bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of Xiaoyao pills for mild to moderate depression: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xue Zhe , Huang Zhen , Cheng Shu-li , Wang Xi-hong , Zhou Xuan , Ma Qing-yu , Chen Jia-xu
Published: January 2022

Background

Depression is one of the most frequent and severe psychiatric conditions. Many chemical drugs to treat depression are associated with adverse reactions and have shortcomings. Traditional Chinese medicine is of great significance in the prevention and treatment of depression. Xiaoyao pills has achieved good results in clinical application, which has the advantages of quick effect and no obvious adverse reactions. The aim of our study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Xiaoyao pills on mild to moderate depression patients.

Methods

This study is a multi-centre, double-blinded, randomized and placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 108 participants are assigned to three groups: Xiaoyao pill group taking Xiaoyao pills twice daily for 4 weeks, placebo group taking placebos twice daily for 4 weeks and normal group without taking any drug. The primary and secondary outcome measures are the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Syndrome Scale. The assessment is at baseline (before treatment initiation), 1 week, 2 weeks 4 weeks after the first treatment. Exploratory outcome is also assessed to explore the mechanism of Xiaoyao pills at baseline and 4 weeks.

Discussion

The results from this study will provide clinical evidence on the efficacy and safety of Xiaoyao pills in patients with mild to moderate depression with syndrome of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov ISRCTN12746343. Registered on September 25, 2020.
Histone lysine-specific demethylase 1 induced renal fibrosis via decreasing sirtuin 3 expression and activating TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Dong Lina , Yu Lei , Zhong Jin
Published: January 2022

Objective

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Histone lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is a flavin-containing amino oxidase that can repress or activate transcription. The aim of this study is to explore the mechanism of LSD1 aggravating DN-induced renal fibrosis.

Methods

The STZ-induced DN rat model was established for in vivo study. The rats were divided into four groups: Sham, STZ, STZ + Ad-shNC and Ad-shLSD1. The Hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate the renal injury. The Immunofluorescence assay was used to determine the LSD1, Fibronectin and α-SMA expression. The related protein expression was detected by western blot.

Results

Knockdown of LSD1 alleviated STZ-induced renal injury. Moreover, knockdown of LSD1 decreased the expression of serum biochemical markers, containing urine output (24 h), urinary protein (24 h), serum creatinine, BUN and UACR. Furthermore, we proved that knockdown of LSD1 alleviated renal fibrosis in STZ-induced DN rats. In vitro, knockdown of LSD1 suppressed NRK-49F cells activation and overexpression of LSD1 induced renal fibrosis. In addition, knockdown of LSD1 could deactivate TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway and promote sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) expression in vivo and in vitro. The rescue experiments confirmed that LSD1 induced renal fibrosis via decreasing SIRT3 expression and activating TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway.

Conclusion

LSD1 deficiency leads to alleviate STZ-induced renal injury and overexpression of LSD1 induces renal fibrosis via decreasing SIRT3 expression and activating TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway, which provides a reasonable strategy for developing novel drugs targeting LDS1 to block renal fibrosis.
Changes in the gut bacterial communities in colon cancer surgery patients: an observational study
Authors: Abbas Mohamed , Gaïa Nadia , Buchs Nicolas C. , Delaune Vaihere , Girard Myriam , Andrey Diego O. , Meyer Jeremy , Schrenzel Jacques , Ris Frédéric , Harbarth Stephan , Lazarevic Vladimir
Published: January 2022

Background

Colon surgery has been shown to modulate the intestinal microbiota. Our objective was to characterize these changes using state-of-the-art next generation sequencing techniques.

Methods

We performed a single-centre prospective observational cohort study to evaluate the changes in the gut microbiota, i.e., taxon distribution, before and after elective oncologic colon surgery in adult patients with different antimicrobial prophylaxis regimens (standard prophylaxis with cefuroxime/metronidazole versus carbapenems for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales [ESBL-E] carriers). We obtained rectal samples on the day of surgery, intraoperative luminal samples, and rectal or stoma samples 3 days after surgery. We performed metataxonomic analysis based on sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene marker. Similarities and differences between bacterial communities were assessed using Bray–Curtis similarity, visualised using principal coordinates analysis and statistically tested by PERMANOVA. Comparison of taxa relative abundance was performed using ANCOM.

Results

We included 27 patients between March 27, 2019 and September 17, 2019. The median age was 63.6 years (IQR 56.4–76.3) and 44% were females. Most (81%) patients received standard perioperative prophylaxis as they were not ESBL carriers. There was no significant association between ESBL carriage and differences in gut microbiome. We observed large and significant increases in the genus Enterococcus between the preoperative/intraoperative samples and the postoperative sample, mainly driven by Enterococcus faecalis. There were significant differences in the postoperative microbiome between patients who received standard prophylaxis and carbapenems, specifically in the family Erysipelotrichaceae.

Conclusion

This hypothesis-generating study showed rapid changes in the rectal microbiota following colon cancer surgery.
Translating research to usual care of children with sickle cell disease in Northern Nigeria: lessons learned from the SPRING Trial Team
Authors: Bello-Manga Halima , Haliru Lawal , Tabari Abdulkadir M. , Farouk Bilkisu , Suleiman Aisha , Bahago Gloria Y. , Sani Abdulrasheed M. , Bauman Ana A. , DeBaun Michael R. , King Allison A.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Evidence-based practice for stroke prevention in high-income countries involves screening for abnormal transcranial Doppler (TCD) velocity and initiating regular blood transfusions for at least 1 year, followed by treatment with hydroxyurea. This practice has not been transferred to low-resource settings like Nigeria, the country with the highest global population density of SCD. Following a multi-center randomized controlled trial among children with SCA in northern Nigeria, screening for stroke and initiation of hydroxyurea was established as standard of care at the clinical trial sites and other locations. We aim to describe the critical steps we took in translating research into practice for stroke prevention in SCA in Nigeria. Guided by the PRISM framework, we describe how we translated results from a randomized controlled trial for primary prevention of stroke in children with sickle cell anemia into usual care for children with SCA in Kaduna, Nigeria.

Results

Findings from this study demonstrate the importance of organizational support and stakeholder involvement from the onset of a clinical trial. Having the dual objective of conducting an efficacy trial while simultaneously focusing on strategies for future implementation can significantly decrease the lag time between discovery and routine practice.
What is the impact of birth weight corrected for gestational age on later onset asthma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Zhang Zeyi , Chen Ou
Published: January 2022

Background

Asthma is a common multifactorial disease affecting millions worldwide. The Barker hypothesis postulates an association between later onset disease risk and energy exposure in utero. Birth weight corrected for gestational age is better for measuring the infant size, which reflects energy exposure in utero. Findings on asthma and birth weight corrected for gestational age have been inconclusive. We conducted a meta-analysis to further clarify the relationship between birth weight corrected for gestational age and later onset asthma.

Methods

A systematic literature search of the PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases up to January 2021 was conducted. The subject terms were used as follows: “asthma”, “allerg*”, “respiratory”, “birth weight”, “gestational age”, “birth outcomes”, “intrauterine growth retardation”, and “fetal growth restriction”.

Results

We included 12 articles with data from a total of 6,713,596 people. Compared with non-SGA infants, infants small for gestation age (SGA) were not associated with an increased risk of asthma (OR = 1.07; 95% CI 0.94–1.21). However, in the subgroup analysis, we found an increased risk of later onset asthma among SGA in studies conducted in Asia, with a large sample size, and defined asthma through medical records rather than questionnaires. Large for gestational age (LGA) was not associated with an increased risk of asthma when non-LGA or appropriated for gestational age (AGA) infants were used as the reference (OR = 1.02; 95% CI 0.90–1.16; OR = 1.01; 95% CI 0.88–1.15).

Conclusion

These results indicated that neither SGA nor LGA was associated with an increased risk of asthma. However, considering the limitations of the research, these results should be interpreted with caution.
Ontogeny of RORγt+ cells in the intestine of newborns and its role in the development of experimental necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Zhao Xiuhao , Liang Wenhua , Wang Yonghui , Yi Ruirong , Luo Lingjie , Wang Weifang , Sun Nannan , Yu Mingcheng , Xu Weijue , Sheng Qingfeng , Lu Li , Pang Jianfeng , Lv Zhibao , Wang Feng
Published: January 2022

Background

Neonates possess an immature and plastic immune system, which is a major cause of some diseases in newborns. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe and devastating intestinal disease that typically affects premature infants. However, the development of intestinal immune cells in neonates and their roles in the pathological process of NEC have not been elucidated.

Results

We examined the ontogeny of intestinal lamina propria lymphocytes in the early life of mice and found a high percentage of RORγt+ cells (containing inflammatory Th17 and ILC3 populations) during the first week of life. Importantly, the proportion of RORγt+ cells of intestinal lamina propria further increased in both NEC mice and patients tissue than the control. Furthermore, the application of GSK805, a specific antagonist of RORγt, inhibited IL-17A release and ameliorated NEC severity.

Conclusions

Our data reveal the high proportion of RORγt+ cells in newborn mice may directly contribute to the development of NEC.
Prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia by noble metal coating of endotracheal tubes: a multi-center, randomized, double-blind study
Authors: Damas Pierre , Legrain Caroline , Lambermont Bernard , Dardenne Nadia , Guntz Julien , Kisoka Grâce , Demaret Pierre , Rousseau Anne-Françoise , Jadot Laurent , Piret Sonia , Noirot Didier , Bertrand Axelle , Donneau Anne-Françoise , Misset Benoît
Published: January 2022

Background

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) causes increased mortality, prolonged hospital stay and increased healthcare costs. Prevention of VAP in intensive care units (ICUs) is currently based on several measures, and application of noble metal coating on medical devices has been shown to inhibit the bacterial adherence of microorganisms to the surface. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential benefit of noble metal coating of endotracheal tubes for the prevention of VAP.

Methods

This was a multi-center, randomized, controlled, double-blind, prospective study including ventilated patients from nine ICUs from four hospital sites in Belgium. Patients were randomly intubated with identical appearing noble metal alloy (NMA) coated (NMA-coated group) or non-coated (control group) endotracheal tubes (ETT). Primary endpoint was the incidence of VAP. Secondary endpoints were the proportion of antibiotic days during ICU stay and tracheal colonization by pathogenic bacteria.

Results

In total, 323 patients were enrolled, 168 in the NMA-coated group and 155 in the control group. During ventilation, VAP occurred in 11 patients (6.5%) in the NMA-coated group and in 18 patients (11.6%) in the control group (p  = 0.11). A higher delay in VAP occurrence was observed in the NMA-coated group compared with the control group by Cox proportional hazards regression analysis (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.19–0.88, p  = 0.02). The number of antibiotic days was 58.8% of the 1,928 ICU days in the NMA-coated group and 65.4% of the 1774 ICU days in the control group (p  = 0.06). Regarding tracheal colonization, bacteria occurred in 38 of 126 patients in the NMA-coated group (30.2%) and in 37 of 109 patients in the control group (33.9%) (p  = 0.57).

Conclusions

This study provides preliminary evidence to support the benefit of noble metal coating in the prevention of VAP. A confirmatory study in a larger population would be valuable.

Trial registration: Clinical trial number: NCT04242706 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov)
A method of pedestrian flow monitoring based on received signal strength
Authors: Yang Zhiyong , Wen Jing , Huang Kaide
Published: January 2022

There is a wide demand for people counting and pedestrian flow monitoring in large public places such as scenic tourist areas, shopping malls, stations, squares, and so on. Based on the feedback from the pedestrian flow monitoring system, resources can be optimally allocated to maximize social and economic benefits. Moreover, trampling accidents can be avoided because pedestrian guidance is carried out in time. In order to meet these requirements, we propose a method of pedestrian flow monitoring based on the received signal strength (RSS) of wireless sensor networks. This method mainly utilizes the shadow attenuation effect of pedestrians on radio frequency (RF) signals of effective links. In this paper, a deployment structure of RF wireless sensor network is firstly designed to monitor the pedestrians. Secondly, the features are extracted from the wavelet decomposition of RSS signal series with a short time. Lastly, the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm is trained by an experimental data set to distinguish the instantaneous number of pedestrian passing through the monitoring point. In the case of dense and sparse indoor personnel density, the accuracy of the SVM model is 88.9% and 94.5%, respectively. In the outdoor environment, the accuracy of the SVM model is 92.9%. The experimental results show that this method can realize the high precision monitoring of the flow of people in the context of real-time pedestrian flow monitoring.
Quality of life and complications after nephron-sparing treatment of renal cell carcinoma stage T1—a systematic review
Authors: Junker Theresa , Duus Louise , Rasmussen Benjamin S. B. , Azawi Nessn , Lund Lars , Graumann Ole , Nørgaard Birgitte
Published: January 2022

Background

Despite the fact that nephron-sparing treatment is considered preferable from a surgical perspective patients’ quality of life (QoL) following different types of nephron-sparing treatments remains unclear.

Purpose

To investigate the quality of life and complications after nephron-sparing treatment of renal cell carcinomas of stage T1.

Materials and methods

A systematic search of six databases was carried out. We included studies that reported the quality of life and complications in patients aged 18 years or older following nephron-sparing treatment of renal cell carcinoma stage T1. The quality assessment was performed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist for cohort studies and the CASP Randomized Controlled Trial Checklist. Data were analyzed using a narrative approach.

Results

Eight studies were included, six of which investigated QoL after partial nephrectomy and two after ablation therapies. Seven studies reported complications. Three studies reported higher QoL scores after partial nephrectomy compared to radical nephrectomy. Two studies showed that QoL increased or returned to baseline levels up to 12 months following partial nephrectomy. One study reported a gradual increase in QoL after radiofrequency ablation, and one study reported that all patients recovered to baseline QoL following cryoablation. Across studies, we found a complication rate up to 20% after partial nephrectomy and up to 12.5% after ablation therapy.

Conclusions

The results of this systematic review suggest that nephron-sparing treatment appears to be superior or comparable to other treatment alternatives with regard to QoL outcomes. Additionally, based on the studies included in this review, partial nephrectomy appears to have a higher complication rate compared with ablation therapies.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42020155594
On the novel existence results of solutions for a class of fractional boundary value problems on the cyclohexane graph
Authors: Ali Wajahat , Turab Ali , Nieto Juan J.
Published: January 2022

A branch of mathematical science known as chemical graph theory investigates the implications of connectedness in chemical networks. A few researchers have looked at the solutions of fractional differential equations using the concept of star graphs. Their decision to use star graphs was based on the assumption that their method requires a common point linked to other nodes but not to each other. Our goal is to broaden the scope of the method by defining the idea of a cyclohexane graph, which is a cycloalkane with the molecular formula $C_{6}H_{12}$

C
6

H
12

and CAS number 110-82-7. It consists of a ring of six carbon atoms, each bonded with two hydrogen atoms above and below the plane with multiple junction nodes. This article examines the existence of fractional boundary value problem’ solutions on such graphs in the sense of the Caputo fractional derivative by using the well-known fixed point theorems. In addition, an example is given to support our key findings.
Predictors of mortality among TB-HIV co-infected children attending anti-retroviral therapy clinics of selected public hospitals in southern, Ethiopia: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gemechu Jifare , Gebremichael Bereket , Tesfaye Tewodros , Seyum Alula , Erkalo Desta
Published: January 2022

Background

Co-infection of tuberculosis and HIV has a significant impact on public health. TB is the most common opportunistic infection and the leading cause of death in HIV-positive children worldwide. But there is paucity of studies concerning the predictors of mortality among TB-HIV co-infected children. This study aimed to determine the predictors of mortality among TB-HIV co-infected children attending ART clinics of public hospitals in Southern Nation, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR), Ethiopia.

Methods

A hospital-based retrospective cohort study design was used among 284 TB-HIV co-infected children attending ART clinics at selected public hospitals in SNNPR, Ethiopia, from January 2009 to December 2019. Then, medical records of children who were TB/HIV co-infected and on ART were reviewed using a structured data extraction tool. Data were entered using Epidata 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 23. The Kaplan Meier survival curve along with log rank tests was used to estimate and compare survival time. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were conducted to identify predictors of mortality among TB/HIV co-infected children. Adjusted Hazard Ratio with p value < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant.

Result

A total of 284 TB/HIV co-infected children were included in the study. Among these, 35 (12.3%) of them died during the study period. The overall mortality rate was 2.78 (95%CI = 1.98-3.99) per 100 child years of observation. The predictors of mortality were anemia (AHR = 3.6; 95%CI: 1.39-9.31), fair or poor ART drug adherence (AHR = 2.9; 95%CI = 1.15-7.43), extrapulmonary TB (AHR = 3.9; 95%CI: 1.34-11.45) and TB drug resistance (AHR = 5.7; 95%CI: 2.07-15.96).

Conclusion

Mortality rate of TB/HIV co-infected children in selected public hospitals in SNNPR, Ethiopia was documented as 2.78 per child years of observation as a result of this study. Moreover, Anemia, drug resistant tuberculosis, extrapulmonary TB and poor adherence to ART drugs were identified as the predictors of mortality among these children.
Decomposition of factors associated with housing material inequality in under-five deaths in low and middle-income countries
Authors: Morakinyo Oyewale Mayowa , Fagbamigbe Adeniyi Francis , Adebowale Ayo Stephen
Published: January 2022

Background

Low-and Medium-Income Countries (LMIC) continue to record a high burden of under-five deaths (U5D). There is a gap in knowledge of the factors contributing to housing materials inequalities in U5D. This study examined the contributions of the individual- and neighbourhood-level factors to housing materials inequalities in influencing U5D in LMIC.

Methods

We pooled data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys for 56 LMIC conducted between 2010 and 2018. In all, we analysed the data of 798,796 children living in 59,791 neighbourhoods. The outcome variable was U5D among live births within 0 to 59 months of birth. The main determinate variable was housing material types, categorised as unimproved housing materials (UHM) and improved housing materials (IHM) while the individual-level and neighbourhood-level factors are the independent variables. Data were analysed using the Fairlie decomposition analysis at α = 0.05.

Results

The overall U5D rate was 53 per 1000 children, 61 among children from houses built with UHM, and 41 among children from houses built with IHM (p < 0.001). This rate was higher among children from houses that were built with UHM in all countries except Malawi, Zambia, Lesotho, Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Maldives, Jordan, and Albania. None of these countries had significant pro-IHM inequality. The factors explaining housing inequalities in U5D include household wealth status, residence location, source of drinking water, media access, paternal employment, birth interval, and toilet type.

Conclusions

There are variations in individual- and neighbourhood-level factors driving housing materials inequalities as it influences U5D in LMIC. Interventions focusing on reducing the burden of U5D in households built with UHM are urgently needed.
A regional geomagnetic field model over Southern Africa derived with harmonic splines from Swarm satellite and ground-based data recorded between 2014 and 2019
Authors: Nahayo Emmanuel , Korte Monika
Published: January 2022

A regional harmonic spline geomagnetic main field model, Southern Africa Core Field Model (SACFM-3), is derived from Swarm satellite and ground-based data for the southern African region, in the eastern part of the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) where the field intensity continues to decrease. Using SACFM-3 and the global CHAOS-6-×9 model, a detailed study was conducted to shed light on the high spatial and temporal geomagnetic field variations over Southern Africa between 2014 and 2019. The results show a steady decrease of the radial component Z in almost the entire region. In 2019, its rate of decrease in the western part of the region has reached high values, 76 nT/year and 78 nT/year at Tsumeb and Keetmanshoop magnetic observatories, respectively. For some areas in the western part of the region the radial component Z and field intensity F have decreased in strength, from 1.0 to 1.3% and from 0.9 to 1.2%, respectively, between the epochs 2014.5 and 2019.5. There is a noticeable decrease of the field intensity from the south-western coast of South Africa expanding towards the north and eastern regions. The results show that the SAA area is continuing to grow in the region. Abrupt changes in the linear secular variation in 2016 and 2017 are confirmed in the region using ground-based data, and the X component shows an abrupt change in the secular variation in 2018 at four magnetic observatories (Hermanus, Hartebeesthoek, Tsumeb and Keetmanshoop) that needs further investigation. The regional model SACFM-3 reflects to some extent these fast core field variations in the Z component at Hermanus, Hartebeesthoek and Keetmanshoop observatories.

Graphical Abstract
Early tumor shrinkage and response assessment according to mRECIST predict overall survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients under sorafenib
Authors: Öcal Osman , Schinner Regina , Schütte Kerstin , de Toni Enrico N. , Loewe Christian , van Delden Otto , Vandecaveye Vincent , Gebauer Bernhard , Zech Christoph J. , Sengel Christian , Bargellini Irene , Gasbarrini Antonio , Sangro Bruno , Pech Maciej , Malfertheiner Peter , Ricke Jens , Seidensticker Max ,   for the SORAMIC study group, Kettner E. , Amthauer H. , Cwikla J. , Walecki J. , Klümpen H. , Schott E. , Kolligs F. , Rosmorduc O. , Menu Y. , Leroy V. , Mayerle J. , Trumm C. , Bartenstein P. , Reiser M. , Berg T. , Moche M. , Bilbao I. , Gossner L. , Reimer P. , Popovic P. , Stabuc B. , Piasecki P. , Podgajny Z. , Sacco R. , Peck-Radosavljevic M. , Lammer J. , Maleux G. , Verslype C. , Rosenberg C. , Nitsche D. , Waldenberger P. , Vergniol J. , Cassinotto C. , Yalcin S. , Peynircioglu B. , Zavaglia C. , Rampoldi A. , Tran A. , Chevallier P. , Anty R. , Trautwein C. , Kuhl C. , Grazioli L. , Vogl T. , Trojan J. , Bartolozzi C. , Iezzi R. , Bronowicki J. P. , Palmer D. , Evans J. , Sharma R. , Weir G. , Hubner R. , Basu B. , Ross P.
Published: January 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between follow-up imaging characteristics and overall survival (OS) in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients under sorafenib treatment.

Methods

Associations between OS and objective response (OR) by mRECIST or early tumor shrinkage (ETS; ≥20% reduction in enhancing tumor diameter at the first follow-up imaging) were analyzed in HCC patients treated with sorafenib within a multicenter phase II trial (SORAMIC). 115 patients were included in this substudy. The relationship between survival and OR or ETS were explored. Landmark analyses were performed according to OR at fixed time points. Cox proportional hazards models with OR and ETS as a time-dependent covariate were used to compare survival with factors known to influence OS.

Results

The OR rate was 29.5%. Responders had significantly better OS than non-responders (median 30.3 vs. 11.4 months; HR, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.22–0.63], p < 0.001), and longer progression-free survival (PFS; median 10.1 vs. 4.3 months, p = 0.015). Patients with ETS ≥ 20% had longer OS (median 22.1 vs. 11.4 months, p = 0.002) and PFS (median 8.0 vs. 4.3 months, p = 0.034) than patients with ETS < 20%. Besides OR and ETS, male gender, lower bilirubin and ALBI grade were associated with improved OS in univariate analysis. Separate models of multivariable analysis confirmed OR and ETS as independent predictors of OS.

Conclusion

OR according to mRECIST and ETS in patients receiving sorafenib treatment are independent prognostic factors for OS. These parameters can be used for assessment of treatment benefit and optimal treatment sequencing in patients with advanced HCC.
PET/CT variants and pitfalls in malignant melanoma
Authors: Aide Nicolas , Iravani Amir , Prigent Kevin , Kottler Diane , Alipour Ramin , Hicks Rodney J.
Published: January 2022

18F-FDG PET/CT plays an increasingly pivotal role in the staging and post-treatment monitoring of high-risk melanoma patients, augmented by the introduction of therapies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), that have novel modes of action that challenge conventional response assessment. Simultaneously, technological advances have been regularly released, including advanced reconstruction algorithms, digital PET and motion correction, which have allowed the PET community to detect ever-smaller cancer lesions, improving diagnostic performance in the context of indications previously viewed as limitations, such as detection of in-transit disease and confirmation of the nature of small pulmonary metastases apparent on CT.

This review will provide advice regarding melanoma-related PET protocols and will focus on variants encountered during the imaging of melanoma patients. Emphasis will be made on pitfalls related to non-malignant diseases and treatment-related findings that may confound accurate interpretation unless recognized. The latter include signs of immune activation and immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Technology-related pitfalls are also discussed, since while new PET technologies improve detection of small lesions, these may also induce false-positive cases and require a learning curve to be observed. In these times of the COVID 19 pandemic, cases illustrating lessons learned from COVID 19 or vaccination-related pitfalls will also be described.
Behavioral-psychological motivations encoded in the vocal repertoire of captive Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) cubs
Authors: Kong Xuanmin , Liu Dan , Kathait Atul , Cui Yonglu , Wang Qi , Yang Shenfan , Li Xin , Gong Ming , Roberts Nathan , Xing Xiaoying , Jiang Guangshun
Published: January 2022

Background

The Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) is the largest and one of the most endangered cats in the world. In wild and captive cats, communication is mainly dependent on olfaction. However, vocal communication also plays a key role between mother and cubs during the breeding period. How cubs express their physiological and psychological needs to their mother and companions by using acoustic signals is little known and mainly hindered by the difficult process of data collection. Here, we quantitatively summarized the vocal repertoire and behavioral contexts of captive Amur tiger cubs. The aim of the present work was to investigate the behavioral motivations of cub calls by considering influential factors of age, sex, and rearing experiences.

Results

The 5335 high-quality calls from 65 tiger cubs were classified into nine call types (Ar-1, Ar-2, Er, eee, Chuff, Growl, Hiss, Haer, and Roar) produced in seven behavioral contexts. Except for Er, eight of the nine call types were context-specific, related to Play (Ar-2, eee, and Roar), Isolation (Ar-1), Offensive Context (Haer, Growl, and Hiss), and a friendly context (Chuff).

Conclusions

The results suggest that cubs are not quiet, but instead they express rich information by emitting various call types, which are probably crucial for survival in the wild. We herein provide the first detailed spectrogram classification to indicate vocal repertoires of calls and their coding with respect to behavioral contexts in Amur tiger cubs, and we pave the steps for revealing their social communication system, which can be applied for conservation of populations. These insights can help tiger managers or keepers to improve the rearing conditions by understanding the feline cubs’ inner status and needs by monitoring their vocal information expressions and exchanges.
Subfamily hypostominae: similarities and differences in testicular structure of amazonian fish
Authors: Viana Ivana Kerly S. , S. Gicelle M. F. , Pantoja Juliana C. D. , Oliveira Renata S. , Mendes Yanne A. , Nunes José Leocyvan G. , Ferreira Maria Auxiliadora P. , Rocha Rossineide M.
Published: January 2022

Background

Hypostominae is a subfamily of the family Loricariidae that has a great diversity of species. Accordingly, testicular studies in fish can contribute to the phylogeny and taxonomy of species and to the comparison of reproductive aspects between species. Thus, this work aimed to characterize the testicular morphology and spermatogenesis of the Hypostominae species Baryancistrus xanthellus, Peckoltia oligospila and Hypancistrus zebra.

Results

B. xanthellus, P. oligospila and H. zebra had an anastomosed tubular type of testis. The germinal epithelium was continuous with unrestricted spermatogonia, and the proliferative, meiotic and spermiogenic phases were defined in all species. In the spermiogenic phase, spermatids were classified as initial, intermediate and final. Only in B. xanthellus in the final phase was there nuclear rotation. The sperm for the three species had a head with an oval shape and a single flagellum composed of the short midpiece, principal piece and end piece. B. xanthellus and P. oligospila showed a cylindrical flagellum and H. zebra showed projections that produced a flattened appearance.

Conclusions

On the basis testicular structure and ultrastructural characteristics of the germ cells, there was a greater relationship between B. xanthelus and P. oligospila, while H. zebra had particular characteristics. These aspects show that despite belonging to the same subfamily, the species have distinct biological characteristics.
Psychological demands of health professionals in the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Silva Miryam Cristina Mazieiro Vergueiro , Ioschpe Bruno , Diniz Fernanda Santos , de Oliveira Graça Maria Ramos , Saffi Fabiana , Soares Amanda Rafaella Abreu , de Almeida Rocca Cristiana Castanho , de Pádua Serafim Antonio
Published: January 2022

Recent literature emphasizes how the specific stressors of the COVID-19 outbreak affect the general population and frontline professionals, including those conducting support or backup activities in health units, which can lead to vicarious traumatization. Vicarious traumatization has been used to describe negative emotional reactions in mental health professionals who assist or treat victims of traumatic events. Thus, the aim of this article is to report the actions used in the face of the psychological demands of professionals in a hospital, who were not on the frontline of COVID-19. We collected their sociodemographic information and checked the psychological impact using the depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21), which was followed by a psychoeducational program (topics related to COVID-19 control and prevention), and individual psychological care for the most severe cases. A total of 118 professionals participated in this study; they were between 20 and 67 years old. Mild to moderate anxiety was observed in 36.5% of the medical teams, 83.3% of the administrative staff, and 65.7% of general service workers, while stress symptoms were observed in 80.2%, 83.3%, and 59.9%, respectively. Depressive symptoms (35.3%) were more frequent in general service workers. The medical teams reported the benefits of primary psychological care, while the other professionals demanded more institutional support services related to the prevention and use of personal protective equipment. This study highlights relevant psychological demands that have repercussions on the daily lives of professionals. The psychoeducational program was considered positive regarding clarification actions. However, it was not perceived as effective in reducing fear, which may result from vicarious traumatization and requires other intervention modalities.
The 2017 Dengue virus 1 outbreak in northern Vietnam was caused by a locally circulating virus group
Authors: Takemura Taichiro , Nguyen Co Thach , Pham Ha Chau , Nguyen Thuy Trang , Hoang Vu Mai Phuong , Nguyen Le Khanh Hang , Nabeshima Takeshi , Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy , Le Thi Quynh Mai , Moi Meng Ling , Morita Kouichi , Hasebe Futoshi
Published: January 2022

Background

Dengue virus (DENV) is a member of insect vector-borne viruses, and it causes dengue fever. Southeast Asia is the epi-center of dengue fever in the world. The characterization of the virus is essential to identify the transmission and evolution of DENV.

Objectives

In 2017, there was an outbreak of Dengue virus type 1 (DENV1) in northern Vietnam and the neighboring countries. To identify the genetic character of the outbreak virus in the area, we conducted whole-genome sequencing analysis on the samples positive for the DENV1 along with real-time PCR.

Study design

In total, 1026 blood samples were collected from patients with suspected dengue fever in Ha Nam and Hai Duong province, nearby areas of the capital of Vietnam. After screening by real-time PCR, 40 of DENV1 positive samples were subjected to whole-genome sequencing, and 28 complete coding sequences were obtained.

Results

All 28 sequences were genotype I of DENV1, which is dominant in the southeast and East Asian countries. The phylogenetic analysis of the E region showed that they fell into a single cluster with the reported sequences from Vietnam between 2009 and 2016, in which the isolates from other countries are very rare. Our results suggested that the 2017 outbreak in the area was caused by locally circulating viruses.
Aedes aegypti abundance, larval indices and risk for dengue virus transmission in Kinondoni district, Tanzania
Authors: Ngingo Baraka L. , Mboera Leonard E. G. , Chengula Augustino , Machelle Ines , Makange Mariam R. , Msolla Michael , Mwanyika Gaspary O. , Rugarabamu Sima , Misinzo Gerald
Published: January 2022

Background

Tanzania has experienced periodic dengue outbreaks with increased incidence since 2010. However, there is limited information on vector dynamics and transmission risk in most parts of the country. This study was conducted to determineAedesmosquito abundance, larval indices and dengue virus infection rate as risk indicators for DENV transmission in Kinondoni district, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in three wards of Kinondoni district in Tanzania between December 2019 and January 2020. In each ward, three streets were randomly selected for adult and immature mosquito sampling. The adult mosquitoes were collected using Mosquito Magnet traps, while mosquito larvae and pupae were inspected in water-holding containers in the selected household compounds. The detection of dengue virus (DENV) in femaleAedesmosquitoes was done using a one-step reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) method.

Results

Of the 1416 adult female mosquitoes collected,Ae. aegyptiaccounted for 16.8% (n = 238). A total of 333 water-holding containers were inspected and 201 (60.4%) had at least anAedeslarvae or pupae. Water-holding containers supporting the breeding ofAedeslarvae and pupae included discarded car tires, flowerpots and small and large plastic containers. The overall House Index, Container Index and Breteau Index were 55.1%, 60.4% and 114.2, respectively. None of the 763 femaleAedesmosquitoes tested by RT–PCR was found to be infected with DENV.

Conclusion

The presence and abundanceAe. aegyptimosquitoes and the large proportion of water-holding containers infested with the mosquito larvae and pupae put residents of Kinondoni district at high risk of DENV transmission. Our findings emphasize the need for continuous mosquito vector surveillance and control to prevent the possibility of future DENV outbreaks in Tanzania.
Comparison between single-dose suxamethonium and rocuronium after pretreatment with dexmedetomidine in rapid sequence induction
Authors: Salman Ossama Hamdy
Published: January 2022

Background

Rapid sequence induction is a well-established anesthetic procedure used in patients with a high risk of gastric aspiration. Suxamethonium has been the drug of choice; however, it carries potential risks and sometimes fatal outcomes. The aim of our study was to compare rocuronium after pretreatment with dexmedetomidine, to suxamethonium in providing excellent intubating conditions in rapid sequence induction in adults. Patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups, of 120 each. Control group (SS), patients received pretreatment with 10 ml 0.9% saline over 10 min and suxamethonium 1mg/kg. Experimental group (DR), received pretreatment with dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg in 10 ml 0.9% saline over 10 min and rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg. Our primary endpoint was the number of patients who scored “excellent” on intubation conditions score, while secondary outcomes were hemodynamics and adverse events.

Results

The rate of excellent intubating conditions in the DR group 46% was insignificantly less (Pvalue = 0.548) than that of the SS group 49% (relative risk (RR) of DR compared to SS = 1.04, with a confidence interval (CI) of 0.91–1.48. The percentage of patients with adverse events in the SS group was (30%) nearly more than twofold higher than that of the DR group (11%). A significant difference (Pvalue = 0.016) in the incidence of excellent intubating conditions was higher in the female gender 59% compared to the male gender 38% (adjusted RR = 0.98, with a confidence interval of 0.79–1.1).

Conclusion

A combination of dexmedetomidine 1μg/kg and standard intubating dose of rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg provided comparable endotracheal intubation conditions to suxamethonium 1 mg/kg during RSI and might be used as an alternative to suxamethonium in situations where suxamethonium is contraindicated.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govIdentifier:NCT04709315
A reality check on full-wave inversion applied to land seismic data for near-surface modeling
Authors: Yilmaz Öz , Gao Kai , Delic Milos , Xia Jianghai , Huang Lianjie , Jodeiri Hossein , Pugin Andre
Published: January 2022

We evaluate the performance of traveltime tomography and full-wave inversion (FWI) for near-surface modeling using the data from a shallow seismic field experiment. Eight boreholes up to 20-m depth have been drilled along the seismic line traverse to verify the accuracy of the P-wave velocity-depth model estimated by seismic inversion. The velocity-depth model of the soil column estimated by traveltime tomography is in good agreement with the borehole data. We used the traveltime tomography model as an initial model and performed FWI. Full-wave acoustic and elastic inversions, however, have failed to converge to a velocity-depth model that desirably should be a high-resolution version of the model estimated by traveltime tomography. Moreover, there are significant discrepancies between the estimated models and the borehole data. It is understandable why full-wave acoustic inversion would fail — land seismic data inherently are elastic wavefields. The question is: Why does full-wave elastic inversion also fail? The strategy to prevent full-wave elastic inversion of vertical-component geophone data trapped in a local minimum that results in a physically implausible near-surface model may be cascaded inversion. Specifically, we perform traveltime tomography to estimate a P-wave velocity-depth model for the near-surface and Rayleigh-wave inversion to estimate an S-wave velocity-depth model for the near-surface, then use the resulting pairs of models as the initial models for the subsequent full-wave elastic inversion. Nonetheless, as demonstrated by the field data example here, the elastic-wave inversion yields a near-surface solution that still is not in agreement with the borehole data. Here, we investigate the limitations of FWI applied to land seismic data for near-surface modeling.
Three modes of the nonstationary holographic current excitation in a gallium oxide crystal
Authors: Bryushinin M. A. , Kulikov V. V. , Petrov A. A. , Sokolov I. A. , Romashko R. V. , Kulchin Yu. N.
Published: January 2022

We report the nonstationary holographic current excitation in a β-Ga2O3 crystal at light wavelength

. The material demonstrates insulating properties and high transparency for visible light, but this, however, does not prevent the dynamic space-charge grating formation and the holographic current observation for various external electric fields —zero, dc and ac ones. The signal amplitude is measured and analyzed vs. the frequency of phase modulation, spatial frequency and electric field value. The main photoelectric parameters such as specific photoconductivity, sensor responsivity and diffusion length of carriers are determined for the blue region of spectrum.
Taking the Long View
Authors: Weiser Irwin
Published: January 2022

This article discusses how the concept of undergraduate research has evolved from an artificial academic exercise, typically introduced in first-year composition courses, to an authentic activity that engages students in primary research. Through these authentic experiences, students have opportunities to learn why research is valued in colleges and universities, to see themselves as makers of knowledge, and often to contribute to their communities.
Loss of imprinting of the Igf2-H19 ICR1 enhances placental endocrine capacity via sex-specific alterations in signalling pathways in the mouse
Authors: Aykroyd Bethany R. L. , Tunster Simon J. , Sferruzzi-Perri Amanda N.
Published: January 2022

Imprinting control region (ICR1) controls the expression of the Igf2 and H19 genes in a parent-of-origin specific manner. Appropriate expression of the Igf2-H19 locus is fundamental for normal fetal development, yet the importance of ICR1 in the placental production of hormones that promote maternal nutrient allocation to the fetus is unknown. To address this, we used a novel mouse model to selectively delete ICR1 in the endocrine junctional zone (Jz) of the mouse placenta (Jz-ΔICR1). The Jz-ΔICR1 mice exhibit increased Igf2 and decreased H19 expression specifically in the Jz. This was accompanied by an expansion of Jz endocrine cell types due to enhanced rates of proliferation and increased expression of pregnancy-specific glycoprotein 23 in the placenta of both fetal sexes. However, changes in the endocrine phenotype of the placenta were related to sexually-dimorphic alterations to the abundance of Igf2 receptors and downstream signalling pathways (Pi3k-Akt and Mapk). There was no effect of Jz-ΔICR1 on the expression of targets of the H19-embedded miR-675 or on fetal weight. Our results demonstrate that ICR1 controls placental endocrine capacity via sex-dependent changes in signalling.
Reciprocal EGFR signaling in the anchor cell ensures precise inter-organ connection during Caenorhabditis elegans vulval morphogenesis
Authors: Spiri Silvan , Berger Simon , Mereu Louisa , DeMello Andrew , Hajnal Alex
Published: January 2022

During Caenorhabditis elegans vulval development, the uterine anchor cell (AC) first secretes an epidermal growth factor (EGF) to specify the vulval cell fates and then invades the underlying vulval epithelium. By doing so, the AC establishes direct contact with the invaginating primary vulF cells and attaches the developing uterus to the vulva. The signals involved and the exact sequence of events joining these two organs are not fully understood. Using a conditional let-23 EGF receptor (EGFR) allele along with novel microfluidic short- and long-term imaging methods, we discovered a specific function of the EGFR in the AC during vulval lumen morphogenesis. Tissue-specific inactivation of let-23 in the AC resulted in imprecise alignment of the AC with the primary vulval cells, delayed AC invasion and disorganized adherens junctions at the contact site forming between the AC and the dorsal vulF toroid. We propose that EGFR signaling, activated by a reciprocal EGF cue from the primary vulval cells, positions the AC at the vulval midline, guides it during invasion and assembles a cytoskeletal scaffold organizing the adherens junctions that connect the developing uterus to the dorsal vulF toroid. Thus, EGFR signaling in the AC ensures the precise alignment of the two developing organs.
Transitions in development – an interview with Alberto Roselló-Díez
Authors: Zenner Helen L.
Published: January 2022

Alberto Roselló-Díez is a Group Leader at the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University. His lab is developing new tools to ask fundamental questions about limb development. We met with Alberto over Teams to discuss his career, his transition to becoming a group leader and his research plans.