bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of wire-guided localization (WGL) and radio-guided occult lesion localization (ROLL) in localization of non-palpable breast lesions
Authors: elzohery Yasmine hany , Gomaa Mohammed Mohammed , Mohamed Ghada , Fadlalla Waleed Mohamed , Taha Sherif Nasser , Ibraheem Maher H.
Published: August 2023

Background

The number of patients with non-palpable breast lesions has increased gradually. This is because of the technological development in imaging techniques and the screening programs that lead to early detection of breast lesions.

The number of patients with non-palpable breast lesions has increased gradually. This is because of the technological development in imaging techniques and the screening programs that lead to early detection of breast lesions. The aim of marking the non-palpable breast lesions is to achieve accurate lesion localization, to obtain the better cosmetic result with less tissue loss and to provide negative surgical margin.

Aim of the study

In the current study, we aimed to compare the wire-guided localization (WGL) technique with the radio-guided occult lesion localization (ROLL) technique to assess their accuracy and efficacy in non-palpable breast lesions localization.

Methods

This is a retrospective study conducted at Baheya center for Early Detection and Treatment of Breast Cancer from January 2018 and June2022,where 670 patients with non-palpable breast lesions underwent an excision were enrolled randomly in ROLL group (n = 320) and WGL (n = 350).

Results

Both the localization time and the time of operation were significantly decreased with the ROLL in comparison to WGL(P < 0.001). Complete lesion excision with clear margins were reported in 119/135(88.2%) of ROLL group and in 130/159 (81.8%) of WGL group and the difference was significant (P < 0.001). Reoperations (re-lumpectomy or mastectomy) were done as a second procedure on 16(11.8%) of the ROLL patients compared with 29(18.2%) in the WGL patients(P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study shows that ROLL is as effective as WGL for non-palpable breast lesions excision. Also, ROLL improve the outcomes by decreasing the duration of surgery, localization time, achieving a higher percentage of clear margin in spite of lower specimen size and scar length.
Repeated closed-head mild traumatic brain injury-induced inflammation is associated with nociceptive sensitization
Authors: Nguyen Tyler , Nguyen Natalie , Cochran Ashlyn G. , Smith Jared A. , Al-Juboori Mohammed , Brumett Andrew , Saxena Saahil , Talley Sarah , Campbell Edward M. , Obukhov Alexander G. , White Fletcher A.
Published: August 2023

Background

Individuals who have experienced mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) suffer from several comorbidities, including chronic pain. Despite extensive studies investigating the underlying mechanisms of mTBI-associated chronic pain, the role of inflammation in long-term pain after mTBIs is not fully elucidated. Given the shifting dynamics of inflammation, it is important to understand the spatial-longitudinal changes in inflammatory processes following mTBIs and their effects on TBI-related pain.

Methods

We utilized a recently developed transgenic caspase-1 luciferase reporter mouse model to monitor caspase-1 activation through a thinned skull window in the in vivo setting following three closed-head mTBI events. Organotypic coronal brain slice cultures and acutely dissociated dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells provided tissue-relevant context of inflammation signal. Mechanical allodynia was assessed by mechanical withdrawal threshold to von Frey and thermal hyperalgesia withdrawal latency to radiant heat. Mouse grimace scale (MGS) was used to detect spontaneous or non-evoked pain. In some experiments, mice were prophylactically treated with MCC950, a potent small molecule inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome assembly to inhibit injury-induced inflammatory signaling. Bioluminescence spatiotemporal dynamics were quantified in the head and hind paws, and caspase-1 activation was confirmed by immunoblot. Immunofluorescence staining was used to monitor the progression of astrogliosis and microglial activation in ex vivo brain tissue following repetitive closed-head mTBIs.

Results

Mice with repetitive closed-head mTBIs exhibited significant increases of the bioluminescence signals within the brain and paws in vivo for at least one week after each injury. Consistently, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence experiments confirmed that mTBIs led to caspase-1 activation, astrogliosis, and microgliosis. Persistent changes in MGS and hind paw withdrawal thresholds, indicative of pain states, were observed post-injury in the same mTBI animals in vivo. We also observed enhanced inflammatory responses in ex vivo brain slice preparations and DRG for at least 3 days following mTBIs. In vivo treatment with MCC950 significantly reduced caspase-1 activation-associated bioluminescent signals in vivo and decreased stimulus-evoked and non-stimulus evoked nociception.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the inflammatory states in the brain and peripheral nervous system following repeated mTBIs are coincidental with the development of nociceptive sensitization, and that these events can be significantly reduced by inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Cortical superficial siderosis is associated with reactive astrogliosis in cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Authors: Auger Corinne A. , Perosa Valentina , Greenberg Steven M. , van Veluw Susanne J. , Kozberg Mariel G.
Published: August 2023

Background

Cortical superficial siderosis (cSS) has recently emerged as one of the most important predictors of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and is a risk factor for post-stroke dementia in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). However, it remains unknown whether cSS is just a marker of severe CAA pathology or may itself contribute to intracerebral hemorrhage risk and cognitive decline. cSS is a chronic manifestation of convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage and is neuropathologically characterized by iron deposits in the superficial cortical layers. We hypothesized that these iron deposits lead to local neuroinflammation, a potentially contributory pathway towards secondary tissue injury.

Methods

Accordingly, we assessed the distribution of inflammatory markers in relation to cortical iron deposits in post-mortem tissue from CAA cases. Serial sections from the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes of nineteen autopsy cases with CAA were stained with Perls’ Prussian blue (iron) and underwent immunohistochemistry against glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, reactive astrocytes) and cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68, activated microglia/macrophages). Digitized sections were uploaded to the cloud-based Aiforia® platform, where deep-learning algorithms were utilized to detect tissue, iron deposits, and GFAP-positive and CD68-positive cells.

Results

We observed a strong local relationship between cortical iron deposits and reactive astrocytes. Like cSS-related iron, reactive astrocytes were mainly found in the most superficial layers of the cortex. Although we observed iron within both astrocytes and activated microglia/macrophages on co-stains, there was no clear local relationship between the density of microglia/macrophages and the density of iron deposits.

Conclusion

Iron deposition resulting from cSS is associated with local reactive astrogliosis.
High-throughput phenotyping for non-destructive estimation of soybean fresh biomass using a machine learning model and temporal UAV data
Authors: Ranđelović Predrag , Đorđević Vuk , Miladinović Jegor , Prodanović Slaven , Ćeran Marina , Vollmann Johann
Published: August 2023

Background

Biomass accumulation as a growth indicator can be significant in achieving high and stable soybean yields. More robust genotypes have a better potential for exploiting available resources such as water or sunlight. Biomass data implemented as a new trait in soybean breeding programs could be beneficial in the selection of varieties that are more competitive against weeds and have better radiation use efficiency. The standard techniques for biomass determination are invasive, inefficient, and restricted to one-time point per plot. Machine learning models (MLMs) based on the multispectral (MS) images were created so as to overcome these issues and provide a non-destructive, fast, and accurate tool for in-season estimation of soybean fresh biomass (FB). The MS photos were taken during two growing seasons of 10 soybean varieties, using six-sensor digital camera mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). For model calibration, canopy cover (CC), plant height (PH), and 31 vegetation index (VI) were extracted from the images and used as predictors in the random forest (RF) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) algorithm. To create a more efficient model, highly correlated VIs were excluded and only the triangular greenness index (TGI) and green chlorophyll index (GCI) remained.

Results

More precise results with a lower mean absolute error (MAE) were obtained with RF (MAE = 0.17 kg/m2) compared to the PLSR (MAE = 0.20 kg/m2). High accuracy in the prediction of soybean FB was achieved using only four predictors (CC, PH and two VIs). The selected model was additionally tested in a two-year trial on an independent set of soybean genotypes in drought simulation environments. The results showed that soybean grown under drought conditions accumulated less biomass than the control, which was expected due to the limited resources.

Conclusion

The research proved that soybean FB could be successfully predicted using UAV photos and MLM. The filtration of highly correlated variables reduced the final number of predictors, improving the efficiency of remote biomass estimation. The additional testing conducted in the independent environment proved that model is capable to distinguish different values of soybean FB as a consequence of drought. Assessed variability in FB indicates the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed model, as a novel tool for the non-destructive estimation of soybean FB.
A streamlined guide RNA screening system for genome editing in Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Lee Jeong Sun , Bae Su-Ji , Kim Jin-Soo , Kim Changsoo , Kang Beum-Chang
Published: August 2023

Background

Genome editing tools derived from clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) systems have been developed for generating targeted mutations in plants. Although these tools hold promise for rapid crop improvement, target-specific guide RNAs exhibit variable activity. To improve genome editing, a rapid and precise method for evaluating their efficiency is necessary.

Results

Here we report an efficient system for screening single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) for genome editing in sorghum using a transient protoplast transfection assay. Protoplasts were isolated from leaves from sorghum plants cultivated under three different conditions. Cultivation for three days of continuous darkness following seven days with a 16-h light and 8-h dark photoperiod resulted in the highest yield of viable protoplasts and the highest protoplast transfection efficiency. We tested both plasmid-mediated and ribonucleoprotein-based delivery to protoplasts, via polyethylene glycol-mediated transfection, of CRISPR components targeting the sorghum genome. The frequencies of small insertions and deletions induced by a set of sgRNAs targeting four endogenous sorghum genes were analyzed via targeted deep sequencing. Our screening system induced indels in sorghum protoplasts at frequencies of up to 77.8% (plasmid) and 18.5% (RNP). The entire screening system was completed within 16 days.

Conclusions

The screening system optimized in this study for predicting sgRNA activity for genome editing in sorghum is efficient and straightforward. This system will reduce the time and effort needed for sorghum genome editing.
Cannulated screws versus dynamic hip screw versus hemiarthroplasty versus total hip arthroplasty in patients with displaced and non-displaced femoral neck fractures: a systematic review and frequentist network meta-analysis of 5703 patients
Authors: Ramadanov Nikolai , Jóźwiak Katarzyna , Hauptmann Michael , Lazaru Philip , Marinova-Kichikova Polina , Dimitrov Dobromir , Becker Roland
Published: August 2023

Background

Our aim was to determine the best operative procedure in human participants with a displaced or non-displaced femoral neck fracture comparing cannulated screw (CS) fixation, dynamic hip screw (DHS) fixation, hemiarthroplasty (HA), and total hip arthroplasty (THA) in terms of surgical and functional outcomes, reoperation and postoperative complications.

Methods

We searched PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Clinical trials, CINAHL, and Embase for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs up to 31 July 2022. A frequentist network meta-analysis was performed to assess the comparative effects of the four operative procedures, using fixed-effects and random-effects models. Mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for continuous variables and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were estimated for binary variables.

Results

A total of 33 RCTs with 5703 patients were included in our network meta-analysis. CS fixation was best in terms of operation time (CS: MD = − 57.70, 95% CI − 72.78; − 42.62; DHS: MD = − 53.56, 95% CI − 76.17; − 30.95; HA: MD = − 20.90, 95% CI − 30.65; − 11.15; THA: MD = 1.00 reference) and intraoperative blood loss (CS: MD = − 3.67, 95% CI − 4.44; − 2.90; DHS: MD = − 3.20, 95% CI − 4.97; − 1.43; HA: MD = − 1.20, 95% CI − 1.73; − 0.67; THA: MD = 1.00 reference). In life quality and functional outcome, measured at different time points with EQ-5D and the Harris Hip Score (HHS), THA ranked first and HA second (e.g. EQ-5D 2 years postoperatively: CS: MD = − 0.20, 95% CI − 0.29; − 0.11; HA: MD = − 0.09, 95% CI − 0.17; − 0.02; THA: MD = 1.00 reference; HHS 2 years postoperatively: CS: MD = − 5.50, 95% CI − 9.98; − 1.03; DHS: MD = − 8.93, 95% CI − 15.08; − 2.78; HA: MD = − 3.65, 95% CI − 6.74; − 0.57; THA: MD = 1.00 reference). CS fixation had the highest reoperation risk, followed by DHS fixation, HA, and THA (CS: OR = 9.98, 95% CI 4.60; 21.63; DHS: OR = 5.07, 95% CI 2.15; 11.96; HA: OR = 1.60, 95% CI 0.89; 2.89; THA: OR = 1.00 reference).

Conclusion

In our cohort of patients with displaced and non-displaced femoral neck fractures, HHS, EQ-5D, and reoperation risk showed an advantage of THA and HA compared with CS and DHS fixation. Based on these findings, we recommend that hip arthroplasty should be preferred and internal fixation of femoral neck fractures should only be considered in individual cases. Level of evidence I: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Trial registration: PROSPERO on 10 August 2022 (CRD42022350293).
David V procedure and hemiarch replacement in a patient with Loeys-Dietz-Syndrome and beta thalassemia minor: a case report
Authors: Kainz Frieda-Maria , Freystaetter Kathrin , Podesser Bruno K. , Holzinger Christoph
Published: August 2023

We report the case of a 36-year-old European female patient presenting with a sinus valsalva aneurysm of 47 mm with moderate aortic regurgitation. Additionally, an aneurysm of the brachiocephalic trunk and multiple aneurysms of the right internal mammary artery were identified. Previous medical history included Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) Type RII due to a TGF-beta receptor mutation, and beta thalassemia minor with a baseline hemoglobin of 9,3 g/dL on admission.

Reconstruction of the aortic root and hemiarch replacement was performed in circulatory arrest under moderate hypothermia. During surgery, hypothermia was required as part of the cerebral protection strategy. We aim to highlight special considerations and discuss the effects of cooling, rewarming and the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during extensive surgery in a patient with LDS and beta thalassemia minor.
Electroacupuncture-driven endogenous circulating serum exosomes as a potential therapeutic strategy for sepsis
Authors: Zhang Jingyu , Wang Meijuan , Hu Xiyou , Li Ningcen , Loh PeiYong , Gong Yinan , Chen Yong , Wang Lifen , Lin Xiaowei , Xu Zhifang , Liu Yangyang , Guo Yi , Chen Zelin , Chen Bo
Published: August 2023

Background

Sepsis poses a serious threat to human life and health, with limited options for current clinical treatments. Acupuncture plays an active role in treating sepsis. However, previous studies have focused on the neuromodulatory effect of acupuncture, neglecting its network modulatory effect. Exosomes, as a new way of intercellular communication, may play an important role in transmitting acupuncture information. This paper explores the possibility of electroacupuncture-driven endogenous circulating serum exosomes and their carried miRNAs as a potential treatment for sepsis.

Methods

The sepsis mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (12 mg/kg, 24 mg/kg), and EA (continuous wave, 10 Hz, intensity 5) or intraperitoneal injection of Acupuncture Exosomes (Acu-exo) were performed before the model establishment. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by survival rate, ELISA, H&E staining and lung wet/dry weight ration (W/D). In vivo imaging of small animals was used to observe the accumulation of Acu-exo in various organs of sepsis mice. LPS was used to induce macrophages in cell experiments, and the effect of Acu-exo on macrophage inflammatory cytokines was observed. In addition, The miRNA sequencing method was further used to detect the serum exosomes of normal and EA-treated mice, and combined with network biology analysis methods to screen possible key targets.

Results

EA and Acu-exo reduced the W/D and lung tissue damage in sepsis mice, down-regulated the expression of serum inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, and increased the survival rate of sepsis mice. In vivo imaging of small animals found that Acu-exo were accumulated in the lungs of sepsis mice. Cell experiments proved that Acu-exo down-regulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β to alleviate the inflammatory response induced by LPS in macrophages. MiRNA sequencing revealed 53 differentially expressed miRNAs, and network biology analysis revealed the key targets of Acu-exo in sepsis treatment.

Conclusion

Electroacupuncture-driven endogenous circulating serum exosomes and their carried miRNAs may be a potential treatment for sepsis.
Effectiveness of group arts therapies (art therapy, dance movement therapy and music therapy) compared to group counselling for diagnostically heterogeneous psychiatric community patients: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial in mental health services (the ERA study)
Authors: Carr Catherine E. , Medlicott Emma , Hooper Richard , Feng Yan , Mihaylova Borislava , Priebe Stefan
Published: August 2023

Background

Arts therapies are widely but inconsistently provided in community mental health. Whilst they are appealing to patients, evidence for their effectiveness is mixed. Trials to date have been limited to one art-form or diagnosis. Patients may hold strong preferences for or against an art-form whilst group therapies rely on heterogeneity to provide a range of learning experiences. This study will test whether manualised group arts therapies (art therapy, dance movement therapy and music therapy) are effective in reducing psychological distress for diagnostically heterogeneous patients in community mental health compared to active group counselling control.

Methods

A pragmatic multi-centre 2-arm randomised controlled superiority trial with health economic evaluation and nested process evaluation. Adults aged ≥ 18, living in the community with a primary diagnosis of psychosis, mood, or anxiety disorder will be invited to participate and provide written informed consent. Participants are eligible if they score ≥ 1.65 on the Global Severity Index of the Brief Symptom Inventory. Those eligible will view videos of arts therapies and be asked for their preference. Participants are randomised to either their preferred type of group arts therapy or counselling. Groups will run twice per week in a community venue for 20 weeks. Our primary outcome is symptom distress at the end of intervention. Secondary outcomes include observer-rated symptoms, social situation and quality of life. Data will be collected at baseline, post-intervention and 6 and 12 months post-intervention. Outcome assessors and trial statisticians will be blinded. Analysis will be intention-to-treat. Economic evaluation will assess the cost-effectiveness of group arts therapies. A nested process evaluation will consist of treatment fidelity analysis, exploratory analysis of group process measures and qualitative interviews with participants and therapists.

Discussion

This will be the first trial to account for patient preferences and diagnostic heterogeneity in group arts therapies. As with all group therapies, there are a number of logistical challenges to which we have had to further adapt due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, the study will provide evidence as to whether there is an additive benefit or not to the use of the arts in group therapy in community mental health care.

Trial registration

ISRCTN,ISRCTN88805048. Registered on 12 September 2018.
Newly diagnosed ANCA-associated vasculitis after COVID-19 infection: a case report
Authors: Kitamoto Kazuhiro , Tanaka Yasushi , Kuboyama Tomohiko , Fujiki Youhei , Tomida Kodo , Kamimori Takao , Hara Shigeo
Published: August 2023

Background

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by mononuclear cell infiltration and small and medium-sized blood vessel destruction leading to renal failure. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been shown to have the potential to induce the presentation or exacerbation of autoimmune disease. This report describes the clinical features of a case of newly diagnosed ANCA-associated vasculitis after COVID-19 Infection.

Case presentation

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a 67- year-old female Japanese was undergoing treatment for interstitial pneumonia, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension at her local doctor. About 2 months ago, she was diagnosed with COVID-19 and went to a hotel for treatment, and her condition improved. But a month later, after her COVID-19 infection, she presented with a fever and cough and visited Yodogawa Christian Hospital in Osaka, Japan. The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was negative. She underwent extensive radiological and laboratory investigations. Serologies revealed a high perinuclear-ANCA titer with a specific anti-myeloperoxidase antibody titer of 31.7 units/mL. We suspected ANCA-associated vasculitis and performed a renal biopsy. Renal biopsy showed evidence of crescentic glomerulonephritis, which was consistent with ANCA-associated vasculitis. The patient was referred to the Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology for steroid pulse and cyclophosphamide treatment.

Conclusions

Delayed screening may lead to progression of the autoimmune disease, so prompt diagnosis is necessary. In this case, we could make an immediate diagnosis and refer the patient to the Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology.
Life-threatening complication of retropharyngeal abscess in an infant: a case report
Authors: Rehman Ayaz Ur , Khan Salman , Abbas Awais , Pasha Hamdan Ahmad , Abbas Qalab , Siddiqui Naveed Ur Rehman
Published: August 2023

Background

Deep neck space infections are uncommon in infants. Retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) is a deep space neck infection that can present with subtle signs and symptoms. Delay in diagnosis can lead to life-threatening complications. Here we describe life-threatening complication of retropharyngeal abscess.

Case presentation

We report a life-threatening complication of retropharyngeal abscess in 10-month old Asian infant weighing 8.2 kg. The patient presented with fever, right-sided neck swelling, hoarseness of voice, and respiratory distress. The clinical and radiological findings were suggestive of airway obstruction complicated by retropharyngeal abscess. The patient was urgently taken to the operating room and underwent (grade 3) intubation. After stabilization, the patient underwent endoscopic trans-oral incision and drainage, during which 5 cc pus was aspirated. Antibiotics were prescribed for 2 weeks following the procedure based on the sensitivity result of the pus culture.

Conclusion

In retropharyngeal abscess, a delay in diagnosis can result in life-threatening complications. This report highlights the importance of prompt recognition of a threatened airway and the management of retropharyngeal abscess by emergency physicians. If an emergency physician suspects RPA with airway obstructions, the airway should be immediately secured in a secure environment by otolaryngologist and an anesthesiologist.
Repetitive and compulsive behavior after Early-Life-Pain associated with reduced long-chain sphingolipid species
Authors: Vogel Alexandra , Ueberbach Timo , Wilken-Schmitz Annett , Hahnefeld Lisa , Franck Luisa , Weyer Marc-Philipp , Jungenitz Tassilo , Schmid Tobias , Buchmann Giulia , Freudenberg Florian , Brandes Ralf P. , Gurke Robert , Schwarzacher Stephan W. , Geisslinger Gerd , Mittmann Thomas , Tegeder Irmgard
Published: August 2023

Background

Pain in early life may impact on development and risk of chronic pain. We developed an optogenetic Cre/loxP mouse model of “early-life-pain” (ELP) using mice with transgenic expression of channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) under control of the Advillin (Avil) promoter, which drives expression of transgenes predominantly in isolectin B4 positive non-peptidergic nociceptors in postnatal mice. Avil-ChR2 (Cre +) and ChR2-flfl control mice were exposed to blue light in a chamber once daily from P1-P5 together with their Cre-negative mother.

Results

ELP caused cortical hyperexcitability at P8-9 as assessed via multi-electrode array recordings that coincided with reduced expression of synaptic genes (RNAseq) including Grin2b, neurexins, piccolo and voltage gated calcium and sodium channels. Young adult (8–16 wks) Avil-ChR2 mice presented with nociceptive hypersensitivity upon heat or mechanical stimulation, which did not resolve up until one year of age. The persistent hypersensitivy to nociceptive stimuli was reflected by increased calcium fluxes in primary sensory neurons of aged mice (1 year) upon capsaicin stimulation. Avil-ChR2 mice behaved like controls in maze tests of anxiety, social interaction, and spatial memory but IntelliCage behavioral studies revealed repetitive nosepokes and corner visits and compulsive lickings. Compulsiveness at the behavioral level was associated with a reduction of sphingomyelin species in brain and plasma lipidomic studies. Behavioral studies were done with female mice.

Conclusion

The results suggest that ELP may predispose to chronic “pain” and compulsive psychopathology in part mediated by alterations of sphingolipid metabolism, which have been previously described in the context of addiction and psychiatric diseases.

Graphical Abstract
Amoxicillin-induced aseptic meningitis: clinical features, diagnosis and management
Authors: Fan Zhiqiang , He Yang , Sun Wei , Li Zuojun , Ye Chao , Wang Chunjiang
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The clinical features of aseptic meningitis associated with amoxicillin are unknown. The main objective of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of amoxicillin-induced aseptic meningitis (AIAM) and provide a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

AIAM-related studies were collected by searching the relevant databases from inception to October 31, 2022.

Results

AIAM usually occurred 3 h to 7 days after amoxicillin administration in 13 males and 9 females. Twenty-one patients (95.5%) had recurrent AIAM with a total of 62 episodes. Fever (19 cases, 86.4%) and headache (18 cases, 81.8%) were the most common symptoms. Typical cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings were leukocytosis (100%) with lymphocytic predominance (14 cases, 63.6%), elevated protein (20 cases, 90.1%), normal glucose (21 cases, 95.5%) and negative culture (21 cases, 100%). Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed mild meningeal enhancement in one patient. The symptoms resolved mainly within 1–4 days after drug discontinuation in all patients.

Conclusion

Clinical attention should be given to the adverse effects of AIAM. The medication history of patients with suspected meningitis should be investigated to avoid unnecessary examination and antibiotic treatment.
Bispecific antibodies and dual-targeting CAR-T cells for multiple myeloma: latest updates from the 2023 ASCO annual meeting
Authors: Hou Jiangxue , Li Yufu , Lin Quande
Published: August 2023

Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) and dual-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cells have been employed in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients over the past few years, as an increasing number of patients were ineffectively treated by ≥ 3 prior lines of therapy. BCMA/CD3 and GPRC5D/CD3 are the most popular combinations. Clinical findings indicated that patients exhibit a greater susceptibility to stronger and more enduring responses. Here, we summarize the latest data from the 2023 ASCO annual meeting on BsAbs targeting BCMA/CD3, GPRC5D/CD3 and BCMA/CD19 CAR T cells.
Stratified microbial communities in Australia’s only anchialine cave are taxonomically novel and drive chemotrophic energy production via coupled nitrogen-sulphur cycling
Authors: Ghaly Timothy M. , Focardi Amaranta , Elbourne Liam D. H. , Sutcliffe Brodie , Humphreys William , Paulsen Ian T. , Tetu Sasha G.
Published: August 2023

Background

Anchialine environments, in which oceanic water mixes with freshwater in coastal aquifers, are characterised by stratified water columns with complex physicochemical profiles. These environments, also known as subterranean estuaries, support an abundance of endemic macro and microorganisms. There is now growing interest in characterising the metabolisms of anchialine microbial communities, which is essential for understanding how complex ecosystems are supported in extreme environments, and assessing their vulnerability to environmental change. However, the diversity of metabolic strategies that are utilised in anchialine ecosystems remains poorly understood.

Results

Here, we employ shotgun metagenomics to elucidate the key microorganisms and their dominant metabolisms along a physicochemical profile in Bundera Sinkhole, the only known continental subterranean estuary in the Southern Hemisphere. Genome-resolved metagenomics suggests that the communities are largely represented by novel taxonomic lineages, with 75% of metagenome-assembled genomes assigned to entirely new or uncharacterised families. These diverse and novel taxa displayed depth-dependent metabolisms, reflecting distinct phases along dissolved oxygen and salinity gradients. In particular, the communities appear to drive nutrient feedback loops involving nitrification, nitrate ammonification, and sulphate cycling. Genomic analysis of the most highly abundant members in this system suggests that an important source of chemotrophic energy is generated via the metabolic coupling of nitrogen and sulphur cycling.

Conclusion

These findings substantially contribute to our understanding of the novel and specialised microbial communities in anchialine ecosystems, and highlight key chemosynthetic pathways that appear to be important in these energy-limited environments. Such knowledge is essential for the conservation of anchialine ecosystems, and sheds light on adaptive processes in extreme environments.
A systematic review on big data applications and scope for industrial processing and healthcare sectors
Authors: Rahul Kumar , Banyal Rohitash Kumar , Arora Neeraj
Published: August 2023

Nowadays, big data is an emerging area of computer science. Data are generated through different sources such as social media, e-commerce, blogs, banking, healthcare, transactions, apps, websites, opinion platforms, etc. It is processed for effective utilization in different industries, including healthcare. These enormous generated data are essential for data analysis and processing for industrial needs. This paper reviews the work of various authors who have contributed to data collection, analyzing, processing, and viewing to explore the importance and possibilities of big data in industrial processing applications and healthcare sectors. It identifies different opportunities and challenges (data cleaning, missing values, and outlier analysis) along with applications and features of big data. This systematic review further proposed dirty data detection and cleaning and outlier detection models that can be used for many applications. The data cleaning and outlier detection models use the optimizations concept to solve the optimal centroid selection problem and suspected data.
Potential influencing factor on health‐related quality of life in Japanese with knee osteoarthritis: the Locomotive syndrome and Health outcome in Aizu cohort Study (LOHAS)
Authors: Otoshi Kenichi , Kikuchi Shinichi , Otani Koji , Sonobe Tatsuru , Sekiguchi Miho , Konno Shinichi
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Several studies have investigated the factors that influence health‐related quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This study aimed to identify and investigate the degree of involvement of potential factors influencing health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in an aged population with or without KOA.

Methods

This multi‐centered study included 651 participants who underwent health checkups in rural areas of Japan in 2010. The association between three component summary score of short‐form 12 (physical component summary; PCS, mental component summary; MCS, and role‐social component summary; RCS) and covariates were investigated using multiple linear regression model and calculated the scaled estimated regression coefficient.

Results

Decreasing mobility, severity of knee pain, high pain‐related self‐efficacy (PSE), older age, high functional self‐efficacy (FSE), and female gender had significant effect on PCS (p < 0.05). However, radiographic KOA had no influence on PCS. Presence of depression and body mass index had a significant influence on the MCS (p < 0.05). Decreasing mobility, presence of depression, PSE and older age had significant influence on the RCS (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our study results showed that physical, mental, and role/social QOL were affected by different influencing factors. Physical QOL was strongly influenced by subjective pain, physical performance, and self‐efficacy, whereas radiographic KOA had no such effect. Depressive mood is associated with both mental and role/social QOL. The role/social QOL was predominantly affected by physical function and pain‐related self‐efficacy. Taking measure to improving functional ability and mental status might be the key factor to improve HRQOL in patient with KOA.

Level of evidence

Level 3: Epidemiologic cross‐sectional study (prognostic study)
Statistical properties of cerebral near infrared and intracranial pressure-based cerebrovascular reactivity metrics in moderate and severe neural injury: a machine learning and time-series analysis
Authors: Gomez Alwyn , Sainbhi Amanjyot Singh , Stein Kevin Y. , Vakitbilir Nuray , Froese Logan , Zeiler Frederick A.
Published: August 2023

Background

Cerebrovascular reactivity has been identified as a key contributor to secondary injury following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Prevalent intracranial pressure (ICP) based indices of cerebrovascular reactivity are limited by their invasive nature and poor spatial resolution. Fortunately, interest has been building around near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) based measures of cerebrovascular reactivity that utilize regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) as a surrogate for pulsatile cerebral blood volume (CBV). In this study, the relationship between ICP- and rSO2-based indices of cerebrovascular reactivity, in a cohort of critically ill TBI patients, is explored using classical machine learning clustering techniques and multivariate time-series analysis.

Methods

High-resolution physiologic data were collected in a cohort of adult moderate to severe TBI patients at a single quaternary care site. From this data both ICP- and rSO2-based indices of cerebrovascular reactivity were derived. Utilizing agglomerative hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis, the relationship between these indices in higher dimensional physiologic space was examined. Additionally, using vector autoregressive modeling, the response of change in ICP and rSO2 (ΔICP and ΔrSO2, respectively) to an impulse in change in arterial blood pressure (ΔABP) was also examined for similarities.

Results

A total of 83 patients with 428,775 min of unique and complete physiologic data were obtained. Through agglomerative hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis, there was higher order clustering between rSO2- and ICP-based indices, separate from other physiologic parameters. Additionally, modeled responses of ΔICP and ΔrSO2 to impulses in ΔABP were similar, indicating that ΔrSO2 may be a valid surrogate for pulsatile CBV.

Conclusions

rSO2- and ICP-based indices of cerebrovascular reactivity relate to one another in higher dimensional physiologic space. ΔICP and ΔrSO2 behave similar in modeled responses to impulses in ΔABP. This work strengthens the body of evidence supporting the similarities between ICP-based and rSO2-based indices of cerebrovascular reactivity and opens the door to cerebrovascular reactivity monitoring in settings where invasive ICP monitoring is not feasible.
A mobile robot driven by uniaxial wave locomotion mechanism
Authors: Yoshida Kento , Nagaoka Kenji
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a novel mobile robot system that uses a uniaxial wave locomotion mechanism. The proposed mechanism can mechanically produce uniaxial surface waves by a single actuator to rotate a helix component that has discrete helical wings. This involves multiple pins with springs and a link mechanism. We designed and developed a mobile robot consisting of a main body and two helical wave locomotion units arranged in parallel. This paper also presents a locomotion model based on the proposed mechanics. The developed robot prototype demonstrated mobility on various surfaces and its skid-steering performance was evaluated. The experimental results validated the feasibility of the proposed wave-locomotion mechanism.
Safety and efficacy of interventional treatment of acute limb ischemia in Germany 2021
Authors: Bastian Moritz B. , Nadjiri Jonathan , Wessendorf Joel , Scheschenja Michael , König Alexander M. , Jedelska Jarmila , Mahnken Andreas H.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Interventional procedures have become a mainstay in the therapy of acute limb ischemia caused by embolism or arterial thrombosis. Treatment options include pharmacological thrombolysis (PT) and mechanical thrombectomy (MT). The aim of this study was to evaluate success and major complication rates of interventional radiological treatments of arterial embolism and thrombosis in Germany in 2021 and to compare their results with accepted international quality standards.

Materials and methods

Data for PT and MT for 2021 was obtained from the quality management system of the German interventional radiological society (DeGIR). 2431 PT and 1582 MT procedures were documented for 2021, with 459 combinations of PT and MT. Data was analysed for technical and clinical success rates, as well as major complication rates such as intracranial bleeding, major bleeding, distal embolization, aneurysm formation, organ-failure and cardiac-decompensation.

Results

PT alone had technical and clinical success rate of 90.21% and 81.08%, respectively. MT alone had technical and clinical success rates of 97.41% and 95.39%, respectively. MT&PT had technical and clinical success rates of 91.07% and 84.75%, respectively. Major complications were: distal embolization (PT:2.02%; MT:1.74%; PT&MT:2.61%), major bleeding (PT:0.94%; MT:1.14%; PT&MT:0.87%), aneurysm formation (PT:0.33%;MT: 1.14%;PT&MT: 0%), intracranial bleeding (PT:0.16%;MT:0%;PT&MT:0.22%), cardiac-decompensation (PT:0.21%;MT: 0.06%;PT&MT:0%) and organ-failure (PT:0%;MT:0.06%;PT&MT:0.22%).

Technical and clinical success rates were higher, while complication rates were lower than the corresponding threshold recommended by the Society of Interventional Radiology for percutaneous management of acute lower-extremity ischemia.

Conclusion

Treatment of arterial embolism and thrombosis performed by interventional radiologists in Germany is effective and safe with outcomes exceeding internationally accepted standards.
C-reactive protein as a biomarker for unipolar versus bipolar depression: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Dessoki Hani Hamed , Khattab Rasha Abd El Razek , Moris Wagdy , Abdelhakim Ahmed Abdelaziz Ezzat , Lotfy Alshimaa Mohsen Mohamed , Salah Hisham
Published: August 2023

Background

Differentiating unipolar depression from bipolar depression is clinically important. The identification of biomarkers that characterize the pathophysiology of each disorder may provide biological targets for treatment. The objective of the study was to demonstrate a relationship between CRP level and the severity of depressive symptoms and see if C-reactive protein (CRP) levels can be used as a biomarker to distinguish between unipolar and bipolar depression. A convenience sample of 90 individuals was consecutively recruited from the psychiatry outpatient clinic at Beni-Suef University Hospital, Egypt. They were divided into three equal groups: patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) (group 1), bipolar depression (group 2), and a healthy volunteer group (group 3). Patient groups were assessed using semi-structured interviews, and CRP levels were measured.

Results

Patients with bipolar depression and MDD showed a significantly higher score on the Beck Depression Inventory scale than the control group (32.97 ± 2.4 vs. 31.93 ± 2.3 vs. 8.00 ± 2.3 in all groups respectively) (P-value < 0.001). Patients with bipolar depression and MDD showed a significantly higher serum CRP level than the control group (134.96 ± 16.45 vs. 133.86 ± 17.59 vs.56.04 ± 26.71 vs. in all groups respectively) (P-value < 0.001). In all studied groups, elevated plasma CRP levels have a significant linear correlation with the severity of depression as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (r = 0.887, P-value < 0.001).

Conclusions

Serum CRP levels are significantly higher in MDD and BD patients when compared to controls. Individuals with higher CRP levels had more severe depression, and this finding was significantly higher in women than in men.
Healthcare provider’s performance monitoring for undercovered population during the Covid-19 epidemic, 2021, Tehran: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Oroomi Fatemeh Sharifi , Shahrousvand Shokouh , Hosseini Mahboobeh Mohammad , Tavakolikia Narjes , Taammoli Saeed , Hesari Elahe , Vosoogh-Moghadam Abbas
Published: August 2023

Background

Considering the necessity and importance of providing health care to children during the Covid-19 epidemic, this study aims to investigate primary health workers performance for infants under 6 months during the Covid-19 epidemic and parent’s satisfaction level with these services.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted among the defined population of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The descriptive analysis focused on frequencies and percentages. A chi-square test was used to compare the categorical data between the studied groups.

Results

Three-hundred seventy-two participants from two District Health Networks of Islamshahr 90 (24%) and Shahr-e-rey 107 (29%) and South Tehran Health Center 175 (47%) were included in the study. About 45% of 2 months old, 54% of 4 months old, and 42% of 6 months old received full basic healthcare package. Coverage of services such as vaccination and height, weight, and head circumference in all three age groups and health networks was 100%. Training in handwashing, touch the face, and hygiene while breastfeeding (64.4%, p = 0.043) and not to use a pacifier (64%, p = 0.038) in Islamshahr Health Network was significantly less than other health networks. The level of parental satisfaction with the provided services was 90.1%. There is a significant association between the dissatisfaction of the participants and not receiving the services completely (p = 0.000).

Conclusion

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the quality and quantity of primary health care to children have been declined. The focus of health workers was on essential physical health services for infants, and education was almost neglected during this period.
Skeletal Muscle Function Is Altered in Male Mice on Low-Dose Androgen Receptor Antagonist or Estrogen Receptor Agonist
Authors: Momb Brent A , Szabo Gillian K , Mogus Joshua P , Chipkin Stuart R , Vandenberg Laura N , Miller Mark S
Published: August 2023

In males, skeletal muscle function may be altered by shifts in either circulating testosterone or estrogen. We examined the effect of acute (2-week) exposures to 17α-ethinyl estradiol (EE2), an estrogen receptor (ER) agonist, or flutamide, an androgen receptor (AR) antagonist, on the contractile function of individual skeletal muscle fibers from slow-contracting soleus and fast-contracting extensor digitorum longus muscles from adult male mice. Single fiber specific tension (force divided by cross-sectional area) was decreased with flutamide treatment in all myosin heavy chain (MHC) fiber types examined (I, IIA, and IIB); similar effects were observed with EE2 treatment but only in the fastest-contracting MHC IIB fibers. The decreases in maximally Ca2+-activated specific tension were primarily a result of fewer strongly bound myosin-actin cross-bridges, with flutamide treatment also showing lower myofilament lattice stiffness. Myosin-actin cross-bridge kinetics were slower in MHC IIA fibers in flutamide-treated mice, but faster in EE2-treated mice, indicating that contractile velocity may be affected differently in this fiber type, which is commonly expressed in human skeletal muscle. Importantly, these effects were observed in the absence of outcomes previously used to evaluate ER agonists or AR antagonists in rodents including weight of reproductive organs or mammary gland morphology. Our findings indicate that substantial shifts in skeletal muscle function occur in male mice following acute exposures to low doses of a pharmacological ER agonist and an AR antagonist. These results suggest that countermeasures to maintain physical function may be needed early in situations that induce similar ER agonist and AR antagonist conditions.
Some Problems of Reproduction.—II
Authors: Hartog Marcus
Published: August 2023

Recent researches on the utilisation of reserves in plants had shown that in every case examined a ferment or enzyme was present which, under suitable circumstances, could effect in vitro the same process, usually of hydrolysis, which the living organism performs. Thus, if the green cell, under the influence of light, accumulates starch as a reserve during the day, and this starch is removed as a soluble sugar during the night, a diastatic ferment can be isolated from these green cells, and will operate the same conversion. So, too, from germinating seeds we can extract a peptonising ferment which, like trypsin, will hydrolise proteids into peptones and beyond, yielding leucin, tyrosiu, and other amides, such as asparagin. From this consideration on the one hand, and from the observations of Krukenberg, Le Dantec, Miss Greenwood, and A. Dixon and myself on the digestive processes and ferments of Protista of animal habit, it appeared probable that in cases where a cell utilises the reserves stored up in its own interior, enzymes would also prove to be present.