bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive review of the impact of COVID-19 on human reproductive biology, assisted reproduction care and pregnancy: a Canadian perspective
Authors: Madjunkov Mitko , Dviri Michal , Librach Clifford
Published: November 2020

Currently, the world is in the seventh month of the COVID-19 pandemic. Globally, infections with novel SARS-CoV-2 virus are continuously rising with mounting numbers of deaths. International and local public health responses, almost in synchrony, imposed restrictions to minimize spread of the virus, overload of health system capacity, and deficit of personal protective equipment (PPE). Although in most cases the symptoms are mild or absent, SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to serious acute respiratory disease and multisystem failure. The research community responded to this new disease with a high level of transparency and data sharing; with the aim to better understand the origin, pathophysiology, epidemiology and clinical manifestations. The ultimate goal of this research is to develop vaccines for prevention, mitigation strategies, as well as potential therapeutics.

The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge regarding the novel SARS CoV-2, including its pathophysiology and epidemiology, as well as, what is known about the potential impact of COVID-19 on reproduction, fertility care, pregnancy and neonatal outcome. This summary also evaluates the effects of this pandemic on reproductive care and research, from Canadian perspective, and discusses future implications.

In summary, reported data on pregnant women is limited, suggesting that COVID-19 symptoms and severity of the disease during pregnancy are similar to those in non-pregnant women, with pregnancy outcomes closely related to severity of maternal disease. Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 effects on gametes is limited. Human reproduction societies have issued guidelines for practice during COVID-19 pandemic that include implementation of mitigation practices and infection control protocols in fertility care units. In Canada, imposed restrictions at the beginning of the pandemic were successful in containing spread of the infection, allowing for eventual resumption of assisted reproductive treatments under new guidelines for practice. Canada dedicated funds to support COVID-19 research including a surveillance study to monitor outcomes of COVID-19 during pregnancy and assisted reproduction. Continuous evaluation of new evidence must be in place to carefully adjust recommendations on patient management during assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and in pregnancy.
Ultrasound shear wave elastography for assessing diaphragm function in mechanically ventilated patients: a breath-by-breath analysis
Authors: Fossé Quentin , Poulard Thomas , Niérat Marie-Cécile , Virolle Sara , Morawiec Elise , Hogrel Jean-Yves , Similowski Thomas , Demoule Alexandre , Gennisson Jean-Luc , Bachasson Damien , Dres Martin
Published: November 2020

Background

Diaphragm dysfunction is highly prevalent in mechanically ventilated patients. Recent work showed that changes in diaphragm shear modulus (ΔSMdi) assessed using ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) are strongly related to changes in Pdi (ΔPdi) in healthy subjects. The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship between ΔSMdi and ΔPdi in mechanically ventilated patients, and whether ΔSMdi is responsive to change in respiratory load when varying the ventilator settings.

Methods

A prospective, monocentric study was conducted in a 15-bed ICU. Patients were included if they met the readiness-to-wean criteria. Pdi was continuously monitored using a double-balloon feeding catheter orally introduced. The zone of apposition of the right hemidiaphragm was imaged using a linear transducer (SL10-2, Aixplorer, Supersonic Imagine, France). Ultrasound recordings were performed under various pressure support settings and during a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). A breath-by-breath analysis was performed, allowing the direct comparison between ΔPdi and ΔSMdi. Pearson’s correlation coefficients (r) were used to investigate within-individual relationships between variables, and repeated measure correlations (R) were used for determining overall relationships between variables. Linear mixed models were used to compare breathing indices across the conditions of ventilation.

Results

Thirty patients were included and 930 respiratory cycles were analyzed. Twenty-five were considered for the analysis. A significant correlation was found between ΔPdi and ΔSMdi (R = 0.45, 95% CIs [0.35 0.54], p < 0.001). Individual correlation displays a significant correlation in 8 patients out of 25 (r = 0.55–0.86, all p < 0.05, versus r = − 0.43–0.52, all p > 0.06). Changing the condition of ventilation similarly affected ΔPdi and ΔSMdi. Patients in which ΔPdi–ΔSMdi correlation was non-significant had a faster respiratory rate as compared to that of patient with a significant ΔPdi–ΔSMdi relationship (median (Q1–Q3), 25 (18–33) vs. 21 (15–26) breaths.min−1, respectively).

Conclusions

We demonstrate that ultrasound SWE may be a promising surrogate to Pdi in mechanically ventilated patients. Respiratory rate appears to negatively impact SMdi measurement. Technological developments are needed to generalize this method in tachypneic patients.

Trial registration

NCT03832231.
Xenon treatment after severe traumatic brain injury improves locomotor outcome, reduces acute neuronal loss and enhances early beneficial neuroinflammation: a randomized, blinded, controlled animal study
Authors: Campos-Pires Rita , Onggradito Haldis , Ujvari Eszter , Karimi Shughoofa , Valeo Flavia , Aldhoun Jitka , Edge Christopher J. , Franks Nicholas P. , Dickinson Robert
Published: November 2020

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, but there are no clinically proven treatments that specifically target neuronal loss and secondary injury development following TBI. In this study, we evaluate the effect of xenon treatment on functional outcome, lesion volume, neuronal loss and neuroinflammation after severe TBI in rats.

Methods

Young adult male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to controlled cortical impact (CCI) brain trauma or sham surgery followed by treatment with either 50% xenon:25% oxygen balance nitrogen, or control gas 75% nitrogen:25% oxygen. Locomotor function was assessed using Catwalk-XT automated gait analysis at baseline and 24 h after injury. Histological outcomes were assessed following perfusion fixation at 15 min or 24 h after injury or sham procedure.

Results

Xenon treatment reduced lesion volume, reduced early locomotor deficits, and attenuated neuronal loss in clinically relevant cortical and subcortical areas. Xenon treatment resulted in significant increases in Iba1-positive microglia and GFAP-positive reactive astrocytes that was associated with neuronal preservation.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that xenon improves functional outcome and reduces neuronal loss after brain trauma in rats. Neuronal preservation was associated with a xenon-induced enhancement of microglial cell numbers and astrocyte activation, consistent with a role for early beneficial neuroinflammation in xenon’s neuroprotective effect. These findings suggest that xenon may be a first-line clinical treatment for brain trauma.
Conquering hypertension in Vietnam—solutions at grassroots level: study protocol of a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ha Duc A. , Tran Oanh T. , Nguyen Hoa L. , Chiriboga Germán , Goldberg Robert J. , Phan Van H. , Nguyen Cuc T. , Nguyen Giang H. , Pham Hien V. , Nguyen Thang T. , Le Thanh T. , Allison Jeroan J.
Published: November 2020

Background

Vietnam has been experiencing an epidemiologic transition to that of a lower-middle income country with an increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases. The key risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) are either on the rise or at alarming levels in Vietnam, particularly hypertension (HTN). Inasmuch, the burden of CVD will continue to increase in the Vietnamese population unless effective prevention and control measures are put in place. The objectives of the proposed project are to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of two multi-faceted community and clinic-based strategies on the control of elevated blood pressure (BP) among adults in Vietnam via a cluster randomized trial design.

Methods

Sixteen communities will be randomized to either an intervention (8 communities) or a comparison group (8 communities). Eligible and consenting adult study participants with HTN (n = 680) will be assigned to intervention/comparison status based on the community in which they reside. Both comparison and intervention groups will receive a multi-level intervention modeled after the Vietnam National Hypertension Program including education and practice change modules for health care providers, accessible reading materials for patients, and a multi-media community awareness program.

In addition, the intervention group only will receive three carefully selected enhancements integrated into routine clinical care: (1) expanded community health worker services, (2) home BP self-monitoring, and (3) a “storytelling intervention,” which consists of interactive, literacy-appropriate, and culturally sensitive multi-media storytelling modules for motivating behavior change through the power of patients speaking in their own voices. The storytelling intervention will be delivered by DVDs with serial installments at baseline and at 3, 6, and 9 months after trial enrollment. Changes in BP will be assessed in both groups at several follow-up time points. Implementation outcomes will be assessed as well.

Discussion

Results from this full-scale trial will provide health policymakers with practical evidence on how to combat a key risk factor for CVD using a feasible, sustainable, and cost-effective intervention that could be used as a national program for controlling HTN in Vietnam.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03590691. Registered on July 17, 2018. Protocol version: 6. Date: August 15, 2019.
Effect of barberry (Berberis vulgaris) consumption on blood pressure, plasma lipids, and inflammation in patients with hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Emamat Hadi , Zahedmehr Ali , Asadian Sanaz , Tangestani Hadith , Nasrollahzadeh Javad
Published: November 2020

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Hypertension is an important and prevalent cardiovascular risk factor. The present study will be conducted to investigate the effect of barberry as a cardio-protective fruit on the blood pressure in patients with hypertension and other CVD risk factors. Furthermore, plasma concentrations of lipids and inflammatory biomarkers will be evaluated.

Methods/design

This is an 8-week, prospective, single-blinded, parallel assigned, randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) in which eligible men and women with hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors will be randomized to either placebo powder (PP; containing 9 g maltodextrin, 1 g citric acid, 1 g milled sucrose and edible red color (n = 37)) or barberry powder (BP; containing 10 g milled dried barberry and 1 g of milled sucrose (n = 37)) groups. At baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention, plasma lipids and inflammatory markers, 24-h urinary nitrite/nitrate and sodium excretion, and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) will be measured. Anthropometric measures and dietary assessment will be performed as well. Data analysis will be done using SPSS version-21 software.

Discussion

The interest in natural and functional food products has increased globally. This RCT will add to the growing literature for the potential antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and anti-inflammatory effects of barberry in humans.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT number) NCT04084847. Registered on 10 December 2019.
Point-of-care lung ultrasound imaging in pediatric COVID-19
Authors: Giorno Eliana P. C. , De Paulis Milena , Sameshima Yoshino T. , Weerdenburg Kirstin , Savoia Paulo , Nanbu Danilo Y. , Couto Thomaz B. , Sa Fernanda V. M. , Farhat Sylvia C. L. , Carvalho Werther B. , Preto-Zamperlini Marcela , Schvartsman Claudio
Published: November 2020

Background

There has been limited data regarding the usefulness of lung ultrasound (US) in children with COVID-19.

Objective

To describe lung US imaging findings and aeration score of 34 children with COVID-19.

Methods

This study included 0–16-year-old patients with confirmed COVID-19, who were admitted between April 19 and June 18, 2020 in two hospitals in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Lung US was performed as part of the routine evaluation by a skilled Pediatric Emergency physician. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and severity classifications were done according to an available clinical definition. The lung US findings were described for each lung field and a validated ultrasound lung aeration score was calculated. Data obtained was correlated with clinical information and other imaging modalities available for each case.

Results

Thirty-four confirmed COVID-19 patients had a lung US performed during this period. Eighteen (18/34) had abnormalities on the lung US, but eight of them (8/18) had a normal chest radiograph. Ultrasound lung aeration score medians for severe/critical, moderate, and mild disease were 17.5 (2–30), 4 (range 0–14), 0 (range 0–15), respectively (p = 0.001). Twelve patients (12/34) also had a chest computed tomography (CT) performed; both the findings and topography of lung compromise on the CT were consistent with the information obtained by lung US.

Conclusion

Point-of-care lung US may have a key role in assessing lung injury in children with COVID-19.
Novel antibodies detect additional α-synuclein pathology in synucleinopathies: potential development for immunotherapy
Authors: Nimmo Jacqui T. , Verma Ajay , Dodart Jean-Cosme , Wang Chang Yi , Savistchenko Jimmy , Melki Ronald , Carare Roxana O. , Nicoll James A. R.
Published: November 2020

Background

Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) aggregation is the primary characteristic of synucleinopathies including Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Immunotherapy targeting α-Syn has shown promising results in animal models of the disease. This study investigates the target specificity of three different active vaccines for pathological α-Syn aggregates found in human brain tissue from synucleinopathies.

Methods

Guinea pigs were immunised with 3 vaccines developed by United Neuroscience, and IgG fractions purified from the resulting immune sera (IGG-1, IGG-2 or IGG-3) were used to perform immunohistochemical staining of human cases of PD, DLB and MSA. The resulting immunoreactivity was compared to a commercially available α-Syn antibody from Novacastra (NOV) commonly used for diagnostic purposes. Images were captured from the substantia nigra (SN), temporal lobe, internal capsule, insular cortex and putamen and quantified for the percentage area with α-Syn immunoreactivity. Lewy bodies (LB) and Lewy neurites (LN) were further analysed in PD and DLB cases.

Results

Vaccine-generated antibodies detected more α-Syn pathology compared to NOV. The levels of α-Syn immunoreactivity varied between brain region and disease type with IGG-3 recognising the highest levels of α-Syn in most cases and in all brain regions that are affected early in disease progression. IGG-3 had a high recognition for glial inclusions found in MSA which are known to have a more compact conformation. Slot blot analysis confirmed the specificity of IGG-3 for native oligomers and fibrillar α-Syn. Higher levels of α-Syn were recognised by IGG-2 in cortical regions, and by IGG-3 in SN of PD and DLB cases. This was due to increased immunolabelling of LNs in these brain regions suggesting that IGG-2 and IGG-3 recognised additional α-Syn pathology compared to IGG-1 and NOV. Whether the unique binding properties of the antibodies produced in guinea pigs will translate in the clinic remains to be addressed, which is the main limitation of this study.

Conclusions

These vaccines induce antibodies that bind α-Syn oligomers and aggregates in the human brain and specifically support the choice of the vaccine generating IGG-3 (i.e. UB-312) as a candidate for clinical trials for synucleinopathies.
Cost-effective joint optimisation of BBU placement and fronthaul deployment in brown-field scenarios
Authors: Marotta Andrea , Correia L. M.
Published: November 2020

In this work, one proposes a model to evaluate the optimal deployment of Centralised Radio Access Network (C-RAN) architecture elements, i.e. Base Band processing Units (BBUs) and fronthaul links, in a brown-field scenario, in which traditional base stations are already deployed and a physical network is present. The proposed optimisation framework jointly optimises BBU placement and accesses network infrastructures deployment. It clusterises the Remote Radio Heads in the scenario through a Multicommodity Flow approach and solves the minimum cost fronthaul network deployment through a Rooted Delay-Constrained Minimum Spanning Tree approach. Optical fibre and microwave links are considered as fronthaul infrastructures. The proposed optimisation framework is validated through a comparison with a theoretical output for a canonical scenario, being afterwards applied to a real scenario. A cost analysis for different scenario configurations is presented, and trade-offs and guidelines for a cost optimal deployment of C-RAN are provided. The analysis of results for the real scenario of the city of Lisbon and its surrounding areas shows that the delay budget in the fronthaul network highly impacts on capital expenditures as well as on operational ones. It is shown that a larger delay budget enables an annual cost reduction up to 72% in urban areas and 54% in rural ones.
Global existence and exponential stability of coupled Lamé system with distributed delay and source term without memory term
Authors: Boulaaras Salah , Doudi Nadjat
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we prove the global existence and exponential energy decay results of a coupled Lamé system with distributed time delay, nonlinear source term, and without memory term by using the Faedo–Galerkin method. In addition, an appropriate Lyapunov functional, more general relaxation functions, and some properties of convex functions are considered.
Revealing the organic dye and mordant composition of Paracas textiles by a combined analytical approach
Authors: Sabatini Francesca , Bacigalupo Martina , Degano Ilaria , Javér Anna , Hacke Marei
Published: November 2020

The object of this study is a wide selection of dyed cotton and camelid samples from an important collection of 2000-year-old Paracas textiles, now at the Museo Nacional de Arqueología, Antropología e Historia del Perú (MNAAHP; Lima; Peru) and at the National Museum of World Culture (NMWC; Gothenburg; Sweden). The threads, chosen as representative of the whole palette, were selected from eighteen different textiles. A combined spectroscopic and spectrometric analytical approach was selected to characterize the organic and inorganic composition of this wide set of samples. In particular, technical photography was used to gain a general overview of the samples, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was employed for identifying the mordants and mapping the elemental distribution in the threads, while liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector and with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC–DAD, HPLC–HRMS) were used for characterizing organic dye composition. This study provides fundamental information on the mordants or other inorganic auxiliaries used in the dyeing processes, rarely investigated up to now, and to the varieties of vegetal sources employed in Paracas textiles. The widening of the Andean dyestuff database is highly important not only to acquire knowledge on Paracas culture, but also to ease the dye characterization of archaeological textiles from the Peruvian region and South American area in general.
Correction to: Mechanism to capture learner’s interaction in VR-based learning environment: design and application
Authors: Pathan Rumana , Rajendran Ramkumar , Murthy Sahana
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Application of gene expression programming, artificial neural network and multilinear regression in predicting hydrochar physicochemical properties
Authors: Abdulsalam Jibril , Lawal Abiodun Ismail , Setsepu Ramadimetja Lizah , Onifade Moshood , Bada Samson
Published: November 2020

Globally, the provision of energy is becoming an absolute necessity. Biomass resources are abundant and have been described as a potential alternative source of energy. However, it is important to assess the fuel characteristics of the various available biomass sources. Soft computing techniques are presented in this study to predict the mass yield (MY), energy yield (EY), and higher heating value (HHV) of hydrothermally carbonized biomass using Gene Expression Programming (GEP), multiple-input single output-artificial neural network (MISO-ANN), and Multilinear regression (MLR). The three techniques were compared using statistical performance metrics. The coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute error (MAE) and mean bias error (MBE) were used to evaluate the performance of the models. The MISO-ANN with 5-10 to 10-1 and 5-15-15-1 network architectures provided the most satisfactory performance of the three proposed models (R2 = 0.976, 0.955, 0.996; MAE = 2.24, 2.11, 0.93; MBE = 0.16, 0.37, 0.12) for MY, EY and HHV, respectively. The GEP technique’s ability to predict hydrochar properties based on the input parameters was found to be satisfactory, while MLR provided an unsatisfactory predictive model. Sensitivity analysis was conducted, and the analysis revealed that volatile matter (VM) and temperature (Temp) have more influence on the MY, EY, and HHV.
To stimulate or not to stimulate? A rapid systematic review of repetitive sensory stimulation for the upper-limb following stroke
Authors: Stockley Rachel C. , Hanna Kerry , Connell Louise
Published: November 2020

Background

Repetitive sensory stimulation (RSS) is a therapeutic approach which involves repeated electrical stimulation of the skin’s surface to improve function. This rapid systematic review aimed to describe the current evidence for repetitive sensory stimulation (RSS) in rehabilitation of the upper-limb for people who have had a stroke.

Main text

Methods: Relevant studies were identified in a systematic search of electronic databases and hand-searching in February 2020. The findings of included studies were synthesized to describe: the safety of RSS, in whom and when after stroke it has been used, the doses used and its effectiveness.

Results

Eight studies were included. No serious adverse events were reported. The majority of studies used RSS in participants with mild or moderate impairments and in the chronic stage after stroke. Four studies used RSS in a single treatment session, reporting significant improvements in strength and hand function. Findings from longitudinal studies showed few significant differences between control and experimental groups. Meta-analysis was not possible due to the heterogeneity of included studies.

Conclusions

This review suggests that there is insufficient evidence to support the use of RSS for the upper-limb after stroke in clinical practice. However, this review highlights several clear research priorities including establishing the mechanism and in whom RSS may work, its safety and optimal treatment parameters to improve function of the upper-limb after stroke.
Geneticus Investigatio: a technology-enhanced learning environment for scaffolding complex learning in genetics
Authors: Deep Anurag , Murthy Sahana , Bhat Jayadeva
Published: November 2020

Bioscientists such as geneticists and molecular biologists regularly demonstrate the integration of domain concepts and science inquiry practices/skills while explaining a natural phenomenon. The complexity of these concepts and skills becomes manifold at the tertiary undergraduate level and are known to be challenging for learners. They learn these in silos as part of theory classes, practical labs, and tutorial sessions while in an industry, they will be required to integrate and apply in a given authentic context. To support learners in this process, we have designed and developed Geneticus Investigatio (GI), a technology-enhanced learning (TEL) environment for scaffolding complex learning in the context of Mendelian genetics. GI facilitates this complex learning by the integration of domain concepts and science inquiry practices through inquiry-driven reflective learning experiences, which are interspersed with inquiry-based learning steps in an authentic context along with metacognitive reflection. In this paper, we present two cycles of iterative design, development, and evaluation of GI, based on the design-based research (DBR) approach. In the first DBR cycle, we identified the pedagogical design features and learning activities of GI based on an exploratory study with bio-science instructors for facilitating complex learning. We then report a pre-post classroom study (N = 37) in which we investigated the learning and perceptions of usability and usefulness of GI. The results indicate high learning gains after interacting with GI and learner perceptions that activities in GI help learn concepts and inquiry practices along with its integration. It is followed by the identification of interaction and other difficulties by the learner, which were triangulated with different data sources. It provided insights into the pedagogical and design changes required in GI. The revised version of GI was evaluated with a quasi-experimental classroom study (N = 121). The results indicate that the drawbacks of the previous version of GI were addressed. The main contributions of this research are a pedagogical design for facilitating complex learning and its implementation in the form of GI TEL environment.
The association between area of residence and sufficient antenatal tetanus vaccination in women ages 15–49 in Afghanistan: an analysis of the 2015 DHS dataset
Authors: Sherley Jillian , Newton Sam
Published: November 2020

Background

Neonatal tetanus (NT) is a deadly nervous system disorder that is endemic to Afghanistan. Administering sufficient doses of tetanus toxoid containing vaccine (TTCV) during pregnancy can pass antibodies to the fetus and therefore prevent NT. Using survey data, we investigated the association between area of residence (urban or rural) and sufficient antenatal TTCV coverage among women aged 15–49 years in Afghanistan during their most recent pregnancy in the past 5 years that resulted in a live birth. Mother’s education level was also assessed as a potential effect modifier.

Methods

Secondary analysis was performed on data from the 2015 Afghanistan Demographic and Health Survey (AfDHS). The 2015 AfDHS was a nationally representative survey with participants selected in a stratified two-stage sample design from urban and rural areas across Afghanistan’s 34 provinces. Data were analyzed on 19,737 women ages 15–49 that had a live birth in the 5 years preceding the survey. The relationship between area of residence and sufficient antenatal TTCV was assessed in a multivariable logistic regression model, adjusting for several confounding variables.

Results

55.1% (95% CI = 51.6–58.5%) of urban women and 53.9% (95% CI = 49.7–57.9%) of rural women had sufficient tetanus vaccination coverage in their most recent pregnancy. In multivariate analysis, there was strong evidence for greater odds of sufficient antenatal tetanus vaccination in rural areas (OR = 1.62; 95% CI = 1.18–2.24,p = 0.003). There was no effect modification on this association by mother’s education level.

Conclusions

Women in rural areas of Afghanistan have greater odds of receiving sufficient antenatal tetanus vaccination than women in urban areas. Further study into factors contributing to this urban-rural disparity is needed. Targeted antenatal tetanus vaccination strategies for urban and rural women will be necessary as Afghanistan continues to work towards NT eradication.
Endophytic establishment of the fungal entomopathogen, Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuil., in cucumber plants
Authors: Rajab Lobna , Ahmad Mohammad , Gazal Ibtisam
Published: November 2020

Background

The fungus, Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuil., is one of the most important entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs). Recently, its new role was discovered in nature, to be an endophyte in plants. It has been reported as an endophytic fungus in many monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants.

Main body

The study was conducted to evaluate the ability of the fungus, B. bassiana, to colonize and persist in cucumber plants under laboratory conditions and to detect its systemic growth inside the plant tissues in addition to pathogenicity in the plant. The isolate, B195, of the fungus, B. bassiana, was used. Five different inoculation methods were followed: seed dusting, seed immersion, soil drench, seedling drench, and foliar spray. The fungus, B. bassiana, could persist inside different cucumber tissues up to 90 days from inoculation. Soil drench provided the highest recovery rates, while foliar spray gave the lowest rates. Colonization rates reached 94.44 and 73.68% for stem and 68.26 and 37.79% for root, 30 and 90 days post soil drench, respectively, while in foliar spray, it reached 33.51 and 16.45%, after 30 and 90 days post-treatment, for the stem and 9.45 and 0% for the root, respectively. No negative effects were observed in inoculated plants  or on fungal pathogenicity.

Conclusion

Results showed for the first time the ability of the fungus, B. bassiana, isolate B195, to artificially colonize and survive in different parts of cucumber plants under laboratory conditions by different inoculation methods and to grow systemically in plant tissues. This study is considered a preliminary study to the utilization of the fungus, B. bassiana, as an endophyte in cucumber plants to reduce the density of insect pests.
Dealing with prostate cancer? Don’t let histiocytic lesions fool you!
Authors: de Souza Maiara Ferreira , de Moraes Diogo Diniz , da Costa Talita Porto , Andrade Juarez Araújo , de Macêdo Huarne João José Tenório , Paraíso Augusto , Athanazio Daniel Abensur
Published: November 2020

Background

Prostate adenocarcinoma has well known benign mimickers. Histiocytic proliferations usually impose differential diagnosis with high-grade component of acinar adenocarcinoma (Gleason pattern 5).

Case presentation

We present herein three cases of histiocytic lesions of the prostate in which accurate recognition avoided inappropriate upgrading (malakoplakia associated with prostate adenocarcinoma, two cases) and false positive diagnosis at biopsy (xanthoma with signet ring morphology).

Conclusion

In needle biopsies, pathologists should have a low threshold to perform immunostains when considering a differential diagnosis between high-grade carcinoma and a histiocytic lesion. In prostatectomy specimens, abrupt transition to solid areas in low and intermediate grade tumors should raise concern to exclude malakoplakia. PAS and von Kossa stains are inexpensive and a valuable tool to highlight typical Michaelis–Gutmann bodies.
Insertion of central venous catheters in children undergoing bone marrow transplantation: is there a platelet level for a safe procedure?
Authors: Elgendy Ahmed , Ismail Ahmed M. , Elhawary Eslam , Badran Ahmed , El-Shanshory Mohammed Ramadan
Published: November 2020

Background

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a therapeutic procedure for the management of several hematological diseases and malignancies in pediatric population. Central venous catheters (CVCs) play a pivotal role during the process of BMT. The aim of this study was to compare the complications of CVCs placements in children undergoing BMT with platelet levels above and below 50,000/μL and also to detect if there is a platelet count for a safe insertion. This prospective study included all children who had placements of tunneled CVCs during BMT at our hospital between March 2017 and March 2020. Procedures were divided into two groups accordingly to preoperative platelet counts (above and below 50,000/μL). Data were compared between both groups regarding postoperative complications including bleeding or catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSIs).

Results

Forty-six CVC insertions were performed in 40 patients. There were 20 procedures below 50,000/μL (median 27,500; range 5000–42,000) inserted with perioperative platelet transfusions, and their postoperative levels were median 59,500/μL, range 18,000–88,000. Allogeneic BMT was adopted in 39 patients (97.5%). Beta thalassemia major was the commonest indication (21/40, 52.5%), followed by acute lymphocytic leukemia in six patients (15%). There were nine postoperative complications (bleeding n = 2 and CRBSIs n = 7) encountered in all placements. Four of them occurred in insertions below 50,000/μL (two bleeding complications that managed conservatively, and two CRBSIs). Post-procedural morbidities regarding bleeding or CRBSIs did not differ significantly between both groups (p value = 0.099 and 0.695, respectively).

Conclusions

Postponement of CVC insertions in thrombocytopenic children due to the fear of potential complications seems unwarranted, as it has no significant impact on the morbidity. Placements of such catheters can be safe under cover of perioperative platelet transfusions irrespective of the preoperative platelet count.
The “branching external jugular vein”: an unreported clinically significant anatomic variation
Authors: Shalaby Mohamed Sameh
Published: November 2020

Background

The reported overall success rate for central venous catheter (CVC) insertion into the external jugular vein (EJV) is less than other central veins. A contributing factor for this might be the well-documented anatomical variations of the EJV. However, there are no reports correlating these anatomical variations with successful CVC insertion. Our aim was to evaluate the EJV anatomical variations and their clinical relevance.

Results

All CVCs inserted over the study period were prospectively recorded with emphasis on the times the EJV was accessed, operative difficulties and any anatomical variations with their influence on CVC insertion. Over 15 months, 36 CVCs were inserted, 17 (47%) into EJV. For EJV line insertions, age is 39 days–14 years, 9 into right EJV. Operative difficulty was encountered in 4 patients (24%) where the catheter was inserted into EJV but failed to thread into a satisfactory position. In all 4 patients, further dissection revealed EJV branching into a bigger anterior branch which follows the course of main EJV yet not leading to the right atrium (RA) and a smaller posterior branch leading to RA. Regarding the 4 cases of “the branching EJV”, age is 2–14 years, 3 males:1 female and 3 left:1 right EJV. The overall success rate for CVC insertion through the EJV in this study was 100% including the 4 cases with “the branching EJV”.

Conclusions

This is the first report describing “the branching EJV” and its clinical relevance to CVC insertion.
Attenuation of pedestrian-induced vibrations in girder footbridges using tuned-mass dampers
Authors: Garcia-Troncoso Natividad , Ruiz-Teran Ana , Stafford Peter J.
Published: November 2020

This article presents a numerical assessment of pedestrian-induced vibrations for a wide range of girder footbridges before and after the installation of tuned-mass dampers (TMD). Realistic pedestrian loads are defined using a stochastic model that represents the key characteristics of pedestrians and their intra- and inter-subject variability with the aim of ensuring an accurate estimation of the dynamic response. A comprehensive set of numerical analyses have been performed considering different cross sections, structural materials, span lengths (up to 100 m), and pedestrian flows. The optimal TMD characteristics, number and location, required to reduce the accelerations, down to a level that fulfils serviceability criteria, are identified. Design recommendations for girder footbridges implementing damping devices at the design stage are also included.
Early Detection of Abnormal Growth Associated with Juvenile Acquired Hypothyroidism
Authors: Saari Antti , Pokka Jari , Mäkitie Outi , Saha Marja-Terttu , Dunkel Leo , Sankilampi Ulla
Published: November 2020

Context

Development of the typical growth phenotype in juvenile acquired hypothyroidism (JHT), the faltering linear growth with increasing weight, has not been thoroughly characterized.

Objective

To describe longitudinal growth pattern in children developing JHT and investigate how their growth differs from the general population in systematic growth monitoring.

Design

Retrospective case-control study.

Setting

JHT cases from 3 Finnish University Hospitals and healthy matched controls from primary health care.

Patients

A total of 109 JHT patients aged 1.2 to 15.6 years (born 1983-2010) with 554 height and weight measurements obtained for 5 years preceding JHT diagnosis. Each patient was paired with 100 healthy controls (born 1983-2008) by sex and age. Longitudinal growth pattern was evaluated in mixed linear models. Growth monitoring parameters were evaluated using receiver operating characteristics analysis.

Results

At diagnosis, JHT patients were heavier (mean adjusted body mass index-for-age [BMISDS] difference, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.46-0.84]) and shorter (mean adjusted height-for-age deviation from the target height [THDEVSDS] difference, −0.34 [95% CI, −0.57 to −0.10]) than healthy controls. However, 5 years before diagnosis, patients were heavier (mean BMISDS difference, 0.33 [95% CI, 0.12-0.54]) and taller (mean THDEVSDS difference, 0.29 [95% CI, 0.06-0.52]) than controls. JHT could be detected with good accuracy when several growth parameters were used simultaneously in screening (area under the curve, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.78-0.89]).

Conclusions

Abnormal growth pattern of patients with JHT evolves years before diagnosis. Systematic growth monitoring would detect abnormal growth at an early phase of JHT and facilitate timely diagnosis of JHT.
Severity of Proteinuria Is Directly Associated With Risk of Hypothyroidism in Adults
Authors: Kwong Norra , Medici Marco , Marqusee Ellen , Wassner Ari J
Published: November 2020

Context

Proteinuria can cause or exacerbate hypothyroidism, possibly due to urinary loss of protein-bound thyroid hormone. However, the precise relationship between proteinuria and hypothyroidism remains unclear.

Objective

This work aimed to determine the prevalence of hypothyroidism in patients with proteinuria and the relationship between hypothyroidism and degree of proteinuria.

Design

A retrospective cohort study was conducted from December 1979 to March 2015.

Setting

This study was conducted at a large academic hospital.

Patients

All paired samples of urine protein and serum thyrotropin (TSH), measured within 24 hours, were obtained from adults (age > 18 years) with at least one instance of urine protein greater than 0.2 g/day or mg/mg creatinine.

Main Outcome Measures

Samples were stratified by urine protein tertile. Mean TSH and risk of TSH elevation were compared among tertiles using analysis of covariance and generalized estimating equations controlled for age, sex, samples per patient, and levothyroxine treatment.

Results

A total of 2676 samples were identified from 2136 patients. Mean ± SE TSH (mIU/L) was increased in the highest tertile of urine protein (> 1.75g/day) compared to the lower 2 tertiles (2.09 ± 0.07 vs 1.59 ± 0.07, 1.59 ± 0.06, P < .001). The highest tertile had a greater prevalence of TSH greater than 5 mIU/L (17.2% vs 10.5%, 11.9%, P < .001) but a similar risk of TSH greater than 5 mIU/L (odds ratio [OR] 1.44; 95% CI, 0.67-3.09, P = .35). The highest tertile also had a higher prevalence (6.2% vs 3.4%, 2.6%, P = .003) and risk (OR 1.72; 95% CI, 1.05-2.84, P = .008) of TSH greater than 10 mIU/L. Similar results were observed when comparing samples with nephrotic-range proteinuria (> 3.5g/day) to those with lesser proteinuria.

Conclusion

Hypothyroidism is common among adults with proteinuria, and the risk of hypothyroidism is directly related to the severity of proteinuria.
Salt-Losing 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency Caused by Double Homozygosity for Two “Mild” Mutations
Authors: Ilany Jacob , Liu Jiayan , Welsch Christoph , Reznik-Wolf Haike , Levy-Lahad Ephrat , Auchus Richard J
Published: November 2020

Context

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency presents with different severities that correlate with the genotype. The salt-losing phenotype requires 2 alleles with “severe” mutations.

Case Description

We present a case of salt-losing 21-hydroxylase deficiency that was found to be homozygous for 2 “mild” pathogenic variants: V281L and S301Y. Both in silico and heterologous expression functional analysis demonstrated that co-occurrence of these 2 mutations in cis severely impairs the function of the 21-hydroxylase enzyme.

Conclusions

This case has important implications for genetic counseling. Regarding this combination of 2 “mild” variants as having mild phenotypic effects could lead to inappropriate counseling of heterozygote carriers.
Severe Congenital Hypothyroidism Due to a Novel Deep Intronic Mutation in the TSH Receptor Gene Causing Intron Retention
Authors: Larrivée-Vanier Stéphanie , Magne Fabien , Hamdoun Elwaseila , Petryk Anna , Kibar Zoha , Van Vliet Guy , Deladoëy Johnny
Published: November 2020

In 3 Somalian siblings with severe nongoitrous congenital hypothyroidism, exome sequencing identified a variant in TSHR predicted to be benign in isoform 3 but leading to an intronic mutation in isoform 1 (NM_00369:c.692 + 130C>A), which is the isoform expressed in the thyroid. This mutation creates a pseudoexon that results in a protein that, if transcribed, would lack the transmembrane domain, thereby hampering its expression at the cell surface. Our findings illustrate that the interpretation of exome analysis requires knowledge of the relevant isoform expression and of the biology of the disease. This is the first description of a deep intronic mutation creating a pseudoexon and inactivating the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor.
I-KCKT allows dissection-free RNA profiling of adult Drosophila intestinal progenitor cells
Authors: Buddika Kasun , Xu Jingjing , Ariyapala Ishara S. , Sokol Nicholas S.
Published: November 2020

The adult Drosophila intestinal epithelium is a model system for stem cell biology, but its utility is limited by current biochemical methods that lack cell type resolution. Here, we describe a new proximity-based profiling method that relies upon a GAL4 driver, termed intestinal-kickout-GAL4 (I-KCKT-GAL4), exclusively expressed in intestinal progenitor cells. This method used UV cross-linked whole animal frozen powder as its starting material to immunoprecipitate the RNA cargoes of transgenic epitope-tagged RNA binding proteins driven by I-KCKT-GAL4. When applied to the general mRNA-binder, poly(A)-binding protein, the RNA profile obtained by this method identified 98.8% of transcripts found after progenitor cell sorting, and had low background noise despite being derived from whole animal lysate. We also mapped the targets of the more selective RNA binder, Fragile Mental Retardation Protein, using enhanced CLIP, and report for the first time its binding motif in Drosophila cells. This method will therefore enable the RNA profiling of wildtype and mutant intestinal progenitor cells from intact flies exposed to normal and altered environments, as well as the identification of RNA-protein interactions critical for stem cell function.
Stimuli-responsive Molecular Springs Based on Single- and Multi-stranded Helical Structures
Authors: Ousaka Naoki , Yashima Eiji
Published: November 2020

A wide variety of synthetic molecular machines has been designed and synthesized to construct nanometer-scale assemblies whose molecular motions can be precisely controlled by external stimuli. A helical structure is one of the most intriguing structural motifs to realize such molecular machines, because of its unique spring-like shape that enables reversible extension and contraction motions. This short review highlights the recent progress in the synthesis, structures, and functions of synthetic molecular springs based on single- and multi-stranded helical structures.
Structured reporting of chest CT provides high sensitivity and specificity for early diagnosis of COVID-19 in a clinical routine setting
Authors: Gross Alexander , Heine Georg , Schwarz Martin , Thiemig Dorina , Gläser Sven , Albrecht Thomas
Published: November 2020

Objectives:

Although chest CT has been widely used in patients with COVID-19, its role for early diagnosis of COVID-19 is unclear. We report the diagnostic performance of chest CT using structured reporting in a routine clinical setting during the early phase of the epidemic in Germany.

Methods:

Patients with clinical suspicion of COVID-19 and moderate-to-severe symptoms were included in this retrospective study. CTs were performed and reported before RT-PCR results (reference standard) became available. A structured reporting system was used that concluded in a recently described five-grade score (“CO-RADS”), indicating the level of suspicion for pulmonary involvement of COVID-19 from 1 = very low to 5 = very high. Structured reporting was performed by three Radiologists in consensus.

Results:

In 96 consecutive patients (50 male, mean age 64), RT-PCR was positive in 20 (21%) cases. CT features significantly more common in RT-PCR-positive patients were ground-glass opacities as dominant feature, crazy paving, hazy margins of opacities, and multifocal bilateral distribution (p < 0.05). Using a cut-off point between CO-RADS 3 and 4, sensitivity was 90%, specificity 91%, positive predictive value 72%, negative predictive value 97%, and accuracy 91%. ROC analysis showed an AUC of 0.938.

Conclusions:

Structured reporting of chest CT with a five-grade scale provided accurate diagnosis of COVID-19. Its use was feasible and helpful in clinical routine.

Advances in knowledge:

Chest CT with structured reporting may be a provisional diagnostic alternative to RT-PCR testing for early diagnosis of COVID-19, especially when RT-PCR results are delayed or test capacities are limited.
Low-dose X-ray therapy for COVID-19: lessons from the past
Authors: Nasir Awais , Agrawal Deepsha , Pathak Jayashree , Theodoulou Iakovos
Published: November 2020

Coronavirus disease 19 (Covid-19) poses a huge threat to health systems and economies worldwide. So far, there has been no proven effective treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Various potential therapies, viz., immunomodulatory agents, antiviral therapy, and plasma transfusion, are undergoing clinical trials. An intensive search of the medical corpora revealed that low dose X-ray radiation therapy has been used in the past to treat interstitial pneumonia. In this article we explore a historical background of low-dose X-rays for the treatment of pneumonia and how it could be a promising therapy in treating patients with COVID-19.