bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-invasive preimplantation genetic testing for conventional IVF blastocysts
Authors: Xie Pingyuan , Zhang Shuoping , Gu Yifang , Jiang Bo , Hu Liang , Tan Yue-qiu , Yao Yaxin , Tang Yi , Wan Anqi , Cai Sufen , Zou Yangyun , Lu Guangxiu , Wan Cheng , Gong Fei , Lu Sijia , Lin Ge
Published: September 2022

Background

Previous studies suggested that non-invasive preimplantation genetic testing (niPGT) for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) blastocysts can be used to identify chromosomal ploidy and chromosomal abnormalities. Here, we report the feasibility and performance of niPGT for conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) blastocysts.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study. In the preclinical stage, whole genome amplification and NGS were performed using the sperm spent culture medium (SCM). Then, trophectoderm (TE) biopsies and corresponding SCM derived from 27 conventional IVF monopronuclear embryos were collected. In the clinical stage, samples from 25 conventional IVF cycles and 37 ICSI cycles from April 2020–August 2021 were collected for performance evaluation.

Results

Preclinically, we confirmed failed sperm DNA amplification under the current amplification system. Subsequent niPGT from the 27 monopronuclear blastocysts showed 69.2% concordance with PGT results of corresponding TE biopsies. In the clinical stage, no paternal contamination was observed in any of the 161 SCM samples from conventional IVF. While maternal contamination was observed in 29.8% (48/161) SCM samples, only 2.5% (4/161) samples had a contamination ratio ≥ 50%. Compared with that of TE biopsy, the performances of NiPGT from 161 conventional IVF embryos and 122 ICSI embryos were not significantly different (P > 0.05), with ploidy concordance rates of 75% and 74.6% for IVF and ICSI methods, respectively. Finally, evaluation of the euploid probability of embryos with different types of niPGT results showed prediction probabilities of 82.8%, 77.8%, 62.5%, 50.0%, 40.9% and 18.4% for euploidy, sex-chromosome mosaics only, low-level mosaics, multiple abnormal chromosomes, high-level mosaics and aneuploidy, respectively.

Conclusions

Our research results preliminarily confirm that the niPGT approach using SCM from conventional IVF has comparable performance with ICSI and might broadening the application scope of niPGT.
Lumican is elevated in the lung in human and experimental acute respiratory distress syndrome and promotes early fibrotic responses to lung injury
Authors: Wang Ke , Wang Youyu , Cao Yufang , Wang Hao , Zhou Yongfang , Gao Lijuan , Zeng Zijian , Cheng Mengxin , Jin Xiaodong , Chen Jun , Wen Fuqiang , Wang Tao
Published: September 2022

Background

Fibroproliferative repair starts early in the inflammatory phase of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and indicates a poor prognosis. Lumican, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan, is implicated in homeostasis and fibrogenesis, but its role in ARDS is unclear.

Methods

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were obtained from ARDS patients (n = 55) enrolled within 24 h of diagnosis and mechanically ventilated (n = 20) and spontaneously breathing (n = 29) control subjects. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) mouse models were intratracheally administered an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector expressing lumican shRNA. Primary human lung fibroblasts (HLF) and small airway epithelial cells (SAECs) were cultured with tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α or lumican. Luminex/ELISA, histochemistry/immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence microscopy, quantitative real-time PCR, and western blotting were performed.

Results

Lumican levels were significantly higher in the BALF of ARDS patients than in that of ventilated or spontaneously breathing controls (both p < 0.0001); they were correlated with the PaO2/FiO2 ratio and levels of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and TNF-α) and profibrotic factors (fibronectin, alpha-1 type I collagen [COL1A1], and alpha-1 type III collagen [COL3A1]). Lumican expression was enhanced in the alveolar walls and airway epithelium in the ALI mouse model. Murine lumican levels were also linked to proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokine levels in the BALF. In vitro, TNF-α induced the synthesis and secretion of lumican in HLF. In turn, lumican increased the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), COL1A1, and COL3A1 in HLF, upregulated α-SMA and COL3A1, downregulated E-cadherin, and caused spindle-shaped morphological changes in SAECs. Moreover, increased ERK phosphorylation and Slug were noted in both HLF and SAECs treated with lumican. In vivo, AAV-mediated knockdown of lumican inhibited the pulmonary production of fibronectin and COL3A1 and alleviated lung fibrotic lesions in LPS-challenged mice.

Conclusions

Pulmonary lumican levels were increased early in human and experimental ARDS and linked to disease severity and inflammatory fibrotic processes. Lumican triggers the transdifferentiation of lung fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in SAECs, possibly via the ERK/Slug pathway. Knockdown of pulmonary lumican attenuated extracellular matrix deposition in ALI mice. Overall, lumican promotes fibrotic responses in the early phase of ARDS, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.
Association of peripheral basophils with tumor M2 macrophage infiltration and outcomes of the anti-PD-1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy combination in advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Wu Chaorui , Qiu Yaopeng , Zhang Renyi , Li Xiaoqing , Liang Huayuan , Wang Minghao , Li Fengping , Zhu Mansheng , Ye Gengtai , Liu Hao , Li Guoxin , Zhao Liying
Published: September 2022

Background

Although the anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitor plus chemotherapy combination has been approved as the standard first-line treatment for advanced gastric cancer, a proportion of patients do not significantly benefit from this therapy. Who would respond poorly to this treatment and the underlying mechanisms of treatment failure are far from clear.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the associations between the peripheral basophils at baseline and clinical outcomes in 63 advanced gastric cancer patients treated with anti-PD-1 plus chemotherapy and 54 patients treated with chemotherapy alone. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining in gastric cancer samples were utilized to investigate the basophil-related immunophenotype.

Results

The optimal cutoff of basophil count to distinguish responders to anti-PD-1 plus chemotherapy from non-responders was 20.0/μL. Compared with the low basophil group (≤ 20.0/μL, n = 40), the high basophil group (> 20.0/μL, n = 23) had a significantly lower objective response rate (ORR 17.4% vs. 67.5%, p = 0.0001), worse progression-free survival (median PFS 4.0 vs. 15.0 months, p = 0.0003), and worse overall survival (median OS not reached, p = 0.027). Multivariate analyses identified a basophil count of > 20.0/μL as an independent risk factor for a worse ORR (OR 0.040, 95% CI 0.007–0.241, p = 0.0004), worse PFS (HR 3.720, 95% CI 1.823–7.594, p = 0.0003) and worse OS (HR 3.427, 95% CI 1.698–6.917, p = 0.001). In contrast, there was no significant association between peripheral basophil counts and tumor response or survival in the chemotherapy-alone group (p > 0.05). In primary gastric cancer samples, we observed a correlation between higher peripheral basophil counts and the accumulation of tumor-infiltrating basophils (r = 0.6833, p = 0.005). Tumor-infiltrating basophils were found to be spatially proximate to M2 macrophages within TME and positively correlated with tumor M2 macrophage infiltration (r = 0.7234, p = 0.0023). The peripheral basophil counts also had a significant positive correlation with tumor-infiltrating M2 macrophage counts (r = 0.6584, p = 0.003). Further validation in tumor samples treated with the neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy combination suggests that the peripheral basophils, tumor infiltration of basophils, and M2 macrophages were significantly more abundant in non-responders than in responders (p = 0.0333, p = 0.0007, and p = 0.0066, respectively).

Conclusions

The peripheral basophil count was observed to be a potential biomarker of anti-PD-1 efficacy for advanced gastric cancer. Moreover, basophils may induce an immune-evasive tumor microenvironment by increasing M2 macrophage infiltration, which could be a potential immunotherapeutic target for advanced gastric cancer.
Gene signatures, immune infiltration, and drug sensitivity based on a comprehensive analysis of m6a RNA methylation regulators in cervical cancer
Authors: Lu Xiaoqin , Li Rui , Ying Yanqi , Zhang Wenyi , Wang Wuliang
Published: September 2022

Background

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. N6-dimethyladenosine (m6A) mRNA methylation is closely associated with cervical cancer.

Methods

Using TCGA database, we studied the expression and mutation of m6A-related genes in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC) and obtained genetic characteristics based on an m6A risk model and prognostic value of m6A. We studied the effects of the m6A risk score on immune features and genomic changes of patients with CESC, evaluated the sensitivity of patients with CESC to different small-molecule drugs based on the m6A risk score, and established a clinical prediction model.

Results

Ten m6A-related genes were differentially expressed between CESC and normal tissues. High-risk patients had a low overall survival (OS) and significantly low immune scores but showed no significantly altered stromal scores. The tumor mutation burden (TMB) and tumor neoantigen levels significantly differed between the high- and low-risk groups. In the high-risk group, copy number variation (CNV) changes mainly led to gene amplification, while in the low-risk group, CNV changes primarily manifested as gene copy number deletions. ZC3H13 expression was low in CESC tissues. ZC3H13 knockdown promoted CESC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, reducing the RNA methylation levels. Rapamycin suppressed the CESC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities, increasing the m6A levels.

Conclusion

m6A mRNA methylation is closely related to the occurrence, development, immune invasion, drug sensitivity, and prognosis of cervical cancer. The prognostic m6A feature model of m6A signature genes can accurately predict the OS of patients with CESC. Drugs targeting factors regulating m6A mRNA methylation might offer a good prospect for treating cervical cancer.
Salivary microbiome in chronic kidney disease: what is its connection to diabetes, hypertension, and immunity?
Authors: Liu Fengping , Sheng Jiayi , Hu Lei , Zhang Bin , Guo Wei , Wang Yang , Gu Yifeng , Jiang Peng , Lin Hao , Lydia Brako , Sun Yifan , Tang Yifan , Gu Chaoqun , Wei Shichao , Zhai Qixiao , Chen Weiguo , Feng Ninghan
Published: September 2022

Background

The association between oral dysbiosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD) has gained increasing attention in recent years. Diabetes and hypertension are the most common conditions in CKD. However, a case–control study with matched confounding variables on the salivary microbiome in CKD and the influence of diabetes and hypertension on the microbiome has never been reported.

Methods

In our study, we compared the salivary microbiome profile between patients with CKD and healthy controls (HC) using 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing and examine its association with diabetes, hypertension, and immunity.

Results

We observed that the bacterial community was skewed in the saliva of CKD, with increased Lautropia and Pseudomonas, and decreased Actinomyces, Prevotella, Prevotella 7, and Trichococcus. No difference in the bacterial community between the CKD patients complicated with and without diabetes, and between those with and without hypertension. Prevotella 7 declined in CKD patients with/without hypertension with respect to HC, while Pseudomonas increased in CKD patients with/without hypertension. Pseudomonas was negatively associated with immunoglobin G in CKD patients. Both CKD patients with positive and negative antistreptolysin O had declined Prevotella 7 and Trichococcus compared to HC, whereas increased Pseudomonas.

Conclusions

Our study identifies a distinct bacterial saliva microbiome in CKD patients characterized by alteration in composition. We unravel here that the co-occurrence diseases of diabetes and hypertension are not associated with specific bacterial alterations, suggesting that bacterial dysbiosis in saliva plays a role in renal damage regardless of the occurrence of diabetes and hypertension.
Radiated glioblastoma cell-derived exosomal circ_0012381 induce M2 polarization of microglia to promote the growth of glioblastoma by CCL2/CCR2 axis
Authors: Zhang Chunzhi , Zhou Yuan , Gao Ya , Zhu Ze , Zeng Xianliang , Liang Weizi , Sun Songwei , Chen Xiuli , Wang Hu
Published: September 2022

Background

Radiotherapy is the primary therapeutic option for glioblastoma. Some studies proved that radiotherapy increased the release of exosomes from cells. The mechanism by which these exosomes modify the phenotype of microglia in the tumor microenvironment to further determine the fate of irradiated glioblastoma cells remains to be elucidated.

Methods

We erected the co-culture system of glioblastoma cells and microglia. After radiation, we analyzing the immunophenotype of microglia and the proliferation of radiated glioblastoma cells. By whole transcriptome sequencing, we analyzed of circRNAs in exosomes from glioblastoma cells and microglia. We used some methods, which included RT-PCR, dual-luciferase reporter, et al., to identify how circ_0012381 from radiated glioblastoma cell-derived exosomes regulated the immunophenotype of microglia to further affect the proliferation of radiated glioblastoma cells.

Results

Radiated glioblastoma cell-derived exosomes markedly induced M2 microglia polarization. These M2-polarized microglia promoted the proliferation of irradiated glioblastoma cells. Circ_0012381 expression was increased in the irradiated glioblastoma cells, and circ_0012381 entered the microglia via exosomes. Circ_0012381 induced M2 microglia polarization by sponging with miR-340-5p to increase ARG1 expression. M2-polarized microglia suppressed phagocytosis and promoted the growth of the irradiated glioblastoma cells by CCL2/CCR2 axis. Compared with the effects of radiotherapy alone, the inhibition of exosomes significantly inhibited the growth of irradiated glioblastoma cells in a zebrafish model.

Conclusions

Our data suggested that the inhibition of exosome secretion might represent a potential therapeutic strategy to increase the efficacy of radiotherapy in patients with glioblastoma.
Pathogenesis, therapeutic strategies and biomarker development based on “omics” analysis related to microglia in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Gao Chao , Shen Xin , Tan Yuyan , Chen Shengdi
Published: September 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia. Among various pathophysiological aspects, microglia are considered to play important roles in the pathogenesis of AD. Genome wide association studies (GWAS) showed that the majority of AD risk genes are highly or exclusively expressed in microglia, underscoring the critical roles of microglia in AD pathogenesis. Recently, omics technologies have greatly advanced our knowledge of microglia biology in AD. Omics approaches, including genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics/lipidomics, present remarkable opportunities to delineate the underlying mechanisms, discover novel diagnostic biomarkers, monitor disease progression, and shape therapeutic strategies for diseases. In this review, we summarized research based on microglial “omics” analysis in AD, especially the recent research advances in the identification of AD-associated microglial subsets. This review reinforces the important role of microglia in AD and advances our understanding of the mechanism of microglia in AD pathogenesis. Moreover, we proposed the value of microglia-based omics in the development of therapeutic strategies and biomarkers for AD.
Farmers’ knowledge on cultivation, utilization and conservation practices of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in three selected districts in Ethiopia
Authors: Wada Eyasu , Abdulahi Abas , Tehelku Tekuamech Fikadu , Ergando Meseret , Degu Hewan Demissie
Published: September 2022

Background

Farmers’ knowledge has a role in maintaining barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genetic resource, which plays an important role in food security, and provides socio-cultural value to the Ethiopian farmers. However, farmers’ knowledge has been ignored in the decision-making process in Misha, Gumer, and Hetosa districts, Ethiopia.

Methods

In this study, a semi-structured interview guide was used to carry out comprehensive house-to-house interviews with 357 purposively selected farmers to document their knowledge of barley cultivation, utilization and conservation practices.

Results

The majority of farmers (57.1%) grow barley on 0.5–0.75 hectares. Farmers identified and described 68 barley varieties with various local names, which were given to barley based on different characteristics such as plant height, spikelet length, row type, seed size and color, yield, place of origin, and use-values. Farmers are familiar with the nature, characteristics, end-uses, and preparation of different well-appreciated local meals and drinks. Farmers noticed that the number of barley local varieties has been decreasing in recent years. Introduction of improved varieties was perceived by all farmers as the main cause for the decrease in the number of barley local varieties in their localities. Another factor for the reduction in local barley varieties, according to 24.2% of farmers, was soil fertility degradation. Most of the farmers (65.7%) use their own barley seeds, which they select and save for the next growing season for specific attributes. They have their own indigenous knowledge that they have acquired through experience by growing, selecting, and conserving barley for the last 20–30 years or more.

Conclusion

The majority of farmers gave attention to commercial cultivars due to their better market value. Thus, the introduction of improved cultivars has imposed on local varieties. The indigenous knowledge that the famers acquired through experience could be considered an advantage for the conservation of barley genetic resources by using farmers’ participatory approach to widen cultivation and to improve barley local varieties for future use.
Can statins lessen the burden of virus mediated cancers?
Authors: Clark Eva H. , Ahmed Sarah T. , Chang Elaine , Chiao Elizabeth Y. , White Donna L.
Published: September 2022

Background

Oncogenic viruses, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein Barr virus (EBV), and Kaposi Sarcoma Herpes virus (KSHV) contribute to a significant proportion of the world’s cancers. Given the sizeable burden of virus mediated cancers, development of strategies to prevent and/or treat these cancers is critical. While large population studies suggest that treatment with hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors, commonly known as statins, may reduce the risk of many cancer types including HBV/HCV related hepatocellular carcinoma, few studies have specifically evaluated the impact of statin use in populations at risk for other types of virus mediated cancers.

Main body

Studies of populations with HBV and HCV suggest a protective, dose-dependent effect of statins on hepatocellular carcinoma risk and support the theory that statins may offer clinical benefit if used as chemoprophylactic agents to reduce liver cancer incidence. However, no population level data exists describing the impact of statins on populations with other oncogenic viral infections, such as HPV, EBV, and KSHV.

Conclusion

Further study of statin use in diverse, global populations with or at high risk for oncogenic viral infections is essential to determine the impact of statin therapy on virus mediated cancer risk.
Validation of the Japanese version of the patterns of activity measure-pain in individuals with chronic pain
Authors: Enomoto Kiyoka , Adachi Tomonori , Mibu Akira , Tanaka Katsuyoshi , Fukui Sei , Nakanishi Miho , Iwashita Narihito , Sasaki Jun , Nishigami Tomohiko
Published: September 2022

Background

The Patterns of Activity Measure-Pain (POAM-P) is a self-report questionnaire that measures avoidance, overdoing, and pacing in individuals with chronic pain. We aimed to develop and confirm the psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the POAM-P(POAM-P-J) in Japanese individuals with chronic pain.

Methods

We recruited 147 Japanese individuals with chronic pain (106 women; mean age 64.89 ± 12.13 years). The individuals completed the POAM-P-J, the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The following psychometric properties of the POAM-P-J were confirmed: structural validity, internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and concurrent validity.

Results

We tested factor structure via confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). We chose the 3-factor model with six covariances. The POAM-P-J’s internal consistency and test–retest reliability were acceptable to good (α = 0.79–0.86; ICC = 0.72–0.87). The avoidance and overdoing subscales were positively associated with pain severity, pain interference, and anxiety measures (all p < 0.05), but the pacing subscale was not significantly associated with these pain-related measures.

Conclusions

Although the structural validity of the POAM-P-J remains questionable, its internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and concurrent validity were confirmed. The POAM-P-J is useful in both research and clinical practice for evaluating the activity patterns of Japanese patients with chronic pain.
Prevalence and impact of early prone position on 30-day mortality in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Engerström Lars , Thermaenius Johan , Mårtensson Johan , Oldner Anders , Petersson Johan , Kåhlin Jessica , Larsson Emma
Published: September 2022

Background

COVID-19 ARDS shares features with non-COVID ARDS but also demonstrates distinct physiological differences. Despite a lack of strong evidence, prone positioning has been advocated as a key therapy for COVID-19 ARDS. The effects of prone position in critically ill patients with COVID-19 are not fully understood, nor is the optimal time of initiation defined. In this nationwide cohort study, we aimed to investigate the association between early initiation of prone position and mortality in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients with low oxygenation on ICU admission.

Methods

Using the Swedish Intensive Care Registry (SIR), all Swedish ICU patients ≥ 18 years of age with COVID-19 admitted between March 2020, and April 2021 were identified. A study-population of patients with PaO2/FiO2 ratio ≤ 20 kPa on ICU admission and receiving invasive mechanical ventilation within 24 h from ICU admission was generated. In this study-population, the association between early use of prone position (within 24 h from intubation) and 30-day mortality was estimated using univariate and multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

The total study cohort included 6350 ICU patients with COVID-19, of whom 46.4% were treated with prone position ventilation. Overall, 30-day mortality was 24.3%. In the study-population of 1714 patients with lower admission oxygenation (PaO2/FiO2 ratio ≤ 20 kPa), the utilization of early prone increased from 8.5% in March 2020 to 48.1% in April 2021. The crude 30-day mortality was 27.2% compared to 30.2% in patients not receiving early prone positioning. We found no significant association between early use of prone positioning and survival.

Conclusions

During the first three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, almost half of the patients in Sweden were treated with prone position ventilation. We found no association between early use of prone positioning and survival in patients on mechanical ventilation with severe hypoxemia on ICU admission. To fully elucidate the effect and timing of prone position ventilation in critically ill patients with COVID-19 further studies are desirable.
Microbiota profile of new-onset celiac disease in children in Saudi Arabia
Authors: El Mouzan Mohammad , Al-Hussaini Abdulrahman , Serena Gloria , Assiri Asaad , Al Sarkhy Ahmed , Al Mofarreh Mohammad , Alasmi Mona , Fasano Alessio
Published: September 2022

Background

Intestinal dysbiosis has been reported to be associated with celiac disease (CeD) in Western populations but little is known in other populations who have different dietary lifestyle and genetic background. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a different microbiota profile is associated with CeD in children in Saudi Arabia.

Results

Forty children with CeD, 20 healthy controls, and 19 non-CeD controls were enrolled. The median age at diagnosis was 10.3, 11.3 and 10.6 years in children with CeD, fecal, and mucosal control groups, respectively. Significant differences in microbial composition between children with CeD and controls both at fecal and mucosal level were identified. Fecal samples were more diverse and richer in bacteria as compared with mucosal samples. Proteobacteria were more abundant in duodenal mucosal samples and Firmicutes and Bacteroides were more abundant in stools. The abundance of many taxa was significantly different between children with CeD and non-CeD controls. In mucosal samples, Bifidobacterium angulatum (unadjusted p = 0.006) and Roseburia intestinalis (unadjusted p = 0.031) were examples of most significantly increased species in children with CeD and non-CeD controls, respectively. In fecal samples, there were 169 bacterial species with significantly different abundance between children with CeD and non- CeD controls.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first report on the microbial profile in a non-Western population of children with new onset CeD. The fact that mucosal and fecal samples were collected from newly diagnosed children with CeD on normal gluten-containing diet suggests strong association between the identified bacteria and CeD. The identification of many unreported bacterial species significantly associated with CeD, indicates the need for further studies from different populations to expand our understanding of the role of bacteria in the pathogenesis of CeD, hopefully leading to the discovery of new adjuvant treatment options.
Assessing the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and BCG vaccine cross-protection in the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in eastern Africa
Authors: Kilonzo Chelsea Mbeke , Wamalwa Mark , Whegang Solange Youdom , Tonnang Henri E. Z.
Published: September 2022

Objective

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still affecting African countries. The pandemic presents challenges on how to measure governmental, and community responses to the crisis. Beyond health risks, the socio-economic implications of the pandemic motivated us to examine the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 and the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). The main objective of this study was to assess the impact of BCG vaccination and NPIs enforced on COVID-19 case-death-recovery counts weighted by age-structured population in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Rwanda. We applied a semi-mechanistic Bayesian hierarchical model (BHM) combined with Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation to the age-structured pandemic data obtained from the target countries.

Results

The estimated mean effective reproductive number (Rt) for COVID-19 was 2.50 (C1: 1.99–5.95), 3.51 (CI: 2.28–7.28) and 3.53 (CI: 2.97–5.60) in Ethiopia, Kenya and Rwanda respectively. Our results indicate that NPIs such as lockdowns, and curfews had a large effect on reducing Rt. Current interventions have been effective in reducing Rt and thereby achieve control of the epidemic. Beyond age-structure and NPIs, we found no significant association between COVID-19 and BCG vaccine-induced protection. Continued interventions should be strengthened to control transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
Education and training in radiation protection in Europe: an analysis from the EURAMED rocc-n-roll project
Authors: Rainford Louise , Santos Joana , Alves Francisco , Figueiredo João Paulo , Hoeschen Christoph , Damilakis John , Frija Guy , Andersson Jonas , McNulty Jonathan , Foley Shane , Bacher Klaus , Nestle Ursula , Hierath Monika , Paulo Graciano
Published: September 2022

Background

A Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis was performed to understand the status quo of education and training in radiation protection (RP) and to develop a coordinated European approach to RP training needs based on stakeholder consensus and existing activities in the field. Fourteen team members represented six European professional societies, one European voluntary organisation, two international healthcare organisations and five professions, namely: Medical Physicists; Nuclear Medicine Physicians; Radiologists; Radiation Oncologists and Radiographers. Four subgroups analysed the “Strengths”, “Weaknesses”, “Opportunities” and “Threats” related to E&T in RP developed under previous European Union (EU) programmes and on the Guidelines on Radiation Protection Education and Training of Medical Professionals in the EU.

Results

Consensus agreement identified four themes for strengths and opportunities, namely: (1) existing structures and training recommendations; (2) RP training needs assessment and education & training (E&T) model(s) development; (3) E&T dissemination, harmonisation, and accreditation; (4) financial supports. Weaknesses and Threats analysis identified two themes: (1) awareness and prioritisation at a national/global level and (2) awareness and prioritisation by healthcare professional groups and researchers.

Conclusions

A lack of effective implementation of RP principles in daily practice was identified. EuRnR strategic planning needs to consider processes at European, national and local levels. Success is dependent upon efficient governance structures and expert leadership. Financial support is required to allow the stakeholder professional agencies to have sufficient resources to achieve a pan European radiation protection training network which is sustainable and accredited across multiple national domains.
Advances in the clinical application of ultrasound elastography in uterine imaging
Authors: Wang Xia-li , Lin Shu , Lyu Guo-rong
Published: September 2022

Changes in tissue stiffness by physiological or pathological factors in tissue structure are identified earlier than their clinical features. Pathological processes such as uterine fibrosis, adenomyosis, endometrial lesions, infertility, and premature birth can manifest as tissue elasticity changes. In clinical settings, elastography techniques based on ultrasonography, optical coherence tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are widely used for noninvasive measurement of mechanical properties in patients, providing valuable tool and information for diagnosis and treatment. Ultrasound elastography (USE) plays a critical role in obstetrics and gynecology clinical work because of its simplicity, non-invasiveness, and repeatability. This article reviews the recent progress of USE in uterine tumor diagnosis (especially early diagnosis and treatment effect evaluation), prediction of preterm birth, and intrauterine insemination. We believe that USE, especially shear wave elastography, may serve as a potential means to assess tissue stiffness, thereby improving the diagnosis and treatment of adenomyosis, fibroids, endometrial lesions, cervical cancer, and precise management of preterm birth and intrauterine insemination monitoring.
The role of MRI-R2* in the detection of subclinical pancreatic iron loading among transfusion-dependent sickle cell disease patients and correlation with hepatic and cardiac iron loading
Authors: Raief Mosaad Basant Mohamed , Ibrahim Ahmed Samir , Mansour Mohamed G. , ElAlfy Mohsen Saleh , Ebeid Fatma Soliman Elsayed , Abdeldayem Emad H.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Pancreatic reserve could be preserved by early assessment of pancreatic iron overload among transfusion-dependent sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. This study aimed to measure pancreatic iron load and correlate its value with patients’ laboratory and radiological markers of iron overload.

Materials and methods

Sixty-six SCD children and young adults underwent MRI T2* relaxometry using a simple mathematical spreadsheet and laboratory assessment.

Results

The results indicated moderate-to-severe hepatic iron overload among 65.2% of studied cases. None had cardiac iron overload. Normal-to-mild iron overload was present in the pancreas in 86% of cases, and 50% had elevated serum ferritin > 2500 ug/L. There was no significant correlation between pancreatic R2* level, serum ferritin, and hepatic iron overload. Patients with higher levels of hemolysis markers and lower pre-transfusion hemoglobin levels showed moderate-to-severe pancreatic iron overload.

Conclusion

Chronically transfused patients with SCD have a high frequency of iron overload complications including pancreatic iron deposition, thereby necessitating proper monitoring of the body’s overall iron balance as well as detection of extrahepatic iron depositions.
Application of spectral CT combined with perfusion scan in diagnosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Wan Yamin , Hao Hui , Chen Yunjin , Zhang Yifan , Yue Qingmei , Li Zhizhen
Published: September 2022

Background

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) are heterogeneous tumors from the pancreatic neuroendocrine system, and early diagnosis is important for tumor prognosis and treatment. In this study, we aimed to explore the diagnostic value of spectral CT combined with perfusion scanning in improving the detection rate of pNETs.

Methods

From December 2018 to December 2020, 58 patients with clinically suspected pNETs were prospectively enrolled in the study for one-stop spectral CT combined with perfusion scanning, 36 patients were confirmed with pNETs by histopathology. An independent cohort of 30 patients with pNETs who underwent routine pancreatic perfusion scanning in our hospital during the same period were retrospectively collected. The image characters of pNETs versus tumor-free pancreatic parenchymal were examined.

Results

The detection rate of spectral CT combined with perfusion was 83.1–96.2%. CT values of the pNETs lesions under each single energy in the arterial phase were statistically higher than those of the adjacent normal pancreatic parenchyma. IC, WC and NIC, in the arterial phase of pNETs lesion were all statistically higher than those of the adjacent normal pancreatic parenchyma. The perfusion parameters of pNETs including BF, BV and MSI were significantly higher than those in normal parenchyma. The average effective radiation dose during the perfusion combined energy spectrum enhanced scanning process was 17.51 ± 2.18 mSv.

Conclusion

The one-stop spectral CT combined with perfusion scan improves the detection of pNETs according to morphological features, perfusion parameters and energy spectrum characters with a relatively small radiation dose.
18F-FDG PET/CT-based radiomics nomogram could predict bone marrow involvement in pediatric neuroblastoma
Authors: Feng Lijuan , Yang Xu , Lu Xia , Kan Ying , Wang Chao , Sun Dehui , Zhang Hui , Wang Wei , Yang Jigang
Published: September 2022

Objective

To develop and validate an 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT)-based radiomics nomogram for non-invasively prediction of bone marrow involvement (BMI) in pediatric neuroblastoma.

Methods

A total of 133 patients with neuroblastoma were retrospectively included and randomized into the training set (n = 93) and test set (n = 40). Radiomics features were extracted from both CT and PET images. The radiomics signature was developed. Independent clinical risk factors were identified using the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to construct the clinical model. The clinical-radiomics model, which integrated the radiomics signature and the independent clinical risk factors, was constructed using multivariate logistic regression analysis and finally presented as a radiomics nomogram. The predictive performance of the clinical-radiomics model was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

Twenty-five radiomics features were selected to construct the radiomics signature. Age at diagnosis, neuron-specific enolase and vanillylmandelic acid were identified as independent predictors to establish the clinical model. In the training set, the clinical-radiomics model outperformed the radiomics model or clinical model (AUC: 0.924 vs. 0.900, 0.875) in predicting the BMI, which was then confirmed in the test set (AUC: 0.925 vs. 0.893, 0.910). The calibration curve and DCA demonstrated that the radiomics nomogram had a good consistency and clinical utility.

Conclusion

The 18F-FDG PET/CT-based radiomics nomogram which incorporates radiomics signature and independent clinical risk factors could non-invasively predict BMI in pediatric neuroblastoma.
Imaging of intestinal vasculitis focusing on MR and CT enterography: a two-way street between radiologic findings and clinical data
Authors: Amouei Mehrnam , Momtazmanesh Sara , Kavosi Hoda , Davarpanah Amir H. , Shirkhoda Ali , Radmard Amir Reza
Published: September 2022

Diagnosis of intestinal vasculitis is often challenging due to the non-specific clinical and imaging findings. Vasculitides with gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations are rare, but their diagnosis holds immense significance as late or missed recognition can result in high mortality rates. Given the resemblance of radiologic findings with some other entities, GI vasculitis is often overlooked on small bowel studies done using computed tomography/magnetic resonance enterography (CTE/MRE). Hereon, we reviewed radiologic findings of vasculitis with gastrointestinal involvement on CTE and MRE. The variety of findings on MRE/CTE depend upon the size of the involved vessels. Signs of intestinal ischemia, e.g., mural thickening, submucosal edema, mural hyperenhancement, and restricted diffusion on diffusion-weighted imaging, are common in intestinal vasculitis. Involvement of the abdominal aorta and the major visceral arteries is presented as concentric mural thickening, transmural calcification, luminal stenosis, occlusion, aneurysmal changes, and collateral vessels. Such findings can be observed particularly in large- and medium-vessel vasculitis. The presence of extra-intestinal findings, including within the liver, kidneys, or spleen in the form of focal areas of infarction or heterogeneous enhancement due to microvascular involvement, can be another radiologic clue in diagnosis of vasculitis.The link between the clinical/laboratory findings and MRE/CTE abnormalities needs to be corresponded when it comes to the diagnosis of intestinal vasculitis.
Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome masquerading as a lymphoproliferative disorder in a young adult on immunosuppressive therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: a case report
Authors: Hyser Elise
Published: September 2022

Background

This case reveals a novel presentation of drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome that mimics a lymphoproliferative disorder. The heterogeneous clinical presentation of drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome gives rise to a broad differential diagnosis that includes a multitude of infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune conditions. This patient was diagnosed with drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome 4 weeks after starting sulfasalazine and 5 weeks after starting hydroxychloroquine for rheumatoid arthritis. Both of these medications have been shown to cause drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome, albeit more rarely in the context of hydroxychloroquine. This patient’s history, physical examination, and workup illuminate a case of drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome that masquerades as a lymphoproliferative disorder despite its adherence to the RegiSCAR criteria.

Case presentation

A 22-year-old African-American female with an atopic history and rheumatoid arthritis presented for evaluation of a rash, unremitting fevers, and syncope. She was found to have drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome. A syncope workup was unremarkable. Computed tomography of the chest/abdomen/pelvis confirmed extensive lymphadenopathy and revealed a small right pleural effusion (Fig. 5). These imaging findings accompanied by fevers and a rash in the setting of eosinophilia, leukocytosis, and transaminitis led to the clinical suspicion for drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome. Steroids were subsequently initiated. Broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy was implemented to cover for possible skin/soft tissue infection due to initial paradoxical worsening after discontinuation of the culprit drugs. Lymph node biopsy ruled out a lymphoproliferative disorder and instead demonstrated necrotizing lymphadenitis. An extensive infectious and autoimmune workup was noncontributory. Clinical improvement was visualized, antibiotics were discontinued, and she was discharged on a steroid taper.

Conclusion

This case reflects how drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome can masquerade as a lymphoproliferative disorder. Additionally, it highlights the extent to which rapid identification and treatment optimized the patient’s outcome. It calls into question how immunogenetics may factor into a patient’s susceptibility to acquire drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome. This case is unique because of the early onset of visceral organ involvement, the type of internal organ involvement, the hematopoietic features, and the lymphadenopathy associated with a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug.
[18F]FE-PE2I PET is a feasible alternative to [123I]FP-CIT SPECT for dopamine transporter imaging in clinically uncertain parkinsonism
Authors: Marner Lisbeth , Korsholm Kirsten , Anderberg Lasse , Lonsdale Markus N. , Jensen Mads Radmer , Brødsgaard Eva , Denholt Charlotte L. , Gillings Nic , Law Ian , Friberg Lars
Published: September 2022

Background

Dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging of striatum is clinically used in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and neurodegenerative parkinsonian syndromes (PS) especially in the early disease stages. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the recently developed tracer for DAT imaging [18F]FE-PE2I PET/CT to the reference standard [123I]FP-CIT SPECT.

Methods

Ninety-eight unselected patients referred for DAT imaging were included prospectively and consecutively and evaluated with [18F]FE-PE2I PET/CT and [123I]FP-CIT SPECT on two separate days. PET and SPECT scans were categorized independently by two blinded expert readers as either normal, vascular changes, or mixed. Semiquantitative values were obtained for each modality and compared regarding effect size using Glass’ delta.

Results

Fifty-six of the [123I]FP-CIT SPECT scans were considered abnormal (52 caused by PS, 4 by infarctions). Using [18F]FE-PE2I PET/CT, 95 of the 98 patients were categorized identically to SPECT as PS or non-PS with a sensitivity of 0.94 [0.84–0.99] and a specificity of 1.00 [0.92–1.00]. Inter-reader agreement for [18F]FE-PE2I PET with a kappa of 0.97 [0.89–1.00] was comparable to the agreement for [123I]FP-CIT SPECT of 0.96 [0.76–1.00]. Semiquantitative values for short 10-min reconstructions of [18F]FE-PE2I PET/CT were comparable to longer reconstructions. The effect size for putamen/caudate nucleus ratio was significantly increased using PET compared to SPECT.

Conclusions

The high correspondence of [18F]FE-PE2I PET compared to reference standard [123I]FP-CIT SPECT establishes [18F]FE-PE2I PET as a feasible PET tracer for clinical use with favourable scan logistics.
Copper and nanostructured anatase rutile and carbon coatings induce adaptive antibiotic resistance
Authors: Wasa Alibe , Aitken Jack , Jun Hyunwoo , Bishop Catherine , Krumdieck Susan , Godsoe William , Heinemann Jack A.
Published: September 2022

Contaminated surfaces are vehicles for the spread of infectious disease-causing microorganisms. A strategy to prevent their spread is applying antimicrobial coatings to surfaces. Both nanostructured anatase rutile and carbon (NsARC), a TiO2 formulation, and copper are examples of antimicrobial agents that are used in making or coating door handles and similar surfaces, to reduce microbial loads. Antimicrobial surfaces have been extensively tested for antimicrobial activity but not sublethal effects, such as exposure-associated multiple antibiotic resistance phenotypes usually caused by induction of efflux pump genes. The possibility of NsARC and copper inducing indicative efflux pump pathways was investigated by monitoring the expression of mScarlet fluorescent protein (FP) in two reporter strains of Escherichia coli. There was an increase in the expression of FP in the reporter strains exposed to NsARC and copper relative to the inert control composed of stainless steel. Furthermore we tested E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus following 8 h of exposure to NsARC for changes in resistance to selected antibiotics. E. coli that were exposed to NsARC became more susceptible to kanamycin but there was no significant change in susceptibility of S. aureus to any tested antibiotics. These findings suggests that even though NsARC and copper are antimicrobial, they also have some potential to cause unintended phenotypes.
A study on the productivity and mortality rates of native and blended goats in Dodoma, Tanzania
Authors: Ngongolo Kelvin , Mmbaga Naza Emmanuel
Published: September 2022

The focus of breeding animals such as goats has been to increase productivity and other benefits from domestic animals. A breeding programme for producing blended goats is ongoing in Mpwapwa, Dodoma, Tanzania. However, few studies have been conducted to understand the performance of the produced breed (blended goat) in comparison with local indigenous goats. This study assessed the performance of blended and local indigenous goats in terms of milk and meat productivity while taking into consideration birth type, mortality rate, diseases causing mortality, and management system used. Primary and secondary data collection methods were used in this study. The weight, length, and girth of 2-year-old kids were measured in the morning and evening, and milk production in a lactating doe was recorded. Secondary data on the weight, length, and girth of inborn between 2010 and 2020. The results showed significantly higher productivity for blended goats than for indigenous goats in terms of meat and milk production (P < 0.005). The mortality rate of indigenous goats was not significantly higher than that of blended goats (P > 0.05). Diseases significantly influence goat mortality. Breed, management system, and milking time had a significant impact on goat productivity. For instance, morning milking produced significantly more milk than evening milking (P < 0.05). It is conclusive that the blended goat performs better than the indigenous goats in terms of milk and meat productivity. We recommend and encourage the adoption of blended goats by farmers who want to maximize goat production while considering other factors such as milking time, disease intervention, and management system used.