bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Septotemporal variation in modulation of synaptic transmission, paired-pulse ratio and frequency facilitation/depression by adenosine and GABAB receptors in the rat hippocampus
Authors: A. Samara Maria , Oikonomou George D. , Trompoukis George , Madarou Georgia , Adamopoulou Maria , Papatheodoropoulos Costas
Published: June 2022

Short-term synaptic plasticity represents a fundamental mechanism in neural information processing and is regulated by neuromodulators. Here, using field recordings from the CA1 region of adult rat hippocampal slices, we show that excitatory synaptic transmission is suppressed by strong but not moderate activation of adenosine A1 receptors by 2-Chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA) more in the dorsal than the ventral hippocampus; in contrast, both mild and strong activation of GABAB receptors by baclofen (1 μM, 10 μM) suppress synaptic transmission more in the ventral than the dorsal hippocampus. Using a 10-pulse stimulation train of variable frequency, we found that CCPA modulates short-term synaptic plasticity independently of the suppression of synaptic transmission in both segments of the hippocampus and at stimulation frequencies greater than 10 Hz. However, specifically regarding the paired-pulse ratio (PPR) and frequency facilitation/depression (FF/D) we found significant drug action before but not after adjusting conditioning responses to control levels. Activation of GABABRs by baclofen suppressed synaptic transmission more in the ventral than the dorsal hippocampus. Furthermore, relatively high (10 μM) but not low (1 μM) baclofen concentration enhanced both PPR and FF in both hippocampal segments at stimulation frequencies greater than 1 Hz, independently of the suppression of synaptic transmission by baclofen. These results show that A1Rs and GABABRs control synaptic transmission more effectively in the dorsal and the ventral hippocampus, respectively, and suggest that these receptors modulate PPR and FF/D at different frequency bands of afferent input, in both segments of the hippocampus.
Toxicities that matter: Slow bureaucracy and polluting temporalities in a southern Italian city
Authors: Ippolito A Raffaele
Published: June 2022

This paper deconstructs toxicity through a juxtaposition of a conventional epidemiological approach to pollutants and the lived experience of a highly polluted residential area next to the largest steel production plant in Europe. An ethnographic analysis of toxicity in Taranto illustrates the complexity of various temporal scales through which toxic chemicals contribute to new biological, political and moral balances. Attuning to the slow experiences of pollution is fundamental to shed light on the processes moulding aspirations to environmental justice within the community. In particular, law and bureaucracy imbue pollutants with experiential legitimacy, allowing them to be seen, contested and collectivized. I focus on the residents’ and workers’ dissonant experiences with the bureaucratic system to illustrate how their encounter with asbestos has profoundly shaped toxic exposure to less bureaucratically visible shapeshifting pollutants, thus contributing to a diffused sense of political resignation.
Malignant Transformation of Ameloblastoma of Mandible
Authors: Ram Hari , Mohammad Shadab , Ganguly Roop , Bhardwaj Aakansha , Yadav Bindu
Published: June 2022

The origin of ameloblastic fibrosarcoma (AFS) or ameloblastic dentinosarcoma in the background of ameloblastic fibroma has been widely reported in literature. To the best of our knowledge, the malignant transformation of a benign ameloblastoma to an aggressive variety of AFS has never been reported. Here, we report a rare case of follicular ameloblastoma of mandible in a 16-year-old female, who initially presented with a painless slow growing swelling, gradually transformed into a painful, aggressive variety of AFS requiring extensive surgery and chemoradiation therapy.
Discrete Subaortic Stenosis in an Elderly Patient
Authors: Dey Jaideep , Akhtar Nadeem , Shama Vivek , Mustaqueem Arif , Shrivastava Sameer
Published: June 2022

Discrete subaortic stenosis is an uncommon condition in the elderly population. Echocardiographic examination can be useful for diagnosis with high accuracy. We present a case report of an elderly female patient who presented with accelerated hypertension and was subsequently diagnosed with discrete subaortic stenosis on transthoracic echocardiography. A significant, non-dynamic, left ventricular outflow tract pressure gradient in the presence of aortic regurgitation should raise the possibility of this condition in patients of geriatric age group.
E-Cloud: Efficient seismic fragility assessment of structures based on enhanced cloud analysis
Authors: Zhuang Lujie , Yin Pengcheng , Pang Yutao
Published: June 2022

Cloud analysis is based on linear regression in the logarithmic space using least squares, in which a large number of nonlinear dynamic analyses are required to ensure the regression accuracy. Thus, it needs significant computational effort to derive fragility curves especially for the complicated structures. This article proposed the Enhanced Cloud approach (E-Cloud) to enhance the efficiency but maintain the accuracy of Cloud analysis. The basic concept of the E-Cloud method aims to utilize both maximum and additional seismic responses with corresponding intensity measures (IMs) from ground motions for the logarithmic linear regression in Cloud analysis. The additional seismic responses can be obtained from the engineering demand parameter (EDP)-IM curve, which is generated at the specific time duration when structures are subjected to intensifying dynamic excitations in nonlinear time–history analysis. The required number of nonlinear time–history analyses in Cloud analysis is reduced since additional seismic responses (with their corresponding IM value) are used as additional Cloud points for the Cloud regression. The proposed E-Cloud method is applied for the case study of a typical reinforced concrete (RC) frame structure. By comparison of probabilistic seismic demand models and fragility curves from the E-Cloud method to Cloud analysis, it is demonstrated that the proposed E-Cloud method can significantly improve the computational efficiency of the Cloud analysis, which also leads to accurate fragility estimates of the structures.
American Society of Hematology living guidelines on the use of anticoagulation for thromboprophylaxis for patients with COVID-19: March 2022 update on the use of anticoagulation in critically ill patients
Authors: Cuker Adam , Tseng Eric K. , Schünemann Holger J. , Angchaisuksiri Pantep , Blair Clifton , Dane Kathryn , DeSancho Maria T. , Diuguid David , Griffin Daniel O. , Kahn Susan R. , Klok Frederikus A. , Lee Alfred Ian , Neumann Ignacio , Pai Ashok , Righini Marc , Sanfilippo Kristen M. , Siegal Deborah M. , Skara Mike , Terrell Deirdra R. , Touri Kamshad , Akl Elie A. , Al Jabiri Reyad , Al Jabiri Yazan , Boulos Mary , Brignardello-Petersen Romina , Charide Rana , Colunga-Lozano Luis E. , Dearness Karin , Darzi Andrea J. , Karam Samer G. , Morgano Gian Paolo , Morsi Rami Z. , Philip Binu A. , Benitez Yetiani Roldan , Stevens Adrienne , Solo Karla , Wiercioch Wojtek , Mustafa Reem A. , Nieuwlaat Robby
Published: June 2022

Background:

COVID-19–related critical illness is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Objective:

These evidence-based guidelines of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) are intended to support patients, clinicians, and other health care professionals in decisions about the use of anticoagulation for patients with COVID-19.

Methods:

ASH formed a multidisciplinary guideline panel, including 3 patient representatives, and applied strategies to minimize potential bias from conflicts of interest. The McMaster University Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Centre supported the guideline development process, including performing systematic evidence reviews (up to January 2022). The panel prioritized clinical questions and outcomes according to their importance for clinicians and patients. The panel used the GRADE approach to assess evidence and make recommendations, which were subject to public comment. This is an update to guidelines published in February 2021 and May 2021 as part of the living phase of these guidelines.

Results:

The panel made 1 additional recommendation: a conditional recommendation for the use of prophylactic-intensity over therapeutic-intensity anticoagulation for patients with COVID-19–related critical illness who do not have suspected or confirmed VTE. The panel emphasized the need for an individualized assessment of thrombotic and bleeding risk.

Conclusions:

This conditional recommendation was based on very low certainty in the evidence, underscoring the need for additional, high-quality, randomized controlled trials comparing different intensities of anticoagulation for patients with COVID-19–related critical illness.
Robust Resistive Switching Constancy and Quantum Conductance in High-k Dielectric-Based Memristor for Neuromorphic Engineering
Authors: Ismail Muhammad , Mahata Chandreswar , Kang Myounggon , Kim Sungjun
Published: June 2022

For neuromorphic computing and high-density data storage memory, memristive devices have recently gained a lot of interest. So far, memristive devices have suffered from switching parameter instability, such as distortions in resistance values of low- and high-resistance states (LRSs and HRSs), dispersion in working voltage (set and reset voltages), and a small ratio of high and low resistance, among other issues. In this context, interface engineering is a critical technique for addressing the variation issues that obstruct the use of memristive devices. Herein, we engineered a high band gap, low Gibbs free energy Al2O3interlayer between the HfO2switching layer and the tantalum oxy-nitride electrode (TaN) bottom electrode to operate as an oxygen reservoir, increasing the resistance ratio between HRS and LRS and enabling multilayer data storage. The Pt/HfO2/Al2O3/TaN memristive device demonstrates analog bipolar resistive switching behavior with a potential ratio of HRS and LRS of > 105and the ability to store multi-level data with consistent retention and uniformity. On set and reset voltages, statistical analysis is used; the mean values (µ) of set and reset voltages are determined to be − 2.7 V and + 1.9 V, respectively. There is a repeatable durability over DC 1000 cycles, 105AC cycles, and a retention time of 104 s at room temperature. Quantum conductance was obtained by increasing the reset voltage with step of 0.005 V with delay time of 0.1 s. Memristive device has also displayed synaptic properties like as potentiation/depression and paired-pulse facilitation (PPF). Results show that engineering of interlayer is an effective approach to improve the uniformity, ratio of high and low resistance, and multiple conductance quantization states and paves the way for research into neuromorphic synapses.
Predicting the pathogenicity of bacterial genomes using widely spread protein families
Authors: Naor-Hoffmann Shaked , Svetlitsky Dina , Sal-Man Neta , Orenstein Yaron , Ziv-Ukelson Michal
Published: June 2022

Background

The human body is inhabited by a diverse community of commensal non-pathogenic bacteria, many of which are essential for our health. By contrast, pathogenic bacteria have the ability to invade their hosts and cause a disease. Characterizing the differences between pathogenic and commensal non-pathogenic bacteria is important for the detection of emerging pathogens and for the development of new treatments. Previous methods for classification of bacteria as pathogenic or non-pathogenic used either raw genomic reads or protein families as features. Using protein families instead of reads provided a better interpretability of the resulting model. However, the accuracy of protein-families-based classifiers can still be improved.

Results

We developed a wide scope pathogenicity classifier (WSPC), a new protein-content-based machine-learning classification model. We trained WSPC on a newly curated dataset of 641 bacterial genomes, where each genome belongs to a different species. A comparative analysis we conducted shows that WSPC outperforms existing models on two benchmark test sets. We observed that the most discriminative protein-family features in WSPC are widely spread among bacterial species. These features correspond to proteins that are involved in the ability of bacteria to survive and replicate during an infection, rather than proteins that are directly involved in damaging or invading the host.
Moment estimators of relatedness from low-depth whole-genome sequencing data
Authors: Herzig Anthony F. , Ciullo M. ,   FranceGenRef Consortium, Deleuze Jean-François , Génin Emmanuelle , Redon Richard , Adjou Chantal , Chatel Stéphanie , Férec Claude , Goldberg Marcel , Halbout Philippe-Antoine , Le Marec Hervé , L’Helgouach David , Rouault Karen , Schott Jean-Jacques , Vogelsperger Anne , Zins Marie , Bacq Delphine , Blanchet Hélène , Boland Anne , Lindenbaum Pierre , Ludwig Thomas , Meyer Vincent , Olaso Robert , Velo-Suárez Lourdes , Alves Isabel , Bocher Ozvan , Dina Christian , Herzig Anthony F. , Karakachoff Matilde , Marenne Gaëlle , Pierre Aude Saint , Leutenegger A-L. , Perdry H.
Published: June 2022

Background

Estimating relatedness is an important step for many genetic study designs. A variety of methods for estimating coefficients of pairwise relatedness from genotype data have been proposed. Both the kinship coefficient$$\varphi$$φand the fraternity coefficient$$\psi$$ψfor all pairs of individuals are of interest. However, when dealing with low-depth sequencing or imputation data, individual level genotypes cannot be confidently called. To ignore such uncertainty is known to result in biased estimates. Accordingly, methods have recently been developed to estimate kinship from uncertain genotypes.

Results

We present new method-of-moment estimators of both the coefficients$$\varphi$$φand$$\psi$$ψcalculated directly from genotype likelihoods. We have simulated low-depth genetic data for a sample of individuals with extensive relatedness by using the complex pedigree of the known genetic isolates of Cilento in South Italy. Through this simulation, we explore the behaviour of our estimators, demonstrate their properties, and show advantages over alternative methods. A demonstration of our method is given for a sample of 150 French individuals with down-sampled sequencing data.

Conclusions

We find that our method can provide accurate relatedness estimates whilst holding advantages over existing methods in terms of robustness, independence from external software, and required computation time. The method presented in this paper is referred to as LowKi (Low-depthKinship) and has been made available in an R package (https://github.com/genostats/LowKi).
SAPFIR: A webserver for the identification of alternative protein features
Authors: Zhou Delong , Tran Yvan , Abou Elela Sherif , Scott Michelle S.
Published: June 2022

Background

Alternative splicing can increase the diversity of gene functions by generating multiple isoforms with different sequences and functions. However, the extent to which splicing events have functional consequences remains unclear and predicting the impact of splicing events on protein activity is limited to gene-specific analysis.

Results

To accelerate the identification of functionally relevant alternative splicing events we created SAPFIR, a predictor of protein features associated with alternative splicing events. This webserver tool uses InterProScan to predict protein features such as functional domains, motifs and sites in the human and mouse genomes and link them to alternative splicing events. Alternative protein features are displayed as functions of the transcripts and splice sites. SAPFIR could be used to analyze proteins generated from a single gene or a group of genes and can directly identify alternative protein features in large sequence data sets. The accuracy and utility of SAPFIR was validated by its ability to rediscover previously validated alternative protein domains. In addition, our de novo analysis of public datasets using SAPFIR indicated that only a small portion of alternative protein domains was conserved between human and mouse, and that in human, genes involved in nervous system process, regulation of DNA-templated transcription and aging are more likely to produce isoforms missing functional domains due to alternative splicing.

Conclusion

Overall SAPFIR represents a new tool for the rapid identification of functional alternative splicing events and enables the identification of cellular functions affected by a defined splicing program. SAPFIR is freely available at https://bioinfo-scottgroup.med.usherbrooke.ca/sapfir/, a website implemented in Python, with all major browsers supported. The source code is available at https://github.com/DelongZHOU/SAPFIR.
Ectopic expression of a combination of 5 genes detects high risk forms of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Peng Li-Jun , Zhou Yue-Bo , Geng Mei , Bourova-Flin Ekaterina , Chuffart Florent , Zhang Wei-Na , Wang Tao , Gao Meng-Qing , Xi Meng-Ping , Cheng Zhong-Yi , Zhang Jiao-Jiao , Liu Yuan-Fang , Chen Bing , Khochbin Saadi , Wang Jin , Rousseaux Sophie , Mi Jian-Qing
Published: June 2022

Background

T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) defines a group of hematological malignancies with heterogeneous aggressiveness and highly variable outcome, making therapeutic decisions a challenging task. We tried to discover new predictive model for T-ALL before treatment by using a specific pipeline designed to discover aberrantly active gene.

Results

The expression of 18 genes was significantly associated with shorter survival, including ACTRT2, GOT1L1, SPATA45, TOPAZ1 and ZPBP (5-GEC), which were used as a basis to design a prognostic classifier for T-ALL patients. The molecular characterization of the 5-GEC positive T-ALL unveiled specific characteristics inherent to the most aggressive T leukemic cells, including a drastic shut-down of genes located on the mitochondrial genome and an upregulation of histone genes, the latter characterizing high risk forms in adult patients. These cases fail to respond to the induction treatment, since 5-GEC either predicted positive minimal residual disease (MRD) or a short-term relapse in MRD negative patients.

Conclusion

Overall, our investigations led to the discovery of a homogenous group of leukemic cells with profound alterations of their biology. It also resulted in an accurate predictive tool that could significantly improve the management of T-ALL patients.
Adaptation insights from comparative transcriptome analysis of two Opisthopappus species in the Taihang mountains
Authors: Chen Ning , Zhang Hao , Zang En , Liu Zhi-Xia , Lan Ya-Fei , Hao Wei-Li , He Shan , Fan Xing , Sun Gen-Lou , Wang Yi-Ling
Published: June 2022

Opisthopappus is a major wild source of Asteraceae with resistance to cold and drought. Two species of this genus (Opisthopappus taihangensis and O. longilobus) have been employed as model systems to address the evolutionary history of perennial herb biomes in the Taihang Mountains of China. However, further studies on the adaptive divergence processes of these two species are currently impeded by the lack of genomic resources. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved, a comparative analysis of these two species was conducted. Among the identified transcription factors, the bHLH members were most prevalent, which exhibited significantly different expression levels in the terpenoid metabolic pathway. O. longilobus showed higher level of expression than did O. taihangensis in terms of terpenes biosynthesis and metabolism, particularly monoterpenoids and diterpenoids. Analyses of the positive selection genes (PSGs) identified from O. taihangensis and O. longilobus revealed that 1203 genes were related to adaptative divergence, which were under rapid evolution and/or have signs of positive selection. Differential expressions of PSG occurred primarily in the mitochondrial electron transport, starch degradation, secondary metabolism, as well as nucleotide synthesis and S-metabolism pathway processes. Several PSGs were obviously differentially expressed in terpenes biosynthesis that might result in the fragrances divergence between O. longilobus and O. taihangensis, which would provide insights into adaptation of the two species to different environments that characterized by sub-humid warm temperate and temperate continental monsoon climates. The comparative analysis for these two species in Opisthopappus not only revealed how the divergence occurred from molecular perspective, but also provided novel insights into how differential adaptations occurred in Taihang Mountains.
Whole genome sequencing analysis to evaluate the influence of T2DM on polymorphisms associated with drug resistance in M. tuberculosis
Authors: Bermudez-Hernández Gustavo Adolfo , Pérez-Martínez Damián Eduardo , Madrazo-Moya Carlos Francisco , Cancino-Muñoz Irving , Comas Iñaki , Zenteno-Cuevas Roberto
Published: June 2022

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been associated with treatment failure, and the development of drug resistance in tuberculosis (TB). Also, whole-genome sequencing has provided a better understanding and allowed the growth of knowledge about polymorphisms in genes associated with drug resistance. Considering the above, this study analyzes genome sequences to evaluate the influence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the development of mutations related to tuberculosis drug resistance. M. tuberculosis isolates from individuals with (n = 74), and without (n = 74) type 2 diabetes mellitus was recovered from online repositories, and further analyzed.

Results

The results showed the presence of 431 SNPs with similar proportions between diabetics, and non-diabetics individuals (48% vs. 52%), but with no significant relationship. A greater number of mutations associated with rifampicin resistance was observed in the T2DM-TB individuals (23.2% vs. 16%), and the exclusive presence of rpoBQ432L, rpoBQ432P, rpoBS441L, and rpoBH445L variants. While these variants are not private to T2DM-TB cases they are globally rare highlighting a potential role of T2DM. The phylogenetic analysis showed 12 sublineages, being 4.1.1.3, and 4.1.2.1 the most prevalent in T2DM-TB individuals but not differing from those most prevalent in their geographic location. Four clonal complexes were found, however, no significant relationship with T2DM was observed. Samples size and potential sampling biases prevented us to look for significant associations.

Conclusions

The occurrence of globally rare rifampicin variants identified only in isolates from individuals with T2DM could be due to the hyperglycemic environment within the host. Therefore, further studies about the dynamics of SNPs’ generation associated with antibiotic resistance in patients with diabetes mellitus are necessary.
Genome-wide identification of PME gene family and expression of candidate genes associated with aluminum tolerance in tea plant (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Huang Danjuan , Mao Yingxin , Guo Guiyi , Ni Dejiang , Chen Liang
Published: June 2022

Background

The major aluminum (Al) detoxication mechanism of tea plant (Camellia sinensis), as an Al hyperaccumulator plant, is the fixation of almost 70% of Al in the cell walls. Pectin is the primary constituent of cell walls, a degree of methylation of pectin polysaccharides regulated by the pectin methylesterase (PME) genes can greatly affect the Al binding capacity. The knowledge on PME gene family in tea plant is still poor.

Results

We identified 66 (CsPME1-CsPME66) PME genes from C. sinensis genome. We studied their protein characterization, conserved motifs, gene structure, systematic evolution and gene expression under Al treatments, to establish a basis for in-depth research on the function of PMEs in tea plant. Gene structures analysis revealed that the majority of PME genes had 2–4 exons. Phylogenetic results pointed out that the PME genes from the same species displayed comparatively high sequence consistency and genetic similarity. Selective pressure investigation suggested that the Ka/Ks value for homologous genes of PME family was less than one. The expression of CsPMEs under three Al concentration treatments was tissue specific, eight PME genes in leaves and 15 in roots displayed a trend similar to of the Al contents and PME activities under Al concentration treatments, indicating that the degree of pectin de-esterification regulated by PME was crucial for Al tolerance of tea plant.

Conclusions

Sixty-six CsPME genes were identified for the first time in tea plant. The genome-wide identification, classification, evolutionary and transcription analyses of the PME gene family provided a new direction for further research on the function of PME gene in Al tolerance of tea plant.
A new major QTL for flag leaf thickness in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: Niu Yanan , Chen Tianxiao , Zheng Zhi , Zhao Chenchen , Liu Chunji , Jia Jizeng , Zhou Meixue
Published: June 2022

Background

Carbohydrate accumulation of photosynthetic organs, mainly leaves, are the primary sources of grain yield in cereals. The flag leaf plays a vital role in seed development, which is probably the most neglected morphological characteristic during traditional selection processes.

Results

In this experiment, four flag leaf morphological traits and seven yield-related traits were investigated in a DH population derived from a cross between a wild barley and an Australian malting barley cultivar. Flag leaf thickness (FLT) showed significantly positive correlations with grain size. Four QTL, located on chromosomes 1H, 2H, 3H, and 5H, respectively, were identified for FLT. Among them, a major QTL was located on chromosome 3H with a LOD value of 18.4 and determined 32% of the phenotypic variation. This QTL showed close links but not pleiotropism to the previously reported semi-dwarf gene sdw1 from the cultivated barley. This QTL was not reported before and the thick leaf allele from the wild barley could provide a useful source for improving grain yield through breeding.

Conclusions

Our results also provided valuable evidence that source traits and sink traits in barley are tightly connected and suggest further improvement of barley yield potential with enhanced and balanced source and sink relationships by exploiting potentialities of the wild barley resources. Moreover, this study will provide a novel sight on understanding the evolution and development of leaf morphology in barley and improving barley production by rewilding for lost superior traits during plant evolution.
Longitudinal alterations of the gut mycobiota and microbiota on COVID-19 severity
Authors: Maeda Yuichi , Motooka Daisuke , Kawasaki Takahiro , Oki Hiroya , Noda Yoshimi , Adachi Yuichi , Niitsu Takayuki , Okamoto Shota , Tanaka Kentaro , Fukushima Kiyoharu , Amiya Saori , Hara Reina , Oguro-Igashira Eri , Matsuki Takanori , Hirata Haruhiko , Takeda Yoshito , Kida Hiroshi , Kumanogoh Atsushi , Nakamura Shota , Takeda Kiyoshi
Published: June 2022

Background

The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the gut fungal (mycobiota) and bacterial (microbiota) communities has been elucidated individually. This study analyzed both gut mycobiota and microbiota and their correlation in the COVID-19 patients with severe and mild conditions and follow-up to monitor their alterations after recovery.

Methods

We analyzed the gut mycobiota and microbiota by bacterial 16S and fungal ITS1 metagenomic sequencing of 40 severe patients, 38 mild patients, and 30 healthy individuals and reanalyzed those of 10 patients with severe COVID-19 approximately 6 months after discharge.

Results

The mycobiota of the severe and mild groups showed lower diversity than the healthy group, and in some, characteristic patterns dominated by a single fungal species, Candida albicans, were detected. Lower microbial diversity in the severe group was observed, but no differences in its diversity or community structure were detected between the mild and healthy groups. The microbiota of the severe group was characterized by an increase in Enterococcus and Lactobacillus, and a decrease in Faecalibacterium and Bacteroides. The abundance of Candida was positively correlated with that of Enterococcus in patients with COVID-19. After the recovery of severe patients, alteration of the microbiota remained, but the mycobiota recovered its diversity comparable to that of mild and healthy groups.

Conclusion

In mild cases, the microbiota is stable during SARS-CoV-2 infection, but in severe cases, alterations persist for 6 months after recovery.
Low positivity rates for HBeAg and HBV DNA in rheumatoid arthritis patients: a case–control study
Authors: Jia Yue , Zhang Jingjing , Mo Lingfei , Ju Bomiao , Hu Nan , Wang Yanhua , Wang Pei , Zheng Jie , He Lan , Wang Jing
Published: June 2022

Background

The rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are controversial when considering the reported outcomes. It was speculated that HBV infection status was altered after RA, and variations inn HBV infection rates became apparent.

Methods

To compare the positive proportions of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and HBV DNA, a retrospective case–control study was performed between 27 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with RA and 108 age- and gender-matched CHB patients. In addition, the positivity rates of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) were surveyed among the 892 RA patients.

Results

Compared to CHB patients, CHB patients with RA exhibited lower rates of HBeAg positivity (11.1% vs. 35.2%, P = 0.003), HBV DNA positivity (37.0% vs. 63.9%, P = 0.007) and ALT elevation (11.1% vs. 35.2%, P = 0.024). In the 892 RA patients, the prevalence of HBsAg (3.0%) was lower than that reported in the Chinese national data (7.2%), whereas the anti-HBc positivity rate of 44.6% was higher than that of 34.1%.

Conclusion

HBV infection status was altered after suffering from RA. Compared to the matched CHB patients, low positive proportions of HBeAg and HBV DNA were observed for CHB patients with RA.
The trend in delayed childbearing and its potential consequences on pregnancy outcomes: a single center 9-years retrospective cohort study in Hubei, China
Authors: Li Hui , Nawsherwan  , Fan Cuifang , Mubarik Sumaira , Nabi Ghulam , Ping Yin Xiao
Published: June 2022

Background

Due to the advancement of modern societies, the proportion of women who delay childbearing until or beyond 30 years has dramatically increased in the last three decades and has been linked with adverse maternal-neonatal outcomes.

Objective

To determine the trend in delayed childbearing and its negative impact on pregnancy outcomes.

Material and methods

A tertiary hospital-based retrospective study was conducted in Wuhan University Renmin Hospital, Hubei Province, China, during the years 2011–2019. The joinpoint regression analysis was used to find a trend in the delayed childbearing and the multiple binary logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between maternal age and pregnancy outcomes.

Results

Between 2011 and 2019, the trend in advanced maternal age (AMA ≥35 years) increased by 75% [AAPC 7.5% (95% CI: − 10.3, 28.9)]. Based on maternal education and occupation, trend in AMA increased by 130% [AAPC 11.8% (95% CI: 1.1, 23.7)] in women of higher education level, and 112.5% [AAPC 10.1% (95% CI: 9.4, 10.9)] in women of professional services. After adjusting for confounding factors, AMA was significantly associated with increased risk of gestational hypertension (aOR 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2, 2.1), preeclampsia (aOR 1.6; 95% CI: 1.4, 1.9), sever preeclampsia (aOR 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1, 2.6), placenta previa (aOR 1.8; 95% CI: 1.5, 2.2), gestational diabetes mellitus (aOR 2.5; 95% CI: 2.3, 2.9), preterm births (aOR 1.6; 95% CI: 1.4, 1.7), perinatal mortality (aOR 1.8; 95% CI: 1.3, 2.3), and low birth weight (aOR 1.3; 95% CI: 1.2, 1.4) compared with women aged < 30 years.

Conclusion

Our findings show a marked increase in delayed childbearing and its negative association with pregnancy outcomes.
Optical coherence tomography findings in patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia
Authors: Haghpanah Sezaneh , Zekavat Omid Reza , Safaei Sanaz , Ashraf Mohammad Ali , Parand Shirin , Ashraf Hossein
Published: June 2022

Background

Structural ophthalmologic findings have been reported in patients with β-thalassemia due to chronic anemia, iron overload, and iron chelation therapy toxicity in few previous studies. We aimed to investigate structural ocular findings and their relationship with hematological parameters in patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT).

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, from January 2018 to January 2019, 39 patients with TDT over the age of 18 participated. Multicolor fundus imaging, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and blue light fundus autofluorescence imaging were performed for all patients and 27 age- and sex-matched controls.

Results

The mean age of patients was 28.6 ± 6.2 years. The central macular thickness and macular thicknesses in all quadrants were significantly thinner in patients than controls (P<0.05). None of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) measurements were significantly different between TDT patients and controls. There was a significantly negative correlation between hemoglobin with central macula thickness (r=-0.439, P=0.005). All measurements of macular subfield thickness were insignificantly thinner in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) compared to the non-DM subgroup.

Conclusions

Macular thickness was significantly thinner in central macula and entire quadrants in TDT patients compared to healthy individuals; however, all RNFL measurement thicknesses were comparable between the two groups. Close monitoring of TDT patients by periodic ophthalmologic examinations with more focus on diabetic patients, patients with severe anemia and iron overload should be warranted.
Molecular epidemiological surveillance of viral agents of acute lower respiratory tract infections in children in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Kafintu-Kwashie Anna Aba , Nii-Trebi Nicholas Israel , Obodai Evangeline , Neizer Margaret , Adiku Theophilus Korku , Odoom John Kofi
Published: June 2022

Background

Acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) in children under 5 years is known to be predominantly caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In recent times, however, human metapneumovirus (HMPV) has also been implicated. This study sought to investigate and genotype respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus in children presenting with ALRTIs infection at the Princess Marie Louis Children’s Hospital in Accra, Ghana.

Methods

Children below 5 years who were clinically diagnosed of ALRTI and on admission at the study site were recruited between September 2015 and November 2016 for this study. Demographic data information was obtained by means of a standardized questionnaire; and relevant clinical information was obtained from medical records. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 176 children recruited for the study. Ribonucleic acid was extracted from swabs and cDNA syntheses were performed by RT-PCR. RSV-positive amplicons were sequenced and analyzed for genotype assignment.

Results

RSV and HMPV prevalence among the sampled subjects were 11.4 and 1.7% respectively. Of the RSV positives, 8/20 (40%) were RSV-A and 12/20 (60%) were RSV-B. The highest prevalence was observed in children less than 12 months old. Phylogenetic analysis of the second hypervariable region of the RSV G-gene revealed that all RSV group A viruses belonged to the “novel” ON1 genotype containing the 72-nucleotide duplication; and RSV group B viruses belong to the BA IX genotype.

Conclusion

RSV is frequently detected in children aged under 5 years admitted with ALRTI in Ghana. Continued surveillance of viral aetiological agents is warranted to elucidate the prevalence and transmission patterns of viral pathogens that cause respiratory tract infections among children. This will help inform appropriate intervention approaches.
Large intraosseous chronic expanding hematoma after total hip arthroplasty presenting with chronic disseminated intravascular coagulation: a case report and literature review
Authors: Yamamuro Yuki , Kabata Tamon , Takeuchi Akihiko , Kajino Yoshitomo , Inoue Daisuke , Ohmori Takaaki , Yoshitani Junya , Ueno Takuro , Ueoka Ken , Taninaka Atsushi , Kataoka Tomoyuki , Saiki Yoshitomo , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: June 2022

Background

A chronic expanding hematoma (CEH) is a rare complication caused by surgery or trauma; it mostly affects the soft tissues, such as those in the trunk or extremities. We present the first case of a large intraosseous CEH presenting with chronic disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), 22 years after total hip arthroplasty (THA); the CEH was treated with a single-stage excision and revision THA.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old man presented to our hospital with left thigh pain and an enlarging mass. He had no history of trauma, anticoagulant use, or a collagen vascular disorder. The patient initially declined surgery. Two years later, radiographs and computed tomography images revealed progressive osteolysis, marginal sclerosis, and calcification in the left femur, in addition to loosening of the femoral component. Laboratory data revealed anemia and chronic DIC of unknown causes. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a “mosaic sign” on the mass, indicating a mix of low- and high-signal intensities on T2-weighted images. Needle biopsy prior to surgery revealed no infection or malignant findings. An intraosseous CEH was suspected due to extensive osteolysis and loosening of the femoral component. No other factors that could induce chronic DIC were identified, such as sepsis, leukemia, cancer, trauma, liver disease, aneurysms, or hemangiomas. Therefore, we speculated that the anemia and chronic DIC were caused by the large intraosseous CEH. A single-stage revision THA with surgical excision was performed to preserve the hip function and improve the chronic DIC. The postoperative histopathological findings were consistent with an intraosseous CEH. The anemia and chronic DIC improved after 7 days. There was no recurrence of intraosseous CEH or chronic DIC at the 6-month follow-up. The left thigh pain improved, and the patient could ambulate with the assistance of a walking frame.

Conclusions

The loosening of the femoral component caused persistent movement, which may have caused intraosseous CEH growth, anemia, and chronic DIC. It is important to differentiate CEHs from malignant tumors with hematomas. Furthermore, the “mosaic sign” noted in this case has also been observed on magnetic resonance images in other cases of CEH.
Comparison of tensile bond strength of ball attachments made of different materials to root canal dentin after chewing simulation
Authors: Abdelfattah Mohamed Ahmed Mostafa , El Homossany Mahmoud El-Moutassem Bellah , Abdelmoniem Sarah Mohamed , Abdelrahman Tariq Yehia
Published: June 2022

Background

Debonding of ball attachments is one of the complications that annoy teeth supported overdenture wearers. The polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) polymers are widely applied in the dental field. The purpose of the current study was to compare the tensile bond strength of ball attachments made of such materials and the commonly used titanium ones after 5 years of overdenture insertion and removal (5000 cycles) in addition to chewing simulation (1,200,000 cycle).

Methods

Extracted mandibular canines (N = 60) were randomly allocated into three groups and received ball attachments; titanium (group TI; N = 20), PEEK (group PE; N = 20), PEKK (group PK; N = 20). In each group, the samples were divided into two subgroups whereas tensile bond strength was measured pre aging (T0; n = 10) and post aging (T1; n = 10). Tensile bond strength was measured by the Pull out test using the Universal testing machine. Failure mode analysis was determined by examination of the samples’ surfaces under 65X stereomicroscope. The resulting data followed normal distribution and the significance level was set at (α = 0.05).

Results

One Way Anova showed statistically significant difference between the three groups (P < .00001). PostHoc Tukey test showed statistically significant difference between the groups TI and PE, TI and PK and no statistically significant difference between the groups PE and PK. Paired t test showed statistically significant difference in the tensile bond strength pre and post aging in each group.

Conclusions

PEEK and PEKK ball attachments could be concluded to have a higher tensile bond strength compared to the titanium ones when bonded to root dentin. Tensile bond strength of such attachments may decrease with aging as well. Clinically, the higher tensile bond strength may have a lesser rate of debonding and thus reduced patient apprehension.
Primary clear cell adenocarcinoma of female urinary tract: a case report and literature review
Authors: Miao Jianguang , Hu Jiebin , Wu Jilin , Guo Wei , Chen Jinbo , Li Jin
Published: June 2022

Background

Primary clear cell adenocarcinoma of the urethra is extremely rare, reported only in single case reports, and its histological origin is not clear. There is no standard treatment for CCAU at present, and surgery is still the main treatment for CCAU without distant metastasis.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old female complained of gross hematuria with frequent micturition and urgency. No urethral diverticulum was found by cystoscopy or MRI, and the mass grew around the urethra. Urethral and anterior pelvic viscera resection was performed. Clear cell adenocarcinoma was confirmed by immunohistochemistry after the operation, and no recurrence or metastasis was found after one year of follow-up.

Conclusion

CCAU is very rare, and most cases originate from the urethral diverticulum and some may also originate from tissues around the urethra. For CCAU patients without distant metastasis, the main treatment is still surgery, and radiotherapy and chemotherapy can be performed for patients with distant metastasis. Gene detection may provide guidance for the precise chemotherapy of CCAU.
Do learning style preferences influence the cumulative gross point average and self directed learning hours in dental students: a preliminary study
Authors: Ganji Kiran Kumar , Alam Mohammad Khursheed , Gudipaneni Ravi Kumar , Algarni Hmoud , Munisekhar Manay Srinivas , Hamza May Osman , Mousa Mohammed Assayed , Sghaireen Mohammed Ghazi
Published: June 2022

Background

Learning styles influence the outcome of the student performances based on preliminary data available. To evaluate whether the learning styles discriminate the cumulative gross point average (CGPA) scores and self-directed learning hours (SDL) in an integrated curriculum of dental students.

Methods

Participants in this blinded cross-sectional study were dental students enrolled in the Bachelor of Dental & Oral Surgery program at XXXX College of Dentistry. An online survey (Kolb Learning Style Inventory) was used to collect data. It has four sections: Concrete Experience (CE), Abstract Conceptualization (AC), Reflective Observation (RO), and Active Experimentation (AE). Questionnaire was distributed electronically to students of Academic level 1 to 5, selected by using non-probability quota sampling technique. In addition to learning style assessment the questionnaire also included measures to obtain data such as gender, academic level, CGPA score, and SDL hours of participants. The CGPA scores were categorized into average (3 to 3.6), good (3.7 to 4.2), excellent (4.3 to 4.7) and outstanding (> 4.7) as well as SDL in to three classes as, < 1 h, > 1 but < 3 h and > 3 h. Discriminant function test was computed to assess the effectiveness of discrimination by the learning styles in GPA and SDL.

Results

The study's questionnaire was completed by 198 participants (43% females and 57% males). Learning styles were discriminated by excellent category of CGPA scores that presented 72.1% group membership whereas in case of outstanding category presented the least as 17% group membership. Learning styles were discriminated by > 2 but < 3 h category of SDL hours that presented 69.7% group membership.

Conclusion

Learning styles can be used to discriminate the student academic performances and self-directed learning hours. Among the different category of CGPA participants with outstanding performance represent a good prediction for learning styles preferences. Participants with varying SDL hours also influenced the learning styles.
Working environment of nurses in public referral hospitals of West Amhara, Ethiopia, 2021
Authors: Kassahun Chanyalew Worku , Abate Addisu Taye , Tezera Zewdu Baye , Beshah Debrework Tesgera , Agegnehu Chilot Desta , Getnet Mohammed Adem , Abate Hailemichael Kindie , Yazew Birhaneslasie Gebeyehu , Alemu Mahlet Temesgen
Published: June 2022

Background

Healthy working environment for nurses is a foundation for promoting patients’ and nurses’ safety in hospitals. However, in Ethiopia, there is scarcity of data on this issue. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the working environment of nurses in Public Referral Hospitals in Public Referral Hospitals of West Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia, 2021.

Methods

An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 nurses from January to February 2021. Systematic random sampling was used to select nurses from each hospital. Structured, self-administered questionnaires were used to collect the data. EPI- DATA and SPSS were used for data entry and analysis respectively. Frequency, percentages, and means were calculated. Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index tool was used to measure the outcome variable. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were computed to identify associated factors. Finally, texts, tables and graphs were used to report findings.

Results

The response rate for the study was 96.2%. Around 210 (51.6%) of the study participants were male. One hundred eighty eight (46.2%) nurses reported that their working environment was healthy, while 219 (53.8%,) reported it as not healthy. Nurses who were working in pediatrics wards (AOR = 0.13, 0.02, 0.1) and nurses who gave care for 7–12 patients per day (AOR = 0.21, 0.05, 0.98) were less likely to have a healthy working environment, respectively. Nurses who reported the Ministry of Health to give focus to the nursing profession were 73% more likely to have a healthy work environment (AOR = 0.27; 0.09, .82).

Conclusion

and recommendations.

More than half of nurses reported that their working environment was not healthy to appropriate practice. Hence, introducing systems to improve participation of nurses in hospital affairs and patient care is essential. It is also important to give attention to nurses who are working at pediatrics wards, and for nurses who give care more than the standards.