bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood bacterial resistant investigation collaborative system (BRICS) report: a national surveillance in China from 2014 to 2019
Authors: Chen Yunbo , Ji Jinru , Ying Chaoqun , Liu Zhiying , Yang Qing , Kong Haishen , Xiao Yonghong ,   Blood Bacterial Resistant Investigation Collaborative System (BRICS) Study Group, Ding Hui , Liu Yongyun , Mao Haifeng , Huang Ying , Yang Zhenghai , Dai Yuanyuan , Liao Guolin , Zhu Lisha , Zhang Liping , Li Yanhong , Xu Hongyun , Cao Junmin , Zhang Baohua , Guo Liang , Dong Haixin , Hu Shuyan , Man Sijin , Wang Lu , Liao Zhixiang , Xu Rong , Liu Dan , Jin Yan , Zhou Yizheng , Liao Yiqun , Chen Fenghong , Gu Beiqing , Wang Jiliang , Liang Jinhua , Zheng Lin , Li Aiyun , Shen Jilu , Dong Yinqiao , Zhang Lixia , Hu Hongxia , Quan Bo , Zhu Wencheng , Liang Kunpeng , Liu Qiang , Wang Shifu , Yan Xiaoping , Kang Jiangbang , Xia Xiusan , Ma Lan , Sun Li , Luan Liang , Wang Jianzhong , Li Zhuo , Qiao Dengyan , Zhang Lin , Wan Chuandan , Qi Xiaoyan , Du Fei
Published: January 2022

Background

In this first national bloodstream infection (BSI) surveillance program in China, we assessed the composition of pathogenic bacteria and the trends for antimicrobial susceptibility over a 6-year period in China.

Methods

Blood bacterial isolates from patients at hospitals participating in the Blood Bacterial Resistant Investigation Collaborative System (BRICS) were collected from January 2014 to December 2019. Only the first isolate of a species per patient was eligible over the full study period. Antibiotic-susceptibility testing was conducted by agar-dilution or broth-dilution methods as recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). WHONET 5.6 was used to analyze data.

Results

During the study period, 27,899 bacterial strains were collected. Gram-positive organisms accounted for 29.5% (8244) of the species identified and Gram-negative organisms accounted for 70.5% (19,655). The most-commonly isolated organisms in blood cultures were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococci, and Acinetobacter baumannii. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms, such as E. coli, K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii was higher in tertiary hospitals, whereas extended-spectrum, β-lactamase-producing E. coli (ESBL-E. coli), carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii were more prevalent in economically-developing areas. The prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus declined from 39.0% (73/187) in 2014 to 25.9% (230/889) in 2019 (p < 0.05). The prevalence of ESBL-E. coli dropped from 61.2% (412/673) to 51.0% (1878/3,683) over time (p < 0.05), and carbapenem-resistant E. coli remained low prevalence (< 2%; 145/9944; p = 0.397). In contrast, carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae increased markedly from 7.0% (16/229) in 2014 to 19.6% (325/1,655) in 2019 (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

E. coli and K. pneumoniae were the leading causes of BSI during the 6-year study period. The major resistant pathogens declined or remained stable, whereas carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae continued to increase, which poses a great therapeutic challenge for BSIs.
Research progress on dendritic cell vaccines in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Yu Jifeng , Sun Hao , Cao Weijie , Song Yongping , Jiang Zhongxing
Published: January 2022

Dendritic cell (DC) vaccines induce specific immune responses that can selectively eliminate target cells. In recent years, many studies have been conducted to explore DC vaccination in the treatment of hematological malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes, as well as other nonleukemia malignancies. There are at least two different strategies that use DCs to promote antitumor immunity: in situ vaccination and canonical vaccination. Monocyte-derived DCs (mo-DCs) and leukemia-derived DCs (DCleu) are the main types of DCs used in vaccines for AML and MDS thus far. Different cancer-related molecules such as peptides, recombinant proteins, apoptotic leukemic cells, whole tumor cells or lysates and DCs/DCleu containing a vaster antigenic repertoire with RNA electroporation, have been used as antigen sources to load DCs. To enhance DC vaccine efficacy, new strategies, such as combination with conventional chemotherapy, monospecific/bispecific antibodies and immune checkpoint-targeting therapies, have been explored. After a decade of trials and tribulations, much progress has been made and much promise has emerged in the field. In this review we summarize the recent advances in DC vaccine immunotherapy for AML/MDS as well as other nonleukemia malignancies.
A taxonomy of childhood pedal cyclist injuries from latent class analysis: associations with factors pertinent to prevention
Authors: Piatt Joseph
Published: January 2022

Background

Studies of pedal cyclist injuries have largely focused on individual injury categories, but every region of the cyclist’s body is exposed to potential trauma. Real-world injury patterns can be complex, and isolated injuries to one body part are uncommon among casualties requiring hospitalization. Latent class analysis (LCA) may identify important patterns in heterogeneous samples of qualitative data.

Methods

Data were taken from the Trauma Quality Improvement Program of the American College of Surgeons for 2017. Inclusion criteria were age 18 years or less and an external cause of injury code for pedal cyclist. Injuries were characterized by Abbreviated Injury Scale codes. Injury categories and the total number of injuries served as covariates for LCA. A model was selected on the basis of the Akaike and Bayesian information criteria and the interpretability of the classes. Associations were analyzed between class membership and demographic factors, circumstantial factors, metrics of injury severity, and helmet wear. Within-class associations of helmet wear with injury severity were analyzed as well.

Results

There were 6151 injured pediatric pedal cyclists in the study sample. The mortality rate was 0.5%. The rate of helmet wear was 18%. LCA yielded a model with 6 classes: ‘polytrauma’ (5.5%), ‘brain’ (9.0%), ‘abdomen’ (11.0%), ‘upper limb’ (20.9%), ‘lower limb’ (12.4%), and ‘head’ (41.2%). Class membership had highly significant univariate associations with all covariates except insurance payer. Helmet wear was most common in the ‘abdomen’ class and least common in the ‘polytrauma’ and ‘brain’ classes. Within classes, there was no association of helmet wear with severity of injury.

Conclusions

LCA identified 6 clear and distinct patterns of injury with varying demographic and circumstantial associations that may be relevant for prevention. The rate of helmet wear was low, but it varied among classes in accordance with mechanistic expectations. LCA may be an underutilized tool in trauma epidemiology.
Toward improved terpenoids biosynthesis: strategies to enhance the capabilities of cell factories
Authors: Fordjour Eric , Mensah Emmanuel Osei , Hao Yunpeng , Yang Yankun , Liu Xiuxia , Li Ye , Liu Chun-Li , Bai Zhonghu
Published: January 2022

Terpenoids form the most diversified class of natural products, which have gained application in the pharmaceutical, food, transportation, and fine and bulk chemical industries. Extraction from naturally occurring sources does not meet industrial demands, whereas chemical synthesis is often associated with poor enantio-selectivity, harsh working conditions, and environmental pollutions. Microbial cell factories come as a suitable replacement. However, designing efficient microbial platforms for isoprenoid synthesis is often a challenging task. This has to do with the cytotoxic effects of pathway intermediates and some end products, instability of expressed pathways, as well as high enzyme promiscuity. Also, the low enzymatic activity of some terpene synthases and prenyltransferases, and the lack of an efficient throughput system to screen improved high-performing strains are bottlenecks in strain development. Metabolic engineering and synthetic biology seek to overcome these issues through the provision of effective synthetic tools. This review sought to provide an in-depth description of novel strategies for improving cell factory performance. We focused on improving transcriptional and translational efficiencies through static and dynamic regulatory elements, enzyme engineering and high-throughput screening strategies, cellular function enhancement through chromosomal integration, metabolite tolerance, and modularization of pathways.

Graphical Abstract
Missed opportunities to improve food security for pregnant people: a qualitative study of prenatal care settings in Northern New England during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Canavan Chelsey R. , D’cruze Tiffany , Kennedy Meaghan A. , Hatchell Kayla E. , Boardman Maureen , Suresh Arvind , Goodman Daisy , Dev Alka
Published: January 2022

Background

Food insecurity during pregnancy has important implications for maternal and newborn health. There is increasing commitment to screening for social needs within health care settings. However, little is known about current screening processes or the capacity for prenatal care clinics to address food insecurity among their patients. We aimed to assess barriers and facilitators prenatal care clinics face in addressing food insecurity among pregnant people and to identify opportunities to improve food security among this population.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study among prenatal care clinics in New Hampshire and Vermont. Staff and clinicians engaged in food security screening and intervention processes at clinics affiliated with the Northern New England Perinatal Quality Improvement Network (NNEPQIN) were recruited to participate in key informant interviews. Thematic analysis was used to identify prominent themes in the interview data.

Results

Nine staff members or clinicians were enrolled and participated in key informant interviews. Key barriers to food security screening and interventions included lack of protocols and dedicated staff at the clinic as well as community factors such as availability of food distribution services and transportation. Facilitators of screening and intervention included a supportive culture at the clinic, trusting relationships between patients and clinicians, and availability of clinic-based and community resources.

Conclusion

Prenatal care settings present an important opportunity to identify and address food insecurity among pregnant people, yet most practices lack specific protocols for screening. Our findings indicate that more systematic processes for screening and referrals, dedicated staff, and onsite food programs that address transportation and other access barriers could improve the capacity of prenatal care clinics to improve food security during pregnancy.
The Effects of Accumulated Versus Continuous Exercise on Postprandial Glycemia, Insulin, and Triglycerides in Adults with or Without Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyuan , Zheng Chen , Ho Robin S. T. , Miyashita Masashi , Wong Stephen Heung Sang
Published: January 2022

Background

Postprandial dysmetabolism, an important cardiovascular disease risk factor, can be improved by exercise. Further systematic review and meta-analysis is needed to compare the effects of accumulated exercise with a single session of energy-matched continuous exercise on postprandial glucose (PPG), insulin, and triglycerides in adults with or without diabetes.

Methods

Eight electronic databases were searched on August 28, 2020, and updated on April 27, 2021. Eligible studies were randomized, quasi-randomized, or non-randomized controlled or crossover trials that evaluated the acute or longitudinal effects of accumulated exercise compared with a single session of energy-matched continuous exercise on PPG, postprandial insulin, and triglycerides in diabetic and non-diabetic adults. Same-day and second-morning effects were assessed separately for acute intervention studies. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the number of exercise bouts (2–3 bouts or frequent brief bouts (e.g., 1–6 min) throughout the day at 20–60-min intervals (known as physical activity [PA] breaks, ≥ 5 bouts)), exercise intensity, and populations. Risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Pooled effects were reported as standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% CI using a random effects model.

Results

Twenty-seven studies (635 participants) were included. A significant difference was found for same-day PPG control, which favored accumulated exercise over one bout of energy-matched continuous exercise (SMD − 0.36 [95%CI: (− 0.56, − 0.17)], P = 0.0002, I2 = 1%), specifically in accumulated exercise with PA breaks (SMD − 0.36 [95%CI: (− 0.64, − 0.08)], P = 0.01, I2 = 30%), low-moderate intensity exercise (SMD − 0.38 [(95%CI: (− 0.59, − 0.17)], P = 0.0005, I2 = 0%), and in non-diabetic populations (SMD − 0.36 [95%CI: (− 0.62, − 0.10)], P = 0.007, I2 = 16%). No differences were found for same-day postprandial insulin and triglycerides, and second-morning effects (postprandial or fasting glucose, insulin, and triglycerides) between different exercise patterns.

Conclusion

Compared with one session of continuous exercise, accumulated exercise—specifically in subgroups of PA breaks, low-moderate intensity exercises—produced greater acute effects on same-day PPG control for non-diabetic adults. There were no differences between continuous and accumulated patterns of exercise in terms of same-day postprandial insulin and triglycerides, and second-morning effects on all previously mentioned markers. The findings provide additional PA options for PPG control for individuals with limited time or exercise capacity to engage in PA in one session.

Registration: PROSPERO (identification code: CRD42021251325).
Attenuation of trichloroacetic acid-induced hepatocellular carcinoma by Artemisia judaica ethanolic extract in male rats
Authors: Mokhamer EL-Hassan M. , Zidan Abdel-Aziz A. , El.Ghayesh Nourhan K. , Abdel-Aziz Karolin K.
Published: January 2022

Background

The liver cancer is one of the most frequent solid organ malignancies worldwide. Alternative medicine is deemed as one approach that may progress anticancer drugs efficacy and minimize their toxic effects. Similarly, this study was designed to establish the ethanolic extract from Artemisia judaica (AJ) plant and characterize extract that formed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis, then evaluate their anti-tumour activity alone or in combination with cyclophosphamide(CTX) against trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats.

Results

The obtained results revealed that a significant elevation in serum transaminases (ALT, AST), and alkaline phosphatase activities, as well as total serum bilirubin (T.Bil) levels, was recognized in TCA injected rats compared with the control group. In contrast, a significant decrease in liver antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, as well as reduced glutathione level was observed in TCA treated rats compared with the control group. Furthermore, administration of AJ alone or in combination with CTX in rats presented a significant amelioration in all mentioned parameters and attenuated the increased malondialdehyde level in liver tissues compared to the TCA group.

Conclusions

It could be suggested that AJ hepatoprotective effect against chemical-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in combination with chemotherapy drug by reducing chemotherapy side effects confirmed by haematoxylin and eosin stain (H&E) observations, improvement of oxidative stress biomarkers, and liver enzymes.
Early vigabatrin augmenting GABA-ergic pathways in post-anoxic status epilepticus (VIGAB-STAT) phase IIa clinical trial study protocol
Authors: Maciel Carolina B. , Teixeira Fernanda J. P. , Dickinson Katie J. , Spana Jessica C. , Merck Lisa H. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Sergott Robert , Shan Guogen , Miao Guanhong , Peloquin Charles A. , Busl Katharina M. , Hirsch Lawrence J.
Published: January 2022

Background

Nearly one in three unconscious cardiac arrest survivors experience post-anoxic status epilepticus (PASE). Historically, PASE has been deemed untreatable resulting in its exclusion from status epilepticus clinical trials. However, emerging reports of survivors achieving functional independence following early and aggressive treatment of PASE challenged this widespread therapeutic nihilism. In the absence of proven therapies specific to PASE, standard of care treatment leans on general management strategies for status epilepticus. Vigabatrin—an approved therapy for refractory focal-onset seizures in adults—inhibits the enzyme responsible for GABA catabolism, increases brain GABA levels and may act synergistically with anesthetic agents to abort seizures. Our central hypothesis is that early inhibition of GABA breakdown is possible in the post-cardiac arrest period and may be an effective adjunctive treatment in PASE.

Methods

This is a phase IIa, single-center, open-label, pilot clinical trial with blinded outcome assessment, of a single dose of vigabatrin in 12 consecutive PASE subjects. Subjects will receive a single loading dose of 4500 mg of vigabatrin (or dose adjusted in moderate and severe renal impairment) via enteric tube within 48 h of PASE onset. Vigabatrin levels will be monitored at 0- (baseline), 0.5-, 1-, 2-, 3-, 6-, 12-, 24-, 48-, 72- and 168-h (7 days) post-vigabatrin. Serum biomarkers of neuronal injury will be measured at 0-, 24-, 48-, 72- and 96-h post-vigabatrin. The primary feasibility endpoint is the proportion of enrolled subjects among identified eligible subjects receiving vigabatrin within 48 h of PASE onset. The primary pharmacokinetic endpoint is the measured vigabatrin level at 3 h post-administration. Descriptive statistics with rates and proportions will be obtained regarding feasibility outcomes, along with the noncompartmental method for pharmacokinetic analyses. The area under the vigabatrin concentration-time curve in plasma from zero to the time of the last quantifiable concentration (AUC0-tlqc) will be calculated to estimate dose-linear pharmacokinetics.

Perspective

Vigabatrin demonstrates high potential for synergism with current standard of care therapies. Demonstration of the feasibility of vigabatrin administration and preliminary safety in PASE will pave the way for future efficacy and safety trials of this pharmacotherapeutic.

Trial Registration NCT04772547.
Biological and molecular characterizations of fluxapyroxad-resistant isolates of Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Liu Kai , Wen Ziyue , Ma Zhonghua , Shao Wenyong
Published: January 2022

Gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea leads to serious losses in various crops. Fluxapyroxad, a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicide, has been used to control gray mold for several years in China. In this study, we identified six fluxapyroxad-resistant (FluR) isolates from 96 isolates of B. cinerea collected in fields. Phenotypic assays showed that the FluR isolates exhibited defects in mycelial growth, conidiation, sclerotium formation, stress tolerance and virulence. Analysis of nucleotide sequences of succinate dehydrogenase subunit-coding genes revealed that various point mutations, including P225F, N230I, K283N and H272R in BcSdhB, G37S and P80H in BcSdhC, and V9A in BcSdhD, were associated with the resistance to fluxapyroxad in B. cinerea. Sensitivity assays showed that the FluR isolates also exhibited resistance to another SDHI boscalid, but there was no cross-resistance between fluxapyroxad and other fungicides with different modes of action. These results indicate that the resistance of B. cinerea to fluxapyroxad has occurred in fields, and further monitoring and management of the resistance to fluxapyroxad in B. cinerea should be carried out.
Photocatalytic removal of toluene with CdIn2S4/CNFs catalyst: effect of ozone addition
Authors: Liu Run Yu , Trinh Minh Man , Chang Moo Been
Published: January 2022

CdIn2S4 (CIS) has attracted widespread attention due to its structural stability and photoelectric properties, however, it is difficult to recycle when after usage. Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) as a suitable electron acceptor due to its stable physicochemical properties enhanced the mechanical properties and easily to recycle. There are also few reports on applying CIS/CNFs composite as photocatalyst in removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In this study, a novel CIS/CNFs composite was synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method. Various characterizations, such as X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscope, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy proved the successful synthesis of CIS/CNFs composite and revealed that CNFs grow on the surfaces of CIS connected with three-dimensional (3D) conductive network. Under visible light irradiation, degradation of toluene reached the optimal level of 86% as the CIS doped with 3% CNFs. Furthermore, 95% removal efficiency was achieved as 200 ppm ozone was added into the system and mineralization rate is also improved. The 3D network of CNFs can facilitate the effective separation and transfer of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs, protect CIS core from photo-corrosion and easily be recycled. Ultimately, plausible of ozone-enhanced photocatalytic mechanisms were proposed. Hence, this study presents a new photocatalyst with visible-light driven ozone-enhanced photocatalysis process toward VOCs.
A rare case of Mayer–Rokitansky–Kuster–Hauser syndrome with right ectopic kidney diagnosed on MRI
Authors: Singh Rohan Kumar , Patwa Prerna Anup , Mishra Gaurav Vedprakash , Dhande Rajasbala Pradeep , Phatak Suresh Vasant , Harshith Gowda K. B.
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Meyer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome is rare congenital abnormality in females with a blind ending vagina. There can be associated hypoplasia of uterus. The syndrome is of sporadic origin and affects the reproductive life. Adequate and early diagnosis can help to rule out other associated anomalies.

Case presentation

We are presenting an interesting case of Mullerian agenesis in a 16-year-old female patient who came to our gynecology department of our hospital with complaints of primary amenorrhea. On imaging, it was found that she was a case of Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome with ectopic kidney. On physical examination, affected individuals appear normal but there was agenesis of uterus which is the common cause of primary amenorrhea. Magnetic resonance imaging findings are discussed in this article. On karyotyping and hormonal evaluation, patient hormones were in range and karyotype was 46, XX.

Conclusion

MRI is mainstay for diagnosis of this condition although other modalities like ultrasound can diagnose hypoplastic uterus and ectopic kidney. A rudimentary uterus hampers the reproductive functioning, and patient needs counseling for the same.
Factors associated with vitamin B12 deficiency in adults attending tertiary care Hospital in Vadodara: a case control study
Authors: Patel Sangita V. , Makwana Alpesh B. , Gandhi Archana U. , Tarani Greenam , Patel Jesal , Bhavsar Vipul
Published: January 2022

Background

In India, approximately 75% of population that is over 650 million people have B12 deficiency majority of which is caused by variation in demography, diet, and religion. Conditions such as smoking, alcohol, and antacid use are certain causes for incidence of vitamin B12 deficiency. Looking at various adverse health effects of drinking demineralized water, there is possibility that it may also be one of the newly associated factors for increasing incidence and prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Objective

To assess the risk factors associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.

Methods

A case control study was conducted at SSG Hospital in Vadodara, Gujarat, wherein all the patients visiting the hospital from November 2017 to June 2018 with symptoms suggestive of B12 deficiency and serum B12 level below 200pg/mL were included in the study. Information regarding the vitamin B12 deficiency was obtained from the patients. Controls were selected and matched with cases as per age group to minimize confounding.

Results

Our study showed statistically significant association of vegetarian diet (p value=0.0027, OR=2.00) (odds ratio), dark complexion (0.0069, OR=2.53), socio economic status (p value= 0.0001), and use of RO (reverse osmosis) water (p value=0.0099, OR=3.61) with vitamin B12 deficiency at 95% CI (confidence interval).

Conclusion

Independent association between use of R.O. water, vegetarian diet, socio economic class, and dark complexion with vitamin B12 deficiency.
Role of endoscopic ultrasonography in the diagnosis of solid pseudo-papillary neoplasm: Egyptian multi-centric case series and systematic review
Authors: Okasha Hussein , Abbas Wael , Altonbary Ahmed , Hakim Hazem , Ameen Mahmoud Gamal , El-Nady Mohamed
Published: January 2022

Solid pseudo-papillary neoplasm (SPPN) is a rare type of pancreatic tumor accounting for less than 2% of all pancreatic neoplasms. Accurate diagnosis of these tumors is very important for proper management. In this study, observations were documented from 18 consecutive cases diagnosed with SPPN using endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). The data of 18 consecutive cases were prospectively collected and reviewed. The collected data included age, gender, symptoms, size and site of the lesion, and type of surgery performed, in addition to mortality and recurrence rates.

The mean age of the included cases was 33 years, and most of them were females (94.44%). Abdominal pain was the common symptom, and the pancreatic body was the most affected site. EUS-FNA confirmed the diagnosis in all cases when compared to the surgical specimen obtained. Cases were treated either with pancreatico-duodenectomy or distal pancreatectomy. One case (1/18) had early postoperative mortality due to sepsis. The remaining cases developed no recurrence or metastasis during the follow-up period of 18 months.

SPPN is not a common pancreatic tumor. Confirming the diagnosis plays a crucial role prior to surgery as it facilitates intraoperative planning; therefore, EUS-FNA is a golden standard method used to diagnose. Postoperative survival has improved if the tumor is completely removed. EUS-FNA technique is a minimally invasive technique that can provide high yielding in providing detailed diagnostic analysis of SPPN.
Perineural invasion is a better prognostic factor than extranodal extension in head and neck cancer
Authors: Eryılmaz Melek Karakurt , Korkmaz Mustafa , Karaağaç Mustafa , Artaç Mehmet
Published: January 2022

Background

The prognostic value of perineural invasion (PNI) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains controversial. This study investigated the impact of PNI on prognosis in HNSCC. A total of 49 patients with HNSCC who underwent primary surgical treatment were selected for the study. Univariate analysis of the survival curve was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate analysis was carried out by Cox regression.

Results

PNI was present in 17 of 49 (34.7%) patients. The median follow-up was 18.7 months. The median DFS and OS were 16.6 months and 41.9 months, respectively. Univariate analyses showed that PNI was associated with OS (p: 0.02), but not with DFS (p: 0.50). ENE was associated only with DFS in univariate analysis (p: 0.04), but not OS (yes vs. no; 24.1 vs. 44.6 months,p: 0.21), and in multivariate analysis, ENE lost its significance for DFS (p: 0.12). Also, PNI was the only significant independent adverse prognostic factor for OS in multivariate analysis (p: 0.02). The median OS for patients with and without PNI was 17.1 months and 92.1 months, respectively.

Conclusion

PNI was an independent factor for poor prognosis in patients with HNSCC. The presence of PNI compared to ENE was associated with a greater risk of death in HNSCC. Therefore, it would be appropriate to consider adjuvant therapy in the presence of PNI alone without other adverse risk features.
Infection control, hand hygiene practice and PPE use among phoniatricians and ENT specialists during the COVID-19 pandemic, a UEP survey
Authors: Shadi Mariam S. , Geneid Ahmed , Rubin John S. , Ibrahim Reham Abdelwakil
Published: January 2022

Background

Caring for our patients while taking care of our own safety as well as theirs is a major concern during the current pandemic. Therefore, many societies developed guidance documents to educate clinicians about the required precautions. This study aims to assess personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, hand hygiene practice and infection control training among phoniatricians and otolaryngologists during the pandemic. An online survey was administered during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in June 2020. Data collected included PPE availability, infection control training, adopted infection control precautions, hand hygiene practice, and use of different PPE elements as well as adherence to its use during potential aerosol generating procedures.

Results

Based on their country of residences, eligible 154 participants were grouped into 4 groups and their responses were compared.

Conclusion

Following the suggested recommendations, while adequate for some precautions, was still not satisfactory. Certain defects that are specific to particular groups had also been identified.
Facies prediction with Bayesian inference: Application of supervised and semisupervised deep learning
Authors: Singh Sagar , Tsvankin Ilya , Zabihi Naeini Ehsan
Published: January 2022

Accurate delineation of geologic facies and determination of live fluids from seismic reflection data is crucial for reservoir characterization during petroleum exploration. Facies classification or fluid identification is often done manually by an experienced interpreter, which makes this process subjective, laborious, and time-consuming. Several machine-learning models have been proposed to automate multiclass facies segmentation, but significant practical challenges (e.g., limited scope of labels for training purposes, skewed data distribution, inefficient performance evaluation metrics, etc) still remain. We present supervised and semisupervised Bayesian deep-learning methodologies to improve analysis of seismic facies depending on the scope of the labeled data. The developed networks reliably predict facies distribution using seismic reflection data and estimate the corresponding uncertainty. Therefore, they provide more consistent and meaningful information for seismic interpretation than commonly used deterministic approaches. We apply the proposed deep-learning models to field data from the North Sea to demonstrate the generalized-prediction capabilities of our methodology. In the case of sufficient availability of manually interpreted labels (or facies), the supervised learning model accurately recovers the facies distribution. When the amount of the interpreted labels is limited, we efficiently apply the semisupervised algorithm to avoid overfitting.
Galenic syndromes: combinations of mental state and personality disorders too closely entwined to be separated
Authors: Tyrer Peter , Mulder Roger , Newton-Howes Giles , Duggan Conor
Published: January 2022

Many mental disorders are linked to personality, but this is rarely recognised in clinical practice. It is suggested here that when the links are very close, the two can be joined. Galenic syndromes are so named because Galen was the first physician to recognise the links between personality and disease.
Psychiatric and psychosocial characteristics of suicide completers: A 13-year comprehensive evaluation of psychiatric case records and postmortem findings
Authors: McMorrow C. , Nerney D. , Cullen N. , Kielty J. , VanLaar A. , Davoren M. , Conlon L. , Brodie C. , McDonald C. , Hallahan B.
Published: January 2022

Currently, there are limited data comparing demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals who died by probable suicide and who did and did not previously attend mental health services (MHSs). This study compared demographic and clinical factors for both groups, in a Western region of Ireland over a 13-year period. Postmortem reports between January 1, 2006 and March 31, 2019 were reviewed for 400 individuals who died by probable suicide. Relevant sociodemographic and clinical data were extracted from individuals’ lifetime case notes. One hundred and fifty nine individuals (40%) had attended MHSs at some stage (“attendee”). Hanging was the most common method of suicide (61%), followed by drowning (18%) for both attendees and nonattendees of MHSs, with more violent methods utilized overall by nonattendees (p = 0.028). Sixty-eight percent of individuals who previously attempted hanging subsequently died utilizing this method. A higher proportion of attendees were female compared to nonattendees of MHSs (28.9 vs. 14.5%, p = 0.001). Recurrent depressive disorder (55%) was the most common diagnosed mental health disorder. For individuals with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, 39% had antipsychotic medications detectable in their toxicology reports. In conclusion, the majority of people who died by probable suicide had never had contact with MHSs, and nonattendees overall were more likely to utilize violent methods of suicide. Nonconcordance with psychotropic medications in psychotic patients and previous hanging attempt were highlighted as potential risk factors for death by probable suicide.
Context-Based Identification of Muscle Invasion Status in Patients With Bladder Cancer Using Natural Language Processing
Authors: Yang Ruixin , Zhu Di , Howard Lauren E. , De Hoedt Amanda , Schroeck Florian R. , Klaassen Zachary , Freedland Stephen J. , Williams Stephen B.
Published: January 2022

PURPOSE

Mortality from bladder cancer (BC) increases exponentially once it invades the muscle, with inherent challenges delineating at the population level. We sought to develop and validate a natural language processing (NLP) model for automatically identifying patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).

METHODS

All patients with a Current Procedural Terminology code for transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT; n = 76,060) were selected from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) database. A sample of 600 patients (with 2,337 full-text notes) who had TURBT and confirmed pathology results were selected for NLP model development and validation. The NLP performance was assessed by calculating the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, F1 score, and overall accuracy at the individual note and patient levels.

RESULTS

In the validation cohort, the NLP model had average overall accuracies of 94% and 96% at the note and patient levels. Specifically, the F1 score and overall accuracy for predicting muscle invasion at the patient level were 0.87% and 96%, respectively. The model classified nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with overall accuracies of 90% and 93% at the note and patient levels. When applying the model to 71,200 patients VA-wide, the model classified 13,642 (19%) as having MIBC and 47,595 (66%) as NMIBC and was able to identify invasion status for 96% of patients with TURBT at the population level. Inherent limitations include a relatively small training set, given the size of the VA population.

CONCLUSION

This NLP model, with high accuracy, may be a practical tool for efficiently identifying BC invasion status and aid in population-based BC research.
The Strike in Colombia
Authors: Cortés Ramírez Hernán Alejandro
Published: January 2022

This article examines the recent conjuncture of the national strike in Colombia, analyzing its demands in relation to the structural problems that gave rise to them. The text draws from experiences in the mobilizations and theoretical reflections that have emerged from them to suggest a few interpretative keys that can be used to understand the Colombian situation in light of the problem of accumulation and the heterogeneity of social mobilization in the country.
Loss of plac8 expression rapidly leads pluripotent stem cells to enter active state during planarian regeneration
Authors: Lee Hayoung , Hikasa Kanon , Umesono Yoshihiko , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Agata Kiyokazu , Shibata Norito
Published: January 2022

The regenerative ability of planarians relies on their adult pluripotent stem cell population. Although all stem cells express a piwi homolog, recently it has become possible to classify the piwi+ stem cell population into specialized subpopulations according to the expression of genes related to differentiation. However, piwi+ stem cells behave practically as a homogeneous population after amputation, during which stem cells show accelerated proliferation, named ‘induced hyperproliferation’. Here, we show that plac8-A was expressed in almost all of the stem cells, and that a decrease of the plac8-A expression level led to induced hyperproliferation uniformly in a broad stem cell subpopulation after amputation. This reduction of plac8-A expression was caused by activated JNK signaling after amputation. Pharmacological inhibition of JNK signaling caused failure to induce hyperproliferation and resulted in regenerative defects. Such defects were abrogated by simultaneous knockdown of plac8-A expression. Thus, JNK-dependent suppression of plac8-A expression is indispensable for stem cell dynamics involved in regeneration. These findings suggest that plac8-A acts as a molecular switch of piwi+ stem cells for entry into the regenerative state after amputation.
Lrrcc1 and Ccdc61 are conserved effectors of multiciliated cell function
Authors: Nommick Aude , Boutin Camille , Rosnet Olivier , Schirmer Claire , Bazellières Elsa , Thomé Virginie , Loiseau Etienne , Viallat Annie , Kodjabachian Laurent
Published: January 2022

Ciliated epithelia perform essential functions in animals across evolution, ranging from locomotion of marine organisms to mucociliary clearance of airways in mammals. These epithelia are composed of multiciliated cells (MCCs) harboring myriads of motile cilia, which rest on modified centrioles called basal bodies (BBs), and beat coordinately to generate directed fluid flows. Thus, BB biogenesis and organization is central to MCC function. In basal eukaryotes, the coiled-coil domain proteins Lrrcc1 and Ccdc61 have previously been shown to be required for proper BB construction and function. Here, we used the Xenopus embryonic ciliated epidermis to characterize Lrrcc1 and Ccdc61 in vertebrate MCCs. We found that they both encode BB components, localized proximally at the junction with striated rootlets. Knocking down either gene caused defects in BB docking, spacing and polarization. Moreover, their depletion impaired the apical cytoskeleton and altered ciliary beating. Consequently, cilia-powered fluid flow was greatly reduced in morphant tadpoles, which displayed enhanced mortality when exposed to pathogenic bacteria. This work illustrates how integration across organizational scales make elementary BB components essential for the emergence of the physiological function of ciliated epithelia.
Spatial perception mediated by insect antennal mechanosensory system
Authors: Ifere Nwuneke Okereke , Shidara Hisashi , Sato Nodoka , Ogawa Hiroto
Published: January 2022

Animals perceive their surroundings using various modalities of sensory inputs to guide their locomotion. Nocturnal insects such as crickets use mechanosensory inputs mediated by their antennae to orient in darkness. Spatial information is acquired via voluntary antennal contacts with surrounding objects, but it remains unclear whether the insects modulate behaviors mediated by other sensory organs based on that information. Crickets exhibit escape behavior in response to a short air puff, which is detected by the abdominal mechanosensory organs called cerci and is perceived as a ‘predator approach’ signal. We placed objects of different shapes at different locations with which the cricket actively made contact using its antennae. We then examined the effects on wind-elicited escape behavior. The crickets changed their movement trajectory in response to nearby objects such as walls so that they could avoid collision with these obstacles even during the cercal-mediated behavior. For instance, when a wall was placed in front of the crickets so that it was detected by one antenna, the escape trajectory in response to a stimulus from behind was significantly biased toward the side opposite the wall. Even when the antenna on the free side without the wall was ablated, this collision avoidance was also observed, suggesting that the mechanosensory inputs from one antennae detecting an object edge would be sufficient to perceive the location of obstacle in front. This study demonstrated that crickets were able to use the spatial information acquired with their antennal system to modify their behavior mediated by other sensory organs.
Four-dimensional flow CMR in tetralogy of fallot: current perspectives
Authors: Warmerdam Evangeline Gerdine , Neijzen Rosalie Lucy , Voskuil Michiel , Leiner Tim , Grotenhuis Heynric B
Published: January 2022

Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common cyanotic congenital heart defect, accounting for 10% of all CHD. Despite most patients now surviving well into adulthood, morbidity and mortality rates continue to be high. Surgical and percutaneous pulmonary valve replacement are procedures that are performed to prevent long-term complications from occurring. Unfortunately, pulmonary valve replacement based on current CMR criteria does not prevent postoperative ventricular arrhythmia, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. Thus, a more advanced and comprehensive hemodynamic evaluation is needed to better understand right ventricular (dys)function in tetralogy of Fallot patients and to optimize the timing of valve replacement. Recently, four-dimensional flow CMR has emerged as a promising and non-invasive imaging technique that can provide comprehensive quantitative evaluation of flow in an entire volume within the chest in a single imaging session. With velocity-encoding in all three spatial directions throughout the complete cardiac cycle, it can provide analysis of cardiac, pulmonary artery and aortic flow volumes, flow velocities, flow patterns, as well as more advanced hemodynamic parameters. Four-dimensional flow CMR could therefore provide insights into the complex hemodynamics of tetralogy of Fallot and could potentially provide novel criteria for pulmonary valve replacement in these patients. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of available research on four-dimensional flow CMR research in tetralogy of Fallot patients.
Raymond Williams and Antonio Gramsci’s contributions to adult education
Authors: Lucio-Villegas Emilio
Published: January 2022

This time is characterised by the policies and practices of Lifelong Learning. Against this process of dehumanisation, it could be important to ‘revisit’ some authors that enlighten us on how to recuperate an emancipatory adult education, valuable for developing critical thinking about the daily life of individuals and/or communities. In this direction, Raymond Williams and Antonio Gramsci offer us some interesting ideas. Even though they both lived in different countries and in different historic moments, they hold some common points related to a definite view of adult education. I am going to focus on three: the role of the educator, the notion of hegemony and the culture(s). In the conclusions, I will reflect on the contribution of these two thinkers to break the hegemonic view that seems to have reduced adult education to a marginalised niche. Reflecting on their contributions, mostly related to the role of the educator and the notion of culture as the core of adult education, it could be possible to recuperate the emancipatory power of adult education.
Evaluation of the potential benefits of iron supplementation in organic pig farming
Authors: Prunier Armelle , Pauwels Maud , Leblanc-Maridor Mily , Jaillardon Laetitia , Belloc Catherine , Merlot Elodie
Published: January 2022

Background: Iron from the stock acquired during foetal life and the ingestion of milk is not sufficient to cover the needs of the piglets during their first weeks of life. In organic farming, systematic supplementation with iron is problematic due to a strong limitation in pharmaceutic treatments.

Methods: Erythroid parameters around weaning were measured in piglets from organic outdoor and indoor farms, and related to indicators of the inflammatory status. Blood samples were collected from 28.9±2.6 piglets/herd at 42.0±3.2 days of age and 11.9±3.0 kg live weight (mean ± SD) in 21 farms from the west part of France. Among the 11 outdoor farms, only one had supplemented piglets with 200 mg iron while among the 10 indoor farms, only one had not supplemented piglets, one had supplemented them with 100 mg, 8 with 200 mg and one with 400 mg.

Results: Compared to outdoor piglets without supplementation, piglets kept indoors and receiving 200 mg iron had lower haemoglobin concentration (105 vs 118±2 g/l, mean ± SE) and red blood cell volume (56 vs 60±1 fl) (P<0.005). The reduction in haemoglobin concentration and red blood cell volume was more pronounced in indoor piglets supplemented with 100 mg of iron and even more when they had not received iron. The plasma concentration of haptoglobin was lower in outdoor than in indoor piglets (0.51±0.06 vs 0.78±0.09 g/l) whereas no effect of housing was observed for markers of oxidative stress (dROM, BAP). In the 14 farms where sow parity was known, the haemoglobin concentration was lower in piglets from primiparous than from multiparous sows (109 versus 114±2 g/l, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: With the exception of soils where the content of bioavailable iron is very low, piglets from outdoor farms do not require iron supplementation, unlike those raised indoors.