bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pediatric case of Chlamydia psittaci caused severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in Italy
Authors: Marchese Serena , Marchese Giacomo , Paviglianiti Giuseppe , Lapi Maria , Ottoveggio Gaetano , Pipitone Giuseppe , Corsello Giovanni
Published: August 2023

Background

This case of psittacosis in children, is the first described in literature, in Italy. This respiratory infection can be transmitted to humans from the inhalation of respiratory secretions, feces and plumage aerosol of infected birds (and other animals). Usually it can have an asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic course, and the onset is often flu-like, but in this case the child risked his life for a severe respiratory failure. This report is unique because in children psittacosis is rare, and always misdiagnosed, or could cause a delayed diagnosis because of lack of awareness among the paediatricians and physicians. Furthermore, psittacosis enters a differential diagnosis with SARS-COV2 infection because both diseases may determine dyspnea and atypical pneumonia, up to acute respiratory failure.

Case presentation

This clinical case talks about a three-and-a-half-year-old male child affected by psittacosis (or ornithosis), with severe dyspnea and systemic symptoms who required oro-tracheal intubation for acute respiratory failure. The child had slept in a room at home, with some recently bought parrots affected by psittacosis. Initially the child was treated with empiric antibiotic therapy (i.v.ceftriaxone and teicoplanin), but after having isolated the DNA of the germ “Chlamydia psittaci” in both serological and through bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), he was treated with targeted antibiotic therapy: tetracyclines (doxicillin).

Conclusions

Psittacosis is an extremely contagious disease, caused by an intracellular germ, called “Chlamydia psittaci”, a Gram-negative bacterium, transmitted to humans in particular by infected birds, responsible for atypical pneumonia, with acute and chronic respiratory symptoms, sometimes with multi-organ failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Even if it is a rare respiratory disease among children, a good doctor must think about psittacosis as cause of respiratory symptoms (and not only flu or SARS-COV2), above all through a correct medical history, in order to provide a targeted antibiotic therapy. An interesting case of psittacosis in a child is being reported here, which has been treated successfully with doxycillin.
Transcutaneous electrical diaphragmatic stimulation in mechanically ventilated patients: a randomised study
Authors: Medrinal Clément , Machefert Margaux , Lamia Bouchra , Bonnevie Tristan , Gravier Francis-Edouard , Hilfiker Roger , Prieur Guillaume , Combret Yann
Published: August 2023

Background

Few specific methods are available to reduce the risk of diaphragmatic dysfunction for patients under mechanical ventilation. The number of studies involving transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the diaphragm (TEDS) is increasing but none report results for diaphragmatic measurements, and they lack power. We hypothesised that the use of TEDS would decrease diaphragmatic dysfunction and improve respiratory muscle strength in patients in ICU.

Methods

We conducted a controlled trial to assess the impact of daily active electrical stimulation versus sham stimulation on the prevention of diaphragm dysfunction during the weaning process from mechanical ventilation. The evaluation was based on ultrasound measurements of diaphragm thickening fraction during spontaneous breathing trials. We also measured maximal inspiratory muscle pressure (MIP), peak cough flow (PEF) and extubation failure.

Results

Sixty-six patients were included and randomised using a 1:1 ratio. The mean number of days of mechanical ventilation was 10 ± 6.8. Diaphragm thickening fraction was > 30% at the SBT for 67% of participants in the TEDS group and 54% of the Sham group (OR1.55, 95% CI 0.47–5.1; p = 0.47). MIP and PEF were similar in the TEDS and Sham groups (respectively 35.5 ± 11.9 vs 29.7 ± 11.7 cmH20; p = 0.469 and 83.2 ± 39.5 vs. 75.3 ± 34.08 L/min; p = 0.83). Rate of extubation failure was not different between groups.

Conclusion

TEDS did not prevent diaphragm dysfunction or improve inspiratory muscle strength in mechanically ventilated patients.

Trial registration: Prospectively registered on the 20th November 2019 on ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04171024.
Phenotypically sorted highly and weakly migratory triple negative breast cancer cells exhibit migratory and metastatic commensalism
Authors: Hapach Lauren A. , Wang Wenjun , Schwager Samantha C. , Pokhriyal Devika , Fabiano Emily D. , Reinhart-King Cynthia A.
Published: August 2023

Background

Intratumor heterogeneity is a well-established hallmark of cancer that impedes cancer research, diagnosis, and treatment. Previously, we phenotypically sorted human breast cancer cells based on migratory potential. When injected into mice, highly migratory cells were weakly metastatic and weakly migratory cells were highly metastatic. The purpose of this study was to determine whether these weakly and highly migratory cells interact with each other in vitro or in vivo.

Methods

To assess the relationship between heterogeneity in cancer cell migration and metastatic fitness, MDA-MB-231 and SUM159PT triple negative breast cancer cells were phenotypically sorted into highly migratory and weakly migratory subpopulations and assayed separately and in a 1:1 mixture in vitro and in vivo for metastatic behaviors. Unpaired, two-tailed Student’s t-tests, Mann–Whitney tests, ordinary, one-way ANOVAs, and Kruskal–Wallis H tests were performed as appropriate with p < 0.05 as the cutoff for statistical significance.

Results

When highly and weakly migratory cells are co-seeded in mixed spheroids, the weakly migratory cells migrated farther than weakly migratory only spheroids. In mixed spheroids, leader–follower behavior occurred with highly migratory cells leading the weakly migratory cells in migration strands. When cell suspensions of highly migratory, weakly migratory, or a 1:1 mixture of both subpopulations were injected orthotopically into mice, both the mixed cell suspensions and weakly migratory cells showed significant distal metastasis, but the highly migratory cells did not metastasize significantly to any location. Notably, significantly more distal metastasis was observed in mice injected with the 1:1 mixture compared to either subpopulation alone.

Conclusions

This study suggests that weakly migratory cells interact with highly migratory cells in a commensal fashion resulting in increased migration and metastasis. Together, these findings indicate that cancer cell subpopulation migration ability does not correlate with metastatic potential and that cooperation between highly migratory and weakly migratory subpopulations can enhance overall metastatic fitness.
Correlations between IL-36 family cytokines in peripheral blood and subjective and objective assessment results in patients with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Gu Jia , Qin Gang , Jiang Liang , Xu Wei , Wang Yuanyuan , Liao Jiangxue , Pan Hongzhu , Liang Zhuoping
Published: August 2023

Background

Interleukin (IL)-36 family cytokines have received increasing attention, especially in the fields of inflammation and immunity research. However, whether IL-36 family cytokine levels are correlated with the results of the assessment of allergic rhinitis (AR) and affect the severity of AR remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the correlations between IL-36 family cytokine levels and subjective and objective assessment results and to further analyze the possible mechanisms of IL-36 family cytokines in the development of AR.

Methods

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the concentrations of the IL-36 family cytokines IL-36α, IL-36β, IL-36γ, IL-36Ra, and IL-38 in the peripheral blood of patients with AR. The condition of patients with AR was assessed by 22-item sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT-22) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for disease severity, and serum inhalant allergen immunoglobulin E (IgE) detection. Correlations between IL-36 family cytokine levels and subjective and objective assessment results in patients with AR were analyzed.

Results

The concentration of IL-36α in the peripheral blood of patients with AR was the highest, and the concentration of IL-36β was the lowest. The concentration of IL-36α was higher in juvenile patients than in adult patients, and there was a difference in the IL-36Ra level between the perennial allergen group and the seasonal allergen group. There was a positive correlation between IL-36α level and IL-36γ level, IL-36γ level and IL-36Ra level, and IL-36Ra level and IL-38 level, and IL-36β level was positively correlated with IL-36Ra and IL-38 levels, respectively. IL-36α level was positively correlated with VAS score for nasal congestion symptom. IL-36β level was positively correlated with the total VAS score for ocular symptoms and VAS scores for ocular itching and eye pain symptoms. However, there was no correlation between the levels of all cytokines in IL-36 family and SNOT-22 score, the number of positive inhaled allergens, or the highest positive intensity of allergen specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE).

Conclusion

Peripheral blood IL-36 family cytokines play an important role in AR, and the concentrations of IL-36α and IL-36β were related to the severity of symptoms in patients with AR.
Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells cultured in the MCL medium for aplastic anemia therapy
Authors: He Chuan , Yang Chao , Zeng Qiang , Liu Zhigang , Wang Fangfang , Chen Qiang , Liu Ting
Published: August 2023

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a class of adult stem cells with self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation potential that may be a treatment for aplastic anemia (AA).

Method

Umbilical cord-derived MSCs were cultured in three media (Mesencult-XF, MCL, and StemPro MSC SFM CTS). HGF, PGE2, ANG-1, TGF-β1, IFN-γ, and TNF-α were detected using ELISA. The AA mouse model was built via post-irradiation lymphocyte infusion. After different treatments, routine blood, VEGF, and Tregs were detected every week. On day 28, all mice were killed, and their femurs were stained with HE.

Results

Umbilical cord-derived MSCs cultured in the three media all conformed to the general characteristics of MSCs. HGF secreted by MSCs in the Mesencult-XF, and MCL was greater than that in the StemPro MSC SFM CTS; ANG-1 and TGF-β1 in the MCL were more than that in Mesencult-XF and StemPro MSC SFM CTS; PGE2 in the MCL and StemPro MSC SFM CTS was more than that in the Mesencult-XF. MSCs in the MCL and StemPro MSC SFM CTS inhibited IFN-γ and TNF-α more than those in the Mesencult-XF. The peripheral blood cell in the AA groups was at a low level while that in the MSC group recovered rapidly. The Treg ratio and VEGF level in the MSC group were higher than those in the AA group. The bone marrow (BM) recovered significantly after MSC infusion.

Conclusion

MSCs in the MCL were advantageous in supporting hematopoiesis and modulating immunity and had the potential for effective treatment of AA.
Single-cell RNA sequencing of human non-hematopoietic bone marrow cells reveals a unique set of inter-species conserved biomarkers for native mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Fiévet Loïc , Espagnolle Nicolas , Gerovska Daniela , Bernard David , Syrykh Charlotte , Laurent Camille , Layrolle Pierre , De Lima Julien , Justo Arthur , Reina Nicolas , Casteilla Louis , Araúzo-Bravo Marcos J. , Naji Abderrahim , Pagès Jean-Christophe , Deschaseaux Frédéric
Published: August 2023

Background

Native bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BM-MSCs) participate in generating and shaping the skeleton and BM throughout the lifespan. Moreover, BM-MSCs regulate hematopoiesis by contributing to the hematopoietic stem cell niche in providing critical cytokines, chemokines and extracellular matrix components. However, BM-MSCs contain a heterogeneous cell population that remains ill-defined. Although studies on the taxonomy of native BM-MSCs in mice have just started to emerge, the taxonomy of native human BM-MSCs remains unelucidated.

Methods

By using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we aimed to define a proper taxonomy for native human BM non-hematopoietic subsets including endothelial cells (ECs) and mural cells (MCs) but with a focal point on MSCs. To this end, transcriptomic scRNA-seq data were generated from 5 distinct BM donors and were analyzed together with other transcriptomic data and with computational biology analyses at different levels to identify, characterize and classify distinct native cell subsets with relevant biomarkers.

Results

We could ascribe novel specific biomarkers to ECs, MCs and MSCs. Unlike ECs and MCs, MSCs exhibited an adipogenic transcriptomic pattern while co-expressing genes related to hematopoiesis support and multilineage commitment potential. Furthermore, by a comparative analysis of scRNA-seq of BM cells from humans and mice, we identified core genes conserved in both species. Notably, we identified MARCKS, CXCL12, PDGFRA, and LEPR together with adipogenic factors as archetypal biomarkers of native MSCs within BM. In addition, our data suggest some complex gene nodes regulating critical biological functions of native BM-MSCs together with a preferential commitment toward an adipocyte lineage.

Conclusions

Overall, our taxonomy for native BM non-hematopoietic compartment provides an explicit depiction of gene expression in human ECs, MCs and MSCs at single-cell resolution. This analysis helps enhance our understanding of the phenotype and the complexity of biological functions of native human BM-MSCs.
Effects of Dopamine on stem cells and its potential roles in the treatment of inflammatory disorders: a narrative review
Authors: Liu Guan-qiao , Liu Zi-xian , Lin Ze-xin , Chen Peng , Yan Yu-chi , Lin Qing-rong , Hu Yan-jun , Jiang Nan , Yu Bin
Published: August 2023

Inflammation is the host's protective response against harmful external stimulation that helps tissue repair and remodeling. However, excessive inflammation seriously threatens the patient's life. Due to anti-inflammatory effects, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and monoclonal antibodies are used to treat various inflammatory diseases, but drug resistance, non-responsiveness, and severe side effect limit their development and application. Therefore, developing other alternative therapies has become essential in anti-inflammatory therapy. In recent years, the in-depth study of stem cells has made them a promising alternative drug for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, and the function of stem cells is regulated by a variety of signals, of which dopamine signaling is one of the main influencing factors. In this review, we review the effects of dopamine on various adult stem cells (neural stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, hematopoietic stem cells, and cancer stem cells) and their signaling pathways, as well as the application of some critical dopamine receptor agonists/antagonists. Besides, we also review the role of various adult stem cells in inflammatory diseases and discuss the potential anti-inflammation function of dopamine receptors, which provides a new therapeutic target for regenerative medicine in inflammatory diseases.
Photo-click hydrogels for 3D in situ differentiation of pancreatic progenitors from induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Arkenberg Matthew R. , Ueda Yoshitomo , Hashino Eri , Lin Chien-Chi
Published: August 2023

Background

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) can be differentiated to cells in all three germ layers, as well as cells in the extraembryonic tissues. Efforts in iPSC differentiation into pancreatic progenitors in vitro have largely been focused on optimizing soluble growth cues in conventional two-dimensional (2D) culture, whereas the impact of three-dimensional (3D) matrix properties on the morphogenesis of iPSC remains elusive.

Methods

In this work, we employ gelatin-based thiol-norbornene photo-click hydrogels for in situ 3D differentiation of human iPSCs into pancreatic progenitors (PP). Molecular analysis and single-cell RNA-sequencing were utilized to elucidate on the distinct identities of subpopulations within the 2D and 3D differentiated cells.

Results

We found that, while established soluble cues led to predominately PP cells in 2D culture, differentiation of iPSCs using the same soluble factors led to prominent branching morphogenesis, ductal network formation, and generation of diverse endoderm populations. Through single-cell RNA-sequencing, we found that 3D differentiation resulted in enrichments of pan-endodermal cells and ductal cells. We further noted the emergence of a group of extraembryonic cells in 3D, which was absent in 2D differentiation. The unexpected emergence of extraembryonic cells in 3D was found to be associated with enrichment of Wnt and BMP signaling pathways, which may have contributed to the emergence of diverse cell populations. The expressions of PP signature genes PDX1 and NKX6.1 were restored through inhibition of Wnt signaling at the beginning of the posterior foregut stage.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this work established the first 3D hydrogel system for in situ differentiation of human iPSCs into PPs.
Complex deformation of cartilage micropellets following mechanical stimulation promotes chondrocyte gene expression
Authors: Petitjean Noémie , Canadas Patrick , Jorgensen Christian , Royer Pascale , Le Floc’h Simon , Noël Danièle
Published: August 2023

Background

Articular cartilage (AC)’s main function is to resist to a stressful mechanical environment, and chondrocytes are responding to mechanical stress for the development and homeostasis of this tissue. However, current knowledge on processes involved in response to mechanical stimulation is still limited. These mechanisms are commonly investigated in engineered cartilage models where the chondrocytes are included in an exogeneous biomaterial different from their natural extracellular matrix. The aim of the present study is to better understand the impact of mechanical stimulation on mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)-derived chondrocytes generated in their own extracellular matrix.

Methods

A fluidic custom-made device was used for the mechanical stimulation of cartilage micropellets obtained from human MSCs by culture in a chondrogenic medium for 21 days. Six micropellets were positioned into the conical wells of the device chamber and stimulated with different signals of positive pressure (amplitude, frequency and duration). A camera was used to record the sinking of each micropellet into their cone, and micropellet deformation was analyzed using a finite element model. Micropellets were harvested at different time points after stimulation for RT-qPCR and histology analysis.

Results

Moderate micropellet deformation was observed during stimulation with square pressure signals as mean von Mises strains between 6.39 and 14.35% were estimated for amplitudes of 1.75–14 kPa superimposed on a base pressure of 50% of the amplitude. The compression, tension and shear observed during deformation did not alter micropellet microstructure as shown by histological staining. A rapid and transient increase in the expression of chondrocyte markers (SOX9, AGG and COL2B) was measured after a single 30-min stimulation with a square pressure signal of 3.5 kPa amplitude superimposed on a minimum pressure of 1.75 kPa, at 1 Hz. A small change of 1% of cyclical deformations when using a square pressure signal instead of a constant pressure signal induced a fold change of 2 to 3 of chondrogenic gene expression. Moreover, the expression of fibrocartilage (COL I) or hypertrophic cartilage (COL X, MMP13 and ADAMTS5) was not significantly regulated, except for COL X.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that the dynamic deformation of cartilage micropellets by fluidic-based compression modulates the expression of chondrocyte genes responsible for the production of a cartilage-like extracellular matrix. This lays the foundations for further investigating the chondrocyte mechanobiology and the cartilage growth under mechanical stimulation.
Single-cell sequencing reveals the existence of fetal vascular endothelial stem cell-like cells in mouse liver
Authors: Rahmawati Fitriana N. , Iba Tomohiro , Naito Hisamichi , Shimizu Shota , Konishi Hirotaka , Jia Weizhen , Takakura Nobuyuki
Published: August 2023

Background

A resident vascular endothelial stem cell (VESC) population expressing CD157 and CD200 has been identified recently in the adult mouse. However, the origin of this population and how it develops has not been characterized, nor has it been determined whether VESC-like cells are present during the perinatal period. Here, we investigated the presence of perinatal VESC-like cells and their relationship with the adult VESC-like cell population.

Methods

We applied single-cell RNA sequencing of endothelial cells (ECs) from embryonic day (E) 14, E18, postnatal day (P) 7, P14, and week (W) 8 liver and investigated transcriptomic changes during liver EC development. We performed flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, colony formation assays, and transplantation assays to validate the presence of and to assess the function of CD157+ and CD200+ ECs in the perinatal period.

Results

We identified CD200− expressing VESC-like cells in the perinatal period. These cells formed colonies in vitro and had high proliferative ability. The RNA velocity tool and transplantation assay results indicated that the projected fate of this population was toward adult VESC-like cells expressing CD157 and CD200 1 week after birth.

Conclusion

Our study provides a comprehensive atlas of liver EC development and documents VESC-like cell lineage commitment at single-cell resolution.
Recent advances in regulating the proliferation or maturation of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Yang Hao , Yang Yuan , Kiskin Fedir N. , Shen Mengcheng , Zhang Joe Z.
Published: August 2023

In the last decade, human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte (hiPSC-CM)-based cell therapy has drawn broad attention as a potential therapy for treating injured hearts. However, mass production of hiPSC-CMs remains challenging, limiting their translational potential in regenerative medicine. Therefore, multiple strategies including cell cycle regulators, small molecules, co-culture systems, and epigenetic modifiers have been used to improve the proliferation of hiPSC-CMs. On the other hand, the immaturity of these proliferative hiPSC-CMs could lead to lethal arrhythmias due to their limited ability to functionally couple with resident cardiomyocytes. To achieve functional maturity, numerous methods such as prolonged culture, biochemical or biophysical stimulation, in vivo transplantation, and 3D culture approaches have been employed. In this review, we summarize recent approaches used to promote hiPSC-CM proliferation, and thoroughly review recent advances in promoting hiPSC-CM maturation, which will serve as the foundation for large-scale production of mature hiPSC-CMs for future clinical applications.
Abundant resistome determinants in rhizosphere soil of the wild plant Abutilon fruticosum
Authors: Alshehri Wafa A. , Abulfaraj Aala A. , Alqahtani Mashael D. , Alomran Maryam M. , Alotaibi Nahaa M. , Alwutayd Khairiah , Aloufi Abeer S. , Alshehrei Fatimah M. , Alabbosh Khulood F. , Alshareef Sahar A. , Ashy Ruba A. , Refai Mohammed Y. , Jalal Rewaa S.
Published: August 2023

A metagenomic whole genome shotgun sequencing approach was used for rhizospheric soil micribiome of the wild plant Abutilon fruticosum in order to detect antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) along with their antibiotic resistance mechanisms and to detect potential risk of these ARGs to human health upon transfer to clinical isolates. The study emphasized the potential risk to human health of such human pathogenic or commensal bacteria, being transferred via food chain or horizontally transferred to human clinical isolates. The top highly abundant rhizospheric soil non-redundant ARGs that are prevalent in bacterial human pathogens or colonizers (commensal) included mtrA, soxR, vanRO, golS, rbpA, kdpE, rpoB2, arr-1, efrA and ileS genes. Human pathogenic/colonizer bacteria existing in this soil rhizosphere included members of genera Mycobacterium, Vibrio, Klebsiella, Stenotrophomonas, Pseudomonas, Nocardia, Salmonella, Escherichia, Citrobacter, Serratia, Shigella, Cronobacter and Bifidobacterium. These bacteria belong to phyla Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. The most highly abundant resistance mechanisms included antibiotic efflux pump, antibiotic target alteration, antibiotic target protection and antibiotic inactivation. antimicrobial resistance (AMR) families of the resistance mechanism of antibiotic efflux pump included resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) antibiotic efflux pump (for mtrA, soxR and golS genes), major facilitator superfamily (MFS) antibiotic efflux pump (for soxR gene), the two-component regulatory kdpDE system (for kdpE gene) and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) antibiotic efflux pump (for efrA gene). AMR families of the resistance mechanism of antibiotic target alteration included glycopeptide resistance gene cluster (for vanRO gene), rifamycin-resistant beta-subunit of RNA polymerase (for rpoB2 gene) and antibiotic-resistant isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase (for ileS gene). AMR families of the resistance mechanism of antibiotic target protection included bacterial RNA polymerase-binding protein (for RbpA gene), while those of the resistance mechanism of antibiotic inactivation included rifampin ADP-ribosyltransferase (for arr-1 gene). Better agricultural and food transport practices are required especially for edible plant parts or those used in folkloric medicine.
Impaired mitophagy induces antimicrobial responses in macrophages infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Lee Junghwan , Lee Seong-Ahn , Son Sang-Hun , Choi Ji-Ae , Nguyen Tam Doan , Kim Jaewhan , Son Doyi , Song Chang-Hwa
Published: August 2023

Background

Mitophagy, mitochondrial selective autophagy, plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis in response to cellular stress. However, the role of mitophagy in macrophages during infection has not been elucidated. To determine whether mitophagy regulates intracellular pathogen survival, macrophages were infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), an intracellular bacterium.

Results

We showed that Mtb-infected macrophages induced mitophagy through BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa protein-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) activation. In contrast, BNIP3-deficient macrophages failed to induce mitophagy, resulting in reduced mitochondrial membrane potential in response to Mtb infection. Moreover, the accumulation of damaged mitochondria due to BNIP3 deficiency generated higher levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) compared to the control, suppressing the intracellular survival of Mtb. We observed that siBNIP3 suppressed intracellular Mtb in mice lungs.

Conclusion

We found that BNIP3 plays a critical role in the regulation of mitophagy during Mtb infection. The inhibition of mitophagy suppresses Mtb growth in macrophages through increased mROS production. Therefore, BNIP3 might be a novel therapeutic target for tuberculosis treatment.
Percutaneous cannulation is associated with lower rate of severe neurological complication in femoro-femoral ECPR: results from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry
Authors: Wang Liangshan , Li Chenglong , Hao Xin , Rycus Peter , Tonna Joseph E. , Alexander Peta , Fan Eddy , Wang Hong , Yang Feng , Hou Xiaotong
Published: August 2023

Background

Percutaneous cannulation is now accepted as the first-line strategy for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) in adults. However, previous studies comparing percutaneous cannulation to surgical cannulation have been limited by small sample size and single-center settings. This study aimed to compare in-hospital outcomes in cardiac arrest (CA) patients who received femoro-femoral ECPR with percutaneous vs surgical cannulation.

Methods

Adults with refractory CA treated with percutaneous (percutaneous group) or surgical (surgical group) femoro-femoral ECPR between January 2008 and December 2019 were extracted from the international Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry. The primary outcome was severe neurological complication. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between percutaneous cannulation and in-hospital outcomes.

Results

Among 3575 patients meeting study inclusion, 2749 (77%) underwent percutaneous cannulation. The proportion of patients undergoing percutaneous cannulation increased from 18% to 89% over the study period (p < 0.001 for trend). Severe neurological complication (13% vs 19%; p < 0.001) occurred less frequently in the percutaneous group compared to the surgical group. In adjusted analyses, percutaneous cannulation was independently associated with lower rate of severe neurological complication (odds ratio [OR] 0.62; 95% CI 0.46–0.83; p = 0.002), similar rates of in-hospital mortality (OR 0.93; 95% CI 0.73–1.17; p = 0.522), limb ischemia (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.58–1.20; p = 0.341) and cannulation site bleeding (OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.66–1.22; p = 0.471). The comparison of outcomes provided similar results across different levels of center percutaneous experience or center ECPR volume.

Conclusions

Among adults receiving ECPR, percutaneous cannulation was associated with probable lower rate of severe neurological complication, and similar rates of in-hospital mortality, limb ischemia and cannulation site bleeding.
New multivalued F-contraction mappings involving α-admissibility with an application
Authors: Sagheer Dur-e-Shehwar , Batul Samina , Urooj Isma , Aydi Hassen , Kumar Santosh
Published: August 2023

In this article, we obtain some fixed-point results involving α-admissibility for multivalued F-contractions in the framework of partial $\mathfrak{b}$
b
-metric spaces. Appropriate illustrations are provided to support the main results. Finally, an application is developed by demonstrating the existence of a solution to an integral equation.
Factors associated with hand washing effectiveness: an institution-based observational study
Authors: Shi Chen , O’Donoghue Margaret , Yang Lin , Tsang Hilda , Chen Jing , Zou Jing , Qin Jing , Mak Yim-Wah , Pittet Didier , Xie Yao Jie , Lai Timothy , Li Chen , Cao Jiannong
Published: August 2023

Background

Few studies have investigated how the effectiveness of hand washing in removing hand contaminants is influenced by the performance and duration of each step involved. We conducted an observational study by recruiting participants from a university campus, with the aim to comprehensively evaluate how performance, duration and demographic factors influence hand washing effectiveness.

Methods

A total of 744 videos were collected from 664 participants in July-October 2022 and independently evaluated by two infection control experts through labelling videos for correct and incorrect performance of each step. The individual hand washing effectiveness was determined by quantifying the percentage of residual fluorescent gel on the dorsum and palm areas of each participant’s hands. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors that were significantly associated with better hand washing effectiveness. An exposure-response relationship was constructed to identify optimal durations for each step. Approximately 2300 hand images were processed using advanced normalization algorithms and overlaid to visualize the areas with more fluorescence residuals after hand washing.

Results

Step 3 (rub between fingers) was the most frequently omitted step and step 4 (rub the dorsum of fingers) was the most frequently incorrectly performed step. After adjustment for covariates, sex, performance of step 4 and step 7 (rub wrists), rubbing hands during rinsing, and rinsing time were significantly associated with hand washing effectiveness. The optimal overall hand washing time was 31 s from step 1 to step 7, and 28 s from step 1 to step 6, with each step ideally lasting 4–5 s, except step 3. The palms of both hands had less fluorescence residuals than the dorsums. The areas where residuals most likely appeared were wrists, followed by finger tips, finger webs and thumbs.

Conclusions

Performance and duration of some hand washing steps, sex and rinsing time were associated with hand washing effectiveness. The optimal duration might be applied to all seven steps to achieve the best decontamination results. Further studies are needed to refine hand hygiene standards and enhance compliance.
The typical polypoid adenomyoma is a special form of endometrial polyp: a case-controlled study with a large sample size
Authors: Wang Xinmei , Zhang Hongyuan , Xu Juan , Qu Pengpeng
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To investigate clinicopathological differences between typical endometrial polypoid adenomyomas (TPAs) and endometrial polyps (EPs) and to determine the risk factors and recurrence of TPA and further clarify the pathogenesis and treatment of TPA.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of 488 women with TPA and 500 women with EP. Then, we analyzed the clinical features and manifestations, ultrasonic manifestations, hysteroscopic morphology, and pathological results. In addition, 360 cases of TPA and 367 cases of EP were followed up for 22–77 months and the risk factors TPA recurrence were assessed.

Results

We detected significant differences in age, menopausal status, body mass index (BMI), the number of pregnancies, and parity between the two groups (P < 0.05). Hysteroscopy revealed that the incidence of polyps > 3 cm in diameter and multiple polyps in the TPA group was significantly higher than that in the EP group (P < 0.01). In addition, the rate of recurrence in the TPA group was significantly higher than that in the EP group (P < 0.05). Over three pregnancies, menopause, curettage, and the application of polyp clamps were all identified as independent risk factors for the recurrence of TPA (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

In addition to high estrogen levels, endometrial injury was identified as the main contributor to TPA pathogenesis. Hysteroscopic electrotomy was identified as the preferential treatment for TPA to avoid recurrence, especially in women with risk factors. Increasing the depth of ablation may prevent the recurrence of TPA more efficiently.
Neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2: complexity, mechanism and associated disorders
Authors: Tyagi Kritika , Rai Prachi , Gautam Anuj , Kaur Harjeet , Kapoor Sumeet , Suttee Ashish , Jaiswal Pradeep Kumar , Sharma Akanksha , Singh Gurpal , Barnwal Ravi Pratap
Published: August 2023

Background

Coronaviruses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS), Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are associated with critical illnesses, including severe respiratory disorders. SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of the deadly COVID-19 illness, which has spread globally as a pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 may enter the human body through olfactory lobes and interact with the angiotensin-converting enzyme2 (ACE2) receptor, further facilitating cell binding and entry into the cells. Reports have shown that the virus can pass through the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and enter the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in various disorders. Cell entry by SARS-CoV-2 largely relies on TMPRSS2 and cathepsin L, which activate S protein. TMPRSS2 is found on the cell surface of respiratory, gastrointestinal and urogenital epithelium, while cathepsin-L is a part of endosomes.

Aim

The current review aims to provide information on how SARS-CoV-2 infection affects brain function.. Furthermore, CNS disorders associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, including ischemic stroke, cerebral venous thrombosis, Guillain–Barré syndrome, multiple sclerosis, meningitis, and encephalitis, are discussed. The many probable mechanisms and paths involved in developing cerebrovascular problems in COVID patients are thoroughly detailed.

Main body

There have been reports that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and enter the central nervous system (CNS), where it could cause a various illnesses. Patients suffering from COVID-19 experience a range of neurological complications, including sleep disorders, viral encephalitis, headaches, dysgeusia, and cognitive impairment. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of COVID-19 patients has been reported. Health experts also reported its presence in cortical neurons and human brain organoids. The possible mechanism of virus infiltration into the brain can be neurotropic, direct infiltration and cytokine storm-based pathways. The olfactory lobes could also be the primary pathway for the entrance of SARS-CoV-2 into the brain.

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 can lead to neurological complications, such as cerebrovascular manifestations, motor movement complications, and cognitive decline. COVID-19 infection can result in cerebrovascular symptoms and diseases, such as strokes and thrombosis. The virus can affect the neural system, disrupt cognitive function and cause neurological disorders. To combat the epidemic, it is crucial to repurpose drugs currently in use quickly and develop novel therapeutics.
Childhood asthma phenotypes and endotypes: a glance into the mosaic
Authors: Foppiano Francesco , Schaub Bianca
Published: August 2023

Background

Asthma is an inflammatory lung disease that constitutes the most common noncommunicable chronic disease in childhood. Childhood asthma shows large heterogeneity regarding onset of disease, symptoms, severity, prognosis, and response to therapy.

Main body

Evidence suggests that this variability is due to distinct pathophysiological mechanisms, which has led to an exhaustive research effort to understand and characterize these distinct entities currently designated as “endotypes.” Initially, studies focused on identifying specific groups using clinical variables yielding different “clinical phenotypes.” In addition, the identification of specific patterns based on inflammatory cell counts and cytokine data has resulted in “inflammatory endotypes.” More recently, an increasing number of molecular data from high-throughput technology (“omics” data) have allowed to investigate more complex “molecular endotypes.”

Conclusion

A better definition and comprehension of childhood asthma heterogeneity is key for improving diagnosis and treatment. This review aims at summarizing the current knowledge on this topic and discusses some limitations in their application as well as recommendations for future studies.
Development and validation of a white cane use perceived advantages and disadvantages (WCPAD) questionnaire
Authors: Rasouli Kahaki Zeinab , Karimi Masoud , Taherian Masoud , Simi Roghayyeh
Published: August 2023

Background

The white cane is globally an important tool in orientation and mobility for blind and visually impaired people, but it is not often used. The goal of this study was to develop and validate the white cane use perceived advantages and disadvantages (WCPAD) questionnaire for detecting effective factors in the use or non-use of canes.

Method

The initial questionnaire items were extracted through semi-structured interviews with 21 blind or severely impaired vision individuals under two main themes, the perceived advantages, and disadvantages of using a white cane. Linguistic validity and writing evaluation with seven experts, face validity with 23 blind persons, content validity ratio (CVR), and content validity index (CVI) were used for assessment of validity. Internal and external reliability assessment was done using Cronbach’s alpha and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Explanatory factor analysis was conducted to identify the factors of the questionnaire; then, corrected item-total correlations, convergent and discriminant validity, and Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) were done, and model fit indices were reported. A total of 320 blind and severe visual impaired individuals (138 males and 182 females) participated in the study. The final questionnaire contained 12 questions in perceived advantages and 21 in perceived disadvantages.

Results

Three factors (social participation, mobility, and culture) extracted for perceived advantages which explained 67.95% of the total variance, Cronbach-α for the three extracted factors was between 0.75 and 0.91. Four factors (social, safety, ergonomics, and family) for perceived disadvantages were extracted which explained 50.98% of the total variance. Cronbach-α for the four extracted factors was from 0.75 to 0.88. CFA confirmed the final models for perceived advantages and disadvantages.

Conclusion

WCPAD questionnaire has good reliability and validity, and the factors obtained from factor analysis can measure the reasons for using or otherwise of white canes.
Improving the quality and reducing harmful microbes of total mixed ration silage with dried soybean curd residue
Authors: Yin Xiang , Fan Yang , Tian Rong , Tang Ruxue , Tian Jing , Zhang Jianguo
Published: August 2023

The production of safe and high-quality silage has always been the main concern. This experiment aimed to investigate the impact of waste dried soybean curd residue (SR) and Lactobacillus plantarum CCZZ1 on the fermentation quality and microbial community of total mixed ration (TMR) silage based on Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum). Napier grass was made into TMR, and SR at 3%, 6% or 9% on dry material basis was included, which replaced the equivalent amount of corn meal, then they were inoculated without or with Lactobacillus plantarum CCZZ1 (105 cfu g−1; LP). The research results showed that incorporating SR even at 3% resulted in significant reduction in ammonia nitrogen content (87.3 g kg−1 total nitrogen vs. 109.7 g kg−1 total nitrogen), increased lactic acid content (34.4 g kg−1 DM vs. 25.5 g kg−1 DM), and higher relative abundance of Lactobacillus (94.5% vs. 32.2%). Additionally, it led to decreased relative abundances of pathogenic microorganisms such as Escherichia coli (< 0.1% vs. 9.68%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (< 0.1% vs. 9.46%), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (< 0.1% vs. 8.53%) during the ensiling process. When SR was used together with LP inoculation, they were further improved. These findings suggest that the inclusion of SR, even at a 3% level without LP inoculation, can effectively improve the fermentation quality and microbial profile of TMR silage based on fresh Napier grass. This offers a promising technical approach to utilizing SR and producing safe and high-quality TMR silage based on fresh grass.

Graphical Abstract
Laboratory evaluation of a prototype portable gas chromatograph (GC) with a flame ionization detector (FID) for toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (TEX) analysis
Authors: Yang Seunghyeon , Wickliffe Jeffrey , Kibelka Gottfried , Overton Edward B. , Lungu Claudiu T. , Oh Jonghwa
Published: August 2023

The standard method to evaluate human exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is in general performed by sampling the air on sorbents followed by liquid extraction and detection using laboratory gas chromatograph (GC). The conventional method is time and labor intensive and employs a toxic solvent which adds a risk factor as well as waste. Hence, there have been increasing demands for portable GC instruments which allow near real-time, in-situ analysis. In this study, the potential use of a prototype, dual column portable GC (protoGC) with flame ionization detector (FID) was examined by comparing its performance with a conventional GC laboratory method. Four target concentration levels (1x, 2x, 4x, and 8x; x = 1.12 ± 0.01 ppm) of toluene, ethylbenzene, and o-, m-, and p-xylene were generated in an exposure chamber (24 ± 1 °C and 50 ± 5% RH). The challenge atmosphere was directly sampled and analyzed with protoGC while for the conventional method it was sampled on a sorbent tube and analyzed with a laboratory GC/FID. The results of protoGC correlated well with the conventional method (r = 0.991–0.999), indicating that protoGC has comparable performance with the conventional method within the test conditions. Although two-way ANOVA showed significant differences in mean concentrations between the methods, the differences were small. protoGC would be useful to monitor VOCs in air with high temporal resolution or to quickly determine the safety of the environment of interest due to the substantial time savings in sampling and analysis. Further examinations at various environmental conditions and other analytes will be necessary to thoroughly evaluate its performance.
No significant post‐operative limb length difference following medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy in a multi‐ethnic Southeast Asian population
Authors: Betzler Brjan Kaiji , Saggi Sandip Singh , Liau Matthias Yi Quan , Koh Don Thong Siang , Lee Kong Hwee , Bin Abd Razak Hamid Rahmatullah
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to assess the significance of post‐operative change in limb length in medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO), and evaluate the correlation between correction angles and changes in limb length. We hypothesize that opening wedge height and correction angles directly correlate to changes in limb length.

Methods

The medical records and radiographs of 91 MOWHTO patients were retrospectively evaluated for relevant radiographical parameters both pre‐ and post‐operatively. The exclusion criteria are: (i) concurrent distal femur osteotomy in the same setting, (ii) other previous unilateral lower limb surgeries prior to MOWHTO and (iii) failure to follow‐up with post‐operative radiographs. A linear regression model was performed and a line of best fit, Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) and coefficient of determination (R2) were computed. Chi‐squared test was also performed, and results with P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

There is a statistically significant increase in post‐MOWHTO limb length (Absolute Δ = 4.3 ± 2.86 mm, % Δ = 0.652% ± 0.434%, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the limb length change between patients with larger (> 8 mm) and smaller (< 8 mm) opening widths.

There was a weakly positive correlation between limb length change versus actual (R2 = 0.140, 95%CI [‐0.068, 0.336]) and planned correction angles (R2 = 0.196, 95%CI [‐0.012, 0.387]).

Conclusion

In conclusion, post‐MOWHTO change in limb length is statistically significant, but the clinical significance is minimal. Further studies are required to assess other factors. Development of a reliable mathematical model that predicts post‐MOWHTO limb length change would be useful in predicting the anatomical outcomes.

Level of evidence

Level III. Retrospective Cohort Study.