bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Racial disparities in opioid prescription and pain management among breast cancer survivors
Authors: Kim Sunny Jung , Retnam Reuben P. , Sutton Arnethea L. , Edmonds Megan C. , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar , Sheppard Vanessa B.
Published: March 2023

Background

We examined whether there are racial disparities in pain management, opioid medicine prescriptions, symptom severity, and quality of life constructs in breast cancer survivors.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of longitudinal data from the Women's Hormonal Therapy Initiation and Persistence (WHIP) study (n = 595), a longitudinal study of hormonal receptor‐positive breast cancer survivors. Upon study enrollment, patients completed a survey assessing an array of psychological, behavioral, and treatment outcomes, including adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET)‐induced symptoms, and provided a saliva biospecimen. Opioid prescription records were extracted from the health maintenance organizations (HMOs) pharmacy database. The final analytic sample included women with complete HMO pharmacy records for 1 year.

Results

There were 251 eligible patients, of which 169 (67.3%) were White. The average age was 61.09 years old (SD = 11.07). One hundred seventy‐two patients (68.5%) had received at least one opioid medication and 37.1% were prescribed opioids longer than 90 days (n = 93). Sixty‐four Black patients (78%) had a record of being prescribed with opioids compared to 64% of White patients (n = 108, p = 0.03). Black patients reported worse vasomotor, neuropsychological, and gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as lower quality of life and greater healthcare discrimination than White patients (p's < 0.05). Black patients were more likely to be prescribed opioids for 90 days or longer compared to White patients, when controlling for age, marital status, income, body mass index (BMI), cancer stage, and chemotherapy status (adjusted Odds Ratio = 2.72, p = 0.014).

Conclusion

Findings indicate that there are racial differences in opioid prescriptions supplied for pain management and symptomatic outcomes. Future research is needed to understand the causes of disparities in cancer pain management and symptomatic outcomes.
Integrated gene profiling of fine‐needle aspiration sample improves lymph node metastasis risk stratification for thyroid cancer
Authors: Zhang Weituo , Yun Xinwei , Xu Tianyu , Wang Xiaoqing , Li Qiang , Zhang Tiantian , Xie Li , Wang Suna , Li Dapeng , Wei Xi , Yu Yang , Qian Biyun
Published: March 2023

Background

Lymph node metastasis risk stratification is crucial for the surgical decision‐making of thyroid cancer. This study investigated whether the integrated gene profiling (combining expression, SNV, fusion) of Fine‐Needle Aspiration (FNA) samples can improve the prediction of lymph node metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid cancer.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, patients with papillary thyroid cancer who went through thyroidectomy and central lymph node dissection were included. Multi‐omics data of FNA samples were assessed by an integrated array. To predict lymph node metastasis, we built models using gene expressions or mutations (SNV and fusion) only and an Integrated Risk Stratification (IRS) model combining genetic and clinical information. Blinded histopathology served as the reference standard. ROC curve and decision curve analysis was applied to evaluate the predictive models.

Results

One hundred and thirty two patients with pathologically confirmed papillary thyroid cancer were included between 2016–2017. The IRS model demonstrated greater performance [AUC = 0.87 (0.80–0.94)] than either expression classifier [AUC = 0.67 (0.61–0.74)], mutation classifier [AUC = 0.61 (0.55–0.67)] or TIRADS score [AUC = 0.68 (0.62–0.74)] with statistical significance (p < 0.001), and the IRS model had similar predictive performance in large nodule [>1 cm, AUC = 0.88 (0.79–0.97)] and small nodule [≤1 cm, AUC = 0.84 (0.74–0.93)] subgroups. The genetic risk factor showed independent predictive value (OR = 10.3, 95% CI:1.1–105.3) of lymph node metastasis in addition to the preoperative clinical information, including TIRADS grade, age, and nodule size.

Conclusion

The integrated gene profiling of FNA samples and the IRS model developed by the machine‐learning method significantly improve the risk stratification of thyroid cancer, thus helping make wise decisions and reducing unnecessary extensive surgeries.
SMARCA4 and SMARCE1 in gastric cancer: Correlation with ARID1A, and microsatellite stability, and SMARCE1/ERBB2 co‐amplification
Authors: Pries Katharina , Krüger Sandra , Heckl Steffen , Behrens Hans‐Michael , Röcken Christoph
Published: March 2023

Background

Recent studies have shown an association between certain subunits of the SWI/SNF complex with specific tumor characteristics in gastric cancer (GC). In an earlier study, we applied multiregional whole exome sequencing on multiple primary tumor samples and found alterations of the SWI/SNF complex in 78% of the cases. ERBB2, which encodes for Her2/neu, is a well‐known predictive biomarker used to guide the treatment of GC in the palliative setting. SMARCE1, which encodes for a subunit of the SWI/SNF complex, is localized in close genetic proximity to ERBB2.

Aim

As little is known about the significance of the SWI/SNF complex in GC biology and the potential relationship between ERBB2 and SMARCE1 upregulation, we examined the expression patterns of SMARCA4 and SMARCE1, two mutually exclusive catalytic ATPase subunits of the SWI/SNF complex, in a well characterized GC cohort.

Materials and Methods

The expression of SMARCA4 and SMARCE1 was studied by immunohistochemistry in connection with clinicopathological patient characteristics in a cohort of 468 GCs. Digital droplet polymerase chain reaction was performed for amplification analysis on ERBB2 and SMARCE1.

Results

Immunohistochemical staining of whole‐mount tissue sections found a diffusely “gray scale” expression of SMARCA4 in 446 (95.2%) GCs and of SMARCE1 in 463 (98.8%) GCs. The expression of SMARCA4 and SMARCE1 correlated significantly with ARID1A, p53, and microsatellite status. No correlation was found with the patient prognosis. The amplification analysis of SMARCE1 showed amplification in 4 of 34 cases. In 3 of 34 cases, SMARCE1 was co‐amplified with ERBB2. We also found a co‐expression of SMARCE1 and Her2/neu in a subset of patients.

Conclusion

While the effect of a co‐amplification is currently unknown, synergistic effects of SMARCE1 and Her2/neu overexpression should be explored in future studies, holding potential for an improved treatment of GC.
Molecular genetic characteristics of thymic epithelial tumors with distinct histological subtypes
Authors: Yang Jun , Zhang Biao , Guan Wenyan , Fan Zhiwen , Pu Xiaohong , Zhao Linyue , Jiang Wen , Cai Weijing , Quan Xueping , Miao Shuying , Nie Ling , He Lu
Published: March 2023

Background

Due to the low incidence and histological heterogeneity, the molecular features and underlying carcinogenic mechanisms of thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are yet to be fully elucidated, especially for different subtypes of TETs.

Methods

Tumor tissue samples of 43 TETs with distinct histological subtypes were collected. We analyzed the molecular characteristics in different subtypes based on whole exome sequencing data.

Results

The mutational profiles of the different subtypes of TETs varied. Compared with thymomas, thymic carcinomas (TCs) had a higher mutation frequency of MYO16 (33% vs. 3%, p = 0.024) and a lower frequency of ZNF729 mutations (0% vs. 35%, p = 0.044). No significant difference was observed in the median tumor mutation burden across different subtypes. The value of copy number variation burden, weighted genome instability index, and the number of amplified segments were all higher in TCs than thymomas, and they also tended to be higher in B3 thymoma than in non‐B3 thymomas, while they had no significant differences between B3 thymoma and TCs. Clustering analyses revealed that Wnt, MAPK, Hedgehog, AMPK, and cell junction assembly signaling pathways were exclusively enriched in non‐B3 thymomas, lysine degradation pathway in B3 thymoma, and extracellular matrix‐receptor (ECM‐receptor) interaction, positive regulation of cell cycle process, and activation of innate immune response pathways in TCs.

Conclusions

This study revealed distinct molecular landscapes of different subtypes of TETs, suggesting diverse pathogenesis of non‐B3 thymomas, B3 thymomas, and TCs. Our findings warrant further validation in future large‐scale studies and may provide a theoretical basis for potential personalized therapeutic strategies.
Immunophenotypic profiles and prognosis for colorectal mucinous adenocarcinomas are dependent on anatomic location
Authors: Patel Chirag , Behring Michael , Al Diffalha Sameer , Dhall Deepti , Lee Goo , Shanmugam Chandrakumar , Grizzle William E. , Manne Upender
Published: March 2023

Background

The prognostic value of mucinous adenocarcinomas (MCAs, exhibiting >50% extracellular mucin) of the colorectum, in relation to their anatomic location is not well studied.

Materials and Methods

We compared MCAs (n = 175) with non‐MCAs (NMCAs, n = 1015) and the cancer‐specific survival rates were evaluated, based on their anatomic site, by univariate Kaplan–Meier and multivariate Cox methods. Subsets of these tumors were immunostained for MUC1, MUC2, Bcl‐2, and p53.

Results

MCAs were more commonly found in the right colon, were of high‐grade, and were more prevalent in younger patients (<40 years). They exhibited strong expression of MUC2 and Bcl‐2 and showed less p53 nuclear staining. In contrast, most NMCAs were low‐grade with high expression of MUC1. MCAs of the rectum were associated with poorer outcomes relative to NMCAs (HR 1.85, CI 95% 1.15–2.97), even though the distributions of advanced‐stage tumors were similar.

Conclusion

Late‐stage disease and age were poor independent prognostic indicators of cancer‐specific deaths across all tumor locations. In summary, rectal MCAs have a poor prognosis.
Recent Advances in Metal Complexes for Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Rees Thomas W. , Ho Po‐Yu , Hess Jeannine
Published: March 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global problem with more than 1 million deaths due to AMR infection in 2019 alone. New and innovative therapeutics are required to overcome this challenge. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a rapidly growing area of research poised to provide much needed help in the fight against AMR. aPDT works by administering a photosensitizer (PS) that is activated only when irradiated with light, allowing high spatiotemporal control and selectivity. The PS typically generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage a variety of key biological targets, potentially circumventing existing resistance mechanisms. Metal complexes are well known to display excellent optoelectronic properties, and recent focus has begun to shift towards their application in tackling microbial infections. Herein, we review the last five years of progress in the emerging field of small‐molecule metal complex PSs for aPDT.
Constraining and Modifying Peptides Using Pd‐Mediated Cysteine Allylation
Authors: Kriegesmann Julia , Schlatzer Thomas , Che Kateryna , Altdorf Claudia , Huhmann Susanne , Kählig Hanspeter , Kurzbach Dennis , Breinbauer Rolf , Becker Christian F. W.
Published: March 2023

Over the past decades, several strategies for inducing and stabilizing secondary structure formation in peptides have been developed to increase their proteolytic stability and their binding affinity to specific interaction partners. Here, we report how our recently introduced chemoselective Pd‐catalyzed cysteine allylation reaction can be extended to stapling and how the resulting alkene‐containing staples themselves can be further modified to introduce additional probes into such stabilized peptides. The latter is demonstrated by introducing a fluorophore as well as a PEG moiety into different stapled peptides using bioorthogonal thiol‐ene and Diels‐Alder reactions. Furthermore, we investigated structural implications of our allyl staples when used to replace conformationally relevant disulfide bridges. To this end, we chose a selective binder of integrin α3β1 (LXY3), which is only active in its cyclic disulfide form. We replaced the disulfide bridge by different stapling reagents in order to increase stability and binding affinity towards integrin α3β1.
Cost‐benefit analyses of developmental crime prevention programmes
Authors: Koegl Christopher J. , Farrington David P. , Welsh Brandon C.
Published: March 2023

Background

Children and youth who are at risk of becoming early‐onset life‐course‐persistent offenders often slip through the cracks of other systems in society (e.g., health, education, child welfare, substance use and mental health). When they do, they impose an enormous economic burden on society. Developmental crime prevention (DCP) programmes seek to reduce these costs through evidence‐based interventions that target individual child and family risk and protective factors for antisocial behaviour.

Aim

This study reviewed cost‐benefit analysis studies of DCP interventions to identify whether they produced monetary benefits that exceeded programme costs.

Method

We searched the literature for studies of interventions that were evaluated using high‐quality research methods (i.e., experimental or quasi‐experimental designs). Key characteristics of these evaluations are summarised and benefit‐to‐cost ratios (BCRs) are reported.

Results

Eleven cost‐benefit analysis (CBA) evaluations met study criteria. The programmes varied in terms of who they targeted (e.g., pregnant mothers, at‐risk youth), the age of participants (e.g., adults, children, older youth), the intervention duration (e.g., 10 weeks to 4 years), and the follow‐up interval (e.g., 6 months to 50 years). Ten of the 11 studies produced favourable BCRs, ranging between 1.35 and 31.77, depending on the type and scope of outcomes that were monetised.

Conclusion

There is strong evidence in support of DCP from a cost‐benefit perspective. However, given the small number of studies for analysis, more prospective longitudinal CBA evaluations are needed, in addition to greater consistency in the scope and methods that are used to monetise outcomes.
A novel eco‐friendly methods for simultaneous determination of aspirin, clopidogrel, and atorvastatin or rosuvastatin in their fixed‐dose combination using chemometric techniques and artificial neural networks
Authors: AlSawy Norhan S. , ElKady Ehab F. , Mostafa Eman A.
Published: March 2023

In this study, the simultaneous determination of aspirin, clopidogrel, and either atorvastatin or rosuvastatin in their fixed‐dose combination (FDC) formulations has been reported. As a straightforward substitute for employing distinct models for each component, UV spectrophotometry was applied with chemometric approaches and artificial neural networks to achieve this. Three chemometric techniques, including principal component regression (PCR), partial least‐squares (PLS), and classical least‐squares (CLS), were applied in addition to the radial basis function‐artificial neural network (RBF‐ANN). The validation of a set of laboratory‐prepared combinations of aspirin, clopidogrel, and atorvastatin in one ternary mixture and aspirin, clopidogrel, and rosuvastatin in a second ternary mixture was assessed, and the results from the use of these approaches were recorded and compared. The absorbance data matrix matching the concentration data matrix in CLS, PCR, and PLS was created using measurements of absorbances in the range of 250–280 nm at intervals of 0.2 nm in their zero‐order spectra. Then, in order to forecast the unknown concentrations, calibration or regression was created utilizing the concentration and absorbance data matrices. Using RBF‐ANN for the simultaneous determination of aspirin, clopidogrel, and atorvastatin or rosuvastatin in their formulations was achieved by providing the input layer with 151 neurons; there are 2 hidden layers and 3 output neurons were obtained. The green profile of the developed methods has been assessed and compared with previously reported spectrophotometric methods. The suggested techniques were effectively applied to FDC dosage forms that contained the cited medications.
Diverse Roles of ScSERF in Modifying the Fibril Growth of Amyloidogenic Proteins
Authors: Wang Chaozhe , Liu Yicong , Yu Bin , Peng Yun , Zhang Xu , Jiang Guosheng , He Lichun , Liu Maili
Published: March 2023

The aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins is often related to the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases, including fused in sarcoma protein (FUS) in frontotemporal lobar degeneration and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis diseases. Recently, the SERF protein family has been reported to have a significant regulatory effect on amyloid formation, but it is still unclear about the detailed mechanisms of SERF acting on different amyloidogenic proteins. Herein, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to explore interactions of ScSERF with three amyloidogenic proteins FUS‐LC, FUS‐Core, and α‐Synuclein. NMR chemical shift perturbations reveal them sharing similar interaction sites on the N‐terminal region of ScSERF. However, the amyloid formation of α‐Synuclein protein is accelerated by ScSERF, while ScSERF inhibits fibrosis of FUS‐Core and FUS‐LC proteins. Both the primary nucleation and the total amount of fibrils produced are detained. Our results suggest a diverse role of ScSERF in regulating the fibril growth of amyloidogenic proteins.
Spin in Organic Cocrystals
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Wang Xin , Li Yang , Sun Yanqiu , Zhang Qichun
Published: March 2023

Organic spintronics has caused a huge revolution in creating highly efficient low‐power circuits. Spin manipulation in organic cocrystals has become a promising strategy to uncover more chemicophysical properties for diverse applications. In this Minireview, we summarize the recent advancements of spin properties in organic charge‐transfer cocrystals, and briefly describe the possible mechanisms behind them. Beside the known spin properties (spin multiplicity, mechanoresponsive spin, chiral orbit and spin‐crossover) in binary/ternary cocrystals, other spin phenomena in radical cocrystals and spin transport are also summarized and discussed. Hopefully, deep understanding of current achievements, challenges and perspectives will offer the clear direction for the introduction of spin in organic cocrystals.
Structural Complexity in the Apparently Simple Crystal Structure of Be2Ru
Authors: Agnarelli Laura , Prots Yurii , Ormeci Alim , Ramlau Reiner , Krnel Mitja , Svanidze Eteri , König Markus , Schmidt Marcus , Burkhardt Ulrich , Leithe‐Jasper Andreas , Grin Yuri
Published: March 2023

The structural features of the hexagonal layered crystal structure of Be2Ru (a=5.7508(3) Å,c=3.0044(2) Å, space groupP2m) were investigated by single crystal X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The residual electron density and high‐resolution TEM images show that the real structure can be described as an intergrowth of the main hexagonal matrix of the Fe2P type with minor orthorhombic inclusions of its stacking variants. Such atomic arrangement is stabilized by the charge transfer from Be to Ru and by a system of polar three‐ and four‐atomic bonds involving both components. The calculated electronic density of states (DOS) of Be2Ru revealed, contrarily to typical intermetallic compounds, a pseudo gap (dip) in the vicinity of the Fermi level. The temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity of Be2Ru shows metal behaviour in agreement with the non‐zero DOS at the Fermi level.
Electrolytes for Zn Batteries: Deep Eutectic Solvents in Polymer Gels
Authors: Gregorio Victor , Jankowski Piotr , Garcia Nuria , Garcia Lastra Juan Maria , Tiemblo Pilar , Chang Jin Hyun
Published: March 2023

Gel polymer electrolytes composed of deep eutectic solvent acetamide4:Zn(TFSI)2 and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) are prepared by using a fast, solvent‐free procedure. The effect of the PEO molecular weight and its concentration on the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of the electrolytes are studied. Gels prepared with ultrahigh molecular‐weight PEO present pseudo‐solid behavior and ionic conductivity even higher than that of the original liquid electrolyte. A decrease in the dendritic growth in soft gels with PEO contents up to 1 wt % is demonstrated. The changes in the chemical structure of the electrolyte produced by the strong interactions between ethylene oxide units and Zn2+ have also been studied. The addition of PEO takes the electrolyte out of its original eutectic composition, producing blend crystallization. However, it is possible to retain the eutectic point of the electrolyte in a gel form if the addition of PEO is accompanied by the reduction of acetamide.
An efficient mesh router nodes placement in wireless mesh networks based on moth‐flame optimization algorithm
Authors: Nouri Nabil abdelkader , Aliouat Zibouda , Naouri Abdenacer , Hassak Soufiene ali
Published: March 2023

One of the most challenging tasks is deploying a wireless mesh network backbone to achieve optimum client coverage. Previous research proposed a bi‐objective function and used a hierarchical or aggregate weighted sum method to find the best mesh router placement. In this work, to avoid the fragmented network scenarios generated by previous formulations, we suggest and evaluate a new objective function to maximize client coverage while simultaneously optimizing and maximizing network connectivity for optimal efficiency without requiring knowledge of the aggregation coefficient. In addition, we compare the performance of several recent meta‐heuristic algorithms: Moth‐Flame Optimization (MFO), Marine Predators Algorithm (MPA), Multi‐Verse Optimizer (MVO), Improved Grey Wolf Optimizer (IGWO), Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA), Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO), Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA), Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Sine Cosine Algorithm (SCA), and Slime Mould Algorithm (SMA). We empirically examined the performance of the proposed function using different settings. The results show that our proposed function provides higher client coverage and optimal network connectivity with less computation power. Also, compared to other optimization algorithms, the MFO algorithm gives higher coverage to clients while maintaining a fully connected network.
Life cycle cost‐based optimization framework for seismic design and target safety quantification of dual steel buildings with buckling‐restrained braces
Authors: Ahmadie Amiri Hossein , Estekanchi Homayoon E.
Published: March 2023

This study proposes an efficient risk‐targeted framework for integrated optimal seismic design and quantifying target safety of Special Moment‐Resisting Frames (SMRFs) with Buckling‐Restrained Braces (BRBs) in the typical dual steel buildings. This framework provides an automated design procedure formulated as a constrained single‐objective optimization problem to achieve the minimum Life Cycle Cost (LCC) within the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm and can be the basis of current seismic codes for target safety calibration. LCC includes initial construction cost and lifetime seismic losses such as repair cost, repair time, and casualties. FEMA P‐58 methodology is employed for the LCC analysis of the building under possible earthquakes during its lifetime, which is able to take into account potential uncertainties in the hazard‐response‐damage‐loss relationship. An appropriate cost model is developed to estimate the initial and repair cost of the studied BRBs. Minimum requirements of ASCE and AISC codes are considered as design constraints. Nonlinear response history analysis through the Endurance Time (ET) method is utilized to estimate the structural responses versus seismic intensity. Three 4‐, 8‐, and 12‐story steel buildings with dual seismic force‐resisting system consisting of SMRF and BRB (called steel SMRF‐BRB) are selected as the case study. Each building is optimally designed with two approaches: (1) LCC‐based design within the proposed framework and (2) code‐based design to minimize initial construction cost. Comparison of optimized buildings with the two design approaches in terms of structural responses and seismic consequences demonstrates that fulfilling the minimum code requirements at a given seismic hazard level is not sufficient to minimize lifetime seismic losses of steel SMRF‐BRBs. This is because the optimal designs obtained from the code‐based approach are associated with damage concentration, irreparability, and high collapse probability, especially in seismic events more severe than the design level. The proposed LCC‐based approach provides useful information for improving the lifetime seismic performance of steel SMRF‐BRBs.
Quality of service‐aware adaptive radio resource management based on deep federated Q‐learning for multi‐access edge computing in beyond 5G cloud‐radio access network
Authors: Kumar Naveen , Ahmad Anwar
Published: March 2023

Due to the exponential increase of mobile data services, both industry and academia have turned their focus for improving the quality of service (QoS) provisioning for the beyond 5G (B5G) networks. In this paper, an adaptive QoS‐aware resource allocation scheme is developed for multi‐tenant and multi‐service cloud‐radio access networks (C‐RAN) mobile edge computing scenario with the aim of maximizing network performance over time. First, a multi‐user C‐RAN resource allocation architecture for task computation and result collection is developed, where edge nodes can take on user equipments' (UEs) computation‐intensive activities. Then deep reinforced learning (DRL) based multi‐user resource allocation scheme, that is, deep federated Q‐learning (DFQL) is developed for determining the best resource allocation policy. To maximize the validation accuracy of the global model in the FL while satisfying resource restrictions, this technique learns resource allocation immediately in contrast to the present allocation mechanisms. A realistic dataset is built for assessing the proposed method using 5G experimental prototype based on open air interface (OAI). At last, the effectiveness of the proposed scheme is demonstrated, where the performance of the scheme is compared with the existing resource allocation techniques.
Diffusive orthogonal load balancing for Euler–Lagrange simulations
Authors: Stock Antoine , Lartigue Ghislain , Moureau Vincent
Published: March 2023

In the context of unsteady 3D simulations of particle‐laden flows, a new double‐constraint load balancing strategy for Euler–Lagrange models is proposed. The method relies on an existing Eulerian partitioning and implements a Lagrangian load balancing step, which is orthogonal to the pre‐existing Eulerian balancing. This orthogonality property ensures to keep a near‐to‐ideal Eulerian load balance while strongly improving the distribution of the Lagrangian particles on the processors. The method has been designed to handle large unstructured 3D meshes on complex geometries. Lagrangian performance measurements performed on massively parallel simulations of realistic spray cases show a CPU cost reduction up to 70% compared to the unbalanced case.
Studying the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among a sample of medical students in Damascus, Syria. A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Torbey André , Kadri Saeed A. , Asaad Saja Al , Zahrawi Hanaa , Alhouri Ahmad , Harba Ghaiyath , Torbey Carla , Orfali Tasnim Al , Ahmad Abdalla Mohamad Zaid , Chaar Modar Al , Dammad Seaba Al , Al Dammad Ola Haitham , Zawda Aous , Kudsi Mayssoun
Published: March 2023

Background

A considerable number of medical students experience musculoskeletal pain (MSP) during their academic years. In this study, we seek to determine the prevalence of MSP, as well as its associated risk factors, among a sample of medical students at two major universities in Damascus, Syria.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in two universities, with a total of 2009 medical students participating in filling‐in the paper‐based questionnaire. A modified version of the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire was utilized in this study.

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 2009 medical students. The majority were between the ages of 21 and 25 years old, female (53%), and in their clinical years (55%). 1081 (54%) of all students had at least one MSP site in the previous week, while 1654 (82%) had at least one MSP site in the last year. MSP in the previous week was strongly linked with a history of trauma (odds ratio [OR] 2.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.79–2.86,p = 0.001), as well as a family history of MSP (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.12–1.76,p = 0.0029). MSP in the previous year was significantly associated with gender (OR 0.637, 95% CI 0.50–0.80,p = 0.0001), history of trauma (OR 4.59, 95% CI 2.93–7.17,p ≤ 0.001), and family history of MSP (OR 4.59, 95% CI 1.36–2.68,p = 0.0002). On multivariate analysis, factors associated with MSP in the previous week and last year were familial history of MSP (p = 0.0457) (p = 0.0024), respectively, and a history of trauma (p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

MSP had a high prevalence among Syrian medical students, especially female students, those with history of trauma, and those with a family history of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). This major health problem should be known to medical institutions, and awareness programs are required.
Correlation of apolipoprotein A‐I with T cell subsets and interferon‐ү in coronary artery disease
Authors: Xiong Xinlin , Duan Zonggang , Zhou Haiyan , Huang Guangwei , Niu Li , Luo Zhenhua , Li Wei
Published: March 2023

Background

The association of Apolipoprotein A‐I (APOAI) with T cell subsets and interferon‐ү (IFN‐γ) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) has been not reported. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association of APOAI with T cell subsets and IFN‐γ in CAD.

Methods

This study included a total of 107 patients with CAD including acute coronary syndrome and chronic coronary syndrome. T cell subsets, and CD3‐CD56+ natural killer cells were quantified by flow cytometric analysis. The serum concentrations of IFN‐ү were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Lipid profiles, C‐reactive protein (CRP), and fibrinogen were measured in the clinical laboratory. Clinical data was obtained duration hospitalization.

Results

The CD4+ T cells were higher in patients of the low‐APOAI group (<median: 1.2 mmol/L) than in patients of the high‐APOAI group(≥median: 1.2 mmol/L) (p < .05). The CD8+ T cells were lower in patients of the low APOAI group than in patients of the high‐APOAI group (p < .05). APOAI was inversely associated with CD4+ T cells, IFN‐γ, and was positively associated with CD8+ T cells (p < .05). No correlation was observed between CD3 + CD56+ cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and CD3‐CD56+ natural killer cells and APOAI (p > .05). The high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) was also inversely associated with CD4+ T cells (p < .05), and positively associated with CD8+ T cells (p < .05). Lastly, APOA1 and HDL‐C did not correlated with fibrinogen and CRP (p > .05).

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated the correlation of APOAI with T cell subsets and IFN‐γ in CAD. These results provided novel information for the regulatory action between APOAI and T cell subsets and inflammatory immunity in CAD.
Serum LL‐37 and inflammatory cytokines levels in psoriasis
Authors: Lao Juanfeng , Xie Zhi , Qin Qunshi , Qin Ru , Li Shangyang , Yuan Yulin
Published: March 2023

Background

Psoriasis (PsO) is a T‐cell‐associated inflammatory autoimmune dermatitis. Leucine leucine‐37 (LL‐37) is upregulated in PsO patients and correlated with the area and severity of PsO. However, the exact relation between LL‐37 and T cell‐associated inflammation is not well understood. It is very important to clarify the relationship between LL‐37 and inflammatory response for clinical diagnosis and treatment of PsO. This study investigated the serum levels of LL‐37 and inflammatory cytokines, as well as correlations between them in PsO patients, which aimed to provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of PsO.

Methods

PsO patients (n = 50) and healthy volunteers (n = 33) were recruited in this study. Skin specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The serum levels of LL‐37, T‐helper type 1 (Th1, IFN‐γ), T‐helper type 17 (Th17, IL‐17), T‐helper type 22 (Th22, IL‐22), and T‐helper type 2 cytokines (Th2, IL‐4) were assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Some of the patients were re‐recruited after treatment to evaluate LL‐37 and cytokines levels.

Results

Pathological changes were observed in PsO skin lesions. LL‐37, IFN‐γ, IL‐17, and IL‐22 serum levels were much higher in PsO patients than those in healthy volunteers (p < .001), and posttreatment reduction was observed in five patients. However, no remarkable difference in IL‐4 level (p > .05) was found. LL‐37 level was positively correlated with IFN‐γ, IL‐17, and IL‐22 levels (p < .001) in PsO patients.

Conclusion

LL‐37 expression was significantly associated with inflammatory response, which may provide us new ideas for diagnosing and monitoring disease activity of PsO.
A rare FGF5 candidate variant (rs112475347) for predisposition to nonsquamous, nonsmall‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Cannon‐Albright Lisa A. , Teerlink Craig C. , Stevens Jeff , Facelli Julio C. , Carr Shamus R. , Allen‐Brady Kristina , Puri Sonam , Bailey‐Wilson Joan E. , Musolf Anthony M. ,   Genetic Epidemiology of Lung Cancer Consortium, Akerley Wallace
Published: March 2023

A unique approach with rare resources was used to identify candidate variants predisposing to familial nonsquamous nonsmall‐cell lung cancers (NSNSCLC). We analyzed sequence data from NSNSCLC‐affected cousin pairs belonging to high‐risk lung cancer pedigrees identified in a genealogy of Utah linked to statewide cancer records to identify rare, shared candidate predisposition variants. Variants were tested for association with lung cancer risk in UK Biobank. Evidence for linkage with lung cancer was also reviewed in families from the Genetic Epidemiology of Lung Cancer Consortium. Protein prediction modeling compared the mutation with reference. We sequenced NSNSCLC‐affected cousin pairs from eight high‐risk lung cancer pedigrees and identified 66 rare candidate variants shared in the cousin pairs. One variant in the FGF5 gene also showed significant association with lung cancer in UKBiobank. This variant was observed in 3/163 additional sampled Utah lung cancer cases, 2 of whom were related in another independent pedigree. Modeling of the predicted protein predicted a second binding site for SO4 that may indicate binding differences. This unique study identified multiple candidate predisposition variants for NSNSCLC, including a rare variant in FGF5 that was significantly associated with lung cancer risk and that segregated with lung cancer in the two pedigrees in which it was observed. FGF5 is an oncogenic factor in several human cancers, and the mutation found here (W81C) changes the binding ability of heparan sulfate to FGF5, which might lead to its deregulation. These results support FGF5 as a potential NSNSCLC predisposition gene and present additional candidate predisposition variants.
Coverage performance of nonlinear energy harvesting based wireless sensor networks for the healthcare in hospitals
Authors: Li Jianing , Zhang Qiankun , Zhai Chao
Published: March 2023

Wireless sensors are important nowadays to collect real‐time data in hospital wards. Small sensors can be deployed either on/in patients' bodies or at fixed locations in wards. We propose an autonomous wireless system, where sensors can harvest energy from radio frequency signals, monitor and transmit data using the harvested energy. By properly modeling energy statuses and stochastic distributions of sensors, we analyze the coverage performance using Campbell's theorem, probability generating functional (PGFL), and Gil‐Pelaez inversion theorem. The nonlinear energy harvesting model and the general Nakagami‐m fading channels are considered in the analysis. Numerical results show that the coverage performance degrades when sensors are distributed more densely, the energy and data links are prolonged, or the transmission rate gets larger, while it improves when higher power is used for the energy transfer, or the energy and data links undergo lighter fading. Our proposed scheme can well facilitate the long‐time monitoring tasks in hospital wards, which can greatly alleviate the burdens of medical staff.
Intersession experiences and internalized representations of psychotherapy: A scoping review
Authors: Gablonski Thorsten‐Christian , Herrmann Pauline Leonie , Lüdemann Jonas , Andreas Sylke
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Between‐session processes outside the therapy room and beyond the direct interaction between a therapist and client can play an important role in the psychotherapeutic process and outcome. These processes are called intersession experiences and can be seen as internalized mental representations of therapy and/or therapists. Due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, different digital forms of treatment have successfully been implemented and could be relevant even after the end of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Therefore, patients' internalized mental representations may become highly relevant in the future.

Rationale

The aim of this study was to conceptually delineate the current state of research on internalized mental representations of therapy or therapists in the period between sessions and to provide an overview of the evidence. In addition, we aimed to identify research gaps to provide a baseline for further research.

Methods

For this purpose, we conducted a scoping review to obtain a comprehensive overview of the evidence and to identify the relevant research gaps. We searched PsycArticles, Medline, PsycINFO, and PSYNDEX for publications on internalized mental representations.

Results

The final sample comprised 30 publications published from 1989 to 2021. Based on the individual study results, it can be assumed that intersession experiences are of central importance for psychotherapeutic treatment. However, the scoping review showed that there was a large gap in knowledge in the research of intersession experiences. All previous research was barely comparable, and therefore, a generalized statement is not possible.

Conclusion

Future research should provide sufficient information about relevant aspects, such as the setting, therapists, and patients, as these factors are likely to have a significant impact on the outcome. Furthermore, better measurements for the assessment of these processes should be developed.
Therapist training in treating sleep problems: A survey study of clinical practice
Authors: Gumport Nicole B. , Gasperetti Caitlin E. , Zieve Garret G. , Harvey Allison G.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Mental health care clinicians' training in treating sleep problems was investigated. We examined clinicians' (1) prior training in providing treatment for sleep problems, (2) interest in receiving training in treatment for sleep problems, and (3) perceptions of the importance of treating sleep problems and interest in incorporating sleep treatments into their practices.

Methods

An online survey was completed by 137 clinicians.

Results

The majority of clinicians (61.31%) reported receiving prior training in treating sleep problems, most commonly in the form of a workshop and after receiving a graduate degree. Most clinicians reported interest in receiving further training in treating sleep problems. Clinicians reported that the majority (66.67%) of their clients experience sleep problems, yet reported that they address sleep with fewer than half of clients. Addressing sleep in treatment was rated as “somewhat” to “very” important and most clinicians indicated further interest in receiving training in treating sleep.

Conclusions

Mental health care clinicians receive limited training in treating sleep problems. As clinicians are interested in gaining further training to address sleep concerns within their clinical practice, training programs and continuing education programs should consider increasing the amount of programming in sleep treatment and assessment.
Microbial fuel cell review: thermodynamic and infuencing factors, exoelectrogenic bacteria, anode and cathode configuration
Authors: Abdulwahhab Maha A , Najim Sarmad T , Abdulwahhab Maha Allawi
Published: March 2023

Over the past 20 years the scientific community has become interested in microbial fuel cell microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology, because it offers the potential for the direct conversion of organic waste into power generation through microbially catalysed anodic and microbial–enzymatic–abiotic cathodic electrochemical reactions. Several facts about the technology are taken into account in this evaluation. A brief history of abiotic to biological fuel cells is presented, as well as a presentation of microbial fuel cells and a description of the concept of a microbial fuel cell in a broader range of derivative technologies known as bio‐electrochemical systems with biofilm formation, aerobic and anaerobic digestion of organic materials contained in the substrates and how electrons transfer from the surface of the biofilm to the outer circle. Microbial electrolysis cells, and electro‐synthesis cells are briefly discussed. MFC can be improved through the understanding of previous studies by defining the method of work and the theoretical foundations on which they are built. Moreover, the wide range of criteria that is likely to restrict their performance can be determined by providing a brief explanation of components that make them up. Thermodynamic and biotic factors and the mechanism of operation of these bio‐electrochemical systems need to be considered. A review of the various components that make up the MFC will be proposed, allowing for the illumination of the several scientific locks that continue to limit the technology's effectiveness. This review will provide a discussion of the mechanism of MFCs and provide details about the action of electrically active bacteria in the anode chamber through the generation of electroactive biofilms and the conversion of part of the energy available in the substrates, and this is one of renewable energy which is highlighted by researchers. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
A systematic comparison reveals dynamic differences in early adaptive immune responses of acute‐resolving versus chronic HBV replication
Authors: Wang Qin , Liu Yanan , Luo Jinzhuo , Yang Shangqing , Wang Lu , Lu Yinping , Feng Xuemei , Yang Xuecheng , Sutter Kathrin , Dittmer Ulf , Lu Mengji , Zheng Xin , Yang Dongliang , Liu Jia
Published: March 2023

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been characterized by lack of effective adaptive immune responses which are vital for the viral clearance. However, very little is known about the dynamics of adaptive immune responses during the early phase of chronic HBV infection especially in spleen and liver. Here, we used the hydrodynamic injection (HDI) mouse model to kinetically characterize differences in the features of adaptive immunity, including the frequencies, phenotypes and function of antigen‐presenting cells and T cells in the spleen, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and liver, of chronic versus acute‐resolving HBV replication (AR). We found that mice with AR mice and mice with chronic HBV replication (CH) mice showed early splenomegaly accompanied by T cell expansion in spleen but not in liver after HDI. Interestingly, the early and continuous increase in HBV‐specific CD8+ T cells in spleen of CH mice was comparable to that in the AR mice. However, the splenic T cells of CH mice showed no activation phenotype compared with those in AR mice. Besides, increases in activated effector CD8+ T cells in PBMCs and liver at later time points were only observed in AR mice but not CH mice. CH mice also showed insufficient expansion of dendritic cells (DCs) in spleen and increased programmed death‐1 expression in DCs of the liver compared to AR mice. The adoptive transfer of total splenocytes or splenic CD8+ T cells of AR mice to CH mice demonstrated that their ability to break HBV tolerance varies at different stages of HBV clearance. Moreover, the adoptive transfer of splenocytes from AR mice induce functional activation of endogenous HBV‐specific CD8+ T cells of CH mice. Our results suggest that early T cell priming and expansion initially happens in the periphery after HBV antigen exposure in acute‐resolving and chronic replication. The paucity of T cell activation, and subsequent migration and liver infiltration is a key feature of the adaptive immune responses during the early phase of CH, which is probably caused by the dysfunction of DCs.
Combining estimators in interlaboratory studies and meta‐analyses
Authors: Huang Hening
Published: March 2023

Many statistical methods (estimators) are available for estimating the consensus value (or average effect) and heterogeneity variance in interlaboratory studies or meta‐analyses. These estimators are all valid because they are developed from or supported by certain statistical principles. However, no estimator can be perfect and must have error or uncertainty (known as estimator uncertainty). For a given dataset, the consensus value and heterogeneity variance given by different estimators can often differ significantly. Consequently, the choice of different estimators can affect the conclusion of an interlaboratory study or meta‐analysis. However, there is no universally accepted metric for determining which estimator is optimal among a set of candidate estimators. Instead of selecting and using a single estimator, this paper proposes an estimator‐averaging approach to combine a set of individual estimators. The final averaged estimator is a linear combination of individual estimators, which accounts for three sources of uncertainties including the estimator uncertainty. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to examine the long‐run performance of four individual estimators and the proposed averaged estimators. A case study: the determination of the Newtonian constant of gravitation is presented, where 10 individual estimators (eight frequentist weighted average methods and two Bayesian methods) are combined using the proposed estimator‐averaging approach.