bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aiming for Zero: Reducing Transmission of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in the D.C. Department of Corrections
Authors: Epting Mallory E , Pluznik Jacob A , Levano Samantha R , Hua Xinyi , Fung Isaac C H , Jordan Beth , O’Donovan Eleni , Robinson Kissa M , Chakraborty Reena , Yousefi Bahram , Michel Ciara J , Bowden Chava J , Kapadia Aman , Riback Lindsey R , Mangla Anil T , Akiyama Matthew J , Spaulding Anne C
Published: December 2021

Background

Washington, District of Columbia lowered severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 transmission in its large jail while community incidence was still high

Methods

Coordinated clinical and operational interventions brought new cases to near zero.

Results

Aggressive infection control and underlying jail architecture can promote correctional coronavirus disease 2019 management.

Conclusions

More intensive monitoring could help confirm that in-house transmission is truly zero.
Superior Outcomes With Continuing Tenofovir Versus Switching to Zidovudine in Second-Line Antiretroviral Therapy in Haiti
Authors: Pierre Samuel , Bocharova Iryna , Nguyen Catherine , Homeus Fabienne , Julmiste Gaetane , Macius Youry , Rouzier Vanessa , Severe Patrice , Marcelle Deschamps Marie , Moise Colette Guiteau , Bellot Clovy , Wu Johnny , Rivera Vanessa R , Sun Rochelle , Pape Jean W , Liautaud Bernard , Koenig Serena P
Published: December 2021

We compared viral suppression rates between patients who continued tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/lamivudine (3TC) vs switched to zidovudine (ZDV)/3TC in combination with a boosted protease inhibitor after failure of first-line efavirenz/TDF/3TC. We found higher rates of viral suppression with continued TDF/3TC compared with switching to ZDV/3TC.
Low turbidity in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) reduces feeding behavior and increases stress-related physiological parameters in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) during grow-out
Authors: Ende Stephan S W , Larceva Ekaterina , Bögner Mirko , Lugert Vincent , Slater Matthew James , Henjes Joachim
Published: December 2021

There is a tendency to farm fish in low turbidity water when production takes place in the land-based recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). However, the effect of water turbidity on stress and performance is unknown for many species cultured in RAS. The effect of different turbidity treatments as Formazine Attenuation Units (0 FAU, 15 FAU, and 38 FAU) on feed intake performance (latency, total feeding time, and total feed intake) and physiological blood stress parameters (cortisol, lactate, and glucose) in medium-sized pikeperch ((Sander lucioperca) n = 27, undetermined sex and age) of initial body weights of 508.13 g ± 83 g (at FAU 0, 15, and 38, respectively) was investigated. The rearing system consisted of 9 rectangular tanks (200 L per tank). Fish were housed individually (n = 1, per tank, n replicates per treatment = 9). All tanks were connected to a recirculation system equipped with a moving bed biofilter. Feed intake in pikeperch kept at low turbidity (0 FAU) was 25% lower than pikeperch kept at high turbidity (38 FAU) (P < 0.01) and also significantly (10.5%) lower compared to feed intake in pikeperch kept at intermediate turbidity (15 FAU) (P < 0.01 for 0 FAU vs. 15 FAU, feed intake sign. Value as the main effect is P < 0.01). Pikeperch kept at low turbidity showed significantly slower feeding response (latency time) towards pellets entering the tank, shorter feeding times (both P < 0.05), and higher glucose blood concentration (73%) in contrast to pikeperch kept at highest turbidity. A reduction of 25% feed intake has obvious economic consequences for any fish farm and present data strongly emphasize the importance of considering the species-specific biology in future RAS farming.
Localized stem heating from the rest to growth phase induces latewood-like cell formation and slower stem radial growth in Norway spruce saplings
Authors: Giovannelli Alessio , Mattana Sara , Emiliani Giovanni , Anichini Monica , Traversi Maria Laura , Pavone Francesco Saverio , Cicchi Riccardo
Published: December 2021

Recent climate projections predict a more rapid increase of winter temperature than summer and global temperature averages in temperate and cold environments. As there is relatively little experimental knowledge on the effect of winter warming on cambium phenology and stem growth in species growing in cold environments, the setting of manipulative experiments is considered of primary importance, and they can help to decipher the effect of reduced winter chilling and increased forcing temperatures on cambium reactivation, growth and xylem traits. In this study, localized stem heating was applied to investigate the effect of warming from the rest to the growth phase on cambium phenology, intra-annual stem growth dynamics and ring wood features in Picea abies (L.) H.Karst. We hypothesized that reduced winter chilling induces a postponed cambium dormancy release and decrease of stem growth, while high temperature during cell wall lignification determines an enrichment of latewood-like cells. The heating device was designed to maintain a +5 °C temperature delta with respect to air temperature, thus allowing an authentic scenario of warming. Continuous stem heating from the rest (November) to the growing phase determined, at the beginning of radial growth, a reduction of the number of cell layers in the cambium, higher number of cell layers in the wall thickening phase and an asynchronous stem radial growth when comparing heated and ambient saplings. Nevertheless, heating did not induce changes in the number of produced cell layers at the end of the growing season. The analyses of two-photon fluorescence images showed that woody rings formed during heating were enriched with latewood-like cells. Our results showed that an increase of 5 °C of temperature applied to the stem from the rest to growth might not influence, as generally reported, onset of cambial activity, but it could affect xylem morphology of Norway spruce in mountain environments.
Cutaneous Findings of Sporadic, Adult-Onset Neuronal Intranuclear Inclusion Disease
Authors: Moran Jakob M. T. , Eikermann-Haerter Katharina , Rapalino Otto , Dang Timothy M. , Holmes Robert K. , Chen Steven T. , Hoang Mai P.
Published: December 2021

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disease whose hallmark histopathologic finding is the presence of ubiquitin-positive hyaline intranuclear inclusions in neuronal and non-neuronal cells. We present a case of neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease in a 61-year-old Asian man with a history of repeated episodes of altered mental status, long-standing bladder dysfunction, and cerebrovascular accidents. The patient had characteristic magnetic imaging findings of high signal along the cortico–medullary junction on diffusion-weighted sequences and symmetric T2 hyperintensity in the paravermal area of the cerebellum. Skin biopsies showed characteristic histopathologic findings of ubiquitin-positive intranuclear inclusions that ultrastructurally composed of filamentous material without limiting membrane within eccrine epithelium and dermal fibroblasts. Our case highlights the utility of readily accessible skin biopsy in the diagnosis of this rare neurodegenerative disease.
A Retrospective Study of SVF-gel Compared With Nanofat Combined With High-density Fat in the Treatment of Early Periorbital Aging
Authors: Zhu Yi , Yang Feng , Yang Yong , Cheng Biao , Zuo Jun
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

To compare the effectiveness of transplantation with stromal vascular fraction (SVF)-gel or nanofat combined with high-density fat prepared with the Coleman technique (nanofat+high-density fat) to restore volume in the periorbital region or for periorbital rejuvenation in early periorbital aging.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 103 patients who received a transplant of SVF-gel (n = 58) or nanofat+high-density fat (n = 45) to restore volume in the periorbital region (n = 85) or for periorbital rejuvenation (n = 18) in our hospital between January 2016 and January 2020. Patient satisfaction and the reoperation rate were evaluated.

Results:

All patients had improved periorbital contouring and augmentation. Among the patients that received treatment to restore volume in the periorbital region, 17% and 65.9% of patients administered SVF-gel were very satisfied or satisfied, and 5.3% and 44.7% of patients administered nanofat+high-density fat were very satisfied or satisfied.

Patients

administered SVF-gel were significantly more satisfied than patients administered nanofat+high-density fat with improvements in periorbital contouring (p < 0.05). Among the patients that received treatment for periorbital rejuvenation, 54.5% and 27.3% of patients administered SVF-gel were very satisfied or satisfied, and 28.6% and 42.8% of patients administered nanofat+high-density fat were very satisfied or satisfied. There was no significant difference between groups (p > 0.05). Some patients underwent a second operation after 3 to 8 months. Patients administered SVF-gel to restore volume in the periorbital region had a significantly lower reoperation rate than patients administered nanofat+high-density fat (12.7% [6/47] vs. 34.2% [13/38]; p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the reoperation rate in patients treated for periorbital rejuvenation (9.1% [1/11] vs. 14.3% [1/7]; p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

SVF-gel and nanofat+high-density fat are effective for restoring volume in the periorbital region and for periorbital rejuvenation in early periorbital aging. The reoperation rate was significantly lower and patient satisfaction scores were significantly higher in patients administered SVF-gel to restore volume in the periorbital region compared with patients administered nanofat+high-density fat.
Successful Treatment of Severe Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris with Cyclosporine A in An Infant
Authors: Chen Ping-Jiao , Liang Jing-Yao , Li Chang-Xing , Zhang Xi-Bao
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a rare chronic papulosquamous disease and is often difficult to treat, especially in children.

Here we reported a PRP infant successfully treated by cyclosporine A.

Case presentation:

An 18-month-old infant with severe PRP presented with reddish follicular papules and inflammatory, infiltrated erythema over the whole body. The condition rapidly and completely responded to oral cyclosporine A. Complete clearance of the lesions was achieved within 16 weeks, and no recurrence developed during 6 months of follow-up. During both treatment and follow-up, routine blood parameters, serum creatinine, serum urea nitrogen, liver function, and blood pressure were regularly monitored once a month and remained within the reference ranges. Moreover, the child grew and developed normally and the body weight increased by 3 kg.

Discussion:

To date, there are not well established protocols for treatment of PRP in children. Cyclosporine A has been demonstrated to be effective treatment in psoriasis in adults and children which do not respond to some other treatments. The rapid onset of action and good efficacy of cyclosporine A were observed in our case, who achieved complete response after 16 weeks of treatment without any side effects.

Conclusion:

Cyclosporine A might be a safe and effective option for treating severe PRP in children.
Identification of an eight-m6A RNA methylation regulator prognostic signature of uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma based on bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Miao Chenyun , Fang Xiaojie , Chen Yun , Zhao Ying , Guo Qingge
Published: December 2021

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is proved to play a significant role in human cancers. This study aimed to explore the association between m6A ribonucleic acid (RNA) methylation regulators and uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC), and build a prognostic signature of m6A regulators for UCEC.

RNA-seq transcriptome data and clinicopathological data of UCEC were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas database. We compared the expression of 23 m6A-regulators in tumor tissues and nontumor tissues. Then we classified the data into 3 clusters by consensus clustering analysis. Several regulators were picked out as the prognostic signature of patients with UCEC based on least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression analysis. Additionally, we established a predictive nomogram to calculate survival times. Finally, we used receiver operating characteristic curve, univariate Cox regression analysis, and multivariate Cox regression analysis to further verify the prognostic value of the risk signature consisting of m6A regulators.

The expression of 18/23 m6A regulators was significantly different in UCEC compared with normal samples. Gene ontology functional analysis of these regulators revealed that they were mainly participated in RNA splicing, stabilization, modification, and degradation. LRPPRC, IGFBP2, KIAA1429, IGFBP3, FMR1, YTHDF1, METTL14, and YTHDF2 were selected to construct the risk signature and predictive nomogram. The results of receiver operating characteristic curve, univariate Cox regression analysis, and multivariate Cox regression analysis for the risk signature showed a good predictive performance for UCEC.

The risk signature of 8-m6A regulators has potential prognostic value for patients with UCEC.
To explore the Radix Paeoniae Rubra-Flos Carthami herb pair's potential mechanism in the treatment of ischemic stroke by network pharmacology and molecular docking technology
Authors: Chen Xingyu , Wang Yue , Ma Ying , Wang Ruonan , Zhao Dexi
Published: December 2021

To explore the Radix Paeoniae Rubra-Flos Carthami herb pair's (RPR-FC) potential mechanism in treating ischemic stroke (IS) by network pharmacology and molecular docking technology.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database was used to screen the active components of the RPR-FC, and Cytoscape 3.8 software was used to construct a network map of its active components and targets of action. The GeneCards and OMIM databases were used to identify disease targets of IS, and the common targets were chosen as research targets and imported into the STRING database to construct a protein–protein interaction network map of these targets. R language software was used to analyze the enrichment of GO terms and KEGG pathways, and explore the mechanisms of these targets. Molecular docking technology was used to verify that the RPR-FC components had a good bonding activity with their potential targets.

A total of 44 active components, which corresponded to 197 targets, were identified in the RPR-FC. There were 139 common targets between the herb pair and IS. GO functional enrichment analysis revealed 2253 biological process entries, 72 cellular components entries, and 183 molecular functions entries. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was mainly related to the NF-kappa B signaling pathway, the TNF signaling pathway, apoptosis, the MAPK signaling pathway, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, the VEGF signaling pathway, etc. The molecular docking results showed the components that docked well with key targets were quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and baicalein.

The active components (quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and baicalein) of the RPR-FC and their targets act on proteins such as MAPK1, AKT1, VEGFA, and CASP3, which are closely related to IS.1These targets are closely related to the NF-kappa B signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, the VEGF signaling pathway, and other signaling pathways. These pathways are involved in the recovery of nerve function, angiogenesis, and neuronal apoptosis and the regulation of inflammatory factors, which may have a therapeutic effect on IS.
Predicting outcomes after trauma
Authors: Lee Kuo-Chang , Lin Tzu-Chieh , Chiang Hsiu-Fen , Horng Gwo-Jiun , Hsu Chien-Chin , Wu Nan-Chun , Su Hsiu-Chen , Chen Kuo-Tai
Published: December 2021

In an overcrowded emergency department (ED), trauma surgeons and emergency physicians need an accurate prognostic predictor for critical decision-making involving patients with severe trauma. We aimed to develope a machine learning-based early prognostic model based on admission features and initial ED management.

We only recruited patients with severe trauma (defined as an injury severity score >15) as the study cohort and excluded children (defined as patients <16 years old) from a 4-years database (Chi-Mei Medical Center, from January 2015, to December 2018) recording the clinical features of all admitted trauma patients. We considered only patient features that could be determined within the first 2 hours after arrival to the ED. These variables included Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score; heart rate; respiratory rate; mean arterial pressure (MAP); prehospital cardiac arrest; abbreviated injury scales (AIS) of head and neck, thorax, and abdomen; and ED interventions (tracheal intubation/tracheostomy, blood product transfusion, thoracostomy, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation). The endpoint for prognostic analyses was mortality within 7 days of admission.

We divided the study cohort into the early death group (149 patients who died within 7 days of admission) and non-early death group (2083 patients who survived at >7 days of admission). The extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) machine learning model provided mortality prediction with higher accuracy (94.0%), higher sensitivity (98.0%), moderate specificity (54.8%), higher positive predict value (PPV) (95.4%), and moderate negative predictive value (NPV) (74.2%).

We developed a machine learning-based prognostic model that showed high accuracy, high sensitivity, and high PPV for predicting the mortality of patients with severe trauma.
Loss of correction in cubitus varus deformity after osteotomy
Authors: You Chao , Zhou Yibiao , Han Jingming
Published: December 2021

We aimed to investigate the rate of loss of correction and the factors thereof in pediatric patients undergoing osteotomy for treatment of cubitus varus deformity.

Between July 2008 and July 2017, we treated 30 patients who underwent osteotomy for cubital varus. We compared the preoperative and postoperative clinical and imaging findings, including the H-Cobb and Baumman angles, in all patients. Postoperative evaluation was performed by telephonic interviews.

Our patients consisted of 17 males and 13 females. The mean age was 75 months. At the first follow-up, approximately 80% of patients had experienced a loss of correction of the humerus-cobb angle (H-Cobb angle); at the second follow-up, the incidence was 83%. Meanwhile, 57% and 43% of patients experienced a loss of correction of the Baumman angle at the first and second follow-ups, respectively. The average interval between the first and second follow-ups was 24 days, and the mean loss in the H-Cobb angle was 2.4°. There was a significant difference between the H-Cobb angles as measured before and after surgery (P < .05). There was no significant difference between the H-Cobb angles of the affected side and the contralateral healthy elbow at the third postoperative follow-up; however, there was a significant difference between the Baumman angle between before and after surgery (P < .05). The Baumman angles as measured at the second and third postoperative follow-ups differed significantly from those of the contralateral healthy elbow joint. According to the survival curve analysis, the median survival times of the H-Cobb and Baumman angles were 27 and 34 months, respectively.

The postoperative loss of the 2 angles occurred mainly during the first and second follow-up periods. Therefore, patient follow-up is particularly important in the period directly following the operation. Additional measures may be necessary to avoid rapid angle loss.
The efficacy and safety of modified Gegenqinlian Fomular for advanced colorectal cancer (damp heat accumulation type)
Authors: Wang Zhi-Jie , Wang Xiao-Han , Li Juan , Zheng Shi-Hang , Zhang Fu-Peng , Hao Shu-Lan , Wang Xi-Xing , Liu Li-Kun
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

CRC, the incidence of the fourth highest among males and the third among females, is one of the malignant tumors that seriously threaten human health. The principle of treatment for advanced stage CRC is a multidisciplinary and comprehensive treatment based on chemotherapy, which always bring significant toxic side effects. CHM has advantages in the treatment of tumors with the effect on improving clinical symptoms and reducing side effects. GGQL formula is mainly used for treating abnormal defecates caused by damp-heat, so we will evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of modified GGQL formula for patients with advanced CRC with the type of damp-heat in this study.

Methods:

Multicenter RCT with two parallel groups in three hospitals planning to recruit 120 CRC patients with the type of damp-heat will be conducted. The control group will be treated by basic antitumor therapy and the treatment group will use modified GGQL formula plus basic antitumor therapy. The primary outcomes will be quality of life, TCM symptom score, PFS and OS, and the secondary outcomes will be performance status, size of tumor, tumor marker in the serum, tumor microenvironment and immune status. All analyses will be based on an intention-to-treat principle. This study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of Shanxi Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese medicine (2021Y-06017). The results will be published in relevant journal.

Discussion:

The results of this RCT will contribute to Chinese herbal medicine for treating CRC patients with the type of damp heat accumulation.

Trial registration:

ChiCTR2100050754 (September 4, 2021).
Combination of preoperative CA19-9 levels, cell differentiation, and age predicts survival for patients with gastric cancer before surgery
Authors: Yin Hui Hui , Xu Meng Qing , Liu Bin Zheng , Tao Lin , Ma Ya Jing , Li Feng , Zhang Wen Jie
Published: December 2021

Gastric cancer (GC) is very common in China, posing a threat to public health, with high morbidity and mortality ranks. Tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system is routinely used to predict prognosis for patients with GC but only available after surgery. Therefore, searching for markers that can predict prognosis of GC patients before surgery is desirable to assist management decisions preoperatively. Among 322 GC patients followed-up for 128 months, the tumor markers alpha fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), carbohydrate antigen 15-3 and carbohydrate antigen 72-4 of 168 patients were detected before surgery, and their impact on survival was analyzed. Four major findings were revealed: (1) Preoperative examined CA19-9 levels and cell differentiation using endoscopic biopsies were positively correlated with lymphatic metastases and TNM stages obtained after surgery. (2) Kaplan-Meier analyses demonstrated that poor survival of patients with GC was associated with higher CA19-9 levels, poor cell differentiation, and older age. (3) Cox multi-factorial regression analyses indicated that, in terms of predicting overall survival for GC patients, preoperative CA19-9 level, cell differentiation and age were independent factors, respectively, comparable to postoperative TNM staging system. (4) Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, we first revealed that preoperative CA19-9 levels and cell differentiation had the impact weights (IW) on survival comparable to postoperative TNM components. These findings suggest that preoperative CA19-9 levels, cell differentiation and age are useful prognostic related markers for GC patients, superior to postoperative TNM system in terms of timing for management. We propose that, assisted by clinical imaging, a comprehensive utilization of these preoperative survival-predictors may help formulate individualized medical management for GC patients such as surgical strategy, optimal chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and appropriate follow-up intervals after surgery.
Interrelationships between migraine over the counter (OTC) painkillers and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Nkuna Shalati L. , Phoswa Wendy N.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Migraine during pregnancy is common and has been reported to affect up to 10% of pregnancies. Irrespective of the type of migraine, over the counter (OTC) painkillers are used as a migraine treatment plan. Growing evidence suggests that OTC painkillers have effects on the mother, the child and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including hypertension, eclampsia and pre-eclampsia, but inconsistent findings have been reported. The aim of this study is therefore to investigate the association between the use of migraine OTC painkillers and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.

Methods:

Databases such as Pubmed, Cochrane library, ScienceDirect and google scholar will be searched to identify eligible studies. Studies will be included if they are randomised controlled trials, cohort, and matched cohort, and cross-sectional studies of pregnant women with reported use of OTC painkillers to treat migraines at any stage of their pregnancy. The results will be reported based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis 2009 statement, and article screening and selection process will also be demonstrated through a preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis for protocols flow diagram. The data will then be extracted by 1 reviewer and checked by another for accuracy. The quality and risk of bias of eligible studies will be performed by both reviewers using the Hoy tool and grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation tool. The data will be analysed using Review Manager 5.3 (RevMan 5.3) software.

Ethics and dissemination:

The review and meta-analysis will not require ethical approval and the findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at local and international conferences. Findings from this study will help to improve knowledge on the understanding of the effects OCT on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. This study will also provide new information on the management of migraine during pregnancy.

Systematic review registration:

International prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSERO) number: CRD42021232232.
Risk factors for unplanned return to the operating room within 24 hours
Authors: Kao Feng-Chen , Chang Yun-Chi , Chen Tzu-Shan , Liu Ping-Hsin , Tu Yuan-Kun
Published: December 2021

The purpose of the retrospective case–control study was to identify the causes of and risk factors for unplanned return to the operating room (uROR) within 24 hours in surgical patients.

We examined 275 cases of 24-hour uROR in our hospital from January 2010 to December 2018. The reasons for 24-hour uROR were classified into several categories. Controls were randomly matched to cases in a 1:1 ratio with the selection criteria set for the same surgeon and operation code in the same corresponding year.

The mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with 24-hour uROR (11.63% vs 5.23%). Bleeding was the most common etiology (172/275; 62.55%) and technical error (14.5%) also contributed to 24-hour uROR. The clinical factors that led to bleeding included a history of liver disease (P = .032), smoking (P = .002), low platelet count in preoperative screening (P = .012), and preoperative administration of antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents (P = .014).

Clinicians should recognize the risk factors for bleeding and minimize errors to avoid the increase in patient morbidity and mortality that is associated with 24-hour uROR.

Level of Evidence: Level IV.
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Italian Spine Youth Quality of Life (ISYQOL) questionnaire's Arabic version
Authors: Fallatah Salah M. , Emam Shaker , Al-Ghamdi Ghamid , Almatrafi Faisal
Published: December 2021

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) assessment is considered among the most relevant outcome measures following conservative and surgical interventions for various spinal conditions. Several questions are available to evaluate HRQOL in these conditions. A more recent Italian Spine Youth Quality of Life (ISYQOL) questionnaire was developed for this purpose and showed high validity in measuring HRQOL.

To translate and adapt the ISYQOL questionnaire into Arabic language (ISYQOL-Ar) and evaluate its validity and reliability, and to correlate it with the validated revised Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-22r)'s Arabic questionnaire in a cross-sectional multicenter study.

The ISYQOL was translated, back-translated, and reviewed by an expert committee. Reliability assessment for the questionnaire domains was performed using Cronbach's alpha. For construct validation, the Pearson's correlation coefficient was used.

A total of 115 patients were enrolled in the study and completed the ISYQOL-Ar and Arabic SRS-22r questionnaires. A total of 72 patients (63%) completed the first set of questionnaires, and 2 weeks later, 63 patients (55%) completed both sets of questionnaires, with 15.8 a mean age, 39.5° mean Cobb angle of 88.9% females. ISYQOL-Ar showed excellent validity, good reliability, and internal consistency for spine health and brace wear, with Cronbach's alpha > 0.6, similar to SRS-22r in the same cohort. The correlation was significant between ISYQOL-Ar and Arabic SRS-22r (Pearson's coefficient = 0.708, P < .001).

The ISYQOL-Ar questionnaire is a reliable and valid outcome measure for the assessment of young patients with spinal deformity among the Arabic-speaking population.
Clinical factors within a week of birth influencing sodium level difference between an arterial blood gas analyzer and an autoanalyzer in VLBWIs
Authors: Kim Hyun Ho , Kim Jin Kyu
Published: December 2021

Neonatologists often experience sodium ion level difference between an arterial blood gas analyzer (direct method) and an autoanalyzer (indirect method) in critically ill neonates. We hypothesize that clinical factors besides albumin and protein in the blood that cause laboratory errors might be associated with sodium ion level difference between the 2 methods in very-low-birth-weight infants during early life after birth. Among very-low-birth-weight infants who were admitted to Jeonbuk National Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Units from October 2013 to December 2016, 106 neonates were included in this study. Arterial blood sample was collected within an hour after birth. Blood gas analyzer and biochemistry autoanalyzer were performed simultaneously. Seventy-six (71.7%) were found to have sodium ion difference exceeding 4 mmol/L between 2 methods. The mean difference of sodium ion level was 5.9 ± 6.1 mmol/L, exceeding 4 mmol/L. Based on sodium ion level difference, patients were divided into >4 and ≤4 mmol/L groups. The sodium level difference >4 mmol/L group showed significantly (P < .05) higher sodium level by biochemistry autoanalyzer, lower albumin, lower protein, and higher maximum percent of physiological weight than the sodium level difference ≤4 mmol/L group. After adjusting for factors showing significant difference between the 2 groups, protein at birth (odds ratio: 0.835, 95% confidence interval: 0.760–0.918, P < .001) and percent of maximum weight loss (odds ratio: 1.137, 95% confidence interval: 1.021–1.265, P = .019) were factor showing significant associations with sodium level difference >4 mmol/L between 2 methods. Thus, difference in sodium level between blood gas analyzer and biochemistry autoanalyzer in early stages of life could reflect maximum physiology weight loss. Based on this study, if the study to predict the body's composition of extracellular and intracellular fluid is proceeded, it will help neonatologist make clinical decisions at early life of preterm infants.
Early intervention of acute liver injury related to venlafaxine
Authors: Fang Lin , Wang Shushan , Cao Leiming , Yao Kun
Published: December 2021

Rationale:

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is the leading cause of acute liver injury (ALI), market withdrawal of a drug, and rejection of applications for marketing licenses. The incidence of DILI is very low, with a value between 1 and 19 per 100,000 patient years. All antidepressants may induce DILI even at low therapeutic doses. In this report, we present a case of ALI after venlafaxine administration.

Patient concerns:

A 27-year-old Chinese Han woman was admitted for depression. Several serum liver function indices in this patient were abnormal after antidepressant treatment. The Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) causality assessment score was 8, and the R value was 31.18.

Diagnoses:

The patient was diagnosed with hepatocellular ALI, which was derived from venlafaxine-related adverse events.

Interventions:

First, all medications were stopped to block the progression of DILI. Then, a hepatoprotective strategy and proper psychological treatment were performed to recover the impaired hepatic function.

Outcomes:

Liver function was fully recovered as indicated by liver function indices and ultrasound imaging.

Lessons:

The possibility of DILI should not be overlooked during the long-term use of antipsychotic drugs. In response, regular liver function monitoring should be performed in a timely manner to avoid missing diagnoses and delayed treatment. Furthermore, the necessary medical treatment needs to be conducted after the occurrence of ALI.
Uterine leiomyoma with fumarate hydratase deficiency
Authors: Huang Yan , Zhou Yan , Chen Xing , Fang Qin , Cai Huiran , Xie Manxin , Xing Yan
Published: December 2021

Rationale:

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma is an uncommon autosomal dominant disease caused by mutations in the fumarate hydratase (FH) gene. They usually demonstrated multiple uterine myomas and preformed surgical procedures for myomectomy and/or hysterectomy 10 years earlier than sporadic myomas due to early development. This case report describes a woman with multiple uterine leiomyomas diagnosed with FH deficiency.

Patient concerns:

A 37-year-old woman visited a gynecological clinic for the discovery of uterine leiomyoma for more than 1 year. The size of the largest grew from 42 × 27 × 46 to 98 × 85 × 113 mm in 1 year. She had a history of surgery for breast cancer and thyroid cancer but denied a history of uterine leiomyoma in her family.

Diagnosis and Interventions:

The patient underwent successful transabdominal hysterectomy. The pathological results showed multiple uterine leiomyomas (partly cellular leiomyomas) with scattered large bizarre giant cells. Immunohistochemistry results demonstrated FH deficiency.

Outcomes:

On follow-up, the patient did not have any complications. She was finally referred to the oncologists and urologists for follow-up.

Lessons:

Gynecologists should be aware that early onset uterine leiomyoma presenting as large, multiple, and symptomatic lesion, may be associated with FH deficiency.
Can polyphenols improve the gut health status in pre-clinical study with diet-induced obesity?
Authors: Dias Lêda Karla Monteiro , de Medeiros Gidyenne Christine Bandeira Silva , Silva Ana Karolinne Nascimento , de Araujo Morais Ana Heloneida , da Silva-Maia Juliana Kelly
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Obesity is characterized as a low-grade inflammation that impairs physiological functions, including intestinal functioning and gut microbiota balance. Dietary polyphenols can be a strategy for obesity management, collaborating to preserve or recover gut health through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, as well as modulators of the microbiota. This study describes a systematic review protocol to elucidate effects of polyphenols on intestinal health of pre-clinical models with diet-induced obesity. AIM: Our aim is to evaluate evidence about polyphenols’ effects in the gut microbiota composition and diversity, parameters of the physical and molecular status of the gut barrier in obese models, additionally, understand the possible involved mechanisms.

Methodology:

A protocol was developed and published on PROSPERO (Registration No: CRD42021262445). Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols is used to outline the protocol. The articles will be selected according to the PICOS strategy (population, interventions, control, outcome, and study design) in the following databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE. Experimental studies performed on rats and mice with a control group that describes treatment with polyphenols (from food matrix or crude extracts or isolated compounds) at any frequency, time, and dose will be included. Two reviewers will, independently, select the papers, extract data, and evaluate the data quality. The Systematic Review Center for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) tool will be used to assess the risk of bias.

Expected results:

Results will be showed through of native synthesis and, if possible, a metanalysis will be conducted. The review produced with this protocol can show the scientific evidence level about polyphenols’ effects in intestinal health in obesity status.
Acupuncture for headache in COVID-19
Authors: Sun Mi , Jin Xian , Zang Mingxiao , Jiang Weijia , Zhao Chunxiao , Bi Jieyu , Yu Huijuan , Tan Qiwen
Published: December 2021

Background:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory infectious disease which making people difficult to breathe and often accompanied with headache. Acupuncture have been proved the therapeutic effect on headache, but there has been no high-quality evidence on acupuncture for the headache in COVID-19. This study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for headache in COVID-19.

Methods:

Randomized controlled trials from December 2019 to July 2021 will be included without restrictions on language or publication date. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Databases, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, and VIP database will be searched. Two researchers will independently select studies, extract data and evaluate study quality. Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials will be used to assess the risk of bias of included studies. Statistical analyses will be performed using the Review Manager V.5.3 and stata 14.0.

Ethics and dissemination:

This study will not involve personal information. Ethical approval will not be required. We will publish the results in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO Trial registration number:

CRD42021270722
The effectiveness of cyclosporine A for patients with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Lv Juan , Luo Shizhi , Zhang Yunxia , Dai Enlai
Published: December 2021

Background:

The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy and safety of Cyclosporine A (CsA) for patients with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS).

Methods:

This study will be designed following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols statement guidelines. Studies are identified through systematic searches in November 2021 with no restrictions on date and time, and publication status using the following bibliographic databases: Embase, Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Library. The risk of bias of included studies is estimated by taking into consideration the characteristics including random sequence generation, allocation concealment, blinding of patients, blinding of outcome assessment, completeness of outcome data, selective reporting, and other bias by Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Data synthesis and analyses are performed using Stata version 10.0 software.

Results:

The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Conclusion:

CsA may be an effective and safe therapy for SRNS. However, additional randomized controlled studies are needed to thoroughly assess the role of CsA in the treatment of SRNS.

Open Science Framework registration number:

10.17605/OSF.IO/P6YB9
Utilizing point-of-care A1c to impact outcomes – can we make it happen in primary care?
Authors: Rhyu Jane , Lambrechts Sylvia , Han Maria A. , Freeby Matthew J.
Published: December 2021

Purpose of review

Hemoglobin A1c testing provides a marker of glycemic control and is the standard for diabetes risk assessment. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), only 67.3–71.4% of diabetic patients between 2011 and 2016 had at least two A1c levels tested per year. Moreover, 27.8% had uncontrolled diabetes with an A1c of ≥8.0%, increasing the risk of microvascular complications. Lack of monitoring presents a significant barrier, and improving ease of testing could improve glycemic control.

Recent findings

Point-of-care (POC) A1c testing, obtained via capillary blood with results provided in 5–6 min, is available and used frequently in endocrine clinics. However, POC A1c testing is not standard in primary care, where 90% of type 2 diabetes patients are treated. Barriers include access and costs of POC A1c machines and standardization of testing in the primary care setting. Review of literature, however, suggests that POC A1c testing in primary care may lead to A1c reduction whereas being potentially cost-effective and strengths the patient–physician relationship.

POC A1c testing in primary care, if widely available and integrated into workflow, has the potential to positively impact diabetes care. Real-time feedback may change patient and physician behaviors, allowing earlier therapeutic intensification.
Acute Pancreatitis in COVID-19-associated Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome of Children—A Single Center Experience
Authors: Acharyya Bhaswati C , Dutta Monideepa , Meur Saumen , Das Dhritabrata , Acharyya Saumyabrata
Published: December 2021

Objectives:

A multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) was identified as an entity temporally associated with the present COVID-19 pandemic. This inflammatory syndrome affects various organ systems including the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary systems. The following study was undertaken to primarily detect the fraction of children who had pancreatitis as major organ involvement during the development of MIS-C. The secondary objective was to evaluate their clinical and investigational profile as well as the outcome of management.

Methods:

A retrospective chart analysis of all children admitted in a tertiary pediatric center from April to December 2020, diagnosed as COVID-19 associated MIS-C, was done. Those presenting with acute pancreatitis were detected and detailed clinical features, investigations, treatments, as well as outcomes, were recorded.

Results:

A total of 17 children were diagnosed as MIS-C associated with SARS-CoV-2 in the above-mentioned period. Among them, 9 (53%) children had pancreatitis right from the start of the illness; 5 (56%) children with pancreatitis presented with shock. A very high CRP and cardiac involvement were observed in all. A severe reduction of myocardial contractility was associated with poor outcomes. Necrotic pancreatitis was not noted in any of them. A mortality of 22% was documented in this group and a 3-month outcome among those who survived displayed complete resolution of all cardiac as well as pancreatic abnormalities.

Conclusion:

Acute pancreatitis can be an essential cause of abdominal symptoms in COVID-19-related MIS-C. Pancreatitis may be considered to be one of the parameters in the diagnostic criteria of MIS-C.
Editorial: theme issue on coronavirus and surfaces
Authors: Edirisinghe OBE Mohan
Published: December 2021

Since the publication of the headline review on ‘Surface interactions and viability of coronaviruses' in
Journal of the Royal Society Interface
in January 2021 (
https://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2020.0798
), it has been my earnest desire to focus the minds of the scientific community on the role played by surfaces in the spread of COVID-19, especially the input physical sciences and engineering can impart to decelerate the spread of this disease worldwide. In fact, fig. 4 of the above-mentioned review clearly illustrated how persistence and viability of different coronavirus strains were dependent on widely used material surfaces. I thought the best way to achieve this goal on this rather complex and novel scientific issue was to put together a concise theme issue in
Interface Focus
where we bring together the opinions of a few internationally leading researchers on this important topic to collectively reduce the burden of COVID-19. Coronavirus and surfaces, the theme of this issue, is of utmost importance to many commercially significant industries such as packaging, textiles and metal forming. As the virus mutates and alters its anchoring and survival capabilities, this theme on coronavirus and surfaces will become more important, so we need to focus on this theme scientifically and methodically, with utmost urgency.
Streptomyces silvae sp. nov., isolated from forest soil
Authors: Besaury Ludovic , Martinet Lucas , Mühle Estelle , Clermont Dominique , Rémond Caroline
Published: December 2021

A bacterial strain, named For3T, was isolated from forest soil sampled in Champenoux, France. Based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence, the strain was affiliated to the family

Streptomycetaceae

and, more specifically, to the genus

Streptomyces

. The strain had 99.93% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to its closest relative strains

Streptomyces pratensis

ATCC 33331T,

Streptomyces anulatus

ATCC 27416T,

Streptomyces setonii

NRRL ISP-5322T and Kitasatospora papulosa NRRL B-16504T. The phylogenomic tree using the genome blast distance phylogeny method showed that the closest relative strain was

Streptomyces atroolivaceus

NRRL ISP-5137T and that For3T represents a new branch among the

Streptomyces

. Genome relatedness indexes revealed that the average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values between For3T and its closest phylogenomic relative (

S. atroolivaceus

NRRL ISP-5137T) were 88.39 and 39.2 %, respectively. The G+C content of the genome was 71.4 mol% and its size was 7.96 Mb with 7492 protein-coding genes. Strain For3T harboured complete metabolic pathways absent in the closest relative strains such as cellulose biosynthesis, glycogen degradation I, glucosylglycerate biosynthesis I. Anteiso-C15:0, iso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:0 and MK-9(H4)/MK-9(H6) were the predominant cellular fatty acids and respiratory quinones, respectively. Phenotypic and genomic data supported the assignment of strain For3T to a novel species Streptomyces silvae sp. nov., within the genus

Streptomyces

, for which the type strain is For3T (=CIP 111908T=LMG 32186T).
The parapoxvirus Orf virus ORF116 gene encodes an antagonist of the interferon response
Authors: AlDaif Basheer A. , Mercer Andrew A. , Fleming Stephen B.
Published: December 2021

Orf virus (ORFV) is the type species of the Parapoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family. Genetic and functional studies have revealed ORFV has multiple immunomodulatory genes that manipulate innate immune responses, during the early stage of infection. ORF116 is a novel gene of ORFV with hitherto unknown function. Characterization of an ORF116 deletion mutant showed that it replicated in primary lamb testis cells with reduced levels compared to the wild-type and produced a smaller plaque phenotype. ORF116 was shown to be expressed prior to DNA replication. The potential function of ORF116 was investigated by gene-expression microarray analysis in HeLa cells infected with wild-type ORFV or the ORF116 deletion mutant. The analysis of differential cellular gene expression revealed a number of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) differentially expressed at either 4 or 6 h post infection. IFI44 showed the greatest differential expression (4.17-fold) between wild-type and knockout virus. Other ISGs that were upregulated in the knockout included RIG-I, IFIT2, MDA5, OAS1, OASL, DDX60, ISG20 and IFIT1 and in addition the inflammatory cytokine IL-8. These findings were validated by infecting HeLa cells with an ORF116 revertant recombinant virus and analysis of transcript expression by quantitative real time-PCR (qRT-PCR). These observations suggested a role for the ORFV gene ORF116 in modulating the IFN response and inflammatory cytokines. This study represents the first functional analysis of ORF116.