bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
YAP1 Expression in Lichen Planus and Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Role in Disease Pathogenesis and Potential Therapeutic Target
Authors: Neinaa Yomna Mazid El-Hamd , El-Aziz Mohamed Dareen Abd , Ali Shereen Abd El-Moula , Gaballah Hanaa Hibishy , El-Tatawy Rania Ahmed
Published: March 2022

Background:

Lichen planus (LP), especially oral type, reported a potential risk of malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Yes-Associated Protein (YAP1), a key component of the Hippo pathway, acts as a transcription cofactor regulating expression of genes involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. Therefore, it has been implicated in carcinogenesis of a wide variety of human cancers.

Objectives:

To study YAP1 expression in LP and SCC in comparison to normal control (NC) specimens.

Patients and methods:

This study was conducted on 50 NC specimens, 50 LP specimens, and 50 SCC specimens. They were categorized into 2 main groups; cutaneous (25 NC, 25 LP, 25 SCC), and oral (25 NC, 25 LP, 25 SCC). All specimens were examined for YAP1 antibody expression by immunohistochemistry and YAP1 mRNA expression by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results:

In both cutaneous and oral groups; significant upregulation of YAP1 expressions was observed in SCC specimens followed by LP and then NC specimens in the same sequence. Its expression in SCC was found to be significantly higher in poorly and moderately differentiated types than well differentiated types.

Conclusion:

YAP1 may have a potential role in the pathogenesis of LP and oncogenesis and progression of SCC. Moreover, it could be considered as a novel therapeutic target for such cases.
An Atypical Myelomonocytic Cell Infiltrate: Use of Next-Generation Sequencing to Diagnose Indeterminate Cell Histiocytosis
Authors: Belina Morgan E. , Kwock Jeffery T. , Al-Rohil Rami , Fresco Amber
Published: March 2022

Indeterminant cell histiocytosis (ICH) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder that demonstrates features of Langerhans and non-Langerhans cell histiocytoses and diagnosis can be challenging. We present a case of a 62 year old woman with a generalized eruption of erythematous papules on the face, trunk and extremities. Skin biopsies demonstrated a dermal mononuclear cell infiltrate with monocytic (CD4, CD33), histiocytic (CD68, CD163), and dendritic cell (CD1a) immunophenotype but negative for Langerhans' cell marker (CD207). The differential diagnosis included leukemia cutis and ICH, and further workup revealed a normal bone marrow biopsy. To confirm the diagnosis of ICH, next generation sequencing with ETV3-NCOA2 gene fusion was performed and was positive. The patient's condition improved with methotrexate and narrow band UVB phototherapy. Our case adds to the existing literature supporting the use of next-generation sequencing to test for ETV3-NCOA2 gene fusion in suspected cases of ICH.
ALK-Negative Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma With Systemic Involvement or Systemic ALCL With Cutaneous Lesion. A Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Gupta Ishan , Ramteke Prashant , Narwal Anubhav , Sharma Mehar Chand , Bakhshi Sameer , Mallick Saumyaranjan
Published: March 2022

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (C-ALCL) is a cutaneous CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorder. The patients usually present with single or multiple cutaneous nodules or papules and about 10% cases present with extracutaneous manifestations, which are predominantly in the form of regional lymph nodal involvement. Visceral involvement especially pulmonary or hepatic involvement in C-ALCL is only rarely described in the scientific literature. Approximately 20%–42% cases show spontaneous regression, about 50% cases may recur; however, C-ALCL generally carries a good prognosis. We present a rare case of primary C-ALCL in a 66-year-old man with regional lymph nodal and hepatic involvement. Differential diagnostic entities are discussed in this report with the review of the literature.
The development from hyperuricemia to gout: key mechanisms and natural products for treatment
Authors: Liu Lin , Wang Dan , Liu Mengyang , Yu Haiyang , Chen Qian , Wu Yuzheng , Bao Ruixia , Zhang Yi , Wang Tao
Published: March 2022

Gout is a common of inflammatory arthritis and is caused by the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals as a result of hyperuricemia (HUA). Although HUA is considered to be the main risk factor for gout, only approximately 10% of the individuals with HUA will eventually experience a gout attack. In this review, we first briefly introduce the development of gout and then summarize several possible reasons for its development. Genetic factors play a more prominent role in gout than in other diseases; functional mutations related to urate control and innate immunity components have been found to be associated with gout. Here, we list some of the most prominent genes involved in the pathogenesis of gout. In joints with MSU deposition, mature macrophages may uptake MSU crystals without causing inflammation, and this helps to maintain joints in an asymptomatic state. As an auxiliary inflammation pathway, the ATP-P2X7R-NLRP3 axis may contribute to the amplification of MSU-induced inflammation to affect the development of gout. Finally, this review summarizes the research progress on natural products that can be used in the treatment of HUA and gout.
INTRAVITREAL NESVACUMAB (ANTIANGIOPOIETIN 2) PLUS AFLIBERCEPT IN DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA
Authors: Brown David M. , Boyer David S. , Csaky Karl , Vitti Robert , Perlee Lorah , Chu Karen W. , Asmus Friedrich , Leal Sergio , Zeitz Oliver , Cheng Yenchieh , Schmelter Thomas , Heier Jeffrey S. ,   On behalf of the RUBY Investigators
Published: March 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to compare intravitreal nesvacumab (anti-angiopoietin 2) plus aflibercept with intravitreal aflibercept injection (IAI) in diabetic macular edema.

Methods:

The eyes (n = 302) were randomized (1:2:3) to nesvacumab 3 mg + aflibercept 2 mg (LD combo), nesvacumab 6 mg + aflibercept 2 mg (HD combo), or IAI 2 mg at baseline, Weeks 4 and 8. LD combo continued every 8 weeks (q8w). HD combo was rerandomized at Week 12 to q8w or every 12 weeks (q12w); IAI to q8w, q12w, or HD combo q8w through Week 32.

Results:

Week 12 best-corrected visual acuity gains for LD and HD combo versus IAI were 6.8, 8.5, and 8.8 letters; Week 36 changes were similar. Central subfield retinal thickness reductions at Week 12 were −169.4, −184.0, and −174.6 µm (nominal P = 0.0183, HD combo vs. IAI); Week 36 reductions for LD combo and HD combo q8w and q12w versus IAI were −210.4, −223.4, and −193.7 versus −61.9 µm (nominal P < 0.05). At Week 12, 13.3% and 21.3% versus 15.2% had ≥2-step Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale improvement (LD and HD combos vs. IAI) and 59.6% and 66.3% versus 53.7% had complete foveal center fluid resolution. Safety was comparable across groups.

Conclusion:

Nesvacumab + aflibercept demonstrated no additional visual benefit over IAI. Anatomic improvements with HD combo may warrant further investigation.
Homozygous Nonsense Mutation in SDR9C7 in a Chinese Patient With Autosomal Recessive Congenital Ichthyosis
Authors: Huang Xin , Chen Zhi-Ming , Yang Yong
Published: March 2022

Introduction:

Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) is a heterogeneous group of cornification disorders. To date, 14 genes have been found to be related to ARCI.

We herein describe a patient with ARCI who carried a homozygous nonsense mutation in the SDR9C7 gene and presented with generalized erythroderma, scales, recurrent blisters, and onychomycosis.

Case presentation:

A 23-year-old woman developed generalized erythroderma and scales over her trunk and limbs shortly after birth, followed by recurrent blisters and nail deformities. A diagnosis of ARCI was made based on her clinical manifestations, family history, and genetic analysis, which revealed a homozygous mutation in SDR9C7 (c.187C>T, p.Q63X).

Discussion:

Most genes responsible for ARCI are associated with epidermal lipid metabolism, which contributes to the cutaneous barrier. SDR9C7, which encodes short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase family 9C member 7, has also been recently found to play vital roles in this process by regulating ceramide binding to the epidermal cornified cell envelope. For patients clinically suspected to have ARCI, recurrent onychomycosis is a strong indication that they carry a SDR9C7 gene mutation.

Conclusion:

Remarkable phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity exists among patients with ARCI. Genetic analysis is an effective tool in diagnosing this and other hereditary diseases. Our patient developed recurrent onychomycosis, a typical presentation of ARCI caused by SDR9C7 mutation, and the unusual blisters further expand the clinical phenotypic spectrum of ARCI.
Elite Athletes Successfully Return to the Preinjury Level of Sport Following Ankle Syndesmosis Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bolia Ioanna K. , Bogdanov Jacob , Schoell Kyle , Ouyang Yuxin , Petrigliano Frank A. , Weber Alexander E. , Tan Eric W.
Published: March 2022

Objective:

To comprehensively review and report the outcomes of ankle syndesmotic injury management in elite athletes.

Data sources:

Three databases were searched for articles reporting the rate of return to sport following treatment of ankle syndesmotic injuries in elite athletes (collegiate or professional level). Ten articles and 440 athletes were included. Articles reporting the rate of return to sport following high ankle sprain injury in elite athletes. Data collected included demographics, type of treatment received, and return to sport (RTS) information. A random effects model was used.

Main results:

The estimated overall rate of RTS was 99% (95% CI, 95.5-99.9). The mean time to RTS was 38 ± 18 (range, 14-137) days. Of the 440 athletes, 269 (269/440%, 61%) were treated nonoperatively (nonoperative group); the rate of RTS was 99.6%, and the athletes returned at a mean time of 29 ± 14 (range, 13-45) days. A total of 171 athletes (171 of 440%, 39%) underwent surgical treatment (operative group). All (171 of 171%, 100%) athletes returned at a mean time of 50.3 ± 13 (range, 41-137) days. Almost all athletes who underwent surgery had suture button fixation (164 of 171 athletes, 96%), and the mean time to RTS was 7 weeks with 9.1% complication rate.

Conclusions:

Elite athletes with ankle syndesmosis injury return to sport at an extremely high rates, following operative or nonoperative treatment. Return to the preinjury level of competition should be expected at 4 weeks and 7 weeks in high-level athletes who undergo nonoperative and operative management, respectively. Suture button fixation was used by the majority of studies reporting surgical management of ankle syndesmosis injuries in athletes.
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in Children: Laboratory Investigation, Disease Associations, and Treatment Strategies
Authors: Blackall Douglas , Dolatshahi Lily
Published: March 2022

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a relatively uncommon pediatric clinical condition. As such, the evaluation and management of these cases can be challenging for even the most seasoned pediatrician. In this review, the 3 major forms of autoimmune hemolytic anemia in children will be discussed: warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia, cold agglutinin disease, and paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria. After a general description of the laboratory approach to these entities, the pathophysiology of these disease processes, including important disease associations, will be described, and treatment strategies will be discussed. This will provide the reader with a rational approach to identifying and managing pediatric patients with these uncommon autoimmune conditions.
HIV Testing at Visits to US Emergency Departments, 2018
Authors: Clay Carson E. , Ling Albee Y. , Bennett Christopher L.
Published: March 2022

Background:

An early HIV diagnosis improves patient outcomes, reduces the burden of undiagnosed HIV, and limits transmission. There is a need for an updated assessment of HIV testing rates in the emergency department (ED).

Setting:

The National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey sampling ED visits were weighted to give an estimate of ED visits across all US states in 2018.

Methods:

We analyzed patients aged 13–64 years without known HIV and estimated ED visits with HIV testing and then stratified by race, ethnicity, and region. Descriptive statistics and mapping were used to illustrate and compare patient, visit, and hospital characteristics for visits with HIV testing.

Results:

Of 83.0 million weighted visits to EDs in 2018 by patients aged 13–64 years without a known HIV infection (based on 13,237 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey sample visits), HIV testing was performed in 1.05% of visits. HIV testing was more frequent for patients aged 13–34 years compared with that for patients aged 35–64 years (1.32% vs. 0.82%, P = 0.056), Black patients compared with that for White and other patients (1.73% vs. 0.79% and 0.41%, P = 0.002), Hispanic or Latino patients compared with that for non-Hispanic or Latino patients (2.18% vs. 0.84%, P = 0.001), and patients insured by Medicaid compared with that for patients insured by private or other insurance (1.71% vs. 0.64% and 0.96%, P = 0.003). HIV testing rates were the highest in the Northeast (1.72%), followed by the South (1.05%).

Conclusions:

HIV testing occurred in a minority of ED visits. There are differences in rates of HIV testing by race, ethnicity, and location. Although rates of testing have increased, rates of ED-based HIV testing remain low.
89Zr-PSMA-617 PET/CT May Reveal Local Recurrence of Prostate Cancer Unidentified by 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT
Authors: Rosar Florian , Bartholomä Mark , Maus Stephan , Privé Bastiaan M. , Khreish Fadi , Franssen Gerben M. , Derks Yvonne H.W. , Nagarajah James , Ezziddin Samer
Published: March 2022

For localization of biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer, 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT imaging was performed in a 66-year-old man with no suspicious findings at 1 hour p.i. Additional 89Zr-PSMA-617 PET/CT revealed a small local recurrence in the prostate bed, facilitating consecutive local therapy. This interesting image points to the potential of PET/CT with 89Zr-labeled PSMA ligands, for example, 89Zr-PSMA-617, for identifying the source of biochemical recurrence despite otherwise negative imaging including conventional PSMA PET/CT.
68Ga-FAPI-04 Versus 18F-FDG PET/CT in a Case of Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome
Authors: Dong Aisheng , Zhang Zeyu , Zhang Lu , Cheng Chao , Zuo Changjing
Published: March 2022

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is a rare inherited hamartomatous polyposis syndrome. We describe 68Ga-FAPI-04 and 18F-FDG PET/CT findings in a case of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome with primary duodenal clear cell sarcoma, peritoneal metastases, and multiple intestinal polyps varying in size. The duodenal tumor and its metastases showed increased FDG and FAPI uptake. The peritoneal metastases were delineated more clearly on FAPI PET/CT compared with FDG PET/CT. More interestingly, the intestinal polyps showed increased FDG uptake and no FAPI uptake.
YY1 PROMOTES MICROGLIA M2 POLARIZATION THROUGH THE MIR-130A-3P/TREM-2 AXIS TO ALLEVIATE SEPSIS-ASSOCIATED ENCEPHALOPATHY
Authors: Peng Liang-Shan , Xu Yan , Wang Qiao-Sheng
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) induces cognitive dysfunction via mechanisms that commonly involve neuroinflammation. Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is an important transcription factor that acts as a key role in sepsis and neuroepithelium development. However, the function of YY1 in SAE remains unclear. Our study aimed to probe the intrinsic and concrete molecular mechanism of YY1 in SAE. Methods: SAE cell model and SAE animal model were constructed by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment and cecal ligation and puncture surgery, respectively. Behavioral tests were performed to analyze the cognitive function. The polarization state of mouse microglia (BV-2 cells) was assessed by flow cytometry assay. The mRNA and protein expressions were assessed by qRT-PCR and western blot. Finally, the binding relationships between YY1, miR-130a-3p, andTREM-2were verified by dual luciferase reporter gene assay and/or ChIP assay. Results: Here our results described that YY1 and TREM-2 were downregulated and miR-130a-3p was upregulated in SAE. YY1 overexpression could promote M2 polarization of microglia, and alleviate neuroinflammation and behavioral deficits in vitro and in vivo. YY1 could inhibit miR-130a-3p promoter activity. As expected, miR-130a-3p overexpression abolished the effects of YY1 overexpression on LPS-treated BV-2 cells. Besides, TREM-2 was identified as the target of miR-130a-3p. TREM-2 silencing could reverse the effects of miR-130a-3p inhibition on LPS-treated BV-2 cells. Conclusion: Taken together, YY1 promoted microglia M2 polarization via upregulating TREM-2 by interacting with miR-130a-3p promoter, suggesting YY1 overexpression might be a novel therapeutic strategy of SAE.
Surgical Correction of the Genital Hiatus at the Time of Sacrocolpopexy—Are Concurrent Posterior Repairs Cost-Effective?
Authors: Chang Olivia H. , Shepherd Jonathan P. , St. Martin Brad , Sokol Eric R. , Wallace Shannon
Published: March 2022

Objective

The objective was to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis of posterior repair performed at the time of sacrocolpopexy (SCP).

Methods

We used TreeAge Pro to construct a decision model comparing laparoscopic hysterectomy with SCP with and without concurrent posterior repair (SCP and SCP + PR). Using a time horizon of 1 year, we modeled prolapse recurrence, prolapse retreatment, and complications, including rectal injury, rectovaginal hematoma requiring surgical take-back, and postoperative dyspareunia. Costs included index surgery, surgical retreatment, and complications. We modeled effectiveness as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Cost-effectiveness was defined using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio and willingness to pay of $100,000/QALY. Sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results

Sacrocolpopexy was the dominant strategy with a cost of $65,714 and an effectiveness of 0.84. It was cost-effective at willingness to pay threshold less than $100,000/QALY. The SCP + PR costs more ($75,063) with lower effectiveness (0.83). The effectiveness of the 2 strategies was similar, differing only by 0.01 QALY, which is less than the minimally important difference for utilities. Tornado plots showed CEA results were most influenced by the cost of SCP, cost of SCP + PR, and probability of dyspareunia after SCP. In 1-way sensitivity analyses, the model outcome would change only if the cost of SCP was increased by 12.8% or if the cost of SCP + PR decreased by 14.5%. For dyspareunia, our model would only change if the probability of dyspareunia after SCP alone was 75.9% (base case, 18.6%), whereas the probability of dyspareunia after SCP + PR was 26.8%.

Conclusion

In this cost-effectiveness analysis, SCP without concurrent PR was the dominant strategy.
Estimated Levator Ani Subtended Volume: A Predictive Biomarker for Surgical Outcomes Following Native Tissue Apical Repair
Authors: Wyman Allison M. , Salemi Jason L. , Lai-Yuen Susana , Greene Kristie A. , Bassaly Renee , Kedar Rajendra , Hoyte Lennox
Published: March 2022

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical utility of estimated levator ani subtended volume (eLASV) as a prospective preoperative biomarker for prediction of surgical outcomes.

Study Design

This is a prospective case-control pilot study. Patients were recruited and gave consent between January 2018 and December 2020. Surgical failure was defined by composite score. The eLASV was calculated for each patient based on a previously published algorithm. Descriptive statistics, Fisher exact test, log-binomial regression, area under a receiver operating characteristics, Bland-Altman plot, Lin coefficient, and κ coefficient were all performed for analysis.

Results

Fifty-one patients gave consent, 31 completed preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, 27 underwent surgery (uterosacral ligament suspension), and 19 followed up for 1-year examination. Five patients (26.3%) were defined as surgical failure with median eLASV volume of 57.0 (interquartile range, 50.1–66.2). Fourteen patients (73.7%) were defined as surgical success with median eLASV of 28.2 (interquartile range, 17.2–24.3). Eighty percent of the surgical failure group (4/5) had elevated volume of eLASV, where only 14.3% of the success group (2/14) had an elevated volume (P = 0.0173). No confounders were found and unadjusted log-binomial regression suggested that patients with a high eLASV were 8.7 (95% confidence interval, 1.2–61.9) times more likely to experience surgical failure compared with those with low eLASV. The c-statistic (area under a receiver operating characteristics) was high at 0.829 along with Lin concordance coefficient of 0.949 (95% confidence interval, 0.891–0.977) for continuous data between the 2 interrater observer teams.

Conclusions

In this small prospective pilot study, patients with elevated eLASV on a preoperative pelvic magnetic resonance imaging were associated with an increased risk for surgical failure at 1 year regardless of age, body mass index, stage, or parity.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03534830
Hyperglycemia in nondiabetic adult trauma patients is associated with worse outcomes than diabetic patients: An analysis of 95,764 patients
Authors: Fakhry Samir M. , Morse Jennifer L. , Wilson Nina Y. , Waswick William A. , Garland Jeneva M. , Chipko John M. , Wyse Ransom J. , Elkbuli Adel , Dunne James , Litow Kyle J. , Duane Therèse M. , Fisher Chris , Shillinglaw William C. , Banton Kaysie L. , Biswas Saptarshi , Plurad David , Watts Dorraine D.
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

The adverse impact of acute hyperglycemia is well documented but its specific effects on nondiabetic trauma patients are unclear. The purpose of this study was to analyze the differential impact of hyperglycemia on outcomes between diabetic and nondiabetic trauma inpatients.

METHODS

Adults admitted 2018 to 2019 to 46 Level I/II trauma centers with two or more blood glucose tests were analyzed. Diabetes status was determined from International Classification of Diseases—10th Rev.—Clinical Modification, trauma registry, and/or hemoglobin A1c greater than 6.5. Patients with and without one or more hyperglycemic result >180 mg/dL were compared. Logistic regression examined the effects of hyperglycemia and diabetes on outcomes, adjusting for age, sex, Injury Severity Score, and body mass index.

RESULTS

There were 95,764 patients: 54% male; mean age, 61 years; mean Injury Severity Score, 10; diabetic, 21%. Patients with hyperglycemia had higher mortality and worse outcomes compared with those without hyperglycemia. Nondiabetic hyperglycemic patients had the highest odds of mortality (diabetic: adjusted odds ratio, 3.11; 95% confidence interval, 2.8–3.5; nondiabetics: adjusted odds ratio, 7.5; 95% confidence interval, 6.8–8.4). Hyperglycemic nondiabetics experienced worse outcomes on every measure when compared with nonhyperglycemic nondiabetics, with higher rates of sepsis (1.1 vs. 0.1%, p < 0.001), more SSIs (1.0 vs. 0.1%, p < 0.001), longer mean hospital length of stay (11.4 vs. 5.0, p < 0.001), longer mean intensive care unit length of stay (8.5 vs. 4.0, p < 0.001), higher rates of intensive care unit use (68.6% vs. 35.1), and more ventilator use (42.4% vs. 7.3%).

CONCLUSION

Hyperglycemia is associated with increased odds of mortality in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Hyperglycemia during hospitalization in nondiabetics was associated with the worst outcomes and represents a potential opportunity for intervention in this high-risk group.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/care management; Level III.
The association between food insecurity and gun violence in a major metropolitan city
Authors: Ali Ayman , Broome Jacob , Tatum Danielle , Fleckman Julia , Theall Katherine , Chaparro M. Pia , Duchesne Juan , Taghavi Sharven
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Food insecurity (FI) is an important social determinant of health that is associated with many forms of violence. We hypothesized that FI would be associated with gun violence.

METHODS

Firearm injury data was collected from 2016 to 2020 (n = 3115) at a single institution that serves as the only Level I trauma center in a major southern US city. The data were linked with Map the Meal Gap data, a publicly available data set, which estimates rates of county-level FI based on state-level FI and social determinants, including unemployment, poverty, disability, and other factors. Regression analysis was utilized to examine the relationship between FI with rates of overall gun trauma and odds of gun-related violence. Food insecurity by county of patient residence was categorized by rates less than the national average of 11.5% (low), between the national and state average (16.5%) (moderate), and greater than the state average (high). Out of state residents were excluded from the analyses.

RESULTS

Of the 3,115 patients with firearm injuries identified, 138 (4.4%) resided in counties with low FI rates, 1048 (33.6%) in moderate FI, and 1929 (62.0%) in counties with high FI. Patients in regions of high FI were more likely to be a Level I trauma activation, a victim of assault, and have Medicaid or be self-pay. There was no significant difference in mortality by levels of FI. Food insecurity was significantly associated with firearm injury, with each percent increase in FI being related to approximately 56 additional gun-related injuries per 100,000 people (95% confidence interval, 54–59) and increased odds of the injury classified as assault (odds ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.19).

CONCLUSION

Violence prevention initiatives targeting food insecure communities may help alleviate the US gun violence epidemic. Further, trauma center screening for household FI and in-hospital interventions addressing FI may help reduce gun violence recidivism.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and Epidemiologic; Level IV.
In silicoframework to inform the design of repair constructs for peripheral nerve injury repair
Authors: Laranjeira S. , Pellegrino G. , Bhangra K. S. , Phillips J. B. , Shipley R. J.
Published: March 2022

Peripheral nerve injuries affect millions of people per year and cause loss of sensation and muscle control alongside chronic pain. The most severe injuries are treated through a nerve autograft; however, donor site morbidity and poor outcomes mean alternatives are required. One option is to engineer nerve replacement tissues to provide a supportive microenvironment to encourage nerve regeneration as an alternative to nerve grafts. Currently, progress is hampered due to a lack of consensus on how to arrange materials and cells in space to maximize rate of regeneration. This is compounded by a reliance on experimental testing, which precludes extensive investigations of multiple parameters due to time and cost limitations. Here, a computational framework is proposed to simulate the growth of repairing neurites, captured using a random walk approach and parameterized against literature data. The framework is applied to a specific scenario where the engineered tissue comprises a collagen hydrogel with embedded biomaterial fibres. The size and number of fibres are optimized to maximize neurite regrowth, and the robustness of model predictions is tested through sensitivity analyses. The approach provides anin silicotool to inform the design of engineered replacement tissues, with the opportunity for further development to multi-cue environments.
Strategies that reduce Stroop interference
Authors: Palfi B. , Parris B. A. , Collins A. F. , Dienes Z.
Published: March 2022

A remarkable example of reducing Stroop interference is provided by the word blindness post-hypnotic suggestion (a suggestion to see words as meaningless during the Stroop task). This suggestion has been repeatedly demonstrated to halve Stroop interference when it is given to highly hypnotizable people. In order to explore how highly hypnotizable individuals manage to reduce Stroop interference when they respond to the word blindness suggestion, we tested four candidate strategies in two experiments outside of the hypnotic context. A strategy of looking away from the target words and a strategy of visual blurring demonstrated compelling evidence for substantially reducing Stroop interference in both experiments. However, the pattern of results produced by these strategies did not match those of the word blindness suggestion. Crucially, neither looking away nor visual blurring managed to speed up incongruent responses, suggesting that neither of these strategies is the likely underlying mechanism of the word blindness suggestion. Although the current results did not unravel the mystery of the word blindness suggestion, they showed that there are multiple voluntary ways through which participants can dramatically reduce Stroop interference.
Effects of
Chlorella vulgaris
on phosphorus release from ferric phosphate sediment by consecutive cultivations
Authors: He Lile , Chen Yongcan , Chen Shu , Wu Xuefei , Liu Jing
Published: March 2022

Iron phosphate (Fe–P) is a main phosphorus storage form, especially in phosphorus-polluted environments. The re-release of Fe–P is a problematic result during microalgal remediation. In this study, pre-incubated
Chlorella vulgaris
was cultured in a BG-11 culture medium with different amounts of Fe–P. The effects of Fe–P re-release on biomass, flocculation and removal of PO
4
3−
were investigated. The results indicated that
C. vulgaris
can promote the dissolution and release of Fe–P when the pH is 7, and the amount of Fe–P (ΔQ) released in 200 ml water reaches 0.055–0.45 mg d
−1
under a
C. vulgaris
concentration of 5.6 × 10
5
–8 × 10
5
cells ml
−1
. The growth of
C. vulgaris
was inhibited because of the flocculation behaviour of Fe
3
+
in the release stage, which is associated with a specific growth rate of 0.3–0.4 d
−1
and a phosphorus removal rate below 30%. However, this process, in the long term, indicates a favourable transformation in which Fe–P becomes bioavailable under the action of
C. vulgaris
. Microalgae outbreaks may be triggered by persistent interactions between Fe–P and
C. vulgaris
. This study provides an important reference for the application of
C. vulgaris
in a Fe–P-rich environment.
Effects of clipping of flight feathers on resource use in Gallus gallus domesticus
Authors: Garant Renée , Tobalske Bret W. , BenSassi Neila , van Staaveren Nienke , Tulpan Dan , Widowski Tina , Powers Donald R. , Harlander-Matauschek Alexandra
Published: March 2022

Ground-dwelling species of birds, such as domestic chickens (
Gallus gallus domesticus
), experience difficulties sustaining flight due to high wing loading. This limited flight ability may be exacerbated by loss of flight feathers that is prevalent among egg-laying chickens. Despite this, chickens housed in aviary style systems need to use flight to access essential resources stacked in vertical tiers. To understand the impact of flight feather loss on chickens' ability to access elevated resources, we clipped primary and secondary flight feathers for two hen strains (brown-feathered and white-feathered,
n
= 120), and recorded the time hens spent at elevated resources (feeders, nest-boxes). Results showed that flight feather clipping significantly reduced the percentage of time that hens spent at elevated resources compared to ground resources. When clipping both primary and secondary flight feathers, all hens exhibited greater than or equal to 38% reduction in time spent at elevated resources. When clipping only primary flight feathers, brown-feathered hens saw a greater than 50% reduction in time spent at elevated nest-boxes. Additionally, brown-feathered hens scarcely used the elevated feeder regardless of treatment. Clipping of flight feathers altered the amount of time hens spent at elevated resources, highlighting that distribution and accessibility of resources is an important consideration in commercial housing.
Warning signs for non-Markovian bifurcations: colour blindness and scaling laws
Authors: Kuehn Christian , Lux Kerstin , Neamţu Alexandra
Published: March 2022

Warning signs for tipping points (or critical transitions) have been very actively studied. Although the theory has been applied successfully in models and in experiments for many complex systems such as for tipping in climate systems, there are ongoing debates as to when warning signs can be extracted from data. In this work, we shed light on this debate by considering different types of underlying noise. Thereby, we significantly advance the general theory of warning signs for nonlinear stochastic dynamics. A key scenario deals with stochastic systems approaching a bifurcation point dynamically upon slow parameter variation. The stochastic fluctuations are generically able to probe the dynamics near a deterministic attractor to reveal critical slowing down. Using scaling laws near bifurcations, one can then anticipate the distance to a bifurcation. Previous warning signs results assume that the noise is Markovian, most often even white. Here, we study warning signs for non-Markovian systems including coloured noise and

α

-regular Volterra processes (of which fractional Brownian motion and the Rosenblatt process are special cases). We prove that early warning scaling laws can disappear completely or drastically change their exponent based upon the parameters controlling the noise process. This provides a clear explanation as to why applying standard warning signs results to reduced models of complex systems may not agree with data-driven studies. We demonstrate our results numerically in the context of a box model of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation.
Probing the limits of quantum theory with quantum information at subnuclear scales
Authors: Eckstein Michał , Horodecki Paweł
Published: March 2022

Modern quantum engineering techniques enabled successful foundational tests of quantum mechanics. Yet, the universal validity of quantum postulates is an open question. Here we propose a new theoretical framework of Q-data tests, which recognizes the established validity of quantum theory, but allows for more general—‘post-quantum’—scenarios in certain physical regimes. It can accommodate a large class of models with modified quantum wave dynamics, correlations beyond entanglement or general probabilistic postulates. We discuss its experimental implementation suited to probe the nature of strong nuclear interactions. In contrast to the present accelerator experiments, it shifts the focus from high-luminosity beam physics to individual particle coherent control.
Cellular senescence, rejuvenation and potential immortality
Authors: Sheldrake A. Rupert
Published: March 2022

Ageing, death, and potential immortality lie at the heart of biology, but two seemingly incompatible paradigms coexist in different research communities and have done since the nineteenth century. The universal senescence paradigm sees senescence as inevitable in all cells. Damage accumulates. The potential immortality paradigm sees some cells as potentially immortal, especially unicellular organisms, germ cells and cancerous cells. Recent research with animal cells, yeasts and bacteria show that damaged cell constituents do in fact build up, but can be diluted by growth and cell division, especially by asymmetric cell division. By contrast, mammalian embryonic stem cells and many cancerous and ‘immortalized’ cell lines divide symmetrically, and yet replicate indefinitely. How do they acquire their potential immortality? I suggest they are rejuvenated by excreting damaged cell constituents in extracellular vesicles. If so, our understanding of cellular senescence, rejuvenation and potential immortality could be brought together in a new synthesis, which I call the cellular rejuvenation hypothesis: damaged cell constituents build up in all cells, but cells can be rejuvenated either by growth and cell division or, in ‘immortal’ cell lines, by excreting damaged cell constituents. In electronic supplementary material, appendix, I outline nine ways in which this hypothesis could be tested.
Paenibacillus artemisiicola sp. nov. and Paenibacillus lignilyticus sp. nov., two new endophytic bacterial species isolated from plant roots
Authors: Ham You Ju , Jeong Ji Won , Lee Dong Hyeon , Kim Seung Bum
Published: March 2022

Two Gram-positive, endospore-forming, rod-shaped bacterial strains designated MWE-103T and DLE-14T were isolated from plant roots. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain MWE-103T was closely related to Paenibaillus sacheonensis SY01T with a sequence similarity of 97.82 %, and strain DLE-14T to

Paenibacillus rhizoryzae

IZS3-5T with 99.09 % similarity. The orthologous average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values using whole genome data indicated that strains MWE-103T and DLE-14T could be readily distinguished from the mostly related species. Both strains grew at mesophilic temperature ranges, and grew best at pH 6 and in the absence of NaCl. The major fatty acid in both strains was anteiso-C15 : 0, but their relative proportions differed. The predominant quinone of both strains was menaquinone 7, the cell-wall diamino acid was meso-diaminopimelic acid, and the diagnostic polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol, which were consistent with those of related species. Amylase and cellulase activities were positive for both strains. Strain DLE-14T exhibited the potential for lignin degradation. The DNA G+C contents of strain MWE-103T and DLE-14T were 60.9 and 50.8 mol% respectively. The genomes of the two strains revealed potential plant-growth-promoting characteristics such as nitrogen fixation, siderophore production and phosphate solubilization. Based on phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, strains MWE-103T and DLE-14T should each be recognized as a novel species of

Paenibacillus

, for which the names Paenibacillus artemisiicola sp. nov. (type strain: MWE-103T=KCTC 43287T=JCM 34503T) and Paenibacillus lignilyticus sp. nov. (type strain: DLE-14T=KCTC 43288T=JCM 34504T) are proposed.
Regulatory strategies to schedule threshold crossing of protein levels at a prescribed time
Authors: Nieto César , Ghusinga Khem Raj , Singh Abhyudai
Published: March 2022

The timing of diverse cellular processes is based on the instant when the concentration of regulatory proteins crosses a critical threshold level. Hence, noise mechanisms inherent to these protein synthesis pathways drive statistical fluctuations in such events’ timing. How to express proteins ensuring both the threshold crossing at a prescribed time and minimal timing fluctuations? To find this optimal strategy, we formulate a model where protein molecules are synthesized in random bursts of gene activity. The burst frequency depends on the protein level creating a feedback loop, and cellular growth dilutes protein concentration between consecutive bursts. Counterintuitively, our analysis shows that positive feedback in protein production is best for minimizing variability in threshold-crossing times. We analytically predict the optimal feedback strength in terms of the dilution rate. As a corollary to our result, a no-feedback strategy emerges as the optimal strategy in the absence of dilution. We further consider other noise sources, such as randomness in either the initial condition or the threshold level, and find that in many cases, we need either strongly negative or positive feedback for precise scheduling for events.
Bioinformatics and next generation sequencing data analysis to identify key genes and pathways influencing in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Vastrad Basavaraj , Vastrad Chanabasayya
Published: March 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most commonly diagnosed neurodegenerative disorder Identification of novel prognostic and pathogenesis biomarkers plays a pivotal role in the management of the PD. Next generation sequencing (NGS) dataset from the GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) database were used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PD. Gene Ontology (GO) and REACTOME pathway enrichmental analyses were performed to elucidate the functional roles of the DEGs. Protein-protein interaction (PPI), modules, miRNA-hub gene regulatory network and TF-hub gene regulatory network were established. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to explore the diagnostic values of hub genes in PD. In total, 957 DEGs were identified, of which 478 were up regulated genes and 479 were down regulated genes. GO and pathway enrichment analysis results revealed that the up regulated genes were mainly enriched in nervous system development, cell junction, transporter activity and neuronal system, whereas down regulated genes were mainly enriched in response to stimulus, cell periphery, identical protein binding and immune system. The top hub genes in the constructed PPI network, modules, miRNA-hub gene regulatory network and TF-hub gene regulatory network were OTUB1, PPP2R1A, AP2M1, PIN1, USP11, CDK2, IQGAP1, NEDD4, VIM and CDK1. Furthermore, ROC analysis showed that hub genes were having good diagnostic values. We identified a series of essential genes along with the pathways that were most closely related with PD initiation and progression. Our results provide a more detailed molecular mechanism for the advancement of PD, shedding light on the potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Development and validation of a quantitative instrument for measuring temporal and social disorientation in the Covid-19 crisis
Authors: Velasco Pablo Fernandez , Gurchani Umer , Perroy Bastien , Pelletreau-Duris Tom , Casati Roberto
Published: March 2022

We developed a quantitative Instrument for measuring Temporal and Social Disorientation (ITSD), aimed at major crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic. Disorientation has been identified as one of the central elements of the psychological impact of the Covid-19 era on the general public, but so far, the question has only been approached qualitatively. This paper offers an empirical, quantitative approach to the multi-faceted disorientation of the Covid-19 pandemic by operationalising the issue with the help of the ITSD. The ITSD was developed through multiple stages involving a preliminary open-ended questionnaire followed by a coder-based thematic analysis. This paper establishes the reliability and validity of the resulting ITSD using a 3-step validation process on a sample size of 3306.
Global Epidemiology and Genetic Environment of mcr genes: A One Health Systematic Review of Current and Emerging Trends
Authors: Mmatli Masego , Mbelle Nontombi Marylucy , Osei Sekyere John
Published: March 2022

Background:  Mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes modify Lipid A molecules of the lipopolysaccharide, changing the overall charge of the outer membrane.

Methods: A systematic review of all studies published between January 2015 to July 2021 was performed. Included articles described mcr genes in the context of their genetic environment, fitness cost, crystal structure, their enzymatic activity and the risk factors associated with the acquisition of mcr. Studies describing the epidemiology of mcr genes and novel therapeutics were included.

Results and Discussion: Ten mcr genes have been described to date within eleven Enterobacteriaceae species, with Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella species being the most predominant. They are present worldwide in 72 countries, with human specimens currently having the highest incidence. This is due to the wide dissemination of mcr in livestock animals, meat, manure, the environment, and wastewater samples, increasing the risk of transmission via foodborne, zoonotic, and vector-borne routes to humans. The stability and spread of mcr genes were mediated by mobile genetic elements such as the IncHI2 conjugative plasmid, which is associated with multiple mcr-variants and other antibiotic resistance genes. The cost of acquiring mcr is reduced by compensatory adaptation mechanisms. MCR proteins are well conserved via structurally. Hence, MCR-1 inhibitors and therapeutics should be applicable to all MCR proteins.

Conclusion: Mcr genes have spread from animals into the clinical setting, threatening public health. Combination therapies are a promising option for managing and treating colistin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolates whilst reducing the toxic effects of colistin.
Ammonium Sulfate Addition Reduces the Need for Guanidinium Isothiocyanate in the Denaturing Transport Medium Used for SARS-COV-2 RNA Detection
Authors: Liu Ge , Jia Jiaoyan , Zhong Jianfeng , Jiang Hanfang , Yang Yongqi , Lu Xiujing , He Zhendan , Zhu Qinchang
Published: March 2022

Rapid identification of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals through viral RNA detection followed by effective personal isolation remains the most effective way to prevent the spread of this virus. Large-scale RNA detection involves mass specimen collection and transportation. For biosafety reasons, denaturing viral transport medium has been extensively used during the pandemic. But the high concentrations of guanidinium isothiocyanate (GITC) in such media have raised issues around sufficient GITC supply and laboratory safety. Here, we tested whether supplementing media containing low concentrations of GITC with ammonium sulfate (AS) would affect the throat-swab detection of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus or a viral inactivation assay targeting both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. Adding AS to the denaturing transport media reduced the need for high levels of GITC and improved SARS-COV-2 RNA detection without compromising virus inactivation.
Impact of diabetes mellitus on the stabilization and osseointegration of dental implants: a systematic review
Authors: Katsiroumpa Aglaia , Galanis Petros , Diamantis Ioannis , Georgikopoulou Sofia , Katsoulas Theodoros , Katsimperi Elissavet , Konstantinou Evangelos
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder leading to hyperglycemia, which causes various complications due to vasculopathy. Adequate dental rehabilitation including dental implants plays a key role in promoting the eating habits of diabetics and better metabolic control.

Aim

We performed a systematic literature review to investigate the effect of diabetes mellitus on the stabilization and osseointegration of dental implants.

Methods

We searched PubMed and Scopus until October 2021. We used the following inclusion criteria: (i) study population included diabetics type I or II, (ii) outcomes were the dental implant failure or resonance frequency analysis, (iii) studies that investigate the effect of diabetes mellitus on the stabilization and osseointegration of dental implants, (iv) studies that were published in English, (v) studies that were published in journals with peer review system, (vi) studies including humans and not animals, (vii) studies that compared diabetics with non-diabetics, and (ix) quantitative studies.

Results

Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Regarding implant failure, four studies found statistically significant more frequent implant failure in diabetics, while five studies found that implant failure was more frequent in diabetics but was not statistically significant. In contrast, ten studies found that implant failure was more frequent in non-diabetics but was not statistically significant. In addition, seven studies found that all diabetics and non-diabetics retained their implant during the study. In six studies that performed the resonance frequency analysis, no statistically significant difference was found between diabetics and non-diabetics. In three studies, the mean value of the implant stability quotient increased statistically significant in non-diabetics, while in three studies the mean value of the implant stability quotient increased statistically significant in diabetics.

Conclusions

The results of this review suggest that implant failure is not higher for diabetics than for non-diabetics. Diabetics seem to be able to achieve a rate of dental implants survival like that of non-diabetics. With regards to the resonance frequency analysis, no difference is found between diabetics and non-diabetics.