bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing the effectiveness of Family Support for Health Action (FAM-ACT) with traditional community health worker-led interventions to improve adult diabetes management and outcomes: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Deverts Denise J. , Heisler Michele , Kieffer Edith C. , Piatt Gretchen A. , Valbuena Felix , Yabes Jonathan G. , Guajardo Claudia , Ilarraza-Montalvo Deliana , Palmisano Gloria , Koerbel Glory , Rosland Ann-Marie
Published: October 2022

Background

Diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) programs have struggled to deliver sustainable, effective support for adults with diabetes (AWDs) to improve self-management behaviors, achieve glycemic goals, and reduce risk for complications. One largely untapped resource for this support is AWDs’ social networks. Fifty to 75% of AWDs have an unpaid family member or friend (“support person”) who provides ongoing help with diabetes management. However, DSMES interventions to date lack structured and effective approaches to directly engage support persons in AWDs’ diabetes management.

Methods

This parallel arm randomized trial is designed to determine the effectiveness of Family Support for Health Action (FAM-ACT), a novel community health worker (CHW)-delivered program focused on educating and supporting patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and their support persons (SPs), relative to an established, CHW-delivered, individual patient-focused DSMES and care management (I-DSMES) intervention. Both interventions were developed using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach.

The study will be conducted in partnership with an urban Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving a low-income, Latino/a community, with target enrollment of 268 dyads consisting of an FQHC patient with T2D with high HbA1c and an SP. Patient-SP dyads will be randomized to receive FAM-ACT or I-DSMES over 6 months.

The primary outcome is change in patient HbA1c from baseline to 6 months. Secondary patient outcomes include 12-month change in HbA1c, changes in patient blood pressure, diabetes self-management behaviors, diabetes distress, patient activation, diabetes self-efficacy, and perceptions of and satisfaction with SP support for diabetes. Secondary SP outcomes include self-efficacy for helping the patient with diabetes management and SP distress about the patient’s diabetes. We also will assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on patient’s ability to manage diabetes.

Discussion

This study will inform scalable, evidence-based approaches that leverage family support to help AWDs improve and sustain self-management strategies that underpin optimal management of multiple diabetes complication risk factors. The protocol is designed for and evaluated with a low-income and predominantly Latino/a community, which may increase applicability to other similar communities. The COVID-19 pandemic presented several challenges to study protocol and intervention delivery; modifications made to address these challenges are described.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03812614. Registered on 18 January 2019.
Random-forest model for drug–target interaction prediction via Kullback–Leibler divergence
Authors: Ahn Sangjin , Lee Si Eun , Kim Mi-hyun
Published: October 2022

Virtual screening has significantly improved the success rate of early stage drug discovery. Recent virtual screening methods have improved owing to advances in machine learning and chemical information. Among these advances, the creative extraction of drug features is important for predicting drug–target interaction (DTI), which is a large-scale virtual screening of known drugs. Herein, we report Kullback–Leibler divergence (KLD) as a DTI feature and the feature-driven classification model applicable to DTI prediction. For the purpose, E3FP three-dimensional (3D) molecular fingerprints of drugs as a molecular representation allow the computation of 3D similarities between ligands within each target (Q–Q matrix) to identify the uniqueness of pharmacological targets and those between a query and a ligand (Q–L vector) in DTIs. The 3D similarity matrices are transformed into probability density functions via kernel density estimation as a nonparametric estimation. Each density model can exploit the characteristics of each pharmacological target and measure the quasi-distance between the ligands. Furthermore, we developed a random forest model from the KLD feature vectors to successfully predict DTIs for representative 17 targets (mean accuracy: 0.882, out-of-bag score estimate: 0.876, ROC AUC: 0.990). The method is applicable for 2D chemical similarity.
Microfluidic devices as model platforms of CNS injury-ischemia to study axonal regeneration by regulating mitochondrial transport and bioenergetic metabolism
Authors: Huang Ning , Sheng Zu-Hang
Published: October 2022

Central nervous system (CNS) neurons typically fail to regenerate their axons after injury leading to neurological impairment. Axonal regeneration is a highly energy-demanding cellular program that requires local mitochondria to supply most energy within injured axons. Recent emerging lines of evidence have started to reveal that injury-triggered acute mitochondrial damage and local energy crisis contribute to the intrinsic energetic restriction that accounts for axon regeneration failure in the CNS. Characterizing and reprogramming bioenergetic signaling and mitochondrial maintenance after axon injury-ischemia is fundamental for developing therapeutic strategies that can restore local energy metabolism and thus facilitate axon regeneration. Therefore, establishing reliable and reproducible neuronal model platforms is critical for assessing axonal energetic metabolism and regeneration capacity after injury-ischemia. In this focused methodology article, we discuss recent advances in applying cutting-edge microfluidic chamber devices in combination with state-of-the-art live-neuron imaging tools to monitor axonal regeneration, mitochondrial transport, bioenergetic metabolism, and local protein synthesis in response to injury-ischemic stress in mature CNS neurons.
Utilising cumulative antibiogram data to enhance antibiotic stewardship capacity in the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Ghana
Authors: Dakorah Mavis Puopelle , Agyare Elizabeth , Acolatse Joseph Elikem Efui , Akafity George , Stelling John , Chalker Victoria J. , Spiller Owen B. , Aidoo Nana Benyin , Kumi-Ansah Frederick , Azumah Daniel , Laryea Stephen , Incoom Robert , Ngyedu Eric Kofi
Published: October 2022

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health challenge with its impact felt disproportionately in Western Sub-Saharan Africa. Routine microbiology investigations serve as a rich source of AMR monitoring and surveillance data. Geographical variations in susceptibility patterns necessitate regional and institutional tracking of resistance patterns to aid in tailored Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) interventions to improve antibiotic use in such settings. This study focused on developing a cumulative antibiogram of bacterial isolates from clinical samples at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH). This was ultimately to improve AMS by guiding empiric therapy.

Methods

A hospital-based longitudinal study involving standard microbiological procedures was conducted from 1st January to 31st December 2020. Isolates from routine diagnostic aerobic cultures were identified by colony morphology, Gram staining, and conventional biochemical tests. Isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion. Inhibitory zone diameters were interpreted per the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines and were entered and analysed on the WHONET software using the “first isolate only” principle.

Results

Overall, low to moderate susceptibility was observed in most pathogen-antibiotic combinations analysed in the study. Amikacin showed the highest susceptibility (86%, n = 537/626) against all Gram-negatives with ampicillin exhibiting the lowest (6%, n = 27/480). Among the Gram-positives, the highest susceptibilities were exhibited by gentamicin (78%, n = 124/159), with clindamycin having the lowest susceptibility (27%, n = 41/154). Among the Gram-negatives, 66% (n = 426/648) of the isolates were identified phenotypically as potential extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producers. Multiple multidrug-resistant isolates were also identified among both Gram-positive and Gram-negative isolates. Low to moderate susceptibility was found against first- and second-line antibiotics recommended in the National standard treatment guidelines (NSTG). Laboratory quality management deficiencies and a turnaround time of 3.4 days were the major AMS barriers identified.

Conclusions

Low to moderate susceptibilities coupled with high rates of phenotypic resistance warrant tailoring NSTGs to fit local contexts within CCTH even after considering the biases in these results. The cumulative antibiogram proved a key AMS programme component after its communication to clinicians and subsequent monitoring of its influence on prescribing indicators. This should be adopted to enhance such programmes across the country.
Tourism-led economic contribution, interregional repercussion effects, and intersectoral propagation activities in Tokyo Metropolitan
Authors: Tiku Oscar , Shimizu Tetsuo
Published: October 2022

This study aims to investigate the contribution of visitors’ expenditure to Tokyo Metropolitan’s economy including its decomposition, the interregional repercussion effect between Tokyo and the rest of Japan, and the intersectoral propagation activities between tourism and the other sector in Tokyo based on two-region interregional input–output model and Miyazawa’s partitioned matrix multipliers. Measurement in tworegion model yielded to a higher value compared to single-region model, where domestic visitors lead the major contribution in overall, prominently on services sectors. The indirect and feedback effects to industries in Tokyo were strongly linked to tertiary sector, while spillover effect to the rest of Japan was more widely distributed. The economic activities in Tokyo were highly dependent on the industries in the rest of Japan, in similar manner as tourism on the other sectors within Tokyo. Tourism industries have strong inducible effects on the other sector. Considering these interregional and intersectoral interdependencies, improving the tourism sector in Tokyo may imply a promising effect to benefit the economy of Tokyo and subsequently other Japanese regions.
Renovation programs in old and inefficient neighborhoods of cities with case studies
Authors: Shahraki Abdol Aziz
Published: October 2022

This article concerns urban renovation’s background, necessity, goals, methods, and outcomes. The addressed question is how shall renew and rehabilitate old and non-functional urban neighborhoods.

The aim is to build a model for cities’ renovation respecting general standards of town-building, local characteristics, requirements of inhabitants, and strategic development plans.

The applied research methods are theoretical and experimental, which analyze the situation of worn-out neighborhoods of the case study cities in housing, physical, socioeconomic, and environmental perspectives.

A problem-oriented, systematic, and step-by-step model evaluates the average magnitudes of damages caused by the nonfunctioning neighborhoods in 31 metropolitans of Iran. Certain indicators will introduce neighborhoods to renew them through a mother renovation program, which includes several projects. Simulating the program in the cities lead them to the best possible results in the renovation.

The renovation program is applicable in every other city, which faces inefficiently and nonfunctioning because of oldness.
Single-crown restorations in premolar–molar regions: short (≤ 6.5) vs longer implants: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Anitua Eduardo , Alkhraisat Mohammad Hamdan , Eguia Asier
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To compare the survival, changes in marginal bone level and prosthetic complications rate of short (≤ 6.5 mm) and longer implants (≥ 7.5) supporting a single-crown restoration in the maxillary/mandibular premolar or molar region.

Methods

This cohort study was conducted following the STROBE statement recommendations for observational studies. Clinical outcomes of 88 short implants in 78 patients and 88 long implants in 88 patients were examined. All the implants had been placed by the same surgeon and restored following the same prosthetic concept; using a transepithelial abutment (intermediate abutment) and a screw retained restoration.

Results

All the implants were in function after the follow-up period since insertion (median: 31 months; range 11 to 84 for SiG vs median: 35 months; range: 6–117 for CG; p = 0.139). No statistical differences (p = 0.342) were observed related to prosthetic complications (screw loosening 2/88 vs 5/88 CG, ceramic chipping 1/88 vs 0/88, temporary crown resin chipping 1/88 vs 0/88 for SiG and CG, respectively) or related to marginal bone level (Mesial or Distal MBL ≥ 2 mm in 1/88 implants for SiG vs 3/88 for CG; p = 0.312).

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, no survival differences have been observed between short implants and longer implants in single-crown restorations in posterior maxilla/mandible.
German S3 guideline on the use of dental ceramic implants
Authors: Thiem D. G. E. , Stephan D. , Kniha K. , Kohal R. J. , Röhling S. , Spies B. C. , Stimmelmayr M. , Grötz K. A.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Based on the excellent long-term data, dental implants made of titanium are considered the international implantological standard for replacing missing teeth. However, ceramic implants made of zirconia (ZrO2) have experienced a renaissance in the last 15 years due to constant innovations in materials and products, with material properties and soft tissue- and osseointegration behavior comparable to those of titanium. However, one limitation concerning ceramic implants is the lack of reliable long-term data, especially in the case of two-piece implant systems. As there is an increasing demand for ceramic implants from practitioners and patients, the German Society for Implantology (DGI) has decided to develop a guideline on the use of dental ceramic implants at the highest available evidence level with the involvement of experts in this field.

Methods

Statements and recommendations were prepared after conducting a systematic literature search and an independent assessment process involving the relevant clinical literature from 2008 to 2021. The adopted recommendations and statements are summarized in this guideline.

Results and conclusions

It confirms the feasible use of one-piece zirconia implants as an addendum/alternative to titanium implants. No final conclusion regarding the application of two-piece ceramic implant systems could be drawn on the basis of the existing data, thus its use can only be recommended after the patient has been informed in detail about the lack of long-term clinical data.
The impact of medically tailored meals and nutrition therapy on biometric and dietary outcomes among food-insecure patients with congestive heart failure: a matched cohort study
Authors: Belak Lauren , Owens Caroline , Smith Margaret , Calloway Eric , Samnadda Laura , Egwuogu Heartley , Schmidt Stacie
Published: October 2022

Background

To evaluate the impact of home-delivered, medically tailored meals and medical nutrition therapy among food-insecure patients following hospitalization for congestive heart failure by comparing clinical outcomes to a retrospectively matched cohort.

Methods

Patients at high risk for readmission and food insecurity received up to three months of medically tailored meals and medical nutrition therapy after discharge. Pre-intervention and post-intervention weight, body mass index, blood pressure, and dietary intake were assessed. A combination of difference-in-difference and logistic regression models were used to compare changes between cohorts and evaluate impact attributable to the program.

Results

Thirty-nine program participants were compared to a matched cohort of 117 unexposed patients. Participants experienced a marginal reduction in body mass index and an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure; however, these results were not statistically significant. To determine relevance to clinical cut-offs, logistic regressions were used, demonstrating that exposure to the intervention resulted in higher odds of a categorical reduction in blood pressure (OR: 1.85), though this did not reach statistical significance (95% CI: 0.67–5.32). Pre vs. post trends indicated that more-healthful foods and drinks increased numerically or remained similar to baseline, while less-healthful foods decreased numerically or remained similar to baseline.

Conclusions and implications

These findings highlight the need for more longitudinal research on medically tailored meals and medical nutrition therapy interventions using clinical outcomes while setting realistic suggestions for program implementation. This study additionally illustrates the promise of integrating electronic medical record data and matched cohorts into medical nutrition program evaluation within the health sector.
Data visualization as an intervention for pediatric chronic pain: a pilot feasibility study protocol for a randomized controlled crossover trial
Authors: Boerner Katelynn E. , Desai Unma , MacLean Karon E. , Munzner Tamara , Foladare Haley , Gill Javed , Oberlander Tim F.
Published: October 2022

Background

Chronic pain is a common and costly condition in youth, associated with negative implications that reach far beyond the pain experience itself (e.g., interference with recreational, social, and academic activities, mental health sequelae). As a self-appraised condition, pain experience is influenced by patient’s biases and meaning-making in relation to their symptoms and triggers. We propose that interacting with self-reported data will impact the experience of pain by altering understanding and expectations of symptom experience and how pain interacts with other factors (e.g., sleep, emotions, social interactions). In this study, we aim to establish the feasibility and acceptability of using a data visualization platform to track and monitor symptoms and their relationship with other factors, versus simply daily reporting of symptoms using a smartphone-based Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA).

Methods

This protocol is for a randomized, single-center, open-label crossover trial. We aim to recruit 50 typically developing youth aged 12–18 years with chronic pain to take part in two phases of data collection. The trial will utilize an A-B counterbalanced design in which participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Part A (EMA alone for 7 days) or Part B (EMA plus visualization platform for 7 days) first and then receive the opposite phase after a 7-day break (washout period). Key outcomes will be participant reports of acceptability and feasibility, EMA completion rates, barriers, and perceptions of the benefits or risks of participation. Secondary exploratory analyses will examine the relationship between EMA-reported symptoms over time and in relation to baseline measures, as well as pilot data on any improvements in symptoms related to engaging with the data visualization platform.

Discussion

This protocol describes the feasibility and pilot testing of a novel approach to promoting self-management and facilitating symptom appraisal using visualized data. We aim to determine whether there is a sufficient rationale, both from the perspective of feasibility and patient satisfaction/acceptability, to conduct a larger randomized controlled trial of this intervention. This intervention has the potential to support clinical care for youth with chronic pain and other conditions where self-appraisal and understanding of symptom patterns are a critical component of functional recovery.

Trial registration

Open Science Framework doi: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/HQX7C. Registered on October 25, 2021, osf.io/hqx7c
The experience of patient partners in research: a qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis
Authors: Lauzon-Schnittka Jonathan , Audette-Chapdelaine Sophie , Boutin Denis , Wilhelmy Catherine , Auger Anne-Marie , Brodeur Magaly
Published: October 2022

Context

Patient engagement in research consists in involving patients as partners across the research cycle. This practice has quickly become an international standard, with funding bodies actively encouraging it. As the increased incentive to engage patients can lead to tokenistic partnerships, it is important to consider the experiences of patient-partners.

Objective

To synthesize the qualitative literature on the experience of patients as partners in research.

Design

A systematic review of the literature with thematic synthesis was realized, guided by the framework developed by Thomas and Harden (Bmc Med Res Methodol 8: 45, 2008).

Data collection

A search strategy was developed to encompass keywords relating to patient-partners in research, their experience, and the qualitative nature of the target studies. 10 databases were searched using the EBSCO-host engine, along with the Scopus engine to include EMBASE. The search results were screened for the following inclusion criteria: articles written in English; articles reporting on the experience of patient-partners in research; qualitative studies or mixed-methods studies with a distinct qualitative section.

Analysis

Included articles were charted for general information. The CASP qualitative checklist was used for critical appraisal. The “results” section of each article was coded line by line. Codes were aggregated inductively to form descriptive themes and analytical themes, in order to synthesize the ideas found in the selection of articles.

Results

The initial search yielded 10,222 results. After the removal of duplicates, 5534 titles and abstracts were screened, 88 full-text reports were evaluated, and 41 studies were included. Articles reporting on these studies were published between 2005 and 2020. Seven themes emerged from the analysis: “motivations to engage in research”, “activities in patient engagement”, “structure”, “competence”, “team dynamics”, “impacts on broader life”, and “illness”. Articles reported varying degrees of perceived impact on research and satisfaction concerning the level of engagement. The importance of power differentials and team dynamics were widely stated.

Conclusions

Findings provide an in-depth view of the experiences of patient-partners in research. Most articles reported a generally positive experience, but challenges and pitfalls of patient engagement were identified. This will serve research teams by highlighting good practices and possible improvements.
The effects of chest drainage on pressure-controlled ventilation
Authors: Matsumoto Yuko , Obara Shinju , Hakozaki Takahiro , Isosu Tsuyoshi , Inoue Satoki
Published: October 2022

Background

The use of pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) for anesthesia management is becoming more commonly used. Chest drainage is commonly performed after thoracic surgery, and the negative pressure it generates might affect the transpulmonary pressure (TPP). In the present study, we investigated how chest drainage could affect ventilating conditions during PCV.

Methods

We created a hand-made simple thoracic and lung model, which was connected to an anesthesia machine. The tidal volume (TV) was measured with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) 0 and no chest drainage (baseline), followed by 10 cmH2O PEEP/no drainage, 10 cmH2O PEEP/drainage with − 10 cmH2O and 10 cmH2O PEEP/drainage with − 20 cmH2O. Finally, TV with 20 cmH2O and 30 cmH2O PEEP/no drainage was measured. Driving (inspiratory) pressure was maintained at 20 cmH2O during the whole experiment.

Results

TV was significantly increased by applying 10 cmH2O PEEP compared with baseline, further increased by applying − 10 cmH2O by drainage, similar to the value with PEEP 20 cmH2O with no drainage (end-tidal TPP of 20 cmH2O for both). TV decreased to < 50% of the baseline by applying 10 cmH2O PEEP with − 20 cmH2O by drainage, which was similar to that with 30 cmH2O PEEP with no drainage (end-tidal TPP of 30 cmH2O for both).

Conclusions

TV was maintained at similar levels with the same TPP, regardless of PEEP or negative pressure by chest drainage change, suggesting that negative intrapleural pressure by the chest tube drainage system might mimic PEEP from the point of TV.
C. elegans as a test system to study relevant compounds that contribute to the specific health-related effects of different cannabis varieties
Authors: van Es-Remers Monique , Spadaro Jesus Arellano , Poppelaars Eefje , Kim Hye Kyong , van Haaster Marieke , de Wit Marcel , ILiopoulou Eva , Wildwater Marjolein , Korthout Henrie
Published: October 2022

Background

The medicinal effects of cannabis varieties on the market cannot be explained solely by the presence of the major cannabinoids Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Evidence for putative entourage effects caused by other compounds present in cannabis is hard to obtain due to the subjective nature of patient experience data.Caenorhabditis elegans(C. elegans) is an objective test system to identify cannabis compounds involved in claimed health and entourage effects.

Methods

From a medicinal cannabis breeding program by MariPharm BV, the Netherlands a set of 12 varieties were selected both THC rich varieties as well as CBD rich varieties. A consecutive extraction process was applied resulting in a non-polar (cannabinoid-rich) and polar (cannabinoid-poor) extract of each variety. The test modelC. eleganswas exposed to these extracts in a broad set of bioassays for appetite control, body oscillation, motility, and nervous system function.

Results

ExposingC. elegansto extracts with a high concentration of cannabinoids (> 1 μg/mL) reduces the life span ofC. elegansdramatically. Exposing the nematodes to the low-cannabinoid (< 0.005 μg/mL) polar extracts, however, resulted in significant effects with respect to appetite control, body oscillation, motility, and nervous system-related functions in a dose-dependent and variety-dependent manner.

Discussion

C. elegansis a small, transparent organism with a complete nervous system, behavior and is due to its genetic robustness and short life cycle highly suitable to unravel entourage effects of Cannabis compounds. AlthoughC. eleganslacks an obvious CB1 and CB2 receptor it has orthologs of Serotonin and Vanilloid receptor which are also involved in (endo)cannabinoid signaling.

Conclusion

By usingC. elegans, we were able to objectively distinguish different effects of different varieties despite the cannabinoid content.C. elegansseems a useful test system for studying entourage effects, for targeted medicinal cannabis breeding programs and product development.
Why cognitive training is important for the health status in Parkinson’s disease: preliminary evidence from a clinical three-weeks multidisciplinary intervention
Authors: Michels Jennifer , Werner Cornelius J. , Schumann-Werner Beate , Schulz Jörg B. , Costa Ana S. , Reetz Kathrin
Published: October 2022

Background

Several non-motor symptoms are present in Parkinson's disease (PD), including increasing prevalence rates of cognitive impairment during disease progression. Due to its multifaceted nature, PD management involves pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacotherapies, ideally in a multidisciplinary manner. Evidence regarding the impact of multidisciplinary interventions on motor and non-motor symptoms, as well as its impact on quality of life and daily activities of living, is limited.

Methods

The aim of this real-life exploratory study was to investigate the effectiveness of a three-week clinical multidisciplinary Parkinson complex therapy (Parkinson-Komplexbehandlung, PKB), which is available as standard care for PD in the German health care system. Especially, the effect of neuropsychological attention training of 40 patients with PD was analyzed concerning their impact on motor abilities (UPDRS-III ON state), cognitive profiles and reported depressive symptoms and psychosocial function.

Results

Neuropsychological data showed an improvement in response inhibition after intervention (z = − 2.611, p = 0.009). Additionally, improvements in verbal memory (z = − 2.318, p = 0.020), motor functions (UPDRS-III-score; z = − 5.163, p < 0.001) and reduction in depression symptoms (BDI-II) (z = − 2.944, p = 0.003) were also present.

Conclusions

Patients with PD benefited from this multidisciplinary Parkinson complex therapy in terms of improved cognitive functioning, including attention and verbal learning, motor symptoms and emotional well-being.
Contributional role of susceptibility-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient in pediatric brain tumor grading
Authors: Abdelrahman Ahmed S. , Ekladious Mena E. Y. , Khater Nivan Hany
Published: October 2022

Background

Central nervous system neoplasms are a primary cause of mortality and one of the most frequent solid tumors in children. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a key role in the diagnosis and treatment response of pediatric brain tumors as well as providing us with functional information regarding cellularity, metabolism, and neoangiogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate the contributional role of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) and diffusion weight imaging (DWI) in pediatric brain tumor grading by assessing the intratumoral susceptibility signals (ITSS), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and relative ADC (rADC).

Results

A significant correlation was noted between the (ITSS) score and the brain tumor grade (P < 0.001) with a descending trend in the low-grade tumor (ITSS score 0 = 14/29, score 1 = 11/29, and score 2 = 4/29) and an ascending trend in the high-grade tumor (ITSS score 0 = 4/41, score 1 = 9/41 and score 2 = 22/41). No embryonal tumor showed an ITSS score of 0. Apparent diffusion coefficient sensitivity and specificity were 82.9% and 82.8%, respectively, while rADC sensitivity and specificity were 91.4% and 86.2%, respectively. For high-grade tumors, the ITSS score 2 had a significant positive prediction (P = 0.009) and the rADC value had a significant negative prediction (P = 0.031).

Conclusions

Susceptibility-weighted imaging ITSS score, ADC, and rADC have a promising role in preoperative pediatric brain tumor grading and should be considered as complementary sequences to routine MRI studies.
A prospective study of acute sinusitis, clinical features and modalities of management in adults, Sudan
Authors: Khalid Osama M. , Omer Mashair B. , Kardman Siddig E. , Yagi Hashim I.
Published: October 2022

Background

Acute sinusitis is not an uncommon disease that manifests with inflammation of the mucosal lining of the paranasal sinuses. It has varied etiologies including viral, bacterial, fungal, and allergic. Anatomical variations, trauma, auto-immunity, diabetes mellitus, and dental procedures are predisposing factors. With the wide variation in the etiological factors, the management could be tricky. This study is quite relevant with the advent of the relentlessly persisting COVID-19 pandemic which affects the upper respiratory tract as well.

Methods

This is a descriptive hospital-based prospective study conducted at the Khartoum ENT Teaching Hospital, Ibnsina Teaching Hospital, Omdurman Military Hospital, and Omdurman Teaching Hospital in Khartoum State in the period from March 2020 to February 2021. The study included all patients 18 years and older diagnosed with acute sinusitis. The data was collected by a well-structured questionnaire designed to meet the objectives of the study and analyzed using SPSS 20. Any COVID-19 suspect is excluded from the study.

Results

The total number of patients was 109; of them, 59 (54.1%) were females and 50 (45.9%) were males, and the female to male ratio was 1.18:1. One hundred seven (98.2%) patients received medical treatment and two patients (1.8%) did take the medications. Eighty-one patients (74.3%) were cured with medical treatment and only 28 patients (25.7%) needed surgical intervention. The age group from 25 to 40 years old was the most affected, accounting for 68 patients (62.4%), and the above 60 years old (3.7%) was the least affected group.

Conclusion

Acute sinusitis is not an uncommon disease, if addressed properly and timely is medically treatable in most cases apart from complicated cases. This study shows that the active working ages (25-40) were the most affected. Few patients needed surgery (FESS). Negligence could result in complications. Diseases like COVID-19 affect the upper respiratory tract, and there is a similarity in symptoms, and in the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic nowadays, differentiation is of paramount importance.
Pharmacological management of psychopathology in people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Deb Shoumitro , Roy Meera , Limbu Bharati
Published: October 2022

On average, 49–63% of people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are prescribed psychotropic medications to treat psychopathology, including psychiatric illness, behaviours that challenge and the core symptoms and associated behaviours of these developmental disorders. In many cases, psychotropics, particularly antipsychotics, are used off-label without a proper indication, particularly to manage behaviours that challenge. The RCTs show moderate evidence supporting the efficacy of low-dose risperidone and some preliminary evidence for aripiprazole in treating behaviours that challenge among children with ASD and/or intellectual disabilities. The RCT-based evidence for the other psychotropics is equivocal, so no definitive conclusions can be made on their efficacy. Polypharmacy and the use of high doses of antipsychotics are prevalent in this population, leading to the risk of adverse events and drug–drug interactions. Despite various national and international guidelines, and government initiatives encouraging reduced psychotropic use, there is little evidence of this happening; on the contrary, the use of antidepressants, mood stabilisers and benzodiazepines may be increasing. A concerted multi-agency effort is urgently needed to address this significant public health concern of the overmedication of people with intellectual disabilities and/or ASD.
Association of depression with mortality in nationwide twins: The mediating role of dementia
Authors: Yang Wenzhe , Wang Zhiyu , Li Xuerui , Qi Xiuying , Zhang Lulu , Pan Kuan-Yu , Xu Weili
Published: October 2022

Background

The differential impact of depression across different periods in life on mortality remains inconclusive. We aimed to examine the association of depression that occurs at different age with all-cause mortality, and to explore the roles of dementia, as well as genetic and early-life environmental factors, in this association.

Methods

From the Swedish Twin Registry, 44,919 twin individuals were followed for up to 18 years. Depression was ascertained using the National Patient Registry and categorized as early-life (<45 years), midlife (45–64 years), and late-life (≥65 years) depression according to the age of the first diagnosis. Deaths were identified through the Cause of Death Register. Generalized estimating equation, generalized structural equation, and conditional logistic regression were used for unmatched, mediation, and co-twin matched analyses, respectively.

Results

In unmatched analyses, the multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of mortality were 1.71 (1.46–2.00) for depression at any age, 1.72 (1.36–2.17) for early-life, 1.51 (1.19–1.90) for midlife, and 4.10 (2.02–8.34) for late-life depression. Mortality was significantly higher in individuals with late-life depression than those with earlier-life depression (p < 0.05). The mediation analysis showed that 59.83% of the depression-mortality association was mediated by dementia. No significant difference in ORs between the unmatched and co-twin matched analyses was observed (p = 0.09).

Conclusions

Depression is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, and dementia mediates approximately 60% of the impact of depression on mortality in late life. Genetic and early-life environmental factors may not play a significant role in the depression-mortality association.
Graphene hyperbolic metamaterials: Fundamentals and applications
Authors: Ji Zitao , Li Zhi-Yuan , Liang Wenyao
Published: October 2022

Metamaterials have shown potential for next-generation optical materials since they have special electromagnetic responses which cannot be obtained in natural media. Among various metamaterials, hyperbolic metamaterials (HMMs) with highly anisotropic hyperbolic dispersion provide new ways to manipulate electromagnetic waves. Besides, graphene has attracted lots of attention since it possesses excellent optoelectronic properties. Graphene HMMs combine the extraordinary properties of graphene and the strong light modulation capability of HMMs. The experimental fabrication of graphene HMMs recently proved that graphene HMMs are a good platform for terahertz optical devices. The flexible tunability is a hallmark of graphene-based HMMs devices by external gate voltage, electrostatic biasing, or magnetic field, etc. This review provides an overview of up-to-now studies of graphene HMMs and an outlook for the future of this field.
Recurrent Disease in Patients With Sporadic Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma
Authors: Li Minghao , Prodanov Tamara , Meuter Leah , Kerstens Michiel N , Bechmann Nicole , Prejbisz Aleksander , Remde Hanna , Timmers Henri J L M , Nölting Svenja , Talvacchio Sara , Berends Annika M A , Fliedner Stephanie , Robledo Mercedes , Lenders Jacques W M , Pacak Karel , Eisenhofer Graeme , Pamporaki Christina
Published: October 2022

Context

Long-term follow-up has been recommended for patients with pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma (PPGL) due to potential for recurrent disease. However, the need to follow patients with sporadic PPGL has recently become controversial.

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of recurrence among patients with sporadic compared with hereditary PPGL and to identify predictors of recurrence for sporadic disease.

Methods

This multicenter study included retrospective data from 1127 patients with PPGL. In addition to sex and age at primary tumor diagnosis, clinical information included location, size, and catecholamine phenotype of primary tumors, genetic test results, and subsequent development of recurrent and/or metastatic disease. Patients with sporadic PPGL were defined as those with negative genetic test results.

Results

Prevalence of recurrence among patients with sporadic PPGL (14.7%) was lower (P < 0.001) than for patients with pathogenic variants that activate pseudohypoxia pathways (47.5%), but similar to those with variants that activate kinase pathways (14.9%). Among patients with sporadic recurrent PPGL, 29.1% and 17.7% were respectively diagnosed at least 10 and 15 years after first diagnosis. Multivariable regression analysis showed that a noradrenergic/dopaminergic phenotype (HR 2.73; 95% CI, 1.553-4.802; P < 0.001), larger size (HR 1.82; 95% CI, 1.113-2.962; P = 0.017) and extra-adrenal location (HR 1.79; 95% CI, 1.002-3.187; P = 0.049) of primary tumors were independent predictors of recurrence in sporadic PPGL.

Conclusion

Patients with sporadic PPGL require long-term follow-up, as supported by the 14.7% prevalence of recurrent disease, including recurrences at more than 10 years after first diagnosis. The nature of follow-up could be individualized according to tumor size, location, and biochemical phenotype.
The Security State and Securitizing Patriarchies in Postcolonial India
Authors: Grewal Inderpal , Kaur Dipin , Sabherwal Sasha
Published: October 2022

This article examines the shifting nature of patriarchy and gender among Sikhs in Indian Punjab through the 1980s and into the 1990s in relation to the Indian state's counterinsurgent policies and practices. The authors’ research reveals that Sikh masculinities were altered during its separatist insurgency as the patriarchal state and communities both relied on violence for their own ends. Specifically, the article argues that the regimes of precolonial and colonial militarism, which constructed hegemonic notions of Sikh masculinity in service to the colonial and postcolonial state, were altered in this period, and that a dominant caste-based warrior masculinity came to be fractured to include a more securitized version. The authors see the targeting of Sikhs as part of a broader process of postcolonial nation making through militarism and security that alters the nature of its patriarchy. The article draws from interviews and fieldwork in Punjab, textual analysis of primary sources, human rights reports, and news articles to reveal the shifting nature of gender and patriarchy in the transnational security state.
Navigating the “Middle East” in Washington
Authors: Razavi Negar
Published: October 2022

In recent years, a growing number of experts claiming personal and familial ties to the Middle East have joined elite foreign policy think tanks in Washington, DC, in an effort to shape US policy debates on this complex region. Based on more than two years of ethnographic research within DC, this study contends that such diasporic experts have come to play a specialized role for US empire. Specifically, they serve as “multiplicitous diplomats” who use their connections to the region to navigate and translate the interests of competing political elites in Washington by strategically circulating ideas, people, and funding to and from the Middle East. Such observations reveal the extent to which the US empire functions in practice as a transnationally contested site of power. Furthermore, this study demonstrates how the “Middle East” operates within and enacts influence over the United States, as these diasporic experts bring the voices, anxieties, and power of entities in the region and its many diasporas into elite US policy debates.
Omics profiling identifies the regulatory functions of the MAPK/ERK pathway in nephron progenitor metabolism
Authors: Kwon Hyuk Nam , Kurtzeborn Kristen , Iaroshenko Vladislav , Jin Xing , Loh Abigail , Escande-Beillard Nathalie , Reversade Bruno , Park Sunghyouk , Kuure Satu
Published: October 2022

Nephron endowment is defined by fetal kidney growth and crucially dictates renal health in adults. Defects in the molecular regulation of nephron progenitors contribute to only a fraction of reduced nephron mass cases, suggesting alternative causative mechanisms. The importance of MAPK/ERK activation in nephron progenitor maintenance has been previously demonstrated, and here, we characterized the metabolic consequences of MAPK/ERK deficiency. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry-based metabolomics profiling identified 42 reduced metabolites, of which 26 were supported by in vivo transcriptional changes in MAPK/ERK-deficient nephron progenitors. Among these, mitochondria, ribosome and amino acid metabolism, together with diminished pyruvate and proline metabolism, were the most affected pathways. In vitro cultures of mouse kidneys demonstrated a dosage-specific function for pyruvate in controlling the shape of the ureteric bud tip, a regulatory niche for nephron progenitors. In vivo disruption of proline metabolism caused premature nephron progenitor exhaustion through their accelerated differentiation in pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductases 1 (Pycr1) and 2 (Pycr2) double-knockout kidneys. Pycr1/Pycr2-deficient progenitors showed normal cell survival, indicating no changes in cellular stress. Our results suggest that MAPK/ERK-dependent metabolism functionally participates in nephron progenitor maintenance by monitoring pyruvate and proline biogenesis in developing kidneys.
Loss of Num1-mediated cortical dynein anchoring negatively impacts respiratory growth
Authors: White Antoineen J. , Harper Clare S. , Rosario Erica M. , Dietz Jonathan V. , Addis Hannah G. , Fox Jennifer L. , Khalimonchuk Oleh , Lackner Laura L.
Published: October 2022

Num1 is a multifunctional protein that both tethers mitochondria to the plasma membrane and anchors dynein to the cell cortex during nuclear inheritance. Previous work has examined the impact loss of Num1-based mitochondrial tethering has on dynein function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae; here, we elucidate its impact on mitochondrial function. We find that like mitochondria, Num1 is regulated by changes in metabolic state, with the protein levels and cortical distribution of Num1 differing between fermentative and respiratory growth conditions. In cells lacking Num1, we observe a reproducible respiratory growth defect, suggesting a role for Num1 in not only maintaining mitochondrial morphology, but also function. A structure–function approach revealed that, unexpectedly, Num1-mediated cortical dynein anchoring is important for normal growth under respiratory conditions. The severe respiratory growth defect in Δnum1 cells is not specifically due to the canonical functions of dynein in nuclear migration but is dependent on the presence of dynein, as deletion of DYN1 in Δnum1 cells partially rescues respiratory growth. We hypothesize that misregulated dynein present in cells that lack Num1 negatively impacts mitochondrial function resulting in defects in respiratory growth.
c-fos expression in the olfactory epithelium of the East African cichlid (Haplochromis chilotes) in response to odorant exposure
Authors: Kawamura Riki , Nikaido Masato
Published: October 2022

Fishes use olfaction to gain varied information vital for survival and communication. To understand biodiversity in fishes, it is important to identify what receptors individual fish use to detect specific chemical compounds. However, studies of fish olfactory receptors and their ligands are still limited to a few model organisms represented primarily by zebrafish. Here, we tested the c-fos expression of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) in an East African cichlid, the most diversified teleost lineage, by in situ hybridization with a c-fos riboprobe. We confirmed that microvillous neurons contributed the most to the detection of amino acids, as in other fishes. Conversely, we found that ciliated neurons contributed the most to the detection of conjugated steroids, known as pheromone candidates. We also found that V2Rs, the major receptor type in microvillous neurons, exhibited differential responsiveness to amino acids, and further suggest that the cichlid-specific duplication of V2R led to ligand differentiation by demonstrating a differential response to arginine. Finally, we established a non-lethal method to collect cichlid urine and showed how various OSNs, including V1R+ neurons, respond to male urine. This study provides an experimental basis for understanding how cichlids encode natural odours, which ultimately provides insight into how olfaction has contributed to the diversification of cichlids.
HITS-CLIP analysis of human ALKBH8 reveals interactions with fully processed substrate tRNAs and with specific noncoding RNAs
Authors: Cavallin Ivana , Bartosovic Marek , Skalicky Tomas , Rengaraj Praveenkumar , Demko Martin , Schmidt-Dengler Martina Christina , Drino Aleksej , Helm Mark , Vanacova Stepanka
Published: October 2022

Transfer RNAs acquire a large plethora of chemical modifications. Among those, modifications of the anticodon loop play important roles in translational fidelity and tRNA stability. Four human wobble U containing tRNAs obtain 5-methoxycarbonylmethyluridine (mcm5U34) or 5-methoxycarbonylmethyl-2-thiouridine (mcm5s2U34), which play a role in decoding. This mark involves a cascade of enzymatic activities. The last step is mediated by Alkylation Repair Homolog 8 (ALKBH8). In this study, we performed a transcriptome-wide analysis of the repertoire of ALKBH8 RNA targets. Using a combination of HITS-CLIP and RIP-seq analyses, we uncover ALKBH8-bound RNAs. We show that ALKBH8 targets fully processed and CCA modified tRNAs. Our analyses uncovered the previously known set of wobble-U containing tRNAs. In addition, our both approaches revealed ALKBH8 binding to several other types of non-coding RNAs, in particular C/D box snoRNAs.