bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual empowerment and community norm effects of engaging young husbands in reproductive health in rural India: findings from a pilot study
Authors: Diamond-Smith Nadia , Vaishnav Yogesh , Choudhary Usha , Sharma Payal , Kachhwaha Ankur , Panjalingam Tamera , Vallin Janelli , Das Debangana , Gopalakrishnan Lakshmi
Published: October 2024

Background

Despite decades of a call to action to engage men in reproductive health, men are often left out of programs and interventions. In India, where half of pregnancies are reported as unintended, patriarchal gender norms and still dominant patterns of arranged marriages make engaging men in family planning and strengthening couples communication critical in increasing reproductive autonomy and helping young couples meet their reproductive goals. This study explores the feasibility and acceptability from the men’s perspective of the pilot of a gender transformative intervention for newly married couples in India.

Methods

A pilot study was conducted of TARANG, a 4 month intervention for newly married women, with light touch engagement of husbands (4 sessions). A total of 41 husbands participated in the pilot, and we collected baseline knowledge and endline feasibility and acceptability data from them, along with in depth qualitative interviews with 13 men. The study was conducted in June 2023-January 2024.

Results

Men had low levels of knowledge about biology, family planning, with the majority of men reporting that no one had provided them information about these topics. Most men wanted to delay the first birth by at least 2 years, yet less than a quarter had discussed childbearing plans with their partner or engaged in family planning methods. While all men reported high acceptability (satisfaction and usefulness), feasibility (participation) was low, with only 43% attending 2 or more sessions. Main barriers to participation included commitments due to work and migration. Men reported that the intervention led to improvements in their relationships with their wives, gave them a sense of empowerment, and led them to become resources for other men in their community.

Conclusions

Men in these rural communities are not receiving the information that they need to meet their reproductive goals, however, they greatly desire this information and ways to improve relationships with their new wives. Such an intervention appears to have the potential to help change norms and spread information in the community and provide men with positive, life affirming feelings. Providing information through technology could address barriers to in-person engagement.

Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov 

03/13/24.NCT06320964
Low cost and real-time surveillance of enteric infection and diarrhoeal disease using rapid diagnostic tests in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
Authors: Watson Samuel I. , Ul Alam Mohammed Atique , Rego Ryan T. T. , Lilford Richard J. , Barman Ashok Kumar , Alam Baharul , Faruque A. S. G. , Islam Md. Sirajul
Published: October 2024

Background

Real-time disease surveillance is an important component of infection control in at-risk populations. However, data on cases or from lab testing is often not available in many low-resource settings. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDT), including immunochromatographic assays, may provide a low cost, expedited source of infection data.

Methods

We conducted a pilot survey-based prevalence mapping study of enteric infection in Camp 24 of the camps for the forcibly displaced Rohingya population from Myanmar in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. We randomly sampled the population and collected and tested stool from under-fives for eight pathogens using RDTs in January–March 2021 and September–October 2021. A Bayesian geospatial statistical model allowing for imperfect sensitivity and specificity of the tests was adapted.

Results

We collected and tested 396 and 181 stools in the two data collection rounds. Corrected prevalence estimates ranged from 0.5% (Norovirus) to 27.4% (Giardia). Prevalence of Escherichia coli O157, Campylobacter, and Cryptosporidium were predicted to be higher in the high density area of the camp with relatively high probability (70–95%), while Adenovirus, Norovirus, and Rotavirus were lower in the areas with high water chlorination. Clustering of cases of Giardia and Shigella was also observed, although associated with relatively high uncertainty.

Conclusions

With an appropriate correction for diagnostic performance RDTs can be used to generate reliable prevalence estimates, maps, and well-calibrated uncertainty estimates at a significantly lower cost than lab-based studies, providing a useful approach for disease surveillance in these settings.
Predictors of treatment outcome in higher levels of care among a large sample of adolescents with heterogeneous eating disorders
Authors: Reilly Erin E. , Gorrell Sasha , Duffy Alan , Blalock Dan V. , Mehler Philip , Brandt Harry , McClanahan Susan , Zucker Kianna , Lynch Naomi , Singh Simar , Drury Catherine R. , Le Grange Daniel , Rienecke Renee D.
Published: October 2024

Background

Despite widespread use of higher levels of care in treating eating disorders in adolescents, research supporting the use of these treatments remains limited by small sample sizes and a predominant focus on anorexia nervosa. Further, existing data regarding predictors of outcome have yielded mixed findings. In the current study, we evaluated treatment outcomes and predictors of outcome among a large sample of adolescents with eating disorders presenting to inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization programs, and intensive outpatient programs across the United States.

Methods

Adolescents (N = 1,971) completed self-report measures of eating disorder symptoms, depression, and anxiety at treatment admission, stepdown, and discharge. Using linear mixed effect models, we evaluated changes in symptoms over treatment separately among youth admitted to inpatient/residential treatment and those admitted to partial hospitalization/intensive outpatient programs, and used established metrics to gauge frequency of reliable (i.e., statistically reliable) and clinically significant change.

Results

Results suggested decreases in eating disorder symptoms, depression, and anxiety from intake to discharge. Around 50% of the sample reported reliable decreases in eating disorder symptoms at stepdown and discharge, with 30% of the sample reporting reliable reductions in depression and anxiety. Psychiatric comorbidity, primary diagnosis, age, and eating disorder symptoms at admission consistently predicted treatment-related change, although patterns in findings varied across symptoms.

Conclusions

Data from our sample are consistent with past work suggesting that adolescents enrolled in higher levels of care report clinical benefit; however, these effects are heterogenous, and a significant portion of individuals may not report reliable change in symptoms. Ultimately, ongoing work is required to better understand how and for whom higher levels of care may achieve their benefit and to identify the optimal approach for improving outcomes for adolescents with eating disorders.
Effective capture of As(V) from water by a facile one step hydrothermal synthesized of 2-D bismuthene quantum dots nanosorbent
Authors: Hassan Saad S. M. , Mahmoud Mohamed E. , Tharwat Rana M. , Abdelfattah Amir M.
Published: October 2024

Arsenic species have been known for their toxic impact on human. Therefore, removal of such pollutant requires efficient and effective removal methodology from polluted water. In this study, bismuthene quantum dots (Bi-ene-QDs) were fabricated by a green and facile one pot-hydrothermal conversion reaction of Bi(NO3)3·5H2O. Bi-ene-QDs exhibited semi-spherical crystalline providing 6.0 nm 157.78 m2/g. Consequently, As(V) capturing by Bi-ene-QDs revealed optimum practical conditions at pH 3, interaction duration time 40 min and 10 mg Bi-ene-QDs dosage. The interaction of As(V) ions with Bi-ene-QDs were confirmed by the appearance of As-O stretching vibration. Moreover, Bi-ene-QDs achieved excellent adsorptive capture percentages of Arsenic ions from sea, tap and wastewater providing 94.61, 95.21 and 94.38% from contaminated samples with 5 mg L−1 Arsenic ions. Therefore, Bi-ene-QDs can be categorized as an unprecedented and efficient nanosorbent for the successful removal of Arsenic ions pollution from various wastewater matrices with > 90.0% efficiency.
Leukocytosis and thrombocytosis after splenectomy: expected finding, infection, or something else: a case report
Authors: Gonzalez Nicolas , Nahmias Jeffry , Lee Lisa X. , Dolich Matthew , Lekawa Michael , Kong Allen , Grigorian Areg
Published: October 2024

Background

Leukocytosis and thrombocytosis often follow splenectomy in blunt trauma patients, complicating the postoperative identification of infection. While the platelet count to white blood cell ratio provides diagnostic assistance to discern between expected laboratory alterations and infection, diagnoses such as leukemia are often overlooked.

Case presentation

A 53-year-old Hispanic male presented with abdominal pain, nausea, tachycardia, and focal peritonitis 4 days after being assaulted and struck multiple times in the abdomen. Initial white blood cell count was 38.4 × 109/L, platelet count was 691 × 109/L, and lipase was 55 U/L. Computed tomography abdomen/pelvis demonstrated a hematoma encasing the distal pancreas and abutting the stomach and colon. Emergent laparotomy revealed a nearly transected pancreas and devascularized colon, necessitating a distal pancreatectomy, splenectomy, and colonic resection with primary anastomosis. Postoperatively, he had a persistently elevated leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, segmented neutrophils, eosinophilia, and basophilia (peak at 70, 2293, 64, 1.1, and 1.2 × 109/L, respectively). Despite sepsis workup, including repeat computed tomography, no source was identified. Hematology/oncology was consulted for concern for hematologic etiology, with genetic testing and bone marrow biopsy performed. The diagnosis of breakpoint cluster–Abelson gene-positive chronic myeloid leukemia was made based on genetic tests, including polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis, which confirmed the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome. Bone marrow biopsy suggested a chronic phase. The patient was treated with hydroxyurea and transitioned to imatinib.

Conclusions

Thrombocytosis following splenectomy is a common complication and a plate count to white blood cell count ratio  < 20 indicates infectious etiology. A significantly elevated white blood cell count (> 50 × 109/L) and thrombocytosis (> 2000 × 109/L) may suggest something more ominous, including chronic myeloid leukemia , particularly when elevated granulocyte counts are present. Chronic myeloid leukemia workup includes peripheral smear, bone marrow aspiration, and determination of Philadelphia chromosome. Post-splenectomy vaccines are still indicated within 14 days; however, the timing of immunization with cancer treatment must be considered. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are the first-line therapy and benefits of pretreatment with hydroxyurea for cytoreduction remain under investigation. Additionally, tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been associated with gastrointestinal perforation and impaired wound healing, necessitating heightened attention in patients with a new bowel anastomosis.
Local inconsistency detection using the Kullback–Leibler divergence measure
Authors: Spineli Loukia M.
Published: October 2024

Background

The standard approach to local inconsistency assessment typically relies on testing the conflict between the direct and indirect evidence in selected treatment comparisons. However, statistical tests for inconsistency have low power and are subject to misinterpreting a p-value above the significance threshold as evidence of consistency.

Methods

We propose a simple framework to interpret local inconsistency based on the average Kullback–Leibler divergence (KLD) from approximating the direct with the corresponding indirect estimate and vice versa. Our framework uses directly the mean and standard error (or posterior mean and standard deviation) of the direct and indirect estimates obtained from a local inconsistency method to calculate the average KLD measure for selected comparisons. The average KLD values are compared with a semi-objective threshold to judge the inconsistency as acceptably low or material. We exemplify our novel interpretation approach using three networks with multiple treatments and multi-arm studies.

Results

Almost all selected comparisons in the networks were not associated with statistically significant inconsistency at a significance level of 5%. The proposed interpretation framework indicated 14%, 66%, and 75% of the selected comparisons with an acceptably low inconsistency in the corresponding networks. Overall, information loss was more notable when approximating the posterior density of the indirect estimates with that of the direct estimates, attributed to indirect estimates being more imprecise.

Conclusions

Using the concept of information loss between two distributions alongside a semi-objectively defined threshold helped distinguish target comparisons with acceptably low inconsistency from those with material inconsistency when statistical tests for inconsistency were inconclusive.
Stability and boundedness of solutions to a certain third-order neutral integro-differential equation with constant delay
Authors: Mahmoud Ayman M.
Published: October 2024

In this work, we examine a third-order nonlinear neutral integro-differential equation with constant delay. By building a Lyapunov functional, we obtain some sufficient criteria that ensure the asymptotic stability and boundedness of solutions for an analyzed equation. We present two examples to demonstrate the applicability of our conclusions, which extend and improve several well-known results in the literature.
Unveiling lignocellulolytic potential: a genomic exploration of bacterial lineages within the termite gut
Authors: Salgado João Felipe M. , Hervé Vincent , Vera Manuel A. G. , Tokuda Gaku , Brune Andreas
Published: October 2024

Background

The microbial landscape within termite guts varies across termite families. The gut microbiota of lower termites (LT) is dominated by cellulolytic flagellates that sequester wood particles in their digestive vacuoles, whereas in the flagellate-free higher termites (HT), cellulolytic activity has been attributed to fiber-associated bacteria. However, little is known about the role of individual lineages in fiber digestion, particularly in LT.

Results

We investigated the lignocellulolytic potential of 2223 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) recovered from the gut metagenomes of 51 termite species. In the flagellate-dependent LT, cellulolytic enzymes are restricted to MAGs of Bacteroidota (Dysgonomonadaceae, Tannerellaceae, Bacteroidaceae, Azobacteroidaceae) and Spirochaetota (Breznakiellaceae) and reflect a specialization on cellodextrins, whereas their hemicellulolytic arsenal features activities on xylans and diverse heteropolymers. By contrast, the MAGs derived from flagellate-free HT possess a comprehensive arsenal of exo- and endoglucanases that resembles that of termite gut flagellates, underlining that Fibrobacterota and Spirochaetota occupy the cellulolytic niche that became vacant after the loss of the flagellates. Furthermore, we detected directly or indirectly oxygen-dependent enzymes that oxidize cellulose or modify lignin in MAGs of Pseudomonadota (Burkholderiales, Pseudomonadales) and Actinomycetota (Actinomycetales, Mycobacteriales), representing lineages located at the hindgut wall.

Conclusions

The results of this study refine our concept of symbiotic digestion of lignocellulose in termite guts, emphasizing the differential roles of specific bacterial lineages in both flagellate-dependent and flagellate-independent breakdown of cellulose and hemicelluloses, as well as a so far unappreciated role of oxygen in the depolymerization of plant fiber and lignin in the microoxic periphery during gut passage in HT.
Multimodal deep learning radiomics model for predicting postoperative progression in solid stage I non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kuang Qionglian , Feng Bao , Xu Kuncai , Chen Yehang , Chen Xiaojuan , Duan Xiaobei , Lei Xiaoyan , Chen Xiangmeng , Li Kunwei , Long Wansheng
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To explore the application value of a multimodal deep learning radiomics (MDLR) model in predicting the risk status of postoperative progression in solid stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Materials and Methods

A total of 459 patients with histologically confirmed solid stage I NSCLC who underwent surgical resection in our institution from January 2014 to September 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. At another medical center, 104 patients were reviewed as an external validation cohort according to the same criteria. A univariate analysis was conducted on the clinicopathological characteristics and subjective CT findings of the progression and non-progression groups. The clinicopathological characteristics and subjective CT findings that exhibited significant differences were used as input variables for the extreme learning machine (ELM) classifier to construct the clinical model. We used the transfer learning strategy to train the ResNet18 model, used the model to extract deep learning features from all CT images, and then used the ELM classifier to classify the deep learning features to obtain the deep learning signature (DLS). A MDLR model incorporating clinicopathological characteristics, subjective CT findings and DLS was constructed. The diagnostic efficiencies of the clinical model, DLS model and MDLR model were evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC).

Results

Univariate analysis indicated that size (p = 0.004), neuron-specific enolase (NSE) (p = 0.03), carbohydrate antigen 19 − 9 (CA199) (p = 0.003), and pathological stage (p = 0.027) were significantly associated with the progression of solid stage I NSCLC after surgery. Therefore, these clinical characteristics were incorporated into the clinical model to predict the risk of progression in postoperative solid-stage NSCLC patients. A total of 294 deep learning features with nonzero coefficients were selected. The DLS in the progressive group was (0.721 ± 0.371), which was higher than that in the nonprogressive group (0.113 ± 0.350) (p < 0.001). The combination of size、NSE、CA199、pathological stage and DLS demonstrated the superior performance in differentiating postoperative progression status. The AUC of the MDLR model was 0.885 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.842–0.927), higher than that of the clinical model (0.675 (95% CI: 0.599–0.752)) and DLS model (0.882 (95% CI: 0.835–0.929)). The DeLong test and decision in curve analysis revealed that the MDLR model was the most predictive and clinically useful model.

Conclusion

MDLR model is effective in predicting the risk of postoperative progression of solid stage I NSCLC, and it is helpful for the treatment and follow-up of solid stage I NSCLC patients.
Fabrication of PBAT/lignin composite foam materials with excellent foaming performance and mechanical properties via grafting esterification and twin-screw melting free radical polymerization
Authors: Xu Hongsen , Shaoyu Jingwen , Jin Junyang , Li Ming , Ji Lei , Zhuang Wei , Tang Chenglun , Chang Zhiwei , Ying Hanjie , Zhu Chenjie
Published: October 2024

As one of the mainstream biodegradable materials, poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) foams offer a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic foams, effectively reducing environmental pollution. However, the high cost and poor mechanical performance of PBAT foams impede their practical application. Herein, the glycidyl methacrylate-grafted biomass lignin (GML) was used to produce a PBAT/GML composite foam with good foaming performance and mechanical properties at high lignin-filling amounts by twin-screw melting free radical polymerization and supercritical CO2 foaming process. The compatibility of GML in the PBAT matrix was improved due to the formation of ester bonds in modified lignin, endowing the PBAT/GML (PGML) composite foam with exceptional foaming performance. Additionally, the mechanical properties of PGML composite foam were remarkably enhanced due to the introduction of the abundant aromatic structures of GML and the construction of a stable covalent crosslinking network. The compressive strengths and compression modulus of the PGML foam were improved by 2.53 times and 2.47 times, while its bending strength and bending modulus were improved by 1.27 times and 3.92 times compared to the neat PBAT. This research affords a new strategy for developing low-cost biodegradable biomass PBAT/lignin composite foam materials with good foaming performance and mechanical properties.

Graphical abstract
A genotypic and phenotypic analysis of four unrelated Chinese patients with Pitt–Hopkins syndrome
Authors: Jiang Dandan , Yang Chengqing , Hou Mei , Sun Dianrong , Jiang Danni , Chen Zongbo
Published: October 2024

Background

Pitt–Hopkins syndrome (PTHS) is a rare genetic condition caused by a mutation in the transcription Factor 4 (TCF4) gene and characterized by its unique clinical presentations. At present, there is an incomplete understanding of the possible TCF4 mutations and their downstream consequences, and no reliable treatment exists for patients with PTHS. Elucidating the variations in TCF4 occurring in PTHS could lead to new treatment ideas.

Case presentation

We described the clinical and genetic characteristics of four Chinese patients with PTHS. Genetic mutations related to central nervous system (CNS) disorders were identified via high-throughput sequencing. The patient’s mutations were subsequently confirmed with Sanger sequencing. Most patients had facial features typical of PTHS; however, Patient 2 demonstrated poor auricle shape. Each patient presented with differing levels of delayed development and intellectual impairment. The patients showed a splice site mutation in intron 15 of TCF4 (c.1452 + 3A > G), a frameshift mutation in exon 18 of TCF4 (c.1942delA), and two missense mutations in exon 19 of TCF4 (c. 2147C > T and c.2026A > G).

Conclusions

We discovered four new TCF4 mutations in Chinese children with PTHS. To our knowledge, the c.2026A > G and c.1942delA mutations have not yet been reported. The detection of these mutations can help accurately diagnose PTHS early, especially in patients whose clinical symptoms are not obvious. Exploring the genotype and phenotype of individuals with PTHS, will enrich our understanding and guide further research into the role of TCH4.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation: a double-edged sword in cancer development and therapy
Authors: Yu Zhen-wei , Zheng Min , Fan Hua-yang , Liang Xin-hua , Tang Ya-ling
Published: October 2024

It has long been widely acknowledged that ultraviolet (UV) light is an environment risk factor that can lead to cancer, particularly skin cancer. However, it is worth noting that UV radiation holds potential for cancer treatment as a relatively high-energy electromagnetic wave. With the help of nanomaterials, the role of UV radiation has caught increasing attention in cancer treatment. In this review, we briefly summarized types of UV-induced cancers, including malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma. Importantly, we discussed the primary mechanisms underlying UV carcinogenesis, including mutations by DNA damage, immunosuppression, inflammation and epigenetic alterations. Historically limited by its shallow penetration depth, the introduction of nanomaterials has dramatically transformed the utilization of UV light in cancer treatment. The direct effect of UV light itself generally leads to the suppression of cancer cell growth and the initiation of apoptosis and ferroptosis. It can also be utilized to activate photosensitizers for reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, sensitize radiotherapy and achieve controlled drug release. Finally, we comprehensively weigh the significant risks and limitations associated with the therapeutic use of UV radiation. And the contradictory effect of UV exposure in promoting and inhibiting tumor has been discussed. This review provides clues for potential clinical therapy as well as future study directions in the UV radiation field. The precise delivery and control of UV light or nanomaterials and the wavelength as well as dose effects of UV light are needed for a thorough understanding of UV radiation.
Access of Low-Resource Areas to ASCO Quality Initiatives: Initial Experience and Lessons Learned
Authors: Jazieh Abdul Rahman , Orem Jackson , Umanzor Gerardo , Tomkins Julia
Published: October 2024

With the aim of improving the quality of cancer care globally, ASCO began to offer its quality improvement programs to interested international oncology practices. In this manuscript, we describe the experiences with ASCO quality initiatives in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The experience acquired from different practices in Latin America and Africa was reviewed and various action steps were summarized. Encountered challenges and implemented solutions to mitigate these challenges were identified to list as lessons learned for oncology practices in LMICs or low-resource settings to use in their future quality improvement initiatives and providing a proactive approach for those practices considering starting quality improvement programs. Having programs tailored to LMICs may facilitate the participation of more practices and help them take advantage of these programs to enhance patient care. The preliminary data and learning are promising and demonstrate that participation in quality improvement activities can have a positive effect. Although this early experience is encouraging, each country and resource-limited practice will have its own unique challenges as highlighted in this article. Having more practices participate will further enhance the knowledge base, build experience in addressing challenges, and enable oncology patients to reap the benefits worldwide.
Outcomes After Brexucabtagene Autoleucel Administered as a Standard Therapy for Adults With Relapsed/Refractory B-Cell ALL
Authors: Roloff Gregory W. , Aldoss Ibrahim , Kopmar Noam E. , Lin Chenyu , Dekker Simone E. , Gupta Vishal K. , O'Connor Timothy E. , Jeyakumar Nikeshan , Muhsen Ibrahim N. , Valtis Yannis , Ahmed Naveed , Zhang Amy , Miller Katharine , Dykes Kaitlyn C. , Ahmed Mohamed , Chen Evan C. , Mercadal Santiago , Schwartz Marc , Tracy Sean I. , Dholaria Bhagirathbhai , Mukherjee Akash , Battiwalla Minoo , Logan Aaron C. , Ladha Abdullah , Guzowski Caitlin , Hoeg Rasmus T. , Hilal Talal , Moore Jozal , Connor Matthew P. , Hill LaQuisa C. , Tsai Stephanie B. , Sasine Joshua P. , Solh Melhem M. , Kota Vamsi K. , Koura Divya , Veeraputhiran Muthu , Leonard Jessica T. , Frey Noelle V. , Park Jae H. , Luskin Marlise R. , Bachanova Veronika , Galal Ahmed , Pullarkat Vinod , Stock Wendy , Cassaday Ryan D. , Shah Bijal D. , Faramand Rawan , Muffly Lori ,   on behalf of the ROCCA Consortium, Oliai Caspian , Yaghmour George , Sutherland Katherine , Zambrano Hector , Bradshaw Danielle , Kubiak Michal , Majhail Navneet , Mountjoy Luke , Malik Shahbaz A. , Mathews John , Shaughnessy Paul , Advani Anjali S. , Stefan Maryann , O'Dwyer Kristen M. , Lee Catherine J. , Blunk Betsy , Bishop Michael R.
Published: October 2024

PURPOSE

On the basis of the results of the ZUMA-3 trial, brexucabtagene autoleucel (brexu-cel), a CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, gained US Food and Drug Administration approval in October 2021 for adults with relapsed/refractory (R/R) B-cell ALL (B-ALL). We report outcomes of patients treated with brexu-cel as a standard therapy.

METHODS

We developed a collaboration across 31 US centers to study adults with B-ALL who received brexu-cel outside the context of a clinical trial. Data were collected retrospectively from October 2021 to October 2023. Toxicities were graded per American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy guidelines for cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS).

RESULTS

At the time of data lock, 204 patients had undergone apheresis and 189 were infused. Median follow-up time was 11.4 months. Forty-two percent of patients received brexu-cel in morphologic remission and would have been ineligible for participation in ZUMA-3. After brexu-cel, 151 achieved complete remission (CR), of which 79% were measurable residual disease (MRD) negative remissions. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 9.5 months and median overall survival was not reached. Grade 3-4 CRS or ICANS occurred in 11% and 31%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, patients receiving consolidative hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT; hazard ratio, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.14 to 0.85]) after brexu-cel had superior PFS compared with those who did not receive any consolidation or maintenance therapy.

CONCLUSION

Similar to ZUMA-3, high rates of MRD-negative CR were observed after brexu-cel treatment for R/R B-ALL. The use of HCT as consolidation after brexu-cel resulted in improved PFS.
Distinct roles of COMPASS subunits to Drosophila heart development
Authors: Zhu Jun-yi , van de Leemput Joyce , Han Zhe
Published: October 2024

The multiprotein complexes known as the complex of proteins associated with Set1 (COMPASS) play a crucial role in the methylation of histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4). In Drosophila, the COMPASS series complexes comprise core subunits Set1, Trx, and Trr, which share several common subunits such as ash2, Dpy30-L1, Rbbp5, and wds, alongside their unique subunits: Wdr82 for Set1/COMPASS, Mnn1 for Trx/COMPASS-like, and Ptip for Trr/COMPASS-like. Our research has shown that flies deficient in any of these common or unique subunits exhibited high lethality at eclosion (the emergence of adult flies from their pupal cases) and significantly shortened lifespans of the few adults that do emerge. Silencing these common or unique subunits led to severe heart morphological and functional defects. Moreover, specifically silencing the unique subunits of the COMPASS series complexes, Wdr82, Mnn1, and Ptip, in the heart results in decreased levels of H3K4 monomethylation and dimethylation, consistent with effects observed from silencing the core subunits Set1, Trx, and Trr. These findings underscore the critical roles of each subunit of the COMPASS series complexes in regulating histone methylation during heart development and provide valuable insights into their potential involvement in congenital heart diseases, thereby informing ongoing research in heart disease.
Therapeutic effect of Micro-Implant Anchorage in orthodontics
Authors: Shi Yarong , Mi Lei , Liu Jie , Liu Xiaoyao , Hao Yanan
Published: October 2024

Objective: Micro implant anchorage (MIA), as a new orthodontic treatment technique, has the characteristics of simple operation, light trauma, and high stability, and has been widely used in clinical practice. This study compared the therapeutic effects of MIA and the traditional straight wire appliance (SWA) in orthodontic practice.
Methods: Clinical data of 119 patients who underwent orthodontic treatment in Yulin First Hospital from January 2022 to January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the treatment records, 61 patients received MIA orthodontic treatment (MIA group), and 58 patients received traditional straight wire appliance (SWA) orthodontic treatment (SWA group). Treatment effect, periodontal index, and levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG), interleukin-6 (IL6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) of the two groups were compared.
Results: The total efficacy of MIA group was significantly higher than that of SWA group (P<0.05). After the treatment, bleeding index (BI), plaque index (PLI), probing depth (PD) and looseness in the MIA group were significantly lower than those in the SWA group (P<0.05). After the treatment, levels of OPG were significantly higher, while IL6 and hsCRP levels were significantly lower in the MIA compared to the SWA group (P<0.05). MIA was associated with significantly lower complication rate compared to the SWA (P<0.05).
Conclusions: Compared with SWA, MIA is associated with better orthodontic effect. This mode of treatment can increase OPG levels, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of complications.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.10442
How to cite this: Shi Y, Mi L, Liu J, Liu X, Hao Y. Therapeutic effect of Micro-Implant Anchorage in orthodontics. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(10):2293-2298. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.10442
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Clinical whole Exome Sequencing Reveals Novel Homozygous Missense Variant in the PMPCA Gene causing Autosomal Recessive Spinocerebellar Ataxia
Authors: Hala Abubaker Bagabir  , Angham Abdulrhman Abdulkareem  , Osama Yousef Muthaffar  , Bader H. Shirah  , Naseer Muhammad Imran
Published: October 2024

Background & Objective: Autosomal recessive cerebellar ataxias (ARCA) are rare heterogenous neurodegenerative disorders characterized by degeneration of the cerebellum and spinal cord with an early onset before the age of 20 years. PMPCA (MIM: 613036), is a key enzyme in mitochondrial protein processing which is critical for cell survival and growth. Our objective was to investigate Peptidase, Mitochondrial Processing Subunit Alpha (PMPCA) mutations linked with Spinocerebellar ataxia, autosomal recessive 2 (SCAR2).
Method: In the current study, Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) was done followed by Sanger sequencing for the validation of the WES results.
Results: WES results identified a novel homozygous variant, NM_015160.2: c.802C>T p.(Arg268Trp) in PMPCA gene. Mutation in this gene leads to progressive cerebellar ataxia with fine motor skills difficulties, intentional tremors, slow slurred speech and learning difficulties in a 12-year-old Saudi patient. WES results were further validated by Sanger sequencing technique.
Conclusions: Identified phenotype in our case was similar as previously described for SCAR2 related conditions. To our knowledge, this is the first reported mutation in PMPCA gene leading to SCAR2 in Saudi Arabia. These findings will enrich the scarce literature, further provide a new insight on the role of PMPCA gene-related disorders leading to SCAR2 and expand the disease concept. In addition, this will help to establish a database for the disease and its causative factors will further help in controlling diseases resulting from consanguinity in Saudi population.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.10474
How to cite this: Bagabir HA, Abdulkareem AA, Muthaffar OY, Shirah BH, Naseer MI. Clinical whole Exome Sequencing Reveals Novel Homozygous Missense Variant in the PMPCA Gene causing Autosomal Recessive Spinocerebellar Ataxia. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(10):2243-2250.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.10474
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Reliability and validity test of the Chinese version of the spiritual care-giving scale in nursing undergraduates and its application
Authors: Huang Ying , Lv Dan , Wang Tao , Zhang Haoran , Zhang Lei
Published: October 2024

Objective: To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese Version of the Spiritual Care-giving Scale (C-SCGS) in nursing undergraduates and its application.
Methods: This was a retrospective study. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 262 senior nursing undergraduates from Chengde Medical University, China from May to June, 2023 through convenience sampling method. The C-SCGS and the general demographic data table were employed to investigate the subjects.
Results: The C-SCGS retained 34 items, and four common factors were extracted by exploratory factor analysis, with a cumulative contribution rate of 65.15%. The I-CVI value of the scale was 0.88-1.0, and the S-CVI/Ave value was 0.94. The Cronbach’s α coefficient of the total scale was 0.957, that of each dimension ranged from 0.850 to 0.944, with a split-half coefficient of 0.887.
Conclusion: The C-SCGS may be used to evaluate the spiritual cognition of Chinese nursing undergraduates by virtue of its good reliability and validity.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.9021
How to cite this: Huang Y, Lv D, Wang T, Zhang H, Zhang L. Reliability and validity test of the Chinese version of the spiritual care-giving scale in nursing undergraduates and its application. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(10):2313-2318. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.9021
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Frequency of adverse perinatal outcomes in patients with pregnancy related acute renal (kidney) injury in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Noor Mohammad  , Qudsia Qazi  , Nazia Liaqat
Published: October 2024

Background & Objective: Pregnancy related acute kidney injury (Pr-AKI) is coupled with adverse feto-maternal outcomes. Adverse perinatal outcome comprising of still births, intrauterine growth retardation, neonatal deaths are indicators of severity of underlying obstetrical conditions ending on Pr-AKI. These perinatal outcomes can also serve as potential predictors for long term outcomes of Pr-AKI. Our study aimed to determine frequencies of adverse perinatal outcomes and to evaluate adverse perinatal outcome as predictor for persistent renal injury in patients with pregnancy induced acute renal injury (Pr-AKI).
Method: A descriptive case series including 100 women with Pr-AKI, was conducted in a tertiary care hospital of Peshawar from 1st August 2021 to 31st July 2022. Included patients were followed for three months period, from their date of delivery. Adverse perinatal outcome included stillbirths, and early neonatal deaths.
Results: The mean age of study sample was 29.20±6.40. The pre dominant etiology for Pr-AKI was primary postpartum hemorrhage, occurring in 52% women. Still births were seen in 48% cases, while early neonatal deaths were seen in 7% cases. Adverse perinatal outcome had statistically significant association with persistent renal failure (p-0.01). Other factors having statistically significant association with persistent renal injury (PRF) were multiparity and cesarean births. (p<0.05) Association of adverse perinatal outcome with persistent renal injury persisted on multivariate logistic regression. a OR 6.14; CI 1.15-32.29, p-0.033.
Conclusion: Almost half of the cases with Pr-AKI have still births. Still birth in patients with Pr-AKI is associated with persistent renal injury at 12 weeks follow up period.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.9228
How to cite this: Mohammad N, Qazi Q, Liaqat N. Frequency of adverse perinatal outcomes in patients with pregnancy related acute renal (kidney) injury in a tertiary care hospital. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(10):2267-2270. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.10.9228
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
A child-centred intercultural approach to the socio-educational inclusion of migrant and refugee children
Authors: Bajo Marcos Eva , Fabretti Valeria , Ordóñez-Carabaño Ángela , Rodríguez-Ventosa Herrera Elena , Taviani Silvia
Published: October 2024

The increasing trend of child migration, whether forced or voluntary, poses a challenge to policies aimed at ensuring social cohesion and protecting children's rights. Inclusive educational environments play a crucial role in the integration of migrant and refugee children by promoting intercultural dialogue and participation. This study aims to explore the potential of a child-centred approach to the socio-educational inclusion of migrant and refugee children in Europe, proposing a framework of inclusive interculturalism to address the specific challenges these children face in educational settings. A narrative review was conducted, examining a wide range of peer-reviewed sources to synthesise current knowledge on child-centred education and its applicability to migrant and refugee children. The review identifies key challenges in adopting a child-centred approach, including socio-cultural, linguistic and psychological barriers that hinder migrant and refugee children's full participation in education. It highlights the importance of promoting agency, cultural competence and emotional well-being through inclusive and intercultural educational practices. Implementing a child-centred, inclusive intercultural approach can promote social cohesion and reduce inequalities by ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, have access to quality education and opportunities for personal development. However, more empirical research is needed to translate these theoretical frameworks into practical interventions.
The genome sequence of the acorn piercer, Pammene fasciana (Linnaeus, 1761)
Authors: Boyes Douglas ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective, Lewin Thomas ,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Pammene fasciana (acorn piercer; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Tortricidae). The genome sequence is 564 megabases in span. Most of the assembly (99.94%) is scaffolded into 28 chromosomal pseudomolecules with the Z sex chromosome assembled. The complete mitochondrial genome was also assembled and is 16.4 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 21,224 protein-coding genes.
The genome sequence of the common awl robberfly, Neoitamus cyanurus (Loew, 1849)
Authors: Crowley Liam M. , Akinmusola Ruth Y. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: October 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Neoitamus cyanurus (the common awl robberfly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Asilidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 365.5 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 10 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.63 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 12,046 protein-coding genes.
A study to determine a capillary alternative to the gold standard oral glucose tolerance test - Protocol
Authors: Swaby Rabbi , Scudder Claire , Randell Tabitha , Marcovecchio M. Loredana , Gillespie Kathleen , Liu Yuk-Fun , Todd John A , Dunseath Gareth , Luzio Steve , Dayan Colin , Besser Rachel E J
Published: October 2024

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic condition caused by the immune destruction of the pancreatic beta cells. T1D has recognised asymptomatic pre-clinical stages, providing an opportunity for early diagnosis, education and treatment which may delay the onset of symptoms. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is the gold standard method to stage and monitor early-stage T1D, which can be poorly tolerated and may contribute to marked loss to follow-up. Our study aims to test the accuracy, feasibility, and acceptability of a capillary alternative (‘GTT@home’ test kit) to the gold standard OGTT. We will invite 45 children and young people (CYP) across the spectrum of glycaemia with or without diabetes, from established research platforms or clinical care, to have a standard 2-hour OGTT, with capillary samples collected alongside their venous samples, at 0 and 120 minutes. A subgroup (n=20) will also have 60-minute capillary and venous samples collected. We will also invite 45 CYP from established research platforms, who are known to have two or more islet autoantibodies and are not on insulin, to undergo a capillary OGTT at home, using the GTT@home kit. We will assess the agreement of capillary and venous glucose and measure diagnostic accuracy by calculating the sensitivity and specificity of capillary measures at established diagnostic thresholds (fasting [5.6 mmol/L, 7.0 mmol/L], 60 minutes post glucose load [11.1 mmol/L] and 120 minutes post glucose load [7.8 mmol/L and 11.1 mmol/L]), using venous glucose as the gold standard. These studies will inform our understanding of whether the GTT@home device can be used in CYP in routine clinical care.
The genome sequence of Inga leiocalycina Benth.
Authors: Schley Rowan J. , Pennington R. Toby , Twyford Alex D. , Dexter Kyle G. , Kidner Catherine , Michael Todd P. ,   Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Genome Acquisition Lab,   Plant Genome Sizing collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective
Published: October 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual of Inga leiocalycina (Streptophyta; Magnoliopsida; Fabales; Fabaceae). The genome sequence has a total length of 948.00 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 13 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The assembled mitochondrial genome sequences have lengths of 1,019.42 and 98.74 kilobases, and the plastid genome assembly is 175.51 kb long. Gene annotation of the nuclear genome assembly on Ensembl identified 33,457 protein-coding genes.
The genome sequence of Inga oerstediana Benth.
Authors: Schley Rowan J. , Pennington R. Toby , Twyford Alex D. , Dexter Kyle G. , Kidner Catherine , Michael Todd P. ,   Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Genome Acquisition Lab,   Plant Genome Sizing collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective
Published: October 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual of Inga oerstediana (Streptophyta; Magnoliopsida; Fabales; Fabaceae). The genome sequence has a total length of 970.60 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 13 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genome assemblies have lengths of 1,166.81 and 175.18 kilobases, respectively. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 33,334 protein-coding genes.