bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic LGALS1 Variants Are Associated with Heterogeneity in Galectin-1 Serum Levels in Patients with Early Arthritis
Authors: Triguero-Martínez Ana , Roy-Vallejo Emilia , Montes Nuria , de la Fuente Hortensia , Ortiz Ana María , Castañeda Santos , González-Álvaro Isidoro , Lamana Amalia
Published: June 2022

Galectin 1 (Gal1) exerts immunomodulatory effects leading to therapeutic effects in autoimmune animal models. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have been reported to show higher Gal1 serum levels than the healthy population. Our study aimed to find genetic variants on the Gal1 gene (LGALS1) modulating its expression and/or clinical features in patients with early arthritis (EA). LGALS1 was sequenced in 53 EA patients to characterize all genetic variants. Then, we genotyped rs9622682, rs929039, and rs4820293, which covered the main genetic variation in LGALS1, in 532 EA patients. Gal1 and IL-6 serum levels were measured by ELISA and Gal1 also by western blot (WB) in lymphocytes from patients with specific genotypes. Once disease activity improved with treatment, patients with at least one copy of the minor allele in rs9622682 and rs929039 or those with GG genotype in rs4820293 showed significantly higher Gal1 serum levels (p < 0.05). These genotypic combinations were also associated with higher Gal1 expression in lymphocytes by WB and lower IL-6 serum levels in EA patients. In summary, our study suggests that genetic variants studied in LGALS1 can explain heterogeneity in Gal1 serum levels showing that patients with higher Gal1 levels have lower serum IL-6 levels.
Neurogranin and Neurofilament Light Chain as Preclinical Biomarkers in Scrapie
Authors: Betancor Marina , Pérez-Lázaro Sonia , Otero Alicia , Marín Belén , Martín-Burriel Inmaculada , Blennow Kaj , Badiola Juan José , Zetterberg Henrik , Bolea Rosa
Published: June 2022

Prion diseases are diagnosed in the symptomatic stage, when the neuronal damage is spread throughout the central nervous system (CNS). The assessment of biological features that allow the detection of asymptomatic cases is needed, and, in this context, scrapie, where pre-symptomatic infected animals can be detected through rectal biopsy, becomes a good study model. Neurogranin (Ng) and neurofilament light chain (NfL) are proteins that reflect synaptic and axonal damage and have been studied as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers in different neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we evaluated Ng and NfL both at the protein and transcript levels in the CNS of preclinical and clinical scrapie-affected sheep compared with healthy controls and assessed their levels in ovine CSF. The correlation between these proteins and the main neuropathological events in prion diseases, PrPSc deposition and spongiosis, was also assessed. The results show a decrease in Ng and NfL at the protein and gene expression levels as the disease progresses, and significant changes between the control and preclinical animals. On the contrary, the CSF levels of NfL increased throughout the progression of the disease. Negative correlations between neuropathological markers of prion disease and the concentration of the studied proteins were also found. Although further research is needed, these results suggest that Ng and NfL could act as biomarkers for neurodegeneration onset and intensity in preclinical cases of scrapie.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Type-III Polyketide Synthases in Wheat and Possible Roles in Wheat Sheath-Blight Resistance
Authors: Geng Xingxia , Chen Yihua , Zhang Shufa , Gao Zhen , Liu Shuhui , Yang Qunhui , Wu Jun , Chen Xinhong
Published: June 2022

The enzymes in the chalcone synthase family, also known as type-III polyketide synthases (PKSs), play important roles in the biosynthesis of various plant secondary metabolites and plant adaptation to environmental stresses. There have been few detailed reports regarding the gene and tissue expression profiles of the PKS (TaPKS) family members in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In this study, 81 candidate TaPKS genes were identified in the wheat genome, which were designated as TaPKS1–81. Phylogenetic analysis divided the TaPKS genes into two groups. TaPKS gene family expansion mainly occurred via tandem duplication and fragment duplication. In addition, we analyzed the physical and chemical properties, gene structures, and cis-acting elements of TaPKS gene family members. RNA-seq analysis showed that the expression of TaPKS genes was tissue-specific, and their expression levels differed before and after infection with Rhizoctonia cerealis. The expression levels of four TaPKS genes were also analyzed via qRT-PCR after treatment with methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, abscisic acid, and ethylene. In the present study, we systematically identified and analyzed TaPKS gene family members in wheat, and our findings may facilitate the cloning of candidate genes associated with resistance to sheath blight in wheat.
Expression of Pinellia pedatisecta Agglutinin PPA Gene in Transgenic Sugarcane Led to Stomata Patterning Change and Resistance to Sugarcane Woolly Aphid, Ceratovacuna lanigera Zehntner
Authors: Zhao Mengyu , Zhou Yuming , Su Liangyinan , Li Guomeng , Huang Zizhou , Huang Dunyou , Wu Weimin , Zhao Yang
Published: June 2022

The sugarcane woolly aphid is one of the main pests of sugarcane worldwide. The Pinellia pedatisecta agglutinin (PPA) gene has been demonstrated to function towards aphid resistance in other crops. In our study, in order to investigate the PPA function towards aphid control in sugarcane and its underlying mechanism, the PPA gene was overexpressed in a sugarcane Zhongzhe 1 (ZZ1) cultivar in independent transgenic sugarcane lines. It was confirmed in this study that PPA transgenic sugarcane can resist aphids via detecting the aphids’ development and tracing the survival number on PPA−transgenic sugarcane lines as well as PPA negative control lines. The mechanism of PPA lectin−associated defense against aphids was preliminarily explored. Stomatal patterning differences of sugarcane leaves between PPA−transgenic sugarcane lines and negative control lines were found. PPA overexpression led to an increase in stomata number and a decrease in stomata size that might have changed the transpiration status, which is critical for aphids’ passive feeding. Moreover, the antioxidant enzyme, sugar, tannin and chlorophyll content in sugarcane leaves before and after aphid infestation was determined. The results indicated that PPA overexpression in sugarcane resulted in an increase in antioxidant enzyme activity and tannin content, as well as a reduction in the decline of certain sugars. These together may improve sugarcane resistance against the sugarcane woolly aphid.
The Xanthophyll Carotenoid Lutein Reduces the Invasive Potential of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Increases Its Susceptibility to Tobramycin
Authors: Mahavy Christian Emmanuel , Mol Adeline , Andrianarisoa Blandine , Duez Pierre , Jaziri Mondher El , Baucher Marie , Rasamiravaka Tsiry
Published: June 2022

Recently, the xanthophyll carotenoid lutein has been qualified as a potential quorum sensing (QS) and biofilm inhibitor against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. To address the potential of this xanthophyll compound as a relevant antivirulence agent, we investigated in depth its impact on the invasion capabilities and aggressiveness of P. aeruginosa PAO1, which rely on the bacterial ability to build and maintain protective barriers, use different types of motilities and release myriad virulence factors, leading to host cell and tissue damages. Our data, obtained on the PAO1 strain, indicate that all-trans lutein (Lut; 22 µM) disrupts biofilm formation and disorganizes established biofilm structure without affecting bacterial viability, while improving the bactericidal activity of tobramycin against biofilm-encapsulated PAO1 cells. Furthermore, this xanthophyll affects PAO1 twitching and swarming motilities while reducing the production of the extracellular virulence factors pyocyanin, elastase and rhamnolipids as well as the expression of the QS-regulated lasB and rhlA genes without inhibiting the QS-independent aceA gene. Interestingly, the expression of the QS regulators rhlR/I and lasR/I is significantly reduced as well as that of the global virulence factor regulator vfr, which is suggested to be a major target of Lut. Finally, an oxidative metabolite of Lut, 3′-dehydrolutein, induces a similar inhibition phenotype. Taken together, lutein-type compounds represent potential agents to control the invasive ability and antibiotic resistance of P. aeruginosa.
Genes Possessing the Most Frequent DNA DSBs Are Highly Associated with Development and Cancers, and Essentially Overlap with the rDNA-Contacting Genes
Authors: Tchurikov Nickolai A. , Alembekov Ildar R. , Klushevskaya Elena S. , Kretova Antonina N. , Keremet Ann M. , Sidorova Anastasia E. , Meilakh Polina B. , Chechetkin Vladimir R. , Kravatskaya Galina I. , Kravatsky Yuri V.
Published: June 2022

Double-strand DNA breakes (DSBs) are the most deleterious and widespread examples of DNA damage. They inevitably originate from endogenous mechanisms in the course of transcription, replication, and recombination, as well as from different exogenous factors. If not properly repaired, DSBs result in cell death or diseases. Genome-wide analysis of DSBs has revealed the numerous endogenous DSBs in human chromosomes. However, until now, it has not been clear what kind of genes are preferentially subjected to breakage. We performed a genetic and epigenetic analysis of the most frequent DSBs in HEK293T cells. Here, we show that they predominantly occur in the active genes controlling differentiation, development, and morphogenesis. These genes are highly associated with cancers and other diseases. About one-third of the genes possessing frequent DSBs correspond to rDNA-contacting genes. Our data suggest that a specific set of active genes controlling morphogenesis are the main targets of DNA breakage in human cells, although there is a specific set of silent genes controlling metabolism that also are enriched in DSBs. We detected this enrichment by different activators and repressors of transcription at DSB target sites, as well breakage at promoters. We propose that both active transcription and silencing of genes give a propensity for DNA breakage. These results have implications for medicine and gene therapy.
Macrophage Polarization: Learning to Manage It
Authors: Lampiasi Nadia
Published: June 2022

To date, four reviews and seven experimental articles have been published in this Special Issue [...]
Triatoma guazu Lent and Wygodzinsky Is a Junior Synonym of Triatoma williami Galvão, Souza and Lima
Authors: Oliveira Correia João Paulo Sales , Gil-Santana Hélcio Reinaldo , Dale Carolina , Galvão Cleber
Published: June 2022

Triatoma guazu Lent and Wygodzinsky and Triatoma williami Galvão, Souza, and Lima (Hemiptera: Triatominae) are found in human dwellings and are potential vectors of the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. Triatoma guazu was described based solely on a single female specimen, from the municipality of Villarica, Guairá Department, Paraguay, and posteriorly, a male from Barra do Garças, Mato Grosso, Brazil was described and designated as the allotype of this species. Triatoma williami is found in the central-west of Brazil between Goiás, Mato Grosso, and Mato Grosso do Sul. However, the taxonomic “status” of these species is questioned. Previous studies indicate the lack of isoenzymatic diagnostic loci, morphometric similarity, low genetic divergence, and close evolutionary relationship of these species. In this study, we compared the morphology, morphometry, and mitochondrial DNA fragments of the populations of the two species. The morphological diagnostic characteristic among these species is the difference in the connexivum spots pattern, which has been recognized as a phenotypic variation that exists among populations resulting from ecological diversity. Furthermore, our analysis also revealed the morphometric similarity and low genetic divergence between these species. Therefore, in the present paper, we formally propose T. guazu as a junior synonym of T. williami.
Building and Sustaining Inpatient-Clinician Collaboration in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation: A Case Example Using the Stoke Mandeville Spinal Needs Assessment Checklist (SMS-NAC) and Goal Planning Programme
Authors: Duff Jane , Grant Lucy C. , Gilchrist Helena , Jones Kevin
Published: June 2022

Goal planning is core for the delivery of the biopsychosocial model of rehabilitation and is commonly practiced in spinal cord injury (SCI) and other physical health settings. Despite a strong theoretical basis from several branches of psychology, evidence regarding specific practice, interventions and impact has yet to be established, with no universal standards in this area. Study One outlines the standards used at the National Spinal Injuries Centre (NSIC), Stoke Mandeville Hospital since the inception of the SMS-NAC and goal planning programme in 1989. The results outline the impact of a quality improvement project undertaken since 2016 and track the interventions used to improve inpatient care. Study Two reports on an international survey of rehabilitation measure usage and goal planning practice with inpatient adult and children and young people (CYP) with SCI. Respondents replied that inpatient presence at goal planning meetings only took place in 75% (adult) and 76% (CYP) of services, with more services indicating 4 or more members of the multidisciplinary team being present (85% and 90%, respectively). This paper demonstrates the gains that can be made when a structured quality improvement methodology is used and highlights the need for standards regarding goal planning in SCI rehabilitation to be developed.
Ameliorative Sexual Behavior and Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitory Effects of Spondias mangifera Fruit Extract in Rodents: In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Study
Authors: Khalid Mohammad , Alqarni Mohammed H. , Wahab Shadma , Annadurai Sivakumar , Alamri Mubarak A. , Foudah Ahmed I. , Aljarba Tariq M. , Akhtar Juber , Badruddeen  , Ahmad Sarfaraz
Published: June 2022

The ethanolic extracts of Spondias mangifera fruit (SMFE) were evaluated for aphrodisiac activity. The in-vitro phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibition was assessed based on in-silico molecular docking and simulation studies. In addition, the in-vivo sexual behavior was analyzed in the form of mount (MF, ML), intromission (IF, IL), and ejaculation (EF, EL) frequencies and latencies to validate the in-vitro results. Some biochemical parameters, including PDE-5, nitric oxide, and testosterone, were also observed. The above extract constituted β-amyrin, β-sitosterol, and oleanolic acid and showed tremendous binding with phosphodiesterase-5 and sildenafil. Both the sildenafil and ethanolic extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg/d bodyweight) significantly (p < 0.1, p < 0.05) increased MF, IF, and EF, respectively. In contrast, ML and IL significantly (p < 0.1) decreased, and EL significantly (p < 0.1) increased compared with a normal group of animals. The ethanolic extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg/d bodyweight) and sildenafil further significantly (p < 0.05, p < 0.1) diminished PDE-5 activity significantly (p < 0.05, p < 0.1) and enhanced nitric oxide and testosterone levels, as compared with normal rodents. Therefore, the S. mangifera ethanolic extract might be a valuable alternate aphrodisiac for erectile dysfunction.
COVID-19 Vaccination Status, Attitudes, and Values among US Adults in September 2021
Authors: Dudley Matthew Z. , Schwartz Benjamin , Brewer Janesse , Kan Lilly , Bernier Roger , Gerber Jennifer E. , Ni Haley Budigan , Proveaux Tina M. , Rimal Rajiv N. , Salmon Daniel A.
Published: June 2022

Background: The Delta COVID-19 variant caused a resurgence in cases and deaths during the summer of 2021, particularly among the unvaccinated, highlighting the need to increase vaccine coverage. We describe a survey conducted in September 2021, in the midst of the Delta variant surge, after the FDA fully approved Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine for ages 16+ and issued an emergency use authorization for ages 12–15. Methods and Findings: US adults were surveyed to measure COVID-19 vaccination status, intentions, attitudes, values, and trust in public health authorities. More than three-quarters (77%) reported receiving at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination. Of the unvaccinated, 6% intended to vaccinate, 40% were unlikely to ever vaccinate, and 55% remained uncertain. Most of the unvaccinated were <45 years old (62%), without a bachelor’s degree (83%), earning less than $85,000 annually (74%), and Republican/Independent (66%). Concerns among the unvaccinated-yet-still-uncertain included the vaccines’ safety (86%), speed of development (86%), and suspicion of government (79%) and pharmaceutical companies (69%). Most (86%) of the unvaccinated reported they would not vaccinate if mandated by their employer. About one third (34%) of the unvaccinated reported facing at least one barrier to vaccination. Conclusion: More than half of unvaccinated adults remained uncertain about COVID-19 vaccination, indicating an opportunity to support their decision making. Public health must increase easy and equitable access to vaccination and renew efforts to provide unvaccinated populations access to information from trusted sources.
Gender Differences in Knowledge and Perception of Cardiovascular Disease among Italian Thalassemia Major Patients
Authors: Meloni Antonella , Pistoia Laura , Maffei Silvia , Marcheschi Paolo , Casini Tommaso , Spasiano Anna , Bitti Pier , Cuccia Liana , Corigliano Elisabetta , Sanna Paola , Massei Francesco , Positano Vincenzo , Cademartiri Filippo
Published: June 2022

We evaluated gender differences in knowledge and perception of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among Italian thalassemia major (TM) patients. An anonymous questionnaire was completed by 139 β-TM patients (87 (62.7%) females, 40.90 ± 8.03 years). Compared to females, males showed a significantly higher frequency of CVDs, and they less frequently selected tumors in general as the greatest health problem for people of the same age and gender (48.1% vs. 66.7%; p = 0.031) and as the greatest danger to their future health (26.9% vs. 43.7%; p = 0.048). CVDs were designated as the greatest danger to their future health by a significantly higher percentage of males than females (53.8% vs. 36.8%; p = 0.048). Both males and females showed a good knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors and preventive measures for CVDs. No gender differences were detected in the subjective well-being and the perceived cardiovascular risk. The perceived risk was not influenced by age, presence of cardiovascular risk factors, or disease, but no patient with a low perceived CVD risk had myocardial iron overload. Our findings highlight the need to implement future educational programs aimed at increasing the awareness of CVD as the greatest health issue, especially among the female TM population, and at informing TM patients of the different actors, besides iron, that play a role in the development of cardiovascular complications.
Mechanical and Structural Adaptation of the Pulmonary Root after Ross Operation in a Murine Model
Authors: Cattapan Claudia , Della Barbera Mila , Dedja Arben , Pavan Piero , Di Salvo Giovanni , Sabatino Jolanda , Avesani Martina , Padalino Massimo , Guariento Alvise , Basso Cristina , Vida Vladimiro
Published: June 2022

Background: The major limitation to the Ross operation is a progressive autograft dilation, possibly leading to reoperations. A murine model was created to evaluate pulmonary artery graft (PAG) adaptation to pressure overload. Methods: Lewis rats (n = 17) underwent heterotopic surgical implantation of a PAG, harvested from syngeneic animals (n = 17). A group of sham animals (n = 7) was used as a control. Seriated ultrasound studies of the PAG were performed. Animals were sacrificed at 1 week (n = 5) or 2 months (n = 15) and the PAG underwent mechanical and histopathological analyses. Results: Echography showed an initial increase in diameter (p < 0.001) and a decrease in peak systolic velocity (PSV). Subsequently, despite no change in diameter, an increase in PSV was observed (p < 0.01). After 1 week, the stiffness of the PAG and the aorta were similar, while at 2 months, the PAG appeared more rigid (p < 0.05). PAG’s histological analysis at 2 months revealed intimal hyperplasia development. The tunica media showed focal thinning of the elastic lamellae and normally distributed smooth muscle cells. Conclusions: We demonstrated a stiffening of the PAG wall after its implantation in systemic position; the development of intimal hyperplasia and the thinning of the elastic lamellae could be the possible underlying mechanism.
Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients Treated with Biological Agents and New Small-Molecule Drugs for Moderate to Severe Crohn’s Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Aladraj Hasan , Abdulla Mohamed , Guraya Salman Yousuf , Guraya Shaista Salman
Published: June 2022

Crohn’s disease (CD) leads to a poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This review aimed to investigate the effect of biological agents and small-molecule drugs in improving the HRQoL of patients with moderate to severe CD. We adopted a systematic protocol to search PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), which was supplemented with manual searches. Eligible studies were RCTs that matched the research objective based on population, intervention, comparison and outcomes. Studies in paediatric populations, reviews and conference abstracts were excluded. Covidence was used for screening and data extraction. We assessed all research findings using RoB2 and reported them narratively. We included 16 multicentre, multinational RCTs in this review. Of the 15 studies that compared the effect of an intervention to a placebo, 9 were induction studies and 6 investigated maintenance therapy. Of these, 13 studies showed a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in the HRQoL of patients with CD. One non-inferiority study compared the intervention with another active drug and favoured the intervention. This systematic review reported a substantial improvement in the HRQoL of patients with CD using biological agents and small-molecule drugs. These pharmaceutical substances have the potential to improve the HRQoL of patients with CD. However, further large clinical trials with long-term follow-up are essential to validate these findings.
Time Trends in Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Incidence from 2002 to 2016 in Taiwan: An Age–Period–Cohort Analysis
Authors: Chen Yu-Tsung , Wu Chih-Yi , Li Yu-Ling , Chen Li-Ying , Chiou Hung-Yi
Published: June 2022

Background: Psoriatic disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that is associated with morbidity and a poor quality of life. However, studies on the trends of psoriatic disease incidence are limited. We examined trends in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis from 2002 to 2016 in Taiwan and distinguished the effects of age, period, and cohort on those trends. Methods: Data from the National Health Insurance Research Database were analyzed for the annual incidence of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. An age–period–cohort model was designed in order to investigate the effects of each age, period, and birth cohort on the incidence. Results: From 2002 to 2016, the incidence of psoriasis significantly decreased from 43.33 to 23.14 per 100,000 persons. The incidence of psoriatic arthritis significantly increased from 3.57 to 5.22 per 100,000 persons. In the age–period–cohort analysis, the net age effect on the incidence of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis increased with advancing age (6-fold and 7.7-fold difference, respectively). Conclusion: The age–period–cohort analysis revealed that the incidence of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis is associated with older age and early birth cohorts. Elderly individuals in Taiwan may be at a higher risk of developing new-onset psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
The Spring Distraction System for Growth-Friendly Surgical Treatment of Early Onset Scoliosis: A Preliminary Report on Clinical Results and Safety after Design Iterations in a Prospective Clinical Trial
Authors: Tabeling Casper S. , Lemans Justin V. C. , Top Anouk , Scholten E. Pauline , Stempels Hilde W. , Schlösser Tom P. C. , Ito Keita , Castelein René M. , Kruyt Moyo C.
Published: June 2022

Background: The Spring Distraction System (SDS) is a dynamic growth-friendly implant to treat early onset scoliosis (EOS). Previous SDS studies showed promising results in terms of curve correction and complication profile. Nevertheless, complications did occur, which led to modifications in the implant design. The main iterations were a larger rod diameter and a more sagittal stable sliding mechanism. The purpose of this study was to investigate the performance of these iterations. Methods: All patients treated with the modified SDS and >1 year follow-up were included. Radiographic outcomes, severe adverse events (SAEs), unplanned returns to the operating room (UPRORs) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were investigated. Results: Seventeen EOS patients (three congenital, four idiopathic, nine neuromuscular, one syndromic) were included. Mean age at surgery was 9.5 ± 2.5 years. Similar to the first generation SDS, about 50% initial correction was achieved and maintained, and spinal growth was near physiological. Most importantly, SAEs and UPRORs were diminished and favorable with 0.10/patient/year. In addition, HRQoL increased during the first year postoperatively, indicating the implant was well accepted. Conclusion: These preliminary results indicate that the iterations of the SDS are effective in terms of reducing SAEs and UPRORs and increasing HRQoL in patients with EOS.
BeEAM High-Dose Chemotherapy with Polatuzumab (Pola-BeEAM) before ASCT in Patients with DLBCL—A Pilot Study
Authors: Stoffel Tanja , Bacher Ulrike , Banz Yara , Daskalakis Michael , Novak Urban , Pabst Thomas
Published: June 2022

(1) Introduction: BEAM is a high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) frequently administered before autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Bendamustine replacing BCNU (BeEAM) is similarly effective at lower toxicities. However, relapse remains the major cause of death in DLBCL. (2) Methods: This is a 12-patient pilot study of the BeEAM preparative regimen with additional polatuzumab vedotin (PV, targeting CD79b) aiming to establish feasibility and to reduce toxicity without increasing the early progression rate. PV was given once at the standard dose of 1.8 mg/kg at day −6 together with BeEAM-HDCT (days −7 to −1) before ASCT. (3) Results: 8/12 patients (67%) received PV with BeEAM as a consolidation of first-line treatment, and 4/12 patients (33%) received PV with BeEAM after relapse treatment. All patients experienced complete engraftment (neutrophils: median 11 days; platelets: 13 days). Gastrointestinal toxicities occurred in 7/12 patients (58%, grade 3). All patients developed neutropenic infections with at least one identified pathogen (bacterial: 10/12 patients; viral: 2/12; and fungal: 1/12). The complete remission rate by PET-CT 100 days post-ASCT was 92%, with one mortality due to early progression. Eleven out of twelve patients (92%) were alive without progression after a median follow-up of 15 months. (4) Conclusions: Our study with 12 patients suggests that combining PV with BeEAM HDCT is feasible and safe, but the limited cohort prevents definite conclusions regarding efficacy. Larger cohorts must be evaluated.
Are the Stage and the Incidental Finding of Endometriosis Associated with Fallopian Tube Occlusion? A Retrospective Cohort Study on Laparoscopic Chromopertubation in Infertile Women
Authors: Mayrhofer Daniel , Parry John Preston , Hager Marlene , Beitl Klara , Kurz Christine , Ott Johannes
Published: June 2022

Endometriosis seems to have a strong negative effect on female fertility. The aim of this study was to assess the rate of tubal occlusion diagnosed via laparoscopic chromopertubation in infertile women with endometriosis and compare the results to infertile women without endometriosis. In this retrospective cohort study, 275 infertile women with endometriosis and 49 infertile women without endometriosis undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy for primary or secondary infertility with chromopertubation at the Medical University of Vienna between January 2012 and December 2020 have been investigated. During the laparoscopic assessment of tubal patency, significantly more fallopian tubes were occluded in the endometriosis group compared to the control group (25.8 versus 15.3%; p = 0.029). Unilateral and bilateral occlusion was found significantly more often in patients with endometriosis (p = 0.021). In the multivariate analysis, only the rASRM stage (the revised classification of endometriosis by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine) showed a significant association with bilateral occlusion (OR 1.400, 95%CI: 1.018–1.926; p = 0.038). Both a higher rASRM stage (OR 2.181, 95%CI: 1.191–3.995; p = 0.012) and secondary infertility (OR 1.514, 95%CI: 1.156–1.983; p = 0.003) were associated with an increased risk for any kind of fallopian tube occlusion. Endometriosis seems to be associated with an increased risk for fallopian tube occlusion. The rate of tubal occlusion increased significantly with the rASRM stage.
Assessment of the Versius Robotic Surgical System in Minimal Access Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alkatout Ibrahim , Salehiniya Hamid , Allahqoli Leila
Published: June 2022

Background: Despite the superiority of minimal access surgery (MAS) over open surgery, MAS is difficult to perform and has a demanding learning curve. Robot-assisted surgery is an advanced form of MAS. The Versius® surgical robot system was developed with the aim of overcoming some of the challenges associated with existing surgical robots. The present study was designed to investigate the feasibility, clinical safety, and effectiveness of the Versius system in MAS. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search was carried out in the Medline, Web of Science Core Collection (Indexes = SCI-EXPANDED, SSCI, A & HCI Timespan), and Scopus databases for articles published until February 2022. The keywords used were Versius robot, visceral, colorectal, gynecology, and urologic surgeries. Articles on the use of the Versius robot in minimal access surgery (MAS) were included in the review. Results: Seventeen articles were reviewed for the study. The investigation comprised a total of 328 patients who had been operated on with this robot system, of which 48.3%, 14.2%, and 37.5% underwent colorectal, visceral, and gynecological procedures, respectively. Postoperative and major complications within 30 days varied from 7.4% to 39%. No major complications and no readmissions or reoperations were reported in visceral and gynecological surgeries. Readmission and reoperation rates in colorectal surgeries were 0–9%. Some procedures required conversion to conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) or open surgery, and all procedures were completed successfully. Based on the studies reviewed in the present report, we conclude that the Versius robot can be used safely and effectively in MAS. Conclusions: A review of the published literature revealed that the Versius system is safe and effective in minimal access surgery. However, the data should be viewed with caution until randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been performed. Studies on the use of this robotic system in oncological surgery must include survival as one of the addressed outcomes.
Multimodal Management of Fecal Incontinence Focused on Sphincteroplasty: Long-Term Outcomes from a Single Center Case Series
Authors: Cerdán Santacruz Carlos , Cerdán Santacruz Débora M. , Milla Collado Lucía , Ruiz de León Antonio , Cerdán Miguel Javier
Published: June 2022

The management of patients with fecal incontinence and an external anal sphincter (EAS) defect remains controversial. A retrospective series of overlapping anal sphincteroplasties performed between 1985–2013 from a single center, supplemented by selective puborectalis plication and internal anal sphincter repair is presented. Patients were clinically followed along with anorectal manometry, continence scoring (Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score—CCS) and patient satisfaction scales. Patients with a suboptimal outcome were managed with combinations of biofeedback therapy (BFT), peripheral tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS), sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) or repeat sphincteroplasty. There were 120 anterior sphincter repairs with 90 (75%) levatorplasties and 84 (70%) IAS repairs. Over a median follow-up of 120 months (IQR 60–173.7 months) there were significant improvements in the recorded CCIS values (90.8% with a preoperative CCIS > 15 vs. 2.5% postoperatively; p < 0.001). There were 42 patients who required ancillary treatment with four repeat sphincteroplasties, 35 patients undergoing biofeedback therapy, 10 patients treated with PTNS and three managed with SNS implants with an ultimate good functional outcome in 92.9% of cases. No difference was noted in ultimate functional outcome between those treated with sphincteroplasty alone compared with those who needed ancillary treatments (97.1% vs. 85.7%, respectively). Overall, 93.3% considered the outcome as either good or excellent. Long-term functional outcomes of an overlapping sphincteroplasty are good. If the initial outcome is suboptimal, response to ancillary treatments remains good and patients are not compromised by a first-up uncomplicated sphincter repair.
Transvaginal Ultrasound Combined with Strain-Ratio Elastography for the Concomitant Diagnosis of Uterine Fibroids and Adenomyosis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Săsăran Vlăduț , Turdean Sabin , Mărginean Claudiu , Gliga Marius , Ilyes Levente , Grama Ovidiu , Pușcașiu Lucian
Published: June 2022

Uterine fibroids (UFs) and adenomyosis (AM) represent two benign uterine conditions that can affect fertility and are most frequently commonly responsible for abnormal uterine bleeding and chronic pelvic pain. Their differential diagnosis still represents a challenge, and several authors advise the addition of elastography to transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) for a more accurate imagistic recognition. Through this study, we aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of TVUS combined with strain-ratio elastography (SRE) in concomitant AM and UFs. We conducted a study on 17 patients diagnosed with concomitant UFs and AM undergoing hysterectomy and 46 healthy patients. TVUS combined with SRE was conducted in each patient, focusing on identifying rigidity patterns of the lesions. Significantly higher mean SR and maximum SR values were identified among both AM and UF lesions as opposed to controls (p < 0.01), with the highest tissue stiffness being encountered among AM lesions, which allows for the differentiation of UF (p < 0.01) and concomitant identification of both lesions. These results are reflected by higher cut-off values obtained for AM, both for mean SR (5.42 vs. 2.85) and maximum SR (5.80 vs. 3.30). TVUS combined with SRE showed good diagnostic performance in identifying coexisting UFs and AM within the same uterine specimen. Future studies on wider populations are required to validate our findings.
COVID-19 Pneumonia and Gut Inflammation: The Role of a Mix of Three Probiotic Strains in Reducing Inflammatory Markers and Need for Oxygen Support
Authors: Saviano Angela , Potenza Annalisa , Siciliano Valentina , Petruzziello Carmine , Tarli Claudia , Migneco Alessio , Nasella Flavia , Franceschi Francesco , Ojetti Veronica
Published: June 2022

Background: COVID-19 disease, which typically presents with respiratory symptoms, can trigger intestinal inflammation through SARS-CoV-2 replication in the gastrointestinal tract. Supplementation with probiotics may have beneficial effects on gut inflammation due to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The primary objective of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of a mix of three probiotic strains (Bifidobacterium lactis LA 304, Lactobacillus salivarius LA 302, and Lactobacillus acidophilus LA 201; Lactibiane Iki®) in the reduction in fecal calprotectin in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, compared to a control group. The secondary aim was to evaluate the reduction in oxygen support and length of hospital stay in patients taking the probiotic mix. Patients and Methods: We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial at Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli, Rome. We enrolled patients with COVID-19 interstitial pneumonia. One group received the probiotic mix twice a day for 10 days in addition to the standard COVID-19 therapy, and a second group received standard COVID-19 therapy without probiotics. We administered oxygen support (through Ventimask or Optiflow®) on days (D) 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10, and the level of fecal calprotectin between D3–D5 and D7–D10. Results: A total of 80 patients (44 M/36 F; mean age: 59.8 ± 17.3) were enrolled with a mean value of calprotectin at enrollment of 140 mg/dl. At D7–10, the probiotic group showed a 35% decrease in fecal calprotectin compared to 16% in the control group, a decrease in C-reactive protein (CRP) of 72.7% compared to 62%, and a slight but not significant decrease in oxygen support compared to the control group. Conclusion: Supplementation with a mix of probiotics for 10 days in patients with COVID-19 interstitial pneumonia significantly reduces inflammatory markers.
Immune System Dysfunction and Inflammation in Hemodialysis Patients: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Authors: Campo Susanna , Lacquaniti Antonio , Trombetta Domenico , Smeriglio Antonella , Monardo Paolo
Published: June 2022

Biocompatibility in hemodialysis (HD) has considerably improved in recent decades, but remains an open issue to be solved, appearing essential to reduce systemic inflammation and enhance patients’ clinical outcomes. Clotting prevention, reduction in complement and leukocyte activation, and improvement of antioxidant effect represent the main goals. This review aims to analyze the different pathways involved in HD patients, leading to immune system dysfunction and inflammation. In particular, we mostly review the evidence about thrombogenicity, which probably represents the most important characteristic of bio-incompatibility. Platelet activation is one of the first steps occurring in HD patients, determining several events causing chronic sub-clinical inflammation and immune dysfunction involvement. Moreover, oxidative stress processes, resulting from a loss of balance between pro-oxidant factors and antioxidant mechanisms, have been described, highlighting the link with inflammation. We updated both innate and acquired immune system dysfunctions and their close link with uremic toxins occurring in HD patients, with several consequences leading to increased mortality. The elucidation of the role of immune dysfunction and inflammation in HD patients would enhance not only the understanding of disease physiopathology, but also has the potential to provide new insights into the development of therapeutic strategies.
A Comparison of Central Screw versus Post for Glenoid Baseplate Fixation in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Using a Lateralized Glenoid Design
Authors: Bercik Michael J. , Werner Brian C. , Sears Benjamin W. , Gobezie Reuben , Lederman Evan , Denard Patrick J.
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to compare the short-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of a lateralized glenoid construct with either a central screw or post. Methods: A multicenter retrospective study was conducted of reverse shoulder arthroplasties (RSAs) with minimum 2-year clinical followup. All RSAs implanted had a 135° neck shaft angle (NSA) and a modular circular baseplate. The patients were divided into two cohorts based on the type of central fixation for their glenoid baseplates (central post (CP) vs. central screw (CS)). The clinical outcomes, rates of revisions, and available radiographs were evaluated. Results: In total, 212 patients met the study criteria. Postoperatively, both groups improved over their preoperative baseline. There were no significant differences between the cohorts in any PROs at 2 years postoperatively. No findings of gross loosening were identified in either cohort. Implant survival was 98.6% at 2 years. Conclusions: When using a lateralized glenoid implant with a 135° NSA inlay humeral component, both central post and central screw baseplate fixation provide good clinical outcomes, survivorship, and improvements in ROM at 2 years. There is no difference in loosening or revision rates between the types of baseplate fixation at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively.
A Hybrid Clustering Method with a Filter Feature Selection for Hyperspectral Image Classification
Authors: Zhang Junzhe
Published: June 2022

Hyperspectral images (HSI) provide ample spectral information of land cover. The hybrid classification method works well for HSI; however, how to select the suitable similarity measures as kernels with the appropriate weights of hybrid classification for HSI is still under investigation. In this paper, a filter feature selection was designed to select the most representative features based on similarity measures. Then, the weights of applicable similarity measures were computed based on coefficients of variation (CVs) of similarity measures. Implementing the similarity measures as the kernels with weights into the K-means algorithm, a new hybrid changing-weight classification method with a filter feature selection (HCW-SSC) was developed. Standard spectral libraries, operative modular imaging spectrometer (OMIS) airborne HSI, airborne visible/infrared imaging spectrometer (AVIRIS) HSI, and Hyperion satellite HSI were selected to inspect the HCW-SSC method. The results showed that the HCW-SSC method has the highest overall accuracy and kappa coefficient (or F1 score) in all experiments (97.5% and 0.974 for standard spectral libraries, 93.21% and 0.9245 for OMIS, 79.24% and 0.8044 for AVIRIS, and 81.23% and 0.7234 for Hyperion) compared to the classification methods (93.75% and 0.958 for standard spectral libraries, 88.27% and 0.8698 for OMIS, 73.12% and 0.7225 for AVIRIS, and 56.34% and 0.3623 for Hyperion) without feature selection and the machine-learning method (68.27% and 0.6628 for AVIRIS, and 51.21% and 0.4255 for Hyperion). The experimental results demonstrate that the new hybrid method performs more effectively than the traditional hybrid method. This also shed a light on the importance of feature selection in HSI classification.
Study on Position and Shape Effect of the Wings on Motion of Underwater Gliders
Authors: Huang Jiafeng , Choi Hyeung-Sik , Vu Mai The , Jung Dong-Wook , Choo Ki-Beom , Cho Hyun-Joon , Nam Anh Phan Huy , Zhang Ruochen , Park Jung-Hyeun , Kim Joon-Young , Tran Huy Ngoc
Published: June 2022

A typical structure of an underwater glider (UG) includes a pair of fixed wings, and the hydrodynamic force driving the glider forward as descending or ascending in the water is generated primarily by the fixed wings. In this paper, a simplified glider motion model was established to analyze the dynamics in an easier way, and whose simulation results do not differ from the original one. Also, in the paper, the effects of the wing position and wing shape on the UG to the motion were studied. Since no direct analytic approach cannot be performed, the case study of the effects of six different wing positions and three wing shapes on gliding performances which are gliding speed, gliding angle and gliding path were performed through computer simulation. The simulation results revealed that when the fixed wing is located far from the buoyancy center to the tail end, more traveling range is achieved with less energy. Also, effect of the shape difference of the wings were analyzed. Shape changes did not show much difference on the travelling performance of the UG. In addition to these, the transient mode of the UG was studied. To control this, the PID controller for the position of the mass shifter and piston were applied. By application of the PID controller to the linearized dynamics equations, it was shown that the transient behavior of the UG was quickly and steadily controlled.
The Gradient-Boosting Method for Tackling High Computing Demand in Underwater Acoustic Propagation Modeling
Authors: Lagrois Dominic , Bonnell Tyler R. , Shukla Ankita , Chion Clément
Published: June 2022

Agent-based models return spatiotemporal information used to process time series of specific parameters for specific individuals called “agents”. For complex, advanced and detailed models, this typically comes at the expense of high computing times and requires access to important computing resources. This paper provides an example on how machine learning and artificial intelligence can help predict an agent-based model’s output values at regular intervals without having to rely on time-consuming numerical calculations. Gradient-boosting XGBoost under GNU package’s R was used in the social-ecological agent-based model 3MTSim to interpolate, in the time domain, sound pressure levels received at the agents’ positions that were occupied by the endangered St. Lawrence Estuary and Saguenay Fjord belugas and caused by anthropomorphic noise of nearby transiting merchant vessels. A mean error of 3.23 ± 3.76(1σ) dB on received sound pressure levels was predicted when compared to ground truth values that were processed using rigorous, although time-consuming, numerical algorithms. The computing time gain was significant, i.e., it was estimated to be 10-fold higher than the ground truth simulation, whilst maintaining the original temporal resolution.
Novel ABC Transporter Associated with Fluconazole Resistance in Aging of Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Oliveira Natalia Kronbauer , Bhattacharya Somanon , Gambhir Rina , Joshi Manav , Fries Bettina C.
Published: June 2022

Cryptococcus neoformans causes meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised individuals, which is treated with fluconazole (FLC) monotherapy when resources are limited. This can lead to azole resistance, which can be mediated by overexpression of ABC transporters, a class of efflux pumps. ABC pump-mediated efflux of FLC is also augmented in 10-generation old C. neoformans cells. Here, we describe a new ABC transporter Afr3 (CNAG_06909), which is overexpressed in C. neoformans cells of advanced generational age that accumulate during chronic infection. The Δafr3 mutant strain showed higher FLC susceptibility by FLC E-Test strip testing and also by a killing test that measured survival after 3 h FLC exposure. Furthermore, Δafr3 cells exhibited lower Rhodamine 6G efflux compared to the H99 wild-type cells. Afr3 was expressed in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae ADΔ strain, which lacks several drug transporters, thus reducing background transport. The ADΔ + Afr3 strain demonstrated a higher efflux with both Rhodamine 6G and Nile red, and a higher FLC resistance. Afr3-GFP localized in the plasma membrane of the ADΔ + Afr3 strain, further highlighting its importance as an efflux pump. Characterization of the Δafr3 mutant revealed unattenuated growth but a prolongation (29%) of the replicative life span. In addition, Δafr3 exhibited decreased resistance to macrophage killing and attenuated virulence in the Galleria mellonella infection model. In summary, our data indicate that a novel ABC pump Afr3, which is upregulated in C. neoformans cells of advanced age, may contribute to their enhanced FLC tolerance, by promoting drug efflux. Lastly, its role in macrophage resistance may also contribute to the selection of older C. neoformans cells during chronic infection.