bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LZTR1 molecular genetic overlap with clinical implications for Noonan syndrome and schwannomatosis
Authors: Farncombe Kirsten M. , Thain Emily , Barnett-Tapia Carolina , Sadeghian Hamid , Kim Raymond H.
Published: July 2022

Background

Noonan syndrome (NS) is a genetic disorder characterized by developmental delays, typical facial gestalt and cardiovascular defects.LZTR1variants have been recently described in patients with NS and schwannomatosis, but the association, inheritance pattern and management strategy has not been fully elucidated. Here, we review the contribution ofLZTR1in NS and describe a patient with a novel, likely pathogenic variant inLZTR1.

Case presentation

A female patient was diagnosed with clinical NS at 8 months of age. She presented in adulthood when a brain and spine MRI identified plexiform neurofibromas; however, she did not meet the clinical criteria for Neurofibromatosis type 1. No pathogenic variants were identified through molecular genetic analysis ofNF1,SPRED1and a multigene NS panel. Whole exome sequencing at age 23 identified a novel de novo likely pathogenic heterozygous variant in theLZTR1gene denoted as c.743G>A (p.Gly248Glu). Serial MRIs have shown stable imaging findings and the patient is being followed clinically by cardiology, neurology and medical genetics.

Conclusions

We identified a novel mutation in theLZTR1gene, not previously reported in association with NS. This report provides additional evidence to support for the assessment of schwannomatosis in patients withLZTR1-NS and may have overlap with Neurofibromatosis type 1.
Electronic cigarette liquids impair metabolic cooperation and alter proteomic profiles in V79 cells
Authors: Trifunovic Sara , Smiljanić Katarina , Sickmann Albert , Solari Fiorella A. , Kolarevic Stoimir , Divac Rankov Aleksandra , Ljujic Mila
Published: July 2022

Background

Although still considered a safer alternative to classical cigarettes, growing body of work points to harmful effects of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) affecting a range of cellular processes. The biological effect of e-cigarettes needs to be investigated in more detail considering their widespread use.

Methods

In this study, we treated V79 lung fibroblasts with sub-cytotoxic concentration of e-cigarette liquids, with and without nicotine. Mutagenicity was evaluated by HPRT assay, genotoxicity by comet assay and the effect on cellular communication by metabolic cooperation assay. Additionally, comprehensive proteome analysis was performed via high resolution, parallel accumulation serial fragmentation-PASEF mass spectrometry.

Results

E-cigarette liquid concentration used in this study showed no mutagenic or genotoxic effect, however it negatively impacted metabolic cooperation between V79 cells. Both e-cigarette liquids induced significant depletion in total number of proteins and impairment of mitochondrial function in treated cells. The focal adhesion proteins were upregulated, which is in accordance with the results of metabolic cooperation assay. Increased presence of posttranslational modifications (PTMs), including carbonylation and direct oxidative modifications, was observed. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD032071.

Conclusions

Our study revealed impairment of metabolic cooperation as well as significant proteome and PTMs alterations in V79 cells treated with e-cigarette liquid warranting future studies on e-cigarettes health impact.
Differentiated kidney tubular cell-derived extracellular vesicles enhance maturation of tubuloids
Authors: Lindoso Rafael Soares , Yousef Yengej Fjodor A. , Voellmy Franziska , Altelaar Maarten , Mancheño Juncosa Estela , Tsikari Theano , Ammerlaan Carola M. E. , Van Balkom Bas W. M. , Rookmaaker Maarten B. , Verhaar Marianne C. , Masereeuw Rosalinde
Published: July 2022

The prevalence of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is rapidly increasing with the need for regenerative therapies. Adult stem cell derived kidney tubuloids have the potential to functionally mimic the adult kidney tubule, but still lack the expression of important transport proteins needed for waste removal. Here, we investigated the potential of extracellular vesicles (EVs) obtained from matured kidney tubular epithelial cells to modulate in vitro tubuloids functional maturation. We focused on organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1), one of the most important proteins involved in endogenous waste excretion. First, we show that EVs from engineered proximal tubule cells increased the expression of several transcription factors and epithelial transporters, resulting in improved OAT1 transport capacity. Next, a more in-depth proteomic data analysis showed that EVs can trigger various biological pathways, including mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition, which is crucial in the tubular epithelial maturation. Moreover, we demonstrated that the combination of EVs and tubuloid-derived cells can be used as part of a bioartificial kidney to generate a tight polarized epithelial monolayer with formation of dense cilia structures. In conclusion, EVs from kidney tubular epithelial cells can phenotypically improve in vitro tubuloid maturation, thereby enhancing their potential as functional units in regenerative or renal replacement therapies.

Graphical Abstract
A longitudinal analysis on determinants of problem drinking among Korean women: focusing on a gender perspective
Authors: Lee Soo-Bi , Park Hyung-Joo , Yoon Myeong-Sook
Published: July 2022

Background

In recent years, female drinking has been on the rise worldwide, and this trend can be observed in Korea as well. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the heterogeneous longitudinal changes in drinking patterns among Korean women, while also exploring the determinants of these changes. In particular, the study identified the gender perspective-related determinants of the classified patterns of problem drinking.

Methods

Data on 4615 adult women who participated in the Korea Welfare Panel Study (KOWEPS) for 3 years (2018–2020) were analyzed longitudinally using SPSS Statistics 22.0 and M-plus 7.0. The changes in female drinking patterns were analyzed using latent class growth analysis. Subsequently, multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictive factors affecting the changes in drinking patterns.

Results

Latent class analysis yielded three classes: “low problem drinking/decreased,” “moderate problem drinking/maintained,” and “high problem drinking/increased.” Of the participants, 80.4% were in the first class, 14.5% in the second, and 5.1% in the third. After controlling for sociodemographic and psychosocial factors, we found: i) domestic violence, work–family balance stress, and gender role perception were not statistically significant for the “moderate problem drinking/maintained” class; lower levels of depression (odds ratio; OR = .750, p < .05) and higher levels of satisfaction with social relationships (OR = 1.257, p < .05) increased the probability of belonging to the “moderate problem drinking/maintained” group compared to the low problem drinking/decreased class; ii) in the “high problem drinking/increased” class, relative to the low problem drinking/decreased class, experience of domestic violence (OR = 1.857, p < .05), work–family balance stress (OR = 1.309, p < .05), and gender role perception (OR = .705, p < .05) were significant predictors of drinking behavior.

Conclusions

Problem drinking in Korean women demonstrated heterogeneous patterns of change, with gender-specific factors being the main predictors of this change. Therefore, this study developed a strategy for reducing the harmful effects of female drinking, which considers the characteristics of the changes in women’s drinking patterns as well as factors from the gender perspective.
A biomechanical study of the medial row tightening on stability of single stitch suture-bridge construct
Authors: Abihssira Sharon , Bouche Pierre-Alban , Cammas Claire , Thirache Clément , Nourissat Geoffroy
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To define the more stable knot tightening of a suture bridge when a single limb is preserved.

Methods

Five different sutures were tested: No. 2 Ethibond (Ethicon), Hi-Fi (ConMed Linvatec), Sutblue (SBM), SingleFlat (SBM), Hi-Fi Ribbon (ConMed Linvatec). A Surgeon’s Knot was tied around a 30-mm circumference device, 6 times for each experiment. A single limb was kept to analyze failure modes of the knot. First step was to analyze which of pulling or sliding suture of the construct must be kept preventing failure of the knot. The cutting distance from the knot was evaluated at 1 mm and 4 mm with the suture loops pre-tensioned to 10 N and fixed to a second row after a 50 N tension load. The more stable construct was found: a single-pull load to 100 N and cyclic load (to 50 N for 30 cycles) experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of cycling on knot loosening.

Results

The more stable construct was obtained when the non-post limb was tensioned, and the post limb was cut at 4 mm (p < 0.01). Loop circumference increased after each experiment for all tested sutures, independently of the preserved limb and the cutting distance. Elongation was significant for all tested sutures in all groups. Knot failure mostly occurred by slippage, only with tapes.

Conclusions

A suture-bridge construct with the non-post limb preserved and the post limb cut at a 4 mm distance from the knot provides with the best security. Sutures are safer than tapes in suture bridge.
Surgical exposure to posterolateral quadrant tibial plateau fractures: an anatomic comparison of posterolateral and posteromedial approaches
Authors: Hu Sunjun , Li Shijie , Chang Shimin , Du Shouchao , Xiong Wenfeng
Published: July 2022

Background

Management of posterolateral tibial plateau quadrant fractures can be challenging, and two posterior approaches were frequently used for exposure, reduction, and fixation: posterolateral approach and posteromedial approach. The purpose of this study was to compare their deep anatomical structure and analyze their limits and the risk of injury to important structures during surgical dissection of two approaches.

Method

Five lower limb specimens were used in this study. After dissection of the skin and superficial fascia of each specimen, deep structures were dissected via posteromedial and posterolateral approach, and several parameters including perpendicular distance from the anterior tibial artery coursing through the interosseous membrane fissure to the lateral joint line and apex of fibular head and so on were measured and analyzed.

Result

The perpendicular distance from the ATA coursing through the interosseous membrane fissure to the lateral joint line was 49.3 ± 5.6 mm (range 41.3–56.7 mm), while the distance to the apex of fibular head was 37.7 ± 7.2 mm (range 29.0–48.0 mm). The transverse distance of the anterior tibial vascular bundle is around 10 mm. The perpendicular distance from the top accompanying vein of the ATA bundle to lateral joint line and apex of fibular head was 44.1 ± 6.3 mm and 32.5 ± 7.6 mm, respectively. The maximum proportion of posterolateral tibial plateau shielded by the fibular head from the posterior view was 61.7 ± 4.9% (range 55.6–64.1%). The average length of popliteus muscle outside the joint was 83.1 ± 6.0 mm (range 76.5–92.2 mm), and the width in the middle was 28.1 ± 4.3 mm (range 26.6–29.1 mm).

Conclusion

Although posterolateral approach seems more direct for exposure of posterolateral quadrant tibial plateau fracture, it has three major disadvantages in deep dissection. Posteromedial approach through the medial board of medial head of gastrocnemius–soleus may be safer, but it was hard for direct visualization of articular surface which limits it usage for only a few cases.
A conceptual disease model for quality of life in mitochondrial disease
Authors: van de Loo Kim F. E. , van Zeijl Nander T. , Custers José A. E. , Janssen Mirian C. H. , Verhaak Christianne M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Previous studies in patients with a mitochondrial disease (MD) highlight the high prevalence of cognitive impairments, fatigue, depression, and a lower quality of life (QoL). The relationship with biological and physiological factors remains complex. The aim of this study is to investigate the status of and interrelationships between biological and physiological functioning, cognitive functioning as well as fatigue, depression, societal participation, health perceptions, and QoL, by using the Wilson and Cleary conceptual disease model, adapted to MD.

Methods

Patients with a genetically confirmed MD were included. The following health concepts in MD were investigated according to the conceptual model: (1) Biological and physiological: disease manifestation (Newcastle Mitochondrial Disease Adult Scale), (2) Symptom status: cognitive functioning, patient reported fatigue and depressive symptoms, (3) Functional health: societal participation, (4) Patient reported health perceptions, and (5) Overall QoL. Data were compared to healthy normative data and/or data from other patient groups. Correlations as well as a hierarchical regression analysis were performed to assess the relations between the different levels of health concepts in the conceptual model.

Results

Of the 95 included patients, 42% had a severe disease manifestation. Comparable or worse than normative data and other patient groups, 35% reported cognitive impairments, 80% severe fatigue, and 27% depressive symptoms. Patients experienced impairments in societal participation and QoL. Disease manifestation was significantly correlated with cognitive functioning, societal participation, physical functioning and overall QoL, but not with fatigue or depressive symptoms. Almost all outcome measures regarding functional health, health perceptions and QoL were correlated with symptom status variables. Overall QoL was significantly predicted by fatigue and physical functioning.

Conclusions

Symptom status is related to the functional health, health perceptions and QoL in patients with MD. Moreover, fatigue and physical functioning are important contributors to the overall QoL of MD patients. In order to provide adequate patient care it is important to have a broad view on patients’ functioning, not only by providing a proper clinical assessment, but also to screen for symptom status; cognitive functioning, fatigue and depression.
The association between vitamin D levels and oxidative stress markers in Egyptian Behcet’s disease patients
Authors: Omar Heba S. , Taha Fatma Mohamed , Fouad Suzanne , Ibrahim Fatma A. , El Gendy Aliaa , Bassyouni Iman H. , El-Shazly Reem
Published: July 2022

Background

Oxidative stress is postulated to have a major role in the pathophysiology of Bechet’s Disease (BD). Growing evidence suggests that vitamin D has important roles in enhancing the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines as well as certain antioxidants. However, there is little evidence currently about the antioxidant properties of vitamin D in BD.

Objective

To study the relationship between vitamin D levels and the oxidative stress markers in patients with BD in addition to its association with disease activity and severity.

Methods

Sixty BD patients (45 males, 15 females; mean age: 34.2 ± 9.6 years) were enrolled in this study and compared to a sex and age matched control group. Plasma 25-Hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH-D) was measured using Human (25-OH-D) ELISA assay. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase (CAT) activity and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined by spectrophotometric methods in both groups. Plasma calcium (Ca) was measured by ELISA assay.

Results

When compared to controls vitamin D, GSH, CAT activity, TAC and Ca were significantly lower in BD patients, while MDA and NO levels were significantly increased in BD patients. Our Results Found that vitamin D was inversely correlated to BD current Activity form (BDCAF), disease severity score, ESR, CRP, MDA and NO, while vitamin D was significantly positively correlated to GSH, SOD, TAC and Ca.

Conclusion

Our study confirms that a lower level of vitamin D is associated with the oxidative stress state in BD patients as detected by MDA and NO elevation as well as decreased GSH, SOD activity, CAT activity and TAC. Hence, Vitamin D fortified foods and beverages or supplementation may improve disease severity and oxidative stress in BD patients.
Reducing severe fatigue in patients with diffuse glioma: a study protocol for an RCT on the effect of blended cognitive behavioural therapy
Authors: Röttgering Jantine Geertruida , Douw Linda , de Witt Hamer Philip C. , Kouwenhoven Mathilde C. M. , Würdinger Tom , van de Ven Peter M. , Sharpe Louise , Knoop Hans , Klein Martin
Published: July 2022

Background

Fatigue is the most frequent and burdensome symptom of patients with diffuse glioma. It is closely linked to decreased health-related quality of life and symptoms such as depression and sleep disturbances. Currently, there is no evidence-based treatment that targets severe fatigue in patients with brain tumours. Cognitive behavioural therapy is aimed at fatigue-maintaining beliefs and behaviour. This therapy has been proven effective in reducing severe fatigue in cancer survivors and patients with multiple sclerosis. A blended therapy program combines sessions with a therapist with therapist-guided web-based therapy modules. The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to determine the efficacy of blended cognitive behavioural therapy in treating severe fatigue in patients with diffuse glioma.

Methods

We will include a maximum of 100 patients with diffuse glioma with clinically and radiologically stable disease and severe fatigue (i.e. Checklist Individual Strength, subscale fatigue severity ≥ 35). Patients will be randomized to blended cognitive behavioural therapy or a waiting list condition. The 12-week interventionGRIP on fatigueconsists of five patient-therapist sessions and five to eight individualized web-based therapy modules supported by email contact. The primary outcome measure is fatigue severity. Secondary outcome measures include sleep quality, health-related quality of life, depression, anxiety, functional impairment and subjective and objective cognitive functioning. Primary and secondary outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and after 14 and 24 weeks. Magnetoencephalography and MRI will be used to evaluate potential biomarkers for intervention success. This trial has a Bayesian design: we will conduct multiple interim analyses to test for efficacy or futility of the trial. This is the first trial within theGRIP trial platform: a platform developing four to five different interventions for the most common symptoms in patients with diffuse glioma.

Discussion

The results of theGRIP on fatiguetrial will provide information about the efficacy of this intervention on fatigue in patients with diffuse glioma. Multiple other outcomes and possible predictors of treatment success will also be explored.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial RegisterNL8711. Registered on 14 June 2020.
Mesenchymal stromal cells: promising treatment for liver cirrhosis
Authors: Yao Lichao , Hu Xue , Dai Kai , Yuan Mengqin , Liu Pingji , Zhang Qiuling , Jiang Yingan
Published: July 2022

Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing process that occurs in response to severe injuries and is hallmarked by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix or scar tissues within the liver. Liver fibrosis can be either acute or chronic and is induced by a variety of hepatotoxic causes, including lipid deposition, drugs, viruses, and autoimmune reactions. In advanced fibrosis, liver cirrhosis develops, a condition for which there is no successful therapy other than liver transplantation. Although liver transplantation is still a viable option, numerous limitations limit its application, including a lack of donor organs, immune rejection, and postoperative complications. As a result, there is an immediate need for a different kind of therapeutic approach. Recent research has shown that the administration of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) is an attractive treatment modality for repairing liver injury and enhancing liver regeneration. This is accomplished through the cell migration into liver sites, immunoregulation, hepatogenic differentiation, as well as paracrine mechanisms. MSCs can also release a huge variety of molecules into the extracellular environment. These molecules, which include extracellular vesicles, lipids, free nucleic acids, and soluble proteins, exert crucial roles in repairing damaged tissue. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of MSCs, representative clinical study data, and the potential mechanisms of MSCs-based strategies for attenuating liver cirrhosis. Additionally, we examine the processes that are involved in the MSCs-dependent modulation of the immune milieu in liver cirrhosis. As a result, our findings lend credence to the concept of developing a cell therapy treatment for liver cirrhosis that is premised on MSCs. MSCs can be used as a candidate therapeutic agent to lengthen the survival duration of patients with liver cirrhosis or possibly reverse the condition in the near future.
Uniform convergence guarantees for the deep Ritz method for nonlinear problems
Authors: Dondl Patrick , Müller Johannes , Zeinhofer Marius
Published: July 2022

We provide convergence guarantees for the Deep Ritz Method for abstract variational energies. Our results cover nonlinear variational problems such as the p-Laplace equation or the Modica–Mortola energy with essential or natural boundary conditions. Under additional assumptions, we show that the convergence is uniform across bounded families of right-hand sides.
Acceptability of an alcohol-based handrub gel with superfatting agents among healthcare workers: a randomized crossover controlled study
Authors: Peters Alexandra , Carry Jennifer , Cave Charlotte , Sauser Julien , Pittet Didier
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Healthcare workers often experience skin dryness and irritation from performing hand hygiene frequently. Low acceptability and tolerability of a formulation are barriers to hand hygiene compliance, though little research has been conducted on what specific types of formulation have higher acceptability than others.

Objective

To compare the acceptability and tolerability of an ethanol-based handrub gel with superfatting agents to the isopropanol-based formulations (a rub and a gel formulation) currently used by healthcare workers at the University of Geneva Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.

Methods

Forty-two participants were randomized to two sequences, testing the isopropanol-based formulation that they are using currently (Hopirub® or Hopigel®), and the ethanol-based formulation containing superfatting agents (Saniswiss Sanitizer Hands H1). Participants tested each of the formulations over 7–10 day work shifts, after which skin condition was assessed and feedback was collected.

Results

H1 scored significantly better than the control formulations for skin dryness (P = 0.0209), and participants felt less discomfort in their hands when using that formulation (P = 0.0448). H1 caused less skin dryness than Hopirub®/Hopigel® (P = 0.0210). Though overall preference was quite polarized, 21 participants preferred H1 intervention formulation and 17 preferred the Hopirub®/Hopigel® formulation that they normally used in their care activities.

Conclusion

We observed a difference in acceptability and strongly polarized preferences among the participants' reactions to the formulations tested. These results indicate that giving healthcare workers a choice between different high-quality products is important to ensure maximum acceptability.
Duration of central venous catheter placement and central line-associated bloodstream infections after the adoption of prevention bundles: a two-year retrospective study
Authors: Pitiriga Vassiliki , Bakalis John , Kampos Elsa , Kanellopoulos Petros , Saroglou George , Tsakris Athanasios
Published: July 2022

Background

Central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) remain a critical and possibly fatal outcome of hospitalization. Use of central venous catheter (CVC) bundles can considerably reduce CLABSI rates in hospitalized patients. However, despite widespread adoption of these bundles in hospitals worldwide, CLABSIs still remain prevalent. The aim of the present study was to determine whether longer duration of CVCs placement is related to CLABSIs in hospitalized adults, despite the implementation of preventive bundles. Also to analyse CLABSI pathogens distribution and antimicrobial resistance profiles in different time intervals of catheterization.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed among hospitalized patients who had a CVC inserted during a 24-month period (May 2017–May 2019) and developed CLABSIs. To evaluate the association between CVC placement duration and CLABSI events, we categorized events into three groups, each representing a 10-day time interval.

Results

A total of 59 CLABSI cases were identified among 9774 catheter/days. The CLABSI incidence rate per 1000 catheter/days was 4.80 for duration of catheterization up to 10 days, 5.92 for duration of 11–20 days, and 8.64 for duration > 20 days(p = 0.007). The CLABSI incidence rate per 1000 catheter/days due to multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) among the three groups was 2.62 for catheter duration of up to 10 days, 3.83 for 11–20 days, and 3.46 for > 20 days (p = 0.14). Among CLABSIs, the most common microorganism identified was multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, which accounted for 27.1% of the cases. There was no significant difference in the type of CLABSI pathogens isolated among the 3 groups.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that duration of CVC placement remains an important risk factor for CLABSIs in hospitalized patients, even after the adoption of prevention bundles. The high prevalence of MDROs in our setting reflects the local epidemiology, highlighting a significant threat of urgent public health concern.
Protocol for a randomized controlled trial of the Men in Mind training for mental health practitioners to enhance their clinical competencies for working with male clients
Authors: Seidler Zac E. , Wilson Michael J. , Toogood Nicholas W. , Oliffe John L. , Kealy David , Ogrodniczuk John S. , Owen Jesse , Mackinnon Andrew , Le Long Khanh-Dao , Mihalopoulos Cathrine , Pirkis Jane , Rice Simon
Published: July 2022

Background

Although the proportion of men seeking professional mental health care has risen over the past two decades, on average, men continue to attend fewer sessions of psychotherapy and are more likely to drop out of treatment prematurely compared to women. Men account for three-quarters of suicide deaths; furthermore, over half of the males who die by suicide have engaged with mental health care in the 12 months prior to their death. These findings highlight a need to equip mental health practitioners with skills to improve male clients’ engagement and mental health outcomes. This article reports the protocol for a randomized controlled trial of Men in Mind, a self-paced online training program purpose-built to advance the clinical competencies of practitioners who provide psychotherapy to male clients.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups will be conducted. Participating practitioners will be randomly allocated, on a 1:1 basis, to the intervention group (Men in Mind training) or a waitlist control group. The primary outcome, efficacy of the training, will be evaluated by pre- to post-training (T1 to T2) changes in scores on the Engaging Men in Therapy Scale (EMITS) in the intervention group, relative to the control group.

Discussion

This trial will provide evidence of the efficacy of Men in Mind training, as an interim step towards adjusting content and delivery of the intervention to maximize the potential for sustaining and scaling.

Trial registration: The trial was registered prospectively with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry on 3rd December 2021 (ACTRN12621001669886).
Roles of circRNAs in hematological malignancies
Authors: Deng Fahua , Zhang Chengsi , Lu Tingting , Liao Ezhong Joshua , Huang Hai , Wei Sixi
Published: July 2022

As one of the leading causes of death, hematologic malignancies are associated with an ever-increasing incidence, and drug resistance and relapse of patients after treatment represent clinical challenges. Therefore, there are pressing demands to uncover biomarkers to indicate the development, progression, and therapeutic targets for hematologic malignancies. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed circular-single-stranded RNAs whose biosynthesis is regulated by various factors and is widely-expressed and evolutionarily conserved in many organisms and expressed in a tissue−/cell-specific manner. Recent reports have indicated that circRNAs plays an essential role in the progression of hematological malignancies. However, circRNAs are difficult to detect with low abundance using conventional techniques. We need to learn more information about their features to develop new detection methods. Herein, we sought to retrospect the current knowledge about the characteristics of circRNAs and summarized research on circRNAs in hematological malignancies to explore a potential direction.
Estimating the carbon content of oceans using satellite sensor data
Authors: Sooknanan Aadidev , Hosein Patrick
Published: July 2022

The impact of chemical processes in ocean surface waters is far-reaching. Recently, increased significance has been placed on the concentration of Carbon and its compounds and the effects these may have on climate change. Remote-sensing enables near real-time measurement of key sea-surface data which can be used to estimate Carbon levels. We illustrate with the use of hybrid Satellite sensor data. To validate our results we use data collected from cruise ships as the ground truth when training our algorithms. The error rate of our predictor is found to be small and hence the proposed approach can be used to estimate Carbon levels in any ocean. This work improves upon previous research in many ways including the use of sea water salinity as a proxy for Carbon estimates. Binary combinations of typically unary predictor attributes are used for the purposes of predicting the Carbon content of surface water and an inherently non-linear model is used to quantify the relationship.
Associations of + 138 Ins/del A and + 5665 G/T polymorphisms of endothelin-1 gene with hypertension in Burmese people in Magway, Myanmar
Authors: Oo Win Min , Thiha Kyaw , Khine Myat Mon
Published: July 2022

Background

Hypertension is one of the major public health problems worldwide, and is one of the recognized causes of premature deaths every year in the world. The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between the + 138 insertion/deletion of adenine (Ins/del A) and + 5665 guanine-to-thymine (G/T) polymorphisms of the endothelin-1 gene and hypertension in the residents of Magway Township, Myanmar.

Methods

This study was a cross-sectional comparative study including 60 hypertensive patients and 60 control subjects in Magway Township, Myanmar. The inclusion criterion for hypertension was blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg or previous diagnosis by a physician as hypertension and/or taking antihypertensive drugs. The control group had blood pressure < 140/90 mmHg and no previous diagnosis of hypertension. The genotyping was done by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism method.

Results

In this study, the genotype distribution of the + 138 Ins/del A variant was significantly different between hypertensive patients and the control group, especially in the 3A4A genotype (odds ratio [OR], 2.451; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.138–5.280; P = 0.022). Adenine insertion genotypes (3A4A and 4A4A) were significantly associated with hypertension in the dominant model (OR, 2.494; 95% CI, 1.179–5.276; P = 0.017). In addition, there was a significant association between the 4A allele and hypertension (OR, 1.771; 95% CI, 1.026–3.056; P = 0.040). The genotype and allelic distributions of the + 5665 G/T polymorphism were not significantly different between the hypertensive patients and the control group (P > 0.05). In this study, there was no significant association between the genotype and allele frequency, and hypertension (P > 0.05). The linkage disequilibrium was weak between the + 138 Ins/del A and + 5665 G/T loci (D’ = 0.108, r2 = 0.009).

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that the + 138 Ins/del A rather than + 5665 G/T polymorphism is associated with hypertension in Burmese people.
Self-care of hypertension of older adults during COVID-19 lockdown period: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Alsaqer Khitam , Bebis Hatice
Published: July 2022

Background

COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated chronic diseases and health disparities especially hypertension because it is more common among vulnerable populations such as older adults.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the effects of a public health nursing intervention plus m-Health applications for hypertension management on enhancing the self-care, systolic and diastolic of blood pressure, and quality of life in older adults during the lockdown period in Jordan.

Methods

A randomized, controlled trial design was performed in Jordan. A total of 120 participants were randomly allocated to three groups (n = 40); interventional group (public health nursing interventions plus m.Health applications) and two control groups (m.Health applications alone group and standard care group).

Results

After 3 months, the interventional group show significantly decreased in systolic blood pressure − 14 (F = 16.74, P = 0.001), greater improvement in self-care maintenance, monitoring, and confidence (+ 30, + 17.75, + 40.27; P < 0.01, respectively) compared to the two control groups. Greater improvement in role limitations due to physical health and due to emotional problems, pain, energy/fatigue, emotional well-being, and social functioning of quality of life (P < 0.05) compared to the standard care group. No statistical significant difference was found in diastolic blood pressure (F = 3.91, P = 0.141), physical functioning (P = 0.613), and general quality of life (P = 0.060).

Conclusions

This study supports the adoption of technology with nursing intervention as a method of supporting continuity of self-management of chronic illness during the pandemic, and its potential implications for future delivery of health care, not just in Jordan, but across the world.

Trial registration

Clinical Trial.gov (ID NCT04992000). Registered August 12, 2021.
Parallel inverter control using different conventional control methods and an improved virtual oscillator control method in a standalone microgrid
Authors: Gurugubelli Vikash , Ghosh Arnab , Panda Anup Kumar
Published: July 2022

Partly because of advances in power electronic converters, the share of renewable energy in power generation is steadily increasing. The main medium of interface for integrating renewable energy sources to the utility grid is the power electronic inverter. Virtual oscillator control (VOC) is a time-domain approach for controlling parallel inverters in a standalone microgrid (MG). The concept is to simulate nonlinear deadzone oscillator dynamics in a system of inverters to ensure a stable AC MG in the absence of communication. VOC is a time-domain and self-synchronizing controller that simply requires the measurement of filter current, whereas traditional droop control and the virtual synchronous machine (VSM) require low pass filters for active and reactive power calculations. In this work, a particle swarm optimization (PSO)-based VOC method (VOC-PSO) is proposed, in which the parameters of the VOC are designed using the PSO algorithm. The system performance using droop, VSM, VOC, and VOC-PSO controllers are investigated using MATLAB and Opal-RT real-time digital simulator platforms. The results show that the proposed VOC-PSO gives improved performance over other control strategies. The efficacy of the proposed VOC-PSO control method is also demonstrated by the experimental results.
Quality of life (QoL) for people with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC): a pragmatic strategy for identifying relevant QoL issues for rare disease
Authors: Marcus Elena , Stone Patrick , Thorburn Douglas , Walmsley Martine , Vivat Bella
Published: July 2022

Background

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare incurable disease of the bile ducts and liver which can significantly impair quality of life (QoL). No existing QoL tools are entirely suitable for people living with PSC (PwPSC). We aimed to develop a measure of QoL for PwPSC in the UK, beginning by identifying relevant QoL issues. This paper describes our approach to this first stage, and discusses related benefits and limitations.

Methods

Scientific consensus on how to reliably stage PSC is lacking, due to its rarity and heterogeneity. We initially hypothesised four categories for PSC severity. After beginning the study, these were revised to six. For such a rare disease, the study could not recruit sufficient participants in each of these categories, particularly the more severe, in the time available. We therefore modified the design, adapting standard methodology for identifying potentially relevant issues. We started by conducting a thematic analysis of data from a previous survey of PwPSC, and extracting QoL issues from a literature review of QoL questionnaires of relevance to PwPSC. We then conducted group and individual interviews with PwPSC and clinicians, investigating the relevance, importance, phrasing, and breadth of coverage of issues identified. We also explored the validity of our hypothesised categories for disease severity.

Results

We identified 1,052 potentially relevant QoL issues from the survey and literature review and took 396 of these forwards for discussion with 28 PwPSC. We found 168/396 issues were considered relevant by ≥ 60% of these participants. We then discussed this subset of 168 issues with 11 clinicians. PSC and clinician participants identified some problematic phrasing with 19 issues, due to potential upset (n = 12) or problems with understanding (n = 7). We included one new issue from those suggested.

Conclusion

We identified a range of QoL issues relevant to PwPSC, with a good breadth of coverage, although lacking an in-depth understanding of the PSC experience. Our strategy effectively identified relevant QoL issues for people living with this rare condition, for which there is no consensus on stratifying for its severity. This strategy should however be considered specific to such circumstances, not a general recommendation for an alternative approach.
Barotrauma and its complications in COVID-19 patients: a retrospective study at tertiary care hospital of Eastern India
Authors: Dubey Roopak , Sen Kamal Kumar , Mishra Aparajita
Published: July 2022

Background

The development of barotrauma in COVID-19 patients who were ventilated and admitted to the intensive treatment unit seemed to have been a problematic issue in the COVID era. This study aimed to explore the possibility of developing the barotrauma-related issues with mechanical ventilation in the cases of individuals suffering from COVID-19.

Results

Out of 48 patients who developed barotrauma, 30 (62.5%) presented with pneumothorax, 22 (45.8%) with pneumomediastinum, 10 (20.8%) with subcutaneous emphysema, and 2 (4.1%) with pneumopericardium. Of those that developed barotrauma, 45 (93.7%) patients were in acute respiratory distress syndrome. In patients with and without barotrauma, significant factors were white blood cell count (p = 0.001), neutrophil percentage (p = 0.012), and lymphocyte percentage (p = 0.014). There were no statistically significant differences in CRP, procalcitonin, d-dimer test, LDH, or ferritin.

Conclusions

Patients infected with COVID-19 have a high risk of barotrauma when on mechanical ventilation. As a result, the death rate in this patient group is higher.
Anti-seizure properties of Ipomoea asarifolia (Desr.) (Convolvulaceae) ethanolic leaf extract in laboratory animals
Authors: Chiroma Samaila S. , Nazifi Abdullahi Balarabe , Ya’u Jamilu , Aliyu Musa , Bichi Lawal A. , Chiroma Samaila M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Preparation of Ipomoea asarifolia (Desr.) (Convolvulaceae) is widely used in traditional African medicine for the treatment of different kinds of ailments such as syphilis, malaria, convulsions and rheumatism.

Aim

The present study examined the median lethal dose (LD50) and possible anti-seizure potentials of Ipomoea asarifolia ethanolic leaf extract using acute seizure models.

Results

The intraperitoneal LD50 of Ipomoea asarifolia ethanolic leaf extract in mice and chicks was found to be 2,150 mg/kg. The Ipomoea asarifolia ethanolic leaf extract has shown significantly (p < 0.05) delayed time for the onset of seizure against pentylenetetrazole- and strychnine-induced seizures in a non-dose dependent manner both at 300 mg/kg. The extract has also shown significant (p < 0.01, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001) delayed time for onset of seizures against 4-aminopyridine-induced seizure model in a dose-dependent manner at doses of 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg respectively. The extract has not shown appreciable activity against picrotoxin and maximum electroshock-induced seizure models.

Conclusions

The present study revealed that Ipomoea asarifolia ethanolic leaf extract possesses anti-seizure properties which supports its folkloric use for the management of convulsions.
Post-Covid mucormycosis presenting as retropharyngeal abscess: a rare case report
Authors: Jain Rajat , Agarwal Devisha , Singh Abhishek Bahadur , Verma Veerendra , Singh Hitendra Prakash , Kumar Sunil
Published: July 2022

Background

Post-Covid retropharyngeal mucormycosis is a rare presentation, and no case has been reported in literature until date.

Case presentation

A-32-year-old female post Covid presented to our OPD with history of dysphagia and with a history of steroid intake. Radiology confirmed it as retropharyngeal abscess. Endoscopic-guided aspiration was done. HPE (histopathological examination) revealed classic broad aseptate hyphae of mucormycosis. Patient was managed conservatively with broad-spectrum antifungal.

Conclusion

Retropharyngeal mucormycosis is a rare entity in Covid era. Rapid diagnosis and management are needed to save life of an individual, or results could be fatal.
Fall risk assessment and effect of vestibular rehabilitation in the elderly population
Authors: Fawzan Sara , Kozou Hesham , Baki Fatthi , Asal Samir
Published: July 2022

Background

Accidental falls in elderly represent a major healthcare problem; they are a major cause of accidental death in people above 65 years of age. They result in both physical and psychological trauma, where fear of falling is a major consequence that leads to a vicious cycle that makes elderlies more isolated and dependent, making them more vulnerable to falls. Falls are multifactorial, where dizziness is a common factor in elderlies. Thus, a multi-systemic approach is essential for the assessment of balance functions; it also serves as a guide for treatment planning, either in the presence of a cause-specific pathology or when presbyvestibulopathy is the sole issue. Vestibular rehabilitation is useful in training elderlies to improve their dizziness and balance functions.

Aim

The aim of the study is to assess fall risk in elderly participants and to assess the role of customized vestibular rehabilitation in decreasing dizziness and falls in elderlies identified to be at risk of falling.

Results

All elderlies diagnosed at fall risk showed statistically significant improvement in dizziness handicap inventory, dynamic gait index, and computerized dynamic posturography after vestibular rehabilitation. As for dizziness, handicap inventory participants showed statistically significant improvement in the total score and in each of its three aspects (functional, emotional, and physical) after vestibular rehabilitation. The Dynamic Gait Index showed statistically significant improvement after vestibular rehabilitation, where they all became non-fallers. Subjects improved significantly in sensory organization test, limits of stability, vestibular stimulation test, motor control test, and faller assessment test of computerized dynamic posturography. Performance on the subjective assessment test was not significantly correlated to the objective assessment methods. The Dynamic Gait Index is sensitive in the detection of elderlies at risk of falling.

Conclusions

Falls in elderlies is an important subject that must be taken seriously due to its major consequences. Full balance assessment is crucial for offering customized vestibular rehabilitation, which has proved to be useful in minimizing dizziness and fall risk in elderlies.
Using Circulating Tumor DNA in Colorectal Cancer: Current and Evolving Practices
Authors: Malla Midhun , Loree Jonathan M , Kasi Pashtoon Murtaza , Parikh Aparna Raj
Published: July 2022

There exists a tremendous opportunity in identifying and determining the appropriate predictive and prognostic biomarker(s) for risk stratification of patients with colorectal cancers (CRCs). Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has emerged as a promising prognostic and possibly predictive biomarker in the personalized management of patients with CRCs. The disease is particularly suited to a liquid biopsy–based approach since there is a great deal of shedding of circulating tumor fragments (cells, DNA, methylation markers, etc). ctDNA has been shown to have several potential applications, including detecting minimal residual disease (MRD), monitoring for early recurrence, molecular profiling, and therapeutic response prediction. The utility of ctDNA has broadened from its initial use in the advanced/metastatic setting for molecular profiling and detection of acquired resistance mechanisms, toward identifying MRD, as well as early detection. Prospective studies such as CIRCULATE, COBRA, Dynamic II/III, and ACT3 are underway in the MRD setting to further understand how ctDNA may be used to inform clinical decision making using both tumor-informed and tumor-agnostic platforms. These prospective studies use ctDNA to guide management of patients with CRC and will be critical to help guide how and where ctDNA should or should not be used in clinical decision making. It is also important to understand that there are different types of ctDNA liquid biopsy platforms, each with advantages and disadvantages in different clinical indications. This review provides an overview of the current and evolving use of ctDNA in CRC.
100 Years of Pediatric Anesthesia With Anesthesia & Analgesia: Growing Together
Authors: Coleman Melissa L. , Waisel David B.
Published: July 2022

As the practice of pediatric anesthesiology grew in the early 20th century, Anesthesia & Analgesia (A&A) became the most important practical resource of pediatric fundamentals for general anesthesiologists. With continued growth in the mid-20th century, focus then shifted to complex cases performed by dedicated pediatric anesthesiologists. To this day, A&A continues to serve as a crucial forum for our subspecialty as it matures. The International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS) also remains pivotal in addressing the crucial questions of modern practice, such as the recent founding of the SmartTots initiative to investigate the potential neurotoxicity of anesthetics in children. While A&A celebrates 100 years of publication, we reflect upon pediatric anesthesiology's evolution and the impact of the IARS and A&A on pediatric anesthesiology's scholarship, clinical practice, and professionalization.