bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of decitabine-combined minimally myelosuppressive regimen bridged allo-HSCT on the outcomes of pediatric MDS from 10 years’ experience of a single center
Authors: Gao Junyan , Hu Yixin , Gao Li , Xiao Peifang , Lu Jun , Hu Shaoyan
Published: May 2022

Background

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a rare disease in children and the treatment option before the allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is rarely reported. Our main objective was to report our single-center experience with the DNA-hypomethylating agent, decitabine-combined minimally myelosuppressive regimen (DAC + MMR) bridged allo-HSCT in children with MDS.

Methods

Twenty-eight children with de novo MDS who underwent allo-HSCT between 2011 and 2020 were enrolled. Patients were divided into subgroups (refractory cytopenia of childhood [RCC] and advanced MDS [aMDS]) and treated by HSCT alone or pre-transplant combination treatment based on risk stratification. The patients’ clinical characteristics, treatment strategies and outcomes were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

Twenty patients with aMDS had received pre-transplant treatment (three were treated with decitabine alone, thirteen with DAC + MMR, and four with acute myeloid leukemia type [AML-type] induction therapy). DAC + MMR was well tolerated and the most common adverse events were myelosuppression and gastrointestinal reaction. DAC + MMR had shown an improved marrow complete remission (mCR) compared with AML-type chemotherapy (13/13, 100% versus 2/4, 50%, P = 0.044). The median follow-up for total cohort was 53.0 months (range, 2.3-127.0 months) and the 4-year overall survival (OS) was 71.4 ± 8.5%. In the subgroup of aMDS, pretreatment of DAC + MMR resulted in a much better survival rate than AML-type chemotherapy (84.6 ± 10.0% versus 0.0 ± 0.0%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The DAC + MMR bridged allo-HSCT may be recommended as a novel and effective approach.
A cross-sectional study of current and lifetime sexual hallucinations and delusions in Lebanese patients with schizophrenia: frequency, characterization, and association with childhood traumatic experiences and disease severity
Authors: Gerges Sarah , Haddad Chadia , Daoud Tracy , Tarabay Christina , Kossaify Mikhael , Haddad Georges , Hallit Souheil
Published: May 2022

Background

Till that date, a sparse body of research has been dedicated to perusing psychotic symptoms of sexual type, particularly in psychiatric populations. Our study’s objective was to delineate psychotic symptoms with a sexual content, namely sexual delusions and hallucinations, among inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia in Lebanon, and scrutinize their relationships with the severity of schizophrenia symptoms and childhood abusive events.

Methods

We conducted structured interviews with 167 chronic schizophrenia patients, who completed the Questionnaire for Psychotic Symptoms with a Sexual Content, the Child Abuse Self-Report Scale, and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale.

Results

36.5% and 50.3% of the participants screened positive for current and lifetime episodes of sexual delusions and/or hallucinations, respectively. Alcohol drinking (aOR (adjusted odds ratio)current = 2.17; aORLifetime = 2.86) and increased psychological (aORcurrent = 1.09; aORLifetime = 1.09) and sexual (aORcurrent = 1.23; aORLifetime = 1.70) abuse were significantly associated with higher chances of experiencing current and lifetime sexual hallucinations and/or delusions. Additionally, an increased severity of schizophrenia symptoms (aOR = 1.02) was significantly associated with higher chances of current sexual hallucinations and/or delusions, whereas having a university level of education compared to primary (aOR = 0.15) was significantly associated with lower odds of current sexual hallucinations and/or delusions.

Conclusion

In sum, our findings suggest that sexual psychotic symptoms are prevalent in chronic schizophrenia patients, providing support for their associations with antecedents of childhood traumatic experiences, illness severity, and substance use disorders. They endorse the vitalness of preventive measures against abuse, in order to circumvent such phenomenological outcomes. Our study offers the first data on sexual hallucinations and delusions in a non-Western psychiatric population, thus allowing clinicians and researchers to draw featural comparisons across different cultural settings.
Oil–water partition coefficient preparation and detection in the dihydroartemisinin self-emulsifying drug delivery system
Authors: Wang Yunhong , Chen Jingcai , Yang Yang , Gao Sijia , Wang Zhuzhu , Liu Yating , Zhang Xiaomei , Hua Lei , Guo Yanlei , Yang Yong
Published: May 2022

Background

The aim of the present study is to increase the solubility of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) using the self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS).

Methods

We first conducted solubility test and ternary phase diagram, then, in order to optimize the formulation of the DHA self-emulsifying agent, the design mixture method was selected in the design expert software. Next, optimal prescription validation and preliminary formulation evaluation were conducted. By comparing the oil–water partition coefficient in vitro, the improvement of the in vivo osmotic absorption of DHA via self-emulsification was evaluated.

Results

The optimal prescription ratio of oleic acid polyethylene glycol glyceride, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, and diethylene glycol monoethyl ether in the DHA self-emulsifying preparation = 0.511:0.2:0.289 (w/w/w), with a drug-loading capacity of 26.3634 mg/g, solubility of 2.5448 mg/ml, and self-emulsification time of 230 s. The solubility self-emulsification was approximately 20.52 × higher in DHA than in the crude drug. The self-emulsification could improve DHA permeability and promoting in vivo DHA absorption.

Conclusion

The DHA SEDDS could significantly improve DHA solubility and in vivo absorption.
Patients' perceptions of the quality of nursing services
Authors: Yusefi Ali Reza , Sarvestani Shakiba Rohani , Kavosi Zahra , Bahmaei Jamshid , Mehrizi Morteza Mortazavi , Mehralian Gholamhossein
Published: May 2022

Introduction

The quality of nursing services is one of the main factors accelerating patients' recovery. The present study aimed to examine patients' perceptions of the quality of nursing services in the teaching hospitals of Iran.

Methods

This cross-sectional research was a descriptive-analytical study conducted in 2021, in which 1067 patients were selected as the research sample. The Qualipak nursing quality questionnaire (QUALPAC) was used to collect the required data. Data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient using SPSS software version 23.

Results

From the patients' perspective, the mean and standard deviation of the quality of nursing services was 191.47 ± 19.51. Among the quality dimensions, all services quality: psychosocial (91.34 ± 9.34), physical (65.72 ± 10.18), and communication (34.41 ± 6.21) were placed at the moderate level. A significant association was found between patients’ age and nursing service quality. The perceived nursing service quality was subject to sex (P = 0.01, t = 1.921) and place of residence (P = 0.02, t = 1.873).

Conclusion

According to the findings, the quality of nurses 'care was "moderate" from the patients' perspectives. Planning is recommended to reinforce and promote the quality of nursing services.
A new survey tool for evaluating pandemic preparedness in health services
Authors: McGill Nicole , Weller-Newton Jennifer , Lees Catherine
Published: May 2022

Background

Rapid decision-making with limited resources and prior research to draw upon posed challenges for health service leaders globally when preparing for COVID-19. How do health services prepare for a pandemic and evaluate if the preparation has been effective? This study aimed to explore health workers’ perceptions and knowledge regarding preparedness for COVID-19 at a regional health service in Australia.

Methods

A 32-item online survey was developed to evaluate preparedness across five scales: 1) Clinical, 2) Communication, 3) Environment, 4) Human Resources, and 5) General Preparedness. Data were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric statistics and qualitative content analysis.

Results

Ninety-three employees completed the survey, with most working in clinical roles (58.1%). Respondents largely felt the health service was well-prepared (84.0%) and they were personally prepared (74.4%) to respond to COVID-19. Clinical and communication scale scores varied by role type. Respondents faced personal risk and resource shortages impacted their sense of safety; others felt adequately supported.

Conclusions

A coordinated “whole hospital response”, accessible and inclusive communication, education, adequate resourcing, and employee wellbeing supports are necessary when preparing health services for sentinel events. This survey tool offers health services an approach to evaluating pandemic preparation. Continued advocacy for resources and wellbeing needs of health workers is paramount in future preparations.
Thoracic epidural anaesthesia vs intrathecal morphine in dogs undergoing major thoracic and abdominal surgery: clinical study
Authors: Lardone E. , Sarotti D. , Giacobino D. , Ferraris E. , Franci P.
Published: May 2022

Background

There is scant clinical research on neuraxial analgesia in dogs undergoing major surgery. With this study we compared the perioperative analgesic effects of thoracic epidural anaesthesia (TEA) and intrathecal morphine (ITM) in dogs scheduled for thoracic or cranial abdominal surgery. The dogs received methadone and dexmedetomidine, were anaesthetized with propofol maintained with sevoflurane, and randomly assigned to receive either TEA (ropivacaine 0.5% at 0.2 mg/kg and morphine 0.1 mg/kg administered at T12-T13) or ITM (morphine 30 μg/kg administered at L6-L7). Intraoperative rescue analgesia (iRA) was fentanyl 1 μg/kg administered if heart rate or mean arterial pressure increased by 30% above the pre-stimulation level. Glasgow Pain Composite Scale score (GPCS) dictated the use of postoperative rescue analgesia (pRA) with methadone 0.2 mg/kg.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference in iRA, median time to first fentanyl bolus, median fentanyl dose after surgical opening, and median GPCS score at 30 minutes (min), 1 ,2, 4, 6, and 8 hours (h) between the two groups (p<0.001;p<0.001;p<0.001;p<0.01;p<0.01;p<0.001;p<0.01;p=0.01;p=0.01, respectively). Fewer TEA than ITM group dogs required iRA during surgical opening and pRA: 5% (1/18) and 2/18 (11%), respectively, in the TEA and 83% (16/18) and 10/18 (55%), respectively, in the ITM group. Side effects were urinary retention in 3/18 (16%) TEA group dogs and 2/18 (11%) ITM group dogs and prolonged sedation in 2/18 (11%) in ITM group dogs.

TEA and ITM were effective in managing perioperative pain in dogs undergoing thoracic or cranial abdominal surgery.
Safety of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with allergic diseases
Authors: Cao Chao , Qiu Feng , Lou Chengcheng , Fang Lingling , Liu Fang , Zhong Jingjing , Sun Weijie , Ding Weiping , Yu Xiaopin , Xu Qinhong , Wang Ran , Ruan Liemin , Song Qifa
Published: May 2022

Background

Considering the considerable prevalence of allergic disease in the general population, an urgent need exists for inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines that can be safely administered to those subjects.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study including 1926 participants who received inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, compared their local and systemic reactions in 7 days after each dose of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, and anti–SARS-CoV-2 IgG after vaccination in all participants.

Results

Pain at the injection site within seven days after the first injection was the most commonly reported local reaction, occurring in 31.0% of the patients with allergic disease and 18.9% in the control group, respectively (P < 0.001). After the first dose, systemic events were more frequently reported in patients with allergic disease than control group (30.2% vs. 22.9%, P < 0.001). After the second dose, systemic events occurred less often, affecting 17.1% of the patients with allergic disease and 11.1% of the control group (P < 0.002). The occurrence of fatigue, vertigo, diarrhea, skin rash, sore throat were the most frequent systemic reactions. Overall, a lower incidence of local and systemic reactive events was observed after the second dose than the first dose in patients with allergic disease and control group. Nearly all participants had positive IgG antibodies, and participants with allergic disease had higher frequencies compared with control group (100.0 vs.99.4%).

Conclusions

Although local and systemic reactions were more frequently reported in patients with allergic disease than control group, administration of the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine was safe and well tolerated by all participants; no participants experienced a serious adverse event, and none were hospitalized.

Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100048549. Registered Jul 10, 2021.
AP4 suppresses DNA damage, chromosomal instability and senescence via inducing MDC1/Mediator of DNA damage Checkpoint 1 and repressing MIR22HG/miR-22-3p
Authors: Chou Jinjiang , Kaller Markus , Jaeckel Stephanie , Rokavec Matjaz , Hermeking Heiko
Published: May 2022

Background

AP4 (TFAP4) encodes a basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (bHLH-LZ) transcription factor and is a direct target gene of the oncogenic transcription factor c-MYC. Here, we set out to determine the relevance of AP4 in human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells.

Methods

A CRISPR/Cas9 approach was employed to generate AP4-deficient CRC cell lines with inducible expression of c-MYC. Colony formation, β-gal staining, immunofluorescence, comet and homologous recombination (HR) assays and RNA-Seq analysis were used to determine the effects of AP4 inactivation. qPCR and qChIP analyses was performed to validate differentially expressed AP4 targets. Expression data from CRC cohorts was subjected to bioinformatics analyses. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate AP4 targets in vivo. Ap4-deficient APCmin/+ mice were analyzed to determine conservation. Immunofluorescence, chromosome and micronuclei enumeration, MTT and colony formation assays were used to determine the effects of AP4 inactivation and target gene regulation on chromosomal instability (CIN) and drug sensitivity.

Results

Inactivation of AP4 in CRC cell lines resulted in increased spontaneous and c-MYC-induced DNA damage, chromosomal instability (CIN) and cellular senescence. AP4-deficient cells displayed increased expression of the long non-coding RNA MIR22HG, which encodes miR-22-3p and was directly repressed by AP4. Furthermore, Mediator of DNA damage Checkpoint 1 (MDC1), a central component of the DNA damage response and a known target of miR-22-3p, displayed decreased expression in AP4-deficient cells. Accordingly, MDC1 was directly induced by AP4 and indirectly by AP4-mediated repression of miR-22-3p. Adenomas and organoids from Ap4-deficient APCmin/+ mice displayed conservation of these regulations. Inhibition of miR-22-3p or ectopic MDC1 expression reversed the increased senescence, DNA damage, CIN and defective HR observed in AP4-deficient CRC cells. AP4-deficiency also sensitized CRC cells to 5-FU treatment, whereas ectopic AP4 conferred resistance to 5-FU in a miR-22-3p and MDC1-dependent manner.

Conclusions

In summary, AP4, miR-22-3p and MDC1 form a conserved and coherent, regulatory feed-forward loop to promote DNA repair, which suppresses DNA damage, senescence and CIN, and contributes to 5-FU resistance. These findings explain how elevated AP4 expression contributes to development and chemo-resistance of colorectal cancer after c-MYC activation.

Graphical abstract
GPR120 modulates epileptic seizure and neuroinflammation mediated by NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Qin Zhangjin , Song Jiaqi , Lin Aolei , Yang Wei , Zhang Wenbo , Zhong Fuxin , Huang Lihong , Lü Yang , Yu Weihua
Published: May 2022

Background

The complex pathophysiology of epilepsy hampers the development of effective treatments. Although more than ten kinds of anti-seizures drugs (ASDs) have good effects on seizure control worldwide, about 30% of patients still display pharmacoresistance against ASDs. Neuroinflammation seems to play a crucial role in disease progression. G protein-coupled receptor 120 (GPR120) has been shown to negatively regulate inflammation and apoptosis. However, the role of GPR120 in epilepsy remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the mechanism of GPR120 in epilepsy.

Methods

Male adult C57BL/6 mice were intracranially injected with kainic acid (KA) to establish epilepsy model, and the adeno associated virus (AAV) was administered intracranially at 3 weeks before KA injection. VX765 was administered by intragastric administration at 30 min before KA induced and an equal dose administrated twice a day (10 a.m. and 4 p.m.) lasting 7 days until the mice were killed. Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence staining, video monitoring of seizure, LFP recording, Nissl staining were performed.

Results

GPR120 was increased in both the hippocampus and cortex in the KA-induced model with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), and both were most highly expressed at 7 days after KA injection. Overexpression of GPR120 significantly alleviated epileptic activity, reduced neuronal death after status epilepticus (SE), downregulated the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, whereas knockdown GPR120 showed the opposite effect. The effects of GPR120 knockdown were reversed by VX765 inhibition cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1).

Conclusion

GPR120 modulates epileptic seizure activity and affects neuronal survival in KA-induced mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Furthermore, GPR120 regulated neuroinflammation in epileptic animals through NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β signaling pathway.
Activation of locus coeruleus-spinal cord noradrenergic neurons alleviates neuropathic pain in mice via reducing neuroinflammation from astrocytes and microglia in spinal dorsal horn
Authors: Li Juan , Wei Yiyong , Zhou Junli , Zou Helin , Ma Lulin , Liu Chengxi , Xiao Zhi , Liu Xingfeng , Tan Xinran , Yu Tian , Cao Song
Published: May 2022

Background

The noradrenergic neurons of locus coeruleus (LC) project to the spinal dorsal horn (SDH), and release norepinephrine (NE) to inhibit pain transmission. However, its effect on pathological pain and the cellular mechanism in the SDH remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the analgesic effects and the anti-neuroinflammation mechanism of LC-spinal cord noradrenergic pathway (LC:SC) in neuropathic pain (NP) mice with sciatic chronic constriction injury.

Methods

The Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADD) was used to selectively activate LC:SC. Noradrenergic neuron-specific retro–adeno-associated virus was injected to the spinal cord. Pain threshold, LC and wide dynamic range (WDR) neuron firing, neuroinflammation (microglia and astrocyte activation, cytokine expression), and α2AR expression in SDH were evaluated.

Results

Activation of LC:SC with DREADD increased the mechanical and thermal nociceptive thresholds and reduced the WDR neuron firing. LC:SC activation (daily, 7 days) downregulated TNF-α and IL-1β expression, upregulated IL-4 and IL-10 expression in SDH, and inhibited microglia and astrocytes activation in NP mice. Immunofluorescence double staining confirmed that LC:SC activation decreased the expression of cytokines in microglia of the SDH. In addition, the effects of LC:SC activation could be reversed by intrathecal injection of yohimbine. Immunofluorescence of SDH showed that NE receptor α2B-AR was highly expressed in microglia in CCI mice.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that selective activation of LC:SC alleviates NP in mice by increasing the release of NE and reducing neuroinflammation of astrocytes and microglia in SDH.
Prone positioning improves ventilation–perfusion matching assessed by electrical impedance tomography in patients with ARDS: a prospective physiological study
Authors: Wang Yu-xian , Zhong Ming , Dong Min-hui , Song Jie-qiong , Zheng Yi-jun , Wu Wei , Tao Jia-le , Zhu Ling , Zheng Xin
Published: May 2022

Background

The physiological effects of prone ventilation in ARDS patients have been discussed for a long time but have not been fully elucidated. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) has emerged as a tool for bedside monitoring of pulmonary ventilation and perfusion, allowing the opportunity to obtain data. This study aimed to investigate the effect of prone positioning (PP) on ventilation–perfusion matching by contrast-enhanced EIT in patients with ARDS.

Design

Monocenter prospective physiologic study.

Setting

University medical ICU.

Patients

Ten mechanically ventilated ARDS patients who underwent PP.

Interventions

We performed EIT evaluation at the initiation of PP, 3 h after PP initiation and the end of PP during the first PP session.

Measurements and main results

The regional distribution of ventilation and perfusion was analyzed based on EIT images and compared to the clinical variables regarding respiratory and hemodynamic status. Prolonged prone ventilation improved oxygenation in the ARDS patients. Based on EIT measurements, the distribution of ventilation was homogenized and dorsal lung ventilation was significantly improved by PP administration, while the effect of PP on lung perfusion was relatively mild, with increased dorsal lung perfusion observed. The ventilation–perfusion matched region was found to increase and correlate with the increased PaO2/FiO2 by PP, which was attributed mainly to reduced shunt in the lung.

Conclusions

Prolonged prone ventilation increased dorsal ventilation and perfusion, which resulted in improved ventilation–perfusion matching and oxygenation.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04725227. Registered on 25 January 2021.
Attractive study of the antimicrobial, antiviral, and cytotoxic activity of novel synthesized silver chromite nanocomposites
Authors: Sayed Mohsen A. , El-Rahman Tahany M. A. Abd , Abdelsalam H. K. , Ali Ahmed M. , Hamdy Mayar M. , Badr Yara A. , Rahman Nada H. Abd El- , El-Latif Sabah M. Abd , Mostafa Sara H. , Mohamed Sondos S. , Ali Ziad M. , El-Bassuony Asmaa A. H.
Published: May 2022

Antibiotic resistance is a global problem. This is the reason why scientists search for alternative treatments. In this regard, seven novel silver chromite nanocomposites were synthesized and assayed to evaluate their antimicrobial, antiviral, and cytotoxic activity. Five bacterial species were used in this study: three Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, and Staphylococcus aureus) and two Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica). Three fungal species were also tested: Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and A. flavus. The MIC of the tested compounds was determined using the bifold serial dilution method. The tested compounds showed good antibacterial activity. Maximum antibacterial activity was attained in the case of 15 N [Cobalt Ferrite (0.3 CoFe2O4) + Silver chromite (0.7 Ag0.5Cr2.5O4)] against M. luteus. Concerning antifungal activity, C. albicans was the most susceptible fungal species. The maximum inhibition was recorded also in case of 15 N [Cobalt Ferrite (0.3 CoFe2O4) + Silver chromite (0.7 Ag0.5Cr2.5O4)]. The most promising antimicrobial compound 15 N [Cobalt Ferrite (0.3 CoFe2O4) + Silver chromite (0.7 Ag0.5Cr2.5O4)] was assayed for its antiviral and cytotoxic activity. The tested compound showed weak antiviral activity. The cytotoxic activity against Mammalian cells from African Green Monkey Kidney (Vero) cells was detected. The inhibitory effect against Hepatocellular carcinoma cells was detected using a MTT assay. The antimicrobial effect of the tested compounds depends on the tested microbial species. The tested compounds could be attractive and alternative antibacterial compounds that open a new path in chemotherapy.
In situ green synthesis of Cu-doped ZnO based polymers nanocomposite with studying antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities
Authors: Al-Rajhi Aisha M. H. , Yahya Rana , Bakri Marwah M. , Yahya Reham , Abdelghany T. M.
Published: May 2022

The use of eco-friendly methods for the synthesis of nanoparticles and its nano-composite has become a public demand nowadays to reduce the risks of chemical methods. In the current study, green synthesis of Cu-doped ZnO based polymers nan-ocomposite was performed. Various instrumental analysis including UV–vis, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, SEM coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis, TEM and Thermal gravimetric were used to characterize nano-composite. Highly antibacterial activity of the synthesized nano-composite was recorded against tested microorganisms with promising efficacy against bacteria namely;Bacillus subtilis,Staphylococcus aureus,Enterococcus faecalis,Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Escherichia coli,Salmonella typhimuriumand yeast (Candida albicans) but unfortunately not against black fungus (Mucor circinelloides) and filamentous fungiAspergillus flavusandA. niger.Anti-inflammatory of nano-composite represented by hemolysis inhibition was observed at using low concentration (100 µg/mL) with enhancing 23.85% compared with free nano-composite while at high concentrations 500 and1000 µg/mL the anti-inflammatory activity was approximately similar with enhancing 3.91% and 1.99%, respectively. Antioxidant of the nano-composite was better than the antioxidant of free nano-composite at all tested concentrations, moreover the IC50of the nano-composite (91.16 µg/mL) was less than the IC50, (203.65 µg/mL) of the free nano-composite.
Associations between circadian misalignment and telomere length in BD: an actigraphy study
Authors: Spano Luana , Hennion Vincent , Marie-Claire Cynthia , Bellivier Frank , Scott Jan , Etain Bruno
Published: May 2022

Background

Life expectancy is significantly decreased in bipolar disorder (BD). This is associated with accelerated cellular aging which can be estimated by telomere length (TL). However, specific determinants of shorter TL in BD are under-explored. This study examines whether circadian misalignment (i.e. mismatch between preferred and actual phase of circadian activity rhythms) is associated with shorter TL in BD.

Methods

Euthymic individuals with BD (n = 101) undertook 21 consecutive days of actigraphy recording and completed the Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM) to assess phase preference for activities (chronotype). Polymerase chain reaction was used to measure TL in blood. Cluster analysis identified circadian aligned/misaligned subgroups as defined by preferred (CSM score) and actual phases of activity (actigraphically determined onset of active and inactive periods). We tested for any associations between TL and clusters, with adjustments for between-cluster differences in socio-demographic and illness factors.

Results

We identified three clusters: an "Aligned Morning" cluster (n = 31) with preferred and actual timing of activity in the morning, an "Aligned Evening" cluster (n = 37) with preferred and actual timing of activity in the evening and a "Misaligned" cluster (n = 32) with an evening chronotype, but an earlier objective onset of active periods. After adjustment for confounders, we found that TL was significantly associated with circadian misalignment and older age.

Conclusions

Circadian misalignment may partly explain shorter TL in BD and could contribute to accelerated aging in these individuals.
Identification of different parts of Panax notoginseng based on terahertz spectroscopy
Authors: Bin Li , Zhao-yang Han , Hui-zhou Cai , A-kun Yang , Ai-guo Ou Yang
Published: May 2022

In this paper, the combined terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) and chemometrics method is proposed to identify four different parts of Panax notoginseng rapidly and nondestructively. The research objects of the taproot, scissor, rib, and hairy root of P. notoginseng are taken. The refractive index, absorption coefficient, time-domain, and frequency-domain spectra of the samples are analyzed. It is found that the terahertz spectra of different parts of P. notoginseng are significantly different, so the absorption coefficient of samples is selected to establish models. Firstly, the baseline correction, multiple scattering correction, and normalization algorithms are used to preprocess the absorption coefficient in 0.5–2.0 THz to remove noise. Then, the Kennard–Stone (KS) algorithm is used to divide the model set and the prediction set at the ratio of 3:1, and the successive projection algorithm (SPA) is used to select the characteristic frequency points of the samples. Finally, the chosen characteristic variables are input into the support vector machine (SVM) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) algorithm to establish the qualitative analysis models, respectively. In the SPA-SVM models, the performance of the SPA-SVM model under the linear kernel function by baseline is best, the accuracy of the training set of it is 99.50%, and the accuracy of the test set of it is 99.25%. In the SPA-LDA models, the performance of the SPA-LDA model by baseline is best, and the accuracy of the training set of it is 100%, and the accuracy of the test set of it is 100%. And the value of cumulative variance contribution is proposed to assess whether the variable is good or bad to model. The results show that the combined THz-TDS and chemometrics method can be used to realize rapid, accurate, and nondestructive identification of different parts of P. notoginseng.
Medial meniscus extrusion and varus tilt of joint line convergence angle increase stress in the medial compartment of the knee joint in the knee extension position -finite element analysis-
Authors: Kozaki Takuhei , Fukui Daisuke , Yamamoto Ei , Nishiyama Daisuke , Yamanaka Manabu , Murata Akimasa , Yamada Hiroshi
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Although it has been recognized that the medial meniscus extrusion (MME) leads to progressive cartilage loss and osteoarthritis (OA), about 20% of cases with MME had minor symptoms and poor progression of knee OA. However, it is still unclear which patients will have minimal symptoms or will not progress to degeneration. The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of the relationship between the MME and Joint line convergence angle (JLCA) on knee stress with the finite element (FE) analysis method.

Methods

The 65 year-old female was taken computer tomography (CT) from thigh to ankle. A 3-dimentional nonlinear FE model was constructed from the patient’s DICOM data. We made the six models, which was different from JLCA and MME. Contact stresses on the surfaces between femoral and tibial cartilages and both side of meniscus are analyzed.

Results

As the JLCA or MME increased, the stress load on the medial compartment increased. The effect of MME was stronger on the femoral side, while the effect of JLCA was stronger for the tibia and meniscus. If the JLCA was tilted valgus, the stress in the medial compartment did not increase even in the presence of MME.

Conclusions

This study revealed that the MME is associated with increased a stress loading on medial compartment structures. Furthermore, this change was enhanced by the varus tilt of the JLCA. In the case of valgus alignment, the contact pressure of the medial compartment did not increase so much even if with the MME.

Level of evidence

Level V
Activation-induced pyroptosis contributes to the loss of MAIT cells in chronic HIV-1 infected patients
Authors: Xia Peng , Xing Xu-Dong , Yang Cui-Xian , Liao Xue-Jiao , Liu Fu-Hua , Huang Hui-Huang , Zhang Chao , Song Jin-Wen , Jiao Yan-Mei , Shi Ming , Jiang Tian-Jun , Zhou Chun-Bao , Wang Xi-Cheng , He Qing , Zeng Qing-Lei , Wang Fu-Sheng , Zhang Ji-Yuan
Published: May 2022

Background

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are systemically depleted in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infected patients and are not replenished even after successful combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). This study aimed to identify the mechanism underlying MAIT cell depletion.

Methods

In the present study, we applied flow cytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing and immunohistochemical staining to evaluate the characteristics of pyroptotic MAIT cells in a total of 127 HIV-1 infected individuals, including 69 treatment-naive patients, 28 complete responders, 15 immunological non-responders, and 15 elite controllers, at the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.

Results

Single-cell transcriptomic profiles revealed that circulating MAIT cells from HIV-1 infected subjects were highly activated, with upregulation of pyroptosis-related genes. Further analysis revealed that increased frequencies of pyroptotic MAIT cells correlated with markers of systemic T-cell activation, microbial translocation, and intestinal damage in cART-naive patients and poor CD4+T-cell recovery in long-term cART patients. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that MAIT cells in the gut mucosa of HIV-1 infected patients exhibited a strong active gasdermin-D (GSDMD, marker of pyroptosis) signal near the cavity side, suggesting that these MAIT cells underwent active pyroptosis in the colorectal mucosa. Increased levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-18 were observed in HIV-1 infected patients. In addition, activated MAIT cells exhibited an increased pyroptotic phenotype after being triggered by HIV-1 virions, T-cell receptor signals, IL-12 plus IL-18, and combinations of these factors, in vitro.

Conclusions

Activation-induced MAIT cell pyroptosis contributes to the loss of MAIT cells in HIV-1 infected patients, which could potentiate disease progression and poor immune reconstitution.
Stepped-care cognitive behaviour therapy program for treating cancer-related fatigue: protocol for a feasibility study
Authors: Williams Lauren K. , Ftanou Maria , Pearson Elizabeth J.
Published: May 2022

Background

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a commonly experienced and often debilitating side effect of cancer treatment that can persist for years after treatment completion. The benefits of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for CRF are well established; however, these interventions are typically not included in standard clinical care. Traditional CBT is resource-intensive, limiting implementation in hospital settings. Stepped-care approaches can offer benefits to more people, using the same personnel as traditional models.

Method/design

This is a single-arm feasibility study. Fifty people with a cancer diagnosis, at least 12 weeks post-treatment or on long-term maintenance treatment, with persistent CRF that is affecting daily activities, will enrol in a stepped-care CBT program. Intervention: The stepped-care program involves two steps. Step 1: All participants begin with a 5-week supported self-management CBT progam targeting fatigue. Step 2: If fatigue remains severe or has changed less than the minimal clinically important difference on the fatigue measure after step 1, participants will be offered four sessions of therapist-directed group CBT. Measures: Participants will complete questionnaires at baseline and 6 and 10 weeks. The primary outcome is feasibility of the REFRESH program. The implementation evaluation comprises acceptability, satisfaction, appropriateness, and feasibility of the study intervention, along with administrative data including cost, processes, procedures and implementation. Secondary outcomes are changes in fatigue, quality of life and self-efficacy.

Conclusion

The REFRESH program will be the first stepped-care CBT intervention for persistent CRF in Australia. Assessing feasibility of REFRESH is an important first step to establishing future implementation and efficacy.
Development and validation of a disease-specific quality of life questionnaire for patients with peripheral artery disease (QOLPAD)
Authors: Arman Ebru-Berrin , Augustin Matthias , Mohr Nicole , Debus Sebastian E. , Breuer Peter , Blome Christine
Published: May 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a short and feasible questionnaire to measure health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). The content of the new instrument is intended to correspond with the simultaneously developed instrument Patient Benefit Index for PAD (PBI-PAD), which evaluates treatment goals and benefits in this patient group.

Methods

Fifty patients stated their disease burden on free-text questionnaires, which was used by an interdisciplinary expert panel to develop 12 items for the new instrument, named Quality of Life questionnaire for patients with peripheral artery disease (QOLPAD). The validity of the instrument was tested in patients from Germany with PAD stages I to IV who completed the QOLPAD, EuroQol questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L; EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ VAS)), and Vascular Quality of Life questionnaire (VascuQoL) before (baseline) and three months after (follow-up) treatment.

Results

One hundred and three patients were included at baseline (mean age: 68.6 years; 68% male), among whom, 57 provided data at follow-up. Most patients (86.4%) rated the completion of QOLPAD as being easy. Internal consistency was satisfactory, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.74 (baseline) and 0.84 (follow-up). Convergent validity was indicated by significant correlations with the EQ-5D-3L (baseline: − 0.62; follow-up: − 0.81), EQ VAS (baseline: − 0.44, follow-up: − 0.79), VascuQoL global score (baseline: − 0.77; follow-up: − 0.87), global rating of impairment (baseline: 0.64; follow-up: 0.71), and PAD stage (baseline: 0.40; follow-up: 0.67). Sensitivity to change was confirmed by significant correlations of change in the QOLPAD with changes in convergent criteria; however, the high number of dropouts limits the generalizability of this finding.

Conclusion

This study provided evidence that the QOLPAD is internally consistent and valid in patients receiving treatment for PAD in Germany.
Evaluating the potential application of palmprint creases density for sex determination: an exploratory study
Authors: Yaacob Roszaharah , Hadi Helmi , Ibrahim Haidi , Zakaria Yusmazura , Nik Hassan Nik Fakhuruddin
Published: May 2022

Background

Identification of sex plays a vital role in forensic and medicolegal investigations. Although several studies were conducted in the past to assess sexual dimorphism in friction ridge skin characteristics, a similar study has not been attempted using creases characteristics. The present study was carried out to determine the sex differences based on creases density among the Malaysian population. A novel method was proposed by measuring creases density in 2 cm × 2 cm square at the hypothenar region on the right palmprints to evaluate its feasibility for sex discrimination purposes. A total of 150 subjects were investigated in this study.

Results

Results revealed that significant differences were observed in the creases density for males and females. Palmprint mean creases density of 3.46 creases/cm2 and 5.73 creases/cm2 were calculated in male and female subjects, respectively. Results indicated that females tended to have a significantly higher creases density than males in the selected region. Analysis using the independent sample t-test demonstrated that the creases density of males and females was significantly different (p < 0.001), with mean differences ranging between −2.90 and −1.65.

Conclusions

It is evident that palmprint creases density is a potential indicator for sex determination.
Embolisation of an aneurysmal high-flow renal arteriovenous fistula in a paediatric patient: simultaneous arterial and venous approach
Authors: Fung Kin Fen Kevin , Wong Sze Wah , Chan Eugene Yu-hin , Cheng Ka-king , Cho Hing-Yan , Kan Elaine Yee-Ling , Ma Alison Lap Tak
Published: May 2022

Background

A large aneurysmal renal arteriovenous fistula (AVF) can cause hypokalaemic hypertension due to activation of renin-aldosterone system due to steal effect from renal parenchyma. In comparison to nephrectomy, endovascular embolisation of renal AVF is minimally invasive and can be nephron sparing, thus preserving renal function. However, such embolisation is technically challenging and can be associated with high risk of embolic migration.

Case presentation

We present a case of successful embolisation of a large aneurysmal renal AVF in a 11-year-old girl. The AVF was initially treated with coil embolization via transarterial route, resulting in partial migration of coil into inferior vena cava. After removal of the migrated coil via transvenous snaring, coils were deployed simultaneously via transarterial and transvenous routes to prevent migration. AVF flow dampened but residual flow persisted at 1 month follow up. A second embolization session with additional coil deployment and N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) injection resulted in successful occlusion of the AVF. At 3 months follow up, the girl’s blood pressure and serum potassium level have normalized without need of antihypertensive agent or potassium supplements.

Conclusion

Endovascular embolisation can be an effective nephron sparing treatment for large aneurysmal renal AVF. This is particularly important in paediatric patients as most renal function can be preserved with their expected longer life span. Risk of coil migration can be controlled by simultaneous transarterial and transvenous deployment. Complete occlusion of AVF can be aided by additional use of NBCA.
Comparison of exercise and physical activity routine and health status among apparently healthy Nigerian adults before and during COVID-19 lockdown: a self-report by social media users
Authors: Ewah Patrick Ayi , Oyeyemi Adetoyeje Y , Oyeyemi Adewale L , Oghumu Saturday N , Awhen Peter Agba , Ogaga Mary , Edet Lucy Inyang
Published: May 2022

Background

COVID-19 is a pandemic that ravaged the world in manners that were never seen in the recent past, and one of the measures to stem the tide of this ravaging pandemic is a stay-at-home order referred to as lockdown. This study compares the physical activity status and perceived health of Nigerians before and during the lockdown.

Results

Social media platform users (n = 205) were surveyed using a two-part questionnaire. The first part elicited the sociodemographic characteristics of the subject. In the second part, information about their exercise and physical activity, general health, and economic palliatives as offered by the government, non-governmental organizations, and philanthropists were elicited. The frequency of exercise was significantly more (p < 0.05) during the lockdown than before the lockdown. The duration and intensity of the exercise per week were comparable. There was also a negative relationship between the body mass index, frequency, and duration of exercise before and during the lockdown. The subjects perceived their health as worse during (3.70 ± 1.05) the lockdown than before (3.95 ± 0.97) lockdown (Z = − 3.69, p = 0.00).

Conclusion

Overall, for these cohorts of social media platform users, lockdown did not adversely affect their exercise routine. It is recommended that there should be specific recommendation on exercise as an important Instrumental Activity of Daily Living [IADL]. Therefore, while this pandemic lockdown lasts and beyond, the safety measures to follow while partaking in this IADL should be included in the public health recommendation.
Using qualitative comparative analysis to uncover multiple pathways to program sustainment: implications for community-based youth substance misuse prevention
Authors: Cooper Brittany Rhoades , Hill Laura G. , Parker Louise , Jenkins Garrett J. , Shrestha Gitanjali , Funaiole Angie
Published: May 2022

Background

In order to achieve wide-scale impact in community settings, programs must be sustained. Theory and empirical evidence suggest that intervention characteristics, organizational context, capacity for program implementation, and processes related to implementation are associated with continued program delivery. However, few studies examine how combinations of these factors work together in different settings to influence program sustainment.

Methods

Using scales specified in the Program Sustainability Assessment Tool (PSAT), the current cross-sectional study aims to identify the necessary and sufficient conditions for the sustainment of the Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth 10-14 (SFP 10-14). Staff (n = 59) at SFP 10-14 implementation sites across Washington State completed an online survey reporting on their current level of SFP 10-14 sustainment. They also completed PSAT, with eight scales designed to assess conditions that consistently produce sustainment. Data were analyzed using qualitative comparative analysis.

Results

Environmental support was the only necessary condition for sustainment success. Four solutions sufficient to achieve sustainment were also identified. These included the combined presence of (1) environmental support, organizational capacity, and funding stability; (2) environmental support, organizational capacity, communication, and program evaluation, in the absence of strategic planning; (3) environmental support, organizational capacity, program evaluation, and partnerships, in the absence of strategic planning; and (4) environmental support, communication, partnerships, and funding stability, in the absence of program evaluation.

Conclusions

Environmental support in combination with organizational capacity appeared to most consistently produce sustainment of SFP 10-14 programs in Washington State. Program providers will benefit from a focusing on enhancing those conditions to increase program sustainment.
Fault surface extraction from a global perspective
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Zhou Ruoshui , Zhan Xianglin , Cai Hanpeng , Yao Xingmiao , Hu Guangmin
Published: May 2022

Fault surface extraction plays a vital role in structural interpretation and structural modeling, which can enhance our understanding of geologic structures. Significant effort has been invested in fault surface extraction in the past few years. These contributions can be roughly divided into two types: one constructs fault sticks or fault patches and links them to form fault surfaces, and the other constructs a complete fault surface by roughly determining the location of a fault. The former is likely to extract incomplete fault surfaces in areas with low data quality or complex fault structures. The latter has problems dealing with faults in the case of complex fault structures, such as intersecting faults. To effectively address these problems, we have developed a novel fault extraction workflow from a global perspective, which can extract fault surfaces on the premise of obtaining the fault distribution of the entire data set. First, we introduce a multilayer complex network to characterize the overall distribution of faults, in which nodes represent faults, node attributes cover information, such as the location of the faults, and edge attributes give the relationship between faults. Then, for each fault represented by the node, we develop a fault surface extraction method based on computational topology, which can guarantee the completeness of the fault surfaces. We apply our method to synthetic data and field seismic data to evaluate the method quantitatively and qualitatively, respectively. The results indicate that the proposed approach extracts the fault effectively, ensures the completeness of the fault surface, and has high performance in areas with complex faults. Thus, the approach can work well in complex situations, such as intersecting faults.