bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Map-based cloning and promoter variation analysis of the lobed leaf gene BoLMI1a in ornamental kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala)
Authors: Zhang Bin , Chen Wendi , Li Xing , Ren Wenjing , Chen Li , Han Fengqing , Fang Zhiyuan , Yang Limei , Zhuang Mu , Lv Honghao , Wang Yong , Zhang Yangyong
Published: October 2021

Background

Leaf shape is an important agronomic trait in ornamental kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala). Although some leaf shape-related genes have been reported in ornamental kale, the detailed mechanism underlying leaf shape formation is still unclear. Here, we report a lobed-leaf trait in ornamental kale, aiming to analyze its inheritance and identify the strong candidate gene.

Results

Genetic analysis of F2 and BC1 populations demonstrate that the lobed-leaf trait in ornamental kale is controlled by a single dominant gene, termed BoLl-1 (Brassica oleracea lobed-leaf). By performing whole-genome resequencing and linkage analyses, the BoLl-1 gene was finely mapped to a 127-kb interval on chromosome C09 flanked by SNP markers SL4 and SL6, with genetic distances of 0.6 cM and 0.6 cM, respectively. Based on annotations of the genes within this interval, Bo9g181710, an orthologous gene of LATE MERISTEM IDENTITY 1 (LMI1) in Arabidopsis, was predicted as the candidate for BoLl-1, and was renamed BoLMI1a. The expression level of BoLMI1a in lobed-leaf parent 18Q2513 was significantly higher compared with unlobed-leaf parent 18Q2515. Sequence analysis of the parental alleles revealed no sequence variations in the coding sequence of BoLMI1a, whereas a 1737-bp deletion, a 92-bp insertion and an SNP were identified within the BoLMI1a promoter region of parent 18Q2513. Verification analyses with BoLMI1a-specific markers corresponding to the promoter variations revealed that the variations were present only in the lobed-leaf ornamental kale inbred lines.

Conclusions

This study identified a lobed-leaf gene BoLMI1a, which was fine-mapped to a 127-kb fragment. Three variations were identified in the promoter region of BoLMI1a. The transcription level of BoLMI1a between the two parents exhibited great difference, providing new insight into the molecular mechanism underlying leaf shape formation in ornamental kale.
The bayberry database: a multiomic database for Myrica rubra, an important fruit tree with medicinal value
Authors: Ren Haiying , He Yuanhao , Qi Xingjiang , Zheng Xiliang , Zhang Shuwen , Yu Zheping , Hu Fengrong
Published: October 2021

Background

Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra Sieb. & Zucc.) is an important fruit tree in China, and has high medicinal value. At present, the genome, transcriptome and germplasm resources of bayberry have been reported. In order to make more convenient use of these data, the Bayberry Database was established.

Results

The Bayberry Database is a comprehensive and intuitive data platform for examining the diverse annotated genome and germplasm resources of this species. This database contains nine central functional domains to interact with multiomic data: home, genome, germplasm, markers, tools, map, expression, reference, and contact. All domains provide pathways to a variety of data types composed of a reference genome sequence, transcriptomic data, gene patterns, phenotypic data, fruit images of Myrica rubra varieties, gSSR data, gene maps with annotation and evolutionary analyses. The tools module includes BLAST search, keyword search, sequence fetch and enrichment analysis functions.

Conclusions

The web address of the database is as follows http://www.bayberrybase.cn/. The Myrica rubra database is an intelligent, interactive, and user-friendly system that enables researchers, breeders and horticultural personnel to browse, search and retrieve relevant and useful information and thus facilitate genomic research and breeding efforts concerning Myrica rubra. This database will be of great help to bayberry research and breeding in the future.
Efficiency of different flows for apneic oxygenation when using high flow nasal oxygen application – a technical simulation
Authors: Wetsch W. A. , Herff H. , Schroeder D. C. , Sander D. , Böttiger B. W. , Finke S. R.
Published: October 2021

Background

Preoxygenation and application of apneic oxygenation are standard to prevent patients from desaturation e.g. during emergency intubation. The time before desaturation occurs can be prolonged by applying high flow oxygen into the airway. Aim of this study was to scientifically assess the flow that is necessary to avoid nitrogen entering the airway of a manikin model during application of pure oxygen via high flow nasal oxygen.

Methods

We measured oxygen content over a 20-min observation period for each method in a preoxygenated test lung applied to a human manikin, allowing either room air entering the airway in control group, or applying pure oxygen via high flow nasal oxygen at flows of 10, 20, 40, 60 and 80 L/min via nasal cannula in the other groups. Our formal hypothesis was that there would be no difference in oxygen fraction decrease between the groups.

Results

Oxygen content in the test lung dropped from 97 ± 1% at baseline in all groups to 43 ± 1% in the control group (p < 0.001 compared to all other groups), to 92 ± 1% in the 10 L/min group, 92 ± 1% in the 20 L/min group, 90 ± 1% in the 40 L/min group, 89 ± 0% in the 60 L/min group and 87 ± 0% in the 80 L/min group. Apart from comparisons 10 l/ min vs. 20 L/min group (p = .715) and 10/L/min vs. 40 L/min group (p = .018), p was < 0.009 for all other comparisons.

Conclusions

Simulating apneic oxygenation in a preoxygenated manikin connected to a test lung over 20 min by applying high flow nasal oxygen resulted in the highest oxygen content at a flow of 10 L/min; higher flows resulted in slightly decreased oxygen percentages in the test lung.
The predictive role of early recurrences of atrial arrhythmias after pulmonary vein cryoballoon ablation. Is blanking period an outdated concept? Insights from 12-month continuous cardiac monitoring
Authors: Davtyan Karapet V. , Topchyan Arpi H. , Brutyan Hakob A. , Kalemberg Elena N. , Kharlap Maria S. , Simonyan Georgiy Yu. , Kalemberg Andrey A. , Kuznetsova Maria V.
Published: October 2021

Background

Early recurrences of atrial arrhythmias (ERAA) after atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation do not predict procedural failure. A well-demarcated homogeneous lesion delivered by cryoballoon is less arrhythmogenic, and the recommended three-months blanking period may not refer to cryoballoon ablation (CBA).

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the predictive role of ERAA after second-generation CBA using an implantable loop recorder.

Methods

This prospective observational study enrolled 100 patients (58 males, median age 58) with paroxysmal/persistent AF undergoing pulmonary vein (PV) CBA using second-generation cryoballoon with simultaneous ECG loop recorder implantation. The duration of follow-up was 12 months, with scheduled visits at 3, 6 and 12 months.

Results

99 patients from 100 completed the 12-month follow-up period. ERAA occurred in 31.3 % of patients. 83.9 % of patients with ERAA also developed late recurrences. The 12-month freedom from AF in patients with ERAA was significantly lower than in those without ERAA (p < 0.0001). Non-paroxysmal AF and longer arrhythmia history were associated with increased risk of both early (HR 3.27; 95 % CI 1.32–8.08; p = 0.010 and HR 1.0147; 95 % CI 1.008–1.086; p = 0.015, respectively) and late recurrences (HR 3.89; 95 % CI 1.67–9.04; p = 0.002 and HR 1.0142; 95 % CI 1.007–1.078; p = 0.019, respectively) of AF. ERAA were another predictor for procedural failure (HR 15.2; 95 % CI (6.42–35.99; p = 0.019).

Conclusions

ERAA occurred in the third of the patients after PV second-generation CBA and are strongly associated with procedural failure. Longer duration of AF history and persistent AF are independent predictors of AF’s early and late recurrence.
Osteopathy in Germany: attitudes, beliefs and handling among general practitioners – results of a nationwide cross-sectional questionnaire survey
Authors: Schmid Gordian L. , Kluge Jeremias , Deutsch Tobias , Geier Anne-Kathrin , Bleckwenn Markus , Unverzagt Susanne , Frese Thomas
Published: October 2021

Background

Osteopathy is a type of complementary medicine based on specific manual techniques. In many countries, including Germany, the profession is not officially regulated, and evidence for the effectiveness of osteopathy is insufficient for most diseases. Nevertheless, many health insurances in Germany offer reimbursement for therapy costs, if osteopathy is recommended by a physician.

This cross-sectional survey of German general practitioners (GPs) explored beliefs and attitudes towards osteopathic medicine and described their daily interactions with it.

Methods

A random sample of 1000 GPs from all federal states was surveyed by mail using a self-designed questionnaire. We collected data on sociodemographics, personal experiences with osteopathy, and attitudes and expectations towards osteopathy. In particular, participants were asked about indications for osteopathic treatment and their beliefs about its effectiveness for different patient groups and diagnoses. A self-designed score was used to estimate general attitudes towards osteopathy and identify factors correlated with greater openness. Additionally, we performed logistic regression to reveal factors associated with the frequency of recommending osteopathy to patients.

Results

Response rate was 34.4%. 46.5% of participants were women, and the median age was 56.0 years. 91.3% of GPs had referred patients to an osteopath, and 88.0% had recommended osteopathy to their patients. However, 57.5% acknowledged having little or no knowledge about osteopathy. Most frequent reasons for a recommendation were spinal column disorders (46.2%), other complaints of the musculoskeletal system (18.2%) and headaches (9.8%). GPs estimated the highest benefit for chronically ill and middle-aged adults. Female gender (OR 2.09; 95%CI 1.29–3.38) and personal treatment experiences (OR 5.14; 95%CI 2.72–9.72) were independently positively associated with more frequent treatment recommendation.

Conclusion

GPs in Germany have frequent contact with osteopathy, and the vast majority have recommended osteopathic treatment to some extent in their practice, with foci and opinions comparable to other Western countries. The discrepancy between GPs making frequent referrals for osteopathic treatment while self-assessing to have little knowledge about it demonstrates need for intensified research on the collaboration with osteopaths and how to best integrate osteopathic treatments. Our results may help to focus future effectiveness studies on most relevant clinical conditions in general practice.
The clinical significance of preoperative serum fibrinogen levels and platelet counts in patients with gallbladder carcinoma
Authors: Cao Peng , Jiang Lei , Zhou Liang-Yi , Chen Yan-Ling
Published: October 2021

Background

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) was the most common malignancy of biliary tract. Patients with malignancies frequently present with activated coagulation pathways, which might potentially related to tumor progression and prognosis. The purpose of the study was to investigate the clinical significance of preoperative serum fibrinogen levels and platelet counts in GBC patients.

Methods

The preoperative fasting serum fibrinogen levels and platelet counts of 58 patients with GBC were measured by AUV2700 automatic biochemical analyzer, as well as 60 patients with cholesterol polyps and 60 healthy volunteers. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was applied to show the correction between fibrinogen levels and outcome after surgery.

Results

The fibrinogen levels of patients with GBC were significantly higher than healthy gallbladder and cholesterol polyp of gallbladder (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). In GBC, fibrinogen levels were associated with tumor depth (p = 0.001), lymph node metastasis (p = 0.002), distant metastasis (p < 0.001) and Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) stage (p < 0.001). The levels in TNM stage IV disease were significantly higher than stage III or stage I + II disease (p = 0.048 and p < 0.001, respectively), and in TNM stage III disease were significantly higher than stage I + II disease (p = 0.002). Furthermore, the overall survival was better in low fibrinogen level group than in high fibrinogen level group (p < 0.001). However, thrombocytosis was not significantly associated with overall survivals (p > 0.05) in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

The preoperative serum fibrinogen levels and platelet counts might be reliable biomarkers for the occurance of disease, tumor depth, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and advanced TNM stage in patients with GBC. The serum fibrinogen levels might be a prognostic factor to predict outcome for GBC patients suffering from surgery treatment. Anticoagulation therapy might be considered to control cancer progression in future studies.
Prevalence and characteristics of chronic Pain in the Chinese community-dwelling elderly: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Xiahui , Zhu Wei , Li Jiping , Huang Chan , Yang Fan
Published: October 2021

Background

Chronic pain adversely affects health and daily life in the elderly. Gaining insight into chronic pain that affects the community-dwelling elderly is crucial for pain management in China, which possesses the largest elderly population in the world.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional design study that followed the STROBE Guideline. A randomized cluster sampling method was used to recruit participants in the Sichuan Province from Dec 2018 to May 2019. In addition, face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect socio-demographic data, characteristics and health-seeking behaviors of chronic pain through a self-designed questionnaire.

Results

A total of 1381 older adults participated in this study. Among these participants, 791 (57.3%) had chronic pain. Here, prevalence and pain intensity were both found to increase from the 60–69 group to the 70–79 group, which then decreased in the ≥80 group with no significant differences in sex (p > 0.05). The most common pain locations were observed in the legs/feet (53.5%), head (23.6) and abdomen/pelvis (21.1%). Among the elderly suffering from chronic pain, 29.4% sought medical help, 59.2% received medication and 59.7% adopted non-drug therapy.

Conclusion

Chronic pain is a common health concern in the Chinese community-dwelling elderly, which possesses different characteristics than other countries’ populations. Therefore, easier access to medication assistance and provision of scientific guidance for non-drug therapy may serve as satisfactory approaches in improving pain management.
Improvements in six aspects of quality of care of incident hemodialysis patients – a real-world experience
Authors: Drozdz Maciej , Frazão João , Silva Fatima , Das Partha , Kleophas Werner , Al Badr Wisam , Brzosko Szymon , Jacobson Stefan H.
Published: October 2021

Background

The transition from chronic kidney disease stage 5 to initiation of hemodialysis has gained increased attention in recent years as this period is one of high risk for patients with an annual mortality rate exceeding 20%. Morbidity and mortality in incident hemodialysis patients are partially attributed to failure to attain guideline-based targets. This study focuses on improvements in six aspects of quality of dialysis care (adequacy, anemia, nutrition, chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD), blood pressure and vascular access) aligning with KDIGO guidelines, during the first 6 months of hemodialysis.

Methods

We analyzed patient demographics, practice patterns and laboratory data in all 3 462 patients (mean age 65.9 years, 41% females) on hemodialysis (incident <90 days on hemodialysis, n=603, prevalent ≥90 days on hemodialysis, mean 55 months, n=2 859) from all 56 DaVita centers in Poland (51 centers) and Portugal (5 centers). 80% of patients had hemodialysis and 20% hemodiafiltration. Statistical analyses included unpaired and paired Students t-test, Chi-2 analyses, McNemar test and logistic regression analysis.

Results

Incident patients had lower Kt/V (1.4 vs 1.7, p<0.001), lower serum albumin (37 vs 40 g/l, p=0.001), lower Hb (9.9 vs 11.0 g/dl, p<0.001), lower TSAT (26 vs 31%, p<0.001), lower iPTH (372 vs 496 pg/ml, p<0.001), more often a central venous catheter (68 vs 26%, p<0.001), less often an AV fistula (34 vs 70 %, p<0.001) compared with all prevalent patients. Significantly more prevalent patients achieved international treatment targets.

Improvements in quality of care was also analyzed in a subgroup of 258 incident patients who were followed prospectively for 6 months. We observed significant improvements in Kt/V (p<0.001), albumin (p<0.001), Hb (p<0.001) transferrin saturation (TSAT, p<0.001), iPTH (p=0.005) and an increased use of AV fistula (p<0.001). Furthermore, logistic regression analyses identified treatment time and TSAT as major factors influencing the attainment of adequacy and anemia treatment targets.

Conclusion

This large real-world European multicenter analysis of representative incident hemodialysis patients indicates that the use of medical protocols and medical targets assures significant improvements in quality of care, which may correspond to better outcomes. A selection bias of survivors with less comorbidities in prevalent patients may have influenced the results.
Online clinical pathway for chronic kidney disease management in primary care: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Donald Maoliosa , Smekal Michelle D. , Elliott Meghan J. , McBrien Kerry , Weaver Robert G. , Manns Braden J. , Tonelli Marcello , Bello Aminu , Straus Sharon E. , Scott-Douglas Nairne , Jindal Kailash , Hemmelgarn Brenda R.
Published: October 2021

Background

Clinical pathways aim to improve patient care. We sought to determine whether an online chronic kidney disease (CKD) clinical pathway was associated with improvements in CKD management.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective pre/post population-based cohort study using linked health data from Alberta, Canada. We included adults 18 years or older with mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73m2. The primary outcome was measurement of an outpatient urine albumin creatinine ratio (ACR) in a 28-day period, among people without a test in the prior year. Secondary outcomes included use of guideline-recommended drug therapies (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers and statins).

Results

The study period spanned October 2010 to March 2017. There were 84 independent 28-day periods (53 pre, 31 post pathway implementation) including 345,058 adults. The population was predominantly female (56%) with median age 77 years; most had category 3A CKD (67%) and hypertension (82%). In adjusted segmented regression models, the increase in the rate of change of ACR testing was greatest in Calgary zone (adjusted OR 1.19 per year, 95% CI 1.16–1.21), where dissemination of the pathway was strongest; this increase was more pronounced in those without diabetes (adjusted OR 1.25 per year, 95% CI 1.21–1.29). Small improvements in guideline-concordant medication use were also observed.

Conclusions

Following implementation of an online CKD clinical pathway, improvements in ACR testing were evident in regions where the pathway was most actively used, particularly among individuals without diabetes.
A broad spectrum of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome - a case series with clinical and paraclinical characterisation, and histopathological findings
Authors: Ismail Fatme Seval , van de Nes Johannes , Kleffner Ilka
Published: October 2021

Background

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is clinical-neuroradiologically defined and potentially reversible, so there are limited data about histopathological findings. We aimed to describe the clinical and paraclinical features of patients with PRES with regard to its reversibility.

Methods

This retrospective case series encompasses 15 PRES cases out of 1300 evaluated patients from a single German center between January 1, 2010, and June 15, 2020. PRES was established according to the diagnostic criteria as proposed by the Berlin PRES Study 2012. One of the cases studied was subject to brain autopsy.

Results

From the 15 patients studied (median age 53 years, range 17–73; 11 female), 67 % presented with epileptic seizures, 40 % suffered from encephalopathy with reduced consciousness and 53 % developed delirium, while 47 % had headache and visual disturbances. Subcortical brain MRI abnormalities related to PRES were observed in all patients. One patient developed spinal ischemia and another Guillain-Barré syndrome in addition to PRES. Hypertensive blood pressure was the main underlying/trigger condition in all patients. Clinical symptoms and MRI changes were not reversible in 42 %, even progressive in 3 out of these 5 patients. Median time from symptom onset to diagnosis in these non-reversible cases was 7 days (range 0–13), while the median delay in diagnosis in the reversible group was 1 day (range 0–3). Cerebellar/brain stem involvement and status epilepticus were more frequently in patients with non-reversible disease course. Mortality due to PRES occurred in 13 % of these patients. Neuropathological examination of the brain of a 57-year-old female patient revealed major leukencephalopathic changes, fibrinoid necrosis of endothelial cells and fresh petechial hemorrhages in accordance with PRES.

Conclusions

Our case series demonstrates that PRES was not reversible in 42 % of the studied patients. Delay in diagnosis seems to contribute to limited reversibility and poor outcome.
Plasma concentrations of leptin at mid-pregnancy are associated with gestational weight gain among pregnant women in Tanzania: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Dongqing , Darling Anne Marie , McDonald Chloe R. , Perumal Nandita , Liu Enju , Wang Molin , Aboud Said , Urassa Willy , Conroy Andrea L. , Hayford Kyla T. , Liles W. Conrad , Kain Kevin C. , Fawzi Wafaie W.
Published: October 2021

Background

Gestational weight gain (GWG) has critical implications for maternal and child health. Inflammation and angiogenesis are implicated in various aspects of maternal metabolism that may play a role in gestational weight gain. The associations of inflammatory, angiogenic, and metabolic pathways with GWG are yet to be elucidated. This study evaluated associations between a panel of inflammatory, angiogenic, and metabolic proteins measured in mid-pregnancy and gestational weight gain.

Methods

Pregnant women were enrolled from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, between 2001 and 2004. The participants were enrolled at mid-pregnancy (12 to 27 weeks of gestation) and followed up until delivery. This analysis focused on a cohort of 1002 women who were primigravid, had singleton live births, had longitudinal measures of gestational weight, and whose mid-pregnancy plasma samples underwent analysis for 18 proteins.

Results

Higher plasma concentrations of leptin (mean difference in GWG percent adequacy comparing highest with lowest quartiles: 10.24; 95% CI 3.31, 17.16; p-trend = 0.003) and chitinase-3-like protein-1 (CH3L1) (mean difference in GWG percent adequacy comparing highest with lowest quartiles: 7.02; 95% CI 0.31, 13.72; p-trend = 0.007) were associated with greater GWG in a dose-response pattern. Higher leptin concentrations were associated with a lower risk of inadequate GWG (risk ratio comparing highest with lowest quartiles: 0.77; 95% CI 0.65, 0.91; p-trend = 0.001) and a higher risk of excessive GWG (risk ratio comparing highest with lowest quartiles: 1.57; 95% CI 1.03, 2.39; p-trend = 0.03). Higher CH3L1 concentrations were associated with a higher risk of excessive GWG (p-trend = 0.007). The associations of leptin and CH3L1 with inadequate GWG were stronger during the second than the third trimester. The other 16 proteins examined were not significantly associated with GWG.

Conclusions

Mid-pregnancy plasma leptin concentrations may be associated with GWG and have clinical predictive utility in identifying women at a higher risk of inadequate or excessive gestational weight gain.
Effective nutrition governance is correlated with better nutrition outcomes in Nepal
Authors: Namirembe Grace , Shrestha Robin , Mezzano Julieta , Ausman Lynne M. , Davis Dale , Baral Kedar , Ghosh Shibani , Shively Gerald , Webb Patrick
Published: October 2021

Background

The public health burden of undernutrition remains heavy and widespread, especially in low-income countries like Nepal. While predictors of undernutrition are well documented, few studies have examined the effects of political will and quality of policy or program implementation on child growth.

Methods

Data were collected from two nationwide studies in Nepal to determine the relationship between a metric of nutrition ‘governance’ (the Nutrition Governance Index), derived from interviews with 520 government and non-government officials responsible for policy implementation and anthropometry measured for 6815 children in 5556 households. We employed Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) and multilevel regression models.

Results

A higher NGI (more effective nutrition governance) is positively associated with height-for-age as well as weight-for-height in children over 2 years of age compared to younger children (HAZ; β = 0.02, p < 0.004, WHZ; β = 0.01, p < 0.37). Results from the hierarchical model show that a one-point increase in the NGI is significantly associated with a 12% increase in HAZ and a 4% increase in WHZ in older children (> 24 months old). Mothers’ education, child’s age, BMI and no fever in the past 30 days were also protective of stunting and wasting. Seven percent and 17% of the overall variance in HAZ and WHZ, respectively, are accounted for by variations across the 21 district locations in which sampled households were located. Mean HAZ differs considerably across districts (intercept = 0.116, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

These results highlight the importance of effective management of policy-based programming and resource use to bring about nutrition gains on the ground. The NGI explained a non-negligible amount of variation in HAZ and WHZ, which underscores the fundamental role that good governance plays in promoting child nutrition and growth, and the value of seeking to measure it to assist governments in moving policies from paper to practice.
Ileal Dieulafoy lesion arose 15 years after partial small bowel resection for meconium obstruction of the neonate: a case report
Authors: Iwamoto Maho , Koshinaga Tsugumichi , Fujita Eri , Hanada Manabu , Uehara Shuichiro , Moriyama Mitsuhiko
Published: October 2021

Background

Anastomotic or perianastomotic ulcers present with symptoms such as chronic anaemia and occult bleeding as long-term complications of bowel resection performed in infancy.

Case presentation

Herein, we describe a 15-year-old girl with a history of surgery for meconium obstruction without mucoviscidosis in infancy who was hospitalized with chief complaints of presyncope and convulsions. Seven hours after admission, she developed melena and went into shock. An emergency laparotomy was performed, and a Dieulafoy lesion was detected near the site of ileal anastomosis from the surgery that had been performed during infancy.

Conclusions

Although overt massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding necessitating emergency care is rare in the long term after infant bowel resection, Dieulafoy lesions can cause serious bleeding, requiring rapid life-saving haemostatic procedures.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and well-being of people living with a long-term physical health condition: a qualitative study
Authors: Fisher A. , Roberts A. , McKinlay A. R. , Fancourt D. , Burton A.
Published: October 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions caused major global disruption. Individuals with long-term physical health conditions (LTCs) are at higher risk of severe illness and often subject to the strictest pandemic guidance, so may be disproportionally affected. The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore how living with a LTC during the COVID-19 pandemic affected people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Methods

Participants were people living with LTCs who participated in telephone/video call interviews based on a semi-structured topic guide. Key themes and subthemes were determined using deductive and inductive thematic analysis.

Results

The sample included 32 participants with LTCs (most commonly cancer, respiratory conditions or cardiovascular diseases), mean age 57 (SD 13) years, 66% female and 72% white British. There were four overarching themes specific to living with a LTC. These were 1) high levels of fear and anxiety related to perceived consequences of catching COVID-19, 2) impact of shielding/isolation on mental health and wellbeing, 3) experience of healthcare during the pandemic and 4) anxiety created by uncertainty about the future. Fourteen subthemes were identified, including concerns about accessing essential supplies and the importance of social support. Individuals who lived alone and were advised to shield could be profoundly negatively affected.

Conclusions

This study found that there were a number of aspects of living with a LTC during the pandemic that had a significant impact on mental health and well-being. There should be focus on how best to provide practical and social support to people with LTCs during a pandemic, particularly if they have to shield or isolate.
Free Time For Wellness: a co-designed intervention utilizing social networks to encourage physical activity for cancer prevention among low resourced mothers
Authors: Houghton Lauren C. , Gibbons Marley P. , Shekelle Jeanette , Oakley-Girvan Ingrid , Watterson Jessica L. , Magsamen-Conrad Kate , Jones Cheryl , Gokal Kajal
Published: October 2021

Background

Physical activity is central to chronic disease prevention. Low resource mothers face structural barriers preventing them from increasing their physical activity to reduce their chronic disease risk. We co-designed an intervention, with the ultimate goal of building social cohesion through social media to increase physical activity for low resourced mothers in urban settings.

Methods

In 2019, we interviewed 10 mothers of children (< 12 years) living in Washington Heights, Manhattan. The interviews were transcribed and coded for themes that guided the creation of a co-design workshop. Washington Heights-based mothers (n = 16) attended a co-design workshop to generate the blueprint for the Free Time for Wellness intervention.

Results

Mothers in our sample had limited time, external support and resources, which hindered them from increasing their physical activity; we learned that in addition to physical health, mental health was a concern for participants. Participants had varying degrees of self-efficacy and trust in social media. Bringing mothers and researchers together in a co-design workshop, we identified types of physical activities they would enjoy participating in, the ideal time to do so, the kind of childcare they needed, and their preferences for communication with the community champion. The interviews and workshop highlighted the need for a community space that mothers and children could co-occupy. The intervention was designed to be 3 months’ worth of sample programming with one activity per week, rotating between dance, yoga, food pantry visits and group playdates. Participants were invited to bring their children to a space with one room for the ‘participants only’ activity and a second room in which professional childcare providers supervised the children.

Conclusions

Through this two-phased co-design process, we created an intervention with mothers in an urban community with the goal of using social media to bring them together for wellness, primarily through increased physical activity. Despite the co-design of this intervention with a specific community, there are some universal applications of our findings, and of the use of co-design workshops, to other settings.
Endobronchial closure of the bronchopleural fistula with the ventricular septal defect occluder: a case series
Authors: Bai Yang , Li Yishi , Chi Jing , Guo Shuliang
Published: October 2021

Objectives

The ventricular septal defect (VSD) occluder has been reported to be a novel method for the closure of bronchopleural fistula (BPF). Our study was to confirm the use of VSD occluder in treating BPF after pneumonectomy or lobectomy.

Methods

We performed a single-center, retrospective study of 10 consecutive patients (8 men and 2 women aged 29–70 years) with postoperative BPF receiving the VSD occluder treatment. We used the HeartR™ Membranous VSD occluder (Lifetech Scientific Co., Shenzhen, China) for the closure of BPF through flexible bronchoscopy under general anesthesia. Demographic characteristics, BPF characteristics, and clinical outcomes were collected from patients’ files using the standardized data abstraction forms.

Results

The underlying diseases were lung cancer in 6 patients, pulmonary tuberculosis in 3, and bronchiectasis in 1. Right-sided BPFs occurred in 6 patients, and left-sided BPFs occurred in 4. Five patients were underweight with a body mass index < 18.5 kg/m2. The VSD was placed in all 10 patients with a 100% technical success rate and a 70% complete closure rate during follow-up with no complications, on a median follow-up period of 115 days (range 46–975 days). In 1 patient, the VSD occluder was reinstalled with complete closure; in 1 and 2 patients with underweight and chronic empyema, the VSD occluders partially and completely failed with good physical tolerance, respectively.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated the bronchoscopic closure of BPF after lung resection using the VSD occluder is an off-label but safe and effective method. We prefer to stabilize the BPF by eradicating the underlying diseases and providing nutritional support to those receiving VSD occluder closure treatment.
Outcomes of adjunctive surgery for nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease
Authors: Kim Joong-Yub , Park Samina , Park In Kyu , Kang Chang Hyun , Kim Young Tae , Koh Jaemoon , Yim Jae-Joon , Kwak Nakwon
Published: October 2021

Background

Owing to the unsatisfactory results of antibiotic treatment alone, surgical resection is currently considered as adjunctive therapy in patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD). However, reports regarding the outcomes of surgery vary considerably by institution. Here, we investigated the surgical outcomes and risk factors associated with unfavorable outcomes after surgery.

Methods

We analyzed patients with NTM-PD who underwent pulmonary resection at Seoul National University Hospital between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2020, and assessed the types of surgical procedures, complications, and long-term outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors associated with treatment refractoriness or recurrence after surgery.

Results

Among 67 patients who underwent surgery during the study period, the most common indication for surgery was persistent culture positivity despite rigorous medical treatment (80.6%), followed by longstanding cavitary lesions or radiographic aggravation (10.4%) and massive hemoptysis (4.5%). Among 53 patients with positive mycobacterial cultures at the time of surgery, 38 (71.7%) achieved initial negative culture conversion, 9 (17.0%) of whom experienced recurrence. Nine (13.4%) patients experienced postoperative complications, which were managed without lasting morbidity and mortality. Female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 6.63; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–42.4; P = .046), preoperative positive mycobacterial culture (aOR 5.87; 95 %CI 1.04–33.08; P = .045), and residual lesions (aOR 6.86; 95 %CI 1.49–31.56; P = .013) were associated with refractoriness or recurrence.

Conclusions

Pulmonary resection is a reasonable treatment modality for patients with refractory NTM-PD or major complications such as massive hemoptysis. The potential risk factors associated with unfavorable outcomes included female sex, preoperative positive mycobacterial culture, and residual lesions after surgery.
Prediction of oral squamous cell carcinoma based on machine learning of breath samples: a prospective controlled study
Authors: Mentel Sophia , Gallo Kathleen , Wagendorf Oliver , Preissner Robert , Nahles Susanne , Heiland Max , Preissner Saskia
Published: October 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of breath testing as a method of cancer detection in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

Breath analysis was performed in 35 OSCC patients prior to surgery. In 22 patients, a subsequent breath test was carried out after surgery. Fifty healthy subjects were evaluated in the control group. Breath sampling was standardized regarding location and patient preparation. All analyses were performed using gas chromatography coupled with ion mobility spectrometry and machine learning.

Results

Differences in imaging as well as in pre- and postoperative findings of OSCC patients and healthy participants were observed. Specific volatile organic compound signatures were found in OSCC patients. Samples from patients and healthy individuals could be correctly assigned using machine learning with an average accuracy of 86–90%.

Conclusions

Breath analysis to determine OSCC in patients is promising, and the identification of patterns and the implementation of machine learning require further assessment and optimization. Larger prospective studies are required to use the full potential of machine learning to identify disease signatures in breath volatiles.
Detection of Epstein-Barr virus encoded small RNA genes in oral squamous cell carcinoma and non-cancerous oral cavity samples
Authors: Zebardast Arghavan , Yahyapour Yousef , Majidi Maryam Seyed , Chehrazi Mohammad , Sadeghi Farzin
Published: October 2021

Background

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a human oncogenic virus that can lead to cancer in lymphoid and epithelial cells and is one of the hypothesized causes of oral cavity lesions including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), but the etiological association remains undetermined. The present investigation aimed to explore the EBV presence, viral load, and EBV-encoded small RNA (EBER) sequence variation in tissue samples of patients with OSCC and other oral cavity lesions including oral lichen planus (OLP), and oral irritation fibroma (OIF).

Methods

In total, 88 oral cavity samples (23 with OSCC, 29 with OLP, and 36 with OIF diagnosis) were examined by Real-Time PCR technique and some of them were sequenced.

Results

Viral EBER sequence was detected in 6 out of the 23 OSCC (31.4%), 6 out of the 29 OLP (20.7%), and 3 out of the 36 OIF cases (8.3%). The mean EBV copy number was higher in OSCC samples (1.2 × 10−2 ± 1.3 × 10−2 copies/cell) compared to OLP (2.2 × 10−3 ± 2.6 × 10−3 copies/cell) and OIF (2.4 × 10−4 ± 2.0 × 10−4 copies/cell) samples, although this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.318). The EBER gene was amplified and sequenced in 5 OSCC, 3 OLP, and 2 OIF samples with high EBV viral load. One OSCC, two OLP, and two OIF isolates showed different nucleotide variations compared with EBV-WT and AG876 prototype sequences: C6834T, C6870T, C6981T, C7085T, C7085G, and C7094T.

Conclusion

In our study the presence of more than one genome copies per tumor cell indicates the possible role of EBV infection in oral cancers. However, more studies should be conducted to clarify the role of EBV in OSCC carcinogenesis.
Torreya nucifera seed oil improves 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation
Authors: Koh Eunbi , Kim Boram , Choi Kyungoh
Published: October 2021

Background

Adipose tissue is a critical regulator of lipid storage and endocrine function. Impairment of the recruitment of new adipocytes in the adipose tissue is associated with ectopic fat accumulation, diabetes and insulin resistance.Torreya nucifera, an evergreen conifer that grows in warm temperate climates, has been found to exert beneficial effects against inflammation, infection and diabetes. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for these effects at the cellular level remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate effects ofTorreya nuciferaseed oil (TNSO) on 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation and its underlying regulatory mechanism.

Methods

To investigate the effects of TNSO on adipocyte differentiation, 3T3-L1 cells were induced to differentiate for 5 days in the presence of 0.75 μL/mL TNSO. Oil Red O staining and an assay for intracellular triglyceride were performed to determine the extent of lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. To elucidate the underlying mechanism of TNSO, adipogenic gene expression was analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. Moreover, we monitored TNSO-derived activation of PPARγ and STAT3 with 3T3-L1 reporter cell lines engineered to secreteGaussialuciferase upon the interaction of a transcription factor to its DNA binding element.

Results

Oil Red O staining revealed that TNSO improved the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes into mature adipocytes. The mRNA levels of adipogenic genes, including adiponectin, fatty acid synthase (FAS) and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (FABP4), were upregulated and intracellular triglyceride levels increased upon TNSO treatment. We also established that adipocyte differentiation was improved by TNSO-derived activation of PPARγ and STAT3.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that TNSO improves adipocyte differentiation by regulating the activation of adipogenic transcription factors, indicating that it may serve as a potential treatment strategy for adipocyte dysfunction.
Development and assessment of the psychometric properties of a compassionate care questionnaire for nurses
Authors: Tehranineshat Banafsheh , Rakhshan Mahnaz , Torabizadeh Camellia , Fararouei Mohammad , Gillespie Mark
Published: October 2021

Background

Compassionate care is emphasized within professional ethics codes for nursing and is a key indicator of care quality. The purpose of the present study is to develop and assess the psychometric properties of a compassionate care instrument for nurses.

Methods

This methodological study was carried out in two phases -qualitative and quantitative-from February 2016 to October 2018. In the qualitative stage of the study, a content analysis approach was used to establish the concept of compassionate care through interviews with nurses, patients, and family caregivers. The initial draft of the questionnaire was developed based on the qualitative findings and a subsequent review of the literature. In the second phase, the psychometric properties of the questionnaire were assessed for validity and reliability. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS v.16.

Results

From the results of the qualitative phase and review of literature, 80 items were extracted. In the quantitative phase, after evaluation of the face and content validity, 40 items were kept. After measurement of the construct validity, 28 items whose factor loading was above 0.4 were retained. Measurement of convergent validity showed a moderate correlation between the questionnaire and the nurses’ caring behaviors scale (r = 0.67, P = 0.01). The reliability of the 28-item questionnaire was tested by measuring its Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and intra-class correlation coefficient which were found to be 0.91 and 0.94 for the whole questionnaire, respectively.

Conclusion

The questionnaire has enough validity and reliability to be used for measuring the nurses’ compassionate care. Therefore, the instrument can be used to measure and record the quality of nursing care.
A cross-sectional retrospective study of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in domestic cats, dogs and rabbits in Poland
Authors: Pomorska-Mól Małgorzata , Turlewicz-Podbielska Hanna , Gogulski Maciej , Ruszkowski Jakub J. , Kubiak Magdalena , Kuriga Anna , Barket Przemysław , Postrzech Marek
Published: October 2021

Background

Coronaviruses (CoVs) have long been known to cause infection in domestic and free-living birds and mammals including humans. The zoonotic origin of SARS-CoV-2 and the biological properties of CoVs, including ability to cross interspecies barriers, enable its emergence in populations of various animals, including companion animals (cats, dogs, rabbits) an area requiring further study. To date, several cases of cats and dogs positive for SARS-CoV-2 and/or specific antibodies have been described. The aim of our cross-sectional retrospective study is to determine seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in domestic dog, cat and rabbit population during recent COVID-19 pandemic in Poland.

Results

In total, serum samples from 279 cats and 343 dogs and 29 rabbits were used in the study. The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in cats and dogs reached 1.79% (95% CI: 0.77 – 4.13) and 1.17% (95% CI 0.45 – 2.96), respectively (p ≥ 0.05). Anti- SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in 5 cats (mean S/P% 106 ± 48.23) and 4 dogs (mean S/P% 78.5 ± 16.58). All 29 samples from rabbits were negative for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. No significant gender or age differences in seroprevalence in dogs and cats (p ≥ 0.05) were found. None of the animals with anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies displayed respiratory or gastrointestinal signs at the time of sampling.

Conclusions

Our results confirmed previous findings that SARS-CoV-2 infections in companion animals occurs but are not frequent. Future serological testing of large pet population may provide a comprehensive picture of disease dynamics in companion animals.
Identification of immunization-related new prognostic biomarkers for papillary renal cell carcinoma by integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Wu Ping , Xiang Tingting , Wang Jing , Lv Run , Ma Shaoxin , Yuan Limei , Wu Guangzhen , Che Xiangyu
Published: October 2021

Background

Despite papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) being the second most common type of kidney cancer, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. Targeted therapies in the past have not been successful because of the lack of a clear understanding of the molecular mechanism. Hence, exploring the underlying mechanisms and seeking novel biomarkers for pursuing a precise prognostic biomarker and appropriate therapies are critical.

Material and methods

In our research, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened from the TCGA and GEO databases, and a total of 149 upregulated and 285 downregulated genes were sorted. This was followed by construction of functional enrichment and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, and then the top 15 DEGs were selected for further analysis. The P4HB gene was chosen as our target gene by repetitively validating multiple datasets, and higher levels of P4HB expression predicted lower overall survival (OS) in patients with pRCC.

Results

We found that P4HB not only connects with immune cell infiltration and co-expression with PD-1, PD-L2, and CTLA-4, but also has a strong connection with the newly discovered hot gene, TOX.

Conclusion

We speculate that P4HB is a novel gene involved in the progression of pRCC through immunomodulation.