bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety of N-Acetylcysteine for the Management of Chronic Pain in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mohiuddin Mohammed , Pivetta Bianca , Gilron Ian , Khan James S 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objective
To assess the efficacy and safety of N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of chronic pain.

Methods
A systematic search was carried out until April 2020 for clinical studies of N-acetylcysteine in the management of any persistent or recurrent chronic pain condition for adults ≥ 18 years old. Risk of bias was assessed using the validated risk of bias tools. When appropriate, a meta-analysis using a random-effects model was performed, with a fixed-effect model for sensitivity analysis.

Results
Nine studies (n = 863) were included (five randomized controlled trials [RCTs], two open-label non-comparative studies and two comparative studies), that evaluated patients with sickle cell disease (3), complex regional pain syndrome (1), pelvic pain/endometriosis (2), rheumatoid arthritis (1), diabetic neuropathy (1), and chronic neuropathic pain (1). In the pooled analysis of three RCTs, N-acetylcysteine did not reduce pain intensities (SMD −0.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.33 to 0.75, random-effects), improve functional outcomes (SMD 0.21, 95% CI −0.33 to 0.75) or quality of life (SMD 0.60, 95% CI: −4.44 to 5.64); however, sensitivity analysis with a fixed effect model demonstrated an effect for pain intensities and function. Due to adverse events being inconsistently reported, no conclusion could be made regarding safety of N-acetylcysteine in chronic pain.

Conclusions
While there is some evidence to indicate N-acetylcysteine may provide analgesic efficacy for certain pain conditions, there is insufficient evidence to provide definitive evidence on NAC in chronic pain management. Larger-size RCTs spanning a variety of chronic pain conditions are needed to determine N-acetylcysteine’s role, if any, in pain medicine.
Short-Term Effect of Scalp Acupuncture on Pain, Sleep Disorders, and Quality of Life in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders: A A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Peixoto Karen Oliveira , da Silva Bezerra Aliane , Melo Rafaela Albuquerque , de Resende Camila Maria Bastos Machado , de Almeida Erika Oliveira , Barbosa Gustavo Augusto Seabra 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objetive
To evaluate the effects of Chinese scalp acupuncture in patients diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) on pain, sleep, and quality of life (QOL), and compare these results with the results from traditional therapies.

Methods
Sixty patients diagnosed with TMD using the research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD) were allocated into four treatment groups: counseling (C = 15), occlusal splint (OS = 15), scalp acupuncture (SA = 15), and manual therapy (MT = 15). Participants were re-evaluated within 1 month. Three questionnaires were used to access sleep disorders, QOL, and pain: The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-bref), and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), respectively. The data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science program (SPSS 22.0).

Results
The SA group significantly improved pain (P = .015), as well as the OS (P = .01) and MT groups (P = .014). Only the OS (P = .002) and MT (P = .029) groups improved sleep. MT group significantly improved QOL in terms of the physical domain of the WHOQOL-bref (P = .011) and the OS group in the psychological domain (P = .012).

Conclusions
The scalp acupuncture proved to be another alternative for pain relief in patients with TMD, demonstrating positive results in the short term. However, it was not as effective in improving quality of life and sleep.
Change in Brain Oscillations as a Mechanism of Mindfulness-Meditation, Cognitive Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Day Melissa A , Matthews Natasha , Mattingley Jason B , Ehde Dawn M , Turner Aaron P , Williams Rhonda M , Jensen Mark P 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objective
Psychological treatments for chronic low back pain (CLBP) are effective. However, limited research has investigated their neurophysiological mechanisms. This study examined electroencephalography- (EEG-) assessed brain oscillation changes as potential mechanisms of cognitive therapy (CT), mindfulness-meditation (MM), and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for CLBP. The a priori bandwidths of interest were changes in theta, alpha and beta power, measured at pre- and post-treatment.

Design
A secondary analysis of a clinical trial.

Setting
University of Queensland Psychology Clinic.

Subjects
Adults (N = 57) with CLBP who completed pre- and post-treatment EEG and pain outcome assessments.

Methods
EEG data were examined for five regions of interest (ROIs); the primary outcome was pain intensity.

Results
A significant reduction in theta (P=.015) and alpha (P=.006) power in the left frontal ROI across all treatments was found, although change in theta and alpha power in this region was not differentially associated with outcome across treatments. There were significant reductions in beta power in all five ROIs across all treatments (P≤.013). Beta power reduction in the central ROI showed a significant association with reduced pain intensity in MBCT only (P=.028). Changes in other regions were not statistically significant.

Conclusions
These findings provide support for the capacity of psychological CLBP treatments to induce changes in brain activity. The reduced beta power in all five ROIs indicated that all three treatments engendered a state of lowered cortical arousal. The growing body of research in this area could potentially inform novel directions towards remedying central nervous system abnormalities associated with CLBP.
Acceleration of Bone-Tendon Interface Healing by Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Is Mediated by Macrophages
Authors: Li Shengcan , Xu Zihan , Wang Zhanwen , Xiang Jie , Zhang Tao , Lu Hongbin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Objective
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has been proven to facilitate bone-tendon interface (BTI) healing and regulate some inflammatory cytokines. However, the role of macrophages, a key type of inflammatory cell, during treatment remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of macrophages in the treatment of BTI injury with LIPUS in a rotator cuff tear animal model.

Methods
In this experimental and comparative study, a total of 160 C57BL/6 mature male mice that underwent supraspinatus tendon detachment and repair were randomly assigned to 4 groups: daily ultrasonic treatment and liposomal clodronate (LIPUS+LC), daily ultrasonic treatment and liposomes (LIPUS), daily mock sonication and liposomal clodronate (LC), and daily mock sonication and liposomes (control [CTL]). LIPUS treatment was initiated immediately postoperatively and continued daily until the end of the experimental period.

Results
The failure load and stiffness of the supraspinatus tendon–humerus junction were significantly higher in the LIPUS group than in the other groups at postoperative weeks 2 and 4, whereas those in the LIPUS+LC and LC groups were lower than those in the CTL group at postoperative week 4. The LIPUS, LIPUS+LC, and LC groups exhibited significantly more fibrocartilage than the CTL group at 2 weeks. Only the LIPUS group had more fibrocartilage than the CTL group at 4 weeks. Micro-computed tomography results indicated that LIPUS treatment could improve the bone quality of the attachment site after both 2 and 4 weeks. When macrophages were depleted by LC, the bone quality–promoting effect of LIPUS treatment was significantly reduced.

Conclusion
The enhancement of BTI healing by LIPUS might be mediated by macrophages.

Impact
In our study, LIPUS treatment appeared to accelerate BTI healing, which was associated with macrophages based on our murine rotator cuff repair model. The expressions of macrophage under LIPUS treatment may offer a potential mechanism to explain BTI healing and the effects of LIPUS on BTI healing.
The modulatory effect of taurine on benzo (a) pyrene-induced hepatorenal toxicity
Authors: Owumi Solomon E , Adeniyi Gideon , Oyelere Adegboyega K 
Published: February 2021

AbstractToxicities linked with Benzo (a) pyrene B[a]P exposure, particularly in liver and kidney have been reported in both animals and humans. Taurine (2-aminoethane sulfonic acid) is an intracellular β-amino acid reported to elicit hepatorenal protective functions. However, the modulatory effect of taurine on hepatorenal toxicity associated with exposure to B[a]P has not been reported. This study evaluated the effects of taurine on the hepatorenal toxicities induced in cohorts of rats exposed to B[a]P. Experimental rats were treated as follows: B[a]P (10 mg/kg); co-treated cohorts –B[a]P (10 mg/kg) plus taurine (100 or 200 mg/kg) for 4 successive weeks. Results show that co-dosing with taurine significantly (P &lt; 0.05) improved B[a]P-induced distortion of oxidative stress markers (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, total sulphydryl, reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation and xanthine oxidase), renal function (urea and creatinine) and liver function marker enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and gamma glutamyl transferase). Moreover, taurine effectively mitigated increase in myeloperoxidase activity, levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, nitric oxide and interleukin-1β in kidney and liver of rats treated with B[a]P. In conclusion, taurine modulates hepatorenal toxicity in B[a]P-exposed rats by suppressing hepatic and renal damage indices, oxidative injury and inflammatory stress.
A Single Microbiome Gene Alters Murine Susceptibility to Acute Arsenic Exposure
Authors: Wang Qian , McDermott Timothy R , Walk Seth T 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Environmental toxicant exposure contributes to morbidity and mortality of many human diseases. With respect to arsenic, microbially driven chemical transformations dictate its toxicity and mobility in virtually every environment yet studied, so a general hypothesis is that the human gut microbiome determines disease outcome following exposure. However, the complex nature of the gut microbiome and the myriad of potential interactions with human cells/tissues make it challenging to quantify the influence of specific arsenic-active functions—a requisite step in developing effective disease prevention and/or clinical intervention strategies. To control both mammalian and microbial function during toxicant exposure, we genetically defined the gut microbiome of mice using only Escherichia coli strain, AW3110 (▵arsRBC), or the same strain carrying a single genome copy of the Fucus vesiculosus metallothionein gene (AW3110::fmt); a cysteine-rich peptide that complexes with arsenite, facilitating bioaccumulation and reducing its toxic effects. AW3110::fmt bioaccumulated significantly more arsenic and gnotobiotic mice colonized by this strain excreted significantly more arsenic in stool and accumulated significantly less arsenic in organs. Moreover, AW3110::fmt gnotobiotic mice were protected from acute toxicity exposure (20 ppm AsIII) relative to controls. This study demonstrates—in a highly controlled fashion—that a single microbiome function (arsenic bioaccumulation) encoded by a single gene in a single human gut microbiome bacterium significantly alters mammalian host arsenic exposure. The experimental model described herein allows for a highly controlled and directed assessment of microbiome functions, and is useful to quantify the influence of specific microbiome-arsenic interactions that help mitigate human disease.
Seasonal and elevational variability in the induction of specialized compounds from mountain birch (Betula pubescens var. pumila) by winter moth larvae (Operophtera brumata)
Authors: Ryde Ingvild , Li Tao , Rieksta Jolanta , dos Santos Bruna M , Neilson Elizabeth H J , Gericke Oliver , Jepsen Jane U , Bork Louise R H , Holm Hildur S , Rinnan Riikka 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The mountain birch [Betula pubescens var. pumila (L.)] forest in the Subarctic is periodically exposed to insect outbreaks, which are expected to intensify due to climate change. To mitigate abiotic and biotic stresses, plants have evolved chemical defenses, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and non-volatile specialized compounds (NVSCs). Constitutive and induced production of these compounds, however, are poorly studied in Subarctic populations of mountain birch. Here, we assessed the joint effects of insect herbivory, elevation and season on foliar VOC emissions and NVSC contents of mountain birch. The VOCs were sampled in situ by an enclosure technique and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. NVSCs were analyzed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry using an untargeted approach. At low elevation, experimental herbivory by winter moth larvae (Operophtera brumata) increased emissions of monoterpenes and homoterpenes over the 3-week feeding period, and sesquiterpenes and green leaf volatiles at the end of the feeding period. At high elevation, however, herbivory augmented only homoterpene emissions. The more pronounced herbivory effects at low elevation were likely due to higher herbivory intensity. Of the individual compounds, linalool, ocimene, 4,8-dimethylnona-1,3,7-triene, 2-methyl butanenitrile and benzyl nitrile were among the most responsive compounds in herbivory treatments. Herbivory also altered foliar NVSC profiles at both low and high elevations, with the most responsive compounds likely belonging to fatty acyl glycosides and terpene glycosides. Additionally, VOC emissions from non-infested branches were higher at high than low elevation, particularly during the early season, which was mainly driven by phenological differences. The VOC emissions varied substantially over the season, largely reflecting the seasonal variations in temperature and light levels. Our results suggest that if insect herbivory pressure continues to rise in the mountain birch forest with ongoing climate change, it will significantly increase VOC emissions with important consequences for local trophic interactions and climate.
Digital RNA-seq transcriptome plus tissue anatomy analyses reveal the developmental mechanism of the calabash-shaped root in Tetrastigma hemsleyanum
Authors: Xiang Taihe , Li Jiangshan , Bao Shuying , Xu Zhengxian , Wang Leizhen , Long Fazong , He Chenjing 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels & Gilg ex Diels is a liana plant with promising medicinal and ornamental values. Its calabash-shaped roots (CRs) are served as a traditional Chinese herb. However, it takes a long growth period to form CRs. In this study, three types of architectural roots, including fibrous roots (FRs), bar-shaped roots (BRs) and CRs, were employed as materials, and the characteristics of histo-anatomy and digital RNA-seq transcriptome profiles were analyzed. Among the three types of roots, the vascular bundles in FRs were intact, while some of the vascular bundles degenerated in BRs, and only few traces of vascular bundles existed in CRs. Meanwhile, no obvious cell inclusions were found in the cytoplasm of FRs, while a few inclusions were found in BRs, and abundant inclusions were detected in CRs, which might be the main source of medicinal components in roots. The transcriptome profiles and qRT-PCR validation indicated that seven upregulated genes, encoding xyloglucan glycosyltransferase, ACC oxidase, CYP711A1, SHORT-ROOT transcript factor, galacturonosyltransferas, WAT1 and WRKY, and two downregulated genes, encoding LRR receptor-like serine/threonine-protein kinase and CYP83B1, were probably involved in the formation and development of CRs. In addition, Gene Ontology terms of intrinsic component of membrane, integral component of membrane, cell periphery, membrane part, plasma membrane, membrane, intrinsic component of plasma membrane, cellular chemical homeostasis and plasma membrane part were probably related to the formation of CRs. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways related to the development of CRs probably included MAPK signaling pathway–plant, plant hormone signal transduction and circadian rhythm–plant. Our finding suggested a probable mode for the formation of CRs.
Imported cystic echinococcosis in Spain: a systematic review
Authors: Zabala Andrea , Salvador Fernando , Sánchez-Montalvá Adrián , Bosch-Nicolau Pau , Escolà-Vergé Laura , Espinosa-Pereiro Juan , Molina Israel 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundCystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus (sensu lato). It is a neglected tropical disease with a global distribution, affecting an estimated 2–3 million people globally. Official reporting systems in Spain lack information concerning imported cases and their country of origin.MethodsThis is a systematic review of the literature that was performed to obtain published cases of immigrant patients diagnosed with CE in Spain.ResultsFrom the 21 included articles, a total of 84 cases of CE imported into Spain were documented from 1995 to 2018, with an average age of 33.2 years. The main countries of origin of the patients were Morocco with 30 cases (35.7%), Romania with 12 cases (14.3%) and Peru with 8 cases (9.5%). The most involved organ was the liver (28 cases [33.3%]). We found discrepancies between the published cases of imported CE in Spain and those reported by official authorities.ConclusionsThis review of the literature shows the lack of information and clarity in the mechanisms of CE notification in Spain. The disparity between these systems and the cases documented in the literature highlights a failure or shortcoming of the current reporting system.
Early pregnancy loss
Authors: Jackson Toni , Watkins Elyse 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
Previously called spontaneous abortion, early pregnancy loss (EPL) is the preferred term encompassing threatened abortion, incomplete abortion, complete abortion, and anembryonic pregnancy. EPL has many causes, including chromosomal abnormalities, immunologic and infectious causes, and underlying maternal risk factors. Because many patients present with first-trimester bleeding, clinicians must know the appropriate evaluation and management techniques.
Tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Notaro Kelliann , Pierce Bradley 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder that affects multiple organ systems but often goes unrecognized, and a delay in diagnosis can lead to multiple complications. Healthcare professionals should be educated on the many signs and symptoms associated with the disorder, know how to treat them symptomatically, and recommend routine screening to assess for complications. Correctly identifying, diagnosing, and treating TSC can give patients a better quality of life and prevent further complications associated with the disorder.
Demographic and Mental Health Predictors of Arrests Up to 10 Years Post-Traumatic Brain Injury: A Veterans Affairs TBI Model Systems Study
Authors: Miles Shannon R. , Silva Marc A. , Neumann Dawn , Dillahunt-Aspillaga Christina , Corrigan John D. , Tang Xinyu , Eapen Blessen C. , Nakase-Richardson Risa 
Published: February 2021

Objective:
Examine rates and predictors of arrests in Veterans and Service Members (V/SM) who received inpatient rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Setting:
Veterans Administration (VA) Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers.

Participants:
A total of 948 V/SM drawn from the VA TBI Model Systems cohort with arrest data up to 10 years post-TBI.

Design:
Longitudinal cohort study; secondary analysis of pre-TBI characteristics predicting post-TBI arrests.

Main Measures:
Disclosure of arrests pre-TBI and up to10 years post-TBI.

Results:
Thirty-six percent of the sample had been arrested prior to their TBI; 7% were arrested post-TBI. When considering all variables simultaneously in a multivariate model, pre-TBI mental health treatment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.30; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.03-9.14), pre-TBI heavy alcohol use (aOR = 3.04; CI: 1.08-8.55), and number of follow-up interviews (aOR = 2.05; CI: 1.39-4.50) were significant predictors of post-TBI arrest.

Conclusion:
Arrest rates of V/SM prior to TBI were consistent with rates of arrest for people of similar ages in the United States. Post-TBI rates were lower for V/SM than published rates of post-TBI arrests in civilians with TBI. As part of rehabilitation planning for V/SM with TBI, providers should assess for preinjury mental health services and alcohol misuse to (1) identify those who may be at risk for postinjury arrests and (2) provide relevant resources and/or supports.
Cognitive-Communication Predictors of Employment Outcomes 1 and 5 Years Posttraumatic Brain Injury
Authors: O'Neil-Pirozzi Therese M. , Lequerica Anthony H. , Chiaravalloti Nancy D. , Juengst Shannon B. , Newman Jody K. 
Published: February 2021

Objective:
To examine changes in functional memory, problem solving, comprehension, expression, and social communication over the first 2 years posttraumatic brain injury (TBI) and the ability of each to predict return to work (RTW) outcomes at 1 year and 5 years postinjury.

Design:
Secondary analysis of data from a multicenter longitudinal cohort study.

Setting:
Acute inpatient rehabilitation facilities and community follow-up.

Participants:
A total of 3543 individuals between 16 and 60 years of age who were competitively employed at the time of TBI and had completed year 1, year 2, and year 5 postinjury follow-ups.

Main Outcome Measures:
Year 1 and year 5 RTW status (± competitively employed) at the time of study completion.

Results:
Greater function across each of the 5 cognitive-communication abilities was associated with RTW success at 1 year and 5 years post-TBI. At discharge, these 5 abilities showed comparable odds of predicting later employment. At year 1 and year 2 follow-ups, independence with problem solving was the most predictive of employment 5 years post-TBI, followed by social interaction, memory, expression, and comprehension.

Conclusions:
An increased rehabilitation focus on functional memory, problem solving, comprehension, expression, and social interaction post-TBI has the potential to improve RTW outcomes.
Quantifying transmissibility of COVID-19 and impact of intervention within long-term health care facilities
Authors: Stockdale Jessica E. , Anderson Sean C. , Edwards Andrew M. , Iyaniwura Sarafa A. , Mulberry Nicola , Otterstatter Michael C. , Janjua Naveed Z. , Coombs Daniel , Colijn Caroline , Irvine Michael A 
Published: February 2021

AbstractEstimates of the basic reproduction number (R0) for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are particularly variable in the context of transmission within locations such as long-term health care (LTHC) facilities. We sought to characterise the heterogeneity ofR0across known outbreaks within these facilities. We used a unique comprehensive dataset of all outbreaks that have occurred within LTHC facilities in British Columbia, Canada. We estimatedR0with a Bayesian hierarchical dynamic model of susceptible, exposed, infected, and recovered individuals, that incorporates heterogeneity ofR0between facilities. We further compared these estimates to those obtained with standard methods that utilize the exponential growth rate and maximum likelihood. The total size of an outbreak varied dramatically, with a range of attack rates of 2%–86%. The Bayesian analysis provides more constrained overall estimates ofR0= 2.19 (90% CrI [credible interval] 0.19–6.69) than standard methods, with a range within facilities of 0.48–10.08. We further estimated that intervention led to 57% (47%–66%) of all cases being averted within the LTHC facilities, or 73% (63%–78%) when using a model with multi-level intervention effect. Understanding the risks and impact of intervention are essential in planning during the ongoing global pandemic, particularly in high-risk environments such as LTHC facilities.