bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of foraging site distances on the intestinal bacterial community compositions of the sympatric wintering Hooded Crane (Grus monacha) and Domestic Duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus)
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhou Lizhi , Fu Rong , Cheng Lei , Yan Shaofei , Mahtab Nazia , Song Yunwei
Published: May 2021

Background

The composition of intestinal microflora in animals is affected by cross-species transmission. In a nature reserve, the foraging sites of waterbirds are relatively fixed, but frequently close to residential areas and can also be visited by domestic fowls. It is easy to result in the trans-species-flock dispersal of gut microbes between the wild birds and domestic fowls. The effects of the variable foraging site distances on the gut microbe structures of the waterbirds and the sympatric domestic fowls are currently unclear, and further research is required to evaluate the impacts of geographic location on cross-infection.

Methods

Illumina high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis software were utilized to compare and analyze the composition of gut microbes from the fecal samples of Hooded Cranes (HC;Grus monacha) and two groups of Domestic Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) that foraged at 1 km (ducks in near areas, D-N), and 4 km (ducks in far areas, D-F) away from the habitats of the Hooded Cranes at Shengjin Lake, China.

Results

The results showed that there were significant differences in the alpha-diversity of the gut bacteria in the HC, D-N, and D-F samples under the interspecific distance factor. The dominant bacterial phyla, Cyanobacteria and Proteobacteria, showed correlations with distance for each host. The D-N group had more diverse intestinal flora than the D-F, as they were physically closer to the HC and had more indirect contact and cross-transmission of their gut microbes. More potentially pathogenic bacterial sequences, and Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were found in the D-N than in HC and D-F.

Conclusions

Hooded Cranes and the Domestic Duck populations at variable distances from the cranes showed significant differences in their intestinal bacteria and potentially pathogenic bacteria. The closer the foraging sites were, the easier the intestinal flora spread across species. The results provide a basis for determining the safe distance between wild birds and domestic fowls in a nature reserve.
Neurovascular unit in diabetic retinopathy: pathophysiological roles and potential therapeutical targets
Authors: Nian Shen , Lo Amy C. Y. , Mi Yajing , Ren Kai , Yang Di
Published: May 2021

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), one of the common complications of diabetes, is the leading cause of visual loss in working-age individuals in many industrialized countries. It has been traditionally regarded as a purely microvascular disease in the retina. However, an increasing number of studies have shown that DR is a complex neurovascular disorder that affects not only vascular structure but also neural tissue of the retina. Deterioration of neural retina could precede microvascular abnormalities in the DR, leading to microvascular changes. Furthermore, disruption of interactions among neurons, vascular cells, glia and local immune cells, which collectively form the neurovascular unit, is considered to be associated with the progression of DR early on in the disease. Therefore, it makes sense to develop new therapeutic strategies to prevent or reverse retinal neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation and impaired cell-cell interactions of the neurovascular unit in early stage DR. Here, we present current perspectives on the pathophysiology of DR as a neurovascular disease, especially at the early stage. Potential novel treatments for preventing or reversing neurovascular injuries in DR are discussed as well.
Corneal biomechanical changes in allergic conjunctivitis
Authors: Wang Qian , Deng Yuqing , Li Saiqun , Du Xinyue , Zhao Xuan , Zhang Tingting , Yuan Jin
Published: May 2021

Background

To explore corneal biomechanical changes, identify related factors and determine early indicators of keratoconus (KC) development risk in allergic conjunctivitis (AC) patients.

Methods

A total of 50 patients, including 20 eyes without AC and 30 eyes with AC were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent a complete ocular examination, including evaluations of clinical manifestations of AC, corneal tomography and densitometry by Pentacam, corneal biomechanics by Corvis ST, and corneal and epithelial thickness mapping by RTvue optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Results

The index of surface variance (ISV), index of vertical asymmetry (IVA), keratoconus index (KI), index of height decentration (IHD) and Belin/Ambrosio enhanced ectasia total deviation index (BAD-D) were significantly higher in the AC group than in the non-allergic conjunctivitis (NAC) group (P < 0.05). The tomography and biomechanical index (TBI) was also significantly higher in the AC group (P = 0.04). The average epithelial thickness in the 2–7 mm annulus was significantly thinner in the AC group than in the NAC group (P < 0.05). The average densitometry of the total cornea and the anterior layer were higher in the AC group than in the NAC group (P < 0.001). The ISV, IVA, KI, IHD and BAD-D were significantly correlated with the TBI and changes in corneal epithelial thickness in AC patients (P < 0.05). The changes in epithelial thickness were closely related to the eye rubbing frequency and allergic sign scores (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

AC patients should be advised to routinely undergo corneal tomographic and biomechanical measurements, and the TBI could be used as an indicator of KC development risk in AC patients.

Trial registration

Corneal Biomechanical Changes of Allergic Conjunctivitis, NCT04299399. Registered March 3, 2020 - Retrospectively registered.
Mixture of clopidogrel bisulfate and magnesium oxide tablets reduces clopidogrel dose administered through a feeding tube
Authors: Aoki Manahito , Naya Midori , Arima Shiho , Shinohara Kaori , Kato Masahiro , Shibuya Kiyoshi , Ohtawa Masaki , Nagamitsu Tohru , Otori Katsuya
Published: May 2021

Background

In clinical practice, a mixed suspension of clopidogrel bisulfate and magnesium oxide (MgO) tablets is administered frequently via a feeding tube. However, there is no report on the changes occurring when suspensions of these two drugs are combined, including the effects or potential decrease in dose following tube administration. Thus, the purpose of our study was to investigate the (i) changes caused by mixing clopidogrel bisulfate (ion form) and MgO tablets and (ii) effects on the administered clopidogrel dose after passing through a feeding tube.

Methods

The molecular structure of clopidogrel generated in a mixture of clopidogrel bisulfate and a basic compound, such as sodium bicarbonate or MgO tablet, was determined by 1H-NMR after extraction and purification. The suspension of clopidogrel bisulfate tablet alone and the mixed suspension of clopidogrel bisulfate tablet and MgO tablet were passed through a feeding tube. We compared the yield of the molecular form of clopidogrel from each passed fraction.

Results

The substance obtained from the mixture of clopidogrel bisulfate tablet and sodium bicarbonate or MgO tablet was identified as the molecular form of clopidogrel, and chemical degradation did not occur under these conditions. In the tube passage test, the yield of clopidogrel (molecular form) from the mixture of clopidogrel bisulfate and MgO tablets was lower than that from the suspension of clopidogrel bisulfate tablet alone.

Conclusions

The mixture of clopidogrel bisulfate and MgO tablets caused a considerable reduction in the administered dose passed through the feeding tube. Therefore, it is recommended to administer the suspensions of clopidogrel bisulfate and MgO tablets separately for safe and effective pharmacotherapy.
The impact of social distancing on COVID-19 infections and deaths
Authors: de Souza Melo André , da Penha Sobral Ana Iza Gomes , Marinho Marcelo Luiz Monteiro , Duarte Gisleia Benini , Vieira Amanda Aires , Sobral Marcos Felipe Falcão
Published: May 2021

Background

To assess the impact of the social isolation index on the number of infections and deaths by COVID-19 in the state of São Paulo (Brazil).

Methods

Daily isolation data, obtained through geolocation information by mobile phone, were evaluated together with the number of daily infections and deaths by COVID-19 in the state of São Paulo. The study was conducted from February 26 to May 19, 2020. The data were modeled through the vector autoregression (VAR) model.

Results

The isolation index has an effect of approximately 5% in variation in the number of infections, and 7% in the number of deaths. The impulse response function (IRF) caused a drop of 0.15% in the number of new cases/day, and 0.17% in the number of deaths/day following a shock in the isolation index. For both cases, this effect occurred 1 day after the shock and stabilized after 10 periods. An increase of 1% in the isolation index led to a reduction of 6.91% in new cases and 6.90% in the number of deaths. The 30 cumulative day reduction reached 22.72% in terms of transmission and 35.39% for deaths.

Conclusions

The social isolation index is related to deaths and infections from SARS-CoV-2. Although distancing measures are accompanied with impacts on the economy and the emergence of other morbidities, the benefits caused by the reduction in the speed of contagion are significant. The adoption of distancing measures has a substantial impact on the number of infected individuals and deaths by COVID-19.
Longer time to extubation after general anesthesia with desflurane in patients with obstructive respiratory dysfunction: a retrospective study
Authors: Takeyama Eriko , Nakajima Mariko , Nakanishi Yukiko , Amano Eizo , Shibuya Hiromi
Published: May 2021

Background

The prospect of patients with obstructive respiratory dysfunction undergoing surgery has increased with the growth in the elderly population; however, there have been few investigations about the recovery profile from volatile anesthesia. This study aimed to investigate the impact of obstructive respiratory dysfunction on recovery from desflurane anesthesia.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent orthopedic lower limb surgery between September 2018 and March 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: those whose preoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity ratio was <70% (obstructive respiratory dysfunction group, n = 180) or ≥70% (control group, n = 45). Time from discontinuation of desflurane to extubation (extubation time) was compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression models were used to compare odds ratios for prolonged extubation (≥10 min).

Results

A total of 45 patients with obstructive respiratory dysfunction and 180 control patients were eligible for analysis. Extubation time was significantly longer in patients in the obstructive respiratory dysfunction group than those in the control group. In the multivariable Cox model, male sex (HR = 2.00, 95% CI 1.12–3.57; P = 0.020) and obstructive respiratory dysfunction (HR = 2.07, 95% CI 1.05–4.08; P = 0.036) were associated with prolonged extubation.

Conclusions

This retrospective study indicated that extubation time was longer in patients with obstructive respiratory function than in patients without obstructive respiratory function. Male sex and obstructive respiratory function were factors that contributed to extubation time.
Perforator preservation technologies (PPT) based on a new neuro-interventional classification in endovascular treatment of perforator involving aneurysms (piANs)
Authors: Li Chen , Liu Ao-Fei , Qiu Han-Cheng , Lv Xianli , Zhou Ji , Zhang Yi-Qun , Lv Jin , Zhang Ying-Ying , Hu Sushan , Liu Fang , Liu Yun-e , Jin Min , Jiang Wei-Jian
Published: May 2021

Background

Treatment of perforator involving aneurysm (piAN) remains a challenge to open and endovascular neurosurgeons. Our aim is to demonstrate a primary outcome of endovascular therapy for piANs with the use of perforator preservation technologies (PPT) based on a new neuro-interventional classification.

Methods

The piANs were classified into type I: aneurysm really arises from perforating artery, type II: saccular aneurysm involves perforating arteries arising from its neck (IIa) or dome (IIb), and type III: fusiform aneurysm involves perforating artery. Stent protection technology of PPT was applied in type I and III aneurysms, and coil-basket protection technology in type II aneurysms. An immediate outcome of aneurysmal obliteration after treatment was evaluated (satisfactory obliteration: the saccular aneurysm body is densely embolized (I), leaving a gap in the neck (IIa) or dome (IIb) where the perforating artery arising; fusiform aneurysm is repaired and has a smooth inner wall), and successful perforating artery preservation was defined as keeping the good antegrade flow of those perforators on postoperative angiography. The periprocedural complication was closely monitored, and clinical and angiographic follow-ups were performed.

Results

Six consecutive piANs (2 ruptured and 4 unruptured; 1 type I, 2 type IIa, 2 type IIb, and 1 type III) in 6 patients (aged from 43 to 66 years; 3 males) underwent endovascular therapy between November 2017 and July 2019. The immediate angiography after treatment showed 6 aneurysms obtained satisfactory obliteration, and all of their perforating arteries were successfully preserved. During clinical follow-up of 13–50 months, no ischemic or hemorrhagic event of the brain occurred in the 6 patients, but has one who developed ischemic event in the territory of involving perforators 4 h after operation and completely resolved within 24 h. Follow-up angiography at 3 to 10M showed patency of the parent artery and perforating arteries of treated aneurysms, with no aneurysmal recurrence.

Conclusions

Our perforator preservation technologies on the basis of the new neuro-interventional classification seem feasible, safe, and effective in protecting involved perforators while occluding aneurysm.
Study on the independent effect of thyroid hormone based on uric acid level on NAFLD
Authors: Chao Guanqun , Chen Liying
Published: May 2021

Objective

This study aims to explain the correlation among non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hyperuricemia, and thyroid function and to find independent risk factors for each other.

Methods

Data were obtained from subjects who underwent health examination in the Health Promotion Centre of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital of Zhejiang University from January 2017 to February 2019. The diagnosis of NAFLD was according to the clinical diagnosis of the guidelines. Serum uric acid (SUA) > 360 μmol/L (female) and SUA > 420 μmol/L (male) were enrolled in the hyperuricemia group. R software was used for statistical analysis.

Results

55,449 subjects were included in the analysis. 34.27% of patients were classified as NAFLD group (N=19004), and 65.73% of patients were classified as non-NAFLD group (N=36445). The levels of gender ratio, age, BMI, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDLC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CR), FT3, FT4, and TSH were significantly different between the non-NAFLD group and NAFLD group. Age, BMI, waist circumference, DBP, fFBG, HbA1c, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDLC), AST, and UA were all independent risk factors for NAFLD. In the normal uric acid group, variables other than SBP and TSH were independent factors of NAFLD. In the hyperuricemia group, all variables except SBP, FT4, and TSH were independent factors of NAFLD.

Conclusion

The level of uric acid is related to the occurrence of NAFLD. Hyperuricemia is one of the independent risk factors of NAFLD. TSH level is not related to the occurrence of NAFLD, while FT3 and FT4 may be related to NAFLD.
Adrenal vein sampling: technique and protocol, a systematic review
Authors: Quencer Keith B.
Published: May 2021

Primary aldosteronism is the leading cause of secondary hypertension worldwide. Its deleterious effects outstrip those due to blood pressure elevation alone. An essential part of the work-up of a patient with primary aldosteronism is determining if aldosterone production is unilateral or bilateral. With the former, surgery offers a potential cure and better overall outcomes. Adrenal vein sampling is considered the most reliable method to determine whether production is unilateral or bilateral. Sampling may be non-diagnostic when the vein cannot be properly cannulated. But with proper knowledge and experience as well as the utilization of certain techniques, procedure success can be high. Multiple protocols exist; their rationale and drawbacks are reviewed here. This article will give the reader an overview of techniques for improving procedural success as well as background, rationale and evidence to guide one in choosing the appropriate procedural and interpretation protocol.
Efficacy of navigating through the intraplaque route using AnteOwl WR intravascular ultrasound in femoropopliteal chronic total occlusion
Authors: Hayakawa Naoki , Kodera Satoshi , Takanashi Keisuke , Sahashi Shuichi , Shakya Sandeep , Kanda Junji
Published: May 2021

Background

There is no consensus on the optimal guidewire passage route for femoropopliteal (FP) chronic total occlusion (CTO). If intraplaque wiring can be performed, a stent-less strategy using a drug-coated balloon can be realized even with FP CTO, and there is a high possibility that good expansion can be obtained even when stent deployment is performed. AnteOwl WR (AnteOwl) is a novel intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) device useful for navigating the second guidewire into the intraplaque route under IVUS observation from the subintimal space. Here, we describe representative cases of FP CTO in which CTO-specific IVUS was extremely useful.

Case presentation

Case 1 involved a 79-year-old man with total occlusion of the left superficial femoral artery (SFA). We used a contralateral antegrade approach, but the guidewire was advanced into the subintimal space. We advanced AnteOwl into the CTO. By utilizing the asymmetric structure of the transducer and the IVUS wire, we were able to reflect the positional relationship among the IVUS transducer, IVUS wire, and target plaque onto the angiographic image. By aiming the wiring in that direction, we succeeded in traversing the center of the plaque and finally succeeded in obtaining good expansion using the drug-coated balloon. Case 2 involved a 76-year-old woman with total occlusion from the SFA to the popliteal artery. We used an ipsilateral antegrade approach. When AnteOwl was placed on the wire and advanced to the popliteal artery, the subintimal space in the middle of the SFA could be visualized. We employed an IVUS-guided parallel wiring technique and succeeded in passing through all intraplaque routes. Although the CTO was long, we could easily advance through the intraplaque route by reflecting the information obtained from AnteOwl in angiography.

Conclusions

AnteOwl is an effective IVUS for FP CTO and facilitates a complex IVUS-guided procedure.
Diagnosis and treatment of neurogenic dysphagia – S1 guideline of the German Society of Neurology
Authors: Dziewas Rainer , Allescher Hans-Dieter , Aroyo Ilia , Bartolome Gudrun , Beilenhoff Ulrike , Bohlender Jörg , Breitbach-Snowdon Helga , Fheodoroff Klemens , Glahn Jörg , Heppner Hans-Jürgen , Hörmann Karl , Ledl Christian , Lücking Christoph , Pokieser Peter , Schefold Joerg C. , Schröter-Morasch Heidrun , Schweikert Kathi , Sparing Roland , Trapl-Grundschober Michaela , Wallesch Claus , Warnecke Tobias , Werner Cornelius J. , Weßling Johannes , Wirth Rainer , Pflug Christina
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Neurogenic dysphagia defines swallowing disorders caused by diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system, neuromuscular transmission, or muscles. Neurogenic dysphagia is one of the most common and at the same time most dangerous symptoms of many neurological diseases. Its most important sequelae include aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition and dehydration, and affected patients more often require long-term care and are exposed to an increased mortality. Based on a systematic pubmed research of related original papers, review articles, international guidelines and surveys about the diagnostics and treatment of neurogenic dysphagia, a consensus process was initiated, which included dysphagia experts from 27 medical societies.

Recommendations

This guideline consists of 53 recommendations covering in its first part the whole diagnostic spectrum from the dysphagia specific medical history, initial dysphagia screening and clinical assessment, to more refined instrumental procedures, such as flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, the videofluoroscopic swallowing study and high-resolution manometry. In addition, specific clinical scenarios are captured, among others the management of patients with nasogastric and tracheotomy tubes. The second part of this guideline is dedicated to the treatment of neurogenic dysphagia. Apart from dietary interventions and behavioral swallowing treatment, interventions to improve oral hygiene, pharmacological treatment options, different modalities of neurostimulation as well as minimally invasive and surgical therapies are dealt with.

Conclusions

The diagnosis and treatment of neurogenic dysphagia is challenging and requires a joined effort of different medical professions. While the evidence supporting the implementation of dysphagia screening is rather convincing, further trials are needed to improve the quality of evidence for more refined methods of dysphagia diagnostics and, in particular, the different treatment options of neurogenic dysphagia. The present article is an abridged and translated version of the guideline recently published online (https://www.awmf.org/uploads/tx_szleitlinien/030-111l_Neurogene-Dysphagie_2020-05.pdf).
A rare presentation of an elderly patient with acute lymphocytic leukemia and platelet count of zero associated with ST-elevation myocardial infarction, pulmonary thromboembolism in the setting of SARS-CoV 2: a case report
Authors: Hashemi Arash , Gerges Fady , Naqvi Haseeb Raza , Kotlar Irina , Moscatelli Sara , Hashemi Ashkan , Rustamova Yasmin , Almaghraby Abdallah
Published: May 2021

Background

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is known to lead not only to severe acute respiratory syndrome, but also can result in thromboembolic events in both the venous and the arterial circulation by inducing coagulation disorders. The potential causes of coagulopathy are inflammation, platelet activation, endothelial dysfunction, and stasis. The thrombotic events including pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis as well as intracatheter thrombosis are more likely to develop in patients infected with severe form of SARS-CoV-2 who are admitted to ICU. Furthermore, these events contribute to multi-organ failure.

Case presentation

Herein, we report a case of an immunocompromised COVID-19 elderly patient with acute lymphocytic leukemia who developed myocardial infarction with ST elevation in the setting of acute pulmonary thromboembolism in the presence of zero platelet count. Despite successful urgent coronary revascularization and platelet transfusion, the patient eventually died after failed resuscitation efforts.

Conclusion

Patients with COVID-19 infection are at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular complications, but their appropriate management can decrease the risk of fatal events. Coronary thrombosis associated with pulmonary thromboembolism in the setting of thrombocytopenia is a rare and a complex to manage condition. Significance of single antiplatelet agent in STEMI with thrombocytopenia merits further studies. According to expert opinions and literature reviews, we must avoid dual antiplatelet therapy in these patients and keep platelet transfusion as a standard therapy to avoid drastic bleeding complications.
Safety and efficacy outcomes at 1 year after MitraClip therapy for percutaneous mitral valve repair in patients with severe mitral regurgitation: the Egyptian experience
Authors: Elbelbesy Radwa Abdullah , Elsawah Ahmed Mohsen , Ammar Ahmed Shafie , Khamis Hazem Abdelmohsen , Shehata Islam Elsayed
Published: May 2021

Background

Our aim was to assess safety and efficacy outcomes at 1 year after MitraClip for percutaneous mitral valve repair in patients with severe mitral regurgitation.

Twenty consecutive patients with significant MR (GIII or GIV) were selected according to the AHA/ACC guidelines from June 2016 to June 2019 and underwent percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral valve repair using MitraClip with a whole 1 year follow-up following the procedure. The primary acute safety endpoint was a 30-day freedom from any of the major adverse events (MAEs) or rehospitalization for heart failure. The primary efficacy endpoint was acute procedural success defined as clip implant with an improvement of MR to ≤ grade II, based on current guidelines, NYHA class, ejection fraction, and the left atrium size during follow-up.

Results

Mean age of the studied population was 66.8 ± 10 years and about 85% were males. All patients presented with NYHA > 2. EuroSCORE ranged between 7 and 15. Patients varied regarding their HAS-BLED score. None of them experienced MAEs at 30 days. Patients showed significant improvement of NHYA functional class, and all echocardiographic measurements such as left ventricular end systolic diameter, left ventricular end diastolic diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction, left atrium volume index and MR grade. They also showed significant improvement of right-side heart failure manifestations (lower limb edema, S3 gallop, neck veins congestion), and laboratory value (the mean Hb levels significantly increased from 11.96 ± 1.57 to 12.97 ± 1.36, while the median CRP significantly decreased from 7 (3-9) to 2 (1-3). As well, the median Pro-BNP significantly decreased from 89.5 (73-380) to 66.5 (53.5-151) following MV clipping. During the whole follow-up period, there was dramatic improvement in the NHYA functional class, echocardiographic assessment including left ventricular ejection fraction, and mitral regurge grade. During follow-up, four patients (20%) developed complications. There was no statistical difference between patients who developed complications and those who did not regarding their age (75.25 ± 12.42 versus 64.63 ± 9.21, respectively), BSA (1.69 ± 0.11 versus 1.79 ± 0.22, respectively), gender (75% versus 87.5% males respectively), MR etiology (75% versus 50% ischemic, 25% versus 50% non-ischemic), or NYHA pre- or post-mitral clipping. However, the median EuroSCORE was significantly higher in the complicated group (13, IQR= 11.5-14.5) than the non-complicated group (9.5, IQR=8.5-11.5).

Conclusion

Percutaneous usage of MitraClip for mitral valve repair showed favorable reliability and better clinical outcomes.

Trial registration

ZU-IRB#2481-17-2-2016 Registered 17 February 2016, email: IRB_123@medicine.zu.edu.eg
Management of giant hydatid cysts: a tertiary centre experience
Authors: Abdennadher Mahdi , Hadj Dahmane Mariem , Zribi Hazem , Zairi Sarra , Bouassida Imen , Sahnoun Imen , Neji Henda , Mlika Mouna , Ouerghi Sonia , Marghli Adel
Published: May 2021

Background

Hydatid cyst (HC), the most parasitic disease of the lung, is still an important health problem in Tunisia. In this study, we reviewed our experience in a surgical management of 33 patients with giant pulmonary hydatid cyst (GPHC) (diameter ≥ 10 cm).

Main body

Between 1998 and 2019, a total of 33 patients with GPHC were operated in the Thoracic Surgery Department in Abderrahmane Mami Hospital. Seventeen were males (51.51) and 16 were females (48.48%). The median age was 33.9 years (range 7–83 years). The diameters of the cyst ranged between 10 and 20 cm (mean 13.15 cm). The most common symptoms were chest pain (63.63%) and cough (33.33%). Imaging showed a single GPHC in all cases. GPHC was intact in 75.75% cases and complicated in 24.25% cases. Posterolateral thoracotomy was performed in 27 cases (81.81%). For the residual cavity, parenchyma-saving procedures were performed in 54.54% and anatomical resection was performed in 45.46%. Morbidity was low, and no mortality was seen.

Conclusion

GPHC are considered more difficult to treat surgically than small cysts; parenchyma preserving should and could be the surgical method of choice with a good prognosis. The decision of anatomical pulmonary resection is taken in per-operative when conservative surgery is not possible.
The efficiency of Islamic Banks in the Southeast Asia (SEA) Region
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammad Abdul Matin , Haron Razali
Published: May 2021

The Islamic banking sector has become a crucial part of the global banking industry. Despite the Islamic banking industry’s encouraging growth in the Southeast Asia (SEA) region, prior studies mostly focused on Islamic banks’ efficiency in the individual country. To fill the literature gap, this study aims to measure the efficiency and productivity growth of Islamic banks in the SEA region. This study adopted the DEA technique and the Malmquist productivity index to evaluate 31 Islamic banks’ performance in SEA from 2014 to 2019. The results evidenced an improvement in efficiency and progress in productivity for the banks in the region. The findings documented better efficiency and gradual progress in productivity for Islamic banks in Indonesia, consistent efficiency for Malaysia, a significant improvement for Brunei; hence, both Thailand and the Philippines Islamic bank depicted a drop-in efficiency for 2019. The findings trigger bank managers to acknowledge the inefficiencies and their sources. Investors and policymakers may find the findings useful in observing the banks’ performance; thus, taking effective mechanism and policies to promote competent and sustainable SEA Islamic banks in the long run.
Smell disorders associated with COVID-19 infection
Authors: El-Anwar Mohammad Waheed , Mohamed Sherif Mamdoh , Sweed Ahmed Hassan
Published: May 2021

Background

We performed a search in the PubMed databases, Web of Science, LILACS, MEDLINE, SciELO, and Cochrane Library using the keywords COVID-19, Novel coronavirus, corona, 2019-nCoV, SARS-CoV-2, ENT, nose, anosmia, hyposmia, smell, olfactory, ORL, different ENT related symptoms. We reviewed published and peer-reviewed studies that reported the ENT manifestations in COVID-19 laboratory-confirmed positive patients.

Main text

Within the included 2549 COVID-19 laboratory-confirmed positive patients, smell affection was reported in 1453 patients (57%). The other reported ENT manifestations were taste disorder (49.2%), headache (42.8%), nasal blockage (26.3%), sore throat (25.7%), runny nose or rhinorrhea (21.3%), upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) (7.9%), and frequent sneezing (3.6%).

Conclusion

Smell affection in COVID-19 is common and could be one of the red flag signs in COVID-19 infection. With a sensitivity of utilized questionnaire in smell identification, a homogenous universal well-defined COVID-19 questionnaire is needed to make the COVID-19 data collection more sensible.
Brief, Written Reflections Improve Interest of Introductory Animal Science Undergraduates
Authors: Erickson MaryGrace , Wattiaux Michel A. , Marks Danielle , Karcher Elizabeth L.
Published: May 2021

This study evaluates the effectiveness of utility-value reflections designed to improve the interest of introductory animal science students. Building on previous work, this research discusses intervention logistics and illustrates the relationships among the intervention, precourse interest, interest during the semester, and course performance.
Reviews
Authors: Taylor Patrick
Published: May 2021

Anatomy of a Paleozoic Basin: The Permian Basin, USA, Volume 2, edited by Stephen C. Ruppel, ISBN 978-1-970-00735-0, 2020, Bureau of Economic Geology and American Association of Petroleum Geologists, 538 p., US$49.95 (print).
Seismic Soundoff
Authors: Geary Andrew
Published: May 2021

In this episode, Andrew Geary speaks with Stephen Hill about his new book, Illustrated Seismic Processing, Volume 2: Preimaging. Hill shares why the authors decided to present the seismic processing topics in reverse order, tips for seismic interpreters and acquisition specialists who work alongside seismic processing geophysicists, and why seismic processing is both an art and a science. Hear the full episode at https://seg.org/podcast/post/12383 .
Risk factors for prospective increase in psychological stress during COVID-19 lockdown in a representative sample of adolescents and their parents
Authors: Paschke Kerstin , Arnaud Nicolas , Austermann Maria Isabella , Thomasius Rainer
Published: May 2021

Background

COVID-19 lockdown measures imposed extensive restrictions to public life. Previous studies suggest significant negative psychological consequences, but lack longitudinal data on population-based samples.

Aims

We aimed to prospectively identify increased psychological stress and associated risk factors in parent–child dyads.

Method

We conducted a prospective, observational online study on a representative German sample of 1221 adolescents aged 10–17 years and their parents. Psychological stress and psychosocial variables were assessed before the pandemic (baseline) and 1 month after the start of lockdown (follow-up), using standardised measures. We used multilevel modelling to estimate changes in psychological stress, and logistic regression to determine demographic and psychosocial risk factors for increased psychological stress.

Results

The time of measurement explained 43% of the psychological stress variance. Of 731 dyads with complete data, 252 adolescents (34.5%, 95% CI 31.0–37.9) and 217 parents (29.7%, 95% CI 26.4–33.0) reported a significant increase in psychological stress. Baseline levels were lower than in dyads without increased psychological stress. Risk factors for increased psychological stress included sociodemographic (e.g. female parents, severe financial worries) and emotion regulation aspects (e.g. non-acceptance of emotional responses in parents, limited access to emotion regulation strategies in adolescents), explaining 31% of the adolescent (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.31) and 29% of the parental (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.29) model variance.

Conclusions

This study is the first to prospectively show an increase in psychological stress during COVID-19 lockdown in a representative family sample. Identified demographic and psychosocial risk factors lead to relevant implications for prevention measures regarding this important public health issue.
Cancer Risk of Patients With Overweight and Obesity: A Predictive Model
Authors: Turchin Alexander , Morrison Fritha , Shubina Maria , Shinde Shraddha , Ahmad Nadia , Kan Hongjun
Published: May 2021

Obesity is the most common chronic disease in the U.S. Patients with obesity have many risk factors for cancer, often modifiable. It is important to identify patients with obesity at high risk of cancer to be able to appropriately direct treatment and resources. Given that the risk pool is large, it is imperative to identify a clinically meaningful metric for risk stratification to help guide interventions.

We conducted an observational study of electronic medical records data for 394,161 adults aged between 18 and 80, with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and without baseline history of cancer between 2000 and 2019. We first identified a literature-based pool of risk factors for cancer onset and conducted variable selection by applying least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) penalized Cox regression with ten-fold cross-validation on an 80% training dataset. Effects of the selected variables on risk of cancer (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) onset were assessed using Cox regression on the 80% training dataset. The resulting model accuracy was evaluated using Cox regression on a withheld 20% validation dataset.

Participants had a mean age of 46.7 (SD: 15.5) years and mean body mass index (BMI) of 30.5 (SD: 5.4) kg/m2; 51.9% were women. Over a mean of 7.5 years of follow-up, 34,679 (8.8%) of study patients developed cancer. The predictive model achieved a Harrell’s C-statistic of 0.73. The greatest risk of cancer incidence was associated with HIV infection (HR 2.22; 95% CI 1.88–2.63; 0.27% of patients), older age (HR 2.05 per 1 SD = 15.5 years; 95% CI 2.01- 2.09), hepatitis C infection (HR 1.48; 95% CI 1.34–1.63; 0.96% of patients), and family history of cancer (HR 1.44; 95% CI 1.41–1.48; 42.5% of patients). Additional patient characteristics found in >5% of patients that also carried risk included proteinuria (5.8% of patients; HR 1.23; 95% CI 1.18–1.29) and history of smoking (40.7% of patients; HR 1.20; 95% CI 1.17–1.23). Each standard deviation increase in BMI (5.4 kg/m2) was associated with a hazard ratio of 1.06 (95% CI 1.05–1.07) for incident cancer.

It is feasible to use predictive modeling to identify patients with overweight and obesity at high cancer risk. This approach could be utilized to guide population management and clinical treatment decisions.
Effects of Colchicine on Measures of Lipolysis in Adults With Obesity
Authors: Sarrafan-Chaharsoughi Zahra , Levine Jordan A , Patel Tushar P , Brady Sheila M , Chivukula K Karthik , Miller Emily , Han Jung Min , Periwal Vipul , Remaley Alan T , Babyak Ashley , Fantoni Giovanna , Biancotto Angelique , Yanovski Jack A , Demidowich Andrew P
Published: May 2021

Background: Obesity-associated inflammation promotes adipose tissue (AT) dysfunction and contributes to the progression of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated that colchicine may improve metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes; however, colchicine’s effects on metabolic and inflammatory measures within AT remain unclear. Methods: The aim of this study was to examine if colchicine’s anti-inflammatory effects would improve measures of lipolysis and immune cell populations in subcutaneous AT (SAT). This is a secondary analysis of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study in which 40 nondiabetic adults with obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) were randomized to colchicine 0.6mg or placebo twice daily for 3 months. Blood samples for insulin, glucose, and free fatty acids were collected in the fasted state and during a frequently-sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test. Noninsulin-suppressible (l0), insulin-suppressible (l2), and maximal (l0+l2) lipolysis rates were calculated by minimal model analysis. Body composition was determined by DXA. SAT immune cell populations were characterized by flow cytometry fluorescence-activated single cell sorting of the stromovascular fractions obtained after collagenase digestion of SAT samples obtained using a mini-liposuction technique pre- and post-intervention. Results: Data from 18 subjects in the colchicine group (Mean ± SD: age 48.4 ± 13.5 y; BMI 39.3 ± 6.3 kg/m2; sex: female 72.2%) and 18 subjects in the placebo group (age 44.7 ± 10.2 y; BMI 41.8 ± 8.2 kg/m2; sex: female 77.8%) were available for this study. Colchicine treatment significantly reduced l2 (p = 0.04) and l0+l2 (p = 0.04) versus placebo. These changes were significantly associated with reductions in systemic inflammation, including the changes in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentrations, white blood cell count, circulating monocyte and neutrophil populations, and the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (p’s < 0.015). Colchicine did not significantly alter SAT immune cell population distributions (p’s > 0.05). Conclusions: In adults with obesity and MetS, colchicine may improve insulin action at the level of AT. These improvements were positively associated with the suppression of systemic inflammation. However, no local AT inflammatory cell populations were significantly affected by colchicine use in our study, suggesting that colchicine’s systemic, rather than local, anti-inflammatory effects may be more consequential in ameliorating AT metabolic pathways in MetS. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying colchicine’s effects in AT, as these investigations could potentially shed light on treatments to improve metabolic outcomes in human obesity.
Leptin Decreases Energy Expenditure but Increases Thyroid Hormone in Patients With Lipodystrophy
Authors: Quaye Emmanuel , Grover Andrew , Brychta Robert , Christensen John , Startzell Megan S , Meehan Cristina A , Valencia Areli , Marshall Brandon , Chen Kong , Brown Rebecca J
Published: May 2021

Leptin is an adipokine that signals energy sufficiency. In rodents, leptin deficiency is associated with decreased body temperature and energy expenditure (EE), which is reversed with leptin replacement. Leptin’s role in EE in humans is unclear; however, one study of 10% weight-reduced healthy subjects suggested that leptin replacement to pre-weight loss levels restored the decline in EE, thyroid hormone, and catecholamines associated with weight loss. Patients with lipodystrophy (LD) are characterized by deficiency of adipose tissue and can serve as models to study effects of leptin deficiency and replacement in humans. We hypothesized that treatment with recombinant leptin (metreleptin) in patients with LD would increase EE, thyroid hormone, and catecholamines. We conducted a non-randomized crossover study of 25 patients with LD who were hospitalized for 19 days on an iso-caloric diet. The initiation cohort consisted of 17 patients with no prior exposure to metreleptin, who were first studied for 5 days without metreleptin (period 1), then were treated with metreleptin for 14 days (period 2). The withdrawal cohort consisted of 8 previously metreleptin-treated patients who were continued on metreleptin for the first 5 days of the study (period 1), then were taken off metreleptin for 14 days (period 2). At the end of each period, we measured 24-hour EE (TEE) and resting EE (REE) using indirect calorimetry and free T3, T4, epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine after an 8–12 hour fast. In the leptin initiation cohort, TEE and REE decreased from 2402±383 kcal/day and 1805±332 kcal/day to 2272±396 kcal/day (p=0.003) and 1688±318 kcal/day (p=0.03), respectively. Free T3 increased from median (IQR) 248 (200, 270) pg/mL to 295 (259, 315) (p=0.006). No changes in catecholamines were observed in the initiation cohort. In the withdrawal cohort, free T3 decreased from 295 (267, 331) pg/mL to 265 (237, 323) (p=0.008), free T4 decreased from 1.2 ±0.2 ng/dL to 1.0±0.2 (p=0.002), and norepinephrine decreased from 191±70 pg/mL to 112±47 (p=0.03) after metreleptin withdrawal. No changes in EE, epinephrine or dopamine were observed in the withdrawal cohort. Contrary to previous studies in rodents and healthy humans, we found that introduction of metreleptin reduced EE in patients with LD. Consistent with rodent and prior human data, patients with LD had increased thyroid hormone on metreleptin, which would be expected to increase EE. The discrepancy in EE compared to other models may be due to metreleptin-induced correction of severe metabolic derangements in LD, including reduction in energy-requiring processes such as de novo lipogenesis and gluconeogenesis. These changes may offset increases in leptin-induced mediators of increased EE, such as thyroid hormone.
Metabolically-Unhealthy Obesity Is Associated With Increased Adipose Tissue Inflammatory Gene Expression and 24-Hour Plasma Concentrations of PAI-1, but Not Other Inflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Petersen Max C , Smith Gordon I , Yoshino Mihoko , Cifarelli Vincenza , Yoshino Jun , Pietka Terri , Klein Samuel
Published: May 2021

Insulin resistant glucose metabolism is the most common metabolic complication associated with obesity; however, a subset of people with obesity have normal insulin sensitivity and are considered to be metabolically healthy. In rodent models of obesity, adipose tissue (AT) inflammation contributes to whole-body insulin resistance mediated, at least in part, by production of proinflammatory cytokines that are secreted into the systemic circulation. We therefore hypothesized that AT markers of inflammation and plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines would be greater in people with metabolically-unhealthy obesity (MUO) and insulin-resistant glucose metabolism than in insulin-sensitive people with metabolically-healthy obesity (MHO). We measured AT expression of genes that encode for proinflammatory proteins by using RNA sequencing and plasma cytokine concentrations assessed serially over 24 hours by using multiplex assays in: i) 28 people with MHO (defined as normal glucose tolerance and normal insulin-stimulated glucose disposal assessed using the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp procedure [48 ± 2 µmol/kg fat-free mass/min]); and ii) 28 people with MUO (defined as prediabetes and impaired insulin-stimulated glucose disposal [28 ± 1 µmol/kg fat-free mass/min]). AT markers of inflammation (expression of SERPINE1, CCL3, CCL5, CD68, CD74, MRC1, and CXCL16) were greater in the MUO than in the MHO group (all P < 0.05). However, the 24-hour plasma concentration areas-under-the curve (AUC) for TNFα, MCP-1, IL-6, RANTES, IL-1β, IL-17, and IFN-γ were not different between MHO and MUO groups. In contrast, 24-hour plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) AUC was greater in the MUO (1,759 ± 169 ng/mL x h) group than in the MHO (716 ± 85 ng/mL x h) group (P < 0.001) and plasma PAI-1 was inversely correlated with whole-body insulin sensitivity (r= -0.57; P < 0.001). We conclude that, with the exception of PAI-1, AT inflammation does not contribute to whole-body insulin resistance by increasing systemic circulating inflammatory cytokine levels. However, increased AT production of PAI-1 is associated with whole-body insulin resistance in people with MUO.
Relationship Between Metabolic Syndrome Components and Proinflammatory Molecules
Authors: Vecchiola Andrea , Garcia Killen , González-Gómez Luis-Martin , Tapia-Castillo Alejandra , Artigas Rocio , Baudrand Rene , Kalergis Alexis M , Carvajal Cristian A , Fardella Carlos E
Published: May 2021

We aimed to study the associations of 5 adipocytokines, two endothelial damage markers, and hs-CRP with the MetS components to distinguish the most significant cytokines likely related to distinct metabolic profiles. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 202 Chilean subjects (18–65 years old), categorized by MetS, and No-MetS according to Harmonizing ATP III. Adipocytokines profiling included adiponectin, leptin, hs-CRP, CTRP-1, PAI-1, FABP4, and metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and MMP-2 activity. Results: Subjects with MetS showed higher levels of the most proinflammatories molecules but significantly lower adiponectin than subjects with No-MetS. Among the studied adipocytokines, PAI-1 and adiponectin showed the strongest associations with most of MetS components. PAI-1 was associate with MetS OR 1.107 [1.065–1.151], p< 0.0001, and adiponectin inversely associated with MetS OR 0.710 [0.610 -0.825], p< 0.0001). Following adjustment by sex, age, BMI, and 24 h sodium urinary excretion in a multivariate analysis, the association of PAI-1 OR 1.090 [1.044–1.137], p< 0.0001) and adiponectin OR 0.634 [0.519 - 0.775], p < 0.0001) with MetS remained significant. Multivariate analyses support a model where PAI-1associate to waist_hip, SBP, DBP, and glucose (all p< 0.0001) and adiponectin associate to TG (p=0.03) and HDL-cholesterol (p=0.0001). Conclusion: PAI-1 and Adiponectin rendered the most robust associations with MetS components in a general population, indicating that unfavourable adipose tissue performance is a key contributor to these metabolic anomalies. Further prospective analyses should allow establishing whether these adipocytokines can anticipate the progress of MetS and cardiovascular risk. Conflict of interest: The authors declared no conflict of interest. Funding: This work was supported by Chilean grants CONICYT Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico, (FONDECYT) 1160695(CEF) and 1190419(RB); FONDECYT Post-doctorado 3200646(ATC); Millenium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy - ICM (P09/16-F)(AK-CEF).