bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Vitamin C Solution in Reducing Adverse Reactions Caused by Painless Lugol Chromoendoscopy
Authors: Nie Xubiao , Ding Jianwei , He Yiyang , Ren Chunmei , Lin Hui , Fan Chaoqiang , Wang Liang , Chen Dingrong , Jiang Airui , Peng Xue , Yu Jing , Yang Xin , Liu Xi , Zhao Haiyan , Li Jianjun , Gao Yong , Zhou Yuanyuan , Qiao Qiujian , Zuo Ying , Yang Zhen , Liu Lu , Wang Zhongrong , Liu En , Yang Shiming , Xu Liangbi , Wen Liming , Bai Jianying
Published: August 2021

Goal:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin C solution (VCS) in reducing adverse reactions caused by painless Lugol chromoendoscopy.

Background:

Lugol chromoendoscopy is an effective method for screening superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, although Lugol iodine solution (LIS) causes mucosal irritation.

Study:

In 4 hospitals in China, patients were randomized and divided into a distilled water (DW) group, an sodium thiosulfate solution (STS) group and a VCS group. Patients’ esophageal mucosal surfaces were stained with either 1.2% or 0.5% LIS and then sprayed with DW, STS, or VCS at various concentrations. For the current randomized study, 1610 patients were enrolled in the 1.2% LIS group and 1355 patients were enrolled in the 0.5% LIS group. In addition, 150 patients were enrolled to assess the discoloration effect. The primary outcome for evaluation was the incidence of acute or late adverse reactions after Lugol iodine staining. The secondary outcome for evaluation was the discoloration effect on esophageal iodine-stained mucosa.

Results:

VCS significantly reduced the occurrence of acute adverse reactions due to staining from 1.2% LIS. The effect of VCS was similar to that of STS but better than that of DW (P<0.05). Regarding 0.5% LIS staining, VCS reduced the incidence of acute adverse reactions and heartburn within 1 week (P<0.05). Both VCS and STS had similar effects. In addition, compared with spraying NS, VCS caused rapid decolorization of iodine-stained esophageal mucosa. After 120 seconds of deiodination, the color of the esophageal mucosa faded by 90%, which is similar to the results seen in the STS group. This contrasts with the results seen in the DW group, which showed fading by only 50.97% (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

VCS can effectively reduce adverse reactions caused by different concentrations of LIS, indicating its important clinical application in the screening of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Analysis of absorbed dose in radioimmunotherapy with 177Lu-trastuzumab using two different imaging scenarios: a pilot study
Authors: Nautiyal Amit , Jha Ashish K. , Mithun Sneha , Shetye Bhakti , Kameswaran Mythili , Shah Sneha , Rangarajan Venkatesh , Gupta Sudeep
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Internal organ dosimetry is an important procedure to demonstrate the reliable application of 177Lu-trastuzumab radioimmunotherapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor-positive metastatic breast cancers. We are reporting the first human dosimetry study for 177Lu-trastuzumab. Another objective of our study was to calculate and compare the absorbed doses for normal organs and tumor lesions in patients before radioimmunotherapy with 177Lu-trastuzumab using two different imaging scenarios.

Methods

Eleven patients (48.27 ± 8.95 years) with a history of metastatic breast cancer were included in the study. Postadministration of 177Lu-trastuzumab (351.09 ± 23.89 MBq/2 mg), acquisition was performed using planar and hybrid imaging scenarios at 4, 24, 72 and 168 h. Single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography imaging was performed at 72 h postinjection. Acquired images were processed using Dosimetry Toolkit software for the estimation of normalized cumulated activity in organs and tumor lesions. OLINDA/EXM 2.0 software was used for absorbed dose calculation in both scenarios.

Results

Significant difference in normalized cumulated activity and the absorbed dose is noted between two imaging scenarios for the organs and tumor lesions (P < 0.05). Mean absorbed dose (mGy/MBq) estimated from heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidney, adrenal, pancreas and colon using planar and hybrid scenarios were 0.81 ± 0.19 and 0.63 ± 0.17; 0.75 ± 0.13 and 0.32 ± 0.06; 1.26 ± 0.25 and 1.01 ± 0.17; 0.68 ± 0.22 and 0.53 ± 0.16; 0.91 ± 0.3 and 0.69 ± 0.24; 0.18 ± 0.04 and 0.11 ± 0.02; 0.25 ± 0.22 and 0.09 ± 0.02 and 0.75 ± 0.61 and 0.44 ± 0.28, respectively.

Conclusions

On the basis of our dosimetric evaluation, we concluded that radioimmunotherapy with 177Lu-trastuzumab is well tolerated to be implemented in routine clinical practice against HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer. Liver is the main critical organ at risk. Hybrid scenario demonstrated significantly lower absorbed doses in organs and tumors compared to the multiplanar method.
Relationship between total lesion glycolysis of primary lesions based on 18F-FDG PET/CT and lymph node metastasis in gastric adenocarcinoma: a cross-sectional preliminary study
Authors: Xue Xiu-Qing , Wang Bing , Yu Wen-Ji , Zhang Fei-Fei , Niu Rong , Shao Xiao-Liang , Shi Yun-Mei , Yang Yan-Song , Wang Jian-Feng , Li Xiao-Feng , Wang Yue-Tao
Published: August 2021

Objectives

We explored the relationship between lymph node metastasis (LNM) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of primary lesions determined by 18fluoro-2-deoxyglucose PET/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma, and evaluated the independent effect of this association.

Methods

This retrospective study included 106 gastric adenocarcinoma patients who were examined by preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging between April 2016 and April 2020. We measured TLG of primary gastric lesions and evaluated its association with LNM. Multivariate logistic regression and a two-piece-wise linear regression were performed to evaluate the relationship between TLG of primary lesions and LNM.

Results

Of the 106 patients, 75 cases (71%) had LNM and 31 cases (29%) did not have LNM. Univariate analyses revealed that a per-SD increase in TLG was independently associated with LNM [odds ratio (OR) = 2.37; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.42–3.98; P = 0.0010]. After full adjustment of confounding factors, multivariate analyses exhibited that TLG of primary lesions was still significantly associated with LNM (OR per-SD: 2.20; 95% CI, 1.16–4.19; P = 0.0164). Generalized additive model indicated a nonlinear relationship and saturation effect between TLG of primary lesions and LNM. When TLG of primary lesions was <23.2, TLG was significantly correlated with LNM (OR = 1.26; 95% CI, 1.07–1.48; P = 0.0053), whereas when TLG of primary lesions was ≥ 23.2, the probability of LNM was greater than 60%, gradually reached saturation effect, as high as 80% or more.

Conclusions

In this preliminary study, there were saturation and segmentation effects between TLG of primary lesions determined by preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT and LNM. When TLG of primary lesions was ≥ 23.2, the probability of LNM was greater than 60%, gradually reached saturation effect, as high as 80% or more. TLG of primary lesions is helpful in the preoperative diagnosis of LNM in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma.
Multifaceted Support Interventions for Siblings of Children With Cancer
Authors: Mooney-Doyle Kim , Burley Samantha , Ludemann Emilie , Rawlett Kristen
Published: August 2021

Background

When a child is given a diagnosis of cancer, the impact reverberates through the family unit. Siblings, in particular, experience an accumulation of distress. Siblings of children with cancer can experience both short- and long-term difficulties in psychosocial and physical functioning, and professional bodies have called for interventions targeted at their needs.

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe outcomes, core components, and general characteristics of effective interventions intended to support sibling well-being and psychosocial health in pediatric oncology.

Methods

MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched in September 2019 and July 2020. Studies were included if they focused on interventions for siblings or family in pediatric cancer, had quantitative data to describe the effect or impact of the intervention, and were published in English. Included studies underwent quality appraisal, data extraction, and data synthesis.

Results

Twenty articles fit inclusion criteria. Most interventions focused on 6- to 18-year-old siblings within a group setting. Most were theory based. Group format with multiple sessions was the most common approach. The most frequently assessed outcomes were depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and health-related quality of life.

Conclusions

Understanding outcomes, core components, and characteristics of effective interventions is important to translate sibling-support interventions into standard practice. Such considerations are important in delivering equitable family-centered care to siblings of children with cancer.

Implications for Practice

As institutions create mechanisms to support siblings, it may be important to target high-risk siblings initially, partner with community resources, attend to underrecognized populations of siblings, and more fully incorporate family into sibling support.
Impact of Check It: A Novel Community-Based Chlamydia Screening and Expedited Treatment Program for Young Black Men
Authors: Stoecker Charles , Shao Yixue , Schmidt Norine , Martin David H. , Kissinger Patricia J.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to estimate the impact of the Check It program, a novel community-based chlamydia seek, test, and treat program for young Black men who have sex with women, on test positivity rates for chlamydia in young Black women.

Methods

We used a synthetic control model to compare chlamydia test positivity rates in Orleans Parish (intervention site) with other similar parishes (control sites) in Louisiana. We estimated a model that used all other parishes as potential contributors to a synthetic control for Louisiana as well as a sample limited to the 40 parishes in Louisiana with the largest Black populations.

Results

The Check It program was associated with a 1.69-percentage-point decline in chlamydia positivity in the first full year of operation and a 2.44-percentage-point decline in chlamydia positivity in the second full year of operation compared with control sites with the largest Black populations (P = 0.05). Results were similar when the treatment site was compared with all other sites in Louisiana.

Conclusions

The Check It program was associated with a significant decline in chlamydia testing positivity rates among women in Orleans Parish compared with control sites. Screening of young Black men who have sex with women can decrease rates in women living in the same community. Future recommendations for chlamydia screening of young men should be considered.
Partner Elicitation After Partner Services Interviews and Reinterviews Among Patients With Antimicrobial-Resistant Gonorrhea
Authors: Thibault Christina S. , Golden Matthew R. , Barbee Lindley A. , Spellman Dawn , Soge Olusegun O. , Kerani Roxanne P.
Published: August 2021

Background

Partner notification services (PS) are often used to control sexually transmitted infections, but their effectiveness is limited by patients’ reluctance to name sex partners. We hypothesized that being notified of having antimicrobial-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae (ARGC) would make patients more likely to provide named partner information.

Methods

We used King County, Washington STD surveillance and Strengthening the US Response to Resistant Gonorrhea data to identify gonorrhea cases. Using log-binomial regression, we computed unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios for factors associated with naming any partners during routine PS interview vs. interview after ARGC diagnosis. Among those who completed a standard PS interview and later a reinterview after ARGC diagnosis, we compared mean numbers of reported and contactable partners at initial interview and reinterview using the Wilcoxon rank sum test.

Results

From July 2018 to October 2020, 1588 gonorrhea cases were interviewed; 103 (6%) had ARGC. After adjusting for sexual exposure, age, year, disease intervention specialist, reinterview, and diagnosing clinic, being interviewed after ARGC diagnosis remained predictive of naming ≥1 partner relative to routine PS (prevalence ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.6–2.9). Among 40 cases who completed a standard PS interview and later a reinterview after ARGC diagnosis, there was a modest increase in mean partners named at initial versus reinterview (1.4 vs. 1.9 per case, P = 0.09).

Conclusions

Cases interviewed after ARGC diagnosis named more contactable partners than did those undergoing routine PS. Reinterviewing patients after ARGC diagnosis provides only a modest increase in contactable partners but may be useful to limit transmission of this potentially challenging infection.
Increased Detection of Gonorrhea and Chlamydia After Implementation of a Universal Screening Protocol in a Pediatric Primary Care Clinic
Authors: Allison Bianca A. , Park Rachael V. , Walters Elizabeth M. , Perry Martha F.
Published: August 2021

Background

Literature suggests that adolescents may not accurately report sexual activity to their providers, impeding risk-based screening efforts for gonorrhea and chlamydia (GC/CT). We assessed the effect of a clinic-based universal GC/CT screening initiative on GC/CT screening frequency and detection of GC/CT infections among adolescents (boys and girls ≥13 years) and the association between positive GC/CT and documented sexual activity.

Methods

We conducted a pre-post analysis of a primary care clinic affiliated with an academic institution. The electronic medical record was queried to extract all adolescent well and acute encounters for the 12 months preimplementation and postimplementation of universal GC/CT screening in January 2015.

Results

Eight hundred fifty-six encounters from 752 unique adolescents were included. Screening increased postimplementation (23.3% vs 61.4%, P < 0.001) of universal screening. Although there were similar rates of documented sexual activity preimplementation and postimplementation (14.6% vs 16.0%), a larger proportion of unknown sexual activity was documented (10.5% vs 23.7%, P < 0.001). Provider-level factors were the most frequent reasons for not screening. The absolute number of GC/CT cases increased, although the proportion of cases out of all eligible adolescents remained similar as more testing was completed (chlamydia, 5 of 752 vs 12 of 752; P = 0.09; gonorrhea, 0 of 752 vs 1 of 752; P = 0.32). Nearly half of positive chlamydia infections postimplementation appeared in adolescents who reported no sexual activity.

Conclusions

Universal screening in a primary care clinic increased screening and detection of cases of gonorrhea and chlamydia, including in adolescents who did not report sexual activity.
Prevalence of Malignancy on Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography of the Abdomen and Pelvis in Patients With Unexplained, Unintentional Weight Loss
Authors: Noblett Dylan , Kwong Austin , Corwin Michael T. , Fananapazir Ghaneh
Published: August 2021

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of malignancy on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis in patients with unexplained, unintentional weight loss (UUWL).

Methods

This is a retrospective review of 999 adult outpatient contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen and pelvis for UUWL. Patients were stratified into 2 groups: (1) weight loss only (WLO, n = 222) and (2) UUWL with additional symptoms (UUWL+, n = 777). χ2 test was performed to compare malignancy detection rate in the WLO and UUWL+ groups.

Results

Prevalence of malignancy was 5.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.2%–7.1%; 55 of 999). Prevalence of malignancy in the WLO group was 2.3% (95% CI, 0.7%–5.2%; 5 of 222), lower than the prevalence of 6.2% (95% CI, 4.6%–8.1%; 48 of 777) in the UUWL+ group (P = 0.02). Prevalence of malignancy was lower in patients younger than 60 years in all patients and in the UUWL+ subgroup (P < 0.01 in both cases).

Conclusions

There is low prevalence of malignancy on contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen and pelvis in patients with UUWL, particularly in younger patients and those without additional symptoms.
Breast Carcinoma Shown on 99mTc-HYNIC-TOC Study Performed to Evaluate Tumor-Induced Osteomalacia
Authors: Jin Xiaona , Li Fang , Chen Libo , Jing Hongli
Published: August 2021

A 74-year-old woman with a history of suspected tumor-induced osteomalacia underwent 99mTc-HYNIC-TOC scintigraphy to search potential culprit tumor. The images showed one in the middle shaft of left femur without corresponding morphology change on the CT portion of the subsequent SPECT/CT images. The patient declined surgical exploration of the left femur. Another activity was in the right breast, which was resected and pathologically confirmed as breast carcinoma. Postsurgically, the patient’s symptoms were not improved. Four years later, a repeat 99mTc-HYNIC-TOC scintigraphy showed more prominent activity in the left femur with gross abnormality on the corresponding CT images.
New Minimally Invasive Intraoral Procedure for Condylar Fractures: Clinical Presentation and Considerations on Current Techniques
Authors: Cortese Antonio , Catalano S. , Howard Candace M.
Published: August 2021

Mandibular fractures are the third most prevalent maxillofacial traumatic events. Surgical approaches to the condyle are a debated topic. This study describes a mini-invasive technique for condylar fracture reduction. The patient of this study suffered multiple traumatic injuries including a carotid artery dissecting aneurysm, which contraindicated the standard open reduction and internal fixation technique. The novel minimally invasive technique involves intraoral access and fracture fragment realignment using a periosteal elevator, a molar occlusal splint, and intermaxillary fixation after intraoperative radiologic imaging confirmation of condyle reposition.

The approach avoids skin incisions and tissue dissection, with good aesthetic outcomes and facial nerve preservation. This technique proved to be safe and simple to be less demanding for the patient, with a shorter recovery time than experienced with other techniques.

The results suggest this technique is a good option for the surgical treatment of condylar neck fractures showing favorable rim morphology with primary stability after reduction.
Discrepancies in rib fracture severity between radiologist and surgeon: A retrospective review
Authors: Bauman Zachary M. , Binkley Jana , Pieper Collin J. , Raposo-Hadley Ashley , Orcutt Gunnar , Cemaj Samuel , Evans Charity H. , Cantrell Emily
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Chest computed tomography (CT) scans are important for the management of rib fracture patients, especially when determining indications for surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRFs). Chest CTs describe the number, patterns, and severity of rib fracture displacement, driving patient management and SSRF indications. Literature is scarce comparing radiologist versus surgeon rib fracture description. We hypothesize there is significant discrepancy between how radiologists and surgeons describe rib fractures.

METHODS

This was an institutional review board–approved, retrospective study conducted at a Level I academic center from December 2016 to December 2017. Adult patients (≥18 years of age) suffering rib fractures with a CT chest where included. Basic demographics were obtained. Outcomes included the difference between radiologist versus surgeon description of rib fractures and differences in the number of fractures identified. Rib fracture description was based on current literature: 1, nondisplaced; 2, minimally displaced (<50% rib width); 3, severely displaced (≥50% rib width); 4, bicortically displaced; 5, other. Descriptive analysis was used for demographics and paired t test for statistical analysis. Significance was set at p = 0.05.

RESULTS

Four hundred and ten patients and 2,337 rib fractures were analyzed. Average age was 55.6(±20.6); 70.5% were male; median Injury Severity Score was 16 (interquartile range, 9–22) and chest Abbreviated Injury Scale score was 3 (interquartile range, 3–3). For all descriptive categories, radiologists consistently underappreciated the severity of rib fracture displacement compared with surgeon assessment and severity of displacement was not mentioned for 35% of rib fractures. The mean score provided by the radiologist was 1.58 (±0.63) versus 1.78 (±0.51) by the surgeon (p < 0.001). Radiologists missed 138 (5.9%) rib fractures on initial CT. The sensitivity of the radiologist to identify a severely displaced rib fracture was 54.9% with specificity of 79.9%.

CONCLUSION

Discrepancy exists between radiologist and surgeon regarding rib fracture description on chest CT as radiologists routinely underappreciate fracture severity. Surgeons need to evaluate CT scans themselves to appropriately decide management strategies and SSRF indications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic/Diagnostic Test, level III.
Chest wall injuries due to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the effect on in-hospital outcomes in survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Prins Jonne T.H. , Van Lieshout Esther M.M. , Van Wijck Suzanne F.M. , Scholte Niels T.B. , Den Uil Corstiaan A. , Vermeulen Jefrey , Verhofstad Michael H.J. , Wijffels Mathieu M.E.
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of chest wall injuries due to cardiopulmonary resuscitation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and to compare in-hospital outcomes in patients with versus without chest wall injuries.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of all intensive care unit (ICU)–admitted patients who underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation for OHCA between January 1, 2007, and December 2019 was performed. The primary outcome was the occurrence of chest wall injuries, as diagnosed on chest computed tomography. Chest wall injury characteristics such as rib fracture location, type, and dislocation were collected. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital outcomes and subgroup analysis of patients with good neurological recovery to identify those who could possibly benefit from the surgical stabilization of rib fractures.

RESULTS

Three hundred forty-four patients were included, of which 291 (85%) sustained chest wall injury. Patients with chest wall injury had a median of 8 fractured ribs (P25–P75, 4–10 ribs), which were most often undisplaced (on chest computed tomography) (n = 1,574 [72.1%]), simple (n = 1,948 [89.2%]), and anterior (n = 1,785 [77.6%]) rib fractures of ribs 2 to 7. Eight patients (2.3%) had a flail segment, and 136 patients (39.5%) had an anterior flail segment. Patients with chest wall injury had fewer ventilator-free days (0 days [P25–P75, 0–16 days] vs. 13 days [P25–P75, 2–22 days]; p = 0.006) and a higher mortality rate (n = 102 [54.0%] vs. n = 8 [22.2%]; p < 0.001) than those without chest wall injury. For the subgroup of patients with good neurological recovery, the presence of six or more rib fractures or a single displaced rib fracture was associated with longer hospital and ICU length of stay, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation–related chest wall injuries in survivors of OHCA and especially rib fractures are common. Patients with chest wall injury had fewer ventilator-free days and a higher mortality rate. Patients with good neurological recovery might represent a subgroup of patients who could benefit from surgical stabilization of rib fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, level IV; Epidemiological, Level IV.
Whole blood resuscitation restores intestinal perfusion and influences gut microbiome diversity
Authors: Yracheta Jaclyn , Muraoka Wayne , Wu Xiaowu , Burmeister David , Darlington Daniel , Zhao David , Lai Zhao , Sayyadioskoie Shannon , Cap Andrew P. , Bynum James , Nicholson Susannah E.
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE

Gut dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbiome, occurs after trauma, which may be ameliorated with transfusion. We hypothesized that gut hypoperfusion following trauma causes dysbiosis and that whole blood (WB) resuscitation mitigates these effects.

METHODS

Anesthetized rats underwent sham (S; laparotomy only, n = 6); multiple injuries (T; laparotomy, liver and skeletal muscle crush injuries, and femur fracture, n = 5); multiple injuries and 40% hemorrhage (H; n = 7); and multiple injuries, hemorrhage, and WB resuscitation (R; n = 7), which was given as 20% estimated blood volume from donor rats 1 hour posttrauma. Baseline cecal mesenteric tissue oxygen (O2) concentration was measured following laparotomy and at 1 hour and 2 hours posttrauma. Fecal samples were collected preinjury and at euthanasia (2 hours). 16S rRNA sequencing was performed on purified DNA, and diversity and phylogeny were analyzed with QIIME (Knight Lab, La Jolla, CA; Caporaso Lab, Flagstaff, AZ) using the Greengenes 16S rRNA database (operational taxonomic units; 97% similarity). α and β diversities were estimated using observed species metrics. Permutational analysis of variance was performed for overall significance.

RESULTS

In H rats, an average decline of 36% ± 3.6% was seen in the mesenteric O2 concentration at 1 hour without improvement by 2 hours postinjury, which was reversed following resuscitation at 2 hours postinjury (4.1% ± 3.1% difference from baseline). There was no change in tissue O2 concentration in the S or T rats. β Diversity differed among groups for all measured indices except Bray-Curtis, with the spatial median of the S and R rats more similar compared with S and H rats (p < 0.05). While there was no difference in α diversity found among the groups, indices were significantly correlated with mesenteric O2 concentration. Members of the family Enterobacteriaceae were significantly enriched in only 2 hours.

CONCLUSION

Mesenteric perfusion after trauma and hemorrhage is restored with WB resuscitation, which influences β diversity of the gut microbiome. Whole blood resuscitation may also mitigate the effects of hemorrhage on intestinal dysbiosis, thereby influencing outcomes.
Effects of 7,8-dihydroxycoumarin on the myelin morphological changes and PSD-95 protein expression in Balb/c mice after sciatic nerve injury
Authors: Sun Huiyan , Li Qiang , Zhang Limin , Su Zhiyong , Li Jinlong , Cao Jian
Published: August 2021

Objective

To investigate the effects of 7,8-dihydroxycoumarin on the myelin morphological changes and PSD-95 protein expression in mice with sciatic nerve injury, and to explore the relationship between PSD-95 protein and myelin regeneration after nerve myelin injury.

Methods

One hundred twenty-seven male adult Balb/c mice were selected and randomly divided into high, medium and low 7,8-dihydroxycoumarin dose groups and blank control group. Anastomosis was then carried out for the amputated right sciatic nerve, and intraperitoneal injection of 7,8-dihydroxycoumarin was applied postoperatively. At weeks 1, 2, 4 and 8 after surgery, nervous tissues from the injury side were taken for immunohistochemical Luxol Fast Blue staining, so as to observe the morphological changes of the locally injured nerve myelin. Meanwhile, PSD-95 mRNA and protein expression were determined using real-time PCR and western blotting.

Results

The nerve myelin recovery in injury side of mice at all time points showed a definite dose-effect relationship with the dose of 7,8-dihydroxycoumarin. Moreover, 7,8-dihydroxycoumarin could inhibit the PSD-95 mRNA level and protein expression. At the same time, there was a dose-effect of the inhibition.

Conclusions

7,8-Dihydroxycoumarin can affect nerve recovery in mice with sciatic nerve injury, which shows a definite dose–effect relationship with its dose. Besides, PSD-95 protein expression can suppress the regeneration of the injured nerve myelin.
Intracranial electroencephalography features of young and old mice under midazolam administration
Authors: Liu Yue , Yang Quanyong , Yin Yiqing
Published: August 2021

Understanding the electroencephalography features of young and old patients treated with anesthetic drugs is important to allow accurate drug use in elderly patients. This study aimed to monitor the intracranial electroencephalography (in the cortex and hippocampus) in free-moving young and old mice under midazolam administration. Behavioral assessment revealed that compared with young mice, old mice had a longer immobility time with a similar midazolam dose. In both young and old mice, midazolam significantly suppressed the total, δ (0.5–4 Hz), θ (4–8 Hz), and α (8–12 Hz) power, and thus induced an increase in the relative β (12–30 Hz) and γ (30–140 Hz) power. Age had a main effect on the γ frequency; specifically, under normal conditions, old mice had a lower γ power than young mice. After midazolam administration, the relative power of high γ frequency (50–140 Hz) remained lower in old mice than in young mice. Our findings suggest that a lower γ power is indicative of an aging brain.
Identification of the expression of farnesoid X receptor in astrocytes
Authors: He Haiyan , Chen Zhuo , Chen Dongjian , Lu Xu , Huang Chao , Chen Jinliang
Published: August 2021

Recently, we have identified a functional expression of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in neurons in vitro and in vivo. However, whether the FXR is expressed in astrocytes remains unclear. In the present study, we addressed this issue by using an array of experimental methods such as immunofluorescence and western blot. Results showed that the FXR mRNA and protein were expressed in mouse brain primary cultured astrocytes. In mouse primary cultured astrocytes in vitro the FXR was predominantly localized in the nucleus with an obvious punctuate distribution property. Unlike its expressional characteristic in cultured astrocytes, the FXR was not detected in astrocytes in the mouse hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, suggesting that the FXR is not expressed in astrocytes at conditions in vivo. Functional studies in vitro showed that activation of the FXR in primary cultured astrocytes by chenodeoxycholic acid or GW4064 induced a marked increase in expression levels of small heterodimer partner mRNA and protein. Taken together, these findings show a differential expression of FXR in astrocytes at conditions in vitro but not in vivo, and in mouse primary cultured astrocytes the FXR can be activated by its ligands.
Dynamic changes in c-Fos and NF-κB gene expression and Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mg content due to brain injury in irradiated rats
Authors: Xu Chao , Tu Yu , Zhou Juying , Xu Xiaoting , Qin Songbing , Wang Lili
Published: August 2021

Background

This study aims to investigate the dynamic changes of c-Fos and NF-κB expression, and to evaluate the Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mg content of hippocampal tissues in rat brains injured by 20 Gy of electron beam irradiation.

Materials and methods

A single dose of 5 MeV is administered to the whole brains of rats to establish animal model of radiation-induced brain injury (RBI). Hematoxylin and eosin staining is performed to observe the pathological changes in brain microvascular endothelial cells. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and western blotting assays are utilized to test c-Fos and NF-κB gene expression levels in brain tissue. Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry is leveraged to detect the Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mg contents of the hippocampi.

Results

The c-Fos and NF-κB gene expression levels in protective group are lower than those in the irradiated group after MgSO4 treatment. In the irradiated group, Ca content at several time points and Fe content on days 1, 3 and 7 are higher than those in the blank group. Additionally, in the irradiated group, Cu and Zn contents on days 1, 7, 14 and 60 are less than those in the blank group.

Conclusion

In RBI model, adding Mg2+ may relieve RBI. The protective mechanisms of Mg2+ in the hippocampi from a variety of brain activity indicators including the c-Fos and NF-κB genes.
Stent strut streamlining and thickness reduction promote endothelialization
Authors: Nguyen Duy T. , Smith Alexander F. , Jiménez Juan M.
Published: August 2021

Stent thrombosis (ST) carries a high risk of myocardial infarction and death. Lack of endothelial coverage is an important prognostic indicator of ST after stenting. While stent strut thickness is a critical factor in ST, a mechanistic understanding of its effect is limited and the role of haemodynamics is unclear. Endothelialization was tested using a wound-healing assay and five different stent strut models ranging in height between 50 and 150 µm for circular arc (CA) and rectangular (RT) geometries and a control without struts. Under static conditions, all stent strut surfaces were completely endothelialized. Reversing pulsatile disturbed flow caused full endothelialization, except for the stent strut surfaces of the 100 and 150 µm RT geometries, while fully antegrade pulsatile undisturbed flow with a higher mean wall shear stress caused only the control and the 50 µm CA geometries to be fully endothelialized. Modest streamlining and decrease in height of the stent struts improved endothelial coverage of the peri-strut and stent strut surfaces in a haemodynamics dependent manner. This study highlights the impact of the stent strut height (thickness) and geometry (shape) on the local haemodynamics, modulating reendothelialization after stenting, an important factor in reducing the risk of stent thrombosis.
A novel framework based on a data-driven approach for modelling the behaviour of organisms in chemical plume tracing
Authors: Okajima Kei , Shigaki Shunsuke , Suko Takanobu , Luong Duc-Nhat , Hernandez Reyes Cesar , Hattori Yuya , Sanada Kazushi , Kurabayashi Daisuke
Published: August 2021

We propose a data-driven approach for modelling an organism's behaviour instead of conventional model-based strategies in chemical plume tracing (CPT). CPT models based on this approach show promise in faithfully reproducing organisms’ CPT behaviour. To construct the data-driven CPT model, a training dataset of the odour stimuli input toward the organism is needed, along with an output of the organism’s CPT behaviour. To this end, we constructed a measurement system comprising an array of alcohol sensors for the measurement of the input and a camera for tracking the output in a real scenario. Then, we determined a transfer function describing the input–output relationship as a stochastic process by applying Gaussian process regression, and established the data-driven CPT model based on measurements of the organism’s CPT behaviour. Through CPT experiments in simulations and a real environment, we evaluated the performance of the data-driven CPT model and compared its success rate with those obtained from conventional model-based strategies. As a result, the proposed data-driven CPT model demonstrated a better success rate than those obtained from conventional model-based strategies. Moreover, we considered that the data-driven CPT model could reflect the aspect of an organism’s adaptability that modulated its behaviour with respect to the surrounding environment. However, these useful results came from the CPT experiments conducted in simple settings of simulations and a real environment. If making the condition of the CPT experiments more complex, we confirmed that the data-driven CPT model would be less effective for locating an odour source. In this way, this paper not only poses major contributions toward the development of a novel framework based on a data-driven approach for modelling an organism’s CPT behaviour, but also displays a research limitation of a data-driven approach at this stage.
Knee extension moment arm variations relate to mechanical function in walking and running
Authors: Wheatley Mitchell G. A. , Thelen Darryl G. , Deluzio Kevin J. , Rainbow Michael J.
Published: August 2021

The patellofemoral joint plays a crucial mechanical role during walking and running. It increases the knee extensor mechanism's moment arm and reduces the knee extension muscle forces required to generate the extension moment that supports body weight, prevents knee buckling and propels the centre of mass. However, the mechanical implications of moment arm variation caused by patellofemoral and tibiofemoral motion remain unclear. We used a data-driven musculoskeletal model with a 12-degree-of-freedom knee to simulate the knee extension moment arm during walking and running. Using a geometric method to calculate the moment arm, we found smaller moment arms during running than during walking in the swing phase. Overall, knee flexion causes differences between running and walking moment arms as increased flexion causes a posterior shift in the tibiofemoral rotation axis and patella articulation with the distal femur. Moment arms were also affected by knee motion direction and best predicted by separating by direction instead of across the entire gait cycle. Furthermore, we found high inter-subject variation in the moment arm that was largely explained by out-of-plane motion. Our results are consistent with the concept that shorter moment arms increase the effective mechanical advantage of the knee and may contribute to increased running velocity.
A mechanism for localized dynamics-driven activation in Bruton's tyrosine kinase
Authors: Qiu Simei , Liu Yunfeng , Li Quhuan
Published: August 2021

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) plays a vital role in mature B-cell proliferation, development and function. Its inhibitors have gradually been applied for the treatment of many B-cell malignancies. However, because of treatment-associated drug resistance or low efficacy, it is urgent to develop new inhibitors and/or improve the efficacy of current inhibitors, where finding the intrinsic activation mechanism becomes the key to solve this problem. Here, we used BTK T474M mutation as a resistance model for inhibitors to study the mechanism of BTK activation and drug resistance by free molecular dynamics simulations. The results showed that the increase of kinase activity of T474M mutation is coming from the conformation change of the activation ring and ATP binding sites located in BTK N-terminus region. Specifically, the Thr
474
mutation changed the structure of A-loop and stabilized the binding site of ATP, thus promoting the catalytic ability in the kinase domain. This localized dynamics-driven activation mechanism and resistance mechanism of BTK may provide new ideas for drug development in B-cell malignancies.
Research on homogeneous nucleation and microstructure evolution of aluminium alloy melt
Authors: Zhan Lan , Wu Mingzhong , Qin Xiangge
Published: August 2021

In this paper, based on the embedded atom method (EAM) potential, molecular dynamics simulations of the solidification process of Al–4 at.%Cu alloy is carried out. The Al–Cu alloy melt is placed at different temperatures for isothermal solidification, and each stage of the entire solidification process is tracked, including homogeneous nucleation, nucleus growth, grain coarsening and microstructure evolution. In the nucleation stage, the transition from high temperature to low temperature manifests a change from spontaneous nucleation mode to divergent nucleation mode. The critical nucleation temperature of the Al–Cu alloy is determined to be about 0.42Tm(Tmis the melting point of Al–4 at.%Cu) by calculating the nucleation rate and the crystal nucleus density. In the nucleus growth stage, two ways of growing up are observed, that is, a large crystal nucleus will absorb a smaller heterogeneous crystal nucleus, and two very close crystal nuclei will merge. In the microstructure evolution of the isothermally solidified Al–Cu alloy, it is emerged that the interior of all nanocrystalline grains are long-period stacking structure composed of face centred cubic (FCC) and hexagonal close-packed (HCP). These details provide important information for the production of Al–Cu binary alloy nano-polycrystalline products.
Nitrosopumilus zosterae sp. nov., an autotrophic ammonia-oxidizing archaeon of phylum Thaumarchaeota isolated from coastal eelgrass sediments of Japan
Authors: Nakagawa Tatsunori , Koji Mori , Hosoyama Akira , Yamazoe Atsushi , Tsuchiya Yuki , Ueda Shingo , Takahashi Reiji , Stahl David A.
Published: August 2021

A novel mesophilic and aerobic ammonia-oxidizing archaeon of the phylum

Thaumarchaeota

, strain NM25T, was isolated from coastal eelgrass zone sediment sampled in Shimoda (Japan). The cells were rod-shaped with an S-layer cell wall. The temperature range for growth was 20–37 °C, with an optimum at 30 °C. The pH range for growth was pH 6.1–7.7, with an optimum at pH 7.1. The salinity range for growth was 5–40 %, with an optimum range of 15–32 %. Cells obtained energy from ammonia oxidation and used bicarbonate as a carbon source. Utilization of urea was not observed for energy generation and growth. Strain NM25T required a hydrogen peroxide scavenger, such as α-ketoglutarate, pyruvate or catalase, for sustained growth on ammonia. Growth of strain NM25T was inhibited by addition of low concentrations of some organic compounds and organic mixtures, including complete inhibition by glycerol, peptone and yeast extract. Phylogenetic analysis of four concatenated housekeeping genes (16S rRNA, rpoB, rpsI and atpD) and concatenated AmoA, AmoB, AmoC amino acid sequences indicated that the isolate is similar to members of the genus

Nitrosopumilus

. The closest relative is

Nitrosopumilus ureiphilus

PS0T with sequence similarities of 99.5 % for the 16S rRNA gene and 97.2 % for the amoA gene. Genome relatedness between strain NM25T and

N. ureiphilus

PS0T was assessed by average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization, giving results of 85.4 and 40.2 %, respectively. On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic data, strain NM25T represents a novel species of the genus

Nitrosopumilus

, for which the name sp. nov, is proposed. The type strain is NM25T (=NBRC 111181T=ATCC TSD-147T).
Viperin has species-specific roles in response to herpes simplex virus infection
Authors: Tseng Yeu-Yang , Gowripalan Anjali , Croft Sarah N. , Smith Stewart A. , Helbig Karla J. , Man Si Ming , Tscharke David C.
Published: August 2021

Viperin is a gene with a broad spectrum of antiviral functions and various mechanisms of action. The role of viperin in herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection is unclear, with conflicting data in the literature that is derived from a single human cell type. We have addressed this gap by investigating viperin during HSV-1 infection in several cell types, spanning species and including immortalized, non-immortalized and primary cells. We demonstrate that viperin upregulation by HSV-1 infection is cell-type-specific, with mouse cells typically showing greater increases compared with those of human origin. Further, overexpression and knockout of mouse, but not human viperin significantly impedes and increases HSV-1 replication, respectively. In primary mouse fibroblasts, viperin upregulation by infection requires viral gene transcription and occurs in a predominantly IFN-independent manner. Further we identify the N-terminal domain of viperin as being required for the anti-HSV-1 activity. Interestingly, this is the region of viperin that differs most between mouse and human, which may explain the apparent species-specific activity against HSV-1. Finally, we show that HSV-1 virion host shutoff (vhs) protein is a key viral factor that antagonises viperin in mouse cells. We conclude that viperin can be upregulated by HSV-1 in mouse and human cells, and that mouse viperin has anti-HSV-1 activity.
Performance and safety of induced sputum procedure in young children in Malawi: a prospective study
Authors: Nyangulu Wongani WN , Thole Herbert HT , Chikhoza Angella AC , Msakwiza Mike MM , Nyirenda James JN , Chisala Mphatso MC , Iroh Tam Pui-Ying P-YIT
Published: August 2021

Background

Collecting sputum specimens are a challenge in infants and young children. We assessed performance and safety of induced sputum (IS) collection in this population, embedded in a prospective study evaluating respiratory cryptosporidiosis in Malawian children with diarrheal disease.

Methods

We assessed sputum quality and correlation with detection of cryptosporidium, and evaluated safety and adverse events in 162 children.

Results

Among 159 stool specimens tested, 34 (21%, 95% CI 15.0 – 28%) were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. There were160 IS and 161 nasopharyngeal (NP) specimens collected. The majority of IS specimens 122/147 (83%) were clear in appearance, and 132/147 (90%) were of good quality. Among the respiratory specimens tested, 10 (6.3%, 95% CI 2.5 - 10) IS and 4 (3% (95% CI 0 – 5)) NP were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. When stool cryptosporidium PCR was the gold standard, IS PCR sensitivity was higher (29 %, 95% CI 22 – 37) compared to NP PCR (12%, 95% CI 7 – 17) for detection of Cryptosporidium spp. One (0.4%) adverse event occurred, a drop in oxygen saturations at 30-minute post procedure evaluation. Consciousness – level, median respiratory rate and oxygen saturations were unchanged, before or after IS.

Conclusions

IS provides good quality specimens, is more sensitive than NP specimens for diagnosis of respiratory cryptosporidiosis, and collection can be done safely in children hospitalized with diarrheal disease.
A systematic review of the impact of the Alpha and Gamma variants of concern on hospitalization and symptomatic rates of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Schroeder Alexandra , MacLeod Matthew R.
Published: August 2021

The hospitalization and symptomatic rates of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Disease 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) are key epidemiological parameters affecting risk analyses conducted for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) during the Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. As one of the criteria of a variant of concern (VOC) is that it affects disease severity, the authors sought to understand whether the Alpha and Gamma VOCs are significantly different in these two parameters than the original wildtype of SARS-CoV-2, the most prevalent in relevant areas of Canada as of study initiation. Searches for studies were conducted in Scopus and PubMed, and located through following citations and receiving studies from daily literature scans. For the hospitalization outcome, effect ratios relative to original wildtype were included. For the symptomatic ratio, the ratio itself for each variant was used. Analysis of age-related effects was of particular value, as CAF members are primarily adults under the age of 60. The firmest conclusion of this review is that the Alpha VOC comes with a higher relative risk of hospitalization compared to the original wildtype, most likely above 1.4, while unlikely to be above 2, with the balance of evidence being that the relative risk is not significantly modified by age. The evidence for Gamma is more limited, but the odds ratio may be above 2, and potentially much greater than that, especially for those 20-39 years of age. For both VOCs reports on symptomatic ratio differed on whether there was an effect, as well as its potential direction.