bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seeking Scientific Health Information for Empowerment: Empowered-Get-More-Empowered Effects
Authors: Chang Chingching
Published: December 2021

To explore the scientific value of information elements in health news, this article reports on common information elements that are associated with scientific value, according to the findings of surveys conducted in the United States and Taiwan. The design of two further studies in Taiwan reflects an effort to understand whether scientific information elements benefit only health conscious people, through empowered-get-more-empowered effects. A survey-based analysis of perceptions and an experimental test of causal effects of information exposure reveal that health conscious people seek health information, value scientific information elements in it, are persuaded by them, and act on advice.
Placental Pathology in Maternal Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency
Authors: Seasely Angela R. , Sinkey Rachel G. , Dean Sarah Joy , Descartes Maria , Duncan Virginia E.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency is the most common urea cycle disorder, inherited in an X-linked manner. Males are severely affected. Female phenotypes vary from asymptomatic to severe, and symptoms may be triggered by high metabolic states like childbirth. Literature on OTC deficiency in pregnancy and placental pathology is limited.

Methods

Pathology records were searched at a single referral center from 2000–2020 and identified three placental cases from two mothers heterozygous for OTC deficiency. Placental pathology and maternal and neonatal history were reviewed in detail.

Results

The placenta from one symptomatic mother carrying an affected male fetus showed widespread high-grade fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM) lesions of varying age. These lesions were not seen in the two placentas from the asymptomatic mother.

Discussion

In cases of symptomatic maternal OTC deficiency, our findings highlight the need for placental examination. Since thrombotic events in the placenta have the potential to associate with fetal and neonatal endothelial damage, a high index of suspicion for neonatal thrombosis may be warranted.
Comparison of intraocular pressure obtained by Goldmann applanation tonometer, Corvis ST and an airpuff tonometer in healthy adults
Authors: Karmiris Efthymios , Tsiripidis Konstantinos , Gartaganis Panos S , Totou Styliani , Vasilopoulou Maria-Giannoula , Patelis Andreas , Giannakis Ioannis , Chalkiadaki Evangelia
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To assess the agreement among four types of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements: IOP obtained by Goldmann applanation tonometer (IOP-GAT),IOP obtained by an air-puff tonometer (Nidek NT-510)(IOP-NCT), the non-corrected IOP obtained by the Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology (IOP-Corvis) and the biomechanically corrected IOP obtained by the Corvis ST (bIOP-Corvis) in healthy patients with a broad spectrum of IOP values. Methods: This prospective, observational study recruited 113 healthy individuals. Each patient underwent IOP evaluation via GAT, Nidek NT-510 and Corvis ST. Difference in mean in IOP readings was assessed by one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).Tonometer intermethod agreement was assessed by the Bland-Altman method. The difference between the four IOP measurements was correlated against corneal (CCT) and age with Pearson’s correlation test. Results: IOP-Corvis showed the highest values (16.59  ±  3.08 mmHg),followed by IOP-NCT (16.05  ±  3.43 mmHg), IOP-GAT (15.62 ± 3.08 mmHg) and bIOP-Corvis (15.10 ± 2.67 mmHg).There were statistically significant differences in IOP measurements among all the ANOVA pairwise comparisons except between IOP-GAT and bIOP-Corvis ( p = 0.07),as well as between IOP-GAT and IOP-NCT ( p = 0.25). Bland Altman analysis revealed a notable bias (all p < 0.05) among IOP-GAT and bIOP-Corvis, IOP-GAT and IOP-Corvis, IOP-GAT and IOP-NCT, bIOP-Corvis and IOP-Corvis, bIOP-Corvis and IOP-NCT,IOP-Corvis and IOP-NCT of 0.51, −0.97, −0.43, −1.49, −0.95, 0.53 mmHg respectively. We observed a strong correlation of the difference between bIOP-Corvis and IOP-Corvis with CCT and patient age. Conclusion: Compared with GAT and Nidek NT-510, the Corvis-derived IOPs were recorded either the highest as IOP-Corvis or the lowest as bIOP-Corvis. Even if the differences among the tonometers were relatively small, the IOP values obtained with the Corvis ST, NCT and GAT were not interchangeable.
Using Text via Dialectical Journals to Nurture Liminal Spaces in Teacher Education
Authors: Dodman Stephanie L. , Holincheck Nancy , Brusseau Rebecca
Published: December 2021

This article shares the findings of a study examining the use of dialectical journals as liminal spaces for the development of critical reflection in practicing teachers. In an online graduate course on critical teacher inquiry designed to foster teachers as antiracist multicultural educators, teachers engaged in dialogue with themselves as they responded to self-selected text segments in assigned readings throughout the course. Using Mezirow’s theory of transformation and specifically the typology of critical reflection of assumptions and critical self-reflection of assumptions, we analyzed the online dialectical journals of 23 teachers to better understand how their engagement with key texts both represented and influenced their reflective development and engagement in transformational learning. We conclude the journals to be powerful liminal spaces for teachers to engage in reframing of their assumptions.
Displacement, Gender-Based Development, and Grave Violations Against Children in Armed Conflict: The Case of Iraq
Authors: Atkinson Kelly E.
Published: December 2021

Development policies advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda enjoy an established trajectory across international organizations. This is evident within United Nations programs that engage displaced populations where children are particularly vulnerable to conflict dynamics. This article argues that existing gender-based development policies mitigate the impact of conflict on children through empowering displaced women as peacebuilding agents. Using United Nations data, fieldwork, and elite interviews, this article employs a case study of Iraq to show that the implementation of gender-based development policies correlates with reduced rates of grave violations against children in conflict settings. These findings point to the peacebuilding potential of displaced women through their ability to mitigate the economic and social impacts of conflict dynamics on children. Policy programs within the United Nations Women, Peace and Security framework should engage this connection between displaced women and the protection of children to strengthen and improve peacebuilding outcomes in conflict environments.
Brain–Computer Interface Training Based on Brain Activity Can Induce Motor Recovery in Patients With Stroke: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nojima Ippei , Sugata Hisato , Takeuchi Hiroki , Mima Tatsuya
Published: December 2021

Background

Brain–computer interface (BCI) is a procedure involving brain activity in which neural status is provided to the participants for self-regulation. The current review aims to evaluate the effect sizes of clinical studies investigating the use of BCI-based rehabilitation interventions in restoring upper extremity function and effective methods to detect brain activity for motor recovery.

Methods

A computerized search of MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and PEDro was performed to identify relevant articles. We selected clinical trials that used BCI-based training for post-stroke patients and provided motor assessment scores before and after the intervention. The pooled standardized mean differences of BCI-based training were calculated using the random-effects model.

Results

We initially identified 655 potentially relevant articles; finally, 16 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria, involving 382 participants. A significant effect of neurofeedback intervention for the paretic upper limb was observed (standardized mean difference = .48, [.16-.80], P = .006). However, the effect estimates were moderately heterogeneous among the studies ( I2 = 45%, P = .03). Subgroup analysis of the method of measurement of brain activity indicated the effectiveness of the algorithm focusing on sensorimotor rhythm.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggested that BCI-based training was superior to conventional interventions for motor recovery of the upper limbs in patients with stroke. However, the results are not conclusive because of a high risk of bias and a large degree of heterogeneity due to the differences in the BCI interventions and the participants; therefore, further studies involving larger cohorts are required to confirm these results.
Marika Daniilidou, MD. The First Female Orthopaedic Surgeon in Greece
Authors: Savvidou Olga D. , Megaloikonomos Panayiotis D. , Vlachaki Asimina , Melissaridou Dimitra , Vlasis Konstantinos , Papagelopoulos Panayiotis J.
Published: December 2021

Dr Marika Daniilidou was born in 1902 in Asia Minor. Her family was forced to immigrate to Greece, in 1922. Despite the horrendous difficulties of the era, she pursued undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the University of Berlin, Germany, and she specialized in orthopaedic surgery. In 1937, she became the first female certified orthopaedic surgeon in Greece. In 1947, she was the only female orthopaedic surgeon among the 22 founders of the Hellenic Association of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology (HAOST). She became a true role model for the next generations of Greek women surgeons.
Safety and efficacy of the Mynx Control vascular closure device in peripheral arterial procedures: A prospective study
Authors: Diamantopoulos Athanasios , Nourzaie Romman , Mulholland Doug , Dolan Steven G , Ahmed Irfan , Gkoutzios Panos , Thulasidasan Narayanan , Theodoulou Iakovos , Sabharwal Tarun
Published: December 2021

Objectives

This article aims to present a prospective study investigating the safety and efficacy of the Mynx Control extravascular closure device (Cordis Corporation, FL, USA), for femoral arterial closure in patients undergoing peripheral arterial procedures.

Methods

Between January 2020 and February 2021, 100 Mynx Control devices were deployed in 91 consecutive patients (mean age: 67.5 ± 16.9 years) who underwent peripheral arterial procedures. We used ultrasound and/or fluoroscopy during Mynx Control deployment and ultrasound post-procedure to detect complications. Femoral artery punctures included 62 (62%) antegrade and 38 (38%) retrograde punctures. The mean activated clotting time at time of device deployment was 221s. The primary endpoints were technical success, device failure, and complication rates up to 30 days.

Results

A 5F vascular sheath was used in 43 cases (43%) (36 (36%) 6F and 21 (21%) 7F). The majority of our cases had antegrade access (62%). Overall technical success rate was 97% in both antegrade and retrograde cases. In total, there were 4 minor complications: 3 (3%) cases of pseudoaneurysm and 1 (1%) case of haematoma. No major complications were recorded post-procedure or 30 days post index procedure.

Conclusion

The Mynx Control vascular closure device is safe and effective in achieving haemostasis in patients undergoing antegrade and retrograde peripheral angioplasty procedures.
The effects of major depression disorder on neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome surgery outcomes
Authors: Alnahhal Khaled I , Penukonda Suhas , Lingutla Ranjana , Irshad Ali , Allison Genève M , Salehi Payam
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a group of disorders caused by impingement of the neurovascular structures at the thoracic outlet. Neurogenic TOS (nTOS), which is thought to be caused by a compression of the brachial plexus, accounts for more than 90% of the cases. Although treatment for nTOS is successful through physiotherapy and/or surgical decompression, little is known about the impact of psychosocial factors, namely, major depressive disorder (MDD), on postoperative outcomes such as non-routine discharge (NRD). Here, we assess whether MDD predicts the type of discharge following nTOS surgical intervention.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the National Inpatient Sample database from the years 2005–2018 was performed. Using the International Classification of Diseases Clinical Modification, Ninth and Tenth revisions, patients who underwent a surgical intervention for nTOS were identified. Our primary outcome was to investigate the effects of MDD on nTOS patient disposition status after surgical management; secondary outcomes included analysis of total hospital charges and length of stay. NRD was defined as anything beyond discharge home without healthcare services. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess MDD and other potential independent predictors of NRD and prolonged hospital stay (> 2 days) following surgical intervention.

Results

A total of 6099 patients were identified: 596 (9.77%) patients with MDD and 5503 (90.23%) without MDD. On average, patients with MDD were older (39.6 ± 12.0 years vs. 36.0 ± 13.0 years; p < 0.001), female (80.7% vs. 63.5%; p < 0.001), white (89.6% vs. 85.6%; p = 0.030), and on Medicare (9.6% vs 5.2%; p < 0.001). Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models identified MDD as an independent risk factor associated with a higher risk of NRD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0–2.2). Additionally, chronic kidney disease (aOR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.2–5.4), postoperative complications (aOR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.2–2.9), and Medicare (aOR, 2.95; 95% CI, 1.9–4.7) were statistically significant predictors for higher risk of NRD. However, MDD was not associated with prolonged hospital stay (aOR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.8–1.2) or higher median of total charges (MDD group: $27,867 vs. non-MDD group: $28,123; p = 0.799).

Conclusion

Comorbid MDD was strongly associated with higher NRD rates following nTOS surgical intervention. MDD had no significant impact on length of hospital stay or total hospital charges. Additional prospective research is necessary in order to better evaluate the impact of MDD in patients with nTOS.
Comparing subspecialty and intensive care providers perspectives on pediatric complex chronic patients: A survey study
Authors: Kobussen Taylor A , Hansen Gregory , Holt Tanya R
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Pediatric complex chronic care patients present unique challenges regarding healthcare provision: complex medical regimes, complicated family/provider dynamics, and multiple healthcare teams that can result in inconsistent care. This study examined subspecialty providers’ perspectives regarding pediatric complex chronic care patients and compared them with acute care providers while exploring opportunities to better facilitate care provided to pediatric complex chronic care patients.

Methods

This survey study occurring within a Canadian tertiary care pediatric center, utilized REDCap to deploy surveys involving Likert Scale and short answer questions. The Kruskal–Wallis test compared subspecialty provider perspectives when providing care to pediatric complex chronic care patients versus non-pediatric complex chronic care patients; and perspectives between subspecialty and acute care providers.

Results

Survey response rate was 24/46 (52.2%). Eight overarching themes emerged from Likert scale questions. Short answer questions revealed factors that may facilitate care provided to pediatric complex chronic care patients: access to funding; discharge planning; communication methods between specialists; and healthcare provider continuity. Several differences were identified when working with pediatric complex chronic care patients, compared to non-pediatric complex chronic care patients: increased time/resource burden; managing expectations of patients/families; navigating discrepancies in goals of care; complexity of coordination between services; increased efforts in coordinating discharge from hospital and working with medicalized patients/families.

Discussion

Exploring pediatric subspecialty provider perspectives of pediatric complex chronic care patients revealed opportunities to enhance care provided: increased resources to ease the strain of care provision for parents, implementation of a discharge coordinator, complex care clinics with a pediatrician to “quarterback” care, and co-management between the complex care pediatrician and acute care physician when admitted to an acute care service. Implementation of these initiatives may improve the care provided to pediatric complex chronic care patients.
A model for incorporating faith, values, and ethics into a healthcare provider course
Authors: Deweese Joseph E , Wilcox Debb , Campbell Thomas C , McCormack Jeff , Terry Catherine L , Davis Roger L
Published: December 2021

Faith, values, and ethics are critical for all individuals to learn, but especially healthcare providers. Here, we report on the development of a course focused on these topics at a private Christian college of pharmacy. The course utilized a longitudinal approach combined with three overarching and connected course themes to explore the merging of faith and professional practice. Students were engaged in learning using a combination of approaches including guest presenters, panel discussions, interactive interviews, and small group discussions. This course provides a model for discussing faith, values, and ethics in the context of healthcare education.
Perspectives and potential approaches for targeting neuropilin 1 in SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Chapoval Svetlana P. , Keegan Achsah D.
Published: December 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel type b coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. With over 224 million confirmed infections with this virus and more than 4.6 million people dead because of it, it is critically important to define the immunological processes occurring in the human response to this virus and pathogenetic mechanisms of its deadly manifestation. This perspective focuses on the contribution of the recently discovered interaction of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein with neuropilin 1 (NRP1) receptor, NRP1 as a virus entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2, its role in different physiologic and pathologic conditions, and the potential to target the Spike–NRP1 interaction to combat virus infectivity and severe disease manifestations.
Patients’ perception of safety climate in Irish general practice: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Madden Caoimhe , Lydon Sinéad , Murphy Andrew W. , O’Connor Paul
Published: December 2021

Background

Although patients have the potential to provide important information on patient safety, considerably fewer patient-report measures of safety climate (SC) have been applied in the primary care setting as compared to secondary care. Our aim was to examine the application of a patient-report measure of safety climate in an Irish population to understand patient perceptions of safety in general practice and identify potential areas for improvement. Specifically, our research questions were:

1. What are patients’ perceptions of SC in Irish general practice?

2. Do patient risk factors impact perceptions of SC?

3. Do patient responses to an open-ended question about safety enhance our understanding of patient safety beyond that obtained from a quantitative measure of SC?

Methods

The Patient Perspective of Safety in General Practice (PPS-GP) survey was distributed to primary care patients in Ireland. The survey consisted of both Likert-response items, and free-text entry questions in relation to the safety of care. A series of five separate hierarchical regressions were used to examine the relationship between a range of patient-related variables and each of the survey subscales. A deductive content analysis approach was used to code the free-text responses.

Results

A total of 584 completed online and paper surveys were received. Respondents generally had positive perceptions of safety across all five SC subscales of the PPS-GP. Regarding patient risk factors, younger age and being of non-Irish nationality were consistently associated with more negative SC perceptions. Analysis of the free-text responses revealed considerably poorer patient perceptions (n = 85, 65.4%) of the safety experience in primary care.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that despite being under-utilised, patients’ perceptions are a valuable source of information for measuring SC, with promising implications for safety improvement in general practice. Further consideration should be given to how best to utilise this data in order to improve safety in primary care.
Ophthalmic involvement disparities in clinical characteristics of IgG4-related disease: a retrospective study of 573 patients
Authors: Gan Linyang , Luo Xuan , Fei Yunyun , Peng Linyi , Zhou Jiaxin , Li Jieqiong , Lu Hui , Liu Zheng , Zhang Panpan , Liu Xiaowei , Zhang Wen
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To investigate the clinical manifestations of orbital involvement in a large cohort of Chinese patients with IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD).

Methods

A total of 573 patients with IgG4-related disease were included. We described and compared the demographic, clinical, laboratory and histopathologic findings from 314 patients with IgG4-related ophthalmic disease (IgG4-ROD) and 259 with extra-ophthalmic IgG4-RD.

Results

Male predominance was found significant in extra-ophthalmic IgG4-RD only. Patients with IgG4-ROD showed younger age at diagnosis and longer duration from onset till diagnosis. In patients with extra-ophthalmic IgG4-RD, the most commonly involved extra-ophthalmic organ was pancreas; while in IgG4-ROD patients, salivary gland was most frequently affected. Multivariate analysis exhibited IgG4-ROD was associated with allergy history, higher serum IgG4/IgG ratio, multiple organs involvement and sialoadenitis. Orbital images were reviewed in 173 (55.1%) IgG4-ROD patients. Fifty-one (29.5%) patients had multiple lesions. Lacrimal gland involvement was detected in 151 (87.3%) patients, followed by extraocular muscles (40, 23.1%), other orbital soft tissue (40, 23.1%) and trigeminal nerve (8, 4.6%). Biopsy was performed from various organs in 390 cases. A dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and fibrosis were the main feature in orbital specimens. Storiform fibrosis and obliterative phlebitis were absent in lacrimal gland.

Conclusions

Lacrimal gland involvement was the most common orbital manifestation of IgG4-ROD. Patients with IgG4-ROD showed different characteristic in demographic, clinical, laboratory findings compared to patients with extra-ophthalmic IgG4-RD. These features might indicate potential differences in the pathogenesis of these two subgroups of IgG4-RD.
Effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on maternity staff in 2020 – a scoping review
Authors: Schmitt Nadine , Mattern Elke , Cignacco Eva , Seliger Gregor , König-Bachmann Martina , Striebich Sabine , Ayerle Gertrud M.
Published: December 2021

In the spring of 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 virus caused the Covid-19 pandemic, bringing with it drastic changes and challenges for health systems and medical staff. Among the affected were obstetricians and midwives, whose close physical contact with pregnant women, women who recently gave birth, and their children was indispensable. In the obstetric setting, births cannot be postponed, and maternity staff had to adapt to assure obstetric safety while balancing evidence-based standards with the new challenges posed by the pandemic. This scoping review gives a comprehensive overview of the effecs the Covid-19 pandemic had on maternity staff. We followed the evidence-based approach described by Arksey & O’Malley: we searched several databases for English and German articles published between January 2020 and January 2021 that discussed or touched upon the effects the pandemic had on maternity staff in OECD countries and China. We found that structural challenges caused by the crisis and its subjective effects on maternity staff fell into two main topic areas. Structural challenges (the first main topic) were divided into five subtopics: staff shortages and restructuring; personal protective equipment and tests; switching to virtual communication; handling women with a positive SARS-CoV-2 infection; and excluding accompanying persons. The pandemic also strongly affected the staff’s mental health (the second main topic.) Attempting to meet challenges posed by the pandemic while afraid of contamination, suffering overwork and exhaustion, and struggling to resolve ethical-moral dilemmas had severe negative subjective effects. Several studies indicated increased depression, anxiety, stress levels, and risk of post-traumatic stress symptoms, although the crisis also generated strong occupational solidarity. Care for pregnant, birthing, and breast-feeding women cannot be interrupted, even during a pandemic crisis that requires social distancing. Maternity staff sometimes had to abandon normal standards of obstetric care and were confronted with enormous challenges and structural adjustments that did not leave them unscathed: their mental health suffered considerably. Researchers should study maternity staff’s experiences during the pandemic to prepare recommendations that will protect staff during future epidemics.
A peripheral lipid sensor GPR120 remotely contributes to suppression of PGD2-microglia-provoked neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in the mouse hippocampus
Authors: Iwasa Kensuke , Yamamoto Shinji , Yamashina Kota , Yagishita-kyo Nan , Maruyama Kei , Awaji Takeo , Takei Yoshinori , Hirasawa Akira , Yoshikawa Keisuke
Published: December 2021

Background

Neuroinflammation is a key pathological component of neurodegenerative disease and is characterized by microglial activation and the secretion of proinflammatory mediators. We previously reported that a surge in prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) production and PGD2-induced microglial activation could provoke neuroinflammation. We also reported that a lipid sensor GPR120 (free fatty acid receptor 4), which is expressed in intestine, could be activated by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), thereby mediating secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Dysfunction of GPR120 results in obesity in both mice and humans.

Methods

To reveal the relationship between PGD2-microglia-provoked neuroinflammation and intestinal PUFA/GPR120 signaling, we investigated neuroinflammation and neuronal function with gene and protein expression, histological, and behavioral analysis in GPR120 knockout (KO) mice.

Results

In the current study, we discovered notable neuroinflammation (increased PGD2 production and microglial activation) and neurodegeneration (declines in neurogenesis, hippocampal volume, and cognitive function) in GPR120 KO mice. We also found that Hematopoietic–prostaglandin D synthase (H-PGDS) was expressed in microglia, microglia were activated by PGD2, H-PGDS expression was upregulated in GPR120 KO hippocampus, and inhibition of PGD2 production attenuated this neuroinflammation. GPR120 KO mice exhibited reduced intestinal, plasma, and intracerebral GLP-1 contents. Peripheral administration of a GLP-1 analogue, liraglutide, reduced PGD2-microglia-provoked neuroinflammation and further neurodegeneration in GPR120 KO mice.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that neurological phenotypes in GPR120 KO mice are probably caused by dysfunction of intestinal GPR120. These observations raise the possibility that intestinal GLP-1 secretion, stimulated by intestinal GPR120, may remotely contributed to suppress PGD2-microglia-provoked neuroinflammation in the hippocampus.
The interactions of ZDHHC5/GOLGA7 with SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein and their effects on S protein’s subcellular localization, palmitoylation and pseudovirus entry
Authors: Zeng Xiao-Tao , Yu Xiao-Xi , Cheng Wei
Published: December 2021

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) protein determines virus entry and the palmitoylation of S protein affects virus infection. An acyltransferase complex ZDHHC5/GOGAL7 that interacts with S protein was detected by affinity purification mass spectrometry (AP-MS). However, the palmitoylated cysteine residues of S protein, the effects of ZDHHC5 or GOLGA7 knockout on S protein’s subcellular localization, palmitoylation, pseudovirus entry and the enzyme for depalmitoylation of S protein are not clear.

Methods

The palmitoylated cysteine residues of S protein were identified by acyl-biotin exchange (ABE) assays. The interactions between S protein and host proteins were analyzed by co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) assays. Subcellular localizations of S protein and host proteins were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy. ZDHHC5 or GOGAL7 gene was edited by CRISPR-Cas9. The entry efficiencies of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus into A549 and Hela cells were analyzed by measuring the activity of Renilla luciferase.

Results

In this investigation, all ten cysteine residues in the endodomain of S protein were palmitoylated. The interaction of S protein with ZDHHC5 or GOLGA7 was confirmed. The interaction and colocalization of S protein with ZDHHC5 or GOLGA7 were independent of the ten cysteine residues in the endodomain of S protein. The interaction between S protein and ZDHHC5 was independent of the enzymatic activity and the PDZ-binding domain of ZDHHC5. Three cell lines HEK293T, A549 and Hela lacking ZDHHC5 or GOLGA7 were constructed. Furthermore, S proteins still interacted with one host protein in HEK293T cells lacking the other. ZDHHC5 or GOLGA7 knockout had no significant effect on S protein’s subcellular localization or palmitoylation, but significantly decreased the entry efficiencies of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus into A549 and Hela cells, while varying degrees of entry efficiencies may be linked to the cell types. Additionally, the S protein interacted with the depalmitoylase APT2.

Conclusions

ZDHHC5 and GOLGA7 played important roles in SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus entry, but the reason why the two host proteins affected pseudovirus entry remains to be further explored. This study extends the knowledge about the interactions between SARS-CoV-2 S protein and host proteins and probably provides a reference for the corresponding antiviral methods.
Prevention of child mental health problems through parenting interventions in Southeastern Europe (RISE): study protocol for a multi-site randomised controlled trial
Authors: Tăut Diana , Băban Adriana , Frantz Inga , Dănilă Ingrid , Lachman Jamie M. , Heinrichs Nina , Ward Catherine L. , Gardner Frances , Fang Xiangming , Hutchings Judy , Raleva Marija , Lesco Galina , Murphy Hugh , Foran Heather
Published: December 2021

Background

Childhood adversities, such as poor parental practices, exposure to violence, and risk behaviours strongly impact children’s future mental and behavioural problems. Adversities affect families living in disadvantaged environments and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to a greater extent than in high-income countries. Parenting programmes are an effective way to alleviate them, although their outreach and scalability is still limited in LMICs.

Methods/design

A multi-site randomised controlled trial will be conducted in North Macedonia, Republic of Moldova and Romania to test the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of an optimised version of the promising Parenting for Lifelong Health Programme for Young Children (PLH-YC, 5 sessions), against a standard lecture on parenting issues (control group, 1 session). At least 864 participants who report having children between 2 and 9 years old who display elevated levels of behavioural difficulties will be randomised on a 1:1 basis to the intervention and control groups. The primary outcome will consist of parent report of child oppositional aggressive behaviour. Post-test (four months) and follow-up (12 months) assessments will provide information on short- and longer-term effects of PLH-YC compared to the parenting lecture in the control group.

Discussion

This randomised trial will test the efficacy of PLH-YC in alleviating child behavioural problems and assess the cost-effectiveness, transportability across three different cultural contexts, and potential for scalability of the programme.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov., Registration number: NCT04721730 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04721730). Registered 13.01.2021
Circulating tumor DNA methylation marker MYO1-G for diagnosis and monitoring of colorectal cancer
Authors: Lin Wu-Hao , Xiao Jian , Ye Zi-Yi , Wei Da-Liang , Zhai Xiao-Hui , Xu Rui-Hua , Zeng Zhao-Lei , Luo Hui-Yan
Published: December 2021

Background

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a promising diagnostic and prognostic marker for many cancers and has been actively investigated in recent years. Previous studies have already demonstrated the potential use of ctDNA methylation markers in the diagnosis and prognostication of colorectal cancer (CRC). This retrospective study validated the value of methylation biomarker MYO1-G (cg10673833) in CRC diagnosis and disease monitoring using digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), a biomarker selected from our previous study due to its highest diagnostic efficiency.

Methods

Blood samples of CRC and control samples from tumor-free individuals at two institutions were collected to quantify the methylation ratio using ddPCR. Area under curve (AUC) was calculated after constructing receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) for CRC diagnosis. Sensitivity and specificity were estimated and comparisons of methylation ratio in different groups were performed.

Results

We collected 673 blood samples from 272 patients diagnosed with stage I-IV CRC and 402 normal control samples. The methylation biomarker discriminated patients with CRC from normal controls with high accuracy (area under curve [AUC] = 0.94) and yielded a sensitivity of 84.3% and specificity of 94.5%. Besides, methylation ratio of MYO1-G was associated with tumor burden and treatment response. The methylation ratio was significantly lower in patients after their radical operation than when compared with those before surgeries (P < 0.001). Methylation ratio was significantly higher in patients with disease progression than those with stable disease (P = 0.002) and those with complete response or partial response (P = 0.009).

Conclusions

Together, our study indicated that this methylation marker can serve as a potential biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring CRC.
Self-adaptive architectures in IoT systems: a systematic literature review
Authors: Alfonso Iván , Garcés Kelly , Castro Harold , Cabot Jordi
Published: December 2021

Over the past few years, the relevance of the Internet of Things (IoT) has grown significantly and is now a key component of many industrial processes and even a transparent participant in various activities performed in our daily life. IoT systems are subjected to changes in the dynamic environments they operate in. These changes (e.g. variations in bandwidth consumption or new devices joining/leaving) may impact the Quality of Service (QoS) of the IoT system. A number of self-adaptation strategies for IoT architectures to better deal with these changes have been proposed in the literature. Nevertheless, they focus on isolated types of changes. We lack a comprehensive view of the trade-offs of each proposal and how they could be combined to cope with simultaneous events of different types.In this paper, we identify, analyze, and interpret relevant studies related to IoT adaptation and develop a comprehensive and holistic view of the interplay of different dynamic events, their consequences on QoS, and the alternatives for the adaptation. To do so, we have conducted a systematic literature review of existing scientific proposals and defined a research agenda for the near future based on the findings and weaknesses identified in the literature.
An 8-year-old-girl with juvenile dermatomyositis and autoimmune thyroiditis in Tanzania: a case report
Authors: Mussa Fatima , Nalitolela Neema , Fredrick Francis
Published: December 2021

Background

Juvenile dermatomyositis is an inflammatory disease of muscles, skin, and blood vessels of unknown cause affecting all age and ethnic groups, with a reported incidence of 1.9–4.1 per million. It manifests with weakness in axial and proximal muscles and typical skin lesions. Historically, the Bohan and Peter classification schema has been used to diagnose juvenile dermatomyositis.

Case presentation

We report an 8-year-old African female child, who presented with features of juvenile dermatomyositis and a rare association with subclinical autoimmune thyroiditis. This case illustrates the typical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes of this highly misdiagnosed condition.

Conclusion

Due to the limited resources and knowledge about this under-reported disease in resource-constrained settings, the characteristic manifestations of juvenile dermatomyositis can be easily missed and thus requires a high index of suspicion for earlier diagnosis and management.
Gestational breast cancer in a patient with Crohn’s disease: two case reports
Authors: Al-Arsan Al-Yaseen Mohammed , Haydar Salah Aldin , Alali Mousa , Saifo Maher
Published: December 2021

Background

Diagnosis of breast cancer during gestation is a rare occurrence. In addition, the diagnosis of breast cancer in a patient with Crohn’s disease is not common. We present a rare case of gestational breast cancer in a patient with Crohn’s disease, with a concurrent breast cancer diagnosis in her sister.

Case presentation

A 31-year-old Syrian woman with Crohn’s disease was diagnosed with breast cancer at 30 weeks gestation; she received neoadjuvant chemotherapy during gestation. Incidentally, her 37-year-old sister was also diagnosed concomitantly with breast cancer. Both sisters underwent and successfully completed surgery and adjuvant therapy. At a 5-year review, both patients showed no signs of recurrence. The Crohn’s disease symptoms have also improved after chemotherapy, and the baby born after gestational chemotherapy is currently 5 years old with normal psychomotor development and without any congenital malformations.

Conclusions

This case report highlights the impact of gestation on breast cancer outcomes, the possibility of giving chemotherapy during gestation, and the effect of chemotherapy on the symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
Thermococcus sp. KS-1 PPIase as a fusion partner improving soluble production of aromatic amino acid decarboxylase
Authors: Koyanagi Takashi , Hara Ayumi , Kobayashi Kanako , Habara Yuji , Nakagawa Akira , Minami Hiromichi , Katayama Takane , Misawa Norihiko
Published: December 2021

Peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase (PPIase, EC 5.2.1.8) catalyzes the racemization reaction of proline residues on a polypeptide chain. This enzyme is also known to function as a molecular chaperon to stabilize protein conformation during the folding process. In this study, we noted FK506 binding protein (FKBP)-type PPIase from a hyperthemophilic archaeon Thermococcus sp. strain KS-1 (PPIase KS−1) to improve the solubility of Pseudomonas putida aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) that is an indispensable enzyme for fermentative production of plant isoquinoline alkaloids. AADC fused N-terminally with the PPIase KS−1 (PPIase KS−1-AADC), which was synthesized utilizing Escherichia coli host, showed improved solubility and, consequently, the cell-free extract from the recombinant strain exhibited 2.6- to 3.4-fold elevated AADC activity than that from the control strain that expressed the AADC gene without PPIase KS−1. On the other hand, its thermostability was slightly decreased by fusing PPIase KS−1. The recombinant E. coli cells expressing the PPIase KS−1-AADC gene produced dopamine and phenylethylamine from L-dopa and phenylalanine by two- and threefold faster, respectively, as compared with the control strain. We further demonstrated that the efficacy of PPIase KS−1-AADC in solubility and activity enhancement was a little but obviously higher than that of AADC fused N-terminally with NusA protein, which has been assumed to be the most effective protein solubilizer. These results suggest that PPIase KS−1 can be used as one of the best choices for producing heterologous proteins as active forms in E. coli.
A Customized Screening Tool Approach for the Development of a Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System (SNEDDS)
Authors: Schmied Fabian-Pascal , Bernhardt Alexander , Engel Andrea , Klein Sandra
Published: December 2021

The present study focused on establishing a novel, (pre-)screening approach that enables the development of promising performing self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDSs) with a limited number of experiments. The strategic approach was based on first identifying appropriate excipients (oils/lipids, surfactants, and co-solvents) providing a high saturation solubility for lipophilic model compounds with poor aqueous solubility. Excipients meeting these requirements were selected for SNEDDS development, and a special triangular mixture design was applied for determining excipient ratios for the SNEDDS formulations. Celecoxib and fenofibrate were used as model drugs. Formulations were studied applying a specific combination of in vitro characterization methods. Specifications for a promising SNEDDS formulation were self-imposed: a very small droplet size (< 50 nm), a narrow size distribution of these droplets (PDI < 0.15) and a high transmittance following SNEDDS dispersion in water (> 99% in comparison with purified water). Excipients that provided a nanoemulsion after dispersion were combined, and ratios were optimized using a customized mapping method in a triangular mixture design. The best performing formulations were finally studied for their in vitro release performance. Results of the study demonstrate the efficiency of the customized screening tool approach. Since it enables successful SNEDDS development in a short time with manageable resources, this novel screening tool approach could play an important role in future SNEDDS development.
Subanesthetic Dose of Propofol Activates the Reward System in Rats
Authors: Nagata Isao , Sasaki Mika , Miyazaki Tomoyuki , Saeki Kensuke , Ogawa Ken-ichi , Kamiya Yoshinori
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND:

Propofol has addictive properties, even with a single administration, and facilitates dopamine secretion in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Activation of the dopaminergic circuits of the midbrain reward system, including the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and NAc, plays a crucial role in addiction. However, the effects of propofol on synaptic transmission and biochemical changes in the VTA-NAc circuit remain unclear.

METHODS:

We investigated the effects of subanesthetic doses of propofol on rat VTA neurons and excitatory synaptic transmission in the NAc using slice patch-clamp experiments. Using immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses, we evaluated the effects of intraperitoneal propofol administration on the expression of addiction-associated transcription factor ΔFosB (truncated form of the FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog B protein) in the NAcs in 5-week-old rats.

RESULTS:

In the current-clamp mode, a subanesthetic dose (0.5–5 µmol/L) of propofol increased the action potential frequency in about half the VTA neurons (excited neurons: control: 9.4 ± 3.0 Hz, propofol 0.5 µmol/L: 21.5 ± 6.0 Hz, propofol 5 µmol/L: 14.6 ± 5.3 Hz, wash: 2.0 ± 0.7 Hz, n = 14/27 cells; unchanged/suppressed neurons: control: 1.68 ± 0.94 Hz, propofol 0.5 µmol/L: 1.0 ± 0.67 Hz, propofol 5 µmol/L: 0.89 ± 0.87 Hz, wash: 0.16 ± 0.11 Hz, n = 13/27 cells). In the voltage-clamp mode, about half the VTA principal neurons showed inward currents with 5 µmol/L of propofol (inward current neurons: control: −20.5 ± 10.0 pA, propofol 0.5 µmol/L: −62.6 ± 14.4 pA, propofol 5 µmol/L: −85.2 ± 18.3 pA, propofol 50 µmol/L: −17.1 ± 39.2 pA, washout: +30.5 ± 33.9 pA, n = 6/11 cells; outward current neurons: control: −33.9 ± 14.6 pA, propofol 0.5 µmol/L: −29.5 ± 16.0 pA, propofol 5 µmol/L: −0.5 ± 20.9 pA, propofol 50 µmol/L: +38.9 ± 18.5 pA, washout: +40.8 ± 32.1 pA, n = 5/11 cells). Moreover, 0.5 µmol/L propofol increased the amplitudes of evoked excitatory synaptic currents in the NAc, whereas >5 µmol/L propofol decreased them (control: 100.0 ± 2.0%, propofol 0.5 µmol/L: 118.4 ± 4.3%, propofol 5 µmol/L: 98.3 ± 3.3%, wash [within 10 min]: 70.7 ± 3.3%, wash [30 minutes later]: 89.9 ± 2.5%, n = 13 cells, P < .001, Dunnett’s test comparing control and propofol 0.5 µmol/L). Intraperitoneally administered subanesthetic dose of propofol increased ΔFosB expression in the NAc, but not in VTA, 2 and 24 hours after administration, compared with the Intralipid control group (propofol 2 hours: 0.94 ± 0.15, 24 hours: 0.68 ± 0.07; Intralipid 2 hours: 0.40 ± 0.03, 24 hours: 0.37 ± 0.06, P = .0002 for drug in the 2-way analysis of variance).

CONCLUSIONS:

Even a single administration of a subanesthetic dose of propofol may cause rewarding change in the central nervous system. Thus, there is a potential propofol rewarding effect among patients receiving anesthesia or sedation with propofol, as well as among health care providers exposed to propofol.
Analyzing the quality factor for Brazil
Authors: Bruscato Bortoluzzo Adriana , Nascimento Pistili Gustavo , BORTOLUZZO MAURICIO MESQUITA
Published: December 2021

Investments in Brazil are increasingly allocated to the stock market, at the expense of more conservative investments. Would finding higher-quality assets allow investors to increase their risk-return ratio? We analyze quality with several metrics, including the quality-minus-junk (QMJ) factor for Brazil. We find that quality companies are valued more by investors, with a higher price-to-book ratio. A portfolio of shares of higher quality shows a significant positive return over the period analyzed, adjusted for several risk factors. The sample members classified as quality companies remained within this classification over time.
Συγκριτική ιστολογική μελέτη της έκφρασης ανοσορρυθμιστικών μορίων σε νεφρικές βιοψίες ασθενών με πρωτοπαθείς σπειραματοπάθειες και με υποτροπή αυτών μετά από μεταμόσχευση νεφρού
Authors: Βλαχοπάνος Γεώργιος
Published: December 2021

Σκοπός: Η ανεύρεση FOXP3+ ρυθμιστικών Τ-λεμφοκυττάρων (Tregs) στις βιοψίες νεφρικού αλλομοσχεύματος συνδέεται με μειωμένη ένταση της ανοσολογικής απόκρισης. Τα δεδομένα για την ύπαρξη και το ρόλο τους στις πρωτοπαθείς σπειραματοπάθειες των φυσικών νεφρών σπανίζουν. Μελετήσαμε για πρώτη φορά, συγκριτικά, την ανοσοϊστοχημική έκφραση των FOXP3+ Tregs, CD4+ και CD3+ T-λεμφοκύτταρων, στην IgA νεφροπάθεια (IgAN), την εστιακή τμηματική σπειραματοσκλήρυνση (FSGS) και τη μεμβρανώδη σπειραματοπάθεια (MGN) και διερευνήσαμε πιθανές συσχετίσεις με ιστολογικές και κλινικοεργαστηριακές παραμέτρους. Υλικό & Μέθοδος: Εξετάστηκαν αναδρομικά 71 νεφρικές βιοψίες (28 από ασθενείς με IgAN, 22 με FSGS και 21 με MGN), που διενεργήθηκαν με κύρια ένδειξη την πρωτεϊνουρία. Ποσοτικοποιήθηκαν τα FOXP3+ Tregs, CD4+ και CD3+ Τ-λεμφοκύτταρα στα φλεγμονώδη διηθήματα του διάμεσου ιστού και του περισπειραματικού χώρου, με τη χρήση ψηφιακού λογισμικού ανάλυσης εικόνας. Η στατιστική ανάλυση περιελάμβανε εφαρμογή μονοπαραγοντικής και πολυπαραγοντικής λογιστικής εξάρτησης.Αποτελέσματα: Πυρηνική FOXP3+ ανοσοϊστοχημική αντίδραση παρατηρήθηκε στα Τ-λεμφοκύτταρα στο 64% των περιπτώσεων IgAN, στο 77% των περιπτώσεων FSGS και στο 76% των περιπτώσεων MGN (p>0,05). Ο αριθμός των FOXP3+ Tregs ήταν υψηλότερος στο διάμεσο ιστό σε ασθενείς χωρίς υαλίνωση αρτηριολίων σε σύγκριση με αυτούς με τη βλάβη (1.814±2.160 έναντι 831±696, p=0,029). Σε ασθενείς με υψηλό λόγο FOXP3+/CD4+ στο διάμεσο ιστό ήταν σημαντικά πιο πιθανός ο MDRD eGFR≥60 ml/min/1,73m2 κατά τη βιοψία (OR=4,80, 95% CI=1.29–17,91, p=0.019).Συμπεράσματα: Η ενδονεφρική διήθηση από FOXP3+ Tregs στις πρωτοπαθείς σπειραματοπάθειες είναι συνήθης και η αυξημένη έκφρασή τους είναι πιθανό να σχετίζεται με ηπιότερες ιστολογικές αλλοιώσεις. Ο υψηλός λόγος FOXP3+/CD4+ στο διάμεσο ιστό μπορεί να αποτελέσει ανεξάρτητο προγνωστικό δείκτη καλύτερης νεφρικής λειτουργίας.