bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case report: Preliminary study on the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory distress in patients with giant nodular goiter complicated with severe COVID-19
Authors: Wang Fang , Yu Xing , Ren Zhangxia , Wang Yong
Published: September 2023

Background

To investigate the practicality of emergency surgical and conservative medical treatments in patients with giant nodular goiter complicated by severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related respiratory distress, evaluate the prognosis based on the two interventions, and explore the diagnosis and treatment plan of COVID-19-related respiratory distress in patients with giant nodular goiter.

Methods

Four cases were retrospectively collected. Among them, two cases underwent emergency surgery, one case was treated with conservative treatment, whereas the fourth case underwent emergency surgery after failure of conservative therapy.

Results

Dyspnea was significantly improved postoperatively, and the endotracheal tube was successfully removed 10.5 h after the operation, but inflammatory markers were greatly enhanced as compared to the preoperative values, patients with different degrees of fever, cough, and other discomforts postoperatively. Case 1 showed complete remission of all symptoms after 3 weeks, while case 2 displayed fever, cough, drowsiness, and other symptoms after the discharge and was eventually readmitted. In case 3, the conservative COVID-19 treatment marginally improved the pulmonary infection, fever, and other symptoms, but cough and other discomforts were persistent, along with delirium in later stages. Moreover, case 4 reported extubation failure after undergoing treatment with the standard new coronary pneumonia regimen in the tracheal intubation state; however, the patient was successfully weaned and extubated 9 days after emergency surgery to relieve the obstruction.

Conclusion

Our preliminary exploration suggested that patients with giant nodular goiter and respiratory tract obstruction post-acute COVID-19 infection can undergo early surgery after surgical tolerance evaluation for a better prognosis.
Quality of life 1 year after hospital discharge in unvaccinated pregnant women with COVID-19 respiratory symptoms: a prospective observational study (ODISSEA-PINK study)
Authors: Vetrugno Luigi , Sala Alessia , Deana Cristian , Meroi Francesco , Grandesso Maria , Maggiore Salvatore Maurizio , Isola Miriam , De Martino Maria , Restaino Stefano , Vizzielli Giuseppe , Bove Tiziana , Driul Lorenza
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Little is known about Quality of Life within the first court of unvaccinated COVID-19 pregnant women exposed to the pandemic stressor. Primary aim of this study was to evaluate 1 year after hospital discharge HRQoL in a cohort of COVID-19 unvaccinated pregnant patients with COVID-19.

Methods

in this prospective observational study, all COVID-19 positive pregnant women at any gestational age, admitted to the Obstetric Department at the University Hospital of Udine, Italy, from 1 March 2020 to 1 March 2021, requiring or not oxygen supplementation due to SARS-CoV2 pneumonia were evaluated. Patients with a history of neurological or psychiatric disease, those with a previous abortion, and those who refused to provide written informed consent were excluded from the study. We investigated pregnant positive COVID-19 women Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with the Short-Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36) and Post-traumatic Stress-Disorder (PTSD) with the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R).

Results

62 pregnant women respected the inclusion criteria of the study, and data from 33 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 32 ± 6 years, with a median gestational age of 38 weeks [IQR 34–40]. 15.2% of patients required oxygen therapy through noninvasive respiratory support (with high flow nasal cannula) for a median of 9 days [IQR 6–12]. The median Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores were 50.2 [IQR 46.7–53.7] and 56.0 [IQR 46.8–60.6] respectively. Ten patients out of 33 (30%) tested positive for PTSD. Maternal age, gestational age, and history of cardiac-pulmonary-kidney disease significantly affected HRQoL at multivariable analysis.

Discussion

In COVID-19 pregnant unvaccinated women some physical impairments reducing HRQoL are still present 1 year after hospital discharge. Previous medical history such as history of cardiac-pulmonary-kidney disease significantly affected HRQoL. Long and repeated follow-up should be pursued in this category of patients.

Clinical trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier NCT04860687.
Effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on the proteinuria reduction in patients with IgA nephropathy
Authors: Dong Yaping , Shi Sufang , Liu Lijun , Zhou Xujie , Lv Jicheng , Zhang Hong
Published: September 2023

Backgroud

Recent trials suggest sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) significantly reduced proteinuria in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). While little was known its efficacy in clinical practice especially in those already received full dose reninangiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors.

Methods

A cohort of 93 Chinese patients with biopsy-proven IgAN and persistent proteinuria underwent full supportive therapy, including optimal blood pressure control and full dose angiotensin-converting enzyme–inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker therapy. Proteinuria reduction at three and six months after initiating SGLT2i therapy was analyzed.

Results

A total of 93 patients were enrolled in this study and 62 of them completed the six-month follow-up. After SGLT2i administration, a significant reduction in proteinuria was observed, with a decrease of 22.9% (p < 0.001) at three months and 27.1% (p < 0.001) at six months. During the six-month follow-up period, a decline of 3.0 mL/min/1.73m2 in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (p = 0.012) and an increase of 0.8 g/L in albumin (p = 0.017) were observed. The anti-hypertensive effect of SGLT2i was not significant (p > 0.05). Notably, a consistent antiproteinuric effect of SGLT2i was observed across various settings, including different age groups, baseline levels of proteinuria/eGFR, use of immunosuppressive agents, and the presence of comorbid diabetes and hypertension (all p values >0.05).

Conclusion

The proteinuria was significantly reduced after SGLT2i administration in IgAN patients with full dose angiotensin-converting enzyme–inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker therapy. Importantly, the antiproteinuric effect of SGLT2i was observed independently of immunosuppressive agent therapy, age, baseline eGFR and proteinuria levels, as well as the history of hypertension and diabetes.
Enthralling genetic regulatory mechanisms meddling insecticide resistance development in insects: role of transcriptional and post-transcriptional events
Authors: Muthu Lakshmi Bavithra Chandramohan , Murugan Marimuthu , Pavithran Shanmugasundaram , Naveena Kathirvel
Published: September 2023

Insecticide resistance in insects severely threatens both human health and agriculture, making insecticides less compelling and valuable, leading to frequent pest management failures, rising input costs, lowering crop yields, and disastrous public health. Insecticide resistance results from multiple factors, mainly indiscriminate insecticide usage and mounted selection pressure on insect populations. Insects respond to insecticide stress at the cellular level by modest yet significant genetic propagations. Transcriptional, co-transcriptional, and post-transcriptional regulatory signals of cells in organisms regulate the intricate processes in gene expressions churning the genetic information in transcriptional units into proteins and non-coding transcripts. Upregulation of detoxification enzymes, notably cytochrome P450s (CYPs), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), esterases [carboxyl choline esterase (CCE), carboxyl esterase (CarE)] and ATP Binding Cassettes (ABC) at the transcriptional level, modification of target sites, decreased penetration, or higher excretion of insecticides are the noted insect physiological responses. The transcriptional regulatory pathways such as AhR/ARNT, Nuclear receptors, CncC/Keap1, MAPK/CREB, and GPCR/cAMP/PKA were found to regulate the detoxification genes at the transcriptional level. Post-transcriptional changes of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNAs (miRNA), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), and epitranscriptomics, including RNA methylation, are reported in resistant insects. Additionally, genetic modifications such as mutations in the target sites and copy number variations (CNV) are also influencing insecticide resistance. Therefore, these cellular intricacies may decrease insecticide sensitivity, altering the concentrations or activities of proteins involved in insecticide interactions or detoxification. The cellular episodes at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels pertinent to insecticide resistance responses in insects are extensively covered in this review. An overview of molecular mechanisms underlying these biological rhythms allows for developing alternative pest control methods to focus on insect vulnerabilities, employing reverse genetics approaches like RNA interference (RNAi) technology to silence particular resistance-related genes for sustained insect management.
Associations between non-motor symptoms and patient characteristics in Parkinson’s disease: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Morimoto Remi , Iijima Mutsumi , Okuma Yasuyuki , Suzuki Keisuke , Yoshii Fumihito , Nogawa Shigeru , Osada Takashi , Kitagawa Kazuo
Published: September 2023

Objective

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by various non-motor symptoms (NMS), such as constipation, olfactory disturbance, sleep disturbance, mental disorders, and motor symptoms. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with NMS in patients with PD.

Methods

Symptoms of PD were evaluated using the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), Parts I–IV. NMS was assessed using the MDS-UPDRS Part I (self-assessment of NMS) and rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) questionnaires. Patients were categorized by age into <70 years and ≥ 70 years (older adults) groups, according to disease duration into early-stage and advanced-stage groups with a cut-off value of 5 years for motor symptoms, and by sex into male and female groups.

Results

A total of 431 patients with PD (202 males and 229 females) with a mean age of 67.7 years, a mean disease duration of 6.4 years, and a mean Part I total score of 9.9 participated in this study. The Part I total score was significantly positively correlated (p < 0.01) with disease duration and Part II, III, and IV scores. For Part I sub-item scores, the older group had significantly higher scores for cognitive impairment, hallucinations, sleep problems, urinary problems, and constipation than the <70 years group, whereas the advanced-stage group had significantly higher scores for hallucinations, sleep problems, daytime sleepiness, pain, urinary problems, and constipation (p < 0.05) than the early-stage group. Anxiety was higher in female patients than in male patients, whereas daytime sleepiness, urinary problems, and RBD were higher in male patients than in female patients (p < 0.05). Factors affecting Part I included disease duration, Part II total scores, Part IV total scores, and RBD.

Conclusion

According to the self-questionnaire assessment, NMS was highly severe in older adult patients, those with longer illness duration, subjective and objective motor function impairments, and RBD. Sex-based differences were also observed.
End of life care of hospitalized patients with Parkinson disease: a retrospective analysis and brief review
Authors: Bhansali Sakhi , Assaedi Ekhlas , Yu Jeryl Ritzi T. , Mandava Nymisha , Sonneborn Claire , Hogue Olivia , Walter Benjamin L. , Samala Renato V. , Margolius Adam
Published: September 2023

Background

Towards the end of life (EOL), persons with parkinsonism (PwP) have complex needs and can present with unique palliative care (PC) challenges. There are no widely accepted guidelines to aid neurologists, hospitalists, or PC clinicians in managing the symptoms of PwP at EOL. We examined a population of PwP at EOL, aiming to describe trends of in-hospital management and utilization of PC services.

Methods

All PwP admitted to two hospitals during 2018 (N = 727) were examined retrospectively, assessing those who died in hospital or were discharged with hospice (EOL group, N = 35) and comparing them to the main cohort. Their demographics, clinical data, engagement of multidisciplinary and palliative services, code status changes, invasive care, frequency of admissions, and medication administration were assessed.

Results

Among the EOL group, 8 expired in hospital, and 27 were discharged to hospice. Forty-six percent of EOL patients received a PC consultation during their admission. The median interval from admission to death was 37 days. Seventy-seven percent had a full code status on admission. Compared to hospice patients, those who expired in hospital had higher rates of invasive procedures and intensive care unit transfers (41% vs. 75%, in both variables), and lower rates of PC involvement (52% vs. 25%). The transition of code status change for the EOL group from Full code to Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) occurred at a median 4–5 days from admission. For patients that passed in the hospital, the median days from transition of code status to death was 0(IQR 0–1). Levodopa dose deviations were frequent in both EOL and non-EOL group, but contraindicated medications were infrequently administered (11% in EOL group vs. 9% in non-EOL group).

Conclusion

Our data suggest a low utilization of PC services and delayed discussions of goals of care. More work is needed to raise awareness of inpatient teams managing PwP regarding the unique but common challenges facing PwP with advanced disease. A brief narrative review summarizing the suggested management of symptoms common to hospitalized PwP near EOL is provided.
Modulation of ipsilateral motor evoked potentials during bimanual coordination tasks
Authors: Altermatt Miriam , Jordan Harry , Ho Kelly , Byblow Winston D.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Ipsilateral motor evoked potentials (iMEPs) are difficult to obtain in distal upper limb muscles of healthy participants but give a direct insight into the role of ipsilateral motor control.

Methods

We tested a new high-intensity double pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) protocol to elicit iMEPs in wrist extensor and flexor muscles during four different bimanual movements (cooperative—asymmetric, cooperative—symmetric, non-cooperative—asymmetric and non-cooperative—symmetric) in 16 participants.

Results

Nine participants showed an iMEP in the wrist extensor in at least 20% of the trials in each of the conditions and were classified as iMEP+ participants. iMEP persistence was greater for cooperative (50.5 ± 28.8%) compared to non-cooperative (31.6 ± 22.1%) tasks but did not differ between asymmetric and symmetric tasks. Area and amplitude of iMEPs were also increased during cooperative (area = 5.41 ± 3.4 mV × ms; amplitude = 1.60 ± 1.09 mV) compared to non-cooperative (area = 3.89 ± 2.0 mV × ms; amplitude = 1.12 ± 0.56 mV) tasks and unaffected by task-symmetry.

Discussion

The upregulation of iMEPs during common-goal cooperative tasks shows a functional relevance of ipsilateral motor control in bimanual movements. The paired-pulse TMS protocol is a reliable method to elicit iMEPs in healthy participants and can give new information about neural control of upper limb movements. With this work we contribute to the research field in two main aspects. First, we describe a reliable method to elicit ipsilateral motor evoked potentials in healthy participants which will be useful in further advancing research in the area of upper limb movements. Second, we add new insight into the motor control of bimanual movements. We were able to show an upregulation of bilateral control represented by increased ipsilateral motor evoked potentials in cooperative, object-oriented movements compared to separate bimanual tasks. This result might also have an impact on neurorehabilitation after stroke.
Conflicting theories on addiction aetiology and the strengths and limitations of substance use disorder disease modelling
Authors: Greener Megan R. , Storr Sarah J.
Published: September 2023

A lack of cross-disciplinary unanimity prevails within addiction research. Theories conceptualizing addiction through the three-stage brain disease model contest other theories that substance use disorder is of behavioural or genetic origin. The reverberations of this lack of consensus are noticeable throughout addiction research and within the foundations of disease modelling. The availability of methods to investigate substance use disorder are inconsistent and sometimes unrepresentative. This review discusses theories of addiction aetiology, available models for addiction research and the strengths and limitations of current practical experimental methods of study.
The effect of breakfast on childhood obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Kun , Niu Yifan , Lu Zhenzhen , Duo Boyang , Effah Clement Yaw , Guan Lina
Published: September 2023

Objective

Previous cohort trials have shown that skipping breakfast increases the risk of obesity or overweight in children. However, this finding remains controversial. Through a meta-analysis, this study systematically evaluated the effect of skipping breakfast on the prevalence of obesity or overweight in children.

Methods

We performed a literature search for studies published until March 19, 2023. using the Cochrane, PubMed, and Embase databases. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, observational studies on the relationship between skipping breakfast and overweight/obesity in children and adolescents were analyzed. Three investigators independently screened the relevant literature, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A random-effects model was used. The odds ratio (OR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to indicate the effect size.

Results

A total of 40 retrospective studies with 323,244 children ranging in age from 2 to 20 years were included in this study. The results of this meta-analysis showed that children and adolescents who skipped breakfast had a significantly higher prevalence of obesity or overweight than those who ate breakfast (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.33–1.90; P < 0.001). Skipping breakfast was positively associated with overweight in children and adolescents (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.23–1.54; P < 0.001). Similarly, skipping breakfast was positively associated with obesity in children and adolescents (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.30–1.76; P < 0.001). The effect was also different by sex, with girls being the most affected (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.23–1.76; P < 0.001). There was also a correlation between skipping breakfast and abdominal obesity in children (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.55–0.77; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggested that skipping breakfast is associated with an increased risk of overweight/obesity in children and adolescents. The findings provide support for a possible protective role of breakfast against excessive weight gain in children and adolescents. However, more rigorous study designs with validated and standardized measures of relevant variables are needed.
Diagnostics and treatment of ovarian cancer in the era of precision medicine - opportunities and challenges
Authors: Bukłaho Patrycja Aleksandra , Kiśluk Joanna , Nikliński Jacek
Published: September 2023

Due to predictions of increasing incidences and deaths from ovarian cancer, this neoplasm is a challenge for modern health care. The advent of NGS technology has made it possible to understand the molecular characteristics of many cancers, including ovarian cancer. The data obtained in research became the basis for the development of molecularly targeted therapies thus leading to the entry of NGS analysis into the diagnostic process of oncological patients. This review presents targeted therapies currently in preclinical or clinical trials, whose promising results offer hope for their use in clinical practice in the future. As more therapeutic options emerge, it will be necessary to modify molecular diagnostic regimens to select the best treatment for a given patient. New biomarkers are needed to predict the success of planned therapy. An important aspect of public health is molecular testing in women with a familial predisposition to ovarian cancer enabling patients to be included in prevention programs. NGS technology, despite its high throughput, poses many challenges, from the quality of the diagnostic material used for testing to the interpretation of results and classification of sequence variants. The article highlights the role of molecular testing in ongoing research and also its role in the diagnostic and therapeutic process in the era of personalized medicine. The spread of genetic testing in high-risk groups, the introduction of more targeted therapies and also the possibility of agnostic therapies could significantly improve the health situation for many women worldwide.
Lipids, cholesterols, statins and liver cancer: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liang Zicheng , Zhang Zhen , Tan Xiaoning , Zeng Puhua
Published: September 2023

Aim

To investigate the causal relationship of serum lipid indicators and lipid-lowering drugs with the risk of liver cancer using Mendelian randomization study.

Methods

A two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) study was performed to investigate the causal relationship between serum levels of lipid indicators and liver cancer, including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1).Furthermore, instrumental variable weighted regression (IVW) and summary data-based MR (SMR) analyses were performed to investigate the causal effects of lipid-lowering drugs, including statins and PCSK9 inhibitors, on the risk of liver cancer.

Results

Serum LDL-c and serum TC levels showed negatively associated with liver cancer (n = 22 SNPs, OR = 0.363, 95% CI = 0.231 - 0.570; p = 1.070E-5) (n = 83 SNPs; OR = 0.627, 95% CI = 0.413-0.952; p = 0.028). However, serum levels of TG, HDL-c, and ApoA1 did not show any significant correlation with liver cancer. In the drug target MR (DMR) analyses, HMGCR–mediated level of LDL-c showed an inverse relationship with the risk of liver cancer in the IVW-MR analysis (n = 5 SNPs, OR = 0.201, 95% CI = 0.064 - 0.631; p = 5.95E-03) and SMR analysis (n = 20 SNPs, OR = 0.245, 95% CI = 0.065 - 0.926; p = 0.038) However, PCSK9 did not show any significant association with liver cancer based on both the IVW-MR and SMR analyses.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that reduced levels of LDL-c and TC were associated with an increased risk of liver cancer. Furthermore, lipid-lowering drugs targeting HMGCR such as statins were associated with increased risk of liver cancer.
Severe neonatal enterovirus infection in twins with different outcomes: A case report
Authors: Storm Kelly K. , De Herdt Daan , Couderé Karen , Verweij Jaco J. ,   VIRO-TypeNed, Torn Leo , Hundscheid Tim , van Wering Herbert M.
Published: September 2023

Enteroviruses are among the most common causes of acute viral illness worldwide, and in neonates, the clinical course of these infections is heterogeneous. Severe complications, such as myocarditis, are associated with high mortality rates. In this case report, we present the clinical course of premature twins born at 35 weeks of gestational age, suffering from a severe neonatal enterovirus infection with cardiac involvement, which proved fatal in one of the twins. This course led to prompt identification in the other twin and facilitated timely transfer to a neonatal intensive care unit with neonatal hemodynamic expertise, and facilitated the timely transfer to a neonatal intensive care nit with hemodynamic expertise and immediate availability of AZCMO would it have been indicated. Early supportive therapy in the other twin contributed to a positive outcome. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of early recognition in averting adverse consequences. As a recommendation, we propose routine screening of enterovirus in viral panels for febrile newborns.
Intact cord resuscitation in newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: insights from a lamb model
Authors: Teillet Baptiste , Manœuvrier Florian , Rougraff Céline , Besengez Capucine , Bernard Laure , Wojtanowski Anne , Ghesquieres Louise , Storme Laurent , Mur Sébastien , Sharma Dyuti , Le Duc Kévin
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare condition characterized by pulmonary hypoplasia, vascular dystrophy, and pulmonary hypertension at birth. Validation of the lamb model as an accurate representation of human CDH is essential to translating research findings into clinical practice and understanding disease mechanisms. This article emphasizes the importance of validating the lamb model to study CDH pathogenesis and develop innovative therapeutics.

Material and methods

At 78 days of gestation, the fetal lamb's left forelimb was exposed through a midline laparotomy and hysterotomy, and a supra diaphragmatic thoracotomy was performed to allow the digestive organs to ascend into the thoracic cavity. At 138 ± 3 days of gestation, lambs were delivered via a cesarean section; then, with umbilical cord intact during 1 hour, the lambs were mechanically ventilated with gentle ventilation in a pressure-controlled mode for 2 h.

Results

CDH lambs exhibited a lower left lung-to-body weight ratio of 5.3 (2.03), p < 0.05, and right lung-to-body weight ratio of 8.2 (3.1), p < 0.05. They reached lower Vt/kg (tidal volume per kg) during the course of the resuscitation period with 1.2 (0.7) ml/kg at 10 min and 3 (1.65) ml/kg at 60 min (p < 0.05). Compliance of the respiratory system was lower in CDH lambs with 0.5 (0.3) ml/cmH2O at 60 min (p < 0.05) and 0.9 (0.26) ml/cmH2O at 120 min (p < 0.05). Differences between pre- and postductal SpO2 were higher with 15.1% (21.4%) at 20 min and 6.7% (14.5%) at 80 min (p < 0.05). CDH lambs had lower differences between inspired and expired oxygen fractions with 4.55% (6.84%) at 20 min and 6.72% (8.57%) at 60 min (p < 0.05). CDH lamb had lower left ventricle [2.73 (0.5) g/kg, p < 0.05] and lower right ventricle [0.69 (0.8), p < 0.05] to left ventricle ratio.

Discussion

CDH lambs had significantly lower tidal volume than control lambs due to lower compliance of the respiratory system and higher airway resistance. These respiratory changes are characteristic of CDH infants and are associated with higher mortality rates. CDH lambs also exhibited pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary hypoplasia, and left ventricle hypoplasia, consistent with observations in human newborns. To conclude, our lamb model successfully provides a reliable representation of CDH and can be used to study its pathophysiology and potential interventions.
Thrombosis of portal, superior mesenteric, and splenic veins: a case report
Authors: Soghomonyan N. , Khachatryan H. , Soghomonyan G. , Fleming Q.
Published: September 2023

Patients with venous thrombosis of splanchnic circulation represent a group of high risk with significant morbidity and mortality, if treatment is delayed. We present a patient with thrombosis of portal vein and its tributaries combined with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities who was successfully treated with conservative management. This patient case highlights the importance of early empiric anti-inflammatory therapy along with systemic anticoagulation to reduce the intestinal inflammation and enteritis and break the vicious circuit resulting in secondary progressive thrombosis of the splanchnic veins, fluid shifts, and functional ileus. Case presentation: A previously healthy 61-years-old female patient with no significant medical history was admitted with progressive upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, low-grade fever, mild signs of ileus, and malaise. Imaging studies revealed portal venous dilation reaching ∼20 mm with near-total obliteration of the lumen by a thrombus. In addition, thrombosis of superior mesenteric and splenic veins with thrombophlebitis was found. Imaging studies also confirmed the presence of DVT of lower extremities including thrombus propagation into the iliac veins. An immediate therapy was started with parenteral antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, systemic anticoagulants, and intravenous fluid infusions to restore the circulating volume deficit and treat electrolyte disbalance. With such therapy, the patient’s symptoms resolved within a month, and she was discharged from the hospital with full recovery. Heparin infusion was started to reach systemic anticoagulation. With resolution of symptoms, anticoagulation was continued with warfarin. We used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as a component in management of intestinal and systemic inflammation and multifocal thrombosis when the antiphospholipid syndrome was also on the list of differential diagnoses. Conclusion: We present a previously asymptomatic patient with progressive portal venous thrombosis and ascending DVT. Early establishment of diagnosis and initiation of therapy with systemic anticoagulants, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs helped to stop thrombus progression, prevent irreversible intestinal ischemia, and allow for re-canalization of the occluded veins. This case highlights the importance of early interventions to improve the treatment outcome.
Exploration of potential novel drug targets and biomarkers for small cell lung cancer by plasma proteome screening
Authors: Wu Yijun , Wang Zhile , Yang Yuqi , Han Chang , Wang Li , Kang Kai , Zhao Ailin
Published: September 2023

Background: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is characterized by extreme invasiveness and lethality. There have been very few developments in its diagnosis and treatment over the past decades. It is urgently needed to explore potential novel biomarkers and drug targets for SCLC.

Methods: Two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) was performed to investigate causal associations between SCLC and plasma proteins using genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics of SCLC from Transdisciplinary Research Into Cancer of the Lung Consortium (nCase = 2,791 vs. nControl = 20,580), and was validated in another cohort (nCase = 2,664 vs. nControl = 21,444). 734 plasma proteins and their genetic instruments of cis-acting protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) were used, whereas external plasma proteome data was retrieved from deCODE database. Bidirectional MR, Steiger filtering and phenotype scanning were applied to further verify the associations.

Results: Seven significant (p < 6.81 × 10−5) plasma protein-SCLC pairs were identified by MR analysis, including ACP5 (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67–0.86), CPB2 (OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.86–0.95), GSTM3 (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.33–0.63), SHMT1 (OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.64–0.86), CTSB (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.71–0.88), NTNG1 (OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.74–0.90) and FAM171B (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.21–1.62). The external validation confirmed that CPB2, GSTM3 and NTNG1 had protective effects against SCLC, while FAM171B increased SCLC risk. However, the reverse causality analysis revealed that SCLC caused significant changes in plasma levels of most of these proteins, including decreases of ACP5, CPB2, GSTM3 and NTNG1, and the increase of FAM171B.

Conclusion: This integrative analysis firstly suggested the causal associations between SCLC and plasma proteins, and the identified several proteins may be promising novel drug targets or biomarkers for SCLC.
A deep learning-based approach for rectus abdominis segmentation and distance measurement in ultrasonography
Authors: Wang Fei , Mao Rongsong , Yan Laifa , Ling Shan , Cai Zhenyu
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is a common condition in postpartum women. Measuring the distance between separated rectus abdominis (RA) in ultrasound images is a reliable method for the diagnosis of this disease. In clinical practice, the RA distance in multiple ultrasound images of a patient is measured by experienced sonographers, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and highly dependent on experience of operators. Therefore, an objective and fully automatic technique is highly desired to improve the DRA diagnostic efficiency. This study aimed to demonstrate the deep learning-based methods on the performance of RA segmentation and distance measurement in ultrasound images.

Methods: A total of 675 RA ultrasound images were collected from 94 postpartum women, and were split into training (448 images), validation (86 images), and test (141 images) datasets. Three segmentation models including U-Net, UNet++ and Res-UNet were evaluated on their performance of RA segmentation and distance measurement.

Results: Res-UNet model outperformed the other two models with the highest Dice score (85.93% ± 0.26%), the highest MIoU score (76.00% ± 0.39%) and the lowest Hausdorff distance (21.80 ± 0.76 mm). The average physical distance between RAs measured from the segmentation masks generated by Res-UNet and that measured by experienced sonographers was only 3.44 ± 0.16 mm. In addition, these two measurements were highly correlated with each other (r = 0.944), with no systematic difference.

Conclusion: Deep learning model Res-UNet has good reliability in RA segmentation and distance measurement in ultrasound images, with great potential in the clinical diagnosis of DRA.
Analysis of genetic and chemical variability of five Curcuma species based on DNA barcoding and HPLC fingerprints
Authors: Chen Mengying , Sun Jian , Yao Hui , Gong Fuyu , Cai Long , Wang Chanyan , Shao Qingsong , Wang Zhian
Published: September 2023

The rhizomes of Curcuma species have a long medicinal history in Asia. In China, Curcuma species mainly be utilized to make pharmaceutical products, including C. phaecocaulis, C. aromatica, C. wenyujin, C. kwangsiensis and C. longa. In this study, twenty-four samples were selected to study the genetic and chemical variability among five Curcuma species. The ITS2 and trnK intron gene fragment were used to identify the five Curcuma species, the differences in chemical composition were computed using the Euclidean distance based on the data of HPLC characteristic peak areas and the content of six key components, and agronomic characteristics were analyzed including morphological and volatile oil characteristics. The ITS2 and trnK intron gene fragment could distinguish the five Curcuma species clearly. The genetic distance between Curcuma species ranged from 0.0085 to 0.0767 based on the data of ITS2 gene sequences with 32 variation sites, and the genetic distance between Curcuma species ranged from 0.0003 to 0.0194 based on the data of trnK intron gene sequences with 39 variation sites. Five Curcuma species showed otherness chemical composition characteristics, with the Euclidean distance ranging from 3.373 to 6.998. The C. longa showed the biggest variation compared with other species, with the Euclidean distance above 6.239. Among the samples of the original plants of Ezhu, the volatile oil yield of W1 was the highest, reached to 105.75 mL per single plant. Among all the samples, J6 showed the highest yield of volatile oil, reached to 149.42 mL per single plant. The results showed that chemical composition similarity of the medicinal plants was the primary proof for the selection of the original plants of the Curcuma medicinal materials. The genetic distance and chemical variability were important references for discovering new medicinal plant resources.
Novel quantitative trait loci from an interspecific Brassica rapa derivative improve pod shatter resistance in Brassica napus
Authors: Raman Harsh , Raman Rosy , Sharma Niharika , Cui Xiaobo , McVittie Brett , Qiu Yu , Zhang Yuanyuan , Hu Qiong , Liu Shengyi , Gororo Nelson
Published: September 2023

Pod shatter is a trait of agricultural relevance that ensures plants dehisce seeds in their native environment and has been subjected to domestication and selection for non-shattering types in several broadacre crops. However, pod shattering causes a significant yield reduction in canola (Brassica napus L.) crops. An interspecific breeding line BC95042 derived from a B. rapa/B. napus cross showed improved pod shatter resistance (up to 12-fold than a shatter-prone B. napus variety). To uncover the genetic basis and improve pod shatter resistance in new varieties, we analysed F2 and F2:3 derived populations from the cross between BC95042 and an advanced breeding line, BC95041, and genotyped with 15,498 DArTseq markers. Through genome scan, interval and inclusive composite interval mapping analyses, we identified seven quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with pod rupture energy, a measure for pod shatter resistance or pod strength, and they locate on A02, A03, A05, A09 and C01 chromosomes. Both parental lines contributed alleles for pod shatter resistance. We identified five pairs of significant epistatic QTLs for additive x additive, additive dominance and dominance x dominance interactions between A01/C01, A03/A07, A07/C03, A03/C03, and C01/C02 chromosomes for rupture energy. QTL effects on A03/A07 and A01/C01 were in the repulsion phase. Comparative mapping identified several candidate genes (AG, ABI3, ARF3, BP1, CEL6, FIL, FUL, GA2OX2, IND, LATE, LEUNIG, MAGL15, RPL, QRT2, RGA, SPT and TCP10) underlying main QTL and epistatic QTL interactions for pod shatter resistance. Three QTLs detected on A02, A03, and A09 were near the FUL (FRUITFULL) homologues BnaA03g39820D and BnaA09g05500D. Focusing on the FUL, we investigated putative motifs, sequence variants and the evolutionary rate of its homologues in 373 resequenced B. napus accessions of interest. BnaA09g05500D is subjected to purifying selection as it had a low Ka/Ks ratio compared to other FUL homologues in B. napus. This study provides a valuable resource for genetic improvement for yield through an understanding of the genetic mechanism controlling pod shatter resistance in Brassica species.
Paired growth of cultivated and halophytic wild rice under salt stress induces bacterial endophytes and gene expression responses
Authors: Tasnim Anika , Jahan Israt , Azim Tomalika , Karmoker Dola , Seraj Zeba I.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Utilizing salt-affected marginal lands in coastal regions can help meet the growing demand for rice. We explored a nature-based solution involving wild halophytic rice (O. coarctata, Oc) and commercial rice BRRI Dhan 67 (O. sativa, Os) grown in close proximity to each other under salt stress.

Methods

This was to investigate whether a paired planting strategy could help complement rice growth and yield under stress. We also investigated the gene expression and endophytic bacterial profiles of both Os and Oc in unpaired and paired conditions without and with salt.

Results

Paired plants exhibited lower salt damage indicators such as smaller reduction in plant height, electrolyte leakage and chlorophyll loss, as well as higher K+/Na+ ratio under saline stress. Some of the 39 endophytic bacteria in the mutualism experiment were unique to Oc and transferred to Os when paired. Differentially expressed genes in leaves of paired Os versus unpaired Os were 1097 (994 up-regulated, 101 down-regulated) without salt and 893 (763 up-regulated, 130 down-regulated) under salt stress. The presence of Oc plants under salt stress influenced major biological processes in Os, including oxidative stress; chitinase activity; phenylalanine catabolic process and response to ABA. Protein binding and serine/threonine kinase activity were primarily affected in molecular function. The downregulated WRKY transcription factor 22 in paired conditions under salt stress played a role in the MAPK signaling pathway, reducing respiratory cell death. The upregulated auxin-responsive protein IAA18 gene, involved in hormone signaling and cell enlargement, was present only in paired plants.

Discussion

Our findings therefore, offer insights into developing more effective cultivation strategies for sustainable rice production.
Development of cassava core collections based on morphological and agronomic traits and SNPS markers
Authors: Santos Caroline Cardoso dos , Andrade Luciano Rogerio Braatz de , Carmo Cátia Dias do , Oliveira Eder Jorge de
Published: September 2023

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) holds significant importance as one of the world’s key starchy crop species. This study aimed to develop core collections by utilizing both phenotypic data (15 quantitative and 33 qualitative descriptors) and genotypic data (20,023 single-nucleotide polymorphisms) obtained from 1,486 cassava accessions. Six core collections were derived through two optimization strategies based on genetic distances: Average accession-to-nearest-entry and Average entry-to-nearest-entry, along with combinations of phenotypic and genotypic data. The quality of the core collections was evaluated by assessing genetic parameters such as genetic diversity Shannon-Weaver Index, inbreeding (Fis), observed (Ho), and expected (Hs) heterozygosity. While the selection of accessions varied among the six core collections, a seventh collection (consolidated collection) was developed, comprising accessions selected by at least two core collections. Most collections exhibited genetic parameters similar to the complete collection, except for those developed by the Average accession-to-nearest-entry algorithm. However, the variations in the maximum and minimum values of Ho, Hs, and Fis parameters closely resembled the complete collection. The consolidated collection and the collection constructed using genotypic data and the Average entry-to-nearest-entry algorithm (GenEN) retained the highest number of alleles (>97%). Although the differences were not statistically significant (above 5%), the consolidated collection demonstrated a distribution profile and mean trait values most similar to the complete collection, with a few exceptions. The Shannon-Weaver Index of qualitative traits exhibited variations exceeding ±10% when compared to the complete collection. Principal component analysis revealed that the consolidated collection selected cassava accessions with a more uniform dispersion in all four quadrants compared to the other core collections. These findings highlight the development of optimized and valuable core collections for efficient breeding programs and genomic association studies.
The dyadic regulation approach of coping and illness representations in female cancer patients and their partners
Authors: Giannousi Zoe , Thomadakis Christoforos , Karademas Evangelos C. , Paschali Antonia
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Adjustment to any illness is a ‘dyadic' process whereby patients and their partners mutually determine each other's perceptions, behaviours, and well-being. The present study explored the association between dyadic coping strategies and illness representations in newly diagnosed female cancer patients and their partners.

Methods

The sample consisted of 92 female cancer patient-partner pairs from 3 oncology hospitals in Greece and Cyprus. The Actor Partner Interdependence Model was applied to test for dyadic regulation effects.

Results

The findings revealed that patients' evaluations of dyadic coping were related to their own illness representations and, in some cases, to partners' illness representations of control. However, partner evaluations of dyadic coping were not associated with either patients' or their own illness representations. Relationship satisfaction did not moderate the relationship between dyadic coping and illness representations.

Implications

The study suggests that patients' perceptions of support provided by themselves and their partners play a significant role in shaping their illness representations. Future research could delve into the underlying reasons for the observed differences in the impact of dyadic coping on illness representations between patients and partners, considering factors such as gender roles and specific gender-related issues.
Search for serum biomarkers in patients with bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder using metabolome analysis
Authors: Sun Xiao-Li , Ma Li-Na , Chen Zhen-Zhu , Xiong Yan-Bing , Jia Jiao , Wang Yu , Ren Yan
Published: September 2023

Objective

Bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are two common psychiatric disorders. Due to the overlapping clinical symptoms and the lack of objective diagnostic biomarkers, bipolar disorder (BD) is easily misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder (MDD), which in turn affects treatment decisions and prognosis. This study aimed to investigate biomarkers that could be used to differentiate BD from MDD.

Methods

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was performed to assess serum metabolic profiles in depressed patients with BD (n = 59), patients with MDD (n = 14), and healthy controls (n = 10). Data was analyzed using partial least squares discriminant analysis, orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis and t-tests. Different metabolites (VIP > 1 and p < 0.05) were identified and further analyzed using Metabo Analyst 5.0 to identify relevant metabolic pathways.

Results

The metabolic phenotypes of the BD and MDD groups were significantly different from those of the healthy controls, and there were different metabolite differences between them. In the BD group, the levels of 3-hydroxybutyric acid, n-acetyl glycoprotein, β-glucose, pantothenic acid, mannose, glycerol, and lipids were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group, and the levels of lactate and acetoacetate were significantly lower than those in the healthy control group. In the MDD group, the levels of 3-hydroxybutyric acid, n-acetyl glycoprotein, pyruvate, choline, acetoacetic acid, and lipids were significantly higher than those of healthy controls, and the levels of acetic acid and glycerol were significantly lower than those of healthy controls.

Conclusion

Glycerolipid metabolism is significantly involved in BD and MDD. Pyruvate metabolism is significantly involved in MDD. Pyruvate, choline, and acetate may be potential biomarkers for MDD to distinguish from BD, and pantothenic acid may be a potential biomarker for BD to distinguish from MDD.