bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of APOE gene ε4 allele on serum lipid profiles and risk of cardiovascular disease and tumorigenesis in southern Chinese population
Authors: Gan Caiyan , Zhang Yinmei , Liang Fei , Guo Xuemin , Zhong Zhixiong
Published: September 2022

Background

Human apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphisms are attributable to the presence of three common alleles, namely, ε2, ε3, and ε4, which generate six genotypes, viz, E2/E2, E2/E3, E3/E3, E3/E4, E4/E4, and E2/E4.APOEpolymorphisms are associated with all types of tumors and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, the relationship between the type ofAPOEpolymorphisms and tumorigenesis remains debatable. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role ofAPOEpolymorphisms on the tumor with or without CVD in southern China.

Methods

A total of 1438 participants were categorized into 4 groups: 409 patients with tumor, 369 patients with CVD, 338 patients with both tumor and CVD, and 322 controls.APOEpolymorphisms were determined by genotyping assay. The factors influencing tumor patients with or without CVD were also analyzed by logistic regression analysis.

Results

The present study involved different types of solid tumors. Lung cancer was the most common cancer (20.2%, 151/747), followed by colorectal (17%, 127/747), esophageal (9.8%, 73/747), and liver (8.7%, 65/747) cancers. E3/E3 was the most frequent genotype, and ɛ3 was the greatest allele frequency in our study population. The frequencies of the E3/E3, E3/E4, E2/E3, E2/E4, E4/E4, and E2/E2 genotypes in tumor patients were 76.97% (575/747), 14.19% (106/747), 6.83% (51/747), 1.2% (9/747), 0.4% (3/747), and 0.4% (3/747), respectively. Tumor patients carrying ε3 with or without CVD showed higher levels of TG, TC, and LDL-C and lower levels of HDL-C compared to the controls carrying ε3. On the other hand, the tumor patients carrying ε4 with or without CVD showed higher levels of TG and LDL-C and lower levels of HDL-C (allP< 0.05). The frequency ofAPOEε4 allele and the E3/E4 genotype was relatively greater in tumor or CVD patients (P< 0.001). In addition, ε4 allele acted as an independent risk factor for tumor patients group (P= 0.037, adjustedOR= 1.92, 95%CI1.04–3.55) and tumor + CVD patients group (P= 0.012, adjustedOR= 2.53, 95%CI1.22–5.23).

Conclusions

Individuals carrying ε4 are at a higher risk of tumor with or without CVD, andAPOEpolymorphisms affect the serum lipid profiles.
Metabonomics profile analysis in inflammation-induced preterm birth and the potential role of metabolites in regulating premature cervical ripening
Authors: Yan Yan , Gu Zhuorong , Li Baihe , Guo Xirong , Zhang Zhongxiao , Zhang Runjie , Bian Zheng , Qiu Jin
Published: September 2022

Background

Preterm birth (PTB) is the primary cause of infant morbidity and mortality. Moreover, previous studies have established that PTB is related to premature cervical ripening. However, the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. This study sought to identify differentially expressed metabolites and investigate their potential biological functions in PTB.

Methods

Pregnant C57BL/6 J mice were treated with either LPS or normal saline and cervical alterations before labor were detected by staining. Metabolic profiles in the plasma of PTB and control mice were examined through non-targeted metabonomics analyses, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence staining were performed on human cervical smooth cells.

Results

The study demonstrated that the mRNA and protein levels of α-SMA, SM-22, and calponin in cervical smooth muscle cells of PTB mice were lower while OR was higher at both mRNA and protein levels compared to the CTL group. A total of 181 differentially expressed metabolites were analyzed, among them, 96 were upregulated, while 85 were downregulated in the PTB group. Differentially expressed metabolites may play a role in STAT3, RhoA, mTOR, TGF-β, and NK-κB signaling pathways. Furthermore, when treated with taurine, the levels of α-SMA and SM-22 in human cervical smooth muscle cells were elevated, whereas that of connexin-43 was decreased.

Conclusion

Our study highlighted the changes of metabolites in the peripheral blood changed prior to PTB and revealed that these differentially expressed metabolites might participate in the development of premature cervical ripening. Taurine was identified as an important metabolite may modulate human cervical smooth muscle cells. Our study provided new insights into the mechanism underlying premature cervical ripening in PTB.
Risk of root damage after using lateral cephalogram and intraoral scan for guided insertion of palatal miniscrews
Authors: Nienkemper Manuel , Ludwig Björn
Published: September 2022

Background

Guided insertion of palatal miniscrews using a lateral cephalogram instead of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) significantly reduces the radiation level for the patient. Till now no data are available on the risk of hitting the incisors in this regard, which is one of the worst clinical complications when inserting a paramedian miniscrew. Hence, this study aims to investigate the distance between the mini-implant and the roots of the central and lateral incisors.

Methods

Lateral cephalogram, an intraoral scan, and CBCT of 20 patients were superimposed. After a miniscrew (1.7 × 8 mm) placement based on intraoral scan and lateral cephalogram, the CBCT was used as control for the distance between the miniscrews and the roots of the incisors.

Results

The mean value of the shortest distance between the miniscrew and roots of the incisors in the lateral cephalogram was 4.74 ± 1.67 mm. The distance between both miniscrews and the central incisors measured in the CBCT was 5.03 ± 2.22 mm and 5.26 ± 2.21 mm and between the two miniscrews and the lateral incisors was 4.93 ± 1.91 mm and 5.21 ± 2.64 mm. No significant differences between the distances in the CBCT and the lateral cephalogram could be observed. In one case, the CBCT control revealed the penetration of two palatally displaced canines after insertion based on intraoral scan and lateral cephalogram.

Conclusions

The use of an intraoral scan and a lateral cephalogram for guided paramedian insertion of palatal miniscrews can prevent incisor root damage. This may reduce the radiation since no CBCT seems necessary. The current investigation focuses on the anterior paramedian area of the palate. Outside that region and in complex cases with displaced teeth in the palatal area, a CBCT might be indicated.
Recruitment interventions for trials involving adults lacking capacity to consent: methodological and ethical considerations for designing Studies Within a Trial (SWATs)
Authors: Shepherd Victoria , Wood Fiona , Gillies Katie , O’Connell Abby , Martin Adam , Hood Kerenza
Published: September 2022

Background

The number of interventions to improve recruitment and retention of participants in trials is rising, with a corresponding growth in randomised Studies Within Trials (SWATs) to evaluate their (cost-)effectiveness. Despite recognised challenges in conducting trials involving adults who lack capacity to consent, until now, no individual-level recruitment interventions have focused on this population. Following the development of a decision aid for family members making non-emergency trial participation decisions on behalf of people with impaired capacity, we have designed a SWAT to evaluate the decision aid in a number of host trials (CONSULT). Unlike in recruitment SWATs to date, the CONSULT intervention is aimed at a ‘proxy’ decision-maker (a family member) who is not a participant in the host trial and does not receive the trial intervention. This commentary explores the methodological and ethical considerations encountered when designing such SWATs, using the CONSULT SWAT as a case example. Potential solutions to address these issues are also presented.

Discussion

We encountered practical issues around informed consent, data collection, and follow-up which involves linking the intervention receiver (the proxy) with recruitment and retention data from the host trial, as well as issues around randomisation level, resource use, and maintaining the integrity of the host trial. Unless addressed, methodological uncertainty about differential recruitment and heterogeneity between trial populations could potentially limit the scope for drawing robust inferences and harmonising data from different SWAT host trials. Proxy consent is itself ethically complex, and so when conducting a SWAT which aims to disrupt and enhance proxy consent decisions, there are additional ethical issues to be considered.

Conclusions

Designing a SWAT to evaluate a recruitment intervention for non-emergency trials with adults lacking capacity to consent has raised a number of methodological and ethical considerations. Explicating these challenges, and some potential ways to address them, creates a starting point for discussions about conducting these potentially more challenging SWATs. Increasing the evidence base for the conduct of trials involving adults lacking capacity to consent is intended to improve both the ability to conduct these trials and their quality, and so help build research capacity for this under-served population.
Transcriptional dynamics of transposable elements in the type I IFN response in Myotis lucifugus cells
Authors: Pasquesi Giulia Irene Maria , Kelly Conor J. , Ordonez Andrea D. , Chuong Edward B.
Published: September 2022

Background

Bats are a major reservoir of zoonotic viruses, and there has been growing interest in characterizing bat-specific features of innate immunity and inflammation. Recent studies have revealed bat-specific adaptations affecting interferon (IFN) signaling and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), but we still have a limited understanding of the genetic mechanisms that have shaped the evolution of bat immunity. Here we investigated the transcriptional and epigenetic dynamics of transposable elements (TEs) during the type I IFN response in little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) primary embryonic fibroblast cells, using RNA-seq and CUT&RUN.

Results

We found multiple bat-specific TEs that undergo both locus-specific and family-level transcriptional induction in response to IFN. Our transcriptome reassembly identified multiple ISGs that have acquired novel exons from bat-specific TEs, including NLRC5, SLNF5 and a previously unannotated isoform of the IFITM2 gene. We also identified examples of TE-derived regulatory elements, but did not find strong evidence supporting genome-wide epigenetic activation of TEs in response to IFN.

Conclusion

Collectively, our study uncovers numerous TE-derived transcripts, proteins, and alternative isoforms that are induced by IFN in Myotis lucifugus cells, highlighting candidate loci that may contribute to bat-specific immune function.
Neural correlates of episodic memory in adults with Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Benejam Bessy , Aranha Mateus Rozalem , Videla Laura , Padilla Concepción , Valldeneu Silvia , Fernández Susana , Altuna Miren , Carmona-Iragui Maria , Barroeta Isabel , Iulita Maria Florencia , Montal Víctor , Pegueroles Jordi , Bejanin Alexandre , Giménez Sandra , González-Ortiz Sofía , Videla Sebastián , Bartrés-Faz David , Alcolea Daniel , Blesa Rafael , Lleó Alberto , Fortea Juan
Published: September 2022

Background

Adults with Down syndrome are at an ultra-high risk of developing early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Episodic memory deficits are one of the earliest signs of the disease, but their association with regional brain atrophy in the population with Down syndrome has not been explored. We aimed to investigate the neuroanatomical correlates of episodic memory in adults with Down syndrome and symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease.

Methods

Single-center, cross-sectional study. A total of 139 adults with Down syndrome (85 asymptomatic and 54 with symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease) were included in the study (mean age 43.6 ± 10.9 years, 46% female). Episodic memory was assessed using the modified Cued Recall Test. Immediate (trial 1 free immediate recall, trial 3 free immediate recall, total free immediate recall score, and total immediate score) and delayed scores (free delayed recall score and total delayed score) were examined. Cortical thickness from magnetic resonance imaging was determined with surface-based morphometry using the FreeSurfer 6.0 software package. The clusters of reduced cortical thickness were compared between symptomatic and asymptomatic participants to create a cortical atrophy map. Then, the correlation between cortical thickness and the modified Cued Recall Test subscores were separately assessed in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects, controlling for age, sex, and severity of intellectual disability.

Results

Compared with asymptomatic participants, those with symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease showed a pattern of cortical atrophy in posterior parieto-temporo-occipital cortices. In symptomatic subjects, trial 1 immediate free recall significantly correlated with cortical atrophy in lateral prefrontal regions. Trial 3 free immediate recall and total free immediate recall were associated with the most widespread cortical atrophy. Total immediate score was related to posterior cortical atrophy, including lateral parietal and temporal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, and medial temporal lobe areas. Delayed memory scores were associated with cortical atrophy in temporoparietal and medial temporal lobe regions. No significant relationships were observed between episodic memory measures and cortical atrophy in asymptomatic subjects.

Conclusions

Different episodic memory measures were associated with cortical atrophy in specific brain regions in adults with Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. These results overlap with those described in sporadic Alzheimer’s disease and further support the similarities between Down syndrome-associated Alzheimer’s disease and that in the general population.
Longitudinal change in ATN biomarkers in cognitively normal individuals
Authors: Ebenau Jarith L. , Visser Denise , Kroeze Lior A. , van Leeuwenstijn Mardou S. S. A. , van Harten Argonde C. , Windhorst Albert D. , Golla Sandeep V. S. , Boellaard Ronald , Scheltens Philip , Barkhof Frederik , van Berckel Bart N. M. , van der Flier Wiesje M.
Published: September 2022

Background

Biomarkers for amyloid, tau, and neurodegeneration (ATN) have predictive value for clinical progression, but it is not clear how individuals move through these stages. We examined changes in ATN profiles over time, and investigated determinants of change in A status, in a sample of cognitively normal individuals presenting with subjective cognitive decline (SCD).

Methods

We included 92 individuals with SCD from the SCIENCe project with [18F]florbetapir PET (A) available at two time points (65 ± 8y, 42% female, MMSE 29 ± 1, follow-up 2.5 ± 0.7y). We additionally used [18F]flortaucipir PET for T and medial temporal atrophy score on MRI for N. Thirty-nine individuals had complete biomarker data at baseline and follow-up, enabling the construction of ATN profiles at two time points. All underwent extensive neuropsychological assessments (follow-up time 4.9 ± 2.8y, median number of visits n = 4). We investigated changes in biomarker status and ATN profiles over time. We assessed which factors predisposed for a change from A− to A+ using logistic regression. We additionally used linear mixed models to assess change from A− to A+, compared to the group that remained A− at follow-up, as predictor for cognitive decline.

Results

At baseline, 62% had normal AD biomarkers (A−T−N− n = 24), 5% had non-AD pathologic change (A−T−N+ n = 2,) and 33% fell within the Alzheimer’s continuum (A+T−N− n = 9, A+T+N− n = 3, A+T+N+ n = 1). Seventeen subjects (44%) changed to another ATN profile over time. Only 6/17 followed the Alzheimer’s disease sequence of A → T → N, while 11/17 followed a different order (e.g., reverted back to negative biomarker status). APOE ε4 carriership inferred an increased risk of changing from A− to A+ (OR 5.2 (95% CI 1.2–22.8)). Individuals who changed from A− to A+, showed subtly steeper decline on Stroop I (β − 0.03 (SE 0.01)) and Stroop III (− 0.03 (0.01)), compared to individuals who remained A−.

Conclusion

We observed considerable variability in the order of ATN biomarkers becoming abnormal. Individuals who became A+ at follow-up showed subtle decline on tests for attention and executive functioning, confirming clinical relevance of amyloid positivity.
Emerging roles of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in patients with critical limb ischemia
Authors: Shirbaghaee Zeinab , Hassani Mohammad , Heidari Keshel Saeed , Soleimani Masoud
Published: September 2022

Critical limb ischemia (CLI), the terminal stage of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), is characterized by an extremely high risk of amputation and vascular issues, resulting in severe morbidity and mortality. In patients with severe limb ischemia with no alternative therapy options, such as endovascular angioplasty or bypass surgery, therapeutic angiogenesis utilizing cell-based therapies is vital for increasing blood flow to ischemic regions. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are currently considered one of the most encouraging cells as a regenerative alternative for the surgical treatment of CLI, including restoring tissue function and repairing ischemic tissue via immunomodulation and angiogenesis. The regenerative treatments for limb ischemia based on MSC therapy are still considered experimental. Despite recent advances in preclinical and clinical research studies, it is not recommended for regular clinical use. In this study, we review the immunomodulatory features of MSC besides the current understanding of different sources of MSC in the angiogenic treatment of CLI subjects and their potential applications as therapeutic agents. Specifically, this paper concentrates on the most current clinical application issues, and several recommendations are provided to improve the efficacy of cell therapy for CLI patients.
Rise of the human-mouse chimeric brain models
Authors: Jiang Peng , Alam Mahabub Maraj
Published: September 2022

Human-mouse chimeras offer advantages for studying the pathophysiology of human cells in vivo. Chimeric mouse brains have been created by engrafting human fetal tissue- or pluripotent stem cell-derived progenitor cells into the neonatal mouse brain. This provides new opportunities to understand human brain development and neurological disorders.
A sensor selection approach to maneuvering target tracking based on trajectory function of time
Authors: Liu Changyi , Di Kuangyu , Li Tiancheng , Elvira Victor
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we propose a computationally efficient sensor selection approach for maneuvering target tracking using a sensor network with communication bandwidth constraints, given limited prior information on the target maneuvering models. We formulate the stochastic sensor selection problem as a linear programming problem which consists of two easily implementable steps. First, the Cramér–Rao lower bound corresponding to the sensor subset is derived as the objective function of the proposed sensor selection method based on a partially observable Markov decision process. Second, the target trajectory is modeled by a function of time to enable online target tracking which is free of the conventional, a priori Markov modeling of the target dynamics. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method through several numerical examples.
Comparison of macroeconomic developments in ten scenarios of energy system transformation in Germany: National and regional results
Authors: Ulrich Philip , Naegler Tobias , Becker Lisa , Lehr Ulrike , Simon Sonja , Sutardhio Claudia , Weidlich Anke
Published: September 2022

Background

Different strategies have been proposed for transforming the energy system in Germany. To evaluate their sustainability, it is necessary to analyze their macroeconomic and distributional effects. An approach to do this analysis in an integrated consistent framework is presented here.

Methods

Comparing ten energy transition scenarios with emission reduction targets by 2050 of 80% or 95%, respectively, allows evaluating a broad range of energy system transformation strategies with respect to the future technology and energy carrier mix. For this purpose, an energy system model and a macroeconometric model are combined, thus re-modeling the unified scenarios. An important extension of the model was concerned with the integration of synthetic fuels into the energy-economy model. One focus besides the overall macroeconomic assessment is the regional analysis. For this purpose, own assumptions on the regional distribution of the expansion of renewable energies were developed.

Results

The effects on gross domestic product (GDP) and employment are similar on average from 2030 to 2050 across the scenarios, with most of the more ambitious scenarios showing slightly higher values for the socioeconomic variables. Employment in the construction sector shows the largest effects in most scenarios, while in the energy sector employment is lower in scenarios with high energy imports. At the regional level, the differences between scenarios are larger than at the national level. There is no clear or stable regional pattern of relative loss and profit from the very ambitious transformation, as not only renewable energy expansion varies, and hydrogen strategies enter the scene approaching 2050.

Conclusions

From the relatively small differences between the scenarios, it can be concluded that, from a macroeconomic perspective, it is not decisive for the overall economy which (supply side) strategy is chosen for the transformation of the energy system. More effort needs to be put into improving assumptions and modeling approaches related to strategies for achieving the final 20% CO2 reduction, for example the increasing use of hydrogen.
Laparoscopic partial cystectomy through extraperitoneal space for primary bladder schwannoma
Authors: Liu Weihui , He Qingliu , Su Xiaoping
Published: September 2022

Background

Schwannomas can occur in the body where nerve sheaths are present. Genitourinary schwannomas are very rare, especially primary bladder schwannomas. They account for only 0.1% of bladder tumours. The literature reports that simple surgical resection has a good effect and prognosis.

Case presentation

A 39-year-old man had no significant improvement in symptoms due to frequent urination and urgency for 1 month following the treatment of prostatitis for 2 weeks. Ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) showed a mass in the left side wall of the bladder (size approximately 2.0 × 1.9 cm) that had clear boundaries and protruded outward from the bladder. After the extraperitoneal space was dilated with a balloon, a minimally invasive laparoscopic partial cystectomy was performed in this space to remove the tumour. The pathological diagnosis was bladder schwannoma. Immunohistochemical staining showed that it was strongly S100 protein positive. There was no recurrence after 2 years follow-up by cystoscopy and CT.

Conclusions

Bladder schwannomas are clinically rare benign bladder lesions and no specific clinical manifestations. Laparoscopic partial cystectomy through the extraperitoneal space is a safe and feasible treatment option.
Next-generation sequencing for MRD monitoring in B-lineage malignancies: from bench to bedside
Authors: Deng Xinyue , Zhang Meilan , Zhou Jianfeng , Xiao Min
Published: September 2022

Minimal residual disease (MRD) is considered the strongest relevant predictor of prognosis and an effective decision-making factor during the treatment of hematological malignancies. Remarkable breakthroughs brought about by new strategies, such as epigenetic therapy and chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) therapy, have led to considerably deeper responses in patients than ever, which presents difficulties with the widely applied gold-standard techniques of MRD monitoring. Urgent demands for novel approaches that are ultrasensitive and provide sufficient information have put a spotlight on high-throughput technologies. Recently, advances in methodology, represented by next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based clonality assays, have proven robust and suggestive in numerous high-quality studies and have been recommended by some international expert groups as disease-monitoring modalities. This review demonstrates the applicability of NGS-based clonality assessment for MRD monitoring of B-cell malignancies by summarizing the oncogenesis of neoplasms and the corresponding status of immunoglobulin (IG) rearrangements. Furthermore, we focused on the performance of NGS-based assays compared with conventional approaches and the interpretation of results, revealing directions for improvement and prospects in clinical practice.
Eating disorders and palliative care specialists require definitional consensus and clinical guidance regarding terminal anorexia nervosa: addressing concerns and moving forward
Authors: Yager Joel , Gaudiani Jennifer L. , Treem Jonathan
Published: September 2022

Background and objectives

Premature deaths are estimated to occur in 5–20% of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). Among them, some patients with severe and enduring anorexia nervosa (SE-AN) will die due to the medical complications of malnutrition or to suicide. Almost no literature provides guidance to patients, clinicians, and loved ones regarding clinical characteristics of those with SE-AN who recognize and accept the fact that they will not be able to survive their disease. Consistent with general medical literature on terminal illness and based on the authors’ work with patients at this phase of life, we previously described four clinical characteristics of the small group of SE-AN patients who may be considered to have a terminal eating disorder. Following publication of this article, several opinions objecting to these formulations were published. The goals of this article are to respond to the key themes of concern posed by these objections, to extend our discussion of the palliative care and associated needs of these patients and their families, and to suggest ways in which the eating disorder and palliative care fields might develop more definitive criteria and consensus guidelines for the assessment and management of these patients.

Methods

Based on a selective narrative review of the literature, our combined experiences with these patients, and clinical reasoning, we address critiques grouped around five major themes: that (1) labels such as terminal AN are dangerous; (2) since AN is a treatable disorder, no SE-AN patients should be considered terminal; (3) a terminal psychiatric condition cannot be defined; (4) the proposed definition is not specific enough; and (5) considerations regarding mental capacity in the proposed criteria do not sufficiently account for the psycho-cognitive impairments in AN.

Results

Our analysis responds to the critiques of our original proposed clinical characteristics of those with terminal AN. While refuting many of these critiques, we also appreciate the opportunity to refine our discussion of this complex topic and identify that there are multiple stages of SE-AN that can result in good clinical outcomes. Only when all of these have failed to provide adequate amelioration of suffering do a low number of patients progress to terminal AN.

Conclusions

By further refining our discussion of terminal AN, we aim to encourage eating disorders and palliative care specialists to develop expert consensus definitions for terminal AN and to generate authoritative clinical guidance for management of this population. By validating terminal AN as a distinct condition, patients with this subcategory of SE-AN, their families, and their caregivers facing end-of-life concerns may be better able to access palliative and hospice care and related services to help improve their overall experiences at this phase of life.
Association between psychological distress of each points of the treatment of esophageal cancer and stress coping strategy
Authors: Ohkura Yu , Ichikura Kanako , Shindoh Junichi , Ueno Masaki , Udagawa Harushi , Matsushima Eisuke
Published: September 2022

Background

Patients with esophageal cancer often feel depressed and are fearful of metastasis and death. Esophagectomy is an invasive procedure with a high incidence of complications. The objective of this study was to examine the association between psychological distress on each points of the treatment of esophageal cancer and stress coping strategy.

Methods

In total, 102 of 152 consecutive patients who attended the outpatient clinic at Toranomon Hospital between April 2017 and April 2019 met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this study. Questionnaires designed to identify psychological distress and stress coping strategies were longitudinally administered at 5 time points from the time of the first outpatient consultation to 3 months after esophagectomy.

Results

Although ‘fighting spirit’ (OR 0.836, 95% CI 0.762–0.918; p < 0.001) and ‘anxious preoccupation’ (OR 1.482, 95% CI 1.256–1.748; p < 0.001) were strongly related to psychological distress before treatment, as time of treatment passes, ‘helpless/hopeless’ (OR 1.337, 95% CI 1.099–1.626; p = 0.004) was strongly related to psychological distress after esophagectomy. There were no relationships between psychological distress and individual patient characteristics, with the exception of ‘history of surgery’ and ‘final staging’. The concordance index was 0.864 at time 1, 0.826 at time 2, 0.839 at time 3, 0.830 at time 4, and 0.840 at time 5.

Conclusions

The relationship between psychological distress and the Coping strategies was stronger on each points of the treatment of esophageal cancer than that between psychological distress and individual patient characteristics. This study uses prospective basic clinical data and may provide the baseline information for risk stratification for psychological management and for future clinical studies in these patients.
Prevalence of mental health problems among stranded international students during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Iftikhar Shandana , Perceval Garon , Fu Yining , Zhou Chuan , Cao Yongguo
Published: September 2022

Background

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spread fast throughout China and the rest of the world, prompting the World Health Organization to declare a worldwide pandemic on March 11, 2020. Many countries have implemented travel bans, lockdowns, and stay-at-home policies to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors of mental health problems among international students stranded outside of China during the pandemic.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted among non-Chinese international students enrolled at Chinese universities who were stranded in their home countries. The participants were recruited using a purposive sampling technique. Following informed consent, in-depth interviews were conducted with the help of a semi-structured guide. Two independent investigators transcribed and coded the interview data. The investigators established themes after going through a detailed discussion.

Results

Participants reported several mental health risk factors, such as a rise in hopelessness and level of uncertainty, worry, lost interest and focus, lack of support, unemployment and financial hardships, social pressure, behavioral and mood changes, sleep disorder, and increased smoking. These mental health problems will affect the concentration and deep learning, thereby increasing academic stress. In addition, we found that the outbreak of the delta-variant led to a further increase in these mental health risk factors.

Conclusions

The pandemic scenario, along with international travel restrictions, increased the likelihood of mental health problems among stranded international students. Thus, preventing further rises in mental health disorders and reducing the effects of pandemic-related measures on stranded international students, such as researchers and policymakers can mitigate the pandemic's effects and achieve national or international health and educational goals. Adequate intervention for this group is strongly recommended.
Title2Vec: a contextual job title embedding for occupational named entity recognition and other applications
Authors: Liu Junhua , Ng Yung Chuen , Gui Zitong , Singhal Trisha , Blessing Lucienne T. M. , Wood Kristin L. , Lim Kwan Hui
Published: September 2022

Occupational data mining and analysis is an important task in understanding today’s industry and job market. Various machine learning techniques are proposed and gradually deployed to improve companies’ operations for upstream tasks, such as employee churn prediction, career trajectory modelling and automated interview. Job titles analysis and embedding, as the fundamental building blocks, are crucial upstream tasks to address these occupational data mining and analysis problems. A relevant occupational job title dataset is required to accomplish these tasks and towards that effort, we present the Industrial and Professional Occupations Dataset (IPOD). The IPOD dataset contains over 475,073 job titles based on 192,295 user profiles from a major professional networking site. To further facilitate these applications of occupational data mining and analysis, we proposeTitle2vec, a contextual job title vector representation using a bidirectional Language Model approach. To demonstrate the effectiveness ofTitle2vec, we also define an occupational Named Entity Recognition (NER) task and proposed two methods based on Conditional Random Fields (CRF) and bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory with CRF (LSTM-CRF). Using a large occupational job title dataset, experimental results show that both CRF and LSTM-CRF outperform human and baselines in both exact-match accuracy and F1 scores. The dataset and pre-trained embeddings have been made publicly available athttps://www.github.com/junhua/ipod.
Outcomes of Heavy Silicone Oil (Densiron) compared to Silicone Oil in primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: a multivariable regression model
Authors: Moussa George , Tadros Maria , Ch’ng Soon Wai , Sharma Ash , Lett Kim Son , Mitra Arijit , Tyagi Ajai K. , Andreatta Walter
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To measure the visual outcomes, proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and retinectomy rates following primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair, comparing silicone oil (SO) and heavy SO (Densiron).

Methods

Retrospective, continuous comparative study from January 2017 to May 2021 of all primary RRD. Multivariable linear (logMAR gain) and binary-logistic (PVR-C and retinectomy rate) regression models to compare tamponade were performed. Covariates included age, gender, ocular co-morbidities, high myopia, macula-status, giant-retinal-tear (GRT), pre-op vision, PVR-C, oil type, perfluorocarbon-use, combined scleral buckle/vitrectomy, combined phaco-vitrectomy, 360-degrees-endolaser and oil duration. Cases with trauma or less than six-month follow-up were excluded.

Results

A total of 259 primary RD were analysed. There were 179 SO patients and 80 Densiron patients that had six-month primary re-detachment in 18 (10.1%) and 8 (10.0%) respectively (p = 1.000). No difference in logMAR gain was detected between tamponade choice on multivariable linear regression. Subsequent glaucoma surgery was 5 (2.8%) and 4 (5.0%) for SO and Densiron patients respectively (p = 0.464). On multivariate binary-logistic regression we found no difference in development of PVR-C between oil tamponades. However, SO had significantly higher subsequent retinectomy rate compared to Densiron (odds ratio 15.3, 95% CI 1.9–125.5, p = 0.011). Duration of oil tamponade was not linked to differences in logMAR gain, PVR-C formation or increased retinectomy rate.

Conclusions

We report no difference in primary anatomical success, number of further RRD surgeries, subsequent glaucoma surgery, visual outcomes, PVR-C between both tamponades on multivariable models. Densiron oil was found to be more retinectomy sparing relative to SO.
Dexamethasone and compliance affect TTFields efficacy to glioblastoma patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Shupeng , Dong Jiawei , Wang Xinyu , Meng Xiangqi , Jiang Chuanlu , Cai Jinquan
Published: September 2022

TTFields is a novel treating modality of glioblastoma (GBM) which can significantly prolong the overall survival (OS) of newly diagnosed or recurrent glioblastoma. Some researchers have revealed that a variety of factors can affect the efficacy of TTFields. So, we review the available literature about the influencing factors on efficacy of TTFields and then choose two experimentally supported factors: the dose of dexamethasone and compliance of TTFields to perform a meta-analysis. The PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library are searched. Five articles are identified between 2014 and 2017. Three articles are about the compliance of TTFields. Two articles are about the dose of dexamethasone. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) is used as an assessment tool to evaluate the methodological quality of all included trials. The scale’s range varies from 0 to 9 stars. According to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, articles are graded in six items to evaluate the risk of bias. Two reviewers rate the studies independently and the final decision is reached by consensus.

Our data shows that the median OS is conspicuously longer in the TTFields group in which the dose of dexamethasone is ≤ 4.1 mg, WMD = 9.23 [95% CI 5.69–12.78]; P < 0.05). And the patients whose compliance of TTFields treatment ≥ 75% (≥ 18 h per day) have a significant lower overall survival risk than the patients whose compliance of TTFields treatment < 75% (HR = 0.57 [95% CI 0.46–0.70]; P < 0.00001).TTFields is a safe and efficient novel treatment modality. The dose of dexamethasone ≤ 4.1 mg of TTFields treatment and the compliance of TTFields treatment ≥ 75%, ≥ 18 h per day are beneficial to the prognosis of the glioblastoma patients.
The endoscopic-assisted approach versus the microscopic only approach in resection of cerebellopontine angle epidermoids: a 5-year retrospective study
Authors: Tammam Mohamed , Khayat Roshdy El , Khallaf Mohamed , Hassan Hassan Mohamed
Published: September 2022

Background

The endoscopic-assisted technique has been utilized with various intracranial lesions with many approaches. In the cerebellopontine angle (CPA), the technique has been used to combine the benefits of the operating microscope and the endoscope. In this study, we highlight the use of the endoscopic-assisted technique in resection of CPA epidermoid tumors to ensure a total resection, decrease complications and protect the neurovascular tangles.

Results

In the endoscopic-assisted group, only 18.8% of the patients had post-operative residual in the post-operative MRI. However, in the microscopic only group 56.3% of the patients had post-operative residual. Consequently, there is a statistically significant difference regarding the post-operative residual between the two groups.

Conclusions

The endoscopic-assisted approach is superior to the microscopic only approach in the excision of CPA epidermoids and minimizing the post-operative residual and the recurrence.
Behavioral and psychological symptoms in neurodegenerative dementias: harbinger, follower, or constant collateral?
Authors: Dubey Souvik , Dubey Mahua Jana , Ghosh Ritwik , Mukherjee Debaleena , Pandit Alak , Benito-León Julian
Published: September 2022

Neurodegenerative dementias such as the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease dementia are linked to various behavioral and psychological abnormalities. Whether these abnormalities precede, coincide or follow the onset of cognitive symptoms is still controversial in existing literature, with trajectories available so far dependent on types of dementia. The authors aim to review the different kinds of premorbid behavioral symptoms/personality traits associated with an increased risk of developing specific types of neurodegenerative dementia. Neuroticism has been associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and late-onset behavioral abnormalities with the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia. The presence of obsessive–compulsive spectrum disorders in Parkinson’s disease dementia is also not rare. Analyzing this evidence, we propose “behavioral biomarkers” as neuroticism in Alzheimer’s disease, late-onset behavioral abnormalities in behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia, and obsessive–compulsive traits in Parkinson’s disease dementia. These noninvasive behavioral biomarkers will be of immense help, particularly in developing countries, and will prevent the need for costlier investigations and aid in therapeutic strategies.
Clinicopathological features and treatment outcome of central neurocytoma: a single institute experience
Authors: Mohamed Reham , Gurusamy Venkada M. , Orz Yasser , Al-Yamany Mahmoud , Ba-Faqeeh Mohamed , Al-Obaid Abdullah , Al-Shakweer Wafa , Balbaid Ali
Published: September 2022

Background

Despite the increased interest in publishing data on central neurocytoma, its management remains controversial. The overall incidence is approximately 0.5% of brain tumors. The reporting of institutional experience is of major need for such category of tumors to increase our knowledge and experience. In this study, we describe the clinical presentation, pathological data, and treatment outcomes of central neurocytoma.

Results

Medical records of patients with neurocytoma treated in our center from July 2008 to December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Extra ventricular neurocytomas were excluded from analysis due to the known aggressive behavior compared to central neurocytoma. Seventeen patients treated at our center as central neurocytoma were included in the study. The frequent clinical presentation was headaches (58.8%) and paresis (35.3%). Ten patients (58.8%) developed symptoms before the age of 30 years. All patients were treated with surgical resection. Gross total resection was performed in 11 cases (64.7%) and subtotal resection was performed in 3 cases (17.7%). Four patients developed disease progression following the first excision (23.5%), for which additional resection was performed. Two patients received fractionated radiotherapy; one after the first resection due to residual disease postoperatively and the other patient following the third excision due to multiple recurrences with radiotherapy doses of 50.4 Gy and 54 Gy, respectively. The median follow-up time was 51 months (range of 14–106). The 5-year progression-free survival was 70 ± 13%. The overall survival for our cohort of patients was 100%.

Conclusions

Central neurocytoma is a rare tumor of neuronal origin and surgery is the mainstay of treatment with a favorable prognosis. Adjuvant radiotherapy can be offered in patients with residual disease or multiple recurrences, especially in patients with tumors of high MIC-1 LI.
Study of methods for endpoint aware inspection in a next generation firewall
Authors: Heino Jenny , Hakkala Antti , Virtanen Seppo
Published: September 2022

Given the global increase in remote work with the COVID-19 pandemic and deperimeterization due to cloud deployment of next generation firewalls, the concept of a next generation firewall is at a breaking point. It is becoming more difficult to define the barrier between the good and the bad. To provide the best security for an endpoint with minimal false positives or false negatives it is often necessary to identify the communicating endpoint application. In this study, we present an analysis of key research and methods for providing endpoint aware protection in the context of a next generation firewall. We examine both academic research as well as state-of-the-art of the existing next generation firewall implementations. We divide endpoint application identification into passive and active methods. For passive endpoint application identification, we study several traffic fingerprinting methods for different protocols. For active methods we consider active scanning, endpoint metadata analysis and content injection and reference existing implementations. We conclude that there are several open areas for future research, and that none of the considered methods is a silver bullet solution for endpoint aware inspection in the context of a next generation firewall. To our best knowledge, this is the first study to examine current research and existing implementations of endpoint aware inspection.
A literature review of risk, regulation, and profitability of banks using a scientometric study
Authors: Rastogi Shailesh , Sharma Arpita , Pinto Geetanjali , Bhimavarapu Venkata Mrudula
Published: September 2022

This study presents a systematic literature review of regulation, profitability, and risk in the banking industry and explores the relationship between them. It proposes a policy initiative using a model that offers guidelines to establish the right mix among these variables. This is a systematic literature review study. Firstly, the necessary data are extracted using the relevant keywords from the Scopus database. The initial search results are then narrowed down, and the refined results are stored in a file. This file is finally used for data analysis. Data analysis is done using scientometrics tools, such as Table2net and Sciences cape software, and Gephi to conduct network, citation analysis, and page rank analysis. Additionally, content analysis of the relevant literature is done to construct a theoretical framework. The study identifies the prominent authors, keywords, and journals that researchers can use to understand the publication pattern in banking and the link between bank regulation, performance, and risk. It also finds that concentration banking, market power, large banks, and less competition significantly affect banks’ financial stability, profitability, and risk. Ownership structure and its impact on the performance of banks need to be investigated but have been inadequately explored in this study. This is an organized literature review exploring the relationship between regulation and bank performance. The limitations of the regulations and the importance of concentration banking are part of the findings.
Dysbetalipoproteinemia Is Associated With Increased Risk of Coronary and Peripheral Vascular Disease
Authors: Paquette Martine , Bernard Sophie , Baass Alexis
Published: September 2022

Context

Dysbetalipoproteinemia (DBL) is a disorder in which remnant lipoproteins accumulate in the plasma due to a genetic apolipoprotein E dysfunction in conjunction with the presence of secondary metabolic factors. An increased risk of both coronary and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) has been observed in these patients in retrospective studies.

Objective

The primary objective was to compare the incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and PVD in a cohort of patients with DBL compared with normolipidemic controls. As a secondary objective, the incidence of ASCVD and PVD was compared between patients with DBL and patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH).

Methods

A total of 221 patients with DBL, 725 patients with FH, and 1481 normolipidemic controls were included in the study. The data were obtained by review of medical records.

Results

In patients with DBL, there was an overall excess risk of PVD (hazard ratio [HR] 13.58, 95% CI 4.76-38.75) and ASCVD (HR 3.55, 95% CI 2.17-5.83) (P < .0001) when compared with normolipidemic controls. When compared with patients with FH, an increased risk of PVD (HR 3.89, 95% CI 1.20-12.55, P = .02) was observed in patients with DBL.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that the risks of ASCVD and PVD in DBL are >3-fold and >13-fold higher, respectively, than normolipidemic controls. Furthermore, the risk of PVD is ∼4-fold higher in DBL than in FH. Adequate screening of DBL is imperative to improve the clinical care of these patients by preventing the development of ASCVD.