bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Achieving global malaria eradication in changing landscapes
Authors: Fornace Kimberly M. , Diaz Adriana V. , Lines Jo , Drakeley Chris J.
Published: February 2021

Land use and land cover changes, such as deforestation, agricultural expansion and urbanization, are one of the largest anthropogenic environmental changes globally. Recent initiatives to evaluate the feasibility of malaria eradication have highlighted impacts of landscape changes on malaria transmission and the potential of these changes to undermine malaria control and elimination efforts. Multisectoral approaches are needed to detect and minimize negative impacts of land use and land cover changes on malaria transmission while supporting development aiding malaria control, elimination and ultimately eradication. Pathways through which land use and land cover changes disrupt social and ecological systems to increase or decrease malaria risks are outlined, identifying priorities and opportunities for a global malaria eradication campaign. The impacts of land use and land cover changes on malaria transmission are complex and highly context-specific, with effects changing over time and space. Landscape changes are only one element of a complex development process with wider economic and social dimensions affecting human health and wellbeing. While deforestation and other landscape changes threaten to undermine malaria control efforts and have driven the emergence of zoonotic malaria, most of the malaria elimination successes have been underpinned by agricultural development and land management. Malaria eradication is not feasible without addressing these changing risks while, conversely, consideration of malaria impacts in land management decisions has the potential to significantly accelerate progress towards eradication. Multisectoral cooperation and approaches to linking malaria control and environmental science, such as conducting locally relevant ecological monitoring, integrating landscape data into malaria surveillance systems and designing environmental management strategies to reduce malaria burdens, are essential to achieve malaria eradication.
Towards health equity for people experiencing chronic pain and social marginalization
Authors: Wallace Bruce , Varcoe Colleen , Holmes Cindy , Moosa-Mitha Mehmoona , Moor Gregg , Hudspith Maria , Craig Kenneth D.
Published: February 2021

Objective

For people who experience social inequities and structural violence, pain and related care are inexorably linked to experiences of injustice and stigma. The purpose of this study was to examine in greater depth the experiences of pain and discrimination and stigma across diverse marginalized communities in order to recommend equity-oriented healthcare approaches.

Methods

This community-based qualitative study reports on four focus groups that included 36 people living with pain. All participants identified with one of three groups known to experience high levels of inequities and structural violence including an Indigenous group, a LGBTQ2S group, and two newcomer and refugee groups.

Results

Pain was entangled with and shaped by: social locations and identities, experiences of violence, trauma and related mental health issues, experiences of discrimination, stigma and dismissal, experiences of inadequate and ineffective health care, and the impacts of these intersecting experiences.

Conclusions

Equity-oriented responses to chronic pain would recognize pain not only as a biomedical issue but as a social justice issue. The EQUIP Framework is an approach to integrating trauma- and violence-informed care; culturally-safe care; and harm reduction in health care that may hold promise for being tailored to people experiencing pain and social marginalization.
Role of melatonin in the angiogenesis potential; highlights on the cardiovascular disease
Authors: Rahbarghazi Afshin , Siahkouhian Marefat , Rahbarghazi Reza , Ahmadi Mahdi , Bolboli Lotfali , Keyhanmanesh Rana , Mahdipour Mahdi , Rajabi Hadi
Published: February 2021

Melatonin possesses multi-organ and pleiotropic effects with potency to control angiogenesis at both molecular and cellular levels. To date, many efforts have been made to control and regulate the dynamic of angiogenesis modulators in a different milieu. The term angiogenesis or neovascularization refers to the development ofde novovascular buds from the pre-existing blood vessels. This phenomenon is tightly dependent on the balance between the pro- and anti-angiogenesis factors which alters the functional behavior of vascular cells. The promotion of angiogenesis is thought to be an effective strategy to accelerate the healing process of ischemic changes such as infarcted myocardium. Of note, most of the previous studies have focused on the anti-angiogenesis capacity of melatonin in the tumor niche. To the best of our knowledge, few experiments highlighted the melatonin angiogenesis potential and specific regulatory mechanisms in the cardiovascular system. Here, we aimed to summarize some previous experiments related to the application of melatonin in cardiovascular diseases such as ischemic injury and hypertension by focusing on the regulatory mechanisms.
Lactobacillus fermentum CQPC07 attenuates obesity, inflammation and dyslipidemia by modulating the antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism in high-fat diet induced obese mice
Authors: Wu Ya , Li Xueya , Tan Fang , Zhou Xianrong , Mu Jianfei , Zhao Xin
Published: February 2021

Background

Obesity is an epidemic disease in the world, the treatment and prevention of obesity methods have gained great attention. Lactobacillus is the main member of probiotics, and the physiological activity of it is specific to different strains. This study systematically explored the anti-obesity effect and possible mechanism of Lactobacillus fermentum CQPC07 (LF-CQPC07), which was isolated from pickled vegetables.

Results

LF-CQPC07 effectively controlled the weight gain of mice caused by a high-fat diet. The results of pathological sections indicated that LF-CQPC07 alleviated hepatocyte damage and fat accumulation in adipocytes. The detection of biochemical indictors revealed that LF-CQPC07 decreased the levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG), and increased the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Additionally, LF-CQPC07 caused the decrease in the amounts of inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and the increase in the amounts of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-4. LF-CQPC07 also decreased the amounts of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Confirmed by qPCR, LF-CQPC07 enhanced the mRNA expression of catalase (CAT), gamma glutamylcysteine synthetase 1 (GSH1), copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1), manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). It also increased the mRNA expression levels of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and cholesterol 7 alpha hydroxylase (CYP7A1), and decreased that of PPAR-γ and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBP-α) in the liver of mice.

Conclusion

This research confirmed that LF-CQPC07 is capable of ameliorating obesity, improving hyperlipemia, and alleviating chronic low-grade inflammation and liver injury accompanied with obesity. Its mechanism may be the regulation of antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism. Therefore, LF-CQPC07 has enormous potential to serve as a potential probiotic for the prevention or treatment of obesity.
Retraction Note to: Injectable hydrogel encapsulating Cu2MnS2 nanoplates for photothermal therapy against breast cancer
Authors: Fu Ji‑jun , Chen Ming‑ yue , Li Jie‑xia , Zhou Jun‑ hua , Xie Sheng‑nan , Yuan Ping , Tang Bo , Liu Cheng‑ cheng
Published: February 2021

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12951-021-00780-0
The disease sites of female genital cancers of BRCA1/2-associated hereditary breast and ovarian cancer: a retrospective study
Authors:   and the Registration Committee of the Japanese HBOC consortium, Mitamura Takashi , Sekine Masayuki , Arai Masami , Shibata Yuka , Kato Momoko , Yokoyama Shiro , Yamashita Hiroko , Watari Hidemichi , Yabe Ichiro , Nomura Hiroyuki , Enomoto Takayuki , Nakamura Seigo
Published: February 2021

Disease sites of female genital tract cancers of BRCA1/2-associated hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) are less understood than non-hereditary cancers. We aimed to elucidate the disease site distribution of genital cancers in women with the germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variants (BRCA1+ and BRCA2+) of HBOC. For the primary disease site, the proportion of fallopian tube and peritoneal cancer was significantly higher in BRCA2+ (40.5%) compared with BRCA1+ (15.4%) and BRCA− (no pathogenic variant, 12.8%). For the metastatic site, the proportion of peritoneal dissemination was significantly higher in BRCA1+ (71.9%) than BRCA− (55.1%) and not different from BRCA2+ (71.4%). With one of the most extensive patients, this study supported the previous reports showing that the pathogenic variants of BRCA1/2 were involved in the female genitalia’s disease sites.
Oligodeoxynucleotides containing unmethylated cytosine-guanine motifs are effective immunostimulants against pneumococcal meningitis in the immunocompetent and neutropenic host
Authors: Ribes S. , Zacke L. , Nessler S. , Saiepour N. , Avendaño-Guzmán E. , Ballüer M. , Hanisch U. K. , Nau R.
Published: February 2021

Background

Bacterial meningitis is a fatal disease with a mortality up to 30% and neurological sequelae in one fourth of survivors. Available vaccines do not fully protect against this lethal disease. Here, we report the protective effect of synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides containing unmethylated cytosine-guanine motifs (CpG ODN) against the most frequent form of bacterial meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Methods

Three days prior to the induction of meningitis by intracerebral injection of S. pneumoniae D39, wild-type and Toll-like receptor (TLR9)−/− mice received an intraperitoneal injection of 100 μg CpG ODN or vehicle. To render mice neutropenic, anti-Ly-6G monoclonal antibody was daily administrated starting 4 days before infection with a total of 7 injections. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses and bacteriological studies, in which mice were sacrificed 24 h and 36 h after infection, were performed.

Results

Pre-treatment with 100 μg CpG ODN prolonged survival of immunocompetent and neutropenic wild-type mice but not of TLR9−/− mice. There was a trend towards lower mortality in CpG ODN-treated immunocompetent and neutropenic wild-type mice. CpG ODN caused an increase of IL-12/IL-23p40 levels in the spleen and serum in uninfected animals. The effects of CpG ODN on bacterial concentrations and development of clinical symptoms were associated with an increased number of microglia in the CNS during the early phase of infection. Elevated concentrations of IL-12/IL-23p40 and MIP-1α correlated with lower bacterial concentrations in the blood and spleen during infection.

Conclusions

Pre-conditioning with CpG ODN strengthened the resistance of neutropenic and immunocompetent mice against S. pneumoniae meningitis in the presence of TLR9. Administration of CpG ODN decreased bacterial burden in the cerebellum and reduced the degree of bacteremia. Systemic administration of CpG ODN may help to prevent or slow the progression to sepsis of bacterial CNS infections in healthy and immunocompromised individuals even after direct inoculation of bacteria into the intracranial compartments, which can occur after sinusitis, mastoiditis, open head trauma, and surgery, including placement of an external ventricular drain.
Maternity waiting homes as component of birth preparedness and complication readiness for rural women in hard-to-reach areas in Ethiopia
Authors: Gurara Mekdes Kondale , Van Geertruyden Jean-Pierre , Gutema Befikadu Tariku , Draulans Veerle , Jacquemyn Yves
Published: February 2021

Background

In rural areas of Ethiopia, 57% of births occur at home without the assistance of skilled birth attendants, geographical inaccessibility being one of the main factors that hinder skilled birth attendance. Establishment of maternity waiting homes (MWH) is part of a strategy to improve access to skilled care by bringing pregnant women physically close to health facilities. This study assessed barriers to MWHs in Arba Minch Zuria District, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken from February 01 to 28, 2019. Study participants were selected by computer-generated random numbers from a list of women who gave birth from 2017 to 2018 in Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance System site. Data were collected using a pre-tested and interviewer-administered questionnaire. Stata software version-15 was used for data management and analysis, and variables with p-values ≤ 0.2 in bivariate analysis were considered for multivariable logistic regression analysis. Level of statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05. Qualitative data were analyzed manually based on thematic areas.

Results

MWH utilization was found to be 8.4%. Wealth index (lowest wealth quintile aOR 7.3; 95% CI 1.2, 42), decisions made jointly with male partners (husbands) for obstetric emergencies (aOR 3.6; 95% CI 1.0, 12), birth preparedness plan practice (aOR 6.5; 95% CI 2.3, 18.2), complications in previous childbirth (aOR 3; 95% 1.0, 9), history of previous institutional childbirth (aOR 12; 95% CI 3.8, 40), residence in areas within two hours walking distance to the nearest health facility (aOR 3.3; 95% CI: 1.4, 7.7), and ease of access to transport in obstetric emergencies (aOR 8.8; 95% CI: 3.9, 19) were factors that showed significant associations with MWH utilization.

Conclusions

A low proportion of women has ever used MWHs in the study area. To increase MWH utilization, promoting birth preparedness practices, incorporating MWH as part of a personalized birth plan, improving access to health institutions for women living far away and upgrading existing MWHs are highly recommended.
Misdiagnosis, detection rate, and associated factors of severe psychiatric disorders in specialized psychiatry centers in Ethiopia
Authors: Ayano Getinet , Demelash Sileshi , yohannes Zegeye , Haile Kibrom , Tulu Mikiyas , Assefa Dawit , Tesfaye Abel , Haile Kelemua , Solomon Melat , Chaka Asrat , Tsegay Light
Published: February 2021

Background

There are limited studies on the prevalence of misdiagnosis as well as detection rates of severe psychiatric disorders in specialized and non-specialized healthcare settings. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to determine the prevalence of misdiagnosis and detection rates of severe psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, schizoaffective, bipolar, and depressive disorders in a specialized psychiatric setting.

Method

In this cross-sectional study, a random sample of 309 patients with severe psychiatric disorders was selected by systematic sampling technique. Severe psychiatric disorders were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID). The potential determinates of misdiagnosis were explored using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models, adjusting for the potential confounding factors.

Result

This study revealed that more than a third of patients with severe psychiatric disorders were misdiagnosed (39.16%). The commonly misdiagnosed disorder was found to be a schizoaffective disorder (75%) followed by major depressive disorder (54.72%), schizophrenia (23.71%), and bipolar disorder (17.78%). Among the patients detected with the interview by SCID criteria, the highest level of the correct diagnosis was recorded in the medical record for schizophrenia (76.29%) followed by bipolar (72.22%), depressive (42.40%), and schizoaffective (25%) disorders with detection rate (sensitivity) of 0.76 (95% CI 0.69–0.84), 0.42 (95% CI 0.32–0.53), 0.72 (95% CI 0.60–0.84), and 0.25 (95% CI 0.09–0.41), respectively for schizophrenia, depressive, bipolar, and schizoaffective disorders. Patients with bipolar disorder were more likely to be misdiagnosed as having schizophrenia (60%), whereas schizophrenic patients were more likely to be misdiagnosed as having bipolar disorder (56.25%) and patients with depressive disorders were more likely to be misdiagnosed as having schizophrenia (54.72%). Having a diagnosis of schizoaffective and depressive disorders, as well as suicidal ideation, was found to be significant predictors of misdiagnosis.

Conclusion

This study showed that roughly four out of ten patients with severe psychiatric disorders had been misdiagnosed in a specialized psychiatric setting in Ethiopia. The highest rate of misdiagnosis was observed for schizoaffective disorder (3 out of 4), followed by major depressive disorder (1 out of 2), schizophrenia (1 out of 4), and bipolar disorders (1 in 5). The detection rates were highest for schizophrenia, followed by bipolar, depressive, and schizoaffective disorders. Having a diagnosis of schizoaffective and depressive disorders as well as suicidal ideation was found to be significant predictors of misdiagnosis.
Title: pancreatic‐type mixed acinar neuroendocrine carcinoma of the stomach: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ooe Yuka , Watanabe Kishichiro , Hashimoto Isaya , Takenaka Satoshi , Ojima Toshihiko , Yamamoto Seiichi , Fujii Hisatake
Published: February 2021

Background

The majority of gastrointestinal tumors are adenocarcinomas. Rarely, there are other types of tumors, such as acinar cell carcinoma, and these are often called pancreatic-type acinar cell carcinomas. Among these tumors, some are differentiated into neuroendocrine components. A few of them are MiNENs.

Case presentation

The patient was an 80-year-old male who was referred to our hospital for treatment of a pedunculated gastric tumor. It was 5 cm in diameter and detected in the upper gastric body with upper GI endoscopy conducted to investigate anemia. In the biopsy, although hyperplasia of gastric gland cells was noted, no tumor cells were found. Retrospectively, the diagnosis was misdiagnosed. An operation was arranged because bleeding from the tumor was suspected as a cause of anemia and because surgical resection was considered to be desirable for accurate diagnosis. Hence, laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery was performed. In the pathological examination, several types of epithelial cells that proliferated in the area between the mucosa and deep inside the submucosa were observed. These consisted of acinar-glandular/trabecular patterns and solid. A diagnosis of pancreatic-type acinar cell carcinoma of the stomach with NET G2 and G3 was made based on characteristic cellular findings and the results of immunostaining tests. Each of them consisted of more than 30% of the lesion; a diagnosis of pancreatic-type mixed acinar neuroendocrine carcinoma (pancreatic-type MiNEN) of the stomach or a type of gastric MiNEN was obtained. Anemia was resolved after the operation, and the patient was discharged from the hospital without perioperative complications.

Conclusions

Pancreatic-type ACC of the stomach that is differentiated into neuroendocrine tumors is very rare. Hence, we report this case along with a literature review.
Experience of clinical screening for COVID-19 among patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgeries: an alternative proposal
Authors: Soler Edwarth , Farah Sammy Nicolás , Bustos Valeria P. , Medina Sofía Elizabeth Muñoz , Gómez Jairo Fernando , Lema Ernesto Martinez , Moreno Carlos Álvarez
Published: February 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is the largest global event in recent times, with millions of infected people and hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide. Colombia has also been affected by the pandemic, including by the cancellation of medically necessary surgical procedures that were categorized as nonessential. The objective of this study was to show the results of the program implemented in two institutions in Bogotá, Colombia, in April 2020 to support the performance of elective essential and nonessential low- and medium-complexity orthopedic surgeries during the mitigation phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, which involved a presurgical clinical protocol without serological or molecular testing.

Methods

This was a multicenter, observational, retrospective, descriptive study of a cohort of patients who underwent elective orthopedic surgery at two institutions in the city of Bogota, Colombia, in April 2020. We implemented a preoperative clinical protocol that did not involve serological or molecular tests; the protocol consisted of a physical examination, a survey of symptoms and contact with confirmed or suspected cases, and presurgical isolation. We recorded the types of surgeries, the patients’ scores on the medically necessary, time-sensitive (MeNTs) scale, the presence of signs, symptoms, and mortality associated with COVID-19 developed after the operation.

Results

A total of 179 patients underwent orthopedic surgery. The average age was 47 years (Shapiro-Wilk, P = 0.021), and the range was between 18 and 81 years. There was a female predominance (61.5%). With regard to the types of surgeries, 86 (48%) were knee operations, 42 (23.5%) were hand surgeries, 34 (19%) were shoulder surgeries, and 17 (9.5%) were foot and ankle surgeries. The average MeNTs score was 44.6 points. During the 2 weeks after surgery, four patients were suspected of having COVID-19 because they developed at least two symptoms associated with the disease. The incidence of COVID-19 in the postoperative period was 2.3%. Two (1.1%) of these four patients visited an emergency department where RT-PCR tests were performed, and they tested negative for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). No patients died or were hospitalized for symptoms of COVID-19.

Conclusion

Through the implementation of a presurgical clinical protocol consisting of a physical examination; a clinical survey inquiring about signs, symptoms, and epidemiological contact with suspected or confirmed cases; and presurgical isolation but not involving the performance of molecular or serological diagnostic tests, positive results were obtained with regard to the performance of low- and medium-complexity elective orthopedic surgeries in an early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Level of evidence

IV.
School in Italy: a safe place for children and adolescents
Authors: Villani Alberto , Coltella Luana , Ranno Stefania , Bianchi di Castelbianco Federico , Murru Paola Maria , Sonnino Rossella , Mazzone Teresa , Piccioni Livia , Linardos Giulia , Chiavelli Stefano , Pontarelli Fabrizio , Corsello Giovanni , Raponi Massimiliano , Perno Carlo Federico , Concato Carlo
Published: February 2021

Background

During the first SARS-CoV-2 pandemic phase, the sudden closure of schools was one of the main measures to minimize the spread of the virus. In the second phase, several safety procedures were implemented to avoid school closure.

To evaluate if the school is a safe place, students and staff of two school complexes of Rome were monitored to evaluate the efficacy of prevention measures inside the school buildings.

Methods

Oral secretions specimens were collected from 1262 subjects for a total of 3431 samples, collected over a 3 months period.

Detection of Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 was performed by real-time PCR. Target genes were represented by E gene, RdRP/S gene and N gene.

Results

Among the 3431 samples analyzed, just 16 sample resulted as positive or low positive: 1 sample in the first month, 12 samples in the second month and 3 in the third month.

In each period of evaluation, all positive children attended different classes.

Conclusions

Even if the school has the potential for spreading viruses, our preliminary results show the efficacy of the implementations undertaken in this setting to minimize virus diffusion.

Our evidence suggests that school does not act as an amplifier for transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and can be really considered a safe place for students.
Lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis in a newly diagnosed late presenter of human immunodeficiency virus infection: a case report
Authors: Petrakis V. , Panagopoulos P. , Ntolios P. , Chrysafis I. , Georgaraki M. , Papazoglou D.
Published: February 2021

Background

An increase has been described throughout the years in the frequency of various uncommon diseases in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Particularly late presenters are associated with a significant risk not only for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining conditions but also for non AIDS-defining diseases which aggravate the prognosis of patients. Lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis (LIP) is one of these conditions described more often after the onset of HIV epidemic. LIP is a benign polyclonal lymphoproliferative disorder of the lung with not well characterized clinical and radiographic findings.

Case presentation

We report the diagnostic approach and clinical progress of a newly diagnosed late presenter of HIV infection with respiratory problems in our HIV unit. The findings of computed tomography indicated the diagnosis of HIV-associated LIP, although this condition is mainly described in a normal range of CD4 cell count.

Conclusion

This case presentation highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and initiation of antiretroviral therapy. The increase of CD4 cell count and viral suppression may improve the symptoms of LIP.
Chemotherapy-induced myasthenic crisis in thymoma treated with primary chemotherapy with curative intent on mechanical ventilation: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Patelli Giorgio , Bencardino Katia , Tosi Federica , Pugliano Mariateresa , Lanzani Francesca , Innocenti Alessandro , Rinaldo Alessandro , Mauri Gianluca , Cerea Giulio , Sartore-Bianchi Andrea , Torre Massimo , Agostoni Elio Clemente , Siena Salvatore
Published: February 2021

Background

Thymoma is an uncommon cancer often associated with myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular junction characterized by muscular fatigability. In patients with advanced nonmetastatic thymoma, primary chemotherapy may be required to induce tumor shrinkage and to achieve radical resection. Cancer chemotherapy has been anecdotally reported as a trigger factor for worsening of myasthenia gravis in thymic epithelial cancers. The study of uncommon cases of chemotherapy-related myasthenic crisis is warranted to gain knowledge of clinical situations requiring intensive care support in the case of life-threatening respiratory failure.

Case presentation

We report a case of an 18-year-old Caucasian woman with advanced Masaoka-Koga stage III type B2 thymoma and myasthenia gravis on treatment with pyridostigmine, steroids and intravenous immunoglobulins, who developed a myasthenic crisis 2 hours after initiation of cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin/cisplatin primary chemotherapy. Because of severe acute respiratory failure, emergency tracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, and temporary (2 hours) discontinuation of chemotherapy were needed. Considering the curative intent of the multimodal therapeutic program, we elected to resume primary chemotherapy administration while the patient remained on mechanical ventilation. After 24 hours, the recovery of adequate respiratory function allowed successful weaning from respiratory support, and no further adverse events occurred. After 3 weeks, upon plasma exchange initiation with amelioration of myasthenic symptoms, a second course of chemotherapy was given, and in week 6, having documented partial tumor remission, the patient underwent radical surgery (R0) and then consolidation radiation therapy with 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions in weeks 15–20.

Conclusions

This case report, together with the only four available in a review of the literature, highlights that chemotherapy may carry the risk of myasthenic crisis in patients affected by thymoma and myasthenia gravis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of chemotherapy continuation on mechanical ventilation in a patient with chemotherapy-induced myasthenic crisis requiring tracheal intubation. The lesson learned from the present case is that, in selected cases of advanced thymoma, the paradoxical worsening of myasthenia gravis during chemotherapy should not be considered an absolute contraindication for the continuation of primary chemotherapy with curative intent.
Hydroxychloroquine, a successful treatment for lung disease in ABCA3 deficiency gene mutation: a case report
Authors: Shaaban Waleed , Hammoud Majeda , Abdulraheem Ali , Elsayed Yasser Yahia , Alkazemi Nawal
Published: February 2021

Background

Pulmonary surfactant is a complex mixture of lipids and specific proteins that stabilizes the alveoli at the end of expiration. Mutations in the gene coding for the triphosphate binding cassette transporter A3 (ABCA3), which facilitates the transfer of lipids to lamellar bodies, constitute the most frequent genetic cause of severe neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and chronic interstitial lung disease in children. Hydroxychloroquine can be used as an effective treatment for this rare severe condition.

Case presentation

We report a late preterm Bosnian baby boy (36 weeks) who suffered from a severe form of respiratory distress syndrome with poor response to intensive conventional management and whole exome sequencing revealed homozygous ABCA3 mis-sense mutation. The baby showed remarkable improvement of the respiratory condition after the initiation of Hydroxychloroquine, Azithromycin and Corticosteroids with the continuation of Hydroxychloroquine as a monotherapy till after discharge from the hospital.

Conclusion

Outcome in patients with ABCA3 mutations is variable ranging from severe irreversible respiratory failure in early infancy to chronic interstitial lung disease in childhood (ChILD) usually with the need for lung transplantation in many patients surviving this rare disorder. Hydroxychloroquine through its anti-inflammatory effects or alteration of intra-cellular metabolism may have an effect in treating cases of ABCA3 gene mutations.
A false alarm of COVID-19 pneumonia in lung cancer with anti-PD-1 related pneumonitis: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Dai Ying , Liu Sha , Zhang Yiruo , Li Xiaoqiu , Zhao Zhiyan , Liu Pingping , Du Yingying
Published: February 2021

Background

Pneumonitis belongs to the fatal toxicities of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatments. Its diagnosis is based on immunotherapeutic histories, clinical symptoms, and the computed tomography (CT) imaging. The radiological features were typically ground-glass opacities, similar to CT presentation of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia. Thus, clinicians are cautious in differential diagnosis especially in COVID-19 epidemic areas.

Case presentation

Herein, we report a 67-year-old Han Chinese male patient presenting with dyspnea and normal body temperature on the 15th day of close contact with his son, who returned from Wuhan. He was diagnosed as advanced non-small cell lung cancer and developed pneumonitis post Sintilimab injection during COIVD-19 pandemic period. The chest CT indicated peripherally subpleural lattice opacities at the inferior right lung lobe and bilateral thoracic effusion. The swab samples were taken twice within 72 hours and real-time reverse-transcription polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR) results were COVID-19 negative. The patient was thereafter treated with prednisolone and antibiotics for over 2 weeks. The suspicious lesion has almost absorbed according to CT imaging, consistent with prominently falling CRP level. The anti-PD-1 related pneumonitis mixed with bacterial infection was clinically diagnosed based on the laboratory and radiological evidences and good response to the prednisolone and antibiotics.

Conclusion

The anti-PD-1 related pneumonitis and COVID-19 pneumonia possess similar clinical presentations and CT imaging features. Therefore, differential diagnosis depends on the epidemiological and immunotherapy histories, RT-PCR tests. The response to glucocorticoid is still controversial but helpful for the diagnosis.
Primary care during the transition to adult care for adolescents involved with pediatric specialty services: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Schraeder Kyleigh , Allemang Brooke , Scott Cathie , McBrien Kerry , Dimitropoulos Gina , Felske Ashley , Samuel Susan
Published: February 2021

Background

Of the 15–20% of youth in North America affected by a chronic health condition (e.g., type 1 diabetes, cystic fibrosis) and/or mental health or neurodevelopmental disorder (e.g., depression, eating disorder, Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder), many often require lifelong specialist healthcare services. Ongoing primary care during childhood and into young adulthood is recommended by best practice guidelines. To date, it is largely unknown if, how, and when primary care physicians (PCPs; such as family physicians) collaborate with specialists as AYAs leave pediatric-oriented services. The proposed scoping review will synthesize the available literature on the roles of PCPs for AYAs with chronic conditions leaving pediatric specialty care and identify potential benefits and challenges of maintaining PCP involvement during transition.

Methods

Arksey and O’Malley’s original scoping review framework will be utilized with guidance from Levac and colleagues and the Joanna Briggs Institute. A search of databases including MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL will be conducted following the development of a strategic search strategy. Eligible studies will (i) be published in English from January 2004 onwards, (ii) focus on AYAs (ages 12–25) with a chronic condition(s) who have received specialist services during childhood, and (iii) include relevant findings about the roles of PCPs during transition to adult services. A data extraction tool will be developed and piloted on a subset of studies. Both quantitative and qualitative data will be synthesized.

Discussion

Key themes about the roles of PCPs for AYAs involved with specialist services will be identified through this review. Findings will inform the development and evaluation of a primary-care based intervention to improve transition care for AYAs with chronic conditions.
Some dynamic Hilbert-type inequalities for two variables on time scales
Authors: Abd El-Hamid H. A. , Rezk H. M. , Ahmed A. M. , AlNemer Ghada , Zakarya M. , El Saify H. A.
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we discuss some new Hilbert-type dynamic inequalities on time scales in two separate variables. We also deduce special cases, like some integral and their respective discrete inequalities.
New approaches for periodic wave solutions of a non-Newtonian filtration equation with variable delay
Authors: Xu Mei , Du Bo
Published: February 2021

A type of non-Newtonian filtration equations with variable delay is considered. Using a new approach which was established by Ge and Ren in (Nonlinear Anal. 58:477–488, 2004), we obtain the existence of periodic wave solutions for the non-Newtonian filtration equations. The methods of the present paper are markedly different from the existing ones.
Contributions of the fixed point technique to solve the 2D Volterra integral equations, Riemann–Liouville fractional integrals, and Atangana–Baleanu integral operators
Authors: Hammad Hasanen A. , Aydi Hassen , Mlaiki Nabil
Published: February 2021

In this manuscript, some fixed point results for generalized contractive type mappings under mild conditions in the setting of double controlled metric spaces (in short, $\eta _{\gimel }^{\nu }$

η
ℷ
ν

-metric spaces) are obtained. Moreover, some related consequences dealing with a common fixed point concept and nontrivial examples to support our results are presented. Ultimately, we use the theoretical results to discuss the existence and uniqueness of solutions of 2D Volterra integral equations, Riemann–Liouville integrals and Atangana–Baleanu integral operators are given.
Multiplexed single‐cell mass cytometry reveals distinct inhibitory effects on intracellular phosphoproteins by midostaurin in combination with chemotherapy in AML cells
Authors: Rörby Emma , Adolfsson Jörgen , Hultin Erik , Gustafsson Thomas , Lotfi Kourosh , Cammenga Jörg , Jönsson Jan-Ingvar
Published: February 2021

Background

Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) receptor serves as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Approximately one-third of AML patients carry mutation in FLT3, associated with unfavourable prognosis and high relapse rate. The multitargeted kinase inhibitor midostaurin (PKC412) in combination with standard chemotherapy (daunorubicin and cytarabine) was recently shown to increase overall survival of AML patients. For that reason, PKC412 has been approved for treatment of AML patients with FLT3-mutation. PKC412 synergizes with standard chemotherapy, but the mechanism involved is not fully understood and the risk of relapse is still highly problematic.

Methods

By utilizing the unique nature of mass cytometry for single cell multiparameter analysis, we have explored the proteomic effect and intracellular signaling response in individual leukemic cells with internal tandem duplication of FLT3 (FLT3-ITD) after midostaurin treatment in combination with daunorubicin or cytarabine.

Results

We have identified a synergistic inhibition of intracellular signaling proteins after PKC412 treatment in combination with daunorubicin. In contrast, cytarabine antagonized phosphorylation inhibition of PKC412. Moreover, we found elevated levels of FLT3 surface expression after cytarabine treatment. Interestingly, the surface localization of FLT3 receptor increased in vivo on the blast cell population of two AML patients during day 3 of induction therapy (daunorubicin; once/day from day 1–3 and cytarabine; twice/day from day 1–7). We found FLT3 receptor expression to correlate with intracellular cytarabine (AraC) response. AML cell line cultured with AraC with or without PKC412 had an antagonizing phosphorylation inhibition of pAKT (p = 0.042 and 0.0261, respectively) and pERK1/2 (0.0134 and 0.0096, respectively) in FLT3high compared to FLT3low expressing cell populations.

Conclusions

Our study provides insights into how conventional chemotherapy affects protein phosphorylation of vital signaling proteins in human leukemia cells. The results presented here support further investigation of novel strategies to treat FLT3-mutated AML patients with PKC412 in combination with chemotherapy agents and the potential development of novel treatment strategies.
Reframing the magnetotelluric phase tensor for monitoring applications: improved accuracy and precision in strike determinations
Authors: Bravo-Osuna Ana G. , Gómez-Treviño Enrique , Cortés-Arroyo Olaf J. , Delgadillo-Jauregui Nestor F. , Arellano-Castro Rocío F.
Published: February 2021

The magnetotelluric method is increasingly being used to monitor electrical resistivity changes in the subsurface. One of the preferred parameters derived from the surface impedance is the strike direction, which is very sensitive to changes in the direction of the subsurface electrical current flow. The preferred method for estimating the strike changes is that provided by the phase tensor because it is immune to galvanic distortions. However, it is also a fact that the associated analytic formula is unstable for noisy data, something that limits its applicability for monitoring purposes, because in general this involves comparison of two or more very similar datasets. One of the issues is that the noise complicates the distribution of estimates between the four quadrants. This can be handled by sending all values to the same quadrant by adding or subtracting the appropriate amount. This is justified by showing that the analytic formula is also a least squares solution. This is equivalent to define penalty functions for the matrix of eigenvalues and then select the minima numerically. Contrary to the analytic formula, this numerical approach can be generalized to compute strikes using windows of any number of periods, thus providing tradeoffs between variance and resolution. The performance of the proposed approach is illustrated by its application to synthetic data and to real data from a monitoring array in the Cerro Prieto geothermal field, México.
Attenuation contrast in mantle wedge across the volcanic front of northeastern Japan that controls propagations of high-frequency S-wave later phases
Authors: Shiina Takahiro , Katsumata Kei , Yomogida Kiyoshi , Kato Aitaro
Published: February 2021

Distinct later phases of waves with rich high-frequency (> 8 Hz) components were observed for intraslab earthquakes that occurred at intermediate depths, particularly at depths exceeding 100 km, in the northeastern (NE) Japan subduction zone. These high-frequency later phases (HFLPs) showed anomalously large peak-amplitude delays, up to ~ 50 s after direct S-wave arrivals at stations in the backarc region. Using a source-scanning algorithm, we investigated the locations of passing points affecting the propagation of HFLPs. The passing points were estimated to be in the forearc region in the entire NE Japan, indicating that HFLPs are scattered waves that pass through the forearc region. The propagating HFLPs seem to bypass the backarc mantle wedge, as a consequence of the distinct attenuation contrast in the mantle wedge across the volcanic front in NE Japan. These HFLP observations suggest that the high-attenuation zone in the backarc mantle wedge controls propagations of the high-frequency waves of intraslab earthquakes, in addition to the scatterers possibly locate in the forearc region.
Postoperative incidence of seizure and cerebral infarction in pediatric patients with epileptic type moyamoya disease: a meta-analysis of single rate
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Xu Qinlan , Niu Hongchuan , Wang Rong , Ye Xun , Liu Xianzeng
Published: February 2021

Background

Surgery is a conventional mature treatment for moyamoya disease (MMD). However, whether surgery is also an effective therapy for epileptic type MMD has seldom been investigated systematically. The study aims to summarize the pooled postoperative incidence of seizure and cerebral infarction in pediatric patients with epileptic type moyamoya disease.

Method

The study was a systematic review and critical appraisal with a meta-analysis of cohort studies, both prospective and retrospective. Studies were identified by a computerized search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Wanfang, and CNKI databases. In a literature search, a total of 7 cohort studies were identified. The I2statistic was used to quantify heterogeneity. A fixed-effect model was used to synthesize the results. The linear regression test of funnel plot asymmetry was used to estimate the potential publication bias.

Results

The pooled estimated postoperative incidence of seizure in pediatric patients with epileptic type moyamoya disease was 23.44%. The pooled estimated postoperative incidence of cerebral infarction in pediatric patients with epileptic type moyamoya disease was 9.12%. Low substantial heterogeneity and potential publication bias were present.

Conclusions

Evidence from this study suggests that the postoperative incidence of seizure and cerebral infarction is relatively low. Surgery is an effective and secure therapy for pediatric patients with epileptic type moyamoya disease.
Correction to: A century of Hereditas: from local publication to international journal
Authors: Tunlid Anna , Kristoffersson Ulf , Åström Fredrik
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Human keratinocyte-derived extracellular vesicles activate the MAPKinase pathway and promote cell migration and proliferation in vitro
Authors: Glady Azela , Vandebroek Arno , Yasui Masato
Published: February 2021

Background

Wound healing is a complex biological process and complete skin regeneration is still a critical challenge. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play essential roles in cell communication and cell regeneration, and recent studies have suggested that EVs may contribute to wound healing, though the molecular mechanisms behind this contribution remain unclear. For these reasons, we decided to use EVs isolated from human keratinocytes (HaCaT) in vitro to determine the potential mechanism of action of EV-derived wound healing.

Method

Scratch assays were used to determine cell migration and proliferation. Scratched cells were exposed to EVs in multiple conditions to determine how they affect wound healing. Statistical analysis between groups was carried out to using Student’s two-sided t test. A p value of <  0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result

We found that proteomic analysis of purified EVs shows enrichment of proteins associated with cell communication and signal transduction, such as MAPK pathways, and keratinocyte and fibroblast cultures exposed to EVs had higher levels of proliferation, migration, and ERK1/2 and P38 activation. Moreover, we found that treatment with specific ERK1/2 and P38 signaling inhibitors PD98059 and SB239063 impaired EV-mediated cell migration, which suggests that ERK1/2 and P38 signaling is essential for EV-induced wound healing.

Conclusion

HaCaT cell-derived EVs accelerate the migration and proliferation of human keratinocytes and fibroblasts and may promote wound healing via the activation of MAPKinase pathways. These findings may be key in developing new methods to treat wounds and accelerate wound healing in the future.
Correction to: Using behavioral insights to design implementation strategies in public mental health settings: a qualitative study of clinical decision-making
Authors: Last Briana S. , Schriger Simone H. , Timon Carter E. , Frank Hannah E. , Buttenheim Alison M. , Rudd Brittany N. , Fernandez-Marcote Sara , Comeau Carrie , Shoyinka Sosunmolu , Beidas Rinad S.
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.