bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered oral microbiota composition associated with recurrent aphthous stomatitis in young females
Authors: Zhu Zhengyang , He Zhixing , Xie Guanqun , Fan Yongsheng , Shao Tiejuan
Published: March 2021

Oral microbiota has been implicated in pathogenesis of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), which is a common mucosal disorder with unclear etiology. This study has explored the association between oral microbiota disorder and RAS in high-risk young female population.

Forty-five young females were enrolled, including 24 RAS patients and 21 healthy individuals. Oral microbiome was analyzed by Illumina Miseq sequencing.

Oral microbiota associated with RAS was characterized by the lower alpha-diversity indices (Chao1 and ACE). Several infectious pathogens increased in RAS, such as genera Actinobacillus, Haemophilus, Prevotella and Vibrio. The PICRUSt analysis indicated that the oral microbiota might be related with the up-regulation of genes involving infectious and neurodegenerative diseases, environmental adaptation, the down-regulation of genes involving basal metabolism, such as carbohydrate, energy, and amino acid metabolism.

This study indicated that oral microbiota may play a significant role in RAS development.
Antibiotic susceptibility guided reuse of levofloxacin-based therapy in a penicillin-allergic patient for Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Kong Siya , Chen Han , Huang Keting , Jin Duochen , Zhang Guoxin , Ye Feng
Published: March 2021

Rationale:

Antibiotic resistance poses a challenge for Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment. Current guidelines strongly recommend avoiding repeated treatments with the same antibiotic to prevent the emergence of drug resistance. However, for penicillin-allergic patients with recurrent H. pylori eradication failures, avoiding repeated treatments with the same antibiotic severely limits the choice of treatment.

Patient concerns:

A 47-year-old woman with a penicillin allergy for whom 2 previous levofloxacin and bismuth-based therapies had failed.

Diagnosis:

H. pylori infection.

Interventions:

Agar dilution susceptibility testing and gene sequence analysis was performed to confirm levofloxacin susceptibility again. Therefore, we treated her with a 14-day regimen consisting of levofloxacin (500 mg once daily), furazolidone (100 mg twice daily), colloidal bismuth pectin (220 mg twice daily), and esomeprazole (20 mg twice daily).

Outcomes:

The patient was successfully treated with a third levofloxacin and bismuth-based regimen.

Lessons:

Antibiotics included in previous failed therapies need not be eliminated if no antibiotic resistance is found on antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
The effect of probiotics on functional constipation in adults
Authors: Mitelmão Fabiana Cristina Rosa , Bergamaschi Cristiane de Cassia , Gerenutti Marli , Hächel Karin , Silva Marcus Tolentino , Balcão Victor M. , Vila Marta Maria Duarte Carvalho
Published: March 2021

Background

: Evacuation disorders are common in industrialized countries, affecting an average of 15% to 20% of the healthy adult population. Probiotic therapy can reduce functional constipation and increase both the number of weekly bowel movements and quality of stools. Based on the hypothesis that a combination of more strains may provide better results for constipation and facilitate adherence to treatment, this study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination of different strains of Lactobacillus sp. and Bifidobacterium sp. in functional constipation.

Methods

: A single-centre trial of adults aged 20 to 80 years with intestinal constipation will be conducted at a Gastroenterology Clinic in Sorocaba, State of São Paulo, Brazil. Participants will be allocated into 3 groups receiving:

The outcomes of interest will be change in frequency of weekly bowel movements, change in stool quality according to the 4–6 Bristol scale, number of volunteer withdrawal, number of adverse events and number of serious adverse effect.

Discussion:

The probiotic products are expected to induce beneficial changes in the intestinal microbiota, thereby increasing intestinal frequency to over 3 times a week and improving stool quality. The results can guide patients and healthcare practitioners and help in decision-making in the treatment of functional constipation.

Trial registration and registry name:

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04437147: The Effect of Probiotics on Functional Constipation in Adults: Study protocol for Double blind, Randomized, Placebo controlled Study

Protocol Version:

Version 01 August 30, 2020.
Expression patterns and prognostic value of m6A RNA methylation regulators in adrenocortical carcinoma
Authors: Fu Yang , Sun Shanshan , Bi Jianbin , Kong Chuize , Yin Lei
Published: March 2021

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is considered a rare cancer with poor prognosis. We used public datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases to assess the relationships between N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-related genes and ACC.

We used the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to compare m6A-related gene expression in ACC tissues with that in normal tissues. Then, ACC patients were grouped based on a cluster analysis of m6A-related gene expression. m6A-related genes that were significantly associated with survival were incorporated into a risk signature, and 2 groups were divided according to median risk score. Fisher exact tests were utilized to analyze differences in clinical variables between groups. We compared the overall survival (OS) rates of the groups by means of Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression analyses.

We found that RBM15, ZC3H3, YTDHF1, YTDHF2, and ALBH5 were overexpressed in ACC and that KIAA1429, YTHDC1, HNRNPC, WTAP, METTL3, and FTO were down regulated in ACC. In addition, membership in cluster 2 or the high-risk group was associated with advanced clinical factors and poor prognosis. The univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses showed that risk score can be considered an independent prognostic factor for ACC.

We found that the expression of m6A-related genes could be used as an independent prognostic factor in ACC. However, the current study has some limitations, and further studies of m6A-related genes in ACC are needed.
Association between the nurse-led program with mental health status, quality of life, and heart failure rehospitalization in chronic heart failure patients
Authors: Mo Yuzhu , Chu Mingzi , Hu Wenxiong , Wang Haiyan
Published: March 2021

The nurse-led program is associated with a short-term improvement of mental health status (MHS) and quality of life (QOL) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Nonetheless, the long-term effect of this program is undetermined. The aims of the current study were to evaluate the 1-year effects of the nurse-led program on MHS, QOL, and heart failure (HF) rehospitalization among patients with CHF.

CHF patients in the control group received standard care, and patients in the treatment group received standard care plus telehealth intervention including inquiring patients’ medical condition, providing feedbacks, counseling and providing positive and emotional talk with the patients. At the third, sixth, and twelfth month's follow-up, patients were called by registered nurses to assess the Mental Health Inventory-5 (MHI-5) and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) scores. HF rehospitalization was also assessed.

A total of 300 patients were included and 46% (n = 138) of the patients were in the treatment group. There were no significant between-group differences in the MHI-5 and KCCQ scores at baseline. In the control group, the MHI-5 score was gradually decreased with follow-up and the score was significantly lower than that in the treatment group since the third month's follow-up (63.5 ± 10.6 vs 73.6 ± 10.3). Compared with the treatment group, KCCQ score was lower in the control group from the third month's follow-up (64.3 ± 10.6 vs 73.5 ± 12.3) until the end of the twelfth months’ follow-up (45.3 ± 11.2 vs 60.8 ± 11.1). During 12 months’ follow-up, the proportion of patients who experienced HF rehospitalization was lower in the treatment group (19.6% vs 24.1%). After adjusting for covariates, the utilization of the nurse-led program, and increase of MHI-5 and KCCQ scores were associated with reduced risk of HF rehospitalization.

The nurse-led program is beneficial for the improvement of MHS and QOL for CHF patients, which might contribute to the reduction of HF rehospitalization.
Cardiac mortality benefit of direct admission to percutaneous coronary intervention–capable hospital in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Kang Min Gyu , Kang Yoomee , Kim Kyehwan , Park Hyun Woong , Koh Jin-Sin , Park Jeong Rang , Hwang Seok-Jae , Ahn Jong-Hwa , Park Yongwhi , Jeong Young-Hoon , Kwak Choong Hwan , Hwang Jin-Yong
Published: March 2021

Appropriate risk stratification and timely revascularization of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are available in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) – capable hospitals (PCHs). This study evaluated whether direct admission vs inter-hospital transfer influences cardiac mortality in patients with AMI. This study was conducted in the PCH where the patients were able to arrive within an hour. The inclusion criteria were AMI with a symptom onset time within 24 hours and having undergone PCI within 24 hours after admission. The cumulative incidence of cardiac death after percutaneous coronary intervention was evaluated in the direct admission versus inter-hospital transfer groups. Among the 3178 patients, 2165 (68.1%) were admitted via inter-hospital transfer. Patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the direct admission group had a reduced symptom onset-to-balloon time (121 minutes, P < .001). With a median period of 28.4 (interquartile range, 12.0–45.6) months, the cumulative incidence of 2-year cardiac death was lower in the direct admission group (NSTEMI, 9.0% vs 11.0%, P = .136; STEMI, 9.7% vs 13.7%, P = .040; AMI, 9.3% vs 12.3%, P = .014, respectively). After the adjustment for clinical variables, inter-hospital transfer was the determinant of cardiac death (hazard ratio, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–2.33; P = .016). Direct PCH admission should be recommended for patients with suspected AMI and could be a target for reducing cardiac mortality.
Cronkhite—Canada syndrome associated with perianal condyloma acuminatum with malignant transformation
Authors: Wang Wei , Cheng Xian-yong , Xue Feng , Liu Hai-yan , Lian Hai-feng , Liu Cheng-xia
Published: March 2021

Rationale:

Cronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS) is a rare non-familial polyposis syndrome characterized by multiple gastrointestinal polyps with the ectodermal triad. To date, many complications of CCS have been reported in the literature, but perianal condyloma acuminatum with malignant transformation has not been included.

Patient concerns:

This report presents the case of a 52-year-old Chinese man who presented with diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss. He developed skin pigmentation and atrophy of the fingernails and toenails. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, colonoscopy, capsule endoscopy, and enteroscopy revealed diffuse polyps along the entire digestive tract. Histopathological examination revealed polyps of different pathological types dominated by hamartoma. Physical examination revealed a crissum cauliflower-like neoplasm (2.5 × 2.0 cm). After perianal tumor resection, pathology suggested that this was a perianal condylomatous lesion with malignant transformation, as well as well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma.

Diagnoses:

These clinical features and endoscopic findings were consistent with CCS which associated with perianal condyloma acuminatum with malignant transformation.

Intervention:

Clinical remission was achieved with glucocorticoid, azathioprine, and nutritional support.

Outcome:

At the 4-year follow-up, the patient had no diarrhea or loss of appetite, had gained 13 kg in weight, and the perianal tumor had not recurred.

Lessons:

No previous report has described CCS in a patient with perianal condyloma acuminatum with malignant transformation. As both conditions are related to immune disorders, their occurrence may be correlated.
Effect of replacing ambulance physicians with paramedics on outcome of resuscitation for prehospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Bjornsson Hjalti Mar , Bjornsdottir Gudrun G. , Olafsdottir Hronn , Mogensen Brynjolfur Arni , Mogensen Brynjolfur , Thorgeirsson Gestur
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Limited evidence suggests that the presence of a prehospital physician improves survival from cardiac arrest. A retrospective study is undertaken to examine this question. In Reykjavik, Iceland, prehospital physicians on ambulances were replaced by emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in 2007. The aim of this study is to compare the outcome of prehospital resuscitation from cardiac arrest during periods of time with and without prehospital physician involvement.

Methods

All cardiac arrests that underwent prehospital resuscitation by emergency medical systems between 2004 and 2014 were included. The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge, and the secondary outcome was return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Subgroup analyses were performed according to the type of cardiac arrest.

Results

A total of 471 cardiac arrests were included for analysis, 200 treated by prehospital physicians from 2004 to 2007 and 271 treated by EMTs from 2008 to 2014. The overall rate of survival to hospital discharge and ROSC was 23 and 50% during the study period. No significant difference was observed in the rate of survival to hospital discharge [25 vs 22%, difference 3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 11–5%)] or ROSC [53 vs 47%, difference −6% (95% CI: 15–3%)] between these two time periods. In the subgroup of patients with pulseless electrical activity, survival to hospital discharge did not differ between the two periods, but the rate of ROSC was higher in the ‘physician period’ [50 vs 30%, difference −20% (95% CI: −40 to −1%)].

Conclusions

The presence of a prehospital physician on the ambulance was not found to result in a significant improvement in survival or ROSC after cardiac arrest compared to care by EMTs. Patients with pulseless electrical activity experienced an increase in ROSC when a physician was present but without improvement in survival to hospital discharge.
Homelessness and Veteran Status in Relation to Nonfatal and Fatal Opioid Overdose in Massachusetts
Authors: Jasuja Guneet K. , Bettano Amy , Smelson David , Bernson Dana , Rose Adam J. , Byrne Thomas , Berlowitz Dan R. , McCullough Megan B. , Miller Donald R.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Compared with non-Veterans, Veterans are at higher risk of experiencing homelessness, which is associated with opioid overdose.

Objective:

To understand how homelessness and Veteran status are related to risks of nonfatal and fatal opioid overdose in Massachusetts.

Design:

A cross-sectional study.

Participants:

All residents aged 18 years and older during 2011–2015 in the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Data Warehouse (Veterans: n=144,263; non-Veterans: n=6,112,340). A total of 40,036 individuals had a record of homelessness, including 1307 Veterans and 38,729 non-Veterans.

Main Measures:

The main independent variables were homelessness and Veteran status. Outcomes included nonfatal and fatal opioid overdose.

Results:

A higher proportion of Veterans with a record of homelessness were older than 45 years (77% vs. 48%), male (80% vs. 62%), or receiving high-dose opioid therapy (23% vs. 15%) compared with non-Veterans. The rates of nonfatal and fatal opioid overdose in Massachusetts were 85 and 16 per 100,000 residents, respectively. Among individuals with a record of homelessness, these rates increased 31-fold to 2609 and 19-fold to 300 per 100,000 residents. Homelessness and Veteran status were independently associated with higher odds of nonfatal and fatal opioid overdose. There was a significant interaction between homelessness and Veteran status in their effects on risk of fatal overdose.

Conclusions:

Both homelessness and Veteran status were associated with a higher risk of fatal opioid overdoses. An understanding of health care utilization patterns can help identify treatment access points to improve patient safety among vulnerable individuals both in the Veteran population and among those experiencing homelessness.
Predictors of Nursing Home Admission Among a Cohort of Homeless Older Adults Entering Emergency Shelter
Authors: Byrne Thomas , Roncarati Jill S. , Miller Daniel P.
Published: March 2021

Objective:

This study examined the extent and timing of nursing home admissions among older adults who had their first visit at an emergency shelter or re-entered after an extended absence. We assessed the relationships between demographic characteristics, health and behavioral health conditions, and health services utilization measures and the risk of nursing home admission.

Methods:

We linked administrative data from the emergency shelter system in Boston, MA to claims data from the Massachusetts Medicaid program. Using the linked data, we identified a cohort of 432 adults aged 55 and above who entered the shelter for the first time (or re-entered after an extended absence) between 2012 and 2015. We estimated Kaplan-Meier survival curves and hazard functions to describe the extent and timing of nursing home admissions in this population following the date of their initial shelter entry and Cox proportional hazards regression models to identify predictors of the risk of nursing home admission.

Results:

Roughly 12% of the study cohort had a nursing home admission within 4 years of their initial shelter entry and risk of shelter admission was highest in the first few months following shelter entry. Older age, diagnoses indicating alcohol use disorder, greater overall disease burden, and a prior history of nursing home admission were all associated with a higher risk of nursing home admission following shelter entry.

Conclusions:

Amidst ongoing growth in the number of older homeless adults, our study findings have important implications for efforts to meet the housing and health needs of this population.
Whole Blood miR-210, miR-122, miR-223 Expression Levels and Their Relationship With Iron Status Parameters and Hypercoagulability Indices in Children With Iron Deficiency Anemia
Authors: Özdemir Zeynep C. , Düzenli Kar Yeter , Bör Özcan
Published: March 2021

MicroRNAs have the potential to regulate systemic and cellular iron homeostasis at multiple points. In iron deficiency anemia (IDA), hypoxia, platelet reactivity, and potentially microRNAs play a role in the development of hypercoagulability. A total of 57 children diagnosed with IDA between October 2016 and October 2017 and 48 healthy children were included in this cross-sectional study. Blood count parameters, serum iron, transferrin saturation, ferritin level, maximum clot firmness (MCF), and clot formation time index, which are indicators of hypercoagulability in rotational thromboelastometry test, of the IDA and control groups obtained in our previous study were recorded. miR-210, miR-122, and miR-223 levels were analyzed. There was no difference in the miR-210, miR-122, and miR-223 levels between the IDA and control groups. Patients with hemoglobin (Hb) <8 g/dL had higher miR-210 levels than patients with Hb>8 g/dL (P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between miR-210 and Hb and ferritin levels, a positive correlation between miR-122 and ferritin levels, and a negative correlation between miR-223 and MCF index. In IDA, there is a close relationship between the severity of anemia and miR-210, and miR-210 expression is slightly increased in those with severe anemia. miR-210 and miR-122 collectively play a role in maintaining the iron balance. The correlation between miR-223, a platelet function regulator, and the MCF index, suggested that miR-223 has a role in the development of hypercoagulability in IDA.
Telehealth and chronic pain management from rapid adaptation to long-term implementation in pain medicine: A narrative review
Authors: Perez Jordi , Niburski Kacper , Stoopler Michelle , Ingelmo Pablo
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic called for drastic changes to expand and rapidly implement telehealth to prevent breach of care for chronic patients. Responding to the challenge of implementing remote care in chronic pain services, a specialty highly dependent on doctor–patient rapport, physical examination, and frequent follow-up visits requires extensive adaptation involving administrative processes and clinical routines. We present our experience of a successful rapid adaptation to telemedicine paradigm as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic during a time of marked restriction of access to ambulatory hospital services for pediatric and adult chronic pain patients. This narrative review covers current scientific evidence for the use of telehealth for chronic pain management and describes in detail the challenges to implement telemedicine in ambulatory clinics from different perspectives. Best practices for telehealth use are recommended. A proposal for remote physical examination of pain patients is made, based on available evidence in the fields of musculoskeletal medicine and neurology comparing in-person vs remote physical examination. As an internal quality control process, an informal online survey was conducted to assess thoughts and experiences among patients and caregivers using telemedicine consultation services at the pediatric pain clinic. Providing chronic pain management services through telehealth is a viable option for many patients and health care professionals. This is reliant on the availability of appropriate materials and training, with guidelines for both patients and health care workers. With the rapid pace of technological advancements, even further integration of telehealth into routine health care is possible.
Plasma biomarker factors associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with perinatal HIV infection and controlled viremia
Authors: Kapetanovic Suad , Giganti Mark J. , Abzug Mark J. , Lindsey Jane C. , Sirois Patricia A. , Montepiedra Grace , Canniff Jennifer , Agwu Allison , Boivin Michael J. , Weinberg Adriana
Published: March 2021

Objective:

We examined relationships between plasma biomarkers and neurodevelopment in children from sub-Saharan Africa with perinatal HIV (PHIV) with controlled viremia on antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Design:

Longitudinal retrospective cohort study of children with controlled blood HIV replication.

Methods:

Children (N = 213; 57% girls) started ART at less than 3 years of age, had neurodevelopmental assessments (cognition, attention/impulsivity, motor proficiency, global executive functions) at 5–11 years, and achieved controlled viremia (HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/ml for ≥9 months before initial assessment). Twenty-three plasma biomarkers were measured at onset of controlled viremia, week 0 (first neurodevelopmental assessment), and week 48 (second neurodevelopmental assessment). Factor analysis was conducted at each time point. Multivariable linear regressions assessed associations between factors and neurodevelopmental scores.

Results:

Median age at week 0 was 7.0 years. Eighteen biomarkers loaded on six factors: a (L-10, IFNγ, IFNα2, IL-1β, IL-6, IP-10, TNFα); B (sCD163, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, CRP); C (sE-selectin, sP-selectin); D [MIP-1β, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A]; E (sCD14, CRP); and F (CX3CL1, MCP-1). Higher factor B scores were consistently associated with worse cognition and attention/impulsivity, and higher factor D scores with better attention/impulsivity.

Conclusion:

These results suggest a detrimental effect of increased endothelial cell activation (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1) and monocyte/macrophage scavenger function (sCD163) and a beneficial effect of increased CCR5 ligand and HIV entry blocker MIP-1β and angiogenesis stimulant-VEGF concentrations on the neurodevelopment of children with PHIV. The model that emerges is of vascular inflammation leading to neurodevelopmental deficits. The role of persistent HIV replication in the central nervous system also needs to be further explored.
Redistribution of brain glucose metabolism in people with HIV after antiretroviral therapy initiation
Authors: Wang Zeping , Manion Maura M. , Laidlaw Elizabeth , Rupert Adam , Lau Chuen-Yen , Smith Bryan R. , Nath Avindra , Sereti Irini , Hammoud Dima A.
Published: March 2021

Objective:

We evaluated brain glucose metabolism in people living with HIV (PWH) with [18F]-Fluoro-Deoxyglucose (FDG) PET/computed tomography (CT) before and after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation.

Design:

We conducted a longitudinal study wherein ART-naive late-presenting untreated PWH with CD4+ cell counts less than 100 cells/μl were prospectively assessed for FDG uptake at baseline and at 4–8 weeks (n = 22) and 19–26 months (n = 11) following ART initiation.

Methods:

Relative uptake in the subcortical regions (caudate, putamen and thalamus) and cortical regions (frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital cortices) were compared across time and correlated with biomarkers of disease activity and inflammation, in addition to being compared with a group of uninfected individuals (n = 10).

Results:

Before treatment initiation, putaminal and caudate relative FDG uptake values in PWH were significantly higher than in uninfected controls. Relative putaminal and thalamic uptake significantly decreased shortly following ART initiation, while frontal cortex values significantly increased. FDG uptake changes correlated with changes in CD4+ cell counts and viral load, and, in the thalamus, with IL-6R and sCD14. Approximately 2 years following ART initiation, there was further decrease in subcortical relative uptake values, reaching levels below those of uninfected controls.

Conclusion:

Our findings support pretreatment basal ganglia and thalamic neuroinflammatory changes in PWH, which decrease after treatment with eventual unmasking of long-term irreversible neuronal damage. Meanwhile, increased frontal cortex metabolism following ART initiation suggests reversible cortical dysfunction which improves with virologic control and increased CD4+ cell counts. Early initiation of treatment after HIV diagnosis and secondary control of inflammation are thus necessary to halt neurological damage in PWH.
Transfacial Exposures of the Anterior Skull Base and Cervical Spine: Straightforward “Line-of-Sight” Algorithm for Selection of Approach
Authors: Powers Jeremy M. , Sachanandani Neil , Chaiyasate Kongkrit
Published: March 2021

Surgical treatment for tumors of the skull base remains gross total resection with microscopic negative margins. Sufficient surgical access is paramount to adequate treatment but must be balanced with patient morbidity and protection of vital neurovascular structures. While endoscopic surgery has made transfacial access less common, there are still indications for open transfacial exposure including tumors that involve facial soft tissues, the palate, anterolateral frontal sinus, dural involvement lateral to the mid-pupillary line, tumor recurrence/repeat resection, and/or lack of access to endoscopic equipment or expertise. The authors present a “line-of-sight” algorithm for selection of approach, discuss pre-operative planning, review selected clinical experiences, and discuss the role of microsurgery and prevention of complications.
Analysis of Sagittal Position Changes of the Condyle After Mandibular Setback Surgery Across the Four Different Types of Plating Systems
Authors: Ku Jeong-Kui , Choi Sun-Kyu , Lee Jung-Gon , Yu Han-Chang , Kim Sang-Yun , Kim Young-Kyun , Shin Yonsoo , Lee Nam-Ki
Published: March 2021

The authors analyzed the three-dimensional postoperative condylar position change across the plating systems. This retrospective study was conducted with the patients who underwent bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy with setback surgery. The condylar change was analyzed from preoperative cone-beam computed tomography to postoperative 1 month (T1) and postoperative 6 months (T2) using superimposition software, automatically merging based on the anterior cranial base. The condylar changes during T1 and T2 were analyzed across the four types of plates (4-hole sliding, heart-shaped, 3-hole sliding, and 4-hole conventional) Mean intraclass correlation coefficient values were consistently high for each measurement (>0.850). During T1, the conventional plate had a decreased condylar anterior distance when compared with the 3-hole sliding plate (P = 0.032). During T2, the conventional plate had an increased condylar posterior distance when compared with the 3-hole sliding plate (P = 0.031). Superimposition software based on the anterior cranial base could be available for measurement of condylar position with highly reproducible results. After bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy, the 3-hole sliding plate could effectively compensate for the anterior displacement of the condyle compared to other plates.
Skating on Thin Ice: Craniofacial Injuries in Amateur Ice Hockey
Authors: Pierrot Randall G. , Weber Lee E. , Wolfe Erin M. , Slavin Benjamin R. , Eidelson Sarah A. , Plotsker Ethan , Mathew Prakash J. , Thaller Seth R.
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Hockey is a sport of high speeds, projectiles, and slick surfaces. A scenario is ripe for craniofacial injuries. Annually, over 1 million Americans, with many more abroad participate in organized hockey. This number continues to grow at youth, amateur and professional levels. Following the characterization of groups with the highest incidence of hockey-related craniofacial injuries, our goal is to propose guidelines for the acute management of hockey-related craniofacial injuries in amateur settings.

Methods:

This study follows a 10-year retrospective cohort design, examining hockey-related craniofacial injury data derived from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database. Within the NEISS data, patients were stratified by age, gender, and ethnicity to allow for analysis and comparison between groups.

Results:

Sample data consisted of 2,544 hockey-related craniofacial injuries treated in US emergency departments between 2010 and 2019. Majority of the injuries included in this analysis involved patients within the 12–18-year-old age group (53.8%). Of the diagnoses, concussion was the most frequent hockey-related craniofacial injury (39.9%). Dental injuries represented the least (1%). In the 12 to 18 age group, the diagnoses concussion, fracture, and laceration differed significantly from the null hypothesis of equality of proportions across all injury types (P < 0.05). Similarly, within the 19 to 34 age group, the diagnoses of concussion, fracture, laceration, and internal injury differed significantly from the null hypothesis of assumed equality of proportion (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

High incidence of hockey-related craniofacial injury among patients 12 to 18 years of age signals a need for continued interventions targeted towards this age group. Increased sideline personnel training and education, as well as promoting a stricter adherence to established guidelines are integral parts of a greater strategy towards reducing injury incidence. Working towards reducing injuries and making participation in hockey safer, should be a goal as the sport continues to experience a historic rise in interest and participation.
Flavobacterium phycosphaerae sp. nov. isolated from the phycosphere of Microcystis aeruginosa
Authors: Kim Minkyung , Lee Byoung-Hee , Lee Ki-Eun , Park Woojun
Published: March 2021

A novel aerobic bacterial strain, designated MK012T, was isolated from the phycosphere of

Microcystis aeruginosa

. MK012T appears to be Gram-stain-negative, non-motile and rod-shaped and has yellow pigments. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA revealed that this bacterium was most closely related to

Flavobacterium buctense

T7T (=JCM 30750T; 97.5 %),

Flavobacterium dankookense

ARSA-19T (=KCTC 23179T; 97.5 %) and

Flavobacterium macrobrachii

an-8T (=DSM 22219T; 97.3 %). The genome size and genomic DNA G+C content of MK012T were estimated at 3.3 Mbp and 37.6 mol%, respectively. The average nucleotide identity (ANI), average amino acid identity (AAI) and in silico DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values of MK012T and the members of the genus

Flavobacterium

were found to be 71.8–78.3 %, 65.1–79.6% and 19.1–21.5 %, respectively. MK012T exhibited oxidase but no catalase activity. The cells grew at 14–36 °C (optimum, 25 °C), pH 5–10 (optimum, pH 7) and 0–0.4 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0 % NaCl) in R2A medium. MK012T did not produce flexirubin-type pigments. The predominant cellular fatty acids of MK012T were determined to be iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, and summed feature 9 (10-methyl C16 : 0 and/or iso-C17 : 1ω9c); MK-6 was identified as its only respiratory quinone. Its major polar lipids were determined to be phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids, and two unidentified polar lipids. The genotypic and phenotypic characteristics indicate that MK012T (=KACC 21509T=JCM 33879T) represents a novel species of the genus

Flavobacterium

; therefore, the name Flavobacterium phycosphaerae sp. nov. is proposed.
Bradyrhizobium agreste sp. nov., Bradyrhizobium glycinis sp. nov. and Bradyrhizobium diversitatis sp. nov., isolated from a biodiversity hotspot of the genus Glycine in Western Australia
Authors: Klepa Milena Serenato , Ferraz Helene Luisa Caroline , O’Hara Graham , Hungria Mariangela
Published: March 2021

Strains of the genus

Bradyrhizobium

associated with agronomically important crops such as soybean (Glycine max) are increasingly studied; however, information about symbionts of wild Glycine species is scarce. Australia is a genetic centre of wild Glycine species and we performed a polyphasic analysis of three

Bradyrhizobium

strains—CNPSo 4010T, CNPSo 4016T, and CNPSo 4019T—trapped from Western Australian soils with Glycine clandestina, Glycine tabacina and Glycine max, respectively. The phylogenetic tree of the 16S rRNA gene clustered all strains into the

Bradyrhizobium japonicum

superclade; strains CNPSo 4010T and CNPSo 4016T had

Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense

CCBAU 10071T as the closest species, whereas strain CNPSo 4019T was closer to

Bradyrhizobium liaoningense

LMG 18230T. The multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) with five housekeeping genes—dnaK, glnII, gyrB, recA and rpoB—confirmed the same clusters as the 16S rRNA phylogeny, but indicated low similarity to described species, with nucleotide identities ranging from 93.6 to 97.6% of similarity. Considering the genomes of the three strains, the average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values were lower than 94.97 and 59.80 %, respectively, with the closest species. In the nodC phylogeny, strains CNPSo 4010T and CNPSo 4019T grouped with

Bradyrhizobium zhanjiangense

and

Bradyrhizobium ganzhouense

, respectively, while strain CNPSo 4016T was positioned separately from the all symbiotic

Bradyrhizobium

species. Other genomic (BOX-PCR), phenotypic and symbiotic properties were evaluated and corroborated with the description of three new lineages of

Bradyrhizobium

. We propose the names of Bradyrhizobium agreste sp. nov. for CNPSo 4010T (=WSM 4802T=LMG 31645T) isolated from Glycine clandestina, Bradyrhizobium glycinis sp. nov. for CNPSo 4016T (=WSM 4801T=LMG 31649T) isolated from Glycine tabacina and Bradyrhizobium diversitatis sp. nov. for CNPSo 4019T (=WSM 4799T=LMG 31650T) isolated from G. max.
Muricauda sediminis sp. nov., isolated from western Pacific Ocean sediment
Authors: Zhu Sidong , Xue Zehao , Huang Yizhe , Chen Xiunuan , Ren Na , Chen Ting , Chen Yong , Yang Jifang , Chen Jigang
Published: March 2021

A Gram-stain-negative bacterium, designated strain 40Bstr401T, was isolated from a sediment sample collected from the western Pacific Ocean. Analysis of its 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain 40Bstr401Tbelongs to the genusMuricaudaand is closely related to type strainsMuricauda antarcticaAr-22T(98.2 %),Muricauda taeanensis105T(98.2 %) andMuricauda beolgyonensisBB-My12T(97.4 %). The average nucleotide identity values for 40Bstr401TwithM. antarcticaAr-22TandM. taeanensis105Tare 79.3 % and 78.8 %, respectively. Thein silicoDNA–DNA hybridization values between strain 40Bstr401TandM. antarcticaAr-22TandM. taeanensis105Tare 26.7 and 26.6 %, respectively. The major isoprenoid quinone of 40Bstr401Tis MK-6, and iso-C17 : 03-OH and iso-C15 : 0are the dominant cellular fatty acids. The major polar lipids are phosphatidylethanolamine, four unidentified amino lipids and two unidentified lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA is 42.9 mol%. Its phylogenetic distinctiveness and chemotaxonomic differences, together with the phenotypic properties observed in this study, indicate that strain 40Bstr401Tcan be differentiated from closely related species. Therefore, we propose strain 40Bstr401Trepresents a novel species in the genusMuricauda, for which the nameMuricauda sediminissp. nov. is suggested. The type strain is 40Bstr401T(=MCCC 1K04568T=KCTC 82139T).
Cell viability assay as a tool to study activity and inhibition of hepatitis C p7 channels
Authors: Breitinger Ulrike , Farag Noha S. , Ali Nourhan K. M. , Ahmed Marwa , El-Azizi Mohamed A. , Breitinger Hans-Georg
Published: March 2021

The p7 viroporin of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) forms an intracellular proton-conducting transmembrane channel in virus-infected cells, shunting the pH of intracellular compartments and thus helping virus assembly and release. This activity is essential for virus infectivity, making viroporins an attractive target for drug development. The protein sequence and drug sensitivity of p7 vary between the seven major genotypes of the hepatitis C virus, but the essential channel activity is preserved. Here, we investigated the effect of several inhibitors on recombinant HCV p7 channels corresponding to genotypes 1a–b, 2a–b, 3a and 4a using patch-clamp electrophysiology and cell-based assays. We established a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT)-based cell viability assay for recombinant p7 expressed in HEK293 cells to assess channel activity and its sensitivity to inhibitors. The results from the cell viability assay were consistent with control measurements using established assays of haemadsorption and intracellular pH, and agreed with data from patch-clamp electrophysiology. Hexamethylene amiloride (HMA) was the most potent inhibitor of p7 activity, but possessed cytotoxic activity at higher concentrations. Rimantadine was active against p7 of all genotypes, while amantadine activity was genotype-dependent. The alkyl-chain iminosugarsNB-DNJ,NN-DNJ andNN-DGJ were tested and their activity was found to be genotype-specific. In the current study, we introduce cell viability assays as a rapid and cost-efficient technique to assess viroporin activity and identify channel inhibitors as potential novel antiviral drugs.
Prospective validation of smartphone-based heart rate and respiratory rate measurement algorithms
Authors: Bae Sean , Borac Silviu , Emre Yunus , Wang Jonathan , Wu Jiang , Kashyap Mehr , Kang Si-Hyuck , Chen Liwen , Moran Melissa , Cannon John , Teasley Eric S. , Chai Allen , Liu Yun , Wadhwa Neal , Krainin Mike , Rubinstein Michael , Maciel Alejandra , McConnell Michael V. , Patel Shwetak , Corrado Greg S. , Taylor James A. , Zhan Jiening , Po Ming Jack
Published: March 2021

Measuring vital signs plays a key role in both patient care and wellness, but can be challenging outside of medical settings due to the lack of specialized equipment. In this study, we prospectively evaluated smartphone camera-based techniques for measuring heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) for consumer wellness use. HR was measured by placing the finger over the rear-facing camera, while RR was measured via a video of the participants sitting still in front of the front-facing camera. In the HR study of 95 participants (with a protocol that included both measurements at rest and post exercise), the mean absolute percent error (MAPE) ± standard deviation of the measurement was 1.6% ± 4.3%, which was significantly lower than the pre-specified goal of 5%. No significant differences in the MAPE were present across colorimeter-measured skin-tone subgroups: 1.8% ± 4.5% for very light to intermediate, 1.3% ± 3.3% for tan and brown, and 1.8% ± 4.9% for dark. In the RR study of 50 participants, the mean absolute error (MAE) was 0.78 ± 0.61 breaths/min, which was significantly lower than the pre-specified goal of 3 breath/min. The MAE was low in both healthy participants (0.70 ± 0.67 breaths/min), and participants with chronic respiratory conditions (0.80 ± 0.60 breaths/min). Our results validate that smartphone camera-based techniques can accurately measure HR and RR across a range of pre-defined subgroups.
SARS-CoV-2 seroassay optimization and performance in a population with high background reactivity in Mali
Authors: Sagara Issaka , Woodford John , Dicko Alassane , Zeguime Amatigue , Doucoure M’Bouye , Kwan Jennifer , Zaidi Irfan , Doritchamou Justin , Snow-Smith Maryonne , Alani Nada , Renn Jonathan , Kosik Ivan , Holly Jaroslav , Yewdell Jonathan , Esposito Dominic , Sadtler Kaitlyn , Duffy Patrick
Published: March 2021

Serological tests are an indispensable tool to understand the epidemiology of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, particularly in areas where molecular diagnostics are limited. Poor assay performance may hinder the utility of these tests, including high rates of false-positivity previously reported in sub-Saharan Africa. From 312 Malian samples collected prior to 2020, we measured antibodies to the commonly tested SARS-CoV-2 antigens and four other betacoronaviruses by ELISA, and assessed functional cross-reactivity in a subset by SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus neutralization assay. We then evaluated the performance of an ELISA developed in the US, using two-antigen SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and receptor-binding domain. To optimize test performance, we compared single and two-antigen approaches using existing assay cutoffs and population-specific cutoffs for Malian control samples (positive and negative). Background reactivity to SARS-CoV-2 antigens was common in pre-pandemic samples compared to US controls (43.4% (135/311) for spike protein, 22.8% (71/312) for RBD, and 33.9% (79/233) for nucleocapsid protein). SARS-CoV-2 reactivity correlated weakly with other betacoronavirus reactivity, varied between Malian communities, and increased with age. No pre-pandemic samples demonstrated functional activity. Regardless of the cutoffs applied, specificity improved using a two-antigen approach. Test performance was optimal using a two-antigen assay with population-specific cutoffs derived from ROC curve analysis [Sensitivity: 73.9% (51.6-89.8), Specificity: 99.4% (97.7-99.9)]. In the setting of high background reactivity, such as sub-Saharan Africa, SARS-CoV-2 serological assays need careful qualification is to characterize the epidemiology of disease, prevent unnecessary harm, and allocate resources for targeted control measures.
Predicting the Efficacy of COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Donor Units with the Lumit Dx anti-Receptor Binding Domain Assay
Authors: Janaka Sanath Kumar , Clark Natasha M , Evans David T , Connor Joseph P
Published: March 2021

Background

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV2 that causes COVID-19 has resulted in the death of more than 2.5 million people, but no cure exists. Although passive immunization with COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) provides a safe and viable therapeutic option, the selection of optimal units for therapy in a timely fashion remains a barrier.

Study design and methods

Since virus neutralization is a necessary characteristic of plasma that can benefit recipients, the neutralizing titers of plasma samples were measured using a retroviral-pseudotype assay. Binding antibody titers to the spike (S) protein were also determined by a clinically available serological assay (Ortho-Vitros total IG), and an in-house ELISA. The results of these assays were compared to a measurement of antibodies directed to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV2 S protein (Promega Lumit Dx).

Results

All measures of antibodies were highly variable, but correlated, to different degrees, with each other. However, the anti-RBD antibodies correlated with viral neutralizing titers to a greater extent than the other antibody assays.

Discussion

Our observations support the use of an anti-RBD assay such as the Lumit Dx assay, as an optimal predictor of the neutralization capability of CCP.
Constitutional thinness and anorexia nervosa differ on a genomic level
Authors: Hübel Christopher , Abdulkadir Mohamed , Herle Moritz , Palmos Alish B. , Loos Ruth J.F. , Breen Gerome , Micali Nadia , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: March 2021

Constitutional thinness and anorexia nervosa are both characterised by persistent, extremely low weight with body mass indices (BMI) below 18.5 kg/m2. Individuals with anorexia nervosa concurrently show distorted perceptions of their own body and engage in weight-loss behaviours, whereas individuals with constitutional thinness typically wish to gain weight. Both are heritable, share genomics with BMI, but have not been shown to be genetically correlated with each other. We aim to differentiate between constitutional thinness and anorexia nervosa on a genomic level.

First, we estimated genetic correlations between constitutional thinness and eleven psychiatric disorders and compared them with anorexia nervosa using publicly available data. Second, we identified individuals with constitutional thinness in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) by latent class growth analysis of measured BMI from 10 to 24 years (n = 8,505) and assigned polygenic scores for eleven psychiatric disorders and a range of anthropometric traits to evaluate associations.

In contrast to anorexia nervosa, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (rgAN = 0.02 vs. rgCT = −0.24) and alcohol dependence (rgAN = 0.07 vs. rgCT = −0.44) showed a statistically significant negative genetic correlation with constitutional thinness. A higher polygenic score for posttraumatic stress disorder was associated with an increased risk of constitutional thinness in the ALSPAC cohort (OR = 1.27; Q = 0.03) whereas posttraumatic stress disorder shows no genetic correlation with anorexia nervosa (rg = −0.02). Overall, results suggest that constitutional thinness is different from anorexia nervosa on the genomic level.