bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract B50: Discovery of multiple mechanisms of immune evasion that accelerate primary melanomagenesis in a genetic model with low tumor mutation burden
Authors: Wilson Emily C , Wee Yinshen , Wang Junhua , Rich Coulson P , Rogers Aaron , Wolff Roger K , Holmen Sheri L , Grossmann Allie H
Published: December 2022

Although immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy can improve outcomes in advanced melanoma, early detection and treatment focused on preventing metastasis remain the optimal approaches for superior survival. Immune evasion occurs early in melanoma development and as such, some patients with high-risk Stage II (nonmetastatic) disease benefit from ICB. These human data highlight a critical need to understand the complex process of immune evasion during melanoma formation and early progression. To this end, we interrogated the tumor immune microenvironment of the RCAS-CRE inducible, Dct::TVA; BrafV600E; Cdkn2aNull murine model of melanoma. Tumor development occurs rapidly and at high frequency in these mice, without exposure to ultraviolet light or mutagenic carcinogens, modeling an important molecular class of melanoma with low mutation burden, which generally occurs in young patients. Using single-cell RNA sequencing and immunostaining, we discovered that primary tumors show evidence of an adaptive immune response that is restricted by myeloid-derived suppressor cells, regulatory T cells and PD-L1 expression. Systemic anti-PD-1 treatment reduced tumor incidence and significantly delayed tumor onset. Despite the low mutation burden, our data demonstrate the presence of a smoldering adaptive immune response that can be unleashed with ICB to limit tumor formation. Importantly, unlike syngeneic allograft models, our genetic model provides a unique opportunity to interrogate tumor-intrinsic mechanisms of immune evasion during an auspicious time window that spans from - tumor initiation to high-risk, pre-metastatic disease. Thus, we have identified a useful in vivo tool for the discovery of novel mechanisms of immune evasion and for testing therapeutic interventions in early-stage disease.

Citation Format: Emily C Wilson, Yinshen Wee, Junhua Wang, Coulson P Rich, Aaron Rogers, Roger K Wolff, Sheri L Holmen, Allie H Grossmann. Discovery of multiple mechanisms of immune evasion that accelerate primary melanomagenesis in a genetic model with low tumor mutation burden [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2022 Oct 21-24; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2022;10(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B50.
Abstract B56: Quiescent cancer cells resist T cell attack by forming an immune-suppressive niche
Authors: Baldominos Pilar , Barbera-Mourelle Alex , Barreiro Olga , Huang Yu , Wight Andrew , Agudo Judith
Published: December 2022

Immunotherapy is a promising treatment for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), but patients relapse, highlighting the need to understand mechanisms of resistance. We discovered that in primary breast cancer, tumor cells that resist T cell attack are quiescent. Quiescent Cancer Cells (QCCs) form clusters with reduced immune infiltration. They also display superior tumorigenic capacity and higher expression of chemotherapy resistance and stemness genes. We adapted single-cell-RNA-sequencing with precise spatial resolution to profile infiltrating cells inside and outside the QCC niche. This transcriptomic analysis revealed hypoxia-induced programs and identified more exhausted T-cells, tumor-protective fibroblasts, and dysfunctional dendritic cells inside clusters of QCCs. This uncovered differential phenotypes in infiltrating cells based on their intra-tumor location. Thus, QCCs constitute immunotherapy-resistant reservoirs by orchestrating a local hypoxic immune-suppressive milieu that blocks T-cell function. Eliminating QCCs holds the promise to counteract immunotherapy resistance and prevent disease recurrence in TNBC.

Citation Format: Pilar Baldominos, Alex Barbera-Mourelle, Olga Barreiro, Yu Huang, Andrew Wight, Judith Agudo. Quiescent cancer cells resist T cell attack by forming an immune-suppressive niche [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2022 Oct 21-24; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2022;10(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B56.
Abstract B64: Evaluation of doxorubicin and PD-1/CTLA-4 immune blockade combination therapy in the MCA-205 murine model
Authors: Therrien Nicholas R , Powers Kyle , Kemp Lindsey , Tellez Cristiam Moreno , Wilky Breelyn A
Published: December 2022

Background: Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare form of cancer primarily affecting connective tissue in adults. Standard chemotherapy includes the anthracycline doxorubicin which has previously been shown in a variety of cancer models to induce immunogenic cell death (ICD). ICD is driven, in part, by the upregulation and/or translocation of molecules such as calreticulin and annexin I, known as damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). We aimed to investigate the ICD capacity of anthracyclines doxorubicin and mitoxantrone and explore activity in combination with anti-PD1 and CTLA-4 checkpoint inhibitors.Methods: We treated a variety of human osteosarcoma cell lines and MCA-205 mouse fibrosarcoma cells with doxorubicin and mitoxantrone and measured expression of DAMPs and immunosuppressive markers via multiplex flow cytometry. We also measured anti-tumor activity of doxorubicin with and without PD1/CTLA4 blockade in the murine sarcoma model MCA-205. After tumors were harvested, we analyzed tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes to determine the effects of treatment on phenotype, quantity, activation status, function, clonality, and expression of immune checkpoint proteins.Results: We found expression of Annexin I and TRAIL-R2 on the cell surface of osteosarcoma cell lines treated with anthracyclines and significant inhibition of tumor growth with the combination of doxorubicin plus PD1/CTLA4 blockade compared to either doxorubicin or checkpoint blockade alone. Profiling of TILs revealed a marked increase in CD8:CD4 ratio and increased expression of checkpoint proteins including PD1, 41BB and TIM3 in the combination of doxorubicin plus checkpoint blockade. Finally, increased preponderance of the TCRVb 5.1-5.2 clonotype was observed with the combination in TIL, which was not observed in spleen or peripheral blood samples.Conclusion: We have observed early evidence of improved anti-tumor effects with combination doxorubicin plus PD1/CTLA4 along with reshaping of the TIL repertoire, suggesting that doxorubicin may improve immunogenic cell death and supporting clinical investigation in human sarcoma patients.

Citation Format: Nicholas R Therrien, Kyle Powers, Lindsey Kemp, Cristiam Moreno Tellez, Breelyn A Wilky. Evaluation of doxorubicin and PD-1/CTLA-4 immune blockade combination therapy in the MCA-205 murine model [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2022 Oct 21-24; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2022;10(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B64.
Abstract IA07: The Power of ONE: Immunology in the age of single cell genomics
Authors: Amit Ido
Published: December 2022

The immune system is a complex, dynamic and plastic network composed of various interacting cell types that are constantly sensing and responding to environmental cues. From very early on, the immunology field has invested great efforts to characterize the various immune cell types and elucidate their functions. However, accumulating evidence indicates that current technologies and classification schemes are limited in their ability to account for the functional heterogeneity of immune processes. Single cell genomics hold the potential to revolutionize the way we characterize complex immune cell assemblies and study their spatial organization, dynamics, clonal distribution, pathways, and crosstalk. This emerging field can greatly affect basic and translational research of the immune system. I will discuss how recent single cell genomic studies are changing our perspective of various immune related pathologies from cancer to autoimmune disease and neurodegeneration. Finally, I will consider recent and forthcoming technological and analytical advances in single cell genomics and their huge potential impact on the future of immunology research and immunotherapy.

Citation Format: Ido Amit. The Power of ONE: Immunology in the age of single cell genomics [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2022 Oct 21-24; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2022;10(12 Suppl):Abstract nr IA07.
Barulho! Vamos deixar cantar o Fado Bicha. Cidadania, resistência e política na música popular contemporânea
Authors: Guerra Paula
Published: December 2022

Notando a desadequação do entendimento da música como mero fenómeno superficial de uma expressão sociopolítica, mostraremos, neste artigo, como os Fado Bicha enfatizam a importância da performatividade numa improvável resistência fundada no fado. Na verdade, procuramos demonstrar como as performances e as canções do Fado Bicha se assumem como produtores de denúncia e de protesto e, sobretudo, são (re)criadoras de temáticas/problemáticas de género. A sua insurgência manifesta na realidade portuguesa, ao provocar-lhe agitação e mudança pela leitura que dela fazem, constitui-se em elemento integrante de uma identidade coletiva reconfigurada pelo artivismo. Assim, procurou-se romper com o facto de a música, enquanto meio que atinge um elevado número de pessoas a uma escala transglobal, ter sido ainda pouco estudada no seu impacto político, isto é, como instrumento de refutação de hegemonias, de resistência e de articulação de novas alternativas – e, justamente, onde menos se esperava - no fado.
Sexual and gender minority health in Chile: findings from the 2016–2017 Health Survey
Authors: Lagunas Lilian Ferrer , Caceres Billy , Silva Margarita Bernales , Passi-Solar Alvaro , Delgado Jaime Barrientos , López-Salvo Francisca , Shah Ruby , Hughes Tonda L.
Published: December 2022

OBJECTIVE: To expose visibility of the health concerns of sexual and gender minority groups in Chile, as well as to provide a platform to advocate for policies that support the health and well-being of SGM people in the country. METHODS: The health conditions and risk factors of participants identified as sexual and gender minority were compared to those identified as cisgender heterosexual using data from the 2016-2017 National Health Survey. RESULTS: Despite reporting higher self-rated health than heterosexual men, gay men had a higher risk of lifetime diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections. Compared to heterosexual women, the prevalence of depression was higher among bisexual women, who were also less likely to have been tested for HIV. Moreover, transgender participants were more likely to report depression and worse self-rated health than cisgender heterosexual participants. CONCLUSION: Small sample sizes of sexual and gender minority subgroups might have obscured some differences that would have been observable in larger samples. Despite this, we found statistically significant sexual and/or gender identity differences in several health areas, especially mental, sexual, and overall health.
Effect of ribociclib on productivity losses due to breast cancer in young women in Brazil
Authors: Buehler Anna Maria , Dionne Pierre-Alexandre , Chandiwana David , Pathak Purnima , Igho-Osagie Ebuwa
Published: December 2022

OBJETIVE: To evaluate the effect of ribociclib versus endocrine therapy on productivity losses due to advanced breast cancer. METHODS: Productivity data from the MONALEESA-7 trial, obtained from the results of the application of the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire on progression-free survival state (43-month follow-up), were extrapolated to the 10,936 Brazilian prevalent cases of premenopausal women with hormone receptor positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HR+/HER2-) breast cancer. Productivity loss was determined by quantifying the economic costs of workforce dropout over time in both treatment arms and by discounting the economic costs of absenteeism and presenteeism from workforce retention. A human capital approach was used. RESULTS: Net productivity gains in the ribociclib arm were estimated at USD 4,285,525.00, representing 316,609 added work hours over 43 months and a mean of 2,009 added work weeks per year. CONCLUSIONS: The phase III MONALEESA-7 trial productivity results applied to the Brazilian premenopausal prevalent cases of hormone receptor positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HR+/HER2-) breast cancer showed that treatment with ribociclib + endocrine therapy improves workforce participation compared with endocrine therapy alone in premenopausal women with hormone receptor positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HR+/HER2-) metastatic breast cancer, with potential economic gains for the Brazilian society.
Consumo alimentar no Brasil: influência da carne bovina no impacto ambiental e na qualidade nutricional da dieta
Authors: Garzillo Josefa Maria Fellegger , Poli Vanessa Fadanelli Schoenardie , Leite Fernanda Helena Marrocos , Steele Euridice Martinez , Machado Priscila Pereira , Louzada Maria Laura da Costa , Levy Renata Bertazzi , Monteiro Carlos Augusto
Published: December 2022

OBJETIVO: Estimar o consumo de carne bovina e a sua influência nas pegadas de carbono e na pegada hídrica, bem como mesurar a qualidade nutricional da dieta no Brasil. MÉTODOS: A quantidade consumida de carne bovina e dos demais alimentos foi avaliada por dois registros alimentares de 24 horas em amostra representativa da população brasileira ≥ 10 anos de idade (n = 32.853) entre 2008 e 2009. O impacto ambiental da dieta considerou os coeficientes da pegada de carbono (gCO2e/kg) e da pegada hídrica (litros/kg) dos alimentos, bem como sua qualidade nutricional considerando a composição de cada alimento em nutrientes associados à prevenção de deficiências nutricionais ou ao aumento/diminuição do risco de doenças crônicas. Modelos de regressão linear e logística, brutos e ajustados para sexo, idade, escolaridade, renda, região e área, foram utilizados para estudar, respectivamente, a associação de quintos da contribuição calórica de carne bovina com os impactos ambientais da dieta e com a ingestão inadequada de nutrientes. RESULTADOS: As pegadas de carbono e hídrica e os teores de proteína, ferro, zinco, vitamina B12, gordura saturada e sódio foram maiores na fração da dieta composta por carnes bovinas, enquanto o teor de fibra e de açúcar de adição foram maiores na fração composta pelos demais alimentos. A contribuição dietética de carne bovina mostrou-se associada diretamente com as pegadas de carbono e hídrica da dieta e com o risco de ingestão excessiva de gordura saturada e de sódio, além de ingestão insuficiente de fibra, associando-se inversamente com o risco de ingestão insuficiente de proteína, ferro, zinco e vitamina B12. CONCLUSÃO: A redução no consumo de carne bovina no Brasil diminuiria as pegadas de carbono e hídrica da dieta, assim como o risco de doenças crônicas relacionadas à alimentação. Portanto, para não aumentar o risco de deficiências nutricionais, é sugerido o acompanhamento do aumento da ingestão de outros alimentos fontes de proteína, ferro, zinco e vitamina B12.
Autocratic Union Organization and Foreign Direct Investment in the Mexican Automotive Parts Sector, 2004–2018
Authors: Tuman John P. , Erlingsson Hafthor
Published: December 2022

Due to its size and importance, the Mexican automobile industry was an important topic in negotiations for the usmca agreement. A particularly contentious issue was the allegation that foreign direct investment (fdi) in Mexican parts plants has been facilitated by autocratic unions affiliated with the Confederation of Mexican Workers (ctm). Although this issue has been widely noted, there has been little systematic research on the topic. In this paper, we seek to fill this gap in the literature. Using panel data, we examine the determinants of fdi in the automotive parts sector in Mexico’s 31 states and Mexico City (formerly df) from 2004 to 2018. The study makes four contributions to the literature. First, we demonstrate empirically that fdi in the sector concentrated in Mexican states with a higher lagged unionization rate. Second, controlling for the type of union organization, the study shows that fdi was positively associated with states where the ctm was already well-established in the automobile industry. Alternatively, fdi was negatively associated with states where independent and democratic unions had previously organized. Third, we clarify the conditions under which firms prefer pre-emptive unionization with the ctm to the alternative of union avoidance. Finally, the study points to the importance of education and transportation infrastructure in fdi decisions.
Four new species of Monographis Attems, 1907 (Diplopoda, Polyxenida, Polyxenidae) from Vietnam
Authors: HUYNH CUONG , VEENSTRA ANNEKE A
Published: December 2022

Four new species of penicillate millipedes from the genus Monographis Attems, 1907, collected from various regions in Vietnam, are described. They show distinctive morphological characteristics on the labrum, telotarsus, and sensilla on antennal article VI. Monographis cattienensis sp. n., M. tamdaoensis sp. n., and M. thatsonensis sp. n. belong to the group with sensilla on article VI arranged in a crescent, whereas M. konkakinhensis sp. n. is in a group with sensilla arranged in a triangle. Molecular analysis of Monographis konkakinensis sp. n., M. tamdaoensis sp. n. and M. thatsonensis sp. n. shows that these species differ genetically from other Monographis congeners. Additionally, two previously described subspecies, Monographis kraepelini malayanus Nguyen Duy-Jacquemin & Condé, 1966; and M. k. sabahnus Condé & Nguyen Duy-Jacquemin, 1984; are elevated to species, namely Monographis malayana Nguyen Duy-Jacquemin & Condé, 1966 and M. sabahna Condé & Nguyen Duy-Jacquemin, 1984.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor-loaded biomimetic nanoparticles as a treatment for osteosarcoma
Authors: Giordano Federica , Lenna Stefania , Baudo Gherardo , Rampado Riccardo , Massaro Matteo , De Rosa Enrica , Ewing April , Kurenbekova Lyazat , Agostini Marco , Yustein Jason T. , Taraballi Francesca
Published: December 2022

Small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) represent a potentially powerful approach to the treatment of osteosarcoma (OS). However, dose-limiting toxicity, therapeutic efficacy, and targeting specificity are significant barriers to the use of TKIs in the clinic. Notably among TKIs, ponatinib demonstrated potent anti-tumor activity; however, it received an FDA black box warning for potential side effects. We propose ponatinib-loaded biomimetic nanoparticles (NPs) to repurpose ponatinib as an efficient therapeutic option for OS. In this study, we demonstrate enhanced targeting ability and maintain potent ponatinib nano-therapeutic activity, while also reducing toxicity. In in vitro two- and three-dimensional models, we demonstrate that ponatinib-loaded biomimetic NPs maintain the efficacy of the free drug, while in vivo we show that they can improve tumor targeting, slow tumor growth, and reduce evidence of systemic toxicities. Though there is limited Pon encapsulation within NPs, this platform may improve current therapeutic approaches and reduce dosage-related side effects to achieve better clinical outcomes in OS patients.

Graphical Abstract
Potential of green synthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles for enhancing seedling emergence, vigor and tolerance indices and DPPH free radical scavenging in two varieties of soybean under salinity stress
Authors: Abdalla Hanan , Adarosy Marwa H. , Hegazy Hegazy S. , Abdelhameed Reda E.
Published: December 2022

Background

Considering titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) role in plant growth and especially in plant tolerance against abiotic stress, in the present work, TiO2 NPs were green synthesized using an aqueous solution of Aloe vera leaf extract as a capping agent and titanium tetrachloride as a precursor. These green synthesized TiO2 NPs were characterized using different techniques: UV spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results revealed that synthesized TiO2 NPs possess a tetragonal morphology with a size ranging from 10 to 25 nm. Additionally, the present work evaluated the effects of three concentrations of TiO2 NPs (0, 30 and 50 ppm) and six NaCl concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM) and their interactions with respect to germination parameters, vigor indices, oxidative stress and DPPH free radical scavenging of two varieties of soybean (Glycine max L. var. 22 and 35).

Results

Results demonstrated that all germination traits and vigor indices were negatively affected under all salinity levels. Also, the contents of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly increased by increasing the NaCl concentrations in two soybean varieties. Most interestingly, TiO2 NPs (30 ppm) mediated positive effects on germination parameters, reducing H2O2 and MDA contents by enhancing antioxidant (decreasing IC50) whereas 50 ppm showed an intermediate response under both control and saline soil conditions.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate the growth enhancement effects of TiO2 NPs application as well as its ameliorative potential in dealing with salinity.
Breastfeeding-oriented education for parturients separated from their hospitalized infants: a qualitative study of nurses’ perspectives in Shanghai, China
Authors: Feng Haoxue , Liu Ying , Li Junying , Jiang Hui
Published: December 2022

Background

The benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby are well recognized. However, the separation of the mother-newborn dyad leads to a lower breastfeeding rate. These parturients who are separated from their hospitalized infants are sometimes unaware of the importance of breastfeeding, while nurses do know how important health education on breastfeeding is and how it can be improved. This descriptive qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of nurses regarding health education on breastfeeding and summarize the potential ways to improve it.

Methods

A descriptive phenomenological qualitative approach was utilized in this study, and in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nurses at a tertiary A-grade obstetrics-and gynecology-specialized hospital in Shanghai, China. The purposive and snowball sampling method was used and Colaizzi’s seven-step phenomenological analysis was employed. The Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative research (COREQ) was followed to report findings.

Results

Fifteen nurses participated in the study and shared their suggestions based on their experiences. Four overarching themes emerged from the data: (1) extending the education duration, (2) enriching the educational content, (3) expanding the education subjects, and (4) perfecting the educational process. Each theme included several subthemes.

Conclusion

Health education on breastfeeding should focus on the time, content, subjects, and process as a whole. The nurses’ statements provided a reference for nursing or hospital supervisors to take measures to improve education and increase the breastfeeding rate of hospitalized neonates. Further research from the perspectives of parturients and their family members is needed, to find out what the key points are that all of them attach importance to.
Risk stratification of lateral neck recurrence for patients with pN1a papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Xu Siyuan , Huang Hui , Huang Ying , Wang Xiaolei , Xu Zhengang , Liu Shaoyan , Liu Jie
Published: December 2022

Background

Lateral neck is not recommended for dissection in patients with pN1a papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), but its recurrence risk has not been well stratified. We aimed to develop a risk stratification system for lateral neck recurrence in patients with pN1a PTC.

Methods

Patients with pN1a PTC who underwent thyroidectomy and unilateral central compartment dissection from 2000–2016 were enrolled. The association between number of central lymph node metastases (CLNMs) and lateral neck recurrence was comprehensively assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model with restricted cubic spline. Stratification was then performed based on CLNMs and other significant risk factors selected by multivariate analysis. Lateral neck recurrent-free survival (LRFS) rate of each stratification was estimated with Kaplan–Meier curve and comparison was performed using log-rank test.

Results

Ninety-six (3.8%) lateral neck recurrences were identified during a median follow-up of 62 months among a total of 2500 admitted cases. An increasing number of CLNMs was associated with compromised LRFS for up to 6 CLNMs (P < 0.001), and CLNMs > 3 indicated significantly worse 5-year LRFS than that of CLNM ≤ 3 (90.6% vs. 98.1%, P < 0.001). When stratification with CLNMs and primary tumor size (selected by multivariate analysis, HR (95%CI) = 4.225(2.460–7.256), P < 0.001), 5-year LRFS rates of high- (CLNMs > 3 and primary tumor size > 2 cm), intermediate- (CLNMs > 3 and primary tumor size 1–2 cm) and low-risk (primary tumor size ≤ 1 cm or CLNMs ≤ 3) groups were 78.5%, 90.0% and 97.9%, respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The number of CLNMs combined with primary tumor size seems to effectively stratify lateral neck recurrence risk for patients with pN1a PTC.
A comparison of patients with neck abscesses caused by esophageal foreign body impaction vs. inflammatory disease: a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Xuewei , Xu Feng , Liu Danzheng , Luo Xuemei , Zhou Xu , Huang Xinsheng , Shen Na
Published: December 2022

Objectives

During clinical practice, we have detected a few cases of neck abscesses in patients diagnosed with esophageal foreign body impaction (EFB) but without the primary inflammatory disease. However, we do not know if neck abscesses caused by an inflammatory source are more like to be associated with a more severe progression or poorer prognosis. In this study, we aimed to identify differences between these two groups of patients by comparing progression and prognosis.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent neck abscess incisions between January 2011 and March 2022 and divided these patients into two groups: an EFB group and an inflammation group. Data were described by percentages, means, and standard deviations (SDs). Fisher's precision probability test was used to compare differences between the EFB and inflammation groups. Categorical variables were analyzed by Pearson's Chi-squared test. In addition, three factors including hospital days, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and drainage-tube removal time were used for multivariate analysis to identify independent correlations separately.

Results

We enrolled a total of 33 patients with neck abscesses who received surgical incisions; the EFB group included 14 (42%) cases, while the inflammatory group included 19 (58%) cases. No significant differences were identified between the two groups in terms of surgery type (with or without mediastinotomy) and postoperative management (negative pressure drainage or postoperative irrigation). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of hospital stay, the timing of drainage-tube removal, the risk of ICU admission, and the probability of receiving intubation and tracheotomy. The incidence rate of esophageal perforation differed significantly between the two groups (p < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in terms of other preoperative or postoperative comorbidities. The multivariate analysis revealed that the application of mediastinotomy (HR = 0.216 [0.049, 0.963]; p = 0.044) was correlated with a longer stay in the hospital. The time from symptoms to surgery was associated with a longer drainage tube removal time (HR = 0.392 [0.159, 0.967]; P = 0.042) and longer ICU stay (OR = 79.754[1.513, 4203.182]; P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Patients with neck abscesses associated with EFB and inflammation received the same therapeutic management, and there were no significant differences between these two groups in terms of prognosis. Furthermore, esophageal perforation was found to be irrelevant to the aggravation of neck abscesses, and there was no need for additional surgery to repair a perforated esophagus in patients with neck abscesses.

Level of evidence: Retrospective cohort (2b).
Clinical, hormonal, and biochemical characteristics of 70 chinese children with moderate to severe type 1 diabetic ketoacidosis
Authors: Liu Qingxu , Yin Xiaoqin , Li Pin
Published: December 2022

Background

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is one of the most severe acute complications of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Patients with DKA of different severities may have different clinical manifestations, serum biochemical levels and hormone changes.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the clinical manifestations, serum hormone levels, and biochemical levels of 70 Chinese patients with moderate to severe type 1 DKA in the acute and recovery phases admitted to Shanghai Children’s Hospital from 2015 to 2020.

Results

The time required for acidosis correction in 37 patients with severe DKA was 5.9 h longer than that in 33 patients with moderate DKA (P < 0.001). In addition, serum levels of serum ionized calcium (P = 0.003), free triiodothyronine (FT3) (P = 0.029), white blood cells (WBCs) (P = 0.044), and triglycerides (TGs) (P = 0.002) were significantly different between patients with moderate and severe DKA. Serum levels of ionized calcium decreased significantly after recovery from severe DKA. Within 1 week, thyroid hormone and blood lipid levels recovered to normal ranges without intervention.

Conclusion

Patients with severe DKA had higher acidosis correction times, higher WBC counts, TGs and ionized calcium levels, and lower FT3 levels than patients with moderate DKA. No additional intervention was required for thyroid hormone, and blood lipid and serum ionized calcium levels recovered to the normal range.
When the technical is also normative: a critical assessment of measuring health inequalities using the concentration index-based indices
Authors: Contoyannis Paul , Hurley Jeremiah , Walli-Attaei Marjan
Published: December 2022

Background

Concentration index-based measures are one of the most popular tools for estimating socioeconomic-status-related health inequalities. In recent years, several variants of the concentration index have been developed that are designed to correct for deficiencies of the standard concentration index and which are increasingly being used. These variants, which include the Wagstaff index and the Erreygers index, have important technical and normative differences.

Main body

In this study, we provide a non-technical review and critical assessment of these indices. We (i) discuss the difficulties that arise when measurement tools intended for income are applied in a health context, (ii) describe and illustrate the interrelationship between the technical and normative properties of these indices, (iii) discuss challenges that arise when determining whether index estimates are large or of policy significance, and (iv) evaluate the alignment of research practice with the properties of the indices used. Issues discussed in parts (i) and (ii) include the different conceptions of inequality that underpin the indices, the types of changes to a distribution which leave inequality unchanged and the importance of the measurement scale and range of the outcome variable. These concepts are illustrated using hypothetical examples. For parts (iii) and (iv), we reviewed 44 empirical studies published between 2015 and 2017 and find that researchers often fail to provide meaningful interpretations of the index estimates.

Conclusion

We propose a series of questions to facilitate further sensitivity analyses and provide a better understanding of the index estimates. We also provide a guide for researchers and policy analysts to facilitate the critical assessment of studies using these indices, while helping applied researchers to choose inequality measures that have the normative properties they seek.
Husbands’ involvement in antenatal-related care in the Bosomtwe District of Ghana: inquiry into the facilitators and barriers
Authors: Morgan Anthony Kwame , Awafo Beatrice Aberinpoka , Quartey Theophilus , Cobbold Justin
Published: December 2022

Background

This paper explored the facilitators and barriers to husbands’ involvement in antenatal-related care in the Bosomtwe District of Ghana from the perspectives of husbands, pregnant women with and without delivery experience, nursing mothers, midwives and traditional birth attendants.

Methods

The study relied on the qualitative research design to collect and analyse data on the facilitators and barriers to husbands’ involvement in antenatal-related care. The unit of analysis was made up of 36 participants—husbands (14), pregnant women with delivery experience and, nursing mothers (8), pregnant women without delivery experience (6), male and female midwives (6) and traditional birth attendants (2) who were purposively selected. The study’s data was gathered using in-depth interviews and analysed through the content approach.

Results

Various economic [work and time constraint], cultural [the association of childbearing and its allied duties to women] and health-system factors [lack of antenatal services targeted at husbands and health professionals’ attitude] hinder husbands’ active participation in antenatal care. Despite these, some husbands participated in antenatal care owing to the importance they accord to the health and safety of their wives and the foetus; changing gender roles and preferential treatments received by their wives at antenatal clinics [as a result of the involvement of their husbands in prenatal care].

Conclusion

The implementation of alternative strategies, like, couple counselling, prolonging operating times of health centres to accommodate working men are recommended to provide a more accommodative and attractive avenue for husbands to support their wives during pregnancy. These efforts must be reinforced by the entire society through modifying the “ill-held view” that pregnancy and childcare is the sole duty of a woman.
The effect of educational support intervention including peer groups for infant care on the growth rates of infants, breastfeeding self-efficacy and quality of life of their mothers in Iran: study protocol
Authors: Okhovat Forogh , Okhovat Shirin , Karimiankakolaki Zohreh , Yoshany Nooshin
Published: December 2022

Background

Mothers' knowledge about the infant's problems and will provide the necessary care can increase the mother's confidence in providing care for her infant and eliminate misconceptions in primiparous mothers. The present study will be conducted to evaluate the effect of educational support intervention including peer groups for infant care on the growth rates of infants, breastfeeding self-efficacy and quality of life of their mothers in Iran.

Methods

This quasi-experimental study is an educational support intervention protocol for infant care which will be conducted in two phases. The educational support program will be designed in the first phase. The program includes educational sessions on breastfeeding, growth and development of infants and care for children under 1 year of age in a virtual group where a physician, a nurse, a midwife and a healthcare provider are also present. Using the opinions of the experts, the peer group will discuss various points and the research team will finalize the program based on priorities. The second phase of the educational intervention will be conducted experimentally as a pretest–posttest design for the intervention and control groups.

Discussion

The present study will provide useful protocol about the effect of educational support intervention for infant care and the sharing of peer group experiences on infants' growth rates, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and quality of life of their mothers. The current educational package not only combines virtual education and peer experiences in strengthening the education of mothers, but also it can improve mothers' physical and mental health and reduce medical costs by using telephone follow-up in supporting of the mothers of infants.

Trial registration: Registration of this randomized control trial has been completed with the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT20210913052457N1, registered 9/10/2021, https://www.irct.ir/trial/59093.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning on diagnosis and classification of hip fracture: systematic review
Authors: Cha Yonghan , Kim Jung-Taek , Park Chan-Ho , Kim Jin-Woo , Lee Sang Yeob , Yoo Jun-Il
Published: December 2022

Background

In the emergency room, clinicians spend a lot of time and are exposed to mental stress. In addition, fracture classification is important for determining the surgical method and restoring the patient's mobility. Recently, with the help of computers using artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML), diagnosis and classification of hip fractures can be performed easily and quickly. The purpose of this systematic review is to search for studies that diagnose and classify for hip fracture using AI or ML, organize the results of each study, analyze the usefulness of this technology and its future use value.

Methods

PubMed Central, OVID Medline, Cochrane Collaboration Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, and AHRQ databases were searched to identify relevant studies published up to June 2022 with English language restriction. The following search terms were used [All Fields] AND (", "[MeSH Terms] OR (""[All Fields] AND "bone"[All Fields]) OR "bone fractures"[All Fields] OR "fracture"[All Fields]). The following information was extracted from the included articles: authors, publication year, study period, type of image, type of fracture, number of patient or used images, fracture classification, reference diagnosis of fracture diagnosis and classification, and augments of each studies. In addition, AI name, CNN architecture type, ROI or important region labeling, data input proportion in training/validation/test, and diagnosis accuracy/AUC, classification accuracy/AUC of each studies were also extracted.

Results

In 14 finally included studies, the accuracy of diagnosis for hip fracture by AI was 79.3–98%, and the accuracy of fracture diagnosis in AI aided humans was 90.5–97.1. The accuracy of human fracture diagnosis was 77.5–93.5. AUC of fracture diagnosis by AI was 0.905–0.99. The accuracy of fracture classification by AI was 86–98.5 and AUC was 0.873–1.0. The forest plot represented that the mean AI diagnosis accuracy was 0.92, the mean AI diagnosis AUC was 0.969, the mean AI classification accuracy was 0.914, and the mean AI classification AUC was 0.933. Among the included studies, the architecture based on the GoogLeNet architectural model or the DenseNet architectural model was the most common with three each. Among the data input proportions, the study with the lowest training rate was 57%, and the study with the highest training rate was 95%. In 14 studies, 5 studies used Grad-CAM for highlight important regions.

Conclusion

We expected that our study may be helpful in making judgments about the use of AI in the diagnosis and classification of hip fractures. It is clear that AI is a tool that can help medical staff reduce the time and effort required for hip fracture diagnosis with high accuracy. Further studies are needed to determine what effect this causes in actual clinical situations.
A comparative study on efficacies of posterior microscopic mini-open and open technique for thoracolumbar burst fractures with severe traumatic spinal stenosis
Authors: Zhang Bin , Zhou Yanna , Zou Hua , Lu Zimo , Wang Xin , Ao Jun
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study compares the efficacies of minimally invasive decompression by posterior microscopic mini-open technique combined with percutaneous pedicle fixation (hereafter MOT) to traditional open surgery in patients with severe traumatic spinal canal stenosis resulting from Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) type A3 or A4 thoracolumbar burst fractures and provides references for clinical treatment.

Methods

In total, 133 patients with severe traumatic spinal canal stenosis caused by AO type A3 or A4 thoracolumbar burst fractures who underwent MOT (group A) or traditional open surgery (group B) were retrospectively enrolled. The demographic and radiological data of the two groups were analyzed and compared.

Results

A total of 64 patients were finally recruited in this study. There were no significant differences in gender, age, follow-up time, injury mechanism, injury level, AO classification, American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and duration of hospital stay between the two groups (P > 0.05). After the procedures, the prevertebral height ratio (PHR), the Cobb angle, and the mid-sagittal canal diameter compression ratio (MSDCR) were significantly improved (P < 0.05) in both groups. However, group A demonstrated less intraoperative bleeding and a greater VAS score improvement postoperatively and at the last follow-up but involved a longer operation time (P < 0.05). The PHR and the Cobb angle in the two groups showed no significant difference postoperatively and at the last follow-up (P > 0.05). In contrast, a significant improvement in MSDCR was observed at the last follow-up when compared with the postoperative value (P < 0.05). However, the Cobb angle in group A was better maintained than in group B at the last follow-up (P < 0.05), while the MSDCR in group B demonstrated a greater improvement at the last follow-up than in group A (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Both the MOT and traditional open surgery are effective treatment options for AO type A3 and A4 thoracolumbar burst fractures with severe traumatic spinal stenosis. The advantages of MOT include the minimally invasive procedure, extremely fine spinal canal decompression, less intraoperative bleeding, and significant pain relief. We suggest that MOT should be preferentially performed for AO type A3 or A4 thoracolumbar burst fractures with severe traumatic spinal stenosis.
Expression of Synj2bp in mouse liver regulates the extent of wrappER-mitochondria contact to maintain hepatic lipid homeostasis
Authors: Ilacqua Nicolò , Anastasia Irene , Aloshyn Danylo , Ghandehari-Alavijeh Rana , Peluso Emily Ann , Brearley-Sholto Madelaine C. , Pellegrini Leonardo V. , Raimondi Andrea , de Aguiar Vallim Thomas Q. , Pellegrini Luca
Published: December 2022

Background

In mouse liver hepatocytes, nearly half of the surface area of every mitochondrion is covered by wrappER, a wrapping-type of ER that is rich in fatty acids and synthesizes lipoproteins (VLDL) (Anastasia et al. in Cell Rep 34:108873, 2021; Hurtley in Science (80- ) 372:142–143, 2021; Ilacqua et al. in J Cell Sci 135:1–11, 2021). A disruption of the ultrastructure of the wrappER-mitochondria contact results in altered fatty acid flux, leading to hepatic dyslipidemia (Anastasia et al. 2021). The molecular mechanism that regulates the extent of wrappER-mitochondria contacts is unknown.

Methods

We evaluated the expression level of the mitochondrial protein Synj2bp in the liver of normal and obese (ob/ob) mice. In addition, we silenced its expression in the liver using an AAV8 vector. We coupled quantitative EM morphometric analysis to proteomics and lipid analyses on these livers.

Results

The expression level of Synj2bp in the liver positively correlates with the extent of wrappER-mitochondria contacts. A 50% reduction in wrappER-mitochondria contacts causes hepatic dyslipidemia, characterized by a gross accumulation of lipid droplets in the liver, an increased hepatic secretion of VLDL and triglycerides, a curtailed ApoE expression, and an increased capacity of mitochondrial fatty acid respiration.

Conclusion

Synj2bp regulates the extent of wrappER-mitochondria contacts in the liver, thus contributing to the control of hepatic lipid flux.
Lactobacillus reuteri improves the development and maturation of fecal microbiota in piglets through mother-to-infant microbe and metabolite vertical transmission
Authors: Wang Gang , Wang Xinyu , Ma Yonghang , Cai Shuang , Yang Lijie , Fan Yuxin , Zeng Xiangfang , Qiao Shiyan
Published: December 2022

Background

The immature neonatal fecal microbiota substantially impacts the development of gut health and greatly increases the risk of disease. Developing effective strategies to modulate the development of neonatal fecal microbiota has great significance. Herein, we investigated whether the maternal dietary supplementation and oral administration of Lactobacillus reuteri could effectively promote the development and maturation of the fecal microbiome in piglets from birth to weaning.

Results

Metagenomic analysis of colostrum showed that maternal dietary L. reuteri supplementation influenced the overall microbiota composition, decreased the abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria and increased that of the species Bifidobacterium choerinum. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that maternal L. reuteri supplementation enriched the lysine biosynthesis and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways and downregulated the bacterial invasion of epithelial cells in the colostrum. In addition, L. reuteri supplementation significantly altered the metabolite features and modules in umbilical cord blood serum based on metabolomics. Further, a significant covariation was observed between these differential metabolites and the species in colostrum. Maternal dietary L. reuteri supplementation also significantly influenced the microbiota composition and increased the meconium abundance of beneficial bacteria (such as Romboutsia, Lactobacillus, Blautia, Butyricicoccus, and Ruminococcus), some of which were markedly associated with several differential metabolites in umbilical cord blood serum between two groups. Notably, both the maternal dietary supplementation and oral intake of L. reuteri had strong impacts on the overall microbial composition and maturation of fecal microbiota in piglets during early life, and these effects were dependent on the growth stage. Oral administration of L. reuteri promoted diarrhea resistance in neonates, while maternal supplementation of L. reuteri enhanced the abilities of antioxidants and decreased inflammation. Moreover, the administration of L. reuteri via both methods in combination improved the growth performances of piglets.

Conclusion

Overall, our data demonstrated that L. reuteri had the ability to modulate the composition of fecal microbiota in newborn piglets by influencing the microbial community and functional composition in the colostrum and by altering several key metabolites in the umbilical cord blood serum. Also, both the maternal dietary supplementation and oral administration of L. reuteri effectively promoted the development and maturation of the fecal microbiome in piglets during early life. Both the maternal dietary supplementation and oral administration of L. reuteri in combination optimized the growth performances of piglets.