bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The company we keep. Using hemodialysis social network data to classify patients’ kidney transplant attitudes with machine learning algorithms
Authors: Aljurbua Rafaa , Gillespie Avrum , Obradovic Zoran
Published: December 2022

Background

Hemodialysis clinic patient social networks may reinforce positive and negative attitudes towards kidney transplantation. We examined whether a patient’s position within the hemodialysis clinic social network could improve machine learning classification of the patient’s positive or negative attitude towards kidney transplantation when compared to sociodemographic and clinical variables.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional social network survey of hemodialysis patients in two geographically and demographically different hemodialysis clinics. We evaluated whether machine learning logistic regression models using sociodemographic or network data best predicted the participant’s transplant attitude. Models were evaluated for accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score.

Results

The 110 surveyed participants’ mean age was 60 ± 13 years old. Half (55%) identified as male, and 74% identified as Black. At facility 1, 69% of participants had a positive attitude towards transplantation whereas at facility 2, 45% of participants had a positive attitude. The machine learning logistic regression model using network data alone obtained a higher accuracy and F1 score than the sociodemographic and clinical data model (accuracy 65% ± 5% vs. 61% ± 7%, F1 score 76% ± 2% vs. 70% ± 7%). A model with a combination of both sociodemographic and network data had a higher accuracy of 74% ± 3%, and an F1-score of 81% ± 2%.

Conclusion

Social network data improved the machine learning algorithm’s ability to classify attitudes towards kidney transplantation, further emphasizing the importance of hemodialysis clinic social networks on attitudes towards transplant.
Eczema as a protective factor for brain cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Yun , Teng Yirong , Xu Shuangyan , Xu Yinde , Zhu Boheng , Yan Weimin , Liu Jie
Published: December 2022

Background

Brain cancer is one of the most aggressive cancer types owing to poor treatment effects. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that allergies may increase the disease risk. Therefore, this study evaluated the association between eczema and the risk of various brain cancers.

Methods

We systematically searched the PubMed and Embase databases from their inception until June 23, 2022. Two reviewers independently reviewed and screened the articles, extracted data, assessed the study quality, and pooled the results. Stata software was used to generate pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

We included 20 studies comprising 5,117,222 patients that investigated the relationship between eczema and brain cancer. Eczema was significantly inversely associated with the risk of brain cancer (odds ratio [OR], 0.82; 95% CI, 0.77–0.87), glioma (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.14–2.02), meningioma (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.66–0.84), and acoustic neuroma (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.41–0.88). Interesting, The strong correlation between eczema and the reduced risk of brain cancer was observed in people over 16 years old (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.71–0.88), but not in those under 16 years old (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.79–1.11). In addition, subgroup analyses found that eczema significantly decreased the glioma risk in Europeans (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.65–0.82) but not Australians (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.14–2.02) or Americans (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.69–1.46).

Conclusion

Eczema may be considered as a potential protective factor of brain cancer in population aged over 16 years. However, this relationship requires verification using large-scale clinical data.
Splenic lymphangiomas as a common indication for splenectomy: a case series with literature review
Authors: Efared Boubacar , Bako Aïchatou Balaraba Abani , Younssa Hama , Boubacar Idrissa , Zabeirou Aliou , Koura Hamadou Halidou , Boureima Habiba Salifou , Amadou Soumaila , Coulibaly Idrissa Seriba , Lassey James Didier , Nouhou Hassan
Published: December 2022

Background

Splenic lymphangiomas (SL) are very rare benign cystic lesions found in pediatric population. Their occurrence in adults is exceptional. Splenectomy is the common management of splenic lesions for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purpose. Our aim is to report additional cases of SL diagnosed on splenectomy specimens at our Pathology laboratory with literature review.

Methods

This is a retrospective study including all cases of splenectomy recorded at our Pathology laboratory (June 2020–August 2022). We performed a comparison of clinicopathological features between patients with SL and those with other benign splenic diseases.

Results

Sixteen cases of splenectomy were included. The mean age was 30.25 years (range of 6–70 years). The final histopathological diagnoses were congestive spleens in all cases of sickle cell disease (SCD) (5/16 patients, 31.25%), splenic cystic lymphangiomas (4/16 patients, 25%), capsular splenic infiltration by gastric and colic cancers (3/16 cases, 18.75%), splenic abscess (2/16 cases, 12.5%) and splenic rupture with subcapsular hematoma (1/16 patients, 6.25%). 12/16 patients (75%) had benign splenic conditions (4/12 with SL, 5/12 with SCD, 2/12 with abscess and 1/12 with splenic trauma). Patients with SL were older than those with other benign splenic conditions (mean age of 28.27 years versus 20.87 years). Also patients with SL presented with massive splenomegaly (mean splenic weight of 1675 g versus 418.75 g, mean splenic size of 19.62 cm versus 14.63 cm). Open surgery was performed in 15/16 patients (93.75%).

Conclusion

Unlike previous studies, our series shows that SL are a common indication for splenectomy and occur in older patients with massive cystic splenomegaly. Open splenectomy is still an usual surgical practice in our country.
VEGF, EGFR and PSMA as possible imaging targets of lymph node metastases of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder
Authors: van der Fels Christa Anne Maria , Leliveld Annemarie , Buikema Henk , van den Heuvel Marius Christianus , de Jong Igle Jan
Published: December 2022

Background

In this study we investigated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) to analyze their potency as targets for the detection of lymph node (LN) metastases of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.

Methods

Antigen expression was determined in 40 samples with urothelial carcinoma and compared to 17 matched samples without metastases by immunohistochemistry. The total immunostaining score (TIS 0–12) was determined as the product of a proportion score (PS 0–4) and intensity score (IS 0–3).

Results

VEGF expression was high in primary tumor and LN metastases (median TIS 8 in both) and VEGF expression was also seen in LNs without metastases (median TIS 6). EGFR expression was low in primary tumor and LN metastases (median TIS 3 and 2 respectively) and absent in LNs without metastases. PSMA expression was low in samples with urothelial carcinoma (median TIS 2).

Conclusion

VEGF shows moderate to high expression levels in both primary tumors and LN metastases and could be a candidate as a target agent for imaging modalities of urothelial carcinoma. EGFR and PSMA do show low staining levels in tumor tissue with urothelial carcinoma and do not seem suitable as target agents.

Trial registration: The Medical Ethics Review Board of the University Medical Center Groningen approved this study on 14 December 2017 (METc UMCG 2017/639). Trial registration number (UMCG Research Register): 201700868.
Pain Interventions for people with dementia: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Spichiger Frank , Volken Thomas , Bosshard Georg , Zigan Nicole , Blanc Geneviève , Büscher Andreas , Nagl-Cupal Martin , Bernard Mathieu , Rubli Truchard Eve , Larkin Philip , Koppitz Andrea
Published: December 2022

Background

Due to the complexity of the provision of care for people with dementia, pain assessment and management is still considered to be lacking. An optimal way to support frontline staff in providing pain assessment and management for people with dementia living in nursing homes has not yet been identified. The success of supporting interventions seems dependent on contextual factors in the nursing homes. This study, therefore, analyzes the feasibility of a nurse-led training intervention, using repeated on-site case studies, in modifying pain intensity and frequency in people with dementia.

Methods

Using a quasi-experimental design, we undertook a multi-center study of nurse-led training in pain management, with subsequent on-site case studies. Healthcare workers from 3 nursing homes assessed pain in 164 residents with dementia over 147 days. We used mixed-effect growth curve models with spline regression to analyze the data.

Results

We found that on-site case studies support frontline staff with pain management and assessment. Repeated reflection in case studies led to significantly longer pain free intervals (from 4.7 at baseline to 37.1 days at second follow-up) and decreased frequency of pain events (OR 0.54 at first follow-up and 0.43 at second follow-up). However no trends regarding pain intensity could be found. Therefore, on-site case studies may be valuable for improving pain frequency and pain-free intervals over time.

Conclusion

This feasibility study shows the potential of on-site support for frontline nursing home staff. On-site case studies may also affect health outcomes in people with dementia. However, the complexity of dementia care necessitates the management of a broader range of needs.

Trial registration

The study was retrospectively registered on the tenth of January 2017 with the German registry of clinical trials (DRKS00009726).
Association between surrogate indicators of insulin resistance and risk of type 2 diabetes combined with hypertension among Chinese adults: two independent cohort studies
Authors: Dong Jing , Liu Yu-Hong , Lu Ya-Ke , Hu Li-Kun , Chen Ning , Ma Lin-Lin , Chu Xi , Yan Yu-Xiang
Published: December 2022

Background

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) combined with hypertension has a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between the surrogate indicators of insulin resistance (TyG, TG/HDL, and Mets-IR) with the risk of T2D combined with hypertension.

Methods

This study is based on a functional community cohort from Beijing and the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, comprising 4234 and 4658 participants respectively. Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline regression were performed to assess the link between TyG, TG/HDL, and Mets-IR with T2D combined with hypertension. The cross-lagged panel analysis and the mediation analysis were used to examine the temporal relationship between insulin resistance and obesity and their temporal relationship with follow-up T2D combined with hypertension.

Results

In multivariable-adjusted models, higher TyG was associated with a higher risk of developing T2D combined with hypertension, the hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) were 3.46 (2.43–4.93) and 2.02 (1.67–2.44), in two cohorts respectively. A similar positive association was shown for Mets-IR, the hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) were 1.04 (1.03–1.06) and 1.05 (1.03–1.07), in two cohorts respectively. However, the association between TG/HDL with T2D combined with hypertension was different in two cohorts. The restricted cubic spline regression showed a linear association between TyG and T2D combined with hypertension (P-nonlinear > 0.05). The cross-lagged path coefficient from baseline BMI to follow-up TyG index was significantly greater than the path coefficient from baseline TyG to follow-up BMI. TyG partially mediated the effect of BMI on the risk of T2D combined with hypertension and the percentage of mediated association was estimated at 41.58% and 48.41% in two cohorts, respectively.

Conclusion

These findings indicated positive associations between TyG and Mets-IR with the risk of T2D combined with hypertension in two cohorts. In addition, BMI change may precede TyG index change, and the TyG index plays a mediating role in BMI induced T2D combined with hypertension.
Diagnostic pitfalls: a case of prostate cancer and rectal cancer accompanied by prostate cancer invasion of the rectum
Authors: Long Qiongxian , Wu Ji , Peng Yong , Zhang Xuqian , Liu Xinya , Chen Huaping
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Case of double primary cancer of the prostate and rectum is rare, prostate cancer involving the postoperative intestinal anastomotic mucosal tissue is even rarer.

Case presentation

We report a case of rectal cancer discovered 1 year after a diagnosis of prostate cancer and a tumour in the postoperative anastomotic intestinal mucosal tissue involving prostatic adenocarcinoma at 1 year after the diagnosis of rectal cancer. Due to the poor differentiation of both prostate and rectal cancers, there are some pitfalls in the diagnosis of intestinal mucosal lesions at an anastomosis. The lack of an accurate diagnosis of a tumour in anastomosis intestinal mucosal tissue will affect treatment and patient survival.

Conclusions

The pathologists should have a detailed understanding of the patient's medical history and carefully observe the histopathological morphology and, if necessary, immunohistochemistry or other techniques should be used to assist in the pathological diagnosis and avoid both misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.
Insights into the tumor microenvironment of B cell lymphoma
Authors: Ng Wern Lynn , Ansell Stephen M. , Mondello Patrizia
Published: December 2022

The standard therapies in lymphoma have predominantly focused on targeting tumor cells with less of a focus on the tumor microenvironment (TME), which plays a critical role in favoring tumor growth and survival. Such an approach may result in increasingly refractory disease with progressively reduced responses to subsequent treatments. To overcome this hurdle, targeting the TME has emerged as a new therapeutic strategy. The TME consists of T and B lymphocytes, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and other components. Understanding the TME can lead to a comprehensive approach to managing lymphoma, resulting in therapeutic strategies that target not only cancer cells, but also the supportive environment and thereby ultimately improve survival of lymphoma patients. Here, we review the normal function of different components of the TME, the impact of their aberrant behavior in B cell lymphoma and the current TME-direct therapeutic avenues.
Effects of pre-operative oral carbohydrates on insulin resistance and postoperative recovery in diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: study protocol for a prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Shicheng , He Lixian , Yu Yiping , Yuan Xin , Yang Tao , Yan Fuxia , Xu Fei , Zhang Yan , Pan Shiwei , Zhang Huaijun , Chen Zujun , Xie Lu , Wu Rong , Feng Wei , Yao Yuntai ,   Evidence In Cardiovascular Anesthesia (EICA) Group
Published: December 2022

Background

Preoperative carbohydrates (CHO) supplement has been widely investigated in nondiabetic patients undergoing a variety of surgeries. It has been proved that preoperative CHO could alleviate postoperative insulin resistance (IR) and improve patients’ well-being in nondiabetic patients. However, it remains controversial whether preoperative CHO could yield similar effects in diabetic patients. Till now, seldom has the administration of preoperative CHO been investigated in diabetic patients and there are limited studies reporting IR and postoperative recovery of diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods and analysis

We present a prospective, single-center, single-blind, randomized, no-treatment controlled trial of preoperative CHO on diabetic patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). A total of 62 patients will be enrolled and randomized to either Group CHO or Group control (CTRL). Patients in Group CHO will consume CHO fluid containing 50 g carbohydrates orally the evening before surgery (20:00–24:00) while their counterparts in Group CTRL will be fasted after 20:00 the evening before surgery. The primary endpoint is postoperative IR assessed via homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). The secondary endpoints are postoperative levels of potential mediators relating to IR including inflammatory factors and stress reaction characterized by serum cortisol. Exploratory endpoints are in-hospital clinical endpoints. Continuous variables will be compared by Student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Categorical variables will be compared with χ2 test or Fisher’s exact test. All tests in the present study are two-tailed and P<0.05 is considered statistically significant. All analyses will be performed with R 4.0.4.

Discussion

This is the first prospective randomized controlled trial of preoperative CHO in diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery, with the hypothesis that preoperative CHO could improve postoperative IR and promote postoperative recovery. The research may assist in improving the clinical outcomes of diabetic patients undergoing OPCAB.

Trial registration

The trial has been prospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (https://register.clinicaltrials.gov) and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn). Registry number is NCT05540249 and ChiCTR2000029664 respectively. Registered on Sept. 14, 2022.

Clinical trials unit

Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
Neutralization sensitivity, fusogenicity, and infectivity of Omicron subvariants
Authors: Wang Xue-Jun , Yao Lin , Zhang Hong-Yun , Zhu Ka-Li , Zhao Jing , Zhan Bing-Dong , Li Yi-Ke , He Xue-Juan , Huang Cong , Wang Zhuang-Ye , Jiang Ming-Dong , Yang Peng , Yang Yang , Wang Guo-Lin , Wang Sheng-Qi , Dai Er-Hei , Gao Hui-Xia , Ma Mai-Juan
Published: December 2022

Background

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants has raised questions regarding resistance to immunity by natural infection or immunization. We examined the sensitivity of Delta and Omicron subvariants (BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.2, BA.2.12.1, BA.4/5, and BA.3) to neutralizing antibodies from BBIBP-CorV-vaccinated and BBIBP-CorV- or ZF2001-boosted individuals, as well as individuals with Delta and BA.1 breakthrough infections, and determined their fusogenicity and infectivity.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, serum samples from two doses of BBIBP-CorV-vaccinated individuals 1 (n = 36), 3 (n = 36), and 7 (n = 37) months after the second dose; BBIBP-CorV- (n = 25) or ZF2001-boosted (n = 30) individuals; and fully vaccinated individuals with Delta (n = 30) or BA.1 (n = 26) infection were collected. The serum-neutralizing reactivity and potency of bebtelovimab were assessed against D614G, Delta, and Omicron subvariants (BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.2, BA.2.12.1, BA.4/5, and BA.3) through a pseudovirus neutralization assay. The fusogenicity and infectivity of D614G, Delta, and Omicron subvariants were determined by cell-cell fusion assay and pseudovirus infection assay, respectively.

Results

Omicron subvariants markedly escaped vaccine-elicited neutralizing antibodies after two doses of BBIBP-CorV with comparable efficiency. A third dose vaccination of BBIBP-CorV or ZF2001 increased neutralizing antibody titers and breadth against Delta and three Omicron subvariants. Delta and BA.1 breakthrough infections induced comparable neutralizing antibody titers against D614G and Delta variants, whereas BA.1 breakthrough infections elicited a stronger and broader antibody response against three Omicron subvariants than Delta breakthrough infections. BA.2.12.1 and BA.4/5 are more resistant to immunity induced by breakthrough infections. Bebtelovimab had no significant loss of potency against the Delta and Omicron subvariants. Cell culture experiments showed Omicron subvariants to be less fusogenic and have higher infectivity than D614G and Delta with comparable efficiency.

Conclusions

These findings have important public health implications and highlight the importance of repeated exposure to SARS-CoV-2 antigens to broaden the neutralizing antibody response against Omicron subvariants.
The psychometric properties and gender invariance of the Italian version of the Perceived Vulnerability to Disease Questionnaire (I-PVDQ) during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Chiesi Francesca , Marunic Georgia , Tagliaferro Carlotta , Lau Chloe
Published: December 2022

Background

The Perceived Vulnerability to Disease Questionnaire (PVDQ) measures beliefs associated with personal susceptibility to infectious diseases and behaviors or perceptions in the presence of potential risk of pathogen transmission. Given the onset of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 global pandemic, otherwise known as the COVID-19 pandemic, the construct being measured may function differently based on affective, behavioral, and cognitive changes along with the need to change norms and lifestyles in a global context. The present study aims to test the psychometric properties and the gender invariance of the Italian adaptation of the PVDQ to confirm that the scale can be used with Italian-speaking people, and that it functions effectively during a pandemic.

Methods

A total of 509 participants filled out an online questionnaire including the Italian version of the I-PVDQ (I-PVDQ) and several measures of psychological constructs. Reliability and factor analyses (single and multigroup) were conducted. Bayesian correlation tests and Bayesian independent samplet-tests were used to assess the validity of I-PVDQ.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis supported the two-factor structure of the I-PVDQ, and factor loadings loaded appropriately onto perceived infectability (PI) and germ aversion (GA). In terms of invariance, the scale showed configural, metric, scalar, and strict invariance across genders. Decisive evidence in favor of correlation with the measure of COVID-19 related fears for both PI and GA was found. There was strong evidence for observed correlations with COVID-19 related constructs such as intolerance to uncertainty, psychological inflexibility, resilience, stress, and anxiety. Women showed higher GA than men, while there were no gender differences in PI.

Conclusions

Taken together, these results suggest that the I-PVDQ confirms the psychometric properties of the original version and that can be used to detect PVD when it is affected by environmental circumstances since its functioning is preserved during a pandemic.
Development of a methodology for the characterisation and assessment of biodeteriogens on archaeological surfaces by use of a portable LED-induced fluorescence instrument
Authors: Giakoumaki A. , Philippidis A. , Siozos P. , Pyrri I. , Anglos D. , Pouli P.
Published: December 2022

The present study focuses on the development of a fast, non-invasive methodology, appropriate for the detection and characterization of biodeterioration present on the surface of archaeological/historical stone objects and monuments, by exploiting the characteristic fluorescence emission of biological deposits. Fluorescence spectra were collected by use of a portable LED (Light Emitting Diode)-Induced Fluorescence (LED-IF) instrument. Three limestone fragments and one mortar fragment, from different monuments in Greece, presenting various types of biodeterioration on their surface, have been investigated in the laboratory. First, fluorescence emission spectra were acquired with a benchtop laboratory spectrofluorometer in order to select the optimum excitation wavelengths for the fluorophores present in the biological crust. An evaluation of the portable LED-IF instrument was conducted by assessing the performance of its optical components and different LED excitation sources, while an investigation of several experimental parameters on the fluorescence signal was also performed. Furthermore, issues related to the efficiency of detection and identification of biological growth have been studied, such as the effect of sample surface wetting on the fluorescence signal. The results of the present study demonstrate that the LED-IF instrument can be used for a fast and reliable assessment of the presence of biodeterioration on monuments.
Low microbiome diversity in threatened amphibians from two biodiversity hotspots
Authors: Greenspan Sasha E. , Peloso Pedro , Fuentes-González Jesualdo A. , Bletz Molly , Lyra Mariana L. , Machado Ibere F. , Martins Renato A. , Medina Daniel , Moura-Campos Diego , Neely Wesley J. , Preuss Jackson , Sturaro Marcelo J. , Vaz Renata I. , Navas Carlos A. , Toledo Luís Felipe , Tozetti Alexandro M. , Vences Miguel , Woodhams Douglas C. , Haddad Célio F. B. , Pienaar Jason , Becker C. Guilherme
Published: December 2022

Microbial diversity positively influences community resilience of the host microbiome. However, extinction risk factors such as habitat specialization, narrow environmental tolerances, and exposure to anthropogenic disturbance may homogenize host-associated microbial communities critical for stress responses including disease defense. In a dataset containing 43 threatened and 90 non-threatened amphibian species across two biodiversity hotspots (Brazil’s Atlantic Forest and Madagascar), we found that threatened host species carried lower skin bacterial diversity, after accounting for key environmental and host factors. The consistency of our findings across continents suggests the broad scale at which low bacteriome diversity may compromise pathogen defenses in species already burdened with the threat of extinction.
Interactions dietary components with expression level of breast cancer-related genes
Authors: Bourbour Fatemeh , Pourtaheri Azam , Abbasi Khadijeh , Hasanpour Ardekanizadeh Naeemeh , Gholamalizadeh Maryam , Hajipour Azadeh , Abdollahi Sepideh , Bagheri Seyedeh Elaheh , Ahmadzadeh Mina , Doaei Saeid , Haghighian Arezoo
Published: December 2022

Background

Dietary components can influence the effects of genetic background in breast cancer (BC). This review study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary components on the expression level of BC-related genes.

Methods

In this narrative review, Embase, PubMed, PsycInfo, and the Cochrane databases were used to collect the related papers with interactions of BC, genetics, and dietary intake. Appropriate keywords such as BC, gene expression, mutation, nutrient, and diet (alone and together) were applied for data collection.

Results

The association of BC with some genes including the BC1 gene (BRCA1), the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene can be affected by dietary components. Moderate B12 supplementation may be protective against BC in people with the inherited mutation ofBRCA. The olive oil may have a protective effect against BC through several mechanisms such as suppressingHER-2expression. Furthermore, high glycemic index foods may increase the risk of BC by the activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway and the up-regulation ofFTOgene expression.

Conclusion

There are interactions between BC, BC-related genes, and dietary intake. Dietary components such as macronutrients, micronutrients, and phytochemicals may regulate the expression level of BC-related genes. Further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the associations between BC-related genes and diet and to discover the underlying mechanisms.
Proteomics for the Discovery of Clinical Delirium Biomarkers: A Systematic Review of Major Studies
Authors: Wiredu Kwame , Aduse-Poku Edmund , Shaefi Shahzad , Gerber Scott A.
Published: December 2022

Delirium represents a significant health care burden, diagnosed in more than 2 million elderly Americans each year. In the surgical population, delirium remains the most common complication among elderly patients, and is associated with longer hospital stays, higher costs of care, increased mortality, and functional impairment. The pathomechanism of disease is poorly understood, with current diagnostic approaches somewhat subjective and arbitrary, and definitive diagnostic biomarkers are currently lacking. Despite the recent interest in delirium research, biomarker discovery for it remains new. Most attempts to discover biomarkers are targeted studies that seek to assess the involvement of one or more members of a focused panel of candidates in delirium. For a more unbiased, system-biology view, we searched literature from Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Cochrane Central, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Dimensions between 2016 and 2021 for untargeted proteomic discovery studies for biomarkers of delirium conducted on human geriatric subjects. Two reviewers conducted an independent review of all search results and resolved discordance by consensus. From an overall search of 1172 publications, 8 peer-reviewed studies met our defined inclusion criteria. The 370 unique perioperative biomarkers identified in these reports are enriched in pathways involving activation of the immune system, inflammatory response, and the coagulation cascade. The most frequently identified biomarker was interleukin-6 (IL-6). By reviewing the distribution of protein biomarker candidates from these studies, we conclude that a panel of proteins, rather than a single biomarker, would allow for discriminating delirium cases from noncases. The paucity of hypothesis-generating studies in the peer-reviewed literature also suggests that a system-biology view of delirium pathomechanisms has yet to fully emerge.
Quantitative differentiation of benign and misfolded glaucoma-causing myocilin variants on the basis of protein thermal stability
Authors: Scelsi Hailee F. , Hill Kamisha R. , Barlow Brett M. , Martin Mackenzie D. , Lieberman Raquel L.
Published: December 2022

Accurate predictions of the pathogenicity of mutations associated with genetic diseases are key to the success of precision medicine. Inherited missense mutations in the myocilin (MYOC) gene, within its olfactomedin (OLF) domain, constitute the strongest genetic link to primary open-angle glaucoma via a toxic gain of function, and thus MYOC is an attractive precision-medicine target. However, not all mutations in MYOC cause glaucoma, and common variants are expected to be neutral polymorphisms. The Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD) lists ∼100 missense variants documented within OLF, all of which are relatively rare (allele frequency <0.001%) and nearly all are of unknown pathogenicity. To distinguish disease-causing OLF variants from benign OLF variants, we first characterized the most prevalent population-based variants using a suite of cellular and biophysical assays, and identified two variants with features of aggregation-prone familial disease variants. Next, we considered all available biochemical and clinical data to demonstrate that pathogenic and benign variants can be differentiated statistically based on a single metric: the thermal stability of OLF. Our results motivate genotyping MYOC in patients for clinical monitoring of this widespread, painless and irreversible ocular disease.
Relação entre o tempo de espera e o impacto no cotidiano de pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total de joelho
Authors: Pinto Dilamar Moreira , Melo Monica Cristina Batista , Alencar Andrea Echeverria Martins Arraes , Gonçalves Marcelo Carvalho Krause , Gonçalves Romeu Krause , Lima Diego Ariel de
Published: December 2022

Objetivo: avaliar a relação entre a qualidade de vida e o tempo de espera para a realização de artroplastia total do joelho (ATJ) em pacientes usuários do sistema público de saúde. Método: estudo observacional, retrospectivo, do tipo corte transversal, entre janeiro a junho de 2021. Foram incluídos no estudo os pacientes com idade igual ou superior a 50 anos que adentraram em fila de espera para tratamento cirúrgico por artroplastia total do joelho, desde setembro de 2018, em um hospital público terciário. Os dados foram coletados por meio de questionário desenvolvido e validado pelo próprio serviço de psicologia da instituição e processados por meio de estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: trinta pacientes participaram da pesquisa, com idade de 67 ± 6,63 anos, 70% do sexo feminino com renda mensal média de R$1.558,00. Quanto ao tempo de espera pela ATJ, 56,67% dos pacientes esperaram até 90 dias; 16,67% entre 90 e 180 dias e 26,67% esperaram mais de 180 dias. Foi demonstrada melhora significativa entre as condições clínicas pré e pós ATJ, como mobilidade, edema, rigidez matinal e dor. A redução da dor foi preditora significativamente mais associada com a satisfação com o procedimento. Análise de regressão verificou que os piores resultados foram encontrados nos pacientes que esperaram por mais de 90 dias pela ATJ. Conclusão: o tempo de espera causa um impacto significativo no cotidiano dos pacientes submetidos à ATJ. Quanto maior o tempo de espera, piores são os resultados funcionais, a satisfação e a qualidade de vida desses pacientes.
Noncognitive Factors for Probationary Students Engaged in Academic Recovery Courses: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Robinson Christine , Shi Ran
Published: December 2022

Studies of academic recovery courses (ARCs) focus almost exclusively on academic outcomes, such as postcourse grade point average (GPA) and academic standing. This study explores the role of noncognitive factors—specifically attribution perspective, shame resilience, and academic identity—for students engaged in ARCs. Pre- and postcourse data from ARC students revealed significant correlations between noncognitive factors and academic standing and statistically significant relationships among non-cognitive factors, as well as a significant difference in mean shame scores by gender. Practice implications are presented to guide educators in their retention efforts with probationary students and to encourage future research.
The Experiences, Influences and Concerns of Future Orthopaedic Surgeons: Comparing Uk and non-UK Perspectives
Authors: Galloway Richard , Chandrakumar Charmilie , Shanmuganathan Kanatheepan , Chotai Neil , Jeyaseelan Lucky
Published: December 2022

Aims/background

This study aims to identify and analyse the factors that influence or discourage junior doctors in the UK and across the world from wanting to pursue a career in orthopaedics.

Methods

A prospective, cohort study was carried out via an online questionnaire targeted at aspiring orthopaedic surgeons.

Results

A total of 654 respondents met inclusion criteria; 370 (56.6%) were UK-based and 284 (43.4%) were based abroad. The practical and technical nature of orthopaedics was the biggest influencing factor globally. UK respondents were notably more concerned by the financial impact of training (49%) followed by poor work-life balance (36%). Themes from the comments section revealed concern regarding gender bias and a lack of diverse role models within orthopaedics.

Conclusions

Reducing the cost and length of training, diversification of role models, removal of bias and increasing positive early experiences may help to encourage people of all backgrounds to pursue a career in orthopaedic surgery.
Quality in postgraduate medical education: hearing the trainee voice and beyond
Authors: Bogle Richard , Husselbee James
Published: December 2022

Most doctors in training will have completed the annual General Medical Council training survey, but what happens to the results and how do they lead to improvement in the quality of training? This article discusses the General Medical Council survey and potential ways in which the assessment of quality in postgraduate medical training could be improved.
Nomenclatural notes on Laeliinae-IX. New combinations in Cattleya and Laelia (Orchidaceae, Laeliinae)
Authors:   Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, van den Berg Cássio
Published: December 2022

In this paper I propose two new combinations in Cattleya and one in Laelia which are required to include the affected taxa in the Flora e Funga do Brasil online project.
Measurement sensitivity analysis and on-orbit calibration of systematic errors for a narrow field-of-view camera
Authors: Sun Bowen , Wang Jiongqi , Zhou Haiyin , Liu Haibo , Wei E. , Zhou Xuanying
Published: December 2022

Narrow field-of-view (FOV) cameras enable long-range observations and have been often used in deep space exploration missions. To solve the problem of systematic error calibration for a narrow FOV camera, the sensitivity of the camera systematic errors to the angle between the stars is analyzed theoretically, based on a measurement system for observing the angle between stars. In addition, the systematic errors for a narrow FOV camera are classified into “Non-attitude Errors” and “Attitude Errors”. Furthermore, the on-orbit calibration methods for the two types of errors are researched. Simulations show that the proposed method is more effective in the on-orbit calibration of systematic errors for a narrow FOV camera than the traditional calibration methods.
Sub-nanometer measurement of transient structural changes in dye-doped polystyrene microspheres
Authors: Asgari Pegah , Dogru Yüksel Itir Bakiş , Blab Gerhard A. , Gerritsen Hans C. , Mosk Allard P.
Published: December 2022

We present an interferometric spectral-domain optical coherence tomography microscopy setup to detect structural changes using interference of light reflected from different interfaces of the sample. We induce a reproducible nanometer-scale size change in dye-doped 10-µm polystyrene microspheres by the release of Stokes shift energy of dye molecules inside the microspheres, excited by a modulated 532-nm laser. The resulting optical path length difference was measured with a sensitivity of

0.4
 

p
m

/

H
z

limited by photodetection noise, and reveals elastic as well as inelastic responses, which opens up possibilities for measuring the response of cell-sized biological objects.
Parental age at conception on mouse lemur’s offspring longevity: Sex-specific maternal effects
Authors: Martine Perret , Aude Anzeraey
Published: December 2022

Parental age at conception often influences offspring’s longevity, a phenomenon referred as the “Lansing effect” described in large variety of organisms. But, the majority of the results refer to the survival of juveniles, mainly explained by an inadequate parental care by the elderly parents, mostly the mothers. Studies on the effect of parental age on offspring’s longevity in adulthood remain few, except in humans for whom effects of parental age vary according to statistical models or socioeconomic environments. In a small primate in which the longevity reaches up to 13 years, we investigated the effects of parental age at conception on the longevity of offspring (N = 278) issued from parents with known longevity. None of the postnatal parameters (body mass at 30 and 60 days after birth, size and composition of the litter) influenced offspring’s longevity. Mothers’ age at conception negatively affected offspring’s longevity in males but not in females. By contrast, fathers’ age at conception did not influence offspring’s longevity. Finally, the longevity of female offspring was significantly positively related to the longevity of both parents. Compared with current studies, the surprisingly minor effect of fathers ‘age was related to the high seasonal reproduction and the particular telomere biology of mouse lemurs.
Targeted delivery of ursolic acid and oleanolic acid to lungs in the form of an inhaler for the management of tuberculosis: Pharmacokinetic and toxicity assessment
Authors: Saini Vinay , Debnath Sujit Kumar , Maske Priyanka , Dighe Vikas , Srivastava Rohit
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Ursolic acid (UA) and oleanolic acid (OA) are triterpenoids. They are used to treat numerous diseases, including tuberculosis. Combinations of these drugs provide new insight into the management of tuberculosis. The major obstacle is the effective delivery of these drugs to the lungs, which are mainly affected due to M. tuberculosis. A metered-dose inhaler (MDI) was developed to address this issue containing UA and OA, followed by in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation.

Methods

In the present study, MDI formulation was prepared by incorporating UA and OA at the dose level of 120 μg/ml in each actuation. In-vitro evaluation of this MDI formulation was performed to ensure its suitability to deliver UA and OA preciously. With prior approval of IAEC, a pharmacokinetic and acute inhalation toxicity study was conducted using MDI on Wistar rats.

Results

The pharmacokinetic study showed an increased biological half-life of UA (9.23±0.104 h) and OA (8.93±0.166 h) in combination therapy. In-vivo toxicity study demonstrated no adverse effects on body weight and vital organs in the treatment group compared with the control group. Histopathology examination of these essential organs showed no abnormalities. Mild alternation in the biochemical and hematological parameters was observed. However, these alterations did not affect the overall health of the animals.

Conclusion

The present study documents a detailed study for the safety and pharmacokinetics of UA and OA in-vivo for their advanced application in tuberculosis disease.
Longevity and mortality in cats: A single institution necropsy study of 3108 cases (1989–2019)
Authors: Kent Michael S. , Karchemskiy Sophie , Culp William T. N. , Lejeune Amandine T. , Pesavento Patricia A. , Toedebusch Christine , Brady Rachel , Rebhun Robert
Published: December 2022

Client-owned cats who underwent a post-mortem examination (n = 3,108) at a veterinary medical teaching hospital between 1989 and 2019 were studied to determine longevity and factors affecting mortality. Demographic factors, environmental factors, age, and causes of death were assessed. Sexes included 5.66% intact females, 39.86% spayed females, 6.95% intact males and 47.49% neutered males. 84.2% were mixed breed cats. Age at death was known for 2,974 cases with a median of 9.07 years. Cancer was the most common pathophysiologic cause of death (35.81%) and was identified in 41.3% of cats. When categorized by organ system, mortality was most attributed to multiorgan/systemic (21.72%). Renal histologic abnormalities were noted in 62.84% of cats but was considered the primary cause of death in only 13.06% of cats. Intact female and male cats had significantly shorter lifespans than their spayed or neutered counterparts. FeLV positive status was associated with decreased longevity (P<0.0001) while FIV status was not. This study reports on risk factors associated with mortality and highlights areas of research that may contribute to improved lifespan in cats.
Research on the relationship between the scattering contribution and physical factors of the reference radiation regulated by ISO 4037–1
Authors: Qian Yi-kun , Liu Yi-xin , Mao Ben-jiang , Zhang Song , Liu Yanan , Feng Peng
Published: December 2022

In the latest version of ISO 4037–1:2019 standard, the minimum dimension of a gamma radiation reference field was not clearly specified, which makes the construction of a minitype gamma reference radiation field lack of scientific basis. This paper carried out the research on the relationship between the scattering contribution and physical factors of the reference radiation regulated by ISO 4037–1. LS-SVM was applied to construct the relational model between physical factors and scattering contribution based on the data simulated by Monte Carlo method. Then the minimum dimension of collimated reference radiation field is obtained by PSO algorithm. For Co-60 source, the minimum size of the radiation field obtained is 93 cm(L)×40 cm(W)×40 cm(H). For Cs-137 source, the minimum size of the radiation field obtained is 153 cm(L)×47 cm (W)×47 cm(H). The results meet the requirements of the standard based on the model and provides a technical reference for the design of a minitype reference radiation field.
Down the membrane hole: Ion channels in protozoan parasites
Authors: Jimenez Veronica , Mesones Sebastian
Published: December 2022

Parasitic diseases caused by protozoans are highly prevalent around the world, disproportionally affecting developing countries, where coinfection with other microorganisms is common. Control and treatment of parasitic infections are constrained by the lack of specific and effective drugs, plus the rapid emergence of resistance. Ion channels are main drug targets for numerous diseases, but their potential against protozoan parasites is still untapped. Ion channels are membrane proteins expressed in all types of cells, allowing for the flow of ions between compartments, and regulating cellular functions such as membrane potential, excitability, volume, signaling, and death. Channels and transporters reside at the interface between parasites and their hosts, controlling nutrient uptake, viability, replication, and infectivity. To understand how ion channels control protozoan parasites fate and to evaluate their suitability for therapeutics, we must deepen our knowledge of their structure, function, and modulation. However, methodological approaches commonly used in mammalian cells have proven difficult to apply in protozoans. This review focuses on ion channels described in protozoan parasites of clinical relevance, mainly apicomplexans and trypanosomatids, highlighting proteins for which molecular and functional evidence has been correlated with their physiological functions.
Typpilannoituksen ja harventamisen kasvuvaikutukset kaksijaksoisessa mänty–kuusisekametsässä
Authors:   Luonnonvarakeskus (Luke), Luonnonvarat, Seinäjoki, Niemistö Pentti
Published: December 2022

Tutkimus tehtiin kangasmetsän kestokokeilla Muhoksella ja Jämsässä. Ylempää mäntyjaksoa harvennettiin metsänhoitosuositusten mukaisesti ja lannoituskäsittely 138 kg typpeä hehtaarille toistettiin kahdesti 15‒22 vuoden tutkimusjaksoilla. Alikasvoskuusikko harvennettiin tiheyteen 2000 kpl ha–1 tai raivattiin kokonaan. Ensimmäisen lannoituksen vaikutus harvennetussa puustossa kesti noin kymmenen vuotta lisäten välittömästi sekä mäntyjakson että alikasvoskuusten kasvua. Kun harvennus ja lannoitus toistettiin, molempien puujaksojen läpimitan ja tilavuuden kasvu pysyi saavutetulla hyvällä tasolla ja alikasvoksen pituuskasvu jatkoi lisääntymistä. Typpilannoitus lisäsi alikasvoskuusten läpimitan kasvua enemmän kuin pituuskasvua. Lannoitus lisäsi mäntyjakson aiheuttamaa kilpailua, joka hidasti etenkin alikasvoksen pituuskehitystä. Koko tutkimusjaksolla lannoitukset lisäsivät mäntyjakson vuotuista tilavuuskasvua 1,3 m3 ha–1, alikasvoskuusikon pohjapinta-alan kasvua varttuneessa männikössä 36 % ja nuoremmassa viljavassa männikössä 16 %. Lannoituksella ja alikasvoskuusikon raivauksella ei ollut yhdysvaikutusta mäntyjakson kasvuun. Sekä lannoitus että kasvupaikan viljavuus vaikuttivat suhteellisesti enemmän kuusialikasvoksen läpimitan kasvuun ja vallitsevien taimien pituuskasvuun kuin ylemmän mäntyjakson kasvuun. Ero oli kuitenkin pieni. Nopea- ja hidasliukoisten typpilannoitteiden kasvuvaikutukset erosivat ajallisesti, mutta eivät koko tutkimusjaksolla. Lannoitus lisäsi eniten suurimpien mäntyjen kasvua ja etenkin hidasliukoinen typpi edisti vallitsevien alikasvoskuusten kasvua, joten lannoitus voi edistää kaksijaksoisen puuston erirakenteisuutta. Männikön kasvu lisääntyi alikasvoksen raivauksen ansiosta vasta yli 60 vuoden iässä, yli 25 vuotta raivauksen jälkeen. Ilman lannoitusta alikasvoskuusten kasvu lisääntyi noin viiden vuoden viiveellä männikön harventamisen jälkeen. Lannoitus edisti elinvoimaisen alikasvoksen kasvua mutta ei korvannut mäntyjakson harvennusta, jonka tulisikin olla lannoitukseen valmistava toimenpide. Toisaalta lannoitus lisää mäntyjakson kasvua ja kilpailuvaikutusta nopeuttaen harvennustarvetta. Ylemmän mäntyjakson riittävä harventaminen on ensiarvoisen tärkeää, mikäli alla olevaa alikasvoskuusikkoa halutaan kasvattaa.