bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing organisational capacity for evidence-informed health policy and planning: an adaptation of the ORACLe tool for Australian primary health care organizations
Authors: Windle Alice , Javanparast Sara , Freeman Toby , Baum Fran
Published: February 2021

Background

Many nations have established primary health care (PHC) organizations that conduct PHC planning for defined geographical areas. The Australian Government established Primary Health Networks (PHNs) in 2015 to develop and commission PHC strategies to address local needs. There has been little written about the capacity of such organizations for evidence-informed planning, and no tools have been developed to assess this capacity, despite their potential to contribute to a comprehensive effective and efficient PHC sector.

Methods

We adapted the ORACLe tool, originally designed to examine evidence-informed policy-making capacity, to examine organizational capacity for evidence-informed planning in meso-level PHC organizations, using PHNs as an example. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 participants from five PHNs, using the ORACLe tool, and scores assigned to responses, in seven domains of capacity.

Results

There was considerable variation between PHNs and capacity domains. Generally, higher capacity was demonstrated in regard to mechanisms which could inform planning through research, and support relationships with researchers. PHNs showed lower capacity for evaluating initiatives, tools and support for staff, and staff training.

Discussion and conclusions

We critique the importance of weightings and scope of some capacity domains in the ORACLe tool. Despite this, with some minor modifications, we conclude the ORACLe tool can identify capacity strengths and limitations in meso-level PHC organizations. Well-targeted capacity development enables PHC organizations’ strategies to be better informed by evidence, for optimal impact on PHC and population health outcomes.
Tibia stress injury and the imaging appearance of stress fracture in juvenile dermatomyositis: six patients’ experiences
Authors: Nozawa Tomo , Bell-Peter Audrey , Doria Andrea S. , Marcuz Jo-Anne , Stimec Jennifer , Whitney Kristi , Feldman Brian M.
Published: February 2021

Background

Tibial stress injuries are frequent injuries of the lower extremity and the most common causes of exercise-induced leg pain among athletes and military recruits. They sometimes occur in patients with pathological conditions of bone metabolism such as osteoporosis or rheumatoid arthritis, but there are previously no cases reported in juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM). Here we report 6 JDM patients who presented with shin pain, and the imaging appearance of tibial stress fractures or stress reactions.

Case presentation

All 6 patients with JDM presented with shin pain or tenderness in the anterior tibia without any evidence of excessive exercise or traumatic episode. They were diagnosed with tibial stress injuries based on a combination of radiographs, three-phase bone scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 5 out of 6 patients had been treated with prednisone and/or methotrexate at onset of tibial stress injuries. In one patient, we could not find any abnormalities in his radiograph, but the subsequent MRI showed tibial stress reaction. In all 6 patients, the tibial stress injuries improved with only rest and/or analgesics.

Conclusion

We experienced 6 children with JDM who presented with shin pain, and who were diagnosed with tibial stress fractures or stress reactions. Their underlying disease and weakness, treatment with glucocorticoid and methotrexate, or inactivity may have resulted in these tibial injuries, and made these patients more predisposed than other children. In addition to preventing JDM patients from getting osteoporosis, we need to consider stress reactions when children with JDM complain of sudden shin pain.
Current status and recent advances in reirradiation of glioblastoma
Authors: Minniti Giuseppe , Niyazi Maximilian , Alongi Filippo , Navarria Piera , Belka Claus
Published: February 2021

Despite aggressive management consisting of maximal safe surgical resection followed by external beam radiation therapy (60 Gy/30 fractions) with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide, approximately 90% of WHO grade IV gliomas (glioblastomas, GBM) will recur locally within 2 years. For patients with recurrent GBM, no standard of care exists. Thanks to the continuous improvement in radiation science and technology, reirradiation has emerged as feasible approach for patients with brain tumors. Using stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), either hypofractionated or conventionally fractionated schedules, several studies have suggested survival benefits following reirradiation of patients with recurrent GBM; however, there are still questions to be answered about the efficacy and toxicity associated with a second course of radiation. We provide a clinical overview on current status and recent advances in reirradiation of GBM, addressing relevant clinical questions such as the appropriate patient selection and radiation technique, optimal dose fractionation, reirradiation tolerance of the brain and the risk of radiation necrosis.
Using ROPScore and CHOP ROP for early prediction of retinopathy of prematurity in a Chinese population
Authors: Sun Huiqing , Dong Yubin , Liu Yanxia , Chen Qingqin , Wang Yanxi , Cheng Bin , Qin Shaobo , Meng Liping , Li Shanxiu , Zhang Yanlun , Zhang Aiguo , Yan Weiling , Dong Yuhong , Cheng Shuyi , Li Mingchao , Yu Zengyuan
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disease that causes vision loss, vision impairment, and blindness, most frequently manifesting among preterm infants. ROPScore and CHOP ROP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia ROP) are similar scoring models to predict ROP using risk factors such as postnatal weight gain, birth weight (BW), and gestation age (GA). The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy and difference between using ROPScore and CHOP ROP for the early prediction of ROP.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted from January 2009 to December 2019 in China. Patients eligible for enrollment included infants admitted to NICU at ≤32 weeks GA or those with ≤1500 g BW. The sensitivity and specificity of ROPScore and CHOP ROP were analyzed, as well as its suitability as an independent predictor of ROP.

Results

Severe ROP was found in 5.0% of preterm infants. The sensitivity and specificity of the ROPScore test at any stage of ROP was 55.8 and 77.8%, respectively. For severe ROP, the sensitivity and specificity was 50 and 87.0%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the ROPScore for predicting severe ROP was 0.76. This value was significantly higher than the values for birth weight (0.60), gestational age (0.73), and duration of ventilation (0.63), when each was category measured separately. For the CHOP ROP, it correctly predicted infants who developed type 1 ROP (sensitivity, 100%, specificity, 21.4%).

Conclusions

The CHOP ROP model predicted infants who developed type 1 ROP at a sensitivity of 100% whereas ROPScore had a sensitivity of 55.8%. Therefore, the CHOP ROP model is more suitable for Chinese populations than the ROPScore test.

Clinical registration number and STROBE guidelines

This article was a retrospective cohort study and reported the results of the ROPScore and CHOP ROP algorithms. No results pertaining to interventions on human participants were reported. Thus, registration was not required and this study followed STROBE guidelines.
Markers of endothelial and epithelial pulmonary injury in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 ICU patients
Authors: Spadaro Savino , Fogagnolo Alberto , Campo Gianluca , Zucchetti Ottavio , Verri Marco , Ottaviani Irene , Tunstall Tanushree , Grasso Salvatore , Scaramuzzo Valentina , Murgolo Francesco , Marangoni Elisabetta , Vieceli Dalla Sega Francesco , Fortini Francesca , Pavasini Rita , Rizzo Paola , Ferrari Roberto , Papi Alberto , Volta Carlo Alberto , Contoli Marco
Published: February 2021

Background

Biomarkers can be used to detect the presence of endothelial and/or alveolar epithelial injuries in case of ARDS. Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion protein-1 (VCAM-1), P-selectin and E-selectin are biomarkers of endothelial injury, whereas the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) reflects alveolar epithelial injury. The aims of this study were to evaluate whether the plasma concentration of the above-mentioned biomarkers was different 1) in survivors and non-survivors of COVID-19-related ARDS and 2) in COVID-19-related and classical ARDS.

Methods

This prospective study was performed in two COVID-19-dedicated Intensive Care Units (ICU) and one non-COVID-19 ICU at Ferrara University Hospital. A cohort of 31 mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 ARDS and a cohort of 11 patients with classical ARDS were enrolled. Ang-2, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, P-selectin, E-selectin and RAGE were determined with a bead-based multiplex immunoassay at three time points: inclusion in the study (T1), after 7 ± 2 days (T2) and 14 ± 2 days (T3). The primary outcome was to evaluate the plasma trend of the biomarker levels in survivors and non-survivors. The secondary outcome was to evaluate the differences in respiratory mechanics variables and gas exchanges between survivors and non-survivors. Furthermore, we compared the plasma levels of the biomarkers at T1 in patients with COVID-19-related ARDS and classical ARDS.

Results

In COVID-19-related ARDS, the plasma levels of Ang-2 and ICAM-1 at T1 were statistically higher in non-survivors than survivors, (p = 0.04 and p = 0.03, respectively), whereas those of P-selectin, E-selectin and RAGE did not differ. Ang-2 and ICAM-1 at T1 were predictors of mortality (AUROC 0.650 and 0.717, respectively). At T1, RAGE and P-selectin levels were higher in classical ARDS than in COVID-19-related ARDS. Ang-2, ICAM-1 and E-selectin were lower in classical ARDS than in COVID-19-related ARDS (all p < 0.001).

Conclusions

COVID-19 ARDS is characterized by an early pulmonary endothelial injury, as detected by Ang-2 and ICAM-1. COVID-19 ARDS and classical ARDS exhibited a different expression of biomarkers, suggesting different pathological pathways.

Trial registration

NCT04343053, Date of registration:April 13, 2020
Regulatory T lymphocyte infiltration in metastatic breast cancer—an independent prognostic factor that changes with tumor progression
Authors: Stenström Jenny , Hedenfalk Ingrid , Hagerling Catharina
Published: February 2021

Background

Patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer have poor outcome with a median survival of approximately 2 years. While novel therapeutic options are urgently needed, the great majority of breast cancer research has focused on the primary tumor and less is known about metastatic breast cancer and the prognostic impact of the metastatic tumor microenvironment. Here we investigate the immune landscape in unique clinical material. We explore how the immune landscape changes with metastatic progression and elucidate the prognostic role of immune cells infiltrating primary tumors and corresponding lymph node and more importantly distant metastases.

Methods

Immunohistochemical staining was performed on human breast cancer tissue microarrays from primary tumors (n = 231), lymph node metastases (n = 129), and distant metastases (n = 43). Infiltration levels of T lymphocytes (CD3+), regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs, FOXP3+), macrophages (CD68+), and neutrophils (NE+) were assessed in primary tumors. T lymphocytes and Tregs were further investigated in lymph node and distant metastases.

Results

T lymphocyte and Treg infiltration were the most clinically important immune cell populations in primary tumors. Infiltration of T lymphocytes and Tregs in primary tumors correlated with proliferation (P = 0.007, P = 0.000) and estrogen receptor negativity (P = 0.046, P = 0.026). While both T lymphocyte and Treg infiltration had a negative correlation to luminal A subtype (P = 0.031, P = 0.000), only Treg infiltration correlated to luminal B (P = 0.034) and triple-negative subtype (P = 0.019). In primary tumors, infiltration of T lymphocytes was an independent prognostic factor for recurrence-free survival (HR = 1.77, CI = 1.01–3.13, P = 0.048), while Treg infiltration was an independent prognostic factor for breast cancer-specific survival (HR = 1.72, CI = 1.14–2.59, P = 0.01). Moreover, breast cancer patients with Treg infiltration in their distant metastases had poor post-recurrence survival (P = 0.039). Treg infiltration levels changed with metastatic tumor progression in 50% of the patients, but there was no significant trend toward neither lower nor higher infiltration.

Conclusion

Treg infiltration could have clinical applicability as a prognostic biomarker, deciphering metastatic breast cancer patients with worse prognosis, and accordingly, could be a suitable immunotherapeutic target for patients with metastatic breast cancer. Importantly, half of the patients had changes in Treg infiltration during the course of metastatic progression emphasizing the need to characterize the metastatic immune landscape.
ReSeq simulates realistic Illumina high-throughput sequencing data
Authors: Schmeing Stephan , Robinson Mark D.
Published: February 2021

In high-throughput sequencing data, performance comparisons between computational tools are essential for making informed decisions at each step of a project. Simulations are a critical part of method comparisons, but for standard Illumina sequencing of genomic DNA, they are often oversimplified, which leads to optimistic results for most tools. ReSeq improves the authenticity of synthetic data by extracting and reproducing key components from real data. Major advancements are the inclusion of systematic errors, a fragment-based coverage model and sampling-matrix estimates based on two-dimensional margins. These improvements lead to more faithful performance evaluations. ReSeq is available athttps://github.com/schmeing/ReSeq.
iMAP: integration of multiple single-cell datasets by adversarial paired transfer networks
Authors: Wang Dongfang , Hou Siyu , Zhang Lei , Wang Xiliang , Liu Baolin , Zhang Zemin
Published: February 2021

The integration of single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets from multiple sources is critical for deciphering cell-to-cell heterogeneities and interactions in complex biological systems. We present a novel unsupervised batch effect removal framework, called iMAP, based on both deep autoencoders and generative adversarial networks. Compared with current methods, iMAP shows superior, robust, and scalable performance in terms of both reliably detecting the batch-specific cells and effectively mixing distributions of the batch-shared cell types. Applying iMAP to tumor microenvironment datasets from two platforms, Smart-seq2 and 10x Genomics, we find that iMAP can leverage the powers of both platforms to discover novel cell-cell interactions.
Correction to: Prevalence and risk factors for lung involvement on low-dose chest CT (LDCT) in a paucisymptomatic population of 247 patients affected by COVID-19
Authors: Castelli Maxime , Maurin Arnaud , Bartoli Axel , Dassa Michael , Marchi Baptiste , Finance Julie , Lagier Jean-Christophe , Million Matthieu , Parola Philippe , Brouqui Philippe , Raoult Didier , Cortaredona Sebastien , Jacquier Alexis , Gaubert Jean-Yves , Habert Paul
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Anatomical study of the proximal tibiofibular ligaments using ultrasound
Authors: Scarciolla Laura , Herteleer Matthias , Turquet Edouard , Badr Sammy , Demondion Xavier , Jacques Thibaut , Cotten Anne
Published: February 2021

Objectives

No description of the proximal tibiofibular (PTF) ligaments by means of high ultrasound has yet been reported in the literature. The purpose of this study was to assess whether ultrasound may allow the assessment of these ligaments.

Methods

This study was initially undertaken in three cadaveric knees, followed by an ultrasound study performed by two musculoskeletal radiologists working in consensus of 52 patients without history of trauma or surgery of the knee, and without lateral knee pain. The visibility, echogenicity, length and thickness of the PTF ligaments were assessed.

Results

Regarding the anterior PTF ligament, the superior bundle and the upper and lower middle bundles were clearly seen in 42.3%, 100% and 75% of the knees, respectively. Regarding the posterior PTF ligament, the superior and middle bundles were clearly seen in 88.4% and 51.9% of the knees, respectively. The echo-anatomy of these ligaments and the probe positioning allowing their best depiction were described in this study.

Conclusion

Most of the PTF ligaments can be visualized by means of ultrasound. This possible assessment may have clinical applications, particularly in patients with lateral knee pain.
Dual-energy CT angiography reveals high prevalence of perfusion defects unrelated to pulmonary embolism in COVID-19 lesions
Authors: Le Berre Alice , Boeken Tom , Caramella Caroline , Afonso Daniel , Nhy Caroline , Saccenti Laetitia , Tardivel Anne-Marie , Gerber Sophie , Frison Roche Adrien , Emmerich Joseph , Marini Valeria , Zins Marc , Toledano Sarah
Published: February 2021

Background

Lung perfusion defects (PDs) have been described in COVID-19 using dual-energy computed tomography pulmonary angiography (DE-CTPA). We assessed the prevalence and characteristics of PDs in COVID-19 patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) and negative CTPA.

Methods

This retrospective study included COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 pneumonia groups of patients with DE-CTPA negative for PE. Two radiologists rated the presence of PD within the lung opacities and analyzed the type of lung opacities and PD pattern (i.e. homogeneous or heterogeneous). The clinical, biological, radiological characteristics including time from first symptoms and admission to DE-CTPA, oxygen requirements, CRP, D-dimer levels, duration of hospital admission and death were compared within the COVID-19 group between patients with (PD +) or without PD (PD-).

Results

67 COVID-19 and 79 non-COVID-19 patients were included. PDs were more frequent in the COVID-19 than in the non-COVID-19 group (59.7% and 26.6% respectively, p < 0.001). Patterns of PDs were different, with COVID-19 patients exhibiting heterogenous PDs (38/40, 95%) whereas non-COVID-19 patients showed mostly homogeneous perfusion defects (7/21 heterogeneous PDs, 33%), p < 0.001. In COVID-19 patients, most consolidations (9/10, 90%) exhibited PDs while less than a third of consolidations (19/67, 28%) had PDs in non-COVID-19 patients. D-dimer, oxygen levels and outcome were similar between COVID-19 PD + and PD- patients; however, time between admission and DE-CTPA was longer in PD + patients (median [IQR], 1 [0–7] and 0 [0–2]; p = 0.045).

Conclusion

Unlike in bacterial pneumonia, heterogeneous PDs within lung opacities are a frequent feature of COVID-19 pneumonia in PE-suspected patients.
Maternal and fetal effects of COVID-19 virus on a complicated triplet pregnancy: a case report
Authors: Rabiei Maryam , Soori Tahereh , Abiri Amene , Farsi Zohreh , Shizarpour Arshia , Pirjani Reihaneh
Published: February 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the global pandemic that has spread throughout the world, is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Given the limited scientific evidence on the manifestations and potential impact of this virus on pregnancy, we decided to report this case.

Case presentation

The patient was a 38 year-old Iranian woman with a triplet pregnancy and a history of primary infertility, as well as hypothyroidism and gestational diabetes. She was hospitalized at 29 weeks and 2 days gestational age due to elevated liver enzymes, and finally, based on a probable diagnosis of gestational cholestasis, she was treated with ursodeoxycholic acid. On the first day of hospitalization, sonography was performed, which showed that biophysical scores and amniotic fluid were normal in all three fetuses, with normal Doppler findings in two fetuses and increased umbilical artery resistance (pulsatility index [PI] > 95%) in one fetus. On day 4 of hospitalization, she developed fever, cough and myalgia, and her COVID-19 test was positive. Despite mild maternal symptoms, exacerbated placental insufficiency occurred in two of the fetuses leading to the rapid development of absent umbilical artery end-diastolic flow. Finally, 6 days later, the patient underwent cesarean section due to rapid exacerbation of placental insufficiency and declining biophysical score in two of the fetuses. Nasopharyngeal swab COVID-19 tests were negative for the first and third babies and positive for the second baby. The first and third babies died 3 and 13 days after birth, respectively, due to collapsed white lung and sepsis. The second baby was discharged in good general condition. The mother was discharged 3 days after cesarean section. She had no fever at the time of discharge and was also in good general condition.

Conclusions

This was a complicated triplet pregnancy, in which, after maternal infection with COVID-19, despite mild maternal symptoms, exacerbated placental insufficiency occurred in two of the fetuses, and the third fetus had a positive COVID-19 test after birth. Therefore, in cases of pregnancy with COVID-19 infection, in addition to managing the mother, it seems that physicians would be wise to also give special attention to the possibility of acute placental insufficiency and subsequent fetal hypoxia, and also the probability of vertical transmission.
Actionable lessons for the US COVID vaccine program
Authors: Freed Gary L.
Published: February 2021

When attempting to provide lessons for other countries from the successful Israeli COVID-19 vaccine experience, it is important to distinguish between the modifiable and non-modifiable components identified in the article by Rosen, et al. Two specific modifiable components included in the Israeli program from which the US can learn are (a) a national (not individual state-based) strategy for vaccine distribution and administration and (b) a functioning public health infrastructure. As a federal government, the US maintains an often complex web of state and national authorities and responsibilities. The federal government assumed responsibility for the ordering, payment and procurement of COVID vaccine from manufacturers. In designing the subsequent steps in their COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration plan, the Trump administration decided to rely on the states themselves to determine how best to implement guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This strategy resulted in 50 different plans and 50 different systems for the dissemination of vaccine doses, all at the level of each individual state. State health departments were neither financed, experienced nor uniformly possessed the expertise to develop and implement such plans. A national strategy for the distribution, and the workforce for the provision, of vaccine beyond the state level, similar to that which occurred in Israel, would have provided for greater efficiency and coordination across the country. The US public health infrastructure was ill-prepared and ill-staffed to take on the responsibility to deliver > 450 million doses of vaccine in an expeditious fashion, even if supply of vaccine was available. The failure to adequately invest in public health has been ubiquitous across the nation at all levels of government. Since the 2008 recession, state and local health departments have lost > 38,000 jobs and spending for state public health departments has dropped by 16% per capita and spending for local health departments has fallen by 18%. Hopefully, COVID-19 will be a wakeup call to the US with regard to the need for both a national strategy to address public health emergencies and the well-maintained infrastructure to make it happen.
Effect of family-centered care interventions on motor and neurobehavior development of very preterm infants: a protocol for systematic review
Authors: Raghupathy Manasa Kolibylu , Rao Bhamini Krishna , Nayak Shubha R. , Spittle Alicia J. , Parsekar Shradha S.
Published: February 2021

Background

Globally, very preterm birth is a health concern leading to various developmental difficulties such as poor motor and/or cognitive function. For infants born very preterm, family-centered care (FCC) might promote developmental skills over the time in an appropriate enriched environment. The purpose of this study is to systematically review and assess the evidence of FCC interventions on the motor and neurobehavioral development in very preterm infants. Additionally, this review aims to determine the factors that might affect infant development.

Methods

Systematic review will be carried out by including (a) quasi-randomized controlled trials and randomized controlled trials (b) of very preterm born infants (born < 32 weeks of gestation), and their primary caregivers will be included in the review (c) who received FCC-based interventions such as collaborative interaction between a healthcare professional and a parent, home program, home visits, and parent education, and (d) measure motor and neurobehavioral function. Electronic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO will be searched using database-specific terms. Additionally, searches will be carried out in ProQuest, and references of included studies will be searched. Two review authors, independently, will conduct the screening, data extraction, and critical appraisal of included studies. If possible, a meta-analysis will be undertaken to assess the effect of the FCC on the motor and neurobehavior of premature infants.

Conclusion

The review will provide insights regarding the effect of the FCC on preterm infants. This systematic review will guide the clinicians on the feasibility of practicing FCC that might support and promote the integration of parents into various rehabilitation settings.

Systematic review registration

Protocol has been registered in PROSPERO on August 26, 2020.
Inertial KM-type extragradient scheme for solving a variational inequality and a hierarchical fixed point problems
Authors: AlNemer Ghada , Ali Rehan , Kazmi K. R.
Published: February 2021

We propose an inertial KM-type extragradient scheme to approximate a common solution of a variational inequality problem and a hierarchical fixed point problem for nonexpansive mappings. This scheme generalizes and unifies a number of known iterative schemes. Furthermore, we discuss the weak convergence for the proposed scheme. We also discuss an example to illustrate the main theorem.
A new candidate vaccine for human brucellosis based on influenza viral vectors: a preliminary investigation for the development of an immunization schedule in a guinea pig model
Authors: Bugybayeva Dina , Kydyrbayev Zhailaubay , Zinina Nadezhda , Assanzhanova Nurika , Yespembetov Bolat , Kozhamkulov Yerken , Zakarya Kunsulu , Ryskeldinova Sholpan , Tabynov Kaissar
Published: February 2021

Background

A new candidate vector vaccine against human brucellosis based on recombinant influenza viral vectors (rIVV) subtypes H5N1 expressing Brucella outer membrane protein (Omp) 16, L7/L12, Omp19 or Cu–Zn SOD proteins has been developed. This paper presents the results of the study of protection of the vaccine using on guinea pigs, including various options of administering, dose and frequency. Provided data of the novel vaccine candidate will contribute to its further movement into the preclinical stage study.

Methods

General states of guinea pigs was assessed based on behavior and dynamics of a guinea pig weight-gain test. The effectiveness of the new anti-brucellosis vector vaccine was determined by studying its protective effect after conjunctival, intranasal and sublingual administration in doses 105 EID50, 106 EID50 and 107 EID50 during prime and boost vaccinations of animals, followed by challenge with a virulent strain of B. melitensis 16 M infection. For sake of comparison, the commercial B. melitensis Rev.1 vaccine was used as a control. The protective properties of vaccines were assessed by quantitation of Brucella colonization in organs and tissues of infected animals and compared to the control groups.

Results

It was observed a gradual increase in body weight of guinea pigs after prime and booster immunization with the vaccine using conjunctival, intranasal and sublingual routes of administration, as well as after using various doses of vaccine. The most optimal way of using the vaccine has been established: double intranasal immunization of guinea pigs at a dose of 106 EID50, which provides 80% protection of guinea pigs from B. melitensis 16 M infection (P < 0.05), which is comparable to the results of the effectiveness of the commercial B. melitensis Rev.1 vaccine.

Conclusions

We developed effective human vaccine candidate against brucellosis and developed its immunization protocol in guinea pig model. We believe that because of these studies, the proposed vaccine has achieved the best level of protection, which in turn provides a basis for its further promotion.
Deformation model and experimental evaluation of a contractable and bendable wire-pulling mechanism with embedded soft tubes for a robotic tongue
Authors: Endo Nobutsuna
Published: February 2021

Few physical models of oral and laryngeal systems for human speech movement exist for computer or mechanical simulators. In particular, a robot tongue mechanism that fully reproduces the deformation motion of the human tongue is lacking. The human tongue is an aggregate of muscles that is devoid of a skeleton. It possesses only a small hyoid. A mechanism that can drive and control the deformation of a soft body, such as the human tongue, along multiple degrees of freedom has not been realized to date. To solve this problem, a wire-pulling mechanism with embedded soft tubes is proposed. Using this mechanism, a flexible tongue that can be deformed along multiple degrees of freedom without breaking the wire is achieved. A prototype planar mechanism with two degrees of freedom that is capable of contraction and bending was fabricated. A deformation model that assumes a piecewise constant curvature (PCC) was formulated. Deformation tests confirmed that the prototype is capable of contraction and bending movements that are consistent with those of the model. Variations in the error with respect to the hardness of the deformable part are discussed, and the limits of the deformation model based on the PCC assumption are presented.
Evaluation of SUVlean consistency in FDG and PSMA PET/MR with Dixon-, James-, and Janma-based lean body mass correction
Authors: Zhao Jun , Xue Qiaoyi , Chen Xing , You Zhiwen , Wang Zhe , Yuan Jianmin , Liu Hui , Hu Lingzhi
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To systematically evaluate the consistency of various standardized uptake value (SUV) lean body mass (LBM) normalization methods in a clinical positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MR) setting.

Methods

SUV of brain, liver, prostate, parotid, blood, and muscle were measured in 90 18F-FDG and 28 18F-PSMA PET/MR scans and corrected for LBM using the James, Janma (short for Janmahasatian), and Dixon approaches. The prospective study was performed from December 2018 to August 2020 at Shanghai East Hospital. Forty dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements of non-fat mass were used as the reference standard. Agreement between different LBM methods was assessed by linear regression and Bland-Altman statistics. SUV’s dependency on BMI was evaluated by means of linear regression and Pearson correlation.

Results

Compared to DXA, the Dixon approach presented the least bias in LBM/weight% than James and Janma models (bias 0.4±7.3%, − 8.0±9.4%, and − 3.3±8.3% respectively). SUV normalized by body weight (SUVbw) was positively correlated with body mass index (BMI) for both FDG (e.g., liver: r = 0.45, p < 0.001) and PSMA scans (r = 0.20, p = 0.31), while SUV normalized by lean body mass (SUVlean) revealed a decreased dependency on BMI (r = 0.22, 0.08, 0.14, p = 0.04, 0.46, 0.18 for Dixon, James, and Janma models, respectively). The liver SUVbw of obese/overweight patients was significantly larger (p < 0.001) than that of normal patients, whereas the bias was mostly eliminated in SUVlean. One-way ANOVA showed significant difference (p < 0.001) between SUVlean in major organs measured using Dixon method vs James and Janma models.

Conclusion

Significant systematic variation was found using different approaches to calculate SUVlean. A consistent correction method should be applied for serial PET/MR scans. The Dixon method provides the most accurate measure of LBM, yielding the least bias of all approaches when compared to DXA.
Laparoscopic assisted hydrocelectomy of the canal of Nuck: a case report
Authors: Wang Liming , Maejima Taku , Fukahori Susumu , Shun Katayose , Yoshikawa Daitaro , Kono Toru
Published: February 2021

Background

Accurate diagnosis and complete resection of hydrocele of canal of Nuck (HCN) is still a challenge for surgeons.

Case presentation

A 28-year-old woman presented with a suspected inguinal hernia due to swelling in her right groin and was introduced for surgical treatment. Computed tomography scan revealed local cyst formation in the right groin and eliminated intestinal incarceration. In order to further confirm the diagnosis, we used laparoscopic exploration; after excluding a combined hernia, HCN was surgically removed using a conventional anterior peritoneal approach and a mesh patch repair was not needed. Postoperative pathology results showed no endometriosis or malignancy.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic assisted anterior approach provides both an accurate intraoperative diagnosis and a quick complete resection of HCN; it is the preferred treatment for women of childbearing age with pure HCN.
Phytowaste as nutraceuticals in boosting public health
Authors: Dike Chinyere S. , Orish Chinna N. , Nwokocha Chukwuemeka R. , Sikoki Francis D. , Babatunde Bolaji B. , Frazzoli Chiara , Orisakwe Orish E.
Published: February 2021

The utilization of bioactive constituent of peels and seeds provide an effective, environment friendly and inexpensive therapy for different forms of human disease, and the production, improvement and documentation of novel nutraceuticals. This review systematically presents findings and further understanding of the reported benefits and therapeutic applications of peel and seed extracts on innovative cell culture and animal studies, as well as phased clinical human trial research. The extracts of seed and peels were reported to possess high quantities of bioactive substances with antioxidative, antidiabetic, hepatorenal protective, antithyroidal, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, cardiovascular protective, neuro-protective effects, anticancer and wound healing activities. Therapeutic activities of the bioactive substances of peel and seed extracts include elevation of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), GSH-Px, t-GPx, Catalase and GST activities, with the suppression of MDA levels, hydroperoxide generation and lipid peroxidized products, the extracts also regulate inflammatory mediators and cytokines as they are reported to suppress the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, which include; IL-1β, PGE2, TGF-β and TNF-α and induces apoptosis and cell differentiation. This review revealed the therapeutic importance and best utilization of peels and seed extracts of fruits and vegetables.
Biocontrol potential of bacterial isolates from vermicompost and earthworm against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica infecting tomato plants
Authors: Rostami Mahsa , Karegar Akbar , Taghavi S. Mohsen
Published: February 2021

Background

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are the most destructive agricultural pests, which parasitize thousands of different plant species in the world. Using antagonistic bacteria can be a potential alternative to hazardous chemical nematicides. This study was conducted to evaluate the biocontrol activities of the bacteria isolated from vermicompost and earthworm against M. javanica in infected tomato plants.

Results

Seventeen bacteria were isolated from vermicompost and earthworm. Their antagonistic effects were tested against the root-knot nematode M. javanica in laboratory and in glasshouse experiments. In the preliminary screening test, 8 bacterial isolates significantly caused more than 50% decrease in reproduction factor (Rf) of the nematode on tomato plants. Six isolates with more than 60% reduction in the nematode Rf were selected and identified as follows: Lysinibacillus fusiformis C1, Bacillus megaterium C3, B. safensis VW3, Pseudomonas resinovorans VW4, Lysinibacillus sp. VW6, and Sphingobacterium daejeonense LV1 by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolates B. megaterium C3, B. safensis VW3, P. resinovorans VW4, and L. fusiformis C1 inhibited the nematode egg hatching by 20–28%, and Lysinibacillus sp. VW6 and L. fusiformis C1 caused 15 and 20% mortality of the second-stage juveniles in vitro. In a glasshouse, the 6 bacterial isolates reduced the nematode Rf by 47–66%, and P. resinovorans VW4 was the most effective isolate. However, B. safensis VW3, B. megaterium C3, and L. fusiformis C1 had the best effect on plant growth.

Conclusions

Most of the bacteria isolated from earthworm or vermicompost had nematicidal properties. This study provided empirical evidence of the nematicidal potential of isolates Lysinibacillus fusiformis C1, Pseudomonas resinovorans VW4, and Sphingobacterium daejeonense LV1 and the antagonistic activities of Bacillus megaterium C3 and B. safensis VW3 against Meloidogyne javanica.
Publisher Correction to: Motivations and
expectations for using cannabis products to treat pain in humans and dogs: a mixed
methods study
Authors: Wallace Jean E. , Kogan Lori R. , Carr Eloise C. J. , Hellyer Peter W.
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original
article.
Flexibility and resilience of great tit (Parus major) gut microbiomes to changing diets
Authors: Bodawatta Kasun H. , Freiberga Inga , Puzejova Katerina , Sam Katerina , Poulsen Michael , Jønsson Knud A.
Published: February 2021

Background

Gut microbial communities play important roles in nutrient management and can change in response to host diets. The extent of this flexibility and the concomitant resilience is largely unknown in wild animals. To untangle the dynamics of avian-gut microbiome symbiosis associated with diet changes, we exposed Parus major (Great tits) fed with a standard diet (seeds and mealworms) to either a mixed (seeds, mealworms and fruits), a seed, or a mealworm diet for 4 weeks, and examined the flexibility of gut microbiomes to these compositionally different diets. To assess microbiome resilience (recovery potential), all individuals were subsequently reversed to a standard diet for another 4 weeks. Cloacal microbiomes were collected weekly and characterised through sequencing the v4 region of the 16S rRNA gene using Illumina MiSeq.

Results

Initial microbiomes changed significantly with the diet manipulation, but the communities did not differ significantly between the three diet groups (mixed, seed and mealworm), despite multiple diet-specific changes in certain bacterial genera. Reverting birds to the standard diet led only to a partial recovery in gut community compositions. The majority of the bacterial taxa that increased significantly during diet manipulation decreased in relative abundance after reversion to the standard diet; however, bacterial taxa that decreased during the manipulation rarely increased after diet reversal

Conclusions

The gut microbial response and partial resilience to dietary changes support that gut bacterial communities of P. major play a role in accommodating dietary changes experienced by wild avian hosts. This may be a contributing factor to the relaxed association between microbiome composition and the bird phylogeny. Our findings further imply that interpretations of wild bird gut microbiome analyses from single-time point sampling, especially for omnivorous species or species with seasonally changing diets, should be done with caution. The partial community recovery implies that ecologically relevant diet changes (e.g., seasonality and migration) open up gut niches that may be filled by previously abundant microbes or replaced by different symbiont lineages, which has important implications for the integrity and specificity of long-term avian-symbiont associations.
An optimistic point in COVID-19 pandemic: a case report of large adult congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation
Authors: Kathar Hussain Mohamed rafi , Kulasekeran N. , Anand A. M.
Published: February 2021

Background

Covid-19 pandemic is a major health calamity causing global crisis involving every aspect of the society. CT chest has become an essential diagnostic investigation and as a prognostic tool for assessment for COVID-19 bronchopneumonia. This case report is about an incidental unexpected finding in a young female, who underwent CT chest screening with suspicion of COVID-19 bronchopneumonia.

Case presentation

A 29-year-old female came with the complaints of sore throat, myalgia, and fever for the past 3 days. She was referred to our department for plain screening CT chest to rule out COVID 19 infection. She was an active sports person since childhood. CT chest revealed a large well-defined bullous cystic lesion of size 16 × 9.5 × 9.5 cm in the left lung lower lobe with partial sparing of its superior, anterior, and posterior basal segments. Imaging diagnosis of large bullous cystic lesion with emphysematous changes was made. No features of COVID 19 bronchopneumonia. Thoracoscopy-guided lobectomy was done, and tissue was sent to histopathological examination. Final diagnosis was large type 1 congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation with mucinous metaplasia. Our case is unique in the sense that large adult CCAM with mucinous metaplasia of the epithelium is a rare presentation. Further it was diagnosed as a part of COVID 19 screening.

Conclusion

CCAM presentation in adult is rare. Asymptomatic CCAM lesion of this size diagnosed during COVID 19 chest CT screening was rarely described.
Localized Erdheim-Chester disease involving the thyroid gland—a case report
Authors: Singh Anup , Gautam Dheeraj , Gautam Poonam , Haq Mubashshirul , Handa Aru Chhabra , Handa Kumud Kumar
Published: February 2021

Background

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare multisystemic histiocytic disorder of unknown etiology. Isolated neck involvement has not been reported in literature.

Case presentation

An elderly male presented to our outpatient department with neck swelling of 1-month duration. Contrast-enhanced CT scan of the neck showed a mass involving the left thyroid/perithyroidal tissue with encirclement of the common carotid artery. Tru-Cut biopsy with immunohistochemistry showed CD68+, CD1a- histiocytic infiltrates with Touton giant cells compatible with ECD. BRAFV600E mutation came out to be positive. PET-CT did not reveal involvement of any other body organs. After counseling for further treatment options, the patient chose to follow up without any active treatment. The disease has not progressed at a follow-up of 1 year.

Conclusion

We present a case of ECD involving the thyroid gland in isolation. Absence of other organ involvement should not deter the treating physician from considering the possibility of ECD. Immunohistochemistry and testing for BRAFV600E mutation are important from the diagnostic as well as potential therapeutic point of view.
Sinicisation and ethnicity: spatial characteristics of Shui vernacular architecture in Guizhou, Southwest China
Authors: Zhou Yizhi , Wei Miao
Published: February 2021

The Shui people are an ethnic minority living in southern mountainous areas of Guizhou Province, China; they have retained many vernacular houses with a history of over a century. Using spatial analysis software depthmapX to perform visibility graph analysis and field-of-view analysis with space syntax, we examined the sequence, organisation, and hierarchy of the living space in Shui residences. We found that those residences were influenced by external cultures, resulting in two types of plan layout: front-middle-back (type A) and left-middle-right (type B). Those two types of spatial combination were evident in two different line-of-sight axes. With type A, the hearth was the core and served as the daily living space of the family. With type B, the ancestral altar was the core and served as the ritual space. The historical coexistence and changing relationship of the two axes reflect cultural exchange between the Shui and Han as well as with other foreign cultures. This study concludes that the diversity of spatial forms that developed in different historical periods is an important attribute of Shui houses and those of other ethnic minorities in Southwest China.
Acute Kidney Injury and Renal Tubular Damage in Children With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Onset
Authors: Marzuillo Pierluigi , Iafusco Dario , Zanfardino Angela , Guarino Stefano , Piscopo Alessia , Casaburo Francesca , Capalbo Daniela , Ventre Maria , Arienzo Maria Rosaria , Cirillo Grazia , De Luca Picione Carla , Esposito Tiziana , Montaldo Paolo , Di Sessa Anna , Miraglia del Giudice Emanuele
Published: February 2021

Context

Acute kidney injury (AKI) and renal tubular damage (RTD), especially if complicated by acute tubular necrosis (ATN), could increase the risk of later chronic kidney disease. No prospective studies on AKI and RTD in children with type1diabetes mellitus (T1DM) onset are available.

Objectives

To evaluate the AKI and RTD prevalence and their rate and timing of recovery in children with T1DM onset.

Design

Prospective study.

Settings and patients

185 children were followed up after 14 days from T1DM onset. The patients who did not recover from AKI/RTD were followed-up 30 and 60 days later.

Main outcome measures

AKI was defined according to the KDIGO criteria. RTD was defined by abnormal urinary beta-2-microglobulin and/or neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and/or tubular reabsorption of phosphate < 85% and/or fractional excretion of Na (FENa) > 2%. ATN was defined by RTD+AKI, prerenal (P)-AKI by AKI+FENa < 1%, and acute tubular damage (ATD) by RTD without AKI.

Results

Prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and AKI were 51.4% and 43.8%, respectively. Prevalence of AKI in T1DM patients with and without DKA was 65.2% and 21.1%, respectively; 33.3% reached AKI stage 2, and 66.7% of patients reached AKI stage 1. RTD was evident in 136/185 (73.5%) patients (32.4% showed ATN; 11.4%, P-AKI; 29.7%, ATD). All patients with DKA or AKI presented with RTD. The physiological and biochemical parameters of AKI and RTD were normal again in all patients. The former within 14 days and the latter within 2months.

Conclusions

Most patients with T1DM onset may develop AKI and/or RTD, especially if presenting with DKA. Over time the physiological and biochemical parameters of AKI/RTD normalize in all patients.