bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Sustainable Spatial Suitability of Urban and Population Expansion in Al Hillah City Using Remote Sensing Techniques
Authors: Saud Saif S. , Abdullah Sundus A. , Hashim Bassim Mohammed
Published: October 2023

The study focused on explaining urban expansion and sustainable development of urban land and explaining the role of population expansion in Al Hillah city, Al Hillah city in the center of Babylion Governorate located. The study relied on analyzing the population data of the city of Al Hillah for a period of time (22 years) for the period (2000-2022). This data was analyzed and its role in planning and designing residential areas and neighborhoods in the Al Hillah city was analyzed based on the standards of urban planning and sustainable growth of cities. Landsat 5TM was used in the investigation, Landsat 8OLI satellite data to retrieve the NDVI, NDBI, and NDWI. The findings showed that between 2000 and 2022, urban and population growth increased, and the gradual disappearance of green lands and agricultural during these years as a result of poor planning, and this will lead to the elimination of green and agricultural areas. Urban areas are established quickly, as population pressure leads to the elimination of agricultural lands, In addition to the high temperatures, which led to changing livelihoods, affecting green lands as well, and increasing urban expansion at high rates. The recent results are useful for planning, management and sustainable development of the urban areas. There was a pressing need to make the right choice in this situation, and while it didn’t help to solve the full issue, it did help to address a significant portion of it by rerouting this growth and arranging it away from agricultural regions in order to protect future generations.
Sustainable Urban Distribution of Educational Institutions and Population Density in Baghdad City Using Remote Sensing Techniques
Authors: Abdullah Sundus A. , Abbas Khalid H. , Harif Alaa H. , Alaa R.F. , Hiba S.
Published: October 2023

Urban planning include the creation of strategies as well as the management of metro regions, municipalities, and cities. In this study, the importance of applications of remote sensing and GIS in urban planning will be studied. The distribution of educational destitution cases in cities will be considered. A study area (Baghdad city) will be adopted, and the spatial analysis of the distribution will be according to population densities. In this study, the focus was on the importance of the sustainable distribution of urban educational institutions and the spatial appropriateness of this distribution according to the study areas and the available information. Distribution maps were prepared according to the densities for the number of schools and population densities, and tables were also prepared for the age density of students as well as the preparations of teachers in these areas that were adopted in this study. The data collection was based on the GIS atlas. The spatial analysis will be done to illustrate and measure the correction coefficient between the numbers of schools teaches centers in the adopted area. The results showed that some areas of Karkh and Rusafa have sufficient numbers of schools, while others suffer from a lack of such schools. These areas were mapped based on spatial analysis data, and a proposed map was drawn for educational institutions such as schools of all kinds (secondary, middle, and primary). The proposed school distribution map will be done according to population density. After stowing and performing a spatial analysis of the distribution of education institutions in the study area and collecting data on population densities, we suggest a new spatial distribution by adding the numbers of other schools that fit with the need, population density, and number of students.
Sustainability of the Tigris River Between Environmental Conditions and Oppressive Quarrying in Northern Iraq
Authors: Al-Jawadi Azealdeen S. , Al-Abbasi Mohammed W. , Al Jubouri Khalaf K.
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the impact of sand and gravel quarries on the morphological environment of the Tigris River in northern Iraq. The adverse effects of successive stages of human modification and variations in river morphology concerning width and depth have been demonstrated. The construction of the Mosul Dam, which prevented sediments from the high mountains of northern Iraq and southeast Turkey from reaching this region, was one of the reasons for this study. Aerial photographs and satellite image data were compared for several separate years to clarify the great changes that occurred in the river and its edges, especially in the past few years, which witnessed the extraction of large quantities in unstudied ways that led to the expansion of the course and a decrease in the speed of the river. These results led to an increase in water swamps on the banks of the river, the growth of bushes, algae, reeds, and the spread of insects, as well as the excessive consumption of river sediments that cannot be replaced in the future. The study suggested some recommendations to make a well-thought-out extraction plan from the engineering, geological and geotechnical aspects to reduce the harmful environmental effects and sustain the river for future generations.
Monitoring the Land surface temperature LST with different seasons for Babylon City using GIS and R.S techniques
Authors: Al-Edhari Ghazwan A. , Al-Sadooni Ameerah Ab. , Khanjer Ebtesam F.
Published: October 2023

This paper is based on the Sentinel-2 satellite data: the thermal, red, and NIR bands. The Babylon city was chosen in this study for different reasons: its location in the middle of Iraq and it represents the largest capitals of the Mesopotamia civilization in the word. The Land Surface Temperature (LST) was determined using a method that incorporates remote sensing, geographic information systems, and statistics. This process has made it possible to monitor the relationship between land usage and the land surface temperature for four seasons in the year 2021. The mapswere processed and analyzed by using ArcGIS software. Five maps of the LST were constructed. Each map represents different season, however, two maps in summer was introduced because it represents the longest and more effective season in Iraq. In these maps, the lowest LST appears in the water bodies and vegetative area while the arid areas showhighest values. From the results, the mechanical, military, industrial, transport and road enterprises have a significant influence on the exterior of earth temperature particular in center city where the high temperatures in contrast to the areas that include water bodies or agricultural activity.
Microstructure and hydrogen storage properties of Mg1.8Y0.2Ni1−yCoy (y = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2) alloys
Authors: Defa Li , Huang Feng , Ren Bingzhi , Wang Shujie , Zhang Wei , Zhu Liming
Published: October 2023

The Mg1.8Y0.2Ni1−yCoy (y = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2) hydrogen storage alloys were prepared following the principles of metallurgy, the phase composition and microstructure of the alloys were studied using XRD and SEM/EDS techniques, and the hydrogen absorption and desorption properties of the alloys were studied using PCT and DSC techniques. The results showed that the addition of Co did not affect the phase composition of Mg1.8Y0.2Ni1−yCoy alloys in the as-cast state and after hydrogen absorption. The Co addition could help refine the microstructure of the alloys to a certain extent. The de-/hydrogenation kinetics of Mg1.8Y0.2Ni1−yCoy (y = 0, 0.1, and 0.2) alloys were improved by adding Co, and the best results were obtained at y = 0.1. The onset decomposition temperature of Mg1.8Y0.2Ni1−yCoy (y = 0, 0.1, and 0.2) alloys were recorded to be 180 °C, 156 °C, and 210 °C, respectively, which were significantly lower than that of Mg2Ni (253 °C). The results revealed that the addition Co could improve the thermodynamic performance of the dehydrogenation process.
Effect of surface grinding on the microstructure and corrosion of Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloys
Authors: Kang Minglong , Zhou Li , Deng Yunlai , Lei Jinqin , Guo Xiaobin , Jiang Yong
Published: October 2023

Surface treatment has shown strong effects on the corrosion resistance of Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloys. To elucidate the surface grinding effects, a set of the peak-aged Al-Mg-Si-Cu samples are ground using SiC papers with different grits, and the ground surface microstructure and corrosion performance are investigated. The results show that grinding generates a deformed near-surface layer. The deformed layer is characterized by nanocrystalline and the alloying element Cu segregates at nano-grained boundaries. The Cu segregation bands increase the available cathode area and the potential difference between the grain boundary and grain interior, which enhances the microgalvanic corrosion effect between the phase α-AlFeSi (Mn, Cu) and the adjacent matrix. As the SiC paper grit number decreased from 1200 to 80, the Cu segregation bands of the deformed layers increases from 600 to 1600 nm, the corresponding corrosion current density increases from 1.0 ± 0.1 to 22.8 ± 0.7 μA.cm−2, and the corrosion potential decreases from −742 ± 13.1 to −791 ± 15.0 mV (versus SCE).
Assessing the measurement properties of life-space mobility measures in community-dwelling older adults: a systematic review
Authors: Kuspinar Ayse , Mehdipour Ava , Beauchamp Marla K , Hao Qiukui , Cino Emily , Mikton Christopher , Amuthavalli Thiyagarajan Jotheeswaran , Diaz Theresa , Raina Parminder
Published: October 2023

Background

Preserving and enhancing mobility is an important part of healthy ageing. Life-space mobility is a construct that captures actual mobility within the home and the community. The objective of this systematic review was to synthesise the measurement properties and interpretability of scores produced by life-space mobility measures in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

This systematic review followed Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN). Multiple databases were searched to identify potentially relevant articles. Data extraction and assessment of methodological quality was conducted by two independent reviewers. When possible, results were quantitatively pooled for each measurement property. If studies could not be combined quantitatively, then findings were summarised qualitatively using means and percentage of confirmed hypothesis. Synthesised results were assessed against the COSMIN criteria for good measurement properties.

Results

A total of 21 full text articles were included in the review. The University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging Life-Space Assessment (LSA) was the most evaluated life-space mobility measure. The LSA demonstrated content validity, internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha 0.80–0.92), reliability [intra-class correlation value 0.89 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.80, 0.94)] and convergent validity with measures of physical function in community-dwelling older adults.

Conclusion

This systematic review summarised the measurement properties of life-space mobility measures in community-dwelling older adults following COSMIN guidelines. The LSA has been translated into multiple languages and has sufficient measurement properties for assessing life-space mobility among community-dwelling older adults.
Measures of attributes of locomotor capacity in older people: a systematic literature review following the COSMIN methodology
Authors: Honvo Germain , Sabico Shaun , Veronese Nicola , Bruyère Olivier , Rizzoli René , Amuthavalli Thiyagarajan Jotheeswaran , Mikton Christopher , Diaz Theresa , Cooper Cyrus , Reginster Jean-Yves
Published: October 2023

Background

Locomotor capacity (LC) is an important domain of intrinsic capacity and key determinant of functional ability and well-being in older age. The United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) calls for strengthening data and research on healthy ageing, including the measurement of older persons' LC. To advance the measurement and monitoring of LC, there is pressing need to identify valid and reliable measures.

Objective

To identify all the available tools that were validated for measurement of LC or of its specific attributes in older people and to assess the methodological quality of the studies and measurement properties of the tools.

Design

Systematic review.

Setting

Anywhere (Community-dwelling; long-term care facility; etc.)

Subjects

Older people.

Methods

We used highly sensitive search strategies to search the following databases: Medline, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL and PsycINFO. The study was conducted following the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) methodology for systematic review of outcome measurement instruments.

Results

A total of 125 studies were included, which assessed tools for balance (n = 84), muscle power (n = 12), muscle strength (n = 32, including four studies about tools for balance and muscle power) and endurance (n = 1). No studies on tools for muscle function, joint function, or locomotor capacity overall, were retrieved. We identified 69 clinician-report or objective assessment tools for balance, 30 for muscle strength, 12 for muscle power and 1 endurance assessment tool. The GRADE assessment of quality of evidence showed that only a few tools have high quality evidence for both sufficient validity and reliability: The Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest), the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.

Conclusions

A few tools with high quality evidence for sufficient validity and reliability are currently available for balance assessment in older people that may be recommended for use in clinical and research settings. Further validation studies are required for muscle strength, muscle power and endurance assessment tools.
Measurement properties of instruments to measure the fatigue domain of vitality capacity in community-dwelling older people: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analysis
Authors: Knoop Veerle , Mathot Emelyn , Louter Francis , Beckwee David , Mikton Christopher , Diaz Theresa , Amuthavalli Thiyagarajan Jotheeswaran , Bautmans Ivan
Published: October 2023

Background

Vitality capacity (VC) is a key domain of intrinsic capacity (IC) and is the underlying biophysiological aspect of IC. Energy and metabolism (E&M) is one of the domains of VC. Fatigue is one of the main characteristics of E&M.

Objective

The aims of this umbrella review are (i) to identify the available instruments suitable for measuring fatigue in community-dwelling older adults and (ii) to critically review the measurement properties of the identified instruments.

Design

Umbrella review.

Setting

Healthcare.

Subjects

Community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

PubMed and Web of Knowledge were systematically screened for systematic reviews and meta-analysis reporting on fatigue instruments resulting in 2,263 articles (last search 5 December 2022). The COSMIN checklist was used to appraise psychometric properties and the AMSTAR for assessing methodological quality. Data on fatigue instruments, construct, reference period, assessment method, validated population, reliability, validity, responsiveness and predictive validity on negative health outcomes were extracted.

Results

10 systematic reviews and 1 meta-analysis were included in this study. 70 fatigue instruments were identified in the literature and 21 were originally designed for fatigue. The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale (PFS) and Visual Analogue scale (VAS-F), Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS) and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue (FACIT-F) presented good psychometric properties.

Conclusions

The FSS, FIS, FACIT-F, PFS and the VAS-F presented good psychometric properties in various conditions. Therefore, these instruments could be used to quantify trajectories in the domain E&M in the context of VC in community-dwelling older adults.
Prognostic role of the log odds of positive lymph nodes in Western patients with resected gastric cancer: A comparison with the 8th edition of the TNM staging system
Authors: Díaz del Arco Cristina , Estrada Muñoz Lourdes , Sánchez Pernaute Andrés , Ortega Medina Luis , García Gómez de las Heras Soledad , García Martínez Ricardo , Fernández Aceñero María Jesús
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Several alternative lymph node staging systems have recently been described for gastric cancer. The log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) system may be superior to the pN stage (American Joint Committee on Cancer) and lymph node ratio systems in predicting outcomes for patients with gastric cancers, as indicated by some researchers. Most studies, however, have been conducted in Asian countries, and conflicting results have been reported by other investigators.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of all 377 cases of gastric cancer resected at a tertiary hospital in Spain between 2000 and 2019. Clinicopathologic features were collected, LODDS were calculated and categorized into 5 groups (S1-S5), and statistical analysis was performed.

Results

The cases included (n = 315) were classified as S1 (25.6%), S2 (18.4%), S3 (21.3%), S4 (20.3%), and S5 (14.4%). The LODDS classification was significantly associated with tumor size, Laurén subtype, presence of signet ring cells, tumor grade, perineural infiltration, lymphovascular invasion, growth pattern, pT, tumor recurrence, and death. Kaplan-Meier analysis based on the LODDS classification demonstrated improved patient stratification compared with the pN stage for both overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Area under the curve values for recurrence and death were superior for the LODDS classification, and this classification was independently related to OS and DFS. In addition, the LODDS classification successfully divided patients without lymph node metastases (pN0) into subgroups with distinct prognoses.

Conclusions

For our cohort, the LODDS system showed better prognostic performance than pN stage; it was an independent predictor of OS and DFS, and it provided valuable prognostic information in cases without lymph node metastases. Its prognostic accuracy, however, decreased in cases with fewer than 16 lymph nodes resected.
Enhancing reinforcement learning for de novo molecular design applying self-attention mechanisms
Authors: Pereira Tiago O , Abbasi Maryam , Arrais Joel P
Published: October 2023

The drug discovery process can be significantly improved by applying deep reinforcement learning (RL) methods that learn to generate compounds with desired pharmacological properties. Nevertheless, RL-based methods typically condense the evaluation of sampled compounds into a single scalar value, making it difficult for the generative agent to learn the optimal policy. This work combines self-attention mechanisms and RL to generate promising molecules. The idea is to evaluate the relative significance of each atom and functional group in their interaction with the target, and to utilize this information for optimizing the Generator. Therefore, the framework for de novo drug design is composed of a Generator that samples new compounds combined with a Transformer-encoder and a biological affinity Predictor that evaluate the generated structures. Moreover, it takes the advantage of the knowledge encapsulated in the Transformer’s attention weights to evaluate each token individually. We compared the performance of two output prediction strategies for the Transformer: standard and masked language model (MLM). The results show that the MLM Transformer is more effective in optimizing the Generator compared with the state-of-the-art works. Additionally, the evaluation models identified the most important regions of each molecule for the biological interaction with the target. As a case study, we generated synthesizable hit compounds that can be putative inhibitors of the enzyme ubiquitin-specific protein 7 (USP7).
Group B streptococcus induces cellular senescence in human amnion epithelial cells through a partial interleukin-1-mediated mechanism
Authors: Park Hae-Ryung , Hogan Kelly A , Harris Sean M , Chames Mark C , Loch-Caruso Rita
Published: October 2023

Group B streptococcus (GBS) infection is a significant public health concern associated with adverse pregnancy complications and increased neonatal mortality and morbidity. However, the mechanisms underlying the impact of GBS on the fetal membrane, the first line of defense against pathogens, are not fully understood. Here, we propose that GBS induces senescence and inflammatory factors (IL-6 and IL-8) in the fetal membrane through interleukin-1 (IL-1). Utilizing the existing transcriptomic data on GBS-exposed human fetal membrane, we showed that GBS affects senescence-related pathways and genes. Next, we treated primary amnion epithelial cells with conditioned medium from the choriodecidual layer of human fetal membrane exposed to GBS (GBS collected choriodecidual [CD] conditioned medium) in the absence or presence of an IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). GBS CD conditioned medium significantly increased β-galactosidase activity, IL-6 and IL-8 release from the amnion epithelial cells. Cotreatment with IL1Ra reduced GBS-induced β-galactosidase activity and IL-6 and IL-8 secretion. Direct treatment with IL-1α or IL-1β confirmed the role of IL-1 signaling in the regulation of senescence in the fetal membrane. We further showed that GBS CD conditioned medium and IL-1 decreased cell proliferation in amnion epithelial cells. In summary, for the first time, we demonstrate GBS-induced senescence in the fetal membrane and present evidence of IL-1 pathway signaling between the choriodecidua and amnion layer of fetal membrane in a paracrine manner. Further studies will be warranted to understand the pathogenesis of adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with GBS infection and develop therapeutic interventions to mitigate these complications.
Dysregulation of MTFR2, ATP5IF1 and BAK1 in Sertoli cells relates to idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia via inhibiting mitochondrial fission and inducing mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Wei Lei , Feng Zonggang , Dou Qian , Tan Li , Zhao Xinghua , Hao Bin
Published: October 2023

Non-obstructive azoospermia affects more than 10% of infertile men with over 70% patients are idiopathic with uncharacterized molecular mechanisms, which is referred as idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia. In this study, we checked the morphology of Sertoli cell mitochondria in testis biopsies from patients with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia and patients with obstructive azoospermia who have normal spermiogenesis. The expression of 104 genes controlling mitochondria fission and fusion were analyzed in three gene expression datasets including a total of 60 patients with non-obstructive azoospermia. The levels of 7 candidate genes were detected in testis biopsies from 38 patients with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia and 24 patients with obstructive azoospermia who have normal spermatogenesis by RT-qPCR. Cell viability, apoptosis, mitochondria membrane potential, adenosine triphosphate production, oxygen consumption, and mitochondria morphology were examined in primary human Sertoli cells. Mouse spermatogonial stem cells were used to detect the cell supporting capacity of Sertoli cells. We observed that patients with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia had elongated mitochondria. MTFR2 and ATP5IF1 were downregulated, whereas BAK1 was upregulated in idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia testis and Sertoli cells. Sertoli cells from patients with idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia had reduced viability, mitochondria membrane potential, adenosine triphosphate production, oxygen consumption rate, glycolysis and increased apoptosis. Knockdown MTFR2 in Sertoli cells increased the mitochondria size. Knockdown ATP5IF1 did not change mitochondrial morphology but increased adenosine triphosphate hydrolysis. Overexpression of BAK1 reduced membrane potential and upregulated cell apoptosis. The dysregulation of all these three genes contributed to the dysfunction of Sertoli cells, which provides a clue for idiopathic non-obstructive azoospermia treatment.
Marx, Keynes and the future of working time
Authors: Spencer David A
Published: October 2023

This paper re-examines the different visions of the future of working time offered by Marx and Keynes. While Marx and Keynes differed radically on some fundamental matters, they agreed that society would benefit from reducing work time. The idea of society using technology to curtail work hours was a central aspect of their respective visions of a better future. The paper compares Marx’s and Keynes’s visions. It also considers the fate of their visions as well as their relevance for modern debates on the future of work. The conclusion is that a critical political economy can learn from the different ideas of Marx and Keynes in supporting the case for reducing work hours in the present.
Changes to the understory vegetation community of the Acadian Forest a decade after herbicide use
Authors: Xiao Jennifer , Yakimowski Sarah , Brown Marika , Heartz Shane , Parachnowitsch Amy L , Edge Christopher B
Published: October 2023

Herbicides are commonly used in forestry to enhance conifer tree growth by reducing the abundance of competitive, undesired, early successional species. Reducing the abundance of understory species could also lead to changes in community composition that need to be documented to aid the understanding of any downstream ecosystem changes. We examined the effects of glyphosate-based herbicides on the abundance, diversity, and community composition of the understory vegetation community of forests located in the temperate-boreal transition zone. We sampled 37 blocks in two ecoregions of the Acadian Forest in eastern Canada that were harvested over the last 15 years. Species richness, Shannon’s diversity, or evenness did not differ among blocks with different herbicide history. However, community composition differed between the non-herbicide and herbicide blocks in both ecoregions. Overall, 26.5% of the plant community variation was explained by the factors herbicide use (10.6%), Biomass Growth Index/site quality (8.6%), time since harvest (3.6%), and ecoregion (1.7%). We found 16 indicator species that differentiated the non-herbicide (9 species) and herbicide blocks (7 species). Indicator species for non-herbicide blocks included two blueberry species, three shrubs (two flowering), and two ferns, whereas indicator species for herbicide blocks were largely perennial forbs. Together, our results indicate that herbicide use does not alter species richness but does reduce shrub abundance, a change that persists throughout the 10 years post-herbicide application captured in our study. The reduced shrub layer likely leads to other changes in the plant community. Herbicide use is associated with subtle changes to the understory plant community, and these changes are missed when only alpha diversity is used to examine the effects of herbicides use on community composition.
Epigenetic Age Acceleration and Chronological Age: Associations With Cognitive Performance in Daily Life
Authors: Zavala Daisy V , Dzikowski Natalie , Gopalan Shyamalika , Harrington Karra D , Pasquini Giancarlo , Mogle Jacqueline , Reid Kerry , Sliwinski Martin , Graham-Engeland Jennifer E , Engeland Christopher G , Bernard Kristin , Veeramah Krishna , Scott Stacey B
Published: October 2023

DNA methylation-derived epigenetic clocks offer the opportunity to examine aspects of age acceleration (ie, the difference between an individual’s biological age and chronological age), which vary among individuals and may better account for age-related changes in cognitive function than chronological age. Leveraging existing ambulatory cognitive assessments in daily life from a genetically diverse sample of 142 adults in midlife, we examined associations between 5 measures of epigenetic age acceleration and performance on tasks of processing speed and working memory. Covarying for chronological age, we used multilevel models to examine associations of epigenetic age acceleration (Horvath 1, Horvath 2, Hannum, PhenoAge, and GrimAge clocks) with both average level and variability of cognitive performance. Positive age acceleration (ie, epigenetic age greater than chronological age) was associated with poorer mean processing speed (Horvath 1 and 2) and working memory (GrimAge). Higher chronological age was also associated with poorer mean processing speed and working memory performance. Further, positive age acceleration was generally associated with greater intraindividual variability in working memory and processing speed tasks, whereas being chronologically older was associated with less intraindividual variability. Although further work is needed, our results indicate age acceleration effects have comparable or greater size as those for chronological age differences, suggesting that epigenetic age acceleration may account for additional risk and interindividual variation in cognitive performance above chronological age.
Colchicine-resistant sacroiliitis in a Japanese patient with familial Mediterranean fever
Authors: Matsumoto Haruki , Sumichika Yuya , Saito Kenji , Yoshida Shuhei , Temmoku Jumpei , Fujita Yuya , Matsuoka Naoki , Asano Tomoyuki , Sato Shuzo , Migita Kiyoshi
Published: October 2023

The articular involvement in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) represents a clinical characteristic of acute monoarthritis with pain and hydrarthrosis, which always resolves spontaneously. Colchicine prevents painful arthritis attacks in most FMF cases. Spondyloarthritis is rarely associated with Japanese patients with FMF. Here, we report a Japanese male patient with FMF-related axial joint involvement. A 43-year-old male Japanese patient who presented with recurrent febrile episodes with hip joint and back pain was referred to our hospital. He carried heterozygous variants in exon 2 (L110P/E148Q) of the MEFV gene. FMF was suspected, and oral administration of colchicine (1 mg/day) was initiated. Colchicine treatment improved his febrile attack with hip joint pain. He was diagnosed as having FMF based on the Tel-Hashomer diagnostic criteria for FMF since he fulfilled one major criterion (repeated febrile attack accompanied by hip joint pain) and one minor criterion (improvement with colchicine treatment). Although the human leucocyte antigen-B27 allele was not detected, sacroiliitis-related symptoms progressed despite the ongoing colchicine treatment. Salazosulphapyridine and methotrexate were administered in addition to colchicine; however, these treatments were not effective. Canakinumab treatment successfully resolved this unique aspect of sacroiliitis, and the patient was finally diagnosed with FMF-associated axial joint involvement.
Eosinophilic granulomatous with polyangiitis complicated by swelling of the oral cavity floor and cervical soft tissue as initial manifestation mimicking IgG4-related disease: A case report
Authors: Suzuki Tomoko , Moriyama Mayuko , Takano Ikuko , Miyajima Nobue , Yoshioka Yuki , Honda Manabu , Kondo Masahiro , Shokei Sachiko , Araki Asuka , Kadota Kyuichi , Ichinose Kunihiro
Published: October 2023

Eosinophilic granulomatous polyangiitis is a systemic vasculitis associated with bronchial asthma and eosinophilic sinusitis. Here, we describe an unusual presentation of eosinophilic granulomatous polyangiitis that initially manifested as swelling of the oral cavity floor and cervical soft tissue. A 58 year-old Japanese man was diagnosed with bronchial asthma during childhood but did not receive regular medication. Prior to this presentation, he had a persistent cough for over 1 month, and a local physician diagnosed him with bronchial asthma. However, 6 months later, his cough worsened, and a blood test revealed elevated eosinophil levels. Immediately afterward, swelling of the floor of the oral cavity and cervical soft tissue developed. Cellulitis was suspected and antimicrobial treatment was initiated; however, the symptoms persisted and abdominal pain developed. An endoscopic examination revealed duodenitis and a duodenal ulcer. The patient was diagnosed with eosinophilic granulomatous polyangiitis based on three items of the 2022 American College of Rheumatology/European College of Rheumatology classification criteria: obstructive airway disease, blood eosinophil count ≥1 × 109 cells/L, and extravascular eosinophilic infiltration with a score of 10. Oral prednisolone (70 mg/day), intravenous cyclophosphamide (500 mg/m2), and subcutaneous mepolizumab (300 mg every 4 weeks) were administered. The patient’s symptoms improved after these treatments, and the eosinophil count and inflammatory marker levels declined. When swelling of the oral cavity floor and cervical soft tissue following an increase in eosinophilia and allergic symptoms occurs, it is crucial to consider the likelihood of eosinophilic granulomatous polyangiitis and collaborate with otolaryngologists and dentists to ensure its prompt identification.
Increased lethality of respiratory infection by Streptococcus pneumoniae in the Dp16 mouse model of Down syndrome
Authors: Colvin Kelley L. , Elliott Robert J. , Goodman Desiree M. , Harral Julie , Barrett Edward G. , Yeager Michael E.
Published: October 2023

Objectives

We sought to investigate whether the Dp16 mouse model of Down syndrome (DS) is more susceptible to severe and lethal respiratory tract infection by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Study Design

We infected controls and Dp16 mice with Streptococcus pneumoniae and measured survival rates. We compared cytokine production by primary lung cell cultures exposed to Streptococcus pneumoniae. We examined lung protein expression for interferon signaling related pathways. We characterized the histopathology and quantified the extent of bronchus‐associated lymphoid tissue. Finally, we examined mouse tissues for the presence of oligomeric tau protein.

Results

We found that the Dp16 mouse model of DS displayed significantly higher susceptibility to lethal respiratory infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae compared to control mice. Lung cells cultured from Dp16 mice displayed unique secreted cytokine profiles compared to control mice. The Dp16 mouse lungs were characterized by profound lobar pneumonia with massive diffuse consolidation involving nearly the entire lobe. Marked red hepatization was noted, and Dp16 mice lungs contained numerous bronchus‐associated lymphoid tissues that were highly follicularized. Compared to uninfected mice, both control mice and Dp16 mice infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae showed evidence of oligomeric tau aggregates.

Conclusions

Increased susceptibility to severe respiratory tract infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae in Dp16 mice closely phenocopies infection in individuals with DS. The increase does not appear to be linked to overexpression of mouse interferon genes syntenic to human chromosome 21.
Loss of function of ribosomal protein L13a blocks blastocyst formation and reveals a potential nuclear role in gene expression
Authors: Kour Ravinder , Kim Jaehwan , Roy Antara , Richardson Brian , Cameron Mark J. , Knott Jason G. , Mazumder Barsanjit
Published: October 2023

Ribosomal proteins play diverse roles in development and disease. Most ribosomal proteins have canonical roles in protein synthesis, while some exhibit extra‐ribosomal functions. Previous studies in our laboratory revealed that ribosomal protein L13a (RPL13a) is involved in the translational silencing of a cohort of inflammatory proteins in myeloid cells. This prompted us to investigate the role of RPL13a in embryonic development. Here we report that RPL13a is required for early development in mice. Crosses between Rpl13a+/− mice resulted in no Rpl13a−/− offspring. Closer examination revealed that Rpl13a−/− embryos were arrested at the morula stage during preimplantation development. RNA sequencing analysis of Rpl13a−/− morulae revealed widespread alterations in gene expression, including but not limited to several genes encoding proteins involved in the inflammatory response, embryogenesis, oocyte maturation, stemness, and pluripotency. Ex vivo analysis revealed that RPL13a was localized to the cytoplasm and nucleus between the two‐cell and morula stages. RNAi‐mediated depletion of RPL13a phenocopied Rpl13a−/− embryos and knockdown embryos exhibited increased expression of IL‐7 and IL‐17 and decreased expression of the lineage specifier genes Sox2, Pou5f1, and Cdx2. Lastly, a protein–protein interaction assay revealed that RPL13a is associated with chromatin, suggesting an extra ribosomal function in transcription. In summary, our data demonstrate that RPL13a is essential for the completion of preimplantation embryo development. The mechanistic basis of the absence of RPL13a‐mediated embryonic lethality will be addressed in the future through follow‐up studies on ribosome biogenesis, global protein synthesis, and identification of RPL13a target genes using chromatin immunoprecipitation and RNA‐immunoprecipitation‐based sequencing.
Elbow Arthroscopy: Essential Principles of Positioning, Anatomy, and Portal Placement
Authors: Lanham Nathan S. , Belyea Christopher Michael , Peterson Joel R. , Jobin Charles M.
Published: October 2023

Elbow arthroscopy is an important surgical technique for the treatment of various elbow pathologies. Range of indications for elbow arthroscopy include, but are not limited to, diagnostic evaluation, removal of loose bodies, synovectomy, contracture releases, lateral epicondylitis treatment, and adjunct use for fracture reduction. Surgeons' understanding of anatomy and portal placement is critical for successful treatment. This article reviews the relevant surgical anatomy, portal placement, patient positioning, surgical indications, and complications for this technique.
Adverse Events and Infectious Complications in the Critically Ill Treated by Plasma Exchange: A Five-Year Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: François Mickael , Daubin Delphine , Menouche Dehbia , Gaillet Antoine , Provoost Judith , Trusson Remi , Arrestier Romain , Hequet Olivier , Richard Jean‑Christophe , Moranne Olivier , Larcher Romaric , Klouche Kada
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVES:

The aim of this study was to determine, in critically ill patients treated with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), the incidence of adverse events as well as the incidence of secondary infections and its predictive factors.

DESIGN:

A multicenter retrospective cohort study of an intensive care population treated with TPE to collect adverse events and infectious complications. The characteristics of patients who developed an infection after plasma exchange were compared with those of patients who did not.

SETTING:

Four ICUs of French university hospitals.

PATIENTS:

All adults admitted between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019, who received at least one plasma exchange session were included.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

A total of 711 TPE sessions were performed on 124 patients. The most frequent TPE indications were thrombotic microangiopathies (n = 32, 26%), myasthenia gravis (n = 25, 20%), and acute polyradiculoneuropathy (n = 12, 10%). Among the 124 patients, 22 (21%) developed arterial hypotension, 12 (12%) fever, and 9 (9%) electrolyte disturbance during TPE. Moreover, 60 (48%) presented at least one infectious complication: ventilator-associated pneumonia 42, pneumonia 13, bacteremia 18 (of which 6 catheter-related infections) viral reactivation 14. Independent risk factors for ICU-acquired infection were the ICU length of stay (24 vs. 7 d; hazard ratio [HR]: 1.09 [1.04–1.15], p < 0.001) and invasive mechanical ventilation (92% vs. 35%; HR: 16.2 [5.0–53.0], p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

In critically ill patients treated with TPE, adverse events occurring during the procedure remain moderately frequent and are mostly not life-threatening. Infectious complications, mainly ventilation-associated pneumonia, are frequent in this population. The need of mechanical ventilation and longer ICU stay is associated with an increased risk of infection.
The role of botulinum toxin in the management of nonneurogenic overactive bladder in children: Highlights for clinical practice. A systematic review
Authors: Câncio Martins Bissaia Barreto José A. , Táboas Simões Maria I. , Gomes Engenheiro Gonçalo , Ferreira Matos Joana I. , Rodrigues Leal Joana A.
Published: October 2023

Overactive bladder (OAB) is the most common voiding dysfunction in children; however, nonneurogenic or idiopathic OAB remains poorly studied. First-line treatment includes conservative measures; however, as many patients are refractory, have adverse effects, or are contraindicated for anticholinergics, new options must be explored. This review covers the use of intravesical botulinum toxin (BoNT) for idiopathic OAB treatment in children, emphasizing its efficacy, safety, differences between toxins, doses, and injection techniques. Clinical results were promising, with all 8 studies reporting good results. All authors used BoNT type A, either onabotulinum or abobotulinum toxin A. Response rates were variable, with full-response percentages of 32%–60%. As proven by the full-response rates of 50%, repeated injections are as safe and effective as first injections. Only a few cases of urinary tract infection, transient urinary retention, and hematuria have been reported, with no major local or systemic adverse effects. Despite these limitations, evidence encourages and supports BoNT type A use as a safe and effective treatment modality for refractory idiopathic OAB in pediatric settings, regardless of dosage and target toxin. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review of the use of intravesical botulinum toxin type A for idiopathic OAB treatment in children.
Safety and clinical efficacy of EUS–guided pelvic abscess drainage
Authors: Al Khaldi Maher , Ponomarev Alexander , Richard Carole , Dagbert François , Sebajang Herawaty , Schwenter Frank , Wassef Ramses , De Broux Éric , Ratelle Richard , Paquin Sarto C. , Sahai Anand V. , Loungnarath Rasmy
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives

EUS is a potential alternative for the drainage of abscesses. The aim of this study was to determine if EUS-guided pelvic abscess drainage is technically feasible, safe, and a valid option for abscess resolution.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review from 2002 to 2020 at a single quaternary institution. EUS–guided pelvic abscess drainage via the transrectal route was performed in all patients with or without drain/stent placement. Technical and clinical success of EUS-guided pelvic abscess drainage was analyzed. Descriptive analyses and Fisher exact test were performed.

Results

Sixty consecutive patients were included in the study (53.5% male; mean age, 53.8 ± 17.9 years). Pelvic abscesses occurred mainly postoperatively (33 cases; 60.0%) and from complicated diverticulitis (14 cases; 23.3%). Mean diameter was 6.5 ± 2.4 cm (80% unilocular). Drainage was performed with EUS-guided stent placement (double-pigtail plastic or lumen-apposing metal) in 74.5% of cases and with aspiration alone for the remainder. Technical success occurred in 58 cases (97%). Of those with long-term follow-up after EUS-guided pelvic abscess drainage (n = 55; 91.7%), complete abscess resolution occurred in 72.7% of all cases. Recurrence occurred in 8 cases (14.5%) and persisted in 7 patients (12.5%), 7 of which were successfully retreated with EUS-guided pelvic abscess drainage. Accounting for these successful reinterventions, the overall rate of abscess resolution was 85.5%. Abscess resolution rate improved with drain placement (83%). Accounting for 7 repeat EUS-guided pelvic abscess drainages, overall abscess resolution improved. Two deaths occurred (3.4%) because of sepsis from failed source control in patients who had previously failed medical, radiological, and surgical treatment.

Conclusions

EUS–guided pelvic abscess drainage is technically feasible, safe, and an effective alternative to radiological or open surgical drainage. It also offers favorable clinical outcomes in different clinical situations.
Nuck Cyst Presenting as a Recidive Inguinal Hernia: A Rare Case Treated in Plastic Surgery
Authors: Gesuete Francesco P. , Molle Marcello , Izzo Paolo , Izzo Sara , Gubitosi Adelmo , Nicoletti Giovanni F. , Ferraro Giuseppe A.
Published: October 2023

The canal of Nuck is the female equivalent to the male processus vaginalis. Due to its rarity and the lack of awareness among physicians, a cyst in the canal of Nuck is a seldom-encountered entity in clinical practice and is commonly misdiagnosed. We report on a case of 42-year-old woman who presented with a painful swelling at her right groin and skin hypertrophy of the abdomen. The patient underwent successful open herniorrhaphy with excision of the cyst and mesh repair of the inguinal canal. The results were excellent both in the aesthetic and functional terms. In 1 month, there was a complete recovery with a return to social life. The 3-month healing score was 3 of 13 on the Vancouver Scar Scale. The technique is effective and reproducible. The patient’s aesthetic and functional outcomes were excellent. In the following 6 months of follow-up, there were no recurrences or late complications.
Development and evaluation of a virtual reality driving test for patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Gairing Simon J. , Schleicher Eva M. , Kaps Leonard , Schulte-Beerbuehl Sophia , Steiner Kristina , Labenz Joachim , Schattenberg Jörn M. , Galle Peter R. , Wörns Marcus-Alexander , Labenz Christian
Published: October 2023

Background:

Patients with cirrhosis and especially those with HE may have impaired driving skills and may be prone to car accidents. This proof-of-concept study aimed to develop and evaluate the applicability of a virtual reality (VR)–based driving test in patients with cirrhosis. Additionally, the association between the results in the VR test and car accidents was investigated.

Methods:

A short driving test using a VR head–mounted display (HTC Vive Pro Eye) was developed to simulate five hazardous situations. The patient has to pull the brake when the hazardous situations occur. The time from triggering the event to pressing the brake is recorded as reaction time. Total reaction time (TRT) is defined as the combined reaction time to all 5 events. Car accidents were assessed retrospectively (previous 12 months) and patients were followed prospectively for 6 months. Minimal HE (MHE) was diagnosed using Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score.

Results:

In total, 112 outpatients with cirrhosis and 52 controls without cirrhosis were recruited. MHE was detected in 14% (n = 15). Patients with cirrhosis and MHE (5.67 s) had higher TRTs compared to patients without MHE (5.02 s) and controls without cirrhosis above the age of 50 (4.98 s) (MHE vs. no MHE or controls p<0.01, no MHE vs. controls: not significant). Seven patients reported car accidents during the twelve months prior to study inclusion. TRTs were numerically higher in patients with reported car accidents (p = 0.099). When patients who stopped driving for HE-related/cirrhosis-related reasons (n = 14) were added to the group of patients with accidents, then a longer TRT was significantly associated with the modeled outcome in univariable (p<0.01) and multivariable analyses (OR 2.83, p<0.01). Two car accidents occurred during follow-up. Both patients had TRTs above the 90th percentile.

Conclusions:

The VR driving test is easy and rapid to perform in patients with cirrhosis and could be helpful as a point-of-care tool for predicting car accidents.