bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Photovoltaic to Agri-Natural-Voltaic (ANaV)
Authors: Campeol Giovanni , Biasio Lorella , Foffano Silvia , Scarpa Davide , Copparoni Giulio
Published: September 2022

Italy is the geographic area with the highest world concentration of cultural sites, landscapes with a high esthetic value, and biodiversity. Therefore, any modification in the territory is to be performed by highly considering these cultural, landscape, and natural values. Also, Italy has a high human pressure on agricultural areas, especially in flatlands, that generally have a high agronomic value. As a consequence, the planning of photovoltaic installations in agricultural areas must meet at least five basic criteria: to cause as little use as possible to the agricultural soil, to maintain agricultural activities, to strengthen or introduce natural habitats, to properly mitigate the landscape impact, and to be located as far as possible from residential areas. This chapter presents the technological innovation with a high environmental value that characterizes the photovoltaic system, called Agro-Natural-Voltaic (AnaV), also using methodological and planning schemes together with landscape simulations. Moreover, the essay gives a description of the study on the environmental impact (for the administrative procedure of the Environmental Impact Assessment), laid down for the emblematic case study.
Air Pollution and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Jin Changbo , Shi Wenming
Published: September 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease of unclear etiology that is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Air pollution, the largest environmental health risk globally, has been suggested to be associated with PD risk, while not all results are uniform. In this chapter, we summarize the recent advances in the epidemiology of six criteria air pollutants-fine particulate matter (PM2.5), inhalable particles (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide(CO), and ozone exposure with PD risk, and provided an overview of the potential mechanisms of air pollution on PD. Based on the current evidence from the human’s studies and animal models, this chapter provides a novel insight for the understanding of how environmental exposure influences the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration and prevents the occurrence or development of PD.
Whole-exome sequencing analysis in a case of primary congenital glaucoma due to the partial uniparental isodisomy
Authors: Zavarzadeh Parisima Ghaffarian , Bonyadi Morteza , Abedi Zahra
Published: September 2022

We described a clinical, laboratory, and genetic presentation of a pathogenic variant of the CYP1B1 gene through a report of a case of primary congenital glaucoma and a trio analysis of this candidate variant in the family with the sanger sequencing method and eventually completed our study with the secondary/incidental findings. This study reports a rare case of primary congenital glaucoma, an 8-year-old female child with a negative family history of glaucoma and uncontrolled intraocular pressure. This case’s whole-exome sequencing data analysis presents a homozygous pathogenic single nucleotide variant in the CYP1B1 gene (NM 000104:exon3:c.G1103A:p.R368H). At the same time, this pathogenic variant was obtained as a heterozygous state in her unaffected father but not her mother. The diagnosis was made based on molecular findings of whole-exome sequencing data analysis. Therefore, the clinical reports and bioinformatics findings supported the relation between the candidate pathogenic variant and the disease. However, it should not be forgotten that primary congenital glaucoma is not peculiar to the CYP1B1 gene. Since the chance of developing autosomal recessive disorders with low allele frequency and unrelated parents is extraordinary in offspring. However, further data analysis of whole-exome sequencing and sanger sequencing method were applied to obtain the type of mutation and how it was carried to the offspring.
A systemic study on the vulnerability and fatality of prostate cancer patients towards COVID-19 through analysis of the TMPRSS2, CXCL10 and their co-expressed genes
Authors: Raza Md. Thosif , Mizan Shagufta
Published: September 2022

A pandemic of respiratory disease named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is reported prostate cancer patients are susceptible to COVID-19 infection. To understand the possible causes of prostate cancer patients' increased vulnerability and mortality from COVID-19 infection, we focused on the two most important agents, transmembrane protease serine subtype 2 (TMPRSS2) and the C-X-C motif 10 (CXCL10). When SARS-CoV-2 binds to the host cell via S protein–angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptor interaction, TMPRSS2 contributes in the proteolytic cleavage of the S protein, allowing the viral and cellular membranes to fuse. CXCL10 is a cytokine found in elevated level in both COVID-19 and cancer-causing cytokine storm. We discovered that TMPRSS2 and CXCL10 are overexpressed in prostate cancer and COVID-19 using the UALCAN and GEPIA2 datasets. The functional importance of TMPRSS2 and CXCL10 in prostate cancer development was then determined by analyzing the frequency of genetic changes in their amino acid sequences using the cBioPortal online portal. Finally, we used the PANTHER database to examine the pathology of the targeted genes. We observed that TMPRSS2 and CXCL10, together with their often co-expressed genes, are important in the binding activity and immune responses in prostate cancer and COVID-19 infection, respectively. Finally, we found that TMPRSS2 and CXCL10 are two putative biomarkers responsible for the increased vulnerability and fatality of prostate cancer patients to COVID-19.
Comparative co-expression analysis of RNA-Seq transcriptome revealing key genes, miRNA and transcription factor in distinct metabolic pathways in diabetic nerve, eye, and kidney disease
Authors: Asmy Veeran kutty Subaida Shafna , Natarajan Jeyakumar
Published: September 2022

Diabetes and its related complications are associated with long term damage and failure of various organ systems. The microvascular complications of diabetes considered in this study are diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy. The aim is to identify the weighted co-expressed and differentially expressed genes (DEGs), major pathways, and their miRNA, transcription factors (TFs) and drugs interacting in all the three conditions. The primary goal is to identify vital DEGs in all the three conditions. The overlapped five genes (AKT1, NFKB1, MAPK3, PDPK1, and TNF) from the DEGs and the co-expressed genes were defined as key genes, which differentially expressed in all the three cases. Then the protein-protein interaction network and gene set linkage analysis (GSLA) of key genes was performed. GSLA, gene ontology, and pathway enrichment analysis of the key genes elucidates nine major pathways in diabetes. Subsequently, we constructed the miRNA-gene and transcription factorgene regulatory network of the five gene of interest in the nine major pathways were studied. hsa-mir-34a-5p, a major miRNA that interacted with all the five genes. RELA, FOXO3, PDX1 and SREBF1 were the TFs interacting with the major five gene of interest. Finally, drug-gene interaction network elucidates five potential drugs to treat the genes of interest. This research reveals biomarker genes, miRNA, TFs, and therapeutic drugs in the key signaling pathways, which may help us, understand the processes of all three secondary microvascular problems and aid in disease detection and management.
Pathogenesis and prognosis of primary oral squamous cell carcinoma based on microRNAs target genes: a systems biology approach
Authors: Taherkhani Amir , Dehto Shahab Shahmoradi , Jamshidi Shokoofeh , Shojaei Setareh
Published: September 2022

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most prevalent head and neck malignancy, with frequent cervical lymph-node metastasis, leading to a poor prognosis in OSCC patients. The present study aimed to identify potential markers, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and genes, significantly involved in the etiology of early-stage OSCC. Additionally, the main OSCC's dysregulated Gene Ontology annotations and significant signaling pathways were identified. The dataset GSE45238 underwent multivariate statistical analysis in order to distinguish primary OSCC tissues from healthy oral epithelium. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) with the criteria of p-value < 0.001 and |Log2 fold change| > 1.585 were identified in the two groups, and subsequently, validated targets of DEMs were identified. A protein interaction map was constructed, hub genes were identified, significant modules within the network were illustrated, and significant pathways and biological processes associated with the clusters were demonstrated. Using the GEPI2 database, the hub genes' predictive function was assessed. Compared to the healthy controls, main OSCC had a total of 23 DEMs. In patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), upregulation of CALM1, CYCS, THBS1, MYC, GATA6, and SPRED3 was strongly associated with a poor prognosis. In HNSCC patients, overexpression of PIK3R3, GIGYF1, and BCL2L11 was substantially correlated with a good prognosis. Besides, “proteoglycans in cancer” was the most significant pathway enriched in the primary OSCC. The present study results revealed more possible mechanisms mediating primary OSCC and may be useful in the prognosis of the patients with early-stage OSCC.
Analysis of gene expression profiles to study malaria vaccine dose efficacy and immune response modulation
Authors: Dey Supantha , Kaur Harpreet , Mazumder Mohit , Brodsky Elia
Published: September 2022

Malaria is a life-threatening disease, and Africa is still one of the most affected endemic regions despite years of policy to limit infection and transmission rates. Further, studies into the variable efficacy of the vaccine are needed to provide a better understanding of protective immunity. Thus, the current study is designed to delineate the effect of each dose of vaccine on the transcriptional profiles of subjects to determine its efficacy and understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the protection this vaccine provides. Here, we used gene expression profiles of pre and post-vaccination patients after various doses of RTS,S based on samples collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus datasets. Subsequently, differential gene expression analysis using edgeR revealed the significantly (false discovery rate < 0.005) 158 downregulated and 61 upregulated genes between control vs. controlled human malaria infection samples. Further, enrichment analysis of significant genes delineated the involvement of CCL8, CXCL10, CXCL11, XCR1, CSF3, IFNB1, IFNE, IL12B, IL22, IL6, IL27, etc., genes which found to be upregulated after earlier doses but downregulated after the 3rd dose in cytokine-chemokine pathways. Notably, we identified 13 cytokine genes whose expression significantly varied during three doses. Eventually, these findings give insight into the dual role of cytokine responses in malaria pathogenesis. The variations in their expression patterns after various doses of vaccination are linked to the protection as it decreases the severe inflammatory effects in malaria patients. This study will be helpful in designing a better vaccine against malaria and understanding the functions of cytokine response as well.
The UGT1A9*22 genotype identifies a high-risk group for irinotecan toxicity among gastric cancer patients
Authors: Lee Choong-kun , Chon Hong Jae , Kwon Woo Sun , Ban Hyo-Jeong , Kim Sang Cheol , Kim Hyunwook , Jeung Hei-Cheul , Chung Jimyung , Rha Sun Young
Published: September 2022

Several studies have shown associations between irinotecan toxicity and UGT1A genetic variations in colorectal and lung cancer, but only limited data are available for gastric cancer patients. We evaluated the frequencies of UGT1A polymorphisms and their relationship with clinicopathologic parameters in 382 Korean gastric cancer patients. Polymorphisms of UGT1A1*6, UGT1A1*27, UGT1A1*28, UGT1A1*60, UGT1A7*2, UGT1A7*3, and UGT1A9*22 were genotyped by direct sequencing. In 98 patients treated with irinotecan-containing regimens, toxicity and response were compared according to the genotype. The UGT1A1*6 and UGT1A9*22 genotypes showed a higher prevalence in Korean gastric cancer patients, while the prevalence of the UG1A1*28 polymorphism was lower than in normal Koreans, as has been found in other studies of Asian populations. The incidence of severe diarrhea after irinotecan-containing treatment was more common in patients with the UGT1A1*6, UGT1A7*3, and UGT1A9*22 polymorphisms than in controls. The presence of the UGT1A1*6 allele also showed a significant association with grade III–IV neutropenia. Upon haplotype and diplotype analyses, almost every patient bearing the UGT1A1*6 or UGT1A7*3 variant also had the UGT1A9*22 polymorphism, and all severe manifestations of UGT1A polymorphism-associated toxicity were related to the UGT1A9*22 polymorphism. By genotyping UGT1A9*22 polymorphisms, we could identify high-risk gastric cancer patients receiving irinotecan-containing chemotherapy, who would experience severe toxicity. When treating high-risk patients with the UGT1A9*22 polymorphism, clinicians should closely monitor them for signs of severe toxicity such as intense diarrhea or neutropenia.
NBLAST: a graphical user interface-based two-way BLAST software with a dot plot viewer
Authors: Choi Beom-Soon , Choi Seon Kang , Kim Nam-Soo , Choi Ik-Young
Published: September 2022

BLAST, a basic bioinformatics tool for searching local sequence similarity, has been one of the most widely used bioinformatics programs since its introduction in 1990. Users generally use the web-based NCBI-BLAST program for BLAST analysis. However, users with large sequence data are often faced with a problem of upload size limitation while using the web-based BLAST program. This proves inconvenient as scientists often want to run BLAST on their own data, such as transcriptome or whole genome sequences. To overcome this issue, we developed NBLAST, a graphical user interface-based BLAST program that employs a two-way system, allowing the use of input sequences either as “query” or “target” in the BLAST analysis. NBLAST is also equipped with a dot plot viewer, thus allowing researchers to create custom database for BLAST and run a dot plot similarity analysis within a single program. It is available to access to the NBLAST with http://nbitglobal.com/nblast.
The Association Between Human Papillomavirus Infection and Preterm Labor: A Literature Mini-review
Authors: Taheri Minoo
Published: September 2022

: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical dysplasia and the most common sexually-transmitted infection. Based on the available studies, HPV infection appears to correlate with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm labor. However, there is inconsistency in the literature regarding this association. In this context, the aim of this mini-review was to bring together current research findings focusing on the impact of HPV infection on preterm birth.
Clinicopathological Features of Patients with Vesiculobullous Diseases Referred to Dermatology Clinic of Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman, Iran
Authors: Khalili Maryam , Shamsi Meymandi Simin , Amiri Rezvan , Aflatoonian Mahin , Ghayoori Fatemeh , Mehrolhasani Niloofar
Published: September 2022

Background: Bullous diseases are classified as autoimmune blistering diseases, hereditary blistering disorders, and blistering diseases secondary to inflammation and physical trauma. This study evaluated clinicopathological features of patients with bullous diseases. Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of 88 patients with vesiculobullous diseases referred to the dermatology clinic of Afzalipour hospital in Kerman, Iran. Demographic features of the patients, type of lesions, differential diagnosis, and pathological features (site of skin biopsy, final pathological diagnosis, type of inflammatory cells, and direct immunofluorescence results) were recorded. Data were analyzed by chi-square test and independent t-test. Results: Eighty-eight patients (59.1% females and 40.9% males) were evaluated. The mean age of patients was 45.09 ± 20.48 years. Autoimmune blistering diseases, hereditary bullous diseases, and blisters secondary to inflammation and trauma were observed in 79.5%, 11.4%, 6.8%, and 2.3% of the cases, respectively. The most common diseases were pemphigus vulgaris (29.5%) and bullous pemphigoid (21.6%). There was a significant correlation between the type of the disease and the age of patients (P-value = 0.001) and the duration of the disease (0.047). Conclusions: The most common autoimmune blistering diseases, hereditary bullous diseases, and blisters secondary to inflammation and trauma were pemphigus vulgaris, epidermolysis bullosa, lichen planus, and diabetic bullae/friction blister, respectively.
Scholastická logika „vědění“ III.
Authors: Hanke Miroslav ,   University of South Bohemia
Published: September 2022

The problem of logical omniscience breaks down to the problems of the closure of knowledge under implication and of the distribution of knowledge over implication. In late medieval scholasticism these two related issues were engaged in various genres, in particular in general analysis of validity, games of obligationes, solution to self-referential antinomies and semantics of terms. The present study analyses the corpus of fourteenth-century texts with some overreaches to the subsequent two centuries, attempting to cover representatives of both the “British” and the “Continental” tradition. With some degree of simplification, this results in a range of four basic positions: 1. knowledge is closed under “analytic entailment” (Buridan), 2. knowledge distributes over implication (Heytesbury), 3. knowledge distributes over implication provided that its consequent’s truth is being taken into consideration (Peter of Mantua), 4. knowledge does not distribute overimplication (Wyclif).
CT- versus MRI-Based Imaging for Thrombolysis and Mechanical Thrombectomy in Ischemic Stroke: Analysis from the Austrian Stroke Registry
Authors: Krebs Stefan , Posekany Alexandra , Pilz Alina , Ferrari Julia , Bernegger Alexandra , Neumann Christian , Thurnher Siegfried , Roth Dominik , Lang Wilfried , Sykora Marek ,   on Behalf of the Austrian Stroke Unit Registry Collaborators
Published: September 2022

Background and Purpose It is unclear whether a particular stroke imaging modality offers an advantage for the acute stroke treatment. The aim of this study was to compare procedure times, efficacy and safety of thrombolysis and/or thrombectomy based on computed tomography (CT) versus magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acute stroke imaging.Methods Data of stroke patients who received intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and/or mechanical thrombectomy (MT) were extracted from a nationwide, prospective stroke unit registry and categorized according to initial imaging modality. Study endpoints included procedure times, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), early neurological improvement, 3-month functional outcome by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and mortality.Results Stroke patients (n=16,799) treated with IVT and 2,248 treated with MT were included. MRI-guided patients (n=2,599) were younger, had less comorbidities and higher rates of strokes with unknown onset as compared to CT-guided patients. In patients treated with IVT, no differences were observed regarding the rates of functional outcome by mRS 0–1 (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71 to 1.05), sICH (adjusted OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.61 to 1.08), and mortality (adjusted OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.63 to 1.22). Patients undergoing MT selected by MRI as compared to CT showed equal rates of functional outcome by mRS 0–2 (adjusted OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.65 to 1.16), sICH (adjusted OR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.51 to 1.69), and mortality (adjusted OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.35 to 1.09). MRI-guided patients showed a significant intrahospital delay of about 20 minutes in both the IVT and the MT group.Conclusions This large non-randomized comparison study indicates that CT- and MRI-guided patient selection for IVT/MT may perform equally well in terms of functional outcome and safety.
Simplified Assessment of Lesion Water Uptake for Identification of Patients within 4.5 Hours of Stroke
Onset: An Analysis of the MissPerfeCT Study
Authors: Sporns Peter B. , Höhne Marco , Meyer Lennart , Krogias Christos , Puetz Volker , Thierfelder Kolja M. , Duering Marco , Kaiser Daniel , Langner Sönke , Brehm Alex , Rotkopf Lukas T. , Kunz Wolfgang G. , Fiehler Jens , Heindel Walter , Schramm Peter , Wiendl Heinz , Minnerup Heike , Psychogios Marios Nikos , Kemmling André , Minnerup Jens
Published: September 2022

Background and Purpose Many patients with stroke cannot receive intravenous thrombolysis because the time of symptom onset is unknown. We tested whether a simple method of computed tomography (CT)-based quantification of water uptake in the ischemic tissue can identify patients with stroke onset within 4.5 hours. Methods This retrospective analysis of the MissPerfeCT study (August 2009 to November 2017) includes consecutive patients with known onset of symptoms from seven tertiary stroke centers. We developed a simplified algorithm based on region of interest (ROI) measurements to quantify water uptake of the ischemic lesion and thereby quantify time of symptom onset within and beyond 4.5 hours. Perfusion CT was used to identify ischemic brain tissue, and its density was measured in non-contrast CT and related to the density of the corresponding area of the contralateral hemisphere to quantify lesion water uptake. Results Of 263 patients, 204 (77.6%) had CT within 4.5 hours. Water uptake was significantly lower in patients with stroke onset within (6.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.0% to 7.4%) compared to beyond 4.5 hours (12.7%; 95% CI, 10.7% to 14.7%). The area under the curve for distinguishing these patient groups according to percentage water uptake was 0.744 with an optimal cut-off value of 9.5%. According to this cut-off the positive predictive value was 88.8%, sensitivity was 73.5%, specificity 67.8%, negative predictive value was 42.6%. Conclusions Ischemic stroke patients with unknown time of symptom onset can be identified as being within a timeframe of 4.5 hours using a ROI-based method to assess water uptake on admission non-contrast head CT.
Venous Outflow Profiles Are Linked to Clinical Outcomes in Ischemic Stroke Patients with Extensive Baseline Infarct
Authors: Winkelmeier Laurens , Broocks Gabriel , Kniep Helge , Geest Vincent , Reinwald Jonathan , Meyer Lukas , van Horn Noel , Guenego Adrien , Zeleňák Kamil , Albers Gregory W. , Lansberg Maarten , Sporns Peter , Wintermark Max , Fiehler Jens , Heit Jeremy J. , Faizy Tobias D.
Published: September 2022

Background and Purpose The benefit of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) treatment is still unclear in stroke patients presenting with extensive baseline infarct. The use of additional imaging biomarkers could improve clinical outcome prediction and individualized EVT selection in this vulnerable cohort. We hypothesized that cerebral venous outflow (VO) may be associated with functional outcomes in patients with low Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS).Methods We conducted a retrospective multicenter cohort study of patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO). Extensive baseline infarct was defined by an ASPECTS of ≤5 on admission computed tomography (CT). VO profiles were assessed on admission CT angiography using the Cortical Vein Opacification Score (COVES). Favorable VO was defined as COVES ≥3. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between cerebral VO and good clinical outcomes (90-day modified Rankin Scale score of ≤3).Results A total of 98 patients met the inclusion criteria. Patients with extensive baseline infarct and favorable VO achieved significantly more often good clinical outcomes compared to patients with unfavorable VO (45.5% vs. 10.5%, P<0.001). Higher COVES were strongly associated with good clinical outcomes (odds ratio, 2.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.15 to 4.57; P=0.024), independent of ASPECTS, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and success of EVT.Conclusions Cerebral VO profiles are associated with good clinical outcomes in AIS-LVO patients with extensive baseline infarct. VO profiles could serve as a useful additional imaging biomarker for treatment selection and outcome prediction in low ASPECTS patients.
Elderly CADASIL patients with intact neurological status
Authors: Zhang Ruiting , Ouin Elisa , Grosset Lina , Ighilkrim Karine , Lebenberg Jessica , Guey Stéphanie , François Véronique , Tournier-Lasserve Elisabeth , Jouvent Eric , Chabriat Hugues
Published: September 2022

Background and Purpose Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is one of the most devastating cerebral small vessel diseases. However, despite its progression with aging, some patients remain neurologically intact (Nint) even when they get older. Their main characteristics are poorly known. We aimed to delineate their clinical, imaging, and molecular features.Methods Individuals aged over 65 years were selected from a cohort of 472 CADASIL patients. Subjects who had no focal deficit, cognitive impairment, or disability were considered Nint. Their demographic, genetic, clinical, and imaging features were compared to those with permanent neurological symptoms (Nps).Results Among 129 patients, 23 (17.8%) individuals were considered Nint. The frequency of vascular risk factors and NOTCH3 cysteine mutations in epidermal growth factor-like repeat (EGFr) domains 7-34 did not differ between Nint and Nps patients but Nint patients had less stroke events and were more likely to have migraine with aura. The number of lacunes and microbleeds and degree of brain atrophy were lower in the Nint group, but the volume of white matter hyperintensities did not differ between the two groups.Conclusions Nearly one in five CADASIL patients can remain Nint after the age of 65 years. Their clinical and imaging profile differed from that of other age-matched CADASIL patients. The location of NOTCH3 mutation inside or outside EGFr domains 1-6 cannot fully explain this discrepancy. The factors involved in their relative preservation of brain tissue from severe damage despite aging remain to be determined.
Outcome Prediction in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis: The IN-REvASC Score
Authors: Klein Piers , Shu Liqi , Nguyen Thanh N. , Siegler James E. , Omran Setareh Salehi , Simpkins Alexis N. , Heldner Mirjam , Havenon Adam de , Aparicio Hugo J. , Abdalkader Mohamad , Psychogios Marios , Vedovati Maria Cristina , Paciaroni Maurizio , Martial Rascha von , Liebeskind David S. , Sousa Diana Aguiar de , Coutinho Jonathan M. , Yaghi Shadi ,   the ACTION-CVT Study Group
Published: September 2022

Background We identified risk factors, derived and validated a prognostic score for poor neurological outcome and death for use in cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). Methods We performed an international multicenter retrospective study including consecutive patients with CVT from January 2015 to December 2020. Demographic, clinical, and radiographic characteristics were collected. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to determine risk factors for poor outcome, mRS 3-6. A prognostic score was derived and validated. Results A total of 1,025 patients were analyzed with median 375 days (interquartile range [IQR], 180 to 747) of follow-up. The median age was 44 (IQR, 32 to 58) and 62.7% were female. Multivariable analysis revealed the following factors were associated with poor outcome at 90- day follow-up: active cancer (odds ratio [OR], 11.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.62 to 27.14; P<0.001), age (OR, 1.02 per year; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.04; P=0.039), Black race (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.10 to 4.27; P=0.025), encephalopathy or coma on presentation (OR, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.39 to 5.30; P=0.004), decreased hemoglobin (OR, 1.16 per g/dL; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.31; P=0.014), higher NIHSS on presentation (OR, 1.07 per point; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.11; P=0.002), and substance use (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.16 to 4.71; P=0.017). The derived IN-REvASC score outperformed ISCVT-RS for the prediction of poor outcome at 90-day follow-up (area under the curve [AUC], 0.84 [95% CI, 0.79 to 0.87] vs. AUC, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.66 to 0.76], χ2 P<0.001) and mortality (AUC, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.78 to 0.90] vs. AUC, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.66 to 0.79], χ2 P=0.03). Conclusions Seven factors were associated with poor neurological outcome following CVT. The INREvASC score increased prognostic accuracy compared to ISCVT-RS. Determining patients at highest risk of poor outcome in CVT could help in clinical decision making and identify patients for targeted therapy in future clinical trials.
Transcatheter Patent Foramen Ovale Closure in Stroke Patients with Thrombophilia: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Farjat-Pasos Julio I. , Nuche Jorge , Mesnier Jules , Panagides Vassili , Cloutier Stephanie , Houde Christine , Rodés-Cabau Josep
Published: September 2022

Transcatheter patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is a safe and effective treatment for secondary prevention after a PFO-associated stroke as demonstrated in multiple large randomized clinical trials. However, these trials excluded a significant proportion of patients who could have benefited from percutaneous PFO closure due to coexisting potential confounders such as additional thromboembolic risk factors, namely thrombophilia. Since scarce and conflicting data existed on such patients, current clinical management guidelines on patients with PFO mainly recommended against PFO closure in patients with thrombophilia and failed to provide any recommendation on the type and duration of antithrombotic treatment after transcatheter PFO closure. In the past 2 years, there has been new evidence supporting transcatheter PFO closure as a clinically meaningful alternative (vs. medical treatment) in this high-risk group of patients, along with additional data supporting the important role of systematic screening for thrombophilia in PFO-associated cerebrovascular events. This review article provides an updated overview of the incidence, clinical characteristics and outcomes of PFO closure in patients with thrombophilia, also commenting on the most appropriate medical treatment after PFO closure and future perspectives in the field.
Establishment of the Heart and Brain Team for Patent Foramen Ovale Closure in Stroke Patients: An Expert Opinion
Authors: Kim Jong S. , Thijs Vincent , Yudi Matias , Toyoda Kazunori , Shiozawa Masayuki , Zening Jin , Clapp Brian , Albers Bert , Diener Hans-Christoph
Published: September 2022

The online 2021 Asian-Pacific Heart and Brain Summit was organized to present and discuss experiences within leading Asian-Pacific centers with regard to institutional heart and brain teams managing the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of cryptogenic stroke (CS) patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO). This manuscript presents a narrative review of presentations and discussions during the summit meeting. Percutaneous PFO closure is an established therapy for CS patients in whom PFO is considered to be causal. Guidelines and consensus statements emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary clinical decision-making regarding PFO closure with the involvement of several clinical specialties, including neurology, cardiology, and hematology. It is also recommended that the patient be closely involved in this process. The heart and brain team is a collaborative platform that facilitates such a multidisciplinary decision-making process and patient involvement. It also creates opportunities for education and evaluation of the healthcare provided to patients with CS. This review provides insights into the implementation, composition, organization, and operation of a heart and brain team. Methods and metrics are suggested to evaluate the team’s role. We suggest that an efficient heart and brain team can implement guideline-recommended multidisciplinary clinical decision-making with regard to PFO closure in CS patients and play an important role in the management of these patients.
Ventricular tachycardia and hypertensive crisis induced by routine neuromuscular blockade reversal: A case report and literature review
Authors: Jovanović Ksenija , Trailović Ranko , Mutavdžić Perica , Tomić Ivan , Sladojević Miloš , Dimić Andreja , Dragaš Marko , Končar Igor , Davidović Lazar
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Neuromuscular blockade reversal may provoke cardiovascular events. We present the case of a middle-aged, vascular patient in whom ventricular tachycardia and hypertensive crisis occurred immediately after the initiation of neuromuscular blockade reversal. Patient Review: A 56-year-old man was admitted to our institution for emergency surgical treatment of left extremity ischemia. Besides hypertension, the patient's medical history was negative for any other significant acute or chronic diseases. Routine preoperative analyzes, ECG, and echocardiography showed normal findings. The patient underwent urgent trans popliteal thrombectomy under general endotracheal anesthesia. Immediately following the initiation of neuromuscular blockade reversal, with a diluted mixture of atropine and neostigmine (1 mg/2.5 mg, respectively), ventricular tachycardia and hypertensive crisis developed. Arterial blood gas analyses and electrolyte values were within the reference limits at the moment. Adequate therapeutic measures were undertaken immediately, and sinus rhythm was restored shortly. Later, serial ECG records showed negative T waves in the precordial leads, with an increasing trend of troponin I values (ranging from 0.59 to 5.45 mg/L). Coronary angiography was later performed and revealed a normal coronary angiogram. During the next three days, ischemic ECG alterations showed resolution and the patient was hemodynamically stable. On the fifth postoperative day, the patient was discharged, in good general medical condition. Conclusion: A careful administration of the atropine/neostigmine mixture is advised. Malignant arrhythmias must be recognized and treated promptly by an anesthesiologist, in order to achieve positive treatment outcomes.
Frequency of tobacco use and the attitudes of health professions students on tobacco use in Montenegro: Global health professions student survey in Montenegro
Authors: Ramčilović Vilnerina , Ćatić Sabina , Kujundžić Enisa
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Health professionals play a significant role in advising patients on the harmful effects of tobacco on human health and on the ways of abandoning this bad habit. However, tobacco consumption is also a challenge for health professionals themselves, as well as for medical students. Aim: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of smoking among students of health sciences in Montenegro, as well as to examine their attitudes related to tobacco control mechanisms. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of the Global Health Professions Student Survey, which was conducted by the Ministry of Health of Montenegro, in the period between October 2010 and March 2011. Results: In the 30 days preceding the survey, 25% of respondents had used tobacco. During the year preceding the survey, 38% smokers had consumed cigarettes on school premises. Of the respondents, 44.6% of smokers and 52.9% of non-smokers had been taught on the subject of the importance of providing educational material to patients, as a form of support to smoking cessation, but only 35% of smokers and 28% of non-smokers had received formal training on how to instruct patients to give up smoking. A total of 63.7% smokers and 81.7% non-smokers (p < 0.001) expressed the belief that health professionals who smoked cigarettes were less suited to advise patients on smoking cessation. There was a 70% lower probability that sixth year students would support the above stated attitude. Also, there was a 40% lower probability that the same attitude would be supported by students who felt that smoking in restaurants should not be banned in restaurants, and a 50% lower probability that this attitude would be supported by those students who believed that health workers do not need special training in smoking cessation techniques. Conclusion: The study showed that it was necessary to improve the curricula at health sciences faculties and improve formal training on the harmful effects of tobacco on human health, as well as to improve the training for acquiring evidence-based smoking cessation skills, which would have an indirect effect of reducing tobacco use among students.
Scope of preventive services provided by chosen doctors in primary health care, in the Republic of Serbia, in the period between 2013 and 2017
Authors: Milošević Mirjana , Topalović Marina , Jović-Vraneš Aleksandra
Published: September 2022

Introduction: In the Republic of Serbia, the capitation formula was introduced in 2012, as a payment for performance model for chosen medical doctors based on the number of patients, number of visits, financial value of prescribed prescriptions, as well as on the basis of the number of preventive health services provided in public primary health care facilities. Aim: The aim of this paper is to analyze the scope of preventive health services provided, which is used to evaluate the performance and to pay selected doctors according to the capitation formula, in primary health care institutions, in the Republic of Serbia, in the period between 2013 and 2017. Methods: The available data of the Institute of Public Health of Serbia 'Dr Milan Jovanović - Batut' (IPHS 'Batut'), in terms of the coverage of certain populations with health services, were analyzed, namely twenty-three different indicators, i.e., preventive services provided by chosen medical doctors in the area of health services for adults, children, and women's healthcare, in 166 primary health care institutions to which the payment model based on the capitation formula is applied (158 primary healthcare centers, three institutes for the health care of university students, and five institutes for the health care of workers). The trend of coverage of the above-mentioned services, in the period between 2013 and 2017 was examined, as well as the increase in the volume of preventive services, with fixed-base and chain indices. Results: Three out of twenty-three different health services showed a declining trend, namely the coverage of infants with ultrasound examinations for early detection of hip dysplasia, coverage of schoolchildren with preventive examinations at the ages of 8, 10, 12, and 14 years, as well as coverage of the adult population (older than 35 years) with preventive services. All other services had a stable trend in terms of coverage of target populations in the period from 2013 to 2017. Conclusion: Although most of the observed preventive health services had a stable trend of population coverage, their coverage was far below the recommended level, in the observed period.
The A Priori Procedure (APP) for estimating regression coefficients in linear models
Authors: Tong Tingting , Trafimow David , Wang Tonghui , Wang Cong , Hu Liqun , Chen Xiangfei
Published: September 2022

Regression coefficients are crucial in the sciences, as researchers use them to determine which independent variables best explain the dependent variable. However, researchers obtain regression coefficients from data samples and wish to generalize to populations; without reason to believe that sample regression coefficients are good estimates of corresponding population regression coefficients, their usefulness would be curtailed. In turn, larger sample sizes provide better estimates than do smaller ones. There is much recent literature on the a priori procedure (APP) that was designed for the general purpose of determining the sample sizes needed to obtain sample statistics that are good estimates of corresponding population parameters. We provide an extension of the APP to regression coefficients, which works for standardized or unstandardized regression coefficients. A simulation study and real data example support the mathematical derivations. Also, we include a free and user-friendly computer program to aid researchers in making the calculations.
Presaditev pljuč v Sloveniji – izkušnje prvih treh let
Authors: Harlander Matevž , Lestan David , Turel Matjaž , Drnovšek Globokar Mojca , Mušič Elizabeta Špela , Pirc Dejan , Fileković Ribarič Suada , Gradišek Michael , Greif Boris , Jaksch Peter , Klepetko Walter , Štupnik Tomaž
Published: September 2022

Izhodišča: Presaditev pljuč je zahtevna metoda zdravljenja za izbrane bolnike z napredovalo pljučno boleznijo. Naraščanje števila primernih kandidatov in standarizacija posega sta v letu 2018 omogočila vzpostavitev transplantacijskega centra v UKC Ljubljana. Prispevek poroča o prvih rezultatih.
Metode: Opravili smo analizo lastnega registra bolnikov. Rezultate smo primerjali s skupino bolnikov, ki so jim pred tem opravili presaditev v AKH Dunaj.
Rezultati: Med 15. 9. 2018 in 15. 9. 2021 smo opravili 37 presaditev pljuč (od tega pri 13 ženskah). Indikacije so bile KOPB (n = 13, 35 %), pljučne fibroze (n = 7, 19 %), cistična fibroza (n = 5, 14 %), kovidna pljučnica (n = 4, 11 %), bronhiektazije (n = 3, 8 %), pljučna hipertenzija (n = 2, 5 %), limfangioleiomiomatoza (n = 1, 3 %), pomanjkanje alfa-1-antitripsina (n = 1, 3 %) in bronhiolitis (n = 1, 3 %). V primerjavi s prejšnjo skupino bolnikov, napotenih v AKH Dunaj (71 bolnikov, od tega 35 žensk), je bil delež bolnikov s KOPB višji (35 % in 16 %, p = 0,019), bolniki pa so bili starejši (mediana [razpon], 59 [14–68] in 43 [4–58] let, p = 0,001). 76 % darovanih pljuč ni ustrezalo standardnim merilom (30 % darovalcev je bilo starejših od 55 let, 22 % jih je imelo infiltrate na rentgenogramu pljuč, 24 % pa ni izpolnjevalo enega od ostalih meril), v 43 % pa je bila potrebna redukcija velikosti, kar pa ni vplivalo na primarno odpoved presadka. Kratkoročno preživetje je bili podobno v obeh skupinah (1-letno preživetje v UKC Ljubljana 89 % [95 % CI 78–99 %] in v AKH Dunaj 83 % [95 % CI 74–92 %]).
Zaključek: Prvi rezultati kažejo, da so zgodnji izidi po presaditvi pljuč primerljivi pri bolnikih, ki so imeli presaditev v UKC Ljubljana ali v AKH Dunaj.
Evaluation of the Awareness of Physicians and Dentists for the Relationship Between Periodontal Status and Systemic Diseases
Authors: ÇETİN ÖZDEMİR Eda , UZUNKAYA Meral
Published: September 2022

Aim: It is important that physicians and dentists have knowledge about the relationship between systemic and periodontal diseases and work collaboratively when necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness of physicians and dentists of the relationship between periodontal status and systemic diseases. Materials and Methods: A 14-item questionnaire was sent to 6974 participants via social media and e-mail. The questionnaire items were related to periodontal disease and information about diabetes, cardiovascular disease, pregnancy and medication. Responses were obtained from 167 physicians and 228 dentists, and these were compared between the groups. Results: The vast majority of participants (97%) agreed that periodontal disease is a complication of diabetes mellitus. More than half of the physicians (69%) thought periodontitis was a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Physicians had significantly less awareness than other groups about drugs that can cause gingival growth. The awareness of physicians about possible complications of pregnancy related to periodontal disease was significantly low. Almost all of the dentists thought that the second trimester of pregnancy was the best time for dental treatments, while this rate was 40% for specialist physicians and 30% for general practitioners. Conclusion: Physicians should consider that there may be a bidirectional relationship between periodontal status and systemic diseases. For physicians and dentists to to be able to increase their awareness and update their knowledge it would be beneficial to have regular training programs and courses organized
Retrospective Evaluation of Maxillofacial Fractures With Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: HAYLAZ Emre , GEDUK Gediz , ŞEKER Çiğdem , İÇEN Murat
Published: September 2022

ÖZ
Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı maksillofasiyal bölgede meydana gelen fraktürlerin yaş ve cinsiyete göre dağılımlarını, lokalizasyonlarını, sayısını, deplasman varlığını, radyolojik özelliklerini Konik Işınlı Bilgisayarlı Tomografi (KIBT) ile retrospektif olarak değerlendirmektir.
Gereç ve Yöntemler: Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit Üniversitesi Diş Hekimliği Fakültesi, Ağız Diş ve Çene Radyolojisi Anabilim Dalı’na 2019 ve 2021 yılları arasında travma nedeniyle başvuran 84 hastadan alınan KIBT görüntüleri retrospektif olarak incelenmiştir. Yaş, cinsiyet, fraktür lokalizasyonu, fraktürlerde deplasman varlığı kayıt altına alındı. İstatistiksel analiz için tüm hasta grubuna tanımlayıcı ve frekans analizleri uygulanırken, hastaların yaş ve cinsiyetlerini; fraktür hattı ve fraktür bölgesi ile karşılaştırırken ki-kare testi uygulandı.
Bulgular: 60 erkek 24 kadın hasta (E/K, 2,5/1) olmak üzere toplam 84 hastanın maksillofasiyal travma nedeniyle KIBT görüntüsü incelendi. Çalışmada incelenen hasta grubunun yaşları 6 ve 72 arasında değişmekte olup yaş ortalaması 33.17±1.48 olarak belirlendi. Farklı etiyolojik nedenlerden kaynaklı çeşitli lokalizasyonlarda meydana gelen 116 fraktür hattı sayısı radyolojik olarak tespit edildi. İncelenen tüm fraktürlerin 73’ünde deplasman izlenirken kalan 43 fraktür hattında deplasman görülmedi. Meydana gelen fraktürler en sık angulus mandibulada (%22,61:n=19) tespit edildi. En az fraktür mandibula ramus (%3,57; n=3) ve koronoid proseste (%3,57; n=3) görüldü.
Sonuçlar: Fraktür hatlarının varlığının, lokalizasyonlarının ve kırık parçalarının yer değişiminin doğru radyografik teknikler aracılığıyla tespit edilmesi, gerekli tedavi prosedürlerinin uygulanması açısından önem taşımaktadır. İki boyutlu radyografilerin kullanımının yetersiz kaldığı durumlarda KIBT gibi üç boyutlu görüntüleme yöntemleri tercih edilmelidir.
Anahtar Kelimeler: Konik Işınlı Bilgisayarlı Tomografi, Fraktür, Mandibula, Teşhis
La formación inicial del profesorado de Secundaria: vacíos y retos para trabajar los problemas sociales del alumnado. El caso de Andalucía
Authors: Velasco Elisa , Venegas Mar , Sánchez Kiko
Published: September 2022

Este artículo analiza la formación inicial del profesorado de Secundaria. El objetivo es conocer si dota al profesorado de las herramientas necesarias para abordar los problemas sociales de su alumnado. Se ha empleado una metodología mixta: análisis documental para conocer el currículo del Máster de Secundariaen las 9 universidades públicas andaluzas que lo ofertan; y varias técnicas cualitativas para conocer los discursos del profesorado obre su formación inicial: una autoetnografía en el contexto escolar; un grupo de discusión y 10 entrevistas semiestructuradas en profundidad con un/acoordinador/a de máster y profesorado de centros de titularidad pública, concertada y privada de toda Andalucía. Los datos muestran los vacíos y retos en formación inicial del profesorado de Secundaria para afrontar los problemas sociales del alumnado en la cotidianeidad del aula y permiten concluir poniendo el énfasis en la necesidad de reforzar la formación inicial del profesorado en este ámbito, eminentemente sociológico.