bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A polymorphic variant in telomere maintenance is associated with worrisome features and high-risk stigmata development in IPMNs
Authors: Giaccherini Matteo , Gentiluomo Manuel , Arcidiacono Paolo Giorgio , Falconi Massimo , Testoni Sabrina Gloria Giulia , Apadula Laura , Lauri Gaetano , Di Franco Gregorio , Fatucchi Lorenzo Maria , Petrone Maria Chiara , Corradi Chiara , Crippa Stefano , Morelli Luca , Capurso Gabriele , Campa Daniele
Published: June 2022

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are nonobligatory precursor lesions of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The identification of molecular biomarkers able to predict the risk of progression of IPMNs toward malignancy is largely lacking and sorely needed. Telomere length (TL) is associated with the susceptibility of developing cancers, including PDAC. Moreover, several PDAC risk factors have been shown to be associated with IPMN transition to malignancy. TL is genetically determined, and the aim of this study was to use 11 SNPs, alone or combined in a score (teloscore), to estimate the causal relation between genetically determined TL and IPMNs progression. For this purpose, 173 IPMN patients under surveillance were investigated. The teloscore did not show any correlation, however, we observed an association between PXK-rs6772228-A and an increased risk of IPMN transition to malignancy (HR = 3.17; 95%CI 1.47–6.84; P = 3.24 × 10-3). This effect was also observed in a validation cohort of 142 IPMNs even though the association was not statistically significant. The combined analysis was consistent showing an association between PXK-rs6772228-A and increased risk of progression. The A allele of this SNP is strongly associated with shorter LTL that in turn have been reported to be associated with increased risk of developing PDAC. These results clearly highlight the importance of looking for genetic variants as potential biomarkers in this setting in order to further our understanding the etiopathogenesis of PDAC and suggest that genetically determined TL might be an additional marker of IPMN prognosis.
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection Elicits Long-lasting Specific Antibody, T and B Cell Immune Responses in Recovered Individuals
Authors: Alhabbab Rowa Y , Algaissi Abdullah , Mahmoud Ahmed Bakr , Alkayyal Almohanad A , Al-Amri Sawsan , Alfaleh Mohamed A , Basabrain Mohammad , Alsubki Roua Abdullah , Almarshad Ibrahim S , Alhudaithi Abdulelah M , Gafari Omar A Al , Alshamlan Yasser A , Aldossari Hassan M , Alsafi Mohammed M , Bukhari Abdullah , Bajhmom Wael , Memish Ziad A , Al Salem Waleed S , Hashem Anwar M
Published: June 2022

Background

The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a highly pathogenic zoonotic betacoronavirus and a global public health concern. Better undersetting of the immune responses to MERS-CoV is needed to characterize the correlates of protection and durability of the immunity and to aid in developing preventative and therapeutic interventions. Although MERS-CoV–specific circulating antibodies could persist for several years post-recovery, their waning raises concerns about their durability and role in protection. Nonetheless, memory B and T cells could provide long-lasting protective immunity despite the serum antibodies levels.

Methods

Serological and flow cytometric analysis of MERS-CoV–specific immune responses were performed on samples collected from a cohort of recovered individuals who required intensive care unit (ICU) admission as well as hospital or home isolation several years after infection to characterize the longevity and quality of humoral and cellular immune responses.

Results

Our data showed that MERS-CoV infection could elicit robust long-lasting virus-specific binding and neutralizing antibodies as well as T- and B-cell responses up to 6.9 years postinfection regardless of disease severity or need for ICU admission. Apart from the persistent high antibody titers, this response was characterized by B-cell subsets with antibody-independent functions as demonstrated by their ability to produce tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and interferon γ (IFN-γ) cytokines in response to antigen stimulation. Furthermore, virus-specific activation of memory CD8+ and CD4+ T cell subsets from MERS-recovered patients resulted in secretion of high levels of TNF-α, IL-17, and IFN-γ.

Conclusions

MERS-CoV infection could elicit robust long-lasting virus-specific humoral and cellular responses.
A new score for life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in adults with transposition of the great arteries and a systemic right ventricle
Authors: Ladouceur Magalie , Van De Bruaene Alexander , Kauling Robert , Budts Werner , Roos-Hesselink Jolien , Albert Sandra Villagrá , Perez Inmaculada Sanchez , Sarubbi Berardo , Fusco Flavia , Gallego Pastora , Rodriguez-Puras Maria Jose , Bouchardy Judith , Blanche Coralie , Rutz Tobias , Prokselj Katja , Labombarda Fabien , Iserin Laurence , Wong Tom , Gatzoulis Michael A
Published: June 2022

Aims

To investigate the incidence of major adverse ventricular arrhythmias and related events (MAREs) and to develop a stratification tool predicting MAREs in adults with a systemic right ventricle (sRV).

Methods and results

In a multicentre approach, all adults (≥16 years old) with a sRV undergoing follow-up between 2000 and 2018 were identified. The incidence of MAREs, defined as sudden cardiac death, sustained ventricular tachycardia, and appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy, was analysed. The association of MAREs with clinical, electrical, and echocardiographic parameters was evaluated. A total of 1184 patients (median age 27.1 years; interquartile range 19.9–34.9 years; 59% male; 70% with atrial switch repair for D-transposition of the great arteries) were included. The incidence of MAREs was 6.3 per 1000 patient-years. On multivariate analysis, age, history of heart failure, syncope, QRS duration, severe sRV dysfunction and at least moderate left ventricular outflow tract obstruction were retained in the final model with a C-index of 0.78 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72–0.83] and a calibration slope of 0.93 (95% CI 0.64–1.21). For every five ICDs implanted in patients with a 5-year MARE risk >10%, one patient may potentially be spared from a MARE.

Conclusion

Sudden cardiac death remains a devastating cause of death in a contemporary adult cohort with a sRV. A prediction model based on clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic parameters was devised to estimate MARE risk and to identify high-risk patients who may benefit from primary prevention ICD implantation.
Understanding a defensive response of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus after exposure to multiple cycles of sub-lethal blue light
Authors: Luo Shuanghua , Yang Xi , Wu Shuyan , Li Yuanbu , Wu Jiaxin , Liu Minmin , Liu Zhaojun , Yu Keyang , Wang Xiaoyuan , Dai Tianhong , Huang Xiaodong , Hu Xiaoqing
Published: June 2022

Blue light (BL) has shown bactericidal effectiveness against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), one of the major clinical pathogens with antibiotic resistance. Bacteria likely respond to the oxidative stress induced by BL; however, the defensive response is still unclear. This study aimed to reveal the phenotypic change in MRSA after being exposed to 15 cycles of sub-lethal BL illumination. The comparative transcriptomic results showed that the expression of peptidoglycan (PG) synthesis gene glmS was significantly upregulated in the cells after the multiple cycle light treatment, and the biochemical analysis determined that the content of PG synthesized was increased by 25.86% when compared with that in control cells. Furthermore, significant thickening of the cell wall was observed under a transmission electron microscope (P < .05). The light sensitivity of the tested MRSA strain was reduced after the multiple cycle light treatment, indicating the possibility of MRSA being more adaptive to the BL stress. The present study suggested that multiple cycles of sub-lethal BL could change the light susceptibility of MRSA through thickening the cell wall.
On Purpose: Interest, Disinterest and Literature We Can Live By
Authors: Hutchinson Ben
Published: June 2022

The idea of ‘literature we can live by’ crystallizes the paradox of art: defined by its distance from life, it requires, at the same time, proximity to life. We turn to art because it offers a protected space of disinterested play – yet we are also profoundly interested in its ethical implications. In the words of Rilke’s ‘Archaic Torso of Apollo’, the work of art – and through its Apollonian patron, literature in particular – tells us that we must change our lives. Ranging widely from antiquity to modernity while highlighting key moments in early modernity and the Enlightenment, this essay identifies a recurring tension between two visions of literature: to be able to comment insightfully on life, it must be apart from it; to be able to respond adequately to life, it must be a part of it. It is not just the metaphors we live by, in other words, but also the metonyms.
A Uniform Sobolev Inequality for Ancient Ricci Flows with Bounded Nash Entropy
Authors: Chan Pak-Yeung , Ma Zilu , Zhang Yongjia
Published: June 2022

This note is a continuation of [7]. We shall show that an ancient Ricci flow with uniformly bounded Nash entropy also has uniformly bounded $\nu $-functional. Consequently, on such an ancient solution, there are uniform logarithmic Sobolev and Sobolev inequalities. We emphasize that the main theorem in this paper is true so long as the theory in [3] is valid, and in particular, when the underlying manifold is closed.
On the Formal Degree Conjecture for Non-Singular Supercuspidal Representations
Authors: Ohara Kazuma
Published: June 2022

We prove the formal degree conjecture for non-singular supercuspidal representations based on Schwein’s work [16] proving the formal degree conjecture for regular supercuspidal representations. The main difference between our work and Schwein’s work is that in non-singular case, the Deligne–Lusztig representations can be reducible, and the $S$-groups are not necessarily abelian. Therefore, we have to compare the dimensions of irreducible constituents of the Deligne–Lusztig representations and the dimensions of irreducible representations of $S$-groups.
The efficacy of trimodal chemoradiotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin as a bladder-preserving strategy for the treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a single-arm phase II study
Authors: Kobayashi Keita , Matsumoto Hiroaki , Misumi Taku , Ito Hideaki , Hirata Hiroshi , Nagao Kazuhiro , Matsuyama Hideyasu
Published: June 2022

Objective

Radical cystectomy remains the standard treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer; however, a substantial number of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer are not appropriate candidates to radical cystectomy due to co-morbidities or anxiety regarding bladder preservation. Trimodal bladder-sparing therapy is an intelligent and attractive treatment option for such patients. We established a novel treatment strategy using trimodal treatment with gemcitabine and cisplatin.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with muscle-invasive bladder cancer by transurethral resection of bladder tumor and who wished for bladder preservation were recruited. The regimens were gemcitabine 300 mg/m2 and cisplatin 30 mg/m2 in day 1 and concomitant irradiation 1.8 Gy/Fr, five fractions per week. Irradiation was administered to the true pelvis up to 36 Gy and was then boosted to the entire bladder until a total of 54 Gy. Transurethral resection of bladder tumor was also performed after chemoradiotherapy to evaluate pathological response to treatment. We evaluated treatment efficacy and survival, safety of chemoradiotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin.

Results

Thirty-eight patients were enrolled, and three patients were excluded. Pathological complete response after chemoradiotherapy was observed in 31 patients, and the 5-year bladder-intact metastasis-free survival rate was 76%. The 5-year cancer-specific and overall survival rates for chemoradiotherapy were 85 and 75%, respectively, which were not significantly different from those for radical cystectomy (73 and 71%, respectively). Grade 3/4 adverse events included neutropenia (63%), anemia (18%) and thrombocytopenia (37%); however, treatment-related deaths were not observed.

Conclusions

Chemoradiotherapy using gemcitabine and cisplatin for muscle-invasive bladder cancer is effective for local cancer control and shows no significant difference in oncological prognosis compared with radical cystectomy.
Cannabis significantly alters DNA methylation of the human ovarian follicle in a concentration-dependent manner
Authors: Fuchs Weizman Noga , Wyse Brandon A , Montbriand Janice , Jahangiri Sahar , Librach Clifford L
Published: June 2022

Cannabis is increasingly consumed by women of childbearing age, and the reproductive and epigenetic effects are unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential epigenetic implications of cannabis use on the female ovarian follicle. Whole-genome methylation was assessed in granulosa cells from 14 matched case-control patients. Exposure status was determined by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) measurements of five cannabis-derived phytocannabinoids in follicular fluid. DNA methylation was measured using the Illumina TruSeq Methyl Capture EPIC kit. Differential methylation, pathway analysis and correlation analysis were performed. We identified 3679 differentially methylated sites, with two-thirds affecting coding genes. A hotspot region on chromosome 9 was associated with two genomic features, a zinc-finger protein (ZFP37) and a long non-coding RNA (FAM225B). There were 2214 differentially methylated genomic features, 19 of which have been previously implicated in cannabis-related epigenetic modifications in other organ systems. Pathway analysis revealed enrichment in G protein-coupled receptor signaling, cellular transport, immune response and proliferation. Applying strict criteria, we identified 71 differentially methylated regions, none of which were previously annotated in this context. Finally, correlation analysis revealed 16 unique genomic features affected by cannabis use in a concentration-dependent manner. Of these, the histone methyltransferases SMYD3 and ZFP37 were hypomethylated, possibly implicating histone modifications as well. Herein, we provide the first DNA methylation profile of human granulosa cells exposed to cannabis. With cannabis increasingly legalized worldwide, further investigation into the heritability and functional consequences of these effects is critical for clinical consultation and for legalization guidelines.
Shade triggers posttranscriptional PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR-dependent increases in H3K4 trimethylation
Authors: Calderon Robert H , Dalton Jutta , Zhang Yu , Quail Peter H
Published: June 2022

The phytochrome (phy)-PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR (PIF) sensory module perceives and transduces light signals to direct target genes (DTGs), which then drive the adaptational responses in plant growth and development appropriate to the prevailing environment. These signals include the first exposure of etiolated seedlings to sunlight upon emergence from subterranean darkness and the change in color of the light that is filtered through, or reflected from, neighboring vegetation (“shade”). Previously, we identified three broad categories of rapidly signal-responsive genes: those repressed by light and conversely induced by shade; those repressed by light, but subsequently unresponsive to shade; and those responsive to shade only. Here, we investigate the potential role of epigenetic chromatin modifications in regulating these contrasting patterns of phy-PIF module-induced expression of DTGs in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Using RNA-seq and ChIP-seq to determine time-resolved profiling of transcript and histone 3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) levels, respectively, we show that, whereas the initial dark-to-light transition triggers a rapid, apparently temporally coincident decline of both parameters, the light-to-shade transition induces similarly rapid increases in transcript levels that precede increases in H3K4me3 levels. Together with other recent findings, these data raise the possibility that, rather than being causal in the shade-induced expression changes, H3K4me3 may function to buffer the rapidly fluctuating shade/light switching that is intrinsic to vegetational canopies under natural sunlight conditions.
Big data from a popular app reveals that fishing creates superhighways for aquatic invaders
Authors: Weir Jessica L , Vacura Kirsten , Bagga Jay , Berland Adam , Hyder Kieran , Skov Christian , Attby Johan , Venturelli Paul A
Published: June 2022

Human activities are the leading cause of biological invasions that cause ecologic and economic damage around the world. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are often spread by recreational anglers who visit two or more bodies of water within a short time frame. Movement data from anglers are, therefore, critical to predicting, preventing, and monitoring the spread of AIS. However, the lack of broad-scale movement data has restricted efforts to large and popular lakes or small geographic extents. Here, we show that recreational fishing apps are an abundant, convenient, and relatively comprehensive source of “big” movement data across the contiguous United States. Our analyses revealed a dense network of angler movements that was dramatically more interconnected and extensive than the network that is formed naturally by rivers and streams. Short-distanced movements by anglers combined to form invasion superhighways that spanned the contiguous United States. We also identified possible invasion fronts and invaded hub lakes that may be superspreaders for two relatively common aquatic invaders. Our results provide unique insight into the national network through which AIS may be spread, increase opportunities for interjurisdictional coordination that is essential to addressing the problem of AIS, and highlight the important role that anglers can play in providing accurate data and preventing invasions. The advantages of mobile devices as both sources of data and a means of engaging the public in their shared responsibility to prevent invasions are probably general to all forms of tourism and recreation that contribute to the spread of invasive species.
Partners in crime: Tbf1 and Vid22 promote expansions of long human telomeric repeats at an interstitial chromosome position in yeast
Authors: Radchenko Elina A , Aksenova Anna Y , Volkov Kirill V , Shishkin Alexander A , Pavlov Youri I , Mirkin Sergei M
Published: June 2022

In humans, telomeric repeats (TTAGGG)n are known to be present at internal chromosomal sites. These interstitial telomeric sequences (ITSs) are an important source of genomic instability, including repeat length polymorphism, but the molecular mechanisms responsible for this instability remain to be understood. Here, we studied the mechanisms responsible for expansions of human telomeric (Htel) repeats that were artificially inserted inside a yeast chromosome. We found that Htel repeats in an interstitial chromosome position are prone to expansions. The propensity of Htel repeats to expand depends on the presence of a complex of two yeast proteins: Tbf1 and Vid22. These two proteins are physically bound to an interstitial Htel repeat, and together they slow replication fork progression through it. We propose that slow progression of the replication fork through the protein complex formed by the Tbf1 and Vid22 partners at the Htel repeat cause DNA strand slippage, ultimately resulting in repeat expansions.
Vaccinating children against COVID-19 is crucial to protect schools and communities
Authors: Rosenstrom Erik T , Mele Jessica , Ivy Julie S , Mayorga Maria E , Patel Mehul D , Lich Kristen Hassmiller , Delamater Paul L , Smith Raymond L , Swann Julie L
Published: June 2022

To evaluate the joint impact of childhood vaccination rates and school masking policies on community transmission and severe outcomes due to COVID-19, we utilized a stochastic, agent-based simulation of North Carolina to test 24 health policy scenarios. In these scenarios, we varied the childhood (ages 5 to 19) vaccination rate relative to the adult's (ages 20 to 64) vaccination rate and the masking relaxation policies in schools. We measured the overall incidence of disease, COVID-19-related hospitalization, and mortality from 2021 July 1 to 2023 July 1. Our simulation estimates that removing all masks in schools in January 2022 could lead to a 31% to 45%, 23% to 35%, and 13% to 19% increase in cumulative infections for ages 5 to 9, 10 to 19, and the total population, respectively, depending on the childhood vaccination rate. Additionally, achieving a childhood vaccine uptake rate of 50% of adults could lead to a 31% to 39% reduction in peak hospitalizations overall masking scenarios compared with not vaccinating this group. Finally, our simulation estimates that increasing vaccination uptake for the entire eligible population can reduce peak hospitalizations in 2022 by an average of 83% and 87% across all masking scenarios compared to the scenarios where no children are vaccinated. Our simulation suggests that high vaccination uptake among both children and adults is necessary to mitigate the increase in infections from mask removal in schools and workplaces.
N-linked glycosylation enhances hemagglutinin stability in avian H5N6 influenza virus to promote adaptation in mammals
Authors: Sun Honglei , Deng Guojing , Sun Haoran , Song Jingwei , Zhang Wei , Li Han , Wei Xiaohui , Li Fangtao , Zhang Xin , Liu Jiyu , Pu Juan , Sun Yipeng , Tong Qi , Bi Yuhai , Xie Yufeng , Qi Jianxun , Chang Kin-Chow , Gao George Fu , Liu Jinhua
Published: June 2022

Clade 2.3.4.4 avian H5Ny viruses, namely H5N2, H5N6, and H5N8, have exhibited unprecedented intercontinental spread in poultry. Among them, only H5N6 viruses are frequently reported to infect mammals and cause serious human infections. In this study, the genetic and biological characteristics of surface hemagglutinin (HA) from clade 2.3.4.4 H5Ny avian influenza viruses (AIVs) were examined for adaptation in mammalian infection. Phylogenetic analysis identified an amino acid (AA) deletion at position 131 of HA as a distinctive feature of H5N6 virus isolated from human patients. This single AA deletion was found to enhance H5N6 virus replication and pathogenicity in vitro and in mammalian hosts (mice and ferrets) through HA protein acid and thermal stabilization that resulted in reduced pH threshold from pH 5.7 to 5.5 for viral-endosomal membrane fusion. Mass spectrometry and crystal structure revealed that the AA deletion in HA at position 131 introduced an N-linked glycosylation site at 129, which increases compactness between HA monomers, thus stabilizes the trimeric structure. Our findings provide a molecular understanding of how HA protein stabilization promotes cross-species avian H5N6 virus infection to mammalian hosts.
Exposomic determinants of immune-mediated diseases
Authors: Laiho Jutta E. , Laitinen Olli H. , Malkamäki Johannes , Puustinen Leena , Sinkkonen Aki , Pärkkä Juha , Hyöty Heikki ,   HEDIMED Investigator group
Published: June 2022

The incidence of immune-mediated diseases (IMDs) is increasing rapidly in the developed countries constituting a huge medical, economic, and societal challenge. The exposome plays an important role since genetic factors cannot explain such a rapid change. In the Human Exposomic Determinants of Immune Mediated Diseases (HEDIMED) project, altogether 22 academic and industrial partners join their multidisciplinary forces to identify exposomic determinants that are driving the IMD epidemic. The project is based on a combination of data and biological samples from large clinical cohorts constituting about 350,000 pregnant women, 30,000 children prospectively followed from birth, and 7,000 children from cross-sectional studies. HEDIMED focuses on common chronic IMDs that cause a significant disease burden, including type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, allergy, and asthma. Exposomic disease determinants and the underlying biological pathways will be identified by an exploratory approach using advanced omics and multiplex technologies combined with cutting-edge data mining technologies. Emphasis is put on fetal and childhood exposome since the IMD disease processes start early. Inclusion of several IMDs makes it possible to identify common exposomic determinants for the diseases, thus facilitating the development of widely operating preventive and curative treatments. HEDIMED includes data and samples from birth cohorts and clinical trials that have used exposomic interventions and cell and organ culture models to identify mechanisms of the observed associations. Importantly, HEDIMED generates a toolbox that offers science-based functional tools for key stakeholders to control the IMD epidemic. Altogether, HEDIMED aims at innovations, which become widely exploited in diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive, and health economic approaches.
Prevention of Postoperative Peritendinous Adhesions with Bioresorbable Suprathel Barrier Membrane
Authors: Wiggenhauser Paul S. , Wachtel Nikolaus , Koban Konstantin C. , Giunta Riccardo E. , Frick Andreas , Ehrl Denis
Published: June 2022

Postoperative adhesions can deteriorate clinical outcomes in tendon repair surgery significantly. Thus, the use of artificial membranes as a tendon sheath substitute has become popular and well studied in the last years. We performed a case series of three patients using a novel synthetic membrane (Suprathel) for complex reconstructive surgery and traumatic tendon repair surgery. All patients recovered well with no significant adverse effects and showed good clinical function afterward. Therefore, we concluded that Suprathel might be another potential candidate to prevent postoperative peritendinous adhesions. Further studies will be necessary to determine the effect of this bioresorbable barrier membrane.
SOCIAL LISTENING AND GOOGLE TRENDS AS TOOLS FOR ESTIMATING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS
Authors: Schuurman Gillian Samantha , Bont Louis
Published: June 2022

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) imposes a large disease burden on a global level. Public awareness of RSV is important to support preventive interventions. In this study, Google Trends and a social listening tool, Brand24, were compared for measuring changes in public awareness levels of RSV. Google Trends is recommended for future research, as it is more sensitive, cost-free and open access.
Incidence of Traumatic Brain Injury by Severity Among Work-Related Injured Workers From 2010 to 2019
Authors: Bae Suk Won , Lee Min-Yong
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the status of work-related traumatic brain injury (wrTBI) in Korea between 2010 and 2019.

Methods

This study used Korea Workers’ Compensation Insurance data, and the sample comprised workers who claimed compensation for wrTBI from 2010 to 2019. The annual incidence of wrTBI was calculated as the rate per 100,000 workers. Time trends over the 10-year period were assessed using Poisson regression.

Results

The mean incidence of wrTBI was 28.4/100,000. Regarding the incidence rate of wrTBI by severity, mild TBI and moderate-to-severe TBI were 12.9/100,000 and 15.5/100,000, respectively. The incidence of mild TBI among workers was higher in 2010, but moderate-to-severe TBI was higher after 2011.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the need for providing information on mild TBI to workers as part of occupational safety and health education.
How Late-Life Working Affects Depression Among Retirement-Aged Workers? An Examination of the Influence Paths of Job-Related (Non–Job-Related) Physical Activity and Social Contact
Authors: Li Jiannan , Yuan Bocong , Lan Junbang , Huang Xinting
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study investigates the influence paths that late career participation affects depression of older workers.

Method

The data of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2018) are used. Those who have reached the statutory retirement age in China (>60 years for males/>55 years for females) are investigated.

Results

Late career participation may positively affect job-related physical activity and social contact (2.110 and 0.028, P < 0.01) and negatively affect non–job-related physical activity (−0.343, P < 0.01). Besides, job-related physical activity may exacerbate depression symptoms among older workers (0.017, P < 0.01), whereas non–job-related physical activity and social contact may alleviate it (−0.015 and −0.038, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Late career participation could be associated with depression through different pathways involving job-related (and non–job-related) physical activity and social contact. The overall impact of late career participation on depression would depend on which influence pathway is dominant.
Depressive Symptoms Are Associated With Decreased Quality of Life and Work Ability in Currently Working Health Care Workers With Recurrent Low Back Pain
Authors: Virkkunen Tarja , Husu Pauliina , Tokola Kari , Parkkari Jari , Kankaanpää Markku
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study investigates the association between depressive symptoms and multisite pain and health-related quality of life and work ability in currently employed health care workers with recurrent low back pain (LBP).

Methods

Multisite pain, depressive symptoms, quality of life, and work ability were assessed by validated questionnaires. A generalized linear model was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Notably, 28% of female health care workers with LBP had at least moderate levels of depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms were significantly associated with decreased health-related quality of life and work ability. Multisite pain was not significantly associated with work ability.

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms are relatively common in female health care workers with LBP, and treatment of these symptoms may be crucial to improve their work ability.
Lithotripsy devices for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) – new developments
Authors: Antoniou Vaki , Pietropaolo Amelia , Somani Bhaskar K.
Published: June 2022

Purpose of review

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is the mainstay of surgery for renal calculi>2 cm or complex multiple calculi and is a technique that has been around since 1976. We review recent literature surrounding novel lithotripsy devices and technology used in PNL.

Recent findings

At present, the Holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser is widely accepted as the gold standard laser lithotripsy for PNL. SwissLithoClast Trilogy offers a range of probes with a trifecta of electromagnetic, ultrasonic energy with surgeon-controlled suction. The Olympus Shockpulse-SE is a similar lithotripter that relies on continuous ultrasonic energy with pulsed ballistic energy to break stones. Thulium Fiber Laser (TFL) offers an alternative laser energy source to the Holmium laser, which has been shown to be very effective at producing small stone fragments and dust. The Moses technology is another addition in a long list of improvements to the Ho:YAG laser, forming vaporization bubble through which more effective energy can be applied to stones.

Trilogy, Shockpulse, TFL and Moses pulse modulation technology for the Holmium laser all provide improvements compared with older lithotripsy devices. In particular, they convey a safer, efficient and more effective way to manage and clear stones.
Paediatric stone management: innovations and standards
Authors: Quhal Fahad , Al Faddagh Abdulmohsin , Silay M. Selcuk , Straub Michael , Seitz Christian
Published: June 2022

Purpose of review

The aim of this study was to discuss current trends and recent developments in the surgical management of paediatric urolithiasis.

Recent findings

Medical expulsive therapy (MET) is considered as an option for the treatment of children with ureter stones. Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) remains as a first option for majority of kidney stones and upper ureter stones. Advances in endourology have led to increased adoption of retrograde intrarenal surgeries (RIRS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL/mini-PCNL/ultra-mini-PCNL/micro-PCNL).

Management of paediatric stone disease has developed significantly in the past decade. However, the evidence in the literature remains disproportional to these advances. Well designed multicentric studies are still needed to compare effectiveness and safety of these procedures.
Hospitalization With Clostridioides difficile in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: a Population-Based Study
Authors: Kuenzig M. Ellen , Benchimol Eric I. , Bernstein Charles N. , Bitton Alain , Carroll Matthew W. , Griffiths Anne M. , Kaplan Gilaad G. , Nguyen Geoffrey C. , Otley Anthony R. , Stukel Therese A. , Dummer Trevor J.B. , El-Matary Wael , Jacobson Kevan , Jones Jennifer L. , Lix Lisa M. , Mack David R. , Murthy Sanjay K. , Peña-Sánchez Juan-Nicolás , Targownik Laura E. , Fung Stephen G. , Spruin Sarah , Coward Stephanie , Cui Yunsong , Filliter Christopher , Nugent Zoann , Siddiq Shabnaz , Singh Harminder ,   on behalf of the Canadian Gastro-Intestinal Epidemiology Consortium (CanGIEC)
Published: June 2022

Objectives:

Several studies have demonstrated higher rates of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We conducted a population-based study comparing the risk of hospitalization with CDI in children with and without IBD.

Methods:

Using health administrative data and validated algorithms, we identified all children (<16 years) diagnosed with IBD in 5 Canadian provinces, then age and sex matched to 5 children without IBD. Province-specific 5-year incidence rates of hospitalization with CDI were pooled and generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to estimate the crude incidence rate ratio (IRR) comparing (1) children with and without IBD and (2) children with Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis. Hazard ratios (HR) from Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for age, sex, rural/urban household, and income were pooled using fixed-effects models.

Results:

The incidence rate of CDI identified during hospitalization was 49.06 [95% confidence interval (CI), 39.40–61.08] per 10,000 person-years (PY) in 3593 children with IBD compared to 0.39 (95% CI, 0.13–1.21) per 10,000 PY in 16,284 children without IBD (crude IRR, 133.4, 95% CI, 42.1–422.7; adjusted HR, 68.2, 95% CI, 24.4–190.4). CDI was identified less often in children with Crohn disease than ulcerative colitis (crude IRR, 0.51, 95% CI, 0.32–0.82; adjusted HR, 0.69, 95% CI, 0.46–1.05).

Conclusions:

Children with IBD have a markedly higher incidence of CDI identified during a hospitalization relative to children without IBD. Consequently, symptomatic children with IBD who are hospitalized should be screened for CDI.
Development of a psychometric tool to measure community solidarity among sexual minorities: Evidence from a pay-it-forward randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sung Anne , Zhang Tiange Philip , Huang Wenting , Tang Weiming , Alexander Marcus , Forastiere Laura , Kumar Navin , Hall Brian J. , Ransome Yusuf , Dieckhaus Kevin D. , Wu Dan , Tucker Joseph D. , Yang Fan
Published: June 2022

Background

Community solidarity is increasingly important in public health. However, few studies have examined solidarity in relation to health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to develop a psychometric tool to measure solidarity among Chinese men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) and assess whether community solidarity relates to differences in STI testing.

Methods

We used data from the Pay-it-Forward randomized controlled trial of 301 men from Beijing and Guangzhou, China. MSM were randomized into pay-it-forward (participants receive free gonorrhea/chlamydia testing as gifts and choose to donate towards subsequent MSM’s tests), pay-what you-want, and standard payment arms. Following testing decision, participants completed a cross-sectional questionnaire to assess community solidarity. Factor analysis was conducted to identify dimensions of solidarity. The solidarity factors were compared across study arms and assessed against gonorrhea/chlamydia test uptake in multivariable logistic regression.

Results

288 participants responded to the survey. We identified three latent community solidarity factors: engagement, social network support, and sense of belonging. Several items related to belonging were significantly greater among participants in the pay-it-forward scenario compared to those assigned to other scenarios. Higher sense of belonging was associated with higher odds of gonorrhea and chlamydia test uptake.

Conclusion

Community solidarity among MSM in China can be characterized by three factors: engagement, social network support, and sense of belonging. Sense of belonging was higher in the pay-it-forward intervention arm and may be associated with the uptake of gonorrhea/chlamydia test. Future studies are warranted to confirm the psychometric structure of community solidarity and further investigate behavioral mechanisms of pay-it-forward.
Recommendations for Communication in Gender-Affirming Surgical Care
Authors: Blasdel Gaines , Parker Augustus C. , Salibian Ara , Robinson Isabel , Zhao Lee C. , Bluebond-Langner Rachel
Published: June 2022

The surgical treatment of gender incongruence with gender-affirming surgery requires a sophisticated understanding of the substantial diversity in patient expectations and desired outcomes. There are patients with gender incongruence who desire surgical intervention to achieve the conventional bodily configuration typical for cisgender men and women and those who desire surgery without the goal of typical cisgender presentation. Proper communication regarding diverse expectations poses a challenge to those unfamiliar with the nuances of this heterogeneous population; such difficulties have led to mistakes during patient care. Based on the lessons learned from these experiences, the authors provide conceptual recommendations with specific examples to account for cultural context and conceptions of gender within surgical practice and scientific research.
A Study on the Persistent Trigeminal Artery and Its Classification Based on Magnetic Resonance Angiograph Images
Authors: Liu Yu-Bo , Feng Ping-Yong , Zhang Tian-Zi , Sun Jie , Yang Hai-Xiao
Published: June 2022

Background

The persistent trigeminal artery (PTA) is the most common remnant of primitive circulation, communicating the developing carotid and vertebrobasilar junction.

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of magnetic resonance angiography for the detection of PTA and to reclassify the variations based on Weon typing. Moreover, the correlation of various Weon types with the posterior cerebral artery (PCA), Willis ring, basilar artery (BA) dysplasia, and the relationship between PTA and arteriosclerosis were analyzed.

Methods

From November 2017 to October 2019, a total of 48,184 patients underwent magnetic resonance angiography examination in our hospital, and 79 patients were diagnosed with PTA. Of these, 70 patients with complete radiological and clinical information were included in this study.

Results

Among the 70 patients with complete data, 27 were classified as Weon type I (38.6%), 7 as type II (10%), 14 as type III (20%), 8 as type IV (11.4%), and 3 as type V (4.3%: type Va, 1 case; type Vb, 2 cases). The remaining 11 cases were PCA with mixed blood supply, so the new type VI was divided into 3 subtypes: type VIa, type VIb, and type VIc, and each subtype of type V was further refined into 4 subtypes. There were 32 cases of PTA with BA dysplasia, including 14 with type I (51.9%), 5 with type II (71.4%), 2 with type III (14.3%), 5 with type IV (62.5%), and 6 with type VI (54.5%). Cerebral infarction was found in 55 cases (78.6%) of PTA, among which 11 had a cerebral infarction in the posterior circulation blood supply area. There were 46 cases (65.7%) accompanied by intracranial arteriosclerosis, and in 6 cases, arteriosclerosis mainly occurred in the posterior circulation.

Conclusions

We redefined the classification of PTA based on Weon typing for a better understanding of clinical symptoms and surgical risks. Moreover, PTA was correlated with the fetal origin of PCA, BA dysplasia, and posterior circulation arteriosclerosis. These factors may increase the incidence of cerebral infarction in the posterior circulation blood supply area.
A Decade of Success in Melanoma Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy: What Every Radiologist Should Know
Authors: Chen Mark , Smith Daniel A. , Yoon Justin G. , Vos Derek , Kikano Elias G. , Tirumani Sree Harsha , Ramaiya Nikhil H.
Published: June 2022

Treatment strategies for malignant melanoma have rapidly evolved over the past decade. Because of its propensity to develop advanced stage and metastatic disease, melanoma has contributed to the majority of mortalities among patients with skin cancer. The development of novel therapeutics such as immunotherapy and targeted molecular therapies has revolutionized the treatment of patients with advanced stage and metastatic malignant melanoma. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, BRAF/MEK inhibitors, and other revolutionary therapies have demonstrated remarkable success in the treatment of this common malignancy. Along with these advancements in systemic therapies, imaging has continued to play a critical role in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with malignant melanoma. As the use of these novel therapies continues to expand, knowledge of the evolving therapeutic landscape of melanoma is becoming critical for radiologists. In this review, we provide a primer for radiologists outlining the evolution of immunotherapy and targeted therapy in the treatment of melanoma. We discuss the critical role of imaging in evaluation of treatment response, including a summary of current imaging response guidelines. Last, we summarize the essential role of imaging in the evaluation of potential adverse events seen in patients with malignant melanoma undergoing treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Apparent Diffusion Coefficient–Based Radiomic Nomogram in Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Preliminary Study on Histological Grade Evaluation
Authors: Lin Naier , Yu Sihui , Xia Zhipeng , Wang Yifan , Chen Wei , Sha Yan
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The aim of the study was to develop and validate a nomogram model combining radiomic features and clinical characteristics to preoperatively differentiate between low- and high-grade sinonasal squamous cell carcinomas.

Material and Methods

A total of 174 patients who underwent diffusion-weighted imaging were included in this study. The patients were allocated to the training and testing cohorts randomly at a ratio of 6:4. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was applied for feature selection and radiomic signature (radscore) construction. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to identify independent predictors. The performance of the model was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), the calibration curve, decision curve analysis, and the clinical impact curve.

Results

The radscore included 9 selected radiomic features. The radscore and clinical stage were independent predictors. The nomogram showed better performance (training cohort: AUC, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.85–0.96; testing cohort: AUC, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.82–0.97) than either the radscore or the clinical stage in both the training and test cohorts (P < 0.050). The nomogram demonstrated good calibration and clinical usefulness.

Conclusions

The apparent diffusion coefficient–based radiomic nomogram model could be useful in differentiating between low- and high-grade sinonasal squamous cell carcinomas.
Space-Occupying Lesions of the Inner Ear Are Easily Misdiagnosed as Endolymphatic Hydrops in a Perilymph-Enhanced Sequence Without the Assistance of a Heavily T2-Weighted Sequence
Authors: Chen Wei , Niu Yue , Lin Mengyan , Geng Yue , Lin Naier , Wang Xiaolin , Sha Yan
Published: June 2022

Objective

The aim of the study was to explore the value of T2-sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts by using different flip angle evolutions (T2-SPACE) in identifying space-occupying lesions of the inner ear.

Methods

We collected the T2-SPACE and 3-dimensional inversion-recovery sequence with real reconstruction (3D-real IR) images of 220 patients with inner ear symptoms, including 15 patients with inner ear space-occupying lesions. With T2-SPACE images hidden, a senior and junior radiologist made a diagnosis for all patients using only the 3D-real IR images. After 4 weeks the images were shuffled, and T2-SPACE images were made available to the 2 radiologists in addition to 3D-real IR to reconsider the diagnosis for all patients.

Results

With the SPACE images hidden, the correct diagnosis rate of the space-occupying lesions was 8/15 (53.3%) for the senior radiologist, whereas it was only 2/15 (13.3%) for the junior radiologist. Without the SPACE images hidden, the correct diagnosis rate of the space-occupying lesions was 15/15 (100.0%) for the senior radiologist, whereas it was 13/15 (86.7%) for the junior radiologist. Of the 15 patients, 7 had only vestibular space-occupying lesions, 2 had only cochlear space-occupying lesions, and 6 had both. No semicircular canal space-occupying lesion was observed.

Conclusions

T2-SPACE can help identify space-occupying lesions of the inner ear that tend to be misdiagnosed as endolymphatic hydrops on 3D-real IR. The senior radiologist had a higher rate for the identification of space-occupying lesions than the junior radiologist when using only 3D-real IR, although the senior radiologist detection rate was still only 53.3%. With the addition of T2-SPACE, both the junior and senior radiologist achieved a high detection rate, which increased to 86.7% and 100%, respectively.
Liver Attenuation Assessment in Reduced Radiation Chest Computed Tomography
Authors: Kirshenboim Zehavit , Marom Edith Michelle , Mayer Arnaldo , Green Michael , Klug Maximiliano , Tau Noam
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of liver and spleen Hounsfield units (HU) measurements in reduced radiation computed tomography (RRCT) of the chest within the sub-millisievert range.

Methods

We performed a prospective, institutional review board–approved study of accrued patients who underwent unenhanced normal-dose chest CT (NDCT) and with an average radiation dose of less than 5% of NDCT. In-house artificial intelligence–based denoising methods produced 2 denoised RRCT (dRRCT) series. Hepatic and splenic attenuations were measured on all 4 series: NDCT, RRCT, dRRCT1, and dRRCT2. Statistical analyses assessed the differences between the HU measurements of the liver and spleen in RRCTs and NDCT. As a test case, we assessed the performance of RRCTs for fatty liver detection, considering NDCT to be the reference standard.

Results

Wilcoxon test compared liver and spleen attenuation in the 72 patients included in our cohort. The liver attenuation in NDCT (median, 59.38 HU; interquartile range, 55.00–66.06 HU) was significantly different from the attenuation in RRCT, dRRCT1, and dRRCT2 (median, 63.63, 42.00, and 33.67 HU; interquartile range, 56.19–67.19, 37.33–45.83, and 30.33–38.50 HU, respectively), all with a P value <0.01. Six patients (8.3%) were considered to have fatty liver on NDCT. The specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy of fatty liver detection by RRCT were greater than 98.5%, 50%, and 94.3%, respectively.

Conclusions

Attenuation measurements were significantly different between NDCT and RRCTs, but may still have diagnostic value in appreciating hepatosteastosis. Abdominal organ attenuation on RRCT protocols may differ from attenuation on NDCT and should be validated when new low-dose protocols are used.