bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating miRNA Signature Predicts Response to Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Authors: Wada Yuma , Shimada Mitsuo , Morine Yuji , Ikemoto Tetsuya , Saito Yu , Zhu Zhongxu , Wang Xin , Etxart Ane , Park Yangsoon , Bujanda Luis , Park In Ja , Goel Ajay
Published: December 2021

PURPOSE

Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) are recommended to receive preoperative chemoradiotherapy (PCRT) followed by surgery. Response to PCRT varies widely: 60%-70% of patients with LARC do not derive therapeutic benefit from PCRT, whereas 15%-20% of patients achieve pathologic complete response (pCR). We sought to develop a liquid biopsy assay for identifying response to PCRT in patients with LARC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed two genome-wide microRNA (miRNA) expression profiling data sets from tumor tissue samples for in silico discovery (GSE68204) and validation (GSE29298). We prioritized biomarkers in pretreatment plasma specimens from clinical training (n = 41; 15 responders and 26 nonresponders) and validation (n = 65; 29 responders and 36 nonresponders) cohorts of patients with LARC. We developed an integrated miRNA panel and established a risk assessment model, which was combined with the miRNA panel and carcinoembryonic antigen levels.

RESULTS

Our comprehensive discovery effort identified an 8-miRNA panel that robustly predicted response to PCRT, with an excellent accuracy in the discovery (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.95) and validation (AUC = 0.92) cohorts. We successfully established a circulating miRNA panel with remarkable diagnostic accuracy in the clinical training (AUC = 0.82) and validation (AUC = 0.81) cohorts. Moreover, the predictive accuracy of the panel was significantly superior to conventional clinical factors in both cohorts ( P < .01) and the risk assessment model was superior (AUC = 0.83). Finally, we applied our model to detect patients with pathologic complete response and showed that it was dramatically superior to currently used pathologic features (AUC = 0.92).

CONCLUSION

Our novel risk assessment signature for predicting response to PCRT has a potential for clinical translation as a liquid biopsy assay in patients with LARC.
Preoperative Facial Nerve Palsy in Patients With Vestibular Schwannoma: Clinical Features and Postoperative Functional Prognosis in a Case Series of 34 Among 1228 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Matsushima Ken , Kohno Michihiro , Ichimasu Norio , Nakajima Nobuyuki , Yoshino Masanori
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND:

Facial nerve palsy is a rare presenting symptom of vestibular schwannomas and has not been investigated in detail.

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the incidence, clinical features, and postoperative long-term outcomes of facial nerve function in patients with vestibular schwannomas causing preoperative facial nerve palsy.

METHODS:

After excluding patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 and those with prior treatment, 1228 consecutive patients who underwent vestibular schwannoma surgery were retrospectively investigated. Patients with and without preoperative facial nerve palsy were compared statistically to clarify their clinical features.

RESULTS:

Preoperative tumoral facial nerve palsy was seen in 34 patients (2.8%). Their clinical features included older age, having large cystic tumors with significant meatal extension, and showing abnormal electrogustometric responses, compared with patients without preoperative facial nerve palsy. Owing to the frequent insufficient intraoperative responses on facial nerve electromyography, the tumor resection rate was lower in the group with preoperative facial nerve palsy (mean: 95.2%). Among the 33 patients with sufficient follow-up data (mean: 63.9 mo), additional treatment was required only in 1 patient and facial nerve function improved in 25 patients (75.8%) within 2 yr postoperatively.

CONCLUSION:

Facial nerve palsy is a rare preoperative symptom that occurs in less than 3% of patients with vestibular schwannoma. Tumor resection in such patients tends to be challenging owing to their advanced age, having large cystic tumors with significant meatal extension, and difficulties in intraoperative facial nerve monitoring, but surgical decompression of the facial nerve can assist in the improvement of their long-term functions.
Cranial and Cerebral Anatomic Key Points for Neurosurgery: A New Educational Insight
Authors: Simon Emile , Beuriat Pierre-Aurélien , Delabar Violaine , Jouanneau Emmanuel , Fernandez-Miranda Juan , Jacquesson Timothée
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND:

The anatomy of both the skull and the brain offers many landmarks that could lead surgery. Cranial “craniometric” key points were described many years ago, and then, cerebral key points—along sulci and gyri—were detailed more recently for microneurosurgical approaches that can reach deep structures while sparing the brain. Nonetheless, this anatomic knowledge is progressively competed by new digital devices, such as imaging guidance systems, although they can be misleading.

OBJECTIVE:

To summarize cranial and sulcal key points and their related anatomic structures to renew their interest in modern neurosurgery and help surgical anatomy teaching.

METHODS:

After a literature review collecting anatomic key points of skull and brain, specimens were prepared and images were taken to expose skull and brain from lateral, superior, posterior, and oblique views. A high-definition camera was used, and images obtained were modified, superimposing both key points and underlying anatomic structures.

RESULTS:

From 4 views, 16 cranial key points were depicted: anterior and superior squamous point, precoronal and retrocoronal point, superior sagittal point, intraparietal point, temporoparietal point, preauricular point, nasion, bregma, stephanion, euryon, lambda, asterion, opisthocranion, and inion. These corresponded to underlying cerebral key points and relative brain parts: anterior and posterior sylvian point, superior and inferior rolandic point, supramarginal and angular gyri, parieto-occipital sulcus, and various meeting points between identifiable sulci. Stereoscopic views were also provided to help learning these key points.

CONCLUSION:

This comprehensive overview of the cranial and sulcal key points could be a useful tool for any neurosurgeon who wants to check her/his surgical route and make the surgery more “gentle, safe, and accurate.”
Tissue and cell interactions in mammalian PGC development
Authors: Cooke Christopher B. , Moris Naomi
Published: December 2021

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) form early in embryo development and are crucial precursors to functioning gamete cells. Considerable research has focussed on identifying the transcriptional characteristics and signalling pathway requirements that confer PGC specification and development, enabling the derivation of PGC-like cells (PGCLCs) in vitro using specific signalling cocktails. However, full maturation to germ cells still relies on co-culture with supporting cell types, implicating an additional requirement for cellular- and tissue-level regulation. Here, we discuss the experimental evidence that highlights the nature of intercellular interactions between PGCs and neighbouring cell populations during mouse PGC development. We posit that the role that tissue interactions play on PGCs is not limited solely to signalling-based induction but extends to coordination of development by robust regulation of the proportions and position of the cells and tissues within the embryo, which is crucial for functional germ cell maturation. Such tissue co-development provides a dynamic, contextual niche for PGC development. We argue that there is evidence for a clear role for inter-tissue dependence of mouse PGCs, with potential implications for generating mammalian PGCLCs in vitro.
Downregulation of collagen XI during late postnatal corneal development is followed by upregulation after injury
Authors: Sun Mei , Cogswell Devon , Adams Sheila , Ayoubi Yasmin , Kumar Ambuj , Reljic Tea , Avila Marcel Y. , Margo Curtis E. , Espana Edgar M.
Published: December 2021

Collagen XI plays a role in nucleating collagen fibrils and in controlling fibril diameter. The aim of this research was to elucidate the role that collagen XI plays in corneal fibrillogenesis during development and following injury. The temporal and spatial expression of collagen XI was evaluated in C57BL/6 wild-type mice. For wound-healing studies in adult mice, stromal injuries were created using techniques that avoid caustic chemicals. The temporal expression and spatial localization of collagen XI was studied following injury in a Col11a1 inducible knockout mouse model. We found that collagen XI expression occurs during early maturation and is upregulated after stromal injury in areas of regeneration and remodeling. Abnormal fibrillogenesis with new fibrils of heterogeneous size and shape occurs after injury in a decreased collagen XI matrix. In conclusion, collagen XI is expressed in the stroma during development and following injury in adults, and is a regulator of collagen fibrillogenesis in regenerating corneal tissue.
Geschichten vom Rande der Stadt
Authors: Allemann Martin , Flatscher Elias , Asal Markus , Erlanger Simon , Schernig Mráz Monika
Published: December 2021

Bereits im Mittelalter hat der Bau der Inneren Stadtmauer und insbesondere der Aushub des Stadtgrabens eine mächtige Schneise durch die römerzeitlichen Befunde geschlagen. Trotzdem liessen sich beim Bau des Kunstmuseum-Parkings letzte Reste der römischen Siedlung fassen, u. a. zeigen spätrömische Münzen ein der spätrömischen Festung vorgelagertes Suburbium an.

An verschiedenen Stellen wurden Teilstücke der Inneren Stadtmauer und ihrer Kontermauer freigelegt. In einem an die Stadtmauer angebauten spätmittelalterlichen Latrinenturm wurde das fast vollständige Skelett eines Affen entdeckt. Die Untersuchungen des Skeletts zeigen eine wenig artgerechte Haltung des als Haustier dienenden Wildtieres.

Mehrere Fragmente von Grabsteinen aus dem mittelalterlichen jüdischen Friedhof am Petersplatz waren in Drittverwendung in Sickerschächten verbaut. Sie erinnern an die brutale Vernichtung und Vertreibung der jüdischen Gemeinde 1348/49.
Risk factors for premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) in adults: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Khoja Adeel , Andraweera Prabha H. , Lassi Zohra S. , Zheng Mingyue , Pathirana Maleesa M. , Ali Anna , Aldridge Emily , Wittwer Melanie R. , Chaudhuri Debajyoti D. , Tavella Rosanna , Arstall Margaret A.
Published: December 2021

PCAD possesses a public health challenge resulting in years of productive life lost and an escalating burden on health systems. Objective of this review is to compare modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for PCAD compared to those without PCAD. This review will include all comparative observational studies conducted in adults aged >18 years with confirmed diagnosis of PCAD (on angiography) compared to those without PCAD. Databases to be searched include; PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, and grey literature (Google Scholar). All identified studies will be screened for title and abstract and full-text against the inclusion criteria on Covidence software. Data relevant to exposures and outcomes will be extracted from all included studies. All studies selected for data extraction will be critically appraised for methodological quality. Meta-analysis using random-effects model will be performed using Review Manager 5.3. Effect sizes for categorical risk factors will be expressed as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. For risk factors measured in continuous form, mean difference (if units are consistent) otherwise standardized mean difference (if units are different across studies) will be reported. Heterogeneity between

studies will be assessed using I2 test statistics. GRADE will be used to assess the certainty of the findings.

Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO Registration # CRD42020173216
Scientific and technical discoveries of the 1920s and Ukrainian emigrationin in the Interwar Czechoslovak Republic (1918–1939)
Authors:   Vinnytsia Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi State Pedagogical University, Zubko Olha
Published: December 2021

This article informs about the impact of scientific and technological progress of the 1920s on everyday life of the Ukrainian emigration center in the interwar period of Czechoslovakia in 1918-1939. First of all, it is referred to technological novelties of the period in 1921-1929: cinematography, television, automobile manufacturing, fashion, medical industry, telegraph, and bank and post transfers. The proposed topic has not been submitted to the scientific audience yet, as far as the life of the Ukrainian emigration in the interwar of Czechoslovak Republic was considered mainly in the context of political and sociocultural work both emigrants themselves and the latest Ukrainian, Czech and Slovak historians. It is focused on two pointsin the proposed scientific intelligence: consideration of the everyday life of anti-Bolshevist emigration and of the lives of Ukrainian immigrants in Czechoslovakia which were arbitrarily distributed for four periods: 1918-1921, 1921-1925, 1925-1933, 1933-1939, all of which had its own specific features. Consideration of the Ukrainian everyday emigration life in the years 1921–1929 in the interwar of Czechoslovakia carried out with the help ofrecollection, memoirs, postal correspondence (letters) and archival documentation. Therefore, it implies the usage of general methods of the scientific research: analysis, analogy, historical and logical methods. The emigrational routine is a farsighted direction of the historical research, because it is the history of the small vivid worlds, peculiar alternative to the researches which are focused on global political and social processes and events.Everyday life is not minted in special decrees or laws;it is notrecorded in programs and speeches, as far as political and state history, and it is not honed by the financial gains in the economy, and by the cultural monuments, though it always exists like air, it goes unnoticed as time.
Formation of the Soviet concept of Belarusian history in the 1940s – 1950s
Authors:   Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno, Belozorovich Viktor
Published: December 2021

The article analyzes the process of creating a concept of the history of Belarus in the process of developing generalizing works on the history of the BSSR. The publication reveals the experience of coordinating historical research related to the most important phenomena of the socio-political, socio-economic and cultural life of Belarus, unique for the post-war period of development of the national historical science. For the first time in historiography, the scientific and organizational activities for the creation of a concept-scheme of the history of Belarus from ancient times to the mid-1950s have been studied. The idea of ​​subordination of historical science to the interests of party politics is being carried out. The article was prepared on the basis of unpublished archival sources of the Central Scientific Archive of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, the National Archives of the Republic of Belarus, which were introduced into scientific circulation for the first time.
Supporting parents who end a pregnancy after a prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Fisher Jane
Published: December 2021

The UK charity Antenatal Results and Choices supports parents throughout antenatal screening
Semantics
Authors: Winter George F
Published: December 2021

George Winter discusses the use of jargon and euphemisms in the medical profession, and examines how obfuscation through language choice can affect communication with patients
Perioperative medicine in paediatric anaesthesia
Authors: Stokes Matthew , Sivaprakasam Jai
Published: December 2021

Perioperative medicine is an expanding field within paediatric surgery. This article gives an overview of the different areas of perioperative medicine throughout the paediatric surgical journey.
December 2021 Medical Image of the Month: Aspirated Dental Implant
Authors:   Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ USA, Panse Prasad , Biswas Roy Sreeja , Viggiano Robert
Published: December 2021

No abstract available. Article truncated after first 150 words. A 76-year-old woman with a past medical history significant for left-sided breast cancer status post lumpectomy recently underwent an extensive dental procedure about 1 month prior to presentation. The dental procedure was prolonged, and the patient reported falling asleep during the procedure several times. She presented with fatigue, right pleuritic chest pain, low-grade fevers, and drenching sweats. She underwent chest radiography at an outside institution which disclosed pneumonia, for which she was treated with cefdinir and doxycycline without improvement. Thoracostomy tube drainage of the pleural effusion was performed and showed empyema. Imaging showed an airway foreign body which was retrieved bronchoscopically. The patient made an uneventful recovery. Aspiration during dental procedures is rare but reported (1). Dental items have been reported as the second most commonly ingested/aspirated foreign objects in adults. If the airway is not compromised, assessment for any lost or missing instrument and its component should be done …
Estimation of optimal wavelengths for atmospheric non-line-of-sight optical communication in the UV range of the spectrum in daytime and at night for baseline distances from 50 m to 50 km
Authors: Tarasenkov Mikhail V. , Belov Vladimir V. , Poznakharev Egor S.
Published: December 2021

For implementation of non-line-of-sight optical communication, the wavelength from the range 200–400 nm at which the signal-to-noise ratio reaches a maximum depending on the baseline distance is estimated. The estimates are performed in the daytime, at moonlit night, and without background radiation. The results obtained allow us to recommend

λ
=
290

n
m

for the implementation of the long-range communication in the daytime and

λ
=
350

n
m

at night. For impulse response that provides the basis for estimating the communication channel quality, four algorithms of the Monte Carlo method are considered. The algorithm with modified double local estimate provides the least error for the same number of photon trajectories. UV radiation is potentially dangerous to humans, and therefore, the illuminance of the Earth’s surface is estimated under the optical axis of the source for baseline distances of 2, 10, and 100 m together with the time period of a continuous communication session safe for operators.
Three-dimensional imaging through patterned type-1 microscopy
Authors: Saavedra G. , Gimeno-Gómez A. , Martínez-Corral M. , Sola J. , Sánchez-Ortiga E.
Published: December 2021

We report a scanning non-confocal fluorescence microscopy scheme that provides images with optical sectioning and with a lateral resolution that surpasses by a factor of two the diffraction resolution limit. This technique is based on the type-1 microscopy concept combined with patterned illumination. The method does not require the application of phase-shifting or post-processing algorithms and provides artifact-free superresolved 3D images. We have validated the theory by means of experimental data.
10-Hz, 636-ps, 1064-nm, all polarization-maintaining fiber front-end based on ultrafast optical fiber pulse chopping
Authors: Liu Yizhou , Hua Yi , Malek Mohamadi Sedigheh , Pergament Mikhail , Kärtner Franz X.
Published: December 2021

We demonstrate a robust 10-Hz, 1064-nm, all polarization-maintaining (PM) fiber laser front-end for a joule-level solid-state amplification system applying ultrafast optical pulse chopping. A 1064-nm single frequency continuous wave (CW) laser is chopped by an in-line acousto-optic modulator (AOM) to generate ∼7 ns duration pulses at 500-kHz repetition rate, followed by a Sagnac loop (SL) consisting of a 50:50 PM fiber coupler and an electro–optical (EO) phase modulator, which further shortens the pulse duration from 7 ns to 636 ps via a passively fixed optical chopping gate. Finally, the pulse energy is amplified to the sub-µJ level and its repetition rate is further reduced to 10-Hz by another in-line AOM stage. This 10-Hz, 636-ps, sub-µJ level fiber laser realized in an all-PM-fiber configuration can be used as a robust front-end for joule-level solid-state amplification and follow-on nonlinear frequency conversion experiments.
Computational technique for field-of-view expansion in AOTF-based imagers
Authors: Gorevoy Alexey , Machikhin Alexander , Martynov Grigoriy , Pozhar Vitold
Published: December 2021

A rather narrow field of view (FOV) has always been considered as an essential limitation of spectral imagers based on acousto-optical tunable filters (AOTFs). We demonstrate a computational technique to overcome this constraint. It is based on preliminary precise spectral-angular characterization of beam transformation caused by light diffraction on an acoustic wave and consequent correction of acquired stack of spectral images. This technique is applicable for any geometry of acousto-optic interaction and opens the way for the development of AOTFs with significantly expanded FOV.
RCS-OFDM enabling full brightness control with power-efficient visible-light communication
Authors: Yu Minseok , Chun Hyunchae
Published: December 2021

In this Letter, we report a novel optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (O-OFDM) scheme that provides power-efficient communication and effective brightness control. The proposed scheme exploits the anti-symmetry property of asymmetrically clipped O-OFDM (ACO-OFDM) and signal reversal, doubling the linear dynamic range and enabling full brightness control. It also generates less nonlinear distortion compared with the conventional ACO-OFDM and does not need additional pulse modulations required in previous work. Following detailed descriptions of the proposed scheme with simulation results, a proof-of-concept demonstration showing the full brightness control maintaining the benefits of the power-efficient ACO-OFDM communication scheme is presented. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first experimental demonstration showing the feasibility of O-OFDM-based dimming control.
Bi-modal near-infrared fluorescence and ultrasound imaging via a transparent ultrasound transducer for sentinel lymph node localization
Authors: Park Jeongwoo , Park Byullee , Yong Uijung , Ahn Joongho , Kim Jin Young , Kim Hyung Ham , Jang Jinah , Kim Chulhong
Published: December 2021

Sentinel lymph node biopsy with an indocyanine green-based near-infrared fluorescence imaging system avoids the shortcomings of using a radioisotope or a combination of a blue dye and a radioactive tracer. To improve surgical precision, recent research has provided a depth profile of the sentinel lymph node by fusing fluorescence and ultrasound imaging. Here, we present a combined near-infrared fluorescence and ultrasound imaging system based on a transparent ultrasound transducer. The transparent ultrasound transducer enables seamless coaxial alignment of the fluorescence and ultrasound beam paths, allowing bi-modal observation of a single region of interest. Further, we demonstrate that the sentinel lymph node of mice injected with indocyanine green can be successfully localized and dissected based on information from the bi-modal imaging system.
Terahertz spin-selective perfect absorption enabled by quasi-bound states in the continuum
Authors: Shen Zhonglei , Fang Xiangdong , Li Shengnan , Yin Wei , Zhang Liuyang , Chen Xuefeng
Published: December 2021

Spin-selective absorption is broadly applicable to numerous photonic devices. Here, based on a stereoscopic full metallic resonator array, a terahertz chiral metasurface with a single-layer structure is proposed and numerically demonstrated. By employing the coupled-mode theory, we demonstrate that the chiral metasurface can near-perfectly absorb one circularly polarized wave in the quasi-bound states in the continuum-induced critical coupling region but non-resonantly reflect its counterparts. Interestingly, the linewidths and handedness of the proposed chiral metasurface can be flexibly controlled by an in-plane symmetry perturbation. Our designs might offer an alternative strategy to develop chiral metasurfaces apart from conventional methods and might stimulate many potential applications for emerging terahertz technologies.
Morbidity associated with Schistosoma mansoni infection in north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Nigo Maurice M. , Odermatt Peter , Nigo David Wully , Salieb-Beugelaar Georgette B. , Battegay Manuel , Hunziker Patrick R.
Published: December 2021

Background

Reducing morbidity is the main target of schistosomiasis control efforts, yet only rarely do control programmes assess morbidity linked to Schistosoma sp. infection. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and particularly in north-eastern Ituri Province, little is known about morbidity associated with Schistosoma mansoni infection. For this reason, we aimed to assess intestinal and hepatosplenic morbidity associated with S. mansoni infection in Ituri Province.

Methods/Principal findings

In 2017, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 13 villages in Ituri Province, DRC. S. mansoni infection was assessed with a Kato-Katz stool test (2 smears) and a point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) urine test. A questionnaire was used to obtain demographic data and information about experienced intestinal morbidity. Each participant underwent an abdominal ultrasonography examination to diagnose hepatosplenic morbidity. Of the 586 study participants, 76.6% tested positive for S. mansoni. Intestinal morbidity reported in the two preceding weeks was very frequent, and included abdominal pain (52.7%), diarrhoea (23.4%) and blood in the stool (21.5%). Hepatosplenic morbidity consisted of abnormal liver parenchyma patterns (42.8%), hepatomegaly (26.5%) and splenomegaly (25.3%). Liver pathology (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.37, p = 0.005) was positively and significantly associated with S. mansoni infection. Hepatomegaly (aOR 1.52, 95% CI 0.99–2.32, p = 0.053) and splenomegaly (aOR 1.12, 95% CI 0.73–1.72, p = 0.619) were positively but not significantly associated with S. mansoni infection at the individual level. At the village level, S. mansoni prevalence was positively associated with the prevalence of hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. High-intensity S. mansoni infections were associated with diarrhoea, blood in the stool, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and liver parenchyma (C, D, E and F pathology patterns). Four study participants were diagnosed with ascites and five reported hematemesis.

Conclusions/Significance

Our study documents a high burden of intestinal and hepatosplenic morbidity associated with S. mansoni infection status in Ituri Province. The findings call for targeted interventions to address both S. mansoni infection and related morbidity.
Epidemiology of Schistosoma mansoni infection in Ituri Province, north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Nigo Maurice M. , Odermatt Peter , Salieb–Beugelaar Georgette B. , Morozov Oleksii , Battegay Manuel , Hunziker Patrick R.
Published: December 2021

Background

Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma mansoni, is of great significance to public health in sub–Saharan Africa. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), information on the burden of S. mansoni infection is scarce, which hinders the implementation of adequate control measures. We assessed the geographical distribution of S. mansoni infection across Ituri province in north-eastern DRC and determined the prevailing risk factors.

Methods/Principal findings

Two province–wide, community–based studies were conducted. In 2016, a geographical distribution study was carried out in 46 randomly selected villages across Ituri. In 2017, an in–depth study was conducted in 12 purposively–selected villages, across the province. Households were randomly selected, and members were enrolled. In 2016, one stool sample was collected per participant, while in 2017, several samples were collected per participant. S. mansoni eggs were detected using the Kato–Katz technique. In 2017, a point–of–care circulating cathodic S. mansoni antigen (POC–CCA) urine test was the second used diagnostic approach. Household and individual questionnaires were used to collect data on demographic, socioeconomic, environmental, behavioural and knowledge risk factors.

Of the 2,131 participants in 2016, 40.0% were positive of S. mansoni infection. Infection prevalence in the villages ranged from 0 to 90.2%. Of the 707 participants in 2017, 73.1% were tested positive for S. mansoni. Prevalence ranged from 52.8 to 95.0% across the health districts visited. Infection prevalence increased from north to south and from west to east. Exposure to the waters of Lake Albert and the villages’ altitude above sea level were associated with the distribution.

Infection prevalence and intensity peaked in the age groups between 10 and 29 years. Preschool children were highly infected (62.3%). Key risk factors were poor housing structure (odds ratio [OR] 2.1, 95% 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–4.35), close proximity to water bodies (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.1–2.49), long-term residence in a community (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.11–1.79), lack of latrine in the household (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.11–3.60), and swimming (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.20–5.32) and washing (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.10–2.78) in local water bodies.

Conclusions/Significance

Our results show that S. mansoni is highly endemic and a major health concern in Ituri province, DRC. Infection prevalence and intensity, and the prevailing socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioural risk factors in Ituri reflect intense exposure and alarming transmission rates. A robust plan of action is urgently needed in the province.
Understanding the intention to use bike-sharing system: A case study in Xi’an, China
Authors: Zhang Xiaonan , Wang Jianjun , Long Xueqin , Li Weijia
Published: December 2021

Bike-sharing is widely recognized as an eco-friendly mode of transportation and seen as one of the solutions to the problem of air pollution and congestion. With the emphasis on sustainability in transportation, bike-sharing systems is an emerging topic of urban transport and sustainable mobility related research. Existing studies mainly explored the factors affecting individuals’ initial intentions to start using a shared bicycle, but few looked at the likelihood that a user would continue using one This study proposed a structural equation model with bike-sharing purchase decision involvement as independent variable, bike-sharing willingness to use as dependent variable, traveler participation and traveler perceived value as intermediary variables by introducing the concepts of purchase decision involvement, customer participation and perceived value in consumer psychology and behavior. A survey on bike-sharing users in Xi’an was conducted online and offline, and 622 effective responses were collected. The research model was tested by Amos 24.0 and the empirical results showed that All influencing factors including bike-sharing’s purchase decision-making involvement, traveler participation and traveler’s perceived value are found to be significantly and positively associated with usage intention; traveler perceived value play a chain-mediating role between bike-sharing purchase decision involvement and usage intention; bike-sharing purchase decision involvement have indirect effects on traveler perceived value through traveler participation. The results of this study enrich the current research’s in the field of sharing economy, and it is certain guiding significant for how to obtain and maintain stable customers in bicycle-sharing industry.
A green-lipped mussel reduces pain behavior and chondrocyte inflammation and attenuated experimental osteoarthritis progression
Authors: Jhun JooYeon , Na Hyun Sik , Cho Keun-Hyung , Kim Jiyoung , Moon Young-Mee , Lee Seung Yoon , Lee Jeong Su , Lee A. Ram , Kim Seok Jung , Cho Mi-La , Park Sung-Hwan
Published: December 2021

The green-lipped mussel (GLM) contains novel omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and joint-protecting properties. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by a progressive loss of cartilage; oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenesis of OA. The objectives of this study were to investigate the in vivo effects of the GLM on pain severity and cartilage degeneration using an experimental rat OA model, and to explore the mode of action of GLM. OA was induced in rats by intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) into the knee. Oral GLM was initiated on the day after 3dyas of MIA injection. Limb nociception was assessed by measuring the paw withdrawal latency and threshold. Samples were analyzed both macroscopically and histologically. Immunohistochemistry was used to investigate the expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, nitrotyrosine, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in knee joints. Also, the GLM was applied to OA chondrocyte, and the expression on catabolic marker and necroptosis factor were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Administration of the GLM improved pain levels by preventing cartilage damage and inflammation. GLM significantly attenuated the expression levels of mRNAs encoding matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), MMP-13, and ADAMTS5 in IL-1β-stimulated human OA chondrocytes. GLM decreased the expression levels of the necroptosis mediators RIPK1, RIPK3, and the mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) in IL-1β-stimulated human OA chondrocytes. Thus, GLM reduced pain and cartilage degeneration in rats with experimentally induced OA. The chondroprotective properties of GLM included suppression of oxidative damage and inhibition of catabolic factors implicated in the pathogenesis of OA cartilage damage. We suggest that GLM may usefully treat human OA.
Intratumoral expression of IL-12 from lentiviral or RNA vectors acts synergistically with TLR4 agonist (GLA) to generate anti-tumor immunological memory
Authors: Leleux Jardin A. , Albershardt Tina C. , Reeves Rebecca , James Reice , Krull Jordan , Parsons Andrea J. , ter Meulen Jan , Berglund Peter
Published: December 2021

Systemic interleukin-12 (IL12) anti-tumor therapy is highly potent but has had limited utility in the clinic due to severe toxicity. Here, we present two IL12-expressing vector platforms, both of which can overcome the deficiencies of previous systemic IL12 therapies: 1) an integrating lentiviral vector, and 2) a self-replicating messenger RNA formulated with polyethyleneimine. Intratumoral administration of either IL12 vector platform resulted in recruitment of immune cells, including effector T cells and dendritic cells, and the complete remission of established tumors in multiple murine models. Furthermore, concurrent intratumoral administration of the synthetic TLR4 agonist glucopyranosyl lipid A formulated in a stable emulsion (GLA-SE) induced systemic memory T cell responses that mediated complete protection against tumor rechallenge in all survivor mice (8/8 rechallenged mice), whereas only 2/6 total rechallenged mice treated with intratrumoral IL12 monotherapy rejected the rechallenge. Taken together, expression of vectorized IL12 in combination with a TLR4 agonist represents a varied approach to broaden the applicability of intratumoral immune therapies of solid tumors.
ICU delirium burden predicts functional neurologic outcomes
Authors: Paixao Luis , Sun Haoqi , Hogan Jacob , Hartnack Katie , Westmeijer Mike , Neelagiri Anudeepthi , Zhou David W. , McClain Lauren M. , Kimchi Eyal Y. , Purdon Patrick L. , Akeju Oluwaseun , Westover M. Brandon
Published: December 2021

Background

We investigated the effect of delirium burden in mechanically ventilated patients, beginning in the ICU and continuing throughout hospitalization, on functional neurologic outcomes up to 2.5 years following critical illness.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of enrolling 178 consecutive mechanically ventilated adult medical and surgical ICU patients between October 2013 and May 2016. Altogether, patients were assessed daily for delirium 2941days using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU). Hospitalization delirium burden (DB) was quantified as number of hospital days with delirium divided by total days at risk. Survival status up to 2.5 years and neurologic outcomes using the Glasgow Outcome Scale were recorded at discharge 3, 6, and 12 months post-discharge.

Results

Of 178 patients, 19 (10.7%) were excluded from outcome analyses due to persistent coma. Among the remaining 159, 123 (77.4%) experienced delirium. DB was independently associated with >4-fold increased mortality at 2.5 years following ICU admission (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 4.77; 95% CI, 2.10–10.83; P < .001), and worse neurologic outcome at discharge (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.02; 0.01–0.09; P < .001), 3 (aOR, 0.11; 0.04–0.31; P < .001), 6 (aOR, 0.10; 0.04–0.29; P < .001), and 12 months (aOR, 0.19; 0.07–0.52; P = .001). DB in the ICU alone was not associated with mortality (HR, 1.79; 0.93–3.44; P = .082) and predicted neurologic outcome less strongly than entire hospital stay DB. Similarly, the number of delirium days in the ICU and for whole hospitalization were not associated with mortality (HR, 1.00; 0.93–1.08; P = .917 and HR, 0.98; 0.94–1.03, P = .535) nor with neurological outcomes, except for the association between ICU delirium days and neurological outcome at discharge (OR, 0.90; 0.81–0.99, P = .038).

Conclusions

Delirium burden throughout hospitalization independently predicts long term neurologic outcomes and death up to 2.5 years after critical illness, and is more predictive than delirium burden in the ICU alone and number of delirium days.
Young at risk-people in Maputo City, Mozambique, present a high willingness to participate in HIV trials: Results from an HIV vaccine preparedness cohort study
Authors: Capitine Igor P. U. , Macicame Ivalda B. , Uanela Artur M. , Bhatt Nilesh B. , Yates Adam , Milazzo Mark , Nwoga Chiaka , Crowell Trevor A. , Michael Nelson L. , Robb Merlin L. , Jani Ilesh V. , Kroidl Arne , Polyak Christina S. , De Schacht Caroline ,   for the RV363 Study Group
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Vaccine efficacy testing requires engagement of willing volunteers with high disease incidence. We evaluated factors associated with willingness to participate in potential future HIV vaccine trials in Maputo, Mozambique.

Methods

Adults aged 18–35 years without HIV and who reported at least two sexual partners in the 3 months prior to screening were enrolled into a 24-month observational study. They were asked at screening and exit if they would be willing to participate in a theoretical HIV vaccine study. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done between willingness to participate, demographic, sexual behavior, and motivational factors for screening visit data. Logistic regression with generalized estimating equations (GEE) was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors potentially associated with willingness to participate for data from both visits.

Results

A total of 577 participants without HIV were eligible, including 275 (48%) women. The mean age was 22.2 (SD ± 3.9) years. At screening 529 (92%) expressed willingness to participate and the proportion remained stable at 378 (88%) of the 430 participants retained through the exit visit (p = 0.209). Helping the country (n = 556) and fear of needles (n = 26) were the top motive and barrier for willingness to participate, respectively. Results from the GEE binary logistic regression (screening visit and exit visit) showed that wanting to learn how to avoid risk behaviors (aOR 3.33, 95% CI: 1.61–6.86) and feeling protected against HIV infection (aOR 2.24, 95% CI: 1.07–4.7) were associated with willingness to participate in HIV vaccine studies.

Conclusion

The majority of our study population in Mozambique expressed willingness to participate in a theoretical HIV vaccine trial. Participation in a HIV vaccine trial was seen as a way to contribute to the fight against HIV but was associated with some unrealistic expectations such as protection against HIV. This reinforces the need for continuous mobilization and awareness of potential participants to HIV vaccine trial.
A comparison of the performance of normal middle social class Egyptian infants and toddlers with the reference norms of the Bayley Scales -third edition (Bayley III): A pilot study
Authors: Salah El-Din Ebtissam M. , Monir Zeinab M. , Shehata Manal A. , Abouelnaga Marwa W. , Abushady Mones M. , Youssef Mai M. , Megahed Hala S. , Salem Samar M. E. , Metwally Ammal M.
Published: December 2021

Background

Developmental assessment is an important facility for early detection and intervention of developmental delay in children. Objective: to assess the performance of a sample of middle social class Egyptian infants and toddlers on Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-third edition (Bayley III), and to compare their cognitive, motor, and communication scores with that of the reference norms.

Methods

It was a cross-sectional pilot study, included 270 children aged 18–42 months. Mothers filled a questionnaire including questions about family socioeconomic background, perinatal history, and family history. Physical examination and growth assessment of children were performed. Developmental assessment of cognitive, language and motor skills was performed using the Bayley III scales and compared the American norm scores with the Egyptian mean scores.

Results

The mean cognitive, language and motor composite scores were 92.5+18.5, 91.76+ 15.6, and 95.67+18.9 respectively. All were lower than the American mean (100+ 15) with highly significant differences. About one-fourth of the enrolled Egyptian children had below-average composite scores according to the US cutoff point. The ranks of Egyptian children on the American versus the Egyptian percentile curves were significantly different.

Conclusion

Mean values of all assessed developmental domains of Egyptian children are within the norm-referenced average of Bayley III, but lower than the recorded American mean. Assessing Egyptian children according to the American norms may result in overestimating developmental delay. This pilot study raised the question about using different cutoff points suitable for the developmental trajectory of Egyptian children. Answering this question needs further studies on Bayley-III after cultural adaptation and standardization, using a larger, more diverse, and representative sample of the Egyptian population.
Effects of spousal migration on access to healthcare for women left behind: A cross-sectional follow-up study
Authors: West Heidi S. , Robbins Mary E. , Moucheraud Corrina , Razzaque Abdur , Kuhn Randall
Published: December 2021

Background

Women left behind by migration represent a unique and growing population yet remain understudied as key players in the context of migration and development. Using a unique longitudinal survey of life in Bangladesh, the Matlab Health and Socioeconomic Surveys, we examined the role of spousal migration in healthcare utilization for women. The objective of this study was to assess realized access to care (do women actually get healthcare when it is needed) and consider specific macrostructural, predisposing, and resource barriers to care that are related to migration.

Methods and findings

In a sample of 3,187 currently married women, we estimated multivariate logistic and multinomial regression models controlling for a wide range of baseline sociodemographic factors measured as far back as 1982. Our analyses also controlled for selection effects and explored two mechanisms through which spousal migration can affect healthcare utilization for women, remittances and frequent contact with spouses. We found that women with migrant spouses were approximately half as likely to lack needed healthcare compared to women whose spouses remained in Bangladesh (predicted probability of not getting needed healthcare 11.7% vs. 21.8%, p<0.001). The improvements in access (logistic regression coefficient for lacking care for left-behind women -0.761 p<0.01) primarily occurred through a reduction in financial barriers to care for women whose spouses were abroad.

Conclusions

Wives of international migrants showed significantly better access to healthcare even when accounting for selection into a migrant family. While the overall story is one of positive migration effects on healthcare access due to reductions in financial barriers to care, results also showed an increase in family-related barriers such as not being permitted to get care by a family member or travel alone to a facility, indicating that some of the benefits of migration for women left behind may be diluted by gendered family structures.
Longitudinal trajectories of blood lipid levels in an ageing population sample of Russian Western-Siberian urban population
Authors: Hubacek Jaroslav A. , Nikitin Yuri , Ragino Yulia , Stakhneva Ekaterina , Pikhart Hynek , Peasey Anne , Holmes Michael V. , Stefler Denes , Ryabikov Andrey , Verevkin Eugeny , Bobak Martin , Malyutina Sofia
Published: December 2021

This study investigated 12-year blood lipid trajectories and whether these trajectories are modified by smoking and lipid lowering treatment in older Russians. To do so, we analysed data on 9,218 Russian West-Siberian Caucasians aged 45–69 years at baseline participating in the international HAPIEE cohort study. Mixed-effect multilevel models were used to estimate individual level lipid trajectories across the baseline and two follow-up examinations (16,445 separate measurements over 12 years). In all age groups, we observed a reduction in serum total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C and non-HDL-C over time even after adjusting for sex, statin treatment, hypertension, diabetes, social factors and mortality (P<0.01). In contrast, serum triglyceride (TG) values increased over time in younger age groups, reached a plateau and decreased in older age groups (> 60 years at baseline). In smokers, TC, LDL-C, non-HDL-C and TG decreased less markedly than in non-smokers, while HDL-C decreased more rapidly while the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio increased. In subjects treated with lipid-lowering drugs, TC, LDL-C and non-HDL-C decreased more markedly and HDL-C less markedly than in untreated subjects while TG and LDL-C/HDL-C remained stable or increased in treatment naïve subjects. We conclude, that in this ageing population we observed marked changes in blood lipids over a 12 year follow up, with decreasing trajectories of TC, LDL-C and non-HDL-C and mixed trajectories of TG. The findings suggest that monitoring of age-related trajectories in blood lipids may improve prediction of CVD risk beyond single measurements.