bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing gene expression profiles of adults with isolated spinal tuberculosis to disseminated spinal tuberculosis identified by 18FDG-PET/CT at time of diagnosis, 6- and 12-months follow-up: classifying clinical stages of spinal tuberculosis and monitoring treatment response (Spinal TB X cohort study)
Authors: Scherer Julian , Mukasa Sandra L. , Wolmarans Karen , Guler Reto , Kotze Tessa , Song Taeksun , Dunn Robert , Laubscher Maritz , Pape Hans-Christoph , Held Michael , Thienemann Friedrich
Published: June 2024

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top ten causes of death worldwide, with approximately 10 million cases annually. Focus has been on pulmonary TB, while extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) has received little attention. Diagnosis of EPTB remains challenging due to the invasive procedures required for sample collection. Spinal TB (STB) accounts for 10% of EPTB and often leads to lifelong debilitating disease due to devastating spinal deformation and compression of neural structures. Little is known about the extent of disease, although both isolated STB and a disseminated form of STB have been described. In our Spinal TB X cohort study, we aim to describe the clinical phenotype of STB using whole-body 18FDG-PET/CT, identify a specific gene expression profile for different stages of dissemination and compare findings to previously described gene expression signatures for latent and active pulmonary TB.

Methods

A single-centre, prospective cohort study will be established to describe the distributional pattern of STB detected by whole-body 18FDG-PET/CT and gene expression profile of patients with suspected STB on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at point of diagnosis, six months, and 12 months. Blood biobanking will be performed at these time points. Specimens for microbiology will be obtained from sputum/urine, from easily accessible sites of disease (e.g., lymph nodes, abscess) identified in the first 18FDG-PET/CT, from CT-guided biopsy and/or surgery. Clinical parameters and functional scores will be collected at every physical visit. Data will be entered into RedCap® database; data cleaning, validation and analysis will be performed by the study team. The University of Cape Town Ethics Committee approved the protocol (243/2022).

Discussion

The Spinal TB X cohort study is the first prospective cohort study using whole-body 18FDG-PET/CT scans in patients with microbiologically confirmed spinal tuberculosis. Dual imaging techniques of the spine using 18FDG-PET/CT and magnetic resonance imaging as well as tissue diagnosis (microbiology and histopathology) will allow us to develop a virtual biopsy model. If successful, a distinct gene-expression profile will aid in blood-based diagnosis (point of care testing) as well as treatment monitoring and would lead to earlier diagnosis of this devastating disease.

Trial registration: The study has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05610098).
Resection of pleural solitary fibrous tumors with distinct feeding vessels arising from the descending aorta: a case report
Authors: Li Yongsen , Lu Zihao , Hu Wenxuan , Cao Yonghao , Lv Xin , Zhao Jun , Xu Chun
Published: June 2024

Background

Pleural solitary fibrous tumors (pSFTs) are rare mesenchymal pleural tumors with rich vascularity. Surgical resection is the cornerstone of pSFTs treatment, requiring careful preoperative imaging to delineate lesion extent and vascular supply including contrast-enhanced computed tomography and other examinations depending on its size and characteristics.

Case presentation

The patient was a 34-year-old female with a mass measuring approximately 67 × 42 × 65 mm in the left posterior mediastinum. Intraoperatively, the mass demonstrated rich vascularity. Two veins originating from the abdominal cavity entered the lower pole, one converged from the superior pole, draining into the brachiocephalic vein. Additionally, two arteries arose directly from the descending aorta, while several veins drained into the intercostal veins. In response to unexpected intraoperative vascular findings, vascular clips and silk threads were used to ligate them. Subsequently, the tumor was successfully dissected, with approximately 600 ml of blood loss recorded during the 4-hour surgery. The patient exhibited a satisfactory postoperative recovery, and follow-up spanning over six months revealed no indications of recurrence or metastasis.

Conclusions

We firstly present a case of successful resection of a pSFT in a 34-year-old woman with a distinct feeding vessel arising from the descending aorta and describe the related surgical procedures. This case highlights preoperative evaluation of mass vascularity based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography. When blood supply is challenging to clarify, angiography can offer additional details, especially for giant pSFTs. Despite this, thorough intraoperative exploration remains essential to detect unexpected vessels. Appropriate interventions should be customized based on the vascular origins and the surrounding anatomical structures.
Twice weekly dosing with Sebelipase alfa (Kanuma®) rescues severely ill infants with Wolman disease
Authors: de Castro María José , Jones Simon A , de las Heras Javier , Sánchez-Pintos Paula , Couce María L , Colón Cristóbal , Crujeiras Pablo , Unceta María , Church Heather , Brammeier Kathryn , Yee Wu Hoi , Cooper James , López de Frutos Laura , Serrano-Gonzalo Irene , Camba María José , White Fiona J. , Holmes Victoria , Ghosh Arunabha
Published: June 2024

Background

Sebelipase alfa (Kanuma®) is approved for patients with Wolman disease (WD) at a dosage of 3–5 mg/kg once weekly. Survival rates in the second of two clinical trials was greater, despite recruiting more severely ill patients, probably related to higher initial and maximal doses. We aimed to evaluate the effective pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Sebelipase alfa when administered to patients with severe WD at 5 mg/kg twice weekly, an intensive regimen which was not assessed in the trials.

Methods

We recruited 3 patients receiving Sebelipase alfa 5 mg/kg twice weekly. We measured LAL activity in leukocytes and plasma oxysterol concentration in two patients and LAL activity in fibroblasts in one patient. Clinical follow up was also assessed.

Results

Analyses of LAL activity and oxysterols demonstrate that there is short-lived enzyme activity post-dosing which is associated with the release of stored lipids. Clinical data demonstrate that 5 mg/kg twice weekly dosing is well tolerated and effective.

Conclusion

5 mg/kg twice weekly dosing with Sebelipase alfa rescues severely ill infants with WD by increasing substrate clearance. There is biologically relevant lipid accumulation in the ‘trough’ periods before the next dosing, even with this intensive regimen.
Evaluating the immunologically “cold” tumor microenvironment after treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors utilizing PET imaging of CD4 + and CD8 + T cells in breast cancer mouse models
Authors: Lu Yun , Houson Hailey A. , Gallegos Carlos A. , Mascioni Alessandro , Jia Fang , Aivazian Argin , Song Patrick N. , Lynch Shannon E. , Napier Tiara S. , Mansur Ameer , Larimer Benjamin M. , Lapi Suzanne E. , Hanker Ariella B. , Sorace Anna G.
Published: June 2024

Background

Immune-positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with tracers that target CD8 and granzyme B has shown promise in predicting the therapeutic response following immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in immunologically “hot” tumors. However, immune dynamics in the low T-cell infiltrating “cold” tumor immune microenvironment during ICB remain poorly understood. This study uses molecular imaging to evaluate changes in CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells during ICB in breast cancer models and examines biomarkers of response.

Methods

[89Zr]Zr-DFO-CD4 and [89Zr]Zr-DFO-CD8 radiotracers were used to quantify changes in intratumoral and splenic CD4 T cells and CD8 T cells in response to ICB treatment in 4T1 and MMTV-HER2 mouse models, which represent immunologically “cold” tumors. A correlation between PET quantification metrics and long-term anti-tumor response was observed. Further biological validation was obtained by autoradiography and immunofluorescence.

Results

Following ICB treatment, an increase in the CD8-specific PET signal was observed within 6 days, and an increase in the CD4-specific PET signal was observed within 2 days in tumors that eventually responded to immunotherapy, while no significant differences in CD4 or CD8 were found at the baseline of treatment that differentiated responders from nonresponders. Furthermore, mice whose tumors responded to ICB had a lower CD8 PET signal in the spleen and a higher CD4 PET signal in the spleen compared to non-responders. Intratumoral spatial heterogeneity of the CD8 and CD4-specific PET signals was lower in responders compared to non-responders. Finally, PET imaging, autoradiography, and immunofluorescence signals were correlated when comparing in vivo imaging to ex vivo validations.

Conclusions

CD4- and CD8-specific immuno-PET imaging can be used to characterize the in vivo distribution of CD4 + and CD8 + T cells in response to immune checkpoint blockade. Imaging metrics that describe the overall levels and distribution of CD8 + T cells and CD4 + T cells can provide insight into immunological alterations, predict biomarkers of response to immunotherapy, and guide clinical decision-making in those tumors where the kinetics of the response differ.
Aedes albopictus saliva contains a richer microbial community than the midgut
Authors: Onyango Maria G. , Payne Anne F. , Stout Jessica , Dieme Constentin , Kuo Lili , Kramer Laura D. , Ciota Alexander T.
Published: June 2024

Background

Past findings demonstrate that arthropods can egest midgut microbiota into the host skin leading to dual colonization of the vertebrate host with pathogens and saliva microbiome. A knowledge gap exists on how the saliva microbiome interacts with the pathogen in the saliva. To fill this gap, we need to first define the microbial composition of mosquito saliva.

Methods

The current study aimed at analyzing and comparing the microbial profile of Aedes albopictus saliva and midgut as well as assessing the impact of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection on the midgut and saliva microbial composition. Colony-reared Ae. albopictus strains were either exposed to ZIKV infectious or noninfectious bloodmeal. At 14 ays postinfection, the 16S V3–V4 hypervariable rRNA region was amplified from midgut and saliva samples and sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq platform. The relative abundance and diversity of midgut and saliva microbial taxa were assessed.

Results

We observed a richer microbial community in the saliva compared with the midgut, yet some of the microbial taxa were common in the midgut and saliva. ZIKV infection did not impact the microbial diversity of midgut or saliva. Further, we identified Elizabethkingia spp. in the Ae. albopictus saliva.

Conclusions

This study provides insights into the microbial community of the Ae. albopictus saliva as well as the influence of ZIKV infection on the microbial composition of its midgut and saliva. The identification of Elizabethkingia spp., an emerging pathogen of global health significance, in Ae. albopictus saliva is of medical importance. Future studies to assess the interactions between Ae. albopictus saliva microbiome and ZIKV could lead to novel strategies for developing transmission barrier tools.

Graphical Abstract
Leishmania infantum detection in Nyssomyia neivai and dogs in Southern Brazil
Authors: Cardoso Sabrina Fernandes , Guesser João Victor Costa , Rodrigues Andressa Alencastre Fuzari , Brazil Reginaldo Peçanha , Rona Luísa Damazio Pitaluga , Pitaluga André Nóbrega
Published: June 2024

Background

The sand fly Nyssomyia neivai is one of the most abundant species in Southern Brazil. It is frequently found in areas that are foci of visceral leishmaniasis in the state of Santa Catarina, caused by Leishmania infantum. In this region, the main vector of L. infantum, Lutzomyia longipalpis, has not been detected. In the absence of L. longipalpis, this study aimed to identify the sand fly fauna and diagnose any potential Leishmania spp. infection in sand flies and in dogs in a region of Southern Brazil that experienced a recent canine visceral leishmaniasis outbreak.

Methods

This report includes a survey of the sand fly fauna at the Zoonosis Control Center of the Municipality of Tubarão (Santa Catarina, Brazil). Molecular tests were conducted to investigate Leishmania spp. natural infection in sand flies using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In positive females, in addition to morphological identification, molecular analysis through DNA barcoding was performed to determine the sand fly species. Additionally, the dogs were tested for the presence of Leishmania spp. using a non-invasive technique for the collection of biological material, to be assessed by PCR.

Results

A total of 3419 sand flies, belonging to five genera, were collected. Nyssomyia neivai was the most abundant species (85.8%), followed by Migonemyia migonei (13.3%), Pintomyia fischeri (0.8%), Evandromyia edwardsi (< 0.1%), and species of the genus Brumptomyia. (0.1%). Out of the 509 non-engorged females analyzed by PCR, two (0.4%) carried L. infantum DNA. The naturally infected females were identified as Ny. neivai, in both morphological and molecular analysis. In addition, two out of 47 conjunctival swabs from dogs tested positive for L. infantum, yielding an infection rate of 4.2%.

Conclusions

These results confirm the presence of Ny. neivai naturally infected with L. infantum in an area where dogs were also infected by the parasite, suggesting its potential role as a vector in Southern Brazil.

Graphical Abstract
A real-world evaluation of the effectiveness and Sufficiency of Current Emergency Department Preventative Strategies for Reducing Emergency Department revisits in a Canadian children’s hospital: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Haji Tahereh , Lyzwinski Lynnette , Dhaliwal Cara , Leung Garvin , Giangioppo Sandra , Radhakrishnan Dhenuka
Published: June 2024

Background

Despite asthma guidelines’ recommended emergency department preventative strategies (EDPS), repeat asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits remain frequent.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of children aged 1–17 years presenting with asthma to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) ED between September 1, 2014 – August 31, 2015. EDPS was defined as provision of education on trigger avoidance and medication technique plus documentation of an asthma action plan, a prescription for an inhaled controller medication or referral to a specialist. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with receipt of EDPS. We further compared the odds of repeat presentation to the ED within the following year among children who had received EDPS versus those who had not.

Results

1301 patients were included, and the mean age of those who received EDPS was 5.0 years (SD = 3.7). Those with a moderate (OR = 3.67, 95% CI: 2.49, 5.52) to severe (OR = 3.69, 95% CI: 2.50, 5.45) asthma presentation were most likely to receive EDPS. Receiving EDPS did not significantly reduce the adjusted odds of repeat ED visits, (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.56, 1.18, p = 0.28).

Conclusions

Patients with higher severity asthma presentations to the ED were more likely to receive EDPS, but this did not appear to significantly decrease the proportion with a repeat asthma ED visit. These findings suggest that receipt of EDPS in the ED may not be sufficient to prevent repeat asthma ED visits in all children.
See-Star: a versatile hydrogel-based protocol for clearing large, opaque and calcified marine invertebrates
Authors: Clarke D. N. , Formery L. , Lowe C. J.
Published: June 2024

Studies of morphology and developmental patterning in adult stages of many invertebrates are hindered by opaque structures, such as shells, skeletal elements, and pigment granules that block or refract light and necessitate sectioning for observation of internal features. An inherent challenge in studies relying on surgical approaches is that cutting tissue is semi-destructive, and delicate structures, such as axonal processes within neural networks, are computationally challenging to reconstruct once disrupted. To address this problem, we developed See-Star, a hydrogel-based tissue clearing protocol to render the bodies of opaque and calcified invertebrates optically transparent while preserving their anatomy in an unperturbed state, facilitating molecular labeling and observation of intact organ systems. The resulting protocol can clear large (> 1 cm3) specimens to enable deep-tissue imaging, and is compatible with molecular techniques, such as immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization to visualize protein and mRNA localization. To test the utility of this method, we performed a whole-mount imaging study of intact nervous systems in juvenile echinoderms and molluscs and demonstrate that See-Star allows for comparative studies to be extended far into development, facilitating insights into the anatomy of juveniles and adults that are usually not amenable to whole-mount imaging.
Unveiling the hidden players: noncoding RNAs orchestrating polyamine metabolism in disease
Authors: Rossi Marianna Nicoletta , Fiorucci Cristian , Mariottini Paolo , Cervelli Manuela
Published: June 2024

Polyamines (PA) are polycations with pleiotropic functions in cellular physiology and pathology. In particular, PA have been involved in the regulation of cell homeostasis and proliferation participating in the control of fundamental processes like DNA transcription, RNA translation, protein hypusination, autophagy and modulation of ion channels. Indeed, their dysregulation has been associated to inflammation, oxidative stress, neurodegeneration and cancer progression. Accordingly, PA intracellular levels, derived from the balance between uptake, biosynthesis, and catabolism, need to be tightly regulated. Among the mechanisms that fine-tune PA metabolic enzymes, emerging findings highlight the importance of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). Among the ncRNAs, microRNA, long noncoding RNA and circRNA are the most studied as regulators of gene expression and mRNA metabolism and their alteration have been frequently reported in pathological conditions, such as cancer progression and brain diseases. In this review, we will discuss the role of ncRNAs in the regulation of PA genes, with a particular emphasis on the changes of this modulation observed in health disorders.
Nanoplasmonic sensors for extracellular vesicles and bacterial membrane vesicles
Authors: Neettiyath Aparna , Chung Kyungwha , Liu Wenpeng , Lee Luke P.
Published: June 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are promising tools for the early diagnosis of diseases, and bacterial membrane vesicles (MVs) are especially important in health and environment monitoring. However, detecting EVs or bacterial MVs presents significant challenges for the clinical translation of EV-based diagnostics. In this Review, we provide a comprehensive discussion on the basics of nanoplasmonic sensing and emphasize recent developments in nanoplasmonics-based optical sensors to effectively identify EVs or bacterial MVs. We explore various nanoplasmonic sensors tailored for EV or bacterial MV detection, emphasizing the application of localized surface plasmon resonance through gold nanoparticles and their multimers. Additionally, we highlight advanced EV detection techniques based on surface plasmon polaritons using plasmonic thin film and nanopatterned structures. Furthermore, we evaluate the improved detection capability of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy in identifying and classifying these vesicles, aided by plasmonic nanostructures. Nanoplasmonic sensing techniques have remarkable precision and sensitivity, making them a potential tool for accurate EV detection in clinical applications, facilitating point-of-care molecular diagnostics. Finally, we summarize the challenges associated with nanoplasmonic EV or bacterial MV sensors and offer insights into potential future directions for this evolving field.

Graphical Abstract
N-terminal truncated phospholipase A1 accessory protein PlaS from Serratia marcescens alleviates inhibitory on host cell growth and enhances PlaA1 enzymatic activity
Authors: Hu Mengkai , Liu Jun , Gan Yufei , Zhu Hao , Han Rumeng , Liu Kun , Liu Yan , Zhao Ming , Li Xiangfei , Xue Zhenglian
Published: June 2024

Phospholipase A1 (PLA1) is a kind of specific phospholipid hydrolase widely used in food, medical, textile. However, limitations in its expression and enzymatic activity have prompted the investigation of the phospholipase-assisting protein PlaS. In this study, we elucidate the role of PlaS in enhancing the expression and activity of PlaA1 through N-terminal truncation. Our research demonstrates that truncating the N-terminal region of PlaS effectively overcomes its inhibitory effect on host cells, resulting in improved cell growth and increased protein solubility of the protein. The yeast two-hybrid assay confirms the interaction between PlaA1 and N-terminal truncated PlaS (∆N27 PlaS), highlighting their binding capabilities. Furthermore, in vitro studies using Biacore analysis reveal a concentration-dependent and specific binding between PlaA1 and ∆N27 PlaS, exhibiting high affinity. Molecular docking analysis provides insights into the hydrogen bond interactions between ∆N27 PlaS and PlaA1, identifying key amino acid residues crucial for their binding. Finally, the enzyme activity of PLA1 was boost to 8.4 U/mL by orthogonal test. Study significantly contributes to the understanding of the interaction mechanism between PlaS and PlaA1, offering potential strategies for enhancing PlaA1 activity through protein engineering approaches.
An automatic peak deconvolution code for Raman spectra of carbonaceous material and a revised geothermometer for intermediate- to moderately high-grade metamorphism
Authors: Kaneki Shunya , Kouketsu Yui , Aoya Mutsuki , Nakamura Yoshihiro , Wallis Simon R. , Shimura Yusuke , Yamaoka Ken
Published: June 2024

Carbonaceous material (CM) undergoes progressive changes that reflect its thermal history. These changes are in general irreversible and provide valuable information for understanding diagenetic and metamorphic processes of crustal rocks. Among various approaches to quantify these changes, the R2 ratio, area ratio of specific peaks in CM Raman spectra, is widely used to estimate the maximum temperature of intermediate- to moderately high-grade metamorphism. The calculation of the R2 ratio requires peak deconvolution of the original spectrum, and the results depend on the details of how this is carried out. However, a clear protocol for selecting appropriate initial conditions has not been established and obtaining a reliable temperature estimate depends at least in part on the experience and skill of the operator. In this study, we developed a Python code that automatically calculates the R2 ratio from CM Raman spectra. Our code produces R2 ratios that are generally in good agreement with those of Aoya et al. (J Metamorph Geol 28:895–914, 2010, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1314.2010.00896.x) for the same Raman data, with much less time and effort than was the case in the previous studies. We have confirmed that the code is also applicable to other previous datasets from both contact and regional metamorphic regions. The overall trend of the recalculated data indicates that samples with R2 greater than ~ 0.7 are not sensitive to the changes in CM maturity and thus should not be used for the calibration of an R2-based geothermometer. We propose a modified geothermometer for contact metamorphism that is strictly applicable to samples with R2 from 0.023 to 0.516, with the proviso that a laser with a wavelength of 532 nm should be used. A slight extrapolation of the newly proposed geothermometer up to R2 of 0.57 provides a temperature estimate that is consistent with the geothermometer of Kaneki and Kouketsu (Island Arc 31:e12467, 2022; https://doi.org/10.1111/iar.12467); the boundary between the two geothermometers corresponds to a temperature of 391 °C.
The role of machine learning algorithms in detection of gestational diabetes; a narrative review of current evidence
Authors: Kokori Emmanuel , Olatunji Gbolahan , Aderinto Nicholas , Muogbo Ifeanyichukwu , Ogieuhi Ikponmwosa Jude , Isarinade David , Ukoaka Bonaventure , Akinmeji Ayodeji , Ajayi Irene , Chidiogo Ezenwoba , Samuel Owolabi , Nurudeen-Busari Habeebat , Muili Abdulbasit Opeyemi , Olawade David B.
Published: June 2024

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) poses significant health risks to mothers and infants. Early prediction and effective management are crucial to improving outcomes. Machine learning techniques have emerged as powerful tools for GDM prediction. This review compiles and analyses the available studies to highlight key findings and trends in the application of machine learning for GDM prediction. A comprehensive search of relevant studies published between 2000 and September 2023 was conducted. Fourteen studies were selected based on their focus on machine learning for GDM prediction. These studies were subjected to rigorous analysis to identify common themes and trends. The review revealed several key themes. Models capable of predicting GDM risk during the early stages of pregnancy were identified from the studies reviewed. Several studies underscored the necessity of tailoring predictive models to specific populations and demographic groups. These findings highlighted the limitations of uniform guidelines for diverse populations. Moreover, studies emphasised the value of integrating clinical data into GDM prediction models. This integration improved the treatment and care delivery for individuals diagnosed with GDM. While different machine learning models showed promise, selecting and weighing variables remains complex. The reviewed studies offer valuable insights into the complexities and potential solutions in GDM prediction using machine learning. The pursuit of accurate, early prediction models, the consideration of diverse populations, clinical data, and emerging data sources underscore the commitment of researchers to improve healthcare outcomes for pregnant individuals at risk of GDM.
How likely is it to beat the target at different investment horizons: an approach using compositional data in strategic portfolios
Authors: Vega-Gámez Fernando , Alonso-González Pablo J.
Published: June 2024

Strategic portfolios are asset combinations designed to achieve investor objectives. A unique feature of these investments is that portfolios must be rebalanced periodically to maintain the initially established structure. This paper introduces a methodology to estimate the probability of not exceeding a specific profitability target with this type of portfolio to determine if this kind of build portfolio makes obtaining certain profitability targets easy. Portfolios with a specific distribution of fixed-income and equity securities were randomly replicated and their performance was studied over different time horizons. Daily data from 2004 to 2021 was used. Since the sum of all asset weights invariably equals the unit, the original data were transformed using the compositional data methodology. With these transformed data, the probabilities were estimated for each analyzed portfolio. The study also performed a sensitivity analysis of the estimated probabilities, modifying the weight of specific assets in the portfolio.
Identifying the priorities for supervision by lived experience researchers: a Q sort study
Authors: Gupta Veenu , Eames Catrin , Bryant Alison , Greenhill Beth , Golding Laura , Day Jennifer , Fisher Peter
Published: June 2024

Background

Lived experience researchers draw on their lived and living experiences to either lead on or inform research. Their personal experiences are relevant to the research topic and so they must manage the interplay of their health and healthcare experiences with the research, population, and data they work with, as well as the more general challenges of being a researcher. Lived experience researchers must navigate these dilemmas in addition to queries over their competency, due to issues relating to intersectionality and epistemic injustice. This justifies a motivation to better understand the experiences of lived experience researchers and develop appropriate and personalised supervision based on their preferences and needs.

Methods

Q methodology was used to identify a collection of identity-related issues that impact lived experience researchers during PhD research in the context of the UK. These issues were presented in the form of 54 statements to 18 lived experience researchers to prioritise as topics to explore in supervision.

Result

It was found that lived experiences researchers could be grouped into three distinct factors following an inverted factor analysis: Factor 1: Strengthening my identity, skills, growth, and empowerment; Factor 2: Exploring the emotional and relational link I have with the research and Factor 3: Navigating my lived and professional experiences practically and emotionally. The findings suggest that there may be three types of lived experience researchers, each with different needs from supervision, suggesting the population is heterogeneous.

Conclusion

The research identified a deeper understanding of the needs of lived experience researchers and highlights the importance of personalised supervision according to the individual needs of the researcher and their preferences for supervision. The findings reinforce the importance of integrating a clinical dimension into supervision to support the needs of all lived experience researchers.
Correlation between audiological and radiological findings in otosclerosis: randomized clinical study
Authors: Abd-Elhmid Ibrahim H. , Abish Yasser G. , Zaghloul Boshra A. , Hussein Hossam A. , Ghanem Soliman S.
Published: June 2024

Background

The standard methods for diagnosing otosclerosis (OS) include clinical and audiological testing. Radiologic imaging continues to expand with use in diagnosis, staging, surgery planning, and outcomes.

Objective

To determine if high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) imaging advances to the audiological findings in the diagnosis of otosclerosis.

Methods

This prospective randomized controlled study was conducted from June 2018 to June 2022. Fifty patients with OS who divided into two subgroups: group 2a, 50 early OS ears, and group 2b, 35 ears with late OS. The controls includes 50 individuals who have healthy ears (group 1). All participants had otorhinolaryngology examination, audiological evaluation and HRCT imaging.

Results

Early OS had higher air conduction thresholds than control, and late OS had considerably higher air conduction thresholds than either the early or control subjects (p < 0.001). Early OS patients had higher bone conduction threshold (BCT) than control, while late OS patients had higher BCT than both early and control subjects (p < 0.001). In early and late OS, there is a significant association between bone conduction of 11 dB and 21.6 dB, respectively (P = 0.004), and a significant air–bone gap of 25.5 and 31 dB, respectively (P = 0.03). HRCT showed a sensitivity of 75% and high specificity 92% with accuracy 83% in early OS and sensitivity of 78% and high specificity 94% with accuracy 86% in late OS.

Conclusion

HRCT is a more sensitive and specific diagnostic tool for OS than audiometry. HRCT could discriminate between early and late OS, suggesting that it can be used to do so with a high degree of confidence.
Methods for evaluating the efficacy and effectiveness of direct-to-consumer mobile health apps: a scoping review
Authors: Prentice Carley , Peven Kimberly , Zhaunova Liudmila , Nayak Vaaruni , Radovic Tara , Klepchukova Anna , Potts Henry W. W. , Ponzo Sonia
Published: June 2024

Background

There is an evaluation crisis in mobile health (mHealth). The majority of mHealth apps are released with little evidence base. While many agree on the need for comprehensive evaluations to assess the efficacy and effectiveness of mHealth apps, the field is some way from achieving that. This scoping review describes the current state of direct-to-consumer mHealth app evaluations so as to inform how the situation can be improved.

Results

Findings showed a predominance of wellness management apps, focusing on fitness, diet, mental health, or other lifestyle factors. Evaluations were conducted by companies at varied financing stages, with a mix of start-ups, scale-ups, and public companies. Most studies employed full-scale or pilot randomised controlled trial designs.

Conclusions

Participant demographics indicate a need for more inclusive recruitment strategies around ethnicity and gender so as to avoid worsening health inequalities. Measurement tools varied widely, highlighting the lack of standardisation in assessing mHealth apps. Promoting evidence-based practices in digital health should be a priority for organisations in this space.
Duress and Distress Versus a Neurocognitive Mess: The Challenges of Procedural Sedation in Pediatric B-ALL
Authors: Turcotte Lucie M. , Neglia Joseph P.
Published: June 2024

The Oncology Grand Rounds series is designed to place original reports published in the Journal into clinical context. A case presentation is followed by a description of diagnostic and management challenges, a review of the relevant literature, and a summary of the authors’ suggested management approaches. The goal of this series is to help readers better understand how to apply the results of key studies, including those published in Journal of Clinical Oncology , to patients seen in their own clinical practice.
Clinical Study Report and Individual Participant Data Transparency for US Food and Drug Administration–Approved Anticancer Drugs: A Call for Systematic Data Availability
Authors: Modi Natansh D. , Swain Sandra M. , Buyse Marc , Kuderer Nicole M. , Rowland Andrew , Rockhold Frank W. , Sorich Michael J. , Hopkins Ashley M.
Published: June 2024

Unlocking the full potential of clinical trials through comprehensive CSR and IPD sharing can revolutionize cancer care, enhance safety evaluations, and reduce bias in systematic reviews. It is time for all stakeholders to embrace transparency and advance patient-centered outcomes.
Effect of Gestational Diabetes on Fetal Growth Rate and Later Overweight in the Offspring
Authors: Leth-Møller Magnus , Hulman Adam , Kampmann Ulla , Hede Susanne , Ovesen Per G , Knorr Sine
Published: June 2024

Context

Children of women with gestational diabetes (GDM) are often born with a higher birthweight and have an increased risk of overweight during childhood. High fetal growth rate is also associated with being overweight in childhood.

Objective

To examine excessive fetal growth rate as a mediator between GDM and overweight in the offspring.

Methods

This was a longitudinal cohort study, using routinely collected data on children born between 2008 and 2014 in Aarhus, Denmark. Fetal biometrics were extracted from the patient records at Aarhus University Hospital and childhood weight from the health records at Aarhus Municipality Healthcare Service. We calculated growth trajectories for fetuses affected by GDM and for unaffected fetuses using cubic mixed model regression. We extracted individual fetal growth rate and estimated the contributing effect of fetal growth rate on the risk of being overweight in the 5- to 9-year-old offspring.

Results

We included 6794 mother-child pairs, 295 with GDM. Fetal growth was higher in women with GDM from week 25, and the offspring had an increased risk of being overweight (odds ratio, 2.02 [95% CI, 1.44-2.84]). When adjusting for fetal growth rate in week 28, the effect attenuated by 15%, and to 1.10 (95% CI, 0.76-1.60) when further adjusting for prepregnancy body mass index.

Conclusion

Pregnancies affected by GDM had higher fetal growth rate and the offspring had a higher risk of being overweight at age 5 to 9 years. Fetal growth rate in early third trimester was a mediator of up to 15% of this association, but prepregnancy body mass index contributed strongly as well.
Obsessed with Translation: Bovaristic Reading of Translated Love Stories in Early Twentieth-Century China
Authors: Liu Jane Qian
Published: June 2024

Just as reading in general can have an impact on a reader’s interpretation of reality, reading translated works can open up a distinctive understanding of the world, which then leads readers to act on their newly gained sentiments and ideals. The many foreign literary works translated into Chinese at the beginning of the twentieth century had a profound influence on Chinese readers’ perception of romance, marriage, and life. Chinese readers were obsessed with reading translated love stories that shed light on the way romantic love was conceived and expressed in the West. They often took what they read in novels like La dame aux camélias and Immensee to be principles of love in real life, and some even followed the life paths of the protagonists. This phenomenon can be best subsumed under the term Bovarysm, defined by Jules de Gaultier as “the human ability to conceive of oneself as other than one is.” Chinese writers actively engaged with translated love stories to create their own literary works, some of them autobiographical, while others parodied the perceived romantic love found in translated love stories.
The Struggle for Bodily Autonomy: A Historical Perspective on Self-Managed Abortion in the United States
Authors: Yanow Susan
Published: June 2024

Current activism around self-managed abortion (SMA) in the United States is born out of innovation, resistance, resilience, and necessity. This article examines the historical origins of SMA in the United States from an activist perspective and outlines the opportunities and challenges that SMA presents to people having expanded control over their reproductive lives.
From Harm Reduction to Reproductive Justice: Lawyering in the Post-Dobbs Landscape
Authors: Diaz-Tello Farah
Published: June 2024

The US Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization overturned nearly fifty years of constitutional doctrine protecting the right to seek an abortion, throwing the nation into a state of legal chaos. This legal chaos has its own set of unique and harmful consequences to abortion seekers over and beyond the restricted access to care. As this article argues, helping abortion seekers, and those who would assist them, parse the changing state of the law and understand the threats in the legal landscape is a critical way that activist attorneys can help reduce harm and advance reproductive justice.
Feminist Performance
Authors: Draper Susana , Valdés Vargas Daffne , Cometa Stange Paula , Van Rysseghem Sibila Sotomayor
Published: June 2024

In this interview, Colectivo LASTESIS reflects on the history of the collective and their understanding of feminist performance as a way of expanding different feminist theories and making them more accessible. Emphasizing the centrality of the body, they speak about the importance of moving ideas through concrete bodies. This requires the capacity to deploy different dimensions of both thought and textuality, such as sound, color, and texture, as well as to connect to an archive that has resisted centuries of colonialism. In this sense, the collective locates their work within a long history of performance, making visible the continuity between multiple archives that problematize different forms of colonialism and oppression, and making legible different creative forms of resistance.
Efeitos competitivos de IPOs e follow-ons
Authors: Videira Nádia , Castro F. Henrique , Silva Vinicius Augusto
Published: June 2024

Este artigo analisa como as concorrentes do mesmo setor reagem no curto prazo aos momentos de anúncio e negociação de ofertas públicas primárias (IPO) e subsequentes (follow-on) na indústria. O estudo utiliza uma amostra de empresas brasileiras que realizaram emissão pública de ações no período de 2016 a 2020 e indica que os eventos de IPOs geram efeitos negativos nos preços das ações de suas rivais da indústria, enquanto ofertas de follow-ons geram implicações inversas. Os efeitos de curto prazo são mais favoráveis quando a emissão pública é de distribuição primária em relação às emissões de distribuição secundária.
Machine Learning for liquidity classification and its applications to portfolio selection
Authors: Abensur Eder
Published: June 2024

Liquidity refers to the ease of asset conversion into cash, playing a crucial role in investment decisions for achieving optimal returns. This study proposes a novel stock liquidity classification method using machine learning algorithms, trained, and tested on ten years of Brazilian stock market (B3) data. Achieving an accuracy of 99.2%, the classifier, when integrated with the mean-variance portfolio optimization model, reduces portfolio uncertainty by preventing an average of 11.5% of illiquid asset sales.
Fast-Track surgery protocol in perioperative care for gynecological laparoscopy
Authors: Zhu Hongping , Xu Xiaoying
Published: June 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to compare fast-track surgery (FTS) and traditional perioperative care protocols in laparoscopic gynecological surgeries, assessing their impact on length of stay (LOS), recovery time, and postoperative complications.
Methods: A case-control retrospective study was conducted at Suzhou Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, involving 167 patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery from June 2021 to June 2023. Of them, 81 patients underwent surgery based on the FTS protocol (FTS group) and 86 patients received a traditional perioperative management (control group). Patients in both groups underwent gynecologic laparoscopic procedures, including uterine, ovarian and tubal surgeries. Data were collected on general patients’ characteristics, including age, BMI, surgery type and time, intestinal recovery and out-of-bed activity time, LOS, pain levels, and postoperative complications. Wilcoxon rank sum test with continuity correction was used to assess the difference in operative characteristics and postoperative pain levels. Fisher’s exact test was used to assess the difference in overall frequency of postoperative complications between groups.
Results: Patients in the FTS group exhibited faster intestinal recovery, shorter mobilization time, and reduced LOS compared to the control group. Pain levels were significantly lower at one, six and twelve hours post-surgery in the FTS group. Overall, the proportion of postoperative complications was significantly lower in the FTS group than in the control group.
Conclusions: Implementing the FTS protocol in laparoscopic gynecological surgeries for benign conditions can reduce LOS, accelerate recovery, and minimize pain without increasing postoperative complications. Further research with more diverse patient populations is warranted to validate these findings.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.7.9117
How to cite this: Zhu H, Xu X. Fast-Track surgery protocol in perioperative care for gynecological laparoscopy. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(7):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.7.9117
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Studying children as digital game players
Authors: Γαβριηλίδου Μόνικα
Published: June 2024

Στις μέρες μας όλο και περισσότερα παιδιά γίνονται παίκτες ψηφιακών παιχνιδιών. Ωστόσο, γνωρίζουμε ελάχιστα σχετικά με τις εμπειρίες τους στο παιχνίδι, καθώς αυτές επηρεάζονται από ένα πλήθος διασυνδέσεων. Μέχρι στιγμής δεν έχουν εξεταστεί επαρκώς οι αλληλεπιδράσεις των παιδιών που λαμβάνουν χώρα κατά τη διάρκεια ή πέραν του ψηφιακού παιχνιδιού. Αντίστοιχα, λίγες έρευνες έχουν γίνει σχετικά με τις αφηγήσεις των παιδιών ως παίκτες των ψηφιακών παιχνιδιών. Η παρούσα διατριβή πραγματεύεται το συσχετισμό του στοιχείου της αφήγησης και της διάδρασης και προτείνει τον όρο "παιδικές διαδραστικές αφηγήσεις" για να περιγράψει τις αφηγήσεις που προκύπτουν από τις αλληλεπιδράσεις που λαμβάνουν χώρα μεταξύ των νεαρών παικτών ψηφιακών παιχνιδιών. Αναρωτιόμαστε ποια είναι η συμβολή της αφήγησης στην κατανόηση των αλληλεπιδράσεων των παιδιών. Διερευνούμε επίσης τις αλληλεπιδράσεις των παιδιών σε σχέση με τα περιβάλλοντα που τα επηρεάζουν. Εφαρμοσμένη σε δύο διαφορετικούς χώρους, ένα σχολικό εργαστήριο και μια εξωσχολική δραστηριότητα στο σπίτι, η μελέτη παρατηρεί το ψηφιακό παιχνίδι των παιδιών και διερευνά τις "διαδραστικές αφηγήσεις των παιδιών" με τη βοήθεια δύο θεωριών ως μεθοδολογικά εργαλεία: Στην πρώτη φάση της έρευνας οι αλληλεπιδράσεις των παιδιών μελετώνται σύμφωνα με τη θεωρία των πλαισίων του Goffman, με βάση τις τελετουργίες του παιχνιδιού, την εικόνα του "εαυτού" του παίκτη και τις σχέσεις με τους άλλους. Η δεύτερη φάση της έρευνας επικεντρώνεται στις αφηγήσεις νεαρών παικτών ψηφιακών παιχνιδιών, οι οποίες διερευνώνται σύμφωνα με τη διαλογική θεωρία του Bakhtin, με βάση τέσσερα διαλογικά στοιχεία: το πλεόνασμα θέασης, τον χρονότοπο, την πολυφωνία και την ετερογλωσσία. Τα κύρια ευρήματα της έρευνας μας δείχνουν ότι για να οργανώσουν τις εμπειρίες τους στο παιχνίδι, τα παιδιά δημιουργούν πλαίσια που συνδέουν τον φανταστικό κόσμο του ψηφιακού παιχνιδιού και τον πραγματικό κόσμο. Αναδεικνύουμε επίσης το διαλογικό χαρακτήρα των αλληλεπιδράσεων μεταξύ των νεαρών παικτών, αντανακλώντας τα άμεσα προσωπικά και κοινωνικά περιβάλλοντα των παιδιών. Από αυτή την άποψη, οι "παιδικές διαδραστικές αφηγήσεις" χρησιμεύουν ως όχημα επικοινωνίας μεταξύ των νεαρών παικτών των ψηφιακών παιχνιδιών. Η σημασία αυτής της μελέτης έγκειται στο ότι συμβάλλει στην αποτελεσματικότερη προσέγγιση των αφηγήσεων που δημιουργούνται από τα παιδιά, με σημείο εκκίνησης τις εμπειρίες τους από το ψηφιακό παιχνίδι. Συμβάλλει επίσης στον προβληματισμό για την αναζήτηση πιθανών συνδέσεων μεταξύ των ψηφιακών παιχνιδιών και των κοινωνικών περιβαλλόντων των παιδιών.
Πειραματική δημιουργία νεοεπιθηλίου εντέρου in vivo
Authors: Σακαρέλλος Παναγιώτης
Published: June 2024

Ιστορικό: Το σύνδρομο βραχέος εντέρου (ΣΒΕ) παραμένει ένα άλυτο πρόβλημα στη σύγχρονη ιατρική. Έχουν προταθεί πολυάριθμες πειραματικές χειρουργικές τεχνικές στην προσπάθεια να αυξηθεί η εντερική απορροφητική ικανότητα. Υλικά και Μέθοδοι: Δέκα θηλυκοί χοίροι κατηγορίας Landrace, χωρισμένοι σε δύο ομάδες των 5 (Α και Β), υπεβλήθησαν σε λαπαροτομία με μέση τομή. Από το μείζον τόξο του στομάχου, ένας αγγειούμενος από τα γαστροεπιπλοϊκά αγγεία ατρακτοειδής γαστρικός κρημνός (ΓΚ), ολικού πάχους, αποεπιθηλιοποιήθηκε και στη συνέχεια τοποθετήθηκε ως ‘‘εμβάλωμα’’ για να καλύψει ένα αντιμεσεντερικό έλλειμμα αναλόγου μεγέθους, είτε μιας μη λειτουργικής τυφλής εντερικής έλικας (ομάδα Α) είτε μιας λειτουργικής εντερικής έλικας του γαστρεντερικού σωλήνα (ομάδα Β). Στην εξωτερική επιφάνεια του εμβαλώματος συρράφθηκε ένας ατρακτοειδής, καμπύλος, άκαμπτος νάρθηκας από πολυαιθυλένιο χαμηλής πυκνότητας, προκειμένου να αποφευχθεί η συρρίκνωση του γαστρικού κρημνού και η σύμπτωση του εντερικού τοιχώματος στην ομάδα Α. Αποτελέσματα: Υπήρξε μείωση και των δύο διαστάσεων, μήκος και πλάτος του εμβαλώματος. Μικροσκοπικά, ένα λεπτό στρώμα κυλινδρικών επιθηλιακών κυττάρων κάλυπτε την επιφάνεια πλησίον του κέντρου του εμβαλώματος, ενώ υψηλότερες, αμβλείες, ανεπαρκώς ανεπτυγμένες λάχνες με αυξανόμενη ωρίμανση παρατηρήθηκαν προς τα πλάγια αυτού. Η επιφάνεια του εμβαλώματος καλυπτόταν κατά 90% από εντερικό νεοβλεννογόνο. Στα τρία ζώα που πέθαναν πρόωρα, η κάλυψη του γαστρικού κρημνού ήταν αμελητέα ή όχι σαφώς παρατηρήσιμη και αυτό είχε άμεση σχέση με τη διάρκεια της επιβίωσης του ζώου. Συμπεράσματα: Η περιγραφόμενη με το παρόν εμβάλωμα τεχνική απέδειξε την ανάπτυξη εντερικού νεοβλεννογόνου στο ΓΚ. Η ικανότητα του στομάχου να παρέχει μεγάλους κρημνούς και τα πλεονεκτήματα της χρήσης αυτόλογων ιστών καθιστούν αυτό το ζωικό μοντέλο πολύτιμο για τη μελλοντική έρευνα στον τομέα αυτό.