bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor and tumorlike conditions of the pleura and juxtapleural region: review of imaging findings
Authors: Desimpel Julie , Vanhoenacker Filip M. , Carp Laurens , Snoeckx Annemiek
Published: July 2021

Pleural lesions form a diagnostic challenge for the radiologist. Whereas lesions can be initially detected on chest radiographs, CT and MRI imaging are the imaging modalities of choice for further characterization. In a number of cases, imaging findings can be relatively specific. In general unfortunately, imaging findings are rather aspecific. Evolution and extrathoracic imaging findings are important clues toward the diagnosis.
PIAS1 potentiates the anti-EBV activity of SAMHD1 through SUMOylation
Authors: Saiada Farjana , Zhang Kun , Li Renfeng
Published: July 2021

Background

Sterile alpha motif and HD domain 1 (SAMHD1) is a deoxynucleotide triphosphohydrolase (dNTPase) that restricts the infection of a variety of RNA and DNA viruses, including herpesviruses. The anti-viral function of SAMHD1 is associated with its dNTPase activity, which is regulated by several post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation, acetylation and ubiquitination. Our recent studies also demonstrated that the E3 SUMO ligase PIAS1 functions as an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) restriction factor. However, whether SAMHD1 is regulated by PIAS1 to restrict EBV replication remains unknown.

Results

In this study, we showed that PIAS1 interacts with SAMHD1 and promotes its SUMOylation. We identified three lysine residues (K469, K595 and K622) located on the surface of SAMHD1 as the major SUMOylation sites. We demonstrated that phosphorylated SAMHD1 can be SUMOylated by PIAS1 and SUMOylated SAMHD1 can also be phosphorylated by viral protein kinases. We showed that SUMOylation-deficient SAMHD1 loses its anti-EBV activity. Furthermore, we demonstrated that SAMHD1 is associated with EBV genome in a PIAS1-dependent manner.

Conclusion

Our study reveals that PIAS1 synergizes with SAMHD1 to inhibit EBV lytic replication through protein–protein interaction and SUMOylation.
On partial fractional Sturm–Liouville equation and inclusion
Authors: Charandabi Zohreh Zeinalabedini , Mohammadi Hakimeh , Rezapour Shahram , Masiha Hashem Parvaneh
Published: July 2021

The Sturm–Liouville differential equation is one of interesting problems which has been studied by researchers during recent decades. We study the existence of a solution for partial fractional Sturm–Liouville equation by using the α-ψ-contractive mappings. Also, we give an illustrative example. By using the α-ψ-multifunctions, we prove the existence of solutions for inclusion version of the partial fractional Sturm–Liouville problem. Finally by providing another example and some figures, we try to illustrate the related inclusion result.
Distribution of organic carbon fractions in soil aggregates in Chinese fir plantations with different stand ages
Authors: He Xinxin , Huang Yongzhen , Zhang Qianchun , Ye Shaoming , Wang Shengqiang
Published: July 2021

Background

Revealing the variations in soil aggregate-related organic carbon (OC) and labile organic carbon (LOC) fractions in a chronosequence of Chinese fir plantations plays an important role in better understanding the impact of soil carbon sink or source on the Chinese fir plantation ecosystem. In this study, soil samples in a depth of 0–20 cm were collected from Chinese fir plantations at different stand ages (0, 9, 17, and 26 years old) in Guangxi, China. With the optimal moisture sieving method adopted, the soil aggregates of 4 different sizes were obtained, including > 2-mm, 2–1-mm, 1–0.25-mm, and < 0.25-mm aggregates. Soil OC and LOC fractions were measured in the aggregates of different sizes. The LOC fractions included readily oxidizable carbon (ROC), particulate organic carbon (POC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), water-soluble organic carbon (WOC), and mineralized organic carbon (MOC).

Results

Soil aggregate stability, as indicated by the mean weight diameter (MWD), was the highest in the 17-year-old Chinese fir plantations and was significantly positively related (p < 0.05) to the concentrations of OC and LOC fractions (except for the ROC and MOC), with the POC in particular. As for all stand ages of Chinese fir plantations, the concentrations of soil OC and LOC fractions were significantly increased as the aggregate size decreased. Consequently, there were more OC and LOC fractions distributed in the < 0.25-mm aggregates. During the stand development, the concentrations of soil OC and LOC fractions first increased and then decreased, with the highest levels detected in the 17-year-old Chinese fir plantations, indicating that the 17-year-old Chinese fir plantations were conducive to the accumulation of soil OC and LOC fractions.

Conclusion

After 17 years of planting, promoted soil carbon (especially for the POC) accumulation contributes significantly to enhancing soil aggregate stability for the Chinese fir plantations in Guangxi, China.
Creating a startup at a University by using Shane’s theory and the entrepreneural learning model: a narrative method
Authors: Santoso R. Tri Priyono Budi , Junaedi I. Wayan Ruspendi , Priyanto Sony Heru , Santoso Donald Samuel Slamet
Published: July 2021

The novelty of this research is in applying the construction of the Shane Theory and Entrepeneurial Learning Model in applying Entrepreneurship Education at a higher education institution. This study used action research by utilizing a narrative method. The business field which matched with the academic discipline as well as business interest and hobby was more successful than that which had a different prospect as a startup. Leadership, entrepreneurship, and managerial ability are the determining factors in the success of a startup company. It can delve more into the entrepreneurship process of startups to recognize opportunities to create ideas, start businesses, and develop businesses.
The microbial metabolite p-Cresol induces autistic-like behaviors in mice by remodeling the gut microbiota
Authors: Bermudez-Martin Patricia , Becker Jérôme A. J. , Caramello Nicolas , Fernandez Sebastian P. , Costa-Campos Renan , Canaguier Juliette , Barbosa Susana , Martinez-Gili Laura , Myridakis Antonis , Dumas Marc-Emmanuel , Bruneau Aurélia , Cherbuy Claire , Langella Philippe , Callebert Jacques , Launay Jean-Marie , Chabry Joëlle , Barik Jacques , Le Merrer Julie , Glaichenhaus Nicolas , Davidovic Laetitia
Published: July 2021

Background

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are associated with dysregulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, changes in microbiota composition as well as in the fecal, serum, and urine levels of microbial metabolites. Yet a causal relationship between dysregulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis and ASD remains to be demonstrated. Here, we hypothesized that the microbial metabolite p-Cresol, which is more abundant in ASD patients compared to neurotypical individuals, could induce ASD-like behavior in mice.

Results

Mice exposed to p-Cresol for 4 weeks in drinking water presented social behavior deficits, stereotypies, and perseverative behaviors, but no changes in anxiety, locomotion, or cognition. Abnormal social behavior induced by p-Cresol was associated with decreased activity of central dopamine neurons involved in the social reward circuit. Further, p-Cresol induced changes in microbiota composition and social behavior deficits could be transferred from p-Cresol-treated mice to control mice by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). We also showed that mice transplanted with the microbiota of p-Cresol-treated mice exhibited increased fecal p-Cresol excretion, compared to mice transplanted with the microbiota of control mice. In addition, we identified possible p-Cresol bacterial producers. Lastly, the microbiota of control mice rescued social interactions, dopamine neurons excitability, and fecal p-Cresol levels when transplanted to p-Cresol-treated mice.

Conclusions

The microbial metabolite p-Cresol induces selectively ASD core behavioral symptoms in mice. Social behavior deficits induced by p-Cresol are dependant on changes in microbiota composition. Our study paves the way for therapeutic interventions targeting the microbiota and p-Cresol production to treat patients with ASD.
OUTBREAK: a user-friendly georeferencing online tool for disease surveillance
Authors: Arias-Carrasco Raúl , Giddaluru Jeevan , Cardozo Lucas E. , Martins Felipe , Maracaja-Coutinho Vinicius , Nakaya Helder I.
Published: July 2021

The current COVID-19 pandemic has already claimed more than 3.7 million victims and it will cause more deaths in the coming months. Tools that track the number and locations of cases are critical for surveillance and help in making policy decisions for controlling the outbreak. However, the current surveillance web-based dashboards run on proprietary platforms, which are often expensive and require specific computational knowledge. We developed a user-friendly web tool, named OUTBREAK, that facilitates epidemic surveillance by showing in an animated graph the timeline and geolocations of cases of an outbreak. It permits even non-specialist users to input data most conveniently and track outbreaks in real-time. We applied our tool to visualize the SARS 2003, MERS, and COVID19 epidemics, and provided them as examples on the website. Through the zoom feature, it is also possible to visualize cases at city and even neighborhood levels. We made the tool freely available at https://outbreak.sysbio.tools/. OUTBREAK has the potential to guide and help health authorities to intervene and minimize the effects of outbreaks.
Immunoinformatics approach for multi-epitope vaccine design against structural proteins and ORF1a polyprotein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)
Authors: Adam Khalid Mohamed
Published: July 2021

Background

The lack of effective treatment against the highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 has aggravated the already catastrophic global health issue. Here, in an attempt to design an efficient vaccine, a thorough immunoinformatics approach was followed to predict the most suitable viral proteins epitopes for building that vaccine.

Methods

The amino acid sequences of four structural proteins (S, M, N, E) along with one potentially antigenic accessory protein (ORF1a) of SARS-CoV-2 were inspected for the most appropriate epitopes to be used for building the vaccine construct. Several immunoinformatics tools were used to assess the antigenicity (VaxiJen server), immunogenicity (IEDB immunogenicity tool), allergenicity (AlgPred), toxigenicity (ToxinPred server), interferon-gamma inducing capacity (IFNepitope server), and the physicochemical properties of the construct (ProtParam tool).

Results

The final candidate vaccine construct consisted of 468 amino acids, encompassing 29 epitopes. The CTL epitopes that passed the antigenicity, allergenicity, toxigenicity and immunogenicity assessment were four epitopes from S protein, one from M protein, two from N protein, 12 from the ORF1a polyprotein and none from E protein. While the HTL epitopes that passed the antigenicity, allergenicity, toxigenicity and INF-$$\gamma$$
γ
were one from S protein, three from M protein, six from the ORF1a polyprotein and none from N and E proteins.

All the vaccine properties and its ability to trigger the humoral and cell-mediated immune response were validated computationally. Molecular modeling, docking to TLR3, simulation, and molecular dynamics were also carried out. Finally, a molecular clone using pET28::mAID expression plasmid vector was prepared.

Conclusion

The overall results of the study suggest that the final multi-epitope chimeric construct is a potential candidate for an efficient protective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2.
Endocan serum levels in patients with low- and high-grade meningiomas: does this biomarker have an indicative role?
Authors: Fattahi Mohammad Javad , Sedaghat Fatemeh , Malekzadeh Mahyar , Nejat Amir Ali , Poostkar Maryam , Saberi Yousef , Taghipour Mousa , Ghaderi Abbas
Published: July 2021

Background

Meningiomas are one of the most common tumors of the brain and central nervous system. The key role of endocan in predicting tumor growth and prognosis has been shown for several types of cancers; however, this role in meningiomas has not been evaluated. In the current study, we investigated the relationship between endocan serum levels with low- and high-grade meningiomas.

Results

The serum level of endocan in the group with meningiomas was 283.34 (242.09-358.70) pg/ml and in the control group was 250.29 (207.56-329.71) pg/ml respectively (P = 0.172). Afterwards, patients were divided into three different groups (grades I, II, and III) and compared to the control. The level of endocan in the group with grade I of meningioma showed no significant difference compared to control individuals (P = 0.86). When patients with grade II and grade III compared with the control group, endocan serum levels were statistically significant (P = 0.002, P < 0.001 respectively). Moreover, our findings showed that the different grades of meningiomas were statistically significant compared to each other (P < 0.001) regarding endocan serum levels, meaning that the higher the grade, the higher the endocan serum levels.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed that higher grades of meningioma had higher endocan serum levels, however, the role of endocan in pathogenesis or progression of this type of tumor requiring further exclusively assessment.
Predictors of surgical intervention in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (two-center study)
Authors: El Megeed Khaled Hamdy Abd , Saleh Shereen Abou Bakr , Mohamed Ahmed Elkattary , Alphonse Anwar Christina
Published: July 2021

Background

Sixty percent of Crohn’s disease (CD) patients require intestinal resection, and 20% of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients undergo proctocolectomy for medically refractory disease. Scarcity of literature about predictors for surgical intervention in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encouraged the conduction of this study to assess risk factors for surgical intervention in IBD patients.

Results

This cohort study included 80 Egyptian inflammatory bowel disease patients recruited from two medical centers. Patients were classified into two groups, 40 patients each, according to their need for surgical intervention to control inflammatory bowel disease. The two groups were compared regarding age of onset, type and location of disease, smoking, extraintestinal manifestations, perianal disease, granuloma, severity scores, stool calprotectin, complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and serum albumin at diagnosis for Crohn’s disease patients.

Twelve ulcerative colitis and 28 Crohn’s disease patients required surgical intervention in the form of total colectomy (30%), fistulectomy (32.5%), resection anastomosis (17.5%) or abscess drainage (20%). Perianal disease, smoking, and disease severity scores showed high significant differences (P value < 0.001); disease type and presence of granuloma showed statistically significant difference (P value < 0.05) between both groups. But, patient age at onset, location of the disease or extraintestinal manifestation had no statistical significance (P value > 0.5). Surgical interventions were more likely to be needed in patients with higher stool calprotectin level, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and lower serum albumin for Crohn’s disease patients (P value < 0.001 for each).

Conclusion

Smoking, perianal disease, higher severity scores, stool calprotectin, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels are predictors of surgical treatment.
Predicting involuntary hospitalization in psychiatry: A machine learning investigation
Authors: Silva Benedetta , Gholam Mehdi , Golay Philippe , Bonsack Charles , Morandi Stéphane
Published: July 2021

Background

Coercion in psychiatry is a controversial issue. Identifying its predictors and their interaction using traditional statistical methods is difficult, given the large number of variables involved. The purpose of this study was to use machine-learning (ML) models to identify socio-demographic, clinical and procedural characteristics that predict the use of compulsory admission on a large sample of psychiatric patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the routinely collected data of all psychiatric admissions that occurred between 2013 and 2017 in the canton of Vaud, Switzerland (N = 25,584). The main predictors of involuntary hospitalization were identified using two ML algorithms: Classification and Regression Tree (CART) and Random Forests (RFs). Their predictive power was compared with that obtained through traditional logistic regression. Sensitivity analyses were also performed and missing data were imputed through multiple imputation using chain equations.

Results

The three models achieved similar predictive balanced accuracy, ranging between 68 and 72%. CART showed the lowest predictive power (68%) but the most parsimonious model, allowing to estimate the probability of being involuntarily admitted with only three checks: aggressive behaviors, who referred the patient to hospital and primary diagnosis. The results of CART and RFs on the imputed data were almost identical to those obtained on the original data, confirming the robustness of our models.

Conclusions

Identifying predictors of coercion is essential to efficiently target the development of professional training, preventive strategies and alternative interventions. ML methodologies could offer new effective tools to achieve this goal, providing accurate but simple models that could be used in clinical practice.
Cancer Registration in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey: Scope and Challenges
Authors: Abdul-Sater Zahi , Shamseddine Ali , Taher Ali , Fouad Fouad , Abu-Sitta Ghassan , Fadhil Ibtihal , Saab Raya , Sullivan Richard , Adib Salim M. , Saleh Shadi , Mukherji Deborah ,   on behalf of ICRIM
Published: July 2021

PURPOSE

National cancer control strategies have been identified as essential tools for reducing and managing the growing burden of cancer in low- and middle-income countries. Cancer registration is an instrumental component of any cancer control strategy, providing the data to inform effective cancer policy. In the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENAT) region, cancer registration varies immensely and faces multifaceted challenges including protracted conflict. This study investigates and maps out the present capacities and outputs of cancer registration in the MENAT region and identifies thematic barriers facing implementation and utilization of cancer registry data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used a self-administered online survey with open and close-ended questions targeting national and institutional cancer registry managers in the MENAT countries.

RESULTS

Registry managers from 19 MENAT countries reported the presence of 97 population-based, 48 hospital-based, and 24 pathology-based registries. Most population-based registries were well- or partially developed. Lack of accurate death records, complete medical records, and communication between stakeholders and deficiencies in trained personnel were critical challenges that were more severe in active conflict zones and neighboring conflict-affected regions. Cancer registration challenges included weak health infrastructure, absence of legislation mandating cancer registration, and disruption of cancer registration because of active conflict and loss of funding. Refugee host countries, such as Lebanon, Turkey, and Jordan, also reported conflict-related challenges including refugee mobility and lack of accurate data on forced migrants.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a much-needed understanding of the current landscape and contextual challenges affecting cancer registration in the MENAT. These data are important for identifying areas on which to focus regional capacity-strengthening initiatives.
Colorectal Cancers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries—Demographic Pattern and Clinical Profile of 970 Patients Treated at a Tertiary Care Cancer Center in India
Authors: Deo S. V. S. , Kumar Sunil , Bhoriwal Sandeep , Shukla N. K. , Sharma Atul , Thulkar Sanjay , Das Prasenjit , Bhagat Prakash , Dhall Kunal , Pathy Sushmita , Mohanti B. K.
Published: July 2021

PURPOSE

Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks third in terms of incidence and second in terms of mortality. A relatively low burden of CRC has been reported from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), and there is a paucity of publications related to CRC from LMIC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A computerized comprehensive structured CRC clinical database was developed. All the patients with histopathologically proven CRC undergoing either curative and palliative multimodality management or surgical interventions between 2000 and 2019 were included in the study. A descriptive analysis of the demographic profile and clinical spectrum was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 970 patients of CRC were treated between 2000 and 2019. Of these, 401 patients (41.3%) had colon cancer and 569 (58.7%) had rectal cancer. The male-to-female ratio was 1.79:1. The mean age at presentation was 47.7 years. A total of 337 (34.7%) patients qualified as young CRC (≤ 40 years of age at diagnosis). The commonest symptom among patients with colon cancer was abdominal pain; 55.6% of patients had a right-sided primary tumor as compared with 42.2% with left-sided tumors. The commonest symptom among patients with rectal cancer was bleeding per rectum. The predominant location of the tumor was in the lower rectum (58%). Majority of patients with CRC presented with locally advanced stage II and III disease. The most common histologic subtype encountered for both colon and rectal cancers was adenocarcinoma (84.8% and 81.2%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This study has revealed certain important findings related to CRC in LMIC including a higher burden of young colorectal cancer, a relatively higher proportion of rectal cancers in comparison with colon cancer, a high percentage of patients with low-rectal cancer, and advanced stage at presentation.
Therapeutic Potential for Cannabinoids in Sports Medicine: Current Literature Review
Authors: Naik Heli , Trojian Thomas H.
Published: July 2021

Cannabidiol and other cannabinoids are being used more frequently for sports medicine–related conditions. This review will help sports medicine clinicians answer questions that their athletes and active patients have about the potential effectiveness of cannabinoids on common sports medicine conditions. In the article, the authors compare cannabidiol and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol effects, noting the difference on the endocannabinoid and nonendocannabinoid receptors. The theoretical benefits of these two compounds and the current legality in the United States surrounding cannabidiol and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol use also are addressed.
Vector-Field dynamic X-ray (VF-DXR) using Optical Flow Method
Authors: Hino Takuya , Tsunomori Akinori , Fukumoto Takenori , Hata Akinori , Ueyama Masako , Kurosaki Atsuko , Yoneyama Tsutomu , Nagatsuka Sumiya , Kudoh Shoji , Hatabu Hiroto
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

To explore the feasibility of Vector-Field DXR (VF-DXR) using optical flow method (OFM).

Methods:

Five healthy volunteers and five COPD patients were studied. DXR was performed in the standing position using a prototype X-ray system (Konica Minolta Inc., Tokyo, Japan). During the examination, participants took several tidal breaths and one forced breath. DXR image file was converted to the videos with different frames per second (fps): 15 fps, 7.5 fps, five fps, three fps, and 1.5 fps. Pixel-value gradient was calculated by the serial change of pixel value, which was subsequently converted mathematically to motion vector using OFM. Color-coding map and vector projection into horizontal and vertical components were also tested.

Results:

Dynamic motion of lung and thorax was clearly visualized using VF-DXR with an optimal frame rate of 5 fps. Color-coding map and vector projection into horizontal and vertical components were also presented. VF-DXR technique was also applied in COPD patients.

Conclusion:

The feasibility of VF-DXR was demonstrated with small number of healthy subjects and COPD patients.

Advances in knowledge:

A new Vector-Field Dynamic X-ray (VF-DXR) technique is feasible for dynamic visualization of lung, diaphragms, thoracic cage, and cardiac contour.
Hypofractionated stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) in pediatric patients: preliminary toxicity results of a national prospective multicenter study
Authors: Di Perri Dario , Jouglar Emmanuel , Blanc Ellen , Ducassou Anne , Huchet Aymeri , Vigneron Céline , Escande Alexandre , Chapet Sophie , Leseur Julie , Bernier Valérie , Carrie Christian , Martin Valentine , Claude Line
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

While hypofractionated stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has been largely adopted in the adult setting, its use remains limited in pediatric patients. This is due, among other factors, to fear of potential toxicities of hypofractionated regimens at a young age. In this context, we report the preliminary acute (<3 months from SBRT) and middle-term (3–24 months) toxicity results of a national prospective study investigating SBRT in pediatric patients.

Methods:

Between 2013 and 2019, 61 patients were included. The first 40 patients (median age: 12 y, range: 3–20) who completed a 2-year-follow-up were included in the present analysis. SBRT was used for treating lung, brain or (para)spinal lesions, either as first irradiation (35%) or in the reirradiation setting (65%).

Results:

Acute and middle-term grade ≥2 toxicities occurred in 12.5 and 7.5% of the patients, respectively. No grade ≥4 toxicities occurred. Almost all toxicities occurred in the reirradiation setting.

Conclusion:

SBRT showed a favorable safety profile in young patients treated for lung, brain, and (para)spinal lesions.

Advances in knowledge:

SBRT appeared to be safe in pediatric patients treated for multiple oncology indications. These results support further evaluation of SBRT, which may have a role to play in this patient population in the future.
Evaluation of foot hypoperfusion and estimation of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty outcome in patients with critical limb ischemia using intravoxel incoherent motion microperfusion MRI
Authors: Galanakis Nikolaos , Maris Thomas G , Kalaitzakis Georgios , Kontopodis Nikolaos , Matthaiou Nikolas , Charalambous Stavros , Tsetis Konstantinos , Ioannou Christos V , Karantanas Apostolos , Tsetis Dimitrios
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

To emerge hypoperfusion of lower limbs in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) using Intravoxel Incoherent Motion microperfusion magnetic resonance imaging (IVIM-MRI). Moreover to examine the ability of IVIM-MRI to differentiate patients with severe peripheral arterial disease (PAD) from normal subjects and evaluate the percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) results in patients with CLI.

Methods:

Eight patients who presented with CLI and six healthy volunteers were examined. The patients underwent IVIM-MRI of lower extremity before and following PTA. The imaging protocol included sagittal diffusion-weighted (DW) sequences. DW images were analyzed and color parametric maps of the micro-circulation of blood inside the capillary network (D*) were constructed. The studies were evaluated by two observers to define interobserver reproducibility.

Results:

Technical success was achieved in all patients (8/8). The mean ankle-brachial index increased from 0.35 ± 0.2 to 0.76 ± 0.25 (p < 0.05). Successful revascularization improved IVIM microperfusion. Mean D* increased from 279.88 ± 13.47 10−5 mm2/s to 331.51 ± 31 10−5 mm2/s, following PTA, p < 0.05. Moreover, PAD patients presented lower D* values as compared to healthy individuals (279.88 ± 13.47 10−5 mm2/s vs 332.47 ± 22.95 10−5 mm2/s, p < 0.05, respectively). Good interobserver agreement was obtained with an ICC = 0.84 (95% CI 0.64–0.93).

Conclusions:

IVIM-MRI can detect differences in microperfusion between patients with PAD and healthy individuals. Moreover, significant restitution of IVIM microperfusion is found following successful PTA.

Advances in knowledge:

IVIM-MRI is a safe, reproducible and effective modality for evaluation of lower limb hypoperfusion in patients with PAD. It seems also to be a helpful tool to detect changes of tissue perfusion in patients with CLI following revascularization.
Tumour growth rates of prostate cancer during active surveillance: is there a difference between MRI-visible low and intermediate-risk disease?
Authors: Giganti Francesco , Allen Clare , Stavrinides Vasilis , Stabile Armando , Haider Aiman , Freeman Alex , Pashayan Nora , Punwani Shonit , Emberton Mark , Moore Caroline M , Kirkham Alex
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in lesion volume on serial multiparametric magnetic resonance (mpMRI) during active surveillance for prostate cancer.

Methods:

A total of 160 patients with a targeted biopsy-confirmed visible lesion on mpMRI, stratified by low- and intermediate-risk disease (Gleason Grade Group 1 vs Gleason Grade Group 2), were analysed. The % change per year was calculated using the formula: [(final volume/initial volume) exp (1/interval between scans in years)]-1.

Results:

There was no significant difference in the annual median percentage change between Gleason Grade Group 1 (18%) and Gleason Grade Group 2 (23%) disease (p = 0.16), and between ≤ 10% (23%) and > 10% (22%) of Gleason pattern 4 (p = 0.78).

Assuming a spherical lesion, these changes corresponded to annual increases in mean tumour diameter of 6% and 7% for Gleason Grade Group 1 and Gleason Grade Group 2 respectively, which may be less than the interscan variability of serial mpMRI.

Conclusion:

In an active surveillance cohort, we did not see a significant difference in the annual growth rate of Gleason Grade Group 1 and 2 tumours.

Advances in knowledge:

In patients on active surveillance, the measured growth rates for visible tumours in Gleason Grade Groups 1 and 2 were similar. The annual growth rate was small in most cases and this may have implications for the MRI follow-up interval in active surveillance.
An ultrasound protocol for temporomandibular joint in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a pilot study
Authors: Tonni Ingrid , Borghesi Andrea , Tonesi Silvia , Fossati Giulia , Ricci Francesca , Visconti Luca
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

As it is well known, the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement in patients affected by Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is important to avoid the impairment of mandibular growth. In this context, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the gold-standard for detection of TMJ involvement, however it is expensive and requires patients’ collaboration. The aim of this study was to evaluate if ultrasound may be used as an alternative tool to investigate the acute signs of TMJ involvement in JIA patients.

Methods:

Lateral periarticular space (LPAS) and joint effusion were evaluated by ultrasound in a study Group A of 8 JIA children (11.6±3.5 years old) with 14 TMJs involved, as confirmed by MRI, and in a control Group B of 7 healthy children (9.3±1.2 years old) without temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The LPAS width values were compared between the two groups using the Mann–Whitney test. The ultrasound images of the JIA group were then matched with the corresponding MR images; the Spearman Rank Correlation test and the Bland–Altman test were used to evaluate the differences.

Results:

The LPAS values in Group A were statistically significantly higher than those in Group B (p < 0.001). There was no overlap of the LPAS values confidence intervals (CIs) between the two groups. No signs of joint effusion were identified in groups A and B. The Spearman test applied to the values of LPAS measured in ultrasound and the corresponding MR images showed a proportional positive correlation with a ρ of 0.623 and a p < 0.05.

Conclusions:

Ultrasound can detect differences in the TMJ features between JIA patients and healthy patients and it might be used as a follow-up tool in the assessment of TMJ involvement in subject affected by JIA.
A simple graded bite block for dynamic magnetic resonance imaging of the temporomandibular joint
Authors: Szopinski Kazimierz , Regulski Piotr A.
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

New solutions for the dynamic assessment of the moving structures of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), such as the intra-articular disc and the head of the mandible, are required for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Therefore, we propose a simple, graded bite block for dynamic MRI examination of the TMJ.

Methods:

The bite block consists of three main functional elements: a groove for the biting edges of the upper incisors, steps with bite surfaces for the biting edges of the lower incisors and a handle for easy placement and control of the device. The block is easily manufactured using commercially available 3D printers. The closed-mouth part of the study was performed without the bite block. The patient was instructed to place the central incisors’ biting edges in the upper groove. The lower incisors’ biting edges were placed consecutively on the first step, second step, and so on, in increasing order, until maximal opening was reached.

Results:

Ninety-five MR examinations of TMJs were performed. The graded opening bite block was successfully applied in all but two patients.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, the simple and easy-to-use graded bite block may be a useful addition to the armamentarium of a radiologist performing MRI scans of the TMJ.
Current applications and development of artificial intelligence for digital dental radiography
Authors: Putra Ramadhan Hardani , Doi Chiaki , Yoda Nobuhiro , Astuti Eha Renwi , Sasaki Keiichi
Published: July 2021

In the last few years, artificial intelligence (AI) research has been rapidly developing and emerging in the field of dental and maxillofacial radiology. Dental radiography, which is commonly used in daily practices, provides an incredibly rich resource for AI development and attracted many researchers to develop its application for various purposes. This study reviewed the applicability of AI for dental radiography from the current studies. Online searches on PubMed and IEEE Xplore databases, up to December 2020, and subsequent manual searches were performed. Then, we categorized the application of AI according to similarity of the following purposes: diagnosis of dental caries, periapical pathologies, and periodontal bone loss; cyst and tumor classification; cephalometric analysis; screening of osteoporosis; tooth recognition and forensic odontology; dental implant system recognition; and image quality enhancement. Current development of AI methodology in each aforementioned application were subsequently discussed. Although most of the reviewed studies demonstrated a great potential of AI application for dental radiography, further development is still needed before implementation in clinical routine due to several challenges and limitations, such as lack of datasets size justification and unstandardized reporting format. Considering the current limitations and challenges, future AI research in dental radiography should follow standardized reporting formats in order to align the research designs and enhance the impact of AI development globally.
Implementation challenges from a prospective, interventional biopsy-based study of Environmental Enteropathy in rural Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Sheraz , Iqbal Najeeha , Sadiq Kamran , Umrani Fayaz , Rizvi Arjumand , Jamil Zehra , Syed Sana , Khan Marium , Iqbal Junaid , Qureshi Shahida , Hotwani Aneeta , Rahman Najeeb , Moore Sean , Ali Asad
Published: July 2021

The Study of Environmental Enteropathy (EE) and Malnutrition in Pakistan (SEEM) is a community intervention trial designed to understand the pathophysiology of EE and its associated clinical phenotypes in children less than two years of age. Undernutrition is the underlying cause of three million deaths annually, accounting for 45% of all deaths among children under five years of age. Linear growth stunting affects a further 165 million. In Pakistan, where our study is focused, an estimated one in three children are underweight and nearly half are stunted. This manuscript summarizes the challenges faced by the field team and the solutions employed for achieving our research objectives at the rural field site, Matiari. 

Our study design involved a longitudinal collection of field data and biological samples which required constant engagement of field staff with the participating families. Challenges faced in SEEM included: 1) quality assurance parameters of anthropometry data; 2) 24-hour food recall data collection; 3) clinical management of acutely sick children enrolled in our study; 4) obtaining informed consent for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (an invasive procedure); and 5) biological sample collection (blood, urine, stool) from malnourished children at the community level. 

We accomplished our goal of enrolling 350 malnourished children and 50 well-nourished children with a more than 95% success rate of collecting blood, urine and stool specimens. We collected 72% microbiome stool samples within 30 minutes of the child passing stool. We conducted an upper gastrointestinal biopsy in 63 children.  

Broadly, solutions to these challenges included good governance, the establishment of credibility, and the development of a longitudinal bidirectional relationship embedded in trust and effective communication with the caretakers of the children enrolled in our study.    

Continuous monitoring, regular training of staff, and effective teamwork were key factors that led to the successful execution of our study.
A scoping review protocol to identify clinical signs, symptoms and biomarkers indicative of biofilm presence in chronic wounds
Authors: Ivory John D. , Vellinga Akke , O'Gara James , Gethin Georgina
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Wound healing is characterised by haemostatic, inflammatory, proliferative and remodelling phases. In the presence of comorbidities such as diabetes, healing can stall and chronic wounds may result. Infection is detrimental to these wounds and associated with poor outcomes. Wounds are contaminated with microbes and debris, and factors such as host resistance, bacterial virulence, species synergy and bioburden determine whether a wound will deteriorate to critically colonised/infected states. Biofilms are sessile microbial communities, exhibiting high-level antibiotic tolerance and resistance to host defences. Biofilm in critically colonised wounds can contribute to delayed healing. Little is known about clinical presentation and diagnosis of wound biofilms.

Objective: To identify from the literature clinical signs, symptoms and biomarkers that may indicate biofilm in chronic wounds.

Methods: This review will be guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR), and the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis. Studies of any design in any language recruiting adult patients with  venous, diabetic, pressure or mixed arterial-venous ulcers and reporting data on clinical signs/symptoms of biofilm are eligible. Searches of Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Central, Scopus, Web of Science, Google scholar and BASE will be conducted from inception to present. Reference scanning and contact with content experts will be employed. Title/abstract screening and full text selection will be executed by two reviewers independently. Discrepancies will be resolved by discussion between reviewers or through third party intervention. Data will be extracted by a single reviewer and verified by a second. Clinical signs and symptoms data will be presented in terms of study design, setting and participant demographic data.

Discussion: Understanding biofilm impact on chronic wounds is inconsistent and based largely on in vitro research. This work will consolidate clinical signs, symptoms and biomarkers of biofilm in chronic wounds reported in the literature.
The future of education equity policy in a COVID-19 world: a qualitative systematic review of lessons from education policymaking
Authors: Cairney Paul , Kippin Sean
Published: July 2021

Background: COVID-19 had a major global impact on education, prompting concerns about its unequal effects and some impetus to reboot equity strategies. Yet, policy processes exhibit major gaps between expectations and outcomes, and inequalities endured for decades before the pandemic. Our objective is to establish, from education research, how policymakers seek equitable outcomes. Our study emulates its partner review of ‘Health in All Policies’ (HiAP) to ask: How does education equity research use policy theory to understand policymaking?

Methods: A qualitative systematic review (from 2020-21), to identify peer reviewed research and commentary articles on education, equity, and policymaking, in specialist and general databases (ERIC, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane/ Social Systems Evidence). We did not apply additional quality measures. We used an inductive approach to identify key themes. We use these texts to produce a general narrative and explore how relatively theory-informed articles enhance it.

Results: 140 texts (109 articles included; 31 texts snowballed) provide a non-trivial reference to policymaking. Limiting inclusion to English-language produced a bias towards Global North articles. The comparison with HIAP highlights distinctive elements of education research. First, educational equity is ambiguous and contested, with no settled global definition or agenda (although countries like the US, and organisations like the World Bank, have disproportionate influence). Second, researchers critique the narrow equity definitions – focusing on performance – that dominate policymaking. Third, more studies provide ‘bottom-up’ analysis of ‘implementation gaps’. Fourth, more studies relate inequity to ineffective policymaking to address marginalised groups.

Conclusions: Few studies use policy theories to explain policymaking, but there is an education-specific literature performing a similar task. Compared to HIAP research, there is more use of critical policy analysis to reflect on power and less focus on delivering top-down aims. Most studies criticise current educational equity aims and expect them to fail.
Whole genome sequencing of two human rhinovirus A types (A101 and A15) detected in Kenya, 2016-2018
Authors: Luka Martha M. , Kamau Everlyn , de Laurent Zaydah R. , Morobe John Mwita , Alii Leonard K. , Nokes D. James , Agoti Charles N.
Published: July 2021

Background: Virus genome sequencing is increasingly utilized in epidemiological surveillance. Genomic data allows comprehensive evaluation of underlying viral diversity and epidemiology to inform control. For human rhinovirus (HRV), genomic amplification and sequencing is challenging due to numerous types, high genetic diversity and inadequate reference sequences.

Methods: We developed a tiled amplicon type-specific protocol for genome amplification and sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform of two HRV types, A15 and A101. We then assessed added value in analyzing whole genomes relative to the VP4/2 region only in the investigation of HRV molecular epidemiology within the community in Kilifi, coastal Kenya.

Results: We processed 73 samples collected between 2016-2018, and 48 yielded at least 70% HRV genome coverage. These included all A101 samples (n=10) and 38 (60.3%) A15 samples.  Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Kilifi A101 sequences interspersed with global A101 genomes available in GenBank collected between 1999-2016. On the other hand, our A15 sequences formed a monophyletic group separate from the global genomes collected in 2008 and 2019. Improved phylogenetic resolution was observed with the genome phylogenies compared to the VP4/2 phylogenies.

Conclusions: We present a type-specific full genome sequencing approach for obtaining HRV genomic data and characterizing infections.
Prognostic impact of chromogranin A in patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Kim Hong Nyun , Yang Dong Heon , Park Bo Eun , Park Yoon Jung , Kim Hyeon Jeong , Jang Se Yong , Bae Myung Hwan , Lee Jang Hoon , Park Hun Sik , Cho Yongkeun , Chae Shung Chull
Published: July 2021

Background: Chromogranin A (CgA) levels have been reported to predict mortality in patients with heart failure. However, information on the prognostic value and clinical availability of CgA is limited. We compared the prognostic value of CgA to that of previously proven natriuretic peptide biomarkers in patients with acute heart failure.Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 272 patients (mean age, 68.5±15.6 years; 62.9% male) who underwent CgA test in the acute stage of heart failure hospitalization between June 2017 and June 2018. The median follow-up period was 348 days. Prognosis was assessed using the composite events of 1-year death and heart failure hospitalization.Results: In-hospital mortality rate during index admission was 7.0% (n=19). During the 1-year follow-up, a composite event rate was observed in 12.1% (n=33) of the patients. The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves for predicting 1-year adverse events were 0.737 and 0.697 for N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and CgA, respectively. During follow-up, patients with high CgA levels (>158 pmol/L) had worse outcomes than those with low CgA levels (≤158 pmol/L) (85.2% vs. 58.6%, p<0.001). When stratifying the patients into four subgroups based on CgA and NT-proBNP levels, patients with high NT-proBNP and high CgA had the worst outcome. CgA had an incremental prognostic value when added to the combination of NT-proBNP and clinically relevant risk factors.Conclusion: The prognostic power of CgA was comparable to that of NT-proBNP in patients with acute heart failure. The combination of CgA and NT-proBNP can improve prognosis prediction in these patients.
Experiencias comunitarias de comunicación del riesgo en el marco de la gestión integral del riesgo de desastres en el estado de Colima (Col., México)
Authors: Cuevas Muñiz Alicia , Arellano Ceballos Aideé Consuelo
Published: July 2021

Debido a su ubicación geográfica y condiciones de vulnerabilidad física y social, el estado de Colima ha sido afectado por fenómenos geológicos e hidrometeorológicos, que han provocado pérdidas materiales y humanas. Por lo anterior, el objetivo de este artículo es analizar las diferentes experiencias comunitarias de comunicación del riesgo en el marco de la gestión integral del riesgo de desastres en el estado de Colima, a partir de la experiencia docente adquirida en un periodo de diez años. La metodología empleada para analizar los diecinueve programas de comunicación del riesgo fue el análisis de contenido, a efectos de responder a la pregunta: ¿cuál ha sido la experiencia de implementar programas de comunicación del riesgo, en el marco de la gestión integral del riesgo de desastres, en una década por estudiantes de la Licenciatura Ciencia Ambiental y Gestión de Riesgos? Se concluye que la comunicación del riesgo fue un componente fundamental de la gestión del riesgo y que en el diseño de programas de comunicación del riesgo debe intervenir un equipo multidisciplinar.