bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data and Modeling Support of the Management of Diversion Routes During Freeway Incidents
Authors: Tariq Mosammat Tahnin , Saha Rajib , Hadi Mohammed
Published: February 2022

A promising traffic management strategy is the application of special signal timing plans on alternative routes during freeway incidents. The development of such plans requires the estimation of the route diversion during incident conditions. This study utilizes a data analytic approach to support the estimation of the diversion rate during incidents and to use this information as an input to the development of special signal timing plans during freeway incidents. First, a method is developed to predict the rate of traffic diversion caused by incidents based on the freeway mainline detector data combined with incident data. The diversion prediction method utilizes a combination of cumulative volume analysis, clustering analysis, and predictive data analytics. Three predictive data analytic methods: linear regression, multilayer perceptron, and support vector machine models, are investigated to predict diversion as a function of incident attributes. Next, a methodology is proposed to develop special signal plans to manage the demand surge on the diversion routes without deteriorating the intersection’s overall performance. The evaluation of the developed methodology indicates that it can significantly reduce the delays on the alternative routes.
Three-dimensional cooperative guidance law to control impact time and angle with fixed-time convergence
Authors: Li Hong-Xia , Li Hui-Jie , Cai Yuan-Li
Published: February 2022

This article proposes a new terminal cooperative guidance law to control both impact time and impact angle in three-dimensional engagement. The presented guidance law employs on and normal line-of-sight accelerations to control the impact time and angle together. Two parts are included in this guidance law, that is, the guidance laws with impact time constraint and impact angle constraint. The first is designed based on fixed-time consensus theory to fulfill the salvo attack of the target, and the second is developed based on fixed-time nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control method to achieve the desired impact angles. The stability analysis of this guidance law based on Lyapunov theory is also presented in detail. Moreover, the maneuvering target can be intercepted successfully with the presented guidance law, and the fixed-time stability and less control energy are well ensured. Additionally, the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed guidance scheme are explicitly verified through simulation tests.
Identifying modular candidates in engineer-to-order companies
Authors: Christensen Carsten Keinicke Fjord , Mortensen Niels Henrik
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this paper is to address a gap of missing modularization methods for engineer-to-order (ETO) companies. The research project was initiated by clarifying the challenges facing ETO companies, based on these challenges synthesis of existing methods was done to conceptualize a method. This article presents the modular candidate identification (MCI) method aimed at identifying modular candidates in ETO companies. The method analyzes five dimensions, namely, market segments, customer requirements, product architectures, cost and lead time to find modular candidates. The method was applied in a Danish ETO company and shown to be successful in identifying two modular candidates. Both were recognized by management and redesigned in modular product development projects.
Proximal Fifth Metatarsal Fractures: A Retrospective Study of 834 Fractures With a Minimum Follow-up of 5 Years
Authors: Pettersen Petter Morten , Radojicic Nikola , Grün Wolfram , Andresen Tor Kristian Molstad , Molund Marius
Published: February 2022

Background:

Proximal fifth metatarsal fractures are common fractures. Treatment strategies have been debated. We wanted to investigate whether Lawrence and Botte’s classification has prognostic value because of time to fracture union, and evaluate if weightbearing as tolerated (WBAT) and nonweightbearing (NWB) treatment strategy had effect on time to fracture union in nonoperatively treated fractures.

Methods:

Computerized database search, patients diagnosed between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2015.

Results:

We identified 834 fractures; 510 (61.2%) zone 1, 157 (18.8%) zone 2, and 167 (20.0%) zone 3. Most (94.4%) were treated nonoperatively; time to fracture union was 7.5 (SD 7.7), 7.7 (5.6), and 9.2 (8.1) weeks for zone 1, 2, and 3, respectively, which gave a significant longer time to union for zone 3 compared to zone 1 fractures ( P = .04). There was no difference in time to fracture union when comparing WBAT and NWB for all fracture zones. Failure to union, defined as crossover to surgery and/or delayed union, was found in 13 (2.7%) zone 1, 5 (3.2%) zone 2, and 6 (3.8%) zone 3 fractures. Refracture during follow-up was found in 3 (0.6%) zone 1 and 14 (8.9%) zone 3 fractures.

Conclusion:

Proximal fifth metatarsal fractures have high union rates with nonoperative treatment. No difference in time to union could be found between WBAT and NWB treatment strategies for all fracture zones. We observed a significantly longer time to fracture union for zone 3 fractures compared to zone 1 fractures. Refracture occurs in a nonnegligible share of nonoperatively treated zone 3 fractures.
Alcohol use among adolescents during the first pandemic lockdown in Denmark, May 2020
Authors: Hviid Signe Skovgaard , Pisinger Veronica , Hoffman Sofie Have , Rosing Johanne Aviaja , Tolstrup Janne Shurmann
Published: February 2022

Objective:

As alcohol is often consumed for social purposes, we aimed to explore how restrictions during the first Danish COVID-19 lockdown affected the alcohol use among adolescents aged 15–20.

Method:

In May 2020, 11,596 15- to 20-year-olds from two subpopulations answered a survey regarding their alcohol use and social life, as well as changes to these, during the Danish lockdown. Using survey data from all participants, we performed a multinomial logistic regression to assess the association between determinants of alcohol use and perceived change in alcohol use during the Danish lockdown. We used longitudinal data from one subpopulation ( n=1869) to perform negative binomial regressions exploring changes in frequency of alcohol use from 2019 to 2020.

Results:

Of all participants, 59% drank less, 75% had fewer in-person social interactions and 56% met more frequently online during lockdown. Girls were more likely than boys to have a perceived decrease in alcohol use during lockdown (odds ratio (OR)=1.41; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27–1.56). A perceived decrease in in-person social interaction during lockdown was associated with less drinking (OR=2.27; 95% CI 1.98–2.61), while a perceived increase in in-person social interaction during lockdown was associated with more drinking (OR=1.42; 95% CI 1.11–1.82) compared to unchanged drinking behaviour and social interaction.

Conclusions:

Adolescents in Denmark drank less during the Danish lockdown than before. Findings indicate that there is a close relationship between in-person social interactions and frequency of drinking. Drinking episodes when meeting online were rare and were not unambiguously associated with changes in drinking during lockdown.
Early American Sunday School Tunebooks: Laboratories for Public School Music
Authors: Sanders Paul D.
Published: February 2022

Early nonsectarian Sunday Schools provided instruction in spelling, reading, writing, and singing in the years prior to the introduction of free, public education in the United States. This study explores the Sunday school as a laboratory for public school music education. Several of the first Sunday school tunebooks included theoretical introductions with elementary instruction in music reading much like the early school songbooks that followed. Three early tunebooks will be considered, E. Osborn’s The Sunday School Music Book (1826), Ezra Barrett’s Sabbath School Psalmody (1828), and Elam Ives, Jr’s American Sunday-School Psalmody (1832). In each case, the various “experiments” introduced in the tunebooks will be discussed. Some of these experiments were rejected in the public schools, but others had lasting importance.
Navigating Diabetes Online Communities in Clinical Practice
Authors: McLarney Meghan , Litchman Michelle L. , Greenwood Deborah , Drincic Andjela
Published: February 2022

Objective:

This purpose of this study was to conduct a rapid review and environmental scan of diabetes online communities (DOCs) to highlight the clinical impact of DOC engagement and provide guidance to health care providers for navigating and prescribing DOCs.

Methods:

This two-phase review included a rapid review of clinical outcomes and an assessment of DOC content. We conducted a literature search for studies evaluating DOC use and glucometric (glycated hemoglobin [A1C], time-in-range, hypoglycemia), behavioral, and psychosocial outcomes. The environmental scan of current DOC sites established key features, including available platforms, target population, content areas, and reach.

Results:

Twelve papers were included—eight reported DOC use within a context of do-it-yourself (DIY) noncommercial, opensource hybrid closed loop systems community and four were non-DYI related. In latter, all studies were cross-sectional, describing patient-reported outcomes. Two studies reported A1C lowering with DOC use, two DOC use was associated with high self-efficacy, one showed association with higher self-care levels, and one showed higher quality of life scores when compared with population norms. All DIY studies showed improvement in glucometrics after initiation of sensor augmented pump technology with DOC support. Of 54 DOC sites reviewed in the environmental scan, 29 were included. Diabetes online community sites were heterogenous in social media platform and type of diabetes targeted.

Conclusion:

Diabetes online communities have the potential to improve clinical, behavioral, and psychosocial outcomes. Randomized control trials and/or longitudinal prospective studies evaluating outcomes are needed to further examine the potential benefits of DOC use. Diabetes online communities are diverse and span a variety of social media platforms, providing clinicians opportunities to individualize recommendations for DOC use.
COVID-19: ASEAN Aviation Policy and the Significance of Intra-regional Connectivity
Authors: Law Colin C. H. , Katekaew Rungkaew
Published: February 2022

Cross-border integration is a complex process, but it could bring benefits to the nations involved in motivating trade and tourism. Air transport has been playing an important role in accelerating the integration of the economies of countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The introduction of a visa-free exemption agreement in 2006 and the ratification of the semi-ASEAN open skies agreement in 2016 have stimulated intra-ASEAN travel and trade. However, since early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has demolished most of the efforts when tight border controls returned and flights were suspended. The ASEAN countries were criticised for a lack of coordination over the pandemic. This article examines the ASEAN air transport policies in response to the global pandemic. The data were collected from official government documents, international databases and local media reports to identify the pattern of the air transport policy implemented by each ASEAN member. This article provides insights into the impact of intra-regional travel on the recovery and resilience of the air transport industry in the ASEAN region.

JEL Classification: L91, L93, L98
Therapeutic utility of percutaneous cecostomy in adults: an updated systematic review
Authors: Khayyat Yasir Mohammed
Published: February 2022

Objective:

Percutaneous cecostomy is a minimally invasive procedure that provides access to the colon for therapeutic interventions. This review aimed to update and summarize the existing information on the use and application of percutaneous endoscopic cecostomy in the field of therapeutic gastroenterology.

Data Sources:

A systematic review of the literature was performed without any restrictions on the year of publication from the date of inception in 1986 to January 2021.

Methods:

The review was performed using the medical subject heading keywords in the following search engines: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar.

Results:

A total of 29 articles were subjected to final data extraction. The review included a total of 174 patients who underwent percutaneous cecostomy. Most of the included studies were conducted in the United States ( n = 14). The most common comorbidity was cancer ( n = 10) and the major indication for performing percutaneous cecostomy was colonic pseudo-obstruction or Ogilvie’s syndrome ( n = 15). The main technique for performing percutaneous cecostomy was endoscopy (17 studies), followed by fluoroscopy- (five studies), computed-tomography- (three studies), laparoscopy- (two studies), and ultrasound- (one study) guided procedures. The procedure was technically successful in 153 (88%) cases. The total cumulative rates of major and minor complications were 47.5%. These complications included tube malfunction, local wound site infections, and bleeding and rare complications of peritonitis and death.

Conclusion:

Percutaneous cecostomy is a safe and effective option for managing acute colonic pseudo-obstruction. It leads to durable symptom relief with low to minimal risk.
Collaborative Professional Development to Support Inclusive Instruction
Authors: Toews Samantha Gross , Zagona Alison
Published: February 2022

Providing successful inclusive learning environments for students with significant support needs (SSN) requires the natural integration of supports and individualized instruction into typical general education classrooms. In co-taught, inclusive classrooms, it is important that both general and special educators know how to support learning for all students with and without SSN. Collaborative professional development (CPD) has the potential to better support the implementation of inclusive practices, as educators may share their different areas of expertise by teaching each other their most impactful instructional strategies. The following article outlines a four-step CPD cycle that can guide teachers through multiple rounds of collaborative learning in which they support each other to learn new, high-impact teaching strategies. This CPD builds off research on effective professional development strategies, including the use of role-playing and practice-based feedback. Templates and examples are provided to support the implementation of this CPD cycle.
When left does not seem right: epigenetic and bioelectric differences between left- and right-sided breast cancer
Authors: Masuelli Sofía , Real Sebastián , Campoy Emanuel , Branham María Teresita , Marzese Diego Matías , Salomon Matthew , De Blas Gerardo , Arias Rodolfo , Levin Michael , Roqué María
Published: February 2022

Background

During embryogenesis lateral symmetry is broken, giving rise to Left/Right (L/R) breast tissues with distinct identity. L/R-sided breast tumors exhibit consistently-biased incidence, gene expression, and DNA methylation. We postulate that a differential L/R tumor-microenvironment crosstalk generates different tumorigenesis mechanisms.

Methods

We performed in-silico analyses on breast tumors of public datasets, developed xenografted tumors, and conditioned MDA-MB-231 cells with L/R mammary extracts.

Results

We found L/R differential DNA methylation involved in embryogenic and neuron-like functions. Focusing on ion-channels, we discovered significant L/R epigenetic and bioelectric differences. Specifically, L-sided cells presented increased methylation of hyperpolarizing ion channel genes and increased Ca2+concentration and depolarized membrane potential, compared to R-ones. Functional consequences were associated with increased proliferation in left tumors, assessed by KI67 expression and mitotic count.

Conclusions

Our findings reveal considerable L/R asymmetry in cancer processes, and suggest specific L/R epigenetic and bioelectric differences as future targets for cancer therapeutic approaches in the breast and many other paired organs.
Elevated RIF1 participates in the epigenetic abnormalities of zygotes by regulating histone modifications on MuERV-L in obese mice
Authors: Huang Jiliang , Ru Gaizhen , Sun Jiajia , Sun Luying , Li Zhiling
Published: February 2022

Background

Maternal obesity impairs embryonic developmental potential and significantly increases the risks of metabolic disorders in offspring. However, the epigenetic transmission mechanism of maternal metabolic abnormalities is still poorly understood.

Methods

We established an obesity model in female mice by high-fat diet (HFD) feeding. The effects of the HFD on the developmental potential of oocytes and embryos, the metabolic phenotype, and epigenetic modifications were investigated. The efficacy of metformin administration was assessed. Finally, the regulatory pathway of epigenetic remodeling during zygotic genome activation (ZGA) was explored.

Results

Maternal HFD consumption significantly impaired glucose tolerance and increased the risk of metabolic disorders in F0 and F1 mice. Maternal HFD consumption also decreased embryonic developmental potential, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and γH2AX levels, and reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) within oocytes, causing high levels of oxidative stress damage and DNA damage. Starting with this clue, we observed significantly increased RIF1 levels and shortened telomeres in obese mice. Moreover, significant abnormal DNA methylation and histone modification remodeling were observed during ZGA in obese mice, which may be coregulated by RIF1 and the ZGA marker gene MuERV-L. Metformin treatment reduced RIF1 levels, and partially improved ZGA activation status by rescuing epigenetic modification remodeling in oocytes and preimplantation embryos of obese mice. RIF1 knockdown experiments employing Trim-Away methods showed that RIF1 degradation altered the H3K4me3 and H3K9me3 enrichment and then triggered the MuERV-L transcriptional activation. Moreover, ChIP-seq data analysis of RIF1 knockouts also showed that RIF1 mediates the transcriptional regulation of MuERV-L by changing the enrichment of H3K4me3 and H3K9me3 rather than by altered DNA methylation.

Conclusion

Elevated RIF1 in oocytes caused by maternal obesity may mediate abnormal embryonic epigenetic remodeling and increase metabolic risk in offspring by regulating histone modifications on MuERV-L, which can be partially rescued by metformin treatment.
Intraarticular injection of microfragmented adipose tissue plus arthroscopy in isolated primary patellofemoral osteoarthritis is clinically effective and not affected by age, BMI, or stage of osteoarthritis
Authors: Vasso Michele , Corona Katia , Capasso Luigi , Toro Giuseppe , Schiavone Panni Alfredo
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to report the clinical and functional results of a series of patients with isolated primary patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) treated with intraarticular injection of microfragmented autologous adipose tissue plus knee arthroscopy. The results were also analyzed in relation to the age and body mas index (BMI) of patients, and to the stage of PFOA.

Methods

Twenty-three patients with early-to-moderate (stage 1–3 according to the Iwano classification system) PFOA who received this treatment were retrospectively analyzed, with a mean follow-up of 22.1 ± 4.2 months. Patients were assessed using the International Knee Society (IKS) knee and function and visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and relative to their capacity for climbing stairs. Differences in improvements of IKS and VAS scores in relation to age (< 60 versus ≥ 60 years), BMI (< 30 versus ≥ 30 kg/m2), and stage of PFOA (stages 1–2 versus stage 3) were finally analyzed.

Results

The mean IKS knee score significantly improved from 35.6 ± 14.9 points preoperatively to 61.9 ± 17.8 points at the latest follow-up, while the mean IKS function score significantly improved from 52.0 ± 14.7 points preoperatively to 82.3 ± 19.1 points at the latest follow-up. The mean VAS score significantly decreased from 8.7 ± 2.2 preoperatively to 5.2 ± 2.5 at the latest follow-up. A significant improvement in the capacity to climb stairs was found. No significant differences in improvements of IKS knee and function and VAS scores were found in relation to age, BMI, or stage of PFOA.

Conclusion

Intraarticular injection of microfragmented autologous adipose tissue following arthroscopic debridement significantly improved overall clinical and functional scores in patients with early or moderate isolated primary PFOA at a mean follow-up of almost 2 years. Improvements were not significantly affected by age, BMI, or stage of PFOA.

Level of evidence

Level IV, retrospective case series.
ScreenGarden: a shinyR application for fast and easy analysis of plate-based high-throughput screens
Authors: Klemm Cinzia , Howell Rowan S. M. , Thorpe Peter H.
Published: February 2022

Background

Colony growth on solid media is a simple and effective measure for high-throughput genomic experiments such as yeast two-hybrid, synthetic dosage lethality and Synthetic Physical Interaction screens. The development of robotic pinning tools has facilitated the experimental design of these assays, and different imaging software can be used to automatically measure colony sizes on plates. However, comparison to control plates and statistical data analysis is often laborious and pinning issues or plate specific growth effects can lead to the detection of false-positive growth defects.

Results

We have developed ScreenGarden, a shinyR application, to enable easy,
quick and robust data analysis of plate-based high throughput assays. The code allows comparisons of different formats of data and different sized arrays of colonies. A comparison of ScreenGarden with previous analysis tools shows that it performs, at least, equivalently. The software can be run either via a website or offline via the RStudio program; the code is available and can be modified by expert uses to customise the analysis.

Conclusions

ScreenGarden provides a simple, fast and effective tool to analyse colony growth data from genomic experiments.
Mutation analysis of disease causing genes in patients with early onset or familial forms of Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Pagnon de la Vega María , Näslund Carl , Brundin RoseMarie , Lannfelt Lars , Löwenmark Malin , Kilander Lena , Ingelsson Martin , Giedraitis Vilmantas
Published: February 2022

Background

Most dementia disorders have a clear genetic background and a number of disease genes have been identified. Mutations in the tau gene (MAPT) lead to frontotemporal dementia (FTD), whereas mutations in the genes for the amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) and the presenilins (PSEN1, PSEN2) cause early-onset, dominantly inherited forms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Even if mutations causing Mendelian forms of these diseases are uncommon, elucidation of the pathogenic effects of such mutations have proven important for understanding the pathogenic processes. Here, we performed a screen to identify novel pathogenic mutations in known disease genes among patients undergoing dementia investigation.

Results

Using targeted exome sequencing we have screened all coding exons in eleven known dementia genes (PSEN1, PSEN2, APP, MAPT, APOE, GRN, TARDBP, CHMP2B, TREM2, VCP and FUS) in 102 patients with AD, FTD, other dementia diagnoses or mild cognitive impairment.

We found three AD patients with two previously identified pathogenic mutations in PSEN1 (Pro264Leu and Met146Val). In this screen, we also identified the recently reported APP mutation in two siblings with AD. This mutation, named the Uppsala mutation, consists of a six amino acid intra-amyloid β deletion.

In addition, we found several potentially pathogenic mutations in PSEN2, FUS, MAPT, GRN and APOE. Finally, APOE ε4 was prevalent in this patient group with an allele frequency of 54%.

Conclusions

Among the 102 screened patients, we found two disease causing mutations in PSEN1 and one in APP, as well as several potentially pathogenic mutations in other genes related to neurodegenerative disorders. Apart from giving important information to the clinical investigation, the identification of disease mutations can contribute to an increased understanding of disease mechanisms.
Potential influencing factors of aortic diameter at specific segments in population with cardiovascular risk
Authors: Chen Tingting , Yang Xingan , Fang Xiaoxin , Tang Lijiang , Zhang Yang , Weng Yingzheng , Zhang Hongliang , Wu Juntao , Mao Ping , Xu Baohui , Jiang Jianjun , Chen Xiaofeng
Published: February 2022

Background

Aortic diameter is a critical parameter for the diagnosis of aortic dilated diseases. Aortic dilation has some common risk factors with cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate potential influence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and the measures of subclinical atherosclerosis on aortic diameter of specific segments among adults.

Methods

Four hundred and eight patients with cardiovascular risk factors were prospectively recruited in the observational study. Comprehensive transthoracic M-mode, 2-dimensional Doppler echocardiographic studies were performed using commercial and clinical diagnostic ultrasonography techniques. The aortic dimensions were assessed at different levels: (1) the annulus, (2) the mid-point of the sinuses of Valsalva, (3) the sinotubular junction, (4) the ascending aorta at the level of its largest diameter, (5) the transverse arch (including proximal arch, mid arch, distal arch), (6) the descending aorta posterior to the left atrium, and (7) the abdominal aorta just distal to the origin of the renal arteries. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used for evaluating aortic diameter-related risk factors, including common cardiovascular risk factors, co-morbidities, subclinical atherosclerosis, lipid profile, and hematological parameters.

Results

Significant univariate relations were found between aortic diameter of different levels and most traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Carotid intima-media thickness was significantly correlated with diameter of descending and abdominal aorta. Multivariate linear regression showed potential effects of age, sex, body surface area and some other cardiovascular risk factors on aortic diameter enlargement. Among them, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol had a significantly positive effect on the diameter of ascending and abdominal aorta. Diastolic blood pressure was observed for the positive associations with diameters of five thoracic aortic segments, while systolic blood pressure was only independently related to mid arch diameter.

Conclusion

Aortic segmental diameters were associated with diastolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, atherosclerosis diseases and other traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and some determinants still need to be clarified for a better understanding of aortic dilation diseases.
Diaphragmatic perforation after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma via inferior phrenic artery: a case report
Authors: Kim Ji Soo , Lee Hyoung Nam , Lee Woong Hee , Bae Suk Hyun
Published: February 2022

Background

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) via the inferior phrenic artery has been recognized to have its own therapeutic role without causing serious procedural complications. We report a case of diaphragmatic perforation after repeated TACE sessions conducted via the right inferior phrenic artery.

Case presentation

A 43-year-old man diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma was admitted to the hospital with a chief complaint of cough. The patient underwent TACE via the right inferior phrenic artery 3 months prior and was discharged without specific complications. Physical examination revealed decreased breathing sounds in the right lower lung zone. Chest radiograph demonstrated a small right pleural effusion. Chest CT scan revealed a small diaphragmatic perforation. The patient was unable to undergo surgical exploration, and a follow-up CT scan after 2 months revealed progression of the right diaphragmatic perforation with massive herniation of omental fat into the thoracic cavity.

Conclusions

Although TACE via the inferior phrenic artery is a relatively safe procedure, it can be associated with rare but serious complications after repeated procedures. This is a rare case report of diaphragmatic perforation after TACE via the right inferior phrenic artery. Early recognition and prompt surgical management are essential to prevent catastrophic outcomes.
Association between plasma level of superoxide dismutase and survival of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure
Authors: Tian Zhen , Yao Naijuan , Wu Yuchao , Wang Fei , Zhao Yingren
Published: February 2022

Background

Fewer than 50% of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) recover spontaneously, and ACLF has high mortality without liver transplantation. Oxidative stress has been shown to mediate hepatic inflammation during acute liver failure (ALF). We wanted to see if a biomarker for oxidative stress might be used to measure the severity and prognosis of ACLF patients.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 124 ACLF patients, as well as healthy individuals, liver cirrhosis and ALF patients, was studied between January 2015 and September 2018. The levels of plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected using an ELISA commercial kit, and the Kaplan–Meier method was used for survival analysis.

Results

Patients with ACLF had statistically higher plasma SOD levels than the controls did (healthy controls and liver cirrhosis patients); however, the levels did not differ from those in patients with ALF. The plasma SOD level may be an inexpensive, easily accessible, and significant independent prognostic index for mortality on multivariate analysis (HR = 1.201, 95% CI 1.001–1.403, P < 0.01) as well as the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. A level of SOD > 428 U/mL was linked to a statistically significant increase in the likelihood of death or liver transplantation in ACLF patients. Combination of plasma SOD levels and MELD scores improved performance in measuring the severity and prognosis of ACLF patients.

Conclusion

Patients with ACLF can be classified into high-risk and low-risk groups based on their plasma SOD levels at the time of admission to the hospital. The patient outcome is more closely connected with the combination of SOD level and MELD score than either value alone. This approach might be used to predict patient prognoses and prioritize liver transplant candidates.
Importance of TP53 codon 72 and intron 3 duplication 16 bp polymorphisms and their haplotypes in susceptibility to sarcopenia in Iranian older adults
Authors: Montazeri-Najafabady Nima , Dabbaghmanesh Mohammad Hossein , Nasimi Nasrin , Sohrabi Zahra , Estedlal Alireza , Asmarian Naeimehossadat
Published: February 2022

Background

Sarcopenia is described as age-related progressive skeletal muscle failure that results in marked reduction in the patient’s independence and life quality. In this study, we explored the association of TP53 exon 4 Arg72pro (rs1042522) and Intron 3 16-bp Del/Ins (rs17878362) polymorphisms and their haplotypes with sarcopenia, anthropometric, body composition and biochemical parameters.

Methods

A total of 254 older individuals (65 sarcopenic and 189 healthy) were recruited in this research and genotyped by PCR–RFLP. Linear regression was applied to find the correlation between TP53 polymorphism, and biochemical and anthropometric parameters. The correlation between TP53 polymorphism and haplotypes and the risk of sarcopenia was investigated by logistic regression.

Results

Arg/Pro genotype carriers was at a lower (ORadj = 0.175, 95% CI = 0.068 – 0.447; P < 0.001) risk of sarcopenia compared to the Arg/Arg group. In haplotypes analysis, Arg-Ins (ORadj: 0.484, 95% CI = 0.231 – 1.011, P = 0.043) and Pro-Ins (ORadj: 0.473, 95% CI = 0.210 – 1.068, P = 0.022) haplotypes showed decreased risk of developing sarcopenia. Moreover, in the case of codon 72 polymorphism, skeletal muscle mass, appendicular lean mass (ALM), skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), hand grip strength and Triglycerides, for Intron 3 16-bp Del/Ins polymorphism, albumin, calcium, cholesterol, and LDL were different, and for the haplotypes, skeletal muscle mass, SMI, ALM, HDL and triglycerides were significantly different between groups.

Conclusions

We suggested that the Arg/Pro genotype of the codon 72 polymorphism in exon 4 of TP53, and Arginine-Insertion and Proline-Insertion haplotypes might decrease the risk of sarcopenia in Iranian older adults.
Smart clothes-assisted home-nursing care program for family caregivers of older persons with dementia and hip fracture: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Hou Yi-Jun , Zeng Sih-Ying , Lin Chung-Chih , Yang Ching-Tzu , Huang Huei-Ling , Chen Min-Chi , Tsai Hsiu-Hsin , Liang Jersey , Shyu Yea-Ing L.
Published: February 2022

Background

The purpose of this preliminary study was to explore whether a smart clothes-assisted home-nursing care program could benefit family caregivers and their care recipients.

Methods

Family caregivers in charge of a care recipient’s living situation participated in this convergent parallel, mixed methods study. We recruited older persons with dementia (n = 7) and those discharged following hip-fracture surgery (n = 6) from neurological clinics and surgical wards of a medical center, respectively, along with their family caregivers: three spouses, eight sons, one daughter, and one daughter-in-law. Care recipients were asked to wear a smart vest at least 4 days/week for 6 months, which contained a coin-size monitor hidden in an inner pocket. Sensors installed in bedrooms and living areas received signals from the smart clothing, which were transmitted to a mobile phone app of homecare nurses, who provided caregivers with transmitted information regarding activities, emergency situations and suggestions for caregiving activities. Outcomes included changes from baseline in caregivers’ preparedness and depressive symptoms collected at 1- and 3-months, which were analyzed with Friedman’s non-parametric test of repeated measures with post-hoc analysis. Transcripts of face-to-face semi-structured interview data about caregivers’ experiences were analyzed to identify descriptive, interpretative, and pattern codes.

Results

Preparedness did not change from baseline at either 1- or 3-months for family caregivers of persons with dementia. However, depressive symptoms decreased significantly at 1-month and 3-months compared with baseline, but not between 1-months and 3-months. Analysis of the interview data revealed the smart clothes program increased family caregivers’ knowledge of the care recipient’s situation and condition, informed healthcare providers of the care recipient’s physical health and cognitive status, helped homecare nurses provide timely interventions, balanced the care recipient’s exercise and safety, motivated recipients to exercise, helped family caregivers balance work and caregiving, and provided guidance for caregiving activities.

Conclusions

Experiences with the smart clothes-assisted home-nursing care program directly benefited family caregivers, which provided indirect benefits to the care recipients due to the timely interventions and caregiving guidance from homecare nurses. These benefits suggest a smart-clothes-assisted program might be beneficial for all family caregivers.
Schistosoma japonicum infection associated with membranous nephropathy: a case report
Authors: Liao Zhou-Ning , Tao Li-Jian , Yin Hong-ling , Xiao Xiang-Chen , Lei Min-Xiang , Peng Zhang-Zhe
Published: February 2022

Background

Schistosomiasis is one of the most contagious parasitic diseases affecting humans; however, glomerular injury is a rare complication mainly described with Schistosoma mansoni infection. We report a case of membranous nephropathy associated with Schistosoma japonicum infection in a Chinese man.

Case presentation

A 51-year-old Chinese male with a long history of S. japonicum infection presented to the hospital with a slowly progressing severe lower limb edema and foaming urine for over 5 months. Serum S. japonicumantigen test was positive and immunohistochemistry showed that the glomeruli were positive for the antigens. The renal pathologic diagnosis was stage III membranous nephropathy. The patient was treated with glucocorticoid, praziquantel, and an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. The edema in both lower limbs disappeared within 2 weeks, but his renal function declined progressively and proteinuria persisted after 5 months of therapy.

Conclusions

Different classes of schistosomal glomerulopathy have completely different clinical manifestation and prognosis. Therefore, efforts should focus on alleviating symptoms, prevention, and early detection. S. japonicumassociated with membranous nephropathy may show a good curative effect and prognosis. However, it is necessary to monitor the renal function in such patients.
Acute myelitis with multicranial neuritis caused by Varicella zoster virus: a case report
Authors: Liu Qi , Zhou Xiaomeng , Li Zhenfei
Published: February 2022

Background

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) can remain lifelong in the latent state in ganglionic neurons and adrenal glands after the initial infection. However, it can be reactivated anytime and can trigger several severe neurological manifestations such as encephalitis, meningitis, Ramsay-Hunt syndrome, cerebellitis, myelitis, and stroke. In addition, due to the diversity of clinical manifestations, clinical diagnosis of VZV can be difficult, especially in the absence of varicella. Here, we describe the case of a 52-year-old male who presented with symptoms of acute myelitis as well as polycranial neuritis, and was finally diagnosed with VZV infection through metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS).

Case presentation

A 52-year-old male came to our hospital with complaint of headache, fever, weakness of right lower limb, abdominal distension, and hearing loss. T2-weighted MRI revealed a hyperintense lesion in the spinal cord extending from T8 to T11. In addition, enhanced MRI showed small patches and strips hyperintensities in both the spinal cord and meninges. Plain abdominal radiographs and abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan displayed air-fluid levels and incomplete bowel obstruction. Moreover, electrophysiological evaluation of the peripheral neuropathy in the extremities was found to be normal. Finally, by using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) we found that the copy number of VZV DNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was significantly increased and IgG antibody against VZV in CSF was also noted to be positive. Hence, VZV infection was identified in patient’s central neuron system. Finally, after a few days of low dose steroid treatment, the patient's symptoms were found to be significantly improved.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that we should pay proper attention to the various symptoms caused by VZV infection due to the clinical heterogeneity, especially in the absence of cutaneous lesions.
Gestational weight gain rates in the first and second trimesters are associated with small for gestational age among underweight women: a prospective birth cohort study
Authors: Wei Xueling , Shen Songying , Huang Peiyuan , Xiao Xiong , Lin Shanshan , Zhang Lifang , Wang Chengrui , Lu Min-Shan , Lu Jinhua , Tam Wing Hung , Wang Chi Chiu , He Jian-Rong , Qiu Xiu
Published: February 2022

Background

Despite the well-studied effects of gestational weight gain (GWG) on offspring health, little is known about the association of trimester-specific GWG with offspring birth weight among underweight pregnant women. This study aimed to explore the association of trimester-specific GWG rate with small for gestational age (SGA) in underweight women.

Methods

The GWG rate of underweight pregnant women (pre-pregnancy body mass index [BMI] lower than 18.5 kg/m2) of the Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study was calculated as the weight gain during a specific trimester divided by the corresponding duration of week. Total GWG was calculated as the weight difference between pre-pregnancy and delivery, and was categorized into inadequate, adequate, and excessive weight gain based on the 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) weight gain recommendation. The INTERGROWTH-21st standards were used to define SGA. Logistic regression models were used to examine the associations of total GWG and trimester-specific GWG rates with SGA. Associations between trimester-specific GWG rates and SGA were also analyzed separately based on different total GWG categories (i.e. inadequate and adequate/excessive GWG).

Results

Of the 3839 participants, SGA births occurred in 397 (10.3%), and mean GWG was 14.9 kg (SD 3.9). A lower risk of SGA was observed among women with higher GWG rate (per 0.5 kg/week increase) during the first (adjusted OR [aOR] 0.74, 95%CI 0.57, 0.96) and second (adjusted OR [aOR] 0.40, 95%CI 0.30, 0.55) but not third trimester. Similar association between higher GWG rate during the second trimester and a decreased risk of SGA were observed among women with inadequate (< 12.5 kg) and adequate/excessive (≥12.5 kg) total GWG, respectively. Compared to women with adequate GWG rate, women with inadequate GWG rate during the second trimester had a significantly increased risk of SGA (aOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.14, 2.20).

Conclusions

Second-trimester GWG might be the key driver for the association between inadequate GWG and increased risk of SGA births in underweight women.
Identification of a glycolysis-related gene signature for predicting prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kong Junjie , Yu Guangsheng , Si Wei , Li Guangbing , Chai Jiawei , Liu Yong , Liu Jun
Published: February 2022

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer in the world. Although great advances in HCC diagnosis and treatment have been achieved, due to the complicated mechanisms in tumor development and progression, the prognosis of HCC is still dismal. Recent studies have revealed that the Warburg effect is related to the development, progression and treatment of various cancers; however, there have been a few explorations of the relationship between glycolysis and HCC prognosis.

Methods

mRNA expression profiling was downloaded from public databases. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to explore glycolysis-related genes (GRGs), and the LASSO method and Cox regression analysis were used to identify GRGs related to HCC prognosis and to construct predictive models associated with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). The relationship between the predictive model and the tumor mutation burden (TMB) and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) was explored. Finally, real-time PCR was used to validate the expression levels of the GRGs in clinical samples and different cell lines.

Results

Five GRGs (ABCB6, ANKZF1, B3GAT3, KIF20A and STC2) were identified and used to construct gene signatures to predict HCC OS and DFS. Using the median value, HCC patients were divided into low- and high-risk groups. Patients in the high-risk group had worse OS/DFS than those in the low-risk group, were related to higher TMB and were associated with a higher rate of CD4+ memory T cells resting and CD4+ memory T cells activated. Finally, real-time PCR suggested that the five GRGs were all dysregulated in HCC samples compared to adjacent normal samples.

Conclusions

We identified five GRGs associated with HCC prognosis and constructed two GRGs-related gene signatures to predict HCC OS and DFS. The findings in this study may contribute to the prediction of prognosis and promote HCC treatment.
Endogenous oestradiol and progesterone as predictors of oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) persistence
Authors: Fischer Susanne , Kuebler Ulrike , Abbruzzese Elvira , Breymann Christian , Mernone Laura , Ehlert Ulrike
Published: February 2022

Background

High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is the main aetiological factor for the development of cervical cancer. While nearly 70% of HR-HPV infections are cleared within 12 months, in the remainder of women they persist and can progress into cervical cancer. Oestradiol and progesterone have been shown to be involved in the development and progression of cervical cancer. The objective of this study was to investigate, for the first time, whether diurnal oestradiol and progesterone are also involved in HR-HPV persistence – before cervical cancer develops.

Methods

A total of N = 39 women between 18 and 31 years of age were investigated. All were nulliparous and regular users of combined oral contraceptives. Presence of HR-HPV was determined by cervical swabs. Salivary oestradiol and progesterone were measured upon awakening and at 11 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm. All HR-HPV positive women were re-tested in terms of HR-HPV status 12 months later.

Results

HR-HPV positive women had significantly higher morning (p = .007, partial eta2 = .221) and daily oestradiol levels (p < .001, partial eta2 = .442) when compared to HR-HPV negative women. In addition, those with persistent HR-HPV 12 months later had significantly elevated morning (p = .005, partial eta2 = .534) and daily (p = .027, partial eta2 = .346) oestradiol. Progesterone was found to be unrelated to HR-HPV.

Conclusions

Oestradiol was positively linked to HR-HPV presence and persistence. Provided that these findings are replicated, regular monitoring of oestradiol levels may prove useful in identifying women who are at risk of developing cervical cancer.
Heterozygous factor V Leiden mutation manifesting with combined central retinal vein occlusion, cilioretinal artery occlusion, branch retinal artery occlusion, and anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy: a case report
Authors: Mahmoud Anis , Khairallah Molka , Amor Hassen Ibn Hadj , Lahdhiri Mohamed Habib , Abroug Nesrine , Messaoud Riadh , Khairallah Moncef
Published: February 2022

Background

Our purpose was to describe a patient who developed combined central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), cilioretinal artery occlusion, branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO), and anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (AION) followed by CRVO in the second eye because of the heterozygous factor V Leiden (FVL) mutation.

Case presentation

A 39-year-old female with a history of recurrent pregnancy losses presented with acute blurred vision in the right eye (RE), with visual acuity limited to counting fingers. She was diagnosed with combined impending CRVO, cilioretinal artery occlusion, BRAO, and AION. The results of thrombophilia testing, not including the FVL mutation, were negative. Retinal atrophy with vascular attenuation and optic disc pallor developed after resolution of acute retinal findings. Nine months after initial presentation, the patient developed an impending CRVO in the left eye (LE), with a secondary progression to a complete CRVO causing a decrease in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) to 20/40. The patient was determined to be heterozygous for the FVL mutation. She subsequently was treated with acenocoumarol. At the last follow-up visit, the BCVA was 20/400 in the RE and 20/20 in the LE, and there was a complete resolution of the acute CRVO findings in the LE.

Conclusion

Our case shows that the heterozygous FVL mutation may manifest with combined retinal vascular occlusion involving multiple sites in both eyes. Early recognition of such an inherited thrombophilic disorder is important because it implies the need for long-term anticoagulative therapy to reduce the patient’s risk of recurrent, sight-threatening and life-threatening thrombotic events.