bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Approach for Determining the Critical Quality Attributes of Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Specifying Cell Population With Replication Potential
Authors: Yamamoto Takako , Arita Mao , Tamura Takashi , Saito Miho , Katayama Hirohito , Kuroda Hirotaka , Suzuki Takashi , Kawamata Shin
Published: March 2023

We introduce a novel approach to determine the critical quality attributes (CQAs) of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) expected to exert immunosuppressive effects. MSCs retained homeostatic replication potentials, such as sustainable growth and consistent cell morphology as a population, in early passages, but lost them in late passages. Characteristic surface markers of MSCs (ie, CD73, CD90, and CD105) were no longer expressed at 2 weeks after subcutaneous transplantation into NOG mice when MSCs from late passages were transplanted, but not when MSCs from early passages were transplanted, suggesting that the biological effects of the MSCs differed according to the timing of cell harvesting and highlighting the importance of specifying MSCs that retained homeostatic features to define the CQAs. The homeostatic features of MSCs related to the balance of the redox system, nutrient requirements, and mitochondrial function were also observed until a certain passage. Therefore, we could define the CQAs of MSCs related to manufacturing by selecting process parameters (PPs) underlying the homeostatic features of MSCs and measuring these PPs quantitatively to specify the cell population with homeostatic features by limiting the passage number. The validity of the PPs stipulated in our pilot study was verified using an SKG murine arthritis model, and critical PPs (CPPs) were then selected among the PPs. Thus, CQAs related to manufacturing in the developmental phase could be defined by the CPPs in this manner, and the concept of CQAs could be refined continuously toward commercial manufacturing.
Screening of the differentially expressed proteins in malignant transformation of BEAS-2B cells induced by coal tar pitch extract
Authors: Chai Yaru , Ji Penghui , Effah Clement Yaw , Duan Shuyin , Feng Feifei , Wu Yongjun
Published: March 2023

Coal tar pitch extract (CTPE) was carcinogenic and could cause occupational lung cancer. Hence, we explored the changes of protein molecules during CTPE-induced malignant transformation (MT) of immortalized human bronchial epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells and provided clues for screening early biomarkers of CTPE-associated occupational lung cancer. The MT model of BEAS-2B cells induced by CTPE with 15.0 μg/mL. Subsequently, the MT of the BEAS-2B cells was verified by morphological observation, cell proliferation test, plate colony formation assay, and cell cycle assay. At the end of the experiment, we explored the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) by total protein tandem mass tags quantitative proteomics technique between DMSO40 cells and CTPE40 cells. It was found that the proliferation ability, and colony formation rate were enhanced, and the cell cycle was changed. Then, bioinformatics analysis showed that a total of 107 DEPs were screened between CTPE40 and DMSO40 cells, of which 74 were up-regulated and 33 were down-regulated. As a result, 6 hub proteins were screened by protein–protein interaction network analysis. The expression levels of COX7A2, COX7C, MT-CO2, NDUFB4, and NDUFB7 were up-regulated as well as the expression of RPS29 protein was down-regulated. In summary, we established an MT model in vitro and explored the changes in protein molecules. As a result, this study suggested that changes of protein molecules, including COX7A2, COX7C, NDUFB7, MT-CO2, NDUFB4, and RPS29, occurred at the stage of BEAS-2B cell malignancy following CTPE exposure, which provided key information for screening biomarkers for CTPE-related occupational lung cancer.
Termination for breach: the prospects of the Unidroit Principles of International Commercial Contracts to interpret and supplement the Indian law of contract
Authors: Khanderia Saloni
Published: March 2023

Predicated on English law, termination for the breach of contract in India is regulated by the Indian Contract Act, 1872 and the Sale of Goods Act, 1930. However, these legislations do not adopt uniform criteria while stipulating the circumstances in which the parties may exercise their right to rescind the contract for breach. The complex nature of the rules on termination for breach has rendered the Indian law of contract unsuitable to govern domestic or transnational agreements. This article examines the plausible role of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law’s (Unidroit) Principles of International Commercial Contracts (PICC) in developing the Indian law of contract. It argues in favour of a complete overhaul of the legal principles on which the parties’ right to rescind a contract for breach is based on the ground that these reflect a pro-termination instead of a favor contractus approach. Consequently, the author urges Indian lawmakers to consider employing the provisions of the PICC on the subject as a model to develop the law of the Republic to foster international trade and facilitate justice among litigants. Although an amendment to the Indian law of contract would be ideal, the judiciary should, in the meantime, refer to the PICC while adjudicating disputes arising from the breach of contracts to interpret and supplement the Indian law according to well-defined and internationally accepted standards.
Quantifying the value of viral genomics when inferring who infected whom in the 2014–16 Ebola virus outbreak in Guinea
Authors: Robert Alexis , Tsui Lok Hei Joseph , Watson Conall H , Gsell Pierre-Stéphane , Hall Yper , Rambaut Andrew , Longini Ira M , Sakoba Keïta , Kucharski Adam J , Touré Alhassane , Danmadji Nadlaou Sévérine , Saidou Barry Mamadou , Fofana Thierno Oumar , Lansana Kaba Ibrahima , Sylla Lansana , Diaby Mohamed Lamine , Soumah Ousmane , Diallo Abdourahime , Niare Amadou , Diallo Abdourahamane , Eggo Rosalind M , Caroll Miles W , Henao-Restrepo Ana Maria , Edmunds W John , Hué Stéphane
Published: March 2023

Transmission trees can be established through detailed contact histories, statistical or phylogenetic inference, or a combination of methods. Each approach has its limitations, and the extent to which they succeed in revealing a ‘true’ transmission history remains unclear. In this study, we compared the transmission trees obtained through contact tracing investigations and various inference methods to identify the contribution and value of each approach. We studied eighty-six sequenced cases reported in Guinea between March and November 2015. Contact tracing investigations classified these cases into eight independent transmission chains. We inferred the transmission history from the genetic sequences of the cases (phylogenetic approach), their onset date (epidemiological approach), and a combination of both (combined approach). The inferred transmission trees were then compared to those from the contact tracing investigations. Inference methods using individual data sources (i.e. the phylogenetic analysis and the epidemiological approach) were insufficiently informative to accurately reconstruct the transmission trees and the direction of transmission. The combined approach was able to identify a reduced pool of infectors for each case and highlight likely connections among chains classified as independent by the contact tracing investigations. Overall, the transmissions identified by the contact tracing investigations agreed with the evolutionary history of the viral genomes, even though some cases appeared to be misclassified. Therefore, collecting genetic sequences during outbreak is key to supplement the information contained in contact tracing investigations. Although none of the methods we used could identify one unique infector per case, the combined approach highlighted the added value of mixing epidemiological and genetic information to reconstruct who infected whom.
Newly Isolated Trichoderma spp. Show Multifaceted Biocontrol Strategies to Inhibit Potato Late Blight Causal Agent Phytophthora infestans both In Vitro and In Planta
Authors: Alfiky Alsayed , Abou-Mansour Eliane , De Vrieze Mout , L'Haridon Floriane , Weisskopf Laure
Published: March 2023

Potato growers worldwide have been at war for more than 150 years with an enemy whose lifecycle, genome size and architecture, infection rate, and economic impacts are the epitome of a plant pathogen. Phytophthora infestans is an oomycete that causes the notorious late blight infection in potato and tomato fields. This study explored the benefits of the multitalented plant symbiotic fungi Trichoderma spp. and their metabolites as potential biopesticides against P. infestans. Eleven strains of Trichoderma spp. were obtained from soil and tree barks and were identified using DNA sequence analysis of three molecular markers. The antagonistic potential of the strains against P. infestans was first evaluated in vitro. In dual-culture assays, P. infestans growth was significantly inhibited (53 to 95%) by different Trichoderma spp. through direct mycoparasitism, competition for space and nutrients, or antibiosis. The cell-free filtrates (CFFs) of different Trichoderma strains were obtained and characterized for anti- Phytophthora activities as well as biochemical stability. The obtained results indicated that Trichoderma CFFs were chemically stable and strongly decreased P. infestans’ mycelial growth and zoospore motility and viability. Similarly, in leaf-disk assays, Trichoderma CFFs showed significant protection against P. infestans infection. Ultraperformance liquid chromatography analysis revealed the presence of harzianic acid, iso-harzianic acid, and 6-pentyl-2H-pyran-2-one as major compounds in different Trichoderma CFFs. Furthermore, selected Trichoderma strains significantly protected potato plants against soil-mediated late blight infection. Finally, Trichoderma spp. showed high compatibility with a copper-based fungicide, especially at lower concentrations, suggesting that both protective agents could be combined in integrated pest management programs.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Development of a Rapid Phenotyping Method to Screen for Didymella arachidicola Resistance in Peanuts
Authors: Wood Shona E. , Poudel Barsha , Wright Graeme C. , Dieters Mark I. , Pandey Manish K. , Ash Gavin
Published: March 2023

Net or web blotch (NB), caused by Didymella arachidicola, is an emerging threat causing a significant reduction in yield of peanuts in cooler production regions globally, including Australia, China, and Southern Africa. Host resistance against NB is poorly understood, with field screenings reliant on favorable climatic conditions. A rapid and effective phenotyping method is essential to differentiate between resistant and susceptible breeding lines and improve selection accuracy. In this study, a greenhouse screening method using mycelium as the inoculum to determine host response to D. arachidicola was developed. A liquid-culture mycelia suspension of the pathogen was sprayed onto 9-week-old peanut plants, and one disease assessment was made between 14 and 17 days after inoculation. Lesion growth in the greenhouse was found to correlate with disease response assessed under field conditions ( r = 89%). The phenotyping method developed in this study can facilitate the identification of NB resistance lines and assist in identifying regions of genetic resistance within the peanut host.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Within-Session Test-Retest Reliability of Pressure Pain Threshold and Mechanical Temporal Summation in Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: de Oliveira Fábio Carlos Lucas , Cossette Camille , Mailloux Catherine , Wideman Timothy H. , Beaulieu Louis-David , Massé-Alarie Hugo
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

To determine the absolute and relative within-session test-retest reliability of pressure pain threshold (PPT) and temporal summation of pain (TSP) at the low back and the forearm in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and to test the impact of different sequences of measurements on reliability metrics.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-eight adults with CLBP were recruited. Relative (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] and coefficient of variation) and absolute reliability (standard error of measurement and minimal detectable changes) were quantified at 4 sites (back: sacrum and lumbar erector spinae; wrist: hand dorsum and wrist flexors) for PPT and 2 sites (hand and low back) for TSP, for various sequences of measurements.

Results:

Systematic differences were found between within test and retest for most PPT sequences at the lumbar erector spinae site and 1 TSP sequence (1-2-3) at back and hand sites, precluding reliability analyses for these data. Within-session PPT relative reliability was excellent at low back (ICC = 0.83 to 0.94) and wrist (ICC = 0.88 to 0.97) sites, whereas TSP showed good to excellent reliability at hand (ICC = 0.80 to 0.90) and low back (ICC = 0.73 to 0.89). In general, 2 and 3 measurements optimized absolute and relative reliability for TSP and PPT, respectively.

Discussion:

Within-session reliability was generally excellent for PPT and TSP at the low back and hand sites among individuals with CLBP. We recommend using 3 measurements for PPT and 2 for TSP to optimize reliability. Caution is recommended when testing PPT of the painful lower back area since a systematic difference was present between the test and retest.
Integration of collaborative care model ameliorates population level COVID-19 Pandemic-related depressive symptoms among orthopaedic clinic patient population in US major metropolitan area
Authors: Lindsey Caryn , Dornan Grant J. , McKelvey Karma
Published: March 2023

Background:

In the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a widespread mental health crisis. Overarchingly, medical clinics have been slow to adopt an interdisciplinary approach to patient care, though depression has been shown to negatively affect many clinical outcomes. With an ongoing, worsening mental health crisis in conjunction with a dramatic increase in demand for Total Joint Replacement anticipated by 2030, more routine depression screening and adequate mental health support is imperative. Our clinic implemented a Collaborative Care Model (CCM) in March of 2020 with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Methods:

Using data collected at our outpatient clinic between September 1, 2018 and August 31, 2021, we compared changes in Patient-Reported Outcome Measurements Information System (PROMIS) depression scores from the group of patients seen before CCM adoption (“pre-CCM”) with scores from the group after (“post-CCM”).

Results:

We found no between-group differences in PROMIS depression score changes. Increased pain interference was positively associated with increased depression in the pre-CCM group, but not in the post-CCM group.

Conclusions:

Our CCM was successful in mitigating for our patients the mental health crisis reflected among the general population during the lockdowns and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CCM also diminished further exacerbation of depression secondary to increased pain interference and the overall impact the pandemic had on healthcare operations. A CCM inclusive of an LCSW may also further support community resource linkage, complex care coordination, and assessment of other mental health conditions related to orthopaedic conditions or injury, such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The Effect of Epiphysiodesis on the Longitudinal Bone Growth of Hands or Feet in Children With Macrodactyly Based on Long-term Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Woo Soo Jin , Jung Jae Hoon , Choi Jun Ho , Kim Yumin , Kwon Sung Tack , Kim Byung Jun
Published: March 2023

Background:

Treatment protocols for macrodactyly have not been elucidated due to its rarity and variety of clinical manifestations. This study aims to share our long-term clinical results of epiphysiodesis in children with macrodactyly.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed for 17 patients with isolated macrodactyly treated with epiphysiodesis over 20 years. Length and width of each phalanx in both the affected finger and the corresponding unaffected finger in the contralateral hand were measured. Results were presented in ratios of the affected to unaffected side for each phalanx. Measuring of length and width of phalanx was performed preoperatively and postoperatively at 6, 12, and 24 months, and the last follow-up session. Postoperative satisfaction scoring was done with visual analogue scale.

Results:

The mean follow-up period was 7 years and 2 months. In the proximal phalanx, length ratio significantly decreased compared with preoperative state at after more than 24 months, in the middle phalanx after 6 months, in the distal phalanx after 12 months. When classified by the growth patterns, the progressive type showed significant decrease in length ratio at after 6 months, and the static type after 12 months. Patients were overall satisfied with the results.

Conclusion:

Epiphysiodesis effectively regulated longitudinal growth with different degree of control for different phalanges in the long-term follow-up.
Menopausal hormone therapy and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: Health Insurance Database in South Korea–based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yuk Jin-Sung , Kim Jung Min
Published: March 2023

Objective

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is known to reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, since the Women's Health Initiative study, the types and doses of female hormones used for MHT have changed considerably. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine whether MHT, which is currently widely prescribed, increases the risk of T2DM.

Method

We performed a retrospective cohort study based on national health insurance data and cancer screening data from 2002 to 2019. We included the MHT group as postmenopausal women older than 40 years who used at least one MHT for at least 6 months between 2003 and 2011. We subclassified the MHT group into five categories; tibolone, combined estrogen plus progestin by the manufacturer (CEPM), oral estrogen, combined estrogen plus progestin by the physician (CEPP), and transdermal estrogen. We selected the non-MHT group as postmenopausal women who had never been prescribed MHT from 2002 to 2019. We compared the incidence of T2DM between the MHT group and the non-MHT group.

Results

We enrolled 330,771 women in the MHT group and 798,550 women in the control group. T2DM was diagnosed in 15.2% of the non-MHT group, 16.6% of the tibolone group, 12.1% of the CEPM group, 16.6% of the oral estrogen group, 15.4% of the CEPP group, and 17% of the transdermal estrogen group. In Cox proportional hazard analysis adjusted for variable factors, tibolone, oral estrogen, CEPP, and transdermal estrogen increased the incidence of T2DM. In contrast, there was no change in the risk of T2DM in the CEPM group.

Conclusions

MHT, including tibolone, which is currently the most prescribed agent, increased the risk of T2DM; however, CEPM did not increase the risk of T2DM. Only tibolone increased the risk of T2DM in participants older than 70 years.
Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass Prediction in People Living With HIV: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: dos Santos André Pereira , Navarro Anderson Marliere , da Silva Leonardo Santos Lopes , Erlandson Kristine M. , Webel Allison R. , Oliveira Vitor , Abdalla Pedro Pugliesi , Alves Thiago Cândido , Tasinafo Júnior Márcio Fernando , Venturini Ana Cláudia Rossini , Gomide Euripedes Barsanulfo Gonçalves , Correa Cordeiro Jéssica Fernanda , de Andrade Denise , Machado Dalmo R. L.
Published: March 2023

People living with HIV (PWH) experience an accelerated aging process. There is no anthropometric predictive model for appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) in PWH. This study develops anthropometric models to predict and validate ASM measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in PWH; DXA scans were obtained for 125 PWH (male = 74; age >18 years) on antiretroviral therapy. Fat mass ratio was used for lipodystrophy diagnosis. A multiple stepwise linear regression considered ASMDXA as the dependent variable and validated by PRESS method. A high power of determination and low standard estimate error were found for ASMDXA-predicted (adjusted r
2 = 0.84 to 0.87, standard estimate error = 1.7–1.6 kg) and high PRESS validation coefficients (Q2
PRESS = 0.84–0.86, SPRESS = 1.7–1.6 kg). The variables included were lipodystrophy diagnosis, medial calf circumference, sex, and total body weight. We present novel, reliable, and validated anthropometric models to predict ASMDXA in PWH.
Validation of the Hingmed DBP-01P clinical automatic blood pressure monitor provided with wide-range cuff, evaluated in a general population according to the ISO 81060-2:2018 protocol
Authors: Fania Claudio , Giletto Antonella , Zanello Valentina , Palatini Paolo
Published: March 2023

To determine the accuracy of the Hingmed DBP-01P monitor for clinical automatic blood pressure (BP) measurement according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 81060-2 2018 protocol. The DBP-01P was tested in 85 subjects from the general population (mean age, 69.9 years; 43 men) using a wide-range cuff for arm circumferences from 17 to 42 cm. The mean device–observer difference was 1.32 ± 3.18 mmHg for SBP and 0.78 ± 3.15 mmHg for DBP. These data were in agreement with criterion 1 of the protocol standard requirements (≤5 ± 8 mmHg). Also, criterion 2 was satisfied with the SDs of the 85 participants being well below the maximum values required by the protocol (6.80 and 6.89 mmHg for SBP and DBP pressure, respectively). These data show that the Hingmed BP monitor DBP-01P satisfied the ISO 81060-2:2018 standard requirements for a general population across a wide range of arm sizes using a single wide-range cuff.
Optimization of Bayesian penalized likelihood reconstruction for 68Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen-11 PET/computed tomography
Authors: Tang Charlene Yu Lin , Lim Gabriel K.Y. , Chua Wei Ming , Ng Cherie Wei Qi , Koo Si Xuan , Goh Charles Xian-Yang , Thang Sue Ping , Zaheer Sumbul , Lam Winnie Wing Chuen , Huang Hian Liang
Published: March 2023

Objective

The objective of this study is to determine the optimal β value for clinical use in digital 68Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA-11) PET/computed tomography (CT) imaging.

Methods

68Ga PSMA PET/CT of 21 patients with prostate cancer were reconstructed using block-sequential regularized expectation maximization (β value of 400–1600) and ordered subsets expectation maximization. Nine independent blinded readers evaluated each reconstruction for overall image quality, noise level and lesion detectability. Maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the most intense lesion, liver SUVmean and liver SUVSD were recorded. Lesions were then subdivided according to uptake and size; the SUVmax of these lesions were analyzed.

Results

There is a statistically significant correlation between improvement in image quality and β value, with the best being β 1400. This trend was also seen in image noise (P < 0.001), with the least image noise reported with β 1400. Lesion detectability was not significantly different between the different β values (P =  0.6452). There was no statistically significant difference in SUVmax of the most intense lesion (P = 0.9966) and SUVmean of liver background between the different β values (P = 0.9999); however, the SUVSD of the liver background showed a clear trend, with the lowest with β 1400 (P = 0.0008). There was a decreasing trend observed in SUVmax when β values increased from 800 to 1400 for all four subgroups, and this decrease was greatest in small and low uptake lesions.

Conclusion

Bayesian penalized likelihood reconstruction algorithms improve image quality without affecting lesion detectability. A β value of 1400 is optimal.
Developing a Nursing Dashboard to Align Nursing Care Delivery With Patient and Family Needs
Authors: Ruppel Halley , McCabe Margaret , Tickner Maria , Ventura Lou , Chandrasekhar Sandhya , Akhter Shakeeb , Agosto Paula M. , Curley Martha A.Q.
Published: March 2023

Clinical units and their nursing staffs are heterogeneous. Advances in data and analytics provide opportunities to better match patient needs with nurse competencies. Building upon a previous publication on a unit profile dashboard, team members now describe development of a nursing dashboard aggregating characteristics of staff on each clinical unit of the hospital. This article describes methods, challenges, and future directions for nurse leaders to use the dashboards to optimize care delivery and patient and nurse outcomes.
Vertebral Compression Fractures in Very Early Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Collen Lauren V. , Snapper Scott B. , Gordon Rebecca J.
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

To describe clinical characteristics and outcomes of 3 patients with very early onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEOIBD) and vertebral compression fractures.

Methods:

Patients with VEOIBD receiving care at a single tertiary center were prospectively enrolled in a longitudinal data repository. Retrospective chart review was performed to identify clinical characteristics and comorbidities. Those with clinically apparent vertebral compression fractures subsequently underwent an additional chart review focused on bone health.

Results:

Three out of 216 (1.4%) patients with VEOIBD had symptomatic vertebral compression fractures. Of the 3 patients with vertebral compression fractures, all had Crohn’s disease, 2 had monogenic inflammatory bowel disease, and all reported back pain. One patient notably had a normal dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, highlighting a potential limitation of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to identify increased skeletal fragility in this population. Risk factors for suboptimal bone health included chronic inflammation secondary to poorly controlled inflammatory bowel disease, substantial glucocorticoid exposure, chronic use of other medications associated with suboptimal bone health including proton pump inhibitors and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and solid organ transplant. Patients treated with bisphosphonates had improved clinical outcomes, with resolution of back pain and increased bone mineral density.

Conclusions:

Vertebral compression fracture should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with VEOIBD and back pain, especially in those with other risk factors for suboptimal bone health. Treatment of compression fractures with bisphosphonates resulted in resolution of back pain and improved bone density.
Perceived Chronic Stress Is Associated With the German Diabetes Risk Score Among Adults Without Known Diabetes in Germany
Authors: Nübel Julia , Du Yong , Baumert Jens , Hapke Ulfert , Färber Francesca , Heidemann Christin , Scheidt-Nave Christa
Published: March 2023

Objective

There is evidence that psychological distress increases the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), but implications for prevention remain elusive. We examined the association between chronic stress and the German Diabetes Risk Score (GDRS) among adults without diabetes in Germany.

Methods

The study population consisted of 4654 persons aged 18 to 64 years without known diabetes drawn from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (2008–2011). The predicted 5-year T2D risk (in percent) was estimated using the GDRS. Perceived chronic stress was assessed by the Screening Scale of the Trier Inventory for the Assessment of Chronic Stress and categorized into “up to average,” “above average,” and “high.” The cross-sectional association of chronic stress with log-transformed GDRS (expressed as geometric mean ratio [GMR]) was analyzed in multivariable linear regression models. Covariables included age, sex, community size, region, educational level, living alone, social support, depression, and alcohol use.

Results

The mean predicted 5-year T2D risk rates were 2.7%, 2.9%, and 3.0% for chronic stress up to average, above average, and high chronic stress, respectively. Adjusted mean predicted 5-year risk was significantly higher among persons with chronic stress above average (GMR = 1.10, 95% confidence interval = 1.02–1.19) and high stress (GMR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.06–1.39) compared with persons with chronic stress up to average. No interactions with sex or other covariables were found.

Conclusions

Perceived chronic stress is independently associated with an increased predicted T2D risk in cross-sectional analysis and should be considered as T2D risk factor in longitudinal studies.
The Facial Artery Perforator Flap
Authors: Lewis Katelyn , Islam Sara , Phillips Sarah , Carney Martin J , Clune James
Published: March 2023

Background:

Reconstruction of facial melanoma defects can be challenging. Large defects of the midface, cheek, and nasolabial fold are often reconstructed using a cervicofacial flap which requires significant flap elevation and undermining. Surgeons are often hesitant to commit to such a large reconstruction without definitive pathologic evidence of negative margins. However, local perforator flaps may be used as an alternative to large flaps with less dissection and donor site morbidity and may also allow for more facile re-advancement in the event of a positive margin on final pathology. The goal of this study is to evaluate a perforator flap based on the facial artery to determine if it is a safe and cosmetically favorable option to immediately repair oncologic-related defects on the cheek and midface.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all melanoma cases performed by the senior author between January 2016 and December 2021 was conducted. Patients who underwent reconstruction using a facial artery perforator flap were included.

Results:

Sixteen patients were included in our cohort. The average age was 67.3 years and 53% (n=8) were female. Fourteen patients had the primary defect located on the cheek, 1 from the nasolabial fold, and 1 from the distal nasal sidewall. All patients received immediate reconstruction. Excisional margins ranged from 0.5 to 2 cm. Two patients had positive margins following pathology results with one undergoing treatment with imiquimod and the other opting for re-excision. No complications involving the defect or donor site were reported after an average follow-up time of 113.8 days.

Conclusion:

The facial artery perforator flap is a safe and cosmetically favorable option to immediately repair oncologic-related defects on the cheek and midface.
A Novel Strategy to Achieve Stable and Lasting Double Eyelids in Upper Blepharoplasty
Authors: Gao Shenzhen , Lu Baixue , Gao Weicheng
Published: March 2023

Background:

Incision blepharoplasty is very common among aesthetic surgery, but the effect of it varies considerably. The quality of incision blepharoplasty is mainly defined by operator’s ability, which will result in the uncertainty of operation result. We are committed to seeking a principle to guide every operator to achieve optimum success.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective study of 150 patients experienced the new method from January 2020 to May 2022. This method was mainly divided into 4 steps. Firstly, released adhesion between the orbital septum and the levator aponeurosis and the connection between the orbital septum and the pretarsal fascia. Then, dealt with the epicanthus to reduce the resistance. Third, improve the lifting force of opening eyes or decrease the resistance of opening eyes to keep the balance of biomechanics in the upper eyelid. Last, sutured and closed the incision. The postoperative outcomes were assessed by “Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale.”

Result:

The follow-up period at last for 3 months.-The results showed that the rate of “Very much improve” was 88% (132 patients); that of “Much improve” was 9.3% (14 patients); that of “Not change” was 0.6% (1 patient); and that of “Worse” was 2% (3 patients). The recovery time of patients varied from 2 weeks to 1 month. And the complications of the narrowing and lightening of the double-eyelid line decreased.

Conclusion:

Applying the biomechanical balance principle to incision blepharoplasty can generate a more beautiful double-eyelid line and is less likely to trigger off complications.
Asynchrony rescues statistically optimal group decisions from information cascades through emergent leaders
Authors: Reina Andreagiovanni , Bose Thomas , Srivastava Vaibhav , Marshall James A. R.
Published: March 2023

It is usually assumed that information cascades are most likely to occur when an early but incorrect opinion spreads through the group. Here, we analyse models of confidence-sharing in groups and reveal the opposite result: simple but plausible models of naive-Bayesian decision-making exhibit information cascades when group decisions are synchronous; however, when group decisions are asynchronous, the early decisions reached by Bayesian decision-makers tend to be correct and dominate the group consensus dynamics. Thus early decisions actually rescue the group from making errors, rather than contribute to it. We explore the likely realism of our assumed decision-making rule with reference to the evolution of mechanisms for aggregating social information, and known psychological and neuroscientific mechanisms.
Determination of vitamin B1 and B3 contents
in Korean domestic foods using high performance liquid
chromatography
Authors: Lee Song-Yee , Choi So-Ra , Song Eun-Ju , Kim Eun-Ju , Han Hyun-Ah
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the vitamin B1 and
B3 contents in 135 Korean domestic foods using high performance
liquid chromatography (HPLC). The Standard Reference Material (SRM) 3233 and
in-house control (grain, whole wheat and flour mixture) were used for quality
control/assurance. As a result, vitamin B1 was only detected in 54 of
the 135 foods, ranging from 0.019 mg/100 g to 28.218 mg/100 g. Among the foods
tested, the vitamin B1 content was highest in ramen powder (28.218
mg/100 g) and lowest in boiled jjolmyeon (0.019 mg/100 g). In
contrast, vitamin B3 was detected in 108 of the 135 foods, ranging
from 0.077 mg/100 g to 32.412 mg/100 g. We found that the vitamin B3
content was highest in beef liver (32.412 mg/100 g) and lowest in boiled chicken
heart (0.077 mg/100 g). The results of this study will be used as a nutritional
database for the update of the Korean food composition table and will hence
contribute to improving public health.
Fracture Liaison Service in Korea: 2022 Position Statement of the Korean Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Authors: Lim Jae-Young , Kim Young Yul , Kim Jin-Woo , Hong Seongbin , Min Kyunghoon , Beom Jaewon , Yoon Byung-Ho , Lee Sang Yoon , Kong Sung Hye , Yoo Jun-Il , Park Myung Sook , Nho Jae-Hwi , Ko Sangbong , Joo Min Wook , Kim Dong Hwan , Park Chan Ho , Kim Tae-Young , Sohn Seil , Park So Young , Hong A Ram , Kwon Young Joo , Park Sung Bae , Lee Young-Kyun , Moon Nam Hoon , Kim Bo Ryun , Park Yongsoon , Cha Yonghan , Ha Yong-Chan
Published: March 2023

Osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures cause socioeconomic concerns, and medical system and policies appear insufficient to prepare for these issues in Korea, where the older adult population is rapidly increasing. Many countries around the world are already responding to osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures by adopting fracture liaison service (FLS), and such an attempt has only begun in Korea. In this article, we introduce the operation methods for institutions implementing FLS and characteristics of services, and activities of the FLS Committee for FLS implementation in the Korean Society for Bone and Mineral Research. In addition, we hope that the current position statement will contribute to the implementation of FLS in Korea and impel policy changes to enable a multidisciplinary and integrated FLS operated under the medical system.
Best Laboratory Screening in Diagnosing Secondary Osteoporosis and Fracture Risk Assessment Tool and the National Osteoporosis Guideline Group Performance in Determining Clinical Risk: A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of the Bone Health in Postmenopausal Brazilian Women
Authors: Steiner Marcelo Luis , Crotti Gabriela Polvani , Teodoro Juliana Daltrino , Ikeda Raissa Kaori , Strufaldi Rodolfo , Fernandes César Eduardo , Pompei Luciano de Melo
Published: March 2023

Background: Identifying postmenopausal women with a high risk of having osteoporosis and fractures is a current challenge. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of biochemical tests in identifying secondary osteoporosis and the fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) in identifying fracture risk.Methods: Data from biochemical tests and bone densitometry of postmenopausal women were analyzed. Additionally, the FRAX result was obtained and the patients were classified according to the National Osteoporosis Guideline Group (NOGG).Results: A total of 646 women were evaluated, of whom 201 (31.1%) had osteoporosis or a previous frailty fracture. These women had statistically different parathyroid hormone (PTH) and alkaline phosphatase serum levels (p<0.01 and p=0.02, respectively) than those without osteoporosis or fracture. However, those at high risk had a higher prevalence of hypovitaminosis D (46% vs. 36%) and hypocalciuria (17% vs. 9%). The FRAX showed an area under the curve of 0.757 (p<0.01) and 0.788 (p<0.01) for identifying women at risk for “major fractures” and “hip,” respectively. The NOGG categorization had a sensitivity of 19% to identify high-risk women, a specificity of 91.3% for low-risk women, with a positive predictive value of 57.4% and a negative predictive value of 64.6%.Conclusions: The evaluation of PTH, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D, serum calcium, and 24-hr urinary calcium proved adequate for initial osteoporosis screening. The FRAX tool has a regular ability to screen women at risk for fracture, and the NOGG method has high specificity to identify those at low risk.
Trabecular Bone Score and Central Quantitative Computed Tomography for the Prediction of Vertebral Fragility Fractures in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Ryang Soree , Jeon Yun Kyung , Goh Tae Sik , Kim In-Joo , Kim Keunyoung
Published: March 2023

Background: We aimed to investigate whether densitometry results and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) can predict vertebral fragility fractures (VFF) in postmenopausal women.Methods: We enrolled 271 postmenopausal women aged >45 years who visited our hospital for health check-ups between September 2016 and September 2017. The lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) densitometry results and trabecular bone score (TBS) were calculated using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. vBMD was assessed using central quantitative computed tomography (cQCT). Baseline and follow-up X-ray images were reviewed to evaluate thoracolumbar vertebral compression fractures (CFs), according to the Genant criteria.Results: At baseline, 76 patients (28.0%) had CF. Additional or progressive fractures were noted in 26 participants (9.6%) with a median follow-up of 19.5 months. The median TBS and cQCT were significantly higher in participants without baseline CF than those with baseline CF (p<0.001). During the follow-up, Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that T-scores of the LS and FN <-2.5, degraded microarchitecture based on the TBS (≤1.200), and vBMD <80 mg/cm3 was significantly associated with future osteoporotic CF. The final multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that baseline CF and low TBS and vBMD were significant risk factors for future VFF.Conclusions: Participants with baseline CF and degraded microarchitecture had higher CF predisposition. Moreover, cQCT can predict future vertebral fractures.
MicroRNA-22, Specificity protein-1 and Cystathionine β-synthase in early onset Preeclampsia: significance in trophoblast invasion
Authors: Arora Pallavi , Mochan Sankat , Gupta Sunil Kumar , Rani Neerja , Kshetrapal Pallavi , Dwivedi Sadanand , Bhatla Neerja , Dhingra Renu
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Trophoblast cell invasion during human placentation is majorly regulated by the balance between MMPs 2, 9 and their inhibitors [tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs 1, 2)]. Exogenous NaHS (hydrogen sulphide donor) treatment was shown to significantly increase the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs 2, 9) in human bladder cancer EJ cells. Epigentically, the gene expression of hydrogen sulphide synthesising enzyme CBS (cystathionine β-synthase) could be further regulated by various mi-RNAs via the transcription factors like Sp1. Specificity protein 1 (Sp1) has been identified as a target gene for miR-22 to regulate the invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cells. However, the mechanism of MMPs regulation by either CBS, Sp1 and miRNA-22 in the pregnancies having early onset preeclampsia is not known.

Aim of the study

To determine and compare the expression of MMPs 2, 9, TIMPs 1, 2, CBS, Sp-1 and miR-22 in early onset preeclamptic patients and normotensive, non-proteinuric controls at both transcription and translation levels.

Materials and methods

30 pregnant women were enrolled from Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India. EOPE women (n=15) after clinical diagnosis as per ACOG guidelines were enrolled as cases and normotensive, non-proteinuric pregnant women (n=15) were enrolled as controls. Protocol of the study was approved by Institute Ethics Committee, AIIMS, New Delhi. 30 caesarean delivered placentae (15 each of patients and controls) were collected to analyse the mRNA and protein expression/levels of MMPs 2, 9, TIMPs 1, 2, CBS, and Sp1. Protein activity of MMP-2 and 9 was determined. Gene expression of miR-22 was observed in placentae of the recruited patients and controls. Data were analysed by STATA 14 and Graph Pad Prism 8.

Results

Significantly reduced mRNA and protein expression/levels of MMPs 2, 9, CBS and Sp1 whereas elevated for those of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 was observed in EOPE patients as compared to controls. Gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and 9 was also found significantly reduced in placentae from EOPE patients whereas gene expression of miR-22 was found significantly up regulated in the early onset preeclamptic patients in comparison to controls.

Conclusion

This is the first study of its kind which implicates that insufficient trophoblastic invasion may be because of down regulation of MMPs 2, 9, CBS, Sp1 and concomitant up regulation of TIMPs 1, 2 and miR-22 in the early onset preeclamptic patients as compared to controls.
Lifetime risk of maternal near miss morbidity: A novel indicator of maternal health
Authors: Gazeley Ursula , Prieto Julio Romero , Aburto José Manuel , Polizzi Antonino , Reniers Georges , Filippi Veronique
Published: March 2023

The lifetime risk of maternal death is the risk that a 15-year-old girl will die of a maternal cause in her reproductive lifetime. Its intuitive appeal means it is a widely used summary measure for advocacy and international comparisons of maternal health. But relative to mortality, women are at a higher risk of experiencing life-threatening maternal morbidity called “maternal near miss” events – complications so severe that women almost died. As maternal mortality continues to decline, stronger health indicators that include information on both fatal and non-fatal maternal outcomes are required. Thus, we propose a novel measure – the lifetime risk of maternal near miss – to estimate the risk a girl will experience at least one maternal near miss in her reproductive lifetime, accounting for survival from ages 15-49. This new indicator is urgently needed because existing measures of maternal morbidity prevalence (near miss ratio or rate) do not capture the cumulative risk over the reproductive life course. We use estimates of fertility and survival from the World Population Prospects for Kenya in 2021 along with simulated data on the maternal near miss ratio to demonstrate the calculation of the lifetime risk of maternal near miss. We estimate that the lifetime risk of maternal near miss in Kenya is 1 in 37, compared to a lifetime risk of maternal death of 1 in 59.

Key messages

We propose a new indicator – the lifetime risk of maternal near miss – to estimate the risk of a 15-year-old girl experiencing a severe life-threatening maternal complication over her reproductive life course, accounting for survival between the ages 15-49.

This indicator is needed because no existing measure of maternal near miss morbidity prevalence (ratio or rate) accounts for the cumulative risk of severe complications with each pregnancy.

We demonstrate two methods for the calculation of the lifetime risk of maternal near miss, the choice of which depends on whether (i) estimates of the maternal near miss ratio by age group or, (ii) a summary estimate for ages 15-49 years, are available.

We advocate for the use of this indicator to compare trends in maternal near miss morbidity alongside trends in maternal mortality.
Dreams in Blind individuals: A mystery of brain and vision
Authors: Desai Dev
Published: March 2023

Background

Dreaming and synthesizing a dream world is a complex process undertaken by the brain with the impulses it has received. It’s often said that blind people can’t see in their dreams but some papers suggest that they in fact do see in their dreams. This knowledge can be used to understand how actually the dream world works and get more insights about the whole process.

Aim

To identify if different categories of blind individuals can see or not and to understand if they can dream, what type of dreams they get and whether they have vision in their dreams or not.

Methodology

A cross sectional survey based study was conducted with interview pattern to identify the patterns of dreaming. Questions about duration since they have visual impairment were also asked and data was digitalized and later analyzed in excel.

Results

A total of 75 visually impaired individuals were recruited for the study who were willing to give consent for the study. It was seen that individuals who lost their sight totally before attaining a level of mental maturity that they can comprehend the concept of light were unable to see in their dreams. Individuals who lost their sight completely after attaining that level of maturity could see in their dreams but the vision in their dreams was only limited to what they had seen and what they could imagine from that limited experience of light sense. Other individuals who still could percept light could see in their dreams what they could see in the real word.

Conclusion

Visually impaired individuals can in fact see in their dreams provided they still can percept light and see and if they have lost their sight completely then they lost it after gaining enough mental image maturity to understand the concept of light.