bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidisciplinary management of tracheobronchial injury
Authors: Boutros Jacques , Marquette Charles-Hugo , Ichai Carole , Leroy Sylvie , Benzaquen Jonathan
Published: January 2022

Tracheobronchial injury is a heterogeneous entity comprising multiple rare and potentially life-threatening scenarios. We performed a systematic literature review focusing on post-intubation tracheal injuries (PiTIs) and post-traumatic tracheobronchial injuries (PTTBIs).

PiTIs are often longitudinal lacerations of the middle third of the membranous trachea. Subcutaneous emphysema of the face and trunk following tracheal intubation should immediately trigger the diagnosis. Diagnosis may be suspected on the chest computed tomography (CT) and should be confirmed by bronchoscopic examination. Conservative management is encouraged for a spontaneously breathing or stable patient on noninvasive ventilation. Surgical repair is mandatory when mechanical ventilation is required and if bridging of the injury is impossible.

PTTBIs are often associated with other severe injuries. Patients often present with massive subcutaneous emphysema and intractable pneumothorax. Diagnosis may be suspected on the chest CT and should be confirmed by bronchoscopic examination. Early surgical repair is indicated. In selected patients, conservative management can be considered.
Brain barriers and their potential role in migraine pathophysiology
Authors: Wiggers Astrid , Ashina Håkan , Hadjikhani Nouchine , Sagare Abhay , Zlokovic Berislav V. , Lauritzen Martin , Ashina Messoud
Published: January 2022

Migraine is a ubiquitous neurologic disease that afflicts people of all ages. Its molecular pathogenesis involves peptides that promote intracranial vasodilation and modulate nociceptive transmission upon release from sensory afferents of cells in the trigeminal ganglion and parasympathetic efferents of cells in the sphenopalatine ganglion. Experimental data have confirmed that intravenous infusion of these vasoactive peptides induce migraine attacks in people with migraine, but it remains a point of scientific contention whether their site of action lies outside or within the central nervous system. In this context, it has been hypothesized that transient dysfunction of brain barriers before or during migraine attacks might facilitate the passage of migraine-inducing peptides into the central nervous system. Here, we review evidence suggestive of brain barrier dysfunction in migraine pathogenesis and conclude with lessons learned in order to provide directions for future research efforts.
Patient activation and its association with symptom burden and quality of life across the spectrum of chronic kidney disease stages in England
Authors: Magadi Winnie , Lightfoot Courtney J. , Memory Katherine E. , Santhakumaran Shalini , van der Veer Sabine N. , Thomas Nicola , Gair Rachel , Smith Alice C.
Published: January 2022

Background

The knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage one’s own health is termed patient activation and can be assessed using the Patient Activation Measure (PAM). This measure is increasingly recommended for use in chronic kidney disease (CKD), but there is a need to better understand patient activation within this population. This work aimed to explore the association of PAM with patient-reported outcomes, namely symptom burden and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), to understand the relationship between patient activation and outcomes which are of importance to people with CKD.

Methods

Non-dialysis, dialysis, and kidney transplant patients from 14 renal units across England completed a survey comprising questionnaires assessing patient activation, symptom burden, and HRQoL.

Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to determine HRQoL and symptom burden subgroups in the data. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the associations between patient activation and symptom burden and HRQoL classes separately, adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, deprivation and treatment modality.

Results

Three thousand thirteen participants (mean age 61.5 years, 61.8% males, and 47% haemodialysis) were included in the analysis. Patient activation was strongly associated with both the HRQoL and symptom burden classes identified, with highly activated patients more likely to report higher HRQoL (P = < 0.0001; OR 29.2, 95% CI 19.5–43.9) and fewer symptoms (P = < 0.0001; OR 25.9, 95% CI 16.8–40.2).

Conclusion

Lower activation levels are associated with a higher symptom burden and reduced HRQoL across the trajectory of CKD stages and treatment modalities. Therefore, targeted and holistic self-management support focussing on improving activation may have the potential to improve aspects of health experience which are valued by individuals living with kidney disease.
Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis syndrome (PFAPA) or recurrent urinary tract infections: a case report
Authors: Dormanesh Banafshe , Asli Maryam , Daryanavard Roya , Arasteh Peyman
Published: January 2022

Background

Fever is the most frequent reason for medical consultation in children, and makes up 15–25% of all consultations in primary care and emergency departments. In here we report a case of a 13 year-old girl who referred with an unusual presentation of fever and was misdiagnosed with recurrent urinary tract infection for 8 years.

Case presentation

This is a Clinical Reasoning Cycle case study. A 13 year-old girl was referred with a chief complaint of recurrent fevers from 8 years. During her first febrile episode, she had a 5-day high-grade fever associated with loss of appetite. Her physical examination at that time was unremarkable. Blood tests showed leukocytosis with a shift to the left and urine examination was in favor of pyuria. The urine culture was positive for bacterial growth. The episodes of fever were repeated every 45 days. Accordingly, the patient was diagnosed as a case of recurrent urinary tract infection. In the intervals between her febrile episodes, the patient was healthy and laboratory tests were normal. Ultrasonography, voiding cystourethrogram and dimercaptosuccinic acid scans were normal. During her last visit, the patient mentioned difficulty in swallowing and on examination cervical lymph nodes, exudative tonsillitis and painful aphthous stomatitis were detected. All antibiotics were stopped and corticosteroids were started. The patient’s symptoms were relieved and the interval between her febrile episodes became longer.

Conclusions

Our study shows that a patient should never be marked, particularly when the symptom and signs aren’t completely justifying a patient’s condition.
Involvement of the long intergenic non-coding RNA LINC00461 in schizophrenia
Authors: Rao Shuquan , Tian Lin , Cao Hongbao , Baranova Ancha , Zhang Fuquan
Published: January 2022

Objective

LINC00461 is a highly conserved intergenic non-protein coding RNA that was implicated in schizophrenia at the genome-wide level. We aim to explore potential mechanisms underlying the involvement of LINC00461 in schizophrenia.

Methods

We performed a meta-analysis to investigate the association of LINC00461 rs410216 with schizophrenia, and evaluate the effects of the rs410216 on hippocampal volume and function using the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) analysis. We utilized the GTEx dataset to profile the expression distribution of LINC00461 across different brain regions, and to investigate the potential impact of the risk SNPs on the expression of LINC00461 and other nearby genes. We compared blood expression levels of LINC00461 between schizophrenia patients and controls.

Results

Here we show that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in regulatory elements spanning the LINC00461 region are significantly associated with schizophrenia (index SNP rs410216, Pmeta = 1.43E-05); subjects carrying the risk allele of rs410216 showed decreased hippocampal volume. However, no significant association of the rs410216 variant with hippocampal activation was observed. Moreover, the expression level of LINC00461 mRNA was significantly lower in first-onset schizophrenia patients, and the risk allele also predicts a lower transcriptional level of LINC00461 in the hippocampus.

Conclusion

Together, these convergent lines of evidence implicate inadequate LINC00461 expression in the hippocampus in the development of schizophrenia, providing novel insight into the genetic architecture and biological etiology of schizophrenia.
Factors associated with the relapse in Ponseti treated congenital clubfoot
Authors: Hu Wei , Ke Baoyi , Niansu Xiao , Li Sen , Li Cheng , Lai Xingming , Huang Xinyu
Published: January 2022

Objectives

We retrospectively investigated the clinical materials to seek the factors that lead to relapse after using the Ponseti method.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all children with congenital clubfoot treated with the Ponseti method in our hospital from June 2008 to June 2013. The data included the following factors: age, gender, initial Pinari score, number of casts, number of feet (unilateral or bilateral), age at the first casting, age of mother, tenotomy, walking age, and compliance with using bracing. All investigations were conducted in conformity with ethical standards. This study was approved by Guilin Peoples’ Hospital Ethics Committee.

Results

In this study, there were 148 cases (164 ft) in total that underwent the Ponseti method, with the follow–up period at least 5 years. Of them, 64 children presented with left side, 58 with right side, and 26 with bilateral cases. This study included 75 males and 73 females; sex did not affect the outcomes. The mean age of the first casting was 2.50 ± 2.15 months. The average initial Pirani score was 4.98 ± 1.33, and the average number of casts was 5.71 ± 2.28 times. The mean age of mothers at birth was 25.81 ± 2.38 years old. The walking age of children was at a mean of 14.83 ± 1.18 months. Forty-nine cases could not tolerate using braces, namely the rate of noncompliance in this study was 33.1%. Tenotomy was performed on 113 ft (76.4%). The average follow–up period was 7.27 ± 1.29 years (from 5 to 10 years). The rate of relapse was 21.6% (32 cases) at the end of the follow-up. The rate of relapse in the noncompliance with using bracing group was significantly higher compared to the compliance group .

Conclusion

The initial Pirani score, compliance with the foot abduction brace and the age at the first casting are three independent factors for relapse in clubfoot.
Effects of kinesiotaping on disability and pain in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy: double-blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Taik Fatima Zahrae , Karkouri Samia , Tahiri Latifa , Aachari Ilham , Moulay Berkchi Jihad , Hmamouchi Ihsane , Abouqal Redouane , Rkain Hanan , Allali Fadoua
Published: January 2022

Background

Kinesiotaping (KT) is widely used in several musculoskeletal disorders particularly in shoulder pain. However, literature shows controversial results regarding the effect of KT on shoulder pathology. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical effects of KT in the short term on rotator cuff tendinopathy (RCT).

Methods

A randomized controlled double-blind clinical trial was conducted. The sample consisted of 50 subjects (25 per group). Patients were randomly assigned to the KT group (to receive therapeutic KT application) or to the placebo group (to receive sham KT application). Taping was applied every 4 days, a total of three times during the study period. We assessed the patients at baseline, at the end of taping period (D12), and at one-month post-taping (D30). Primary outcome was assessed through the Arabic version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH). Secondary outcomes were assessed through Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain intensity at rest (VASr), during active movement (VASm), and at night (VASn).

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups in the demographic and clinical characteristics and the pre-test scores. Results of repeated measures ANOVA showed significant improvement in DASH scores and in VAS for pain (at rest, during active movement and at night) from D12 in both groups. The use of ANCOVA, controlling for pre-test scores, showed no significant differences between groups, except for VASm at D30.

Conclusion

This study showed that the standardized therapeutic KT used for shoulder pain was not superior to a sham KT application in improving pain and disabilities in patients with RCT.

Trial registration

The study was retrospectively registered on Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (identification number: PACTR202007672254335) on 21/07/2020. https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=12200
Intraoperative radiation therapy for early stage breast cancer
Authors: Zangouri Vahid , Nasrollahi Hamid , Taheri Ali , Akrami Majid , Arasteh Peyman , Hamedi Seyed Hassan , Johari Masoumeh Ghoddusi , Karimaghaee Nazanin , Ranjbar Aliye , Karami Mohammad Yasin , Tahmasebi Sedigheh , Mosalaei Ahmad , Talei Abdolrasoul
Published: January 2022

Background and objective

We report our experiences with Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) among breast cancer (BC) patients in our region.

Methods

All patients who received radical IORT from April 2014 on to March 2020 were included in the study. Patient selection criteria included: Age equal or older than 45 years old; All cases of invasive carcinomas (in cases of lobular carcinomas only with MRI and confirmation); Patients who were 45–50 years old with a tumor size of 0–2 cm, 50–55 years old with a tumor size of < 2.5 cm, and those who were ≥ 55 years old with a tumor size of < 3 cm; Invasive tumors only with a negative margin; Negative nodal status (exception in patients with micrometastasis); A positive estrogen receptor status. Primary endpoints included death and recurrence which were assessed using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

Overall, 252 patients entered the study. Mean (SD) age of patients was 56.43 ± 7.79 years. In total, 32.9% of patients had a family history of BC. Mean (SD) tumor size was 1.56 ± 0.55 cm. Mean (IQR) follow-up of patients was 36.3 ± 18.7 months. Overall, 8 patients (3.1%) experienced recurrence in follow-up visits (disease-free-survival of 96.1%), among which four (1.5%) were local recurrence, two (0.8%) were regional recurrence and two patients (0.8%) had metastasis. Median (IQR) time to recurrence was 46 (22, 53.7) months among the eight patient who had recurrence. Overall, one patient died due to metastasis in our series. Eleven patients (4.3%) with DCIS in our study received IORT. All these patients had free margins in histopathology examination and none experienced recurrence.

Conclusion

Inhere we reported our experience with the use of IORT in a region where facilities for IORT are limited using our modified criteria for patient selection.
Case report of enterobacter hormaechei in sheep with respiratory disease and death
Authors: Shi Hongfei , Wang Kun , Wang Li , Sun Shiyu , Li Bozhen , Yao Lunguang
Published: January 2022

Background

Enterobacter hormaechei is typically a opportunistic pathogenic bacterium in humans, and no pathological change of of Enterobacter hormaechei in diseased sheep has previously been documented.

Case presentation

Three free-range, four-month-old female sheep were ill with respiratory disease and died three days after receiving treatment with ceftiofur sodium. A frozen lung sample of one sheep was studied using bacterium isolation, and lung samples of the other two sheep were collected and analyzed by histopathological examination and bacterium isolation. The 16S rRNA gene sequences and biochemical characteristics of the isolates were analyzed. All results showed the isolated strain to be Enterobacter hormaechei. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA sequence showed three representative strains were most closely related to the strains isolated from calf. Antimicrobial sensitivity tests indicated that no sensitivity to the β-lactam antimicrobials involved in treatment of sheep respiratory disease in China. Detection of the genes responsible for β-lactam resistance showed that all three isolates from sheep harbor blaSHV and blaKPC. Interstitial pneumonia, bronchial epithelial cells shedding, and massive mucous secretion were observed in the lung histopathological sections. Immunohistochemical staining showed that specific staining was mainly limited to the alveoli and alveolar septum.

Conclusions

This appears to be the first report of pathological changes in lungs of sheep with respiratory disease and death associated with Enterobacter hormaechei.
An efficient overexpression method for studying genes in Ricinus that transport vectorized agrochemicals
Authors: Xiao Yongxin , Zhang Jinying , Li Yiting , Hsiang Tom , Zhang Xingping , Zhu Yongxing , Du Xiaoying , Yin Junliang , Li Junkai
Published: January 2022

Background

Plant plasma membrane transporters play essential roles during the translocation of vectorized agrochemicals. Therefore, transporters associated with phloem loading of vectorized agrochemicals have drawn increasing attention. As a model system, castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) has been widely used to detect the phloem mobility of agrochemicals. However, there is still a lack of an efficient protocol for the Ricinus seedling model system that can be directly used to investigate the recognition and phloem loading functions of plasmalemma transporters toward vectorized agrochemicals.

Results

Here, using vacuum infiltration strategy, we overexpressed the coding gene for enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) in R. communis seedlings by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation system. Strong fluorescence signals were observed in leaves, demonstrating that exogenous genes can be successfully overexpressed in seedlings. Subsequently, gene expression time and vacuum infiltration parameters were optimized. Observation of fluorescence and qRT-PCR analysis showed that eGFP strength and expression level reached a peak at 72 h after overexpression in seedlings. Parameter optimization showed Agrobacterium concentration at OD600 = 1.2, and infiltration for 20 min (0.09 MPa), return to atmospheric pressure, and then infiltration for another 20 min, were the suitable transformation conditions. To test the application of vacuum agroinfiltration in directly examining the loading functions of plasma membrane transporters to vectorized agrochemicals in seedlings, two LHT (lysine/histidine transporter) genes, RcLHT1 and RcLHT7, were overexpressed. Subcellular localization showed the strong fluorescent signals of the fusion proteins RcLHT1-eGFP and RcLHT7-eGFP were observed on the cell membrane of mesophyll cells, and their relative expression levels determined by qRT-PCR were up-regulated 47- and 52-fold, respectively. Furthermore, the concentrations of l-Val-PCA (l-valine-phenazine-1-carboxylic acid conjugate) in phloem sap collected from seedling sieve tubes were significantly increased 1.9- and 2.3-fold after overexpression of RcLHT1 and RcLHT7, respectively, implying their roles in recognition and phloem loading of l-Val-PCA.

Conclusions

We successfully constructed a transient expression system in Ricinus seedlings and laid the foundation for researchers to directly investigate the loading functions of plasma membrane transporters to vectorized agrochemicals in the Ricinus system.
Intraoperative practices to prevent wrong-level spine surgery: a survey among 105 spine surgeons in the United Kingdom
Authors: Naqvi Ali Zain , Magill Henry , Anjarwalla Naffis
Published: January 2022

Background

Current literature suggests that wrong-level spine surgery is relatively common with far-reaching consequences. This study aims to assess the current practices of spinal surgeons across the UK with respect to the techniques implemented for correct level verification.

Methods

To assess the current practices of spinal surgeons across the UK with respect to the techniques implemented for level verification. The authors hypothesise the absence of a standardised technique used across spine surgeons in the UK. Practices amongst respondents will be ascertained via an electronic questionnaire designed to evaluate current practices of spinal surgeons whom are members of the British Association of Spinal Surgeons (BASS). The study data will include key information such as; the level of surgical experience, specific techniques used to perform level checks for each procedure and prior involvement with wrong-level spine surgery. Responses were collected over the period of 1 month with a reminder sent 2 weeks prior to closure of the survey. The data were collated and descriptive analyses performed on multiple-choice question answers and common themes established from free text answers.

Results

A total of 27% (n = 105/383) members responded. The vast majority had greater than 10 years’ experience. Intraoperative practices varied greatly with varying practices present for cervical, thoracic and lumbar level surgery. Only 38% (n = 40) of respondents re-checked the level intra-operatively, prior to instrumentation. Of the respondents 47.5% (n = 29/61) of surgeons had been involved in wrong level spinal surgery.

Conclusion

This study highlights the varying practices amongst spinal surgeons and suggests root cause for wrong-level spine surgery; where the level identified pre-incision was subsequently not the level exposed. We describe a novel safety-check adopted at our institute using concepts and lessons learnt from the WHO Checklist.
Spontaneous quorum-sensing hierarchy reprogramming in Pseudomonas aeruginosa laboratory strain PAO1
Authors: Cheng Xiaoyan , Lu Mingqi , Qiu Huifang , Li Yuanhao , Huang Linfeng , Dai Weijun
Published: January 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PAO1 has been commonly used in the laboratory, with frequent genome variations reported. Quorum sensing (QS), a cell–cell communication system, plays important role in controlling a variety of virulence factors. However, the evolution and adaptability of QS in those laboratory strains are still poorly understood. Here we used the QS reporter and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to systematically investigate the QS phenotypes and corresponding genetic basis in collected laboratory PAO1 strains. We found that the PAO1-z strain has an inactive LasR protein, while bearing an active Rhl QS system and exhibiting QS-controlled protease-positive activity. Our study revealed that an 18-bp insertion in mexT gene gave rise to the active QS system in the PAO1-z strain. This MexT inactivation restored the QS activity caused by the inactive LasR, showing elevated production of pyocyanin, cyanide and elastase. Our results implied the evolutionary trajectory for the PAO1-z strain, with the evulutionary order from the first Las QS inactivation to the final Rhl QS activation. Our findings point out that QS homeostasis occurs in the laboratory P. aeruginosa strain, offering a potential platform for the QS study in clinical isolates.
BlueFMCW: random frequency hopping radar for mitigation of interference and spoofing
Authors: Moon Thomas , Park Jounsup , Kim Seungmo
Published: January 2022

Radars form a central piece in a variety of emerging applications requiring higher degrees of localization. However, two problems are anticipated as more radars are deployed: viz., (i) inter-radar interference and (ii) security attacks. While many prior proposals have addressed the problems, no work in the radar literature addressed them simultaneously. In this context, we introduce a novel frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar scheme (namely, BlueFMCW) that aims to alleviate the damage from interference and active attacks (e.g., spoofing). The technique designs that the waveform randomly hops across multiple frequencies to dilute the damage at a certain frequency. Moreover, we propose a phase alignment algorithm to remove the phase discontinuity while combining the beat signals from the randomly-hopped chirps. The simulation results show that the proposed technique can efficiently mitigate the interference and spoofing signals in various scenarios without costing its resolution.
Influence of urban air pollution on the population in the Klang Valley, Malaysia: a spatial approach
Authors: Mohd Shafie Siti Haslina , Mahmud Mastura , Mohamad Suzani , Rameli Nor Lita Fadilah , Abdullah Ramdzani , Mohamed Ahmad Fariz
Published: January 2022

Background

Urban air pollution resulting from economic growth as well as urbanization impacts the health of inhabitants. This study aims to examine the spatial distribution of particulate matter (PM10) and the risk of exposure for the population in the Klang Valley, an urban conglomeration centred in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Methods

The inverse distance weighted (IDW) interpolation technique in the ArcGIS platform was used to map the air quality from five air monitoring stations. Spatial statistics of the Global Moran’s I Spatial Autocorrelation and Optimized Hot Spot Analysis were used to estimate the spatial clustering of PM10. The population-weighted exposure level (PWEL) technique was used to calculate the population density susceptible to PM10 and the AirQ+ model was applied to estimate the proportion of the adult population at risk of chronic bronchitis due to long-term exposure to PM10 concentrations in the Klang Valley.

Results

The highest annual mean PM10 concentrations at the Klang station ranged between 80 and 100 μg/m3 from 2000 to 2009 and exceeded the New Malaysia Ambient Air Quality Standard (NMAAQS) and the World Health Organization Air Quality Guidelines (WHOAQG) levels of 40 and 20 μg/m3, respectively. The Moran's I results indicated that the statistically significant clusters of high PM10 in Klang present a health risk to the local community. The PWEL results showed that levels of PM10 in Petaling Jaya exceeded the WHOAQG limits, potentially posing a health risk to the high-density population. The AirQ+ model found Klang to be a significantly high-risk area for chronic bronchitis among the adult population with 804,240 people (with a relative risk of 1.85) in 2009.

Conclusion

These high-risk values are due to rapid urbanization and high motor vehicle usage in the Klang Valley and therefore the impact of PM10 on the population needs to be reduced. This situation should be taken seriously by the Department of Environment and Kuala Lumpur City Hall in addressing air pollution issues through stricter rules on emissions and implementing low-carbon policies to improve the well-being of residents.
Evidence of long-distance coastal sea migration of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, smolts from northwest England (River Derwent)
Authors: Green Amy , Honkanen Hannele M. , Ramsden Philip , Shields Brian , del Villar-Guerra Diego , Fletcher Melanie , Walton Silas , Kennedy Richard , Rosell Robert , O’Maoiléidigh Niall , Barry James , Roche William , Whoriskey Fred , Klimley Peter , Adams Colin E.
Published: January 2022

Background

Combining data from multiple acoustic telemetry studies has revealed that west coast England Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) smolts used a northward migration pathway through the Irish Sea to reach their feeding grounds. Hundred Atlantic salmon smolts were captured and tagged in May 2020 in the River Derwent, northwest England as part of an Environment Agency/Natural England funded project.

Results

Three tagged smolts were detected on marine acoustic receivers distributed across two separate arrays from different projects in the Irish Sea. One fish had migrated approximately 262 km in 10 days from the river mouth at Workington Harbour, Cumbria to the northernmost receiver array operated by the SeaMonitor project; this is the longest tracked marine migration of an Atlantic salmon smolt migrating from the United Kingdom. This migrating fish displayed behaviours which resulted in fast northward migration. The remaining two fish were detected on a receiver array operated by a third project: the Collaborative Oceanography and Monitoring for Protected Areas and Species (COMPASS).

Conclusion

These detections further provide evidence that migration to reach marine feeding grounds of at least a proportion of salmon smolts from rivers draining into the Irish Sea is northerly, though without a southern marine array it is impossible to conclude that this is the only route. The pattern of these detections would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of three distinct and separately funded projects to share data. Further work is required to fully understand migration trajectories in this species on the west coast of the British Isles.
Stunting and associated factors among 6–23 month old children in drought vulnerable kebeles of Demba Gofa district, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Tadele Tuba Tringo , Gebremedhin Chameno Chalite , Markos Makiso Urugo , Fitsum Endale Liben
Published: January 2022

Background

Stunting is impaired linear growth of children: they experience stunting in the first 1000 days after conception and is an indication of chronic malnutrition. Children under the age of two are regarded as the most vulnerable to malnutrition due to their rapid growth and greater exposure to infectious disease.

Objective

To assess the magnitude and associated factors of stunting among 6 to 23-month-old children in drought-vulnerable kebeles of the Demba Gofa district, southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2021. Systematic random sampling was used to select pairs of mothers/caregivers with children aged 6 to 23 months. A semistructured questionnaire and anthropometric measurement were used to collect the data. The data were checked coded and entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS for Windows version 20.0 for analysis. Simple and multivariable linear regressions were conducted. The level of significance was declared at 95% CI andp-value < 0.05.

Results

The magnitude of stunting in the study area was 79(21.82%). Household dietary diversity [β = 0.217, 95% CI, 0.093–0.342], early initiation of complementary feeding [β = 0.444, 95% CI, 0.344–0.543], frequency of breastfeeding within 24 h [β = 0.217, 95% CI, 0.179–0.263] and child eating animal source food [β = 0.351, 95% CI, 0.196–0.506] were positively significant predictors of child height/length-for-age (HAZ).

Conclusion

The extent of stunting in the study area is relatively lower than that in regional and national reports, but one out of five children were still stunted. Therefore, health education on infant and young child feeding practices should be provided to mothers to reduce the problem.
Ethical perspectives of certified public accountants and the cannabis industry
Authors: Owens-Ott G. Suzanne , Snyder Johnny , Ott Richard
Published: January 2022

Background

Certified public accountants must follow very high standards of ethical conduct as set forth by the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and individual state licensing requirements. A 2019 grounded theory qualitative study posed that CPAs remain largely hesitant to serve the cannabis industry primarily because they fear federal prosecution as long as cannabis remains on the DEA’s Schedule I Drug List. The purpose of this research was to determine the perceptions of CPAs regarding providing accounting services to the cannabis industry in states that have legalized cannabis usage. This study investigated whether CPAs would serve the industry, why they might decline to serve the industry, what risks they believe serving the industry posed, and whether they believe serving the cannabis industry would create a moral or ethical issue.

Methods

This follow-up quantitative study investigated a small convenience sample of approximately one hundred CPAs in Colorado and Washington to learn more about their perceptions of serving the cannabis industry. Data was analyzed using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests to determine if there were any differences in perceptions between groups such as states, gender, and age categories.

Results

Of the participants, 77% responded that neither they nor their firm provided services to a cannabis-related business client compared to 23% that did serve cannabis clients. More Colorado CPAs were willing to turn down CRB work than were expected and fewer Colorado CPAs would be willing to take on CRB clients than were expected. While in Washington, fewer CPAs would turn down RB clients than expected, and more are willing to accept CRB clients than were expected. The risk due to potential liability coverage issues due to serving the cannabis industry was rated the highest while the risk of losing the CPA license was rated lowest. Data indicated that there was not a statistically significant difference between Colorado and Washington participants related to whether they were morally or religiously opposed to working in the industry or if they viewed serving the industry as an ethical violation.

Conclusion

CPAs remain largely unwilling to serve the cannabis industry primarily because CPAs fear federal prosecution as long as cannabis remains on the DEA’s Schedule I Drug Listing. The results of this study indicate that while most CPAs are not morally or religiously opposed to serving the industry, about half still believe doing so may constitute an ethical violation for a CPA.
Computational imaging without a computer: seeing through random diffusers at the speed of light
Authors: Luo Yi , Zhao Yifan , Li Jingxi , Çetintaş Ege , Rivenson Yair , Jarrahi Mona , Ozcan Aydogan
Published: January 2022

Imaging through diffusers presents a challenging problem with various digital image reconstruction solutions demonstrated to date using computers. Here, we present a computer-free, all-optical image reconstruction method to see through random diffusers at the speed of light. Using deep learning, a set of transmissive diffractive surfaces are trained to all-optically reconstruct images of arbitrary objects that are completely covered by unknown, random phase diffusers. After the training stage, which is a one-time effort, the resulting diffractive surfaces are fabricated and form a passive optical network that is physically positioned between the unknown object and the image plane to all-optically reconstruct the object pattern through an unknown, new phase diffuser. We experimentally demonstrated this concept using coherent THz illumination and all-optically reconstructed objects distorted by unknown, random diffusers, never used during training. Unlike digital methods, all-optical diffractive reconstructions do not require power except for the illumination light. This diffractive solution to see through diffusers can be extended to other wavelengths, and might fuel various applications in biomedical imaging, astronomy, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, security, robotics, autonomous vehicles, among many others.
Investigating genetic overlaps of the genetic factor differentiating schizophrenia from bipolar disorder with cognitive function and hippocampal volume
Authors: Ohi Kazutaka , Muto Yukimasa , Takai Kentaro , Sugiyama Shunsuke , Shioiri Toshiki
Published: January 2022

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder display clinical similarities and dissimilarities. We investigated whether the genetic factor differentiating schizophrenia from bipolar disorder is genetically associated with cognitive phenotypes and hippocampal volumes. We revealed genetic overlaps of the genetic differentiating factor with low general cognitive ability, low childhood IQ, low educational attainment and reduced hippocampal volumes. The genetic correlations with low general cognitive ability and reduced hippocampal volumes were associated with risk of schizophrenia, whereas the genetic correlations with high childhood IQ and educational attainment were associated with risks of bipolar disorder. These findings suggest these disorders have disorder-specific genetic factors related to clinical phenotypes.
A New Approach to Improve the Validity of Doubly Labeled Water to Assess CO2 Production during High-Energy Turnover
Authors: VAN HOOREN BAS , MOST JASPER , COLLOMBON ELINE , NIEMINEN HENRIETTA , PLASQUI GUY
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Accurate measurement of energy expenditure (EE) using doubly labeled water depends on the estimate of total body water (TBW). The aims of this study were to 1) assess the accuracy of a new approach for estimating TBW and EE during high-energy turnover and 2) assess the accuracy of day-to-day assessment of EE with this new approach.

Methods

EE was measured in six healthy subjects (three male) for 5 consecutive days using three doubly labeled water methods: 1) the plateau, 2) slope-intercept, and 3) overnight-slope method, with whole-room indirect calorimetry as reference method. Urine samples were collected every evening and morning. High EE (physical activity level of >2.5) was achieved by cycling 4 h·d−1.

Results

Physical activity level was 2.8 ± 0.1. TBW values were 41.9 ± 6.1, 38.4 ± 5.7, and 40.4 ± 5.8 L for the plateau, slope-intercept, and overnight-slope methods, respectively. The overnight-slope method showed the highest accuracy in estimated CO2 production, when compared with indirect calorimetry over the complete 5-d period (mean ± SD difference, 0.9% ± 1.6%). The plateau method significantly overestimated CO2 production by 4.7% ± 2.6%, whereas the slope-intercept method underestimated CO2 production (−3.4% ± 2.3%). When CO2 production was assessed per day, the overnight-slope method showed an average difference of 9.4% ± 4.5% to indirect calorimetry.

Conclusions

The overnight-slope method resulted in a more accurate estimation of CO2 production and EE compared with the plateau or slope-intercept method over a 5-d period in high physical activity conditions. Day-to-day determination of EE using the overnight-slope method was more accurate than diet recall and several standard prediction equations in athletes.
Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Associations of Lifestyle Behaviors with Pericardial Adipose Tissue: The MESA Study
Authors: OH MINSUK , JACOBS DAVID R. , GABRIEL KELLEY PETTEE , BAO WEI , PIERCE GARY L. , CARR LUCAS J. , DING JINGZHONG , WHITAKER KARA M.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

We examined associations of sedentary behavior (SB), light-intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) with pericardial adipose tissue (PAT).

Methods

Adults from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis were included from exam years 1 (2000–2002; N = 6057; mean age, 62.2 yr; 52.9% female, 38.0% White; 12.8% Chinese American, 26.7% African American, 22.5% Hispanic American), 2 (2002–2004), and 3 (2004–2005). Weekly volume of SB, LPA, and MVPA (in MET-hours per week) was reported using a questionnaire. PAT volume (in cubic centimeters) was quantified using computed tomography, analysis of covariance, and repeated-measures linear mixed models with adjustment for covariates (sociodemographics, cardiovascular disease risk factors, inflammation, waist circumference) tested cross-sectional and longitudinal associations, respectively.

Results

In cross-sectional analysis, the highest tertile of SB (β = 2.71; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.69 to 4.73; P < 0.01) and the middle tertile of MVPA (β = −1.97; 95% CI, −3.92 to −0.02; P < 0.05) were associated with PAT, whereas no association was observed for LPA in fully adjusted models. In longitudinal models, SB, LPA, and MVPA were not associated with PAT in the full study sample; however, LPA was inversely associated with PAT among Whites in stratified analysis (β = −0.54; 95% CI, −0.95 to −0.13; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Lower SB and higher LPA (among Whites only) and MVPA may be associated with lower PAT, but additional longitudinal research is needed.
Postconcussion Dizziness Severity Predicts Daily Step Count during Recovery among Adolescent Athletes
Authors: SMULLIGAN KATHERINE L. , WINGERSON MATHEW J. , SEEHUSEN CORRINE N. , WILSON JULIE C. , HOWELL DAVID R.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Physical activity (PA) after concussion is an important aspect of appropriate clinical management. However, symptoms or functional deficits may reduce patient propensity toward PA, thereby negatively affecting recovery. Our purpose was to examine whether postconcussion dizziness, total symptom severity, or postural stability predicts PA level in the 2 wk after initial evaluation.

Methods

We evaluated adolescent athletes within 14 d of concussion on assessments of symptoms, dizziness, and postural stability. Athletes were provided an activity monitor to track PA for 2 wk after the evaluation. Our primary outcome was step count (mean steps per day). Potential predictor variables included sex, Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI) total symptom severity, individual PCSI ratings of dizziness and balance impairment, and postural stability assessments (single- and dual-task tandem gait, modified Balance Error Scoring System). To examine predictors of PA, we calculated correlation coefficients between steps per day and each potential predictor and included significantly correlated variables in a multivariable regression model.

Results

Participants were ages 12–18 yr (n = 35, 15.2 ± 1.7 yr, 49% female) and initially evaluated 7.3 ± 3.0 d after concussion. Upon univariable evaluation, PCSI dizziness rating (Pearson R = −0.49, P = 0.003) and sex (mean difference, 2449 steps per day; P = 0.05) were associated with steps per day. Within the multivariable regression analysis, PCSI dizziness rating (β = −1035; 95% confidence interval, −191 to −1880; P = 0.018), but not sex, predicted average steps per day in the 2 wk after initial evaluation.

Conclusions

Self-reported dizziness, but not overall symptom severity or postural stability, assessed within 14 d of concussion predicted daily step count in the subsequent 2 wk. Given the importance of PA for concussion recovery, treating acute postconcussion dizziness can potentially reduce a barrier to PA and improve recovery trajectories.
Trained Integrated Postexercise Myofibrillar Protein Synthesis Rates Correlate with Hypertrophy in Young Males and Females
Authors: ABOU SAWAN SIDNEY , HODSON NATHAN , MALOWANY JULIA M. , WEST DANIEL W. D. , TINLINE-GOODFELLOW CASSIDY , BROOK MATTHEW S. , SMITH KENNETH , ATHERTON PHILIP J. , KUMBHARE DINESH , MOORE DANIEL R.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Resistance training induces skeletal muscle hypertrophy via the summated effects of postexercise elevations in myofibrillar protein synthesis (MyoPS) that persist for up to 48 h, although research in females is currently lacking. MyoPS is regulated by mTOR translocation and colocalization; however, the effects of resistance training on these intracellular processes are unknown. We hypothesized that MyoPS would correlate with hypertrophy only after training in both sexes and would be associated with intracellular redistribution of mTOR.

Methods

Recreationally active males and females (n = 10 each) underwent 8 wk of whole-body resistance exercise three times a week. Fasted muscle biopsies were obtained immediately before (REST) and 24 and 48 h after acute resistance exercise in the untrained (UT) and trained (T) states to determine integrated MyoPS over 48 h (D2O ingestion) and intracellular mTOR colocalization (immunofluorescence microscopy).

Results

Training increased (P < 0.01) muscle strength (~20%–126%), muscle thickness (~8%–11%), and average fiber cross-sectional area (~15%–20%). MyoPS increased above REST in UT (P = 0.032) and T (P < 0.01), but to a greater extent in males (~23%; P = 0.023), and was positively (P < 0.01) associated with muscle thickness and fiber cross-sectional area at T only in both males and females. mTOR colocalization with the cell periphery increased (P < 0.01) in T, irrespective of sex or acute exercise. Training increased (P ≤ 0.043) total mTOR, LAMP2 (lysosomal marker), and their colocalization (P < 0.01), although their colocalization was greater in males at 24 and 48 h independent of training status (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

MyoPS during prolonged recovery from exercise is greater in males but related to muscle hypertrophy regardless of sex only in the trained state, which may be underpinned by altered mTOR localization.
Intermediate frequency electrotherapy stimulation to the medial femoris muscle for functional recovery of knee joint after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Song Dejun , Ma Yubao , Zhang Lihua , Ma Quansheng
Published: January 2022

Objectives: To compare the effect of medial femoral muscle stimulation with medium frequency electrotherapy and conventional rehabilitation therapy on knee function recovery after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Methods: Medical records of 50 patients with ACL reconstruction, treated in our hospital between July 2019 and December 2020, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into control group and study group (n=25, 18 males and 7 females in each group), based on the rehabilitation method used. The control group included patients that received conventional rehabilitation therapy, active quadriceps femoris exercise, traction, and acupuncture. The study group included patients that received medium frequency electrotherapy to stimulate the medial femoris muscle in addition to conventional rehabilitation therapy. The limb circumference recorded before and after the treatment was compared between the two group. The Lysholm scores of the two groups were compared to assess knee function, knee range of motion, and knee motor comfort assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results: We found similar thigh circumferences, Lysholm scores, knee motion ranges and VAS scores between the patients in both groups before the treatment (P > 0.05). After the treatment, the thigh circumferences and motion ranges were larger, the Lysholm scores higher, and the VAS scores lower in patients of the study group than those in patients of the control group (all Ps < 0.05).

Conclusion: Intermediate frequency electrotherapy to stimulate the medial femoris muscle can improve knee function and motion range and reduce the patient’s pain after ACL reconstruction.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.3.5298

How to cite this:Song D, Ma Y, Zhang L, Ma Q. Intermediate frequency electrotherapy stimulation to the medial femoris muscle for functional recovery of knee joint after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(3):652-656.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.3.5298

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Lessons from a ten-year-long journey: building a student-driven computational biology society across Turkey
Authors: Kaya Yasin , Karakulak Tülay , Can Saylan Cemil , Gür E. Ravza , Tatlıdil Engin , Güleşen Sevilay , Betül Dinçaslan Fatma , Dönertaş Handan Melike
Published: January 2022

The Regional Student Group Turkey (RSG-Turkey) is officially associated with the International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) Student Council (SC). At the RSG-Turkey, we aim to contribute to the early-career researchers in computational biology and bioinformatics fields by providing opportunities for improving their academic and technical skills in the field. Over the last ten years, we have built a well-known student-driven academic society in Turkey that organizes numerous events every year and continues to grow with over 650 current members. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of RSG-Turkey, in this communication, we share our experiences, five main lessons we learned, and the steps to establish a long-standing academic community: having a clear mission, building a robust structure, effective communication, turning challenges into opportunities, and building collaborations. We believe that our experiences can help students and academics establish long-standing communities in fast-developing areas like bioinformatics.