bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The efficacy and safety of Nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine versus mFOLFIRINOX in the first-line treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Yang Lei , Su Jing , Wang Wenbo , Zhou Fuxiang
Published: January 2023

Background

Nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine (AG) and modified FOLFIRINOX (FFX) are two systemic therapies that have been widely used as standard first-line chemotherapy regimens in metastatic pancreatic cancer. However, since there is no clinical trial to directly compare the efficacy and safety of the two regimens, it is not clear which regimen is more effective. In this study, we aim to examine and compare the efficacy and safety of AG and FFX as first-line chemotherapy regimens in Chinese patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer in a real-world setting.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of 44 patients who were diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer and were treated with either AG (n = 24) or FFX (n = 20) as first-line chemotherapy between March 2017 and February 2022 at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University. Prognostic nutrition index (PNI) was calculated based on the serum albumin level and peripheral lymphocyte count. According to the optimal cutoff value of PNI, patients were divided into low PNI group (PNI < 43.70) and high PNI group (PNI ≥ 43.70).

Results

Of 44 patients in this study, 24 were treated with AG, and 20 were treated with FFX as first-line chemotherapy. No significant differences in baseline characteristics were found between the two groups. The objective response rate (ORR) was 16.7% in the AG group and 20.0% in the FFX group. The disease control rate (DCR) was 70.8% in the AG group and 60.0% in the FFX group. There was no significant difference in PFS or OS between the AG group and the FFX group. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.67 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.91–6.42) in the AG group and 3.33 months (95% CI, 1.87–4.79, p = 0.106) in the FFX group. The median overall survival (OS) was 9.00 months (95% CI, 7.86–12.19) in the AG group and 10.00 months (95% CI, 7.70–12.27, p = 0.608) in the FFX group. The second-line treatment rate was 62.5% in the AG group and 55.0% in the FFX group. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) based regimens are common second-line treatment options whether in AG or FFX group. Significantly more grade 3–4 peripheral neuropathy occurred in the AG than FFX groups (4 (20.8%) vs 0 (0.0%), p = 0.030*). The patients in the PNI (Prognostic nutrition index) ≥ 43.7 group had a significant longer median OS (PNI ≥ 43.7 vs PNI < 43.7: 10.33 vs 8.00 months, p = 0.019).

Conclusion

AG and FFX showed comparable efficacy outcomes in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer patients receiving first-line chemotherapy with good nutritional status are likely to have a better prognosis.
Thymus and lung mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma with adenocarcinoma of the lung: a case report and literature review
Authors: Pang Yu , Li Daosheng , Chen Yiqian , Liu Qinqin , Wu Yuheng , Teng Qingliang , Liu Yuyu
Published: January 2023

Background

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is a common, low-grade, malignant B-cell lymphoma. However, simultaneous MALT lymphoma in the thymus and lung is extremely rare, and concomitant adenocarcinoma of the lung is even rarer. Herein, we report a rare case of a collision tumor in which MALT lymphoma was found in both the thymus and lung with Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) and adenocarcinoma in the lung.

Case presentation

A physical examination of a 32-year-old woman revealed an anterior superior mediastinal space-occupying lesion, and chest computed tomography (CT) indicated a nodular ground-glass opacity and irregular mixed-density focus in the right lung. All lung cancer-related tumor biomarkers were within normal ranges. The thymus and part of the lung tissue were surgically resected. The histopathology and molecular examinations confirmed MALT lymphoma of the thymus and lung with lung adenocarcinoma. SS was also diagnosed. No special postoperative treatment was performed for the MALT lymphoma, and the patient underwent immunosuppressive therapy for SS after 4 months of follow-up observation.

Conclusions

MALT lymphoma of the thymus and lung tissues has no specific presentation on imaging and is difficult to differentiate from common malignant tumors, and the definite diagnoses of these tumors are highly dependent on histopathological examination in combination with molecular testing and cytogenetics. SS may be an important potential condition for the occurrence of MALT lymphoma in the thymus and lung. Additional similar cases are needed to clarify the biological pathways and potential molecular mechanisms of rare lymphomas and collision tumors.
The efficacy of gait rehabilitations for the treatment of incomplete spinal cord injury: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Patathong Tanyaporn , Klaewkasikum Krongkaew , Woratanarat Patarawan , Rattanasiri Sasivimol , Anothaisintawee Thunyarat , Woratanarat Thira , Thakkinstian Ammarin
Published: January 2023

Background

Recent pieces of evidence about the efficacy of gait rehabilitation for incomplete spinal cord injury remain unclear. We aimed to estimate the treatment effect and find the best gait rehabilitation to regain velocity, distance, and Walking Index Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI) among incomplete spinal cord injury patients.

Method

PubMed and Scopus databases were searched from inception to October 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in comparison with any of the following: conventional physical therapy, treadmill, functional electrical stimulation and robotic-assisted gait training, and reported at least one outcome. Two reviewers independently selected the studies and extracted the data. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects or fixed-effect model according to the heterogeneity. Network meta-analysis (NMA) was indirectly compared with all interventions and reported as pooled unstandardized mean difference (USMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was calculated to identify the best intervention.

Results

We included 17 RCTs (709 participants) with the mean age of 43.9 years. Acute-phase robotic-assisted gait training significantly improved the velocity (USMD 0.1 m/s, 95% CI 0.05, 0.14), distance (USMD 64.75 m, 95% CI 27.24, 102.27), and WISCI (USMD 3.28, 95% CI 0.12, 6.45) compared to conventional physical therapy. In NMA, functional electrical stimulation had the highest probability of being the best intervention for velocity (66.6%, SUCRA 82.1) and distance (39.7%, SUCRA 67.4), followed by treadmill, functional electrical stimulation plus treadmill, robotic-assisted gait training, and conventional physical therapy, respectively.

Conclusion

Functional electrical stimulation seems to be the best treatment to improve walking velocity and distance for incomplete spinal cord injury patients. However, a large-scale RCT is required to study the adverse events of these interventions.

Trial registration: PROSPERO number CRD42019145797.
Anatomic description of the distal great saphenous vein to facilitate peripheral venous access during resuscitation: a cadaveric study
Authors: Senevirathne Samitha A. M. D. R. U. , Nimana Hesitha K. V. , Pirannavan Ratnasingam , Fernando Poorni , Salvin Karahin A. , Liyanage Udari A. , Malalasekera Ajith P. , Mathangasinghe Yasith , Anthony Dimonge J.
Published: January 2023

The distal great saphenous vein is a popular site for venous access by means of percutaneous cannulation or venous cutdown in a hemodynamically unstable patient. The aim of this study was to precisely define the surface anatomy and dimensions of the distal part of the great saphenous vein to facilitate the aforementioned procedures. Cross-sectional anatomy of the distal saphenous vein was studied in 24 cadaveric ankles sectioned at a horizontal plane across the most prominent points of the medial and lateral malleoli. The curvilinear distance from the most prominent point of the medial malleolus to the center of the saphenous vein, its widest collapsed diameter and skin depth were obtained. The great saphenous vein was located at a mean distance of 24.4 ± 7.9 mm anterior to the medial malleolus. The mean widest collapsed diameter was 3.8 ± 1.5 mm. The mean distance from the skin surface to the vein was 4.1 ± 1.2 mm. These measurements could be used to locate the saphenous vein accurately, particularly in hemodynamically unstable patients with visually indiscernible veins.
A flexible liposomal polymer complex as a platform of specific and regulable immune regulation for individual cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Chen Chia-Hung , Weng Tzu-Han , Huang Hsiao-Hsuan , Huang Ling-Ya , Huang Kai-Yao , Chen Pin-Rong , Yeh Kuang-Yu , Huang Chi-Ting , Chien Yu-Tzu , Chuang Po-Ya , Lin Yu-Ling , Tsai Nu-Man , Liu Shih-Jen , Su Yu-Cheng , Weng Shun-Long , Liao Kuang-Wen
Published: January 2023

Background

The applicability and therapeutic efficacy of specific personalized immunotherapy for cancer patients is limited by the genetic diversity of the host or the tumor. Side-effects such as immune-related adverse events (IRAEs) derived from the administration of immunotherapy have also been observed. Therefore, regulatory immunotherapy is required for cancer patients and should be developed.

Methods

The cationic lipo-PEG-PEI complex (LPPC) can stably and irreplaceably adsorb various proteins on its surface without covalent linkage, and the bound proteins maintain their original functions. In this study, LPPC was developed as an immunoregulatory platform for personalized immunotherapy for tumors to address the barriers related to the heterogenetic characteristics of MHC molecules or tumor associated antigens (TAAs) in the patient population. Here, the immune-suppressive and highly metastatic melanoma, B16F10 cells were used to examine the effects of this platform. Adsorption of anti-CD3 antibodies, HLA-A2/peptide, or dendritic cells’ membrane proteins (MP) could flexibly provide pan-T-cell responses, specific Th1 responses, or specific Th1 and Th2 responses, depending on the host needs. Furthermore, with regulatory antibodies, the immuno-LPPC complex properly mediated immune responses by adsorbing positive or negative antibodies, such as anti-CD28 or anti-CTLA4 antibodies.

Results

The results clearly showed that treatment with LPPC/MP/CD28 complexes activated specific Th1 and Th2 responses, including cytokine release, CTL and prevented T-cell apoptosis. Moreover, LPPC/MP/CD28 complexes could eliminate metastatic B16F10 melanoma cells in the lung more efficiently than LPPC/MP. Interestingly, the melanoma resistance of mice treated with LPPC/MP/CD28 complexes would be reversed to susceptible after administration with LPPC/MP/CTLA4 complexes. NGS data revealed that LPPC/MP/CD28 complexes could enhance the gene expression of cytokine and chemokine pathways to strengthen immune activation than LPPC/MP, and that LPPC/MP/CTLA4 could abolish the LPPC/MP complex-mediated gene expression back to un-treatment.

Conclusions

Overall, we proved a convenient and flexible immunotherapy platform for developing personalized cancer therapy.

Graphical Abstract
Multimorbidity and overall survival among women with breast cancer: results from the South African Breast Cancer and HIV Outcomes Study
Authors: Ayeni Oluwatosin A. , Joffe Maureen , Mapanga Witness , Chen Wenlong Carl , O’Neil Daniel S. , Phakathi Boitumelo , Nietz Sarah , Buccimazza Ines , Čačala Sharon , Stopforth Laura W. , Jacobson Judith S. , Crew Katherine D. , Neugut Alfred I. , Ramiah Duvern , Ruff Paul , Cubasch Herbert , Chirwa Tobias , McCormack Valerie , Micklesfield Lisa K. , Norris Shane A.
Published: January 2023

Background

Breast cancer survival in South Africa is low, but when diagnosed with breast cancer, many women in South Africa also have other chronic conditions. We investigated the impact of multimorbidity (≥ 2 other chronic conditions) on overall survival among women with breast cancer in South Africa.

Methods

Between 1 July 2015 and 31 December 2019, we enrolled women newly diagnosed with breast cancer at six public hospitals participating in the South African Breast Cancer and HIV Outcomes (SABCHO) Study. We examined seven chronic conditions (obesity, hypertension, diabetes, HIV, cerebrovascular diseases (CVD), asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and tuberculosis), and we compared socio-demographic, clinical, and treatment factors between patients with and without each condition, and with and without multimorbidity. We investigated the association of multimorbidity with overall survival using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Of 3,261 women included in the analysis, 45% had multimorbidity; obesity (53%), hypertension (41%), HIV (22%), and diabetes (13%) were the most common individual conditions. Women with multimorbidity had poorer overall survival at 3 years than women without multimorbidity in both the full cohort (60.8% vs. 64.3%, p = 0.036) and stage groups: stages I–II, 80.7% vs. 86.3% (p = 0.005), and stage III, 53.0% vs. 59.4% (p = 0.024). In an adjusted model, women with diabetes (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03–1.41), CVD (HR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.17–1.76), HIV (HR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.06–1.38), obesity + HIV (HR = 1.24 95% CI = 1.04–1.48), and multimorbidity (HR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.13–1.40) had poorer overall survival than women without these conditions.

Conclusions

Irrespective of the stage, multimorbidity at breast cancer diagnosis was an important prognostic factor for survival in our SABCHO cohort. The high prevalence of multimorbidity in our cohort calls for more comprehensive care to improve outcomes for South African women with breast cancer.
Identification of the molecular mechanism of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1): a promising therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases associated with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Arjunan Archana , Sah Dhiraj Kumar , Woo Minna , Song Juhyun
Published: January 2023

Neurodegenerative disorders are accompanied by neuronal degeneration and glial dysfunction, resulting in cognitive, psychomotor, and behavioral impairment. Multiple factors including genetic, environmental, metabolic, and oxidant overload contribute to disease progression. Recent evidences suggest that metabolic syndrome is linked to various neurodegenerative diseases. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is known to be accompanied by symptoms such as hyperglycemia, abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypertension. Despite advances in knowledge about the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, effective treatments to combat neurodegenerative disorders caused by MetS have not been developed to date. Insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) deficiency has been associated with MetS-related pathologies both in-vivo and in-vitro. IGF-1 is essential for embryonic and adult neurogenesis, neuronal plasticity, neurotropism, angiogenesis, metabolic function, and protein clearance in the brain. Here, we review the evidence for the potential therapeutic effects of IGF-1 in the neurodegeneration related to metabolic syndrome. We elucidate how IGF-1 may be involved in molecular signaling defects that occurs in MetS-related neurodegenerative disorders and highlight the importance of IGF-1 as a potential therapeutic target in MetS-related neurological diseases.
Study on optimization of communication network for multi-unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: He Guanghua , Xu Yahui , Qi Jinlong , Xu Jun , Sun Ke
Published: January 2023

The unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) base station is most widely used as the emergency communication in response to emergencies. However, the performance improvement is in great demand at communication network. To improve the performance between the UAVs and the users, a novel method is proposed based on k-means++ algorithm and antenna adjusting. The established simulation platform and models are credible and reliable according to the very excellent approximation capability and the strong correlation between the simulation results and the Shannon’s formula. The transmission success rate for the three conditions (using only k-means++, antenna pointing optimization and antenna downtilt angle optimization) dramatically increases with an increase in k and all reach the maximum when k is equal to 5. The fan throughput of the proposed method is almost two times than that of the other two conditions after the k value exceeds 5. Meanwhile, the edge users’ rate and average user rate of the proposed method are all markedly increased. Overall, a novel method is provided for optimizing the performance between multi-UAVs and users, and the performance communication network for multi-UAVs is optimized by using the proposed method in this paper.
The role of green total factor productivity to farm-level performance: evidence from Norwegian dairy farms
Authors: Alem Habtamu
Published: January 2023

In the economics literature, measuring the performance of a dairy farm with a total productivity index is common practice. Previous research, on the other hand, has been chastised for failing to account for agricultural emissions in their models when calculating resource use productivity. This study estimated green total factor productivity (GTFP) accounting for dairy farms' CH4 emission to the model. The study is based on unbalanced panel data from 692 specialized dairy farms from 1991 to 2020. To estimate GTFP and its components using multiple input–output environmental production technologies, a stochastic input distance function and a Translog model were used. The average annual growth rate of green production over the research period was 0. 032%. The main reason for the increase in GTFP was positive scale change contributions. Technological change (− 0.031% per year) and efficiency change (− 0.002% per year), on the other hand, had a detrimental effect on GTFP.
Assessing Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR) training among correctional workers in Canada
Authors: Johnston Matthew S. , Ricciardelli Rosemary , Ghodrati Maryam , Czarnuch Stephen
Published: January 2023

Background

Mental health frameworks, best practices, and the well-being of public safety personnel in Canada are topics of increasing interest to both researchers and organizations. To protect and improve worker mental health, different training programs have been implemented to serve this population. The Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR) training regimen is one such program specialized to build cultural awareness of mental health, reduce stigma, and mitigate the cumulative impacts of exposures to potentially psychologically traumatic events among public safety personnel. However, limited research has been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of R2MR, especially among correctional workers.

Methods

The current study analyzed 307 open-ended survey responses to four (4) questions about R2MR garnered from 124 Canadian provincial and territorial correctional workers between 2018–2020 to reveal their understandings and perceptions of R2MR training, and to identify what learned skills they found challenging or easy to implement.

Results

The results suggest that R2MR training plays a significant role in decreasing stigma and increasing mental health awareness. Across jurisdictions, R2MR creates a supportive space for open dialogue around mental health meant to shift cultural and individual barriers that often hinder treatment-seeking. Some respondents also indicated that R2MR was a starting point for intervention.

Conclusions

Further research is necessary to understand how R2MR and other programs could support the mental health and well-being of correctional workers.
Towards accurate 177Lu SPECT activity quantification and standardization using lesion-to-background voxel ratio
Authors: Raskin Stanislav , Gamliel Dan , Abookasis David , Ben-Haim Simona , Chicheportiche Alexandre
Published: January 2023

Background

Conventional calibration of the gamma camera consists of the calculation of calibration factors (CFs) (ratio of counts/cc and true concentration activity) as the function of the volume of interest (VOI). However, such method shows inconsistent results when the background activity varies. The aim of the present study was to propose a new calibration method by considering the sphere-to-background counts/voxel ratio (SBVR) in addition to the VOI for CFs calculation. A PET cylindrical flood phantom, a NEMA IQ body phantom, a Data spectrum Torso Phantom (ECT/TOR/P) and a LK-S Kyoto Liver/Kidney phantom were used. The NEMA IQ phantom was used to calibrate the camera and to produce CFs for the different spheres volumes and for varying sphere-to-background activity ratios. The spheres were filled with a uniform activity concentration of 177Lu, while the background was first filled with cold water and activity was added between each SPECT scan. SPECT imaging was performed for 30-s, 20-s, and 10-s exposure per view. The calculated CFs were expressed as function of the sphere volume and SBVR. The obtained CFs were validated for an additional NEMA IQ acquisition with different activities in spheres and background and for the Torso and Liver/Kidney phantoms with inserted NEMA IQ spheres. The quantification accuracy was compared with the conventional method not taking SBVR into consideration.

Results

The relative errors in quantification using the NEMA IQ phantom with the new calibration method were 0.16%, 5.77%, 9.34% for the large, medium and small sphere, respectively, for a time per view of 30-s. The conventional calibration method gave errors of 3.65%, 6.65%, 30.28% for 30-s. The LK-S Kyoto Liver/Kidney Phantom resulted in quantification errors of 3.40%, 2.14%, 11.18% for the large, medium and small spheres, respectively, for 30-s; compared to 11.31%, 17.54%, 14.43% for 30-s, respectively, for the conventional method. Similar results were obtained for shorter acquisitions times with 20-s and 10-s time per view.

Conclusion

These results suggest that SBVR allows to improve quantification accuracy. The shorter time-per-view acquisitions had similar relative differences compared to the full-time acquisition which allows shorter imaging times with 177Lu and improved patient comfort. The SBVR method is simple to set up and can be proposed for standardization.
Is higher lymphocyte count a potential strategy for preventing chronic kidney disease in patients receiving long-term dasatinib treatment?
Authors: Nakayama Hirokazu , Iizuka Hiromitsu , Kato Toshiaki , Usuki Kensuke
Published: January 2023

Background

Dasatinib, which is used to treat treating chronic myeloid leukemia, induces increases in blood lymphocytes during the treatment. In addition, neutrophil–lymphocyte count ratio (NLR) is associated with the related to development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, it has not been reported whether development of CKD during long-term dasatinib treatment is related to lymphocyte count or NLR. This study aimed to reveal the relationship between CKD and lymphocyte count or NLR during long-term dasatinib treatment.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted in patients treated with dasatinib for 6 months or longer. Risk factors for CKD development were explored using multivariate analysis. Changes in maximal lymphocyte count and NLR over time were examined separately.

Results

A total of 33 patients in CKD group (n = 8) and No CKD group (n = 25) who received dasatinib were enrolled. In univariate analysis, significant differences between the groups were observed in maximal lymphocyte count, lymphocytosis, age, and estimated glomerular filtration rate at baseline. As the factor independently associated with the development of CKD, maximal lymphocyte count (odds ratio 0.999, 95% confidence interval: 0.999–1.000, p = 0.033) was identified. In this analysis, age had borderline significance (odds ratio 1.073, 95% CI: 0.999–1.153, p = 0.054)]. After 6 months of dasatinib therapy, lymphocyte count was significantly lower in CKD group [median (range), 2184 (878‒3444)/μL] than in the No CKD group [3501 (966‒7888)/μL] (p = 0.020). However, no significant difference in lymphocyte count was observed between the groups at the last follow-up. During the study period, the median NLR in the No CKD group fluctuated between 1.11 and 1.42, and median NLR in CKD group was increased from 1.13 to 2.24 between after 6 months of dasatinib therapy and the last follow-up.

Conclusions

The development of CKD during dasatinib therapy was associated with lower maximal lymphocyte counts. In contrast, the higher levels of lymphocytes induced during dasatinib treatment may prevent CKD progression.
Gastrocolic fistula caused by transverse colon cancer: a case report
Authors: Sugi Tomoyuki , Kurata Masanao , Furuta Tomoaki , Ishibashi Osamu , Inagawa Satoshi , Ariga Hiroyuki , Kashimura Junya , Kawai Hitomi , Takayashiki Norio , Oda Tatsuya
Published: January 2023

Background

A gastrocolic fistula is an unusual communication between the colon and the stomach. Although colon cancer is the most common malignant cause of gastrocolic fistula in the Western world, the incidence of gastrocolic fistula due to colon cancer is 0.3% in operated cases.

Case presentation

A 68-year-old man presented with anorexia, general malaise, weight loss, and vomiting of fecal matter. Investigations revealed that the patient had a large nonmetastatic splenic flexure tumor that was diagnosed as colon cancer and had invaded the stomach and pancreas. An upper gastrointestinal series confirmed a gastrocolic fistula. Left hemicolectomy, distal gastrectomy, distal pancreatectomy, and splenectomy were performed. Histology revealed transverse colon cancer, which was UICC stage (8th edition) pT4bN1bcM0 pStage IIIC. Adjuvant chemotherapy was not performed. There was no recurrence or metastasis one year after surgery.

We reviewed 17 cases including our case of a gastrocolic fistula caused by colon cancer. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was not given to any of the patients, and en bloc resections were conducted in all cases. Adjuvant chemotherapy was given to almost all of the patients. There was no recurrence or metastasis.

Conclusions

For gastrocolic fistula caused by advanced colon cancer, secure en bloc surgical resection was the initial treatment in all 17 reported cases including the present case, and adjuvant chemotherapy may contribute to a better prognosis.
Leveraging microbiome rediversification for the ecological rescue of soil function
Authors: King William L. , Richards Sarah C. , Kaminsky Laura M. , Bradley Brosi A. , Kaye Jason P. , Bell Terrence H.
Published: January 2023

Background

Global biodiversity losses threaten ecosystem services and can impact important functional insurance in a changing world. Microbial diversity and function can become depleted in agricultural systems and attempts to rediversify agricultural soils rely on either targeted microbial introductions or retaining natural lands as biodiversity reservoirs. As many soil functions are provided by a combination of microbial taxa, rather than outsized impacts by single taxa, such functions may benefit more from diverse microbiome additions than additions of individual commercial strains. In this study, we measured the impact of soil microbial diversity loss and rediversification (i.e. rescue) on nitrification by quantifying ammonium and nitrate pools. We manipulated microbial assemblages in two distinct soil types, an agricultural and a forest soil, with a dilution-to-extinction approach and performed a microbiome rediversification experiment by re-introducing microorganisms lost from the dilution. A microbiome water control was included to act as a reference point. We assessed disruption and potential restoration of (1) nitrification, (2) bacterial and fungal composition through 16S rRNA gene and fungal ITS amplicon sequencing and (3) functional genes through shotgun metagenomic sequencing on a subset of samples.

Results

Disruption of nitrification corresponded with diversity loss, but nitrification was successfully rescued in the rediversification experiment when high diversity inocula were introduced. Bacterial composition clustered into groups based on high and low diversity inocula. Metagenomic data showed that genes responsible for the conversion of nitrite to nitrate and taxa associated with nitrogen metabolism were absent in the low diversity inocula microcosms but were rescued with high diversity introductions.

Conclusions

In contrast to some previous work, our data suggest that soil functions can be rescued by diverse microbiome additions, but that the concentration of the microbial inoculum is important. By understanding how microbial rediversification impacts soil microbiome performance, we can further our toolkit for microbial management in human-controlled systems in order to restore depleted microbial functions.
Colostrum avoidance practice and associated factors among mothers of infants less than six months in Chencha District: cross-sectional study
Authors: Asaro TekleBuche , Gutema Befikadu Tariku , Weldehawaryat Haymanot Nigussie
Published: January 2023

Background

Colostrum avoidance is failure to feed first breast milk to a newborn baby for the first 2 to 3 days after delivery. The problem of avoiding colostrum is prevalent in Ethiopia. But it is not adequately addressed yet. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess prevalence of colostrum avoidance practices and associated factors among mothers of infants aged less than six months; and to explore barriers for colostrum feeding in ChenchaZuria District.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study supplemented with a qualitative study was conducted in August 2020. The quantitative data were collected from 674 mothers selected by systematic sampling using a structured questionnaire. Both bi-variable and multi-variable binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the colostrum avoidance practices. The statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05. The qualitative data were collected using in-depth interviews from breastfeeding mothers and thematic analysis was done manually.

Result

The prevalence of the colostrum avoidance practice was 15.3% (95% CI: 11.4%- 18.2%). Late initiation of breastfeeding (AOR 4.15 95% CI 2.51–6.84), giving pre-lacteal feeding (AOR 3.16 95% CI 1.93–5.15), not using of postnatal care (PNC) service (AOR 1.79 95% CI 1.05–3.04), and having poor maternal knowledge regarding colostrum. (AOR 1.88 95% CI 1.14–3.08) were factors significantly associated with the colostrum avoidance practices. And in the qualitative part, cultural beliefs and misconceptions, community influence, and complementary feeding practices were found to be facilitators for the colostrum avoidance.

Conclusion

About one in seven mothers practiced colostrum avoidance. Factors that contributed to the colostrum avoidance practices were breastfeeding initiation, pre-lacteal feeding, PNC utilization, and maternal knowledge regarding colostrum. Thus, efforts to prevent colostrum avoidance practices should focus on strengthening and promoting PNC services utilization, timely initiation of breastfeeding, and improving awareness creation activities on the importance of colostrum feeding and risks of pre-lacteal feeding.
Total mandible and bilateral TMJ reconstruction combining a customized jaw implant with a free fibular flap: a case report and literature review
Authors: Govoni Flavio Andrea , Felici Nicola , Ornelli Matteo , Marcelli Vincenzo Antonio , Migliano Emilia , Pesucci Bruno Andrea , Pistilli Roberto
Published: January 2023

Background

The need for whole mandibular bone reconstruction and bilateral joint replacement is fortunately rare, but it is an extremely challenging topic in maxillofacial surgery, due to its functional implications. CAD-CAM techniques development has opened new broad horizons in the surgical planning of complex maxillofacial reconstructions, in terms of accuracy, predictability, and functional cosmetic results. The review of the literature has revealed a small number of scientific reports on total mandibulectomy including the condyles, with only eleven cases from 1980. Most of the works describe reconstructions secondary to dysplastic or inflammatory diseases affecting the lower jaw. The aim of this work, reporting a rare case of massive fibrous dysplasia of the whole mandible, is to share our experience in the management of extended mandibular and bilateral joint reconstruction, using porous titanium patient-specific implants.

Case presentation

The authors present a 20-year-old male patient suffering from massive bone fibrous dysplasia of the mandible. The mandibular body and both the rami and the condylar processes had been involved, causing severe functional impairment, tooth loss, and facial deformation. The young patient, after repeated ineffective conservative surgical treatments, has required a biarticular mandibular replacement. Using virtual surgical planning (VSP) software, the authors, in collaboration with medical engineers, have created a custom-made original titanium porous mandibular implant, suspended from a bilateral artificial temporomandibular joint. The mandibular titanium implant body has been specifically designed to support soft tissues and to fix, in the alveolar region, a free fibular bone graft, for delayed dental implant prosthetic rehabilitation.

Conclusion

The surgical and technical details, as well as the new trends in mandibular reconstructions using porous titanium implants, are reported, and discussed, reviewing literature reports on this topic. Satisfactory functional and cosmetic restorative results have been obtained, and no major complications have occurred. The patient, currently in the 18th month clinical and radiological follow-up, has recently completed the functional restoration program by an implant-supported full-arch dental prosthesis.
Patient similarity and other artificial intelligence machine learning algorithms in clinical decision aid for shared decision-making in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Toxicity (PACT): a feasibility trial design
Authors: Brown Sherry-Ann , Chung Brian Y. , Doshi Krishna , Hamid Abdulaziz , Pederson Erin , Maddula Ragasnehith , Hanna Allen , Choudhuri Indrajit , Sparapani Rodney , Bagheri Mohamadi Pour Mehri , Zhang Jun , Kothari Anai N. , Collier Patrick , Caraballo Pedro , Noseworthy Peter , Arruda-Olson Adelaide ,   for the Cardio-Oncology Artificial Intelligence Informatics and Precision Equity (CAIPE) Research Team Investigators
Published: January 2023

Background

The many improvements in cancer therapies have led to an increased number of survivors, which comes with a greater risk of consequent/subsequent cardiovascular disease. Identifying effective management strategies that can mitigate this risk of cardiovascular complications is vital. Therefore, developing computer-driven and personalized clinical decision aid interventions that can provide early detection of patients at risk, stratify that risk, and recommend specific cardio-oncology management guidelines and expert consensus recommendations is critically important.

Objectives

To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and utility of the use of an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered clinical decision aid tool in shared decision making between the cancer survivor patient and the cardiologist regarding prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Design

This is a single-center, double-arm, open-label, randomized interventional feasibility study. Our cardio-oncology cohort of > 4000 individuals from our Clinical Research Data Warehouse will be queried to identify at least 200 adult cancer survivors who meet the eligibility criteria. Study participants will be randomized into either the Clinical Decision Aid Group (where patients will use the clinical decision aid in addition to current practice) or the Control Group (current practice). The primary endpoint of this study is to assess for each patient encounter whether cardiovascular medications and imaging pursued were consistent with current medical society recommendations. Additionally, the perceptions of using the clinical decision tool will be evaluated based on patient and physician feedback through surveys and focus groups.

This trial will determine whether a clinical decision aid tool improves cancer survivors’ medication use and imaging surveillance recommendations aligned with current medical guidelines.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.Gov Identifier: NCT05377320
18F-JK-PSMA-7 PET/CT for staging intermediate- or high-risk prostate cancer patients before radical prostatectomy: a pilot study
Authors: Vierasu Irina , Van Simaeys Gaetan , Trotta Nicola , Lacroix Simon , Bormans Guy , Albisinni Simone , Quackels Thierry , Roumeguère Thierry , Goldman Serge
Published: January 2023

Background

Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) using radiotracers that bind to the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is mainly used in biochemical recurring prostate cancer. The aim of our study was to assess the usefulness of 18F-JK-PSMA-7 PET/CT for local and nodal staging in patients with intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) prior to radical prostatectomy, as compared to conventional imaging techniques.

Methods

We enrolled a total of 10 patients with intermediate- and high-risk PCa diagnosed by multiparametric-MRI followed by systematic and targeted biopsies, eligible for radical prostatectomy with extended lymph node dissection. Clinical team was blind to the results of the pre-surgery 18F-JK-PSMA-7 PET/CT at times of clinical decision and surgery. One month post-surgery, 18F-JK-PSMA-7 PET/CT was repeated and the results of both scans were unblinded. A third 18F-JK-PSMA-7 PET/CT could be acquired at a later time point depending on PSA progression.

Results

All pre-surgery 18F-JK-PSMA-7 PET/CT was positive in the prostatic region, while MRI was negative in the prostate in one patient. We also detected positive pelvic lymph nodes in two patients (one high-risk, one intermediate-risk PCa) on pre-surgery and post-surgery 18F-JK-PSMA-7 PET/CT. No positive pelvic lymph nodes were reported on pre-surgical CT and MRI. 18F-JK-PSMA-7 PET/CT detected bladder involvement in one patient and seminal vesicles involvement in two patients; this malignant extension was undetected by the conventional imaging techniques. SUVmax in prostate lesions had an average value of 11.51 (range 6.90–21.49). SUVmean in prostate lesions had an average value of 7.59 (range 5.26–14.02).

Conclusion

This pilot study indicates that pre-surgery 18F-JK-PSMA-7 PET/CT provides valuable information in intermediate- and high-risk PCa, for surgery planning with curative intent.
Effect of soil solarization on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) growth and impact on native microbial diversity of farm soil in Nigeria
Authors: Omotayo Olumide Ekundayo , Eegunranti Adebisi Mary
Published: January 2023

Background

Tomato plant leaves can be wilted by the presence of various species of soil-residing bacteria, especially Ralstonia solanacearum. Soil solarization has proven to be an environment-friendly method for disease management in various crops. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate solarization as an effective and non-chemical way to control R. solanacearum population in farm soil cultivated with tomato plants. The tomato variety UC 82 was raised on a nursery bedding for 3 weeks, after which four solarization-based treatments were applied to the field plots where tomato plants were cultivated subsequently. Agronomic, pathological, and soil temperature data were recorded from the soil samples, while isolation, Gram staining, morphological, biochemical, and physicochemical analyses were carried out on the same soil samples.

Results

The bacterial species identified from the pre-experiment soil included Enterobacter cloacae, Serratia marcescens, and Proteus mirabilis, while for the post-experiment were Citrobacter freundii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, Salmonella sp., and Citrobacter diversus. Occurrences of bacteria and fungi populations in solarized soils were R. solanacearum, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium, Rhizopus spp., Actinomycetes, and yeast.

Conclusions

The results obtained showed that solarization reduced the native soil microbial populations since the solarized soils had a lower occurrence of bacteria and fungi than the non-solarized soils. Thus, the present study suggests that solarization is effective in reducing the pathogenic bacteria population on farm soils.
Clinical profile and outcome of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19 infection: a single-center observational study from South India
Authors: Sai Brundavanam Venkata Krishna , Kumar Hema , Arun Babu Thirunavukkarasu , Chaitra Raghuvamsi , Satapathy Diptirekha , Kalidoss Vinoth Kumar
Published: January 2023

Background

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a post-infectious sequelae of acute COVID-19 infection affecting children. This study was done over a period of 12 months from December 2020 to November 2021 to describe the clinical presentation, laboratory abnormalities, and outcome of children with MIS-C.

Methods

Seventy-eight children below 12 years of age who satisfied the WHO diagnostic criteria for MIS-C were included in the study. Clinical parameters were recorded at admission. Relevant laboratory investigations, radiological studies, and outcome were documented.

Results

The most commonly affected age group was 6–12 years with a female predominance. COVID RTPCR was negative in all patients. Most cases presented 2–6 weeks after the onset of acute COVID-19 infection. Lethargy, poor feeding, vomiting, abdominal pain, loose stools, cough, and cold are common symptoms of MIS-C syndrome in children and the common signs were rash, conjunctival congestion, hypotension, tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypoxemia. Gastrointestinal system was the commonly affected followed by the hepatic, renal, and cardiovascular systems. Coronary artery abnormalities were seen in 20% of cases. IVIg was the mainstay of therapy used in 95% of patients. Mortality was 1.3%. Cases responded well to IVIg and steroids.

Conclusion

Overall, the short-term outcome was favorable with low mortality in our study cohort. One-fifth of children had coronary artery abnormalities during acute phase underscoring the need for long-term follow-up.
Olfactory disorders in COVID-19 patients as a prognostic factor: a systematic review
Authors: Hashemian Farnaz , Rezazadeh Mona , Irani Amin Doosti , Moradi Leila
Published: January 2023

Background

The reduction, loss, or impaired sense of smell and taste is common in patients with COVID-19. We aimed to investigate olfactory disorders (ODs) in patients with COVID-19 as a prognostic factor.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, studies that assessed ODs in patients with COVID-19 were included. International databases, including PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus, were searched up to 20 March 2021. The random-effects model was used to combine the results of studies. Results were reported with a 95% confidence interval.

Results

In this study, out of 724 references, ten studies had the inclusion criteria. The odds of death in patients with the OD were 69% lower than in those without the ODs (OR= 0.31, 95%CI: 0.14, 0.69), and OD increased the odds of positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test (OR= 13.34, 95%CI: 4.2, 42.37).

Conclusions

The findings of our study showed that OD had an inverse and significant relationship with death in COVID-19 patients, and the patients with OD seemed to have a lower risk of mortality.
Olfactory and taste dysfunction in COVID-19-incidence and recovery
Authors: Singhal Surinder K. , Gupta Nitin , Verma Ravneet R. , Sharma Jyotika , Sah Monali , Jain Shivani , Kashyap Diksha
Published: January 2023

Background

Olfactory and taste dysfunctions have been identified as prominent signs of COVID-19 infection. The data on its prevalence, time of onset, and recovery is highly variable.

Objective

The study was aimed at establishing the incidence of and the factors influencing smell and taste disorders in COVID-19-affected patients.

Methodology

Telephonic interviews were used to collect data on the symptoms of COVID-19-positive patients, with an emphasis on smell and taste disorders. Patients have severe disease and a history of illnesses that may affect olfaction or taste, and those unwilling to participate were excluded.

Results

A total of 1488 COVID-19-positive patients were identified. A total of 772 were included and interviewed, and their data were analysed. A total of 242 (31.3%) patients developed symptoms related to smell and/or taste. Anosmia (149) and ageusia (152) were the most common. Younger patients were more commonly affected (p = 0.0016). The presence and degree of smell symptoms and taste symptoms showed a small positive correlation (r = .234, p < .001). A strong relationship was seen with fever (r = .825, p < .001) and a significantly moderate relationship with breathing difficulty. There was no significant difference based on age or sex for the recovery of smell or taste sensations. There was a significant correlation between taste recovery and smell recovery times (p < 0.00001).

Conclusion

Smell and taste disorders, as early clinical symptoms of COVID-19, may have a diagnostic as well as a prognostic value. Treatment protocols for these patients are yet to be defined. A positive association between these symptoms and breathing difficulty was found, and we recommend COVID-19 testing and monitoring of symptoms for all patients with new-onset OTD symptoms. A combination of active enquiry about these symptoms, along with objective testing when the patients present with COVID-19 symptoms may help in better understanding of the pathophysiology and timely initiation of treatment.
HDF5eis: A storage and input/output solution for big multidimensional time series data from environmental sensors
Authors: White Malcolm C. A. , Zhang Zhendong , Bai Tong , Qiu Hongrui , Chang Hilary , Nakata Nori
Published: January 2023

Modern high-performance computing (HPC) tasks overwhelm conventional geophysical data formats. We describe a new data schema called HDF5eis (read H-D-F-size) for handling big multidimensional time series data from environmental sensors in HPC applications and implement a freely available Python application programming interface (API) for building and processing HDF5eis files. HDF5eis augments the popular Hierarchical Data Format 5 with a minimal set of additional conventions that facilitate fast and flexible data input and output protocols for regularly sampled (in time) data with any number of dimensions. HDF5eis supports arbitrary ancillary data (e.g., metadata) storage in columnar format or as UTF-8 encoded byte streams alongside time series data. Our HDF5eis API enables simple and efficient access to big data sets distributed across a potentially large number of small heterogeneous files through a single point of access. HDF5eis outperforms conventional seismic data formats by up to two orders of magnitude in terms of random read access times. We contribute HDF5eis as an operational tool and an experimental draft proposal that will help establish the next generation of data standards in the earth sciences.