bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Congenital Aural Stenosis With Cholesteatoma
Authors: Casazza Geoffrey C. , Jonas Rachel H. , Kesser Bradley W.
Published: December 2021

Objective:

Compare surgical and audiological outcomes of patients with congenital aural stenosis (CAS) with cholesteatoma to patients with CAS without cholesteatoma and patients with complete congenital aural atresia (CCAA).

Study Design:

Retrospective case series.

Setting:

Tertiary care hospital.

Patients:

Patients with CAS (with and without cholesteatoma) and CCAA.

Intervention:

Surgery for CAS/CAA.

Main Outcome Measures:

Patients with CAS and CAA undergoing surgical repair from June 2004 to July 2020 were identified from an institutional database. Included patients were divided by presence of a canal cholesteatoma. Clinical history, pre- and postoperative audiometric data, and clinical outcomes were compared.

Results:

Of the 283 patients (300 ears), 18 (19 ears) had a canal cholesteatoma. When compared to ears without cholesteatoma (CCAA ears plus CAS ears without cholesteatoma), ears with cholesteatoma were more likely to be younger (9.2 ± 6.6 vs. 11.5 ± 9.2; p = 0.015), female (66.7% vs. 38.1%; p = 0.02; OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.18–8.9), and have normal/Grade I microtia (47.4% vs. 9.6%; p < 0.0001; OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.044–0.32), but not a history of draining ear (5.3% vs. 0%; p = 0.05; OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.004–0.999). Preoperative audiometric data demonstrated a lower mean air-bone gap (45.8 dB vs. 52.3 dB; p = 0.009) and better speech reception threshold (48.7 dB vs. 57.4 dB; p = 0.0004) in cholesteatoma ears. Postoperatively, ears with cholesteatoma were more likely to close the ABG within 20 dB (p = 0.001; OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.072–0.52). No patient in the cholesteatoma group developed post-operative bony/soft-tissue stenosis (0% vs. 9.7%; p = 0.65; OR 1.61; 0.21–12.6) or required revision surgery (0% vs. 11%; p = 0.38; OR 2.46, 0.32–19).

Conclusions:

Patients with CAS and cholesteatoma have better audiometric outcomes and likely a more durable repair with a decreased need for revision possibly secondary to greater embryologic development of the meatus, ear canal, and middle ear space despite the cholesteatoma.
The role of acupuncture in the treatment of women with pain in endometriosis
Authors: Yan Qin , Li Jing , Zeng Jing
Published: December 2021

Background:

Given the high numbers of recent cases related to Endometriosis, acupuncture has become a first line of treatment to alleviate the discomfort caused by endometriosis. Numerous studies have reported that acupuncture has a distinct effect when treating the discomfort caused by endometriosis. The primary advantages include various treatment methods, simple administration, minimal adverse reactions, and having no impact on the intrauterine environment. This study aims to elucidate the role of acupuncture in treating pain associated with endometriosis.

Methods:

The authors will search 6 online-based databases to find Randomized Controlled Trials related to determining the role of acupuncture in treating pain from endometriosis. The assessed primary outcomes include the clinical effective rate, variation in the level of pain, and variation in peripheral blood CA-125 level. A comprehensive meta-analysis statistical software will be used to conduct all analyses.

Results:

This study will assess the role of acupuncture when it is used to treat pain arising from endometriosis.

Conclusion:

The conclusions presented in the metanalysis will present a scientific-based theoretical framework and a standardized clinical guidance for treating endometriosis-related pain.

Ethics and dissemination:

This systematic review and meta-analysis does not require an ethics approval as it does not collect any primary data from patients.

OSF registration number:

September 28, 2021.osf.io/htukv. (https://osf.io/htukv/).
Exploring the degree of nicotine dependence and willingness to quit smoking in Chinese smoking patients with stroke
Authors: Li Ling , Li Haifeng , Zhang Ying , Zheng Chengyuan , Xu Houyun , Cheng Zizhen
Published: December 2021

Smoking is closely related to the occurrence of stroke. The degree of nicotine dependence and willingness to quit smoking are key factors that determine whether a smoker can successfully quit smoking. Few studies have been conducted on factors affecting the willingness to quit smoking among smokers who suffered from stroke.

Although the smoking rate has declined, it is still the main changeable risk factor for cerebrovascular diseases. We aimed to investigate the current status of nicotine dependence and willingness to quit smoking among patients who suffered from stroke. We also clarified factors that affect the willingness to quit smoking among stroke patients and provide evidence for quitting smoking.

Convenience sampling methods were used to conduct cross-sectional studies. A questionnaire survey was administered to 215 stroke patients who smoked. A general information questionnaire as well as patient smoking and cessation status questionnaire were used. Nicotine dependence test scale, smoking attitude factor score, and tobacco harm perception scale were applied for investigation. Logistic regression was used to analyze factors related to patients’ willingness to quit smoking.

Statistically significant differences in willingness to quit smoking were found among stroke patients with different ages, household registration status, education levels, marital status, occupation, smoking attitude, and nicotine dependence (P < .05). About 34.4%, 39.1%, and 26.5% of smoking patients had low, moderate, and severe nicotine dependence, respectively. Logistic analysis showed that compared with other occupations, workers, retirees, farmers, and freelancers compared with other people (0.050, 0.081, 0.053, 0.048) had a negative impact on the willingness to quit smoking among stroke patients. Compared with positive attitudes, negative and neutral smoking attitudes (0.190, 0.048) had a negative impact on the willingness to quit smoking among stroke patients. Compared with high nicotine dependence, low and moderate nicotine dependence (4.628, 2.596) had a positive impact on willingness to quit smoking.

Smoking patients in neurology department are more willing to quit smoking (67.9%). Factors such as occupation, smoking attitude, and nicotine dependence should be considered when establishing smoking cessation interventions for stroke smokers.
Efficacy and safety of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction in improving cancer-related fatigue and immunity of cervical carcinoma patients
Authors: Hu Juan , Li Xia , Fang Yanping , Peng Jin
Published: December 2021

Background:

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is essentially universal in cervical carcinoma patients. It develops rapidly, with physical and mental manifestations including generalized weakness, diminished concentration or attention, and it has a negative impact in overall quality of life. Buzhong Yiqi Decoction (BYD), a classical Chinese medical prescription, could be used for allergic rhinitis, gut microbiota disorders, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We preliminarily found that BYD could relieve CRF in cervical carcinoma patients. However, there are few trials on whether BYD could relieve CRF and improve immunity in cervical carcinoma patients.

Methods:

This is a double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial. From December 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022, cervical carcinoma patients with CRF will be assessed for randomization into treatment group (BYD) and control group (BYD simulation) in a 1:1 ratio. The outcomes are cancer fatigue scale, self-rating anxiety scales, self-rating depression scales, Pittsburgh sleep quality index, and immunity index (CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+) before and after the treatment. Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS v22.0 software.

Results and conclusions:

The study will clarify the efficacy and safety of BYD in improving CRF and immunity in cervical carcinoma patients.

Trial registration:

OSF Registration number: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/QFNMD.
Community promotion and application of Wuqinxi combined with brief behavioral therapy for insomnia
Authors: Zheng Yongliang , Qin Yiyu , Lyu Yumeng , Li Liangliang , Chen Ya , Yao Zhaojuan
Published: December 2021

Background:

Brief behavioral therapy for insomnia (BBT-I) has been proven to be a simple and effective alternative to cognitive behavioral therapy. However, low adherence limits the application in Chinese primary medical institutions, resulting in delayed or irregular treatment for many patients. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine external treatments on the adherence to behavioral therapy for insomnia in Chinese primary healthcare institutions, with a particular focus on patients who live in regions with weak healthcare systems.

Methods:

This randomized controlled clinical trial will be conducted in primary medical institutions and will recruit 98 adult participants with insomnia. BBT-I will be used as the base treatment. The participants will be divided into experimental (combined with Wuqinxi and other traditional Chinese medicine [TCM] external treatment n = 49) and control (combined with trazodone treatment, n = 49) groups, and each group will be treated for 4 consecutive weeks. The severity index of insomnia will be used as the main indicator of disease evaluation, with an 8-point reduction in the score considered as effective and a score <8 considered as cured. The secondary indicators of the disease evaluation will include the Pittsburgh sleep quality index, Zung's self-rating anxiety scale, Zung's self-rating depression scale, treatment adherence, and adverse event reports. All participants will be followed up at the time of enrollment, 4 weeks after treatment, and 3 months after the end of treatment.

Discussion:

This clinical trial will provide evidence for the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine external treatment on the adherence to behavioral therapy for insomnia in primary medical institutions. This cheap and accessible model may benefit insomnia patients in medically underserved areas.

Trial registration:

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100042845. Registered on 30 January 2021, dataset: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=65691. Official scientific title of the research topic: Wuqinxi and other external treatment of Chinese Medicine combined with brief behavior therapy for insomnia.
Massage for gastrointestinal function among participants after abdominal surgery
Authors: Wang Yongliang , Xu Jiaben , Bao Rui , Li Zhaoxian
Published: December 2021

Background:

Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (PGD) is one of the most common complications among participants undergoing abdominal surgery, with an incidence of 10%–30%. In China, massage is generally the most widely used technique to treat various diseases by the theory of Yin and Yang. In this study, our aim is to assess the effect and safety of massage on gastrointestinal function among participants undergoing abdominal surgery.

Methods:

We will search seven databases including Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CNKI, VIP, CBM and WANGFANG. Meanwhile, we will include all randomized controlled trials if they recruited participants undergoing abdominal surgery. Primary outcomes will be the time to first defecation. Two authors will independently scan all the potential articles, extract the data and assess the risk of bias by Cochrane tool of risk of bias. Al analysis will be performed by RevMan 5.3 software. Dichotomous variables will be expressed as RR with 95% CIs and continuous variables will be reported as MD with 95% CIs. If possible, a fixed or random effects models will be conducted and the confidence of cumulative evidence will be assess using GRADE.

Results:

This study will be to assess the effect and safety of massage on gastrointestinal function among participants undergoing abdominal surgery.

Conclusions:

This study will assess the effect and safety of massage among participants undergoing abdominal and move forward to help inform clinical decisions.
Hepatitis C infection and chronic kidney disease among Hispanics/Latinos
Authors: Wong Eugenia , Ricardo Ana C. , Rosas Sylvia E. , Lash James P. , Franceschini Nora
Published: December 2021

Viral infections, including hepatitis C, can cause secondary glomerular nephropathies. Studies suggest that hepatitis C virus infection (HCV+) is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) but evidence of this relationship is lacking among Hispanics/Latinos. We examined the association between HCV+ and incident CKD in a prospective cohort of Hispanics/Latinos enrolled in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. HCV+ was defined by detectable HCV antibodies with additional confirmation through HCV RNA or recombinant immunoblot assay testing. Incident CKD was defined by an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or sex-specific threshold for albuminuria measured during follow-up. We used Poisson regression to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR) of CKD and changes in eGFR- or albuminuria-based risk stages, separately. We used linear regression to estimate associations with continuous, annualized changes in eGFR and albuminuria.

Over a follow-up period of 5.9 years, 712 incident CKD events occurred among 10,430 participants. After adjustment for demographic characteristics and comorbidities, HCV+ was not associated with incident CKD, defined by eGFR and albuminuria thresholds (IRR 1.29, 95% Confidence Interval 0.61, 2.73). HCV+ was significantly associated with higher eGFR risk stages (IRR 2.39, 95% CI 1.47, 3.61) with most participants transitioning from stage G1 to G2. HCV+ was associated with a continuous, annualized eGFR decline of −0.69 mL/min/m2/year (95% CI −1.23, −0.16). This large, cohort study did not find evidence of a strong association between HCV+ and new-onset CKD among Hispanics/Latinos. HCV infection may not be associated with risk of CKD among Hispanics/Latinos, although treatment with direct-acting antivirals is recommended for all HCV+ individuals, including those with established CKD or end-stage kidney disease.
Effect of different handrail types and seat heights on kinematics and plantar pressure during STS in healthy young adults
Authors: Han Xiaolong , Xue Qiang , Yang Shuo , Zhang Shouwei , Li Min
Published: December 2021

Handrail type and seat height both significantly influence sit-to-stand (STS) movement. However, research on the associations between handrail type, seat height, and their cumulative effect on STS kinematics and changes in plantar pressure distribution during STS under different handrail types and seat heights is insufficient.

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different handrail types and seat heights on the kinematics and plantar pressure in healthy adults during STS.

The study was conducted on 26 healthy young adults. Six conditions were tested: low seat (LS) and vertical handrail; LS and horizontal handrail (HH); LS and bilateral handrail; high seat (HS) and vertical handrail; HSHH; HS and bilateral handrail. The movement time, trunk tilt angle, and time from hindfoot to forefoot peak pressure were analyzed and compared.

A significant difference was found in handrail type (P < .001) and seat height (P < .02) for the total movement time of STS. A significant difference was also found for the maximum trunk tilt angles (P < .001) in handrail types. There was an interaction between handrail type and seat height for the time from hindfoot to forefoot peak pressure of STS (P = .003).

Using HSHH could take less time to accomplish STS movement; it also reduced the maximum trunk tilt angle and thus reduce the risk of falling; the time from hindfoot to forefoot peak pressure when using HSHH was short and subjects could accomplish STS movement easier.
Chylothorax due to central vein thrombosis treated by venous stenting using a dual approach
Authors: Bouche Arthur , De Wispelaere Jean-Francois , Kayser Françoise , Collinge Elodie , Fourneau Hadrien
Published: December 2021

Rationale:

Central vein thrombosis is an uncommon cause of chylothorax, usually secondary to central venous catheterization in association with prothrombotic state causes such as malignancies. In the following case, thrombosis was located in the left brachiocephalic vein and caused recurrent chylothorax resistant to the first line of treatment and successfully treated by percutaneous recanalization using a dual approach.

Patient concerns:

A 52-year-old male patient with current follicular lymphoma undergoing treatment and recent history of COVID-19 pulmonary infection was hospitalized for dyspnea. A chest X-ray revealed extensive bilateral pleural effusion. Analysis of the pleural fluid was compatible with a chylothorax. Iodin injected thoracic computed tomography (CT) revealed a complete left brachiocephalic thrombosis extending to the left axillary vein, with no thoracic mass.

Diagnoses:

Chylothorax due to left brachiocephalic vein thrombosis.

Interventions:

Following an unsuccessful first line of treatment consisting of a low-fat diet, somatostatins and anticoagulation medication, the patient was elected to undergo minimally invasive venous recanalization with stenting. After a first failed attempt of recanalization by femoral access, we successfully crossed the thrombus through brachial access and conducted a dilatation and stenting of the brachiocephalic vein by femoral access, using a “telepheric” method.

Outcomes:

During the 4-month follow up, PET-scanner and chest X-ray demonstrated a significant reduction of the pleural effusion, and the patient reported complete clinical recovery.

Lessons:

Central vein thrombosis is an unusual cause of chylothorax. We report a case of chylothorax complicating a brachiocephalic vein thrombosis successfully treated by percutaneous recanalization and stenting using a dual brachial and femoral approach. No thoracic duct embolization or ligature was required.
SpaceOAR hydrogel spacer injection prior to stereotactic body radiation therapy for men with localized prostate cancer
Authors: Payne Heather A. , Pinkawa Michael , Peedell Clive , Bhattacharyya Samir K. , Woodward Emily , Miller Larry E.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Conventionally fractionated radiotherapy is a common treatment for men with localized prostate cancer. A growing consensus suggests that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is similarly effective but less costly and more convenient for patients. The SpaceOAR hydrogel rectal spacer placed between the prostate and rectum reduces radiation-induced rectal injury in patients receiving conventionally fractionated radiotherapy, but spacer efficacy with SBRT is unclear. The purpose of this research was to assess the clinical utility of the hydrogel rectal spacer in men receiving SBRT for prostate cancer.

Methods:

We performed systematic searches of Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies in men who received the SpaceOAR hydrogel spacer prior to SBRT (≥5.0 Gy fractions) for treatment of localized prostate center. Rectal irradiation results were compared to controls without spacer implant; all other outcomes were reported descriptively owing to lack of comparative data incuding perirectal separation distance, rectal irradiation on a dosimetric curve, gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity, and freedom from biochemical failure. GI toxicity was reported as the risk of a grade 2 or 3+ bowel complication in early (≤3 months) and late (>3 months) follow-up.

Results:

In 11 studies with 780 patients, SBRT protocols ranged from 7 to 10 Gy per fraction with total dose ranging from 19 to 45 Gy. Perirectal distance achieved with the rectal spacer ranged from 9.6 to 14.5 mm (median 10.8 mm). Compared to controls receiving no spacer, SpaceOAR placement reduced the radiation delivered to the rectum by 29% to 56% across a dosimetric profile curve. In early follow-up, grade 2 GI complications were reported in 7.0% of patients and no early grade 3+ GI complications were reported. In late follow-up, the corresponding rates were 2.3% for grade 2 and 0.3% for grade 3 GI toxicity. Over 16 months median follow-up, freedom from biochemical failure ranged from 96.4% to 100% (pooled mean 97.4%).

Conclusions:

SpaceOAR hydrogel spacer placed between the prostate and rectum prior to SBRT is a promising preventative strategy that increases the distance between the prostate and rectum, reduces rectal radiation exposure, and may lower the risk of clinically important GI complications.
In-hospital pulmonary rehabilitation after completion of primary respiratory disease treatment improves physical activity and ADL performance
Authors: Shimoda Masafumi , Takao Satoshi , Kokutou Hiroyuki , Yoshida Naoyuki , Fujiwara Keiji , Furuuchi Koji , Osawa Takeshi , Nakamoto Keitaro , Tanaka Yoshiaki , Morimoto Kozo , Yano Ryozo , Okumura Masao , Uchiyama Takashi , Yoshimori Kozo , Ohta Ken , Senjyu Hideaki
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Pulmonary rehabilitation improves the physical condition of patients with chronic respiratory disease; however, there are patients who cannot leave the hospital because of their low activities of daily living (ADLs), despite the completion of primary respiratory disease treatment and rehabilitation during treatment. Therefore, this study demonstrated that those patients recovered their ADLs through in-hospital pulmonary rehabilitation after treatment completion.

Methods:

We prospectively studied 24 hospitalized patients who had some remaining symptoms and showed low ADL scores of 9 points or less on the short physical performance battery after undergoing treatment for respiratory disease in Fukujuji Hospital from October 2018 to October 2019, excluding 2 patients who had re-exacerbation and 1 patient who could not be examined using the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT). After completion of the primary respiratory disease treatment, patients moved to the regional comprehensive care ward, and they received pulmonary rehabilitation for 2 weeks. In the ward, patients who could not yet leave the hospital could undergo pulmonary rehabilitation for up to 60 days. Data were evaluated three times: upon treatment completion (baseline), postrehabilitation, and 3 months after baseline. The main outcome was an improvement in the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) postrehabilitation.

Results:

The median age of the patients was 80 (interquartile range (IQR): 74.8–84.5), and 14 patients (58.3%) were male. The ISWT distance significantly increased postrehabilitation (median [IQR]: 60 m [18–133] vs 120 m [68–203], P < .001). The Barthel Index (BI) (P < .001), the modified Medical Research Council (P < .001), and other scale scores were also improved. Among patients with acute respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and interstitial pneumonia, ISWT and other data showed improvement at the postrehabilitation timepoint. Ten patients who could perform examinations at 3 months after baseline were evaluated 3 months after taking baseline data prior to starting rehabilitation. The ISWT showed significant improvement 3 months after baseline compared to baseline (P = .024), and the ISWT distance was maintained after rehabilitation.

Discussion and conclusions:

Physical activity, symptoms, mental health, and ADL status in patients who had not recovered after primary treatment completion for respiratory diseases could improve through in-hospital pulmonary rehabilitation.
Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture combined with traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of chronic prostatitis
Authors: Li Chenxi , Xu Lei , Lin Xuyao , Li Qingrui , Ye Pule , Wu Lin , Wang Mingkai , Li Lichao , Li Lanlan , Zhang Yue , Li Hua , Qin Guozheng
Published: December 2021

Objective:

Chronic prostatitis (CP) is a common disease in the outpatient department of males and urology. Clinical studies have found that acupuncture combined with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has achieved good results in treating CP, but its efficacy and safety are not completely clear. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with TCM in the treatment of CP.

Methods:

Randomized controlled trials of acupuncture combined with TCM in treating CP were screened by searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, etc. The retrieval time was from the database establishment date to March 31, 2021. The Cochrane Collaborative Risk Bias Assessment tool was used to evaluate literature's methodological quality of the literature. The RevMan5.4 software was used for the meta-analysis of outcome indicators. The TSA v0.9 software was used for sequential trial analysis (TSA) of effectiveness.

Results:

In this study, 19 related randomized controlled trial studies were included, with a total of 1831 cases. The results of the meta-analysis showed that acupuncture combined with TCM could significantly improve the clinical efficacy of CP (OR = 3.76, 95%CI: 2.82 to 5.02, P < .00001), reduce the total score of The National Institutes of Health chronic prostatitis symptom index (MD = −4.00, 95%CI: −4.67 to 3.33, P < .00001), and improve patients’ urination symptoms (MD = −1.10, 95%CI: −1.23 to −0.97, P < .00001), alleviated the pain symptoms of patients (MD = −2.38, 95%CI: −2.41 to −2.35, P < .00001), improved the quality of life of patients (MD = −1.69, 95%CI: −1.97 to −1.41, P < .00001), decreased the scores of TCM symptoms of patients (MD = −2.39, 95%CI: −3.45 to −1.33, P < .00001), and did not increase the adverse reactions of patients (MD = 1.09, 95%CI: 0.57 to 2.06, P = .8). The results of publication bias showed that this study was not affected by publication bias, and the conclusion was reliable. TSA showed that acupuncture combined with TCM was effective in treating CP.

Conclusion:

Acupuncture combined with TCM is safe and effective for alleviating CP. It can be used as an effective treatment for chronic prostatitis in the clinic.

Registration number: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/Z8FJM.
Corticosteroid-induced intraocular pressure elevation in the pediatric patients
Authors: Xu Guangjun , Zheng Jiaoni , Cai Jianghui , Zhang Jing , Liu Jue , Tang Shu
Published: December 2021

Background:

Corticosteroids have been one of the most frequently used therapeutics in ophthalmology over the past decades, known for their potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions. Intraocular pressure elevation has proven to be a significant ocular side effect that could accompany steroid use. However, the information on ocular-hypertensive corticosteroid response is scant in children. We aim to systematically describe the corticosteroid-induced intraocular pressure elevation in the pediatric age group.

Methods:

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature database will be searched for potential articles from database inception to April 29, 2021. No language restrictions will be applied. Studies involving patients less than 18 years old receiving corticosteroids will be included. We will screen abstracts for relevance, extract data, and assess the risk of bias in duplicate. We will rate the certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation approach. The primary outcome will be the intraocular pressure in pediatric patients group. We will provide a narrative synthesis of the findings.

Results:

The systematic review will provide high-quality evidence to assess the relationship between dosage, frequency, route of administration, and duration of corticosteroid on intraocular pressure in children.

Conclusion:

The systematic review will provide evidence to assess the safety of corticosteroid for ocular diseases in pediatric population.

PROSPERO registration number:

CRD42021252298.
HCV extinction analysis in district Gujrat, Pakistan by using SARIMA and linear regression models
Authors: Rashid Muhammad , Ismail Hammad
Published: December 2021

Background:

To investigate the track of Gujrat, a District of Pakistan is very essential, either it follow-up World Health Organization (WHO) Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) elimination plan or not. This study aimed to find out HCV extinction analysis by time series forecast from District Gujrat, Pakistan.

Methods:

From January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020 total n-5,111 numbers of HCV real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests were performed in Gujrat. For extinction analysis we used 2 different models, the first model was seasonal auto-regressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) and the second linear regression (LR) model. First, we fitted both models then these fitted and valid models were used to predict future HCV percentage in District Gujrat.

Results:

In District Gujrat, the men HCV infected ratio is high with a higher viral load as compared with women, from year 2016 to 2020 male to female ratio was (53.75:53.19), (45.67:43.84), (39.67:39.36), (41.94:35.88), (37.70:31.38) respectively. HCV percentage is decreasing from 2016 to 2020 with an average of 4.98%. Our both fitted models SARIMAX (0,1,1)(0,1,1,6) at 95% confidence intervals and LR model Y = –0.379 X + 53.378 at 99% confidence intervals (P-value = .00) revealed that in June 2029 and in August 2027 respectively HCV percentage will be 0 from district Gujrat, Pakistan.

Conclusions:

This study concluded that both SARIMA and LR models showed an effective modeling process for forecasting yearly HCV incidence. District Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan is on track to achieve the WHO HCV elimination plan, before 2030 HCV will be extinct from this region.
The Effects of Daily Digital Device Use on the Ocular Surface in Healthy Children
Authors: Kazanci Burcu , Eroglu Fatma Corak
Published: December 2021

SIGNIFICANCE

Digital device usage among children has increased significantly in recent years. Prolonged screen exposure can have adverse effects on the eye, especially on the ocular surface.

PURPOSE

We aimed to evaluate the duration of screen exposure and its effect on the ocular surface in healthy children aged 10 to 18 years.

METHODS

This cross-sectional observational study included 200 healthy children. Screen exposure times of the children were ascertained, and the effect of screen exposure on the ocular surface was evaluated using tear breakup time, kerato-epitheliopathy (Oxford) score, and Schirmer test. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) was used to assess subjective dry eye symptoms. Findings for subjects with a daily screen exposure time of fewer than 2 hours were compared with those reporting more than 2 hours of screen time. Statistical evaluation included the Shapiro-Wilk test, Student t test, and Pearson correlation analysis.

RESULTS

The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age was 14 ± 2.6 years, and 88.5% of the participants used mobile phones or computers every day. The mean ± SD tear breakup time was 10.3 ± 4.1 seconds, and the Schirmer test score was 15.6 ± 4.7 mm. The Oxford score was 0.4 ± 1, and no corneal staining was detected in 83.5% of the subjects. The mean ± SD OSDI score was 23.5 ± 17.8, and 67.5% of subjects had a mild-to-severe ocular surface disease. When daily screen exposure times less than and greater than 2 hours were compared, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in tear breakup time, Schirmer test, Oxford score, and OSDI score. Whereas there was a statistically significant weak positive correlation (r = 0.307, P = .001) between OSDI score and screen exposure time, there was no correlation between tear breakup time, Schirmer test, and Oxford score and screen exposure time.

CONCLUSIONS

Screen exposure in healthy children may cause ocular surface symptoms without causing changes in ocular surface findings.
Shear Wave Elastography in the Differentiation of Nonfibrotic Versus Fibrotic Liver Disease in Children: A Prospective Study With Histological Correlation
Authors: Hebelka Hanna , de Lange Charlotte , Boström Håkan , Ekvall Nils , Lagerstrand Kerstin
Published: December 2021

Objectives:

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) prospectively and to determine cutoff value for nonfibrotic liver tissue in children with suspected or established liver disease.

Methods:

In 90 consecutive pediatric patients, standardized 2D-SWE was performed during general anesthesia and free breathing. Liver stiffness was estimated with SWE followed by a percutaneous biopsy from the corresponding area. SWE values were compared with histology with fibrosis scored according to Batts & Ludwig classification (grade 0–4 = F0–F4) and to hepatic biomarkers.

Results:

Four patients with SWE interquartile range (IQR)/median ≥ 30% kPa were excluded. The remaining 86 children (59% males) had a mean age = 10.2 years (0.1–18). The distribution of individuals with median (min;max) SWE values (kPa) within each fibrosis grade were; F0[n = 10; 5.0(3.4;6.3)], F1[n = 24; 5.0(3.6;8.7)], F2[n = 32; 5.8(3.5;13.4)], F3[n = 12, 7.5(4.0;14.4)], and F4[n = 8; 12.5(6.6;21.0)]. There was a significant difference between fibrosis grades (0.03 > P < 0.002) except between F0 and F1 respectively between F1 and F2. The AuROC differentiating F0-1 from F2-4 was 0.77(95% CI: 0.67-0.87). A cutoff SWE value of ≤4.5 kPa yielded 90% sensitivity and 68% specificity to rule out significant fibrosis (F2–F4). Out of the 18 children (21%) with SWE value ≤4.5 kPa, 12 had grade F0-1 and 6 had F2, although including some confounders for increased SWE measurements as steatosis/hepatitis/cholestasis.

Conclusions:

2D-SWE ultrasound can reliably distinguish no/mild (F0/F1) from moderate/severe (F2–F4) fibrosis in children with suspected/established liver disease with good sensitivity and acceptable specificity. Our results show that in pediatric patients, when the indication for biopsy is to rule out significant fibrosis, SWE can be considered an alternative.
Additional C-type lectin receptors mediate interactions with Pneumocystis organisms and major surface glycoprotein
Authors: Kottom Theodore J. , Carmona Eva M. , Schaefbauer Kyle , Limper Andrew H.
Published: December 2021

Introduction. Pathogen-associated molecular patterns’ (PAMPs) are microbial signatures that are recognized by host myeloid C-type lectin receptors (CLRs). These CLRs interact with micro-organisms via their carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs) and engage signalling pathways within the cell resulting in pro-inflammatory and microbicidal responses.

Gap statement. In this article, we extend our laboratory study of additional CLRs that recognize fungal ligands against Pneumocystis murina and Pneumocystis carinii and their purified major surface glycoproteins (Msgs).

Aim. To study the potential of newly synthesized hFc-CLR fusions on binding to Pneumocystis and its Msg.

Methods. A library of new synthesized hFc-CLR fusions was screened against Pneumocystis murina and Pneumocystis carinii organisms and their purified major surface glycoproteins (Msgs) found on the respective fungi via modified ELISA. Immunofluorescence assay (IFA) was implemented and quantified to verify results. mRNA expression analysis by quantitative PCR (q-PCR) was employed to detect respective CLRs found to bind fungal organisms in the ELISA and determine their expression levels in the mouse immunosuppressed Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) model.

Results. We detected a number of the CLR hFc-fusions displayed significant binding with P. murina and P. carinii organisms, and similarly to their respective Msgs. Significant organism and Msg binding was observed for CLR members C-type lectin domain family 12 member A (CLEC12A), Langerin, macrophage galactose-type lectin-1 (MGL-1), and specific intracellular adhesion molecule-3 grabbing non-integrin homologue-related 3 (SIGNR3). Immunofluorescence assay (IFA) with the respective CLR hFc-fusions against whole P. murina life forms corroborated these findings. Lastly, we surveyed the mRNA expression profiles of the respective CLRs tested above in the mouse immunosuppressed Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) model and determined that macrophage galactose type C-type lectin (Mgl-1), implicated in recognizing terminal N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) found in the glycoproteins of microbial pathogens was significantly up-regulated during infection.

Conclusion. The data herein add to the growing list of CLRs recognizing Pneumocystis and provide insights for further study of organism/host immune cell interactions.
Whole genome sequencing reveals large deletions and other loss of function mutations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis drug resistance genes
Authors: Gomes Laura C. , Campino Susana , Marinho Cláudio R. F. , Clark Taane G. , Phelan Jody E.
Published: December 2021

Drug resistance in

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

, the causative agent of tuberculosis disease, arises from genetic mutations in genes coding for drug-targets or drug-converting enzymes. SNPs linked to drug resistance have been extensively studied and form the basis of molecular diagnostics and sequencing-based resistance profiling. However, alternative forms of functional variation such as large deletions and other loss of function (LOF) mutations have received much less attention, but if incorporated into diagnostics they are likely to improve their predictive performance. Our work aimed to characterize the contribution of LOF mutations found in 42 established drug resistance genes linked to 19 anti-tuberculous drugs across 32689 sequenced clinical isolates. The analysed LOF mutations included large deletions (n=586), frameshifts (n=4764) and premature stop codons (n=826). We found LOF mutations in genes strongly linked to pyrazinamide (pncA), isoniazid (katG), capreomycin (tlyA), streptomycin (e.g. gid) and ethionamide (ethA, mshA) (P<10−5), but also in some loci linked to drugs where relatively less phenotypic data is available [e.g. cycloserine, delaminid, bedaquiline, para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS), and clofazimine]. This study reports that large deletions (median size 1115 bp) account for a significant portion of resistance variants found for PAS (+7.1% of phenotypic resistance percentage explained), pyrazinamide (+3.5%) and streptomycin (+2.6%) drugs, and can be used to improve the prediction of cryptic resistance. Overall, our work highlights the importance of including LOF mutations (e.g. large deletions) in predicting genotypic drug resistance, thereby informing tuberculosis infection control and clinical decision-making.
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease on Biologic Therapies; A cross-sectional study
Authors: Shehab Mohammad , Zurba Yasmin , Abdulsalam Ali Al , Alfadhli Ahmad , Elouali Sara
Published: December 2021

Background

COVID-19 Vaccinations have been shown to be effective in reducing risk of severe infection, hospitalization, and death. They also have been shown to be safe and effective in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on biologic therapies. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of vaccination among patients with IBD on biologic therapies.

Methods

A single-center prospective cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care inflammatory bowel disease center. Data from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who attended the gastroenterology infusion clinic from June 1st, 2021 until October 31st, 2021 were retrieved. Patients received infliximab or vedolizumab at least 6 weeks before recruitment were included. The primary outcome was prevalence of COVID-19 vaccination. The secondary outcome was to assess whether prevalence of COVID-19 vaccination differed based sex, age, type of biologic therapy and citizenship status.

Results

The total number of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients enrolled in the study was 280 (56.0% male and 44.0% female). The median age was 33.2 years and BMI was 24.8 kg/m2. 112 patients with ulcerative colitis (40.0%) and 168 (60.0%) with Crohn’s disease. 117 (41.8%) were vaccinated with either BNT162b2 or ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and 163 (58.2%) were not vaccinated. Female patients were more likely to receive the vaccine compared to male patients (83.0% vs. 63.8%, p < 0.001). In addition, older patients (above the age 50) were also more likely to receive the vaccine than younger patients, below the age of 50 (95.6% vs 31.2% p< 0.001). Expatriates were more likely to receive the vaccine than citizens (84.8% vs 25.0%, p < 0.001). There was no statistical difference between patients on Infliximab and vedolizumab in terms of prevalence of vaccination (40.0% vs 48.0%, p= 0.34).

Conclusion

The overall prevalence of COVID-19 vaccination among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on biologic therapies was lower than the general population and world health organization (WHO) recommendation. Female patients, patients above the age of 50, and expatriates were more likely to be vaccinated. On the other hand, male patients, patients below the age of 50, and citizens were less likely to be vaccinated.
Differential effects of soil conservation practices on arthropods and crop yields
Authors: Lichtenberg Elinor M. , Milosavljević Ivan , Campbell Alistair J. , Crowder David W.
Published: December 2021

Many agricultural management tactics, such as reduced tillage, aim to promote biodiversity and ecosystem services. Responses to such tactics can be context dependent, however, and differentially impact (i) functional groups of service-providing organisms and (ii) crop yields. In canola (Brassica napusL.,B. rapaL.) crop fields we assessed how soil tillage and landscape context (amount of semi-natural habitat within 1 km of each field) affected arthropod biodiversity and crop yield. We assessed effects of full (multiple tillage passes that leave soil surface bare), intermediate (tilled once and some stubble remains), or no (seed planted directly into last year’s stubble) tillage on functional groups with unique diets and reproductive strategies: (i) herbivores, (ii) kleptoparasites, (iii) parasitoids, (iv) pollinators, and (v) predators. Effects of tillage and landscape context on arthropod abundance and diversity varied across functional groups. Pollinators responded strongest to tillage, benefitting from intermediate tillage. Predators and herbivores responded strongly to landscape context, as both were more abundant in landscapes with more semi-natural habitat. Our results suggest natural history differences among functional groups mediate effects of landscape context on biodiversity. However, variation in arthropod communities had little effect on canola crop yield. The effects of soil management practices on aboveground arthropods are complex, and practices thought to increase some aspects of agricultural sustainability may not be beneficial in other contexts. Identifying practices such as intermediate tillage that may increase soil quality and arthropod diversity is a key to designing agricultural ecosystems that will effectively benefit both biodiversity and human well-being.
Omicron escapes the majority of existing SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Cao Yunlong , Wang Jing , Jian Fanchong , Xiao Tianhe , Song Weiliang , Yisimayi Ayijiang , Huang Weijin , Li Qianqian , Wang Peng , An Ran , Wang Jing , Wang Yao , Niu Xiao , Yang Sijie , Liang Hui , Sun Haiyan , Li Tao , Yu Yuanling , Cui Qianqian , Liu Shuo , Yang Xiaodong , Du Shuo , Zhang Zhiying , Hao Xiaohua , Shao Fei , Jin Ronghua , Wang Xiangxi , Xiao Junyu , Wang Youchun , Xie Xiaoliang Sunney
Published: December 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 variant (Omicron) contains 15 mutations on the receptor-binding domain (RBD). How Omicron would evade RBD neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) requires immediate investigation. Here, we used high-throughput yeast display screening1,2 to determine the RBD escaping mutation profiles for 247 human anti-RBD NAbs and showed that the NAbs could be unsupervised clustered into six epitope groups (A-F), which is highly concordant with knowledge-based structural classifications3-5. Strikingly, various single mutations of Omicron could impair NAbs of different epitope groups. Specifically, NAbs in Group A-D, whose epitope overlap with ACE2-binding motif, are largely escaped by K417N, G446S, E484A, and Q493R. Group E (S309 site)6 and F (CR3022 site)7 NAbs, which often exhibit broad sarbecovirus neutralizing activity, are less affected by Omicron, but still, a subset of NAbs are escaped by G339D, N440K, and S371L. Furthermore, Omicron pseudovirus neutralization showed that single mutation tolerating NAbs could also be escaped due to multiple synergetic mutations on their epitopes. In total, over 85% of the tested NAbs are escaped by Omicron. Regarding NAb drugs, the neutralization potency of LY-CoV016/LY-CoV555, REGN10933/REGN10987, AZD1061/AZD8895, and BRII-196 were greatly reduced by Omicron, while VIR-7831 and DXP-604 still function at reduced efficacy. Together, data suggest Omicron would cause significant humoral immune evasion, while NAbs targeting the sarbecovirus conserved region remain most effective. Our results offer instructions for developing NAb drugs and vaccines against Omicron and future variants.
Telomere length sensitive regulation of Interleukin Receptor 1 type 1 (IL1R1) by the shelterin protein TRF2 modulates immune signalling in the tumour microenvironment
Authors: Mukherjee Ananda Kishore , Dutta Subhajit , Singh Ankita , Sharma Shalu , Roy Shuvra Shekhar , Sengupta Antara , Chatterjee Megha , Vinayagamurthy Soujanya , Bagri Sulochana , Khanna Divya , Verma Meenakshi , Soni Dristhi , Budharaja Anshul , Bhisade Sagar Kailasrao , Vivekanand  , Perwez Ahmad , George Nija , Faruq Mohammed , Gupta Ishaan , Sabarinathan Radhakrishnan , Chowdhury Shantanu
Published: December 2021

Telomeres are crucial for cancer progression. Immune signalling in the tumour microenvironment has been shown to be very important in cancer prognosis. However, the mechanisms by which telomeres might affect tumour immune response remain poorly understood. Here, we observed that interleukin-1 signalling is telomere-length dependent in cancer cells. Mechanistically, non-telomeric TRF2 (Telomeric Repeat binding Factor 2) binding at the IL-1-receptor type-1 (IL1R1) promoter was found to be affected by telomere length. Enhanced TRF2 binding at theIL1R1promoter in cells with short telomeres directly recruited the histone-acetyl-transferase (HAT) p300, and consequent H3K27 acetylation activated IL1R1. This altered NF-kappa B signalling and affected downstream cytokines likeIL6, IL8andTNF. Further,IL1R1expression was telomere-sensitive in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) clinical samples. Infiltration of tumour-associated macrophages (TAM) was also sensitive to the length of tumour cell telomeres and highly correlated withIL1R1expression. The use of both IL1 Receptor antagonist (IL1RA) andIL1R1targeting ligands could abrogate M2 macrophage infiltration in TNBC tumour organoids. In summary, using TNBC cancer tissue (>90 patients), tumour-derived organoids, cancer cells and xenograft tumours with either long or short telomeres, we uncovered a heretofore undeciphered function of telomeres in modulating IL1 signalling and tumour immunity.
AMAW: automated gene annotation for non-model eukaryotic genomes
Authors: Meunier Loïc , Baurain Denis , Cornet Luc
Published: December 2021

To support small and large-scale genome annotation projects, we present AMAW (Automated MAKER2 Annotation Wrapper), a program devised to annotate non-model unicellular eukaryotic genomes by automating the acquisition of evidence data (transcripts and proteins) and facilitating the use of MAKER2, a widely adopted software suite for the annotation of eukaryotic genomes. Moreover, AMAW exists as a Singularity container recipe easy to deploy on a grid computer, thereby overcoming the tricky installation of MAKER2.

Availability

AMAW is released both as a Singularity container recipe and a standalone Perl script (https://bitbucket.org/phylogeno/amaw/).

Contact

lmeunier@uliege.be or luc.cornet@sciensano.be

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.