bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric evaluation of the Estonian version of the Semi-structured Interview for Personality Functioning DSM-5 (STiP-5.1)
Authors: Oitsalu Maarja-Liisa , Kreegipuu Maie , Hutsebaut Joost
Published: December 2022

Background

The DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders introduced a dimensional perspective on personality disorders. The model assesses functioning in four domains: Identity, Self-Direction, Empathy, and Intimacy. This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the Semi-Structured Interview for Personality Functioning DSM-5 (STiP-5.1) in Estonian.

Method

The sample consists of 131 participants: 58 from the general population and 73 from a mixed clinical sample that is further divided into a mood and anxiety disorder sample and personality disorder sample. All participants completed the STiP-5.1 interview and the Level of Personality Functioning Scale–Brief Form (LPFS-BF 2.0).

Results

The Estonian STiP-5.1 interview has good internal consistency (McDonald's ω between .94–.98) and high convergent validity (correlations with LPFS-BF 2.0 above .7). Interview scores successfully differentiated the general population from the mixed clinical sample (Cohen’s d = 2.68), as well as patients with personality disorder from those without (Cohen’s d = 1.76). The LPFS-BF 2.0 total score differentiates the general population sample from the mixed clinical sample (Cohen’s d = 1.99) but not the personality disorder sample from other clinical sample participants.

Conclusions

The properties of the Estonian STiP-5.1 replicate those of other languages, and empirically support a unified personality functioning dimension that can be meaningfully thought of as reflecting impairments in self and interpersonal functioning. Findings of this study will be discussed in the light of the ongoing debate on the dimensionality of personality pathology and the use of self-report versus interview measures for assessing personality pathology.
First report of chemical composition and cytotoxicity evaluation of Foraminispora rugosa basidiomata from Brazil
Authors: Garcia V. O. , Fronza M. , Von Borowski R. , Alves-Silva G. , Zimmer A. R. , Ruaro T. , Gnoatto S. C. B. , Dallegrave A. , Silveira R. M. B.
Published: November 2022

Background

Foraminispora rugosa is a species reported from Brazil, Venezuela, French Guiana, Costa Rica and Cuba. It is a basidiomycete in the Ganodermataceae family. In this study, both chemical composition and cytotoxicity of the ethanolic extract of F. rugosa were investigated for the first time.

Results

Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the identification of the specimens, and the results of cytotoxicity assays showed that at concentrations of 7.8–500.0 µg/mL the ethanolic extract displayed weak cytotoxicity against the tested cell lines. Five oxylipins were identified by ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight and mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF–MS).

Conclusions

This study provides new insights into the current knowledge of bioactive compounds produced by macrofungi, and provides data for future biological assays with relative selectivity and safety.
Ionospheric responses on the 21 August 2017 solar eclipse by using three-dimensional GNSS tomography
Authors: Chen C. H. , Lin Charles C. H. , Lee C. J. , Liu J. Y. , Saito A.
Published: November 2022

In this study, we have investigated the ionospheric responses on the August 2017 solar eclipse event by using a three-dimensional tomography algorithm with the ground-based GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) total electron content observations around Northern America. This three-dimensional ionospheric electron density structure from the tomography can provide us more information regarding the density variations and propagations of disturbances. Results show that the ionospheric electron density depletion triggered by the solar eclipse started from the higher ionosphere and then extended to lower altitudes. The maximum electron density depletion is around 40% compared with the previous day of solar eclipse. After around 30 min of the totality, the electron density continuously returned to the normal level. We further conduct a procedure of Fourier analyses to derive the vertical phase and group velocities of the electron density propagations. Results show that the opposite directions of the vertical phase and group velocities around 220–240 km altitude imply the energy/oscillation source by the solar eclipse.

Graphical Abstract
Three-dimensional shape distribution of lunar regolith particles collected by the Apollo and Luna programs
Authors: Tsuchiyama Akira , Sakurama Takashi , Nakano Tsukasa , Uesugi Kentaro , Ohtake Makiko , Matsushima Takashi , Terakado Kazuo , Galimov Erik M.
Published: November 2022

The shapes of regolith particles on airless bodies, such as the Moon and asteroids, are important to understand their formation and evolution on surfaces. Limited studies have shown that the three-dimensional (3D) shapes of lunar regolith particles are, on average, more equant (spherical) than those of asteroid Itokawa or fragments by impact experiments. Therefore, more studies are required to determine whether such a feature is common. Accordingly, we performed X-ray microtomography imaging of lunar regolith particles collected by the Apollo program by NASA and the Luna program by the Soviet Union to obtain their 3D shapes. The ten samples (65 to 1108 particles/sample) examined had varieties of sampling sites (maria and highlands), reflecting the difference in materials (basalts and anorthosites, respectively, in general), regolith maturities, particle size ranges (< 74 to 450 µm), and petrographic textures (monomineralic, polymineralic, and agglutinate). The 3D particle shape distributions regarding three-axial length ratios (L:I:S, where L, I, and S are the longest, intermediate, and shortest lengths, respectively) showed that the average three-axial ratios were almost similar among the samples, irrespective of the sampling sites, maturities, and the size ranges [S/I = 0.770(8), I/L = 0.758(10), and S/L = 0.581(11) for whole samples]. The 3D shapes of lunar particles were more equant (spherical) than those of the particles collected from asteroid Itokawa and fragments by hypervelocity impact experiments which had the average ratios similar to the 2D silver ratio (S/I = I/L = 0.707 and S/L = 0.500). These findings showed that the balance between impact fragmentation and mechanical abrasion controls the 3D shapes of lunar particles because impact and particle motion on the Moon’s surface occur for a longer duration; however, impact fragmentation on this small asteroid surface primarily controls those of Itokawa particles. We also found shape dependence on petrographic textures of the lunar particles, and this could be explained by the strength of the materials against abrasion. The results obtained in this study will be the basic data to be compared with upcoming new results, such as particles collected from asteroid Ryugu, possibly from asteroid Bennu and Martian moons.

Graphical Abstract
Diagnostic performance and prognostic value of preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT in renal cell carcinoma patients with venous tumor thrombus
Authors: Chen Silu , Zhao Yanyan , Tang Qi , Wu Caixia , Wang Aixiang , Ma Linlin , Zhang Xi , Chen Jinzhi , Gao Yuan , Liao Xuhe , Feng Ninghan , Fan Yan , Zhang Jianhua , Li Xuesong , Liu Meng
Published: November 2022

Background

To observe the diagnostic efficacy of preoperative fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) upon venous tumor thrombus (VTT) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and investigate the prognostic value of imaging parameters integrated with clinicopathological characteristics in patients with VTT after nephrectomy with tumor thrombectomy.

Methods

Patients with newly diagnosed RCC who underwent18F-FDG PET/CT were reviewed retrospectively. The diagnostic efficacy of18F-FDG PET/CT in VTT was analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the clinical variables and PET/CT variables (including maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of primary tumor, VTT SUVmax and primary tumor size) for differentiating early VTT (Mayo 0-II) from advanced VTT (Mayo III-IV). Cox proportional hazard analyses were used to evaluate clinicopathological factors and PET/CT factors (including distant metastasis, primary tumor SUVmax, VTT SUVmax and primary tumor size) for disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with VTT after operation.

Results

A total of 174 eligible patients were included in this study, including 114 men (65.5%) and 60 women (34.5%), with a median age of 58 years (range, 16–81 years). The distribution of pathological tumor stage (T stage) was 56 (T1), 17 (T2), 95 (T3), and 6 cases (T4), respectively. According to WHO/ISUP grade, except for 4 cases of chromophobe cell RCC, there were 14 patients (8.0%) of grade 1, 59 patients (33.9%) of grade 2, 74 patients (42.5%) of grade 3 and 23 patients (13.2%) of grade 4. The median maximum diameter of the primary tumor on PET/CT was 7.3 cm (5.0–9.5 cm). The distal metastasis was observed in 46 patients (26.4%). Sixty-one cases (35.1%) were confirmed with VTT by pathology. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of18F-FDG PET/CT imaging were 96.7, 99.1, 98.3, 98.3, and 98.2%, in detecting VTT, respectively, and 70.0, 100.0, 94.9, 100.0, and 94.2%, in evaluating the level of VTT, respectively. Elevated VTT SUVmax (≥5.20) could significantly distinguish the early VTT group and advanced VTT group (P = 0.010). In the prognosis analysis, elevated VTT SUVmax (≥4.30) (P = 0.018, HR 3.123, 95% CI 1.212–8.044) and distant metastasis (P = 0.013, HR 3.344, 95% CI 1.293–8.649) were significantly independent predictors for DFS.

Conclusion

Preoperative18F-FDG PET/CT has a high diagnostic efficacy in detecting VTT and evaluating its level in RCC patients. Those patients with elevated VTT SUVmax should be carefully monitored to detect the possibility of disease progression after operation.
Extracellular signals regulate the biogenesis of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Jin Yong , Ma Lele , Zhang Wanying , Yang Wen , Feng Qiyu , Wang Hongyang
Published: November 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are naturally released membrane vesicles that act as carriers of proteins and RNAs for intercellular communication. With various biomolecules and specific ligands, EV has represented a novel form of information transfer, which possesses extremely outstanding efficiency and specificity compared to the classical signal transduction. In addition, EV has extended the concept of signal transduction to intercellular aspect by working as the collection of extracellular information. Therefore, the functions of EVs have been extensively characterized and EVs exhibit an exciting prospect for clinical applications. However, the biogenesis of EVs and, in particular, the regulation of this process by extracellular signals, which are essential to conduct further studies and support optimal utility, remain unclear. Here, we review the current understanding of the biogenesis of EVs, focus on the regulation of this process by extracellular signals and discuss their therapeutic value.
Hypercalcemia affected in metastatic breast cancer patients without bone metastasis: report of three cases
Authors: Hashizume Sakina , Shimoda Masafumi , Yoshinami Tetsuhiro , Abe Kaori , Masunaga Nanae , Sota Yoshiaki , Miyake Tomohiro , Tanei Tomonori , Shimazu Kenzo
Published: November 2022

Background

Since humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy (HHM) in breast cancer patients without bone metastasis is rare, the clinical features of this condition are not fully understood.

Case presentation

During the recent 12 years, 3602 patients were diagnosed with breast cancer in our institution, and only three patients developed HHM without bone metastasis. They were all recurrent breast cancer patients with visceral metastases including the lung and the liver. It took no more than 2 months since symptomatic onset to hospitalization because of hypercalcemia. The maximum serum calcium concentrations were 15.0 mg/dL or higher. All patients had symptoms related to hypercalcemia. Treatment of hypercalcemia including hydration, calcitonin, bisphosphonate, and diuretics was initially effective in the three patients. However, two of three cases were eventually fatal because of unsuccessful treatment of breast cancer.

Conclusions

The common features of HHM without bone metastasis in breast cancer patients include acute onset, severe symptomatic hypercalcemia, and presence of visceral metastasis. Treatment of hypercalcemia decreased serum calcium level in a short period, while successful treatment of breast cancer was essential for a long-term management of HHM. This report provides a consideration to help elucidate the pathophysiology and medical care of breast cancer patients with HHM without bone metastasis.
Expanding known viral diversity in plants: virome of 161 species alongside an ancient canal
Authors: Yang Shixing , Mao Qingqing , Wang Yan , He Jingxian , Yang Jie , Chen Xu , Xiao Yuqing , He Yumin , Zhao Min , Lu Juan , Yang Zijun , Dai Ziyuan , Liu Qi , Yao Yuxin , Lu Xiang , Li Hong , Zhou Rui , Zeng Jian , Li Wang , Zhou Chenglin , Wang Xiaochun , Shen Quan , Xu Hui , Deng Xutao , Delwart Eric , Shan Tongling , Zhang Wen
Published: November 2022

Background

Since viral metagenomic approach was applied to discover plant viruses for the first time in 2006, many plant viruses had been identified from cultivated and non-cultivated plants. These previous researches exposed that the viral communities (virome) of plants have still largely uncharacterized. Here, we investigated the virome in 161 species belonging to 38 plant orders found in a riverside ecosystem.

Results

We identified 245 distinct plant-associated virus genomes (88 DNA and 157 RNA viruses) belonging to 27 known viral families, orders, or unclassified virus groups. Some viral genomes were sufficiently divergent to comprise new species, genera, families, or even orders. Some groups of viruses were detected that currently are only known to infect organisms other than plants. It indicates a wider host range for members of these clades than previously recognized theoretically. We cannot rule out that some viruses could be from plant contaminating organisms, although some methods were taken to get rid of them as much as possible. The same viral species could be found in different plants and co-infections were common.

Conclusions

Our data describe a complex viral community within a single plant ecosystem and expand our understanding of plant-associated viral diversity and their possible host ranges.
A multi-country, prospective cohort study to evaluate the economic implications of relapse among children recovered from severe acute malnutrition: a study protocol
Authors: Puett Chloe , King Sarah , Stobaugh Heather
Published: November 2022

Background

Community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) is an effective intervention at recovering children from severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and preventing mortality. However, there is growing evidence that for many children recovery is not sustained post-discharge. This study will assess the economic implications of relapse by calculating the average cost of treating a case of SAM that relapses after initial CMAM treatment compared to the cost of a case that remains recovered for 6 months post-discharge.

Methods

This protocol outlines the methods for a cost-efficiency analysis to assess cost per episode of treatment for acute malnutrition for children enrolled in CMAM programs for initial SAM treatment in Mali, Somalia and South Sudan. Cost data will be collected and analyzed on a monthly basis for each CMAM service component (outpatient treatment program for SAM, supplementary feeding program for moderate acute malnutrition, and inpatient stabilization care for SAM with medical complications). Financial data will be extracted from expenditure records from institutional accounting systems where possible. Where these are not present, cost data will be collected via interview and review of financial documents. Staff time allocation interviews will be conducted. This data will be applied to quantify personnel costs, to apportion costs that are shared between programs and to exclude staff time spent on research activities.

Discussion

This study will provide the first estimates to address the limited evidence on the economic implications of SAM relapse in CMAM programs. Data from this economic analysis will help raise awareness and provide actionable data for the global nutrition community to address the financial burden of relapse. Estimating the cost of relapse in three countries representing different geographic and operational contexts will help in generalizing these results.

Trial registration

Registration # IORG0007116, Date of registration: 06/09/2020. This study is not registered as a clinical trial as it is observational research and does not include an intervention. The study has received the required ethical approvals as outlined in the declarations.
Modified exosomal SIRPα variants alleviate white matter injury after intracerebral hemorrhage via microglia/macrophages
Authors: Gao Xinjie , Yang Heng , Xiao Weiping , Su Jiabin , Zhang Yuwen , Wang He , Ni Wei , Gu Yuxiang
Published: November 2022

Background

Despite limited efficiency, modulation of microglia/macrophages has shown to attenuate neuroinflammation after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). In this context, we evaluated the efficacy of modified exosomal signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα) variants (SIRPα-v Exos) in microglia/macrophages and neuroinflammation-associated white matter injury after ICH.

Methods

SIRPα-v Exos were engineered to block CD47-SIRPα interactions. After obtaining SIRPα-v Exos from lentivirus-infected mesenchymal stem cells, C57BL/6 mice suffering from ICH underwent consecutive intravenous injections of SIRPα-v Exos (6 mg/kg) for 14 days. Afterwards, the volume of hematoma and neurological dysfunctions were assessed in mice continuously until 35 days after ICH. In addition, demyelination, electrophysiology and neuroinflammation were evaluated. Furthermore, the mechanisms of microglial regulation by SIRPα-v Exos were investigated in vitro under coculture conditions.

Results

The results demonstrated that the clearance of hematoma in mice suffering from ICH was accelerated after SIRPα-v Exo treatment. SIRPα-v Exos improved long-term neurological dysfunction by ameliorating white matter injury. In addition, SIRPα-v Exos recruited regulatory T cells (Tregs) to promote M2 polarization of microglia/macrophages in the peri-hematoma tissue. In vitro experiments further showed that SIRPα-v Exos regulated primary microglia in a direct and indirect manner in synergy with Tregs.

Conclusion

Our studies revealed that SIRPα-v Exos could accelerate the clearance of hematoma and ameliorate secondary white matter injury after ICH through regulation of microglia/macrophages. SIRPα-v Exos may become a promising treatment for ICH in clinical practice.

Graphical Abstract
Recent biomedical advancements in graphene oxide- and reduced graphene oxide-based nanocomposite nanocarriers
Authors: Bellier Naline , Baipaywad Phornsawat , Ryu Naeun , Lee Jae Young , Park Hansoo
Published: November 2022

Recently, nanocarriers, including micelles, polymers, carbon-based materials, liposomes, and other substances, have been developed for efficient delivery of drugs, nucleotides, and biomolecules. This review focuses on graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as active components in nanocarriers, because their chemical structures and easy functionalization can be valuable assets for in vitro and in vivo delivery. Herein, we describe the preparation, structure, and functionalization of GO and rGO. Additionally, their important properties to function as nanocarriers are presented, including their molecular interactions with various compounds, near-infrared light adsorption, and biocompatibility. Subsequently, their mechanisms and the most appealing examples of their delivery applications are summarized. Overall, GO- and rGO-based nanocomposites show great promise as multipurpose nanocarriers owing to their various potential applications in drug and gene delivery, phototherapy, bioimaging, biosensing, tissue engineering, and as antibacterial agents.
Engineering tumor-specific catalytic nanosystem for NIR-II photothermal-augmented and synergistic starvation/chemodynamic nanotherapy
Authors: Zhou Shuixiu , Xu Jiahuan , Dai Yanfei , Wei Yan , Chen Liang , Feng Wei , Chen Yu , Ni Xuejun
Published: November 2022

Background

As an emerging therapeutic modality, chemodynamic therapy (CDT), converting hydrogen peroxide (H
2
O
2
) into highly toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS), has been developed for tumor-specific therapy. However, the deficiency of endogenous H
2
O
2
and high concentration of glutathione (GSH) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) weaken the CDT-based tumor-therapeutic efficacy. Herein, a photothermal-enhanced tumor-specific cascade catalytic nanosystem has been constructed on the basis of glucose oxidase (GOD)-functionalized molybdenum (Mo)-based polyoxometalate (POM) nanoclusters, termed as GOD@POMs.

Methods

GOD@POMs were synthesized by a facile one-pot procedure and covalently conjugation. Then, its structure was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In addition, ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared (UV-vis-NIR) absorption spectrum and infrared thermal camera were applied to evaluate the catalytic and photothermal performance, respectively. Moreover, to confirm the therapeutic effects in vitro, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, live/dead staining and ROS staining were performed. Furthermore, the biosafety of GOD@POMs was investigated via blood routine, blood biochemistry and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining in Kunming mice. Besides, the C6 glioma tumor-bearing mice were constructed to evaluate its anti-tumor effects in vivo and its photoacoustic (PA) imaging capability. Notably, RNA sequencing, H&E, TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and Ki-67 staining were also conducted to disclose its underlying anti-tumor mechanism.

Results

In this multifunctional nanosystem, GOD can effectively catalyze the oxidation of intratumoral glucose into gluconic acid and H
2
O
2
, achieving the cancer starvation therapy. Meanwhile, the generated gluconic acid decreases the pH in TME resulting in POM aggregation, which enables PA imaging-guided tumor-specific photothermal therapy (PTT), especially in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) biological window. Importantly, the Mo (VI) sites on POM can be reduced to Mo (V) active sites in accompany with GSH depletion, and then the post-produced Mo (V) transforms in situ overproduced H
2
O
2
into singlet oxygen (
1
O
2
) via Russell mechanism, achieving self-enhanced CDT. Moreover, the PTT-triggered local tumor temperature elevation augments the synergistic nanocatalytic-therapeutic efficacy.

Conclusions

Consequently, the integration of GOD-induced starvation therapy, H
2
O
2
self-supply/GSH-depletion enhanced Mo-based CDT, and POM aggregation-mediated PTT endow the GOD@POMs with remarkable synergistic anticancer outcomes with neglectable adverse effects.
Gene transcriptional profiles in gonads of Bacillus taxa (Phasmida) with different cytological mechanisms of automictic parthenogenesis
Authors: Forni Giobbe , Mikheyev Alexander S. , Luchetti Andrea , Mantovani Barbara
Published: November 2022

The evolution of automixis – i.e., meiotic parthenogenesis – requires several features, including ploidy restoration after meiosis and maintenance of fertility. Characterizing the relative contribution of novel versus pre-existing genes and the similarities in their expression and sequence evolution is fundamental to understand the evolution of reproductive novelties. Here we identify gonads-biased genes in two Bacillus automictic stick-insects and compare their expression profile and sequence evolution with a bisexual congeneric species. The two parthenogens restore ploidy through different cytological mechanisms: in Bacillus atticus, nuclei derived from the first meiotic division fuse to restore a diploid egg nucleus, while in Bacillus rossius, diploidization occurs in some cells of the haploid blastula through anaphase restitution. Parthenogens’ gonads transcriptional program is found to be largely assembled from genes that were already present before the establishment of automixis. The three species transcriptional profiles largely reflect their phyletic relationships, yet we identify a shared core of genes with gonad-biased patterns of expression in parthenogens which are either male gonads-biased in the sexual species or are not differentially expressed there. At the sequence level, just a handful of gonads-biased genes were inferred to have undergone instances of positive selection exclusively in the parthenogen species. This work is the first to explore the molecular underpinnings of automixis in a comparative framework: it delineates how reproductive novelties can be sustained by genes whose origin precedes the establishment of the novelty itself and shows that different meiotic mechanisms of reproduction can be associated with a shared molecular ground plan.
Morphological evolution and diversity of pectoral fin skeletons in teleosts
Authors: Tanaka Yoshitaka , Miura Hiroki , Tamura Koji , Abe Gembu
Published: November 2022

The Teleostei class has the most species of the fishes. Members of this group have pectoral fins, enabling refined movements in the water. Although teleosts live in a diverse set of environments, the skeletal pattern of pectoral fins in teleosts is considered to show little morphological variability. Here, in order to elucidate variations in pectoral fin skeletons and to identify their evolutionary processes, we compared the pectoral fin skeletons from 27 species of teleosts. We identified several variations and a diversity of pectoral fin skeletal patterns within some teleost groups. Taken together with previous reports on teleost skeletons, our findings reveal that in the course of teleost evolution, there are a mixture of conserved and non-conserved components in the pectoral fin skeletons of teleosts, and that teleosts may have experienced the variation and conservation of the number and shape of the proximal radials, the loss of the mesocoracoid, and the change in the distal radial-fin ray relationship.
Teaching, coaching, or debriefing With Good Judgment: a roadmap for implementing “With Good Judgment” across the SimZones
Authors: Fey Mary K. , Roussin Christopher J. , Rudolph Jenny W. , Morse Kate J. , Palaganas Janice C. , Szyld Demian
Published: November 2022

Simulation-based learning occurs in multiple contexts, and one teaching style cannot adequately cover the needs at each learning level. For example, reflective debriefing, often used following a complex simulation case, is not what is needed when learning new skills. When to use which facilitation style is a question that educators often overlook or struggle to determine. SimZones is a framework used to clarify the multiple contexts in simulation. This framework, combined with elements of Debriefing With Good Judgment, can help educators match the appropriate facilitation style with learner needs and learning context. We have distilled the core elements of the “with good judgment” approach to debriefing and applied them to the SimZones framework to guide educators with (1) what type of learning can be expected with each learning context, (2) what behaviors and activities can be expected of the learners in each learning context, (3) what instructional strategies are most effectively used at each stage, and (4) what are the implications for the teacher-learner relationship.
High-flow continuous hemodiafiltration successfully decreased blood pregabalin levels in a patient with severe pregabalin intoxication: a case report
Authors: Shimazui Takashi , Kitamura Nobuya , Kako Kuniyuki , Iwase Shinya , Suzuki Toshinao , Hoshino Shota , Futagami Hiromi , Kibayashi Kazuhiko , Nakao Ken-ichiro
Published: November 2022

Background

Severe pregabalin intoxication may cause serious symptoms, such as coma. Since pregabalin is a small molecule with no protein binding sites and has low volume of distribution, hemodialysis can be effective in eliminating pregabalin from the blood. However, in cases of emergency, it is not always possible to perform hemodialysis because of limited availability and time delay associated with using the plumbing equipment. Continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) can be performed without plumbing equipment; however, the knowledge on the effectiveness of CHDF in pregabalin elimination is insufficient.

Case presentation

A septuagenarian woman with normal renal function was found in a collapsed state with symptoms of coma and miosis. Empty medical bags of pregabalin (2350 mg), bepotastine besilate (600 mg), celecoxib (4600 mg), quetiapine fumarate (87.5 mg), clotiazepam (180 mg), and teprenone (50 mg) were found around her. During the patient's transfer to our hospital, her cognition worsened and she developed glossoptosis necessitating her emergent intubation upon arrival. We considered that the coma was mainly caused by pregabalin intoxication and were concerned about the consequent critical comorbidities. Thus, we performed CHDF in a high-flow setting in our intensive care unit for pregabalin elimination. After 8 h of CHDF, the patient regained consciousness, and after 6.5 h we extubated her. At a later date, we measured her serum pregabalin levels during the clinical course and estimated the blood pregabalin clearance levels depending on her metabolism as 76.8 mL/min and depending on CHDF itself as 65.1 mL/min. Based on these findings, we concluded that CHDF contributed to reducing blood pregabalin levels in this patient.

Conclusions

Our case revealed that pregabalin clearance using CHDF is similar to metabolic clearance in patients with normal renal function, indicating that CHDF decreases blood pregabalin levels and can be a potential treatment for severe pregabalin intoxication.
On intersectionality: visualizing the invisibility of Black women
Authors: Billups Shelby , Thelamour Barbara , Thibodeau Paul , Durgin Frank H.
Published: November 2022

Intersectionality refers to the simultaneous and interacting effects of multiple group categorization on individuals with minoritized status, often leading to being perceived in a manner inconsistent with the additive contributions of those categories. For Black women, a number of findings have contributed to the idea that Black women have a unique perceived absence of status, for example, and are perceived as distinct from being Black or a woman. We sought to quantify and visualize the combined effects of race and gender on judgments of persons using data-defined dimensions (the Semantic Differential; Osgood et al. in The measurement of meaning, University of Illinois Press, Champaign, 1957). Our data suggest that gender and race contribute to orthogonal dimensions of difference in the perception of persons. Whereas white males, white females, and Black males all seem to be perceived in accord with additive effects in these two dimensions, Black females seem to be perceived more neutrally, as if neither their gender nor their race is treated as predictive.
Comparability of a provisioned device versus bring your own device for completion of patient-reported outcome measures by participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: quantitative study findings
Authors: Hudgens Stacie , Newton Louise , Eremenco Sonya , Crescioni Mabel , Symonds Tara , Griffiths Philip C. G. , Reasner David S. , Byrom Bill , O’Donohoe Paul , Vallow Susan ,   the Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) Consortium and Electronic Clinical Outcome Assessment (eCOA) Consortium
Published: November 2022

Objective

To quantitatively compare equivalence and compliance of patient-reported outcome (PRO) data collected via provisioned device (PD) versus bring your own device (BYOD).

Methods

Participants with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) completed the EXAcerbations of Chronic Pulmonary Disease Tool (EXACT®) daily and COPD Assessment Test™ (CAT) and Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGIS) of COPD weekly on either PD or BYOD for 15 days, then switched device types for 15 days. EXACT was scored using the Evaluating Respiratory Symptoms in COPD (E-RS®: COPD) algorithm and equivalence assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) adjusting for cross-over sequence, period, and time. Two one-sided tests (TOSTs) used ICC adjusted means with 10%, 20%, and 40% of total score tested as equivalence margins. Compliance and comfort with technology were assessed. Equivalence across 3 device screen sizes was assessed following the second completion period.

Results

Participants (N = 64) reported high comfort with technology, with 79.7% reporting being “quite a bit” or “very” comfortable. Weekly compliance was high (BYOD = 89.7–100%; PD = 76.9–100%). CAT and E-RS: COPD scores correlated well with PGIS (r > 0.50) and demonstrated equivalence between PD and BYOD completion (ICC = 0.863–0.908). TOST equivalence was achieved within 10% of the total score (p > 0.05). PRO measure scores were equivalent across 3 different screen sizes (ICC = 0.972–0.989).

Conclusions

Measure completion was high and scores equivalent between PD and BYOD, supporting use of BYOD in addition to PD for collecting PRO data in COPD studies and in demographically diverse patient populations.
Fully automated method for dental age estimation using the ACF detector and deep learning
Authors: Pintana Patipan , Upalananda Witsarut , Saekho Suwit , Yarach Uten , Wantanajittikul Kittichai
Published: November 2022

Background

Dental age estimation plays an important role in identifying an unknown person. In forensic science, estimating age with high accuracy depends on the experience of the practitioner. Previous studies proposed classification of tooth development of the mandibular third molar by following Demirjian’s method, which is useful for dental age estimation. Although stage of tooth growth is very helpful in assessing age estimation, it must be performed manually. The drawback of this procedure is its need for skilled observers to carry out the tasks precisely and reproducibly because it is quite detailed. Therefore, this research aimed to apply computer-aid methods for reducing time and subjectivity in dental age estimation by using dental panoramic images based on Demirjian’s method. Dental panoramic images were collected from persons aged 15 to 23 years old. In accordance with Demirjian’s method, this study focused only on stages D to H of tooth development, which were discovered in the 15- to 23-year age range. The aggregate channel features detector was applied automatically to localize and crop only the lower left mandibular third molar in panoramic images. Then, the convolutional neural network model was applied to classify cropped images into D to H stages. Finally, the classified stages were used to estimate dental age.

Results

Experimental results showed that the proposed method in this study can localize the lower left mandibular third molar automatically with 99.5% accuracy, and training in the convolutional neural network model can achieve 83.25% classification accuracy using the transfer learning strategy with the Resnet50 network.

Conclusion

In this work, the aggregate channel features detector and convolutional neural network model were applied to localize a specific tooth in a panoramic image and identify the developmental stages automatically in order to estimate the age of the subjects. The proposed method can be applied in clinical practice as a tool that helps clinicians to reduce the time and subjectivity for dental age estimation.
Comparative study of the efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae block and oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Engineer Smita R. , Devanand Asha , Kulkarni Mrinalini
Published: November 2022

Background

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has changed the surgical management of cholelithiasis and has become the mainstay of the management of uncomplicated gallstone disease. Adequate postoperative pain relief leading to early ambulation is imperative for patient satisfaction and early discharge of the patient. The use of ultrasound in anesthetic practice has ushered in a new era of ultrasound-guided blocks for postoperative analgesia, replacing the conventional methods. This study compares two modalities of postoperative pain relief, namely the oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane block and the newer erector spinae plane block for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Results

Sixty patients between the age group 18 to 75 of ASA grades I, II, and III were enrolled in the study. The erector spinae plane block group showed lower numerical rating scores up to 12 h, a longer time period for the requirement of first rescue analgesic, and lower total analgesic consumption postoperatively compared to the oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane block group. Both blocks were found to have minimal side effects.

Conclusions

The erector spinae plane block is superior to the oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane block in that it affords lower pain scores and a longer duration of analgesia and reduces the total analgesic consumption after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials Registry of India/CTRI/2020/10/028603/ registered on 23 October 2020

http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/rmaindet.php?trialid=47807&EncHid=18303.55562&modid=1&compid=19
“Preoperative oral duloxetine: does it affect duration of spinal anesthesia and early postoperative pain after arthroscopic ACL repair?” A prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled trial
Authors: Abdelaziz Tamer Samir Abdelsalam , Mahmoud Ismail Mohammed Ibrahim
Published: November 2022

Background

Postoperative pain is one of the problems in which a lack of adequate controls can cause many complications. Duloxetine is a potent serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) prescribed for the treatment of depression, chronic pain, neuropathy, and recently early postoperative pain.

Results

The results showed that the effect of duloxetine on the onset and duration of the spinal anesthesia was statistically non-significant (P = 0.067 and P = 0.21) respectively; also, duloxetine delayed the time to the first dose of rescue analgesia request (479.71 ± 50.32 vs 218.29 ± 12.48) (P < 0.001) and maintained VAS score in the lower range in comparison to control group (P = 0.001) with less frequency and total morphine consumption (4.2 ± 2.08 vs 10.37 ± 1.52) (P < 0.001) up to 24 h. No significant differences in adverse effects.

Conclusions

A single dose of 60 mg duloxetine orally 2 h before arthroscopic ACL repair provided better postoperative pain control and decreased total morphine consumption without affecting the duration of spinal anesthesia.
Chemical characterization and antimicrobial activity of Blumenbachia insignis (Loasaceae) native to South America
Authors: Fangio Maria Florencia , Herrera Gonzalo Burgos , Medici Sandra , Cardinali Francisco , Ramirez Cristina Lujan
Published: November 2022

Background

Blumenbachia insignis is a plant native to Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. It is used as an ornamental plant for its flowers, but also, in popular medicine, the stems and leaves are used as antirheumatic agents. Detailed studies on the differential chemical composition of their organs were carried out to establish a relationship with their biological activity and ethnomedicinal uses and the compounds present.

Results

The presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and triterpenoid saponins was detected in the extracts of the different organs of Blumenbachia insignis, those of the flower being the ones that had the highest concentration of these families of compounds, and also the highest antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Volatile compounds were identified using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS) in all the extracts. Some of them possess recognized antimicrobial and antioxidant activity among others. On the other hand, the roots showed an important presence of monoterpenes, not so common for these organs.

Conclusions

These characteristics could be useful to prevent various oxidative stress processes and against pathogenic bacteria.
Taste characteristics, volatile components, sensory properties, and antioxidant activity of fresh onion (Allium cepa L.) leaves
Authors: Yuasa Masahiro , Ueno Mayuko , Kawabeta Koji , Morikawa Maho , Uemura Momoe , Matsuzawa Tetsuhiro , Tominaga Mihoko
Published: November 2022

Background

To evaluate the usefulness of fresh onion (Allium cepa L.) leaves, a food waste, as a new food resource, we characterized the taste characteristics, volatile compounds, sensory properties, and antioxidant activity of fresh onion leaves compared with those of Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) (green leaf, small variety) leaves.

Results

The total sugar (g/100 g), total organic acid (mg/100 g), and total free amino acid (mg/100 g) concentrations of fresh onion leaves were 2.12 ± 0.15, 730.02 ± 17.43, and 93.72 ± 7.17, respectively, and were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those of Welsh onion leaves (2.38 ± 0.07, 907.23 ± 20.79, and 131.34 ± 10.22, respectively). In fresh onion leaves, dipropyl disulfide concentration was higher than five times that in Welsh onion leaves. Regarding the sensory properties of the boiled samples, the fresh onion leaves’ color was less favorable than Welsh onion leaves (p < 0.05), and the taste and aroma were indifferent. The total oxygen radical absorbance capacity value (μmol Trolox equivalents/100 g) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical-scavenging activity (μmol Trolox equivalents/100 g) of fresh onion leaves were 805.78 ± 100.32 and 406.70 ± 63.64, respectively, and differed insignificantly compared with Welsh onion leaves (888.00 ± 112.61 and 382.98 ± 26.08, respectively). However, the total phenolic content (mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g) and quercetin concentration (mg/100 g) of fresh onion leaves were 36.53 ± 2.53 and 5.71 ± 0.11, respectively, and were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of Welsh onion leaves (25.07 ± 2.02 and 0.18 ± 0.02, respectively). Additionally, total vitamin C (23.36 ± 0.62 mg/100 g) and β-carotene (1529.32 ± 167.77 μg/100 g) concentrations in fresh onion leaves were similar to those rich vegetables.

Conclusions

This is the first study to report fresh onion leaves’ sensory properties and volatile compounds. Additionally, fresh onion leaves could be a new food resource, presenting an alternative to Welsh onion leaves and acting as an excellent dietary source of antioxidants, including quercetin, vitamin C, and β-carotene.
The wandering spleen: case report of laparoscopic splenectomy in a pregnant woman
Authors: Crepaz Lorenzo , Di Leo Alberto , Borzellino Giuseppe , Pomini Paola , Genna Michele
Published: November 2022

Background

Wandering spleen is a rare condition, which is characterized by augmented mobility of the spleen, due to congenital or acquired causes. It is more frequent in multiparous women, but only a few cases are reported during pregnancy. Wandering spleen is usually asymptomatic until the onset of its possible complications, and this can mislead clinicians in reaching the correct diagnosis.

Case presentation

We report the case of a wandering spleen with acute splenic infarction in a pregnant woman and its minimally invasive surgical treatment, focusing on the clinical and radiological findings that could mislead or drive clinicians to the right diagnosis, or a potential disaster.

Conclusions

Splenic preservation in the wandering spleen where it is safe and possible is the main goal of the treatment. Clinical and radiological findings are the most relevant elements to drive surgical treatment. To reach the best and opportune treatment for the patient, the wandering spleen is an insidious condition and must be included in the differential diagnosis in the acute abdomen diagnostic process.
Determinants of viral load non-suppression among HIV-positive children and adolescents attending care and treatment clinics in Tabora region, Tanzania
Authors: Mchomvu Ruth Daniel , Hussein Ally Kassim , Matee Mecky
Published: November 2022

Background

In Africa, data on viral suppression among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive children and adolescents on antiretroviral (ART) are scarce. This study aimed to determine determinants of HIV viral load (VL) non-suppression among HIV-positive children and adolescents (< 20 years old) who attend care and treatment clinics (CTCs) in Tabora region from January 2018 to April 2022. Data were abstracted from CTCs’ database and patient records including socio-demographic, ART drug regimen, clinical, virological and immunological features, for a maximum of 52 months. Viral non-suppression was defined as plasma VL ≥ 1000 copies/mil after 6 months on ART, during the follow-up period. Cox proportional hazards regression model and hazard ratios (HRs) were used in estimating the determinants of viral non-suppression.

Results

A total of 378 HIV-positive children (0–9 years) and adolescents (10–19 years) were enrolled, of whom 124 (32.8%) had virological non-suppression. The overall rate of VL non-suppression was 1.38 (95% CI 1.15, 1.64) per 100 person-months of observation. After adjusting for other factors, determinants of viral non-suppression were poor ART adherence level at initiation of ART (HR = 3.3; 95% CI 2.16, 4.91), low CD4 count at ART initiation (HR = 1.66; 95% CI 1.20, 2.30), nevirapine (NVP)-based regimen (HR = 2.64; 95% CI 1.32, 5.26), efavirenz (EFV)-based regime (HR = 2.08; 95% CI 1.03, 4.18), lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r)-based regimen (HR = 2.21; 95% CI 1.13, 4.32) and being on second-line regimen (HR = 6.11; 95% CI 2.50, 14.96).

Conclusions

HIV viral non-suppression among children and adolescents on ART in central Tanzania in the Tabora region is high (32.8%) and is associated with poor ART adherence level, low CD4 count, NVP-, EFV-, and LPV/r-based regimen. Early initiation of ART and intensified monitoring are required to improve viral suppression rates of HIV-infected children to attain the third goal of the UNAIDS 95-95-95.
Metabolic syndrome as independent risk factor among sample of Egyptian women with breast cancer
Authors: Mahmoud Walaa S. , Azmy Osama M. , Abu-Elghait Mohammed , Gomaa Mohammed Mohammed Mohammed , El Sayed Ibrahim El Tantawy , Hammad Doaa Y. , Kamel Mahmoud M. , Abdelqader Eslam M. , Yousef Walaa
Published: November 2022

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and breast cancer (BC) are closely related and need more clarification. In clinical practice, the early diagnosis of BC is the most crucial issue. The current study aimed to investigate the incidence of metabolic syndrome among Egyptian women with breast cancer as independent risk factor, and the relationships between anthropometric indices (BMI, waist, hip, middle upper arm circumferences) and breast cancer risk.

Results

MetS rate was significantly higher among women with breast cancer (n = 89, 65%) women; compared to CG: 43.5%, (37) women therefore metabolic syndrome was strongly associated with breast cancer. More than half of BC cases (n = 85, 62%) were obese (BMI > 29.9), and 37 women (27%) were overweight (BMI 25–29.9). Additionally, the BC group had greater levels of fasting blood sugar than the control group (109.72 ± 51.31, 78.49 ± 22.79 mg/dL, respectively). Waist circumference, hip circumference, and WHtR values in BC women showed highly significant difference (p value = 0.000) compared to control group.

Conclusion

In our study, the metabolic syndrome and its elements were significantly correlated among Egyptian women with breast cancer. Anthropometric indices were linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.