bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual Segregation in the Foraging Distribution, Behaviour, and Trophic Niche of the Endemic Boyd’s Shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri Boydi)
Authors: Santos Ivo dos , Ramos Jaime A. , Ceia Filipe R. , Rodrigues Isabel , Almeida Nathalie , Antunes Stefan , Carreiro Ana R. , Matos Diana M. , Lopes Ricardo J. , Geraldes Pedro , Paiva Vítor H.
Published: March 2022

Studies on sex-specific segregation in foraging and trophic niche have been focused on large and dimorphic seabirds, with less information on small monomorphic species. Here, we used mini-GPS loggers, habitat suitability models, and stable isotopes to assess the foraging movements, at-sea spatial distribution, and trophic ecology of male and female Boyd’s shearwaters Puffinus lherminieri boydi in Raso Islet (16°36’ N, 24°35’ W), Cabo Verde, during the breeding seasons of 2018–2019. The existence of sexual foraging segregation was tested in short and long foraging trips. Females engaged on longer foraging trips, travelling towards more distant and northward regions from the colony when compared to males, especially during long foraging excursions. Spatial overlap within and between sexes was generally low, indicating a sex-specific pattern in the foraging behaviour and spatial distribution of adult breeders. Habitat suitability models revealed a higher importance for chlorophyll a concentration in explaining females’ at-sea distribution during long foraging trips when compared to males, although the most important predictors in explaining adults’ distribution were sea surface temperature and height for short and long excursions, respectively. Stable isotope analysis revealed that both sexes occupied similar isotopic niches and stable isotope mixing models revealed no diet differences. This indicates that Boyd’s shearwaters segregate at the spatial level while foraging but rely on similar food resources. Our results suggest that female-biased nutritional requirements at the onset of chick-rearing may be driving sexual foraging segregation in this population, which depends upon resources from a rather oligotrophic environment.
Characterization and Management of Facial Angiofibroma Related to Tuberous Sclerosis Complex in the United States: Retrospective Analysis of the Natural History Database
Authors: Boggarapu Sreedevi , Roberds Steven L , Nakagawa Jo Anne , Beresford Eric
Published: March 2022

Background: Facial angiofibroma is the most predominant cutaneous manifestation of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder impacting the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). Facial angiofibroma can bleed spontaneously, impair eyesight, and cause aesthetic disfiguration causing psychological and social stress. To date, there is little or no evidence on the demographics, and other TSC features associated with facial angiofibroma or the use of mTOR inhibitor for the management of facial angiofibroma. This is a retrospective study of TSC Alliance’s Natural History Database aimed to characterize facial angiofibroma and to evaluate features associated with a higher risk of facial angiofibroma or the use of topical mTOR inhibitors for management of facial angiofibroma. Data in the NHD was obtained from 18 clinical sites in the US since 2006.Results: Of the 2240 patients, 2088 patients were enrolled in the US and data from 2057 patients were included in this analysis. Patient features associated with a higher risk of facial angiofibroma or the use of topical mTOR inhibitors. Facial angiofibroma was noted in 1329 (64.4%) patients with TSC. Patients with facial angiofibroma were older on average. TSC2 mutation was more common, and the burden of other TSC-related manifestations was significantly higher in patients with facial angiofibroma. The 6–17 and the 18–45 -year-old age groups, TSC2 mutation, angiomyolipoma, and renal cysts were significantly associated with a higher risk of facial angiofibroma. Topical mTOR inhibitor use was noted for 329 (24.8%) patients with facial angiofibroma. Being white and presence of angiomyolipoma were significantly associated with higher use of a topical mTOR inhibitor.CONCLUSIONS: Patients with facial angiofibroma were older and more commonly had a TSC2 mutation. The higher burden of TSC-related manifestations in patients with facial angiofibroma illustrates the importance of accurate diagnosis by dermatologists and referral to a comprehensive multi-disciplinary TSC Clinic for surveillance and management of other TSC manifestations. About one-fourth of patients with facial angiofibroma used a topical mTOR inhibitor.
Network Pharmacology Study to Reveal Underlying Mechanisms, Targets, and Bioactives of Aralia Cordata Against Obesity
Authors: Oh Ki Kwang
Published: March 2022

Aralia cordata (AC) has been used as anti-obesity herbal plants by Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, but its active chemical constituents, mechanism(s), and targets have not been documented completely. We aimed to investigate significant phytochemicals, pathways, and targets of AC against obesity via network pharmacology. The phytochemicals from AC were identified by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrum (GC-MS) and were screened subsequently by Lipinski’s rule. The compound-target relationships were retrieved by analyzing SwissTargetPrediction (STP), SEA search server. Then, obesity-related targets were identified by public bioinformatics and final overlapping targets were selected by Ven diagram. Next, we constructed and visualized protein-to-protein interaction (PPI) networks, bubble chart, and pathways-targets-compounds (PTC) networks by RPackage. Furthermore, we utilized the Autodock Tools to perform molecular docking test (MDT) on the bioactives and key targets to validate the network pharmacological results. We confirmed a total of 43 compounds from AC via GC-MS and 40 final targets regarding obesity. The PPI networks analysis revealed IL6 as a key target, and a bubble chart showed that inactivation of Insulin resistance might be the uppermost pathway for anti-obesity. We identified that the AC phytochemicals was contributed to synergistic effects (multi-pathway, muti-target) to alleviate obesity through PTC analysis. We conducted MDT to verify the most significant compound on a key target (IL6), thereby, confirmed Andrographolide as a key compound of AC on obesity. Overall, we elucidated a key pathway, target, and bioactive of AC against obesity, suggesting significant pharmacological basis for further clinical trials.
High Level of Noise Affects the Consumption of Anesthetic Agents during Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA) and the Satisfaction of Patient and Surgeon
Authors: Mizrak Ayse
Published: March 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of high noise level on propofol and remifentanyl consumption in patients who undergo cholecystectomy surgery under total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) during operation and on the satisfaction of patients and physicians. Subjects and Methods: 90 patients who would undergo cholecystectomy surgery were randomized in 3 groups in this study planned as a double blind, prospective, randomized clinical trial. Propofol and remifentanyl infusion was started to obtain BIS values between 40-60 for all patients. The patients in Group N (n=30) were subjected to noise of normal operating room. The patients in Group S (n=30) were subjected to noise between 80-85 Db with headphone and for patients in Group Q subjection to noise of the operating room was prevented by covering the ears with headphones (n=30). Intraoperative total remifentanyl and propofol consumption of the patients, postoperative patient and physician satisfaction, postoperative side effects were recorded. Results: Total remifentanyl and propofol used during surgery was significantly lower in Group Q than in Group N and Group S (p=0,0001, p=0,04). Postoperative patient satisfaction in Group Q was statistically higher than in Group N and Group S (p=0.001). Surgeon satisfaction in Group Q was also higher than in Group N and Group S (p=0.01). Conclusion: High noise level for patients who undergo cholecystectomy surgery under TIVA increases total remifentanyl and propofol consumption during operation. In addition, it decreases patient and surgeon satisfaction.
Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization, and Expression Profiling Analysis of SPL Gene Family During The Inflorescence Development in Trifolium Repens
Authors: Ma Jieyu , Nie Gang , Yang Zhongfu , Ma Sainan , Fan Jinwan , Hu Ruchang , Wu Feifei , Zhang Xinquan
Published: March 2022

Trifolium repens is the most widely cultivated perennial legume forage in temperate region around the world. It has rich nutritional value and good palatability, seasonal complementarity with grasses, and can improve the feed intake and digestibility of livestock. However, flowering time and inflorescence development directly affects the quality and yield of T. repens, as well as seed production. Squa promoter binding protein–like (SPL) gene family is a plant specific transcription factor family, which has been proved to play a critical role in regulating plant formation time and development of flowers. In this study, a total of 37 TrSPL genes were identified from the whole genome of T. repens and were divided into 9 clades based on phylogenetic tree. The conserved motif of squamosa promoter binding protein (SBP) contains two zinc finger structures and one NLS structure. Gene structure analysis showed that all TrSPL genes contained SBP domain, while ankyrin repeat region was just distributed in part of genes. 37 TrSPL genes were relatively dispersedly distributed on 16 chromosomes, and 5 pairs of segmental repeat genes were found, which indicated that segmental duplication was the main way of gene expansion. Furthermore, the gene expression profiling showed that TrSPL11, TrSPL13, TrSPL22 and TrSPL26 were highly expressed only in the early stage of inflorescence development, while TrSPL1 and TrSPL6 are highly expressed only in the mature inflorescence. Significantly, the expression of TrSPL4 and TrSPL12 increased gradually with the development of inflorescences. The results of this study will provide valuable clues for candidate gene selection and elucidating the molecular mechanism of T. repens flowering regulation.
Significance of Tumor Deposits combined with Lymph Node Metastasis in Stage III Colorectal Cancer Patients: A retrospective multi-center cohort study from China
Authors: Pu Hongjiang , Pang Xiaolin , Fu Jiangping , Zheng Rui , Chen Yaxue , Zhang Dafu , Fang Xiangdong
Published: March 2022

Purpose
The study aimed to explore the value of tumor deposits in stage III colorectal cancer (CRC) and verify whether patients with more tumor deposit numbers have higher risk of recurrence.
Methods
The retrospective cohort analysis was performed at two cancer centers of China. Stage III CRC patients who underwent radical resection at the center between April 2008 and February 2019 were identified. The Univariate/Multivariate Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and PSM were recurrence-free survival (RFS) used.
Results
Total 1080 stage III CRC patients (634 [58.7%] men; median [IQR] age, 60 [50–68] years) underwent radical surgical resection were identified for inclusion in this study. Patients with tumor deposits had a 12.8% lower 3-year RFS (n = 236 [69.9%]) than the patients without tumor deposits (n = 844 [82.7%]) (P ≤ 0.0001). The 3-year RFS of patients with stage N2 (n = 335 [61.2%]) was 18.6% lower (P ≤ 0.0001) than the original cohort of patients with stage N1 (n = 745 [79.8%]), but it was similar to the RFS of patients with 4 or more tumors deposits plus lymph node metastases (n = 58 [61.4%]) (P = 0.91). The RFS for patients with 4 or more tumor deposits plus number of lymph node metastases (n = 58 [61.4%]) was 15.8% lower than the cohort of patients with 1–3 tumor deposits + number of lymph node metastases (n = 687 [77.2%]) % (P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed that patients with 4 or more tumor deposits + the number of lymph node metastases (hazard ratio [HR], 1.88; 95% CI, 1.24–2.87) was independently associated with a shorter RFS.
Conclusion
The number of tumor deposits is an indicator of poor postoperative prognosis. It is necessary to incorporate the number of tumor deposits combined with the number of lymph node metastases to stratify postoperative stratification of stage III CRC, which may provide a new theoretical basis for adjuvant therapy for patients with N1 stage CRC after surgery.
Prediction of residual ischemic risk in ticagrelor-treated patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Zou Yuting , Wang Yuyan , Wu Yangxun , Zhang Shizhao , Liu Haiping , Yin Tong
Published: March 2022

BackgroundDespite strong antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor, serious ischemic events still occur in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The predictability of platelet reactivity to the residual risk of ischemic events during ticagrelor treatment remains uncertain.ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the predictability of the thromboelastography (TEG)-measured adenosine disphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet inhibition rate (ADP%) to the ischemic events in ticagrelor-treated patients with ACS.MethodsA cohort of ticagrelor-treated patients with ACS were consecutively recruited. ADP% was measured by TEG after 3 days of ticagrelor maintenance treatment. The primary ischemic event was defined as rehospitalization for unstable angina (UA) within 1 year, and the secondary ischemic event was a composite of the primary ischemic event plus all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), stent thrombosis, stroke, and unplanned revascularization within 1 year.ResultsA total of 751 eligible patients with ACS were included in the analysis, with 336 patients randomly assigned to the derivation group and 415 to the validation group. The overall rates of primary and secondary ischemic events were 14.51% (n=109) and 16.91% (n=127), respectively. Compared to the patients without ischemic events, those with ischemic events had a significantly lower ADP% both in the derivation group (for primary ischemic events: 66.05% vs. 92.80%, p<0.001; for secondary ischemic events: 66.05% vs. 93.20%, p<0.001) and in the validation group (for primary ischemic events: 66.40% vs. 89.20%, p<0.001; for secondary ischemic events: 66.90% vs. 89.20%, p<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis showed that an ADP% < 76% was the optimal cut-off value for predicting 1-year primary ischemic events, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.72-0.86, p < 0.001) in the derivation group and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.69-0.85, p < 0.001) in the validation group. The multivariate Cox regression hazard analysis consistently identified an ADP% < 76% as an independent predictor of primary ischemic events in the derivation group (HR: 8.21, 95% CI: 4.82-13.99, p< 0.001) and in the validation group (HR: 6.34 95% CI: 3.32-12.11, p< 0.001). There was also a strong association between an ADP% <76% and the occurrence of secondary ischemic events in the derivation group (HR: 7.33, 95% CI: 4.47-12.00, p< 0.001) and in the validation group (HR: 4.76, 95% CI: 2.73-8.32, p< 0.001).ConclusionThe ADP-induced platelet inhibition rate measured by TEG could predict ischemic events in ticagrelor-treated patients with ACS.
Revenue loss due to whale entanglement mitigation and fishery closures
Authors: Seary Rachel , Santora Jarrod A , Tommasi Desiree , Thompson Andrew , Bograd Steven J , Richerson Kate , Brodie Stephanie , Holland Dan
Published: March 2022

Whale entanglements with fishing gear, exacerbated by changing environmental conditions, pose significant risk to whale populations. Management tools used to reduce entanglement risk, for example temporary area restrictions on fishing, can have negative economic consequences for fishing communities. Balancing whale protection with sustaining productive fisheries is therefore a challenge experienced worldwide. In the California Current Ecosystem, ecosystem indicators have been used to understand the environmental dynamics that lead to increased whale entanglement risk in a lucrative crab fishery. However, an assessment of socio-economic risk for this fishery, as in many other regions, is missing. We estimate retrospectively the losses from ex-vessel revenue experienced by commercial Dungeness crab fishers in California during two seasons subject to whale entanglement mitigation measures. In the 2020 fishing season, our results suggest total revenues would have been $14.4 million higher in the Central Management Area of California in the absence of closures and other disturbances. In the 2019 fishing season, our results suggest ex-vessel revenues would have been $9.4 million higher in the Central Management Area and $0.3 million higher in the Northern Management Area. Our evaluation should motivate the development of strategies which maximize whale protection whilst promoting productive, sustainable and economically-viable fisheries.
Sepsis-Induced Brain State Instability
Authors: Kala Annu , Leemburg Susan , Jezek Karel
Published: March 2022

Background
Sepsis-associated brain dysfunction (SABD) is a frequent severe complication of sepsis and the systemic inflammatory response syndrome. It is associated with high mortality and a majority of survivors suffer long-term neurological consequences. Sleep is commonly affected in sepsis and there is a strong correlation between its impairment and development of other complications or increased mortality in sepsis patients. Here, we investigate the effects of sepsis on brain activity patterns in order to better understand possible sources of sleep-wake disturbances associated with severe systemic inflammation.
Methods
We studied the effects of high LPS doses (10mg/kg) on oscillatory brain states in an acute rat model of sepsis under urethane anaesthesia, which maintains REM- and NREM sleep-like states. Twelve Long-Evans rats (6 LPS, 6 controls) were implanted with eight independently movable tetrodes in the dorsal hippocampus. Baseline LFP activity was recorded for 3 hours after saline injection, followed by another 3 hours after LPS or saline injection. REM and NREM were automatically classified based on LFP activity and quantified. Within- and between-state dynamics were analysed using a 2-D state space approach based on spectral power ratios. Aperiodic and periodic components of the power spectrum were quantified for each state. Blood serum samples and brains were collected for IL-1β quantification and histological verification of electrode placement.
Results
Soon after LPS injection we observed a robust fragmentation of both oscillatory states resulting in a three-fold increase in the number of state transitions that lasted for several hours, although the overall time spent in either state did not change. Analysis of power spectra showed opposing shifts in low frequency oscillations (1–9 Hz) in REM and NREM that resulted in increased similarity between both states in 2-D state space.
Conclusions
The observed increased spectral similarity between REM and NREM and increased instability within the states may point to a mechanism underlying the severe sleep fragmentation described both in sepsis patients and in SABD animal models.
Description of New Mite Pest (Acari: Eriophyidae) and Its Nature of Damage Found on Curry Leaf (Murraya Koengii Spr.) From West Bengal, India
Authors: Sarkar Sanjay
Published: March 2022

Among the Acari, Eriophyoid mites are second largest group with regard to their economic importance as phytophagous pest throughout the world [1] Lindquist et al., 1996). These mites are drawing the attention of biologist all over the world for their morphological and biological specializations. Due to their obligatory phytophagous mode of nutrition they exhibit marked host specificity. During the general surveys for eriophyoid mites from present study area a new species, Paratetra subhimalyana sp. nov. of the class Acari of the family Eriophyidae was found as vagrants on tender shoot of Murrya koengii Spr. This new phytophagous mite species was described and illustrated from the specimens collected at English bazar, Malda (25° 0' 39.0276'' N and 88° 8' 27.9528'' E.), West Bengal, India. Relationships of new species with other eriophyoid species are also provided. After proper diagnosis of the species it is found that this is the second eriohyoid mite species described from Murraya koengii Spr. in India and added new to science as a seventh species under the genus Paratetra. This mite causes visible damage symptoms to the host plant and appeared as a potential pest of Curry leaves in India. For proper control of the mite pest, the taxonomic study of this mite and their relation to the host plant is very much essential. Taxonomic descriptions of the new species and its nature of damage is discussed in this article.
Evaluation of the potential diagnostic role of the Lnc-MIAT, miR-29a-3p, and FOXO3a ceRNA networks as non-invasive circulatory biomarkers in ductal carcinoma breast cancer
Authors: Razi Shokufeh , Mozdarani Hossein , Andouhjerdi Roudabeh Behzadi
Published: March 2022

Over the last few decades, tremendous progress has been achieved in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer. However, the prognosis remains unsatisfactory, and the underlying processes of carcinogenesis are still unclear. The purpose of this research was to find out the relationship between MIAT, FOXO3a, and miRNA29a-3p and evaluated the expression levels of them in breast cancer tissue compared to whole blood and their potential as a noninvasive biomarker in whole blood in breast cancer. Whole blood and breast cancer tissue are taken from patients before radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Total RNA was extracted from breast cancer tissue and whole blood to synthesize complementary DNA (cDNA). The expression of MIAT, FOXO3a and miRNA29a-3p was analyzed by the RT-qPCR method and the sensitivity and specificity of them were determined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Bioinformatics analysis was used to understand the connections between MIAT, FOXO3a, and miRNA29a-3p in human breast cancer in order to develop a ceRNA (competitive endogenous RNA) network. We identified that in ductal carcinoma breast cancer tissue and whole blood, MIAT and FOXO3a were more highly expressed, while miRNA29a-3p was lower compared with those in non-tumor samples. There was a positive correlation between the expression levels of MIAT, FOXO3a, and miRNA29a-3p in breast cancer tissues and whole blood. Our results also proposed miRNA29a-3p as a common target between MIAT and FOXO3a, and we showed them as a ceRNA network. This is the first study that indicates MIAT, FOXO3a, and miRNA29a-3p as a ceRNA network, and their expression was analyzed in both breast cancer tissue and whole blood. As a preliminary assessment, our findings indicate that combined levels of MIAT, FOXO3a, and miR29a-3p may be considered as potential diagnostic biomarkers for breast cancer.
CUBCO+: Prediction of Protein Complexes Based on Min-cut Network Partitioning Into Biclique Spanned Subgraphs
Authors: Omranian Sara , Nikoloski Zoran
Published: March 2022

High-throughput proteomics approaches have resulted in large-scale protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks that have been employed for the prediction of protein complexes. However, PPI networks contain false-positive as well as false-negative PPIs that affect the protein complex prediction algorithms. To address this issue, here we propose an algorithm called CUBCO+ that: (1) employs GO semantic similarity to retain only biologically relevant interactions with high similarity score, (2) based on link prediction approaches, scores the false-negative edges, and (3) incorporates the resulting scores to predict protein complexes. Through comprehensive analyses with PPIs from Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Homo sapiens, we show that CUBCO+ performs as well as the approaches that predict protein complexes based on recently introduced graph partitions into biclique spanned subgraphs and outperforms the other state-of-the-art approaches. Moreover, we illustrate that in combination with GO semantic similarity, CUBCO+ enables us to predict more accurate protein complexes in ~36% of the cases in comparison to CUBCO as its predecessor.
Myocardial Triglyceride Content and Late Gadolinium Enhancement in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with Asymmetric Septal Hypertrophy
Authors: Sai Eiryu , Hiki Makoto , Yokoyama Takayuki , Sato Shuji , Aikawa Tatsuro , Kudo Ayako , Kawaguchi Yuko , Miyazaki Tetsuro , Fujmoto Shinichiro , Shimada Kazunori , Aoki Shigeki , Daida Hiroyuki , Minamino Tohru
Published: March 2022

Asymmetric septal hypertrophy (ASH) is the most common phenotype of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). However, the difference between myocardial metabolism and myocardial features such as myocardial fibrosis and myofiber disarray in HCM remains unclear. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) were performed on 16 patients diagnosed as HCM with ASH to assess the differences in myocardial features and morphology. There were 7 patients who had LGE in ASH localized with the voxel of 1H-MRS. The LV ejection fraction was significantly lower in the LGE (+) group than in the LGE (−) group (64.8% ± 4.9% vs. 72.1% ± 3.8%, P = 0.004). LV end-systolic volume was significantly greater in the LGE (+) group than in the LGE (−) group (51 ± 11 ml vs. 33 ± 12 ml, P = 0.007). A significant difference in MTG content was observed between patients in the LGE (+) group and in the LGE (−) group (0.58% ± 0.22% vs 1.29% ± 0.73%, P = 0.03). MTG content was significantly associated with LV ejection fraction, LV end systolic volume, and LV mass. In multivariate analyses, LV ejection fraction had an independent association with MTG content (P = 0.01) Our data suggest that the metabolism of the septum in HCM with ASH may be different based on the absence or presence of LGE and that measurement of MTG content by 1H-MRS may be useful to evaluate the characteristics of myocardial metabolic changes caused by the LV remodeling process in HCM. (248 words)
Development and Initial Validation of a Frailty Score for Patients with Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Studyvin Sarah , Birnbaum Brian F. , Staggs Vincent S. , Gross-Toalson Jami , Shirali Girish , Panchangam Chaitanya , White David A.
Published: March 2022

Frailty is a multi-dimensional clinical syndrome that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and decreased quality of life. Children/adolescents with heart disease (HD) perform significantly worse for each frailty domain compared to non-HD peers. Our study aimed to create a composite frailty score (CFS) that can be applied to children/adolescents with HD and evaluate associations between the CFS and outcomes. Children and adolescents (n = 30) with HD (73% single ventricle, 20% heart failure, 7% pulmonary hypertension) were recruited from 2016 to 2017 (baseline). Five frailty domains were assessed at baseline using measures validated for pediatrics: 1) Slowness: 6-minute walk test; 2) Weakness: handgrip strength; 3) Fatigue: PedsQL Multi-dimensional Fatigue Scale; 4) Body composition: triceps skinfold thickness; 5) Physical activity questionnaire. Frailty points per domain (range = 0–5) were assigned based on z-scores or raw questionnaire scores and summed to produce a CFS (0 = least frail; 25 = most frail). Nonparametric bootstrapping was used to identify correlations between CFS and cross-sectional change in outcomes over 2.2 ± 0.2 years. The mean CFS was 12.5 ± 3.5. In cross-sectional analyses of baseline data, correlations (|r|≥0.25) were observed between CFS and NYHA class, the number of ancillary specialists, total prescribed medications, heart failure medications/day, exercise test derived chronotropic index and percent predicted VO2peak, and between child and parent-proxy PEDsQL. At follow-up, CFS was correlated with an increase in the number of heart failure medications (r = 0.31). CFS was associated with cross-sectional outcomes in youth with heart disease. Longitudinal analyses were limited by small sample sizes due to loss to follow-up.
Clinical and microbiological characteristics of and risk factors for bloodstream infections among patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lee Eun Hwa , Lee Ki Hyun , Lee Se Ju , Kim Jinnam , Baek Yae Jee , Ahn Jin Young , Jeong Su Jin , Ku Nam Su , Choi Jun Yong , Yeom Joon-Sup , Song Young Goo , Kim Jung Ho
Published: March 2022

Background Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides hemodynamic and oxygenation support to critically ill patients. Due to multiple catheter cannulations, patients on ECMO are vulnerable to bloodstream infections (BSIs). We aimed to investigate the incidence, clinical characteristics, risk factors, and microorganisms associated with BSIs during ECMO. MethodsThis single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2015 and May 2021. Patients aged 18 years or older with an ECMO duration of >48 hours for cardiogenic or respiratory support were included in the study. Patients who developed bacteremia or candidemia from 12 h after ECMO cannulation to 7 days after de-cannulation were included. The clinical factors between non-BSI and BSI were compared, along with an analysis of the risk factors associated with BSI during ECMO. Results A total of 480 patients underwent ECMO for cardiogenic shock (n=267, 55.6%) or respiratory failure (n=213, 44.4%) during the study period. The incidence was 20.0 episodes per 1,000 ECMO-days. Approximately 20.2% (97/480) and 5.4% (26/480) of the patients developed bacteremia and candidemia, respectively. The median numbers of days of BSI development were 8.00 days for bacteremia and 11.0 days for candidemia. The most common pathogens were methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (n=24), followed by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (n=21). Multivariable logistic analysis demonstrated that hemodialysis (odds ratio [OR]=2.647, p<0.001), veno-arterial-venous mode (OR=1.911, p=0.030), and total ECMO duration (OR=1.030, p=0.007) were significant risk factors for bacteremia. The total ECMO duration was the only risk factor associated with candidemia (OR=1.035, p=0.010). The mortality rate was significantly higher in the bacteremia (57.7 %) and candidemia (69.2 %) groups than that in the non-BSI group (43.6%). ConclusionBSI is a common complication of patients receiving ECMO support and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Determining the type of frequently isolated organisms and the median onset time of BSI would help in the selection of appropriate prophylactic antibiotics or antifungal agents.
Mean systemic filling pressure indicates fluid responsiveness and anesthesia-induced "unstressed" blood volume
Authors: Hahn Robert G. , He Rui , Li Yuhong
Published: March 2022

Background. The mean systemic filling pressure (Pms) play a central role for the understanding of the circulation. We studied whether the Pms indicates fluid responsiveness before and after induction of general anesthesia and whether the Pms response to bolus infusions of fluid indicates an anesthesia-induced increase of the "unstressed" blood volume. Methods. An analog to Pms based on cardiac output, the mean arterial pressure, and central venous pressure (Pmsa) was calculated in 86 patients before induction of general anesthesia and before each of 3 successive bolus infusions of 3 ml/kg of colloid fluid. An increase in stroke volume of ≥ 10% from a bolus infusion indicated fluid responsiveness. Changes in blood volume were estimated from anthropometric data and the hemodilution. Results. Pmsa was lower in fluid responders than in non-responders before induction (13.2 ± 2.2 vs. 14.7 ± 2.7 mmHg; mean ± SD, P< 0.01) and after induction of general anesthesia (11.4 ± 2.1 vs. 12.8 ± 2.1 mmHg; P< 0.006). Changes in Pmsa resulting from the infusions did not differ depending on the stroke volume response. Receiver operator characteristic curves showed an average area under the curve of 0.70. The decrease in Pmsa due to the anesthesia-induced increase of the vascular compliance was fully compensated by the colloid fluid. A linear correlation between Pmsa and the volume changes suggested that the anesthesia increased the "unstressed" blood volume by 1.2 L. Conclusions. Pmsa was lower in fluid responders than in non-responders. General anesthesia increased the need for blood volume by 1.2 L.
Molecular Analysis of SMN2, NAIP and GTF2H2 Gene Deletions and Relation with Clinical Subtypes of Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Karasu Nilgun , Acer Hamit , Akalin Hilal , Demir Mikail , Sahin Izem Olcay , Gokce Nuriye , Gulec Ayten , Ciplakligil Asli , Sarilar Ayse Caglar , Cuce Isa , Gumus Hakan , Per Huseyin , Canpolat Mehmet , Dundar Munis
Published: March 2022

SMA (spinal muscular atrophy) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease that causes muscle atrophy and weakness. SMA is diagnosed by homozygous deletion in exon 7 of the SMN1 gene. However, mutations in other genes in the SMA region may contribute to the disease. These include SMN2, which is a pseudogene of SMN1, as well as NAIP and GTF2H2. Within the scope of our study, 58 SMA patients and 40 healthy controls were analyzed in 2018–2021. SMN1 and SMN2 copy numbers were retrospectively included in the study. NAIP gene analyzes were performed by multiplex PCR method and GTF2H2 analyzes were performed by RFLP method respectively. We detected a significant correlation between clinical subtypes (type 2 and type 3) and ambulation status (p = 0.003) and HFMSE scores (p = 0.0063) of 27 pediatric SMA patients compared with separately. Highly differences were determined between SMN2 copy numbers and the SMA subtypes (p = 0.00001). Also, the NAIP gene (p = 0,0095) and the GTF2H2 gene (p = 0,0049) revealed a significant difference between the healthy subjects and SMA subjects, whereas in the SMA subtypes indicated no significant difference. Our investigation is the first to examine the relationship between SMA clinical severity and SMN locus genes in the Turkish population. This small-scale study may be regarded as a pilot study, and it may pave the way for future research to better understand the molecular pathophysiology of SMA disease.
Early-Onset Myocardial and Vascular Toxicity in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Survivors: The Predictive Value of the Right Heart
Authors: Muggeo Paola , Scicchitano Pietro , Muggeo Vito M.R. , Novielli Chiara , Giordano Paola , Ciccone Marco Matteo , Faienza Maria Felicia , Santoro Nicola
Published: March 2022

Purpose.
Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors who underwent chemotherapy with anthracyclines have an increased cardiovascular risk. Few are data about right ventricle function (RV) in these patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate left and right cardiac chambers and vascular endothelial function in ALL survivors.
Methods.
We enrolled 54 ALL survivors and 37 healthy controls. All patients underwent auxological evaluation, blood pressure, biochemical parameters of endothelial dysfunction, flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery, mean common carotid intima-media thickness (c-IMT), antero-posterior diameter of the infra-renal abdominal aorta (APAO), and echocardiographic assessment.
Results.
ALL subjects had significantly lower FMD (p = 0.0041), higher left (p = 0.0057) and right (p = 0.0021) TEI index as compared to controls. Tricuspid annular plane excursion (TAPSE) was 16.9 ± 1.2 mm vs 24.5 ± 3.7 mm, p < 0.0001. Cumulative anthracycline doses were related to TAPSE (r = 0.77, p < 0.001). The ROC curve analysis revealed that left and right TEI index, TAPSE, FMD showed significant association to ALL condition. TAPSE > 18 mm was the best discriminant rule to spot ALL patients (AUC: 0.966, p < 0.0001, sensibility: 100%, specificity: 89.2%).
Conclusion.
ALL survivors treated with anthracyclines demonstrated systo/diastolic alterations of the RV and reduced endothelial function compared with healthy controls. Although multimodality diagnostic is available, echocardiography plays pivotal role in everyday clinical practice. The early recognition of subclinical cardiac and vascular impairment is of utmost importance for the cardio-oncologist to implement strategies preventing overt cardiovascular disease.
Effect of Rabbit urine on Larval Behaviour, Egg Hatchability, Pupal Emergence and Oviposition Preference of the Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda J.E. Smith)
Authors: Kemunto Diana , Mfuti David , Omuse Evanson R. , Tamiru Amanuel , Hailu Girma , Rwiza Ignath , Belayneh Yeneneh T. , Subramanian Sevgan , Niassy Saliou
Published: March 2022

The fall armyworm (FAW) (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a major cereal pest threatening food security in Africa. African smallholder farmers apply various indigenous pest management practices including the application of rabbit urine; however, there is no scientific evidence on its efficacy and mode of action. We evaluated the effect of rabbit urine on FAW 1st (neonates), 2nd and 3rd instar larvae. Larvae were exposed to rabbit urine treated and untreated maize leaves (control). Larval settlement, larval survival, pupal emergence, adult oviposition preference and egg hatchability were evaluated. More FAW larvae (55.5–73.0%) oriented on the untreated leaves compared to those (25.5–41.5%) that oriented on the rabbit urine-treated leaves. Rabbit urine caused 66, 69 and 72% reduction of damage caused by neonates, 2nd instars and 3rd instars, respectively, after 24 hours of exposure. Rabbit urine significantly reduced survival of FAW and had lethal time (LT50) of 5.0, 7.0 and 8.7 days and lethal dose (LD50) of 49, 94, and 55% for neonates, 2nd instars and 3rd instars, respectively. Additionally, egg hatchability and pupal emergence were reduced by 55.0% and 13.3%, respectively. When provided a choice, FAW female moth laid more eggs on rabbit urine treated plants (647 ± 153 eggs) than untreated plants (72 ± 64 eggs). This study confirms farmers’ assertions that the application of rabbit urine can manage FAW and, therefore, can be integrated into the FAW IPM package in Africa. Additional studies on the chemistry of rabbit urine, behavioural response and cost implication might be required for scaling up.
Pani Modified Ag NPs Fluorescence Sensor for Detection of Nitrate Ion
Authors: Ali Abdu Hussen
Published: March 2022

Nitrate is one of the major environmental problems in today ’s world, which affect human health and welfare, and hinders the sustainable development of both society and the economy. Therefore, the growth of sensor based on decorated noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) such as Ag have been attracted great attention for their convenience of simple operation, excellent absorption and scattering (extinction) properties in recent years. A new and simple fluorometric sensing probe based on polyaniline functionalized AgNPs for NO3- ion detection was developed by polymerization method. It has been successfully synthesized by in- situ polymerization method. The structural and optical properties of the as- synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by using, Fourier- Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Photoluminescence (PL) and UV-Vis spectroscopy. In the absence of nitrate ion, the PANI/Ag exhibit high fluorescence intensity. Yet, the strong coordination of the basic sites with nitrate ion, causes fluorescence intensities quenching through static quenching leading to the qualitative and quantitative detection of nitrate ion. Factor affecting the detection system such as pH and concentration are optimized. Also, the developed PANI modified Ag sensor exhibits high selectivity and sensitive toward nitrate ion with detection limit of 8.9 x 10-4 M. The practical use of the sensor as well tested by spiked with different concentration of nitrate ion solutions on cabbage samples. The result signposted a good linear relation between FO/F and the spiked concentrations of nitrate ion with coefficient of regression R2 = 0.991 (n= 3) and also confirms that the found values is agreed well with the spiked amount.
Role of electrocardiogram findings in predicting 48-h mortality in patients with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Lee Ji Ho , Lee Dong Hun , Lee Byung Kook , Cho Yong Soo , Kim Dong Ki , Jung Yong Hun
Published: March 2022

Objective: Electrocardiogram (ECG) patterns can change, especially in patients with central nervous system disorders such as spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, the association between the prognosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and ECG findings is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to compare and to analyze ECG findings to predict early mortality in patients with TBI.Methods: This retrospective observational study included patients with severe trauma and TBI who were admitted to the emergency department (ED) between January 2018 and December 2020. TBI was defined as an abbreviated injury scale score of the head of ≥ 3. We examined ECG findings, including PR prolongation (≥ 200 ms), QRS complex widening (≥ 120 ms), corrected QT interval prolongation (QTP, ≥ 480 ms), ST-segment elevation, and ST-segment depression (STD) at ED arrival. The primary outcome was 48-h mortality.Results: Of the total patients with TBI, 1024 patients were included in this study and 48-h mortality occurred in 89 patients (8.7%). In multivariate analysis, QTP (odds ratio [OR], 2.017; confidence interval [CI], 1.203–3.382) and STD (OR, 8.428; 95% CI, 5.019–14.152) were independently associated with 48-h mortality in patients with TBI. The areas under the curve (AUCs) of the revised trauma score (RTS), injury severity score (ISS), QTP, STD, and the combination of QTP and STD were 0.790 (95% CI, 0.764–0.815), 0.632 (95% CI, 0.602–0.662), 0.605 (95% CI, 0.574–0.635), 0.723 (95% CI, 0.695–0.750), and 0.786 (95% CI, 0.759–0.811), respectively. The AUC of the combination of QTP and STD significantly differed from that of ISS, QTP, and STD, but not RTS.Conclusion: Based on the ECG findings, QTP and STD were associated with 48-h mortality in patients with TBI.
O Censo PET Brasil 2020: uma análise sobre o perfil dos estudantes ativos no Programa de Educação Tutorial
Authors: SANTOS Maria Eduarda Correia , FILHO José Gilson de Almeida Teixeira , FONSECA Taynan Ales Cavalcanti , SANTOS Jainne Maria Costa , BRAZ Adely da Silva , SOARES Michelle Caroline Ramos
Published: March 2022

É irrefutável que existe uma lacuna no que tange às informações acerca do Programa de Educação Tutorial (PET) em todo o país. Frente a isso, o grupo PET Mentor Aprendiz, que atua na Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), criou um recenseamento para agregar conhecimento e explorar os programas a nível nacional. O trabalho consiste em apresentar uma pesquisa censitária de integrantes ativos dos PETs no Brasil, tendo em vista a atualização de informações insuficientes existentes no Ministério da Educação (MEC). Dessa forma, é possível ampliar a visão do impacto gerado pelo PET na vida dos estudantes nas Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) em todo o país e salientar como o programa é capaz de proporcionar experiências teóricas e práticas sob o princípio da indissociabilidade que contribuem para o campo acadêmico e profissional. A avaliação no final do questionário reúne o ponto de vista de cada envolvido nos grupos PETs em todo o Brasil.
Evaluation of Predictors of the Effectiveness of Bronchoscopic Biopsies with Navigation by Endobronchial Ultrasound Mini Probes in Peripheral Lung Masses of Various Etiologies
Authors: Shabalina I. Yu. , Chesalina Ya. O. , Larionova E. E. , Berezovskiy Yu. S. , Lovacheva O. V. , Ergeshov А. E.
Published: March 2022

The objective of the study: to evaluate and compare the predictors of effectiveness of navigation bronchobiopsy – radial endobronchial ultrasound with mini probes (rEBUS) in patients with peripheral pulmonary tumors of tuberculosis and oncological origin.

Subjects and Methods. The effectiveness of rEBUS-guided bronchoscopic biopsies and predictors of this effectiveness were retrospectively analyzed in 152 patients (71 men and 81 women) with pulmonary tumors visualized by chest computed tomography (CT) as peripheral lung masses. All patients were divided into 2 groups according to the verified diagnoses: TB Group included 83 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis without bacterial excretion at the time of bronchological examination; NEO Group included 69 patients with pulmonary neoplasms.

In all patients of both groups, a bronchological examination was performed for diagnostic purposes and included several types of biopsies (a set of biopsies): at least one of the liquid biopsies (bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or bronchial lavage) and one tissue biopsy (transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) or brush biopsy). Specimens of all types of bronchobiopsy were sent for microbiological and cytological tests, and the TBLB samples were additionally sent for histological examination.

Results. The efficiency of diagnosing bronchobiopsy with rEBUS navigation in TB and NEO Groups was comparable – 81.9% (68/83) and 81.2% (56/69) (pχ2 > 0.05), respectively. The factors (predictors) that statistically significantly influenced on effectiveness of bronchobiopsy in both groups were the following: signs of draining bronchus on chest CT, visualization of the mass in general during rEBUS, central position of the ultrasound probe in the mass during navigation, localization of the mass in the upper lobe of the right lung versus the lower lobe (summarized in two groups).

Additionally for TB Group, the predictor was the size of the mass exceeding 20 mm.

The effectiveness of cytological and histological verification in NEO Group with brush biopsy and TBLB samples significantly surpassed the effectiveness in TB Group, but the microbiological diagnosis of M. tuberculosis in BAL/bronchial lavage specimens increased the effectiveness in TB Group and made it comparable to NEO Group.
Tuberculosis and COVID-19 in Children and Adolescents. Two Waves of the Pandemic: Experiences and Conclusions
Authors: Ovsyankina E. S. , Panova L. V. , Gubkina M. F. , Ergeshov A. E. , Petrakova I. Yu. , Krushinskaya E. A.
Published: March 2022

The objective of the study: to investigate diagnostics, course and outcomes of COVID-19 in children and adolescents with tuberculosis in relation to the epidemic control activities.

Subjects and Methods: during the pandemic of coronavirus infection (the first and second waves), 83 patients aged 2 to 17 years (41 children and 42 adolescents) were followed up. 62 (74.7%) children got infected with the novel coronavirus infection among 82 patients treated at the clinic over this time.

Results. COVID-19 has been found to be highly contagious in the group of children staying in the ward, employees working with children and adolescents were the source of infection. Compliance with sanitary and infection control activities allows reducing the likelihood of the viral infection spread in the group of children and adolescents. The respiratory syndrome is not a major sign for the diagnosis of COVID-19 in children and adolescents with respiratory tuberculosis. For the diagnosis of COVID-19, targeted immunological and microbiological tests are important. Most patients with clinical manifestations of the coronavirus infection (79.4% of cases) were diagnosed with a mild course of the disease. Co-infection (tuberculosis and COVID-19) caused no mutual aggravation. No adjustment of chemotherapy was required, and the duration of treatment didn’t increase including short-course chemotherapy regimens with multiple/extensive drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis and in patients after surgery.