bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disclosing a metabolic signature of cisplatin resistance in MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells by NMR metabolomics
Authors: Carneiro Tatiana J. , Carvalho Ana L. M. Batista , Vojtek Martin , Carmo Inês F. , Marques Maria Paula M. , Diniz Carmen , Gil Ana M.
Published: December 2023

This work compared the metabolic profile of a parental MDA-MB-231 cisplatin-sensitive triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line with that of a derived cisplatin-resistant line, to characterize inherent metabolic adaptations to resistance, as a means for marker and new TNBC therapies discovery. Supported by cytotoxic, microscopic and biochemical characterization of both lines, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) metabolomics was employed to characterize cell polar extracts for the two cell lines, as a function of time (0, 24 and 48 h), and identify statistically relevant differences both between sensitive and resistant cells and their time course behavior. Biochemical results revealed a slight increase in activation of the NF-κB pathway and a marked decrease of the ERK signaling pathway in resistant cells. This was accompanied by lower glycolytic and glutaminolytic activities, possibly linked to glutamine being required to increase stemness capacity and, hence, higher survival to cisplatin. The TCA cycle dynamics seemed to be time-dependent, with an apparent activation at 48 h preferentially supported by anaplerotic aromatic amino acids, leucine and lysine. A distinct behavior of leucine, compared to the other branched-chain-amino-acids, suggested the importance of the recognized relationship between leucine and in mTOR-mediated autophagy to increase resistance. Suggested markers of MDA-MB-231 TNBC cisplatin-resistance included higher phosphocreatine/creatine ratios, hypotaurine/taurine–mediated antioxidant protective mechanisms, a generalized marked depletion in nucleotides/nucleosides, and a distinctive pattern of choline compounds. Although the putative hypotheses generated here require biological demonstration, they pave the way to the use of metabolites as markers of cisplatin-resistance in TNBC and as guidance to develop therapies.
Effects of RNA methylation on Tumor angiogenesis and cancer progression
Authors: Han Mingyu , Sun Haifeng , Zhou Quanbo , Liu Jinbo , Hu Junhong , Yuan Weitang , Sun Zhenqiang
Published: December 2023

Tumor angiogenesis plays vital roles in the growth and metastasis of cancer. RNA methylation is one of the most common modifications and is widely observed in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Accumulating studies have revealed that RNA methylation affects the occurrence and development of various tumors. In recent years, RNA methylation has been shown to play an important role in regulating tumor angiogenesis. In this review, we mainly elucidate the mechanisms and functions of RNA methylation on angiogenesis and progression in several cancers. We then shed light on the role of RNA methylation-associated factors and pathways in tumor angiogenesis. Finally, we describe the role of RNA methylation as potential biomarker and novel therapeutic target.
Comparison between canine and porcine models of chronic deep venous thrombosis
Authors: Wang Chuang , Tang Tao , Ye Sheng-Lin , Hu Nan , Du Xiao-Long , Li Xiao-Qiang
Published: December 2023

Objective

To first induce chronic deep venous thrombosis in the left iliac veins of canines and porcines and then compare these two models to validate endovascular treatment devices.

Methods

Thrombin and fibrinogen were used to produce a solid thrombus in the left iliac veins of a stenosis model. The researchers used venous angiography and histological staining to investigate the progression of thrombosis.

Results

A left iliac vein thrombus was successfully formed in all experimental animals, including six Labrador dogs and three Bama miniature pigs, and there was minimal surgical bleeding. All dogs survived until 90 days, and three pigs died on Days 29, 33, and 58.

Conclusion

The researchers first established the models and then observed the progression of chronic deep venous thrombosis of the iliac vein in large animals for up to 90 days. Dogs are better suited for chronic deep venous thrombosis models due to their uncomplicated anatomy, excellent obedience, and proneness to physical activity compared with pigs.
Endothelial progenitor cells systemic administration alleviates multi-organ senescence by down-regulating USP7/p300 pathway in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Wang Wenhua , Peng Huaihuai , Zeng Menghao , Liu Jie , Liang Guibin , He Zhihui
Published: December 2023

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has impacted approximately 390 million people worldwide and the morbidity is increasing every year. However, due to the poor treatment efficacy of COPD, exploring novel treatment has become the hotpot of study on COPD. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) aging is a possible molecular way for COPD development. We aimed to explore the effector whether intravenous administration of EPCs has therapeutic effects in COPD mice.

Methods

COPD mice model was induced by cigarette smoke exposure and EPCs were injected intravenously to investigate their effects on COPD mice. At day 127, heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney tissues of mice were harvested. The histological effects of EPCs intervention on multiple organs of COPD mice were detected by morphology assay. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the effect of EPCs intervention on the expression of multi-organ senescence-related indicators. And we explored the effect of EPCs systematically intervening on senescence-related USP7/p300 pathway.

Results

Compared with COPD group, senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity was decreased, protein and mRNA expression of p16 was down-regulated, while protein and mRNA expression of cyclin D1 and TERT were up-regulated of multiple organs, including lung, heart, liver, spleen and kidney in COPD mice after EPCs system intervention. But the morphological alterations of the tissues described above in COPD mice failed to be reversed. Mechanistically, EPCs systemic administration inhibited the expression of mRNA and protein of USP7 and p300 in multiple organs of COPD mice, exerting therapeutic effects.

Conclusions

EPCs administration significantly inhibited the senescence of multiple organs in COPD mice via down-regulating USP7/p300 pathway, which presents a possibility of EPCs therapy for COPD.
“I wasn’t sure it would work. I was just trying”: an ethnographic study on the choice of abortion methods among young women in Kilifi County, Kenya, and Atlantique Department, Benin
Authors: Omondi Gladys Akinyi , Both Jonna , Ouedraogo Ramatou , Kimemia Grace , Juma Kenneth
Published: December 2023

Background

Despite the increased availability of safe abortion methods in sub-Saharan Africa, women and girls continue to use unsafe abortion methods and procedures to terminate their unwanted pregnancies, resulting in severe complications, lifelong disabilities, and death. Barriers to safe abortion methods include restrictive laws, low awareness of safe abortion methods, poverty, and sociocultural and health system barriers. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of data on the decision-making around and use of abortion methods. This paper aims to provide answers to the following questions: Which abortion methods do women and girls use and why? Who and what influences their decisions? What can we learn from their decision-making process to enhance the uptake of safe abortion methods? We focus our in-depth analysis on the rationale behind the choice of abortion methods used by women and girls in Kilifi County in Kenya and Atlantique Department in Benin.

Methods

We draw on data collected as part of an ethnographic study conducted between January and August 2021 on lived experiences, social determinants, and pathways to abortion. Data were collected using repeated in-depth interviews with 95 girls and women who had a recent abortion experience. Data from the interviews were supplemented using information from key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation. Data analysis was conducted through an inductive process.

Results

Our findings reveal that women and girls use various methods to procure abortions, including herbs, high doses of pharmaceutical drugs, homemade concoctions, medical abortion drugs, and surgical abortion methods. Procedures may involve singular or multiple attempts, and sometimes, mixing several methods to achieve the goal of pregnancy termination. The use of various abortion methods is mainly driven by the pursuit of social safety (preservation of secrecy and social relationships, avoidance of shame and stigmatization) instead of medical safety (which implies technical safety and quality).

Conclusion

Our findings reaffirm the need for comprehensive access to, and availability of, abortion-related information and services, especially safe abortion and post-abortion care services that emphasize both medical and social safety.
Giving birth on the way to the clinic: undocumented migrant women’s perceptions and experiences of maternal healthcare accessibility along the Thailand–Myanmar border
Authors: Tschirhart Naomi , Jiraporncharoen Wichuda , Angkurawaranon Chaisiri , Hashmi Ahmar , Hla Sophia , Nosten Suphak , McGready Rose , Ottersen Trygve
Published: December 2023

Background

Millions of women give birth annually without the support of a trained birth attendant. Generally and globally, countries provide maternal health services for their citizens but there is a coverage gap for undocumented migrant women who often can’t access the same care due to their legal status. The objective of this investigation is to explore undocumented migrants’ experiences and perceptions of maternal healthcare accessibility.

Methods

We held focus groups discussions with 64 pregnant women at 3 migrant health clinics on the Thailand–Myanmar border and asked how they learned about the clinic, their health care options, travel and past experiences with birth services. In this context undocumented women could sign up for migrant health insurance at the clinic that would allow them to be referred for tertiary care at government hospitals if needed.

Results

Women learned about care options through a network approach often relying on information from community members and trusted care providers. For many, choice of alternate care was limited by lack of antenatal care services close to their homes, limited knowledge of other services and inability to pay fees associated with hospital care. Women travelled up to 4 h to get to the clinic by foot, bicycle, tractor, motorcycle or car, sometimes using multiple modes of transport. Journeys from the Myanmar side of the border were sometimes complicated by nighttime border crossing closures, limited transport and heavy rain.

Conclusions

Undocumented migrant women in our study experienced a type of conditional or variable accessibility where time of day, transport and weather needed to align with the onset of labour to ensure that they could get to the migrant clinic on time to give birth. We anticipate that undocumented migrants in other countries may also experience conditional accessibility to birth care, especially where travel is necessary due to limited local services. Care providers may improve opportunities for undocumented pregnant women to access maternal care by disseminating information on available services through informal networks and addressing travel barriers through mobile services and other travel supports.

Trial registration The research project was approved by Research Ethics Committee at the Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University (FAM-2560-05204), and the Department of Community Medicine and Global Health at the University of Oslo—Norwegian Centre for Research Data (58542).
Two Arabidopsis promoters drive seed-coat specific gene expression in pennycress and camelina
Authors: Li Xin , Yell Victoria , Li Xu
Published: December 2023

Background

Pennycress and camelina are two important novel biofuel oilseed crop species. Their seeds contain high content of oil that can be easily converted into biodiesel or jet fuel, while the left-over materials are usually made into press cake meals for feeding livestock. Therefore, the ability to manipulate the seed coat encapsulating the oil- and protein-rich embryos is critical for improving seed oil production and press cake quality.

Results

Here, we tested the promoter activity of two Arabidopsis seed coat genes, AtTT10 and AtDP1, in pennycress and camelina by using eGFP and GUS reporters. Overall, both promoters show high levels of activities in the seed coat in these two biofuel crops, with very low or no expression in other tissues. Importantly, AtTT10 promoter activity in camelina shows differences from that in Arabidopsis, which highlights that the behavior of an exogenous promoter in closely related species cannot be assumed the same and still requires experimental determination.

Conclusion

Our work demonstrates that AtTT10 and AtDP1 promoters are suitable for driving gene expression in the outer integument of the seed coat in pennycress and camelina.
Different cervical vertebral bone quality scores for bone mineral density assessment for the patients with cervical degenerative disease undergoing ACCF/ACDF: computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging-based study
Authors: Wang Zhe , Zhang Jingyao , Chen Qian , Huang Yong , Song Yueming , Liu Limin , Feng Ganjun
Published: December 2023

Background

Bone mineral density (BMD) is important for the outcome of cervical spine surgery. As the gold standard of assessing BMD, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans are often not ordered or go unreviewed in patients’ charts. As the supplement, MRI-based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) was found to accurately predict osteopenia/osteoporosis and postoperative complications in lumbar spine. However, discussion of the efficiency of VBQ in cervical spine is lacking. And measurement methods of VBQ in cervical spine are diverse and not universally acknowledged like lumbar spine. We aimed to compare the predictive performance of three kinds of different Cervical-VBQ (C-VBQ) scores for bone mineral density assessment in patients undergoing cervical spine surgery. HU value of cervical spine was set as a reference.

Methods

Adult patients receiving cervical spine surgery for degenerative diseases were retrospectively included between Jan 2015 and Dec 2022 in our hospital. The VBQ scores and HU value were measured from preoperative MRI and CT. The correlation between HU value/C-VBQs (named C-VBQ1/2/3 according to different calculating methods) and DEXA T-score was analyzed using univariate linear correlation and Pearson’s correlation. We evaluated the predictive performance of those two parameters and achieved the most appropriate cutoff value by comparing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

106 patients (34 patients with T ≥ − 1.0 vs 72 patients with T < − 1.0) were included (mean age: 51.95 ± 10.94, 48 men). According to Pearson correlation analysis, C-VBQ1/2/3 and HU value were all significantly correlated to DEXA T-score (Correlation Coefficient (r): C-VBQ1: − 0.393, C-VBQ2: − 0.368, C-VBQ3: − 0.395, HU value: 0.417, p < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated (C-VBQ1: 0.717, C-VBQ2: 0.717, C-VBQ3: 0.727, HU value: 0.746). The AUC of the combination of C-VBQ3 and HU value was 0.786. At last, the most appropriate cutoff value was determined (C-VBQ1: 3.175, C-VBQ2: 3.005, C-VBQ3: 2.99, HU value: 299.85 HU).

Conclusions

Different MRI-based C-VBQ scores could all be potential and alternative tools for opportunistically screening patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis before cervical spine surgery. Among them, C-VBQ calculated in ASIC2–C7/SIT1-CSF performed better. We advised patients with C-VBQ higher than cutoff value to accept further BMD examination.
Higher dose alglucosidase alfa is associated with improved overall survival in infantile-onset Pompe disease (IOPD): data from the Pompe Registry
Authors: Kishnani Priya S. , Kronn David , Suwazono Shugo , Broomfield Alexander , Llerena Juan , Al-Hassnan Zuhair Nasser , Batista Julie L. , Wilson Kathryn M. , Periquet Magali , Daba Nadia , Hahn Andreas , Chien Yin-Hsiu
Published: December 2023

Background

Studies indicate that doses of alglucosidase alfa (ALGLU) higher than label dose (20 mg/kg every other week) improve clinical outcomes in infantile-onset Pompe disease (IOPD). We investigated data from the Pompe Registry to determine the association between ALGLU dose and survival in IOPD.

Results

We included 332 IOPD patients from the Registry as of January 2022 who had cardiomyopathy and were first treated at age < 1 year. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between ALGLU as a time-varying exposure and survival, adjusting for age at first treatment, sex, and cross-reactive immunologic material (CRIM)/immune tolerance induction (ITI) status. Dose was measured as average relative dose received over time (in multiples of label dose, range > 0 to 4 times label dose), current dose, and lagged dose. 81% patients received label dose at treatment initiation. Over time, 52% received a higher dose. Higher ALGLU dose over time was associated with improved survival: adjusted HR 0.40 (95% CI 0.22–0.73, p = 0.003) per 1-unit increase in average relative dose, with similar results for invasive ventilation-free survival (adjusted HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.28–0.84; p = 0.010). The association was consistent in patients first treated before or after 3 months of age and did not vary significantly by CRIM status. Results for current and lagged dose were similar to average dose.

Conclusions

Higher ALGLU doses were associated with significantly improved overall and invasive ventilator-free survival in IOPD. Results were consistent across sensitivity analyses.
Have attacks on healthcare become the new normal? a public health call to action for armed conflicts before it is too late
Authors: Blanchet Karl , Rubenstein Leonard , Taithe Bertrand , Fast Larissa
Published: December 2023

The scale of attacks on healthcare has become more visible and its impact greater in recent armed conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan and Myanmar. In these conflicts, combatants systematically target health facilities and ambulances. We need to ensure that attacks on healthcare do not become the new norm amongst governmental troops and non-State armed groups. There is limited evidence about why and how attacks on healthcare have become “normal” practice amongst many combatants, despite the likely tactical and strategic costs to themselves. We are convinced that the problem now needs to be tackled like any other public health issue by assessing: the scale of the problem; who is the most at risk; identifying risk factors; developing new interventions to prevent the risks or address the issue; and evaluating the effectiveness of these interventions.
REVISE: re-evaluating the inhibition of stress erosions in the ICU—statistical analysis plan for a randomized trial
Authors: Heels-Ansdell Diane , Billot Laurent , Thabane Lehana , Alhazzani Waleed , Deane Adam , Guyatt Gordon , Finfer Simon , Lauzier François , Myburgh John , Young Paul , Arabi Yaseen , Marshall John , English Shane , Muscedere John , Ostermann Marlies , Venkatesh Bala , Zytaruk Nicole , Hardie Miranda , Hammond Naomi , Knowles Serena , Saunders Lois , Poole Alexis , Al-Fares Abdulrahman , Xie Feng , Hall Richard , Cook Deborah
Published: December 2023

Background

The REVISE (Re-Evaluating the Inhibition of Stress Erosions in the ICU) trial will evaluate the impact of the proton pump inhibitor pantoprazole compared to placebo in invasively ventilated critically ill patients.

Objective

To outline the statistical analysis plan for the REVISE trial.

Methods

REVISE is a randomized clinical trial ongoing in intensive care units (ICUs) internationally. Patients ≥ 18 years old, receiving invasive mechanical ventilation, and expected to remain ventilated beyond the calendar day after randomization are allocated to either 40 mg pantoprazole intravenously or placebo while mechanically ventilated.

Results

The primary efficacy outcome is clinically important upper GI bleeding; the primary safety outcome is 90-day mortality. Secondary outcomes are ventilator-associated pneumonia, Clostridioides difficile infection, new renal replacement therapy, ICU and hospital mortality, and patient-important GI bleeding. Tertiary outcomes are total red blood cells transfused, peak serum creatinine concentration, and duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU, and hospital length of stay. Following an interim analysis of results from 2400 patients (50% of 4800 target sample size), the data monitoring committee recommended continuing enrolment.

Conclusions

This statistical analysis plan outlines the statistical analyses of all outcomes, sensitivity analyses, and subgroup analyses. REVISE will inform clinical practice and guidelines worldwide.

Trial registration

www.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03374800. November 21, 2017.
Spontaneous miscarriage driven by maternal genetic mutation at position of PAI-1-844G/A: shed light on a race-specific genetic polymorphism
Authors: Ameri Afrah , Khashei Varnamkhasti Khalil , Parhoudeh Sara , Khashei Varnamkhasti Samire , Naeimi Leila , Naeimi Sirous
Published: December 2023

Objective

Association between a genetic polymorphism and disease, either positively or negatively, within a population may not necessarily predict association in other race-ethnic populations. The aim of this study was to genotype well recognized thrombophilia associated polymorphisms as common risk factors for miscarriage and investigate their benefit to use as risk factors in southwest region of Iran females (Khuzestan) in the Arabs ethnic minority group with spontaneous miscarriage. We developed a Reverse Dot Blot Assay for the genotyping of four polymorphisms.

Results

There were significant differences in the genotype distribution and allelic frequencies of the MTHFR 1298 A > C, MTHFR 677 C > T, Factor V Leiden 1691 G > A, PAI-1-844G > A polymorphisms between the case and control groups. The MTHFR 1298 A > C, MTHFR 677 C > T and Factor V Leiden 1691 G > A polymorphisms were significantly associated with spontaneous miscarriage risk. Unlike some other race-ethnic populations, PAI-1-844G > A polymorphism was associated with risk of developing unplanned miscarriage in Iranian Arabs ethnic minority group females.
The age-specific comorbidity burden of mild cognitive impairment: a US claims database study
Authors: Li Gang , Toschi Nicola , Devanarayan Viswanath , Batrla Richard , Boccato Tommaso , Cho Min , Ferrante Matteo , Frech Feride , Galvin James E. , Henley David , Mattke Soeren , De Santi Susan , Hampel Harald
Published: December 2023

Background

Identifying individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who are likely to progress to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia disorders (ADRD) would facilitate the development of individualized prevention plans. We investigated the association between MCI and comorbidities of ADRD. We examined the predictive potential of these comorbidities for MCI risk determination using a machine learning algorithm.

Methods

Using a retrospective matched case-control design, 5185 MCI and 15,555 non-MCI individuals aged ≥50 years were identified from MarketScan databases. Predictive models included ADRD comorbidities, age, and sex.

Results

Associations between 25 ADRD comorbidities and MCI were significant but weakened with increasing age groups. The odds ratios (MCI vs non-MCI) in 50–64, 65–79, and ≥ 80 years, respectively, for depression (4.4, 3.1, 2.9) and stroke/transient ischemic attack (6.4, 3.0, 2.1). The predictive potential decreased with older age groups, with ROC-AUCs 0.75, 0.70, and 0.66 respectively. Certain comorbidities were age-specific predictors.

Conclusions

The comorbidity burden of MCI relative to non-MCI is age-dependent. A model based on comorbidities alone predicted an MCI diagnosis with reasonable accuracy.
18F-FDG PET/CT-based deep learning radiomics predicts 5-years disease-free survival after failure to achieve pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer
Authors: Zheng Xingxing , Huang Yuhong , Lin Yingyi , Zhu Teng , Zou Jiachen , Wang Shuxia , Wang Kun
Published: December 2023

Background

This study aimed to assess whether a combined model incorporating radiomic and depth features extracted from PET/CT can predict disease-free survival (DFS) in patients who failed to achieve pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Results

This study retrospectively included one hundred and five non-pCR patients. After a median follow-up of 71 months, 15 and 7 patients experienced recurrence and death, respectively. The primary tumor volume underwent feature extraction, yielding a total of 3644 radiomic features and 4096 depth features. The modeling procedure employed Cox regression for feature selection and utilized Cox proportional-hazards models to make predictions on DFS. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were utilized to evaluate and compare the predictive performance of different models. 2 clinical features (RCB, cT), 4 radiomic features, and 7 depth features were significant predictors of DFS and were included to develop models. The integrated model incorporating RCB, cT, and radiomic and depth features extracted from PET/CT images exhibited the highest accuracy for predicting 5-year DFS in the training (AUC 0.943) and the validation cohort (AUC 0.938).

Conclusion

The integrated model combining radiomic and depth features extracted from PET/CT images can accurately predict 5-year DFS in non-pCR patients. It can help identify patients with a high risk of recurrence and strengthen adjuvant therapy to improve survival.
Apple pomace as an alternative substrate for butanol production
Authors: Tigunova Olena , Bratishko Viacheslav , Shulga Sergiy
Published: December 2023

Butanol-producing strains Clostridium sp. UCM B-7570 and C. acetobutylicum UCM B-7407 were used for research from “Collection of strains of microorganisms and plant lines for food and agricultural biotechnology” of the Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, glycerol (BASF, Germany) and apple pomace (total moisture 4%) after apple juice production. The aim of this work was to study the possibility of using apple pomace by domestic butanol-producing strains of Clostridium sp. UCM B-7570 and C. acetobutylicum UCM B-7407 as a substrate. Producers were cultured on medium with different concentrations of apple pomace, glycerol was used for the inoculation. The presence of ethanol, acetone, and butanol in the culture liquid was determined using a gas chromatograph. It was determined that a significant part of the macrocomponent composition of the extracts can be used in bioconversion by producing strains of the genus Clostridium. It was determined that the highest concentration of butanol (10 g/dm3) was at a concentration of 120 g/dm3 in the extracts. The obtained data showed the possibility of using apple pomace as a substrate in biobutanol technology.
Predicting extubation in patients with traumatic cervical spinal cord injury using the diaphragm electrical activity during a single maximal maneuver
Authors: Zhang Rui , Xu Xiaoting , Chen Hui , Beck Jennifer , Sinderby Christer , Qiu Haibo , Yang Yi , Liu Ling
Published: December 2023

Background

The unsuccessful extubation in patients with traumatic cervical spinal cord injuries (CSCI) may result from impairment diaphragm function and monitoring of diaphragm electrical activity (EAdi) can be informative in guiding extubation. We aimed to evaluate whether the change of EAdi during a single maximal maneuver can predict extubation outcomes in CSCI patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of CSCI patients requiring mechanical ventilation in the ICU of a tertiary hospital. A single maximal maneuver was performed by asking each patient to inhale with maximum strength during the first spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). The baseline (during SBT before maximal maneuver), maximum (during the single maximal maneuver), and the increase of EAdi (ΔEAdi, equal to the difference between baseline and maximal) were measured. The primary outcome was extubation success, defined as no reintubation after the first extubation and no tracheostomy before any extubation during the ICU stay.

Results

Among 107 patients enrolled, 50 (46.7%) were extubated successfully at the first SBT. Baseline EAdi, maximum EAdi, and ΔEAdi were significantly higher, and the rapid shallow breathing index was lower in patients who were extubated successfully than in those who failed. By multivariable logistic analysis, ΔEAdi was independently associated with successful extubation (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.52–3.17). ΔEAdi demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy in predicting extubation success with an AUROC 0.978 (95% CI 0.941–0.995), and the cut-off value was 7.0 μV.

Conclusions

The increase of EAdi from baseline SBT during a single maximal maneuver is associated with successful extubation and can help guide extubation in CSCI patients.
Characteristics and prognostic factors of bacterial meningitis in the intensive care unit: a prospective nationwide cohort study
Authors: Chekrouni Nora , Kroon Merel , Drost Evelien H. G. M. , van Soest Thijs M. , Bijlsma Merijn. W. , Brouwer Matthijs C. , van de Beek Diederik
Published: December 2023

Background

Patients with bacterial meningitis can be severely ill necessitating intensive care unit (ICU) treatment. Here, we describe clinical features and prognostic factors of adults with bacterial meningitis admitted to the ICU in a nationwide prospective cohort study.

Methods

We prospectively assessed clinical features and outcome of adults (age > 16 years) with community-acquired bacterial meningitis included in the MeninGene study between March 1, 2006 and July 1, 2022, that were initially admitted to the ICU. We identified independent predictors for initial ICU admission and for unfavourable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale score between 1–4) by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

A total of 2709 episodes of bacterial meningitis were included, of which 1369 (51%) were initially admitted to the ICU. We observed a decrease in proportion of patients being admitted to the ICU during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 (decreased to 39%, p = 0.004). Median age of the 1369 patients initially admitted to the ICU was 61 years (IQR 49–69), and the rates of unfavourable outcome (47%) and mortality (22%) were high. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we observed a trend towards an increase in unfavourable outcome. Prognostic factors predictive for initial ICU admission were younger age, immunocompromised state, male sex, factors associated with pneumococcal meningitis, and those indicative of systemic compromise. Independent predictors for unfavourable outcome in the initial ICU cohort were advanced age, admittance to an academic hospital, cranial nerve palsies or seizures on admission, low leukocyte count in blood, high C-reactive protein in blood, low CSF: blood glucose ratio, listerial meningitis, need for mechanical ventilation, circulatory shock and persistent fever. 204 of 1340 episodes (15%) that were initially not admitted to the ICU were secondarily transferred to the ICU. The rates of unfavourable outcome (66%) and mortality (30%) in this group were high.

Conclusions

The majority of patients with community-acquired bacterial meningitis are admitted to the ICU, and the unfavourable outcome and mortality rates of these patients remain high. Patients that are initially admitted to non-ICU wards but secondarily transferred to the ICU also had very high rates of unfavourable outcome.
Severe infections requiring intensive care unit admission in patients receiving ibrutinib for hematological malignancies: a groupe de recherche respiratoire en réanimation onco-hématologique (GRRR-OH) study
Authors: Baucher Louise , Lemiale Virginie , Joseph Adrien , Wallet Florent , Pineton de Chambrun Marc , Ferré Alexis , Lombardi Romain , Platon Laura , Contejean Adrien , Fuseau Charline , Calvet Laure , Pène Frédéric , Kouatchet Achille , Mokart Djamel , Azoulay Elie , Lafarge Antoine
Published: December 2023

Background

In the last decade, Ibrutinib has become the standard of care in the treatment of several lymphoproliferative diseases such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and several non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Beyond Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibition, Ibrutinib shows broad immunomodulatory effects that may promote the occurrence of infectious complications, including opportunistic infections. The infectious burden has been shown to vary by disease status, neutropenia, and prior therapy but data focusing on severe infections requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission remain scarce. We sought to investigate features and outcomes of severe infections in a multicenter cohort of 69 patients receiving ibrutinib admitted to 10 French intensive care units (ICU) from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2020.

Results

Median time from ibrutinib initiation was 6.6 [3–18] months. Invasive fungal infections (IFI) accounted for 19% (n = 13/69) of severe infections, including 9 (69%; n = 9/13) invasive aspergillosis, 3 (23%; n = 3/13) Pneumocystis pneumonia, and 1 (8%; n = 1/13) cryptococcosis. Most common organ injury was acute respiratory failure (ARF) (71%; n = 49/69) and 41% (n = 28/69) of patients required mechanical ventilation. Twenty (29%; n = 20/69) patients died in the ICU while day-90 mortality reached 55% (n = 35/64). In comparison with survivors, decedents displayed more severe organ dysfunctions (SOFA 7 [5–11] vs. 4 [3–7], p = 0.004) and were more likely to undergo mechanical ventilation (68% vs. 31%, p = 0.010). Sixty-three ibrutinib-treated patients were matched based on age and underlying malignancy with 63 controls receiving conventional chemotherapy from an historic cohort. Despite a higher median number of prior chemotherapy lines (2 [1–2] vs. 0 [0–2]; p < 0.001) and higher rates of fungal [21% vs. 8%, p = 0.001] and viral [17% vs. 5%, p = 0.027] infections in patients receiving ibrutinib, ICU (27% vs. 38%, p = 0.254) and day-90 mortality (52% vs. 48%, p = 0.785) were similar between the two groups.

Conclusion

In ibrutinib-treated patients, severe infections requiring ICU admission were associated with a dismal prognosis, mostly impacted by initial organ failures. Opportunistic agents should be systematically screened by ICU clinicians in this immunocompromised population.
Does climate change alter the nutrient trends of Cedrela fissilis Vell. trees in the southern Brazilian Amazon?
Authors: Ortega Rodriguez Daigard R. , Sánchez-Salguero Raúl , Hevia Andrea , Bovi Renata C. , Ferreira Marciel J. , Speer James H. , Roig Fidel A. , Tomazello-Filho Mario
Published: December 2023

Background

The increase in the frequency and intensity of droughts is pointed out as one of the main factors altering biogeochemical cycles in the Amazon basin. An eco-nutritional approach using X-ray fluorescence micro-analysis (µXRF) is proposed to verify the long- and short-term effects of droughts on the growth and xylem nutrient concentrations of Cedrela fissilis Vell.

Methods

Fourteen radii were selected from a tree-ring width chronology and X-rayed by Itrax Multiscanner. Profiles of ring width, wood density, and concentrations of aluminum (Al), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe) and strontium (Sr) together with Al/Ca, Ca/Mn, K/Ca, Sr/Ca and Mn/S ratios were constructed and correlated with precipitation, temperature, the difference between precipitation and potential evapotranspiration (P-PET) and standardized precipitation–evapotranspiration index (SPEI).

Results

During dry years, C. fissilis showed narrower, less dense rings, lower Al, P, S and Ca, and higher K and Fe concentrations (the opposite was found in wet years). Ring width decreased (together with Al, P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Sr, Al/Ca, K/Ca and Sr/Ca) and wood density increased (together with Ca/Mn and Mn/S), which was associated with an increase in evapotranspiration and temperature over time, mainly since 1990. Cedrela fissilis showed a tendency to increase its capacity for resistance, and a recovery and resilience in growth over time associated with responses in Al, Ca, P and S. However, it showed a risk in the capacity for recovery of the pre-drought density values, associated with unsatisfactory responses in Al, Ca, K, Fe and P.

Conclusions

This study is the first attempt to analyze tree-ring nutritional evidences of C. fissilis trees to climate sensitivity and resilience to drought, based on long-term data from seasonal moist tropical forests of the Amazon. Our data suggested that C. fissilis is undergoing alterations in the concentration, use and redistribution of nutrients associated with increasing wood density and decreasing growth over time, due to the increase of drought frequency in the southern Amazon.
Gamified antimicrobial decision support app (GADSA) changes antibiotics prescription behaviour in surgeons in Nigeria: a hospital-based pilot study
Authors: Luedtke Susanne , Wood Caroline , Olufemi Olajumoke , Okonji Patrick , Kpokiri Eneyi E. , Musah Anwar , Bammeke Funmi , Mutiu Bamidele , Ojewola Rufus , Bankole Olufemi , Ademuyiwa Adesoji , Ekumankama Chibuzo , Theophilus Ayibanoah , Aworabhi-Oki Neni , Shallcross Laura , Molnar Andreea , Wiseman Sue , Hayward Andrew , Birjovanu Georgiana , Lefevre Carmen , Petrou Stylianos , Ogunsola Folasade , Kostkova Patty
Published: December 2023

Aims

Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis (SAP) in Nigeria is often not evidence based. The aim of this study is to test if the GADSA application can change prescription behaviour of surgeons in Nigeria. In addition, the study aims to identify AMS strategies and policies for the future.

Methods

The GADSA gamified decision support app uses WHO and Sanford prescribing guidelines to deliver real-time persuasive technology feedback to surgeons through an interactive mentor. The app can advise on whether clinician’s decisions align with SAP recommendations and provides the opportunity for clinicians to make adjustments. Twenty surgeons actively participated in a 6-month pilot study in three hospitals in Nigeria. The surgeons determined the risk of infection of a surgical procedure, and the need, type and duration of SAP. The study used a longitudinal approach to test whether the GADSA app significantly changed prescribing behaviour of participating surgeons by analysing the reported prescription decisions within the app.

Results

321 SAP prescriptions were recorded. Concerning the surgical risk decision, 12% of surgeons changed their decision to be in line with guidelines after app feedback (p < 0.001) and 10% of surgeons changed their decision about the need for SAP (p = 0.0035) to align with guidelines. The change in decision making for SAP use in terms of “type” and “duration” to align with guidelines was similar with 6% and 5% respectively (both p-values < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study suggests that the GADSA app, with its game based and feedback feature, could significantly change prescribing behaviour at the point of care in an African setting, which could help tackle the global challenge of antibiotic resistance.
The evaluation of hand-crafted and learned-based features in Terrestrial Laser Scanning-Structure-from-Motion (TLS-SfM) indoor point cloud registration: the case study of cultural heritage objects and public interiors
Authors: Markiewicz Jakub , Kot Patryk , Markiewicz Łukasz , Muradov Magomed
Published: December 2023

Modern technologies are commonly used to inventory different architectural or industrial objects (especially cultural heritage objects and sites) to generate architectural documentation or 3D models. The Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) method is one of the standard technologies researchers investigate for accurate data acquisition and processing required for architectural documentation. The processing of TLS data to generate high-resolution architectural documentation is a multi-stage process that begins with point cloud registration. In this step, it is a common practice to identify corresponding points manually, semi-manually or automatically. There are several challenges for the TLS point cloud processing in the data registration process: correct spatial distribution, marking of control points, automation, and robustness analysis. This is particularly important when large, complex heritage sites are investigated, where it is impossible to distribute marked control points. On the other hand, when orientating multi-temporal data, there is also the problem of corresponding reference points. For this reason, it is necessary to use automatic tie-point detection methods. Therefore, this article aims to evaluate the quality and completeness of the TLS registration process using 2D raster data in the form of spherical images and Affine Hand-crafted and Learned-based detectors in the multi-stage TLS point cloud registration as test data; point clouds were used for the historic 17th-century cellars of the Royal Castle in Warsaw without decorative structures, two baroque rooms in the King John III Palace Museum in Wilanów with decorative elements, ornaments and materials on the walls and flat frescoes, and two modern test fields, narrow office, and empty shopping mall. The extended Structure-from-Motion was used to determine the tie points for the complete TLS registration and reliability analysis. The evaluation of detectors demonstrates that for the test sites exhibiting rich textures and numerous ornaments, a combination of AFAST, ASURF, ASIFT, SuperGlue and LoFTR can be effectively employed. For the point cloud registration of less textured buildings, it is advisable to use AFAST/ASIFT. The robust method for point cloud registration exhibits comparable outcomes to the conventional target-based and Iterative Closest Points methods.
Quantitative analysis of 3D seam shape according to easing conditions for efficient sewing using muslin
Authors: Lee Hyojeong , Park Sunhee , Lee Yejin
Published: December 2023

This study quantitatively analyzes the data of 3D seam shapes that alter according to easing conditions. By numerically approaching easing, which is only taught using traditional methods, this study suggests a method of analyzing the changes in 3D surface area, volume, and seam shape. The 3D data of the completed samples were obtained through a 3D scanner, the solid shapes were analyzed using reverse engineering, and a new program was developed. The shape, area, and volume of the data were analyzed, and the deformation rate was measured using the radius of curvature. Linear seam lines were bent because of the mechanical pushing inflicted by the garment with easing. The area increased dramatically as the ease amount increased when the seam lines were short, whereas it was relatively unaffected when seam lines were long. The radii of curvature for curved seam lines show that, for all samples, the waveform is high at the center where the seam is. The peak value did not increase for curved seams when the ease amount increased. The sum of the areas increased with a larger radius of curvature for the curved seams. It is a crucial reference for easing in garments regarding quantitative changes in seam shapes and volumes according to easing type and amount.
Chairside 3-D printed impression trays: a new approach to increase the accuracy of conventional implant impression taking? An in vitro study
Authors: Schmidt Alexander , Berschin Cara , Wöstmann Bernd , Schlenz Maximiliane Amelie
Published: December 2023

Purpose

A high transfer accuracy of the intraoral implant position to a model is required, to manufacture implant-supported restorations. However, clinically relevant deviations persist between the intraoral implant position and the model obtained, even for the benchmark conventional custom implant impressions with polyether. Thus, new approaches using 3-D printed impression trays may increase the transfer accuracy of implant impressions. The ability to adjust parameters such as the thickness of the layers and the influence of the openings in the impression tray could potentially affect accuracy.

Methods

Four different types of impression trays (n = 10 for each group) for the conventional impression technique were investigated: conventional custom impression tray, customized foil tray, chairside 3-D printed impression tray with the SHERA system, and the Primeprint system using an implant master model with four implants in the posterior region and a reference cube. After plaster model casting, all models were measured using a coordinate measuring machine, and the deviation from the reference dataset was determined. A statistical ANOVA analysis was performed (p < 0.05).

Results

Chairside 3-D printed impression trays showed the best results, followed by conventional custom impression trays. Implant impressions obtained using a customized foil tray exhibited the lowest accuracy. Statistically significant differences were observed between 3-D printed impression trays and conventional custom impression and customized foil trays (p < 0.05). Whereas, the implant position did not have any significant influence on accuracy (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Chairside 3-D printed impression trays significantly increase the transfer accuracy for implant impression taking.

Graphical Abstract
Fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) rs9939609 (A/T) polymorphism and food preference in obese people with low-calorie intake and non-obese individuals with high-calorie intake
Authors: Rahimlou Mehran , Ghobadian Bijan , Ramezani Ali , Hejazi Ehsan , Mazloomzadeh Saeideh , Hejazi Jalal
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study was to assess the connection between FTO rs9939609 (A/T) polymorphism and food preference. The study included 77 participants, 36 of whom were obese and had a low-calorie intake, and 41 non-obese participants with a high-calorie intake. Using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), the researchers calculated sweet and fatty food propensity scores. Genomic DNA was extracted from a peripheral blood sample from all participants, and FTO rs9939609 (A/T) polymorphism was assessed using standard methods. The study found no significant differences between the two groups in terms of sweet food preference (15.64 ± 10.53 in obese groups vs. 14.72 ± 7.95 in the non-obese group, p = 0.711) and fatty food preference (16.81 ± 8.84 vs. 17.27 ± 8.75; p = 0.833). Additionally, the study did not find any significant correlation between FTO rs9939609 (A/T) polymorphism and sweet and fatty food preferences in the fully adjusted models (p > 0.05). Therefore, the results of this study do not support the hypothesis of different food preferences.
Aortic valve replacement in a 41-year-old woman with uncorrected tetralogy of Fallot, pulmonary atresia, and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries: a case report
Authors: Saito Kazutomo , Iwasaki Yudai , Tasaki Takahiro , Saito Hidehisa , Toyama Hiroaki , Ejima Yutaka , Yamauchi Masanori
Published: December 2023

Background

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a complex cyanotic congenital heart disease. As most patients with TOF undergo palliative or radical surgical repair during childhood, cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for adult survivors with unrepaired TOF is exceedingly rare.

Case presentation

A 41-year-old woman with unrepaired TOF, pulmonary atresia (PA), and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) developed acute infectious endocarditis (IE). As vegetation gradually increased despite intravenous antibiotic administration, she was scheduled for urgent aortic valve replacement under CPB. Pulmonary blood flow was primarily provided by the MAPCAs originating from the descending aorta. Intra-aortic balloon occlusion for MAPCAs was performed to ensure a bloodless surgical field. Aortic valve replacement was successful.

Conclusion

An adult with uncorrected TOF developed acute IE and subsequently had successful cardiac surgery under CPB. Understanding TOF physiology with PA and MAPCAs, particularly pulmonary blood flow through MAPCAs, is crucial.