bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic signatures of insulin resistance in non-diabetic individuals
Authors: Arjmand Babak , Ebrahimi Fana Saeed , Ghasemi Erfan , Kazemi Ameneh , Ghodssi-Ghassemabadi Robabeh , Dehghanbanadaki Hojat , Najjar Niloufar , Kakaii Ardeshir , Forouzanfar Katayoon , Nasli-Esfahani Ensieh , Farzadfar Farshad , Larijani Bagher , Razi Farideh
Published: August 2022

Background

Insulin resistance (IR) evolved from excessive energy intake and poor energy expenditure, affecting the patient's quality of life. Amino acid and acylcarnitine metabolomic profiles have identified consistent patterns associated with metabolic disease and insulin sensitivity. Here, we have measured a wide array of metabolites (30 acylcarnitines and 20 amino acids) with the MS/MS and investigated the association of metabolic profile with insulin resistance.

Methods

The study population (n = 403) was randomly chosen from non-diabetic participants of the Surveillance of Risk Factors of NCDs in Iran Study (STEPS 2016). STEPS 2016 is a population-based cross-sectional study conducted periodically on adults aged 18–75 years in 30 provinces of Iran. Participants were divided into two groups according to the optimal cut-off point determined by the Youden index of HOMA-IR for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. Associations were investigated using regression models adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI).

Results

People with high IR were significantly younger, and had higher education level, BMI, waist circumference, FPG, HbA1c, ALT, triglyceride, cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, uric acid, and a lower HDL-C level. We observed a strong positive association of serum BCAA (valine and leucine), AAA (tyrosine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine), alanine, and C0 (free carnitine) with IR (HOMA-IR); while C18:1 (oleoyl L-carnitine) was inversely correlated with IR.

Conclusions

In the present study, we identified specific metabolites linked to HOMA-IR that improved IR prediction. In summary, our study adds more evidence that a particular metabolomic profile perturbation is associated with metabolic disease and reemphasizes the significance of understanding the biochemistry and physiology which lead to these associations.
Concordance between influential adverse treatment outcomes and localized prostate cancer treatment decisions
Authors: Pozzar Rachel A. , Xiong Niya , Hong Fangxin , Filson Christopher P. , Chang Peter , Halpenny Barbara , Berry Donna L.
Published: August 2022

Background

Although treatment decisions for localized prostate cancer (LPC) are preference-sensitive, the extent to which individuals with LPC receive preference-concordant treatment is unclear. In a sample of individuals with LPC, the purpose of this study was to (a) assess concordance between the influence of potential adverse treatment outcomes and treatment choice; (b) determine whether receipt of a decision aid predicts higher odds of concordance; and (c) identify predictors of concordance from a set of participant characteristics and influential personal factors.

Methods

Participants reported the influence of potential adverse treatment outcomes and personal factors on treatment decisions at baseline. Preference-concordant treatment was defined as (a) any treatment if risk of adverse outcomes did not have a lot of influence, (b) active surveillance if risk of adverse outcomes had a lot of influence, or (c) radical prostatectomy or active surveillance if risk of adverse bowel outcomes had a lot of influence and risk of other adverse outcomes did not have a lot of influence. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

Results

Of 224 participants, 137 (61%) pursued treatment concordant with preferences related to adverse treatment outcomes. Receipt of a decision aid did not predict higher odds of concordance. Low tumor risk and age ≥ 60 years predicted higher odds of concordance, while attributing a lot of influence to the impact of treatment on recreation predicted lower odds of concordance.

Conclusions

Risk of potential adverse treatment outcomes may not be the foremost consideration of some patients with LPC. Assessment of the relative importance of patients’ stated values and preferences is warranted in the setting of LPC treatment decision making.

Clinical trial registration: NCT01844999 (www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Chromosome-level genome assembly and population genomic analyses provide insights into adaptive evolution of the red turpentine beetle, Dendroctonus valens
Authors: Liu Zhudong , Xing Longsheng , Huang Wanlong , Liu Bo , Wan Fanghao , Raffa Kenneth F. , Hofstetter Richard W. , Qian Wanqiang , Sun Jianghua
Published: August 2022

Background

Biological invasions are responsible for substantial environmental and economic losses. The red turpentine beetle (RTB),Dendroctonus valensLeConte, is an important invasive bark beetle from North America that has caused substantial tree mortality in China. The lack of a high-quality reference genome seriously limits deciphering the extent to which genetic adaptions resulted in a secondary pest becoming so destructive in its invaded area.

Results

Here, we present a 322.41 Mb chromosome-scale reference genome of RTB, of which 98% of assembled sequences are anchored onto fourteen linkage groups including the X chromosome with a N50 size of 24.36 Mb, which is significantly greater than other Coleoptera species. Repetitive sequences make up 45.22% of the genome, which is higher than four other Coleoptera species, i.e., Mountain pine beetleDendroctonus ponderosae, red flour beetleTribolium castaneum, blister beetleHycleus cichorii, and Colorado potato beetleLeptinotarsa decemlineata. We identify rapidly expanded gene families and positively selected genes in RTB, which may be responsible for its rapid environmental adaptation. Population genetic structure of RTB was revealed by genome resequencing of geographic populations in native and invaded regions, suggesting substantial divergence of the North American population and illustrates the possible invasion and spread route in China. Selective sweep analysis highlighted the enhanced ability of Chinese populations in environmental adaptation.

Conclusions

Overall, our high-quality reference genome represents an important resource for genomics study of invasive bark beetles, which will facilitate the functional study and decipher mechanism underlying invasion success of RTB by integrating thePinus tabuliformisgenome.
Genomic signatures and evolutionary history of the endangered blue-crowned laughingthrush and other Garrulax species
Authors: Chen Hao , Huang Min , Liu Daoqiang , Tang Hongbo , Zheng Sumei , Ouyang Jing , Zhang Hui , Wang Luping , Luo Keyi , Gao Yuren , Wu Yongfei , Wu Yan , Xiong Yanpeng , Luo Tao , Huang Yuxuan , Xiong Rui , Ren Jun , Huang Jianhua , Yan Xueming
Published: August 2022

Background

The blue-crowned laughingthrush (Garrulax courtoisi) is a critically endangered songbird endemic to Wuyuan, China, with population of ~323 individuals. It has attracted widespread attention, but the lack of a published genome has limited research and species protection.

Results

We report two laughingthrush genome assemblies and reveal the taxonomic status of laughingthrush species among 25 common avian species according to the comparative genomic analysis. The blue-crowned laughingthrush, black-throated laughingthrush, masked laughingthrush, white-browed laughingthrush, and rusty laughingthrush showed a close genetic relationship, and they diverged from a common ancestor between ~2.81 and 12.31 million years ago estimated by the population structure and divergence analysis using 66 whole-genome sequencing birds from eight laughingthrush species and one out group (Cyanopica cyanus). Population inference revealed that the laughingthrush species experienced a rapid population decline during the last ice age and a serious bottleneck caused by a cold wave during the Chinese Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD). The blue-crowned laughingthrush is still in a bottleneck, which may be the result of a cold wave together with human exploitation. Interestingly, the existing blue-crowned laughingthrush exhibits extremely rich genetic diversity compared to other laughingthrushes. These genetic characteristics and demographic inference patterns suggest a genetic heritage of population abundance in the blue-crowned laughingthrush. The results also suggest that fewer deleterious mutations in the blue-crowned laughingthrush genomes have allowed them to thrive even with a small population size. We believe that cooperative breeding behavior and a long reproduction period may enable the blue-crowned laughingthrush to maintain genetic diversity and avoid inbreeding depression. We identified 43 short tandem repeats that can be used as markers to identify the sex of the blue-crowned laughingthrush and aid in its genetic conservation.

Conclusions

This study supplies the missing reference genome of laughingthrush, provides insight into the genetic variability, evolutionary potential, and molecular ecology of laughingthrush and provides a genomic resource for future research and conservation.
The Musa troglodytarum L. genome provides insights into the mechanism of non-climacteric behaviour and enrichment of carotenoids
Authors: Li Zhiying , Wang Jiabin , Fu Yunliu , Jing Yonglin , Huang Bilan , Chen Ying , Wang Qinglong , Wang Xiao Bing , Meng Chunyang , Yang Qingquan , Xu Li
Published: August 2022

Background

Karat (Musa troglodytarum L.) is an autotriploid Fe’i banana of the Australimusa section. Karat was domesticated independently in the Pacific region, and karat fruit are characterized by a pink sap, a deep yellow-orange flesh colour, and an abundance of β-carotene. Karat fruit showed non-climacteric behaviour, with an approximately 215-day bunch filling time. These features make karat a valuable genetic resource for studying the mechanisms underlying fruit development and ripening and carotenoid biosynthesis.

Results

Here, we report the genome of M. troglodytarum, which has a total length of 603 Mb and contains 37,577 predicted protein-coding genes. After divergence from the most recent common ancestors, M. troglodytarum (T genome) has experienced fusion of ancestral chromosomes 8 and 9 and multiple translocations and inversions, unlike the high synteny with few rearrangements found among M. schizocarpa (S genome), M. acuminata (A genome) and M. balbisiana (B genome). Genome microsynteny analysis showed that the triplication of MtSSUIIs due to chromosome rearrangement may lead to the accumulation of carotenoids and ABA in the fruit. The expression of duplicated MtCCD4s is repressed during ripening, leading to the accumulation of α-carotene, β-carotene and phytoene. Due to a long terminal repeat (LTR)-like fragment insertion upstream of MtERF11, karat cannot produce large amounts of ethylene but can produce ABA during ripening. These lead to non-climacteric behaviour and prolonged shelf-life, which contributes to an enrichment of carotenoids and riboflavin.

Conclusions

The high-quality genome of M. troglodytarum revealed the genomic basis of non-climacteric behaviour and enrichment of carotenoids, riboflavin, flavonoids and free galactose and provides valuable resources for further research on banana domestication and breeding and the improvement of nutritional and bioactive qualities.
Transitioning to active-controlled trials to evaluate cardiovascular safety and efficacy of medications for type 2 diabetes
Authors: McGuire Darren K. , D’Alessio David , Nicholls Stephen J. , Nissen Steven E. , Riesmeyer Jeffrey S. , Pavo Imre , Sethuraman Shanthi , Heilmann Cory R. , Kaiser John J. , Weerakkody Govinda J.
Published: August 2022

Cardiovascular (CV) outcome trials (CVOTs) of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) therapies have mostly used randomized comparison with placebo to demonstrate non-inferiority to establish that the investigational drug does not increase CV risk. Recently, several glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) demonstrated reduced CV risk. Consequently, future T2DM therapy trials could face new ethical and clinical challenges if CVOTs continue with the traditional, placebo-controlled design. To address this challenge, here we review the methodologic considerations in transitioning to active-controlled CVOTs and describe the statistical design of a CVOT to assess non-inferiority versus an active comparator and if non-inferiority is proven, using novel methods to assess for superiority versus an imputed placebo. Specifically, as an example of such methodology, we introduce the statistical considerations used for the design of the “Effect of Tirzepatide versus Dulaglutide on Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes” trial (SURPASS CVOT). It is the first active-controlled CVOT assessing antihyperglycemic therapy in patients with T2DM designed to demonstrate CV efficacy of the investigational drug, tirzepatide, a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and GLP-1 RA, by establishing non-inferiority to an active comparator with proven CV efficacy, dulaglutide. To determine the efficacy margin for the hazard ratio, tirzepatide versus dulaglutide, for the composite CV outcome of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (MACE-3), which is required to claim superiority versus an imputed placebo, the lower bound of efficacy of dulaglutide compared with placebo was estimated using a hierarchical Bayesian meta-analysis of placebo-controlled CVOTs of GLP-1 RAs. SURPASS CVOT was designed so that when the observed upper bound of the 95% confidence interval of the hazard ratio is less than the lower bound of efficacy of dulaglutide, it demonstrates non-inferiority to dulaglutide by preserving at least 50% of the CV benefit of dulaglutide as well as statistical superiority of tirzepatide to a theoretical placebo (imputed placebo analysis). The presented methods adding imputed placebo comparison for efficacy assessment may serve as a model for the statistical design of future active-controlled CVOTs.
External resilience in the context of drug use and socio-structural vulnerabilities: a qualitative exploration among women who use drugs and sell sex in Baltimore, Maryland
Authors: Tomko Catherine , Nestadt Danielle Friedman , Weicker Noelle P. , Rudzinski Katherine , Underwood Carol , Kaufman Michelle R. , Sherman Susan G.
Published: August 2022

Background

Resilience is a commonly used construct in substance use and mental health research. Yet it is often narrowly defined by only its internal qualities (e.g., adaptability, hardiness) and overlooks its external qualities (e.g., supportive relationships, navigating one’s environment). Further, substance use is often viewed as antithetical to resilience despite populations like women who use drugs and sell sex (WWUD-SS) surviving significant hardships. This study aims to fill a gap in the literature by characterizing external resilience among WWUD-SS and understanding the ways that socio-structural vulnerabilities (e.g., poverty, stigma) and substance use shape external resilience.

Methods

WWUD-SS (N = 18) enrolled in an ongoing cohort study were purposively sampled for age, race, and recruitment location and participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews aimed to elucidate external resilience (i.e., social support and resource utilization). WWUD-SS were queried about recent difficult experiences with a focus on how they did or did not use social support or formal resources (e.g., clinic, crisis hotline) in response.

Results

Participants were a median age of 37 years, 50% identified as Black, and 50% reported currently injecting drugs. Participants described reluctance to ask for support and often felt resigned to address problems alone. Participants also distinguished between transactional relationships (help is contingent upon receiving something in return) versus genuine (non-transactional or altruistic) support, including the role of family members who do and do not use drugs. Resource utilization was rare, and “self-medication” through substance use was common absent other perceived options for help.

Conclusions

External resilience appears limited among WWUD-SS and shaped by the social and economic contexts of a street-involved life. WWUD-SS’ ability to exercise external resilience may be undercut by experiencing structural vulnerabilities and competition for material resources that create transactional relationships and diminish the perceived value of social support. Internalized stigma, reflecting the larger society’s stigmatized views of drug use, sex work, and poverty, left WWUD-SS eschewing help from outside sources. Focus on internal resilience alone offers an incomplete picture of the construct in drug-using populations. Improving connections to community resources may be a targeted way to strengthen external resilience, as are policies addressing structural vulnerabilities for marginalized communities.
The key amino acid sites 199–205, 269, 319, 321 and 324 of ALV-K env contribute to the weaker replication capacity of ALV-K than ALV-A
Authors: Chen Jian , Li Jinqun , Dong Xinyi , Liao Ming , Cao Weisheng
Published: August 2022

Background

Avian leukosis virus (ALV) is an infectious retrovirus, that mainly causes various forms of tumours, immunosuppression, a decreased egg production rate and slow weight gain in poultry. ALV consists of 11 subgroups, A–K, among which ALV-K is an emerging subgroup that has become prevalent in the past 10 years. Most ALV-K isolates showed weak replication ability and pathogenicity. In this study, the weak replication ability of ALV-K was explored from the perspective of the interaction between ALV-K gp85 and the Tva receptor.

Methods

Fourteen soluble recombinant ALV-A/K gp85 chimeric proteins were constructed by substituting the sequence difference regions (hr1, hr2 and vr3) of the ALV-A gp85 protein with the skeleton ALV-K gp85 protein for co-IP and competitive blocking tests.

Results

The binding capacity of ALV-K gp85 to Tva was significantly weaker than that of ALV-A gp85 (P < 0.05) and the key amino acid sites 199–205, 269, 319, 321 and 324 of ALV-K env contributed to the weaker replication capacity of ALV-K than ALV-A.

Conclusions

This is the first study to reveal the molecular factors of the weak replication ability of ALV-K from the perspective of the interaction of ALV-K gp85 to Tva, providing a basis for further elucidation of the infection mechanism of ALV-K.
Regional cerebral blood perfusion changes in chronic stroke survivors as potential brain correlates of the functional outcome following gamified home-based rehabilitation (IntelliRehab)—a pilot study
Authors: Firwana Younis M. S. , Zolkefley Mohd Khairul Izamil , Mohamed Hatta Hasnetty Zuria , Rowbin Christina , Che Mohd Nassir Che Mohd Nasril , Hanafi Muhammad Hafiz , Abdullah Mohd Shafie , Keserci Bilgin , Lannin Natasha A. , Mustapha Muzaimi
Published: August 2022

Background

Hospital-based stroke rehabilitation for stroke survivors in developing countries may be limited by staffing ratios and length of stay that could hamper recovery potential. Thus, a home-based, gamified rehabilitation system (i.e., IntelliRehab) was tested for its ability to increase cerebral blood flow (CBF), and the secondary impact of changes on the upper limb motor function and functional outcomes.

Objective

To explore the effect of IntelliRehab on CBF in chronic stroke patients and its correlation with the upper limb motor function.

Methods

Two-dimensional pulsed Arterial Spin Labelling (2D-pASL) was used to obtain CBF images of stable, chronic stroke subjects (n = 8) over 3-months intervention period. CBF alterations were mapped, and the detected differences were marked as regions of interest. Motor functions represented by Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Assessment (FMA) and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) were used to assess the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively.

Results

Regional CBF were significantly increased in right inferior temporal gyrus and left superior temporal white matter after 1-month (p = 0.044) and 3-months (p = 0.01) of rehabilitation, respectively. However, regional CBF in left middle fronto-orbital gyrus significantly declined after 1-month of rehabilitation (p = 0.012). Moreover, SIS-Q7 and FMA scores significantly increased after 1-month and 3-months of rehabilitation. There were no significant correlations, however, between CBF changes and upper limb motor function.

Conclusions

Participants demonstrated improved motor functions, supporting the benefit of using IntelliRehab as a tool for home-based rehabilitation. However, within-participant improvements may have limited potential that suggests the need for a timely administration of IntelliRehab to get the maximum capacity of improvement.
TAPaC—tobacco-associated particulate matter emissions inside a car cabin: establishment of a new measuring platform
Authors: Pitten Lukas , Brüggmann Dörthe , Dröge Janis , Braun Markus , Groneberg David A.
Published: August 2022

Background

Particulate matter (PM) emission caused by tobacco combustion leads to severe health burdens worldwide. Second-hand smoke exposure is extraordinarily high in enclosed spaces (e.g., indoor rooms, car cabins) and poses a particular threat to the health of vulnerable individuals (e.g., children, elderly, etc.). This study aimed to establish a new measuring platform and investigate PM emissions under four different ventilation conditions inside a car cabin without exposing any person to harmful tobacco smoke.

Methods

PM concentrations were measured during the smoking of 3R4F reference cigarettes in a Mitsubishi Space Runner (interior volume 3.709 m3). The cigarettes were smoked with a machine, eliminating exposure of the researchers. Cigarettes were extinguished 4.5 min after ignition, and PM measurements continued until 10 min after ignition.

Results

High mean PM concentrations were measured for cigarettes without ventilation after 4.5 min (PM10: 1150 µg/m3, PM2.5: 1132 µg/m3, PM1: 861.6 µg/m3) and after 10 min (PM10: 1608 µg/m3, PM2.5: 1583 µg/m3, PM1: 1133 µg/m3). 3R4F smoked under conditions with turned on ventilation resulted in reduction of PM compared to those smoked without ventilation after 4.5 min (PM10:-47.5 to -58.4%, PM2.5:-47.2 to -58%, PM1:-39.6 to -50.2%) and after 10 min (PM10:-70.8 to -74.4%, PM2.5:-70.6 to -74.3%, PM1:-64.0 to -68.0%). Cigarettes smoked without ventilation generated high PM peaks at 4.5 min (PM10: 2207 µg/m3, PM2.5: 2166 µg/m3, PM1: 1421 µg/m3) and at 10 min (PM10: 1989 µg/m3, PM2.5: 1959 µg/m3, PM1: 1375 µg/m3). PM peaks of cigarettes smoked under different ventilation modes varied at 4.5 min (PM10: 630-845 µg/m3, PM2.5: 625-836 µg/m3, PM1: 543 - 693 µg/m3) and 10 min (PM10: 124 - 130 µg/m3, PM2.5: 124 - 129 µg/m3, PM1: 118 - 124 µg/m3).

Conclusion

The new measuring platform provides a safer way for researchers to investigate PM emissions of cigarettes. These data are comparable to published research and show that smoking in a parked vehicle with the windows closed generates harmful PM emissions even when the vehicle ventilation is in operation. Future studies should be carried out using the new measuring platform investigating PM exposure and PM distribution of in-vehicle smoking under a wide range of conditions.
Transhiatal chest drainage in mediastinoscope and laparoscope-assisted esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Hisakura Katsuji , Ogawa Koichi , Akashi Yoshimasa , Kim Jaejeong , Moue Shoko , Ohara Yusuke , Owada Yohei , Hashimoto Shinji , Enomoto Tsuyoshi , Oda Tatsuya
Published: August 2022

Background

Mediastinoscope and laparoscope-assisted esophagectomy for esophageal cancer occasionally causes postoperative accumulation of pleural effusion despite the preservation of the mediastinal pleura. Transhiatal chest drainage has been reported to be useful for thoracic esophagectomy; however, its use in mediastinoscope and laparoscope-assisted esophagectomy remains unelucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of transhiatal chest drainage in mediastinoscope and laparoscope-assisted esophagectomy.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients who underwent mediastinoscope and laparoscope-assisted esophagectomy for esophageal cancer from 2018 to 2021. Transhiatal chest drainage involved the insertion of a 19-Fr Blake® drain from the abdomen to the left thoracic cavity through the hiatus. We assessed its effectiveness and safety by the daily drainage output, accumulation of postoperative pleural effusion, frequency of postoperative thoracentesis, and other complications. The drainage group comprising 24 patients was compared with the non-drainage group comprising 13 patients, in whom a transhiatal chest drainage tube was not placed during mediastinoscope and laparoscope-assisted esophagectomy.

Results

The median daily output of the transhiatal chest drainage was 230 mL on day 1, 385 mL on day 2, and 313 mL on day 3. The number of patients with postoperative pleural effusion was significantly reduced from 10/13 (76.9%) in the non-drainage group to 4/24 (16.7%) in the drainage group (p = 0.001). The frequency of thoracentesis in the drainage group was significantly lower than that in the non-drainage group (p = 0.002). There were no significant differences in the occurrence of other postoperative complications.

Conclusions

Transhiatal chest drainage could evacuate pleural effusion effectively and safely after mediastinoscope and laparoscope-assisted esophagectomy.
Testing for coronarvirus disease 2019 before cardiac surgery—safe outcome of infected patients
Authors: Ivert Torbjörn , Dalén Magnus
Published: August 2022

Background

The aim was to analyze routine preoperative testing for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) performed to avoid infected cardiac surgical patients transmitting virus during the pandemic.

Methods

Every patient scheduled to undergo cardiac surgery from March 2020 through December 2021 had preoperative polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19 by nasopharynx swabs. Any history of COVID-19 was recorded.

Results

In 15 of 1870 patients (0.8%) with minimal or no airway symptoms unexpected positive PCR tests were detected, and surgery was deferred for two weeks. Totally 38 patients with negative tests had recovered without sequelae from previous COVID-19 a mean of 5 months before the operation. Sixteen patients (0.8%) developed airway symptoms within six weeks after the operation and had positive COVID-19 tests. Body Mass Index was higher and female gender, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction were more common in patients with than in those without COVID-19. Early postoperative outcomes did not differ significantly in patients with versus without COVID-19.

Conclusions

An unexpected preoperative positive COVID-19 test was detected in less than one percent of patients admitted for cardiac surgery during the pandemic. These operations were deferred to avoid transmission of virus in the hospital. Additionally, one percent of patients were diagnosed with positive COVID-19 tests within six weeks after the operation. There was no outbreak of COVID-19 among hospital staff or patients. All patients with COVID-19 before the operation were operated on safely and postoperative outcomes did not differ significantly compared with COVID-19 negative patients.
Rare ectopic thyroid tissue as multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules: a case report and literature review
Authors: Tan Jianfeng , Kuang Jun , Li Yong , Wang Ruian , Hu Shan , Guo Quanwei , Zhang Jianhua
Published: August 2022

Background

The prevalence of ectopic thyroid tissue is 1 in every 100,000 to 300,000 persons in the general population, and ectopic thyroid tissue in the bilateral lung lobes is even rarer. Due to its rarity, there is no definitive or standard guidance on the diagnosis and treatment of ectopic thyroid tissue presenting as multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules.

Case presentation

A 56-year-old woman presented with multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules, and the patient had a history of hyperthyroidism but had no symptoms of ectopic thyroid tissue. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated multiple solid nodules in both lungs, and the largest nodule (sized 15 × 14 mm) was located in segment 5 of the upper left lung. The initial diagnosis based on imaging was metastatic malignancies. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) showed multiple bilateral intrapulmonary nodules that had slightly increased metabolism (SUVmax 1.7). The largest pulmonary nodule and another nodule in the left lung were resected by video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery (VATS). The pathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) examinations confirmed a diagnosis of ectopic thyroid tissue. No postoperative adjuvant therapy was given, and the patient was discharged 3 days after the operation and had regular follow-up examinations.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of ectopic thyroid tissue in the bilateral lung lobes is extremely difficult and should be considered carefully. PET-CT and surgical resection of intrapulmonary nodules are alternatives for clinicians in diagnosing ectopic thyroid tissue. Regular postoperative follow-up is needed.
Treatment of bronchial anastomotic fistula using autologous platelet-rich plasma post lung transplantation
Authors: Siddique Aisha , Sabbah Belal Nedal , Arabi Tarek , Shakir Ismail Mohammed , Abdulqawi Rayid , AlKattan Khaled , Ahmed Mohamed Hussein
Published: August 2022

Background

Bronchial anastomotic dehiscence is considered one of the most catastrophic early airway complications post-transplant. The presence of a partial dehiscence can also cause further complications such as a fistula between the bronchus and the pleural membrane. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is known to significantly enhance the healing process and is being used in the treatment of various conditions, however, so far, there are no reports of the use of PRP in the treatment of bronchial anastomotic dehiscence fistula.

Case presentation

We present a 37-year-old male, with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis underwent bilateral lung transplantation. The patient developed partial dehiscence of the right bronchial anastomosis that was complicated by a small bronchopleural fistula. Two bronchoscopic applications of autologous platelet-rich plasma were carried out. Follow-up a few weeks later showed complete closure and healing of the fistula.

Conclusions

This case report suggests that the treatment of post-lung transplant small bronchial anastomotic partial dehiscence fistula with PRP is safe and effective.
Identification of novel early pancreatic cancer biomarkers KIF5B and SFRP2 from “first contact” interactions in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Charles Jacob Harrys Kishore , Signorelli Rossana , Charles Richard John Lalith , Kashuv Tyler , Lavania Shweta , Middleton Ashley , Gomez Beatriz Aguilar , Ferrantella Anthony , Amirian Haleh , Tao Junyi , Ergonul Ayse Burcu , Boone Melinda Minucci , Hadisurya Marco , Tao Weiguo Andy , Iliuk Anton , Kashyap Manoj Kumar , Garcia-Buitrago Monica , Dawra Rajinder , Saluja Ashok Kumar
Published: August 2022

Background

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to detect early and most patients die from complications arising due to distant organ metastases. The lack of bona fide early biomarkers is one of the primary reasons for late diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. It is a multifactorial disease and warrants a novel approach to identify early biomarkers.

Methods

In order to characterize the proteome, Extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from different in vitro conditions mimicking tumor-microenvironment interactions between pancreatic cancer epithelial and stromal cells were analyzed using high throughput mass spectrometry. The biological activity of the secreted EVome was analyzed by investigating changes in distant organ metastases and associated early changes in the microbiome. Candidate biomarkers (KIF5B, SFRP2, LOXL2, and MMP3) were selected and validated on a mouse-human hybrid Tissue Microarray (TMA) that was specifically generated for this study. Additionally, a human TMA was used to analyze the expression of KIF5B and SFRP2 in progressive stages of pancreatic cancer.

Results

The EVome of co-cultured epithelial and stromal cells is different from individual cells with distinct protein compositions. EVs secreted from stromal and cancer cells cultures could not induce significant changes in Pre-Metastatic Niche (PMN) modulation, which was assessed by changes in the distant organ metastases. However, they did induce significant changes in the early microbiome, as indicated by differences in α and β-diversities. KIF5B and SFRP2 show promise for early detection and investigation in progressive pancreatic cancer. These markers are expressed in all stages of pancreatic cancer such as low grade PanINs, advanced cancer, and in liver and soft tissue metastases.

Conclusions

Proteomic characterization of EVs derived from mimicking conditions of epithelial and stromal cells in the tumor-microenvironment resulted in the identification of several proteins, some for the first time in EVs. These secreted EVs cannot induce changes in distant organ metastases in in vivo models of EV education, but modulate changes in the early murine microbiome. Among all the proteins that were analyzed (MMP3, KIF5B, SFRP2, and LOXL2), KIF5B and SFRP2 show promise as bona fide early pancreatic cancer biomarkers expressed in progressive stages of pancreatic cancer.
IL-37 alleviates liver granuloma caused by Schistosoma japonicum infection by inducing alternative macrophage activation
Authors: Ren Cuiping , Liu Fengchun , Xing Chen , Zhao Ruyu , Tang Xiaoxue , Liu Miao , Gao Wenda , Shen Jijia
Published: August 2022

Background

Hepatic macrophages regulate liver granuloma formation and fibrosis caused by infection withSchistosoma japonicum, with the manner of regulation dependent on macrophage activation state. Interleukin (IL)-37 may have immunomodulatory effects on macrophages. However, whether IL-37 can affect liver granuloma formation and fibrosis by affecting the polarization of macrophages inS. japonicuminfection remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate IL-37-affected macrophage polarization in liver granuloma formation and fibrosis inS. japonicuminfection.

Methods

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expression of IL-37 in the serum of patients with acuteS. japonicuminfection and in the serum of healthy people. Recombinant IL-37 (rIL-37), CPP-IgG2Fc-IL-37 and no CPP-IgG2Fc-IL-37 proteins were injected intoS. japonicum-infected mice every 3 days for a total of 6 times from day 24 post infection onwards. Subsequently, ELISA, quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, fluorescence-activated cell sorting and western blot were used to analyze whether IL-37 inhibits the formation of liver granulomas and the development of liver fibrosis by regulating the phenotypic transition of macrophages. Finally, the three IL-37 proteins and SIS3, a Smad3 inhibitor, were co-cultured in mouse peritoneal macrophages to explore the mechanism underlying the promotion of the polarization of M0 macrophages to the M2 phenotype by IL-37.

Results

Serum IL-37 levels were upregulated in schistosomiasis patients, and this increased level of IL-37 protein apparently alleviated the liver granuloma of mice in infection models. It also could induce liver and peritoneal macrophages to polarize to the M2 phenotype inS. japonicum-infected mice. TheS. japonicum-infected mice injected with CPP-IgG2Fc-IL-37 group exhibited the most obvious improvement in inflammatory reaction against the liver granuloma. The number and ratio of M2 macrophages in the liver and peritoneal cavity were significantly higher in the three IL-37 protein groups, especially in the CPP-IgG2Fc-IL-37 group, compared to the controls. Similar results were also found regarding liver function damage. IL-37 induced macrophage M2 polarization by promoting AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation in vitro. Among all groups, the activation of AMPK was most significant in the CPP-IgG2Fc-IL-37 group, and it was found that SMAD3 could enhance the anti-inflammatory function of IL-37.

Conclusions

The results show that IL-37 was able to promote the polarization of macrophages to the M2 phenotype, thereby inhibiting the development of schistosomiasis. In comparison to the rIL-37 protein, the CPP-IgG2Fc-IL-37 protein has the advantages of being effective in small doses and having fewer side effects and a better efficacy.

Graphical Abstract
European Registry of Materials: global, unique identifiers for (undisclosed) nanomaterials
Authors: van Rijn Jeaphianne , Afantitis Antreas , Culha Mustafa , Dusinska Maria , Exner Thomas E. , Jeliazkova Nina , Longhin Eleonora Marta , Lynch Iseult , Melagraki Georgia , Nymark Penny , Papadiamantis Anastasios G. , Winkler David A. , Yilmaz Hulya , Willighagen Egon
Published: August 2022

Management of nanomaterials and nanosafety data needs to operate under the FAIR (findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability) principles and this requires a unique, global identifier for each nanomaterial. Existing identifiers may not always be applicable or sufficient to definitively identify the specific nanomaterial used in a particular study, resulting in the use of textual descriptions in research project communications and reporting. To ensure that internal project documentation can later be linked to publicly released data and knowledge for the specific nanomaterials, or even to specific batches and variants of nanomaterials utilised in that project, a new identifier is proposed: the European Registry of Materials Identifier. We here describe the background to this new identifier, including FAIR interoperability as defined by FAIRSharing, identifiers.org, Bioregistry, and the CHEMINF ontology, and show how it complements other identifiers such as CAS numbers and the ongoing efforts to extend the InChI identifier to cover nanomaterials. We provide examples of its use in various H2020-funded nanosafety projects.

Graphical Abstract
Local problem solving in the Portuguese health examination survey: a mixed method study
Authors: Lyshol Heidi , Gil Ana Paula , Tolonen Hanna , Namorado Sónia , Kislaya Irina , Barreto Marta , Antunes Liliana , Gaio Vânia , Santos Ana João , Rodrigues Ana Paula , Dias Carlos Matias
Published: August 2022

Background

Participation rates in health surveys, recognized as an important quality dimension, have been declining over the years, which may affect representativeness and confidence in results. The Portuguese national health examination survey INSEF (2015) achieved a participation rate of 43.9%, which is in line with participation rates from other similar health examination surveys. The objective of this article is to describe how local teams of survey personnel conducted the survey, describing strategies used to solve practical survey problems and to try to increase the participation rate.

Methods

After a literature search, informal interviews were conducted with 14 public health officials from local health examination teams, regional and central authorities. Forty-one of the local staff members (survey personnel) also filled in a short questionnaire anonymously. The interviews and self-administered questionnaires were analysed using mixed methods, informed by thematic analysis.

Results

The local teams believed that the detailed manual, described as a “cookbook for making a health examination survey”, made it possible to maintain high scientific standards while allowing for improvising solutions to problems in the local context. The quality of the manual, supported by a series of training workshops with the central research and support team, gave the teams the confidence and knowledge to implement local solutions. Motivation and cohesion within the local teams were among the goals of the training process.

Local teams felt empowered by being given large responsibilities and worked hard to incite people to attend the examination through a close and persuasive approach.

Local teams praised their INSA contacts for being available for assistance throughout the survey, and said they were inspired to try harder to reach participants to please their contacts for interpersonal reasons.

Conclusions

The theory of organizational improvisation or bricolage, which means using limited resources to solve problems, was useful to discuss and understand what took place during INSEF.

A detailed manual covering standard procedures, continuous monitoring of the data collection and face-to-face workshops, including role-play, were vital to assure high scientific standards and high participation rates in this health examination survey. Close contacts between the central team and local focal points in all regions and all survey sites were key to accommodating unexpected challenges and innovative solutions.
Simulation of great earthquakes along the Nankai Trough: reproduction of event history, slip areas of the Showa Tonankai and Nankai earthquakes, heterogeneous slip-deficit rates, and long-term slow slip events
Authors: Hirose Fuyuki , Maeda Kenji , Fujita Kenichi , Kobayashi Akio
Published: August 2022

Great earthquakes have occurred repeatedly along the Nankai Trough, but only for recent events are details known, such as rupture areas and time lags between paired events. It is meaningful for disaster prevention to consider in advance what kind of phenomena are likely after an earthquake that partially ruptures a seismogenic zone in this region. We constructed three-dimensional simulations to partially reproduce the spatial and temporal distribution of seismic or aseismic slip and the heterogeneous distribution of the slip-deficit rate beneath the seafloor on the plate boundary along the Nankai Trough. We found it necessary to assign spatial heterogeneity to two friction parameters, the effective normal stress and characteristic distance, based on a hierarchical asperity model. Our model produced many event pairs consisting of events east and west of Cape Shiono (Tokai/Tonankai and Nankai events, respectively), nearly all of them either simultaneous or separated by less than 3 years. The rupture areas of these event pairs were rich in variation, and even when the rupture areas were the same, the magnitudes and maximum displacements differed. The Tonankai earthquakes rarely occurred alone. Our model also simulated recurring long-term slow slip events in deeper parts of the seismogenic zone, and these events were caused by stress disturbance and heterogeneous stress distributions associated with non-ruptured portions of the seismogenic zone.

Graphical Abstract
Refugee’s agency and coping strategies in refugee camps during the coronavirus pandemic: ethnographic perspectives
Authors: Böhme Claudia , Schmitz Anett
Published: August 2022

The global spread of the coronavirus pandemic has particularly dramatic consequences for the lives of migrants and refugees living in already marginalised and restricted conditions, whose ongoing crisis is at risk of being overlooked. But refugees are not only extremely vulnerable and at risk of infection, as several reports show, quickly develop their own protection measures like the production of hygienic products, the publication of their situation and calls for action and help. Therefore, this paper aims to research the effects of the coronavirus crisis on refugees in camp settings with a special ethnographic focus on how refugees actively deal with this crisis and if they, through already developed resilience, are capable of adapting to the restrictions as well as inventing strategies to cope with the difficult situation. To account for the variety of refugee camps as well as the different living conditions due to their locality, history and national asylum politics, we will look at three different locations, namely refugee asylum homes in Germany, hotspots on the Greek islands as well as one refugee camp in Kenya. The main questions will be how, under structurally and institutionally framed conditions of power and victimisation in refugee camps, forms of agency are established, made possible or limited. The goal is to show which strategies refugees apply to cope with the enhanced restrictions and exclusion, how they act to protect themselves and others from the virus and how they present and reflect their situation during the coronavirus pandemic. Finally, this discussion offers a new perspective to consider refugees not only as vulnerable victims, but also as actively engaged individuals.
Factor structure, reliability and criterion-related validity of the English version of the Problematic Series Watching Scale
Authors: Fino Emanuele , Humphries Mollie , Robertson Jake , Orosz Gábor , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: August 2022

Background

Psychological research in the past decade has investigated the psychosocial implications of problematic use of on-demand online video streaming services, particularly series watching. Yet, a psychometric measure of problematic series watching in English is not available.

Aims

The present study aimed to test the factor structure, reliability and criterion-related validity of the English version of the Problematic Series Watching Scale, a six-item self-report assessing problematic series watching, based on the biopsychosocial components model of addiction.

Method

Participants were recruited from two UK university student samples. Study 1 (n = 333) comprised confirmatory factor analysis, reliability tests and item response theory analyses to test the original unidimensional model and investigate each item's levels of discrimination and information. Study 2 (n = 209) comprised correlation analyses to test the criterion-related validity of the scale.

Results

There was a good fit of the theoretical model of the scale to the data (Comparative Fit Index = 0.998, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.024 [90% CI 0.000–0.093], Standardised Root Mean square Residual = 0.048), satisfactory reliability (ω = 0.79) and item levels of discrimination and information. The scale positively correlated with time spent watching series (rs = 0.26, P < 0.001) and negative affect (rs = 0.43, P < 0.001), and correlated negatively with positive affect (rs = −0.12, P > 0.05), mental well-being (rs = −0.25, P < 0.001) and sleep quality (rs = −0.14, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Results are discussed in relation to the ongoing debate on binge watching and series watching in the context of positive reinforcement versus problematic behaviour.