bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
North American Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm Consortium: position on standards of care and areas of need
Authors: Pemmaraju Naveen , Kantarjian Hagop , Sweet Kendra , Wang Eunice , Senapati Jayastu , Wilson Nathaniel R. , Konopleva Marina , Frankel Arthur E. , Gupta Vikas , Mesa Ruben , Ulrickson Matthew , Gorak Edward , Bhatia Sumeet , Budak-Alpdogan Tulin , Mason James , Garcia-Romero Maria Teresa , Lopez-Santiago Norma , Cesarman-Maus Gabriela , Vachhani Pankit , Lee Sangmin , Bhatt Vijaya Raj , Blum William , Walter Roland B. , Bixby Dale , Gojo Ivana , Duvic Madeleine , Rampal Raajit K. , de Lima Marcos , Foran James , Fathi Amir T. , Hall Aric Cameron , Jacoby Meagan A. , Lancet Jeffrey , Mannis Gabriel , Stein Anthony S. , Mims Alice , Rizzieri David , Olin Rebecca , Perl Alexander , Schiller Gary , Shami Paul , Stone Richard M. , Strickland Stephen , Wieduwilt Matthew J. , Daver Naval , Ravandi Farhad , Vasu Sumithira , Guzman Monica , Roboz Gail J. , Khoury Joseph , Qazilbash Muzaffar , Aung Phyu P. , Cuglievan Branko , Madanat Yazan , Kharfan-Dabaja Mohamed A. , Pawlowska Anna , Taylor Justin , Tallman Martin , Dhakal Prajwal , Lane Andrew A.
Published: November 2022

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare hematologic malignancy with historically poor outcomes and no worldwide consensus treatment approach. Unique among most hematologic malignancies for its frequent cutaneous involvement, BPDCN can also invade other extramedullary compartments, including the central nervous system. Generally affecting older adults, many patients are unfit to receive intensive chemotherapy, and although hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is preferred for younger, fit individuals, not all are eligible. One recent therapeutic breakthrough is that all BPDCNs express CD123 (IL3Rα) and that this accessible surface marker can be pharmacologically targeted. The first-in-class agent for BPDCN, tagraxofusp, which targets CD123, was approved in December 2018 in the United States for patients with BPDCN aged ≥2 years. Despite favorable response rates in the frontline setting, many patients still relapse in the setting of monotherapy, and outcomes in patients with relapsed/refractory BPDCN remain dismal. Therefore, novel approaches targeting both CD123 and other targets are actively being investigated. To begin to formally address the state of the field, we formed a new collaborative initiative, the North American BPDCN Consortium (NABC). This group of experts, which includes a multidisciplinary panel of hematologists/oncologists, hematopoietic stem cell transplant physicians, pathologists, dermatologists, and pediatric oncologists, was tasked with defining the current standard of care in the field and identifying the most important research questions and future directions in BPDCN. The position findings of the NABC’s inaugural meetings are presented herein.
CircRNA AFF4 induced by KDM1A promotes osteogenic differentiation through FNDC5/Irisin pathway
Authors: Liu Ansong , Chen Yong , Zhong Da , Wang Chenggong , Yu Mi , Liu Chao , Yang Zhijun , Chen Wenkang , Yin Ke
Published: November 2022

Background

Circular RNA (circ) AFF4 was documented to regulate osteogenesis but the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. The preliminary study showed that circ_AFF4 may promote osteogenesis via FNDC5/Irisin. Furthermore, the online prediction tool indicated the interaction of circ_AFF4, insulin-like growth factor-2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3), FNDC5 and lysine (K)-specific demethylase 1 A (KDM1A). Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the relationships of KDM1A, circ_AFF4, IGF2BP3 and FNDC5/Irisin during osteogenesis.

Methods

The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities and osteogenic-related factors were determined using ALP and alizarin red S (ARS) staining, real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR) and western blot. Immunoprecipitation (RIP), pull-down assay and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used to examine the interactions among circ_AFF4/IGF2BP3/FNDC5. A mouse in vivo model was utilized to further confirm the regulatory effect on bone formation.

Results

Circ_AFF4 and KDM1A expression levels were increased during osteoinduction of BM-MSCs. Knockdown of circ_AFF4 and KDM1A significantly suppressed BM-MSC osteogenesis. We also proved that KDM1A directly bound to circ_AFF4 and FNDC5 promoter and induced circ_AFF4 and FNDC5 expression. Furthermore, circ_AFF4 enhanced the stability of FNDC5 by generating a circ_AFF4, IGF2BP3 and FNDC5 RNA-protein complex, and thereby induced Irisin and osteogenesis. The in vitro data was confirmed with in vivo model.

Conclusion

These findings elucidate that KDM1A induces circ_AFF4, which promotes promote osteogenesis via IGF2BP3. This study indicates that circ_AFF4 may potentially represent a critical therapeutic target for the diseases.
Swiss QUality of life and healthcare impact Assessment in a Real-world Erenumab treated migraine population (SQUARE study): interim results
Authors: Gantenbein Andreas R. , Agosti Reto , Kamm Christian P. , Landmann Gunther , Meier Niklaus , Merki-Feld Gabriele Susanne , Petersen Jens A. , Pohl Heiko , Ryvlin Philippe , Schankin Christoph J. , Viceic Dragana , Zecca Chiara , Schäfer Elisabeth , Meyer Ina , Arzt Michael E.
Published: November 2022

Background

The fully human monoclonal antibody erenumab, which targets the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor, was licensed in Switzerland in July 2018 for the prophylactic treatment of migraine.

To complement findings from the pivotal program, this observational study was designed to collect and evaluate clinical data on the impact of erenumab on several endpoints, such as quality of life, migraine-related impairment and treatment satisfaction in a real-world setting.

Methods

An interim analysis was conducted after all patients completed 6 months of erenumab treatment. Patients kept a headache diary and completed questionnaires at follow up visits. The overall study duration comprises 24 months.

Results

In total, 172 adults with chronic or episodic migraine from 19 different sites across Switzerland were enrolled to receive erenumab every 4 weeks. At baseline, patients had 16.6 ± 7.2 monthly migraine days (MMD) and 11.6 ± 7.0 acute migraine-specific medication days per month. After 6 months, erenumab treatment reduced Headache Impact Test (HIT-6™) scores by 7.7 ± 8.4 (p < 0.001), the modified Migraine Disability Assessment (mMIDAS) by 14.1 ± 17.8 (p < 0.001), MMD by 7.6 ± 7.0 (p < 0.001) and acute migraine-specific medication days per month by 6.6 ± 5.4 (p < 0.001). Erenumab also reduced the impact of migraine on social and family life, as evidenced by a reduction of Impact of Migraine on Partners and Adolescent Children (IMPAC) scores by 6.1 ± 6.7 (p < 0.001). Patients reported a mean effectiveness of 67.1, convenience of 82.4 and global satisfaction of 72.4 in the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM-9). In total, 99 adverse events (AE) and 12 serious adverse events (SAE) were observed in 62 and 11 patients, respectively. All SAE were regarded as not related to the study medication.

Conclusions

Overall quality of life improved and treatment satisfaction was rated high with erenumab treatment in real-world clinical practice. In addition, the reported impact of migraine on spouses and children of patients was reduced.

Trial registration

BASEC ID 2018–02,375 in the Register of All Projects in Switzerland (RAPS).

Graphical Abstract
Comment regarding: what is the efficacy of aerobic exercise versus strength training in the treatment of migraine? A systematic review and network meta‑analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Han Junhee , Cho Soo-Jin
Published: November 2022

In Woldeamanuel and Oliveira (2022)’s article about the efficacy of exercise in the treatment of migraine, the ranking of the efficacy of strength training (mean difference, − 3.55), aerobic exercise (mean difference, − 2.18 to − 3.13), topiramate (mean difference, − 0.98), and amitriptyline (mean difference, 3.82) using network meta-analysis can mislead readers. First, the inclusion criteria were reported at a monthly frequency of migraine and the end of the intervention, but some article did not meet the inclusion criteria or had data inconsistency. Second, there was an inconsistency in the placebos used in the included studies, which can be problematic in network meta-analysis. Third, all three articles on strength training were rated as high-risk or exhibited some risk of bias. Finally, the effectiveness of this statistical method is questionable for assessing physical activities because strength training, aerobic exercise, and preventive medications can be simultaneously recommended for possible synergistic effects in the prevention of migraine.
Developing a clinical decision tool based on electroretinogram to monitor the risk of severe mental illness
Authors: Peredo Rossana , Hébert Marc , Mérette Chantal
Published: November 2022

Background

We have shown that electroretinograms can discriminate between patients with severe mental illness (SMI) and healthy controls in previous studies. We now intend to enhance the development and clinical utility of ERG as a biological tool to monitor the risk of SMI.

Methodology

A sample of 301 SMI patients (bipolar disorder or schizophrenia) and 200 controls was first split into a training (N = 401) and testing dataset (N = 100). A logistic regression using ERG was modeled in the training data, while external validation and discriminative ability were assessed in the testing data. A decision curve analysis was used to test clinical usefulness. Moreover, the identification of thresholds of uncertainty based on the two-graph ROC and the interval of uncertainty was used to enhance prediction.

Results

The discriminative assessment of the ERG showed very high sensitivity (91%) and specificity (89%) after considering uncertainty levels. Furthermore, for prediction probabilities ranging from 0.14 to 0.95 in the testing data, the net benefit of using our ERG model to decide whether to intervene or not exceeded that of never or always intervening.

Conclusion

The ERG predicted SMI risk with a high level of accuracy when uncertainty was accounted for. This study further supports the potential of ERG to become a useful clinical decision tool to decide the course of action for subjects at risk of SMI. However, further investigation is still needed in longitudinal studies to assess the external validity of the instrument.
Wealth disparity and frailty among community-dwelling older adults in India
Authors: Saravanakumar Priya , Balachandran Arun , Muhammad T. , Drishti Drishti , Srivastava Shobhit
Published: November 2022

Background

Due to the vast socioeconomic diversity among its residents, studying health inequality in India is of particular interest. This study aimed to investigate the wealth-based inequalities in physical frailty and to quantify the contributions of potential predictors of frailty to this inequality.

Methods

Data were drawn from the first wave of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) conducted during 2017–18. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between wealth status and frailty. We used the concentration index to measure the magnitude of wealth-related inequality in frailty. A decomposition analysis based on the logit model was used to assess the contribution of each predictor to the total inequality.

Results

The prevalence of physical frailty was significantly higher among the older adults in the poor group than in the non-poor group [Difference (poor vs. non-poor): 6.4%; p < 0.001]. Regression results indicated that older adults in the poorest group were 23% more likely to be physically frail than those in the richest category [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.23; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11, 1.38]. The overall concentration index of frailty was 0.058 among the older adults, indicating that frailty is more concentrated among older adults with poor wealth status. Body mass index, wealth index, educational status, and region were the major and significant contributors to the socioeconomic status (SES) related inequalities in frailty.

Conclusions

Results suggest the need for formulating effective prevention and intervention strategies to decelerate the development of physical frailty among older adults in India, especially those with poor socioeconomic background.
Exploring theory-based behavioral interventions promoting COVID-19 prevention and healthcare-seeking for migrant worker men in Singapore: a qualitative study
Authors: Hildon Zoe Jane-Lara , Panchapakesan Chitra , Hasan Md Tahmid , Khaled Nazrana , Chan Alyssa Yenyi , Tripathi Shilpi , Wong Melvyn Chung Pheng , Lwin May O. , I-Cheng Mark Chen , Afsana Kaosar
Published: November 2022

Background

The first wave of COVID-19 during April to July 2020 in Singapore largely affected the migrant workers living in residential dormitories. A government taskforce working with dormitory operators, employers and non-government agencies came together to deliver behavioral interventions and health care services for migrant worker as dorms were imposed movement restrictions. To fill the research gap in understanding movement restriction experiences of migrant workers, this research seeks to describe dormitory contexts and explore behavior change related to both prevention of transmission as well as healthcare seeking for COVID-19 among male migrant workers.

Methods

With social constructivism as the foundation for this study, 23 telephone interviews were conducted with Bangladeshi and Indian migrant workers. A theory-informed, data-driven conceptual framework, characterized by the “Four Ss”: Sensitization, Surveillance, Self-preservation, and Segregation was first generated and later used to frame second-stage, more in-depth, thematic analyses. An effective multipronged approach was documented, persuading migrant workers in our case-study to improve hygiene and follow some safe distancing measures, and adhere to help-seeking when symptomatic.

Results

Rapid collective adaptation was demonstrated; it was propped up by effective harnessing of infrastructure and technology. While technology and digital platforms were central to shaping Sensitization for prevention-related behaviors, interpersonal communication, especially peer-sharing, was key to normalizing and accepting healthcare delivery and norms about healthcare seeking. Interpersonal factors particularly supported successful implementation of case-detection Surveillance, stimulating Self-preserving and acceptance of rules, and was found helpful to those Segregated in recovery facilities. In contrast, encouraging prevention-related behaviors relied more heavily on multiple online-platforms, phone-based e-learning/knowledge testing, e-monitoring of behavior, as well as interpersonal exchanges.

Conclusion

Overall, the findings showed that the conception of the Four Ss helped inform intervention strategies. Anchoring these towards optimal use of technology and harnessing of interpersonal communication for prevention and promotion of healthcare seeking in the planning of future Infectious Disease outbreaks in closed institutional settings is recommended.
The impact of influenza on the ability to work, volunteer and provide care: results from an online survey of Canadian adults 50 years and older
Authors: Waite Nancy M. , Pereira Jennifer A. , Houle Sherilyn K. D. , Gilca Vladimir , Andrew Melissa K.
Published: November 2022

Background

Influenza is associated with a decline in functional abilities among Canadian older adults, although specific impacts on daily life have not been fully explored.

Methods

In August 2019 and May 2020, we conducted surveys of Canadian adults 50-64 years and 65 years and older through an online market research platform. The survey included questions about the impact of diagnosed influenza or self-reported influenza-like-illness (ILI) on working, volunteering and caregiving.

Results

We surveyed 1006 adults in the 50-64 year age group about the 2018/19 season and 1001 about the 2019/20 season. In the 65 years and older age group, we surveyed 3548 and 3500 individuals about the 2018/19 and 2019/20 influenza seasons, respectively. In each season, nearly two-thirds of individuals 50-64 years with influenza/ILI were employed; 51.7% reported absenteeism in 2018/19 and 53.6% in 2019/20. Of the 20% of individuals 65 years and older who were employed, 47.0% of those with influenza/ILI were absent while ill in 2018/19 (39.8% in 2019/20). In 2018/2019, 29.6% of respondents 50-64 years old with influenza/ILI identified as volunteers (29.3% in 2019/2020). In both seasons, nearly half were unable to do so while ill. Of the 164 (32.7%) individuals 65 years and older who volunteered during the 2018/19 season, 80 (48.8%) did not while ill; 224 (37.3%) respondents volunteered in the 2019/20 season, and half were absent while ill. Of those 50-64 years with influenza/ILI, 97 (42.2%) and 57 (22.2%) were caregivers in 2018/19 and 2019/20, respectively. In 2018/19 and 2019/20, 40 (41.2%) and 28 (49.1%) caregivers were unable to provide care when ill, respectively. Of those with influenza/ILI in the 65 years and older age group, 123 (24.6%) and 162 (27.0%) were caregivers in 2018/19 and 2019/20, respectively. In 2018/19, 18 (14.6%) caregivers with influenza/ILI did not provide care while ill (42 [25.9%] in 2019/20).

Discussion

In Canadian older adults, influenza and ILI had notable impacts on ability to volunteer and provide care across two recent seasons. Optimization of influenza prevention in this population may yield important societal benefits.
Relationship between foot morphology, muscle strength, and physical performance test in women aged 65 years and older: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yokozuka Mieko , Okazaki Kanako , Hoshi Masayuki
Published: November 2022

Background

Hallux valgus is a foot deformity that may affect gait, thus increasing the risk of falls among older people. We investigated the relationship between foot morphology, muscle strength, and physical performance.

Methods

In this study, community-dwelling older people aged ≥65 years were included. A three-dimensional footprint automatic measurement apparatus was used to measure the hallux valgus angle, arch height ratio, and heel-floor angle. Furthermore, the toe flexor strength and ankle plantar flexion strength were measured. Physical performance tests included the five-repetition sit-to-stand test, one-leg standing time, maximal step length, functional reach test, and 5-m fastest walking time (walking time). The relationship between the hallux valgus angle and foot morphology and muscle strength was examined. In addition, factors affecting physical performance testing were assessed. Two-group comparisons, correlation, and multiple comparisons were used for statistical analyses.

Results

Of the 133 women (age 77.7 ± 6.2 years), 57 had hallux valgus and 76 had no hallux valgus. There was a significant difference in the arch height ratio and heel-floor angle between women with and without hallux valgus (p < 0.001). A correlation was found between the hallux valgus angle and the heel-floor angle (r = 0.468,p < 0.001) and arch height ratio (r = − 0.337,p < 0.001), respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that the hallux valgus angle was related to functional reach (β = − 0.162,p = 0.042), and toe flexor strength was related to five-repetition sit-to-stand (β = − 0.182,p = 0.036), maximal step length (β = 0.328,p < 0.001), and walking time (β = − 0.219,p = 0.006).

Conclusions

A relationship was found between the hallux valgus angle, arch height rate, and inward inclination angle of the calcaneus. Functional reach was predicted based on the hallux valgus angle, whereas the five-repetition sit-to-stand, maximal step length, and walking time were predicted based on toe flexor strength. Hallux valgus predicted not only the forefoot but also the foot morphology and was related to physical performance. From the perspective of motor function and fall prevention, efforts should be made to better understand and prevent the onset and progression of hallux valgus.
Comparisons of outcomes of open surgery versus endovascular intervention for thrombotic popliteal artery aneurysm with acute lower limb ischemia: a systematic review
Authors: Xiao Xixi , Feng Ruijia , Wang Mingshan , Sun Hanqi , Jing Tianzhen , Su Lianhua , Fan You , Hu Zuojun , Wang Shenming , Wang Siwen
Published: November 2022

Background

Thrombotic popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) with acute lower limb ischemia (ALI) is a serious disease leading to amputation. The choice of emergency procedures is not clearly defined, and the difference in therapeutic efficiency between open surgery and endovascular intervention is still unclear.

Method

We conducted a comprehensive search through PubMed, Wiley Online Library and ScienceDirect. According to the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, eligible articles were screened out, and all relevant data were extracted for further analysis. Our study was designed and developed based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guideline. We critically assessed all included articles by Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklists and the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS).

Result

A total of 29 articles (1338 patients/1387 limbs) were included in the study. After a 1-year follow-up, the primary patency rate of the open surgery group was significantly lower than that of the endovascular intervention group (72.65 vs. 81.46%, P = 0.004), but without significant difference in the secondary patency rate (86.19 vs. 86.86%, P = 0.825). The limb salvage rate of the open surgery group was also significantly lower (83.07 vs. 98.25%, P < 0.001). After the 2-year follow-up, the primary patency rate of the open surgery group was still significantly lower (48.57 vs. 59.90%, P = 0.021).

Conclusion

The outcome of endovascular intervention was better than that of open surgery especially in the 1-year limb salvage rate and primary patency rate at the 1-year and 2-year follow-ups.
Irisin as a predictor of bone metabolism in Han Chinese Young Men with pre-diabetic individuals
Authors: Liu Junru , Wang Xing , Fan Dongmei , Sun Lina , Zhang Weinan , Yin Fuzai , Liu Bowei
Published: November 2022

Background

Irisin is a novel myokine both in mice and humans, and it can also be secreted by adipose tissue and the liver in a small amounts. There are few studies on irisin and bone metabolism. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between serum irisin levels and bone metabolism and analyze its related factors in Han young male with pre-diabetic individuals.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 41 pre-diabetes and 45 normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, waist circumference (WC), and bone mineral content (BMC), were performed. All patients underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) after 8 h of fasting, and the levels of glucose, insulin, lipids, serum irisin and bone turnover markers were measured.

Results

The levels of serum irisin (4.4 ± 1.4 vs. 6.3 ± 1.5 µg/mL), P1NP and OC were significantly lower and CTX was significantly higher in the pre-diabetes group (P < 0.05). BMC did not differ in the two groups (P > 0.05). Serum irisin levels negatively correlated with BMI (r =-0.325), FPG (r =-0.329), TG (r =-0.339) (P < 0.05) in NGT individuals. Serum irisin levels positively correlated with P1NP (r = 0.398), OC (r = 0.351), HDL-C (r = 0.432) and negatively correlated with FPG (r = -0.725), 2 h-PG (r = -0.360) (P < 0.05) in pre-diabetic individuals. Multiple regression analysis revealed that Serum irisin (β = 9.768, P = 0.025) and WC (β = -2.355, P = 0.002) were significant independent predictors for P1NP.

Conclusion

Bone turnover markers were changed rather than bone mineral content in young men with pre-diabetes. In pre-diabetes individuals, serum irisin levels were reduced and close relationship with P1NP. Falling irisin levels may be a predictor of decreased bone formation in Han young men with pre-diabetes individuals.
Anticipatory grief and experience of providing at-home palliative care among informal caregivers of spouses in Croatia: a qualitative study
Authors: Bilić Jelena , Skokandić Lea , Puljak Livia
Published: November 2022

Background

In palliative care, caring for spouses suffering from incurable diseases can provoke a range of reactions in informal caregivers that are part of the grieving process, as well as other reactions and ways of coping with a current role, which is often challenging. Anticipatory grief occurs before death and is often present in people who face the eventual loss of a loved one or their own death. This study aimed to gain insight into the anticipatory grief of informal caregivers who are providing at-home palliative care for their ill spouse. Our research questions focus on investigating the meanings caregivers ascribe to the experience of providing palliative care and the impending loss of a spouse.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted in Zagreb, Croatia, from April to June of 2021. Eight participants took part in the study. Participants in the study were informal caregivers of a spouse suffering from an incurable, terminal disease that receives at-home palliative care. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Transcripts were analyzed by interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Results

The analysis provided several meanings that represent caregivers’ experiences and coping strategies. The caregivers bravely face the challenges of “living with an illness” by maintaining optimism, strong cohesion with their partner and a sense of joint destiny. They tend to repress their own personal needs and feelings while carrying the burden of care. Caregivers tend to stay positive and focus on living in the present by taking an active role in providing care for the ill spouse and family.

Conclusions

Anticipatory grief presents emotional, cognitive, and spiritual challenges to spouse caregivers in palliative care. The contribution of this study was to gain insight into the meaning that caregivers ascribe to the experience and challenges they face while providing everyday care for their ill spouse. Confirming prior results, the experiences are generally similar to all caregivers, pointing to the need for substantial improvement in the quality of the support and help from the healthcare workers and other experts who provide palliative care and support for the patients’ family members.
Automatically detecting Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis from endoscopic imaging
Authors: Chierici Marco , Puica Nicolae , Pozzi Matteo , Capistrano Antonello , Donzella Marcello Dorian , Colangelo Antonio , Osmani Venet , Jurman Giuseppe
Published: November 2022

Background

The SI-CURA project (Soluzioni Innovative per la gestione del paziente e il follow up terapeutico della Colite UlceRosA) is an Italian initiative aimed at the development of artificial intelligence solutions to discriminate pathologies of different nature, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), namely Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), based on endoscopic imaging of patients (P) and healthy controls (N).

Methods

In this study we develop a deep learning (DL) prototype to identify disease patterns through three binary classification tasks, namely (1) discriminating positive (pathological) samples from negative (healthy) samples (P vs N); (2) discrimination between Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease samples (UC vs CD) and, (3) discrimination between Ulcerative Colitis and negative (healthy) samples (UC vs N).

Results

The model derived from our approach achieves a high performance of Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) > 0.9 on the test set for P versus N and UC versus N, and MCC > 0.6 on the test set for UC versus CD.

Conclusion

Our DL model effectively discriminates between pathological and negative samples, as well as between IBD subgroups, providing further evidence of its potential as a decision support tool for endoscopy-based diagnosis.
Interference in melanoma CD248 function reduces vascular mimicry and metastasis
Authors: Kuo Cheng-Hsiang , Wu Ya-Fang , Chang Bi-Ing , Hsu Chao-Kai , Lai Chao-Han , Wu Hua-Lin
Published: November 2022

Background

Tumor vascular mimicry is an emerging issue that affects patient survival while having no treatment at the current moment. Despite several factors implicated in vascular mimicry, little is known about stromal factors that modulate tumor microenvironment and shape malignant transformation. CD248, a type-I transmembrane protein dominantly expressed in stromal cells, mediates the interaction between cells and extracellular matrix proteins. CD248 protein expression is associated with the metastatic melanoma phenotype and promotes tumor progression in the stromal cells. This study aimed to explore the cell-autonomous effects of CD248 in melanoma vascular mimicry to aid cancer therapy development.

Methods

Loss-of-function approaches in B16F10 melanoma cells were used to study the cell-autonomous effects of CD248 on cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and vascular mimicry. A solid-phase binding assay was performed to identify the interaction between CD248 and fibronectin. Horizontal and vertical cell migration assays were performed to analyze cell migration activity, and cell-patterned network formation on Matrigel was used to evaluate vascular mimicry activity. Recombinant CD248 (rCD248) proteins were generated, and whether rCD248 interfered with melanoma CD248 functions was evaluated in vitro. An experimental lung metastasis mouse model was used to investigate the effect of rCD248 treatment in vivo.

Results

CD248 protein expression in melanoma cells was increased by a fibroblast-conditioned medium. Knockdown of CD248 expression significantly decreased cell adhesion to fibronectin, cell migration, and vascular mimicry in melanoma cells. The lectin domain of CD248 was directly involved in the interaction between CD248 and fibronectin. Furthermore, rCD248 proteins containing its lectin domain inhibited cell adhesion to fibronectin and slowed down cell migration and vascular mimicry. Treatment with rCD248 protein could reduce pulmonary tumor burden, accompanied by a reduction in vascular mimicry in mice with melanoma lung metastasis.

Conclusion

CD248 expression in melanoma cells promotes malignant transformation by increasing the activity of cell adhesion, migration, and vascular mimicry, whereas rCD248 protein functions as a molecular decoy interfering with tumor-promoting effects of CD248 in melanoma cells.
Difficulty accessing supervised consumption services during the COVID-19 pandemic among people who use drugs in Vancouver, Canada
Authors: Cassie Rachel , Hayashi Kanna , DeBeck Kora , Milloy M.-J. , Cui Zishan , Strike Carol , West Jeff , Kennedy Mary Clare
Published: November 2022

Background

The overdose crisis in Canada has worsened since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although this trend is thought to be driven in part by closures or reduced capacity of supervised consumption services (SCS), little is known about the factors that may impede access to such services during the COVID-19 pandemic among people who use drugs. This study sought to characterize the prevalence and correlates of having difficulty accessing SCS during the COVID-19 pandemic among people who use drugs in Vancouver, Canada.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from two open prospective cohorts of people who use drugs were collected via phone or videoconferencing interviews conducted between July 2020 and November 2020. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine factors associated with experiencing difficulty accessing SCS.

Results

Among the 428 people who use drugs who participated in the study, 223 (54.7%) self-identified as men and the median age was 51 years (1st to 3rd quartile: 42–58). A total of 58 (13.6%) participants reported experiencing difficulty accessing SCS. In a multivariable analysis, factors positively associated with difficulty accessing SCS included daily crystal methamphetamine use (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.60; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28–5.30), active injection drug use (AOR = 4.06; 95% CI 1.38–11.90), recent non-fatal overdose (AOR = 2.45; 95% CI 1.24–4.85), and unstable housing (AOR = 2.14; 95% CI 1.08–4.23). Age was inversely associated with the outcome (AOR = 0.96; 95% CI 0.93–0.99) in multivariable analyses. The most commonly reported reasons for experiencing difficulty accessing SCS were: COVID-19-related site closure or shortened hours (42.9%) and having to wait too long to use a site (39.3%).

Conclusions

We found that people who use drugs with markers of structural vulnerability and drug-related risk were more likely to experience difficulty accessing SCS during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings point to the need for strategies to support access to such services as part of pandemic response efforts.
Emergency versus delayed hepatectomy following transarterial embolization in spontaneously ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Wei , Huang Zhangkan , Che Xu
Published: November 2022

Background

Spontaneous rupture is a life-threatening complication of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent trends in surgical treatments avoid emergency hepatectomy (EH) and favor emergency transarterial embolization (TAE) followed by delayed hepatectomy (DH). Still, there is debate on which is the better treatment option and whether delaying hepatectomy increases peritoneal metastasis.

Aim

To provide evidence-based references for the optimal management of patients with spontaneously ruptured HCC by comparing the outcomes of EH and DH.

Methods

Literature on postoperative outcomes of EH and DH in patients with spontaneously ruptured HCC published between the date of the database establishment and May 2022, was identified in the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. Revman 5.3 software was used for statistical analyses.

Results

Nine publications were identified, including a total of 681 patients. Of those, 304 underwent EH, and 377 underwent TAE followed by DH. The meta-analysis results indicated that the in-hospital mortality rate in the EH patient group was significantly higher than that in the DH patient group (relative risk (RR) = 2.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–4.57, p =0.04). There was no significant differences in the rates of postoperative complications (RR = 1.21, 95% CI 0.77–1.90, p = 0.40), postoperative hospital stay (WMD = − 0.64, 95% CI − 5.61–4.34, p = 0.80), recurrence (RR = 1.09, 95% CI 0.94–1.25, p = 0.27), peritoneal metastasis (RR = 1.06, 95% CI 0.66–1.71, p = 0.80), 1-year survival (RR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.80–1.02, p = 0.11), or 3-year survival (RR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.61–1.09, p = 0.17) in survivors between the two patient groups.

Conclusion

The postoperative outcomes of the spontaneously ruptured HCC survivors who received EH were similar to those who received emergency TAE followed by DH. However, the in-hospital mortality rate was higher in EH patients. Based on the findings, DH with TAE first strategy might be considered over EH as the first line treatment modality. However, these findings await further validation by future high-quality studies.
Prevalence of familial autoimmune diseases in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: results from the international Pharmachild registry
Authors: van Straalen Joeri W. , de Roock Sytze , Giancane Gabriella , Alexeeva Ekaterina , Koskova Elena , Mesa-del-Castillo Bermejo Pablo , Zulian Francesco , Civino Adele , Montin Davide , Wulffraat Nico M. , Ruperto Nicolino , Swart Joost F. ,   for the Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation (PRINTO)
Published: November 2022

Background

Little is known about the disposition to autoimmune diseases (ADs) among children diagnosed with JIA. In this study, we provide a comprehensive overview of the prevalence of and factors associated with ADs in parents of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods

Prevalence rates of ADs and 95% Poisson confidence intervals were calculated for parents of JIA patients from the international Pharmachild registry and compared with general population prevalence rates as reported in the literature. Demographic, clinical and laboratory features were compared between JIA patients with and without a family history of AD using χ2 and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results

Eight thousand six hundred seventy three patients were included and the most common familial ADs were psoriasis, autoimmune thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. The prevalence of several ADs was higher in parents of the included JIA patients than in the general population. Clinical Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Scores at study entry and last follow-up were not significantly different between patients with (n = 1231) and without a family history of AD (n = 7442). Factors associated with familial AD were older age at JIA onset (P < 0.01), Scandinavian residence (P < 0.01), enthesitis-related arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and undifferentiated arthritis (P < 0.01), ANA positivity (P = 0.03) and HLA-B27 positivity (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Familial AD proves to be a risk factor for JIA development and certain diseases should therefore not be overlooked during family health history at the diagnosis stage. A family history of AD is associated with the JIA category but does not influence the severity or disease course.
An ethnobotanical study on wild plants used by Tibetan people in Gyirong Valley, Tibet, China
Authors: Guo Chang-An , Ding Xiaoyong , Hu Huabin , Zhang Yu , Yang Huizhao , Wang Yuhua
Published: November 2022

Background

Gyirong Valley known as the “Back Garden of the Himalayas” is located in the core area of the Everest National Nature Reserve. It is also one of the important ports from ancient Tibet to Kathmandu, Nepal, since ancient times. Over the years, the Tibetans of Gyirong had accumulated sufficient traditional knowledge about local plant resources. However, there is almost no comprehensive report available on ethnobotanical knowledge about the local people. The purposes of this study were to (1) conduct a comprehensive study of wild plants used by Tibetan people in Gyirong Valley and record the traditional knowledge associated with wild useful plants, (2) explore the influence of Tibetan traditional culture and economic development on the use of wild plants by local people, and (3) explore the characteristics of traditional knowledge about wild plants of Tibetans in Gyirong.

Methods

Ethnobotanical data were documented through free listings, key informant interviews and semi-structured interviews during fieldwork. The culture importance index and the informant consensus factor index were used as quantitative indices.

Results

In total, 120 informants (61 women and 59 men) and 3333 use reports and 111 wild plant species belonging to 39 families and 81 genera were included. These use reports were then classified into 27 categories belonging to three major categories. The use category that contained the most plant species was edible plants (62), followed by medicinal plants (32) and economic plants (22), and other uses (71). Plants with high CI included Allium prattii, Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora, Gymnadenia orchidis, Rhododendron anthopogon and Fritillaria cirrhosa. Thirty-six species of plants in the catalog of Gyirong and Yadong were the same, but only 17 species were the same in Gyirong and Burang. There were only 11 overlapping species between all the three regions.

Conclusion

Tibetans of Gyirong have rich and unique knowledge about plant use, and wild edible and medicinal plants play an important role in the nutrition and health protection of local people. However, traditional knowledge is slowly being lost and is being hit by modern tourism. In the future, more attention needs to be paid to the important role of traditional knowledge in biodiversity conservation.
Parallel evolution of amphioxus and vertebrate small-scale gene duplications
Authors: Brasó-Vives Marina , Marlétaz Ferdinand , Echchiki Amina , Mantica Federica , Acemel Rafael D. , Gómez-Skarmeta José L. , Hartasánchez Diego A. , Le Targa Lorlane , Pontarotti Pierre , Tena Juan J. , Maeso Ignacio , Escriva Hector , Irimia Manuel , Robinson-Rechavi Marc
Published: November 2022

Background

Amphioxus are non-vertebrate chordates characterized by a slow morphological and molecular evolution. They share the basic chordate body-plan and genome organization with vertebrates but lack their 2R whole-genome duplications and their developmental complexity. For these reasons, amphioxus are frequently used as an outgroup to study vertebrate genome evolution and Evo-Devo. Aside from whole-genome duplications, genes continuously duplicate on a smaller scale. Small-scale duplicated genes can be found in both amphioxus and vertebrate genomes, while only the vertebrate genomes have duplicated genes product of their 2R whole-genome duplications. Here, we explore the history of small-scale gene duplications in the amphioxus lineage and compare it to small- and large-scale gene duplication history in vertebrates.

Results

We present a study of the European amphioxus (Branchiostoma lanceolatum) gene duplications thanks to a new, high-quality genome reference. We find that, despite its overall slow molecular evolution, the amphioxus lineage has had a history of small-scale duplications similar to the one observed in vertebrates. We find parallel gene duplication profiles between amphioxus and vertebrates and conserved functional constraints in gene duplication. Moreover, amphioxus gene duplicates show levels of expression and patterns of functional specialization similar to the ones observed in vertebrate duplicated genes. We also find strong conservation of gene synteny between two distant amphioxus species, B. lanceolatum and B. floridae, with two major chromosomal rearrangements.

Conclusions

In contrast to their slower molecular and morphological evolution, amphioxus’ small-scale gene duplication history resembles that of the vertebrate lineage both in quantitative and in functional terms.
“Issues emanating from business impact on climate, environmental sustainability and CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility): steps towards pragmatism in extant realities”: “Brand translation to equity from ‘CSR as a potential tool in climate change mitigation and enhancing financial performances in organizations”
Authors: Adewole Olukorede
Published: November 2022

The relationship between ‘CSR and Brands to the sustainable business environment coupled with climatic changes and environmental issues; ‘while emphasizing the potentials of ‘CSR from brand reputation translation to equity as a tool for mitigating climate change mitigation and enhancing corporate financial performances has been extensively presented.

A value – based dimension becomes clear realizing the link and connection between ‘CSR, brand and brand association recognizing the key constructs and the translation of brand reputation to equity.

The high R – value of 0.9753 between brand reputation and financial performances implies by adopting ‘CSR which enhances brand reputation and translates to equity; corporations, companies and organizations can use ‘CSR as a strategic tool for increased profitability and returns.

It is extremely significant for companies, firms and corporations to take cognizance of ‘CSR and recognize its key roles as brand promoter, gaining increased customer and brand loyalty, and translation of brand reputation to brand equity.

Finally, relevant models and novel proposed models have been presented extensively; ‘giving insightful delineation of this crucial subject emphasizing and stressing the need to also look beyond the models rather giving a complimentary treatment and consideration.

‘CSR as a strategic tool built and imbibed in business model becomes crucial and can be the key driver and tool to abate climate change, gain increased brand loyalty and enhance financial performances.
Cognitive decline and alcohol consumption in the aging population—A longitudinal analysis of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe
Authors: Listabarth Stephan , Groemer Magdalena , Waldhoer Thomas , Vyssoki Benjamin , Pruckner Nathalie , Vyssoki Sandra , Glahn Alexander , König-Castillo Deirdre Maria , König Daniel
Published: November 2022

Background

Prevalence of cognitive decline and dementia is rising globally, with more than 10 million new cases every year. These conditions cause a significant burden for individuals, their caregivers, and health care systems. As no causal treatment for dementia exists, prevention of cognitive decline is of utmost importance. Notably, alcohol is among the most significant modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline.

Methods

Longitudinal data across 15 years on 6,967 individuals of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe were used to analyze the effect of alcohol consumption and further modifiable (i.e., smoking, depression, and educational obtainment) and non-modifiable risk factors (sex and age) on cognitive functioning (i.e., memory and verbal fluency). For this, a generalized estimating equation linear model was estimated for every cognitive test domain assessed.

Results

Consistent results were revealed in all three regression models: A nonlinear association between alcohol consumption and cognitive decline was found—moderate alcohol intake was associated with overall better global cognitive function than low or elevated alcohol consumption or complete abstinence. Furthermore, female sex and higher educational obtainment were associated with better cognitive function, whereas higher age and depression were associated with a decline in cognitive functioning. No significant association was found for smoking.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that alcohol use is a relevant risk factor for cognitive decline in older adults. Furthermore, evidence-based therapeutic concepts to reduce alcohol consumption exist and should be of primary interest in prevention measures considering the aging European population.
Estimating gravity acceleration from an atomic gravimeter by Kalman filtering
Authors: Jiang Bo-Nan , Wang Yu-Zhu
Published: November 2022

We present the construction of a two-state model of the atomic gravimeter and the associated Kalman recursion to estimate gravity acceleration from an atomic gravimeter. It is found that the Kalman estimator greatly improves the estimation precision in the short term by removing the white phase noise. The residual noise of the estimates follows

for more than

and highlights a precision of

at the measuring time of a single sample, even with no seismometer correction.
Screening the Port City: Poetics and Promotions
Authors: Moss-Wellington Wyatt , Rawnsley Ming-Yeh T. , Loo Yat Ming
Published: November 2022

This article contrasts a range of films from around the world that take place within port cities. It presents the port city film as a case of transnational “geographic imaginary” that dramatizes spaces of contact across lifeworlds. The authors find that there are two primary narrative modes in the port city film: a dominant mode in which gender, ethnic, class, and other identities bestowed by the geographic imaginary become inescapable, and a resistant or transformative mode in which characters are offered the opportunity to locate a new identity within a world of ephemeral relationships. Themes of criminality, poverty, and urban constituents struggling for personal agency, however, run counter to many city-branding narratives. The article concludes by comparing these fictional representations to a number of promotional and nonfictive examples of Chinese and British port city representations offering a very different vision of transnational contact—one that emphasizes a nation-building and growth “cleaned” of the human struggles for hybrid identity so vividly dramatized across port city fictions.