bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of a preoperative nurse-led orientation program on postoperative delirium after cardiovascular surgery: a retrospective single-center observational study
Authors: Nakamura Ryo , Miyamoto Kyohei , Tsuji Kaori , Ozaki Kana , Kunimoto Hideki , Honda Kentaro , Nishimura Yoshiharu , Kato Seiya
Published: May 2023

Background

Postoperative delirium in intensive care is common and associated with mortality, cognitive impairment, prolonged hospital stays and high costs. We evaluate whether a nurse-led orientation program could reduce the incidence of delirium in the intensive care unit after cardiovascular surgery.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we enrolled patients admitted to the intensive care unit for planned cardiovascular surgery between January 2020 and December 2021. A nurse-led orientation program based on a preoperative visit was routinely introduced from January 2021. We assessed the association between these visits and postoperative delirium in the intensive care unit. We also assessed predictors of postoperative delirium with baseline and intraoperative characteristics.

Results

Among 253 patients with planned cardiovascular surgery, 128 (50.6%) received preoperative visits. Valve surgery comprised 44.7%, coronary surgery 31.6%, and aortic surgery 20.9%. Cardiopulmonary bypass use and transcatheter surgery were 60.5% and 12.3%, respectively. Incidence of delirium was lower in patients that received preoperative visits, and median hospital stay was shorter than in those without visits (18 patients [14.1%] vs 34 patients [27.2%], P < 0.01; 14 days vs 17 days, P < 0.01). After adjusting predefined confounders, preoperative visits were independently associated with decreased incidence of delirium (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.45; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.22–0.84). Other predictors of delirium were higher European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II score and lower minimum intraoperative cerebral oxygen saturation.

Conclusions

A preoperative nurse-led orientation program was associated with reduction of postoperative delirium and could be effective against postoperative delirium after cardiovascular surgery.

Trial registration UMIN Clinical Trial Registry no. UMIN000048142. Registered 22, July, 2022, retrospectively registered, https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000054862.
Rice developmental stages modulate rhizosphere bacteria and archaea co-occurrence and sensitivity to long-term inorganic fertilization in a West African Sahelian agro-ecosystem
Authors: Dondjou Donald Tchouomo , Diedhiou Abdala Gamby , Mbodj Daouda , Mofini Marie-Thérèse , Pignoly Sarah , Ndiaye Cheikh , Diedhiou Issa , Assigbetse Komi , Manneh Baboucarr , Laplaze Laurent , Kane Aboubacry
Published: May 2023

Background

Rhizosphere microbial communities are important components of the soil-plant continuum in paddy field ecosystems. These rhizosphere communities contribute to nutrient cycling and rice productivity. The use of fertilizers is a common agricultural practice in rice paddy fields. However, the long-term impact of the fertilizers usage on the rhizosphere microbial communities at different rice developmental stages remains poorly investigated. Here, we examined the effects of long-term (27 years) N and NPK-fertilization on bacterial and archaeal community inhabiting the rice rhizosphere at three developmental stages (tillering, panicle initiation and booting) in the Senegal River Delta.

Results

We found that the effect of long-term inorganic fertilization on rhizosphere microbial communities varied with the rice developmental stage, and between microbial communities in their response to N and NPK-fertilization. The microbial communities inhabiting the rice rhizosphere at panicle initiation appear to be more sensitive to long-term inorganic fertilization than those at tillering and booting stages. However, the effect of developmental stage on microbial sensitivity to long-term inorganic fertilization was more pronounced for bacterial than archaeal community. Furthermore, our data reveal dynamics of bacteria and archaea co-occurrence patterns in the rice rhizosphere, with differentiated bacterial and archaeal pivotal roles in the microbial inter-kingdom networks across developmental stages.

Conclusions

Our study brings new insights on rhizosphere bacteria and archaea co-occurrence and the long-term inorganic fertilization impact on these communities across developmental stages in field-grown rice. It would help in developing strategies for the successful manipulation of microbial communities to improve rice yields.
Digital implant placement accuracy: a clinical study on a fully-guided flapless single-unit immediate-loading protocol
Authors: Pirooz Parsa , Atri Faezeh , Gholami Paria , Bayat Mohammad
Published: May 2023

Aims

The primary aim of the present study was to measure the discrepancy between the virtual and the actual position of the single-unit implants placed via a digitally-designed fully-guided surgical template using a flapless surgical technique. Prefabricated provisional restorations and periodontal factors were evaluated after the immediate loading of implants and 3 months after the surgery, respectively.

Materials and methods

Fourteen implants in nine patients were virtually planned after importing intraoral scans and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) records into 3D planning software. Accordingly, fully-guided surgical templates, customized abutments, and provisional restorations were designed and fabricated. The implant position after the surgery was compared with its virtual counterpart in terms of angular and apical linear deviations. Implants were immediately loaded after the surgery, and the occlusal level of the delivered provisional restorations was compared with their designed positions. Early implant failure, bleeding on probing, and peri-implant pockets were documented on the 3-month follow-up.

Results

A mean angular deviation of 5.07 ± 2.06° and a mean apical linear deviation of 1.74 ± 0.63 mm resulted. Two out of 14 implants failed within the first 3 months of the surgery, and the occlusal level difference was calculated for nine prefabricated provisional restorations.

Conclusions

DIONAVI protocol has been evaluated regarding its accuracy, and an estimation of the expected deviation is presented to the clinicians using this protocol. However, before widespread use, immediate-loading protocols and provisional restorations must be studied further.

Trial registration

IRCT, IRCT20211208053334N1. Registered 6 August 2022.
Anesthetic management of a patient with an electroencephalogram phenotype for a “vulnerable brain”: a case report
Authors: Wakabayashi Ryo
Published: May 2023

Background

Low frontal alpha power is an electroencephalogram phenotype suggesting vulnerability to anesthetics. This phenotype for a “vulnerable brain” carries risks for burst suppression at lower-than-expected anesthetic concentrations and therefore for postoperative delirium.

Case presentation

A 73-year-old man underwent a laparoscopic Miles’ operation. He was monitored with a bispectral index monitor. Before the skin incision, the fraction of age-adjusted minimum alveolar concentration of desflurane was 0.48, and a spectrogram showed slow-delta oscillation despite a bispectral index value of 38–48. Although the fraction of age-adjusted minimum alveolar concentration of desflurane decreased to 0.33, the EEG signature remained unchanged, along with a similar bispectral index value. No burst suppression patterns were observed throughout the whole procedure, and he did not experience postoperative delirium.

Conclusions

This case suggests that monitoring of electroencephalogram signatures is helpful for detecting patients with a “vulnerable brain” and for providing optimal anesthetic depth in such patients.
Psychometric properties of the online Satisfaction with Life Scale in university students from a low-income region
Authors: de Almeida Cardoso Antonio Gibran , de Carvalho Millena Vaz , de Almeida Silva Maria Isabela Alves , Franco Alaiana Marinho , Quaresma Fernando Rodrigues Peixoto , Da Silva Maciel Erika , Nascimento-Ferreira Marcus Vinicius
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To test the feasibility, reliability, and validity of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) in an online format in university students from a low-income region.

Methods

This was a psychometric study, involving a study of reliability (n = 117) and validity (n = 195) in university students from a region with a Gini index of 0.56. The scale was applied at two time points with an interval of 2 weeks. This scale measures satisfaction with life based on five statements and responses ranging from 1 to 7 (strongly disagree to strongly agree). We conducted the reliability assessment using temporal stability and internal consistency and construct validity assessment by internal structure solution.

Results

All SWLS items showed acceptable (rho > 0.30) and significant (p < 0.05) temporal stability and acceptable internal consistency (alpha > 0.70). In construct validity (internal structure), we identified a factor with an explained variance of 59.0% in the exploratory factor analysis. Additionally, in the confirmatory factor analysis, we identified a one-factor structure solution for SWLS with an acceptable model fitting (chi-square/degrees of freedom [X2/df] = 6.53; Tucker–Lewis Index [TLI] = 0.991; Comparative Fit Index [CFI] = 0.996; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.040; standardized root mean-squared residual [SRMR] = 0.026).

Conclusion

The Satisfaction with Life Scale, in the online format, is a reliable and valid tool for university students in a low-income context.
Malaria vaccines: the 60-year journey of hope and final success—lessons learned and future prospects
Authors: El-Moamly Amal A. , El-Sweify Mohamed A.
Published: May 2023

Background

The world has made great strides towards beating malaria, although about half of the world population is still exposed to the risk of contracting malaria. Developing an effective malaria vaccine was a huge challenge for medical science. In 2021 the World Health Organization (WHO) approved the first malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01 vaccine (Mosquirix™), for widespread use.

Main abstract body

This review highlights the history of development, and the different approaches and types of malaria vaccines, and the literature to date. It covers the developmental stages of RTS,S/AS01 and recommends steps for its deployment. The review explores other potential vaccine candidates and their status, and suggests options for their further development. It also recommends future roles for vaccines in eradicating malaria. Questions remain on how RTS,S vaccine will work in widespread use and how it can best be utilized to benefit vulnerable communities.

Conclusion

Malaria vaccines have been in development for almost 60 years. The RTS,S/AS01 vaccine has now been approved, but cannot be a stand-alone solution. Development should continue on promising candidates such as R21, PfSPZ and P. vivax vaccines. Multi-component vaccines may be a useful addition to other malaria control techniques in achieving eradication of malaria.
Impact of health systems reform on COVID-19 control in Sierra Leone: a case study
Authors: Jones-Konneh Tracey Elizabeth Claire , Kaikai Angella Isata , Bah Ibrahim Borbor , Nonaka Daisuke , Takeuchi Rie , Kobayashi Jun
Published: May 2023

Background

There are various impacts of COVID-19 on health systems of the world. The health systems of low- and middle-income countries are less developed. Therefore, they have greater tendencies to experience challenges and vulnerabilities in COVID-19 control compared to high-income countries. It is important to contain the spread of the virus, and likewise strengthen the capacity of health systems in order for the response to be effective and swift. The experience from 2014 to 2016 Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone served as preparation for COVID-19 outbreak. The aim of this study is to determine how control of COVID-19 outbreak in Sierra Leone was enhanced by the lessons learned from 2014 to 2016 Ebola outbreak, and health systems reform.

Methods

We used data from a qualitative case study conducted in four districts in Sierra Leone through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, document, and archive record reviews. A total of 32 key informant interviews and 14 focus group discussions were conducted. A thematic analysis was used to analyze the data, and all transcripts were coded and analyzed with the aid of ATLAS.ti 9 software program.

Results

The six themes obtained were composed of categories that connect with each other and with codes to form networks. The analysis of the responses demonstrated that “Multisectoral Leadership and Cooperation”, “Government Collaboration among International Partners”, and “Awareness in the Community” were among the key interventions used during the control of 2014–2016 Ebola virus disease outbreak, which were applied in the control of COVID-19. An infectious disease outbreak control model was proposed based on the results obtained from the analysis of the lessons learned during the Ebola virus disease outbreak, and health systems reform.

Conclusions

“Multisectoral Leadership and Cooperation”, “Government Collaboration among International Partners” and “Awareness in the Community” are key strategies that enhanced the control of the COVID-19 outbreak in Sierra Leone. It is recommended that they are implemented in controlling COVID-19 pandemic or any other infectious disease outbreak. The proposed model can be used in controlling infectious disease outbreaks, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Further research is needed to validate the usefulness of these interventions in overcoming an infectious disease outbreak.
Structural equation model of coping and life satisfaction of community-dwelling older people during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lalani Nasreen , Dongjuan Xu , Cai Yun , Arling Greg W.
Published: May 2023

Background

COVID-19 put older individuals at high risk for morbidity and mortality, isolation, reduced coping, and lower satisfaction with life. Many older adults experienced social isolation, fear, and anxiety. We hypothesized that successful coping with these stressors would maintain or improve satisfaction with life, a crucial psychological outcome during the pandemic. Our study investigated relationships between older people’s coping and life satisfaction during the pandemic and their optimism, sense of mastery, closeness with spouse, family, and friends, and vulnerabilities from frailty, comorbid diseases, memory problems, and dependencies in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL).

Methods

The study was based on a special COVID-19 sample of 1351 community-dwelling older adults who participated in the 2020 Health and Retirement Survey. A comprehensive structural equation modeling was used to test direct and indirect effects, with life satisfaction as the main outcome and coping as a mediator between the other variables and coping.

Results

Most survey respondents were female and between the ages of 65–74 years. They averaged 1.7 chronic conditions, one in seven was frail, about one-third rated their memory as fair or poor, and about one in seven reported one or more difficulties in IADL. As hypothesized—older people with increased sense of mastery and optimism were better able to cope and had greater life satisfaction. In addition, close relationships with friends and with other family members besides the spouse/partner or children contributed to more successful coping, while the interpersonal closeness of all types contributed directly to greater life satisfaction. Finally, older people with more IADL limitations reported greater difficulty coping and lower life satisfaction, and those older people who were frail or had multiple comorbid diseases reported lower life satisfaction.

Conclusions

Optimism, sense of mastery and closeness with family/friends promotes coping and life satisfaction, whereas frailty and comorbidities make coping more challenging and lead to lower life satisfaction particularly during a pandemic. Our study improves on prior research because of its nationally representative sample and formal specification and testing of a comprehensive theoretical framework.
Concomitant prednisone may alleviate methotrexate side-effects in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: van der Leeuw Matthijs S. , Tekstra Janneke , van Laar Jacob M. , Welsing Paco M. J.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To evaluate whether addition of low-moderate dose prednisone to methotrexate (MTX) treatment can alleviate common MTX side-effects in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Methods

We performed a post-hoc analysis of the CAMERA-II trial which randomized (1:1) 236 early DMARD and prednisone naive RA patients to treatment with MTX + prednisone 10 mg daily, or MTX monotherapy during two years. MTX dose was increased using a treat-to-target approach. We used Generalized Estimating Equations to model the occurrence of common MTX side-effects and of any adverse event over time, controlling for disease activity and MTX dose over time and other possible predictors of adverse events. To assess whether a possible effect was prednisone-specific, we performed the same analysis in the U-ACT-EARLY trial, in which the addition of tocilizumab (TCZ) to MTX was compared to MTX monotherapy in a comparable setting.

Results

MTX side-effects were reported at 5.9% of visits in the prednisone-MTX group, compared to 11.2% in the MTX monotherapy group. After controlling for MTX dose and disease activity over time, treatment duration, age, sex, and baseline transaminase levels, addition of prednisone significantly decreased the occurrence of MTX side-effects (OR: 0.54, CI: 0.38–0.77, p = 0.001). Specifically, the occurrence of nausea (OR 0.46, CI: 0.26–0.83,  p = 0.009)) and elevated ALT/AST (OR 0.29, CI: 0.17–0.49, p  < 0.001) was decreased. There was a trend towards fewer overall adverse events in the prednisone-MTX arm (OR: 0.89, CI: 0.72–1.11, p = 0.30). No difference in MTX side-effects was found between TCZ-MTX and MTX monotherapy in U-ACT-EARLY (OR 1.05, CI: 0.61–1.80, p  = 0.87).

Conclusion

Addition of 10 mg prednisone daily to MTX treatment in RA patients may ameliorate MTX side-effects, specifically nausea and elevated ALT/AST.
Streaming through a case of SREAT
Authors: Das Debarup , Sanghai Rishav , Jana Koustav , Basu Kaushik , Ghosh Joydeep , Sarkar Anupam
Published: May 2023

Background

Hashimoto’s encephalopathy, also known as steroid responsive encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis (SREAT) is an autoimmune neuroendocrine disorder marked by impaired brain function. It is a diagnosis of exclusion with variable nature of presentation and no gold standard investigation of choice.

Case presentation

Here, we report a case of SREAT in a 26-year-old female who presented to our Emergency Department with altered sensorium and generalised tonic clonic seizures. After thorough clinical examination and initial resuscitation, a provisional diagnosis of neuroglycopenic injury or possible encephalitis was made. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were initiated. Routine investigations and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) study were inconclusive except for neutrophilic leucocytosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) depicted hyper-intense signal changes around bilateral hippocampus and thalamus. Serum anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) was strongly positive while other serum and CSF autoantibodies were within normal limits. A diagnosis of SREAT was made and she responded brilliantly to systemic corticosteroids. Incidentally, anti-SSA (anti-Ro) and anti-SSB (anti-La) were positive and a possible association between Sjogren’s syndrome and SREAT was insinuated.

Conclusion

There is a long list of differentials for SREAT and a proper diagnostic criteria must be followed to reach at a conclusion. It can be easily missed and remain underreported due to its overlapping nature and ambiguous presentation. Hence, clinicians must have high index of suspicion for the disease and optimal therapy should be initiated early to improve the long term mortality.
Identification of two Iranian siblings with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis: a case report
Authors: Beyzaei Zahra , Moravej Hossein , Imanieh Mohammad Hadi , Inaloo Sorour , Geramizadeh Bita
Published: May 2023

Background

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare autosomal recessive lipid storage disorder that leads to multisystem involvement. It is caused by mutations in the CYP27A1 gene which encodes the mitochondrial enzyme sterol 27-hydroxylase.

Case presentation

Herein we describe two affected CTX siblings with symptoms including seizures, severe diarrhea (steatorrhea), vomiting, and developmental motor delay, which was initially misdiagnosed as Short-Chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (SCAD) deficiency. However, to identify the possible genetic cause(s) of the disease, whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed. It was confirmed that these patients carried a nonsense variant (c.808C > T; p.Arg270Ter) of the CYP27A1 gene. The variant in the CYP27A1 gene was classified as pathogenic.

Conclusion

We report rare cases of CTX with a novel mutation and summarize the clinical and molecular pathogenesis of this disease. Genetic analysis should be used as the conclusive method for CTX diagnosis because of the multisystem involvement and the lack of specific symptoms. The variant in these patients expands the molecular and phenotypic basis of a variant in CTX.
Genetic testing and family screening in idiopathic pediatric cardiomyopathy: a prospective observational study from a tertiary care center in North India
Authors: Bhatt Dheeraj D. , Mathews Susi , Ahuja Vanshika , Shamim Uzma , Uppilli Bharathram , Bari Shreya , Kumar Dinesh , Mohammed Faruq
Published: May 2023

Introduction

There are limited data on family screening and genetic testing in pediatric cardiomyopathy from India. This study was conducted to describe the morphologic spectrum and identify potential familial and genetic causes of pediatric cardiomyopathies in this region.

Methods

From April 2018 to May 2020, all children from birth to 18 years of age with cardiomyopathy visiting a tertiary care hospital in North India were enrolled in this study. First-degree relatives of index patients were offered screening for cardiomyopathy; 260 clinically reported pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in 17 genes were analyzed by a rapid genotyping method. Additionally, a subset of patients also underwent whole-exome sequencing.

Results

Of the 20 patients enrolled in this study (median age 42 months), 18 were clinically diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. We observed a 44.4% mortality rate after a median follow-up of 15 months. 61.3% of the eligible first-degree relatives underwent screening, and one patient was identified to have familial cardiomyopathy. Multi-panel gene testing was performed on 18 patients, and none were found to have a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant; 9 patients also underwent whole-exome sequencing, and pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants were identified in 50% (4/8) of them.

Conclusion

Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common morphologic form of pediatric cardiomyopathy in India and has a high mortality rate. The prevalence of familial cardiomyopathy was low in this study. Future studies should evaluate the role of whole-exome sequencing in identifying genetic causes of cardiomyopathy in children.
mTOR signaling and endometrial receptivity in infertile women with intramural uterine leiomyomas
Authors: Makker Annu , Goel Madhu Mati , Nigam Dipti , Makker Isha , Pandey Amita
Published: May 2023

Background

Receptive endometrium is a restraining factor in the establishment of pregnancy in several estrogen-dependent gynecological disorders including uterine leiomyomas. Recently, data are beginning to accrue suggesting negative impact of non-cavity distorting intramural fibroids on molecular mediators of endometrial receptivity. The potential importance of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway has been suggested during embryo implantation. However, its exact role in fibroid-associated endometrium during the window of implantation is poorly defined. The objective of the study was to examine the expression and cellular distribution of key components of the mTOR signaling pathway during window of implantation in infertile women with non-cavity distorting intramural uterine leiomyomas (n = 24) as compared to fertile controls (n = 17). Relative gene expression analysis of mTOR, TSC1, and TSC2 was performed by real-time PCR. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of mTOR, phospho-mTOR (Serine 2448), TSC1, TSC2, phospho-TSC2 (Threonine 1462), and phospho-S6 ribosomal protein (Serines 235 and 236) and Ki67.

Results

In comparison to fertile controls, statistically significant upregulation of mTOR (8.97-fold; p < 0.001) and downregulation of TSC2 mRNA (− 6.01-fold; p < 0.01) levels and cell-specific upregulation of proteins phospho-mTOR, phospho-TSC2, and phospho-S6 and downregulation of TSC1 and TSC2 were observed in infertile women. The ratio of p-mTOR/mTOR and p-TSC2/TSC2 was significantly higher in infertile women. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed significant negative correlation between p-mTOR and TSC2 and positive correlation between p-mTOR and p-S6 in the infertile group. Increased Ki67 labelling index was observed in the glandular epithelium (GE) and stroma of endometrium from infertile women as compared to controls.

Conclusions

Loss of TSC2 function and enhanced expression of activated mTOR and its downstream targets, observed in the infertile group, indicate heightened mTOR signaling which might contribute to impaired endometrial receptivity. Increased number of Ki67-positive nuclei suggests that enhanced mTOR signaling may help drive dysregulated proliferation of midsecretory endometrium leading to compromised fertility in women with non-cavity distorting intramural uterine leiomyomas. The present findings provide avenues for future investigation of mTOR pathway as a nonsurgical alternative for treatment of infertility in these patients.
Health trajectories of international humanitarian aid workers: growth mixture modelling findings from a prospective cohort study
Authors: de Jong Kaz , Martinmäki Saara. E. , te Brake Hans , Komproe Ivan , Kleber Rolf J. , Haagen Joris F. G.
Published: May 2023

Background

Most staff stay healthy during humanitarian work, although some worsen. Mean scores on health indicators may be masking individual participants struggling with health issues.

Aims

To investigate different field assignment-related health trajectories among international humanitarian aid workers (iHAWs) and explore the mechanisms used to stay healthy.

Method

Growth mixture modelling analyses for five health indicators using pre-/post-assignment and follow-up data.

Results

Among 609 iHAWs three trajectories (profiles) were found for emotional exhaustion, work engagement, anxiety and depression. For post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, four trajectories were identified. The ‘healthy/normative’ trajectory had the largest sample size for all health indicators (73–86%). A stable (moderate) ‘ill health’ trajectory was identified for all health indicators (7–17%), except anxiety. An ‘improving’ trajectory was found for PTSD and anxiety symptoms (5–14%). A minority of staff (4–15%) worsened on all health indicators. Deterioration continued for PTSD, depressive symptoms and work engagement 2 months post-assignment. A strong sense of coherence was associated with higher odds of belonging to the ‘healthy’ trajectory. Female biological sex was associated with higher odds of belonging to the ‘worsening’ depression and anxiety trajectories. Extended duration of field assignment was related to higher odds of belonging to the ‘worsening’ depressive symptoms trajectory.

Conclusions

Most iHAWs stayed healthy during their assignment; a stable ‘ill health’ trajectory was identified for most health indicators. Sense of coherence is an important mechanism for understanding the health of all iHAWs in the different health trajectories, including the ‘healthy’ profile. These findings give new possibilities to develop activities to prevent worsening health and help strengthen iHAWs’ ability to remain healthy under stress.
Negative symptoms in children and adolescents with early-onset psychosis and at clinical high-risk for psychosis: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Salazar de Pablo Gonzalo , Catalan Ana , Vaquerizo Serrano Julio , Pedruzo Borja , Alameda Luis , Sandroni Veronica , Armendariz Alvaro , Rodriguez Victoria , Arango Celso , Moreno Carmen , Downs Johnny , Abbott Chris , Shin Jae Il , Solmi Marco , Fusar-Poli Paolo , Correll Christoph U.
Published: May 2023

Background

Early-onset psychosis (EOP) refers to the development of a first episode of psychosis before 18 years of age. Individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P) include adolescents and young adults, although most evidence has focused on adults. Negative symptoms are important prognostic indicators in psychosis. However, research focusing on children and adolescents is limited.

Aims

To provide meta-analytical evidence and a comprehensive review of the status and advances in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of negative symptoms in children and adolescents with EOP and at CHR-P.

Method

PRISMA/MOOSE-compliant systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42022360925) from inception to 18 August 2022, in any language, to identify individual studies conducted in EOP/CHR-P children and adolescents (mean age <18 years) providing findings on negative symptoms. Findings were systematically appraised. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed on the prevalence of negative symptoms, carrying out sensitivity analyses, heterogeneity analyses, publication bias assessment and quality assessment using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale.

Results

Of 3289 articles, 133 were included (n = 6776 EOP, mean age 15.3 years (s.d. = 1.6), males = 56.1%; n = 2138 CHR-P, mean age 16.1 years (s.d. = 1.0), males = 48.6%). There were negative symptoms in 60.8% (95% CI 46.4%–75.2%) of the children and adolescents with EOP and 79.6% (95% CI 66.3–92.9%) of those at CHR-P. Prevalence and severity of negative symptoms were associated with poor clinical, functional and intervention outcomes in both groups. Different interventions were piloted, with variable results requiring further replication.

Conclusions

Negative symptoms are common in children and adolescents at early stages of psychosis, particularly in those at CHR-P, and are associated with poor outcomes. Future intervention research is required so that evidence-based treatments will become available.
Philadelphia-Like Genetic Rearrangements in Adults With B-Cell ALL: Refractoriness to Chemotherapy and Response to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor in ABL Class Rearrangements
Authors: Senapati Jayastu , Jabbour Elias , Konopleva Marina , Short Nicholas J. , Tang Guilin , Daver Naval , Kebriaei Partow , Kadia Tapan , Pemmaraju Naveen , Takahashi Koichi , DiNardo Courtney , Sasaki Koji , Borthakur Gautam , Thakral Beenu , Kanagal-Shamanna Rashmi , Patel Keyur , Ravandi Farhad , Roberts Kathryn , Mullighan Charles , Kantarjian Hagop , Jain Nitin
Published: May 2023

PURPOSE

Philadelphia-like (Ph-like) B-cell ALL is a high-risk subtype of B-cell ALL that shares a gene expression profile with Ph-positive ALL, but without a BCR::ABL1 fusion. A subgroup of these patients have fusions or rearrangements involving genes such as ABL1, ABL2, PDGFRβ, JAK2, and EPOR, some of which are potentially sensitive to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Prompt identification of these genetic aberrations are important for prognostication and treatment decisions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of patients with B-cell ALL treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center to identify recurrent genetic fusions commonly seen in Ph-like ALL and focus on patients treated with TKI.

RESULTS

We identified 23 patients with recurrent genetic fusions commonly seen in Ph-like ALL; 14 had ABL class fusions (eight ABL1, one ABL2, and five PDGFRβ) and nine had JAK2 class fusions (five JAK2 and four EPOR). Notably, several of these fusions were cryptic by conventional cytogenetics and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) assays and identified only by multiplex fusion assay. Thirteen of these 23 patients received a TKI as part of their treatment; this included ABL1 fusion (n = 8), PDGFRβ fusion (n = 4), and EPOR fusion (n = 1). All four patients with ABL1 fusions who received TKI with induction chemotherapy are alive in first remission.

CONCLUSION

Understanding the genomics of B-cell ALL is important for disease prognostication and for precise treatment planning. Besides conventional cytogenetics and directed FISH testing, multiplex fusion assays can help identify recurrent chromosomal translocations that are seen in patients with Ph-like ALL. Early initiation of TKI appears beneficial; larger studies are required to fully understand the benefit of TKI and to design rational combination therapies for these patients.
Erratum: Understanding Vogel-Fulcher–like equilibration times through the partial equilibration scenario
Authors: Shankaraiah N. , Murthy K. P. N. , Shenoy S. R.
Published: May 2023

Original article:
EPL, 142 (2023) 36003.
Access Denied: Disparities in Thyroid Cancer Clinical Trials
Authors: Chen Debbie W , Worden Francis P , Haymart Megan R
Published: May 2023

For thyroid cancer clinical trials, the inclusion of participants from diverse patient populations is uniquely important given existing racial/ethnic disparities in thyroid cancer care. Since 2011, a paradigm shift has occurred in the treatment of advanced thyroid cancer with the approval of multiple systemic therapies by the US Food and Drug Administration based on their use in the clinical trials setting. Although these clinical trials recruited patients from up to 164 sites in 25 countries, the inclusion of racial/ethnic minority patients remained low. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of barriers to accessing cancer clinical trials, framed in the context of why patients with thyroid cancer may be uniquely vulnerable. Multilevel interventions and increased funding for thyroid cancer research are necessary to increase access to and recruitment of under-represented patient populations into thyroid cancer clinical trials.
Margery Kempe as Mankind: Scripted Devotion and East Anglian Performance Culture
Authors: Olson Emma W.
Published: May 2023

This essay reads The Book of Margery Kempe alongside the morality plays of the Macro manuscript — The Castle of Perseverance, Wisdom, and Mankind — to argue that the Book shares important features with them. Kempe's documentary mission relies on morality play formulas and themes, which imply her participation in the flourishing dramatic culture found in early fifteenth-century East Anglia prior to the scripting of the region's famous plays. The evidence presented in the sole surviving manuscript of the Book offers insight into how Kempe's eventual readers, the Carthusians of Mount Grace Priory, both understood and valued the performative and interactive nature of her text for their own acts of readerly performance. Although other work has drawn attention to Kempe's dramatic impulses, viewing the Book itself as a remnant of performance demonstrates the importance of interrogating where and how the traces of premodern performance can be located beyond the textual archive.
Radiological features of nephrocalcinosis, a common but forgotten entity
Authors: Aldana Juan Carlos , Rodríguez Laura C. , Bastidas Nicolás , Vásquez Andrés
Published: May 2023

Nephrocalcinosis refers to calcium deposition in the form of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate in the renal parenchyma and tubules. After diagnosis, the cause of nephrocalcinosis must be established to carry out a comprehensive approach to this entity. Although this is a common finding, it can be underdiagnosed due to the lack of knowledge of the different presentation patterns that exist. Many causes have been described related to this disease.A pictorial review about the most common features of cortical and medullary nephrocalcinosis both in ultrasound and CT is presented in the present work as well as a review of its main causes and graphics to easily recognize each pattern.
tRNATyrhas an unusually short half-life inTrypanosoma brucei
Authors: Silveira d'Almeida Gabriel , Casius Ananth , Henderson Jeremy C. , Knuesel Sebastian , Aphasizhev Ruslan , Aphasizheva Inna , Manning Aidan C. , Lowe Todd M. , Alfonzo Juan D.
Published: May 2023

Following transcription, tRNAs undergo a series of processing and modification events to become functional adaptors in protein synthesis. Eukaryotes have also evolved intracellular transport systems whereby nucleus-encoded tRNAs may travel out and into the nucleus. In trypanosomes, nearly all tRNAs are also imported from the cytoplasm into the mitochondrion, which lacks tRNA genes. Differential subcellular localization of the cytoplasmic splicing machinery and a nuclear enzyme responsible for queuosine modification at the anticodon “wobble” position appear to be important quality control mechanisms for tRNATyr, the only intron-containing tRNA inT. brucei. Since tRNA-guanine transglycosylase (TGT), the enzyme responsible for Q formation, cannot act on an intron-containing tRNA, retrograde nuclear transport is an essential step in maturation. Unlike maturation/processing pathways, the general mechanisms of tRNA stabilization and degradation inT. bruceiare poorly understood. Using a combination of cellular and molecular approaches, we show that tRNATyrhas an unusually short half-life. tRNATyr, and in addition tRNAAsp, also show the presence of slow-migrating bands during electrophoresis; we term these conformers: alt-tRNATyrand alt-tRNAAsp, respectively. Although we do not know the chemical or structural nature of these conformers, alt-tRNATyrhas a short half-life resembling that of tRNATyr; the same is not true for alt-tRNAAsp. We also show that RRP44, which is usually an exosome subunit in other organisms, is involved in tRNA degradation of the only intron-containing tRNA inT. bruceiand is partly responsible for its unusually short half-life.
A study of the effectiveness of a detergent-based California mastitis test (CMT), using Ethiopian and Nigerian domestic detergents, for the detection of high somatic cell counts in milk and their reliability compared to the commercial UK CMT
Authors: Rust Jack D. , Christian Michael J. , Vance Ciara J. , Bolajoko Muhammed B. , Wong Johanna T. , Suarez-Martinez Jeimmy , Allan Fiona K. , Peters Andrew R.
Published: May 2023

Background:  The California mastitis test (CMT) is a simple cow-side indicator of the somatic cell count (SCC) in milk, providing a useful tool in identifying cases of subclinical mastitis in cattle. Mastitis, and in particular subclinical mastitis, is a major concern in Ethiopia and Nigeria, yet detection is challenging due to cost and access to commercial CMT reagents.

Methods: Commercially available domestic detergents from Ethiopia and Nigeria were compared (n = 3 for each country) with the UK commercial CMT reagent in their ability to detect high SCC (>400,000 cells/ml milk).  Sensitivity and specificity of the CMT test were calculated for the different detergents and positive and negative predictive values were established.

Results:  The average sensitivities of the tests ranged from 28-75% for the Ethiopian detergents and 68-80% for the Nigerian detergents, compared to 76% for the UK domestic detergent.  Test specificities were 84-98%, 93-97% and 96%, respectively.

Conclusions:  Overall, the detergents demonstrated higher specificity than sensitivity.  Nigerian detergents performed better than the Ethiopian products, however, the study identified suitable domestic detergents from both Ethiopia and Nigeria, comparable to the UK commercial CMT reagent, and we recommend their use as alternative CMT reagents for livestock-keepers to aid in cost-effective diagnosis of mastitis.
Synthesis and physical characteristics of narrow bandgap chalcogenide SnZrSe3
Authors: Kondrotas Rokas , Juškėnas Remigijus , Krotkus Arūnas , Pakštas Vidas , Suchodolskis Artūras , Mekys Algirdas , Franckevičius Marius , Talaikis Martynas , Muska Katri , Li Xiaofeng , Kauk-Kuusik Marit , Kravtsov Victor
Published: May 2023

Background: The development of organic/inorganic metal halide perovskites has seen unprecedent growth since their first recognition for applications in optoelectronic devices. However, their thermodynamic stability and toxicity remains a challenge considering wide-scale deployment in the future. This spurred an interest in search of perovskite-inspired materials which are expected to retain the advantageous material characteristics of halide perovskites, but with high thermodynamic stability and composed of earth-abundant and low toxicity elements. ABX3 chalcogenides (A, B=metals, X=Se, S) have been identified as potential class of materials meeting the aforementioned criteria.

Methods: In this work, we focus on studying tin zirconium selenide (SnZrSe3) relevant physical properties with an aim to evaluate its prospects for application in optoelectronics. SnZrSe3 powder and monocrystals were synthesized via solid state reaction in 600 – 800 °C temperature range. Crystalline structure was determined using single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction methods. The bandgap was estimated from diffused reflectance measurements on powder samples and electrical properties of crystals were analysed from temperature dependent I-V measurements.

Results: We found that SnZrSe3 crystals have a needle-like structure (space group – Pnma) with following unit cell parameters: a=9.5862(4) Å, b=3.84427(10) Å, c=14.3959(5) Å. The origin of the low symmetry crystalline structure was associated with stereochemical active electron lone pair of Sn cation. Estimated bandgap was around 1.15 eV which was higher than measured previously and predicted theoretically. Additionally, it was found that resistivity and conductivity type depended on the compound chemical composition.

Conclusions: Absorption edge in the infrared region and bipolar dopability makes SnZrSe3 an interesting material candidate for application in earth-abundant and non-toxic single/multi-junction solar cells or other infrared based optoelectronic devices.
Thyroid storm caused by metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma tissue after total thyroidectomy: a case report
Authors: Kwon So Hee , Kim Min-Ji , Jung Sin Yeong , Jeon Jae-Han
Published: May 2023

Thyroid storm is a life-threatening form of thyrotoxicosis and an endocrinological emergency. We present a case of thyroid storm in a patient with metastatic papillary thyroid cancer. A 67-year-old woman with a history of total thyroidectomy 4 years prior to presentation was admitted with deteriorating mental status, fever, and tachycardia. Laboratory tests revealed severe thyrotoxicosis. Although the patient had no residual thyroid tissue after total thyroidectomy, she had a previously diagnosed metastatic thyroid cancer lesion in the pelvic bone. Despite initial treatment with a standard thyroid storm regimen, the patient died 6 days after hospitalization. The patient had no history of Graves disease; however, a thyroxine receptor antibody was detected postmortem. The patient had a history of exposure to an iodine contrast agent, which is a rare cause of thyrotoxicosis. Thyroxine production from a differentiated thyroid carcinoma is rare but can be a source of clinically significant thyrotoxicosis in patients post-thyroidectomy. Overlapping Graves disease is a common stimulus; however, other causes, such as exogenous iodine, cannot be excluded. This case demonstrates that in the setting of metastatic thyroid carcinoma, thyrotoxicosis cannot be completely ruled out as a cause of suspicious symptoms, even in patients with a history of total thyroidectomy.
The influence of physical activity on reducing ADHD symptoms – a systematic review
Authors: Kotulska Maria , Jędrzejewska Barbara , Lichman Martyna , Borycka Aleksandra , Lubczyńska Zuzanna , Potocka Zofia , Przeradzki Jakub , Laskus Paulina , Rząd Katarzyna , Szyca Magda
Published: May 2023

Introduction and objective
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disease affecting children and adults. Quality of life of patients suffering from ADHD is often significantly reduced. The most common treatment includes medication and psychotherapy. Although the treatment is often efficient there is still a necessity of exploring other types of therapy due to the material reasons and side effects of the medications.
The aim of the study was to asses the state of the knowledge about the influence of physical activity on the occurrence of symptoms in patients suffering from ADHD.
State of knowledge
The most common ADHD therapy is based on pharmacological agents. Mechanism of action of the drugs is often based on the inhibition of the reuptake of noradrenaline and dopamine. It leads to the enhancement in their transmission and causes the alleviation in ADHD symptoms. Many studies indicate  that physical activity increases the level of catecholamines as well. The effects of physical activity on ADHD symptoms could be similar to those invoked by stimulants then. In comparison to drug therapy, physical activity is devoid of side effects and less expensive.
Methods and materials
We conducted a literature review in march 2023 using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. We used the terms “Physical activity in ADHD treatment”, “ ADHD in adults”, “ ADHD in children”, “ADHD symptoms”, “ADHD treatment”.
Summary
According to many studies physical activity seems to be efficient in reducing ADHD symptoms. The benefits are more reliable in children due to the bigger amount of conducted studies. Further clinical, randomized trials especially in a group of adults are needed to access the efficiency of physical activity as a ADHD treatment.
Caught Between a Clock and a Hard Place: Temporal Ambivalence and Time (Mis)management in Teams
Authors: Fisher Colin M. , Jang Sujin , Hackman J. Richard
Published: May 2023

This paper examines how teams manage temporal ambivalence, or the simultaneous and conflicting perceptions of time as a resource, including how much time has passed and whether there is enough of it left. Team members’ time perceptions influence how a team manages time; thus, effective time management requires some collective resolution of temporal ambivalence. To study the effects of temporal ambivalence on time management processes and performance in teams, we conducted a laboratory study in which we manipulated perceptions of time by engineering a wall clock to run at different speeds (normal, fast, or slow) to instantiate different types of temporal ambivalence. Using both quantitative and qualitative analyses, we found that managing temporal ambivalence effectively is essential for teams to appropriately allocate time to different phases of work. Specifically, teams often misallocated their time by either transitioning too late or too early between phases of work, both of which were associated with worse team performance than transitioning closer to the temporal midpoint. Teams with heightened temporal ambivalence were more likely to manage time poorly following one or more of three dysfunctional patterns: bypassing comments, glossing over contradictions, and following passively. By contrast, teams that managed temporal ambivalence effectively did so through time management huddles, in which team members briefly and collectively took time away from the main task to explicitly discuss how to allocate their time. We discuss the implications of these findings for research on team process, ambivalence, and time management in organizations.

Funding: This work was supported by Harvard University, INSEAD, and the UCL School of Management.