bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical productivity did not suffer despite the states of emergency against the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Nakata Yoshinori , Watanabe Yuichi , Ozaki Akihiko
Published: October 2022

Background

The purpose of this study is to compute surgical total factor productivity with Malmquist index, and to evaluate the effects of states of emergency against the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on its productivity change. We hypothesized that the states of emergency significantly reduced surgical total factor productivity in Japan.

Methods

The authors collected data from all the surgical procedures performed in Teikyo University Hospital from April 1 through September 30 in 2019–21. Non-radial and non-oriented Malmquist model under the variable returns-to-scale assumptions was employed. The decision making unit (DMU) was defined as a surgical specialty department. Inputs were defined as (1) the number of medical doctors who assisted surgery, and (2) the duration of surgical operation from skin incision to closure. The output was defined as the surgical fee for each surgery. The study period was divided into fifty-one ten- (or eleven-) day periods. We added all the inputs and outputs of the surgical procedures for each DMU during these study periods, and computed its Malmquist index, efficiency change and technical change.

Results

Seven thousand nine hundred and thirty-one surgical procedures were analyzed. The overall productivity and efficiency progressed significantly both during states of emergency and during no states of emergency. Our subgroup analysis demonstrated that there were no surgical specialties that had significantly different productivity, efficiency or technical changes between states of emergency and no states of emergency.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that the surgical productivity did not suffer despite the states of emergency against the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan.
Comparative genomic and transcriptomic analyses of trans-kingdom pathogen Fusarium solani species complex reveal degrees of compartmentalization
Authors: Hoh Daphne Z. , Lee Hsin-Han , Wada Naohisa , Liu Wei-An , Lu Min R. , Lai Cheng-Kuo , Ke Huei-Mien , Sun Pei-Feng , Tang Sen-Lin , Chung Wen-Hsin , Chen Ying-Lien , Chung Chia-Lin , Tsai Isheng Jason
Published: October 2022

Background

TheFusarium solanispecies complex (FSSC) comprises fungal pathogens responsible for mortality in a diverse range of animals and plants, but their genome diversity and transcriptome responses in animal pathogenicity remain to be elucidated. We sequenced, assembled and annotated six chromosome-level FSSC clade 3 genomes of aquatic animal and plant host origins. We established a pathosystem and investigated the expression data ofF. falciformeandF. keratoplasticumin Chinese softshell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis)host.

Results

Comparative analyses between the FSSC genomes revealed a spectrum of conservation patterns in chromosomes categorised into three compartments: core, fast-core (FC), and lineage-specific (LS). LS chromosomes contribute to variations in genomes size, with up to 42.2% of variations betweenF. vanetteniistrains. Each chromosome compartment varied in structural architectures, with FC and LS chromosomes contain higher proportions of repetitive elements with genes enriched in functions related to pathogenicity and niche expansion. We identified differences in both selection in the coding sequences and DNA methylation levels between genome features and chromosome compartments which suggest a multi-speed evolution that can be traced back to the last common ancestor ofFusarium. We further demonstrated thatF. falciformeandF. keratoplasticumare opportunistic pathogens by inoculatingP. sinensiseggs and identified differentially expressed genes also associated with plant pathogenicity. These included the most upregulated genes encoding the CFEM (Common in Fungal Extracellular Membrane) domain.

Conclusions

The high-quality genome assemblies provided new insights into the evolution of FSSC chromosomes, which also serve as a resource for studies of fungal genome evolution and pathogenesis. This study also establishes an animal model for fungal pathogens of trans-kingdom hosts.
Effectiveness of letters to patients with or without Cochrane blogshots on 10-year cardiovascular risk change among women in menopausal transition: 6-month three-arm randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jurić Petričević Slavica , Buljan Ivan , Bjelanović Dora , Mrduljaš-Đujić Nataša , Pekez Tanja , Ćurković Mario , Vojvodić Željko , Pavličević Ivančica , Marušić Matko , Marušić Ana
Published: October 2022

Background

Health information and patient education on lifestyle changes may have a positive effect on the prevention of many chronic conditions, especially cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). We performed a parallel, three-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 6-month educational intervention in a form of letters containing a reminder of the participant’s CVD risk with or without Cochrane blogshots to reduce CVD risk among women aged 45–65 with one or more known CVD risk factors.

Methods

The control group received a letter about their CVD risk at the beginning of the trial. The intervention groups received the initial letter about their CVD risk and remainder letters about their CVD risk every 2 months, with or without Cochrane blogshots: (1) effect of calcium in the prevention of high blood pressure, (2) effect of reducing saturated fat acids in eating habits, and (3) effects of green and black tea in CVD prevention. The primary outcome was CVD risk reduction calculated as the difference between the baseline and 6-month score for a 10-year risk of fatal CVD according to the ACC/AHA guidelines.

Results

After both interventions, CVD risk reduction was significantly higher compared to the control group (P < 0.001, Kruskal-Wallis H test). The number of participants who decreased their CV risk was 29% (20/70) in the control group, 69% (48/70) in the group receiving the reminder letters, and 70% (49/70) in the group receiving the reminder letters and blogshots. The number needed to treat to achieve risk reduction was 2.41 (95% CI = 1.77 to 3.78) for letters with a CVD risk reminder and 2.50 (1.81 to 4.03) for letters with a reminder and a blogshot. The group receiving reminder letters with Cochrane blogshots had a significant change in the category of CVD risk, mainly from high to moderate and from moderate to low CVD risk category.

Conclusions

A simple and inexpensive intervention method in a form of letters reminding women about their CVD risk with or without providing additional health information in the form of Cochrane blogshots about interventions for important CVD risk factors may be effective in CVD management and could be considered by primary care providers.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04601558. Retrospectively registered on October 19, 2020
Combined enhancement of the propionyl-CoA metabolic pathway for efficient androstenedione production in Mycolicibacterium neoaurum
Authors: Su Zhenhua , Zhang Zhenjian , Yu Jian , Yuan Congcong , Shen Yanbing , Wang Jianxin , Su Liqiu , Wang Min
Published: October 2022

Background

The production of androstenedione (AD) from phytosterols by Mycolicibacterium neoaurum is a multi-step biotransformation process, which requires degradation of sterol side chains, accompanied by the production of propionyl-CoA. However, the transient production of large amounts of propionyl-CoA can accumulate intracellularly to produce toxic effects and severely inhibit AD production.

Results

In the present study, the intracellular propionyl-CoA concentration was effectively reduced and the productivity of the strain was improved by enhancing the cytosolic methyl-branched lipid synthesis pathway and increasing the expression level of nat operator gene, respectively. Subsequently, the application of a pathway combination strategy, combined and the inducible regulation strategy, further improved AD productivity with a maximum AD conversion rate of 96.88%, an increase of 13.93% over the original strain.

Conclusions

Overall, we provide a new strategy for reducing propionyl-CoA stress during biotransformation for the production of AD and other steroidal drugs using phytosterols.
Scale-up of an amoeba-based process for the production of the cannabinoid precursor olivetolic acid
Authors: Kufs Johann E. , Reimer Christin , Steyer Emily , Valiante Vito , Hillmann Falk , Regestein Lars
Published: October 2022

Background

The availability of new biological platform organisms to get access to innovative products and processes is fundamental for the progress in biotechnology and bioeconomy. The amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum represents a novel host system that has recently been employed for both the discovery of new natural products and as a cell factory for the production of bioactive compounds such as phytochemicals. However, an essential parameter to evaluate the potential of a new host system is the demonstration of its scalability to allow industrial applicability. Here, we aimed to develop a bioprocess for the production of olivetolic acid, the main precursor of cannabinoids synthesized by a recently engineered D. discoideum strain.

Results

In this study, a sophisticated approach is described to scale-up an amoeba-based polyketide production process in stirred tank bioreactors. Due to the shear sensitivity of the cell wall lacking amoebae, the maximum local energy dissipation rate (εmax) was selected as a measure for the hydromechanical stress level among different scales. By performing 1.6-L scale batch fermentations with different stress conditions, we determined a maximum tolerable εmax of 3.9 W/kg for D. discoideum. Further, we used this parameter as scale-up criterion to develop a bioprocess for olivetolic acid production starting from a 7-L stirred tank reactor to the industrially relevant 300-L scale with a product concentration of 4.8 µg/L, a productivity of 0.04 µg/L/h and a yield of 0.56 µg/g glucose.

Conclusion

We developed a robust and reliable scale-up strategy for amoeba-based bioprocesses and evaluated its applicability for the production of the cannabinoid precursor olivetolic acid. By determining the maximum tolerable hydromechanical stress level for D. discoideum, we were able to scale-up the process from shake flasks to the 300-L stirred tank reactor without any yield reduction from cell shearing. Hence, we showed the scalability and biotechnological exploitation of amoeba-based processes that can provide a reasonable alternative to chemical syntheses or extractions of phytochemicals from plant biomass.
Targeted delivery and ROS-responsive release of Resolvin D1 by platelet chimeric liposome ameliorates myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Weng Xueyi , Tan Haipeng , Huang Zheyong , Chen Jing , Zhang Ning , Wang Qiaozi , Li Qiyu , Gao Jinfeng , Sun Dili , Yakufu Wusiman , Wang Zhengmin , Li Weiyan , Zhu Guangrui , Pang Zhiqing , Song Yanan , Qian Juying , Ge Junbo
Published: October 2022

Resolvin D1 (RvD1) has been shown to provide effective protection against ischemia–reperfusion injury in multiple vital organs such as the heart, brain, kidney. However, the clinical translational potential of systemic administration of RvD1 in the treatment of ischemia–reperfusion injury is greatly limited due to biological instability and lack of targeting ability. Combining the natural inflammatory response and reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction after reperfusion injury, we developed a platelet-bionic, ROS-responsive RvD1 delivery platform. The resulting formulation enables targeted delivery of RvD1 to the injury site by hijacking circulating chemotactic monocytes, while achieving locally controlled release. In a mouse model of myocardial ischemia repefusuin (MI/R) injury, intravenous injection of our formula resulted in the enrichment of RvD1 in the injured area, which in turn promotes clearance of dead cells, production of specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs), and angiogenesis during injury repair, effectively improving cardiac function. This delivery system integrates drug bio-protection, targeted delivery and controlled release, which endow it with great clinical translational value.
An NADPH sensor that regulates cell ferroptosis
Authors: Kuang Guixing , Wang Weidong , Xiong Dan , Zeng Chong
Published: October 2022

Ferroptosis is a new form of programmed cell death, which achieved great breakthroughs in cell biology during past decade. However, the regulation of ferroptosis is yet to be identified thoroughly. The latest study published on Nature cell biology by Nguyen and colleagues found a new NADPH sensor, MARCHF6 an E3 ubiquitin ligase, mediates ferroptosis in tumor growth and animal development. This finding provides a novel insight into ubiquitin system and energy metabolism in regulation of ferroptosis, which may open up new avenues for tumor treatment.
Domino hepatocyte transplantation using explanted human livers with metabolic defects attenuates D-GalN/LPS-induced acute liver failure
Authors: Zhou Guang-Peng , Li Shi-Peng , Jiang Yi-Zhou , Sun Jie , Tan Yu-Le , Zeng Zhi-Gui , Wei Lin , Qu Wei , Sun Li-Ying , Zhu Zhi-Jun
Published: October 2022

Background

Explanted livers from patients with inherited metabolic liver diseases possess the potential to be a cell source of good-quality hepatocytes for hepatocyte transplantation (HT). This study evaluated the therapeutic effects of domino HT using hepatocytes isolated from explanted human livers for acute liver failure (ALF).

Methods

Isolated hepatocytes were evaluated for viability and function and then transplanted into d-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced ALF mice via splenic injection. The survival rate was analyzed by the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test. Liver function was evaluated by serum biochemical parameters, and inflammatory cytokine levels were measured by ELISA. The pathological changes in the liver tissues were assessed by hematoxylin–eosin staining. Hepatocyte apoptosis was investigated by TUNEL, and hepatocyte apoptosis-related proteins were detected by western blot. The localization of human hepatocytes in the injured mouse livers was detected by immunohistochemical analyses.

Results

Hepatocytes were successfully isolated from explanted livers of 10 pediatric patients with various liver-based metabolic disorders, with an average viability of 85.3% ± 13.0% and average yield of 9.2 × 106 ± 3.4 × 106 cells/g. Isolated hepatocytes had an excellent ability to secret albumin, produce urea, uptake indocyanine green, storage glycogen, and express alpha 1 antitrypsin, albumin, cytokeratin 18, and CYP3A4. Domino HT significantly reduced mortality, decreased serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, and improved the pathological damage. Moreover, transplanted hepatocytes inhibited interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels. Domino HT also ameliorates hepatocyte apoptosis, as evidenced by decreased TUNEL positive cells. Positive staining for human albumin suggested the localization of human hepatocytes in ALF mice livers.

Conclusion

Explanted livers from patients with inheritable metabolic disorders can serve as a viable cell source for cell-based therapies. Domino HT using hepatocytes with certain metabolic defects has the potential to be a novel therapeutic strategy for ALF.
CASA: a comprehensive database resource for the COVID-19 Alternative Splicing Atlas
Authors: Chen Yaxin , Wang Gang , Li Jingyi , Xia Lei , Zhu Lin , Li Wenxing , Luo Qiang , Liao Yinlu , Lin Yao , Bi Liyun , Chen Hubin , Chu Jiemei , Li Yueqi , Su Jinming , Ye Li , Jiang Jun-jun , Liang Hao , Li Weimin , An Sanqi
Published: October 2022

Background

As a key process in transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, alternative splicing (AS) plays a crucial role in maintaining the diversity of RNA and protein expression, and mediates the immune response in infectious diseases, especially for the COVID-19. Therefore, urgent data gathering and more research of AS profiles in microbe-infected human cells are needed to improve understanding of COVID-19 and related infectious diseases. Herein, we have created CASA, the COVID-19 Alternative Splicing Atlas to provide a convenient computing platform for studies of AS in COVID-19 and COVID-19-related infectious diseases.

Methods

In CASA, we reanalyzed thousands of RNA-seq datasets generated from 65 different tissues, organoids and cell lines to systematically obtain quantitative data on AS events under different conditions. A total of 262,994 AS events from various infectious diseases with differing severity were detected and visualized in this database. In order to explore the potential function of dynamics AS events, we performed analysis of functional annotations and drug-target interactions affected by AS in each dataset. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), which may regulate these dynamic AS events are also provided for users in this database.

Results

CASA displays microbe-induced alterations of the host cell splicing landscape across different virus families and helps users identify condition-specific splicing patterns, as well as their potential regulators. CASA may greatly facilitate the exploration of AS profiles and novel mechanisms of host cell splicing by viral manipulation. CASA is freely available at http://www.splicedb.net/casa/.
Novel pathogenic variants in CUBN uncouple proteinuria from renal function
Authors: Gan Chun , Zhou Xindi , Chen Dan , Chi Huan , Qiu Jiawen , You Hui , Chen Yaxi , Wang Mo , Yang Haiping , Jiang Wei , Li Qiu
Published: October 2022

Background

Proteinuria is an unfavorable clinical condition highly associated with a risk of renal and cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, whether all proteinuria forms are linked to renal impairment are still unclear. Cubilin is an endocytic receptor highly expressed in renal proximal tubules mediating uptake of albumin, transferrin and α1-microglobulin.

Methods

Exome sequencing method initially identified candidate genes. With the application of exome sequencing combined with Sanger sequencing, we further focused on CUBN through bioinformatics analysis. The pathogenic effects of the potentially causative variants were verified utilizing complementary analysis of clinical data and systematic characterization of the variants’ expression and function with clinical samples and in vitro experiments in HEK293T cell lines along with in vivo experiments in mice.

Results

In this study, we identified four novel variants locating after the vitamin B12 (vitB12)-binding domain of Cubilin (encoded by CUBN, NM_001081.3: c.4397G > A (p.C1466Y), c.6796C > T (p.R2266X), c.6821 + 3A > G and c.5153_5154delCT (p.S1718X)) in two families. Moreover, the variants severely affected the expression and function of Cubilin in renal proximal tubules and caused albuminuria, increasing levels in urine transferrin and α1-microglobulin, but without progressive glomerular filtration barrier (GFB) impairment, vitB12 deficiencies or abnormal blood levels of HDL and albumin. Further mechanistic insights showed that the variants after the vitB12-binding domain of CUBN merely disrupted the association with Amnionless (AMN) that exhibited aberrant localization in cell cytoplasm rather than membrane.

Conclusions

Here, our findings suggested that different mutation types after the vitB12-binding domain of CUBN uncouple proteinuria from glomerular filtration barrier, that may be an unexpectedly common benign condition in humans and may not require any proteinuria-lowering treatment or renal biopsy.
The influence of 10-year Nuss bar placement on bar removal: a case report
Authors: Gu Haihua , Xu Guanxin , Liu Tianshu , Zhang Sai
Published: October 2022

Background

The Nuss bar is commonly used for minimally invasive correction of pectus excavatum and is usually removed within 2–3 years. Here, we report a case of 10-year bar placement after the Nuss procedure accompanied by unique complications of thoracic malformation that have not been described before. The asymmetric pectus carinatum caused by bar displacement and significant rib periosteal hyperplasia is described for the first time.

Case presentation

A 23-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due to the main complaint of obvious chest discomfort when lifting heavy weights. The bar removal was seriously delayed due to his loss to follow-up. Chest asymmetry and distant heart sounds were found during a physical examination. A chest CT scan demonstrated that the right end of the lower bar originally fixed outside the ribs had shifted into the thoracic cavity, and the left costal cartilage was obviously protruding. Additionally, the displaced bars were separated from the sternum and tightly attached to the pericardium, resulting in abnormalities of the anterior mediastinum. These secondary thoracic deformities made the patient extremely prone to massive hemorrhage or multiple rib fractures when sliding the bars out. However, serious consequences were avoided due to reasonable adjustments to the usual bar removal procedures.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates a specific type of bar displacement caused by prolonged placement of the bars and highlights the importance of rigorous follow-up of patients after the Nuss procedure.
Development and clinical validation of CT-based regional modified Centiloid method for amyloid PET
Authors: Kim Soo-Jong , Ham Hongki , Park Yu Hyun , Choe Yeong Sim , Kim Young Ju , Jang Hyemin , Na Duk L. , Kim Hee Jin , Moon Seung Hwan , Seo Sang Won
Published: October 2022

Background

The standard Centiloid (CL) method was proposed to harmonize and quantify global 18F-labeled amyloid beta (Aβ) PET ligands using MRI as an anatomical reference. However, there is need for harmonizing and quantifying regional Aβ uptakes between ligands using CT as an anatomical reference. In the present study, we developed and validated a CT-based regional direct comparison of 18F-florbetaben (FBB) and 18F-flutemetamol (FMM) Centiloid (rdcCL).

Methods

For development of MRI-based or CT-based rdcCLs, the cohort consisted of 63 subjects (20 young controls (YC) and 18 old controls (OC), and 25 participants with Alzheimer’s disease dementia (ADD)). We performed a direct comparison of the FMM-FBB rdcCL method using MRI and CT images to define a common target region and the six regional VOIs of frontal, temporal, parietal, posterior cingulate, occipital, and striatal regions. Global and regional rdcCL scales were compared between MRI-based and CT-based methods. For clinical validation, the cohort consisted of 2245 subjects (627 CN, 933 MCI, and 685 ADD).

Results

Both MRI-based and CT-based rdcCL scales showed that FMM and FBB were highly correlated with each other, globally and regionally (R2 = 0.96~0.99). Both FMM and FBB showed that CT-based rdcCL scales were highly correlated with MRI-based rdcCL scales (R2 = 0.97~0.99). Regarding the absolute difference of rdcCLs between FMM and FBB, the CT-based method was not different from the MRI-based method, globally or regionally (p value = 0.07~0.95). In our clinical validation study, the global negative group showed that the regional positive subgroup had worse neuropsychological performance than the regional negative subgroup (p < 0.05). The global positive group also showed that the striatal positive subgroup had worse neuropsychological performance than the striatal negative subgroup (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that it is feasible to convert regional FMM or FBB rdcSUVR values into rdcCL scales without additional MRI scans. This allows a more easily accessible method for researchers that can be applicable to a variety of different conditions.
Liver resection in a patient with persistent positive PCR test for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): a case report
Authors: Sugita Akiho , Inagaki Fuyuki F. , Takemura Nobuyuki , Nakamura Mai , Ito Kyoji , Mihara Fuminori , Yamamoto Kei , Morioka Shinichiro , Kokudo Norihiro
Published: October 2022

Background

The perioperative mortality rate is high in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and infection control measures for medical care providers must be considered. Therefore, the timing for surgery in patients recovering from COVID-19 is difficult.

Case presentation

A 65-year-old man was admitted to a hospital with a diagnosis of moderate COVID-19. He was transferred to our hospital because of risk factors, including heavy smoking history, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity (BMI 34). Vital signs on admission were a temperature of 36.1 °C, oxygen saturation > 95% at rest, and 94% on exertion with 3 L/min of oxygen. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed bilateral ground-glass opacities, predominantly in the lower lungs. Contrast-enhanced abdominal CT incidentally revealed a liver tumor with a diameter of 80 mm adjacent to the middle hepatic vein, which was diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). After being administered baricitinib, remdesivir, dexamethasone, and heparin, the patient’s COVID-19 pneumonia improved, his oxygen demand resolved, and he was discharged on day 13. Furthermore, the patient was initially scheduled for hepatectomy 8 weeks after the onset of COVID-19 following a discussion with the infection control team. However, 8 weeks after the onset of illness, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test was performed on nasopharyngeal swab fluid, which was observed to be positive. The positive results persisted till 10 and 11 weeks after onset. Both Ct values were high (≥ 31) out of 45 cycles, with no subjective symptoms. Since we determined that he was no longer contagious, surgery was performed 12 weeks after the onset of COVID-19. Notably, medical staff wearing personal protective equipment performed extended anatomical resection of the liver segment 8 ventral area in a negative-pressure room. The patient had a good postoperative course, with no major complications, including respiratory complications, and was discharged on postoperative day 14. Finally, none of the staff members was infected with COVID-19.

Conclusions

We reported a case regarding the timing of surgery on a patient with persistently positive PCR test results after COVID-19, along with a literature review.
The Food and Nutrition Security for Manitoba Youth (FANS) study: rationale, methods, dietary intakes and body mass index
Authors: Slater Joyce , Pilli Bhanu , Hinds Aynslie , Katz Alan , Urquia Marcelo L. , Sanguins Julianne , Green Chris , Cidro Jaime , Chateau Dan , Nickel Nathan
Published: October 2022

Background

Good nutrition and access to healthy foods are essential for child growth and development. However, there are concerns that Canadian children do not have a healthy diet, which may be related to dietary choices as well as lack of access to healthy foods. The FANS (Food and Nutrition Security for Children and Youth) study examined the nutrition and food security status of youth in the province of Manitoba, Canada. This paper describes methods, dietary intakes, and body mass index for the FANS study. 

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 1587 Manitoba grade nine students who completed a self-administered web-based survey. Data was collected on demographic characteristics, dietary intake (24-h recall), food behaviors, food security, and self-report health indicators. Dietary data was compared to national dietary guidelines (Dietary Reference Intakes and Canada’s Food Guide). Mean and median nutrient and food group intakes were calculated with corresponding measures of variability. Chi-square tests compared percentage of respondents not meeting key nutrients and food groups. Significant differences in percentage of total servings for each food group were determined by a Kruskal–Wallis test, and differences between different caloric groups were assessed using Dunn’s test for post-hoc comparisons. 

Results

Half of study respondents were female (50.5%). Median energy intake was higher in males (2281 kcal) compared with females (1662 kcal), with macronutrient distribution of 52%, 16%, and 32% for carbohydrates, protein, and fats respectively. Most participants consumed inadequate fibre (94%), vitamin D (90%), and calcium (73%), while median sodium intakes exceeded recommendations for males but not females. A majority of participants did not meet Health Canada’s recommendations for food group servings: Vegetables and Fruit (93%), Milk and Alternatives (74%), Meat and Alternatives (57%) and Grain Products (43%). Other Foods, including sugar sweetened beverages and juice, were consumed by most participants. Higher energy consumers had a greater proportion of food servings coming from Other Foods. 72.1% of students were classified as having a healthy weight and 25% were classified as overweight or obese.

Conclusion

Poor dietary intakes and body mass index values indicate an urgent need for policy and program strategies to support healthy eating habits and food awareness in Manitoba youth.
How is the Topic of Intersex Athletes in Elite Sports Positioned in Academic Literature Between January 2000 and July 2022? A Systematic Review
Authors: Jensen Marisa , Schorer Jörg , Faber Irene R.
Published: October 2022

Background

Within the topic of intersex athletes in elite sports, science has become a decisive factor in decision- and policy-making. However, in the academic literature approaches to this topic vary. An overview of these approaches is proposed to provide better insight into relevant aspects and underlying values and may serve as a starting point on the path toward a solid solution of the question of categorization of intersex athletes in elite sporting competition.

Objective

This systematic review aims to discover how the topic of intersex elite athletes is positioned in the academic literature from January 2000 to July 2022 from a neutral perspective.

Methods

A comprehensive search in eleven databases using the search terms [intersex* and sport*] yielded 87 articles. A qualitative content analysis was conducted to find all authors’ statements including perspectives on intersex athletes and proposals for solutions. Underlying values were extracted and connected to each other during axial coding.

Results

The results provide an overview of the sometimes-contradictory perspectives toward intersex elite athletes and proposals for solutions. Three core values were distilled: social justice for intersex elite athletes, competition fairness, and evidence-based practice. The authors’ statements disclose an interaction/conflict between social justice and competition fairness.

Conclusions

The results raise an important discussion on the role of science within the topic of intersex elite athletes. A multidisciplinary approach including scientists and other experts is suggested to find an appropriate solution. Additionally, more awareness on intersex variations is needed for a better overall understanding and to ensure a respectful approach for everyone involved.
BCG downregulates PD1 and PD-L1 expression in bladder cancer cells co-cultivated with peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Leite Katia R. M. , Morais Denis Reis , Massoco Cristina , Reis Sabrina T. , Viana Nayara I. , Silva Iran A. , Guimaraes Vanessa , Pimenta Ruan , Arantes Gabriel , Srougi Miguel , Nahas Willian Carlos
Published: October 2022

Purpose

BCG is the standard of care to treat high risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), reducing recurrence. PD-L1 is a ligand of the co-inhibitory receptor PD1 that has been shown to be expressed by tumor cells of distinct origin related to unfavorable prognosis. The development of a new class of target drugs that inhibit PD-L1 and PD1 has opened a new perspective for urothelial cancer treatment. Although there are few studies searching for the role of BCG over PD1 and PD-L1, many clinical trials are in course using the immune checkpoint inhibitors together with BCG as a new regime to treat NMIBC.

Material and methods

We analyzed the expression of PD1 and PD-L1 using qRT-PCR in RT4 bladder cancer (BCa) epithelial cells co-cultivated with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) after treatment with BCG.

Results

There was a significantly reduction in PD1 and PD-L1 expression by BCa epithelial cells after BCG treatment. In PBMC PD1 was significantly overexpressed.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that one of the mechanisms related to the success of BCG in reducing tumor recurrence in NMIBC may be related to the negative control of PD1 and PD-L1 in tumor cells.
A systems biology approach for investigating significantly expressed genes among COVID-19, hepatocellular carcinoma, and chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Sokouti Babak
Published: October 2022

Background

Worldwide, COVID-19’s death rate is about 2%, considering the incidence and mortality. However, the information on its complications in other organs, specifically the liver and its disorders, is limited in mild or severe cases. In this study, we aimed to computationally investigate the typical relationships between liver-related diseases [i.e., hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and chronic hepatitis B (CHB)] and COVID-19, considering the involved significant genes and their molecular mechanisms.

Methods

We investigated two GEO microarray datasets (GSE164805 and GSE58208) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among the generated four datasets for mild/severe COVID-19, HCC, and CHB. Then, the overlapping genes among them were identified for GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, protein–protein interaction network construction, hub genes determination, and their associations with immune cell infiltration.

Results

A total of 22 significant genes (i.e., ACTB, ATM, CDC42, DHX15, EPRS, GAPDH, HIF1A, HNRNPA1, HRAS, HSP90AB1, HSPA8, IL1B, JUN, POLR2B, PTPRC, RPS27A, SFRS1, SMARCA4, SRC, TNF, UBE2I, and VEGFA) were found to play essential roles among mild/severe COVID-19 associated with HCC and CHB. Moreover, the analysis of immune cell infiltration revealed that these genes are mostly positively correlated with tumor immune and inflammatory responses.

Conclusions

In summary, the current study demonstrated that 22 identified DEGs might play an essential role in understanding the associations between the mild/severe COVID-19 patients with HCC and CHB. So, the HCC and CHB patients involved in different types of COVID-19 can benefit from immune-based targets for therapeutic interventions.
Right ventricular function as a predictor of short-term mortality in patients with sepsis and septic shock: an observational study
Authors: Bendary Ahmed , Said Hany , Elemary Metwally , Mahrous Mohamed
Published: October 2022

Background

In recent years, attention has shifted to the role of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in prediction of clinical outcome among patients with septic shock. However, very few studies have correlated RV dysfunction with survival early in the course of sepsis. In the period from September 2021 to July 2022, we included a total number of 248 patients within 24 h of their presentation with sepsis. All patients were subjected to a comprehensive echocardiographic study to evaluate different parameters of RV function and LV systolic and diastolic functions. We aimed primarily to study the predictive value of RV dysfunction on 30-day all-cause mortality rates and ventilator-free days.

Results

Almost half of study population (48.4%) showed evidence of RV dysfunction (in isolation or with LV dysfunction), with 25.4% showing evidence of isolated RV dysfunction. Patients with RV dysfunction had a significantly higher APACHE 2 (P < 0.001) score and 30-day all-cause mortality rates (P = 0.003) compared to those without RV dysfunction. A significant association was reported between 30-d mortality and dysfunction status (P = 0.025). Those with no dysfunction had lower mortality (14.1%) than in those with RV dysfunction only (33.3%), LV dysfunction only (20%), and RV + LV dysfunction (31.6%). No significant difference was observed in ventilator free days according to dysfunction status (P = 0.081). A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that RV dysfunction was among the significant independent predictors for 30-day mortality (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.07–3.81, P = 0.031), controlling for the effect of age and gender.

Conclusions

In a cohort of ICU patients with early sepsis, RV dysfunction is found to be common and predictive of 30-day mortality irrespective to the LV function.
Emerging biomarkers for the detection of cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Thupakula Sreenu , Nimmala Shiva Shankar Reddy , Ravula Haritha , Chekuri Sudhakar , Padiya Raju
Published: October 2022

Background

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been continuously increasing, and this trend is projected to continue. CVD is rapidly becoming a significant public health issue. Every year there is a spike in hospital cases of CVD, a critical health concern in lower- and middle-income countries. Based on identification of novel biomarkers, it would be necessary to study and evaluate the diagnostic requirements or CVD to expedite early detection.

Main body

The literature review was written using a wide range of sources, such as well-known medical journals, electronic databases, manuscripts, texts, and other writings from the university library. After that, we analysed the specific markers of CVD and compiled a systematic review. A growing body of clinical research aims to identify people who are at risk for cardiovascular disease by looking for biomolecules. A small number of biomarkers have been shown to be useful and reliable in medicine. Biomarkers can be used for a variety of clinical applications, such as predicting heart disease risk, diagnosing disease, or predicting outcomes. As a result of the ability for a single molecule to act as a biomarker, its usefulness in medicine is expected to increase significantly.

Conclusions

Based on assessing the current trends in the application of CVD markers, we discussed and described the requirements for the application of CVD biomarkers in coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, rheumatic heart disease, and other cardiovascular illnesses. Furthermore, the current review focuses on biomarkers for CVD and the procedures that should be considered to establish the comprehensive nature of the expression of biomarkers for cardiovascular illness.
Role of foreign direct investments in agriculture, forestry and fishing in developing countries
Authors: Nyiwul Linus , Koirala Niraj P.
Published: October 2022

The primary sector is vital for growth and sustainable development in emerging countries. The combined effects of COVID-19 and geopolitical uncertainty on capital flows are likely to have profound impacts on many developing countries. In particular, decreased capital inflows into agriculture will negatively affect food security and growth. However, there remain limited literature on the role of capital inflows in this sector. In this paper, we examine the role that foreign capital inflows play in the development of the agricultural, forestry and fishing sectors in developing countries. Specifically, we use the panel vector autoregression approach that accounts for endogeneity. Using data from sixteen developing economies, we find that there exists bidirectional causality between foreign direct investments in agriculture, forestry and fishing and value added in these sectors. These bidirectional relationships reflect a cyclical effect between FDI and value added in the agriculture, forestry and fishing. The effect of FDI on value added in agriculture, forestry and fishing remains positive for up to five years in our model. This implies FDI has a medium- to long-term positive impact on value added in agriculture, forestry and fishing. The implication of this result is that countries with currently high FDI transaction costs or that have a generally less conducive investment environment can improve agriculture by eliminating these obstacles. This is because FDIs can lead to improved technologies and technical expertise, practices, management and other systems that benefit the host countries.
Analysis of the frequency of Martin–Gruber anastomosis in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Mohamed Hager El-Shehawy , Abdel-Monem Samia M. , Hammad Gamal Abdel-Ghafaar , Mahgoub Marwa Yahia
Published: October 2022

Background

Martin–Gruber anastomosis (MGA) is one of the most common anomalous innervations of the upper limb. It may alter the usual clinical picture and electrophysiological characteristics of median nerve (MN) injury or ulnar nerve (UN) injury.

Aim

To determine the mutual relation between MGA and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) regarding their association and to explore whether certain patterns of MGA are more prevalent in patients with CTS.

Methods

This study included 100 forearms of 64 subjects. They were 37 subjects complaining of unilateral or bilateral clinical symptoms of idiopathic CTS according to the criteria of the American Academy of Neurology and 27 subjects healthy or having traumatic lesions in either the upper or lower limbs with no neurological disorders. Electrophysiological studies of the MN and UN for the confirmation of CTS as well as the validation of MGA were done.

Results

By electrophysiological examination, MGA was encountered in 22% forearms of all the studied groups, mostly females. MGA type II and type III were the commoner types, each occurring in 40.9%, while type I and type IV each occurred in 9.1%. MGA type II was prevalent in the control group, while type III associated subjects with only clinical CT symptoms.

Conclusion

MGA is not prevalent in patients with CTS. Different types of MGA are present in CTS, but MGA was not implicated in the occurrence, severity, or electrodiagnostic features of CTS.
Distribution of Cancer and Cancer Screening and Treatment Services in Lagos: A 10-Year Review of Hospital Records
Authors: Omosun Adenike , Abayomi Akin , Ogboye Olusegun , Lajide Dayo , Oladele David , Popoola Abiodun , Banjo Adekunbiola A. , Chugani Bindiya , Mabadeje Bilikisu , Abdur-Razaak Hussein , Wellington Orebusola , Andu Lateefah , Adepase Abiola , Adesina Funke , Olonire Olorunfemi , Fetuga Adedoyin , Onasanya Oluwatosin , Awosika Flora , Folarin-Williams Omobosola , Anya Samuel E.
Published: October 2022

PURPOSE

In Lagos State, Nigeria, the population distribution of cancers is poorly described because studies are conducted at a few tertiary hospitals. Therefore, this study aims to map all health facilities where cancer screening takes place and describe the cases of cancer screened for and treated.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey to identify facilities involved in screening and management of cancers was performed followed by extraction of data on individual cases of cancer screened for and treated at these facilities from 2011 to 2020. All health care facilities in the state were visited, and the survey was performed using standardized national tools modified to capture additional information on cancer screening and treatment. Data analysis was performed using STATA version 14 and R version 3.6.3.

RESULTS

Cervical cancer was the commonest cancer, accounting for 55% of 2,420 cancers screened, followed by breast (41%), prostate (4%), and colorectal cancers (0.2%). Of the 7,682 cancers treated among Lagos residents, the top five were breast (45%), colorectal (8%), cervical (8%), prostate (5%), and ovarian (4%). The female:male ratio of cancer cases was 3:1. The peak age for cancer among females and males was in the 40- to 49-year age group and 60- to 69-year age group, respectively. The Ikorodu local government area had the highest rate of reported cancer per million population.

CONCLUSION

Cancer screening is poor with a significant gap in screening for breast cancer since it is the commonest cancer in the state. The findings indicate the urgent need for the establishment of organized screening programs for the predominant cancers in the state and the prioritization of cancer research that addresses key policy and program questions.
Quantifying the Value of the Molecular Tumor Board: Discordance Recommendation Rate and Drug Cost Avoidance
Authors: Walters Mary K. , Ackerman Andrew T. , Weese James L. , Ruggeri Antony , Mullane Michael P. , Hunt Alicia , Wilson Amanda , Ramczyk Brenda L. , Thompson Michael A.
Published: October 2022

PURPOSE

Molecular tumor boards (MTBs) provide interventions that assist the patient's primary oncologist's interpretation and application of precision oncology and avoid clinical and financial toxicities of prescribing inappropriate targeted therapy. In this article, we describe a novel method for illustrating MTBs value and recommendation discordance rate and report associated drug cost avoidance data.

METHODS

From January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021, patients assessed by our program's MTB were retrospectively evaluated. Recommendation discordance was defined as any disagreement between MTB therapeutic recommendations and those provided in the next-generation sequencing vendor's report.

RESULTS

In 2021, our program processed 1,119 next-generation sequencing orders via external vendors for 1,029 unique patients with a variety of solid tumor and hematologic malignancies. During this period, 962 patients were reviewed through our MTB process. MTB recommendation discordance rate was high (229 of 502; 45.6%) and varied across test vendors. Rationales for discordance included the following: low level of evidence (88% of patients), alternative standard of care available (60%), and tolerability concerns (42%), among others. Discordance was highest for Vendor C (30%), followed by Vendor A (24%) and Vendor B (8%). The most common drug classes not supported were mTOR, PARP, MEK, and PIK3CA inhibitors when recommended by vendors in off-label settings. MTB interventions accounted for $3,209,070 in US dollars in potential drug cost avoidance.

CONCLUSION

Therapeutic recommendation discordance rates can provide quantitative insight into the benefit of MTB. Discordance-associated drug cost avoidance further demonstrates MTB's financial value. These measures may be used as part of the justification for this service line within a cancer care program.
A size-consistent Grüneisen-quasiharmonic approach for lattice thermal conductivity
Authors: Gan Chee Kwan , Koh Eng Kang
Published: October 2022

We propose a size-consistent Grüneisen-quasiharmonic approach (GQA) to calculate the lattice thermal conductivity

where the Grüneisen parameters that measure the degree of phonon anharmonicity are calculated directly using first-principles calculations. This is achieved by identifying and modifying two existing equations related to the Slack formulae for

that suffer from the size-inconsistency problem when dealing with non-monoatomic primitive cells (where the number of atoms in the primitive cell n is greater than one). In conjunction with other thermal parameters such as the acoustic Debye temperature

that can also be obtained within the GQA, we predict

for a range of materials taken from the diamond, zincblende, rocksalt, and wurtzite compounds. The results are compared with that from the experiment and the quasiharmonic Debye model (QDM). We find that in general the prediction of

is rather consistent among the GQA, experiment, and QDM. However, while the QDM somewhat overestimates the Grüneisen parameters and hence underestimates

for most materials, the GQA predicts the experimental trends of Grüneisen parameters and

more closely. We expect the GQA with the modified Slack formulae could be used as an effective and practical predictor for

, especially for crystals with large n.