bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The presentation, course and outcome of COVID-19 infection in people with Prader-Willi syndrome: unexpected findings from an international survey
Authors: Whittington J. E. , Holland A. J. , Driscoll D. J. , Hodebeck-Stuntebeck N. , Hoctor A.
Published: February 2022

Background

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), is a genetically determined neurodevelopmental disorder, associated with intellectual disabilities and a high incidence of obesity, diabetes mellitus, and respiratory disorders. We hypothesised that COVID-19, a viral infection which more severely affects people with these conditions, would, in people with PWS, present atypically and result in severe outcomes.

Method

A structured on-line questionnaire was piloted with parents and professionals at the International Prader-Willi Syndrome Organization (IPWSO) and promoted internationally through their global network. Family members/other carers were asked to complete if someone they cared for with PWS was strongly suspected or confirmed as having COVID-19.

Results

Over 1 year of the pandemic 72 responses were received, 47 adults, 25 children. The following underlying conditions were present: 16 people with PWS were overweight and 18 obese, five had diabetes mellitus and 18 sleep apnoea. Main presenting symptoms were raised temperature, fatigue/daytime sleepiness, dry cough, headache/pain, and feeling unwell, with illnesses generally lasting less than a week. Length of illness was not significantly related to age, BMI, sex, or genetic subtype. No one was ventilated or in an intensive care unit or died, one person was in hospital for four days needing oxygen.

Conclusions

Contrary to our hypothesis, the PWS cohort had asymptomatic infection or mild illness. A possible explanation, supported by anecdotal evidence from parents and professional carers, is that people with PWS have a degree of innate immunity to viral infections. However, likely selection effects and a relatively low number of responses means that further evidence is needed to test this hypothesis.
circCUL2 induces an inflammatory CAF phenotype in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma via the activation of the MyD88-dependent NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Zheng Shangyou , Hu Chonghui , Lin Hongcao , Li Guolin , Xia Renpeng , Zhang Xiang , Su Dan , Li Zhihua , Zhou Quanbo , Chen Rufu
Published: February 2022

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by clusters of cancer cells surrounded by a dense desmoplastic stroma. However, little is known about stromal cell heterogeneity in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment.

Methods

We conducted circRNA profiling in primary fibroblasts by high-throughput sequencing and detected circCUL2 levels in PDAC tissues by qRT–PCR. We subsequently investigated the effect of circCUL2 on inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblast (iCAF) activation, heterogeneity and protumor activity by ELISA, flow cytometry, colony formation and transwell assays in vitro and by xenograft models in vivo. The regulatory effect of circCUL2 on miR-203a-3p/MyD88/IL6 was examined by RNA pulldown, FISH, and luciferase reporter assays.

Results

We identified that circCUL2 was specifically expressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) but not in cancer cells. Moreover, the enrichment of circCUL2 in tumor tissues was significantly correlated with the poor prognosis of PDAC patients. Upregulation of circCUL2 expression in normal fibroblasts (NFs) induced the iCAF phenotype, and then iCAFs promoted PDAC progression through IL6 secretion in vitro. Furthermore, circCUL2-transduced NFs promoted tumorigenesis and metastasis of PDAC cells in vivo, which was blocked by an anti-IL6 antibody. Mechanistically, circCUL2 functioned as a ceRNA and modulated the miR-203a-3p/MyD88/NF-κB/IL6 axis, thereby further activating the STAT3 signaling pathway in pancreatic cancer cells to induce PDAC progression.

Conclusions

We showed that the circCUL2/miR-203a-5p/MyD88/NF-κB/IL6 axis contributes to the induction of iCAFs and established a distinct fibroblast niche for PDAC progression, which could help the development of strategies that selectively target tumor-promoting CAFs in PDAC.
TLC599 in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: a phase IIa, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-finding study
Authors: Hunter David J. , Chang Chi-Ching , Wei James Cheng-Chung , Lin Hsiao-Yi , Brown Carl , Tai Tien-Tzu , Wu Chih-Feng , Chuang Wing Chia-Ming , Shih Sheue-Fang
Published: February 2022

Background

Corticosteroid injection for knee osteoarthritis is limited by its modest duration of treatment effect. The liposome formulation of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (TLC599) was developed for the sustained relief of osteoarthritis pain. This clinical study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TLC599 at two dose levels in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 75 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee from 13 study centers. Patients were randomized and administered a single intra-articular injection of TLC599 or placebo and assessed for efficacy and safety for 24 weeks. Patient-reported outcomes included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis (WOMAC) Index for pain and function and visual analog scale for pain.

Results

TLC599 at 12 mg demonstrated significantly greater reduction in WOMAC pain through 12 weeks (least squares (LS) mean difference = − 0.37, p = 0.0027) and through 24 weeks (LS mean difference = − 0.35, p = 0.0037) when compared to placebo. TLC599 12 mg also exhibited significantly greater improvement in function when compared to placebo at 24 weeks (LS mean difference = − 0.26, p = 0.0457). TLC599 18 mg did not significantly improve pain or function in comparison with placebo. The use of acetaminophen during the study was less in both TLC599 groups in comparison with placebo. No major or unexpected safety issues were reported.

Conclusions

In participants with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, TLC599 is a well-tolerated treatment that reduces pain and improves function for up to 24 weeks, a longer duration than that reported for existing IA treatments.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03005873. Registered on 29 December 2016
Assessment of men involvement in family planning services use and associated factors in rural Ghana
Authors: Kwawukume Senanu Abigail Kpekpo , Laar Alexander Suuk , Abdulai Tanko
Published: February 2022

Background

In low-and-middle income countries (LMICs) less attention is paid to men’s involvement in Family Planning (FP) programs where public health officials have advocated the involvement of men as a strategy for addressing the dismal performance of FP programs. The study assessed the involvement of men in FP use and the factors which promote or hinder the uptake of FP services among partners in a rural setting of northern Ghana.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study was used to collect data from 200 respondents. Study respondents were selected through random cluster sampling.

Results

The findings showed that male partners’ knowledge (95.5%) and approval (72.8%) of FP services were high. About 48% of men were involved in FP service utilization. Having living children (aOR; 1.71(1.27, 2.15)) and being knowledgeable (aOR; 6.14(1.38, 10.90)) about FP were positively associated men’s involvement in FP service utilization. The findings also indicated that men had a higher propensity (X2 = 4.5534, p = 0.033) of supporting a FP method use. Women who reported that their spouse supported FP method use were more likely to use a contraceptive method (X2 = 9.5223, P = 0.002) if their spouse supported FP method use (X2 = 9.5223, P = 0.002) and if their partners had some education (X2 = 14.1133, P = 0.000). Reasons for low contraceptive use were health risks, side effects, and socio-cultural norms.

Conclusion

Family planning programs need to include men at all levels of health promotion and education of FP programs to help reduce misconceptions about contraceptive methods to increase acceptance and use among partners in rural settings of Ghana.
The role of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to the sustainable development of sub-Saharan Africa and its challenges: a systematic review of evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Endris Ebrahim , Kassegn Andualem
Published: February 2022

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) have a potential impact on achieving many of the sustainable development goals much greater than their size. This review aimed to investigate existing literature on the contribution of MSMEs to the sustainable development of Ethiopia and its challenges. The review provides a comprehensive and systematic summary of evidence and provides future research directions. A systematic review methodology was adopted through reviewing the available literature comprehensively including research articles, policy documents, and reports over the period 2011–2021 from ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, ECONBIZ, IJSTOR, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. A search on these databases and grey literature returned 1270 articles; 87 papers were included in this review following screening of aticles using pre-determined criteria. The paper found that MSMEs significantly contributed to the sustainable development goals of Ethiopia through creating employment, alleviating poverty, and improving their living standards. However, the review has identified access to finance, access to electricity, and trade regulation are the major constraints for the development of the sector. The review outlines key policy implications to develop a comprehensive policy that alleviates the existing challenges of the sector and calls for further MSMEs impact evaluation research.
Development of a rational framework for the therapeutic efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation for calf diarrhea treatment
Authors: Islam Jahidul , Tanimizu Masae , Shimizu Yu , Goto Yoshiaki , Ohtani Natsuki , Sugiyama Kentaro , Tatezaki Eriko , Sato Masumi , Makino Eiji , Shimada Toru , Ueda Chise , Matsuo Ayumi , Suyama Yoshihisa , Sakai Yoshifumi , Furukawa Mutsumi , Usami Katsuki , Yoneyama Hiroshi , Aso Hisashi , Tanaka Hidekazu , Nochi Tomonori
Published: February 2022

Background

Establishing fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to prevent multifactorial diarrhea in calves is challenging because of the differences in farm management practices, the lack of optimal donors, and recipient selection. In this study, the underlying factors of successful and unsuccessful FMT treatment cases are elucidated, and the potential markers for predicting successful FMT are identified using fecal metagenomics via 16S rRNA gene sequencing, fecal metabolomics via capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and machine learning approaches.

Results

Specifically, 20 FMT treatment cases, in which feces from healthy donors were intrarectally transferred into recipient diarrheal calves, were conducted with a success rate of 70%.Selenomonaswas identified as a microorganism genus that showed significant donor–recipient compatibility in successful FMT treatments. A strong positive correlation between the microbiome and metabolome data, which is a prerequisite factor for FMT success, was confirmed by Procrustes analysis in successful FMT (r= 0.7439,P= 0.0001). Additionally, weighted gene correlation network analysis confirmed the positively or negatively correlated pairs of bacterial taxa (familyVeillonellaceae) and metabolomic features (i.e., amino acids and short-chain fatty acids) responsible for FMT success. Further analysis aimed at establishing criteria for donor selection identified the genusSporobacteras a potential biomarker in successful donor selection. Low levels of metabolites, such as glycerol 3-phosphate, dihydroxyacetone phosphate, and isoamylamine, in the donor or recipients prior to FMT, are predicted to facilitate FMT.

Conclusions

Overall, we provide the first substantial evidence of the factors related to FMT success or failure; these findings could improve the design of future microbial therapeutics for treating diarrhea in calves.
Effects of hyperinsulinemia on pancreatic cancer development and the immune microenvironment revealed through single-cell transcriptomics
Authors: Zhang Anni M. Y. , Chu Ken H. , Daly Brian F. , Ruiter Titine , Dou Yan , Yang Jenny C. C. , de Winter Twan J. J. , Chhuor Justin , Wang Su , Flibotte Stephane , Zhao Yiwei Bernie , Hu Xiaoke , Li Hong , Rideout Elizabeth J. , Schaeffer David F. , Johnson James D. , Kopp Janel L.
Published: February 2022

Background

Hyperinsulinemia is independently associated with increased risk and mortality of pancreatic cancer. We recently reported that genetically reduced insulin production resulted in ~ 50% suppression of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) precancerous lesions in mice. However, only female mice remained normoglycemic, and only the gene dosage of the rodent-specific Ins1 alleles was tested in our previous model. Moreover, we did not delve into the molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with modulating hyperinsulinemia.

Methods

We studied how reduced Ins2 gene dosage affects PanIN lesion development in both male and female Ptf1aCreER;KrasLSL-G12D mice lacking the rodent-specific Ins1 gene (Ins1-/-). We generated control mice having two alleles of the wild-type Ins2 gene (Ptf1aCreER;KrasLSL-G12D;Ins1-/-;Ins2+/+) and experimental mice having one allele of Ins2 gene (Ptf1aCreER;KrasLSL-G12D;Ins1-/-;Ins2+/-). We then performed thorough histopathological analyses and single-cell transcriptomics for both genotypes and sexes.

Results

High-fat diet–induced hyperinsulinemia was transiently or modestly reduced in female and male mice, respectively, with only one allele of Ins2. This occurred without dramatically affecting glucose tolerance. Genetic reduction of insulin production resulted in mice with a tendency for less PanIN and acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) lesions. Using single-cell transcriptomics, we found hyperinsulinemia affected multiple cell types in the pancreas, with the most statistically significant effects on local immune cell types that were highly represented in our sampled cell population. Specifically, hyperinsulinemia modulated pathways associated with protein translation, MAPK-ERK signaling, and PI3K-AKT signaling, which were changed in epithelial cells and subsets of immune cells.

Conclusions

These data suggest a potential role for the immune microenvironment in hyperinsulinemia-driven PanIN development. Together with our previous work, we propose that mild suppression of insulin levels may be useful in preventing pancreatic cancer by acting on multiple cell types.
Testing the psychometric properties of a Chinese version of Dyadic Relationship Scale for families of people with hypertension in China
Authors: Zeng Dejian , Yang Chen , Chien Wai Tong
Published: February 2022

Background

Interventions for people with chronic illness have increasingly got involvement and partnership with family members in China and worldwide. The patient-family interactions in chronic illness care can greatly influence not only family dyadic relationship or collaboration in caregiving but also both patient’s and caregiver’s health and well-being. To date, very few instruments have been developed to measure the family dyadic relationship; and none has been found in Chinese language. This study aimed to translate the original English Dyadic Relationship Scales (DRS), including DRS-patient and DRS-caregiver, into simplified Chinese language (DRS-C) and examine their psychometric properties in Chinese people with hypertension in a rural community.

Methods

The Brislin’s model of translation was adopted for translation. Face and content validity and semantic equivalence of the translated Chinese version of the two DRS-patient and DRS-caregiver scales were examined. A sample of 132 adults with hypertension and their family caregivers were recruited to test the psychometric properties of the DRS-C scales.

Results

The DRS-C scales indicated very satisfactory face validity with 10 family dyads in hypertension care, content validity rated by five experts (Item CVI = 0.8–1.0; Scale CVI = 0.98) and semantic equivalence rated by 22 panel members (i.e., all items were rated as 3 = relevant or 4 = very relevant by > 18 members). A well-fitting model of DRS-C-patient was identified with χ2/df = 1.47, p = 0.04, RMSEA = 0.06, GFI = 0.941, CFI = 0.961, TLI = 0.947, and SRMR = 0.019. A well-fitting model of DRS-C-caregiver was identified with χ2/df = 1.340, p = 0.092, RMSEA = 0.039, GFI = 0.940, CFI = 0.975, TLI = 0.965, and SRMR = 0.014. The Chinese DRS-patient and DRS-caregiver had satisfactory internal consistency with Cronbach’s α coefficients of 0.82 and 0.83, respectively, and test–retest reliabilities with intra-correlation coefficients of 0.97 and 0.96, respectively. The convergent validities of the Chinese versions of the DRS-patient and DRS-caregiver were very satisfactory with the self-efficacy subscale of Hypertension Self-Care Profile, and Zarit Burden Interview, respectively (Pearson’s r = − 0.70 and 0.79; both p < 0.001). Significant differences on mean scores of the Chinese versions of the DRS-patient (t = − 8.10, p < 0.001) and the DRS-caregiver (t = − 9.15, p < 0.001), between the groups of adults with hypertension and normal blood pressure counterparts.

Conclusion

Both Chinese versions of the DRS-patient and DRS-caregiver have sound psychometric properties and similar factor structure to the original English version. The Chinese versions can be valid measures of family dyadic relationship among Chinese adults with hypertension.
New aesthetic in-house 3D-printed brackets: proof of concept and fundamental mechanical properties
Authors: Papageorgiou Spyridon N. , Polychronis Georgios , Panayi Nearchos , Zinelis Spiros , Eliades Theodore
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is an emerging manufacturing process for many orthodontic appliances, and the aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties of resin-based materials as alternatives for the in-house preparation of orthodontic brackets.

Material and Methods

Two types of 3D printed resins used for temporary (T) and permanent (P) crown fabrication were included in this study. Ten blocks from each resin were manufactured by a 3D printer and, after embedding them in acrylic resin, the samples were subjected to metallographic grinding and polishing, followed by instrumented indentation testing (IIT). Martens hardness (HM), indentation modulus (EIT), and elastic index (ηIT) were determined with a Vickers indenter recording force-indentation depth curves from each specimen. After calculating descriptive statistics, differences between material types were investigated with Wilcoxon rank sum test accounting for clustering of measurements within specimens at alpha = 5%.

Results

No statistically significant differences in the mechanical properties of the two tested materials were seen: HM: median 279 N/mm2 (interquartile range [IQR] 275–287 N/mm2) for T and median 279 N/mm2 (IQR 270–285 N/mm2) for P (P value = 0.63); EIT: median 5548 MPa (IQR 5425–5834 MPa) for T and median 5644 (IQR 5420–5850 MPa) for P (P value = 0.84); ηIT: median 47.1% (46.0–47.7%) for T and median 46.0% (IQR 45.4–47.8%) for P (P value = 0.24).

Conclusions

Under the limitations of this study, it may be concluded that the mechanical properties of the two 3D printed resins tested are equal, and thus, no differences in their clinical performance are expected.
Boosting capacitive performance of manganese oxide nanorods by decorating with three-dimensional crushed graphene
Authors: Reaz Akter Hossain , Saha Shimul , Roy Chanchal Kumar , Wahab Md Abdul , Will Geoffrey , Amin Mohammed A. , Yamauchi Yusuke , Liu Shude , Kaneti Yusuf Valentino , Hossain Md. Shahriar , Firoz Shakhawat H.
Published: February 2022

This work reports the rational design of MnOx nanorods on 3D crushed reduced graphene oxide (MnOx/C-rGO) by chemical reduction of Ni-incorporated graphene oxide (GO) followed by chemical etching to remove Ni. The resulting MnOx/C-rGO composite synergistically integrates the electronic properties and geometry structure of MnOx and 3D C-rGO. As a result, MnOx/C-rGO shows a significantly higher specific capacitance (Csp) of 863 F g−1 than MnOx/2D graphene sheets (MnOx/S-rGO) (373 F g−1) and MnOx (200 F g−1) at a current density of 0.2 A g−1. Furthermore, when assembled into symmetric supercapacitors, the MnOx/C-rGO-based device delivers a higher Csp (288 F g−1) than MnOx/S-rGO-based device (75 F g−1) at a current density of 0.3 A g−1. The superior capacitive performance of the MnOx/C-rGO-based symmetric device is attributed to the enlarged accessible surface, reduced lamellar stacking of graphene, and improved ionic transport provided by the 3D architecture of MnOx/C-rGO. In addition, the MnOx/C-rGO-based device exhibits an energy density of 23 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 113 Wkg−1, and long-term cycling stability, demonstrating its promising potential for practical application.

Graphical Abstract
Sepsis with liver dysfunction and coagulopathy predicts an inflammatory pattern of macrophage activation
Authors: Anderko Renee R. , Gómez Hernando , Canna Scott W. , Shakoory Bita , Angus Derek C. , Yealy Donald M. , Huang David T. , Kellum John A. , Carcillo Joseph A. ,   For the ProCESS Investigators, Angus Derek C. , Barnato Amber E. , Eaton Tammy L. , Gimbel Elizabeth , Huang David T. , Keener Christopher , Kellum John A. , Landis Kyle , Pike Francis , Stapleton Diana K. , Weissfeld Lisa A. , Willochell Michael , Wofford Kourtney A. , Yealy Donald M. , Kulstad Erik , Watts Hannah , Venkat Arvind , Hou Peter C. , Massaro Anthony , Parmar Siddharth , Limkakeng Alexander T. , Brewer Kori , Delbridge Theodore R. , Mainhart Allison , Chawla Lakhmir S. , Miner James R. , Allen Todd L. , Grissom Colin K. , Swadron Stuart , Conrad Steven A. , Carlson Richard , LoVecchio Frank , Bajwa Ednan K. , Filbin Michael R. , Parry Blair A. , Ellender Timothy J. , Sama Andrew E. , Fine Jonathan , Nafeei Soheil , Terndrup Thomas , Wojnar Margaret , Pearl Ronald G. , Wilber Scott T. , Sinert Richard , Orban David J. , Wilson Jason W. , Ufberg Jacob W. , Albertson Timothy , Panacek Edward A. , Parekh Sohan , Gunn Scott R. , Rittenberger Jon S. , Wadas Richard J. , yEdwards Andrew R. , Kelly Matthew , Wang Henry E. , Holmes Talmage M. , McCurdy Michael T. , Weinert Craig , Harris Estelle S. , Self Wesley H. , Phillips Carolyn A. , Migues Ronald M.
Published: February 2022

Background

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonists can reduce mortality in septic shock patients with hepatobiliary dysfunction and disseminated intravascular coagulation (HBD + DIC), an organ failure pattern with inflammatory features consistent with macrophage activation. Identification of clinical phenotypes in sepsis may allow for improved care. We aim to describe the occurrence of HBD + DIC in a contemporary cohort of patients with sepsis and determine the association of this phenotype with known macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) biomarkers and mortality. We performed a retrospective nested case–control study in adult septic shock patients with concurrent HBD + DIC and an equal number of age-matched controls, with comparative analyses of all-cause mortality and circulating biomarkers between the groups. Multiple logistic regression explored the effect of HBD + DIC on mortality and the discriminatory power of the measured biomarkers for HBD + DIC and mortality.

Results

Six percent of septic shock patients (n = 82/1341) had HBD + DIC, which was an independent risk factor for 90-day mortality (OR = 3.1, 95% CI 1.4–7.5,p = 0.008). Relative to sepsis controls, the HBD + DIC cohort had increased levels of 21 of the 26 biomarkers related to macrophage activation (p < 0.05). This panel was predictive of both HBD + DIC (sensitivity = 82%, specificity = 84%) and mortality (sensitivity = 92%, specificity = 90%).

Conclusion

The HBD + DIC phenotype identified patients with high mortality and a molecular signature resembling that of MAS. These observations suggest trials of MAS-directed therapies are warranted.
Spontaneous rupture of hemorrhagic hepatic cyst: two case reports
Authors: Chogahara Ichiya , Oshita Akihiko , Nakahara Hideki , Itamoto Toshiyuki
Published: February 2022

Background

Spontaneous rupture of a hemorrhagic hepatic cyst is extremely rare. There is no standard treatment recommended for this condition. We report two cases of hemorrhagic hepatic cysts that spontaneously ruptured and were successfully treated with laparoscopic deroofing. We review the literature and discuss the characteristic features of spontaneous rupture of hemorrhagic hepatic cysts and their treatment.

Case presentation

The first patient was an 85-year-old man admitted for sudden-onset right hypochondralgia and fever. Computed tomography revealed a 13-cm hepatic cyst occupying the right lobe of the liver and spontaneous rupture of the cyst. Laparoscopic deroofing was performed and continuous oozing from the cystic wall was found. Histological examination revealed a simple hepatic cyst. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 6. In the second case, a 77-year-old woman who had been followed up for a simple hepatic cyst (13 cm) was admitted for sudden onset of right hypochondralgia. Computed tomography demonstrated a 9.9-cm hepatic cyst occupying segment 4 of the liver. Laparoscopic deroofing was performed and continuous oozing from the cystic wall was observed. Histological examination revealed a simple hepatic cyst. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 6.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic deroofing was performed in patients with spontaneous rupture of hemorrhagic nonparasitic hepatic cysts.
Massive hemoptysis managed by prolonged anticoagulation-free veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with which thoracic surgeries were accompanied: a case report
Authors: Kimura Tomonori , Kobayashi Tomoe , Kobori Fumimasa , Goto Maria , Takemitsu Mikako , Tanaka Atsuko , Sato Jiro , Isomine Shinji
Published: February 2022

Background

Massive hemoptysis causing inadequate ventilation results in life-threatening consequences. We present a patient who developed respiratory insufficiency produced by bronchiectatic massive hemoptysis and underwent prolonged anticoagulation-free veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) during which thoracic surgeries were performed.

Case presentation

A 79-year-old woman suffered massive hemoptysis resulting in respiratory failure during fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Bronchial intubation followed by one lung ventilation failed to ensure adequate oxygenation. Anticoagulation-free VV-ECMO, therefore, was installed immediately. Since conservative hemostatic measures including bronchial arterial embolization were not effective, resection of the culprit lung was performed while on VV-ECMO. Next day an exploratory thoracotomy and intercostal artery embolization were needed for recurrent bleeding. The VV-ECMO was withdrawn after five days of operation.

Conclusions

Massive hemoptysis can be fatal and needs instantaneous and intensive treatments. In our case, long-term anticoagulation-free VV-ECMO during which thoracic surgeries and endovascular interventions were performed provided a favorable outcome.
Cost-effective and efficient factitious prey for mass production of Neoseiulus cucumeris (Acari: Phytoseiidae): assessing its quality compared with natural prey
Authors: Yazdanpanah Shima , Fathipour Yaghoub , Riahi Elham , Zalucki Myron P.
Published: February 2022

Background

Using alternative diets for the mass production of phytoseiid predatory mites may facilitate their cost-effective rearing. Factitious prey is often used as an alternative food source for mass rearing of generalist phytoseiids. The generalist predator, Neoseiulus cucumeris (Oudemans), is a commercially available biocontrol agent against various pests. We assessed the suitability of two factitious prey, Ephestia kuehniella Zeller eggs and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank), as diets for long-term rearing (up to 30 generations) of N. cucumeris, when compared with a natural prey, Tetranychus urticae Koch.

Results

The predator completed its development on all tested diets successfully. Under laboratory conditions, Tyrophagus putrescentiae could support the development and oviposition of the predator for up to 30 generations even better than its natural prey T. urticae. However, the eggs of E. kuehniella were not suitable for this predator because of the longer pre-adult period and adults failed to reproduce.

Conclusions

Since rearing on T. putrescentiae for a long time had no adverse effects on the predator’s performance, this factitious prey could be considered as a suitable and cost-effective diet for mass production of N. cucumeris.
Chinese expert recommendations on ketogenic diet therapy for super-refractory status epilepticus
Authors: Tong Xin , Cai Qianyun , Cao Dezhi , Yu Lifei , Sun Dan , Yang Guang , Wang Jiwen , Li Hua , Li Zengning , Wang Juan , Huang Shaoping , Ding Meiping , Fang Fang , Wang Qun , Luo Rong , Liao Jianxiang , Qin Jiong
Published: February 2022

Super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) is a serious and life-threatening neurological condition. Ketogenic diet (KD) is a diet characterized by high fat, low carbohydrate, and moderate protein. As KD shows effectiveness in controlling seizures in more than half of SRSE patients, it can be a treatment option for SRSE. Currently, KD treatment for SRSE is based on personal experience and observational evidence has been published. In the context of a lack of a validated guideline, we convened a multicenter expert panel within the China Association Against Epilepsy (CAAE) Ketogenic Diet Commission to work out the Chinese expert recommendations on KD for SRSE. We summarize and discuss the latest clinical practice of KD for SRSE in critical care settings. Recommendations are given on patient selection, the timing of KD, diet implementation, and follow-up. More research data are needed in this area to support better clinical practice.
Bentall surgery and total arch repair with debranching of supra-aortic vessels: a case report
Authors: Victoria-Medina Wilfredo Luna , Quispe-Vizcarra Carlos , Rojas-Huillca Miguel , Moreno-Loaiza Milagros , Cubas W. Samir
Published: February 2022

Background

The surgical approach to pathologies of the Ascending Thoracic Aorta (ATA) that compromise aortic root and the aortic arch is currently one of the most complex interventions in the spectrum of cardiac surgery, where circulatory arrest with cerebral perfusion plays an important role for Success postoperative and patient survival.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 57-year-old patient with the only history of arterial hypertension and an ATA Aneurysm that compromised segment of the aortic root up to segment 2 of the aortic arch. A successful Bentall surgery was performed, debranching supra-aortic vessels with Total Circulatory Arrest with Deep Hypothermic Cerebral Perfusion-Antegrade Bilateral.

Conclusions

With the advent of new anesthetic and neuroprotection techniques, perioperative imaging protocols, advanced hemodynamic monitoring, and invaluable advances in perfusion and Extracorporeal Circulation with circulatory arrest, they have made this surgical challenge a valuable tool for today’s cardiovascular surgeon.
Circulating tumor DNA in cancer diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis
Authors: Saha Sudeepto , Araf Yusha , Promon Salman Khan
Published: February 2022

Background

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has become one of the crucial components for cancer detection with the increase of precision medicine practice. ctDNA has great potential as a blood-based biomarker for the detection and treatment of cancer in its early stages. The purpose of this article was to discuss ctDNA and how it can be utilized to detect cancer. The benefits and drawbacks of this cancer detection technology, as well as the field’s future possibilities in various cancer management scenarios, are discussed.

Main text

ctDNA has clinical applications in disease diagnosis and monitoring. It can be used to identify mutations of interest and genetic heterogeneity. Another use of ctDNA is to monitor the effects of therapy by detecting mutation-driven resistance. Different technologies are being used for the detection of ctDNA. Next-generation sequencing, digital PCR, real-time PCR, and mass spectrometry are used. Using dPCR makes it possible to partition and analyze individual target sequences from a complex mixture. Mass-spectrometry technology enables accurate detection and quantification of ctDNA mutations at low frequency. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and UltraSEEK are two systems based on this technology. There is no unified standard for detecting ctDNA as it exists in a low concentration in blood. As there is no defined approach, false positives occur in several methods due to inadequate sensitivities. Techniques used in ctDNA are costly and there is a limitation in clinical settings.

Short conclusion

A detailed investigation is urgently needed to increase the test's accuracy and sensitivity. To find a standard marker for all forms of cancer DNA, more study is needed. Low concentrations of ctDNA in a sample require improved technology to provide the precision that low concentrations of ctDNA in a sample afford.
Role of urinary NAG enzyme in early detection of renal impairment in cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Osman Hanan Mohsen , Hagras Amal Moustafa , Wilson Manal Michel , Badr Ahmed M. , El Falaki Mona Mostafa , Badawy Ahmed Saad
Published: February 2022

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-limiting autosomal recessive disease among people in the USA and Europe with increased prevalence in Egypt. Affected children are in danger of acute kidney injury and the development of chronic renal disease through exposure to multiple nephrotoxic agents. N-acetyl beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) is a lysosomal enzyme present in high concentrations in the proximal tubular cells, thus raising urinary NAG levels to reflect tubular dysfunction. The aim of our study is to detect the role of the urinary NAG enzyme in the early detection of renal impairment in CF patients. This cross-sectional study enrolled 40 CF patients diagnosed in the CF Clinic in Children’s Hospital of Cairo University. They were age- and sex-matched to 40 healthy controls. All patients had glomerular filtration rate (GFR), serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin/creatinine (A/C) ratio measured, urine analysis, urinary NAG enzyme using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and renal ultrasound (U/S) were done.

Results

Our study showed high levels of urinary NAG in cases with a significant difference between cases and controls (P value < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between urinary NAG enzyme elevation and A/C ratio in urine, nephrotoxic drugs administration, and duration of disease (P value = 0.002, 0.005, 0.019), respectively.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that the NAG enzyme is a good early detector of renal impairment in CF patients before the conventional laboratory assays become deranged.
Vestibular findings in patients with white matter disease
Authors: Hazzaa Nagwa Mohamed , Ahmed Aya Yassin , El-Khair Amany Mohamed Abo , Shafik Noha Ali
Published: February 2022

Background

Older people develop gait and balance dysfunction that is associated with the gradual onset of cerebral white matter disease. White matter disease is easily detected by neuroimaging, whereas small vessels are not; hence, the term small vessel disease is frequently used to describe the parenchyma lesions rather than the underlying small vessel alterations. This study was done to investigate the relationship between the presence and/or absence of white matter disease identified on magnetic resonance imaging with the vestibular findings in elderly patients with dizziness. The current study was conducted on a total number of 30 elderly patients complaining of dizziness and/or instability. The inclusion criteria are patients above 55 years old and a history of vertigo and/or instability. All the study groups were subjected to full neuro-otological history, hearing assessment, video-nystagmography test (VNG), assessment of the risk of fall by functional gait assessment test (FGA), and radiological assessment: magnetic resonance stroke protocol.

Results

FGA total scores were significantly lower in patients with white matter disease (0.047) specifically PVWM score 3 (0.04) and DWM score 3 (0.19). Abnormal VNG test results were significantly higher in patients with atherosclerotic changes (0.04). The most common VNG finding abnormality was positional nystagmus.

Conclusions

Normal VNG findings in elderly dizzy patients should be complemented with FGA test to assess the risk of falls. The presence of risk factors for white matter disease (WMD) as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, hyperlipidemia, and migraine is an indication for requesting a further radiological assessment. The most frequent VNG abnormality in elderly patients with white matter disease is positional and positioning nystagmus, and a significant number of patients had positional nystagmus of the non-localizing criteria. FGA test scores are significantly related to the severity of white matter disease. The presence of atherosclerotic changes is significantly related to the presence of VNG test abnormality. It is important to ask the patient about the past history of migraine as it has an effect on VNG, FGA, and radiological findings.
Thyroid and Breast Cancer in 2 Sisters With Monoallelic Mutations in the Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) Gene
Authors: Miasaki Fabíola Y , Saito Kelly C , Yamamoto Guilherme L , Boguszewski César L , de Carvalho Gisah A , Kimura Edna T , Kopp Peter A
Published: February 2022

The presence of a bidirectional risk for metachronous carcinomas among women with thyroid and breast cancer is well established. However, the underlying risk factors remain poorly understood.

Two sisters developed papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) at age 32 and 34 years, followed by ductal carcinoma of the breast at 44 and 42 years. The 2 children of the younger sister developed ataxia-telangiectasia; the son also developed lymphoblastic lymphoma and his sister died secondary to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). They were found to be compound heterozygous for ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene mutations (c.3848T>C, p.L1283P; and c.802C>T, p.Q268X). Exome sequencing of the 2 sisters (mother and aunt of the children with ataxia-telangiectasia) led to the detection of the pathogenic monoallelic ATM mutation in both of them (c.3848T>C; minor allele frequency [MAF] < 0.01) but detected no other variants known to confer a risk for PTC or breast cancer.

The findings suggest that monoallelic ATM mutations, presumably in conjunction with additional genetic and/or nongenetic factors, can confer a risk for developing PTC and breast cancer.
Human Placental Tissue Contains A Placental Lactogen–Derived Vasoinhibin
Authors: Markl-Hahn Hülya , Neugebauer Leon , Lenke Livia , Ecker Sarah , Merz Tamara , McCook Oscar , Khoder Noura , Brucker Cosima , Radermacher Peter , Waller Christiane , Clapp Carmen , Bertsch Thomas , Triebel Jakob
Published: February 2022

Hormonal factors affecting the vascular adaptions of the uteroplacental unit in noncomplicated and complicated pregnancies are of interest. Here, 4 human placentas from women with and without preeclampsia (PE) were investigated for the presence of placental lactogen (PL)-derived, antiangiogenic vasoinhibin. Western blotting and mass spectrometry of placental tissue revealed the presence of a 9-kDa PL-derived vasoinhibin, the normal 22-kDa full-length PL, and a 28-kDa immunoreactive protein of undetermined nature. The sequence of the 9-kDa vasoinhibin includes the antiangiogenic determinant of vasoinhibin and could constitute a relevant factor in normal pregnancy and PE.
Subversive Habits
Authors: Williams Shannen Dee
Published: February 2022

In Subversive Habits, Shannen Dee Williams provides the first full history of Black Catholic nuns in the United States, hailing them as the forgotten prophets of Catholicism and democracy. Drawing on oral histories and previously sealed Church records, Williams demonstrates how master narratives of women’s religious life and Catholic commitments to racial and gender justice fundamentally change when the lives and experiences of African American nuns are taken seriously. For Black Catholic women and girls, embracing the celibate religious state constituted a radical act of resistance to white supremacy and the sexual terrorism built into chattel slavery and segregation. Williams shows how Black sisters—such as Sister Mary Antona Ebo, who was the only Black member of the inaugural delegation of Catholic sisters to travel to Selma, Alabama, and join the Black voting rights marches of 1965—were pioneering religious leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, desegregation foot soldiers, Black Power activists, and womanist theologians. In the process, Williams calls attention to Catholic women’s religious life as a stronghold of white supremacy and racial segregation—and thus an important battleground in the long African American freedom struggle.
A low-cost otoscopy simulator increased confidence in mechanical otoscopy skills and tympanic membrane pathology identification among preclinical medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Patel Shiv H , Soliman Shady I , Suresh Preetham , Goldberg Charles , Wooten Darcy
Published: February 2022

Background: Diagnostic evaluation of otologic diseases often requires otoscopy to visualize the tympanic membrane. The fundamentals of otoscopy include both learning the mechanics of using an otoscope and accurately identifying ear pathologies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was limited peer-to-peer physical exam practice for preclinical medical students. We developed a low-cost 3D-printed otoscopy simulator to teach the otoscopic exam to small groups of medical students. 

Methods: A modified open-source 3-dimensional (3D) head was printed, and a silicone ear was attached. A user interface was created to display one normal tympanic membrane and four pathologies. Preclinical medical students attended a didactic lecture on common otologic pathologies and on how to perform otoscopy. Students then practiced otoscopy and pathology identification on the simulator in small groups. After the session, students were provided an optional survey to evaluate their confidence in otoscopy skills and pathology identification.

Results: A total of 47 out of 134 (35%) medical students completed the survey, of whom 60% reported that training with the 3D printed otoscopy simulator was at least moderately effective in learning the mechanical techniques of otoscopy, and 66% found the simulator to be at least moderately effective in helping them learn to identify pathology. The majority (57%) of students reported that the otoscopy simulator was more effective than practicing otoscopy on their peers.

Conclusions: We demonstrate the utility of a novel low-cost 3D printed otoscopy simulator to teach both the mechanical skills and pathology identification necessary in performing an otoscopic exam to preclinical medical students.
Z dziejów literatury i kultury
Authors: Maślanka Julian
Published: February 2022

The volume presents studies and treatises of Julian Maślanka (1930-2020) within the scope of literature, folklore and cultural traditions. The treatise Tradycje cyrylo-metodiańskie w polskiej literaturze romantycznej [Cyril and Methodius Traditions in the Polish Romantic Literature] discusses relations between the traditions of Slavdom apostles and the chronicle message about Piast. At the turn of the 19th century, these relations found their place in historical writing and literature. The chapter Mity historyczne w okresie baroku i oświecenia [Historical Myths in the Ages of Baroque and Enlightenment] concerns manifestations of “mythical thinking” about the oldest national past, contained in messages of mediaeval chroniclers, later transformed (often enriched) and popularised in Polish historiography until the times of the Enlightenment. Mityzacja folkloru w pierwszej połowie XIX wieku [Mythisation of Folklore in the First Half of the 19th Century] resulted from the expectations of the then folklorists and collectors of folk oral works, which assumed that the primary state of the nation, mystery of its primary identity (national spirit) or values and symbolical meanings of primaeval epochs were encoded in folk culture.
Wokół liryki i liryczności doby romantyzmu
Authors: Zgorzelski Czesław
Published: February 2022

The volume presents the research of Czesław Zgorzelski (1908-1996) on poetic art and aesthetics of lyricism in the Romantic period. However, the first two studies concern diversity of stylish phenomena in the Stanisław Enlightenment (Among the Stars of Stanisław Lyric Poetry) and works of the most significant poet of Pre-Romanticism (The Creative Way of Kazimierz Brodziński). The chapter The Romantic Breakthrough in the History of the Polish Lyric Poetry presents the most general factors of the romantic transformation in lyric poetry, and this change has been shown in a close relation with the state of lyric poetry in the years 1795-1820. The Lyricism of Poetry in Romanticism is a small, aesthetic and genological monograph which includes sequentially: characteristics of lyricism (as a aesthetic category connected with the subjectivity of utterances and present in diverse intensity regardless of the type or genre of the work), lyricism in lyric and dramatic constructions, principal genres of romantic lyric poetry, poetics of this lyric poetry, and lyric achievements of Mickiewicz, Słowacki, Norwid.
Mutación en el gen SCN9A asociado con el síndrome de Dravet: presentación de un caso pediátrico
Authors: Suescún Vargas José Miguel , Pinzon-Salamanca Javier Yesid , Laverde-Hernández Juanita , Ayala-Olaya Daniela , Gonzalez-Moreno Ana Maria
Published: February 2022

Introducción: el síndrome de Dravet, también conocido como epilepsia mioclónica grave de la infancia, corresponde a una encefalopatía epiléptica resistente a fármacos que inicia generalmente en el primer año de vida. Se caracteriza por crisis epilépticas que suelen tener múltiples desencadenantes; el más asociado es la presencia de episodios febriles previos. Se considera una enfermedad rara, debido a su baja incidencia y prevalencia. Presentación del caso: niño de 10 años de edad con un cuadro de epilepsia de origen estructural, asociada con un retraso en el neurodesarrollo y anomalías craneofaciales menores, con antecedente de cardiopatía congénita no corregida, colpocefalia y agenesia del cuerpo calloso. Debido a la persistencia de las crisis convulsivas y su consiguiente resistencia farmacológica, se le realizó un exoma genético que evidenció una mutación del gen SCN9. Discusión: el síndrome de Dravet debe ser sospechado en todo paciente menor de un año que tenga crisis convulsivas a repetición asociadas con episodios febriles cuantificados. Aproximadamente, entre el 70% y el 85% de los pacientes con el diagnóstico de síndrome de Dravet presenta una mutación en el gen SCN1A, por lo que mutaciones en otros genes que codifican para canales de sodio, ubicados en el mismo cromosoma, como el SCN9A, podrían contribuir de forma multifactorial a dicha entidad.