bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index Combined with Calf Circumference Can be a Good Predictor of Prognosis in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Gastric or Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zheng Xin , Shi Jin-Yu , Wang Zi-Wen , Ruan Guo-Tian , Ge Yi-Zhong , Lin Shi-Qi , Liu Chen-An , Chen Yue , Xie Hai-Lun , Song Meng-Meng , Liu Tong , Yang Ming , Liu Xiao-Yue , Deng Li , Cong Ming-Hua , Shi Han-Ping
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To explore the effect of combined hematological and physical measurement indicators on the prognosis of patients undergoing surgery for gastric or colorectal cancer and to screen for the best prognostic indicators.

Introduction

Gastric and colorectal cancer is a widespread health concern worldwide and one of the major contributors to cancer-related death. The hematological and physical measurement indicators have been shown to associate with the prognosis of patients undergoing surgery for gastric or colorectal cancer, respectively, but it is still unclear whether the combination of the two can reflect the prognosis more effectively.

Methods

Thirteen hematological indicators and 5 physical measurement indicators were selected in this study, and the most promising ones were screened using LASSO regression. Then, the best prognostic indicators were selected by time-ROC curves. Survival curves were constructed using the Kaplan–Meier method, and the effects of hematological and physical measurement indicators on the prognosis of patients undergoing surgery for gastric or colorectal cancers were evaluated by Cox proportional risk regression analysis. In addition, the relationship between hematological and physical measurement indicators on secondary outcomes, including length of stay, hospitalization costs, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and patients’ subjective global assessment scores (PGSGA), was explored.

Results

After initial screening, among the hematological indicators, the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) showed the highest mean area under the curve (AUC) values. Among body measures, calf circumference (CC) showed the highest mean AUC value. Further analyses showed that the combination of combined nutritional prognostic index (GNRI) and calf circumference (CC) (GNRI-CC) had the best performance in predicting the prognosis of patients undergoing surgery for gastric or colorectal cancers. Low GNRI, low CC, and low GNRI-low CC increased the risk of death by 44%, 48%, and 104%, respectively. Sensitivity analyses showed the same trend. In addition, low GNRI-low CC increased the risk of malnutrition by 17%.

Conclusion

This study emphasizes that a combination of blood measures and body measures is essential to accurately assess the prognosis of patients undergoing surgery for gastric or colorectal cancers. The GNRI-CC is a good prognostic indicator and can also assess the risk of possible malnutrition.
A study on coupled edgewise and flapwise vibration modes of wind turbine blade
Authors: Saram Muhammad Usman , Yang Jianming
Published: February 2024

The coupled flapwise and edgewise vibrations of a horizontal axis wind turbine blade (HAWT) are discussed in this paper. Kinetic and potential energies of the blade are evaluated with consideration of the effects of gravity and aerodynamic forces. Hamilton’s principle is employed to develop the nonlinear coupled modal equations of the blade. The coupling between the first order edgewise and the first two order of flapwise modes is considered. This leads to three equations with nonlinear terms. Multiple-scales perturbation method is employed to solve these equations. Furthermore, the numerical values of structural specifications of National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 5-MW reference wind turbine blade are used, for example. It is shown that first edgewise and first flapwise vibrations are dominant, while second flapwise mode of vibration is less significant in the case of transient responses. Energy transfer between resonant modes is observed in both internal and combination resonances. The amplitude–frequency curves and phase diagrams during primary and combination resonances are obtained for the steady-state responses. Combination and primary resonances are further examined by considering various factors such as geometric nonlinearity and aerodynamic force.
Painting the Way Forward: An Ecological Cultural Visual Analysis of Anti-VAW Public Art in Rural Ecuador
Authors: Kelly James Pepper , Cole Elizabeth , Sakazaki Amy , Herrera-Céspedes Carolina , Bates Benjamin R.
Published: February 2024

Despite efforts within Ecuador to combat violence against women (VAW), the country still claims some of the highest rates of violence in the Americas. In this study, we complete a cultural visual analysis of anti-VAW public art in a small Ecuadorian city. Visual data is examined and interpreted by way of the social-ecological model (SEM). Specifically, our analysis considers how murals engage with the depiction of (a) VAW, (b) agentic responses to VAW, and (c) the different layers of the SEM. Our analysis identifies four specific strategies for constructing public art messaging to help achieve freedom from VAW.
Z-suture scleral fixation intraocular lenses: A refractive and safety report
Authors: Barbosa Renato Correia , Carvalho Rui
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Scleral fixation of intraocular lenses constitutes a surgical option in cases where there is inadequate capsular support or zonular insufficiency. Knotless techniques, such as the z-suture technique, avoid suture-related complications, such as conjunctival erosion or exposure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the visual outcomes and postoperative complications of patients who underwent scleral z-suture fixation of the Akreos AO® intraocular lenses.

Methods

A retrospective, observational study was conducted, including 22 eyes of 20 patients who underwent Akreos AO® intraocular lenses using the z- suture scleral fixation technique.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 55,64 ± 28,47 years old, and the mean follow-up time was 25,64 months. The most common indication for surgery was previous complicated cataract surgey. The mean postoperative spherical equivalent was +0,058D ± 0,79D, with values ranging from - 1,50D to +1,00D. Mean best-corrected visual acuity was 0,178 ± 0,15 logMAR. Intraocular pressure was 15,07 ± 2,56 mmHg on the day after surgery, and 16 ± 2,15 mmHg 1 month after. No suture-related complications were observed in any patient postoperatively. One patient had a slight inferonasal lens dislocation and another patient had a severe case of herpetic keratitis posoperatively.

Discussion

The knotless z-suture technique appears to be a reliable and safe way to fix an intraocular lens in the sclera, regardless of the patient's age. Our results show good visual results and predictable refractive outcomes. Decades of follow-up may be necessary to assess the long-term risk of lens dislocation.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti2Ni alloy fabricated by direct energy deposition
Authors: Tian Yinbao , Liang Zhetao , Cai Yangchuan , Jiang Hongbing , Chen Minfang , Han Jian
Published: February 2024

It is difficult to prepare Ti2Ni alloys using traditional single-wire arc additive manufacturing. In this study, a Ti2Ni alloy wall was fabricated in situ by double-wire arc additive manufacturing with pure Ti and Ni wires, and the resulting material has the potential to be applied to spacecraft and ground armor protection. In the stable region, the Ti: Ni content ratio was close to 2:1 after stabilization, indicating that the as-built wall was very close to the designed composition (Ti2Ni). From the top of the wall to the substrate, the microstructure evolved as follows: Ti2Ni  +  NiTi → Ti2Ni  +  NiTi + α-Ti → α-Ti  +  Ti2Ni. In the stable region, the hardness remained stable at approximately 660 HV0.5.
Working against the clock: digital surveillance in US Medicaid homecare services
Authors: Mateescu Alexandra
Published: February 2024

This article explores the implementation of a digital verification system known as Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) across homecare services for older and disabled adults within the US Medicaid program. EVV systems are used to conduct daily check-ins through GPS tracking and biometric identity verification. While touted as a means to identify and deter “fraud, waste, and abuse,” the digital monitoring also generates detailed data trails on the lives and habits of service recipients, as well as constraining their daily movements. Drawing on qualitative interviews with workers and clients, I argue that this case study calls attention to how harms from digitalization of social welfare provision emerge from workplace surveillance and labor management, and how EVV becomes a tool for more finely tuning classifications of different types of paid and unpaid care. The burdensome digital compliance hurdles reinforced older employment tensions between the state, care workers, and public benefits recipients.
Responsive advice-giving to troubles in supervision interaction
Authors: Jian Zhiying
Published: February 2024

Advice-giving is not only a crucial pedagogic activity in student supervision but also responsive conduct to students’ expressions of trouble in talk in-interaction. However, we know little about how advice-giving arrives in such sequences. This study uses conversation analysis to examine supervisory advice-giving in responding turns after students express their trouble. It is demonstrated that students’ reports of trouble make supervisors’ advice-giving normatively relevant. But there may be additional work before the arrival of advice: (1) rephrasing students’ formulations of trouble, (2) using follow-up exploratory questions, and (3) sharing parallel experiences. They are considered to be moves that achieve epistemic symmetries on the advisable issues so the chance of advice resistance is minimized. When delivering the advice proper, two practices are discovered: the construction of It is not X but Y is aimed to mitigate the critical element; the just-formulation reflects supervisors’ orientation to the workability of the trouble. Overall, this set of findings provides that the elimination of epistemic asymmetry is key in the enactment of advice acceptance. The study draws on 67 episodes of responsive advice-giving sequences, found in 12 hours of video recordings of authentic supervision meetings in a UK institution.
‘Softballs’ for ‘Hardballs’: The congenial political interview on right-wing partisan TV news outlets
Authors: Patrona Marianna
Published: February 2024

Taking a conversation-analytic approach, this article examines potentially shifting norms of political interviewing against the surge of authoritarian populism and increasingly legitimated forms of political and discursive bias on affiliated partisan TV outlets. Based on four political interviews of Donald Trump and Steve Bannon on Fox News and GB News, the analysis documents changes in interviewing practices away from the conventions of accountability interviewing. These changes involve the design of IR questions, the interpersonal dynamics between IR and IE, and the interactional work performed by questions and political interviewing at large. It is demonstrated that, in the aftermath of organizational and ideological disruptions affecting partisan right-wing media such as Fox News, political interviewing enacts a congenial type of questioning, with attendant transformations in the negotiation of accountability. The analysis documents two variations of congenial interviewing practices, one in the absence of adversarial questioning, and the other in the presence of ostensibly accountability questions, that are nevertheless deployed as interviewer resources for doing strategic image-repair work in the benefit of the interviewee. The attested questioning practices have implications for the normalization of authoritarian populist discourses and agendas, and, also, for the future of journalism as watchdog and safeguard of democratic institutions in liberal democracies.
Better with Practice: Changes in Preservice Teachers’ Psychological Literacy by Counseling Pupils on Their Self-Regulated Learning
Authors: Horn Dorothea , Paetsch Jennifer , Drechsel Barbara
Published: February 2024

In a rapidly changing and challenging world, teachers as influential social agents can play an important and promising role to guide through but also bring about positive change to individuals and society as a whole. This potential stresses the importance of professionalization of teachers and the need for elaborate learning settings to equip (future) teachers as psychologically literate and reflective practitioners who systematically reflect and integrate practice and (psychological) theory. As part of the preservice teachers’ psychology curriculum, we implemented a theory–practice learning setting in their educational foundation studies that aims at fostering preservice teachers’ psychological literacy. Specifically, to reflect their own and other's behavior and to apply their psychological knowledge of learning and counseling principles into real-life counseling sessions. This study addresses the didactical concept of teaching psychology to non-psychology students and the results from its evaluation. In a quasi-experimental pre-posttest design with comparison group ( Nintervention  = 46; Ncomparison  = 102), we analyzed the effects of the seminar on the preservice teachers’ reflexivity, their beliefs about the theory–practice relationship and their agency. Results indicate that beliefs about the theory–practice relationship and the levels of reflection significantly increase through the practice task in the intervention group, but reflexivity and agency does not.
Relevance and effectiveness of primary school teachers’ professional development policy and practices in Oromia regional state, Ethiopia
Authors: Geletu Girma M
Published: February 2024

The study evaluated the relevance and effectiveness of primary school teachers’ professional development policy and practices in Oromia Regional State. The researcher used a mixed method with concurrent triangulation design. The researcher selected a total of 618 samples of the study using different sampling techniques such as purposive, convenience, stratified, and simple random sampling techniques. The data were collected from primary sources of data such as teachers, mentors, principals, supervisors, coordinating committees, and parents using questionnaires, interview, focus group discussion, document examination, and observation. The researcher analyzed the data using mean, standard deviation, one-way ANOVA and post-hoc test, and thematic narration. The findings of study showed that teachers’ professional development practices were powerless to update professional competencies and improve professional and innovative pedagogical practices in classrooms. Primary school teachers were not learning proficiently from continuous professional development practices to ensure basic and specific professional competencies required in classrooms. The implementations of reflective activities such as action researches, classroom observation, differentiated learning, collaborative learning, microteaching, and lesson studies couldn’t contribute to practical changes. The study forecasts the requirement of context specific policy framework and practical toolkit for newly deployed and experienced teachers rather than focusing on the generic policy document.
Disentangling the complexities of English language education policies in diverse contexts: A comparative study
Authors: Tantiniranat Sutraphorn , Fitriyah Siti Masrifatul , Pérez Gracia Elisa
Published: February 2024

This ecologically framed study highlights the complexities of English language education (ELE) policy making in Indonesia, Spain, and Thailand. The primary objectives are, first, to disentangle the complex influences that may have shaped the English language policies in the three contexts through an ecological lens, and second, to compare the crucial elements in their ELE policy making. Using an analytical model consisting of global, supranational, national, sub-national, and pedagogical influences, we conducted a thematic analysis on 18 documents selected for the purpose. The results identified both similarities and differences in the shaping influences of the ELE policies in the three contexts. This demonstrates that ELE policy is shaped by the nation’s unique characteristics. To improve the applicability of ELE policies, therefore, policymakers need to address the influences particular to the context and to be cautious when adopting or adapting policies deriving from other contexts, as there will never be a one-fit-for-all ELE policy.
Unusual Cause of Acute Stroke in a Young Woman with Patent Foramen Ovale – Duplicated Inferior Vena Cava and May-Thurner Syndrome
Authors: Longoria Summer , Romito Jia W. , Shah Samir H. , Ray Bappaditya
Published: February 2024

The etiology of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) may often remain uncertain despite diligent work-up, especially in young people. Although patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a frequent association during such work-up, the actual source of thromboembolism, like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), may not be found. Such associative pathology makes it challenging to prescribe anticoagulation for secondary stroke prevention.

We describe a young woman with a known history of PFO who presented with AIS and underwent endovascular reperfusion therapy. Post-thrombectomy, she developed hypoxic respiratory failure due to pulmonary embolism. Initiation of therapeutic anticoagulation was complicated by a retroperitoneal bleed necessitating imaging studies for etiological work-up. Computed tomographic angiography and venogram showed no active contrast extravasation but demonstrated duplication of the inferior vena cava with DVT in the right iliofemoral vein (RIFV). The proximity of the right common iliac artery compressing RIFV against the pelvic inlet is described as May-Thurner syndrome (MTS). Afterward, the patient was successfully treated with anticoagulation and PFO closure.

MTS is a rare and underdiagnosed cause of iliofemoral DVT. In patients with known PFO, MTS is a possible cause that needs consideration. Hence, appropriate diagnostic tests are necessary to initiate appropriate management and to prevent AIS recurrence.
Patients’ Experiences of a Precision Medicine Clinic
Authors: Barrett David , Sibalija Jovana , Kim Richard B
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of patients’ experiences using a precision medicine (PM) clinic that conducts pharmacogenomics-based (PGx) testing for adverse drug reactions. The study aimed to identify the features of the clinic valued most by patients and areas for improvement. A paper survey was used to collect data. Survey questions focused on patients’ perceptions of the PM testing and the overall clinic experience. Sixty-seven patients completed the survey. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS and frequencies were reported. Open-ended responses were coded and organized thematically. Patients reported that the clinic services increased confidence in their medication usage. Feeling respected by staff, receiving education, and quick appointments were highly valued by patients. Suggested areas for improvement included better communication from the clinic to patients, expansion of clinic services, and education for other healthcare providers. The findings demonstrate that patient experience goes beyond the clinical care provided. Current and potential future providers of PM should invest the time and energy to configure their care delivery system to enhance the patient experience.
Feasibility of implementing a screening tool for risk of opioid misuse in a trauma surgical population
Authors: Baltes Amelia , Horton David , Trevino Colleen , Quanbeck Andrew , Deyo Brienna , Nicholas Christopher , Brown Randall
Published: February 2024

Background

As the opioid crisis continues to affect communities across the United States, new interventions for screening and prevention are needed to mitigate its impact. Mental health diagnoses have been identified as a risk factor for opioid misuse, and surgical populations and injury survivors are at high risk for prolonged opioid use and misuse. This study investigated the implementation of a novel opioid risk screening tool that incorporated putative risk factors from a recent study in four trauma units across Wisconsin.

Method

The screening tool was implemented across a 6-month period at four sites. Data was collected via monthly meeting notes and “Plan, Do, Study, Act” (PDSA) forms. Following implementation, focus groups reflected on the facilitators and barriers to implementation. Meeting notes, PDSA forms, and focus group data were analyzed using the consolidated framework for implementation research, followed by thematic analyses, to generate themes surrounding the facilitators and barriers to implementing an opioid misuse screener.

Results

Implementation facilitators included ensuring patient understanding of the screener, minimizing staff burden from screening, and educating staff to encourage engagement. Barriers included infrastructure limitations that prevented seamless administration of the screener within current workflows, overlap of the screener with existing measures, and lack of guidance surrounding treatment options corresponding to risk. Recommended solutions to address barriers include careful timing of screener administration, accommodating workflows, integration of the screening tool within the electronic health record, and evidence-based interventions guided by screener results.

Conclusion

Four trauma centers across Wisconsin successfully implemented a pilot opioid misuse screening tool. Trauma providers and unit staff members believe that this tool would be a beneficial addition to their repertoire if their recommendations were adopted. Future research should refine opioid misuse risk factors and ensure screening items are well-validated with psychometric research supporting treatment responses to screener-indicated risk categories.
Cartographic ignorance and territorial misrepresentation: The 1967 redrawing of Israel’s national map
Authors: Amir Merav
Published: February 2024

Shortly after the June 1967 War, in which Israel seized vast territories beyond its borders, the Israeli government removed Israel’s internationally recognised border (the Green Line) from all official maps of the state. Since then, Israeli maps misrepresent the state’s sovereign territory and the occupied territories as one territorial unit. This article examines the changing of Israel’s national map by drawing on agnotology, the study of the production of ignorance, and critical settler colonial cartography scholarship. It first demonstrates that the misleading map has detrimentally eroded the legibility of the state’s territory for Israelis and impeded their ability to comprehend its geography, to argue that spatial ignorance may substantiate settler colonial endeavours. The article then turns to charting the ‘geography of ignorance’ that has underwritten the governmental decision to change the map. It argues that as government ministers resorted to dissembling their obliviousness to evade their complicity in an act of cartographic duplicity, they were misguided by their own cartographic misapprehensions. Ignorant of the ‘logo effect’ of national maps, they were unaware that by changing the map they were amalgamating Israel’s colonial expansionism into the spatiality of Israel’s nationhood. Since the deliberate inducing of ignorance is unruly, and the ramifications of such endeavours can easily escape the intentions and understandings of its propagators, agnotology research should account for how those who conspire to hamper the knowledge of others may be led astray by their own ignorance.
How I reduce and treat posttransplant relapse of MDS
Authors: Mina Alain , Greenberg Peter L. , Deeg H. Joachim
Published: February 2024

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only potentially curative option for patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Advances in conditioning regimens and supportive measures have reduced treatment-related mortality and increased the role of transplantation, leading to more patients undergoing HSCT. However, posttransplant relapse of MDS remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality for this procedure, necessitating expert management and ongoing results analysis. In this article, we review treatment options and our institutional approaches to managing MDS relapse after HSCT, using illustrative clinical cases that exemplify different clinical manifestations and management of relapse. We address areas of controversy relating to conditioning regimen intensity, chemotherapeutic bridging, and donor selection. In addition, we discuss future directions for advancing the field, including (1) the need for prospective clinical trials separating MDS from acute myeloid leukemia and focusing on posttransplant relapse, as well as (2) the validation of measurable residual disease methodologies to guide timely interventions.
Real-world effectiveness of Anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies compared to OnabotulinumtoxinA (RAMO) in chronic migraine: a retrospective, observational, multicenter, cohort study
Authors: Grazzi Licia , Giossi Riccardo , Montisano Danilo Antonio , Canella Mattia , Marcosano Marilena , Altamura Claudia , Vernieri Fabrizio
Published: February 2024

Background

Chronic migraine (CM) is a disabling condition with high prevalence in the general population. Until the recent approval of monoclonal antibodies targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide (Anti-CGRP mAbs), OnabotulinumtoxinA (BoNT-A) was the only treatment specifically approved for CM prophylaxis. Direct comparisons between the two treatments are not available so far.

Methods

We performed an observational, retrospective, multicenter study in Italy to compare the real-world effectiveness of Anti-CGRP mAbs and BoNT-A. Patients with CM who had received either treatment according to Italian prescribing regulations were extracted from available clinical databases. Efficacy outcomes included the change from baseline in monthly headache days (MHD), MIgraine Disability ASsessment test (MIDAS), and monthly acute medications (MAM) evaluated at 6 and 12 months of follow-up. The primary outcome was MHD change from baseline at 12 months. Safety outcomes included serious adverse events (SAE) and treatment discontinuation. Unadjusted and adjusted models were used for the analyses.

Results

Two hundred sixteen potentially eligible patients were screened; 183 (86 Anti-CGRP mAbs; 97 BoNT-A) were included. One hundred seventy-one (80 Anti-CGRP mAbs; 91 BoNT-A) and 154 (69 Anti-CGRP mAbs; 85 BoNT-A) patients were included in the efficacy analysis at 6 and 12 months of follow-up, respectively. Anti-CGRP mAbs and BoNT-A both resulted in a mean MHD reduction at 6 (-11.5 and -7.2 days, respectively; unadjusted mean difference -4.3; 95%CI -6.6 to -2.0; p = 0.0003) and 12 months (-11.9 and -7.6, respectively; unadjusted mean difference -4.4; 95%CI -6.8 to -2.0; p = 0.0002) of follow-up. Similar results were observed after adjusting for baseline confounders. Anti-CGRP mAbs showed a significant MIDAS (-31.7 and -19.2 points, p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0296, respectively) and MAM reduction (-5.1 and -3.1 administrations, p = 0.0023 and p = 0.0574, respectively) compared to BoNT-A at 6 and 12 months. No SAEs were reported. One patient receiving fremanezumab discontinued treatment due to arthralgia. Treatment discontinuations, mainly for inefficacy, were comparable.

Conclusion

Both Anti-CGRP mAbs and BoNT-A were effective in CM patients with Anti-CGRP mAbs presenting higher effect magnitude, with comparable safety. Still, BoNT-A remains a valuable option for CM patients with contraindications to Anti-CGRP mAbs or for frail categories who are candidates to local therapy with limited risk of systemic administration.

Graphical Abstract
Higher evolutionary dynamics of gene copy number for Drosophila glue genes located near short repeat sequences
Authors: Monier Manon , Nuez Isabelle , Borne Flora , Courtier-Orgogozo Virginie
Published: February 2024

Background

During evolution, genes can experience duplications, losses, inversions and gene conversions. Why certain genes are more dynamic than others is poorly understood. Here we examine how several Sgs genes encoding glue proteins, which make up a bioadhesive that sticks the animal during metamorphosis, have evolved in Drosophila species.

Results

We examined high-quality genome assemblies of 24 Drosophila species to study the evolutionary dynamics of four glue genes that are present in D. melanogaster and are part of the same gene family - Sgs1, Sgs3, Sgs7 and Sgs8 - across approximately 30 millions of years. We annotated a total of 102 Sgs genes and grouped them into 4 subfamilies. We present here a new nomenclature for these Sgs genes based on protein sequence conservation, genomic location and presence/absence of internal repeats. Two types of glue genes were uncovered. The first category (Sgs1, Sgs3x, Sgs3e) showed a few gene losses but no duplication, no local inversion and no gene conversion. The second group (Sgs3b, Sgs7, Sgs8) exhibited multiple events of gene losses, gene duplications, local inversions and gene conversions. Our data suggest that the presence of short “new glue” genes near the genes of the latter group may have accelerated their dynamics.

Conclusions

Our comparative analysis suggests that the evolutionary dynamics of glue genes is influenced by genomic context. Our molecular, phylogenetic and comparative analysis of the four glue genes Sgs1, Sgs3, Sgs7 and Sgs8 provides the foundation for investigating the role of the various glue genes during Drosophila life.
Genome analysis of Shewanella putrefaciens 4H revealing the potential mechanisms for the chromium remediation
Authors: Cai Yajun , Chen Xu , Qi Hanghang , Bu Fantong , Shaaban Muhammad , Peng Qi-An
Published: February 2024

Microbial remediation of heavy metal polluted environment is ecofriendly and cost effective. Therefore, in the present study, Shewanella putrefaciens stain 4H was previously isolated by our group from the activated sludge of secondary sedimentation tank in a dyeing wastewater treatment plant. The bacterium was able to reduce chromate effectively. The strains showed significant ability to reduce Cr(VI) in the pH range of 8.0 to 10.0 (optimum pH 9.0) and 25–42 ℃ (optimum 30 ℃) and were able to reduce 300 mg/L of Cr(VI) in 72 h under parthenogenetic anaerobic conditions. In this paper, the complete genome sequence was obtained by Nanopore sequencing technology and analyzed chromium metabolism-related genes by comparative genomics The genomic sequence of S. putrefaciens 4H has a length of 4,631,110 bp with a G + C content of 44.66% and contains 4015 protein-coding genes and 3223,  2414, 2343 genes were correspondingly annotated into the COG, KEGG, and GO databases. The qRT-PCR analysis showed that the expression of chrA, mtrC, and undA genes was up-regulated under Cr(VI) stress. This study explores the Chromium Metabolism-Related Genes of S. putrefaciens 4H and will help to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms of Cr(VI) tolerance and reduction in this strain, thus contributing to the better application of S. putrefaciens 4H in the field of remediation of chromium-contaminated environments.
Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction: associations with gut microbiota and genes expression of intestinal serotonergic pathway
Authors: Radocchia Giulia , Marazzato Massimiliano , Harbi Karim Ben , Capuzzo Elena , Pantanella Fabrizio , De Giorgio Roberto , Guarino Matteo , Costanzini Anna , Zenzeri Letizia , Parisi Pasquale , Ferretti Alessandro , Felici Enrico , Palamara Anna Teresa , Di Nardo Giovanni , Schippa Serena
Published: February 2024

Background

Pediatric chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (PIPO) is a rare disease characterized by symptoms and radiological signs suggestive of intestinal obstruction, in the absence of lumen-occluding lesions. It results from an extremely severe impairment of propulsive motility. The intestinal endocrine system (IES) jointly with the enteric nervous system (ENS) regulates secreto-motor functions via different hormones and bioactive messengers/neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) (or serotonin) is linked to intestinal peristalsis and secretory reflexes. Gut microbiota and its interplay with ENS affect 5-HT synthesis, release, and the subsequent serotonin receptor activation. To date, the interplay between 5-HT and gut microbiota in PIPO remains largely unclear. This study aimed to assess correlations between mucosa associated microbiota (MAM), intestinal serotonin-related genes expression in PIPO. To this purpose, biopsies of the colon, ileum and duodenum have been collected from 7 PIPO patients, and 7 age-/sex-matched healthy controls. After DNA extraction, the MAM was assessed by next generation sequencing (NGS) of the V3-V4 region of the bacterial RNA 16 S, on an Illumina Miseq platform. The expression of genes implicated in serotoninergic pathway (TPH1, SLC6A4, 5-HTR3 and 5-HTR4) was established by qPCR, and correlations with MAM and clinical parameters of PIPO have been evaluated.

Results

Our results revealed that PIPO patients exhibit a MAM with a different composition and with dysbiosis, i.e. with a lower biodiversity and fewer less connected species with a greater number of non-synergistic relationships, compared to controls. qPCR results revealed modifications in the expression of serotonin-related intestinal genes in PIPO patients, when compared to controls. Correlation analysis do not reveal any kind of connection.

Conclusions

For the first time, we report in PIPO patients a specific MAM associated to underlying pathology and an altered intestinal serotonin pathway. A possible dysfunction of the serotonin pathway, possibly related to or triggered by an altered microbiota, may contribute to dysmotility in PIPO patients. The results of our pilot study provide the basis for new biomarkers and innovative therapies targeting the microbiota or serotonin pathways in PIPO patients.
Designing tailored maintenance strategies for systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines using the Portfolio Maintenance by Test-Treatment (POMBYTT) framework
Authors: Oerbekke Michiel S. , Elbers Roy G. , van der Laan Maarten J. , Hooft Lotty
Published: February 2024

Background

Organizations face diverse contexts and requirements when updating and maintaining their portfolio, or pool, of systematic reviews or clinical practice guidelines they need to manage. We aimed to develop a comprehensive, theoretical framework that might enable the design and tailoring of maintenance strategies for portfolios containing systematic reviews and guidelines.

Methods

We employed a conceptual approach combined with a literature review. Components of the diagnostic test-treatment pathway used in clinical healthcare were transferred to develop a framework specifically for systematic review and guideline portfolio maintenance strategies.

Results

We developed the Portfolio Maintenance by Test-Treatment (POMBYTT) framework comprising diagnosis, staging, management, and monitoring components. To illustrate the framework’s components and their elements, we provided examples from both a clinical healthcare test-treatment pathway and a clinical practice guideline maintenance scenario. Additionally, our literature review provided possible examples for the elements in the framework, such as detection variables, detection tests, and detection thresholds. We furthermore provide three example strategies using the framework, of which one was based on living recommendations strategies.

Conclusions

The developed framework might support the design of maintenance strategies that could contain multiple options besides updating to manage a portfolio (e.g. withdrawing and archiving), even in the absence of the target condition. By making different choices for variables, tests, test protocols, indications, management options, and monitoring, organizations might tailor their maintenance strategy to suit specific contexts and needs. The framework’s elements could potentially aid in the design by being explicit about the operational aspects of maintenance strategies. This might also be helpful for end-users and other stakeholders of systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines.
Study on the correlation between iris blood flow, iris thickness and pupil diameter in the resting state and after pharmacological mydriasis in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Cui Lipu , Xiao Ying , Xiang Zhaoyu , Chen Zhangling , Yang Chenhao , Zou Haidong
Published: February 2024

Background

To investigate whether iris blood flow and iris thickness at the iris smooth muscle region affect the pupil diameter at rest and after drug-induced mydriasis in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

T1DM patients and healthy children were recruited from the SCADE cohort. T2DM patients and healthy adults were recruited from patients undergoing cataract surgery at Shanghai General Hospital. Iris vessel density, pupil diameter (PD) and iris thickness were measured in both the resting and drug-induced mydriasis states. Iris vessel density was measured by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), PD was measured by a pupilometer, and iris thickness at the iris smooth muscle regions were measured using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).

Results

The study included 34 pediatric T1DM patients and 50 adult T2DM patients, both groups without diabetic retinopathy, and age-sex-matched healthy controls. At baseline, T1DM children and healthy children showed no differences in iris blood flow, iris thickness, or PD. However, the adult T2DM group exhibited higher vessel density at the pupil margin, thinner iris thickness at the iris dilator region, and smaller PD compared to healthy adults, with these differences being statistically significant (P < 0.05). After pupil dilation, there were no changes in iris blood flow and PD in the T1DM group compared to healthy children, whereas the T2DM group showed a significantly smaller PD compared to healthy adults. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that in the T2DM group, glycated hemoglobin was an independent factor of PD after dilation (β=-0.490, p = 0.031), with no such factors identified in the T1DM group.

Conclusion

The insufficiently dilated pupil diameter after drug-induced mydriasis is correlated to the level of glycated hemoglobin among T2DM patients.

Trial registration

The registration number on the clinical trial website was NCT03631108.
Impact of COVID‑19 pandemic restrictions and subsequent relaxation on the prevalence of respiratory virus hospitalizations in children
Authors: Abushahin Ahmed , Toma Haneen , Alnaimi Amal , Abu-Hasan Mutasim , Alneirab Abdullah , Alzoubi Hadeel , Belavendra Antonisamy , Janahi Ibrahim
Published: February 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic and the consequently adopted worldwide control measures have resulted in global changes in the epidemiology and severity of other respiratory viruses. We compared the number and severity of viral acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) hospitalizations and determined changes in causative respiratory pathogens before, during, and after the pandemic among young children in Qatar.

Methods

In this single-center retrospective study, we reviewed data of children ≤ 36 months old who were admitted to Sidra Medicine in Qatar with a viral ALRTI during winter seasons (September–April) between 2019 and 2023. The study period was divided into three distinct seasons based on the pandemic-imposed restrictions as follows: (1) the period between September 2019 and April 2020 was considered the pre-COVID-19 pandemic season; (2) the periods between September 2020 and April 2021, and the period between January and April 2022 were considered the COVID-19 pandemic seasons; and (3) the periods between September 2022 and April 2023 was considered the post-COVID-19 pandemic season.

Results

During the COVID-19 season, 77 patients were admitted, compared with 153 patients during the pre-COVID-19 season and 230 patients during the post-COVID-19 season. RSV was the dominant virus during the pre-COVID-19 season, with a detection rate of 50.9%. RSV infection rate dropped significantly during the COVID-19 season to 10.4% and then increased again during the post-COVID-19 season to 29.1% (P < 0.001). Rhinovirus was the dominant virus during the COVID-19 (39.1%) and post-COVID-19 seasons (61%) compared to the pre-COVID-19 season (31.4%) (P < 0.001). The average length of hospital stay was significantly longer in the post-COVID-19 season than in the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 seasons (P < 0.001). No significant differences in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission rate (P = 0.22), PICU length of stay (p = 0.479), or respiratory support requirements were detected between the three seasons.

Conclusion

Our study showed reduced viral ALRTI hospitalizations in Qatar during the COVID-19 pandemic with reduced RSV detection. An increase in viral ALRTI hospitalizations accompanied by a resurgence of RSV circulation following the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions was observed without changes in disease severity.
Multimodal evoked potentials are useful for the diagnosis of pediatric acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
Authors: Liu Jing , Jin Mei , Zhang Meijie , Wang Yonggang , Sun Suzhen
Published: February 2024

Background

The application of evoked potentials (EPs) to the diagnosis of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM ) has not been investigated in detail. The aim of this study, therefore, was to analyze the value of multimodal EPs in the early diagnosis of pediatric ADEM.

Methods

This was a retrospective study in which we enrolled pediatric ADEM patients and controls (Cs) from neurology units between 2017 and 2021. We measured indices in patients using brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs), visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs), and then we analyzed their early diagnostic value in ADEM patients.

Results

The mean age of the ADEM group was 6.15 ± 3.28 years (range,1–12 years) and the male/female ratio was 2.1:1 The mean age of the Cs was 5.97 ± 3.40 years (range,1–12 years) and the male/female ratio was 1.3:1. As we used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the diagnostic criterion, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy (κ was 0.88) of multimodal EPs were highly consistent with those of MRI; and the validity could be ranked in the following order with respect to the diagnosis of ADEM: multimodal Eps > single SEP > single VEP > single BAEP. Of 34 patients with ADEM, abnormalities in multimodal EPs were 94.12%, while abnormalities in single VEPs, BAEPs and SEPs were 70.59%,64.71%and 85.3%, respectively. We noted significant differences between single VEP/BAEPs and multimodal EPs (χ2 = 6.476/8.995,P = 0.011/0.003).

Conclusions

The combined application of multimodal EPs was superior to BAEPs, VEPs, or SEPs alone in detecting the existence of central nerve demyelination, and we hypothesize that these modalities will be applicable in the early diagnosis of ADEM.
Isolated respiratory tract microorganisms and clinical characteristics in asthma exacerbation of obese patients: a multicenter study
Authors: Park Sojung , Hwang Yong Il , Lee Sei Won , Kim Hyo-Jung , Kim Byung-Keun , Lee Jin Hwa , Ryu Yon Ju , Kim So Ri , Chang Jung Hyun
Published: February 2024

Background

Viral infection is a risk factor for asthma exacerbation (AE). However, bacterial infections related to AE in adults are poorly known. On the other hand, obese patients with asthma have their own clinical and biological characteristics compared with non-obese patients.

Methods

We investigated the differences in isolated pathogens for AE between obese and non-obese patients with asthma. We included 407 patients with AE from 24 medical centers in Korea. Microorganisms isolated from culture, RT-PCR or serologic tests using lower respiratory tract specimens were retrospectively investigated.

Results

A total of 171 obese and 236 non-obese patients with asthma were included for analysis. Compared to non-obese patients, obese patients were associated with women (77.2% vs. 63.6%), never smoker (82.5% vs. 73.9%), shorter duration of asthma (7.9 ± 8.4 vs. 10.5 ± 10.1 years), less history of pulmonary tuberculosis (8.8% vs. 17.4%), and more comorbidity of allergic rhinitis (48.5% vs. 0.8%). Viral and/or bacterial infections were detected in 205 patients (50.4%) with AE. The numbers of patients with viral only, bacterial only, or both infections were 119, 49, and 37, respectively. The most commonly isolated bacterium was Streptococcus pneumoniae, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Chlamydia pneumoniae. Obese patients showed a lower incidence of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection. In the non-obese group, bacterial infection, especially Chlamydia pneumoniae infection, was significantly associated with the duration of systemic corticosteroid use (13.6 ± 19.8 vs. 9.7 ± 6.7 days, p = 0.049).

Conclusion

Bacterial infection was associated with a longer period of corticosteroid use in the non-obese group. Acute Chlamydia pneumoniae infection was less associated with obese patients with AE. Further well-designed studies are needed to evaluate microorganisms and the efficacy of antibiotics in patients with AE.
The effectiveness of low-level laser therapy and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in reducing pain induced by orthodontic separation: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Al-Hanbali Lama Mohammad Saffouh , Burhan Ahmad Sharafeddin , Hajeer Mohammad Younis , Nawaya Fehmieh Rafik
Published: February 2024

Background

The low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) have been recently applied to control pain during orthodontic treatment.

Objective

To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of LLLT and LIPUS in reducing pain induced by orthodontic separation.

Study design

A single-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Methods

One hundred and fifty patients were randomly assigned into three groups; LLLT group, LIPUS group, and control group. After 5 min from the separators’ placement, the first dose of the laser or the ultrasound was applied, the second dose was applied after 24 h, and the third dose was applied after 48 h on both maxillary and mandibular first molars. The exposure of laser was for 20 s at each point (maxillary and mandibular first molars), with an 810-nm aluminum-gallium-arsenide (AlGaAs) diode laser on continuous mode. The output power set at 150 mW, the energy density of 4 J/cm2, and a laser spot diameter of 7 mm were applied. Whereas the frequency of ultrasonic toothbrush was 1.6 MHz; and average output intensity was 0.2 W/cm2. The application was for 20 min (5 min on each first molar). The control group received the separators without another intervention. A Visual Analog Scale (VAS 100 mm) was used to assess pain intensity at several time intervals during the first four days after the separators’ placement.

Results

A total of 145 patients were assessed. There was a significant difference in pain perception among the three groups after 5 min (P = .002). The maximum pain level was reached after 24 h. However, the laser group and the ultrasound group showed a statistically significant decrease in pain scores compared to the control group at all the assessment time points (P < .001). Whereas there was no difference between the laser group and the ultrasound group in reducing the pain scores (P > .05).

Conclusions

The LLLT and the LIPUS effectively reduce the separation pain when applied in multiple doses without differences between them.

Trial registration

This trial was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS). (https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID= DRKS00029991). Date of registration: 26/08/2022.