bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heteroplasmic mitochondrial genomes of a Raillietina tapeworm in wild Pangolin
Authors: Tuli Merga Daba , Li Hongyi , Pan Xi , Li Song , Zhai Junqiong , Wu Yajiang , Chen Wu , Huang Wanyi , Feng Yaoyu , Xiao Lihua , Yuan Dongjuan
Published: June 2022

Background

Raillietina species belong to the family Davaineidae, which parasitizes in a wide variety of mammals and birds, causing stunted growth, lethargy, emaciation, and digestive tract obstruction. However, only a limited number of Raillietina species have been identified in wild animals.

Methods

We analyzed and annotated the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of a worm from the intestine of a wild pangolin using Illumina sequencing of whole genomic DNA.

Results

These findings showed the presence of two mtDNA sequences in Raillietina sp., designated as mt1 and mt2, with the lengths of 14,331 bp and 14,341 bp, respectively. Both the mts genomes of Raillietina sp. comprised 36 genes, containing 12 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNAs, and 22 transfer RNAs. Gene arrangements of both mt genomes of Raillietina sp. were similar to those of most flatworms, except for taeniids, which shift positions between tRNAL1 and tRNAS2 genes. Twenty of 22 tRNA secondary structures of Raillietina sp. had a typical cloverleaf structure similar to Raillietina tetragona. Sequence differences between the mt1 and mt2 genomes were 4.4%, and this difference arises from the mtDNA heteroplasmic mutations. Moreover, heteroplasmic mtDNA mutations were detected in PCGs, tRNAs, rRNAs, NCRs, and intergenes, but the highest proportion of heteroplasmy of 79.0% was detected in PCGs, indicating the occurrence of mtDNA heteroplasmy in Raillietina sp. To our knowledge, this is the first report of mtDNA heteroplasmy in tapeworm parasites. Phylogenetic analyses of 18S rRNA, ITS2, and 12 PCG sequences demonstrated that the worm was clustered with other Raillietina species in the Davaneidae family.

Conclusions

We found a novel Raillietina species in wild pangolin with the existence of mitochondrial DNA heteroplasmy. Thus, these findings provide insights into the heterogeneity of the mt genome in parasitic cestodes, and mt genome data contributes to the understanding of pangolin-parasitic cestodes in terms of their molecular biology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and taxonomy.

Graphical Abstract
Effect of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors on risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Kwon Oh Chan , Park Min-Chan
Published: June 2022

Background

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We aimed to evaluate the effect of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFis) on the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with axSpA.

Methods

This retrospective study included 450 patients with axSpA without pre-existing cardiovascular disease. The outcome was incident cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction or stroke) after the diagnosis of axSpA. The effect of TNFis on cardiovascular risk was analyzed in the total study population and in an inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW)-adjusted population. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for cardiovascular disease, according to exposure to TNFis.

Results

Of the 450 patients, 233 (51.8%) and 217 (48.2%) patients were and were not exposed to TNFis, respectively. Twenty cardiovascular diseases occurred during 2868 person-years of follow-up (incidence rate: 6.97/1000 person-years). In the total study population, exposure to TNFis was associated with a reduced cardiovascular risk when adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors (HR 0.30, 95% CI 0.10–0.85, p = 0.024). However, when time-averaged erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were additionally adjusted, this association was attenuated and lost statistical significance (HR 0.37, 95% CI 0.12–1.12, p = 0.077). Furthermore, in the IPTW-adjusted population, exposure to TNFis showed no significant reduction in cardiovascular risk (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.23–1.54, p = 0.287).

Conclusions

Although controlling inflammation through TNFis could be beneficial in cardiovascular risk reduction, our data indicate no TNFi-specific reduction in cardiovascular risk in patients with axSpA.
Prehospital portable ultrasound for safe and accurate prehospital needle thoracostomy: a pilot educational study
Authors: Dewar Zachary E. , Ko Stephanie , Rogers Cameron , Oropallo Alexis , Augustine Andrew , Pamula Ankitha , Berry Christopher L.
Published: June 2022

Background

Simulated needle thoracostomy (NT) using ultrasound may reduce potential injury, increase accuracy, and be as rapid to perform as the traditional landmark technique following a brief educational session. Our objective was to determine if the use of an educational session demonstrating the use of handheld ultrasound to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff to facilitate NT was both feasible, and an effective way of increasing the safety and efficacy of this procedure for rural EMS providers.

Methods

A pre/post-educational intervention on a convenience sample of rural North American EMS paramedics and nurses. Measurement of location and estimated depth of placement of needle thoracostomy with traditional landmark technique was completed and then repeated using handheld ultrasound following a training session on thoracic ultrasound and correct placement of NT.

Results

A total of 30 EMS practitioners participated. Seven were female (23.3%). There was a higher frequency of dangerous structures underlying the chosen location with the landmark technique 9/60 (15%) compared to the ultrasound technique 1/60 (1.7%) (p = 0.08). Mean time-to-site-selection for the landmark technique was shorter than the ultrasound technique at 10.7 s (range 3.35–45 s) vs. 19.9 s (range 7.8–50 s), respectively (p < 0.001). There was a lower proportion of correct location selection for the landmark technique 40/60 (66.7%) when compared to the ultrasound technique 51/60 (85%) (p = 0.019). With ultrasound, there was less variance between the estimated and measured depth of the pleural space with a mean difference of 0.033 cm (range 0–0.5 cm) when ultrasound was used as compared to a mean difference of 1.0375 cm (range 0–6 cm) for the landmark technique (95% CI for the difference 0.73–1.27 cm; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Teaching ultrasound NT was feasible in our cohort. While time-to-site-selection for ultrasound-guided NT took longer than the landmark technique, it increased safe and accurate simulated NT placement with fewer identified potential iatrogenic injuries.
Orf1B controls secretion of T3SS proteins and contributes to Edwardsiella piscicida adhesion to epithelial cells
Authors: Wang Long Kun , Sun Shan Shan , Zhang Shu Ya , Nie Pin , Xie Hai Xia
Published: June 2022

Edwardsiella piscicida is a Gram-negative enteric pathogen that causes hemorrhagic septicemia in fish. The type III secretion system (T3SS) is one of its two most important virulence islands. T3SS protein EseJ inhibits E. piscicida adhesion to epithelioma papillosum cyprini (EPC) cells by negatively regulating type 1 fimbria. Type 1 fimbria helps E. piscicida to adhere to fish epithelial cells. In this study, we characterized a functional unknown protein (Orf1B) encoded within the T3SS gene cluster of E. piscicida. This protein consists of 122 amino acids, sharing structural similarity with YscO in Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Orf1B controls secretion of T3SS translocon and effectors in E. piscicida. By immunoprecipitation, Orf1B was shown to interact with T3SS ATPase EsaN. This interaction may contribute to the assembly of the ATPase complex, which energizes the secretion of T3SS proteins. Moreover, disruption of Orf1B dramatically decreased E. piscicida adhesion to EPC cells due to the increased steady-state protein level of EseJ within E. piscicida. Taken together, this study partially unraveled the mechanisms through which Orf1B promotes secretion of T3SS proteins and contributes to E. piscicida adhesion. This study helps to improve our understanding on molecular mechanism of E. piscicida pathogenesis.
The role of co-infections in M. hyopneumoniae outbreaks among heavy fattening pigs: a field study
Authors: Tonni Matteo , Formenti Nicoletta , Boniotti M. Beatrice , Guarneri Flavia , Scali Federico , Romeo Claudia , Pasquali Paolo , Pieters Maria , Maes Dominiek , Alborali Giovanni L.
Published: June 2022

Little is known about how co-infections and genotype dynamics affectMycoplasma hyopneumoniaeinfection in fattening pigs. This study was aimed at assessing the role of co-infections inM. hyopneumoniaeoutbreaks, their influence on the presence ofM. hyopneumoniaegenotypes and their impact on consequent lung lesions. Tracheobronchial swabs (TBS) from 300 finishers were collected from 10 farms at the onset of enzootic pneumonia outbreaks and 1 month later, sampling of 3 groups per farm: Group A showed clinical signs first, Group B was housed near Group A, and Group C was located in a different building. Pigs’ lungs were scored at the slaughterhouse. TBS were tested for the main pathogens involved in respiratory diseases, and samples positive forM. hyopneumoniaewere genotyped by multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA). Pigs in Group A showed the highest prevalence and load ofM. hyopneumoniae. A positive association was detected betweenM. hyopneumoniaeandMycoplasma hyorhinis, whereasActinobacillus pleuropneumoniaewas more frequent when theM. hyopneumoniaeload was higher. Nevertheless, co-infection had no effect on lung lesion scores. The presence of multiple MLVA types (mixed infections) increased in time only in pigs from Group C and was positively associated with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection. Lung lesions were more severe in pigs with at least one TBS positive forM. hyopneumoniaeand in pigs with a history of mixed infections. The central role ofM. hyopneumoniaeand relevance of mixed infections suggest that increased biosecurity might be beneficial for lung lesion sequelae.
A robust power allocation strategy based on benefit–cost ratio for multiple target guidance in the C-MIMO radar system under blanket jamming
Authors: Li Zhengjie , Xie Junwei , Zhang Haowei , Ge Jiaang , Qi Cheng
Published: June 2022

How to utilize the limited power budget to accurately track more targets plays a critical role for the radar system in air defense applications, especially in the weapon guidance application. In this paper, we propose a robust power allocation (RPA) strategy in the collocated multiple-input and multiple-output (C-MIMO) radar system for multiple target guidance (MTG) under blanket jamming. The optimization model is established with the aim of increasing the number of effective tracking targets (ETTs) and improving the overall tracking accuracy among those targets. Since the mutual information (MI) quantifies the parameter estimation performance and can be predicted, the MI under blanket jamming is derived and utilized as the optimization criterion. We then propose a two-step optimization algorithm based on benefit–cost ratio (BCR) to solve the non-convex problem. Finally, numerical results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Probabilistic cooperative coded forwarding for broadcast transmissions in industrial mobile edge communications
Authors: Huang Wenjun , Li Xu , Liang Yanan
Published: June 2022

Mobile edge computing (MEC) is considered as a key enabler for the industrial internet of things (IIoT) to cope with the ever-increasing communication and computing demands of nodes. In consideration of the limited resource of the IIoT nodes, it is necessary to design cost-effective multi-hop data transmission schemes for mobile edge IIoTs. However, most of the traditional schemes have to spend enormous cost to meet the reliability requirement, which cannot support timely information processing of MEC-based IIoT. In this article, the probabilistic cooperative coded forwarding (PCCF) scheme for multi-hop data transmission in mobile edge IIoTs is proposed to address the above problem. First, the data packets are encoded at a source IIoT node using the systematic sparse network coding (SSNC) mechanism, then the source broadcasts the coded packets to its one-hop neighbors. To minimize the required number of redundant coded packets, the sparsity of coded packets is optimized. Second, the nodes which received the packets will become volunteer relay nodes and forward the coded packets using the cooperative coded forwarding (CCF) mechanism. The volunteer relays first forward the received coded packets with a forwarding probability, and then re-encode a pair of received coded packets and broadcast the re-encoded packet with a re-encoding probability. To guarantee the broadcast performance while minimizing the transmission number at relay nodes, the feasible forwarding and re-encoding probability are provided. Third, the receiver nodes will try to decode the received coded and re-encoded packets and recover data packets without sending acknowledgments. Finally, through a series of experiments, we verify the accuracy of analytical approximations and also find out the optimal sparsity of coded packets and the existence of minimum transmission numbers. These provide insights for further optimization of multi-hop data transmission in mobile edge IIoTs.
A relational-theoretic approach to get solution of nonlinear matrix equations
Authors: Nashine Hemant Kumar , Jain Reena , Parvaneh Vahid
Published: June 2022

In this study, we consider a nonlinear matrix equation of the form $\mathcal{X}= \mathcal{Q} + \sum_{i=1}^{m} \mathcal{A}_{i}^{*} \mathcal{G} (\mathcal{X})\mathcal{A}_{i}$
X
=
Q
+

∑

i
=
1

m

A
i
∗

G
(
X
)

A
i

, where $\mathcal{Q}$
Q
is a Hermitian positive definite matrix, $\mathcal{A}_{i}^{*}$

A
i
∗

stands for the conjugate transpose of an $n\times n$
n
×
n
matrix $\mathcal{A}_{i}$

A
i

, and $\mathcal{G}$
G
is an order-preserving continuous mapping from the set of all Hermitian matrices to the set of all positive definite matrices such that $\mathcal{G}(O)=O$
G
(
O
)
=
O
. We discuss sufficient conditions that ensure the existence of a unique positive definite solution of the given matrix equation. For this, we derive some fixed point results for Suzuki-FG contractive mappings on metric spaces (not necessarily complete) endowed with arbitrary binary relation (not necessarily a partial order). We provide adequate examples to validate the fixed-point results and the importance of related work, and the convergence analysis of nonlinear matrix equations through an illustration with graphical representations.
Prognostic and tumor immunity implication of inflammatory bowel disease-associated genes in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Di , Xie Biao
Published: June 2022

Background

Epidemiologic studies continue to emphasize that increasing patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) develop to colorectal cancer (CRC). Although the function and mechanisms of IBD-associated genes (IBDGs) in CRC tumorigenesis have been extensively researched, the implications of IBDGs in the prognosis value and tumor immunity of CRC remain unclear.

Results

In this study, the expression, pathological stages and prognostic value of IBDGs in CRC were systematically analyzed, and 7 prognostic genes including CDH1, CCL11, HLA–DRA, NOS2, NAT2, TIMP1 and TP53 were screened through LASSO–Cox regression analysis. Then, a prognostic signature was established based on the 7 prognostic genes, and the model exhibited a good ability in risk stratification of CRC patients. Subsequent results showed that the genetic alterations of the 7 prognostic genes exhibited more significant and extensive influence on immune cells infiltration in colon adenocarcinoma than that in rectal adenocarcinoma. Meanwhile, immune cells infiltration also showed a significant difference between low-risk group and high-risk group. What’s more, 7 prognostic genes-based risk stratification was associated with microsatellite instability, and its prognostic characteristics were significantly negatively correlated with mismatch repair genes.

Conclusions

This study provided a promising insight that the 7 IBDGs could be used as valuable biomarkers for prognostic diagnosis and personalized immunotherapy of CRC patients.
Image guidance system use amongst Canadian otolaryngologists: A nationwide survey
Authors: McHugh T. , Sommer D. D. , Thamboo A. , Tewfik M. A. , Smith K. A.
Published: June 2022

Background

The use of image guidance systems has gained widespread acceptance as an adjunctive tool for endoscopic sinus surgery. However, the accessibility and usage of this technology is variable across hospitals in Canada.

Study objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the availability, usage, and related issues surrounding the use of image guidance systems in endoscopic sinus surgery across Canadian otolaryngology practice settings.

Methods

An online survey was electronically distributed to practicing otolaryngologists across Canada. The survey contained 27 questions pertaining to the availability, usage, barriers and overall experience of image guidance systems.

Results

The survey was electronically sent to a total of 654 Canadian otolaryngologists of which 158 responded (response rate 24.2%). Image guidance was available to 56.3% of respondents. Of the respondents without access to IGS, 85.5% indicated they would use it if it was available. Financial (capital cost) was identified as the most important barrier in obtaining IGS by 76.3% of respondents.

Conclusion

Over half of Canadian otolaryngologists have access to IGS with over 85% of those without access interested in using it if it was made available. A multitude of different factors contribute to this disparity. We hope that the results of this study will help support Canadian otolaryngologists to access IGS.

Graphical Abstract
Apatite in Hamipterus tianshanensis eggshell: advances in understanding the structure of pterosaur eggs by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Li Ying , Zhu Xufeng , Wang Qiang , Jiang Shunxing , Yang Yimin , Luo Wugan , Wang Xiaolin
Published: June 2022

Pterosaur eggs can offer information about pterosaur reproductive strategies and are extremely precious because only a small number of specimens have been discovered. Previous studies have mainly focused on morphological descriptions of pterosaur eggs and their embryos while the chemical composition of pterosaur eggs has received little attention. The conventional view believed that the eggshell was composed of calcite. However, previous SEM–EDS results for Hamipterus tianshanensis showed that the eggshell contains phosphorus. Therefore, the object of this research is to determine the mineral composition of the eggshell of H. tianshanensis. Two eggs were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM–EDS) and Raman spectroscopy. The SEM–EDS results show that both surface and cross section are porous and characterized by small irregularly shaped particulates. Moreover, the distribution of Ca and P has a strict coincidence in the cross-section of eggshells. Furthermore, neither the intense peaks of calcite nor organic peaks can be observed by Raman spectroscopy in eggshells. Meanwhile, the Raman spectroscopy mapping analysis result shows a sharp and intense peak at approximately 966 cm−1 among the white eggshell, which can be hard evidence that H. tianshanensis eggs are mainly composed of calcium phosphate. Combined with the present of F in the eggshell, it can be inferred that fluorapatite Ca5(PO4)3F is the main mineral. The fluorapatite eggshell can be interpreted in two ways. One explanation is that H. tianshanensis laid apatite-shelled eggs, similar to living Salvator merianae, and the bioapatite transformed to fluorapatite over geological time. Another possible explanation is that the fluorapatite comes from the result of phosphatization of soft egg membrane tissues through taphonomic processes, indicating that H. tianshanensis might have laid soft eggs. Regardless, the results show that fluorapatite, rather than calcite is the main preserved mineral composition of H. tianshanensis eggshell, correcting the previous view. This study contributes to the present understanding of the mineral composition of pterosaur eggshells and may offer some insight into the pterosaur reproduction pattern.
Drug shortages in low- and middle-income countries: Colombia as a case study
Authors: Sabogal De La Pava Martha L. , Tucker Emily L.
Published: June 2022

Background

Drug shortages are a global problem. Analyzing shortages worldwide is important to identify possible relationships between drug shortages across countries, determine strategies that reduce drug shortages, and reduce the inequality in access to medicines between countries. In contrast to well-documented shortages in high-income countries, there are few studies that consider low- and middle-income economies. We evaluate drug shortages in one middle-income country, Colombia.

Methods

We collected data from INVIMA, the institution responsible for managing medicine shortage alerts in Colombia. We classified the data using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system and analyzed them using descriptive statistics. We considered a study period from 2015 to 2021 (vital medicines) and from 2010 to 2020 (non-vital medicines).

Results

In total, 173 unique ATC codes were in shortage. These included antidotes, alimentary tract and metabolism products, anesthetics, cardiac stimulants and antithrombotic agents. The major causes were manufacturing problems and few suppliers. Drug shortages substantially increased from 2020 to May 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Among resolved shortages, the average duration was 1.6 years with a standard deviation of 1.9 years. The longest, naloxone tablets, were in shortage for almost 10 years.

Conclusions

Drug shortages are a persistent problem in Colombia. Government institutions have made progress in implementing systems and procedures to report them. However, the approaches implemented need to be maintained and refined. This study lays the groundwork for the analysis of drug shortages in other LMICs. We highlight the necessity of addressing drug shortages in their global context and reducing the inequality in access to medicines between countries.
A prospective longitudinal study evaluating the influence of immunosuppressives and other factors on COVID-19 in autoimmune rheumatic diseases
Authors: Patil Abhishek , Chanakya K. , Shenoy Padmanabha , Chandrashekara S. , Haridas Vikram , Kumar Sharath , Daware Manisha , Janardana Ramya , Pinto Benzeeta , Subramanian Ramaswamy , Nagaraj S. , Singh Yogesh Preet , Singhai Shweta , Jois Ramesh , Jain Vikramraj , Srinivasa C. , Dharmanand B. G. , Dharmapalaiah Chethana , Sangeetha K. N. , Rao Vijay K. , Shobha Vineeta
Published: June 2022

Background

We conducted this study to identify the influence of prolonged use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), glucocorticoids and other immunosuppressants (IS) on occurrence and outcome of COVID-19 in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRDs).

Methods

This was a prospective, multicenter, non-interventional longitudinal study across 15 specialist rheumatology centers. Consecutive AIRD patients on treatment with immunosuppressants were recruited and followed up longitudinally to assess parameters contributing to development of COVID-19 and its outcome.

Results

COVID-19 occurred in 314 (3.45%) of 9212 AIRD patients during a median follow up of 177 (IQR 129, 219) days. Long term HCQ use had no major impact on the occurrence or the outcome of COVID-19. Glucocorticoids in moderate dose (7.5–20 mg/day) conferred higher risk (RR = 1.72) of infection. Among the IS, Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), Cyclophosphamide (CYC) and Rituximab (RTX) use was higher in patients with COVID 19. However, the conventional risk factors such as male sex (RR = 1.51), coexistent diabetes mellitus (RR = 1.64), pre-existing lung disease (RR = 2.01) and smoking (RR = 3.32) were the major contributing risk factors for COVID-19. Thirteen patients (4.14%) died, the strongest risk factor being pre-existing lung disease (RR = 6.36, p = 0.01). Incidence (17.5 vs 5.3 per 1 lakh (Karnataka) and 25.3 vs 7.9 per 1 lakh (Kerala)) and case fatality (4.1% vs 1.3% (Karnataka) and 4.3% vs 0.4% (Kerala)) rate of COVID-19 was significantly higher (p < 0.001) compared to the general population of the corresponding geographic region.

Conclusions

Immunosuppressants have a differential impact on the risk of COVID-19 occurrence in AIRD patients. Older age, males, smokers, hypertensive, diabetic and underlying lung disease contributed to higher risk. The incidence rate and the case fatality rate in AIRD patients is much higher than that in the general population.
Recovery of cobalt and copper from single- and co-contaminated simulated electroplating wastewater via carbonate and hydroxide precipitation
Authors: Quiton Khyle Glainmer N. , Huang Yao-Hui , Lu Ming-Chun
Published: June 2022

Wastewater containing cobalt and copper comprised of plating wash water, plant wash water, and equipment cooling and wash water is generated in the electroplating industry. These metals can be detrimental to humans, animals, plants, and the environment. Thus, it is necessary to treat electroplating wastewater to remove these toxic metals. Carbonate and hydroxide precipitation were utilized for the removal of Co (II) and Cu (II) from synthetic electroplating wastewater by jar tests in this work. The effects of solution pH, precipitant-to-metal ratio, and type of precipitant on the precipitation efficiency of cobalt and copper from the single- and co-contaminated systems were investigated. Carbonate precipitation achieved higher removal efficiency for both target metals in the single- and co-contaminated wastewater streams. Furthermore, it can operate at relatively low pH range of about 7–8. Cobalt in both pollutant systems was almost completely removed at pH 10 using both precipitant systems. Copper was found to be easily removed which was possibly brought about by precipitation-adsorption mechanism. The extent of the co-removal of cobalt with copper is significantly pH dependent. The effect of precipitant-to-metal ratio for cobalt and copper treatment varied in single- and co-contaminated streams. Carbonate precipitation led to higher sludge volume than that of hydroxide precipitation.
Failure rates and clinical outcomes of synthetic meniscal implants following partial meniscectomy: a systematic review
Authors: Kohli Suraj , Schwenck Jonas , Barlow Ian
Published: June 2022

Background

Meniscal injury is one of the most common indications for knee surgery. The advent of meniscal repair techniques has facilitated meniscal preservation in suitable cases. Meniscal substitution with scaffolds may be advantageous following partial meniscal resection. There are three main scaffolds in current clinical use; Collagen Meniscal Implant (CMI Stryker Corporation, Kalamazoo, MI, USA), Actifit (Actifit, Orteq Ltd, London, UK) and NUsurface (Active Implants, LLC). The purpose of this systematic review was to compare clinical outcomes and failure rates of patients who have had implantation with these meniscal scaffolds.

Methods

MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for studies that included patients who had surgical implantation with Actifit or CMI. Eligibility criteria included papers that described both clinical outcomes and failure rates of these implants, a mean follow up of 5 years and studies published in English. A Google search was also performed to identify any grey literature.

Results

Five Level IV studies were found for Actifit. One Level II, one Level III and four Level IV studies were found for the CMI implant. One Level II study was identified for the NUsurface scaffold with a follow-up 12 months and was included for completeness. Overall, 262 patients were treated with Actifit, 109 with CMI and 65 with NUsurface. Failure rates for Actifit were 18% (range 6.3–31.8%) with a mean follow up of 66.8 months, and for CMI 6.5% (range 0–11.8%) with a mean follow up of 97.1 months. The NUsurface failure rate was 16.9% at 12 months. Clinical outcomes such as VAS, Tegner and Lysholm scores improved significantly post-operatively. However, there was a high volume of concurrent procedures, such as anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions and high tibial osteotomies in each study group; 118 (45%) for Actifit and 53 (45%) for CMI.

Conclusion

The evidence for meniscal scaffold use is insufficient to suggest that they could potentially improve clinical outcomes in patients post-meniscal resection. This is largely due to the high proportion of concurrent procedures performed at index procedure for both CMI and Actifit. On the basis of current evidence, the use of meniscal scaffolds as a sole treatment for partial meniscal defects cannot be recommended, owing to the relatively high failure rate and paucity of clinical data.
Improving BDS broadcast ephemeris accuracy using ground-satellite-link observations
Authors: Chen Junping , Wang Jungang , Yu Chao , Zhang Yize , Wang Bin
Published: June 2022

The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) employs a hybrid constellation including GEO (Geosynchronous Earth Orbit), IGSO (Inclined Geosynchronous Orbit), and MEO (Medium Earth Orbit) satellites, where the GEO and IGSO satellites are critical to providing continuous and reliable Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services in the Asia–Pacific region. To handle the inconsistency between the satellite orbits and clocks in the broadcast ephemeris, which are determined by the Orbit Determination and Time Synchronization (ODTS) and the Two-way Satellite Time Frequency Transfer (TWSTFT) technique, respectively, we present the strategies using ground-satellite-link observations to improve the accuracy of broadcast ephemeris. The clock differences between the ODTS and TWSTFT techniques are used for correcting the radial orbit component to derive the refined orbits, which are used to generate the refined broadcast ephemeris. The test results show the precision of the refined orbits is improved by 50–60% in the 3-h to 12-h predicted arcs for the GEO satellites, and by 40–50% for the IGSO satellites. Moreover, the validation using satellite laser ranging observations shows the mean precision of the refined broadcast ephemeris is improved by 27% compared to the original one. Applying the proposed strategies in the BDS Operational Control Segment (OCS), the time evolution of BDS Single Point Positioning (SPP) in the period from Jan. 2016 to April 2021 is evaluated. The SPP accuracy is improved from 1.94, 2.06 and 3.29 m to 1.39, 1.85, and 2.39 m in the north, east, and up components, respectively. Further update with the inclusion of BDS-3 satellites improve the corresponding SPP precision to 0.68, 0.70 and 1.91 m.
Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) with three different vascular access in neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Rabie Dina , Mostafa Mohammed F. , Abdel Halim Rania M. , Ezzat Ola Ahmad
Published: June 2022

Background

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are a mandatory aspect in the neonatal intensive care units. Unfortunately, bloodstream infection is a frequent complication of CVCs. A needleless connector is attached to the end of CVC to allow infusion of fluids. We aimed to assess the effect of needleless connectors on central line-associated blood stream infection, and to assess rate of occurrence of bloodstream infection with the use of three different types of venous access in neonates.

Methods

This study is a prospective, randomized, comparative study which was held at the Neonatal Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University. The study recruited 120 neonates who were categorized into three groups according to the type of inserted CVC: group A with umbilical venous catheter, group B with peripherally inserted central catheter, and group C with non-tunneled central venous catheter, and each group was further subdivided into two groups according to the use of needleless connector. Criteria of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and central line-related bloodstream infection (CLRBSI) were applied.

Results

The study included 120 neonates, a multivariable logistic regression analysis was held for two predictors (type of CVC and use of needleless connector) of CLABSI/CLRBSI, it revealed that the use of needleless connector was associated with significant lower incidence of CLABSI/CLRBSI (P value < 0.05, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.303), the use of peripheral inserted central catheter (PICC) was also associated with the lowest incidence of CLABSI/CLRBSI (P value = 0.015, aOR = 0.284). Another multivariable logistic regression analysis was done for four predictors (type of CVC, use of needleless connector, gestational age, and catheter dwell time) which revealed that the gestational age (P value = 0.001, aOR = 0.691) and catheter dwell time (P value = 0.004, aOR = 1.313) were the only independent predictors for the occurrence of CLABSI/CLRBSI.

Conclusion

The use of needleless connector can lower the incidence of CLABSI/CLRBSI, PICC line was associated with the lowest incidence of CLABSI/CLRBSI among the three types of CVCs. Low gestational age and long catheter dwell time were found to be the main risk factors for increasing the incidence of CLABSI/CLRBSI.
Outcome of language therapy in bimodal-fit children versus unilateral cochlear implant children in bilateral sensorineural hearing impairment: a case-control study
Authors: Hassan Megahed M. , Emam Ahmed Mamdouh , Sayed Amal Fouad , El-Adawy Ahlam Abdel-Salam Nabieh
Published: June 2022

Background

Treating hearing-impaired children aims not only to improve their hearing but also to enhance language acquisition capability. In our community, the CI usually performed on one side because of financial issues at least for a period of time. Consequently, the brain may neglect the unfitted ear. Contralateral hearing aid is an alternative solution when bilateral CI is unavailable. Our purpose is to evaluate the language outcome in bimodal-fit children who using cochlear implant (CI) and contralateral hearing aid (HA) compared to children using unilateral cochlear implant only.

Results

In this case-control study, 15 children who are using binaural-bimodal stimulation by unilateral CI and contralateral HA and 15 children using monaural cochlear implant received auditory training and language therapy. All participants have been assigned randomly from the Phoniatrics and Audiology clinics. Filtering of patients was made to get the two groups matched regarding age, sex, family motivation, age of implantation, and age of hearing impairment. Evaluation and language therapy were performed in the Phoniatrics clinic. Language progress in each group was compared over different time-points. Also, it was compared between the two groups in each time-point. Both groups revealed significant language improvement over time with intensive auditory training and language therapy. In addition, the bimodal-fit children showed better language and speech outcomes than the unilateral CI children in receptive semantics, expressive semantics, word class, mean length of utterance, and speech intelligibility. The differences were significant with P-values 0.047, 0.034, 0.03, 0.016, and 0.028, respectively, after 9 months of rehabilitation.

Conclusion

Bimodal-fit children showed better improvement in language than the unilateral CI group. The contralateral hearing aid may be complementary to the unilateral cochlear implant by covering wider speech frequency range. Also, it prevents auditory deprivation and enables binaural hearing with positive impact on language outcome.
Awareness of Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors in Palestine: Where Do We Stand?
Authors: Elshami Mohamedraed , Dwikat Mohammad F. , Al-Slaibi Ibrahim , Alser Mohammed , Mohamad Balqees M. , Isleem Wejdan S. , Shurrab Adela , Yaghi Bashar , Qabaja Yahya Ayyash , Naji Shoruq A. , Hmdan Fatima K. , Ayyad Mohammed M. , Sweity Raneen R. , Jneed Remah T. , Assaf Khayria A. , Albandak Maram E. , Hmaid Mohammed M. , Awwad Iyas I. , Alhabil Belal K. , Alarda Marah N. , Alsattari Amani S. , Aboyousef Moumen S. , Aljbour Omar A. , AlSharif Rinad , Giacaman Christy T. , Alnaga Ali Y. , Abu Nemer Ranin M. , Almadhoun Nada M. , Skaik Sondos M. , Bottcher Bettina , Abu-El-Noor Nasser
Published: June 2022

PURPOSE

To assess the public awareness level of colorectal cancer (CRC) risk factors in Palestine and identify factors associated with the good awareness level.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult Palestinians were recruited using convenience sampling from hospitals, primary health care centers, and public locations in 11 governorates. The recognition of 11 CRC risk factors was evaluated using a translated-into-Arabic version of the validated bowel cancer awareness measure. Participants were given one point for each correctly recognized risk factor. The awareness level was determined by the number of CRC risk factors recognized: poor (0-3), fair (4-7), and good awareness (8-11).

RESULTS

A total of 4,877 participants, of 5,254 approached, completed the questionnaire (response rate = 92.3%). The final analysis included 4,623 questionnaires, 2,700 from the West Bank and Jerusalem (WBJ) and 1,923 from the Gaza Strip. Participants from the WBJ were older, gained higher monthly income, and had more chronic diseases than participants from the Gaza Strip. The most recognized modifiable CRC risk factor was not doing 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five times a week (n = 3,846, 83.2%), whereas the least recognized was having a diet low in fiber (n = 1,985, 42.9%). The most recognized nonmodifiable CRC risk factor was having a bowel disease (n = 3,320, 71.8%), whereas the least recognized was having diabetes (n = 1,581, 34.2%). Only 1,840 participants (39.8%) demonstrated good awareness of CRC risk factors. Participants from the Gaza Strip were more likely than participants from the WBJ to have good awareness (46.5.0% v 35.0%). Female sex, knowing someone with cancer, and completing postsecondary education were all associated with good awareness.

CONCLUSION

Awareness of CRC risk factors was found to be low in Palestine. There is a substantial need to raise awareness of CRC risk factors through educational campaigns and programs.
Disparities in Treatment Satisfaction and Supportive Care Receipt for Young Adult Oncology Patients on the Basis of Residential Location
Authors: Hess Eric , Anandan Apoorva , Osman Fauzia , Lee-Miller Cathy , Parkes Amanda
Published: June 2022

PURPOSE:

Adolescent and young adult oncology programs are critical but exist primarily in academic centers, prompting potential disparities in care on the basis of patient residence. We studied the impact of residential location on supportive care receipt and treatment satisfaction in young adults (YAs) with cancer age 19-39 years treated at the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center (UWCCC).

METHODS:

YA patients with cancer age 19-39 years seen at UWCCC from March 30, 2019, to March 29, 2020, were sent a survey assessing supportive care receipt and satisfaction. Survey results were compared with retrospective chart review of YAs seen at UWCCC between April 1, 2011, and April 1, 2021. Data were categorized on the basis of residential location using distance from UWCCC and 2013 Rural-Urban Continuum Code (RUCC).

RESULTS:

Survey results were obtained for 145 YAs, including 29 from nonmetro RUCC (20.0%) and 81 living > 20 miles from UWCCC (55.9%). YAs from nonmetro locations had lower satisfaction with available treatments (79.3% v 91.4%, P = .005), and distant YAs living > 20 miles from UWCCC more frequently identified location as a barrier to supportive care receipt (35.6% v 15.8%, P = .02). Metro YAs more frequently listed fertility consultations as unavailable (38.0% v 16.0%, P = .04) in the survey despite chart review data showing higher rates of sexual health assessments (48.2% v 20.4%, P = .002) and fertility visits (29.6% v 18.5%, P = .18).

CONCLUSION:

We identified differences in both supportive care receipt and treatment satisfaction on the basis of residential location. These findings support the need for measures to successfully meet treatment and supportive care needs regardless of residential location.
The Modulatory Role of Growth Hormone in Inflammation and Macrophage Activation
Authors: Huang Zhengxiang , Xiao Lan , Xiao Yin , Chen Chen
Published: June 2022

Inflammation is a body’s response to remove harmful stimuli and heal tissue damage, which is involved in various physiology and pathophysiology conditions. If dysregulated, inflammation may lead to significant negative impacts. Growth hormone (GH) has been shown responsible for not only body growth but also critical in the modulation of inflammation. In this review, we summarize the current clinical and animal studies about the complex and critical role of GH in inflammation. Briefly, GH excess or deficiency may lead to pathological inflammatory status. In inflammatory diseases, GH may serve as an inflammatory modulator to control the disease progression and promote disease resolution. The detailed mechanisms and signaling pathways of GH on inflammation, with a focus on the modulation of macrophage polarization, are carefully discussed with potential direction for future investigations.
The Changing Face of Turner Syndrome
Authors: Gravholt Claus H , Viuff Mette , Just Jesper , Sandahl Kristian , Brun Sara , van der Velden Janielle , Andersen Niels H , Skakkebaek Anne
Published: June 2022

Turner syndrome (TS) is a condition in females missing the second sex chromosome (45,X) or parts thereof. It is considered a rare genetic condition and is associated with a wide range of clinical stigmata, such as short stature, ovarian dysgenesis, delayed puberty and infertility, congenital malformations, endocrine disorders, including a range of autoimmune conditions and type 2 diabetes, and neurocognitive deficits. Morbidity and mortality are clearly increased compared with the general population and the average age at diagnosis is quite delayed. During recent years it has become clear that a multidisciplinary approach is necessary toward the patient with TS. A number of clinical advances has been implemented, and these are reviewed. Our understanding of the genomic architecture of TS is advancing rapidly, and these latest developments are reviewed and discussed. Several candidate genes, genomic pathways and mechanisms, including an altered transcriptome and epigenome, are also presented.
Brain vascular damage-induced lymphatic ingrowth is directed by Cxcl12b/Cxcr4a
Authors: Chen Jingying , He Jianbo , Luo Lingfei
Published: June 2022

After ischemic stroke, promotion of vascular regeneration without causing uncontrolled vessel growth appears to be the major challenge for pro-angiogenic therapies. The molecular mechanisms underlying how nascent blood vessels (BVs) are correctly guided into the post-ischemic infarction area remain unknown. Here, using a zebrafish cerebrovascular injury model, we show that chemokine signaling provides crucial guidance cues to determine the growing direction of ingrown lymphatic vessels (iLVs) and, in turn, that of nascent BVs. The chemokine receptor Cxcr4a is transcriptionally activated in the iLVs after injury, whereas its ligand Cxcl12b is expressed in the residual central BVs, the destinations of iLV ingrowth. Mutant and mosaic studies indicate that Cxcl12b/Cxcr4a-mediated chemotaxis is necessary and sufficient to determine the growing direction of iLVs and nascent BVs. This study provides a molecular basis for how the vessel directionality of cerebrovascular regeneration is properly determined, suggesting potential application of Cxcl12b/Cxcr4a in the development of post-ischemic pro-angiogenic therapies.
Obligatory homeothermy of mesic habitat-adapted African striped mice, Rhabdomys pumilio, is governed by seasonal basal metabolism and year-round ‘thermogenic readiness’ of brown adipose tissue
Authors: Welman Shaun , Jastroch Martin , Mzilikazi Nomakwezi
Published: June 2022

Small mammals undergo thermoregulatory adjustments in response to changing environmental conditions. Whereas small heterothermic mammals can employ torpor to save energy in the cold, homeothermic species must increase heat production to defend normothermia through the recruitment of brown adipose tissue (BAT). Here, we studied thermoregulatory adaptation in an obligate homeotherm, the African striped mouse (Rhabdomys pumilio), captured from a subpopulation living in a mesic, temperate climate with marked seasonal differences. Basal metabolic rate (BMR), non-shivering thermogenesis (NST) and summit metabolic rate (Msum) increased from summer to winter, with NST and Msum already reaching maximal rates in autumn, suggesting seasonal preparation for the cold. Typical of rodents, cold-induced metabolic rates were positively correlated with BAT mass. Analysis of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity and UCP1 content, however, demonstrated that thermogenic capacity declined with BAT mass. This resulted in seasonal differences in NST being driven by changes in BMR. The increase in BMR was supported by a comprehensive anatomical analysis of metabolically active organs, revealing increased mass proportions in the cold season. The thermoregulatory response of R. pumilio was associated with the maintenance of body mass throughout the year (48.3±1.4 g), contrasting large summer–winter mass reductions often observed in Holarctic rodents. Collectively, bioenergetic adaptation of this Afrotropical rodent involves seasonal organ adjustments influencing BMR, combined with a constant thermogenic capacity dictated by trade-offs in the thermogenic properties of BAT. Arguably, this high degree of plasticity was a response to unpredictable cold spells throughout the year. Consequently, the reliance on such a resource-intensive thermoregulatory strategy may expose more energetic vulnerability in changing environments of food scarcity and extreme weather conditions due to climate change, with major ramifications for survival of the species.
Flying on empty: reduced mitochondrial function and flight capacity in food-deprived monarch butterflies
Authors: Niitepõld Kristjan , Parry Hailey A. , Harris Natalie R. , Appel Arthur G. , de Roode Jacobus C. , Kavazis Andreas N. , Hood Wendy R.
Published: June 2022

Mitochondrial function is fundamental to organismal performance, health and fitness – especially during energetically challenging events, such as migration. With this investigation, we evaluated mitochondrial sensitivity to ecologically relevant stressors. We focused on an iconic migrant, the North American monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), and examined the effects of two stressors: 7 days of food deprivation and infection by the protozoan parasite Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (known to reduce survival and flight performance). We measured whole-animal resting metabolic rate (RMR) and peak flight metabolic rate, and mitochondrial respiration of isolated mitochondria from the flight muscles. Food deprivation reduced mass-independent RMR and peak flight metabolic rate, whereas infection did not. Fed monarchs used mainly lipids in flight (respiratory quotient 0.73), but the respiratory quotient dropped in food-deprived individuals, possibly indicating switching to alternative energy sources, such as ketone bodies. Food deprivation decreased mitochondrial maximum oxygen consumption but not basal respiration, resulting in lower respiratory control ratio (RCR). Furthermore, food deprivation decreased mitochondrial complex III activity, but increased complex IV activity. Infection did not result in any changes in these mitochondrial variables. Mitochondrial maximum respiration rate correlated positively with mass-independent RMR and flight metabolic rate, suggesting a link between mitochondria and whole-animal performance. In conclusion, low food availability negatively affects mitochondrial function and flight performance, with potential implications for migration, fitness and population dynamics. Although previous studies have reported poor flight performance in infected monarchs, we found no differences in physiological performance, suggesting that reduced flight capacity may be due to structural differences or low energy stores.