bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of the Canadian TIA Score to Predict Subsequent Stroke Risk in Chinese TIA Patients
Authors: Yang Chengyuan , Jin Aoming , Lin Jinxi , Wang Yongjun , Xu Jie , Meng Xia
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives: The Canadian TIA Score has been verified as a good predictive tool for subsequent stroke risk in Caucasian patients; however, it had insufficient external verification of other races. We aimed to validate the Canadian TIA Score in Chinese patients and compared it with ABCD2 for subsequent stroke risk after transient ischemic attack (TIA). Methods: The Third China National Stroke Registry (CNSR-III) was a nationwide, multicenter prospective registry recruiting consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke or TIA within 7 days of the onset from August 2015 to March 2018. The Canadian TIA Score was verified in patients diagnosed with TIA from the CNSR-III (N = 1,184). The outcomes were subsequent stroke at 7 days, 14 days/discharge, 3 months, and 1 year. Outcomes were recorded by face-to-face assessment or telephone interview. The prognostic performance of the scoring system was assessed by the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC). Results: Of 1,184 TIA patients (mean [IQR] age, 61.00 [53.00–69.00] years; 413 women [34.88%]), there were 40 patients (3.38%) having subsequent stroke within 7 days, 45 (3·80%) within 14 days/hospitalization, 66 (5·57%) within 3 months, and 100 (8·45%) within 1 year. The Canadian TIA Score (AUC 0 63–0·68) seemed to be a better prognostic score of stroke risk than the ABCD2 score (AUC 0·61–0·62), although no significant differences were noted. In the subgroup of atypical TIA, the Canadian TIA Score showed significantly stronger predictivity than the ABCD2 score within 7 days (0.80 [0.62–0.98] vs. 0.52 [0.30–0.73]; difference in AUC, 0.28 [0.03–0.53]; p, 0.026), and marginal significantly stronger predictivity within 1 year (0.71 [0.61–0.80] vs. 0.58 [0.48–0.68]; difference in AUC, 0.12 [−0.01 to 0.25]; p, 0.06). Conclusion: The Canadian TIA Score might be a better prognostic score than the ABCD2 score for post-TIA stroke risk, especially in patients with atypical TIA.
Exercise Physiology at “Conversational Level” Is Not Impaired in Healthy Young Subjects Wearing Masks or Respirators
Authors: Sanchez-Migallón Violeta , Calvo-Lobo César , Sanchez-Jorge Sandra , Arce Mónica , Vicente Alejandra , Bello Elena , Rodriguez-Sanz David , Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo Ricardo , Chicharro J.L. , Vicente-Campos Davinia
Published: May 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the use of both surgical masks and FFP2 respirators on the inspiratory muscle strength, metabolic parameters, heart rate, subjective perceived exertion, and dyspnea perception, before and during 30 min stable load exercise at “conversational level”. Methods: A randomized cross-over study was carried out. Nineteen healthy adults completed 3 conditions (without a mask, with a surgical mask or an FFP2 respirator) during a 30-min steady-state test at the lactate threshold intensity. Inspiratory muscle strength was measured before and after the test, and metabolic parameters, heart rate, subjective perceived exertion, and dyspnea perception were collected at baseline, during, and after the test. Results: There was a significant reduction in inspiratory muscle strength after the 30-min test in all conditions (control: 6.26 mm Hg, p < 0.5; surgical mask: 8.55 mm Hg, p < 0.01; FFP2 respirator: 12.42 mm Hg, p < 0.001), but without significant differences between them (p = 0.283). Data showed a statistically significant effect for time, but did not show a statistically significant interaction between condition and time for heart rate (p = 0.674), oxygen saturation (p = 0.297), blood lactate level (p = 0.991), rating perceived exertion (p = 0.734) and dyspnea (p = 0.532) comparisons. Conclusions: The present study findings suggested that inspiratory muscle strength and physiological parameters during “conversational level” exercise were not impaired under wearing masks in healthy, nonsmoking young adults.
Die Rolle digitaler Hilfsmittel bei der rechtzeitigen Diagnose und Vorbeugung akuter Exazerbationen der COPD: Ein umfassender Überblick über die Literatur
Authors: Konstantinidis Athanasios K. , Kyriakopoulos Christos , Ntritsos Georgios , Giannakeas Nikolaos , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I. , Kostikas Konstantinos , Gogali Athina
Published: May 2022

Die chronisch-obstruktive Lungenerkrankung (COPD) ist eine chronisch-entzündliche Erkrankung der Atemwege und des Lungenparenchyms mit vielfältigen systemischen Manifestationen. Exazerbationen der COPD sind wichtige Ereignisse im Krankheitsverlauf, da sie mit einer erhöhten Sterblichkeit, einer schwerwiegenden Beeinträchtigung der gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität, einer beschleunigten Verschlechterung der Lungenfunktion, einer erheblichen Einschränkung der körperlichen Aktivität und einer erheblichen wirtschaftlichen Belastung verbunden sind. Telemedizin ist der Einsatz von Kommunikationstechnologien zur Übertragung medizinischer Daten über kurze oder lange Strecken und zur Erbringung von Gesundheitsdienstleistungen. Die Notwendigkeit, persönliche Termine während der COVID-19-Pandemie einzuschränken, hat zu einem raschen Anstieg der telemedizinischen Dienste geführt. In der vorliegenden Literaturübersicht über veröffentlichte randomisierte kontrollierte Studien mit Ergebnissen zum Einsatz digitaler Hilfsmittel bei akuten Exazerbationen der COPD versuchen wir, die Wirksamkeit der Telemedizin bei der Erkennung, Vorbeugung und Verringerung von COPD-Exazerbationen sowie bei der Verbesserung anderer klinisch relevanter Ergebnisse zu klären und gleichzeitig die spezifischen telemedizinischen Interventionen im Detail zu beschreiben.
AGO Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with Early Breast Cancer: Update 2022
Authors: Ditsch Nina , Wöcke Achim , Untch Michael , Jackisch Christian , Albert Ute-Susann , Banys-Paluchowski Maggie , Bauerfeind Ingo , Blohmer Jens-Uwe , Budach Wilfried , Dall Peter , Fallenberg Eva Maria , Fasching Peter A. , Fehm Tanja N. , Friedrich Michael , Gerber Bernd , Gluz Oleg , Harbeck Nadia , Heil Jörg , Huober Jens , Kreipe Hans H. , Krug David , Kühn Thorsten , Kümmel Sherko , Kolberg-Liedtke Cornelia , Loibl Sibylle , Lüftner Diana , Lux Michael Patrick , Maass Nicolai , Mundhenke Christoph , Nitz Ulrike , Park-Simon Tjoung-Won , Reimer Toralf , Rhiem Kerstin , Rody Achim , Schmidt Marcus , Schneeweiss Andreas , Schütz Florian , Sinn Hans-Peter , Solbach Christine , Solomayer Erich-Franz , Stickeler Elmar , Thomssen Christoph , Witzel Isabell , Müller Volkmar , Janni Wolfgang , Thill Marc
Published: May 2022

Introduction: The AGO (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynäkologische Onkologie, German Gynecological Oncology Group) Task Force on Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer as an interdisciplinary team consists of specialists from gynecological oncology, pathology, diagnostic radiology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology with a special focus on breast cancer. Methods: The updated evidence-based treatment recommendation 2022 for early breast cancer (EBC) and metastatic breast cancer of the AGO Task Force has been released. Results and Conclusion: This paper captures the update of EBC.
Multiple Early-Life Seizures Alters Neonatal Communicative Behavior in Fmr1 Knockout Mice
Authors: Nguyen Phuoc H. , Narvaiz David A. , Womble Paige D. , Sullens D. Gregory , Binder Matthew S. , Hodges Samantha L. , Kwok Eliesse , Lugo Joaquin N.
Published: May 2022

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading monogenic cause of intellectual disability and a significant contributor to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Individuals with FXS are subject to developing numerous comorbidities, one of the most prevalent being seizures. In the present study, we investigated how seizures affected neonatal communicative behavior in the FXS mouse model. On postnatal day (PD) 7 through 11, we administered 3 flurothyl seizures per day to both Fmr1 knockout and wild-type C57BL/6J male mice. Ultrasonic vocalizations were recorded on PD12. Statistically significant alterations were found in both spectral and temporal measurements across seizure groups. We found that induction of seizures across PD7–11 resulted in an increased fundamental frequency (pitch) of ultrasonic vocalizations produced (p < 0.05), a longer duration of calls (p < 0.05), and a greater cumulative duration of calls (p < 0.05) in both genotypes. Induction of seizures across PD7–11 also resulted in a decreased latency to the first emitted vocalization (p < 0.05) and a decrease in mean power (loudness) for their vocalizations (p < 0.05). Early-life seizures also resulted in an increase in the number of downward and frequency step call types (p < 0.05). There was a significant increase in the number of chevron calls emitted from the Fmr1 knockout mice that received seizures compared to knockout control and wild-type seizure mice (p < 0.05). Overall, this study provides evidence that early-life seizures result in communication impairments and that superimposing seizures in Fmr1 knockout mice does produce an additional deficit in vocalization.
Systemic autoimmune diseases and work outcomes in Brazil: a scoping review
Authors: Cordeiro Rafael Alves , Fischer Frida Marina , Shinjo Samuel Katsuyuki
Published: May 2022

OBJECTIVE To review articles that assessed work-related outcomes such as workability, work productivity, presenteeism, absenteeism, sick leave, return to work, and employment status of Brazilian patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and systemic autoimmune myopathies. METHODS This study was conducted in Medline databases (PubMed), SciELO, and Lilacs through a combination of descriptors of interest. Studies published until December 2020 were considered in the search strategy. RESULTS Eight out of 90 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. The studies are highly heterogeneous. Most of them are cross-sectional, and all of them address rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. A common denominator among these studies is the high proportion of patients outside the labor market. CONCLUSIONS In general, the studies show unfavorable labor outcomes and impaired participation in the Brazilian workforce among the samples of patients assessed. There is a need to better understand several topics about Brazilian patients with systemic autoimmune diseases and their work context, as well as to conduct studies focusing on rarer diseases and on the themes of return and reintegration to work.
Increased Capillary Permeability in Heart Induces Diastolic Dysfunction Independently of Inflammation, Fibrosis, or Cardiomyocyte Dysfunction
Authors: Abelanet Alice , Camoin Marion , Rubin Sebastien , Bougaran Pauline , Delobel Valentin , Pernot Mathieu , Forfar Isabelle , Guilbeau-Frugier Céline , Galès Céline , Bats Marie Lise , Renault Marie-Ange , Dufourcq Pascale , Couffinhal Thierry , Duplàa Cécile
Published: May 2022

Background:

While endothelial dysfunction is suggested to contribute to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction pathophysiology, understanding the importance of the endothelium alone, in the pathogenesis of diastolic abnormalities has not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the consequences of specific endothelial dysfunction on cardiac function, independently of any comorbidity or risk factor (diabetes or obesity) and their potential effect on cardiomyocyte.

Methods:

The ubiquitine ligase
Pdzrn3
, expressed in endothelial cells (ECs), was shown to destabilize tight junction. A genetic mouse model in which
Pdzrn3
is overexpressed in EC (iEC-Pdzrn3) in adults was developed.

Results:

EC-specific
Pdzrn3
expression increased cardiac leakage of IgG and fibrinogen blood-born molecules. The induced edema demonstrated features of diastolic dysfunction, with increased end-diastolic pressure, alteration of dP/dt min, increased natriuretic peptides, in addition to limited exercise capacity, without major signs of cardiac fibrosis and inflammation. Electron microscopic images showed edema with disrupted EC-cardiomyocyte interactions. RNA sequencing analysis of gene expression in cardiac EC demonstrated a decrease in genes coding for endothelial extracellular matrix proteins, which could be related to the fragile blood vessel phenotype. Irregularly shaped capillaries with hemorrhages were found in heart sections of iEC-
Pdzrn3
mice. We also found that a high-fat diet was not sufficient to provoke diastolic dysfunction; high-fat diet aggravated cardiac inflammation, associated with an altered cardiac metabolic signature in EC-
Pdzrn3
mice, reminiscent of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction features.

Conclusions:

An increase of endothelial permeability is responsible for mediating diastolic dysfunction pathophysiology and for aggravating detrimental effects of a high-fat diet on cardiac inflammation and metabolism.
Leu22_Leu23 Duplication at the Signal Peptide of PCSK9 Promotes Intracellular Degradation of LDLr and Autosomal Dominant Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Benito-Vicente Asier , Uribe Kepa B. , Larrea-Sebal Asier , Palacios Lourdes , Cenarro Ana , Calle Xabier , Galicia-Garcia Unai , Jebari-Benslaiman Shifa , Sánchez-Hernández Rosa M. , Stef Marianne , Lambert Gilles , Civeira Fernando , Martín Cesar
Published: May 2022

Background:

PCSK9 (Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) regulates LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) metabolism by targeting LDLr (LDL receptor) for lysosomal degradation. PCSK9 gain-of-function variants cause autosomal dominant hypercholesterolemia by reducing LDLr levels, the D374Y variant being the most severe, while loss-of-function variants are associated with low LDL-C levels. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function activities have also been attributed to variants occurring in the PCSK9 signal peptide. Among them, L11 is a very rare PCSK9 variant that seems to increase LDL-C values in a moderate way causing mild hypercholesterolemia.

Methods:

Using molecular biology and biophysics methodologies, activities of L8 and L11 variants, both located in the leucine repetition stretch of the signal peptide, have been extensively characterized in vitro.

Results:

L8 variant is not associated with increased LDLr activity, whereas L11 activity is increased by ≈20% compared with wt PCSK9. The results suggest that the L11 variant reduces LDLr levels intracellularly by a process resulting from impaired cleavage of the signal peptide. This would lead to less efficient LDLr transport to the cell membrane and promote LDLr intracellular degradation.

Conclusions:

Deletion of a leucine in the signal peptide in L8 variant does not affect PCSK9 activity, whereas the leucine duplication in the L11 variant enhances LDLr intracellular degradation. These findings highlight the importance of deep in vitro characterization of PCSK9 genetic variants to determine pathogenicity and improve clinical diagnosis and therapy of inherited familial hypercholesterolemia disease.
Aging Alters the Aortic Proteome in Health and Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Tyrrell Daniel J. , Chen Judy , Li Benjamin Y. , Wood Sherri C. , Rosebury-Smith Wendy , Remmer Henriette A. , Jiang Longtan , Zhang Min , Salmon Morgan , Ailawadi Gorav , Yang Bo , Goldstein Daniel R.
Published: May 2022

Background:

Aging enhances most chronic diseases but its impact on human aortic tissue in health and in thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) remains unclear.

Methods:

We employed a human aortic biorepository of healthy specimens (n=17) and those that underwent surgical repair for TAA (n=20). First, we performed proteomics comparing aortas of healthy donors to aneurysmal specimens, in young (ie, <60 years of age) and old (ie, ≥60 years of age) subjects. Second, we measured proteins, via immunoblotting, involved in mitophagy (ie, Parkin) and also mitochondrial-induced inflammatory pathways, specifically TLR (toll-like receptor) 9, STING (stimulator of interferon genes), and IFN (interferon)-β.

Results:

Proteomics revealed that aging transformed the aorta both quantitatively and qualitatively from health to TAA. Whereas young aortas exhibited an enrichment of immunologic processes, older aortas exhibited an enrichment of metabolic processes. Immunoblotting revealed that the expression of Parkin directly correlated to subject age in health but inversely to subject age in TAA. In TAA, but not in health, phosphorylation of STING and the expression of IFN-β was impacted by aging regardless of whether subjects had bicuspid or tricuspid valves. In subjects with bicuspid valves and TAAs, TLR9 expression positively correlated with subject age. Interestingly, whereas phosphorylation of STING was inversely correlated with subject age, IFN-β positively correlated with subject age.

Conclusions:

Aging transforms the human aortic proteome from health to TAA, leading to a differential regulation of biological processes. Our results suggest that the development of therapies to mitigate vascular diseases including TAA may need to be modified depending on subject age.
Thrombectomy for Large‐Vessel Occlusion With Pretreatment Intracranial Hemorrhage
Authors: Tonetti Daniel A. , Desai Shashvat M. , Casillo Stephanie , Desai Sohum , Hassan Ameer E. , Flores‐Milan Gabriel , Mokin Maxim , Farooqui Mudassir , Ortega‐Gutierrez Santiago , Jadhav Ashutosh P.
Published: May 2022

Background

Many patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in clinical practice would not have qualified for inclusion in the initial clinical trials demonstrating benefit for EVT, yet likely will benefit from reperfusion. One such subset for which data are sparse is patients with emergent large‐vessel occlusion and concomitant intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). The objective of this report is to document patients who underwent thrombectomy for large‐vessel occlusion in the presence of concomitant ICH and evaluate their clinical characteristics and outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected patient records at 4 comprehensive stroke centers from 2012 to 2019. Patients were identified who had pre‐EVT ICH. Data collected included baseline patient demographics and laboratory values, stroke characteristics, ICH radiographic variables, antiplatelet/anticoagulant/thrombolytic medication use, and procedural factors. The primary safety outcome was any worsening of ICH on neuroimaging obtained 24 hours after EVT.

Results

Eight patients were identified who underwent thrombectomy with concomitant ICH. The mean age was 71.9 years (range, 37–90). Median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 25 (interquartile range, 16.5–28.8), and 5 (63%) received tissue plasminogen activator. All patients underwent EVT and had mTICI2B or greater reperfusion. In 7 patients (88%), the initial ICH remained stable on postprocedure imaging. In 1 patient who received intravenous antiplatelet agents during thrombectomy, the hemorrhagic transformation was radiographically increased but without clinical correlate or mass effect.

Conclusions

In a multi‐institution evaluation of 8 patients with ICH at the time of thrombectomy, 1 patient had radiographic worsening of hemorrhage, and no patient experienced clinical worsening related to hemorrhage progression. These findings suggest that thrombectomy may be safe in this population.
A synopsis of the genus Stryphnodendron (Fabaceae, Caesalpinioideae, mimosoid clade)
Authors: SCALON VIVIANE RENATA , DE PAULA-SOUZA JULIANA , DE LIMA ALEXANDRE GIBAU , CASTRO SOUZA VINICIUS
Published: May 2022

Stryphnodendron is a Neotropical genus of Fabaceae (Caesalpinioideae, mimosoid clade), comprising 36 taxa occurring from Nicaragua to Southern Brazil, most of them found and endemic in Brazil, being especially frequent in savannas (Cerrado) and the Amazon Forest. This synopsis presents the designation of 16 lectotypes, eight new synonyms, a new combination with a nomenclatural status change, a species’ reestablishment, two doubtful names and three excluded species. We also present nine new species, which are described and illustrated. All the species are accompanied by comments on geographical distribution, habitat and IUCN Conservation status.
Mycelephas robustus (Ascomycota incertae sedis) rediscovered in the Amazon after 37 years
Authors: MIGLIO BEATRIZ VALENTE , MONTEIRO JOSIANE SANTANA
Published: May 2022

Thirty-seven years after the first collection in Cuba, Mycelephas robustus has been found in the Brazilian Amazon. The rediscovery of this species is also the first record of M. robustus in South America and the second in the world. A detailed morphological description is provided along with a comparative taxonomic discussion with the type specimen and with the only other known species, M. levisporus.
Augusto Ruschi Biological Reserve vascular epiphytes: a hotspot in the mountains of the Atlantic Forest of Southeastern Brazil
Authors: MARCUSSO GABRIEL MENDES , MENINI NETO LUIZ , LOMBARDI JULIO ANTONIO
Published: May 2022

The Atlantic Forest (AF) is globally known as a hotspot of biodiversity, with high levels of endemism and richness. However, within the AF, different localities may differ in their diversity values; in Southeastern Brazil, the mountainous region of Espírito Santo state is one of these highly biodiverse areas. Here, we present the first comprehensive checklist of the Augusto Ruschi Biological Reserve (ARBR) vascular epiphytes, a national protected area in the mountainous region of the state. Based on field expeditions carried out between 2018 and 2020 and extant herbarium collections, we reported a total of 359 species, 110 genera, and 20 families. Epidendrum henschenii Barb.Rodr. and Thysanoglossa organensis Brade are new records to the state. The richness recorded here is outstanding for the AF and one of the highest recorded in the Neotropical Region. The climatic conditions in the ARBR may help us understand this high species-richness, as well as the long-term climatic stability perhaps since the Miocene. Besides, the heterogeneity of the mountain habitats, driven mainly by erosion of the highlands since the early Cenozoic, resulted in the actual mountain’s configuration of eastern Brazil, synchronously with most taxa diversification occurred in the Atlantic Forest. The present study demonstrated the importance of protected areas and pristine forests for the conservation and maintenance of biodiversity and the importance of floristic studies to fill knowledge gaps in the Atlantic Forest, mainly in mountainous regions.
Three interesting fungal species associated with the Asian House Gecko in Kunming, China
Authors: YANG ERFU , TIBPROMMA SAOWALUCK , DAI DONGQIN , PROMPUTTHA ITTHAYAKORN , MORTIMER PETER E. , KARUNARATHNA SAMANTHA C.
Published: May 2022

A dead Asian House Gecko, infected with multiple species of fungi, was found floating in a jug of water inside a building in Kunming, China. The dead gecko was taken to the mycology laboratory at the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences and different fungal species were isolated. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out on the resultant isolates based on multiple gene sequences (ITS, LSU, mtSSU, rpb1, rpb2, tub2, Bloc, CAL, CHS-1, GAPDH, tef1-α). In addition to the phylogenetic analyses, morphological characteristics were also used to describe the fungal taxa. The entomopathogenic fungus Basidiobolus ranarum was isolated from the gecko’s inflamed right forelimb, while Beauveria bassiana was isolated from the gecko’s forehead. In addition, the neck skin yielded a common and important plant pathogen Colletotrichum jianxiense. Full descriptions, color plates of macro and micro structures of fungal taxa, and phylogenetic trees to show the placements of fungal taxa are provided. These findings represent either new host records or new country records for the three fungal species.
Bonomyces pseudoarnoldii (Biannulariaceae, Agaricales), a new species from China revealed by morphology, and multilocus phylogenetic analysis
Authors: MAO NING , LV JING-CHONG , ZHAO TAO-YU , FAN LI
Published: May 2022

Bonomyces pseudoarnoldii is the name proposed for a new species found in north China, based on both morphological and molecular data. Phylogenetic analyses on sequence data from five different loci (ITS, SSU, LSU, tef1 and rpb2) support that this species belongs to the genus Bonomyces. Bonomyces pseudoarnoldii resembles other species of Bonomyces in its small reddish brown to pale orange pileus covered with finely to coarsely fibrillose or minute squamules, and pale white to reddish brown stipe with longitudinal fibrils. The new species is presented with illustrated description, molecular data, and comparison to related or similar species. We provide a key to the known species of Bonomyces in the world.
Some mysteries solved: new biographical information on Brotero, the first Professor of Botany in Portugal
Authors: FIGUEIREDO ESTRELA , SMITH GIDEON F. , SILVA VASCO
Published: May 2022

The biography of Felix de Avelar Brotero (1744–1828), the first Professor of Botany in Portugal, is updated and corrected based on information that recently came to light.
Sphinctanthus hasslerianus and S. microphyllus (Rubiaceae): taxonomic identity, lectotypifications and conservation assessment and chorology
Authors: SALAS ROBERTO M. , FLORENTÍN JAVIER E. , NUÑEZ FLORENTIN MARIELA
Published: May 2022

As part of a series of taxonomic and floristic studies of Rubiaceae from Southern Cone of South America, here we focus our attention on the genus Sphinctanthus. The genus has five species mostly distinguished by their hermaphrodite flowers, corollas with an internal moniliform ring of hairs, and pollen grains released in monads. In the study area, only Sphinctanthus hasslerianus was mentioned as native, however, most of the specimens are identified by the specialists either as S. microphyllus or S. hasslerianus. After a detailed study of all original available and numerous herbarium specimens, we formally treat S. hasslerianus is a new synonymous of the older name S. microphyllus. Additionally, lectotypes for both names are designated. The species is described, illustrated, all specimens studied are cited, and conservation status and comments on its geographic distribution are provided.
A revision of Chrysopidae (Neuroptera) from the late Eocene Florissant Formation, Colorado, with description of new species
Authors: MAKARKIN VLADIMIR N. , ANTELL GWEN S. , ARCHIBALD S. BRUCE
Published: May 2022

The green lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) of the late Eocene Florissant Formation (Colorado, USA) are revised. Thirteen species in six genera of Nothochrysinae are recognized, including four new species: Archaeochrysa cockerelli sp. nov., Cimbrochrysa americana sp. nov., C. major sp. nov., and Lithochrysa meyeri sp. nov. The validity of the genus Dyspetochrysa Adams, 1967 is tenuous; it might be a synonym of Archaeochrysa Adams, 1967. Lithochrysa Carpenter, 1935 and L. ferruginea (Cockerell, 1909) are considered a valid genus and species. A lectotype and paralectotype of Tribochrysa firmata Scudder, 1890 are designated. The genus Cimbrochrysa Schlüter, 1982 is recorded from North America for the first time. Eocene chrysopid assemblages are briefly analyzed. The late Eocene Florissant assemblage is less diverse than those of early Eocene North America, and greatly differs from late Eocene European assemblages.
Health anxiety by proxy – through the eyes of the parents
Authors: Ingeman Katrine , Hulgaard Ditte Roth , Rask Charlotte U
Published: May 2022

Health anxiety by proxy is a newly described phenomenon where parents worry excessively that their child suffers from a serious illness. In a former study, six parents with distressing worries about their child’s health were interviewed to develop the Health Anxiety by Proxy Scale. The present study is a secondary analysis of these semi-structured interview data using interpretative phenomenological analysis aiming to explore for the first time the lived experience of parents with health anxiety by proxy. Analysis revealed three main themes: ‘Faces of distress’ describing various aspects of parents' experienced distress; ‘Invasive insecurity and mistrust’ portraying how anxiety affects parents' relationship with their children, health professionals and family; and ‘Making sense of own worries’ covering parents' ambivalence regarding their anxiety and rationalization of their worries. Knowledge about perspectives of parents who suffer from health anxiety by proxy can inform communication in clinical encounters where validation of parents' experiences may be key to forging an alliance for further treatment; and to recognising and potentially lowering barriers to receiving help that lies in parents’ potential mistrust in professional help.
Influence of N-glycosylation in the A and C domains on the immunogenicity of factor VIII
Authors: Vander Kooi Amber , Wang Shuaishuai , Fan Meng-Ni , Chen Alex , Zhang Junping , Chen Chun-Yu , Cai Xiaohe , Konkle Barbara A. , Xiao Weidong , Li Lei , Miao Carol H.
Published: May 2022

The most significant complication in hemophilia A treatment is the formation of inhibitors against factor VIII (FVIII) protein. Glycans and glycan-binding proteins are central to a properly functioning immune system. This study focuses on whether glycosylation of FVIII plays an important role in induction and regulation of anti-FVIII immune responses. We investigated the potential roles of 4 N-glycosylation sites, including N41 and N239 in the A1 domain, N1810 in the A3 domain, and N2118 in the C1 domain of FVIII, in moderating its immunogenicity. Glycomics analysis of plasma-derived FVIII revealed that sites N41, N239, and N1810 contain mostly sialylated complex glycoforms, while high mannose glycans dominate at site N2118. A missense variant that substitutes asparagine (N) to glutamine (Q) was introduced to eliminate glycosylation on each of these sites. Following gene transfer of plasmids encoding B domain deleted FVIII (BDD-FVIII) and each of these 4 FVIII variants, it was found that specific activity of FVIII in plasma remained similar among all treatment groups. Slightly increased or comparable immune responses in N41Q, N239Q, and N1810Q FVIII variant plasmid-treated mice and significantly decreased immune responses in N2118Q FVIII plasmid-treated mice were observed when compared with BDD-FVIII plasmid-treated mice. The reduction of inhibitor response by N2118Q FVIII variant was also demonstrated in AAV-mediated gene transfer experiments. Furthermore, a specific glycopeptide epitope surrounding the N2118 glycosylation site was identified and characterized to activate T cells in an FVIII-specific proliferation assay. These results indicate that N-glycosylation of FVIII can have significant impact on its immunogenicity.
CD44–fibrinogen binding promotes bleeding in acute promyelocytic leukemia by in situ fibrin(ogen) deposition
Authors: Wang Chunxu , Wang Yufeng , Zuo Nan , Fang Shaohong , Shi Jialan
Published: May 2022

Early hemorrhagic death is still the main obstacle for the successful treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). However, the mechanisms underlying hemostatic perturbations in APL have not been fully elucidated. Here, we report that CD44 on the membrane of APL blasts and NB4 cells ligated bound fibrinogen, resulting in in situ deposition of fibrin and abnormal fibrin distribution. Clots formed by leukemic cells in response to CD44 and fibrinogen interaction exhibited low permeability and resistance to fibrinolysis. Using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, we found that CD44 was also involved in platelet and leukemic cell adhesion. CD44 bound activated platelets but not resting platelets through interaction with P-selectin. APL cell-coated fibrinogen-activated platelets directly induce enhanced procoagulant activity of platelets. In vivo studies revealed that CD44 knockdown shortened bleeding time, increased the level of fibrinogen, and elevated the number of platelets by approximately twofold in an APL mouse model. Moreover, CD44 expression on leukemic cells in an APL mouse model was not only associated with bleeding complications but was also related to the wound-healing process and the survival time of APL mice. Collectively, our results suggest that CD44 may be a potential intervention target for preventing bleeding complications in APL.
Impact of anthocyanin on genetic stability in mammary adenocarcinoma-induced mice treated with methotrexate
Authors: Khamis Abeer A. , Ibrahim Rana M. , El-hefnawy Gad B. , Ibrahim Wafaa M. , Ali Ehab M.
Published: May 2022

Background

Genetic instability leads to genome mutations, changes in nucleotide sequences, rearrangements, and gains or losses of part of the chromosomes. This instability can initiate and develop cancer. This study evaluated genomic stability in methotrexate and anthocyanin-treated mammary adenocarcinoma model. Seventy albino mice were divided into seven groups: negative control, anthocyanin, methotrexate, Ehrlich’s solid tumor; Ehrlich’s solid tumor and methotrexate; Ehrlich’s solid tumor and anthocyanin; and Ehrlich’s solid tumor, methotrexate, and anthocyanin groups.

Results

Tumor weight and size were evaluated. Serum arylesterase activity was low in all the induced tumors and those treated with anthocyanin, methotrexate, or both. Poly[adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribose] polymerase activity was high, and glutathione S-transferase activity was low in the tumors treated with anthocyanin, methotrexate, or both, compared with that of the untreated tumor. There was an increase in DNA damage in the mice with solid tumors and those injected with methotrexate or methotrexate and anthocyanin, compared with that in the untreated mice.

Conclusions

There was a decrease in genetic instability and DNA damage in the tumor-bearing mice treated with anthocyanin, with a concomitant increase in nuclear poly[adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribose] polymerase activity, compared with those of the untreated group. Anthocyanin exerted positive effects in the treatment of mammary adenocarcinoma.
A novel approach to predicting the synergy of anti-cancer drug combinations using document-based feature extraction
Authors: Shim Yongsun , Lee Munhwan , Kim Pil-Jong , Kim Hong-Gee
Published: May 2022

Background

To reduce drug side effects and enhance their therapeutic effect compared with single drugs, drug combination research, combining two or more drugs, is highly important. Conducting in-vivo and in-vitro experiments on a vast number of drug combinations incurs astronomical time and cost. To reduce the number of combinations, researchers classify whether drug combinations are synergistic through in-silico methods. Since unstructured data, such as biomedical documents, include experimental types, methods, and results, it can be beneficial extracting features from documents to predict anti-cancer drug combination synergy. However, few studies predict anti-cancer drug combination synergy using document-extracted features.

Results

We present a novel approach for anti-cancer drug combination synergy prediction using document-based feature extraction. Our approach is divided into two steps. First, we extracted documents containing validated anti-cancer drug combinations and cell lines. Drug and cell line synonyms in the extracted documents were converted into representative words, and the documents were preprocessed by tokenization, lemmatization, and stopword removal. Second, the drug and cell line features were extracted from the preprocessed documents, and training data were constructed by feature concatenation. A prediction model based on deep and machine learning was created using the training data. The use of our features yielded higher results compared to the majority of published studies.

Conclusions

Using our prediction model, researchers can save time and cost on new anti-cancer drug combination discoveries. Additionally, since our feature extraction method does not require structuring of unstructured data, new data can be immediately applied without any data scalability issues.
Clinical uses of Bupropion in patients with Parkinson’s disease and comorbid depressive or neuropsychiatric symptoms: a scoping review
Authors: Vismara Matteo , Benatti Beatrice , Nicolini Gregorio , Cova Ilaria , Monfrini Edoardo , Di Fonzo Alessio , Fetoni Vincenza , Viganò Caterina A. , Priori Alberto , Dell’Osso Bernardo
Published: May 2022

Objective

Bupropion, an antidepressant inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine and noradrenaline, should be useful to treat depressive symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Limited and conflicting literature data questioned its effectiveness and safety in depressed PD patients and extended its use to other neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with this disorder.

Design

The databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Sciences, Cochrane Library, and the grey literature were searched. Following a scoping review methodology, articles focusing on Bupropion uses in PD patients who manifested depressive or other neuropsychiatric alterations were reviewed.

Results

Twenty-three articles were selected, including 7 original articles, 3 systematic reviews or meta-analyses, 11 case reports, 1 clinical guideline, and 1 expert opinion. Bupropion showed considerable effectiveness in reducing depressive symptoms, particularly in relation to apathy. Solitary findings showed a restorative effect on compulsive behaviour secondary to treatment with dopamine as well as on anxiety symptoms. The effect on motor symptoms remains controversial. The safety profile of this medication seems positive, but additional precautions should be used in subjects with psychotic symptoms.

Conclusion

The available literature lacks good evidence to support the use of Bupropion in PD patients presenting depressive symptoms. Further investigations are needed to extend and confirm reported findings and to produce accurate clinical guidelines.
Implementing a Canadian shared-care ADHD program in Beijing: Barriers and facilitators to consider prior to start-up
Authors: Bahraini Sayna , Maisonneuve Alexander R. , Liu Yirong , Samson André , Ying Qian , Li Fei , Yang Li , Robaey Philippe
Published: May 2022

Background

The shared care pathway for ADHD is a program developed in Canada with two main strategies: (a) implement a shared care pathway between general practitioners (GPs) and specialists, and (b) step up or down care so that the patient is treated at the most appropriate level of care, depending on the complexity or outcome of their illness. The current study aims to identify the challenges and facilitators of implementing this program in a Chinese mental health service setting.

Methods

Two focus groups were conducted using semi-structured interviews with a total of 7 health care providers in Beijing. An adapted grounded theory methodology using open-ended, axial and selective coding was used for data analysis.

Results

We identified three main levels related to barriers and facilitators: (1) a sociocultural level of patients' and health care providers' perspectives; (2) a structural level related to internal and external organizational environments; (3) and the level of the intervention itself with its characteristics. The project is generally aligned with the mandates and goals of the health system, but two of the main obstacles are the varying qualifications of physicians in hospitals of different levels, implying different needs and flexible and adapted training programs, and the lack of appropriate patient referral systems between the different hospital levels.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the importance of consultation to obtain a "lay of the land" for deciding on the implementation steps of an a priori well accepted model of care.
Self-reported injuries and correlates among school-going adolescents in three countries in Western sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Oppong Asante Kwaku , Onyeaka Henry K. , Kugbey Nuworza , Quarshie Emmanuel Nii-Boye
Published: May 2022

Background

Unintentional injuries among adolescents constitute a significant public health problem globally. Injured adolescents may face negative outcomes ranging from poor academic performance to short- and long-term physical and psychosocial health struggles, and even death. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and describe the correlates and most frequent causes of injuries among school-going adolescents in three West African countries – Benin, Ghana, and Liberia.

Methods

We analysed self-reported data provided by 8,912 school-going adolescents who participated in the Global School-based Student Health Survey in Ghana (2012), Benin (2016), and Liberia (2017). Students responded to questions on sociodemographic factors, family involvement factors, mental health factors, school environment factors and injury behaviours.

Results

The overall 12-month prevalence estimate of serious injuries in adolescents was 40.9% (Benin = 27.3%; Ghana = 46.1%; Liberia = 49.2%). The most frequently reported injury type was a broken bone or dislocated joint (33% in Benin), cuts or stab wounds (31.7% in Ghana), and non-specified injuries (35.2% in Liberia). Prevalence of serious injuries was higher among males and increased with age. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, interpersonal aggression outside the family context (bullying victimisation, engaging in physical fights, and having been physically attacked) emerged as key correlates of increased odds of serious injuries.

Conclusion

The relatively higher prevalence estimates of serious injury reported in this study underscore the need for the included countries to develop interventions aimed at reducing and preventing physical injuries among adolescents.
Predictors of the utilisation of continuum of maternal health care services in India
Authors: Gandhi Sumirtha , Gandhi Supriya , Dash Umakant , Suresh Babu M.
Published: May 2022

Background

Utilisation of continuum of maternal health care services is crucial for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth and plays an important role in attaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to maternal and child health. This paper aims to assess the percentage of dropouts across various stages of utilization of continuum of maternal health services (CMHS) in India and also investigates the factors hindering the utilization of these services.

Methods

We used recent data from National Family Health Survey(NFHS) encompassing a total sample of 1,70,937 pregnant women for the period 2015–16. The percentage of women dropping out while seeking maternal health care is measured using descriptive statistics. While, the factors impeding the utilization of maternal health services is estimated using a Multinomial Logistic Regression Model, where dependent variable (CMHS) is defined as complete care, incomplete care and no care.

Results

Only17% of pregnant women availed the utilisation of complete care and 83% either did not seek any care or dropped after seeking one or two services. For instance, it is found that 79% of women who registered for antenatal care services (ANC) did not avail the same adequately. An empirical investigation of determinants of inadequate utilization of CMHS revealed that factors like individual characteristics, for instance- access to media (RRR: 2.06) and mother’s education play (RRR: 3.61) a vital role in the uptake of CMHS. It is also found that the interaction between wealth index and place of residence plays a pivotal role in seeking complete care. Lastly, the results revealed that male participation (RRR: 2.69) and contacting multi-purpose worker (MPW) (RRR: 2.33) are also at play.

Conclusion

The study suggests that the major determinants of utilisation of CMHS are access to media, mother’s education, affordability barriers and male participation. Hence, policy recommendations should be oriented towards strengthening these dimensions and the utilisation of adequate ANC has to be considered as the need of the hour.
The functional roles of the circRNA/Wnt axis in cancer
Authors: Xue Chen , Li Ganglei , Zheng Qiuxian , Gu Xinyu , Bao Zhengyi , Lu Juan , Li Lanjuan
Published: May 2022

CircRNAs, covalently closed noncoding RNAs, are widely expressed in a wide range of species ranging from viruses to plants to mammals. CircRNAs were enriched in the Wnt pathway. Aberrant Wnt pathway activation is involved in the development of various types of cancers. Accumulating evidence indicates that the circRNA/Wnt axis modulates the expression of cancer-associated genes and then regulates cancer progression. Wnt pathway-related circRNA expression is obviously associated with many clinical characteristics. CircRNAs could regulate cell biological functions by interacting with the Wnt pathway. Moreover, Wnt pathway-related circRNAs are promising potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, prognosis evaluation, and treatment. In our review, we summarized the recent research progress on the role and clinical application of Wnt pathway-related circRNAs in tumorigenesis and progression.
Echocardiographic characteristics of PRKAG2 syndrome: a research using three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography compared with sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Tang Lu , Li Xuejie , Zhou Nianwei , Jiang Yingying , Pan Cuizhen , Shu Xianhong
Published: May 2022

Background

PRKAG2 syndrome is a rare disease characterized as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), ventricular preexcitation syndrome, and sudden cardiac death. Its natural course, treatment, and prognosis were significantly different from sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). However, it is often clinically misdiagnosed as sarcomeric HCM. PRKAG2 patients tend to experience delayed treatment. The delay may lead to adverse outcomes. This study aimed to identify the echocardiographic parameters which can differentiate PRKAG2 syndrome from sarcomeric HCM.

Methods

Nine PRKAG2 patients with LVH, 41 HCM patients with sarcomere gene mutations, and 202 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Clinical characteristics, conventional echocardiography, and three-dimensional images were recorded, and reviewed by an attending cardiologist. We evaluated the parameters of left ventricular strains from three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3D STE) by TomTec software. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis was used to assess clinical and echocardiographic parameters’ differential diagnosis potential.

Results

The heart rate (HR) of the PRKAG2 group was significantly lower than both the healthy group (53.11 ± 10.14 vs. 69.22 ± 10.48 bpm, P < 0.001) and the sarcomeric HCM group (53.11 ± 10.14 vs. 67.23 ± 10.32 bpm, P = 0.001). The PRKAG2 group had similar interventricular septal thickness (IVS), posterior wall thickness (PWT), and maximum wall thickness (MWT) to the HCM group (P > 0.05). The absolute value of GLS in the PRKAG2 group was significantly higher than HCM patients (-18.92 ± 4.98 vs. -13.43 ± 4.30%, P = 0.004). SV calculated from EDV and ESV in PRKAG2 syndrome showed a higher value than sarcomeric HCM (61.83 ± 13.52 vs. 44.96 ± 17.53%, P = 0.020). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for HR + GLS was 0.911 (0.803 -1). For HR + GLS, the sensitivity and specificity of the best cut-off value (0.114) were 69.0% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions

PRKAG2 patients present deteriorated LV diastolic function and preserved LV systolic function. Bradycardia and preserved GLS are useful to identify PRKAG2 syndrome from sarcomeric HCM, which may be beneficial for clinical decision-making.