Characterization and clinical outcomes of outpatients with subacute or chronic post COVID-19 cough: a real-world study
Background Limited research exists on the features and management of post-COVID cough. This real-world study investigates outpatients with subacute or chronic post-COVID cough, aiming to delineate characteristics and regimen responses within the population. Method We enrolled eligible patients from our outpatient unit between August 2023 and February 2024. Comprehensive clinical data, prescriptions, and patient-reported cough severity were collected during the primary visit and subsequent follow-ups. Result A total of 141 patients, aged: 42 ± 14 years old, were included, with 70% being female. The median cough duration was 8 weeks (interquartile range 4–12 weeks). Sixty percent presented with a dry cough, while the rest had coughs with phlegm. Over half reported abnormal laryngeal sensations (54%). Twenty-one percent coughed during the day, while 32% coughed constantly, and 48% experienced nocturnal episodes. Compound methoxyphenamine capsules were the most prescribed, but our study found ICS/LABA to be the most effective, followed by compound methoxyphenamine capsules, montelukast, and Chinese patent drugs. Conclusion Females exhibit a higher prevalence of post-COVID cough, and our study recommends ICS/LABA as the preferred treatment. These findings warrant validation through larger, prospectively designed studies.
Yao et al. (2024) Characterization and clinical outcomes of outpatients with subacute or chronic post COVID-19 cough: a real-world study. PeerJ 12:e18705 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18705
Differential circulating miRNA profiles identified miR-423-5p, miR-93-5p, and miR-4532 as potential biomarkers for cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis
Background Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is high in morbidity and mortality rates which may be due to asymptomatic and effective diagnostic methods not available. Therefore, an effective diagnosis is urgently needed. Methods Investigation of plasma circulating miRNA (cir-miRNA) was divided into two phases, including the discovery phase (pooled 10 samples each from three pools in each group) and the validation phase (17, 16, and 35 subjects of healthy control (HC), O. viverrini (OV), and CCA groups, respectively). The plasma from healthy control subjects, O. viverrini infected subjects, and CCA subjects was used. In the discovery phase, plasma was pooled by adding an equal volume of plasma, and cir-miRNA was isolated and analyzed with the nCounter® SPRINT Profiler. The significantly different cir-miRNAs were selected for the validation phase. In the validation phase, cir-miRNA was isolated and analyzed using real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Subsequently, statistical analysis was conducted, and diagnostic parameters were calculated. Results Differential plasma cir-miRNA profile showed at least three candidates including miR-423-5p, miR-93-5p, and miR-4532 as potential biomarkers. From validation of these cir-miRNAs by RT-qPCR, the result showed that the satisfied sensitivity and specificity to differential CCA group from HC and OV group was obtained from miR-4532 (P < 0.05) while miR-423-5p and miR-93-5p can be used for differential CCA from OV and HC group (P < 0.05) with high specificity but limited the sensitivity. In conclusion, candidate cir-miRNAs have been identified as potential biomarkers including miR-423-5p, miR-93-5p and miR-4532. Screening by miR-4532 and confirmed with miR-423-5p, miR-93-5p were suggested for differential CCA patients in the endemic area of O. viverrini.
Supradit et al. (2024) Differential circulating miRNA profiles identified miR-423-5p, miR-93-5p, and miR-4532 as potential biomarkers for cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis. PeerJ 12:e18367 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18367
Comparative leaf anatomy of two species of Ipomoea L. (Convolvulaceae): taxonomic importance and adaptations to xeric conditions of the cangas
Background Accurate species identification is the first step towards establishing conservation strategies, especially regarding rare and threatened species, such as those studied here. Moreover, understanding the responses to the environment and growing conditions of endemic species is necessary for its conservation. This study compares the leaf anatomy of Ipomoea cavalcantei and I. marabaensis, which grow on the Brazilian ironstone outcrops (cangas) and exhibit morphological convergence. Methods Leaf anatomical characters of the species were described. Additionally, the leaf adaptive potential of I. cavalcantei was evaluated, comparing individuals grown in natural canga areas (in situ) and cultivated in topsoil (ex situ). Quantitative analysis evaluated stomatal density, polar and equatorial diameter of stomata, and thickness of the epidermis and mesophyll. Results Ipomoea cavalcantei and I. marabaensis can be distinguished by the mesophyll type. Ipomoea marabaensis is also characterized by the presence of lateral protuberances on the abaxial surface of the midrib. Individuals of I. cavalcantei under cultivation have lower stomatal density, although their functionality (polar/equatorial diameter) is more significant than those grown in a natural environment; these individuals also exhibit leaves with a thinner cuticle, abaxial epidermal cells with more sinuous walls, a lower occurrence of trichomes and secretory cells (laticifers), and more druse-containing idioblasts in the mesophyll. All these traits are adaptations to growing conditions that include lower light and the absence of water stress. Conclusions Leaf anatomical traits showed to be useful to delimit Ipomoea cavalcantei and I. marabaensis in the non-reproductive stage. For individuals of I. cavalcantei cultivated in topsoil, some features, especially of the epidermis, respond to light and water supply.
Silva et al. (2024) Comparative leaf anatomy of two species of Ipomoea L. (Convolvulaceae): taxonomic importance and adaptations to xeric conditions of the cangas. PeerJ 12:e18599 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18599
Endorsement of reporting guidelines and clinical trial registration across urological medical journals: a cross-sectional study
Introduction Over the years, funding for urologic diseases has witnessed a steady rise, reaching $587 million in 2020 from $541 million in 2018. In parallel, there has been a notable increase in the total number of urology journals from 2011 to 2018. This surge in research funding and journal publications calls for urologists to effectively navigate through a vast body of evidence to make the best evidence-based clinical decisions. Our primary objective was to assess the “instructions for authors” of these journals to determine the extent of endorsement of reporting guidelines for common study designs in medical research. Methods Top urology journals were identified using the 2021 Scopus CiteScore and confirmed via Google Scholar Metrics h5-index. In a masked, duplicate manner, two investigators retrieved data from the “instructions for authors” webpages of the included journals. For each journal investigated in our study, the following data were extracted: journal title, 5-year impact factor, email responses of journal editors, mention of the EQUATOR Network in the “instructions for authors,” mention of the ICMJE in the “instruction for authors,” geographical region of publication and statements about clinical trial registration. Results Of the 92 urology journals examined, only one-third (32/92) mentioned the EQUATOR network in their “instructions for authors.” A total of 17 journals (17/92, 18.5%) did not mention a single reporting guideline. The most endorsed guideline was CONSORT at 67.4% (62/92). Clinical trial registration was not mentioned by 28 (30%), recommended by 27 (29%), and required by 37 journals (40%). Conclusion Our findings indicate that urology journals inconsistently endorse reporting guidelines and clinical trial registration. Based on these results, we propose that urology journals adopt a standardized approach, incorporating explicit requirements for reporting guidelines such as those listed on the EQUATOR Network and clinical trial registration for all relevant study designs. Specifically, journals should consider clearly stating mandatory or recommended guidelines for clinical trials, observational studies, and systematic reviews, among others. Future efforts should focus on evaluating the implementation of these policies and identifying barriers that hinder their adoption.
Hagood et al. (2024) Endorsement of reporting guidelines and clinical trial registration across urological medical journals: a cross-sectional study. PeerJ 12:e18619 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18619
Interspecies differences in the transcriptome response of corals to acute heat stress
Rising sea surface temperatures threaten the survival of corals worldwide, with coral bleaching events becoming more commonplace. However, different coral species are known to exhibit variable levels of susceptibility to thermal stress. To elucidate genetic mechanisms that may underlie these differences, we compared the gene repertoire of four coral species, Favites colemani, Montipora digitata, Acropora digitifera, and Seriatopora caliendrum, that were previously demonstrated to have differing responses to acute thermal stress. We found that more tolerant species, like F. colemani and M. digitata, possess a greater abundance of antioxidant protein families and chaperones. Under acute thermal stress conditions, only S. caliendrum showed a significant bleaching response, which was accompanied by activation of the DNA damage response network and drastic upregulation of stress response genes (SRGs). This suggests that differences in SRG orthologs, as well as the mechanisms that control SRG expression response, contribute to the ability of corals to maintain stability of physiological functions required to survive shifts in seawater temperature.
Da-Anoy et al. (2024) Interspecies differences in the transcriptome response of corals to acute heat stress. PeerJ 12:e18627 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18627
Construction and validation of a predictive model for the risk of malnutrition in hospitalized patients over 65 years of age with malignant tumours: a single-centre retrospective cross-sectional study
Background Nutritional status is a critical indicator of overall health in individuals suffering from malignant tumours, reflecting the complex interplay of various contributing factors. This research focused on identifying and analysing the factors influencing malnutrition among older patients aged ≥65 with malignant tumours and aimed to develop a comprehensive risk model for predicting malnutrition. Methods This study conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from 3,387 older inpatients aged ≥65 years with malignant tumours collected at our hospital from July 1, 2021, to December 31, 2023. The dataset was subsequently divided into training and validation sets at an 8:2 ratio. The nutritional status of these patients was evaluated using the Nutritional Risk Screening Tool 2002 (NRS-2002) and the 2018 Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) Standards for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. Based on these assessments, patients were categorized into either malnutrition or non-malnutrition groups. Subsequently, a risk prediction model was developed and presented through a nomogram for practical application. Results The analysis encompassed 2,715 individuals in the development cohort and 672 in the validation cohort, with a malnutrition prevalence of 40.42%. A significant positive correlation between the incidence of malnutrition and age was observed. Independent risk factors identified included systemic factors, tumour staging (TNM stage), age, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score, history of alcohol consumption, co-infections, presence of ascites or pleural effusion, haemoglobin (HGB) levels, creatinine (Cr), and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). The predictive model exhibited areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.793 (95% confidence interval (CI) [0.776–0.810]) for the development cohort and 0.832 (95% CI [0.801–0.863]) for the validation cohort. Calibration curves indicated Brier scores of 0.186 and 0.190, while the Hosmer–Lemeshow test yielded chi-square values of 5.633 and 2.875, respectively (P > 0.05). Decision curve analysis (DCA) demonstrated the model’s clinical applicability and superiority over the NRS-2002, highlighting its potential for valuable clinical application. Conclusion This study successfully devised a straightforward and efficient prediction model for malnutrition among older patients aged 65 and above with malignant tumours. The model represents a significant advancement as a clinical tool for identifying individuals at high risk of malnutrition, enabling early intervention with targeted nutritional support and improving patient outcomes.
Wang et al. (2024) Construction and validation of a predictive model for the risk of malnutrition in hospitalized patients over 65 years of age with malignant tumours: a single-centre retrospective cross-sectional study. PeerJ 12:e18685 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18685
Spectrum analysis of inborn errors of metabolism for expanded newborn screening in Xinjiang, China
To determine the disease spectrum and genetic characteristics of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) in Xinjiang province in the northwest of China, 41,690 newborn babies were screening by tandem mass spectrometry from November 2018 to December 2021. Of these, 57 newborn babies were referred for genetic analysis by next-generation sequencing, which was validated by Sanger sequencing. A total of 36 newborn babies and one relative were diagnosed with IEM, and the overall positive predictive value was 29.03%. The overall incidence of IEM in Xinjiang was 1:1,158 (36/41,690). The incidence of amino acidemias, organic acidemias, and fatty acid oxidation disorder were 1:1,668 (25/41,690), 1:4,632 (9/41,690), and 1:20,845 (2/41,690), respectively. Phenylketonuria and methylmalonic acidemia were the two most common inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), accounting for 83% (30/36) of all confirmed cases. Some hotspot mutations were observed for several IEMs, including PAH gene c.158G > A (p.Arg53His) and c.688G > A (p.Val230Ile) for hyperphenylalaninemia. Four mutation types of the MMACHC gene (e.g., c.609G > A (p.Trp203Ter), c.567dupT (p.Ile190fs)) and six mutation types of the MMUT gene (e.g., c.729_730insT (p.Asp244fs)) were found for methylmalonic acidemia. We also found 11 mutations in six genes: PCCB, IVD, GCDH, MCCC1, SLC22A5, and ACADS in this region. This study combined tandem mass spectrometry and next-generation sequencing technology for the screening and diagnosis of IEM. The study provides effective clinical guidance, and the data provide a basis for expanding newborn screening, genetic screening, and IEM gene consultation in Xinjiang, China.
Zhu et al. (2024) Spectrum analysis of inborn errors of metabolism for expanded newborn screening in Xinjiang, China. PeerJ 12:e18173 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18173
Accuracy of augmented reality navigated surgery for placement of zygomatic implants: a human cadaver study
Purpose Placement of zygomatic implants in the most optimal prosthetic position is considered challenging due to limited bone mass of the zygoma, limited visibility, length of the drilling path and proximity to critical anatomical structures. Augmented reality (AR) navigation can eliminate some of the disadvantages of surgical guides and conventional surgical navigation, while potentially improving accuracy. In this human cadaver study, we evaluated a developed AR navigation approach for placement of zygomatic implants after total maxillectomy. Methods The developed AR navigation interface connects a commercial navigation system with the Microsoft HoloLens. AR navigated surgery was performed to place 20 zygomatic implants using five human cadaver skulls after total maxillectomy. To determine accuracy, postoperative scans were virtually matched with preoperative three-dimensional virtual surgical planning, and distances in mm from entry-exit points and angular deviations were calculated as outcome measures. Results were compared with a previously conducted study in which zygomatic implants were positioned with 3D printed surgical guides. Results The mean entry point deviation was 2.43 ± 1.33 mm and a 3D angle deviation of 5.80 ± 4.12° (range 1.39–19.16°). The mean exit point deviation was 3.28 mm (±2.17). The abutment height deviation was on average 2.20 ± 1.35 mm. The accuracy of the abutment in the occlusal plane was 4.13 ± 2.53 mm. Surgical guides perform significantly better for the entry-point (P = 0.012) and 3D angle (P = 0.05); however, there is no significant difference in accuracy for the exit-point (P = 0.143) when using 3D printed drill guides or AR navigated surgery. Conclusion Despite the higher precision of surgical guides, AR navigation demonstrated acceptable accuracy, with potential for improvement and specialized applications. The study highlights the feasibility of AR navigation for zygomatic implant placement, offering an alternative to conventional methods.
Tabernée Heijtmeijer et al. (2024) Accuracy of augmented reality navigated surgery for placement of zygomatic implants: a human cadaver study. PeerJ 12:e18468 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18468
The role of CD47 in immune escape of colon cancer and its correlation with heterogeneity of tumor immune microenvironment
Background Cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47), a transmembrane protein, plays a critical role in regulating cellular functions and maintaining immune homeostasis. Its expression has been shown to influence cancer prognosis. In this study, we investigated the role of CD47 in tumor progression in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) and evaluated its potential as a target for immunotherapy. Materials and Methods We analyzed surgical samples from 96 COAD patients. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on 90 samples, while the remaining 6 were subjected to multiplex immunofluorescence. To explore the association between CD47 expression and clinicopathological characteristics, we integrated transcriptome data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Gene Expression Omnibus using R software. The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource and Kaplan-Meier plotter were utilized to assess the relationship between CD47 expression, patient prognosis, and immune infiltration. Furthermore, the single-cell Tumor Immune System Interaction Database was used to examine the correlation between CD47 expression and the tumor microenvironment (TME). All included patients gave oral and written informed consent. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of 3201 Hospital (full name: Medical Ethics Committee of 3201 Hospital). Results CD47 was found to be overexpressed in various tumors, including COAD. Higher CD47 expression was significantly associated with more advanced tumor stages, including TNM staging, T staging, and N staging (P < 0.05). A robust correlation was observed between CD47 expression and immune cell infiltration in COAD. Patients with elevated CD47 expression tended to have longer disease-free intervals, although this benefit was diminished in cases with high infiltration of M1 macrophages. The immunosuppressive function of CD47 primarily acted through the CD47/SIRPα pathway. Additionally, distinct cellular compositions and distributions were identified between primary and metastatic COAD, underscoring the heterogeneity of the TME. CD47 also influenced the TME by modulating cytokine and cytokine receptor interactions. Conclusion CD47 represents a promising prognostic biomarker and a potential target for immunotherapy in COAD. These findings provide new insights into therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating the TME and improving patient outcomes.
Tian et al. (2024) The role of CD47 in immune escape of colon cancer and its correlation with heterogeneity of tumor immune microenvironment. PeerJ 12:e18579 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18579
Observation of peri-implant bone loss rates in patients visiting dentist—A retrospective evaluation of patients of a faculty hospital for one year
Background Many studies have been published on the relationship between different parameters with marginal bone loss around implants. The results of these studies vary, but some variables such as smoking or certain systemic conditions are more likely to predispose or exacerbate the resorption around implants. The aim of this study was to determine the rates of implants with radiographically detected marginal bone loss and to determine whether there is a relationship between the severity of destruction and certain risk factors like location of implant, restoration type, systemic condition, age, sex or smoking habits. Materials and Methods Panoramic radiographs obtained for 1 year were examined. Patients with bone loss around the implant were classified according to the region of implant placement, type of restoration on implants, systemic diseases, and smoking habits. The rate of bone loss around the implants was recorded as the resorption score. Double and multiple comparison tests were applied to observe whether the resorption scores were related to the variables. Results Of 17,352 patients, 1,465 had at least one implant, and 1,116 of these had no bone loss. A total of 181 patients (863 implants) included in the study, there was a weak correlation between age (p = 0.017) and resorption rate. Implants supporting bridge restorations had higher resorption scores. Gender, age, and systemic conditions alone are not effective in increasing peri-implant bone loss (p < 0.05); therefore, placing implants in the mandible (p = 0.020) or using implants to support bridge restorations(p = 0.027) may make implants more vulnerable to resorption.
Karadag et al. (2024) Observation of peri-implant bone loss rates in patients visiting dentist—A retrospective evaluation of patients of a faculty hospital for one year. PeerJ 12:e18643 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18643