bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design considerations for patient‐centered eHealth interventions in an underserved context: A case of health and wellbeing services within Nairobi's informal settlements in Kenya
Authors: Nyatuka Danny Ronald , De La Harpe Retha
Published: January 2021

eHealth offers the opportunity to transform the health sector. Unfortunately, eHealth interventions in underserved contexts continue to remain deficient due challenges such as the design‐reality gap, fragmentation, and high implementation costs, etc. This situation hampers the delivery of anticipated results from such projects. Furthermore, the voice of patients is hardly heard concerning the design of these interventions. The study sought to establish participants' views on how patient‐centered eHealth interventions may be designed in a resource‐constrained, Sub‐Saharan African context to deliver value. This was a qualitative study conducted across six government health facilities within Nairobi's informal settlements in Kenya. Data collection involved in‐depth interviews (n = 24), focus group discussions (n = 23) and observation. Participants comprised of Facility In‐Charge, clients, community health workers, medical staff, and ICT experts. Interviews and discussions explored participant's perceptions of the quality of health care, challenges faced, and the potential of eHealth in improving health care delivery. Thematic analysis was performed using manual coding whereby eight data themes emerged including: data access, contextualization, health IT utilization, implementation, integration, stakeholders, quality, and user‐centered design (UCD). The themes were then used to derive a theoretical framework to guide the designing and implementation of patient‐centered eHealth interventions in the Kenyan context.
Determination of the diameter of simulated human capillaries using shifted position‐diffuse reflectance imaging
Authors: Späth Moritz , Hohmann Martin , Rohde Maximilian , Lengenfelder Benjamin , Stelzle Florian , Klämpfl Florian
Published: January 2021

Multiple diseases are associated with a wide spectrum of microvascular dysfunctions, microangiopathies and microcirculation disorders. Monitoring the microcirculation could thus be useful to diagnose many local and systemic circulatory disorders and to supervise critically ill patients. Many of the scores currently available to help identify the condition of a microcirculation disorder are invasive or leave scope for interpretation. Thus, the present study aims to investigate with Monte‐Carlo simulations (as numerical solutions of the radiative transfer equation) whether shifted position‐diffuse reflectance imaging (SP‐DRI), a non‐invasive diagnostic technique, reveals information on the capillary diameter to assess the state of the microcirculation. To quantify the SP‐DRI signal, the modulation parameter K is introduced. It proves to correlate almost perfectly with the capillary diameter (), making it a valid parameter for reliably assessing microcirculation. SP‐DRI is emerging as an important milestone on the way to early and conveniently diagnosing microcirculation associated diseases.
Room temperature ionic liquid promoted improved and rapid synthesis of highly functionalized imidazole and evaluation of their inhibitory activity against human cancer cells
Authors: Jadhav Chetan K. , Nipate Amol S. , Chate Asha V. , Kamble Pratiksha M. , Kadam Ganesh A. , Dofe Vidya S. , Khedkar Vijay M. , Gill Charansingh H.
Published: January 2021

In this study, we report the use of a 1,8‐diazabicyclo [5.4.0]‐undec‐7‐en‐8‐ium imidazolate ionic liquid as a catalyst as well as a green solvent for the expeditious multicomponent transformation of tetra‐ and trisubstituted imidazole scaffolds via four‐ and pseudo‐four‐component reactions with short reaction time, excellent yield, and purity of products. The ionic liquid is cheap, biodegradable, and can be recovered and reused for more than five consecutive cycles. The advantage of this protocol for gram‐scale synthesis adds to its practical applicability. Selected synthesized tetra‐ and trisubstituted imidazole scaffolds were screened for their in vitro antiproliferative properties against the human cancer cell lines EC‐109, MCF‐7, HGC‐27, and PC‐3. Compounds 4m, 5e, and 5v showed potent cytotoxic activity against the human breast cancer cell line PC‐3, MCF‐7, and HGC‐27, respectively.
Antioxidant Sirt1/Akt axis expression in resveratrol pretreated adipose‐derived stem cells increases regenerative capability in a rat model with cardiomyopathy induced by diabetes mellitus
Authors: Chen Tung‐Sheng , Chuang Shou‐Ying , Shen Chia‐Yao , Ho Tsung‐Jung , Chang Ruey‐Lin , Yeh Yu‐Lan , Kuo Chia‐Hua , Mahalakshmi B. , Kuo Wei‐Wen , Huang Chih‐Yang
Published: January 2021

High‐glucose (HG) suppresses mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) functions, resulting in a decrease in cardiac regenerative capability for MSC in diabetes mellitus (DM). Resveratrol enhances MSC functions under stress. This study explores if cardiac regenerative capability can be enhanced in MSCs pretreated with resveratrol in DM rats receiving MSCs. In vitro evidence confirms that HG decreases MSCs capability through suppression of survival markers, AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK)/Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) axis, and expression of apoptotic markers. All of these markers are improved when MSCs are cocultured with resveratrol. Wistar male rats were randomly divided into Sham, DM (DM rats), DM rats with autologous transplantation of adipose‐derived stem cells (DM + ADSC), and DM rats with resveratrol pretreated ADSC (DM + RSVL‐ADSC). Compared to the Sham, DM induces pathological pathways (including fibrosis, hypertrophy, and apoptosis) and suppresses survival as well as the AMPK/Sirt1 axis in the DM group. DM + ADSC slightly improves the above pathways whereas DM + RSVL‐ADSC significantly improves the above pathways when compared to the DM group. These results illustrate that resveratrol pretreated with MSCs may show clinical potential in the treatment of heart failure in patients with DM.
Synergistic effect of three‐dimensional coculture and photobiomodulation therapy on vascularized liver spheroid formation by stem cells
Authors: Park In‐Su
Published: January 2021

Despite studies reporting functional differentiation of liver cells, a three‐dimensional, vascularized liver organ has yet to be developed from mesenchymal stem cells. We investigated whether treatment with photobiomodulation (PBM) before three‐dimensional liver spheroid transplantation improved the recovery of liver function via stimulation of angiogenesis and hepatocyte differentiation. Liver spheroids composed of hepatic, endothelial, and mesenchymal cells were subjected to PBM therapy. To evaluate the in vivo therapeutic effect of the liver spheroids treated with PBM, phosphate‐buffered saline, liver spheroid, and PBM‐treated liver spheroid were transplanted into a damaged host liver using conventional chimeric mouse models. To further characterize the maturation of transplanted PBM‐liver spheroid compared with the newly generated non‐PBM‐liver spheroid or human liver tissues, the expression profiles of mature liver signature genes were analyzed. Liver spheroids expressed hepatocyte growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor and angiogenic factors. The cells in liver spheroid compensated for the low viability and improved the function of hepatocytes. Here, we demonstrate the formation of vascularized and functional human liver spheroid from human adipose‐derived stem cells by transplantation of liver tissue created in vitro. Albumin secretion by PBM‐treated liver spheroid was higher on Day 28 compared with liver spheroid‐seeded transplant group. PBM‐liver spheroids serve as individual vascularization units, promoting the simultaneous development of new microvascular networks at different locations inside the implanted tissue constructs. The vasculature in the liver spheroid transplants became functional by connecting to the host vessels within 48 h. These PBM‐liver spheroids may be useful in designing artificial three‐dimensional hepatic tissue constructs and in cell therapy with limited numbers of human hepatocytes.
Effect of Hepatic Impairment on the Pharmacokinetics of Itacitinib
Authors: Barbour April M. , Rockich Kevin , Cimino Evan , Zhou Gongfu , Leonetti‐Whalen Caterina , Chen Xuejun , Yeleswaram Swamy , Epstein Noam , Punwani Naresh
Published: January 2021

Itacitinib is a potent, selective JAK‐1 inhibitor currently in development for the treatment of chronic graft‐vs‐host‐disease in combination with corticosteroids. Itacitinib is primarily eliminated via cytochrome P450 3A metabolism with minimal renal elimination. The purpose of this open‐label study was to investigate the effect of hepatic impairment, as determined by Child‐Pugh grade, on itacitinib pharmacokinetics. All participants received a single 300‐mg dose of itacitinib orally in the fasted state. Blood samples were collected serially through 96 hours after dosing; 4 hours after dosing, an additional sample was collected for protein binding determination. Participants with moderate hepatic impairment (N = 8) had an approximate 2.5‐fold increase in total exposure (area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to infinity [AUC0‐∞]) and an approximate 2‐fold increase in maximal exposure (Cmax) compared to those with normal hepatic function (N = 8) (geometric mean ratio, 2.51 [90% confidence interval (CI), 1.54‐4.08] for AUC0‐∞ and 1.95 [90%CI, 1.14‐3.35] for Cmax). Participants with severe hepatic impairment (N = 6) had an approximate 4‐fold increase in total exposure (AUC0‐∞) and an approximate 3.5‐fold increase in maximal exposure compared to participants with normal hepatic function (geometric mean ratio, 4.08 [90%CI, 2.41‐6.89] for AUC0‐∞ and 3.48 [90%CI, 1.94‐6.23] for Cmax). Protein binding was similar between participants with moderate or severe hepatic impairment and participants with normal hepatic function, with average unbound fractions (percent free) of 25.7%, 31.5%, and 25.6%, respectively. There were no serious or fatal treatment‐related adverse events. The results of this study combined with exposure, efficacy, and safety data from the pivotal study in the relevant patient population will inform final dosing recommendations.
Novel ceric dioxide nanospheres as sulfur hosts for advanced electrochemical performance of lithium‐sulfur batteries
Authors: Zhou Dawei
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Metal oxides are promising sulfur host materials because of their superior adsorption ability. Based on this theme, ceric dioxide (CeO2) nanospheres with mesoporous structure were synthesized and designed as host materials to form CeO2 nanospheres/sulfur (CO‐NSs/S) composites.

RESULTS

The as‐prepared CO‐NSs/S composites with sulfur content of 71% exhibited an initial high discharge capacity of 1396 mAh g−1 at the current density of 0.1 C. In addition, an excellent cycling stability with a reversible capacity of 678 mAh g−1 was obtained at 2 C after 500 discharge/charge cycles.

CONCLUSION

The advanced improvements of electrochemical performance are ascribed to the presence of metal oxide ceric dioxide nanospheres with mesoporous structure, which could not only inhibit the dissolution and migration of soluble polysulfide during the electrochemical cycles, but also improve the electronic conductivity of the element sulfur. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Age‐related ultrastructural characterizations of the teeth of the white grouper (Epinephelus aeneus) in the different three age‐stages
Authors: Alsafy Mohamed , Madkour Naglaa F. , El‐Bakary Raafat , Karkoura Ashraf , El‐Gendy Samir , Zaki Mohamed A. , Tanekhy Mahmoud , Abumandour Mohamed M. A.
Published: January 2021

This study represents the first attempt to describe ultrastructural features of teeth in different three ages of white grouper (Epinephelus aeneus) grossly and by the aid of the electron microscope. The current study depends on 18 oropharyngeal cavity of E. aeneus from each age‐stages. There are common and special characterization between each age. Five teeth bands in the roof (incisive, canine, upper molar, palatine, and vomer), while two bands in the floor (incisive, molar). The apical teeth part resembles the arrowhead that bordered by groove distally. In 5 cm age, small upper incisive teeth had two appearance (straight and curved), and vomer teeth arranged in triangular in only one row (while, in 12 cm fish arranged in two rows and in 15 cm fish arranged in more than two rows), the palatine teeth began rostrally as one row then two rows and terminated by one row, while in other two ages began by two, then three and ended by two rows. There is no canine teeth in lower jaw in all age. In 12 cm fish, the rostral row of lower incisive teeth usually contain small straight teeth, while the posterior row mainly contain large with some medium upper incisive teeth. In 18 cm fish, upper incisive teeth located within two incisive fossa that separated from each other by longitudinal part of T‐shaped upper incisive ridge and small incisive teeth had two appearance (straight and curved), and each canined teeth group contain four teeth (while in other two ages each group contain only two canine teeth).
Single‐vesicle imaging and co‐localization analysis for tetraspanin profiling of individual extracellular vesicles
Authors: Han Chungmin , Kang Hyejin , Yi Johan , Kang Minsu , Lee Hyunjin , Kwon Yongmin , Jung Jaehun , Lee Jingeol , Park Jaesung
Published: January 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted nano‐sized vesicles that contain cellular proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Although EVs are expected to be biologically diverse, current analyses cannot adequately characterize this diversity because most are ensemble methods that inevitably average out information from diverse EVs. Here we describe a single vesicle analysis, which directly visualizes marker expressions of individual EVs using a total internal‐reflection microscopy and analyzes their co‐localization to investigate EV subpopulations. The single‐vesicle imaging and co‐localization analysis successfully illustrated the diversity of EVs and revealed distinct patterns of tetraspanin expressions. Application of the analysis demonstrated similarities and dissimilarities between the EV fractions that had been acquired from different conventional EV isolation methods. The analysis method developed in this study will provide a new and reliable tool for investigating characteristics of single EVs, and the findings of the analysis might increase understanding of the characteristics of EVs.
The ClpP activator ONC‐212 (TR‐31) inhibits BCL2 and B‐cell receptor signaling in CLL
Authors: Fatima Narjis , Shen Yandong , Crassini Kyle , Iwanowicz Edwin J. , Lang Henk , Karanewsky Donald S. , Christopherson Richard I. , Mulligan Stephen P. , Best Oliver G.
Published: January 2021

Despite advances in therapy, a significant proportion of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) relapse with drug resistant disease. Novel treatment approaches are required, particularly for high risk disease.

The imipridones represent a new class of cancer therapy that has been investigated in pre‐clinical and clinical trials against a range of different cancers. We investigated the effects of the imipridone, ONC‐212, against CLL cells cultured under conditions that mimic aspects of the tumour microenvironment and a TP53ko CLL cell line (OSU‐CLL‐TP53ko). ONC‐212 induced dose‐dependent apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and reduced the migration of CLL cells in vitro, including cells from patients with TP53 lesions and OSU‐CLL‐TP53ko cells. The effects of ONC‐212 were associated with protein changes consistent with activation of the mitochondrial protease, CIpP, and the integrated stress response. We also observed inhibition of pathways downstream of the B‐cell receptor (BCR) (AKT and MAPK‐ERK1/2) and a pro‐apoptotic shift in the balance of proteins of the BCL2 family of proteins (BCL2, MCL1, BCLxL, BAX and NOXA).

In conclusion, the study suggests ONC‐212 may represent an effective treatment for high risk CLL disease by inhibiting multiple facets of the BCR signaling pathway and the pro‐survival effects of the BCL2‐family proteins.
A structured approach to analyse logistics risks in the blood transfusion process
Authors: Cagliano Anna Corinna , Grimaldi Sabrina , Rafele Carlo
Published: January 2021

Blood transfusion is a critical health care process due to the nature of the products handled and the complexity driven by the strong interdependence among the sub‐processes involved. Most of the errors causing adverse events originate during the blood logistics activities. Several literature contributions apply risk management to the transfusion process but often in a fragmented and reactive way. Moreover, few of them focus on logistics risks and assess the effectiveness of risk responses through operational key performance indicators (KPIs). The present paper applies a comprehensive and structured approach to proactively identify and analyse logistics risks as well as define responses to improve blood bag traceability, focusing on hospital wards. The implementation of such actions is monitored by specific KPIs whose measurement enables an improved communication flow among actors allowing to uncover residual risks. Future research will extend the application to further blood transfusion settings and supply chain echelons. The outcomes of this work might assist practitioners in improving policy making about blood supply chains. As a matter of fact, they allow a better understanding of the associated material and informational flows and the related risks, which supports setting effective strategies to either prevent adverse events or mitigate their effects.
Frontline Science: The expression of integrin αDβ2 (CD11d/CD18) on neutrophils orchestrates the defense mechanism against endotoxemia and sepsis
Authors: Bailey William P , Cui Kui , Ardell Christopher L , Keever Kasey R , Singh Sanjay , Rodriguez-Gil Diego J , Ozment Tammy R , Williams David L , Yakubenko Valentin P
Published: January 2021

Neutrophil-macrophage interplay is a fine-tuning mechanism that regulates the innate immune response during infection and inflammation. Cell surface receptors play an essential role in neutrophil and macrophage functions. The same receptor can provide different outcomes within diverse leukocyte subsets in different inflammatory conditions. Understanding the variety of responses mediated by one receptor is critical for the development of anti-inflammatory treatments. In this study, we evaluated the role of a leukocyte adhesive receptor, integrin αDβ2, in the development of acute inflammation. αDβ2 is mostly expressed on macrophages and contributes to the development of chronic inflammation. In contrast, we found that αD-knockout dramatically increases mortality in the cecal ligation and puncture sepsis model and LPS-induced endotoxemia. This pathologic outcome of αD-deficient mice is associated with a reduced number of monocyte-derived macrophages and an increased number of neutrophils in their lungs. However, the tracking of adoptively transferred fluorescently labeled wild-type (WT) and αD−/− monocytes in WT mice during endotoxemia demonstrated only a moderate difference between the recruitment of these two subsets. Moreover, the rescue experiment, using i.v. injection of WT monocytes to αD-deficient mice followed by LPS challenge, showed only slightly reduced mortality. Surprisingly, the injection of WT neutrophils to the bloodstream of αD−/− mice markedly increased migration of monocyte-derived macrophage to lungs and dramatically improves survival. αD-deficient neutrophils demonstrate increased necrosis/pyroptosis. αDβ2-mediated macrophage accumulation in the lungs promotes efferocytosis that reduced mortality. Hence, integrin αDβ2 implements a complex defense mechanism during endotoxemia, which is mediated by macrophages via a neutrophil-dependent pathway.
A critical comparison of three MS‐based approaches for quantitative proteomics analysis
Authors: Taverna Domenico , Gaspari Marco
Published: January 2021

MS‐based proteomics is expanding its role as a routine tool for biological discovery. Nevertheless, the task of accurately and precisely quantifying thousands of analytes in a single experiment remains challenging. In this study, the diagnostic accuracy of three popular data‐dependent methods for protein relative quantification (label‐free [LF], dimethyl labelling [DML] and tandem mass tags [TMT]) has been assessed using a mixed species proteome (three species) and five experimental replicates per condition. Data were produced using a quadrupole‐Orbitrap mass spectrometer and analysed using a single platform (the MaxQuant/Perseus software suite). The whole comparative analysis was repeated three times over a period of 6 months, in order to assess the consistency of the reported findings. As expected, label‐based methods reproducibly provided a lower false positives rate, whereas TMT and LF performed similarly, and significantly better than DML, in terms of proteome coverage using the same instrument time. Although parameters like proteome coverage and precision were consistent in between replicates, other parameters like sensitivity, intended as the capacity of correctly classifying true positives (regulated proteins), were found to be less reproducible, especially at challenging fold‐changes (1.5). Collectively, data suggest that an increased interest in data reproducibility would be desirable in the quantitative proteomics field.
A matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometric approach to study weight‐related changes within thyroid tissue
Authors: Alfadda Assim A. , Benabdelkamel Hicham , Fathaddin Amany A. , Alanazi Ibrahim O. , Lauzon Nidia , Chaurand Pierre , Masood Afshan
Published: January 2021

Obesity is associated with numerous comorbidities along with abnormalities of the endocrine system, more commonly manifesting as dysfunctions of the thyroid gland such as goiter. Changes in weight, especially an increase, could lead to an increase in the incidence of thyroid dysfunction; however, its pathophysiology remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we aimed to interrogate the changes in the protein distribution and abundance between the lean patients and patients with obesity thyroid tissue sections through utilizing this technique. The FFPE‐fixed thyroid tissue blocks from the selected cases and controls were identified and targeted for matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) analysis. Patients in the 30 to 75 years age group and undergoing total thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease were recruited. Patients with thyroid cancers, autoimmune disorders, and other inflammatory conditions were excluded from the study. The selected patients were divided into two groups according to their BMIs: lean (BMI < 25) and obese (BMI > 35). An initial trial set was used as a pilot study for the optimization of the MALDI IMS protocol that was next applied to the selected thyroid tissues. MALDI IMS data from all the samples were aligned and statistical analysis carried out by k‐means and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classification model using principle component analysis (PCA) results were evaluated between the two groups: controls (lean) and cases (obese). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were alternatively used to calculate the variability of the identified peptides. The discriminating peptides were also independently identified and related to their corresponding proteins by using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analyses. Eight peptides mainly from thyroglobulin were found to be upregulated whereas 10 others were found to be downregulated in the lean compared to the obese group. Through this technique, we will be able to better understand the relationship between the disease entity and obesity.
Antibody response to SARS‐CoV‐2 in infected patients with different clinical outcome
Authors: Anichini Gabriele , Gandolfo Claudia , Terrosi Chiara , Fabrizi Simonetta , Miceli Giovanni Battista , Gori Savellini Gianni , Prathyumnan Shibily , Franchi Federico , Cusi Maria Grazia
Published: January 2021

Data regarding antibody responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in patients infected with COVID‐19 are not yet available. In this study, we aimed to evaluate serum antibody responses in patients regardless of the outcome. We measured the circulating immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody levels in 60 subjects with a certified history of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection by using immunoenzymatic, chemiluminescent, and Neutralization assays. Half patients had a severe infection, the other half were pauci‐symptomatic. We analyzed their antibody response to see the trend of the humoral response. Our results showed a significant difference in circulating IgG level among the two groups. The neutralizing antibody response against SARS‐CoV‐2 was significantly higher among those who had severe disease. Furthermore, ten subjects from each group were screened twice, and a declining antibody trend was observed in pauci‐symptomatic individuals. These findings provide evidence that humoral immunity against SARS‐CoV‐2 in pauci‐symptomatic people is weak and may not be long‐lasting. This may have implications for immunity strategy and prevention, since it is still not clear whether a time‐dependent decrease of both circulating and neutralizing antibodies to nonprotective levels could occur in a longer time span and whether potential vaccines are able to induce a herd immunity and a durable response.
Detection and confirmation of dengue pre‐ and postintroduction of dengue NS1‐antigen test at the University Malaya Medical Centre: An observational study
Authors: Abd‐Jamil Juraina , Azizan Noor‐Syahida , Che‐Mat‐Seri Nurul‐Asma‐Anati , Yaacob Che‐Norainon , Samsudin Nur‐Izyan , Mahfodz Nur‐Hidayana , Zulkifli Mulya‐Mustika‐Sari , Poh Hooi‐Sim , Teoh Boon‐Teong , AbuBakar Sazaly
Published: January 2021

Early diagnosis of dengue is important to ensure proper management of patients and effective implementation of control measures. The present study was undertaken to determine the outcome of the implementation of dengue NS1‐antigen (Ag) rapid diagnostic test (RDT) in the confirmation of dengue at the first patient hospital visit at the University Malaya Medical Centre. A total of 1036 and 1097 sera from the year 2008 and 2015 were used, representing samples from before and after dengue NS1‐Ag RDT was implemented as routine diagnostic at the hospital. Results showed that similar dengue confirmation percentage (56%) was made in 2008 and 2015, regardless of the main laboratory diagnostic method used. Confirmation of dengue, however, increased to 68% and 73% when dengue NS1‐Ag test or dengue immunoglobulin M‐capture enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used as the second test for the 2008 and 2015 samples, respectively. Detection of dengue virus (DENV) using multiplex reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) showed that DENV‐1 was the highest in circulation in 2008 and that both DENV‐1 and DENV‐2 were dominant in 2015. In summary, the present study demonstrated that the introduction and use of the dengue NS1‐Ag RDT did not change or compromise confirmation of dengue, highlighting the advantage of using the method. With the reducing cost of molecular detection tools, DENV detection using RT‐PCR remains a viable option for further confirmation of dengue in hospital settings.
Genomic characterization of a new CRF01_AE/CRF07_BC case from a MSM patient in Guangdong, China
Authors: Huang Xu‐He , Yu Guolong , Zheng Chenli , Zhou Ping‐Ping , Anderson Claire , Zhao Jin , Lam Tommy Tsan‐Yuk , Li Yan , Chen Lin , Lin Peng , Zhang Ming , Yan Jin , He Xiang
Published: January 2021

The CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC clades dominate the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemics in China. Both clades have been identified in the men who have sex with men (MSM) population in Guangdong province, raising a serious concern of possible complex recombination events ahead. Here, we report the first case of CRF01_AE/CRF07_BC recombinant sampled from a MSM patient in southern China. The genomic structure of this case is a mosaic with some regions resembling the CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC clades. Our phylogenetic analyses show that the two parental lineages of this recombinant virus were mainly found in the MSM population. This case has a different genomic composition compared with other recombinants descended from the same parental clades CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC. Our finding suggests that the MSM populations have become a hotspot for expanding viral diversity through the viral recombination mechanism. Therefore, further epidemiologic surveillance and monitoring should be conducted within the MSM populations to help advance our knowledge of viral transmission mechanisms. Additionally, these measures will serve to enhance the control and prevention of HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in China.
Malnutrition in Hospitalized Adults With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Harris Ché Matthew , Wright Scott Mitchell
Published: January 2021

Background

Malnutrition among hospitalized adults with cerebral palsy (CP) has not been extensively explored. We sought to identify impacts of malnutrition on clinical and resource outcomes among hospitalized adults with CP.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study surveyed years 2016 and 2017 from the National Inpatient Sample database. Regression models evaluated mortality and resource utilization.

Results

154,219 adults with CP were hospitalized. Among them, 21,064/154,219 (13.5%) had malnutrition. Patients with and without malnutrition were similar in age (mean age ± SEM, 45.1 ± 0.30 vs 45.2 ± 0.18 years; P = .70). Patients with malnutrition were more likely male (12,175/21,604 [57.8%] vs 72,929/133,155 [54.8%], P < .01) and had higher comorbidity scores (Charlson comorbidity score ≥ 3; 2,464/21,064 [11.7%] vs 14,380/133,155 [10.8%]; P = .01). Mortality rates were higher among patients with malnutrition (905/21,064 [4.3%] vs 2,796/21,064 [2.1%], P < .01), and they had higher odds for mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.1; CI, 1.7–2.5; P < .01). Those with malnutrition were less likely discharged home (aOR = 0.52; CI, 0.48–0.56; P < .01). Hospital charges were higher (adjusted mean difference [aMD] = +$42,540; CI, $36,934–48,146; P < .01) and length of stay longer (aMD = +4.3 days; CI, 3.9–4.7; P < .01) among patients with malnutrition.

Conclusion

Malnutrition in hospitalized patients with CP is associated with increased mortality and hospital resource utilization. Flagging these patients as being ”high risk” when they are hospitalized may result in heightened attentiveness about clinical outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Retrospective Analysis of the Safety and Outcomes of Percutaneous Radiologic Gastrostomy in Obese vs Nonobese Patients
Authors: Sethupathi Sheetal , Walter Kate , Lim Maria , Fang Adam
Published: January 2021

Background

The purpose of this study is to compare the safety and outcomes of percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy (PRG) in obese vs nonobese patients.

Methods

This is an institutional review board–approved retrospective study of 109 patients (male:female, 68:41; mean age, 64.7 years; range, 21–94 years) who underwent PRG with or without gastropexy at a single academic medical center between 2015 and 2018. Body mass index (BMI) of ≥30 kg/m2 was defined as obese. Patient demographics, indications, technical success, intraoperative variables, and major/minor complications were analyzed. Major and minor complications occurring within 30 days of the procedure were recorded and categorized based on the Society of Interventional Radiology Quality Improvement guidelines.

Results

Of 109 patients included in the study, 22.9% (n = 25) of patients were obese (average BMI, 34.6 kg/m2; range, 30–50). Overall technical success in the obese and nonobese groups was 100% each. In the obese vs nonobese group, major and minor complications were not significantly different. There were also no significant differences in procedure time, fluoroscopy time, or contrast volume. However, mean peak skin dose was significantly increased in the obese group vs nonobese group (190.3 ± 224.2 vs 59.1 ± 71.1 mGy; P < .0001).

Conclusion

PRG is a safe procedure in obese patients with similar technical success, major and minor complication rates, procedure time, fluoroscopy time, and contrast volume. However, PRG is associated with increased radiation dose with obese patients; therefore, optimal methods of radiation protection should be utilized.
Yield and quality of Amaranthus hypochondriacus grain amaranth under drought and salinity at various phenological stages in southern Italy
Authors: Pulvento Cataldo , Sellami Mohamed houssemeddine , Lavini Antonella
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Several studies have shown that grain amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is tolerant to abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity. Irrigation applied only during sensitive growth stages can stabilize yield and improve water use efficiency. Given the increasing frequency of salinity and drought stress in European countries and the scarcity of information on grain amaranth responses to combined salt and drought stress, an open field trial was carried out in Italy in order to evaluate the response of one accession of Amaranthus hypochondriacus to various irrigation strategies.

RESULTS

Grain amaranth yield components were not negatively affected either by different irrigation volumes or by irrigation time. Some differences in seed yield were caused by water quality; salinity significantly reduced seed yield. The combined effect of irrigation time and irrigation volume significantly influenced seed yield. The quality of amaranth seeds was preserved; no significant differences due to simple or combined stresses were found during the three‐year field experiment.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall results from this study suggest that A. hypochondriacus can be cultivated in a more sustainable way compared to other protein crops, thus reducing water use and using saline water. It could be introduced to marginal European environments where traditional crops cannot be cultivated. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Applications of porous frameworks in solid‐phase microextraction
Authors: Khataei Mohammad Mahdi , Yamini Yadollah , Shamsayei Maryam
Published: January 2021

Porous frameworks are a term of attracting solid materials assembled by interconnection of molecules and ions. These trendy materials due to high chemical and thermal stability, well‐defined pore size and structure, and high effective surface area gained attention to employ as extraction phase in sample pretreatment methods before analytical analysis. Solid‐phase microextraction is an important subclass of sample preparation technique that up to now different configurations of this method have been introduced to get adaptable with different environments and analytical instruments. In this review, theoretical aspect and different modes of solid‐phase microextraction method are investigated. Different classes of porous frameworks and their applications as extraction phase in the proposed microextraction method are evaluated. Types and features of supporting substrates and coating procedures of porous frameworks on them are reviewed. At the end, the prospective and the challenges ahead in this field are discussed.
Uterine Artery Doppler Reference Ranges in a Twin Caucasian Population Followed Longitudinally From 17 to 37 Weeks Gestation Compared to That of Singletons
Authors: Filipecka‐Tyczka Dagmara , Pokropek Artur , Kajdy Anna , Modzelewski Jan , Rabijewski Michał
Published: January 2021

Objectives

The primary aim was to measure uterine artery (UtA) indices in twin pregnancies of Polish Caucasian women and compare it with a previously published study by Geipel et al for DC twins (2011). The secondary aim was to find differences in UtA indices in MC, DC twins, and singletons.

Methods

A prospective longitudinal evaluation of UtA Doppler indices in 1462 examinations of twins and 5766 examinations of singletons between 17 and 37 gestational age (GA). Pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) were calculated.

Results

UtA PI and RI are lower in the twins than singletons but the analyzed mean values throughout gestation are higher than the study presented by Geipel et al. Obtained curves for DC twins and singletons had the same form as Geipel's curves. In MC twins, curves are flatter and characterized by lower differences throughout pregnancy than Geipel's curves for DC twins. They tend to be more similar about 32 weeks of gestations, resulting from different placenta structure in MC than DC twin pregnancies.

Conclusions

UtA Doppler indices in twin pregnancies are lower than in singletons. Obtained data have higher values for twins than reference charts proposed by Geipel's for dichorionic twins. We observed some differences between monochorionic and dichorionic twins' curves throughout pregnancy, but they were not significant.
Sonographic Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter Following Seizure Prophylaxis in Pre‐Eclamptic Parturients With Severe Features
Authors: Assu Shiraz Mohammed , Bhatia Nidhi , Jain Kajal , Gainder Shalini , Sikka Pooja , Aditya Ashish Singh
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Neurological manifestations, including raised intracranial pressures, are a hallmark of worsening pre‐eclampsia. Invasive methods for measuring intracranial pressure, though a gold standard, are not always a viable option. Maternal ocular sonography is a promising bedside tool, which serves as a noninvasive, cost‐effective means for measuring optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), a surrogate marker of raised intracranial pressures. We studied the ultrasonographically measured ONSD in severely pre‐eclamptic women, and the effect of magnesium sulfate therapy on its values.

Methods

Thirty severely pre‐eclamptic women at ≥28 weeks gestation were included. We recorded baseline ONSD values, serum magnesium levels, neurological symptoms, vitals, and repeated them at 4 and 12 hours following magnesium sulfate therapy, and then at 24 hours postpartum. An ONSD value >5.8 mm was suggestive of raised intracranial pressure. Primary outcome measure was to evaluate changes in ultrasonographically measured ONSD following seizure prophylaxis with magnesium sulfate.

Results

Women, 73.3%, had baseline ONSD >5.8 mm, with mean diameter being significantly high (6.02 ± 0.77 mm). There was a statistically nonsignificant decline in mean ONSD values at 4 and 12 hours, as well as at 24 hours postpartum. Patients with neurological symptoms declined significantly (from 70 to 10%; p value <.001) following magnesium sulfate therapy.

Conclusions

Majority of severely pre‐eclamptic parturients had high ONSD value suggestive of raised intracranial pressures, which persisted in the postpartum period and was unaffected by magnesium sulfate therapy. Ultrasound can thus serve as a point‐of‐care, cost‐effective, easily available bedside tool for indirectly measuring intracranial pressures in this high‐risk population.
Reactions of OH and OD radicals with simple thiols and sulfides studied by infrared chemiluminescence of isotopic water products: Reaction OH + CH3SH revisited
Authors: Butkovskaya Nadezhda I. , Setser Don W.
Published: January 2021

Vibrational excitation of the H2O, HOD, and D2O product molecules from the reactions of OH and OD radicals with CH3SH, CH3C(O)SH, (CH3)3CSH, H2S, and CH3SCH3 was determined by modeling the infrared emission spectra using a renovated and extended set of model spectroscopic bands. Using the deuterated reactant, CH3SD, it was possible to separate spectra of abstraction from C‐ and S‐sites, which allowed measurement of branching fractions and kinetic isotope effects for individual channels. For the OH + CH3SH reaction, branching fractions of 0.13 ± 0.03 (C─H) and 0.87 ± 0.03 (S─H) were obtained. The vibrational energy released to water from abstraction of H‐atoms from the C─H and S─H sites of the reactant molecules is described. The results reported in this paper take precedence over an earlier study of CH3SH. The vibrational energy partitioning between the stretch and bend modes of water molecules from the reactions of the thiols and related reactions of H2S and CH3SCH3 are discussed. The mechanism for the OH + CH3SSCH3 reaction was confirmed to be addition followed mainly by decomposition to CH3SH and CH3SO.
Surgical Management of Cervical Non‐seminomatous Germ Cell Tumor Metastases
Authors: Nwosu Obi I. , Jones Alexander J. , Alwani Mohamedkazim , Einhorn Lawrence H. , Moore Michael G. , Mantravadi Avinash V.
Published: January 2021

Objective/Hypothesis

Testicular cancer is the most common malignancy of young males. Limited reports describe perioperative and long‐term outcomes after surgical resection of metastatic, cervical, non‐seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT). The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of cervical lymphadenectomy in the management of metastatic NSGCT.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

A single institution, retrospective review from 1998 to 2020 of patients with metastatic NSGCT who underwent cervical lymphadenectomy was conducted. Clinicopathological, surgical, and postoperative data were collected and analyzed.

Results

Sixty‐eight predominantly white (91.0%) male patients with mean age 33.0 ± 11.3 years were included. Most (82.2%) presented with stage III disease at initial diagnosis. All patients had undergone primary platinum‐based chemotherapy 1.0 to 22.7 months prior to selective ND. Surgery mainly involved nodal levels III (67.6%), IV (92.6%) and/or Vb (77.9%) and was frequently performed with concomitant thoracoabdominal NSGCT resections (63.2%). Cervical specimens predominantly revealed mature teratoma (83.8%) as solitary (69.1%) or component of mixed (14.7%) NSGCT. Ten (14.7%) perioperative complications occurred as vocal cord paresis (n = 6) from thoracic surgery and chyle leakage (n = 4). All resolved conservatively except two vocal cord paralyzes that required surgical repair due to tumor involvement of vagus nerve. Six instances of cervical recurrence occurred at median 12.5 (range, 5.8–38.6) months from ND, all re‐demonstrating purely mature teratoma. The two‐year cervical, non‐cervical, and overall recurrence‐free survivals were 83%, 55%, and 55%, respectively. Two‐year disease‐free and overall survivals were both 93%.

Conclusions

Selective neck dissection is a safe, effective method for managing cervical NSGCT metastases.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:1528–1534, 2021
Thrombocytosis Predicts Surgical Site Infection in Head and Neck Microvascular Surgery‐ A Pilot Study
Authors: Harris Brianna N. , Patel Rusha , Kejner Alexandra , Russell Benjamin , Ramadan Jad , Bewley Arnaud
Published: January 2021

Objective/Hypothesis

Early and objective prediction of complications in head and neck reconstructive surgery could decrease morbidity and prolonged hospital stays but unfortunately most complications are not identified until their effect is fully realized. There are limited data regarding the association of platelet levels and post‐operative complications. Post‐operative thrombocytosis (POTCT) is proposed as a possible indicator for complications following free‐flap reconstruction.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

A multisite retrospective chart review of patients undergoing free tissue transfer between 2013 and 2018 was undertaken. POTCT was recorded and data normalized between institutions. Data were compared between groups using t‐tests and logistic regression (P < .05). A lag‐1 difference was used to compare the rate of change in platelet values.

Results

A total of 398 patients were included. POTCT and a rate of change of 30 K between POD5 and POD6 was significantly associated with the presence of post‐operative complication (P = .007). Additionally, lag‐1 difference demonstrated a significant association of change in daily platelet counts and complication rates.

Conclusions

Isolated POTCT may be an early predictor of complications in HNC patients undergoing free‐flap reconstruction.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:1542–1547, 2021
Imaging Features to Predict Response to Olfactory Training in Post‐Traumatic Olfactory Dysfunction
Authors: Altundag Aytug , Saatci Ozlem , Kandemirli Sedat G. , Sanli Deniz E. T. , Duz Ozge A. , Sanli Ahmet N. , Yildirim Duzgun
Published: January 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Prognosis of post‐traumatic olfactory dysfunction is poor, with medical treatment options showing limited success rates. Olfactory training (OT) has been introduced as a potential therapeutic option in olfactory dysfunction. We aimed to identify the imaging features that would predict a better response to OT and create an imaging‐based prognostic scale.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 52 patients that underwent OT at our center for post‐traumatic olfactory dysfunction. Olfactory functions at the time of initial presentation and at completion of OT were evaluated using Sniffin’ Sticks test and threshold discrimination identification (TDI) scores were calculated. Patients were divided into responders (ROT group: 16 cases) and non‐responders (n‐ROT group: 36 cases) to OT based on TDI score change (cut‐off 5.5 point).

Morphological measurements of olfactory fossa, olfactory bulb volume and signal abnormalities, olfactory nerve filia integrity, siderosis, encephalomalacic changes in olfactory cortex, and other cortical regions were reviewed.

Results

There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender distribution, olfactory dysfunction duration, head‐trauma severity, and initial TDI scores. A model incorporating five variables: cribriform plate fracture, olfactory fossa depth (cut‐off: 4.9 mm), olfactory bulb encephalomalacia, olfactory bulb volume (cut‐off: 27.1 mm3), and siderosis was developed. This model had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.950, and a cut‐off value of 1 had 76.5% sensitivity and 97.1% specificity in prediction of response to OT.

Conclusions

We developed an imaging‐based scoring system with good specificity that can be used as an adjunctive tool for patient counseling, and optimal selection of management options.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2243–E2250, 2021
Post‐tsunami land degradation on a South Asian island: Implications for conservation priorities
Authors: Velmurugan Ayyam , Adamala Sirisha , Swarnam Palanivel
Published: January 2021

In recent decades, land degradation has accelerated due to an increase in unsustainable human activities. In a case‐study of the Andaman Islands, located in the South Asian region, changes in land degradation types, soil erosion, and the effect of conservation measures for pre‐ (2000) and post‐2004 tsunami periods (2006, 2019) were recorded using temporal remote sensing data (LANDSAT, RESOURCESAT, CARTOSAT), field observations and a GIS‐based revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE). The results showed that erosion, leaching, acidification, salinization, and drainage congestion were the major land degradation processes that could be traced to post‐tsunami human activities (R2 = 0.634). The study revealed significant forest cover loss during 2006–2019 (3.76%) compared to 2000–2006 (0.61%), while it revealed increased areas under settlement (14 km2) and mining (22 km2). The annual crop area exhibited a 0.42% loss, whereas the plantation crop area increased by 0.46%, indicating the abandonment of annual crops that resulted in an increased fallow area (21 km2) during the post‐tsunami period. As a consequence, degraded land increased by 2.5% of the total geographical area which was affaected by water erosion (2.3%) and chemical degradation (0.25%). The average erosion rate varied from 0.7 to 108 t ha−1yr−1 in 2000 but increased by 47% during the post‐tsunami period due to mining, settlement, and vegetable cultivation on slopes, as indicated by high cover management, support practice, and slope length factors. Practicing suitable conservation measures can provide a conservation benefit of 105,560 t yr−1 and a reduction in other forms of degradation without compromising the food production area.