bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Survival and Causes of Death After Diagnoses of Common Cancers in 3 Cohorts of US Health Professionals
Authors: Cheng En , Lee Dong Hoon , Tamimi Rulla M , Hankinson Susan E , Willett Walter C , Giovannucci Edward L , Eliassen A Heather , Stampfer Meir J , Mucci Lorelei A , Fuchs Charles S , Spiegelman Donna
Published: March 2022

Background

Few studies investigated long-term overall survival and causes of death among men and women diagnosed with most commonly occurring cancers.

Methods

We estimated long-term (≥30-year) overall and cause-specific cumulative mortality for men diagnosed with prostate (n = 6873), lung and bronchus (n = 1290), colon and rectum (n = 1418), bladder (n = 1321), and melanoma (n = 2654) cancer in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study between 1986 and 2012 and women with breast (n = 18 280), lung and bronchus (n = 3963), colon and rectum (n = 3461), uterine corpus (n = 1641), and thyroid (n = 1103) cancer in the Nurses’ Health Study between 1976 and 2012 and Nurses’ Health Study II between 1989 and 2013.

Results

We reported overall and cause-specific cumulative mortality of 30 years among men and 35 years among women. Among male cancer survivors, the 30-year cumulative cancer-specific mortality was 15.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 14.4% to 16.4%) for prostate, 83.5% (95% CI = 81.2% to 85.5%) for lung and bronchus, 37.0% (95% CI = 34.4% to 39.5%) for colon and rectum, 22.5% (95% CI = 20.0% to 25.0%) for urinary bladder, and 8.0% (95% CI = 6.9% to 9.1%) for melanoma. Among female cancer survivors, the 35-year cumulative cancer-specific mortality rate was 20.6% (95% CI = 19.7% to 21.6%) for breast, 83.5% (95% CI = 81.6% to 85.2%) for lung and bronchus, 39.6% (95% CI = 37.5% to 41.6%) for colon and rectum, 16.6% (95% CI = 14.7% to 18.6%) for uterine corpus, and 3.2% (95% CI = 2.1% to 4.3%) for thyroid. Except for lung cancer, most patients with common cancer were more likely to die from causes other than primary cancers. We observed 2 basic trends for cumulative cancer-specific mortality. The first is a sustained but nevertheless excess risk: Prostate or breast cancer-specific cumulative mortality continued to increase after diagnosis from 5 to 30 years or longer. The second is greatly diminished risk of index cancer-specific mortality following diagnosis 10 years or longer previously. For example, colorectal cancer–specific mortality increased by less than 4 percentage points between 10 and 30 or 35 years after diagnosis, and this finding also applied to lung, bladder, melanoma, uterine corpus, and thyroid cancer.

Conclusions

Except for lung cancer, patients diagnosed with common cancers were more likely to die from causes other than primary cancers. Patients with lung, colorectal, bladder, melanoma, uterine corpus, or thyroid cancer surviving longer than 10 years after diagnosis are unlikely to die from that disease.
Evidence of functional and structural changes in the microbial community beneath a succulent invasive plant in coastal dunes
Authors: Souza-Alonso Pablo , Lechuga-Lago Yaiza , Guisande-Collazo Alejandra , González Luís
Published: March 2022

Coastal dunes represent priority habitats for conservation due to the provision of valuable ecosystem services such as land protection, water supply or biodiversity conservation. Soil microbial communities are of crucial importance to maintain plant diversity due to harsh environmental conditions, water limitation and nutrient scarcity. Invasive alien plants represent a major threat to ecosystem conservation. Here, we explored different impacts of Carpobrotus edulis, a succulent plant invading coastal areas worldwide, on the function and structure of bacterial communities. Sand represents a challenging substrate due to low organic matter content and limited microbial activity. We optimized bacterial extraction for functional evaluation before assessing ecosystem impacts produced by C. edulis. We compared 12 extracting procedures combining different soil storage, sample amount and extracting solutions on the functional activity of sand communities through the community-level physiological profile. We further explored the function (using Biolog Ecoplates) and structure [using polymerase chain reaction–denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE)] of bacterial communities from dunes invaded by C. edulis. Saline solution consistently increased bacterial cells detected by cytometry (P ≤ 0.001). Principal component analysis suggested a limited temporal framework (0–24 h) in which community function can be explored without significant alterations in C substrate consumption. Changes under C. edulis invasion exhibited a different pattern of C substrate utilization comparing native and non-native zones (interspecific), but also between native zones (intraspecific), suggesting that functional impacts are site-dependent. Complementary, results obtained from PCR-DGGE indicated that the bacterial community structure of native dunes significantly differed from dunes invaded by C. edulis.
Development of PHITS graphical user interface for simulation of positron emitting radioisotopes production in common biological materials during proton therapy
Authors: Shahmohammadi Beni Mehrdad , Yu Kwan Ngok , Islam M Rafiqul , Watabe Hiroshi
Published: March 2022

The Monte Carlo (MC) method is a powerful tool for modeling nuclear radiation interaction with matter. A variety of MC software packages has been developed, especially for applications in radiation therapy. Most widely used MC packages require users to write their own input scripts for their systems, which can be a time consuming and error prone process and requires extensive user experience. In the present work, we have developed a graphical user interface (GUI) bundled with a custom-made 3D OpenGL visualizer for PHITS MC package. The current version focuses on modeling proton induced positron emitting radioisotopes, which in turn can be used for verification of proton ranges in proton therapy. The developed GUI program does not require extensive user experience. The present open-source program is distributed under GPLv3 license that allows users to freely download, modify, recompile and redistribute the program.
An 8 per cent determination of the Hubble constant from localized fast radio bursts
Authors: Wu Qin , Zhang Guo-Qiang , Wang Fa-Yin
Published: March 2022

The cosmological-constant (Λ) cold dark matter (CDM) model is challenged by the Hubble tension, a remarkable difference of Hubble constant H0 between measurements from local probes and the prediction from Planck cosmic microwave background observations under ΛCDM model. So one urgently needs new distance indicators to test the Hubble tension. Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are millisecond-duration pulses occurring at cosmological distances, which are attractive cosmological probes. Here, we report a measurement of ${H_0} = 68.81^{+4.99}_{-4.33} {\rm \ km \ s^{-1} \ Mpc^{-1}}$ using eighteen localized FRBs, with an uncertainty of 8 per cent at 68.3 per cent confidence. Using a simulation of 100 localized FRBs, we find that error of H0 can be reduced to 2.6 per cent at 1σ uncertainty. Thanks to the high event rate of FRBs and localization capability of radio telescopes (i.e. Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder and Very Large Array), future observations of a reasonably sized sample will provide a new way of measuring H0 with a high precision to test the Hubble tension.
A hot and luminous source at the site of the fast transient AT2018cow at 2–3 yr after its explosion
Authors: Sun Ning-Chen , Maund Justyn R , Crowther Paul A , Liu Liang-Duan
Published: March 2022

We report the discovery of a luminous late-time source at the position of the fast blue optical transient AT2018cow on images taken by the Hubble Space Telescope at 714 d and 1136 d after its explosion. This source is detected at both UV and optical wavelengths and has prominent Hα emission. It has a very stable brightness between the two epochs and a very blue spectral energy distribution consistent with fλ $\propto \, \lambda ^{-4.1 \pm 0.1}$, i.e. the Rayleigh–Jeans tail of a hot blackbody with a very high temperature of log(T/K) > 4.7 and luminosity of log(L/L⊙) > 7.0. This late-time source is unlikely to be an unrelated object in chance alignment, or due to a light echo of AT2018cow. Other possible scenarios also have some difficulties in explaining this late-time source, including companion star(s), star cluster, the survived progenitor star, interaction with circumstellar medium, magnetar, or delayed accretion in a tidal disruption event. Long-term and multi-wavelength monitoring will help to resolve its nature and finally reveal the origin of the ‘Cow’.
Sexual dichromatism may not be a good index of sexual or natural selection in the blue cardinalids (Aves: Passeriformes)
Authors: García Natalia C , Barreira Ana S , Tubaro Pablo L
Published: March 2022

More than a century ago, Darwin and Wallace started a still ongoing debate over which are the predominant forces driving sexual dichromatism (i.e. differences in body coloration between males and females): is it sexual selection on males to become more attractive, or is it natural selection on females to become more cryptic? While these are not mutually exclusive, the degree of sexual dichromatism has been extensively used as a proxy of the intensity of one type of selection (sexual) on one of the sexes (males). Here, we evaluated the relationship between sexual dichromatism and two body-color features that can be under natural and/or sexual selection in each sex: conspicuousness against the background and colorfulness (which we defined as the variety of colors and mechanisms to produce them within an individual’s plumage). We focused on the “blue clade” of the Cardinalidae bird family and considered the properties of their own visual system and those of potential raptor predators. We found that all blue cardinalids are sexually dichromatic, but levels of dichromatism vary within the clade. Males are on average more colorful than females, but neither male nor female colorfulness correlates with sexual dichromatism. Males are not more conspicuous than females against a vegetated background but are significantly more conspicuous against a nesting background than females. Yet, we found no correlation between conspicuousness and degree of sexual dichromatism. Our results suggest that, while both natural and sexual selection can drive color differences between the sexes, levels of sexual dichromatism do not necessarily reflect the intensity of selection forces in this clade. Our results highlight the importance of testing assumptions regarding the relationship between sexual dichromatism and color evolution in each sex, considering the properties of different visual systems, relevant to the ecology of the study model.
Increasing temperature and prey availability affect the growth and swimming kinematics of Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) larvae
Authors: Allan Bridie J M , Browman Howard I , Shema Steven , Skiftesvik Anne-Berit , Folkvord Arild , Durif Caroline M F , Kjesbu Olav Sigurd
Published: March 2022

Climate change will increase the magnitude and duration of warming events and the variability in the phenology and abundance of available prey to the early life stages of fish. These factors influence physiological, behavioral and ecological processes, impacting growth, development and survival. Using a fully factorial design with two prey-availability treatments (1200 prey items L−1 (high prey abundance) or 40 prey items L−1 (low prey abundance)) under three temperature regimes (8, 10 and 12°C), the swimming kinematics of 6-week old spring-spawning Atlantic herring larvae were examined using silhouette video photography. Higher temperatures combined with food limitation significantly decreased the growth and swimming kinematics of larval herring, with the most negative effect observed in larvae reared at 12°C and exposed to low food abundances. Specifically, larvae displayed reduced locomotory behaviors and reduced vertical movements. By contrast, larvae reared at high prey abundance and at 12°C displayed more active swimming and exploratory behavior, as evidenced by an increase in both locomotory behavior and vertical and horizontal turn angles, suggesting increased motivation to search for food. This research highlights the importance of determining to what degree fish larvae are sensitive to changes in temperature and how these changes might be further influenced by food availability.
Maize miR167-ARF3/30-polyamine oxidase 1 module-regulated H2O2 production confers resistance to maize chlorotic mottle virus
Authors: Liu Xuedong , Liu Sijia , Chen Xi , Prasanna Boddupalli M , Ni Zhongfu , Li Xiangdong , He Yueqiu , Fan Zaifeng , Zhou Tao
Published: March 2022

Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) is the key pathogen causing maize lethal necrosis (MLN). Due to the sharply increased incidence of MLN in many countries, there is an urgent need to identify resistant lines and uncover the underlying resistance mechanism. Here, we showed that the abundance of maize (Zea mays) microR167 (Zma-miR167) positively modulates the degree of resistance to MCMV. Zma-miR167 directly targets Auxin Response Factor3 (ZmARF3) and ZmARF30, both of which negatively regulate resistance to MCMV. RNA-sequencing coupled with gene expression assays revealed that both ZmARF3 and ZmARF30 directly bind the promoter of Polyamine Oxidase 1 (ZmPAO1) and activate its expression. Knockdown or inhibition of enzymatic activity of ZmPAO1 suppressed MCMV infection. Nevertheless, MCMV-encoded p31 protein directly targets ZmPAO1 and enhances the enzyme activity to counteract Zma-miR167-mediated defense to some degree. We uncovered a role of the Zma-miR167-ZmARF3/30 module for restricting MCMV infection by regulating ZmPAO1 expression, while MCMV employs p31 to counteract this defense.
Axion cloud evaporation during inspiral of black hole binaries: The effects of backreaction and radiation
Authors: Takahashi Takuya , Omiya Hidetoshi , Tanaka Takahiro
Published: March 2022

Ultralight scalar fields such as axions can form clouds around rotating black holes (BHs) by the superradiant instability. It is important to consider the evolution of clouds associated with BH binaries for the detectability of the presence of clouds through gravitational wave signals and observations of the mass and spin parameters of BHs. The impact on the axion cloud due to the tidal perturbation from the companion in a binary system was first studied in D. Baumann et al., Phys. Rev. D, 101, 083019. Here, we re-examine this issue taking into account the following points. First, we study the influence of higher-multipole moments. Second, we consider the backreaction due to the angular momentum transfer between the cloud and the orbital motion. This angular momentum transfer further causes the backreaction to the hyperfine split through the change in geometry. Finally, we calculate the particle number flux to infinity induced by the tidal interaction. As a result, we find that the scalar field is not reabsorbed by the BH. Instead, the scalar particles are radiated away to evaporate during the inspiral, irrespective of the direction of the orbital motion, for almost equal mass binaries.
Neural Activation in the Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex Precedes Conscious Experience of Being in or out of a Transient Hallucinatory State
Authors: Hugdahl Kenneth , Craven Alexander R , Johnsen Erik , Ersland Lars , Stoyanov Drozdstoy , Kandilarova Sevdalina , Brunvoll Sandøy Lydia , Kroken Rune A , Løberg Else-Marie , Sommer Iris E C
Published: March 2022

Background and Hypotheses

Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) is not only a common symptom in schizophrenia but also observed in individuals in the general population. Despite extensive research, AVHs are poorly understood, especially their underlying neuronal architecture. Neuroimaging methods have been used to identify brain areas and networks that are activated during hallucinations. A characteristic feature of AVHs is, however, that they fluctuate over time, with varying frequencies of starts and stops. An unanswered question is, therefore, what neuronal events co-occur with the initiation and inhibition of an AVH episode.

Study Design

We investigated brain activation with fMRI in 66 individuals who experienced multiple AVH-episodes while in the scanner. We extracted time-series fMRI-data and monitored changes second-by-second from 10 s before to 15 s after participants indicated the start and stop of an episode, respectively, by pressing a hand-held response-button.

Study Results

We found a region in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) which showed a significant increase in activation initiated a few seconds before participants indicated the start of an episode, and a corresponding decrease in activation initiated a few seconds before the end of an episode.

Conclusions

The consistent increase and decrease in activation in this area in advance of the consciously experienced presence or absence of the “voice” imply that this region may act as a switch in turning episodes on and off. The activation is unlikely to be confounded by motor responses. The findings could have clinical implications for brain stimulation treatments, like transcranial magnetic stimulation.
The politics of the ECB’s market-based approach to government debt
Authors: van ’t Klooster Jens
Published: March 2022

The European Central Bank’s (ECB) market-based treatment of government debt was an important cause of the 2010–2012 eurozone crisis. This article analyses the political dynamics that govern the ECB’s approach to government debt from the earliest discussions on Economic and Monetary Union to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first part of the article traces the process of institutional transformation that led the ECB to introduce its strict market-based approach in 2005. I explain this development in terms of a strategy of depoliticization that brings the ECB to introduce a rigid and rule-based approach to designing its collateral framework. The article’s second part explains why the ECB stuck to the market-based approach in the eurozone crisis but not in the pandemic crisis. Although its ill-defined constitutional role led the ECB to disavow its agency earlier, in March 2020, it had become clear that this strategy had stopped working and it was quickly abandoned in the face of a new bond market panic.
Associations between experienced aggression, poor sleep, and suicide risk among Chinese adolescents
Authors: Zhou Shuang-Jiang , Wang Lei-Lei , Wang Ting-Ting , Wang Jing-Qi , Chen Jing-Xu
Published: March 2022

Study Objectives

The physical and mental health of adolescents is an important study area. This study aims to examine the occurrence of aggression, sleep disturbances, and suicide risk among Chinese adolescents, along with the relationships between these factors.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study conducted through an online survey. Of the original 7011 Chinese adolescent respondents, the analysis included data from 6122 adolescents, aged between 12 and 18 years, from 23 regions, whose average age was 16.12 (±1.44) years, with 48.8% being male. While the chi-square test and t-test were used for analyzing demographic data and continuous variables, respectively, mediation analysis was used to explore the mechanism of experiencing aggression on suicide risk. The respondents’ sleep quality, nightmare distress, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and suicide risk were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Nightmare Distress Questionnaire–Chinese version (NDQ-CV), Chinese Adolescent Daytime Sleepiness Scale (CADSS), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), and the suicide risk module of the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), respectively. Four items were used to assess adolescents’ experiences with aggression.

Results

Of the respondents, 42% reported experiencing aggression by others, especially parental physical maltreatment. Furthermore, 26.9% of adolescents in school, and in particular, 31.8% in senior high school experienced insomnia symptoms. Adolescents who reported experiences of aggression had more severe insomnia symptoms, nightmare distress, fatigue, and a higher risk of suicide when compared with those who did not (all ps < 0.001). Insomnia symptoms, nightmare distress, and fatigue all mediated the relationship between aggression and suicide risk, and there was a chain of mediating effects between these factors [for total indirect effect β = 1.1512, 95% CI (0.9671 to 1.3426), direct effect β = 0.4934, 95% CI (0.1978 to 0.7891), and total effect β = 1.6446, 95% CI (1.3479 to 1.9414)].

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that among adolescents, experiencing aggression is associated with an increased suicide risk. In addition to the direct effect of aggression on suicide risk, insomnia, nightmare distress, and fatigue mediate the relationship between aggression and suicide risk. More attention should be paid to adolescents experiencing aggression, and interventions should be implemented and strengthened.
A novel EEG marker predicts perceived sleepiness and poor sleep quality
Authors: Lechat Bastien , Hirotsu Camila , Appleton Sarah , Younes Magdy , Adams Robert J , Vakulin Andrew , Hansen Kristy , Zajamsek Branko , Wittert Gary , Catcheside Peter , Heinzer Raphael , Eckert Danny J
Published: March 2022

Study Objectives

To determine if a novel EEG-derived continuous index of sleep depth/alertness, the odds ratio product (ORP), predicts self-reported daytime sleepiness and poor sleep quality in two large population-based cohorts.

Methods

ORP values which range from 0 (deep sleep) to 2.5 (fully alert) were calculated in 3s intervals during awake periods (ORPwake) and NREM sleep (ORPNREM) determined from home sleep studies in the HypnoLaus (N = 2162: 1106 females, 1056 males) and men androgen inflammation lifestyle environment and stress (MAILES) cohorts (N = 754 males). Logistic regression was used to examine associations between ORPwake, ORPNREM, and traditional polysomnography measures (as comparators) with excessive sleepiness (Epworth sleepiness scale >10) and poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh sleep quality index >5) and insomnia symptoms.

Results

High ORPwake was associated with a ~30% increase in poor sleep quality in both HypnoLaus (odds ratio, OR, and 95% CI) 1.28 (1.09, 1.51), and MAILES 1.36 (1.10, 1.68). High ORPwake was also associated with a ~28% decrease in excessive daytime sleepiness in the MAILES dataset. ORPNREM was associated with a ~30% increase in poor sleep quality in HypnoLaus but not in MAILES. No consistent associations across cohorts were detected using traditional polysomnography markers.

Conclusions

ORP, a novel EEG-derived metric, measured during wake periods predicts poor sleep quality in two independent cohorts. Consistent with insomnia symptomatology of poor perceived sleep in the absence of excessive daytime sleepiness, ORPwake may provide valuable objective mechanistic insight into physiological hyperarousal.
Meta-analysis of the effects of monensin on growth and bloat of cattle on pasture
Authors: Gadberry Shane , Lalman David , White Frank , Linneen Sara , Beck Paul
Published: March 2022

Monensin has been part of the beef production landscape for over 45 years. Although first approved for use in finishing cattle, it has since been approved for cattle in extensive production systems and has been an economical way to increase performance of forage-fed animals. This meta-analysis investigated the impacts of monensin on performance of stocker cattle on high-forage diets. The stocker performance analysis resulted from 38 experiments with 73 mean comparisons; bloat analysis was conducted with 12 experiments with 23 mean comparisons. The metaphor package (version 2.4-0) for R (version 4.0.3; www.r-project.org) was used to determine the overall effect size of monensin compared to a negative control. Each study’s n, means, and SEM or P-value was used to calculate the mean difference and estimate of within-study variance for responses of interest. Moderators of monensin response considered in the analysis were delivery method, dose, study duration, initial calf BW, diet ME and CP, and forage category. Initial BW and basal ADG averaged 236 ± 45.9 kg and 0.72 ± 0.28 kg, respectively. In the ADG analysis, the only significant moderator of those considered was length of the study (P < 0.01); as duration of the study increased, the ADG response to monensin decreased by 0.0007 kg/day. For the average 112-day length of study, the average monensin response was estimated to be 0.0784 kg/day increase in ADG, approximately 10% above controls. Sufficient information was presented in 18 citations representing 40 mean comparisons for determining the effect of monensin on BW at the end of the experiment. The response model (P < 0.01) for ending BW, kg = 22.3–0.05 (initial calf BW, kg). Thus, for the average initial BW of 235 kg the average monensin response was estimated to be 10.6 kg increase in average ending BW. The incidence (−20%) and severity (−0.7 bloat score) of bloat was found to be reduced in bloat-prone pastures. There is ample evidence that monensin increases performance of growing calves on high forage diets along with reducing the incidence and severity of bloat.
Hepatocyte growth factor protects pulmonary endothelial barrier against oxidative stress and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis
Authors: Meng Shanshan , Xia Feiping , Xu Jingyuan , Zhang Xiwen , Xue Ming , Gu Mingyuan , Guo Fengmei , Huang Yingzi , Qiu Haibo , Yang Yi
Published: March 2022

Background:

Pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) were not complex, and the endothelial barrier was destroyed in the pathogenesis progress of acute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Previous studies have demonstrated that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which was secreted by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, could decrease endothelial apoptosis. We investigated whether mTOR/STAT3 signaling acted in HGF protective effects against oxidative stress and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction and ALI mice.

Methods:

In our current study, we introduced LPS-induced PMEVCs with HGF treatment. To investigate the effects of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway in endothelial oxidative stress and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, mTOR inhibitor rapamycin and STAT3 inhibitor S3I-201 were, respectively, used to inhibit mTOR/STAT3 signaling. Moreover, lentivirus vector-mediated mTORC1 (Raptor) and mTORC2 (Rictor) gene knockdown modifications were introduced to evaluate mTORC1 and mTORC1 pathways. Calcium measurement, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential and protein, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and endothelial junction protein were detected to evaluate HGF effects. Moreover, we used the ALI mouse model to observe the mitochondria pathological changes with an electron microscope in vivo.

Results:

Our study demonstrated that HGF protected the endothelium via the suppression of ROS production and intracellular calcium uptake, which lead to increased mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1 and mitochondria tracker green detection) and specific proteins (complex I), raised anti-apoptosis Messenger Ribonucleic Acid level (B-cell lymphoma 2 and Bcl-xL), and increased endothelial junction proteins (VE-cadherin and occludin). Reversely, mTOR inhibitor rapamycin and STAT3 inhibitor S3I-201 could raise oxidative stress and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis even with HGF treatment in LPS-induced endothelial cells. Similarly, mTORC1 as well as mTORC2 have the same protective effects in mitochondria damage and apoptosis. In in vivo experiments of ALI mouse, HGF also increased mitochondria structural integrity via the mTOR/STAT3 pathway.

Conclusion:

In all, these reveal that mTOR/STAT3 signaling mediates the HGF suppression effects to oxidative level, mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, and endothelial junction protein in ARDS, contributing to the pulmonary endothelial survival and barrier integrity.
Wunderlich syndrome, an unexpected urological complication in a patient with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A case report
Authors: Presicce Fabrizio , Martini Marco , Minisola Francesco , Falavolti Cristina , Filianoti Alessio
Published: March 2022

We describe the first case of Wunderlich syndrome as a hemorrhagic complication in a patient with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The possible underlying pathophysiological mechanisms have been extensively discussed. Emergency management included selective angioembolization of the upper polar arterial branches of the left kidney and discontinuation of thromboprophylaxis. The patient was discharged after 18 days. No other localizations or local recurrence of bleeding occurred during the hospitalization. Our report suggests a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations in patients with coronavirus disease 2019. As observed in our clinical case, in addition to thrombotic complications, bleeding is a significant cause of morbidity in coronavirus disease 2019 patients. Further studies should determine whether these urological bleeding sequelae are a direct manifestation of the infection or an indirect effect of thromboprophylaxis.
Reversal of Trimethoprim-Induced Antikaliuresis in an HIV Patient With Pneumocystis Pneumonia
Authors: Motayar Nasim , Trawick David
Published: March 2022

High-dose trimethoprim-sulfamethaxazole is the drug of choice for treatment of severe Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) with the caveat that at higher doses, serious adverse events occur more frequently. A lethal complication is hyperkalemia which often mandates premature discontinuation of therapy despite lower efficacy of second-line agents. We report a case of a patient with severe PJP causing respiratory failure treated with high-dose trimethoprim-sulfamethaxazole who experienced hyperkalemia, which was successfully managed with a combination of fludrocortisone and furosemide allowing completion of antibiotic course.

Administration of fludrocortisone and furosemide may enable practitioners to effectively address trimethoprim-induced hyperkalemia in critically ill patients with PJP. We speculate that exogenous administration of fludrocortisone may promote transcription of ENaC-amiloride sensitive epithelial sodium channels, which is unaffected by circulating trimethoprim allowing for kaliuresis to be restored. The addition of furosemide increases sodium load, further promoting potassium excretion.
Recurrent Group B Streptococcus Septicemia Secondary to Portal Hypertensive Colopathy
Authors: Vile Alexander , Kang Sebastian , Whibley Page , Prabhaharn Suji
Published: March 2022

Background

Group B streptococcal infections (GBSs) in nonpregnant adults have become an increasingly recognized entity. Bacteremia without focus has consistently been demonstrated as the second leading cause of infection. Recurrent bacteremia, however, remains a significantly rarer phenomenon, and underlying mechanisms and risk factors are poorly elucidated in the literature.

Case Report

We report the first case of 3 independent episodes Streptococcus agalactiae bacteremia without focus, in 56-year-old woman with Child-Pugh B cirrhosis and the uncommon finding of portal hypertensive colopathy.

Results

We propose bowel hemorrhage secondary to portal hypertensive colopathy, facilitated recurrent bacterial translocation and blood stream infection in this immunocompromised host, presenting as recurrent bacteremia without focus. We discuss the disease epidemiology of GBS infections, antibiotic sensitivity, and risk factors for infection relating to this theory in a literature review.

Conclusions

Portal hypertensive colopathy in liver cirrhosis may contribute to underlying risk for recurrent GBS bacteremia without focus that necessitates prolonged penicillin class antibiotic therapy.
Hydrogen-oxygen therapy alleviates clinical symptoms in twelve patients hospitalized with COVID-19
Authors: Luo Peng , Ding Yuanfang , He Yuan , Chen Dafeng , He Qing , Huang Zufeng , Huang Shian , Lei Wei
Published: March 2022

A global public health crisis caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) leads to considerable morbidity and mortality, which bring great challenge to respiratory medicine. Hydrogen-oxygen therapy contributes to treat severe respiratory diseases and improve lung functions, yet there is no information to support the clinical use of this therapy in the COVID-19 pneumonia.

A retrospective study of medical records was carried out in Shishou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Hubei, China. COVID-19 patients (aged ≥ 30 years) admitted to the hospital from January 29 to March 20, 2020 were subjected to control group (n = 12) who received routine therapy and case group (n = 12) who received additional hydrogen-oxygen therapy. The clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients were analyzed. The physiological and biochemical indexes, including immune inflammation indicators, electrolytes, myocardial enzyme profile, and functions of liver and kidney, were examined and investigated before and after hydrogen-oxygen therapy.

The results showed significant decreases in the neutrophil percentage and the concentration and abnormal proportion of C-reactive protein in COVID-19 patients received additional hydrogen-oxygen therapy.

This novel therapeutic may alleviate clinical symptoms of COVID-19 patients by suppressing inflammation responses.
Evaluation on curative effects of adjuvant chemotherapy alone in treating with advanced endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Jie , Chen Lin , Tian Yong
Published: March 2022

Background:

Endometrial carcinoma is classified as a gynecological cancer with high incidence. However, comparatively, only a small percentage of patients associated with it experience the condition progress to advanced disease or face recurring conditions. In the event where the condition progresses or recurs, the existing prognosis is poor and the most efficient form of treatment has not been established. Traditional methods to treat advanced endometrial carcinoma involves cytoreductive surgical intervention and radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, or a combination. Currently, there is controversy regarding the safest and most effective form of treatment. Therefore, the aim of conducting this protocol is to systematically review and provide meta-analyses on the curative effects of only using adjuvant chemotherapy to treat advanced endometrial carcinoma.

Methods:

A systematic search will be performed in 6 online-based databases, including WanFang, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. All related studies until December 22, 2021 will be considered in the search. Moreover, Google Scholar will be used as a source for grey literature. Two independent authors will screen the titles and abstracts. We will use the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for performing an assessment of the risk of bias in randomized controlled trials. Additionally, Begg test statistics and Egger regression test will be employed to objectively detect the publication bias.

Ethics and dissemination:

Not required.

OSF registration:

10.17605/OSF.IO/JA48Q.
Educational suitability of new channel-type video-laryngoscope with AI-based glottis guidance system for novices wearing personal-protective-equipment
Authors: Choi Jaesoon , Lee Yoonje , Kang Gu Hyun , Jang Yong Soo , Kim Wonhee , Choi Hyun Young , Kim Jae Guk
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to determine which of 4 laryngoscopes, including A-LRYNGO, a newly developed channel-type video-laryngoscope with an embedded artificial intelligence-based glottis guidance system, is appropriate for tracheal intubation training in novice medical students wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

Thirty healthy senior medical school student volunteers were recruited. The participants underwent 2 tests with 4 laryngoscopes: Macintosh, McGrath, Pentax Airway-Scope and A-LRYNGO. The first test was conducted just after a lecture without any hands-on workshop. The second test was conducted after a one-on-one hands-on workshop. In each test, we measured the time required for tracheal intubation, intubation success rate, etc, and asked all participants to complete a short questionnaire.

The time to completely insert the endotracheal tube with the Macintosh laryngoscope did not change significantly (P = .177), but the remaining outcomes significantly improved after the hands-on workshop (all P < .05). Despite being novice practitioners with no intubation experience and wearing PPE, the, 2 channel-type video-laryngoscopes were associated with good intubation-related performance before the hands-on workshop (all P < .001). A-LRYNGO's artificial intelligence-based glottis guidance system showed 93.1% accuracy, but 20.7% of trials were guided by the vocal folds.

To prepare to manage the airway of critically ill patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, a channel-type video-laryngoscope is appropriate for tracheal intubation training for novice practitioners wearing PPE.
Computed tomography and clinical parameters predict intracerebral hemorrhage expansion
Authors: Wang Peng , Wu Fa , Wang Yang , Du Feizhou , Yang Xiaokun , Li Jianhao , Sheng Jinping , Yu Hongmei , Jiang Rui
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the association of imaging signs, and to establish a predictive model through selecting highly relevant imaging signs in combination with clinical parameters for hematoma expansion.

Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) patients who received 2 consecutive noncontrast computed tomography scans were examined and recruited through January 2014 to December 2020. Demographic information and clinical characteristics were collected. Two experienced radiologists reviewed baseline noncontrast computed tomography images to assess the imaging characteristics. Correlation analysis was analyzed with Pearson and Spearman correlation tests. The association between clinical and imaging predictors with hematoma expansion was evaluated in multivariate models. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was adopted to evaluate predictive performance.

A total of 232 ICH patients, with mean age of 59.73 years, and 31% of female were included, among which, 32 patients occurred with hematoma expansion. For sex, ICH density, low density in hematoma, the midline shift, and Glasgow Coma Scale score, liquid level, H-tra, edema Cor, H Volume, time from onset to examination, there were significant differences between the 2 groups. As for imaging signs, only blend sign showed a significant difference, that patients with blend sign had a higher incidence of ICH expansion. The logistic analysis found that radiation attenuation, liquid level, the midline shift, Glasgow Coma Scale score, history of ischemic stroke, and smoking could predict the occurrence of ICH expansion.

In summary, the model combined radiological characteristics with clinical indicators showed considerable predictive performance. Further validation is needed to verify the findings and help transfer to clinical practice.
Effects of perioperative erythropoietin administration on acute kidney injury and red blood cell transfusion in patients undergoing cardiac surgery
Authors: Shin Hyeon Ju , Ko Eunji , Jun Injae , Kim Hyun Jung , Lim Choon Hak
Published: March 2022

Background:

The renoprotective effects of erythropoietin (EPO) are well-known; however, the optimal timing of EPO administration remains controversial. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is an independent risk factor for cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of EPO on CSA-AKI and RBC transfusion according to the timing of administration.

Methods:

We searched the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and MEDLINE databases for randomized controlled trials. The primary outcome was the incidence of CSA-AKI following perioperative EPO administration, and the secondary outcomes were changes in serum creatinine, S-cystatin C, S-neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, length of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stay, volume of RBC transfusion, and mortality. The subgroup analysis was stratified according to the timing of EPO administration in relation to surgery.

Results:

Eight randomized controlled trials with 610 patients were included in the study. EPO administration significantly decreased the incidence of CSA-AKI (odds ratio: 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43–0.85, P = .004; I
2 = 52%; P for heterogeneity = .04), intra-operative RBC transfusion (standardized mean difference: −0.30, 95% CI: −0.55 to −0.05, P = .02; I
2 = 15%, P for heterogeneity = .31), and hospital length of stay (mean difference: −1.54 days, 95% CI: −2.70 to −0.39, P = .009; I
2 = 75%, P for heterogeneity = .001) compared with control groups. Subgroup analyses revealed that pre-operative EPO treatment significantly reduced the incidence of CSA-AKI, intra-operative RBC transfusion, serum creatinine, and length of hospital and ICU stay.

Conclusion:

Pre-operative administration of EPO may reduce the incidence of CSA-AKI and RBC transfusion, but not in patients administered EPO during the intra-operative or postoperative period. Therefore, pre-operative EPO treatment can be considered to improve postoperative outcomes by decreasing the length of hospital and ICU stay in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Successful treatment of hemophagocytic syndrome in a patient with T cell lymphoma, EBV infection, and bone marrow necrosis
Authors: Xu Lingling , Liu Xianqi , Wang Yan , Wang Yanming , Chu Xiaoxia , Chen Liming
Published: March 2022

Rationale:

Hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is associated with a high mortality rate, and Epstein–Barr virus infection and hematological malignancies, especially T/natural killer cell lymphomas, are the most common causes; however, due to the complexity of clinical manifestations, the diagnosis is usually delayed. There are few reports of lymphoma-associated HPS (LAPS) in combination with bone marrow necrosis, and there is still no standard treatment for LAPS.

Patient concerns:

A 64-year-old man developed a fever, mild jaundice, fatigue, and bone pain. Positron emission tomography and bone marrow biopsy with immunohistochemistry were performed.

Diagnosis:

Imaging analysis and bone marrow examinations were compatible with HPS, T-cell lymphoma, and bone marrow necrosis.

Interventions:

The patient received combination therapy of rituximab and Cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, vincristine, glucocorticoid, etoposide.

Outcomes:

The patient achieved complete remission and a disease-free survival of 52 months.

Lessons:

HPS and its potential diseases should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Clinicians should be aware of the presence of lymphoma in patients with HPS. Rituximab plays an important role in the prognosis of HPS, particularly Epstein–Barr virus positivity. Cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, vincristine, glucocorticoid remains an effective regimen for the treatment of T-cell LAPS. This study provides a better understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of LAPS.
Desflurane and remifentanil anesthesia in a child with citrin deficiency
Authors: Kim Kanghui , Jung Sung Mee
Published: March 2022

Rationale:

Hyperammonemia, metabolic derangement, and/or the prolonged effects of anesthetics may lead to delayed emergence from general anesthesia as well as the onset of type 2 citrullinemia, even in compensated patients with citrin deficiency.

Patient concern:

A 5-year-old girl with citrin deficiency was scheduled for blepharoplasty under general anesthesia. She developed hyperammonemia with temporary interruption of medication for a few days before surgery.

Diagnosis:

The patient was genetically diagnosed as citrin deficiency with a mutation in the SLC25A13 gene via newborn screening for metabolic disorders. Her citrulline and ammonia levels were well-controlled with arginine medication and protein-rich diet. Her elevated ammonia level by temporary interruption of medication was corrected with resumption of arginine medication and protein-rich diet before surgery.

Interventions:

We used desflurane and remifentanil for general anesthesia to avoid hyperammonemia and delayed emergence. End-tidal desflurane concentration and anesthetic depth were carefully monitored to avoid excessive anesthesia.

Outcomes:

She recovered consciousness with slightly increased ammonia level immediately after anesthesia.

Lessions:

General anesthesia of the shortest duration with the least metabolized drugs using desflurane and remifentanil, would be beneficial for rapid emergence in surgical patients with citrin deficiency. Maintenance of nitrogen scavenging medication, a protein-rich diet, and serial measurement of ammonia levels in the perioperative period are also important for avoiding hyperammonemia-related neurological dysfunction.
The effects of case management for breast cancer patients
Authors: Chai Yong , Li Li , Wu Yun-Lian , Wang Tao , Jia Yu-Ming , Lin Xiao-Li , Chen Xi , Zhong Hui , Liu Li-Xia , Tao Lian-De
Published: March 2022

Background:

Female breast cancer is the most common cancer nowadays, and its treatment has a significant impact on patients both physically and psychologically. Many randomized trials have proved that case management (CM) can effectively care for patients. However, there is a lack of systematic scientific evaluation, so this systematic evaluation aims to explore the impact of CM on breast cancer patients.

Methods:

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, CINAHL were searched. Chinese repositories included China National Knowledge, Infrastructure Database (CNKI), Wan fang Database, China Biology Medicine Database. We will also search unpublished literature at ClinicalTrials.gov. Randomized controlled trials were collected from them. The literature will be screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 2 researchers will extract the literature independently. The primary outcome indicator for this study will be patient satisfaction. Statistics were performed using RevMan 5.4 software. The quality of each outcome will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation.

Results:

This study will provide the most recent evidence for evaluating the impact of CM on breast cancer patients.

Conclusion:

To evaluate the impact of CM on patients with breast cancer.

Registration number:

DOI:10.17605/OSF.IO/ZJKHX.