bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The majority of microorganisms in gas hydrate-bearing subseafloor sediments ferment macromolecules
Authors: Zhang Chuwen , Fang Yun-Xin , Yin Xiuran , Lai Hongfei , Kuang Zenggui , Zhang Tianxueyu , Xu Xiang-Po , Wegener Gunter , Wang Jiang-Hai , Dong Xiyang
Published: March 2023

Background

Gas hydrate-bearing subseafloor sediments harbor a large number of microorganisms. Within these sediments, organic matter and upward-migrating methane are important carbon and energy sources fueling a light-independent biosphere. However, the type of metabolism that dominates the deep subseafloor of the gas hydrate zone is poorly constrained. Here we studied the microbial communities in gas hydrate-rich sediments up to 49 m below the seafloor recovered by drilling in the South China Sea. We focused on distinct geochemical conditions and performed metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses to characterize microbial communities and their role in carbon mineralization.

Results

Comparative microbial community analysis revealed that samples above and in sulfate-methane interface (SMI) zones were clearly distinguished from those below the SMI. Chloroflexota were most abundant above the SMI, whereas Caldatribacteriota dominated below the SMI. Verrucomicrobiota, Bathyarchaeia, and Hadarchaeota were similarly present in both types of sediment. The genomic inventory and transcriptional activity suggest an important role in the fermentation of macromolecules. In contrast, sulfate reducers and methanogens that catalyze the consumption or production of commonly observed chemical compounds in sediments are rare. Methanotrophs and alkanotrophs that anaerobically grow on alkanes were also identified to be at low abundances. The ANME-1 group actively thrived in or slightly below the current SMI. Members from Heimdallarchaeia were found to encode the potential for anaerobic oxidation of short-chain hydrocarbons.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that the fermentation of macromolecules is the predominant energy source for microorganisms in deep subseafloor sediments that are experiencing upward methane fluxes.
Computational network analysis of host genetic risk variants of severe COVID-19
Authors: Alsaedi Sakhaa B. , Mineta Katsuhiko , Gao Xin , Gojobori Takashi
Published: March 2023

Background

Genome-wide association studies have identified numerous human host genetic risk variants that play a substantial role in the host immune response to SARS-CoV-2. Although these genetic risk variants significantly increase the severity of COVID-19, their influence on body systems is poorly understood. Therefore, we aim to interpret the biological mechanisms and pathways associated with the genetic risk factors and immune responses in severe COVID-19. We perform a deep analysis of previously identified risk variants and infer the hidden interactions between their molecular networks through disease mapping and the similarity of the molecular functions between constructed networks.

Results

We designed a four-stage computational workflow for systematic genetic analysis of the risk variants. We integrated the molecular profiles of the risk factors with associated diseases, then constructed protein–protein interaction networks. We identified 24 protein–protein interaction networks with 939 interactions derived from 109 filtered risk variants in 60 risk genes and 56 proteins. The majority of molecular functions, interactions and pathways are involved in immune responses; several interactions and pathways are related to the metabolic and cardiovascular systems, which could lead to multi-organ complications and dysfunction.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of analyzing molecular interactions and pathways to understand the heterogeneous susceptibility of the host immune response to SARS-CoV-2. We propose new insights into pathogenicity analysis of infections by including genetic risk information as essential factors to predict future complications during and after infection. This approach may assist more precise clinical decisions and accurate treatment plans to reduce COVID-19 complications.
TransCode: Uncovering COVID-19 transmission patterns via deep learning
Authors: Ren Jinfu , Liu Mutong , Liu Yang , Liu Jiming
Published: March 2023

Background

The heterogeneity of COVID-19 spread dynamics is determined by complex spatiotemporal transmission patterns at a fine scale, especially in densely populated regions. In this study, we aim to discover such fine-scale transmission patterns via deep learning.

Methods

We introduce the notion of TransCode to characterize fine-scale spatiotemporal transmission patterns of COVID-19 caused by metapopulation mobility and contact behaviors. First, in Hong Kong, China, we construct the mobility trajectories of confirmed cases using their visiting records. Then we estimate the transmissibility of individual cases in different locations based on their temporal infectiousness distribution. Integrating the spatial and temporal information, we represent the TransCode via spatiotemporal transmission networks. Further, we propose a deep transfer learning model to adapt the TransCode of Hong Kong, China to achieve fine-scale transmission characterization and risk prediction in six densely populated metropolises: New York City, San Francisco, Toronto, London, Berlin, and Tokyo, where fine-scale data are limited. All the data used in this study are publicly available.

Results

The TransCode of Hong Kong, China derived from the spatial transmission information and temporal infectiousness distribution of individual cases reveals the transmission patterns (e.g., the imported and exported transmission intensities) at the district and constituency levels during different COVID-19 outbreaks waves. By adapting the TransCode of Hong Kong, China to other data-limited densely populated metropolises, the proposed method outperforms other representative methods by more than 10% in terms of the prediction accuracy of the disease dynamics (i.e., the trend of case numbers), and the fine-scale spatiotemporal transmission patterns in these metropolises could also be well captured due to some shared intrinsically common patterns of human mobility and contact behaviors at the metapopulation level.

Conclusions

The fine-scale transmission patterns due to the metapopulation level mobility (e.g., travel across different districts) and contact behaviors (e.g., gathering in social-economic centers) are one of the main contributors to the rapid spread of the virus. Characterization of the fine-scale transmission patterns using the TransCode will facilitate the development of tailor-made intervention strategies to effectively contain disease transmission in the targeted regions.

Graphical Abstract
Eating disorders in sexual minority adolescents and young adults: examining clinical characteristics and psychiatric co-morbidities in an inpatient medical setting
Authors: Chaphekar Anita V. , Downey Amanda , Garber Andrea K. , Kuykendall Mikayla , Bojorquez-Ramirez Paola , Ganson Kyle T. , Buckelew Sara M. , Nagata Jason M.
Published: March 2023

Background

Sexual minority adolescents and young adults are at higher risk of eating disorders compared to heterosexual peers. However, little is known about the clinical and psychiatric presentation of this population requiring inpatient medical stabilization. Given the increased risk for eating disorder behaviors in sexual minority individuals amidst increased rates of medical hospitalizations secondary to eating disorders, it is important to understand presenting characteristics of this population. The objectives of this study were to (1) describe the clinical characteristics of sexual minority adolescents and young adults with eating disorders admitted for medical instability and (2) compare psychiatric co-morbidities and suicidality of sexual minority adolescents and young adults to heterosexual peers.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted of 601 patients admitted to a large inpatient eating disorders medical stabilization unit between 2012 and 2020. Data collected included demographics, medical data including vital signs, and psychiatric characteristics. Chi square or t-tests were used to examine potential differences in clinical characteristics and psychiatric co-morbidities between groups. Modified Poisson regression was used to assess associations between sexual orientation and psychiatric co-morbidities.

Results

Over one fifth (21.1%, n = 103) of our inpatient sample identified as a sexual minority individual. The average age of participants was 15.6 years (2.7). Sexual minority adolescents and young adults had higher percent median body mass index compared to heterosexual peers and yet equally severe vital sign instability on admission. Sexual minority adolescents and young adults were almost 1.5 times more likely to have a psychiatric comorbidity with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Sexual minority adolescents and young adults were approximately two times more likely to have a history of self-injurious behaviors and/or suicidality.

Conclusions

Sexual minority adolescents and young adults with eating disorders have equally severe vital sign instability despite higher percent median body mass index on admission for medical stabilization. Sexual minority adolescents and young adults hospitalized for medical complications of eating disorders are far more likely to have an additional mental health disorder and a history of self-harm and/or suicidality, which may portend a less favorable long-term prognosis.
Impact of implementation interventions to improve substance use service delivery on recidivism among justice-involved youth
Authors: Robertson Angela A. , Gardner Sheena , Dembo Richard , Dennis Michael , Pankow Jennifer , Wilson Khirsten J.
Published: March 2023

Substance use disorders (SUD) are prevalent among justice-involved youth (JIY) and are a robust predictor of re-offending. Only a fraction of JIY with substance use problems receive treatment. This paper describes the impacts of system-level efforts to improve identification and referral to treatment on recidivism of JIY. A cluster randomized trial involving 20 county juvenile justice agency sites across 5 states was used to implement an organizational intervention (Core vs Enhanced) to juvenile justice staff and community-based treatment providers, working with 18,698 JIY from March 2014 to August 2017. Recidivism rates over four study time periods were examined. Logistic regression was used to predict recidivism as a function of site, need for SUD services, level of supervision, time, organizational intervention, and time x intervention interaction terms. Results indicated that Enhanced sites showed decreased levels of recidivism compared to Core-only sites, where it increased over time. Additionally, need for SU services, level of supervision, and site were significant predictors of reoffending. Findings suggest the potential value of facilitation of juvenile justice agency efforts to increasing identification of and referral to SUD services of JIY in need of such services for reducing further contact with the legal system.
Neutrophil extracellular traps primed intercellular communication in cancer progression as a promising therapeutic target
Authors: Shang Bingqing , Cui Honglei , Xie Ruiyang , Wu Jie , Shi Hongzhe , Bi Xingang , Feng Lin , Shou Jianzhong
Published: March 2023

In addition to the anti-infection response, neutrophils are linked to tumor progression through the secretion of inflammation components and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation. NET is a web-like structure constituted by a chromatin scaffold coated with specific nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins, such as histone and granule peptides. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that NETs are favorable factors to promote tumor growth, invasion, migration, and immunosuppression. However, the cell–cell interaction between NETs and other cells (tumor cells and immune cells) is complicated and poorly studied. This work is the first review to focus on the intercellular communication mediated by NETs in cancer. We summarized the complex cell–cell interaction between NETs and other cells in the tumor microenvironment. We also address the significance of NETs as both prognostic/predictive biomarkers and molecular targets for cancer therapy. Moreover, we presented a comprehensive landscape of cancer immunity, improving the therapeutic efficacy for advanced cancer in the future.
An integrated genetic analysis of epileptogenic brain malformed lesions
Authors: Fujita Atsushi , Kato Mitsuhiro , Sugano Hidenori , Iimura Yasushi , Suzuki Hiroharu , Tohyama Jun , Fukuda Masafumi , Ito Yosuke , Baba Shimpei , Okanishi Tohru , Enoki Hideo , Fujimoto Ayataka , Yamamoto Akiyo , Kawamura Kentaro , Kato Shinsuke , Honda Ryoko , Ono Tomonori , Shiraishi Hideaki , Egawa Kiyoshi , Shirai Kentaro , Yamamoto Shinji , Hayakawa Itaru , Kawawaki Hisashi , Saida Ken , Tsuchida Naomi , Uchiyama Yuri , Hamanaka Kohei , Miyatake Satoko , Mizuguchi Takeshi , Nakashima Mitsuko , Saitsu Hirotomo , Miyake Noriko , Kakita Akiyoshi , Matsumoto Naomichi
Published: March 2023

Focal cortical dysplasia is the most common malformation during cortical development, sometimes excised by epilepsy surgery and often caused by somatic variants of the mTOR pathway genes. In this study, we performed a genetic analysis of epileptogenic brain malformed lesions from 64 patients with focal cortical dysplasia, hemimegalencephy, brain tumors, or hippocampal sclerosis. Targeted sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, and single nucleotide polymorphism microarray detected four germline and 35 somatic variants, comprising three copy number variants and 36 single nucleotide variants and indels in 37 patients. One of the somatic variants in focal cortical dysplasia type IIB was an in-frame deletion in MTOR, in which only gain-of-function missense variants have been reported. In focal cortical dysplasia type I, somatic variants of MAP2K1 and PTPN11 involved in the RAS/MAPK pathway were detected. The in-frame deletions of MTOR and MAP2K1 in this study resulted in the activation of the mTOR pathway in transiently transfected cells. In addition, the PTPN11 missense variant tended to elongate activation of the mTOR or RAS/MAPK pathway, depending on culture conditions. We demonstrate that epileptogenic brain malformed lesions except for focal cortical dysplasia type II arose from somatic variants of diverse genes but were eventually linked to the mTOR pathway.
Knowledge of earthen heritage deterioration in dry areas of China: salinity effect on the formation of cracked surface crust
Authors: Zhang Yue
Published: March 2023

Numerous important earthen heritage sites in northwestern China have survived until today because of the arid and semi-arid climate. However, most of them suffer from various types and degrees of deterioration, with many questions not answered. Scaling off is one of the main types of deterioration widely observed at the Site of Yar City. To clarify the underlying mechanisms of cracked surface crust formation, previous experimental achievements are reviewed in the framework of unsaturated soil mechanics in this paper. A series of laboratory tests on the properties of local soil during desiccation, including water retention, volumetric shrinkage, cracking and tensile strength, are presented and analyzed, with a particular emphasis on salinity effect. Results show that suction is the key factor controlling the soil behavior. With the decrease in water content, all suction components increased gradually. The presence of NaCl led to a large increase in total suction, but a negligible change in matric suction. The soil shrinkage characteristic curve, which can be divided into three zones, was not affected by NaCl. The suction-loading curve indicates that the change in void ratio was governed by matric suction. In addition, most of the drying shrinkage of soil took place in saturated and near-saturated conditions. According to the quantitative analysis of final crack patterns, the highly fragmented surface morphology tended to be induced in thinner, less salinized soil specimens. The soil tensile strength also increased during drying, which was further enhanced by the cementation of salt crystals between particles. These preliminary results can provide some insights in understanding the on-site deterioration of earthen heritage sites.
Perceived network bridging influences the career commitment decisions of early career teachers
Authors: Reid Joshua W. , Polizzi Samuel J. , Zhu Yicong , Jiang Siying , Ofem Brandon , Salisbury Sara , Beeth Michael , Mohr-Schroeder Margaret , Sheppard Keith , Roehrig Gillian , Rushton Gregory T.
Published: March 2023

Background

Retaining highly qualified science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers is imperative for meeting demands of the twenty-first century STEM workforce. While multiple studies have revealed several factors that influence teacher retention, little work has examined how these factors interact with one another. This study explored the relationship between two critical factors that relate to teachers’ decisions to remain in the profession: teacher identity and communities of practice (CoP) networks.

Results

Drawing upon scholarship on science teacher identity, CoP, and social network theory, we demonstrate a quantitative relationship between perceived network bridging roles and career commitment, which is mediated through teacher identity.

Conclusions

The findings from this study have both implications for scholarship in teacher retention and science teacher identity development. Potential solutions for improving novice teachers’ self-image through providing opportunities to grow their professional networks both locally and regionally/nationally are suggested.
The WORMESH-II flatworm-like mesh robot with 2-DOF double joints
Authors: Rasanga Ganegoda V. C. , Hiraishi Kengo , Hodoshima Ryuichi , Kotosaka Shinya
Published: March 2023

This paper deals with the development of a flatworm-like mesh robot WORMESH-II, which is the second prototype in the WORMESH series inspired from a flattened and soft-bodied flatworm. The pedal locomotion is the primary locomotor of the flatworm that is continuous gliding propulsion along the bottom of the body. The significance of WORMESH series is use of multiple pedal waves to generate the locomotion. The WORMESH-II is a modular robot having a revolute joint system to interconnect two modules. Further, it contains two module types: control module (CM) and joint module (JM). Depending on their arrangements, WORMESH-II can be arranged in different module formations. First, this paper presents the design of WORMESH-II in which double joints capable of three-dimensional motion are introduced. Then, two locomotion gaits for translational and spinning locomotion are described for WORMESH-II in isotropic module formation. Three synchronized parallel pedal waves and one pedal wave loop by the new double joint mechanism were respectively utilized to generate translational and spinning motions of WORMESH-II for IMF. The proposed locomotion gaits were investigated by dynamics simulation and the experiment using the prototype of WORMESH-II. We have successfully demonstrated basic translational and spinning locomotion of WORMESH-II with the velocity of 2.8 mm/s and the angular velocity of 0.0043 rad/s, respectively.
Subconjunctival filtration in evolution: current evidence on MicroShunt implantation for treating patients with glaucoma
Authors: Ahmed Iqbal Ike K. , Sadruddin Omar , Panarelli Joseph F.
Published: March 2023

Background

Although traditional surgical procedures for glaucoma (such as trabeculectomy and tube-shunt implantation) can significantly reduce intraocular pressure (IOP), they are associated with numerous complications, some of which are vision-threatening, or involve prolonged recovery or a highly intensive postoperative course. Micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedures have shown better safety but reduced efficacy in achieving target IOP. Combinations of these methods have led to the development of subconjunctival micro-invasive procedures with safety comparable to traditional surgery and greater efficacy than minimally invasive methods. This review describes the use of one of these devices, the poly(styrene-block-isobutylene-block-styrene) (SIBS)-based PreserFlo MicroShunt (Santen, Emeryville, CA), in the surgical treatment of patients with glaucoma.

Main text

The MicroShunt is an 8.5-mm tube made of an inert polymer with no endplate, an internal diameter of 70 μm, and fins intended to prevent peritubular flow and anchor the device within the sclera to prevent proximal migration into the eye. Following ab externo implantation, the tube provides a conduit for flow of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber into the subconjunctival/sub-Tenon space. Clinical trials to date have shown that, when paired with mitomycin C (MMC) treatment, MicroShunt implantation significantly reduced both IOP and the number of glaucoma medications. These IOP-lowering results were found both when surgery was performed alone and with phacoemulsification. The MicroShunt also showed a safety profile comparable to that of traditional filtering surgery.

Conclusions

The MicroShunt and other novel subconjunctival procedures have shown substantial IOP reductions while mitigating hypotony-related complications. MMC, which modulates fibrosis and scarring postoperatively, is essential to surgical success. Randomized, long-term clinical trials will further clarify the role of controlled micro-incisional device-assisted ab externo glaucoma filtering surgery in long-term glaucoma management.
An appraisal of the implementation of the national school feeding programme and its effect on enrolment and attendance in public primary schools in Southeast, Nigeria: perception of heads of schools
Authors: Agu Chibuike Innocent , Ossai Edmund Ndudi , Ogah Onwe Emeka , Agu Ifunaya Clara , Akamike Ifeyinwa , Ugwu George Onyemaechi , Edwin Nwobodo , Ewenyi Blessing Lucy , Azuogu Benedict N.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) was re-launched in Nigeria in 2016, eleven years after it was first introduced in the country, with Enugu as one of the beneficiary States. The objectives of the programme are to improve the health of school children and aid in the realization of Universal Basic Education (UBE) goals. This study explored the opinions of heads of public primary schools on the implementation and policy benefits of NHGSFP in Enugu, southeast Nigeria.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 24 headmasters and headmistresses purposively selected from public primary schools in the Enugu metropolis. Qualitative data were collected through the use of a pretested Key Informant Interview (KII) guide, and analyzed using a thematic approach.

Results

All the participants were aware of the NHGSFP, which involved the provision of one mid-day meal per child per school day to the pupils, and all their schools were part of the programme. Most of the participants complained about the nutritional quality and quantity of the school meals which they felt were poor. None of the schools had a kitchen within the school premises, and all the participants admitted that deworming was not regularly carried out, as part of the programme. Most of the participants believed that the objectives of the feeding programme, including, reduced hunger among learners, increased school enrolment, attendance and enhanced participatory learning, were being met.

Conclusion

Although the NHGSFP was implemented in every school in Enugu metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria, regular deworming of pupils was not carried out, and there were concerns about certain aspects of the implementation, such as inadequate funding and poor quality of school meals. Thus, there is a need for the introduction of deworming and more allocation of funds to the programme to improve the quantity and nutritional quality of school meals.
You gotta walk the walk to talk the talk: protocol for a feasibility study of the Happy Older Latino Adults (HOLA) health promotion intervention for older HIV-positive Latino men
Authors: Jimenez Daniel E. , Weinstein Elliott R. , Batsis John
Published: March 2023

Background

Older Latinos living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have been disproportionately affected by the epidemic and experience compounded health disparities that have deepened over time. These health disparities are largely related to lifestyle and are either preventable or amenable to early detection or intervention. Despite existing resources to deliver an intervention to reduce this compounded health disparity, there is little information on the effects of health promotion interventions on indices of cardiometabolic risk in midlife and older Latinos living with HIV. The Happy Older Latinos are Active (HOLA) intervention is an innovative health promotion program that is uniquely tailored to meet the diverse needs and circumstances of older Latinos with HIV. The goal of this manuscript is to describe the protocol of a feasibility study of the HOLA health promotion intervention for older HIV-positive Latino men.

Methods/design

HOLA, which is informed by Behavioral Activation and Social Learning theory is a community health worker (CHW)-led, multicomponent, health promotion intervention consisting of: (1) a social and physical activation session; (2) a moderately intense group walk led by a CHW for 45 min, 3×/week for 16 weeks; (3) pleasant events (e.g., going to brunch with friends) scheduling. Eighteen community dwelling Latinos living with HIV aged 50+ will be recruited for this feasibility study adapting the HOLA intervention. Participants will be assessed at three time points (baseline, post-intervention, and 3 months post-intervention) on measures of cardiometabolic risk factors (waist circumference, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and glucose), psychosocial functioning, and health-related quality of life.

Conclusions

If HOLA can be delivered successfully by CHWs, then the scalability, accessibility, and potential for dissemination is increased. Additionally, this study will inform feasibility and identify modifications needed in the design of a larger hypothesis testing study.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT 03839212. Date of Registration: 8 February, 2019.
Understanding the adoption context of China’s digital currency electronic payment
Authors: Xia Huosong , Gao Yangmei , Zhang Justin Zuopeng
Published: March 2023

Central banks worldwide have started researching and developing central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). In the digital economy context, concerns regarding the integrity, competition, and privacy of CBDC systems have also gradually emerged. Against this backdrop, this study aims to evaluate users’ willingness to use China’s digital currency electronic payment (DCEP) system, a digital payment and processing network, and its influencing factors by comprehensively considering and comparing the characteristics of cash and third-party payment services. Combining the push-pull-mooring framework (PPM) and task-technology fit (TTF) theory, we discuss the scenarios and mechanisms that may inspire users’ DCEP adoption intention through an empirical study. The results reveal that privacy concerns regarding the original payment methods and technology-task fitting level of DCEP positively impact users’ willingness to adopt DCEP. The technical characteristics of DCEP, users’ payment requirements, and government support positively affect users’ adoption intention by influencing the task-technology fitting degree of DCEP. Switching cost significantly and negatively impacts adoption intention, whereas relative advantage exhibits no significant effect. This research contributes to a better understanding of the factors that influence switching intentions and the actual use of DCEP, and provides policy guidance on promoting the efficiency and effectiveness of DCEP.
Associated systemic diseases and etiologies of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: a retrospective study of 265 surgical cases
Authors: Chang Hoon-Je , Kim Min-Jae , Ahn Kang-Min
Published: March 2023

Background

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is one of the complications caused by various drugs. As there are increasing reports of MRONJ, it is important to diagnose and identify patients who have the potential risk of the disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the systemic diseases, etiology, and treatment results of MRONJ.

Material and methods

A total of 265 MRONJ operations were reviewed retrospectively. This study included patients who were diagnosed as MRONJ and those who also received surgery, ranging from simple extraction to reconstruction with free flaps, from 2009 to 2021. Each patient’s systemic disease and eitology and basic demographic information was taken into consideration.

Results

The most common diseases related were osteoporosis (n = 127), breast cancer (n = 77), multiple myeloma (n = 27), prostate cancer (n = 26), and etc. (n = 12). The related causes of MRONJ were extraction (n = 138), implants (n = 40), and irritations by prosthesis (n = 29); however, 55 cases were occurred spontaneously. Out of 265 patients, 214 were women while 51 were men. The average age when the surgery took place was 67.7 and 69.8 years for male and female patients, respectively. Saucerization and sequestrectomy (n = 252) was the most common surgical treatment, followed by mandibulectomy (n = 12) and partial maxillectomy (n = 1). While 4 cases occurred in both jaws, 168 cases were in the mandible and 93 cases were in the maxilla.

Conclusion

Nearly 50 % of the MRONJ patients had osteoporosis and the other patients who received bone targeting agents parentral had bone metastasis of various cancers. Extraction is the most common related event for MRONJ.
The association of preoperative high-sensitivity cardiac troponin i and long-term outcomes in colorectal cancer patients received tumor resection surgery
Authors: Zhang Yitao , Huang Zicheng , Hu Sutian , Si Jinhong , Cheng Shiyao , Chen Zhichong , Xue Jiaojie , Lou Xue , Peng Huajing , Li Zequan , Ouyang Mao , Gao Xiang , Zeng Weijie
Published: March 2023

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the association between preoperative hs-cTnI and long-term mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in colorectal cancer patients.

Methods

This single-center retrospective cohort study included 1105 consecutive colorectal cancer patients who received tumor resection surgery between January 2018 and June 2020. Inclusion criteria were an age ≥ 18 years and had been tested for hs-cTnI on admission within 7 days prior to tumor resection surgery. Exclusion criteria were emergent surgery, failure to received tumor resection surgery, hospital death, there was clinical evidence of unstable coronary artery disease or pulmonary embolism occurred before operation according to medical record. The primary endpoint was all-cause death. Secondary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Results

A total of 1105 patients were enrolled: 1032 with normal hs-cTnI and 73 with elevated hs-cTnI. The mean follow-up was 24.4 ± 10.8 months, 176 patients died and 39 patients met MACE. In the elevated troponin group, 50%, 32.1% and 17.9% died from cancer, cardiovascular and other causes, while those in the normal troponin group were 75.7%, 2% and 22.3%, there was statistical difference between 2 groups (P < 0.001). Patients with elevated preoperative hs-cTnI had significantly higher mortality (P < 0.001) and more MACE (P < 0.001) compared with those with normal hs-cTnI. A propensity-matching analysis were performed, resulting in 151 patients with normal hs-cTnI and 60 patients with elevated hs-cTnI. The matched population had the similar results for all-cause death (P = 0.009) and MACE (P = 0.001). The results were consistent after further excluding 147 patients who had received chemoradiotherapy prior to surgery in subgroup analysis. The results of multivariate Cox regression analysis shown that hs-cTnI was one of the best predictors for all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR] 2.278; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19–4.361) and MACE (HR, 3.523; 95%CI, 1.477–8.403) in total populations, similar results were found in subgroup analysis.

Conclusions

Colorectal cancer patients without myocardial ischemia manifestation but with elevated hs-cTnI prior to tumor resection surgery were at increased risk for long-term all-cause death and MACE, irrespective of whether they have received chemoradiotherapy prior to surgery.
Accessing and utilizing clinical and genomic data from an electronic health record data warehouse
Authors: Arnold Cosby G. , Sonn Brandon , Meyers Frederick J. , Vest Alexis , Puls Richie , Zirkler Estelle , Edelmann Michelle , Brooks Ian M. , Monte Andrew A.
Published: March 2023

Electronic health records (EHRs) and linked biobanks have tremendous potential to advance biomedical research and ultimately improve the health of future generations. Repurposing EHR data for research is not without challenges, however. In this paper, we describe the processes and considerations necessary to successfully access and utilize a data warehouse for research. Although imperfect, data warehouses are a powerful tool for harnessing a large amount of data to phenotype disease. They will have increasing relevance and applications in clinical research with growing sophistication in processes for EHR data abstraction, biobank integration, and cross-institutional linkage.
Involving children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes in health care: a qualitative study of the use of patient-reported outcomes
Authors: Lassen Rikke Bjerre , Abild Caroline Bruun , Kristensen Kurt , Kristensen Lene Juel , Hørlück Jens Thusgård , Jensen Annesofie Lunde
Published: March 2023

Background

Within pediatric health care services, Patient-reported Outcomes (PROs) regarding the patient’s health status are mainly used for research purposes in a chronic care setting. However, PROs are also applied in clinical settings in the routine care of children and adolescents with chronic health conditions. PROs have the potential to involve patients because they ‘place the patient at the center’ of his or her treatment. The investigation of how PROs are used in the treatment of children and adolescents and how this use can influence the involvement of these patients is still limited. The aim of this study was to investigate how children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) experience the use of PROs in their treatment with a focus on the experience of involvement.

Results

Employing Interpretive Description, 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted with children and adolescents with T1D. The analysis revealed four themes related to the use of PROs: Making room for conversation, Applying PROs under the right circumstances, Questionnaire structure and content, and Becoming partners in health care.

Conclusions

The results clarify that, to some extent, PROs fulfill the potential they promise, including patient-centered communication, detection of unrecognized problems, a strengthened patient-clinician (and parent-clinician) partnership, and increased patient self-reflection. However, adjustments and improvements are needed if the potential of PROs is to be fully achieved in the treatment of children and adolescents.
Effect of genotypes and foliar spray of methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid on andrographolide yield in Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees. under semi-arid climate
Authors: Kalariya Kuldeepsingh A. , Shahi Deep , Saran Parmeshwar Lal , Meena Ram Prasnna , Gajbhiye Narendra , Sarkar Rohan , Geetha K. A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees. is an important medicinal plant grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions where semi-arid condition restricts economically viable cultivation. Foliar exogenous application of methyl jasmonate (MeJ) and salicylic acid (SA) was tested for their effectiveness in preventing yield loss in five different morphotypes of A. paniculata subjected to deficit soil moisture stress imposed during 90–140 days after transplanting.

Results

Soil moisture content below 6% reduced chlorophyll and carotenoid content and upregulated antioxidant enzymes activity. The dry herbage yield was adversely affected by deficit soil moisture stress causing a 14% decline. The andrographolide concentration ranged between 1.40% and 1.54%. Though andrographolide concentration increased by 6%, andrographolide yield declined by 8.21% due to soil moisture stress. Moderately high doses of MeJ and SA reduced chlorophyll and carotenoid content and upregulated antioxidant enzymes activity, however, failed to prevent the loss in dry herbage yield or total andrographolide yield in any morphotype.

Conclusions

Foliar application of MeJ and SA do not warrant any protection against stress induced yield loss in field grown A. paniculata. However, morphotype AP 13 (round canopy, open-type branch, long narrow leaf) and AP 35 (columnar canopy, closed-type branch, long broad leaf) for having comparatively high herbage yield remained at a better position for total andrographolide yield under deficit soil moisture stress in the semi-arid climate.
Antimicrobial treatment of patients with a periprosthetic joint infection: basic principles
Authors: Rottier Wouter , Seidelman Jessica , Wouthuyzen-Bakker Marjan
Published: March 2023

The antibiotic treatment of periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) is complicated by the presence of biofilm produced by bacteria on the abiotic surface of the implant. Bacteria within the deeper layers of the biofilm become metabolically less active, resulting in antibiotic tolerance due to several mechanisms. This review describes the basic principles of antibiotic treatment in PJI in relation to the behavior of bacteria within the biofilm. The concept of biofilm-active antibiotics will be explained from an in vitro as well as in vivo perspective. Evidence from clinical studies on biofilm-active antibiotics in PJI will be highlighted, mainly focusing on the role of rifampicin for Gram-positive microorganisms and fluoroquinolones for Gram-negative microorganisms. The optimal treatment duration will be discussed as the timing of switching to oral antibiotic therapy.
Management of a very rare case of polyorchidism: a case report
Authors: Al Tamr Wissam Jamal , Omran Kareem , Prashan Rajebhosale , al Pooja Agraw
Published: March 2023

Background

Polyorchidism is a rare genetic anomaly characterized by the patient having more than two testicles. In the literature, only around two hundred cases have been reported. We present an unusual new case which does not conform to the traditional classifications of polyorchidism or previously reported cases. We discuss our diagnostic techniques as well as management decisions for this case and aim to raise awareness about the management choices available.

Case report

A 3-year-old male presented to the clinic by his parents due to concern of a painless swelling in the left inguinal region. Physical examination revealed features of a left indirect inguinal hernia. Furthermore, scrotal examination revealed a firm, non-compressible painless mass in the left scrotum which was inferior to the left testis. Ultrasonography suggested the mass as an extra testis, and MRI was followed which showed no signs of malignancy. Due to the reassuring nature of these findings, a conservative approach was taken, with the patient referred for regular follow-up.

Conclusion

When facing cases of polyorchidism, physicians should move away from considering surgical excision and biopsy as exclusive first-line management. Instead, we place emphasize and raise awareness about the option of conservative management if imaging shows no abnormalities. Ultimately, the aim of this paper is to raise awareness among the paediatric surgeon community that while excision may be a valid option, it is not the only treatment.
Few-shot image classification algorithm based on attention mechanism and weight fusion
Authors: Meng Xiaoxia , Wang Xiaowei , Yin Shoulin , Li Hang
Published: March 2023

Aiming at the existing problems of metric-based methods, there are problems such as inadequate feature extraction, inaccurate class feature representation, and single similarity measurement. A new model based on attention mechanism and weight fusion strategy is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the image is passed through the conv4 network with channel attention mechanism and space attention mechanism to obtain the feature map of the image. On this basis, the fusion strategy is used to extract class-level feature representations according to the difference in contributions of different samples to class-level feature representations. Finally, the similarity scores of query set samples are calculated through the network to predict the classification. Experimental results on the miniImageNet dataset and the omniglot dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Identifying Group Work Experiences That Increase Students’ Self-Efficacy for Quantitative Biology Tasks
Authors: Aikens Melissa L. , Kulacki Alexander R.
Published: March 2023

This study identified collaborative group work experiences that increased students’ self-efficacy for quantitative biology tasks. It also related self-efficacy-building experiences to students’ initial self-efficacy and gender/sex. Group work experiences identified by students are discussed in the context of self-efficacy theory.
Building Capability and Capacity: The Establishment of an Oncology Unit in the Solomon Islands
Authors: Yip Desmond , Soma Andrew , Pati Nalini , Spencer Wendy , Hua Beth , Jagilly Rooney
Published: March 2023

PURPOSE

To describe the establishment of an oncology unit at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in the Solomon Islands, a low-income nation in the South Pacific.

METHODS

A scoping visit was carried out in 2016 to assist in the development of coordinated cancer services and to establish a medical oncology unit at the NRH at the request of the Medical Superintendent. This was followed by an observership visit to Canberra by an NRH doctor training in oncology in 2017. After a request from the Solomon Islands Ministry of Health, the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) arranged an in-country multidisciplinary mission under the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons/Royal Australasian College of Physicians Pacific Islands Program to help in the commissioning of the NRH Medical Oncology Unit in September 2018. Staff training and education sessions were held. The team, with the assistance of an Australian Volunteers International Pharmacist, has helped the NRH staff to develop localized Solomon Islands Oncology Guidelines. Donated equipment and supplies have helped with the initial establishment of the service. A second DFAT Oncology mission visit was made in 2019 followed by two NRH oncology nurses visiting Canberra on observership later that year and support of the Solomon's doctor to pursue postgraduate education in cancer sciences. Ongoing mentorship and support has been maintained.

RESULTS

The island nation now has a sustainable oncology unit delivering chemotherapy treatments and management of patients with cancer.

CONCLUSION

A collaborative multidisciplinary team approach by professionals from the high-income country working with colleagues from the low-income nation with coordination of different stakeholders was the key to this successful initiative in improving cancer care.
Cost-Effectiveness of Next-Generation Sequencing Versus Single-Gene Testing for the Molecular Diagnosis of Patients With Metastatic Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer From the Perspective of Spanish Reference Centers
Authors: Arriola Edurne , Bernabé Reyes , Campelo Rosario García , Biscuola Michele , Enguita Ana Belén , López-Ríos Fernando , Martínez Rafael , Mezquita Laura , Palanca Sarai , Pareja María Jesús , Zugazagoitia Jon , Arrabal Natalia , García J. Francisco , Carcedo David , de Álava Enrique
Published: March 2023

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of using next-generation sequencing (NGS) versus single-gene testing (SgT) for the detection of genetic molecular subtypes and oncogenic markers in patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the setting of Spanish reference centers.

METHODS

A joint model combining decision tree with partitioned survival models was developed. A two-round consensus panel was performed to describe clinical practice of Spanish reference centers, providing data on testing rate, prevalence of alterations, turnaround times, and treatment pathways. Treatment efficacy data and utility values were obtained from the literature. Only direct costs (euros, 2022), obtained from Spanish databases, were included. A lifetime horizon was considered, so a 3% discount rate for future costs and outcomes was considered. Both deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to assess uncertainty.

RESULTS

A target population of 9,734 patients with advanced NSCLC was estimated. If NGS was used instead of SgT, 1,873 more alterations would be detected and 82 more patients could potentially be enrolled in clinical trials. In the long term, using NGS would provide 1,188 additional quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) in the target population compared with SgT. On the other hand, the incremental cost of NGS versus SgT in the target population was €21,048,580 euros for a lifetime horizon (€1,333,288 for diagnosis phase only). The obtained incremental cost-utility ratios were €25,895 per QALY gained, below the standard cost-effectiveness thresholds.

CONCLUSION

Using NGS in Spanish reference centers for the molecular diagnosis of patients with metastatic NSCLC would be a cost-effective strategy over SgT.
Influence of simultaneous weak measurements in Heisenberg uncertainty relation
Authors: Wei Tao , Xu Youyang
Published: March 2023

In quantum mechanics the simultaneous measurement of non-commuter variables has attracted widespread attention. Here we propose a scheme through simultaneously weak measurement to achieve the approximated weak values of two non-commuting variables. It can be observed that the measurement error is better than the Heisenberg uncertainty relation. Furthermore, the effects of free Hamiltonian and higher-order expansion of the time evolution operator are considered.