bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
G protein-coupled receptor kinase 3 modulates mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and differentiation through sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor regulation
Authors: Brozowski Jaime M. , Timoshchenko Roman G. , Serafin D. Stephen , Allyn Brittney , Koontz Jessica , Rabjohns Emily M. , Rampersad Rishi R. , Ren Yinshi , Eudy Amanda M. , Harris Taylor F. , Abraham David , Mattox Daniel , Rubin Clinton T. , Hilton Matthew J. , Rubin Janet , Allbritton Nancy L. , Billard Matthew J. , Tarrant Teresa K.
Published: January 2022

Background

The bone marrow niche supports hematopoietic cell development through intimate contact with multipotent stromal mesenchymal stem cells; however, the intracellular signaling, function, and regulation of such supportive niche cells are still being defined. Our study was designed to understand how G protein receptor kinase 3 (GRK3) affects bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell function by examining primary cells from GRK3-deficient mice, which we have previously published to have a hypercellular bone marrow and leukocytosis through negative regulation of CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling.

Methods

Murine GRK3-deficient bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells were harvested and cultured to differentiate into three lineages (adipocyte, chondrocyte, and osteoblast) to confirm multipotency and compared to wild type cells. Immunoblotting, modified-TANGO experiments, and flow cytometry were used to further examine the effects of GRK3 deficiency on bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell receptor signaling. Microcomputed tomography was used to determine trabecular and cortical bone composition of GRK3-deficient mice and standard ELISA to quantitate CXCL12 production from cellular cultures.

Results

GRK3-deficient, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells exhibit enhanced and earlier osteogenic differentiation in vitro. The addition of a sphingosine kinase inhibitor abrogated the osteogenic proliferation and differentiation, suggesting that sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor signaling was a putative G protein-coupled receptor regulated by GRK3. Immunoblotting showed prolonged ERK1/2 signaling after stimulation with sphingosine-1-phosphate in GRK3-deficient cells, and modified-TANGO assays suggested the involvement of β-arrestin-2 in sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor internalization.

Conclusions

Our work suggests that GRK3 regulates sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor signaling on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by recruiting β-arrestin to the occupied GPCR to promote internalization, and lack of such regulation affects mesenchymal stem cell functionality.
The common incidence-age multistep model of neurodegenerative diseases revisited: wider general age range of incidence corresponds to fewer disease steps
Authors: Gerovska Daniela , Araúzo-Bravo Marcos J.
Published: January 2022

Background

Previously, we collected age-stratified incidence data of 404 epidemiological datasets of 10 neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), namely Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), Fronto Temporal Dementia (FTD), Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), Parkinsonism (PDM), Parkinson’s disease with Dementia (PDD), Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD), and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). We tested whether each ND follows a multistep model, found the number of steps necessary for the onset of each ND, found the number of common steps with other NDs and the number of specific steps of each ND, and built a parsimony tree of the genealogy of the NDs. The tree disclosed three groups of NDs: the stem NDs with less than 3 steps; the trunk NDs with 5–7 steps; and the crown NDs with more than 7 steps.

Methods

We made a multidimensional reduction of the previously collected age-stratified incidence epidemiological data of the 10 NDs. We studied the general range of incidence of the 10 NDs using the age- and sex-stratified incidence data. First, we calculated the log of the incidence versus the log of the age for each ND. Next, we calculated the age intervals of the spread of the incidence of each ND. We calculated the regression of the steps obtained with the multistep model versus the age of incidence of the NDs.

Results

We found that the number of steps of the NDs is inversely correlated with the age of incidence of the NDs, and calculated the number of years required for a single step for each ND. Based on these results, we extended the genealogy tree model of the NDs to account for the time needed for a ND step to occur.

Conclusion

The extended genealogy tree disclosed three groups of NDs according to the estimated time needed for a step to occur: the stem ND, HD, with 32.5 years/step, the trunk NDs ALS, FTD, PD and CJD, with 6.7–13.7 years/step; and the crown NDs PDM, PDD, AD and DLB, with 2.3–3.8 years/step. Thus, the NDs cluster into three groups according to both the number of steps and the number of years for a step to occur.
Role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in pediatric cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Slooff Valerie , Hoogendoorn Rianne , Nielsen Jeppe Sylvest Angaard , Pappachan John , Amigoni Angela , Caramelli Fabio , Aziz Omer , Wildschut Enno , Verbruggen Sascha , Crazzolara Roman , Dohna-Schwake Christian , Potratz Jenny , Willems Jef , Llevadias Judit , Moscatelli Andrea , Montaguti Alessia , Bottari Gabriella , Di Nardo Matteo , Schlapbach Luregn , Wösten-van Asperen Roelie ,   the POKER (PICU Oncology Kids in Europe Research group) research consortium of ESPNIC (European Society of Paediatric Neonatal Intensive Care)
Published: January 2022

Background

The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in pediatric patients with underlying malignancies remains controversial. However, in an era in which the survival rates for children with malignancies have increased significantly and several recent reports have demonstrated effective ECMO use in children with cancer, we aimed to estimate the outcome and complications of ECMO treatment in these children.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL databases for studies on the use ECMO in pediatric patients with an underlying malignancy from inception to September 2020. This review was conducted in adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis statement. Study eligibility was independently assessed by two authors and disagreements resolved by a third author. Included studies were evaluated for quality using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). Random effects meta-analyses (DerSimonian and Laird) were performed. The primary outcomes were mortality during ECMO or hospital mortality.

Results

Thirteen retrospective, observational cohort studies were included, most of moderate quality (625 patients). The commonest indication for ECMO was severe respiratory failure (92%). Pooled mortality during ECMO was 55% (95% confidence interval [CI], 47–63%) and pooled hospital mortality was 60% (95% CI 54–67%). Although heterogeneity among the included studies was low, confidence intervals were large. In addition, the majority of the data were derived from registries with overlapping patients which were excluded for the meta-analyses to prevent resampling of the same participants across the included studies. Finally, there was a lack of consistent complications reporting among the studies.

Conclusion

Significantly higher mortalities than in general PICU patients was reported with the use of ECMO in children with malignancies. Although these results need to be interpreted with caution due to the lack of granular data, they suggest that ECMO appears to represents a viable rescue option for selected patients with underlying malignancies. There is an urgent need for additional data to define patients for whom ECMO may provide benefit or harm.
Supporting retention in HIV care through a holistic, patient-centred approach: a qualitative evaluation
Authors: Chinyandura Cathrine , Jiyane Anele , Tsalong Xolani , Struthers Helen E. , McIntyre James A. , Rees Kate
Published: January 2022

Background

HIV is a complex disease which affects different facets (social, economic, physical, emotional and spiral) of an individual’s life, making the goals of retention in care and adherence to treatment difficult to achieve. Holistic patient-centred approaches to providing care for people living with HIV bind together economic, social, emotional and physiological aspects and have the potential to improve retention in care and ART adherence. Case management is a holistic, patient-centred approach which is increasingly being implemented in the management of chronic illnesses.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with key informants (retention officers and social auxiliary workers) and patients. A total of 60 patients and 17 KIs (11 retention officers and 6 social auxiliary workers) participated in the study. The study was conducted in Johannesburg District, Gauteng province, South Africa. Key informants (KIs) and patients were drawn from 8 health facilities located in four management clusters of the district.

Results

The findings identified facilitators and barriers to adherence and retention in care, and demonstrated that case management offered holistic, patient-centred services which patients considered to be beneficial to their well-being and helped them overcome some of these barriers. The success of case management was driven by its holistic and patient-centred approach, which extended the focus to patients’ non-clinical needs which impact on their quality of life. Complex interacting barriers and facilitators at different levels influenced implementation of the model and its outcomes.

Conclusion

Holistic approaches such as case management have a strong potential to improve retention in care and adherence to ART. HIV is a complex disease which impacts different facets of an individual’s life, hence requires holistic care to address all facets. Health systems need to transition towards holistic care to ensure that some patients do not slip through the cracks, improve patient outcomes and efficiency.
Targeting the A3 adenosine receptor to prevent and reverse chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicities in mice
Authors: Singh Anand Kumar , Mahalingam Rajasekaran , Squillace Silvia , Jacobson Kenneth A. , Tosh Dilip K. , Dharmaraj Shruti , Farr Susan A. , Kavelaars Annemieke , Salvemini Daniela , Heijnen Cobi J.
Published: January 2022

Cisplatin is used to combat solid tumors. However, patients treated with cisplatin often develop cognitive impairments, sensorimotor deficits, and peripheral neuropathy. There is no FDA-approved treatment for these neurotoxicities. We investigated the capacity of a highly selective A3 adenosine receptor (AR) subtype (A3AR) agonist, MRS5980, to prevent and reverse cisplatin-induced neurotoxicities. MRS5980 prevented cisplatin-induced cognitive impairment (decreased executive function and impaired spatial and working memory), sensorimotor deficits, and neuropathic pain (mechanical allodynia and spontaneous pain) in both sexes. At the structural level, MRS5980 prevented the cisplatin-induced reduction in markers of synaptic integrity. In-situ hybridization detected Adora3 mRNA in neurons, microglia, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. RNAseq analysis identified 164 genes, including genes related to mitochondrial function, of which expression was changed by cisplatin and normalized by MRS5980. Consistently, MRS5980 prevented cisplatin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and decreased signs of oxidative stress. Transcriptomic analysis showed that the A3AR agonist upregulates genes related to repair pathways including NOTCH1 signaling and chromatin modification in the cortex of cisplatin-treated mice. Importantly, A3AR agonist administration after completion of cisplatin treatment resolved cognitive impairment, neuropathy and sensorimotor deficits. Our results highlight the efficacy of a selective A3AR agonist to prevent and reverse cisplatin-induced neurotoxicities via preventing brain mitochondrial damage and activating repair pathways. An A3AR agonist is already in cancer, clinical trials and our results demonstrate management of neurotoxic side effects of chemotherapy as an additional therapeutic benefit.
Human olfactory mesenchymal stromal cell transplantation ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis revealing an inhibitory role for IL16 on myelination
Authors: Lindsay Susan L. , Molęda Aleksandra M. , MacLellan Lindsay M. , Keh Siew Min , McElroy Daniel E. , Linington Christopher , Goodyear Carl S. , Barnett Susan C.
Published: January 2022

One of the therapeutic approaches for the treatment of the autoimmune demyelinating disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) is bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cell (hBM-MSCs) transplantation. However, given their capacity to enhance myelination in vitro, we hypothesised that human olfactory mucosa-derived MSCs (hOM-MSCs) may possess additional properties suitable for CNS repair. Herein, we have examined the efficacy of hOM-MSCs versus hBM-MSCs using the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. Both MSC types ameliorated disease, if delivered during the initial onset of symptomatic disease. Yet, only hOM-MSCs improved disease outcome if administered during established disease when animals had severe neurological deficits. Histological analysis of spinal cord lesions revealed hOM-MSC transplantation reduced blood–brain barrier disruption and inflammatory cell recruitment and enhanced axonal survival. At early time points post-hOM-MSC treatment, animals had reduced levels of circulating IL-16, which was reflected in both the ability of immune cells to secrete IL-16 and the level of IL-16 in spinal cord inflammatory lesions. Further in vitro investigation revealed an inhibitory role for IL-16 on oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination. Moreover, the availability of bioactive IL-16 after demyelination was reduced in the presence of hOM-MSCs. Combined, our data suggests that human hOM-MSCs may have therapeutic benefit in the treatment of MS via an IL-16-mediated pathway, especially if administered during active demyelination and inflammation.
Capability of airline jets as an observation platform for noctilucent clouds at middle latitudes
Authors: Suzuki Hidehiko , Matsumoto Ayako , Dalin Peter , Nakamura Yuriko , Ishii Satoshi , Sakanoi Kazuyo , Sakaguchi Kaori , Takada Taku , Tsuda Takuo T. , Hozumi Yuta
Published: January 2022

The exact occurrence frequency of noctilucent clouds (NLCs) in middle latitudes is significant information because it is thought to be sensitive to long-term atmospheric change. We conducted NLC observation from airline jets in the Northern Hemisphere during the summer 2019 to evaluate the effectiveness of NLC observation from airborne platforms. By cooperating with the Japanese airline All Nippon Airways (ANA), imaging observations of NLCs were conducted on 13 flights from Jun 8 to Jul 12. As a result of careful analysis, 8 of these 13 flights were found to successfully detect NLCs from middle latitudes (lower than 55° N) during their cruising phase. Based on the results of these test observations, it is shown that an airline jet is a powerful tool to continuously monitor the occurrence frequency of NLCs at midlatitudes which is generally difficult with a polar orbiting satellite due to sparse sampling in both temporal and spatial domain. The advantages and merits of NLC observation from jets over satellite observation from a point of view of imaging geometry are also presented.
Survival Versus Attraction Advantages and Talent Selection in Sport
Authors: Baker Joseph , Johnston Kathryn , Wattie Nick
Published: January 2022

Athlete selection (often referred to as talent selection) reflects the end point of what is a complex decision-making process coaches, administrators, and/or scouts use when deciding who remains and who is removed from a sample of potential athletes. In this paper, we conceptualize athlete selection as an evolutionary process where selection pressures (e.g., performance demands, system limitations) influence the value of one trait/characteristic over another. Athletes are selected either through demonstrating enhanced performance (survival advantages) or by having characteristics that are desirable to the coach/recruiter making the selection (attraction advantages). Based on these varying pressures, our understanding of whether profiles of current athletes represent the actual elements of performance necessary for success or simply those most needed for selection at key points in athlete development is extremely limited.
Identification and development of the novel 7-genes diagnostic signature by integrating multi cohorts based on osteoarthritis
Authors: Han Yaguang , Wu Jun , Gong Zhenyu , Zhou Yiqin , Li Haobo , Chen Yi , Qian Qirong
Published: January 2022

Background

A chronic progressive degenerative joint disease, such as osteoarthritis (OA) is positively related to age. The medical economy is facing a major burden, because of the high disability rate seen in patients with OA. Therefore, to prevent and treat OA, exploring the diagnostic biomarkers of OA will be of great significance.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database using the RobustRankAggreg R package, and a protein–protein interaction network was constructed. The module was obtained from Cytoscape, and the four algorithms of degree, MNC, closeness, and MCC in CytoHubba were used to identify the hub genes. A diagnostic model was constructed using Support Vector Machines (SVM), and the ability of the model to predict was evaluated by other cohorts.

Results

From normal and OA samples, 136 DEGs were identified, out of which 45 were downregulated in the normal group and 91 were upregulated in the OA group. These genes were associated with the extracellular matrix-receptor interactions, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and the protein digestion and absorption pathway, as per a functional enrichment analysis. Finally, we identified the 7 hub genes (COL6A3, COL1A2, COL1A1, MMP2, COL3A1, POST, and FN1). These genes have important roles and are widely involved in the immune response, apoptosis, inflammation, and bone development. These 7 genes were used to construct a diagnostic model by SVM, and it performed well in different cohorts. Additionally, we verified the methylation expression of these hub genes.

Conclusions

The 7-genes signature can be used for the diagnosis of OA and can provide new ideas in the clinical decision-making for patients with OA.
Reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Infant Scales
Authors: Sato Iori , Soejima Takafumi , Ikeda Mari , Kobayashi Kyoko , Setoyama Ami , Kamibeppu Kiyoko
Published: January 2022

Background

PedsQL Infant Scales (PedsQL-I) are used to assess parent-reported health-related quality of life for children younger than 2 years. We determined the feasibility, reliability, and validity of the Japanese version of the PedsQL-I.

Methods

A total of 183 participants (parents) with infants aged 1–30 months were recruited from 8 day care centers and one pediatric clinic. Participants completed the PedsQL-I (infants aged 1–18 months), the PedsQL-I and the PedsQL-Toddler version (infants aged 19–30 months), and the Kessler-6 psychological distress scale (all participants). We determined feasibility, internal consistency, test–retest reliability, concurrent validity, convergent and discriminant validity, known-groups validity with regard to acute and chronic illness, and relative and transitional validity with PedsQL-Toddler for the use in infants aged 25–30 months.

Results

All subscales were internally consistent (Cronbach’s alpha for 1–12 months: 0.88–0.98 and for 13–24 months: 0.85–0.97); test–retest reliability was acceptable (intra-class correlation coefficients > 0.40); and all scales were concurrently valid with the PedsQL-Toddler version (Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient for the total score = 0.74). The scales’ convergent and discriminant validity were acceptable (scaling success rate > 80%). Validation for known-groups showed that the Physical Health Summary score was sensitive to acute and chronic disease, the Psychosocial Health Summary score was sensitive to neither acute nor chronic disease, and the total score was sensitive to acute disease. Relative validity showed a ratio of 1.74 for the squared t values for the total score.

Conclusions

The PedsQL-I is suitable for assessing health-related quality of life in infants aged 1–24 months in prospective studies.
Vitamin E and quercetin attenuated the reproductive toxicity mediated by lead acetate in male Wistar
Authors: Oyeyemi Wahab Adekunle , Akinola Adeniran Oluwadamilare , Daramola Oore-oluwapo Ololade , Aikpitanyi Ikponmwosa , Durotoluwa Opeyemi Tosin , Alele Precious-Gift Olohigbe , Ogieriakhi Iyesogie Osaretin , Okoro Tseye Daisy
Published: January 2022

Background

Heavy metals are well documented to induce reproductive toxicity. This study was designed to investigate the role of vitamin E and quercetin on reproductive toxicity mediated by lead acetate in male Wistar rats. Thirty male adult Wistar rats were grouped into six (n = 5 per group) as follows: Group 1 (Control); Group 2 and 3 were administered with 100 mg/kg vitamin E and quercetin, respectively; Group 4 was administered with 30 mg/kg lead acetate; Groups 5 and 6 received lead acetate with vitamin E and lead acetate with quercetin, respectively.

Results

Lead acetate significantly increased (p < 0.05) testicular malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, lead ion and abnormal sperm morphology, while testicular catalase, superoxide dismutase activities, calcium ion, zinc ion, serum follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, sperm count, motility, average path, curvilinear velocity, and sperm viability were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The co-administration of lead acetate with vitamin E and quercetin significantly reversed (p < 0.05) the testicular level of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, lead ion, abnormal sperm morphology, catalase superoxide dismutase activities, calcium ion, zinc ion, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, sperm count, motility, average path velocity and sperm viability.

Conclusions

Vitamin E and quercetin attenuated the reproductive toxicity induced by lead acetate in the male Wistar rats, and this suggests that vitamin E and quercetin may serve as possible therapeutic agents in improving male reproductive functions in heavy metal toxicity.
SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia with large pneumothorax—a case report
Authors: Hassan Muhammad , Syed Fibhaa , Khan Naveed Ullah , Jan Zakir , Mushtaq Hafiza Faiza , Hussain Nadir , Badshah Mazhar
Published: January 2022

The pandemic of severe acute respiratory virus (SARS-CoV-2) is characterized by respiratory symptoms with serious consequences, mainly associated with pneumonia and extreme ARDS. There is a lack of data about pneumothorax associated with COVID-19 infections in current literature. Radiological features in SARS-CoV-2 include subpleural bilateral ground-glass appearance and many areas of irregular consolidation in the lungs. We here present a case of SARS-CoV-2 that was complicated by acute pneumothorax, and despite prompt treatment, that patient could not be saved. A 55-years-old male with no previous lung disease or any other history confirmed to have SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia developed a large pneumothorax on the third day of his presentation and was immediately intubated via a chest tube but could not be saved. SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR was positive. The patient expired around 12 h after chest intubation. Recommended treatment could not be started yet as the patient expired before it could be decided.
Temporal Trends in Outcomes in Patients With Adrenocortical Carcinoma: A Multidisciplinary Referral-center Experience
Authors: Daher Marilyne , Varghese Jeena , Gruschkus Stephen K , Jimenez Camilo , Waguespack Steven G , Bedrose Sara , Altameemi Lina , Bazerbashi Hadil , Naing Aung , Subbiah Vivek , Campbell Matthew T , Shah Amishi Y , Zhang Miao , Sheth Rahul A , Karam Jose A , Wood Christopher G , Perrier Nancy D , Graham Paul H , Lee Jeffery E , Habra Mouhammed Amir
Published: January 2022

Context

Reporting temporal trends in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) helps guide management strategies.

Objective

This work aimed to report the trends in disease burden and clinical outcomes over time that cannot be adequately captured from individual clinical trials.

Methods

A retrospective study was held of ACC patients seen at a referral cancer center between February 1998 and August 2019. Clinical outcomes were compared between an early cohort (February 1998-June 2007) and a late cohort (July 2007-August 2019).

Results

A total of 621 patients included with a median age at diagnosis of 49.3 years (range, 0.5-86.6 years). There were 285 (45.9%) patients with hormonal overproduction. More patients in the late cohort had stage IV disease compared to the early cohort (36.8% vs 23.1%; P < .0001). Resection of the primary tumor was performed in 502 patients (80.8%). Complete resection (R0) was more common in the late cohort (165 [60.2%]) than in the early cohort (100 [44.6%]; P = .0005). Of 475 patients with metastatic disease (stage IV or recurrent metastatic disease), 352 (74.1%) received mitotane, 320 (67.4%) received chemotherapy, and 53 (11.2%) received immunotherapy. In the early cohort, 70 (33%) received 2 or more lines of therapy, whereas in the late cohort, 127 (48%) received 2 or more lines of therapy. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 65%, 58%, 45%, and 10% for stage I, II, III, and IV disease, respectively, whereas the 2-year OS rates in patients with stage IV disease was 24% in the early cohort and 46% in the late cohort (P = .01).

Conclusion

ACC clinical outcomes improved over the past 2 decades as more patients had complete resection or received more lines of systemic therapy.
Coexistence of Renin-independent Aldosterone Secretion and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 Within a Family
Authors: Obata Yoshinari , Takayama Kana , Maruo Yumiko , Yamaguchi Hiroki , Fujii Kohei , Hata Sonyun , Togawa Yuri , Sanda Azusa , Kosugi Motohiro , Hazama Yoji , Yasuda Tetsuyuki
Published: January 2022

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a state of renin-independent aldosterone secretion that can range from subclinical to overt. Some normotensive individuals for whom PA screening is not routinely recommended are reported to fulfill the loading test criterion used for the diagnosis of PA. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the development of various endocrine tumors. Cases of PA associated with MEN1 have been reported; however, there has been no previous report on renin-independent aldosterone secretion within a family with MEN1. Herein, we present the case of a normotensive family presenting with both MEN1 and renin-independent aldosterone secretion. A 49-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for PA evaluation owing to the plasma aldosterone concentration/plasma renin activity ratio being greater than the screening cut-off value; the patient was normotensive. The patient had a history of left nephrectomy and adrenalectomy for left renal carcinoma and adrenal tumor at the age of 39 years. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with MEN1 concurrent with primary hyperparathyroidism, insulinoma, and novel MEN1 gene mutations (c.655-5_655-4insC and c.818delC). The loading tests for PA confirmation, including saline infusion, and furosemide upright and captopril challenge tests, yielded positive findings, confirming a case of renin-independent aldosterone secretion. The patient’s mother, brother, and sister were also genetically or clinically diagnosed with MEN1. All of them were also normotensive and confirmed to have renin-independent aldosterone secretion. The coexistence of renin-independent aldosterone secretion and MEN1 within this family suggests a relationship between the 2 entities.
17α-Hydroxylase/17,20-Lyase Deficiency in 46,XY: Our Experience and Review of Literature
Authors: Maheshwari Madhur , Arya Sneha , Lila Anurag Ranjan , Sarathi Vijaya , Barnabas Rohit , Rai Khushnandan , Bhandare Vishwambhar Vishnu , Memon Saba Samad , Karlekar Manjiri Pramod , Patil Virendra , Shah Nalini S , Kunwar Ambarish , Bandgar Tushar
Published: January 2022

Context

There are more than 100 pathogenic variants in CYP17A1 that have been identified in patients with 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency (17OHD).

Objective

We aimed to describe 46,XY patients with 17OHD from our center and review the literature.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed genetically proven index cases of 17OHD from our 46,XY disorders of sex development cohort and reviewed similar cases from the literature (n = 150). Based on the phenotype, 17OHD probands were classified into combined severe deficiency (n = 128) and combined partial deficiency (n = 16). Additionally, patients with the apparent isolated 17,20-lyase deficiency (n = 7, from 6 families) were noted. Residual enzyme activities with the observed mutant enzymes were divided in 2 categories as < 1% and ≥ 1%, each for hydroxylase and lyase.

Results

We present 4 index cases of 46,XY 17OHD with a complete spectrum of undervirilization and 2 novel variants in CYP17A1. In the review, the combined severe deficiency was the most common form, with more frequent female sex of rearing, hypertension, hypokalemia, suppressed renin, higher plasma corticotropin, lower serum cortisol, and androgens. Immunoassay-measured serum aldosterone was frequently (68.2%) unsuppressed (>5 ng/dL). Elevated serum progesterone had high sensitivity for diagnosis of combined 17OHD, even in combined partial deficiency (83.3%). Among patients with clinical phenotype of combined severe deficiency, 11.5% had partial 17α-hydroxylase and complete 17,20-lyase deficiency (>1%/<1%) and had significantly higher serum cortisol than those with < 1%/<1% activity.

Conclusion

We report the first monocentric case series of Asian Indian 46,XY patients with 17OHD. We propose that a phenotype of severe undervirilization with milder cortisol deficiency may represent a distinct subtype of combined severe 17OHD with residual 17α-hydroxylase activity but severe 17,20-lyase deficiency (>1%/<1%), which needs further validation.
SPECTRUM SENSING ALGORITHM BASED ON SHAPIRO WILK TEST
Authors: Ilgın Fatih Yavuz
Published: January 2022

In this study, spectrum algorithm based on Shapiro Wilk test is discussed and a spectrum detection method is proposed for Cognitive Radios with Shapiro Wilk test. In this method, it is tested whether the energy of the received signal has a Gauss distribution. Simulation studies were carried out with different parameters to evaluate the performance of the proposed detection method. It has been compared with the Energy detector in simulation studies. Under some conditions, the proposed method was found to be more successful than ED.
Assessing knowledge of nosocomial infection among Omani student nurses: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alriyami Mallak , Al Omari Omar , Al-Daken Laila , Alriyami Thikra , Al Rashdi Ranin , Al Shukaili Shahad , Al-Alawi Tamouh , Al Qadire Mohammad
Published: January 2022

Background:

The total cost and negative health associated with nosocomial infection are high and early interventions are required. Assessing students' knowledge about nosocomial infection may contribute to solving this issue.

Aims:

The present study aimed to assess the level of knowledge of nosocomial infection among student nurses and to identify their main sources of information on the topic.

Methods:

A total of 330 student nurses at Sultan Qaboos University completed the online survey, which included participants' demographics and the Infection Control Standardized Questionnaire (ICSQ).

Findings:

The results of the study reveal the average total corrected score of the participants was 51.53 (SD=0.89) out of 100, with a minimum score of 16 and a maximum score of 96. Female students had a higher average score (13.9, SD=4.34) than male students (11.6, SD=3.2); t(328)=5.35.

Conclusion:

The student nurses did not have a sufficient level of knowledge about nosocomial infection. This calls for a review of nursing curricula to pave the way for more pragmatic teaching of infection control.
Effectiveness of scheduled vital signs assessment during infliximab infusions in detecting infusion reactions: a multi-centre retrospective data review
Authors: Casey Julia
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

To determine if scheduled vital signs monitoring is useful in the detection of infusion reactions to infliximab (IFX).

Methods:

The infusion records of 35,988 IFX infusions completed in 2017 were reviewed for infusion reactions that occurred during the infusion, which were then examined further to determine how those infusion reactions were detected.

Results:

Of the 90 complete infusion reaction records reviewed, no infusion reactions (0) were detected by scheduled vital signs assessment.

Conclusions:

According to the infusion reaction data reviewed, scheduled vital sign assessment did not detect any infusion reactions and may not be necessary for the purpose of monitoring patients during infusions for early detection of infusion reactions. Previous research into IFX infusion reactions reviewed also concluded that scheduled vital signs assessment may not be helpful in the detection of infusion reactions and, in many cases, vital signs did not vary significantly enough from baseline to signal an infusion reaction.
Managing central venous catheter dressings: a short gut syndrome case study
Authors: Langford Melissa , Leal Maria , Patton Lindsey
Published: January 2022

Central venous catheters are necessary in treatment and care of pediatric patients with short gut syndrome. Despite necessity, central venous catheters come with the risk of developing CLABSI. This manuscript describes a complex, pediatric gastroenterology patient with multiple risk factors who developed a CLABSI. Short gut syndrome patients can develop skin conditions and complications that may challenge nursing practice to mitigate CLABSI. Further research is needed on preventing CLABSIs in complex pediatric patients to provide the best practice implications for nursing.

HIGHLIGHTS

Central venous catheter care may be complicated by complex patient considerations. Central-line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) risk factors are multifaceted. Case report to highlight patient complexity that challenges bundled practices.
Dental care for children with Down syndrome: a guide for the dental practice team
Authors: Brosnan Sinéad , Ray-Chaudhuri Emma , Parry Jennifer
Published: January 2022

Down syndrome is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability and increases the risk of a range of medical problems that may have implications for oral health. Children diagnosed with Down syndrome should be signposted to dental services as part of their schedule of health checks. To ensure that appropriate access and support are available from the dental team, it is important that dental professionals are familiar with medical and dental conditions and characteristics that occur with increased frequency in patients with Down syndrome.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal abnormality likely to present in clinical dental practice. This paper provides guidance for dental professionals for dental checks and surveillance of the developing dentition for children with Down syndrome.
Vitamin D and periodontitis: shedding the light
Authors: Rattu Varkha , Parmar Jay , Raindi Devan
Published: January 2022

Periodontitis results from dysbiotic periodontal microbiota eliciting an exaggerated host immune-inflammatory response within susceptible individuals. With traditional biofilm management only partially effective, it became apparent that the individual's host response played a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Specific nutritional factors have been found to impact the host response. Understandably, this has contributed to the emerging shift in contemporary research towards biological approaches to novel periodontal therapies. Vitamin D deficiency, a global public health problem, has been linked to numerous inflammatory conditions including periodontitis. The effects of vitamin D are multifaceted, favouring periodontal health and consideration should be given to its application in clinical practice.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: The mechanisms and evidence implicating vitamin D as a host modulator of periodontitis are of relevance in periodontal therapy.
Feeding the pregnant beef cow
Authors: Macrae Alastair , Bragg Rachel , Corbishley Alexander
Published: January 2022

Nutritional management of beef cows during pregnancy is critical for both cow and calf health, as well as future fertility. Careful management of cow body condition throughout the year is vital to maintain good cow reproductive efficiency, as well as utilising body reserves during the winter to reduce feed costs. Regular body condition scoring is therefore key, and appropriate action should be taken with cows that are either too thin (below body condition score (BCS) 2.5) or too fat (over BCS 3.5). Forage analyses of grass silage is important for the assessment of forage stocks and appropriate supplementation. Metabolic profile blood testing of cows during the winter housing period for the assessment of energy, protein and mineral status can be a useful management tool to assess current nutritional status. This allows informed decisions to be made to correct nutritional problems before they harm cow and calf health, as well as future fertility.
The National Johne's Management Plan: using risk and data analysis to optimise Johne's control in dairy herds
Authors: Orpin Pete Guy , Sibley Dick , Hanks James , Taylor Nick
Published: January 2022

The National Johne's Management Plan (NJMP) is now a compulsory element of the Red Tractor Farm assurance scheme. Over 95% of UK dairy farms will need to undertake surveillance, risk assessments, and have a written veterinary control plan, and 70% of participants are utilising milk enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing. To support the NJMP a new Johne's Progress Tracker has been developed that uses key outcome measures and drivers to provide new insights into Johne's disease (JD) development. Benchmark measures have been developed allowing for graphical comparison of all measures. The JD Tracker delivers a practical opportunity to help JD veterinary advisors to evaluate the reasons why their herds are succeeding or failing to control JD. The development of enhanced risk assessment tools is also essential to identify the expanded list of risks, and engaging the farmer with a successful JD control plan helps secure the farmer's prospects.
CattleReview
Authors: Barrett David C
Published: January 2022

Introduction:

In this Cattle Review we look at a review of research on the bovine respiratory microbiota, a survey of calf management practices and farmer perceptions of calf housing on UK dairy farms and research considering farmers' perspectives on the provision of cow-calf contact in New Zealand pasture-based dairy systems. All three papers are open access.
The responsible use of veterinary medicines – UK and international perspectives
Authors: Lloyd Chris , Bawn Mary
Published: January 2022

The Responsible use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA) hosted its fourth biennial conference, ‘The responsible use of veterinary medicines – UK and International perspectives’, online on Thursday 18th November 2021. A key event highlight was the incredible voluntary industry achievements to date which have helped to halve sales of antibiotics to treat UK farm animals and has seen the use of highest priority critically important antibiotics in animals reduce by 79% since 2014. The event covered the positive story of responsible use of medicines in UK farming; an introduction to the new RUMA organisation for companion animals and equine and its objectives; a look ahead to the UK animal medicines legislation; the international context for the responsible use of medicines; the story of the UK's high health and welfare standards in international trade discussions; a look ahead to the next challenges for responsible use of animal medicines.
Centralized inverse-Fano distribution for controlling conversion gain measurement accuracy of detector elements: erratum
Authors: Hendrickson Aaron J.
Published: January 2022

Corrections are given for errors in the presentation of equations in
J. Opt. Soc. Am.
A 34, 1411
(2017)JOAOD60740-323210.1364/JOSAA.34.001411.
Fractured bonds and crystal capital: Social capital among COVID-era music communities
Authors: Crooke Alexander Hew Dale , Hara Mariko , Davidson Jane , Fraser Trisnasari , DeNora Tia
Published: January 2022

As COVID-19-driven lockdowns and social distancing became the new normal in 2020, musicians experienced a reshuffling of their social networks. This article uses in-depth interviews with nine community arts practitioners in Australia, Norway and the United States to explore the impact of COVID-19 on their ability to practise, collaborate and connect with their musical communities. Results showed that, while social distancing has significantly disrupted active connection with localized communities and musical networks, participants reported increased connection and engagement with wider networks through technology. Applying Putnam’s concepts of bonding and bridging capital, the authors posit that COVID-era music engagement has seen a shift towards decentralized communities through an emphasis on bridging capital. Ultimately, however, analysis showed Putnam’s concepts to be unhelpful in describing online music connections, and ‘crystal capital’ is proposed as a possible way to theorize the subjective nature of online music engagement.
An exploration into online singing and mindfulness during the COVID-19 pandemic for people with anxiety and/or depression
Authors: Foulkes Emily
Published: January 2022

It is reported that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on increasing mental health problems and exacerbating existing mental health conditions. The aim was to explore the potential of an online singing and mindfulness programme for people with anxiety and/or depression. Seven participants were socially prescribed to a nine-week programme of online singing and mindfulness delivered by the practitioner-researcher. Participants completed the HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and WEMWBS (Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale) at baseline and after the sessions. Participants kept journals and completed a questionnaire after the programme. Field notes were kept. Data were triangulated to form themes for discussion. Participants reported positive impacts on their wellbeing. The programme offered a safe space to connect with others; build confidence; break down barriers and to feel both relaxed and energized. Online singing and mindfulness may provide an effective ‘gateway’ into face-to-face activities for those experiencing barriers to engagement.
Antioxidants in the Diet of Madinan Society in 622-632 A.D.
Authors: Binti Zainan Nazri Nurul Mukminah
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this paper is to analyze antioxidant foods in the diet of Madinan society in 622-632 A.D. which is believed to be the time when the Prophet Muhammad dwelled in Madinah. Recently, Madinan society and other societies of the world were reported to have a depraved and unhealthy diet. This paper focuses on the Madinan diet to obtain a deeper understanding of a well-balanced diet as an exemplary dietary model for societies worldwide. This study is a qualitative study and the approach is content analysis. Data collected through the methods of content and document analysis are thematically analyzed using descriptive and analytical methods. Findings demonstrate that the variety of foods in the Madinan diet represents a complete and well-balanced diet. The implication of this study establishes that the foods in their diet contain beneficial antioxidant compounds. Thus, the dietary model of Madinan society can be recommended and served as one of the dietary models owing to its health benefits and its palatability.
Inuit Food Insecurity as a Consequence of Fragmented Marine Resource Management Policies? Emerging Lessons from Nunatsiavut
Authors: Kourantidou Melina , Hoagland Porter , Bailey Megan
Published: January 2022

Historically, Inuit communities of the Arctic have relied significantly on the living marine resources of their coastal waters for nutrition, underpinning community cohesion and enhancing individual and collective well-being. Inadequate understanding of the conditions of coastal marine stocks and their dynamics, along with failed past fisheries management practices, now threatens secure access to these resources for food and nutrition. We examine the degree of integration of modern Canadian federal food and marine resource management policies, which heretofore have been unable to lessen food insecurity in the Arctic, suggesting that causes rather than symptoms need to be treated. Using evidence from Nunatsiavut, northern Labrador, we assess the limits to marine resource governance affecting access to traditionally important food sources. We explore the potential for both increased subsistence harvests and enhanced access to commercial fisheries in mitigating Inuit food insecurity, arguing for the relevance of expanded marine resource assessments, more focused fisheries management, and integration with policies designed to mitigate food insecurity. Crucially, the absence of methods for tracking changes in locally harvested marine resources threatens not only individual and household nutrition but also the social, economic, and cultural integrity of Inuit communities. We further describe the needs for monitoring and propose the use of indicators that capture the contributions of locally harvested marine resources to increased food security along with a framework that allows for utilizing local knowledge and observations. Relying on emerging lessons from research in Nunatsiavut, we build a foundation for a better understanding of both the political and institutional legacies that contribute to Labrador Inuit food insecurity and discuss how the deeper integration of food and marine resource management policies could help mitigate it.
Catalytic Co-Pyrolysis of Palm Oil Empty Fruit Bunch and Coal into Liquid Oil
Authors: Sunarno Sunarno , Sari Ronna Puspita , Frimacia Tifanny , Yenti Silvia Reni , Utama Panca Setia , Saputra Edy
Published: January 2022

The decline in fossil fuel sources has prompted research into finding renewable fuels. One of environmentally friendly energy sources with high efficiency is by producing liquid oil from palm oil empty fruit bunch (EFB) and coal. Pre-treatment of empty fruit bunches using NaOH and various concentrations of H2O2, various ratios of EFB/coal, the ratio of CaO catalyst, chemical and physical characteristics were studied to produce the better liquid oil yield. The H2O2 concentrations are 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%. The ratios of EFB/coal (R) are 0/100, 25/75, 50/50, and 75/25. The ratios of catalyst CaO/raw material are 0%, 3%, 6%, and 9%. It ran at 400 °C with 100 mL/min nitrogen gas flowing during one hour. The results showed that adding sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide in the EFB pre-treatment increased the liquid oil yield. With an increase in the EFB/coal ratio, the liquid oil yield increased. Co-pyrolysis treated EFB and Coal with a ratio of 75:25 produced 32% liquid oil yield, but the liquid oil yield decreased to 19% with the addition of 9% CaO catalyst. However, the addition of CaO catalyst reduces the acidity and increases the calorific value of the liquid oil.