bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of miR-92a attenuates kidney ischemia–reperfusion injury and improves kidney preservation by inhibiting MEK4/JNK1-related autophagy
Authors: Ma Ming , Li Hui , Yin Saifu , Lin Tao , Song Turun
Published: March 2023

Background

Kidney ischemia–reperfusion injury is inevitable in kidney transplantation, and is essential for primary graft dysfunction and delayed graft function. Our previous study has proved that miR-92a could ameliorate kidney ischemia–reperfusion injury, but the mechanism has not been studied.

Methods

This study conducted further research on the role of miR-92a in kidney ischemia–reperfusion injury and organ preservation. In vivo, mice models of bilateral kidney ischemia (30 min), cold preservation after ischemia (cold preservation time of 6, 12, and 24 h), and ischemia–reperfusion (reperfusion time of 24, 48, and 72 h) were established. Before or after modeling, the model mice were injected with miR-92a-agomir through the caudal vein. In vitro, the hypoxia–reoxygenation of HK-2 cells was used to simulate ischemia–reperfusion injury.

Results

Kidney ischemia and ischemia–reperfusion significantly damaged kidney function, decreased the expression of miR-92a, and increased apoptosis and autophagy in kidneys. miR-92a agomir tail vein injection significantly increased the expression of miR-92a in kidneys, improved kidney function, and alleviated kidney injury, and the intervention before modeling achieved a better effect than after. Moreover, miR-92a agomir significantly reduced the apoptosis and autophagy in HK-2 cells induced by hypoxia, hypoxia–reoxygenation, and rapamycin, while miR-92a antagomir had opposite effects. Furthermore, mitogen-activated protein kinase, c-Jun NH (2) terminal kinase, caspase 3, Beclin 1, and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B were inhibited by overexpression of miR-92a both in vivo and in vitro, which in turn reduced apoptosis and autophagy.

Conclusions

Our results prove that overexpression of miR-92a attenuated kidney ischemia–reperfusion injury and improved kidney preservation, and intervention before ischemia–reperfusion provides better protection than after.
Broadband long-wave infrared high-absorption of active materials through hybrid plasmonic resonance modes
Authors: Liu Xianchao , Zhang Zhiheng , Han Chao , Wu Jiang , Zhang Xingchao , Zhou Hongxi , Xie Qian , Wang Jun
Published: March 2023

Broadband high absorption of long-wavelength infrared light for rough submicron active material films is quite challenging to achieve. Unlike conventional infrared detection units, with over three-layer complex structures, a three-layer metamaterial with mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) film sandwiched between an Au cuboid array and Au mirror is studied through theory and simulations. The results show that propagated/localized surface plasmon resonance simultaneously contribute to broadband absorption under the TM wave of the absorber, while the Fabry–Perot (FP) cavity resonance causes absorption of the TE wave. As surface plasmon resonance concentrates most of the TM wave on the MCT film, 74% of the incident light energy is absorbed by the submicron thickness MCT film within the 8–12 μm waveband, which is approximately 10 times than that of the rough same thickness MCT film. In addition, by replacing the Au mirror with Au grating, the FP cavity along the y-axis direction was destroyed, and the absorber exhibited excellent polarization-sensitive and incident angle-insensitive properties. For the corresponding conceived metamaterial photodetector, as carrier transit time across the gap between Au cuboid is much less than that of other paths, the Au cuboids simultaneously act as microelectrodes to collect photocarriers generated in the gap. Thus the light absorption and photocarrier collection efficiency are hopefully improved simultaneously. Finally, the density of the Au cuboids is increased by adding the same arranged cuboids perpendicular to the original direction on the top surface or by replacing the cuboids with crisscross, which results in broadband polarization-insensitive high absorption by the absorber.
MicroRNA-218-5p regulates inflammation response via targeting TLR4 in atherosclerosis
Authors: Chen Jiajuan , Tang Zusheng , Chen Zhen , Wei Yunjie , Liang Hui , Zhang Xiaoqiao , Gao Zhen , Zhu Hezhong
Published: March 2023

Background

To investigate the expression of miR-218-5p in atherosclerosis patients and its effect on ox-LDL induced THP-1-derived macrophage inflammatory response.

Methods

RT-qPCR detected the expression of serum miR-218-5p, and the diagnostic value of miR-218-5p was analyzed by ROC curve. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between miR-218-5p and CIMT and CRP. THP-1 cells were treated with ox-LDL to construct foam cell model. The expression of miR-218-5p was regulated by in vitro transfection technique, and the effects of miR-218-5p on cell viability, apoptosis and inflammation were investigated. Luciferase reporter genes were used to analyze target genes of miR-218-5p in cell models.

Results

The expression of miR-218-5p in the atherosclerosis cohort was significantly reduced, and miR-218-5p showed a good ability to distinguish patients from healthy people. Correlation analysis showed that the level of miR-218-5p was negatively correlated with the levels of CIMT and CRP. Cytological studies showed that the expression of miR-218-5p in macrophages decreased after ox-LDL induction. ox-LDL treatment on macrophages resulted in decreased cell viability, increased cell apoptosis and production of inflammatory cytokines, which contributed to the exacerbation of plaque formation. However, the above situation was reversed after upregulation of miR-218-5p. Bioinformatics analysis showed that TLR4 may be the target gene of miR-218-5p, and this hypothesis was proved by luciferase reporter gene assay.

Conclusions

The expression of miR-218-5p is reduced in atherosclerosis, and it may regulate the inflammatory response of atherosclerotic foam cells by targeting TLR4, suggesting that miR-218-5p may be a promising target for clinical atherosclerosis therapy.
Left ventricular ejection fraction using a simplified wall motion score based on mid-parasternal short axis and apical four-chamber views for non-cardiologists
Authors: Lebeau Réal , Robert-Halabi Maxime , Pichette Maxime , Vinet Alain , Sauvé Claude , Dilorenzo Maria , Le Viet , Piette Eric , Brunet Mathieu , Bédard William , Serri Karim , Poulin Frédéric
Published: March 2023

Background

There is a need for a convenient, yet reliable method to assess left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) with point-of-care ultrasound study (POCUS). We aim to validate a novel and simplified wall motion score LVEF based on the analysis of a simplified combination of echocardiographic views.

Methods

In this retrospective study, transthoracic echocardiograms of randomly selected patients were analysed by the standard 16-segments wall motion score index (WMSI) to derive the reference semi-quantitative LVEF. To develop our semi-quantitative simplified-views method, a limited combination of imaging views and only 4 segments per view were tested: (1) A combination of the three parasternal short-axis views (PSAX BASE, MID-, APEX); (2) A combination of the three apical views (apical 2-chamber, 3-chamber and 4-chamber) and (3) A more limited combination of PSAX-MID and apical 4-chamber is called the MID-4CH. Global LVEF is obtained by averaging segmental EF based on contractility (normal = 60%, hypokinesia = 40%, and akinesia = 10%). Accuracy of the novel semi-quantitative simplified-views WMS method compared to the reference WMSI was evaluated using Bland–Altman analysis and correlation was assessed in both emergency physicians and cardiologists.

Results

In the 46 patients using the 16 segments WMSI method, the mean LVEF was 34 ± 10%. Among the three combinations of the two or three imaging views analysed, the MID-4CH had the best correlation with the reference method (r2 = 0.90) with very good agreement (mean LVEF bias = − 0.2%) and precision (± 3.3%).

Conclusions

Cardiac POCUS by emergency physicians and other non-cardiologists is a decisive therapeutic and prognostic tool. A simplified semi-quantitative WMS method to assess LVEF using the easiest technically achievable combination of mid-parasternal and apical four-chamber views provides a good approximative estimate for both non-cardiologist emergency physicians and cardiologists.
Primary pericardial mesothelioma complicated by pericardial calcification
Authors: Zhang Jian , Liu Daxing , Zhang Dengshen , Guo Ke , Yang Xiaorong
Published: March 2023

Background

Pericardial calcification is usually a marker of chronic diseases, and its occurrence in rapidly progressing malignant primary pericardial mesothelioma (PPM) is extremely rare. Therefore, this atypical imaging appearance contributes to more frequent misdiagnosis of PPM. However, no systematic summary currently exists of the imaging characteristics of malignant pericardial calcification in PPM. In our report, its clinical characteristics are discussed in detail, to provide a reference to reduce the misdiagnosis rates of PPM.

Case presentation

A 50-year-old female patient was admitted to our hospital, presenting primarily with features suggestive of cardiac insufficiency. Chest computed tomography revealed significant pericardial thickening and localized calcification, suspicious of constrictive pericarditis. A chest examination performed through a midline incision showed a chronically inflamed and easily-ruptured pericardium that was closely adherent to the myocardium. Post-operative pathological examination confirmed a diagnosis of primary pericardial mesothelioma. Six weeks postoperatively, the patient experienced symptom recurrence and abandoned chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Nine months postoperatively, the patient died of heart failure.

Conclusion

We report this case to highlight the rare finding of pericardial calcification in patients with primary pericardial mesothelioma. This case illustrated that confirmation of pericardial calcification cannot completely rule out rapidly developing PPM. Therefore, understanding the different radiological features of PPM can help to reduce its rate of early misdiagnosis.
Prenatal diagnosis of recurrent hypoplastic left heart syndrome associated with MYH6 variants: a case report
Authors: Najib B. , Quibel T. , Tessier A. , Mortreux J. , Bouvagnet P. , Cohen C. , Vialard F. , Dard R.
Published: March 2023

Background

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a rare but genetically complex and clinically and anatomically severe form of congenital heart disease (CHD).

Case presentation

Here, we report on the use of rapid prenatal whole-exome sequencing for the prenatal diagnosis of a severe case of neonatal recurrent HLHS caused by heterozygous compound variants in the MYH6 gene inherited from the (healthy) parents. MYH6 is known to be highly polymorphic; a large number of rare and common variants have variable effects on protein levels. We postulated that two hypomorphic variants led to severe CHD when associated in trans; this was consistent with the autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. In the literature, dominant transmission of MYH6-related CHD is more frequent and is probably linked to synergistic heterozygosity or the specific combination of a single, pathogenic variant with common MYH6 variants.

Conclusions

The present report illustrates the major contribution of whole-exome sequencing (WES) in the characterization of an unusually recurrent fetal disorder and considered the role of WES in the prenatal diagnosis of disorders that do not usually have a genetic etiology.
Protocol for the 2ND-STEP study, Japan Clinical Oncology Group study JCOG1802: a randomized phase II trial of second-line treatment for advanced soft tissue sarcoma comparing trabectedin, eribulin and pazopanib
Authors: Endo Makoto , Kataoka Tomoko , Fujiwara Toshifumi , Tsukushi Satoshi , Takahashi Masanobu , Kobayashi Eisuke , Yamada Yoko , Tanaka Takaaki , Nezu Yutaka , Hiraga Hiroaki , Wasa Junji , Nagano Akihito , Nakano Kenji , Nakayama Robert , Hamada Tetsuya , Kawano Masanori , Torigoe Tomoaki , Sakamoto Akio , Asanuma Kunihiro , Morii Takeshi , Machida Ryunosuke , Sekino Yuta , Fukuda Haruhiko , Oda Yoshinao , Ozaki Toshifumi , Tanaka Kazuhiro
Published: March 2023

Background

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a rare type of malignancy comprising a variety of histological diagnoses. Chemotherapy constitutes the standard treatment for advanced STS. Doxorubicin-based regimens, which include the administration of doxorubicin alone or in combination with ifosfamide or dacarbazine, are widely accepted as first-line chemotherapy for advanced STS. Trabectedin, eribulin, pazopanib, and gemcitabine plus docetaxel (GD), which is the empirical standard therapy in Japan, are major candidates for second-line chemotherapy for advanced STS, although clear evidence of the superiority of any one regimen is lacking. The Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Study Group of the Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG) conducts this trial to select the most promising regimen among trabectedin, eribulin, and pazopanib for comparison with GD as the test arm regimen in a future phase III trial of second-line treatment for patients with advanced STS.

Methods

The JCOG1802 study is a multicenter, selection design, randomized phase II trial comparing trabectedin (1.2 mg/m2 intravenously, every 3 weeks), eribulin (1.4 mg/m2 intravenously, days 1 and 8, every 3 weeks), and pazopanib (800 mg orally, every day) in patients with unresectable or metastatic STS refractory to doxorubicin-based first-line chemotherapy. The principal eligibility criteria are patients aged 16 years or above; unresectable and/or metastatic STS; exacerbation within 6 months prior to registration; histopathological diagnosis of STS other than Ewing sarcoma, embryonal/alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, well-differentiated liposarcoma and myxoid liposarcoma; prior doxorubicin-based chemotherapy for STS, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 to 2. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival, and the secondary endpoints include overall survival, disease-control rate, response rate, and adverse events. The total planned sample size to correctly select the most promising regimen with a probability of > 80% is 120. Thirty-seven institutions in Japan will participate at the start of this trial.

Discussion

This is the first randomized trial to evaluate trabectedin, eribulin, and pazopanib as second-line therapies for advanced STS. We endeavor to perform a subsequent phase III trial comparing the best regimen selected by this study (JCOG1802) with GD.

Trial registration

This study was registered with the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs031190152) on December 5, 2019.
Embitterment and metacognition in obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Mavrogiorgou Paraskevi , Becker Sarah , Lee-Grimm Sie-In , Juckel Georg
Published: March 2023

Objective

Embitterment is a persistent emotion that is known to everybody in reaction to injustice and being let down, associated with feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. People with psychiatric disorders can develop bitterness, which is to be understood as a form of reactive embitterment to the illness. The aim of this explorative study was to investigate the occurrence of embitterment in obsessive–compulsive patients compared to healthy volunteers and in the context of their metacognitions and other biographical and clinical characteristics.

Method

Following a semi-structured diagnostic interview, a number of measures were administered to 31 patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) [ICD-10 F42.X: mean age 35.2 (SD = 10.7) years] and 31 healthy volunteers [mean age 39.1 (SD = 15.0) years]. These measures included the Post-Traumatic Embitterment Disorder questionaire (PTEDq) for measuring embitterment, the Yale-Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale, the Metacognition Questionnaire and other psychometric questionnaires such as the Beck Depression Inventory and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.

Results

Patients with OCD scored more than three times higher (mean = 2.0, SD = 1.1) than the healthy participants in the PTEDq (mean = 0.6, SD = 0.8; p < 0.001), but the cut-off of < 2.5 for a clinically relevant embitterment disorder was not reached. Dysfunctionally distorted metacognition (MCQ-30), which is a consistent finding in OCD, as well as a generally high degree of clinical impairment were significantly cor related to the degree of embitterment.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that embitterment as measured by PTEDq is important in patients with OCD, who are characterized by metacognitive distortions with an injustice of fate as well as a mortification of their self-image. In future, it would be necessary to screen patients with OCD not only for depressive symptoms but also specifically for feelings of embitterment in order to be able to initiate appropriate psychotherapeutic measures at an early stage.
A scoping review of facilitators and barriers influencing the implementation of surveillance and oral cholera vaccine interventions for cholera control in lower- and middle-income countries
Authors: Trolle Hanna , Forsberg Birger , King Carina , Akande Oluwatosin , Ayres Stephanie , Alfvén Tobias , Elimian Kelly
Published: March 2023

Background

Cholera still affects millions of people worldwide, especially in lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC) has identified surveillance and oral cholera vaccines as two critical interventions to actualise the global roadmap goals—reduction of cholera-related deaths by 90% and decreasing the number of cholera endemic countries by half by 2030. Therefore, this study aimed to identify facilitators and barriers to implementing these two cholera interventions in LMIC settings.

Methods

A scoping review using the methods presented by Arksey and O’Malley. The search strategy involved using key search terms (cholera, surveillance, epidemiology and vaccines) in three databases (PubMed, CINAHL and Web of Science) and reviewing the first ten pages of Google searches. The eligibility criteria of being conducted in LMICs, a timeline of 2011–2021 and documents only in English were applied. Thematic analysis was performed, and the findings were presented according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension.

Results

Thirty-six documents met the predefined inclusion criteria, covering 2011 to 2021. There were two themes identified regarding the implementation of surveillance: timeliness and reporting (1); and resources and laboratory capabilities (2). As for oral cholera vaccines, there were four themes identified: information and awareness (1); community acceptance and trusted community leaders (2); planning and coordination (3); and resources and logistics (4). Additionally, adequate resources, good planning and coordination were identified to be operating at the interface between surveillance and oral cholera vaccines.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that adequate and sustainable resources are crucial for timely and accurate cholera surveillance and that oral cholera vaccine implementation would benefit from increased community awareness and engagement of community leaders.
Do health education initiatives assist socioeconomically disadvantaged populations? A systematic review and meta-analyses
Authors: Karran E. L. , Grant A. R. , Lee H. , Kamper S. J. , Williams C. M. , Wiles L. K. , Shala R. , Poddar C. V. , Astill T. , Moseley G. L.
Published: March 2023

Background

Health education interventions are considered critical for the prevention and management of conditions of public health concern. Although the burden of these conditions is often greatest in socio-economically disadvantaged populations, the effectiveness of interventions that target these groups is unknown. We aimed to identify and synthesize evidence of the effectiveness of health-related educational interventions in adult disadvantaged populations.

Methods

We pre-registered the study on Open Science Framework https://osf.io/ek5yg/. We searched Medline, Embase, Emcare, and the Cochrane Register from inception to 5/04/2022 to identify studies evaluating the effectiveness of health-related educational interventions delivered to adults in socio-economically disadvantaged populations. Our primary outcome was health related behaviour and our secondary outcome was a relevant biomarker. Two reviewers screened studies, extracted data and evaluated risk of bias. Our synthesis strategy involved random-effects meta-analyses and vote-counting.

Results

We identified 8618 unique records, 96 met our criteria for inclusion – involving more than 57,000 participants from 22 countries. All studies had high or unclear risk of bias. For our primary outcome of behaviour, meta-analyses found a standardised mean effect of education on physical activity of 0.05 (95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.09–0.19), (5 studies, n = 1330) and on cancer screening of 0.29 (95% CI = 0.05–0.52), (5 studies, n = 2388). Considerable statistical heterogeneity was present. Sixty-seven of 81 studies with behavioural outcomes had point estimates favouring the intervention (83% (95% CI = 73%-90%), p < 0.001); 21 of 28 studies with biomarker outcomes showed benefit (75% (95%CI = 56%-88%), p = 0.002). When effectiveness was determined based on conclusions in the included studies, 47% of interventions were effective on behavioural outcomes, and 27% on biomarkers.

Conclusions

Evidence does not demonstrate consistent, positive impacts of educational interventions on health behaviours or biomarkers in socio-economically disadvantaged populations. Continued investment in targeted approaches, coinciding with development of greater understanding of factors determining successful implementation and evaluation, are important to reduce inequalities in health.
Citizen attitudes to non-treatment decision making: a Norwegian survey
Authors: Wikstøl David , Horn Morten Andreas , Pedersen Reidar , Magelssen Morten
Published: March 2023

Background

Decisions about appropriate treatment at the end of life are common in modern healthcare. Non-treatment decisions (NTDs), comprising both withdrawal and withholding of (potentially) life-prolonging treatment are in principle accepted in Norway. However, in practice they may give rise to significant moral problems for health professionals, patients and next of kin. Here, patient values must be considered. It is relevant to study the moral views and intuitions of the general population on NTDs and special areas of contention such as the role of next of kin in decision-making.

Methods

Electronic survey to members of a nationally representative panel of Norwegian adults. Respondents were presented with vignettes describing patients with disorders of consciousness, dementia, and cancer where patient preferences varied. Respondents answered ten questions about the acceptability of non-treatment decision making and the role of next of kin.

Results

We received 1035 complete responses (response rate 40.7%). A large majority, 88%, supported the right of competent patients to refuse treatment in general. When an NTD was in line with the patient’s previously expressed preferences, more respondents tended to find NTDs acceptable. More respondents would accept NTDs for themselves than for the vignette patients. In a scenario with an incompetent patient, clear majorities wanted the views of next of kin to be given some but not decisive weight, and more weight if concordant with the patient’s wishes. There were, however, large variations in the respondents’ views.

Conclusion

This survey of a representative sample of the Norwegian adult population indicates that attitudes to NTDs are often in line with national laws and guidelines. However, the high variance among the respondents and relatively large weight given to next of kin’s views, indicate a need for appropriate dialogue among all stakeholders to prevent conflicts and extra burdens. Furthermore, the emphasis given to previously expressed opinions indicates that advance care planning may increase the legitimacy of NTDs and prevent challenging decision-making processes.
Effectiveness of digital care platform CMyLife for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia: results of a patient-preference trial
Authors: Verweij Lynn , Ector Geneviève I. C. G. , Smit Yolba , van Vlijmen Bas , van der Reijden Bert A. , Hermens Rosella P. M. G. , Blijlevens Nicole M. A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Two most important factors determining treatment success in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are adequate medication compliance and molecular monitoring albeit still being suboptimal. The CMyLife platform is an eHealth innovation, co-created with and for CML patients, aiming to improve their care, leading to an increased quality of life and the opportunity of hospital-free care.

Objective

To explore the effectiveness of CMyLife in terms of information provision, patient empowerment, medication compliance, molecular monitoring, and quality of life.

Methods

Effectiveness of CMyLife was explored using a patient-preference trial. Upon completion of the baseline questionnaire, participants actively used (intervention group) or did not actively use (questionnaire group) the CMyLife platform for at least 6 months, after which they completed the post-intervention questionnaire. Scores between the intervention group and the questionnaire group were compared with regard to the within-subject change between baseline and post-measurement using Generalized Estimating Equation models.

Results

At baseline, 33 patients were enrolled in the questionnaire group and 75 in the intervention group. Online health information knowledge improved significantly when actively using CMyLife and patients felt more empowered. No significant improvements were found regarding medication compliance and molecular monitoring, which were already outstanding. Self-reported effectiveness showed that patients experienced that using CMyLife improved their medication compliance and helped them to oversee their molecular monitoring. Patients using CMyLife reported more symptoms but were better able to manage these.

Conclusions

Since hospital-free care has shown to be feasible in time of the COVID-19 pandemic, eHealth-based innovations such as CMyLife could be a solution to maintain the quality of care and make current oncological health care services more sustainable.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT04595955, 22/10/2020.
Seasonal assessment on the effects of time of night, temperature and humidity on the biting profile of Anopheles farauti in north Queensland, Australia using a population naive to malaria vector control pressures
Authors: Chow Weng K. , Beebe Nigel W. , Ambrose Luke , Pickering Paul , Cooper Robert D.
Published: March 2023

Background

Anopheles farautiis one of the major vectors of malaria in the Southwest Pacific region and is responsible for past outbreaks in Australia. With an adaptable biting profile conducive to behavioural resistance to indoor residual spraying (IRS) and insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), its all-night biting behaviour can switch to biting mostly in the early evening. With limited insight into the biting profile ofAn. farautipopulations in areas that have not encountered IRS or ITNs, the aim of this study was to develop insights on the biting behaviour of a malaria control naive population ofAn. farauti.

Methods

Biting profiles ofAn. farautiwere conducted at Cowley Beach Training Area, in north Queensland, Australia. Initially, encephalitis virus surveillance (EVS) traps were used to document the 24-h biting profile ofAn. farautiand then human landing collections (HLC) were used to follow the 18.00–06.00 h biting profile. The human landing catches (HLC) were performed at both the end of the wet (April) and dry (October) seasons.

Results

Data exploration using a Random Forest Model shows that time of night is the most important variable for predictingAn. farautibiting activity. Temperature was found to be the next important predictor, followed by humidity, trip, collector, and season. The significant effect of time of night and peak in time of night biting, between 19.00 and 20.00 h was also observed in a generalized linear model. The main effect of temperature was significant and non-linear and appears to have a positive effect on biting activity. The effect of humidity is also significant but its relationship with biting activity is more complex. This population’s biting profile is similar to populations found in other parts of its range prior to insecticide intervention. A tight timing for the onset of biting was identified with more variation with the end of biting, which is likely underpinned by an endogenous circadian clock rather than any light intensity.

Conclusion

This study sees the first record of a relationship between biting activity and the decreasing temperature during the night for the malaria vector,Anopheles farauti.
Regulatory T cells decrease C3-positive reactive astrocytes in Alzheimer-like pathology
Authors: Stym-Popper Grégoire , Matta Karen , Chaigneau Thomas , Rupra Roshan , Demetriou Alexandros , Fouquet Stéphane , Dansokho Cira , Toly-Ndour Cécile , Dorothée Guillaume
Published: March 2023

Background

Increasing evidence supports a key role for peripheral immune processes in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), highlighting an intricate interplay between brain resident glial cells and both innate and adaptive peripheral immune effectors. We previously showed that regulatory T cells (Tregs) have a beneficial impact on disease progression in AD-like pathology, notably by modulating the microglial response associated with Aβ deposits in a mouse model of amyloid pathology. Besides microglia, reactive astrocytes also play a critical role in neuroinflammatory processes associated with AD. Different phenotypes of reactive astrocytes have previously been characterized, including A1-like neurotoxic and A2-like neuroprotective subtypes. However, the precise impact of Tregs on astrocyte reactivity and phenotypes in AD still remains poorly defined.

Methods

We assessed the impact of Treg immunomodulation on astrocyte reactivity in a mouse model of AD-like amyloid pathology. Using 3D imaging, we carried out extensive morphological analyses of astrocytes following either depletion or amplification of Tregs. We further assessed the expression of several A1- and A2-like markers by immunofluorescence and RT-qPCR.

Results

Modulation of Tregs did not significantly impact the magnitude of global astrocyte reactivity in the brain nor in the close vicinity of cortical amyloid deposits. We did not observe changes in the number, morphology, or branching complexity of astrocytes according to immunomodulation of Tregs. However, early transient depletion of Tregs modulated the balance of reactive astrocyte subtypes, resulting in increased C3-positive A1-like phenotypes associated with amyloid deposits. Conversely, early depletion of Tregs decreased markers of A2-like phenotypes of reactive astrocytes associated with larger amyloid deposits. Intriguingly, modulation of Tregs also impacted the cerebral expression of several markers of A1-like subsets in healthy mice.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that Tregs contribute to modulate and fine-tune the balance of reactive astrocyte subtypes in AD-like amyloid pathology, by dampening C3-positive astrocytes in favor of A2-like phenotypes. This effect of Tregs may partly relate to their capacity at modulating steady state astrocyte reactivity and homeostasis. Our data further highlight the need for refined markers of astrocytes subsets and strategy of analysis for better deciphering the complexity of astrocyte reactivity in neurodegeneration.
Evaluation of oral mucositis, candidiasis, and quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer treated with a hypofractionated or conventional radiotherapy protocol: a longitudinal, prospective, observational study
Authors: de Vasconcellos Ferreira Pedro Maciel , Gomes Marina de Castro Monteiro Franco , Almeida Ana Clara Speziali Menegazzi , Cornélio Júlia Soares , Arruda Thiago Jardim , Mafra Arnoldo , Nunes Marcelo Henrique Silva , Salera Rafael Borges , Nogueira Raquel Fabiane , Sclauser Juliana Maria Braga , Drummond-Lage Ana Paula , Rezende Bruno Almeida
Published: March 2023

Background

Due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, recently, Radiotherapy (RT) protocols requiring fewer sessions (hypofractionated) have been used to shorten RT treatment and minimize patient exposure to medical centers, and decrease the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods

This longitudinal, prospective, observational study aimed to compare the quality of life (QoL) and the incidence of oral mucositis and candidiasis in 66 patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) who undergo a hypofractionated RT protocol (GHipo), total of 55 Gy for 4 weeks, or a conventional RT protocol (GConv), total of 66 − 70 Gy for 6 − 7 weeks.

Purpose

To assess the incidence and severity of oral mucositis, the incidence of candidiasis, and QoL were evaluated using the World Health Organization scale, clinical evaluation, and the QLC-30 and H&N-35 questionnaires, respectively, at the beginning and the end of RT.

Results

The incidence of candidiasis did not show differences between the two groups. However, at the end of RT, mucositis had a higher incidence (p < 0.01) and severity (p < 0.05) in GHipo. QoL was not markedly different between the two groups. Although mucositis worsened in patients treated with hypofractionated RT, QoL did not worsen for patients on this regimen.

Conclusions

Our results open perspectives for the potential use of RT protocols for HNC with fewer sessions in conditions that require faster, cheaper, and more practical treatments.
Barriers and facilitators to the recruitment of disabled people to clinical trials: a scoping review
Authors: Shariq Sameed , Cardoso Pinto Alexandra M , Budhathoki Shyam Sundar , Miller Marie , Cro Suzie
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Underrepresentation of disabled groups in clinical trials results in an inadequate evidence base for their clinical care, which drives health inequalities. This study aims to review and map the potential barriers and facilitators to the recruitment of disabled people in clinical trials to identify knowledge gaps and areas for further extensive research. The review addresses the question: ‘What are the barriers and facilitators to recruitment of disabled people to clinical trials?’.

Methods

The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Scoping review guidelines were followed to complete the current scoping review. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched via Ovid. The literature search was guided by a combination of four key concepts from the research question: (1) disabled populations, (2) patient recruitment, (3) barriers and facilitators, and (4) clinical trials. Papers discussing barriers and facilitators of all types were included. Papers that did not have at least one disabled group as their population were excluded. Data on study characteristics and identified barriers and facilitators were extracted. Identified barriers and facilitators were then synthesised according to common themes.

Results

The review included 56 eligible papers. The evidence on barriers and facilitators was largely sourced from Short Communications from Researcher Perspectives (N = 22) and Primary Quantitative Research (N = 17). Carer perspectives were rarely represented in articles. The most common disability types for the population of interest in the literature were neurological and psychiatric disabilities. A total of five emergent themes were determined across the barriers and facilitators. These were as follows: risk vs benefit assessment, design and management of recruitment protocol, balancing internal and external validity considerations, consent and ethics, and systemic factors.

Conclusions

Both barriers and facilitators were often highly specific to disability type and context. Assumptions should be minimised, and study design should prioritise principles of co-design and be informed by a data-driven assessment of needs for the study population. Person-centred approaches to consent that empower disabled people to exercise their right to choose should be adopted in inclusive practice. Implementing these recommendations stands to improve inclusive practices in clinical trial research, serving to produce a well-rounded and comprehensive evidence base.
Cold-induced vasodilation response in a Japanese cohort: insights from cold-water immersion and genome-wide association studies
Authors: Yasukochi Yoshiki , Sera Toshihiro , Kohno Taiki , Nakashima Yusuke , Uesugi Musashi , Kudo Susumu
Published: March 2023

Background

Cold-induced vasodilation (CIVD) occurs after blood vessels in the skin are constricted due to local cold exposure. Although many CIVD studies have been conducted, the underlying molecular mechanisms are yet to be clarified. Therefore, we explored genetic variants associated with CIVD response using the largest-scale dataset reported to date in a CIVD study involving wavelet analysis; thus, the findings improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate the CIVD response.

Methods

We performed wavelet analysis of three skin blood flow signals [endothelial nitric oxide (eNO)-independent, eNO-dependent, and neurogenic activities] during finger cold-water immersion at 5 °C in 94 Japanese young adults. Additionally, we conducted genome-wide association studies of CIVD using saliva samples collected from the participants.

Results

We found that the mean wavelet amplitudes of eNO-independent and neurogenic activities significantly increased and decreased prior to CIVD, respectively. Our results also implied that as many as ~ 10% of the Japanese subjects did not show an apparent CIVD response. Our genome-wide association studies of CIVD using ~ 4,040,000 imputed data found no apparent CIVD-related genetic variants; however, we identified 10 genetic variants, including 2 functional genes (COL4A2 and PRLR) that are associated with notable blunted eNO-independent and neurogenic activity responses in individuals without CIVD response during local cold exposure.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that individuals without CIVD response differentiated by genotypes with COL4A2 and PRLR genetic variants exhibited notable blunted eNO-independent and neurogenic activity responses during local cold exposure.
Engineering student experience and self-direction in implementations of blended learning: a cross-institutional analysis
Authors: Evenhouse David , Lee Yonghee , Berger Edward , Rhoads Jeffrey F. , DeBoer Jennifer
Published: March 2023

Background

Much of researchers’ efforts to foster wider implementation of educational innovations in STEM has focused on understanding and facilitating the implementation efforts of faculty. However, student engagement in blended learning and other innovations relies heavily on students’ self-directed learning behaviors, implying that students are likely key actors in the implementation process. This paper explores the ways in which engineering students at multiple institutions experience the self-directed selection and implementation of blended learning resources in the context of their own studies. To accomplish this, it adopts a research perspective informed by Actor-Network Theory, allowing students themselves to be perceived as individual actors and implementors rather than a population that is implemented upon.

Results

A thematic analysis was conducted in two parts. First, analysis identified sets of themes unique to the student experience at four participant institutions. Then, a second round of analysis identified and explored a subset of key actors represented in students’ reported experiences across all institutions. The findings show clear similarities and differences in students’ experiences of blended learning across the four institutions, with many themes echoing or building upon the results of prior research. Distinct institutional traits, the actions of the instructors, the components of the blended learning environment, and the unique needs and preferences of the students themselves all helped to shape students’ self-directed learning experiences. Students’ engagement decisions and subsequent implementations of blended learning resulted in personally appropriate, perhaps even idiosyncratic, forms of engagement with their innovative learning opportunities.

Conclusion

The institutional implementation of blended learning, and perhaps other educational innovations, relies in part on the self-directed decision-making of individual students. This suggests that instructors too hold an additional responsibility: to act as facilitators of their students’ implementation processes and as catalysts for growth and change in students’ learning behaviors. Developing a greater understanding of students’ implementation behaviors could inform the future implementation efforts of faculty and better empower students to succeed in the innovative classroom.
A simple method for taxon-specific purification of diatom frustules from ocean sediments using a cell sorter
Authors: Kato Yuji , Morono Yuki , Ijiri Akira , Terada Takeshi , Ikehara Minoru
Published: March 2023

It is necessary to purify diatom frustules by taxon to perform accurate geochemical analyses of diatom fossils preserved in sediments. However, the small size of diatoms has hitherto prevented taxon-specific purification; therefore, previous geochemical analyses of diatom frustules have been performed with mixtures of various taxa. In this study, we developed a taxon-selective collection method of diatom fossils that uses a cell sorter. The experimental material comprised six samples from a sediment core of Hole U1538A in the Scotia Sea, Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean drilled during the International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 382. Following conventional pretreatments (removal of organic matter and carbonates as well as clay minerals), we conducted cell sorter experiments focusing on the optical and fluorescence characteristics of the diatom fossils. We succeeded in selectively isolating with high purity five diatom taxa representing the Southern Ocean diatom flora: (1) discoid diatoms (mainly Thalassiosira) with a moderate degree of fluorescence; (2) Fragilariopsis (mainly Fragilariopsis kerguelensis), which exhibits the highest fluorescence values; (3) Rhizosolenia; (4) Eucampia antarctica; and (5) needle-shaped diatoms (Thalassiothrix). This taxon-specific diatom purification method will enable more accurate geochemical analyses, such as the oxygen isotope ratio (δ18O) of diatom frustules, which is likely to lead to significant advances in paleoceanography, especially at high latitudes or in upwelling zones where diatoms are abundant. This method will also be useful in paleolimnology, ocean biology, and phycology.
The predictive value of precipitating factors on clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with decompensated heart failure: insights from the Egyptian cohort in the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure long-term registry
Authors: Bendary Ahmed , Hassanein Mahmoud , Bendary Mohamed , Smman Ahmed , Hassanin Ahmed , Elwany Mostafa
Published: March 2023

Background

Knowledge of the frequency of precipitating factors for acute heart failure (AHF) is important (either new-onset heart failure [NOHF] or worsening heart failure [WHF]), as this can guide strategies for prevention and treatment. Most data come only from Western Europe and North America; nevertheless, geographic differences do exist. We set out to study the prevalence of precipitating factors of AHF and their connection to patient characteristics and in-hospital and long-term mortality in patients from Egypt hospitalized for decompensated HF. Using the ESC-HF-LT Registry which is a prospective, multicenter, observational study of patients confessed to cardiology centers in the nations of Europe and the Mediterranean, patients presenting with AHF were recruited from 20 centers all over Egypt. Enrolling physicians were requested to report possible precipitants from among several predefined reasons.

Results

We included 1515 patients (mean age 60 ± 12 years, 69% males). The mean LVEF was 38 ± 11%. Seventy-seven percent of the total population had HFrEF, 9.8% had HFmrEF, and 13.3% had HFpEF. The commonly reported precipitating factors for AHF hospitalization among study population were as follows (in decreasing order of frequency): infection in 30.3% of patients, acute coronary syndrome/myocardial ischemia (ACS/MI) in 26%, anemia in 24.3%, uncontrolled hypertension in 24.2%, atrial fibrillation (AF) in 18.3%, renal dysfunction in 14.6%, and non-compliance in 6.5% of patients. HFpEF patients had significantly higher rates of AF, uncontrolled hypertension, and anemia as precipitants for acute decompensation. ACS/MI were significantly more frequent in patients with HFmrEF. WHF patients had significantly higher rates of infection and non-compliance, whereas new-onset HF patients showed significantly higher rates of ACS/MI and uncontrolled hypertension. One-year follow-up revealed that patients with HFrEF had a significantly higher rate of mortality compared to patients with HFmrEF and HFpEF (28.3%, 19.5, and 19.4%, P = 0.004). Patients with WHF had a significantly higher rates of 1-year mortality when compared to those with NOHF (30.0% vs. 20.3%, P < 0.001). Renal dysfunction, anemia, and infection were independently connected to worse long-term survival.

Conclusions

Precipitating factors of AHF are frequent and substantially influence outcomes after hospitalization. They should be considered goals for avoiding AHF hospitalization and depicting those at highest risk for short-term mortality.