bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Amide Proton Transfer-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Application in Renal Fibrosis: A Radiological-Pathological-Based Analysis
Authors: Zhao Dan , Wang Wei , Niu Yang-yang , Ren Xi-hui , Shen Ai-jun , Xiang Yong-sheng , Xie Hong-yan , Wu Le-hao , Yu Chen , Zhang Ying-ying
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Renal fibrosis (RF), being the most important pathological change in the progression of CKD, is currently assessed by the evaluation of a biopsy. This present study aimed to apply a novel functional MRI (fMRI) protocol named amide proton transfer (APT) weighting to evaluate RF noninvasively. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were initially subjected to bilateral kidney ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), unilateral ureteral obstruction, and sham operation, respectively. All rats underwent APT mapping on the 7th and 14th days after operation. Besides, 26 patients underwent renal biopsy at the Nephrology Department of Shanghai Tongji Hospital between July 2022 and May 2023. Patients underwent APT and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mappings within 1 week before biopsy. MRI results of both patients and rats were calculated by comparing with gold standard histology for fibrosis assessment. Results: In animal models, the cortical APT (cAPT) and medullary APT (mAPT) values were positively correlated with the degree of RF. Compared to the sham group, IRI group showed significantly increased cAPT and mAPT values on the 7th and 14th days after surgery, but no group differences were found in ADC values. Similar results were found in human patients. Cortical/medullary APT values were significantly increased in patients with moderate-to-severe fibrosis than in patients with mild fibrosis. ROC curve analysis indicated that APT value displayed a better diagnostic value for RF. Furthermore, combination of cADC and cAPT improved fibrosis detection by imaging variables alone (p < 0.1). Conclusion: APT values had better diagnostic capability at early stage of RF compared to ADC values, and the addition of APT imaging to conventional ADC will significantly improve the diagnostic performance for predicting kidney fibrosis.
Exploring the Correlation between Salivary Spinnbarkeit and Caries Scores
Authors: Faruque Mouri R.J. , Taidouch Kawtar , Bikker Floris J. , Ligtenberg Antoon J.M.
Published: February 2024

Introduction: In this study, the relationship between the spinnbarkeit, i.e., the stretchability of saliva, and dental caries was investigated. Methods: Dentistry students were divided into a group with more than 2 decayed, missed, and filled teeth (DMFT ≥2, n = 30) and caries-free group (DMFT = 0, n = 36). Results: Unstimulated saliva flow rate, pH, and spinnbarkeit were determined. Salivary spinnbarkeit was significantly lower in the caries-prone group compared to the caries-free group (5.4 ± 3.9 mm vs. 13.5 ± 7.6 mm, respectively, p < 0.001). Conclusion: This suggests that saliva with high spinnbarkeit protects better against dental caries.
Implementation of a low-cost intelligent street light system using internet of things
Authors: Outferdine Fatima , Cherifi Khalid , Belkhiri Driss , Bouachrine Brahim , Ajaamoum Mohamed
Published: February 2024

In the contemporary world, science and technology are advancing swiftly to meet the growing human need for electricity. Within this framework, street lighting, serving as the most vital and ubiquitous element of urban lighting infrastructure, contributes significantly to public electricity consumption. Hence, enhancing the operational efficiency of street lamps becomes imperative to conserve energy. Nonetheless, traditional street lighting systems, being manually controlled, consuming excessive power, and entailing high installation expenses, present notable drawbacks and concerns. Leveraging the internet of things (IoT), advanced innovations automate various areas, including health monitoring, traffic management, agricultural irrigation, street lights, and classrooms. The current manual operation of street lights leads to substantial global energy waste. To address this, an integrated hardware and software solution is proposed. Practical implementation of the hardware devices employs a wireless sensor network, while the software focuses on developing an IoT application for data storage, analysis, and visualization. The proposed system enables effective monitoring of parameters such as ambient temperature, current, voltage, and energy consumption of photovoltaic street lights, which are used as an indicator of the lamp status. Using Xbee modules, a configuration by the X-CTU software is necessary to communicate between all street lights wirelessly. These Xbee modules are used as a leading technology for wireless sensor networks due to its low power and low cost. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system is energy-efficient and cost-effective, and further can be implemented in real street light systems.
The Use of CAD-CAM Templates in Lateral Sinus Floor Augmentation Procedure: A Systematic Review
Authors: Peña-Cardelles Juan Francisco , Núñez Díaz Fernando , Kotina Elli , Pedrinaci Ignacio , Lanis Alejandro , Gallucci German O.
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Maxillary sinus floor augmentation is a procedure known for its long-term success and predictable outcomes. However, the perforation of the Schneiderian membrane remains the most common complication associated with this procedure. Objective: This systematic review aims to determine the presence of complications during maxillary sinus floor augmentation procedures using CAD-CAM surgical templates. Material and methods: An electronic search was carried out in MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, and Scopus. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed. Studies that have performed lateral sinus floor augmentation were included in the inclusion criteria. The CAD-CAM surgical template design and the intraoperative complications were registered. Results: A total of 13 studies were included. Seven were case reports, four were case series, and two were randomized clinical trials. A total of 94 lateral SFA procedures were included (84 using CAD-CAM templates and 10 without using templates). Three of the 84 maxillary sinus floor augmentation procedures using a CAD-CAM template presented intraoperative complications. Conclusions: Maxillary sinus floor augmentation performed by using CAD-CAM surgical templates could be related to low rates of complications, however, due to the heterogeneity of the articles included, more standardized studies are needed to confirm these outcomes.
Strength training improves heart function, collagen and strength in rats with heart failure
Authors: Dias Leisiane G. , Reis Carlos H. O. , dos Santos Leonardo , Krause Neto Walter , Lima-Leopoldo Ana Paula , Baker Julien S. , Leopoldo André S. , Bocalini Danilo S.
Published: February 2024

Background/objectives

Myocardial infarction (MI) frequently leads to cardiac remodeling and failure with impaired life quality, playing an important role in cardiovascular deaths. Although physical exercise is a well-recognized effective non-pharmacological therapy for cardiovascular diseases, the effects of strength training (ST) on the structural and functional aspects of cardiac remodeling need to be further documented. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of a linear block ST protocol in the rat model of MI.

Methods and results

After 6 weeks of MI induction or sham surgery, male adult rats performed ST for the following 12 weeks. The ladder-based ST program was organized in three mesocycles of 4 weeks, with one load increment for each block according to the maximal carrying load test. After 12 weeks, the infarcted-trained rats exhibited an increase in performance, associated with reduced cardiac hypertrophy and pulmonary congestion compared with the untrained group. Despite not changing MI size, the ST program partially prevented cardiac dilatation and ventricular dysfunction assessed by echocardiography and hemodynamics, and interstitial fibrosis evaluated by histology. In addition, isolated cardiac muscles from infarcted-trained rats had improved contractility parameters in a steady state, and in response to calcium or stimuli pauses.

Conclusions

The ST in infarcted rats increased the capacity to carry mass, associated with attenuation of cardiac remodeling and pulmonary congestion with improving cardiac function that could be attributed, at least in part, to the improvement of myocardial contractility.
Optimized bacterial community characterization through full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing utilizing MinION nanopore technology
Authors: Bertolo Alessandro , Valido Ezra , Stoyanov Jivko
Published: February 2024

Background

Accurate identification of bacterial communities is crucial for research applications, diagnostics, and clinical interventions. Although 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing is a widely employed technique for bacterial taxonomic classification, it often results in misclassified or unclassified bacterial taxa. This study sought to refine the full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing protocol using the MinION sequencer, focusing on the V1–V9 regions. Our methodological enquiry examined several factors, including the number of PCR amplification cycles, choice of primers and Taq polymerase, and specific sequence databases and workflows employed. We used a microbial standard comprising eight bacterial strains (five gram-positive and three gram-negative) in known proportions as a validation control.

Results

Based on the MinION protocol, we employed the microbial standard as the DNA template for the 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing procedure. Our analysis showed that an elevated number of PCR amplification cycles introduced PCR bias, and the selection of Taq polymerase and primer sets significantly affected the subsequent analysis. Bacterial identification at genus level demonstrated Pearson correlation coefficients ranging from 0.73 to 0.79 when assessed using BugSeq, Kraken-Silva and EPI2ME-16S workflows. Notably, the EPI2ME-16S workflow exhibited the highest Pearson correlation with the microbial standard, minimised misclassification, and increased alignment accuracy. At the species taxonomic level, the BugSeq workflow was superior, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.92.

Conclusions

These findings emphasise the importance of careful selection of PCR settings and a well-structured analytical framework for 16S rRNA full-length gene sequencing. The results showed a robust correlation between the predicted and observed bacterial abundances at both the genus and species taxonomic levels, making these findings applicable across diverse research contexts and with clinical utility for reliable pathogen identification.
Prognostic value of native T1 and extracellular volume in patients with immunoglubin light-chain amyloidosis
Authors: Liu Yumeng , Wang Lingjie , Zhu Jingfen , Chen Meng , Zhu Mo , Dai Yingyu , Hu Chunhong
Published: February 2024

Background

Cardiac involvement in patients with immunoglubin light-chain amyloidosis (AL) is a major determinant of treatment choice and prognosis, and early identification of high-risk patients can initiate intensive treatment strategies to achieve better survival. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of native T1 and ECV in patients with AL-cardiac amyloidosis (CA).

Methods

A total of 38 patients (mean age 59 ± 11 years) with AL diagnosed histopathologically from July 2017 to October 2021 were collected consecutively. All patients were performed 3.0-T cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) including cine, T1 mapping, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Pre- and post-contrast T1 mapping images were transferred to a dedicated research software package (CVI42 v5.11.3) to create parametric T1 and ECV values. In addition, clinical and laboratory data of all patients were collected, and patients or their family members were regularly followed up by telephone every 3 months. The starting point of follow-up was the time of definitive pathological diagnosis, and the main endpoint was all-cause death. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional risk model were used to evaluate the association between native T1 and ECV and death in patients with CA.

Results

After a median follow-up of 27 (16, 37) months, 12 patients with CA died. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that elevated native T1 and ECV were closely associated with poor prognosis in patients with CA. The survival rate of patients with ECV > 44% and native T1 > 1389ms were significantly lower than that of patients with ECV ≤ 44% and native T1 ≤ 1389ms (Log-rank P < 0.001), and was not associated with the presence of LGE. After adjusting for clinical risk factors and CMR measurements in a stepwise multivariate Cox regression model, ECV [risk ratio (HR):1.37, 95%CI: 1.09–1.73, P = 0.008] and native T1 (HR:1.01, 95%CI: 1.00-1.02, P = 0.037) remained independent predictors of all-cause mortality in patients with CA.

Conclusions

Both native T1 and ECV were independently prognostic for mortality in patients with CA, and can be used as important indicators for clinical prognosis assessment of AL.
Translation and validation of a simplified Chinese version of the psychosocial assessment tool
Authors: Kou Jun , Wang Ruiqi , Tang Yuxin , Tang Yi , Gao Yang
Published: February 2024

Background

The Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT2.0) is widely used to assess psychosocial risk in families of children with cancer. Our study aims to apply PAT2.0 to Chinese patients and assess the reliability, content validity, and construct validity of the Chinese version.

Methods

A total of 161 participants completed the study, each with only one child diagnosed with cancer. Psychometric evaluations, including internal consistency, score distribution, test-retest reliability, and construct validity, were conducted.

Results

Cronbach’s alpha values ranged from 0.732 to 0.843, indicating good internal consistency. Additionally, intraclass correlation coefficient values ranged from 0.869 to 0.984, indicating excellent test-retest reliability. The Simplified Chinese version of PAT2.0 demonstrated high construct validity in factor analyses and correlations with the General Functioning Subscale of the Family Assessment Device.

Conclusion

The translation process of the Chinese version of PAT2.0 was successful, proving its applicability for psychosocial evaluation and interventions in families of children with cancer in China.
Central nervous system metastases in breast cancer patients with germline BRCA pathogenic variants compared to non-carriers: a matched-pair analysis
Authors: Ben-Zion Berliner Matan , Yust-Katz Shlomit , Lavie Inbar , Goldberg Yael , Kedar Inbal , Yerushalmi Rinat
Published: February 2024

Background

Breast cancer is a common cause for central nervous system (CNS) metastasis, resulting in a significant reduction in overall survival. Germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in BRCA1/2 are the most common genetic risk factor for breast cancer, associated with poor prognostic factors. This study sought to explore the patterns and outcome of CNS metastases in breast cancer patients with germline PVs in BRCA1/2 genes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 75 breast cancer patients with known BRCA1/2 mutation status, who were diagnosed with CNS metastases in 2006–2021. Histopathology, characteristics of CNS disease, treatments, and survival were compared between BRCA1/2 carriers (n = 25) and non-carriers (n = 50), using propensity score matching (1:2 ratio) to control for the possible influence of tumor receptor status (ER, PR, HER2) and patient age. Pearson chi-square or Fisher exact test and Kaplan-Meier survival curves with log-rank test were used for statistical analyses.

Results

Patients with PVs in BRCA1/2 had more high-grade tumors (88% vs. 68%, P = 0.060), were younger at CNS disease diagnosis (median 46.69 vs. 55.02 years, P = 0.003) and had better ECOG performance status (ECOG PS 0 in 20% vs. 2%, P = 0.033), but without significant differences in systemic or CNS-directed treatment approaches. BRCA1/2 mutation was associated with a higher rate of temporal lobe involvement (52% vs. 26%, P = 0.026) and leptomeningeal spread (40% vs. 20%, P = 0.020). Survival after diagnosis of CNS disease was shorter (median 8.03 vs. 28.36 months, P < 0.0001), with no significant differences in time to development of CNS metastases or overall-survival.

Conclusion

Patients with CNS metastatic breast cancer and PVs in BRCA1/2 showed a higher rate of leptomeningeal and temporal lobe involvement, and a shorter survival with CNS disease. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study suggesting an exclusive impact of germline BRCA1/2 mutations in CNS metastatic breast cancer.
Establishment and external validation of prognosis prediction nomogram for patients with distant metastatic intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: based on a large population
Authors: Yuan Chen , Zou Shubing , Wang Kai , Hu Zhigang
Published: February 2024

Background

Most patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) have developed distant metastasis at the time of diagnosis, while there is rear related nomogram to predict the prognosis.

Methods

Clinical data of patients pathologically diagnosed of ICC with distant metastasis were retrospectively collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database during 2005 to 2019. Finally, patients diagnosed as ICC in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from 2014 to 2019 were collected for external verification. All data were divided into training cohort and validation cohort in a ratio of 7:3. The nomogram was established based on independent prognostic factors using Cox univariate and multivariate analyses. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC), the calibration curve and the decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to determine the prediction accuracy of the nomogram.

Results

This study finally included 572 ICC with distant metastasis patients, another 32 patients collected by the author’s hospital were used as external verification. Results showed that age, surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors, and nomogram was established. The AUC of predicting 3, 6, 9-month overall survival were 0.866, 0.841 and 0.786. The ROC curves and calibration curves showed that the nomogram had good predictive accuracy, and DCA showed that the nomogram had good clinical applicability.

Conclusions

The nomogram has good accuracy in predicting prognosis of DM-ICC patients, which would be of good significance to improve the prognosis of these patients.
Pediatric scurvy case report: a novel presentation with deep vein thrombosis secondary to large bilateral spontaneous iliac subperiosteal hematomas
Authors: de Boer Henry Charles , Sawhney Jasdev Singh
Published: February 2024

Background

Scurvy is an uncommon disease in developed countries caused by deficiency of vitamin C. We present a case of scurvy in a 14-year-old male with autism with both novel presentation and imaging findings. This case had the novel presentation of lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT) secondary to compression of the external iliac vein from large bilateral iliac wing subperiosteal hematomas. Subperiosteal hematoma is a well-recognised feature of scurvy but large and bilateral pelvic subperiosteal hematoma causing DVT has not previously been described.

Case presentation

A 14 year old Caucasian male with background of autism and severe dietary restriction presented with lower limb swelling and immobility. He was diagnosed with lower limb DVT. Further investigation revealed an iron deficiency anaemia, and he was found on MRI to have large bilateral subperiosteal iliac hematomata causing compression of the iliac vessels. He improved following treatment with vitamin C replacement and follow-up imaging demonstrated resolution of the DVT and hematoma.

Conclusion

DVT is rare in children and when diagnosed should prompt investigation as to the underlying cause. This case demonstrates an unusual cause of DVT and as an unusual presentation of paediatric scurvy.
The effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on cognitive function recovery in patients with depression following electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hu Renqin , Li Junyao , Lu Yulin , Luo Huirong , Zhang Yinlin , Wang Xueqian , Zhang Zheng , Luo Qinghua
Published: February 2024

Background

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective treatment for depressive disorder. However, the use of ECT is limited by its cognitive side effects (CSEs), and no specific intervention has been developed to address this problem. As transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a safe and useful tool for improving cognitive function, the main objective of this study was to explore the ability to use tDCS after ECT to ameliorate the cognitive side effects.

Methods

60 eligible participants will be recruited within two days after completing ECT course and randomly assigned to receive either active or sham stimulation in a blinded, parallel-design trial and continue their usual pharmacotherapy. The tDCS protocol consists of 30-min sessions at 2 mA, 5 times per week for 2 consecutive weeks, applied through 15-cm2 electrodes. An anode will be placed over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and a cathode will be placed over the right supraorbital cortex. Cognitive function and depressive symptoms will be assessed before the first stimulation (T0), after the final stimulation (T1), 2 weeks after the final stimulation (T2), and 4 weeks after the final stimulation (T3) using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB).

Discussion

We describe a novel clinical trial to explore whether the administration of tDCS after completing ECT course can accelerates recovery from the CSEs. We hypothesized that the active group would recover faster from the CSEs and be superior to the sham group. If our hypothesis is supported, the use of tDCS could benefit eligible patients who are reluctant to receive ECT and reduce the risk of self-inflicted or suicide due to delays in treatment.

Trial registration details

The trial protocol is registered with https://www.chictr.org.cn/ under protocol registration number ChiCTR2300071147 (date of registration: 05.06.2023). Recruitment will start in November 2023.
The moderated-mediation role of risk perception and intolerance of uncertainty in the association between residual symptoms and psychological distress: a cross-sectional study after COVID-19 policy lifted in China
Authors: Sun Zhiyu , Jin Zhou , Zhao Kejie , Wen Xin , Lu Hui , Hu Nuonuo , Zhu Qinxin , Zhang Yi , Ye Minjie , Huang Yili , Song Weihong , Wang Deborah Baofeng , Wu Yili
Published: February 2024

Background

A considerable number of individuals infected with COVID-19 experience residual symptoms after the acute phase. However, the correlation between residual symptoms and psychological distress and underlying mechanisms are scarcely studied. We aim to explore the association between residual symptoms of COVID-19 and psychological distress, specifically depression, anxiety, and fear of COVID-19, and examine the role of risk perception and intolerance of uncertainty in the association.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted by online questionnaire-based approach in mid-January 2023. Self-reported demographic characteristics, COVID-19-related information, and residual symptoms were collected. Depression, anxiety, fear, risk perception and intolerance of uncertainty were evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), COVID-19 Risk Perception Scale and Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-12 (IUS-12), respectively. Linear regression analyses were conducted to explore the associations. A moderated mediation model was then constructed to examine the role of risk perception of COVID-19 and intolerance of uncertainty in the association between residual symptoms and psychological distress.

Results

1735 participants effectively completed the survey. 34.9% of the patients experienced residual symptoms after acute phase of COVID-19. Psychological distress was markedly increased by COVID-19 infection, while residual symptoms had a significant impact on psychological distress (Ps < 0.001), including depression (β = 0.23), anxiety (β = 0.21), and fear of COVID-19 (β = 0.14). Risk perception served as a mediator between residual symptoms and all forms of psychological distress, while intolerance of uncertainty moderated the effect of risk perception on depression and anxiety.

Conclusion

A considerable proportion of patients experience residual symptoms after acute phase of COVID-19, which have a significant impact on psychological distress. Risk perception and intolerance of uncertainty play a moderated-mediation role in the association between residual symptoms and depression/anxiety. It highly suggests that effective treatment for residual symptoms, maintaining appropriate risk perception and improving intolerance of uncertainty are critical strategies to alleviate COVID-19 infection-associated psychological distress.
A tryst of ‘blood pressure control- sex- comorbidities’: the odyssey of basic public health services in Yunnan in quest for truth
Authors: Pang Linhong , Kottu Lakshme , Guo Zihong , Ma Min , Wang Huadan , Zhao Yajing , Tang Mingjing , Shi Yi , Liu Wei , Wu Xia , Song Junjie , Sun Manli , Merkus Daphne , Ferdous Md Misbahul , He Liping , Duo Lin
Published: February 2024

Background

The Basic Public Health Service (BPHS), a recently announced free healthcare program, aims to combat the most prevalent Noncommunicable Disease-“Hypertension” (HTN)-and its risk factors on a nationwide scale. In China, there is a rife that HTN less impacts women during their lifetime. We, therefore, aimed to evaluate the sex disparity in hypertension patients with comorbidities among south-west Chinese and the contribution of BPHS to address that concern.

Methods

We have opted for a multistage stratified random sampling method to enroll hypertensive patients of 35 years and older, divided them into BPHS and non-BPHS groups. We assessed the sex disparity in HTN patients with four major comorbidities- Dyslipidemia, Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and descriptive data were compiled. Odds ratios from logistic regression models estimated the effectiveness of BPHS in the management of HTN with comorbidities.

Results

Among 1521 hypertensive patients,1011(66.5%) were managed in the BPHS group. The proportion of patients who had at least one comorbidity was 70.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 66.3-76.8%), patients aged 65 years and older were more likely to have coexisting comorbidities. Participants who received the BPHS showed significant blood pressure (BP) control with two comorbidities (odds ratio [OR] = 2.414, 95% CI: 1.276–4.570), three or more (OR = 5.500, 95%CI: 1.174–25.756). Patients with dyslipidemia and DM also benefited from BPHS in controlling BP (OR = 2.169, 95% CI: 1.430–3.289) and (OR = 2.785, 95%CI: 1.242–6.246), respectively. In certain high-income urban survey centers, there was sex differences in the HTN management provided by BPHS, with men having better BP control rates than women.

Conclusions

Perhaps this is the first study in China to succinctly show the effectiveness and sex disparity regarding “management of hypertensive comorbidities”. This supports that the BPHS program plays a pivotal role in controlling BP, therefore should recommend the national healthcare system to give women a foremost priority in BPHS, especially to those from low-socioeconomic and low-scientific literacy regions.
SARS-CoV-2 reinfection with Omicron variant in Shaanxi Province, China: December 2022 to February 2023
Authors: Zhang Mengyan , Cao Lei , Zhang Luqian , Li Xinxin , Chen Sa , Zhang Yi
Published: February 2024

Background

Prior to December 2022, there were no reports of reinfection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Shaanxi province, China. Since then, China has refined its strategy in response to coronaviruses. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections and its contributing factors, as well as to compare clinical characteristics between first and second episodes of infection in Shaanxi Province, China between December 2022 and February 2023.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study using an epidemiological survey system and electronic questionnaires to investigate the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection among previously infected individuals during the epidemic wave owing to the Omicron variant that began in December 2022. A logistic regression model was used to determine those factors influencing SARS-CoV-2 reinfections.

Results

According to the virus variant that caused the first infection, the rate of reinfection for the Omicron variants was 1.28%, 1.96%, and 5.92% at 2–3 months, 4–5 months, and 7–9 months after the primary infection, respectively. The rate of reinfection for the Delta variants was 25.10% 11–12 months after the primary infection. Females, adults between 18 and 38 years and being a medical worker were associated with an increased risk of reinfection. Fever, cough, sore throat and fatigue were the four most common clinical symptoms during both first and second COVID-19 infections.

Conclusions

In our study, the rate of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection increased over time during epidemic waves predominantly involving the Omicron variant in Shaanxi province, China. Large-scale infections are less likely in subsequent Omicron epidemic waves. Nevertheless, it is essential to continuously monitor cases of infection as well as continue surveillance for emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
The association of sexual minority status and bullying victimization is modified by sex and grade: findings from a nationally representative sample
Authors: Lu Junjie , Yang Jiarui , Sadikova Ekaterina , Tiemeier Henning
Published: February 2024

Background

Sexual minority status is associated with face-to-face bullying and cyberbullying victimization. However, limited studies have investigated whether such a relationship differs by sex or grade in a nationally representative sample.

Methods

We concatenated the national high school data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) chronologically from 2015 to 2019, resulting in a sample of 32,542 high school students. We constructed models with the interaction term between sexual minority status and biological sex assigned at birth to test the effect modification by sex on both the multiplicative and additive scales. A similar method was used to test the effect modification by grade.

Results

Among heterosexual students, females had a higher odds of being bullied than males, while among sexual minority students, males had a higher odds of being bullied. The effect modification by sex was significant on both the multiplicative and additive scales. We also found a decreasing trend of bullying victimization as the grade increased among both heterosexual and sexual minority students. The effect modification by the grade was significant on both the multiplicative and the additive scale.

Conclusions

Teachers and public health workers should consider the difference in sex and grade when designing prevention programs to help sexual minority students.
Efficacy of bevacizumab through an indwelling pleural catheter in non-small cell lung cancer patients with symptomatic malignant pleural effusion
Authors: Zeng Hao , Zhang Yuanyuan , Tan Sihan , Huang Qin , Pu Xin , Tian Panwen , Li Yalun
Published: February 2024

Background

Several studies have indicated that intrapleural infusion of bevacizumab is an effective treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with malignant pleural effusion (MPE). However, the impact of bevacizumab administered through an indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) on the prognosis of these patients is unknown.

Methods

Consecutive advanced NSCLC patients with symptomatic MPE receiving an IPC alone or bevacizumab through an IPC were identified in a tertiary hospital. The patient characteristics and clinical outcomes were collected.

Results

A total of 149 patients were included, and the median age was 60.3 years. Males and nonsmokers accounted for 48.3% and 65.8%, respectively. A total of 69.8% (104/149) of patients harbored actionable mutations, including 92 EGFR-activating mutations, 11 ALK fusions, and 1 ROS1 fusion. A total of 81.9% (122/149) of patients received IPC alone, and 18.1% (27/149) received bevacizumab through an IPC. The incidence of spontaneous pleurodesis during the first 6 months was greater in the bevacizumab-treated group than in the IPC-treated group in the subgroup with actionable mutations (64.3% vs. 46.9%, P = 0.28). The median overall survival (OS) in patients with actionable mutations treated with bevacizumab through an IPC was 42.2 months, which was significantly longer than the 26.7 months in patients who received an IPC alone (P = 0.045). However, the median OS did not differ between the two arms in the subgroup without actionable mutations (10.8 vs. 41.0 months, P = 0.24). No significant difference between the bevacizumab through an IPC group and the IPC group was detected in the number of participants who had adverse events, either in patients with actionable mutations (14.3% vs. 8.4%; P = 0.42) or in patients without actionable mutations (16.7% vs. 12.8%; P = 1.00).

Conclusions

Bevacizumab through an IPC resulted in a significantly improved prognosis for NSCLC patients with MPE and actionable mutations. However, patients without actionable mutations do not benefit from bevacizumab through IPC.
The moderating effect of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in relation to occupational stress and health-related quality of life of construction workers: a cross-sectional research
Authors: Jeong Soo , Lee Byoung-Hee
Published: February 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), occupational stress, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL); identify the factors that affect HRQoL; and investigate the moderating effects of WMSDs on occupational stress and HRQoL.

Methods

The participants were construction workers who had worked in the construction industry for over three months. A total of 178 construction workers voluntarily participated and anonymously completed the musculoskeletal symptoms questionnaire, the Korean Occupational Stress Scale, short-form 36. The moderation effect of WMSDs on occupational stress and HRQoL were analyzed by Haye’s Process Macro Model.

Results

The results of the study showed that 96 subjects (53.9%) had WMSDs, and the most common pain site was the lower back (33.3%). The group with WMSDs had higher occupational stress than did the group without WMSDs (p < 0.01). Compared with the group without WMSDs, the group with WMSDs displayed significant differences in HRQoL (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the factor affecting HRQoL was WMSDs (p < 0.001). In the impact of occupational stress on HRQoL, WMSDs had a significant moderating effect (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that construction workers’ WMSDs significantly impact occupational stress and HRQoL, and WMSDs have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between occupational stress and HRQoL. Therefore, to improve the HRQoL of workers in the construction industry, it is necessary to develop methods to reduce occupational stress and prevent and treat WMSDs.
Barriers and enablers for implementation of digital-linked diagnostics models at point-of-care in South Africa: stakeholder engagement
Authors: Moetlhoa Boitumelo , Nxele Siphesihle R. , Maluleke Kuhlula , Mathebula Evans , Marange Musa , Chilufya Maureen , Dzinamarira Tafadzwa , Duah Evans , Dzobo Matthias , Kekana Mable , Jaya Ziningi , Thabane Lehana , Dlangalala Thobeka , Nyasulu Peter S. , Hlongwana Khumbulani , Dlungwane Thembelihle , Kgatle Mankgopo , Gxekea Nobuhle , Mashamba-Thompson Tivani
Published: February 2024

The integration of digital technologies holds significant promise in enhancing accessibility to disease diagnosis and treatment at point-of-care (POC) settings. Effective implementation of such interventions necessitates comprehensive stakeholder engagements. This study presents the outcomes of a workshop conducted with key stakeholders, aiming to discern barriers and enablers in implementing digital-connected POC diagnostic models in South Africa. The workshop, a component of the 2022 REASSURED Diagnostics symposium, employed the nominal group technique (NGT) and comprised two phases: Phase 1 focused on identifying barriers, while Phase 2 centered on enablers for the implementation of digital-linked POC diagnostic models. Stakeholders identified limited connectivity, restricted offline functionality, and challenges related to load shedding or rolling electricity blackouts as primary barriers. Conversely, ease of use, subsidies provided by the National Health Insurance, and 24-h assistance emerged as crucial enablers for the implementation of digital-linked POC diagnostic models. The NGT workshop proved to be an effective platform for elucidating key barriers and enablers in implementing digital-linked POC diagnostic models. Subsequent research endeavors should concentrate on identifying optimal strategies for implementing these advanced diagnostic models in underserved populations.
Molecular subtype identification and prognosis stratification based on golgi apparatus-related genes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Aichun , He Xiao , Zhang Chen , Tang Xuxia
Published: February 2024

Background

Abnormal dynamics of the Golgi apparatus reshape the tumor microenvironment and immune landscape, playing a crucial role in the prognosis and treatment response of cancer. This study aims to investigate the potential role of Golgi apparatus-related genes (GARGs) in the heterogeneity and prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Methods

Transcriptional data and corresponding clinical information of HNSCC were obtained from public databases for differential expression analysis, consensus clustering, survival analysis, immune infiltration analysis, immune therapy response assessment, gene set enrichment analysis, and drug sensitivity analysis. Multiple machine learning algorithms were employed to construct a prognostic model based on GARGs. A nomogram was used to integrate and visualize the multi-gene model with clinical pathological features.

Results

A total of 321 GARGs that were differentially expressed were identified, out of which 69 were associated with the prognosis of HNSCC. Based on these prognostic genes, two molecular subtypes of HNSCC were identified, which showed significant differences in prognosis. Additionally, a risk signature consisting of 28 GARGs was constructed and demonstrated good performance for assessing the prognosis of HNSCC. This signature divided HNSCC into the high-risk and low-risk groups with significant differences in multiple clinicopathological characteristics, including survival outcome, grade, T stage, chemotherapy. Immune response-related pathways were significantly activated in the high-risk group with better prognosis. There were significant differences in chemotherapy drug sensitivity and immune therapy response between the high-risk and low-risk groups, with the low-risk group being more suitable for receiving immunotherapy. Riskscore, age, grade, and radiotherapy were independent prognostic factors for HNSCC and were used to construct a nomogram, which had good clinical applicability.

Conclusions

We successfully identified molecular subtypes and prognostic signature of HNSCC that are derived from GARGs, which can be used for the assessment of HNSCC prognosis and treatment responses.
Resolution of insulin resistance, lactic acidosis, and decrease in mechanical support requirements in patients post orthotopic heart transplant with the use of long-acting insulin glargine
Authors: Darwish Ribal , Chen Eva , Minear Steven , Sheffield Cedric
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study investigates the efficacy of using a long-acting insulin analog, along with the infusion of regular insulin, in achieving appropriate glycemic control and correcting lactic acidosis in patients post orthotopic heart transplant who demonstrate severe lactic acidosis and insulin resistance.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of two cohorts (IRB FLA 20-003) of patients post orthotopic heart transplant with severe lactic acidosis and insulin resistance who were admitted to a tertiary intensive care unit and treated with (group 1) or without long-acting insulin analog (group 2) within the first 24 h of admission to the intensive care unit. Insulin resistance is defined as the requirement for intravenous regular insulin infusion of more than 20 units/h without the ability to achieve appropriate serum glucose level (120–180 mg /dL). Severe lactic acidosis is defined as arterial lactic acid of more than 10 mmol/L. The following parameters were investigated: time to correct lactic acidosis, duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation, the need for periprocedural mechanical circulatory support, and 28-day mortality.

Results

The 28-day mortality was zero in both groups. Two patients required periprocedural mechanical support in group one, and ten patients required mechanical support in group two (RR = 0.224, 95%, confidence interval 0.052–0.95, Z = 2.029, p = 0.042). Three patients required tracheostomy in group one, and four patients required tracheostomy in group two (RR 0.84, 95 confidence interval 0.20–3.48, Z = 0.23, P = 0.81). Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare time to correct lactic acidosis, with lactic acid resolution being faster in group one ($$\overline{X}$$

X
¯

1 = 19.7 h, SD ± 12.6 h $$\overline{X}$$

X
¯

2 = 29.3 h, SD ± 19.6 h, Z-value − 2.02, p-value 0.043). The duration of mechanical ventilation was less in group one ($$\overline{X}$$

X
¯

1 = 29 h, SD ± 12.7 h, $$\overline{X}$$

X
¯

2 = 55.1 h, SD ± 44.5 h, Z-value: − 1.92, p-value 0.05).

Conclusion

Administration of low-dose long-acting insulin glargine led to the resolution of the lactic acidosis, insulin resistance, and decreased requirements for pressor and inotropic support, which led to decreased need for mechanical circulatory support.
KINtaro: protein kinase-like database
Authors: Baranowski Bartosz , Krysińska Marianna , Gradowski Marcin
Published: February 2024

Objective

The superfamily of protein kinases features a common Protein Kinase-like (PKL) three-dimensional fold. Proteins with PKL structure can also possess enzymatic activities other than protein phosphorylation, such as AMPylation or glutamylation. PKL proteins play a vital role in the world of living organisms, contributing to the survival of pathogenic bacteria inside host cells, as well as being involved in carcinogenesis and neurological diseases in humans. The superfamily of PKL proteins is constantly growing. Therefore, it is crucial to gather new information about PKL families.

Results

To this end, the KINtaro database (http://bioinfo.sggw.edu.pl/kintaro/) has been created as a resource for collecting and sharing such information. KINtaro combines protein sequence information and additional annotations for more than 70 PKL families, including 32 families not associated with PKL superfamily in established protein domain databases. KINtaro is searchable by keywords and by protein sequence and provides family descriptions, sequences, sequence alignments, HMM models, 3D structure models, experimental structures with PKL domain annotations and sequence logos with catalytic residue annotations.
Transitions: comparing timescales of eruption and evacuation at Volcán de Fuego (Guatemala) to understand relationships between hazard evolution and responsive action
Authors: Naismith Ailsa K. , Phillips Jeremy , Barclay Jenni , Armijos M. Teresa , Watson I. Matthew , Chigna William , Chigna Gustavo
Published: February 2024

During volcanic crisis, effective risk mitigation requires that institutions and local people respond promptly to protect lives and livelihoods. In this paper, we ask: over what timescales do explosive paroxysmal eruptions evolve? And how do these timescales relate to those of people’s past responses? We explore these questions by comparing timescales of eruptions and evacuations for several recent events at Volcán de Fuego (Guatemala) to identify lags in evacuation and determine the drivers of these lags. We use multiple geophysical datasets for explosive paroxysmal eruptions (“paroxysms”) in 2012–2018 to constrain timescales of eruptive evolution. In parallel, we determine timescales of response and the impacts of uncertainty and eruptive behaviours on decision-making through interviews with institutional and local actors. We then compare eruption and response timescales to explore the drivers for decision-making, whether volcanic, institutional, or personal. We find that eruption and response timescales are comparable. However, we also find that periods of decision-making and warning dissemination delay response until well after eruptive onset. We document how in recent eruptions, response occurs during eruptive climax when risk is at peak. We use paired timelines to elucidate the key drivers of this ‘response lag’ and show that despite the high levels of forecasting uncertainty, response times could be improved by agreed means to collaborate through shared information and agreed actions. We conclude by considering how the analysis presented here might be useful to different actors who share the goal of preserving lives and livelihoods at Fuego, focussing on how community’s needs can be met such that during an eruptive crisis the community can evacuate in time. Our analysis offers practical insights for people working to mitigate risk to populations near active volcanoes around the world.