bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic factors for the short-term mortality of patients with rheumatoid arthritis admitted to intensive care units
Authors: Fujiwara Toshifumi , Tokuda Kentaro , Momii Kenta , Shiomoto Kyohei , Tsushima Hidetoshi , Akasaki Yukio , Ikemura Satoshi , Fukushi Jun-ichi , Maki Jun , Kaku Noriyuki , Akahoshi Tomohiko , Taguchi Tomoaki , Nakashima Yasuharu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have high mortality risk and are frequently treated in intensive care units (ICUs).

Methods
This was a retrospective observational study. This study included 67 patients (20 males, 47 females) with RA who were admitted at the ICU of our institution for ≥48 h between January 2008 and December 2017. We analyzed the 30-day mortality of these patients and the investigated prognostic factors in RA patients admitted to our ICU.

Results
Upon admission, the median age was 70 (range, 33–96) years, and RA duration was 10 (range, 0–61) years. The 5-year survival after ICU admission was 47%, and 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year mortality rates were 22, 27, and 37%, respectively. The major reasons for ICU admission were cardiovascular complications (24%) and infection (40%) and the most common ICU treatments were mechanical ventilation (69%), renal replacement (25%), and vasopressor (78%). In the 30-day mortality group, infection led to a fatal outcome in most cases (67%), and nonsurvival was associated with a significantly higher glucocorticoid dose, updated Charlson’s comorbidity index (CCI), and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score. Laboratory data obtained at ICU admission showed that lower platelet number and total protein and higher creatinine and prothrombin time international normalized ratio (PT-INR) indicated significantly poorer prognosis. The multivariate Cox proportional hazard model revealed that nonuse of csDMARDs, high updated CCI, increased APACHE II score, and prolonged PT-INR were associated with a higher risk of mortality after ICU admission.

Conclusion
Our study demonstrated that the nonuse of csDMARDs, high updated CCI, elevated APACHE II score, and coagulation abnormalities predicted poorer prognosis in RA patients admitted to the ICU.
Embolization of the false lumen using IMPEDE-FX embolization plugs as part of treatment of an infrarenal post-dissection aneurysm: a case report
Authors: Jansen Anne-Jet S. , van Schaik Paul M. , Martens Jasper M. , Reijnen Michel M. P. J. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
This case report demonstrates the value of IMPEDE-FX plugs in an embolization procedure of a false lumen of an infrarenal post-dissection aneurysm.

Case presentation
A 69-year-old patient was treated with mitral valve replacement, complicated by a Stanford type-A dissection. After 9 years he presented with an enlarging infrarenal post-dissection aneurysm. The false lumen was embolized using multiple IMPEDE-FX plugs as part of the treatment in addition to embolization of the inferior mesenteric artery and overstenting of the re-entry in the right iliac artery. At 15 months the CTA showed a fully thrombosed false lumen and remodeling of the true lumen.

Conclusions
The false lumen of an infrarenal post-dissection aneurysm can successfully be embolized using IMPEDE-FX embolization plugs as part of the treatment strategy. Prospective trials on patients with non-thrombosed false lumina are indicated.
Usefulness of coil-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration II (CARTO-II) for the treatment of ascending colonic varix: a case report
Authors: Maeda Hiroyuki , Kageyama Ken , Yamamoto Akira , Jogo Atsushi , Sohgawa Etsuji , Matsushita Kazuki , Asano Kazuo , Yonezawa Hiroki , Nota Takehito , Murai Kazuki , Ogawa Satoyuki , Miki Yukio 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Colonic varices are rare among ectopic varices. A previous report demonstrated that once bleeding from colonic varices occurs, it can be fatal. Several treatments for colonic varices exist, including surgical, endoscopic, and endovascular treatments; however, management of colonic varices has not been standardized. For colonic varices, minimally invasive therapies would be desirable. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) is one of the treatment options for colonic varices to prevent their rupture. Two cases of successful conventional B-RTO for these varices have already been reported. However, B-RTO using coil-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration II (CARTO-II) procedure for these varices has not been reported.

Case presentation
A 71-year-old male patient had liver cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C virus infection. A varix was located at the ascending colon, which was coincidentally found on colonic endoscopy. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed that the feeder vein was the ileocolic vein and that the main draining vein was the right renal vein. Physicians concluded that treatment was required to avoid the risk of death from massive bleeding due to varix rupture. However, endoscopic and surgical treatments were difficult due to the anatomical location of the varix and the high risk of operative compilations, respectively. This ascending colonic varix was treated by balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) using coil-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration II (CARTO-II) procedure via the right renal vein. There were no complications during the procedure and no recurrences for 36 months during long-term follow-up.

Conclusions
CARTO-II can be one of the effective treatment techniques for ascending colonic varices.
Virucidal activity of silver nanoparticles against Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) in banana plants
Authors: Mahfouze Heba A. , El-Dougdoug Noha K. , Mahfouze Sherin A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundBanana bunchy top virus(BBTV) is a destructive viral disease in many countries including Egypt; it causes severe economic losses in banana crop. Recently, nanotechnology was used to generate resistance against plant viruses. The main purpose of this study was to use silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as antiviral agents against BBTV. In this research, three different concentrations of AgNPs (40, 50 and 60 ppm) were applied by foliar spray post-BBTV inoculation. In addition, photopigments, oxidative enzymes, proline and phenolic compounds were determined. Besides, Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers were used to evaluate the genotoxicity of AgNPs as antiviral factors against BBTV, compared with the control plants.ResultsIn the current study, it was observed that banana plants infected with BBTV and treated with 50 ppm AgNPs have not shown any external symptoms where the rate of infection was 36%. On the other hand, banana plants treated with 50 ppm AgNPs after viral infection gave a significant increase in dry weight and leaf area, compared with BBTV infected banana plants (viral control). Our study showed that 50 ppm AgNPs treatment post-virus inoculation induced non-significantly and significant changes in chlorophyll (a and b) and carotenoids, respectively, compared with healthy and nano-controls. In contrast, phenol, proline and oxidative enzymes were significantly increased in all plants treated with 50 ppm AgNPs post-virus inoculation, compared with the healthy control. Our findings observed that the banana plants sprayed with 50 ppm AgNPs after BBTV infection induced a few changes at the genomic DNA level in the banana plants, whereas both RAPD and SRAP markers scored nearly the same polymorphism 36.99 and 37.5%, respectively. So, genotoxicity induced by banana plants treated with 50 ppm AgNPs post-BBTV inoculation was low.ConclusionsIt is evident from the study results the role of AgNPs as a novel, safe and effective antiviral agent against BBTV. These results should be taken into consideration in future for the use of AgNPs for plant viruses management.
Heel pain in female patients with early knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Imam Mohamed Hassan , Korium Hamdy , Afifi Ahmed Hafez Ahmed , Abd El-Moniem Heba Alla Mohamed , Abdel-Fatah Yousra Hisham 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundMultiple lower limb joint involvement is one of the most common and debilitating musculoskeletal conditions, while the complaints from both heel and knee pain are considered the most frequent. For that reason, in this cross-sectional study, the association between heel pain (HP) and early knee osteoarthritis (EKOA) was investigated; the most painful site and side of HP, the prevalence, and risk factors for disabling HP in patients with EKOA were identified.ResultsBilateral HP (56%) and posterior HP (54%) were found to be the most prevalent complaints, and 66% of patients reported the HP to be non-disabling. There was a very high positive statistically significant correlation between the Manchester Foot Pain Disability Index (MFPDI) and both the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and the total Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) score (p≤ 0.001), while there was a high negative statistically significant correlation between MFPDI and quadriceps angle of the most affected knee (p= 0.002). A higher total WOMAC score (OR 1.077, 95% CI 1.014 to 1.145) significantly increases the risk of developing disabling HP, while wearing 2–3-cm heels during the past month was found to be protective against the development of disabling HP (odds ratio < 1).ConclusionDisabling HP was present in a third of patients with EKOA and HP, and it was associated with flat shoe wear as well as a high total WOMAC score. Also, it had a statistically significant correlation with varus knee mal-alignment. Furthermore, decreased functional ability in the presence of HP was found to lead to significant disability. Moreover, a striking finding in this study was the longer mean duration of HP compared to the duration of knee symptoms.
Autosomal Dominant Hypocalcemia With Atypical Urine Findings Accompanied by Novel CaSR Gene Mutation and VitD Deficiency
Authors: Tsuji Tomoya , Hiroyuki Ariyasu , Uraki Shinsuke , Doi Asako , Morita Shuhei , Iwakura Hiroshi , Nishi Masahiro , Furuta Hiroto , Akamizu Takashi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Autosomal dominant hypocalcemia (ADH) is caused by gain-of-function mutations of the calcium sensing receptor (CaSR). It is characterized by hypercalciuria in spite of hypocalcemia. Vitamin D deficiency increases calcium reabsorption in the distal tubules of the kidneys, resulting in hypocalciuria.

Materials and methods
A 38-year-old female proband had hypocalcemia, hypocalciuria, and vitamin D deficiency. Her father and brother also had hypocalcemia, but her mother was normocalcemic. We analyzed the CaSR gene abnormality in this family. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence analysis were performed to explore the CaSR gene mutation. Mutagenesis, transfection, and functional analysis were performed on the discovered genetic abnormalities.

Result
PCR and sequence analysis revealed that the proband, her father, and brother had a novel heterozygous mutation of the CaSR genes that causes threonine to asparagine substitution at codon 186 (T186N). Using HEK293 cells transfected with wild-type or T186N CaSR complementary DNA, we assessed the intracellular Ca2+ concentration in response to changes in the extracellular Ca2+ concentration. The cells transfected mutant CaSR gene had higher activity than that of wild-type. Therefore, we determined our patient had ADH with a novel mutation of the CaSR gene and hypocalciuria resulting from a vitamin D deficiency. We administered vitamin D to the proband, which caused elevation of her urinary calcium level, a typical finding of ADH.

Conclusion
Vitamin D deficiency was suggested to potentially mask hypercalciuria in ADH. Hypocalcemia with vitamin D deficiency should be diagnosed with care.
Kindlin-2 promotes rear focal adhesion disassembly and directional persistence during cell migration
Authors: Liu Jie , Liu Zhongzhen , Chen Keng , Chen Wei , Fang Xiyuan , Li Meng , Zhou Xuening , Ding Ning , Lei Huan , Guo Chen , Qian Tao , Wang Yilin , Liu Lin , Chen Yonglong , Zhao Hui , Sun Ying , Deng Yi , Wu Chuanyue 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
Cell migration involves front-to-rear asymmetric focal adhesion (FA) dynamics, which facilitates trailing edge detachment and directional persistence. Here, we show that kindlin-2 is crucial for FA sliding and disassembly in migrating cells. Loss of kindlin-2 markedly reduced FA number and selectively impaired rear FA sliding and disassembly, resulting in defective rear retraction and reduced directional persistence during cell migration. Kindlin-2-deficient cells failed to develop serum-induced actomyosin-dependent tension at FAs. At the molecular level, kindlin-2 directly interacted with myosin light chain kinase (MYLK, hereafter referred to as MLCK), which was enhanced in response to serum stimulation. Serum deprivation inhibited rear FA disassembly, which was released in response to serum stimulation. Overexpression of the MLCK-binding kindlin-2 F0F1 fragment (amino acid residues 1–167), which inhibits the interaction of endogenous kindlin-2 with MLCK, phenocopied kindlin-2 deficiency-induced migration defects. Inhibition of MLCK, like loss of kindlin-2, also impaired trailing-edge detachment, rear FA disassembly and directional persistence. These results suggest a role of kindlin-2 in promoting actomyosin contractility at FAs, leading to increased rear FA sliding and disassembly, and directional persistence during cell migration.
Gap junction internalization and processing in vivo: a 3D immuno-electron microscopy study
Authors: Norris Rachael P. , Terasaki Mark 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT
Gap junctions have well-established roles in cell–cell communication by way of forming permeable intercellular channels. Less is understood about their internalization, which forms double membrane vesicles containing cytosol and membranes from another cell called connexosomes or annular gap junctions. Here, we systematically investigated the fate of connexosomes in intact ovarian follicles. High-pressure frozen, serial-sectioned tissue was immunogold labeled for connexin 43 (Cx43, also known as GJA1). Within a volume corresponding to ∼35 cells, every labeled structure was categorized and had its surface area measured. Measurements support the concept that multiple connexosomes form from larger invaginated gap junctions. Subsequently, the inner and outer membranes separate, Cx43 immunogenicity is lost from the outer membrane, and the inner membrane appears to undergo fission. One pathway for processing involves lysosomes, based on localization of cathepsin B to some processed connexosomes. In summary, this study demonstrates new technology for high-resolution analyses of gap junction processing.
This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Binding Evaluation of Pradimicins for Oligomannose Motifs from Fungal Mannans
Authors: Nakagawa Yu , Yamaji Fumiya , Miyanishi Wataru , Ojika Makoto , Igarashi Yasuhiro , Ito Yukishige 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Pradimicins (PRMs) are a unique family of natural products that exhibit antifungal activity via binding to cell wall mannans of fungi. Although their mannan-targeted antifungal action has attracted considerable interest, there is still only limited knowledge as to how PRMs bind to mannans. In this study, we evaluated the relative binding affinity of PRMs for synthetic oligomannoses, which reflect the structural motifs characteristic of cell wall mannans from Candida albicans. Two complementary binding assays revealed a strong preference of PRMs for branched oligomannose motifs with multiple mannose residues at the non-reducing ends. In addition, oligomannose mimics, in which two mannoses are bridged by polyethylene glycol spacers, were found to behave similarly to two-branched oligomannoses in both assays. These results indicate that PRMs preferentially bind to highly branched regions of fungal mannans via the simultaneous recognition of multiple terminal mannose residues.
Cross-sectional study of Facebook addiction in a sample of Nepalese population
Authors: Atreya Alok , Nepal Samata , Thapa Prakash 
Published: December 2020

Background: Facebook addiction is said to occur when an individual spends an excessive amount of time on Facebook, disrupting one’s daily activities and social life. The present study aimed to find out the level of Facebook addiction in the Nepalese context and briefly discuss the issues associated with its unintended use. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine of Lumbini Medical College. The study instrument was the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale typed into a Google Form and sent randomly to Facebook contacts of the authors. The responses were downloaded in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16. Results: The study consisted of 103 Nepalese participants, of which 54 (52.42%) were males and 49 females (47.58%). There were 11 participants (10.68%) who had more than one Facebook account. It was observed that 8.73% (n=9) to 39.80% (n=41) were addicted to Facebook. Conclusion: When used properly Facebook has its own advantages. Excessive use is linked with health hazards including addiction and dependency. Students who engage more on Facebook may have less time studying, leading to poor academic performance. People need to be made aware of the issues associated with the misuse of Facebook.
Assessment of the performance of the Brazilian Portuguese Nottingham Health Profile in adult growth hormone deficiency and pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Heaney Alice , de Oliveira Rafael W. R. , Bizzi Mariana , Correa Ricardo Amorim , Corso Pereira Monica , Simao Mol Suelem , Santana Soares Beatriz , McKenna Stephen P. , Ribeiro-Oliveira Jr Antonio ,   Study Investigators
Published: December 2020

Background: The Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) is a generic measure of perceived distress that has been used widely as an outcome measure in clinical practice and trials. The availability of two Brazilian datasets provided the opportunity to assess the psychometric performance of the NHP in different populations - adult growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and pulmonary hypertension (PH). The purpose of the study was to see how valuable the NHP could be in assessing outcomes in diseases where no disease-specific measures are available. Methods: Secondary analyses were performed with NHP data. Patients diagnosed with adult GHD or PH were administered the NHP during clinic visits on two occasions, two weeks apart. A disease-specific measure of quality of life (QoL) was also administered to the relevant sample of patients on each occasion. Results: The psychometric properties of the NHP were good for both disease groups. As expected, both samples reported high scores on energy level, the PH sample scored high on physical functioning and the GHD sample on emotional reactions. For both samples, most of the NHP sections were able to distinguish between groups of respondents with different ratings of perceived general health. While most sections of the NHP were relatively highly correlated with the QoL measures, pain and sleep did not seem to be important predictors of QoL in either of the samples. Conclusions: The use of the NHP in adult GHD and PH populations in Brazil is not recommended as there are high-quality disease-specific measures available for each disease. However, where no disease-specific measures are available, the NHP can provide good descriptive information of the impact of disease on different patient populations.
The future of genomics in Ireland – focus on genomics for health
Authors: Seoighe Cathal , Bracken Adrian P. , Buckley Patrick , Doran Peter , Green Robert , Healy Sandra , Kavanagh David , Kenny Elaine , Lawler Mark , Lowery Maeve , Morris Derek , Morrissey Darrin , O'Byrne James J. , Shields Denis , Smith Owen , Steward Charles A. , Sweeney Brian , Kolch Walter 
Published: December 2020

Genomics is revolutionizing biomedical research, medicine and healthcare globally in academic, public and industry sectors alike. Concrete examples around the world show that huge benefits for patients, society and economy can be accrued through effective and responsible genomic research and clinical applications. Unfortunately, Ireland has fallen behind and needs to act now in order to catch up. Here, we identify key issues that have resulted in Ireland lagging behind, describe how genomics can benefit Ireland and its people and outline the measures needed to make genomics work for Ireland and Irish patients. There is now an urgent need for a national genomics strategy that enables an effective, collaborative, responsible, well-regulated, and patient centred environment where genome research and clinical genomics can thrive. We present eight recommendations that could be the pillars of a national genomics health strategy.
Arthroscopic and open debridement in primary elbow osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: de Klerk Huub H. , Welsink Chantal L. , Spaans Anne J. , Verweij Lukas P. E. , van den Bekerom Michel P. J. 
Published: December 2020

Primary osteoarthritis (OA) of the elbow can cause disabling symptoms of pain, locking, stiffness, and a limitation in the range of motion. There is no consensus regarding the role of open and arthroscopic debridement in the treatment of symptomatic primary elbow OA. The aim of this study is to systematically review the outcome of surgical debridement. A preoperative/postoperative comparison will be made between the two surgical procedures. All studies reporting on debridement as treatment for primary elbow OA with a minimum of one-year follow-up were included. Outcome parameters were functional results, complications, and performance scores. Data were extracted from 21 articles. The arthroscopic group consisted of 286 elbows with a weighted mean follow-up of 40 ± 17 months (range, 16–75). The open group consisted of 300 elbows with a weighted mean follow-up of 55 ± 20 months (range, 19–85). Both procedures showed improvement in Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), range of motion (ROM) flexion-extension, and ROM pronation-supination. Only in ROM flexion was a statistically significant difference in improvement seen between the groups in favour of the open group. The arthroscopic group showed improvement in pain visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Nothing could be stated about pain VAS scores in the open group due to a lack of data. In the arthroscopic group 18 complications (6%) were described, in the open group 29 complications (12%). Surgical debridement is an effective treatment for the disabling symptoms of primary elbow OA with an acceptable complication rate. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:874-882. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190095
Robotics in total hip arthroplasty: a review of the evolution, application and evidence base
Authors: St Mart Jean-Pierre , Goh En Lin , Shah Zameer 
Published: December 2020

Robotic systems used in orthopaedics have evolved from active systems to semi-active systems. Early active systems were associated with significant technical and surgical complications, which limited their clinical use. The new semi-active system Mako has demonstrated promise in overcoming these limitations, with positive early outcomes. There remains a paucity of data regarding long-term outcomes associated with newer systems such as Mako and TSolution One, which will be important in assessing the applicability of these systems. Given the already high satisfaction rate of manual THA, further high-quality comparative studies are required utilizing outcome scores that are not limited by high ceiling effects to assess whether robotic systems justify their additional expense. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:866-873. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.200037