bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of NOD2 and hepcidin in inflammatory periapical periodontitis
Authors: Hu Jing , Dusenge Marie Aimee , Ye Qin , Zhao Ya-Qiong , Tan Li , Feng Yao , Zhao Jie , Gao Zheng-Rong , Zhang Shao-Hui , Chen Yun , Zhou Ying-Hui , Guo Yue , Feng Yun-Zhi
Published: June 2022

The immunological response occurring during periapical inflammation includes expression of nucleotide binding oligomerization domain containing 2 and hepcidin. Nucleotide binding oligomerization domain containing 2 deficiency increases infiltration of inflammatory cells close to alveolar bone. Hepcidin has an important role in iron metabolism affecting bone metabolism.We investigated the role of nucleotide binding oligomerization domain containing 2 and hepcidin in inflammatory periapical periodontitis. Periapical periodontitis was induced in rats and confirmed by micro-computed tomography. Nucleotide binding oligomerization domain 2 and hepcidin were evaluated through immunohistochemistry. Bioinformatics analysis was undertaken usingthe Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene Ontology databases. Micro-computer tomography revealed alveolar bone resorption in the periapical region and furcation area of mandibular molars in rats of the periapical periodontitis group. Immunohistochemistry showed increased expressionof nucleotide binding oligomerization domain containing 2 and hepcidin around root apices in rats of the periapical periodontitis group. Bioinformatics analysis of differentially expressed genes in inflamed and non-inflamed tissues revealed enrichment in the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. Our data suggest that nucleotide binding oligomization domain contain2 and hepcidin have important roles in periapical periodontitis severity because they can reduce alveolar bone loss.They could elicit new perspectives for development of novel strategies for periapical periodontitis treatment.
Implementations and strategies of telehealth during COVID-19 outbreak: a systematic review
Authors: De Simone Stefania , Franco Massimo , Servillo Giuseppe , Vargas Maria
Published: June 2022

Background

Telehealth is an effective option to fight the outbreak of COVID-19. This review aims to systematically characterize the utilization and applications of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic focusing mainly on technology implementations.

Methods

This study was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The literature search was conducted in Science Direct, IEEE XPLORE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from January 2020 until July 2021, with an English language restriction. A quality assessment was based on the Critical Appraisal Skills Programs checklist.

Results

The included studies focused on the implementation of technology for telehealth, multidisciplinary approach, service satisfaction, guidelines, and medical training. They provided illustrative insight into the strategy of telehealth in different medical specialties, such as pediatric gastroenterology, oncology, ophthalmology, and laryngology. Nonsurgical specialties had the greatest number of telehealth visits. Clinicians showed positive attitudes toward the implementation of video telehealth visits; patients report high levels of satisfaction with this care and strong interest in continuing this modality as a significant portion of clinical practice.

Conclusions

This systematic review provided an illustrative insight into the strategy of telehealth for different purposes. According to our findings, telehealth may be used in different medical area with a clear strategy of intervention according to patients’ and doctors’ needs.
Rhubarb free anthraquinones improved mice nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Wu Chao , Bian Yanqin , Lu Bingjie , Wang Dan , Azami Nisma Lena Bahaji , Wei Gang , Ma Feng , Sun Mingyu
Published: June 2022

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases and has become a huge public health issue worldwide. Inhibition of nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptors containing pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a potential therapeutic strategy for NAFLD. Currently, there are no drugs targeting NLRP3 inflammasome for clinical treatment of NAFLD. In this study, we explored the efficacy and mechanism of rhubarb free anthraquinones (RFAs) in treating NAFLD by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome.

Methods

First, NLRP3 inflammasome was established in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), Kuffer cells and primary hepatocytes stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and inflammasome inducers to evaluate the effect of RFAs on inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome and explore the possible mechanism. Further, Mice NAFLD were established by methionine and choline deficiency diet (MCD) to verify the effect of RFAs on ameliorating NAFLD by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome.

Results

Our results demonstrated that RFAs including rhein/diacerein, emodin, aloe emodin and 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone inhibited interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) but had no effect on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Similar results were also showed in mouse primary hepatocytes and Kuffer cells. RFAs inhibited cleavage of caspase-1, formation of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) speck, and the combination between NLRP3 and ASC. Moreover, RFAs improved liver function, serum inflammation, histopathological inflammation score and liver fibrosis.

Conclusions

RFAs including rhein/diacerein, emodin, aloe emodin and 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone ameliorated NAFLD by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome. RFAs might be a potential therapeutic agent for NAFLD.

Graphical Abstract
Analysis of mHealth research: mapping the relationship between mobile apps technology and healthcare during COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: El-Sherif Dina M. , Abouzid Mohamed
Published: June 2022

Background

Mobile health applications (mHealth apps) offer enormous promise for illness monitoring and treatment to improve the provided medical care and promote health and wellbeing.

Objective

We applied bibliometric quantitative analysis and network visualization to highlight research trends and areas of particular interest. We expect by summarizing the trends in mHealth app research, our work will serve as a roadmap for future investigations.

Methods

Relevant English publications were extracted from the Scopus database. VOSviewer (version 1.6.17) was used to build coauthorship networks of authors, countries, and the co-occurrence networks of author keywords.

Results

We analyzed 550 published articles on mHealth apps from 2020 to February 1, 2021. The yearly publications increased from 130 to 390 in 2021. JMIR mHealth and uHealth (33/550, 6.0%), J. Med. Internet Res. (27/550, 4.9%), JMIR Res. Protoc. (22/550, 4.0%) were the widest journals for these publications. The United States has the largest number of publications (143/550, 26.0%), and England ranks second (96/550, 17.5%). The top three productive authors were: Giansanti D., Samuel G., Lucivero F., and Zhang L. Frequent authors’ keywords have formed major 4 clusters representing the hot topics in the field: (1) artificial intelligence and telehealthcare; (2) digital contact tracing apps, privacy and security concerns; (3) mHealth apps and mental health; (4) mHealth apps in public health and health promotion.

Conclusions

mHealth apps undergo current developments, and they remain hot topics in COVID-19. These findings might be useful in determining future perspectives to improve infectious disease control and present innovative solutions for healthcare.
Metformin alleviates osteoarthritis in mice by inhibiting chondrocyte ferroptosis and improving subchondral osteosclerosis and angiogenesis
Authors: Yan Jiangbo , Feng Gangning , Ma Long , Chen Zhirong , Jin Qunhua
Published: June 2022

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common musculoskeletal disease, and it has a complex pathology and unknown pathogenesis. Chondrocyte ferroptosis is closely associated with the development of OA. As a common drug administered for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, metformin (Met) is known to inhibit the development of ferroptosis. However, its therapeutic effect in OA remains unknown. The present study aimed to explore the effects of Met on cartilage and subchondral bone in a mouse OA model and to explore the potential underlying mechanisms.

Methods

A mouse OA model was induced using destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery, chondrocyte ferroptosis was induced using an intra-articular injection of Erastin, and Met (200 mg/kg/day) was intragastrically administered for 8 weeks after surgery. H&E and Safranin O‑fast green staining were used to evaluate cartilage degeneration, and μ‑computed tomography was used to evaluate changes in subchondral bone microarchitecture. Moreover, immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect mechanistic metalloproteinases 13, type II collagen, glutathione peroxidase 4, acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4, solute carrier family 7 member 11 and p53. Runt-associated transcription factor 2 and CD31 were detected using immunofluorescent staining.

Results

Met protected articular cartilage and reversed the abnormal expression of ferroptosis-related proteins in the chondrocytes of DMM mice. Moreover, intra-articular injection of Erastin induced ferroptosis in mouse chondrocytes, and Met eliminated the ferroptosis effects induced by Erastin and protected articular cartilage. In addition, the results of the present study demonstrated that Met alleviated the microstructural changes of subchondral osteosclerosis and reduced heterotypic angiogenesis in DMM mice.

Conclusion

Met alleviates the pathological changes of OA by inhibiting ferroptosis in OA chondrocytes, alleviating subchondral sclerosis and reducing abnormal angiogenesis in subchondral bone in advanced OA.
CX3CR1 deficiency aggravates amyloid driven neuronal pathology and cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Puntambekar Shweta S. , Moutinho Miguel , Lin Peter Bor-Chian , Jadhav Vaishnavi , Tumbleson-Brink Danika , Balaji Ananya , Benito Martin Alvarado , Xu Guixiang , Oblak Adrian , Lasagna-Reeves Cristian A. , Landreth Gary E. , Lamb Bruce T.
Published: June 2022

Background

Despite its identification as a key checkpoint regulator of microglial activation in Alzheimer’s disease, the overarching role of CX3CR1 signaling in modulating mechanisms of Aβ driven neurodegeneration, including accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau is not well understood.

Methodology

Accumulation of soluble and insoluble Aβ species, microglial activation, synaptic dysregulation, and neurodegeneration is investigated in 4- and 6-month old 5xFAD;Cx3cr1+/+ and 5xFAD;Cx3cr1−/− mice using immunohistochemistry, western blotting, transcriptomic and quantitative real time PCR analyses of purified microglia. Flow cytometry based, in-vivo Aβ uptake assays are used for characterization of the effects of CX3CR1-signaling on microglial phagocytosis and lysosomal acidification as indicators of clearance of methoxy-X-04+ fibrillar Aβ. Lastly, we use Y-maze testing to analyze the effects of Cx3cr1 deficiency on working memory.

Results

Disease progression in 5xFAD;Cx3cr1−/− mice is characterized by increased deposition of filamentous plaques that display defective microglial plaque engagement. Microglial Aβ phagocytosis and lysosomal acidification in 5xFAD;Cx3cr1−/− mice is impaired in-vivo. Interestingly, Cx3cr1 deficiency results in heighted accumulation of neurotoxic, oligomeric Aβ, along with severe neuritic dystrophy, preferential loss of post-synaptic densities, exacerbated tau pathology, neuronal loss and cognitive impairment. Transcriptomic analyses using cortical RNA, coupled with qRT-PCR using purified microglia from 6 month-old mice indicate dysregulated TGFβ-signaling and heightened ROS metabolism in 5xFAD;Cx3cr1−/− mice. Lastly, microglia in 6 month-old 5xFAD;Cx3cr1−/− mice express a ‘degenerative’ phenotype characterized by increased levels of Ccl2, Ccl5, Il-1β, Pten and Cybb along with reduced Tnf, Il-6 and Tgfβ1 mRNA.

Conclusions

Cx3cr1 deficiency impairs microglial uptake and degradation of fibrillar Aβ, thereby triggering increased accumulation of neurotoxic Aβ species. Furthermore, loss of Cx3cr1 results in microglial dysfunction typified by dampened TGFβ-signaling, increased oxidative stress responses and dysregulated pro-inflammatory activation. Our results indicate that Aβ-driven microglial dysfunction in Cx3cr1−/− mice aggravates tau hyperphosphorylation, neurodegeneration, synaptic dysregulation and impairs working memory.
Gender-based violence (GBV) coordination in humanitarian and public health emergencies: a scoping review
Authors: Raftery Philomena , Howard Natasha , Palmer Jennifer , Hossain Mazeda
Published: June 2022

Background

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global health, human rights, and protection issue, which can increase during emergencies. GBV coordination is an essential component of every humanitarian response, ensuring that, from the earliest phases of a crisis, accessible and safe services are available and prevention and mitigation mechanisms are implemented to reduce GBV. We sought to address the limited evidence on GBV coordination, by reviewing literature on GBV coordination in emergencies, identifying facilitators and barriers influencing effectiveness.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review on GBV coordination in emergencies from 1990 to 2020. Studies explicitly discussing GBV coordination in humanitarian, natural disaster and public health emergencies, in low or middle-income countries, were included. Using thematic analysis, we developed a six-topic framework to synthesise evidence on effective GBV coordination and present recommendations for strengthening GBV coordination in emergencies.

Findings

We included 28 of 964 sources identified, covering 30 different emergency settings across 22 countries. Sources spanned emergency settings, with minimal evidence in public health emergencies and none focussed solely on GBV coordination. Several sources suggested that timely establishment of GBV coordination mechanisms, led by dedicated, experienced coordinators, increased funding and strengthened service provision. GBV risk mitigation was compromised by weak commitment across sectors, poor accountability systems, and limited engagement of affected women. Inclusive GBV coordination, involving national and local actors is vital but engagement efforts have been inadequate and localisation funding targets not yet achieved. Implementation of the GBV Information Management System has reinforced coordination, funding allocation and service provision. While specialist GBV services remain insufficient, emergencies can present opportunities for expansion. Sustainability and long-term impact are compromised by over-reliance on international leadership and funding, weak commitment by governments, and limited attention to GBV prevention.

Conclusion

Despite enhanced global commitments to addressing GBV in recent years, it remains consistently under-prioritised and under-resourced. Recommendations to strengthen GBV coordination in emergencies include: funding dedicated GBV coordination positions across all types of emergencies, building the global GBV coordination workforce, expanding inclusion of national actors and investing in GBV risk mitigation and prevention through multiyear funding. The evidence-based framework for effective GBV coordination presented here, can guide further research in diverse emergencies.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on delays in surgical procedures in Germany: a multi-center analysis of an administrative registry of 176,783 patients
Authors: Hunger Richard , König Volker , Stillger Rosi , Mantke René
Published: June 2022

Background

While extensive data are available on the postponement of elective surgical procedures due to the COVID-19 pandemic for Germany, data on the impact on emergency procedures is limited.

Methods

In this retrospective case–control study, anonymized case-related routine data of a Germany-wide voluntary hospital association (CLINOTEL association) of 66 hospitals was analyzed. Operation volumes, in-hospital mortality, and COVID-19 prevalence rates in digestive surgery procedure groups and selected single surgical procedures in the one-year periods before and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic were analyzed. The analysis was stratified by admitting department (direct admission or transfer to the general surgical department, i.e., primary or secondary surgical patients) and type of admission (elective/emergent).

Results

The total number of primary and secondary surgical patients decreased by 22.7% and 11.7%, respectively. Among primary surgical patients more pronounced reductions were observed in elective (-25.6%) than emergency cases (-18.8%). Most affected procedures were thyroidectomies (-30.2%), operations on the anus (-24.2%), and closure of abdominal hernias (-23.9%; all P’s < 0.001). Declines were also observed in colorectal (-9.0%, P = 0.002), but not in rectal cancer surgery (-3.9%, n.s.). Mortality was slightly increased in primary (1.3 vs. 1.5%, P < 0.001), but not in secondary surgical cases. The one-year prevalence of COVID-19 in general surgical patients was low (0.6%), but a significant driver of mortality (OR = 9.63, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Compared to the previous year period, the number of patients in general and visceral surgery decreased by 22.7% in the first pandemic year. At the procedure level, a decrease of 14.8% was observed for elective procedures and 6.0% for emergency procedures. COVID-19 infections in general surgical patients are rare (0.6% prevalence), but associated with high mortality (21.8%).

Trial registration

The present study does not meet the ICMJE definition of a clinical trial and was therefore not registered.
Genome analysis and virulence gene expression profile of a multi drug resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium ms202
Authors: Mohakud Nirmal Kumar , Panda Rakesh Kumar , Patra Saumya Darshana , Sahu Bikash Ranjan , Ghosh Mrinmoy , Kushwaha Gajraj Singh , Misra Namrata , Suar Mrutyunjay
Published: June 2022

Background

In India, multi-drug resistance in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium poses a significant health threat. Indeed, S. Typhimurium has remained unknown for a large portion of its genome associated with various physiological functions including mechanism of drug resistance and virulence. The whole-genome sequence of a Salmonella strain obtained from feces of a patient with gastroenteritis in Odisha, India, was analyzed for understanding the disease association and underlying virulence mechanisms.

Results

The de novo assembly yielded 17 contigs and showed 99.9% similarity to S. enterica sub sp enterica strain LT2 and S. enteric subsp salamae strain DSM 9220. S. Typhimurium ms202 strain constitutes six known Salmonella pathogenicity islands and nine different phages. The comparative interpretation of pathogenic islands displayed the genes contained in SPI-1 and SPI-2 to be highly conserved. We identified sit ABCD cluster regulatory cascade in SPI-1. Multiple antimicrobial resistance genes were identified that directly implies antibiotic-resistant phenotype. Notably, seven unique genes were identified as "acquired antibiotic resistance". These data suggest that virulence in S. enterica Typhimurium ms202 is associated with SPI-1 and SPI-2. Further, we found several virulent genes encoding SPI regions belonging to type III secretion systems (T3SS) of bacteria were significantly upregulated in ms202 compared to control LT2. Moreover, all these genes were significantly downregulated in S. enterica Typhimurium ms202 as compared to control LT2 on adding Mn2+ exogenously.

Conclusions

Our study raises a vital concern about the potential diffusion of a novel multi-drug resistant S. enterica Typhimurium ms202. It justifies this clinical pathogen to demonstrate a higher degree survival due to higher expression of virulent genes and enhanced ability of metallic ion acquisition.
Effects of small-sided games and running-based high-intensity interval training on body composition and physical fitness in under-19 female soccer players
Authors: Nayıroğlu Sinan , Yılmaz Ali Kerim , Silva Ana Filipa , Silva Rui , Nobari Hadi , Clemente Filipe Manuel
Published: June 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of small-sided games (SSGs) and running-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the body composition and physical fitness of youth female soccer players.

Methods

This study followed a randomized parallel study design. Twenty-four female soccer players (age: 18.63 ± 2.36 years) were randomly allocated to two training groups (SSG, n = 12; and HIIT, n = 12). The training intervention had a duration of eight weeks, consisting of three training sessions per week. Players were assessed twice (pre- and post-intervention) for anthropometrics, vertical (countermovement jumps, CMJ; and drop jumps, DJ) and horizontal jumping (single, triple and crossover hop), sprinting (10- and 30-m), change-of-direction (COD), COD deficit and final velocity at 30–15 Intermittent Fitness Test (VIFT). A covariance analysis (ANCOVA) was used to determine differences between the groups in the effect on post-intervention by controlling for covariates (pre-intervention). The within-group analysis (time) was performed using a paired t-test, while the between-group analysis per assessment moment was performed using an independent t-test.

Results

The between-group analysis with ANCOVA revealed that there are no significant differences between the SSG and HIIT groups in the post-intervention for any outcome (p > 0.05). The within-group analysis revealed significant improvements in both the SSG and HIIT groups in CMJ (p < 0.05), single, triple and crossover hops (p < 0.05), RSI DJ 30-cm and RSI DJ 40-cm (p < 0.05), VIFT (p < 0.05) and COD (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

SSG and HIIT are both effective for improving vertical and horizontal jumping ability, change-of-direction, and aerobic capacity status measured at a progressive and intermittent multistage test in youth soccer players.
Physical property characterization of the Waipapa greywacke: an important geothermal reservoir basement rock in New Zealand
Authors: Melia Aurelio , Faulkner Daniel Roy , McNamara David Daniel
Published: June 2022

Greywacke basement rocks in New Zealand host conventional geothermal reservoirs and may supply important hotter and deeper geothermal energy resources in the future. This work combines petrological analyses and physical property measurements of Waipapa greywacke, a basement unit hosting New Zealand geothermal reservoirs, in order to understand better how structurally controlled flow networks develop and channel geothermal fluids within it. Results show intact Waipapa greywacke has high tensile and triaxial compressive strengths, and low intrinsic permeability (~ 10–21 m2). Permeability of intact Waipapa greywacke does not increase significantly during triaxial loading to failure and is accompanied by minimal changes ultrasonic wave velocities. These data taken together suggest that microcrack development during brittle deformation is very limited. Upon failure, the permeability increases by two orders of magnitude and shows similar permeability to tests performed on synthetic, single, mode I fractures in intact Waipapa greywacke. Permeability persists in Waipapa greywacke fractures under confining pressures of at least 150 MPa. It is concluded that Waipapa greywacke rocks will not allow fluid flow through the matrix of the rock and that substantial geothermal fluid flow will only occur through macrofracture networks.
The deeper the better? A thermogeological analysis of medium-deep borehole heat exchangers in low-enthalpy crystalline rocks
Authors: Piipponen Kaiu , Martinkauppi Annu , Korhonen Kimmo , Vallin Sami , Arola Teppo , Bischoff Alan , Leppäharju Nina
Published: June 2022

The energy sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation, with a significant investment in low-carbon technologies to replace fossil-based systems. In densely populated urban areas, deep boreholes offer an alternative over shallow geothermal systems, which demand extensive surface areas to attain large-scale heat production. This paper presents numerical calculations of the thermal energy that can be extracted from the medium-deep borehole heat exchangers in the low-enthalpy geothermal setting at depths ranging from 600 to 3000 m. We applied the thermogeological parameters of three locations across Finland and tested two types of coaxial borehole heat exchangers to understand better the variables that affect heat production in low-permeability crystalline rocks. For each depth, location, and heat collector type, we used a range of fluid flow rates to examine the correlation between thermal energy production and resulting outlet temperature. Our results indicate a trade-off between thermal energy production and outlet fluid temperature depending on the fluid flow rate, and that the vacuum-insulated tubing outperforms a high-density polyethylene pipe in energy and temperature production. In addition, the results suggest that the local thermogeological factors impact heat production. Maximum energy production from a 600-m-deep well achieved 170 MWh/a, increasing to 330 MWh/a from a 1000-m-deep well, 980 MWh/a from a 2-km-deep well, and up to 1880 MWh/a from a 3-km-deep well. We demonstrate that understanding the interplay of the local geology, heat exchanger materials, and fluid circulation rates is necessary to maximize the potential of medium-deep geothermal boreholes as a reliable long-term baseload energy source.
Simulated viewing distance impairs the confidence–accuracy relationship for long, but not moderate distances: support for a model incorporating the role of feature ambiguity
Authors: Davis Sara D. , Peterson Daniel J.
Published: June 2022

There is an increasing need in eyewitness identification research to identify factors that not only influence identification accuracy but may also impact the confidence–accuracy (CA) relationship. One such variable that has a notable impact on memory for faces is viewing distance, with faces encoded from a shorter distance remembered better than faces encoded at longer differences. In four pre-registered experiments, using both laboratory and online samples, we compared faces viewed at a simulated viewing distance at two different levels (medium and far) to faces that were viewed at a very near-simulated distance. Distance was simulated using a Gaussian blur function with higher levels of blur corresponding to greater simulated distance. We found that both medium and far simulated distances impaired memory performance overall relative to no simulated distance, with increased distance resulting in poorer memory. However, only far simulated distances impaired the CA relationship. In a fourth experiment, we found that a pre-test warning did not ameliorate this impairment of the CA relationship for faces viewed at a far simulated distance. These findings suggest that even high-confidence identifications made for faces viewed from long distances should be disregarded, and that estimator variables that impact memory may degrade the CA relationship when memory is reduced to critical levels.
Individual differences in social intelligence and perception of emotion expression of masked and unmasked faces
Authors: Swain Riley H. , O’Hare Aminda J. , Brandley Kamila , Gardner A. Tye
Published: June 2022

Facial expressions provide key information for successful social interactions. Recent research finds that accurate perception of emotion expressions decreases when faces are presented with face masks. What is unknown is how individual differences in social intelligence may influence perception of masked emotion expressions. In this study, participants (n = 224) completed an emotion perception task of face stimuli presented with and without face masks and completed two measures of social intelligence: the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) and the Tromsø Social Intelligence Scale (TSIS). Face masks were found to significantly decrease the accurate identification of emotion expressions, impacting the perception of disgust and sad expressions the most. Further, the type of emotion misattributed to facial expressions varied across expressions. Performance on the RMET test did predict perception accuracy, while scores on the TSIS did not. As face masks continue to be common globally, we must be aware that they cause interference with our social interactions and perceptions. Further, some individuals may be more negatively impacted by these effects than others. As such, it is important that we find ways to ensure that we are effectively communicating with one another and have patience when perception mistakes arise.
Migraine and its relation to other risk factors in patients with acute ischemic stroke and acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Hassan Enas M. , Momtaz Osama M. , Hamdy Nermin A. , Yahia Mohamed A. , Afifi Mohamed K.
Published: June 2022

Background

Migraine has been recently studied as a risk factor for ischemic stroke (IS) and a possible link to a broader range of ischemic vascular disorders including angina and myocardial infarction is suggested.

Objectives

to study migraine and its relation to other risk factors in patients with acute IS and acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Patients and methods

We studied 200 patients, 114 patients had acute IS and 86 patients with ACS, in addition to 850 control participants. All patients were subjected to detailed clinical and laboratory evaluation; including evaluation of traditional risk factors. All stroke patients were subjected to CT scan. Diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome was established clinically by ECG and cardiac specific enzymes. Migraine was diagnosed according to the international headache society and assessment of migraine severity was measured by the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire.

Results

In patients with ischemic stroke, Risk Ratios (RR) of migraine was 3.3 for all migrainous patients, higher for migraine with aura (MA). In the cardiovascular group, it was 2.75 and again higher in MA. A positive correlation between migraine severity and both stroke severity and cardiac affection severity was found though non-significant in the cardiovascular group. There was no significant difference in hospital outcome in migrainous patients in both groups.

Conclusions

Patients with migraine have higher risk than non-migrainous patients for both cerebrovascular and coronary vascular diseases. Risk is stronger in MA in both conditions. Considering migraine in risk stratification of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases is recommended.
Atezolizumab With Neoadjuvant Anti–Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Therapy and Chemotherapy in Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2–Positive Early Breast Cancer: Primary Results of the Randomized Phase III IMpassion050 Trial
Authors: Huober Jens , Barrios Carlos H. , Niikura Naoki , Jarząb Michał , Chang Yuan-Ching , Huggins-Puhalla Shannon L. , Pedrini José , Zhukova Lyudmila , Graupner Vilma , Eiger Daniel , Henschel Volkmar , Gochitashvili Nino , Lambertini Chiara , Restuccia Eleonora , Zhang Hong ,   the IMpassion050 Trial Investigators
Published: June 2022

PURPOSE

Combining standard of care (pertuzumab-trastuzumab [PH], chemotherapy) with cancer immunotherapy may potentiate antitumor immunity, cytotoxic activity, and patient outcomes in high-risk, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–positive early breast cancer. We report the phase III IMpassion050 primary analysis of neoadjuvant atezolizumab, PH, and chemotherapy in these patients.

METHODS

Patients with a primary tumor of > 2 cm and histologically confirmed, positive lymph node status (T2-4, N1-3, M0) were randomly assigned 1:1 to atezolizumab/placebo with dose-dense doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide, followed by paclitaxel, and PH. After surgery, patients were to continue atezolizumab/placebo and PH (total: 1 year of HER2-targeted therapy); those with residual disease could switch to ado-trastuzumab emtansine with atezolizumab/placebo. Coprimary efficacy end points were pathologic complete response (pCR; ypT0/is ypN0) rates in intention-to-treat (ITT) and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)–positive populations.

RESULTS

At clinical cutoff (February 5, 2021), pCR rates in the placebo and atezolizumab groups in the ITT populations were 62.7% (n = 143/228) and 62.4% (n = 141/226), respectively (difference –0.33%; 95% CI, –9.2 to 8.6; P = .9551). The pCR rates in the placebo and atezolizumab groups in patients with PD-L1–positive tumors were 72.5% (n = 79/109) and 64.2% (n = 70/109), respectively (difference –8.26%; 95% CI, –20.6 to 4.0; P = .1846). Grade 3-4 and serious adverse events were more frequent in the atezolizumab versus placebo group. Five grade 5 adverse events occurred (four neoadjuvant, one adjuvant; two assigned to study treatment), all with atezolizumab. Overall, the safety profile was consistent with that of atezolizumab in other combination studies.

CONCLUSION

Atezolizumab with neoadjuvant dose-dense doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide–paclitaxel and PH for high-risk, HER2-positive early breast cancer did not increase pCR rates versus placebo in the ITT or PD-L1–positive populations. PH and chemotherapy remains standard of care; longer follow-up may help to inform the long-term impact of atezolizumab.
Three-dimensional movement of the beak during seed processing in domestic canaries
Authors: Mielke Maja , Van Wassenbergh Sam
Published: June 2022

Many songbird species rely on seeds as a primary food source and the process of picking up, positioning, cracking, dehusking and swallowing seeds is one of the most sophisticated tasks of the beak. Still, we lack understanding about how granivorous songbirds move their beak during the different phases of seed processing. In this study, we used multi-view high-speed imaging to analyze the 3D movement of the beak in feeding domestic canaries. Our analysis focused on the correlation of the upper and lower beak, the frequency of mandibulation and the direction of mandible movement in 3D space. We show that the correlation of maxilla and mandible movement differs among the phases of seed processing. Furthermore, we found that the beak moves at extremely high frequencies, up to 25 Hz, which resembles previously reported maximal syllable rates in singing canaries. Finally, we report that canaries use specific 3D mandible movements during the different phases of seed processing. Kinematic parameters do not differ between male and female canaries. Our findings provide an important biomechanical basis for better understanding the beak as a functional tool.
Breastfeeding and Child Development
Authors: Fitzsimons Emla , Vera-Hernández Marcos
Published: June 2022

We show that children who are born at or just before the weekend are less likely to be breastfed, owing to poorer breastfeeding support services in hospitals at weekends. We use this variation to estimate the effect of breastfeeding on children's development in the first seven years of life, for a sample of births of low-educated mothers. We find large effects of breastfeeding on children's cognitive development but no effects on health or noncognitive development during the period of childhood we consider. Regarding mechanisms, we study how breastfeeding affects parental investments and the quality of the mother-child relationship. (JEL I12, I14, I18, J13, J16, J24)
Assortative Matching at the Top of the Distribution: Evidence from the World's Most Exclusive Marriage Market
Authors: Goñi Marc
Published: June 2022

Using novel data on peerage marriages in Britain, I find that low search costs and marriage-market segregation can generate sorting. Peers courted in the London Season, a matching technology introducing aristocratic bachelors to debutantes. When Queen Victoria went into mourning for her husband, the Season was interrupted (1861–1863), raising search costs and reducing market segregation. I exploit exogenous variation in women's probability to marry during the interruption from their age in 1861. The interruption increased peer–commoner intermarriage by 40 percent and reduced sorting along landed wealth by 30 percent. Eventually, this reduced peers' political power and affected public policy in late nineteenth-century England. (JEL C78, D83, J12, J16, N33)
Neighbors' Effects on University Enrollment
Authors: Barrios-Fernández Andrés
Published: June 2022

This paper combines detailed geographic information and individual educational records in Chile to provide causal evidence that close neighbors significantly influence enrollment in university. I exploit the quasi-random variation generated by student loans eligibility rules and find that potential applicants are significantly more likely to attend and complete university when their closest neighbor—defined as the closest individual applying to university one year before—becomes eligible for a student loan and enrolls in university. These results highlight the importance of social influences on university enrollment and suggest that financial aid and university access policies may have important spillover effects. (JEL I22, I23, I28, O15, R23)
The Roots of Health Inequality and the Value of Intrafamily Expertise
Authors: Chen Yiqun , Persson Petra , Polyakova Maria
Published: June 2022

In the context of Sweden, we show that having a doctor in the family raises preventive health investments throughout the life cycle, improves physical health, and prolongs life. Two quasi-experimental research designs—medical school admission lotteries and variation in the timing of medical degrees—support a causal interpretation of these effects. A hypothetical policy that would bring the same health behavior changes and benefits to all Swedes would close 18 percent of the mortality-income gradient. Our results suggest that socioeconomic differences in exposure to health-related expertise may meaningfully contribute to health inequality. (JEL D15, G22, I12, I13, I14, I18)
High-throughput imaging of mRNA at the single-cell level in human primary immune cells
Authors: Gadkari Manasi , Sun Jing , Carcamo Adrian , Alessi Hugh , Hu Zonghui , Fraser Iain D.C. , Pegoraro Gianluca , Franco Luis M.
Published: June 2022

Measurement of gene expression at the single-cell level has advanced the study of transcriptional regulation programs in healthy and disease states. In particular, single-cell approaches have shed light on the high level of transcriptional heterogeneity of individual cells, both at baseline and in response to experimental or environmental perturbations. We have developed a method for high-content imaging (HCI)-based quantification of relative changes in transcript abundance at the single-cell level in human primary immune cells and have validated its performance under multiple experimental conditions to demonstrate its general applicability. This method, named hcHCR, combines the sensitivity of the hybridization chain reaction (HCR) for the visualization of RNA in single cells, with the speed, scalability, and reproducibility of HCI. We first tested eight cell attachment substrates for short-term culture of primary human B cells, T cells, monocytes, or neutrophils. We then miniaturized HCR in 384-well format and documented the ability of the method to detect changes in transcript abundance at the single-cell level in thousands of cells for each experimental condition by HCI. Furthermore, we demonstrated the feasibility of multiplexing gene expression measurements by simultaneously assaying the abundance of three transcripts per cell at baseline and in response to an experimental stimulus. Finally, we tested the robustness of the assay to technical and biological variation. We anticipate that hcHCR will be suitable for low- to medium-throughput chemical or functional genomics screens in primary human cells, with the possibility of performing screens on cells obtained from patients with a specific disease.
Prognostic factors of 112 elderly patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ran Fanglan , Liu Qin
Published: June 2022

Objectives: In this study we retrospectively analyzed the prognostic factors of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: Clinical data of 112 patients with advanced NSCLC treated in the tumor center of our hospital from January 2016 to December 2017 were analyzed retrospectively, follow up the survival of patients, the effects of gender, age, tumor stage, pathological type, performance status (PS) score, smoking history and treatment on the survival of elderly patients with advanced NSCLC were analyzed.

Results: The median survival time was 12.0 months, and the median age was 74 years. The 3-year survival rate after confirmation of advanced lung cancer was 6.25%. Kaplan Meier univariate analysis showed that age, PS score, smoking status and treatment correlated with the prognosis(P<0.05). Cox multivariate analysis showed that age >70 years, PS score>2, smoking and no targeted therapy were independent adverse prognostic factors for elderly patients with advanced NSCLC(P<0.05).

Conclusions: Age, PS score, smoking and treatment mode affect the prognosis and survival of elderly patients with advanced NSCLC. Effective treatment should be given according to the principle of evidence-based medicine.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.6.5457

How to cite this:Ran F, Liu Q. Prognostic factors of 112 elderly patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(6):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.6.5457

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.
Atención A Migrantes Desde Una Perspectiva De Género: Estrategias Políticas Españolas
Authors: Rebolledo Gámez Teresa , Rodríguez Casado Rocío , Pérez de Guzman Puya Victoria
Published: June 2022

El éxito de las políticas de gestión de las migraciones requiere de una serie de factores amparados en el marco de la cooperación internacional, y, especialmente, de la integración transversal de una perspectiva de género que permita alcanzar la plena inclusión de las mujeres migrantes. Centrándonos en el ámbito español, este trabajo presenta los resultados de un análisis documental llevado a cabo sobre la normativa, programas y proyectos nacionales de atención a las mujeres migrantes, con el objetivo de identificar las características de las principales medidas de carácter público que existen para la integración e inclusión de mujeres migrantes a nivel estatal, teniendo en cuenta si contemplan el enfoque de género. Los resultados obtenidos apuntan a una escasez de desarrollo de la perspectiva de género en la normativa básica de gestión de las migraciones en España. Por ello, de esta investigación se concluye que sigue evidenciándose la necesidad de seguir avanzando en la mejora de la atención de las mujeres migrantes en las estrategias políticas españolas, integrando la perspectiva de género, lo que supone partir de las necesidades de dichas mujeres, así como contemplar sus situaciones específicas de vulnerabilidad, además de otras propuestas como la extensión del uso de un lenguaje no sexista.
De Visiones Erróneas de la Ciencia a Opciones Epistemológicas-didácticas que Intentan Resignificarla
Authors: Olivo-Franco José Luis
Published: June 2022

Actualmente las ciencias naturales inciden sobre aspectos esenciales de los seres humanos. Por ello, surge la necesidad de evidenciar en la práctica educativa de los docentes que imparten esta asignatura la selección de contenidos que promueva en los ciudadanos la reflexión y la autodeterminación ante los problemas sociales. Sin embargo, con visiones erróneas de ciencia abarrotada de contenidos, distante del estudiantado y desde los cambios abruptos generados por la pandemia del Covid19 se complejiza este reto y las probabilidades de éxito. A propósito de lo anteriormente expuesto, este artículo desarrolla un ensayo teórico-epistémico sobre modelos de enseñanza de las ciencias y considera grosso modo algunos ejemplos de las imágenes equivocadas de la ciencia persistente en la escuela y en el profesorado que son transmitidas a su vez al estudiante, generando desinterés y apatía hacia esta. Asimismo, analiza autores que de forma explícita o implícita promueven una imagen renovada de ciencia escolar compleja, emocional y que asume desde su enseñanza cambios en las dimensiones del ser; en contraste, con la visión tradicional de un modelo conceptual dominante hasta hoy. Finalmente, concluye sobre la pertinencia de una de ciencia y opciones didácticas que deben ser adoptadas e implementadas críticamente y puedan desde la praxis docente incidir de modo reflexivo tanto en el mismo ejercicio docente como en el aprendizaje del estudiantado.
¿Trayectorias Educativas Interculturales? Relatos Etnográficos de Alumnado de Aulas Específicas de Adaptación Lingüística
Authors: Lastres Aguilar Nazaret
Published: June 2022

En el artículo analizamos cómo algunas acciones educativas –incluidas nominalmente bajo el paradigma de la interculturalidad en España– son experimentadas por los escolares que las protagonizan. Nos aproximamos a esta cuestión reflexionando sobre los distintos usos y derivas que han tenido las nociones de interculturalidad e interculturalismo (Dietz, 2017), especialmente en nuestro contexto de estudio (García, Pulido y Montes, 1999). La metodología de trabajo ha sido etnográfica, habiendo realizado observación participante, grupos de discusión y entrevistas semiestructuras a distintos agentes escolares. Focalizamos en esta ocasión en datos producidos a partir de entrevistas biográficas y relatos de vida de chicos/as que han sido atendidos a lo largo de su escolaridad por dispositivos como las Aulas Temporales de Adaptación Lingüística. El objetivo ha sido acercarnos a sus trayectorias educativas, en tanto que alumnado que, en su infancia y/o adolescencia, ha participado de programas diseñados para la atención de escolares procedentes de las migraciones que desconocen la lengua de la escuela. Los resultados de la investigación apuntan a que el modelo para la gestión de la diversidad implementado en el contexto de estudio refleja una “deriva retórica” de la interculturalidad misma. Estaríamos así ante una interculturalidad de carácter funcional (Tubino, 2019); que contribuiría a mantener las estructuras de desigualdad fruto de las dinámicas coloniales de la modernidad (Walsh, 2012).
Stochastic Optimization Forests
Authors: Kallus Nathan , Mao Xiaojie
Published: June 2022

We study contextual stochastic optimization problems, where we leverage rich auxiliary observations (e.g., product characteristics) to improve decision making with uncertain variables (e.g., demand). We show how to train forest decision policies for this problem by growing trees that choose splits to directly optimize the downstream decision quality rather than split to improve prediction accuracy as in the standard random forest algorithm. We realize this seemingly computationally intractable problem by developing approximate splitting criteria that use optimization perturbation analysis to eschew burdensome reoptimization for every candidate split, so that our method scales to large-scale problems. We prove that our splitting criteria consistently approximate the true risk and that our method achieves asymptotic optimality. We extensively validate our method empirically, demonstrating the value of optimization-aware construction of forests and the success of our efficient approximations. We show that our approximate splitting criteria can reduce running time hundredfold while achieving performance close to forest algorithms that exactly reoptimize for every candidate split.

This paper was accepted by Hamid Nazerzadeh, data science.

Funding: This work was supported by the National Science Foundation [Grant 1846210].

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4458 .