondrocalcinosis was diagnosed if definite linear cartilage calcification was detected. Serum zinc and copper concentrations were measured using the spectrophotometric flow injection methods by Roche modular P800. The relations of serum zinc and copper concentrations and Cu/Zn ratio to the prevalence of knee chondrocalcinosis were examined using generalized estimating equations, respectively.

Results

The prevalence of knee chondrocalcinosis was 1.2% in the sample of this study (n = 12,362). In comparison with the lowest tertile, the odds ratios (ORs) of knee chondrocalcinosis adjusted by age, sex and body mass index were 0.74 (95% CI 0.50–1.09) in the second and 0.56 (95% CI 0.36–0.86) in the third tertiles of serum zinc concentrations (P for trend = 0.009), were 1.26 (95% CI 0.77–2.05) in the second and 2.01 (95% CI 1.25–3.24) in the third tertile of serum copper concentrations (P for trend = 0.003), and were 1.02 (95% CI 0.61–1.69) in the second and 2.23 (95% CI 1.38–3.59) in the third tertile of Cu/Zn ratio (P for trend < 0.001) respectively. These findings were not materially altered by adjustment for potential confounders.

Conclusions

The present study observed that higher serum zinc concentrations, lower serum copper concentrations or lower Cu/Zn ratio are associated with a lower prevalence of knee chondrocalcinosis in a dose-response relationship manner.
Dual contraception method utilization and associated factors among sexually active women on antiretroviral therapy in Gondar City, northwest, Ethiopia: a cross sectional study
Authors: Abay Fewuze , Yeshita Hedija Yenus , Mekonnen Fantahun Ayenew , Sisay Mekonnen
Published: February 2020

Background

Mother to child transmission is responsible for 90% of child infection with human immune deficiency virus (HIV). Dual contraceptive use is one of the best actions to prevent mother’s human immune deficiency virus transmission to her child and partner. This study aimed at assessing the prevalence and factors associated with dual contraceptive use among sexually active women on antiretroviral therapy in Gondar City, northwest, Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution based cross sectional study was conducted in Gondar City public health facilities from December 1 to 31, 2018. Systematic random sampling technique was utilized to include 563 study participants. Data were collected by interview using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was made to compute mean, median and proportion. Finally, multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify the factors associated with dual contraceptive method utilization. Analysis was performed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.

Results

The overall prevalence of dual contraceptive method utilization among sexually active women on antiretroviral therapy was 28.8% (95% CI: 24.9, 32.7). Women aged 35–49 years (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 6.99; 95% CI: 3.11, 15.71)), who lived in urban areas (AOR: 4.81; 95% CI: 2.04, 11.31), attended secondary and above education (AOR: 4.43; 95% CI: 1.92, 10.22), and disclosed HIV status to sexual partners (AOR: 9.84; 95% CI: 3.48, 27.81) were more likely to use dual contraceptive method.

Conclusion

In this study, the proportion of women who utilized dual contraceptive method was low. Age, place of residence, educational status and disclosure of HIV status were factors associated with dual contraceptive use. Therefore, providing education about the advantages of disclosing HIV status to sexual partners and strengthening of counseling about the advantages of dual contraceptive use will be helpful in enhancing the use of dual contraceptive method among sexually active women on antiretroviral therapy.
Potentially avoidable Inter-Facility transfer from Veterans Health Administration emergency departments: A cohort study
Authors: Mohr Nicholas M. , Wu Chaorong , Ward Michael J. , McNaughton Candace D. , Richardson Kelly , Kaboli Peter J.
Published: February 2020

Background

Inter-facility transfer is an important strategy for improving access to specialized health services, but transfers are complicated by over-triage, under-triage, travel burdens, and costs. The purpose of this study is to describe ED-based inter-facility transfer practices within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and to estimate the proportion of potentially avoidable transfers.

Methods

This observational cohort study included all patients treated in VHA EDs between 2012 and 2014 who were transferred to another VHA hospital. Potentially avoidable transfers were defined as patients who were either discharged from the receiving ED or admitted to the receiving hospital for ≤1 day without having an invasive procedure performed. We conducted facility- and diagnosis-level analyses to identify subgroups of patients for whom potentially avoidable transfers had increased prevalence.

Results

Of 6,173,189 ED visits during the 3-year study period, 18,852 (0.3%) were transferred from one VHA ED to another VHA facility. Rural residents were transferred three times as often as urban residents (0.6% vs. 0.2%, p < 0.001), and 22.8% of all VHA-to-VHA transfers were potentially avoidable transfers. The 3 disease categories most commonly associated with inter-facility transfer were mental health (34%), cardiac (12%), and digestive diagnoses (9%).

Conclusions

VHA inter-facility transfer is commonly performed for mental health and cardiac evaluation, particularly for patients in rural settings. The proportion that are potentially avoidable is small. Future work should focus on improving capabilities to provide specialty evaluation locally for these conditions, possibly using telehealth solutions.
The wild species genome ancestry of domestic chickens
Authors: Lawal Raman Akinyanju , Martin Simon H. , Vanmechelen Koen , Vereijken Addie , Silva Pradeepa , Al-Atiyat Raed Mahmoud , Aljumaah Riyadh Salah , Mwacharo Joram M. , Wu Dong-Dong , Zhang Ya-Ping , Hocking Paul M. , Smith Jacqueline , Wragg David , Hanotte Olivier
Published: February 2020

Background

Hybridisation and introgression play key roles in the evolutionary history of animal species. They are commonly observed within several orders in wild birds. The domestic chickenGallus gallus domesticusis the most common livestock species. More than 65 billion chickens are raised annually to produce meat and 80 million metric tons of egg for global human consumption by the commercial sector. Unravelling the origin of its genetic diversity has major application for sustainable breeding improvement programmes.

Results

In this study, we report genome-wide analyses for signatures of introgression between indigenous domestic village chicken and the four wildGallusspecies. We first assess the genome-wide phylogeny and divergence time across the genusGallus. Genome-wide sequence divergence analysis supports a sister relationship between the Grey junglefowlG. sonneratiiand Ceylon junglefowlG. lafayettii. Both species form a clade that is sister to the Red junglefowlG. gallus, with the Green junglefowlG. variusthe most ancient lineage within the genus. We reveal extensive bidirectional introgression between the Grey junglefowl and the domestic chicken and to a much lesser extent with the Ceylon junglefowl. We identify a single case of Green junglefowl introgression. These introgressed regions include genes with biological functions related to development and immune system.

Conclusions

Our study shows that while the Red junglefowl is the main ancestral species, introgressive hybridisation episodes have impacted the genome and contributed to the diversity of the domestic chicken, although likely at different levels across its geographic range.
Age-related changes in T lymphocytes of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Jeske S. S. , Schuler P. J. , Doescher J. , Theodoraki M. N. , Laban S. , Brunner C. , Hoffmann T. K. , Wigand M. C.
Published: February 2020

Introduction

The number of aging cancer patients has increased continuously and will do so further in the future. The immune system of elderly people experiences critical changes over the time. Therefore, tumor-induced changes in the immune system are believed to differ in young and elderly cancer patients as well.

Methods

The effect of aging on the immune system was measured in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of healthy volunteers (n = 48, 21–84 yrs.) divided into three different age groups. Seventy years was set as a cut-off for defining subjects as elderly. Results were compared to two groups of adult cancer patients, which donated PBL and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL): young cancer patients (40–69 yrs.; blood:n = 13; TIL:n = 17) and elderly cancer patients (70–90 yrs.; blood:n = 20; TIL:n = 15) with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Frequencies and phenotypes of CD4+and CD8+T cells as well as regulatory T cells (Treg) were assessed by flow cytometry.

Results

We observed lower frequencies of CD8+cytotoxic T cells during aging in both groups. Frequencies of tumor infiltrating regulatory T cells were significantly higher than in the peripheral blood but showed a significant decline in older tumor patients. With increasing age, expression of immunosuppressive CD73 and CCR7 was lower and expression of PD1 elevated on peripheral T cells in healthy volunteers and tumor patients.

Conclusion

Immunosenescence takes place in healthy donors and cancer patients. Our results suggest that in elderly tumor patients, the immune system is impaired and the tumor-induced immune escape is less pronounced. The increased expression of PD1 implies the potential for effective immunotherapies in elderly, as treatment with checkpoint inhibitors could be more beneficial for elderly HNSCC patients.
Proteomic analysis of synaptic protein turnover in the anterior cingulate cortex after nerve injury
Authors: Ko Hyoung-Gon , Park Dong Ik , Lee Ji Hyun , Turck Christoph W. , Kaang Bong-Kiun
Published: February 2020

Synaptic proteins play an important role for the regulation of synaptic plasticity. Numerous studies have identified and revealed individual synaptic protein functions using protein overexpression or deletion. In neuropathic pain nociceptive stimuli conveyed from the periphery repetitively stimulate neurons in the central nerve system, brain and spinal cord. Neuronal activities change the turnover (synthesis and degradation) rate of synaptic proteins. Thus, the analysis of synaptic protein turnover rather than just expression level change is critical for studying the role of synaptic proteins in synaptic plasticity. Here, we analyzed synaptosomal proteome in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) to identify protein turnover rate changes caused by peripheral nerve injury. Whereas PKCγ levels were not altered, we found that the protein’s turnover rate decreased after peripheral nerve injury. Our results suggest that postsynaptic PKCγ synthesized by neuronal activities in the ACC is translocated to the postsynaptic membrane with an extended half-life.
Neurotoxicity by mercury is not associated with autism spectrum disorders in Spanish children
Authors: Gil-Hernández Fernando , Gómez-Fernández Antonio R. , la Torre-Aguilar María Josede , Pérez-Navero Juan L. , Flores-Rojas Katherine , Martín-Borreguero Pilar , Gil-Campos Mercedes
Published: February 2020

Background

The pathophysiological etiologies related with the development of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) remain controversial. Different authors have studied neurotoxins such as mercury (Hg) and their relationship with ADS. The objective of this study was to assess the levels of Hg in hair in a group of ASD children (chronic exposure) and in urinary excretion (acute exposure), in comparison to a healthy group.

Methods

A case-control study was conducted in Spanish children. We compared 54 ASD children (aged 2–6) with no other associated pathology to a normally-developing control group (54 subjects).

Results

There were no differences in urine (p:0.631) and hair (p:1.000) samples percentages below the limits of detection between the control and the ASD groups, and also between patients in the regression ASD subgroup (AMR) (p:0.08) and the non-regression ASD subgroup (ANMR) (p:0.705). When the analysis was adjusted for age and sex, the differences between Hg levels maintained not significant. There were no correlations between Hg concentrations in the ASD group as a whole (p: 0.739), or when they were subdivided into ASD-AMR (p: 0.739) and ASD-ANMR (p: 0.363).

Conclusions

The present study shows no evidence in our geographical area to support an association between mercury neurotoxicity and the etiopathogenesis of ASD.
A set of serum markers detecting systemic inflammation in psoriatic skin, entheseal, and joint disease in the absence of C-reactive protein and its link to clinical disease manifestations
Authors: Sokolova Maria V. , Simon David , Nas Kemal , Zaiss Mario M. , Luo Yubin , Zhao Yi , Rech Jürgen , Schett Georg
Published: February 2020

Background

C-reactive protein (CRP) is often normal in patients with psoriatic disease. Herein, we aimed to define markers of systemic inflammation in patients with monomorphic and polymorphic psoriatic skin, entheseal, and joint disease.

Methods

Three-step approach: (i) selection of serum markers elevated in psoriatic arthritis compared healthy controls from a panel of 10 different markers reflecting the pathophysiology of psoriatic disease; (ii) testing of these selected markers as well as C-reactive protein (CRP) in a larger cohort of 210 individuals- 105 healthy controls and 105 patients with psoriatic disease with either monomorphic skin (S), entheseal (E) or joint (A) involvement or polymorphic disease with various combinations of skin, entheseal and joint disease (SE, SA, EA, SEA); (iii) testing whether tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL)-17 inhibitor therapy normalizes these markers.

Results

CRP was not elevated or was rarely elevated in the subgroups (S 0%, E 0%, A 20%, SE 7%, SA 33%, EA 27%, SEA 33%) despite active psoriatic disease. In sharp contrast, beta-defensin 2 and lipocalin-2 levels were elevated in the majority of patients with monomorphic skin (93% and 73%) and entheseal (both 53%), but not joint disease (27% and 20%). Conversely, elevations of calprotectin and IL-8 were found in the majority of patients with monomorphic joint disease (both 73%). IL-22 was elevated in all three monomorphic disease manifestations (S 60%, E 46%; A 60%). Furthermore, the vast majority of patients with polymorphic psoriatic disease (SE, SA, EA, SEA) showed widespread marker elevation. IL-17- and TNF inhibitor treatment significantly lowered all 5 markers of inflammation in PsA patients.

Conclusions

Systemic inflammation is detectable in the majority of patients with psoriatic disease, even if CRP is normal. The respective marker pattern depends on the manifestation of psoriatic disease with respect to skin, entheseal, and joint involvement.
Reliability and correlation of mixture cell correction in methylomic and transcriptomic blood data
Authors: Chaumette Boris , Kebir Oussama , Dion Patrick A. , Rouleau Guy A. , Krebs Marie-Odile
Published: February 2020

Objectives

The number of DNA methylome and RNA transcriptome studies is growing, but investigators have to consider the cell type composition of tissues used. In blood samples, the data reflect the picture of a mixture of different cells. Specialized algorithms can address the cell-type heterogeneity issue. We tested if these corrections are correlated between two heterogeneous datasets.

Results

We used methylome and transcriptome datasets derived from a cohort of ten individuals whose blood was sampled at two different timepoints. We examined how the cell composition derived from these omics correlated with each other using “CIBERSORT” for the transcriptome and “estimateCellCounts function” in R for the methylome. The correlation coefficients between the two omic datasets ranged from 0.45 to 0.81 but correlations were minimal between two different timepoints. Our results suggest that a posteriori correction of a mixture of cells present in blood samples is reliable. Using an omic dataset to correct a second dataset for relative fractions of cells appears to be applicable, but only when the samples are simultaneously collected. This could be beneficial when there are difficulties to control the cell types in the second dataset, even when the sample size is limited.
Long-term exercise results in morphological and biomechanical changes in coronary resistance arterioles in male and female rats
Authors: Török Marianna , Monori-Kiss Anna , Pál Éva , Horváth Eszter , Jósvai Attila , Merkely Petra , Barta Bálint András , Mátyás Csaba , Oláh Attila , Radovits Tamás , Merkely Béla , Ács Nándor , Nádasy György László , Várbíró Szabolcs
Published: February 2020

Background

Biomechanical remodeling of coronary resistance arteries in physiological left ventricular hypertrophy has not yet been analyzed, and the possible sex differences are unknown.

Methods

Wistar rats were divided into four groups: male and female sedentary controls (MSe and FSe) and male and female animals undergoing a 12-week intensive swim training program (MEx and FEx). On the last day, the in vitro contractility, endothelium-dependent dilatation, and biomechanical properties of the intramural coronary resistance arteries were investigated by pressure microarteriography. Elastica and collagen remodeling were studied in histological sections.

Results

A similar outer radius and reduced inner radius resulted in an elevated wall to lumen ratio in the MEx and FEx animals compared to that in the sedentary controls. The wall elastic moduli increased in the MEx and FEx rats. Spontaneous and TxA2 agonist-induced tone was increased in the FEx animals, whereas endothelium-dependent relaxation became more effective in MEx rats. Arteries of FEx rats had stronger contraction, while arteries of MEx animals had improved dilation.

Conclusions

According to our results, the coronary arterioles adapted to an elevated load during long-term exercise, and this adaptation depended on sex. It is important to emphasize that in addition to differences, we also found many similarities between the sexes in the adaptive response to exercise. The observed sport adaptation in the coronary resistance arteries of rats may contribute to a better understanding of the physiological and pathological function of these arteries in active and retired athletes of different sexes.
Long noncoding RNA TANCR promotes γδ T cells activation by regulating TRAIL expression in cis
Authors: Yang Chuan , Feng Ting , Lin Fang , Gong Tinxiang , Yang Shuo , Tao Yuhong , Li Hong
Published: February 2020

Background

γδ T cells are an important subset of T lymphocytes that play important roles in innate and adaptive immunity via the secretion of various cytokines. Previous studies have found that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are critical regulators that contribute to the development of immune cells. However, the functions of lncRNAs in the γδ T cells remains poorly studied.

Results

Here, we identified the novel function of lncRNA NONHSAT196558.1 in isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP)-activated and -expanded γδ T cells using RNA-seq. As it functioned as an activating noncoding RNA of tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), an important cytotoxic cytokine that expressed by γδ T cells in responding to various infectious agents, we named this lncRNA as TANCR. Secondly, the expression of TANCR was found to be positively correlated with TRAIL expression in IPP activated γδ T cells. In addition, TANCR was confirmed to localized both in nucleus and cytoplasm. Finally, a loss-of-function was conducted by using siRNA/ASO or CRISPR/Cas9 system to knockdown or knockout TANCR, and confirmed that silencing of TANCR inhibits TRAIL expression in several kinds of cells, including HEK293T cells, Jurkat cells, and primary γδ T cells.

Conclusion

These evidences demonstrate that TANCR play important roles in γδ T cell activation. Furthermore, TANCR may be involved in the cytotoxicity of γδ T cells. This study aims to further our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying lncRNA-mediated immune responses.
Improved through-wall radar imaging using modified Green’s function-based multi-path exploitation method
Authors: Wu Shuangshuang , Zhou Huilin , Liu Song , Duan Rongxing
Published: February 2020

The existence of walls surrounding targets leads to multi-path return at the radar receiver, which provides additional information about the target, and thus can be exploited to strengthen the quality of through-wall radar imaging (TWRI). Based on this, a multi-path exploitation method is proposed to identify the location of the multi-path ghost. An algorithm that combining the modified Green’s function with back projection algorithm is presented to associate and map the multi-path ghosts to the location of real targets. The theoretical analysis is verified according to the simulation results obtained using gprMAX software as well as practical radar measured data, and our proposed method is shown to outperform that in conventional multi-path exploitation method (Setlur et al., IEEE Trans. Geosci. Remote Sens. 49:4021–4034, 2011).
Convergence of λ-Bernstein operators based on (p, q)-integers
Authors: Cai Qing-Bo , Cheng Wen-Tao
Published: February 2020

In the present paper, we construct a new class of positive linearλ-Bernstein operators based on (p,q)-integers. We obtain a Korovkin type approximation theorem, study the rate of convergence of these operators by using the conception ofK-functional and moduli of continuity, and also give a convergence theorem for the Lipschitz continuous functions.
Malaria epidemiology in Kobeni department, southeastern Mauritania from 2015 to 2017
Authors: Diallo Sileye Mamadou , Bogreau Hervé , Papa Mze Nasserdine , Ould Ahmedou Salem Mohamed Salem , Ould Khairy Mohamed Lemine , Parola Philippe , Basco Leonardo , Ould Mohamed Salem Boukhary Ali
Published: February 2020

Background

Plasmodium falciparum malaria is endemic in the southern sahelian zone of Mauritania where intense internal and trans-border human and livestock movement occurs. The risk of importation and spread of drug-resistant parasites need to be regularly assessed in this region. The objective of the study was to assess the recent malaria situation near the Mauritania-Mali border.

Methods

Between February 2015 and December 2017, patients with fever or history of fever during the previous 48 h, presenting at the health centre of Kobeni city, were screened for malaria using a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and microscopic examination of blood smears. The diagnosis was later confirmed by PCR. Cohen’s kappa statistics was used to estimate the degree of agreement between diagnostic methods. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare proportions. The odds ratio was calculated to measure the association between the use of bed nets and malaria infection.

Results

A total of 2326 febrile patients (mean age, 20.2 years) were screened for malaria. The presence of malaria parasites was detected by RDT and microscopy in 53.0% and 49.3% of febrile patients, respectively, and was confirmed by PCR in 59.7% (45 missing data). Of 1361 PCR-positive samples, 1205 (88.5%) were P. falciparum, 47 (3.5%) P. vivax, and 99 (7.3%) P. falciparum-P. vivax mixed infection. Malaria transmission occurred mostly during and shortly after the rainy season. The annual rainfall was relatively low in 2016 (267 mm) and 2017 (274 mm), compared to 2015 (448 mm), and coincided with a decline in malaria prevalence in 2016–2017. Although 71.8% of febrile patients reported to possess at least one bed net in the household in our questionnaire, its reported use was not protective against malaria infection (odds ratio: 1.1, 95% CI: 0.91–1.32).

Conclusions

Our study confirmed that P. falciparum is the dominant species in the sahelian zone and that malaria transmission is seasonal and associated with rainfall in this zone. The application of the current national policy based on rapid and reliable malaria diagnosis, case management with artemisinin-based combination therapy, intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women, distribution and use of long-lasting insecticide impregnated bed nets, and the planned introduction of seasonal malaria chemoprevention for all children under 6 years old is expected to sustainably reduce malaria transmission in this zone.
Ultrastructural changes during the symbiotic seed germination of Gastrodia elata with fungi, with emphasis on the fungal colonization region
Authors: Li Yuan-Yuan , Guo Shun-Xing , Lee Yung-I
Published: February 2020

Background

Gastrodia elatais a fully mycoheterotrophic orchid and has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. The life cycle ofG. elatarequires an association with two different fungi-Mycenafor seed germination andArmillariafor tuber growth. The association withArmillariais representative of the phytophagous type of orchid mycorrhiza: the intracellular hyphae are lysed without forming condensed pelotons. However, whether the association withMycenaduring seed germination belongs to the same type of orchid mycorrhiza is unknown.

Results

Histological and ultrastructural studies revealed several notable features in different developmental stages. First, a thickened cell wall with papillae-like structures appeared during fungal penetration in the suspensor end cell, epidermal cells and cortical cells of germinating embryos. In addition, the formation of two distinctive cell types in the colonized region of a protocorm (i.e., the passage canal cell filled with actively growing fungal hyphae) can be observed in the epidermal cell, and the distinctive digestion cell with a dense cytoplasm appears in the cortex. Finally, within the digestion cell, numerous electron-dense tubules form a radial system and attach to degrading fungal hyphae. The fungal hyphae appear to be digested through endocytosis.

Conclusions

The present study provides important structural evidence for the phytophagous type of orchid mycorrhiza in the symbiotic germination ofG. elatawithMycena. This case demonstrates a particular nutrient transfer network betweenG. elataand its litter-decaying fungal partner.
Immediate implant placement in molar extraction sites: a 1-year prospective case series pilot study
Authors: Meijer Henny J. A. , Raghoebar Gerry M.
Published: February 2020

Background

There is a growing tendency to place single tooth implants immediately after extracting a failing tooth in the posterior region. The aim of this prospective case series pilot study was to evaluate immediate implant placement in molar post-extraction sites during a 1-year follow-up period.

Materials and methods

Fifteen consecutive patients with a single failing molar in the maxilla or mandible, and presenting enough bone to expect primary implant stability and an implant site free of infection, were included. The implants, with a large thread depth and sharp thread edges, were placed in each patient according to a two-staged surgical procedure. Three months later, a full contour screw-retained zirconia restoration with an angulated screw channel abutment was provided. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed 1 month and 12 months after placing the restoration. In addition, the patients’ satisfaction with the restoration was scored after 12 months.

Results

Four out of 15 of the mobile implants had to be removed before the 1-year evaluation. The implant and restoration survival rates were 73.3% at the 1-year evaluation (n = 15). The mean marginal bone loss, from loading to the 12-month follow-up, was 0.17 mm (n = 11). The mean plaque, calculus, peri-implant mucosa, bleeding, and pocket probing depth scores were low, depicting healthy peri-implant conditions. The patients were very satisfied.

Conclusion

It was demonstrated, within the limitations of this study, that immediate placement of regular diameter implants in molar post-extraction sites in the maxilla and mandible resulted in a high implant failure rate during a 1-year follow-up period.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register, NL8117. Registered 24 October 2019 - Retrospectively registered, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/8117.
Probiotics and oxytocin nasal spray as neuro-social-behavioral interventions for patients with autism spectrum disorders: a pilot randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Kong Xue-Jun , Liu Jun , Li Jing , Kwong Kenneth , Koh Madelyn , Sukijthamapan Piyawat , Guo Jason J. , Sun Zhenyu Jim , Song Yiqing
Published: February 2020

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication. Oxytocin (OXT), as a neuropeptide, plays a role in emotional and social behaviors. Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) supplementation led to an OXT-dependent behavioral improvement in ASD mouse models. Despite some promising results from animal studies, little is known about the efficacy of supplementation with L. reuteri, alone or with exogenous OXT therapy, on social-behavioral functions in ASD patients. This paper presents a protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a full trial comparing oral supplementation of L. reuteri probiotics and intranasal OXT spray to placebo on the effect of social and behavioral functions in ASD patients. The study will also capture preliminary estimates of the efficacy of the proposed interventions in ASD patients.

Methods

This pilot trial is a two-staged, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Throughout the study (0–24 weeks), 60 patients with ASD will be randomly assigned to receive either oral L. reuteri probiotics or placebo. In the second study stage (13–24 weeks), all participants will receive intranasal OXT spray. As primary outcomes, serum OXT levels will be assayed and social behaviors will be assessed via the Autism Behavior Checklist and the Social Responsiveness Scale which are validated questionnaires, an objective emotional facial matching test, and a new video-based eye-tracking test. Secondary outcomes include the GI-severity-index and Bristol Stool Chart to assess GI function and gut microbiome/short-chain fatty acids. All the outcomes will be assessed at baseline and weeks 12 and 24.

Discussion

This pilot study will provide important information on the feasibility of recruitment, blinding and concealment, treatment administration, tolerability and adherence, specimen collection, outcome assessment, potential adverse effects, and the preliminary efficacy on both primary and secondary outcomes. If successful, this pilot study will inform a larger randomized controlled trial fully powered to examine the efficacies of oral L. reuteri probiotics and/or intranasal OXT spray on social-behavioral improvement in ASD patients.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03337035. Registered 8 November 2017.