bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoparticle/biopolymer-based coatings for functionalization of textiles: recent developments (a minireview)
Authors: Vrinceanu Narcisa , Bucur Stefan , Rimbu Cristina Mihaela , Neculai-Valeanu Sabina , Ferrandiz Bou Santiago , Suchea Mirela Petruta
Published: January 2022

This minireview presents recent developments in surface nano-structured textiles and their biomedical applications by up-to-date achievements, summarizing the coatings made of biopolymer films and nanoparticles on different textile substrates for enhanced medical applications, diminishing the incidence of the multiple range of hospital-acquired infections in the past 10 years. The combination of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles with biopolymers is an efficient technique to generate enhanced antibacterial, virucidal and antifungal properties to textiles. Only a few review articles offer a comprehensive insight into the surface tailoring of textiles by nanoparticles–biopolymers use as an alternative for surface modification of textiles, granting them biocidal performance. The overview points out the compelling reasons for scientists and experts to enhance the already existing results in the biomedical textiles domain, with an emphasis on antimicrobial responsivity, highlighting: (a) the benefit of the simultaneous nanoparticles–biopolymers deposition on textiles by various deposition techniques, meaning the wash fastness of the antibacterial attributes and the biocompatibility of the material in comparison with only nanoparticle coating; (b) the use of biopolymers to stabilize colloidal dispersions of nanoparticles, granting the nanoparticles functionalities for covalent immobilization on textiles with long-lasting antibacterial effect; (c) the most usual metal and metal oxide nanoparticles and biopolymers for antibacterial textile applications.
Impact of Language and Ethnicity on Pediatric Tracheostomy Outcomes
Authors: Garza Nathan , Chorney Stephen R. , Kou Yann‐Fuu , Johnson Romaine F.
Published: January 2022

Objective

To compare outcomes after tracheostomy between children from Spanish‐ and English‐speaking families.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care children’s hospital.

Methods

All children <18 years of age who had a tracheostomy placed between 2014 and 2020 were included. Comorbidities and postsurgical outcomes were compared between (1) children whose families preferred speaking Spanish or identified as Hispanic/Latino and (2) children from English‐language or non‐Hispanic families.

Results

A total of 339 children met inclusion, with 11% (37/339) from families identifying Spanish as their primary language and 33% (112/339) identifying as Hispanic. Spanish‐speaking families were more likely to have tracheostomy‐dependent children with cardiac conditions (65% vs 42%, P =. 008) and high complexity (72% vs 49%, P =. 007). Outcomes were similar regardless of language preference, with 45% (153/339) still tracheostomy dependent, 28% (94/339) decannulated, and 6.8% (23/339) deceased at a median follow‐up of 1.77 years (interquartile range, 0.65‐3.43). Severe neurocognitive disabilities were similar between Spanish‐ and English‐language families (P >. 05). Spanish language was not associated with times to decannulation or death in univariate or multiple regression models. A sensitivity analysis of self‐identified Hispanic or Latino patients did not show significant differences for time to decannulation, death, or neurocognitive disability rates (P >. 05).

Conclusion

Spanish language and Hispanic ethnicity appear to have minimal impact on pediatric tracheostomy outcomes.
Computational analysis of induced magnetohydrodynamic non-Newtonian nanofluid flow over nonlinear stretching sheet
Authors: Anwar Muhammad Imran , Firdous Hina , Zubaidi A.Al , Abbas Nadeem , Nadeem Sohail
Published: January 2022

In the current article, induced magnetic field applied on second-grade fluid flow under variable thermal conductivity by an exponentially stretching sheet is taken into account for current analysis. The chemical reaction and viscous dissipation effects under the influence of thermophoresis and Brownian motion are considered on an exponentially stretching sheet. With the above assumptions, a mathematical model was developed in terms of partial differential equations by using the boundary-layer approximations. Similarity transformations in terms of ordinary differential equations considerably simplified this system. The dimensionless system was solved by a numerical procedure, the bvp4c method. The effects of involving physical parameters are presented through graphs and tables. The obtained numerical outcomes of the skin friction coefficient, the Sherwood number, and the Nusselt number are also highlighted in the tabulated form. It is concluded that the velocity and concentration profiles increased due to higher values of material parameter.
General education in Taiwan’s universities: Development, challenges, and role
Authors: Ye Yan-Hong , Shih Yi-Huang , Wang Ru-Jer
Published: January 2022

General education is closely tied to universities because the holistic and liberal elements of modern general education are key ideals of both traditional Chinese and Western universities. General education plays a key role in the sustainable development of universities and the realization of their educational ideals. This study discusses the development and challenges of general education in Taiwan’s universities, and the role of general education in the sustainable development of universities. According to a literature review, this study explores the following roles: (1) general education as the foundation of university professional education; (2) general education reform as the foundation of university education reform; (3) general education as the educational ideal of universities; (4) general education as a solution for the “knowledge-only” and “dehumanization” problems of universities; (5) general education as a buffer between technology and humanities in universities; (6) general education as a tool for the enrichment of university culture; and (7) general education as a means to achieve the goals of universities and promote their sustainable development.
Severely impaired CTL killing is a feature of the neurological disorder Niemann-Pick disease type C1
Authors: Castiblanco Daniela , Rudd-Schmidt Jesse A. , Noori Tahereh , Sutton Vivien R. , Hung Ya Hui , Flinsenberg Thijs W. H. , Hodel Adrian W. , Young Neil D. , Smith Nicholas , Bratkovic Drago , Peters Heidi , Walterfang Mark , Trapani Joseph A. , Brennan Amelia J. , Voskoboinik Ilia
Published: January 2022

Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NP-C1) is a rare lysosomal storage disorder resulting from mutations in an endolysosomal cholesterol transporter, NPC1. Despite typically presenting with pronounced neurological manifestations, NP-C1 also resembles long-term congenital immunodeficiencies that arise from impairment of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) effector function. CTLs kill their targets through exocytosis of the contents of lysosome-like secretory cytotoxic granules (CGs) that store and ultimately release the essential pore-forming protein perforin and proapoptotic serine proteases, granzymes, into the synapse formed between the CTL and target cell. We discovered that NPC1 deficiency increases CG lipid burden, impairs autophagic flux through stalled trafficking of the transcription factor EB (TFEB), and dramatically reduces CTL cytotoxicity. Using a variety of immunological and cell biological techniques, we found that the cytotoxic defect arises specifically from impaired perforin pore formation. We demonstrated defects of CTL function of varying severity in patients with NP-C1, with the greatest losses of function associated with the most florid and/or earliest disease presentations. Remarkably, perforin function and CTL cytotoxicity were restored in vitro by promoting lipid clearance with therapeutic 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin; however, restoration of autophagy through TFEB overexpression was ineffective. Overall, our study revealed that NPC1 deficiency has a deleterious impact on CTL (but not natural killer cell) cytotoxicity that, in the long term, may predispose patients with NP-C1 to atypical infections and impaired immune surveillance more generally.
Extracellular vesicle-mediated cellular crosstalk in lung repair, remodelling and regeneration
Authors: Kadota Tsukasa , Fujita Yu , Araya Jun , Ochiya Takahiro , Kuwano Kazuyoshi
Published: January 2022

The unperturbed lung is highly quiescent, with a remarkably low level of cell turnover. However, once damaged, the lung shows an extensive regenerative capacity, with resident progenitor cell populations re-entering the cell cycle and differentiating to promote repair. This quick and dramatic repair response requires interactions among more than 40 different cell lineages in the lung, and defects in any of these processes can lead to various lung pathologies. Understanding the mechanisms of interaction in lung injury, repair and regeneration thus has considerable practical and therapeutic implications. Moreover, therapeutic strategies for replacing lung progenitor cells and their progeny through cell therapy have gained increasing attention. In the last decade, extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, have been recognised as paracrine mediators through the transfer of biological cargo. Recent work has revealed that EVs are involved in lung homeostasis and diseases. In addition, EVs derived from specific cells or tissues have proven to be a promising cell-free modality for the treatment of lung diseases. This review highlights the EV-mediated cellular crosstalk that regulates lung homeostasis and discusses the potential of EV therapeutics for lung regenerative medicine.
The effects of virtual reality training in stroke and Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation: a systematic review and a perspective on usability
Authors: Sevcenko Ksenija , Lindgren Ingrid
Published: January 2022

Background

Virtual Reality (VR) training is emerging in the neurorehabilitation field. Technological advancement is often faster than clinical implementation. Previous reviews stressed the study design and methodological weaknesses of research in the field of VR for neurorehabilitation. Clinically relevant conclusions on implementation in particular patient groups are needed.

The aim was to update the existing knowledge with the recent evidence on the effects of VR training on functional ability of patients with stroke and Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Secondary objective was to analyze the aspects of usability of VR intervention in these populations.

Methods

Systematic literature search (via PubMed, CENTRAL) was conducted from inception to February 29, 2020 to identify suitable articles for two population subcategories. Randomized controlled trials published from 2016 to 2020, investigating the effectiveness of VR on a variety of outcomes contributing to the functional independence were included. Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist was used for a methodological quality assessment of the primary studies. Given the heterogeneity in types of VR intervention and outcomes, a descriptive synthesis was conducted.

Results

A total of 18 randomized controlled trials were included (10 in stroke subcategory, 8 in PD). CASP grading ranged 9–11, suggesting high methodological quality. All studies concluded that overall VR might be as effective as the conventional training, but more motivating. In some studies, VR was found to have a greater effect, taking the high response to treatment and satisfaction into account.

Conclusions

VR training is suggested as an effective intervention to improve the functional ability in stroke and PD patients. Addition of VR into a rehabilitation program might facilitate patient’s motivation, participation and improvement, as this method was generally well accepted, and the results of trials were promising. The consideration of disorder-specific aspects should take place during the decision-making of VR implementation.
Relationship of a new anthropometric index with left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients among the Han Chinese
Authors: Cai Shuang , Dong Jing , Cheng Bokai , Zhang Anhang , Sun Jin , Li Man , Su Yongkang , Bao Qiligeer , Zhu Ping , Wang Shuxia
Published: January 2022

Background

This study aimed to assess the relationship of a new anthropometric index with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in hypertensive patients among the Han Chinese.

Methods

The study is a community-based cross-sectional study that included 4639 patients with hypertension and integrated clinical and echocardiographic data. Left ventricular (LV) mass was measured by transthoracic echocardiography. LVH was diagnosed by using the criteria of left ventricular mass indexed (LVMI) over 49.2 g/m2.7for men and 46.7 g/m2.7for women. Quartiles of a body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), waist circumference (WC), and body mass index (BMI) were used regarding LVH prevalence. The logistic regression model was used to determine the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the new anthropometric index and LVH. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the predictive ability of the obesity indices for LVH risk.

Results

The prevalence of LVH increased across quartiles for ABSI, BRI, BMI, and WC. Comparing the lowest with the highest quartile, adjusted OR (95% CI) for LVH were significantly different for BRI 3.86 (3.12–4.77), BMI 3.54 (2.90–4.31), and WC 2.29 (1.88–2.78). No association was observed for ABSI. According to ROC analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) of BRI was (AUC: 0.653, 95% CI 0.637–0.669), BMI (AUC: 0.628, 95% CI 0.612–0.644), WC (AUC: 0.576, 95% CI 0.559–0.593), ABSI (AUC: 0.499, 95% CI 0.482–0.516).

Conclusions

This study shows that LVH prevalence increased per quartile across the Han Chinese population with hypertension for ABSI, BRI, BMI, and WC. There is a significant association between BRI and LVH in hypertensive people, while ABSI was not. BRI showed potential for use as an alternative obesity measure in the assessment of LVH.
Bio-psycho-social characteristics and impact of musculoskeletal pain in one hundred children and adolescents consulting general practice
Authors: Pourbordbari Negar , Jensen Martin Bach , Olesen Jens Lykkegaard , Holden Sinead , Rathleff Michael Skovdal
Published: January 2022

Background

Eight percent of all child and adolescent general practice consultations are due to musculoskeletal conditions, with pain as the most frequent symptom. Despite the commonality of musculoskeletal pain, limited knowledge exists about care-seeking children and adolescents with musculoskeletal pain.

The purpose of this study was to describe characteristics of children and adolescents consulting their general practitioner with musculoskeletal pain.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study based on baseline data from the child and adolescent musculoskeletal pain cohort study (ChiBPS), carried out in 17 Danish general practice clinics. Patients aged 8–19 years who had musculoskeletal pain when consulting their general practitioner were recruited. Participants completed a questionnaire on demographics, physical activity, pain impact, psychosocial factors, and expectations of their general practitioner. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Normally distributed continuous data were described using mean and standard deviation while non-normally data were described using median and interquartile range (IQR).

Results

We included 100 participants (54% female, median age 13 [IQR: 12–16.5 years]). Frequent pain sites limiting activity were knee (56%), back (20%), ankle (19%), and neck (13%). Most participants (63%) consulted their general practitioner due to inability to use their body as usual, due to pain. Median pain duration at consultation was 5 months [IQR: 3 weeks-1 year]. More than a third were often/sometimes nervous (34%), worried or anxious (33%), and took pain medication (33%). Pain impeded ability to participate in sport activities at school (79%) and disturbed spare time activities (88%). Pain also made it difficult to concentrate for 58%, and to fall asleep for 38%. Only 38% expected a pain free long-term future.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the bio-psycho-social impact of musculoskeletal pain in care-seeking children and adolescents. Demographics, pain characteristics, psychosocial characteristics, and physical characteristics should be included in addressing children and adolescents with musculoskeletal pain.

Trial registration

The ChiBPS study was pre-registered before participant recruitment (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03678922) date: 09.20.18.
Patterns of social relationships among community-dwelling older adults in Japan: latent class analysis
Authors: Miura Kumi Watanabe , Sekiguchi Takuya , Otake-Matsuura Mihoko , Sawada Yuko , Tanaka Emiko , Watanabe Taeko , Tomisaki Etsuko , Okumura Rika , Kawasaki Yuriko , Ito Sumio , Anme Tokie
Published: January 2022

Background

Social relationships may be the key to successful aging among older adults. However, little is known about the variability of social relationships among community-dwelling older people. This study aimed to describe the patterns of social relationships and examine the differences in sociodemographic characteristics and mental and physical health status among these patterns.

Methods

We obtained the data from a questionnaire survey in 2017 for older adults aged 65 and above who lived in a suburban area in Japan. The Index of Social Interaction (ISI) was used to evaluate social relationships. The final sample comprised 964 people who were independently mobile and answered at least one item of the ISI. To clarify the patterns of social relationships, latent class analysis was performed with five subscales of ISI treated as indicator variables. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to examine the factors associated with the patterns of social relationships.

Results

The patterns of social relationships were classified into three classes: “Active” (73.6%), “Socially isolated” (14.7%), and “Less motivated” (11.7%). Persons who had depressive symptoms were more likely to be allocated to the “Socially isolated” (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.80, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.13–2.86) or the “Less motivated” groups (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.00–2.85) compared to the “Active” group. In addition, men (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.07–2.76) and those living alone (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.43–6.61) were more likely to be allocated to the “Socially isolated” group. Moreover, those who were dependent, according to the instrumental activities and daily living functions, were more likely to be assigned to the “Socially isolated” (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.21–3.97) or “Less motivated” (OR 6.29, 95% CI 3.47–11.39) groups.

Conclusion

This study revealed the patterns of social relationships in older adults and suggested that there may be variations of social relationships among community dwellers. The results also indicated the necessity of assessing individual patterns of social relationships and devising strategies for each pattern in public health practice.
Barriers and facilitators to person-centred infection prevention and control: results of a survey about the Dementia Isolation Toolkit
Authors: Iaboni Andrea , Quirt Hannah , Engell Katia , Kirkham Julia , Stewart Steven , Grigorovich Alisa , Kontos Pia , McMurray Josephine , Levy AnneMarie , Bingham Kathleen , Rodrigues Kevin , Astell Arlene , Flint Alastair J. , Maxwell Colleen
Published: January 2022

Background

People working in long-term care homes (LTCH) face difficult decisions balancing the risk of infection spread with the hardship imposed on residents by infection control and prevention (ICP) measures. The Dementia Isolation Toolkit (DIT) was developed to address the gap in ethical guidance on how to safely and effectively isolate people living with dementia while supporting their personhood. In this observational study, we report the results of a survey of LTCH staff on barriers and facilitators regarding isolating residents, and the impact of the DIT on staff moral distress.

Methods

We completed an online cross-sectional survey. Participants (n = 207) were staff working on-site in LTCH in Ontario, Canada since March 1, 2020, with direct or indirect experience with the isolation of residents. LTCH staff were recruited through provincial LTCH organizations, social media, and the DIT website. Survey results were summarized, and three groups compared, those: (1) unfamiliar with, (2) familiar with, and (3) users of the DIT.

Results

61% of respondents identified distress of LTCH staff about the harmful effects of isolation on residents as a major barrier to effective isolation. Facilitators for isolation included delivery of 1:1 activity in the resident’s room (81%) and designating essential caregivers to provide support (67%). Almost all respondents (84%) reported an increase in moral distress. DIT users were less likely to report an impact of moral distress on job satisfaction (odds ratio (OR) 0.41, 95% CI 0.19-0.87) with 48% of users reporting the DIT was helpful in reducing their level of moral distress.

Conclusions

Isolation as an ICP measure in LTCH environments creates moral distress among staff which is a barrier to its effectiveness. ICP guidance to LTCH would be strengthened by the inclusion of a dementia-specific ethical framework that addresses how to minimize the harms of isolation on both residents and staff.
Postpartum bonding and association with depressive symptoms and prenatal attachment in women with fear of birth
Authors: Hildingsson Ingegerd , Rubertsson Christine
Published: January 2022

Background

Co-morbidity is prevalent in women with fear of birth. Depressive symptoms and lack of prenatal attachment might influence the postpartum bonding between the mother and the new-born.

Aim

To examine the underlying dimensions of the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire and to investigate associations between depressive symptoms, prenatal attachment and postpartum bonding in women with fear of birth.

Methods

A longitudinal study comprising 172 women with fear of birth. Data were collected by questionnaires in mid- and late pregnancy and two months after birth. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depressive Scale, Prenatal Attachment Inventory and Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire were investigated.

Results

Two factors of the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire were identified: Factor 1 mirrored caring activities and the women’s perceptions of motherhood, whereas Factor 2 reflected negative feelings towards the baby. The Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire was negatively correlated with the Prenatal Attachment Inventory and positively with The Edinburgh Postnatal Depressive Scale.

Women with fear of birth and depressive symptoms both during pregnancy and postpartum showed the highest risk of impaired bonding after birth. Primiparity and being single were also associated with impaired bonding.

Conclusion

A focus on women’s mental health during pregnancy is necessary in order to avoid the negative effects of impaired bonding on the infant. Depressive symptoms could be concurrent with fear of birth and, therefore, it is important to determine both fear of birth and depressive symptoms in screening procedures during pregnancy. Caregivers who meet women during pregnancy need to acknowledge prenatal attachment and thereby influence adaptation to motherhood.
Determination risk factors for severe and profound hearing loss in child candidates for cochlear implantation in southeast of Iran during 2014-2020
Authors: Afshar Parya Jangipour , Afsharmanesh Jila , Eslahi Marzieh , Sheikhbardsiri Hojjat , Moghadam Mahmood Nekoei
Published: January 2022

Background

Hearing loss can have a major impact on children’s language development, academic success and hearing comprehension. The aim of the present study was to determinate risk factors for severe and profound hearing loss in child candidates for cochlear implantation in southeast of Iran during 2014–2020.

Materials and methods

This case-control study consisted of 400 children referring to a cochlear implant center (in southeastern Iran) from Bandar Abbas, Zahedan and Kerman during the years 2014–2020 as cases. The subjects were selected using the random sampling method; 200 children hospitalized in Shafa and Afzalipour hospitals were selected as controls.

Results

Based on the results of the multivariate logistic regression, weight less than 1500 g (OR = 4.40: p < 0.05), hospitalization in NICU (OR = 7.21: p < 0.05), family history of hearing loss (OR = 11.47: p < 0.05), Gestational age over 35 (OR = 9.63: p < 0.05), intracranial hemorrhage (OR = 5.18: p < 0.05), consanguineous marriage (OR = 12.48: p < 0.05) and high fever and seizures (OR = 3.02: p < 0.05) were recognized as risk factors for sensorineural deafness in children.

Conclusion

Most of the risk factors for deafness are preventable, and hereditary factors play an important role in congenital deafness in children. Therefore, genetic counseling before consanguineous marriage, early diagnosis, timely intervention can prevent many cases of hearing loss in children.
Pharmacy responses during the COVID-19 pandemic: a questionnaire survey
Authors: Watanabe Shinichi , Inami Yu , Kimura Hiroshi , Yano Takaaki , Ono Masafumi , Akizuki Ryosuke , Nawata Yukihiro , Tanaka Tomomi , Furukawa Kiyoshi , Tanaka Mamoru
Published: January 2022

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has heavily affected the economy, industries, and medicine. Local governments and medical institutions have struggled to respond. The purpose of this questionnaire survey was to evaluate strategies for pharmacy services, availability of ethanol for disinfection, and measures adopted for in-house infection control aiming to enhance future infection control efforts.

Methods

Since pharmacies have been also affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, we surveyed COVID-19 measures taken at 174 pharmacies in Ehime prefecture, Japan.

Results

The survey showed that pharmacies made changes to facilities and equipment, such as installing partitions at dispensing counters, procuring personal protective equipment for employees, and using ethanol for disinfection, even when these items were in short supply. Pharmacies also adopted new strategies, such as holding meetings with suppliers and internal staff via online platforms. Many pharmacies also undertook COVID-19 preventive measures, such as preparing documentation of infection control measures and disinfectants. Moreover, they held lectures and workshops on disinfection and infection control measures.

Conclusions

From public health perspectives, pharmacies should adopt measures to prevent infections spread and, if necessary, utilise online tools and other new strategies to achieve this goal. It is also essential to educate the public about infection control, stockpile supplies, and work with hospitals to prevent COVID-19 spreads.
Qualitatively exploring the intersection of health and housing needs in Canadian crowdfunding campaigns
Authors: Doran Carly , Crooks Valorie , Snyder Jeremy
Published: January 2022

Background

Online crowdfunding platforms such as GoFundMe fundraise millions of dollars annually for campaigners. Medical crowdfunding is a very popular campaign type, with campaigners often requesting funds to cover basic health and medical care needs. Here we explore the ways that health needs intersect with housing needs in Canadian crowdfunding campaigns. In Canada, both health and housing needs may be addressed through legislative or policy intervention, are public health priorities, and are perceived as entitlements related to people’s basic human rights. We specifically develop a classification scheme of these intersections.

Methods

We extensively reviewed Canadian crowdfunding campaigns on GoFundMe, the largest charitable crowdfunding platform, using a series of keywords to form the basis of the classification scheme. Through this process we identified five categories of intersection. We extracted 100 campaigns, 20 for each category, to ascertain the scope of these categories.

Results

Five categories form the basis of the classification scheme: (1) instances of poor health creating the need to temporarily or permanently relocate to access care or treatment; (2) house modification funding requests to enhance mobility or otherwise meet some sort of health-related need; (3) campaigns posted by people with health needs who were not able to afford housing costs, which may be due to the cost of treatment or medication or the inability to work due to health status; (4) campaigns seeking funding to address dangerous or unhealthy housing that was negatively impacting health; and (5) people describing an ongoing cyclical relationship between health and housing need.

Conclusions

This analysis demonstrates that health and housing needs intersect within the crowdfunding space. The findings reinforce the need to consider health and housing needs together as opposed to using a siloed approach to addressing these pressing social issues, while the classification scheme assist with articulating the breadth of what such co-consideration must include.
Osteoclasts secrete leukemia inhibitory factor to promote abnormal bone remodeling of subchondral bone in osteoarthritis
Authors: Zhao Xin , Ma Long , Guo Haohui , Wang Jian , Zhang Shuai , Yang Xiaochun , Yang Lvlin , Jin Qunhua
Published: January 2022

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic degenerative joint disease. At present, there is no effective treatment to check the progression of osteoarthritis. Osteochondral units are considered to be one of the most important structures affecting the occurrence and development of osteoarthritis. Osteoclasts mediate an increase in abnormal bone remodeling in subchondral bone in the early stage of osteoarthritis. Here, alendronate (ALN) that inhibit osteoclasts was used to study the regulatory effect of osteoclast-derived leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) on early abnormal bone remodeling.

Methods

This study involved 10-week-old wild-type female C57BL/6 mice and female SOST knockout (KO) mice that were divided into the sham, vehicle, ALN, and SOST KO groups.

Results

The expression of LIF was found to decrease by inhibiting osteoclasts, and the histological OA score suggested that the degeneration of articular cartilage was attenuated. Additionally, micro-CT showed that osteoclasts inhibited in the early stage of OA could maintain the microstructure of the subchondral bone. The parameters of bone volume fraction (BV/TV), subchondral bone plate thickness (SBP.Th), and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) of the treated group were better than those of the vehicle group.

Conclusions

These results suggested that downregulating the expression of sclerostin in osteocytes by secreting LIF from osteoclasts, activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and promote abnormal bone remodeling in OA. Therefore, clastokine LIF might be a potential molecular target to promote abnormal bone remodeling in early OA.
Importance of circulating adipocytokines in multiple myeloma: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on case-control studies
Authors: Liu Rui , Gao Dandan , Lv Yang , Zhai Meng , He Aili
Published: January 2022

Background

Adipocytes and their products, adipocytokines, play important roles in the generation and development of multiple myeloma (MM). Studies have demonstrated some adipocytokines to be associated with MM, although those results are controversial. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to verify the association of adipocytokines with MM.

Methods

We performed a systematic retrieval of literature published prior to 26 October 2021. Standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to evaluate pooled effects. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis were conducted to detect sources of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the stability of the study. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plots and Egger’s linear regression test.

Results

Ten eligible studies with 1269 MM patients and 2158 controls were included. The pooled analyses indicated that circulating leptin levels of MM patients were significantly higher than control levels (SMD= 0.87, 95%CI: 0.33 to 1.41), while the circulating adiponectin levels in MM patients were significantly lower than controls with a pooled SMD of -0.49 (95%CI: -0.78 to -0.20). The difference of circulating resistin levels were not significant between MM patients and controls (SMD= -0.08, 95%CI: -0.55 to 0.39). Subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis found that sample size, age, and sex were possible sources of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated our pooled results to be stable.

Conclusion

Decreased circulating adiponectin and increased leptin levels were associated with the occurrence and development of MM. Adiponectin and leptin may be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for MM.
Clinical manifestations of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma that exhibits initial symptoms in the maxilla and mandible: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Michi Yasuyuki , Harada Hiroyuki , Oikawa Yu , Okuyama Kohei , Kugimoto Takuma , Kuroshima Takeshi , Hirai Hideaki , Mochizuki Yumi , Shimamoto Hiroaki , Tomioka Hirofumi , Kachi Hirokazu , Sakamoto Jun-ichiro , Kayamori Kou , Yoda Tetsuya
Published: January 2022

Background

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of lymphatic tumor; however, extranodal DLBCLs that exhibit initial symptoms in the maxilla and mandible are rare. Moreover, DLBCL is clinically classified as a moderate to highly malignant lymphatic tumor that can progress rapidly; therefore, early diagnosis is crucial. However, diagnosis is difficult as the disease causes a diverse range of clinical symptoms with no characteristic imaging findings. We conducted a clinical investigation to clarify the clinical characteristics of DLBCL that exhibits initial manifestation in the maxilla and mandible.

Methods

Of the 2748 patients with malignant tumors of the oral and maxillofacial region examined at our hospital during a period of 11 years between January 2006 and December 2016, 27 primary cases diagnosed with DLBCL based on the chief complaint of symptoms in the gingiva and bone of the maxilla and mandible were enrolled in this study. Evaluations were based on sex, age, whether treatment was provided by a previous physician, symptoms, duration of disease until treatment was sought, clinical diagnosis, laboratory findings, and imaging results.

Results

There were 15 cases that involved the maxilla and 12 that involved the mandible. The median duration of disease until treatment was sought was 60 d (3–450 d). All cases exhibited a tumor or a mass, and hypoesthesia of the chin was confirmed in eight cases wherein the mandible was involved. The clinical stages were stage I in eight cases, stage II in ten cases, and stage IV in nine cases. Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were elevated in 13 of 22 patients. The overall survival rate was 63%.

Conclusions

Symptoms associated with nontender swelling and numbness of the lip or chin in the absence of other findings such as dental infections should raise suspicions about DLBCL. Patients should be provided appropriate imaging and accurate biopsy assessments to improve prognosis.
Effects of using an abdominal simulator to develop palpatory competencies in 3rd year medical students
Authors: Hamm Robert M. , Kelley David M. , Medina Jose A. , Syed Noreen S. , Harris Geraint A. , Papa Frank J.
Published: January 2022

Background

Medical school faculty are hard pressed to provide clerkship students with sufficient opportunity to develop and practice their capacity to perform a competent clinical examination, including the palpatory examination of the abdomen. We evaluated the impact of training with an abdominal simulator, AbSim, designed to monitor the depth, location, and thoroughness of their palpation and to provide concurrent and summative feedback regarding their performance.

Methods

All third-year medical students were given the opportunity to develop their palpatory skills with the AbSim simulator during the family medicine rotation. The performance of those who studied with the simulator was measured by its sensors, before and after a training session that included visual feedback regarding the depth and coverage of the student’s manual pressure. Additionally, all students reported their confidence in their evolving abdominal palpation skills at the beginning and end of the rotation.

Results

119 (86.9%) of 137 students filled out the initial questionnaire, and 73 (61.3%) studied with the abdominal simulator. The training produced a highly significant improvement in their overall performance (4 measures, p’s < 0.001). Pre-training performance (depth calibration and thoroughness of coverage) was not related to the number of months of previous clinical rotations nor to previous internal medicine or surgery rotations. There was little relation between students’ confidence in their abdominal examination skills and objective measures of their palpatory performance; however, students who chose the training started with less confidence, and became more confident after training.

Conclusions

Guided abdominal simulator practice increased medical students’ capacity to perform an abdominal examination with more appropriate depth and thoroughness of palpation. Interpretation of changes in confidence are uncertain, because confidence was unrelated to objectively measured performance. However, students with low initial confidence in their abdominal examination seemed to be more likely to choose to study with the abdominal simulator.
Waiting time and its associated factors in patients presenting to outpatient departments at Public Hospitals of Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Biya Mensur , Gezahagn Matebu , Birhanu Bezawit , Yitbarek Kiddus , Getachew Nigusu , Beyene Waju
Published: January 2022

Background

Waiting time is defined as the total time that a patient spends in a facility from arrival at the registration desk until the time she/he leaves the facility or last service. In Ethiopia, the waiting time in the hospitals particularly in the outpatient department is lengthy. Studies at Jimma University specialized hospital indicated patients are forced to wait an average of 4.5 waiting hours to get service. Even there are many hospitals found in the zone, there is a paucity of information regarding waiting time and associated factors. Hence, this study is aimed to assess waiting time and associated factors at outpatient departments in Public Hospitals of Jimma zone, southwest Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study design was used from March 22 to June 3, 2020. A total of 422 study subjects were included in the study and systematic random sampling methods were used. The data were collected by observing the whole service points of each patient. The exit interview was made at the last point of the service unit. Descriptive statistics, bi-variable and multi-variable logistic regressions were used.

Results

The whole waiting time patients spent in the hospitals before getting service was a minimum of 41 and a maximum of 185 min. Patients who came far from the hospitals were 1.93 times (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI, 1.16, 3.21) more likely to spend longer waiting time as compared to those who came from the hospital's area.

Patients visited on Monday were 2.64 times (AOR = 2.64; 95% CI, 1.45, 4.79) more likely to spend longer waiting time than those who visited the hospital on Friday. Patients who arrived early in the morning were 3.22 times (AOR = 3.22; 95% CI, 1.32, 7.86) more likely to spend longer waiting time than those who arrived in the afternoon.

Conclusions

The mean waiting time was higher than the average recommended time by Business Process Reengineering (BPR) and more than five out of every ten clients spent long waiting time at outpatient departments Waiting time was affected by Educational status, residence, arrival time, and date of the visit.
A comparative study of next-generation sequencing and fragment analysis for the detection and allelic ratio determination of FLT3 internal tandem duplication
Authors: Kim Jin Ju , Lee Kwang Seob , Lee Taek Gyu , Lee Seungjae , Shin Saeam , Lee Seung-Tae
Published: January 2022

Background

Currently, FLT3 internal tandem duplication (ITD) is tested by fragment analysis. With next-generation sequencing (NGS), however, not only FLT3 ITD but also other mutations can be detected, which can provide more genetic information on disease.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the results of two tests—fragment analysis and a custom-designed, hybridization capture-based, targeted NGS panel—performed simultaneously. We used the Pindel algorithm to detect FLT3 ITD mutations.

Results

Among 277 bone marrow aspirate samples tested by NGS and fragment analysis, the results revealed 99.6% concordance in FLT3 ITD detection. Overall, the allele frequency (AF) attained by NGS positively correlated with the standard allelic ratio (AR) attained by fragment analysis, with a Spearman correlation coefficient (r) of 0.757 (95% confidence interval: 0.627–0.846; p < 0.001). It was concluded that an AF of 0.11 attained by NGS is the most appropriate cutoff value (with 85.3% sensitivity and 86.7% specificity) for high mutation burden criterion presented by guidelines.

Conclusion

Sensitive FLT3 ITD detection with comprehensive information of other mutation offered by NGS could be a useful tool in clinical laboratories. Future studies will be needed to evaluate and standardize NGS AF cutoff to predict actual clinical outcomes.
Human embryonic mesenchymal lung-conditioned medium promotes differentiation to myofibroblast and loss of stemness phenotype in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines
Authors: Canals Jordi , Navarro Alfons , Vila Cristina , Canals Josep M. , Díaz Tania , Acosta-Plasencia Melissa , Cros-Font Coralí , Han Bing , He Yangyi , Monzó Mariano
Published: January 2022

Background

When genes responsible for normal embryonic development are abnormally expressed in adults, it can lead to tumor development. This can suggest that the same mechanism that controls embryonic differentiation can also control tumor differentiation. We hypothesize that the malignant phenotype of lung cancer cells could acquire benign characteristics when in contact with an embryonic lung microenvironment. We cultured two lung cancer cell lines in embryonic lung mesenchyme-conditioned medium and evaluated morphological, functional and molecular changes.

Methods

The human embryonic mesenchymal lung-conditioned medium (hEML-CM) was obtained by culturing lung cells from embryos in the pseudoglandular stage of development. The NSCLC cell lines A549 and H1299 we cultured in the hEML-CM and in a tumor-conditioned medium. Morphological changes were analyzed with optical and transmission electron microscopy. To evaluate the functional effect of conditioned medium in tumor cells, we analyzed cell proliferation, migration, colony formation capacity in 2D and 3D and in vivo tumor growth capacity. The expression of the pluripotency genes OSKM, the adenocarcinoma marker NKX2-1, the lung surfactant proteins SFTP, the myofibroblast marker MYH and DNMT3A/3B was analyzed with qRT-PCR and the presence of the myofibroblast markers vimentin and α-SMA with immunofluorescence. Transcriptomic analysis was performed using Affymetrix arrays.

Results

The A549 and H1299 cells cultured in hEML-CM lost their epithelial morphology, acquired mesodermal characteristics, and decreased proliferation, migration, and colony formation capacity in 2D and 3D, as well as reduced its capacity to growth in vivo. The expression of OSKM, NKX2-1 and SFTP decreased, while that of DNMT3A/3B, vimentin, α-SMA and MYH increased. Distant matrix analysis based on transcriptomic profile showed that conditioned cells were closer to myoblast and human lung fibroblast than to normal epithelial immortalized lung cells. A total of 1631 for A549 and 866 for H1299 differentially expressed genes between control and conditioned cells were identified.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report that stimuli from the embryonic lung can modulate the malignant phenotype of lung cancer cells, control their growth capacity and activate their differentiation into myofibroblasts. These findings could lead to new strategies for lung cancer management.
Species-resolved sequencing of low-biomass or degraded microbiomes using 2bRAD-M
Authors: Sun Zheng , Huang Shi , Zhu Pengfei , Tzehau Lam , Zhao Helen , Lv Jia , Zhang Rongchao , Zhou Lisha , Niu Qianya , Wang Xiuping , Zhang Meng , Jing Gongchao , Bao Zhenmin , Liu Jiquan , Wang Shi , Xu Jian
Published: January 2022

Microbiome samples with low microbial biomass or severe DNA degradation remain challenging for amplicon-based or whole-metagenome sequencing approaches. Here, we introduce 2bRAD-M, a highly reduced and cost-effective strategy which only sequences ~ 1% of metagenome and can simultaneously produce species-level bacterial, archaeal, and fungal profiles. 2bRAD-M can accurately generate species-level taxonomic profiles for otherwise hard-to-sequence samples with merely 1 pg of total DNA, high host DNA contamination, or severely fragmented DNA from degraded samples. Tests of 2bRAD-M on various stool, skin, environmental, and clinical FFPE samples suggest a successful reconstruction of comprehensive, high-resolution microbial profiles.
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) for the treatment of pediatric nephrotic syndrome: a pilot study
Authors: Merchant Kumail , Zanos Stavros , Datta-Chaudhuri Timir , Deutschman Clifford S. , Sethna Christine B.
Published: January 2022

Background

Children with frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (FRNS) and steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) are exposed to immunosuppressant medications with adverse side effects and variable efficacy. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) modulates the immune system via the inflammatory reflex and has become a therapy of interest for treating immune-mediated illnesses.

Methods

An open-label, pilot study of tavNS for five minutes daily for 26 weeks via a TENS 7000 unit was conducted.

Results

Three FRNS participants and 4 SRNS participants had a mean age of 9.5±4.2 years (range 4 to 17). Those with FRNS remained relapse-free during the study period; two participants continued treatment and remained in remission for 15 and 21 months, respectively. Three SRNS participants experienced a reduction in first morning UPC (mean of 42%, range 25-76%). Although UPC decreased (13.7%) in one SRNS participant with congenital nephrotic syndrome, UPC remained in nephrotic range. All but one participant (non-compliant with treatment) experienced a reduction in TNF (7.33pg/mL vs. 5.46pg/mL, p=0.03). No adverse events or side effects were reported.

Conclusions

taVNS was associated with clinical remission in FRNS and moderately reduced proteinuria in non-congenital SRNS. Further study of taVNS as a treatment for nephrotic syndrome in children is warranted.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04169776, Registered November 20, 2019, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04169776.