bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leukaemic Ascites and Peritoneal Myeloid Sarcoma: Rare but Not Impossible
Authors: Landeiro Luís , Neto Gonçalves Tiago , Proença Margarida , Nunes Albertina , Bayão Horta Alexandra
Published: February 2022

A myeloid sarcoma is an extramedullary tumour arising from infiltration by leukemic cells at an anatomic site other than the bone marrow. Most commonly it precedes acute myeloid leukaemia but occasionally occurs simultaneously. It may also be associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms, myelodysplastic syndrome and the blast phase of chronic myeloid leukaemia. The most common sites for extramedullary tumours are bone, periosteum, soft tissue, lymph node and skin. Although this disease can affect a wide range of body sites, there are very few reports of peritoneal myeloid sarcoma or cavity effusion. The authors present the case of a 68-year-old man with myelodysplasia-related acute myeloid leukaemia and peritoneal myeloid sarcoma with myeloid ascites. The definitive diagnosis is challenging, requires a high level of suspicion, and relies on the exclusion of all alternative diagnoses and especially on complementary tests such as flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry analysis of ascitic fluid in order to detect the immature myeloid cells.
A qualitative exploration of preventive dental advice for parents of children with congenital heart disease
Authors: Owen Jenny , Csikar Julia , Vinall-Collier Karen , Douglas Gail VA
Published: February 2022

Background/Aims

Children with congenital heart disease are at an increased risk of developing oral disease, which can negatively impact their general health and increase the risk of infective endocarditis. This study explored the preventive oral health advice given to parents of children with congenital heart disease and any barriers that exist to the implementation of this advice.

Methods

Four semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of children with congenital heart disease, which followed a topic guide that explored personal experiences of oral healthcare provision and the advice received. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was undertaken by one researcher, with themes reviewed by a second.

Results

Improving awareness of oral health was highlighted as being important to participants. The prioritisation of the child's heart condition was also discussed, and participants felt that there were opportunities to develop the multidisciplinary collaboration between dental and cardiac teams. The consistency of messages could also be enhanced, as health advice sometimes contradicted oral health guidance, which could unintentionally increase the child's risk of tooth decay.

Conclusions

Enhancing collaboration between the various disciplines involved in the care of children with congenital heart disease is needed to ensure that appropriate advice and support is given to parents regarding oral health.
Transanal irrigation in the treatment of functional bowel disorders: a district general hospital perspective
Authors: Henderson Alice , Kamil Ifra , Meskin Fatima , Nisar Pasha , Thomas Gregory , Bearn Philip , Trivedi Prateesh
Published: February 2022

Background:

Transanal irrigation (TAI) is a long-term treatment for obstructive defaecation syndrome, slow transit constipation and faecal incontinence.

Aim:

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of TAI on treating these conditions.

Method:

Data were collected using two standard follow-up questionnaires. Pre- and post-treatment symptom perception scores were compared. A Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test was performed. A p value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Findings:

Of 54 patients who were referred for TAI to a regional pelvic floor centre, 29 agreed to participate. All used one of the four Qufora IrriSedo TAI systems (MacGregor Healthcare). Symptom perception scores were reduced by 48.3% in patients with faecal incontinence (p<0.05) and 33.8% in those with constipation (p<0.0001). Symptom severity decreased, with reductions of 34.8% in St Mark's Faecal Incontinence score (p=0.0249) and 28.6% in Cleveland Clinic Constipation score (p=0.03).

Conclusion:

TAI was shown to be an effective treatment for functional bowel problems.
Inspection of a duodenoscope working channel after a double positive sampling: case report and literature review
Authors: Minciullo Andrea , Colombo Benedetta , Tartaglini Daniela , Filomeno Lucia , Maria Di Matteo Francesco
Published: February 2022

In contemporary endoscopy practice, it is possible and desirable to verify the integrity of the operating channel by inserting a video camera inside the endoscope. However, the right time to perform visual inspections remains uncertain. This article describes an inspection of the duodenoscope's working channel from the distal tip to the control section using the SpyGlass DS Direct Visualization System (Boston Scientific, Natick (MA), USA) and the SpyScope DS Catheter. The investigation made it possible to identify stains, debris and the wear of a gasket that could justify positive cultures, despite the correct adherence to the guidelines for the reconditioning of endoscopes. The routine inspection of the endoscope's channels could be a way to verify correct reprocessing in parallel with microbiological analyses and to identify endoscopes that need maintenance before the damage inside them can become more serious.
Dislocation of the hip after normal sonographic screening examination: a case report and literature review
Authors: Walton TJ , Chatterton BD , Dover C , Kiely NT
Published: February 2022

We report the case of a five-month-old girl presenting with a subluxed left hip following normal neonatal clinical examination and serial ultrasound screening. Her only risk factor for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) was breech presentation. She underwent closed reduction with successful concentric reduction. This case demonstrates that hip subluxation can occur after normal ultrasound screening, and has important clinical and medicolegal implications. Consideration should be given to further follow-up in children with overt risk factors for DDH, even after normal ultrasound examination.
Preventing pressure ulcers from paediatric femoral traction: use of an audit cycle to assess a new concise manual and a daily care chart
Authors: Mourkus H , Hussain S , Khalefa MA , Vadivelu R , Prem H
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Femoral shaft fractures are common in children up to 14 years of age and traction is frequently used during their treatment. A lack of training and unfamiliarity of junior doctors and nursing staff with this treatment modality may lead to unfavourable skin complications, especially in the absence of regular monitoring. We introduced and audited a simple and reproducible way of monitoring these patients.

Methods

An initial audit was conducted of all children with femoral shaft fracture treated in skin traction. A new traction manual and daily care chart were introduced, and a re-audit was performed. A parallel survey regarding skin traction in children was conducted involving 33 hospitals in the United Kingdom.

Results

The initial audit showed three patients (23%) developed grade 2 pressure sores with a mean duration of traction of 8.5 days. A pressure sites check was documented in only 7.7%. A re-audit, after introduction of the traction manual and daily care chart showed a mean duration of traction of 8.4 days and only one patient (12.5%) developed a grade 1 sore. Pressure site monitoring improved significantly with 75% documentation. No daily care chart was used among the 33 centres in the survey and only 27% of centres had access to a manual in the ward.

Conclusions

Introduction of a single-page traction manual and a daily care chart into patient care notes to effectively monitor for pressure areas in children on skin traction helps reduce the incidence of serious skin complications.
Small renal mass with large lymph nodal metastasis and inferior vena cava thrombus: an exceptional amalgamation
Authors: Akif S , Parmar K , Kumar S , Mavuduru RM , Bal A
Published: February 2022

A small renal mass is defined as a tumour <4cm. The standard treatment of choice for small renal masses is partial or radical nephrectomy, depending on the tumour anatomy, and has good overall and cancer-specific survival. Its association with lymph node metastasis and inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus is very uncommon. We describe a case of a right small renal mass with a large metastatic paracaval lymph node with IVC level I thrombus who was treated with right radical nephrectomy with thrombus removal and lymph node excision.
A high-grade primary osteosarcoma arising in the splenic flexure of the colon: an extremely rare entity
Authors: Sozutek A , Kulahci O
Published: February 2022

Extraskeletal osteosarcoma (ESOS) is an uncommon malignant mesenchymal tumour deriving from soft tissues or visceral organs without any evidence of a primary bone osteosarcoma. Although ESOS has been mainly reported in the extremities, it can also occur in unusual locations such as the colorectal region. A 58-year-old man with a 3-month history of dyspepsia, constipation and soreness in the left upper abdominal quadrant was admitted to hospital. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a huge, irregular, mixed cystic and solid, partially calcified mass measuring 116mm×140mm×200mm. Because of the patient’s obstructive symptoms, surgery was performed. A tumour involving the splenic flexure of the colon was excised in line with oncological principles by extended left hemicolectomy with end-to-side colo-colonic anastomosis. The specimen was interpreted as a primary osteosarcoma of the colon after immunohistochemical straining. Considering the limited data regarding ESOS arising in colon, we present the second case to date that involves the transverse colon, to further elucidate its clinical aspects, prognosis and treatment options.
Head–neck dissection course during COVID-19 pandemic: challenges, adaptations and how we did it
Authors: Zubair A , Zhang H , Scholfield DW , Ahmad R , Ahmed J , Ali S , Ghufoor K
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Cadaveric dissection courses have come to a standstill since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to limited operative opportunities, cancellation of such courses has severely impacted surgical training, especially in a craft-based specialty such as head–neck surgery. The aim of this educational project was to: (1) study the feasibility of an in-person head–neck cadaveric dissection course during COVID-19 pandemic; and (2) validate the educational benefit of this teaching method to ear, nose and throat (ENT) trainees.

Methods

We developed a 2-day head–neck cadaveric dissection course for ENT trainees. The course programme covered essential head–neck open surgical procedures. Content validity (subjective feedback) was assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. Construct validity (objective usefulness) was evaluated via two pre- and post-course questionnaires, estimating knowledge of head–neck surgical anatomy and self-assessment of levels of confidence with head–neck procedures, respectively.

Results

A risk assessment was conducted and a protocol developed (risk was deemed to be low/tolerable). Content validity showed high satisfaction compared with a median Likert score of 3, ‘average’ (p=0.000002). For construct validity, the mean score per question improved significantly (p=0.001). Overall levels of confidence showed a trend towards improvement (p=0.08). There was significant improvement in laryngectomy (p=0.01) and level I dissection (p=0.01), with an indication of improvement in level II–V dissection (p=0.07).

Conclusions

We demonstrated that a cadaveric dissection course, using thorough risk assessment and protocol, could be safely conducted with high content and construct validation during these unprecedented times. This is an invaluable learning environment that needs to be encouraged despite infection control restrictions.
Indian genetic heritage in Southeast Asian populations
Authors: Changmai Piya , Jaisamut Kitipong , Kampuansai Jatupol , Kutanan Wibhu , Altınışık N. Ezgi , Flegontova Olga , Inta Angkhana , Yüncü Eren , Boonthai Worrawit , Pamjav Horolma , Reich David , Flegontov Pavel
Published: February 2022

The great ethnolinguistic diversity found today in mainland Southeast Asia (MSEA) reflects multiple migration waves of people in the past. Maritime trading between MSEA and India was established at the latest 300 BCE, and the formation of early states in Southeast Asia during the first millennium CE was strongly influenced by Indian culture, a cultural influence that is still prominent today. Several ancient Indian-influenced states were located in present-day Thailand, and various populations in the country are likely to be descendants of people from those states. To systematically explore Indian genetic heritage in MSEA populations, we generated genome-wide SNP data (using the Affymetrix Human Origins array) for 119 present-day individuals belonging to 10 ethnic groups from Thailand and co-analyzed them with published data using PCA, ADMIXTURE, and methods relying on f-statistics and on autosomal haplotypes. We found low levels of South Asian admixture in various MSEA populations for whom there is evidence of historical connections with the ancient Indian-influenced states but failed to find this genetic component in present-day hunter-gatherer groups and relatively isolated groups from the highlands of Northern Thailand. The results suggest that migration of Indian populations to MSEA may have been responsible for the spread of Indian culture in the region. Our results also support close genetic affinity between Kra-Dai-speaking (also known as Tai-Kadai) and Austronesian-speaking populations, which fits a linguistic hypothesis suggesting cladality of the two language families.
Results and evaluation of the expansion of a model of comprehensive care for Chagas disease within the National Health System: The Bolivian Chagas network
Authors: Pinazo Maria-Jesus , Rojas-Cortez Mirko , Saravia Ruth , Garcia-Ruiloba Wilson , Ramos Carlos , Pinto Rocha Jimy-Jose , Ortiz Lourdes , Castellon Mario , Mendoza-Claure Nilce , Lozano Daniel , Torrico Faustino , Gascon Joaquim ,   on behalf of Chagas Platform and Chagas Healthcare Network working group
Published: February 2022

Background

Most people with chronic Chagas disease do not receive specific care and therefore are undiagnosed and do not receive accurate treatment. This manuscript discusses and evaluates a collaborative strategy to improve access to healthcare for patients with Chagas in Bolivia, a country with the highest prevalence of Chagas in the world.

Methods

With the aim of reinforcing the Chagas National Programme, the Bolivian Chagas Platform was born in 2009. The first stage of the project was to implement a vertical pilot program in order to introduce and consolidate a consensual protocol-based healthcare, working in seven centers (Chagas Platform Centers). From 2015 on the model was extended to 52 primary healthcare centers, through decentralized, horizontal scaling-up. To evaluate the strategy, we have used the WHO ExpandNet program.

Results

The strategy has significantly increased the number of patients cared for, with 181,397 people at risk of having T. cruzi infection tested and 57,871 (31·9%) new diagnostics performed. In those with treatment criteria, 79·2% completed the treatment. The program has also trained a significant number of health personnel through the specific Chagas guidelines (67% of healthcare workers in the intervention area).

Conclusions

After being recognized by the Chagas National Programme as a healthcare model aligned with national laws and priorities, the Bolivian platform of Chagas as an innovation, includes attributes that they have made it possible to expand the strategy at the national level and could also be adapted in other countries.
Selection of reference genes for quantitative analysis of microRNA expression in three different types of cancer
Authors: Veryaskina Yuliya A. , Titov Sergei E. , Ivanov Mikhail K. , Ruzankin Pavel S. , Tarasenko Anton S. , Shevchenko Sergei P. , Kovynev Igor B. , Stupak Evgenij V. , Pospelova Tatiana I. , Zhimulev Igor F.
Published: February 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are promising biomarkers in cancer research. Quantitative PCR (qPCR), also known as real-time PCR, is the most frequently used technique for measuring miRNA expression levels. The use of this technique, however, requires that expression data be normalized against reference genes. The problem is that a universal internal control for quantitative analysis of miRNA expression by qPCR has yet to be known. The aim of this work was to find the miRNAs with stable expression in the thyroid gland, brain and bone marrow according to NanoString nCounter miRNA quantification data. As a results, the most stably expressed miRNAs were as follows: miR-361-3p, -151a-3p and -29b-3p in the thyroid gland; miR-15a-5p, -194-5p and -532-5p in the brain; miR-140-5p, -148b-3p and -362-5p in bone marrow; and miR-423-5p, -28-5p and -532-5p, no matter what tissue type. These miRNAs represent promising reference genes for miRNA quantification by qPCR.
A comparison of phenotypic variation in Triticum durum Desf. genotypes deposited in gene banks based on the shape and color descriptors of kernels in a digital image analysis
Authors: Suchowilska Elżbieta , Wiwart Marian , Wachowska Urszula , Radawiec Wioleta , Combrzyński Maciej , Gontarz Dariusz
Published: February 2022

Durum wheat is the tenth most valuable crop on a global scale. The aim of this study was to compare the phenotypic variation of T. durum accessions of different origin with contemporary spring cultivars of this cereal species. One hundred and two accessions and 12 contemporary cultivars of Triticum durum Desf. as well as Kamut® wheat (T. turanicum), a Triticum species closely related to T. durum, were analyzed. The aim of this study was to describe the degree of variation in the phenotypic traits of grain and selected traits associated with technological quality. The examined genotypes were characterized by considerable phenotypic variation, and they can be a valuable source of material for genetic recombination in durum wheat breeding. The analyzed accessions were characterized by a higher average content of protein (16.48 vs. 14.56%) and wet gluten (38.04 vs. 32.07%), higher Zeleny sedimentation values (69.7 vs. 60.4ml), and higher flour strength (W index values of 404.64 vs. 353.47) than the reference cultivars. The kernels of the evaluated accessions and cultivars did not differ significantly in average crease depth, but significant differences were observed in the values of descriptors directly linked with kernel size, especially kernel image area and minimal Feret diameter. The traits responsible for the processing suitability of grain were more strongly correlated with color descriptors than shape descriptors, which suggests that color parameters can be used to select high-quality breeding material. The analyzed accessions have two major weaknesses, namely relatively low yields (22.6 dt ha-1 on average) and undesirable grain color, indicative of low carotenoid concentration. The accessions deposited in gene banks do not meet the relevant agronomic requirements. However, both grain yield and carotenoid concentration are polygenic traits which can be improved if desirable combinations of QTLs are assembled in breeding lines and cultivars.
The Adverse Event Unit (AEU): A novel metric to measure the burden of treatment adverse events
Authors: Hehir Michael K. , Conaway Mark , Clark Eric M. , Aronzon Denise B. , Kolb Noah , Kolb Amanda , Ruzhansky Katherine , Sadjadi Reza , De Sousa Eduardo A. , Burns Ted M.
Published: February 2022

Objective

To design a physician and patient derived tool, the Adverse Event Unit (AEU), akin to currency (e.g. U.S. Dollar), to improve AE burden measurement independent of any particular disease or medication class.

Patients/Methods

A Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) online survey was administered to United States physicians with board certification or board eligibility in general neurology, subspecialty neurology, primary care internal medicine or family medicine, subspecialty internal medicine, general pediatrics, and subspecialty pediatrics. Physicians assigned value to 73 AE categories chosen from the Common Terminology Criteria of Adverse Events (CTCAE) relevant to neurologic disorder treatments. An online forced choice survey was administered to non-physician, potential patients, through Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurK) to weight the severity of the same AE categories. Physician and non-physician data was combined to assign value to the AEU. Surveys completed between 1/2017 and 3/2019.

Results

363 physicians rated the 73 AE categories derived from CTCAE. 660 non-physicians completed forced choice experiments comparing AEs. The AEU provides 0–10, weighted values for the AE categories studied that differ from the ordinal 1–4 CTCAE scale. For example, CTCAE severe diabetes (category 4) is assigned an AEU score of 9. Although non-physician input changed physician assigned AEU values, there was general agreement among physicians and non-physicians about severity of AEs.

Conclusion

The AEU has promise to be a useful, practical tool to add precision to AE burden measurement in the clinic and in comparative efficacy research with neurology patients. AEU utility will be assessed in planned comparative efficacy clinical trials.
How media presence triggers participation in citizen science—The case of the mosquito monitoring project ‘Mückenatlas‘
Authors: Pernat Nadja , Zscheischler Jana , Kampen Helge , Ostermann-Miyashita Emu-Felicitas , Jeschke Jonathan M. , Werner Doreen
Published: February 2022

Since 2012, the citizen science project ‘Mückenatlas’ has been supplementing the German mosquito monitoring programme with over 28,000 submissions of physical insect samples. As the factors triggering people to catch mosquitoes for science are still unknown, we analysed the influence of mass media reports on mosquito submission numbers. Based on a theoretical framework of how mass media affect citizen responsiveness, we identified five possible influencing factors related to citizen science: (i) project awareness and knowledge, (ii) attention (economy), (iii) individual characteristics of citizen scientists and targeted communication, (iv) spatial differences and varying affectedness, and (v) media landscape. Hypotheses based on these influencing factors were quantitatively and qualitatively tested with two datasets: clipping data of mass media reports (online, television, radio and print) referring to or focussing on the ‘Mückenatlas’, and corresponding data of ‘Mückenatlas’ submissions between 2014 and 2017. In general, the number of media reports positively affected the number of mosquito submissions on a temporal and spatial scale, i.e. many media reports provoke many mosquito submissions. We found that an already heightened public and media awareness of mosquito-relevant topics combined with a direct call-to-action in a media report title led to a maximum participation. Differences on federal state level, however, suggest that factors additional to quantitative media coverage trigger participation in the ‘Mückenatlas’, in particular the mosquito affectedness of the resident population. Lastly, media types appear to differ in their effects on the number of submissions. Our results show under which circumstances the media presence of the ’Mückenatlas’ is most effective in activating people to submit mosquito samples, and thus provide advice for designing communication strategies for citizen science projects.
Genotypic and phenotypic landscapes of 51 pharmacogenes derived from whole-genome sequencing in a Thai population
Authors: Wankaew Natnicha , Chariyavilaskul Pajaree , Chamnanphon Monpat , Assawapitaksakul Adjima , Chetruengchai Wanna , Pongpanich Monnat , Shotelersuk Vorasuk
Published: February 2022

Differences in drug responses in individuals are partly due to genetic variations in pharmacogenes, which differ among populations. Here, genome sequencing of 171 unrelated Thai individuals from all regions of Thailand was used to call star alleles of 51 pharmacogenes by Stargazer, determine allele and genotype frequencies, predict phenotype and compare high-impact variant frequencies between Thai and other populations. Three control genes,EGFR,VDR, andRYR1, were used, giving consistent results. Every individual had at least three genes with variant or altered phenotype. Forty of the 51 pharmacogenes had at least one individual with variant or altered phenotype. Moreover, thirteen genes had at least 25% of individuals with variant or altered phenotype includingSLCO1B3(97.08%),CYP3A5(88.3%),CYP2C19(60.82%),CYP2A6(60.2%),SULT1A1(56.14%),G6PD(54.39%),CYP4B1(50.00%),CYP2D6(48.65%),CYP2F1(46.41%),NAT2(40.35%),SLCO2B1(28.95%),UGT1A1(28.07%), andSLCO1B1(26.79%). Allele frequencies of high impact variants from our samples were most similar to East Asian. Remarkably, we identified twenty predicted high impact variants which have not previously been reported. Our results provide information that contributes to the implementation of pharmacogenetic testing in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries, bringing a step closer to personalized medicine.
Lactoperoxidase potential in diagnosing subclinical mastitis in cows via image processing
Authors: Silva Emmanuelle P. E. , Moraes Edgar P. , Anaya Katya , Silva Yhelda M. O. , Lopes Heloysa A. P. , Andrade Neto Júlio C. , Oliveira Juliana P. F. , Oliveira Josenalde B. , Rangel Adriano H. N.
Published: February 2022

This report describes how image processing harnessed to multivariate analysis techniques can be used as a bio-analytical tool for mastitis screening in cows using milk samples collected from 48 animals (32 from Jersey, 7 from Gir, and 9 from Guzerat cow breeds), totalizing a dataset of 144 sequential images was collected and analyzed. In this context, this methodology was developed based on the lactoperoxidase activity to assess mastitis using recorded images of a cuvette during a simple experiment and subsequent image treatments with an R statistics platform. The color of the sample changed from white to brown upon its exposure to reagents, which is a consequence of lactoperoxidase enzymatic reaction. Data analysis was performed to extract the channels from the RGB (Red-Green-Blue) color system, where the resulting dataset was evaluated with Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), and Second-Order Regression (SO). Interesting results in terms of enzymatic activity correlation (R2 = 0.96 and R2 = 0.98 by MLR and SO, respectively) and of somatic cell count (R2 = 0.97 and R2 = 0.99 by MLR and SO, respectively), important mastitis indicators, were obtained using this simple method. Additionally, potential advantages can be accessed such as quality control of the dairy chain, easier bovine mastitis prognosis, lower cost, analytical frequency, and could serve as an evaluative parameter to verify the health of the mammary gland.
An enhanced pairing-free certificateless directed signature scheme
Authors: Yang Kaiqin
Published: February 2022

Directed signature is a special cryptographic technique in which only the verifier designated by the signer can verify the validity of the signature. Directed signature can effectively protect the privacy of the signer’s identity, so it is very suitable for medical records, taxation, and other fields. To improve the security and performance of the directed signature scheme, Gayathri et al. proposed the first certificateless directed signature (CLDS) scheme without bilinear pairing and claimed that their CLDS scheme could withstand Type I and Type II attacks. In this article, we provide two attack methods to assess the security of their CLDS scheme. Unfortunately, our results indicate that their CLDS scheme is insecure against Type I and Type II attacks. That is, their CLDS scheme does not meet the unforgeability and cannot achieve the expected security goals. To resist these attacks, we present an improved CLDS scheme and give the security proof. Compared with similar schemes, our scheme has better performance and higher security.
Genotyping-by-sequencing-based QTL mapping reveals novel loci for Pepper yellow leaf curl virus (PepYLCV) resistance in Capsicum annuum
Authors: Siddique Muhammad Irfan , Lee Joung-Ho , Ahn Jung-Hwan , Kusumawardhani Meirina Kartika , Safitri Ramadhani , Harpenas Asep , Kwon Jin-Kyung , Kang Byoung-Cheorl
Published: February 2022

Disease caused by Pepper yellow leaf curl virus (PepYLCV) is one of the greatest threats to pepper (Capsicum spp.) cultivation in the tropics and subtropics. Resistance to PepYLCV was previously identified in a few Capsicum accessions, but no resistance QTLs have been mapped. This study aimed to elucidate the genetics of PepYLCV resistance in C. annuum L. Augmented inoculation by the viruliferous whitefly Bemisia tabaci was used to evaluate parental lines and an F2 segregating population derived from a cross between resistant C. annuum line LP97 and susceptible C. annuum line ECW30R. Final evaluation was performed six weeks after inoculation using a standardized 5-point scale (0 = no symptoms to 4 = very severe symptoms). A high-density linkage map was constructed using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) to identify single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with PepYLCV resistance in the F2 population. QTL analysis revealed three QTLs, peplcv-1, peplcv-7, and peplcv-12, on chromosomes P1, P7, and P12, respectively. Candidate genes associated with PepYLCV resistance in the QTL regions were inferred. In addition, single markers Chr7-LCV-7 and Chr12-LCV-12 derived from the QTLs were developed and validated in another F2 population and in commercial varieties. This work thus provides not only information for mapping PepYLCV resistance loci in pepper but also forms the basis for future molecular analysis of genes involved in PepYLCV resistance.
Potential effect of tolvaptan on polycystic liver disease for patients with ADPKD meeting the Japanese criteria of tolvaptan use
Authors: Mizuno Hiroki , Sekine Akinari , Suwabe Tatsuya , Ikuma Daisuke , Yamanouchi Masayuki , Hasegawa Eiko , Sawa Naoki , Ubara Yoshifumi , Hoshino Junichi
Published: February 2022

Polycystic liver disease (PLD) is a common extrarenal complication of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), which causes compression-related syndrome and ultimately leads to liver dysfunction. Tolvaptan, a V2 receptor antagonist, is widely used to protect kidney function in ADPKD but its effect on PLD remains unknown. An observational cohort study was conducted to evaluate tolvaptan’s effect on patients with PLD due to ADPKD. After screening 902 patients, we found the 107 ADPKD patients with PLD who met the criteria of tolvaptan use in Japan. Among them, tolvaptan was prescribed for 62 patients (tolvaptan group), while the other was defined as the non-tolvaptan group. Compared with the non-tolvaptan group, the tolvaptan group had larger height-adjusted total kidney volume (median 994(range 450–4152) mL/m, 513 (405–1928) mL/m, p = 0.01), lower albumin level (mean 3.9±SD 0.4 g/dL, 4.3±0.4g/dL, p<0.01), and higher serum creatinine level (1.2±0.4 mg/dL, 0.9±0.2 mg/dL, p<0.01). Although the median change in annual growth rate of total liver volume (TLV) was not statistically different between the tolvaptan group (-0.8 (-15.9, 16.7) %/year) and the non-tolvaptan group (1.7 (-15.6–18.7) %/year)(p = 0.52), 20 (43.5%) patients in the tolvaptan group experienced a decrease in the growth rate of TLV (responders). A multivariable logistic regression model adjusting for related variables showed that older age (odds ratio 1.15 [95% CI 1.01–1.32]) and a higher growth rate of TLV in the non-tolvaptan period (odds 1.45 95% CI 1.10–1.90) were significantly associated with responders. In conclusion, the change in annual growth rate of TLV in ADPKD patients taking tolvaptan was not statistically different compared with that in ADPKD patients without taking tolvaptan. However, tolvaptan may have the potential to suppress the growth rate of TLV in some PLD patients due to ADPKD, especially in older patients or those that are rapid progressors of PLD. Several limitations were included in this study, therefore well-designed prospective studies were required to confirm the effect of tolvaptan on PLD.
The efficacy of pioglitazone for renal protection in diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Ho Chao-Chung , Yang Yi-Sun , Huang Chien-Ning , Lo Shih-Chang , Wang Yu-Hsun , Kornelius Edy
Published: February 2022

There is limited information on the efficacy of pioglitazone in diabetic kidney diseases (DKD). We evaluated whether pioglitazone exerts renal-protective effects in DKD patients. We designed a retrospective cohort study, which included 742 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with DKD in Taiwan, with eGFR between 30 and 90 ml/min/1.73 m2and UACR level 300–5000 mg/g. Patients not meeting the target range for HbA1c (above 7%) were given additional medication with pioglitazone (n = 111) or received standard care (non-pioglitazone group, n = 631). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of composite renal endpoints, which was defined as sustained eGFR<15 ml/min/1.73 m2(confirmed by two measurements within 90 days); doubling of serum creatinine (compared to baseline); and the presence of hemodialysis or renal transplantation. The median follow-up duration was two years. At baseline, the mean HbA1C levels in the pioglitazone and non-pioglitazone groups were 8.8% and 8.1%, respectively; mean ages were 64.4 and 66.2 years old, respectively; diabetes durations were 14.3 and 12.3 years, respectively. Baseline eGFR showed no significant difference between the pioglitazone and non-pioglitazone groups (55.8 and 58.8 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively). In terms of gender, 63% of patients were male in the pioglitazone group compared with 57% in the non-pioglitazone group. Pioglitazone use did not reduce the risk of composite renal endpoints in DKD patients (HR: 0.97, 95% CI = 0.53–1.77), including persistent eGFR<15 ml/min/1.73 m2(HR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.46–2.52), doubling of serum creatinine (HR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.53–1.77), or ESRD (HR = 2.58, 95% CI = 0.29–23.04). The results were not changed after various adjustments. A non-significant albuminuria reduction was also noted after pioglitazone prescription in DKD patients. Further randomized controlled studies are needed to establish the effects of pioglitazone definitively.
Deep learning approach based on superpixel segmentation assisted labeling for automatic pressure ulcer diagnosis
Authors: Chang Che Wei , Christian Mesakh , Chang Dun Hao , Lai Feipei , Liu Tom J. , Chen Yo Shen , Chen Wei Jen
Published: February 2022

A pressure ulcer is an injury of the skin and underlying tissues adjacent to a bony eminence. Patients who suffer from this disease may have difficulty accessing medical care. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this situation. Automatic diagnosis based on machine learning (ML) brings promising solutions. Traditional ML requires complicated preprocessing steps for feature extraction. Its clinical applications are thus limited to particular datasets. Deep learning (DL), which extracts features from convolution layers, can embrace larger datasets that might be deliberately excluded in traditional algorithms. However, DL requires large sets of domain specific labeled data for training. Labeling various tissues of pressure ulcers is a challenge even for experienced plastic surgeons. We propose a superpixel-assisted, region-based method of labeling images for tissue classification. The boundary-based method is applied to create a dataset for wound and re-epithelialization (re-ep) segmentation. Five popular DL models (U-Net, DeeplabV3, PsPNet, FPN, and Mask R-CNN) with encoder (ResNet-101) were trained on the two datasets. A total of 2836 images of pressure ulcers were labeled for tissue classification, while 2893 images were labeled for wound and re-ep segmentation. All five models had satisfactory results. DeeplabV3 had the best performance on both tasks with a precision of 0.9915, recall of 0.9915 and accuracy of 0.9957 on the tissue classification; and a precision of 0.9888, recall of 0.9887 and accuracy of 0.9925 on the wound and re-ep segmentation task. Combining segmentation results with clinical data, our algorithm can detect the signs of wound healing, monitor the progress of healing, estimate the wound size, and suggest the need for surgical debridement.
Growing up in the Betsileo landscape: Children’s wild edible plants knowledge in Madagascar
Authors: Porcher Vincent , Carrière Stéphanie M. , Gallois Sandrine , Randriambanona Herizo , Rafidison Verohanitra M. , Reyes-García Victoria
Published: February 2022

Understanding local knowledge about wild edible plants (WEP) is essential for assessing plant services, reducing the risks of knowledge extinction, recognizing the rights of local communities, and improving biodiversity conservation efforts. However, the knowledge of specific groups such as women or children tends to be under-represented in local ecological knowledge (LEK) research. In this study, we explore how knowledge of WEP is distributed across gender and life stages (adults/children) among Betsileo people in the southern highlands of Madagascar. Using data from free listings with 42 adults and 40 children, gender-balanced, we show that knowledge on WEP differs widely across gender and life stage. In addition, we find that children have extended knowledge of WEP while reporting different species than adults. Women’s knowledge specializes in herbaceous species (versus other plant life forms), while men’s knowledge specializes in endemic species (versus native or introduced). Finally, we find that introduced species are more frequently cited by children, while adults cite more endemic species. We discuss the LEK differentiation mechanisms and the implications of acquiring life stage’s knowledge in the highland landscapes of Madagascar. Given our findings, we highlight the importance of considering groups with under-represented knowledge repositories, such as children and women, into future research.
Nuevas técnicas de Medicina Nuclear en la cirugía del hiperparatiroidismo
Authors: García-Talavera Paloma , Díaz-González Luis Gonzaga , Gómez-Caminero Felipe , Martín Gómez Enrique , Cañadas-Salazar José Cristóbal , Tamayo-Alonso Pilar
Published: February 2022

Introducción y objetivo:

La cirugía radioguiada del hiperparatiroidismo (HPT) ha evolucionado en los últimos años, gracias a la aparición de nuevas herramientas intraoperatorias y al perfeccionamiento de las técnicas pre-operatorias. El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar una revisión actualizada del papel del PET-CT con colina como técnica preoperatoria, así como de las herramientas intraoperatorias, en la radiolocalización de adenomas de paratiroides.

Síntesis:

El PET-CT con colina es una técnica preoperatoria, alternativa a la gammagrafía con 99mTc-MIBI, para la localización pre-quirúrgica del HPT, en casos en que las pruebas convencionales sean negativas o dudosas. Esta técnica ha demostrado buenos resultados en dos metaanálisis publicados recientemente. La localización radioguiada mediante sonda gamma continúa siendo la técnica intraoperatoria de elección en los casos con glándulas paratiroides que muestran captación significativa de 99mTc-MIBI. La gammacámara portátil es una herramienta adyuvante a la sonda, que permite realizar una imagen intraoperatoria y asegurar la completa resección de los especímenes. El “free hand SPECT” ya se está aplicando en la cirugía radioguiada de paratiroides, pero aún su uso no está extendido, probablemente debido a que no se ha demostrado la superioridad de esta técnica frente al uso de la sonda y la gammacámara portátil. La radiolocalización de lesiones ocultas (ROLL) mediante inyección de 99mTc-MAA y la inyección de semillas de 125I son dos alternativas para la localización radioguiada de paratiroides 99mTc-MIBI negativas, y ya están siendo empleadas con éxito. Los trazadores híbridos, empleados ya en la cirugía radioguiada del ganglio centinela, aún no se han aplicado en el hiperparatiroidismo.

Conclusiones:

El PET-CT con colina es una herramienta exitosa y cada vez más utilizada en la localización pre-operatoria del HPT. Aunque la sonda gammadetectora sigue siendo de elección en la cirugía del HPT, tanto por sus buenos resultados, como por la gran experiencia acumulada y bajo coste; la adición de la gammacámara portátil podría ser de ayuda en casos concretos y para asegurar la exéresis completa de los especímenes. La inyección de semillas con 125I y de 99mTc-MAA, guiada por ecografía, es de utilidad en casos 99mTc-MIBI negativos. La “free hand SPECT” y los trazadores híbridos aún requieren más experiencia en su aplicación a la cirugía del HPT para demostrar sus posibles ventajas frente al resto de herramientas utilizadas.
Cáncer de tiroides en pediatría
Authors: Prieto-Matos Pablo , Martín-Hernández Diana , Martín-Alonso Montserrat , Bajo-Delgado Ana Fe , Riesco-Riesco Susana , Prieto-Matos Carlos
Published: February 2022

Introducción y objetivo: El cáncer de tiroides es una enfermedad rara en la edad pediátrica que está aumentando en los últimos años, principalmente en mujeres adolescentes. Aunque guarda similitudes con el cáncer tiroideo del adulto tiene una serie de peculiaridades que lo diferencian. Nuestro objetivo es mostrar estas diferencias, resaltando las particularidades de esta enfermedad en la edad pediátrica frente a la del adulto.

Los avances en las técnicas diagnósticas de genética molecular han permitido nuevos descubrimientos acerca de la génesis de tumores tiroideos en edades tempranas. También han supuesto un incremento de los diagnósticos de síndromes de predisposición genética, principalmente MEN2A, que ha producido un aumento significativo de tiroidectomías profilácticas.  Los tipos histológicos más frecuentes son los cánceres diferenciados, principalmente el papilar. Al diagnóstico en edad pediátrica, suelen presentar un mayor tamaño, extensión, y probabilidades de multifocalidad y metástasis que en el adulto. A corto plazo el pronóstico es excelente; sin embargo, a largo plazo existe un número importante de recaídas y de aparición de segundos tumores. Para su tratamiento y seguimiento son necesarias unidades de alta especialización pediátrica que incluyan cirujanos expertos en tiroides. Se debe tender a la medicina personalizada estableciendo protocolos diagnósticos que caractericen correctamente el tumor y estratifiquen el pronóstico, adaptando la cirugía, la administración de yodo-131 y los nuevos tratamientos farmacológicos para buscar la máxima efectividad y supervivencia y minimicen los efectos secundarios.
A Comparative Study between Synthetic Fabric Patch Graft and Collagen Matrix Graft in Duraplasty
Authors: Ghosh Shantanu
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND Watertight dural closure is a vital and desirable step following all intracerebral operations to prevent CSF leakage, consequent infection and wound dehiscence and delayed wound healing which in turn increases patient morbidity and mortality. Various autologous and synthetic materials have been tried for duraplasty. This study was done to compare two types of synthetic materials used for duraplasty. METHODS This randomised prospective study was done at our institute on 56 patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, one group underwent duraplasty with synthetic fabric patch graft and the other group underwent duraplasty with collagen matrix graft and results were compared between the two groups. RESULTS Patients who underwent duraplasty with collagen matrix graft were found to have a significantly reduced operating time of nearly 34 minutes as compared to the synthetic fabric patch and also there was no incidence of CSF leakage or wound infection in those patients in whom collagen matrix was used. CONCLUSIONS Collagen matrix graft is far superior to synthetic fabric graft for duraplasty as it saves valuable operating time and has fewer complications as compared to synthetic fabric grafts. KEY WORDS Duraplasty, Collagen Matrix Graft, Synthetic Fabric Patch Graft
Assessment of Biochemical Indices in Haemolytic Crisis with Special Reference to Sickle Cell Anaemia
Authors: Nigam Prashant , Nahrel Rakesh , Thakur Amit
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND Sickle cell anaemia (SCD) is a global genetic disease. Potential changes in multiple biochemical indices are also often a major factor behind the varied clinical presentation of SCD. Various studies were conducted to establish the relation between SCD associated manifestations with biochemical imbalance in sickle cell patients but still picture is opaque. In the present study we tried to enhance the data for better understanding of role of biochemical indices in SCD. METHODS The present independent case control study was done in the Department of Biochemistry, Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences, Bilaspur. It comprised of two different groups consisting 80 sickle cell patients with hyper haemolytic crisis, including 80 age and sex matched control subject. In the present study we measured various biochemical indices including ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, total protein, albumin, bilirubin (total, direct & indirect), urea & creatinine. Statistical analysis was done by using t test. RESULTS We found statistically significant differences in mean level of ALT (20.66 ± 5.31, 151.78 ± 30.36, < 0.001), AST (21.56 ± 5.12, 65.76 ± 5.1, < 0.001), ALP (77.00 ± 16.36, 365.72 ± 8.3, < 0.001), GGT (23.00 ± 6.67, 168.00 ± 4.39, < 0.001), total protein (7.00 ± 0.35, 8.43 ± 0.39, < 0.001), albumin (4.00 ± 0.24, 3.85 ± 0.35, < 0.05), T. Bilirubin (1.19 ± 0.17, 18.95 ± 3.69, < 0.001), D. Bilirubin (0.59 ± 0.15, 8.81 ± 1.89, < 0.001), I. Bilirubin (0.49 ± 0.20, 10.14 ± 2.54, < 0.001) when compared with control. Renal indices like urea (30.82 ± 4.75, 28.43 ± 9.33, > 0.05), and creatinine (0.98 ± 0.18, 0.95 ± 0.27, > 0.05) have no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS In the present study we observed interrelation of various biochemical indices with hyper haemolytic crisis. Further studies are required to strengthen the above observations. KEY WORDS Sickle Cell Anaemia, Hyper Haemolytic Crisis, Biochemical Indices