bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endovascular Repair With Triple Inner-Branch Endograft for Aberrant Subclavian Artery Aneurysm: A Case Report
Authors: Spath Paolo , Marazzi Giulia , Stana Jan , Peterss Sven , Fernandez-Prendes Carlota , Rantner Barbara , Pichlmaier Maximilian A. , Tsilimparis Nikolaos
Published: August 2022

Background:

Endovascular repair of the thoracic aorta (TEVAR) is the preferred option for the treatment of the distal arch and descending thoracic aorta. Fenestrated and branched TEVAR have become an option to treat pathologies of the aortic arch, avoiding sternotomy and cardiopulmonary arrest as well as total surgical debranching. We describe here the case of a symptomatic patient with an arteria lusoria aneurysm associated with Kommerel diverticulum who underwent total endovascular repair with a triple-branched TEVAR.

Case Report:

A 66-year-old male patient was treated for a symptomatic arteria lusoria artery associated with a Kommerel diverticulum, resulting in difficulty swallowing and choking. We used a custom-made triple inner-branch endograft (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Indiana) following implantation of a right-sided carotid-subclavian (C-S) bypass. The C-S bypass occluded in the interval time between the 2 procedures and required recanalization and stent-graft placement during the aortic arch procedure. The arteria lusoria was embolized with a vascular plug. No complications occurred and postoperative tomography showed exclusion and thrombosis of the Kommerel diverticulum and perfusion of the supra-aortic vessels.

Conclusions:

Treatment of arteria lusoria aneurysms can be performed with total endovascular arch inner-branch repair, avoiding increased risk of morbidity and mortality caused by open or hybrid procedures.
Political Partisanship and Trust in Government Predict Popular Support for COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates for Various Professions and Demographic Groups: A Research Note
Authors: Viskupič Filip , Wiltse David L.
Published: August 2022

Due to the slow rate of COVID-19 vaccine uptake and the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant, governments are considering mandating COVID-19 vaccination for specific professions and demographic groups. This study evaluates popular attitudes toward such policies. We fielded a survey of 535 registered voters in South Dakota to examine popular attitudes towards vaccine mandates for five groups—children 12 and older, K-12 teachers, medical staff, nursing homes staff, and police personnel. We estimated a series of logistic regression models and presented predicted probabilities to find the primary determinants of these attitudes. Results revealed that political partisanship and trust in government are strong predictors of support for vaccine mandates across all models. Should government and public health officials wish to increase the proportion of people vaccinated for COVID-19, they must recognize the limitations of current public health campaigns, and reshape their efforts in congruence with scientific findings.
Reflections on Doing Counseling and Christian Family Therapy
Authors: Poon Vincent H.K.
Published: August 2022

Reflecting on his long career that integrated medicine, therapy, and Christian theology, the author shares his insight to help future students to have a simple framework of doing counseling, family therapy, and relating to the Christian faith. This article offers his personal views on how to do therapy, and proposes a way of looking at a Christian theory of personality, and towards a Christian theory of marriage and family therapy.
Finger Tapping Test for Assessing the Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Suzumura Shota , Osawa Aiko , Kanada Yoshikiyo , Keisuke Maeda , Takano Eiko , Sugioka Junpei , Natsumi Maeda , Nagahama Taishi , Shiramoto Kenta , Kuno Katsumi , Kizuka Shiori , Satoh Kenji , Sakurai Hiroaki , Sano Yuko , Mizuguchi Tomohiko , Kandori Akihiko , Kondo Izumi
Published: August 2022

Aim

A testing method for early diagnosis of Mild cognitive dementia (MCI) that can be easily applied in clinical practice was investigated in this study. We examined whether MCI risk can be determined through finger movements.

Methods

Between 2013 and 2020, 1097 individuals were screened. After applying propensity-score matching to adjust for variability between the groups, 173 individuals each in the mild cognitive impairment and control groups were selected. Thereafter, differences between groups in mean values of parameters extracted from finger tap movements were determined using unpaired t-test and effect size. Furthermore, area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated from the receiver operating characteristic curve for parameters with significant difference.

Results

A significant difference was observed, especially in the number of taps in the MCI group compared with that in the control group ( p < .001; 95% CI, −12.7 to −8.8; r = 0.51). A cut-off value of 30 taps was applied (sensitivity, 0.77; specificity, 0.67; AUC, 0.79). Significant differences were also observed in rhythm-related parameters.

Conclusions

These parameters might be useful for capturing MCI risk. Finger taps are easily measured and may be suitable for screening large populations. This tool might be used as a supplemental method to increase the sensitivity of traditional cognitive tests.
Assessing the Reach, Scope and Outcomes of Government Action on Women’s Health and Human Rights: A Protocol for the Development of an International Women’s Rights Dataset
Authors: Shanthosh Janani , Muvva Keerthi , Woodward Mark , Vijeyarasa Ramona , Palagyi Anna
Published: August 2022

Background

The UN Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) represents an international commitment to equality in the enjoyment of human rights. International human rights scholars posit that, in facilitating constructive dialogues between states and human rights experts, the near-universally ratified Convention is a powerful tool for achieving global health goals, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yet, the performance of such rights-based approaches in achieving gender equality, and empowering all women, has not been systematically measured and evaluated on a global scale. This study seeks to address the urgent need to support data-driven analyses to hold governments to account through the development of a global dataset measuring state action on women’s health and human rights.

Methods

Standard systematic review methods will be used to review CEDAW periodic review reports produced by United Nations (UN) Member States, civil society organisations and the CEDAW Committee. Global participation with the review mechanism, the scope of health inequities covered by Committee recommendations, the nature of reported government action and the extent of implementation of each program will be extracted from each report. Only data from the two most recent reporting cycles will be analysed. Descriptive statistics will be used to analyse quantitative data, and all qualitative data will be analysed using policy mapping techniques.

Discussion

Using these data, the study will navigate the nature and the extent of state action to address these issues including by increasing women’s leadership and participation, data collection, strengthening health systems, governance and coordination and establishing new human rights infrastructure. It will use the diversity of health and human rights issues affecting women to reframe traditional conceptualisations of global women’s health which have largely focussed on sexual and reproductive health, to the exclusion of other aspects of women’s lives through the life course. In addition, the study will aid the development of authoritative guidance on how each of these areas of state action and inaction contribute to health inequities, and a framework for designing interventions to address discrimination against women as it relates to health.
From Threat to Challenge: Understanding the Impact of Historical Collective Trauma on Contemporary Intergroup Conflict
Authors: Li Mengyao , Leidner Bernhard , Hirschberger Gilad , Park Jiyoung
Published: August 2022

Collective memories of trauma can have profound impact on the affected individuals and communities. In the context of intergroup conflict, in the present article, we propose a novel theoretical framework to understand the long-term impact of historical trauma on contemporary intergroup relations from both victim and perpetrator perspectives. Integrating past research on intergroup conflict and the biopsychosocial model of threat and challenge, we argue that people appraise their group’s past victimization and perpetration differently, either as a threat or as a challenge. Shaped by contextual factors and individual differences, these differential appraisals will subsequently influence how group members respond to contemporary intergroup conflict, with both adaptive and maladaptive consequences. This model contributes to unifying the previous research that has shown diverse effects of historical trauma on present-day intergroup dynamics. We present preliminary empirical evidence in support of the framework and discuss its theoretical and practical implications.
Participation in the under-18 Euroleague Next Generation Tournament does not predict attaining NBA, Euroleague, or Eurocup
Authors: Carvalho Humberto M , Morais Cristiano Z , Lima Ahlan B , Galvão Luciano G , Grosgeorge Bernard , Gonçalves Carlos E
Published: August 2022

We examined whether participation and individual performance in the under-18 Euroleague Next Generation Tournament (NGT) predicted a future contract with an NBA, Euroleague, or Eurocup squad. Data from 1446 players between 2002–2003 and 2011–2012 seasons were considered. We considered information about each player, including country, the number of games played, and performance index rating (PIR). We tracked the players’ highest club level attained in their adult careers. We used a multilevel ordinal regression with a cumulative model in a fully Bayesian framework to examine the probability of the players playing in the NGT attaining the NBA, Euroleague, or Eurocup. Furthermore, we explored in the model if PIR in the NGT was a relevant predictor of achieving the highest club level in adult careers. From the total sample, only a very small percentage attain the NBA (20 in 1446, 1.4%), Euroleague (103 in 1446, 7.2%), and Eurocup (60 in 1446, 4.2%). The results highlight that a very small number of players with a very high PIR per game in the NGT had a higher chance to play in the NBA, Euroleague, or Eurocup. The probability of attainment of NBA and Euroleague for the population of highly selected basketball players playing the under-18 NGT in the first 10 years of the NGT was small. Hence, caution is warranted when assuming the effectiveness of current talent development models, even at the late stages of young players’ development, often labelled as young elite players.
Are local weather stations a feasible substitute for on-site measurements for heat stress assessment in sports?
Authors: Grundstein Andrew , R. Cooper Earl , Cahill Olivia , Walker Christian
Published: August 2022

With increasing concerns about heat-related hazards for athletes, many commercial weather companies are offering heat monitoring systems. Such systems may provide readily available data across a school campus that can free busy staff such as coaches and athletic trainers from data collection. Yet, standard recommendations are for measurements to be taken on the field of play. A question is “can a single weather station accurately capture heat stress conditions on different fields of play with differing microclimates?” Our study compares wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) reports from a WeatherSTEM operated weather station to those collected during a summer study period on nearby fields of play (grass, synthetic turf, and hardcourt tennis) on the campus of the University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA. The WeatherSTEM WBGTs were lower than on-site measurements 84%–92% of the time, resulting in clinically meaningful differences in activity modification recommendations. We believe these differences are related to both meteorological conditions from the station siting on a roof and the WBGT model employed. Among other factors, we believe that the greater wind speeds at the weather station reduced estimated WBGTs. Also, simply replacing the WeatherSTEM WBGT model with a publicly available, physically based model increased WBGT estimates and better matched on field conditions. We conclude that station setting and the choice of software for computing WBGT can make a critical difference in determination of the WBGT estimates and associated activity modification recommendations. Users should also request information on the validity and accuracy of WBGT estimates prior to purchasing a system.
Factors associated with prolonged weaning from mechanical ventilation in medical patients
Authors: Na Soo Jin , Ko Ryoung-Eun , Nam Jimyoung , Ko Myeong Gyun , Jeon Kyeongman
Published: August 2022

Background:

Patients who need prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV) have high resource utilization and relatively poor outcomes. The pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to weaning failure in this group may be complex and multifactorial. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with prolonged weaning based on the Weaning Outcome according to a New Definition (WIND) classification.

Methods:

This is a prospective observational study with consecutive adult patients receiving MV for at least two calendar days in medical intensive care units from 1 November 2017 to 30 September 2020. Eligible patients were divided in a non-prolonged weaning group, including short and difficult weaning, and in a prolonged weaning group according to the WIND classification. The risk factors at the time of first separation attempt associated with prolonged weaning were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model.

Results:

Of the total 915 eligible patients, 172 (18.8%) patients were classified as prolonged weaning. A higher proportion of the prolonged weaning group had previous histories of endotracheal intubation, chronic lung disease, and hematologic malignancies. When compared with the non-prolonged weaning group, the median duration of MV before the first spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) was longer and the proportion of tracheostomized patients was higher in prolonged weaning group. In addition, the prolonged weaning group used higher peak inspiratory pressures and yielded lower PaO2/FiO2 ratios at the day of the first SBT compared with the non-prolonged weaning group. In multivariate analyses, the duration of MV before first SBT (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06–1.22, p < 0.001), tracheostomy state (adjusted OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.04–3.63, p = 0.036), PaO2/FiO2 ratio (adjusted OR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.99–1.00, p = 0.023), and need for renal replacement therapy (adjusted OR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.16–6.19, p = 0.021) were independently associated with prolonged weaning. After the exclusion of patients who underwent tracheostomy before the SBTs, similar results were obtained.

Conclusion:

Longer duration of MV before the first SBT, tracheostomy status, poor oxygenation, and need for renal replacement therapy at the time of first SBT can predict prolonged weaning.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05134467.
Selecting the optimal BTK inhibitor therapy in CLL: rationale and practical considerations
Authors: Lovell Alexandra R. , Jammal Nadya , Bose Prithviraj
Published: August 2022

Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors have dramatically changed the treatment of newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, and zanubrutinib are Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved BTK inhibitors that have all demonstrated progression-free survival (PFS) benefit compared with chemoimmunotherapy. The efficacy of these agents compared to one another is under study; however, current data suggest they provide similar efficacy. Selectivity for BTK confers different adverse effect profiles, and longer follow-up and real-world use have characterized side effects over time. The choice of BTK inhibitor is largely patient-specific, and this review aims to highlight the differences among the agents and guide the choice of BTK inhibitor in clinical practice.
Granulomatous hepatitis in a Saudi child with IL2RA defect: a case report and literature review
Authors: Alaifan Meshari A. , Abusharifah Ohood , Bokhary Rana Yagoub , Banaganapalli Babajan , Shaik Noor Ahmad , Kamal Naglaa M. , Saadah Omar I.
Published: August 2022

Interleukin-2 receptor alpha ( IL2RA) defect (OMIM- # 606367) is an immune disease where affected patients are vulnerable to developing recurrent microbial infections in addition to lymphadenopathy and dermatological manifestations. This condition is known to be caused by pathogenic variants in the IL2RA gene, which are inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. In this case report, we present a patient with IL2RA defect from Saudi Arabia who presented with chronic diarrhea, poor weight gain, mild villous atrophy, malnutrition, hepatomegaly, nonspecific inflammation, and an eczematous skin rash. His genetic analysis revealed a novel, homozygous, and likely pathogenic variant, that is, c.504 C>A (Cys168Ter), located in the exon 4of the IL2RA gene, which was inherited from his parents in an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. This variant produces a 272-amino-acid shorter IL2RA protein chain, which most likely becomes degraded in the cytosol. Thus, we assume that the c.504 C>A is a null allele that abolishes the synthesis of IL2RA, malforms the IL-2 receptor complex, and eventually causes immunodeficiency manifestations. To our knowledge, this is the first time a person with IL2RA defect has shown signs of granulomatous hepatitis on a liver biopsy.
Experimental study on dynamic compressive and splitting tensile properties of high strength expansive concrete
Authors: Li Qiyao , Chen Li , Yue Chengjun , Zheng Yuzhou , Yuan Jiayi , Chen Xudong
Published: August 2022

Concrete shrinkage usually results in the decrease in bearing capacity, durability and impact resistance of Concrete-Filled steel tube (CFST) structures during its service life. High strength expansive concrete (HSEC) is recently developed to deal with the shrinkage cracking in CFST structures. In this study, dynamic compressive tests and dynamic splitting tensile tests on the developed grade C60, C70 and C80 HSEC were performed using a split Hopkinson pressure bar device. Test results show that the expansive concrete is a typical rate-sensitive material, and its dynamic compressive strength and dynamic splitting tensile strength both increase with the strain rate. The compressive strength dynamic increase factor (DIFc) of HSEC is smaller than that of the ordinary concrete under the same strain rate, whereas the splitting tensile dynamic increase factor (DIFt) is larger than that of the ordinary concrete. All the test data were classified to establish calculation models of DIFc, peak toughness ( Rp), specific energy absorption (SEA), and DIFt, which provide a theoretical basis for the design and application of HSEC and CFST in engineering.
Erie Insurance: Monitoring technology in the car insurance market and the issue of data privacy
Authors: Manko Barbara A
Published: August 2022

The influence of big data affects all aspects of life, including insurance. With car insurance, companies have the ability to go beyond the traditional driving history and current usage questions to customize policies for each holder, especially with the introduction of monitoring technology that is either installed directly into the car or accessed via cell phone. Most consumers who are interested in usage-based insurance coverage are willing to sacrifice any concerns with data security for the trade off of financial savings, but car insurance companies must be aware of the ethics of their actions and work to protect user data. Erie Insurance Company is specifically analyzed in this article as an example.
An unwell patient with Parkinson's disease: Hyperpyrexia syndrome in a heatwave
Authors: Mooney Elizabeth , Smith Matthew D , Henderson Emily J
Published: August 2022

Summary

Hyperpyrexia syndrome in Parkinson's disease (PD) is a medical emergency requiring prompt action. This can be precipitated by numerous provoking factors, in particular withdrawal of dopaminergic medication.

We report a case of a patient with PD presenting with confusion, dramatic worsening of PD symptoms and pyrexia in the context of a heatwave, potentially mediating its effect through dehydration and impaired medication absorption. Precipitous cooling and conversion of dopaminergic medication to a rotigotine patch due to drowsiness led to her rapid improvement. The possibility of infection was covered however no source of infection or evidence of inflammatory response was found, but remained an important differential.

This case highlights the importance of recognising and managing hyperpyrexia syndrome in PD and the possibility of uncharacteristically hot weather being a cause.
Fluoxetine-induced urinary retention in a cat
Authors: DiCiccio Victoria K , McClosky Megan E
Published: August 2022

Case summary

A 2-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat presented for a history of several weeks of infrequent urination and hyporexia progressing to anorexia. The cat had been normal prior to being placed on fluoxetine to treat inter-cat aggression, after which it began to display weight loss, hyporexia and abnormal urination habits. The cat had been seen by various veterinary hospitals previously and treated for suspected feline lower urinary tract disease. When the patient still had urinary retention despite perineal urethrostomy surgery, it was presented for ongoing care. Contrast urethrogram showed a mild questionable proximal ureteral narrowing, but other diagnostics were unremarkable. The patient was trialed on various medications, including alpha-antagonists, cholinergics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and different analgesics with no improvement, but would reproducibly urinate only following administration of midazolam intravenously. Ultimately, the cat began urinating normally following the discontinuation of fluoxetine. The cat was urinating normally upon discharge, and when it presented for another complaint several months later, its weight, appetite and urination habits were normal.

Relevance and novel information

Fluoxetine is a commonly utilized medication in behavioral medicine. Despite its common use and reports of urinary retention secondary to this medication in humans, this potential side effect is not reported in various veterinary pharmacologic textbooks or the veterinary literature. To our knowledge, this is the first report in veterinary medicine to describe urinary retention suspected to be secondary to prolonged administration of fluoxetine at an excessive dose.
Meet the Editor
Authors: Bogie Kath M
Published: August 2022

I provide a brief personal introduction including my professional background, interests, and qualifications. I invite authors with a wide diversity of interests to submitted manuscripts to the journal. My overarching goals is to improve the journal’s impact through (1) strategic partnerships with professional organizations and research consortia, (2) publication of targeted Special Collections focused on topics of interest to the field and (3) improved efficiency in manuscript submission and review.
Assessing the Efficacy and Social Validity of CriaTivo, a Curriculum-Based Intervention to Promote Self-Regulation of Writing in Portuguese Elementary Education
Authors: Margarida Veiga-Simão Ana , Oliveira Sofia , Silva-Moreira Janete , Itália Temudo Maria
Published: August 2022

Writing has a leading role in learning and, although elementary-school curricula emphasize the development of this complex skill, many students still struggle with their writing performance. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and social validity of CriaTivo, a curriculum-based intervention developed following a Response to Intervention model to promote self-regulation of the writing process (i.e., planning, monitoring, revising) applied to the written composition of narrative texts across third and fourth grades. Two hundred eighty-one Portuguese students (55% boys, M = 8.58 years, SD = 0.79) and their teachers participated in the study. A mixed-methods research design was used, and data was collected at two points in time. Regarding the intervention’s efficacy, results were promising, depicting improvements at posttest in students’ planning and monitoring skills, as also in their writing quality. The findings also supported the intervention’s social validity for both students and teachers. Despite requiring further research, CriaTivo appears to be a promising curriculum-based intervention which responds to the previously identified research and practice needs.
Longitudinal Measurement Invariance of the Korean Version of the CES-D-11 Scale
Authors: Park Byung-Sun , Lee Keungeun , Shin Changhwan , Choi Kwonho , Bae Sung-Woo
Published: August 2022

The present study examined the longitudinal measurement invariance of the Korean version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale. For this purpose, two datasets from the Korean Welfare Panel Study were analyzed. Study 1 examined the data from the first four waves to determine the scale’s short-term longitudinal invariance. Study 2 extracted data every 3 years up to the 10th year, beginning with the first wave (waves 1, 4, 7, and 10) to examine the scale’s long-term longitudinal invariance. We analyzed 10,098 cases in Study 1 and 7,077 cases in Study 2. The results of Study 1 revealed that the scale had strict or residual measurement invariance, whereas the results of Study 2 indicated that the scale had strong or scalar measurement invariance. Overall, the Korean version of the CES-D-11 scale was shown to be a valid measure of depression that can be used to evaluate symptom changes over time.
Applications of Additive Manufacturing, or 3D Printing, in the Rehabilitation of Individuals With Deafblindness: A Scoping Study
Authors: Bleau Maxime , Jaiswal Atul , Holzhey Peter , Wittich Walter
Published: August 2022

Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, is a promising tool to produce assistive technology. For instance, individuals with deafblindness (concurrent vision and hearing loss) could benefit from tactile AM-based products as touch may be their main gateway to access information. This study thus aimed to synthesize evidence on the current and potential practices involving AM in the context of deafblindness rehabilitation and to inform healthcare professionals and family caregivers on how AM can improve functioning and quality of life. A comprehensive literature search of ten databases (PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Global Health, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, ERIC, Web of Science, Engineering Village, and Scopus) was performed to identify sources focusing on the use of AM toward rehabilitation goals of individuals with deafblindness. Nine of 1,397 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings reveal that AM can counter barriers to full accessibility by enabling professionals to produce customized adapted material and communication devices, thus assisting individuals with deafblindness in communication, mobility, and learning. However, this review highlights a need for more AM research, resources, and training: interdisciplinary collaborations with AM specialists thus appear essential in improving rehabilitation services with AM.
Association Between Compliance With the New WHO-Recommended Frequency and Timing of Antenatal Care Contacts and Receiving Quality Antenatal Care in Cameroon
Authors: Boah Michael , Issah Abdul-Nasir , Yeboah Daudi , Kpordoxah Mary Rachael , Sira Jackson
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study was to determine whether adherence to the new WHO recommendations for the frequency and timing of antenatal care (ANC) contacts was associated with receiving quality prenatal care in Cameroon. The 2018 Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey yielded a weighted sample of 5,694 women aged 15 to 49 years for analysis. We found that 8.9% of women had at least eight ANC contacts, with 47.3% of those occurring during the first trimester. Overall, 28.3% (95% CI [26.4, 30.3]) of the women received all eight ANC interventions studied. Women who made at least eight ANC contacts prior to delivery had a higher chance of receiving the full set of interventions (AOR = 1.41; 95% CI [1.00, 1.99]). Even among women who started ANC in the second trimester, those who made at least eight contacts were more likely than those who made fewer contacts to receive the full set of interventions. Furthermore, women who had their first contact later in the second (AOR = 0.85; 95% CI [0.72, 0.99]) or third trimester (AOR = 0.33; 95% CI [0.19, 0.57]) were less likely to receive the full set of interventions. According to our findings, Cameroonian women who followed the new global recommendations for prenatal care were more likely to receive quality prenatal care before giving birth. To have a positive pregnancy experience, however, more women must begin ANC in the first trimester and have at least eight contacts with health care providers before delivery.
Mental-Health Trajectories of U.S. Parents With Young Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Universal Introduction of Risk
Authors: Zalewski Maureen , Liu Sihong , Gunnar Megan , Lengua Liliana J. , Fisher Philip A.
Published: August 2022

Parents of young children were a subgroup of the population identified early in the pandemic as experiencing significant mental-health symptoms. Using a longitudinal sample of 3,085 parents from across the United States who had a child or children age 0 to 5, in the present study, we identified parental mental-health trajectories from April to November 2020 predicted by pre–COVID-19 cumulative risk and COVID-19-specific risk factors. Both growth-mixture modeling and latent-growth-curve modeling were used to test the relationship between risk factors and parent mental health. Pre–COVID-19 cumulative risk and COVID-19-specific risks of financial strain, decreased employment, and increased family conflict were salient risk factors predicting poor mental-health trajectories across both modeling approaches. These finding have public-health implications because prolonged exposure to mental-health symptoms in parents constitutes a risk factor for child development.
Update on Pediatric Sepsis in Mexico
Authors: Donath Benitez Crisell Arely , Mattenberger-Cantú Estefanía , Salas-Flores Ricardo , Gómez-Morales Guillermo Baudelio , Mártinez-Diaz Paola Alejandra , Moreno-Treviño María Guadalupe , García-Tovar Laura Elvira , González-Salazar Francisco
Published: August 2022

The main objective of this work was to determine and update the causal agents’ antibiotic sensitivity and resistance patterns on pediatric sepsis in a population of northeast Mexico. It is a cross-sectional study showing the results of blood cultures of pediatric patients with a presumptive diagnosis of sepsis were reviewed according to the SOFA criteria during 2020 in a public hospital in Mexico. A total of 207 blood cultures were performed and analyzed. The main isolated microorganisms were Staphylococcus, followed by Klebsiella and Escherichia. Several microorganisms showed 100% of sensitivity to different antibiotics or antifungals, some of them include Vancomycin, Voriconazole, Meropenem, Ciprofloxacin, and Cefotaxime. Bacteria of genre Staphylococcus showed its highest sensitivity rate to Tigecycline with 63.3%. Too Staphylococcus showed the highest resistance rate to Oxacillin with 50%. Although the patterns of sepsis-causing germs are similar to those previously reported, the development of new drugs with greater efficacy is the main contribution.
Measles–rubella vaccine–associated MOG-antibody positive acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis with optic neuritis in a child
Authors: Otiv Madhumati , Botre Abhijeet , Shah Pawan
Published: August 2022

Measles–rubella (MR) vaccine–associated encephalopathy is rare and coexistence with optic neuritis (ON) has never been reported. Only two patients (one child and one adult) had ‘MR Vaccine–associated myelin-oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein antibody (MOGAb) positive encephalopathy’. Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), a surface myelin protein, is the target of the immune system in this disease. We describe a critical unique case of ‘post-MR Vaccine, MOG-antibody positive Acute Disseminated Encephalo-Myelitis (ADEM) with optic neuritis’, who recovered with immunotherapy.
Non-traumatic chylothorax: diagnostic and therapeutic strategies
Authors: Ur Rehman Khalil , Sivakumar Parthipan
Published: August 2022

Non-traumatic chylothorax refers to accumulation of chyle in the pleural space in the absence of any traumatic disruption to the thoracic duct. Chyle originates from the intestines and is transportedviathe thoracic duct into systemic circulation. The anatomical course of the thoracic duct is complex with considerable variation; therefore, development of chylothorax is dependent on the site and level of the thoracic duct defect. Non-traumatic chylothorax is associated with a wide range of medical disorders, but malignancy accounts for three-quarters of cases. In up to 9% of cases, the aetiology remains unknown (termed idiopathic chylothorax). Gross appearance of pleural fluid is neither sensitive nor specific enough to diagnose chylothorax; therefore, biochemical analysis of the pleural fluid is required. Pleural fluid triglyceride level >1.24 mmol·L−1(110 mg·dL−1) with a cholesterol level <5.18 mmol·L−1(200 mg·dL−1) is diagnostic of chylothorax. In borderline cases, lipoprotein electrophoresis can help confirm the diagnosis by detecting chylomicrons in the pleural fluid.

Once the diagnosis of chylothorax is confirmed, the next step is to find the cause and identify the leakage point, for which various lymphatic specific radiological investigations may have an important role. There is paucity of data on the most suitable approach to manage non-traumatic chylothoraces and treatment often depends on the underlying cause. In general, conservative treatment is tried first, usually for a limited time, before considering more invasive measures. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended with close liaison among the respiratory physicians, thoracic surgeons, oncologists, interventional radiologists, dietitians and pharmacists.

Educational aims

To review the pathophysiology, aetiology, and epidemiology of non-traumatic chylothorax.

To discuss diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in the management of non-traumatic chylothorax.
Constrained Fourier estimation of short-term time-series gene expression data reduces noise and improves clustering and gene regulatory network predictions
Authors: Bar Nadav , Nikparvar Bahareh , Jayavelu Naresh Doni , Roessler Fabienne Krystin
Published: August 2022

Background

Biological data suffers from noise that is inherent in the measurements. This is particularly true for time-series gene expression measurements. Nevertheless, in order to to explore cellular dynamics, scientists employ such noisy measurements in predictive and clustering tools. However, noisy data can not only obscure the genes temporal patterns, but applying predictive and clustering tools on noisy data may yield inconsistent, and potentially incorrect, results.

Results

To reduce the noise of short-term (< 48 h) time-series expression data, we relied on the three basic temporal patterns of gene expression: waves, impulses and sustained responses. We constrained the estimation of the true signals to these patterns by estimating the parameters of first and second-order Fourier functions and using the nonlinear least-squares trust-region optimization technique. Our approach lowered the noise in at least 85% of synthetic time-series expression data, significantly more than the spline method ($$p<10^{-6}$$). When the data contained a higher signal-to-noise ratio, our method allowed downstream network component analyses to calculate consistent and accurate predictions, particularly when the noise variance was high. Conversely, these tools led to erroneous results from untreated noisy data. Our results suggest that at least 5–7 time points are required to efficiently de-noise logarithmic scaled time-series expression data. Investing in sampling additional time points provides little benefit to clustering and prediction accuracy.

Conclusions

Our constrained Fourier de-noising method helps to cluster noisy gene expression and interpret dynamic gene networks more accurately. The benefit of noise reduction is large and can constitute the difference between a successful application and a failing one.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of carotenoid cleavage oxygenase genes in Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.)
Authors: Yue Xiao-Qi , Zhang Yue , Yang Cheng-Kun , Li Jian-Guo , Rui Xia , Ding Feng , Hu Fu-Chu , Wang Xiang-He , Ma Wu-Qiang , Zhou Kai-Bing
Published: August 2022

Background

Carotenoid cleavage oxygenases (CCOs) include the carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase (CCD) and 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid (NCED), which can catalize carotenoid to form various apocarotenoids and their derivatives, has been found that play important role in the plant world. But little information of CCO gene family has been reported in litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) till date.

Results

In this study, a total of 15 LcCCO genes in litchi were identified based on genome wide lever. Phylogeny analysis showed that LcCCO genes could be classified into six subfamilies (CCD1, CCD4, CCD7, CCD8, CCD-like, and NCED), which gene structure, domain and motifs exhibited similar distribution patterns in the same subfamilies. MiRNA target site prediction found that there were 32 miRNA target sites in 13 (86.7%) LcCCO genes. Cis-elements analysis showed that the largest groups of elements were light response related, following was plant hormones, stress and plant development related. Expression pattern analysis revealed that LcCCD4, LcNCED1, and LcNCED2 might be involving with peel coloration, LcCCDlike-b might be an important factor deciding fruit flavor, LcNCED2 and LcNCED3 might be related to flower control, LcNCED1 and LcNCED2 might function in fruitlet abscission, LcCCD4a1, LcCCD4a2, LcCCD1, LcCCD4, LcNCED1, and LcNCED2 might participate in postharvest storage of litchi.

Conclusion

Herein, Genome-wide analysis of the LcCCO genes was conducted in litchi to investigate their structure features and potential functions. These valuable and expectable information of LcCCO genes supplying in this study will offer further more possibility to promote quality improvement and breeding of litchi and further function investigation of this gene family in plant.
Effect of lidocaine perioperative infusion on chronic postsurgical pain in patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical pneumonectomy
Authors: Lu Yi , Ding Hehe , Shao Caiqun , Wang Ning , Shi Junhua , Lian Chaohui , Wu Junzheng , Shangguan Wangning
Published: August 2022

Background

Thoracoscopic radical pneumonectomy is associated with a high incidence of postoperative chronic pain. Studies on the benefits of lidocaine intravenous infusion during the perioperative period were still controversial in thoracoscopic surgery.

Methods

Sixty-four lung cancer patients scheduled for thoracoscopic radical pneumonectomy were randomly divided into two groups: normal saline group (control group) or lidocaine group. In the lidocaine group, 1.5 mg/kg lidocaine was administered during the anesthesia induction, and 2 mg·kg−1·h−1 lidocaine was continuously intravenous infused until the end of the surgery. After the surgery, a mixture of 2 μg/kg sufentanil and 10 mg/kg lidocaine was continuously intravenous infused by postoperative patient-controlled intravenous analgesia pump (100 ml). In the control group, the same volume of normal saline was administered according to the calculation of lidocaine during anesthesia induction, maintenance and postoperative patient-controlled intravenous analgesia. The primary outcome was the incidence of chronic postoperative pain at 3 months after the surgery. The secondary outcomes include the incidence of chronic postoperative pain at 6 months after the surgery; the effect of lidocaine on postoperative pain within the first 24 and 48 h; total amount of sufentanil administered during entire procedure and the number of PCA triggers within 48 h after surgery.

Results

Compared with the control group, the incidence of chronic pain at 3 months after the surgery was significantly lower (13 cases, 46.4% vs. 6 cases, 20.7%, p < 0.05), but no significant difference at 6 months between two group. The cumulative dosage of sufentanil in perioperative period was significantly lower (149.64 ± 18.20 μg vs. 139.47 ± 16.75 μg) (p < 0.05), and the number of PCA triggers (8.21 ± 4.37 vs. 5.83 ± 4.12, p < 0.05) was significantly greater in the control group. The NRS pain scores at 24 h (1.68 ± 0.72 vs. 1.90 ± 0.86) and 48 h (1.21 ± 0.42 vs. 1.20 ± 0.41) after the operation were no significant difference.

Conclusion

Perioperative infusion lidocaine significantly reduced the number of PCA triggers and the incidence of chronic postoperative pain at 3 months after the thoracoscopic radical pneumonectomy.

Trial registration

http://www.chictr.org.cn: ChiCTR1900024759, frist registration date 26/07/2019.
Sex-specific transcriptome differences in a middle-aged frailty cohort
Authors: Pacheco Natasha L. , Noren Hooten Nicole , Zhang Yongqing , Prince Calais S. , Mode Nicolle A. , Ezike Ngozi , Becker Kevin G. , Zonderman Alan B. , Evans Michele K.
Published: August 2022

Background

Frailty is a clinical syndrome described as reduced physiological reserve and increased vulnerability. Typically examined in older adults, recent work shows frailty occurs in middle-aged individuals and is associated with increased mortality. Previous investigation of global transcriptome changes in a middle-aged cohort from the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span (HANDLS) study demonstrated inflammatory genes and pathways were significantly altered by frailty status and race. Transcriptome differences in frailty by sex remain unclear. We sought to discover novel genes and pathways associated with sex and frailty in a diverse middle-aged cohort using RNA-Sequencing.

Methods

Differential gene expression and pathway analyses were performed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells for 1) frail females (FRAF, n = 4) vs non-frail females (NORF, n = 4), 2) frail males (FRAM, n = 4) vs non-frail males (NORM, n = 4), 3) FRAM vs FRAF, and 4) NORM vs NORF. We evaluated exclusive significant genes and pathways, as well as overlaps, between the comparison groups.

Results

Over 80% of the significant genes exclusive to FRAF vs NORF, FRAM vs NORM, and FRAM vs FRAF, respectively, were novel and associated with various biological functions. Pathways exclusive to FRAF vs NORF were associated with reduced inflammation, while FRAM vs NORM exclusive pathways were related to aberrant musculoskeletal physiology. Pathways exclusive to FRAM vs FRAF were associated with reduced cell cycle regulation and activated catabolism and Coronavirus pathogenesis.

Conclusions

Our results indicate sex-specific transcriptional changes occur in middle-aged frailty, enhancing knowledge on frailty progression and potential therapeutic targets to prevent frailty.
A fatal SARS-coronavirus-2 induced bone marrow aplasia complicated with invasive fungal infection and severe neutropenic enterocolitis
Authors: Amanati Ali , Hedayati Seyyed Bozorgmehr , Ziyaeyan Mazyar , Honar Alireza , Dashtianeh Reyhaneh , Rabiei Negin , Saki Nasrin , Karami Leila
Published: August 2022

Background

Immunization against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) began in January 2021 in Iran; nonetheless, due to a lack of vaccination among children under 12, this age group is still at risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its complications.

Case presentation

SARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed in a 6-year-old girl who had previously been healthy but had developed a fever and pancytopenia. The bone marrow aspiration/biopsy demonstrated just hypocellular marrow without signs of leukemia. She was worked up for primary and secondary causes of pancytopenia. Except for a repeated reactive HIV antibody/Ag P24 assay, all test results were inconclusive. After a thorough diagnostic investigation, the cross-reactivity of the HIV antibody/Ag P24 test with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was confirmed. The patient did not develop any COVID-19-related signs and symptoms, but she did get a severe invasive fungal infection and neutropenic enterocolitis. She died as a result of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy.

Conclusion

It is critical to recognize children infected with SARS-CoV-2 who exhibit atypical clinical manifestations of COVID-19, such as persistent pancytopenia. SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause severe and deadly consequences in children; thus, pediatricians should be aware of COVID-19’s unusual signs and symptoms mimicking other conditions such as aplastic anemia.
Peritonitis after exposure to biocontrol-agent fumes containing Talaromyces flavus: a case report in peritoneal dialysis patient
Authors: Sookto Phanit , Kanjanabuch Talerngsak , Chamroensakchai Tamonwan , Thongbor Nisa , Eiam-Ong Somchai
Published: August 2022

Background

The first case of Taralomyces flavus infection in human and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patient after exposure to biocontrol agent fumes is reported here.

Case presentation

A 77-year-old Thai female farmer with kidney failure presented with peritonitis and PD catheter obstruction from fungal biofilms. The potential root cause of infection was associated with exposure to biocontrol-agent fumes containing pathogen during agricultural work in her garden. This source of infection has not been mentioned previously. Showering and changing clothes right after outdoor activity with a high density of fungal matters or dust should be added to the routine aseptic technique before performing PD bag exchange to prevent the system contamination. Although the patient received early treatment with liposomal amphotericin B, itraconazole, and catheter removal, according to the ISPD Guideline 2016 and the Global Guideline 2021, the outcome was unfavorable. Antifungal susceptibility testing later revealed that the pathogen was only susceptible to voriconazole. Thus, antifungal susceptibility should be tested if the patient fails or slowly responds to the primary antifungal regimen.

Conclusions

T. flavus peritonitis is reported here after exposure to biocontrol-agent fumes containing the pathogen. This work also alerts and reiterates nephrology peers to be aware of this overlooked source of peritonitis, the exposure to dusty environments, specifically containing biocontrol-agent fumes.