bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silencing Lnc-HES1-10 Inhibits Osteosarcoma Cells Proliferation, Invasive Ability, and Metastasis
Authors: Zhu Yingchun , Zhang Chi , Zhang Caihua , Chen Shao , Jin Zhanping
Published: October 2023

Background:

Long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) play a vital role in the development and pathophysiology of osteosarcoma (OS). However, the LncRNA activated by HES1-10 in OS has not been furthered investigated. This present study aims to show the possible function of Lnc-HES1-10 in OS.

Methods:

Cell proliferation in vitro were assessed by the MTT assay, whereas the migration and invasion abilities of OS cell lines were measured by wound-healing migration assay and transwell invasion assay, respectively. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis was used to detected the expression level of HES1-10.

Results:

The present study demonstrated that the Lnc-HES1-10 is overexpressed in OS and associated with poor prognosis of patients. In addition, the results revealed that Lnc-HES1-10 is overexpressed in MG63 and 143B OS cell lines and promote proliferation on both cell lines in vitro. Furthermore, migration and invasion abilities of MG63 and 143B cells are suppressed after silencing Lnc-HES1-10.

Conclusion:

Our finding demonstrates that HES1-10 plays a crucial role in regulating OS growth and metastasis.
Concurrent Testing for COVID-19 and HIV Infection at 6 High-Volume Emergency Departments in a Priority Jurisdiction for Ending the HIV Epidemic in the United States
Authors: McNulty Moira C. , Stanford Kimberly A. , Eller Dylan , Sha Beverly E. , Purim-Shem-Tov Yanina , Kishen Ekta , Glick Nancy , Hunt Bijou , Lin Janet Y. , Maheswaran Anjana , Galvin Shannon , Turelli Robert , Schmitt Jessica , Pitrak David
Published: October 2023

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions in access to routine HIV screening.

Setting:

We assess HIV and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing across 6 emergency departments (EDs) in Cook County, Illinois.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed the number of SARS-CoV-2 tests, HIV screens, and the proportion of concurrent tests (encounters with both SARS-CoV-2 and HIV testing), correlating with diagnoses of new and acute HIV infection.

Results:

Five sites reported data from March 1, 2020, to February 28, 2021, and 1 site from September 1, 2020, to February 28, 2021. A total of 1,13,645 SARS-CoV-2 and 36,094 HIV tests were performed; 17,469 of these were concurrent tests. There were 102 new HIV diagnoses, including 25 acute infections. Concurrent testing proportions ranged from 6.7% to 37% across sites (P < 0.001). HIV testing volume correlated with the number of new diagnoses (r = 0.66, P < 0.01). HIV testing with symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 testing was strongly correlated with diagnosis of acute infections (r = 0.87, P < 0.001); this was not statistically significant when controlling for HIV testing volumes (r = 0.59, P = 0.056). Acute patients were more likely to undergo concurrent testing (21/25) versus other new diagnoses (29/77; odds ratio = 8.69, 95% CI: 2.7 to 27.8, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Incorporating HIV screening into SARS-CoV-2 testing in the ED can help maintain HIV screening volumes. Although all patients presenting to the ED should be offered opt-out HIV screening, testing individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 or other viral illness affords the opportunity to diagnose symptomatic acute and early HIV infection, rapidly link to care, and initiate treatment.
68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT Imaging in Brain Gliomas and Its Correlation With Clinicopathological Prognostic Parameters
Authors: Verma Priyanka , Singh Braj Kishore , Sudhan Manoharan Dwark , Singh Rupesh Kumar , Bagul Swati D. , Chandak Ashok R. , Soni Brijesh Kumar , Shelly Divya , Basu Sandip
Published: October 2023

Background

Gliomas are the most common primary central nervous system tumors, of which the malignant gliomas account for 60%–75%. The primary and secondary brain malignancies are highly treatment resistant, and their marked angiogenesis attracts interest as a potential therapeutic target. The grade of gliomas, Ki-67 index, and IDH mutation status are among the major prognostic markers in gliomas. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a zinc-dependent peptidase that is not only expressed in prostate cancer cells but also in the tumor neovasculature. The initial PSMA PET studies in central nervous system tumors using 68Ga-HBED-CC-PSMA (68Ga-PSMA-11) PET tracer confirmed selective target expression in gliomas of different grades, with higher expression in high-grade glioma compared with low-grade glioma.

Aims and Objectives

The aim of the present study was to correlate and compare the 68Ga-PSMA-11 and 18F-FDG uptake in brain tumors with their clinicopathological prognostic parameters, so as to study their prognostic implications. In addition, the study also aimed to identify patients who are likely to benefit from potential PSMA-targeted therapies.

Patients and Methods

This ongoing prospective study was approved by the institutional scientific and medical ethics committee. The patients with primary or recurrent glioma lesions on MRI underwent regional brain PET/CT scanning with 68Ga-PSMA-11 and 18F-FDG. The final histopathology of the brain lesions (glioma grade), Ki-67 index, and IDH mutation status were compared with SUVmax values of the 68Ga-PSMA-11 and 18F-FDG PET/CT.

Results

A total of 15 patients (13 males and 2 females; age range, 21–73 years; median age, 58 years) were included in this study analysis. Among the 15 patients, 10 were treatment naive and 2 were patients with recurrent glioma. Three patients turned out to be WHO grade I–II, 6 belonged to grade III, and 6 grade IV (glioblastoma multiforme) on final histopathology. The 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT showed tracer uptake in all high-grade gliomas with good tumor-to-background ratio. It was PSMA nonavid in 2/3 low-grade gliomas, and it showed low-grade uptake in 1/3 patients. PSMA expression (as evaluated by SUVmax values) was significantly higher in higher-grade tumors, those with IDH mutation wildtype status, and higher Ki-67 indices. FDG PET SUVmax also showed significant correlation with these prognostic parameters.

Conclusions

In these preliminary results, PSMA PET appears to be an important tool in the evaluation and prognosis of gliomas. PSMA-directed theranostics can be explored as a personalized approach in gliomas with high PSMA uptake. However, with the limitation of small sample size, larger clinical trials are warranted to draw conclusive evidence regarding the same.
Randall-Type Monoclonal Immunoglobulin Deposition Disease in Bone Scintigraphy
Authors: Jacquet-Francillon Nicolas , Dijoud Frédérique , Karlin Lionel , Dietz Matthieu , Flaus Anthime , Tordo Jeremie
Published: October 2023

Bone scintigraphy is recognized as a noninvasive alternative to endomyocardial biopsy for the diagnostic of wild-type (wATTR) and hereditary ATTR amyloidosis (hATTR). Light chain amyloidosis (AL), Randall-type monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease, sarcoidosis, hemochromatosis, Fabry disease, and mucopolysaccharidoses are differential diagnosis of ATTR amyloidosis. Bone scintigraphy allows visualization of extracardiac involvements of AL amyloidosis: pleural, retroperitoneal, liver, spleen, and soft tissue. We report the case of a patient who underwent bone scintigraphy for suspected ATTR amyloidosis. Bone scan showed cardiac (Perugini score 2), hepatic, and renal hyperfixation. A cardiac biopsy demonstrated a Randall-type deposit, without amyloid deposit.
Sexual Function in Women at 6 and 12 Months After Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury: Is Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Associated With Improved Outcomes?
Authors: Lua-Mailland Lannah L. , Wallace Shannon L. , Yao Meng , Propst Katie
Published: October 2023

Importance

Women with obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) are at increased risk of postpartum sexual dysfunction. Risk persists beyond 3 years after perineal trauma in up to half of patients with OASI.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to determine if postpartum pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) is associated with improved sexual function after vaginal delivery with OASI and to describe sexual function in patients with OASI at 6 and 12 months postpartum.

Study Design

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with OASI. Women were grouped according to PFPT attendance. The Postpartum Pelvic Floor and Birth Questionnaire (PPFBQ), which compares current sexual function to baseline prepregnancy sexual function, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were administered at 6 and 12 months, respectively, to evaluate postpartum sexual function.

Results

Two hundred women were included. Sixty-four (32%) women attended PFPT; 136 (68%) did not attend PFPT. Patients reported worse-than-baseline sexual function at 6 months postpartum in the PPFBQ sexual activity domain, but the PFPT group had lower median score than the non-PFPT group (2.3 [2.0, 2.8] vs 2.7 [2.1, 3.1], P = 0.034), with scores <3.0 indicating worse-than-baseline functioning. The FSFI composite scores were similar between groups and showed 80.7% of the patients with OASI meeting the criteria for female sexual dysfunction at 12 months postpartum. Attendance of PFPT was not significantly associated with composite FSFI scores and most domains of PPFBQ.

Conclusions

Attendance of PFPT did not significantly impact overall sexual function in OASI patients at 6 and 12 months postpartum. Sexual function is complex and may be more effectively addressed in the postpartum period using a multidimensional approach.
Defining pediatric trauma center resource utilization: Multidisciplinary consensus-based criteria from the Pediatric Trauma Society
Authors: Snyder Christopher W. , Kristiansen Karl O. , Jensen Aaron R. , Sribnick Eric A. , Anders Jennifer F. , Chen Catherine X. , Lerner E. Brooke , Conti Michael E.
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Pediatric trauma triage and transfer decisions should incorporate the likelihood that an injured child will require pediatric trauma center (PTC) resources. Resource utilization may be a better basis than mortality risk when evaluating pediatric injury severity. However, there is currently no consensus definition of PTC resource utilization that encompasses the full scope of PTC services.

METHODS

Consensus criteria were developed in collaboration with the Pediatric Trauma Society (PTS) Research Committee using a modified Delphi approach. An expert panel was recruited representing the following pediatric disciplines: prehospital care, emergency medicine, nursing, general surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, anesthesia, radiology, critical care, child abuse, and rehabilitation medicine. Resource utilization criteria were drafted from a comprehensive literature review, seeking to complete the following sentence: “Pediatric patients with traumatic injuries have used PTC resources if they...” Criteria were then refined and underwent three rounds of voting to achieve consensus. Consensus was defined as agreement of 75% or more panelists. Between the second and third voting rounds, broad feedback from attendees of the PTS annual meeting was obtained.

RESULTS

The Delphi panel consisted of 18 members from 15 institutions. Twenty initial draft criteria were developed based on literature review. These criteria dealt with airway interventions, vascular access, initial stabilization procedures, fluid resuscitation, blood product transfusion, abdominal trauma/solid organ injury management, intensive care monitoring, anesthesia/sedation, advanced imaging, radiologic interpretation, child abuse evaluation, and rehabilitative services. After refinement and panel voting, 14 criteria achieved the >75% consensus threshold. The final consensus criteria were reviewed and endorsed by the PTS Guidelines Committee.

CONCLUSION

This study defines multidisciplinary consensus-based criteria for PTC resource utilization. These criteria are an important step toward developing a criterion standard, resource-based, pediatric injury severity metric. Such metrics can help optimize system-level pediatric trauma triage based on likelihood of requiring PTC resources.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic Test/Criteria; Level II.
ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Xinmoviridae 2023
Authors: Sharpe Stephen , Paraskevopoulou Sofia
Published: October 2023

Xinmoviridae is a family of viruses with negative-sense RNA genomes of 9–14 kilobases. Xinmovirids typically infect beneficial and pest insects but their host range has not yet been investigated systematically and hence may be broader. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the family of Xinmoviridae, which is available at ictv.global/report/xinmoviridae.
Identifying Signs and Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection from Emergency Department Clinical Notes Using Large Language Models
Authors: Iscoe Mark , Socrates Vimig , Gilson Aidan , Chi Ling , Li Huan , Huang Thomas , Kearns Thomas , Perkins Rachelle , Khandjian Laura , Taylor R. Andrew
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Symptom characterization is critical to urinary tract infection (UTI) diagnosis, but identification of symptoms from the electronic health record (EHR) is challenging, limiting large-scale research, public health surveillance, and EHR-based clinical decision support. We therefore developed and compared two natural language processing (NLP) models to identify UTI symptoms from unstructured emergency department (ED) notes.

Methods

The study population consisted of patients aged ≥ 18 who presented to the (ED) in a north-eastern United States health system between June 2013 and August 2021 and had a urinalysis performed. We annotated a random subset of 1,250 ED clinician notes from these visits for a list of 17 UTI symptoms. We then developed two task-specific large language models (LLMs) to perform the task of named entity recognition (NER): a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based model (SpaCy) and a transformer-based model designed to process longer documents (Longformer). Models were trained on 1,000 notes and tested on a holdout set of 250 notes. We compared model performance (precision, recall, F1 measure) at identifying the presence or absence of UTI symptoms at the note level.

Results

8,135 entities were identified in 1,250 notes; 83.6% of notes included at least one entity. Overall F1 measure for note-level symptom identification weighted by entity frequency was 0.84 for the SpaCy model and 0.88 for the Longformer model. F1 measure for identifying presence or absence of any UTI symptom in a clinical note was 0.96 (232/250 correctly classified) for the SpaCy model and 0.98 (240/250 correctly classified) for the Longformer model.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated the utility of LLMs and transformer-based models in particular for extracting UTI symptoms from unstructured ED clinical notes; models were highly accurate for detecting the presence or absence of any UTI symptom on the note level, with variable performance for individual symptoms.
Relationship between circulating FSH levels and body composition and bone health in patients with prostate cancer who undergo androgen deprivation therapy. The BLADE study
Authors: Bergamini M , Dalla Volta A , Palumbo C , Zamboni S , Triggiani L , Zamparini M , Laganà M , Rinaudo L , Di Meo N , Caramella I , Bresciani R , Valcamonico F , Borghetti P , Guerini A , Farina D , Antonelli A , Simeone C , Mazziotti G , Berruti A
Published: October 2023

Background

Amongst its extragonadal effects, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) has an impact on body composition and bone metabolism. Since androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has a profound impact on circulating FSH concentrations, this hormone could potentially be implicated in the changes of fat body mass (FBM), lean body mass (LBM) and bone fragility induced by ADT. The objective of this study is to correlate FSH serum levels with body composition parameters, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers at baseline conditions and after 12 months of ADT.

Methods

29 consecutive non-metastatic prostate cancer (PC) patients were enrolled from 2017 to 2019 in a phase IV study. All patients underwent administration of the Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone antagonist degarelix. FBM, LBM and BMD were evaluated by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at baseline and after 12 months of ADT. FSH, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) were assessed at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. For outcome measurements and statistical analysis, T-test or sign test and Pearson or Spearman tests for continuous variables were used when indicated.

Results

At baseline conditions, a weak, non-significant, direct relationship was found between FSH serum levels and FBM at arms (r=0.36) and legs (r=0.33). Conversely, a stronger correlation was observed between FSH and total FBM (r=0.52, p=0.006), fat mass at arms (r=0.54, p=0.004) and fat mass at trunk (r=0.45, p=0.018) assessed after 12 months. On the other hand, an inverse relationship between serum FSH and appendicular lean mass index (ALMI)/FBM ratio was observed (r=0.64, p=0.001). This is an ancillary study of a prospective trial and this is the main limitation.

Conclusions

FSH serum levels after ADT could have an impact on body composition, in particular on fat body mass. Therefore, FSH could be a promising marker to monitor the risk of sarcopenic obesity and cardiovascular complications in PC patients undergoing ADT.

Funding

this research was partially funded by Ferring Pharmaceuticals. The funder had no role in design and conduct of the study, collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of the data and in preparation, review, or approval of the manuscript.

Clinical trial number

clinicalTrials.govNCT03202381, EudraCT Number 2016-004210-10.
Enhanced Myocardial Tissue Visualization: A Comparative Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Study of Gradient-Spin Echo-STIR and Conventional STIR Imaging
Authors: Dehghani Sadegh , Shirani Shapoor , gharehbagh Elahe Jazayeri
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To assess the performance of gradient-spin echo (GraSE) based STIR (GraSE-STIR) sequence in CMR imaging compared to turbo spin echo based conventional STIR for myocardial visualization.

Methods

In a prospective study, we examined forty-four normal volunteers and seventeen patients referred for CMR imaging using a conventional STIR and GraSE-STIR techniques. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), image quality, T2signal intensity (SI) ratio, specific absorption rate (SAR), and image acquisition time were compared between both sequences.

Results

GraSE-STIR showed significant improvements in image quality (4.15 ± 0.8 vs. 3.34 ± 0.9, P = 0.024) and cardiac motion artifact reduction (7 vs. 18 out of 53, p = 0.038) compared to conventional STIR. Furthermore, the acquisition time (27.17 ± 3.53 vs. 36.9 ± 4.08 seconds, p = 0.041) and the local torso SAR (< % 13 vs. < % 17, p = 0.047) were significantly lower for GraSE-STIR compared to conventional STIR in short axis plan. However, no significant differences were shown in T2SI ratio (p = 0.141), SNR (p = 0.093), CNR (P = 0.068), and SAR (p = 0.071) between these two sequences.

Conclusions

GraSE-STIR offers notable advantages over conventional STIR sequence, with improved image quality, reduced motion artifacts, and shorter acquisition times. These findings highlight the potential of GraSE-STIR as a valuable technique for routine clinical CMR imaging.
Mapping Alzheimer’s Molecular Pathologies in Large-Scale Connectomics Data: A Publicly Accessible Correlative Microscopy Resource
Authors: Han Xiaomeng , Li Peter H. , Wang Shuohong , Blakely Tim , Aggarwal Sneha , Gopalani Bhavika , Sanchez Morgan , Schalek Richard , Meirovitch Yaron , Lin Zudi , Berger Daniel , Wu Yuelong , Aly Fatima , Bay Sylvie , Delatour Benoît , Lafaye Pierre , Pfister Hanspeter , Wei Donglai , Jain Viren , Ploegh Hidde , Lichtman Jeff
Published: October 2023

Connectomics using volume-electron-microscopy enables mapping and analysis of neuronal networks, revealing insights into neural circuit function and dysfunction. In Alzheimer’s disease (AD), where amyloid-β (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated-Tau (pTau) are implicated, connectomics offers an approach to unravel how these molecules contribute to circuit alterations by enabling the study of these molecules within the context of the complete local neuronal and glial milieu. We present a volumetric-correlated-light-and-electron microscopy (vCLEM) protocol using fluorescent nanobodies to localize Aβ and pTau within a large-scale connectomics dataset from the hippocampus of the 3xTg AD mouse model. A key outcome of this work is a publicly accessible vCLEM dataset, featuring fluorescent labeling of Aβ and pTau in the ultrastructural context with segmented neurons, glia, and synapses. This dataset provides a unique resource for exploring AD pathology in the context of connectomics and fosters collaborative opportunities in neurodegenerative disease research. As a proof-of-principle, we uncovered new localizations of Aβ and pTau, including pTau-positive spine-like protrusions at the axon initial segment and changes in the number and size of synapses near Aβ plaques. Our vCLEM approach facilitates the discovery of both molecular and structural alterations within large-scale EM data, advancing connectomics research in Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Convergent evolution of complex adaptive traits enabled human life at high altitudes
Authors: Ferraretti Giulia , Rill Aina , Abondio Paolo , Smith Kyra , Ojeda-Granados Claudia , De Fanti Sara , Izzi Massimo , Sherpa Phurba T. , Cocco Paolo , Tiriticco Massimiliano , di Marcello Marco , Dezi Agnese , Gnecchi-Ruscone Guido Alberto , Natali Luca , Corcelli Angela , Marinelli Giorgio , Garagnani Paolo , Peluzzi Davide , Luiselli Donata , Pettener Davide , Sarno Stefania , Sazzini Marco
Published: October 2023

Convergent adaptations represent paradigmatic examples of the capacity of natural selection to influence organisms’ biology. However, the possibility to investigate genetic determinants underpinning convergent complex adaptive traits has been offered only recently by methods for inferring polygenic adaptations from genomic data. Relying on this approach, we demonstrate how high-altitude Andean human groups experienced pervasive selective events at angiogenic pathways, which resemble those previously attested for Himalayan populations despite partial convergence at the single-gene level was observed. This provides unprecedented evidence for the drivers of convergent evolution of enhanced blood perfusion in populations exposed to hypobaric hypoxia for thousands of years.
Digital Screener of Socio-Motor Agency Balancing Autonomy and Control
Authors: Bermperidis Theodoros , Rai Richa , Torres Elizabeth B
Published: October 2023

Dyadic social interactions evoke complex dynamics between two agents that while exchanging unequal levels of body autonomy and motor control, may find a fine balance to take turns and gradually build social rapport. To study the evolution of such complex interactions, we currently rely exclusively on subjective pencil and paper means. Here we complement this approach with objective biometrics of socio-motor behaviors conducive of socio-motor agency. Using a common clinical test as the backdrop of our study to probe social interactions between a child and a clinician, we demonstrate new ways to streamline the detection of social readiness potential in both typically developing and autistic children. We highlight differences between males and females and uncover a new data type amenable to generalize our results to any social settings. The new methods convert dyadic bodily biorhythmic activity into spike trains and demonstrates that in the context of dyadic behavioral analyses, they are well characterized by a continuous gamma process independent from corresponding binary spike rates. We offer a new framework that combines stochastic analyses, nonlinear dynamics, and information theory, to facilitate scaling the screening and tracking of social interactions with applications to autism.
Maternal risk factors for stillbirths in a semi-rural municipality in Ghana: Findings from a retrospective observational study
Authors: Adjei-Gyamfi Silas , Asirifi Abigail , Mamudu Gafaru , Peprah Wisdom , Asobuno Clotilda , Dapaah Constance Siakwan , Aryee Paul Armah
Published: October 2023

Background

Stillbirths do not only trigger maternal psychological trauma but also affect the socio-economic growth in developing countries. Since the prevalence and predictors of stillbirths and their dynamics are diverse in different low-resource settings like Ghana, it requires adequate knowledge to mitigate these factors for reducing perinatal deaths. Moreover, data are scarce on the maternal factors of stillbirth in Ghana. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of stillbirths in a semi-rural municipality in Northern Ghana.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted among 422 mothers who delivered in public health facilities and reside in a semi-rural municipality of Northern Ghana. Sociodemographic, obstetric, and medical-related data were collected through semi-structured interviews and from records review. We used binary logistic regression to identify the independent factors of stillbirths at a confidence level of 95%.

Results

Stillbirth rate was estimated at 4.0% (95%CI: 2.4%–6.4%). The analysis revealed that anaemia in the third trimester of pregnancy (aOR:3.15; 95%CI:2.94–10.6; p=0.034), positive sickle cell status (aOR:2.91; 95%CI:1.50–7.01; p=0.018), and non-use of insecticide-treated bed nets during pregnancy were significantly associated with increased risk of stillbirths (aOR:7.75; 95%CI:2.33–9.8; p=0.001).

Conclusion

The relatively high stillbirth prevalence in the municipality was affected by medical and lifestyle factors. Management of the municipal health directorate (Ghana Health Service), program planners, and other stakeholders who are engaged in improving perinatal and maternal health should target and implement effective programs on anaemia and lifestyle modifications for the prevention and reduction of stillbirths.
Teenage Blues: predictors of depression among adolescents in Nigeria
Authors: Nzeakah C W , DadeMatthews A O , Onofa U O , DadeMatthews O D , Ogundare T
Published: October 2023

Background

Depressive disorders, with a prevalence of 15 – 21%, are among the most common disorders in children and adolescents, and increases the risk of suicide, the second leading cause of death in children aged 10 to 19.

Aim

To determine the prevalence and correlates of depressive disorders among senior students attending secondary schools in Abeokuta.

Method

The study was conducted in five schools randomly selected from a representative sample and was carried out in 2 phases. In the first phase, students were selected via systematic random sampling and given consent forms and GHQ-12 to administer to the parents. In the second phase, students who returned a signed informed consent form and filled out GHQ-12 were interviewed using MINI-KID, Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale, Family-APGAR, and sociodemographic questionnaire. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted with p-value <0.05 as level of significance.

Results

The mean age was 15.3 years (SD=1.27); 48.8% were male. The twelve-month prevalence of major depression was 11.3% and dysthymia was 1.4%. In the final regression analysis, female gender [OR=4.3, p=0.046], the experience of bullying [OR=7.96, p=0.004], difficulty getting along with friends, [OR=7.5, p=0.004], history of sexual abuse [OR=8.1, p=0.01], and perceived family dysfunction [OR=4.9, p=0,023] were found to be independent predictors of depressive disorders

Conclusion

Depressive syndromes are a significant health burden in adolescents. Being female, being bullied, having a history of sexual abuse, and family dysfunctionality are risk factors associated with depression among these population.
Standardising the structure of routinely collected data for childhood ocular inflammation: a SNOMED-CT mapping project
Authors: Kellett Salomey , Solebo Ameenat Lola ,   the Paediatric Ocular Inflammation UNICORN Study Group
Published: October 2023

Background and aims

Multicentre, longitudinal research methods are usually necessary for rare disease research. SNOMED CT (Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms), the comprehensive and standardized terminology system can be used to enhance the interoperability of data collected across different settings. Childhood uveitis is a rare, blinding disorder, with uncertainties around disease distribution and outcome. To enhance the interoperability of uveitis data, we created a SNOMED CT coded dataset derived from a core clinical dataset.

Methods

Data elements were selected from a published list developed through a consensus exercise undertaken by a national disease research group, the United Kingdom’s Paediatric Ocular Inflammatory Group (POIG). Items were organised using a three level priority score, based on the National Institute for Health (NIH) model for common data elements, and grouped using the Heath Level 7 (HL7) standard "Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources" (FHIR) generic data structure, and then mapped across to the SNOMED CT codes.

Results

From the POIG consensus exercise, 160 elements were selected: 89 as high priority items, with 35 as medium and 29 as low priority items. These elements, and response items where appropriate, were grouped into Patient (n= 13 items), Observation (n= 63 items), Condition (n= 20 items), Procedure (n= 44 items), Medication (n= 18 items). There were four items for which a SNOMED CT ID could not be found.

Conclusion

Through this mapping activity, using international coding and terminologies, we have created a dataset for childhood onset uveitis care and research. This dataset provides a standardised vocabulary for describing clinical concepts, with a semantic interoperability which will support the exchange of data across different systems, organizations, and international or supranational groups. Future expansion of the dataset will be needed to ensure coverage of international concepts and care structures.

Author summary

Through a mapping activity, in which data items from a consensus developed core clinical dataset were mapped across to SNOMED CT terminologies, we have created a dataset for childhood onset uveitis care and research. This dataset provides a standardised vocabulary for describing clinical concepts, with a semantic interoperability which will support the exchange of data across different systems, organizations, and international or supranational groups.
Changes in emergency department utilization in vulnerable populations after COVID-19 shelter in place orders
Authors: Wang Philip R. , Anand Akhil , Bena James , Morrison Shannon , Weleff Jeremy
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To compare emergency department (ED) utilization and admission rates for patients with a history of mental health (MH), substance use disorder (SUD) and social determinants of health (SDOH) before and after implementing COVID-19’s shelter-in-place (SIP) orders.

Methods

This was a retrospective, multicenter study leveraging electronic medical record data from 20 EDs across a large Midwest integrated healthcare system from 5/2/2019 to 12/31/2019 (pre-SIP) and from 5/2/2020 to 12/31/2020 (post-SIP). Diagnoses were documented in the patient’s medical records. Poisson and logistic regression models were used to evaluate ED utilization and admission rate changes.

Results

871,020 total ED encounters from 487,028 unique patients were captured. 2,572 (0.53%) patients had a documented Z code for SDOH. Patients with previously diagnosed MH or SUDs were more likely to seek ED care after the SIP orders were implemented (RR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.18 – 1.22, p<0.001), as were patients with SDOH (RR: 2.37, 95% CI: 2.19 – 2.55, p<0.001). Patients with both previously diagnosed MH or SUD and a documented SDOH had even higher ED utilization (RR: 3.31, 95% CI: 2.83 – 3.88, p<0.001) than those with either condition alone. Patients with MH and SUDs (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.86 – 0.92, p<0.001) or SDOH (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.83, p<0.001) were less likely to be admitted post-SIP orders while patients with a history of diseases of physiologic systems were more likely to be admitted.

Conclusions

Vulnerable populations with a history of MH, SUD, and SDOH experienced increased ED utilization but a lower rate of hospital admissions after the implementation of SIP orders. The findings highlight the importance of addressing these needs to mitigate the impact of public health crises on these populations.
M6A reduction relieves FUS-associated ALS granules
Authors: Di Timoteo Gaia , Giuliani Andrea , Setti Adriano , Biagi Martina C. , Lisi Michela , Grandioso Alessia , Mariani Davide , Castagnetti Francesco , Perego Eleonora , Zappone Sabrina , Vicidomini Giuseppe , Rotili Dante , Sabatelli Mario , Lattante Serena , Bozzoni Irene
Published: October 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease due to gradual motorneurons (MN) degeneration1. Among the processes associated to ALS pathogenesis, there is the formation of cytoplasmic inclusions produced by mutant protein aggregation, among which the RNA binding protein FUS2.

In this work we show that such inclusions are significantly reduced in number and dissolve faster when the RNA m6A content is diminished as a consequence of the m6A writer METTL3 knock-down. These effects were observed both in neuronal cell lines and in iPSC-derived human motor neurons expressing mutant FUS. Importantly, stress granules formed in ALS condition showed a distinctive transcriptome with respect to control cells; interestingly, after METTL3 downregulation, it reverted to similar to control. Finally, we show that FUS inclusions are reduced also in patient-derived fibroblasts treated with STM-2457, a well characterized inhibitor of METTL3 activity, paving the way for its possible use for counteracting aggregate formation in ALS.
Genome sequences of equine influenza A subtype H3N8 viruses by long read sequencing and functional characterization of the PB1-F2 virulence factor of A/equine/Paris/1/2018
Authors: Kleij Lena , Bruder Elise , Raoux-Barbot Dorothée , Lejal Nathalie , Nevers Quentin , Deloizy Charlotte , Costa Bruno Da , Legrand Loïc , Barrey Eric , Chenal Alexandre , Pronost Stéphane , Delmas Bernard , Dhorne-Pollet Sophie
Published: October 2023

Equine influenza virus (EIV) remains a persistent threat to equines, despite the availability of vaccines. Currently, strategies to monitor the virus and prevent any potential vaccine failure revolve around serological assays, RT‒qPCR amplification, and sequencing the viral hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes. These approaches overlook the contribution of other viral proteins in driving virulence. This study assesses the potential of long-read nanopore sequencing for swift and precise sequencing of circulating equine influenza viruses. To this end, two French Florida Clade 1 strains, including the one circulating in winter 2018-2019 exhibiting more pronounced pathogenicity than usual, as well as the two currently used OIE-recommended vaccine strains, were sequenced. Our results demonstrated the reliability of this sequencing method in generating accurate sequences. Sequence analysis of HA revealed a subtle antigenic drift in the French EIV strains, with specific substitutions, such as T163I in A/equine/Paris/1/2018 and the N188T mutation in post-2015 strains; both substitutions were located in antigenic site B. Antigenic site E exhibited modifications in post-2018 strains, with the N63D substitution. Segment 2 sequencing also revealed that the A/equine/Paris/1/2018 strain encodes a longer variant of the PB1-F2 protein when compared to other Florida clade 1 strains (90 amino acids long versus 81 amino acids long). Further biological and biochemistry assays demonstrated that this PB1-F2 variant has enhanced abilities to abolish the mitochondrial membrane potential ΔΨm and permeabilize synthetic membranes. Altogether, our results highlight the interest in rapidly characterizing the complete genome of circulating strains with next-generation sequencing technologies to adapt vaccines and identify specific virulence markers of EIV.
Accelerated drug resistant variant discovery with an enhanced, scalable mutagenic base editor platform
Authors: Dorighi Kristel M. , Zhu Anqi , Fortin Jean-Philippe , Lo Jerry Hung-Hao , Sudhamsu Jawahar , Durinck Steffen , Callow Marinella , Foster Scott A. , Haley Benjamin
Published: October 2023

Personalized cancer therapeutics bring directed treatment options to patients based on the genetic signatures of their tumors. Unfortunately, tumor genomes are remarkably adaptable, and acquired resistance to these drugs through genetic means is an all-too-frequent occurrence. Identifying mutations that promote resistance within drug-treated patient populations can be cost, resource, and time intensive. Accordingly, base editing, enabled by Cas9-deaminase domain fusions, has emerged as a promising approach for rapid, large-scale resistance variant screening in situ. We adapted and optimized a conditional activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID)-dCas9 system, which demonstrated greater heterogeneity of edits with an expanded footprint compared to the most commonly utilized cytosine base editor, BE4. When combined with a custom sgRNA library, we were able to identify both individual and complex, compound variants in EGFR and BRAF that confer resistance to established EGFR inhibitors. This system and the developed analytical pipeline provide a simple, highly-scalable platform forcisortransdrug-modifying variant discovery and for uncovering unique insights into protein structure-function relationships.
Basigin mediation ofPlasmodium falciparumred blood cell invasion does not require its interaction with monocarboxylate transporter 1
Authors: King Nadine R , Freire Catarina Martins , Touhami Jawida , Sitbon Marc , Toye Ashley M , Satchwell Timothy J
Published: October 2023

Plasmodium falciparuminvasion of the red blood cell is reliant upon the essential interaction of PfRh5 with the host receptor protein basigin. Basigin exists as part of one or more multiprotein complexes, most notably through interaction with the monocarboxylate transporter MCT1. However, the potential requirement for basigin association with MCT1 and the wider role of basigin host membrane context and lateral protein associations during merozoite invasion has not been established. Using genetically manipulatedin vitroderived reticulocytes, we demonstrate the ability to uncouple basigin ectodomain presentation from the transmembrane domain-mediated interaction with MCT1. Merozoite invasion of reticulocytes is unaffected by disruption of basigin MCT1 interaction and by removal or replacement of the basigin transmembrane helix. Therefore, presentation of the basigin ectodomain at the red blood cell surface, independent of its native association with MCT1 or other interactions mediated by the transmembrane domain, is sufficient to facilitate merozoite invasion.
GCN5L1-mediated acetylation prevents Rictor degradation in cardiac cells after hypoxic stress
Authors: Bugga Paramesha , Manning Janet R. , Mushala Bellina A.S. , Stoner Michael W. , Sembrat John , Scott Iain
Published: October 2023

Cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac fibrosis are the leading causes of mortality in patients with ischemic heart disease. As such, these processes represent potential therapeutic targets to treat heart failure resulting from ischemic insult. We previously demonstrated that the mitochondrial acetyltransferase protein GCN5L1 regulates cardiomyocyte cytoprotective signaling in ischemia- reperfusion injuryin vivoand hypoxia-reoxygenation injuryin vitro. The current study investigated the mechanism underlying GCN5L1-mediated regulation of the Akt/mTORC2 cardioprotective signaling pathway. Rictor protein levels in cardiac tissues from human ischemic heart disease patients were significantly decreased relative to non-ischemic controls. Rictor protein levels were similarly decreased in cardiac AC16 cells following hypoxic stress, while mRNA levels remained unchanged. The reduction in Rictor protein levels after hypoxia was enhanced by the knockdown of GCN5L1, and was blocked by GCN5L1 overexpression. These findings correlated with changes in Rictor lysine acetylation, which were mediated by GCN5L1 acetyltransferase activity. Rictor degradation was regulated by proteasomal activity, which was antagonized by increased Rictor acetylation. Finally, we found that GCN5L1 knockdown restricted cytoprotective Akt signaling, in conjunction with decreased mTOR abundance and activity. In summary, these studies suggest that GCN5L1 promotes cardioprotective Akt/mTORC2 signaling by maintaining Rictor protein levels through enhanced lysine acetylation.
The influence of library service quality, library image, place, personal control and trust on loyalty: the mediating role of perceived service value and satisfaction
Authors: Malik Shahab Alam , Fatima Taqdees , Jia Yong , Pannu Hina
Published: October 2023

Purpose

One of the organization's main goals is to maintain their customers' loyalty, as this can give them a competitive advantage. Therefore, this study is intended to look into the impact of library service quality using LibQUAL + TM dimensions (library service effect, personal control and library as a place), library image and trust on users’ loyalty with the mediating effect of perceived service value and satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for hypotheses testing were gathered from Minhaj University Lahore (MUL), a private sector university's staff, administration and students, using a survey questionnaire. About 500 questionnaires were randomly distributed, and 407 were utilized as the final sample for analysis. Structural equation modelling (SEM), using SmartPLS 4 and SPSS 25, were used to analyze the empirical data.

Findings

First, research reveals that library image, users’ trust, library service effect and personal control significantly influence user satisfaction. Second, the library as a place and personal control are not a significant indicator of perceived service value. Third, perceived service value and satisfaction have a direct positive relationship with users' loyalty. Fourth, trust and library service effect is indirectly related to loyalty via perceived service value. Fifth, satisfaction does not mediate the relationship between library as a place and loyalty.

Practical implications

Customer satisfaction must be guaranteed by library administration if it hopes to win users’ loyalty. In light of the fact that a variety of factors can affect customer satisfaction, their perception and loyalty, library management should enhance not just the quality of library services along with other factors such as library image and users’ trust.

Originality/value

The study examined the independent impact of library image and users’ trust on satisfaction, perceived service value and users’ loyalty, which, within the framework of the library, has never been addressed in literature.
A systematic review of the trends and patterns of sustainability reporting in universities
Authors: Rosa Marcos Roque da , Boscarioli Clodis , Freitas Zara Kátya Regina de
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to identify how literature has addressed sustainability reporting in universities over time and determine traceable patterns and trends.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive systematic review protocol of the Emerald Insight, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, Springer Link and Wiley Online Library databases was performed for the studies published during the past decade. The following steps were involved in this study: search and collection of literature, study selection, quality assessment, data extraction and data analysis. A total of 40 articles met the inclusion criteria and the quality assessment.

Findings

The results demonstrated that the most used tools to assist sustainability reporting in universities are the global reporting initiative framework and the graphical assessment of sustainability in universities. However, the adoption of the integrated reporting framework is encouraged. The level of reporting is not yet high, and social and educational indicators are being disclosed in the following areas: community, services and transfer; curriculum and teaching; operation; and research.

Originality/value

This study provides a recent overview of sustainability reporting worldwide. By discussing the findings, the authors presented the practical implications of starting a sustainability report at the university and the associated difficulties and benefits.
Gamify, engage, build loyalty: exploring the benefits of gameful experience for branded sports apps
Authors: Habachi Salma , Matute Jorge , Palau-Saumell Ramon
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of the gameful experience on behavioural outcomes. Drawing from stimulus–organism–response theory, it proposes and tests a new model that investigates the relationship between the gameful experience, brand loyalty and intention to use gamified branded applications in the sports context. In addition, it explores the mediating role of customer–brand engagement (CBE) and the moderating role of self-image congruity (SIC).

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 436 active users of sport-related branded gamified applications was used to test the model. Data was collected from online sports forums, brands’ Facebook communities and during sporting events.

Findings

Results indicate that the gameful experience positively and directly impacts behavioural intentions but does not directly influence brand loyalty. This relationship becomes partially significant when mediated by CBE. In addition, results show that users with high levels of SIC are more likely to continue using the gamified application, whereas users with low levels are more likely to engage with the brand.

Originality/value

This study expands the gamification literature in the sports sector by revealing the importance of the gameful experience in driving loyalty, behavioural intentions and CBE. It proposes a new model that sheds light on the emotional aspect of the interaction between a user and a gamified system and the importance of exploring the effects of moderators, such as SIC, in these relationships.