bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lactylation prediction models based on protein sequence and structural feature fusion
Authors: Yang Ye-Hong , Yang Jun-Tao , Liu Jiang-Feng
Published: February 2024

Lysine lactylation (Kla) is a newly discovered posttranslational modification that is involved in important life activities, such as glycolysis-related cell function, macrophage polarization and nervous system regulation, and has received widespread attention due to the Warburg effect in tumor cells. In this work, we first design a natural language processing method to automatically extract the 3D structural features of Kla sites, avoiding potential biases caused by manually designed structural features. Then, we establish two Kla prediction frameworks, Attention-based feature fusion Kla model (ABFF-Kla) and EBFF-Kla, to integrate the sequence features and the structure features based on the attention layer and embedding layer, respectively. The results indicate that ABFF-Kla and Embedding-based feature fusion Kla model (EBFF-Kla), which fuse features from protein sequences and spatial structures, have better predictive performance than that of models that use only sequence features. Our work provides an approach for the automatic extraction of protein structural features, as well as a flexible framework for Kla prediction. The source code and the training data of the ABFF-Kla and the EBFF-Kla are publicly deposited at: https://github.com/ispotato/Lactylation_model.
TG468: a text graph convolutional network for predicting clinical response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy
Authors: Wang Kun , Shi Jiangshan , Tong Xiaochu , Qu Ning , Kong Xiangtai , Ni Shengkun , Xing Jing , Li Xutong , Zheng Mingyue
Published: February 2024

Enhancing cancer treatment efficacy remains a significant challenge in human health. Immunotherapy has witnessed considerable success in recent years as a treatment for tumors. However, due to the heterogeneity of diseases, only a fraction of patients exhibit a positive response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Various single-gene-based biomarkers and tumor mutational burden (TMB) have been proposed for predicting clinical responses to ICI; however, their predictive ability is limited. We propose the utilization of the Text Graph Convolutional Network (GCN) method to comprehensively assess the impact of multiple genes, aiming to improve the predictive capability for ICI response. We developed TG468, a Text GCN model framing drug response prediction as a text classification task. By combining natural language processing (NLP) and graph neural network techniques, TG468 effectively handles sparse and high-dimensional exome sequencing data. As a result, TG468 can distinguish survival time for patients who received ICI therapy and outperforms single gene biomarkers, TMB and some classical machine learning models. Additionally, TG468’s prediction results facilitate the identification of immune status differences among specific patient types in the Cancer Genome Atlas dataset, providing a rationale for the model’s predictions. Our approach represents a pioneering use of a GCN model to analyze exome data in patients undergoing ICI therapy and offers inspiration for future research using NLP technology to analyze exome sequencing data.
Failure of second challenge with mogamulizumab in C-C chemokine receptor 4-positive cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Stammler Romain , Ta Van Anh , Cohen Elisabeth , Ram-Wolff Caroline , Bozonnat Alizée , Battesti Gilles , Louveau Baptiste , Mourah Samia , Battistella Maxime , Moins-Teisserenc Hélène , de Masson Adèle
Published: February 2024

We report three patients with Sézary syndrome who had previously been successfully treated with mogamulizumab and then failed a second course of the same treatment, despite positive CCR4 expression at the second initiation of mogamulizumab. This suggests that secondary resistance of blood disease to mogamulizumab may be independent of target expression.
Painful subcutaneous masses in a patient with severe psoriasis
Authors: Martins Francisco , Ramalho Ana Rita , Flor Duarte , Batista Mariana , Cardoso José Carlos , Oliveira Hugo Schönenberger
Published: February 2024

A 53-year-old patient, with long-standing psoriasis and severe venous insufficiency, presented with a history of painful subcutaneous masses on both legs, with at least 2 months of progression. A biopsy of the lesions revealed the presence of subcutaneous calcification and ossification, probably attributed to Heinz-Lippmann disease. Thus, conservative measures for the management of chronic venous insufficiency were proposed, which resulted in significant pain reduction within 4 weeks.
Risk of lymph node metastasis in T1 esophageal adenocarcinoma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Nguyen Chu Luan , Tovmassian David , Isaacs Anna , Falk Gregory L
Published: February 2024

Patients with early (T1) esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) are increasingly having definitive local therapy endoscopically. Endoscopic resection is not able to pathologically stage or treat lymph node metastasis (LNM). Accurate identification of patients having nodal metastasis is critical to select endoscopic therapy over surgery. This study aimed to define the risk of LNM in T1 EAC. A meta-analysis of studies of patients who underwent surgery and lymphadenectomy with assessment of LNM was performed according to PRISMA. Main outcome was probability of LNM in T1a and T1b disease. Secondary outcomes were risk factors for LNM and rate of LNM in submucosal T1b (SM1, SM2, and SM3) disease. Registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022341794). Twenty cohort studies involving 2264 patients with T1 EAC met inclusion criteria: T1a (857 patients) with 36 (4.2%) node positive and T1b (1407 patients) with 327 (23.2%) node positive. Subgroup analysis of T1b lesions was available in 10 studies (405 patients). Node positivity for SM1, SM2, and SM3 was 16.3%, 16.2%, and 29.4%, respectively. T1 substage (odds ratio [OR] 7.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.45–13.38, P < 0.01), tumor differentiation (OR 2.82, 95% CI 2.06–3.87, P < 0.01), and lymphovascular invasion (OR 13.65, 95% CI 6.06–30.73, P < 0.01) were associated with LNM. T1a disease demonstrated a 4.2% nodal metastasis rate and T1b disease a rate of 23.2%. Endoscopic therapy should be reserved for T1a disease and perhaps select T1b disease, which has a moderately high rate of nodal metastasis. There were inadequate data to stratify T1b SM disease into ‘low-risk’ and ‘high-risk’ based on tumor differentiation and lymphovascular invasion.
Outcomes in Adult Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinical Trials: Assessment of Similarity Among Participants with Adolescent-onset and Adult-onset Disease
Authors: Rosh Joel R , Turner Dan , Hyams Jeffrey S , Dubinsky Marla , Griffiths Anne M , Cohen Stanley A , Hung Lo Kim , Kim Lilianne , Volger Sheri , Zhang Renping , Strauss Richard , Conklin Laurie S
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims

Most paediatric inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] studies are performed after medications are approved in adults, and the majority of participants in these studies are adolescents. We hypothesised that adolescent-onset IBD is not fundamentally different from adult-onset IBD. If this is correct, the value of delaying access to novel drugs in adolescents becomes questioned.

Methods

Data from 11 randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, adult Phases 2 and 3 trials of four biologics were analysed. Participants were categorised as having adolescent- or adult-onset disease [diagnosed 12 to <18, or ≥18 years]. Multivariable modelling explored the association between age at diagnosis and response to treatment, after adjustment for disease duration, extent, and severity at baseline. Data from dose arms were pooled to evaluate similarity of therapeutic response between adolescent- and adult-onset IBD within the same trial [not between doses or across trials]. Ratios of odds ratios [ORs] between the two groups were evaluated.

Results

Data from 6283 study participants (2575 with Crohn’s disease [CD], 3708 with ulcerative colitis [UC]) were evaluated. Of 2575 study participants with CD, 325 were 12–<18 years old at diagnosis; 836 participants [32.4%] received placebo. Of 3708 participants with UC, 221 were 12–<18 years old at diagnosis; 1212 [33%] were receiving placebo. The majority of the ratios of ORs were within 2-fold, suggesting that responses in adolescent- and adult-onset participants are generally similar.

Conclusion

Data presented lend support for extrapolating efficacy of biologics from adults to adolescents with IBD, which would facilitate earlier labelling and patient access.
Longitudinal reciprocal associations between volunteering, health and well-being: evidence for middle-aged and older adults in Europe
Authors: Weziak-Bialowolska Dorota , Skiba Regina , Bialowolski Piotr
Published: February 2024

Background

There is substantial evidence on the importance of voluntary activities for the health of middle-aged and older adults. Evidence on the effects of health and well-being on volunteering is more limited. This study examines reciprocal longitudinal associations between voluntary and/or charity activities and 21 indicators related to physical health, well-being, cognitive impairment and daily life functioning among middle-aged and older adults.

Methods

Longitudinal data were collected between 2011 and 2020 from a sample of 19 821 middle-aged and older adults from 15 countries participating in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe. An outcome-wide analysis and an exposure-wide analysis were applied and generalized estimating equations were used. Robustness analyses were conducted.

Results

Voluntary and/or charity activities almost every week or more often were prospectively associated with greater emotional well-being, reduced risks of limitations in activities of daily living and of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at a 6-year follow-up. Positive reverse associations were found from emotional well-being to volunteering. Limitations in daily life activities, increased loneliness, high blood cholesterol, hypertension and chronic lung disease were found to impede participation in voluntary and/or charity activities over time. Feedback loops between voluntary and/or charity activities and well-being and limitations in daily activities may exist.

Conclusion

Understanding the reciprocal nature of the relationship between volunteering and health and well-being can help identify strategies to encourage volunteering among middle-aged and older adults with specific health conditions and to target health promotion efforts towards volunteers.
Longitudinal Quantiles of Frailty Trajectories Considering Death: New Insights into Sex and Cohort Differences in the Reference Curves for Frailty Progression of Older European
Authors: Marroig Alejandra , Massa Fernando , Robitaille Annie , Hofer Scott M , Stolz Erwin , Muniz-Terrera Graciela
Published: February 2024

Background

Most previous studies of frailty trajectories in older adults focus on the average trajectory and ignore death. Longitudinal quantile analysis of frailty trajectories permits the definition of reference curves, and the application of mortal cohort inference provides more realistic estimates than models that ignore death.

Methods

Using data from individuals aged 65 or older (n = 25 446) from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) from 2004 to 2020, we derived repeated values of the Frailty Index (FI) based on the accumulation of health deficits. We applied weighted Generalized Estimating Equations to estimate the quantiles of the FI trajectory, adjusting for sample attrition due to death, sex, education, and cohort.

Results

The FI quantiles increased with age and progressed faster for those with the highest level of frailty (β^a0.9 = 0.0229, p < .001; β^a0.5 = 0.0067, p < .001; H0: βa0.5=βa0.9, p < .001). Education was consistently associated with a slower progression of the FI in all quantiles (β^ae0.1 = −0.0001, p < .001; β^ae0.5 =−0.0004, p < .001; β^ae0.9 = −0.0003, p < .001) but sex differences varied across the quantiles. Women with the highest level of frailty showed a slower progression of the FI than men when considering death. Finally, no cohort effects were observed for the FI progression.

Conclusions

Quantile FI trajectories varied by age, sex, education, and cohort. These differences could inform the practice of interventions aimed at older adults with the highest level of frailty.
Taxonomy development for term standardization in activity resulting from medication review processes: a Delphi study
Authors: Alharthi Mohammed S , Scott Sion , Hughes Carmel , Bond Christine , Hatah Ernieda , Bryant Linda , Holland Richard , Kosari Sam , Baqir Wasim , Loke Yoon , Wright David
Published: February 2024

Background

Medication review (MR) is the systematic assessment of a patient’s medications for safety and effectiveness by a healthcare professional. The language used to describe MR activity, such as stopped medicine and increased dose, should be consistent across studies to assist researchers compare how different services operate and identify their mechanism of impact.

Aim

To develop an international taxonomy of standardized terms and activity definitions related to medication reviews.

Method

This was a three-stage Delphi-based consensus study with international medication review experts. A systematic review provided MR activity terms for the survey. Experts rated their consensus on each activity term and its definition on a Likert scale and provided written feedback. The consensus was 75% panel agreement. At each stage, consensus elements were retained, and feedback was used to revise definitions.

Results

Seven experts were recruited for the study (response rate 15.2%) from four countries: the United Kingdom (n = 4), New Zealand (n = 1), Australia (n = 1), and Malaysia (n = 1). The following terms achieved consensus: the term Medication as a descriptor for MR terms; discontinue medication, start medication, dose increase, dose decrease, dosage form change, and medication safety and efficacy monitor to describe MR activity; Educate to describe the delivery of healthcare professionals and patients/carers education.

Conclusion

Standardized medication review activity terms and definitions have been selected for universal adoption in all future MR research to facilitate a meaningful comparison of process evaluations within different settings.
Custom, Reconsidered: Lessons on Unwritten Rules from Professional Sports
Authors: Beck Robert J
Published: February 2024

Professional sports have unwritten, but nevertheless well-appreciated and behavior-guiding rules that have come to be viewed as obligatory and subject to enforcement. This essay uses such unwritten rules from professional sports as novel lenses through which to view afresh, and more richly to appreciate, customary international law (CIL) rules’ nature, origins, and evolution. Though much CIL scholarship has presumed that merely tradition and self-interest have empowered CIL’s legal force, unwritten rules from professional sports demonstrate that emergent and even unacknowledged norms can and do necessitate widely accepted actions and penalties. This essay begins with a discussion of CIL’s literature, distinct nature, and methodological challenges. It turns next to a review and analysis of four prominent, unwritten rules drawn from professional sports. Finally, based on that analysis, it identifies particular lessons of salience for students of CIL. This essay also specifies the broader implications for CIL of professional sports’ unwritten-but-obligatory rules.
Methods of sampling malaria vectors and their reliability in estimating entomological indices in Africa
Authors: Degefa Teshome , Yewhalaw Delenasaw , Yan Guiyun
Published: February 2024

In efforts to intensify malaria control through vector control and hasten the progress towards elimination, the impact of control interventions needs to be evaluated. This requires sampling vector population using appropriate trapping methods. The aim of this article is to critically review methods of sampling malaria vectors and their reliability in estimating entomological indicators of malaria transmission in Africa. The standard methods are human landing catch (HLC), pyrethrum spray catch, and pit shelter for sampling host-seeking, indoor resting, and outdoor resting malaria vectors, respectively. However, these methods also have drawbacks such as exposure of collectors to infective mosquito bites, sampling bias, and feasibility issue. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light traps placed beside human-occupied bed nets have been used as an alternative to the HLC for sampling host-seeking malaria vectors. Efforts have been made to evaluate the CDC light traps against HLC to generate a conversion factor in order to use them as a proxy estimator of human biting rate and entomological inoculation rates in Africa. However, a reproducible conversion factor was not found, indicating that the trapping efficiency of the CDC light traps varies between different geographical locations. Several other alternative traps have also been developed and evaluated in different settings but most of them require further standardization. Among these, human-baited double net trap/CDC light trap combination and mosquito electrocuting trap have the potential to replace the HLC for routine malaria vector surveillance. Further research is needed to optimize the alternative sampling methods and/or develop new surveillance tools based on vector behavior.
BAL outflow in quasar B0254-3327B: analysis and comparison with other extreme UV outflows
Authors: Byun Doyee , Arav Nahum , Dehghanian Maryam , Walker Gwen , Kriss Gerard A
Published: February 2024

We have identified a broad absorption line (BAL) outflow in the HST/STIS spectrum of the quasar QSO B0254-3327B at velocity v = −3200 km s−1. The outflow has absorption troughs from ions such as Ne viii, Na ix, Si xii, and Ne v. We also report the first detection of S xiv absorption troughs, implying very high ionization. Via measurement of the ionic column densities, photoionization analysis, and determination of the electron number density of the outflow, we found the kinetic luminosity of the outflow system to be up to ∼1 per cent of the quasar’s Eddington luminosity, or ∼5 per cent of the bolometric luminosity, making it a potential contributor to AGN feedback. A solution with two ionization phases was needed, as a single phase was not sufficient to satisfy the constraints from the measured ionic column densities. We find that the ionization parameter of the very high-ionization phase of the outflow is within the expected range of an X-ray warm absorber. We also examined the physical properties of the outflow of Q0254-334 along with previously studied extreme UV outflows, with a total sample of 24 outflow systems, finding a weak negative correlation between outflow velocity and distance from the central source, with larger distances corresponding to slower velocities. The very high-ionization phase of the Q0254-334 outflow has one of the highest ionization parameters of UV absorption outflows to date, which we attribute to the presence of S xiv.
Adherence to Treatment and Follow-Up of Precancerous Cervical Lesions in Ethiopia
Authors: Stroetmann Clara Yolanda , Gizaw Muluken , Alemayehu Rahel , Wondimagegnehu Abigiya , Rabe Friedemann , Santos Pablo , Mchome Bariki , Mmbaga Blandina Theophil , Addissie Adamu , Kantelhardt Eva Johanna
Published: February 2024

Background

In Ethiopia, both incidence and mortality of cervical cancer are relatively high. Screening services, which were implemented during the past few years, are currently being expanded. The World Health Organization recommends patients with a positive VIA (visual inspection with acetic acid) result should immediately receive treatment followed by rescreening after 1 year as precancerous lesions can reoccur or become residential despite treatment.

Materials and Methods

Screening logbooks dating between 2017 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed in 14 health facilities of Addis Ababa and Oromia region. Data for 741 women with a VIA-positive result were extracted and those women were asked to participate in a questionnaire-based phone interview to gain insights about adherence to treatment and follow-up. Data were analyzed using descriptive methods and then fitted into 2 generalized linear models to test variables for an influence on adherence to follow up.

Results

Around 13 800 women had received a VIA screening, of which approximately 820 (5.9%) were VIA positive. While over 90% of women with a positive screen received treatment, only about half of the treated patients returned for a follow-up examination. After treatment, 31 women had a VIA-positive re-screen. We found that educational status, age over 40, no/incorrect follow-up appointment, health facility-related barriers, and use of reminders are important drivers of adherence to follow up.

Conclusion

Our results revealed that adherence to treatment after VIA positive screening is relatively high whereas adherence to follow up recommendations still needs improvement. Reminders like appointment cards and phone calls can effectively reduce the loss of follow-up.
Protein Crotonylation Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells via the PI3K-AKT Pathway
Authors: Han Ruohui , Dang Rui , Liu Fan , Nie Shaochen , Tao Shaofei , Xing Liangyu , Yang Tianle , Hu Meilin , Liu Dayong
Published: February 2024

Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) are crucial regulatory mechanisms for cellular differentiation and organismal development. Acylation modification is one of the main PTMs that plays a pivotal role in regulating the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and is a focal point of research in bone tissue regeneration. However, its mechanism remains incompletely understood. This article aims to investigate the impact of protein crotonylation on osteogenic differentiation in periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. Western blot analysis identified that the modification level of acetylation, crotonylation, and succinylation were significantly upregulated after osteogenic induction of PDLSCs. Subsequently, sodium crotonate (NaCr) was added to the medium and acyl-CoA synthetase short-chain family member 2 (ACSS2) was knocked down by short hairpin RNA plasmids to regulate the total level of protein crotonylation. The results indicated that treatment with NaCr promoted the expression of osteogenic differentiation-related factors in PDLSCs, whereas silencing ACSS2 had the opposite effect. In addition, mass spectrometry analysis was used to investigate the comprehensive analysis of proteome-wide crotonylation in PDLSCs under osteogenic differentiation. The analysis revealed that the level of protein crotonylation related to the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway was significantly upregulated in PDLSCs after osteogenic induction. Treatment with NaCr and silencing ACSS2 affected the activation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Collectively, our study demonstrates that protein crotonylation promotes osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs via the PI3K-AKT pathway, providing a novel targeting therapeutic approach for bone tissue regeneration.
Factors predicting the outcome of arthroscopic debridement and microfracture technique in treatment of osteochondral lesions of talus
Authors: Torkaman Ali , Nazari Masoud , Elahifar Omid , Moraveji Seyed Vahid , Yousof Gomrokchi Alireza
Published: February 2024

Aims and Scope:

Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) are common injuries that occur following ankle sprains and fractures. Surgical management, either through open or arthroscopic technique, is required to eliminate the pain and restore the ankle’s function. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic significance of demographic variables and lesion’s characteristics.

Method and Techniques:

In this study, 40 ankle (40 patients), who underwent arthroscopic debridement and microfracture technique to treat osteochondral lesion of the talus, were evaluated retrospectively after two years. The functional outcome of the ankle joint was assessed by using foot – ankle disability score, (FADS), pain analysing scale score (PASS), American orthopaedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS) score, and Ogilvie-Harris scaling system. Then the association between patients’ age and gender, and the lesions’ characteristics, including size, grade, and location, were evaluated.

Results:

Outcome results varied according to the scoring system, but all patients achieved satisfied outcome and pain relieve. Younger patients with smaller lesions achieved a better clinical result. All measures including PASS, AOFAS, Ogilvie-Harris, FADS appeared to be significantly better in smaller lesions. (P-value <0.05) PASS and Ogilvie-Harris scales showed better results in younger patients. Ogilvie-Harris test result was notably superior in the lateral lesions.

Conclusion:

The patient’s age and size of the lesion are two prognostic factors of arthroscopic debridement and microfracture of OLTs. We believe arthroscopic management can be associated with a better outcome in lesions smaller than 1.5 cm in diameter and patients younger than 40-years-old.

Level of Clinical Evidence:

Level 2 – prognostic study
Total Pelvic Floor Lifting: A New Approach for the Anatomic Repair of Pelvic Floor Hypermobility and Vaginal Laxity in Parous Women
Authors: Bolovis Dimitrios I. , Brucker Cosima V. M.
Published: February 2024

Recent years have seen a steady increase in the information available regarding pelvic floor changes after childbirth. Obstetric trauma, to which all structures of the urogenital sphere are subjected, can affect different anatomical areas, including the vagina, perineum, deep pelvic floor muscles, and sphincter. Main complaints of parous women with regard to their pelvic floor are vaginal laxity, a wide introitus, and increased mobility of the uterus. Unilateral pectineal suspension is a novel method for surgical correction of the sequelae of vaginal birth-giving such as uterine hypermobility and perception of loose tissue, restoring a natural anatomy when conservative therapy has failed. Since the method is not ablative and does not interfere with anatomical structures, subsequent pregnancies and deliveries remain possible. Furthermore, there is no mesh application, adding to the safety aspects of this unique approach. The surgical technique is straightforward and can be adopted by laparoscopically trained surgeons without problems. The procedure consists of five clearly defined steps, which makes it easily reproducible. Unilateral pectineal suspension restores the pelvic floor and the vagina, with a single suture lifting the sagging structures back to their original position. If needed and according to the patient’s choice, a short perineum associated with a wide introitus can be corrected in the same session by perineoplasty, resulting in a total aesthetic reconstruction of the female genital anatomy.
More isn’t always better
Authors: Olsen Esther , Novikov Zhanna , Sakata Theadora , Lambert Monique H. , Lorenzo Javier , Bohn Roger , Singer Sara J.
Published: February 2024

Background

Clinical care in modern intensive care units (ICUs) combines multidisciplinary expertise and a complex array of technologies. These technologies have clearly advanced the ability of clinicians to do more for patients, yet so much equipment also presents the possibility for cognitive overload.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate clinicians’ experiences with and perceptions of technology in ICUs.

Methodology/Approach

We analyzed qualitative data from 30 interviews with ICU clinicians and frontline managers within four ICUs.

Results

Our interviews identified three main challenges associated with technology in the ICU: (a) too many technologies and too much data; (b) inconsistent and inaccurate technologies; and (c) not enough integration among technologies, alignment with clinical workflows, and support for clinician identities. To address these challenges, interviewees highlighted mitigation strategies to address both social and technical systems and to achieve joint optimization.

Conclusion

When new technologies are added to the ICU, they have potential both to improve and to disrupt patient care. To successfully implement technologies in the ICU, clinicians’ perspectives are crucial. Understanding clinicians’ perspectives can help limit the disruptive effects of new technologies, so clinicians can focus their time and attention on providing care to patients.

Practice Implications

As technology and data continue to play an increasingly important role in ICU care, everyone involved in the design, development, approval, implementation, and use of technology should work together to apply a sociotechnical systems approach to reduce possible negative effects on clinical care for critically ill patients.
Evaluation of short-term adverse events of COVID-19 vaccines: An observational study
Authors: Fathi Fatemeh , Ameri Ali , Safa Omid , Hassaniazad Mehdi , Fathalipour Mohammad
Published: February 2024

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are the most effective tools in managing the pandemic. However, the concern about these vaccines is the occurrence of unwanted adverse events (AEs). This study aimed to evaluate the short-term AEs of COVID-19 vaccines (Sputnik V, Astrazenka, and Sinopharm). A cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire was conducted among 321 vaccinated individuals. Demographic information, history of drug use, prior infection with COVID-19, the type of vaccine, vaccination stage, local injection site complication, systemic complication, and allergic reactions were collected and evaluated. Local complications, including pain and swelling at the injection site, and systemic complications, including fever, fatigue, lethargy, lymphadenopathy, and diarrhea, were reported after the injection of the AstraZeneca vaccine was more than the other 2 vaccines; The prevalence of fatigue and lethargy was higher than other systemic complications. The least reported complication was due to lymphadenopathy. The Sinopharm vaccine showed a lower prevalence of AEs than the other 2. The rare AEs, such as facial paralysis, nasal bleeding, and urticarial, were further reported after injection of the AstraZeneca vaccine. In general, the severity of systemic complications after the second dose of the vaccine was also higher than the first dose. All 3 vaccines were safe and tolerable. The most commonly reported AEs were injection site pain (local) and fatigue and lethargy (systemic). These expected AEs occurred shortly after vaccination and indicated an early immune response after vaccination.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of right subclavian artery variants and their correlation with cervical-thoracic clinical conditions
Authors: Valenzuela-Fuenzalida Juan José , Orellana-Donoso Mathias , Perez-Jiménez Daniela , Farfán-Cabello Emilio , Gold-Semmler Marjorie , Becerra-Farfan Alvaro , Román Camila , Nova-Baeza Pablo
Published: February 2024

Background:

A high incidence of anatomical variations in the origin of the branches of the aortic arch has been reported, Nowadays, this variation is considered the most frequent in the aortic arch, its prevalence being estimated between 0.5% and 2.5% of the population. To understand its origin, knowledge of embryonic development is necessary.

Methods:

We searched the MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Latin-American literature and caribean of health sciences databases with dates ranging from their inception to June 2023. Study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality were assessed with the guaranteed tool for anatomical studies (Anatomical Quality Assurance). Finally, the pooled prevalence was estimated using a random effects model.

Results:

Thirty-nine studies were found that met the eligibility criteria. Twenty studies with a total of 41,178 subjects were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of an ARSA variant was 1% (95% confidence interval = 1%–2%), the clinical findings found are that if ARSA is symptomatic it could produce changes in the hemodynamic function of the thoracocervical region in addition to other associated symptomatic complications in surrounding structures.

Conclusions:

ARSA can cause several types of alterations in the cervical or thoracic region, resulting in various clinical complications, such as lusory dysphagia. Hence, knowing this variant is extremely important for surgeons, especially those who treat the cervico-thoracic region. The low prevalence of ARSA means that many professionals are completely unaware of its existence and possible course and origin. Therefore, this study provides detailed knowledge of ARSA so that professionals can make better diagnoses and treatment of ARSA.
Association between CCL5, CCL11, and CCL17 polymorphisms and atopic dermatitis risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zou Chenghui , Zhang Wen , Li Mao , He Dan , Han Yujie , Liu Min , Lu Mao
Published: February 2024

Background:

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common and recurrent inflammatory disease with strong genetic susceptibility. The abnormal production of chemokines plays an important role in the occurrence and development of AD.

Methods:

A comprehensive online literature search was performed in databases of China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP China Science and Technology Journal Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library to retrieve relevant articles published from January 2000 to October 2022. The odds ratio (OR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was employed to calculate this relationship.

Results:

A total of 7 studies were finally screened out, including 1316 AD patients and 1099 controls. There were 3 studies for CC chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) polymorphisms, 2 for CCL11 polymorphisms, and 2 for CCL17 polymorphisms, respectively. The meta-analysis revealed a significant association between the CCL5 − 403G/A polymorphism and AD under the allelic model (A vs G: OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.02–1.52, P = .03), heterozygous model (AG vs GG: OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.08–1.80, P = .01) and dominant model (AA + AG vs GG: OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.08–1.76, P = .01) in a fixed-effect model. The allelic model (G vs C: OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.07–1.98, P < .01) and dominant model (GG + GC vs CC: OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.23–2.47, P < .001) of the CCL5 − 28C/G polymorphism were also associated with an increased risk of AD. However, this significant association was not found in other alleles and genotypes (P > .05).

Conclusion:

Our results show that the A allele, AG and AA + AG genotypes of the CCL5 − 403G/A polymorphism, the G allele and GG + GC genotype of the CCL5 − 28C/G polymorphism are risk factors for AD. Future studies with large population are still needed to further explore those correlations.
The gut-joint axis: Genetic evidence for a causal association between gut microbiota and seropositive rheumatoid arthritis and seronegative rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Yao Xinyi , Zhang Runrun , Wang Xinchang
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to assess the causal relationship between GM and RA (seropositive RA and seronegative RA). A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to assess the causality of GM on seropositive RA and seronegative RA. GM’s genome-wide association study (GWAS) was used as the exposure, whereas the GWAS datasets of seropositive RA and seronegative RA were the outcomes. The primary analysis approach was used as inverse-variance weighted (IVW), followed by 3 additional MR methods (MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode). Cochran’s Q test was used to identify heterogeneity. The MR-Egger intercept test and leave-one-out analyses were used to assess horizontal pleiotropy. All statistical analyses were performed in R software. We discovered that Alloprevotella (IVW OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.71–0.99, P = .04) and Christensenellaceae R 7 group (IVW OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52–0.99, P = .04) were negatively correlated with seropositive RA, Ruminococcaceae UCG002 (IVW OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.10–1.54, P = .002) was positively associated with seropositive RA. Actinomyces (IVW OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.54–0.99, P = .04), Christensenellaceae R 7 group (IVW OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.39–0.97, P = .04), Terrisporobacter (IVW OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.44–0.93, P = .02), Lactobacillales (IVW OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.47–0.90, P = .01) were negatively correlated with seronegative RA. The present MR analysis showed a protective effect of Alloprevotella and Christensenellaceae R 7 group and a potentially anti-protective effect of Ruminococcaceae UCG002 on seropositive RA; and a protective effect of Actinomyces, Christensenellaceae R 7 group, Terrisporobacter, and Lactobacillales on seronegative RA. Further experimental studies and randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these findings.
An unusual evolution of thyroid function after therapeutic plasma exchange in Graves’ disease with cholestatic jaundice: A case report
Authors: Jin Yamei , Feng Xiaohong , Ni Haixiang
Published: February 2024

Rationale:

Methimazole (MMI) is the first-line agent in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. However, rare but severe cholestatic jaundice may occur. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) may provide an alternative treatment for such patients and they received thyroidectomy/radioactive iodine ablation or continued oral anti hyperthyroidism medication immediately after TPE session in the reported literatures. The case reported here is, to our knowledge, the first to describe the long interval between anti hyperthyroidism therapy and TPE in such patients.

Patient concerns:

A 49-year-old Chinese woman had developed worsening jaundice 3 weeks after receiving methimazole (20 mg/day) for the treatment of hyperthyroidism secondary to Graves’ disease (GD). Additionally, she had a 2-year history of type 2 diabetes.

Diagnosis:

Hyperthyroidism secondary to GD, MMI-induced severe cholestatic jaundice and type 2 diabetes.

Interventions:

Methimazole was discontinued and the patient received 3 times of TPE, about 3-month glucocorticoid treatment, insulin administration accordingly and other conventional liver-protecting therapy.

Outcomes:

Her thyroid function was stabilized with small dose of thyroxine substitution and euthyroid status persisted after thyroxine discontinuation until hyperthyroidism recurred 7 months later while her cholestatic jaundice was eventually recovered by about 3-month glucocorticoid therapy.

Lessons:

Due to the complex interplay between liver function and thyroid hormones, there may be unusual changes of thyroid function in GD patients with severe liver injury after TPE. By this case, we want to highlight the importance of a closely following up of thyroid function in order to deliver appropriate health suggestions for patients.
Evaluation of basal rate infusion in intravenous patient-controlled analgesia for post-cesarean section pain management: A randomized pilot study
Authors: Jun Mi Roung , Kim Jae-Myung , Kim Jeong Yeon , Lee Ji Hoon , Kim Chae Eun , Lee Moon Ok
Published: February 2024

Objective:

Administering opioids via intravenous patient-controlled analgesia is a prevalent approach for managing postoperative pain. Nevertheless, due to concerns about opioid-related side effects and the potential for opioid tolerance, there is a growing emphasis on adopting opioid-sparing techniques for postoperative pain management. We aimed to investigate the effect of adding a basal rate infusion in fentanyl-based IVA following a cesarean section (CS).

Method:

Forty-eight patients, who received pain management through IVA after CS, were assigned randomly into 3 groups based on the background rate setting: Group 0 (0 mcg/hour, n = 16), Group 1 (15 mcg/hour, n = 16), and Group 2 (30 mcg/hour, n = 16). We assessed the impact of the basal infusion rate on opioid consumption and the visual analog scale (VAS) scores during the first 48 hours post-CS and also investigated opioid-induced side effects and the requirement for rescue analgesics in the ward during the first 48 hours after CS.

Results:

In the initial 24 hours following CS, fentanyl consumption significantly increased in Group 2 compared with Group 0 and Group 1 (P = .037). At 24 hours, VAS scores both at rest and during movement, tended to decrease, as the basal rate increased; however, no significant differences were observed between the groups (P = .218 and 0.827, respectively). Between the first 24- and 48-hours post-CS, fentanyl consumption showed a marked increase in both Group 1 and Group 2 compared to Group 0 (P < .001). At 48 hours, the VAS scores at rest displayed a trend toward reduction; however, no significant differences between groups were evident (P = .165). Although the incidence of opioid-induced complications was noted, no statistically significant differences were recorded between groups during the initial 24 hours and subsequent 24 to 48 hours period (P = .556 and P = .345, respectively).

Conclusion:

The inclusion of a basal fentanyl infusion in the IVA protocol did not provide any advantages over an IVA devoid of a basal rate infusion in managing acute pain following CS.
A high-grade breast mucoepidermoid carcinoma without MAML2 rearrangement: A case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Liangliang , Cheng Dan , Wang Huaying , Cheng Lin , Zhang Xiaorong
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the breast is an extremely rare primary breast tumor. Between 1979 and June 2022, only 50 cases were reported. The pathological morphology and biological behavior of breast MEC remain poorly understood.

Patient concerns:

A 47-year-old female was presented with a 10-day-old left breast mass detected by physical examination.

Diagnoses:

Ultrasonography could not distinguish whether the breast tumor was benign or malignant. After a biopsy of a breast tumor excision specimen, combined with immunohistochemical results, the patient was diagnosed with high-grade mucoepidermoid breast carcinoma.

Interventions:

The patient underwent a modified radical mastectomy for her left breast.

Outcomes:

The patient was still free from local recurrence or metastases at 1-year follow-up.

Conclusion:

A high-grade MEC case without MAML2 rearrangement shows good recovery without complications. The diagnosis was confirmed by histomorphology and immunohistochemical markers. It is sometimes necessary to distinguish it from adenosquamous, adenoid cystic, or mucinous carcinoma. The primary treatment is surgical resection, and the prognosis is closely related to the pathological grade.
No potential causal link between HP infection and IBD: A 2way Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yang Kaiqi , Ding Yuchen , Chen Jinlong , Sun Xiujing
Published: February 2024

Recent epidemiological research suggests a possible negative correlation between Helicobacter pylori infection and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, conflicting studies have provided unclear evidence regarding these causal relationships. Therefore, recommending specific prevention and treatment strategies for H. pylori infection and IBD is challenging. We used various antibodies (anti-H. pylori IgG, VacA, and GroEl) related to H. pylori infection as indicators. We acquired relevant genetic variants from public databases within the Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS) dataset using IBDs tool variables from 2 different GWAS datasets. We thoroughly examined the data and screened for IVs that fulfilled these criteria. Subsequently, Bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) was conducted to predict the potential causality between the 2. To ensure the accuracy and robustness of our results, we conducted a series of sensitivity analyses. Based on our comprehensive MR analysis, no potential causal relationship was observed between H. pylori infection and IBD. Across various methodologies, including IVW, MR-Egger, and weighted median, our findings showed P values > .05. The only exception was observed in the reverse MR analysis using the MR-Egger method, which yielded a P value of < .05. However, because the IVW method is considered the most statistically significant method for MR, and its P value was > .05, we do not believe that a potential causal relationship exists between them. Our sensitivity analysis did not suggest significant horizontal pleiotropism. Although heterogeneity was detected in the analysis of IBD (IIBDGC source) versus H. pylori GroEL antibody levels (MR-Egger, Qp = 0.038; IVW, Qp = 0.043), the results remained reliable because we selected IVW as a random-effects model in our MR analysis method. Based on our MR research, no direct correlation was observed between H. pylori infection and IBD risk. This implies that eradicating H. pylori may not provide substantial benefits in preventing or treating regional IBD, and vice versa. Nevertheless, the use of H. pylori serological index substitution has limitations, and further research using histological diagnosis and additional MR studies is required to comprehensively assess the link between H. pylori infection and IBD.
Diagnostic value of sphingolipid metabolism-related genes CD37 and CXCL9 in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Zhang Jiayi , Wang Lingfang , Jiang Meixiu
Published: February 2024

The development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been reported to be caused by sphingolipid family inducing insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation, which can be regulated by multiple sphingolipid metabolic pathways. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of crucial sphingolipid metabolism related genes (SMRGs) in NAFLD. Firstly, the datasets (GSE48452, GSE126848, and GSE63067) from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and sphingolipid metabolism genes (SMGs) from previous research were collected for this study. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between different NAFLD and controls were acquired through “limma,” and the SMRGs were authenticated via weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). After overlapping the DEGs and SMRGs, the causality between the intersection genes (DE-SMRGs) and NAFLD was explored to sort out the candidate biomarkers by Mendelian randomization (MR) study. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of candidate biomarkers in GSE48452 and GSE126848 were yielded to determine the biomarkers, followed by the nomogram construction and enrichment analysis. Finally, the immune infiltration analysis, the prediction of transcription factors (TFs) and drugs targeting biomarkers were put into effect. A total of 23 DE-SMRGs were acquired based on the differential analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), of which 3 DE-SMRGs (CD37, CXCL9 and IL7R) were picked out for follow-up analysis through univariate and multivariate MR analysis. The values of area under ROC curve of CD37 and CXCL9 were >0.7 in GSE48452 and GSE126848, thereby being regarded as biomarkers, which were mainly enriched in amino acid metabolism. With respect to the Spearman analysis between immune cells and biomarkers, CD37 and CXCL9 were significantly positively associated with M1 macrophages (P < .001), whose proportion was observably higher in NAFLD patients compared with controls. At last, TFs (ZNF460 and ZNF384) of CD37 and CXCL9 and a total of 79 chemical drugs targeting CD37 and CXCL9 were predicted. This study mined the pivotal SMRGs, CD37 and CXCL9, and systematically explored the mechanism of action of both biomarkers based on the public databases, which could tender a fresh reference for the clinical diagnosis and therapy of NAFLD.