bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 Specific Antibody Response and T Cell-Immunity in Immunocompromised Patients up to Six Months Post COVID: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sjöwall Johanna , Hjorth Maria , Gustafsson Annette , Göransson Robin , Larsson Marie , Waller Hjalmar , Nordgren Johan , Nilsdotter-Augustinsson Åsa , Nyström Sofia
Published: June 2022

COVID-19 generates SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies in immunocompetent individuals. However, in immunocompromised patients, the humoral immunity following infection may be impaired or absent. Recently, the assessment of cellular immunity to SARS-CoV-2, both following natural infection and vaccination, has contributed new knowledge regarding patients with low or no antibody responses. As part of a prospective cohort study which included hospitalized patients with COVID-19, we identified immunocompromised patients and compared them with age- and sex-matched immunocompetent patients regarding co-morbidities, biomarkers of COVID-19 and baseline viral load by real-time PCR in nasopharyngeal swabs. Spike and nucleocapsid antibody responses were analyzed at inclusion and after two weeks, six weeks and six months. Plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels were quantified, lymphocyte phenotyping was performed, and SARS-CoV-2 specific CD4 and CD8 T cell responses after in vitro antigen stimulation were assessed at six months post infection. All patients showed IgG levels above or within reference limits. At six months, all patients had detectable SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike antibody levels. SARS-CoV-2 specific T cell responses were detected in 12 of 12 immunocompetent patients and in four of six immunocompromised patients. The magnitude of long-lived SARS-CoV-2 specific T cell responses were significantly correlated with the number of CD4 T cells and NK cells. Determining the durability of the humoral and cellular immune response against SARS-CoV-2 in immunocompromised individuals could be of importance by providing insights into the risk of re-infection and the need for vaccine boosters.
Association of the CYP19A1 rs700518 Polymorphism with Selected Markers of Bone Metabolism in Women with Hyperandrogenism
Authors: Uzar Izabela , Bogacz Anna , Sowińska-Przepiera Elżbieta , Piątek Krzysztof , Przerwa Filip , Wolek Marlena , Czerny Bogusław
Published: June 2022

Hyperandrogenism is the most common endocrine disorder in women, characterized by an imbalance of normal estrogen and androgen levels in the blood. Androgens play an important role in the female body because they influence bone mineral density (BMD), body mass composition, muscle mass, mental state, and the regulation of sexual function. The reduced activity of aromatase, due to mutations in the CYP19A1 gene, reduces the estrogen pool in favor of androgens. Clinically, aromatase deficiency causes hyperandrogenism in women. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the effect of the CYP19A1 gene polymorphism on selected markers of bone metabolism and hormonal parameters in women with hyperandrogenism. The study group was comprised of 80 young women with hyperandrogenism who underwent measurements of bone mineral density (BMD), and determination of hormonal and metabolic parameters. Enzyme immunoassays were used to measure leptin, total sRANKL (free and bound RANKL), osteoprotegerin, and total 25-OH Vitamin D. An analysis of the CYP19A1 gene polymorphisms was performed using the real-time PCR method. The GG genotype of the CYP19A1 rs700518 polymorphism turned out to be associated with: FEI (Free Estradiol Index), SHGB concentration, estradiol concentration, and insulin concentration determined in the glucose tolerance test 60’ compared to AG and AA genotypes. Patients with the AG genotype had a higher ratio of android to gynoid fat and a greater content of visceral adipose tissue. Higher visceral tissue content may reduce BMD. In conclusion, the study showed that the CYP19A1 rs700518 polymorphism may be associated with the distribution of adipose tissue in young women with hyperandrogenism. These results suggest that patients with the AG genotype may develop osteoporosis.
Complications of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Multiple Myeloma: Results from the CALM Study
Authors: Waszczuk-Gajda Anna , Penack Olaf , Sbianchi Giulia , Koster Linda , Blaise Didier , Reményi Péter , Russell Nigel , Ljungman Per , Trneny Marek , Mayer Jiri , Iacobelli Simona , Kobbe Guido , Scheid Christof , Apperley Jane , Touzeau Cyrille , Lenhoff Stig , Jantunen Esa , Anagnostopoulos Achilles , Paris Laura , Browne Paul , Thieblemont Catherine , Schaap Nicolaas , Sierra Jorge , Yakoub-Agha Ibrahim , Garderet Laurent , Styczynski Jan , Schoemans Helene , Moiseev Ivan , Duarte Rafael F. , Peric Zinaida , Montoto Silvia , van Biezen Anja , Mikulska Malgorzata , Aljurf Mahmoud , Ruutu Tapani , Kröger Nicolaus , Morris Curly , Koenecke Christian , Schoenland Stefan , Basak Grzegorz W.
Published: June 2022

Background: The main goal of this post hoc analysis of the Collaboration to Collect Autologous Transplant Outcomes in Lymphoma and Myeloma (CALM) study was to evaluate the rate of short- and long-term infectious and non-infectious complications occurring after ASCT in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Methods: The analysis included all patients with MM from the CALM study who underwent ≥1 ASCT. The primary endpoint of the analysis was to determine the rate of infectious and non-infectious complications after ASCT and to compare them in three time periods: 0–100 days, 101 days–1 year, and >1 year after the first transplant. Results: The analysis included a total of 3552 patients followed up for a median of 56.7 months (range 0.4–108.1). Complication rates decreased with the time from ASCT with 24.85 cases per 100 patient-years from day 0 to 100 days after the transplant, and <2.31 cases per 100 patient-years from the 101st day. At 100 days after ASC T, 45.7% of patients had complications, with infectious events being twice as frequent as non-infectious complications. Bacterial infections (6.5 cases per 100 patient-years, 95% CI: 6.1–7.0) and gastrointestinal complications (4.7 cases per 100 patient-years, 95% CI: 4.3–5.1) were the most common early events. The pattern of complications changed with time from ASCT. The presence of complications after ASCT was not associated with overall survival. Conclusions: Our data provide a solid basis for comparing ASCT-related complications to those caused by emerging treatments in multiple myeloma, such as CAR T-cell therapy and other immunotherapies.
The Use of Intravenous Lidocaine in Perioperative Medicine: Anaesthetic, Analgesic and Immune-Modulatory Aspects
Authors: Lee Ingrid Wing-Sum , Schraag Stefan
Published: June 2022

This narrative review provides an update on the applied pharmacology of lidocaine, its clinical scope in anaesthesia, novel concepts of analgesic and immune-modulatory effects as well as the current controversy around its use in perioperative opioid-sparing multi-modal strategies. Potential benefits of intravenous lidocaine in the context of cancer, inflammation and chronic pain are discussed against concerns of safety, toxicity and medico-legal constraints.
What Does Bone Corticalization around Dental Implants Mean in Light of Ten Years of Follow-Up?
Authors: Kozakiewicz Marcin , Skorupska Małgorzata , Wach Tomasz
Published: June 2022

The phenomenon of peri-implant bone corticalization after functional loading does not yet have a definite clinical significance and impact on prognosis. An attempt was made to assess the clinical significance of this phenomenon. This prospective study included 554 patients. Standardized intraoral radiographs documenting the jawbone environment of 1556 implants were collected. The follow-up period was 10 years of functional loading. Marginal alveolar bone loss (MBL) and radiographic bone structure (bone index, BI) were evaluated in relation to intraosseous implant design features and prosthetic work performed. After five years, bone structure abnormalities expressed by a reduction of BI to 0.47 ± 0.21 and MBL = 0.88 ± 1.27 mm were observed. Both values had an inverse relationship with each other (p < 0.0001). Reference cancellous bone showed BI = 0.85 ± 0.18. The same relationship was observed after ten years of functional loading: BI = 0.48 ± 0.21, MBL = 1.49 ± 1.94 mm, and again an inverse relationship (p < 0.0001). Increasing corticalization (lower BI) is strongly associated with increasing marginal bone loss and increasing corticalization precedes future marginal bone loss. Marginal bone loss will increase as corticalization progresses.
Association Analysis of the Cerebral Fractional Tissue Oxygen Extraction (cFTOE) and the Cerebral Oxygen Saturation (crSaO2) with Perinatal Factors in Preterm Neonates: A Single Centre Study
Authors: Matyas Melinda , Iancu Mihaela , Hasmasanu Monica , Man Anca , Zaharie Gabriela
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive, easily performed method of monitoring brain oxygenation. The regional cerebral oxygen saturation (crSaO2) and the cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (cFTOE) evaluated by NIRS provide more accurate information on brain oxygenation than the blood oxygen saturation. We investigated the effect of perinatal factors on cerebral oxygenation of preterm newborns. (2) Methods: We conducted a longitudinal study with 48 preterm newborns <34 weeks of gestation who underwent NIRS registration during the first 72 h of life. crSaO2 was measured and cFTOE was calculated foreach patient. (3) Results: One-way ANOVA showed no significant main effect of IVH severity on crSaO2 and cFTOE (p > 0.05); there was a tendency toward statistical significance concerning the difference between the means of crSaO2 (p = 0.083) and cFTOE (p = 0.098). Patients with intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) had a lower mean of crSaO2 and a higher mean of cFTOE (59.67 ± 10.37% vs. 64.92 ± 10.16% for crSaO2; 0.37 ± 0.11 vs. 0.32 ± 0.11 for cFTOE) compared to those with no IVH. Significantly lower values of crSaO2 and higher values of cFTOE were found in neonates receiving inotropic treatment (p < 0.0001). Episodes of apnoea also proved to influence the cerebral oxygen saturation of the study group (p = 0.0026). No significant association between the maternal hypertension treatment and the cerebral oxygenation of preterms was found. (4) Conclusions: This study showed a decreased cerebral oxygen saturation of preterms with IVH, inotrope support and apnoea episodes.
Upregulation of Endothelin-1 May Predict Chemotherapy-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Women with Breast Cancer
Authors: Krishnarao Krithika , Bruno Katelyn A. , Di Florio Damian N. , Edenfield Brandy H. , Whelan Emily R. , Macomb Logan P. , McGuire Molly M. , Hill Anneliese R. , Ray Jordan C. , Cornell Lauren F. , Tan Winston , Geiger Xochiquetzal J. , Salomon Gary R. , Douglass Erika J. , Fairweather DeLisa , Yamani Mohamad H.
Published: June 2022

As survival in breast cancer patients from newer therapies increases, concerns for chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity (CIC) have offset some of these benefits, manifesting as a decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Patients receiving anthracycline-based chemotherapy followed by trastuzumab are at risk for CIC. Previous research evaluating whether clinical biomarkers predict cardiotoxicity has been inconsistent. Recently, angiotensin II type 1 receptor (ATR1) and endothelin 1 (ET1) have been shown to play a role in breast tumor growth. We evaluated ATR1 and ET1 expression in breast cancer tissue and its association with CIC. A total of 33 paraffin-embedded breast tissue specimens from women with breast cancer treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy and trastuzumab were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and qRT-PCR. We found that ET1 expression was increased in patients with an LVEF ≤ 50% (p = 0.032) with a lower LVEF correlating with higher ET1 expression (r = 0.377, p = 0.031). In patients with a change in LVEF of greater than 10%, greater ET1 expression was noted compared to those without a change in LVEF (p = 0.017). Increased ET1 expression in breast tumor tissue is associated with reduced LVEF. Future studies need to examine whether ET1 may be a tissue biomarker that helps predict the risk of developing CIC in women with breast cancer.
High Expression of Claudin-4 Is Associated with Synchronous Tumors in Patients with Early Gastric Cancer
Authors: Kim Won Shik , Kim Hayeon , Joo Moon Kyung , Choi Byung Il , Yoo Ah Young , Park Jong-Jae , Lee Beom Jae , Kim Seung Han , Chun Hoon Jai
Published: June 2022

Claudin (CLDN) is a tight junction protein found in human epithelial cells and its altered expression is known to be associated with the progression of gastric cancer. We aimed to investigate the differential expression of CLDN-4 in early gastric cancer (EGC) according to its clinicopathological characteristics. We enrolled 53 patients with EGC who underwent surgical gastric resection from January 2007 to December 2018. The staining intensity of the tumor cells was scored as 0–3, and the percentage of staining was scored as 0–5; high expression was defined if the intensity plus percentage score was 7 or 8, and low expression was defined if the score was 0–6. Among the 53 patients, 16 (30.2%) showed low CLDN-4 expression, while 37 (69.8%) had high CLDN-4 expression. High CLDN-4 expression was significantly associated with intestinal-type EGC (low: 12.5% vs. high: 56.8%, p = 0.003), open-type atrophic change (low: 60.0% vs. high: 90.9%, p = 0.011), and the presence of synchronous tumors (0 vs. 32.4%, p = 0.010), and all 12 EGCs with synchronous tumors showed high CLDN-4 expression. However, expression of CLDN-3, a typical intestinal phenotype CLDN, was neither correlated with CLDN-4 expression nor associated with synchronous tumors. Taken together, high CLDN-4 expression may be considered as an auxiliary tool for screening synchronous tumors in patients with EGC.
Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology as a Guarantee of Patient Safety: The Role of the Clinical Pharmacologist
Authors: Crescioli Giada , Bonaiuti Roberto , Corradetti Renato , Mannaioni Guido , Vannacci Alfredo , Lombardi Niccolò
Published: June 2022

Recent years, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, can be considered a turning point for pharmacovigilance and pharmacoepidemiology in terms of their role in drug safety and drug utilisation monitoring in clinical practice [...]
Residual Disease in Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Post-Hoc Analysis of the QUASAR Study
Authors: D’Angelo Salvatore , Salvarani Carlo , Marando Francesca , Gualberti Giuliana , Novelli Lucia , Curradi Giacomo , Tripepi Giovanni , Pitino Annalisa , Ramonda Roberta , Marchesoni Antonio
Published: June 2022

In this study, we evaluated the presence of residual disease in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in remission/low disease activity (LDA) status. This cross-sectional post-hoc analysis of the QUASAR study involving 23 rheumatology centres across Italy included adults with axSpA classified according to the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society criteria. Patients with inactive disease (score < 1.3) or at least LDA status (score < 2.1) at baseline visit according to Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score were investigated to evaluate how residual disease activity impacts patients’ quality of life. They were assessed using the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQoL) and EuroQoL 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaires. This study included 480 patients with axSpA (mean age, 47.5 ± 12.9 years, 64% male). In total, 123 patients (25.6%) had inactive disease and 262 (54.6%) had at least LDA. Using the ASQoL, ranges of 10–25% and 20–40% of patients with inactive disease and with LDA status, respectively, experienced tiredness/fatigue. Despite being classified with inactive disease, 48.8% of patients reported light pain/discomfort according to the EQ-5D-5L, with 4.1% reporting moderate pain/discomfort, whereas 55.7% of patients with LDA reported light pain/discomfort and 13% had moderate pain/discomfort. Using the ASQoL questionnaire, in patients with at least LDA, a higher proportion of women compared with males and a higher proportion of patients > 48 years of age (vs. patients ≤ 48 years) experienced tiredness. In this post-hoc analysis, ≥25% of axSpA patients in remission/LDA status were still burdened by residual disease, mainly characterised by pain and fatigue.
Clinical Profile and Management of Patient Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease and/or Peripheral Artery Disease in Clinical Practice: The APALUSA Study
Authors: Barrios Vivencio , Escobar Carlos , Suarez Carmen , Garcia-Moll Xavier , Lozano Francisco
Published: June 2022

This study was aimed to ascertain the clinical profile and management of patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and/or peripheral artery disease (PAD). In this observational and cross-sectional study developed in 80 hospitals throughout Spain, consecutive adults with stable IHD and/or PAD were included. A total of 1089 patients were analyzed, of whom 65.3% had only IHD, 17.8% PAD and 16.9% both. A total of 80.6% were taking only one antiplatelet agent, and 18.2% were on dual antiplatelet therapy (mainly aspirin/clopidogrel). Almost all patients were taking ≥1 lipid lowering drug, mainly moderate-to-high intensity statins. IHD patients took ezetimibe more commonly than PAD (43.9% vs. 12.9%; p < 0.001). There were more patients with IHD that achieved blood pressure targets compared to PAD (<140/90 mmHg: 67.9% vs. 43.0%; p < 0.001; <130/80 mmHg: 34.1% vs. 15.7%; p < 0.001), LDL-cholesterol (<70 mg/dL: 53.1% vs. 41.5%; p = 0.033; <55 mg/dL: 26.5% vs. 16.0%; p = 0.025), and diabetes (HbA1c < 7%, with SGLT2i/GLP1-RA: 21.7% vs. 8.8%; p = 0.032). Modifications of antihypertensive agents and lipid-lowering therapy were performed in 69.0% and 82.3% of patients, respectively, without significant differences between groups. The use of SGLT2i/GLP1-RA was low. In conclusion, cardiovascular risk factors control remains poor among patients with IHD, PAD, or both. A higher use of combined therapy is warranted.
The Assessment of COVID-19 Pneumonia in Neonates: Observed by Lung Ultrasound Technique and Correlated with Biomarkers and Symptoms
Authors: Stoicescu Emil Robert , Manolescu Diana Luminita , Iacob Roxana , Cerbu Simona , Dima Mirabela , Iacob Emil Radu , Ciuca Ioana Mihaiela , Oancea Cristian , Iacob Daniela
Published: June 2022

Newborns infected with SARS-CoV2 infection develop different symptoms in comparison with adults, but one thing is clear: some of the most common manifestations include cough and other respiratory symptoms that need to be evaluated. In these cases, lung ultrasound is a useful imaging technique that can evaluate the newborns’ lung damage caused by COVID-19 pneumonia and can be used for the surveillance of the patients as well, being non-irradiating and easy to use. Nineteen neonates who were confirmed as having SARS-CoV2 infection were investigated using this imaging tool, and the results were compared and correlated with their symptoms and biomarkers. The mean of LUSS was 12.21 ± 3.56 (S.D), while the 95% CI for the arithmetic mean was 10.49–13.93. The difference of an independent t-test between the LUSS for the patient who presented cough and the LUSS for the patient without cough was −4.48 with an associated p-value of p = 0.02. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient r = 0.89 (p = 0.03, 95% CI 0.0642 to 0.993) between the LUSS and IL-6 level showed a positive strong correlation. This reliable correlation between lung ultrasound score and inflammatory markers suggests that LUS could be used for monitoring inflammatory lung diseases in the future.
The Effect of Endurance Training on Serum BDNF Levels in the Chronic Post-Stroke Phase: Current Evidence and Qualitative Systematic Review
Authors: Górna Sara , Domaszewska Katarzyna
Published: June 2022

Research in modern neurorehabilitation focusses on cognitive and motor recovery programmes tailored to each stroke patient, with particular emphasis on physiological parameters. The objectives of this review were to determine whether a single bout of endurance activity or long-term endurance activity regulates exercise-dependent serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies. To assess the effectiveness of endurance exercise among patients in the chronic post-stroke phase, a systematic review was performed, including searching EBSCOhost, PEDro, PubMed, and Scopus for articles published up to the end of October 2021. The PRISMA 2020 outline was used, and this review was registered on PROSPERO. Of the 180 papers identified, seven intervention studies (comprising 200 patients) met the inclusion criteria. The methodological quality of these studies was evaluated by using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) criteria. The effect of exercise was evaluated in four studies with a single bout of endurance activity, two studies with long-term endurance activity, and one study with a single bout of endurance activity as well as long-term endurance activity. The results of our systematic review provide evidence that endurance exercise might augment the peripheral BDNF concentration in post-stroke individuals.
The Gut Microbiota and Vascular Aging: A State-of-the-Art and Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Agnoletti Davide , Piani Federica , Cicero Arrigo F. G. , Borghi Claudio
Published: June 2022

The gut microbiota is a critical regulator of human physiology, deleterious changes to its composition and function (dysbiosis) have been linked to the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Vascular ageing (VA) is a process of progressive stiffening of the arterial tree associated with arterial wall remodeling, which can precede hypertension and organ damage, and is associated with cardiovascular risk. Arterial stiffness has become the preferred marker of VA. In our systematic review, we found an association between gut microbiota composition and arterial stiffness, with two patterns, in most animal and human studies: a direct correlation between arterial stiffness and abundances of bacteria associated with altered gut permeability and inflammation; an inverse relationship between arterial stiffness, microbiota diversity, and abundances of bacteria associated with most fit microbiota composition. Interventional studies were able to show a stable link between microbiota modification and arterial stiffness only in animals. None of the human interventional trials was able to demonstrate this relationship, and very few adjusted the analyses for determinants of arterial stiffness. We observed a lack of large randomized interventional trials in humans that test the role of gut microbiota modifications on arterial stiffness, and take into account BP and hemodynamic alterations.
Integrated Cognitive Rehabilitation Home-Based Protocol to Improve Cognitive Functions in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Sharbafshaaer Minoo , Trojsi Francesca , Bonavita Simona , Azimi Amirreza
Published: June 2022

Cognitive impairment (CI) occurs in about 40–65% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) during the disease course. Cognitive rehabilitation has produced non-univocal results in MS patients. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate whether an Integrated Cognitive Rehabilitation Program (ICRP) in MS patients might significantly improve CI. Methods: Forty patients with three phenotypes of MS were randomly assigned into two groups: the experimental group (EG, n = 20), which participated in the ICRP for 10 weeks of training; and the control group (CG, n = 20). All participants’ cognitive functions were assessed at three timepoints (baseline, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up) with the California Verbal Learning (CVLT), Brief Visuospatial Memory (BVMTR), Numerical Stroop, and Wisconsin tests. Results: When compared to CG patients, EG patients showed significant improvements in several measures of cognitive performance after ICRP, including verbal learning, visuospatial memory, attention, and executive functions. Conclusions: Home-based ICRP can improve cognitive functions and prevent the deterioration of patients’ cognitive deficits. As an integrated cognitive rehabilitation program aimed at potentiation of restorative and compensatory mechanisms, this approach might suggest an effective role in preserving neuronal flexibility as well as limiting the progression of cognitive dysfunction in MS.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Obesity—Novel Ways to Seen the Unseen
Authors: Drelich-Zbroja Anna , Matuszek Małgorzata , Kaczor Michał , Kuczyńska Maryla
Published: June 2022

Obesity remains a pandemic of the 21st century. While there are many causes of obesity and potential treatments that are currently known, source data indicate that the number of patients is constantly increasing. Neural mechanisms have become the subject of research and there has been an introduction of functional magnetic resonance imaging in obesity-associated altered neural signaling. Functional magnetic resonance imaging has been established as the gold standard in the assessment of neuronal functions related to nutrition. Thanks to this, it has become possible to delineate those regions of the brain that show altered activity in obese individuals. An integrative review of the literature was conducted using the keywords ““functional neuroimaging” OR “functional magnetic resonance “OR “fmri” and “obesity” and “reward circuit and obesity” in PubMed and Google Scholar databases from 2017 through May 2022. Results in English and using functional magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate brain response to diet and food images were identified. The results from functional magnetic resonance imaging may help to identify relationships between neuronal mechanisms and causes of obesity. Furthermore, they may provide a substrate for etiology-based treatment and provide new opportunities for the development of obesity pharmacotherapy.
Endoscopic Management of Adenomas in the Ileal Pouch and the Rectal Remnant after Surgical Treatment in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
Authors: Tajika Masahiro , Tanaka Tsutomu , Oonishi Sachiyo , Yamada Keisaku , Kamiya Tomoyasu , Mizuno Nobumasa , Kuwahara Takamichi , Okuno Nozomi , Haba Shin , Kuraishi Yasuhiro , Ouchi Akira , Sato Yusuke , Kinoshita Takashi , Komori Koji , Hara Kazuo , Hosoda Waki , Niwa Yasumasa
Published: June 2022

In patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), adenomas and even carcinomas may develop in the rectal remnant and the ileal pouch after surgical treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of endoscopic management in patients with FAP. The main outcome measurements were the appearance of secondary cancer, complications, and the need for additional surgery. Thirty-four FAP patients with Kock’s continent ileostomy (Kock) (n = 3), ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) (n = 12), and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) (n = 19) were identified. The median follow-up period of endoscopic surveillance was 11.5 years for pouch patients (Kock + IPAA) and 21.7 years for IRA. Metachronous adenomas appeared in 32 patients (94.1%). In pouch patients, a total of 120 treatments were given to 20 patients, and 12 sessions of delayed bleeding (10%) occurred, which was significantly higher compared to IRA patients, with 0 sessions (p < 0.001). In IRA patients, a total of 169 treatments were given to 11 patients, with one case of perforation. No adenocarcinoma has developed since the start of endoscopic surveillance. Regular endoscopic surveillance and treatment are feasible and safe. However, in pouch patients, one must be cautious about delayed bleeding in the treatment of adenomas.
Admission Severity of Atrial-Fibrillation-Related Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients under Anticoagulation Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Garcia Catarina , Silva Marcelo , Araújo Mariana , Henriques Mariana , Margarido Marta , Vicente Patrícia , Nzwalo Hipólito , Macedo Ana
Published: June 2022

Background: In non-valvular-associated atrial fibrillation (AF), direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are as effective as vitamin K antagonists (VKA) for the prevention of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). DOAC are associated with decreased risk and severity of intracranial hemorrhage. It is unknown if different pre-admission anticoagulants impact the prognosis of AF related AIS (AF-AIS). We sought to analyze the literature to assess the association between pre-admission anticoagulation (VKA or DOAC) and admission severity of AF-AIS. Methods: A Systematic literature search (PubMed and ScienceDirect) between January 2011 to April 2021 was undertaken to identify studies describing the outcome of AF-AIS. Results: A total of 128 articles were identified. Of 9493 patients, 1767 were on DOAC, 919 were on therapeutical VKA, 792 were on non-therapeutical VKA and 6015 were not anticoagulated. In comparison to patients without anticoagulation, patients with therapeutical VKA and under DOAC presented with less severe stroke (MD −1.69; 95% CI [−2.71, −0.66], p = 0.001 and MD −2.96; 95% Cl [−3.75, −2.18], p < 0.00001, respectively). Patients with non-therapeutical VKA presented with more severe stroke (MD 1.28; 95% Cl [0.45, 2.12], p = 0.003). Conclusions: In AF-AIS, patients under therapeutical VKA or DOAC have reduced stroke severity on admission in comparison to patients without any anticoagulation, with higher magnitude of protection for DOAC.
Association between Timing of Epinephrine Administration and Outcomes of Traumatic Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest following Traffic Collisions
Authors: Hosomi Sanae , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Sobue Tomotaka , Zha Ling , Kiyohara Kosuke , Matsuyama Tasuku , Oda Jun
Published: June 2022

The effects of epinephrine administration timing on patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) following traffic collisions are unknown. We analyzed the 2013–2019 All-Japan Utstein Registry data of 2024 such patients aged ≥18 years who were resuscitated by emergency medical service (EMS) personnel or bystanders and then transported to medical institutions. Time from 119 call to epinephrine administration was classified into quartiles: Q1 (6–21 min), Q2 (22–26 min), Q3 (27–34 min), and Q4 (35–60 min). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effects of epinephrine administration timing on one-month survival after OHCA. Overall, the one-month survival rates were 3.2% (15/466) in Q1, 1.1% (5/472) in Q2, 1.9% (11/577) in Q3, and 0.2% (1/509) in Q4. Additionally, the one-month survival rate decreased significantly in the Q4 group (adjusted odds ratio, 0.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.01–0.57) compared with the Q1 group, and the probability of one-month survival decreased as the time from the EMS call to epinephrine administration increased (p-value for trend = 0.009). Only four patients (0.9% [4/466]) with the earliest epinephrine administration showed a good neurological outcome.
Mandibular Molar Uprighting Using Skeletal Anchorage: A Novel Approach
Authors: Sbricoli Luca , Ricci Sara , Cattozzo Andrea , Favero Riccardo , Bressan Eriberto , Sivolella Stefano
Published: June 2022

Background: The management of eruption anomalies affecting second molars, although quite uncommon, may represent a real challenge for the clinician. The aim of this study is to present a novel technique that combines the surgical and orthodontic approach in order to obtain the retrieval of impacted second molars through a complex distalizing movement and skeletal anchorage. Methods: Nineteen consecutive patients with impacted second molars were treated according to this technique, which involved extraction of the third molar followed by the placement of a distally positioned screw, and the subsequent use of a coil spring to connect the screw to an eyelet directly bonded on the second molar. In selected cases, it proved to be necessary to reposition the second molar through traditional orthodontics. All of the parameters were recorded: the time required for completing the treatment, the initial angle between the second molar and the adjacent tooth, and treatment related-complications. Results: Twenty impacted second molars were correctly repositioned. The mean initial angle of the second molar was 55.7° (SD 22.6°, min 13.3°, max 104.8°). The mean treatment time was 10 months. There were no major complications. Conclusions: Given that periodontal tissues were minimally affected, the temporary anchorage device was fully controlled, and there was no unwanted movement of adjacent teeth, the presented technique not only proved effective but also minimally invasive.
Mean Value-Amplitude Method for the Determination of Anisotropic Mechanical Properties of Short Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastics
Authors: Hausmann Joachim , Esha  , Schmidt Stefan , Krummenacker Janna
Published: June 2022

Short fiber reinforced thermoplastics show distinct anisotropic behaviors due to their microstructure. The mechanical testing of specimens cut from injection molded plates at different angles to the injection molding direction reveals direction-dependent properties. However, these results are an average value for the tested cross section, which in more detail has a core-shell microstructure. When analyzing the stresses and deformation of a structural component, the local anisotropy will be very different compared to these tensile specimens. Therefore, a methodology is needed to transfer the properties obtained by mechanical testing to the local properties of an injection molded component. The core-shell microstructure and tests with different specimen thicknesses enable the determination of microstructure-dependent material properties. This paper presents a method using a mean value representing isotropy and an amplitude applied to the mean value to determine orientation-dependent mechanical properties. The amplitude in turn depends on the degree of anisotropy. The method is applied for extracting the anisotropic Young’s modulus of the core and shell layer of short glass fiber reinforced polyamide 46. The results obtained by this method and their reliability are discussed.
Can the Combination of Rehabilitation and Vitamin D Supplementation Improve Fibromyalgia Symptoms at All Ages?
Authors: Scaturro Dalila , Vitagliani Fabio , Tomasello Sofia , Filippetti Mirko , Picelli Alessandro , Smania Nicola , Letizia Mauro Giulia
Published: June 2022

Several studies have indicated a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and widespread chronic pain syndromes, such as fibromyalgia. During this study, the effect of supplementation with vitamin D in association with physical exercise in patients with fibromyalgia was evaluated, in terms of improvement of pain, functional capacity and quality of life, also evaluating the presence of any differences in age. A single-center, observational, comparative study was conducted in 80 fibromyalgia patients. They are randomized into 2 groups: Group A, consisting of patients ≤50 years; and group B, consisting of patients >50 years. Both received weekly supplementation with 50,000 IU cholecalciferol for 3 months in association with a rehabilitation protocol. Patients were assessed at enrollment (T0), 3 months (T1), and 6 months (T2) from the initial assessment with blood vitamin D dosage and administration of rating scales (NRS, FIQ, and SF-12). From the comparison between the two groups, we have seen that in young people, supplementation with high-dose vitamin D improves short-term musculoskeletal pain and long-term functional capacity. Conversely, musculoskeletal pain and long-term quality of life improve in the elderly. Supplementing with high doses of vitamin D in fibromyalgia patients improves the quality of life and pain in the elderly and also the functional capacity in the young.
Visco-Elastic Plate Motion after Its Breaking into Parts
Authors: Korobkin Alexander , Khabakhpasheva Tatiana
Published: June 2022

Mathematical modelling of visco-elastic plate breaking and consequent deflection of the plate are studied using the simplified formulation. The plate is modelled as a thin visco-elastic plate of constant thickness. The edges of the plate are clamped. The plate deflection is caused by a uniform aerodynamic pressure, which slowly increases in time. The plate deflection before breaking is approximated as quasi-static. The plate breaks instantly then and there, when and where the modified fracture criterion by Petrov and Morozov is achieved. Both the deflections and velocities of the plate before and after breaking are assumed equal.The motion of the plate parts after breaking are highly unsteady and dependent on the viscous properties of the plate. If the viscosity of the plate material is negligible compared with the elastic characteristics of the plate, then the velocity of the plate deflection is discontinuous at the time instant of the plate breaking. This feature of the plate motion after its breaking should be taken into account in interpretation of the numerical results within the linearised model of plate deflection with sudden breaking. It is shown that the plate can break in a cascade way. Each part after the first breaking breaks again. The configuration studied in this paper is specially tailored to highlight the behaviour of the numerical solutions of the plate breaking problems in applications.
The Landscape of Genome-Wide and Gender-Specific Microsatellites in Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin and Potential Applications in Cetacean Resource Investigation
Authors: Ming Yao , Yu Xueying , Liu Wei , Wang Jingzhen , Liu Wenhua
Published: June 2022

Microsatellites are one of the important genome characterizations that can be a valuable resource for variety identification, genetic diversity, phylogenetic analysis, as well as comparative and conservation genomics research. Here, we developed comprehensive microsatellites through genome-wide mining for the threatened cetacean Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis). We found 87,757 microsatellites with 2–6 bp nucleotide motifs, showing that about 32.5 microsatellites per megabase comprises microsatellites sequences. Approximately 97.8% of the markers developed in this study were consistent with the published identified markers. About 75.3% microsatellites were with dinucleotide motifs, followed by tetranucleotide motifs (17.4%), sharing the same composition pattern as other cetaceans. The microsatellites were not evenly distributed in the S. chinensis genome, mainly in non-coding regions, with only about 0.5% of the markers located in coding regions. The microsatellite-containing genes were mainly functionally enriched in the methylation process, probably demonstrating the potential impacts of microsatellites on biological functions. Polymorphic microsatellites were developed between different genders of S. chinensis, which was expected to lay the foundation for genetic diversity investigation in cetaceans. The specific markers for a male Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin will provide comprehensive and representative male candidate markers for sex identification, providing a potential biomolecular tool for further analysis of population structure and social behavior of wild populations, population trend evaluation, and species conservation management.
Preparation of Ciguatoxin Reference Materials from Canary Islands (Spain) and Madeira Archipelago (Portugal) Fish
Authors: Castro David , Estévez Pablo , Leao-Martins José Manuel , Dickey Robert W. , García-Álvarez Natalia , Real Fernando , Costa Pedro Reis , Gago-Martínez Ana
Published: June 2022

Ciguatoxins (CTXs) are naturally occurring neurotoxins that can accumulate in fish and cause Ciguatera Poisoning (CP) in seafood consumers. Ciguatoxic fish have been detected in tropical and subtropical regions of the world including the Pacific and Indian Oceans, the Caribbean Sea, and more recently in the northeast Atlantic Ocean. The biogeographic distribution of ciguatoxic fish appears to be expanding; however, the paucity of CTX standards and reference materials limits the ability of public health authorities to monitor for these toxins in seafood supply chains. Recent reports establish that Caribbean Ciguatoxin-1 (C-CTX1) is the principal toxin responsible for CP cases and outbreaks in the northeast Atlantic Ocean and that C-CTX congener profiles in contaminated fish samples match those from the Caribbean Sea. Therefore, in this work, C-CTX reference materials were prepared from fish obtained from the northeast Atlantic Ocean. The collection of fish specimens (e.g., amberjack, grouper, or snapper) was screened for CTX-like toxicity using the in vitro sodium channel mouse neuroblastoma cytotoxicity assay (N2a cell assay). Muscle and liver tissues from toxic specimens were pooled for extraction and purified products were ultimately profiled and quantified by comparison with authentic C-CTX1 using LC-MS/MS. This work presents a detailed protocol for the preparation of purified C-CTX reference materials to enable continued research and monitoring of the ciguatera public health hazard. To carry out this work, C-CTX1 was isolated and purified from fish muscle and liver tissues obtained from the Canary Islands (Spain) and Madeira archipelago (Portugal).
Prediction of Significant Wave Height in Offshore China Based on the Machine Learning Method
Authors: Feng Zhijie , Hu Po , Li Shuiqing , Mo Dongxue
Published: June 2022

Accurate wave prediction can help avoid disasters. In this study, the significant wave height (SWH) prediction performances of the recurrent neural network (RNN), long short-term memory network (LSTM), and gated recurrent unit network (GRU) were compared. The 10 m u-component of wind (U10), 10 m v-component of wind (V10), and SWH of the previous 24 h were used as input parameters to predict the SWHs of the future 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h. The SWH prediction model was established at three different sites located in the Bohai Sea, the East China Sea, and the South China Sea, separately. The experimental results show that the performance of LSTM and GRU networks based on the gating mechanism was better than that of traditional RNNs, and the performances of the LSTM and GRU networks were comparable. The EMD method was found to be useful in the improvement of the LSTM network to forecast the significant wave heights of 12 and 24 h.
Evaluation of a Causative Species of Harmful Algal Blooming, Prorocentrum triestinum, as a Sustainable Source of Biosorption on Cadmium
Authors: Xu Steven Jing-Liang , Wu Kam-Chau , Lam Winnie , Lee Fred Wang-Fat
Published: June 2022

Biosorption is an effective method for removing heavy metal ions from wastewater. In the current study, the biosorption capacity of a microalgae Prorocentrum triestinum strain AD1 was investigated for cadmium removal. The efficient biomass concentration was found to be 5 g/L. Based on the Langmuir adsorption model, the maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) value of cadmium removal was found to be 0.0196 mmol/g. The investigation results of the AD1 biosorption kinetics showed that the effective contact time on biosorption was 3 h, and the adsorption kinetics fitted well with the pseudo-second-order model. The optimum pH of biosorption was found to be 5. On the other hand, HCl could act as an efficient desorbent for cadmium recovery from AD1, with an optimum concentration of 0.01 M. These results suggest that the biomass of P. triestinum has great potential for the removal of cadmium from wastewater as an efficient biosorbent.
The Identification of Filamentous Cyanobacteria Isolated from Neopyropia Germplasm Bank Illustrates the Pattern of Contamination
Authors: Deng Yinyin , Tian Cuicui , Hu Chuanming , Xu Guangping , Yang Lien , Lu Qinqin , Zhou Wei
Published: June 2022

The germplasm bank of economic algae provides biological insurance against environmental changes and pressures for the cultivation industry. However, the red algal free-living conchocelis germplasm of Neopyropia was easily contaminated with filamentous cyanobacteria, which severely affected the growth of Neopyropia germplasm. To date, what and how the filamentous cyanobacteria contaminated Neopyropia germplasm remained unknown. Here, we combined cytological observations with light and electron microscopes and molecular analysis of the 16S rRNA gene to elucidate the pattern of cyanobacteria contamination. Nine filamentous cyanobacteria samples isolated from the Neopyropia germplasm bank were selected. Integrating microscopy observations and phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences, nine cyanobacteria samples were divided into three groups, including two Leptolyngbya with red pigments (YCR1 and YCR2) and one Nodosilinea with green pigments (YCG3). They had the same asexual reproduction mode, releasing hormogonia to grow new filaments. Due to the high reproductive ability, Leptolyngbya and Nodosilinea were easy to spread in the Neopyropia germplasm. Based on 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing analyses, we found the thallus of Neopyropia (NP1, NP2, and NP3) and surrounding seawater (SW1, SW2, and SW3) were enriched with cyanobacteria, especially with Leptolyngbya and Nodosilinea, indicating the filamentous cyanobacteria contaminated Neopyropia germplasm came from the thallus of Neopyropia or seawater. The results provided a better understanding of the prevention and control of cyanobacteria contamination in the Neopyropia germplasm bank.
Purification and Characterization of a Novel α-L-Rhamnosidase from Papiliotrema laurentii ZJU-L07 and Its Application in Production of Icariin from Epimedin C
Authors: Lou Hanghang , Liu Xiayu , Liu Siyu , Chen Qihe
Published: June 2022

Icariin is the most effective bioactive compound in Herba Epimedii. To enhance the content of icariin in the epimedium water extract, a novel strain, Papiliotrema laurentii ZJU-L07, producing an intracellular α-L-rhamnosidase was isolated from the soil and mutagenized. The specific activity of α-L-rhamnosidase was 29.89 U·mg−1 through purification, and the molecular mass of the enzyme was 100 kDa, as assayed by SDS-PAGE. The characterization of the purified enzyme was determined. The optimal temperature and pH were 55 °C and 7.0, respectively. The enzyme was stable in the pH range 5.5–9.0 for 2 h over 80% and the temperature range 30–40 °C for 2 h more than 70%. The enzyme activity was inhibited by Ca2+, Fe2+, Cu2+, and Mg2+, especially Fe2+. The kinetic parameters of Km and Vmax were 1.38 mM and 24.64 μmol·mg−1·min−1 using pNPR as the substrate, respectively. When epimedin C was used as a nature substrate to determine the kinetic parameters of α-L-rhamnosidase, the values of Km and Vmax were 3.28 mM and 0.01 μmol·mg−1·min−1, respectively. The conditions of enzymatic hydrolysis were optimized through single factor experiments and response surface methodology. The icariin yield increased from 61% to over 83% after optimization. The enzymatic hydrolysis method could be used for the industrialized production of icariin. At the same time, this enzyme could also cleave the α-1,2 glycosidic linkage between glucoside and rhamnoside in naringin and neohesperidin, which could be applicable in other biotechnological processes.