bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Childhood neuroendocrine tumors of the digestive system
Authors: Kartal İbrahim
Published: February 2022

The prevalence and incidence of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are increasing in the pediatric population. This increase can be associated with improved diagnostics and increased detection rates of the disease. We aimed to discuss the clinical and pathological characteristics of patients with this rare disease who were followed and treated at our center.

The medical records of children (aged 0–18 years) with NETs of the digestive system, followed up and treated between 2007 and 2020 at Ondokuz Mayis University Faculty of Medicine, were reviewed.

Overall, 16 patients (8 girls and 8 boys) were analyzed. Fifteen patients had NETs in the appendix; 14 of these had grade I NETs, and 1 had grade II NETs. No additional surgery was performed except for appendectomy. All patients were in complete remission at the last follow-up (median 38 months). The other patient, a 12-year-old girl, had a primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (grade III NET). Three cycles of neoadjuvant and adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy were administered, and right hepatectomy was performed to remove the mass. The patient is being followed-up for approximately 3 years without disease recurrence.

Most NETs are observed in adults, and most studies have focused on this population. Unlike adults, increasing awareness of the disease in the pediatric population (especially in cases of acute appendicitis), discovering therapeutic treatments, and sharing experiences are crucial for developing an optimal therapeutic approach for pediatric NETs.
Cholangitis in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Hu Wei-Syun , Lin Cheng-Li
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether atrial fibrillation (AF) and cholangitis is associated.

This is a propensity-matched retrospective cohort report from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. We included patients who had AF but didn’t have cholangitis, and matched controls between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2012. The AF cohort comprised 114,572 patients and the comparison cohort comprised 114,572 subjects. All participants were followed up until developing cholangitis, death, or December 31, 2013, whichever came first. The cox model was used to calculate the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for comparing the risk of cholangitis in the AF cohort and non-AF cohort.

The incidence of cholangitis was higher in patients with AF than in those without AF [4.2 and 2.54 per 1000 person–years; adjusted HR (95%CI), 1.92 (1.54, 2.41)]. Comparing to subjects without AF, patients with AF had higher risk of cholangitis in the subgroup of ≥65 years (adjusted HR = 1.76, 95%CI = 1.40–2.21), female (adjusted HR = 2.51, 95%CI = 1.74–3.63), male (adjusted HR = 1.60, 95%CI = 1.19–2.14), without comorbidities (adjusted HR = 1.79, 95%CI = 1.23–2.61), and with comorbidities (adjusted HR = 1.85, 95%CI = 1.73–1.99).

AF is associated with a higher incidence of cholangitis. The need of further investigations is mandatory because of the inherent limitations of observational study.
Primary cutaneous apocrine carcinoma of the scalp
Authors: Choi Jun Ho , Oh Hyun Myung , Kim Kwang Seog , Choi Yoo Duk , Joo Sung Pil , Hwang Won Joo , Hwang Jae Ha , Lee Sam Yong
Published: February 2022

Rationale:

Apocrine carcinoma is a rare malignant sweat gland tumor that has been reported in approximately 200 cases. This tumor usually occurs in the axilla, but in rare cases, it can also develop in the scalp. In the present work, we report 2 cases of cutaneous apocrine carcinoma of the scalp.

Patient concerns:

Two men visited our outpatient clinic with recurrence of tumor after undergoing surgery for scalp tumor at another hospital.

Diagnoses:

Brain magnetic resonance imaging of a 56-year old man showed the presence of a 5.0 × 4.5 × 4.4 cm scalp mass in the right parietal region, invading the skull and dura mater and a 2.2 × 2.0 × 0.7 cm bony mass without any skin lesions right next to the scalp mass. Neck magnetic resonance imaging of a 76-year-old man revealed the presence of a well-defined oval mass in the subcutaneous layer of the left occipital scalp and 2 enlarged lymph nodes in the left neck. Definite diagnoses were made postoperatively. The patients were diagnosed with cutaneous apocrine carcinoma. The diagnosis was confirmed through histopathological and immunohistochemical staining tests.

Interventions:

The tumors were removed with a wide safety margin and reconstructive surgery was performed.

Outcomes:

Additional radiotherapy or chemotherapy was performed. Follow-up more than 6 months revealed no recurrence or metastasis.

Lessons:

If accurate diagnosis and treatment had taken place at the initial stages of the primary cutaneous apocrine carcinoma, it would have been possible to prevent recurrence and intracranial invasion. As recurrent primary cutaneous apocrine carcinoma can become aggressive and difficult to treat, even a small mass on the scalp must be evaluated carefully and treated properly.
The clinical efficacy of Shengyu decoction in the treatment of anemia after PFNA for elderly intertrochanteric fracture
Authors: Lu Wei , Zhu Wenhao , Xiao Yu , Hu Hao , Zhang Yunlu , Feng Yanqi , Wan Hongbo , Fan Zhaoxiang , Wu Xuequn
Published: February 2022

Background:

Femoral intertrochanteric fractures (ITF) occur frequently in the elderly, accounting for 45% of all hip fractures. Postoperative anemia after fracture tends to cause ischemia, hypoxia in cells, tissues and organs, increasing the rate of blood transfusion, risk of infection, disability and mortality. Meanwhile, traditional Chinese medicine is widely used in the treatment of anemia for activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis.

Methods:

This study is a prospective, outcome assessor-, and data analyst-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial. The objective of this proposed study was to investigate whether Shengyu Decoction could improve the symptoms of anemia after proximal femoral nail antirotation in elderly ITF patients. After qualifying for screening, patients will be randomized into 2 groups with an allocation ratio of 1:1. Hemoglobin concentration, HBL, and HHS score are outcome measurements. The other outcomes also included time to get out of bed, discharge to home, 30-day readmission rates, and mortality.

Discussion:

ITF is commonly occurring in senior citizens, and those who are senior in age generally suffer 1 or more basic diseases, whose nutritional status is already poor. Trauma and surgical stimulation not only aggravate the existing disease or induce corresponding cardiovascular complications, but also worsen the nutritional status, which can easily cause postoperative anemia in patients. Because of the limited clinical modalities available for the treatment of postoperative anemia after fracture surgery, and most of them have various side effects that are not easily tolerated by the elderly. Therefore, from a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, we proposed a protocol using mild Chinese herbal decoction to treat postoperative anemia in ITF.

Registration number: OSF Registration number: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/JQ6ZF.
Pseudomonas keratitis complicated with spontaneous expulsive suprachoroidal hemorrhage
Authors: Yang Ju-Wen
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

Spontaneous expulsive suprachoroidal hemorrhage (SESCH) is a rare condition. The correlation between SESCH and chronic glaucoma has been reported previously. However, few reports have indicated a correlation between infective keratitis and SESCHs.

Patient concerns:

Here, we report the case of an 82-year-old woman with a corneal ulcer who presented with left eye pain for 6 days.

Diagnosis:

We found that she has Pseudomonas keratitis and history of chronic glaucoma.

Interventions and Outcomes:

During admission, her left eye showed elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Three days later, the eyeball began to bleed and became painful. She had high blood pressure on that day. Hours after complaints of eye pain, intraocular tissue exposure related to eyeball rupture, and SESCH. The patient underwent evisceration and insertion of a silicone ball for the socket reconstruction. Histopathological evaluation revealed acute inflammation of the cornea and the choroidal vessels.

Conclusion:

In elderly patients with infective keratitis and a history of glaucoma and hypertension, it is important to control intraocular pressure and blood pressure and pay attention to the risk of spontaneous expulsive suprachoroidal hemorrhage.
Therapeutic effect of intradiscal pulsed radiofrequency on internal disc disruption
Authors: Kim Dong Hyuck , Jeong Kyung Wook , Jo Wonyeong , Lee So Young , Im Jung A , Jung Jin Yong
Published: February 2022

Rationale:

Discogenic low back pain often persists despite medication and medical intervention. In this study, intradiscal pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) was performed in a patient with discogenic low back pain who did not respond to oral medication, posterior medial branch block, epidural steroid injection, and percutaneous epidural adhesiolysis.

Patient concerns:

A 28-year-old woman visited a pain clinic complaining of low back pain that was scored 8 out of 10 on a numerical rating scale. Her pain was present in any position throughout the day and worsened in the sitting position.

Diagnoses:

Magnetic resonance imaging showed L5-S1 internal discal disruption. Based on the medical history, physical examination, and magnetic resonance imaging, we determined that her pain originated from the L5-S1 disc.

Interventions:

We performed an intradiscal PRF on the affected disc under C-arm fluoroscopy guidance. PRF was performed at 5 Hz, 20-ms pulse width, and 70 V for 15 minutes while ensuring that the electrode tip temperature was maintained below 42°C.

Outcomes:

Immediately after the procedure, the patient's pain subsided. At the 1-month follow-up visit, the patient reported complete relief of her low back pain. The Oswestry disability index, which indicates the degree of disability, improved significantly. She also reported that she could sit for long periods because the pain was reduced. No adverse effects from the procedure were found.

Lessons:

Applying intradiscal PRF seems an effective and safe technique for treating discogenic low back pain.
The role of after-hours house-call medical service in the treatment of COVID-19 patients awaiting hospital admission
Authors: Inokuchi Ryota , Jin Xueying , Iwagami Masao , Ishikawa Masatoshi , Tamiya Nanako
Published: February 2022

Due to the increasing number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Japan, hospitals are unable to provide admission and immediate inpatient care. The after-hours house call (AHHC) service offers telephone consultations and in-home care to patients awaiting admission. Currently, there is no report on the management of COVID-19 patients when inpatient beds are insufficient.

We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients treated by an AHHC medical service in Osaka and Tokyo, between April and May 2021 (during the fourth wave in Japan). Patients were classified into 2 groups: Moderate I and Moderate II, according to the severity of infection under Japanese guidelines. A retrospective study of the hospital records and follow-up telephone consultations was performed.

The AHHC treated a total of 55 COVID-19 patients (17 with Moderate I, 38 with Moderate II disease). The median ages (interquartile range) were 63 (49–80.5) and 64 (50.8–81), respectively. In each group, approximately 30% of AHHC patients received out-of-hospital oxygen therapy for the duration of their treatment until it was no longer required. Major symptoms, including shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (47.1% and 78.9%, respectively) and fever or chills (41.2% and 76.3%, respectively) were lower in the Moderate I group than in the Moderate II group. Overall, 16.4% of patients died, with 17.6% in the Moderate I group and 15.8% in the Moderate II group.

We found the proportion of mortality in patients treated by the AHHC was slightly higher to that of patients treated in Japanese hospitals. This study will provide an alternative management of patients requiring oxygen in situations where hospital beds are in short supply.
Influenza vaccination in patients with heart failure
Authors: Fukuta Hidekatsu , Hagiwara Hiromi , Kamiya Takeshi
Published: February 2022

Background:

Heart failure is a major public health problem. Although there have been significant advances in the management of heart failure, the mortality and morbidity in heart failure patients remain high. Heart failure patients are susceptible to influenza-related complications including acute heart failure exacerbations and secondary infections such as pneumonia, both of which lead to significant morbidity and mortality. An earlier meta-analysis of observational cohort studies reported that influenza vaccination was associated with reduced risk of mortality in heart failure patients. Although there are no published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of influenza vaccination on clinical outcomes in heart failure patients, there are several on-going RCTs examining the effect in these patients. We aim to conduct a meta-analysis of RCTs to assess the efficacy and safety of influenza vaccination in heart failure patients.

Methods:

This meta-analysis will include RCTs examining the effect of influenza vaccination in heart failure patients. Information of studies will be collected from electronic databases. The primary outcome of interest will be cardiovascular death. The secondary outcomes of interest will be all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, hospitalization for heart failure, and hospitalization for any cause.

Discussion:

This meta-analysis will evaluate the efficacy and safety of influenza vaccination in heart failure patients, providing evidence to the use of influenza vaccine in these patients.

Systematic review registration:

INPLASY202210115.
Pregnancy After 40: Recommendations for Counseling, Evaluation, and Management From Preconception to Delivery
Authors: Moutos Christopher P. , Ly Phuong , Moutos Dean M. , Clark Shannon M.
Published: February 2022

Importance

Pregnant patients over age 40 often have unique risk factors and potential complications before and during pregnancy that play a role in their counseling and management.

Objective

To provide practitioners an overview on how to approach preconception evaluation and counseling, prenatal care, and management of associated comorbidities, as well as potential complications, in pregnant patients over age 40.

Evidence Acquisition

Literature review was performed using OVID and PubMed, with further relevant information queried from guidelines of professional organizations.

Results

Pregnant patients over age 40 should receive preconception evaluations by their obstetrician–gynecologist and other appropriate specialty care providers as they pertain to preexisting medical comorbidities. In the preconception period, attention should be given to managing and optimizing preexisting medical conditions and associated pharmacotherapeutics. Referral to specialists in assisted reproductive technologies or maternal-fetal medicine should be considered if indicated for appropriate evaluation and counseling. During pregnancy, accurate dating and counseling on aneuploidy screening, with consideration for early diabetes screening, should be performed in the first trimester. A detailed anatomy scan and fetal echocardiogram should be completed by 22 weeks' gestation, along with routine and high-risk (if indicated) prenatal care. Close attention should be given to the development of pregnancy-related complications associated with advancing age. Third-trimester fetal surveillance can be considered. Given that no contraindications exist, these patients should be encouraged to pursue a vaginal delivery with consideration for induction at 39 to 40 weeks' gestation.

Conclusion

Pregnancy rates are increasing in persons over age 40. As a result, preconception evaluation and counseling tailored to that demographic are essential. In addition to standard prenatal care, they should have early screening and diligent monitoring for pregnancy-related comorbidities associated with advancing age.

Relevance

With the increased pregnancy-associated comorbidities in patients over age 40, providers should be familiar with how to evaluate, counsel, and manage them during the preconception and pregnancy periods.

Target Audience

All obstetrical care providers

Learning Objectives

After participating in this activity, the provider should be better able to explain the benefits of preconception counseling and workup for patients over age 40 desiring pregnancy; identify the impact of chronic medical conditions on pregnancy; and describe antenatal management by trimester for this patient population.
A Review of Current Management of Placental Site Trophoblastic Tumor and Epithelioid Trophoblastic Tumor
Authors: Burkett Wesley C. , Soper John T.
Published: February 2022

Importance

Placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT) and epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT) are rare forms of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). These tumors differ from choriocarcinoma as they are monophasic, have slower growth rates, have lower β-hCG concentrations, and are more chemoresistant. Placental site trophoblastic tumor and ETT can be misdiagnosed, leading to inappropriate management.

Objective

The aim of this study was to review the pathogenesis, presentation, pathologic findings, and treatment for PSTT and ETT.

Evidence Acquisition

A comprehensive literature review was performed identifying relevant research and review articles. Relevant textbook chapters and guidelines were also reviewed.

Results

Placental site trophoblastic tumor and ETT can present months to years after any antecedent pregnancy event with abnormal uterine bleeding and an elevated β-hCG. Tumors are typically confined to the uterus and secrete lower levels of β-hCG compared with other GTNs. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics prognostic scoring system does not correlate well with prognosis. These lesions can be misdiagnosed as smooth muscle tumors, metastatic melanoma, and cervical squamous cell carcinoma. However, they can be distinguished by their unique histologic and immunophenotypic features.

Conclusions

Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for early-stage PSTT and ETT. For patients with advanced disease or for those with poor prognostic indicators, such as an antecedent pregnancy interval of greater than 48 months, a multimodal treatment paradigm of surgery and chemotherapy using a high-risk GTN platinum-etoposide containing regimen is recommended.

Relevance

Placental site trophoblastic tumor and ETT should be considered in the differential diagnosis in a reproductive age patient presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding and an elevated β-hCG after any antecedent pregnancy event.

Target Audience

Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians

Learning Objectives

After participating in this activity, the reader should be better able to identify the presentation and diagnosis of PSTT and ETT; explain how PSTT and ETT differ from the more common forms of GTN; and describe how surgical resection is the primary treatment modality for PSTT and ETT.
Single-Cell Transcriptomic Atlas of the Human Endometrium During the Menstrual Cycle
Authors: Wang Wanxin , Vilella Felipe , Alama Pilar , Moreno Inmaculada , Mignardi Marco , Isakova Alina , Pan Wenying , Simon Carlos , Quake Stephen R.
Published: February 2022

(Abstracted from Nat Med 2020;26:1644–1653)

The monthly remodeling, shedding, and regeneration of the endometrium defining the human menstrual cycle is driven by gene expression changes in the underlying tissue hierarchy. Significant heterogeneity exists among cell types in the endometrium, such that multiple cell types vary dramatically in state through a monthly cycle and undergo various forms of differentiation at rapid rates.
Refining the Clinical Definition of Active Phase Arrest of Dilation in Nulliparous Women to Consider Degree of Cervical Dilation as Well as Duration of Arrest
Authors: Kawakita Tetsuya , Gold Stacey L. , Huang Jim C. , Iqbal Sara N.
Published: February 2022

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021;225:294.e1–294.e14)

In the United States, the progression of labor has been substantially slower than reported previously, according to a retrospective observational study by the Consortium on Safe Labor. Yet, the optimal threshold for arrest of dilation that balances the likelihood of vaginal delivery with the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes is unknown.
Fat Quantification in Dual-Layer Detector Spectral Computed Tomography
Authors: Molwitz Isabel , Campbell Graeme Michael , Yamamura Jin , Knopp Tobias , Toedter Klaus , Fischer Roland , Wang Zhiyue Jerry , Busch Alina , Ozga Ann-Kathrin , Zhang Shuo , Lindner Thomas , Sevecke Florian , Grosser Mirco , Adam Gerhard , Szwargulski Patryk
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Fat quantification by dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) provides contrast-independent objective results, for example, on hepatic steatosis or muscle quality as parameters of prognostic relevance. To date, fat quantification has only been developed and used for source-based DECT techniques as fast kVp-switching CT or dual-source CT, which require a prospective selection of the dual-energy imaging mode.

It was the purpose of this study to develop a material decomposition algorithm for fat quantification in phantoms and validate it in vivo for patient liver and skeletal muscle using a dual-layer detector-based spectral CT (dlsCT), which automatically generates spectral information with every scan.

Materials and Methods

For this feasibility study, phantoms were created with 0%, 5%, 10%, 25%, and 40% fat and 0, 4.9, and 7.0 mg/mL iodine, respectively. Phantom scans were performed with the IQon spectral CT (Philips, the Netherlands) at 120 kV and 140 kV and 3 T magnetic resonance (MR) (Philips, the Netherlands) chemical-shift relaxometry (MRR) and MR spectroscopy (MRS). Based on maps of the photoelectric effect and Compton scattering, 3-material decomposition was done for fat, iodine, and phantom material in the image space.

After written consent, 10 patients (mean age, 55 ± 18 years; 6 men) in need of a CT staging were prospectively included. All patients received contrast-enhanced abdominal dlsCT scans at 120 kV and MR imaging scans for MRR. As reference tissue for the liver and the skeletal muscle, retrospectively available non–contrast-enhanced spectral CT data sets were used. Agreement between dlsCT and MR was evaluated for the phantoms, 3 hepatic and 2 muscular regions of interest per patient by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman analyses.

Results

The ICC was excellent in the phantoms for both 120 kV and 140 kV (dlsCT vs MRR 0.98 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.94–0.99]; dlsCT vs MRS 0.96 [95% CI, 0.87–0.99]) and in the skeletal muscle (0.96 [95% CI, 0.89–0.98]). For log-transformed liver fat values, the ICC was moderate (0.75 [95% CI, 0.48–0.88]). Bland-Altman analysis yielded a mean difference of −0.7% (95% CI, −4.5 to 3.1) for the liver and of 0.5% (95% CI, −4.3 to 5.3) for the skeletal muscle. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement were excellent (>0.9).

Conclusions

Fat quantification was developed for dlsCT and agreement with MR techniques demonstrated for patient liver and muscle. Hepatic steatosis and myosteatosis can be detected in dlsCT scans from clinical routine, which retrospectively provide spectral information independent of the imaging mode.
Clearance of Maedi-visna infection in a longitudinal study of naturally infected rams is associated with homozygosity for the TMEM154 resistance allele
Authors: Jones Scott , McKay Heather , Eden Laura , Bollard Nicola , Dunham Stephen , Davies Peers , Tarlinton Rachael
Published: February 2022

Maedi-visna (MV) is a lentiviral disease of sheep responsible for severe production losses in affected flocks. There are no vaccination or treatment options with control reliant on test and cull strategies. The most common diagnostic methods used at present are combination ELISAs for Gag and Env proteins with virus variability making PCR diagnostics still largely an experimental tool. To assess variability in viral loads and diagnostic tests results, serology, DNA and RNA viral loads were measured in the blood of 12 naturally infected rams repeatedly blood sampled over 16 months. Six animals tested negative in one or more tests at one or more time points and would have been missed on screening programmes reliant on one test method or a single time point. In addition the one animal homozygous for the ‘K’ allele of the TMEM154 E35K SNP maintained very low viral loads in all assays and apparently cleared infection to below detectable limits at the final time point it was sampled. This adds crucial data to the strong epidemiological evidence that this locus represents a genuine resistance marker for MV infection and is a strong candidate for selective breeding of sheep for resistance to disease.
Association of Covert Cerebrovascular Disease Identified Using Natural Language Processing and Future Dementia
Authors: Kent David M , Leung Lester Y , Zhou Yichen , Luetmer Patrick H , Kallmes David F , Nelson Jason , Fu Sunyang , Zheng Chengyi , Liu Hongfang , Chen Wansu
Published: February 2022

Objective

To estimate the risk of dementia associated with incidentally-discovered covert cerebrovascular disease (CCD), including both covert brain infarction (CBI) and white matter disease (WMD).

Patients and Methods

We included individuals aged ≥ 50 years enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente Southern California health system receiving a head CT or MRI for a non-stroke indication from January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2019, without prior ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, hemipelegia, hemiparesis, dementia/Alzheimer’s disease or a visit reason / scan indication suggestive of cognitive decline. Using natural language processing (NLP), we identified the presence of CBI and WMD on the neuroimage report; WMD was characterized as mild, moderate, severe, or undetermined.

Results

Among 241,050 qualified individuals, NLP identified 69,931 (29.0%) with WMD and 11,328 (4.7%) with CBI. The dementia incidence rates (per 1,000 person-years) were 23.5 (95% CI 22.90 to 24.0) for patients with WMD; 29.4 (95% CI 27.9 to 31.0) with CBI and 6.0 (5.8 to 6.2) without CCD. The effect of WMD on dementia risk was stronger in younger versus older patients and for CT-versus MRI-discovered lesions. For patients with versus without WMD on CT scan, the adjusted HR (aHR) was 2.87 (2.58 to 3.19) for those < age 70 and 1.87 (1.79 to 1.95) for those ≥ age 70. For patients with versus without WMD on MRI, the aHR for dementia risk was 2.28 (1.99 to 2.62) for patients < age 70 and 1.48 (1.32 to 1.66) for those ≥ age 70. The aHR associated with CBI was 2.02 (1.70 to 2.41) for patients age <70 and 1.22 (1.15 to 1.30) for patients age ≥70 for either modality. Dementia risk with WMD was strongly correlated with WMD severity.

Conclusion

Incidentally-discovered CCD is common and identifies patients at high risk of dementia, representing an opportunity for prevention.
Healthy dynamics of CD4 T cells may drive HIV resurgence in perinatally-infected infants on antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Morris Sinead E. , Strehlau Renate , Shiau Stephanie , Abrams Elaine J. , Tiemessen Caroline T. , Kuhn Louise , Yates Andrew J.
Published: February 2022

In 2019 there were 490,000 children under five living with HIV. Understanding the dynamics of HIV suppression and rebound in this age group is crucial to optimizing treatment strategies and increasing the likelihood of infants achieving and sustaining viral suppression. Here we studied data from a cohort of 122 perinatally-infected infants who initiated antiretroviral treatment (ART) early after birth and were followed for up to four years. These data included longitudinal measurements of viral load (VL) and CD4 T cell numbers, together with information regarding treatment adherence. We previously showed that the dynamics of HIV decline in 53 of these infants who suppressed VL within one year were similar to those in adults. However, in extending our analysis to all 122 infants, we find that a deterministic model of HIV infection in adults cannot explain the full diversity in infant trajectories. We therefore adapt this model to include imperfect ART adherence and natural CD4 T cell decline and reconstitution processes in infants. We find that individual variation in both processes must be included to obtain the best fits. We also find that, perhaps paradoxically, infants with faster rates of CD4 reconstitution on ART were more likely to experience resurgences in VL. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of combining mathematical modeling with clinical data to disentangle the role of natural immune processes and viral dynamics during HIV infection.

Author Summary

For infants infected with HIV at or near birth, early and continued treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART) can lead to sustained suppression of virus and a healthy immune system. However many treated infants experience viral rebound and associated depletion of CD4 T cells. Mathematical models can successfully capture the dynamics of HIV infection in treated adults, but many of the assumptions encoded in these models do not apply early in life. Here we study data from a cohort of HIV-positive infants exhibiting diverse trajectories in response to ART. We show that wide-ranging outcomes can be explained by a modified, but still remarkably simple, model that includes both the natural dynamics of their developing immune systems and variation in treatment adherence. Strikingly, we show that infants with strong rates of recovery of CD4 T cells while on ART may be most at risk of virus resurgence.
Examining the Association between Mitochondrial Genome Variation and Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Vilne Baiba , Sawant Aniket , Rudaka Irina
Published: February 2022

Background

Large-scale genome-wide association studies have identified hundreds of single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) significantly associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, collectively, these explain <20% of the heritability.

Hypothesis

Here, we hypothesize that mitochondrial (MT) SNVs might present one potential source of this “missing heritability”.

Methods

We analyzed 265 MT-SNVs in ∼500,000 UK Biobank individuals, exploring two different CAD definitions: a more stringent (myocardial infarction and/or revascularization; HARD=20,405), and a more inclusive (also angina and chronic ischemic heart disease; SOFT=34,782).

Results

In HARD cases, the most significant (P<0.05) associations were for m.295C>T (control region) and m.12612A>G (ND5), found more frequently in cases (OR=1.05), potentially related to reduced cardiorespiratory fitness in response to exercise, as well as for m.12372G>A (ND5) and m.11467A>G (ND4), present more frequently in controls (OR=0.97), previously associated with lower ROS production rate. In SOFT cases, four MT-SNVs survived multiple testing correction (at FDR<5%), all potentially conferring increased CAD risk. Of those, m.11251A>G (ND4) and m.15452C>A (CYB) have previously shown significant associations with body height. In line with this, we observed that CAD cases were slightly less physically active and their average body height was ∼2.00 cm lower compared to controls, both traits known to be related to an increased CAD risk. Gene-based tests identified CO2 associated with HARD/SOFT CAD, whereas ND3 and CYB associated with SOFT cases (P<0.05), dysfunction of which has been related to MT oxidative stress, obesity/T2D (CO2), BMI (ND3) and angina/exercise intolerance (CYB). Finally, we observed that macro-haplogroup I was significantly (P<0.05) more frequent in HARD cases vs. controls (3.35% vs. 3.08%), potentially associated with response to exercise.

Conclusions

We found only spurious associations between MT genome variation and HARD/SOFT CAD and conclude that more MT-SNV data in even larger study cohorts may be needed to conclusively determine the role of MT-DNA in CAD.
Controlling cluster size in 2D phase-separating binary mixtures with specific interactions
Authors: Palaia Ivan , Šarić Anđela
Published: February 2022

By varying the concentration of molecules in the cytoplasm or on the membrane, cells can induce the formation of condensates and liquid droplets through phase separation. Their thermodynamics, much studied, depends on the mutual interactions between microscopic constituents. Here, we focus on the kinetics and size control of 2D clusters, forming on membranes. Using molecular dynamics of patchy colloids, we model a system of two species of proteins, giving origin to specific heterotypic bonds. We find that concentrations, together with valence and bond strength, control both the size and the growth time rate of the clusters. In particular, if one species is in large excess, it gradually saturates the binding sites of the other species: the system becomes then kinetically arrested and cluster coarsening slows down or stops, thus yielding effective size selection. This phenomenology is observed both in solid and fluid clusters, which feature additional generic homotypic interactions and are reminiscent of the ones observed on biological membranes.
Subcortical and cortical tracking of communication sound envelopes in challenging listening conditions
Authors: Souffi S. , Varnet L. , Zaidi M. , Bathellier B. , Huetz C. , Edeline J.-M.
Published: February 2022

Humans and animals constantly face challenging acoustic environments such as various background noises restricting the detection, discrimination and identification of behaviorally salient sounds. Here, we disentangled the role of temporal envelope tracking on the decrease in neuronal and behavioral discrimination between communication sounds in situations of acoustic degradations. We simulated responses of auditory nerve fibers and recorded neuronal activity in cochlear nucleus, inferior colliculus, thalamus and auditory cortex in anesthetized guinea-pigs. Furthermore, a Go/No-Go sound discrimination task involving two of the guinea-pig whistles was performed on mice in silence and noise. For all conditions, we found that auditory neurons better track the slow amplitude modulations (<20 Hz) of the stimulus envelopes than the faster ones. In addition, the decrease in neuronal and behavioral discrimination performance in noise can be explained by an increased similarity of the vocalization envelopes in the low frequency range (<20 Hz). Together, these results suggest that slow envelope tracking is a general property of auditory neurons, and any difference between the slow envelopes of natural stimuli allows coping with degraded conditions.
Genomic signatures of hybridization on the neo-X chromosome ofRumex hastatulus
Authors: Beaudry Felix EG , Rifkin Joanna L , Peake Amanda L , Kim Deanna , Jarvis-Cross Madeline , Barrett Spencer CH , Wright Stephen I
Published: February 2022

Natural hybrid zones provide opportunities for studies of the evolution of reproductive isolation in wild populations. Although several recent investigations have found that the formation of neo-sex chromosomes is associated with reproductive isolation, the mechanisms remain unclear in most cases. Here, we assess the contemporary structure of gene flow in the contact zone between largely allopatric cytotypes of the dioecious plantRumex hastatulus, a species in which there is evidence of sex chromosome turn-over. Males to the west of the Mississippi river, USA, have an X and a single Y chromosome, whereas populations to the east of the river have undergone a chromosomal rearrangement giving rise to a larger X and two Y chromosomes. Using reduced-representation sequencing, we provide evidence that hybrids form readily and survive multiple backcross generations in the field, demonstrating the potential for ongoing gene flow between the cytotypes. At the scale of chromosomes, cline analysis of each chromosome separately captured no signals of difference in cline shape between chromosomes. However, when comparing SNPs, principal component regression revealed a significant increase in the contribution of individual SNPs to inter-cytotype differentiation on the neo-X, but no correlation with recombination rate. Cline analysis revealed that the only SNPs with significantly shallower clines than the genome-average were located on the neo-X. Our data are consistent with a role for the neo-sex chromosome in reproductive isolation betweenR. hastatulus cytotypes. Our investigation highlights the importance of studying plant hybrid zones in species with sex chromosomes for understanding mechanisms of reproductive isolation and for understanding the role of gene flow in governing the spread of the neo-X chromosomes.
Expanding the Clinical Phenotype of FGFR1 Internal Tandem Duplication
Authors: Kautto Esko A , Schieffer Kathleen M , McGrath Sean , Miller Anthony R , Hernandez Gonzalez Maria Elena , Choi Samantha , Conces Miriam R , Fernandez-Faith Esteban , Ho Mai-Lan , Lee Kristy , Lillis Anna P , Pearson Gregory D , Kaler Stephen G , Wilson Richard K , Mardis Elaine R , Magrini Vincent , Leonard Jeffrey , Cottrell Catherine E
Published: February 2022

Closed spinal dysraphism (SD) is a type of neural tube defect originating during early embryonic development whereby the neural tissue of the spinal defect remains covered by skin, often coinciding with markers of cutaneous stigmata. It is hypothesized that these events are caused by multifactorial processes, including genetic and environmental causes. We present an infant with a unique congenital midline lesion associated with a closed SD. Through comprehensive molecular profiling of the intraspinal lesion and contiguous skin lesion, an internal tandem duplication (ITD) of the kinase domain of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) gene was found. Absence of this event in the peripheral blood and deviation of a variant allele frequency from a heterozygous state suggests that this event is somatic mosaic in nature. FGFR1 ITD results in constitutive activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase to promote cell growth, differentiation, and survival through RAS/MAPK signaling. Identification of FGFR1 ITD outside of central nervous system tumors is exceedingly rare.
The study on the influence of aluminum on the CO2 corrosion resistance of 3%Cr steel
Authors: Gao Zhenhuan , Liu Yongxuan , Wang Chong , Yang Huisheng , Xu Lining , Qiao Lijie
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to report the CO2 corrosion performance of 3Cr steel and 3Cr2Al steel and reveal the role of aluminum in mitigating corrosion of low-Cr steel.

Design/methodology/approach

Aluminum was added to 3Cr steel to prepare a new type of 3Cr2Al steel, and the effect of aluminum on the corrosion resistance of pipeline steel was studied using morphology observation and composition analysis, weight loss tests and electrochemical test.

Findings

In the CO2/O2 coexistence environment, the average corrosion rate of the 3Cr2Al steel was obviously lower than that of the 3Cr steel. The addition of aluminum expanded the range of prepassivation, and the dynamic potential polarization curve of 3Cr2Al steel showed duplex prepassivation phenomena. 3Cr steel underwent severe local corrosion, and 3Cr2Al steel underwent uniform corrosion. The addition of aluminum contributed to the formation of a dense corrosion product layer and greatly reduced the localized corrosion sensitivity.

Originality/value

The studies on CO2 corrosion of aluminum containing low-Cr steel are quite rare. This study clarifies the role of aluminum by comparing the corrosion behavior of 3Cr2Al and 3Cr steel. The effect of aluminum on the growth of corrosion product film was discussed, and the duplex prepassivation phenomena of Cr and Al were revealed.
Dark side consequences of cyberchondria: an empirical investigation
Authors: Khan Abdul Wahid , Pandey Jatin
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Cyberchondria refers to the repeated and excessive search for health-related information online, associated with increased health anxiety. This paper utilizes the protection motivation theory to investigate the negative behavioral consequences of cyberchondria that pose health risks to users, such as trust in the physician, propensity to self-medicate, and therapy compliance.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for the study were collected from a sample of 317 participants in India using an online survey and form. The analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Cyberchondria negatively affects the trust in physician and positively affects the propensity to self-medicate. Trust in physician negatively affects the propensity to self-medicate and positively affects therapy compliance. Furthermore, trust in physician partially mediates the relationship between cyberchondria and the propensity to self-medicate and completely mediates the relationship between cyberchondria and therapy compliance. Cyberchondria has no direct significant effect on therapy compliance.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers need to examine other behavioral or psychological factors affected by the reduced trust in physicians due to cyberchondria.

Practical implications

Physicians and health care providers should refocus on patients with cyberchondria and regain their trust through quality interactions and services. Policymakers may consider regulating online health information publication to set the standards of information quality and source. Websites and platforms publishing health information online should distinctly label verified information.

Originality/value

This study investigates the damaging effects of cyberchondria's behavioral consequences that pose health risks to users.
A meta-analysis of the impact of agricultural extension services
Authors: Ogundari Kolawole
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to address two research questions. First, do the agricultural extension services have an impact on the potential outcomes considered in the primary studies, and to what extent? Second, how sensitive is the reported impact to the study-specific characteristics in the primary studies?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper synthesizes 45 studies that assessed the causal impact of agricultural extension services published in 2004–2021, using meta-regression analysis. It considers three measures of effect sizes – Cohen’s, Hedges and principal correlation coefficient (PCC) – to standardize the reported impact of agricultural extension services in the primary studies.

Findings

The empirical results show that, on average, agricultural extension services have statistically significant and positive impacts on the potential outcomes identified in the primary studies. However, the magnitude of the impact is considered medium-sized. Other results show that the effect size estimates of agricultural extension services' impact significantly vary with the data type (cross-sectional data vs. panel data), research design (non-experimental vs. experimental design) and econometric methods employed in the primary studies.

Practical implications

One can argue that the medium-sized impact we estimated indicates evidence of a moderate, weak relationship between agricultural extension services and the potential outcomes considered in the primary studies. This means that agricultural extension services need to be restructured in the current form to stimulate change in the agricultural sector globally. In addition, the sensitivity of effect sizes to study attributes (i.e. data types, research design and econometric methods) shows that researchers and academicians need to pay attention to these attributes to provide more reliable estimates for policy purposes.

Originality/value

This is the first study that attempts to shed light on the overall performance of agricultural extension services using a meta-regression analysis approach.
Millennials’ perceptions of artificial intelligence in hotel service encounters
Authors: Rauf Abdul , Zurcher Marius , Pantelidis Ioannis , Winbladh Johan
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming part of the hospitality industry. In times of staff shortages, AI used in the industry can have advantages, but it also brings with it the possibility of customer backlash. The purpose of this paper is to understand the potential response of millennial guests to the potential applications of AI in the hotel industry. The emphasis was on which hotel service encounter categories are most suited to replacing employees with AI in the context of the millennial guest experience.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative research used a survey questionnaire for the data collection. Responses from 169 millennials from six continents were analysed using a combination of descriptive statistics, t-tests, MANOVA tests and Bonferroni tests.

Findings

Four service encounter categories were studied: (i) “Check-in”, (ii) “Reception Services (excl. check-in)”, (iii) “Wellness” and (iv) “Food and Beverage Services”. The results showed that of these four categories, “Food and Beverage Services” is more suited to replacing employees with AI than “Wellness”.

Practical implications

The findings of this research are important as they contribute to the body of knowledge related to the implementation of AI in the hospitality industry and provide useful information to policymakers and hotel managers who may wish to identify suitable areas for investment related to AI in their operations.

Originality/value

This study offers useful insight on a cutting-edge topic of AI application for service encounters within the hospitality sector and confirms the suitability of some encounters.
Running up the hill – long-term streaming video pilots: process, analysis and outcomes
Authors: Foster Anita K. , Springs Gene R.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Academic libraries are struggling to support the growing demand for streaming video. The purpose of this paper is to detail the experience of running three long-term pilots with different streaming video platforms, including processes involved, lessons learned and next steps.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a mixed methods approach, combining analysis of usage data with case study observations.

Findings

The length of the pilots allowed for deep understanding of the needs of this academic library’s community’s engagement with streaming video in the classroom, and confirmed anecdotal information that availability of multiple platforms supports diverse needs which led to continuing access to all platforms, operationalized to be managed within existing processes. Using usage data and feedback from a task force led to decisions to continue with all three platforms that were piloted.

Research limitations/implications

While this research describes the experience at one academic library, the information may be generalizable enough that other libraries may use it for their streaming video collection development decisions.

Originality/value

Long-term pilot studies for streaming video platforms can be challenging for many libraries to undertake. With a modest initial financial commitment, the library was able to explore how the community might use streaming video. Through analysis of usage data, the library was able to see when, where and what was being used and could make better informed decisions about where to concentrate future funds for streaming video support.