bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplementary Table S17 from Transposable Elements Are Co-opted as Oncogenic Regulatory Elements by Lineage-Specific Transcription Factors in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Grillo Giacomo , Keshavarzian Tina , Linder Simon , Arlidge Christopher , Mout Lisanne , Nand Ankita , Teng Mona , Qamra Aditi , Zhou Stanley , Kron Ken J. , Murison Alex , Hawley James R. , Fraser Michael , van der Kwast Theodorus H. , Raj Ganesh V. , He Housheng Hansen , Zwart Wilbert , Lupien Mathieu
Published: November 2023

Differentially enriched transposable element families between reprogrammed and constant TCGA PRAD patients (ATAC-seq)
Cancer-prone Phenotypes and Gene Expression Heterogeneity at Single-cell Resolution in Cigarette-smoking Lungs
Authors: Nakayama Jun , Yamamoto Yusuke
Published: November 2023

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies have been broadly utilized to reveal molecular mechanisms of respiratory pathology and physiology at single-cell resolution. Here, we established single-cell meta-analysis (scMeta-analysis) by integrating data from eight public datasets, including 104 lung scRNA-seq samples with clinicopathologic information and designated a cigarette-smoking lung atlas. The atlas revealed early carcinogenesis events and defined the alterations of single-cell transcriptomics, cell population, and fundamental properties of biological pathways induced by smoking. In addition, we developed two novel scMeta-analysis methods: VARIED (Visualized Algorithms of Relationships In Expressional Diversity) and AGED (Aging-related Gene Expressional Differences). VARIED analysis revealed expressional diversity associated with smoking carcinogenesis. AGED analysis revealed differences in gene expression related to both aging and smoking status. The scMeta-analysis paves the way to utilize publicly-available scRNA-seq data and provide new insights into the effects of smoking and into cellular diversity in human lungs, at single-cell resolution.

Significance:

The atlas revealed early carcinogenesis events and defined the alterations of single-cell transcriptomics, cell population, and fundamental properties of biological pathways induced by smoking.
Factors Affecting the Ability to Discontinue Oral Corticosteroid Use in Patients with EGPA Treated with Anti-Interleukin-5 Therapy
Authors: Matsuno Osamu
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) and some with severe eosinophilic asthma require continuous long-term oral corticosteroid (OCS) treatment for disease control. The anti-interleukin-5 agent, mepolizumab, has recently become available for the treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma and EGPA, with promising results and safety profiles. The proportion of patients with EGPA who discontinued oral steroids was 18% in the MIRRA trial. To compare patients with EGPA who were able to discontinue steroids with mepolizumab with those who could not. Methods: Twenty patients with EGPA treated with mepolizumab were evaluated at Osaka Habikino Medical Center. The OCS dose, asthma control test score, fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels, peripheral eosinophil count, and spirometric parameters were evaluated before and after treatment. Results: There was a significant reduction in the mean OCS dose from a prednisolone equivalent of 8.88 ± 4.99 mg/day to 3.18 ± 3.47 mg/day (p < 0.001). In this study, 40% of patients discontinued oral steroids. The most common reason for the failure to discontinue steroids in patients was poor asthma control. The percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s significantly improved in patients with EGPA who could discontinue steroids after receiving mepolizumab. Conclusion: In this real-world study, treatment with mepolizumab for EGPA was associated with a significant reduction in OCS use; however, poor asthma control was identified as an inhibiting factor for steroid reduction.
Characteristics and Effects of Chinese Herbal Medicine in the Management of Female Infertility: A Hospital-Based Study
Authors: Chou Pei Ying , Chen Chien Min , Wang Ching Chiung , Tai Chen Jei , Lin Yen Kuang , Tang You Jen
Published: November 2023

Background: In Taiwan, Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is used to treat female infertility. Evidence indicates that the absence of monotherapy efficacy assessment and comparison with mainstream interventions may lead to the improper use of CHM for female infertility. Methods: A retrospective cohort study enrolled female patients at a hospital undergoing CHM intervention to treat infertility from 2012 to 2020 in order to determine the outcomes of CHM monotherapy for female infertility. Kaplan-Meier analysis under strict assumptions was used to estimate the cumulative probability of pregnancy and live births after CHM. Cox hazard regression analysis was used to estimate the hazard ratios of prognostic variables, namely, the woman’s age and diagnostic category. Results: 694 women met the inclusion criteria and accounted for 2,145 cycles. A total of 190 pregnancies resulted in 125 live births, all of which were singleton births of babies with 16 perinatal complications requiring hospitalization. The real cumulative pregnancy rate and cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) for the total population after 10 cycles were between 27.4% and 35.2% and between 18% and 22.1%, respectively. Compared with the live birth rate corresponding to patients aged under 35 years, that of older patients, particularly those aged 38–39 years, was significantly lower (hazard ratio: 0.19, 95% confidence interval: 0.11–0.33). Women with other diagnoses, namely, uterine problems or endometriosis, had a greater probability of a live birth than did women with tubal pathology (hazard ratio: 6.31, 95% confidence interval: 1.99–20.07). Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first retrospective study to employ life table analysis to determine the CHM treatment outcomes in terms of female infertility. The study established a basis to compare in vitro fertilization (IVF) with CHM and identified the advantages and disadvantages of CHM for treating female infertility. Although the CLBR of present study is lower than those reported in IVF studies, CHM in treating female infertility can still be beneficial to women aged younger than 38 years or with diagnoses other than tubal pathology and worth recommendation by reproductive specialists according to the promising results gained from the strict criteria. However, in order to determine the optimal timing, possible mechanism, corresponding side effects, and the efficacy of CHM combined with IVF for treating female infertility, rigorous research is required.
Relative Telomere Length in Cervical Exfoliated Cells among Women with High-Risk Human Papillomavirus
Authors: Al-Awadhi Rana , Alwehaidah Materah Salem , AlRoomy Moody , Kapila Kusum
Published: November 2023

Introduction: This study investigates and compares the relative telomere length (RTL) outcome of high-risk (hr) human papillomavirus (HPV)-infected normal, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) cervical samples to HPV-free normal cervical samples. Methods: This study used archived cervical samples and obtained cytology and histology data. HPV genotyping was conducted using Sanger sequencing, and RTL was performed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: This study investigated 287 cervical samples, including 100 normal and hr-HPV-negative samples from the control group, 44 normal and hr-HPV-infected samples, and 143 SIL and hr-HPV-infected samples. The RTL in hr-HPV-infected samples, including the SIL and normal sample groups, was significantly longer than that in the control group. RTL in HSIL (5.13 ± 3.22) and LSIL (2.86 ± 2.81) was significantly different (p < 0.001). The RTL of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN1) lesion (3.53 ± 2.53) differed significantly (p < 0.001) when compared to CIN2 and CIN3 lesions combined (12.04 ± 10.51). The risk of developing cervical cancer was associated with RTL and decreased with RTL. Conclusion: This study revealed the strong potential of the RTL test in identifying women at risk of developing cervical cancer.
Tissue Compliance and Intracranial Pressure Responses to Large Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Young and Aged Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Wilkinson Cassandra M. , Kalisvaart Anna C.J. , Kung Tiffany F.C. , Abrahart Ashley H. , Khiabani Elmira , Colbourne Frederick
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

After a large intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the hematoma and swelling cause intracranial pressure (ICP) to increase, sometimes causing brain herniation and death. This is partly countered by widespread tissue compliance, an acute decrease in tissue volume distal to the stroke, at least in young healthy animals. Intracranial compensation dynamics seem to vary with age, but there is no data on old animals or those with hypertension, major factors influencing ICH risk and outcome.

METHODS:

We assessed hematoma volume, edema, ICP, and functional deficits in young and aged spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and young normotensive control strains after collagenase-induced ICH. Macroscopic and microscopic brain volume fractions, such as contralateral hemisphere volume, cortical thickness, and neuronal morphology, were assessed via histological and stereological techniques.

RESULTS:

Hematoma volume was 52% larger in young versus aged SHRs; surprisingly, aged SHRs still experienced proportionally worse outcomes following ICH, with 2× greater elevations in edema and ICP relative to bleed volume and 3× the degree of tissue compliance. Aged SHRs also experienced equivalent neurological deficits following ICH compared with their younger counterparts, despite the lack of significant age-related behavioral effects. Importantly, tissue compliance occurred across strains and age groups and was not impaired by hypertension or old age.

CONCLUSIONS:

Aged SHRs show considerable capacity for tissue compliance following ICH and seem to rely on such mechanisms more heavily in settings of elevated ICP. Therefore, the ICP compensation response to ICH mass effect varies across the lifespan according to risk factors such as chronic hypertension.
Impact of Active Physiotherapy on Physical Activity Level in Stroke Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Goncalves Stéphanie , Le Bourvellec Morgane , Mandigout Stéphane , Duclos Noémie C.
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

Stroke survivors are frequently physically inactive. However, evidence of the effectiveness of active physiotherapy on physical activity level in stroke survivors is scarce.

METHODS:

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement, covering electronic searches from inception to March 16, 2022. Participants: Stroke survivors living in the community. Intervention: Any active physiotherapy, that is, involving exercises that require voluntary effort. Outcome measure: Objective and subjective physical activity level.

RESULTS:

Of 5590 identified references, 25 randomized controlled trials were eligible, and 21 had available data. The random-effects meta-analysis resulted in a small, significant effect size in favor of active physiotherapy measured using objective or subjective tools (21 studies, 1834 participants, standardized mean difference, 0.22 [95% CI, 0.04–0.40]; heterogeneity
I
2
=65%), and a medium significant effect when objective tools were used (9 studies, 424 participants, standardized mean differences, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.03–0.92];
I
2
=73%). Meta-regression showed that 35% of the variance in trial outcome was explained by the measurement tool (objective or subjective) and 23% by age. None of the variances were associated with a specific dosage in terms of frequency, time, exercise duration, or the severity of the disability.

CONCLUSIONS:

Active physiotherapy seems to increase objective physical activity in community-dwelling stroke survivors. However, the evidence is of very low certainty.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/
; Unique identifier: CRD42022315639.
Semiautomated Detection of Early Infarct Signs on Noncontrast CT Improves Interrater Agreement
Authors: Christensen Soren , Demeestere Jelle , Verhaaren Benjamin F.J. , Heit Jeremy J. , Von Stein Erica Leah , Madill Evan S. , Kennedy Loube Deanne , Dugue Rachelle , Rengarajan Sophie , Mlynash Michael , Albers Gregory W. , Lemmens Robin , Lansberg Maarten G.
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

Acute ischemic infarct identification on noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) is highly variable between raters. A semiautomated method for segmentation of acute ischemic lesions on NCCT may improve interrater reliability.

METHODS:

Patients with successful endovascular reperfusion from the DEFUSE 3 trial (Endovascular Therapy Following Imaging Evaluation for Ischemic Stroke) were included. We created relative NCCT (rNCCT) color-gradient overlays by comparing the density of a voxel on NCCT to the homologous region in the contralateral hemisphere. Regions with a relative hypodensity of at least 5% were visualized. We coregistered baseline and follow-up images. Two neuroradiologists and 6 nonradiologists segmented the acute ischemic lesion on the baseline scans with 2 methods: (1) manually outlining hypodense regions on the NCCT (unassisted segmentation) and (2) manually excluding areas deemed outside of the ischemic lesion on the rNCCT color map (rNCCT-assisted segmentation). Voxelwise interrater agreement was quantified using the Dice similarity coefficient and volumetric agreement between raters with the detection index (DI), defined as the true positive volume minus the false positive volume.

RESULTS:

From a total of 92, we included 61 patients. Median age was 59 (64–77), and 57% were female. Stroke onset was known in 39%. Onset to NCCT was median, 8.5 hours (7–11) and median 10 hours (8.4–11.5) in patients with known and unknown onset, respectively. Compared with unassisted NCCT segmentation, rNCCT-assisted segmentation increased the Dice similarity coefficient by >50% for neuroradiologists (Dice similarity coefficient, 0.38 versus 0.83;
P
<0.001) and nonradiologists (Dice similarity coefficient, 0.14 versus 0.84;
P
<0.001), and improved the DI among nonradiologists (mean improvement, 5.8 mL [95% CI, 3.1–8.5] mL,
P
<0.001) but not among neuroradiologists.

CONCLUSIONS:

The high variability of manual segmentations of the acute ischemic lesion on NCCT is greatly reduced using semiautomated rNCCT. The rNCCT map may therefore aid acute infarct detection and provide more reliable infarct estimates for clinicians with less experience.
Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy-Based Detection of Micro-RNA Biomarkers for Biomedical Diagnosis Using a Comparative Study of Interpretable Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Li Joy Q. , Neng-Wang Hsin , Canning Aidan J. , Gaona Alejandro , Crawford Bridget M. , Garman Katherine S. , Vo-Dinh Tuan
Published: November 2023

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has wide diagnostic applications due to narrow spectral features that allow multiplex analysis. We have previously developed a multiplexed, SERS-based nanosensor for micro-RNA (miRNA) detection called the inverse molecular sentinel (iMS). Machine learning (ML) algorithms have been increasingly adopted for spectral analysis due to their ability to discover underlying patterns and relationships within large and complex data sets. However, the high dimensionality of SERS data poses a challenge for traditional ML techniques, which can be prone to overfitting and poor generalization. Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) reduces the dimensionality of SERS data while preserving information content. In this paper, we compared the performance of ML methods including convolutional neural network (CNN), support vector regression, and extreme gradient boosting combined with and without NMF for spectral unmixing of four-way multiplexed SERS spectra from iMS assays used for miRNA detection. CNN achieved high accuracy in spectral unmixing. Incorporating NMF before CNN drastically decreased memory and training demands without sacrificing model performance on SERS spectral unmixing. Additionally, models were interpreted using gradient class activation maps and partial dependency plots to understand predictions. These models were used to analyze clinical SERS data from single-plexed iMS in RNA extracted from 17 endoscopic tissue biopsies. CNN and CNN-NMF, trained on multiplexed data, performed most accurately with RMSElabel = 0.101 and 9.68 × 10–2, respectively. We demonstrated that CNN-based ML shows great promise in spectral unmixing of multiplexed SERS spectra, and the effect of dimensionality reduction on performance and training speed.
Methadone-Induced Hypoglycemia in a Hospitalized Patient
Authors: Wells Drew A. , Parnacott Tara , Volberding Krista , Brandl Emily
Published: November 2023

Methadone is used as an agent for chronic pain and management of opioid use disorder. While similar pharmacologically to other opioids, methadone does have unique characteristics, including long half-life, low cost, and high oral bioavailability. While advantageous in some ways, methadone is associated with unique adverse effects not seen with other opioids (ie, hypoglycemia). In this case, we describe a patient in his late-60s with opioid use disorder on chronic methadone who presents with symptoms of generalized weakness, fatigue, and decreased appetite for 2 days. The hospital course was complicated by hypoglycemia, without obvious cause other than methadone-induced hypoglycemia. The patient was managed with supportive care to maintain normoglycemia. He was continued on methadone and instructed to follow-up with his opioid treatment program to assess for dose de-escalation to minimize future hypoglycemia risk. While other case reports of methadone-induced hypoglycemia highlight the risk of this adverse effect, our case highlights the importance of assessing methadone as a cause of hypoglycemia and provides discussion around the legality of dose de-escalation at discharge from an acute care setting.
The CPORT and Risk Matrix 2000 for Men Convicted of Child Sexual Exploitation Material (CSEM) Offenses: A Predictive Accuracy Comparison and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Helmus L. Maaike , Eke Angela W. , Farmus Linda , Seto Michael C.
Published: November 2023

There is demand for valid risk assessment of individuals with child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) offenses. We compared the predictive performance of the Risk Matrix 2000/Sex (RM2000/S) and the Child Pornography Offender Risk Tool (CPORT) among 365 men convicted of CSEM offenses. In fixed 5-year follow-up analyses, the CPORT (area under the curve [AUC] = .73) had significantly higher predictive accuracy than the RM2000/S (AUC = .66) for any sexual recidivism. The predictive difference for CSEM recidivism was not statistically significant. A meta-analysis found the CPORT had large effects in predicting sexual recidivism (AUC = .75) and moderate accuracy for CSEM recidivism (AUCs = .65 and .66), while the RM2000/S had moderate accuracy in predicting any sexual recidivism (AUC = .66; insufficient studies of CSEM recidivism). Results suggest a tool developed specifically for CSEM offending, such as CPORT, may perform better at predicting any sexual recidivism than adapting a general sexual offending risk tool.
Relational uncertainty and dyadic synchrony within the interaction of couples
Authors: Knobloch-Fedders Lynne M. , Quirk Kelley , Knobloch Leanne K.
Published: November 2023

Relational uncertainty refers to the questions people have about their perceptions of involvement within close relationships. To complement a wealth of research examining the link between relational uncertainty and people’s self-reported communication strategies, we investigate relational uncertainty as a predictor of behavioral sequences within interaction. We draw on both seminal and contemporary theorizing to hypothesize that relational uncertainty impedes dyadic synchrony, or the coordination between partners within interaction. Couples ( N = 97) participated in a 5-minute discussion designed to facilitate expressions of intimacy; we coded these interactions using the circumplex-based Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (SASB) model. We evaluated whether couples experiencing relational uncertainty exhibit forms of dyadic asynchrony in which self-disclosure and validation are met by a partner’s hostility. Sequential analyses revealed that, after covarying relationship quality, relationship uncertainty was associated with sequences of self-disclosure/hostility among men ( H1), and self uncertainty and relationship uncertainty were associated with sequences of validation/hostility among both men and women ( H2). Partner uncertainty did not predict dyadic asynchrony in either form. These findings advance scholarship on relational uncertainty by underscoring the importance of sequential exchanges within couple interaction.
A case of Joubert syndrome caused by novel compound heterozygous variants in the TMEM67 gene
Authors: Kozina Anastasiya Aleksandrovna , Kanaeva Guria Kurbanovna , Baryshnikova Natalia Vladimirovna , Ilinskaya Anna Yurievna , Kim Anna Alexandrovna , Erofeeva Anastasia Vladimirovna , Pogodina Nadezhda Andreevna , Gadzhiyeva Jamilya Payzutdinova , Surkova Ekaterina Ivanovna , Ilinsky Valery Vladimirovich
Published: November 2023

Joubert syndrome (JS) is a recessive disorder that is characterized by midbrain-hindbrain malformation and shows the “molar tooth sign” on magnetic resonance imaging. Mutations in 40 genes, including Abelson helper integration site 1 ( AHI1), inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase ( INPP5E), coiled-coil and c2 domain-containing protein 2A ( CC2D2A), and ARL2-like protein 1 ( ARL13B), can cause JS. Classic JS is a part of a group of diseases associated with JS, and its manifestations include various neurological signs such as skeletal abnormalities, ocular coloboma, renal disease, and hepatic fibrosis. Here, we present a proband with the molar tooth sign, ataxia, and developmental and psychomotor delays in a Dagestan family from Russia. Molecular genetic testing revealed two novel heterozygous variants, c.2924G>A (p.Arg975His) in exon 28 and c.1241C>G (p.Pro414Arg) in exon 12 of the transmembrane protein 67 ( TMEM67) gene. These TMEM67 gene variants significantly affected the development of JS type 6. This case highlights the importance of whole exome sequencing for a proper clinical diagnosis of children with complex motor and psycho-language delays. This case also expands the clinical phenotype and genotype of TMEM67-associated diseases.
Five decades of Fontan palliation: What have we learned? What should we expect?
Authors: Hassan Adil , Chegondi Madhuradhar , Porayette Prashob
Published: November 2023

The Fontan procedure is the final palliative surgery in a series of staged surgeries to reroute the systemic venous blood flow directly to the lungs, with the ventricle(s) pumping oxygenated blood to the body. Advances in medical and surgical techniques have improved patients’ overall survival after the Fontan procedure. However, Fontan-associated chronic comorbidities are common. In addition to chronic cardiac dysfunction and arrhythmias, complications involving other organs such as the liver, lungs, intestine, lymphatic system, brain, and blood frequently occur. This narrative review focuses on the immediate and late consequences in children, pregnant women, and other adults with Fontan circulation. In addition, we describe the technical advancements that might change the way single-ventricle patients are managed in future.
Prognostic significance of preoperative pyuria & neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Singh Rahul , Sharma Govind , Priyadarshi Shivam , Fauzdar Gaurav
Published: November 2023

Background:

The most prevalent cancer of the urinary system and the fourth most frequent cancer in men is bladder cancer. Up to 45% of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancers (NMIBC), may develop into muscle-invasive disease within 5 years after initial diagnosis, depending on the risk profile. The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), which is an emerging marker of host inflammation and can be easily calculated from routine complete blood counts (CBCs) with differentials, has shown to be an independent prognostic factor for a variety of solid malignancies, including urinary tract cancer. Pyuria is a well-documented prognostic factor in urinary tract carcinomas, according to several research. The relationship between preoperative pyuria and recurrence in patients with NMIBC is unclear, even though some studies found that pyuria was a strong predictor of poor prognosis in patients with NMIBC. Our study’s objective was to compare the prognostic effect of pre-treatment pyuria and NLR on the likelihood of progression and recurrence in individuals with primary NMIBC.

Materials and methodology:

Data obtained from 100 bladder cancer patients who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) from June 2021 to January 2023 were evaluated prospectively.

Inclusion criteria:

Age more than 18 years, having tumor size less than 3 × 3 cm, single tumor, no H/O TURBT.

Exclusion criteria:

Age less than 18 years, size more than 3 × 3 cm, multiple tumors, H/O TURBT.

Results:

We demonstrated in the current study that, compared to NLR, preoperative pyuria was more substantially linked with intravesical recurrence, higher T stage and disease progression following TURBT for NMIBC.
Subclinical macular vessel density alterations in patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Xu Sisi , Zhang Yu
Published: November 2023

Objective

The aim is to evaluate subclinical alterations of macular microvasculature in patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE).

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study of 29 eyes of 29 patients diagnosed with JSLE and 29 eyes of 29 healthy controls. The vessel density (VD) of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), intermediate capillary plexus (ICP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), choriocapillaris (CC), and area of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) was measured using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of disease duration and activity on OCTA parameters.

Results

The VD of total ( p = .007) and the superior ( p = .014) and inferior ( p = .004) quadrants in SCP was significantly lower in children with JSLE. The VD of total and all quadrants in ICP decreased ( p = .015, p = .0045, p = .015, p = .033), except that of the temporal quadrant ( p = .366). The total ( p = .011) and superior quadrant ( p<.01) DCP-VD showed a significant decrease in children with JSLE. The decrease in VD in the total ( p = .003) and nasal quadrant ( p = .017) of CC was also remarkable. No significant difference in the FAZ area was found between the two groups ( p = .774). Multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for age, spherical equivalent, and intraocular pressure were conducted. No contributing factor to OCTA parameters was found.

Conclusions

We demonstrated decreased VD in all layers of the retina and CC in patients with JSLE without ocular involvement. Early screening and close follow-up were recommended.
Subcutaneous Levetiracetam Administration in Latino Patients on Home Care
Authors: Cuellar-Valencia Laura , Claros-Hulbert Angelica , Ortegon Adriana , Pino Juliana , Velandia Laura , Correa-Morales Juan Esteban
Published: November 2023

Background: Levetiracetam has a favorable pharmacology profile to be used subcutaneously. However, its subcutaneous use is still considered off-label as this is beyond its license. The evidence base for its safety, tolerability, and efficacy is limited to observational studies. Objectives: To report the safety and efficacy of subcutaneous levetiracetam in Latino patients on home care. Design: Observational retrospective case series study. Subjects: Consecutive sample of Latino adults with life-limiting illnesses. Methods: A case series framework with 4 domains (selection, ascertainment, causality, and reporting) to ensure reporting quality was used. Additionally, 8 relevant outcomes established in a previous comprehensive review, were collected and reported. Adverse reactions were documented using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Results: Fifteen Latino patients with oncological and non-oncological diagnoses received subcutaneous levetiracetam for a mean of 21 days on home care. Levetiracetam was most frequently initiated subcutaneously due to loss of the oral route. The average dosage of subcutaneous levetiracetam was 1200 mg. Only 1 patient required a dose adjustment, and only 2 patients experienced a total of 5 seizures during the therapy trial. No adverse reactions were reported. Conclusions: Subcutaneous levetiracetam appears to be effective and safe. This case series of Latino patients in home care expands the evidence of its use in the home care setting. The preliminary data reported by now on multiple case series warrants robust trials.
Kicking off a Gig Work Career: Unfolding a Career Learning Cycle of Gig Workers
Authors: Zwettler Clara , Straub Caroline , Spurk Daniel
Published: November 2023

We observe gig workers’ retrospective sense-making of their career development, from creating an account on online labor platforms to managing gigs successfully. Our data reveals that gig workers advance through three career stages in their initial career learning cycle. We identify each stage as characterized by stage-specific emotions and that they react with specific behaviors to gig work challenges. Gig work challenges that occur in the platform environment are namely the newbie challenge, the positioning and relational challenge, and the balancing challenge, which workers need to overcome in order to transition to the next stage. In line with contemporary career and protean career theory on career learning cycles, gig workers need to build a set of specialized skills and meta-competencies to successfully navigate their careers. As an outcome of the here-described career learning cycle, gig workers develop an entrepreneurial identity aspiration, as they are empowered and can use the platform as a playground or stepping stone for entrepreneurial activities. Our paper, thus, develops an understanding of gig workers’ initial career learning cycle by examining the factors that enable gig workers to kick off a career and allow them to thrive and advance on the platforms professionally.
Making the cut: the embodiment of experience in hair salons
Authors: Oshima Sae , Llewellyn Nick
Published: November 2023

We explore the embodied nature of the customer experience. Engaging prior research, we suggest marketing literature is still coming to terms with how best to incorporate the body into its studies, noting manuscripts rarely attend to the bodies of customers moving in situ or analyse what customers do and achieve with their bodies. As a result, theoretical accounts remain quite disconnected from the de facto activities that comprise many marketing processes. Drawing on ethnomethodological study policies, and Wittgenstein’s notion of language games, our paper zooms-in on embodied conduct, analysing video recordings of consultations in hair salons. We analyse how customers embody thoughts about and emotional responses to the service provided. Rather than separating mind and body, we identify precise moments where customers draw service employees into their experience during live interaction. In so doing, the paper offers a vantage point from which to think anew about the customer experience as something that is public, shared, and thus accountable.
What are Romantic Relationships Good for? An Explorative Analysis of the Perceived Benefits of Being in a Relationship
Authors: Apostolou Menelaos , Christoforou Christoforos , Lajunen Timo Juhani
Published: November 2023

Forming long-term intimate relationships is a human universal, with most people across different times and cultures doing so. Such relationships should be associated with important benefits otherwise individuals would not engage in them, with the current research aiming to identify what people consider as beneficial in a long-term intimate relationship. More specifically, Study 1 employed qualitative research methods in a sample of 221 Greek-speaking participants, and identified 82 perceived benefits. Study 2 employed quantitative research methods in a sample of 545 Greek-speaking participants, and classified these benefits into 10 broad factors and two broader domains. Experiencing positive emotions, including love and passion, as well as having someone to provide support and do things together, were considered among the most important benefits. Although there were a few significant differences, the evaluations of the perceived benefits of intimate relationships were generally consistent across participants of different sex, age, and relationship status.
The Racialization of the Cultural Toolkit and the Racial Positions of Asia and Asian America
Authors: Kim Joong Won
Published: November 2023

Drawing from eleven (11) in-depth interviews with Korean and Korean American students at a predominantly white university (PWI) coupled with ethnographic participant observation of registered Korean American and Korean student organizations, this study develops how “Hallyu”—a nomenclature to refer to the Korean cultural wave—is received and interpreted by Asian and Asian American students. Borrowing from Eng and Han’s racial dissociation and Swidler’s metaphor of a cultural toolkit, this study shows a broader understanding of the immigrant experience of Asian Americans while simultaneously highlighting the dominant frame in which Asian Americans see themselves within the racial order vis-a-vis Hallyu. Furthermore, this study captures the racial dynamics of Asian American college students as they express (1) racial apathy, (2) racial and ethnic identity crises, and (3) experience of hyper-racialization. In complicating these nuances, this study illustrates the limitations of diversity, inclusion, and efforts at “multiculturalism,” suggesting analysts of race start from a global, transnational framework to examine the racialization of Asian and Asian Americans.
The Quest for Horizontal Transgender Reservations Under the Spectre of Brahmanical Governmentality
Authors: Chandrasekhar Sepuri Venkata Durga
Published: November 2023

This article argues that the trajectory of transgender rights, especially the quest for transgender reservations is shrouded by the spectre of Brahmanical governmentality perpetuated by the state. Through an anti-caste analysis of the recent developments in this issue, it attempts to demonstrate that the denial of horizontal reservations for trans persons by the state fulfils the conditions of Brahmanical governmentality. It is characterized by a lack of a refusal to engage with trans persons’ lived realities, ignoring trans voices about vital issues pertaining to their community and the promulgation of legal and policy decisions which inimically affect the material interests of trans persons and perpetuate their oppression.
Deprivation and Social Exclusion of the Dalits: An Anthropological Observation
Authors: Bhattacharjee Somenath
Published: November 2023

Social stratification is an outcome of the unequal distribution of goods and services within a society. The basic question here is who gets what and why? It depends on cultural values, the organization of production and the access acquired by different individuals and groups within a society. The idea of social stratification is rooted in the customary ways in which economic resources are allocated and distributed. Certain other aspects, like prestige and power, also get unequally distributed. It varies from one society to another. Indian society is old and extremely complex. In the Hindu social system, there is a fifth or Pancham Varna or Avarna, which accommodates those supposedly unclean occupations that are believed to be polluting and untouchable. Dalits are the downtrodden and poor. It includes those termed in administrative parlance as scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other backward classes. They are the poorest of the villages’ poor, living in squalor and misery, deprived of education and opportunities for improvement. Along with a number of other factors, sometimes the contemporary political situation plays a major role in the exploitation and deprivation of Dalits, which violates their fundamental human rights. These issues have been highlighted in this article.
Going Beyond Conventional Assessment of Developmental Motor Disorders: Exploring Video Methods for Early Identification Among Children 0 to 3 Years
Authors: Coxon Maria Lopez , Hoyt Catherine R , Smith Alyssa E , Hadders-Algra Mijna
Published: November 2023

Motor skills and movement-related functioning significantly shape how children experience and interact with the world around them. Among infants and young children, developmental motor disorders contribute to delays with motor, cognitive, and psychosocial development. Early and accurate identification of these disorders is necessary to facilitate timely access to therapeutic interventions that minimize the long-term effects of disability on everyday activities and participation. In the United States, motor assessments commonly used among children 0 to 3 years focus on completion of specific motor skills at a single point in time, which provides only a part of the greater picture that is a child’s motor and movement-related functioning. Video-capture methods, like the General Movements Assessment (GMA) and the Infant Motor Profile (IMP), offer greater accuracy and predictive power to (1) identify motor deficits in young children and (2) facilitate early access to supportive, therapeutic intervention.
Deep learning-enabled natural language processing to identify directional pharmacokinetic drug–drug interactions
Authors: Zirkle Joel , Han Xiaomei , Racz Rebecca , Samieegohar Mohammadreza , Chaturbedi Anik , Mann John , Chakravartula Shilpa , Li Zhihua
Published: November 2023

Background

During drug development, it is essential to gather information about the change of clinical exposure of a drug (object) due to the pharmacokinetic (PK) drug-drug interactions (DDIs) with another drug (precipitant). While many natural language processing (NLP) methods for DDI have been published, most were designed to evaluate if (and what kind of) DDI relationships exist in the text, without identifying the direction of DDI (object vs. precipitant drug). Here we present a method for the automatic identification of the directionality of a PK DDI from literature or drug labels.

Methods

We reannotated the Text Analysis Conference (TAC) DDI track 2019 corpus for identifying the direction of a PK DDI and evaluated the performance of a fine-tuned BioBERT model on this task by following the training and validation steps prespecified by TAC.

Results

This initial attempt showed the model achieved an F-score of 0.82 in identifying sentences as containing PK DDI and an F-score of 0.97 in identifying object versus precipitant drugs in those sentences.

Discussion and conclusion

Despite a growing list of NLP methods for DDI extraction, most of them use a common set of corpora to perform general purpose tasks (e.g., classifying a sentence into one of several fixed DDI categories). There is a lack of coordination between the drug development and biomedical informatics method development community to develop corpora and methods to perform specific tasks (e.g., extract clinical exposure changes due to PK DDI). We hope that our effort can encourage such a coordination so that more “fit for purpose” NLP methods could be developed and used to facilitate the drug development process.
Patient diversity and author representation in clinical studies supporting the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines for management of sepsis and septic shock 2021: a systematic review of citations
Authors: Nazer Lama , Abusara Aseel , Aloran Batoul , Szakmany Tamas , Nabulsi Hamza , Petushkov Anton , Charpignon Marie-Laure , Ahmed Taghreed , Cobanaj Marisa , Elaibaid Mohammad , Lee Christian , Li Chenyu , Mlombwa Donald , Moukheiber Sulaiman , Panitchote Anupol , Parke Rachael , Shapiro Skyler , Link Woite Naira , Celi Leo Anthony
Published: November 2023

Background

The generalizability of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guidelines to various patient populations and hospital settings has been debated. A quantitative assessment of the diversity and representation in the clinical evidence supporting the guidelines would help evaluate the generalizability of the recommendations and identify strategic research goals and priorities. In this study, we evaluated the diversity of patients in the original studies, in terms of sex, race/ethnicity, and geographical location. We also assessed diversity in sex and geographical representation among study first and last authors.

Methods

All clinical studies cited in support of the 2021 SSC adult guideline recommendations were identified. Original clinical studies were included, while editorials, reviews, non-clinical studies, and meta-analyses were excluded. For eligible studies, we recorded the proportion of male patients, percentage of each represented racial/ethnic subgroup (when available), and countries in which they were conducted. We also recorded the sex and location of the first and last authors. The World Bank classification was used to categorize countries.

Results

The SSC guidelines included six sections, with 85 recommendations based on 351 clinical studies. The proportion of male patients ranged from 47 to 62%. Most studies did not report the racial/ ethnic distribution of the included patients; when they did so, most were White patients (68–77%). Most studies were conducted in high-income countries (77–99%), which included Europe/Central Asia (33–66%) and North America (36–55%). Moreover, most first/last authors were males (55–93%) and from high-income countries (77–99%).

Conclusions

To enhance the generalizability of the SCC guidelines, stakeholders should define strategies to enhance the diversity and representation in clinical studies. Though there was reasonable representation in sex among patients included in clinical studies, the evidence did not reflect diversity in the race/ethnicity and geographical locations. There was also lack of diversity among the first and last authors contributing to the evidence.
Microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis – first outbreak in Japan
Authors: Uematsu Masafumi , Mohamed Yasser Helmy , Kusano Mao , Inoue Daisuke , Harada Kohei , Tang Diya , Kitaoka Takashi , Yagita Kenji
Published: November 2023

Background

Most cases of microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis are found in the Southern hemisphere. Our purpose was to investigate the first outbreak of microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis in Japan among healthy, immunocompetent soccer players from the same team during a 1-month period.

Case presentation

This study is an observational case series. The medical records were analyzed for five cases with microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis who presented within September 2022. All five cases were males between 28 and 36 years old. These previously healthy individuals belonged to the same football team. Their eyes were considered susceptible to contaminated water or dirt from the turf at game and practice sites. All cases involved unilateral conjunctivitis, with scattered round white lesions that showed positive fluorescein staining in the corneal epithelium. All cases experienced diminution of vision in the affected eye. In three cases, direct smears showed spores of approximately 2–3 μm in diameter. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of corneal scrapes revealed partial amplification of microsporidial 18 S ribosomal RNA gene in four cases. Sequences of PCR products from all four cases showed 100% identity with strains of Vittaforma corneae previously reported from an outbreak in Singapore. All cases were treated with topical therapy, including voriconazole, fluorometholone, and levofloxacin. Four eyes underwent corneal scraping. After treatment, all eyes healed without residual opacities.

Conclusions

Only a few sporadic case reports of this disease have previously been reported in Japan. We detected V. corneae in our case series, representing what appears to be the first outbreak of microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis in Japan. Exposure to contaminated water or soil, in addition to inadequate sanitary facilities, represents a potential source of infection. Further investigations to clarify the characteristics of microsporidia seem warranted.
Survival outcomes of esophageal cancer patients with recurrence after curative treatments
Authors: Sugawara Kotaro , Oka Daiji , Hara Hiroki , Yoshii Takako , Ushijima Hiroki , Kudo Shigehiro , Fukuda Takashi
Published: November 2023

Background

Little is known about predictive factors for survival outcomes of esophageal carcinoma (EC) patients who developed recurrence after undergoing multimodal therapies. We aimed to investigate long-term outcomes and identify prognostic factors in patients with relapsed EC, focusing especially on those with oligometastasis (OM).

Methods

EC patients who developed recurrence after curative treatments (radical esophagectomy or definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT)) between 2010 and 2017 were reviewed. Multivariate Cox hazards models were applied to determine independent predictors of poor post-recurrence survival (PRS).

Results

In total, 178 patients were included. The median PRS was 12.9 months. Of the 178 patients, 98 had OM and 80 non-OM (NOM) disease. The survival outcomes of patients with OM were significantly better than those of patients with NOM (P < 0.01). Surgical treatments provided significantly better survival outcomes than CRT or chemo-/radiotherapy alone (3-year overall survival (OS); 78.1% vs. 42.5% vs. 28.9%, P < 0.01), mainly due to prolonging survival after the recurrence (3-year PRS 62.9% vs. 16.7% vs. 16.2%, P < 0.01). Multivariable analysis focusing on patients with OM revealed cStage III-IV disease (P < 0.01), high GPS at the time of recurrence (P = 0.02) and non-curative treatments (P < 0.01), to be independently associated with poor PRS. In contrast, in patients with NOM, no independent predictors for poor PRS were identified.

Conclusions

The survival outcomes of patients with relapsed EC remain poor. Surgical treatments could provide survival benefits for patients with recurrent EC, especially for patients with OM.