bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
778 Epidemiology of Food Access in an Urban Burn Population
Authors: Donovan Brienne , Wiese Daniel , Wu Jingwei , Henry Kevin , Rae Lisa , Anderson Jeffrey
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Poverty is a known risk factor for burn injury and is associated with residency in food deserts and food swamps. Food deserts are areas with low or no access to nutritious, healthy foods while food swamps are areas with much higher access to high-calorie, unhealthy foods than to foods with good nutritious value. The purpose of our investigation was to determine the prevalence of residency in food deserts and food swamps in burn patients evaluated at an urban academic center and to determine the relationship between residency in these areas and the presence of patient comorbidities.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with burn injuries seen at an ABA verified urban academic center between January 2016 and January 2022. All patients over age 18 seen in the emergency department or admitted to the burn service were included in the study. Patient residential locations were used in conjunction with the Modified Retail Food Environment Index (mREFI) data to classify residency in food deserts and food swamps. Patient demographics and comorbidities were also recorded. Chi square and ANOVA analyses were completed to determine differences between the food desert, food swamp, and good access groups.

Results

A total of 3064 subjects were included in the study, of these 1370 (44.7%) were female and 1694 (55.3%) were male. In terms of access, 96 (3.1%) individuals lived in food deserts, 477 (15.6%) lived in good access areas, and 2490 (81.3%) resided in food swamps. This difference was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Age, sex, and BMI did not differ significantly between the three groups. A significantly higher percentage of food swamp residents had a diagnosis of diabetes (15.0%) as compared to subjects living in good food access areas (11.7%) and food deserts (8.3%), (p < 0.043). Hypertension was also found to be more prevalent in food swamps (24.8%) than food deserts (20.8%) and good access areas (19.3%), (p < 0.028). Finally, smoking was more common in food swamps (45.3%) than good access areas (40.4%) and food deserts (27.9%), (p < 0.0028).

Conclusions

A majority of burn patients reside in food swamps and residency in these areas is associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and tobacco smoking. This is the first study to investigate the epidemiology of food access in an urban burn population.

Applicability of Research to Practice

Nutrition is known to be important to overall health and to wound healing in the setting of an acute injury. Our data contributes to the current literature on the role of nutrition in burns.
A revision of JPOS/JASCC clinical guidelines for delirium in adult cancer patients: a summary of recommendation statements
Authors: Matsuda Yoshinobu , Tanimukai Hitoshi , Inoue Shinichiro , Hirayama Takatoshi , Kanno Yusuke , Kitaura Yuichi , Inada Shuji , Sugano Koji , Yoshimura Masafumi , Harashima Saki , Wada Saho , Hasegawa Takaaki , Okamoto Yoshiaki , Dotani Chikako , Takeuchi Mari , Kako Jun , Sadahiro Ryoichi , Kishi Yasuhiro , Uchida Megumi , Ogawa Asao , Inagaki Masatoshi , Okuyama Toru
Published: May 2023

Objective

The Japanese Psycho-Oncology Society and the Japanese Association of Supportive Care in Cancer have recently revised the clinical practice guidelines for delirium in adult cancer patients. This article reports the process of developing the revised guidelines and summarizes the recommendations made.

Methods

The guidelines were developed in accordance with the Medical Information Network Distribution Service creation procedures. The guideline development group, consisting of multi-disciplinary members, created three new clinical questions: non-pharmacological intervention and antipsychotics for the prevention of delirium and trazodone for the management of delirium. In addition, systematic reviews of nine existing clinical questions have been updated. Two independent reviewers reviewed the proposed articles. The certainty of evidence and the strength of the recommendations were graded using the grading system developed by the Medical Information Network Distribution Service, following the concept of The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. The modified Delphi method was used to validate the recommended statements.

Results

This article provides a compendium of the recommendations along with their rationales, as well as a short summary.

Conclusions

These revised guidelines will be useful for the prevention, assessment and management of delirium in adult cancer patients in Japan.
BRSK2 in pancreatic β cells promotes hyperinsulinemia-coupled insulin resistance and its genetic variants are associated with human type 2 diabetes
Authors: Xu Rufeng , Wang Kaiyuan , Yao Zhengjian , Zhang Yan , Jin Li , Pang Jing , Zhou Yuncai , Wang Kai , Liu Dechen , Zhang Yaqin , Sun Peng , Wang Fuqiang , Chang Xiaoai , Liu Tengli , Wang Shusen , Zhang Yalin , Lin Shuyong , Hu Cheng , Zhu Yunxia , Han Xiao
Published: May 2023

Brain-specific serine/threonine-protein kinase 2 (BRSK2) plays critical roles in insulin secretion and β-cell biology. However, whether BRSK2 is associated with human type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has not been determined. Here, we report that BRSK2 genetic variants are closely related to worsening glucose metabolism due to hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in the Chinese population. BRSK2 protein levels are significantly elevated in β cells from T2DM patients and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice due to enhanced protein stability. Mice with inducible β-cell-specific Brsk2 knockout (βKO) exhibit normal metabolism with a high potential for insulin secretion under chow-diet conditions. Moreover, βKO mice are protected from HFD-induced hyperinsulinemia, obesity, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance. Conversely, gain-of-function BRSK2 in mature β cells reversibly triggers hyperglycemia due to β-cell hypersecretion-coupled insulin resistance. Mechanistically, BRSK2 senses lipid signals and induces basal insulin secretion in a kinase-dependent manner. The enhanced basal insulin secretion drives insulin resistance and β-cell exhaustion and thus the onset of T2DM in mice fed an HFD or with gain-of-function BRSK2 in β cells. These findings reveal that BRSK2 links hyperinsulinemia to systematic insulin resistance via interplay between β cells and insulin-sensitive tissues in the populations carrying human genetic variants or under nutrient-overload conditions.
Introduction to the suite: Symposium on Philip Kitcher’s The Main Enterprise of the World: Rethinking Education
Authors: Bakhurst David
Published: May 2023

This paper introduces a suite of articles devoted to Philip Kitcher’s The Main Enterprise of the World: Rethinking Education (Oxford University Press, 2021). The suite opens with a paper by Kitcher, which presents the central themes of his important book. This is followed by an assessment of the work as whole by John White, and four commentaries discussing in detail various aspects of Kitcher’s position by Ben Kotzee (on science education), Alexis Gibbs (on arts education), Sheron Fraser-Burgess (on deliberative democracy and inclusivity), and Nigel Tubbs (on Kitcher’s ‘Deweyan Society’). In the final contribution, Kitcher replies to his critics. The introduction sketches the character of Kitcher’s project and comments on his pragmatist method.
An Electronic Algorithm to Identify Vancomycin-Associated Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Cherian Jerald P , Jones George F , Bachina Preetham , Helsel Taylor , Virk Zunaira , Lee Jae Hyoung , Fiawoo Suiyini , Salinas Alejandra , Dzintars Kate , O'Shaughnessy Elizabeth , Gopinath Ramya , Tamma Pranita D , Cosgrove Sara E , Klein Eili Y
Published: May 2023

Background

The burden of vancomycin-associated acute kidney injury (V-AKI) is unclear because it is not systematically monitored. The objective of this study was to develop and validate an electronic algorithm to identify cases of V-AKI and to determine its incidence.

Methods

Adults and children admitted to 1 of 5 health system hospitals from January 2018 to December 2019 who received at least 1 dose of intravenous (IV) vancomycin were included. A subset of charts was reviewed using a V-AKI assessment framework to classify cases as unlikely, possible, or probable events. Based on review, an electronic algorithm was developed and then validated using another subset of charts. Percentage agreement and kappa coefficients were calculated. Sensitivity and specificity were determined at various cutoffs, using chart review as the reference standard. For courses ≥48 hours, the incidence of possible or probable V-AKI events was assessed.

Results

The algorithm was developed using 494 cases and validated using 200 cases. The percentage agreement between the electronic algorithm and chart review was 92.5% and the weighted kappa was 0.95. The electronic algorithm was 89.7% sensitive and 98.2% specific in detecting possible or probable V-AKI events. For the 11 073 courses of ≥48 hours of vancomycin among 8963 patients, the incidence of possible or probable V-AKI events was 14.0%; the V-AKI incidence rate was 22.8 per 1000 days of IV vancomycin therapy.

Conclusions

An electronic algorithm demonstrated substantial agreement with chart review and had excellent sensitivity and specificity in detecting possible or probable V-AKI events. The electronic algorithm may be useful for informing future interventions to reduce V-AKI.
Screen time and preschool children: Promoting health and development in a digital world
Authors: Ponti Michelle
Published: May 2023

COVID-19 transformed the family media environment and spurred research on the effects of screen media exposure and use on young children. This update of a 2017 CPS statement re-examines the potential benefits and risks of screen media in children younger than 5 years, with focus on developmental, psychosocial, and physical health. Four evidence-based principles—minimizing, mitigating, mindfully using, and modelling healthy use of screens—continue to guide children’s early experience with a rapidly changing media landscape. Knowing how young children learn and develop informs best practice for health care providers and early years professionals (e.g., early childhood educators, child care providers). Anticipatory guidance should now include child and family screen use in (and beyond) pandemic conditions.
Fiduciary duties and the 1985 Hague Trusts Convention
Authors: Van Der Veen Rachel
Published: May 2023

This article considers the ongoing work and application of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) Convention of 1 July 1985 on the Law Applicable to Trusts and on their Recognition (Trusts Convention). The article analyses fiduciary duties found across the trusts legislation and draft legislation of selected common and civil law jurisdictions. The commonalities of fiduciary duties across jurisdictions are presented here to provide a foundation for discussion among legal experts regarding their possible future inclusion in the HCCH Trusts Convention or in supporting materials developed by the HCCH as a list of fiduciary duties. Such a list of duties would foster certainty and predictability for those involved in legal relationships created by trusts.
An advanced sequence clustering and designation workflow reveals the enzootic maintenance of a dominant West Nile virus subclade in Germany
Authors: Santos Pauline Dianne , Günther Anne , Keller Markus , Homeier-Bachmann Timo , Groschup Martin H , Beer Martin , Höper Dirk , Ziegler Ute
Published: May 2023

West Nile virus (WNV) is the most widespread arthropod-borne (arbo) virus and the primary cause of arboviral encephalitis globally. Members of WNV species genetically diverged and are classified into different hierarchical groups below species rank. However, the demarcation criteria for allocating WNV sequences into these groups remain individual and inconsistent, and the use of names for different levels of the hierarchical levels is unstructured. In order to have an objective and comprehensible grouping of WNV sequences, we developed an advanced grouping workflow using the ‘affinity propagation clustering’ algorithm and newly included the ‘agglomerative hierarchical clustering’ algorithm for the allocation of WNV sequences into different groups below species rank. In addition, we propose to use a fixed set of terms for the hierarchical naming of WNV below species level and a clear decimal numbering system to label the determined groups. For validation, we applied the refined workflow to WNV sequences that have been previously grouped into various lineages, clades, and clusters in other studies. Although our workflow regrouped some WNV sequences, overall, it generally corresponds with previous groupings. We employed our novel approach to the sequences from the WNV circulation in Germany 2020, primarily from WNV-infected birds and horses. Besides two newly defined minor (sub)clusters comprising only three sequences each, Subcluster 2.5.3.4.3c was the predominant WNV sequence group detected in Germany from 2018 to 2020. This predominant subcluster was also associated with at least five human WNV infections in 2019–20. In summary, our analyses imply that the genetic diversity of the WNV population in Germany is shaped by enzootic maintenance of the dominant WNV subcluster accompanied by sporadic incursions of other rare clusters and subclusters. Moreover, we show that our refined approach for sequence grouping yields meaningful results. Although we primarily aimed at a more detailed WNV classification, the presented workflow can also be applied to the objective genotyping of other virus species.
Identification of nurse shark VNAR single‐domain antibodies targeting the spike S2 subunit of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Buffington Jesse , Duan Zhijian , Kwon Hyung Joon , Hong Jessica , Li Dan , Feng Mingqian , Xie Hang , Ho Mitchell
Published: May 2023

SARS‐CoV‐2 is the etiological agent of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Antibody‐based therapeutics targeting the spike protein, specifically the S1 subunit or the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS‐CoV‐2, have gained attention due to their clinical efficacy in treating patients diagnosed with COVID‐19. An alternative to conventional antibody therapeutics is the use of shark new antigen variable receptor domain (VNAR) antibodies. VNARs are small (<15 kDa) and can reach deep into the pockets or grooves of the target antigen. Here, we have isolated 53 VNARs that bind to the S2 subunit by phage panning from a naïve nurse shark VNAR phage display library constructed in our laboratory. Among those binders, S2A9 showed the best neutralization activity against the original pseudotyped SARS‐CoV‐2 virus. Several binders, including S2A9, showed cross‐reactivity against S2 subunits from other β coronaviruses. Furthermore, S2A9 showed neutralization activity against all variants of concern (VOCs) from alpha to omicron (including BA1, BA2, BA4, and BA5) in both pseudovirus and live virus neutralization assays. Our findings suggest that S2A9 could be a promising lead molecule for the development of broadly neutralizing antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 and emerging variants. The nurse shark VNAR phage library offers a novel platform that can be used to rapidly isolate single‐domain antibodies against emerging viral pathogens.
The biomechanics of four guided growth plates
Authors: Wilson Nicholas , Litsky Alan S. , Iobst Christopher A.
Published: May 2023

Background:

Guided growth using the eight-plate is the most common method to correct angular deformities in children. We compared the properties of four plate constructs (two-hole guided-growth plates, four-hole guided-growth plates, locking guided-growth plates, and one-third tubular plates) using a three-point bending model.

Methods:

A three-point bending model was constructed to test strength of four plates. An osteotomy was made in a Sawbones Cylinder. The plate was then fixed across the osteotomy site using the appropriate screws designed for the plate. A 5 N preload was applied, and a linearly applied force was applied under displacement control. Constructs were loaded to failure.

Results:

For an angular correction of 8.5 degrees, the four-hole guided-growth plates required the most force (40.9 N) followed by two-hole guided-growth plates (36.6 N). Locking plates and one-third tubular plates required less force to achieve the same correction (28.0 N and 23.0 N P<0.001), respectively. The four-hole plate was the stiffest construct (1.87 N/mm). Load to failure for the four-hole plates (46.0 N), two-hole plates (42.8 N). locking plates (32.1 N), and one-third tubular plates (25.5 P<0.001) followed similar trends as the force required for angular correction, with the four-hole plate requiring the most force.

Conclusions:

Despite the addition of two extra screws in the four-hole plate, this construct was only 10% stiffer than the two-hole plate. There is limited benefit to the use of a four-hole plate over a two-hole plate. The one-third tubular plate had the lowest load to failure of the four tested constructs.

Level of Evidence:

NA (biomechanical)
Smartphone Integration of Artificial Intelligence for Automated Plagiocephaly Diagnosis
Authors: Watt Ayden , Lee James , Toews Matthew , Gilardino Mirko S.
Published: May 2023

Background:

Positional plagiocephaly is a pediatric condition with important cosmetic implications affecting ∼40% of infants under 12 months of age. Early diagnosis and treatment initiation is imperative in achieving satisfactory outcomes; improved diagnostic modalities are needed to support this goal. This study aimed to determine whether a smartphone-based artificial intelligence tool could diagnose positional plagiocephaly.

Methods:

A prospective validation study was conducted at a large tertiary care center with two recruitment sites: (1) newborn nursery, (2) pediatric craniofacial surgery clinic. Eligible children were aged 0–12 months with no history of hydrocephalus, intracranial tumors, intracranial hemorrhage, intracranial hardware, or prior craniofacial surgery. Successful artificial intelligence diagnosis required identification of the presence and severity of positional plagiocephaly.

Results:

A total of 89 infants were prospectively enrolled from the craniofacial surgery clinic (n = 25, 17 male infants [68%], eight female infants [32%], mean age 8.44 months) and newborn nursery (n = 64, 29 male infants [45%], 25 female infants [39%], mean age 0 months). The model obtained a diagnostic accuracy of 85.39% compared with a standard clinical examination with a disease prevalence of 48%. Sensitivity was 87.50% [95% CI, 75.94–98.42] with a specificity of 83.67% [95% CI, 72.35–94.99]. Precision was 81.40%, while likelihood ratios (positive and negative) were 5.36 and 0.15, respectively. The F1-score was 84.34%.

Conclusions:

The smartphone-based artificial intelligence algorithm accurately diagnosed positional plagiocephaly in a clinical environment. This technology may provide value by helping guide specialist consultation and enabling longitudinal quantitative monitoring of cranial shape.
Racial Disparity in Gender Affirming Surgery: A Comparative Study on Plastic Surgeon Social Media Use
Authors: Robinson Samuel G. , Mandel Asher , Nicosia Jeanette , Siegel Jacob , Hamidian Jahromi Alireza
Published: May 2023

Background:

In the past 5 years, social media use among plastic surgeons has grown to become a common modality used to promote one’s practice. However, surgeons lack the necessary ethical training to understand how their published content impacts patient opinions and behavior. Social media trends among plastic surgeons may contribute to the reduced rate of Black (non-White) patients accessing gender affirming surgery.

Methods:

In total, 250 gender affirming surgeons and 51,698 individual posts from social media platform, Instagram, were manually extracted and analyzed. Posts were assessed for inclusion and categorized by the subject’s skin color (White versus non-White) using the Fitzpatrick scale.

Results:

Of the 3101 included posts, 375 (12.1%) portrayed non-White subjects. Of the 56 included surgeons, White surgeons were found to be 2.3 times less likely to include non-White subjects in their posts, compared with non-White surgeons. Regionally, surgeons practicing in the Northeast had the most racially diverse social media accounts, with over 20% of all posts including a non-White subject. Analyzing data over the past 5 years demonstrated no relative increase in the amount of non-White subjects being displayed on social media, while social media use by gender affirming surgeons had increased by over 200%.

Conclusions:

The low number of non-White individuals portrayed by surgeons on social media perpetuates the racial disparity seen in patients accessing gender affirming surgery. Surgeons must be conscious of the demographic they portray on social media, as a lack of representation may influence patients’ self-identify and decision to utilize gender affirming surgical treatment.
Safety and yield of percutaneous liver biopsy in adults and children with chronic hepatitis B: Results from a prospective, multicenter study
Authors: Ghany Marc G. , Belle Steven H. , Kleiner David E. , Smith Coleman , Kelley Stephanie S. , Rosenthal Philip , Fontana Robert J. ,   for the Hepatitis B Research Network
Published: May 2023

Background:

Prospective data regarding the safety and yield of liver biopsy in both adults and children with chronic hepatitis B are limited. The aim of this study is to report safety, yield, and complication rates among adults and children with chronic hepatitis B undergoing percutaneous liver biopsy.

Methods:

Data on the indication for procedural characteristics and complication rate for liver biopsies performed as part of the Hepatitis B Research Network were prospectively recorded on a study case report form and analyzed in aggregate.

Results:

Among 2506 adult and pediatric subjects enrolled in the Hepatitis B Research Network between 2011 and 2018, 465 (19%) underwent 491 liver biopsies for clinical or research reasons. Adequate liver tissue was obtained in 98% of the procedures. In total, there were 32 complications reported for 24 biopsies: 23 biopsies with 30 complications in adults and 1 biopsy with 2 complications in children. Pain (n=19) and vasovagal reaction (n=6) were the most common complications. There were 7 serious adverse events, including an arterioportal venous fistula, a pneumothorax, 4 cases of bleeding, and severe pain with no associated condition. There were no deaths.

Conclusions:

These data demonstrate that percutaneous liver biopsy is associated with a high yield of tissue (98%) and a rate of serious complications of 1.4% in both children and adults with chronic HBV. These results support the focused use of liver biopsy in the evaluation of novel treatments in development for chronic hepatitis B.
Future directions in acute liver failure
Authors: Stravitz R. Todd , Fontana Robert J. , Karvellas Constantine , Durkalski Valerie , McGuire Brendan , Rule Jody A. , Tujios Shannan , Lee William M. ,   for the Acute Liver Failure Study Group
Published: May 2023

Acute liver failure (ALF) describes a clinical syndrome of rapid hepatocyte injury leading to liver failure manifested by coagulopathy and encephalopathy in the absence of pre-existing cirrhosis. The hallmark diagnostic features are a prolonged prothrombin time (ie, an international normalized ratio of prothrombin time of ≥1.5) and any degree of mental status alteration (HE). As a rare, orphan disease, it seemed an obvious target for a multicenter network. The Acute Liver Failure Study Group (ALFSG) began in 1997 to more thoroughly study and understand the causes, natural history, and management of ALF. Over the course of 22 years, 3364 adult patients were enrolled in the study registry (2614 ALF and 857 acute liver injury—international normalized ratio 2.0 but no encephalopathy—ALI) and >150,000 biosamples collected, including serum, plasma, urine, DNA, and liver tissue. Within the Registry study sites, 4 prospective substudies were conducted and published, 2 interventional (N-acetylcysteine and ornithine phenylacetate), 1 prognostic [13C-methacetin breath test (MBT)], and 1 mechanistic (rotational thromboelastometry). To review ALFSG’s accomplishments and consider next steps, a 2-day in-person conference was held at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, entitled “Acute Liver Failure: Science and Practice,” in May 2022. To summarize the important findings in the field, this review highlights the current state of understanding of ALF and, more importantly, asks what further studies are needed to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis, natural history, and management of this unique and dramatic condition.
IL1β, IL-6, and TNF-α cytokines cooperate to modulate a complicated medical condition among COVID-19 patients: case-control study
Authors: Faraj Shalaw Sardar , Jalal Paywast Jamal
Published: May 2023

Background:

The cytokine storm is a complication related to SARS-CoV-2 infection worldwide. This study aimed to address the level of three cytokines which were interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), with different blood parameters to the formation of cytokine storm or any complication among COVID-19 patients.

Method and material:

A total of 104 serum samples were included for this purpose, and they were divided into three categories the healthy control group (n=30), mild COVID-19 patients (n=23), and severe cases of COVID-19 patients (n=51). The cytokine concentration was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Serum ferritin, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were also evaluated and compared with the concentration of the proinflammatory cytokines.

Result:

The data analysis showed a significant relationship between the serum IL-6 level with serum ferritin and CRP and the progression to the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The IL-6 level was increased in mild COVID-19 patients and was significantly elevated in severe COVID-19 patients. Patients in the severe group had significantly higher serum ferritin, CRP, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels than those in the mild and healthy groups. The IL-1β and TNF-α were not significantly different in the groups compared with the healthy control group.

Conclusion:

This study revealed that the proinflammatory cytokines and biochemical laboratory tests are promising biomarkers for detecting the severity of COVID-19 cases.
Cancer type, major determinant of mental distress in gyneco-mammary cancer patients undergoing antineoplastic treatment: cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Aquil Amina , Guerroumi Maroua , EL Kherchi Ouassil , Mouallif Mustapha , Yacouti Aicha , Ait Bouighoulidne Salma , Benider Abdellatif , Elgot Abdeljalil
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Mental health disorders are common in cancer patients. However, these disorders are still underestimated in oncology. The aim of the present study is to examine the effect of breast cancer and gynecological cancer on mental health disorders in women who have undergone nonsurgical antineoplastic treatment for gyneco-mammary cancer and to investigate the predictors of these mental disorders.

Material and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out on Moroccan women treated with nonsurgical treatment for breast or gynecological cancer (N=200). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Body Image Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, were used.

Results:

The type of cancer had a significant effect on mental health disorders but not the age. Women with breast cancer had significantly more mental health problems than women with gynecological cancer (P-values ​​<0.01). The predictive model of anxiety included the effects of the following variables: having a lower school level and an advanced tumor stage. While the predictive model of depression included advanced tumor stage and disease recurrence. For poor sleep quality, the variables included were: not having an occupation and having a lower monthly income. The variables that predicted body image dissatisfaction were: being younger, being unmarried, and living in a rural area.

Conclusion:

High mental distress in women with breast cancer and gynecological cancer is favored by several predictive factors. The implementation of a protocol for the assessment and management of distress is necessary in oncology departments.
Epithelioid angiosarcoma of the adrenal gland with metastasis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Noman Mahmoud , Zeer Almotazbellah M.M , Zeer Zahraa M.M. , Daas Raed , Hamamra Yousef
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Primary adrenal epithelioid angiosarcoma is an exceptionally rare condition, with only 51 cases reported in the literature since 1988.

Case presentation:

We report a case of a 59-year-old male patient who presented with a 4-month history of left flank pain and anemia. Radiographic imaging identified a 14 cm mass lesion in the left suprarenal region, which showed heterogeneous enhancement. The patient underwent total adrenalectomy with tumor-free surgical margins. Histological sections showed features consistent with an epithelioid tumor, and immunohistochemical staining confirmed the diagnosis of epithelioid angiosarcoma of the left adrenal gland.

Discussion:

Primary adrenal epithelioid angiosarcoma is a very rare entity. It was first described by Kareti et al. in 1998. The most common presentation is an abdominal mass associated with pain. As there are no specific imaging findings for this tumor, histology combined with immunohistochemistry is the most definitive diagnostic method. Surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy is the management reported for previous cases.

Conclusion:

In cases of rare malignancies, interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial for determining the optimal management strategy.
Comorbidity of asthma in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) aged 4–12 years in Iran: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kiani Arezou , Houshmand Hamidreza , Houshmand Gholamreza , Mohammadi Yasin
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is defined as a stable pattern of attention deficits or impulsive hyperactivity that can interfere with the functioning, growth, and development of individuals. It is believed that both the type of asthma and the medications used to treat it exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD.

Methods and Materials:

The present study was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted to investigate the incidence of asthma in ADHD patients aged 4–12 years who were referred to Urmia University of Medical Sciences clinics and hospitals. In this study, ADHD patients were diagnosed through a psychiatric interview and based on a paediatric asthma questionnaire (approved by asthma and allergy organizations and scientific institutions), and individuals with suspected asthma were selected. All 101 ADHD patients referred to these clinics during the specified period were examined. Five patients were excluded from the study because of lack of cooperation or incomplete information. Then, the selected subjects were divided into two age groups of less than 5 years and between 5 and 12 years. The final diagnosis of asthma was made by clinical findings and demographic questionnaire in subjects younger than 5 years, while it was made by spirometry in subjects between 5 and 12 years. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software.

Results:

The mean age of the 96 samples included in the study was 7.67 years with a standard deviation of 7.214. Sixteen of them (16.7%) were under 5 years of age and eighty of them (83.3%) were between 5 and 12 years of age. Asthma was diagnosed in 7 children under 5 years of age (7.3%) and in 14 children (14.6%) between 5 and 12 years of age. A total of 21 (21.9%) were diagnosed as having asthma after screening. On the basis of these results, the frequency of asthma according to classified age was significant (P=0.020). The frequency of asthma based on sex and birth rank was also examined, and none of these factors showed a significant association with asthma. Medications taken by the ADHD patients were also examined in this study. The most commonly used medications in both groups of patients with asthma and no asthmatic patients were a combination of risperidone and atomoxetine or risperidone alone. The prevalence of asthma in the target population was also assessed in terms of parental smoking.

Conclusions:

According to the results of this study, the incidence of asthma in ADHD patients aged 4–12 years is high, and this case is more frequent in subjects younger than 5 years than in subjects aged 5–12 years. It should be noted that according to the results of the present study, there was no significant association between birth rank, parental smoking, ADHD medication, and the frequency of asthma.
Postpartum ovarian vein thrombosis: a case report
Authors: El Mawla Zeinab , Damen Bilal
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Ovarian vein thrombosis (OVT) is a rare condition most frequently seen in the immediate postpartum period. Typical symptoms include pelvic pain, fever, and abdominal mass. Although a rare diagnosis, OVT can potentially cause fatal complications; thus, early recognition and prompt treatment is important.

Case presentation:

We present a case of a 30-year-old lady, G4P3A0, previously healthy, who presented at 29+3 weeks to the hospital for preterm premature rupture of membrane. The patient had a Cesarean section (C-section), which was complicated with uterine atony and massive bleeding controlled by emergent intrauterine balloon tamponade and uterine artery embolization. The next day, the patient complained of new-onset right lower quadrant abdominal pain, for which she had an abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) scan that showed OVT. Thus, she was started on anticoagulants, and discharged home.

Conclusion:

OVT is a rare disorder that has been described as occurring mainly during the postpartum period, after pelvic surgery, or in women with gynecological malignancies. Clinical features of OVT include fever, abdominal pain and tenderness, and a palpable abdominal mass. Diagnosis can be obtained using CT, magnetic resonance (MR), or ultrasound (US) Doppler. Treatment includes a combination of anticoagulants and antibiotics. Mortality is low nowadays.
Long-Term Effectiveness of Ear Molding and Factors Affecting Outcomes
Authors: Chen Lili , Li Chenlong , He Aijuan , Tong Hua , Yu Jinchao , Cui Chunxiao , Fu Yaoyao , Zhang Tianyu
Published: May 2023

Background:

The EarWell System offers an opportunity for babies born with ear anomalies. However, the long-term effectiveness of ear molding remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the long-term effectiveness of this novel technique and to determine the risk factors for recurrence.

Methods:

This retrospective, population-based cohort study was performed from 2017 to 2021. Infants who completed ear molding therapy and were followed for more than 6 months were enrolled. The main outcomes were immediate and long-term efficacy, which were graded by two blinded plastic surgeons.

Results:

A total of 226 infants with 334 ears were recruited. The most common anomalies included helical deformities [113 ears (33.8%)], and the rarest deformities were cryptotia [5 ears (1.5%)] and conchal crus [5 ears (1.5%)]. The age of initiation treatment was a factor affecting both immediate (p=0.004) and long-term effectiveness (p=0.009). The type of anomaly also influenced long-term molding outcomes. For cup ears, the success rate of long-term outcomes (76.0%) was significantly lower than that of immediate outcomes (98.7%) (p< 0.001). Prominent ear, cup ear, and microtia were found to be the most likely to relapse during long-term follow-up. The results of logistic regression also demonstrated age, duration time, and the type of anomaly were risk factors of ear molding effects.

Conclusions:

The EarWell System was shown to be a secure and effective method for congenital ear anomalies. Some infants’ ears recurred after successful immediate results. The age of initiation treatment and the type of anomaly were predictors of long-term outcomes.
“The Effects of Gingivoperiosteoplasty and Cleft Palate Repair on Facial Growth.”
Authors: Park Jenn J. , Kalra Aneesh , Parsaei Yassmin , Rochlin Danielle H. , Verzella Alexandra , Grayson Barry H. , Cutting Court B. , Shetye Pradip R. , Flores Roberto L.
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

Gingivoperiosteoplasty (GPP) can avoid secondary alveolar bone graft in up to 60% of patients. The effects of GPP on maxillary growth are a concern. However, palatoplasty can also negatively impact facial growth. This study quantifies the isolated effects of GPP and cleft palate repair on maxillary growth at the age of mixed dentition.

Methods:

A single institution, retrospective study of all patients undergoing primary reconstruction for unilateral cleft lip and alveolus (CLA) or cleft lip and palate (CLP) was performed. Study patients had lateral cephalograms at age of mixed dentition. Patients were stratified into four groups: CLA with GPP (CLA+GPP), CLA without GPP (CLA-GPP), CLP with GPP (CLP+GPP), and CLP without GPP (CLP-GPP). Cephalometric measurements included: sella-nasion-point A (SNA), sella-nasion-point B (SNB), and A point-nasion-B point (ANB). Landmarks were compared between patient groups and to Eurocleft Center D data.

Results:

110 patients met inclusion criteria: 7 CLA-GPP, 16 CLA+GPP, 24 CLP-GPP, and 63 CLP+GPP patients. There were no significant differences in SNA, SNB, and ANB between CLA+GPP and CLA-GPP, or between CLP+GPP and CLP-GPP groups. In patients who did not receive GPP, SNA was significantly lower in patients with a cleft palate compared to patients with an intact palate (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in SNA or SNB of CLP-GPP or CLP+GPP groups when compared to Eurocleft data.

Conclusion:

When controlling for the effects of cleft palate repair, GPP does not appear to negatively affect midface growth at the age of mixed dentition.
Epidemiology and Predictors for Cervical Burn Scar Contractures: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Li Rui , Zheng Yangyang , Fan Xijuan , Cao Zilong , Yue Qiang , Fan Jincai , Gan Cheng , Jiao Hu , Liu Liqiang
Published: May 2023

Cervical burn scar contracture (BSC) affects many important neck functions and the patients’ quality of life. However, it remains unclear which patients have a higher risk of neck BSCs. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology and identify the independent risks of cervical BSC formation and severity. Clinical and demographic data of 106 patients with burn scars were retrospectively collated and analyzed from 3 different Chinese hospitals between December 2016 and December 2020. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the independent risks for BSC formation and severity at 12 months postburn. Lateral flexion was the most common plane of motion (POM) limited by contractures (29.4%), whereas the POM most commonly limited by severe contractures was the extension (24.6%). Most patients with contractures had those in 3 to 4 POMs (72.1%). Neck skin grafting was an independent risk factor for BSC formation, and cervical and cervicothoracic skin grafting were independent risk factors for BSC severity. These results may help to identify high-risk patients with contractures in the early stages of burns to carry out individualized early prevention and treatment.
Complex, Crusty Calculi: A Case Study Report of Renal Transplant Lithiasis and Encrustation
Authors: Swaminathan Shriram , Park In-Ah , Chacko Bobby
Published: May 2023

Ureteric encrustation and lithiasis after renal transplantation are rare but not without risk of obstruction and graft loss. Patients are usually asymptomatic, and a majority present with graft dysfunction with imaging demonstrating hydronephrosis and rarely with acute graft pyelonephritis. We compare a case of transplant lithiasis with encrusted pyelitis and highlight key differences in their presentation and workup. A key focus for transplant physicians is to recognize when dealing with transplant hydronephrosis that the presence of a high urine pH and pyuria should be a key indicator to suspect ureteric encrustation to look for a urease-producing organism, recognizing that such organisms require prolonged incubation with urine culturing for up to 72 h.
Parathalassolituus penaei gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel member of the family Oceanospirillaceae isolated from a coastal shrimp pond in Guangxi, PR China
Authors: Chen Han , Dai Jingcheng , Yu Ping , Wang Xin , Wang Jing , Li Yan , Wang Shanhui , Li Shuyang , Qiu Dongru
Published: May 2023

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped and motile bacterium with bipolar flagella, designated G-43T, was isolated from a surface seawater sample collected from an aquaculture in Guangxi, PR China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain G-43T was most closely related to the family

Oceanospirillaceae

and distantly to the most closely related genera Venatorbacter and

Thalassolituus

(95.52 % and 94.45–94.76 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively), while similarity values to other

Oceanospirillaceae

type strains were lower than 94.0 %. Strain G-43T was found to grow at 4–30 °C (optimum, 25–28 °C), pH 6–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and with 0–4.0 % NaCl (w/v; optimum at 2 % NaCl). Chemotaxonomic analysis of strain G-43T indicated that the sole respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-8, the predominant cellular fatty acids were C16 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c) and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c), and the major polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, aminolipid, diphosphatidylglycerol, phospholipids and an unidentified lipid. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 55.4 mol%. The phylogenetic, genotypic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data demonstrate that strain G-43T represents a novel species in a novel genus within the family

Oceanospirillaceae

, for which the name Parathalassolituus penaei gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. Strain G-43T (=KCTC 72750T= CCTCC AB 2022321T) is the type and only strain of Parathalassolituus penaei.
A novel strictly anaerobic sulfate-reducing diazotrophic bacterium Fundidesulfovibrio terrae sp. nov., isolated from paddy soil
Authors: Yang Shang , Tang Rong , Han Shuang , Xie Cheng-Jie , Liu Guo-Hong , Zhou Shun-Gui
Published: May 2023

A strictly anaerobic sulfate-reducing strain, designated SG127T, was isolated from paddy soil. SG127T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type strain of Fundidesulfovibrio magnetotacticus (98.2 %). A phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that SG127T clustered with members of the genus

Fundidesulfovibrio

. Growth of SG127T was observed at 20–37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 5.5–9.0 (optimum, 7.0–8.0) and with 0–0.2 % (w/v) NaCl (optimally without NaCl). SG127T contained MK-7 as the only menaquinone and anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 1ω9c, C18 : 0, iso-C14 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16:0, iso-C16 : 1H, iso-C18 : 1H and summed feature nine as the major fatty acids. The genomic DNA G+C content of SG127T was 64.6 %. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between SG127T and the closely related Fundidesulfovibrio magnetotacticus were 78.5% and 23.2 %, respectively, which were lower than the cut-off values (ANI 95–96% and dDDH 70 %) for prokaryotic species delineation. SG127T had desulfoviridin, possessed nitrogen fixation genes (nifHDK) and actively fixed nitrogen according to the acetylene reduction assay. On the basis of these results, strain SG127T represents a novel species of the genus

Fundidesulfovibrio

, for which the name Fundidesulfovibrio terrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SG127T (= GDMCC 1.3137T = JCM 35589T).
Performance of cellular senescence measure, p16, and DNA methylation clocks in a clinically relevant model of age acceleration
Authors: Sedrak Mina S. , Knecht Anne , Strum Susan L. , Sun Canlan , Ding Yuan Chun , Ji Jingran , White Thomas A. , Nyrop Kirsten , LeBrasseur Nathan K. , Neuhausen Susan L. , Mitin Natalia , Muss Hyman
Published: May 2023

Cellular senescence and DNA methylation are primary aging mechanisms emerging as a potential means of monitoring human aging and evaluating interventions thought to either accelerate or slow an individual’s aging trajectory. However, it is largely unknown whether cellular senescence and signatures of methylation of the specific CpG islands that comprise various epigenetic clocks correlate in humans. We have measured the cellular senescence biomarker, p16 and the five most used epigenetic aging clocks in 251 patients with breast cancer, 49 age-matched non-cancer controls, and 48 patients undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy, a known clinically-relevant inducer of aging, increased expression of p16 but not levels of the most common epigenetic clocks (DNAm-Horvath, PhenoAge, GrimAge, mPoA), with the exception of DNAm-Hannum. Chemotherapy-induced changes in p16 were associated with increased levels of a subset of SASPs, PARC, TNFRII, ICAM1, and TNFa. Cross-sectionally, there was weak to no correlation between p16 expression and epigenetic clocks in cancer patients or non-cancer controls. GrimAge and PhenoAge were the most correlated with p16 (r<0.3), with no correlation between p16 and the pace of aging epigenetic clock. Together, these data show that there is a general discordance between measures of cellular senescence and epigenetic clocks with the senescence marker p16 but not epigenetic clocks of aging responding to a clinically relevant inducer of human aging, cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Predictor of neoplasms and body composition with machine learning models
Authors: Fuentes Sebio Mª Jesús
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background

The tissue microenvironment of neoplastic diseases differs from that of normal cells. Their extracellular matrix, innervation, metabolism, as well as interstitial fluid and intercellular interconnections mark clear physical differences between normal and cancerous cellular ecosystems. Detecting these physical changes early without using diagnostic methods that are harmful and uncomfortable for the patient is a major challenge for the medical-scientific community. Electrical bioimpedance supported by machine learning techniques can provide clues to incipient preneoplastic tissue changes.

Methods

In this study, 7 predictive machine learning models were developed using a database with bioimpedanciometric data from a group of healthy individuals and another group of patients who had or were suffering from cancer at the time of measurement.

Results

TheRandom Forestwas the model that reported the best Accuracy, reaching over 90% of hits.

Conclusions

These results open the door to future research linking changes in body composition and pretumoral tissue environments using machine learning tools.