bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive analysis of circRNA expression profiles in postmenopausal women differing in bone mineral density
Authors: Huo Kailun , Chen Tianning , Kong Dece , Zhang Weiwei , Shao Jin
Published: April 2024

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) seriously endangers the bone health of older women. Although there are currently indicators to diagnose PMOP, early diagnostic biomarkers are lacking. Circular ribonucleic acid (circRNA) has a stable structure, regulates gene expression, participates in the pathological process of disease, and has the potential to become a biomarker. The purpose of this study was to investigate circRNAs that could be used to predict patients with early PMOP. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing was performed on peripheral blood leukocytes from 15 female patients to identify differential circRNAs between different groups. Using bioinformatics analysis, enrichment analysis was performed to discover relevant functions and pathways. CircRNA-micro ribonucleic acid (miRNA) interaction analysis and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) prediction and network construction help us to understand the relationship between circRNA, miRNA, and mRNA. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to validate the gene expression of candidate circRNAs. We screened out 2 co-expressed differential circRNAs, namely hsa_circ_0060849 and hsa_circ_0001394. By analyzing the regulatory network, a total of 54 miRNAs and 57 osteoporosis-related mRNAs were identified, which, as potential downstream target genes of hsa_circ_0060849 and hsa_circ_0001394, may play a key role in the occurrence and development of PMOP. The occurrence and development of PMOP is regulated by circRNAs, and hsa_circ_0060849 and hsa_circ_0001394 can be used as new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for early PMOP.
CDK1 and CCNA2 play important roles in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Junbo , Di Yongbin , Zhang Bohao , Li Tianke , Li Dan , Zhang Haolei
Published: April 2024

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a malignant tumor that occurs in oral cavity and is dominated by squamous cells. The relationship between CDK1, CCNA2, and OSCC is still unclear. The OSCC datasets GSE74530 and GSE85195 configuration files were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and were derived from platforms GPL570 and GPL6480. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis, functional enrichment analysis, gene set enrichment analysis, construction and analysis of protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, Comparative Toxicogenomics Database analysis were performed. Gene expression heatmap was drawn. TargetScan was used to screen miRNAs that regulate central DEGs. A total of 1756 DEGs were identified. According to Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, they were predominantly enriched in processes related to organic acid catabolic metabolism, centromeric, and chromosomal region condensation, and oxidoreductase activity. In Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, the DEGs were mainly concentrated in metabolic pathways, P53 signaling pathway, and PPAR signaling pathway. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed with a soft-thresholding power set at 9, leading to the identification of 6 core genes (BUB1B, CCNB1, KIF20A, CCNA2, CDCA8, CDK1). The gene expression heatmap revealed that core genes (CDK1, CCNA2) were highly expressed in OSCC samples. Comparative Toxicogenomics Database analysis demonstrated associations between the 6 genes (BUB1B, CCNB1, KIF20A, CCNA2, CDCA8, CDK1) and oral tumors, precancerous lesions, inflammation, immune system disorders, and tongue tumors. The associated miRNAs for CDK1 gene were hsa-miR-203a-3p.2, while for CCNA2 gene, they were hsa-miR-6766-3p, hsa-miR-4782-3p, and hsa-miR-219a-5p. CDK1 and CCNA2 are highly expressed in OSCC. The higher the expression of CDK1 and CCNA2, the worse the prognosis.
Switching to the aflibercept (3 mg) therapy for treatment-resistant wet age-related macular degeneration: 1-year outcomes
Authors: Feng Chengcheng , Chu Wenjuan , Lin Ping , Xu Haifeng , Chen Xiuli
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to elucidate 1-year outcomes following switching to the aflibercept (3 mg) therapy for treatment-resistant wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD). In this prospective, open-label, non-controlled clinical trial, 18 patients with wAMD who had multiple recurrences or persistent exudation despite intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents (except aflibercept) received a 3-mg intravitreal aflibercept injection every 4 weeks. Each patient received 3 to 8 injections. The central retinal thickness and fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachment height decreased significantly at 1 month after initiation of the aflibercept injection, and the values were 146 and 163.2 μm, respectively, at the final visit. The morphological improvement was sustained. The intraretinal and subretinal fluid was completely absorbed at the end of the follow-up. The logMAR vision increased from baseline 0.68 to 0.59 (P < .05). No ocular or systemic adverse events occurred. The intravitreal injection of 3-mg aflibercept seems to be feasible in the treatment of wAMD unresponsive to other anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents.
Role and molecular mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza associated with chemical compounds in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and its complications: A review
Authors: Li Jiajie , Liu Jinxing , Shi Weibing , Guo Jinchen
Published: April 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide, greatly impacting patients’ quality of life. This article reviews the progress in Salvia miltiorrhiza, an ancient Chinese plant, for the treatment of DM and its associated complications. Extensive studies have been conducted on the chemical composition and pharmacological effects of S miltiorrhiza, including its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. It has demonstrated potential in preventing and treating diabetes and its consequences by improving peripheral nerve function and increasing retinal thickness in diabetic individuals. Moreover, S miltiorrhiza has shown effectiveness when used in conjunction with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and statins. The safety and tolerability of S miltiorrhiza have also been thoroughly investigated. Despite the established benefits of managing DM and its complications, further research is needed to determine appropriate usage, dosage, long-term health benefits, and safety.
Clinical application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing for the diagnosis of suspected infection in adults: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Sun Chunping , Zhou Chaoe , Wang Lina , Wei Shanchen , Shi Mingwei , Li Jun , Lin Lianjun , Liu Xinmin
Published: April 2024

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has become an available method for pathogen detection. The clinical application of mNGS requires further evaluation. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 104 patients with suspected infection between May 2019 and May 2021. The risk factors associated with infection were analyzed using univariate logistic analysis. The diagnostic performance of pathogens was compared between mNGS and conventional microbiological tests. About 104 patients were assigned into 3 groups: infected group (n = 69), noninfected group (n = 20), and unknown group (n = 15). With the composite reference standard (combined results of all microbiological tests, radiological testing results, and a summary of the hospital stay of the patient) as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value of mNGS was 84.9%, 50.0%, 88.6%, and 42.1%, respectively. Compared with conventional microbiological tests, mNGS could detect more pathogens and had obvious advantages in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Aspergillus, and virus detection. Moreover, mNGS had distinct benefits in detecting mixed infections. Bacteria–fungi–virus mixed infections were the most common in patients with severe pneumonia. mNGS had a higher sensitivity than conventional microbiological tests, especially for M. tuberculosis, Aspergillus, viruses, and mixed infections. We suggest that mNGS should be used more frequently in the early diagnosis of pathogens in critically ill patients in the future.
Acupuncture therapy for isolated ischemic oculomotor nerve palsy: A case report
Authors: Xu Guan , He Kelin , Ye Xiao , Ning Songhao , Zhang Quanai
Published: April 2024

Background:

Isolated ischemic oculomotor nerve palsy as a type of ophthalmic disease is rarely observed in clinical practice. Quality of life is frequently impacted by isolated ischemic oculomotor nerve palsy due to its lack of treatment options and long-term visual impairment. We describe an acupuncture-treated instance of isolated ischemic oculomotor paralysis.

Methods:

Acupoints including Jingming (BL 1), Chengqi (ST 1), Cuanzhu (BL 2), and Sizhukong (TE 23) on the right side, and bilateral Fengchi (GB 20), Waiguan (TE 5), Hegu (LI 4), and Zulinqi (GB 41) were selected for needling. Each treatment lasted for 30 minutes, once every other day. Acupuncture treatment was administered for a total of 11 times.

Results:

Acupuncture is a promising treatment option for isolated ischemic oculomotor nerve palsy.

Conclusions:

Ischemic oculomotor nerve paralysis can affect the quality of life of patients. Acupuncture intervention can promote the recovery of the disease is a very effective treatment measure.
Deciphering peri-implantitis: Unraveling signature genes and immune cell associations through bioinformatics and machine learning
Authors: Cao Ning , Wan Ziwei , Chen Donghui , Tang Li
Published: April 2024

Early diagnosis of peri-implantitis (PI) is crucial to understand its pathological progression and prevention. This study is committed to investigating the signature genes, relevant signaling pathways and their associations with immune cells in PI. We analyzed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from a PI dataset in the gene expression omnibus database. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted for these DEGs. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis was used to identify specific modules. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and support vector machine recursive feature elimination were ultimately applied to identify the signature genes. These genes were subsequently validated in an external dataset. And the immune cells infiltration was classified using CIBERSORT. A total of 180 DEGs were screened from GSE33774. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis revealed a significant association between the MEturquoise module and PI (cor = 0.6, P < .0001). Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and support vector machine recursive feature elimination algorithms were applied to select the signature genes, containing myeloid-epithelial-reproductive tyrosine kinase, microfibrillar-associated protein 5, membrane-spanning 4A 4A, tribbles homolog 1. In the validation on the external dataset GSE106090, all these genes achieved area under curve values exceeding 0.95. GSEA analysis showed that these genes were correlated with the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, and arachidonic acid metabolism. CIBERSORT revealed elevated levels of macrophage M2 and activated mast cells in PI. This study provides novel insights into understanding the molecular mechanisms of PI and contributes to advancements in its early diagnosis and prevention.
The validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the quality of recovery-15 (QoR-15) questionnaire
Authors: Aslanlar Emine , Aslanlar Durmuş Ali , Doğanay Cennet , Önal Özkan , Sargin Mehmet , Çiçekci Faruk , Kara Fatih , Kara İnci
Published: April 2024

Quality of recovery (QoR) is a significant component of peri-operative health status and is influenced by patients’ characteristics and surgical and anesthetic methods. The QoR-15 scale is a patient-reported outcome questionnaire that measures postoperative QoR. The validity of the QoR-15 scale has been proven in many languages. In this study, we aimed to translate the QoR-15 questionnaire into Turkish and evaluate its validity in the Turkish population. After being translated into Turkish, the questionnaire was administered to 190 patients who underwent obstetric, gynecological, orthopedic, or thoracic surgery under general or regional anesthesia. The Turkish version of QoR-15 (QoR-15T) was administered 2 times: before surgery and 24 hour after surgery. The feasibility, reliability, validity and responsiveness of the QoR-15T were evaluated. Because 13 patients were discharged within 24 hour postoperatively, the study was completed with 177 patients. The recruitment and completion rates of questionnaire were 95% and 93.1% respectively. The completing time of the questionnaire was 2.5 minutes preoperatively and 3.5 minutes postoperatively. The scale yielded a Cronbach α value of 0.75, a Cohen effect size of 1.42, and a standardized response mean of 1.39. There was a significant positive correlation (95% confidence interval;R = 0.68,P < .001) between QoR-15T and visual analog scale postoperatively. The correlation of the items with the total QoR-15T score ranged from 0.19 to 0.60. The total scores of preoperative and postoperative QoR-15T were mean: 130.67, standard deviation: 15.78 and mean: 108.23, standard deviation: 13.06, respectively, with a significant difference between them (P < .01). The QoR-15T is feasible, reliable, valid, and responsive among patients undergoing surgery under general and regional anesthesia.
Over-the-scope clip as a rescue treatment for massive bleeding due to Dieulafoy lesion at the colorectal anastomosis: A case report
Authors: Han Ping , Li Demin , Guo Qiaozhen , Lei Yu , Liu Jingmei , Tian Dean , Yan Wei
Published: April 2024

Rationale:

The bleeding of Dieulafoy lesion predominantly involves the proximal stomach and leads to severe gastrointestinal bleeding. However, these lesions have also been reported in the whole gastrointestinal tract. Bleeding of Dieulafoy lesions at the anastomosis was seldomly reported and was very easy to be ignored clinically.

Patient concerns:

We describe a 72-year-old woman with a past history of surgery for rectal carcinoma hospitalized with chief complaint of massive rectal bleeding. No gross bleeding lesion was found during the first emergency colonoscopy. Despite multiple blood transfusions, her hemoglobin rapidly dropped to 5.8 g/dL.

Diagnosis:

She was diagnosed with Dieulafoy lesion at the colorectal anastomosis during the second emergency colonoscopy.

Interventions:

Primary hemostasis was achieved by endoscopic hemostatic clipping. However, she experienced another large volume hematochezia 3 days later, and then received another endoscopic hemostatic clipping. She was improved and discharged. However, this patient underwent hematochezia again 1 month later. Bleeding was arrested successfully after the over-the-scope clip (OTSC) was placed during the fourth emergency colonoscopy.

Outcomes:

This patient underwent 4 endoscopic examinations and treatments during 2 hospitalizations. The lesion was overlooked during the first emergency colonoscopy. The second and third endoscopes revealed Dieulafoy lesion at the colorectal anastomosis and performed endoscopic hemostatic clippings, but delayed rebleeding occurred. The bleeding was stopped after the fourth emergency colonoscopy using OTSC. There was no further rebleeding during hospitalization and after 2-year of follow-up.

Lessons:

As far as we know, there is no reported case of lower gastrointestinal bleeding caused by Dieulafoy lesion at the colorectal anastomosis, OTSC is a safe and effective rescue treatment for Dieulafoy lesions.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection for the treatment of a large inflammatory fibroid polyp in the gastric antrum prolapsing into the duodenum: A case report
Authors: Wang Xiaoyun , Ma Ru , Ma Jizhou , Tang Na , Li Rui , Ma Xiaojin
Published: April 2024

Rationale:

Inflammatory fibroid polyp (IFP), also known as Vanek tumor, is a rare, benign gastrointestinal lesion characterized by its inflammatory and fibroid histological features. IFP is often discovered incidentally during endoscopic examinations. It is exceedingly rare for an IFP to prolapse into the duodenum and results in incomplete obstruction of the pylorus.

Patient concerns:

A 64-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital with recurrent episodes of melena over a 6-month period, along with complaints of dizziness and fatigue in the past 10 days.

Diagnoses:

Gastroscopy showed a giant polypoid mass on the posterior wall of the gastric antrum, prolapsing into the duodenum. Abdominal computer tomography (CT) confirmed the tumor protruding into the duodenum. Pathologic examination of the resected specimen confirmed the IFP diagnosis.

Interventions:

The giant tumor was completely and successfully excised using endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). After the surgery, the patient underwent acid suppression and fluid replenishment therapy.

Outcomes:

The patient responded well to ESD and was discharged in stable condition. As of the submission of the case report, there has been no recurrence of the tumor after a 5-month follow-up, and the patient is still under follow-up.

Lessons:

While IFPs have traditionally been managed surgically, ESD demonstrates promising treatment outcomes, avoiding the need for surgical distal gastrectomy, and emerges as a safe and effective treatment option.
Radiofrequency regulation of the sphenopalatine ganglion in managing herpes zoster ophthalmicus neuralgia: A case series
Authors: Cui Min , Zhang Na , Wang Dong , Han Lei
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

Trigeminal herpes zoster, which comprises 10% to 20% of cases of herpes zoster, often leads to severe pain in the ophthalmic branches. Current treatments, including drug therapy and minimally invasive interventions, have limitations; accordingly, there is a need to explore alternative approaches. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of computerized tomography (CT)-guided pulsed radiofrequency of the sphenopalatine ganglion in patients with intractable trigeminal herpetic pain.

Patient concerns:

Three patients with intractable trigeminal ophthalmic zoster neuralgia were studied. All patients complained of bursts of headache, which occurred at least 10 times a day, usually in the periorbital and frontal regions. Conventional treatments, including oral medications and radiofrequency therapy targeting the trigeminal-semilunar ganglion and supraorbital nerve, could not sufficiently provide relief.

Diagnosis:

Two patients were diagnosed with herpes zoster in the ocular branch of the trigeminal nerve with conjunctivitis, while one patient was diagnosed with postherpetic neuralgia in the ocular branch of the trigeminal nerve.

Interventions:

This study employed a novel approach that involved CT-guided radiofrequency regulation of the pterygopalatine fossa sphenopalatine ganglion.

Outcomes:

In all three patients, pain relief was achieved within 1 to 3 days after treatment. During the follow-up, one patient had pain recurrence; however, its severity was ≈ 40% lower than the pretreatment pain severity. The second patient had sustained and effective pain relief. However, the pain of the third patient worsened again after 2 months. The average follow-up duration was 3 months. None of the enrolled patients showed treatment-related adverse reactions or complications.

Conclusion:

Our findings indicated that CT-guided radiofrequency regulation of the pterygopalatine fossa sphenopalatine ganglion was a safe and effective intervention for pain in patients with trigeminal ophthalmic zoster neuralgia, suggesting that it may be a therapeutic option if other treatments fail.
Management of six episodes of intraoperative cardiac arrests in an infant with traumatic bronchial rupture: A case report
Authors: Yang Haikou , Zhu Jixiang , Sun Jian
Published: April 2024

Rationale:

Traumatic bronchial rupture in infants usually necessitates surgical intervention, with few reports documenting instances of multiple cardiac arrests occurring during surgery under conditions of severe hypoxemia.

Patient concerns:

A 3-year-old boy after trauma presented with severe hypoxemia for 2 days and was urgently transferred to the operating room for surgery, 6 episodes of cardiac arrest happend during surgery.

Diagnoses:

The baby was diagnosed with bronchial rupture based on the history of trauma, clinica manifestations, and intraoperative findings.

Interventions:

Intrathoracic cardiac compression and intravenous adrenaline were administrated.

Outcomes:

The normal sinus rhythm of the heart was successfully restored within 1 minute on each occasion, facilitating the smooth completion of the surgical procedure. By the end of surgery, SpO2 levels had rebounded to 95% and remained stable.

Lessons:

Inadequate management of bronchial ruptures in infants frequently coincides with severe hypoxemia, necessitating immediate surgical intervention. Prompt identification and management of cardiac arrest by anesthetists during surgery is imperative to reduce mortality.
Fatal arrhythmia associated with novel coronavirus 2019 infection: Case report and literature review
Authors: Shu Hongyun , Li Qiaowen , Zhang Xiaoyong , Zhao Guojun , Cui Yaqian , Zhu Xiyan
Published: April 2024

Rationale:

The novel coronavirus of 2019 (COVID-19) has inflicted significant harm on the cardiovascular system. Patients presenting with fatal chronic arrhythmias after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection are rare, arrhythmia caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection need to be taken seriously.

Patient concerns:

Three female patients were admitted to the hospital with syncopal symptoms. Previously, they had been identified to have COVID-19 infection and none of the patients had a preexisting history of arrhythmia, and upon hospital admission, no electrolyte imbalances associated with arrhythmias were observed. However, following SARS-CoV-2 infection, patients exhibit varying degrees of syncope symptoms.

Diagnoses:

A high-degree atrioventricular block was diagnosed after a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s clinical manifestations and electrocardiogram (ECG) performance.

Interventions:

We performed ECG monitoring of the patient and excluded other causes of arrhythmia. The patient was discharged from the hospital after permanent pacemaker implantation and symptomatic treatment.

Outcomes:

The outpatient follow-ups did not reveal a recurrence of syncope or complications related to the pacemaker in any of the three patients.

Lessons:

Some patients did not exhibit any obvious respiratory symptoms or signs following SARS-CoV-2 infection. This suggests that the cardiac conduction system may be the preferred target for some SARS-CoV-2 variants. Therefore, in addition to investigating the causes of malignant arrhythmias, special attention should be paid to SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with developing arrhythmias. Additionally, permanent pacemaker implantation may be the most suitable option for patients who already have malignant arrhythmias.
The impact of COVID-19 restrictions on motorcycle crashes in Taiwan
Authors: Siu Wing Hin Stanford , Peng Wei-Sheng , Chen Wei-Min , See Lai-Chu
Published: April 2024

Taiwan is one of the countries with the highest motorcycle per capita globally, and motorcycle crashes are predominant among traffic crashes. This study examines the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 restrictions on motorcycle crashes. We analyzed the trend of motorcycle crashes in Taipei City from 2019 to 2020 using the dataset provided by the Department of Transportation, Taipei City Government, Taiwan. We found 47,108 and 51,441 motorcycle crashes in 2019 and 2020, involving 61,141 and 67,093 motorcycles, respectively. Mopeds had the highest risk in 2020, followed by heavy motorcycles [≥550 cubic capacity (cc)] and scooters compared to 2019. Food delivery motorcycle crashes increased for scooters (0.93% in 2019 to 3.45% in 2020, P < .0001) and heavy motorcycles (250 < cc < 550) (0.90% in 2019 to 3.38% in 2020, P < .0001). While fatalities remained under 1%, 30% to 51% of motorcyclists sustained injuries. Food delivery with scooters or heavy motorcycles (250 < cc < 550) was significantly associated with motorcyclist injuries and deaths. Compared with 2019, the adjusted odds ratios of motorcyclist injuries and deaths in 2020 were 1.43 (95% confidence interval = 1.05–1.94) for heavy motorcycles (≥550 cc) and 1.07 (95% confidence interval = 1.04–1.09) for scooters. This study shows that coronavirus disease 2019 restrictions was associated with elevated risks of crashes, injuries, and deaths among motorcyclists, reflecting the general preference for private transport over public transport. The popularity of food delivery services also contributed to increased motorcycle crashes.
Accuracy of Conflicts in Interest in General Surgical Journals
Authors: Bharani Tina , Yuan Claire , Mahida Karina , Mukhtar Suheila , Bosch Hudson , Linson Mia , Sheu Eric , Agarwal Divyansh
Published: April 2024

Objective:

To evaluate the accuracy of self-reported conflicts of interest (COIs) for articles published in prominent minimally invasive and general surgical journals.

Background:

Accurate reporting of industry relationships and COIs is crucial for unbiased assessment of a particular study. Despite the enactment of COI laws, such as the Physician Payments Sunshine Act in 2010, prior work suggests that 40-70% of self-reported COIs have discrepancies.

Methods:

We utilized three public databases -- Open Payments (USA), Disclosure UK, and Disclosure Australia -- to assess the accuracy of COI disclosures among authors of 918 published articles from these respective countries. Seven journals were utilized to review the COIs for authors of manuscripts published in 2022 – JAMA Surgery, Annals of Surgery, British Journal of Surgery (BJS), Journal of American College of Surgeons (JACS), Surgical Endoscopy, Obesity Surgery, and Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases (SOARD).

Results:

Among the analyzed 6206 authors, 5675 belonged to countries of interest: USA (4282), UK (718), and Australia (213). Of these, 774 authors (12.5%) self-reported a conflict of interest in their papers. Overall, only 4055 researchers (69.1%) reported COIs accurately. Authors from the US had the lowest accuracy of reporting COI at 69% as opposed to UK (93%) and Australia (96%). Inaccurate COI reporting was most common in corresponding/senior authors (39%) and least common amongst first authors (18%). Most payments in excess of $50,000 made to authors by an industry sponsor were not disclosed appropriately.

Conclusions:

Our study shows that inaccuracy of self-reported COIs in general surgery journals remains high at 31%. While our findings should encourage authors to overreport any possible COI, journals should consider verifying the authors’ COI to facilitate more accurate reporting.
Using Multiliteracies to Target Critical Media Literacy for Adolescents With Language Learning Disabilities
Authors: Abendroth Kathleen J.
Published: April 2024

To support adolescents with language-based learning disabilities (LLD), speech–language pathologists (SLPs) should adopt a multiliteracies framework that targets critical media literacy skills. Multiliteracies recognize the increasingly digital and collaborative nature of written language that adolescents encounter and promote using online platforms in educational contexts. This article describes critical media literacy pedagogy and how targeted skills align with concepts and Common Core standards that clinicians address in classroom contexts. Examples of clinical applications demonstrate how SLPs can use critical media literacy to target goals related to self-advocacy, digital citizenship, and cognitive flexibility. Embracing multiliteracies increases inclusivity and allows clinicians to target media literacy skills that are essential for adolescents with LLD to become informed citizens. Social media provides relevant platforms that can be adapted across settings to support written expression.
Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation in India: First Report of 5-y Outcomes
Authors: Rajakannu Muthukumarassamy , Rammohan Ashwin , Narasimhan Gomathy , Murugesan Sivakumar , Rajalingam Rajesh , Palaniappan Kumar , Rajasekar Sandeep Jasper , Jothimani Dinesh , Rajakumar Akila , Kaliamoorthy Ilankumaran , Rela Mohamed
Published: April 2024

Background.

Paucity of deceased donor livers has resulted in a 10-fold rise in living donor liver transplantations (LDLTs) performed in India over the past decade. Nonetheless, number of deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) performed has improved with the establishment of simplified legal framework for certification of brain death and organ donation. In this study, we present our outcomes of DDLT performed at various centers, comparing their outcomes and provide a snapshot of the increasing number of DDLT across the state over the years.

Methods.

All consecutive patients who underwent liver transplants from January 2010 till December 2019 by our transplant team in the state of Tamil Nadu, India, were included in the study. The program was established initially at the primary hospital in the year 2010 and with the evolution of the initial experience, transplant programs were expanded to the others hospital from the year 2015. Preoperative clinical data, intraoperative characteristics, and posttransplant outcomes of DDLT were analyzed from our prospective database.

Results.

A total of 362 DDLTs (331 adults, 31 children) were performed at 11 centers. Median (range) model for end-stage liver disease score was 16 (6–39). Forty-eight split, 11 combined liver kidney, and 4 auxiliary DDLTs were performed. One-, 3-, and 5-y survival was 87.2%, 80.4%, and 76.6% in adults and 80.6%, 80.6%, and 80.6% in children, respectively.

Conclusions.

In a country where over 80% of the LTs are performed as LDLT, we provide the first report of a heartening trend of increasing number of DDLT programs being established with excellent 5-y outcomes.
Recognizing Complexity of CD8 T Cells in Transplantation
Authors: Nicosia Michael , Valujskikh Anna
Published: April 2024

The major role of CD8+ T cells in clinical and experimental transplantation is well documented and acknowledged. Nevertheless, the precise impact of CD8+ T cells on graft tissue injury is not completely understood, thus impeding the development of specific treatment strategies. The goal of this overview is to consider the biology and functions of CD8+ T cells in the context of experimental and clinical allotransplantation, with special emphasis on how this cell subset is affected by currently available and emerging therapies.
Changes in Pancreas Volume in Living Donor Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Brown Cristal , Ray Callaghan , Kuketz Garrett , Virostko John
Published: April 2024

Background.

Metabolic factors have a significant role in the morbidity and mortality associated with chronic liver disease. The pancreas has a central role in metabolism and metabolic risk factors but has been largely ignored in liver transplantation. Small pancreas volume has been demonstrated in pathologic conditions such as type 1 and 2 diabetes.

Methods.

This study assessed abdominal imaging before and after liver transplantation to determine if liver transplantation induces changes in pancreas volume in living donor liver transplant recipients. Our secondary outcome is to correlate pancreas volume with demographic, clinical, and outcome data. We conducted a retrospective study of pancreas volume in patients enrolled in the adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation cohort study. Pancreas volume was manually calculated from 413 MRI or computed tomography images and correlated with imaging and clinical data.

Results.

Pancreas volume declined by an average of 24% (87.8 ± 25.2 mL to 66.8 ± 20.4 mL, P < 0.0001), regardless of liver disease etiology. Pancreas volume correlated with portal blood flow, spleen volume, and liver enzyme levels. We found a correlation between smaller pancreas volume pretransplant and longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay across all patients (P < 0.05). Individuals with an ICU stay of <2 d had a larger average pancreas volume pretransplant than those with an ICU stay of 2 d or longer (91.2 versus 82.2 mL, P < 0.05).

Conclusions.

Pancreas volume is dynamic in liver transplant recipients and may reflect altered metabolism and risk of posttransplantation complications.
Challenging fungal infections in cystic fibrosis: a case of mixed Aspergillus species infection and antifungal combination testing
Authors: Pontes Laís , Reichert-Lima Franqueline , Perini Leme Giordano Ana Luisa , Moretti Maria Luiza , Zaninelli Schreiber Angélica
Published: April 2024

Aspergillus stands as the predominant fungal genus in the airways of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, significantly contributing to their morbidity and mortality. Aspergillus fumigatus represents the primary causative species for infections, though the emergence of rare species within the Aspergillus section Fumigati has become noteworthy. Among these, Aspergillus lentulus is particularly significant due to its frequent misidentification and intrinsic resistance to azole antifungal agents. In the management of invasive aspergillosis and resistant infections, combination antifungal therapy has proven to be an effective approach. This report documents a case involving the death of a CF patient due to a pulmonary exacerbation linked to the colonization of multiple Aspergillus species, including A. lentulus, A. fumigatus, and A. terreus, and treated with Itraconazole (ITC) monotherapy. We delineated the procedures used to characterize the Aspergillus isolates in clinical settings and simulated in vitro the impact of the combination antifungal therapy on the isolates obtained from the patient. We evaluated three different combinations: Amphotericin B (AMB)+Voriconazole (VRC), AMB+Anidulafungin (AND), and VRC+AND. Notably, all strains isolated from the patient exhibited a significant decrease in their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) or minimum effective concentration (MEC) values when treated with all antifungal combinations. The VRC+AMB combination demonstrated the most synergistic effects. This case report emphasizes the critical importance of susceptibility testing and precise identification of Aspergillus species to enhance patient prognosis. It also underscores the potential benefits of combined antifungal treatment, which, in this case, could have led to a more favourable patient outcome.
A role for astrocytic miR-129-5p in Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Kaurani Lalit , Pradhan Ranjit , Schröder Sophie , Burkhardt Susanne , Schuetz Anna-Lena , Krüger Dennis M. , Pena Tonatiuh , Heutink Peter , Sananbenesi Farahnaz , Fischer Andre
Published: April 2024

Frontotemporal dementia is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by frontal and temporal lobe degeneration, resulting in behavioral changes, language difficulties, and cognitive decline. In this study, smallRNA sequencing was conducted on postmortem brain tissues obtained from FTD patients withGRN,MAPT, orC9ORF72mutations, focusing on the frontal and temporal lobes. Our analysis identified miR-129-5p as consistently deregulated across all mutation conditions and brain regions. Functional investigations revealed a novel role of miR-129-5p in astrocytes, where its loss led to neuroinflammation and impaired neuronal support functions, including reduced glutamate uptake. Depletion of miR-129-5p in astrocytes resulted in the loss of neuronal spines and altered neuronal network activity. These findings highlight miR-129-5p as a potential therapeutic target in neurodegenerative diseases and also sheds light on the role of astrocytes in Frontotemporal dementia pathogenesis.
Impact of seasonal malaria chemoprevention timing on clinical malaria incidence dynamics in the Kedougou region, Senegal
Authors: Kazanga Betty , Ba El-Hadj , Legendre Eva , Cissoko Mady , Fleury Laurence , Bérard Lucas , Diop Abdoulaye , Sokhna Cheikh , Danfakha Fode , Sagara Issaka , Ndiaye Jean-Louis , Gaudart Jean , Landier Jordi
Published: April 2024

Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and amodiaquine is recommended by the World Health Organization since 2012 for clinical malaria prevention in children in the Sahelian region of Africa. In Senegal, SMC implementation began in 2013 and is given to children under 10 years old. This study aimed to describe clinical malaria incidence in the general population during routine SMC implementation and to analyse how SMC timing impacted clinical malaria dynamics in eligible children.

We conducted an ecological study in the Kedougou region of Senegal in 27 villages included in the Bandafassi Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS). We calculated weeklyPlasmodium falciparummalaria incidence by age group using malaria case data recorded by community health workers and health-posts, and population denominators obtained from Bandafassi Health and Demographic Surveillance System. We used negative binomial generalized additive multilevel models to analyse the incidence of clinical episodes in children under 10 years during the expected SMC prophylactic period and at the end of the transmission period.

Malaria incidence was strongly seasonal with a high transmission period starting in June. Children under SMC presented an overall lower incidence compared to older children and young adults. Among children eligible for SMC, the incidence was lowest for approximately 3 weeks after treatment administration and increased subsequently, suggesting a gradual loss of protection. At the end of the high transmission period, a higher malaria incidence was recorded from the 3rdto 6thweek after the week of administration of the fourth (final) SMC round.

While protecting children under 10 years, SMC warrants adjustment to reduce exposure before the next round, to increase protection of 5-9 years, and to cover the high transmission period completely. The addition of a 5thround of SMC in 2023 was necessary to cover the end of the transmission season, but individual-level studies are required to ensure that drug efficacy and adequate dosing are maintained.
The effect of anti-platelet agents on end organ dysfunction and mortality in community acquired pneumonia: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lother Sylvain A. , Tennenhouse Lana , Rabbani Rasheda , Abou-Setta Ahmed M. , Askin Nicole , Turgeon Alexis F. , Murthy Srinivas , Houston Brett L. , Houston Donald S. , Mendelson Asher A. , Rush Barret , Rimmer Emily , Marshall John C. , Shaw Souradet Y. , Lawler Patrick R. , Keynan Yoav , Zarychanski Ryan
Published: April 2024

Background

Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Poor outcomes are driven by maladaptive inflammatory and thrombotic host responses. Effective therapies that modulate host responses are lacking. Anti-platelet medications modulate thrombotic and inflammatory pathways and improve long term outcomes in COVID-19 pneumonia, however, the role of anti-platelets in other etiologies of CAP remains uncertain.

Methods

We will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies including adult patients hospitalized for non-COVID-19 community acquired pneumonia (CAP) investigating the effect of anti-platelets (ASA or P2Y12 inhibitors) vs. control on all-cause mortality. We will search electronic databases including MEDLINE® (Epub Ahead of Print and In-Process, In-Data-Review & Other Non-Indexed Citations), Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), clinical trial registries (clinicaltrials.gov, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) and conference abstracts from inception to August 2023. Two blinded reviewers will extract data in parallel from included studies after title and abstract screening and application of eligibility criteria. We will use the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and Newcastle Ottawa Scale to assess risk of bias and study quality from included studies. The primary meta-analysis will be conducted separately for RCTs and observational studies using Random effect inverse variance model. For observational studies, adjusted mortality estimates will be presented as hazard ratios (HR) or adjusted odds ratios (OR) whenever possible. Heterogeneity will be expressed using theI2statistic. The evidence will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) framework.

Discussion

The overall treatment effect and safety of anti-platelets in non-COVID-19 CAP will be summarized. The findings may be used to inform the relevance and potential study design of a future RCT evaluating anti-platelets in CAP. If anti-platelets are shown to be safe and effective, this research is expected to contribute to a new standard of treatment for CAP, and a paradigm shift towards targeting host responses in serious infections.

Systematic Review Registration

This protocol is reported in accordance with the guidelines produced by PRISMA-P. The protocol was registered with Open Science Framework on January 30, 2024 (DOIhttps://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/H2G7C)
Frataxin deficiency in proprioceptive neurons is causal to inflammatory and glial responses in dorsal root ganglia
Authors: Meriau Pauline , Weill Laure , Puccio Hélène , Agulhon Cendra
Published: April 2024

Friedreich ataxia (FA), the most common recessive hereditary ataxia, is an early-onset neurodegenerative disease characterized by pathological changes occurring first in the peripheral dorsal root ganglia (DRG), with loss of the large sensory proprioceptive neurons, leading to ganglionopathy and proprioceptive deficits. FA is caused by a mutation in frataxin gene (Fxn), leading to reduced expression of frataxin protein (FXN), an essential ubiquitous mitochondrial protein. Most research has focused on the pathophysiological involvement of proprioceptors. However, in recent years, neuroinflammation is increasingly recognized as an integral and critical contributor in FA pathogenesis. Furthermore, it has also recently been shown a primary reactivity of satellite glial cells (SGCs; glia tightly enwrapping proprioceptor cell bodies), suggesting a role of inflammation and SGC responses in the destruction of proprioceptors in FA patients’ DRGs. It remains unclear to what extent the increase in DRG macrophage response and/or SGC reactivity may contribute to FA phenotype. Therefore, it is important to fully study and understand the mechanism of proprioceptor-macrophages-SGC interactions and their regulations. Exploring relationship between these three cell types has profound implications for breaking through the limitation of treatment of FA. Here we asked whether FXN deficiency selectively in DRG proprioceptive neurons is sufficient to cause inflammatory and glial responses found in patients’ DRG. We used RNA profiling, bioinformatics signaling network and pathway analysis, combined with immunohistochemistry and behavioral experiments to reveal some genes, signaling pathways in macrophages and SGCs that may represent potential biomarkers of the disease. Our study revealed that proprioceptor FXN deficiency causes major changes in inflammatory macrophage and SGC gene transcription as well as macrophage and SGC number, highlighting molecular and cellular pathways that were sequentially altered, thus representing temporal signatures of FA ganglionopathy progression.
An Intra-Hypothalamic Pathway Modulating Body Temperature and Feeding
Authors: Nencini Sara , Siemens Jan
Published: April 2024

The intricate interplay between energy metabolism and body temperature regulation underscores the necessity of finely tuned mechanisms to maintain thermo-energetic homeostasis. Hot environments are known to suppress food intake and to reduce energy expenditure. However, the interplay between thermoregulatory and caloric-regulatory hypothalamic areas remains largely unexplored. In this study, we unveil two unconventional pathways originating from a subpopulation of genetically defined excitatory, leptin receptor-expressing POA neurons (VMPOLepR) that connect to the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) and the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (DMH). Both, VMPOLepR→PVH and VMPOLepR→DMH connections, inhibit brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis and reduce body temperature; surprisingly, the VMPOLepR→PVH connection additionally exhibits the unique ability to suppress food intake and also promotes tail vasodilation. Our findings suggest that the excitatory VMPOLepR→PVH loop integrates temperature and caloric information to complement the canonical inhibitory arcuate nucleus (ARC)→PVH pathway. We propose that this novel pathway contributes to energy and temperature homeostasis in hot environments, offering new insights into previously unrecognized neuronal circuits orchestrating thermo-metabolic balance in response to environmental challenges.
Bond strength between receptor binding domain of spike protein and human angiotensin converting enzyme-2 using machine learning
Authors: Adebiyi Abdulmateen , Adhikari Puja , Rao Praveen , Ching Wai-Yim
Published: April 2024

The spike protein (S-protein) of SARS-CoV-2 plays an important role in binding, fusion, and host entry. In this study, we have predicted interatomic bond strength between receptor binding domain (RBD) and angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) using machine learning (ML), that matches with expensiveab initiocalculation result. We collected bond order result fromab initiocalculations. We selected a total of 18 variables such as bond type, bond length, elements and their coordinates, and others, to train ML models. We then trained five well-known regression models, namely, Decision Tree regression, KNN Regression, XGBoost, Lasso Regression, and Ridge Regression. We tested these models on two different datasets, namely, Wild type (WT) and Omicron variant (OV). In the first setting, we used 90% of each dataset for training and 10% for testing to predict the bond order. XGBoost model outperformed all the other models in the prediction of the WT dataset. It achieved an R2 Score of 0.997. XGBoost also outperformed all the other models with an R2 score of 0.9998 in the prediction of the OV dataset. In the second setting, we trained all the models on the WT (or OV) dataset and predicted the bond order on the OV (or WT) dataset. Interestingly, Decision Tree outperformed all the other models in both cases. It achieved an R2 score of 0.997.