bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A circular RNA derived from GLIS3 accelerates the proliferation of glioblastoma cells through competitively binding with miR-449c-5p to upregulate CAPG and GLIS3
Authors: Zhou Qingjiu , Shaya Mahati , Kugeluke Yalikun , Fu Qiang , Li Shaoshan , Dilimulati Yisireyili
Published: September 2022

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive and malignant brain tumor with extremely poor prognosis. Despite advances in treatment, the pathogenesis of GBM remains elusive. Mounting studies have revealed the critical role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the development and progression of human cancers including GBM, but the comprehension of their functions is still insufficient. In this study, we investigated the expression profile of a circRNA derived from GLIS family zinc finger 3 (GLIS3) in GBM and normal astrocytes. CircGLIS3 expression was detected through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. Functional experiments were performed to analyze the influence of circGLIS3 on GBM cell proliferation and apoptosis. In addition, mechanism assays were to uncover the potential regulatory mechanism of circGLIS3.

Results

CircGLIS3 was up-regulated in GBM cells and knockdown of circGLIS3 significantly hampered proliferation and promoted apoptosis of GBM cells. Furthermore, circGLIS3 positively regulated CAPG and GLIS3 by sponging miR-449c-5p to affect GBM cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Conclusions

In summary, our study identified that circGLIS3 could promote proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of GBM cells via targeting miR-449c-5p/GLIS3/CAPG axis in vitro. This study could offer a novel molecular perspective for further investigation into mechanisms essential to GBM progression.
Economic evaluation of a Decision Support Tool to guide intensity of mental health care in general practice: the Link-me pragmatic randomised controlled trial
Authors: Chatterton Mary Lou , Harris Meredith , Burgess Philip , Fletcher Susan , Spittal Matthew J. , Faller Jan , Palmer Victoria J. , Chondros Patty , Bassilios Bridget , Pirkis Jane , Gunn Jane , Mihalopoulos Cathrine
Published: September 2022

Background

This paper reports on the cost-effectiveness evaluation of Link-me – a digitally supported, systematic approach to triaging care for depression and anxiety in primary care that uses a patient-completed Decision Support Tool (DST).

Methods

The economic evaluation was conducted alongside a parallel, stratified individually randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing prognosis-matched care to usual care at six- and 12-month follow-up. Twenty-three general practices in three Australian Primary Health Networks recruited 1,671 adults (aged 18 – 75 years), predicted by the DST to have minimal/mild or severe depressive or anxiety symptoms in three months. The minimal/mild prognostic group was referred to low intensity services. Participants screened in the severe prognostic group were offered high intensity care navigation, a model of care coordination. The outcome measures included in this evaluation were health sector costs (including development and delivery of the DST, care navigation and other healthcare services used) and societal costs (health sector costs plus lost productivity), psychological distress [Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10)] and quality adjusted life years (QALYs) derived from the EuroQol 5-dimension quality of life questionnaire with Australian general population preference weights applied. Costs were valued in 2018–19 Australian dollars (A$).

Results

Across all participants, the health sector incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of Link-me per point decrease in K10 at six months was estimated at $1,082 (95% CI $391 to $6,204) increasing to $2,371 (95% CI $191 to Dominated) at 12 months. From a societal perspective, the ICER was estimated at $1,257/K10 point decrease (95% CI Dominant to Dominated) at six months, decreasing to $1,217 (95% CI Dominant to Dominated) at 12 months. No significant differences in QALYs were detected between trial arms and the intervention was dominated (less effective, more costly) based on the cost/QALY ICER.

Conclusions

The Link-me approach to stepped mental health care would not be considered cost-effective utilising a cost/QALY outcome metric commonly adopted by health technology assessment agencies. Rather, Link-me showed a trend toward cost-effectiveness by providing improvement in mental health symptoms, measured by the K10, at an additional cost.

Trial registration

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ANZCTRN 12617001333303.
Colonic basidiobolomycosis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Authors: Barahimi Elham , Abbasi Tuba , Hesarooeyeh Zahra Ghaeini , Raad Hanieh , Karimi Mohadeseh , Shahi Mahsa
Published: September 2022

Background

Basidiobolus ranarum belongs to the Entomophthorales order and the Zygomycetes class. This fungus is an environmental saprophyte that can be found in soil and rotting vegetables.Primarily restricted to tropical regions including Asia, Africa, and South America. It might cause chronic inflammatory diseases, mostly affect subcutaneous tissue. Systemic infections involving the gastrointestinal tract are extremely rare.

Case presentation

Herein, we present a 44-year-old Persian man with the past medical history of lupus erythematosus with colicky abdominal pain started from three months before admission with many vomiting episodes, and a mass on the right lower quadrant, who had been thought initially to have an abdominal malignancy. The patient had vital signs were within normal ranges. His physical examination revealed tenderness and rebound tenderness on the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. A fixed mass 10 × 10 centimeter in diameter was palpated in the same quadrant. Laboratory, radiologic, colonoscopic examination was requested. The patient underwent laparotomy which revealed a mass in the terminal ileum and ascending colon with retroperitoneal adhesion and invasion to the right ureter behind it. Pathologic examination showed basidiobolomycosis infection in the specimen.

Conclusion

Fungal infection should be among the differential diagnoses for adults present with abdominal mass in endemic regions of the world.
Mechanobiological responses of astrocytes in optic nerve head due to biaxial stretch
Authors: Li Zhiwen , Peng Fan , Liu Zhicheng , Li Shanshan , Li Lin , Qian Xiuqing
Published: September 2022

Background

Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the main risk factor for glaucoma, which might cause the activation of astrocytes in optic nerve head. To determine the effect of mechanical stretch on the astrocytes, we investigated the changes in cell phenotype, proteins of interest and signaling pathways under biaxial stretch.

Method

The cultured astrocytes in rat optic nerve head were stretched biaxially by 10 and 17% for 24 h, respectively. Then, we detected the morphology, proliferation and apoptosis of the stretched cells, and performed proteomics analysis. Protein expression was analyzed by Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) mass spectrometry. Proteins of interest and signaling pathways were screened using Gene Ontology enrichment analysis and pathway enrichment analysis, and the results were verified by western blot and the gene-chip data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database.

Result

The results showed that rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton in response to stimulation by mechanical stress and proliferation rate of astrocytes decreased under 10 and 17% stretch condition, while there was no significant difference on the apoptosis rate of astrocytes in both groups. In the iTRAQ quantitative experiment, there were 141 differential proteins in the 10% stretch group and 140 differential proteins in the 17% stretch group. These proteins include low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP6), caspase recruitment domain family, member 10 (CARD10), thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) and tetraspanin (CD81). The western blot results of LRP6, THBS1 and CD81 were consistent with that of iTRAQ experiment. ANTXR2 and CARD10 were both differentially expressed in the mass spectrometry results and GEO database. We also screened out the signaling pathways associated with astrocyte activation, including Wnt/β–catenin pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, Jak-STAT signaling pathway, ECM-receptor interaction, and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway.

Conclusion

Mechanical stimulation can induce changes in cell phenotype, some proteins and signaling pathways, which might be associated with astrocyte activation. These proteins and signaling pathways may help us have a better understanding on the activation of astrocytes and the role astrocyte activation played in glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
Long-term clinical outcome of tendon transfer and tendon graft for extensor tendon ruptures in rheumatoid hands
Authors: Lee Young Seok , Kim Hee Soo , Kim Yeong Hwan , Jo Young-Hoon , Lee Bong Gun , Lee Chang-Hun
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the objective and subjective long-term clinical outcomes of tendon transfer and tendon graft for extensor tendon ruptures in rheumatoid hands.

Methods

We evaluated the long-term clinical outcomes of tendon transfer and tendon graft for extensor tendon ruptures in rheumatoid hands of 37 patients (43 hands) followed up for a mean of 14 years (range, 10–21 years).

Results

The mean time from rupture to surgery was 13.1 weeks (range, 3–48 weeks). The mean extension lag of the metacarpophalangeal joint was 8.7° (range, 0–40°), the mean pulp-to-palm distance was 0.4 cm (range, 0–3 cm), and the mean overall satisfaction rate was 86.5 (range, 70–100). There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes between tendon transfers and tendon grafts. There was a significant correlation between extension lag of the metacarpophalangeal joint and overall satisfaction rate (R2 = 0.155; p = 0.009). Time to surgery was significantly correlated with extension lag of the metacarpophalangeal joint (R2 = 0.437; p = 0.001) in the tendon graft group.

Conclusions

Both tendon transfer and tendon graft for extensor tendon ruptures in rheumatoid hands achieve satisfactory results that are maintained for an average of 14 years. In cases of tendon graft, the time to surgery should be considered, and there is concern over extension lag of MP joint.

Level of Evidence

IV
Investigation and modulation of interleukin-6 following subarachnoid hemorrhage: targeting inflammatory activation for cerebral vasospasm
Authors: Lucke-Wold Brandon , Dodd William , Motwani Kartik , Hosaka Koji , Laurent Dimitri , Martinez Melanie , Dugan Victoria , Chalouhi Nohra , Lucke-Wold Noelle , Barpujari Arnav , von Roemeling Christina , Li Chenglong , Johnson Richard D. , Hoh Brian
Published: September 2022

Background

Cerebral vasospasm (CV) can contribute to significant morbidity in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients. A key unknown is how CV induction is triggered following SAH.

Methods

Human aneurysmal blood and cerebral spinal fluid were collected for evaluation. To confirm mechanism, c57/bl6 wild type and c57/bl6 IL-6 female knockout (KO) mice were utilized with groups: saline injected, SAH, SAH + IL-6 blockade, SAH IL-6 KO, SAH IL-6 KO + IL-6 administration, SAH + p-STAT3 inhibition. Dual-labeled microglia/myeloid mice were used to show myeloid diapedesis. For SAH, 50 μm blood was collected from tail puncture and administered into basal cisterns. IL-6 blockade was given at various time points. Various markers of neuroinflammation were measured with western blot and immunohistochemistry. Cerebral blood flow was also measured. Vasospasm was measured via cardiac injection of India ink/gelatin. Turning test and Garcia’s modified SAH score were utilized. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

IL-6 expression peaked 3 days following SAH (p < 0.05). Human IL-6 was increased in aneurysmal blood (p < 0.05) and in cerebral spinal fluid (p < 0.01). Receptor upregulation was periventricular and perivascular. Microglia activation following SAH resulted in increased caveolin 3 and myeloid diapedesis. A significant increase in BBB markers endothelin 1 and occludin was noted following SAH, but reduced with IL-6 blockade (p < 0.01). CV occurred 5 days post-SAH, but was absent in IL-6 KO mice and mitigated with IL-6 blockade (p < 0.05). IL-6 blockade, and IL-6 KO mitigated effects of SAH on cerebral blood flow (p < 0.05). SAH mice had impaired performance on turn test and poor modified Garcia scores compared to saline and IL-6 blockade. A distinct microglia phenotype was noted day 5 in the SAH group (overlap coefficients r = 0.96 and r = 0.94) for Arg1 and iNOS, which was altered by IL-6 blockade. Day 7, a significant increase in toll-like receptor 4 and Stat3 was noted. This was mitigated by IL-6 blockade and IL-6 KO, which also reduced Caspase 3 (p < 0.05). To confirm the mechanism, we developed a p-STAT3 inhibitor that targets the IL-6 pathway and this reduced NFΚB, TLR4, and nitrotyrosine (p < 0.001). Ventricular dilation and increased Tunel positivity was noted day 9, but resolved by IL-6 blockade (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Correlation between IL-6 and CV has been well documented. We show that a mechanistic connection exists via the p-STAT3 pathway, and IL-6 blockade provides benefit in reducing CV and its consequences mediated by myeloid cell origin diapedesis.

Graphical abstract
Harnessing preclinical models for the interrogation of ovarian cancer
Authors: Qin Tianyu , Fan Junpeng , Lu Funian , Zhang Li , Liu Chen , Xiong Qiyue , Zhao Yang , Chen Gang , Sun Chaoyang
Published: September 2022

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a heterogeneous malignancy with various etiology, histopathology, and biological feature. Despite accumulating understanding of OC in the post-genomic era, the preclinical knowledge still undergoes limited translation from bench to beside, and the prognosis of ovarian cancer has remained dismal over the past 30 years. Henceforth, reliable preclinical model systems are warranted to bridge the gap between laboratory experiments and clinical practice. In this review, we discuss the status quo of ovarian cancer preclinical models which includes conventional cell line models, patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), patient-derived organoids (PDOs), patient-derived explants (PDEs), and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs). Each model has its own strengths and drawbacks. We focus on the potentials and challenges of using these valuable tools, either alone or in combination, to interrogate critical issues with OC.
Development of a stable semi-continuous lipid production system of an oleaginous Chlamydomonas sp. mutant using multi-omics profiling
Authors: Oyama Tomoki , Kato Yuichi , Hidese Ryota , Matsuda Mami , Matsutani Minenosuke , Watanabe Satoru , Kondo Akihiko , Hasunuma Tomohisa
Published: September 2022

Background

Microalgal lipid production has attracted global attention in next-generation biofuel research. Nitrogen starvation, which drastically suppresses cell growth, is a common and strong trigger for lipid accumulation in microalgae. We previously developed a mutant Chlamydomonas sp. KAC1801, which can accumulate lipids irrespective of the presence or absence of nitrates. This study aimed to develop a feasible strategy for stable and continuous lipid production through semi-continuous culture of KAC1801.

Results

KAC1801 continuously accumulated > 20% lipid throughout the subculture (five generations) when inoculated with a dry cell weight of 0.8–0.9 g L−1 and cultured in a medium containing 18.7 mM nitrate, whereas the parent strain KOR1 accumulated only 9% lipid. Under these conditions, KAC1801 continuously produced biomass and consumed nitrates. Lipid productivity of 116.9 mg L−1 day−1 was achieved by semi-continuous cultivation of KAC1801, which was 2.3-fold higher than that of KOR1 (50.5 mg L−1 day−1). Metabolome and transcriptome analyses revealed a depression in photosynthesis and activation of nitrogen assimilation in KAC1801, which are the typical phenotypes of microalgae under nitrogen starvation.

Conclusions

By optimizing nitrate supply and cell density, a one-step cultivation system for Chlamydomonas sp. KAC1801 under nitrate-replete conditions was successfully developed. KAC1801 achieved a lipid productivity comparable to previously reported levels under nitrogen-limiting conditions. In the culture system of this study, metabolome and transcriptome analyses revealed a nitrogen starvation-like response in KAC1801.
Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis: the role of whole-body MRI
Authors: Nico Marcelo Astolfi Caetano , Araújo Flávia Ferreira , Guimarães Júlio Brandão , da Cruz Isabela Azevedo Nicodemos , Silva Flávio Duarte , Carneiro Bruno Cerretti , Filho Alípio Gomes Ormond
Published: September 2022

Background

Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO), also known as chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis, is a noninfectious autoinflammatory disorder that occurs primarily in children and adolescents and is characterized by episodic musculoskeletal pain with a protracted course.

Main body

Traditionally, the diagnosis of CNO is made by exclusion and commonly requires bone biopsy to rule out infection and malignancy. However, bone biopsy may be avoided when imaging and clinical characteristic features are present, such as multifocal bone lesions at typical sites, no constitutional symptoms and no signs of infection in laboratory test results. Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) can assess signs of acute and chronic inflammation and enables the detection of CNO typical patterns of lesion location and distribution, thereby helping to exclude differential diagnosis. The goal of the present study paper is to review the main clinical and imaging aspects of the disease with emphasis on the role of WB-MRI in the diagnosis, assessment of disease burden and follow-up monitoring.

Conclusion

Radiologists need to be familiar with the imaging features to suggest the diagnosis as the early therapy may help to avoid irreversible secondary damage of skeletal system.
Sex differences in number of X chromosomes and X-chromosome inactivation in females promote greater variability in hearing among males
Authors: Summers Van
Published: September 2022

Background

For more than 150 years, research studies have documented greater variability across males than across females (“greater male variability”—GMV) over a broad range of behavioral and morphological measures. In placental mammals, an ancient difference between males and females that may make an important contribution to GMV is the different pattern of activation of X chromosomes across cells in females (mosaic inactivation of one the two X chromosomes across cells) vs males (consistent activation of a single X chromosome in all cells). In the current study, variability in hearing thresholds was examined for human listeners with thresholds within the normal range. Initial analyses compared variability in thresholds across males vs. across females. If greater across-male than across-female variability was present, and if these differences in variability related to the different patterns X-chromosome activation in males vs. females, it was expected that correlations between related measures within a given subject (e.g., hearing thresholds at given frequency in the two ears) would be greater in males than females.

Methods

Hearing thresholds at audiometric test frequencies (500–6000 or 500–8000 Hz) were extracted from two datasets representing more than 8500 listeners with normal hearing (4590 males, 4376 females). Separate data analyses were carried out on each dataset to compare: (1) relative variability in hearing thresholds across males vs. across females at each test frequency; (2) correlations between both across-ear and within-ear hearing thresholds within  males vs. within  females, and (3) mean thresholds for females vs. males at each frequency.

Results

A consistent pattern of GMV in hearing thresholds was seen across frequencies in both datasets. In addition, both across-ear and within-ear correlations between thresholds were consistently greater in males than females. Previous studies have frequently reported lower mean thresholds for females than males for listeners with normal hearing. One of the datasets replicated this result, showing a clear and consistent pattern of lower mean thresholds for females. The second data set did not show clear evidence of this female advantage.

Conclusions

Hearing thresholds showed clear evidence of greater variability across males than across females and higher correlations across related threshold measures within males than within females. The results support a link between the observed GMV and the mosaic pattern of X-activation for females that is not present in males.
Improving saccharification of ramie stalks by synergistic effect of in-house cellulolytic enzymes consortium
Authors: Cao Cha , Zhu Zuohua , Xu Chao , Gong Wenbing , Zhou Yingjun , Yan Li , Hu Zhenxiu , Xie Chunliang , Peng Yuande
Published: September 2022

The high cost of cellulase is one of the main obstacles hindering the large-scale biorefining of lignocellulosic biomass. Therefore, developing efficient method for preparation of cellulase is promising. In the present study, the production of cellulase by Trichoderma reesei, Trichoderma harzianum, and Aspergillus niger was optimized, and the synergistic effect of these cellulase on enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated ramie stalks was also evaluated. The maximum CMCase (Carboxymethyl Cellulase) and filter paper activity (FPA) produced by T. reesei reached to 3.12 IU/mL and 0.13 IU/mL, respectively. The maximum activities of CMCase (3.68 IU/mL), FPA (0.04 IU/mL) and β-glucosidase (8.44 IU/mL) were obtained from A. niger. The results also showed that under the premise of the same FPA activity, the contribution of β-glucosidase activity to yield of reducing sugar was greater than that of CMCase. Besides, cellulase produced by T. reesei and A. niger had the best synergistic effect on enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated ramie stalks. The highest reducing sugars yield (417 mg/g dry substrate) was achieved when enzyme cocktail was prepared at the ratio of 1:1, which was 1.36–3.35 folds higher than that of different single enzymes. The present research has provided a novel method for efficient preparation of enzymes consortium for enzymatic hydrolysis of ramie stalks.

Graphical Abstract
How I do it: Lateral canthal web revision—single Z-plasty technique
Authors: Fowler James , Moore Corey C.
Published: September 2022

Background

Lateral canthal webbing is a known complication of blepharoplasty, which occurs when the lateral aspect of the upper blepharoplasty incision is taken below the equator of the lateral canthus. Removing excessive eyelid skin laterally can also result in a lateral canthal web. Currently, there is no standard approach for addressing this complication.

Methods

Retrospective review of single surgeon practice between 2011 and 2019. All patients underwent revision surgery using the proposed single Z-plasty technique.

Results

Twenty-three patients referred for lateral canthal web were included in the study. All patients had previous upper lid blepharoplasty, with the initial procedure occurring 8–63 months prior to the referral for revision. The majority of the blepharoplasties occurred in Ontario (n = 19), but some patients also underwent surgery in Alberta (n = 1), British Columbia (n = 1), and United States (n = 1). The initial surgeries were performed by a variety of specialities including plastic surgery (n = 16), otolaryngology (n = 4), ophthalmology (n = 2), and family medicine (n = 1). Following revision surgery using the single Z-plasty technique, all patients reported a subjective increase in functional and aesthetic satisfaction. No further revision surgery was required for any of these patients.

Conclusion

The single Z-plasty technique is simple, robust, and could be easily incorporated into any cosmetic practice to address this complication of blepharoplasty.

Graphical Abstract
The relationship between chronic PTSD, cortical volumetry and white matter microstructure among Australian combat veterans
Authors: Romaniuk Madeline , Xia Ying , Fisher Gina , Pannek Kerstin , Fripp Jurgen , Evans Justine , Rose Stephen
Published: September 2022

Background

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been associated with volumetric and white matter microstructural changes among general and veteran populations. However, regions implicated have greatly varied and often conflict between studies, potentially due to confounding comorbidities within samples. This study compared grey matter volume and white matter microstructure among Australian combat veterans with and without a lifetime diagnosis of PTSD, in a homogenous sample assessed for known confounding comorbidities.

Methods

Sixty-eight male trauma-exposed veterans (16 PTSD-diagnosed; mean age 69 years) completed a battery of psychometric assessments and underwent magnetic resonance and diffusion tensor imaging. Analyses included tract-based spatial statistics, voxel-wise analyses, diffusion connectome-based group-wise analysis, and volumetric analysis.

Results

Significantly smaller grey matter volumes were observed in the left prefrontal cortex (P = 0.026), bilateral middle frontal gyrus (P = 0.021), and left anterior insula (P = 0.048) in the PTSD group compared to controls. Significant negative correlations were found between PTSD symptom severity and fractional anisotropy values in the left corticospinal tract (R2 = 0.34, P = 0.024) and left inferior cerebellar peduncle (R2 = 0.62, P = 0.016). No connectome-based differences in white matter properties were observed.

Conclusions

Findings from this study reinforce reports of white matter alterations, as indicated by reduced fractional anisotropy values, in relation to PTSD symptom severity, as well as patterns of reduced volume in the prefrontal cortex. These results contribute to the developing profile of neuroanatomical differences uniquely attributable to veterans who suffer from chronic PTSD.
Translanguaging practices of Macau junior-one students in a remedial class
Authors: Chan Brian Hok-Shing , Chou Chris Ion-Pang
Published: September 2022

This qualitative study analyzes the use of translanguaging in co-learning activities involving four junior-one students in an English remedial class. The school advocates a policy of English immersion in the regular English class, although students may have difficulty understanding the teachers and interacting with them during the classes. In the remedial class, however, the policy is not strictly enforced, and, hence, students can leverage semiotic resources from their linguistic repertoires without restriction. All four learners constantly engage in translanguaging in interactive, co-learning activities, drawing upon semiotic resources from not only different languages (i.e., English, Cantonese, Japanese, Mandarin) but also non-academic registers (i.e., trendy expressions, internet slang) and non-verbal modes (e.g., body gestures, facial expression). In this particular context, the major purpose of translanguaging is to enable the subjects to take up multiple roles (i.e., as a peer and as a ‘little teacher’) and enact different relationships with classmates/groupmates (i.e., peer-peer and teacher-student) in the class (i.e., Excerpts 1 and 2). In the case of a low achiever, translanguaging allows him to actively seek help from the other ‘little teachers’; moreover, his use of Japanese, in which he takes pride, serves as a face-saving strategy. The preference for particular expressions (e.g., internet slang, trendy expressions, Japanese) reflects the students’ hobbies, personal experiences and cultural preferences, thus building their individual image and identity in relation to the teacher and other students.
Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice of ear care among Jazan general population, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alharbi Fahd Ali , Sanguf Mohammed Ahmed , Mahzara Naif Khalid , Alhazmi Faris Abdu , Rajhi Abdulaziz Ahmed , Daak Lojain Ibrahim , Sharoufna Wejdan Ali
Published: September 2022

Objective

The present study aimed at determining the knowledge, attitude, and practice of ear care among Jazan population and its association with sociodemographic variables.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study conducted between January and June 2022 in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected using an Arabic electronically questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software version 23.

Results

About 446 of the participants were included in the study. Two-hundred sixty-two (58.7%) of the participants were females. Most of the participants 200 (44.8%) were within the age group of 18–23 years old. Marital status of 315 (70.6%) of the participants was found to be single. Out of a total score of 5, regarding mean ± standard deviation for scores of respondents, knowledge score is 3.7 ± 0.88, 3.7 ± 0.94 for attitude score, and 3.6 ± 1.12 for practice score. About 91.9% of the respondents were found to be having good knowledge about ear care, whereas 8.1% of the participants were considered as having poor knowledge about ear care. In regards to attitude, about 90.4% was having good attitude regarding ear care, and 9.6% was with poor attitude. Considering practice, about 83.9% of the respondents were having good practice. Gender was found to be associated with good practice (p-value = 0.005) with males tend to have better practice compared to females. Educational level was found to be associated with good knowledge about ear care (p-value = 0.006) with university/postgraduate educational level having higher knowledge scores compared to other educational level.

Conclusion

Good knowledge, attitude, and practices among participants in regards to ear care were documented. Efforts should be directed towards raising the knowledge level, and this will result in improvements in attitudes and practices. This could be accomplished through health education campaigns, community events, and augmentation of the role of media.
Evaluating the Representation of Community Colleges in Biology Education Research Publications following a Call to Action
Authors: Creech Catherine , Just Jan , Hammarlund Sarah , Rolle Cleo E. , Gonsar Ngawang Y. , Olson Alyssa , Campbell Nikaila , Mennes Karissa , Adoradio Cecilia , Soneral Paula , Ewell Sharday , Mazur Clay , Lane A. Kelly , Hewlett James , Cotner Sehoya
Published: September 2022

This paper examines the extent to which community college biology education research (CC BER) has progressed since initial calls for broadening participation by comparing the number of CC BER publications, identifies barriers to and opportunities for community college faculty BER participation, and highlights the importance of institutional networks as a driver for incorporating CC faculty in BER.
Wide Arterial Sparing Encephalo-Duro-Synangiosis for Moyamoya: Surgical Technique and Outcomes
Authors: Dawkins Demi , Aagaard-Kienitz Beverly , Capel Kelly , Eisenmenger Laura , Samsonov Alexey , Li Yiping , Sandoval-Garcia Carolina , Iskandar Bermans
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND:

Moyamoya is managed by surgical revascularization, but no standardized method has yet been universally adopted.

OBJECTIVE:

To describe a new indirect bypass technique for pediatric moyamoya, wide arterial sparing encephalo-duro-synangiosis (WASEDS), which provides a much wider area of revascularization with minimal compromise to the middle meningeal arterial tree compared with traditional procedures. Initially used as a salvage technique after failed encephalo-duro-arterio-synangiosis, its success later motivated its use as a first-line procedure.

METHODS:

Clinical and radiographic records of patients who underwent WASEDS for moyamoya from 2009 to 2020 were reviewed. Brain perfusion relative cerebral blood volume on the side of the WASEDS procedure was calculated. Two-tailed paired t tests were performed to identify the statistically significant differences (P ≤ .05).

RESULTS:

WASEDS was successfully performed on 8 patients for a total of 14 cerebral hemispheres. Age ranged from 2 to 25 years. There were no mortalities. The average clinical and radiographic follow-up was 49.79 months (range 2-126 months), demonstrating improvement in neurological condition and no postoperative stroke and significant diminution or cessation of transient ischemic attacks in all patients. Relative cerebral blood volume increased 9.24% after the WASEDS procedure (P = .012). There were no neurological complications. There were 2 pseudomeningoceles related to the extensive dural openings.

CONCLUSION:

WASEDS is a safe and effective indirect revascularization technique for both primary and salvage techniques. It provides an extensive area of cortical revascularization with no compromise of the middle meningeal vasculature and subjective reports of early improvement in cognition and behavior. The main disadvantage is elevated risk of pseudomeningocele secondary to the large craniotomy.
Clinical characteristics and risk factors of lower extremity amputation in patients with diabetic foot
Authors: Wang Linru , Li Qiang , Chen Xiao , Wang Zhaowei
Published: September 2022

Objectives: To investigate the risk factors of lower limb amputation, and help physicians better understand the clinical characteristics of patients with diabetic foot, and make treatment strategies for these patients correctly.

Methods: In this study, the inpatients with diabetic foot treated in our hospital form January 2013 to February 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into amputation and conservative treatment groups. The variables of the patients, consisting of age, gender, smoking history, alcohol use, diabetes and ulcer duration, ulcer size, Wagner classification, ankle brachial index, previous amputation history, laboratory data, and medical comorbidities including hypertension, coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, chronic renal insufficiency, retinopathy, and sequelae of cerebral infarction were selected for analysis to determine the risk factors of lower limb amputation.

Results: In this study, a total of 856 patients with diabetic foot were enrolled, in which 487 patients received amputation surgeries, and the amputation rate was 56.9%. There were significant differences between the two groups in gender (p=0.014), smoking history (p=0.011), ulcer duration (p=0.023), ulcer size (p=0.000), Wagner classification (p=0.000), ABI (p=0.031), peripheral arterial disease (p=0.000), HDL-C (p=0.013), osteomyelitis (p=0.000), and fibrinogen (p=0.001). A stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that male gender (p=0.003), larger ulcer size (p=0.001), higher Wagner classification grades (p=0.002), higher rate of peripheral arterial disease (p=0.02) and osteomyelitis (p=0.0001), and increased fibrinogen level (p=0.004) were independent risk factors of lower limb amputation in patients with diabetic foot.

Conclusion: The diabetic foot patients with male sex, larger ulcer size, higher grade of Wagner classification, peripheral arterial disease or higher fibrinogen level may face higher risk of lower limb amputation.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.5635

How to cite this:Wang L, Li Q, Chen X, Wang Z. Clinical characteristics and risk factors of lower extremity amputation in patients with diabetic foot. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.5635

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Cannabidiol in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease – a comprehensive overview of in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Drożak Paulina , Skrobas Urszula , Drożak Martyna
Published: September 2022

Introduction and purpose. Dementia is a major public health problem. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) accounts for 60% of dementia cases. However, AD is currently considered as an incurable disorder and the only few drugs available for its treatment are mostly symptomatic. In the quest for novel drugs for this devastating disease, cannabidiol (CBD) has been recently gaining attention due to its multiple properties, such as an ability to interact with various receptors, anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects and many more. The aim of this review article was to summarize findings on the effect of CBD on AD with a focus on molecular mechanisms of CBD’s action and therapeutic effects which it exerts.

Description of the state of knowledge. In vitro studies, carried out on cell models of AD, showed anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of CBD through a suppression of pro-inflammatory genes and causing a reduction of production of, among others, nitric oxide. Moreover, CBD was proven to decrease amyloid β (Aβ) production, reduce formation and aggregation of tau fibrils, protect against microglial and Aβ-induced neurotoxicity and prevented the Aβ-induced deficit in long-term potentiation in hippocampus. In vivo studies, conducted mostly on mice models of AD, indicated that CBD improves memory and spatial learning, reverses deficit in social and object recognition, reduces anxiety-like behaviors and improves glucose metabolism. One study including humans demonstrated that CBD enhances cerebral blood flow in hippocampus. Currently there are two ongoing clinical trials on the use of CBD in AD-associated agitation.

Conclusions. Both in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that cannabidiol appears promising in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
Treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: review of the literature with regard to the TIME clinical decision support tool
Authors: Patton Declan , Avsar Pinar , Wilson Pauline , Mairghani Maisoon , O'Connor Tom , Nugent Linda , Moore Zena
Published: September 2022

Objective:

The aim of this clinically orientated paper is to offer an overview of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) dressings generally, and more specifically, their use in the treatment of DFUs.

Method:

The TIME clinical decision support tool (CDST) has been used as a clinical tool that can help clinicians bring together the different aspects of dressings for DFU treatment into a holistic approach to patient care.

Results:

DFUs are often difficult to heal, are painful and impact negatively on the individual's quality of life. Most DFU dressings are designed to support the healing of hard-to-heal wounds and represent one part of the management of DFUs. Apart from providing a moist environment, absorbing increased exudate, enhancing granulation and assisting in autolysis, the dressings need to be cost-effective. Wound dressing selection is based on clinical knowledge that ensures the dressing is most appropriate for the individual and the wound, taking into account the comorbidities that the individual may have.

Conclusion:

This paper has highlighted how the use of the TIME CDST model can enhance clinical care and is a further tool clinicians should consider when developing and executing DFU treatment plans. Future research needs to focus on large multicentre studies using robust methodologies, given the current gaps in the evidence, to determine the effectiveness of dressing products for DFUs.
The influence of adequate debridement and placental-derived allografts on diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Tettelbach William H , Cazzell Shawn M , Hubbs Brandon , Jong Julie L De , Forsyth R Allyn , Reyzelman Alexander M
Published: September 2022

Objective:

To determine the role of debridement when patients are using placental-derived allografts (PDAs), data from two prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were evaluated for the quality or adequacy of debridement on diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) treated with PDAs. Results were compared with real-world findings via a retrospective analysis of 2015–2019 Medicare claims for DFUs.

Method:

Debridement adequacy in the prospective RCTs was adjudicated by three blinded wound care specialists. Treatments included two PDAs, dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane (DHACM, n=54) or dehydrated human umbilical cord (DHUC, n=101), compared with standard of care (SOC, n=110). The key outcome was the influence of adequate debridement on rates of complete closure within 12 weeks. Additionally, a retrospective analysis of 2015–2019 Medicare claims for DFUs that received routine debridement at intervals ranging from every 1–7 days (18,900 total episodes), 8–14 days (35,728 total episodes), and every 15 days or greater (34,330 total episodes) was performed.

Results:

Within the RCTs, adequate debridement occurred in 202/265 (76%) of patients, 90/110 (82%) SOC ulcers, 45/54 (83%) of DHACM-treated ulcers, and in 67/101 (66%) of DHUC-treated ulcers. Complete closure occurred in 150/202 (74%) of adequately debrided ulcers, and in only 13/63 (21%) of ulcers without adequate debridement, p<0.0001. Debridement was the most significant factor for closure even when controlling for other clinical characteristics. Within the Medicare claims data 21% (18,900/88,958) of episodes treated with SOC only had debridement intervals of ≤7 days. Short debridement intervals in combination with the use of DHACM demonstrated statistically significant better outcomes than SOC including: 65% fewer major amputations (p<0.0001), higher DFU resolution rates (p=0.0125), 42% fewer emergency room visits (p<0.0001) and reduced usage of other hospital resources (admissions and readmissions).

Conclusion:

Prospectively collected data examining the quality of debridement and retrospectively analysed data examining the frequency of debridement supports routine adequate wound debridement, particularly at intervals of seven days, as an essential component of wound care. Optimal use of placental-derived allografts improves outcomes and lowers the use of healthcare resources.
Vitamin C and the management of diabetic foot ulcers: a literature review
Authors: Tong Khanh Phuong , Intine Robert , Wu Stephanie
Published: September 2022

Objective:

The lifetime risk of developing a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) in people with diabetes is as high as 25%. A trio of factors constitute the diabetic foot syndrome that characterises DFUs, including neuropathy, vascular disease and infections. Vitamin C has important functions in the nervous, cardiovascular, and immune systems that are implicated in DFU development. Furthermore, vitamin C deficiency has been observed in individuals with DFUs, suggesting an important function of vitamin C in DFU management and treatment. Therefore, this literature review evaluates the role of vitamin C in the nervous, cardiovascular and immune systems in relation to wound healing and DFUs, as well as discussing vitamin C's lesser known role in depression, a condition that affects many individuals with a DFU.

Method:

A literature search was done using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Ovid, Computer Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects, and NIH Clinical Center. Search terms included ‘diabetic foot ulcer,’ ‘diabetic foot,’ ‘vitamin C,’ and ‘ascorbic acid.’

Results:

Of the 71 studies initially identified, seven studies met the inclusion criteria, and only three were human clinical trials. Overall, the literature on this subject is limited, with mainly observational and animal studies, and few human clinical trials.

Conclusion:

There is a need for additional human clinical trials on vitamin C supplementation in individuals with a DFU to fill the knowledge gap and guide clinical practice.
The Code of Conduct for Research Integrity, Governance, and Ethics in Education in the USA, Europe, and Ukraine: Comparative Analysis
Authors: Shykhnenko Kateryna , Sbruieva Alina
Published: September 2022

The purpose of the study is to identify how the coverage of topics of the Code of Conduct for Research in Education in Ukraine is consistent with the ones from the United States of America (USA) and Europe. Furthermore, the study attempts to explore coherences in the documents so that these could be reviewed and addressed. The study used the methodology for mixed-methods systematic reviews to respond to the first research question and the survey research methodology to respond to the second one. It was identified that the research integrity and ethics terms were not sufficiently covered by the Codes of education and research organisations from Ukraine compared to the Codes from the USA and European Union (EU). It was found that there was a shift from emphasising the role of the researcher (contributor) in the Codes from the USA and EU to drawing the importance of regulatory and legal instruments for the maintenance of research integrity and ethics in Ukraine. The prescriptive wording in the Codes of professional organisations in the USA and EU was given much greater attention than in the Codes of educational and research institutions in Ukraine. The Codes of the educational and research institutions from Ukraine were considered to be tentatively consistent with the relevant ones from the database from the USA, and Europe.
Investigation of multi-timescale processing phenomena in femtosecond laser drilling of zirconia ceramics
Authors: Zhang Yanming , Ito Yusuke , Sun Huijie , Sugita Naohiko
Published: September 2022

Femtosecond lasers have been applied to machining of zirconia (ZrO2) ceramics because of their ultrashort pulse duration and high peak power. However, an unclear understanding of the ultrafast laser–material interaction mechanisms limits the achievement of precision processing. In this study, a pump-probe imaging method comprising a focusing probe beam integrated with a high-speed camera was developed to directly observe and quantitatively evaluate the multi-timescale transient processing phenomena, including electron excitation, shockwave propagation, plasma evolution, and hole formation, occurring on the picosecond to second timescales, inside a ZrO2 sample. The variation mechanism in the shapes, lifetimes, and dimensions of these phenomena and their impacts on the drilling performance under different laser parameters were explored. The clear imaging and investigation of the above phenomena contribute to revealing the ultrafast laser–material interaction mechanisms and precision processing in the laser-drilling of zirconia ceramics.