bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corticosteroid Use in Otolaryngology: Current Considerations During the COVID‐19 Era
Authors: Chang C.W. David , McCoul Edward D. , Briggs Selena E. , Guardiani Elizabeth A. , Durand Marlene L. , Hadlock Tessa A. , Hillel Alexander T. , Kattar Nrusheel , Openshaw Peter J.M. , Osazuwa‐Peters Nosayaba , Poetker David M. , Shin Jennifer J. , Chandrasekhar Sujana S. , Bradford Carol R. , Brenner Michael J.
Published: December 2021

Objective

To offer pragmatic, evidence‐informed advice on administering corticosteroids in otolaryngology during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, considering therapeutic efficacy, potential adverse effects, susceptibility to COVID‐19, and potential effects on efficacy of vaccination against SARS‐CoV‐2, which causes COVID‐19.

Data Sources

PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CINAHL, and guideline databases.

Review Methods

Guideline search strategies, supplemented by database searches on sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), idiopathic facial nerve paralysis (Bell’s palsy), sinonasal polyposis, laryngotracheal disorders, head and neck oncology, and pediatric otolaryngology, prioritizing systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and COVID‐19–specific findings.

Conclusions

Systemic corticosteroids (SCSs) reduce long‐term morbidity in individuals with SSNHL and Bell’s palsy, reduce acute laryngotracheal edema, and have benefit in perioperative management for some procedures. Topical or locally injected corticosteroids are preferable for most other otolaryngologic indications. SCSs have not shown long‐term benefit for sinonasal disorders. SCSs are not a contraindication to vaccination with COVID‐19 vaccines approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that these vaccines are safe for immunocompromised patients.

Implications for Practice

SCS use for SSNHL, Bell’s palsy, laryngotracheal edema, and perioperative care should follow prepandemic standards. Local or topical corticosteroids are preferable for most other otolaryngologic indications. Whether SCSs attenuate response to vaccination against COVID‐19 or increase susceptibility to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is unknown. Immunosuppression may lower vaccine efficacy, so immunocompromised patients should adhere to recommended infection control practices. COVID‐19 vaccination with Pfizer‐BioNTech, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson vaccines is safe for immunocompromised patients.
Methods for Detecting PER2:LUCIFERASE Bioluminescence Rhythms in Freely Moving Mice
Authors: Martin-Burgos Blanca , Wang Wanqi , William Ivana , Tir Selma , Mohammad Innus , Javed Reja , Smith Stormi , Cui Yilin , Arzavala Jessica , Mora Dalilah , Smith Ciearra B. , van der Vinne Vincent , Molyneux Penny C. , Miller Stephen C. , Weaver David R. , Leise Tanya L. , Harrington Mary E.
Published: December 2021

Circadian rhythms are driven by daily oscillations of gene expression. An important tool for studying cellular and tissue circadian rhythms is the use of a gene reporter, such as bioluminescence from the reporter gene luciferase controlled by a rhythmically expressed gene of interest. Here we describe methods that allow measurement of circadian bioluminescence from a freely moving mouse housed in a standard cage. Using a LumiCycle In Vivo (Actimetrics), we determined conditions that allow detection of circadian rhythms of bioluminescence from the PER2 reporter, PER2::LUC, in freely behaving mice. The LumiCycle In Vivo applies a background subtraction that corrects for effects of room temperature on photomultiplier tube (PMT) output. We tested delivery of d-luciferin via a subcutaneous minipump and in the drinking water. We demonstrate spikes in bioluminescence associated with drinking bouts. Further, we demonstrate that a synthetic luciferase substrate, CycLuc1, can support circadian rhythms of bioluminescence, even when delivered at a lower concentration than d-luciferin, and can support longer-term studies. A small difference in phase of the PER2::LUC bioluminescence rhythms, with females phase leading males, can be detected with this technique. We share our analysis scripts and suggestions for further improvements in this method. This approach will be straightforward to apply to mice with tissue-specific reporters, allowing insights into responses of specific peripheral clocks to perturbations such as environmental or pharmacological manipulations.
Transient effects during transitions of bio-inspired flapping foils between two different schooling configurations
Authors: Han Jiakun , Chen Gang
Published: December 2021

Recently, there has been considerable interest in developing novel energy-saving vehicles that use flapping foils propulsion systems inspired by biology. Facing increasingly complex application tasks, the coordination of multiple vehicles will be a hot issue in the future this research field. We are inspired by changes in configurations of biological collective behavior (known as schooling) in nature, focused on studying transient effects during transitions of three-dimensional bio-inspired flapping foils between two different bionic schooling configurations. Numerical simulations employing the immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method (IB-LBM) for unsteady hydrodynamics of flapping foils in schooling transitions were performed. Effects of different mutual transition modes between tandem and diamond schooling configurations on their thrust performance were investigated. Meanwhile, we present hydrodynamics of flapping foils in a schooling with different downstream flapping frequencies under the best transition mode. The results show that during transitions between two schooling configurations, there is an optimal energy-saving transition mode. It has nothing to do with the length of transition distance. Different downstream flapping frequencies will affect the interacting vortices between fluid and structure and then affect transient effects during schooling transition. Although the transition modes were specified, our research takes the transients effects of schooling transitions as an influencing factor to be considered for formations changes, which will provide a new idea for the design bio-inspired vehicle cluster formation.
Effect of Hepatitis C Viremia on Posttransplant Diabetes Mellitus in Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Klein Kelsey , Nelson Joelle , Long Christina , Speeg Kermit , Alkhouri Naim , Hall Reed
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Posttransplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) can increase morbidity and mortality in liver transplant recipients. Although hepatitis C seropositivity is a known risk factor for PTDM, the impact of viremia versus no viremia at time of transplant is unknown.

Project Aims

This program evaluation sought to compare PTDM in hepatitis C seropositive patients with and without viremia at the time of liver transplant.

Design

This single-center retrospective review included adult hepatitis C seropositive liver transplant recipients transplanted between January 1, 2010 to September 5, 2017 without pretransplant diabetes. Primary outcome was PTDM within 1 year. Secondary outcomes included evaluating 1-year posttransplant death-censored graft loss, mortality, and metabolic outcomes.

Results

Fifty-seven liver transplant recipients with hepatitis C were included, of which 53% (n = 30) were viremic at transplant. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Significantly more patients with pretransplant viremia developed PTDM by 1-year posttransplant compared to the patients without viremia (43% vs 11%, P = 0.01). There were no differences between groups outside of more patients with viremia requiring antihypertensives by 1-year posttransplant compared to patients without viremia (57% vs 22%, P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Liver transplant patients with hepatitis C viremia at transplant were more likely to develop PTDM at 1 year compared to those without pretransplant viremia. This is an added consideration when deciding the timing of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) utilization in the context of liver transplant for hepatitis C seropositive patients.
Esterase D stabilizes FKBP25 to suppress mTORC1
Authors: Yang Yuejun , Chen Xinpeng , Yao Wen , Cui Xiaoling , Li Na , Lin ZhaoMin , Zhao Baoxiang , Miao Junying
Published: December 2021

Background

Esterase D (ESD) is a nonspecific esterase that detoxifies formaldehyde. Many reports have stated that ESD activity is associated with a variety of physiological and pathological processes. However, the detailed signaling pathway of ESD remains poorly understood.

Methods

Considering the advantages of the small chemical molecule, our recent work demonstrated that 4-chloro-2-(5-phenyl-1-(pyridin-2-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-3-yl) phenol (FPD5) activates ESD, and will be a good tool for studying ESD further. Firstly, we determined the interaction between ESD and FK506 binding protein 25 (FKBP25) by yeast two-hybrid assay and co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP) and analyzed the phosphorylation levels of mTORC1, P70S6K and 4EBP1 by western blot. Furthermore, we used the sulforhodamine B (SRB) and chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay to analyze cell viability in vitro and in vivo after treatment with ESD activator FPD5.

Results

We screened FKBP25 as a candidate protein to interact with ESD by yeast two-hybrid assay. Then we verified the interaction between ESD and endogenous FKBP25 or ectopically expressed GFP-FKBP25 by CO-IP. Moreover, the N-terminus (1–90 aa) domain of FKBP25 served as the crucial element for their interaction. More importantly, ESD reduced the K48-linked poly-ubiquitin chains of FKBP25 and thus stabilized cytoplasmic FKBP25. ESD also promoted FKBP25 to bind more mTORC1, suppressing the activity of mTORC1. In addition, ESD suppressed tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo through autophagy.

Conclusions

These findings provide novel evidence for elucidating the molecular mechanism of ESD and ubiquitination of FKBP25 to regulate autophagy and cancer cell growth. The ESD/FKBP25/mTORC1 signaling pathway is involved in inhibiting tumor cell growth via regulating autophagy.
Further host-genomic characterization of total antibody response to PRRSV vaccination and its relationship with reproductive performance in commercial sows: genome-wide haplotype and zygosity analyses
Authors: Sanglard Leticia P. , Huang Yijian , Gray Kent A. , Linhares Daniel C. L. , Dekkers Jack C. M. , Niederwerder Megan C. , Fernando Rohan L. , Serão Nick V. L.
Published: December 2021

Background

The possibility of using antibody response (S/P ratio) to PRRSV vaccination measured in crossbred commercial gilts as a genetic indicator for reproductive performance in vaccinated crossbred sows has motivated further studies of the genomic basis of this trait. In this study, we investigated the association of haplotypes and runs of homozygosity (ROH) and heterozygosity (ROHet) with S/P ratio and their impact on reproductive performance.

Results

There was no association (P-value ≥ 0.18) of S/P ratio with the percentage of ROH or ROHet, or with the percentage of heterozygosity across the whole genome or in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region. However, specific ROH and ROHet regions were significantly associated (P-value ≤ 0.01) with S/P ratio on chromosomes 1, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 13, and 17 but not (P-value ≥ 0.10) with reproductive performance. With the haplotype-based genome-wide association study (GWAS), additional genomic regions associated with S/P ratio were identified on chromosomes 4, 7, and 9. These regions harbor immune-related genes, such asSLA-DOB,TAP2,TAPBP,TMIGD3, andADORA. Four haplotypes at the identified region on chromosome 7 were also associated with multiple reproductive traits. A haplotype significantly associated with S/P ratio that is located in the MHC region may be in stronger linkage disequilibrium (LD) with the quantitative trait loci (QTL) than the previously identified single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (H3GA0020505) given the larger estimate of genetic variance explained by the haplotype than by the SNP.

Conclusions

Specific ROH and ROHet regions were significantly associated with S/P ratio. The haplotype-based GWAS identified novel QTL for S/P ratio on chromosomes 4, 7, and 9 and confirmed the presence of at least one QTL in the MHC region. The chromosome 7 region was also associated with reproductive performance. These results narrow the search for causal genes in this region and suggestSLA-DOBandTAP2as potential candidate genes associated with S/P ratio on chromosome 7. These results provide additional opportunities for marker-assisted selection and genomic selection for S/P ratio as genetic indicator for litter size in commercial pig populations.
Pheno- and genotypic characterization and identification of novel subtypes of Peste des Petits Ruminants virus in domestic and captive wild goats in Northern Iraq
Authors: Khoran Faisal Polis , Candlan Elham Potros , Hassan Abdulwahed Ahmed , Isihak Fanar A. , Abdulmawjood Amir , Khan Izhar U. H.
Published: December 2021

Background

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is an acute or peracute contagious transboundary viral disease that mainly affects caprine and ovine and causes significant economic impact in developing countries. After two PPR virus outbreaks in 2011 and 2014, an investigation, from August 2015 to September 2016, was carried out in Northern Iraq when an increased morbidity and mortality rates were reported in the domestic and captive wild goats. In the present study, ten domestic goat farms and seven captive wild goat herds located in seven geographical areas of Northern Iraq were clinically, pathologically, serologically and genotypically characterized to determine the prevalence and potential cause of PPR virus outbreak.

Results

The outbreak occurred with rate of morbidity (26.1%) and mortality (11.1%) in domestic goat farms as compared to captive wild goat herds where relatively high mortality (42.9%) and low morbidity (10.9%) rates were recorded. Based on the clinical symptoms (mucopurulent nasal discharges, ulceration and erosion of oral mucosa, profuse watery diarrhea) and necropsy (hemorrhage and congestion on mucous membranes of the colon and rectum with zebra stripes lesions) results, overall, the serological test findings revealed a high frequency (47.9%) of positive samples for anti-PPRV nucleoprotein antibodies. Furthermore, the nucleoprotein (N) gene was detected in 63.2 and 89.1% of samples using conventional and reverse transcription real-time quantitative PCR assays. A phylogenetic analysis of N gene amino acid sequences clustered with the reference strain revealed lineage IV similar to the strains isolated in 2011 and 2014, respectively. However, two sub-types of lineage IV (I and II), significantly distinct from the previous strains, were also observed.

Conclusion

The phylogenetic analysis suggests that movements of goats are possible cause and one of the important factors responsible for the spread of virus across the region. The study results would help in improving farm management practices by establishing a PPR virus eradication program using regular monitoring and vaccination program to control and mitigate the risk of re-emergence of PPR virus infection in domestic and captive wild goats in Iraq.
Cascade process mediated by left hippocampus and left superior frontal gyrus affects relationship between aging and cognitive dysfunction
Authors: Kokudai Yumika , Honma Motoyasu , Masaoka Yuri , Yoshida Masaki , Sugiyama Haruko , Yoshikawa Akira , Koiwa Nobuyoshi , Kubota Satomi , Iizuka Natsuko , Wada Sayaka , Kamijo Shotaro , Uchida Yuki , Yano Satoshi , Ida Masahiro , Ono Kenjiro , Izumizaki Masahiko
Published: December 2021

Background

Cognitive function declines with age and has been shown to be associated with atrophy in some brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex. However, the details of the relationship between aging and cognitive dysfunction are not well understood.

Methods

Across a wide range of ages (24- to 85-years-old), this research measured the gray matter volume of structural magnetic resonance imaging data in 39 participants, while some brain regions were set as mediator variables to assess the cascade process between aging and cognitive dysfunction in a path analysis.

Results

Path analysis showed that age affected the left hippocampus, thereby directly affecting the left superior frontal gyrus. Furthermore, the gyrus directly affected higher order flexibility and maintenance abilities calculated as in the Wisconsin card sorting test, and the two abilities affected the assessment of general cognitive function.

Conclusion

Our finding suggests that a cascade process mediated by the left hippocampus and left superior frontal gyrus is involved in the relationship between aging and cognitive dysfunction.
The relationship between demographic features, anthropometric parameters, sleep duration, and physical activity with ECG parameters in Fasa Persian cohort study
Authors: Mirahmadizadeh Alireza , Farjam Mojtaba , Sharafi Mehdi , Fatemian Hossein , Kazemi Maryam , Geraylow Kiarash Roustai , Dehghan Azizallah , Amiri Zahra , Afrashteh Sima
Published: December 2021

Backgrounds

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are the first leading cause of death worldwide. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between demographics, anthropometrics, sleep duration, physical activity, and ECG parameters in the Fasa Persian cohort study.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, the basic information of 10,000 participants aged 35–70 years in the Fasa cohort study was used. The data used in this study included demographic data, main Electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters, anthropometric data, sleep duration, and physical activity. Data analysis was performed using t-test, chi-square, and linear regression model.

Results

Based on multivariate linear regression analysis results, increased age was significantly associated with all study parameters. Nevertheless, gender and body mass index showed no significant relationship with SV3 and PR. Wrist circumference, hip circumference and waist circumference significantly increased the mean values of the ECG parameters. However, sleep duration was not significantly associated with the ECG parameters. In addition, hypertension was major comorbidity, which was shown to increase the mean values of the ECG parameters.

Conclusion

Several factors affected the ECG parameters. Thus, to interpret ECGs, in addition to age and gender, anthropometric indices, physical activity, and previous history of comorbidities, such as hypertension and ischemic heart disease, should be taken into consideration.
Association between fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio and the presence and severity of coronary artery disease in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Duan Zhenzhen , Luo Chaodi , Fu Bowen , Han Dan
Published: December 2021

Objective

Although the levels of plasma fibrinogen and albumin have been proven to be in relation to coronary heart disease (CHD), the association between fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has not been adequately investigated. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between FAR and the presence and severity of CHD in patients with ACS.

Methods and results

A total of 1575 individuals who received coronary angiography (CAG) were enrolled. Patients were divided into the ACS group and the control group. The severity of ACS was determined by Gensini score, number of diseased coronary artery and the presence of myocardial infarction (MI). Data showed that the level of FAR in ACS group was higher than in the control group (81.20 ± 35.45 vs. 72.89 ± 20.24, P < 0.001). The results from subgroup analysis indicated that the values of FAR in the high Gensini score group, MI group and multiple-vessel stenosis group were higher than the matched subgroups. After adjustment for confounders, FAR was still independently related to the presence and severity of ACS (MI OR 2.097, 95%CI 1.430–3.076; High GS: OR 2.335, 95%CI 1.567–3.479; multiple-vessel disease: OR 2.088, 95%CI 1.439–3.030; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The levels of FAR are independently associated with the presence and the severity of coronary artery disease in patients with ACS. Furthermore, FAR, as a more convenient and rapid biological indicator, may provide a new idea for predicting the presence and severity of ACS.
Job-search self-efficacy and reemployment willingness among older adults: roles of achievement motivation and age
Authors: Liu Shen , Hong Zijing , Zhou Wei , Fang Yingfen , Zhang Lin
Published: December 2021

Background

The present study aimed to explore the relationship between job-search self-efficacy and reemployment willingness among older adults, as well as roles of achievement motivation and age in this relationship.

Methods

Three hundred and sixty-five Chinese retired older adults were recruited from five neighborhoods in a city via convenience sampling, and they were measured by the Job Search Self-Efficacy Scale and the Achievement Motivation Scale (AMS).

Results

Results revealed that job-search self-efficacy significantly positively predicted reemployment willingness. Achievement motivation played a partial mediating role in the relationship between the job-search self-efficacy and reemployment willingness. Age moderated the relationship between job-search self-efficacy and reemployment willingness.

Conclusions

These findings showed that increasing the job-search self-efficacy and achievement motivation could effectively promote older adults’ reemployment willingness. The present study provided a theoretical basis for caring for older adults’ reemployment willingness.
Ivermectin induces apoptosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via mitochondrial pathway
Authors: Xu Nana , Lu Mengmeng , Wang Jiaxin , Li Yujia , Yang Xiaotian , Wei Xiajie , Si Jiaoyang , Han Jingru , Yao Xiaojuan , Zhang Juanmei , Liu Junqi , Li Yanming , Yang Hushan , Bao Dengke
Published: December 2021

Background

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most predominant primary malignant tumor among worldwide, especially in China. To date, the successful treatment remains a mainly clinical challenge, it is imperative to develop successful therapeutic agents.

Methods

The anti-proliferative effect of ivermectin on ESCC is investigated in cell model and in nude mice model. Cell apoptosis was assessed using flow cytometry, TUNEL assay and western blotting. Mitochondrial dysfunction was determined by reactive oxygen species accumulation, mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP levels.

Results

Our results determined that ivermectin significantly inhibited the proliferation of ESCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we found that ivermectin markedly mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and induced apoptosis of ESCC cells, which indicated the anti-proliferative effect of ivermectin on ESCC cells was implicated in mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Mechanistically, ivermectin significantly triggered ROS accumulation and inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and increased the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2.

Conclusions

These finding indicated that ivermectin has significant anti-tumour potential for ESSC and may be a potential therapeutic candidate against ESCC.
Relationship between dental caries, oral hygiene and malocclusion among Syrian refugee children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Salim Nesreen A. , Alamoush Rasha A. , Al-Abdallah Mariam Mohammad , Al-Asmar Aya Ahmed , Satterthwaite Julian D.
Published: December 2021

Background

Little is known about the oral disease burden in refugee children and associated risk factors. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the oral hygiene status and prevalence of caries, and to investigate their association with malocclusion characteristics in a child refugee population.

Methods

606 Syrian refugee children and adolescents aged 7–19 years, registered as refugees in Jordan and residing in Zaatari camp, were recruited to the study. Oral hygiene and caries status were recorded using DMFT (mean of decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth) and OHI-S (Simplified Oral Hygiene Index) according to WHO criteria. Oral health results were then cross tabulated with previously reported malocclusion traits for the same study sample (crowding, spacing, contact point deflection and IOTN) to detect any associations. Statistical analysis was conducted using chi-square test, independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, Welch test and Post Hoc testing (Gabriel and Games-Howell).

Results

Overall DMFT and OHI-S were 4.32 and 1.33 respectively with no difference between males and females. Around 40% of the sample showed ≥ 5 DMFT score. 96.1% of the sample either do not brush or brush occasionally: females showed better oral hygiene practices (P = 0.002). No significant differences in DMFT scores were noted for gender or age, other than the 7–9.9 year old group having significantly higher mean DMFT scores than all other age groups (P < 0.01);the mean of OHI-S was not significantly different between different age groups (P = 0.927). Subjects with malocclusion, specifically crowding, contact point deflection and IOTN grades 3, 4 and 5 had higher scores in both arches for OHI-S and DMFT than subjects without malocclusion traits, although this was not statistically significant for DMFT scores. Overall, patients with generalized spacing had a significantly lower OHI-S score than those without spacing (P = 0.021). Significant correlations were found between parameters of intra-arch and inter-arch relationships and oral health indices (DMFT and OHI-S).

Conclusion

Malocclusion may increase the risk of caries and periodontal disease; the magnitude of this risk is amplified in populations with poor oral health and limited access to oral healthcare services, highlighting the need for preventive and curative oral health programs.
Fear of abortion and emotional divorce in women with minor thalassemia: a population-based study in Yazd, Iran
Authors: Rahaei Zohreh , Sahami Mohammad Ali , Bidaki Reza
Published: December 2021

Background

Thalassemia is the most common genetic disorder in humans that can be controlled and treated by, premarital screening, prenatal diagnosis and abortion. Aortion can be a critical issue for many families based on the cultural and religious backgrounds and have different consequences for couples, such as emotional divorce. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association between fear of abortion and emotional divorce in women with minor thalassemia in Yazd City, Iran.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study was conducted on 61 women with minor thalassemia (case group) and 100 healthy women (control group), who referred to health centers in Yazd. The census sampling was applied to select the case group and multistage (cluster andsimple) random sampling was adopted to select the control group. Data were collected using Gutman Emotional Divorce Questionnaire and a researcher made scale for measuring fear of Abortion. Data were analyzed by SPSS using descriptive statistics and chi-square, independent t-test, Pearson correlation, and linear regression.

Results

The mean scores of emotional divorce (6.62 vs. 4.26) and fear of abortion (25.85 vs. 17.4) were higher in the case than control group (P ˂ 0.01). There was a positive and significant correlation between fear of abortion and emotional divorce in the case (P ˂ 0.05, r = 0.275) and control (P ˂ 0.05, r = 0.570) groups. Fear of abortion in the case group predicted 25% of the variance in emotional divorce.

Conclusion

Given the high level of fear of abortion in women with minor thalassemia and its effect on increasing the emotional divorce, designing and implementing psychological interventions with ongoing follow-up are recommended for thalassemia carrier couples.
Association of diabetes with atrial fibrillation types: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alijla Fadi , Buttia Chepkoech , Reichlin Tobias , Razvi Salman , Minder Beatrice , Wilhelm Matthias , Muka Taulant , Franco Oscar H. , Bano Arjola
Published: December 2021

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia classified as paroxysmal and non-paroxysmal. Non-paroxysmal AF is associated with an increased risk of complications. Diabetes contributes to AF initiation, yet its role in AF maintenance is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the evidence regarding the association of diabetes with AF types.

Methods

We searched 5 databases for observational studies investigating the association of diabetes with the likelihood of an AF type (vs another type) in humans. Study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Studies classifying AF types as paroxysmal (reference) and non-paroxysmal were pooled in a meta-analysis using random effects models.

Results

Of 1997 articles we identified, 20 were included in our systematic review. The population sample size ranged from 64 to 9816 participants with mean age ranging from 40 to 75 years and percentage of women from 24.8 to 100%. The quality of studies varied from poor (60%) to fair (5%) to good (35%). In the systematic review, 8 studies among patients with AF investigated the cross-sectional association of diabetes with non-paroxysmal AF (vs paroxysmal) of which 6 showed a positive association and 2 showed no association. Fourteen studies investigated the longitudinal association of diabetes with “more sustained” AF types (vs “less sustained”) of which 2 showed a positive association and 12 showed no association. In the meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies, patients with AF and diabetes were 1.31-times more likely to have non-paroxysmal AF than those without diabetes [8 studies; pooled OR (95% CI), 1.31 (1.13–1.51), I2 = 82.6%]. The meta-analysis of longitudinal studies showed that for patients with paroxysmal AF, diabetes is associated with 1.32-times increased likelihood of progression to non-paroxysmal AF [five studies; pooled OR (95% CI), 1.32 (1.07–1.62); I2 = 0%].

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that diabetes is associated with an increased likelihood of non-paroxysmal AF rather than paroxysmal AF. However, further high quality studies are needed to replicate these findings, adjust for potential confounders, elucidate mechanisms linking diabetes to non-paroxysmal AF, and assess the impact of antidiabetic medications on AF types. These strategies could eventually help decrease the risk of non-paroxysmal AF among patients with diabetes.
Surgical treatment and long-term outcomes of low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma: a single-center case series of 15 patients
Authors: Kim Jong-Ho , Choi Woosuk , Cho Hwan Seong , Lee Kyu Sang , Park Joseph Kyu-hyung , Kim Baek-Kyu
Published: December 2021

Background

Low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma (LGMS) is a poorly studied, rare, soft tissue sarcoma. LGMS is characterized by a low malignancy potential, tendency for local recurrence, and low likelihood of distant metastases. However, no studies have reported on the surgical treatment method and its long-term outcomes.

Methods

We included all patients treated for LGMS at our institution between March 2010 and March 2021. Medical charts were retrospectively reviewed to collect demographic information, as well as information about the clinical course, tumor characteristics, and outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with the recurrence rate.

Results

Fifteen patients who underwent surgical treatment were enrolled in this study. There were seven cases in the upper extremities, four in the trunk area, three in the lower extremities, and one in the head and neck area. There were no metastatic cases and two cases of local recurrence.

Conclusions

The incidence of LGMS in the extremities or trunk may be higher than expected based on the current literature. Univariate analysis showed that local tissue invasion and surgical method could be associated with local recurrence. Although further large studies are needed to establish risk factors of local recurrence or extent of resection margins, based on our study, wide local excision under the proper diagnosis is the most important treatment.
Implementing standard antenatal care interventions: health system cost at primary health facilities in Tanzania
Authors: Chamani Amisa Tindamanyile , Mori Amani Thomas , Robberstad Bjarne
Published: December 2021

Background

Since 2002, Tanzania has been implementing the focused Antenatal Care (ANC) model that recommended four antenatal care visits. In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) reintroduced the standard ANC model with more interventions including a minimum of eight contacts. However, cost-implications of these changes to the health system are unknown, particularly in countries like Tanzania, that failed to optimally implement the simpler focused ANC model. We compared the health system cost of providing ANC under the focused and the standard models at primary health facilities in Tanzania.

Methods

We used a micro-costing approach to identify and quantify resources used to implement the focused ANC model at six primary health facilities in Tanzania from July 2018 to June 2019. We also used the standard ANC implementation manual to identify and quantify additional resources required. We used basic salary and allowances to value personnel time while the Medical Store Department price catalogue and local market prices were used for other resources. Costs were collected in Tanzanian shillings and converted to 2018 US$.

Results

The health system cost of providing ANC services at six facilities (2 health centres and 4 dispensaries) was US$185,282 under the focused model. We estimated that the cost would increase by about 90% at health centres and 97% at dispensaries to US$358,290 by introducing the standard model. Personnel cost accounted for more than one third of the total cost, and more than two additional nurses are required per facility for the standard model. The costs per pregnancy increased from about US$33 to US$63 at health centres and from about US$37 to US$72 at dispensaries.

Conclusion

Introduction of a standard ANC model at primary health facilities in Tanzania may double resources requirement compared to current practice. Resources availability has been one of the challenges to effective implementation of the current focused ANC model. More research is required, to consider whether the additional costs are reasonable compared to the additional value for maternal and child health.
Virus infection induced pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Huang Wei Jie , Tang Xiao Xiao
Published: December 2021

Pulmonary fibrosis is the end stage of a broad range of heterogeneous interstitial lung diseases and more than 200 factors contribute to it. In recent years, the relationship between virus infection and pulmonary fibrosis is getting more and more attention, especially after the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in 2019, however, the mechanisms underlying the virus-induced pulmonary fibrosis are not fully understood. Here, we review the relationship between pulmonary fibrosis and several viruses such as Human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV), Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), Murine γ-herpesvirus 68 (MHV-68), Influenza virus, Avian influenza virus, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)-CoV, Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 as well as the mechanisms underlying the virus infection induced pulmonary fibrosis. This may shed new light on the potential targets for anti-fibrotic therapy to treat pulmonary fibrosis induced by viruses including SARS-CoV-2.
Relations of physical signs to genotype, lipid and inflammatory markers, coronary stenosis or calcification, and outcomes in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Liu Ming-Ming , Peng Jia , Guo Yuan-Lin , Zhu Cheng-Gang , Wu Na-Qiong , Xu Rui-Xia , Dong Qian , Li Jian-Jun
Published: December 2021

Background

Although the presence of physical signs [tendon xanthomas and/or corneal arcus (TX/CA)], are associated with the risk of coronary artery disease in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), their relationship with genotypes and clinical characteristics has not been fully determined. This study aimed to examine the association of TX/CA with genetic mutation, lipid- and inflammation-related markers, the severity of coronary stenosis or calcification, and cardiovascular events (CVEs) in patients with HeFH.

Methods

LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9 genes were screened in 523 HeFH patients, and patients with TX/CA (n = 50) were 1:4 propensity score-matched to patients without TX/CA (n = 200) to adjust for age and sex. Laboratory markers (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 [PCSK9], lipoprotein(a) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP]), computed tomography angiography, coronary angiography, and follow-up for CVEs were performed.

Results

Patients with physical signs had significantly higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels; higher PCSK9 or hsCRP concentrations; more LDLR positive mutations; and higher prevalence of high tertiles of Gensini, SYNTAX and Jeopardy scores as well as coronary artery calcium scores than did those without. Over an average follow-up of 3.7 years, the incidence of CVEs was significantly higher in patients with TX/CA (log-rank p < 0.001). Patients with physical signs and mutation positivity had threefold higher risks of CVEs (adjusted hazard ratio 3.34, 95% confidence interval 1.04–10.72, p = 0.024).

Conclusions

Physical signs were associated with genotypes and phenotypes, and worse outcomes in patients with HeFH, suggesting that these signs may help in risk stratification in these patients.
Down-regulation of circular RNA CDC14A peripherally ameliorates brain injury in acute phase of ischemic stroke
Authors: Zuo Lei , Xie Jian , Liu Yun , Leng Shuo , Zhang Zhijun , Yan Fuling
Published: December 2021

Background

Inflammation is integral to the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke and a prime target for the development of new stroke therapies. The aim of the present study is to seek out the regulatory mechanism of circCDC14A in neuroinflammatory injury in tMCAO mice.

Methods

The expression level of circCDC14A in peri-infarct cortex and plasma of mice were detected by qPCR. The localization of circCDC14A in peripheral blood cells and peri-infarct cortex of tMCAO mice were explored by in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence colocalization staining. Lentivirus were microinjected into lateral ventricular of brain or injected into tail vein to interfere with the expression of circCDC14A, thus their effects on behavior, morphology, and molecular biology of tMCAO mice were analyzed.

Results

The expression of circCDC14A in plasma and peri-infarct cortex of tMCAO mice significantly increased, and circCDC14A was mainly localized in neutrophils peripherally while in astrocytes in peri-infarct cortex centrally. Tail vein injection of lentivirus to interfere with the expression of circCDC14A significantly reduced the infarct volume (P < 0.01) at 72 h after reperfusion and density of activated astrocytes in peri-infarct cortex at 3 days, 5 days and 7 days after tMCAO modeling (all P < 0.0001). Moreover, mNSS (P < 0.0001) and survival rate (P < 0.001) were significantly improved within 7 days in si-circCDC14A group compared to circCon group. Additionally, morphology analysis showed the volume and surface area of each activated astrocytes significantly decreased (P < 0.0001). Quantification analysis measured the percentage of N2 phenotype among infiltrated neutrophils in brain sections and found N2 ratio was significantly higher in si-circCDC14A group compared to circCon group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Knocking down the expression of circCDC14A in peripheral blood cells relieved astrocytes activation in peri-infarct cortex, thereby relieved brain damage in the acute phase of ischemic stroke.
Expression of plasma IFN signaling-related miRNAs during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and its association with RBD-IgG antibody response
Authors: Wu Jing , Liu Xingxiang , Shao Jianguo , Zhang Yuanyuan , Lu Renfei , Xue Hong , Xu Yunfang , Wang Lijuan , Zhou Hui , Yu Lugang , Yue Ming , Dong Chen
Published: December 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a huge challenge worldwide. Although previous studies have suggested that type I interferon (IFN-I) could inhibit the virus replication, the expression characteristics of IFN-I signaling-related miRNAs (ISR-miRNAs) during acute severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and its relationship with receptor-binding domain (RBD) IgG antibody response at the recovery phase remain unclear.

Methods

Expression profiles of 12 plasma ISR-miRNAs in COVID-19 patients and healthy controls were analyzed using RT-qPCR. The level of RBD-IgG antibody was determined using the competitive ELISA. Spearman correlation was done to measure the associations of plasma ISR-miRNAs with clinical characteristics during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and RBD-IgG antibody response at the recovery phase.

Results

Compared with the healthy controls, COVID-19 patients exhibited higher levels of miR-29b-3p (Z = 3.15, P = 0.002) and miR-1246 (Z = 4.98, P < 0.001). However, the expression of miR-186-5p and miR-15a-5p were significantly decreased. As the results shown, miR-30b-5p was negatively correlated with CD4 + T cell counts (r = − 0.41, P = 0.027) and marginally positively correlated with fasting plasma glucose in COVID-19 patients (r = 0.37, P = 0.052). The competitive ELISA analysis showed the plasma level of miR-497-5p at the acute phase was positively correlated with RBD-IgG antibody response (r = 0.48, P = 0.038).

Conclusions

Our present results suggested that the expression level of ISR-miRNAs was not only associated with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection but also with RBD-IgG antibody response at the recovery phase of COVID-19. Future studies should be performed to explore the biological significance of ISR-miRNAs in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Prostate deformation during hypofractionated radiotherapy: an analysis of implanted fiducial marker displacement
Authors: Knybel Lukas , Cvek Jakub , Blazek Tomas , Binarova Andrea , Parackova Tereza , Resova Kamila
Published: December 2021

Background

To report prostate deformation during treatment, based on an analysis of fiducial marker positional differences in a large sample.

Material and methods

This study included 144 patients treated with prostate stereotactic body radiation therapy after implantation in each of 4 gold fiducial markers (FMs), which were located and numbered consistently. The center of mass of the FMs was recorded for every pair of X-ray images taken during treatment. The distance between each pair of fiducials in the live X-ray images is calculated and compared with the respective distances as determined in the CT volume. The RBE is the difference between these distances. Mean RBE and intrafraction and interfraction RBE were evaluated. The intrafraction and intefraction RBE variability were defined as the standard deviation, respectively, of all RBE during 1 treatment fraction and of the mean daily RBE over the whole treatment course.

Results

We analyzed 720 treatment fractions comprising 24,453 orthogonal X-ray image acquisitions. We observed a trend to higher RBE related to FM4 (apex) during treatment. The fiducial marker in the prostate apex could not be used in 16% of observations, in which RBE was > 2.5 mm. The mean RBEavg was 0.93 ± 0.39 mm (range 0.32–1.79 mm) over the 5 fractions. The RBEavg was significantly lower for the first and second fraction compared with the others (P < .001). The interfraction variability of RBEavg was 0.26 ± 0.16 mm (range 0.04–0.74 mm). The mean intrafraction variability of all FMs was 0.45 ± 0.25 mm. The highest Pearson correlation coefficient was observed between FM2 and FM3 (middle left and right prostate) (R = 0.78; P < .001). Every combination with FM4 yielded lower coefficients (range 0.66–0.71; P < .001), indicating different deformation of the prostate apex.

Conclusions

Ideally, prostate deformation is generally small, but it is very sensitive to rectal and bladder filling. We observed RBE up to 11.3 mm. The overall correlation between FMs was affected by shifts of individual fiducials, indicating that the prostate is not a “rigid” organ. Systematic change of RBE average between subsequent fractions indicates a systematic change in prostate shape.
Thoracolumbar flexion dysfunction and thoracolumbar compression fracture in postmenopausal women: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Zheng Zhirong , Liu Chao , Zhang Zhen , Hu Wenhao , Gao Meng , Jia Chengqi , Zhang Xuesong
Published: December 2021

Objective

To investigate whether thoracolumbar flexion dysfunctions increase the risk of thoracolumbar compression fractures in postmenopausal women.

Methods

The records of postmenopausal women with thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures and without vertebral compression fractures were surveyed. Demographic data, clinical data, and quantitative computed tomography (QCT) findings were compared between the groups. Chi-squared tests, unpaired t-tests, Spearman, and Mann–Whitney U were used to assess the group characteristics and proportions. The relationship between the risk of fracture and the difference of Cobb’s angle of thoracolumbar segment (DCTL) was evaluated by logistic regression. DCTL was calculated by subtracting thoracolumbar Cobb’s angles (TLCobb’s) from thoracolumbar hyperflexion Cobb’s angles (TLHCobb’s). Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) values and spinal osteoarthritis (OA) of postmenopausal women in the two groups were compared.

Results

102 of 312 were enrolled to the study group of postmenopausal women with the fracture, and 210 of 312 were enrolled to the control group of postmenopausal women without the fracture. There were significant differences in QCT values and spinal OA including disc narrowing (DSN) and osteophytes (OPH) between the two groups (p < 0.001 for all four). The risk of thoracolumbar compression fractures in the postmenopausal women with DCTL ≤ 8.7° was 9.95 times higher (95% CI 5.31–18.64) than that with > 8.7° after adjusting for age, BMI, and QCT values.

Conclusion

Low DCTL may be a risk factor of thoracolumbar compression fractures in postmenopausal women, and a DCTL ≤ 8.7° can be a threshold value of thoracolumbar compression fractures.
Discoidin domain receptor 2 activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase as an important pathway for osteonectin-regulating osteoblast mineralization
Authors: Zhu Yun-Sen , Zhang Jiang-Nan , Mo Ting-Ting , Jiang Chang , Ma Ru-Chao , Chen Liang
Published: December 2021

Objective

The present study aimed to determine the role of the discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) in the osteonectin (ON) regulation of osteoblast mineralization through the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK).

Methods

Four groups were established: the ON group, the inhibitor group, the Ddr2-small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) group, and the control group. Osteoblasts from the parietal bones of neonatal Sprague–Dawley rats were isolated and cultured. In the ON group, 1 µg/mL ON was added to the osteoblasts. The gene expressions of collagen 1 (Col 1) and Ddr2 were detected using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). In the inhibitor group, the osteoblasts were added to WRG-28 (a specific DDR2 inhibitor), and in the Ddr2-siRNA group, the osteoblasts were transfected with Ddr2-siRNA. The gene and protein expressions of DDR2, bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, osteopontin, and p38 MAPK were determined using RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. Alizarin red staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to detect mineralization.

Results

The results showed that ON enhanced the osteoblast Col 1 and Ddr2 gene expressions, while the use of a Ddr2-siRNA/DDR2-blocker decreased the OPN, BSP, OCN, and P38 gene and protein expressions and reduced osteoblast cellular activity and mineralized nodules.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated that DDR2 activation of p38 MAPK is an important approach to ON-regulating osteoblast mineralization.