bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire—short form in cancer patients: a Bayesian structural equation modeling approach
Authors: Fong Ted C. T. , Wan Adrian H. Y. , Wong Venus P. Y. , Ho Rainbow T. H.
Published: February 2021

Background

Mindfulness has emerged as an important correlate of well-being in various clinical populations. The present study evaluated the psychometric properties of the 20-item short form of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-SF) in the Chinese context.

Methods

The study sample was 127 Chinese colorectal cancer patients who completed the FFMQ-SF and validated physical and mental health measures. Factorial validity of the FFMQ-SF was assessed using Bayesian structural equation modeling (BSEM) via informative priors on cross-loadings and residual covariances. Linear regression analysis examined its convergent validity with the health measures on imputed datasets.

Results

The five-factor BSEM model with approximate zero cross-loadings and one residual covariance provided an adequate model fit (PPP = 0.07, RMSEA = 0.06, CFI = 0.95). Satisfactory reliability (ω = 0.77–0.85) was found in four of the five facets (except nonjudging). Acting with awareness predicted lower levels of perceived stress, negative affect, anxiety, depression, and illness symptoms (β = − 0.37 to − 0.42) and better quality of life (β = 0.29–0.32). Observing, nonjudging, and nonreacting did not show any significant associations (p > .05) with health measures. Acting with awareness was not significantly correlated (r < 0.15) with the other four facets.

Conclusion

The present findings provide partial support for the psychometric properties of the FFMQ-SF in colorectal cancer patients. The nonjudging facet showed questionable validity and reliability in the present sample. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to elucidate the viability of FFMQ-SF as a measure of mindfulness facets in cancer patients.
The Persian Translation and validation of the celiac disease quality of life questionnaire (CDQOL)
Authors: Nikniaz Zeinab , Asghari Jafarabadi Mohammad , Ghaffarifar Saeedeh , Ravand Zahra , Akbari Namvar Zahra , Shirmohammadi Masood
Published: February 2021

Background

Considering the importance of having a celiac disease-specific measure of the quality of life (QOL) in Persian, the present study aimed to translate the celiac disease quality of life questionnaire (CDQOL) into Persian and evaluate its psychometric properties.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, the Forward–Backward translation method was used. The content validation ratio (CVR) and the content validity index (CVI) were used for content validity assessment. The construct validity was assessed by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on 220 celiac patients who were selected randomly from the celiac disease (CD) registry database. The correlations between the result of the Persian version of CDQOL (PCDQOL), self-rated QOL, and short form-36 (SF36) were analyzed using the Pearson correlation test. The internal consistency and test–retest reliability were measured through Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

In the present study, 220 celiac patients with a mean age of 35.54 ± 10.29 years participated. The mean CVI, CVR, and impact score of PCDQOL were 0.98, 0.96, and 4.82 respectively. Using EFA, four factors have extracted that had a good fit in CFA (Chi-square/DF = 1.74, RMSEA: 0.08, and CFI: 0.90, and NFI: 0.90). The results showed that there was a moderate to high correlation between PCDQOL, SF36 (r: 0.587,p = 0.02), and self-rated QOL (r: 0.64,p < 0.001). The questionnaire had high internal consistency (Cronbach alpha: 0.93) and test–retest reliability (ICC: 0.96 [0.86–0.99]).

Conclusion

The PCDQOL questionnaire could be used by physicians and nutritionists to assess HRQOL in celiac patients in Iran.
A cross-sectional, multicenter, observational study to assess the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in Lebanese and Jordanian hospitals
Authors: Hajj Imad , AL-Masri Mahmoud , Bashaireh Kaldoun , Hani Mohammed Bani , Hamouri Shadi , Khouzami Joe , Sabra Nisrine , Fadel Chahine
Published: February 2021

Background

There is a growing body of evidence showing substantial underuse of appropriate venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in patients at risk. In the present study, our goal was to assess the current practices in the use rate of VTE prophylaxis among hospitalized patients in Jordan and Lebanon.

Methods

A cross-sectional, multicenter, observational study was conducted on 40 centers across Lebanon and Jordan. We included patients who were admitted to the participating hospitals for the treatment of a serious medical or surgical illness. The patients’ records were screened for the fulfillment of inclusion/exclusion criteria during a single assessment visit. The proportion of medical and surgical patients who were at risk of VTE and the thrombo-prophylactic measures employed by physicians for these patients were assessed according to the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP 2016) guidelines.

Results

The present study included 704 patients (400 from Jordan and 304 from Lebanon) with a mean age of 54.9 ± 17.5 years. Almost 59% of the patients received prophylaxis treatment in form of pharmacological anticoagulant prophylaxis and/or mechanical prophylaxis. Low molecular weight heparin was the most commonly used anticoagulant for VTE prophylaxis in 366 out of the total 704 (51.9%) patients in the analysis cohort. Two hundred and sixteen patients (52, 95% confidence interval [47.1–56.9%]) received appropriate prophylactic agents out of 415 patients who were eligible for prophylaxis according to the ACCP 2016 guidelines. On the other hand, 199 (72.1, 95% confidence interval [66.4–77.3%) patients received prophylaxis out of 276 ineligible patients. The rate of compliance to guidelines showed wide variations according to the type of hospital, specialty, and the patients’ age. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only age was a significant predictor of appropriate VTE prophylaxis (odds ratio [OR] 1.05,P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The rates of the appropriate use of VTE prophylaxis are low in Lebanon and Jordan. There is a lack of compliance to guidelines for VTE prophylaxis use for hospitalized patients in both countries.
Children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on weekdays versus weekend days: a multi-country analysis
Authors:   on behalf of the International Children’s Accelerometry Database (ICAD) Collaborators, Brazendale Keith , Beets Michael W. , Armstrong Bridget , Weaver R. Glenn , Hunt Ethan T. , Pate Russell R. , Brusseau Timothy A. , Bohnert Amy M. , Olds Timothy , Tassitano Rafael M. , Tenorio Maria Cecilia M. , Garcia Jeanette , Andersen Lars B. , Davey Rachel , Hallal Pedro C. , Jago Russell , Kolle Elin , Kriemler Susi , Kristensen Peter L. , Kwon Soyang , Puder Jardena J. , Salmon Jo , Sardinha Luis B. , van Sluijs Esther M. F.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The Structured Days Hypothesis (SDH) posits that children’s behaviors associated with obesity – such as physical activity – are more favorable on days that contain more ‘structure’ (i.e., a pre-planned, segmented, and adult-supervised environment) such as school weekdays, compared to days with less structure, such as weekend days. The purpose of this study was to compare children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels on weekdays versus weekend days using a large, multi-country, accelerometer-measured physical activity dataset.

Methods

Data were received from the International Children’s Accelerometer Database (ICAD) July 2019. The ICAD inclusion criteria for a valid day of wear, only non-intervention data (e.g., baseline intervention data), children with at least 1 weekday and 1 weekend day, and ICAD studies with data collected exclusively during school months, were included for analyses. Mixed effects models accounting for the nested nature of the data (i.e., days within children) assessed MVPA minutes per day (min/day MVPA) differences between weekdays and weekend days by region/country, adjusted for age, sex, and total wear time. Separate meta-analytical models explored differences by age and country/region for sex and child weight-status.

Results/findings

Valid data from 15 studies representing 5794 children (61% female, 10.7 ± 2.1 yrs., 24% with overweight/obesity) and 35,263 days of valid accelerometer data from 5 distinct countries/regions were used. Boys and girls accumulated 12.6 min/day (95% CI: 9.0, 16.2) and 9.4 min/day (95% CI: 7.2, 11.6) more MVPA on weekdays versus weekend days, respectively. Children from mainland Europe had the largest differences (17.1 min/day more MVPA on weekdays versus weekend days, 95% CI: 15.3, 19.0) compared to the other countries/regions. Children who were classified as overweight/obese or normal weight/underweight accumulated 9.5 min/day (95% CI: 6.9, 12.2) and 10.9 min/day (95% CI: 8.3, 13.5) of additional MVPA on weekdays versus weekend days, respectively.

Conclusions

Children from multiple countries/regions accumulated significantly more MVPA on weekdays versus weekend days during school months. This finding aligns with the SDH and warrants future intervention studies to prioritize less-structured days, such as weekend days, and to consider providing opportunities for all children to access additional opportunities to be active.
Pneumonia scoring systems for severe COVID-19: which one is better
Authors: Cheng PengFei , Wu Hao , Yang JunZhe , Song XiaoYang , Xu MengDa , Li BiXi , Zhang JunJun , Qin MingZhe , Zhou Cheng , Zhou Xiang
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To investigate the predictive significance of different pneumonia scoring systems in clinical severity and mortality risk of patients with severe novel coronavirus pneumonia.

Materials and methods

A total of 53 cases of severe novel coronavirus pneumonia were confirmed. The APACHE II, MuLBSTA and CURB-65 scores of different treatment methods were calculated, and the predictive power of each score on clinical respiratory support treatment and mortality risk was compared.

Results

The APACHE II score showed the largest area under ROC curve in both noninvasive and invasive respiratory support treatment assessments, which is significantly different from that of CURB-65. Further, the MuLBSTA score had the largest area under ROC curve in terms of death risk assessment, which is also significantly different from that of CURB-65; however, no difference was noted with the APACHE II score.

Conclusion

For patients with COVID, the APACHE II score is an effective predictor of the disease severity and mortality risk. Further, the MuLBSTA score is a good predictor only in terms of mortality risk.
Association of serum calcium levels with renal impairment and all-cause death in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: a cross-sectional, longitudinal study
Authors: Cheng Jun , Zhang Wen , Zhao Yi , Li Xiayu , Lv Rong , Li Heng , Chen Jianghua
Published: February 2021

Background

More studies have shown that serum calcium has a crucial role in many types of cancers. However, few studies have determined the association between serum calcium levels and renal impairment (RI) and all-cause death in Chinese patients with multiple myeloma (MM).

Methods

A total of 246 of 565 participants who were followed for > 6 months from a MM cohort at our institution were eligible for the retrospective study. A generalized additive model and smooth curve fitting were performed to investigate the cross-sectional relationship between the serum calcium level and RI at baseline. Multivariate-adjusted Cox regression models were fitted to assess the associations between baseline serum calcium levels and the onset of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or death in patients with MM.

Results

A total of 172 of 565 patients (30.4%) with newly diagnosed MM presented with RI. The mean duration of follow-up was 26.64 months. Twenty-one patients (8.54%) died and 28 patients (11.52%) had ESRD. In patients with a serum calcium level > 2.30 mmol/L, the serum calcium level was independently associated with the occurrence of MM-related RI. Cox regression analysis showed that baseline serum calcium levels were consistently associated with a higher risk of all-cause death in the fully adjusted model, but were not associated with the occurrence of ESRD. When patients were categorized into two groups according to baseline mean serum calcium level, deaths occurred in 13 patients (15.1%) with a mean serum calcium level > 2.44 mmol/L compared to eight patients (5.0%) with a mean serum calcium level < 2.44 mmol/L (p < 0.05); Eighteen patients (11.46%) with a mean serum calcium level < 2.44 mmol/L progressed to ESRD compared to 13 patients (11.6%) with a serum calcium level > 2.44 mmol/L (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

This observational study showed that there was a nonlinear relationship between the serum calcium level and the presence of RI in patients with MM. An elevated baseline calcium level predicted all-cause death, but did not predict the occurrence of ESRD in patients with MM followed for > 6 months.
Radiosensitization of breast cancer cells using AS1411 aptamer-conjugated gold nanoparticles
Authors: Mehrnia Somayeh Sadat , Hashemi Bijan , Mowla Seyed Javad , Nikkhah Maryam , Arbabi Azim
Published: February 2021

Background

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have been used to sensitize cancer cells and enhance the absorbed dose delivered to such cells. Active targeting can provide specific effect and higher uptake of the GNPs in the tumor cells, while having small effect on healthy cells. The aim of this study was to assess the possible radiosensitiazation effect of GNPs conjugated with AS1411 aptamer (AS1411/GNPs) on cancer cells treated with 4 MeV electron beams.

Materials and methods

Cytotoxicity studies of the GNPs and AS1411/GNPs were carried out with MTT and MTS assay in different cancer cell lines of MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and mammospheres of MCF-7 cells. Atomic absorption spectroscopy confirmed the cellular uptake of the gold particles. Radiosensitizing effect of the GNPs and AS1411/GNPs on the cancer cells was assessed by clonogenic assay.

Result

AS1411 aptamer increased the Au uptake in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Clonogenic survival data revealed that AS1411/GNPs at 12.5 mg/L could result in radiosensitization of the breast cancer cells and lead to a sensitizer enhancement ratio of 1.35 and 1.66 and 1.91 for MCf-7, MDA-MB-231 and mammosphere cells.

Conclusion

Gold nanoparticles delivery to the cancer cells was enhanced by AS1411 aptamer and led to enhanced radiation induced cancer cells death. The combination of our clonogenic assay and Au cell uptake results suggested that AS1411 aptamer has enhanced the radiation-induced cell death by increasing Au uptake. This enhanced sensitization contributed to cancer stem cell-like cells to 4 MeV electron beams. This is particularly important for future preclinical testing to open a new insight for the treatment of cancers.
Comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed novel potential therapeutic targets of traditional Chinese medicine (Pinggan-Qianyang decoction) on vascular remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Yao Jiamei , Zhang Cui , Yang Yushu , Fang Xia , Chen Qiong , Zhong Guangwei
Published: February 2021

Background

Both experimental and clinical studies have revealed satisfactory effects with the traditional Chinese formula Pinggan Qianyang decoction (PGQYD) for improving vascular remodeling caused by essential hypertension. The present study explored various therapeutic targets of PGQYD using mRNA transcriptomics.

Methods

In this study, rats were randomly divided into three groups: Wistar-Kyoto (WKY; normal control), spontaneously hypertensive (SHR), and PGQYD-treated rat groups. After 12 weeks of PGQYD treatment, behavioral tests were employed and the morphology of thoracic aortas were examined with hematoxylin–eosin (HE) and Masson staining and electron microscopy. The mRNA expression profiles were identified with RNA-Seq and quantitative real-time PCR to validate changes in gene expression observed with microarray analysis. The gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses were carried out to predict gene function and gene co-expressions. Pathway networks were constructed to identify the hub biomarkers, which were further validated by western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis.

Results

After PGQYD treatment, the behavioral tests and histological and morphological findings of vascular remodeling were obviously meliorated compared with the SHR group. In the rat thoracic aorta tissues, 626 mRNAs with an exact match were identified. A total of 129 of mRNAs (fold change > 1.3 and P-value < 0.05) were significantly changed in the SHR group compared to the WKY group. Among them, 16 mRNAs were markedly regulated by PGQYD treatment and validated with quantitative real-time PCR. Additionally, target prediction and bioinformatics analyses revealed that these mRNAs could play therapeutic roles through biological processes for regulating cell metabolic processes (such as glycation biology), biological adhesions, rhythmic processes, and cell autophagy. The cellular signaling pathways involved in autophagy may be AGE–RAGE/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Conclusion

The present study provides novel insights for future investigations to explore the mechanisms by which PGQYD may effectively inhibit vascular remodeling by activating the AGE–RAGE/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway in cell autophagy biology.
Validation of diagnostic codes and epidemiologic trends of Huntington disease: a population-based study in Navarre, Spain
Authors: Vicente Esther , Ruiz de Sabando Ainara , García Fermín , Gastón Itziar , Ardanaz Eva , Ramos-Arroyo María A.
Published: February 2021

Background

There is great heterogeneity on geographic and temporary Huntington disease (HD) epidemiological estimates. Most research studies of rare diseases, including HD, use health information systems (HIS) as data sources. This study investigates the validity and accuracy of national and international diagnostic codes for HD in multiple HIS and analyses the epidemiologic trends of HD in the Autonomous Community of Navarre (Spain).

Methods

HD cases were ascertained by the Rare Diseases Registry and the reference Medical Genetics Centre of Navarre. Positive predictive values (PPV) and sensitivity with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated. Overall and 9-year periods (1991–2017) HD prevalence, incidence and mortality rates were calculated, and trends were assessed by Joinpoint regression.

Results

Overall PPV and sensitivity of combined HIS were 71.8% (95% CI: 59.7, 81.6) and 82.2% (95% CI: 70.1, 90.4), respectively. Primary care data was a more valuable resource for HD ascertainment than hospital discharge records, with 66% versus 50% sensitivity, respectively. It also had the highest number of “unique to source” cases. Thirty-five per cent of HD patients were identified by a single database and only 4% by all explored sources. Point prevalence was 4.94 (95% CI: 3.23, 6.65) per 100,000 in December 2017, and showed an annual 6.1% increase from 1991 to 1999. Incidence and mortality trends remained stable since 1995–96, with mean annual rates per 100,000 of 0.36 (95% CI: 0.27, 0.47) and 0.23 (95% CI: 0.16, 0.32), respectively. Late-onset HD patients (23.1%), mean age at onset (49.6 years), age at death (66.6 years) and duration of disease (16.7 years) were slightly higher than previously reported.

Conclusion

HD did not experience true temporary variations in prevalence, incidence or mortality over 23 years of post-molecular testing in our population. Ascertainment bias may largely explain the worldwide heterogeneity in results of HD epidemiological estimates. Population-based rare diseases registries are valuable instruments for epidemiological studies on low prevalence genetic diseases, like HD, as long as they include validated data from multiple HIS and genetic/family information.
FGFR-TKI resistance in cancer: current status and perspectives
Authors: Yue Sitong , Li Yukun , Chen Xiaojuan , Wang Juan , Li Meixiang , Chen Yongheng , Wu Daichao
Published: February 2021

Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) play key roles in promoting the proliferation, differentiation, and migration of cancer cell. Inactivation of FGFRs by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) has achieved great success in tumor-targeted therapy. However, resistance to FGFR-TKI has become a concern. Here, we review the mechanisms of FGFR-TKI resistance in cancer, including gatekeeper mutations, alternative signaling pathway activation, lysosome-mediated TKI sequestration, and gene fusion. In addition, we summarize strategies to overcome resistance, including developing covalent inhibitors, developing dual-target inhibitors, adopting combination therapy, and targeting lysosomes, which will facilitate the transition to precision medicine and individualized treatment.
ITPR3 facilitates tumor growth, metastasis and stemness by inducing the NF-ĸB/CD44 pathway in urinary bladder carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Mengzhao , Wang Lu , Yue Yangyang , Zhang Lu , Liu Tianjie , Jing Minxuan , Liang Xiao , Ma Minghai , Xu Shan , Wang Ke , Wang Xinyang , Fan Jinhai
Published: February 2021

Background

Bladder carcinoma is one of the most common urological cancers. ITPR3, as a ubiquitous endoplasmic reticulum calcium channel protein, was reported to be involved in the development and progression of various types of cancer. However, the potential roles and molecular mechanism of ITPR3 in bladder cancer are still unclear. Herein, we elucidated a novel role of ITPR3 in regulating the proliferation, metastasis, and stemness of bladder cancer cells.

Methods

The expression of ITPR3 in bladder cancer was analyzed using public databases and bladder cancer tissue microarrays. To demonstrate the role of ITPR3 in regulating the NF-ĸB/CD44 pathway and the progression of bladder cancer, a series of molecular biology and biochemistry methods was performed on clinical tissues, along with in vivo and in vitro experiments. The methods used included western blot assay, quantitative RT-PCR assay, immunofluorescence assay, immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays, wound healing assay, Transwell assay, colony formation assay, tumorsphere formation assay, cell flow cytometry analysis, EdU assay, MTT assay, cell transfection, bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP), a xenograft tumor model and a tail vein cancer metastasis model.

Results

Higher ITPR3 expression was found in bladder cancer tissues and bladder cancer cells compared with the corresponding normal peritumor tissues and SV-HUC-1 cells, which was attributed to demethylation in the ITPR3 promoter region. ITPR3 promoted the proliferation of bladder cancer by accelerating cell cycle transformation and promoted local invasion and distant metastasis by inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Meanwhile, ITPR3 maintained the cancer stemness phenotype by regulating CD44 expression. NF-κB, which is upstream of CD44, also played a critical role in this process.

Conclusions

Our study clarifies that ITPR3 serves as an oncogene in bladder cancer cells and represents a novel candidate for bladder cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Effects of training podiatrists to use imagery‐based motivational interviewing when treating people with diabetes‐related foot disease: a mixed‐methods pilot study
Authors: Kaczmarek Tracey , Van Netten Jaap J. , Lazzarini Peter A. , Kavanagh David
Published: February 2021

Background

Self‐care in diabetes related foot disease (DFD) is challenging and contributes to poor outcomes. Motivational Interviewing (MI) can engage people in self‐care and modifying it by integrating imagery may further improve its outcomes. No previous studies have trained podiatrists in using MI to address DFD self‐care. This was the first study on training podiatrists to conduct imagery‐based motivational interviewing (MI) when treating people with DFD, and to examine impacts on MI related skills, job satisfaction and subjective experiences in a mixed‐methods pilot study.

Methods

Eleven recruited podiatrists (median age: 35 years, 9 female and 2 male) received two 4‐h training sessions, and three received subsequent mentoring. MI and imagery skills were rated using validated tools during two clinical sessions per participant at baseline, and 2‐ and 12‐weeks post‐training. Job satisfaction was assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. Semi‐structured interviews at 12 weeks were analysed using the framework approach.

Results

Significant improvements over time (p = .006–.044) with substantial effect sizes (η2 = .50–.67) were found in three of four global MI related communication skills and two of four MI behaviours. However, effects on these indices were not sustained to 12 weeks, and imagery was rarely used. Job satisfaction was high at baseline and unchanged at follow‐up (p = 0.34, η2 = .100). In qualitative interviews, MI training and skills were valued, but significant challenges in using MI when treating people with DFD were reported.

Conclusion

Training podiatrists in MI may have potential but more training, observation and mentoring appear needed to obtain sustained communication changes in practice.
Successful outcome of disseminated Candida tropicalis osteomyelitis on remission induction for childhood Philadelphia chromosome–positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia-case report
Authors: Xie Lichun , Long Qingling , Zhou Guichi , Liu Sixi , Wen Fei-Qiu
Published: February 2021

Background

Invasive fungal infection (IFI) is one of the most challenging complications in children undergoing acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) treatment, but acute fungal osteomyelitis (OM) is rarely encountered.

Case presentation

Here, we describe a case ofCandida tropicalisosteomyelitis in a 10-year-old patient with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive ALL. He was on remission induction therapy at the time of neutropenia, and an abscess developed in his right arm. The blood and bone cultures were positive forC. tropicalis. Antibiotics and antifungals were administered. Magnetic resonance imaging of the arm revealed an intraosseous abscess, suggestive of OM. Surgical irrigation and debridement of the bone were performed immediately. The patient was effectively treated with antifungal therapy and ALL treatment. He has fully recovered into complete clinical remission but with visible sequelae on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). He took oral posaconazole for consolidation until disappearance of the lesion shadows on MRI and received subsequent cycles of chemotherapy in parallel.

Conclusions

In the successful management of Ph-positive ALL, dasatinib, a second-generation Abl-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is crucial. The recommended treatment forCandidaosteomyelitis in Ph-positive ALL patients is a fungicidal agent combined with surgery and modification chemotherapy with dasatinib. The use of combined modalities of treatment seems to be crucial in the successful management of Ph-positive ALL.
High-flow nasal oxygen in patients with COVID-19-associated acute respiratory failure
Authors:   for the COVID-19 Spanish ICU Network, Mellado-Artigas Ricard , Ferreyro Bruno L. , Angriman Federico , Hernández-Sanz María , Arruti Egoitz , Torres Antoni , Villar Jesús , Brochard Laurent , Ferrando Carlos
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Whether the use of high-flow nasal oxygen in adult patients with COVID-19 associated acute respiratory failure improves clinically relevant outcomes remains unclear. We thus sought to assess the effect of high-flow nasal oxygen on ventilator-free days, compared to early initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation, on adult patients with COVID-19.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre cohort study using a prospectively collected database of patients with COVID-19 associated acute respiratory failure admitted to 36 Spanish and Andorran intensive care units (ICUs). Main exposure was the use of high-flow nasal oxygen (conservative group), while early invasive mechanical ventilation (within the first day of ICU admission; early intubation group) served as the comparator. The primary outcome was ventilator-free days at 28 days. ICU length of stay and all-cause in-hospital mortality served as secondary outcomes. We used propensity score matching to adjust for measured confounding.

Results

Out of 468 eligible patients, a total of 122 matched patients were included in the present analysis (61 for each group). When compared to early intubation, the use of high-flow nasal oxygen was associated with an increase in ventilator-free days (mean difference: 8.0 days; 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.4 to 11.7 days) and a reduction in ICU length of stay (mean difference: − 8.2 days; 95% CI − 12.7 to − 3.6 days). No difference was observed in all-cause in-hospital mortality between groups (odds ratio: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.25 to 1.64).

Conclusions

The use of high-flow nasal oxygen upon ICU admission in adult patients with COVID-19 related acute hypoxemic respiratory failure may lead to an increase in ventilator-free days and a reduction in ICU length of stay, when compared to early initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation. Future studies should confirm our findings.
Distribution of virulence genes and SCCmec types among methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus of clinical and environmental origin: a study from community of Assam, India
Authors: Bhowmik Deepshikha , Chetri Shiela , Das Bhaskar Jyoti , Dhar Chanda Debadatta , Bhattacharjee Amitabha
Published: February 2021

Objective

This study was designed to discover the dissemination of virulence genes in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from clinical, community and environmental settings.

Results

This study includes 1165 isolates collected from hospital, community and environmental settings. Among them sixty three were confirmed as MRSA with varied SCCmec types viz; type I, type II, type III, type IV, type V, type VI, type VII, type VIII and type XII. The virulence gene such as sea (n = 54), seb (n = 21), eta (n = 27), etb (n = 2), cna (n = 24), ica (n = 2) and tst (n = 30) was also revealed from this study. The study underscores coexistence of resistance cassette and virulence genes among clinical and environment isolates which is first of its kind from this part of the world.
Knowledge and attitudes regarding amblyopia among parents in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Basheikh Ahmed , Alhibshi Nizar , Bamakrid Motaz , Baqais Rasha , Basendwah Mohammed , Howldar Sara
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To assess parents’ perceptions about amblyopia and its causes, symptoms, risk factors, treatments, and the importance of follow-up and to evaluate their awareness regarding the consequences and critical complications.

Results

Parents or their companions (n = 401) were surveyed, and 52.9% were mothers, 81.8% of mothers and 85.7% of fathers were highly educated (diploma, college or university degree), and 58 (14.5%) had a child who was afflicted with amblyopia. The knowledge subscale (nine items) showed acceptable reliability. Twenty percent of the participants declared having adequate knowledge about amblyopia, but assessment by item showed low percentages of an adequate knowledge level, ranging from 0% for amblyopia causes, 35.9% for definition, and 59.9% for whether amblyopia is a hereditary disease. Thus, the rate of adequate knowledge (Knowledge Score ≥ 8) was 25.9%, and was associated with parents’ nationality (p < 0.05) and self-declared knowledge about amblyopia (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed among respondents who had a child with amblyopia. There was a lack of knowledge about basic information and different aspects of the disease, which emphasized the relevance of school-based screening programs and adequate use of trustworthy internet resources using easily understood medical information.
5-Hydroxymethylcytosine profiles of cfDNA are highly predictive of R-CHOP treatment response in diffuse large B cell lymphoma patients
Authors: Chen Hang-Yu , Zhang Wei-Long , Zhang Lei , Yang Ping , Li Fang , Yang Ze-Ruo , Wang Jing , Pang Meng , Hong Yun , Yan Changjian , Li Wei , Liu Jia , Xu Nuo , Chen Long , Xiao Xiu-Bing , Qin Yan , He Xiao-Hui , Liu Hui , Zhu Hai-Chuan , He Chuan , Lin Jian , Jing Hong-Mei
Published: February 2021

Background

Although R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) remains the standard chemotherapy regimen for diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients, not all patients are responsive to the scheme, and there is no effective method to predict treatment response.

Methods

We utilized 5hmC-Seal to generate genome-wide 5hmC profiles in plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from 86 DLBCL patients before they received R-CHOP chemotherapy. To investigate the correlation between 5hmC modifications and curative effectiveness, we separated patients into training (n = 56) and validation (n = 30) cohorts and developed a 5hmC-based logistic regression model from the training cohort to predict the treatment response in the validation cohort.

Results

In this study, we identified thirteen 5hmC markers associated with treatment response. The prediction performance of the logistic regression model, achieving 0.82 sensitivity and 0.75 specificity (AUC = 0.78), was superior to existing clinical indicators, such as LDH and stage.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the 5hmC modifications in cfDNA at the time before R-CHOP treatment are associated with treatment response and that 5hmC-Seal may potentially serve as a clinical-applicable, minimally invasive approach to predict R-CHOP treatment response for DLBCL patients.
Degenerative spine disease: Italian position paper on acquisition, interpretation and reporting of Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Pizzini Francesca B. , Poletti Mattia , Beltramello Alberto , Muto Mario , Splendiani Alessandra , Mehrabi Sara , Costanzo Giuseppe , Vitiello Vincenzo , Barile Antonio , Colagrande Stefano , Mansueto Giancarlo , Bastianello Stefano
Published: February 2021

Objective

To promote a better radiological interpretation of spine degeneration, a consistent standardization of the acquisition, interpretation and description of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) l findings.

Materials and methods

In order to achieve this objective, a consensus among experts in imaging of degenerative spine disease (DSD) from Italian radiological societies (SIRM—Italian Society of Radiology, AINR—Italian Association of Neuroradiology) was achieved. The representatives of the Italian inter-societal working group examined the literature produced by European/American task forces on optimizing the study sequences, classification of degenerative disc changes, spondylo-arthrosis, osteochondrosis, synovial and ligament pathologies of the spinal column, and on canal and foraminal stenosis. The document-resulted from the consensus between experts—was then presented to the scientific societies of Neurosurgery (SINCH) and Orthopedics and Traumatology (SIOT) for their approval.

Results

This position paper presents a proposal for an optimized MRI protocol for studying DSD and provides a glossary of terms related to this pathology and indications on their use. The international terminological recommendations have been translated and adapted to the Italian language and clinical practice and clinical cases have been used to illustrate some of the main classifications.

Conclusions

This revision of international DSD guidelines/recommendations and consensus made it possible to (1) update the nomenclature to international standards and (2) harmonize the MRI protocol and description of radiological findings, adapting both (1, 2) to the Italian context. With this position paper we intend to contribute to an improvement of the communication among doctors and between physicians and their patients as well as the quality of the radiological reports.
Novel starter cultures Virgibacillus spp. selected from grasshopper sub shrimp paste to inhibit biogenic amines accumulation
Authors: Zhao Yirui , Sang Xue , Hao Hongshun , Bi Jingran , Zhang Gongliang , Hou Hongman
Published: February 2021

Controlling the content of biogenic amines (BAs) is critical to guarantee the safety of fermented aquatic products. The degradation characteristics and application potential of amine-negative starter cultures (Virgibacillus halodenitrificans CGMCC 1.18601: G25, Virgibacillus pantothenticus CGMCC 1.18602: G38) screened from grasshopper sub shrimp paste (Gssp) were studied. The enzymes of the two strains G25 and G38 that degrade BAs were amine oxidases (AOs) located on their respective cell membranes. The conditions that promoted the AO activity of Virgibacillus spp. were NaCl concentrations 5–10%, temperature 37 °C, pH 7.0 and ethanol concentrations 0–2%. Safety assessments (antibiotic susceptibility, biofilm activity and hemolytic activity) indicated that Virgibacillus spp. do not present a risk to human health, and this isolate can be confidently recommended as safe starter cultures for the food industry. Then, the two strains were cultured separately as starters and applied to the Gssp to analyze their influence on the flavor and quality of the product. As far as the bad flavors in Gssp such as sulfur-organic and sulf-chlor were concerned, the response values in the starter groups by G25 and G38 were significantly reduced by 39% and 65%, respectively. For the ability of strains to degrade BAs in Gssp, G25 degraded 11.1% of histamine, 11.3% of tyramine, 15.5% of putrescine and 4.1% of cadaverine; G38 significantly degraded 10.1% of histamine, 21.8% of tyramine, 18.1% of putrescine and 5.0% of cadaverine. These results indicated that the selected species could be used as starter cultures for the control of BA accumulation and degradation in Gssp.
Validation of the pediatric refractory septic shock definition: post hoc analysis of a controlled trial
Authors: Morin Luc , Ramaswamy Karthik Narayanan , Jayashree Muralidharan , Bansal Arun , Nallasamy Karthi , Tissieres Pierre , Singhi Sunit
Published: February 2021

Background

The European Society of Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care (ESPNIC) developed and validated a definition of pediatric refractory septic shock (RSS), based on two septic shock scores (SSS). Both bedside SSS (bSSS) and computed SSS (cSSS) were found to be strongly associated with mortality. We aimed at assessing the accuracy of the RSS definition on a prospective cohort from India.

Methods

Post hoc analysis of a cohort issued from a double-blind randomized trial that compared first-line vasoactive drugs in children with septic shock. Sequential bSSS and cSSS from 60 children (single-center study, 53% mortality) were analyzed. The prognostic value of the ESPNIC RSS definition was tested for 28-day all-cause mortality.

Results

In this septic shock cohort, RSS was diagnosed in 35 patients (58.3%) during the first 24 h. Death occurred in 30 RSS patients (85.7% mortality) and in 2 non-RSS patients (8% mortality), OR = 60.9 [95% CI: 10.5–676.2], p < 0.001 with a median delay from sepsis onset of 3 days [1.0–6.7]. Among patients diagnosed with RSS, the mortality was not significantly different according to vasopressors randomization. Diagnosis of RSS with bSSS and cSSS had a high discrimination for death with an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.916 [95% CI: 0.843–0.990] and 0.925 [95% CI: 0.845–1.000], respectively. High prognostic accuracy of the bSSS was found in the first hours following intensive care admission. The best interval of prognostication occurs after the 12th hour following treatment initiation (AUC 0.973 [95% CI: 0.925–1.000]).

Conclusions

The ESPNIC refractory septic shock definition accurately identifies, within the first 6 h of septic shock management, children with lethal outcome.
Energy-efficient offloading and resource allocation for mobile edge computing enabled mission-critical internet-of-things systems
Authors: Fu Yaru , Yang Xiaolong , Yang Peng , Wong Angus K. Y. , Shi Zheng , Wang Hong , Quek Tony Q. S.
Published: February 2021

The energy cost minimization for mission-critical internet-of-things (IoT) in mobile edge computing (MEC) system is investigated in this work. Therein, short data packets are transmitted between the IoT devices and the access points (APs) to reduce transmission latency and prolong the battery life of the IoT devices. The effects of short-packet transmission on the radio resource allocation is explicitly revealed. We mathematically formulate the energy cost minimization problem as a mixed-integer non-linear programming (MINLP) problem, which is difficult to solve in an optimal way. More specifically, the difficulty is essentially derived from the coupling of the binary offloading variables and the resource management among all the IoT devices. For analytical tractability, we decouple the mixed-integer and non-convex optimization problem into two sub-problems, namely, the task offloading decision-making and the resource optimization problems, respectively. It is proved that the resource allocation problem for IoT devices under the fixed offloading strategy is convex. On this basis, an iterative algorithm is designed, whose performance is comparable to the best solution for exhaustive search, and aims to jointly optimize the offloading strategy and resource allocation. Simulation results verify the convergence performance and energy-saving function of the designed joint optimization algorithm. Compared with the extensive baselines under comprehensive parameter settings, the algorithm has better energy-saving effects.
Safety and effectiveness of high-dose vitamin C in patients with COVID-19: a randomized open-label clinical trial
Authors: JamaliMoghadamSiahkali Saeidreza , Zarezade Besharat , Koolaji Sogol , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Zendehdel Abolfazl , Tabarestani Mohammad , Sekhavati Moghadam Ehsan , Abbasian Ladan , Dehghan Manshadi Seyed Ali , Salehi Mohamadreza , Hasannezhad Malihe , Ghaderkhani Sara , Meidani Mohsen , Salahshour Faeze , Jafari Fatemeh , Manafi Navid , Ghiasvand Fereshteh
Published: February 2021

Background

Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble nutrient that functions as a key antioxidant and has been proven to be effective for boosting immunity. In this study, we aimed to assess the efficacy of adding high-dose intravenous vitamin C (HDIVC) to the regimens for patients with severe COVID-19 disease.

Methods

An open-label, randomized, and controlled trial was conducted on patients with severe COVID-19 infection. The case and control treatment groups each consisted of 30 patients. The control group received lopinavir/ritonavir and hydroxychloroquine and the case group received HDIVC (6 g daily) added to the same regimen.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between two groups with respect to age and gender, laboratory results, and underlying diseases. The mean body temperature was significantly lower in the case group on the 3rd day of hospitalization (p = 0.001). Peripheral capillary oxygen saturations (SpO2) measured at the 3rd day of hospitalization was also higher in the case group receiving HDIVC (p = 0.014). The median length of hospitalization in the case group was significantly longer than the control group (8.5 days vs. 6.5 days) (p = 0.028). There was no significant difference in SpO2 levels at discharge time, the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and mortality between the two groups.

Conclusions

We did not find significantly better outcomes in the group who were treated with HDIVC in addition to the main treatment regimen at discharge.

Trial registration irct.ir (IRCT20200411047025N1), April 14, 2020
Time-Dependent Analysis of Precast Segmental Bridges
Authors: Giaccu Gian Felice , Solinas Davide , Briseghella Bruno , Fenu Luigi
Published: February 2021

Prestressed segmentally constructed balanced cantilever bridges are often subjected to larger deflections than those predicted by calculations, especially for long-term effects. In this paper, the case of modular balanced cantilever bridges, which are prestressed segmental bridges obtained through a repetition of the same double cantilever, is investigated. The considered bridges are two typical cases of modular balanced cantilever both subjected to large deformations during their lifetime. In this case, due to the unusual employed static scheme, creep deflections indefinitely evolve over time particularly at the end of the cantilevers and in correspondence with the central joint. These remarkable deflections cause discomfort for vehicular traffic and in certain cases can lead to the bridge collapse. Important extraordinary maintenance interventions were necessary to restore the viability of the bridges and to replace the viaduct design configuration. To this aim, the static schemes of the structures were varied, introducing new constraints, new tendons, and carbon fiber reinforcements. In the present work, time analysis was performed to compare the time-dependent behavior of the bridge according to two different creep models, the CEB-FIP Model Code 2010 and the RILEM Model B3, with the real-time-dependent behavior of the bridge observed during its lifetime. The two different employed models exhibit different behaviors in terms of displacements and bending moments acting on the bridge. Interesting considerations are made on their reliability in simulating the long-term creep effects that evolve indefinitely over time. Moreover, retrofitting techniques have been proposed and modeled to predict their effectiveness in reducing time-dependent deflections.
Physical activity behaviors and attitudes among women with an eating disorder: a qualitative study
Authors: Brunet Jennifer , Del Duchetto Francis , Wurz Amanda
Published: February 2021

Background

Physical activity (PA) is an integral part of healthcare for the general population and individuals with psychiatric disorders. However, PA is significantly more complex for and related to both healthy (e.g., reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms) and unhealthy outcomes (e.g., intrusive, repetitive thoughts that lead to abnormally high levels of PA) among women with an eating disorder (ED). Consequently, many healthcare professionals recommend abstinence from PA during ED treatment. Despite this, women may remain engaged in PA during ED treatment or resume PA shortly thereafter. Little has been done to understand women’s PA behaviors and attitudes and to explore how they integrate PA into their lives during and after ED treatment. Thus, this study sought to explore PA behaviors and attitudes among women with an ED.

Methods

Nine women who self-reported receiving an ED diagnosis participated in semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed and analysed thematically.

Results

Six interrelated themes were constructed to represent participants’ PA experiences: PA as a lifestyle, PA can be beneficial, How I feel when I can’t do PA, Being cautious about PA, Reactions to healthcare professionals’ practice of recommending abstinence from PA during ED treatment, and PA programming thoughts.

Conclusions

Overcoming dysfunctional PA behaviors (e.g., engaging in abnormally high levels of PA) and attitudes (e.g., associating PA with caloric expenditure) can be a long and complicated journey for women with an ED. Nevertheless, women with an ED want PA to be integrated into their ED treatment protocol for two key reasons, namely to accrue the benefits associated with PA and to learn how to engage in PA in adaptive and healthy ways.