bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digeorge syndrome, schizophrenia, intellectual disability and borderline personality disorder: A case report
Authors: Khaleque Afnan , Bhandarkar Ritesh
Published: April 2023

Background

DiGeorge syndrome (DGS) is a rare genetic illness characterised by the abnormal development of the pharyngeal pouch system. It is known to have a high association with intellectual disability and psychiatric disorders.

Purpose

This case report details a unique 22-year journey of a 49-year-old female with an established diagnosis Intellectual disability, Schizophrenia and Borderline Personality Disorder associated with DGS. This report demonstrates the challenges faced for a patient with 22q11.2DS in the 3 intersecting domains of physical, psychiatric and psychological illness.

Results

The report draws attention to the limitations in follow up care, risk management and discharge settings in the face of the treatment refractory nature of her underlying health conditions.

Conclusions

The case highlights the lack of specific treatment guidelines and psychosocial supports for the neuropsychiatric phenotypes associated with 22q11.2DS. More research is needed to inform guidelines and considerations of care for the`-se patients.
The Trauma and Mental Health Impacts of Coercive Control: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lohmann Susanne , Cowlishaw Sean , Ney Luke , O’Donnell Meaghan , Felmingham Kim
Published: April 2023

Coercive control is an under researched type of intimate partner violence (IPV). The aims of this review were to (a) synthesize all available evidence regarding associations with coercive control and mental health outcomes including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD, and depression; and (b) compare these with associations involving broader categories of psychological IPV. Primary studies which measured associations of coercive control with PTSD, complex PTSD, depression, or other mental health symptoms, were identified via a systematic search of electronic databases (PsycINFO, Medline, CINAHL, Scopus). Eligible studies involved observational designs and reported associations between coercive control and mental health outcomes, among participants who were at least 18 years old. Studies were published in peer-reviewed journals and English language. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to synthesize correlational data from eligible studies. The search identified 68 studies while data from 45 studies could be included in the meta-analyses. These indicated moderate associations involving coercive control and PTSD ( r = .32; 95% confidence interval [.28, .37]) and depression ( r = .27; [.22, .31]). These associations were comparable to those involving psychological IPV and PTSD ( r = .34; [.25, .42]) and depression ( r = .33; [.26, .40]). Only one study reported on the relationship between coercive control and complex PTSD and meta-analyses could not be performed. This review indicated that coercive control exposure is moderately associated with both PTSD and depression. This highlights that mental health care is needed for those exposed to coercive control, including trauma-informed psychological interventions.
New native Bacillus thuringiensis strains induce high insecticidal action against Culex pipiens pallens larvae and adults
Authors: Ma Xinmin , Hu Jianjian , Ding Chengsong , Portieles Roxana , Xu Hongli , Gao Jingyao , Du Lihua , Gao Xiangyou , Yue Qiulin , Zhao Lin , Borrás-Hidalgo Orlando
Published: April 2023

Mosquitoes of many species are key disease vectors, killing millions of people each year. Bacillus thuringiensis-based insecticide formulations are largely recognized as among the most effective, ecologically safe, and long-lasting methods of managing insect pests. New B. thuringiensis strains with high mosquito control effectiveness were isolated, identified, genetically defined, and physiologically characterized. Eight B. thuringiensis strains were identified and shown to carry endotoxin-producing genes. Using a scanning electron microscope, results revealed typical crystal forms of various shapes in B. thuringiensis strains. Fourteen cry and cyt genes were found in the strains examined. Although the genome of the B. thuringiensis A4 strain had twelve cry and cyt genes, not all of them were expressed, and only a few protein profiles were observed. The larvicidal activity of the eight B. thuringiensis strains was found to be positive (LC50: 1.4–28.5 g/ml and LC95: 15.3-130.3 g/ml). Bioassays in a laboratory environment demonstrated that preparations containing B. thuringiensis spores and crystals were particularly active to mosquito larvae and adults. These new findings show that the novel preparation containing B. thuringiensis A4 spores and crystals mixture might be used to control larval and adult mosquitoes in a sustainable and ecologically friendly manner.
Eta polycaprolactone (ε-PCL) implants appear to cause a partial differentiation of breast cancer lung metastasis in a murine model
Authors: Benzon Benjamin , Marijan Sandra , Pervan Matij , Čikeš Čulić Vedrana
Published: April 2023

Background

Cells in every epithelium can be roughly divided in three compartments: stem cell (SC) compartment, transient amplifying cell (TA) compartment and terminally differentiated (TD) compartment. Maturation of stem cells is characterized by epithelial stromal interaction and sequential maturational movement of stem cell’s progeny through those compartments. In this work we hypothesize that providing an artificial stroma, which murine breast cancer metastatic cells can infiltrate, will induce their differentiation.

Methods

BALB/c female mice were injected with 106 isogenic 4T1 breast cancer cells labeled with GFP. After 20 days primary tumors were removed, and artificial ε-PCL implants were implanted on the contralateral side. After 10 more days mice were sacrificed and implants along with lung tissue were harvested. Mice were divided in four groups: tumor removal with sham implantation surgery (n = 5), tumor removal with ε-PCL implant (n = 5), tumor removal with VEGF enriched ε-PCL implant (n = 7) and mice without tumor with VEGF enriched ε-PCL implant (n = 3). Differentiational status of GFP + cells was assessed by Ki67 and activated caspase 3 expression, thus dividing the population in SC like cells (Ki67+/dim aCasp3−), TA like cells (Ki67+/dim aCasp3+/dim) and TD like cells (Ki67− aCasp3+/dim) on flow cytometry.

Results

Lung metastatic load was reduced by 33% in mice with simple ε-PCL implant when compared to tumor bearing group with no implant. Mice with VEGF enriched implants had 108% increase in lung metastatic load in comparison to tumor bearing mice with no implants. Likewise, amount of GFP + cells was higher in simple ε-PCL implant in comparison to VEGF enriched implants. Differentiation-wise, process of metastasizing to lungs reduces the average fraction of SC like cells when compared to primary tumor. This effect is made more uniform by both kinds of ε-PCL implants. The opposite process is mirrored in TA like cells compartment when it comes to averages. Effects of both types of implants on TD like cells were negligible. Furthermore, if gene expression signatures that mimic tissue compartments are analyzed in human breast cancer metastases, it turns out that TA signature is associated with increased survival probability.

Conclusion

ε-PCL implants without VEGF can reduce metastatic loads in lungs, after primary tumor removal. Both types of implants cause lung metastasis differentiation by shifting cancer cells from SC to TA compartment, leaving the TD compartment unaffected.
Effect of a board game on imprisoned women’s knowledge about sexually transmitted infections: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: da Silva Carvalho Isaiane , Mendes Ryanne Carolynne Marques Gomes , de Souza Soares Lima Laís Helena , da Silva Gabrielle Pessôa , de Freitas Gonçalves Lima Monique , Guedes Tatiane Gomes , Linhares Francisca Márcia Pereira
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Board games can be used as a playful educational practice in the teaching and learning process, as they constitute an educational technology that can be a source of health knowledge and an aid in decision-making. The objective of this research was to assess the effect of a board game on imprisoned women’s knowledge about STIs.

Methods

A quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2022 with 64 imprisoned women who were students at a school located in a prison unit from the city of Recife, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. A 32-item instrument was used to assess knowledge about sexually transmitted infections before, immediately after the intervention and at 15 days. The intervention consisted in applying the Previna board game in a classroom. All the analyses were performed in the Stata software, version 16.0, with a 5% significance level.

Results

The knowledge mean in the pre-test was 23.62 (± 3.23) points, whereas it rose to 27.93 (± 2,28) in the immediate post-test, dropping to 27.34 (± 2.37) (p < 0.001) in post-test 2, which was performed 15 days after the intervention. There was a statistically significant difference in the means obtained between the pre-test and the immediate post-test (p < 0.001), with a difference of 4.241 points, as well as between the pre-test and post-test 2 (p < 0.001), a difference of 3.846 spots.

Conclusions

The Previna board game significantly increased its players’ knowledge about STIs, and such increase in knowledge remained significant during the follow-up period.
Approach to fever in children among final-year nursing students: a multicenter survey
Authors: Milani Gregorio P. , Corsello Antonio , Fadda Marta , Falvo Ilaria , Bianchetti Mario G. , Peroni Diego , Chiappini Elena , Cantoni Barbara , Sannino Patrizio , Destrebecq Anne , Marchisio Paola
Published: April 2023

Background

Unfounded concerns regarding fever are increasingly observed among nurses worldwide. However, no study has so far explored the preferred approach towards pediatric fever among nursing students. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the attitude towards pediatric fever among final-year nursing students.

Methods

Between February and June 2022, final-year nursing students of 5 Italian university hospitals were asked to answer an online survey on their approach to fever in children. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were utilized. Multiple regression models were employed to explore the existence of moderators on fever conceptions.

Results

The survey was filled in by 121 nursing students (response rate 50%). Although most students (98%) do not consider discomfort to treat fever in children, only a minority would administer a second dose of the same antipyretic in nonresponsive cases (5.8%) or would alternate antipyretic drugs (13%). Most students would use physical methods to decrease fever (84%) and do not think that fever has mainly beneficial effects in children (72%). The own know-how adequacy on fever was inversely associated (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.13–0.81) with the beliefs that high fever might lead to brain damage. No further predictive variable was significantly associated with the concern that fever might be associated with brain damage, the advice of physical methods use, and the assumption that fever has mostly positive effects.

Discussion

This study shows for the first time that misconceptions and inappropriate attitudes towards fever in children are common among final-year nursing students. Nursing students could potentially be ideal candidates for improving fever management within clinical practice and amongst caregivers.
Previous BCG vaccination is associated with less severe clinical progression of COVID-19
Authors: Pereira Susan Martins , Barreto Florisneide Rodrigues , de Souza Ramon Andrade , de Souza Teles Santos Carlos Antonio , Pereira Marcos , da Paixão Enny Santos , de Jesus Lima Carla Cristina Oliveira , da Natividade Marcio Santos , Lindoso Ana Angélica Bulcão Portela , Fernandes Eder Gatti , Junior Evonio Barros Campelo , Pescarini Julia Moreira , de Andrade Kaio Vinicius Freitas , de Souza Fernanda Mattos , de Britto Elisangela Alves , Nunes Ceuci , Ichihara Maria Yuri , Dalcolmo Margareth , Trajman Anete , Barral-Netto Manoel , Abubakar Ibrahim , Barreto Mauricio Lima , de Alencar Ximenes Ricardo Arraes , Rodrigues Laura Cunha
Published: April 2023

Background

BCG vaccination, originally used to prevent tuberculosis, is known to “train” the immune system to improve defence against viral respiratory infections. We investigated whether a previous BCG vaccination is associated with less severe clinical progression of COVID-19

Methods

A case-control study comparing the proportion with a BCG vaccine scar (indicating previous vaccination) in cases and controls presenting with COVID-19 to health units in Brazil. Cases were subjects with severe COVID-19 (O2 saturation < 90%, severe respiratory effort, severe pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, sepsis, and septic shock). Controls had COVID-19 not meeting the definition of “severe” above. Unconditional regression was used to estimate vaccine protection against clinical progression to severe disease, with strict control for age, comorbidity, sex, educational level, race/colour, and municipality. Internal matching and conditional regression were used for sensitivity analysis.

Results

BCG was associated with high protection against COVID-19 clinical progression, over 87% (95% CI 74–93%) in subjects aged 60 or less and 35% (95% CI − 44–71%) in older subjects.

Conclusions

This protection may be relevant for public health in settings where COVID-19 vaccine coverage is still low and may have implications for research to identify vaccine candidates for COVID-19 that are broadly protective against mortality from future variants. Further research into the immunomodulatory effects of BCG may inform COVID-19 therapeutic research.
In vivo and In vitro evaluation of the antifungal activity of the PGPR Bacillus amyloliquefaciens RaSh1 (MZ945930) against Alternaria alternata with growth promotion influences on Capsicum annuum L. plants
Authors: Soliman Shereen A. , Abdelhameed Reda E. , Metwally Rabab A.
Published: April 2023

Alternaria alternata that threatens pepper production and causes major economic harm is responsible for the leaf spot/blight disease. Chemical fungicides have been widely employed; unfortunately, fungicidal resistance is a current concern. Therefore, finding new environmentally friendly biocontrol agents is a future challenge. One of these friendly solutions is the use of bacterial endophytes that have been identified as a source of bioactive compounds. The current study investigates the in vivo and in vitro fungicidal potential of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens RaSh1 (MZ945930) against pathogenic A. alternata. In vitro, the results revealed that RaSh1 exhibited strong antagonistic activity against A. alternata. In addition to this, we inoculated pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants with B. amyloliquefaciens RaSh1 and infected them with A. alternata. As a result of A. alternata infection, which generated the highest leaf spot disease incidence (DI), the plant's growth indices and physio-biochemical characteristics significantly decreased, according to our findings. Our results also showed the abnormal and deformed cell structure using light and electron microscopy of A. alternata-infected leaves compared with other treatments. However, DI was greatly reduced with B. amyloliquefaciens RaSh1 application (40%) compared to pepper plants infected with A. alternata (80%), and this led to the largest increases in all identified physio-biochemical parameters, including the activity of the defense-related enzymes. Moreover, inoculation of pepper plants with B. amyloliquefaciens RaSh1 decreased electrolyte leakage by 19.53% and MDA content by 38.60% as compared to A. alternata infected ones. Our results show that the endophyte B. amyloliquefaciens RaSh1 has excellent potential as a biocontrol agent and positively affects pepper plant growth.
High vector diversity and malaria transmission dynamics in five sentinel sites in Cameroon
Authors: Fondjo Etienne , Toto Jean-Claude , Tchouakui Magellan , Eyisap Wolfgang Ekoko , Patchoke Salomon , Menze Benjamin , Njeambosay Boris , Zeukeug Francis , Ngomdjum Raymond Tabue , Mandeng Elysée , Elanga-Ndille Emmanuel , Kopya Edmond , Binyang Jerome Achille , Ndo Cyrille , Tene-Fossog Billy , Tedjou Armel , Nchoutpouen Elysée , Tchouine Frederic , Achu Dorothy , Ambrose Kelley , Hedje Judith , Kouambeng Celestin , Carlson Jenny , Zohdy Sarah , Chabi Joseph
Published: April 2023

Background

Malaria remains one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in Cameroon. To inform vector control intervention decision making, malaria vector surveillance was conducted monthly from October 2018 to September 2020 in five selected sentinel sites (Gounougou and Simatou in the North, and Bonabéri, Mangoum and Nyabessang in the South).

Methods

Human landing catches (HLCs), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light traps, and pyrethrum spray catches (PSCs) were used to assess vector density, species composition, human biting rate (HBR), endophagic index, indoor resting density (IRD), parity, sporozoite infection rates, entomological inoculation rate (EIR), andAnophelesvectorial capacity.

Results

A total of 139,322Anophelesmosquitoes from 18 species (or 21 including identified sub-species) were collected across all sites. Out of the 18 species, 12 were malaria vectors includingAnopheles gambiae sensu lato(s.l.),Anopheles funestuss.l..,Anopheles nili,Anopheles moucheti,Anopheles paludis,Anopheles demeilloni,Anopheles. pharoensis,Anopheles ziemanni,Anopheles multicinctus,Anopheles tenebrosus,Anopheles rufipes, andAnopheles marshallii.Anopheles gambiaes.l. remains the major malaria vector (71% of the totalAnopheles) collected, thoughAn. mouchetiandAn. paludishad the highest sporozoite rates in Nyabessang. The mean indoor HBR ofAnophelesranged from 11.0 bites/human/night (b/h/n) in Bonabéri to 104.0 b/h/n in Simatou, while outdoors, it varied from 24.2 b/h/n in Mangoum to 98.7 b/h/n in Simatou.Anopheles gambiae s.l. andAn. mouchetiwere actively biting until at least 8:00 a.m. The meanAnophelesIRD was 17.1 females/room, and the parity rate was 68.9%. The mean EIRs for each site were 55.4 infective bites/human/month (ib/h/m) in Gounougou, 99.0 ib/h/m in Simatou, 51.2 ib/h/m in Mangoum, 24.4 ib/h/m in Nyabessang, and 18.1 ib/h/m in Bonabéri.Anopheles gambiaes.l. was confirmed as the main malaria vector with the highest vectorial capacity in all sites based on sporozoite rate, except in Nyabessang.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the high malaria transmission occurring in Cameroon and will support the National Malaria Control Program to design evidence-based malaria vector control strategies, and deployment of effective and integrated vector control interventions to reduce malaria transmission and burden in Cameroon, where severalAnophelesspecies could potentially maintain year-round transmission.
Dioscin alleviates the progression of osteoarthritis: an in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Ding Qing , Zhang Ruizhuo , Sheng Gaohong , Wang Tianqi , Jing Shaoze , Ma Tian , Wang Shanxi , Zhao Hongqi , Wu Hua , Li Wenkai
Published: April 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease and is the main cause of physical disability in the elderly. Currently, there is no adequate therapeutic strategy to reverse the progression of OA. Many natural plant extracts have received attention in the treatment of OA due to their potential anti-inflammatory properties, and reduced incidence of adverse events. Dioscin (Dio), a natural steroid saponin, has been demonstrated to inhibit the release of inflammatory cytokines in mouse and rat models of various diseases, and has a protective effect in chronic inflammatory diseases. However, whether Dio alleviates OA progression remains to be explored. In this research, our purposes were to investigate the therapeutic potential of Dio in OA. The results demonstrated that Dio exerted anti-inflammatory effects by repressing NO, PGE2, iNOS and COX-2. Moreover, the application of Dio could repress IL-1β-induced overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs, including MMP1, MMP3, and MMP13) and ADAMTS-5, and improve the synthesis of collagen II and aggrecan, which contribute to the maintenance of chondrocyte matrix homeostasis. The underlying mechanism involved the inhibition of the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways by Dio. Furthermore, the treatment of Dio significantly improved the pain behaviors of rat OA models. The in vivo study revealed that Dio could ameliorate cartilage erosion and degradation. These results collectively indicate that Dio can be used as a promising and effective agent for the therapy of OA.
A health-systems journey towards more people-centred care: lessons from neglected tropical disease programme integration in Liberia
Authors: Dean Laura , Tolhurst Rachel , Nallo Gartee , Kollie Karsor , Bettee Anthony , Theobald Sally
Published: April 2023

Background

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are associated with high levels of morbidity and disability as a result of stigma and social exclusion. To date, the management of NTDs has been largely biomedical. Consequently, ongoing policy and programme reform within the NTD community is demanding the development of more holistic disease management, disability and inclusion (DMDI) approaches. Simultaneously, integrated, people-centred health systems are increasingly viewed as essential to ensure the efficient, effective and sustainable attainment of Universal Health Coverage. Currently, there has been minimal consideration of the extent to which the development of holistic DMDI strategies are aligned to and can support the development of people-centred health systems. The Liberian NTD programme is at the forefront of trying to establish a more integrated, person-centred approach to the management of NTDs and provides a unique learning site for health systems decision makers to consider how shifts in vertical programme delivery can support overarching systems strengthening efforts that are designed to promote the attainment of health equity.

Methods

We use a qualitative case study approach to explore how policy and programme reform of the NTD programme in Liberia supports systems change to enable the development of integrated people-centred services.

Results

A cumulation of factors, catalysed by the shock to the health system presented by the Ebola epidemic, created a window of opportunity for policy change. However, programmatic change aimed at achieving person-centred practice was more challenging. Deep reliance on donor funding for health service delivery in Liberia limits the availability of flexible funding, and the ongoing funding prioritization towards specific disease conditions limits flexibility in health systems design that can shape more person-centred care.

Conclusion

Sheikh et al.’s four key aspects of people centred health systems, that is, (1) putting peoples voices and needs first; (2) people centredness in service delivery; (3) relationships matter: health systems as social institutions; and (4) values drive people centred health systems, enable the illumination of varying push and pull factors that can facilitate or hinder the alignment of DMDI interventions with the development of people-centred health systems to support disease programme integration and the attainment of health equity.
Retropharyngeal abscess-like as an atypical presentation of Kawasaki disease: a case report and literature review
Authors: Kasem Ali Sliman Rim , van Montfrans Joris M. , Nassrallah Najwan , Hamad Saied Mohamad
Published: April 2023

Background

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic inflammatory condition primarily affecting young children. Although 90% of KD patients present with variable head and neck manifestations, especially cervical lymphadenopathy, peritonsillar, retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal involvement are uncommonly reported as initial manifestations of KD.

Case report

Eight-year-old girl with prolonged fever, clinical and a radiological picture suggestive of retropharyngeal abscess, unresponsive to three changes in the antibiotic regimen and surgical drainage. The disease progressed with the development of additional signs and symptoms as non-purulent conjunctivitis (with uveitis), mucosal involvement (strawberry tongue and cracked lips), edema of her hands and feet, and arthritis. A diagnosis of Kawasaki disease was reached with complete remission after Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment.

In addition, we present a literature review of similar cases reported in the last thirty years.

Conclusion

Kawasaki disease requires a high index of suspicion and awareness of unusual presentations. It should be kept in mind as one of the differential diagnosis of patients with febrile inflammation of the retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal spaces who do not respond to antibiotic treatment in the relevant clinical context.
Abortion services during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review
Authors: Qaderi Kowsar , Khodavirdilou Rasa , Kalhor Mehri , Behbahani Bahar Morshed , Keshavarz Maryam , Bashtian Maryam Hassanzadeh , Dabir Mahsa , Irani Morvarid , Manouchehri Elham , Farahani Maryam Farmahini , Mallah Manthar Ali , Shamsabadi Ahmadreza
Published: April 2023

Evidence suggests that COVID-19 may impair access to sexual and reproductive health services and safe abortion. The purpose of this systematic review was investigating the changes of abortion services in the COVID-19 pandemic era. We searched PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus for relevant studies published as of August 2021, using relevant keywords. RCT and non-original studies were excluded from the analysis and 17 studies of 151 included in our review. Requests to access medication abortion by telemedicine and demand for self-managed abortion were the main findings of identified studies. Women requested an abortion earlier in their pregnancy, and were satisfied with tele-abortion care due to its flexibility, and ongoing telephone support. Presenting telemedicine services without ultrasound has also been reported. Visits to clinics were reduced based on the severity of the restrictions, and abortion clinics had less revenue, more costs, and more changes in the work style of their healthcare providers. Telemedicine was reported safe, effective, acceptable, and empowering for women. Reasons for using tele-abortion were privacy, secrecy, comfort, using modern contraception, employing of women, distance from clinics, travel restrictions, lockdowns, fear of COVID-19, and political reasons (abortion prohibition). Complications of women using tele-abortion were pain, lack of psychological support, bleeding, and need to blood transfusions. The results of this study showed that using telemedicine and teleconsultations for medical abortion in the pandemic conditions may be extended after pandemic. Findings can be used by reproductive healthcare providers and policy makers to address the complications of abortion services.

Trail registration This study is registered in PROSPERO with number CRD42021279042
Determinants of nonsuppression of HIV viral load among children receiving antiretroviral therapy in the Simiyu region: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mageda Kihulya , Kulemba Khamis , Olomi Wilhelmina , Kapologwe Ntuli , Katalambula Leornad , Petrucka Pammla
Published: April 2023

Background

Despite substantial antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage among individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Tanzania, viral load suppression (VLS) among HIV-positive children receiving ART remains intolerably low. This study was conducted to determine factors affecting the nonsuppression of VL in children with HIV receiving ART in the Simiyu region; thus, an effective, sustainable intervention to address VL nonsuppression can be developed in the future.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study including children with HIV aged 2–14 years who were currently presenting to care and treatment clinics in the Simiyu region. We collected data from the children/caregivers and care and treatment center databases. We used Stata™ to perform data analysis. We used statistics, including means, standard deviations, medians, interquartile ranges (IQRs), frequencies, and percentages, to describe the data. We performed forward stepwise logistic regression, where the significance level for removal was 0.10 and that for entry was 0.05. The median age of the patients at ART initiation was 2.0 years (IQR, 1.0–5.0 years), and the mean age at HIV VL (HVL) nonsuppression was 8.8 ± 2.99 years. Of the 253 patients, 56% were female, and the mean ART duration was 64 ± 33.07 months. In multivariable analysis, independent predictors of HVL nonsuppression were older age at ART initiation (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.012–1.443) and poor medication adherence (AOR, 0.06; 95% CI 0.004–0.867).

Conclusions

This study showed that older age at ART initiation and poor medication adherence play significant roles in HVL nonsuppression. HIV/AIDS programs should have intensive interventions targeting early identification, ART initiation, and adherence intensification.
Intra-wound versus systemic vancomycin for preventing surgical site infection induced by methicillin-resistant S. aureus after spinal implant surgery in a rat model
Authors: Wei Jian , Gu Hanwen , Tong Kai
Published: April 2023

Background

Systemic vancomycin administration pre-operatively for the infection prophylaxis of spinal implant surgery remains unsatisfactory. This study aimed to explore the efficacy and dosage of local use of vancomycin powder (VP) in preventing surgical site infections after spinal implant surgery in a rat model.

Methods

Systemic vancomycin (SV; intraperitoneal injection, 88 mg/kg) or intraoperative intra-wound VP (VP0.5: 44 mg/kg, VP1.0: 88 mg/kg, VP2.0: 176 mg/kg) was applied after spinal implant surgery and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA; ATCC BAA-1026) inoculation in rats. General status, blood inflammatory biomarkers, microbiological and histopathological evaluation were performed during 2 weeks post-surgery.

Results

No post-surgical deaths, wound complications and obvious signs of vancomycin adverse effects were observed. Bacterial counts, blood and tissue inflammation were reduced in the VP groups compared with the SV group. VP2.0 group showed better outcomes in weight gain and tissue inflammation than the VP0.5 and VP1.0 group. Microbial counts indicated that no bacteria survived in the VP2.0 group, whereas MRSA was detected in VP0.5 and VP1.0 groups.

Conclusions

Intra-wound VP may be more effective than systemic administration in preventing infection caused by MRSA (ATCC BAA-1026) after spinal implant surgery in a rat model.
Efficacy and pharmacokinetics of ozoralizumab, an anti-TNFα NANOBODY® compound, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: 52-week results from the OHZORA and NATSUZORA trials
Authors: Takeuchi Tsutomu , Chino Yukihiro , Kawanishi Masafumi , Nakanishi Megumi , Watase Hirotaka , Mano Yoko , Sato Yuri , Uchida Saeko , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Ozoralizumab (OZR), a tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) inhibitor, is a NANOBODY® compound that binds to TNFα and human serum albumin. The main objective of this study was to analyze the pharmacokinetics (PK) of the drug and its correlation with clinical efficacy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Efficacy data were analyzed from the OHZORA trial, in which OZR 30 or 80 mg was administered to Japanese patients with RA at 4-week intervals for 52 weeks in combination with methotrexate (MTX; n = 381), and the NATSUZORA trial, in which OZR 30 or 80 mg was administered without concomitant MTX (n = 140). Effects of patient baseline characteristics and anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) on the PK and efficacy of OZR were investigated, and a post hoc analysis of PK effects on drug efficacy was performed.

Results

The maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was reached in 6 days in both the 30 and 80 mg groups, with an elimination half-life of 18 days. The Cmax and area under the plasma concentration–time curve increased in a dose-dependent manner, and the trough concentration reached steady state by week 16. The exposure of OZR correlated negatively with patient body weight and was not affected by other patient baseline characteristics. Effects of ADAs on the exposure and efficacy of OZR were limited in both trials. However, antibodies that neutralize the binding to TNFα had some effect on the exposure and efficacy of OZR in the NATSUZORA trial. The receiver operating characteristic analysis of the effect of trough concentration on the American College of Rheumatology 20% and 50% improvement rates was retrospectively performed, and a cutoff trough concentration of approximately 1 μg/mL at week 16 was obtained in both trials. The efficacy indicators in the subgroup with trough concentration ≥ 1 μg/mL were higher than those in the < 1 μg/mL subgroup at week 16, while no clear cutoff was obtained at week 52 in both trials.

Conclusions

OZR showed a long half-life and favorable PK properties. A post hoc analysis suggested sustained efficacy independent of trough concentration by subcutaneous administration of OZR 30 mg at 4-week intervals for 52 weeks.

Trial registration

JapicCTI, OHZORA trial: JapicCTI-184029, registration date July 9, 2018; NATSUZORA trial: JapicCTI-184031, registration date July 9, 2018.
Postural influence on intracranial fluid dynamics: an overview
Authors: Sagirov Arlan Faritovich , Sergeev Timofey Vladimirovich , Shabrov Aleksandr Vladimirovich , Yurov Andrey Yur’evich , Guseva Nadezhda Leonidovna , Agapova Elizaveta Aleksandrovna
Published: April 2023

This review focuses on the effects of different body positions on intracranial fluid dynamics, including cerebral arterial and venous flow, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hydrodynamics, and intracranial pressure (ICP). It also discusses research methods used to quantify these effects. Specifically, the implications of three types of body positions (orthostatic, supine, and antiorthostatic) on cerebral blood flow, venous outflow, and CSF circulation are explored, with a particular emphasis on cerebrovascular autoregulation during microgravity and head-down tilt (HDT), as well as posture-dependent changes in cerebral venous and CSF flow, ICP, and intracranial compliance (ICC). The review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of intracranial fluid dynamics during different body positions, with the potential to enhance our understanding of intracranial and craniospinal physiology.
Automatic rigid image Fusion of preoperative MR and intraoperative US acquired after craniotomy
Authors: Mazzucchi Edoardo , Hiepe Patrick , Langhof Max , La Rocca Giuseppe , Pignotti Fabrizio , Rinaldi Pierluigi , Sabatino Giovanni
Published: April 2023

Background

Neuronavigation of preoperative MRI is limited by several errors. Intraoperative ultrasound (iUS) with navigated probes that provide automatic superposition of pre-operative MRI and iUS and three-dimensional iUS reconstruction may overcome some of these limitations. Aim of the present study isto verify the accuracy of an automatic MRI – iUS fusion algorithm to improve MR-based neuronavigation accuracy.

Methods

An algorithm using Linear Correlation of Linear Combination (LC2)-based similarity metric has been retrospectively evaluated for twelve datasets acquired in patients with brain tumor. A series of landmarks were defined both in MRI and iUS scans. The Target Registration Error (TRE) was determined for each pair of landmarks before and after the automatic Rigid Image Fusion (RIF). The algorithm has been tested on two conditions of the initial image alignment: registration-based fusion (RBF), as given by the navigated ultrasound probe, and different simulated course alignments during convergence test.

Results

Except for one case RIF was successfully applied in all patients considering the RBF as initial alignment. Here, mean TRE after RBF was significantly reduced from 4.03 (± 1.40) mm to (2.08 ± 0.96 mm) (p = 0.002), after RIF. For convergence test, the mean TRE value after initial perturbations was 8.82 (± 0.23) mm which has been reduced to a mean TRE of 2.64 (± 1.20) mm after RIF (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The integration of an automatic image fusion method for co-registration of pre-operative MRI and iUS data may improve the accuracy in MR-based neuronavigation.
Rescue computed tomography-guided drainage of a giant mediastinal mature teratoma causing airway obstruction prior to surgical resection: a case report
Authors: Tani Kengo , Kimura Daisuke , Matsuo Tsubasa , Saito Yoshiaki , Taima Kageaki , Kakehata Shinya , Kurose Akira , Minakawa Masahito
Published: April 2023

Background

Giant mediastinal mature teratomas may cause airway obstruction or decreased venous return due to the mass effect. Preoperative stabilization of the respiratory and circulatory systems is important for perioperative management to safely perform surgery, including general anesthesia. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are only a few reports regarding the preoperative computed tomography (CT)-guided drainage of mediastinal tumors.

Case presentation

A 30-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency room with sudden dyspnea. CT findings revealed a giant cystic mass in the anterior mediastinum compressing the trachea and the right main bronchus. The patient was intubated and CT-guided drainage of the fluid content of the cyst was performed to decompress the airway obstruction. Thereafter, the mediastinal tumor was resected during elective surgery and pathologically diagnosed as a mature teratoma.

Conclusions

Rescue preoperative CT-guided drainage of a giant mediastinal mature teratoma allowed safe general anesthesia and surgery by releasing the airway obstruction.
The influence of primary treatment approach on outcomes in patients with osteochondral fracture after patellar dislocation: a case series
Authors: Uimonen Mikko , Ponkilainen Ville , Mattila Ville M. , Nurmi Heikki , Paloneva Juha , Repo Jussi P.
Published: April 2023

Background

We characterized the relation of primary treatment approaches to the need of later surgical interventions and the outcomes of patellar dislocation in patients with patellofemoral osteochondral fracture (OCF).

Methods

Overall, 134 patients with OCF were categorized in two groups according to treatment approach: primary surgery (operation within 90 days from injury) and conservative treatment. Data on surgical procedures, OCF characteristics, and patellofemoral anatomy were retrospectively collected. To measure subjective outcomes, 54 patients completed the knee-specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) Kujala score, Tegner activity scale, the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) quality of life (QoL) subscale, and visual analog scale pain items.

Results

The mean follow-up time was 4.9 years [standard deviation (SD) 2.7 years]. The primary treatment approach was surgery in 73 patients (54%) and conservative in 61 patients (46%) of whim 18 (30%) needed late surgery. Of primary surgery patients, the OCF was reimplanted in 45 patients (62%) and removed in the rest. Of all patients, 31 needed surgery in the later phase after the primary treatment approach (either reoperation or surgery after insufficient outcome of conservative treatment). In conservatively treated patients, OCF was smaller and patellofemoral joint malformation was more severe than in surgery group. Among patients who completed the PROMs, the outcomes appeared generally acceptable in both groups.

Conclusions

Although a majority of the primary treatment approaches for OCF after patellar dislocation were definitive, one-fourth of patients required surgery in the later phase. PROMs did not indicate major differences between the study groups.
A study of relation between sports addiction, Internet use, and video gaming among a sample of Egyptian sports clubs’ attendants
Authors: Omar Abdel Nasser Mahmoud , El Hamady Mohamed Mostafa , El Bakry Shewikar Tawfik , Samy Peter Victor , Abd-Elmaksoud Shorouk Fathi
Published: April 2023

Background

Addiction is a medical condition characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli, despite adverse consequences and is considered a disorder of the brain’s reward system. Exercise addiction (EA) involves excessive concerns for exercise routines, an abusive practice, and the inability to control one’s own behavior, as well as the presence of psychological processes that are typical of behavioral addictions such as abstinence. The aim of the study is to translate and validate the Exercise Dependence Scale 21 Manual and also to detect the presence of sports addiction among a sample of Egyptian sports clubs’ attendants and to find out the rate of Internet and video gaming addiction among them.

Results

The Exercise Dependence Scale 21, Internet Addiction Test (IAT) Scale and Video Gaming Addiction Scale were used on a convenient sample regularly practicing sports. The participants were divided into 3 groups according to the result of (EDS21-M): (a) sports addicts (exercise-dependent), (b) symptomatic at risk, and (c) control group (asymptomatic non-dependent). The average age of the group of sports addicts was 28.67 years, 88% of the sample were males, the control group showed significantly higher incidence of problematic gaming of 40.8 % compared to only 33.33% among sports addicts, and higher levels of potential problematic Internet use of 28.57% versus 21.43% in the symptomatic at risk of sports addiction and 22.22% in the sports addicts and also 78.43% of cases with sports addiction or symptomatic at risk had normal Internet use versus 71.43% of the control group. The addicted gamers represented 3.92% of the sports addiction and those symptomatic at risk, and 82.35% of the same group showed no problem with video gaming addiction. There were no correlations between exercise dependence and Internet addiction

Conclusions

Being addicted to sports may absorb most of the time and energy of the person and compensate him psychologically and in physically and mentally healthy ways than to be indulging and spending the time and effort in video gaming and Internet in a pathological addictive way.
Ammons’s Sublimes
Authors: Woodland Malcolm
Published: April 2023

Working with Thomas Weiskel’s definitions of the “positive” and “egotistical” sublimes, this essay traces A. R. Ammons’s engagements with these modes from some less read earlier poems to major, later works like “The City Limits” and Sphere. It argues that, despite maintaining an immanentist (meta)physics amenable to the positive and egotistical sublimes, Ammons approaches those modes with caution from the very start. Viewed in this light, Sphere’s skepticism about its own “privileged moments” doesn’t reject the earlier work so as much it offers a more complete analytical understanding of its caution. Over the course of Ammons’s career, then, we see how the imaginative apprehension of an immanent Presence devolves into skeptical awareness of its merely subjective origins.
A cornichon protein controls polar localization of the PINA auxin transporter in Physcomitrium patens
Authors: Yáñez-Domínguez Carolina , Lagunas-Gómez Daniel , Torres-Cifuentes Diana M. , Bezanilla Magdalena , Pantoja Omar
Published: April 2023

Newly synthesized membrane proteins pass through the secretory pathway, starting at the endoplasmic reticulum and packaged into COPII vesicles, to continue to the Golgi apparatus before reaching their membrane of residence. It is known that cargo receptor proteins form part of the COPII complex and play a role in the recruitment of cargo proteins for their subsequent transport through the secretory pathway. The role of cornichon proteins is conserved from yeast to vertebrates, but it is poorly characterized in plants. Here, we studied the role of the two cornichon homologs in the secretory pathway of the moss Physcomitrium patens. Mutant analyses revealed that cornichon genes regulate different growth processes during the moss life cycle by controlling auxin transport, with CNIH2 functioning as a specific cargo receptor for the auxin efflux carrier PINA, with the C terminus of the receptor regulating the interaction, trafficking and membrane localization of PINA.
Inflammatory macrophage to hepatocyte signals can be prevented by extracellular vesicle reprogramming
Authors: Ghosh Priyanka , Sasaki Kyo , Pulido Ruiz Isabel Aranzazu , King Kayla E. , Weinman Steven A. , Wozniak Ann L.
Published: April 2023

Macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) play key roles in intercellular communication. Within the liver, they have been linked to several inflammatory diseases including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study, we found that inflammatory macrophages cause injury to hepatocytes, in part by a cell–cell crosstalk phenomenon involving the secretion of EVs containing pro-inflammatory cargo. Incorporation of these inflammatory signals into EV requires the cleavage of the trafficking adaptor protein RILP, which, as previously shown, results from inflammasome-mediated caspase-1 activation. RILP cleavage can be blocked by overexpressing a dominant negative, non-cleavable form of RILP (ncRILP). EV preparations from ncRILP-expressing cells are, by themselves, sufficient to suppress inflammatory effects in hepatocytes. These results suggest that both direct RILP manipulation and/or supplying ncRILP-modified EVs could be used as a novel therapy for the treatment of inflammatory liver diseases.
Association between the prevalence of pulp stones and calcified atherosclerotic plaques: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Vieira Walbert A. , Paranhos Luiz Renato , Meneses-Santos Daniela , Floriano Luiz Otávio , Borges Guilherme Henrique , Sponchiado-Junior Emílio Carlos , de-Jesus-Soares Adriana
Published: April 2023

Objective:

To evaluate the association between the prevalence of pulp stones (PS) in permanent teeth and calcified atherosclerotic plaques (CAP).

Methods:

An electronic search was performed in 10 databases to locate observational studies that investigated the association between PS in permanent teeth and CAP, published until March 2022. Two reviewers performed the search, selection and extraction of data from eligible studies. The individual risk of bias of eligible studies was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Tools. The meta-analysis was conducted using fixed and random effects and odds ratio (OR) as an effect measure with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The heterogeneity between the studies was quantified using the I² test. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach.

Results:

The electronic search resulted in 2968 records, of which only 7 studies were considered eligible. The total sample consisted of 3770 participants from 5 countries. All studies showed biases of confounding factors and exposure assessment. Based on six studies and with very low certainty of evidence, the meta-analysis showed that patients with PS were more likely to also have CAP in carotid or coronary arteries (OR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.21; 2.38, I² = 0%).

Conclusions:

Limited evidence suggests that there is a positive association between the prevalence of PS in permanent teeth detected using panoramic radiography and CAP in the coronary or carotid arteries.