bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explaining biological differences between men and women by gendered mechanisms
Authors: Colineaux Hélène , Neufcourt Lola , Delpierre Cyrille , Kelly-Irving Michelle , Lepage Benoit
Published: March 2023

Background

The principal aim of this study was to explore if biological differences between men and women can be explained by gendered mechanisms.

Methods

We used data from the 1958 National Child Development Study, including all the living subjects of the cohort at the outcome collection wave (44–45 years). We explored several biomarkers as outcomes: systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, HbA1c, CRP, and cortisol. Three conceptualizations of gender have been used to define methodological strategies: (a) Gender as an individual characteristic; (b) Gender as an effect of sex on socio-behavioural characteristics; (c) Gender as an interaction between sex and the social environment, here the early-life social environment. We estimated the total effect of sex and the proportion of total effect of sex at birth eliminated by gender, measured by 3 different ways according to these 3 concepts, using g-computation.

Results

The average level of each biomarker was significantly different according to sex at birth, higher in men for cardiometabolic biomarkers and higher in women for inflammatory and neuroendocrine biomarkers. The sizes of the differences were always smaller than one standard deviation but were larger than differences due to early-life deprivation, except for CRP. We observed gender mechanisms underlying these differences between men and women, even if the mediation effects were rarely statistically significant. These mechanisms were of three kinds: (1) mediation by socio-behavioural characteristics; (2) attenuation by gendered mechanisms; (3) interaction with early social environment. Indeed, we observed that being born into a deprived rather than non-deprived family increased metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers levels more strongly in females than in males.

Conclusions

The biological differences between men and women seem to not be purely explained by biological mechanisms. The exploration of gender mechanisms opens new perspectives, in terms of methodology, understanding and potential applications.
Daytime administration of melatonin has better protective effects on bone loss in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Li Tian-lin , Liu He-dong , Ren Mao-xian , Zhou Zhi , Jiang Wen-kai , Yang Min
Published: March 2023

Objective

To explore the difference in the protective effects of intraperitoneal injection of exogenous melatonin of daytime or nighttime on bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) rats.

Methods

After bilateral ovariectomy and sham surgery, 40 rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham operation group (Sham), ovariectomy (OVX), and daytime melatonin injection group (OVX + DMLT, 9:00, 30 mg/kg/d) and nighttime injection of melatonin (OVX + NMLT, 22:00, 30 mg/kg/d). After 12 weeks of treatment, the rats were sacrificed. The distal femur, blood and femoral marrow cavity contents were saved. The rest of the samples were tested by Micro-CT, histology, biomechanics and molecular biology. Blood was used for bone metabolism marker measurements. CCK-8, ROS, and Cell apoptosis are performed using MC3E3-T1 cells.

Results

Compared with treatment at night, the bone mass of the OVX rats was significantly increased after the daytime administration. All microscopic parameters of trabecular bone increased, only Tb.Sp decreased. Histologically, the bone microarchitecture of the OVX + DMLT was also more dense than the bone microarchitecture of the OVX + LMLT. In the biomechanical experiment, the femur samples of the day treatment group were able to withstand greater loads and deformation. In molecular biology experiments, bone formation-related molecules increased, while bone resorption-related molecules decreased. After treatment with melatonin administration at night, the expression of MT-1β was significantly decreased. In cell experiments, the MC3E3-T1 cells treated with low-dose MLT had higher cell viability and greater efficiency in inhibiting ROS production than the MC3E3-T1 cells treated with high-dose MLT, which in turn more effectively inhibited apoptosis.

Conclusion

Daytime administration of melatonin acquires better protective effects on bone loss than night in OVX rats.
Analysis of optimal volume fraction percentage and influencing factors of bone cement distribution in vertebroplasty using digital techniques
Authors: Zhou Chengqiang , Liao Yifeng , Chen Han , Wang Yunqing
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To explore the optimal volume fraction percentage (VF%) and influencing factors of bone cement distribution in percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) using digital techniques.

Patients and methods

From January 2019 to February 2021, 150 patients with 0VCF who underwent PVP surgery in our hospital were analyzed. Based on postoperative X-ray and CT, the spatial distribution score of the intravertebral cement was calculated and the patients were divided into two groups: 0–7 were divided into group A; 8–10 were divided into group B. The general data of the two groups of patients were compared, and Mimics three-dimensional reconstruction images were used to measure the cement dispersion volume (CDV), vertebral body volume (VBV), and VF%. Factors affecting bone cement distribution were included in a multifactorial logistic regression analysis to construct a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calculate a cut-off value for the extensive distribution of bone cement, and analyze the correlation between bone cement distribution scores and VF%.

Results

There were 60 patients in group A and 90 patients in group B. Univariate analysis showed that bone mineral density (BMD), cement leakage, CDV, and VF% were significantly lower in group A than in group B (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that BMD and VF% were independent influencing factors on bone cement distribution. The area under the curve (AUC) of VF% was 84.7%, and the cut-off value for extensive distribution of bone cement was 28.58%, which corresponded to a sensitivity and specificity of 72.2% and 91.7%, respectively. There was a strong correlation between the cement distribution score and VF% (r = 0.895, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

BMD and VF% were important independent influencing factors of bone cement distribution. Extensive bone cement distribution can be achieved when the VF% reaches 28.58%.
Effectiveness of manual therapy and cervical spine stretching exercises on pain and disability in myofascial temporomandibular disorders accompanied by headaches: a single-center cohort study
Authors: Lee In-su , Kim Suhn-yeop
Published: March 2023

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated a relationship between headaches and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Moreover, recent studies have shown functional, anatomical, and neurological associations between the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and upper cervical spine. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of manual therapy and cervical spine stretching exercises for pain and disability in patients with myofascial TMDs accompanied by headaches.

Methods

Thirty-four patients recruited from Gyeryong Hospital with headaches and diagnosed with TMDs were randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 17) and control (n = 17) groups. Headache impact was assessed using the Korean Headache Impact Test-6. Masseter myofascial pain was measured using the visual analog scale, and TMJ pressure pain threshold levels were evaluated using an algometer. Neck pain intensity was assessed using the numerical rating scale. Once per week for 10 weeks, the experimental group received cervical spine-focused manual therapy and stretching exercises alongside conservative physical therapy, and the control group received conservative physical therapy alone. Patients were evaluated at baseline and 5 and 10 weeks post-intervention.

Results

After the intervention, the experimental group exhibited significant reductions in the cervical kyphotic angle, Korean Headache Impact Assessment score, neck pain intensity, TMJ pain pressure threshold, Neck Disability Index score, and Jaw Functional Limitation Scale level compared with the control group (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Manual therapy and stretching exercises could help resolve TMDs accompanied by headaches through biomechanical changes in the cervical spine. These findings may guide protocols and clinical trials involving manual therapy that align morphological structures.
Home-based cardio-oncology rehabilitation using a telerehabilitation platform in hematological cancer survivors: a feasibility study
Authors: Filakova Katerina , Janikova Andrea , Felsoci Marian , Dosbaba Filip , Su Jing Jing , Pepera Garyfallia , Batalik Ladislav
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Cardiovascular disease is a competing mortality cause in hematological cancer survivors due to toxic oncological treatment, accumulation of risk factors, and decline of cardiorespiratory fitness. Cardio-oncology rehabilitation (CORE) is an emerging treatment model to optimize the prognosis of hematological cancer patients and survivors; however, its accessibility during the COVID-19 pandemic is poor. The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effect of a 12-week home-based CORE intervention in telerehabilitation approach among hematological cancer survivors.

Methods

A prospective single-arm interventional study was conducted at a faculty hospital in Brno, Czech Republic. This study provided 12 weeks of the home-based CORE using a telerehabilitation approach that allows remote supervision by a clinician from a medical facility. The telerehabilitation approach consists of three components: a heart rate sensor (PolarM430, Kempele, Finland), a web platform compatible with the sensor, and telesupervising via telephone call (1 call per week). To improve adherence, a physiotherapist called participants to assess or address adverse effects, exercise feedback, and participant-related concerns. The anthropometry, body composition, and cardiorespiratory fitness were measured immediately after the intervention.

Results

Eleven hematological cancer survivors with an average age of 60.3 ± 10 years participated in the study. Most participants were diagnosed with Follicular lymphoma and received maintenance treatment. Participants had a significant (p < 0.05) increase in cardiorespiratory fitness by 2.6 ml/kg/min; and in peak workload, from 143.3 ± 60.6 W to 158.6 ± 67.5 W (p < 0.05). Improvement in anthropometry and body composition was observed but yielded no statistical significance. Most (80%) participants completed the three times/per week telesupervising exercise session for 12 weeks.No adverse event was identified.

Conclusion

Findings from this study suggest that home-based CORE may provide hematological cancer survivors with an increase in CRF during the rehabilitation period after hospital discharge. The telerehabilitation CORE model is effective, feasible, safe, and has demonstrated good adherence. Further randomized controlled efficacy study with larger sample size is needed before clinical implementation.

Clinical trial registration

Clinical trial registration number NCT04822389 (30/03/2021).
Generation of functional posterior spinal motor neurons from hPSCs-derived human spinal cord neural progenitor cells
Authors: Xu He Jax , Yao Yao , Yao Fenyong , Chen Jiehui , Li Meishi , Yang Xianfa , Li Sheng , Lu Fangru , Hu Ping , He Shuijin , Peng Guangdun , Jing Naihe
Published: March 2023

Spinal motor neurons deficiency results in a series of devastating disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and spinal cord injury (SCI). These disorders are currently incurable, while human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs)-derived spinal motor neurons are promising but suffered from inappropriate regional identity and functional immaturity for the study and treatment of posterior spinal cord related injuries. In this study, we have established human spinal cord neural progenitor cells (hSCNPCs) via hPSCs differentiated neuromesodermal progenitors (NMPs) and demonstrated the hSCNPCs can be continuously expanded up to 40 passages. hSCNPCs can be rapidly differentiated into posterior spinal motor neurons with high efficiency. The functional maturity has been examined in detail. Moreover, a co-culture scheme which is compatible for both neural and muscular differentiation is developed to mimic the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) formation in vitro. Together, these studies highlight the potential avenues for generating clinically relevant spinal motor neurons and modeling neuromuscular diseases through our defined hSCNPCs.
In silico evaluation and selection of the best 16S rRNA gene primers for use in next-generation sequencing to detect oral bacteria and archaea
Authors: Regueira-Iglesias Alba , Vázquez-González Lara , Balsa-Castro Carlos , Vila-Blanco Nicolás , Blanco-Pintos Triana , Tamames Javier , Carreira Maria José , Tomás Inmaculada
Published: March 2023

Background

Sequencing has been widely used to study the composition of the oral microbiome present in various health conditions. The extent of the coverage of the 16S rRNA gene primers employed for this purpose has not, however, been evaluated in silico using oral-specific databases. This paper analyses these primers using two databases containing 16S rRNA sequences from bacteria and archaea found in the human mouth and describes some of the best primers for each domain.

Results

A total of 369 distinct individual primers were identified from sequencing studies of the oral microbiome and other ecosystems. These were evaluated against a database reported in the literature of 16S rRNA sequences obtained from oral bacteria, which was modified by our group, and a self-created oral archaea database. Both databases contained the genomic variants detected for each included species. Primers were evaluated at the variant and species levels, and those with a species coverage (SC) ≥75.00% were selected for the pair analyses. All possible combinations of the forward and reverse primers were identified, with the resulting 4638 primer pairs also evaluated using the two databases. The best bacteria-specific pairs targeted the 3-4, 4-7, and 3-7 16S rRNA gene regions, with SC levels of 98.83–97.14%; meanwhile, the optimum archaea-specific primer pairs amplified regions 5-6, 3-6, and 3-6, with SC estimates of 95.88%. Finally, the best pairs for detecting both domains targeted regions 4-5, 3-5, and 5-9, and produced SC values of 95.71–94.54% and 99.48–96.91% for bacteria and archaea, respectively.

Conclusions

Given the three amplicon length categories (100-300, 301-600, and >600 base pairs), the primer pairs with the best coverage values for detecting oral bacteria were as follows: KP_F048-OP_R043 (region 3-4; primer pair position for Escherichia coli J01859.1: 342-529), KP_F051-OP_R030 (4-7; 514-1079), and KP_F048-OP_R030 (3-7; 342-1079). For detecting oral archaea, these were as follows: OP_F066-KP_R013 (5-6; 784-undefined), KP_F020-KP_R013 (3-6; 518-undefined), and OP_F114-KP_R013 (3-6; 340-undefined). Lastly, for detecting both domains jointly they were KP_F020-KP_R032 (4-5; 518-801), OP_F114-KP_R031 (3-5; 340-801), and OP_F066-OP_R121 (5-9; 784-1405). The primer pairs with the best coverage identified herein are not among those described most widely in the oral microbiome literature.
Young adults with eating disorders perspectives on educational resources to support the transition into adult medicine: a thematic analysis
Authors: Mooney Jennifer , Dominic Anna , Lewis Alyona , Chafe Roger
Published: March 2023

Background

Eating disorders (EDs) commonly develop in adolescence and can be a chronic condition. Once patients reach the age when it is no longer permitted or appropriate for them to be seen in a children’s healthcare setting, they will need to transition into adult-focused care. This transition period can be challenging, with increased risks of negative health outcomes and disruptions in care. Appropriate educational resources could be an effective support for patients during this transition. Our objectives were to engage patients about the value of developing educational supports and determine how these supports should be structured to be most useful to young adults with EDs.

Methods

Patients who had transitioned out of a hospital-based ED program between 2017 and 2020 were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis and qualitative description.

Results

Six young adults (5 females and 1 male) with EDs were interviewed. All participants thought it would be helpful to have an educational resource. Three main themes and seven subthemes were identified. Themes identified related to the unique challenges of transition for ED patients given the age of onset and cycle of symptoms; issues in adult care related to comorbidities and new level of autonomy; and the value of educational resources as both a connection tool and a benchmark. Participants also thought it would be useful to include in any educational resource a summary of their previous treatments, information regarding the transition process, a list of main healthcare providers they saw for their ED, a description of the differences and expectations of the adult system, a list of their follow up appointments, and a list of community and emergency mental health resources.

Conclusions

Participants said that educational supports can play a useful role for young adults with EDs during their transition into adult care. They also provided valuable insights into the desired contents of such supports and expanded on the roles that educational resources could serve for ED patients.
Examination of the usability of Tinkercad application in educational robotics teaching by eye tracking technique
Authors: Erdogan Rumeysa , Saglam Zeynep , Cetintav Gulay , Karaoglan Yilmaz Fatma Gizem
Published: March 2023

Like all sectors, the education sector has been negatively affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Considering the decision to conduct face-to-face training in schools remotely, teachers had many difficulties in moving course content to the online platform. Teachers who perform robotic coding applications are looking for ways to do these activities remotely. Simulators enable real objects to be animated in a computer environment. There are many paid and free platforms that simulate robotic coding tools. Arduino and Micro:bit, can be simulated on the Tinkercad platform. This study tests the usability of the Tinkercad platform by teachers. In usability tests, users are expected to complete the authentic tasks they must perform on the tested platform. In this study, 12 Information Technology teachers tried to complete 10 authentic tasks in the Circuits section of the Tinkercad platform. Eye movements have been recorded and analyzed while participants perform tasks. Surveys were applied to the participants and data were collected with the observation form during the tests. Consequently, the teachers who completed the usability tests stated that it is appropriate for the platform to be used by teachers and students over 10 years of age and that they can use the platform in their activities.
Successful isolation of viable stem cells from cryopreserved microfragmented human adipose tissue from patients with knee osteoarthritis – a comparative study of isolation by tissue explant culture and enzymatic digestion
Authors: Bagge Jasmin , Hölmich Per , Hammer Freja Aabæk , Nehlin Jan O. , Vomstein Kilian , Blønd Lars , Hölmich Lisbet Rosenkrantz , Barfod Kristoffer Weisskirchner
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To investigate if viable stem cells could be isolated and expanded from cryopreserved microfragmented adipose tissue (AT) harvested from patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

Microfragmented abdominal AT from knee osteoarthritis patients was cryopreserved at ‐80 °C in cryoprotectant‐medium. The samples were thawed for stem cell isolation by tissue explant culture (TEC) and enzymatic digestion (ED), respectively. Viability, population doublings, and doubling time were assessed by trypan blue staining and flow cytometry. Cell type and senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase activity were analyzed by flow cytometry. Osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation was assessed quantitatively by Alizarin‐Red‐S and Oil‐Red‐O staining, respectively.

Results

Microfragmented AT from 7 patients was cryopreserved for a period of 46–150 days (mean (SD) 115.9 days (44.3 days)). Viable stem cells were successfully recovered and expanded from all patients using both isolation methods with no significant difference in viable population doublings or doubling time from passage 1 to 3 (p > 0.05). Low levels of senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase activity was detected for both methods with no significant difference between TEC and ED (p = 0.17). Stemness was verified by stem cell surface markers and osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation performance. Adventitial stem cells (CD31−CD34+CD45−CD90+CD146−), pericytes (CD31−CD34−CD45−CD90+CD146+), transitional pericytes (CD31−CD34+CD45−CD90+CD146+), and CD271+ stem cells (CD31−CD45−CD90+CD271+) were identified using both methods. More pericytes were present when using TEC (25% (24%)) compared to ED (3% (2%)) at passage 4 (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Viable stem cells can be isolated and expanded from cryopreserved microfragmented AT using both TEC and ED. TEC provides more clinically relevant pericytes than ED.
Laccase-catalyzed lignin depolymerization in deep eutectic solvents: challenges and prospects
Authors: Zhou Man , Fakayode Olugbenga Abiola , Ren Manni , Li Haoxin , Liang Jiakang , Yagoub Abu ElGasim Ahmed , Fan Zhiliang , Zhou Cunshan
Published: March 2023

Lignin has enormous potential as a renewable feedstock for depolymerizing to numerous high-value chemicals. However, lignin depolymerization is challenging owing to its recalcitrant, heterogenous, and limited water-soluble nature. From the standpoint of environmental friendliness and sustainability, enzymatic depolymerization of lignin is of great significance. Notably, laccases play an essential role in the enzymatic depolymerization of lignin and are considered the ultimate green catalysts. Deep eutectic solvent (DES), an efficient media in biocatalysis, are increasingly recognized as the newest and utmost green solvent that highly dissolves lignin. This review centers on a lignin depolymerization strategy by harnessing the good lignin fractionating capability of DES and the high substrate and product selectivity of laccase. Recent progress and insights into the laccase–DES interactions, protein engineering strategies for improving DES compatibility with laccase, and controlling the product selectivity of lignin degradation by laccase or in DES systems are extensively provided. Lastly, the challenges and prospects of the alliance between DES and laccase for lignin depolymerization are discussed. The collaboration of laccase and DES provides a great opportunity to develop an enzymatic route for lignin depolymerization.

Graphical Abstract
QCard-NM: Developing a semiautomatic segmentation method for quantitative analysis of the right ventricle in non-gated myocardial perfusion SPECT imaging
Authors: Entezarmahdi Seyed Mohammad , Faghihi Reza , Yazdi Mehran , Shahamiri Negar , Geramifar Parham , Haghighatafshar Mahdi
Published: March 2023

Background

Recent studies have shown that the right ventricular (RV) quantitative analysis in myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) SPECT can be beneficial in the diagnosis of many cardiopulmonary diseases. This study proposes a new algorithm for right ventricular 3D segmentation and quantification.

Methods

The proposed Quantitative Cardiac analysis in Nuclear Medicine imaging (QCard-NM) algorithm provides RV myocardial surface estimation and creates myocardial contour using an iterative 3D model fitting method. The founded contour is then used for quantitative RV analysis. The proposed method was assessed using various patient datasets and digital phantoms. First, the physician’s manually drawn contours were compared to the QCard-NM RV segmentation using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC). Second, using repeated MPI scans, the QCard-NM’s repeatability was evaluated and compared with the QPS (quantitative perfusion SPECT) algorithm. Third, the bias of the calculated RV cavity volume was analyzed using 31 digital phantoms using the QCard-NM and QPS algorithms. Fourth, the ability of QCard-NM analysis to diagnose coronary artery diseases was assessed in 60 patients referred for both MPI and coronary angiography.

Results

The average DSC value was 0.83 in the first dataset. In the second dataset, the coefficient of repeatability of the calculated RV volume between two repeated scans was 13.57 and 43.41 ml for the QCard-NM and QPS, respectively. In the phantom study, the mean absolute percentage errors for the calculated cavity volume were 22.6% and 42.2% for the QCard-NM and QPS, respectively. RV quantitative analysis using QCard-NM in detecting patients with severe left coronary system stenosis and/or three-vessel diseases achieved a fair performance with the area under the ROC curve of 0.77.

Conclusion

A novel model-based iterative method for RV segmentation task in non-gated MPI SPECT is proposed. The precision, accuracy, and consistency of the proposed method are demonstrated by various validation techniques. We believe this preliminary study could lead to developing a framework for improving the diagnosis of cardiopulmonary diseases using RV quantitative analysis in MPI SPECT.
Adhesive cryogel particles for bridging confined and irregular tissue defects
Authors: Xue Yao-Ting , Chen Ming-Yu , Cao Jia-Sheng , Wang Lei , Hu Jia-Hao , Li Si-Yang , Shen Ji-Liang , Li Xin-Ge , Zhang Kai-Hang , Hao Shu-Qiang , Juengpanich Sarun , Cheng Si-Bo , Wong Tuck-Whye , Yang Xu-Xu , Li Tie-Feng , Cai Xiu-Jun , Yang Wei
Published: March 2023

Background

Reconstruction of damaged tissues requires both surface hemostasis and tissue bridging. Tissues with damage resulting from physical trauma or surgical treatments may have arbitrary surface topographies, making tissue bridging challenging.

Methods

This study proposes a tissue adhesive in the form of adhesive cryogel particles (ACPs) made from chitosan, acrylic acid, 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS). The adhesion performance was examined by the 180-degree peel test to a collection of tissues including porcine heart, intestine, liver, muscle, and stomach. Cytotoxicity of ACPs was evaluated by cell proliferation of human normal liver cells (LO2) and human intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2). The degree of inflammation and biodegradability were examined in dorsal subcutaneous rat models. The ability of ACPs to bridge irregular tissue defects was assessed using porcine heart, liver, and kidney as the ex vivo models. Furthermore, a model of repairing liver rupture in rats and an intestinal anastomosis in rabbits were established to verify the effectiveness, biocompatibility, and applicability in clinical surgery.

Results

ACPs are applicable to confined and irregular tissue defects, such as deep herringbone grooves in the parenchyma organs and annular sections in the cavernous organs. ACPs formed tough adhesion between tissues [(670.9 ± 50.1) J/m2 for the heart, (607.6 ± 30.0) J/m2 for the intestine, (473.7 ± 37.0) J/m2 for the liver, (186.1 ± 13.3) J/m2 for muscle, and (579.3 ± 32.3) J/m2 for the stomach]. ACPs showed considerable cytocompatibility in vitro study, with a high level of cell viability for 3 d [(98.8 ± 1.2) % for LO2 and (98.3 ± 1.6) % for Caco-2]. It has comparable inflammation repair in a ruptured rat liver (P = 0.58 compared with suture closure), the same with intestinal anastomosis in rabbits (P = 0.40 compared with suture anastomosis). Additionally, ACPs-based intestinal anastomosis (less than 30 s) was remarkably faster than the conventional suturing process (more than 10 min). When ACPs degrade after surgery, the tissues heal across the adhesion interface.

Conclusions

ACPs are promising as the adhesive for clinical operations and battlefield rescue, with the capability to bridge irregular tissue defects rapidly.
Using telepresence robots as a tool to engage patient and family partners in dementia research during COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative participatory study
Authors: Hung Lillian , Lake Charlie , Hussein Ali , Wong Joey , Mann Jim
Published: March 2023

Background

Long-term care (LTC) settings have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; it is important to address unmet needs and explore practical strategies for supporting LTC residents and staff. The involvement of patient partners and family community members in research planning, implementation and evaluation is the basis of Patient and Public Involvement approach and has been challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic, as visitation restrictions have created barriers to conducting research in healthcare settings. Innovative methods and tools are needed for conducting participatory research. This study investigated the use of telepresence as innovative tools for participatory research based on three projects conducted with patient and family partners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

The data source includes (a) team reflective discussions, (b) weekly meeting notes, (c) field notes, and (d) interviews with ten researchers. We applied purposive sampling to select ten researchers who used a telepresence robot to conduct research in British Columbia, Canada. Semi-structured one-to-one interviews were conducted via Zoom virtual meetings. Patient and family partners contributed to team analysis to identify themes.

Results

Analysis of the data produced five themes: (1) Research Enabler, (2) User-Friendly Technology, (3) Increased Engagement, (4) Lack of Infrastructure and Resources, and (5) Training and Technical Obstacles. Based on the results, we propose “ROBOT”—an acronym for five actionable recommendations to support the use of telepresence robots for research. The ROBOT recommendations represent: Realign to adapt, Organize with champions, Blend strategies, Offer timely technical assistance, and Tailor training to individual needs.

Conclusions

This study offers practical insights into the use of telepresence robots as a safe and innovative tool for conducting remote research with people with dementia, even in times of restricted access, as with COVID-19. Future research should apply more creativity and flexibility in adopting technology to expand possibilities for involving people with dementia in research.
Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 3D Printing Special Interest Group (SIG) clinical situations for which 3D printing is considered an appropriate representation or extension of data contained in a medical imaging examination: breast conditions
Authors: Arribas Elsa M. , Kelil Tatiana , Santiago Lumarie , Ali Arafat , Chadalavada Seetharam C. , Chepelev Leonid , Ghodadra Anish , Ionita Ciprian N. , Lee Joonhyuk , Ravi Prashanth , Ryan Justin R. , Sheikh Adnan M. , Rybicki Frank J. , Ballard David H. ,   RSNA Special Interest 3D Printing Breast Conditions Voting Group
Published: March 2023

The use of medical 3D printing has expanded dramatically for breast diseases. A writing group composed of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Special Interest Group on 3D Printing (SIG) provides updated appropriateness criteria for breast 3D printing in various clinical scenarios. Evidence-based appropriateness criteria are provided for the following clinical scenarios: benign breast lesions and high-risk breast lesions, breast cancer, breast reconstruction, and breast radiation (treatment planning and radiation delivery).
Cycloserine-induced psychosis in patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis: a systematic review of case reports
Authors: Cotrina-Santome Alonso , Ulloa-Esquivel Lizbeth , Vásquez-Quispe Shirley , Arevalo-Flores Martín , Pedraz-Petrozzi Bruno
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of cycloserine (CS)-induced psychosis in adults diagnosed with drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB).

Materials and methods

A systematic review of case reports was carried out according to PRISMA guidelines. Subsequently, information was extracted concerning sociodemographic variables, clinical characteristics of psychosis, treatment, and clinical outcomes, as well as the quality of the articles using a standardized tool (Joanna Briggs Institute—JBI—Case Reports Tool).

Results

Of 3416 articles, 20 reports from seven countries were included, encompassing 22 patients (68.18% male participants, mean age: 31.45 ± 10.88 years). Delusions (68.2%, primarily persecutory) were the most frequent psychotic symptom. The median duration of the psychotic episode was 13 days (interquartile range: 35). Other frequently appearing symptoms in CS-induced psychosis were aggressiveness (68.2%), insomnia (59.1%), hallucinations (54.5%), incoherent/disorganized speech (45.5%), and irritability (45.5%). After antipsychotic treatment (81.81% of the reported cases were treated with at least one antipsychotic), 95.5% presented improvement, while 4.54% died by suicide. Finally, after the quality assessment of studies using the JBI tool, 85% of the articles showed a low risk of bias.

Conclusions

CS-induced psychosis is a rare presentation, generally of short duration, that includes delusions (mostly persecutory) as its main psychotic symptom and shows mostly a symptom improvement after medical treatment.

Trial registration PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022359551 (Date of registration: 22/09/2022)
An investigation on the solidification and porosity prediction in aluminium casting process
Authors: Chakravarti Samir , Sen Swarnendu
Published: March 2023

Air porosity becomes an issue in casting that needs attention. To create superior-quality castings, it is crucial to carefully consider the parameters of the casting for negligible air porosity. The manuscript presents a study of porosity with the filling and solidification process inside the mould cavity where flow is turbulent using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach by Ansys Fluent. An Ansys Fluent simulation model has been created and validated using the existing experimental research. This model investigates the variation in solid aluminium (about 100% Al) filled from the base of the mould cavity as a function of pouring temperature and pouring velocity. The relationship between porosity and casting parameters has been investigated and it is used to forecast a better estimate for the casting parameters with minimum porosity. It is observed that the top surface of the casting, which is linked to the bottom surface of the riser, has the maximum porosity and when the pouring velocity is close to 500 mm/s, the porosity value is extremely low.
Antibody seropositivity and endemicity of chikungunya and Zika viruses in Nigeria
Authors: Mac Peter Asaga , Airiohuodion Philomena E. , Velayudhan Raman , Zubair Shaistha , Tadele Markos , Aighobahi Jude, O. , Anyaike Chukwuma , Kroeger Axel , Panning Marcus
Published: March 2023

Mosquito-borne infections are of global health concern because of their rapid spread and upsurge, which creates a risk for coinfections. chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an arbovirus disease transmitted by Aedes aegypti or A. albopictus, and malaria, a parasitic disease transmitted by Anopheles gambiae, are prevalent in Nigeria and neighbouring countries, but their burden and possible coinfections are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the antibody seropositivity and endemicity of chikungunya and Zika viruses (ZIKV) in three regions of Nigeria. A cross-sectional sero-survey was conducted on 871 participants. Samples were collected from outpatients by simple random sampling. Analyses of the samples were performed using recomLine Tropical Fever for the presence of antibody serological marker IgG immunoblot with CHIKV VLP (virus like particle), ZIKV NS1 and ZIKV Equad according to manufacturers’ instructions and malaria RDT for malaria parasite. There was a significantly higher antibody seropositivity against CHIKV in the central region than in the northern and southern regions (69.5%, 291/419), while ZIKV-seropositivity (22.4%, 34/152) and CHIKV-ZIKV co-circulating antibody seropositivity (17.8%, 27/152) were notably higher in the southern region than in the central and northern regions. This investigation revealed an unexpectedly high antibody seropositivity and concealed endemicity of CHIKV and ZIKV in three Nigerian regions. The seropositivity of detectable antibodies differed among the three geographical locations.
Case report: Diagnosis and treatment of a chinchilla’s old radius and ulna fracture
Authors: Long Siyu , Qiao YuJing , Cao Hua , Qiu Tiantian , Chen Yuji , Shen Yaoqin
Published: March 2023

The cortex of the limb bones of chinchillas is very thin and brittle, so it is prone to fractures of the limb bones, among which fractures of the tibia, radius and ulna are the most frequent types. When a chinchilla has a closed fracture, it can be immobilized with a splint, cast, or bandage. If the broken end of the fracture pierces the skin, it is best to choose internal fixation or external fixation brackets for treatment. In this report, a 0.661 kg, 2-year-old male uncastrated chinchilla was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Huazhong Agricultural University due to an old fracture of the right forearm. With the consent of the owner, we decided to use a 25-gauge needle as an IM pin to fix the fracture. Ten days after surgery, the wound had healed well, and the limb could support body weight, but the palm did not show a grasping position. Twenty four days after the operation, the affected limb had not regained the ability to grasp. The X-ray showed a slight rotation of the IM pin and good callus growth in the ulna, but not in the radius. One month after the operation, it was found that the function of the affected limb of the chinchilla was normal and the grasping ability was restored through follow-up consultation and the return visit.
Parole, where psychiatry meets public protection
Authors: O'Grady John , Stone Huw , Murray Kevin
Published: March 2023

This article aims to provide psychiatrists with an overview of early release of serving prisoners and parole, using the example of the Parole Board for England and Wales. The centrality of risk assessment and management and its clinical implications for release are reviewed. Offenders who come before a parole board and require a psychiatrist to be a member of the panel and who need evidence from psychiatrists on their disorder are often characterised by the complexity of their mental disorder. Offenders with complex mental disorder have difficulty assessing effective treatment and aftercare pathways, which can result in not being released. Offenders remitted back to prison following hospital transfer for treatment experience particular problems in being released. Three roles for psychiatrists in parole hearings are identified and guidance for effective participation in hearings is discussed. Commissioning implications of the difficulty assessing the need for community aftercare are noted.
Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Plus Chemotherapy in Patients With ROS1-Rearranged Advanced Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Multicenter, Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Huang Zhe , Yan Huan , Zeng Liang , Xu Qinqin , Guo Wenhuan , Lin Shaoding , Jiang Wenjuan , Wang Zhan , Deng Li , Qin Haoyue , Zhang Xing , Tong Fan , Zhang Ruiguang , Liu Zhaoyi , Zhang Lin , Dong Xiaorong , Yang Nong , Zhang Yongchang
Published: March 2023

PURPOSE

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) exert robust antitumor activity in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without actionable mutations. Apart from isolated case reports, the efficacy of PD-1 blockade in ROS1-rearranged NSCLC is currently unknown.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 23 patients with ROS1-rearranged advanced lung adenocarcinoma who received ICI plus chemotherapy regardless of the treatment setting. ICI plus chemotherapy was received as a later-line regimen by 14 patients, as the first-line regimen by six patients, and after chemoradiotherapy by three patients.

RESULTS

All three patients who received chemoradiotherapy followed by ICI plus chemotherapy achieved partial response (PR) and had a progression-free survival (PFS) of >17.9 months. Of the six patients who received first-line ICI plus chemotherapy, five patients achieved PR and one had stable disease (SD), with a median PFS of 24.3 months (95% CI, 4.9 to 43.7). Of the 14 previously treated patients who received later-line ICI plus chemotherapy, the Objective Response Rate (ORR) was 28.6%, the Disease Control Rate (DCR) was 92.9%, and the median PFS was 5.8 months (95% CI, 0.2 to 9.4). The median time on ICI therapy was 10.0 months (95% CI, 1.5 to 32.5). The duration of response was 24.3 months (95% CI, 5.4 to 43.2) and 4.8 months (95% CI, 2.3 to 12.7) for first-line (n = 5) and subsequent-line (n = 4) ICI plus chemotherapy, respectively. Of the 10 patients with brain metastasis before receiving ICI plus chemotherapy, four patients achieved intracranial PR and five patients achieved intracranial SD, achieving an intracranial ORR of 40.0% and an intracranial DCR of 90.0%.

Conclusion

Our retrospective study provides real-world clinical evidence that ROS1-rearranged NSCLCs benefit from ICI plus chemotherapy in any treatment setting, including patients who present with brain metastasis.
The Diagnostic Value of 18F-FDG PET/CT Scan in Characterizing Adrenal Tumors
Authors: Schaafsma Merit , Berends Annika M A , Links Thera P , Brouwers Adrienne H , Kerstens Michiel N
Published: March 2023

Context

Imaging plays an important role in the characterization of adrenal tumors, but findings might be inconclusive. The clinical question is whether 18F fluodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is of diagnostic value in this setting.

Objective

This meta-analysis was aimed at the diagnostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in differentiating benign from malignant adrenal tumors discovered either as adrenal incidentaloma or during staging or follow-up of oncologic patients.

Data sources

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched to select articles between 2000 and 2021.

Study selection

We included studies describing the diagnostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in adult patients with an adrenal tumor. Exclusion criteria were 10 or fewer participants, insufficient data on histopathology, clinical follow-up, or PET results. After screening of title and abstract by 2 independent reviewers, 79 studies were retrieved, of which 17 studies met the selection criteria.

Data extraction

Data extraction using a protocol and quality assessment according to QUADAS-2 was performed independently by at least 2 authors.

Data synthesis

A bivariate random-effects model was applied using R (version 3.6.2.). Pooled sensitivity and specificity of 18F-FDG PET/CT for identifying malignant adrenal tumors was 87.3% (95% CI, 82.5%-90.9%) and 84.7% (95% CI, 79.3%-88.9%), respectively. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 9.20 (95% CI, 5.27-16.08; P < .01). Major sources of heterogeneity (I2, 57.1% [95% CI, 27.5%-74.6%]) were in population characteristics, reference standard, and interpretation criteria of imaging results.

Conclusions

18F-FDG PET/CT had good diagnostic accuracy for characterization of adrenal tumors. The literature, however, is limited, in particular regarding adrenal incidentalomas. Large prospective studies in well-defined patient populations with application of validated cutoff values are needed.
Activating Transcription Factor 3 Stimulates Follicle-Stimulating Hormone-β Expression In Vitro But Is Dispensable for Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Production in Murine Gonadotropes In Vivo
Authors: Alonso Carlos A I , David Caroline D , Toufaily Chirine , Wang Ying , Zhou Xiang , Ongaro Luisina , Nudelman German , Nair Venugopalan D , Ruf-Zamojski Frederique , Boehm Ulrich , Sealfon Stuart C , Bernard Daniel J
Published: March 2023

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a dimeric glycoprotein produced by pituitary gonadotrope cells, regulates spermatogenesis in males and ovarian follicle growth in females. Hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulates FSHβ subunit gene (Fshb) transcription, though the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. To address this gap in knowledge, we examined changes in pituitary gene expression in GnRH-deficient mice (hpg) treated with a regimen of exogenous GnRH that increases pituitary Fshb but not luteinizing hormone β (Lhb) messenger RNA levels. Activating transcription factor 3 (Atf3) was among the most upregulated genes. Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) can heterodimerize with members of the activator protein 1 family to regulate gene transcription. Co-expression of ATF3 with JunB stimulated murine Fshb, but not Lhb, promoter-reporter activity in homologous LβT2b cells. ATF3 also synergized with a constitutively active activin type I receptor to increase endogenous Fshb expression in these cells. Nevertheless, FSH production was intact in gonadotrope-specific Atf3 knockout [conditional knockout (cKO)] mice. Ovarian follicle development, ovulation, and litter sizes were equivalent between cKOs and controls. Testis weights and sperm counts did not differ between genotypes. Following gonadectomy, increases in LH secretion were enhanced in cKO animals. Though FSH levels did not differ between genotypes, post-gonadectomy increases in pituitary Fshb and gonadotropin α subunit expression were more pronounced in cKO than control mice. These data indicate that ATF3 can selectively stimulate Fshb expression in vitro but is not required for FSH production in vivo.
Synthesis of Fluorenones and Xanthones through Intramolecular C–F Arylation
Authors: Hamada Shusuke , Yoshida Suguru
Published: March 2023

Facile methods to synthesize fluorenones and xanthones through C–F cleavages are disclosed. Transition-metal-catalyzed coupling reactions of 2-halogenated benzotrifluorides with arylboronic acids and phenols and following intramolecular carbonylative arylation of trifluoromethyl group afforded fluorenones and xanthones. A wide variety of cyclic ketones can be prepared by the cross-coupling/C–F arylation approach since electron-withdrawing trifluoromethyl groups facilitated deprotonated transformations at neighboring moieties realizing an efficient synthesis of 2-halogenated benzotrifluorides.