bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aptamers—Diagnostic and Therapeutic Solution in SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Wandtke Tomasz , Wędrowska Ewelina , Szczur Marcin , Przybylski Grzegorz , Libura Marek , Kopiński Piotr
Published: January 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is currently the most serious challenge to global public health. Its emergence has severely disrupted the functioning of health services and the economic and social situation worldwide. Therefore, new diagnostic and therapeutic tools are urgently needed to allow for the early detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and appropriate treatment, which is crucial for the effective control of the COVID-19 disease. The ideal solution seems to be the use of aptamers—short fragments of nucleic acids, DNA or RNA—that can bind selected proteins with high specificity and affinity. They can be used in methods that base the reading of the test result on fluorescence phenomena, chemiluminescence, and electrochemical changes. Exploiting the properties of aptamers will enable the introduction of rapid, sensitive, specific, and low-cost tests for the routine diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. Aptamers are excellent candidates for the development of point-of-care diagnostic devices and are potential therapeutic tools for the treatment of COVID-19. They can effectively block coronavirus activity in multiple fields by binding viral proteins and acting as carriers of therapeutic substances. In this review, we present recent developments in the design of various types of aptasensors to detect and treat the SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Comprehensive Analysis of Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenases Gene Family and Its Expression in Response to Abiotic Stress in Poplar
Authors: Wei Hui , Movahedi Ali , Liu Guoyuan , Li Yixin , Liu Shiwei , Yu Chunmei , Chen Yanhong , Zhong Fei , Zhang Jian
Published: January 2022

Carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs) catalyzes the cleavage of various carotenoids into smaller apocarotenoids which are essential for plant growth and development and response to abiotic stresses. CCD family is divided into two subfamilies: 9-cis epoxycarotenoid dioxygenases (NCED) family and CCD family. A better knowledge of carotenoid biosynthesis and degradation could be useful for regulating carotenoid contents. Here, 23 CCD genes were identified from the Populus trichocarpa genome, and their characterizations and expression profiling were validated. The PtCCD members were divided into PtCCD and PtNCED subfamilies. The PtCCD family contained the PtCCD1, 4, 7, and 8 classes. The PtCCDs clustered in the same clade shared similar intron/exon structures and motif compositions and distributions. In addition, the tandem and segmental duplications resulted in the PtCCD gene expansion based on the collinearity analysis. An additional integrated collinearity analysis among poplar, Arabidopsis, rice, and willow revealed the gene pairs between poplar and willow more than that between poplar and rice. Identifying tissue-special expression patterns indicated that PtCCD genes display different expression patterns in leaves, stems, and roots. Abscisic acid (ABA) treatment and abiotic stress suggested that many PtCCD genes are responsive to osmotic stress regarding the comprehensive regulation networks. The genome-wide identification of PtCCD genes may provide the foundation for further exploring the putative regulation mechanism on osmotic stress and benefit poplar molecular breeding.
pH-Sensing G Protein-Coupled Receptor OGR1 (GPR68) Expression and Activation Increases in Intestinal Inflammation and Fibrosis
Authors: de Vallière Cheryl , Cosin-Roger Jesus , Baebler Katharina , Schoepflin Anja , Mamie Céline , Mollet Michelle , Schuler Cordelia , Bengs Susan , Lang Silvia , Scharl Michael , Seuwen Klaus , Ruiz Pedro A. , Hausmann Martin , Rogler Gerhard
Published: January 2022

Local extracellular acidification occurs at sites of inflammation. Proton-sensing ovarian cancer G-protein-coupled receptor 1 (OGR1, also known as GPR68) responds to decreases in extracellular pH. Our previous studies show a role for OGR1 in the pathogenesis of mucosal inflammation, suggesting a link between tissue pH and immune responses. Additionally, pH-dependent signalling is associated with the progression of intestinal fibrosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate OGR1 expression and OGR1-mediated signalling in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our results show that OGR1 expression significantly increased in patients with IBD compared to non-IBD patients, as demonstrated by qPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Paired samples from non-inflamed and inflamed intestinal areas of IBD patients showed stronger OGR1 IHC staining in inflamed mucosal segments compared to non-inflamed mucosa. IHC of human surgical samples revealed OGR1 expression in macrophages, granulocytes, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. OGR1-dependent inositol phosphate (IP) production was significantly increased in CD14+ monocytes from IBD patients compared to healthy subjects. Primary human and murine fibroblasts exhibited OGR1-dependent IP formation, RhoA activation, F-actin, and stress fibre formation upon an acidic pH shift. OGR1 expression and signalling increases with IBD disease activity, suggesting an active role of OGR1 in the pathogenesis of IBD.
PsGSTF3, an Anthocyanin-Related Glutathione S-Transferase Gene, Is Essential for Petal Coloration in Tree Peony
Authors: Han Lulu , Zhou Lin , Zou Hongzhu , Yuan Meng , Wang Yan
Published: January 2022

Anthocyanins, as the most important chromogenic substances in flavonoids, are responsible for the red, purple, and blue coloration of flowers. Anthocyanins are synthesized in the cytoplasmic surface of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) but accumulate predominantly in the vacuole, while glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are considered to be mainly responsible for the transport process. Our previous studies showed that the expression of PsGSTF3 was positively correlated with anthocyanin content in tree peony tissues, which is a key candidate gene for anthocyanin accumulation. Here, we successfully cloned and characterized full-length PsGSTF3 containing three exons and two introns. Subcellular localization showed that PsGSTF3 was localized in the nucleus and ER membrane. Functional complementation of the Arabidopsis transparent testa19 (tt19) mutant indicated that PsGSTF3 was responsible for the transport of anthocyanins but not of proanthocyanidins (PAs). Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of PsGSTF3 not only led to a decrease in anthocyanin accumulation but also caused a reduction of structural genes in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway (ABP) to varying degrees. Heterologous overexpression of PsGSTF3 was found to increase the anthocyanin accumulation in tobacco petals. Furthermore, the yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assay showed that PsGSTF3 interacted with PsDFR, which together contributed to the coloration of petals. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that PsGSTF3 encodes an important GST transporter of anthocyanin in tree peony petals and provides a new perspective for the associated transport and regulatory mechanisms.
A New Perspective for Bone Tissue Engineering: Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Well-Survive Cryopreservation on β-TCP Scaffold and Show Increased Ability for Osteogenic Differentiation
Authors: Leppik Liudmila , Gempp Anna , Kuçi Zyrafete , Kuçi Selim , Bader Peter , Bönig Halvard , Marzi Ingo , Henrich Dirk
Published: January 2022

The clinical breakthrough of bone tissue engineering (BTE) depends on the ability to provide patients routinely with BTE products of consistent pharmacological quality. The bottleneck of this approach is the availability of stem cells. To avoid this, we suggest immobilization of random-donor-derived heterologous osteoinductive MSCs onto osteoconductive matrices. Such BTE products could then be frozen and, after thawing, could be released as ready-to-use products for permanent implantation during surgery. For this purpose, we developed a simple protocol for cryopreservation of BTE constructs and evaluated the effects of this procedure on human MSC (hMSCs) metabolic and osteogenic activity in vitro. Our findings show that hMSCs can be freeze-thawed on a β-TCP scaffold through a technically simple procedure. Treated cells sustained their metabolic activity and showed favorable osteogenic potential. Mechanistically, HIF1α and YBX1 genes were activated after freeze-thawing, and supposed to be linked to enhanced osteogenesis. However, the detailed mechanisms as to how the cryopreservation procedure beneficially affects the osteogenic potential of hMSCs remains to be evaluated. Additionally, we demonstrated that our BTE products could be stored for 3 days on dry ice; this could facilitate the supply chain management of cryopreserved BTE constructs from the site of manufacture to the operating room.
A Socio-Analytical Approach to the Integration of Drones into Health Care Systems
Authors: Comtet Hans E. , Johannessen Karl-Arne
Published: January 2022

The integration of drones into health care as a supplement to existing logistics methods may generate a need for cooperation and involvement across multiple resource areas. It is currently not well understood whether such integrations would merely represent a technical implementation or if they would cause more significant changes to laboratory services. By choosing socio-technical theory as the theoretical lens, this paper intends to harvest knowledge from the literature on various organizational concepts and examine possible synergies between such theories to determine optimal strategies for introducing the use of drones in a health care context. Our particular interest is to examine whether the insights generated from the multi-level perspective (MLP) may have the potential to create dynamic spin-offs related to the organizational transitions associated with the implementation of drones in health services. We built our study on a scoping literature review of topics associated with the MLP and socio-technical studies from differing arenas, supplemented with studies harvested on a broader basis. The scoping review is based on 25 articles that were selected for analysis. As a way of organizing the literature, the niche, regime, and landscape levels of the MLP are translated to the corresponding health care-related terms, i.e., clinic, institution, and health care system. Furthermore, subcategories emerged inductively during the process of analysis. The MLP provides essential knowledge regarding the context for innovation and how the interaction between the different levels can accelerate the diffusion of innovations. Several authors have put both ethical topics and public acceptance into a socio-technological perspective. Although a socio-technical approach is not needed to operate drones, it may help in the long run to invest in a culture that is open to innovation and change.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Informatics in 2021
Authors:   Informatics Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
What Features of Ligands Are Relevant to the Opening of Cryptic Pockets in Drug Targets?
Authors: Xia Zhonghua , Karpov Pavel , Popowicz Grzegorz , Sattler Michael , Tetko Igor V.
Published: January 2022

Small-molecule drug design aims to identify inhibitors that can specifically bind to a functionally important region on the target, i.e., an active site of an enzyme. Identification of potential binding pockets is typically based on static three-dimensional structures. However, small molecules may induce and select a dynamic binding pocket that is not visible in the apo protein, which presents a well-recognized challenge for structure-based drug discovery. Here, we assessed whether it is possible to identify features in molecules, which we refer to as inducers, that can induce the opening of cryptic pockets. The volume change between apo and bound protein conformations was used as a metric to differentiate chemical features in inducers vs. non-inducers. Based on the dataset of holo–apo pairs, classification models were built to determine an optimum threshold. The model analysis suggested that inducers preferred to be more hydrophobic and aromatic. The impact of sulfur was ambiguous, while phosphorus and halogen atoms were overrepresented in inducers. The fragment analysis showed that small changes in the structures of molecules can strongly affect the potential to induce a cryptic pocket. This analysis and developed model can be used to design inducers that can potentially open cryptic pockets for undruggable proteins.
Predictive Model for ICU Readmission Based on Discharge Summaries Using Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing
Authors: Orangi-Fard Negar , Akhbardeh Alireza , Sagreiya Hersh
Published: January 2022

Predicting ICU readmission risk will help physicians make decisions regarding discharge. We used discharge summaries to predict ICU 30-day readmission risk using text mining and machine learning (ML) with data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III). We used Natural Language Processing (NLP) and the Bag-of-Words approach on discharge summaries to build a Document-Term-Matrix with 3000 features. We compared the performance of support vector machines with the radial basis function kernel (SVM-RBF), adaptive boosting (AdaBoost), quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and Ridge Regression. A total of 4000 patients were used for model training and 6000 were used for validation. Using the bag-of-words determined by NLP, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was 0.71, 0.68, 0.65, 0.69, and 0.65 correspondingly for SVM-RBF, AdaBoost, QDA, LASSO, and Ridge Regression. We then used the SVM-RBF model for feature selection by incrementally adding features to the model from 1 to 3000 bag-of-words. Through this exhaustive search approach, only 825 features (words) were dominant. Using those selected features, we trained and validated all ML models. The AUROC curve was 0.74, 0.69, 0.67, 0.70, and 0.71 respectively for SVM-RBF, AdaBoost, QDA, LASSO, and Ridge Regression. Overall, this technique could predict ICU readmission relatively well.
Field-Deployable Fiber Optic Sensor System for Structural Health Monitoring of Steel Girder Highway Bridges
Authors: Lu Renxiang , Judd Johnn
Published: January 2022

Structural health monitoring of highway bridges is a vital but currently challenging aspect of infrastructure engineering due to the number of sensors required, power requirements, and harsh environmental conditions. The purpose of this study is to develop a structural health monitoring system using fiber optic sensors based on fiber Bragg gratings that addresses these issues and is field deployable. Prototype systems were installed on two steel girder bridges. The first bridge used sensors adhered to the web and flange. The second bridge used a flange-only array of mechanically mounted sensors. The results demonstrated the accuracy of the fiber Bragg grating sensors and indicated that fewer multiplexed fiber optic cables and loosely routed cables were needed to maintain signal integrity. Adhered sensors were prone to lose their bond due to the curing conditions in the field. The findings suggest that the proposed system may be best used in a hybrid deployment, where a diagnostic field test with conventional sensors is used to determine the baseline bridge response and fiber optic sensors are periodically installed for short-term monitoring.
A Mitochondrial Genome Phylogeny of Cleridae (Coleoptera, Cleroidea)
Authors: Yuan Lilan , Liu Haoyu , Ge Xueying , Yang Ganyan , Xie Guanglin , Yang Yuxia
Published: January 2022

The predaceous beetle family Cleridae includes a large and widely distributed rapid radiation, which is vital for the ecosystem. Despite its important role, a number of problems remain to be solved regarding the phylogenetic inter-relationships, the timing of divergence, and the mitochondrial biology. Mitochondrial genomes have been widely used to reconstruct phylogenies of various insect groups, but never introduced to Cleridae until now. Here, we generated 18 mitochondrial genomes to address these issues, which are all novel to the family. In addition to phylogenomic analysis, we have leveraged our new sources to study the mitochondrial biology in terms of nucleotide composition, codon usage and substitutional rate, to understand how these vital cellular components may have contributed to the divergence of the Cleridae. Our results recovered Korynetinae sister to the remaining clerids, and the calde of Clerinae+Hydnocerinae is indicated more related to Tillinae. A time-calibrated phylogeny estimated the earliest divergence time of Cleridae was soon after the origin of the family, not later than 160.18 Mya (95% HPD: 158.18–162.07 Mya) during the mid-Jurassic. This is the first mitochondrial genome-based phylogenetic study of the Cleridae that covers nearly all subfamily members, which provides an alternative evidence for reconstructing the phylogenetic relationships.
A New Species of Vetubrachypsectra from Mid-Cretaceous Amber of Northern Myanmar (Coleoptera: Brachypsectridae)
Authors: Li Yan-Da , Kundrata Robin , Qu Tian-Quan , Huang Di-Ying , Cai Chen-Yang
Published: January 2022

A new species, Vetubrachypsectra huchengi Li, Kundrata & Cai sp. nov., is described from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber on the basis of a single adult female. The species is assigned to genus Vetubrachypsectra Qu & Cai based on its serrate antennae, long maxillary palps, presence of tibial spurs, and elytra without clear striae. Vetubrachypsectra huchengi differs distinctly from V. burmitica Qu & Cai, the only other species in the genus, in having the pedicel apically attached to the scape. Some other differences between the female of V. huchengi and the male of V. burmitica include less serrate antennae, a broader pronotal disc, a broader scutellar shield and smaller tibial spurs. However, at least some of these characters can be considered sexually dimorphic.
Longer mtDNA Fragments Provide a Better Insight into the Genetic Diversity of the Sycamore Lace Bug, Corythucha ciliata (Say, 1832) (Tingidae, Hemiptera), Both in Its Native and Invaded Areas
Authors: Lakatos Ferenc , Tuba Katalin , Bender Boglárka , Kajimura Hisashi , Tóth Viktória
Published: January 2022

The sycamore lace bug (Corythucha ciliata Say, 1832) is of North American origin, but after its introduction to Europe (1964), South America (1985), Asia (1995), Australia (2006), and Africa (2014), it became an abundant and widespread pest on plane (Platanus spp.) trees. We analysed a 1356 bp long fragment of the mtDNA (COI gene) of 327 sycamore lace bug individuals from 38 geographic locations from Europe, Asia, and North America. Seventeen haplotypes (17 HTs) were detected. C. ciliata populations from North America exhibited higher haplotype diversity (12 HTs) than populations from Europe (6 HTs), Asia (4 HTs), or Japan (2 HTs). The haplotypes formed two haplogroups separated by at least seven mutation steps. One of these mutation steps includes HTs from North America and Japan. Another includes HTs from North America, Europe, and Asia. Haplotypes from Asia Minor, the Caucasus, and Central Asia are linked to haplotypes from Europe, while haplotypes found in Japan are linked to haplotypes found in North America only. The incorporation of published data from the GenBank into our dataset (altogether 517 individuals from 57 locations, but only 546 bp long fragment of the mtDNA) did not show any structure according to the geographic origin of the individuals.
Co-Expression Network and Time-Course Expression Analyses to Identify Silk Protein Regulatory Factors in Bombyx mori
Authors: Masuoka Yudai , Cao Wei , Jouraku Akiya , Sakai Hiroki , Sezutsu Hideki , Yokoi Kakeru
Published: January 2022

Bombyx mori is an important economic insect and an animal model in pharmacomedical research. Although its physiology has been studied for many years, the mechanism via which silk protein genes are regulated remains unclear. In this study, we performed two-step expression screening, namely co-expression network and time-course expression analyses to screen silk protein regulation factors. A co-expression network analysis using RNA-seq data that were obtained from various tissues, including the silk glands of B. mori, was performed to identify novel silk protein regulatory factors. Overall, 91 transcription factors, including some known ones, were found to be co-expressed with silk protein genes. Furthermore, time-course expression analysis during the fifth instar larvae stage revealed that the expression pattern of 13 novel transcription factors was highly relevant to that of silk protein genes and their known regulatory factor genes. In particular, the expression peak of several transcription factors (TFs) was detected before the expression of silk protein genes peak. These results indicated that a larger number of genes than expected may be involved in silk protein regulation in B. mori. Functional analyses of function-unknown transcription factors should enhance our understanding of this system.
A Case of T/NK-Cell Post-Transplantation Lymphoproliferative Disease 7 Years after Heart Transplantation
Authors: Nakamura Makiko , Imamura Teruhiko , Takagi Kohji , Hori Masakazu , Tanaka Shinichi , Imura Joji , Kinugawa Koichiro
Published: January 2022

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative diseases (PTLD) are potentially fatal complications after cardiac transplantation. Most cases are Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-related B-cell tumors, and reduction of immunosuppression treatment as well as the use of rituximab in combination with other chemotherapy are effective. However, patients with T/NK-cell PTLD post-cardiac transplantation are rarely reported. We had a patient with a fever that lasted for three weeks, with lung infiltrations and hepatosplenomegaly, who had EBV-associated hemophagocytosis 7 years after heart transplantation and was eventually diagnosed with T/NK-cell PTLD by autopsy. Although rare diseases, regular monitoring of EBV-DNA levels might be crucial for early diagnosis and treatment of PTLD.
Cancer Impacts Prognosis on Mortality in Patients with Acute Heart Failure: Analysis of the EPICTER Study
Authors: Méndez-Bailón Manuel , Lorenzo-Villalba Noel , Romero-Correa Miriam , Guisado-Espartero Esther , González-Soler Juan , Rugeles-Niño Jessica , Sebastián-Leza Angel , Ceresuela-Eito Luis , Romaní-Costa Verónica , Quesada-Simón Angustias , Soler-Rangel Llanos , Herrero-Domingo Almudena , Díez-García Luis , Alcalá-Pedrajas José , Villalonga-Comas María , Andrès Emmanuel , Gudiñ-Aguirre Diego , Formiga Francesc , Aramburu-Bodas Oscar , Arias-Jiménez Jose , Salamanca-Bautista Prado ,   on behalf of EPICTER Study Group
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) and cancer are currently the leading causes of death worldwide, with an increasing incidence with age. Little is known about the treatment received and the prognosis of patients with acute HF and a prior cancer diagnosis. Objective: to determine the clinical characteristics, palliative treatment received, and prognostic impact of patients with acute HF and a history of solid tumor. Methods: The EPICTER study (“Epidemiological survey of advanced heart failure”) is a cross-sectional, multicenter project that consecutively collected patients admitted for acute HF in 74 Spanish hospitals. Patients were classified into two groups according to whether they met criteria for acute HF with and without solid cancer, and the groups were subsequently compared. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted, using the forward stepwise method. A Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of solid tumor on prognosis in patients with acute HF. Results: A total of 3127 patients were included, of which 394 patients (13%) had a prior diagnosis of some type of solid cancer. Patients with a history of cancer presented a greater frequency of weight loss at admission: 18% vs. 12% (p = 0.030). In the cancer group, functional impairment was noted more frequently: 43% vs. 35%, p = 0.039). Patients with a history of solid cancer more frequently presented with acute HF with preserved ejection fraction (65% vs. 58%, p = 0.048) than reduced or mildly reduced. In-hospital and 6-month follow-up mortality was 31% (110/357) in patients with solid cancer vs. 26% (637/2466), p = 0.046. Conclusion: Our investigation demonstrates that in-hospital mortality and mortality during 6-month follow-up in patients with acute HF were higher in those subjects with a history of concomitant solid tumor cancer diagnosis.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Facilitates the Homeostatic Control of Feeding Behavior
Authors: Wu Chih-Ting , Chaffin Aki T. , Ryan Karen K.
Published: January 2022

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a stress hormone that is released from the liver in response to nutritional and metabolic challenges. In addition to its well-described effects on systemic metabolism, a growing body of literature now supports the notion that FGF21 also acts via the central nervous system to control feeding behavior. Here we review the current understanding of FGF21 as a hormone regulating feeding behavior in rodents, non-human primates, and humans. First, we examine the nutritional contexts that induce FGF21 secretion. Initial reports describing FGF21 as a ‘starvation hormone’ have now been further refined. FGF21 is now better understood as an endocrine mediator of the intracellular stress response to various nutritional manipulations, including excess sugars and alcohol, caloric deficits, a ketogenic diet, and amino acid restriction. We discuss FGF21’s effects on energy intake and macronutrient choice, together with our current understanding of the underlying neural mechanisms. We argue that the behavioral effects of FGF21 function primarily to maintain systemic macronutrient homeostasis, and in particular to maintain an adequate supply of protein and amino acids for use by the cells.
Cell Death in AMD: The Rationale for Targeting Fas
Authors: Zacks David N. , Kocab Andrew J. , Choi Joanne J. , Gregory-Ksander Meredith S. , Cano Marisol , Handa James T.
Published: January 2022

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the developed world. While great advances have been made in the treatment of the neovascular (“wet”) form of the disease, there is still a significant need for therapies that prevent the vision loss associated with the advanced forms of dry, atrophic AMD. In this atrophic form, retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) and photoreceptor cell death is the ultimate cause of vision loss. In this review, we summarize the cell death pathways and their relation to RPE and retinal cell death in AMD. We review the data that support targeting programmed cell death through inhibition of the Fas receptor as a novel approach to preserve these structures and that this effect results from inhibiting both canonical death pathway activation and reducing the associated inflammatory response. These data lay the groundwork for current clinical strategies targeting the Fas pathway in this devastating disease.
Contact Force-Sensing versus Standard Catheters in Non-Fluoroscopic Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Idiopathic Outflow Tract Ventricular Arrhythmias
Authors: Karkowski Grzegorz , Kuniewicz Marcin , Ząbek Andrzej , Koźluk Edward , Dębski Maciej , Matusik Paweł T. , Lelakowski Jacek
Published: January 2022

Background: Adequate contact between the catheter tip and tissue is important for optimal lesion formation and, in some procedures, it has been associated with improved effectiveness and safety. We evaluated the potential benefits of contact force-sensing (CFS) catheters during non-fluoroscopic radiofrequency catheter ablation (NF-RFCA) of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) originating from outflow tracts (OTs). Methods: A group of 102 patients who underwent NF-RFCA (CARTO, Biosense Webster Inc., Irvine, CA, USA) of VAs from OTs between 2014 to 2018 was retrospectively analyzed. Results: We included 52 (50.9%) patients in whom NF-RFCA was performed using CFS catheters and 50 (49.1%) who were ablated using standard catheters. Arrhythmias were localized in the right and left OT in 70 (68.6%) and 32 (31.4%) patients, respectively. The RFCA acute success rate was 96.1% (n = 98) and long-term success during a minimum 12-month follow-up (mean 51.3 ± 21.6 months) was 85.3% (n = 87), with no difference between CFS and standard catheters. There was no difference in complications rate between CFS (n = 1) and standard catheter (n = 2) ablations. Conclusions: There is no additional advantage of CFS catheters use over standard catheters during NF-RFCA of OT-VAs in terms of procedural effectiveness and safety.
New Recovery Strategies in Motor and Cognitive Functions, before, during and after Home-Confinement COVID-19, for Healthy Adults and Patients with Neurodegenerative Diseases: Review
Authors: Bacanoiu Manuela , Danoiu Mircea , Marin Mihnea , Rusu Mihai Robert , Rusu Ligia
Published: January 2022

Distancing and confinement at home during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has led to worsening of motor and cognitive functions, both for healthy adults and for patients with neurodegenerative diseases. The decrease in physical activity, the cessation of the intervention of the recovery and the social distance imposed by the lockdown, has had a negative impact on the physical and mental health, quality of life, daily activities, as well as on the behavioral attitudes of the diet. The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the impact of decreasing physical activity and the affected emotional status in healthy adults and patients with neurodegenerative diseases in conditions imposed by the stay at home mandate of COVID-19, along with new interventions, such as telemedicine and telerehabilitation. These interventions include online surveys carried out in multi-languages, semi-structured interviews, intervention smartphones and interventions through online platforms, for instance: Google, WhatsApp, Twitter, ResearchGate, Facebook and LinkedIn. For this study, we selected original papers that were intensively processed using characteristics co-related with physical activity, mental wellbeing, sleep quality, good eating behavior and healthy lifestyle. By searching the last two years of literature, our review presents and demonstrates the benefit of online technological interventions in lockdown, which promote physical exercise patterns and rehabilitation techniques, for healthy adults and patients with neurodegenerative diseases, and the need to develop new strategic directions and governmental measures, designed procedures and health services, which are expected to improve the quality of life, the progress of physical and cognitive functions, mental health and wellbeing for all.
Experience with Cutaneous Manifestations in COVID-19 Patients during the Pandemic
Authors: Navarro-Bielsa Alba , Abadías-Granado Isabel , Morales-Callaghan Ana María , Suso-Estívalez Catalina , Povar-Echeverría Marina , Rello Luis , Gilaberte Yolanda
Published: January 2022

After the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, our dermatology department created a multidisciplinary unit to manage patients with cutaneous manifestations associated with COVID-19. With the objective of identifying skin lesions in patients with suspected COVID-19 and evaluating possible associations with systemic involvement, other infectious agents and coagulation disorders, we carried out a prospective observational study that included all patients that attended our COVID-19 dermatology clinic with a multidisciplinary protocol. A total of 63 patients (mean 34.6 years) were enrolled between May 2020 and February 2021. Overall, 27 patients (42.9%) had a positive COVID-19 test, and 74.6% had COVID-19 clinical signs. The most common skin lesion was maculopapular rash (36.5%), predominantly seen in male (54.2%) and older patients (42 vs. 30 years), followed by chilblain-like lesions (20.6%) in younger patients (13.9 vs. 20.9 years) who were predominantly barefoot at home (69.2%); these patients exhibited a tendency towards a negative COVID-19 test. A total of 12 patients (19.1%) had positive serology for herpesvirus 6 (IgM or IgG). We conclude that the COVID-19-associated skin lesions we observed were similar to those previously described. Questions as to the underlying mechanisms remain. Interferon, possibly aided by cold exposure, may cause perniosis-like lesions. Other cutaneous manifestations were similar to those caused by other viruses, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 may reactivate or facilitate other viral infections.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Elderly Patients with Spinal Disorders
Authors: Terai Hidetomi , Takahashi Shinji , Tamai Koji , Hori Yusuke , Iwamae Masayoshi , Hoshino Masatoshi , Ohyama Shoichiro , Yabu Akito , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: January 2022

During the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, home-quarantine has been necessary, resulting in lifestyle changes that might negatively affect patients with spinal disorders, including a reduction in their quality of life (QoL) and activities of daily living (ADLs). However, studies on this impact are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the age-related changes in QoL and ADLs in patients with spinal disorders, and also identify factors associated with decline in ADLs. This multicenter cross-sectional study included patients who visited four private spine clinics for any symptoms. The study participants either had a clinic reservation, were first-time clinic visitors, or had a return visit to the clinic. The participants completed several questionnaires at two points: pre-pandemic and post-second wave. Changes in patient symptoms, exercise habits, ADLs, and health-related QoL were assessed. A logistic regression model was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) of each variable for decline in ADLs. We included 606 patients; among them, 281 and 325 patients were aged <65 and ≥65 years, respectively. Regarding exercise habits, 46% and 48% of the patients in the <65 and ≥65-year age groups, respectively, did not change their exercise habits. In contrast, 40% and 32% of the patients in the <65 and ≥65-year age groups, respectively, decreased their exercise habits. In the multivariate analysis, the adjusted ORs for sex (female), decreased exercise habit, and age >65 years were 1.7 (1.1–2.9), 2.4 (1.4–3.9), and 2.7 (1.6–4.4), respectively. In conclusion, there was a decline in the ADLs and QoL after the COVID-19 outbreak in patients with spinal disorders. Aging, reduction of exercise habits, and female sex were independent factors related to decline in ADLs.
DXA-Based Detection of Low Muscle Mass Using the Total Body Muscularity Assessment Index (TB-MAXI): A New Index with Cutoff Values from the NHANES 1999–2004
Authors: Minetto Marco Alessandro , Ballatore Maria Giulia , Botter Alberto , Busso Chiara , Pietrobelli Angelo , Tabacco Anita
Published: January 2022

The aims of this study were to investigate age-related changes in total body skeletal muscle mass (TBSMM) and the between-limb asymmetry in lean mass in a large sample of adults. Demographic, anthropometric, and DXA-derived data of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants were considered. The sample included 10,014 participants of two ethnic groups (Caucasians and African Americans). The age-related decline of TBSMM absolute values was between 5% and 6% per decade in males and between 4.5% and 5.0% per decade in females. The adjustment of TBSMM for body surface area (TB-MAXI) showed that muscle mass peaked in the second decade and decreased progressively during the subsequent decades. The following thresholds were identified to distinguish between low and normal TB-MAXI: (i) 10.0 kg/m2 and 11.0 kg/m2 in Caucasian and African American females; and (ii) 12.5 kg/m2 and 14.5 kg/m2 in Caucasian and African American males. The lean asymmetry indices were higher for the lower limbs compared with the upper limbs and were higher for males compared with females. In conclusion, the present study proposes the TB-MAXI and lean asymmetry index, which can be used (and included in DXA reports) as clinically relevant markers for muscle amount and lean distribution.
Analysis of Factors That May Affect the Effectiveness of Ketogenic Diet Treatment in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients
Authors: Winczewska-Wiktor Anna , Hirschfeld Adam Sebastian , Badura-Stronka Magdalena , Komasińska-Piotrowska Paulina , Steinborn Barbara
Published: January 2022

Purpose. The aim was to find predictors for ketogenic diet (KD) treatment effectiveness. In addition, recognized factors influencing the efficacy of KD were analyzed based on the ILAE (International League Against Epilepsy) proposed Classification and Definition of the Epilepsy Syndromes. Methods. A sample of 42 patients treated with KD were analyzed. The effectiveness of KD was assessed according to the type of diet, the type of seizures, and the known (KE) or undetermined genetic etiology (UNKE). The group of KE consisted of patients with CACNA1S, CHD2, DEPDC5, KIF1A, PIGN, SCN1A, SCN8A, SLC2A1, SYNGAP1 pathogenic variants. The usefulness of the new Classification and Definition of Epilepsy Syndromes proposed by the ILAE was evaluated. Results. KD therapy was effective in 69.05% of cases. No significant correlation was observed with the type of diet used. KE was related to greater effectiveness after KD treatment. KD treatment was most effective in the reduction of non-focal seizures. Considering the ILAE proposed classification, it was found that KD efficacy was higher in patients with simultaneous focal and tonic-clonic seizures compared to patients with only tonic-clonic or focal seizures. Conclusion. The occurrence of focal seizures does not determine the potential ineffectiveness of treatment with a ketogenic diet. A significant efficacy of ketogenic diet treatment was observed in the group of patients with focal and generalized seizures, as well as epileptic and developmental encephalopathies. The etiology of epileptic seizures plays a more significant role. The new classification will make it easier to select patients who can benefit from this form of treatment.
Comparison between Two Different Scanners for the Evaluation of the Role of 18F-FDG PET/CT Semiquantitative Parameters and Radiomics Features in the Prediction of Final Diagnosis of Thyroid Incidentalomas
Authors: Dondi Francesco , Pasinetti Nadia , Gatta Roberto , Albano Domenico , Giubbini Raffaele , Bertagna Francesco
Published: January 2022

The aim of this study was to compare two different tomographs for the evaluation of the role of semiquantitative PET/CT parameters and radiomics features (RF) in the prediction of thyroid incidentalomas (TIs) at 18F-FDG imaging. A total of 221 patients with the presence of TIs were retrospectively included. After volumetric segmentation of each TI, semiquantitative parameters and RF were extracted. All of the features were tested for significant differences between the two PET scanners. The performances of all of the features in predicting the nature of TIs were analyzed by testing three classes of final logistic regression predictive models, one for each tomograph and one with both scanners together. Some RF resulted significantly different between the two scanners. PET/CT semiquantitative parameters were not able to predict the final diagnosis of TIs while GLCM-related RF (in particular GLCM entropy_log2 e GLCM entropy_log10) together with some GLRLM-related and GLZLM-related features presented the best predictive performances. In particular, GLCM entropy_log2, GLCM entropy_log10, GLZLM SZHGE, GLRLM HGRE and GLRLM HGZE resulted the RF with best performances. Our study enabled the selection of some RF able to predict the final nature of TIs discovered at 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging. Classic semiquantitative and volumetric PET/CT parameters did not reveal these abilities. Furthermore, a good overlap in the extraction of RF between the two scanners was underlined.
Functional Network Connectivity Reveals the Brain Functional Alterations in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Bukkieva Tatyana , Pospelova Maria , Efimtsev Aleksandr , Fionik Olga , Alekseeva Tatyana , Samochernych Konstantin , Gorbunova Elena , Krasnikova Varvara , Makhanova Albina , Levchuk Anatoliy , Trufanov Gennadiy , Combs Stephanie , Shevtsov Maxim
Published: January 2022

Different neurological and psychiatric disorders such as vertebrobasilar insufficiency, chronic pain syndrome, anxiety, and depression are observed in more than 90% of patients after treatment for breast cancer and may cause alterations in the functional connectivity of the default mode network. The purpose of the present study is to assess changes in the functional connectivity of the default mode network in patients after breast cancer treatment using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). Rs-fMRI was performed using a 3.0T MR-scanner on patients (N = 46, women) with neurological disorders (chronic pain, dizziness, headaches, and/or tinnitus) in the late postoperative period (>12 months) after Patey radical mastectomy for breast cancer. According to the intergroup statistical analysis, there were differences in the functional connectivity of the default mode network in all 46 patients after breast cancer treatment compared to the control group (p < 0.01). The use of rs-fMRI in in breast cancer survivors allowed us to identify changes in the functional connectivity in the brain caused by neurological disorders, which correlated with a decreased quality of life in these patients. The results indicate the necessity to improve treatment and rehabilitation methods in this group of patients.
Preemptive Administration of Albumin during Pancreatectomy Does Not Reduce Postoperative Complications: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jeong Heejoon , Kim Jie Ae , Yang Mikyung , Ahn Hyun Joo , Heo JinSeok , Han In Woong , Shin Sang Hyun , Lee Nam Young , Kim Woo Jin
Published: January 2022

Despite the empirical use of human albumin during pancreatectomy to replace intraoperative volume loss while preventing fluid overload and edema, its impact on postoperative outcomes remains unclear. In addition, most previous studies have focused on the effects of therapeutic albumin usage. Here, we investigated whether preemptive administration of human albumin to prevent edema during pancreatectomy could reduce the incidence of moderate postoperative complications. Adult patients undergoing pancreatectomy were assigned to either the albumin group (n = 100) or the control group (n = 100). Regardless of the preoperative albumin level, 200 mL of 20% albumin was administered to the albumin group after induction of anesthesia. The primary outcome was the incidence of moderate postoperative complications as defined by a Clavien–Dindo classification grade ≥ 2 at discharge. Intraoperative net-fluid balance, a known risk factor of postoperative complication after pancreatectomy, was lower in the albumin group than in the control group (p = 0.030), but the incidence of moderate postoperative complications was not different between the albumin and control groups (47/100 vs. 38/100, respectively; risk ratio: 1.24, 95% CI: 0.89 to 1.71; p = 0.198). Therefore, preemptive administration of human albumin to prevent fluid overload and edema during pancreatectomy is not recommended because of its lack of apparent benefit in improving postoperative outcomes.
Efficacy and Drug Survival after Switching from Etanercept to the Biosimilar SB4: A Real-Life Long-Term Study
Authors: Parisi Simone , Becciolini Andrea , Ditto Maria Chiara , Rozza Davide , Zanetti Anna , Laganà Angela , Peroni Clara Lisa , Centanaro Di Vittorio Chiara , Degiovanni Rosanna , Realmuto Cristina , Scirè Carlo Alberto , Priora Marta , Di Donato Eleonora , Santilli Daniele , Mozzani Flavio , Lucchini Gianluca , Ariani Alarico , Gardelli Lucia , Girelli Francesco , Arrigoni Eugenio , Platè Ilaria , Bravi Elena , Paroli Marino , Caccavale Rosalba , Salvarani Carlo , Sandri Gilda , Lumetti Federica , Volpe Alessandro , Marchetta Antonio , Fusaro Enrico
Published: January 2022

We evaluated the 3-year drug survival and efficacy of the biosimilar SB4/Benepali in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients, previously treated with etanercept (ETA). Drug survival rate was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazard models were developed to examine predictors of SB4 discontinuation. 236 patients (120 RA, 80 PsA and 36 AS), aged 60.7 ± 13.8 years and with an ETA duration of 4.1 ± 3.4 years were included. The 3-year retention rate for SB4 was 94.4%, 88% and 86% in AS, RA and PsA patients, respectively, with no difference between groups. Patients without comorbid disease had higher retention rates vs. patients with comorbid disease (90% vs. 60%, p < 0.0001). Disease activity, as measured by DAS28, DAPSA and BASDAI remained stable over the 3 years. Comorbid disease (hazard ratio; HR: 4.06, p < 0.0001) and HAQ at baseline (HR: 2.42, p = 0.0024) significantly increased the risk of SB4 discontinuation, while previous ETA duration was negatively associated with SB4 discontinuation (HR: 0.97, p = 0.0064). Forty-one (17.4%) patients left the study due to the interruption of the SB4 treatment, 31 (75.6%) discontinued due to inefficacy and 10 (24.4%) due to adverse events. This real-life study confirms the similar efficacy profile of ETA with long-term retention and a good safety profile in inflammatory arthritis patients.
Obesity, Inflammation, and Mortality in COVID-19: An Observational Study from the Public Health Care System of New York City
Authors: Palaiodimos Leonidas , Ali Ryad , Teo Hugo O. , Parthasarathy Sahana , Karamanis Dimitrios , Chamorro-Pareja Natalia , Kokkinidis Damianos G. , Kaur Sharanjit , Kladas Michail , Sperling Jeremy , Chang Michael , Hupart Kenneth , Cha-Fong Colin , Srinivasan Shankar , Kishore Preeti , Davis Nichola , Faillace Robert T.
Published: January 2022

Severe obesity increases the risk for negative outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Our objectives were to investigate the effect of BMI on in-hospital outcomes in our New York City Health and Hospitals’ ethnically diverse population, further explore this effect by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and timing of admission, and, given the relationship between COVID-19 and hyperinflammation, assess the concentrations of markers of systemic inflammation in different BMI groups. A retrospective study was conducted in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in the public health care system of New York City from 1 March 2020 to 31 October 2020. A total of 8833 patients were included in this analysis (women: 3593, median age: 62 years). The median body mass index (BMI) was 27.9 kg/m2. Both overweight and obesity were independently associated with in-hospital death. The association of overweight and obesity with death appeared to be stronger in men, younger patients, and individuals of Hispanic ethnicity. We did not observe higher concentrations of inflammatory markers in patients with obesity as compared to those without obesity. In conclusion, overweight and obesity were independently associated with in-hospital death. Obesity was not associated with higher concentrations of inflammatory markers.