bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deletion allele of Apo B gene is associated with higher inflammation, oxidative stress and dyslipidemia in obese type 2 diabetic patients: an analytical cross-sectional study
Authors: Mokhtary Nasim , Mousavi Seyedeh Neda , Sotoudeh Gity , Qorbani Mostafa , Dehghani Maryam , Koohdani Fariba
Published: March 2022

Background

We decided to compare some inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers, as well as lipid profiles between the obese and non-obese patients with type 2 diabetes considering ApoB gene polymorphism.

Methods

one-hundred sixty two patients with type 2 diabetes were included in this study. ApoB genotyping was conducted by the polymerase chain reaction. Serum interleukin-(IL-18), pentraxin-3 (PTX-3), and high sensitive- C reactive protein (hs-CRP) was measured as the inflammatory markers. Moreover, copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and 8-isoprostane F2α were analyzed for oxidative stress assessment. Anthropometric indices and lipid profiles were measured.

Results

Adjusted for confounders, serum hs-CRP (p = 0.04), LDL-C (p = 0.01), LDL-C/HDL-C (p = 0.04), and TG (p = 0.02) were significantly lower at the Homozygous Insertion (Ins)/Ins vs. deletion (Del) allele carriers in the obese patients. Serum TAC was significantly lower at the obese Del allele carriers than Ins/Ins Homozygous (p = 0.03). Serum hs-CRP (p = 0.006), and 8-IsoprostanF2α (P = 0.04) were significantly higher in the obese Del allele carriers than non-obese. Serum Cu/Zn-SOD was significantly higher in the non-obese Del allele carriers than obese (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Inflammation, dyslipidemia, and oxidative stress are higher in the Obese Del allele carriers with type 2 diabetes which prone them to other chronic disorders.
Interdisciplinary dental management of patient with oligodontia and maxillary hypoplasia: a case report
Authors: Aronovich Sharon , Hsieh Yuan-Lynn , Conley Richard Scott , Stieper Bradley , Yatabe Marilia , Liu Fei
Published: March 2022

Background

The craniofacial developmental abnormality can significantly complicate the oral rehabilitation of patients with oligodontia. This case report describes an interdisciplinary approach that took 7 years to successfully treat a young patient with non-syndromic oligodontia and midface deficiency.

Case presentation

A 14-year-old patient with complex oral and maxillofacial conditions and diagnosis of oligodontia presented to our clinic. In addition to 4 retained deciduous teeth and congenitally missing 10 permanent teeth, dentofacial findings included maxillary and malar deficiency with a concave facial profile, Angle Class III malocclusion, and poor dental esthetics. The interdisciplinary treatment included pre-surgical orthodontic decompensation, high Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy, postsurgical orthodontic therapy, osseous ridge augmentation using recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2), interim removable partial denture, dental implant installation, interim implant prostheses, and final prosthetic rehabilitation.

Conclusions

The successful treatment of patients with oligodontia and complex dentofacial abnormalities requires the close and orderly collaboration among orthodontist, oral maxillofacial surgeon, and prosthodontist. Within the limitations of this case report, presented interdisciplinary approaches may optimize the oral rehabilitation outcome in patients with similar clinical challenges. A prospective clinical investigation is desired to verify the benefit of presented interdisciplinary approach.
Accurate classification of carotid endarterectomy indication using physician claims and hospital discharge data
Authors: van Gaal Stephen , Alimohammadi Arshia , Yu Amy Y. X. , Karim Mohammad Ehsanul , Zhang Wei , Sutherland Jason M.
Published: March 2022

Background and purpose

Studies of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) require stratification by symptomatic vs asymptomatic status because of marked differences in benefits and harms. In administrative datasets, this classification has been done using hospital discharge diagnosis codes of uncertain accuracy. This study aims to develop and evaluate algorithms for classifying symptomatic status using hospital discharge and physician claims data.

Methods

A single center’s administrative database was used to assemble a retrospective cohort of participants with CEA. Symptomatic status was ascertained by chart review prior to linkage with physician claims and hospital discharge data. Accuracy of rule-based classification by discharge diagnosis codes was measured by sensitivity and specificity. Elastic net logistic regression and random forest models combining physician claims and discharge data were generated from the training set and assessed in a test set of final year participants. Models were compared to rule-based classification using sensitivity at fixed specificity.

Results

We identified 971 participants undergoing CEA at the Vancouver General Hospital (Vancouver, Canada) between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2016. Of these, 729 met inclusion/exclusion criteria (n = 615 training, n = 114 test). Classification of symptomatic status using hospital discharge diagnosis codes was 32.8% (95% CI 29–37%) sensitive and 98.6% specific (96–100%). At matched 98.6% specificity, models that incorporated physician claims data were significantly more sensitive: elastic net 69.4% (59–82%) and random forest 78.8% (69–88%).

Conclusion

Discharge diagnoses were specific but insensitive for the classification of CEA symptomatic status. Elastic net and random forest machine learning algorithms that included physician claims data were sensitive and specific, and are likely an improvement over current state of classification by discharge diagnosis alone.
Linguistic barriers and healthcare in China: Chaoshan vs. Mandarin
Authors: Zhang Dangui , Jiang Zichun , Xie Yu , Wu Weiming , Zhao Yixuan , Huang Anqi , Li Tumei , Ba-Thein William
Published: March 2022

Background

China has 129 dialects with Mandarin as the standard and Chaoshan as the major dialect of the Chaoshan region in Guangdong. This study aimed to describe the dialect competence and usage, communication difficulty, impact of linguistic barriers, and subjective experience in healthcare.

Methods

Healthcare providers (n = 234) and healthcare consumers (n = 483) at two tertiary teaching hospitals in Shantou, Chaoshan region participated in an anonymous survey.

Results

Chaoshan and Mandarin were spoken respectively by ca. 80% and 6.1% of the participants. Monolinguals accounted for 28.5%, including 16.8% of Chaoshan-speaking healthcare providers and 18% of Mandarin-speaking healthcare consumers. The monolinguals preferentially used their competent dialect (Ps < 0.001) and had significant communication difficulties (Ps < 0.0001), with the mean (SD) score of 3.06 (0.96) out of 4 with Mandarin for healthcare providers and 2.18 (1.78) and 1.64 (1.40) with Mandarin and Chaoshan, respectively, for healthcare consumers. The monolingual healthcare providers perceived significant negative impacts of linguistic barriers on the entire healthcare delivery process (Ps < 0.0001). Regression analyses showed the length of stay in the Chaoshan region as a protective factor of linguistic barrier with a limited protective effect.

Conclusions

This is the first report of significant linguistic barriers in healthcare imposed by Mandarin and Chaoshan dialects in Chaoshan, China. With perceived adverse impacts on the entire healthcare delivery and risks to the healthcare quality and burden, interventions such as professional interpreter service, service-learning interpreter program, or mobile interpreting apps that are medically accurate and culturally sensitive are suggested for dialectally diverse China.
Prescriptions as quality indicators of pharmaceutical services in Polish community pharmacies
Authors: Ostrowska Marlena , Drozd Mariola , Patryn Rafał , Zagaja Anna
Published: March 2022

Background

Assessment of community pharmacies’ quality of service is a very difficult task, resulting from the multiplicity and variety of provided services as well as patient-related factors (i.e. their health condition, expectations, education level or cultural and social background). Although proceedings of pharmaceutical professionals are to a great extend legally determined and described in various acts and regulations, work diligence should be one of the most characteristic traits of a professional pharmacy employee. Many publications addressing the quality of services provided by pharmaceutical employees focus on patient satisfaction, here the authors focused on more objective methods i.e. prescription analysis.

Objective

The main aim of the study was to assess whether post-inspection National Health Fund reports would constitute a reliable source of quality assessment of pharmaceutical services provided by community pharmacies.

Methods

The study is an in-depth quality and quantity analysis of 28 post-inspection quarterly reports conducted by the National Health Fund between 2013 and 2019.

Results

Vast majority of inspections ended in stating a variety of irregularities.

Conclusions

The analysis of irregularities contained in the National Health Fund’s post-inspection reports does not seem an appropriate indicator of assessing the quality of pharmaceutical services provided in community pharmacies, because of its targeted character. Inappropriate performance of professional duties by staff members is the main source of irregularities in the implementation of prescriptions for reimbursable medications. There is a need to improve staffs’ professional competence and ultimately the quality of pharmaceutical services.
Detection of porcine parainfluenza virus type-1 antibody in swine serum using whole-virus ELISA, indirect fluorescence antibody and virus neutralizing assays
Authors: Welch Michael , Krueger Karen , Zhang Jianqiang , Piñeyro Pablo , Magtoto Ronaldo , Wang Chong , Giménez-Lirola Luis , Strait Erin , Mogler Mark , Gauger Phillip
Published: March 2022

Background

Porcine parainfluenza virus 1 (PPIV-1) is a respiratory virus in the family Paramyxoviridae and genus Respirovirus. It is closely related to bovine parainfluenza virus 3, human parainfluenza virus 1, and Sendai virus. Recent reports suggest PPIV-1 is widespread in swine herds in the United States and abroad. However, seroprevalence studies and the ability to evaluate cross neutralization between heterologous strains is not possible without validated antibody assays. This study describes the development of an indirect fluorescence antibody (IFA) assay, a whole virus enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (wv-ELISA) and a serum virus neutralization (SVN) assay for the detection of PPIV-1 antibodies using 521 serum samples collected from three longitudinal studies and two different challenge strains in swine.

Results

The area under the curve (AUC) of the wv-ELISA (95% CI, 0.93–0.98) was significantly higher (p = 0.03) compared to the IFA (95% CI, 0.90–0.96). However, no significant difference was observed between the IFA and wv-ELISA when compared to the SVN (95% CI, 0.92–0.97). All three assays demonstrated relatively uniform results at a 99% true negative rate, with only 11 disagreements observed between the IFA, wv-ELISA and SVN.

Conclusions

All three serology assays detected PPIV-1 antibody in swine serum of known status that was collected from experimental studies. The SVN detected seroconversion earlier compared to the IFA and the wv-ELISA. Both the wv-ELISA and the SVN had similar diagnostic performance, while the IFA was not as sensitive as the wv-ELISA. All three assays are considered valid for routine diagnostic use. These assays will be important for future studies to screen seronegative swine for research, determine PPIV-1 seroprevalence, and to evaluate vaccine efficacy against PPIV-1 under experimental and field conditions.
SIRPα and PD1 expression on tumor-associated macrophage predict prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Yang Hui , Yan Meimei , Li Wei , Xu Linping
Published: March 2022

Background

The phagocytosis checkpoints of CD47/SIRPα, PD1/PDL1, CD24/SIGLEC10, and MHC/LILRB1 have shown inhibited phagocytosis of macrophages in distinct tumors. However, phagocytosis checkpoints and their therapeutic significance remain largely unknown in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) patients.

Methods

We analyzed sequencing data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and identified differently expressed genes between tumors and para‐tumors. Then, we investigated the expression of CD68, SIRPα, PD1, and SIGLEC10 by IHC in 81 ICC patients, and the clinical significance of these markers with different risk factors was also measured.

Results

Tumor infiltration immune cells analysis from the TCGA data revealed that macrophages significantly increased. Further analysis showed that M0 macrophages were significantly higher and M2 macrophages were significantly lower in ICC compared with paracancerous tissues, while there was no significant difference in M1 macrophages. We then examined some of M1 and M2 markers, and we found that M1 markers (iNOS, TNF, IL12A, and B) increased, while M2 markers (ARG1 and CD206) decreased in ICCs compared with paracancerous tissues. Furthermore, the expression of CD68, SIRPα, PD1, and SIGLEC10 increased significantly, but LILRB1 expression did not. We also examined the expression of CD68, SIRPα, PD1, and SIGLEC10 in 81 ICC patients by IHC, which revealed a similar expression pattern to that which emerged from the TCGA data. Upon analyzing the correlation between these markers and the progression of ICC patients, we found that the high expression of CD68, SIRPα, and PD1 are correlated with poor progression among ICC patients, while SIGLEC10 shows no correlation. More SIRPα+ or PD1+ TAMs were observed in the tumor tissues of ICC patients with HBV infections compared to non‐HBV‐infected patients. Multivariate analysis indicated that SIRPα and PD1 expression are independent indicators of ICC patient prognosis.

Conclusion

Hyperactivated CD47/SIRPα and PD1/PD‐L1 signals in CD68+ TAMs in tumor tissues are negative prognostic markers for ICCs after resection. Furthermore, anti-CD47 in combination with anti-PD1 or CD47/PD1 bispecific antibody (BsAb) may represent promising treatments for ICC. Further studies are also required in the future to confirmed our findings.
Liver transplantation in glycogen storage disease: a single-center experience
Authors: Beyzaei Zahra , Shamsaeefar Alireza , Kazemi Kurosh , Nikeghbalian Saman , Bahador Ali , Dehghani Masoud , Malekhosseini Seyed-Ali , Geramizadeh Bita
Published: March 2022

Background

Glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) are inherited glycogen metabolic disorders which have various subtypes. GSDs of type I, III, IV, VI, and IX show liver involvement and are considered as hepatic types of GSDs. Thus, liver transplantation (LT) has been proposed as a final therapy for these types of GSD. LT corrects the primary hepatic enzyme defect; however, the long-term outcomes of LT in these patients have not been extensively evaluated so far. There are few reports in the English literature about the outcome of GSD patients after LT. There has been no report from Iran. The present retrospective study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of eight patients with GSD types I, III, and IV who underwent LT in the affiliated hospitals of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, from March 2013 to June 2021. During this period, there were no patients with GSD VI and IX identified in this center.

Results

The median time of diagnosis of the GSDs and at transplant was 1 year and 11 years, respectively. All eight transplanted patients were alive at the time of follow-up in this study. None of them required a re-transplant. All of the patients showed normalized liver enzymes after LT with no sign of hypoglycemia.

Conclusions

LT is an achievable treatment for end-stage hepatic involvement of GSDs with a cure for metabolic deficiency. Our experience in these eight patients shows a favorable outcome with no mortality and no major complication.
Chlamydia pneumoniae infections and development of lung cancer: systematic review
Authors: Premachandra Nadeesha Madushani , Jayaweera J. A. A. Sampath
Published: March 2022

Background

Chlamydia pneumoniaeis an obligate intracellular pathogen and is a common cause of human respiratory diseases, including pneumonia. It has been already known to have a causal relationship with some chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we aim to find out the association betweenC. pneumoniaeinfection and lung cancer.

Methods

This is a systematic review onC. pneumoniaeinfection and the development of lung cancer, based on published articles consolidated from PubMed and Google Scholar on the topic.

Results

Out of 46 articles, 27 were selected and screened through the process. Twenty-four articles positively supported the hypothesis with one animal model, while 3 of them were negatively supportive. Several proposed mechanisms explain the pathogenesis with some knowledge gaps.

Conclusion

Although some studies showed an association betweenC. pneumoniaeinfection and lung cancer, whether theC. pneumoniaeinfection is an individual risk factor for lung cancer is still debatable. And it needs further experimental studies on both humans and animals with large observational studies to better understand the association betweenC. pneumoniaeinfection and lung cancer.
Pediatric specific challenges of the single institutional review board mandate
Authors: Hu Andrew , Holl Jane L. , Raval Mehul V.
Published: March 2022

Background

The Common Rule Revision (CRR) mandates a single institutional review board (IRB) for all US federally funded nonexempt multisite human participant research. While the CRR aims to improve research efficiency, its success in pediatric research remains uncertain

Main body

There are multiple challenges that threaten the purported efficiency of the single IRB mandate. While the CRR is clear that ethical review is the purview of the single IRB, responsibility for issues of local study governance are less well defined. Therefore, reliance agreements (RA) must be negotiated between single IRBs and participating institutions. These negotiations can vary significantly based upon the institution’s local context and are often arduous, lengthy, and burdensome. Furthermore, in pediatric research, issues such as assent, surrogate consent, and IRB risk determination add additional layers of complexity that must be considered. No clear system exists for resolving disagreements surrounding these critical human participant protection issues. Finally, the variation in institutional resources directed towards pediatric research may mean that only a select few pediatric institutions will be able to function in the single IRB system. These challenges will need to be overcome to successfully implement the CRR and achieve its objective of improving multisite research efficiency. We suggest that an empiric and collaborative approach utilizing implementation strategies is necessary for the CRR and single IRBs to be effective.

Conclusion

The CRR seeks to improve the efficiency of multisite human participant research in the US. There are multiple challenges that will need to be overcome. An empiric collaborative approach is necessary. If successful, single IRBs have the potential to usher in a new era of impactful and efficient multisite pediatric research.
Estimating the financial impact of livestock schistosomiasis on traditional subsistence and transhumance farmers keeping cattle, sheep and goats in northern Senegal
Authors: Adeyemo Praise , Léger Elsa , Hollenberg Elizabeth , Diouf Nicolas , Sène Mariama , Webster Joanne P. , Häsler Barbara
Published: March 2022

Background

Schistosomiasis is a disease that poses major threats to human and animal health, as well as the economy, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Whilst many studies have evaluated the economic impact of schistosomiasis in humans, to date only one has been performed in livestock in SSA and none in Senegal. This study aimed to estimate the financial impact of livestock schistosomiasis in selected regions of Senegal.

Methods

Stochastic partial budget models were developed for traditional ruminant farmers in 12 villages in northern Senegal. The models were parameterised using data from a cross-sectional survey, focus group discussions, scientific literature and available statistics. Two scenarios were defined: scenario 1 modelled a situation in which farmers tested and treated their livestock for schistosomiasis, whilst scenario 2 modelled a situation in which there were no tests or treatment. The model was run with 10,000 iterations for 1 year; results were expressed in West African CFA francs (XOF; 1 XOF was equivalent to 0.0014 GBP at the time of analysis). Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the impact of uncertain variables on the disease costs.

Results

Farmers surveyed were aware of schistosomiasis in their ruminant livestock and reported hollowing around the eyes, diarrhoea and weight loss as the most common clinical signs in all species. For scenario 1, the median disease costs per year and head of cattle, sheep and goats were estimated at 13,408 XOF, 27,227 XOF and 27,694 XOF, respectively. For scenario 2, the disease costs per year and head of cattle, sheep and goats were estimated at 49,296 XOF, 70,072 XOF and 70,281 XOF, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the financial impact of livestock schistosomiasis on traditional subsistence and transhumance farmers is substantial. Consequently, treating livestock schistosomiasis has the potential to generate considerable benefits to farmers and their families. Given the dearth of data in this region, our study serves as a foundation for further in-depth studies to provide estimates of disease impact and as a baseline for future economic analyses. This will also enable One Health economic studies where the burden on both humans and animals is estimated and included in cross-sectoral cost–benefit and cost-effectiveness analyses of disease control strategies.

Graphical Abstract
Impact of the sickle mutant and temperature on the structure of transcripts and RNAs from Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Marshall Carine M. , Harmon Frank G.
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The objective of this data set was to identify how interaction between temperature and the sickle-3 (sic-3) mutant alters the global messenger RNA (mRNA) content of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings. The motivation was discovery of atypical mRNA splice variants in sic-3 that differed with seedling growth temperature. The expected outcome was identification of mRNA splice variants altered by sic-3, temperature, or the combination of temperature and genotype.

Data description

The data set is RNAseq profiling of Arabidopsis (Col-0 ecotype) wild type and sic-3 seedlings under 16 °C or 28 °C. A comprehensive view of global mRNA sequences and their content was captured by deep sequencing of RNA pools made from sets of seedlings sampled every 4 h over 20 h. This data set contains sequences representing the spectrum of mRNA splice variants from individual genes, as well as from mRNA-related sequences like spliced introns. This data set enables detection of significant changes in gene-level expression and relative levels of mRNA splice variants caused by the different growth temperatures, the sic-3 mutation or both factors. This data set is useful to study production of mRNA splice variants and other mRNA-related RNAs in a range of plant species because Arabidopsis is a model plant.
Longitudinal borehole functionality in 15 rural Ghanaian towns from three groundwater quality clusters
Authors: Schultes Olivia L. , Sikder Mustafa , Agyapong Emmanuel A. , Sodipo Michelle O. , Naumova Elena N. , Kosinski Karen C. , Kulinkina Alexandra V.
Published: March 2022

Objective

In sub-Saharan Africa, 45% of the rural population uses boreholes (BHs). Despite recent gains in improved water access and coverage, parallel use of unimproved sources persists. Periodic infrastructure disrepair contributes to non-exclusive use of BHs. Our study describes functionality of BHs in 2014, 2015, and 2016 in 15 rural towns in the Eastern Region of Ghana sourced from three groundwater quality clusters (high iron, high salinity, and control). We also assess factors affecting cross-sectional and longitudinal functionality using logistic regression.

Results

BH functionality rates ranged between 81 and 87% and were similar across groundwater quality clusters. Of 51 BHs assessed in all three years, 34 (67%) were consistently functional and only 3 (6%) were consistently broken. There was a shift toward proactive payment for water over the course of the study in the control and high-salinity clusters. Payment mechanism, population served, presence of nearby alternative water sources, and groundwater quality cluster were not significant predictors of cross-sectional or longitudinal BH functionality. However, even in the high iron cluster, where water quality is poor and no structured payment mechanism for water exists, BHs are maintained, showing that they are important community resources.
Imaging findings of gastrointestinal tract tumors in children and adolescents
Authors: Özcan H. Nursun , Yavuz Özlem Özkale , Ekinci Saniye , Oguz Berna , Kutluk Tezer , Haliloglu Mithat
Published: March 2022

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract tumors are rarely seen in children and adolescents, and can easily be misdiagnosed. Lymphoma is the most frequent GI tract tumor, and the common locations are ileum and ileocecal area. GI tract tumors may present as large heterogeneous mass lesions. For gastric and colonic tumors, increased wall thickening usually prompts the diagnosis of GI tract tumors. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging might be used in clinically suspected cases for correct/appropriate diagnosis and management. Awareness as regards the most common tumors and their locations is paramount for radiologists. Likewise, the aim of this article was to define the imaging findings of primary benign and malignant GI tract tumors in children and adolescents.
Imaging findings of malignant skin tumors: radiological–pathological correlation
Authors: Kawaguchi Masaya , Kato Hiroki , Noda Yoshifumi , Kobayashi Kazuhiro , Miyazaki Tatsuhiko , Hyodo Fuminori , Matsuo Masayuki
Published: March 2022

Sometimes, radiologists encounter malignant skin tumors (MSTs) during image interpretation. As MSTs require different clinical management modalities for each histological subtype, accurate preoperative diagnosis is essential. The histological subtypes of MST can be easily assessed by visual inspection or biopsy. Therefore, the significant role of radiological imaging in MSTs is to evaluate the extent of local invasion, nodal involvement, and distant metastasis, and the histological estimation of MSTs by radiological imaging has not been reported until a few years ago. However, recent studies have revealed characteristic radiological features for differential diagnosis of MSTs, such as configuration, intratumoral homogeneity, signal intensity, cyst formation, and hemorrhage. Other important clinical data for determining the histological subtype of MST include age, gender, and site of occurrence. MSTs can be categorized as epidermal, melanocytic, adnexal, and mesenchymal tumors based on the origin and have distinctive characteristics. Hence, this review article was designed to describe the clinical and radiological features of MSTs.
No carbon shortage in declining trees of the isohydric species Araucaria araucana (Molina) K. Koch under drought
Authors: Jiménez-Castillo Mylthon , Fajardo Alex , Lobos-Catalán Paulina , Torres-Morales Patricio , Piper Frida I.
Published: March 2022

Key message

At the sixth and seventh years of a drought event in south of Chile, non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) concentrations were similar between healthy and unhealthy trees of Araucaria araucana (Molina) K. Koch, and growth did not decrease, suggesting that leaf loss prevented C shortage in unhealthy trees.

Context

Tree drought resistance and resilience may be impaired by decreasing growth and non-structural carbohydrates (NSC). During a 7-year drought, the isohydric species Araucaria araucana (Araucariaceae) evidenced decline (foliage loss and browning).

Aims

To determine whether tree decline was related to an impaired carbon status and reduced growth.

Methods

In two sites of southern Chile, we selected healthy- and unhealthy-looking trees to study drought effects on NSC and growth. We measured the basal area increment (BAI) and NSC concentrations of needles and roots after 6 years of drought (2016) and following one less severe year in terms of drought (2017).

Results

At both years, healthy and unhealthy trees had similar NSC and sugar concentrations in needle and roots, and furthermore, they maintained their growth rates. In 2017, NSC, starch, and sugar concentrations of needles (but not roots) increased in both healthy and unhealthy trees at one of the study sites, while growth did not vary.

Conclusion

Unhealthy trees likely prevented C shortage through an acclimation mechanism such as foliage loss. The remarkable similar NSC concentrations found between healthy and unhealthy trees indicates the absence of C starvation in trees that lost a substantial fraction of their foliage under drought.
Usefulness of silent magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for the diagnosis of atherosclerosis of the internal carotid artery siphon in comparison with time-of-flight MRA
Authors: Li Rui , Jin Song , Wu Tao , Zang Xiao , Li Meng , Li Jinfeng
Published: March 2022

Background and purpose

Flow visualization in 3D time-of-flight MRA (3D-TOF MRA) may be limited for internal carotid artery siphon owing to turbulent artifact. The purpose of this study was to compare the usefulness of Silent MRA and 3D-TOF MRA to assess atherosclerosis of the internal carotid artery siphon.

Material and methods

A total of 106 patients with suspected cerebrovascular disease were included. All patients were scanned with Silent MRA and 3D-TOF MRA sequences and also underwent DSA examination. Two observers independently assessed the TOF MRA and Silent MRA images of atherosclerosis of the internal carotid artery siphon. The diagnostic efficacy of two MRA methods in evaluating atherosclerosis of the carotid siphon was performed by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Interobserver reliability was also assessed using weighted kappa statistics.

Results

Image of Silent MRA sequence had higher subjective evaluation scores and significantly high CNR between the carotid siphon and the background tissues than the image of 3D-TOF MRA sequence (P < 0.05). The AUC was 0.928 (95% CI 0.909–0.986) for Silent MRA, which was significantly higher than that of 3D-TOF MRA (0.671, 95% CI 0.610–0.801, P < 0.05). Silent MRA had high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy than 3D-TOF MRA for visualization of the carotid siphon.

Conclusions

Silent MRA as a new angiographic modality is superior to 3D-TOF MRA for visualization of the carotid siphon, and maybe an alternative to 3D-TOF MRA in the diagnosis of atherosclerosis of the carotid siphon.
Finite element assessment FEA of polymer anti-seismic piling techniques for protection of the underground culture heritage
Authors: Hemeda Sayed
Published: March 2022

Alexandria is one of the Mediterranean UNESCO World Heritage sites at risk from coastal flooding and Earthquakes. Nowadays, the safety of archaeological underground structures draws more and more attention. After many catastrophic events, the study of anti-seismic for underground structures has also become an important problem to be solved. Based on the typical underground structure seismic damage phenomenon, this paper summarizes the seismic characteristics, research methods and design methods of underground structures to offer a guide for engineers and conservators, where the polymer anti-seismic piling to protect the underground monumental structures against strong earthquakes is presented and validated in numerical analysis. In this paper, typical damages of archaeological underground structures are firstly presented, followed by the FEM analysis using the PLAXIS 2D code for the seismic response of Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa in Alexandria, Egypt with and without the anti-seismic polymer pilling techniques. Results of this work underline the high potential of these low-cost anti seismic technique, confirming the possibility of achieving a significant improvement of the seismic performance of archaeological underground structures by using the low-cost and easy to manufacture it.
Folic acid protects and heals gastric mucosa: role of acid output, inflammatory cytokines, angiogenic and growth factors
Authors: Ajeigbe Kazeem , Aibangbee Keziah , Saeed Sule , Ajeigbe Olakunbi , Onifade Abdufattah
Published: March 2022

Background

Folic acid modulates gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders via a number of suggested gastroprotective mechanisms. Gastric acid, inflammation, cell proliferation and angiogenesis play significant role in gastroprotection and restoration of gastrointestinal mucosal integrity following injury. This two-section-study assessed (1) acid output, parietal cell mass, neutrophil infiltration and inflammation after 6 h pyloric ligation, and (2) healing via inflammation, mucosa cell proliferation and angiogenesis in acetic acid induced gastric ulcer in albino Wistar rats upon pre-treatment with Folic acid (FA).

Results

Folic acid significantly lessens the mucosa injury associated with pylorus ligation in a dose-dependent manner. Acid output, parietal cell mass and neutrophil infiltration reduced significantly when compared with the control group. In the acetic acid ulcer group, FA equally reduced ulcer severity (p < 0.05). Moreover, EGFR and Ki-67 were enhanced, while CD31 and Factor VIII were significantly enhanced only on day 10. Also, EGF and VEGF were enhanced, but TNF-α and IL-1β were suppressed in favour of IL-4 and IL-10 dose-dependently in both studies.

Conclusion

These results suggest that folic acid supplementation protects the stomach mucosa with reduced gastric acid and inflammation, and also accelerates the healing of ulcers via enhanced mucosal cell proliferation and angiogenesis.
Characters and structures of the nucleobase–ascorbate transporters (NAT) family genes in Gossypium hirsutum and their roles in responding to salt and drought stresses
Authors: GUO Lixue , ZHAO Lanjie , LU Xuke , CHEN Xiugui , WANG Shuai , WANG Junjuan , WANG Delong , YIN Zujun , CHEN Chao , FAN Yapeng , ZHANG Yuexin , YE Wuwei
Published: March 2022

Background

Nucleobase–ascorbate transporters (NAT), synonymously called nucleobase–cation symporter 2 (NCS2) proteins, were earlier reported to be involved in plant growth, development and resistance to stress. Previous studies concluded that s a polymorphic SNP associated with NAT12 was significant different between salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive materials of upland cotton. In current study, a comprehensive analysis of NAT family genes was conducted for the first time in cotton.

Results

In this study, we discovered 32, 32, 18, and 16 NAT genes in Gossypium hirsutum, G. barbadense, G. raimondii and G. arboreum, respectively, which were classified into four groups (groups I–IV) based on the multiple sequence analysis. These GhNAT genes were unevenly distributed on At and Dt sub-genome in G. hirsutum. Most GhNAT members in the same group had similar gene structure characteristics and motif composition. The collinearity analysis revealed segmental duplication as well as tandem duplication contributing to the expansion of the GhNATs. The analysis of cis-acting regulatory elements of GhNATs showed that the function of GhNAT genes in cotton might be related to plant hormone and stress response. Under different conditions, the expression levels further suggested the GhNAT family genes were associated with plant response to various abiotic stresses. GhNAT12 was detected in the plasma membrane. And it was validated that the GhNAT12 gene played an important role in regulating cotton resistance to salt and drought stress through the virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) analysis.

Conclusions

A comprehensive analysis of NAT gene family was performed in cotton, including phylogenetic analysis, chromosomal location, collinearity analysis, motifs, gene structure and so on. Our results will further broaden the insight into the evolution and potential functions of NAT genes in cotton. Current findings could make significant contribution towards screening more candidate genes related to biotic and abiotic resistance for the improvement in cotton.
Evolution of treatment in gastric cancer- a systematic review
Authors: Panda Sangram K. , Sahoo Pradyumna K. , Agarwala Sunil K. , Houghton T Tim , Chandrapattan Prathamesh Panchakshari , Sankar K Vikas , Nag Ramkishan
Published: March 2022

Multimodality is the standard of care in gastric cancer but surgery remains the mainstay of curative treatment. As we are heading towards a more conservative approach for functional preservation without compromising oncological outcomes in all malignancies, the guidelines keeps changing based on various studies.

The extent of surgery used to vary between the east and west, with the east performing more radical surgery and the west more reliant on multimodality therapy. This practice has been changing in the recent times.

In this article we have reviewed how the treatment protocols of gastric cancer has evolved and modified, highlighting the practice changing trials.
Radiological manifestations and complications of lung and brain in Egyptian COVID-19 patients
Authors: El-Shourbagy Kholoud Hamdy , Ghith Lamees M. , Hablas Lina T.
Published: March 2022

Background

Coronavirus disease COVID-19 is a viral illness, currently affecting millions of people worldwide. Pneumonia is the most common extreme presentation of COVID-19 infection, manifesting by fever, dry cough, difficulty of breathing or shortness of breath and mainly ground-glass infiltrates in radiological images. Chest computed tomography (CT) has a potential role in the diagnosis, detection of complications and prognostication of coronavirus disease COVID-19. In addition to severe respiratory manifestations, there are a wide range of neurological manifestations ranging from nonspecific symptoms to necrotizing encephalopathies and stroke. Our study aimed to review lung and neurological manifestations in recent and post-COVID-19 Egyptian patients and to be familiar with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of Neuro-COVID patients.

Results

The present study included eighty COVID-19 patients with age ranged from 28 to 78 years (mean age 57.84 + 12.58 years) who were 54 males (mean age 56.64 + 12.50) and 26 females (mean age 48.65 + 14.24). All our patients were with recent or previous history of COVID-19 infection and subjected to careful history taking, thorough clinical examination, routine laboratory investigations and CT examination. The reported lung manifestations included normal lung shadows, ground-glass opacifications (GGOs), consolidations, reticulation, reticulation and GGOs (crazy paving) and fibrotic-like changes. Out of eighty COVID-19 patients, twenty showed neurological manifestations ranging from nonspecific symptoms to necrotizing encephalopathies and stroke. Patients with neurological manifestation were in addition to CT submitted to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as appropriate. MRI done to neuro-COVID patients showed that 8/20 (40%) had no abnormalities and 12/20 (60%) had abnormalities. The most common abnormalities are infarction, major or lacunar infarction, followed by acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and meningoencephalitis.

Conclusion

Old age patients, especially males, were more affected than females. Lung manifestations are common in COVID-19 patients than neurological manifestations. The presence of fibrotic changes in the lung could predict severe COVID-19 affection and bad prognosis. There might be an association between appearance of neurological manifestations and poor outcome in COVID-19 patients.
Determination of estrogen receptor alpha gene (ESR1) polymorphism and its relation to systemic lupus erythematosus disease status
Authors: Abdel-Monem Samia M. , El-Brashy Abdel Wahab Sh. E. , Hassan Waleed A. , Abdullah Omnia A. , Almallah Dalia H.
Published: March 2022

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease with variable clinical manifestations that can affect various organs and tissues. Estrogen is an important element that performs a vital role in the pathology of SLE. It acts on target cells through binding to estrogen receptors (ERs). This study aimed to assess the effect of ER alpha gene polymorphism on SLE disease activity and clinical manifestations. This study included 30 SLE female patients and 20 healthy subjects as controls. ERα gene (pvull and xbal) polymorphisms were genotyped using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and correlated with clinical and laboratory manifestations of SLE as well as the activity and severity scores.

Results

Regarding ERα (rs1 2234693 Pvull) polymorphism, the TC and CC genotypes were mainly associated with SLE patients, with a high frequency of the mutant C allele. The TT genotype was found mainly in the control group. Concerning rs2 9340799 Xbal polymorphisms, the AG, AA, and GG genotypes frequencies were not significantly different between patient and controls. The TC/AA, CC/GG, and CC/GG genotypes were the most prevalent combinations among SLE patients, while the later combination is completely absent from the control group. There was a significant statistical association with the AA genotype with the neurological disorders and/or hematological affection in SLE patients. The TC genotype was more related to serositis, leucopenia and pyuria, while the AA polymorphism was associated only with leucopenia.

Conclusions

We conclude that the study offers a clue to the associations of ERα gene polymorphisms in SLE disease, and the combinations relevant to certain clinical manifestations. Estrogen level itself does not affect SLE susceptibility or activity but the mutations in its receptors are the main pathogenic factor.
Fear of COVID-19 and its association with mental health-related factors: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alimoradi Zainab , Ohayon Maurice M. , Griffiths Mark D. , Lin Chung-Ying , Pakpour Amir H.
Published: March 2022

Background

The severity of COVID-19 remains high worldwide. Therefore, millions of individuals are likely to suffer from fear of COVID-19 and related mental health factors.

Aims

The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize empirical evidence to understand fear of COVID-19 and its associations with mental health-related problems during this pandemic period.

Method

Relevant studies were searched for on five databases (Scopus, ProQuest, EMBASE, PubMed Central, and ISI Web of Knowledge), using relevant terms (COVID-19-related fear, anxiety, depression, mental health-related factors, mental well-being and sleep problems). All studies were included for analyses irrespective of their methodological quality, and the impact of quality on pooled effect size was examined by subgroup analysis.

Results

The meta-analysis pooled data from 91 studies comprising 88 320 participants (mean age 38.88 years; 60.66% females) from 36 countries. The pooled estimated mean of fear of COVID-19 was 13.11 (out of 35), using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. The associations between fear of COVID-19 and mental health-related factors were mostly moderate (Fisher's z = 0.56 for mental health-related factors; 0.54 for anxiety; 0.42 for stress; 0.40 for depression; 0.29 for sleep problems and –0.24 for mental well-being). Methodological quality did not affect these associations.

Conclusions

Fear of COVID-19 has associations with various mental health-related factors. Therefore, programmes for reducing fear of COVID-19 and improving mental health are needed.
Eligibility Criteria Perpetuate Disparities in Enrollment and Participation of Black Patients in Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trials
Authors: Riner Andrea N. , Girma Selamawit , Vudatha Vignesh , Mukhopadhyay Nitai , Skoro Nevena , Gal Tamas S. , Freudenberger Devon C. , Herremans Kelly M. , George Thomas J. , Trevino Jose G.
Published: March 2022

PURPOSE

Clinical trials determine safety and efficacy of cancer therapeutics and establish standards of care. Minority patient participation in cancer clinical trials is dismal. We aimed to determine the impact of eligibility criteria on disparities in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) clinical trial candidacy.

METHODS

Traditional PDAC trial eligibility criteria were obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov. Patients with PDAC who sought care at Virginia Commonwealth University Health from 2010 to 2019 were included. Clinical data were obtained from billing codes and discrete values in the electronic medical record. Eligibility criteria differences between racial groups were determined using chi-squared tests and unconditional maximum likelihood-based odds ratios.

RESULTS

Among 676 patients, most identified as Black or White race (42.5% and 51.6%, respectively). Using traditional criteria, Black patients were more likely to be ineligible for participation compared with White patients (42.4%
v
33.2%,
P
= .023) secondary to hypoalbuminemia (14.1%
v
7.9%,
P
= .023), HIV (3.1%
v
0.3%,
P
= .010), hepatitis B (1.7%
v
0%,
P
= .043), and hepatitis C (9.1%
v
3.4%,
P
= .005). Black patients were also numerically more likely to be ineligible because of renal dysfunction, recent coronary stenting, and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Prior cancer treatment excluded fewer Black than White patients (9.1%
v
14.0%,
P
= .072), most attributable to lower rates of neoadjuvant chemotherapy received. Strategic eligibility criteria revisions could equalize ineligibility rates between Black and White patients (26.8%
v
24.8%,
P
= .581).

CONCLUSION

Traditional eligibility criteria differentially exclude Black patients from participating in PDAC clinical trials. These criteria perpetuate disparities, limit generalizability, and are often not medically justifiable. Revised criteria may improve participant diversity, without compromising safety or study results.