bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between metabolic syndrome components and gingival bleeding is women-specific: a nested cross-sectional study
Authors: Pietropaoli Davide , Altamura Serena , Ortu Eleonora , Guerrini Luca , Pizarro Theresa T. , Ferri Claudio , Del Pinto Rita
Published: April 2023

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of atherosclerotic risk factors that increases cardiovascular risk. MetS has been associated with periodontitis, but the contribution of single MetS components and any possible sexual dimorphism in this relation remain undetermined.

Methods

Using the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III), we performed a nested cross-sectional study to test whether individuals aged > 30 years undergoing periodontal evaluation (population) exposed to ≥ 1 MetS component (exposure) were at increased risk of bleeding/non-bleeding periodontal diseases (outcome) compared to nonexposed individuals, propensity score matched for sex, age, race/ethnicity, and income (controls). The association between MetS components combinations and periodontal diseases was explored overall and across subgroups by sex and smoking. Periodontal health status prediction based on MetS components was assessed.

Results

In total, 2258 individuals (n. 1129/group) with nested clinical-demographic features were analyzed. Exposure was associated with gingival bleeding (+ 18% risk for every unitary increase in MetS components, and triple risk when all five were combined), but not with stable periodontitis; the association was specific for women, but not for men, irrespective of smoking. The only MetS feature with significant association in men was high BP with periodontitis. CRP levels significantly increased from health to disease only among exposed women. MetS components did not substantially improve the prediction of bleeding/non-bleeding periodontal disease.

Conclusion

The observed women-specific association of gingival bleeding with single and combined MetS components advances gender and precision periodontology. Further research is needed to validate and expand these findings.
Rocuronium bromide suppresses esophageal cancer via blocking the secretion of C–X–C motif chemokine ligand 12 from cancer associated fibroblasts
Authors: Li Jingyi , Gu Xuefeng , Wan Guoqing , Wang Yuhan , Chen Kaijie , Chen Qi , Lu Changlian
Published: April 2023

Background

Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) communicate metabolically with tumor genesis and development. Rocuronium bromide (RB) is reported to exert certain inhibitory effect on tumor. Here, we investigate the role of RB in esophageal cancer (EC) malignant progression.

Methods

Tumor xenograft models with EC cells were locally and systemically administrated with RB to detect the influence of different administrations on tumor progression. Mouse CAFs PDGFRα+/F4/80− were sorted by Flow cytometry with specific antibodies. CAFs were treated with RB and co-cultured with EC cells. The proliferation, invasion and apoptosis assays of EC cells were performed to detect the influences of RB targeting CAFs on EC cell malignant progression. Human fibroblasts were employed to perform these detections to confirm RB indirect effect on EC cells. The gene expression changes of CAFs response to RB treatment were detected using RNA sequencing and verified by Western blot, immunohistochemistry and ELISA.

Results

Tumors in xenograft mice were observed significantly inhibited by local RB administration, but not by systemic administration. Moreover EC cells did not show obvious change in viability when direct stimulated with RB in vitro. However, when CAFs treated with RB were co-cultured with EC cells, obvious suppressions were observed in EC cell malignancy, including proliferation, invasion and apoptosis. Human fibroblasts were employed to perform these assays and similar results were obtained. RNA sequencing data of human fibroblast treated with RB, and Western blot, immunohistochemistry and ELISA results all showed that CXCL12 expression was significantly diminished in vivo and in vitro by RB. EC cells direct treated with CXCL12 showed much higher malignancy. Moreover cell autophagy and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in CAFs were both suppressed by RB which can be reversed by Rapamycin pretreatment.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that RB could repress PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and autophagy to block the CXCL12 expression in CAFs, thereby weakening the CXCL12-mediated EC tumor progression. Our data provide a novel insight into the underlying mechanism of RB inhibiting EC, and emphasize the importance of tumor microenvironment (cytokines from CAFs) in modulating cancer malignant progression.
Determination of immune factor levels in serum and local hematoma samples of osteoporotic fracture patients and clinical study of the effect of active vitamin D3 treatment on immune factor levels
Authors: Liu Sijia , Li Jianjun , Zhang Mingwei
Published: April 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in systemic and local immune factors, namely, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, in patients with and without osteoporotic fractures and to explore the effects of active vitamin D3 treatment on immune function and fracture prognosis in patients with osteoporotic fractures.

Method

The mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were measured before the operation. After the operation, the patients in the control group were treated with conventional fracture treatment and calcium supplementation, and the patients in the treatment group were treated with calcium plus active vitamin D3 in addition to conventional fracture treatment. The serum of each patient was collected on the seventh day after the operation.

Results

The expression levels of the three immune factors (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) in the fracture end hematoma samples were significantly positively correlated with those in the serum samples (P < 0.05). The mean values of the serums of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the osteoporosis group were significantly higher than those in the non-osteoporosis group (P < 0.05). The average number of hematomas in the osteoporosis group was significantly higher than that in the non-osteoporosis group (P < 0.05). The results for the active vitamin D3 treatment group were significantly lower than those for the control group (P < 0.05). The mean wrist function score of the active vitamin D3 treatment group was significantly better than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The average fracture healing time of the treatment group was significantly shorter than that of the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The relative expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the fracture end hematoma samples was positively correlated with the corresponding levels of these immune factors in the serum samples. The levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the serum and fracture end hematoma samples of the osteoporotic fracture patients were higher than those of the non-osteoporotic fracture patients. Active vitamin D3 treatment promoted fracture healing by affecting the levels of these immune factors.
Surgical intervention of myocardial bridge combined coronary artery disease: could a combination of supra-arterial myotomy and CABG be a better option?
Authors: Xu Xi-Ruo , Zhang Ming-Kui , Wu Qing-Yu , Fan Li-Xin , Xue Hui
Published: April 2023

Background

The treatment of coronary artery disease combined with severe atherosclerotic stenosis proximal to a left anterior descending artery myocardial bridge (LAD-MB) is still controversial. This study aimed to analyze the outcomes of surgical intervention in patients with severe atherosclerotic stenosis proximal to a LAD-MB.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all patients with coronary artery disease combined with severe atherosclerotic stenosis proximal to the LAD-MB. The enrolled criteria were systolic compression of LAD more than or equal to 50% and atherosclerotic stenosis proximal to the LAD-MB more than or equal to 70%. All patients suffered from anginal symptoms refractory to medical therapy. All patients received supra-arterial myotomy and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures. Clinical characteristics, intraoperative findings, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Between 2004 and 2021, sixteen patients underwent supra-arterial myotomy and CABG procedure. The compression and length of LAD-MB were 63 ± 17.9% and 25.9 ± 16.3 mm, respectively. Of the 16 patients, one patient had a LAD-MB and proximal coronary stenosis, and 15 patients had LAD-MBs and multivessel lesions. All patients survived and recovered uneventfully without in-hospital mortality or severe complications. The median transfusion amount of red blood cells in the operation was 2 units, and no patients required unplanned reoperation for bleeding. The average length of intensive care unit stay was 2.74 days. Fifteen patients were followed up for 6–146.1 months (mean 45.3 ± 42.9 months). One patient had a recurrence of angina pectoris one year after surgery, and 14 patients had no symptoms of myocardial ischemia during the follow-up period. Significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire assessment was observed in all five categories after surgery (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Based on the results, supra-arterial myotomy and concomitant bypass surgery may be a better option for the treatment of LAD-MB combined with severe proximal stenosis.
Colorectal cancer metastases in thyroid: case report and literature review
Authors: Hussain Syed Mohammad Asim , Cole Suzanne , Hussain Iram
Published: April 2023

Background

The thyroid gland is an uncommon site for metastatic deposits from non-thyroid malignancies, occurring in only 1.4 - 3% of surgical specimens where malignancy is suspected. It is even rarer for the source of thyroid metastases to be of colorectal origin. In most cases reported, colorectal metastases in the thyroid occurs many years later after the primary colorectal cancer has been diagnosed and treated. In this unique case, a primary sigmoid carcinoma metastasised to the thyroid gland and presented synchronously as a thyroid nodule.

Case presentation

We describe a case of a 64-year-old Caucasian woman who presented with clinical features of metastatic cancer of unknown origin. Her medical history included underlying hyperthyroidism. She had a large pelvic mass adjacent to the sigmoid colon, a left lower lobe lung mass and a suspicious nodule in the left thyroid lobe. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid nodule was performed, which remarkably showed malignant cells originating from primary colorectal cancer on immunohistochemical staining. The patient was managed with palliative chemotherapy given the poor prognosis due to disseminated colorectal malignancy.

Conclusions

Colorectal adenocarcinoma metastases can rarely present as a metastatic thyroid nodule. Fine-needle aspiration should be performed in suspicious thyroid nodules and may be the least invasive way of identifying a metastatic colorectal or other non-thyroidal malignancy in patients presenting with an unknown primary. The pathologist should be vigilant to this possibility and specific immunohistochemical markers should be used to ensure accurate diagnosis.

In thyroid metastases, the prognosis is ultimately determined by the primary tumour but thyroidectomy still has a role in alleviating compressive symptoms and can potentially improve survival in selected cases.
A rare immunological disease, caspase 8 deficiency: case report and literature review
Authors: Bazgir Narges , Tahvildari Azin , Chavoshzade Zahra , Jamee Mahnaz , Golchehre Zahra , Karimi Abdollah , Dara Naghi , Fallahi Mazdak , Keramatipour Mohammad , Karamzade Arezou , Sharafian Samin
Published: April 2023

Background

Caspase-8 is a molecule in the FAS pathway that initiates apoptosis. One of the rarest autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndromes is caspase-8 deficiency. Immunodeficiency, splenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy are the common symptoms of this condition.

Case Presentation

A two-year-old boy entered this study with a fever of unknown origin (FUO) and dysentery. Moreover, he suffered from failure to thrive and was allergic to the cow's milk protein. His fever and dysentery did not respond to antibiotic therapy. The colonoscopy revealed diffuse ulcerations regions in the sigmoid along with skipped areas, mimicking Crohn's disease aphthous lesions. He represented very early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and was diagnosed with the caspase-8 deficiency.

Conclusion

There can be diarrhea or dysentery as the first or main symptoms of inborn errors of immunity (IEIs). The cause of diarrhea and dysentery in this case was early-onset IBD. One of the symptoms of IEIs such as caspase-8 deficiency is early-onset of IBD. Patients with early-onset had normal T cell count and low or normal immunoglobulin levels with insufficient immune response.
National survey on clinical and genetic characteristics of patients with hereditary angioedema in Latvia
Authors: Kanepa Adine , Nartisa Inga , Rots Dmitrijs , Gailite Linda , Farkas Henriette , Kurjane Natalja
Published: April 2023

Background

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare and life-threatening inborn error of immunity. HAE is mostly caused by pathogenic variations in the serine protease inhibitor gene 1 (SERPING1), leading to deficient or dysfunctional C1-inhibitor (C1-INH), overproduction of bradykinin, and development of recurrent subcutaneous and/or submucosal oedema. The prevalence of HAE is 1 in 50,000 − 100000 people worldwide. We aimed to describe the clinical features and genetic spectrum of hereditary angioedema with C1-INH deficiency (C1-INH-HAE) in Latvia.

Methods

All patients from Latvia diagnosed with HAE (types I/II) from 2006 to March 2022 were included in the study. Laboratory tests and clinical data were analysed, and genetic tests with Sanger sequencing and whole genome sequencing were performed.

Results

The study identified 10 C1-INH-HAE patients (nine females, one male) from eight families. The point prevalence of HAE in Latvia is 0.53 per 100 000 inhabitants. Of all patients, seven (70%) had HAE type I and three (30%) had HAE type II. The median age of patients was 54 years and the median age at onset of symptoms was 15 years. A significant delay (median 20.5 years) until diagnosis was observed, and 60% of patients had a positive family history of angioedema. All HAE patients have been hospitalised a median two times during their lifetime. Skin (100%), abdominal (80%), and airway (80%) oedema were the most frequent symptoms. Triggering factors (60%) and prodromal symptoms (90%) were referred. Attacks were severe in 50% of patients, moderate in 10%, and mild in 40%. Pathogenic variations of SERPING1 were identified in eight patients (six families), confirming the diagnosis molecularly. In two patients (two families), no pathogenic variations in the genes were found even after whole genome sequencing.

Conclusions

Current data shows a significant delay and clear underdiagnosis of HAE in Latvia. Higher awareness and better information and communication between doctors would improve the diagnosis and management of HAE; as would screening of family members, patients with recurrent angioedema unresponsive to antihistamines and glucocorticoids, and patients with recurrent episodes of severe, unexplained abdominal pain.
Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, cecal mucosal cytokines and serum antioxidant responses of broiler chickens to dietary enzymatically treated yeast and coccidia challenge
Authors: Alagbe Emmanuel Oluwabukunmi , Schulze Hagen , Adeola Olayiwola
Published: April 2023

Background

There is a growing search for natural feed additives to alleviate the deleterious effects of coccidia infection in poultry production. This study aimed to investigate the effect of enzymatically treated yeast (ETY) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, antioxidative status, and cecal mucosa cytokines of coccidia-challenged broiler chickens.

Methods

From d 1 to 14 post hatching, 480 broiler chickens were allocated to 3 corn-soybean meal-based experimental diets with increasing concentrations of ETY (0, 1, or 2 g/kg). The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block design with body weight (BW) used as a blocking factor. On d 14 post hatching, the birds were re-randomized within each of the 3 experimental diets. Each of the 3 diet groups was split into a challenge or no-challenge group. This resulted in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The coccidia challenge was administered on d 15 by an oral gavage.

Results

Dietary ETY improved (P < 0.05) the G:F of birds on d 21 regardless of the challenge state and linearly increased (P < 0.01) the apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter (DM), nitrogen, and gross energy (GE). The coccidia challenge decreased (P < 0.05) BW gain and feed intake of broiler chickens and reduced (P < 0.01) the total tract retention of DM, GE, and nitrogen. The coccidia challenge increased (P < 0.01) the mRNA gene expression of TNFα, IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-6 in the cecal mucosa. There was a tendency (P = 0.08) for ETY to linearly reduce IL-1β expression. Additionally, ETY supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the gene expression of OCLN. Serum catalase increased (P < 0.05) with dietary ETY in broiler chickens on d 21. Dietary ETY linearly increased (P < 0.05) the ileal villus height to crypt depth ratio, and ileal goblet cell density in broiler chickens. The ileal and excreta oocyst counts decreased (P < 0.01) with increasing supplementation of dietary ETY in coccidia-challenged broiler chickens on d 21.

Conclusions

Dietary ETY enhanced nutrient utilization and augmented intestinal development in broiler chickens. However, dietary ETY did not completely attenuate the adverse effects of a coccidia challenge in broiler chickens.
Thrombectomized autologous portal Y-graft inflow construction can be an option in living-donor liver transplantation: a case report
Authors: Akaoka Munetoshi , Haruki Koichiro , Furukawa Kenei , Onda Shinji , Ishizaki Shunta , Tsunematsu Masashi , Shirai Yoshihiro , Okui Norimitsu , Tanji Yoshiaki , Ikegami Toru
Published: April 2023

Background

In living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT), portal Y-graft interposition using the recipient’s portal vein (PV) bifurcation has been used for right lobe grafts with double PV orifices. We herein report the use of thrombectomized autologous portal Y-graft interposition for a recipient with preoperative portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in a right lobe LDLT with double PV orifices.

Case presentation

The recipient was a 54-year-old male with end-stage liver disease due to alcoholic liver cirrhosis. There was PV thrombus in the recipient’s PV. The living liver donor was his 53-year-old spouse, and a right lobe graft was planned for the transplantation. Since the donor's liver had a type III PV anomaly, autologous portal Y-graft interposition after thrombectomy was planned for PV reconstruction in the LDLT. The portal Y-graft was resected from the recipient and a thrombus extending from the main PV to the right PV branch was removed on the back table. The portal Y-graft was anastomosed to the anterior and posterior portal branches of the right lobe graft. Followed by venous reconstruction, the Y-graft was anastomosed to the recipient’s main PV. The operation time was 545 min and the intraoperative blood loss was 1355 ml. The recipient was discharged on postoperative day 13 without any complications. The recipient remains well with the patency of the portal Y-graft one year after the liver transplantation.

Conclusion

We herein report the successful use of autologous portal Y-graft interposition after thrombectomy on the back table for a recipient with PVT in a right lobe LDLT.
Evaluation of techniques to improve a deep learning algorithm for the automatic detection of intracranial haemorrhage on CT head imaging
Authors: Yeo Melissa , Tahayori Bahman , Kok Hong Kuan , Maingard Julian , Kutaiba Numan , Russell Jeremy , Thijs Vincent , Jhamb Ashu , Chandra Ronil V. , Brooks Mark , Barras Christen D. , Asadi Hamed
Published: April 2023

Background

Deep learning (DL) algorithms are playing an increasing role in automatic medical image analysis.

Purpose

To evaluate the performance of a DL model for the automatic detection of intracranial haemorrhage and its subtypes on non-contrast CT (NCCT) head studies and to compare the effects of various preprocessing and model design implementations.

Methods

The DL algorithm was trained and externally validated on open-source, multi-centre retrospective data containing radiologist-annotated NCCT head studies. The training dataset was sourced from four research institutions across Canada, the USA and Brazil. The test dataset was sourced from a research centre in India. A convolutional neural network (CNN) was used, with its performance compared against similar models with additional implementations: (1) a recurrent neural network (RNN) attached to the CNN, (2) preprocessed CT image-windowed inputs and (3) preprocessed CT image-concatenated inputs. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) and microaveraged precision (mAP) score were used to evaluate and compare model performances.

Results

The training and test datasets contained 21,744 and 491 NCCT head studies, respectively, with 8,882 (40.8%) and 205 (41.8%) positive for intracranial haemorrhage. Implementation of preprocessing techniques and the CNN-RNN framework increased mAP from 0.77 to 0.93 and increased AUC-ROC [95% confidence intervals] from 0.854 [0.816–0.889] to 0.966 [0.951–0.980] (p-value = 3.91 × 10−12).

Conclusions

The deep learning model accurately detected intracranial haemorrhage and improved in performance following specific implementation techniques, demonstrating clinical potential as a decision support tool and an automated system to improve radiologist workflow efficiency.

Key points

• The deep learning model detected intracranial haemorrhages on computed tomography with high accuracy.

• Image preprocessing, such as windowing, plays a large role in improving deep learning model performance.

• Implementations which enable an analysis of interslice dependencies can improve deep learning model performance.

• Visual saliency maps can facilitate explainable artificial intelligence systems.

• Deep learning within a triage system may expedite earlier intracranial haemorrhage detection.
A multicenter evaluation of a deep learning software (LungQuant) for lung parenchyma characterization in COVID-19 pneumonia
Authors: Scapicchio Camilla , Chincarini Andrea , Ballante Elena , Berta Luca , Bicci Eleonora , Bortolotto Chandra , Brero Francesca , Cabini Raffaella Fiamma , Cristofalo Giuseppe , Fanni Salvatore Claudio , Fantacci Maria Evelina , Figini Silvia , Galia Massimo , Gemma Pietro , Grassedonio Emanuele , Lascialfari Alessandro , Lenardi Cristina , Lionetti Alice , Lizzi Francesca , Marrale Maurizio , Midiri Massimo , Nardi Cosimo , Oliva Piernicola , Perillo Noemi , Postuma Ian , Preda Lorenzo , Rastrelli Vieri , Rizzetto Francesco , Spina Nicola , Talamonti Cinzia , Torresin Alberto , Vanzulli Angelo , Volpi Federica , Neri Emanuele , Retico Alessandra
Published: April 2023

Background

The role of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis and characterization of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia has been widely recognized. We evaluated the performance of a software for quantitative analysis of chest CT, the LungQuant system, by comparing its results with independent visual evaluations by a group of 14 clinical experts. The aim of this work is to evaluate the ability of the automated tool to extract quantitative information from lung CT, relevant for the design of a diagnosis support model.

Methods

LungQuant segments both the lungs and lesions associated with COVID-19 pneumonia (ground-glass opacities and consolidations) and computes derived quantities corresponding to qualitative characteristics used to clinically assess COVID-19 lesions. The comparison was carried out on 120 publicly available CT scans of patients affected by COVID-19 pneumonia. Scans were scored for four qualitative metrics: percentage of lung involvement, type of lesion, and two disease distribution scores. We evaluated the agreement between the LungQuant output and the visual assessments through receiver operating characteristics area under the curve (AUC) analysis and by fitting a nonlinear regression model.

Results

Despite the rather large heterogeneity in the qualitative labels assigned by the clinical experts for each metric, we found good agreement on the metrics compared to the LungQuant output. The AUC values obtained for the four qualitative metrics were 0.98, 0.85, 0.90, and 0.81.

Conclusions

Visual clinical evaluation could be complemented and supported by computer-aided quantification, whose values match the average evaluation of several independent clinical experts.

Key points

We conducted a multicenter evaluation of the deep learning-based LungQuant automated software.

We translated qualitative assessments into quantifiable metrics to characterize coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia lesions.

Comparing the software output to the clinical evaluations, results were satisfactory despite heterogeneity of the clinical evaluations.

An automatic quantification tool may contribute to improve the clinical workflow of COVID-19 pneumonia.
First report of using Trichoderma longibrachiatum as a biocontrol agent against Macrophomina pseudophaseolina causing charcoal rot disease of lentil in Algeria
Authors: Kouadri Mohamed El Amine , Bekkar Ahmed Amine , Zaim Souad
Published: April 2023

Background

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is one of the major pulse crops in the world. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Trichoderma isolates to control the charcoal rot disease caused by Macrophomina pseudophaseolina recently reported on lentil plants.

Results

In this study, antagonistic effects of seven isolates of Trichoderma spp. isolated from the rhizosphere of lentil were evaluated in vitro against Macrophomina pseudophaseolina M1. All isolates of Trichoderma significantly reduced the mycelial growth of M1 in vitro. Maximum reduction of the pathogen growth was observed at T10 (72.53%), followed by T5 (63.7%) and T6 (62.88%), while T2 caused the minimum reduction (37.33%). Likewise, Trichoderma isolates significantly reduced the size and number microsclerotia. M1 produced the minimum number of microsclerotia in the presence of T10, followed by T1 causing reduction of 68.56 and 53.37% over control, respectively. The maximum reduction of microsclerotia’s size was observed in the presence of T10 (54.92%), followed by T1 (49.84) and T8 (48.68%). Results also revealed that production of volatile metabolite, components and inhibition of the test pathogen by volatile metabolites varied among different antagonistic Trichoderma. T1 produced the most volatile compounds, followed by T2 and T3 and T10 causing mycelial growth inhibition of 41.66, 33.88, 30.55 and 30.37%, respectively. The efficacy of the antagonistic biocontrol agents on charcoal rot was evaluated in vivo. Seed treatment with T10 significantly protected lentil seedlings from M. pseudophaseolina as compared to untreated plants and also improved their growth. T10 isolate was identified based on molecular tools, using internal transcribed spaces and Translation elongation factor of ribosomal DNA. The results identified T10 as Trichoderma longibrachiatum with accession number MW818102 and OK500004 deposited in NCBI GenBank database.

Conclusion

The study revealed the first report of using Trichoderma longibrachiatum as a promising biological agent against M. pseudophaseolina causing charcoal rot disease of lentil.
Egyptian evidence-based consensus on clinical practice recommendations for the management of Kawasaki disease
Authors: El Miedany Yasser , Salah Samia , Lotfy Hala M. , Abu-Zaid Mohammed Hassan , Mohamed Sally S. , Maher Sheren Esam , El Gaafary Maha , Abdulhady Hala , Farag Yomna , Eissa Mervat , Radwan Ahmed , Medhat Basma M. , El Mikkawy Dalia M. E. , Hassan Waleed A. , Mosa Doaa Mosad , El Deriny Ghada , Mortada Mohamed , Osman Naglaa S. , Fouad Nermeen Ahmed , Amer Youmna Ahmed , Nasef Samah Ismail , Abushady Hend , Galal Salwa , El-Latif Eiman Abd , Maria Dina , Shabana Ahmed H. , Tabra Samar AbdAlhamed
Published: April 2023

Background

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, self-limited febrile disease of unidentified cause that mostly affects children less than 5 years of age. This work aimed to provide an appropriate Egyptian evidence-based consensus on clinical practice recommendations for the management of Kawasaki disease. The main objective of this study, which employed the Delphi method, was to reach a consensus among experts on a treat-to-target management approach for KD.

Results

The expert panel was confined to an online survey (n=26), and all the expert completed the three rounds. At the conclusion of round 3, a total of 17 recommendation items were gathered, which were divided into two sections. The range of respondents (ranks 7–9) who agreed with the recommendations was 92.3 to 100%. All 17 clinical standards identified by the scientific committee were written in the same way. There have been algorithms proposed for managing various KD conditions.

Conclusion

The developed evidence-based consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and management of KD represent an up-to-date document that focuses on clinical management questions which are generally posed to health care professionals involved in the management of KD. This guideline was developed considering experience with and availability of treatment and diagnostic options in Egypt.
Association Between Circulating Levels of C1q/TNF-Related Protein-9 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Song Rui , Hu Weiting , Cheng Rui , Zhao Yibo , Qin Weiwei , Li Xing , Zhu Yikun , Gan Lu , Liu Jing
Published: April 2023

Context

According to growing research, C1q/TNF-Related Protein-9 (CTRP9) appears to be linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). But the literature on circulating levels of CTRP9 in patients with T2DM has been contradictory.

Objective

This is a systematic review and meta-analysis to reassess the circulating level of CTRP9 in patients with T2DM, with and without complications.

Methods

Relevant studies published until October 31, 2021, were identified from the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, WanFang, CNKI, VIP, and CBM databases. Participants with age ≥18 years with clinically diagnosed T2DM were included. Sex and diabetes complications were not restricted. The data were extracted by 2 reviewers independently using a standard data collection form.

Results

Analysis demonstrated significantly lower circulating levels of CTRP9 in patients with T2DM than in patients without diabetes (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −1.36; 95% CI −1.78 to −0.93; P < .001), I2 = 97.5%, P < .001). Furthermore, the circulating level of CTRP9 in patients with T2DM-related complications was lower than that in patients with T2DM without complications, regardless of macrovascular complications or microvascular complications (SMD = −1.062; 95% CI −1.466 to −0.658; P < .001, I2 = 91.3%, P < .001). Subgroup analyses revealed that factors such as body mass index, T2DM duration, and fasting blood glucose were the sources of heterogeneity (P = .047, P = .034, and P = .07, respectively).

Conclusion

The present systematic review and meta-analysis found CTRP9 levels were lower in T2DM patients with or without complications. However, since this was a meta-analysis of most observational studies, these findings still need to be verified by further studies with a large sample size.
The Association of Accelerated Early Growth, Timing of Puberty, and Metabolic Consequences in Children
Authors: Jee Youn Hee , Jumani Sanjay , Mericq Veronica
Published: April 2023

Accelerated early growth and early timing of puberty or pubertal variant have been noticed as risk factors for metabolic syndrome, more frequently observed in children born small for gestational age (SGA) or children with premature adrenarche (PA). Children with SGA, especially if they make an accelerated catch-up growth in early life, carry a higher risk for long-term metabolic consequences, such as type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, multiple studies support that these children, either born SGA or with a history of PA, may have earlier pubertal timing, which is also associated with various metabolic risks. This review aims to summarize the recent studies investigating the association between early infantile growth, the timing of puberty, and metabolic risks to expand our knowledge and gain more insight into the underlying pathophysiology.
Ο τρόπος διαχείρισης των μεταναστευτικών ροών προς τα νησιά του Ανατολικού Αιγαίου και οι επιπτώσεις στην χώρα υποδοχής
Authors: Κυπρίζογλου Φιλιώ
Published: April 2023

Το ζήτημα της ελληνικής μεταναστευτικής πολιτικής από την άποψη των διεθνών σχέσεων αποτελεί έναν ακρογωνιαίο λίθο της σημερινής διεθνούς πολιτικής, με επιπτώσεις σε οικονομικό-πολιτικό και πολιτιστικό επίπεδο. Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή διερευνά το φλέγον αυτό θέμα με τη μεταναστευτική πολιτική. Η ελληνική επικράτεια και ιδιαίτερα τα νησιά του Ανατολικού Αιγαίου, ταλανίζονται τα τελευταία χρόνια από την παράτυπη διέλευση των αλλοδαπών μέσω των θαλάσσιων συνόρωνκυρίως από την Ασία, την Αφρική και τη Μέση Ανατολή. Στο πρώτο μέρος της μελέτης, πραγματοποιείται μια θεωρητική ανασκόπηση του νομοθετικού, του κοινωνικοπολιτικού πλαισίου, καθώς επίσης και των θεωριών. Στο δεύτερο μέρος, πουαφορά το ερευνητικό τμήμα της μελέτης, η πορεία της προσανατολίζεται στην απάντηση ερωτημάτων που βασίζονται στον κοινωνικό κονστρουκτιβισμό. Μελετά επίσης τον τρόπο διαχείρισης της μεταναστευτικής πολιτικής στην Ελλάδα, με βασικήεισόρμηση τα νησιά του Ανατολικού Αιγαίου, από την άποψη όχι μόνο εκείνων που ασκούν πολιτική σε δημόσιο επίπεδο αλλά και της ελίτ της χώρας. Η μελέτη ολοκληρώνεται με την παράθεση των συμπερασμάτων που προκύπτουν από τηνπαραπάνω έρευνα.
Defense mechanisms in affective disorders – the state of the art
Authors: Mrozowicz-Wrońska Marta
Published: April 2023

Mechanizmy obronne to nieświadome, automatyczne procesy, które pozwalają nam radzić sobie z napięciami i stresem. Pełnią one znaczącą rolę w utrzymaniu zdrowia psychicznego, ale stosowanie niektórych z nich, szczególnie tych niedojrzałych, silnie zniekształcających rzeczywistość, może być związane z objawami psychopatologicznymi. Liczne badania wykazują związek niedojrzałego stylu obronnego z zaburzeniami nastroju. Osoby z zaburzeniami depresyjnymi i z zaburzeniem afektywnym dwubiegunowym stosują bardziej niedojrzałe mechanizmy w porównaniu z nieklinicznymi grupami kontrolnymi. Jednocześnie mniej polegają na dojrzałych, adaptacyjnych mechanizmach obronnych. Niedojrzałe mechanizmy obronne mogą negatywnie wpływać na przebieg i efektywność leczenia, jednocześnie obserwuje się poprawę w kierunku stosowania dojrzalszych obron pod wpływem psychoterapii i innych działań leczniczych. Oszacowanie poziomu dojrzałości mechanizmów obronnych może okazać się przydatne w procesie diagnostycznym, szczególnie w różnicowaniu zaburzeń depresyjnych z zaburzeniami lękowymi, różnicowaniu pomiędzy podtypami zaburzeń nastroju oraz w ocenie ryzyka zachowań suicydalnych. Wzmocnienie dojrzałych mechanizmów obronnych i zmniejszenie polegania na niedojrzałych może poprawić ogólne funkcjonowanie pacjentów z zaburzeniami nastroju i przyczynić się do zmniejszenia nasilenia objawów psychopatologicznych.
Dissociative identity disorder as interdisciplinary problem. Part I – psychiatric and psychological aspects
Authors: Burdzik Elżbieta , Burdzik Marcin
Published: April 2023

Dysocjacyjne zaburzenie tożsamości (DID), należy do złożonych zagadnień z pogranicza psychiatrii i psychologii. Specyfika zaburzenia oraz jego obraz kliniczny implikują liczne trudności w procesie diagnozy i leczenia. Rozpoznanie DID może mieć również doniosłe skutki prawne, zwłaszcza w zakresie możliwości przypisania odpowiedzialności karnej czy ogólnej zdolności do bycia świadkiem. Zagadnienie ma więc charakter interdyscyplinarny. W praktyce DID rozpoznawane jest rzadko, choć szacuje się, że występuje u ok. 1% populacji ogólnej. W wielu przypadkach okres od pierwszego kontaktu z systemem opieki zdrowotnej do postawienia prawidłowej diagnozy przekracza kilka lat (od 6,7-8 lat), a odsetek błędnych diagnoz oscyluje na średnim poziomie 2.8 w przeliczeniu na pacjenta. Brak szybko i prawidłowo postawionej diagnozy uniemożliwia podjęcie adekwatnego leczenia, co przekłada się na wydłużenie całego procesu terapeutycznego i rzutuje na jego skuteczność oraz znacząco podnosi koszty. Nie ulega wątpliwości, że w procesie kształcenia psychiatrów i psychologów klinicznych powinno kłaść się większy nacisk na umiejętności prawidłowej detekcji objawów dysocjacyjnych oraz na wykorzystywanie służących ku temu narzędzi diagnostycznych. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest przedstawienie i identyfikacja głównych problemów jakie DID implikuje w płaszczyźnie diagnostyczno-terapeutycznej (psychologiczno-psychiatrycznej). W artykule omówiono istniejące narzędzia diagnostyczne, problematykę współchorobowości oraz przyczyny błędnie stawianych diagnoz. Odniesiono się do zagadnienia fałszywie-dodatnich rozpoznań i trudności w różnicowaniu pacjentów z DID od osób symulujących. Przeanalizowano podstawowe błędy popełniane w trakcie terapii, takie jak strategia minimalizacji czy działania prowadzące do wystąpienia multiple therapist disorder. Aspekty prawne zostaną przedstawione w odrębnym artykule.
Editorial
Authors: Dudek Dominika , Sobański Jerzy , Klasa Katarzyna
Published: April 2023

bez streszczenia
Effective motor learning and coordination abilities of girls and boys aged 9-10
Authors: Matczak Dawid , Wieczorek Marta
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Learning is a complex and multi-dimensional process that depends on cognitive and emotional processes and the development of functional systems of the human body. One type of learning is motor learning. Its course and effects depend on many factors. One of the factors may be coordination abilities.

Purpose

The cognitive aim of the study is to assessment of the effectiveness (speed, efficiency) of learning complex motor activity in relation to the selected aspect of physical development (coordination abilities) of a selected group of girls and boys.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted among 73 children (44 boys and 29 girls) aged 9 - 10 years. Authors used the pedagogical experiment method and the research tool was the program for learning how to juggle three tennis balls. To assess the selected aspects of physical development we chose the direct categorized observation method. As research tools Authors used the Vienna Test System (VTS) and 2hand test.

Results

Boys achieved a higher average level of eye-hand coordination (2-hand test), but the differences between them and girls were not statistically significant. Girls achieved, on average, higher results than boys in terms of precise hand movements (MLS test). Statistically significant differences in their favor occurred in most of the tests performed.

Conclusion

There are functions between the speed and efficiency of learning a complex motor activity and coordination abilities. They are more pronounced than boys.  It is important to develop coordination abilities in the didactic process to support motor learning.
Association between caesarean section and childhood asthma development
Authors: Musiał Lena , Możdżyńska Agnieszka , Pawłocik Weronika , Wojtala Laura , Szymańska Julia , Pawlak Weronika , Grabowska Ewa , Kapłon Kamil , Rymarz Anna , Kojder Dominika
Published: April 2023

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the rates of caesarean section delivery, which is the most common surgical procedure in gynecology and obstetrics, are increasing globally and amount to 21%. In Poland percentage of caesarean sections (CS) is one of the highest in Europe and amount to 42.2%. The reason for this is the extension of medical indications, but also an increase in the number of CS at the request of pregnant women. Although CS can be a lifesaving procedure, it can also cause many health complications for both - the woman and the child. Numerous studies indicate that caesarean delivery is associated with childhood asthma. Several hypotheses of the pathogenesis of this relationship have been presented. One of them, which is based on the hygiene hypothesis indicates that mode of delivery can cause different bacteria colonization in infants. Lack of contact of fetus with the mother’s vaginal flora during CS labor may cause improper immune system maturation. Another hypothesis is that reduced exposure to stress hormones and mechanical forces during CS labor can indicate infant respiratory complications such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN). It is suggested that these abnormalities have an impact on asthma development in later life. On the other hand, there are studies which do not confirm that mode of delivery has an influence on the induction of asthma. Due to the significant heterogeneity of studies and unclear risk factors and pathomechanism of the childhood asthma it is impossible to strong confirm the association between caesarean section and asthma developing.
Revista Divulgación Científica Universidad del Rosario No. 6
Authors: Córdoba Restrepo Juan Felipe , Palacios Sanabria María Teresa , Londoño Toro Beatríz , Muñoz Díaz Marina , Iregui Parra Paola Marcela , Aguilar Rubiano Beira Andrea , García Bonilla Carlos , Cadavid Espinha Sara , Leal Villamizar Lina María , Sandoval Sánchez Viviana Angélica , González-Rodríguez David Roberto , Batz Lineiro Aglaya , García Suaza Andres Felipe , Florián Andrés Felipe , Díaz López Daniel Orlando , Pohl Valero Stefan , Barbosa de la Torre Sergio , Rozo Pabón Esteban , Firacative Ropero Sandra Carolina , Valencia Tello Diana Carolina , Serrano Gil Ximena , Flechas Claudia Jasmin , Perdomo Charry Óscar Julián , Aguia Rojas Karen , Hernández Stefany , Barragán Barrera Dalia C , Obando Cabrera Laura , Leal Villamizar Lina María , Abultaif Kadamani Amira , Calderón Acero Camilo Andrés , Páez Torres Magda , García Bonilla Carlos Arturo
Published: April 2023

Esta publicación tiene la decidida intención de acercar la investigación que realiza la Universidad del Rosario de Bogotá, Colombia, a un gran número de lectores para mostrarles, desde el periodismo científico, el quehacer investigativo de la institución.
Ecosistemas de emprendimiento: hacia una reflexión práctica y conceptual
Authors: Cuartas Torres Camilo Alberto , Marín Cardona Pablo Felipe
Published: April 2023

En la última década, la definición “ecosistemas de emprendimiento” ha cobrado gran relevancia dentro de los procesos de investigación relacionados con el campo de la gestión y los negocios. En este sentido, el término ha sido utilizado en numerosos documentos de diversa índole, para describir la interacción de aspectos políticos, sociales, económicos, culturales y ambientales que permiten el desarrollo de la actividademprendedora en una región determinada. Su rápida adopción por parte de la comunidad académica ha llevado a que, en algunos casos, el término haya sido usado arbitrariamente para denominar cualquier tipo de fenómeno colectivo de emprendimiento, así este no guarde ninguna similitud con un ecosistema propiamente dicho. En consecuencia, el presente artículo condensa buena parte de la bibliografía existente sobre el tema a partir de una revisión sistemática de documentos; introduce los aspectos más destacadosdel concepto para tratar de dilucidar qué es un ecosistema de emprendimiento; y propone una discusión en torno a la importancia y las limitaciones que enfrenta este campo de estudio tanto a nivel académico como de aplicación práctica.
Adaptive Exploration and Optimization of Materials Crystal Structures
Authors: Krishna Arvind , Tran Huan , Huang Chaofan , Ramprasad Rampi , Joseph V. Roshan
Published: April 2023

A central problem of materials science is to determine whether a hypothetical material is stable without being synthesized, which is mathematically equivalent to a global optimization problem on a highly nonlinear and multimodal potential energy surface (PES). This optimization problem poses multiple outstanding challenges, including the exceedingly high dimensionality of the PES, and that PES must be constructed from a reliable, sophisticated, parameters-free, and thus very expensive computational method, for which density functional theory (DFT) is an example. DFT is a quantum mechanics-based method that can predict, among other things, the total potential energy of a given configuration of atoms. DFT, although accurate, is computationally expensive. In this work, we propose a novel expansion-exploration-exploitation framework to find the global minimum of the PES. Starting from a few atomic configurations, this “known” space is expanded to construct a big candidate set. The expansion begins in a nonadaptive manner, where new configurations are added without their potential energy being considered. A novel feature of this step is that it tends to generate a space-filling design without the knowledge of the boundaries of the domain space. If needed, the nonadaptive expansion of the space of configurations is followed by adaptive expansion, where “promising regions” of the domain space (those with low-energy configurations) are further expanded. Once a candidate set of configurations is obtained, it is simultaneously explored and exploited using Bayesian optimization to find the global minimum. The methodology is demonstrated using a problem of finding the most stable crystal structure of aluminum.

History: Kwok Tsui served as the senior editor for this article.

Funding: The authors acknowledge a U.S. National Science Foundation Grant DMREF-1921873 and XSEDE through Grant DMR170031.

Data Ethics & Reproducibility Note: The code capsule is available on Code Ocean at https://doi.org/10.24433/CO.3366149.v1 and in the e-Companion to this article (available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijds.2023.0028 ).
The Promises and Perils of Corporate Purpose
Authors: Kaplan Sarah
Published: April 2023

Corporate purpose is taking off as a concept within both the corporate world and management academia. Despite many bold pronouncements by companies about pursuing purpose and not just profits, evidence suggests that these are often decoupled from real action on social and environmental issues. In this essay, I grapple with a number of questions that arise for scholars and practitioners given the state of the field. Is the lack of progress intentional such that corporate purpose is just a power grab for firms to protect their influence and profits? Is making the business case for corporate purpose just part of this power grab? Stepping back, what is corporate purpose anyway? Additionally, how does it relate to trade-offs across stakeholders? Who counts as a stakeholder? How can we account for value distribution along with value creation? How can we conceptualize the firm if we take purpose seriously? What would it mean to decenter the firm (and center the stakeholders) in the practice of corporate purpose? What governance structures are needed to enact corporate purpose? Additionally, what are the implications for a new model of decentered leadership? There are not a lot of answers yet, but this review of recent research in the domain spots many excellent clues and paths for future progress.

History: This paper has been accepted by Matt Kraatz for the Strategy Science Special Issue on Corporate Purpose.

Funding: The Michael Lee-Chin Institute for Corporate Citizenship at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto provided financial support for the author’s research in this domain.