bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of bone cement augmentation with different configurations of the dual locking plate for femoral allograft fixation: finite element analysis and biomechanical study
Authors: Wisanuyotin Taweechok , Paholpak Permsak , Sirichativapee Winai , Sirichativapee Wilasinee , Kosuwon Weerachai
Published: June 2023

Aims

Implant failure in allograft reconstruction is one of the most common problems after treating a large bone defect for a primary bone tumor. The study aimed to investigate the effect of bone cement augmentation with different configurations of dual locking plates used for femoral allograft fixation.

Methods

Four finite element (FE) models of the femur with a 1-mm bone gap were developed at the midshaft with different configurations of the 10-hole fixation dual locking plate (LP) with and without intramedullary bone cement augmentation. Model 1 was the dual LP at the lateral and medial aspect of the femur. Model 2 was Model 1 with bone cement augmentation. Model 3 was the dual LP at the anterior and lateral aspect of the femur. Finally, Model 4 was Model 3 with bone cement augmentation. All models were tested for stiffness under axial compression as well as torsional, lateral–medial, and anterior–posterior bending. In addition, the FE analyses were validated using biomechanical testing on a cadaveric femur.

Results

Model 2 had the greatest axial compression stiffness, followed by Models 1, 4, and 3. Bone cement augmentation in Models 2 and 4 had 3.5% and 2.4% greater axial stiffness than the non-augmentation Models 1 and 3, respectively. In the bone cement augmentation models, Model 2 had 11.9% greater axial compression stiffness than Model 4.

Conclusion

The effect of bone cement augmentation increases construct stiffness less than the effect of the dual LP configuration. A dual lateral–medial LP with bone cement augmentation provides the strongest fixation of the femur in terms of axial compression and lateral bending stiffness.
Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic anatomical resection of the right anterior pulmonary segment in a 10-year-old child with congenital pulmonary airway malformation
Authors: Ahn Seha , Moon Youngkyu
Published: June 2023

Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) is a very rare phenomenon subject to malignant transformation that requires surgical resection. In an asymptomatic 10-year-old girl, we identified a single cystic and consolidated lesion on computed tomography. This incidental finding was confined to anterior segment of lung in right upper lobe (RUL). Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) served to successfully achieve anterior segmentectomy, without chest tube placement. The surgical specimen confirmed features of CPAM, also showing acute and chronic inflammation with abscess formation. Once the surgical mainstay for such lesions, open lobectomy is now under challenge by thoracoscopic technique, port-reduction methods, and a lung-preserving strategy. Herein, we have shown uniportal VATS anatomical resection of right anterior pulmonary segment to be a viable option for a 10-year-old child with CPAM confined to a single lung segment.
Clinical application of next generation sequencing-based haplotype linkage analysis in the preimplantation genetic testing for germline mosaicisms
Authors: Chen Dongjia , Xu Yan , Fu Yu , Wang Yali , Liu Yuliang , Ding Chenhui , Cai Bing , Pan Jiafu , Wang Jing , Li Rong , Guo Jing , Zhang Han , Zeng Yanhong , Shen Xiaoting , Zhou Canquan
Published: June 2023

Background

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) for germline mosaicism was previously highly dependent on polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based directed mutation detection combined with linkage analysis of short tandem repeats (STRs). However, the number of STRs is usually limited. In addition, designing suitable probes and optimizing the reaction conditions for multiplex PCR are time-consuming and laborious. Here, we evaluated the effectiveness of next generation sequencing (NGS)-based haplotype linkage analysis in PGT of germline mosaicism.

Methods

PGT-M with NGS-based haplotype linkage analysis was performed for two families with maternal germline mosaicism for an X-linked Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) mutation (del exon 45–50) or an autosomal TSC1 mutation (c.2074C > T). Trophectoderm biopsy and multiple displacement amplification (MDA) were performed for a total of nine blastocysts. NGS and Sanger sequencing were performed in genomic DNA of family members and embryonic MDA products to detect DMD deletion and TSC1 mutation, respectively. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites closely linked to pathogenic mutations were detected with NGS and served in haplotype linkage analysis. NGS-based aneuploidy screening was performed for all embryos to reduce the risk of pregnancy loss.

Results

All nine blastocytes showed conclusive PGT results. Each family underwent one or two frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles to obtain a clinical pregnancy, and the prenatal diagnosis showed that the fetus was genotypically normal and euploid for both families.

Conclusions

NGS-SNP could effectively realize PGT for germline mosaicism. Compared with PCR-based methods, the NGS-SNP method with increased polymorphic informative markers can achieve a greater diagnostic accuracy. Further studies are warranted to verify the effectiveness of NGS-based PGT of germline mosaicism cases in the absence of surviving offsprings.
Kremen2 drives the progression of non-small cell lung cancer by preventing SOCS3-mediated degradation of EGFR
Authors: Sun Yuxiao , Gao Yu , Dong Mingxin , Li Jiuzhen , Li Xin , He Ningning , Song Huijuan , Zhang Manman , Ji Kaihua , Wang Jinhan , Gu Yeqing , Wang Yan , Du Liqing , Liu Yang , Wang Qin , Zhai Hezheng , Sun Daqiang , Liu Qiang , Xu Chang
Published: June 2023

Background

The transmembrane receptor Kremen2 has been reported to participate in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of gastric cancer. However, the role of Kremen2 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the biological function and regulatory mechanism of Kremen2 in NSCLC.

Methods

The correlation between Kremen2 expression and NSCLC was assessed by analyzing the public database and clinical tissue samples. Colony formation and EdU assays were performed to examine cell proliferation. Transwell and wound healing assays were used to observe cell migration ability. Tumor-bearing nude mice and metastatic tumor models were used to detect the in vivo tumorigenic and metastatic abilities of the NSCLC cells. An immunohistochemical assay was used to detect the expression of proliferation-related proteins in tissues. Western blot, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence were conducted to elucidate the Kremen2 regulatory mechanisms in NSCLC.

Results

Kremen2 was highly expressed in tumor tissues from NSCLC patients and was positively correlated with a poor patient prognosis. Knockout or knockdown of Kremen2 inhibited cell proliferation and migration ability of NSCLC cells. In vivo knockdown of Kremen2 inhibited the tumorigenicity and number of metastatic nodules of NSCLC cells in nude mice. Mechanistically, Kremen2 interacted with suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) to maintain the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein levels by preventing SOCS3-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of EGFR, which, in turn, promoted activation of the PI3K-AKT and JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathways.

Conclusions

Our study identified Kremen2 as a candidate oncogene in NSCLC and may provide a potential target for NSCLC treatment.
Very early onset of coronary artery aneurysm in a 3-month infant with Kawasaki disease: a case report and literature review
Authors: Jiao Wenyan , Wei Li , Jiao Fuyong , Pjetraj Dorina , Feng Jianying , Wang Jvyan , Catassi Carlo , Gatti Simona
Published: June 2023

Background

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a medium vessel vasculitis, of unknown etiology, typically presenting in children younger than 5 years of age. Prolonged fever (at least five days) is a major clinical criterion of KD, while cardiac involvement may occur in up to 25% of patients, generally in the second week of the disease.

Case presentation

We describe the case of KD developing in a 3-month infant, with an early occurrence of coronary artery aneurysm after only 3 days of fever, complicated by thrombosis, requiring aggressive treatments.

Conclusions

Time of development of cardiac complications can be different in young infants with KD and both diagnostic criteria and treatment indications should be individualized in this class of age.
Epigenetic age acceleration mediates the association between smoking and diabetes-related outcomes
Authors: Chang Xue-Yong , Lin Wan-Yu
Published: June 2023

Background

Smoking can lead to the deterioration of lung function and susceptibility to diabetes. Recently, smoking was found to induce DNA methylation (DNAm) changes in some cytosine-phosphate-guanine sites (CpGs). As linear combinations of DNAm levels of aging-related CpGs, five measures of epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) have received extensive attention: HannumEAA, IEAA, PhenoEAA, GrimEAA, and DunedinPACE. It is of interest to explore whether some measures of EAA can mediate the associations of smoking with diabetes-related outcomes and indices of ventilatory lung function.

Methods and results

In this study, we included self-reported smoking variables (smoking status, the number of pack-years, and years since smoking cessation), seven DNAm markers (HannumEAA, IEAA, PhenoEAA, GrimEAA, DNAm-based smoking pack-years, DNAm plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 [PAI-1] levels, and DunedinPACE), and four health outcomes (fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1C, forced expiratory volume in 1.0 s [FEV1], and forced vital capacity [FVC]) from 2474 Taiwan Biobank participants. Mediation analyses were conducted while adjusting for chronological age, sex, body mass index, drinking status, regular exercise status, educational attainment, and five cell-type proportions. We demonstrated that GrimEAA, DNAm-based smoking pack-years, DNAm PAI-1 levels, DunedinPACE, and PhenoEAA mediated smoking associations with diabetes-related outcomes. Moreover, current and former smoking both had an adverse indirect effect on FVC through DNAm PAI-1 levels. For former smokers, a long time since smoking cessation had a positive indirect impact on FVC through GrimEAA and on FEV1 through PhenoEAA.

Conclusions

This is one of the first studies to comprehensively investigate the role of five measures of EAA in mediating the associations of smoking with the health outcomes of an Asian population. The results showed that the second-generation epigenetic clocks (GrimEAA, DunedinPACE, and PhenoEAA) significantly mediated the associations between smoking and diabetes-related outcomes. In contrast, the first-generation epigenetic clocks (HannumEAA and IEAA) did not significantly mediate any associations of smoking variables with the four health outcomes. Cigarette smoking can, directly and indirectly, deteriorate human health through DNAm changes in aging-related CpG sites.
The impact of different care dependencies on people’s willingness to provide informal care: a discrete choice experiment in Germany
Authors: de Jong Lea , Schmidt Torben , Carstens Ann-Katrin , Damm Kathrin
Published: June 2023

Background

Informal care provided by family members, friends, or neighbors is a major pillar in the German long-term care system. As the number of care-dependent older adults grow, ensuring their future care still relies on the willingness of family members, friends, or neighbors to assume the role of an informal caregiver. This study aimed to investigate the impact on people’s willingness to provide informal care to a close relative with predominately cognitive compared to physical impairments.

Methods

An online survey was distributed to the general population in Germany, which resulted in 260 participants. A discrete choice experiment was created to elicit and quantify people’s preferences. A conditional logit model was used to investigate preferences and marginal willingness-to-accept values were estimated for one hour of informal caregiving.

Results

Increased care time per day (hours) and expected duration of caregiving were negatively valued by the participants and reduced willingness to care. Descriptions of the two care dependencies had a significant impact on participants’ decisions. Having to provide care to a close relative with cognitive impairments was slightly preferred over caring for a relative with physical impairments.

Conclusions

Our study results show the impact of different factors on the willingness to provide informal care to a close relative. How far the preference weights as well as the high willingness-to-accept values for an hour of caregiving can be explained by the sociodemographic structure of our cohort needs to be investigated by further research. Participants slightly preferred caring for a close relative with cognitive impairments, which might be explained by fear or discomfort with providing personal care to a relative with physical impairments or feelings of sympathy and pity towards people with dementia. Future qualitative research designs can help understand these motivations.
Effectiveness of smoking cessation on the high-risk population of lung cancer with early screening: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials until January 2022
Authors: Huang Simin , Tang Oufeng , Zheng Xutong , Li Hui , Wu Yuxin , Yang Liu
Published: June 2023

Background

Lung cancer has always been the malignant tumor with the highest incidence rate. Smoking is the most important risk factor for lung cancer. Although potential positive effects of smoking cessation interventions on the high-risk population of lung cancer have been observed, evidence of its definitive effect remains uncertain. This study aimed to summarize the evidence related to the effects and safety of smoking cessation interventions for the high-risk population of lung cancer.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted through the following seven databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Science Direct. Screening and assessment for risk of bias were conducted by two independent reviewers. Meta-analysis was performed for the 7-day-point prevalence of smoking abstinence and continuous smoking abstinence using RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

Meta-analysis results show that in the 7-day-point prevalence of smoking abstinence (by patient-reported outcome): individualized intervention was significantly higher than that of the standard care [RR = 1.46, 95%CI = (1.04,2.06), P < 0.05]. Moreover, the smoking cessation interventions were significantly elevated than that of standard care [RR = 1.58, 95%CI = (1.12, 2.23), P < 0.05] within 1–6 month follow-up time. In line with the findings in cigarette smoking, the continuous smoking abstinence of E-cigarettes (biochemical verified): E-cigarettes were significantly higher than that of the standard care [RR = 1.51, 95%CI = (1.03, 2.21), P < 0.05], and within 1–6 month follow-up time, the smoking cessation interventions were significantly greater than that of standard care [RR = 1.51, 95%CI = (1.03, 2.21), P < 0.05]. Publication bias was detected possibly.

Conclusions

The results of this systematic review show that smoking cessation intervention is effective for long-term lung cancer high-risk smokers who participate in early screening, of which E-cigarettes are the best, followed by individual smoking cessation.

Trial registration

A review protocol was developed and registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). Trial registration: CRD42019147151. Registered 23 June 2022.
Central-line associated bloodstream infections in intensive care units before and after implementation of daily antiseptic bathing with chlorhexidine or octenidine: a post-hoc analysis of a cluster-randomised controlled trial
Authors: Denkel Luisa A. , Schwab Frank , Clausmeyer Jörg , Behnke Michael , Golembus Jennifer , Wolke Solvy , Gastmeier Petra , Geffers Christine ,   the CLIP-ID study group
Published: June 2023

Backgrounds

Antiseptic bathing did not reduce central-line (CL) associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates in intensive care units (ICU) according to a recent cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT). However, this analysis did not consider baseline infection rates. Our post-hoc analysis of this cRCT aimed to use a before-after comparison to examine the effect of daily bathing with chlorhexidine, octenidine or water and soap (control) on ICU-attributable CLABSI rates.

Methods

A post-hoc analysis of a multi-center cRCT was done. ICUs that did not yet perform routine antiseptic bathing were randomly assigned to one of three study groups applying daily bathing with 2% chlorhexidine-impregnated cloths, 0.08% octenidine wash mitts or water and soap (control) for 12 months. Baseline data was assessed 12 months before the intervention started when all ICUs routinely used water and soap. Poisson regression and generalised estimating equation models were applied to identify changes of CLABSI rates per 1000 CL days between intervention and baseline periods in each study group.

Results

The cRCT was conducted in 72 ICUs (24 per study group) including 76,139 patients in the baseline and 76,815 patients in the intervention period. In the chlorhexidine group, incidence density of CLABSI was reduced from 1.48 to 0.90 CLABSI per 1000 CL days comparing baseline versus intervention period (P = 0.0085). No reduction was observed in the octenidine group (1.26 versus 1.47 CLABSI per 1000 CL days, P = 0.8735) and the control group (1.20 versus 1.17, P = 0.3298). Adjusted incidence rate ratios (intervention versus baseline) were 0.63 (95%CI 0.46–0.87, P = 0.0172) in the chlorhexidine, 1.17 (95% CI 0.79–1.72, P = 0.5111) in the octenidine and 0.98 (95% CI 0.60–1.58, P = 0.9190) in the control group. Chlorhexidine bathing reduced CLABSI with gram-positive bacteria, mainly coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS).

Conclusions

In this post-hoc analysis of a cRCT, the application of 2% chlorhexidine-impregnated cloths reduced ICU-attributable CLABSI. This preventive effect of chlorhexidine was restricted to CLABSI caused by gram-positive pathogens (CoNS). In contrast, 0.08% octenidine wash mitts did not reduce CLABSI rates in ICUs.

Trial registration Registration number DRKS00010475, registration date August 18, 2016.
Transcriptional regulation on effector T cells in the pathogenesis of psoriasis
Authors: Qu Yuying , Li Dongmei , Xiong Huabao , Shi Dongmei
Published: June 2023

Psoriasis is one of the most common inflammatory diseases, characterized by scaly erythematous plaques on the skin. The accumulated evidence on immunopathology of psoriasis suggests that inflammatory reaction is primarily mediated by T helper (Th) cells. The differentiation of Th cells plays important roles in psoriatic progression and it is regulated by transcription factors such as T-bet, GATA3, RORγt, and FOXP3, which can convert naïve CD4+ T cells, respectively, into Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg subsets. Through the activation of the JAK/STAT and Notch signaling pathways, together with their downstream effector molecules including TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-17, TGF-β, these subsets of Th cells are then deeply involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. As a result, keratinocytes are abnormally proliferated and abundant inflammatory immune cells are infiltrated in psoriatic lesions. We hypothesize that modulation of the expression of transcription factors for each Th subset could be a new therapeutic target for psoriasis. In this review, we will focus on the recent literature concerning the transcriptional regulation of Th cells in psoriasis.
New insights into polyploid evolution and dynamic nature of Ludwigia section Isnardia (Onagraceae)
Authors: Liu Shih-Hui , Hung Kuo-Hsiang , Hsu Tsai-Wen , Hoch Peter C. , Peng Ching-I , Chiang Tzen-Yuh
Published: June 2023

Background

While polyploids are common in plants, the evolutionary history and natural dynamics of most polyploid groups are still unclear. Owing to plentiful earlier systematic studies, Ludwigia sect. Isnardia (comprising 22 wetland taxa) is an ideal allopolyploid complex to investigate polyploid evolution and natural dynamics within and among taxa. With a considerable sampling, we concentrated on revisiting earlier phylogenies of Isnardia, reevaluating the earlier estimated age of the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA), exploring the correlation between infraspecific genetic diversity and ploidy levels, and inspecting interspecific gene flows among taxa.

Results

Phylogenetic trees and network concurred with earlier phylogenies and hypothesized genomes by incorporating 192 atpB-rbcL and ITS sequences representing 91% of Isnardia taxa. Moreover, we detected three multi-origin taxa. Our findings on L. repens and L. sphaerocarpa were consistent with earlier studies; L. arcuata was reported as a multi-origin taxon here, and an additional evolutionary scenario of L. sphaerocarpa was uncovered, both for the first time. Furthermore, estimated Isnardia TMRCA ages based on our data (5.9 or 8.9 million years ago) are in accordance with earlier estimates, although younger than fossil dates (Middle Miocene). Surprisingly, infraspecific genetic variations of Isnardia taxa did not increase with ploidy levels as anticipated from many other polyploid groups. In addition, the exuberant, low, and asymmetrical gene flows among Isnardia taxa indicated that the reproductive barriers may be weakened owing to allopolyploidization, which has rarely been reported.

Conclusions

The present research gives new perceptions of the reticulate evolution and dynamic nature of Isnardia and points to gaps in current knowledge about allopolyploid evolution.
Measuring student well-being in adolescence: proposal of a five-factor integrative model based on PISA 2018 survey data
Authors: Courtney Matthew Gordon Ray , Hernández-Torrano Daniel , Karakus Mehmet , Singh Neha
Published: June 2023

Much debate exists concerning the factorial dimensionality of student well-being. We contribute to this debate by drawing on PISA 2018 data from a total of 61,722 students, 2528 schools, and nine countries. For our investigation, we test multiple associated measurement models for convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validity, model fit, and measurement invariance. For the PISA 2018 sample, we found very little variation in student well-being both between schools and between countries suggesting that variation in student well-being exists predominantly within respective school contexts. In addition, our findings support the notion that student life-satisfaction should be split into separate general and school-based factors in a Bi-Dimensional Life-Satisfaction Model. Moreover, results suggest that PISA 2018 data can be used to successfully measure a Four-Factor Hedonic Model of Student Well-being, tackling both cognitive (general life-satisfaction and satisfaction with school factors) and affective features (positive and negative affect). Finally, we propose a Five-Factor Integrative Model of Student Well-being that supports a broader conceptualization of student well-being that includes life-satisfaction, both positive and negative affect, and eudaemonia. We tested this model and found that it met the requirements for scalar invariance across male and female gender groups. However, for all 36 inter-country tests of measurement invariance, metric invariance was only reached nine times (25%), and scalar invariance was reached once (2.8%). Implications and recommendations for follow up research are provided.
Development of test method for evaluation of UAS mobility capability in GNSS-denied environment
Authors: Yamada Taichi , Abe Hiroyuki , Ogane Katsuji , Kawabata Kuniaki
Published: June 2023

This paper introduces the development of test methods for capability evaluation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-denied environments. The purpose of this development is to facilitate growth in the UAS industry. We discuss the test method’s approach and what UAS’s capability evaluation is essential for UAS use in GNSS-denied environments. As a result, we decided to adopt an approach that a test method evaluates a capability to perform a single simple task. In addition, these test methods should be along with the requirement of UAS manufacturers and users. Thus, first, we develop test methods to assess mobility in narrow spaces with obstacles shielding GNSS radio. We repeatedly have demonstrations and discussions of our test method with UAS manufacturers and users from the early stage of this development and collect their opinions for improvement to proceed with the development while building consensus with them. In addition, we evaluate several UASs by the test methods and examine whether our test method makes it possible to show the difference in UAS capability. This paper describes the approach of the test methods, the test methods for mobility in a GNSS-denied environment, the demonstrations and discussions with UAS manufacturers and users, and the results of the UAS’s performance evaluation by the test methods.
iPSCs ameliorate hypoxia-induced autophagy and atrophy in C2C12 myotubes via the AMPK/ULK1 pathway
Authors: Cen Haimei , Fan Pin , Ding Yuting , Luo Bin , Luo Hong , Chen Menglong , Zhang Yu
Published: June 2023

Background

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked lethal genetic disorder for which there is no effective treatment. Previous studies have shown that stem cell transplantation into mdx mice can promote muscle regeneration and improve muscle function, however, the specific molecular mechanisms remain unclear. DMD suffers varying degrees of hypoxic damage during disease progression. This study aimed to investigate whether induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have protective effects against hypoxia-induced skeletal muscle injury.

Results

In this study, we co-cultured iPSCs with C2C12 myoblasts using a Transwell nested system and placed them in a DG250 anaerobic workstation for oxygen deprivation for 24 h. We found that iPSCs reduced the levels of lactate dehydrogenase and reactive oxygen species and downregulated the mRNA and protein levels of BAX/BCL2 and LC3II/LC3I in hypoxia-induced C2C12 myoblasts. Meanwhile, iPSCs decreased the mRNA and protein levels of atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 and increased myotube width. Furthermore, iPSCs downregulated the phosphorylation of AMPKα and ULK1 in C2C12 myotubes exposed to hypoxic damage.

Conclusions

Our study showed that iPSCs enhanced the resistance of C2C12 myoblasts to hypoxia and inhibited apoptosis and autophagy in the presence of oxidative stress. Further, iPSCs improved hypoxia-induced autophagy and atrophy of C2C12 myotubes through the AMPK/ULK1 pathway. This study may provide a new theoretical basis for the treatment of muscular dystrophy in stem cells.
Examining the feasibility of a brief parent intervention designed to promote positive food communication with infants
Authors: Norton Lyza , Parkinson Joy , MacGuinness Margaret , Harris Neil , Hart Laura
Published: June 2023

Background

Few prevention interventions exist focusing on supporting parents to use positive food communication at mealtimes, for the prevention of disordered eating. “Mealtime chatter matters (MCM)” is a brief intervention designed for parents of infants. The intervention was designed in collaboration with child health nurses (CHNs) to be embedded into usual care. The overall aim of this study was to test the feasibility of the intervention through examining the acceptability of the MCM content and resources and the potential impact of the intervention on parents.

Methods

This pilot study utilised a mixed methods approach and took place within a regional child health service in Queensland, Australia (October 2021 to June 2022). Participants were parents of infants attending child health education groups and CHNs. The intervention consisted of a brief education session (including accompanying resources), facilitated by a Paediatric Dietitian. The acceptability of MCM content and resources was assessed by both parents and CHNs via self-reported questionnaires and the potential impact on parents assessed via pre-/post-self-reported questionnaires.

Results

Forty-six parents of infants (aged < 8 months) and six CHNs who hosted the intervention and observed the program’s delivery participated in the study. MCM content and resources were highly acceptable to parents and CHNs, as both qualitative and quantitative data concurred. How the program may have potentially impacted parenting practices was unclear from the survey results and further investigation is required to better understand these. Tangible lessons and opportunities to further test this intervention were clear from current results.

Conclusion

Overall, MCM was acceptable to both parents and CHNs, with the content and resources both being highly valued. Parents reported the content to be informative and engaging and CHNs were keen to have such an intervention available in the future. However, further modification and testing is required of MCM. This feasibility study is an essential first step in supporting parents and CHNs to access an evidence-based intervention with the aim of preventing disordered eating.

Trial registration

Griffith University Human Research Ethics Committee (2021/577) and Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service Human Research Ethics Committee (QGC/76618).
Substitution of cooked kidney beans or ground beef in hypercholesterolemic high fat diets reduces plasma and liver lipids in hamsters
Authors: Finley John W. , Holliday Darryl , Kim Hyunsook , da Silva Alves Priscila Leal , Shao Dong-Yan , Bartley Glenn , Yokoyama Wallace
Published: June 2023

This study examined the physiological effects of replacing some of the casein with either a plant based, animal or combination of protein sources in a high-fat diet fed to golden Syrian hamsters. Cooked kidney beans (BN) and beef (Bf) patties drained of fat were fed at 25 and 50% of diet. A combination of BN and Bf (BNBf) was also fed at 25 and 50%. Saturated fat content of the 25% Bf (Bf25) and 50% Bf (Bf50) increased 57 and 215% compared to Control. The Bf diets also increased caloric density compared to the Control. Likewise, the 50% Bn (Bn50) diet had 60% less saturated fat and lower caloric density than the Control. Despite these differences there were no differences in body weight gain or adipose weight between BN of Bf diets and Control. The BN50 diet reduced liver weight and increased caloric intake. The BN diets reduced total plasma cholesterol (TC). The BF diets also reduced TC but the results were not significant. The BN25, BN50 and BNBF50 diets also reduced low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The BN and BF50 diets reduced liver fat. The BN diets decreased fecal fat excretion while the BF diets increased excretion. This suggests that increased fat excretion might offset the higher total fat and saturated fat of the BF diets to reduce adverse effects on body weight, adipose weight, and cholesterol. The high-fat content of the base (Control) diet may have muted the effects of the diet treatments.

Graphical Abstract
Childhood Leukemia Survival in the US-Mexico Border: Building Sustainable Leukemia Care Using Health Systems Strengthening Models
Authors: Aristizabal Paula , Rivera-Gomez Rebeca , Chang Andrew , Ornelas Mario , Ramirez Maribel , Tamayo Gabriela , Martinez Angelica , Ribeiro Raul C. , Roberts William
Published: June 2023

PURPOSE

Pediatric leukemia outcomes are poor in most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and exacerbated by health care systems ill equipped to manage cancer. Effective leukemia management in LMICs involves curating epidemiologic data; providing health care workforce specialty training; developing evidence-based treatments and supportive care programs; safeguarding access to medications and equipment; providing patient and family psychosocial, financial, and nutritional support; partnering with nongovernmental organizations, and ensuring treatment adherence.

METHODS

In 2013, through a partnership between North-American and Mexican institutions, we used the WHO Framework for Action, a health systems strengthening model to implement a leukemia care sustainable program aimed at improving acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) outcomes at a public hospital in Mexico. We prospectively assessed clinical features, risk classification, and survival outcomes in children with ALL at Hospital General-Tijuana from 2008 to 2012 (preimplementation) and from 2013 to 2017 (postimplementation). We also evaluated program sustainability indicators.

RESULTS

Our approach led to a fully-staffed leukemia service, sustainable training programs, evidence-based and data-driven projects to improve clinical outcomes, and funding for medications, supplies, and personnel through local partnerships. Preimplementation and postimplementation 5-year overall survival for the entire cohort of children with ALL, children with standard-risk ALL, and children with high-risk ALL improved from 59% to 65% ( P = .023), 73% to 100% ( P < .001), and 48% to 55% ( P = .031), respectively. All sustainability indicators improved between 2013 and 2017.

CONCLUSION

Using the health systems strengthening WHO Framework for Action model, we improved leukemia care and survival in a public hospital in Mexico across the US-Mexico border. We provide a model for the development of similar programs in LMICs to sustainably improve leukemia and other cancer outcomes.
Efficacy and safety results by age in monarchE: Adjuvant abemaciclib combined with endocrine therapy (ET) in patients with HR+, HER2-, node-positive, high-risk early breast cancer (EBC).
Authors: Hamilton Erika P. , Kim Jee Hyun , Eigeliene Natalja , Mavroudis Dimitrios , Median Dragos Mircea , Marconato Heloisa , Shevnia Serhii , Ozyilkan Ozgur , Puig Juan Manuel , Shannon Catherine M. , Munoz Maria , San Antonio Belén , Wei Ran , O'Shaughnessy Joyce , Johnston Stephen R. D. , Guarneri Valentina
Published: June 2023

501

Background: Adjuvant abemaciclib (a CDK4 & 6 inhibitor) combined with ET demonstrated a sustained benefit in invasive disease-free survival (IDFS) and a tolerable safety profile in patients (pts) with HR+, HER2-, node-positive, high-risk EBC. Almost half of the newly diagnosed breast cancers occur in women older than 65 years. Older pts often have a higher incidence of comorbidities and increased risk for toxicities. Here, we report efficacy and safety by age subgroups in monarchE to help guide management of older pts receiving adjuvant abemaciclib. Methods: Pts were randomized (1:1) to receive ET for up to 10 years +/- abemaciclib for 2 years (study treatment period). Efficacy in IDFS and distant relapse-free survival (DRFS) was assessed in the intent-to-treat population by the pre-specified age groups of <65 and ≥65 years, with hazard ratios (HR) estimated using unstratified Cox proportional hazard model within each subgroup. Safety was evaluated among older pts (≥65 years) in two subgroups; 65-74 and ≥75 years. Results: In monarchE (NCT03155997), 4787 pts (84.9%) were aged <65 years and 850 pts (15.1%) were ≥65 years. At median follow-up of 42 months, a numerically favorable IDFS effect was observed in both the <65 (270 vs 414 events; HR = 0.646, 95% CI: 0.554, 0.753) and ≥65 (66 vs 85 events; HR = 0.767, 95% CI: 0.556, 1.059) groups for abemaciclib + ET vs ET alone. Similar findings were observed in DRFS. Older pts (≥65 years) had ~5% higher incidence of grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) than younger pts, mainly diarrhea and fatigue. Neutropenia was not increased among older pts and similarly, venous thromboembolic events occurred at similar rates (≥65 years, 3.0%; <65 years, 2.5%). Serious AEs (SAEs) and treatment discontinuations due to AEs were more common in older pts. Older pts required more dose reductions to manage AEs. Conclusions: In pts with high-risk EBC, adjuvant abemaciclib + ET showed treatment benefit across age subgroups with a manageable safety profile. Older pts did have higher rates of AEs and discontinuations, especially those older than 75 years, suggesting that more frequent surveillance with early intervention may be key to the management of these pts. Clinical trial information: NCT03155997 . [Table: see text]
Malignancies in Prader-Willi Syndrome: Results From a Large International Cohort and Literature Review
Authors: Pellikaan Karlijn , Nguyen Naomi Q C , Rosenberg Anna G W , Coupaye Muriel , Goldstone Anthony P , Høybye Charlotte , Markovic Tania , Grugni Graziano , Crinò Antonino , Caixàs Assumpta , Poitou Christine , Corripio Raquel , Nieuwenhuize Rosa M , van der Lely Aart J , de Graaff Laura C G
Published: June 2023

Context

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex disorder combining hypothalamic dysfunction, neurodevelopmental delay, hypotonia, and hyperphagia with risk of obesity and its complications. PWS is caused by the loss of expression of the PWS critical region, a cluster of paternally expressed genes on chromosome 15q11.2-q13. As life expectancy of patients with PWS increases, age-related diseases like malignancies might pose a new threat to health.

Objective

To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of malignancies in patients with PWS and to provide clinical recommendations for cancer screening.

Methods

We included 706 patients with PWS (160 children, 546 adults). We retrospectively collected data from medical records on past or current malignancies, the type of malignancy, and risk factors for malignancy. Additionally, we searched the literature for information about the relationship between genes on chromosome 15q11.2-q13 and malignancies.

Results

Seven adults (age range, 18-55 years) had been diagnosed with a malignancy (acute lymphoblastic leukemia, intracranial hemangiopericytoma, melanoma, stomach adenocarcinoma, biliary cancer, parotid adenocarcinoma, and colon cancer). All patients with a malignancy had a paternal 15q11-13 deletion. The literature review showed that several genes on chromosome 15q11.2-q13 are related to malignancies.

Conclusion

Malignancies are rare in patients with PWS. Therefore, screening for malignancies is only indicated when clinically relevant symptoms are present, such as unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, symptoms suggestive of paraneoplastic syndrome, or localizing symptoms. Given the increased cancer risk associated with obesity, which is common in PWS, participation in national screening programs should be encouraged.
The Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A (PAPP-A) Story
Authors: Conover Cheryl A , Oxvig Claus
Published: June 2023

Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) was first identified in the early 1970s as a placental protein of unknown function, present at high concentrations in the circulation of pregnant women. In the mid-to-late 1990s, PAPP-A was discovered to be a metzincin metalloproteinase, expressed by many nonplacental cells, that regulates local insulin-like growth factor (IGF) activity through cleavage of high-affinity IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs), in particular IGFBP-4. With PAPP-A as a cell surface–associated enzyme, the reduced affinity of the cleavage fragments results in increased IGF available to bind and activate IGF receptors in the pericellular environment. This proteolytic regulation of IGF activity is important, since the IGFs promote proliferation, differentiation, migration, and survival in various normal and cancer cells. Thus, there has been a steady growth in investigation of PAPP-A structure and function outside of pregnancy. This review provides historical perspective on the discovery of PAPP-A and its structure and cellular function, highlights key studies of the first 50 years in PAPP-A research, and introduces new findings from recent years.
Huella territorial del hidroextractivismo en México: análisis territorial y genético estructural sobre el conflicto socioambiental por el Proyecto Integral Morelos
Authors: Luna-Nemecio Josemanuel
Published: June 2023

Las prácticas extractivistas han creado riesgos ambientales y sanitarios en México. Esta inves­tigación abordó el problema del conflicto socioambiental generado por las megainfraestructu­ras del Proyecto Integral Morelos (pim). Se realizó un estudio territorial de tipo exploratorio, genético-estructural e histórico soportado en fuentes de información primarias y secundarias. Los resultados obtenidos fueron: reconstrucción histórica y cronológica de la producción social del conflicto por el agua en Morelos generada por las prácticas agroextractivistas vinculadas al pim; identificación de las afectaciones socioambientales actuales y latentes de las actividades y procesos socioeconómicos y político-administrativos por la extracción intensiva de agua en Morelos, y se identificó a los actores y las relaciones de poder que se entretejieron en el marco del pim. En conclusión, el estudio demostró cómo el pim se caracteriza por la extracción y contaminación intensiva de los recursos hídricos de Morelos.
An Investigation of the Collaborations Between Educators and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors in Providing Pre-Employment Transition Services
Authors: Zhang Dalun , Li Yi-Fan , Roberts Eric , Orsag Meagan , Maddalozzo Robert
Published: June 2023

Employment has historically provided a person with value and the ability to live a self-determined and independent life. Interagency collaborations have been found to play a key role in promoting employment for those with special needs. However, there is little research on identifying the needs of the field for collaborations between vocational rehabilitation and educational agencies. We conducted a series of eight focus groups in a large state in the United States and identified needs from educators and vocational rehabilitation counselors. Participants regularly noted that they needed increased collaboration and a need for additional training and education for all stakeholders. They also identified many barriers to this increased collaboration and training, including access to the community that they served, limitations on time for training, collaboration, and access, challenges in communication, including language limitations and trust, and limitations around the support that they received. On the other hand, they often felt supported by their administration, and, when collaboration was possible, their co-workers and external providers served as great resources.
Concerning Violence: Fanon, Africa and temporality
Authors: Austin Thomas
Published: June 2023

This article examines the political significance of temporal structures in Om våld (Concerning Violence) (), a documentary that takes its title from the chapter of the same name in Frantz Fanon’s The Wretched of the Earth. The film comprises archive footage shot by Swedish television crews in Africa between the mid-1960s and 1987. It pairs images with extracts from Fanon’s book, read by singer and activist Lauryn Hill. This assemblage both celebrates African campaigns of liberation and complicates the claim to be ‘here and now’ embedded in archival material by overlaying it with a retrospective (often melancholic) vantage point, that of a postcolonial moment. On occasion, Concerning Violence comes close to reproducing a temporal framing that consigns Black Africans to the symbolic immobility critiqued by Fanon and, more recently, Achille Mbembe. How does the film endeavour to avoid this? How successful is it in arguing for the enduring relevance of Fanon’s thought?
Physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics of “Sui Wu’u” traditional pork products from Bajawa, West Flores, Indonesia
Authors: Rubak Yuliana Tandi , Lalel Herianus J. D. , Sanam Maxs Urias Ebenhaizar
Published: June 2023

Background and Aim: Sui Wu’u is a traditional meat preservation product from Bajawa, a region in East Nusa Tenggara. It is made by mixing pork with salt and corn flour, which is then stored in a bamboo container (tuku) for months. After 6 months of storage, this study examined the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of Sui Wu’u.

Materials and Methods: Sui Wu’u products were prepared using the traditional recipe from the Bajawa community. Fresh pork (pork belly and backfat), corn flour, and salt were purchased from local/traditional markets at proportions of 65%, 30%, and 5%, respectively. The physicochemical, amino acid, fatty acid profile, microbiological, and sensory properties of Sui Wu’u were evaluated after being stored for 6 months in a bamboo container (tuku).

Results: The results indicated that these Sui Wu’u were mainly characterized by high-fat levels, followed by protein. The pH value, salt content, moisture content, and water activity were 4.72%, 1.72%, 6.11%, and 0.62%, respectively. Minerals (K, P, Se, and Zn) and vitamin B6, as well as amino acids, such as leucine, phenylalanine, lysine (essential amino acids), glycine, proline, glutamic acid, and alanine (non-essential amino acids), are present in Sui Wu’u. The fatty acid profile was dominated by monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (21.69%), saturated fatty acids (SFA) (17.78%), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (5.36%). Monounsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid (C18:1n9) was the most abundant fatty acid in Sui Wu’u, followed by palmitic acid SFA (C16:0); MUFA stearic acid (C18:0); and PUFA linoleic (C18:2n-6). The microbiological characteristics of Sui Wu’u showed no detectable microorganisms (<10 CFU/g) for Salmonella, total E. coli and total Staphylococcus, and average values of 4.4 × 105 CFU/g for total microbes, which were still below the maximum limit of microbial contamination according to the regulations of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency of the Republic of Indonesia. The sensory assessment indicated that panelists highly preferred (rated as very like) Sui Wu’u for all sensory attributes.

Conclusion: The physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics of Sui Wu’u after 6 months of storage indicated that it still provides essential nutrients for the body and is quite safe for consumption. The stability of Sui Wu’u’s shelf life can be attributed to the appropriate combination of pork, salt, corn flour, bamboo packaging (tuku), and storage temperature. The high-fat content in Sui Wu’u can be reduced by increasing the proportion of lean meat. Ensuring strict sanitation during the manufacturing process, using high-quality pork, salt, corn flour, and proper packaging with bamboo can further improve the safety of Sui Wu’u for consumption.

Keywords: Bajawa, meat preservation, sensory characteristics, Sui Wu’u.