bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hematologic malignancies magnify the effect of body mass index on insulin resistance in cancer survivors
Authors: Sahinoz Melis , Luther James M. , Mashayekhi Mona , Jung Dae Kwang , Ikizler T. Alp , Engelhardt Brian G.
Published: February 2022

Cancer survivors are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes, which usually develops from obesity and insulin resistance. Whether diabetes susceptibility is due to shared risk factors for cancer and insulin resistance or directly related to cancer and its treatment is unknown. We investigated effect modification between malignancy and body mass index (BMI) as determinants of insulin sensitivity in patients with hematologic malignancies and controls without cancer. In a cross-sectional study of 43 individuals without diabetes (20 patients with treated hematologic malignancies; 23 controls without malignancies), we measured insulin-stimulated whole-body glucose use (M) by hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. Insulin sensitivity index (ISI) was calculated by dividing M over steady-state plasma insulin. Inflammatory cytokines were measured in plasma. Controls were more obese and included more non-White individuals and women vs patients with hematologic malignancies. Patients with cancer exhibited greater insulin sensitivity (median ISI, 42.4 mg/kg/min/[μU/mL]; interquartile range [IQR], 33.9-67.2 vs 23.4 mg/kg/min/[μU/mL]; IQR, 12.9-29.2; P < .001) and higher interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) concentrations vs controls. Patients with cancer demonstrated greater reduction in ISI with increasing BMI vs controls, which remained significant after adjustment for sex and race (β = −2.6 units; 95% confidence interval, −4.8 to −0.4; P interaction = .024). This interaction also remained significant after adjusting for log IL-6 (P interaction = .048) and log MCP-1 (P interaction = .021). Cancer survivors had disproportionately greater insulin resistance with increasing BMI vs controls without malignancies. Effect modification between cancer and BMI in determining insulin sensitivity implicated cancer-specific etiologies in glucose dysregulation and could partially explain excess diabetes diagnoses among oncology patients.
Prevalence of risk stomach in laboring women allowed to unrestrictive oral intake: a comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Chang Xiang-Yang , Wang Li-Zhong , Xia Feng , Zhang Yin-Fa
Published: February 2022

Background

Although restricting food intake during labor is recommended by guidelines, intrapartum starvation has not been popular in some regions. We conducted this comparative cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of risk stomach in non-fasted laboring women compared with fasted non-laboring women using gastric ultrasound.

Methods

Ultrasound examination of the antrum was performed in 50 term fasted non-laboring women before elective cesarean delivery and 50 laboring women allowed to eat and drink during active labor. Examinations consisted of the qualitative (antral grades, 0–3) and quantitative evaluation (antral cross-sectional area and calculated gastric volume) in the supine and right lateral decubitus (RLD) position. A risk stomach was defined as an antral grade ≥ 2 or grade 1 with gastric volume ≥ 1.5 ml· kg− 1.

Results

No non-laboring women had grade ≥ 2, while 34 (68%) laboring women had grade ≥ 2. Nine (18%) non-laboring and 40 (80%) laboring women presented risk stomach (P < 0.001) (risk ratio: 4.4, 95% CI 2.4–8.2). Compared with non-laboring women, laboring women had larger antral area at “empty” stomach (grade 0) (437 mm2 vs.350 mm2 in supine, 571 mm2 vs.480 mm2 in RLD, P < 0.05) and cut-off values of antral area to discriminate a risk stomach (510 mm2 vs. 453 mm2 in supine, 670 mm2 vs. 605 mm2 in RLD).

Conclusions

This study confirms a higher prevalence of risk stomach presents in laboring women under a liberal eating policy, gastric ultrasound is therefore useful for this risk population if general anesthesia is required unexpectedly.
A novel deletion mutation in the BCOR gene is associated with oculo-facio-cardio-dental syndrome: a case report
Authors: Hu Qian , Mai Jingqun , Xiang Qinqin , Zhou Bin , Liu Shanling , Wang Jing
Published: February 2022

Background

Oculo-facio-cardio-dental syndrome is a rare X-linked dominant syndrome, characterized by radiculomegaly, congenital cataracts, dysmorphic facial features, and congenital heart disease. Because of the rarity, this syndrome could be misdiagnosed by the clinician, especially for the infant who may present only one to two systems involved.

Case presentation

Here we report a 3-month-old female infant presenting with typical clinical manifestations of oculo-facio-cardio-dental syndrome, like ocular, facial, cardiac, and skeletal abnormalities, and the genetic analyses of the proband and her parents were provided. Genetic evaluations were completed using whole exon sequencing, which revealed a novel heterozygous mutation between exons 7 and 14 of the BCOR gene(OMIM:300485) in this patient but not in her parents. This mutation is likely to encode a premature stop codon producing a truncated protein. Our patient was diagnosed early enough to allow for the cardiac defects to be treated first, and she will be closely followed up to ensure that any new presentations are treated in a timeous manner.

Conclusion

This patient fits the diagnostic criteria for oculo-facio-cardio-dental syndrome and is the youngest oculo-facio-cardio-dental syndrome patient ever reported, which is most important for her prognosis. In addition, this manuscript also describes a novel potenitally causative mutation for this syndrome.
Comparison of urinary and sexual patient-reported outcomes between open radical prostatectomy and robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a propensity score matched, population-based study in Victoria
Authors: Rechtman Michael , Forbes Andrew , Millar Jeremy L. , Evans Melanie , Dodds Lachlan , Murphy Declan G. , Evans Sue M.
Published: February 2022

Background

Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) rates have been increasing worldwide despite a lack of evidence of superior patient-reported outcomes (PROs) compared to open radical prostatectomy (ORP).

Methods

This retrospective study included men who contributed data to the Prostate Cancer Outcomes Registry-Victoria (PCOR-Vic), underwent ORP or RARP between January 2014 and May 2018, and completed the EPIC-26 questionnaire 12 months post-surgery. Urinary and sexual bother items, the urinary incontinence domain score, the urinary irritative/obstructive domain score, the sexual domain score and the pad usage item from the EPIC-26 questionnaire were compared between the two cohorts. Unmatched and propensity score matched cohorts were used to determine if there were differences in urinary and sexual PROs between ORP and RARP after accounting for the patient case-mix and surgeon characteristics.

Results

Of 3826 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP), 1047 received ORP and 2779 received RARP. Propensity score matching reduced the magnitude of the observed differences in four out of six outcomes (urinary bother, urinary incontinence domain, pad usage and sexual domain). Using a propensity score matched cohort, there were no statistically significant differences for RARP patients, compared to ORP patients, in terms of urinary bother (Rd = 0.47%, P = 0.707), urinary incontinence domain scores (Coeff = − 0.84, P = 0.506), urinary irritative/obstructive domain scores (Coeff = 1.03, P = 0.105), pad usage (Rd = − 0.75%, P = 0.771) and sexual bother (Rd = − 0.89%, P = 0.731). RARP patients had slightly higher sexual domain scores (Coeff = 3.65, P = 0.005).

Conclusion

There were no differences in urinary PROs between ORP and RARP when assessed 12 months post-surgery. The sexual domain slightly favoured RARP, however this was not deemed clinically significant.
A flavonoid rich standardized extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra protects intestinal epithelial barrier function and regulates the tight-junction proteins expression
Authors: Murugan Sasi Kumar , Bethapudi Bharathi , Raghunandhakumar Subramanian , Purusothaman Divya , Nithyanantham Muruganantham , Mundkinajeddu Deepak , Talkad Muralidhar Srinivasaih
Published: February 2022

Background

Intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction predisposes to many gastrointestinal, metabolic, and psychological disorders. A flavonoid rich extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (FREG) has previously been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiulcer properties.

Aim

To investigate the effect of FREG (GutGard®) on restoring intestinal barrier function in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) stimulated human colonic adenocarcinoma cell monolayer (Caco-2) and 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) induced ulcerative colitis in rats.

Methods

In in vitro, human intestinal Caco-2 cell monolayers were treated with TNF-α in the presence or absence of FREG and the paracellular permeability to FITC-conjugated 4-kD dextran (FD4) was measured to evaluate protection against the barrier dysfunction. In in vivo, intestinal barrier dysfunction was induced in male albino Wistar rats via intrarectal instillation of TNBS. Subsequently, the rats were treated orally with either FREG at 6.25, 12.5, and 25 mg/kg body weight, or Mesacol (250 mg/kg) for 5 days. On day 5, intestinal epithelial permeability was assessed with FD4 leakage into the serum. Also, colonic inflammation, colon morphology, histology and macroscopic score, weight to length ratio were evaluated. The activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO), TNF- α, secretory IgA levels and tight junction proteins expression were evaluated in rat’s colon.

Results

FREG protected the intestinal epithelial barrier integrity in human intestinal Caco-2 cells in vitro. FREG administration significantly improved the intestinal epithelial barrier function as evident from significant reduction in FD4 leakage. The colon morphology, histology score, macroscopic score, colon weight to length ratio also indicates beneficial effects of FREG on barrier function. In addition, FREG regulated the tight junction proteins, and markedly decreased TNF-α, MPO levels and significantly increased the secretory IgA levels in TNBS induced colitis rats.

Conclusion

The study findings support the protective action of FREG on intestinal epithelial barrier integrity indicating its potential in protecting from implications of leaky gut.
Tetracycline ameliorates silica-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis via inhibition of caspase-1
Authors: Peukert Konrad , Steinhagen Folkert , Fox Mario , Feuerborn Caroline , Schulz Susanne , Seeliger Benjamin , Schuss Patrick , Schneider Matthias , Frede Stilla , Sauer Andrea , Putensen Christian , Latz Eicke , Wilhelm Christoph , Bode Christian
Published: February 2022

Background

Inhalation of dust containing silica particles is associated with severe pulmonary inflammation and lung injury leading to chronic silicosis including fibrotic remodeling of the lung. Silicosis represents a major global health problem causing more than 45.000 deaths per year. The inflammasome-caspase-1 pathway contributes to the development of silica-induced inflammation and fibrosis via IL-1β and IL-18 production. Recent studies indicate that tetracycline can be used to treat inflammatory diseases mediated by IL-1β and IL-18. Therefore, we hypothesized that tetracycline reduces silica-induced lung injury and lung fibrosis resulting from chronic silicosis via limiting IL-1β and IL-18 driven inflammation.

Methods

To investigate whether tetracycline is a therapeutic option to block inflammasome-caspase-1 driven inflammation in silicosis, we incubated macrophages with silica alone or combined with tetracycline. The in vivo effect of tetracycline was determined after intratracheal administration of silica into the mouse lung.

Results

Tetracycline selectively blocks IL-1β production and pyroptotic cell death via inhibition of caspase-1 in macrophages exposed to silica particles. Consistent, treatment of silica-instilled mice with tetracycline significantly reduced pulmonary caspase-1 activation as well as IL-1β and IL-18 production, thereby ameliorating pulmonary inflammation and lung injury. Furthermore, prolonged tetracycline administration in a model of chronic silicosis reduced lung damage and fibrotic remodeling.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that tetracycline inhibits caspase-1-dependent production of IL-1β in response to silica in vitro and in vivo. The results were consistent with tetracycline reducing silica-induced pulmonary inflammation and chronic silicosis in terms of lung injury and fibrosis. Thus, tetracycline could be effective in the treatment of patients with silicosis as well as other diseases involving silicotic inflammation.
Clinical efficacy and mechanism of mesenchymal stromal cells in treatment of COVID-19
Authors: Lu Kun , Geng Shi-tao , Tang Shikai , Yang Hua , Xiong Wei , Xu Fang , Yuan Qijun , Xiao Xian , Huang Renqiang , Liang Haihui , Chen Zhipeng , Qian Chuanyun , Li Yang , Wang Songqing
Published: February 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious epidemic disease that has seriously affected human health worldwide. To date, however, there is still no definitive drug for the treatment of COVID-19. Cell-based therapies could represent a new breakthrough. Over the past several decades, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have proven to be ideal candidates for the treatment of many viral infectious diseases due to their immunomodulatory and tissue repair or regeneration promoting properties, and several relevant clinical trials for the treatment of COVID-19 have been registered internationally. Herein, we systematically summarize the clinical efficacy of MSCs in the treatment of COVID-19 based on published results, including mortality, time to symptom improvement, computed tomography (CT) imaging, cytokines, and safety, while elaborating on the possible mechanisms underpinning the effects of MSCs, to provide a reference for subsequent studies.
Book review of Mobility and Displacement: Nomadism, Identity and Postcolonial Narratives in Mongolia by Orhon Myadar, 2020
Authors: Upton Caroline
Published: February 2022

Book details

Orhon Myadar

Mobility and displacement: Nomadism, identity and postcolonial narratives in Mongolia

Abingdon and New York: Routledge, 2021, pp136.

ISBN: 978-0-367-36166-2
Characteristics of selenium polysaccharide from sweet corncob and its effects on non-enzymatic glycosylation in vivo
Authors: Wang Zhili , Wang Xin , Xiu Weiye , Ma Yongqiang
Published: February 2022

Selenium polysaccharide is an organic selenium compound, which has attracted much attention because of its unique biological properties. In the current study, a new selenium polysaccharide (Se-SCP) was synthesised, and its structure and effects on non-enzymatic glycosylation in vivo were studied. The molecular weight of Se-SCP was 9.02 g/mol, and its molecule was mainly composed of Man, Gal, GluA, Ara, Glu, Fuc, Rha, GalA, and Xyl. Selenium was present both as C–O–Se and Se=O. Compared with non-selenised sweet corncob polysaccharide (SCP) treatment, the blood glucose level in mice decreased considerably after Se-SCP treatment. Additionally, it improved oral glucose tolerance (OGTT) and significantly reduced the production of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) (P < 0.05), compared with the model group. In addition, Se-SCP exhibited a positive effect on the morphology of the pancreas and liver. The current study elucidated the physiological and pharmacological effects of selenium polysaccharides and provided a basis for future studies on selenium polysaccharides.
Long-term case-fatality rate of nontuberculous mycobacterial disease in people living with HIV
Authors: Hu Jingjing , Gu Ling , Shao Yueming , Zhang Renfang , Qi Tangkai , Sun Jianjun , Wang Zhenyan , Song Wei , Tang Yang , Wang Jiangrong , Xu Shuibao , Yang Junyang , Shen Yinzhong , Liu Li , Chen Jun , Lu Hongzhou
Published: February 2022

Background

Few data are available regarding the long-term case-fatality rate (CFR) among people living with HIV (PLWH) with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) disease. The aim of this study is to analyze the long-term CFR in patients with NTM disease and to identify risk factors for their death.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of 379 cases of microbiologically confirmed NTM disease in PLWH was conducted from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2020, in Shanghai, China. We used Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and the log-rank test to compare the long-term CFR in patients with disseminated NTM (DNTM) and localized NTM disease. Univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and a stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression model were used to estimate the predictors of long-term CFR.

Results

The cohort was followed up for a median of 26 months. The total CFR was 15.7% by one year and increased to 22.6% at 5 years after the diagnosis of NTM disease. The 5-year CFR of PLWH with DNTM was significantly higher than that of PLWH with localized NTM (26.7% vs 19.6% for DNTM and localized NTM disease, respectively). Older age [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02–1.06, P < 0.001], comorbidity (HR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.21–3.49, P < 0.01), DNTM (HR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.17–3.68, P < 0.05), and HIV viral load (HR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.12–1.55, P < 0.001) were all independent risk factors for long-term CFR. In the subgroup analysis, time to culture positivity was negatively correlated with CFR in patients with DNTM (HR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.82–0.98, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

NTM was associated with a high long-term CFR in PLWH. Further approaches to prevent NTM disease in PLWH are urgently needed.

Graphical Abstract
Haploidentical CD7 CAR T-cells induced remission in a patient with TP53 mutated relapsed and refractory early T-cell precursor lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma
Authors: Dai Hai-ping , Cui Wei , Cui Qing-ya , Zhu Wen-juan , Meng Hui-min , Zhu Min-qing , Zhu Xia-ming , Yang Lin , Wu De-pei , Tang Xiao-wen
Published: February 2022

Patients with relapsed/refractory early T-cell precursor lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (ETP-ALL/LBL) respond poorly to traditional therapy and have dismal prognosis. CD7 is a promising therapeutic targets for chimeric antigen receptor modified T cell therapy (CART) due to its widely expression in almost all T-cell malignancies. Here we present the anti-CD7 CART therapy in a 11-year-old male with TP53 mutated relapsed/refractory ETP-ALL/LBL. The patient suffered second relapse after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, showing resistance to 4 lines salvage therapies including venetoclax. Nanobody derived CD7-CART cells were manufactured by co-transducing CAR-T cells with a CD7 protein expression blocker. 70.5% of blasts (CD7 expression: 92.6%) and extensive extramedullary disease (mediastinal mass, enlarged lymph nodes and spleen) were observed prior to CD7-CART-cell therapy. A total of 5 × 106/kg donor-derived CD7-CART-cells were infused. Hematological and extramedullary remission were both achieved, with persistence of CD7-CART-cells be detected until the last followup at 96th days after the infusion. Reversible adverse effects including grade 3 cytokine release syndrome and macrophage activation syndrome were observed. This case demonstrated that CD7-CART was a potent and safe salvage therapy in relapsed/refractory ETP-ALL/LBL patient with high tumor burden.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials. gov, NCT04785833, Registered on March 8, 2021, prospectively registered.
A quantitative evaluation based on an analytic hierarchy process for the deterioration degree of the Guangyuan Thousand-Buddha grotto from the Tang Dynasty in Sichuan, China
Authors: Yao Xue , Zhao Fan
Published: February 2022

The Guangyuan Thousand-Buddha grotto is of great value in researching the spread of Buddhism in China. To explore a scientific deterioration degree evaluation method, the authors selected 11 grottos from the middle Tang Dynasty in the Guangyuan Thousand-Buddha grotto as survey objects; a traditional deterioration investigation was undertaken, and an analytic hierarchy process (AHP method) was applied to build a system to calculate the weight of 15 deterioration criteria and evaluate the deterioration degree of the grotto. The results showed that 15 deteriorations can be classified into two categories: stability deterioration and weathering deterioration. Each deterioration has its own weight on affecting the preservation condition of the grotto. In contrast to realistic conditions, the calculation results can quantitatively reflect the preservation condition of the grotto. The results offer a quantitative basis for determining the priority of grotto conservation and verifying the feasibility of the AHP method in helping conservators identify major deteriorations or judge conservation orders. This research proposes a quantitative evaluation method for the deterioration degree of the grotto, which can lay the foundation for further conservation of the grotto.

Graphical Abstract
Free-breathing 3D Stack of Stars GRE (StarVIBE) sequence for detecting pulmonary nodules in 18F-FDG PET/MRI
Authors: Bruckmann Nils Martin , Kirchner Julian , Morawitz Janna , Umutlu Lale , Fendler Wolfgang P. , Herrmann Ken , Bittner Ann-Kathrin , Hoffmann Oliver , Fehm Tanja , Lindemann Maike E. , Buchbender Christian , Antoch Gerald , Sawicki Lino M.
Published: February 2022

Background

The free-breathing T1-weighted 3D Stack of Stars GRE (StarVIBE) MR sequence potentially reduces artifacts in chest MRI. The purpose of this study was to evaluate StarVIBE for the detection of pulmonary nodules in 18F-FDG PET/MRI.

Material and methods

In this retrospective analysis, conducted on a prospective clinical trial cohort, 88 consecutive women with newly diagnosed breast cancer underwent both contrast-enhanced whole-body 18F-FDG PET/MRI and computed tomography (CT). Patients’ chests were examined on CT as well as on StarVIBE and conventional T1-weighted VIBE and T2-weighted HASTE MR sequences, with CT serving as the reference standard. Presence, size, and location of all detectable lung nodules were assessed. Wilcoxon test was applied to compare nodule features and Pearson’s, and Spearman’s correlation coefficients were calculated.

Results

Out of 65 lung nodules detected in 36 patients with CT (3.7 ± 1.4 mm), StarVIBE was able to detect 31 (47.7%), VIBE 26 (40%) and HASTE 11 (16.8%), respectively. Overall, CT showed a significantly higher detectability than all MRI sequences combined (65 vs. 36, difference 44.6%, p < 0.001). The VIBE showed a significantly better detection rate than the HASTE (23.1%, p = 0.001). Detection rates between StarVIBE and VIBE did not significantly differ (7.7%, p = 0.27), but the StarVIBE showed a significant advantage detecting centrally located pulmonary nodules (66.7% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.031). There was a strong correlation in nodule size between CT and MRI sequences (HASTE: ρ = 0.80, p = 0.003; VIBE: ρ = 0.77, p < 0.001; StarVIBE: ρ = 0.78, p < 0.001). Mean image quality was rated as good to excellent for CT and MRI sequences.

Conclusion

The overall lung nodule detection rate of StarVIBE was slightly, but not significantly, higher than conventional T1w VIBE and significantly higher than T2w HASTE. Detectability of centrally located nodules is better with StarVIBE than with VIBE. Nevertheless, all MRI analyses demonstrated considerably lower detection rates for small lung nodules, when compared to CT.
Digital vs. conventional workflow for one-abutment one-time immediate restoration in the esthetic zone: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hanozin Brieuc , Li Manni Lou , Lecloux Geoffrey , Bacevic Miljana , Lambert France
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To compare short-term outcomes after immediate restoration of a single implant in the esthetic zone with one-abutment one-time technique comparing a conventional (control) vs. a fully digital workflow (test).

Materials and methods

Eighteen subjects were randomly assigned to the two groups, and a digital implant planning was performed for all. In the test group, a custom-made zirconia abutment and a CAD–CAM provisional crown were prepared prior to surgery; implants were placed using a s-CAIS guide allowing immediate restoration after surgery. In the control group, the implant was placed free-handed using a conventional surgical guide, and a custom-made zirconia abutment to support a stratified provisional crown was placed 10 days thereafter, based on a conventional impression. Implant accuracy (relative to the planning), the provisional restoration outcomes, as well as PROMs were assessed.

Results

The implant positioning showed higher accuracy with the s-CAIS surgical guide compared to free-handed surgery (angular deviation (AD): 2.41 ± 1.27° vs. 6.26 ± 3.98°, p < 0.014; entry point deviation (CGD): 0.65 ± 0.37 mm vs. 1.27 ± 0.83 mm, p < 0.059; apical deviation (GAD): 1.36 ± 0.53 mm vs. 2.42 ± 1.02 mm, p < 0.014). The occlusion and interproximal contacts showed similar results for the two workflows (p = 0.7 and p = 0.69, respectively). The PROMs results were similar in both groups except for impression taking with intra-oral scanning preferred over conventional impressions (p = 0.014).

Conclusions

Both workflows allowed implant placement and immediate/early restoration and displayed similar clinical and esthetic outcomes. The fully digital workflow was associated with a more accurate implant position relative to planning.

Clinical relevance

Our results show that both conventional and digital workflow are predictive and provide similar clinical outcomes, with extra precision provided by digitalisation.
Distribution of soil viruses across China and their potential role in phosphorous metabolism
Authors: Han Li-Li , Yu Dan-Ting , Bi Li , Du Shuai , Silveira Cynthia , Cobián Güemes Ana Georgina , Zhang Li-Mei , He Ji-Zheng , Rohwer Forest
Published: February 2022

Background

Viruses are the most abundant biological entities on the planet and drive biogeochemical cycling on a global scale. Our understanding of biogeography of soil viruses and their ecological functions lags significantly behind that of Bacteria and Fungi. Here, a viromic approach was used to investigate the distribution and ecological functions of viruses from 19 soils across China.

Results

Soil viral community were clustered more significantly by geographical location than type of soil (agricultural and natural). Three clusters of viral communities were identified from North, Southeast and Southwest regions; these clusters differentiated using taxonomic composition and were mainly driven by geographic location and climate factors. A total of 972 viral populations (vOTUs) were detected spanning 23 viral families from the 19 viromes. Phylogenetic analyses of the phoH gene showed a remarkable diversity and the distribution of viral phoH genes was more dependent on the environment. Notably, five proteins involved in phosphorus (P) metabolism-related nucleotide synthesis functions, including dUTPase, MazG, PhoH, Thymidylate synthase complementing protein (Thy1), and Ribonucleoside reductase (RNR), were mainly identified in agricultural soils.

Conclusions

The present work revealed that soil viral communities were distributed across China according to geographical location and climate factors. In addition, P metabolism genes encoded by these viruses probably drive the synthesis of nucleotides for their own genomes inside bacterial hosts, thereby affecting P cycling in the soil ecosystems.
‘Playlist for Life’ at the end of life: a mixed-methods feasibility study of a personalised music listening intervention in the hospice setting
Authors: Johnston Bridget , Bowman Fiona , Carduff Emma , Donmez Fulya , Lowndes Andy , McKeown Alistair
Published: February 2022

Background

Playlist for Life is a brief, inexpensive music listening intervention which originated in dementia care, but is increasingly being used for people at the end of life. However, there is a lack of robust empirical research on its application in the hospice setting. Our patient and public involvement group originated the idea for this study. The aim of this feasibility study was to inform the design of a larger effectiveness study on the use of Playlist for Life in the hospice setting.

Method

This study was a mixed-methods feasibility study involving adults at the end of life, family members and hospice staff from one in-patient hospice in Scotland. Eligible patient/family member dyads were approached by hospice staff and if interested, recruited by the researcher. All included participants received the intervention, which involved the provision of an MP3 player and assistance to set up a playlist. Participants were asked to listen to the playlist daily during the intervention period (7 days). Data were collected through patient reported outcome measures and on days 1, 3 and 7 of the intervention period and through participant observation session. Patient/family member dyads and hospice staff also took part in qualitative interviews (Appendix 1) post-intervention, which were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. Semi-structured interviews at the end of the intervention period were used to evaluate feasibility and acceptability. An advisory group including patients, family members and staff gave helpful feedback on the qualitative interview questions. Interview questions were the same for all participants and all the questions were asked to all participants.

Results

N = 15 participants were recruited (n = 5 patients, n = 5 family, n = 5 staff. The intervention was appraised positively, particularly regarding its beneficial effect on patient/family relationships. The study design was deemed feasible and acceptable.

Conclusion

The findings of this study will inform the development of a future randomised cluster trial designed to assess the usability and effectiveness of the Playlist for Life personalised music intervention.

Trial registration

This study was not registered as this was a small feasibility study, conducted prior to a pilot study not testing for effectiveness. In addition, the study was non-randomised. The study is registered with NHS ethics and the hospice research and governance team
Early-stage studies to larger-scale trials: investigators’ perspectives on scaling-up childhood obesity interventions
Authors: von Klinggraeff L. , Dugger R. , Okely A. D. , Lubans D. , Jago R. , Burkart S. , Weaver R. G. , Armstrong B. , Pfledderer C. D. , Beets M. W.
Published: February 2022

Background

Pilot/feasibility studies play an important role in the development and refinement of behavioral interventions by providing information about feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy. Despite their importance and wide-spread use, the approaches taken by behavioral scientists to scale-up early-stage studies to larger-scale trials has received little attention. The aim of our study was to understand the role that pilot studies play in the development and execution of larger-scale trials.

Methods

We conducted interviews with childhood obesity researchers who had published pilot behavioral interventions and larger-scale trials of the same or similar interventions. Questions were asked about the role of pilot studies in developing larger-scale trials and the challenges encountered when scaling-up an intervention based upon pilot findings. Data were coded and analyzed using an inductive analytic approach to identify themes.

Results

Twenty-four interventionists (54% women, 37–70 years old, mean 20 years since terminal degree) completed a total of 148 pilot studies across their careers (mean 6.4, range 1–20), of which 59% were scaled-up. Scaling was described as resource intensive and pilot work was considered essential to successfully competing for funding by 63% of the sample (n = 15). When asked to define a high-quality pilot study, interventionists described studies that allowed them to evaluate two independent factors: components of their intervention (e.g., acceptability, feasibility) and study parameters (e.g., sample size, measures). Interventionists expressed that more process implementation measures, different study designs, and additional iterations could improve decisions to scale-up. Most agreed that pilot studies were likely to produce inflated estimates of potential efficacy though only nine interventionists provided potential solutions for decreasing inflated measures of efficacy. Suggested major causes of inflated effects included high levels of oversight in pilot studies (e.g., researcher support), reliance on subjective measures, and utilizing convenience or highly motivated samples. Potential solutions included designing pilots for real-world implementation, only conducting randomized controlled pilot studies, and pre-registering pilot studies.

Conclusions

Pilot studies purposes are multifaceted and deemed essential to obtaining funding for larger-scale trials. Clarifying the form and function of preliminary, early-stage research may enhance the productive utilization of early-stage studies and reduced drops in efficacy when transitioning to larger scale studies.
Complex suicides: 21 cases and a review of the literature
Authors: Hösükler Erdem , Hösükler Bilgin , Çoban İsmail , Koç Sermet
Published: February 2022

Background

The use of more than one potentially lethal method together and sequentially to complete suicide is called “complex suicide.” Complex suicides are divided into two groups: planned and unplanned. This study aimed to discuss with literature 21 complex suicide cases identified after a 2-year retrospective study.

Results

This study included 21 complex suicide cases. Eleven were classified as planned complex suicides, and 10 were labeled as unplanned complex suicides. The average age of all cases was 42.5 ± 17.7 (min: 19, max: 76) years. Suicide notes were present in six (28.5%) cases. Fifteen victims (71.4%) suffered from psychiatric diseases. Twelve victims ingested a toxic dose of medication, nine cases jumped from a height, eight cases used stabbing, six cases used hanging, two cases ingested a corrosive substance, two cases drowned, two cases inhaled a toxic gas, one case ingested cyanide, one case ingested insecticide, and one case used suffocation with a plastic bag. In two cases, three methods of suicide were used together. In the current study, “corrosive substance intake + cyanide intoxication” and “corrosive substance intake + jumping from a height” were defined for the first time and have not been previously described in the literature.

Conclusions

Complex suicides are highly likely to be potentially mistaken for murder. The cause of death in these cases can be determined with a comprehensive autopsy along with a detailed examination of the scene, statements of relatives, and eyewitnesses.
Carriage of plasmid-mediated qnr determinants and quinolone efflux pump (qepA) by ciprofloxacin-resistant bacteria recovered from Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) samples
Authors: Adekanmbi Abimbola Olumide , Usidamen Sandra , Akinlabi Olabisi Comfort , Olaposi Adedolapo Victoria , Onilude Anthony Abiodun
Published: February 2022

Background

Bacterial resistance to commonly-used antibiotics has been on the increase especially in the clinical settings. This study focused on the detection of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) determinants in ciprofloxacin-resistant bacteria recovered from Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) samples.

Results

Already characterized isolates from urine samples of UTI-diagnosed in- and out- patients were obtained from the culture pool of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria. A total of seventy-three ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates were used in this study. Of the 73 UTI isolates, 43 carried at least one of the four PMQR genes targeted and they belonged to eight bacterial genera namely:Escherichia(25),Klebsiella(10),Pseudomonas(2),Proteus(2) and one isolate each belonging toEnterobacter,Acinetobacter,CitrobacterandSalmonella genera.qnrAwas detected in 10.9% (8/73) of the isolates while the occurrence ofqnrBandqnrSwas 32.9% (24/73) and 20.5% (15/73), respectively. The quinolone efflux pump (qepA) was detected in 9/73 (12.3%) of the isolates. Thirty of the isolates carried only one PMQR gene, while thirteen carried two PMQR genes. There was no carriage of more than two PMQR genes in the forty-three isolates from which PMQR genes were detected.

Conclusion

This study reports the carriage of PMQR determinants by eight of the nine Gram-negative bacterial genera from urinary sources in patients attending the University College Hospital, Ibadan over the four-month period of study. This is quite worrisome as it suggests a high contribution of UTI cases to the burden of quinolone resistance. There is a need for more studies of this nature in other hospitals in Nigeria, to develop a database on the contribution of UTI cases to quinolone resistance.
Production and evaluation of novel functional extruded corn snacks fortified with ginger, bay leaves and turmeric powder
Authors: Amer Sara Adel , Rizk Ayat Ebrahim
Published: February 2022

Extruded corn snacks are accepted by all human ages especially children, but they have low functional value. Therefore, corn extruded snacks contain rich nutraceuticals dried herbs including Laurus nobilis (T1), Curcuma longa (T2), Zingiber officinale Roscoe (T3), and the mixture of these herbs (T4) were manufactured and analyzed. The results declared that all the herbal extruded corn snacks had significantly higher ash, fibers, minerals, and vitamins A and B6. For minerals, the highest percent of increase compared to control was achieved by Fe, K, Ca, Zn content in order, being the highest in T4. The contents of Vitamin A and B6 were ranged from 283 to 445 IU/100 g and from 0.01 to 0.08 mg/100 g for the herbal extrudates, respectively. The increased percent in herbal corn snacks relative to control ranged from 743 to 452%, 188 to 17.6%, and from 313 to 99% for total phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity. Besides, the highest number of phenolic compounds was recorded in T4. Despite the fact that approximately all herbal extruded products had good texture and color characteristics, the best formulation was T2 and T4 corn snacks. Furthermore, the extruded products were microbiologically safe for up to 9 months. The formulation of herbal-corn snacks could fulfill consumers’ requirement for ready-to-eat-healthy foods with acceptable sensory attributes and also economically suitable for the food industry.

Graphical abstract
Pulmonary dysfunction in children with Cystinosis: single center study, original article
Authors: Hamed Dina H. , Halim Radwa Mohamed Abdel , El Attar Mona Mohsen , Soliman Neveen A. , Osman Hanan Mohsen
Published: February 2022

Background

Cystinosis is a rare autosomal recessive disorder involving lysosomal storage of the amino acid cystine due to a defect in the membrane transport protein, cystinosin. The disease results in intracellular accumulation of cystine in all organs and tissues.

Pulmonary complications targeting the respiratory system occurs commonly in adults who have not received lifelong cysteamine therapy. The respiratory insufficiency is fatal at adulthood. However, little is known about the pulmonary dysfunction in children.

The study included 15 nephropathic cystinosis children to evaluate the pulmonary complications through detailed history taking, clinical examination, chest radiograph and Pulmonary function test (Impulse oscillometry {IOS}).

Results

Out of the cohort of 15 cystinosis patients, 13 patients did not show symptoms suggestive of chest affection. While 1 patient had recurrent Aspiration and 1 patient had history of pneumonia requiring hospital admission. All patients showed normal respiratory rate for age, normal breath sound and normal Chest X-ray finding apart from conical chest configuration.

IOS done showed small airway disease in 12 patients, decreased compliance in 2 patients, while only 1patient had normal IOS.

Conclusion

Small airway affection was detected in most of cystinosis children by means of IOS in spite of the absence of chest manifestations and suggestive history which highlight the importance of respiratory assessment and follow up of cystinosis patients not only by history, and examination but most important pulmonary function tests.
The role of magnetic resonance imaging in acute abdominal pain in paediatric age group
Authors: Arora Vijinder , Kaur Tanveen , Singh Kunwarpal
Published: February 2022

Background

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the utility of magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of acute atraumatic abdominal pain as the first line cross sectional modality in children, so as to prevent excessive radiation exposure from computed tomography scan and to review the magnetic resonance imaging features of common acute abdominal and pelvic conditions.

Results

30 patients (0–18 years) underwent rapid unenhanced magnetic resonance imaging. The results of our study indicated that for the diagnosis of causes for acute abdominal pain, magnetic resonance imaging had sensitivity of 92% (95% confidence interval 73.8–97.6%) and a specificity of 80% (95% confidence interval 28.4–99.5%). The positive predictive value was 95.8% (95% confidence interval 79.9–99.3%) and negative predictive value was 67% (95% confidence interval 33.1–89.0%) which had a highly significant statistical association (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Unenhanced magnetic resonance imaging is an excellent option for the initial, detailed evaluation of acute abdominal emergencies in pediatric patients because it can diagnose the whole range of presenting abnormalities which include the causes of abdominal pain warranting surgical and nonsurgical management.
A case report of vanishing testicle: radiological diagnosis and short review
Authors: Kathar Hussain Mohamed Rafi
Published: February 2022

Background

Vanishing testicular syndrome is also known as testicular regression syndrome (TRS) is due to atrophy and disappearance of testis in the fetal life after the formation of the normal testis. It is a spectrum of disorders; clinical features are depending upon the stage of fetal or early neonatal life at which function of testicles ceases.

Case presentation

Young 40-year-old male patient came for a routine master health checkup. On clinical examination he had a nonpalpable left testis, Rest of the clinical examinations are unremarkable. Referred to ultrasound (USG), for testis localization reveals the absence of left testis in the left scrotal sac and inguinal canal. Further MRI of the scrotum reveals the feature of TRS.

Conclusion

TRS in the 4th-decade adult is rarely reported in the literature. The asymptomatic presentation shows the least possibility of neoplasm in TRS patients.
Prevalence and outcomes of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions in hospitalized SARS-CoV-2-infected patients
Authors: Mahmoud Mohammad Salah , Taha Mohamed Shehata , Mansour Ossama Ibrahim , Amir Mohamed , Hamdy Tarek A. , Ezzat W. F. , Mohamed A. H. , Rezk Michael , Saleeb Mina Fayez , Nassif Mena Maher
Published: February 2022

Background

The prevalence of olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions among hospitalized SARS-CoV-2-infected patients is highly variable between different studies, ranging from 5.6% in the Asian population to 86% in the European population. The study aimed to detect the prevalence and the recovery of olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions in hospitalized SARS-CoV-2-infected patients in an Egyptian tertiary care center. A total of 579 hospitalized patients were enrolled. Demographic data as well as upper respiratory tract symptoms including olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions and other risk factors were documented. Then the recovery of olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions after 6 months was followed up.

Results

50.6% had olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions (24.2% had a total smell and taste loss). A logistic regression analysis revealed a statistical significance between olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions and female gender and presence. Most patients (88.4%) reported partial or complete recovery during the 6 months (28.0% and 60.4%, respectively), while 11.6% of patients did not recover. The median time to start recovery was 3 days, and the median time to the best recovery was 22 days.

Conclusions

Olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions should be recognized for early detection of COVID-19 infection. Most recovery of olfactory/gustatory dysfunction in COVID-19 infection starts within 3 days and reaches the best recovery within 19 to 24 days. Female gender and the presence of general symptoms are associated with olfactory/gustatory dysfunctions in the hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Fokus-auf-Form und Noticing im DaF-Unterricht
Authors: Ριζοπούλου Αικατερίνη
Published: February 2022

Στην παρούσα κατά κύριο λόγο ποιοτική έρευνα με πολυμεθοδολογικό σχεδιασμό διερευνήθηκαν τα ακόλουθα ερωτήματα: Πρώτον, κατά πόσο η διδασκαλία από τη μια και οι διορθώσεις λαθών στο πλαίσιο μιας επικοινωνιακής άσκησης από την άλλη μπορούν να οδηγήσουν στην ενσυνείδητη καταγραφή (Noticing) και εκμάθηση άγνωστων στους μαθητές μορφολογικών και λεξιλογικών δομών και δεύτερον, κατά πόσο οι μαθητές που δε συμμετέχουν ενεργά στις επικοινωνιακές ασκήσεις, αλλά λειτουργούν ως παρατηρητές της διάδρασης άλλων, μπορούν να επωφεληθούν γλωσσικά τόσο από την προφορική παραγωγή των ενεργών στη διάδραση συμμαθητών τους, όσο και από τις διορθώσεις λαθών άλλων. Για τη διερεύνηση αυτών των ερωτημάτων βιντεοσκοπήθηκε, απομαγνητοφωνήθηκε και αναλύθηκε η διάδραση δύο ενηλίκων αλλοδαπών μαθητών και των καθηγητών τους κατά τη διάρκεια ενός μαθήματος της Γερμανικής ως ξένης γλώσσας σε επίπεδο Α2 (σύμφωνα με του κοινό ευρωπαϊκό πλαίσιο αναφοράς για τις γλώσσες), όπου έλυσαν μια επικοινωνιακή και μια ημι-ανοιχτή προφορική άσκηση και πήραν διορθώσεις στα λάθη τους αναφορικά με τον παρατατικό των τροπικών ρημάτων της Γερμανικής στην αρχική τους σημασία, καθώς και διορθώσεις / επεξηγήσεις σε ποικίλες λεξιλογικές δομές.Τυχόν πρότερη γνώση του παρατατικού των τροπικών ρημάτων μετρήθηκε με ένα τεστ πριν το μάθημα, ένα δεύτερο άμεσο τεστ για τη μέτρηση των νεοαποκτηθέντων γνώσεων έλαβε χώρα μια μέρα μετά το μάθημα, ενώ έξι μέρες αργότερα πραγματοποιήθηκε ενδοσκοπική συνέντευξη με κάθε έναν μαθητή ξεχωριστά βάσει επιλεγμένων στιγμιότυπων του βιντεοσκοπημένου μαθήματος. Η μακροβιότητα των νεοαποκτηθέντων γνώσεων μετρήθηκε ξανά αρκετές ημέρες αργότερα με ένα τρίτο τεστ.Η ανάλυση όλων των δεδομένων, τόσο των διαδράσεων κατά τη διάρκεια του μαθήματος, όσο και των γραπτών τεστ και των ενδοσκοπικών συνεντεύξεων των μαθητών, κατέδειξε, ότι η εκμάθηση των καινούριων γλωσσικών τύπων εξαρτάται τόσο από την ποιότητα των επεξηγήσεων και διορθώσεων κατά τη διάρκεια του μαθήματος, όσο και από μια πληθώρα ιδιαίτερων χαρακτηριστικών των ίδιων των μαθητών (όπως, η τυπολογική απόσταση ανάμεσα στη μητρική τους και τη Γερμανική, ο βαθμός δυσκολίας εκμάθησης του γλωσσικού φαινομένου, στοιχεία προσωπικότητας, όπως η ετοιμότητα να πάρουν γλωσσικά ρίσκα, γνωστικοί παράγοντες, όπως η προτίμηση ενός συγκεκριμένου καναλιού λήψης των πληροφοριών προς επεξεργασία). Σε ό,τι αφορά το ερώτημα, αν και οι ακροατές, μη-άμεσοι αποδέκτες των διορθώσεων / επεξηγήσεων λαθών άλλων μπορούν να επωφεληθούν γλωσσικά από αυτές, η ανάλυση των δεδομένων δείχνει ότι τα ιδιαίτερα χαρακτηριστικά των μαθητών παίζουν κι εδώ καθοριστικό ρόλο. Απαιτούνται περισσότερες έρευνες για να διασαφηνιστεί ο ρόλος των ιδιαίτερων χαρακτηριστικών των μαθητών πάνω στην αποτελεσματικότητα της διόρθωσης λαθών.