bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum Neurofilament to Magnetic Resonance Imaging Lesion Area Ratio Differentiates Spinal Cord Infarction From Acute Myelitis
Authors: Sechi Elia , Mariotto Sara , McKeon Andrew , Krecke Karl N. , Pittock Sean J. , Ferrari Sergio , Monaco Salvatore , Flanagan Eoin P. , Zanzoni Serena , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Wingerchuk Dean M. , Nasr Deena M. , Zalewski Nicholas L.
Published: January 2021

Background and Purpose:

The diagnosis of spontaneous spinal cord infarction (SCI) is limited by the lack of diagnostic biomarkers and MRI features that often overlap with those of other myelopathies, especially acute myelitis. We investigated whether the ratio between serum neurofilament light chain levels and MRI T2-lesion area (neurofilament light chain/area ratio—NAR) differentiates SCI from acute myelitis of similar severity.

Methods:

We retrospectively identified Mayo Clinic patients (January 1, 2000–December 31, 2019) with (1) SCI, (2) AQP4 (aquaporin 4)-IgG or MOG (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein)-IgG-associated myelitis at disease clinical presentation, or (3) idiopathic transverse myelitis from a previously identified population-based cohort of patients seronegative for AQP4-IgG and MOG-IgG. Serum neurofilament light chain levels (pg/mL) were assessed at the Verona University (SIMOA, Quanterix) in a blinded fashion on available stored samples obtained ≤3 months from myelopathy presentation. For each patient, the largest spinal cord lesion area (mm
2
) was manually outlined by 2 independent raters on sagittal T2-weighted MRI images, and the mean value was used to determine NAR (pg/[mL·mm
2
]).

Results:

Forty-eight patients were included SCI, 20 (definite, 11; probable, 6; possible, 3); acute myelitis, 28 (AQP4-IgG-associated, 17; MOG-IgG-associated, 5; idiopathic transverse myelitis, 6). The median expanded disability status scale score (range) at myelopathy nadir were 7.75 (2–8.5) and 5.5 (2–8), respectively. Serum neurofilament light chain levels (median [range] pg/mL) in patients with SCI (188 [14.3–2793.4]) were significantly higher compared with patients with AQP4-IgG-associated myelitis (37 [0.8–6942.9]), MOG-IgG-associated myelitis (45.8 [4–283.8]), and idiopathic transverse myelitis (15.6 [0.9–217.8]);
P
=0.01. NAR showed the highest accuracy for identification of SCI versus acute myelitis with values ≥0.35 pg/(mL·mm
2
) yielding 86% specificity and 95% sensitivity (area under the curve=0.93). The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 6.67 and 0.06, respectively. NAR remained independently associated with SCI after adjusting for age, gender, immunotherapy before sampling, and days from myelopathy symptoms onset to sampling (
P
=0.0007).

Conclusions:

NAR is a novel and promising clinical biomarker for differentiation of SCI from acute myelitis.
Rethinking Scope Islands
Authors: Barker Chris
Published: January 2021

Relative clauses and tensed clauses are standardly assumed to be scope islands. However, naturally occurring counterexamples are abundant and easy to find. Therefore, we should revisit analyses that reject Quantifier Raising on the assumption that QR is clause-bounded. The data show that scope islands are sensitive to the identity of both the scope-taker and the predicate embedding the island. I propose the Scope Island Subset Constraint: given two scope islands, the scope-takers trapped by one will be a subset of the scope-takers trapped by the other. A simple refinement of semantic types allows encoding and enforcing of scope islands.
Ergativity in Tabasaran: A Reply to Woolford 2015
Authors: Bogomolova Natalia
Published: January 2021

Woolford (2015) distinguishes two types of ergativity—active and object shift—whereas ergativity is not governed by transitivity in any of the languages she examines. However, several languages remain unclassified in Woolford’s typology, among them two Nakh-Daghestanian languages, Archi and Tsez. Woolford inquires whether they belong to the active or object shift type or whether ergativity in these languages depends on transitivity. This article presents data from another Nakh-Daghestanian language, Tabasaran, and shows that this language is best analyzed as an example of traditional transitivity-based ergativity.
The COVID-19 Experience: Features of Culture and Belonging in the Context of Peoples Native to a Country and Migrants
Authors: Grishina Natalia V. , Lupulyak Polina V.
Published: January 2021

Background. COVID-19 has revealed the diversity of cultural characteristics and mentalities of different countries: every people living through the pandemic interprets the means of overcoming the crisis in their own way, in accordance with their historical experience and cultural traditions. Objective. The purpose of this study (April 2 - May 2, 2020) was to identify the influence of cultural factors and the context of residence (living in their own country or in another culture as a migrant) on how people perceive and experience a pandemic. Design. The study involved 605 people: 402 Russian-speaking respondents (221 migrants living outside their countries) and 203 representatives of other cultures (165 Spaniards and 38 migrants from different countries).The main research method was a survey using a specially prepared questionnaire (in four languages ​​ – Spanish, English, German, and Russian). Results. Cultural factors had a strong influence on how a people experienced a pandemic. Respondents from European and other cultures (non Russian speakers) were very intolerant of dissent in the fight against the pandemic; showed an increase in patriotism; and demonstrated increased readiness for an operational response to the situation through a change of activity. Russian-speaking respondents showed great loyalty to different positions and different behaviors during pandemic situation; expressed the desire to wait out the pandemic and quickly return to their usual way of life; their main preventive measure was self-isolation, which was considered an opportunity for the development of something new. The perception of a pandemic by migrants differed from its perception by the indigenous population. Conclusion. Common to all representatives of the international sample were the ideas of necessary international cooperation and universal responsibility to overcome the pandemic. But the cultural factors and having a migrant’s status had a strong influence on the perception and experience of the pandemic, which depends on the mentality and historical experience in different countries.
Сognitive Emotion Regulation, Anxiety, and Depression in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19
Authors: Dovbysh Daria V. , Kiseleva Maria G.
Published: January 2021

Background: A number of studies from different countries have been devoted to studying the psychological state of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the severity of the symptoms of the disease itself, the situation of uncertainty can negatively affect the patients’ psychological well-being. . Objective: Our research aimed to explore ways for patients with COVID-19 to regulate their emotional state during hospitalization, and how they can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Design: The research involved 127 people hospitalized due to confirmed COVID-19: 67 men (52.8%) and 60 women (47.2%), ages 19 to 77 years (M = 43.34, Me = 42, SD = 11.81). We used a set of questionnaires which included the Beck Depression Questionnaire; the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale; the Perceived Social Support Questionnaire (22-item); theCognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire ; and the Dembo-Rubinstein self-assessment scales. Results: Twenty-five and four-tenths percent (25.4%) of the participants had severe symptoms of anxiety, and 24.13% had symptoms of depression. Women showed higher symptoms of depression than men. ANOVA showed no significant differences in the use of emotion regulation strategies in patients being hospitalized at different intervals, or in patients of different age groups. Factor analysis made it possible to distinguish three patterns of emotion regulation: 1) adaptive cognitive change; 2) fixation on negative experiences; and 3) deflection of responsibility. Significant positive correlations were found between symptoms of depression and anxiety, and coping by fixation on negative experience only. Conclusion: Although various means of cognitive emotion regulationr by patients hospitalized with COVID-19 are currently being presented, these strategies are not associated with significant reductions in their symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Conscious Self-Regulation and Self-organization of Life during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zinchenko Yury P. , Morosanova Varvara I. , Kondratyuk Nailia G. , Fomina Tatiana G.
Published: January 2021

Background. In a pandemic situation, the search for psychological resources for successful self-organization of life under the changing conditions becomes an urgent issue. Revealing the role of a person's conscious activity to achieve such self-organization during the lockdown period is the goal of this study. Objective. Our main task was to monitor self-assessments of life self-organization in different age groups. Another was to evaluate the extent to which conscious self-regulation contributes to the success of self-organization, to overcoming its difficulties, and to accepting the uncertainty of the future. Design. The data were obtained online on the Testograf platform (www.testograf.ru), which was provided by the all-Russian research project “Exploring at home!” (www.issleduemdoma.ru), a study which ran from late April to early June 2020. The sample was comprised of 1634 people, ages 18-60, from 69 regions of Russia. The methods were “Morosanova’s Self-regulation Profile Questionnaire – SRPQM 2020” and the authors’ ad hocquestionnaire “Self-organization of life during a lockdown.” Results. The majority of respondents assessed their level of self-organization as medium (67.6%) and high (17.3%). The general level of self-regulation was associated with successful self-organization in all age groups. Regression analysis revealed that being able to cope with and accept uncertainty depended primarily on flexibility, persistence, planning goals, and modeling conditions. Overcoming the difficulties of self-organization depended on the same indicators, with additional contributions of reliability and programming of actions. Students demonstrated significantly lower levels of self-regulation than older people; as a result, young people experienced more difficulties in organizing their lives under self-isolation conditions. Conclusion. The higher the level of conscious self-regulation, the more productive a person is when self-organizing his/her behavior in case of a lockdown. The difficulties of self-organization, in turn, are associated with a low level of regulatory resources.
China’s Mental Health Interventions during the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Liu Zhengkui , An Yuanyuan , Wu Kankan
Published: January 2021

Background. The COVID-19 outbreakhas threatened both the physical healthof individualswho contracted the virus, and the mental health of everyone directly or indirectly associated with or concerned about it. Objective. As telecommunication technologies and online mental health apps become more available and affordable, they allowbehavioral and mental health professionalsto provide quality care by handling problems arising from the COVID-19 outbreakvirtually. The aim of the current article is to summarizethe online psychological assistancesupported by the Chinese governmentduring the epidemic. Design. Several measures, policies, action plans, and programs that have been underway in China during the COVID-19 outbreak epidemicare listedto provide guidance formental health interventionpractices around the world. Results. A total of seven types of mental health services and supports developed in China were listed andintroduced: 1) online psychological assistance;2) online psychological self-assessment and self-help; 3) a “Peace ofMind” self-help counseling camp; 4) a “Peace ofMind” self-help training camp; 5) mental health training and lectures; 6) psychological assistance to Hubei; and 7) collaboration with social workersin“Thousands of Institutions Send Peace ofMind.”Moreover, several areas forthe organization and management of psychological intervention activities in the futurewere identified. Conclusion. Mental health interventions helped peoplecopewith their mental health concerns duringthe outbreak of COVID-19. They couldfacilitatethe development of Chinese public emergency interventions, and eventually improve the quality and effectiveness of emergency interventions in China.
Information-Wise
Authors: Pichel Jaro , Last Barend , De Ronde Julie , Garbaciak Alicja , Hazen Henrietta , Jongen Stefan
Published: January 2021

At Maastricht University (UM), the importance of information literacy (IL) is widely recognised – students require structured support in dealing independently with (academic) information, and encouragement to develop creative and critical approaches when faced with complex questions and sources. IL is especially significant in a problem-based learning (PBL) environment such as that offered by UM, which advocates a constructive, contextual, collaborative, and self-directed approach toward learning and knowledge creation. The project Information-Wise launched in February 2019 and resulted in an evidence-informed IL programme for bachelor students. The ADDIE model (analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation) was adopted to organise the development process of the programme. The analysis phase was conducted by gathering qualitative and quantitative evidence. Two literature reviews and a university-wide survey with responses from over 600 bachelor students and about 100 staff teachers resulted in recommendations for an IL programme at UM. The design phase consisted of the development of an IL framework that embraces the PBL vision of UM. The framework consists of four dimensions: 1) Resource Discovery, 2) Critical Assessment, 3) Organising Information, 4) Creation & Communication. In order to translate the conceptual research outcomes and framework dimensions into educational practices, the project team created a developmental rubric with intended learning outcomes (ILOs). In the development phase, a five-step piloting approach was used to design teaching activities and assessments that support students in achieving these rubric ILOs. The constructive alignment approach helped to align these activities with the content of the subject courses in which these pilots took place. Part of the IL programme is an online curriculum consisting of generic and discipline-specific online modules. For the implementation phase, this report presents Do’s, Don’ts, and Don’t knows, which outline the future integration of the IL programme into faculty curricula. The evaluation phase still has to be done.
The genus Rhoenanthus Eaton, 1881 in China with the redescription of R. hunanensis You & Gui, 1995 (Ephemeroptera: Potamanthidae)
Authors: HAN NA , ZHANG MIN , ZHOU CHANG-FA
Published: January 2021

The potamanthid mayfly genus Rhoenanthus Eaton, which was not investigated systematically before in China, is revised herein. Six species in the subgenus Potamanthindus are recognized. Among them, R. sapa, R. obscurus and R. coreanus are new records for this country, and the presence in China of the species R. magnificus and R. hunanensis is confirmed, the nymphal stage of the latter species being described for the first time. Phylogenetically and evolutionarily, R. sapa, which has shorter maxillary and labial palpi, foretibiae and less setaceous mouthparts and forelegs, is close to the plesiomorphic genus Potamanthus. At the same time, R. youi, R. obscurus and R. coreanus, which have larger tusks and spines, longer and more setaceous foretibiae, maxillary and labial palpi, are somewhat similar to the other subgenus Rhoenanthus (Rhoenanthus). The Chinese Rhoenanthus (Potamanthindus) species indicate that the genus Rhoenanthus is closer to Anthopotamus rather than Potamanthus, both of them bearing elongated mandibular tusks.
Inhibition of B-cell receptor signaling disrupts cell adhesion in mantle cell lymphoma via RAC2
Authors: Wu Wenjun , Wang Weige , Franzen Carrie A. , Guo Hui , Lee Jimmy , Li Yan , Sukhanova Madina , Sheng Dong , Venkataraman Girish , Ming Mei , Lu Pin , Gao Anhui , Xia Chunmei , Li Jia , Zhang Liang Leo , Jiang Vivian Changying , Wang Michael L. , Andrade Jorge , Zhou Xiaoyan , Wang Y. Lynn
Published: January 2021

Inhibition of the B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathway is highly effective in B-cell neoplasia through Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibition by ibrutinib. Ibrutinib also disrupts cell adhesion between a tumor and its microenvironment. However, it is largely unknown how BCR signaling is linked to cell adhesion. We observed that intrinsic sensitivities of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) cell lines to ibrutinib correlated well with their cell adhesion phenotype. RNA-sequencing revealed that BCR and cell adhesion signatures were simultaneously downregulated by ibrutinib in the ibrutinib-sensitive, but not ibrutinib-resistant, cells. Among the differentially expressed genes, RAC2, part of the BCR signature and a known regulator of cell adhesion, was downregulated at both the RNA and protein levels by ibrutinib only in sensitive cells. RAC2 physically associated with B-cell linker protein (BLNK), a BCR adaptor molecule, uniquely in sensitive cells. RAC2 reduction using RNA interference and CRISPR impaired cell adhesion, whereas RAC2 overexpression reversed ibrutinib-induced cell adhesion impairment. In a xenograft mouse model, mice treated with ibrutinib exhibited slower tumor growth, with reduced RAC2 expression in tissue. Finally, RAC2 was expressed in ∼65% of human primary MCL tumors, and RAC2 suppression by ibrutinib resulted in cell adhesion impairment. These findings, made with cell lines, a xenograft model, and human primary lymphoma tumors, uncover a novel link between BCR signaling and cell adhesion. This study highlights the importance of RAC2 and cell adhesion in MCL pathogenesis and drug development.
Triorchidism: a rare case report
Authors: Gune Anita R. , Gune Rahul P.
Published: January 2021

Background

The presence of an extra testis is referred to as polyorchidism and is a rare congenital anomaly. There are with less than 200 cases reported, globally. It carries with it, a risk of malignancy making astute diagnosis and follow-up important. The management protocol of polyorchidism is ambiguous with factors such as age of the patient, location, size and anatomical organization of the testicular system playing an important role.

Case presentation

A 28-year-old male who presented with a non- tender scrotal swelling which on clinical and sonographic examination was diagnosed to be a case of triorchidism (the most common type of polyorchidism). Type 2 polyorchidism with normal epididymis and vas deference was observed. The case was conservatively managed and regular follow-up was advised.

Conclusion

Polyorchidism is a rare congenital anomaly. Patients with Polyorchidism can be conservatively managed. The reproductive potential and possible concomitant symptoms and complications including cryptorchidism, inguinal hernia and torsion will affect the management strategy. However, if the supernumerary testis is suspected of undergoing neoplastic transformation, it should be resected.
Integrated analysis of the responses of a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network to heat stress in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) liver
Authors: Quan Jinqiang , Kang Yujun , Luo Zhicheng , Zhao Guiyan , Li Lanlan , Liu Zhe
Published: January 2021

Background

With the intensification of global warming, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) suffer from varying degrees of thermal stimulation, leads to mass mortality, which severely restrict the development of aquaculture. Understanding the molecular regulatory mechanisms of rainbow trout under heat stress is useful to develop approaches to relieve symptoms.

Results

Changes in nonspecific immune parameters revealed that a strong stress response was caused in rainbow trout at 24 °C, so we performed multiple transcriptomic analyses of rainbow trout liver under heat stress (HS, 24 °C) and control conditions (CG, 18 °C). A total of 324 DEcircRNAs, 105 DEmiRNAs, and 1885 DEmRNAs were identified. A ceRNA regulatory network was constructed and a total of 301 circRNA-miRNA and 51 miRNA-mRNA negative correlation pairs were screened, and three regulatory correlation pairs were predicted: novel_circ_003889 - novel-m0674-3p - hsp90ab1, novel_circ_002325 - miR-18-y - HSPA13 and novel_circ_002446 - novel-m0556-3p - hsp70. Some target genes involved in metabolic processes, biological regulation or response to stimulus were highly induced at high temperatures. Several important pathways involved in heat stress were characterized, such as protein processing in the ER, the estrogen signaling pathway, and the HIF-1 signaling pathway.

Conclusions

These results extend our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the heat stress response and provide novel insight for the development of strategies that relieve heat stress.
Homology analysis between clinically isolated extraintestinal and enteral Klebsiella pneumoniae among neonates
Authors: Chen Chun-mei , Wang Min , Li Xian-ping , Li Peng-ling , Tian Jing-jing , Zhang Kan , Luo Can
Published: January 2021

Background

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a leading cause of hospital-associated (HA) infections. It has been reported that gastrointestinal colonization (GI) is likely to be a common and significant reservoir for the transmission and infections of K. pneumoniae in both adults and neonates. However, the homologous relationship between clinically isolated extraintestinal and enteral K. pneumoniae in neonates hasn’t been characterized yet.

Results

Forty-three isolates from 21 neonatal patients were collected in this study. The proportion of carbapenem resistance was 62.8%. There were 12 patients (12/21, 57.4%) whose antibiotic resistance phenotypes, genotypes, and ST types (STs) were concordant. Six sequence types were detected using MLST, with ST37 and ST54 being the dominant types. The results of MLST were consist with the results of PFGE.

Conclusions

These data showed that there might be a close homologous relationship between extraintestinal K. pneumoniae (EXKP) and enteral K. pneumoniae (EKP) in neonates, indicating that the K. pneumoniae from the GI tract is possibly to be a significant reservoir for causing extraintestinal infections.
Multi-responses of O-methyltransferase genes to salt stress and fiber development of Gossypium species
Authors: Hafeez Abdul , Gě Qún , Zhāng Qí , Lǐ Jùnwén , Gōng Jǔwǔ , Liú Ruìxián , Shí Yùzhēn , Shāng Hǎihóng , Liú Àiyīng , Iqbal Muhammad S. , Dèng Xiǎoyīng , Razzaq Abdul , Ali Muharam , Yuán Yǒulù , Gǒng Wànkuí
Published: January 2021

Background

O-methyltransferases (OMTs) are an important group of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosyl-L-methionine to their acceptor substrates. OMTs are divided into several groups according to their structural features. In Gossypium species, they are involved in phenolics and flavonoid pathways. Phenolics defend the cellulose fiber from dreadful external conditions of biotic and abiotic stresses, promoting strength and growth of plant cell wall.

Results

An OMT gene family, containing a total of 192 members, has been identified and characterized in three main Gossypium species, G. hirsutum, G. arboreum and G. raimondii. Cis-regulatory elements analysis suggested important roles of OMT genes in growth, development, and defense against stresses. Transcriptome data of different fiber developmental stages in Chromosome Substitution Segment Lines (CSSLs), Recombination Inbred Lines (RILs) with excellent fiber quality, and standard genetic cotton cultivar TM-1 demonstrate that up-regulation of OMT genes at different fiber developmental stages, and abiotic stress treatments have some significant correlations with fiber quality formation, and with salt stress response. Quantitative RT-PCR results revealed that GhOMT10_Dt and GhOMT70_At genes had a specific expression in response to salt stress while GhOMT49_At, GhOMT49_Dt, and GhOMT48_At in fiber elongation and secondary cell wall stages.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that O-methyltransferase genes have multi-responses to salt stress and fiber development in Gossypium species and that they may contribute to salt tolerance or fiber quality formation in Gossypium.
Bruchid beetle ovipositioning mediated defense responses in black gram pods
Authors: Das Debajit , Baruah Indrani K. , Panda Debashis , Paswan Ricky Raj , Acharjee Sumita , Sarmah Bidyut Kumar
Published: January 2021

Background

Black gram [Vigna mungo (L)] seeds are a rich source of digestible protein and dietary fibre, both for human and animal consumption. However, the quality and quantity of the Vigna seeds are severely affected by bruchid beetles during storage. Therefore, analyses of the expression of the bruchid induced transcript dynamics in black gram pods would be helpful to understand the underlying defense mechanism against bruchid oviposition.

Results

We used the RNAseq approach to survey the changes in transcript profile in the developing seeds of a moderately resistant cultivar IC-8219 against bruchid oviposition using a susceptible cultivar T-9 as a control. A total of 96,084,600 and 99,532,488 clean reads were generated from eight (4 each) samples of IC-8219 and T-9 cultivar, respectively. Based on the BLASTX search against the NR database, 32,584 CDSs were generated of which 31,817 CDSs were significantly similar to Vigna radiata, a close relative of Vigna mungo. The IC-8219 cultivar had 630 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of which 304 and 326 genes up and down-regulated, respectively. However, in the T-9 cultivar, only 168 DEGs were identified of which 142 and 26 genes up and down-regulated, respectively. The expression analyses of 10 DEGs by qPCR confirmed the accuracy of the RNA-Seq data. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analyses helped us to better understand the role of these DEGs in oviposition mediated defense response of black gram. In both the cultivars, the most significant transcriptomic changes in response to the oviposition were related to the induction of defense response genes, transcription factors, secondary metabolites, enzyme inhibitors, and signal transduction pathways. It appears that the bruchid ovipositioning mediated defense response in black gram is induced by SA signaling pathways and defense genes such as defensin, genes for secondary metabolites, and enzyme inhibitors could be potential candidates for resistance to bruchids.

Conclusion

We generated a transcript profile of immature black gram pods upon bruchid ovipositioning by de novo assembly and studied the underlying defense mechanism of a moderately resistant cultivar.
Magnaporthe oryzae systemic defense trigger 1 (MoSDT1)-mediated metabolites regulate defense response in Rice
Authors: Duan Guihua , Li Chunqin , Liu Yanfang , Ma Xiaoqing , Luo Qiong , Yang Jing
Published: January 2021

Background

Some of the pathogenic effector proteins play an active role in stimulating the plant defense system to strengthen plant resistance.

Results

In this study, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS) was implemented to identify altered metabolites in transgenic rice containing over-expressed M. oryzae Systemic Defense Trigger 1 (MoSDT1) that was infected at three-time points. The characterized dominating metabolites were organic acids and their derivatives, organic oxygen compounds, lipids, and lipid-like molecules. Among the identified metabolites, shikimate, galactinol, trehalose, D-mannose, linolenic acid, dopamine, tyramine, and L-glutamine are precursors for the synthesis of many secondary defense metabolites Carbohydrate, as well as amino acid metabolic, pathways were revealed to be involved in plant defense responses and resistance strengthening.

Conclusion

The increasing salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) content enhanced interactions between JA synthesis/signaling gene, SA synthesis/receptor gene, raffinose/fructose/sucrose synthase gene, and cell wall-related genes all contribute to defense response in rice. The symptoms of rice after M. oryzae infection were significantly alleviated when treated with six identified metabolites, i.e., galactol, tyramine, L-glutamine, L-tryptophan, α-terpinene, and dopamine for 72 h exogenously. Therefore, these metabolites could be utilized as an optimal metabolic marker for M. oryzae defense.
Intraoperative hypotension during liver transplant surgery is associated with postoperative acute kidney injury: a historical cohort study
Authors: Joosten Alexandre , Lucidi Valerio , Ickx Brigitte , Van Obbergh Luc , Germanova Desislava , Berna Antoine , Alexander Brenton , Desebbe Olivier , Carrier Francois-Martin , Cherqui Daniel , Adam Rene , Duranteau Jacques , Saugel Bernd , Vincent Jean-Louis , Rinehart Joseph , Van der Linden Philippe
Published: January 2021

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs frequently after liver transplant surgery and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. While the impact of intraoperative hypotension (IOH) on postoperative AKI has been well demonstrated in patients undergoing a wide variety of non-cardiac surgeries, it remains poorly studied in liver transplant surgery. We tested the hypothesis that IOH is associated with AKI following liver transplant surgery.

Methods

This historical cohort study included all patients who underwent liver transplant surgery between 2014 and 2019 except those with a preoperative creatinine > 1.5 mg/dl and/or who had combined transplantation surgery. IOH was defined as any mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 65 mmHg and was classified according to the percentage of case time during which the MAP was < 65 mmHg into three groups, based on the interquartile range of the study cohort: “short” (Quartile 1, < 8.6% of case time), “intermediate” (Quartiles 2–3, 8.6–39.5%) and “long” (Quartile 4, > 39.5%) duration. AKI stages were classified according to a “modified” “Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes” (KDIGO) criteria. Logistic regression modelling was conducted to assess the association between IOH and postoperative AKI. The model was run both as a univariate and with multiple perioperative covariates to test for robustness to confounders.

Results

Of the 205 patients who met our inclusion criteria, 117 (57.1%) developed AKI. Fifty-two (25%), 102 (50%) and 51 (25%) patients had short, intermediate and long duration of IOH respectively. In multivariate analysis, IOH was independently associated with an increased risk of AKI (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.05; 95%CI 1.02–1.09; P < 0.001). Compared to “short duration” of IOH, “intermediate duration” was associated with a 10-fold increased risk of developing AKI (OR 9.7; 95%CI 4.1–22.7; P < 0.001). “Long duration” was associated with an even greater risk of AKI compared to “short duration” (OR 34.6; 95%CI 11.5-108.6; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Intraoperative hypotension is independently associated with the development of AKI after liver transplant surgery. The longer the MAP is < 65 mmHg, the higher the risk the patient will develop AKI in the immediate postoperative period, and the greater the likely severity. Anesthesiologists and surgeons must therefore make every effort to avoid IOH during surgery.
Dexamethasone blunts postspinal hypotension in geriatric patients undergoing orthopedic surgery: a double blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Ashoor Tarek M. , Hussien Noha S. , Anis Sherif G. , Esmat Ibrahim M.
Published: January 2021

Background

Post-spinal anesthesia (PSA) hypotension in elderly patients is challenging. Correction of PSA hypotension by fluids either colloids or crystalloids or by vasoconstrictors pose the risk of volume overload or compromising cardiac conditions. Dexamethasone is used to treat conditions manifested by decrease of peripheral vascular resistance. The research team was the first to test the hypothesis of its role in preventing or decreasing the incidence of PSA hypotension.

Methods

One hundred ten patients, aged 60 years or more were recruited to receive a single preoperative dose of dexamethasone 8 mg IVI in 100 ml normal saline (D group) (55 patients) 2 h preoperatively, and 55 patients were given placebo (C group) in a randomized, double-blind trial. Variations in blood pressure and heart rate in addition to the needs of ephedrine and/or atropine following spinal anesthesia (SA) were recorded. SA was achieved using subarachnoid injection of 3 ml hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5%.

Results

Demographic data and the quality of sensory and motor block were comparable between groups. At 5th, 10th minutes post SA; systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures were statistically significant higher in D group. At 20th minutes post SA; the obtained blood pressure readings and heart rate changes didn’t show any statistically significance between groups. The need for ephedrine and side effects were statistically significant lower in D group than C group.

Conclusion

Post-spinal anesthesia hypotension, nausea, vomiting and shivering in elderly patients were less common after receiving a single preoperative dose of dexamethasone 8 mg IVI than control.

Registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT 03664037, Registered 17 September 2018 - Retrospectively registered, http://www.ClinicalTrial.gov
Varicella zoster immune globulin (human) (VARIZIG) in immunocompromised patients: a subgroup analysis for safety and outcomes from a large, expanded-access program
Authors: Gans Hayley , Chemaly Roy F.
Published: January 2021

Background

Immunocompromised children and adults are at increased risk for severe disease and death following varicella zoster virus infection. Varicella zoster immune globulin (human) (VARIZIG) is recommended for post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent or attenuate varicella infection in high-risk individuals.

Methods

An open-label, expanded-access program provided VARIZIG to high-risk individuals exposed to varicella or herpes zoster. Immunocompromised participants were stratified by type of immunocompromising condition (“oncologic immunodeficiency”, “primary immunodeficiency”, “solid organ transplant” [SOT], “hematopoietic cell transplant” [HCT], and “other”). Patient characteristics, type of exposure and varicella outcome, and safety data were assessed.

Results

This analysis included 40 adults (primary [n = 6] or oncologic [n = 10] immunodeficiencies, history of SOT [n = 5] or HCT [n = 6], and other [n = 13]), and 263 children (primary [n = 13] or oncologic [n = 152] immunodeficiencies, history of SOT [n = 36] or HCT [n = 17], and other [n = 45]). Among adults and children, 48% vs 72% were exposed to varicella, 38% vs 16% were exposed to herpes zoster, and 15% vs 12% had an unspecified exposure. Overall incidence of varicella infection in adults after VARIZIG use was 6%; incidence of varicella infection in children after VARIZIG use was 7%. Similar rates were noted in each subgroup. Most cases of varicella were mild, with two children developing > 100 lesions and no cases of varicella-related pneumonia or encephalitis. Varicella-related hospitalizations occurred primarily in children with oncologic immunodeficiencies. One serious adverse event (serum sickness) was considered related to VARIZIG and occurred in a child with oncologic immunodeficiency. There were no varicella- or VARIZIG-related deaths.

Conclusions

These data indicate that VARIZIG may reduce severity of varicella in immunocompromised children and adults.

Trial registration

This study was retrospectively registered with the public clinical trial identificationNCT00338442athttps://www.clinicaltrials.govon 20 June 2006.
Comparison of two electronic hand hygiene monitoring systems in promoting hand hygiene of healthcare workers in the intensive care unit
Authors: Zhong Xiao , Wang Dong-Li , Xiao Li-Hua , Mo Lan-Fang , Wu Qing-Fei , Chen Yan-Wei , Luo Xiao-Feng
Published: January 2021

Background

Hand hygiene (HH) is the cornerstone of infection control, and the promotion of HH is the focus of the world. The study aims to compare the role of two different types of electronic hand hygiene monitoring systems (EHHMSs) in promoting HH of healthcare workers (HCWs) in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

In a 16-bed ICU of a general tertiary hospital in Shenzhen, the research was divided into three stages with interrupted time series (ITS) design. In the first stage, the direct observation method was used to monitor and feed back the HH compliance rate of HCWs monthly. In the second stage, the type1 EHHMS was applied to monitor and feed back the individual number of HH events monthly. In the third stage, the type2 EHHMS with a function of instant reminder and feedback was employed, and the personal HH compliance rates were fed back monthly. Meanwhile, direct observation continued in the last two stages.

Results

In the second stage, The HH compliance rate increased. However, there was no significant difference in the trajectory of the rate compared with the first stage. In the first month of the third stage, the HH compliance rate increased by 12.324% immediately and then ascended by 1.242% over time. The number of HH events per bed day and HH products’ consumption per bed day were consistent with the change of HH compliance rate observed.

Conclusion

Monitoring and feedback can improve the HH of HCWs. The EHHMS, with the function of real-time reminders and feedback, has a more noticeable effect on promoting HH.
Monitoring sick leave data for early detection of influenza outbreaks
Authors: Duchemin Tom , Bastard Jonathan , Ante-Testard Pearl Anne , Assab Rania , Daouda Oumou Salama , Duval Audrey , Garsi Jérôme-Philippe , Lounissi Radowan , Nekkab Narimane , Neynaud Helene , Smith David R. M. , Dab William , Jean Kevin , Temime Laura , Hocine Mounia N.
Published: January 2021

Background

Workplace absenteeism increases significantly during influenza epidemics. Sick leave records may facilitate more timely detection of influenza outbreaks, as trends in increased sick leave may precede alerts issued by sentinel surveillance systems by days or weeks. Sick leave data have not been comprehensively evaluated in comparison to traditional surveillance methods. The aim of this paper is to study the performance and the feasibility of using a detection system based on sick leave data to detect influenza outbreaks.

Methods

Sick leave records were extracted from private French health insurance data, covering on average 209,932 companies per year across a wide range of sizes and sectors. We used linear regression to estimate the weekly number of new sick leave spells between 2016 and 2017 in 12 French regions, adjusting for trend, seasonality and worker leaves on historical data from 2010 to 2015. Outbreaks were detected using a 95%-prediction interval. This method was compared to results from the French Sentinelles network, a gold-standard primary care surveillance system currently in place.

Results

Using sick leave data, we detected 92% of reported influenza outbreaks between 2016 and 2017, on average 5.88 weeks prior to outbreak peaks. Compared to the existing Sentinelles model, our method had high sensitivity (89%) and positive predictive value (86%), and detected outbreaks on average 2.5 weeks earlier.

Conclusion

Sick leave surveillance could be a sensitive, specific and timely tool for detection of influenza outbreaks.
IgG4-related nephritis and interstitial pulmonary disease complicated by invasive pulmonary fungal infection: a case report
Authors: Xu Yili , Yang Guang , Xu Xueqiang , Huang Yaoyu , Liu Kang , Yu Tongfu , Qian Jun , Zhao Xiufen , Zhu Jingfeng , Wang Ningning , Xing Changying
Published: January 2021

Background

IgG4-related kidney disease (IgG4-RKD) can affect multiple organs, which was first reported as a complication or extra-organ manifestation of autoimmune pancreatitis in 2004. It is characterized by abundant IgG4-positive plasma cells infiltration in tissues involved.

Case presentation

A 69-year-old man presented with cough and renal dysfunction with medical history of hypertension and diabetes. Pathological findings revealed interstitial nephritis and he was initially diagnosed with IgG4-RKD. Prednisone helped the patient to get a remission of cough and an obvious decrease of IgG4 level. However, he developed invasive pulmonary fungal infection while steroid theatment. Anti-fungal therapy was initiated after lung puncture (around cavitary lung lesion). Hemodialysis had been conducted because of renal failure and he got rid of it 2 months later. Methylprednisolone was decreased to 8 mg/day for maintenance therapy. Anti-fungal infection continued for 4 months after discharge home. On the 4th month of follow-up, Chest CT revealed no progression of lung lesions.

Conclusions

The corticosteroids are the first-line therapy of IgG4-RD and a rapid response helps to confirm the diagnosis. This case should inspire clinicians to identify IgG4-related lung disease and secondary pulmonary infection, pay attention to the complications during immunosuppressive therapy for primary disease control.
Circumferential shoulder laceration after posterior axilla sling traction: a case report of severe shoulder dystocia
Authors: McCarter Allison R. , Theiler Regan N. , Rivera-Chiauzzi Enid Y.
Published: January 2021

Background

Shoulder dystocia is an unpredictable and potentially catastrophic complication of vertex vaginal delivery. Posterior axilla sling traction (PAST) has recently been proposed as a method to resolve severe shoulder dystocia when commonly used techniques have failed.

Case presentation

A 33-year-old woman (gravida 5, para 0) at 35 weeks, 1 day gestation underwent induction of labor for poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. Delivery of the large-for-gestational-age infant (4,060 g) was complicated by intractable shoulder dystocia, relieved at 3 minutes with PAST, resulting in a deep, circumferential laceration of the fetal posterior shoulder and contralateral phrenic nerve palsy.

Conclusions

PAST provides a potentially lifesaving option during intractable shoulder dystocia. Simulation or education about the technique facilitates its use when standard maneuvers fail. It is important to disseminate information about potential complications associated with these novel maneuvers.
EHHADH contributes to cisplatin resistance through regulation by tumor-suppressive microRNAs in bladder cancer
Authors: Okamura Shunsuke , Yoshino Hirofumi , Kuroshima Kazuki , Tsuruda Masafumi , Osako Yoichi , Sakaguchi Takashi , Yonemori Masaya , Yamada Yasutoshi , Tatarano Shuichi , Nakagawa Masayuki , Enokida Hideki
Published: January 2021

Background

Cisplatin-based chemotherapy is recommended as the primary treatment for advanced bladder cancer (BC) with unresectable or metastatic disease. However, the benefits are limited due to the acquisition of drug resistance. The mechanisms of resistance remain unclear. Although there are some reports that some molecules are associated with cisplatin resistance in advanced BC, those reports have not been fully investigated. Therefore, we undertook a new search for cisplatin resistance-related genes targeted by tumor suppressive microRNAs as well as genes that were downregulated in cisplatin-resistant BC cells and clinical BC tissues.

Methods

First, we established cisplatin-resistant BOY and T24 BC cell lines (CDDP-R-BOY, CDDP-R-T24). Then, Next Generation Sequence analysis was performed with parental and cisplatin-resistant cell lines to search for the microRNAs responsible for cisplatin resistance. We conducted gain-of-function analysis of microRNAs and their effects on cisplatin resistance, and we searched target genes comprehensively using Next Generation mRNA sequences.

Results

A total of 28 microRNAs were significantly downregulated in both CDDP-R-BOY and CDDP-R-T24. Among them, miR-486-5p, a tumor suppressor miRNA, was negatively correlated with the TNM classification of clinical BC samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Transfection of miRNA-486-5p significantly inhibited cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and also improved the cells’ resistance to cisplatin. Among the genes targeted by miRNA-486-5p, we focused on enoyl-CoA, hydratase/3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (EHHADH), which is involved in the degradation of fatty acids. EHHADH was directly regulated by miRNA-486-5p as determined by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Loss-of-function study using EHHADH si-RNA showed significant inhibitions of cell proliferation, migration, invasion and the recovery of cisplatin sensitivity.

Conclusion

Identification of EHHADH as a target of miRNA-486-5p provides novel insights into the potential mechanisms of cisplatin resistance in BC.
Longitudinal analysis of cell-free mutated KRAS and CA 19–9 predicts survival following curative resection of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Hussung Saskia , Akhoundova Dilara , Hipp Julian , Follo Marie , Klar Rhena F. U. , Philipp Ulrike , Scherer Florian , von Bubnoff Nikolas , Duyster Justus , Boerries Melanie , Wittel Uwe , Fritsch Ralph M.
Published: January 2021

Background

Novel biomarkers and molecular monitoring tools hold potential to improve outcome for patients following resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We hypothesized that the combined longitudinal analysis of mutated cell-free plasma KRAS (cfKRASmut) and CA 19–9 during adjuvant treatment and follow-up might more accurately predict disease course than hitherto available parameters.

Methods

Between 07/2015 and 10/2018, we collected 134 plasma samples from 25 patients after R0/R1-resection of PDAC during adjuvant chemotherapy and post-treatment surveillance at our institution. Highly sensitive discriminatory multi-target ddPCR assays were employed to screen plasma samples for cfKRASmut. cfKRASmut and CA 19–9 dynamics were correlated with recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients were followed-up until 01/2020.

Results

Out of 25 enrolled patients, 76% had undergone R0 resection and 48% of resected PDACs were pN0. 17/25 (68%) of patients underwent adjuvant chemotherapy. Median follow-up was 22.0 months, with 19 out of 25 (76%) patients relapsing during study period. Median RFS was 10.0 months, median OS was 22.0 months. Out of clinicopathologic variables, only postoperative CA 19–9 levels and administration of adjuvant chemotherapy correlated with survival endpoints. cfKRASmut. was detected in 12/25 (48%) of patients, and detection of high levels inversely correlated with survival endpoint. Integration of cfKRASmut and CA 19–9 levels outperformed either individual marker. cfKRASmut outperformed CA 19–9 as dynamic marker since increase during adjuvant chemotherapy and follow-up was highly predictive of early relapse and poor OS.

Conclusions

Integrated analysis of cfKRASmut and CA 19–9 levels is a promising approach for molecular monitoring of patients following resection of PDAC. Larger prospective studies are needed to further develop this approach and dissect each marker’s specific potential.